The Purlieu Experiment
Chapter 4
Copyright 2015 & 2021
Kafil sat in his room, staring blindly at the wall. Farasi was gone and Donte was scheduled to be executed in the morning. He wracked his brain for some way to prevent the extinction of their colony. He had only the breath of a hope that Donte’s letter would stop Pieter. Kafil had never met Pieter, but the ruler of Bergen was reputed to have a quick temper and a mighty power swing.
Farasi had promised the safe return of Donte after he produced an heir. Kafil had to admit that the first time he saw Donte, he had been impressed. Donte had a regal look about him. He stood straight and proud, not looking down on people, but not concerned about how they perceived him either. He was an unusually good-looking man - tall, lean and perfectly formed – but that wasn’t all. Donte had become a friend, not only to him, but to the people of Nyumbani as well. Kafil's father referred to Donte as "the heartbeat of Nyumbani." When that heart stopped beating, would Nyumbani die?
Kafil rubbed his forehead. No matter how many times he reminded himself that it had been Donte's decision, he felt guilty - ashamed. Donte wasn't a criminal. He had done what they lacked the courage to do. If they executed him, they would be doing more than betraying him. They could never hold their heads up again. Even worse, they could never drag themselves out of their current state of poverty. Because Donte spoke all the languages, he was their only viable connection with other colonies. Who else but Donte would speak for them after what they had done? There were no colonies left now that they had not violated in some way. Without Donte to escort her home, they would be forced to either hold the Lochfowk woman captive or turn her loose to return home alone.
He stood and walked to the window, staring at the building where Donte was being held. If he and the council had not worked so hard for the last few years building a militia they could trust, he would help Donte and the Lochfowk woman escape. The council had been preparing for a takeover in the event of Farasi's death, but it had happened sooner than they expected. Not all of Farasi's men were loyal to him, and they had assisted in taking control. Still, some of Farasi's men had escaped. Kafil wasn't naive enough to believe they wouldn't be back when they regrouped. Even if the council released Donte, the men loyal to Farasi might find and kill him. Still, if he was free, at least he would have a chance.
Kafil turned and left the room. He needed to talk to Halisi. He strode across the yard to the complex. Once inside, he made his way to the back door and slipped outside. He stood still for a while, watching the night for any sign of movement. After seeing nothing, he walked to the next building, a small storage area. Again, he waited, but there was no one around. It was in that manner that he finally arrived at the home of his parents. Halisi and the children had been hidden in a cellar. It wasn’t a fitting place for a princess, but no one would think to look there.
He knocked on the door. "It’s Kafil."
Halisi opened the door and closed it after he entered. The children were both asleep on cots. Halisi held a candle in one hand.
"I thought Chiku would never stop crying." She whispered.
Kafil blew out the candle and took her in his arms. For a while they simply held each other. They were accustomed to a clandestine relationship. With Donte gone, it might be even more difficult. Kafil didn’t want to hamper any opportunity Halisi had of being recognized as the rightful heir to rule Nyumbani. As long as Farasi had lived, there had been no chance of her being queen. Even so, Farasi would never have allowed Halisi to exchange nuptial vows with anyone but a Mascot.
"I had to talk to you." Kafil whispered. "Did you talk to Donte?"
"Yes. He’s holding up remarkably well." Her voice sounded strained. "Can’t we do anything for him?"
"I’m trying to think of some way to convince the council tomorrow morning. The first thing we must do is decide who will be our next leader. You are the rightful heir. I don’t know if they will agree to that – because of the things Farasi has done. They may want to start a different form of government."
She leaned against him and sighed. "I will support them if they want to start a different type of government, but I will not support a decision to execute Donte or the Lochfowk woman. They are not our people. We have no right to execute them. We brought the woman here against her will. Donte was forced to come here and has been promised a safe return to his people. To execute either of them would take us to a point beyond return. The council must be made to understand that. If our colony is to survive and flourish, we must do the honorable thing."
She leaned against him again and started to cry. He held her close, trying to comfort her. He wasn’t sure what to say or do. She had never wept in his presence before and he was unsure of the cause now. The idea that she was in his arms weeping for Donte was upsetting. Donte had known her in a way that honor had prohibited him from knowing her. Still, maybe her tears were the result of a combination of all the events. Halisi said she had never been close to her father, but since the plague they had drifted farther apart. Even so, he was her father. The relationship with Donte had been forced on her, but she had grown fond of him. Listening to Chiku cry all evening and knowing there was nothing she could do to improve that situation would be enough to make a person cry.
Kafil kissed her forehead. "I'm sorry all this has happened. Donte was thinking about the life of the Lochfowk woman when he should have been thinking about his children."
Halisi sniffed and shook her head. "He would have had to leave soon anyway. He knew that. He has done everything he agreed to do – and more. We are the ones who have not honored our promises." She lifted her head. "If I could speak to the council...."
"No. It is too dangerous. Some of Farasi's men have escaped. They might try to dispose of you and Chiku."
She sighed. "You’ve been listening to Donte. Neither my father nor his men would ever hurt Chiku or me."
Kafil didn't immediately respond. Had she forgotten that he had already tried once before? He spoke in a tone that made his decision final.
"It isn't safe. Donte would not want to exchange his life for yours or Chiku's. In fact, he has already resigned himself to the execution. He made a choice today. He knows that."
Halisi stepped away from him. If they executed Donte, it might destroy their relationship. He couldn't let that influence his decision. What the council did tomorrow morning had to be for the good of the colony. He intended to defend Donte the best he could, but he wasn't going to risk Halisi and the children. Halisi was right, though. They had no authority to execute Donte – especially so because he had no representation from his colony to defend him. That was a good point to make at the meeting.
Once again, he thought of the letter. His father had visited both Bergen and Libertad with Farasi. What he had heard led him to believe they had no chance of defending themselves against the two colonies. To be honest, if Donte had been his son, he would want to punish the colony that executed him. In fact, concern over Donte's safety was probably the only thing that had stopped them from invading Nyumbani in the last six years. Farasi had not delivered any of Donte's letters in the past, but he had kept in touch with Quade and Pieter so that they knew he was still alive.
If Nyumbani hoped to improve their standard of living, they had to start by scrapping some of the rules that had been in effect since the beginning of the colony. It would be difficult enough to convince the council to spare Donte and the Lochfowk woman. Convincing them to reform would require a general revolution. They had to address issues one at a time. Donte and the Lochfowk woman had to come first or there would be no opportunity to reform.
"I will defend Donte tomorrow at the council meeting," he said. "I don't think your being there would make a difference. In fact, they might even think you had conspired with him so that you could be queen."
She caught her breath. "They know better than that!"
"Maybe, but right now they are frightened and confused. We cannot predict what they will do."
She leaned against him again. "Donte has no idea what he started."
She was probably right about that, but Donte was aware that he had crossed the line into criminal activity. He sighed. "He gave us an opportunity. What we do with it will determine who we become."
It was a frightening thought. He hugged her one more time and released her. "Stay here until I come for you." He opened the door a crack and cautiously looked outside. "Lock it behind me," he said as he stepped outside. He waited until he heard the bolt slide into place before starting across the yard. He needed to talk to his father before the morning meeting. The council must fully understand the consequences of their decision.
***
Donte had been certain that he could not possibly sleep, but he woke later to a knock on the door.
The guard entered. "It is time," he said in a formal tone.
Donte stood and brushed dust and lint from his clothes in an attempt to make them look presentable. It was hard to breathe and he felt a little nauseated. All that would be over soon. He followed the guard out the door, surprised that there was only one person - and that person was not watching him. His hands had not even been tied. It occurred to him that they wanted him to run. It would be easier for them that way; killing an escaping prisoner. No, if they were going to kill him, let it be by execution - not an excuse, but their choice.
The guard walked him to the post and instructed him to kneel. He got down on his knees in front of the post and waited for further instruction. The axe man wasn't there yet. In fact, there were only a few men standing around at attention. Slowly it dawned on him. They were going to make his execution private. For that much, he was grateful - and the fact that Halisi and the children were not present.
In front of him, the post had multiple red-stained grooves. He looked away. Think of something else. He had already prayed for forgiveness a hundred times, but one more time couldn't hurt.
With that done, he prayed for Halisi, Chiku and Heri. What was taking so long? His knees were beginning to ache.
Finally, the axe man arrived. From the looks of the axe, he had been busy sharpening it. The guard instructed Donte to put his hands behind his back, and he did. No one made any attempt to tie them there. He followed instructions, leaning over with his head on the post, his face to one side. It smelled like blood and his stomach twisted. Fortunately, there was nothing in it, so he was saved that embarrassment. The guard gently tucked Donte's collar under, exposing his neck. His fingers slid down to Donte's shoulder and he gave it a reassuring pat.
Donte had killed many fowls in his life and now he was going to know what it felt like – however briefly. He tried not to think about the eyes of the man he had seen beheaded, but the screaming of the man who had tried to get away forced itself into his consciousness. He must not move.
He felt the sharp cold blade of the axe placed lightly against his neck and then removed. He squeezed his eyes shut and held his breath, trying to remain perfectly still. One last terrifying thought occurred to him. Would he wet his trousers?
"Wait!"
He opened his eyes to see Kafil running toward them. Donte was instantly relieved to know the word had not come from his own lips. What now? The word was wait, not stop. If they were going to do it, he was ready. Get it over with. No more waiting.
The guard stepped back as Kafil leaned down and put a hand on Donte's shoulder.
"Come with me. The council has made a decision."
Donte removed his hands from his back and placed them on the post as he staggered to his feet. The guard reached out and caught him or he would have fallen.
Kafil frowned. "Can you walk?"
Donte lifted his chin and straightened his back. "I can walk."
Kafil nodded. "Follow me."
Donte straightened his collar and followed as Kafil walked off at a brisk pace. Kafil led him to a room and ordered him to remove his clothing. He stared at Kafil. Beheading him was one thing, but it was not going to happen while he was naked - not as long as he could prevent it.
Kafil shoved a ball of hide at him. "Put this on."
Donte automatically grabbed the ball and Kafil walked out, shutting the door behind him. Donte examined the garment. It was a long rectangular hide and a rawhide cord. He had seen some young boys wearing something like this when they were swimming.
He pounded on the door and called out. "If you're going to execute me, get it over with. I refuse to be stripped down for the purpose of humiliation.
The door jerked opened and Kafil entered. He shut the door to curious eyes and spoke in a voice low enough that they could not hear.
"We are not going to execute you. It would not be right. You were only doing what you were programmed to do. You are not subject to our laws. You came here willingly and were promised a safe return. You have fulfilled your obligation, but we cannot release you without punishment or conditions. It would make reconstruction more difficult for us. Instead, you will be banished from our colony. You will be taken to the mountains and abandoned there."
Donte stared at him. "I know nothing of the country beyond the mountains. You brought me in from the sea."
Kafil gave him a sour smile. "Would you prefer to swim back home?"
Donte brandished the wad of hide. "At least this would be proper attire. The mountains are snow capped at this time of the year."
Kafil nodded." You do not know these mountains, but you are familiar with survival in the mountains - even in winter. Is that not so?"
"I'm experienced enough to know that I need more clothes than this to survive."
Kafil shook his head. "I am sorry. The Mascots of Bergen were engineered to tolerate the cold. This was the best I could negotiate for both of you."
"Both?"
"The Lochfowk woman will be going with you. Would you prefer she stay here?"
"Dressed like this?" Donte asked, indicating the little ball of hide again.
Kafil's brows rose. "If that is what you prefer."
Donte shook his head in frustration. "I do not prefer - not any of this." It was bad enough that he would have to find his way over the mountains, but to be responsible for the woman....
Kafil nodded. "She will be allowed to leave in her own clothing. She cannot stay here. You will take her to Lochfowk and express our regret about what happened. Tell them that the people of Nyumbani want peace." He started to turn and then continued. "Oh, and your hair will be shaved…on both sides, but leaving a strip in the middle."
Donte frowned. "Why?"
"So that you will stand out…in the event that you try to return.…"
"I already stand out," Donte interrupted, and stopped as the reason became clear. They wanted to keep his skin bare for instant identification. They were probably deeply concerned he would return to take his children. Much as he loved them, he wouldn't do that. Now that Farasi was gone, they had a better future here. They were essential to the future of the colony.
Arguing with them was futile. He conceded with a shrug. "When do we leave?"
"As soon as we prepare you."
Donte gave Kafil a level look. "The sooner we leave, the sooner we will cross the mountain."
Kafil nodded. "I will pray for your success." He hesitated; his gaze settling on Donte’s face, "I feel a debt to you that I cannot pay. This was the best I could negotiate. Perhaps it will make you feel better to know that no one on the council voted for your execution. We must send a strong message to Farasi's men, though."
Donte sighed. "I know I've said it many times before, but it has fallen on deaf ears. Maybe now…."
Kafil lifted a hand. "I have heard you, and I agree. A dictator cannot rule unless he has the support of many - even if they are unwilling supporters. We have used the excuse that we had no weapons, but as you have shown us, we have had weapons all along. What we lacked was courage and conviction. I have told the council that you have given us an opportunity. What we do with it is up to us. There are still many people who would like things to stay the way they were. Those were the ones who benefited. Now they will see how the rest of us have lived. Maybe they will change."
"You may have to fight those people. You can't hesitate now. If you want to gain control of your colony, you must do so before they regroup."
"It may take some time." Kafil said. "We are not strong enough or experienced enough to reform and defend ourselves against Lochfowk at the same time"
Donte frowned. "If we make it through the mountain passes; if we make it across Anialwch; and if the Lochfowk decide to listen to an outsider…so many ifs."
Kafil shook his head. "I could do no more. I stalled the execution as long as I could. As it is, my argument almost lasted too long." He eyed Donte. "What a waste that would have been - in more ways than I care to think about." He placed a hand on Donte's shoulder. "You have many friends here, and many who admire you, but do not delay. There are still those who would like to see you dead."
Donte tensed. "And my children? Do they wish to see them dead as well?"
Kafil smiled and shook his head again. "Your children have already been placed under protective custody with their mother. I do not think anyone wishes them harm, but we will not take that chance. We will not let any harm come to them."
Donte hesitated. What he had to say might not be well received, but it needed to be said. "You have a rightful heir - a ruler - in Halisi, but you do not need a Mascot to rule."
Kafil nodded. "This is why you killed Farasi?"
"No," Donte said instantly, and then shrugged. "I've thought of it many times."
Kafil nodded again. "As have I."
Whether Kafil was speaking of Farasi's assassination, Halisi as queen, or a colonist ruler was unclear. It didn't matter. He obviously had some influence with those in power at the moment. It was the best he could do. If Lochfowk colony planned on attacking before they got organized, there might be no chance. The only other thing he could do for them now was to get to Lochfowk as soon as possible, with the woman.
Donte stripped down and donned the hide. It was so long that it flapped around his knees so he folded it in half. He felt naked. Never had he stood in front of people with so little of his body covered. They had even taken the boots he made, leaving him in bare feet.
A man arrived a few minutes later and shaved his head, leaving a roach of hair down the center. He imagined that he looked ridiculous, but not near as ridiculous as he would have looked with his head removed. When he was escorted in front of the council, he straightened his shoulders and lifted his chin, looking them in the eye. This garb was their idea, not his. He had no reason to feel ashamed. No one looked like they wanted to laugh at his appearance.
He was taller than any of the Nyumbani and heavier built than most of them. Hard work and scant food had left his frame mostly muscle - not the thick husky build of the men of Bergen, or the wiry frame of the men of Libertad, but somewhere in between the two. It would take all his modified genes and mix of cultures to get them through the mountain passes and across the desert. He was ready.
They brought the Lochfowk woman before the council and placed her beside him. She stared straight ahead, not looking at anyone. She was dressed in a long-sleeved woven white shirt and a long woven skirt of dark blue. Across her shoulder and chest was a strap that held a pouch. She was much shorter than Donte and slight of build. Her hair was drawn back with a scrap of white woven material. Her face was pale, her features drawn. She was an attractive woman; he guessed to be about forty-five.
She suddenly turned and looked up at him, probably annoyed that he was staring at her. Her eyes were a light green and they studied his face as though she could read his mind.
Their attention returned to the council when a member spoke.
"Donte, you will escort the Lochfowk woman to her colony, taking a route through the mountains."
The man slid a map around where they could examine it. "You may not take this with you, but you may study it."
Donte stepped forward and leaned over the map, studying every detail. He had a good memory and the map was detailed, but there was no trail marked. Beyond the mountains lay Anialwch and the desert. A river ran almost directly east and west, emptying into the sea. Once they crossed the mountains, they would need to head north, cross the river and continue across Anialwch to the border of Lochfowk. They would have to circle around the mountains and avoid numerous lakes to get to the main colony.
Donte lifted his gaze from the map and looked at Kafil. "It is a long journey, and I know nothing of the desert or the Anialwch."
Kafil nodded. "But you know their language." He smiled. "I believe you can make the journey in a few weeks."
Donte had no doubt he could make the journey, but he wasn't as certain about the Lochfowk woman. The only thing he was certain about was that neither of them had much chance of survival if they stayed in Nyumbani.
Soft Science Fiction
