The night was uneasy, even though it was uneventful. They woke up as soon as the commander did and had watched the activities through the fading darkness. Now in the full glory of the morning, there was a small meeting on the headman's porch. A venerable old man was speaking and the rest were listening. We have two choices; we may leave without knowing what they are up to or we may try to find what they are up to. There are soldiers, but if they meant harm there would have been more and they would have raided by now. There was a lull after he finished. Then another man spoke, they have brought supplies, maybe they want to build a base here for an incoming larger force. True, the old man agreed. But why would they risk sending a small force which can be easily wiped out? We haven't seen them before, so they don't know that there aren't any soldiers hiding in the forest. Then why didn't they send two, or three ships? There was another lull when he finished. Then he spoke again; I'm not saying that they don't have ill intent, but this party doesn't have the ability to inflict much harm. So, it's better to risk knowing their intentions.
The Sun had risen well above the forest canopy when a soldier spoke; men, he said softly and clearly. The commander looked at the direction he was looking and he could see two men from the village making their way towards the camp. Sordar (captain), he said softly. His lieutenant swiftly got down from his horse and joined the commander. Let's leave our swords here, he said, and both of them handed over their swords to one of the attending sailors. Then they started to walk towards the incoming party. When the two parties met it was the commander who spoke first, I'm the commander of the second fleet and the third army and I ask forgiveness for our intrusion. The headman and the old man exchanged looks. Is your ship in trouble, the old man spoke, do you need any help? The commander smiled genially; yes, we would appreciate your help, but would you please come to our camp where we can talk comfortably, he pleaded. The villagers again exchanged looks and the headman nodded in agreement. By the time they reached the camp, the sailors had spread a blanket on the sandy bank. The headman, the old man, and the commander sat down while the sordar stood behind his commander.
The headman took a quick survey of the camp. The soldiers only carried swords, the sailors were making arrangements for cooking. What help do you seek! The old man asked. Would you please guide us to your capital, the commander said, then added, we have a message for your king. There was an awkward silence. Then the headman spoke, Only the king's guards can decide if you can be allowed to visit the capital. Quite reasonable, the commander agreed, when can we meet the king's guards, he added. The headman didn't want to show his vulnerability, I have sent messengers yesterday, he said tactfully. Excellent, said the commander, then he added, and you wouldn't mind us camping on your ground till then! No, it's fine; the headman replied, but you have to be careful about the forest, specially after dark; he cautioned. As the guests prepared to get up the commander pleaded, wouldn't you have a meal with us! We appreciate the offer, the old man said, but the villagers are uneasy and they need to be calmed at the earliest. The commander looked troubled, then let us pay retribution for your discomfort, he said gravely.
He whispered something to the sordar and he went to the stockpile. He said something to two sailors and they started to carry a big earthen pot to the visitors. Even though its mouth was tightly wrapped, it gave out a light sweet fragrance. Rice, the headman was elated. Freshly harvested, the commander was sounded gleeful. As the guests made their way back to the village accompanied by two sailors carrying the rice, the commander turned to his deputy as asked, what do you think! They aren't sure when the king's men will arrive, the deputy replied. The commander nodded, then he turned towards the ship and made a motion with his hand. Soon a boat was racing towards the shore. Gather as much firewood you can before evening, but no one must go near the forest unguarded, he instructed the deputy. Sordar started to organize the work party. When the lead sailor arrived, the commander updated him and said, tomorrow we may need additional supplies to entertain the king's men. The sailor nodded. And send some of the torches from the ship, the commander added. I will send them at once, the deputy assured and he made way for his boat.
The runners reached Palash Nogor around afternoon and the council at the queen's place went well after evening. But finally, it was decided that their chief herdsman will lead a cavalry squad the next morning. It will be a scouting mission and they are not to engage in any conflict with the aliens. That night, although he had to start early, the herdsman lay awake. Chotu, are you awake! A soft whisper got him out of bed. Why aren't you sleeping, he asked the young lady, she just sighed. The siblings tiptoed into the balcony and sat there side by side. Why does it have to be you, she asked after a while, there was a hint of anger in her voice. Chotu just smiled silently and patted his sister. Why can't I go instead, I'm older than you. Is it because I'm not a man! Her voice was no longer a whisper. He smiled again; no, it's because you are the queen in waiting and you are meant for bigger tasks, he said calmly. Suborna snorted. This time Chotu actually chuckled softly. You are just mad that you won't be meeting the visitors, he said. He got a soft punch in reply. After a while, Suborna gave her brother a tight squeeze and whispered, You will be careful, won't you! The brother gave her a reassuring pat.
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