Page 70 of Ghosts and Ginger Tea

I feared for them. Kalani was literally leading the people of this island to their deaths.

A chilly breeze wafted through the tent that Kalani resided in. It was a strange thing to feel so cold in the middle of the day, but we were in the heart of the lush mountains, far from sea level, so of course it was chillier up here.

Waterfalls fell from every crevice in the cliffs, and mist covered the tops so the mountains seemed to disappear into heaven.

“I’ve come here to ask that you stand down against the warlord,” I said. “I know that you and Keanu have been enemies for years, but if we are to worship Kāne, we must choose peace.” Saying the word “peace” brought comfort to me. I relaxed a little, and Malu on my shoulder moved a little closer to me. I was grateful to have him by my side, as well as Alohi standing closely behind me.

“I assumed that’s what you were doing.” Kalani laughed. “You did not bring a substantial army with you.”

I bit my lower lip.

“You know.” Kalani took another bite and chewed before saying, “I could kill you right now, little queen. Your foolish attempt to ‘save’ my life, as I’m sure that’s the way you view it, is in vain.”

I could tell Alohi and the other guards tensed behind me. Kalani’s guards did the same.

I shook my head. “Your army is outnumbered. If you lead them to battle, they will surely die.”

“They will die defending this land.”

I couldn’t believe it… Kalani knew this was a suicide mission. Why would he do this to himself, or to his people?

Then it hit me…

Kalani and Keanu were so similar. They were both so obsessed with protecting their land. But at what cost? Was it really worth it? No.

And now I knew there was no use arguing with Kalani. It had taken true love, but especially humility, for Keanu to acknowledge his wrongs and change. I knew, deep down, that I would not be able to convince Kalani to change his plans and surrender to the warlord.

“Goodbye then,” I said. I didn’t wait for Kalani to reply, but left in haste. Much to my surprise and relief, he did not send his guards or a small army after us. Instead, he said, as I walked out of his tent, “I’d kill you myself, little queen, but I’ll let the warlord do that. You’ll see… he doesn’t care for this people or this island. He just wants power.”

I shuddered as I stepped back into the carriage. For the rest of the day, I visited with other chiefs, asking them to join me on my quest, but I was rejected time and time again. I was mocked, the other chiefs telling me I was a coward, and that I had no business being a queen.

But I knew I was right, and it broke my heart to think that these people were all marching to their deaths.

I failed, I thought as I stepped into the carriage again.

No, Oli. You still need to complete your plan. I could still save my people, at least. Because now… it was time to meet the warlord.

Alohi looked nervous as ever when he opened the carriage door. A lump formed in my throat as I looked around, finding us surrounded by an intimidating group of men. They looked like warriors of old, though they wore trousers and coats. Still, they had tattoos and spears. A few of them held guns.

Guns. I swallowed hard, allowing myself to be led by the captain of this group through the warlord’s camp. It was impressive, with rows of organized tents, campfires, and men… so many men. The warlord had truly amassed an army that could not be destroyed.

I feared for Kalani and all those he would lead into battle.

When we reached the warlord’s tent, my legs were shaking under my skirts, and I kept licking my lips as though they were dry as paper. Malu shook his head on my shoulders, as if he, too, were trembling beneath his warm brown feathers.

When we entered a large tent, it seemed as if the air were sucked straight out of me. I’d felt power around certain people in my life, but none as much as the warlord before me. He sat on a wooden throne, his striking wife beside him. They had an air of authority, one that I had never felt before.

“Speak quickly,” said the warlord, his dark eyes piercing into mine.

I bowed in haste, as did the rest of my company. “I am Oliana, queen of ‘Anolani Kingdom.” My voice shook.

Speak with confidence, Oli. You have nothing to hide. I thought about Keanu, and how he would act if he were ‌in my shoes. He had changed because of me.

And I could change because of him. I stood a little taller and swallowed before speaking further.

“I am asking you to spare our kingdom,” I said. “‘Anolani Kingdom is beautiful–with pristine blue waters, lush green forests, and kind people. You will never find a people more generous and giving than those in this kingdom. They care for one another and for their ruler–well…” My voice trailed off. “It was because of my late husband that the people were so united.” I lifted my chin a little. “Keanu was a good man–one of the best–but he was murdered because he would rather join with you than go to battle. He would rather have peace.”

When I finished, the warlord just looked at me. Sweat gathered in my palms, and one glance at his wife said that she did not believe me either.