Page 71 of Ghosts and Ginger Tea

“Where is your proof that your people will not support Kalani, Ka‘iana, and all the rest of these fools?” the warlord asked.

I swallowed hard. “I’ve come without an army to speak with you. Does that not tell you that peace is my true intention?”

“You could have easily left an army with the others,” he laughed.

A lump formed in my throat. “What would it take for you to trust that I’m sincere?”

“Tribute.” The warlord folded his arms. “After we win the battle at Nu‘uanu, we will come to ‘Anolani Kingdom to inspect. And I fully expect a tribute.”

“What sort of tribute?”

“Men. Your armies. We sail to Kauai next, and I want all your armies and canoes prepared to join my army and leave with us. Also food and provisions for our journey. I have thousands of men under my command, and if your kingdom is as lush and fruitful as you say, you will feed my armies.”

I nodded. Anything. Anything to spare the people’s lives.

“And what of you?” the warlord’s wife sat forward. “You are young. Too young to be a widow.”

Widow. I had not even realized that’s what I was until that moment. I licked my lips, trying to focus.

“What do you hope to gain out of this? A promotion?”

“Nothing.” I shook my head. “All I hope to gain from this is the assurance that my people are safe. If you would rather take me as hostage then...” I opened my palms. “Do that. But please don’t hurt the people of the kingdom. They are good people.”

I thought of my sister. Alohi. And all the people. I thought of sitting in the court room with Keanu, and visiting the widows. I thought of Kanoe, Pohai, Kai, and sweet baby Nalu. All good people. All good ‘ohana.

The woman sat back, a look of approval on her face. “So you would even be a slave if it meant your people’s safety?”

“Yes.”

“Would you die for them?”

“Yes.” I nodded. “Please, I’ll do anything.”

The warlord and his wife exchanged glances. Then he smiled. Just a little. It thinned the tension around us and made him look less terrifying. Even his wife softened as she gazed at me with her wise brown eyes.

“I am King Kamehameha,” said the man, tipping his head to the side. “I am the first to unite the islands, but never have I met one like you, Oliana.” He looked at his wife, who nodded.

Why did she nod? For a brief moment, panic washed over me that he might actually make me a slave or concubine. Or kill me.

But I told them I’m willing to do anything. And I was, even if it still terrified me.

The woman stood and took a white flag from a servant standing nearby. I hadn’t noticed him, or the flag, but it made complete sense.

The warlord’s wife approached me, holding it.

“Take this token from my wife, Queen Ka‘ahumanu,” said the king. “Fly it high on your journey home, place it at the palace of your kingdom, and my armies will spare you.” He added, “And be careful. I will lead my men to battle tomorrow. Be sure that you fly that flag wherever you go, to avoid getting into any crossfire.”

I bowed to Queen Ka‘ahumanu, and she smiled at me, beauty radiating from within her. Taking the flag, I then bowed to the warlord king again. “Thank you.”

He nodded. “I will see you again soon… and I do expect that tribute.”

“Yes, of course. Thank you.” My shoulders relaxed a little. The people of ‘Anolani kingdom were safe. My people are safe.

I bowed once more before leaving, feeling confidence within me grow. But despite the relief at having allied myself with the king of all the islands, I couldn’t help the sadness that still sat within me.

I wish Keanu were here to see this with me.

Traveling back to the kingdom, I sat with my head against the window, watching the white flag blow in the chilly air. We’d been traveling all night, and now, the following day, the afternoon sun beat down on us. Though the sun felt good with the cold breeze, there was an eeriness in the air.