A log gave a muted pop as it crumbled in the fire.
“When the Ahfal Oma were exiled from the Yukata Plains, I worked hard to ensure clans in other areas would take them in. To drive the Ahfal Oma from their homeland was appalling. They were a pitiful sight and wept bitterly as they left. It reminded me of my agony when the Zolians seized the salt mine. I thought I might be torn in two. Only those who have tasted such anguish can know how it feels.”
Hohsalle scowled. “And? Surely, you’re not going to tell me some foolish tale about how you went along with their scheme because you felt sorry for them.”
Tohlim smiled wryly. “Of course not. As I said, we did not expect much. The Ahfal Oma chief visited me in secret. When he told me his people could use the Kinma dogs to chase the Zolians from this land and asked if we would let them return home when the Zolians were gone, I sympathized. However, I made no promises.
“Even if the dogs carried mittsual, they only numbered a few score. What could be achieved with so few? That’s how I thought until the incident at the salt mine.”
Tohlim’s expression turned serious. “‘We’ll show you what a few Kinma dogs can do,’ they said. I doubted it would be much because I know the layout of the mine better than anyone. You have seen the structure for yourself. There’s no way to reach the lower levels except through the vertical shaft that runs through the center, and dogs can’t climb ladders. But…”
Dread seized Makokan as he recalled the gaping shaft that plunged to the bottom of the mine. If Kinma dogs had really caused that catastrophe, they must have run straight down the sheer drop.
“The handlers who set them on the mine casually told me that their dogs descended the shaft. Apparently, they leaped back and forth from the wall to the ladder all the way to the bottom.”
Even Hohsalle seemed to hang on Tohlim’s words.
“That day, when I took you into the mine,” Tohlim continued, “I feared that you would notice the shock on my face. I was absolutely stunned. Five dogs. That’s all they used. Just five. But they killed everyone. Everyone except—”
“The man from the Toga Mountains,” Hohsalle concluded.
Tohlim nodded. “Yes. The Toga Mountains, where black wolves once abounded. Only Broken Antler Van, a warrior from that remote corner of Aquafa, was bitten and lived.”
Tohlim went silent. The only sound in the room was the faint crackling of the fire.
“We don’t know for sure that he survived,” Hohsalle muttered, breaking the silence. “Sulumina showed resistance to the disease, but it’s not clear if the symptoms would have worsened without the new drug we administered. It’s possible that it could have lain dormant for longer, only to break out later and follow the same pattern.”
Tohlim smiled. “Oh, Broken Antler Van is alive.”
Makokan leaned forward in surprise. “Did you find him, then?” he asked.
Tohlim glanced at the man, but he didn’t answer. With a sigh, he returned his gaze to Hohsalle. “I have gone on enough. My point is, after that incident in the mine, we began treating the Kinma dogs seriously. We realized that there was a slightly different possibility from the scenario the Ahfal Oma envisioned.”
“A different possibility?” Hohsalle frowned.
“Yes. That this land might know freedom from both Mukonia and Zol without a war,” Tohlim stated quietly.
Hohsalle’s eyebrows rose. He stared at Tohlim with lips parted slightly.
“Mukonians die when bitten, too,” Tohlim explained. “We slipped a few dogs in during an ambush to be certain. And if that disease results in a gruesome death for both Mukonians and Zolians, then…”
Hohsalle’s face twisted. “You believe you can convince them this land is cursed with some fearsome sickness, and they’ll leave of their own accord? Of all the stupid ideas!” He glared at Tohlim with fists clenched. “You can’t control disease! It could change its nature without any warning. If you go through with this—”
Tohlim cut him off. “I know. We were foolish. We have already realized our mistake. That’s why I brought you here and explained how this came about.” A wry expression formed on his face. “We are in a rather delicate position with Zol and Otawalle.”
Hohsalle snorted. “You bet you are. But you walked into this trap by choice.” His eyes narrowed. “So you want me to keep my mouth shut, is that it? You’re afraid the Otawalle will wait and see how the wind blows—that if you Aquafaese make a mess of things, they might abandon you and curry favor with the Zolians.”
Tohlim shook his head. “If you wish to tell the noblemen of Otawalle, you are welcome to do so. I merely ask that you consider our position when you explain it to them.” He smiled. “We know the Otawalle very well. If you explain the situation thoroughly, I’m sure they will realize that it is best to keep this matter confidential until spring is safely past.”
“Spring?” Hohsalle repeated. Understanding dawned on his face. “The Visit of the Emperor’s Eyes. I see.”
To monitor every corner of his realm, the Emperor of Zol regularly dispatched a representative to serve as his eyes. His nephew was scheduled to visit Aquafa on his behalf next spring. This time, he would be accompanied by Governor Oah, a prince elector who wielded great influence. Yotalu was undoubtedly busy preparing to offer a befitting welcome. Should any glaring fault in the administration of the border region come to light, Governor Ohan, Yotalu’s father, would be stripped of his rank and fall from power. This triennial visit was a pivotal event that would determine his family’s future.
Hohsalle sighed. “So the Ahfal Oma plan to take advantage of that event?”
“Yes. It’s the perfect opportunity for their scheme.”
“Of all the times for such a fearsome weapon to fall into the hands of those lunatics.”
Tohlim nodded. “The king has resolved that they must be stopped. And that it is we who must stop them.” He leaned forward slightly, his eyes fixed on Hohsalle. “But when it comes to disease, there is no predicting what might happen.”
Hohsalle’s mouth lifted in a bitter smile. He shook his head. “You want us to make a cure for mittsual by next spring? Impossible! We can’t develop medicine that quickly.”
“We know that,” Tohlim said in a low voice. “We’re not asking that you have one ready by next spring. But if such a remedy can indeed be made, you, Milalle, and the Otawalle are the only ones who can manage it.
“We unleashed this disease upon the world while momentarily caught up in a foolish dream. We could never forgive ourselves were it to torment people for years to come. Please, I beg you to help. Not for the sake of us fools, but for all those who live in this land.”