Chapter 82: Adoption
A series of small skirmishes had erupted like fiery stars in the night sky all around the forest.
The land was scarred by the relentless clashes, and at the centre of this turmoil stood Garnt, a leader plagued by frustration, while Moga's forces, under their cunning and brutal leader, suffered a similar fate.
The moon hung low in the sky, casting a pallid light over the weary combatants. Garnt's eyes were filled with anguish as he witnessed his less talented villagers fall one by one, their lives sacrificed in futile struggles.
In the midst of the chaos, Moga's people also met their own share of sorrowful ends, with no significant progress to show.
"Damn it! This can't go on like this. How is this possible? How can Moga fight us with the same tactics?" Garnt hit a tree, as his patience reached the point, where he couldn't keep it inside.
Amidst the chaos, Ayra, the warrior aunt with a fiery spirit, stood by Garnt, her face etched with frustration. "You're right, this cannot continue, Garnt. Our people are dying, and we're getting nowhere with this."
Rona, who was also present at the moment, interjected, "It wouldn't have been this hard. Moga's people are learning to employ proper stealth tactics. Give it some time, and he will become a formidable opponent. He should be fully recovered in a few days from the wounds we gave him."
Garnt, deep in thought, wondered how Moga had managed to instill such skills in his people. Realization washed over him - Moga was a danger, a growing threat that could no longer be ignored.
[You can't underestimate anyone. Maybe he is a skilled human just like Rona, not just strength but also his wits.]
Eva stepped forward and spoke with a tone of finality.
[We must deal with Moga. He's obstructing our plans, and we can't afford to lose more of our people. It would render their sacrifices in vain. Now it's all or nothing.
It's a risk, but it is something we should take.]
Garnt briefly contemplated a direct confrontation, but the prospect of more casualties gave him pause. The memory of those he had lost weighed heavily on his heart. There had to be another way but he couldn't see anything.
With determination in his eyes, Garnt made a bold decision. "We'll use everything we have to strike a final, decisive blow. This battle will end, one way or another. Prepare yourselves, everyone, for the ultimate showdown.
We will use our deadliest weapons and our best tactics. Only we will be victorious in this battle"
The tension in the air was palpable as warriors from both sides readied themselves for the impending clash. In the crucible of adversity, Garnt had resolved to stake it all, for the fate of their people and the outcome of this relentless war hung in the balance.
With the dead bodies of his villagers, Garnt went back to the village the next day and decided to assemble the ultimate army that had no weakness and showed that he had no decision to hold back.
Within a few hours, he managed to do that with the help of Ayra and Rona, who acted as Garnt's left arm and right arm supporting him.
As he walked through the village observing his people, he couldn't help but notice Baktou standing there, his face etched with grim determination, but something was different. One of his eyes was now completely useless, a brutal reminder of the first day Garnt confronted Moga.
"Garnt, I'm sorry but his eye is-" Ayra didn't have to explain things, as he knew Baktou would only be able to fight with one of his eyes.
With a heavy heart and a sense of unwavering purpose, Garnt addressed his assembled warriors, who had also suffered losses and bore the scars of a relentless war.
"We have no choice but to stake everything on this final battle," he declared, his voice filled with resolve. "Our people have already paid a heavy price, and we can't afford to hold back any longer. This is our moment to strike a decisive blow and bring an end to this relentless conflict.
That brutal man can't keep disturbing our peaceful life anymore."
Everyone in the village was stirred up by Garnt's words, as he mentioned that Moga was the source of their sadness. After enjoying the comfort and happiness that Garnt had provided, the villagers were even willing to go to great lengths to remove any obstacle that threatened their way of life.
Ending the meeting, Garnt stepped out of the main attraction spot, his words still resonating in the villagers' hearts.
Gundo, who closely observed Garnt, followed him, walking alongside him as they made their way to the village's main hospital-like building. It was there that the fate of a newborn orphan baby hung in the balance.
Gundo gently spoke to Garnt, "I've heard that a few women in the village have volunteered to adopt the baby, Garnt." She paused and thought for a minute about the whole incident with the dead mother.
Garnt, deep in thought, replied, "We should choose the best woman for that kid. So give me your advice, Mother"
Gundo nodded, understanding the gravity of the decision that lay ahead. As they entered the building, a line of women stood before them, each filled with hope and longing. Garnt knew that adopting a baby wasn't just a privilege; it was a lifelong responsibility.
He explained this to the women, emphasizing the importance of the child's well-being and happiness.
"As you all know, his mother sadly died while giving birth to him. That kid needs a loving mother right now, but-" Garnt wanted to show that, this wasn't just a simple play in the park.
"If you're expecting me to favour your family just because you adopted the kid, I ask you to leave now because I won't. I want you to take full responsibility for the kid."
All the women nodded in agreement, their expressions filled with both anticipation and understanding. Garnt realized that this was a life-changing decision for not only the child but also for the chosen woman. He wanted to make the right choice.
After a thoughtful moment, Garnt decided to address each woman individually before making his final decision. As he began speaking to them, his words carried the weight of the entire village's hopes, and he was determined to ensure that the orphaned baby would find a loving and nurturing home.
He started to talk with many women in the line and he carefully checked everyone personally. He also squeezed their breast to see whether they had enough breastmilk to feed this kid, and most of the women in the village considered Garnt's touch to be a blessing rather than consider cheating.
Even most men in the village thought the same thing, because they started to see Garnt as a symbol of worship.
After many investigations and questioning, a woman approached, her eyes filled with hope. "I want to adopt this baby, Patriarch" she began. "I've always dreamt of being a mother, and even though I can't have children of my own, I'm ready to give him all the love and care he deserves."
Garnt nodded and asked, "What drives your desire to be a mother? Is there a particular reason you're drawn to this child and to adopt him like a mother?"
The woman hesitated for a moment and then shared, "I lost my husband to the last attack from our enemy, and since then, I've felt an emptiness in my life. I want to fill that void by providing a loving home for this child since I can understand what loneliness is like.
My dream was to have a family with my husband, and even though he's gone, I still want to be the best mother I can be."
Garnt continued his questions, "Have you considered finding another partner? You're rather young and beautiful."
The woman smiled sadly, her eyes glistening with tears. "I can't forget the love I had with my husband. There's a place in my heart that belongs to him alone, and I want to share it with this child. I believe he'll bring a new sense of purpose to my life."
Garnt was touched by her sincerity and understanding of the gravity of the situation. He could see the deep love and commitment in her eyes, and he felt that she might be the right choice to provide a loving home for the orphaned baby.
After speaking with the other women and carefully considering all their circumstances, Garnt found himself returning to the woman who had lost her husband. He believed that she had the heartfelt motivation and dedication needed to provide a nurturing and loving home for the child.
With a compassionate smile, he said, "I believe you are the most suitable choice to be this child's mother. Your love for your late husband shows the depth of your heart, and I think you can offer this child the warmth and care he needs."
The woman's eyes welled up with tears of gratitude as she embraced the baby who would become the newest member of her family. At that moment, a new chapter began for both the child and the woman who had found her dream fulfilled in the most unexpected way.
"Say, how do you have breast milk even though you never got pregnant?" He wanted to clear the last part before adoption because Garnt knew it must be some kind of special phenomenon.
"Hmmm~ I don't really know, patriarch. I have been producing milk ever since I was 18. I always thought almost all the women did that because my late mother also did the same thing until I came here."
"Is that so? I will ask my mother to look at you, so don't worry. Go ahead and take all the help you need,"