River-Split City, South Central Region.
This metropolis is under the command of a shadow chief, which has played a crucial role in conversations with the other southern communities. In addition, he will be appointed new governor of the southwest region, which will make a direct border with the Inca Empire.
From this port, the people were transferred in ships that sailed from one side to another endlessly, due to the intense trade and the amount of goods that were sent from one side to the other of the river.
Although the city was initially west of the river, the increase in population and commercial activity forced an expansion, with many individuals and merchants establishing itself on the east shore, transforming it from a simple port into an almost different place.
"Welcome, young Chuta," said a man kindly when he arrived at the port. "The chief has sent me to look for you personally to prevent you from waiting in the row," he added while guiding us through the streets of the east side of the city.
"I thank you very much for your help," I replied with the same courtesy. "As it is my first visit here, I didn't know what the procedure to cross the river was like," I said with interest.
"To cross the river, it is necessary to go through inspections on each side, to prevent the trade of dangerous or controlled substances by the kingdom," he began to explain my interest. "There is no fee to people and merchants, but the inspection is mandatory. Even the ships that come from other cities must stop without exception," he added.
Upon reaching the port, we observe a multitude of people selling their products nearby. Due to the large influx of people, a commercial exchange arose in a natural way, but under the supervision of the chief and his assistants.
All people who want to cross must first go through an inspection, as mentioned by the cacique messenger, and then wait for their turn to embark on the boats and rafts that transported products or just passengers. However, we did not have to wait, since a great ship was waiting for us in the port.
After landing on the opposite shore of the river, we went to the chief's residence while the messenger taught us the area. Compared to the capitals, this city was not so extensive, but the number of people traveling through the streets was remarkably greater.
There were numerous food stalls, crafts and tools, Za's home restaurant had premises in several streets, and even had establishments on both sides of the river. We also saw several banks of the kingdom that offered currency changes.
"I am not sure if I should call it currency change, it can be considered more as appraisal and purchase," I reflected by observing people to enter and leave the bank.
The bank, throughout the kingdom, began its activity offering appraisals and buying items with official currency.
At first, people did not understand or accept the use of currencies, since they were not familiar with this trade method. Several months passed until the community began to realize that, if they managed to accumulate several silver coins, they could obtain gold.
"It is surprising that only when observing the gold coins, people begin to value other coins," I reflected with irony at that moment.
Once people recognized the true value and considering that many of the products available in the stores of the big cities could only be purchased with coins, there was a remarkable increase in the demand for currencies.
"How lucky we had increased the ability of ceramic ovens," I thought at that time.
However, in small villages they still do not completely understand the use of coins. They only come to the largest cities to sell the products that cannot be directly exchanged and use the currencies they receive to buy special foods, tools or crafts.
"They spend everything and do not save; at least they seem happy," I thought as we walked to the Cacique's house, watching how barter still worked.
"Welcome, young Chuta," said the city chief in a rough tone.
"I thank you for receiving me, Cacique Fagua. He directs a big city," I replied respectfully. "I know it is important to pretend that you do not know me or that you are not related to me, but this is too much," I thought when he heard the tone of his voice and the faces around us.
"I appreciate your comments. I try to do my best," Fagua replied with the same rough and shear tone.
"I hope so," I said calmly. "Or is it not pleasing?" I thought when he noticed that he did not change his tone, even when other people looked at him disapproving.
After the greetings, we took a walk through the wide house of the Cacique, including its offices and halls. Then, we had several dishes made with potatoes and fish, but I realized that the potato was undoubtedly a product of the Andes in the south, since its flavor was different.
"I request a meeting with you, young Chuta," Fagua said suddenly at the end of the food, using the same tone as before.
Several of those present in the room became nervous.
The group of the Explorer Division brought their hands to the knives that had hidden near their legs, and the envoys of the capital's regiment were even more dramatic, almost directing their spears to the chief. Even some guards of this house that belonged to the local regiment tightened a lot and held their own weapons, waiting for any sign that the chief attacked.
"I was aware that this could happen ... at least I am clear who the members of the Kingdom's army are loyal," I reflected with frustration, although in the end I felt relief for the response of the soldiers who were in the dining room.
"Please keep calm. This meeting was already planned ... the chief does not look for what you think," I mentioned at a high volume, or at least the top I can achieve at 7 years, trying to appease everyone.
The members of each regiment, the representatives of the capital and those of this town, relax a lot and return to their initial places, but the explorers' messengers continued alert.
"Come with me," I said as I got up from the table, pointing to one of the attendees who had accompanied me on the trip.
"As you order, son of heaven," he replied with respect when taking a bag containing documents and pencils.
We both moved away from the table following the chief, but two members of the explorers interrupted us.
"Excuse me to interrupt him, young Chuta, but we should accompany him for security reasons," said one of them in a worried tone.
"It is not necessary," I replied quickly. "It's fine ... You come with me," I changed to seem to realize that the soldier was going to insist again and pointed out.
The four go with the chief towards his office, leaving a group of restless people behind.
"You see what you have caused," I reproached the chief when the door of his office closed.
"I just comply with my duty, son of heaven," Fagua said with an equally dry tone.
"Your behavior will attract suspicious looks, even other leaders might think you are against me," I warned him.
"But I'm not against him," he replied with the same attitude.
"What was the main teaching of undercover agents during their training?" I asked him with a slight tone of annoyance.
"Act naturally not to be identified," said the member of the Explorers division that was also part of the shadows.
"What strategy do you use then?" I asked Fagua, who continued with impassive appearance.
"Be natural," he replied without hesitation.
"I suspected it. This is how I really act," I thought while releasing a sigh.
After reproaching him and ordering him to try to mitigate the previous incident with more pleasant behaviors, we continue with the planned meeting.
"How are negotiations with the southern leaders?" I investigated.
"Everything follows according to their guidelines. Although I must insist that they could have all integrated into the kingdom last year if you had accepted them," Fagua replied sincerely.
"The shadows were investigating the Incas, and if they would represent an obstacle when joining these communities," I explained the reason for not accepting them immediately.
"What findings were there on the Incas?" He asked curiously.
"So, if you can act natural," I reflected by showing a cunning smile while the soldier of the Explorators Division took out his dagger. "What is happening?" I asked him scared, noticing the soldier's movements, although I observed that I was only directing his weapon to Fagua.
"Sorry, son of heaven, I did not fulfill my duties," he said with a guilty tone as he showed his neck to the soldier.
"High!" I shouted at the soldier who was about to stab Fagua without hesitation. "At least I am clear that his fidelity is not in doubt ... although he had forgotten that they had the obligation to eliminate any act of insubordination of other members of the shadows," I thought with concern and relief.
"Lord, Fagua has just acted disobediently," said the wizard with a serious tone for the first time since we arrived.
"I am aware of that, but when talking about 'eliminate', the rule does not imply doing it immediately," I replied with a frustrated tone. "Who is your leader? Who gives the final orders?" I asked with irony.
"You, son of heaven," the three replied in unison while kneeling.
"Therefore, only I have the authority to decide who lives and who not," I said seriously. "I just hope that nobody has died yet," I added with some restlessness.
"No one has dead, sir," replied the assistant.
"Fuuu... I'm glad to hear that," I exclaimed relieved after releasing a long sigh. "Well, returning to the matter ... I have the information, and there will be no problem if they come together now," I informed everyone in the office.
"In fact, I have summoned this meeting to communicate that you will be the next governor of the southwest region ... I need you to become my protection against Inca people," I said seriously to Fagua, who for the first time showed a change in his expression.
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[A/N: CHAPTER COMPLETED
Hello everyone.
Chuta continues with his walk, although we find out that it is not a simple walk. This is not only a tour of the kingdom, but there will be a meeting with the southern peoples, to ensure their union.
Unnecessary data of the day, the Incas had developed stone roads that expanded from Cusco, Peru, to the north and south as they were controlling a greater territory. Part of its final expansion, was due to coastal commerce, for its maritime control.
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Read my other novels.
#THE WALKING DEAD: Vision of the Future.
#THE WALKING DEAD: EMILY'S METAMORFOSIS FROM VISIONS OF FUTURE SAGA.
You can find them in my profile.]