XVIII - Terrorists

They drove for hours through the hills, a bumpy, circuitous ride. It was an uncomfortable foray through rough country. Dust constantly swirled around them. Kamon could feel it in both his nostrils and throat.

The sun beat down mercilessly upon them. Kamon drank often from the water jug. The liquid quickly found its way to the pores in his skin. The upper portion of his body glistened. Perspiration ran freely down his skin, forming tiny rivulets through the thin coat of dust which had collected on him.

Kamon glanced over at Jasmine. She seemed to sweat not at all. She also never drank from the jug. How did she take the heat so well?!

Kamon noted that dust covered her face and clung to her hair, however. At least that was normal. And the dust notwithstanding, she was still beautiful. He concentrated on her face, studying it for a long time. Then, for no reason that he could have readily explained, he reached over and gingerly wiped some of the dust from her face. Her skin was soft to the touch.

It was an impulsive move, unlike him. He jerked his hand back. "Sorry," he apologized uncomfortably. "I was just brushing the dust away."

He was embarrassed. He pretended to concentrate on the passing countryside, a difficult chore; it was the same barren landscape he had been looking at all morning. He imagined Jasmine's brown eyes were upon him, staring at him. It was not long before he felt the knuckles of a hand poking the fleshy part of his left shoulder. He turned his head to the left to meet Jasmine's gaze.

"I need a bath, don't I Kamon?" she stated lightheartedly. Her gaze met his only briefly, then returned to the path in front of the vehicle.

"I wasn't implying that," Kamon answered. "The dust on your face...I don't know. I just brushed it. No reason."

There was a moment of silence. The vehicle continued to bounce along. "Kamon?" Jasmine spoke.

"Yes?"

"If you touch my face, I won't bite your fingers." She finished her statement by glancing quickly at him for emphasis.

"I know." Kamon made a pretense again of concentrating on the desolate area around them. A moment later the same knuckles were nudging his shoulder. He turned his head to face Jasmine.

"Relax, big guy," she stated tenderly, warmly. Her dark brown eyes lingered on him for an instant and then were gone.

Only Casio had ever called him by that name, 'big guy'. The words conveyed friendship, closeness, or at least he imagined they did. He pushed aside the thoughts which tried to argue otherwise. Kamon felt very good, as content as he had ever felt in his lifetime. He wished to savor the moment.

It was early afternoon when their jeep arrived at the base of a steep hill. Jasmine slowed the vehicle and shifted to a lower gear, then headed straight up the precipitous incline.

Ductus stood up in the rear and waved from side to side four times, very pronounced, very emphatic. He remained standing even as they crested the hill and started down the other side. It seemed clear that this was Ductus' contribution to their trip. His presence was providing them safe passage. Kamon reasoned their journey was nearing its end.

They entered a valley surrounded by mostly barren hills. Ahead of them appeared to be a dark hole. If it was a cave, it was a most odd one. However, as they came closer, Kamon could see the hole was actually an entrance to a structure of sorts.

There was no roof, as such, but rather a camouflage overhead consisting of fabric supported by some poles. In some areas, the top had been deliberately left open, probably to allow light to enter. Kamon guessed that if viewed from the air, this area would most likely appear to be just more barren land. It was very well done.

The jeep rolled under the camouflage. Kamon could see tents scattered about. This was a settlement, and it was a certainty that the inhabitants did not wish to be discovered. Armed guards stood just inside the entrance. They eyed the jeep with caution, their guns held in readiness.

Jasmine brought the vehicle to a halt. Ductus jumped out. "I will see if Destinatus is here yet, Jasmine," he said as he trotted off.

Kamon frowned as he turned to look at Jasmine. "Was Ductus referring to the Destinatus who is wanted in both the countries of Marmot and Kefar on charges of international terrorism?"

"The same," she nodded.

"What are we doing here?"

"Tomorrow, we will be accompanying Destinatus to the capitol city of Kefar -- Incongruens."

"Are you out of your mind, Jasmine?!" Kamon was incredulous. "We'll be arrested as soon as we reach the city -- if we aren't shot first!"

"We will reach the city safely," she calmly said, "and with no trouble. You will see."

Ductus returned. "Destinatus will not be arriving back until this afternoon, Jasmine. Secundus wants to see you..." Ductus glanced at Kamon. "...alone. He is not happy that you have brought a stranger to our camp."

"Yes," she sighed, "I expect that he is not." She turned to address the councilman. "Kamon, if you don't mind, would you please wait here while I discuss some matters with Secundus? I think it better that I talk with him alone first."

Jasmine seemed supremely confident and unconcerned for her safety. With the possible exception of Ductus, Kamon did not trust anyone here, and he was not even sure about him. Jasmine obviously knew these people. Strange indeed for a woman who preached peace.

"It is safe here," Jasmine said to Kamon when he did not respond.

"Maybe," Kamon finally answered. "I'll stay here. But you be careful."

"I will." Jasmine then turned and disappeared into a tent.

What a price the governments of Marmot and Kefar would pay just to know the location of this camp! Kamon thought to himself. Was he obligated to reveal this location once he returned home? There was no law he could think of that would compel him to do so. He was not a member of the military; he was not on an official mission. Interesting. Jasmine must trust him to keep silent. She was putting a lot of faith in him, maybe too much.

"I assume your presence here means that you are part of the resistance movement," Kamon said to Ductus.

"It does," Ductus admitted. "I do not apologize for that."

"What about the people in your village?" Kamon asked. "Purus was attacked because the Fraus government suspected insurrectionists were present. It would seem they were correct."

"I fight for what is right," Ductus answered defiantly. "The Fraus oppress us and when we object, they arrest us, even kill us."

"The Clemens insurrectionists do more than object," Kamon pointed out. "They destroy buildings; they kill people."

"To advance a cause," Ductus maintained. "We want our freedom. We want all those things that the Fraus government denies us --- jobs, equality, dignity. Words have gotten us nowhere. Violence is all they understand."

"I think Jasmine would argue otherwise," Kamon submitted.

"Yes, she would," Ductus admitted. "I may not agree with her, but I respect her. She helps us when no one else will. If she wants to talk, preach peace, I am willing to permit that because she is our friend."

"But you think her chances of bringing the Fraus and Clemens together are remote," Kamon added for him, "is that it?"

"Yes."

There was a pause in the conversation. Kamon looked around, then back at Ductus. "So how long are you supposed to watch me?" Kamon's tone was sober, his gaze level.

"I'm not to let you out of my sight," Ductus admitted with equal bluntness.

So we wait, Kamon thought to himself. He was not at liberty to explore. He had thought as much, but now he knew for sure.

Time crept by. Kamon did not like the fact that Jasmine was among these men and out of his sight. They were well armed renegades, outlaws. Who knew what any of them might do?

Jasmine had been gone a long time. Outside the camouflage, the shadows had grown elongated. The sun would be setting soon. If Jasmine did not return within a very short time, he was going after her. Ductus could along but Kamon would not be stopped.

Kamon was about to move when Jasmine emerged from the tent.

"Word has been received that Destinatus is on his way and will be here shortly," she announced.

"I suppose that's good news," Kamon remarked dryly. "I am not at all sanguine about this whole arrangement, Jasmine." Ductus heard and Kamon did not care.

"Yes, I know that you are not, but please bear with me," Jasmine said. "This will be worth it. You will see."

Kamon frowned but he did not respond.

A short time later, a jeep rolled into camp. It did not stop until it reached the tent in which Jasmine had met with Secundus. A swarthy man of medium height jumped out. A head band held the dreadlocks covering his head out of his eyes. A bushy beard nearly hid his face. Kamon recognized the man immediately. Destinatus! It was inconceivable that they were going to take this feared, unkempt man to Incongruens! He and anyone with him would be shot on sight!

"Come, Kamon," Jasmine invited, "I will introduce you to Destinatus."

Kamon followed, though warily. His heightened awareness was almost instinctive. He sensed trouble here. His mind was preparing his body for any danger, any threat that might come his way. He would be ready, as he had been all his life.

"Good afternoon, Destinatus," Jasmine greeted the rebel leader.

"Hello, Jasmine," Destinatus replied, eying Kamon warily. "I do not know this man." Blunt and to the point immediately. Destinatus had survived through dangerous times by quickly challenging strangers. Friend or foe? The distinction was often critical.....and one day fatal if he were wrong.

Jasmine was unaffected by Destinatus' cool gaze at the councilman. "This is my friend Kamon," she introduced him congenially. "He is a councilman from the Province of Sparrow Hawk in the state of Marmot."

The eyes of the Clemens leader narrowed in deep suspicion. The state of Marmot, by virtue of its alliance with the ruling Fraus, was his enemy. "What is he doing here?"

"He is here to help me," Jasmine answered, "and I am here to help you."

"He is a representative of Marmot," Destinatus declared. "The state of Marmot is our enemy. Have you brought a spy among us, Jasmine?!"

"He is no spy," Jasmine stated firmly. "I wanted him here, and I will vouch for him."

"That is not good enough!" Destinatus replied angrily. "He has seen our camp! How can I be sure that he will not reveal its location?! I cannot jeopardize the lives of my men based simply on your assurances! It is unacceptable!"

"I won't reveal the location of this camp to anyone," Kamon spoke up boldly. He had made a decision. It might later prove to be an unwise one, but he would stick with it.

"And why should I believe you?!" Destinatus demanded. "A man I do not know!"

"Because I have said it," Kamon answered evenly.

Destinatus considered the big man for a moment. He saw no fear in the councilman's face. He respected that. "I could have you killed with a wave of my hand," Destinatus said to Kamon ominously.

"I could have you by the throat before you gave the order," Kamon replied with unblinking eyes.

Destinatus regarded the Councilman coolly for a moment. Then his face abruptly broke into a wide grin. "Hah! You are a bold one, Councilman! I'll give you that! I do not believe I would come before your state Council and threaten to grab anyone by the throat!" The smile on Destinatus' face vanished as quickly as it had appeared. "Just remember who commands all the guns in this camp."

"I'll remember," Kamon answered tersely.

Again the rebel leader saw no fear in the eyes of the big man. He was interesting, this councilman from Marmot. Destinatus looked at Jasmine. "He may stay. But remember, he is your responsibility. And his status," he warned soberly, "will be discussed when we are finished with our business."

"That is acceptable," Jasmine nodded.

Destinatus noticed that, as usual, Jasmine was confident of the outcome of the subject at hand. "Then come into my tent, Jasmine. We have much to talk about. I assume the councilman will be joining us."

"That is true," she answered.

"Very well then."

Destinatus led them into the rather large tent. It was simply furnished, the most prominent items being a desk and what appeared to be a radio transceiver. Seated behind the desk was a man with a scruffy beard and skin almost as dark as the leader's. Kamon thought this was likely to be Secundus.

"Welcome back, Destinatus," Secundus greeted his leader, smiling and rising from his chair. "It is good to see you."

"Good afternoon, Secundus. Did anything important happen while I was gone?"

"No. It's been pretty quiet." Then jerking his head in Kamon's direction, Secundus added scornfully, "Except Jasmine brought this stranger among us who Ductus claims is a Marmot councilman! I thought it best to do nothing until you arrived." Secundus glanced at Kamon. "But if he had tried to leave I would have had him killed."

"He is indeed a Marmot councilman, Secundus!" Destinatus proclaimed. "Did not Jasmine also tell you so?"

"She did," Secundus admitted. "But I thought the claim to be preposterous."

"I believe it," Destinatus said. "I have heard of the bold and large councilman from Marmot. This man is both."

Secundus smiled craftily and approached Kamon. "Then wouldn't he make a fine hostage!?"

Kamon's giant muscles tensed. The Clemens rebels would find that he was not an easy man to take hostage. He was already evaluating his options. He should have been afraid but he was not.

Fear is oftentimes not a logical emotion. It can flourish where there is no imminent danger at all. Fear of heights, fear of darkness, fear of closed spaces. Just as remarkably, however, it can also be totally absent in situations where there is good reason for its existence.

For Kamon, fear was an emotion which did not visit him often. It did not make him a better man nor a brave man. It was simply a part of his makeup.

Kamon was facing his second threat in the past few minutes. He was alert. He was evaluating many possible courses of action. Kamon had faced men with guns before. There were parts of Positron which were not safe, especially at night. He could handle Secundus and Destinatus. It was the larger number of men outside the tent that were his primary concern. If it came to that, he must get Jasmine out of the camp safely. That would be a difficult challenge.

Jasmine suddenly stepped between Kamon and Secundus. "No!" she admonished Secundus sharply.

Kamon was startled by the harsh tone of Jasmine's voice. He had never heard this from her before.

"Councilman Kamon is with me!" she continued her warning. "He is not to be harmed in any way -- or detained!"

"Says who?" Secundus growled. He stepped to within inches of her face.

Jasmine stood her ground. Secundus was challenging her. She stared back at him with steel eyes. Her usually soft, caring manner had vanished. After a tense moment, and to Kamon's amazement, Secundus muttered something under his breath, then turned and walked away!

At home in Marmot, Kamon would have expected any man to defer to a woman. But this was the arid hills of western Kefar and the man who had turned away grumbling was a Clemens terrorist! Jasmine had directly challenged him and he had backed down!

Ordinarily Kamon would have resented the interference. It had been his fight, not hers. However, Jasmine's defense of him was pleasing.

The confrontation averted, Jasmine turned to the Clemens leader. "Well, Destinatus, we can now discuss tomorrow's trip to Incongruens. Are you ready?"

There was hesitation in Destinatus' voice as he spoke. "Do you really believe we will be successful, Jasmine? It is very risky."

"This is the moment," she assured him. "The time has come. Everything is in readiness."

"I am not certain of that," Destinatus replied, his skepticism clearly evident. "The rhetoric out of Incongruens is still harsh and uncompromising. Only last week there was a raid on Ductus' village -- Purus. The Fraus are not softening their position. They seek continued confrontation and we are prepared to give it to them!"

"We have spent the past week in Purus," Jasmine replied, "and I agree that it was a tragic event. But from the ruins we must build a peace. Out of the suffering and the anger, you must rise up and bring your people relief. You must come to an agreement with the Fraus. Some of your people will be angry. They will feel betrayed. But these are the burdens a leader must bear. History will look kindly on you. You will be revered by both Clemens and Fraus because you had the courage to act, the fortitude to endure stinging criticism even while the stench of the ashes was still strong in the nostrils of your friends. I never said this would be easy. This is not the time nor the place for the weak of heart."

"I can stand the heat," Destinatus replied with some indignation. "I was simply questioning the willingness of the Fraus to come to the table. They submit peace feelers with one hand, while bludgeoning the Clemens with the other!"

"Have the Clemens struck at the Fraus in the past week?" Jasmine asked the question with great confidence. She clearly knew the answer.

Destinatus scowled. It was answer enough. "Very well," he said. "Tomorrow I will go with you to the capitol city of Kefar."

"We will make peace," Jasmine assured him. "It will be a great day for your people. History will remember you as a great leader."

"For the sake of my people," Destinatus said, "I hope so."

Jasmine turned to Kamon. "Will you please get my bag from the vehicle? I have some things for Destinatus."

"Why?" Kamon asked. "There's no clothing left."

"I packed something else besides clothing."

"Okay."

Kamon soon returned with the bag and handed it to her. Jasmine opened a compartment and pulled from it an assortment of men's toiletries -- a scissors, a shaver, soap, and a comb. She handed these to the Clemens leader. "Here, Destinatus. You can use these to shave and cut your hair."

"Why it so important for me to cleanse myself for the Fraus?" he groused. "If they want peace they will have to learn to accept my people as they are."

"We have been through this before," Jasmine reminded him patiently. "You must not be recognized in Incongruens until the proper moment. Think of it as one of the burdens to be borne by a great leader."

"You are a great charmer," Destinatus continued grumbling. "You would think you could use your gifted tongue to get me safely into Incongruens without the need to disguise myself. Very well," he sighed. "It will be done."

"We are finished then until tomorrow morning," Jasmine announced. "Kamon will be accompanying us on the trip to Incongruens. We will see you at dawn outside your tent. Will you be ready?"

"I'll be ready," the Clemens leader replied. "Will the councilman be speaking on our behalf?"

"No," Jasmine answered. "That is not his role."

"Then what is his role?" Destinatus demanded. "To stand around and watch?! We don't need an audience. We need someone to bring the government of Kefar to its senses!"

"He will be there because I want him there," Jasmine answered.

"What you keep hidden, Jasmine," Destinatus warned, "may one day be the undoing of us all. It worries me."

"But you will be ready in the morning, won't you?" Jasmine asked.

"I already said I would, didn't I?!" the rebel leader snapped.

"You did," Jasmine replied calmly. "We will see you in the morning."

With that Jasmine left the tent, followed by Kamon.

"You can't be serious," Kamon said as soon as they were alone. "Taking him to Incongruens will be nothing but a disaster!"

"It will be far from a disaster," she confidently replied.

"The man is a terrorist commanding a bunch of thugs!"

"Desperate people choose a desperate leader, Kamon," she replied solemnly. "We must deal with him as such. Destinatus can be molded. He can grow. Raised in a more normal environment, he would not have been a terrorist. He seized the role that was thrust upon him."

" 'Seized'," Kamon repeated the word, "perhaps because violence is his inclination. I'm not sure this man can bring peace."

"Just as a small child can grow into a pair of shoes which are too large for her feet," Jasmine said, "so also can Destinatus grow into the shoes which are currently too large for him......the shoes of a leader -- a peacemaker."

"A leader cannot drive wild cattle to water if they are not thirsty," Kamon responded soberly. "They will turn and stampede -- crushing the leader in their wake."

"The people of Kefar are ready for peace, Kamon. If it is handed to them, they will accept it. The leaders of the Clemens and the Fraus must make the bold first step. The people will follow."

"Perhaps." It was as much as Kamon was willing to concede.

Kamon lay with his back to the base of a solid granite hill. He fell into a light sleep, awakening often. He wanted to be ready.....for anything. Each time he awoke, he noted that he was being watched by at least one Clemens guard, sometimes two. On one occasion, a guard passed to within a few feet of him. Kamon awoke, immediately alert. He eyed the guard impassively. The Clemens man moved away without incident. It did not happen again.

Kamon rose before dawn. Jasmine had said they would be leaving early. If peace were to spring from anyone in this group, the prospects seemed grim, Kamon thought. The night had only confirmed his opinion.

Ductus brought him food. "For you and Jasmine," Ductus explained as he handed a pot to Kamon. "Nimal beans. They are cold but quite tasty and nutritious. Good luck today."

"Thanks, Ductus," Kamon spoke sincerely. Ductus had been kind to bring the food and his wish of good fortune had been genuine.

Jasmine emerged from her tent just after the Clemens man left.

"Ductus was good enough to bring us something to eat," Kamon explained.

The two ate in silence for a few moments. Then Kamon spoke. "Who are we going to meet today in Incongruens, Jasmine? I don't want vague generalities; I want names." It was as blunt as he had ever been with Jasmine but the circumstances certainly called for it. He was a bit tired of being led around on a leash with no explanations. "If we take Destinatus into Incongruens, as you have said, we will be treading in very dangerous waters. To put it mildly, I think it's crazy."

"We will be meeting with Venon Miscus," Jasmine answered.

"The Speaker of the Kefar State Senate?!" Kamon was incredulous. "You're kidding!"

"No, I'm not."

Jasmine was serious! They were going to meet with Venon Miscus, the Speaker of the Kefar State Senate, the highest ranking government official in Kefar. Before she had entered civilian life, she had been First General Venon Miscus, the most highly decorated veteran in Kefar's history. Miscus was more of a legend than a person. "Wow," Kamon finally said. "I had no idea. You do travel in high circles, woman."

"Then you approve?"

"You mean where we're headed today?" Kamon asked. "If you want to bring peace to Kefar, getting General Miscus involved is certainly a necessary step -- and a big one. But getting Destinatus and Miscus to agree on anything...now that's another matter. I don't see how it can be done."

"We will see how today goes," Jasmine said.

"General Miscus knows we're coming?"

"Of course."

"She knows we're bringing Destinatus?"

Jasmine smiled. "Certainly."

Kamon shook his head in amazement. "This is unbelievable. You're sure General Miscus won't have Destinatus arrested -- or even shot -- upon our arrival?"

"Quite sure." Jasmine finished eating. "Let's go see if Destinatus is ready."

"It'll never work," Kamon muttered as they walked through the camp. "We won't get fifty feet inside the city without getting shot or arrested."

They threw their bags into the back of the jeep and went to Destinatus' tent. The guard on duty slipped in to see if Destinatus was up and about. A short time later, a clean-shaven, well groomed man emerged. He was younger than most of the men in camp, possibly even younger than Kamon. The councilman could not recall having seen him the previous evening.

The man seemed a bit self-conscious, glancing about at the other men in the shadows as he approached Jasmine. "Well, Jasmine, how do I look?" he asked.

Kamon's eyebrows elevated in amazement. Destinatus! What a remarkable transformation! Without the beard and the dreadlocks he looked totally different, unrecognizable!

Jasmine nodded in approval as she surveyed him. "You look very fine indeed, Destinatus. Let's go."

"Just a minute." Destinatus was stern. "We have yet to discuss the Councilman."

"He's coming with us."

"He has seen our camp!" Destinatus stated.

"He gave you his word that he would not reveal its location," Jasmine answered.

"I don't know him," the rebel leader said soberly. "I want your word."

"His word is as good as mine," Jasmine said. "That is my pledge to you."

Destinatus hesitated a moment, then spoke. "Very well. You have never lied to me, Jasmine. For the sake of my people, you had better not start now."

"I won't." Jasmine looked at Kamon; her tone was much lighter. "Do you still think we'll have trouble getting into Incongruens?"

"You got me on this one, Jasmine," Kamon admitted. "I didn't recognize him. What are you going to do with me, by the way? I have no shirt and I'm quite filthy. I'm hardly presentable for a meeting with First General Venon Miscus."

"We'll stop along the way and clean up," Jasmine answered. "I'll get you a shirt."

Jasmine took the wheel, Destinatus climbed in beside her, Kamon vaulted into the back.

Jasmine pulled the unlighted vehicle out of camp. Dirty, unkempt men bearing guns and rifles watched them go. It seemed an unlikely place from which peace would spring. Perhaps, Jasmine had overextended herself. Kamon pondered the thought for a while as the vehicle strained to carry them up the steep hill. What could she possibly see in Destinatus that would lead her to believe that he could guide a people through a period of peace?

It was true the man had undergone a remarkable transformation overnight as far as his physical appearance was concerned. But his followers remained those scruffy men back in camp. Appearances were oftentimes deceiving, he knew, but those men seemed every bit the hooligans their visages displayed.

Secundus was a prime example. His first inclination had been to take a hostage. Violence. Bloodshed. What future did men like him have in a country being steered toward peace? What could their role be? Could they ever change?

Jasmine must think so. Why else would she be here? She did not seem like the type of person who would waste time and energy on a hopeless pursuit. An idealist? Yes. But always supremely confident. And if any person embodied ultimate purity and goodness, that would most certainly be her. Perhaps that counted for something. It had better.

Dawn came, and with it, the oppressive heat that Kamon had come to know so well in western Kefar. He had seen to the filling of the water jug himself, and throughout the morning he drank from it often. His body perspired freely.

Very little was said along the way. The conditions were certainly not conducive to a conversation. Intense heat, rough terrain, powdered dirt swirling around them and soon covering them...it was best to simply endure it all.

When the sun was high overhead, they came upon a well-paved surface. They were entering main Kefar. Not far to go now. Only a couple more hours.

Jasmine increased her speed considerably. The ride was much smoother. Kamon leaned back and spread his arms over the rear of the seat. He could at last relax. It had been a bone-jarring morning.

Moments later, the vehicle began to slow. Kamon saw a small farmhouse just ahead. They slowed even more and Jasmine turned in the driveway. She stopped the jeep near the front of the house.

"Why are we stopping here?" Kamon asked.

"To clean up," Jasmine replied, stepping out of the vehicle and grabbing her bag out of the back. "Don't you think we need to?"

"Not if we're bricklayers," he remarked dryly. Kamon jumped out.

Jasmine was amused. "I imagine your friend Casio would say something like that."

"I expect he would," Kamon agreed. "And a lot more about this mission; none of it encouraging, I might add."

Jasmine led them inside the modest one-story house. Kamon looked around. A stove, a small refrigerator, a sink, a counter top, wood cabinets, a table and four chairs around it. This was undoubtedly the kitchen. Through an open doorway, there was assorted furniture, a living room.

"Who lives here?" Kamon asked.

"Friends."

"Where are they?"

"Out."

Kamon did not press the matter. It seemed logical that even friends of Jasmine would not want to be around if they knew Destinatus was coming. They could thus deny aiding the Clemens rebels. But how had she let them know they were coming?

Jasmine stepped through a doorway, then turned to her right down a narrow hallway. She stopped in front of a door which was ajar. Reaching in she turned on the light. A shower, a mirror, a sink, and a stool. The bathroom.

"Who wants to shower first?" she asked.

"I'll wait," Kamon answered, turning to stroll back toward the kitchen.

Destinatus followed him without saying a word. Taking their actions as an answer, Jasmine stepped inside the bathroom and closed the door.

In the kitchen, Kamon pulled out a wooden chair and sat at the table.

"Councilman Kamon!" a voice from behind him declared dramatically. "The first man to sit in the council of the great state of Marmot!"

Kamon watched Destinatus come to the table but he said nothing in response.

"You are not quite what I would expect," Destinatus went on, seating himself at the table. "You do not seem like a council member; you do not act like one. You speak but little. Where is the rhetoric!? The pomposity!? You do not seem to mind the dirt and the harsh life of western Kefar, and you sweat as freely as I do, Councilman."

The rebel leader paused for a reaction. He had asked many questions, some of them rhetorical, but clearly, he was now awaiting an answer. Kamon eyed him for a moment. Much of the civilized world regarded the man before him as the most notorious terrorist on the planet. But now he looked very different -- clean-shaven, short hair, well scrubbed. He seemed much less threatening, less sinister.

"I'd prefer you call me Kamon," the big man said at last.

Destinatus' brow furrowed in puzzlement. "Another reason why I do not understand you. You disdain your title. Why? Aren't you proud of it?"

"I am proud of the office I hold," Kamon answered. "I just prefer not to use the title when talking with someone."

Destinatus considered Kamon a moment. "You are a strange man," he said thoughtfully.

"I've been called worse," Kamon admitted.

Destinatus grinned. Then he turned serious. "Do you think this woman can really bring peace to my people?"

"Why ask me?"

"Because you are close to her."

"What makes you think that?"

"Ductus told me so," Destinatus answered. "And when Secundus threatened you, Jasmine intervened on your behalf. I have seen her break up several fights among my men. Some of them I even staged myself to see how she would react. But in your case her response was different. I saw fire in her eyes." Destinatus chuckled. "Although I think Secundus was the one who needed protection. You see, I also watched you. There was no fear in your eyes," he finished with certainty.

"I suppose Secundus might have found that taking a hostage was easier in theory than in reality," Kamon remarked noncommittally.

"You were prepared to deal with me as well, were you not?" the rebel leader probed.

"Perhaps," was Kamon's simple answer.

Destinatus smiled. "You were. I saw you glance in my direction. You were measuring both your opponents. But in my case you had no need to worry. I had already decided not to move against you, at least not in my tent. Secundus can often act rashly, and I suppose I can also, at times. However, I think only a fool would make an enemy of you without good cause. I am no fool, Kamon," he concluded soberly.

No, he did not appear to be. It was true that his speech indicated he thought in terms of conflict. Still, the labels most often heard in association with the name of Destinatus -- terrorist, murderer, anarchist -- they all seemed far too simplistic now that Kamon had spent some time in conversation with the man.

"So you have yet to answer my question," the rebel leader continued. "Can Jasmine bring peace to my people?"

"I don't know," Kamon answered honestly. "But perhaps just as importantly, can you preside over your people during a time of peace? Will it last? Will you last?"

Destinatus smiled again. "Not only are you a strange politician, Kamon, but you are an honest one as well -- and very blunt. I think I like you. As for the matter of administering my people after peace arrives, I can do that. I have managed a revolution, have I not?"

"Spearheading a revolution is far different from governing, Destinatus. Believe me; I know," Kamon said solemnly.

At that moment Kamon heard feet padding softly in their direction. He turned to see Jasmine coming into the kitchen. She was wearing clean clothes. Their unseen hosts were apparently very generous.

Jasmine was still towel drying her hair. "I did not want to occupy the bathroom any longer than absolutely necessary," she announced. "Who's next?"

"Destinatus can go," Kamon replied.

"Go on then, Destinatus," Jasmine urged. "We don't want to be late."

Without a word, the rebel leader then left the room to take his turn in the bathroom.

Having dried her hair sufficiently with the towel, Jasmine proceeded to brush it. Such a simple, normal act, Kamon thought to himself. But she was so beautiful while doing it.

"I've heard you have quite a knack for breaking up fights," Kamon remarked.

"It is the essence of a peacemaker," she responded lightly, halting her brushing and seating herself in the chair across from Kamon's. "To ameliorate relations among people, thus eliminating conflicts."

"Well, in Destinatus' case it might be better described as jumping through hoops for the entertainment of the circus audience. He staged many of those fights."

"Yes, I know."

"Then what's the point?"

"The point is he needed convincing, Kamon. He needed to believe I could handle his people. Only then could he trust me sufficiently to allow me to press for peace in his country. He required some initial proof of his own choosing that I could accomplish the things I told him of."

"So you underwent a rite of passage, so to speak."

"Yes," she nodded. "It was necessary to gain his faith."

"You may not have it entirely," Kamon stated.

"Why?"

"Because he asked me if I thought you could really bring peace to his people."

"And what did you tell him?"

Kamon hesitated. Perhaps he had not started the wisest of conversations. He was trapped. But he couldn't lie to her. "I told him I didn't know." He looked down at his hands on the table. "I'm sorry."

Jasmine placed her brown hand on his. A week in the sun had darkened his hand, but it was still pale compared to hers.

"You should not apologize for honesty, Kamon," she assured him. "I expect no more of you than that."

Her hand was warm and comforting. She tenderly squeezed his.

"I am done," Destinatus announced suddenly.

Kamon jumped with a start. He jerked his hands back to his side and stood up quickly, his chair sliding backward, nearly tipping over.

Destinatus placed his hand on the big man's shoulder. "I did not mean to frighten you, Kamon," he said with a brash smile. He leaned close to the councilman's ear and spoke quietly. "The hearth can be hot and stinging, but it can also be warm and inviting. Do you not agree?"

Kamon headed toward the bathroom. Metaphors. The man seemed like less of a terrorist as more time passed.

"Kamon!" Jasmine's voice stopped him. "You'll need these." She handed him a shirt and pants. "Clean clothes."

"Where did you find these?" Kamon asked. They stood in the hallway.

"Our hosts," she answered.

"And they just happened to have my size?"

"Fortunate, isn't it," Jasmine said. "Your size is not common."

"I know." Kamon hesitated; he was troubled. He lowered his voice. "Jasmine, why am I along on this trip?" Thoughts of espionage had not left his mind. "I can't speak for the government of Marmot. I'm not here in any official capacity. I bring my opinion, nothing else, and I should probably be careful even when I do speak."

"I have not asked you to speak for your government," Jasmine answered, "nor will I. I wanted you to see the actual faces of people who were locked in a bitter and long-running conflict. I wanted you to get to know them, to understand their feelings. Someday you may be called upon to mediate a conflict. When that happens, you will be ready."

"So far, however," Kamon pointed out, "I've only seen one side -- the Clemens. Unless, of course, you count my brief encounter with First Commander Tristis, but I barely spoke with her."

"Today you'll meet Venon Miscus," Jasmine said. "I'm sure she will give you some insight into the feelings of the Fraus on Kefar. This is not about espionage, Kamon. It's about peace....and its building blocks."

She'd done it again -- addressed his unspoken thoughts. 'Espionage'. She had used the exact word. Luck? Happenstance? He preferred not to admit he had been thinking of espionage, however. "I won't be long," Kamon said and he entered the bathroom.

He closed the door behind him. A dry towel had been set out for him. Undressing quickly, he stepped in the shower and turned on the water. The cool water pouring over his body was invigorating. Even when camping out in the mountains around his cabin he had bathed daily. His father had insisted, and it was a habit he had never broken, indeed had come to prefer.

But in this land, water was a scarce commodity, far more precious than money. As such, it was not to be wasted. While in Purus he had washed his face and arms at night, using not much more than a damp cloth. The village could not afford a greater expenditure of water on anyone. He had accepted the situation.

But now he lingered under the light gush of water carrying the dirt, grime, and sweat off his skin. It felt especially good and he wished to savor it a moment longer. But not too long. He shut the water off. This home must have an underground well and conditions did seem less arid in main Kefar. However, they were right on the edge of the demarcation created by a strange quirk of nature, the one which provided main Kefar with barely enough rainfall and western Kefar with far less. He enjoyed the opportunity to shower, but he was mindful not to use too much water. A well could dry up easily in this country.

Kamon quickly dried himself and dressed. The clothes fit very well. He hastily ran a comb through his thick black hair and stepped out of the bathroom.

"Well," Jasmine beamed as he entered the kitchen, "you look very fine indeed!"

"I haven't been clean in over a week," Kamon commented. "I imagine I do look different." He tugged on the shirt. "Nice fit on the clothes. Pretty lucky." Too lucky, he was thinking. Jasmine had planned well.

The three left the house and climbed into the jeep. Jasmine sped off in the direction of Incongruens.

There would soon be a meeting between the leader of the Clemens rebels, Destinatus, and the woman most revered by the Fraus in Kefar, First General Venon Miscus. It would be quite a day.......if it really happened. It still seemed implausible.

END OF CHAPTER