Riverworld, Day 46, Afternoon

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"Yes," Ehrich agreed, "Shaka is drunk with visions of glory.  This was
the only world he knew in life, and he does not comprehend a world
without war.  I doubt he ever will.

"If this Lion god of his is driving him to these ends, then I do not
trust it.  I am more convinced now that these so called gods are
playing us as chessmen, and have dark designs of their own.

"But I agree we should play along for now.  If we desert him again, he
is liable to plot against us.  It is clear that he will not accept any
kind of democratic vote, but he does seem to understand kingship.  He
ascribes all of our actions as individuals to Charles, and thus he
sees Charles as a leader.  If we can get Shaka to view Charles as an
equal to himself, perhaps we may have him accept equal dominion with
Charles over the forge.  I fear this may be too much to hope for
though."


Robbie thought for a moment, and then spoke.  "Far be it from me to
impose my desires on others but I have a few ideas that may be of help
for now. First, whether we plan to fight or not, a large group, army
if you will, would allow us leverage wi' these Forge chaps. They
couldn't dismiss us as easily as they would a small group. They may be
more willing to deal with us if they think we had a chance of taking
it by force.  Also, perhaps we could be useful enough to them to have
trade or some such arrangement. I've fashioned a few horseshoes and
plows in my time and I'm sure enough of you have similar skills that
may be of use. We could trade these skills for iron or something along
those lines. Battle should be a last resort not our only option."
He stepped back and fell silent again.

Shaka motioned to the lazari, and as they crowded around him, he knelt
down and began sketching plans in the dirt.

"As I understand it," the Zulu said, "Pala and the iron mine are only
a few stones downriver from us.  There are many of Pala's men, but
they had no defenses that I recall.  With a decisive attack, we should
be able to seize the mine and hold it for ourselves.

"I will organize the attack and lead us there.  Charles, you are an
experienced leader, and I want you to lead the actual attack.
Toyoda-san and his men will be in charge of assessing the mine and
preparing defenses once we have seized it.

"This world is strange, but it gives us an advantage over our old
home.  These grails.  We don't need to carry supplies... we can take a
stone when we need one and hold it long enough to replenish
ourselves.  We can travel light and fast, like the Zulus did.  We
shall leave only a small group here and move in force.  Come, let us
begin preparations immediately.  The sooner this is over, the sooner
we can both establish a civilization here, and please the Lion God."

At Jeanne's side, Father Gregory stroked his chin thoughtfully.

Shaw, squatting down beside Shaka, made a few marks of his own.  "We
could bring in Ford's group from across the river as well, then with
the extra man power we could make a two pronged attack by sailing down
river past them, then hitting them from both sides."

Charles nodded in agreement.  "Ford has many men as well.  He too will
pay you for a share of the Iron found here. I know this to be true.
As "commander" of this battle to be, I want 2 attacking groups, To
flank the mine and to further hold our interests."

Toyoda, catching the translation, frowned silently at Ford's name.

Charles continued unabated, "Shaka, is there a land route to get
there? as well as a river route? How many men do we have here, what
weapons, what training -- I need information if I am to lead a
battle." He seemed to be dropping easily into the role of commander of
the army, yet those who had traveled with him on the River could see a
depth in his thoughts, and a troubled soul beneath.

"As it is only a few stones downRiver," the usually quiet Freud
suggested, "we could certainly walk as well as sail. Or some of us
could."

"We have military training," Toyoda said, "though some of us were in
the air service or the navy. We are forty men here, as well as
thirty-five women who may be of some use as quartermasters. We have no
arms but spears and rocks. And we will not serve alongside Ford and
his dishonorable associates."

As it began to grow darker, Shaw looked up at Shaka.  "And you still
have not said what has become of Louis."

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Louis gazed at Moz for what seemed to him like a long time, debating
what to tell him.  He finally said, "We talked about our common
culture, Moz.  We talked about this accursed River," which Louis
pointed at, tracing its length with a sweep of his hand.

Louis sat up proudly. "I did well against the Zulu I fought today, no?
If Shaka could see me now!"  And Louis laughed.

Moz shook his head slightly and grimaced. "Wishes come true too easily.
We wished for a world where we could rule, and found this place.
Remember that the dead return to life, and Shaka is far more formidable
than Darana."

He relaxed his expression. "But yes, you did well," he adds, with
almost fatherly pride. "And it is also well that you get to know the
pale ones, and learn from them. This strengthens the tribe." He nodded
again, appraisingly. "Pala has decided that tomorrow you are to begin
working in the mine with us. It is a great honor."