//------------------------------//
// Chapter 6: The folly of gold 
// Story: A journey through the elements. 
// by PaladinponyT 
//------------------------------//

*Jameer*

Early the next morning, we woke up and to our shock; the zebras of the fire tribe were gone. Angered, Sunblade paced back and forth, looking for any trace of where they went. Zecora was meditating up against a tree, she was as still as a statue. Finally, she opened her eyes and got up.

"According to the wind," she said, "They left a few hours after we fell asleep."

Sunblade stopped pacing, "If I had to guess, it would seem like they were sent to find the treasure and secure it."

"Secure it for who?" I asked.

"The emperor," answered Sunblade, "Only he can give orders to them."

"But, why? I thought he couldn't interfere." 

Zecora spoke this time, "He can't openly interfere, however, if he claims the riches first, then by the rule of law, no other tribe or outside force can touch it."

"Makes sense, but won't the other zebra leaders raise a fuss?"

"It's likely some are in on the scheme, or he intends to just act without their permission." Said Sunblade with an upset voice.

"Can he really do that?"

"Technically no," Zecora said coming closer, "But, it won't matter if the fire tribe claims it in the emperor's name."

"But, why act against his own people?" 

"Easy, it's a power play." Sunblade said, a little calmer. 

Zecora nodded, "The emperor has been losing more and more power. It won't be long until all of his authority is taken away." 

"So, how does the treasure help him?"

Both of them thought deeply for a few moments, then Zecora said, "He can use some of it for bribes, many of the Sun tribe are in debt due to their excess spending."

Sunblade nodded and spoke, "Then, he could use the rest to reinforce the capital's defenses. After that, he need only eliminate his rivals."

"The shamans and the other tribal leaders." I said uneasily.

They both nodded, it made perfect sense. He was going to fill the council with zebras only loyal to him and any zebra that could have stopped him would be gone. Sudden suspicion entered my thoughts, and I voiced them out loud.

"Do you think Umbara and the Sea Lord knew and that's why they helped us?"

They both looked thoughtful for a few moments, then Sunblade said, "It's very likely," he looked as if pieces of a puzzle were  being put together, "For they could not move openly against the emperor."

"Why not?" I asked, confused.

"Because it would just have been their word against his," Zecora put in, "And that could have led to violence."

"However," Sunblade started, "The emperor's plan has not been perfect, many blocks have appeared."

"Like what?" I asked.

"First off, the treasure is not in the empire's borders, so anyone can claim it. Second, the shamans have spoken out against it. Many zebras who still heed their words will not act without their blessing. Finally, outside forces have turned their attention to it."

Zecora nodded, "The more gold these outsiders take, the less there is for the emperor's plan."

I began to fit pieces together too, "So, the lions are on the move to stop others from getting to the mountains and the hyenas must think the zebras already have it."

Sunblade nodded, "That explains their actions, the lions have no interest in gold, but King Leonidas does not want treasure hunters or zebras troops moving through his land. And, the hyenas want the treasure, but they would not risk themselves; so they are attacking caravans hoping to find it."

"Wait, if the fire tribe is after the gold," I said troubled, "Why not deal with us?"

Zecora gave us the reason, "Their honor would not allow them to hurt me, and they could not act without knowing for sure what we were doing. So, their only choice was to leave us at the first chance." 

We all stood silent for a long minute, then Sunblade's horn glowed and he released a spell. Hoof prints appeared glowing red from the magic. Sunblade smiled in triumph, "Never underestimate a ranger, not only have they revealed their true purpose, but they have also shown us the way. Now, we have a new mission, to get the helmet and prevent war in Zebrica. Our friends were right, destroying the treasure will end all this folly. Come! We are behind and we need to hurry."

Sunblade cast a speed spell on us and we ran.

*To be continued...*