//------------------------------//
// Bk9/Ch2 Chief Rafi's Legacy 
// Story: Love's Lost Decade 
// by Priceless911 
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Book 9 / Chapter 2
Chief Rafi’s Legacy 
(Year 5, Month 6, Day 15)

Silence crept over the grove of bleach white roses as Chief Basarum and his wife sat meditating back to back on the stone that sat in the center of the Blood Rose patch. As they meditated Zera’s immediately opened her eyes and smiled, “Interesting.”
Sensing her actions, Chief Basarum opened his eyes as he looked to his wife, “Zera? What do you see?”
The oracle smiled as she replied, “A vision… of short terms to come.”
Chief Basarum asked, “Is it something I should be concerned with?”
She nodded, “Not yet, but if you want some advice, I will be sure to pass it on later.”
Chef Basarum nodded, “Is that so… and when will you be giving me this advice?”
She replied, “Today… when you go meet with him.”
The chief gave her a confused look, “Meet with who?”

She didn’t reply, instead Zera looked towards the trail leading back into the village as a warrior approached and spoke, “Chief Basarum, Chief Tanak has arrived from the Outer Tribes. He and his water buffalo are waiting on the Kiwinda field.”
Chief Basarum looked to his wife who nodded to her explanation before looking back to the warrior and replying, “Yes, thank you brother, I will be there shortly.”
With that the two leaders stood from their meditative positions as they expertly trotted through the grove of bleach white roses without touching a single one. 

Once they crossed the roses and started into the village, Zera smiled as she spoke, “I wonder if we will see Mr. Zeil today.”
Chief Basarum sighed in hopelessness, “Most likely, we’ve seen him every day for the past week waiting for us on this trail. Doubtful that today will be any different.”
The oracle giggled playfully, “You have to admire his persistence.”
Chief Basarum nodded, “Don’t talk as if this wasn’t your idea… I know you told him about this path just to get him to pester me on a daily basis.”
Zera smiled “Who me? I would never do anything to undermine your unessisary and somewhat outdated hatred towards outsiders.”
Chef Basarum sighed, “Even so, since he arrived the rest of the tribe has welcomed him and he has been doing his part to gain their acceptance. Which includes training Sister Kante behind our back.”
Zera nodded, “Yes … he is teaching her skills to be a warrior. With her stubbornness I guess it was inevitable.”
Chief Basarum replied in irritation, “This can be a problem… if she learns to fight, she will get her placement mark soon… then…”
Zera sighed, “I agree, but we can't hold her back forever. Like it or not, we have to accept what will come of this. It is her fate.”
Chief Basarum nodded, “And… we cannot change it, no matter how hard I try.”

The wise oracle sighed in worry, “But one wonders, Should we tell Zeil? She has grown quite attached to him, so much that I’ve heard she has been calling him brother. Not as in a brother to the tribe, but as a sibling.” She giggled, “It’s quite adorable when you think about it. Having no siblings of her own she has set out to adopt one instead.”
Chief Basarum didn’t respond instead he just continued with an uneasy expression on his face as Zera’s expression sank to match his, “Perhaps… we shouldn’t. If Zeil has grown attached to her in turn. Then knowing the truth could hurt him. Maybe… even break him.”
Chief Basarum sighed, “We will continue to keep it to ourselves. Better to let them spend their time without worry.”
The Oracle smiled, “look who is growing a soft spot for the outsider. Perhaps there is hope for you yet.”
Chief Basarum replied with a serious tone, “I'm not doing this for his sake… I'm doing it for hers. Kante’s life has been filled with such misfortune, I would like it if should could feel any bit of joy out of her life. At least until…”

As that was said, Zeil and Kante trotted up as Zeil spoke, “Good morning Chief Basarum, Lady Zera. How are you two doing today?”
Trying to brush off the earlier conversation, Zera smiled as she replied, “honestly, better after hearing such a polite greeting. Though I feel inclined to correct you… technically it is afternoon”
Zeil smiled as he replied, “So it is, my mistake.”
Chief Basarum gave Zeil an untrusting look as he spoke, “Mr. Zeil… since you are here… again, I'm sure I know what you’re going to ask next. After all you have asked the same thing day by day for the past few days now.”
Zeil nodded, as he acted dumb, “Really? And what is that?”
Basarum sighed in hopelessness as he replied, “You were going to once again ask me to teach you magic, just as you did yesterday, and the day before that, and the day before that.”
Zeil rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment as he replied, “Well, can't blame me for trying, so… will you?”
Chief Basarum sighed, “No… I will not.”
Kante nodded as she looked to Zeil, “See I told you he wouldn’t agree yet.”
Zeil nodded, “Patients is a virtue Kante, even the most inexperienced warriors knows that.” He looked to Basarum, “Well I guess I'll have to try again tomorrow then.”

Basarum gave Zeil an annoyed look, “Tell me… why do you continue this game day to day Zeil? Are you trying to insult me in some way?”
Waving his hoof in a dismissive way Zeil replied, “What no, nothing like that, I just thou-“
“You thought I would simply forget something in a manner of one night? That yesterday’s response will change simply because I will have slept since then? Name one significant thing that could happen in a single night that can change anything?”
Zeil replied, “Zecora saved my life in one night, and I fell in love the next night.”
Smiling at the tender thought, Zera spoke, “Aww, isn’t that sweet?”
Thinking it was only a joke, Chief Basarum trotted by Zeil as he replied in an insulted way, “Go back into the village Zeil… I’ve had enough of this for one day.”

As Chief Basarum trotted by, Zera spoke up, “You know my love, perhaps… Mr Zeil only needs to understand the tribe better.”
Both Zeil and Basarum looked to the oracle as they both replied at the same time, “What?”
Zera continued, “Yes, maybe Mr. Zeil needs a better understanding. A good way to help him would be to allow him to attend the viewing of the Kiwinda. In fact it may be better to introduce him to Chief Tanak while you’re at it. Better he understand what the Kiwinda is and the competitors of both sides.”
Kante spoke with excitement, “The Kiwinda! Can we go see it with you chief? It would be so much better viewing it from the tower.”
Zeil was confused, “The tower?”
Kante explained, “The Kiwinda has a large tower that the chief’s view it from that way if there is an infraction that the judges don’t see, the chiefs have a sky eye view that can determine the results of the round.”
Zeil corrected, “I think you mean birds eye view.”
Kate sighed, “Potato, tomato, it’s the same thing isn’t it?”

Everyone in the area gave the young zebra a confused look as Zeil ignored her comment and looked to Basarum, “Anyways, if you don’t mind Chief, it would be interesting to see this Kiwinda event. And as Lady Zera says, it could help me better understand the tribe.”
At first Chief Basarum wanted to say no and walk away, but since he remembered Zera’s vision from that morning, he could only sigh in defeat as he accepted the advice, “I will… under one condition… you behave yourself and don’t make too much noise.”
Kante smiled, “Don’t worry chief, I’ll be as quiet as a mouse.”
Basarum replied as he poked Zeil’s chest “I was talking about Zeil here…”
Zeil nodded as he ignored the insulting tone, “Don’t worry. I'll follow your lead and behave.”
Chief Basarum nodded, “Good, we will be meeting with the chief of the Outer Tribes, he is a good friend and I don’t want you overstepping your place.”
Although Zeil still felt somewhat offended by his tone, he ignored it since that’s all he dealt with the five days he has been in the village. As they started trotting towards the event area Lady Zera waved them off as she spoke, “Have fun you three… and please don’t kill any zebra… or in this case, changeling.”

Ignoring the comment, Chief Basarum led the way as Zeil and Kante followed closely behind. As they preceded to their destination Kante spoke, “The Kiwinda is a great event that happens once a year, warriors from near and far all come to the Northern Tribes to see it… even though its only between the outer water buffalo and the Northern Zebra.”
Zeil nodded in understanding but as he started to reply, Chief Basarum interrupted, “It’s a dedication to what Chief Rafi set out to accomplish. Peace through understanding.”
Zeil nodded as he replied, “To harm another is unjust and unessisary.”
As he heard those words, Chief Basarum stopped in place as he looked to Zeil in surprise, “What did you say?”
Just then, Zeil realized he quoted something that Rafi had told him many years ago as he tried to reply with an excuse, “Oh uh, it’s just something I read in a book once… um… something that Chief Rafi said right?”
Basarum’s expression went back to normal as he nodded, “Oh… I see, so you’ve read about him have you? Or…” he looked away and started back on the road, “Did Zecora tell you.”

As they continued, Zeil noticed that the chief’s expression when he said those words seemed more passive then interested as he replied, “No, Zecora didn’t talk about him… at all now that I think about it.”
Basarum spoke disrespectfully, “Funny she would hide the very reason for being in Equestria from one she cared for. Perhaps you are mistaken in her feelings for you.”
Zeil replied, “No… I'm not. I know she is in love with me because…”
Basarum’s tone became more annoyed, “Because?...”
Zeil sighed, “I'm a changeling… I know love when I feel it… and to add, she told me herself.”
Basarum nodded as he replied, “Oh… I see.”
Sensing more hostility, Zeil replied, “Do… do you have some sort of resentment on Zecora? It seems y-”
Basarum stopped in place as he spoke in anger, “This subject ends here and now… I will hear nothing more from the likes of you on it, understood?”

Although Zeil felt he should delve deeper into it, he could tell that the hostility that Basarum was feeling was borderline violent as he decided to deescalate the topic as he nodded, “Fine… if that’s what you want, I'll agree to disagree.”
Basarum turned his head slightly till he could see Zeil out the corner of his eye, then paused for a few seconds before looking back to the front and continuing on the road, “Fine by me.”
As the group continued in silence Kante could tell there was tension in the air as she too held her silence. A few minutes later, the trio arrived at a large field that was made out on the savannah. The field seemed to be long and rectangular in shape with viewing stands stretched along the two hundred yard length while a tall two story tower stood at the half way point. At one end of the field was a long hut that encased the fifty yard width, while on the other end was a red line stretching across the end as if it were some sort of finish line. The middle of the field didn’t seem to hold any markings or lines of any kind, in fact it just seemed like a boxed off strip of the dusty savanna complete with low shrubs peppered across the field.

Zeil looked in awe at the field as Kante spoke, “Oh look the hunters are already here! Chief, can I go speak to them?”
Chief Basarum smiled as he replied, “Since the competition hasn’t begun yet, feel free. Just don’t bother them too much.”
Acting her age, Kante ran to the zebra who were doing warm up stretches near the starting hut. As Kante rushed to the hunters, Zeil and Basarum smiled at her innocence as a voice spoke up, “Chief Basarum of the North! Good to see you my friend!”
Both Zeil and Basarum looked to the large water buffalo that trotted up as Basarum smiled, “Chief Tanak of the Outer Tribes good to see you too.”
The large smiling chief looked to Zeil as he spoke, “And who might this be? Is this the flea who has been biting at your ear for the past week?”
Zeil was confused, “Flea?”
Basarum nodded as he replied, “It is, this is Zeil. He is the outsider that stumbled into my village and somehow managed to put us in debt. Now he refuses to leave and keeps requesting that I teach him magic.”

As soon as he understood, Zeil could only smile as he replied, “So I'm a flea am I? Well at least that means your noticing me. Otherwise I would be offended if I wasn’t at least mentionable to the other tribes.”
At first Tanak gave Zeil an emotionless look, but after a few seconds he busted into a fit of laughter before replying, “Whoa hoo he got ya there Basarum!”
Zeil laughed along as he spoke, “Nice to meet you Chief Tanak. Good to see that not all chiefs are so serious all the time.”
Chief Basarum gave Zeil an annoyed look as Chief Tanak gave him one powerful yet painful pat on the back and replied, “Yep, Basarum here is one of a kind!”
As that was said, Kante rushed up as she spoke, “Brot… I mean Zeil! Come meet the hunters, they are the best warriors in the tribe and most of them trained with my father.”
Hoping Chief Basarum didn’t hear her almost call him brother, Zeil replied, “I'm coming I'm coming you know you can ask a little nicer next time, I was in a conversation with the chiefs.”
Kante shrugged her shoulders, “If it was important Chief Basarum would tell me to leave not quit, what do you say? Loafing around and come.”
Zeil shook his head, “When have I ever said the word loafing in any context?” he sighed, “Fine I'm coming.”

As Zeil trotted off, Chief Tanak laughed, “Quite the charmer isn’t he? Whether you like it or not, it would seem that he is becoming a member of the tribe.”
Basarum rubbed his head in irritation, “It would seem that way.”
Tanak smiled, “I'm a little surprised you brought him here. An outsider I mean. After the ordeal with Zee Zee, I would assume-“
Realizing what he said, Tanak silenced himself before adding, “My apologies… I didn’t mean to bring up your daughter. It’s just… surprising is what I meant to say. That you would escort an outsider to the Kiwinda.”
Basarum sighed, “I wouldn’t have, if not for a vision from my wife.”
Tanak continued, “The oracle? She had a vision?”
Basarum nodded, “She did, but as usual she wanted to keep it to herself. Whatever it is, she suggested I bring him here.”

Chief Tanak nodded as he spoke silently with a serious tone, “Then my guess was right, there is more to this zebra then we both know.”
Basarum asked, “You say that as if you know something about him.”
Chief Tanak nodded, “I do, a few weeks ago, I heard word of a zebra that jumped ship in Zebabwee. Captain Sail’s ship if I'm right.”
Basarum was intrigued, “Captain Crimson Sail?”
Tanak replied, “Yes, the same one you sought out to take Zecora to Equestria.”
Basarum replied in anger, “And bring her back… which he failed to do.”
Tanak added, “By her request I should say. Anyways… the zebra that jumped ship was a skinny sort referred to as Sir Zeil.”
“Sir Zeil? By whom?”
Tanak continued, “Apparently Princess Skystar of the Hippogriff kingdom.”
Chief Basarum thought to himself, “I'm not familiar with her… but I tend to ignore royal names from outside nations. So… you think Zeil and this Sir Zeil are one and the same?”
Chief Tanak nodded, “It would seem so, a skinny zebra with a dark cloak and a respectable personality. Perhaps he is knighted by a hippogriff princess.”

At that moment a voice spoke up, “Excuse me, Chiefs?”
Both Chief Tanak and Chief Basarum looked up to see two tall giraffe as one was lowering his head to speak, “It’s almost time to begin the competition. Are you two ready?”
Disregarding the conversation, Chief Tanak smiled, “Yes we are, I'm guessing you’re the referees for this year’s competition?”
The one with his head lowered nodded as he replied, “We are Chief Tanak, and as soon as you two are in the tower we can begin.”
Basarum nodded as he replied, “Very well then.” He looked to Kante and Zeil, “Hey! We are about to begin! Let the hunters get ready in peace.”
Nodding in agreement, Kante rushed back to the two chiefs as Zeil followed. As the group assembled, Chief Tanak started up the stairs to the tall tower as Basarum, Kante, and Zeil followed in that order.

As the four started climbing the stairs to the top of the tower, Zeil noticed that one of Chief Basarum’s warrior zebra was already waiting at the top to guard the two chiefs as Zeil and Kante looked over the field as one of the giraffe that stood next to the tower at eye level with the group called over the field, “All hunters, to the tunnels! Prey! To the starting hut!”
As he heard the call, Zeil was confused as he looked down to see that the warrior zebra going into a small stairway that led underground, while the water buffalo went into the large hut that stretched over the end of the field. As soon as all participants were gone from eye view Zeil looked to Tanak as he asked, “Did they say… prey? What exactly are the rules of this game?”
Basarum spoke with little interest, “It is as its name suggests… The Kiwinda… the hunt.”
Chief Tanak explained, “In this competition there are ten hunters and five prey per run. The hunters go into a tunnel that is connected to an assortment of hidden trapdoors on the field. There, they decide how they will divvy themselves out per round. While the prey go into hut and decide who they choose for each round. In a round one water buffalo who is designated as the prey will exit the hut and try to make their way to the opposite end of the field.”

Kante continued, “The hunters who are hiding in the trapdoors will wait for their chance to strike and try to stop them. But since water buffalo are much stronger then the zebra, they can use any number of hunters they want, but no hunter can be used more than once per run so they have to cleverly divide themselves so that no round is left too weak or too strong.”
Basarum continued, “There are two runs per game with only five rounds per run. The hunters have to be cleaver, because if they decide to use three hunters in a round, then thy leave another round with a worse advantage. But since they don’t know which prey is in the round till it starts it can be a challenge for both sides.”
Zeil tried to understand, “So… its literally a hunt?”
Chief Tanak laughed, “No worries Mr Zeil, the spears the hunters use are standard staves with pillow like tips and red chalk. At no time will any of my water buffalo actually be hurt… however…”
Kante lowered her head as Basarum spoke respectfully, “Occasionally there are casualties… mainly on the zebra side. Water buffalo are powerful creatures and if caught under their hooves or on their horns, it can be fatal. But… to compete is an honor for all my warriors… we know the risks, and we accept what becomes of it.”

Zeil still felt a little confused, “But… isn’t it still a little… demeaning for the prey? I mean they are literally being hunted for sport.”
Tanak laughed, “It would be, but this competition is a two way street. Whilst the Zebra gain experience in hunting an intelligent prey, my water buffalo gain skills in eluding terrible predators. It’s how you say… a win win?”
Zeil still felt concerned, “But… isn’t it-”
Chief Basarum sighed as he interrupted, “This is the result of the peace established by Chief Rafi. like it, hate it, I don’t care, but know that it is as it is, and to disrespect it… is to disrespect all that Chief Jumb Rafi did for all of Zebrica.”
Worried he would disrespect somepony, Zeil silenced himself as he looked down in thought. Seeing this, Kante was curious, “Brother Zeil… do… you know what Chief Jumb Rafi did for Zebrica?”

Although Zeil felt he knew the answer, the more he thought about it, Zeil realized that he truly didn’t. He understood that Rafi was a chief from long ago, but he didn’t understand what made him so important as Zeil replied, “All I really know about Rafi is that he was chief of the western tribes over a thousand years ago and that he fought in a war in Equestria at about that time.”
Chief Basarum smiled as he sighed, “Typical outsider… he knows the name but nothing of his significance or legacy. Thousands of years ago, we the zebra served our titan as his enforcers of magic. We ensured that magic within our titan’s territory was kept in balance so that none could use it unjustly. But once our titan was imprisoned for betraying the rest of the world, we the zebra fell into chaos. It’s unknown how it started, but the four tribes of the north, south, east, and west declared war on one another and were locked in what seemed to be an endless stalemate of death and destruction.”

Chief Tanak nodded as he continued, “Each Tribe had excelled the other in their own field. The North were powerful warriors, the South expert strategists, the East master weapon smiths, and the West master enchanters. Although these feats outmatched their aggressors, we all know that those who hunt four rabbits at once, catch none.”
Chief Basarum nodded, “With a war being fought between four they were locked in a stale mate. So despite heavy casualties on all fronts, the war continued for many centuries. Until Chief Rafi called forth the first assembly of the chiefs.”
Zeil was curious, “Assembly of the chiefs?”
Tanak nodded, “An important meeting of which all five chiefs of Zebrica are called together. Since it is an emergency meeting it is only ever called in times of great importance or emergencies.”
Chief Basarum continued, “Anyways, Chief Rafi assembled the tribal leaders and pleaded them to see reason. He talked about the unity of the tribes and that if we used our talents to work together then we as a nation, would thrive far better than we would at war. And after days of trying he was finally able to convince them to stop fighting all together.”
Chief Tanak smiled as he looked over the stands of cheering zebra and buffalo as he continued, “It was his goal for peace that put us all on a better path. The Outer Tribes were never unified until he finally made Zebrica a safe place to live.”

Zeil thought to himself before replying, “I knew he wasn’t just a random Zebrican Chief, but I didn’t know he was that significant. But… if he strived for peace, then why did he fight in a war in Equestria?”
Chief Basarum nodded, “After peace was made apparent in Zebrica, Chief Rafi wanted to spread that peace to the rest of the world, so he assembled a council made up of the nation’s greatest leaders and went from country to country gathering supporters to join in his goal for world peace. However…”
Chief Basarum silenced himself as Tanak finished, “He soon found that the rest of the world will never have that kind of peace.”
Chief Basarum nodded, “True, though he was a great chief, in that sense he was somewhat naive. Peace with outsiders isn’t possible. There is too much greed in the world for every nation to agree to peace. The war in Equestria is proof of that.”
Chief Tanak shook his head, “Now that’s a little harsh Basarum. Chief Rafi met a general in that nation that he felt was worthy of praise. Why else would he request Zecora t-“
At that moment, Chief Basarum gave Tanak an angry glare as the large Water buffalo silenced himself before clearing his throat and continuing, “What I mean is. The war there was something that even the chief of peace couldn’t overlook. That’s why he stayed to fight, and why he passed his final request to his youngest bloodline.”
Zeil started to ask, “Final… request?”
Before he could finish, Basarum looked down at the field as he spoke, “There it’s starting.”

Down on the field, the hut at the start of the field opened up as one of the water buffalo exited it and slowly made his way onto the field. As soon as he saw him, Chief Basarum smiled as he spoke to Chief Tanak, “He looks new, is this his first year competing?”
Tanak nodded, “It is, he is a little impatient but he was looking forward to his first competition.”
As they watched, the young water buffalo took a few seconds to pan his eyes over the field before choosing his path as he started rushing down the field in a swerving pattern. As the prey ran, Basarum sighed, “And there is the inpatients.”
After a few seconds of running the water buffalo neared the halfway point in the field before quickly stopping as if he spotted something directly in his path. As soon as he stopped, a small trapdoor hidden under the dirt in his path popped open as a zebra hunter lunged a spear out towards to young prey. Surprised by the action Zeil sat up in anxiety as he watched the buffalo dodge the spear and continue running passed the trapdoor as the zebra jumped out and gave chase. 

As the buffalo rushed up the field, Zeil felt eager as he watched the buffalo’s sprint towards the finish on the other end of the field. As the buffalo seemed to near the finish, a second trapdoor opened from across the field as a second zebra stood from the hole and readied his spear to throw at the buffalo. A few moments later, the zebra threw his weapon at the right moment as the weapon flew across the field and hit the buffalo on his side bouncing off but leaving a red chalk mark at the point of impact. Although the water buffalo felt the hit, he still continued the few extra feet needed to cross the finish line as one of the giraffe called across the area, “KILLING BLOW! Point Hunters!”
At that moment, an eruption of cheers came from the stands as the water buffalo at the end of the field wiped away the chalk on his coat and stomped the ground in frustration. As the stands cheered, Chief Tanak smiled as he spoke, “A good call, if the blade on that spear were real it would have punctured his heart. Looks like this year’s hunters will be a challenge to beat.”
Chief Basarum smiled as he replied, “True, but a game isn’t decided on the first round of the first run. You may very well take this from us the same way you did last year.”
Chief Tanak laughed out loud, “That would be something, then again your hunters are nimble enough to win it this year.”
After that was said, Kante who was enthralled by the competition called out, “YAY HUNTERS! WHOO!”
Az Zeil saw her cheer for the game, Zeil looked across the field at the stands of zebra and water buffalo who cheered for their favorite teams and players. As he saw this he couldn’t help but smile at the sight. As barbaric and demeaning as the competition seemed, it didn’t matter to any of the spectators. Here it was a view of skill, strategy and confidence. And all who watch were joined together in admiration of that very thing. Even the guard who was supposed to be protecting the two chief’s couldn’t stay focused on his job as he too watched the competition in excitement.

As Zeil smiled at the competition he started to realize what Chief Rafi’s legacy truly meant. A unity of multiple tribes and races all cheering side by side for a competition that brought them together as a whole. Seeing this Zeil stood as he too called, “YOU GOT THIS PREY! SHOW THEM YOU’RE STRENGTH!”
As Zeil sat back down Kante gave him an annoyed look as she pouted, “Traitor…”
Zeil laughed at her reaction as Chief Tanak gave one hard pat on Zeil’s back as he laughed even louder, “There ya go! I knew I liked ya for a reason!”
Rubbing his back from the intense hit, Zeil smiled at the reaction as he and the rest of the group enjoyed the continuation of the exciting Zebrican sport.