Chapter 20
Mahntra had been watching the Pontu’ Gi for a few days now. Although it was too soon to judge, he knew their purpose wasn’t being fulfilled as the prophecies had foretold. He also had a feeling time was running out, and if he were going to do something, it’d better be now.
The disguise had come off, and he was again, making his way to the street corner. Not the palace. Today he needed to attract as much attention as he could, then escape. He knew what would happen to him if he were captured.
Some stared at him as he passed through the city. Some wanted to talk with him, ask his opinion of the Protectors. All he would say is “come and hear.”
By the time he got to the corner, he’d brought a sizeable crowd with him.
“Citizens of Putra’ Fi Sorro!”
By the time he’d spoken, all the people had stopped. Did they sense it too?
“The Pontu’ Gi’s true purpose is being perverted by Tranthra’ Joh.”
No point in mincing words.
“The Princess would never turn such a wonderful, legendary people over to the likes of the Conservator. I should know. I know the Princess, and I know Tranthra’ Joh. I also know that the Princess had nothing to do with this! Tranthra’ Joh is making his own grab for power, and I will not sit by and watch it happen. Neither should any of you!” Mahntra pointed to all the people surrounding him.
“The Pontu’ Gi are to protect all peoples, all cities, during a Time of Trouble, not be a private police force for one man. Look around. See what has happened since the Pontu’ Gi have come. Have they been used to any noble purpose? No. All they have done is enforce Tranthra’ Joh’s new edicts! Edicts which he has no authority to issue. He is the Conservator! He is surpassing his authority. And I can prove it!”
The people started pressing in.
“How do you know? But the legends? What is going on?” and one in particular came right up to him. “What can we do?” It was plain he believed what Mahntra was saying.
“Watch. Watch and wait. See if what I’ve already said isn’t true. Then I’ll pass the word of what I think we should do.”
Mahntra was surprised at the reaction. He’d thought the people might be more enamored with what Tranthra’ Joh had been able to produce; that he’d have to speak more to sway the people, if he even could sway the people. Perhaps Tranthra’s new enforced restrictions were having a good affect in convincing the people there was more to the story. They were ready to listen, living legends or not.
And Mahntra didn’t have a plan. That’s what they needed. He’d been foolish to come out here and speak without one. Well, he’d fix that right now.
“Guards. Guards are coming!” someone in the crowd shouted.
“I’ll be back,” Mahntra said. “We’ll talk again.”
Mahntra slipped through the crowd. People parted way, some reaching out to touch his shoulder. “We’ll be waiting.” said one. Then Mahntra moved through the hidden routes he’d memorized back to his place of hiding.