DEATH PASSAGE

Chapter 8 The Leader

Jack sat alone between the cold, skin-piercing air. His blue eyes looked at the wide-open cave. The cave will be the nighting place of the slaves. While the slaves were still busy with turning on the fire lanterns. Put it slowly in the hallway of the wall. “It's time” said Jack who got up from his seat. He turned his eyes towards the sky. Jack can see the blue sky turning into a gray cloud. Chanting in the air as if ready to cry.

“All right, listen to this” said Jack who asked for attention to 3 people arrived late earlier. They are Slimin, Kelar and Pigoun. The three men also stopped the cargo transportation activities. Fulfill the call from Jack. Their eyes were fixed on Jack.

“What's up?” ask Slimin. His face is tired. The lentic eyelashes have withered over the eyes. Smudge and rub the eyes with the back of the hand.

“We have a job here” Jack said seriously. He glanced at the three of them. Look them in the eyes one by one. “Good, listen to this. We will share the task so that this work is easier” he said again. “I

who will split the task it”

“Wow, wait a minute, I was also working on something Jack” replied Slimin who seemed to want to be burdened by the task.  “And why do you have to share it?” Slimin asked with a full search.

“Tasks, tasks, tasks. What task was hit?” said Pigoun cheerfully. Not showing any rejection at all.

Just shut up and listen. The man in the hat is always quiet if anyone is arguing.

“Good. Sorry, why don't we just decide now” Jack said seriously. And his eyes were sharp at Slimin's direction, not blinking in the slightest. “Who deserves the lead?” jack said that challenged Slimin. “We start from you

Slimins. Tell me what you think?”

“Oh, fuck. I can't think now” said Slimin in a weak voice.

Obviously that unworthy stuttering answer made Jack feel victorious. Jack thought who else if not himself would lead this group.

“I don't like giving orders” replied Kelar after getting a glance from Jack.

“Pigoun?” jack said to the last man asking for an answer. And most likely Slimin could not accept if Pigoun would be their leader.

“Eh, can I hit them” said Pigoun who has nothing to do with it at all.

“No Pi” Jack smiles from behind his mask. “So, what do you think Slimin. It's tuesday said Jack who widened the smile behind his mask.

Slimin was silent without saying. It looks like Slimin did not have a battle to win in that debate. Jack really makes Slimin not warty.

Above the black ground and the gravel. Jack won the debate very hard. It doesn't look like a debate to Jack. But as for the clarity of their positions.

“Okay, I did it because of my own desire. Not an order from you” Slimin replied firmly.

Jack knew Slimin didn't want to be someone's subordinate. Slimin was a free man living freely in this world. His self-esteem is too high if he becomes a subordinate.

Jack had also calculated that possibility from the tyrannical-looking man. “Well, no one gives orders here, we just share work with each other.” said Jack. “Slimin and Pigoun looking for firewood in the forest, Kelar

prepare the camp and I will watch the slaves”

“I like to put up a tent” replied Kelar.

“I love to play tree” replied Pigoun with glee.

“Everything is clear, and let's work” said Jack.

Above the blackened soil is time-consuming. Cold that can freeze the air. It fell into a soft little ice. These four people parted according to what Jack said. Slimin and Pigoun stepped into the forest. Kelar picked up a large bag containing the entrapment to set up camp. Not yet fully afternoon but the fog has been building up from the mountains. Descend like flood water.

Jack is back on the activity. Sitting on a rough rock. His blue eyes looked into the cave filled with cheating slaves. Look tired, sitting, lying with bad breath. Dry lips with

a blushing face.

Jack knew the air would be bad for the slaves. It will be a little pasau that slashes coldly when the night is late. It is possible that some of the slaves will die of hypothermia. Cold dead. “Hould” says Jack. His words refer to the desire he will do. There was an urge in his heart to give help to the slave. They are just people Jack doesn't know.

Jack got up and moved away from there. He stepped foot into the horse carriage. Take some lanterns and torches. Give it to the slaves who are starting to cool. “Your energy is still in need for tomorrow” said Jack. Who pretends not to be pity. That is the compassion he showed without saying sweet.

Jack could see, the blue face was smiling. Their lips broke saying quietly. “Thank you tuan” sounds weak and helpless. Jack felt he had done the right thing.

But what Jack did didn't get there. There are feelings that drive Jack to do more. “You guys, follow me” said Jack who pointed to some people who looked fresher than the other slaves.

“K-where tuan” tanya stuttered while lifting her body.

Jack could see a frightened face. Sweating and shaking. “Just follow me” said Jack flat. Probably because of this afternoon. Jack felt he was right to do that. Killing someone who is no longer reliable. Throw away someone who no longer wants to try. And he did it all for the sake of the other slaves. Not to follow someone who is undisciplined. So that other work is not hampered in working. So that they can be faster at work and rest. Jack and a few of the slaves walked away. Walk past black hold. Passing through a hole in the ground.

“Just relax” said Jack who was trying to make the slaves a little relaxed. But the opposite night happened. The two slaves were silent and more and more mute. Jack could also sense the aura of fear they were emitting. After arriving. “Bring this” said Jack who showed a barrel filled with water. The barrel that the slaves were carrying was the afternoon before the wooden crate came. Which they found around the mountain.

“Every tuan” the slaves were completely obedient to what Jack said. Right, like a real errand boy.

“And so, you. Look at the buffalo there” Jack pointed towards the dead buffalo. His head was torn and his legs were broken. “Bring that too. Eat” order Jack.

The boy's face was also shining. “Thank you-thank you” he said who nodded, looking really sincere to say it.

“Yes, I received it” said Jack who smiled lightly. The slaves also spiritedly bent away towards the dark cave. Although the place they lived in was so terrible and gripping, but the fear was lost stockpiled food.

Jack just smiled. And sit back in the place. On a black rough rock. Jack sat there for a long time. His eyes could clearly see flames burning from within the cave, bright and yellowing.

Jack had no idea what he was doing would work or not. His eyes were still seriously looking into the dark cave. Still waiting for what will happen next. Something that he thought was still an oddity inside the cave. Everything he did was not out of compassion. But there was something he wanted to see and make sure.

Smoke began to billow from inside the cave. Fused with the coldness of the fog. Laughter began to sound from there. Jack didn't think they could laugh in there. There's an awkwardness sneaking up on Jack's head. Jack should have witnessed a fight between the slaves. But there was no sign of the commotion they were making. Just a laugh and an obscure voice Jack heard. “So you have unity apparently” said Jack who glanced at the group of slaves who were enjoying buffalo bolsters.

But from the dark that looms in the cave Jack can feel a sharp gaze pointing at him. It was a difficult look Jack could understand. Is it a threat or a friendship. And Jack also realized that the man was not a careless slave.

“He, interesting. I'm not waiting for you guys” girl Jack. He was waiting for something else. “Alright, come

let'sjust see. How far can you see with eyes like that” Jack said.