THE LAST KEEPER

Following the breathtaking grand procession in the plaza, the supreme chiefs, provincial leaders, and military marshals gathered inside the Inner Council Chamber of the Convergence Palace. Morning sunlight streamed through the high clerestory windows, illuminating a massive carved relief map of Tasaka set into the granite floor.

At the head of the council table sat Supreme Mandra Taziraka and Supreme Chief Sagiri. To their right sat Kaka Asakana alongside Northern Prefect Marshal Salka, while Kun Nakia of the West, Chief Tendai Mbeki of the Central Plains, Chief Linga Maaka of the East, Lady Kiana of Sekana, and General Zafaru of the South took their respective seats.

Behind Kaka and Sagiri stood the members of Squad 25 in full ceremonial uniform, with Kiuga laying out several sets of detailed continental deployment ledgers upon the polished table. The mood in the chamber was focused, practical, and determined as the leaders turned their attention from celebration to governance.

“The Treaty of the Five Sands is signed, and our people celebrate in the streets,” Supreme Mandra Taziraka opened, leaning forward with his hands clasped over the table. “However, the true test of lasting peace lies in its execution. An immediate, uncontrolled opening of all borders tomorrow would bring administrative chaos rather than security.”

“The Supreme Mandra speaks the truth,” Marshal Salka spoke with calm, seasoned authority, gesturing toward the northern and central border markings on the relief map. “Sixty years of heavily fortified borders cannot be dismantled in a single night without careful, disciplined planning.”

“If we drop all military checkpoints immediately, lawless bandit bands, rogue deserters from Glacial Lanka, and opportunistic smugglers will exploit the open roads,” Salka explained. “We must establish an orderly transition period to secure the highways, build waystations, and demobilize our armies safely.”

General Zafaru nodded in firm agreement, resting his heavy gauntlet on the southern frontier markers. “Forty thousand southern spears are currently encamped outside Alika City. We require time to organize an orderly rotation, marching thirty thousand spearmen back to N’Faya in three staggered stages.”

“The Southern Host will maintain a joint peacekeeping garrison of ten thousand warriors in the central provinces,” Zafaru added. “This garrison will train alongside northern and western troops to patrol the main trade routes and protect civilian travelers.”

Sagiri looked across the table, his dual-colored amber and silver eyes steady and thoughtful. “We propose a strict six-month transition timeline. For the next six months, the provincial borders will remain monitored while both sides put mutual infrastructure, economic, and security plans into active motion.”

“Six months is the exact window our foundries require,” Chief Tendai Mbeki stated, his deep voice filled with practical enthusiasm. “Molakwa engineers need half a year to widen the primary trade highways, reinforce the stone bridges over the Karu and Boni rivers, and construct supply waystations every twenty leagues.”

“We will also cast new standardized bronze boundary stones,” Tendai continued, tapping the map. “These stones will mark regional postal lines, public water wells, and rest shelters instead of military fortresses and watchtowers.”

Chief Linga Maaka leaned forward, smoothing his emerald silk sleeves with a warm smile. “The eastern healing sanctuaries will use these six months to establish quarantine stations and botanical inspection posts along the four major trade arteries.”

“This will allow life-saving medicines, shyflower teas, and herbal tonics to flow freely across the continent without the risk of spreading foreign agricultural blights or spoiled supplies,” Chief Linga explained with a respectful bow.

Kun Nakia placed both hands flat upon the table, her sharp gaze sweeping across the assembly. “The Western hunters will spend the six months tracking down and capturing the remaining rogue bio-beasts released during Lanka’s invasion.”

“By the end of the six months, every mountain pass connecting Sawaka to the central plains will be safe for civilian caravans, unarmed merchants, and wandering scholars,” Nakia declared firmly.

Lady Kiana adjusted her silver Sekana sleeve, speaking with cool, dignified clarity. “The Sekana clan will require this transition window to survey the ancient ruins of Nkara and establish water filtration channels from the deep southern aquifers.”

“In six months, the first civilian convoys from the South and Central will arrive at the oasis of New N’folu to begin joint construction of the Great Library and residential quarters,” Kiana added with a serene smile.

Kaka Asakana sat tall in his chair, adjusting his white bear-fur mantle as he looked toward his companions in Squad 25. “The North is fully committed to this timeline. During these six months, we will convert our frontline border fortresses into regional youth academies.”

“Cadets from every province will be invited to train in northern survival arts, southern agility, and western tracking,” Kaka announced proudly. “By the time the borders officially open in six months, our young warriors will already be brothers.”

Kiuga stepped forward from behind Kaka’s seat, unrolling a clean parchment timeline divided into three two-month phases. “Phase One will focus on military withdrawal and joint border patrol integration over the next sixty days.”

“Phase Two will focus on commercial trade standardization, road paving, and academy exchange programs between months three and four,” Kiuga detailed with crisp tactical precision. “Phase Three will conclude with final security inspections, ending with the total removal of all border gates on the first day of the seventh month.”

“Squad 25 will serve as the mobile transition inspection unit,” Grand Marshal Senraki announced, looking proudly at the young cadets. “Bukata and Maita will inspect the northern-southern garrison exchanges, Zolinka and Ulekai will coordinate trade supply routes, and Lira will work alongside eastern healers to establish regional clinics.”

Bukata struck his armored chestplate in a firm, resounding salute, his broad face beaming with pride. “Squad 25 accepts the duty, Grand Marshal! We will ensure every post and checkpoint transitions with honor and discipline.”

Maita, Zolinka, and young Ulekai bowed in unison, their eyes shining with dedication. The young warriors who had fought through the darkest battles of the realm were now entrusted with safeguarding the peaceful birth of a unified continent.

Sagiri looked at each leader in the room, seeing absolute unity and resolve in their eyes. “Then let this council formally adopt the Six-Month Motion of Peace. Let every province dedicate its full resources to making the transition flawless.”

Supreme Mandra Taziraka raised his right hand, calling for the formal vote. “All those in favor of the Six-Month Transition Timeline, make your pledge.”

Every hand around the granite table rose in unison—North, South, East, West, Central, and Imperial. There was no hesitation, only the firm commitment of leaders working together to build an enduring foundation for their people.

“The motion is carried unanimously,” Taziraka proclaimed, stamping the imperial registry scroll with the golden seal of Tasaka. “In six months, the gates of our continent shall open forever.”

Outside the council chamber, the warm afternoon sun bathed the capital in brilliant golden light. The bells of Alika City rang across the rooftops, announcing to the cheering crowds that the great work of building a new world had officially begun.

Sagiri walked out onto the palace balcony with Lira, Kaka, and Squad 25 by his side. They looked out over the vast horizon of Tasaka, ready to guide the five lands through the six months ahead toward the brightest dawn in history.