横浜市鶴見区に密着した地域型のスワンアカデミー英会話教室。未就園児から大人まで、3人までのグループレッスン、個人レッスン、セミプライベートレッスン、オンラインレッスン

They had been camped at their present location for two weeks and as were instructed, waiting for their leader. Thah, Jenson and the others had made good time in their travel which pleased the Inuit, though throughout it all Jenson complained endlessly and the one called Smith just sat quietly and looked pathetic. It mattered little to Thah. Upon arriving at their present location, they constructed shelters and hunting parties were dispatched and within four days had enough food to keep them for awhile. Within the period, between the necessary jobs required to keep everything in some order, groups of men were at various times began to practice some form of military drill under the watchful eye of Jenson who strutted about foolish and pompous as usual but to his credit, even Thah had to admit they were learning how to use the newer rifles and a bit about organized assaults, a double edged weapon to be sure if a man had the initiative. In the evenings (if it could be called that, after all it was that period when the sun disappeared for long periods, to visit brothers and sisters it was sometime said) Jenson would visit Thah’s tent as the Inuit had asked and gave him an update on how things were proceeding, not that he believed he was reporting to a superior, Thah was an Eskimo, not a white man and after all Lak had said he was in charge, but he did appreciate the fact that Thah had helped him as much as he did and didn’t mind humoring the native. Thah for his part played his role well. He always offered Jenson drink and after listening to Jenson’s report asked if he had any suggestions that the white man might have for him, which always caused him to puff up his chest and say no, he thought that Thah was doing a fine thing running things but if he could offer a few hints… Thah always listened, nodded and thanked Jenson for his insight saying he would make the changes when time was convenient. Of course that time never came. There was only one person who was deceived into believing that he led, even Smith was not that foolish. Only fear of Jenson and Thah kept him silent. Jenson sat in the small tent he shared with Smith and burped. Things were going well as far he was concerned. The men were learning the guns and commands required, he felt he was proving his worth and expected he would be amply rewarded when the time came. He was sure he knew more and would be of more use than that old fart that seconded Lak at the moment but he knew he would have to prove himself. In time he would push the other bastard out of the way and have what he deserved, eventually he would amass enough power to surpass Lak and from that position others would kneel before him. He’d show ’em, he’d show all of ’em, that’s what he’d do! “Hey Morton, is there anything to eat?” asked Smith coming in and poking around the tent. Jenson looked up annoyed that Smith had interrupted his dreams of glory. “Christ, Tobias! Don’t ya just pick the best times!” “What Morton? What’d I do? I’m hungry,” said the little man sheepishly. “Ahhhhh, nothing!” he said throwing the other man some partially cooked seal meat. Smith grabbed it and devoured it with little thought afterwards he wiped his hands on his already dirty fur trousers. “Sorry Morton didn’t mean to disturb ya,” he said. “I was just hungry, that’s all.” He said sitting on a box. “Ya know Tobias, I think we’s supposed to be here. What’s that fancy word the toffs always use?” “What word Morton, I’s don’t know?” “Ya know, that word, desta… desta… destin…?” “Destiny?” said the mousey man. “Yeah, that’s the one, destiny. That which means we gotta do this ‘un.” “Well, I don’t know what we need to do, all’s I know that its cold here and I don’t like it!” the little man said sourly. “Well’s we here and that’s that!” said Jenson with some finality though there was some reservation in his voice “We, we… got… grandeur, yeah, that’s it grandeur!” Smith was unconvinced. “We ain’t got shit! We should try to get away from here, this place is not good,” he said with simple simplicity. “A lot you know,” said Jenson. “Look at me! I’m an important man! You think we should go back? To what? Serving toffs? Fuck that! I’ll stay here. And if’n ya know what’s good for ya, you’ll follow suit!” “That’s what I been doing, following you’se! And all I’m eating is fucking half cooked meat and drinking bad whiskey!” “Well, be thankful for it,” growled Jenson. Smith stood up and backhanded the other man, sending him sprawling. “I’m finished with you, I don’t need you!” said the shaking little man with a lion’s fury. Jenson quickly stood up and pulling his knife from its sheath buried to the hilt in Smith’s chest, the surprise on his face was evident. “Morton? You, you… stabbed me,” he said, tears welling up in his eyes. “And I don’t need you,” said Jenson as he lowered Smith’s body to the cold ground. Now he was alone. He waved for two Eskimos, who upon entering the tent saw Smith’s lifeless body. “Get rid of ‘im!” he ordered and the body was pulled outside never to be seen again. Its final resting place concerned no one, least of all Jenson. There were calls and barking dogs. Thah exited his shelter to see the sleds of Lak and his men approaching. When they came to a halt, Thah walked over and met the renegade leader. The travel had been long but by the looks of the loaded sleds and the frightened faces of the women taken, it appeared to be worth it. “I have shelter and food prepared,” said the young subordinate. Lak nodded, “Take me there. Ogwah, accompany me,” he turned to Keelut. “You take care of the dogs.” Keelut burned at the insult but remained silent. To go against Lak in his own camp surrounded by his followers would be suicide. Keelut was vain and foolish but not completely stupid. “As you wish Lak,” said Keelut in a controlled voice. Lak grinned. He knew Keelut was filled with anger but had little in way of an outlet for such. It gave him pleasure. “Thah, come!” said the older man. “Talk with me.” The three men walked into a small shelter and sat down where they were given food and drink. “Well, what can you tell me?” asked Lak pulling out the chart Keelut had stolen. Thah took a drink of hot tea and wiped his mouth. “Jenson has been training the men on how to use the guns. Oh,” he said as an afterthought. “Smith the one that came with him and Keelut is dead. Jenson killed him.” Lak nodded casually at the news as if he’d been told it would snow tomorrow. “It is no great loss.” “Just as well really,” said Ogwah speaking up. “We’ve brought more guns that will keep the outsider busy enough.” Thah nodded. “Just as well. He’s less trouble that way.” “What of the ship?” asked Lak biting into some meat. “Our people have watched it,” said Thah looking at the chart that had been rolled out. He pointed with a dirty finger just past Ellesmere Island. “They are in this area, moving slowly.” “You made no move against them?” asked Lak. Thah shook his head. “No, we’ve only watched as you told us to do.” Lak nodded his head with approval. Ogwah ventured a question. “Lak, we have the guns and the men, why not take them now?” Lak shook his head. “We wait. They have a reason for being here and they won’t be able to move much further. They have dogs, so they will be on the ice. I think there will be two groups, one that will separate from the ship.” Ogwah nodded his understanding, “Divided, their numbers will be less.” “And they will be weaker,” added Thah. “And in an ideal position for us,” said Lak. The three men laughed. Foolish for the outsiders to come this far, regardless of their reasons, it really was going to be easy, of that there was no doubt. Keelut finished with the dogs as quickly as he could, having no wish to be taunted by the others who might see him in such a demeaning position. Finding some food and drink he made his way to the tent of Jenson. They needed to talk.