Day 1706

I am ready for battle if such is what he desires. My blade will taste of his soft flesh if such is his want. I shall know victory, for this is not for me, but for my people.

Day 1694

Whose blood drips now into the pond, in which I see a face beside my machete?

Day 1688

His machete has taken down one of the villager's  buffalo. The hide dries in the noonday sun. He will make sandals from his ill-gotten slaughter, while I continue to walk barefoot through the village and tend to the soil and my people.

Day 1685

The village suffers for my forbearance.

Day 1679

I seek not to harvest his scalp.

Day 1673

I taper the steel and sharpen the wide edge. I build a handle to encase the hard metal. With the tools I make, as best I can, I shall defend this village against its enemies.

Day 1671

Ahmed's boils have grown worse. I venture into the forest and forage for plants with which to make a soothing salve. I see the destruction wrought by his machete on the moist soil.  He is the cobra waiting in the weeds to strike.