Chapter 24

Kinta ran toward Luna, ready to impale her. This girl brings dishonor to the Taligo Tribe, Kinta told herself. What must be done, must be done. But, the girl's amber eyes showed no fear. They were not like the eyes of someone about to be killed.

"Niko!" A girl with long blond hair raced toward Luna.

"Ani!" A boy, most likely her twin, shouted back. They hugged for about two seconds, then ran toward Kinta. Niko shot an arrow at Kinta, but his aim was terrible. It flew right past Kinta. She smirked. This should be fun. She threw her sword at Niko, like it was a spear. She missed, but just barely. The sword whizzed by, inches from Niko's head. He looked around nervously.

"Ha!" Ani had caught the sword. The red beads rattled. For once in her life, Kinta was afraid. She had no weapon to defend her. This is how I die, she realized. She broke into a cold sweat.

Kinta had flashbacks of her life. Her parents, laying in a small bed, dying. Soldiers coming to Kinta's door, ready to kill her for being an Orphan. Mother Vexa teaching her to become a strong warrior. Pierce becoming High Guard. And, the most recent one, Kinta putting poison in Pierce's food.

Kinta slumped to the ground, tears pouring down her face. She cried for her lost parents. She cried for Pierce. She cried for the way she had been living. Ani raised Kinta's sword, ready to kill her, when Luna called out, "Wait!"