Rebel Moon Part One--A Child of Fire by V. Castro

Author:V. Castro
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags:  
Publisher: Titan

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Aris placed his hand on Hagen’s shoulder. “I will do my absolute best.”

The old man gave him a warm smile. “I trust you will, especially knowing how you tried to help Sam. That took real courage and bravery. Your father and mother raised you with honor. They would be proud.”

Aris averted his eyes and looked into the distance. “Thank you. Thinking about them is not easy…” He took a deep breath. “Anyway, it’s nice to be around good people again.”

Den climbed out of one of the ditches behind the ship and stood before the villagers. After Sindri’s death no one volunteered to lead, and no one questioned Den’s unofficial appointment to the position of village leader as the villagers came to him for advice or to organize them when the village needed to gather. He was younger than any previous leaders; however, with the looming threat, he seemed like a natural choice given his physical strength and prowess as a hunter. He took the position with humility, even though he didn’t hold back from delegating tasks or asserting his opinion. Den liked that he could finally have the chance to prove himself beyond his labor. “We have to work together now. Everyone take hold of the rope… Ready… heave!”

Everyone did exactly as told, including Aris. The uraki dug their hooves into the ground and pulled with loud snorts and brays. The villagers grunted and held onto the ropes, even when they slid through their fingers as they felt the weight of the ship once it was released from the compacted soil. Inch by slow inch it slid up the side of the crater. It would gain some purchase then slip again.

Being one of the largest, Den pulled at the end. “Come on! We do this together or not at all. Our lives are on the line,” he shouted, encouraging them to keep the momentum despite the strain. The uraki didn’t like the noise or being pulled so hard. They were used to being in the fields and pulling logs or stones, not ships, yet even they toiled and struggled forward.

After a grueling half an hour, the dropship teetered over the lip of the ditch until it was free from where it landed. The villagers released a collective sigh and cheered and embraced each other at their accomplishment. Den went to each participant to pat them on the back and make sure they were okay after the extreme exertion. Sam brought water around the group to cool them down and hydrate. Aris ran to the metal carcass to give it a quick inspection, and peeked inside through one of the windows. He pressed on the seam of the door to release it. It opened slowly with a creak. Hagen and Sam appeared next to him. With his ever-optimistic grin, Hagen slapped him on the back. “What do you think?”

Aris looked to the sun, and to the moons beginning to make their appearance. A cool breeze rustled his hair. “I think we’re staying the night.

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