Winter's Rising by Mark Tufo

Author:Mark Tufo [Tufo, Mark]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mark Tufo

Chapter 12

The Klondike and Dystance Camps

“SO IT SEEMS that the Ferals have started the bloodshed,” Haden, the leader of the Klondikes, stated. He was off to the far right of the action with his second in command, Serrot.

“Ferals killing Dystancians…who cares?” Serrot stated, bored with the whole thing. “I’d be more impressed if they were killing Hillians.”

“Did you see that girl standing on the rock?”

“What of her?”

“She was magnificent. If there were ever a true female warrior, she is one.”

“She wouldn’t stand a chance against any of the women in our tribe.”

Haden had his doubts about that but kept them to himself. “I want to meet her.”

“Are you crazy? We need to seek out the Hillians and either catch them completely off-guard and destroy them or make a peace accord until such time we can square off against each other.”

“How well has that worked for our people in the past, Serrot?”

This time Serrot was silent for a moment. “What are you suggesting, Haden? An alliance with the Brutons?”

“What about them?” He was pointing to the rock enclosure.

Serrot snorted. “Them? They’re chattel. They’re just in the way until the real fighting begins. The Ferals are locked on; they’ll destroy them as soon as the sun sets. I say let them. Maybe if we’re lucky they’ll put up a decent fight and take a bunch of the savages with them.”

“And what if they win?”

“Really? So what, Haden? Don’t let one girl cloud your judgment.”

“I don’t think she’s just any girl, Serrot.”

“You’re not going to change your mind, are you? I’ve seen that look before. Haden, come on, think of all we’ve gone through for just this war. Don’t blow it over them,” he said with disdain.

“Get the archers up here.”

“All of them? Are you sure?”

“Serrot, do not forget your place. I do not need to explain myself to you.”

“I’m sorry, I sometimes forget who we are on the field, since we’ve been friends and walker-mates since we could begin remembering.”

Haden blinked and finally looked at his friend. “I’m sorry as well, Serrot. You are right–the Ferals will attack tonight. If we can inflict grave damage on them while they’re attention is directed elsewhere, I wish to do so. We’ve lost far too many people to the soulless ones. I would like to impart a little retribution.”

“This has nothing to do with the girl then?”

“I didn’t say that…but the fact remains we still have a chance to wound a dangerous enemy; we should take that opportunity while we can.”

“And once the Ferals are dealt with?”

“We’ll see,” Haden said as he pulled back.

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