"The village is near," one warrior said.
"Thank goodness we're almost there."
Midori had insisted on walking on her own, saying a full night's rest had renewed her strength. Her steps picked up as well, now that they knew the tribe's village near the edge of the jungle was close at hand.
Finally, the trees broke, revealing a village of round, thatched hut homes nestled in a valley alongside a picturesque river. The sun shone over the cleared land where neatly tilled gardens overflowed with fruits and vegetables. Zephryn whistled, and a whoop came in response from the village. A throng of men, women, and children poured from the huts, running to greet the party, raising their spears aloft in joy at the tribesmen's return.
"Welcome home, Zephryn," a tall Zebran warrior said, clapping the tribe's leader on the shoulder in greeting. "Was your hunt fruitful?"
"Indeed it was," Zephryn said and turned behind him.
The tribesmen parted, revealing Cael, Midori, and Pugly at the rear of the group. But if they had been expecting a warm greeting, they were mistaken.
A cry of disbelief rang out from the people.
"Death to the four-armed scourge!" someone yelled.
And as one, the villagers pointed their spears directly at Cael.
SIXTEEN
"No!" Midori cried out, stepping in front of Cael, but the villagers' weapons remained trained on him. She opened her mouth to say more, but Zephryn's voice rose above the tribe, clear and full of authority.
"This four-armer saved me, and I owe him a life debt. No harm will come to him. He and his female have volunteered to help us retrieve our stolen women from the city. I trust him, and we will share with him our Zebran hospitality."
As Zephryn's words echoed through the village, the tension in the air dissipated slightly. The villagers lowered their weapons, but their gazes remained wary and uncertain as they whispered to each other. Midori felt a mix of relief and unease at their cautious acceptance.
"I can sense their fear," Pugly said. "They've seen people like Cael before. Your people stole their women, and they hate you for it."
Midori took Cael's hand in her own. "He had nothing to do with that."
Cael squeezed her fingers reassuringly, but the look on his face was troubled. "I don't blame them. I might feel the sameway if the situation was reversed. These people have been through a lot. No wonder they're so angry."
A brave Zebran child, her black and white skin striped with the same patterns as her elders, stepped forward. Her long white hair hung in intricate braids down her back, save for a few escaped wisps caught by a breeze. She looked like she'd still be in grade school, if they had that sort of thing here. She was perhaps eight or nine years old.
The girl crooked her finger, begging to Midori to bend down. The girl's black eyes widened as she took in Midori's strange coloring and features, and she reached out tentatively, stroking her fingers along Midori's cheek. She looked down at her hand, her brow puzzled.
"I thought it might rub off like mud. I've never seen such a strange flesh color before," she explained.
Midori laughed, and the girl's eyes widened even further as she studied her teeth.
"They're so blunt! How do you eat?" Her lips curled, showing off her own sharp canines.
"I promise, I can eat." Midori's stomach grumbled at the talk of food. The tribesmen had shared their rations with her and Cael, but it was just enough to keep them going. How long had it been since she'd had a full meal? She couldn't remember.
"Come with me. There will be a feast for my father's return." The girl took Midori's hand in her small calloused one and tugged.
"Who is your father?"
"Zephryn, the tribal chief. I'm Zana. I'll be chief someday too, because of how brave I am."
Midori smiled at the girl's chatter, but she couldn't deny the child was brave. No one else from the village had shown the courage to step forward like she had.
Midori glanced back at Cael. He gave her a reassuring nod, urging her to follow the child. Zana led them down the hill into the heart of the village.
Midori studied the buildings as they walked past. The dwellings were round huts built from wood and woven materials, each with its own unique design. Some were decorated with colorful beads or feathers, while others had intricate carvings on their wooden frames. They were beautiful in their simplicity.
Zana led her to a large central hut where most of the village was gathered. They welcomed her and Cael, but their eyes held a hint of suspicion. They respected Zephran's decision to trust them, however. For now, at least.
