The Survival Tribe

Prologue

Veran and I had been friends since we were three. We were playmates then of course, we played together nearly every day since we met. But after a few years, “play” just wasn’t the word. We still got together everyday, but we no longer played games such as hide and seek or tag. Instead, we mock-battled. At least it started out as “mock”. When we were in our mid-teens, it started to get serious...

I looked around me. The tree behind my back made me feel more secure, the branches above me shuddered with a breeze; or maybe something else. In front of me was the forest, well really the forest was all around me, but I couldn’t see behind the huge tree unless I wanted to reveal my hiding place.

I waited nervously for something to happen, when nothing happened for ten minutes, I began to get tired of standing. I sat down and put my head on my knees.

I woke up after what must have been hours later. I cursed myself. Then I noticed that my hands were tied behind my back and my  ankles were bound together tightly too. Next I realized more ropes pinned my back to the tree I was sitting against.

“Alright you won.” I shouted, after testing the strength of the chords.

There was a thud next to me as my best friend Veran landed on the ground.

“Excellent! That’ll be ten speeds for me then?” Veran said.

“Yeah, yeah. Don’t rub it in.” I said glumly.

“I can’t believe you thought I couldn’t catch you, after... how many times have I caught you again?” Veran wondered happily, beginning to undo the knots.

“Too many.” I muttered.

That is how we battled. Whoever got caught and couldn’t escape had to give the other ten speeds. This is one reason I never went to an academy.

Another reason I didn’t attend the academy was: I just didn’t want to. I was was too curious and adventurous for that. But, there was a secret society that was rumored to hold meetings somewhere under the city of Browle.

First of all, I wanted to be able to beat Veran for once. Second, they were supposed to be wanted by the king's Grand Advisor, Mynnucus, for conspiracy against the king. That's something that might turn most people away, but I wanted the outlaw lifestyle. So, when I turned eighteen, I left my dead parents' house and set off, seeking adventure.

Chapter One

-Reena-

I sat on my cot. I was so tired. It was a Friday night and I had been working all day. At this point in my life, I was twenty-one, and I was working from sunup to sundown in a cow pasture. It wasn’t the greatest job ever, but it got me a place to sleep, so I was happy... for now.

It took me awhile to find the Survival Tribe, but I was in it now, and I was the Captain of the First Clan. In my Clan, there were three groups: The Red group, the Blue group, and the Green group. Each group had five members, plus me. I was the Captain over fifteen Tribal members.

And tonight was my fourth promotion ceremony. Not everyone gets a fourth, most people don’t even get two! But tonight was my fourth and I was becoming a general. This meant that I was second in command under the Chief.

Suddenly, a buzz interrupted my tired thoughts. I looked over at my M.D. The M.D. is a Magical Device that is given to every member of the Survival Tribe to use to communicate to each other' transportation, and anything else you might need. I picked mine up and said,

“Answer.”

It complied, and gave me this recording, “It is time. Everyone into your uniforms and report to base.”

I sighed, “This is it.”

I started to dress. I switched my muddy brown tunic and leggings for a grey tunic, and black leggings and cloak. I pulled my boots back on, and tied a white cloth around my waist. I nodded with satisfaction at my reflection in my only mirror. I picked up my M.D. once again.

“Transport to base.” I ordered.

For one  more second, I was standing in my small house, but the next, I wasn’t anywhere at all. Then still the next second, I was outside Browle’s City Tavern. I walked down the outdoor cellar stairway, knocked three times on the door, and said, clearly,

“Survival C1.”

This told the door who I was. Then it screened me with magic to see if I was telling the truth. When it finished, the door creaked open. I stepped inside.

The room looked nothing like a cellar. In fact, it wasn’t the tavern cellar at all. Any normal person could get in here, but they would not see or hear anything unless they told the door in the code who they were. And of course, they had to be telling the truth.

Instead, the room was bright and merry looking. It held rows and rows of chairs. And at the front of the room, facing the rest of the chairs, were three, comfy looking armchairs. Sitting in the center armchair was a tall, scruffy, and strongly-built man. He had brown hair to his shoulders, worn in a ponytail at his neck, and bright blue eyes. His nose was slightly larger than average, but was well shaped. This man was the Chief. He wore a uniform like everyone else, and the only thing to differentiate him from the rest, was the black stone hanging from his neck.

Next to him, was a smaller man. He was still quite tall, just not as broad and muscular. This man had dirty blonde hair and a pointed nose. His eyes were also blue, though not as bright as the Chief’s.

Spotting me, the Chief waved me over. I took my time, dreading the ceremony. I waded through the rows of chairs, which were filling up quite fast. When I finally reached Chief, he patted my arm and told me to sit down. “Reena, it’s good to see you.” Chief said, “You are well?”

“I’m fine, Theodore.” I said, “How are you?”

“I am extremely excited, and overwhelmingly happy. There hasn’t been a woman on the Head for decades!” Theodore said, beaming.

“I would say, ‘It’s a pleasure,’ if not for this ceremony. It’s my fourth one, do I really need it?” I asked.

Chief leaned closer to whisper something in my ear, “I’m thinking you might to have another one!”

I gasped, shaking my head, and whispered, “Me? Why me?”

“I would vote for you, and I'm sure several others would agree.” He said.

I blushed under the praise. Just then, an M.D. buzzed. Everyone looked around at Chief Theodore, who was standing, arms raised for silence.

“Welcome everyone!” Theodore said loudly, “Tonight we are holding a promotion ceremony for two wonderful Captains!” (A cheer went up) “Yes! Both Captain Reena Bontoule and Captain Stephen Lowin are being promoted to General in the Survival Tribe!”

Another cheer rang through the room. Chief Theodore motioned for Stephen and I to stand. We slowly walked toward the Chief and stood on either side of him. Theodore placed a hand on each of our shoulders and said,

“Please repeat after me.” He eyed us, “I, (state your name) promise to use my new assignment to the advantage of those I serve. I swear not to use my new position of power for my own personal gain, and I make this commitment: I will forever serve you and guide you and protect you, if you do your part for me.”

Both me and Stephen practically had this oath memorized, so we recited it very easily, without any pauses or mistakes. When we finished, we continued the ritual by staring at the crowd. One by one, they stood and said, “I,” showing that they would do their part by doing what we tell them to.

When every person in the hall was standing, Chief clapped his hands together twice. At the back of the room, a woman with sleek auburn hair and dark brown eyes walked forward. In each hand she carried a chain. Each chain held a jewel. They looked just like the one Theodore wore, just grey, not black.

The woman handed them to the Chief, and walked back to the back of the room. Theodore turned to me first, I bowed my head, feeling foolish. Chief placed the necklace around my neck. I flipped my hair back so it wouldn’t get caught in the chain. The Chief proceeded to put the other around Stephen’s neck.

When that was all done, Theodore grabbed my right hand and Stephen’s left and raised them in the air. The whole room exploded with cheers. No one could hear themselves over everyone else, so they yelled louder and louder. Until the Chief cut them off.

“Thank you all for coming. I hope that I made a good choice in choosing the Head of the Survival Tribe. And I want you all to show your best effort and give support for Generals Bontoule and Lowin! Farewell!”

Everyone stood and pulled out their M.D.s or else stayed to talk with friends. I whipped out my M.D. trying to get out of there before Theodore caught me for conversation.

“Hey Reena!”

Too late.

“Theodore?” I asked.

“Hey, I was wondering, there is something I need done, and I wanted you to do it.” Chief said.

“What is it?” I asked, curious now.

“I need the best of the best to steal something for me.” He complimented.

“What is it?” I said again, “just tell me already or it’s a no.”

“I need you to go to the museum tonight. There is a blue platform that is not on display, it’s in storage, and its ancient. It needs to be tonight because, we aren’t the only ones who want it.”

“Alright, where is it?” I asked, knowing he was speaking of the second piece of the Success. I didn’t need to argue, as long as I knew every detail.

“In the basement. It should be on top of the first row of boxes. They just recently recieved it from its owner, who was afraid of being robbed. It is very important to our future plans.” He replied.

“Got it. Is there anything else I need to know?”

“Just be careful, they know someone will try to steal it, so the security might be hard to avoid.”

“Don’t worry, I can get out of anything.” I told him. Then I told my M.D. “Transport to the Browle Museum.”

Chapter Two

-Reena-

I pulled my black hood over my head, staring at the dark museum. We didn’t go around stealing all the time, but every once in awhile, we would be assigned to steal something, and we couldn’t refuse. Now I knew that the king and the entire city of Browle depended on these endeavors, we could not fail.

Tonight, I had a brand new platform, painted to look just like the antique one. My plan was to switch them, and hope no one would notice. I tiptoed around to the back of the museum. I then pulled out my M.D. and, pointing it at the locked door handle, asked the M.D. to unlock it. The lock clicked, and I carefully opened the door.

“Levitate me.” I whispered to my M.D.

Suddenly, I was floating a good deal above where my waist should have been. I leaned through the open doorway, and glided into the dark room. I looked around very carefully, surveying every object in the room. Then I spotted it.

The platform had a blue base, about five feet in diameter. It also had a metal pole sticking out of the center of the circular platform. I quickly soared over to it and switched it for the fake one. Next, I asked my M.D. to transport it to Theodore. when the platform had disappeared, I floated back outside.

“Undo levitation.” I ordered my  M.D.

I landed on the ground. Then I locked the door and shut it. I was about to turn around, when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I froze.

Then I heard a voice, “Keep your hands where I can see them.”

I slowly raised both my hands above my head. I felt a knife tip on my back. I remained motionless. I knew I could get away. But something made me act dumb. Made me want to stay, just for the fun of it.

“Now, tell me what you took.” The watchman said.

“I didn’t take anything, go on in, have a look.” I said gruffly, trying to get him to leave me alone.

“Oh, I’ll have a look alright, but first I’m taking you to the Royal Guard.” He said, and then he paused. I couldn’t see what he was doing, but then he continued, “Please put your hands behind your back.”

I scowled, bringing my arms behind my back. The watchman tied them together very expertly. When he was done tying my hands, he told me to sit down. Next, he tied my ankles together.

After he was sure I couldn’t get away, he ran toward the prison, just a few buildings away. This was my chance, if I could just get out of these ropes. I struggled for a moment, just to see if I could get out on my own. When I couldn’t, I said,

“M.D. Untie me.”

My M.D. whizzed out of my cloak pocket, and rested against my forehead. The next second, I was free. But right before I could transport home, someone called to me.

“Hey! You there!” It was a member of the Royal Guard!

I panicked, and started running. Shortly after, I tripped on a rope tied to one ankle. I cursed, that wasn’t the first time that had happened to me.
The soldier caught up and grabbed my arms, holding them behind my back. I winced, it kind of hurt.

Just then, another soldier approached, “Remove her hood Ralph.” The man said.

I gasped. I knew that voice, “Veran?” I said.

The man holding me removed my hood, keeping a firm hold on my hands. Now it was Veran’s turn to gasp.

“Reena?” He asked, his eyes softening, then they hardened again, “What are you doing? The museum watchman said you were found in the museum basement! You weren’t stealing something were you?”

I was still so surprised, that I almost confessed. But I caught myself, “What? Me, stealing? I just can’t pay to get in, and I wanted to see the new platform. I didn’t take anything.” It was a lie, and I felt terrible for telling it.

“Uh-huh, and you just happened to be wearing a  Survival Tribe uniform?” Veran said, “I’m not buying it.”

I scowled. Veran had always said I was a terrible liar. To make myself feel better, I decided to make a joke, “So what do I owe you this time?”

“It’s not funny to steal, Reena!” Veran scolded, “And to answer your question, you have a choice. Between imprisonment, and interrogation.”

My face fell, “And how much would I have to pay to get released?”

“A fine of one thousand speeds.” Veran answered, “To pay for damage by your hand, and anything else that needs to be fixed.”

I groaned as Ralph reaffirmed his grip. For a moment, I thought I saw concern in Veran’s eyes as well. But it was gone the moment I looked at him closely. I was curious about what that look meant, but I had more pressing problems.

“One thousand speeds?” I asked, “I don’t think I’ve ever had that much money in my entire life.”

“Just make your choice Reena.” Veran ordered impatiently.

“First, I need to know what you’re going to ask me?”

“Fine. I think the only questions I have are: Who? and Where?” He answered.

“Who?”

“Who is leading this rebellion.” Veran said.

“It isn’t a rebellion, we’re on the King’s side.” I told him, “Will you let me ask?”

He screwed up his eyes as if trying to understand what I meant.

“I can’t leave if someone’s holding on to me, I just need one hand.” I coaxed him.

“Oh all right.” Veran said, “Hold tight to her other arm Ralph.”

The man squeezed tighter on my right arm as he let my left hand go. I pulled out my M.D. and asked it to request a conversation with the Chief.

“Reena!” Theodore’s voice came on, “What happened, are you alright?”

“I’m caught. Don’t say anything obvious, the Royal Guard is listening.” I told the M.D.

“Okay,” A sigh of frustration, “What are your options?

“Either I give up tribal information, or go to prison.” I said.

“Funny, they don’t want what you took back.” Theodore said.

“Yeah, hey I could really use some help deciding what to do.” I reminded him.

“Alright, how about you tell them what they want to know, but be sure to keep code-one and code-two. After they let you go, return to your house and wait for further instruction.”

“Got it.” I replied. I was disappointed inside though. It turns out I would have to lie anyway. Code-one and code-two were telling me not to give away the information Veran needed from me.

“Good bye Reena.” Theodore said.

I returned my M.D to its pocket; Ralph roughly grabbed my hand again.

“Alright,” Veran said, his eyes daring me to lie.“Where are you having your meetings held?”

I took a deep breath, “At the city tavern.” I said, not giving away the most important part.

“See that wasn’t so hard, and who is your leader Reena?” Veran asked.

I answered cautiously, “Our Chiefs name? Even I don’t know that. We just call him Chief.” I did my best to look truthful.

He squinted at me. I knew he didn’t believe me, but he said, “Alright.” Then he nodded at Ralph, who was still holding my arms behind my back; Ralph let go.

I yanked my arm away, then stood up. I grabbed my M.D. out of my pocket, and told it to take me home. When I arrived outside my hut, I ran inside, slammed the door, and threw myself on my cot; I cried.

Chapter Three

-Reena-

In the morning, I woke with a terrible headache. It was so bad, that I couldn’t see anything! I had to stay home from the cow pastures, (not that I wasn’t glad about that,) and I had a perfectly dreadful morning.

By the time Theodore stopped by, I could see, but I still had the splitting headache. I was lying on my cot when Theodore knocked on the door.

“Come in.” I said loudly.

He opened the door, stepped in and closed the door again. He looked at me for a moment, with my hands holding my head, before he spoke.

“Reena, are you alright?” He asked, worry crossing his expression.

“I don’t mean to complain, but I have had the most horrible headache all day. This morning, I couldn’t even see, it hurt so bad!” I complained.

“Alright then. Do you feel up to talking?” Theodore asked.

“Theodore, are you really going to let me have a choice?” I asked sarcastically.

“No, I guess not.” He said, “So I’ll get on with it. I really need to know exactly what happened last night.”

I sighed. Then jumped into the story. I told him about being caught by security, and how I almost got away, but then the Royal Guard soldier caught me by the ankle.

I told him about Veran, but of course I didn’t mention his name or the fact that I knew him. I didn’t want Theodore to know my past at the moment.

When I’d finished, Theodore spoke, “Is there anything else I need to know?”

I shook my head. After Theodore left, I realized my headache was gone too. That was a relief.

As I readied for bed, (for it really was quite late,) I thought about Veran. I realized, as I pictured his features, that he was quite good looking. Veran had dark brown hair and eyes, and he was well muscled and strong.

I went over everything that had happened the night before. I wondered why he didn’t just throw me into prison. I knew he knew I stole something and maybe he knew what it was I took, but I wanted to know why he let me go. It troubled me so much, I couldn’t get to sleep for several hours.

-Veran-

It was early, and I sat in my office thinking. I was thinking about the beautiful girl I didn’t throw into prison. She had the most beautiful hazel brown eyes, and her hair was an amazing mixture of honey and brown. Her head was the perfect shape, and she was tall for her age, but not taller than me. I put her at about five-seven, five-eight.

Seeing this girl again after three years brought back the memories of our many years together as playmates. I wished I could go back to those days. They were wonderful, carefree days, and I miss them terribly.

Suddenly, my first officer stepped into the office.

“Sir, there has been no activity in the tavern as of late.”

“Very well Thom,” I sighed, “Continue to watch. As soon as multiple people wearing their uniforms turn up, send word, I want to witness this.”

“Yes Sir.” Thom replied, then retreated.

I was starting to wonder whether Reena had lied about the whereabouts of the Survival Tribal meetings. I didn’t think she had lied, but maybe there was a secret way in, or magic protecting the place or something.

It had been two days since Reena stole the platform from the museum. Two days since they started investigating the tavern. And two days since I had seen Reena again after three years. Shouldn’t the Survival Tribe have had a meeting yet? I thought so, and I hoped they would have one soon.

Just then, I heard galloping hooves outside the prison. I looked up just as Thom stumbled back into the room.

“Sir! I’ve just received word, that there are many people wearing black cloaks  and grey tunics entering the tavern by the cellar door.” The man’s words tumbled out of his mouth.

“Prepare my horse.” I said, “I’m coming.”

Thom nodded, “Yes Sir.” And was off.

I quickly adorned my navy blue cloak, then pulled on my boats. I stuffed some papers inside my desk drawers, and dashed out of the room towards the stables.

I jumped on my horse, Mellow, who had been saddled and bridled by Thom.

“Let’s ride.” I said, when Thom climbed on his steed, Nipper.

Thom clicked his reins, and kicked Nipper in the flanks. Nipper bolted off. I copied Thom, and soon, we were riding side by side. We tried to wave at citizens as galloped by.

Soon we made it to the square that the tavern resided in. We decided to tie the horses a ways away, so we could watch without being obvious. We sat on a bench outside an inn to watch the tavern. For a few moments, I wondered why Thom had summoned me. The next second though, a man appeared. The muscularly large man walked forward, and stopped. He looked straight at Thom and I.

But then he kept walking as if he didn’t see us. The man walked to the door, and knocked three times on the cellar door. Next, he said something I didn’t hear, then there was a mist hovering over him, but it lasted only a brief second. When the mist disappeared, the door opened, and the man walked inside.

I was curious now. I was curious to find out how the door to the cellar worked. After what seemed like forever, (but really it must have been under five minutes,) I started getting impatient again. But then, suddenly the man stepped out of the building.

He leaned against the wall. He appeared to be waiting for someone, or something. I waited with him, question after question chasing each other through my brain. Minutes passed, and the man started pacing in front of the door.

Suddenly, people started popping out of nowhere. When they regained their balance, they immediately walked forward and repeated the ritual of knocking thrice on the cellar door. They looked at the man pacing with surprise and fear. He ignored them, he appeared to be waiting for a specific person.

As I continued to watch him, he walked forward and grabbed a young woman by her wrist. I recognised her; it was Reena.

Chapter Four

-Reena-

Theodore grabbed my wrist and pulled me aside. We walked over to a merchant’s cart to talk in private.

“What?” I asked.

“Look over there.” Theodore answered, nodding toward an inn across the square.

I turned my head toward the spot. Veran and another law-enforcement officer were sitting on a stone bench outside the inn. A smile crept up my lips. I stared at Veran for a long while. He was watching Theodore and I, I could tell.

“What are you smiling at? Did you mean for them to come?” Theodore asked disbelievingly, startling me back to the present.

“Of course not!” I scoffed.

“When I asked you if there was anything else, I meant for you to tell me what you told the Captain!” Theodore fumed.

“I’m sorry,” I said defensively, “I told him we met at the Tavern, I didn’t tell him how to get in!”

“Even so,” Theodore said, “If they break in, and start capturing everyone in sight, how will that make you feel?”

I hung my head, “Terrible,” I muttered. I noticed I was wringing my hands, so I lowered them to my waist, “What do you want me to do?”

He took a moment to answer, “I would like you, to please, explain this to everyone today.”

I nodded slowly. I knew I deserved it. I was worried though. I was worried Veran would capture all my friends. But Veran was my friend too, right? I was so confused.

-Veran-

She looked over at me, and smiled. Could she really be happy to see me? I knew I was happy to see her. But before my thoughts could fester, the strong man said something that gained her attention again. Reena hung her head and fiddled her hands, then put her hands on her waist and nodded sullenly.

For some reason I hated seeing her upset like that. And now that I knew who was responsible for her pain, I would make that man pay for it. Suddenly, Reena looked back up at me. I smiled, but her expression was accusatory, her gaze disbelieving. She walked sadly toward the entrance to the Tavern cellar.

Soon, all the Survival Tribe members were in the tavern cellar. I waited for a few moments to see if anyone was late, before I rose to my feet. I walked cautiously over to the door. I pressed my ear to the door, but heard nothing. Next, I knocked three times on the door.

“I don’t think you’ll be able to get in Captain.” Thom thom said, at my shoulder.

“I kn... woa!” I said, because a sparkly mist was emitting from the cellar door. Then it was gone and the door opened. I looked at Thom, before walking into the tavern cellar.

No one was in the dark room. Instead, the cellar was stacked high with boxes. Jars and bottles of wine and champagne lining the walls. The room looked like a cellar. Maybe there was a secret passageway to the meating place, or else we really hadn’t got in.

“Sir? Captain, I think we should wait outside.” Thom said cautiously, “Why don’t we go outside until they come out again?”

I nodded and led the way back outside.

-Reena-

When everyone was seated in their seats. Theodore stood.

“Good morning everyone.” He said, less than brightly, “Before we get started today, General Bontoule has a few words.”

He sat down again as I stood. I walked to the front of the platform.

“Many of you may have noticed, we had a couple of unwelcome visitors watching us today! “ I began, “I want all of you to know that it is my fault, and I’m sorry.  I was sent to retrieve an artifact from the museum and succeeded, but I ended up getting caught on escape.

“I told them on a bargain that we met at the tavern. I didn’t tell them anything else, not how to get in, or even that we met in the cellar. I’m really sorry for all the hassle and inconvenience. Please don’t react, just stay calm and everything will turn out alright. We don’t want to get the Chief hurt.”

I sat down in my chair. Theodore stood again,

“Thank you General for that confession.” He said, “Now, today a terrific battle will take place. This battle will be between your new Generals!” He paused as an excited cheer went up, “ It will be a sword fight, as usual, and the winner will be the last one standing.”

The whole tribe cheered and hooted and wolf-whistled. Stephen and I stood as one. We walked together toward the front of the raised platform. When we were a foot in front of Theodore, I turned toward Stephen, and he towards me. We clasped hands.

Theodore stepped in front of us and shouted to the ecstatic crowd, “Yes! But here there is not nearly enough space for a sword fight. We shall have our battle in a nearby cornfield. We will travel there shortly.

“ As you all probably know this battle will help you decide who you want as Chief next. You will vote in our next meeting. Now, if everyone will please transport to the Sirianna City Cornfield, we can begin our battle!”

Chapter Five

-Veran-

We hid behind some barrels full of Ale while we waited for The Survival Tribe to reappear. After nearly twenty minutes of waiting, crouched with ears open, I grew very cramped and very irritated. I was about to stand and stretch, when suddenly the cellar door opened and two hooded men stepped out.

“The coast’s clear, Chief.” One man said, after looking around.

Another man walked out of the tavern cellar. It was the same man that had spoken to Reena before. This man was the Chief? I had just discovered the Survival Tribe Chief. I was exhilarated.

“To the field!” The Chief called behind him.

Reena and another man walked out next. They were followed by the rest of the Survival Tribe. When all of them had transported, I stood and turned to Thom.

Thom said, “They're going to the cornfield?”

“That’s what I heard.” I replied.

“Are we going to follow them?”

I looked at him and smiled, “Of course.”

We hurried back to the horses, not wanting to miss anything. We galloped off toward the cornfield, located behind the city. When we reached the entrance to the cornfield, we dismounted and tied the horses to a fence.

Leading the way, I walked into the corn, heading in the direction of voices. The noise grew louder and louder, until I could see the corn thinning. Through the thinning corn, I could see movement. I walked around the circle a bit and sat down to watch, Thom close behind me.

-Reena-

I stood on one side of the circle, on the other, directly across from me, sword in hand, stood Stephen. The rest of the Survival Tribe stood in groups surrounding the circle. I gripped my sword fiercely in my right hand, staring down my opponent. Stephen matched my gaze and grinned. I smiled back. Theodore announced the start of the match.

Immediately, I started circling with Stephen. I waited for him to make the first move. He stepped in and swung, but I met his sword with mine in the middle. We started clashing, both equally matched.

He went for my legs and I jumped over his blade. I raised my sword so I would come down on his shoulder, but he deflected the blow, making my sword catch his arm. Stephen cried out and spun away. Just as Stephen was about to make a rebound, I spotted someone hiding, crouched in the corn, watching. I smiled; Veran.

-Veran-

At first, I was incredulous that they would give Reena a sword. She was no swordsman! But then the match started and I could see her skill. I was amazed.

When Reena’s opponent spun away, I could see the blood on his arm. Reena smiled as she attacked again, this time reaching down to get his legs. But her opponent was ready, he took the chance to give her a nasty cut on her cheek.

I had to stop myself from crying out. The match continued. Reena winced, but raised her sword to meet the next blow. The clashing and clanging rang through the air and grated on my nerves.

The man was attacking again, this time he had Reena from behind, his sword at her neck. Her face calmed, and then she whipped her head back, breaking the man’s nose.

I touched my own nose, remembering Reena had done the same thing to me once. Now, she advanced on the blonde man and dug the blade into his thigh. The man cried out, but didn’t stumble.

Instead, he whipped out a short dagger, and flung it at Reena. She dodged, but it grazed her upper arm. Reena gasped, then she composed.

Reena nipped the sword out of the man’s hand with a flick of her sword tip. A gasp ran through the crowd. I watched intently to see what she would do next.

-Reena-

I breathed in slowly, pointing my sword at Stephen’s chest, but he didn’t react. Slowly, Stephen’s hand went to his belt and he pulled out another dagger. He raised it threateningly.

I smiled, “Are you always so prepared?” I spun away so he could pick up the longer weapon.

He answered, “Only in a sword fight.”

Stephen lunged, I defected. I lunged, he defected. Stephen made a more difficult strike, I crouched. I swung, he dodged. On, and on it went, around in a circle.

After several minutes of this, something struck my shoulder. I looked down, Stephen’s knife was sticking out of my arm. With a grunt, I pulled it out and threw it on the ground.

I looked up to see Stephen charging. I sidestepped his sword point, but rammed into him. We both stumbled, but I was able to keep my balance. I looked over at Stephen.

Stephen had blood running down his face, leg, and arm. I couldn’t tell which of us was worse off.

I put my sword tip on the ground to steady my spinning head. I would have to finish fast, or I would faint, and lose.

Stephen came back around. Right as he was about to bring his sword down, I ducked, pointing my sword hilt above my head.

When I looked over at Stephen, he was lying prostrate on the ground, moaning. I wanted to see if he was alright, but everyone crowded around me. Theodore was in front of me. I gave him a hug.

“Good job Reena!” He cried, “I knew you could do it! Are you alright?”

“Theodore,” I replied, “I’m going to faint.”

And I did.

-Veran-

I watched with jealousy as Reena hugged the Chief. Anger built up inside me as Reena then fell against the strong man. The Chief signaled and everyone transported out of the field.

When everyone was gone, the Chief laid Reena on ther back. He bandaged her arm and have her some water from a goatskin. I heard Reena groan. The Chief hushed her.

I felt Thom tap my shoulder, “Captain,” he said, “Should we take them?”

I shook my head, “She’s wounded. It would be unfair to take her in her weakened state.” But I knew that wasn’t the only reason I didn’t want to take her prisoner.

“But it would be...”

“Soldier!” I whispered, “Are you arguing with me?”

“No sir.” Thom quieted.

I turned my attention back to the scene before me.

Reena was speaking, “Do you think I did it?”

What was she talking about, of course she did it. Didn’t she see the man lying on the ground, groaning?

“I think you’ll get the majority,” the Chief answered her, “You definitely have my vote.”

“Thanks,” Reena’s smile faltered.

“Isn’t that what you want?” The Chief asked.

“I guess. I just don’t know how I will do as the Chief. That’s always been you.”

When she said that, I jolted. Reena, the Survival Tribe Chief? No way.

“Are you alright?” The Chief was saying.

“I”m still a little faint.” Reena replied.

“Should I come to your home with you?”

Reena considered for a moment, then she replied, “I’ll just stay here, but please don’t leave.”

“I’ll stay untill you head home,” The Chief soothed her.

I stood and beckoned to Thom, “Come on, we’re leaving.”

Chapter Six

-Reena-

I woke two days after the sword fight with a plan to keep Veran away from my friends. I would put it into action after the vote today.

Just then, a beep came from my M.D.

“Answer,” I ordered.

“Time to vote everyone! Come to base,” came Theodore’s booming voice.

Quickly, I sent a message to all the members of my Clan to stay after the meeting so I could talk to them.

Once I received 15 responses, I dressed in my uniform and transported to the tavern. Once inside, I took my seat next to Theodore.

“Welcome Reena!” He greeted, “Are you feeling better?”

“Yes, thank you.” I replied, then turned to Stephen, “Sorry about your nose.”

He sniffed, “It was a sword fight, though I’m sorry I chucked the dagger at you. I honestly thought you would dodge it!”

“It’s alright.” I said, “Who’s winning so far?”

Theodore answered, “I’ll not say, you’ll find out once everyone has voted.”

The minutes passed slowly as one by one Survival Tribe members sent in their votes through the M.D.’s.

Finally Theodore stood. Silence settled among the crowd. Theodore began, “Thank you for your time today. We have our results, and it was very close. I agree with everyone; it was definitely a hard choice, but I am proud to announce that with sixty four votes, General Bontoule will be your next Chief!

Everyone cheered, but my face flamed. Stephen reached over and touched my arm, “Congratulations,” he said.

“Thanks,” I whispered.

Theodore beckoned to me, and I jumped up. I couldn’t stop grinning. I walked up to Theodore and hugged him. When we broke apart, I spoke to my audience.

“Thank you. This is overwhelming, I won’t let you down. Thank you so much.” I gasped, all in one breath.

Theodore was beaming, “Congratulations Reena.”

When everyone calmed down, people started to leave. I saw everyone in my Clan still seated. When everyone was gone, I stood and signaled my Clan to meet me outside. I saw Theodore’s eyes following me. I didn’t look back again.

When I walked outside, a good friend, Sasha, greeted me, “Congratulations!”

  "Thank you Sasha," I was still smiling.

  "Why did you ask us to wait behind?" Shasha asked.

   "Because," I said, "We're going on a mission."

   Now I had everyone's full attention. I gazed at my friends, second guessing whether this would work or not. I didn't want to hurt anybody.

I began my explanation, "We're going to have a little fun. All of you know that the Captain of the Royal Guard has been watching us. I have come up with a plan to capture him."

A younger man named Recaan asked, "Why would we want to do that?"

I looked at him, "Because, we don't want him to capture us."

Sasha questioned, "So, what is the plan?"

"I don't want to tell you," I winced, "It's better for you that you don't know. But I will tell you that if all appears to have gone wrong, it's all going according to plan. Right, any questions?" I stared them down, daring them to ask a question.

They all shook their heads.

"Good," I said, "Thought translators in." We all stuffed the goopy substance that aloud us to hear each others' thoughts, into our ears.

"Follow me," I said.