Page 46 of Scarred

“Another village. That is great news,” Suni said. “Which one has the human woman?”

“Ykot.”

“How is she?” Amma took a step away from Suni so she could see the male speaking. He stood with a casual awareness that belied the fact that he was wound tight and ready to strike. She wondered what he would look like in action. “What is her name?”

“Her name is Jo, and she is well,” the warrior answered. “Put your weapons away.” He swung his broadsword onto his back. “My name is Zuberi and I am the leader of this scouting party. These other males are Ethan, Burke, Godric, and Idris.” He pointed to each one as he said their name. “They may talk too much, but they are the only males I trust at my back in a fight.”

“You do not talk enough,” Burke growled. “Unless it is to snarl orders.”

Amma smiled at the light banter. A leader was well-liked if those under him felt comfortable enough to tease him. “It’s nice to meet you guys,” she said. “I’m also grateful my cousin is doing well. Tell me, has she been keeping busy?””

“She is a warrior,” Godric said. “We have seen her fight, and it is a sight to behold.”

Burke smiled. “She turned the other witches to dust. It was a thing of beauty.”

“Are you telling me she has used her powers?” Amma was surprised. Jo hated even practicing her battle witch magic, and said it made her feel dirty. “In a real battle?”

“Yes,” Zuberi frowned. “What other type of battle is there?”

“Where we come from, we didn’t fight,” Amma said. “We did a lot of practicing, but that’s it. Not to say there weren't a lot of wars, there were, but if we would have helped, the government would have come after us.” When the six males tilted their heads to the side, she tried again. “The chief would send his warriors to capture us and kill us.”

“They would kill women because of something the Goddess gave them? What kind of barbaric world do you come from?” Idris paced behind Zuberi.

Amma nodded. “In my world, people fear what they cannot explain. We hid who we were and lived very secluded lives, but full of family and fun. I think my mother was right when she said that this was the place for us.”

“Before we continue this conversation, are you camping for the day?” Suni asked.

“No,” Zuberi answered. “We are close to the Ykot and can reach it before suns’ rise.”

“I do not know if Amma can continue,” Suni said.

“Suni, I can keep going.” Amma wasn’t tired. In fact, she was feeling a jolt of energy knowing she was so close to seeing her cousin. Astro dropped from the trees onto her bag, and Sam and Mike followed. “Guys, you are getting too big to just drop on me.”

“What are those?” Ethan demanded with wide eyes. “Do you turn males into animals to do your bidding?” He took a step back and reached for his weapon.

Suni snarled and reached for his.

“You guys, calm down.” Amma held onto Suni’s arm to stop him from moving. “I don’t turn anyone into animals. I don’t have that power. These are my animal friends. The two little ones came with me from my world. I can hear them when they talk.”

“Ethan, drop your weapon,” Zuberi said. “There is no need.”

“How was I supposed to know? You have heard the same stories I have.” Ethan released his weapon and crossed his arms.

“Yes, but you have talked to Jo,” Burke said. “The stories we were told as calves were not true, or they were colored by the hatred passed down.”

“Isn’t that the way most history is passed down?” Amma asked.

Chapter 19

Suni

Suni was proud of his mate. She hadn’t even blinked when she had been accused of bewitching males. Instead, she was able to bring calm to the situation. He still put his body between her and the other males. He didn’t like how quickly they reached for their weapons around her.

“Suni, be at peace,” Zuberi said. “Ethan was surprised by your female’s animals. No one is going to harm you or her. Jo would not be pleased.”

“No, she wouldn’t,” Amma said. “Now, that woman would turn you into a snake and then step on you. Don’t get on her bad side.”

“She has proven she is a powerful ally,” Zuberi replied.

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