Page 70 of Scarred

“Staying out of trouble?” Amma asked.

“Always,” she said brightly.

Suni chuckled at the very innocent look Shelly was trying hard to maintain. “Ok, maybe not always,” she admitted.

“She is trying,” Nej said. “Will you both be leaving now?”

“Yes,” Suni answered. “I am sure my family is wondering where I am.”

Nej frowned. “Your poor dam. You did not send word that you were here? I should pull your ears for her.”

“I did send word.” Suni’s ears flattened against his scalp. He hated when his dam pulled his ears. She still did it too, even though he was no longer a calf. “She almost died when my brother did not return from the battlefield. I do not want to put her through that again.”

“I am sorry about your brother.”

“I am not.” Suni chuckled at Nej’s look of outrage. “He is happy with his mate and calf.”

“Suni!” Amma hit his arm. “You should have led with that. You had us all believing you were a coldhearted jerk for not being sad that your brother had passed beyond the veil.”

“You will meet him and understand why. There was no need to assault me.” Suni rubbed his arm.

“I doubt you felt it.” Amma rolled her eyes. “Nej, I meant to ask, do you mind keeping an eye on Shelly? I don’t think it’s a good idea to take her away from here.”

“I was hoping you would ask.” Nej smiled. “She is like the daughter I never had.”

“Don’t I get a say?” Shelly asked.

“Well,” Amma slowly answered. “If you have something to say, say it.”

“I would like to stay here.” Shelly looked up at Nej. “Nej reminds me of my mother.”

“You mean talking in riddles that no one could understand?”

“Not that part,” Shelly said.

“I still expect you to practice your magic and do your morning affirmations,” Amma warned. “I will visit you using Flix to help you train.”

“I promise. I’m going to like it here.” Shelly smiled.

Suni was glad Shelly had found a family. A calf needed a mother to grow up well-adjusted and a useful part of society. He could imagine Ru having to knock males away from her when she grew up into the powerful witch she would become.

Chapter 28

Suni

The fires from the pyres were nothing more than embers as the second moon set and the first sun touched the horizon. Many of the calves were passed out in their parents’ arms and the adults were hiding yawns behind their hands. Even Shelly had been taken back home when she had fallen asleep with her head on Nej’s lap.

“We will be ready the next time the witches return.”

Suni glanced at Ru, who had joined them. “Yes. We have cut into their numbers, I hope.”

“The warriors from Qunic have already left with their fallen. Taking your suggestion, I sent word with them that I am looking for more warriors. Hopefully, many will answer the call.”

“You are a strong leader. I am sure there will be many warriors joining you soon,” Suni said. “I am sorry I cannot stay. I help train the younger warriors and I do not want to abandon them just yet, but if you need help, send word and I will come.”

Ru nodded. “Thank you.” He paused for a moment. “I must ask, are you sure you want to take Jabari and Kofi with you? Your chief may not accept them.”

“It is a risk I must take. If they stay here, they will have a hard time adjusting. Your people will try to show them a better way, but Jabari and Kofi will only remind them of the loved ones they lost.”

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