Page 78 of Scarred

“I should warn you that at the moment they cannot speak,” Amma chimed in. She didn’t want the brothers to be cut down because they couldn’t respond to questions. “The witches did something to their ability to speak, and I don’t have the skills necessary to heal them.”

“If they are unable to speak, how are they going to swear their allegiance?” Kellan demanded. “Warriors, is it true you cannot speak?”

Jabari and Kofi nodded.

“I cannot take a nod for an answer if they wish to stay within these walls. I will not endanger my people,” Kellan decided, and crossed his arms.

“If I remember correctly, Mia is a diviner, is she not?”

“Yes,” the large, hammer-bearing male growled. “What of my mate?”

“Ni'em, you may be my brother, but I will challenge you if you speak to my mate in that tone again,” Suni snapped.

“He didn’t hurt my feelings.” Amma studied the male who was mated to her cousin. He really was massive, even compared to Suni. She wondered what their mother had fed them while they were growing up. “Mia will be able to see their intentions.”

“Out of the question. I will not have my mate near these males.”

Amma continued, “Ni'em, I can understand your need to protect your family, but Mia has an ability I do not. That is the way our family is. We help each other and others in need.” Amma could see the gears in her brother-in-law’s head spinning. “The magic flowing through my veins is the same as the magic in Mia’s. We are powerful together, and she will not be in danger.”

“Enough. Disarm and restrain the warriors.” Kellan said. “Take them to the council circle. Ni'em, you and your mate will join us as soon as you can. Suni, go see your dam before coming to see me. I cannot promise these warriors can stay, but I will listen.” He turned and strode back to the village with most of the warriors following.

“This better not harm my mate,” Ni'em growled. “Or my calf.”

“It won’t. They won’t.” Amma turned to the brothers. Four warriors stood around them, looking uncommitted. “I will come and speak to the chief for you both. Will you go peacefully?”

Jabari held onto his last weapon as he stared at her. His ears were pinned back, and his eyes were huge.

“You will be safe. Promise.”

Jabari handed over his weapon and submitted to being bound. Kofi followed his brother’s lead.

Ni’em shook his head. “I do not like this. My mate is delicate and should not be exposed to these things.”

“Are you sure she’s delicate?” Amma asked. “The women in my family are strong in both mind and body.”

“And yet, none of you will never match a warrior in their prime,” Ni'em said. “It does not matter; the chief has spoken. Brother, you do need to visit Dam before she finds you first. She was not happy that you chose to stay away.”

“She will forgive me once I introduce her to Amma.” Suni's shoulders straightened, and he looked at her with a smile. “Dam is always happy to welcome a new daughter to the family.”

“It worked for me, but I was wounded in battle.”

“Was that really an excuse?” Suni punched his brother’s arm. “You are too thick to really get hurt.”

“Tell that to my mate.” Ni'em said. He turned to the brothers. “Follow me.”

Suni watched and waited for everyone to leave before letting out a breath. “I thought that would go differently.”

Amma nodded. “I did too. Is your chief always so intense? I mean, Ru had more reason to be standoffish.”

“I think there may be too many changes going on for him. He is really a great chief and cares about everyone.”

“Well, hopefully he will find it in his heart to let Jabari and Kofi stay. I know they are going to be an asset.”

“Can you see the future?” he teased. “I thought you only talked to animals.”

“Call it a woman’s intuition.”

“I will take your word.” He tucked her under his arm and turned toward the village. “Ready to face my dam?”

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