Jasara was snapped back out of her thoughts by the sudden silence that had enveloped the young. Jasara looked around, searching for the cause of the absolute hush. Then she saw what it was: the Painted Sand girl from the evening before. The girl stood there, looking around the encampment.
Chani, said the voice. Jasara nodded, and her movement brought everyone else in the tribe back to life. Children who were hardly taller than their bows notched an arrow and pointed towards Chani. Najah drew her sword with skill and grace, but Nasir was still. Chani looked suddenly frightened to the bone, but seemed frozen in place by something.
"Shoot on my command," ordered Najah in a hoarse whisper so that Chani would not hear.
No! She can be used! Bait, ransom, trade, this girl has many uses if you capture her! Don't kill her! Tie her up!
The voice roared at Jasara, making the leader of the young wince. But Jasara knew better than to disobey the power inside of her. So she lifted a hand to Najah, and Najah ordered her bowmen...bowchildren...to stand down. Jasara walked slowly over the hot terrain that seperated her from Chani. On her way, Jasara discreetly picked up a few lengths of rope that Khasia had woven.
"Chani, is it not?" asked Jasara, shattering the silence. Chani nodded, and backed away a few steps as Jasara neared her.
Smart girl. But not smart enough.
Jasara snickered inwardly at the voice's words. "Now, now, Chani. There is no need to be frightened. The Elders are meeting in your tribe, and they will not find out if you feast with us tonight."
"I best be getting home," mumbled Chani. Without another word the girl broke out into a sprint away from the camp. Jasara was quicker, however. Najah grinned evilly and joined Jasara in tying Chani up to the nearest tree.
"This will be your new home," said Jasara wickedly, using one of Nasir's old gloves to gag Chani and keep her quiet. Jasara turned, clapped once, and the young returned to work. Nasir glared at Jasara unapprovingly, but then got to work teaching a few children how to use the bow.
"Rijal! Go now and tell the second-in-command of the Painted Sand young to prepare. We will save them from the cursed elders soon," Jasara ordered, spitting once on Chani before walking off to the stream.
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...Come down now, they'll say. But everything looks perfect from far away - Come down now! But we'll stay.
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