Chapter 2

When night fell and most of us had gone to bed, they attacked. They ambushed us, slaughtering both women and children. A large number of men had joined the army, and the ones left had been taken by surprise.

I had tried my best to hold the fort, killing as much as I could. I was skilled with the bow and arrow, and though my mother regretted my military inclination, it had come in handy. I heard the screams of my people being torn from limb to limb, and I was helpless, unable to save them all. Remembering my mother, I ran back to the Hall of Alphas, hoping to protect her. Pushing aside the flap that served as her door, I ran in only to find an empty room. My mother was gone.

Shouting a battle cry at the top of my lungs, I charged out of the room, wielding my bow in the air. I saw red and was ready to maim anything and anyone in my way when I heard my mother call my name from behind me. Her calm voice sent a chill down my spine and I spun on the ball of my heels. My mother was held ca