Chapter 35 - The aftermath of the battle

4 years later -

Maya -

I walked through the thick shrubs, careful to avoid tripping over exposed roots of a huge banyan tree.

I am on a mission. The cool fall wind gently blew my dress against me, the dry leaves crunched beneath my boots as I walked down the dirt road. I adjusted the bow that was slung across my shoulder and pulled a bottle from my satchel. I made my way to a nearby stream to quench my thirst and soak my aching feet. The stream was still and clear, the afternoon sun shining off it in such a way that the water acted as a perfect mirror. I took a moment to admire my reflection.

My dark hair was pulled up in a ponytail. I have high cheekbones, full lips, pointed nose and violet eyes.

People in the village say I am strikingly beautiful. That could be because I look different from them. The mountain people here have smaller, mongo lid features. I am taller than average women here, I have sun-kissed skin and sharp features.

I get asked out a lot by the village lads and the