There have never been secrets between Iano and his twin brother, Miano. But that changes when his brother marries an heir of the most powerful fief of the village. With such power comes the right to see the face of the Goddess. Only, Iano's twin mus...
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The last bullet had been fired. It was over and Iano was whole. He was almost disappointed about still being alive. Among the havoc caused and the blood spilled by the conflict, when he had expected the Goddess to finally punish him, Iano was trusted by Her to escort the barelanders in safety to their settlements.
After Iano led them to their campground, he made his gallop through the forest to return to the village of Keru last longer than it needed. It hadn't dawned on him the extent of his mistake until he had seen the dead bodies strewn on the ground, the destructed buildings, and the horror in the people's faces at the sight of the Goddess. So, he contemplated his destiny, he would be banned from the village, and he accepted it.
His parents seemed to have understood that and they welcomed him inside their house. They said nothing, but Iano knew that they feared that if they allowed him to stay in the youth's house, he would risk his life until he was convocated for his judgment. They didn't allow anyone inside. Only Dadakai had been defiant enough for his parents to allow him in, and he brought Mito with him.
The monkey bolted forward and came to sit on Iano's lap. Grandfather Dada came behind him under his father's disapproving stare. "Ianoki," he said. "I brought you this." Iano raised his eyes to find a mango. The old man shrugged. "You used to love it as a kid. So, I thought it had been a long time that I didn't give my little Iano anything."
"I'm sorry, Dadakai."
"Sorry for what?"
"You gave him your present, Father," his father said. "You should leave now."
"We're just making conversation."
"Dadakai," Ramakai said. "Please, don't make things difficult. It's hard enough for all of us. Leave, please."
"Well, okay," he said defeated. Then he turned to Iano. "Everything will turn out well, Ianoki."
Ramakai led his grandfather outside. They both left and the door was closed behind them. For the next three days, Iano didn't see anyone but his parents, who came in to bring him his meals. He was happy to have little Mito with him.
