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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They galloped back to the campground in silence. It was strange to feel numb yet in pain, and Kairou wondered if he was the only one who still didn't believe what had happened. The only one who thought they'd find Papa Satouka and his guards back in the camping ground. Then they would realize that it was all just a dream of some sort.
He didn't notice the time passing, as the leaves rushed in front of him, and the flashes of the men he had killed with shots to the head, fighting the bile rushing to his throat. Kairou was glad Ianokeru had escorted them. He was surprisingly stronger than Kairou and had much more dexterity with horse riding, so he was the one to ride with Malin.
When they arrived at the campsite, it was empty. Deserted and silent if not for the horse hooves' clops as they halted. No. It was not a dream. His hand began to shake. Ianokeru didn't say a word. Perhaps he knew that reality was finally sinking for Kairou.
Among the gathering of tents, Professor Yaniceh walked outside of her quarters. She inched toward the gathering of horses, her face puzzled. "Mercy!" she said at Malin's sight, then she rushed her steps. "What happened to him? Where's Papa Satouka?" then she turned to Ianokeru. "Who's-"
"Malin will be well," Kairou said. "Help me get him down." The three of them helped Malin down the horse. "He's the native. He led us back here. The others are all dead." He found himself surprised at how matter-of-factly he uttered the words. He turned to Malin who had his arm wrapped around Kairou's shoulder, "You can walk?"
He nodded. Kairou led him to his tent, with Malin grunting at each step forward. His eyes were closed even before he was lying down on his sleeping mat, with his face creased with pain and forehead oily with sweat. "I'll be back soon," Kairou said.
"I know." In his feverish state, Malin budged on the sleeping mat. His hand searched for Kairou's, and they interlaced fingers. Malin was trying to smile, failing at it.
"Rest." Kairou let go of his hand and left.
Outside, beside the door of the tent, stood Professor Yaniceh and Ianokeru. "Where's Kenha?" Kairou asked.
