Mune Olo'eyktan [NeteyamxAonung]

Part 22

Lo'ak holds onto his mate from behind, while they ride on a trotting direhorse. This is the first time he's let him ride in front with full control.

Lo'ak- Are you sure you're a reef boy? You're a natural at this.

Rotxo turns to face him, with his braids falling on his face.

Rotxo- You're just saying that.

Lo'ak swipes the braids out of his way for him, and binds them on the top of his head with his own holder.

Lo'ak- No, I'm serious. It took me a week to be able to stay on.

Rotxo- Really?

Lo'ak- Yeah. I could never have done this in two days.

Ka'Ris- That mate of yours is quite impressive. I can see why you chose him.

One of the hunters riding near them compliments, and a few others agree, making Lo'ak feel proud of his mate. They've both been helping the hunters, as forms of protection, along with Neteyam and Hoskno, to deal with the rebels.

It's the only job Jake would give them, while the man focused more on finding the rebels' base of operations.

There have been many attacks on the hunters, but luckily, the four of them are enough to handle the small groups that come after them. Some thought it was unwise to have a small reef boy be their form of protection, but Rotxo has proven himself skilled enough to handle the job.

Lo'ak couldn't be prouder of him, but he does feel a bit uneasy seeing just how quickly Rotxo seems to catch onto things that would take anyone else longer, especially since he isn't from here. Neteyam is also a fast learner, but even he struggled when introduced to something completely new and different to what he'd been used to his entire life.

His small mate has always been better than the others at maneuvering in the forest, and lately he's become a great help, and a good stand in warrior. Perhaps too good. The boy is already a special case; Being from a village that was completely abandoned with no trace of an explanation, and not remembering his biological family, but his skill attainment is too good to be true.

Neteyam- Hold it, you guys.

Neteyam stops with a hand raised, making everyone else do the same. His ears move around, taking in every sound around him, trying to zone in on what he heard.

A second before an arrow flies towards him, he hears it brush against leaves, and he leans back. The arrow misses him, but everyone springs into action. He points them in the direction opposite to where the arrow came from, and their group's horses charge ahead.

Their enemies follow on their own, continuously shooting arrows at them. While Rotxo handles controlling the horse, Lo'ak pulls out his bow and turns to aim back at them. He manages to hit one, but there are still eight others.

With an idea in mind, he pulls two arrows out to aim, but just as he does the horse stops abruptly, making him have to hold on.

Lo'ak- Woah! What is it?

Everyone stops in their tracks with widening eyes at another group of rebels coming towards them from the front.

Lo'ak- Shit. It was a trap.

Ka'Ris- They lured us here.

Hoskno- Follow me!