Tiger's Beginning

Chapter 28: Trust

A circle of men that all had the same build and warrior-like stance as Brock surrounded two people.

In between the gaps I saw a long black pony tail followed by a slender leg. Soon after I heard a crunch.

Anik led me to a gap in the line of men and low and behold there was Kamala, fiercely sparring with a man at least three times her size with a bald head and dark features.

She had changed into a fitted leather breastplate, leather pants, and combat boots. Her hair was glistening with sweat but it really made her glow even more.

A trickle of red ran down her right arm, but it seems other than that her opponent was the one worse off.

Bruises were already beginning to form and a particularly prominent cut below his left eyebrow showed who was winning the fight.

I could see Kamala gearing up to finish the fight, but in a seemingly surprise move the man ran at her and threw her over his shoulder.

He smacked her butt, and I felt Anik tense up beside me.

I calmly whispered, "Kamala fights her own battles, you know that."

He relented but remained tense.

Unsurprisingly, she quickly twisted herself to where she was sitting on his shoulders, and cut off blood flow.

It wasn't long before the man fell to his knees harshly, and then slumped over.

Kamala gracefully leapt off and, putting her hands on her hips called out, "Any other takers?"

The men dispersed, mumbling excuses to their friends about work to do or chores, and I couldn't help but grin with pride.

She spotted us after the crowd cleared, and strode over with a look of concern on her face.

"Grace, how are you feeling?"

My knees started to buckle and Anik whisked me into his arms effortlessly.

"I'm...better. But I did have a pretty interesting dream."

Kamala raised an eyebrow, "Well I'll get the others so we can all be informed-"

I touched her arm and said quickly, "No, only you and Anik can know. It's about someone in our group."

Anik and her both frowned at each other, but looked at me and nodded and we went back to the small hut.

After I had gotten some water and was back on the cot propped up on pillows, I began explaining what Anamika had told me about Mohana.

"She told me that there is one closer to me than I think that is like Mohana in that they will choose power over love. And that I must show them that love is more important than power."

They were both quiet after I relayed the news, and it was Anik who spoke first.

"It would seem the logical answer would be Ella, as we do not know that much about her. I hope Raj has not been tricked."

Kamala furrowed her brow.

"I do not know what lies ahead of us, as the circumstances we will face could cause any of us to be put in that position. I agree with Anik that we should keep an eye on Ella as she does seem the most likely. Did you hear anything else Grace?"

I shook my head, which sent pangs to my eyes, I guess my punishment for lying but I was not about to boost Anik's ego and share the comparisons Anamika had made.