Kara Toprak || Black Soil

Pre

"Speak!" She spat, taking a handful of his hair and yanking his head backwards.

"Speak if you want to be of use before you die." Thalia crouched down and bought her lips close to his ears. She whispered something to him, something that made his eyes widen in fear and his fingers tremble.

"Thalia, stop it. This isn't how we do things around here. Leave the man alone!" I stood and sheathed my sword. With my hands behind my back and my dagger firm in my belt, I stepped towards my sister.

Thalia lowered her head out of respect and took a careful step back, her eyes still trained upon the old man at her feet. I rolled my eyes and offered my hand to the man.
He looked up at me with confused eyes, yet there was much more hidden behind those grey orbs.

"I'm sorry about my sister. She tends to deal with things rather harshly. As you can see I prefer to use my words than my sword. Although I won't hesitate to use it if needed." I left my words heavy in the air, the threat lingering.

His hand shakily met mine and instinctively Thalia stepped forward. I raised my left hand and stopped her.

"Esra, we don't know-"

"Thalia." I warned. "Stop it. This man is not a threat!" She averted her eyes and asked for permission to leave. I merely nodded and attended to the man.

"Why are you helping me? I infiltrated your tribe. I'm supposed to be a threat to you. You can't help me." His hands retreated to his side and he took a cautious step back.

"Why am I not supposed to help you? What threat could you possibly pose to us? We have the best trained warriors in the kingdom, no offence, but even the weakest could take you down." I allowed my eyes to examine this man who was dressed in clothes much too cheap for his demeanour.

"I- I was sent to kill the cattle. They didn't want your sheep to thrive or the goats to give milk. They wanted the children to freeze. They wanted you dead." His voice shook with fear.

I stepped closer in anticipation.

"Who's 'they'?"