13th Clan

Prologue

One week before the 100

Lexa POV

"Heda"

A messenger entered the throne room and quickly bowed his head. I thought I could have a moment of peace after another pointless meeting with the ambassadors but the look on his face tells me otherwise.

"Sha?"

"A message from Trikru."

I grabbed the parchment from his hand and nodded. He quickly turned and left. I sighed as I read the letter. More Trikru warriors have been kidnapped by the Mountain Men. Anger washed over me. I needed to end them to protect my people. Action is required. I decided I would join Anya to Tondc.

I exited the throne room, told a guard to send word that I will be joining Anya, and went to my room to prepare for the trip. It was a short trip but I knew I would be there for a while. I wanted to have a plan against the Mountain men so we can finally rid ourselves of their terror.

Glancing outside my window I noticed the sun is almost at its height. I grabbed my pack and headed towards the elevator. I knew Anya would be leaving soon and I should meet her at the stables. Of course, she would not leave me but I did not want to postpone her.

Making my way out of the tower, I entered the busy streets of Polis. Every now and then I received acknowledgement and head nods by the people. I nodded back but kept moving quickly through the streets. When I reached the stables Anya came up to me.

"Heda." She reached out her arm.

I grasped her forearm and gave her a slight smile. I was glad to ride with my former teacher.

"I prepared your horse. We are ready."

"Mochof" I released her hand and went to my horse.

After I secured my pack, I got mounted and checked to see if Anya and the guards were ready. I noticed Gustus was one of the guards. I nodded when I saw we were all ready and began to head out. When we made it out of the city walls, Gustus and one guard were leading, Anya and I were in the middle and two guards were following. It was a day and a half trip to Tondc. We should make it to the halfway point by night and an early morning would help get us there by the early evening. Hopefully we will not run across any bandits.

We made it to the halfway point by the time the sun set. The guards started immediately to set up camp. Anya and Gustus decided to collect some firewood together. I prepared my tent and decided to walk around the perimeter of our camp. While walking, I heard a twig snap. I slowed my pace and listened harder. Surely it is an animal and not a bandit. I then heard a rustle that was not an animal and sighed to myself. Clearly, these were not smart bandits.

I placed my hand on my sword and prepared myself for an attack. As I turned to walk back towards camp, I heard the steps of somebody charging. I unsheathed my sword and turned quickly on my heel. I barely got my sword raised up to block their attack. The clang of our swords was long enough for the others to hear. Four more bandits charged from the trees. I pushed the first guy off and took a step back. Anya and the others arrived just in time. The first bandit, a burly man with Azgeda markings on his face, stepped forward. His eyes gave away his moves. As his sword swung around towards me I easily dodged it and jabbed my sword into his abdomen. His eyes were wide with surprise and he started coughing up blood. I removed my sword and quickly scanned my surroundings. The other bandits laid dead on the ground. I noticed two of the bandits had scars across their face marking they were banished from their clan.

"Depose the bodies quickly and search the perimeter" Anya commanded the guards. Gustus stayed behind to guard me.

I sighed and turned back towards camp. While walking I wiped the blood off my sword and sheathed it. I am glad to rid some of the bandits on the road to Polis but I do not enjoy killing.

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We were quick to eat breakfast and pack up. All of us were eager to get back on the road and make it to Tondc today. The ride there was smooth and we made it before the sun started to set. As we rode in the village, I unmounted and a stable hand took my horse away. I knew a tent would be set up for me and all my stuff will be waiting there. I walked up to Indra and reached to grasp her forearm.

"Heda. Your tent is prepared and dinner will be served soon."

"Mochof. Come, we must plan for tomorrow."

Indra nodded and followed me to my tent. I am eager to send out scouts and collecting as much information on the Mountain Men as possible. Their end is coming.