The Northern Tribes

8

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She tells me, pointing to the map, that two of each tribe was placed generally in the four cardinal directions. The southernmost tribe is where we will begin, with them being considered the most benign of the tribes.

"Let's begin with the tribe that controls the border," she says. "The tribe who manages the gate you passed through in order to enter our lands. I find it only fitting, don't you, brother?" she asks Lux, who gives her a slight nod in agreement.

Bryanorda, Nox tells me, is the southernmost tribe in the lands. Their tribe is best known for their commerce and serves as the tribeslands connection to the rest of the world. Not only do other civilizations overlook the capture of their own citizens, but they all also engage in trade with the tribes. Bryanorda is responsible for spearheading this trade and negotiation with outsiders.

Nox describes them as a cunning, politically-savvy tribe. It is, according to her, the only tribe interested in such affairs. They remain strong warriors in the eyes of the rest of the world, but are considered to be generally the weakest fighters in the tribeslands. But they still hold great influence due to their ability to trade. No other tribes want to deal with outsiders, and so the tribe is treated with respect despite their perceived weakness in battle.

"The advisor for Bryanorda is Feyri," she tells me. And when I answer with a questioning look, she sighs.

"Karia has failed to tell you much, I see," she says. "Each tribe has a chief's advisor here in Rasfata, the center city. They serve as a liaison for their tribe and the Reth."

And as I nod, we hear movement and I look over to see Lux stand.

"Yes, yes, I know," Nox says. "We're running into your lesson, but it can't be helped. Karia has failed to tell the girl even the most basic information."

Lux simply glances at his sister and then wanders into the next room. She sighs again.

"I suppose that will have to be all for today. My brother is not a patient man. Your fighting lessons begin now."

I look at her, trying to hide the worry I feel but she takes one look at me and laughs.

"Try to keep yourself together, girl. We aren't allowed to kill you... yet," she says and gives me a dark smile that makes my stomach turn.

Although I never planned on living here for long, one smile from Nox and I know without a doubt that she would kill me eagerly. Regardless of being my teacher, she has no reluctance to end my life and realizing this makes me rather uneasy. Her words have the opposite effect on me and I become much more nervous as I force myself to approach the conjoining room.

It's an open room, with two weapons racks mounted on opposite walls. Lux is standing at one end and beckons for me to approach him as soon as I enter. He's holding a small sword and I approach with caution.

"He likes to begin with the basics," I hear Nox's voice and turn to see her leaning against the doorframe joining the two rooms. "The sword is the most basic weapon, so he always starts there."

I look back at Lux, who holds out the sword for me. It's a simple metal sword with a leather-wrapped hilt. When I take it from him, I am not prepared for its weight and I almost drop it. Although small, it's much heavier than I thought it would be and both siblings laugh a little as I struggle to hold it steady. Lux shakes his head at me, and grabs another small sword of his own. Holding out his grip towards me for me to imitate. I reposition my hands to copy his and he nods.

Then he looks at me briefly before swinging the sword towards me. I yell in surprise and use my sword to block it. The metallic clang is deafening although shortly after I hear Nox's laughter. However, Lux does not laugh. He gives me an encouraging nod and swings at me again. This time I am unable to block the swing and he stops short before cutting me with the sword. I almost pee myself in terror but similarly find myself rather impressed at his swordsmanship.

This time, he nods to himself and lowers his sword, reaching out a hand to take mine as well. After I give it to him, he replaces them both with wooden swords.

"He likes to gauge how you handle a real sword first. Although it's apparent you have very little experience with them," Nox tells me, and I try to ignore the mocking tone of her voice. To these people, I'm certain I seem quite worthless. To them, fighting skill is everything and I have almost none.

However, Lux ignores his sister's commentary and diligently continues our lesson. He shows me once again how to hold the weapon and when we begin sparring this time, he also shows me footwork, gesturing to his feet and leaving Nox to explain what he wants me to do.

And I find that I like the training. I stop thinking about the immense pressure I feel for revenge. I am able to forget about the guilt I carry. I don't think about anything other than the feel of the wooden sword in my hands and the weight of the blows I practice blocking. There are many times where I fail to block and Lux hits me with the sword. It stings, but it does no significant damage and when Karia shows up, I realize we have spent more time than I thought on my lesson in fighting. My body aches, but I don't mind it.

Karia dismisses the twins by speaking in their native tongue and when Lux takes my wooden sword to put it away, he gives me a nod. I nod back, actually appreciating the lesson. Although I don't plan on living much longer, I am glad to learn to fight. I will need the skills for my vengeful plans. Karia's beautiful brown eyes meet mine.

"I see your lessons were productive," Karia tells me, her voice obnoxiously intoxicating. "Although I'm sure anything would be productive, since you are so dumb and weak."

I don't respond, knowing I will have to silently endure her abuse until I get my chance for vengeance.

"Come, we have a schedule to follow."

She walks briskly from the rooms and I scurry after. But only a short while after we leave the room, she stops abruptly and turns on me, backing me into the wall.

"Listen carefully you stupid girl. Soon you will be meeting the Reth's current Personals. You must treat them with respect. And if we happen to see the Reth again you will not speak to or even look directly at him unless he addresses you first. Do you understand?" she asks aggressively, her tone harsh. I nod, avoiding eye contact.

"Answer properly."

"Yes, Karia," I say.

"My title is Moorian and you will address me as such."

"Yes, Moorian Karia," I say obediently. This seems to please her and we continue down the hall again at a brisk pace.