Rebel Beginnings: A Legends of Cristanico Novel

By M.C. Updike

It has been 1,000 years since the end of World War III. By the end of the war, the ability to use technology had been destroyed and most of the Earth's population had either been killed in battle or as they were trying to find a haven. Mankind is scattered, divided, and on the verge of extinction.

People now use swords, bows and arrows, machetes and other ancient weapons and tools that had been used back in the Medieval Age. Many of the lands and continents have been renamed and reorganized by the people who survived. They have lost all of their culture and history, even the concept of how time was measured or the ability to use modern-day calendars.

This is the story of Deora Raylei Masumi, her sister Claire Javano, and their friend Satinkaw Hallonah, who live in the village Xi'an in the land of Cristanico. Deora is a hunter and Claire is a blacksmith's apprentice. Satinkaw is a hunter as well as Deora's partner and dearest friend. It is also the story of Tynan Tyrone, a man out of his time. Before all is ended, these people will have endured many hardships and trials before changing the world forever, and uncovering what happened to the Ancestors of Old.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Sep 8, 2021
• ISBN: 9781098399115

Book preview

Part I

Rebel Beginnings

Chapter 1

Deora Raylei Masumi slowly began to wake up rubbing her brown eyes as she yawned. She looked around her bedroom noting that it was early morning, by the rays of sunlight entering her room. For a moment, Deora couldn't remember why she was up so early, then it hit her. That's right, she exclaimed in her mind. I'm going hunting with Satinkaw today!

She threw the sheets off her bed, jumped out and ran to the closet opening the door in a flash. She took off her nightgown and put on dark blue pants, a dark green tank top, and her favorite brown leather hunter's jacket. Deora tied her midnight-black hair into a ponytail. After she was finished putting her hunting clothes on, she took in her view from the mirror, noting that her clothes fit perfectly over her slender form.

Deora then turned on her heel and walked towards her bedroom door. She needed to gather her hunting equipment for her day with Satinkaw. She was about to head downstairs to the storage room when she saw her sister, Claire Javano, in the kitchen cutting an apple.

She stopped short, turned and looked at her sister. Then she noticed that her sister was wearing a nightgown over her slender form. She hasn't gotten dressed yet, Deora thought with a smile. She was probably trying to enjoy her morning before work.

Hi, Claire, Deora said.

Hi, Deora, Claire replied. Claire was the complete opposite of Deora. She was adopted at the age of nine. Her blond hair was untied and short because of her work in the blacksmith's shop. Deora noticed how her blue eyes had not moved from her hands, she seemed to have something on her mind. Deora walked over and grabbed an apple from the basket.

So, uh, what are you doing in the kitchen this early in the morning? Claire shrugged before answering,

I just wanted to wish you luck, that's all. Deora nodded. Claire then added, I also wanted to tell you something I overheard in Xi'an the other day. Deora waited, knowing her sister wouldn't have said anything unless it was important. Claire took a deep breath. The Emperor's soldiers found something important near where you're hunting, according to the local gossip. Deora rolled her eyes at the word 'gossip'. Hear me out, Claire pleaded, and Deora nodded her consent. The Emperor's soldiers found something at one of the ruins of the Ancestors of Old. Rumors say that the Emperor himself has ordered them to bring back this artifact to Conscienta. Deora's eyes went wide at the mention of Conscienta, the capital city of the Empire.

Deora thought this information through in her mind. If what Claire heard was true, then the soldiers were on their way to the capital city with an artifact that might help them understand the world before the events known as WWIII occurred.

I wonder what this artifact could be? Deora asked.

Claire shrugged. I heard that it was some sort of circular container, like a coffin, big enough to hold a person. That's what the gossip is saying. They said it was heavy.

So I should stay out of their way while I'm hunting, Deora said, shrugging. Claire smiled at her in approval. Deora nodded back. Thanks for the warning, I'll take it to heart. With that, she walked away from Claire, who merely continued eating her apple. I hope you do, Deora, Claire thought, dread eating at her for some reason.

* * *

Deora pondered the words her sister Claire had said to her as she walked down the hallway to the storage room that contained her hunting equipment. If what she says is true, then why haven't we heard of it yet? she thought. Maybe it was because the Emperor's soldiers who had a barracks here in Xi'an deemed the village people unworthy to be trusted with such news. Troubled by these thoughts, Deora wasn't paying attention to where she was going and nearly ran into the front door.

Deora stopped, turned around, and headed back to the storage room. She began gathering the equipment she would need for the hunt today. Deora put on her knee-high hunting boots, grabbed her favorite bow and a quiver of arrows, and grabbed her father's hunting knife.

She paused when she looked at the knife in her hands and smiled at the memories it carried. You may not be with me anymore, but your lessons, and your love, live on. She smiled at the thought. Then she put the knife away in a slot on her belt and walked out of the storage room. She closed the door and headed to the front of the house.

Deora suddenly stopped. She felt as though she was forgetting something, but she couldn't quite remember what it was. Her mind was still on the artifact her sister had told her about. She tried to remember, but it kept slipping away from her. Shrugging it off, Deora was about to walk out the front door when Claire called from the kitchen, Don't forget to take your lunch. That's what she forgot. I'm going to be late! she thought. She ran back to the kitchen quickly and grabbed her lunch. As she turned to leave, her sister called to her, Don't forget what I said. Right, she thought in her mind. Having finally reached the door, Deora opened it and saw the village of Xi'an beckoning to her.

Deora stepped through the doorway and closed it. She was walking to her friend, Satinkaw Hallonah's house so that they could go hunting. She reminisced about how she first met him.

* * *

Deora ran down the hall, having just gotten out of class. Her small legs and arms could only get her so far before a firm, but gentle grip touched her tiny right shoulder. She turned, and to her delight, it was her mother. Deora squealed as all little children did when she was scooped up from the ground and into her mother's loving embrace.

How was school, today, sweetheart? she asked.

It was boring! Deora answered honestly. This caused her mother to laugh as she put her daughter down.

Deora wondered if something was wrong when her mother said, There's someone who your father and I want you to meet, Deora. Deora wondered at first if she was in trouble, but then realized that if she was going to meet a new person, she wasn't in trouble! Deora happily smiled again and ran around in a circle, happy to be with her mother. Your father and I want you to meet a new friend. That ruined her mood.

I don't need any friends, momma, Deora squeaked.

Her mother laughed at that reply. But you do, honey, she said. Her mother wrapped her hand around Deora's, and the pair began walking. You need a life outside of school and our home, Deora's mother continued, which is why you're going to meet a new person today. As they continued walking, Deora looked back to see the school building shrinking behind them.

I want to go home, Deora begged.

After this, I promise, her mother replied.

They stopped at a big two-story house with the family name "Hallonah" inscribed above the wooden door.

Why are we here, momma? she asked again.

This is where your new friend lives. We also think that this boy will be an excellent partner when you are old enough to hunt, her mother replied.

Deora shrugged her tiny shoulders, saying, I don't need anyone else. Then she puffed her chest proudly as she added, And when I grow up I will become the mightiest hunter of them all, bagging everything I see without the help of anybody else. When she finished, she looked up to see how her mother would respond.

To Deora's surprise, her mother laughed and said, Yes, I'm sure you will, my young daughter. Then she continued to lead Deora by the hand towards the Hallonah household.

* * *

Deora smiled as she continued reminiscing on those younger days when she first met Satinkaw. She had no doubt been naïve when she told her mother those words, but they had also proven true. She continued skipping down the path towards Satinkaw's house, humming the tune of the Song of the Ancestors of Old.

She passed the local blacksmith and bakery along the way to her destination. The buildings in the village, including the school, were made of wood. The only exception was the blacksmith's shop. The smithy was filled with fire and needed stone to channel the heat. She couldn't seem to remember the reason why even though Claire had told her numerous times. When the village was first built after the events that caused the disappearance of the Ancestors of Old, wood was the only material available to rebuild the village. It was easy to use and the new homes and schools were built quickly.

The village was built in the shape of a circle, for better protection. As she thought of the buildings being made of wood, she remembered that all it would take was one building to catch fire, and the rest would follow. Deora was only eight years old when they had taught in school the importance of being careful with fire. When she realized the danger, the thought was so scary, and it frightened her to the point that she left school and ran home. Her parents comforted her when she got home and asked her what was wrong. She told them about the village catching on fire. Not if we're really careful, her mother had said. Once she had heard that, she began to learn the importance of handling a flaming torch with care around wooden buildings.

Deora passed the Church of the Ancestors of Old as she continued to remember that she needed a friend more than she realized. When she was ten years old and her sister was twelve, their father got killed in a hunting accident. While hunting for a deer, their father was attacked by a bear traveling with two cubs.

The bear suddenly came up behind him, and he was mauled to death. This left Deora and Claire's mother alone to take care of the two girls. The loss of her father was devastating for Deora, but they all mourned his loss together and eventually, his death became less painful.

Later on, when Claire was fifteen and Deora was thirteen, their mother got sick and was bed-ridden. At first, the two sisters thought she would get better in a day or two, but the days dragged on, and she got worse. She eventually began to cough up blood. Scared out of their minds, the two sisters tried everything from local doctors to praying to the Ancestors of Old for help. No help ever came. Discouraged, Deora and Claire could only watch as their mother finally succumbed to the sickness, losing a battle that couldn't be fought with a sword or bow. It wasn't fair!

When they were planning the funeral for their mother, Satinkaw came by and asked if they needed anything. During the time that Deora's mother had been dying, he would always show up at the door, wanting to help, and he asked for nothing in return. This had further deepened their friendship, and she would never forget his support during this difficult time.

After the funeral, when Deora and Claire were having the roughest time, he would routinely show up at the door, ready and willing to help out, as always. At first, Deora and Claire needed him constantly, and would always put him to work. He would never accept offers of payment, which bothered the two sisters, but they appreciated his help so much they never turned down his offers.

Things finally went back to normal a year later. Well, as normal as could be expected for two children who had lost both of their parents. Satinkaw lost his mother before he was even three, and his father died two years after Deora's mother died. So, Deora and Claire returned the favor and helped him out.

He appreciated it, of course, and was able to let go of his father's death, at least to other people. Deora knew better and had thought to herself, He does a good job masking his pain from other people. Now and then a crack would show in his armor, and he would cry for his papa, just as Deora and Claire would both cry for their parents during some nights when they both felt lonely.

Deora realized she had stopped near the bakery and looked in to see all kinds of pastries that made her mouth water just at the sight of them, but she had to turn away. Tax day is coming, after all, she thought. She continued to reminisce on the past, recalling that after their parents died, Deora, Claire, and Satinkaw came to rely on each other as a family unit, even though Satinkaw lived outside the Masumi household.

The two sisters had him over for dinner constantly. Deora and Satinkaw would go hunting together and provide the food, as Claire found her job as a blacksmith's apprentice. She was not overly fond of the job but knew the income was necessary to keep the house they lived in.

Deora, however, enjoyed hunting very much. She even enjoyed it more when Satinkaw came along, which was often. Of the two of us, I think I'm better with the bow, Deora thought with a smile.

She whipped her head around and saw a family walking out their door. They waved to her as she walked past. As she continued on her way, she waved back. She stopped by to look in through the window of the wooden school building to see some of the cute little children playing and laughing with each other, even as the exasperated teacher struggled to restore order. Deora walked away from the school, shaking her head with a smile. As she continued walking towards Satinkaw's home, her smile broadened into a grin.

As Deora looked around, she saw more wooden houses, both one and two stories tall. The village Xi'an was next to the Great Forest. The Great Forest was the perfect hunting ground for the most experienced hunters, as Deora knew well. She and Satinkaw hunted there all the time.

Once in a while, instead of hunting in the forest, they would hunt out in the plains surrounding the Great Forest and Xi'an. On the plains, animals were scarce, but that was also part of the fun. You have to know where to hunt, Deora thought as another smile crossed her face.

The Great Forest was their destination today, however, if she wasn't mistaken. After all, everything depended on this hunt. Deora shuddered at the thought of not being able to find prey big enough to pay off her and Claire's taxes. I just need a deer, that's all, she thought desperately. Deora continued walking towards the Hallonah household, where she and Satinkaw usually met before they went off hunting in the Great Forest or the plains.

She looked up into the sky to see that it was still early morning, showing that she had plenty of time to make it to the Hallonah household before Satinkaw would lose patience and start the hunt without her. He left without her once before, when she slept in late. By the time she woke up and realized that she was late, he had already left Xi'an for the day. As a result, she pouted, then worried about his safety until he came back with a buck. Even though Deora was jealous, she congratulated Satinkaw on his kill. Deora knew it was her fault that she wasn't with him, and knew her day would come. Deora shook her head, smiling at her foolishness at the time because she was embarrassed that she had slept in rather than get up and join Satinkaw when she had the chance. Sometimes we just need to let go of our pride, Deora thought.

She kept on moving, knowing his house was only a brisk walk away. She began jogging, wanting to begin the hunt, and hoped that Satinkaw would not take off earlier than expected.

Her father used to be the village leader before his untimely death in the hunting accident, and her mother was one of the most beautiful women in the entire village, possibly in all of Cristanico. She sometimes would compare herself to Claire and saw that her skin was different from Claire's pale skin, which wasn't odd, given that Claire was adopted. Still, Deora knew she was just as beautiful as her mother and was expected to one day take a place on the village council because of her lineage.

She sighed, knowing full well it was useless to dwell on things you couldn't change. She smiled at that thought. Her father had taught her that lesson. Deora continued to walk to the Hallonah household, set on her destination.

As she reached Satinkaw's home, Deora took in the view noting that it was a big house. She strode to the door and knocked. A moment later, the door opened to find a strong young redheaded man whose skin was pale, though not as pale as Claire's. He wore brown pants along with his brown boots and his brown leather jacket. His green eyes stared back at Deora's brown eyes.

Hey Deora, greeted Satinkaw, you're late. At first, she thought he was joking until she saw the frown on his face.

H-how late am I? she asked, afraid of the answer.

For a moment, silence hung in the air. Then Satinkaw broke down laughing, confusing Deora at first. You were playing a prank on me?! she yelled, too surprised to be angry. Then she too began to laugh until they were on the ground. When their laughter stopped, Satinkaw stood up first and then helped Deora up to her feet.

So, did you bring everything you needed? he asked.

Deora nodded and she thought on the purpose of today's hunt. In a week it would be Tax day. Her sister didn't make enough money by being an apprentice to pay the taxes, but if Deora could bring home a buck they could sell, that would give them the money they needed. Usually, Deora would hunt with Satinkaw or she would go by herself and bring home pelts and meat to sell. She could even sell the antlers to the soldiers, as they added them to their helmets, but now…they were going to need all the money they could get. Lately, things hadn't been going well for them.

I have to kill something today, Satinkaw, she said, worry all over her face. He nodded, understanding her situation.

We'll get something big today, don't worry, he said. Then he began walking towards the open doorway leading back into his home, as he told Deora to wait. A few moments later, he came back out carrying a machete, his bow, and quiver of arrows and closed the door behind him.

They began walking side by side down the path leading to the point where travelers could both enter and leave Xi'an, talking about trivial things as they did so. Eventually, they reached the entryway marked by a wooden arch naturally made by the tree branches. Deora suddenly stopped, the expression on her face strange.

Is something wrong? Satinkaw asked, prompting her out of her state.

Um… He waited for her to answer. "I just got this really strange feeling, Deora began, like it will be a very long time before I come back here." Satinkaw shook his head with a smile.

We both know that's just a nervous feeling before you hunt. Deora nodded.

The pair continued walking, leaving behind Xi'an as they did so. Deora still couldn't shake the feeling that she had gotten only moments ago. But Satinkaw was right about her nervous feelings, wasn't he?

Chapter 2

Deora ran past the trees following Satinkaw's lead, hoping that they would catch some prey soon and return to Xi'an before twilight fell. So far, there had been neither sight nor smell of any sort of animal that could help Deora get money for Tax day.

She was about to scout ahead on the east side of the forest when she saw Satinkaw's mouth move, but she couldn't quite make out his words. What was that? Deora asked. Satinkaw looked up. What did you just say? she asked again.

Oh, he began, I was saying that maybe we should take a break for a moment or two. Deora wanted to argue but knew they needed a rest.

There hadn't been any signs of animals all day, and the sun was high in the sky, which meant it was now early afternoon. Yeah, you're right. She sat down, panting heavily as she watched Satinkaw take out their two lunches from his knapsack. Since Deora didn't have a knapsack, Satinkaw had offered to carry her extra things in his. He took out a pork sandwich, her favorite, causing her to smile and passed her a canteen of water. He then took out an apple, another canteen filled with water, and immediately took a bite. When they were done eating, they got up, cleaned up after themselves, and continued the hunt.

* * *

Snap! Deora whirled around to find a deer standing behind them fifteen feet away oblivious to their presence. Satinkaw saw it as well and smiled. See, I told you we'd find something today, he whispered. He didn't whisper low enough. Having heard his voice, the deer's ears perked up, and it turned and ran.

NO! Deora cried as she ran after the deer.

Deora, WAIT! Satinkaw yelled. She was already gone.

She ran as fast as she could to keep up with the deer. Suddenly, the deer stopped. With sweat pouring down her face, she took deep breaths as quietly as she could. Deora knelt to the ground. She closed her eyes and listened to the sounds of the forest. One by one she rejected each sound until all she could hear was the crunching of the deer's hooves as they stepped on fallen tree branches. She slowly opened her eyes and smiled. She saw her prey standing there, oblivious to her presence, unaware that it was about to die.

Deora slowly took out an arrow and nocked it. As she took careful aim, she took several deep breaths remembering her father's voice. His words came back to her as she remembered the first time he took her hunting. "You're a natural. Take a deep breath, feel the wind around your body as you're doing so, then let go." And she did. Of everything; including the arrow. It flew right into the deer's neck.

For a moment, nothing happened as the deer stood there, motionless, with the arrow in its neck. Suddenly, the deer fell. Deora couldn't believe her good fortune. I did it! she yelled and jumped up and down with excitement. This deer will solve all our problems. Hey, Satinkaw, Deora began, I'm gonna need some… She looked around as the realization hit her that Satinkaw hadn't followed her as she pursued the deer. She kicked the ground, then stomped over and lifted the deer over her shoulder. Good thing I've been hunting alone as long as I've been hunting with Satinkaw.

* * *

Deora looked up at the sky. By the position of the sun, she could tell it was late afternoon. She allowed the deer to fall off her right shoulder, which by this time was sore. She fell to her hands and knees gasping for breath. Moaning in pain, she massaged her shoulder. Deora knew her shoulder couldn't sustain the weight of the deer. She crawled over to a nearby tree and slowly used it as a lever to pull herself to her feet, sweat pouring down her face onto the ground.

After another moment's rest, she stood up tall and walked over to where the deer lay. Kneeling on the ground with one knee, and with great effort, she picked up the deer and placed it on her left shoulder. Deora began walking forward again step-by-step, knowing that at the end of her path was Xi'an.

Her goal of being able to stay safe at Tax day had been achieved. As these thoughts crossed her mind, she tripped over a tree root that stuck out of the ground, causing her to tumble over a small ledge and down the hill. When she finally reached the bottom, Deora hit a rock and screamed in pain. Her left shoulder had just been dislocated!

How was she going to carry the deer, let alone handle a bow with a dislocated shoulder? She cried in pain, angry with herself for being so clumsy. As she sat there deciding what to do, she heard voices ahead of her. Deora tried to focus on the voices rather than on the throbbing pain in her shoulder.

As she concentrated, she began to make out the words. We need to get this loaded onto the wagon so we can get it to Regaliun by nightfall if at all possible, one voice said.

I know that! another responded. Regaliun is one of the main cities that have wagon routes to the capital city, Conscienta.

Curious, she began to crawl towards one of the bushes that she had nearly crashed into. She peered through a hole in the bush and saw a flag that had an A within a jagged shield: The flag of the Empire. The warnings and rumors that Claire told her this morning came back to her as she shuddered. Even though Deora knew how important the deer was for Tax day, her curiosity got the best of her and she decided to stay and see what the soldiers were doing. She tried to think, but the throbbing of her dislocated shoulder made it hard to concentrate. She shook her head and refocused on what the soldiers were saying. We need to get these slaves moving, sir, and fast! Selling prisoners into slavery was a common form of punishment within the Empire.

I think we've already got them moving as fast as they are capable of under the circumstances, lieutenant, replied the voice of the man who was the commander of the forces watching over the prisoners. Why are the slaves here? Deora wondered. She decided to risk being seen and moved closer to the soldiers.

She saw the slaves being made to drag a large coffin-like object behind them in a wagon. What is that? Deora thought in alarm. Then she saw something that would haunt her for the rest of her life. There was a man inside the object. This sparked Deora's curiosity even more as well as bringing several questions. Who was he and what was he doing inside the object? Was he one of the Ancestors of Old that had come to guide them? Or had he died, and it was a casket that the slaves were being forced to drag back to Regaliun?

Unfortunately, Deora wouldn't be able to get any of the answers to her questions. Look, we've been spotted by a rebel! one of the soldiers cried. Her eyes went wide with the realization that she had been spotted and adrenaline began to course through her body, as she got up and ran despite the warnings shouted to her by the Emperor's soldiers. As she ran, she could hear the thumping of the soldiers' boots running after her.

* * *

Back at Xi'an, Claire Javano was relaxing in the local bar, having finished her duties as an apprentice blacksmith when Satinkaw came in looking exhausted. Concerned that her sister wasn't with him, she walked over and asked, Where's Deora? He shook his head, then told her of the events that led up to his return to Xi'an.

Claire shook her head and muttered to herself, She shouldn't have taken off like that.

She was only doing what she thought was best for both of you, responded Satinkaw. Claire turned her head towards Satinkaw, realizing that he had overheard her mumbling, and then smiled.

Yeah, you're right. I'm sure she'll be fine and home by tonight.

* * *

Deora ran, her left shoulder throbbing as adrenaline continued to pump through her body. She ran through the bushes and back into the forest once the hill flattened out. She wasn't sure where she was going, but as long as it was away from those soldiers she didn't care. But I do care where I'm at, she realized. She headed back towards the hill, which was the last place she was at before she dislocated her shoulder.

The moment she got there, she realized she needed to head south. Then she heard the cutting of blades against the growth of the bushes and knew that the soldiers had found her again. She turned and started running towards Xi'an, weaving her way through the forest as she did. Deora was hoping, no, praying to the Ancestors of Old, that the soldiers would soon give up and leave her be.

She looked up at the sky and saw that twilight had come. The sun had already set and there were stars to be seen in the sky above. Great, everyone's probably starting to worry about me, Deora thought. Suddenly, she saw the arch leading into the village. I made it, she cried as relief flooded her body. With no adrenaline left, she collapsed from pure exhaustion.

When she caught her breath, Deora looked around for the soldiers; there were none to be seen. She just hoped she wasn't dreaming. She smiled to herself as she looked at her dislocated shoulder, which was throbbing even more now that the adrenaline was gone. Satinkaw could help her with this. With that thought, Deora stood up and slowly walked towards the Hallonah house, clutching her shoulder.

* * *

Satinkaw heard a knock on the door and knew who it was even before he opened it. Deora Raylei Masumi stood before him struggling to keep a pained expression from appearing on her face, although it was fairly obvious that she was in pain. Are you okay? What happened to you back there?! he asked. She winced as he helped her into his house.

I was hunting the deer and— the deer! Her eyes went wide. She had forgotten all about the deer! Now, what was going to happen to her and Claire on Tax day? Satinkaw looked at her, surprise on his face.

What do you mean, the deer? She looked down, her face slightly red with embarrassment. You killed it?! She nodded in agreement. Wait, where is it? She took a deep breath and told him of the events leading up to her showing up on his doorstep as she sat down in one of the chairs in the living room. When she finished, Satinkaw just looked at her, expressionless.

She waited for his response. So, he finally began, you lost the deer. She looked up at him incredulously.

Yes, I lost the deer, and I had to leave it because of the soldiers! Are you happy? she snarled.

He walked over to the kitchen, opened a cupboard, and brought out a medium-sized bag. Bag in hand, he walked back over to Deora and knelt beside her. As he opened the bag, it revealed first aid equipment meant for helping injured hunters recover in the field. Satinkaw had previously been trained to help the soldiers. He carefully helped her take off her hunter's jacket, to cause her as little pain as possible.

But seriously, what were you thinking, running away from the Emperor's soldiers? he asked her. What if you had been caught? She was deeply touched by how much he cared for her but also knew what he was asking was very serious.

What's important is that I wasn't, and I got lucky, okay— ow! She heard a loud pop! Deora turned to see that her shoulder had been popped back in place and that Satinkaw was now rubbing some sort of ointment onto her shoulder.

What in the name of the Ancestors of Old do you think you're doing?! she asked, alarmed.

He looked up at her, and said, I'm sorry. My dad, before he died, made all sorts of ointments for different occasions. This particular one should help your shoulder heal provided you don't hunt for the time being. Deora nodded, understanding what Satinkaw was telling her to do.

I'll be careful for the time being, okay? Satinkaw nodded, then put everything back in the bag.

When he was done, he helped her put her jacket back on. You should be able to move your shoulder, but it is going to be sore and there will be some swelling, he said. Deora stood up, knowing that Claire would be worried about her too. Good night, he said.

Deora nodded then walked over and kissed him on the right cheek, whispering, Good night.

For a moment, he stood there, transfixed, staring at the door. Then he shook off his stupor and went to bed.

* * *

Deora walked forward through the now darkened paths in Xi'an, determined to get home but also smiling at the thought that the kiss she gave Satinkaw should've left him stuttering. She looked up at the sky marveling at the beauty she now saw above her. Some stars formed constellations of all shapes and sizes. Strange that one of those shapes looked like a giant dipper in the sky, but she could be mistaken. She shrugged and continued to stare up at the sky in wonder unaware that she was still walking, albeit more slowly than before. She kept trying to spot and count the numerous shapes in the night sky. Finally giving up the seemingly impossible task, she looked down again and saw that her family home lay before her. She walked quickly to the door and opened it. Stepping inside, she closed it quickly and headed for the storage room.

She put away her hunting supplies, went into the kitchen and grabbed an apple. She was about to head upstairs to her room when a familiar voice angrily stated, "Well, here you are, sis. I was wondering when you would show up!" Deora winced at the sound of Claire's voice. Looks like I'm not that lucky after all, she thought to herself, then turned and