Prisoners and Rebels: Tales of the Chai Makhani Trio, #4

By Kate MacLeod

The Chai Makhani Trio survived a night and a day in the jungle of a thousand easy deaths. They even evaded capture at the hands of Koltn Ward and the rest of the enforcers. But night falls again. And the best Commonwealth medicines that Alextra keeps pulling from her seemingly bottomless belt pouches only slows the spread of venom up her leg. But not as fast as the venom slows her steps. And somewhere out there they know Koltn Ward is regrouping. Their only hope lies in the last place Keani ever wanted to see again: home. "Prisoners and Rebels" is the fourth episode in the ongoing monthly science fiction adventure serial TALES OF THE CHAI MAKHANI TRIO.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ratatoskr Press
• Release date: Jul 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781951439996

Kate MacLeod

Dr. Kate MacLeod is an innovative inclusive educator, researcher, and author. She began her career as a high school special education teacher in New York City and now works as faculty in the college of education at the University of Maine Farmington and as an education consultant with Inclusive Schooling. She has spent 15 years studying inclusive practices and supporting school leaders and educators to feel prepared and inspired to include all learners.

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Prisoners and Rebels

PRISONERS AND REBELS

THE TALES OF THE CHAI MAKHANI TRIO: EPISODE 4

KATE MACLEOD

Ratatoskr Press

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CONTENTS

Prisoners and Rebels

To Be Continued…

Sci-Fi Serial Podcast!

Tales of the Chai Makhani Trio

Complete Series: The Travels of Scout Shannon

New Series: The Ritchie and Fitz Sci-Fi Murder Mysteries

Also from Kate MacLeod

Also from Ratatoskr Press

Free eBook!

About the Author

Also by Kate MacLeod

PRISONERS AND REBELS

Elyot could see that Alextra was running out of time. He knew she knew it too, although none of them said a word as they trudged through the ever-darkening jungle. But with every minute that ticked by, her steps slowed further.

Wait, Alextra said at last, sitting against a wet, mossy boulder to dig through one of her belt pouches.

It won't help, Keani said again as Alextra took out a chrome capsule half the size of her thumb and squinted at some writing engraved on its side.

It can't hurt, Elyot said. Alextra flipped open one end of the capsule and ran it along both sides of the welt on her leg. Elyot winced at the thought of touching such a foul purplish-black injury - how did that not hurt? - but Alextra didn't even flinch.

What does that do? he asked as she put it back in her pouch but didn't stir from the boulder.

Slow the infection, she said. Or so I hope.

It's venom, and that won't help, Keani said. We need to get to the camp. The elder can help you.

How much further is it? Elyot asked.

Not far, Keani said, but she was frowning at Alextra, still leaning against the boulder with her eyes closed. Even in the faint light that reached them from the setting sun through the thick foliage Alextra's face was looking grayish white. Elyot could guess what Keani wasn't saying.

Alextra might not make it even that far.

Lean on me while you walk, Elyot said, stepping closer to offer his arm. Alextra nodded without opening her eyes. She took out her tanjo and extended both ends until she was holding a bo staff a little taller than she was. The shimmering hologram quality to the newly formed ends glowed faintly, but not enough to be seen from a distance. She wouldn't draw attention from