Javin strained, saw a blur of movement. “Noooo!” The blade flashed downward, and the jungle was pierced by a scream of agony Javin realized was his own -- but not for himself.
The dagger had buried itself in Siri’ Bhu’s back, who'd broken free and leaped between him and his executioner. She fell forward, her arms wrapping around Javin, her head resting against his breast. Her voice gasped. “Mulda' fi, you must protect us – save our people.” She slumped to the dirt.
“You animal!” Javin strained to break free and dive on the wolfish leader.
“Calm yourself, animal,” Saballa gestured and the guard cuffed Javin again several times across the face, causing him to slump in the arms of his captors.
“Mulda' fi, did she say?” Saballa said as Javin struggled to stand on his feet again. “This is interesting. Perhaps I won’t kill you today after all." Then he nodded to another guard. “Bind him firmly. This one has strength. It's something Trantha’ Joh must see. If the Keeper figures this as Mulda' fi, it bears study.” His eyes narrowed. “Yes, detailed study.
"Princess…” he said, turning back to where the princess was held, tears straining her cheeks as she stared dumbly at her friend’s blood staining the dirt a copper color.
“Princess, do you believe this is one of the Promised Ones?”
Mouhra’ Lah blinked then stared back defiantly at Saballa, answering nothing, chin held high.
“No answer, eh? Well . . . I’ve instructions to bring you back unharmed so I can’t question you the way I’d like.” His eyes looked menacing. “Perhaps another time your uncle will indulge me.”
“Javin was right – you are an animal!”
Saballa only smiled, gave the orders. “Everyone assemble. Prepare to move out. Bind the Princess,” Saballa nodded to another guardsman, a strong chord in his hand. “See to the wounded. Leave the rest. The jungle will clean up after us. The Emperor wants the Princess back now and we have at least a ten-day march ahead." The soldiers sprang to life.
Mouhra’ Lah’s eyes widened at the mention of 'Emperor'. “So my uncle has seized power already?”
Saballa turned back. “Only to a few who serve him. Soon, with your . . ." he hesitated slightly, "…cooperation, it will become so with the rest of our people. From there it will be little more effort to unite all cities under our beloved new 'Emperor'.”
“You serve no one but yourself, Saballa! You grasp power wherever you can. Why not help me? I can reward you far more surely than my Uncle!"
Saballa held a hand to his breast, affecting hurt. “Oh, you’re wrong, Princess, I have nothing but the sincerest devotion to our Emperor. I am certain only he can lead us -- all people -- to the path of enlightenment.” Then a smile of irony crossed his face and he gestured for the soldiers to form up.
“What about Siri’ Bhu? She could still be alive. No one's checked her. We must see!” The princess strained in the hold of her guards.
Ignoring her pleading, Saballa barked, “Move out.” He glanced at Javin, who stared piercingly, eyes smoldering with anger.
Javin was bound, he could do nothing for anyone now, but he vowed he would do something, someday to pay Saballa back and avenge the sacrifice Siri’ Bhu had made for him.