Page 107 of Twisted Sins

The women were nudged into silence by others.

Nandini knew the women didn’t want to discuss something in front of her. But she didn’t insist. She was glad there were no major injuries among the clan people, and everyone was safe.

However, she sensed a strange tension. Instead of a lively talk, there was only a minimal exchange of words. She wanted to pertain the clan’s silence to tiredness since they all had been up since early hours and had to travel and set up a new encampment. But she knew they were used to the nomadic life and danger.

What are they trying to hide?

Sensing that the tension was due to her, she got up after the meal and left the area. She went to the stables to check on the animals.

“Are the horses okay?” she asked.

“Yes, the horses are fine. Thank you for warning us on time.”

She nodded. “I didn’t do much. Since everyone was busy putting out the fire from the tents, I was able to see the fire being shot from above on the stables.”

The groomsman was silent. Once again, she felt a strange tension from the head groomsman who normally spoke to her in a friendly way.

Something definitely felt off.

After spending time checking on the horses, she returned to her tent. She had gone to meet the seer, but Skandamai was resting before her nightly prayers.

I will demand my answers this evening from the demon.

The demon owed her a lot of answers.

***

By the time the sun began to set, Nandini remained in the tent. She agreed when Uma insisted on bringing the meal to the tent.

“Did they find out who was responsible for the attack?” she asked while Uma set up the meal.

Uma froze.

Nandini knew something definitely felt off.

“What is happening, Uma?” she asked. “Why is everyone behaving oddly around me? What were they trying to discuss this morning? Please, tell me.”

“It’s nothing,” Uma murmured.

Nandini shook her head. “No, I can sense that something is wrong. I thought the clan was warming up to me. But now they don’t like me again. Please, Uma. Tell me what happened and if I did anything wrong.”

Uma shook her head. “No, we all like you. You didn’t do anything wrong. In fact, everyone is grateful for your help. It isn’t you… it’s your family. The Thakvars attacked us last night—”

Uma broke off, looking guilty.

Nandini was shocked.

“They are blaming the Thakvar clan for last night’s attack?”

Uma nodded. “Half burned arrows with Thakvar insignia was found last night in the encampment.”

“My family would never do such a thing!” Nandini stated. “They won’t attack innocent people who aren’t prepared to fight! I need to tell everyone that they are mistaken!”

Uma lowered her eyes. “This isn’t the first time the Thakvar clan has been blamed for attacking the Kabalis without warning. It happened twenty years ago.”

Nandini recalled the conversation between the Kabali women as they discussed something that happened twenty years ago.

“What happened twenty years ago? Please tell me, Uma.”

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