Page 31 of Orange Tundra
SIM
Dawn broke,pale light spreading over the camp as the others stirred. We prepared to move deeper into the ruins, the air thick with anticipation.
"Everyone ready?" Nim called out.
As we gathered our belongings, I sensed a shift in the atmosphere. Whispers circulated, eyes darting toward me before quickly looking away. Something was amiss.
CG approached, flanked by his mercenaries. His gaze was hard, devoid of the camaraderie he'd feigned before. "We need to talk," he said.
I met his stare evenly. "About?"
"Justice," he replied coldly.
Nim stepped forward. "If there's an issue, we can resolve it peacefully."
CG shook his head. "This doesn't concern you, Kru'h Nim. This is between me and Simrod."
My grip tightened on my weapons. "Whatever you think you know?—"
"Don't deny it," he snapped. "I recognize you now. The Red Shadow. The one who slaughtered my tribe mates without mercy."
Gasps rippled through those gathered. Brynn's eyes widened, confusion and alarm flashing across her face.
"Sim?" she whispered.
I didn't look at her. My focus remained on CG. "They were enemies of the Purple Tribe," I said evenly. "I did what was necessary."
"They were freedom fighters," he retorted. "Defending their homes against tyranny."
"Lines blur in war," I replied. "We all have blood on our hands."
"Then you admit it," he growled. "You owe me a blood debt."
Nim stepped between us. "This isn't the time nor place."
CG glared at him. "Stay out of this, or you'll be next."
A low growl rumbled in my chest. "You threaten him, and this ends now."
He smirked. "So be it."
The tension was palpable. Around us, the others formed a loose circle, anticipation and apprehension mingling in their expressions.
Brynn moved to my side. "Sim, don't do this," she pleaded. She looked torn between me and CG whom she might even consider a friend. I could hardly believe CG was one of the survivors of my year long mission to rid the northside of what my parents considered wereqhudrilsof our society.
I glanced at her, my resolve hardening. "I have to."
She reached for my hand, but I stepped back. "Stay with Nim," I said softly.
Nim placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Trust him," he murmured. He looked at me, speaking to me to end this quickly.Of course, he knew what happened that year, the sufferings and terror I suffered even after my mission was finished.
CG drew his blade, his mercenaries fanning out behind him. "Face me, coward."
I rolled my shoulders, drawing my own blade with a fluid motion. Another point for CG. He chose to use a blade rather than a laser. "If it's a fight you want..."
He lunged without warning, his attack swift but lacking finesse. I parried easily, the clash ofterraniummetal ringing out. We exchanged blows, but it was clear he was fueled more by anger than skill.
"You're slow," I taunted, dodging another strike.
