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Kian’s piercing eyes met mine across the fire. “We Surlons live by what you call an ‘honor code.’ Self-reliance, loyalty, integrity. The rustlers spit on such ethics. They bring only chaos and prey on the weak.”
His words resonated within me. I too valued those rugged virtues, though living among the Surlons was teaching me new meanings of community and tradition.
“What can we do?” I asked.
“We must protect what is ours,” said Vala fiercely. There were nods of agreement.
“I will not allow these raiders near Dust Gulch,” declared Kian, hand on the laser pistol at his hip. Murmurs of assent followed his bold words.
I studied Kian’s chiseled features in the firelight. His strong sense of duty was one thing I admired most about him, though it sometimes clashed with my own independent streak.
“How can I help?” I asked.
Kian raised an eyebrow in surprise. “This is not your fight, Kate.”
I bristled at his comment. “My crash landing here was an accident, but this village is my home now too. I want to protect it.”
Kian stared at me thoughtfully. I held his gaze, unwilling to back down.
Finally, he gave a small smile. “You continue to impress me, Kate. If the worst should come, we will need every able fighter.”
I grinned, feeling a rush of excitement. Dangerous as these rustlers sounded, the thought of riding into battle alongside Kian stirred my spirit.
***
I sat beside Kian as the last embers of the communal fire died out. Most of the villagers had retired to their dwellings, but we lingered in the quiet night. I studied his chiseled profile, softened in the dim light. Since mentioning the rustlers, he’d been even more taciturn than usual.
“Tell me about your father,” I said gently. “What happened to him?”
Kian was silent so long I thought he wouldn’t answer. Finally, he spoke, his voice low.
“It was many seasons ago, when I was still a boy. My father was leader of the village watch. He patrolled the valley vigilantly, determined to protect our people.” Kian’s eyes took on a faraway look. “One day, he didn’t return from scouting the high passes. We found only his sirocco, terrified and riderless.”
He paused, jaw tightening. “A search party discovered his body at the base of a cliff. He’d been shot down. Rustler tracks were everywhere.”
I sucked in a breath, horrified. To lose a parent so violently...I couldn’t imagine.
“We never caught those responsible,” Kian continued bitterly. “But I swore on my father’s grave that I would avenge him and keep our village safe.” He stared into the dying embers. “Now those cowards have returned to threaten us again.”
My heart ached for him. I hesitantly laid my hand on his broad forearm. His muscles tensed beneath my fingertips.
“Hatred poisons the soul,” I said gently. “Your father wouldn’t want you consumed by vengeance.”
Kian turned to me, eyes blazing. “These vermin murdered my father. Would you simply forgive that?”
“No,” I admitted. “But cleansing hatred from your heart doesn’t mean excusing what they did. It means you’re better than them.”
Kian looked taken aback. I held his gaze.
“You’re driven by honor and justice, not base revenge. That’s what makes you a great leader.” I gave his arm a squeeze. “Focus on protecting your people, not punishing your enemies.”
Kian stared at me with an unreadable expression. “You continue to surprise me, Kate,” he rumbled at last. “I will consider your words.”
I offered a tentative smile. “Hatred breeds more hate. But compassion is contagious too.”
The corner of Kian’s mouth quirked. “You have a wisdom beyond your years.” His tone turned solemn. “I cannot change the past. But you help me see a clearer path forward.”
“I’m here for you, Kian,” I said softly. “We’ll face the rustlers together when the time comes. Your father will guide us.”
