“Scowling Tiger invented a plot to assassinate Smoking Arrow, implicating Brazen Bear as the assassin and as the leader of the Broken Arrows. In Brazen Bear"s home, Imperial troops found hundreds of Broken Arrow banners. His conviction and sentencing on charges of treason soon followed. Guarding Bear had to denounce his own brother and take a leave of absence from the Ruling Council.”
Bubbling Water breathed deeply three times and focused on the electrical torchlight reflecting off a goblet rim. “The dilemma between his love for Brazen Bear and the need to sacrifice his brother tore Guarding Bear apart.
“I considered dissolving my mateship to him, so terrible was his rage. The moment the executioner"s blade fell, Guarding Bear died inside. He was a scabbard without a sword, a quiver with
