Humidity made it hard to breathe as I ran with all my might. High above, clouds rolled, flashing every so often. They marked the beginning of the rainy season. The river would flow deep then, too deep to cross in most parts. Mhor's land would be cut off from my father's for several moons. If I hid on his land...
No, war was coming. I had to fight.
Lightning lit up overhead as I sprinted across the shallow river. I didn't head toward Mhor's encampment, instead, I followed the strange bitter scent.
The wind picked up, making the spattering of wilted and brittle trees bend and sway. Animals scurried to take refuge from the impending downpour. Large drops hit my skin as I continued southward, well beyond Mhor's camp and far from my father's land.
The scent grew strong right before the skie
