The war drums sounded, louder and ever louder, sending bright parrots squawking for shelter, echoing through the humidity of the forest and vibrating in the sultry air.
"They won"t be long now." Melcorka touched the hilt of Defender, her sword, allowing the surge of power to thrill through her body.
"They"ll hunt us down and kill us all!" The Taino woman clung to Melcorka"s arm. "Then they"ll eat us."
"No, they won"t, Hadali." Melcorka shook her head. "Did you order the precautions that I advised?"
Hadali nodded. "Yes, Melcorka."
"You dug the ditch around two-thirds of the village?"
"Yes, Melcorka."
"You readied the palisade?"
"Yes, Melcorka."
"You sent the oldsters and children to the safest part of the village?"
"Yes, Melcorka."
"Then all should be well," Melcorka said. "I hav
