Chapter 8

"So that's what happened Khan."

"That is, horribly unbelievable. How can such things, happen? How can people allow this?"

"We can do nothing, it happens in every village, in every street corner, as far as this city stretches the King sends his guards out, takes three women, and three men every day. The men are trained to be a part of his army and the women.." Bear struggles with the words, "Well you figure it out. And me not allowing them to take my sister, well that doesn't settle well with the audacious."

Khan shakes his head, "I am sorry. How's it you've all avoided this, you, your sister."

"My village is a unique one.."

"Meaning..."

Bear rests his large hands on Khan's shoulder, "In time Khan in time, i've no right to speak of it my self. I however am curious.." Khan lowers his head, strains his voice, knowing what is coming, "What've your story? I am not a holy man, but even i cannot deny god's placing you there."

Khan shakes his head, "Nothing like that Bear, i only arrived to the island this morning and was lost for hours. When i finnaly found the city walls, i found you."

"That's not fate?"

"I don't believe in that. Fate..."

"No?"

"Well maybe i do, but i find it too cruel to have much faith in it."

Bear watches Khan, struck by his answer, noticing now his walk. The shoulders spread wide, back straight, but head hung. His body moving as though fighting through heavy tide. But with strength and force, thinking this to be the walk of a man knowing only forward. "You've no family?"

Khan remains quiet. Struggling, perhaps even resisting, finding the words, "My father...died years ago. And my mother she..." He stops, refusing to tell more. Bear, being the man he is, understand as Khan thought he would, and leaves it alone.

"Come, we're nearing my village. You see the smoke? The black smoke rising over those trees?"

"Yes with the hint of red in it."

He smiles, "Good eye, i'll...see you there."

Bear shoots off, his laughter growing even louder the further he gets. Khan laughs, chasing after him. "You want to race me? A boulder racing the wolf?" Khan quickly passes him looking back at him smiling. "Come bear."