I'm sorry ... um ..." What should he say? That his curiosity had been stronger than her attraction? That would have hurt her badly, and besides, that wasn’t the case either, only he had let himself be too easily distracted again. Perhaps because he was afraid to take further steps. The sheer excitement of kissing and hugging had given him far more happiness than he could have imagined that morning.
"I ... I ..." he stammered awkwardly.
Kosam turned away.
"Stop, please wait!" He grabbed her arm.
She looked at him.
"I just thought that was great!" Idiot!
"What did you think was great?" She asked gruffly. “The dangerous gymnastics on the ladder?”
“No. I mean that ... well, the one before that. ”Fool, just say it!
Her gaze remained unchanged.
"Well, the kiss!" He finally managed.
She didn't answer, and Raen took all his courage and touched her shoulder. His hand went up to her neck and ch
I'll help you!" She wanted to get up.“No, stay calm here, I'll do it. I'll be right back. ”“ Should I stay up here alone? ”She asked, half joking.“The pigeons won't hurt you, and otherwise I won't see any other creatures here. I checked it carefully earlier, ”he said, pointing to the ladder with a wink.“Good, but hurry up!”In fact, a little later he was completely out of breath with the mats and blankets. He must have flown up the stairs! Kosam took the mats from him and rolled them out next to the chests, then she spread the blankets and crawled under them. Raen took off his boots, turned off the light, and slipped under the covers with her. They finally fell asleep, snuggled tightly together.The next morning they woke up to the cooing of the pigeons. The first daylight fell through the windows over the platform. Raen and Kosam beamed h
Suneka's heartbreak was just as uncurable as Hereke's miserable mood. The whole time the horse boy sat on the sidelines and brooded deeply, even during the big competition he didn't want anyone close by. From a distance he watched Raen and Kosam, and a certain envy of his friend was evident. Hereke no longer understood the world. For the past six months he had had the feeling that Suneka was slowly tilting - they had even kissed at the last harvest festival - but since last night she was suddenly cold as ice.Didn't their kiss mean anything?Hereke hit a willow post with his fist, he was tired of it. He had waited long enough. Probably longer than anyone had ever done for a woman. What about that girl? Even the most ill-tempered horses were easier to handle than them. Maybe he should forget about her, that would be the easiest thing to do. His mother had told him many times that girls who were overly shy are not good for a man. She hadn't meant to accuse Suneka of anyt
Thanks be to the volunteer! And we, who were there in Tena-lo-Ghan, take the risk of being judged by Zaizura! It is up to you to replace us and to take our places with pride if the will of Zaizura should meet us! With Hyaun in our hearts we will humbly receive your punishment! ”The concern of everyone present was reflected in Lako's pale face.It had become their fate to wrest this decision from fate."Hyaun help us!" He said weakly and gave the floor to the high priest.Gahin stepped forward and spoke in a soft, calm voice: “Liberation will take place in two days! So prepare for it. Each of us knows that our Setna gives their life for their people. He lives for our salvation, and if it is so destined for him - be it through Zaizura's will or some other higher force - then he will also die for us! Our trust in Hyaun must be strong. He is with us and will name a new bearer of the gift! Be assured that He will continue to hold His protective hand over
At the same moment the Palansetna priests, the personal servants of Setna, were preparing for their difficult task in Tena-lo-Ghan. They were gathered in the prince's house, where they had also spent the night, in the faint hope that the prince's condition might change after all. Of course, he hadn't changed. And now they waited for the one who would accomplish what they all feared. He was the volunteer. The only one of all those involved who could count himself lucky in a clear conscience to do the right thing for the good of the people."I'll do it!" He had said at the meeting of the Board of Governors. He was a very skilled fighter from among the warriors, and his determination was known to all.But where was he now? Had he changed his mind? The palansetna became restless, morning was already advanced and it was not advisable to wait any longer. The inevitable would only be pushed back further and further, the problem would not be solved.Finally, the high pr
Then there was nothing left but waiting. Waiting for death.It wasn't long before the volunteer began to groan. At first quietly, but finally he was clearly gasping for breath. His eyes, which no longer seemed to see anything, rolled into their sockets, his Adam's apple jerked violently upwards from below. Some of those present lowered their gaze, it was mainly the priests, for the warriors continued to pay their last respects to the volunteer by looking at him until his last breath.His body began to sag and that was when he slumped onto his side from his upright position. The priest at his side wanted to see him, but the Hyaunset suer quickly raised his hand. It wasn't that far yet.Indeed, gurgling sounds came from all of their ears, and white foam emerged from the volunteer's nose and mouth. An uncontrollable twitch went through him, his hands clawing the mat. He reared one last time and then fell back lifeless on the mat. Then it was quiet.Only now
PrologueFate was watching him, every move he made, he knew that very well. It was just waiting for him to make a mistake so that he could punish him afterwards. Because fate was inherently malicious. Still, he couldn't help it. He had to do it.But actually he was forced to, it wasn't even his own will. Or is it? Raen shook his head, who was still watching in this mess. The war confused people's minds. In war, the good deeds were indistinguishable from the bad.********Roman paced restlessly up and down the door. He nervously chewed his thumbnail. Behind the door his wife Alea was in labor. It was not his first child who was just about to make its way into this world; his wife had given birth to a young daughter two years ago. Roman sat down, but immediately jumped up again. It was earl
“ We should leave here and leave Shari? ”Her eyes filled with tears.Roman nodded again. He didn't like the idea of having to give up his homeland, either, but it was the only way to save the people of the clans north of the Junghal Mountains after the fall of the provinces in the south. If the enemies took the pass over the mountains and advanced into the central land, the river would be a difficult obstacle to overcome."It must be. Pray to Hyaun that we can return soon. ”-“ That we will return at all, ”he added in his mind, but managed to smile confidently. He handed the infant to Alea and teasingly stroked her cheek. "You did well." Roman jerked his chin in the direction of the child and Alea beamed proudly. It was a little balm on his tormented soul.After that they were silent for a while, the midwife was also silent and looked worried. Her future was uncertain.Outside the orange sun rose slowly over the snow-covered h
Finally, the seemingly bloodless lips moved: "Are you Hyaun-Banskeid-Roman-Ra-Roido-adh-Chor-Shari - warrior Hyauns, son of Roido from the Shari clan?"Roman blinked. “Yes, I am.”“My name is Solrhan, I am a disciple of the venerable oracle Soghul of Tulga and I bring you a message!” A hand, as transparent as the skin around his bright blue eyes, parted the fine, white material of the cloak and held out a letter to him. It bore the unmistakable, black seal of Tulga. “It is a message that is only meant for you, Banskeid Roman. No one else is allowed to read it or know anything about its content, except you. You know what I'm talking about? ”Roman nodded and held out his hand. The folded paper touched his palm as light as a feather, but his hand began to tremble, heavy as if under a steel load. The thoughts were racing in his head. Why did he of all people get a message from the oracle? He was just a simple warrior, as insignif