A Warrior's Path (The Castes and the OutCastes) Read Online Free PDF

near, and he prepared to meet it.  Nothing he could do would change the outcome.  He was defeated, and the tip of his shoke dipped tiredly to the ground.
    Kinsu smiled and withheld his attack for a fateful moment.  “You’ve done well, young Master, but you are not yet ready.  Perhaps next time.”  His voice was surprisingly high and reedy, and his eyes reflected his imminent victory.  He knew he had won.  All he need do was apply the killing stroke.
    Rukh’s eyes flashed in anger.  Kinsu’s smile and words ignited one last fire.  He wouldn’t go down like this.  Kinsu would have to earn his victory.
    With that, Rukh drew seemingly to the last dregs of his Well. His mind raced as he assessed options.  He made his choice.
    Kinsu stepped forward, prepared to mete out the final stroke.
    Rukh straightened suddenly.  He blocked, shoving a surprised Kinsu back a pace.  With the small opening, Rukh hopped two short feet into the air and pushed off from the arena wall.  His shoke flashed forward like an arrow, aimed directly at Kinsu’s throat.  Kinsu gasped in shock.  Desperately, he adjusted his own shoke, managing to bring it down on Rukh’s left shoulder, simultaneous to when Rukh’s shoke struck Kinsu across the side of the neck.  The older Kumma fell heavily to the ground.
    The world slowly came back.  The crowd was cheering wildly as horns trumpeted his triumph.  They were shouting his name : “RUKH SAI!  RUKH SAI!  RUKH SAI!  RUKH SAI!”  But this time, they weren’t chanting his name in mockery.  This time, they gave him the salute of a true Champion.
    He was the Grand Champion!  HE WAS THE GRAND CHAMPION!  Rukh fell to his knees in disbelief.  He should have lost, but somehow he had emerged victorious.
    Other observations impinged on Rukh’s thoughts.  His left arm hung limply at his side – it would hurt like a banshee, but the pain would be worth it.
    He heard movement and glanced over.  Hastily, he stood and offered a hand up to a groggy and wobbly Kinsu.  The older Kumma rose slowly to his feet, rubbing at his throat.  A large red welt could already be seen.  Rukh winced in sympathy.  Even when the pain from the shoke wore off, the bruise might take weeks to heal.
    “Fragging rabid wolves, I didn’t expect that,” Kinsu said hoarsely and with deep disappointment.
    Rukh grinned and laughed.  Winning had a way of making any man generous.  “ Yes, but I doubt I’d be able to play that trick on you twice.”
    Kinsu scowled.  “Damn right,” he said, his eyes flashing angrily before his shoulders drooped with a dejected sigh.  “But once was all you needed.  Congratulations, Champion.”  He extended his hand, and they embraced.
    They separated and turned as one to face the Magistrates, Kinsu raising Rukh’s right arm.  The crowd continued to cheer, and Rukh’s spirit soared.

     
    Chapter 2 – Run to the Hills
    There are many lives a man can lead, but in the end, they all lead to death.
    -Kumma saying , dating to the Days of Desolation
     
     
    P ackages, once filled with spices, resin, clothes and books, had been ripped apart, and their contents littered the ground.  Salted meat and fish, too much to pack away, burned on bonfires.  The slight breeze carried the smoke and soot from the wagons aflame high into the sky.  The warriors rushed about, cursing as they stowed away a few last items.
    They were just about ready to move out.
    “B Company, gather up your gear and line up on your corporals.  Make it quick,” Lieutenant Pume shouted.  “The captain says we leave in five.  Move!”
    “Suwraith’s spit.  This can’t be happening,” Jared Randall shrieked to no one in particular.  The caravan master floundered in the midst of the burning wagons, near the lined Kummas.  He caught sight of Rukh, a mad gleam in his eyes.  “You won the Tournament,” he said.  “Protect me.  Please.  I’ll pay you anything,” he pleaded.  “I don’t want