Théhad soon grew suspicious. Every once in a while on the crunchy autumn path, the woman would slip behind an oak. They would find her, and a few turns later, she would disappear again. Then they would find her. The walnut branches above looked like huge, tangled green ears of wheat, with leaves for husks fat with seeds and wood for stalks. Suddenly, Théhad badly wanted to be home, away from the Amazon islands.

His left hand fidgeted with his empty leather belt. Meanwhile, the woman stopped, her earth-caked feet clinging to a tree root. She looked sideways at him as he and Zhami caught up, watching Zhami scan the forest to his left, then his right. The nick in his dark skin had acquired a scab. “Why have we stopped?” asked Théhad.

“You look troubled.”

Théhad and Zhami exchanged looks, and meanwhile, a robin warbled to its mate nearby. “A young White Amaryllis shot at us,” said Zhami. “Are they your enemies?”

The woman raised her eyebrows, concerned. “There is only one village named Amaryllis.”

Théhad tightened his clench on his shield. “You won’t gain anything by killing me.”

“Please, Castler prince.” The woman approached Théhad, who cringed. “Have you never dealt with a peacemaker before?” She glanced at Zhami, who was tensely staring at her from behind Théhad.

As she backed away, Théhad’s breathing relaxed. “Have I never dealt with a peacemaker?” He took a step back. “I have never seen one.”

The woman fingered one of her hundred graying braids. “Among Amazons, good temperament is shown through the length of your hair. We are at a temporary truce, and I am incapable of killing you or your friend, but...” She resumed walking. “I know who did it. She will be punished.”

“Who?” asked Théhad.

“The general’s daughter.”

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A/N: I meant for this chapter to have two sections, but I just work too slowly. Thanks for your reviews!