4 Chapter 4

Another bandit let out a whistle and there was the sound of commotion from one of the nearby tents. A timid woman in a thin cotton frock appeared; she handed him a bowl of stew and scurried back in silence. One sniff at the meat confirmed his fears and turned his stomach. The unidentified chunks of meat roasting above the fire smelled like singed horsehair. Rising from the bowl like steam was the aura of his friend Rhea.

Tuxtax stared into the fire, his golden eyes losing focus as he strained to find a shred of hope. His heart lurched as he realized that the bandits were dining on the remains of his best friend’s soulmate.

“Stranger, you’re not eating,” the bandit leader prodded.

Tuxtax took a long waft of the steam rising up from the abomination inside the bowl he was holding and pretended to enjoy it. He replied, “Sorry. Long day. I’m savoring the warmth of it in my hands for a bit. Smells delicious.”