Sisters of the Sands

7. Our People

I wanted to grab Pilgrim and stop him, but instead did nothing as he left the old man's side and hurried out of the tent. I glared at Hati, shocked by his instructions. 'I'm sorry, but you're wrong about her. She isn't a spy.'

Hati sat up in bed and flung his legs over the edge. 'And what makes you so sure?' His whole body trembled as he stood. He took a couple of shaky steps and pointed his gnarled, yellow fingernail at me again. 'She's our enemy, she'd say anything to get back to her people again.'

I couldn't fault Hati's logic, but Tau was different. He didn't know her like we did. Eno and I hung our heads.

Hati looked between us, his sternness quickly turning to pity. 'I need to pack,' he said, turning to a trunk of his belongings. 'Either help me or get out and assist the others.' He shook his head and gestured to the tent's entrance. 'If you're looking for forgiveness, we don't have time. Go.'

We walked out in silence and put the old man behind us. I brought my hand to my forehead as I led Eno along the stony walkway, back to the centre of the settlement.

My whole body tensed and my hands shook. They couldn't do this to her. Growing up, nomads that'd learnt my identity had always treated me with contempt, even wanting me dead, so I knew exactly how Tau must feel right now. It wasn't right.

Eno jogged to keep up. 'What do we do now?'

'We're not going with them. We're leaving.'

'Already? But can't we stay with them for at least a little while?'