Taylon Read online

Page 17

Her brown eyes gazed across the rumbling ocean, waves crashing their way to shore. The horizon met the water, a pure line of sky and ocean.

  “I wonder what is out there.” She was mainly talking to herself, yet she said it aloud so that her second in command could hear as well.

  “MaNa, I do not know.” It was a hesitant, unsure reply. NakCha demanded certainty, respect, dedication. To falter was to declare failure.

  She turned swiftly, knowing what to expect. UkTa had his head down—not cowering, yet his shoulders showed a hint of submission—ready for the pain that came for uncertainty. All he received was laughter.

  “UkTa, it was a question that we shall answer together.” At this statement, her second in command straightened to his full seven-foot height. Her laugh ended in a seductive smile. Her warriors trained to be fit and strong. It showed in their appearance, often making the enemy gulp with fear.

  More of her men stood farther back. Some watched the fire rampage through the forest, while others awaited her command.

  “Filthy savages!” was what one woman wasted her last breath on when they attacked the village that now was an ember. NakCha relished in the fact that their foes underestimated her. An army of men in animal hide armor wielding spears were surely no match for a sophisticated army of metal and steel.

  But she had proven them wrong.

  “Men!” She cried out, her tone commanding, strong, yet feminine. It was a voice that demanded respect, one that would tempt in dreams and haunt in nightmares.

  The army was at attention quickly.

  “Our conquest on this little rock is complete. We are victorious!” NakCha raised her spear in the air. The rest of the army followed suit and raised a howl of rejoice.

  “But our mission is not over. Across the sea lies yet another threat.” The spear pointed out, against the wind. “There lies our next battle.” And the cheering continued. NakCha looked back at the horizon, her smile becoming wide and greedy.

  KaNa had started this journey for her, many miles away, and many moons ago. It was in a dream the Goddess had come to NakCha, and confirmed orders in the morning when the very ground beneath her shook and the mountain spouted fire. She knew then it was her duty, her mission to lead the FaJa tribe.

  NakCha was bred for strength. FaJa women could not be weak. Upon convincing the chief of the tribe of her vision, she took up the spear. To the south, they had shared their land with an enemy called Gaul. It was her first battle, and a slim victory. But upon that triumph, NakCha had earned the army’s respect.

  Now, two islands later, and four more cities destroyed, NakCha heard the calling from across the ocean. No land was in sight like the previous islands, but KaNa had told her to proceed.

  That’s what she planned to do.

  ABOUT SCOTT J. KRAMER

  Ever since Scott’s mother denied naming him Scott Fitzgerald Kramer, writing has been in his blood. He watched his grandfather use an old-fashioned typewriter to compose memories about his grandmother. Finding out quickly that typewriters didn’t like him, Scott began carrying a scrap of paper and a pencil. Word processing changed his fate.

  Scott lives in Cincinnati with his beautiful wife and two adorable little girls. During the day, Scott as Mr. Kramer terrorizes sixth grade students, forcing them to read and write. Slowly, they come to realize that reading is fun and writing is something they have to do to pass his class.

  Taylon is Scott’s third novel in the Territory Series. The first book is Kara. You can visit Scott at http://scottjkramer.wordpress.com/

  Find Scott online:

  Twitter: @scottjkramer

  Website: http://scottjkramer.wordpress.com/

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Scott-J-Kramer-Books-263988617052819/?ref=hl

  Email: [email protected]

  Also Available from Scott J. Kramer and Prizm Books:

  SERIES

  Jane Monterray Mysteries

  Taking the Plunge

  Territories Novels

  Kara / Euphoria / Taylon

  If you enjoyed Scott J. Kramer’s Taylon, please consider telling others and writing a review.