Chapter eighteen

In an hour, Turab led Nume to the Barbarian village. As they walked, Nume's nose was bombarded with vomit-inducing smells such as rotten cabbage, manure and dirt. The barbarians weren't known for their tidiness. It's more the opposite. They are a dirty, cockroach-infested nation. Turab smiled. "You must not know why I know this place so well. I am part barbarian. I was born here, but because of my natural, ash-black hair I was abandoned. I was also weak, scared and a wimp. Everyone who saw me whimpering in the corner, said "Aw, he's no good." And left. And I was all alone until I decided to train myself. Because of that I am here with you." Turab ruffled Nume's hair. Andrew added. "Turab is very strong! Not like me…" "Andrew! Don't call yourself weak! You aren't! If someone is, it's me. I abandoned my only relative, my sister, Shira." Large tears dripped from her eyes. She clenched her sword in heart-tearing pain as she remembered Shira's gaze as she flew away. Nume knew she was nothing without her sister. But then she remembered what Shira said to her one day. "Nume, you are like an iceberg. Some only see some parts of yours and the rest is hidden below. You may be ashamed of some of it, but it is a part of you." All Nume's sadness and guilt was replaced by warmth within. She smiled at Turab, tears glittering in her eyes.