9. Rising
The night they became warriors he pulled her aside. The celebrations went on below as they stood by the wall of the compound, watching the coming dawn.
"You realize that if they command it, we will be enemies," he said finally.
"I know."
"If it comes to it, I will kill you." But his voice was uncertain, sounding as if he was trying more to convince himself than her.
"I know."
"What will we do?"
"Smile, Bokka. The sun is rising."
He smiled. Later, he would repeat those words to himself as he raced against the night to prevent genocide.