Chapter 5 -

Two men and a child emerged from a dark wood to the warmth of the sunrise. The men were hardened scouts who had walked the same leafy trail all their lives, but the child was just a small boy who had begun learning his duties as a member of the tribe and was dragging his feet in a fight against exhaustion.

The child murmured something sleepily and one of the men took his hand and led him into a canvas shelter at the center of a village whose women and men were bustling about in the day's preparations. Waiting at the door was a family; a man, a woman, and another boy who looked just like the sleepy one. As the woman brought the older boy into the home, the scout reports their observations and, more importantly, how the child held up during the night.

This boy was no ordinary scout in training. He and his brother were sons of the chief of the northern tribes and their mother had been the daughter of the chief of the southern tribes. This bond resulted in great powers and responsibilities being placed on the two boys. The two, who were twins, not only had higher expectations on them, but also they looked different than any other tribal children that had come before them. Whereas their people had deeply tanned, chestnut colored skin, the twins were light and pale. Where their people had dark brown hair that blended in with their forest home, the two children had hair as golden as the sun. When they had been born the whole community had been shocked and they were proclaimed gifts of nature to approve of the union of the Northern and Southern tribes. However, at the moment the last thing the elder twin felt like was a "treasure of the Earth."

"I don't want to do the night patrol mother, at least not every night. I don't think I'll ever be as strong as the warrior hawks."

"Strength comes with time little one. Someday you and your brother will become men and contribute to the tribe until you return to the land. This has always been our way."

"I'm so glad that your home now brother. Now I can show you all that mother's taught me."

"I'd love to see you working your healing Matton. I'd love it even better if I could sit down and watch you but since I know that isn't happening…"

Both the mother and Matton smiled sympathetically at the longing in the boy's voice whose name, Attun, mirrored his brother's just as their appearances mirrored each others. The only difference between them was their personalities. From birth Attun and Matton's father had trained Attun to hunt, spy, and defend and instilled him with the heart and fire of a warrior. Matton on the other hand had been nurtured by their mother to heal, grow, and lead the people. Though his spirit was gentler Matton was still as frightening and inspiringly creative fighter and had a greater authority than his older brother whom he cherished above all.

The day proceeded with a steady pace as villagers went about their business. To the entrance of their defended home the chief mother sat with her twin sons as people came from all around to be healed by the younger brother. Those who didn't need healing simply came to behold the spectacle of the golden twins. Attun stood protectively over his younger brother as both were looked on with wonder and love. This peaceful time drifted on till the afternoon when the chief mother invited the last of the visitors into the village to stay until morning.

The night was filled with joy and laughter. A warm fire crackled at the center of the village and people danced to the beat of drums. After the meal and storytelling from the elders, the people drifted off to sleep with their loved ones. Attun's father told him that he had done well the night before and could sleep with the family for the night. The twins lay curled up to their parent's arms as the moon climbed higher. Everyone slept soundly until the sounds of cannon fire jarred them awake.

Screams filled the air. Some were rallying call from battle hardened warriors, and others were terrified shrieks from mothers and their children. In the chaos only one thing was sure. They were under attack.

As their father ran to gather the men to fight the unwarranted and unprotected attack, Attun and Matton's mother pulled them to the protective circle of women inside a wooden lodge who were guarding the children of the tribe. She whispered through the noise of the white men and fire. Attun clutched Matton and his mind reeled with confusion. His father had done everything to placate the pale stranger's that had come to their land. What had they done wrong? What more did the men want?

One of the women cried a warning and they stiffened their bodies into a living barrier. A group of white men had cut their way past the village guards and were approaching the women and children. Painted in garish red, they looked over them and spoke in their strange language. When they spotted the twins, they nodded their heads and moved in.

They women were brave and fought with all the strength of wild animals but it wasn't enough. Surrounded by dead bodies and watching the last breathes of their beloved mother, the brothers cried and struggled against the white men who were holding them back.

After a quick argument and the sound of approaching reinforcements, the men came to an agreement and a man with curly hair and blue eyes grabbed Matton while a bushy- browed, green eyed man grabbed Attun.

"BROTHER! BROTHER!"

Those were the last words Attun would hear from his little brother in a long time. Even as he screamed and clawed and wailed for his brother Attun knew it was useless. The white men had gotten what they had come for. In their wake lay a path of heart break and death that stained the home of the brothers scarlet.