Chapter One

Serali ran through the dusty streets of Land's End with her hair flying out behind her. She was a gangly child, presently at that stage where she seemed to be all knees and elbows, and was often bumping into things or tripping over her own feet. Running was one thing that she did well, despite giving the impression that all of her separate parts were about to fly off in different directions, and she was currently racing down the street, enjoying the feel of the wind through her hair. The rushing sensation made her think of flight, of the way the wind felt on her wings during her frequent and vivid flying dreams. There was, however, an unpleasant factor to her headlong rush, for the principle reason behind it was a deep desire to reach her destination before she was spotted by the other children. She raced on, ducking down a side street that led past a couple of houses and then ended at the little blacksmith's shop.

Too late she noticed a shape lurking in the sharp shadows cast by the hot afternoon sun.

"Where do you think you're going, heron-legs?" Jerda stepped out in front of her, and she skidded to a halt just short of crashing into him. He was thirteen, two years older than she was, and still a head shorter. The children her own age had given up their bullying, if not their teasing and taunting, but the older ones had taken up the slack left by their younger siblings. Though short he was stocky, and already developing a certain rough masculinity even at that young age. His skin was brown, his hair straight and black and his eyes were dark.

"I know where she's going," said a second voice, and Tris, Jerda's shadow, stepped out to stand next to him. Tris was of a height with Jerda, but thinner, more wiry. He too was darkly colored with deep brown eyes. Nearly everyone in the village was. "She's going to visit the other outlander."

Serali glared at them. "Why is it any of your business where I'm going?"

Jerda grinned. It wasn't a particularly friendly grin. "As the mayor's son it's my duty to help keep the village safe, of course. So I should make sure that you outlanders aren't conspiring together."

"Yeah, we got a duty," said Tris, and his grin wasn't any nicer.

"Some duty! I was born in this town just as you were, Jerda. Now let me by, I have an order from my father for Breck"

"How do I know you really have an order? Why you could be up to anything." The grin broadened. "Obviously we need to make sure you're telling the truth." He stepped forward, hoping to intimidate Serali into stepping back, but she stayed planted firmly in place.

"Don't touch me!" she snapped.

"I'll touch you if I want to," said the boy. "Here, have a nice pat," and he swung a fist at her. She fell back just enough to avoid getting hit, and then jumped on the shorter, but heavier boy. She didn't punch, but clawed at his face instead, and kicked at his shins. He yelped, and she grinned, her own smile fierce with victory. Then Tris piled into her from the side, managing to land several good blows. She turned to try and kick him too, and Jerda stuck out his foot at just the right moment and she tripped.

She didn't have a chance to get up, Tris immediately kicked her in the stomach, hard. She tried to roll away and get to her feet, but between the two of them their kicks were enough to keep her from getting up. She curled into a ball and put her hands over her head as the blows continued.

"Here now!" a deep voice bellowed. "What do you think you're doing?" The kicks stopped and Serali uncurled to see her tormentors fleeing down the street. She picked herself up with a groan. They hadn't done her any serious damage, but she was going to have bruises all over. She turned to find Breck, the village smith, trotting up to her. "Are you all right, child?"