Snippet #1924634

Shizuma listened to what Riddick was saying, and he was right. Rolland was not her ally. However, Shizuma saw something in him that took her back to her small village. Her eyes reflected her memories for just a moment as she was overwhelmed by it.

The Skyes Clan was under attack by a group of riders, warriors rushing into battle with their weapons in order to protect the village. The homes of villagers were up in flames, smoke thickening the air. Shizuma was nineteen at the time, and one of the clan's best fighters. She had just joined in the fight, throwing knives and lashing out at the enemy with her spear, not daring to throw it and risk being without it, even for a moment. She saw a small boy in the middle of the battlefield, her heart instantly dropping. She ran to him, ready to protect this small and helpless brother. She was too late, a rider pouncing on the child just before she could reach him. She would never forget the look in his eyes, filled with helpless fear.

Shizuma shook the thought off, refocusing on Riddick now. Rolland was behind her now, although she was not sure of what he was doing. She turned her head to the side, speaking to him over her shoulder. "Run," she simply said, "This is no place for someone so weak."