REDEMPTION

POV: Darrel Williams

The stifling hush that had enveloped our campsite seemed like a viselike grip tightening with every instant. There were no more soft murmurs or covert looks directed my way; only a tense silence hung in the air, laden with anxiety about the seismic disclosures about to explode our lives.

Countless eyes followed my every step as I walked toward the central forum where the ruling council had gathered. Though their criticism was not expressed, there was clear silent censure behind it. From which there would be no comeback should I choose to validate the devastating proof Ivory had supplied, I was guiding them into an unknown land.

The passageway veered abruptly ahead, and I instinctively looked for possible ambushes a lifetime of survival skills turned on full tilt. It was then that I saw the obvious movement in the shadows: figures moving into offensive stances, weapons sliding free with a terrible whisper of steel on leather.

The trap burst in a flash. From their