Threads Of Destiny:Clash Of The Tribes Book One-Storm's Fury Introduction-The End

CHARACTERS

COBRA TRIBE

LEADER: Snake-Eighteen-year-old boy with blond hair and green eyes

ASSASSIN: Dallas-Sixteen-year old boy with brown hair and warm amber eyes

GUARDS:Steven-Man with brown hair and a beard with green eyes

Lyla-Young woman with blond hair and blue eyes

SOLDIERS:Gideon-Man with dark brown hair and brown eyes

Victor-Man with icy gray eyes and scars on his face

Saraphine-Woman with brown eyes, pale skin, and red lips

Ignatius-Man with gray eyes and pale skin

Alaric-Woman with ice-blue eyes and brown hair

Isolde-Woman with beige hair and brown eyes

Ace-Man with black hair and black eyes

Maiba-Newly-trained teenage girl with brown hair and black eyes

*THERE ARE TWENTY PEOPLE IN THE TRIBE OF COBRA, NOT INCLUDING GUARDS, SOLDIERS, LEADER, AND ASSASSIN.

ECLIPSE TRIBE

LEADER: Saber-Seventeen-year-old boy with brown hair and brown eyes

ASSASSIN:Dylan-  Fifteen-year-old boy with jet black hair and unusual dark blue eyes

GUARDS:Raven-Fifteen-year-old girl with shiny black hair and black eyes

Lance-Man with black hair and brown eyes

SOLDIERS:Griffin-Woman with blond-white hair and green eyes

Miles-Young adult with scarlet hair and brown eyes

Dawn-Girl with brown hair and blue eyes

Conner-Boy with beige hair and brown eyes

Silas-Newly-trained teenage boy with brown hair and brown eyes

Draven-Teenage boy with black hair and green eyes

Asher-Teenage girl with gray eyes and blond hair

Soren-Woman with beige hair and amber eyes

*THERE ARE TWENTY FIVE PEOPLE IN THE TRIBE OF ECLIPSE, NOT INCLUDING GUARDS, SOLDIERS, ASSASSIN, OR LEADER

GLACIER TRIBE

LEADER: Frost-Woman with blue eyes and blond hair

ASSASSIN: Storm-Seventeen-year-old boy with ice-blond hair and gray eyes

GUARDS: Aidan-Sixteen-year-old boy with light brown hair and brown eyes

Ryder-Young man with dark brown hair and blue eyes

SOLDIERS: Ava-Young woman with curly black hair and green eyes

Liam-Seventeen-year-old boy with blond hair and hazel eyes

Maya-Young woman with black hair and brown eyes

Willow-Teenage girl with red hair and green eyes

Aspen-Teenage boy with brown hair and black eyes

Rowan-Nineteen-year-old boy with dark brown hair and hazel eyes

River-Eighteen-year-old girl with light blond hair and blue eyes

Cormac-Man with gray eyes and white hair

*THERE ARE TWENTY-THREE PEOPLE IN THE TRIBE OF GLACIER, NOT INCLUDING LEADER, ASSASSIN, GUARDS, OR SOLDIERS

PHOENIX TRIBE

LEADER: Blade-Strong man with cold gray eyes and black hair

FIGHTERS: Twister-Man with black hair and brown eyes

Strike-Man with blond hair and blue eyes

Viper-Young man with green eyes and brown hair

Flame-Eighteen-year-old boy with bright blond hair and gray eyes

Cactus-Young man with hazel eyes and auburn hair

Riven-Nineteen-year-old boy with platinum hair and blue eyes

Thordis-Man with amber eyes and red hair

Gutren-Man with copper eyes and dark brown hair

SERVERS: Melody-Young woman with blue eyes and golden hair

Lily-Young woman with gray eyes and dyed pink hair

Hope-Young woman with brown hair and brown eyes

Fawn-Nineteen-year-old girl with brown hair and hazel eyes

Aria-Sixteen-year-old girl with gold eyes and black hair

Meadow-Eighteen-year-old girl with red hair and green eyes

Gracie-Seventeen-year-old girl with brown hair and amber eyes

PROLOGUE

Wind swept through the ice cold lands. A blizzard was coming. A woman was stumbling slowly across the land. Should I take refuge there? The woman thought while gazing at a structure up ahead, on top of a cliff. No. It’s likely someone is already living there. The baby in her arms cried out while she desperately tried to keep him warm. “Just hang on a little longer,” she whispered to the baby. Her boyfriend had been killed by one of Blade’s vicious, cruel men. She had been left alone with her son. That’s when the wind picked up.

“Looking for shelter, eh?” The woman whipped around to see Blade. He followed me! “Yes,” she said, lifting her head. “Listen, I’ll make a deal,” Blade slurred smoothly. “I’ll give the boy shelter, food, and train him. But you’ll have to leave.” The woman hesitated. Blade was vicious and cruel. Will he really break a deal? I hope not. He killed Ember. He is cruel. But if it meant food and shelter for the baby, then…he’ll be the last hope for his survival.

She nodded slightly, and handed the baby carefully to Blade. Blade smiled. But his smile was malicious and cunning, empty of happiness. “Leave.”

The woman backed away. She ran. As far from Blade as possible. Until his men caught her. Then everything faded away.

CHAPTER ONE

Ever since Frost took Storm in, he had been trying to prove his loyalty to the Glacier Tribe. The people there eyed him suspiciously, wary of his trust since he was from a different group. Storm had told them that the group he was formally in was called Phoenix Tribe. Storm knew they didn’t behave like a Tribe. All the women and girls were servers, and the men and boys were fighters. Their traditions were different too. When a girl or boy became a server or fighter, around the age of sixteen, they received a painful scar on his or her wrist, pledging their loyalty and dedication to serving the leader. Blade had been killed by Dylan after she tried to slowly kill Storm. He had saved him, despite what Storm had done to Dylan, helping to secure an electric collar around his neck, and smashing the pendant. Storm had felt guilty, and had vowed to not hurt anyone without purpose, like Dylan did.

“Storm?” Frost’s voice echoed behind him. Storm turned. “Yes, Frost?”

“Go take a break. You’ve worked enough.” Storm looked down at the weapons he was sharpening, surprised by Frost’s lightheartedness. Frost had asked him to sharpen them because she wanted to give Storm something to do. He had been training as her assassin, and was getting into the routine of the Glacier Tribe.

“Are you sure?” Back in the Phoenix Tribe, Storm and the other Fighters had to work without breaks.

“Yes, Storm. Go.”

Storm left the weapons and went outside, sitting near the cliff that overlooked the forest. He gazed down at all the evergreen trees, shimmering with sunlight. I wonder how Dylan and Snake are doing. They showed me mercy; I want to know that they are okay. Suddenly, he spotted a small movement in the close distance. It looked like a group of people. He squinted. They were a group of men. Marching the way to the Glacier Tribe. Storm narrowed his eyes even more. They were carrying swords and other weapons. It’s an ambush! Storm ran back into the Base, all the way straight into Frost. “Storm, where are you going in such a hurry? What’s wrong?” Frost asked. Storm gasped for air. “It’s an ambush!”

“What? From who?”

“The…the Phoenix Tribe!” Storm panted. “They’re on their way right now!”

“Get the weapons,” Frost ordered calmly to one of her soldiers, Maya. She hurried away.

The soldiers and guards had just gotten alert when the Phoenix Tribe burst in. They attacked fiercely. Storm could just make out Twister in the frenzy. “Storm! You disloyal brat!” Twister snarled at him. “We raised you!”

“You tried to kill me,” Storm said icily. He lunged at Twister, knocking him down with all his might. Even though Storm was fit and strong, Twister was a full-grown man and had lots more strength. Twister quickly pinned him to the ground. “You think you can beat me?” Twister grabbed Storm’s collar and began to choke him. Storm struggled, but the more he moved, the tighter Twister grabbed him. His vision was blurring. Someone help me!

CHAPTER TWO

Suddenly, he felt the weight being lifted off his chest. He recognized Willow, grappling with Twister, who was two times bigger than her. She had a dagger, but it was hard to use. Storm rushed to help. Together, they managed to bring him to the ground. Twister went limp for a second, then used all his strength to kick both of them off. Storm landed hard, the wind being knocked out of him. When he scrambled up again, he saw Twister had already escaped them.

“Thanks!” Storm gasped at Willow. She blinked at him. “No problem.”

They both rushed back into the battle. Frost was trying to heave a man off of her. Storm distinguished Strike. He helped Frost, but got a bad leg wound from Strike’s sword. His name really suits him, Storm thought. He looked around at the battle. They were losing. Willow was being pinned to the ground, Aspen was struggling to get up, Rowan lay unmoving, and Aidan was being hit with a dagger.

Frost must’ve noticed too, because she stood up and called, “Glacier Tribe, retreat! Retreat!” The Phoenix Tribe kept fighting. “RETREAT!” Frost yelled one last time, and the Glacier Tribe’s people retreated along with her. Storm followed along at the back, making sure the Phoenix Tribe wouldn’t attack again. He knew that they were vicious and cunning, and would stop at nothing. “That’s right, RUN! Run, you little brats. This territory is ours now!” Storm heard Twister scream after them.

“Where would we go now?” Aidan murmured. Storm was limping. He desperately wanted to sit down. “What about the Cobra or Eclipse Tribe? We can ask them for help!” Storm suggested. Frost whipped around. “Why? We don’t want to seem WEAK,” she hissed, anger in her tone. “Well, we don’t have anywhere else to go. The other option is to live in their territory and be treated like a slave,” Storm pointed out. Frost sighed. “Sorry Storm, you’re right. Let’s go,” she muttered reluctantly.

“I'd like to speak to your leader,” Frost murmured politely to one of Cobra’s guards. “Sure, follow me.” The girl walked to the Base, and knocked on the door. “Come in,” a boy’s voice said. When they entered, Storm saw a teenage boy with blond hair and green eyes. Snake? Is he the leader now? Another boy was standing beside Snake. He had brown hair and amber eyes. “What are you doing here?” Despite his wary tone, Snake’s eyes were warm and friendly. Frost hesitated. “Uhm…thanks for letting me speak to you,” she said to Snake. Storm knew she had never spoken to another leader before, especially not to her son like this. “Of course. What brings you here?”

Frost took a breath. “We’ve…been driven out. By the Phoenix Tribe.”

CHAPTER THREE

After Frost had explained who the Phoenix Tribe were and what happened, Snake understood. “Are you the leader now, Snake?” Storm asked. “Yes. Thorn died from the sickness before I could reach her with the thyme.” Snake didn’t seem sad about that though. Storm guessed Thorn was the former leader. He wondered what type of leader she was. “Congrats,” Storm said.

“We were wondering if…” Frost trailed off. “If what?” Snake asked.

“If you can take us in.” Murmurs of distrust went through the crowd. “We have nowhere else to go,” Frost said sadly. Snake hesitated. “Sure…I’ll make sure there is space. But you’ll have to follow my rules. You aren’t the leader here. I am.”

Frost nodded with relief. “Thank you so much, Snake. I’ll pay you back.”

“No need,” Snake replied. Suddenly, something burst into the camp. Storm saw Dylan, with a group of people behind him. One of them attacked Snake. “What are you doing!?” Snake hissed. He pushed the boy off, and glared at Dylan. Dylan looked away. Storm noticed that he had long gashes on his stomach and that the rest of them also looked beaten. “Dylan…what are you doing?” He repeated. When Dylan looked at Snake, his eyes were filled with indecision and pain. “Eclipse Tribe…attack.” The group of people immediately lunged forward. Dylan backed away. He was breathing heavily, like he just ran all the way here. “Wait! Dylan! Cobra Tribe, stay back.” Snake walked up to Dylan and stood in front of him. “Order them to get off.” Snake threatened Dylan with a dagger. Dylan bowed his head in submission and ordered them to get back. “What is the meaning of this?” Snake hissed. Dylan looked up. His eyes were filled with tears. “The group of men ambushed. They are holding Raven and Saber and some of the others for ransom. They told me that if I get this territory for them, they will let them go.” His desperate tone showed that he wasn’t lying. “I…don’t know what to do.”

Snake suddenly dropped the dagger and hugged Dylan. “If you needed help, why didn’t you say so?”

“They have people ready to kill them the moment we ask for help. There is nothing we can do,” Dylan whispered. “And if we don’t do it, they’ll kill Raven and Saber and some others and use us as slaves.” Storm felt pity for Dylan and the Eclipse Tribe. They were badly battered, and were being used. Storm felt rage burning inside of him like fire. The Eclipse Tribe don’t deserve this. We’ve got to do something. “I’m so sorry, Dylan. I can’t help.” Snake murmured softly. Storm knew that it felt painful to watch his brother’s Tribe suffer without the power to do anything. Dylan sighed. “I know.”

“But I can treat your wounds,” Snake offered, clearly feeling bad for them. The Phoenix Tribe is taking over everything. I can’t help but think this is all my fault.

CHAPTER FOUR

After Dylan and the others got bandaged, Dylan got ready to leave. “I can’t attack your Tribe,” he said. Snake was grateful. “Thanks, Dylan.” Snake, Frost, and Storm watched as they left. After they left the territory, Snake turned to Frost. “Is it okay for our assassins to spy on the Eclipse Tribe? I want to know what they are up to for real.” Frost nodded. She gestured to Storm. “He’s the Glacier Tribe’s assassin now. I also want to know their plans.”

“Dallas?” Snake called. A moment later, the same boy he saw that was standing beside him approached. “Yes?”

“Go with Storm. You will spy on the Eclipse and Phoenix Tribes to see what is happening. Report back at night.” Dallas dipped his head. “Sure.” He turned to Storm. “Let’s go.”

They slinked through the Eclipse Tribe’s territory until they neared the camp. “Be quiet,” Storm reminded them both. Dallas nodded. They brushed back a branch to reveal the clearing. Dylan was standing in front of Twister. “Listen, we’ll do whatever you want, being servants, slaves, I don’t care. As long as you free the others.” Twister gave a slim smile. “Very well,” he hissed smoothly. Storm watched as he untied the people chained up. “You better get to work then.” Twister threatened Dylan with a whip. Dylan gave a slight nod and did what Twister asked, constructing a throne for him. Twister gave a snap of the whip. Hard. Dylan closed his eyes, flinching at the pain. “Faster!” He snarled. Storm could barely stand to watch. He looked beside him at Dallas. He looked like he felt the same. This was unfair treatment.

At night, they reported back to Snake and Frost. They had seen the Eclipse Tribe working hard all day. Dylan had been covered in sweat by the end, and Twister demanded for all of them to sleep on the cold, hard ground and had chained another boy and Dylan up by the neck, wrists, and ankles. Snake was horrified by the thought. Frost was very concerned. “We have to do something,” Snake murmured thoughtfully. “What if Dallas and Storm meet Dylan or Saber or even Raven, and we take in the people in the worst condition? We can take them away, one by one, so by the time the leader notices, they’ll all be gone.”

Frost nodded curtly. “We can try.”

The next day, Dallas and Storm travelled back to the Eclipse Tribe’s camp. Dylan and Saber were still chained up, but they could still work for Twister. He held a whip, walking around, making sure everyone was working hard. To Storm’s relief, none of them were hurt badly. Dylan was working near the edge of the camp, under the shadows. Storm motioned for Dallas to follow. He walked around until he was right beside Dylan without him noticing. He gently rustled the bush when Twister was not looking. Dylan’s head snapped around and looked directly at Storm. His eyes were dull and tired, but he managed to look hopeful. Dylan took a glance at Twister, noticing that he went indoors. He quietly disappeared into the bushes with Storm and Dallas.

CHAPTER FIVE

“Storm?” Dylan breathed. For the first time, Storm noticed long but shallow cuts along his body, made by the whips, he guessed. “You good?” Storm asked quietly. “I’m okay.” Dylan followed Storm into a deeper part of the forest so they wouldn't be heard. Storm looked around warily.

“I don’t have long. Twister is always looking,” Dylan muttered.

“It’s okay. Is anyone badly hurt?”

Dylan looked into Storm’s eyes. There was love and pain there. “Raven got whipped yesterday. I don’t even know why. I tried to help…” he trailed off, and Storm glanced at the cuts. “Bring her here. Please. We have a plan.” Dylan nodded slowly, and went back into the camp. Storm and Dallas waited. “I really hope this works,” Dallas muttered. “I don’t even know who these people are!”

“It doesn’t matter. I don’t know most of the Eclipse Tribe. But they are people. One of us. They don’t deserve to be treated like animals.”

“I guess so.” Dallas laid down on the ground.

“It’s okay, Raven.” Storm got up. That was Dylan. They burst in. Dylan was supporting Raven. Storm gasped. She was really badly injured. Even Dallas looked frightened. “Are you okay?” He asked. Raven dipped her head. “I’m fine,” Raven murmured. “Come with us. We’ll keep you safe.” Storm got hold of Raven. Dylan backed away. “Keep her safe for me, will you?” Dylan searched Storm’s eyes. His eyes were full of warmth. “I will, I promise.”

“No Dylan, don’t go!” Raven insisted. “It’s alright. You’ll be safe. I can survive, don’t worry.” Dylan stumbled away, back into the camp, with one last look at Raven. “Come on,” Dallas urged gently. Together, the three walked slowly back to the Cobra and Glacier Tribes.

“Is Dylan okay?” Snake asked the moment they arrived. “Yes, a little hurt, but fine,” Storm replied. Frost glanced at Raven. “Poor girl.”

“She’s Dylan’s girlfriend,” Snake introduced. Raven rolled her eyes. Storm suddenly understood. That’s why Dylan cares for her so much! He loves her.

Raven got supported to a room to get bandaged up. Snake went into a room to talk with Storm and Dallas privately with Frost. “Is there any information?” He asked. Storm hesitated. “Well, Dylan told us that Twister keeps a constant watch on them, only leaving to get water or food for himself. He told us that they barely get any food or water.”

Silence followed Storm’s bad news. “They need to go back again. To get more people,” Frost murmured softly. Snake nodded a yes. So the next day, Storm went again. Snake had wanted Dallas to take a break, so tomorrow he would go and Storm would rest.

“Shove this disobedient slave in prison!” Storm watched, horrified, as a gag was shoved into Dylan’s mouth, as he was handcuffed. Storm had seen Dylan fight back when another boy was taken away due to doing something wrong. He had managed to win, for a little while at least. Now, he was in big trouble. Something bad is going to happen. I know it.

CHAPTER SIX

Storm watched as Dylan got dragged into the Base. His head was lowered. The moment Twister disappeared into the building, Storm sprang into action. He walked into the clearing. The boy that was chained up with Dylan watched him walk across the sandy ground. “Who are you?” He asked suspiciously. “A friend of Dylan’s.”

The boy relaxed a little. “What’s your name? I’m Saber,” he added. “Storm. Nice to meet you. Who is badly hurt here?”

“Draven, Asher, and Soren,” Saber said, pointing. Storm nodded. “Okay. I’m going to take them to the Cobra Tribe. They’ll be safe there. I promise.” Saber narrowed his eyes, like he was trying to decide whether or not to trust him. Finally, he dipped his head. “Sure.”

Storm brought Draven, Asher, and Soren back to the Cobra and Glacier Tribes. They got bandaged up, and were given space with Raven. The next day, Storm stayed behind while Dallas went to get more. He came back with a man, a boy, and a girl, called Lance, Connor, and Dawn.

“The leader is noticing some are missing. We have to be careful. We can’t take any more, or else he will harm the ones remaining,” Dallas reported. Snake nodded at the news. “I expected this.”

“What are we going to do for the rest? There are still many, including Saber and Dylan,” Storm said.

“We can go back. An ambush. One group goes to attack, the other rounds up the rest of the Eclipse Tribe and brings them back here,” Frost murmured thoughtfully.

“Good idea. We’ll leave tomorrow. With Glacier and Cobra combined, we just might be able to drive them out.”

The day came. Storm was driven with the thought of saving a whole other Tribe. The soldiers and guards were all ready, with sharp weapons and hard armor, while Dallas and Storm were wearing black outfits, with the thought of blending in. “Frost, you lead the group to save the Eclipse Tribe. I’ll lead the one attacking,” Snake ordered. Frost agreed. The two groups separated. Dallas went with Snake, and Storm went with Frost. “Cobra, ATTACK!” Storm heard the command loud and clear from Snake. The group burst in and attacked Twister and the other men. They recoiled in surprise, then began to defend themselves. As they were fighting, Storm and Frost and the group went in and separated, each taking one of the Eclipse Tribe and retreating with them. Storm went indoors and to the prison. He gasped when he saw Dylan. He was chained to the wall with the gag still in his mouth. His eyes were closed. Is he…dead!?

CHAPTER SEVEN

“Dylan?” Storm breathed. To his huge relief, Dylan slowly opened his eyes. He lifted his head weakly. “It’s me.” Storm rushed over and tried opening the prison door. He needed a key. “I’ll be back,” he told him. Dylan closed his eyes again. He sprinted outdoors and to Frost. “I need the key!”

“Sorry, Storm! We’ll have to leave Dylan behind. For now,” she added when she saw Storm’s horrified expression. “We’ll be back for him. It’s too dangerous to get the key now. We got the others out.” Storm nodded reluctantly and retreated with Frost. Snake and the others were close behind. “I told him I would be back…” Storm whispered, heartbroken. “You will,” Frost insisted. “Later.”

They arrived back at the Cobra Tribe’s Base. “Success!” Dallas yelled. His eyes were glowing with triumph. “Not quite…” Snake muttered. “Dylan’s still imprisoned.”

“Oh.” Dallas seemed disappointed. “What are we going to do?” Storm asked. Snake shook his head sadly. “There is nothing we can do except hope. Hope that Dylan will be okay. Hope that we will save him. Soon.”

Storm felt anger rising in him. “He’s your brother! How can you just leave him there?”

Snake looked at Storm. “What do you expect me to do? I have a whole Tribe to look after, now including the Glacier Tribe. Is one life worth more than so many?” Storm turned away. He went back to his temporary room. At night, he crept out of the Base and went to the Eclipse Tribe’s Base. He was going to save Dylan alone. No matter what it took.

“Twister!” Storm yelled. A moment later, Twister emerged from the Base. “Storm…what a pleasant surprise,” he hissed, a smug look crossing his face. “Let Dylan GO!” Storm said. “Wow. You aren’t like your mother and father at all. They were happy to hand you to the Phoenix Tribe.”

“What?” Storm asked, uncertainty clouding his thoughts. “Your mother gave you up to this Tribe,” Twister continued. “I was there. She abandoned you. Because you were too weak, too needy.”

“I don’t believe that,” Storm snarled. “Don’t worry, little one. Your mother and father got dealt with after they treated you like that,” Twister said cunningly. That’s when it hit Storm. They…they killed them. They KILLED MY PARENTS! Both of them. Fury and sadness crashed into Storm like a tsunami. More than half was rage. “You KILLED THEM! They DIED at your hands! I never got to know them. All I know is that it is your fault!” Storm screeched with rage. He could no longer hear anything. The only thing he could see was Twister.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Storm lashed out, fierce punches, one after another. Fury flooded his fists like lightning. “You deserve this!” Twister tried to fight back. He was a strong man. But when Storm was furious, Twister stood no chance against his unleashed storm. His fists were clenched, blow after blow, strikingly fast like lightning. His voice was strong, like thunder.

Storm could hear faint noises calling to him. He ignored them. His rage was like fire. Eternally burning. He saw Snake from the corner of his eye. He ignored him. Punch after punch. Kick after kick. All his fighting moves he learned from Twister himself were done expertly. Just when he was about to hit the final blow, Snake blocked him and pinned Storm down. “Storm! Stop. Let him go. He is no longer the leader of Phoenix.” Snake firmly held Storm down until his tornado of fire was extinguished. Storm lay there, breathing hard. He was done. Now that the flames inside him stopped blazing, he felt worn out. Anger had driven him. The anger was gone. Snake got off him and let him stand up. None of the other men alerted by the noise had gotten near him. Instead, when he snatched up the key from Twister’s neck, the men backed away, leaving him to unlock the prison door.

“Dylan? Are you okay?” He ran to Dylan and opened the gag, allowing him to talk and breathe properly. He unlocked the chains and helped Dylan stand up. “I’m okay.” His voice was hoarse and raspy, which was understandable, since he had not been able to talk or make noise for a few days.

Together, Dylan and Storm made their way outdoors. Snake was waiting for them. “Storm, you really are reckless and brave,” he muttered jokingly. “I’m impressed. And I owe you an apology. I’m sorry for not doing anything to help. I was tired, and didn’t want to do anything.”

Storm smiled. “All good. I’m just glad you weren’t there to stop me from hurting Twister. At least the men can now decide for themselves. They aren’t really bad. Only Blade and Twister were. They ruled by fear.”

Snake nodded briefly.

They headed back to their territory. “Oh! Now the Glacier Tribe can return to their territory. There is no one to stop them now,” Snake said enthusiastically. Storm laughed. He certainly sounded happy to finally have the space Cobra Tribe needed to thrive.

“Thanks, Storm for coming to get me.” Dylan gave Storm a swift, light hug. His smile was bright. Storm beamed. “No problem. I’ll always be here to help.”

Soon, the Glacier Tribe had packed up their supplies and weapons, and moved back to their territory. They had reclaimed their Base as their own, and the men were too scared without a leader to defend it.

“Wow. Great job today!” Storm turned to see Willow approaching. “Oh, um thanks!” He said. “You too!” He suddenly felt himself turning red. He looked up to see Willow doing the same, her cheeks blushing as red as her hair.

“Anyways, I got to go. Frost needs me,” she snaps back to reality. As she walked away, Storm couldn’t help feeling an emotion he had never felt before. Love. Is this what it feels like? If it is, I want to feel like this forever. Can it be…I have a crush on Willow?

CHAPTER NINE

Storm decided to write a letter to Dylan. He thought about writing to Snake, but he was single still. Storm grabbed a pen off of the desk and started writing.

Hey Dylan!

I hope everything is going well. Listen…I kind of…maybe have a tiny crush on one of the girls in my Tribe. She’s called Willow, and she has red hair and green eyes. I think she just might like me too, but how would I know? I need some advice from you to help me to admit my feelings. I’m not good at this stuff, you know? Reply soon.

From, Storm

Storm stared at the letter, wondering if this really was a good idea. Then, before he could take it back, he sent it to Dylan.

A few hours after pacing back and forth in his room and working for Frost, he got a letter back.

“Storm? Someone sent this to you.” Willow appeared at his door. Storm suddenly felt very embarrassed. Oh no! What if she read it? He searched her eyes for any signs of blushing or shock. None. Storm almost let out a sigh of relief. “Oh, um thanks, Willow.”

The moment Willow left, Storm ran back to his desk and opened the letter. It said:

Hi Storm!

It’s nice to hear from you. And oooooo… a LOVE scenario!

Storm rolled his eyes.

For me and Raven, it kind of just…happened. Like we knew we liked each other without really saying anything. Raven did mention it first, but not all girls are like this. Some are too shy, so you’ll have to make the first move on Willow. If she has signs that she likes you, you should definitely talk to

Oh my gosh, Dylan is so wrong. That’s right, I cut him off :) Let me, Raven, give you some advice. After all, I am a girl!

First of all, if she blushes while she talks to you, she might have feelings for you. If she looks to make an effort to speak to you, then, CONGRATS! She likes you! And she seems shy, so you should talk first. There are two ways to admit your feelings. First, a love letter. Second, you can also directly speak to her. ALONE. Hope this helps!

That’s what I SAID! Also, be yourself ;) Anyways, those are the tips we can give you :D Tell me when you get your girl!

From,

Dylan AND RAVEN!!!

Storm realized that he was smiling when he was reading the letter. They seemed to have quite the tussle to write. He never knew Raven as well as Dylan, but she seemed eager and enthusiastic. Perfect for Dylan. Storm decided to speak to Willow directly. Here goes…everything!

CHAPTER TEN

“Um, Willow? Do you have a second?” Storm asked quietly. Willow seemed surprised. “Yes.”

“Can I speak to you?” Storm eyed the other people self-consciously. “Alone?” Willow nodded in agreement and they went outside, to the cliff overlooking the forest.

“What’s up?” She asked as they sat down. “Um…” Now that Storm was there with Willow, he had no idea what to say. “I…” he took a deep breath. “I have feelings for you,” Storm blurted. Willow suddenly blushed. “Really?”

“Yes.” Storm blushed. “I like you too! I was just too shy,” Willow murmured, immediately perking up. Just as Raven and Dylan said. Willow leaned against him and rested her head on his shoulder as they watched the sunset.

“You made it very obvious that you like me,” Storm said playfully. “You turned as red as your hair!”

“So did you!” Willow protested, but she was smiling. Storm grinned back. It worked. I’d better say a thank you to Dylan and Raven. They really helped. “Hey, do you want to go for a walk?” Willow suddenly asked. Storm glanced at the pinkish sky. “Why not?”

Together, the couple walked. “I liked you from the very beginning,” Willow said. “But mostly for your looks.”

Storm brushed his hair back. “Ohhh, aren’t I attractive,” he teased. Willow kicked him and blushed again. “Nevermind that. Afterwards, I got to know what kind of person you really were. Hardworking, loyal, kind. My type.”

Storm beamed. “I’m glad you liked me.”

Willow suddenly stopped. “Do you hear that?”

“What?” Storm stopped and listened hard. A faint noise was coming from their left. Storm gestured for Willow to follow him as he crept towards it. The noise revealed the Phoenix Tribe. They were standing in a circle, chanting something. As Storm listened harder, he could make it out. “Riven! Riven! Riven!” Storm peered inside the circle. Riven was standing there. My brother. Storm was never close to his brother. He came from another place. Blade had found him wandering around in a snowstorm. He slowly stepped out of the dense leaves. Riven turned. “Storm?”

“Hi, Riven.” Without another word of welcome, Riven beamed with pride. “I’m the leader of Phoenix now,” he bragged with a smug look. Storm rolled his eyes. “Very nice.”

“I’m going to turn Phoenix into a REAL Tribe, with traditions and ranks. The STRONGEST Tribe there ever will be!"

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Storm didn’t know how to feel. Part of him was happy for Riven, and another part of him screams that his brother being the leader wasn’t going to turn out well. He hoped that Riven would be a better leader than Twister or Blade, who were both ambitious and bloodthirsty. At least he would follow Tribe traditions and ranks. That would keep things in order.

Willow and Storm returned to the Base. It was almost pitch-black by now, and it took them a while to find their way back.

“Oof, such a long day,” Willow said, rubbing her eyes. Storm yawned. “For real.” Storm walked to his bedroom. Willow was happy to follow. As she laid down in his bed, he went over to his desk and wrote another letter to Dylan and Raven.

Hi Dylan and Raven,

I didn’t expect a girl to cut you off like that, Dylan! Anyhow, I got Willow. I talked to her and followed your advice. It worked! Thanks so much, you guys. It means a lot to me. Good night :)

From,

Storm

Storm read the letter over, and sent it. Then, he climbed into his bed with Willow. She pressed closer to him. Storm fell asleep, knowing that everything was at peace. At least, for now.

“Storm…” A voice called his name. Storm turned. He saw…someone. “Who are you?” He asked. “I’m Crystal, first leader of the Glacier Tribe.” She had long, white hair and ice gray eyes. “This is only the start. In the abyss of the mirrored void, Four echoes will clash. One against the other, no matter the peace that was before. The peace is gone. There will be violence. This is not over, Storm.” Storm watched as she began to fade away. “Wait! What do you mean?” Even as he said it, Crystal disappeared, her eyes glowing and fading out, like a flickering flame.

Storm woke from his dream with a start. “What does that mean?” He asked himself. He looked over at Willow, who was still sleeping soundly. “Four echoes will clash…” Crystal’s voice echoed in his mind. He repeated them out loud. “Four echoes…”

“Storm? What are you talking about?” Storm glanced back at Willow. She had woken up. “Nothing.” Storm didn’t feel like telling Willow, not yet. Not until he knew for sure what was going to happen. He had to tell Dylan. He was the only one who knew about prophecies, since he had previously guarded the pendant. Storm felt another stab of guilt as he remembered that he was the one who smashed it. He remembered the fading blue glow. All Dylan’s efforts to keep it safe was for nothing. At least now, there would be no more pain caused by it. Storm decided to go over to the Eclipse Tribe.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Dylan motioned for Storm to sit down. Raven was there with him. Storm shifted uncomfortably. He would’ve preferred to speak to Dylan alone. “So, what’s up?” He asked when they all got settled. “I…had a dream.” It sounded silly to Storm to say it out loud. Dylan leaned in close. “What was it about?”

Storm explained the dream to Dylan and Raven. They were quiet for a minute, and then Dylan spoke up. “You’re worried, aren’t you? You think we’ll get into a war.” Storm nodded. Dylan shook his head sadly. “Things will never be at peace for more than a day.”

“Last time this happened, Dylan got controlled by someone called Razor. He even tried to flirt with me,” Raven piped up. “Don’t worry, I killed him.”

“We are going to get involved in a battle. One that involves all four Tribes. Now I’m sure of it,” Dylan whispered.

Storm suddenly felt a flash of determination. I’ll prove myself to be loyal. “No matter what happens, I will fight for Glacier until my last breath.”

EPILOGUE

“You always think your Tribe dominates every other one!” The teenage boy's eyes flashed with anger.

“Your stupid Tribe thinks it is so COMPASSIONATE, so LOYAL,” A woman with black hair and thin lips jeered. “Calm down, both of you!” The young woman with white hair and gray eyes barged in between them. “Stay out of this, leader of Glacier!” The second one screeched.

“The Phoenix Tribe is clearly the best,” The man near the tree purred. “SHUT UP!” The first one snarled.

What none of them knew was, this would change the bond between Tribes forever.

READ THE NEXT BOOK!

COMING UP:

THREADS OF DESTINY, CLASH OF THE TRIBES BOOK TWO:

THE UMBER VEIL