Fled
Chapter One

Father tries so hard. I know I disappoint him, yet he stays content with me. I have no strength. I have no power. I am nothing in his eyes. I don't deserve to take his place as Chief of Ongore.

We were coming home from what seemed like an eternity of fighting. Krea hadn't backed down since we had been in their territory.  We only came back for lack of food. I didn't want my warriors to die of hunger. Father will be furious.

As I led my warriors across the mountains, I couldn’t help but think of the trouble I’d be in for coming back so soon.

“My son,” my father, Hamo, called to me. He ran to us with Mother by his side as we entered the village. He embraced me.

“Hamo, dear, don’t crush him. At least let me do it,” Mother came closer.

“But of course, my dear Keaoko. We will need him for tonight,” He let me go, tears about to fill my eyes, “Tonight we will celebrate your triumph!”

All I could do is bow my head.

“You… did win… didn’t you?” He looked so sad.

“Father, I… failed you, again,” I fell to my knees.

Even though I couldn’t bring myself to look in his eyes, I knew he was looking at me. He was sad. I had managed to hurt my father again.

“Orino… why did you back down?” Father stayed calm and collected.

I stood up. There was no point in staying on the ground now. I had done my worst to him, “We ran out of food, and The Ima Tribe had moved their village somewhere else. I… didn’t know what to do,” I still didn’t look him in the face. I couldn’t bear the thought that Father was displeased with me.

He took hold of my chin, and he raised my head until we were eye level, “It’s okay, son. You did your best. Now go and wash yourself.”

Father walked away and all of the warriors scattered to their different dwellings. It hurt to think that Father thought what I had done would be my best work. I felt useless.