Kavio - 10 Years Old

He stood behind his father, and his father's warriors. Across the defense ditch around their camp, another group of warriors stood, led by a man in headdress that sparkled with golden bangles. The man in gold was Hertio, War Chief of Yellow Bear.

"He is his father's son," said Hertio. "I demand the boy as my surety or none at all."

"I have seven sevens of men who would serve as your hostages," said Father.

"You would sacrifice them all in a heartbeat," said Hertio, "if it suited your purpose. Your son is your own blood. I think even you might hesitate to betray me if it meant his death."

You don't know my father, thought Kavio. He would never abandon his men. Me, on the other hand...

His father put his hand on Kavio's head.

"Please don't make me go, Father," Kavio whispered. "I don't trust him."

"Give me your hands, Kavio," Father said.