Tension Rising (ii) miguel life

"Get back here, you little thief!"

the mercenary guard roared.

.. Miguel felt rough hands grab his shirt collar choking him.

He struggled helplessly as the burly Rajput fighter shook his small frame violently.

... The stolen mango fell from Miguel's grip, his only meal in days.

"Think Rumbar rats can take our fruit, eh?"

the guard sneered, shoving Miguel to the dirt street.

..The market crowd pretended not to see, avoiding trouble.

..Miguel blinked back, angry tears.

"Teach this sewer mole respect!"

The hostile soldier barked to his comrades.

Miguel raised his arms, trying to protect himself as rifle butts came crashing down.

.. Pain exploded against his ribs and back.

...Finally the thrashing stopped, their bored disgust evident toward his whimpering.

"Weak as their spineless fathers!"

... The guard leader spat. "Back to your pile before we finish Attran's work!".