Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Learning Curve

Rami taught Rastaban how to command an army. Kneeling in the dirt with a pile of sticks and stones, Rastaban learned to move a thousand men over mountains and rivers to defeat an army twice as large.

Rami ruffled Rastaban’s hair. “You have a quick mind for this. Well done.”

Rastaban knew Dravi watched from the shadows, sought the same praise, but Dravi would cheat at hunting and playing, and the other boys knew it.

When Rastaban wasn’t learning to make war, he helped the women with their chores. He learned to smile and compliment. Dravi learned to fear him.

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