Destined of the Gods

"He is very handsome," said Minka, Dakshana's best friend, blessed with sky-coloured eyes. The hunters thronged for her.

Dakshana couldn't look at Chadstone, pale as moonlight beside the sun-browned hunters.

"Where is his village?" asked Srina. She was Dakshana's other best friend, a famous weaver. She was valuable prey in the hunt of courtship.

Dakshana said, "We must go. The second ceremony begins."

The girls ran down the hill, scattered in the trees. The hunters, blindfolded, would find them. A hunter who found the same girl three times was destined of the gods. Dakshana was sure Chadstone would find her.