Azaria by J.H. Hayes Read Free Book Online

her father had maintained. It was good enough to ensure a second place finish, tied with several other young hunters. The trouble began when Fahim next declared that Dogahn shared first place with Luzon, each with six kills. The massive boy insisted someone must have miscounted. He’d impaled seven hares, was sure of it. Fahim finally explained - one of Azaria’s spears had finished his seventh coney off. Incredulous and belligerent, Luzon’s malevolent glare sent shivers cascading down Azaria’s spine.
    Dogahn didn’t appreciate the icy stare. He’d never much liked the other boy anyway, but was also feeling protective of his friend. He raised his chin and glared back, hoping the fear in his heart was well hidden. Luzon didn’t miss the challenge, but wasn’t about to strike right in front of Ta’araki. He flashed a murderous snarl before stalking off, bumping Dogahn hard in the shoulder on his way past. Dogahn barely contained himself, harboring ominous thoughts of slamming his fist into the back of Luzon’s shaven head. But he also knew nothing good could come of it and held back, wrapping an arm around Azaria instead and whispering in her ear. Despite his anger he managed a smile, "Looks like I owe you one."
    Azaria met his gaze. Beneath his headband his long, straight hair was tucked behind his ears, which made them protrude out a little. She wondered why he always did that, instead of keeping his ears covered like most men did. He stood tall for his age, a forehead taller than Azaria, who herself was above average height for a girl of fourteen winters. Whenever she saw him lately, she seemed to find a new thing she liked. She couldn’t ignore her draw to those vivid, hazel eyes, eyes that made the shimmering, golden wheat fields look pale in comparison. Those same eyes fixed on her as he smiled down, producing a tingling down the back of her neck.
    "Really? What makes you think I was trying to help you?" she teased. She offered a flirtatious smile, trying to perform the trick the way Daneel did whenever she greeted someone she thought was cute. In fact, Daneel seemed to do it with practically every man, boy or crawling creature she came across. Azaria threw her shoulders back a little, another trick she'd seen Daneel begin to do. She hoped it was subtle enough. "Maybe I was just trying to make sure Luzon didn't win."
    "Ha ha... Well his head is already big enough!" Dogahn replied with a silly grin. They laughed together before parting awkwardly, having become uncomfortable in each other's arms.
    "Umm, so what are you going to do now?" Azaria asked as Daneel approached with a couple of girlfriends, a devilish smile wrapped across her face.
    "Uh, well..." Dogahn stuttered. He wasn't really sure but didn't want to admit it. Tiriz was still with his brother Tilik so he didn't know what he was going to do next. "Oh, I need to go visit Tilik and see how he’s doing. I'll bring them some stew," he finally said, happy he’d thought of something.
    "Oh... okay, well tell Tilik I hope he's okay. And we're proud of him," Azaria said.
    As Dogahn fled, Daneel couldn't resist commenting, "Well, you two certainly look cute together."
    Azaria should have known better than to hope Daneel wouldn't remark on the wonderful, but somehow clumsy embrace with Dogahn. However she was quite annoyed just the same. It’s bad enough she always has to tease me. But does she have to do it right in front of everyone? She felt like lashing out, but didn't want to embarrass herself in front of the other girls.
    "What do you mean?" she asked, deciding on an innocent approach instead. Before the question was fully out of her mouth, she realized playing dumb with Daneel was unlikely to be the most direct escape from an unwelcome situation. But it was too late now – she could only hope she’d go easy on her.
    Daneel knew her friend well. Although Azaria's tone was calm enough, she could see her tensing up, her cheeks reddening. She's angry. I