The Rebel Star Part 9

Fallen’s arms were thrown out like a shield around me. The bear raised a paw for the killing blow.

“Stella,” Fallen breathed. “Look.”

And I followed her gaze to the sky, where a ribbon of silver was flaming towards Earth, and as it hurtled closer it took shape, and I could see the figure of a woman drawing back a shining bow, and the arrow streaking from it pierced the bear’s flank.

He roared, and swiped his great paw at it. The woman alighted upon the street, knocking another arrow.

“Go,” she said to the bear.

He eyed that bow, hesitated – then the glow of his eyes died. He galloped over the lip of the hill.

Fallen stared at the woman, who was glowing as brightly as she had been when she first crashed in my garden.

“You came,” she breathed.

But the other shepherd’s face was grey with sadness. “My dear –” she began. “You have been banished.”

Fallen’s face blanched, and she turned away. The shepherd reached out to touch her.

“Please,” she murmured. “Return with me. Repent. Appeal the ban.”

Fallen gave a hollow laugh. “They’d throw me out.”

Her friend took another step. “Listen,” she said in a low voice. “There are others who have risen in your wake. They’re trying to get you back, to build a movement against our masters. We need you.”

And when I saw Fallen’s eyes light with a sudden eager glow, I knew she wouldn’t stay with me.

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