Chapter 56 - The Minority (1) (2/2)

Splash!

Karna and Nik, both, felt a moment of weightlessness as the water beneath the base of their boat plunged into the stream, making the boat fall on the river and rocking the passengers harshly.

Karna lost her footing and fell on her butt, hurting her ankle simultaneously while Nik simply felt his butt rise from his seat before he, too, lost his balance and felt his body moving forward, face planted down!

”I ask you once again, Karna. Just what do you think you are doing under the Whale-Horse tribe.”

Rubbing his nose, Nik slowly crawled up, his gaze falling upon an old, balding man with thin beard and moustache. Pale blue eyes gazing at the middle-aged, yet, youthful woman coldly as tendrils of water revolved around his body.

Karna visibly shivered as she bit her lips, endured her burning ankle and slowly stood up to face the newcomer and immediately bowed with an impassive expression.

”I am sorry, father. I lost my cool.”

”It's master Pakku.”

The old man grunted while Karna remained silent.

”Next time you even as much as try to waterbend, I'll skin you with my own hands. Have I made myself clear?”

”Yes.”

Then, Pakku's face turned towards Nik while gazing at his face calmly.

”And you... you aren't a pure tribe member... better keep yourself in check.”

Snorting coldly, Pakku turned his heels and walked away before Karna couldn't hold it any longer and slumped on the boat, her eyes and expression filled with pain as she gazed at her aching left ankle.

The sound attracted Nik's attention and he immediately moved forward and slowly knelt near her feet.

”Did you hurt yourself?”

He looked up and asked softly. Even though he felt that there was something else going on, he didn't have the heart to ask out after gazing at Karna's expression.

”It's fine. Just a moment.”

Karna smiled appreciatively before controlling a blob of water from the river as and letting the water glow over her left ankle as she took a deep breath.

”It's alright, Nik. I am fine.”

Gazing at the clothed ankle, Nik nodded before helping her up as she let out a relieved sigh.

***

This chapter was supposed to go on for another thousand words, but my condition doesn't allow me to write today. I am way too sick and my head hurts when I look at the screen.

I apologise for my weakness, sigh.