In the heat of the Fuhrlassen desert, a warrior tribe dwelled called the Taebah tribe. They were known throughout the continents as one of the only successful nomadic tribes left. They were revered for their strength and survival ability. Warriors or not, whoever left the tribe made waves wherever they went, good or bad.
They had lived and thrived in the desert for centuries—an amazing feat considering the rough climate. Not only was the heat unbearable, but the desert was also inhabited by dangerous beasts that made it an area to be avoided at all costs for multiple nations. It wasn't like Taebah was a peaceful tribe anyway, but they were the most peaceful. To the smallest margin, the tribes and clans added to its danger.
The Taebah travelled the same route cycle as per tradition. Each year, they would set up their base in one of their territories. In the winter, when it was colder and the nights were longer, they would travel through the desert to another one of their territories replenished in resources.
The main tribe held 2000 people. Each person had their job, whether it was to teach, to hunt, or to take care of the cattle. They worked together as one unit, each person a gear in the machine. Taebah was ruled by one leader, the Oldge, who made the final decisions around the place. The Oldge ordered the shepherds, the merchants, the weavers, and the hunters. They were chosen and raised from a young age and were often the wisest and strongest of the tribe. To an extent, they are even considered the rulers of the Fuhrlassen desert.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Shama was an orphan. Her father, Chedu, passed away hunting. Her mother passed away from sickness. She was lonely and young; her relatives only cared to feed her. The once bubbly child turned quiet and then trouble maker.
She wasn't the strongest of children but she was fast and cunning. Stealing tools she used as toys. Digging sand and crushing Scorpi. Pranks like scaring the cattle, verbally abusing her youngers, and provoking toddlers. But, she always got away with it, maybe even just barely. She was known infamously as a troublesome brat.
She reveled in that attention with a wild grin. Her aunt's constant nagging, the whispers of her fellow tribemates, and most of all the constant yelling of her name. It was comparable to how the sun felt on her kissed bronze skin, how the cold wind of the night ran through her black short wavy hair, or just how water felt.
One day, much to her dismay, she was caught stealing yarn. Not even she, who prided herself with her elusiveness, could escape the explosive speed of the Oldge.
The Oldge, burdened by more troublesome matters, was oblivious to Shama's previous mischief. With Shama held up by one of his timber-like arms, his attendant whispered in his ear, tip-toed. He nodded once.
"Elder Mara's tent, midnight." he rumbled as he looked into her eyes. He dropped her, making sure she landed on her feet. Even if Shama was a smart little brat, she couldn't help but admire and respect the Oldge, she wouldn't dare think of skipping.
----------------------------------------------------------------
In the evening, Shama knelt in Elder Mara's tent. Her heart pumped and suddenly, it felt way hotter than when the sun was fully out. If Taebans did sweat, she would be drowning right now.
Elder Mara stood in the centre of the tent. The rest, including the large form of the Oldge, sat behind her, stationary. She said, her voice old but steady, "The day has ended on a good note. The sun of the Fuhrlassen has set, so it shall not witness the disgrace that has befallen our tribe. Blessed by the spirit of Ghulk, we will resolve before the sun returns.
"Shama of Chedu, child of our proud Taebah tribe, you have been accused of the following actions: Disrespecting and stealing the possession of others, Disturbing, incessantly, the hard-working people of Taebah, Sowing discord amongst your fellows, and Escaping authority. How do you plead?"
"I did nothing." Shama spoke clearly and firmly. Her eyes unwavering in contact with all the elders.
Whispers erupted between the spectators. They couldn't wrap their heads around why she would so confidently deny what everyone knew was true.
Elder Mara raised her hand, the onlookers quieted to null. "We will let the witnesses proceed. Sekla of Muinie."
A strong woman of tanned skin and green eyes walked forwards, standing in between Shama and the elders.
She faced the elders, "2 weeks ago, I found Shama of Chedu with my bow that I had been searching all over for. After I caught her, it mysteriously appeared in my sister's tent. Curiously, the limbs were overcurved and consequently, the string was looser."
"Shama of Chedu, how do you plead?" Elder Mara looked again at Shama without a telling expression.
Shama breathed in. She needed to stay calm and composed, "Why would I steal a weapon if I didn't know how to use it? I would never disrespect it like that. By the way, I also know how to use a bow. If I used it, those wears wouldn't be there."
"Lies, no child your age knows how to use a bow. When I was your age, I was still holding it upside down!" Sekla was a bit too loud so the silence after hit even harder. Sekla knew she had overstepped as she felt the Oldge's eyes on her. She bowed her head.
"Sekla of Muinie, you are dismissed until the case is concluded." Elder Mara spoke resolutely.
"Thank you for listening!" Sekla scampered backwards with her head bowed.
"Next witness, Gehta of Herd."
A middle aged man with a luscious beard, wearing a thobe, walked forward, "3 days ago, I and my brother were walking alongside our Ershep to the grazing grounds. I heard some of the Ershep bleat. When I looked back, I saw the girl smiling at me with a stick in her hand." He paused a beat.
The people gasped, he continued, "I presume she must have poked some of my Ershep to cause chaos among them. She ran away then soon after. We spent the rest of the day trying to settle the herd and get back on track. But at the end of the day, we were too tired to pursue her."
"How do you plead?" Elder Mara asked again.
"Great elders. As you know, herding is a sacred tradition respected by our tribe for generations. I admire their art all too much. Disrupting their work is not a line I'm willing to cross as a proud member of this clan. So, I would never try to disturb them."
The whispers started again, louder this time.
Elder Mara held her hand up again. Once the people quietened, she continued, "Next, we have our esteemed Oldge as a witness."
The tower of a man walked forwards. His dark skin matte, clung to his large muscles as if holding on for dear life. He only wore a thick waist-to-floor fur skirt and golden lower-hanging jewelry around his neck.
"Earlier, today," Immediately, he spoke. The entire room unconsciously held their breath. Every single word said, ingrained into their minds. "Shama stole yarn from weavers. Fortunately, I witnessed the act and quickly apprehended her." He spoke without theatrics or unnecessary words. His black eyes reached Shama's bright blue, a colour unusual for a child of the Fuhrlassen.
Shama didn't hold his glance, instead, she looked to Elder Mara as she begun to speak, "Shama of Chedu, how do you plead?"
"Guilty. But, I want to apologise, sincerely. It isn't something I normally do, I promise. But with my cousin's birthday coming soon, I wanted to make her a present. I didn't have anything to trade for so I was desperate. I know it was wrong, I understand that I overstepped, and I am willing to pay in any way to make up for what I did." Shama said. She looked down, bowing a little.
The Oldge smiled, just a little. Unnoticed by anyone in the dark. He grunted softly and walked away.
The night went on as more people came as witnesses. Shama skillfully lied and made up stories to make even the witnesses doubt their own stories. The babies started crying because they were uncomfortable, the dried fish bones weren't hers– she didn't like fish, she didn't oversalt the cheese, among other things.
"The elders will discuss these problems, until this matter is solved, everyone is dismissed."
Shama sighed as she walked out of the tent. It was over for now. She smiled. Hopefully, her lies wouldn't be found out.