Free Mysterious Warriors: Alone by T. N. Hayden Page A

ducked as the heavy-set man swung his punch wildly. He reeked of rum and cigar smoke. It made her stomach turn, and she blocked his next attack with her bow. He fell back as she smacked the wood into his face. He dropped, and Cabaya grabbed his arm, trying to pull him up.
                  The man groaned, but he didn’t move.
                  “Why do you have to be so heavy?” Cabaya complained to herself. She tugged the man, but he didn’t budge.
                  “Need a hand?”
                  Cabaya turned, expecting Kitnan or Sarasa. Instead, a woman in a striped tuta and mask with her dark hair pulled back in a bun stood behind her. Cabaya raised a brow. “Hello.”
                  “Koketa.” She grinned and held her hand out. “You must be Cabaya.”
                  “I am.” So Patience had finally joined the Mysterious Warriors. It was about time.
                  “You are incredible, almost as awesome as my hero.”
                  “Your hero?”
                  “Lunette, of course.” Koketa grabbed the unconscious man’s arm. “We’re going to take him somewhere? Tie him up? Move him?”
                  “If we were in Whitehaven, we’d take him to the sheriff, but there is nothing like that here in Junipero.” Cabaya wondered why the girl seemed so bubbly. It almost made her laugh.
                  “Should we tie him up?”
                  “We can.”
                  Koketa placed her hands on her belt, as if she was looking for something. She frowned as she touched the pockets and looked up at Cabaya with wide hazel eyes. “I don’t have any rope.”
                  Cabaya bit back a grin. “I do.” She pulled some free from her quiver.
                  Koketa helped Cabaya tie the man’s hands behind his back.
                  “How do we keep criminals off the street?” Koketa’s wrists were wrapped with black bracelets.
                  “We do the best we can.”
                  “Doesn’t seem wise.” Koketa frowned. “Why don’t the king and queen set up some kind of system to protect the people in Lower City?”
                  “They can’t be bothered.” Cabaya tried to keep the bitterness from her voice. She would be a better queen. She hoped to be a better princess, but her parents didn’t like any of her ideas of how to change the city. Queen Margaret didn’t want to hear about how the royal family of Ada’s Circle works with a sheriff and the Mysterious Warriors. The idea was madness to the royals of Zorba’s Reach.
                  “What made you decide to come to Junipero?” Koketa asked as they moved away from the drunk.
                  “Lunette asked me to come and protect the people.” Cabaya answered.
                  “I wish I knew Lunette.” Koketa sighed. “She’s incredible. She saved my life once, and I’ve always wanted to do something to thank her. I’ve been training, and my teacher finally said I was ready to join the Mysterious Warriors.”
                  Cabaya nodded.
                  “My entire family lives in Lower City.” Koketa added, her tone rising. “I lived there a long time, and I know how much the people need protection. Upper City is rough too, but it’s not nearly as bad as down here.”
                  “Yup.”
                  “You’re a good fighter too.” Koketa stated. “Where are the others? Is it true Sarasa is a fairy, and she can control water? That must be incredible. And Kitnan really has a pegleg which she uses as a weapon? I can’t wait to see that! Galdut is supposed to be the bravest and most impressive sword fighter this land has ever seen. And Sacrifice is stoic and courageous. It