gathering_blue_novel-2

The boy Matt appeared, running past with some others. When he saw Kira he
hesitated, then stopped and came back.
"We got saplings for you," he whispered. "Me and some other tykes. We put
'em in a pile. Later we be starting your cott if you want." Then he paused, curious.
"If you need a cott, that is. What be happening in there?"
So Matt knew about the trial. No surprise. The boy seemed to know
everything that was happening in the village. Kira shrugged with feigned
nonchalance. She didn't want to let him know how frightened she was. "A lot of
talking," she told the boy.
"And she be in there? Her with the horrid scar?"
Kira knew whom he meant. "Yes. She's the accuser."
"She's hard, that Vandara. She killed her own tyke, they say. Made him eat
the oleander, they say. Sat with him and held his head till he et it, though he
didn't want to."
Kira had heard the story. "It was judged an accident," she reminded Matt,
though she had her doubts. "Other tykes have eaten the oleander. It's a danger,
having a poisonous plant grow wild everywhere. They ought to pull it all up, not
leave it where the tykes can get at it."
Matt shook his head. "We be needing it there to teach us," he pointed out.
"Me mum, she slapped at me when I touched it. Slapped my head around so
horrid hard I thought my neck would crack. It's how I learnt about the oleander."
"Well, the Council of Guardians judged Vandara and said she didn't," Kira said
again.
"She's a hard one, anyways. They say because of the horrid wound. Pain be
making her cruel."
Pain made me proud, Kira thought but didn't say.
"When you be finish?"
"Later today."
"We'll work on your cott. Some of my mates'll help."
"Thank you, Matt," Kira said. "You're a good friend."