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Show 131 "My mother is gone," Chua said. "Get her," Ahote said. Aflote grabbed for Chua, but Chua jumped out of the way. Ahote lost his balance and fell sprawling across the dirt. Ahote's ribs stuck out beneath his skin. His bony elbows and wrists knotted his thin arms together. He looked weak, but he still had strength. Chua could feel the anger knot building in his belly. The deeds of Ahote were repulsive to Chua. How could this man be the brother of his father? Chua couldn't see any good in him at all. Chua wouldn't let him hurt his mother or touch Chua's baby brother. ^ . Ahote got to his feet and shoved at Chua. But Chua jumped out of his warn Ahote batted the air, and lost his balance -again. He stumbled, but righted himself, whirling to face Chua. I'm working to be honorable, thought Chua. Can I keep from hitting him? Chua didn't know. Chua could have run away, but he stayed with Ahote to give his mother time to hide. "You're nothing but trouble," Ahote yelled at Chua. He rushed toward Chua, but Chua darted out of his way. Ahote ran at him again, picking Chua up 1 n this time, and shoving him against the cliff at the back of the plaza. Chua J <-sm«ekeTj-hrs-head: The oyc3 wTcrc thcFe-again. -He reeled with dizziness, but 6^ shook it off. Pain shot down his body like abojt^fjiglrtningry U?ACA^ / The anger inside Cjfua grew like a gushing spring from his feet to his head. Clawing Eagle was there with his sharp talons and deadly beak. Chua |