“Red riders?” mused Rejji. “They were not the local bandits then? Why do you call them red riders?”

“They all wore red scarves around their necks,” the girl responded. “It was like a uniform I guess.”

“Why hide in the well?” questioned Rejji. “Why not help defend the village?”

“They were carrying torches,” pouted the girl. “The well is the only stone structure around. Judging from the results of their attack, I would say I chose wisely. Besides, there was no defending to be done here. It was all over in seconds. The people couldn’t even have had time to run away.”

“You mean they didn’t even ask for anything before they started killing?” questioned Rejji.

“No,” responded the girl. “Not a word was spoken. It was as if they rode here just to kill everyone, to destroy this village. And they didn’t stay after it was done either. I heard them ride out, but figured I should stay hidden for a while in case they came back.”

“Are you sure no words were spoken?” asked Rejji. “I mean the well is far enough from the edge of the village that they might have said something when they first came in.”

“No,” repeated the girl, “I was behind the end building when they arrived. The man there asked them what they wanted and they slew him without an answer. That is when I ran for the well.”

“What were you doing behind that hut?” Rejji asked suspiciously. “In fact, what are you doing in this village? I know everyone here and you are not staying with any of them.”

“I was looking for something to eat,” answered the girl quietly.

“You are a thief,” Rejji accused loudly as he moved swiftly towards her. “You came here to steal from us.”

“What if I did?” answered the girl as she circled the well to keep it between them. “I only wanted something to eat. It might not be right to steal food, but I don’t like the thought of dying of hunger either.”