The figure moved stealthily on silent feet; staying close to the outside wall. The stone corner was in sight, simply a matter of a few steps…

“Gabby!”

Gabrielle’s head snapped up, aggravation washing across her face. She let out a frustrated growl and craned her neck to see an adolescent boy sitting atop the thatched roof. “If you’re not careful you’re going to cave in,” she scowled. “In fact, I hope you do. Papa will tan your hide good.”

The young boy laughed and swung his feet lightly as they dangled several feet above Gabby’s head. “You’re not a very good sport at this game. I get you every time.”

“That’s because you’re older. You’ve been playing longer.” She stuck out her tongue in a near pout.

He laughed again. “Not true. Jamie’s even better than you, and you’re older than him. “The point is to be sneaky. And you’re just not good at it.”

“It’s not fair when you climb on top of roofs. You can’t take the advantage like that.”

“Who says?”

“I do,” she threw her hands on her hips, pursing her lips tightly.

“Advantage is there for the taking. There are no rules. It’s all about stealth. It is clear you don’t have any,” he smirked.

“What—”

“Gabby, just admit that I am better than you.”

She crossed her arms tightly and turned away.

“Boys are always better.” He laughed again.

That did it. Gabrielle whirled around, her eyes aflame with fury. She leapt up and reached for his feet, but he jerked them out of her reach. The motion was enough to send him flailing back against the thatched roof.

With a loud crack, his weight sent him crashing through to the dirt floor below. He landed in a cloud of dust on his back.