Recruits (Keeper of the Water Book 2) by Kevin George

your heart and your mind to the possibility of our group becoming stronger.”
    If she’s anything like the Cassie I know now, she won’t accept the Keeper’s retort without an argument. But things were obviously different in the past.
    “Yes, my Keeper,” the woman says and backs away into the darkness. Still, I realize the Amazons might not be the cohesive tribe I always assumed since my memories first started returning as dreams.
    “Like every potential newcomer to our group, Sacajawea will merely observe our traditions and our routines, watch what we do to protect the water and keep it safe from mankind. A time will soon come when she will then decide if she wants to become part of the Amazons for good – and we will decide if we want to allow her that honor,” the Keeper says.
    “Yes, my Keeper,” the Amazons echo in unison.
    “Yes, my Keeper,” I repeat respectfully.
    The Keeper smiles warmly. The Amazons circled around us respond like this is a formal atmosphere but I get the feeling from the Keeper that she doesn’t demand such formality. She winks at me and I remember to breathe again.
    “Don’t worry, I’m sure you will fit right in,” she whispers to me.
    “I hope so, my Keeper.”
    “I have served this duty for a very long time and have been privileged to welcome many new recruits,” she says, speaking low enough so the others can’t hear. “And while I trust every woman here with my life, I can tell when someone has more potential than others. Your story has captivated me, your background and way or life has connected with my very soul. In the few minutes I’ve seen you and witnessed how you handle yourself, I can tell there are great things to come from you.”
    My heart swells with pride, my eyes well with tears. For years, I was treated harshly by my husband, made to feel inferior and useless like I was merely a piece of property that didn’t matter. Even when I joined my tribe, I was treated differently because I could not bear children and did not fulfill their expectations of how a woman should be. But after hearing the Keeper’s words, I’ve never felt better about myself. This is where I’m supposed to be, this is my new home, and I plan to do whatever it takes to ensure I’ll be accepted.
    The Keeper raises her hands toward the sky and the water glows brighter around her feet. The Keeper slowly turns in a circle and when she addresses the women, her voice is loud and clear with great strength.
    “My protectors, the New World of the United States has served as our home for the last several hundred years. We have seen many parts of this wonderful country; at first, living in lands settled by the natives and then heading toward the setting sun. When that area became filled with thrill-seekers pursuing gold, we headed back east and farther north until we reached the great waterfalls. But with more people settling in this area of the country, I am afraid we can no longer safely call this home.
    “Our trackers returned a few nights ago after being gone for many moons. They journeyed farther than we’ve gone since our voyage across the Great Waters hundreds of years ago. But I’m told they found a potential spot for a new home, one untouched by man, a dangerous and harsh environment that will keep us hidden for many years to come. It will not be an easy life and we will face difficult times just surviving on a daily basis. But we are a strong group. I have every confidence that we will learn to thrive. Every woman around me joined to protect the water; this is our best chance to do that.
    “Now that our recruiters have returned with a potential new member to strengthen our numbers, it is time for us to begin our journey south. We will try to avoid contact with others along the way but this country is now in a time of great strife. We must be very careful.”
    I feel like I’m in the way so I back up a few steps from the spring. The Keeper kneels in the water and removes a small