Morning bells rang from the paddies. Sabai Nan Aluih heard a horse thunder past the rice fields.
A powerful man stopped beside the traditional house. His boots struck the wooden floor. “Your family will obey me!”
Sabai Nan Aluih stepped between the man and her family. She lifted a woven basket like a shield.
The powerful man laughed louder. Sabai Nan Aluih pointed down the village path. “This is not fair!”
Sabai Nan Aluih ran across the green hills for help. Behind her, a horse sneezed—PFFFT! Dust covered the man’s shiny clothes.
At the village meeting place, Sabai Nan Aluih told the elders what happened. The village elder rose. “We will listen.”
The villagers gathered outside the house. Together, they faced the powerful man. “Stop threatening this family,” said the village elder.
Sabai Nan Aluih spoke clearly about justice. Rice leaves whispered nearby, and the powerful man lowered his head.
The powerful man rode away from the village. His horse carried him beyond the rice fields and winding hills.
Sabai Nan Aluih helped repair the doorway. Neighbors brought warm rice cakes, and the peaceful path shone beneath the bright highland sky.