Lightning snaps across the sky as Pippy and I fly through the raging thunderstorm towards the Dragon Army’s camp. Towards my family and friends, and my Guardians Tulna Warpun, Lapaka and Thara.

My heart beats harder than the icy hail beating against my skin as I think about the last time I saw everybody: my people in cages, the Guardians lifeless and lost, and Tiller shaming me in front of my parents and the other Elders. He told everyone

I wasn’t the Koorie Warrior; he made me feel small and worthless.

But now, everything has changed.

I look at Kae Kae in my hand. The boomerang is glowing bright blue and surging with power. The tribal markings on my body radiate with my ancestors’ energy, and their strength coursing through my body feels unbelievable.

‘I am the Koorie Warrior,’ I whisper to myself.

Pippy screeches and startles me. ‘Bunjil has given us hope, and now we show everyone who you are!’

I nod, gripping Kae Kae tighter. ‘I’m going to confront Tiller, Livingstone and Captain Frye once and for all. I failed once, but I will not fail again.’

Pippy swerves to avoid another flash of lightning. ‘The battle will be tough, but remember your Grandmother’s lessons.’

I think back to my Grandmother. She taught me to be patient, to focus on the task in front of me, and to ask for help when I needed it. And most importantly, she had taught me my final lesson to becoming the Koorie Warrior: strength is kindness, and that is what makes a true warrior…

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