A Distant Land

A Distant Land

Yeliah's Tale

CHAPTER 1

The waves crashed violently upon the shoreline. Crushing blows tearing apart the small vegetation that had struggled to establish a foothold all throughout the spring and summer months. Yeliah stood on a knoll looking west towards the wide expanse of ocean. Her father had left a fortnight ago; paddling up the coast to trade with the northern village; resorting to using the ocean as his passageway since the fire had erupted on the mountain that they normally climbed over several months ago.

Her father was not likely to be back on this day, so Yeliah turned with a heavy heart to return to the village. Though he had only been gone ten days, already the other elders were fighting for the leadership. Lanor had even gone so far as to suggest that she, Yeliah would be a grand prize for the victor of the leadership struggle that so far was only a subtle dance. Her response, after slapping his face angrily was that at no time would she consider him or any other elder as a mate.

Yeliah, followed the well beaten path through the forest, lost deep in thought of how to deal with another round of infighting. As Mikhail’s eldest child, she was still technically in charge during his absence, at his own bequest. Mikhail had not led a trade mission for many years, leaving it to the Farmer’s Commission. With the last traders refusing to divulge the outcome of their venture or sharing the profits as had been customary, Yeliah’s father had gone on a rampage. Short of banning the traders hired by the FC, Mikhail had raided the Farmer’s Commission offices with five of his senior most trusted lieutenants, seizing all of their records to be inspected. What he found had caused him to reach the decision to lead the next trade mission. The traders were cross trading with many of the mutant tribes that lived high in the mountain passes. Many of the goods that were meant for the Normerics were traded for the gold and silver coins lining the belt-purses of the traders.

Still dwelling on this recent history, Yeliah gasped when hands reached from behind a large tree and pulled her into the woods. As she opened her mouth to scream, her eyes widened and mouth snapped shut. Her brother stood there grinning at her. Though younger by a couple of years, her brother, Koltan had begged their father to let him join the Seekers, a full two years earlier than the youngest recruit. Koltan had spent his early teen years wrestling and training himself with lifting stones and running through the forest.

Rather than deny his son’s wish, Mikhail had left the decision to his lieutenant in charge of the Seekers, Viktor. After testing Koltan against his toughest warriors and through some of the most torturous terrain, Viktor gave the clan leader his report. There was no one at any age who would be a better Seeker. Mikhail gave his consent, albeit reluctantly. Yeliah had last seen her brother over six months ago when he set out on a mission that was to last less than a month. Seeing him standing before her was stunning to say the least.

Yeliah reached out and grabbed her brother, hugging him close. “Where have you been?” she whispered urgently. “Father has been so worried. He was ready to kill Viktor for sending you on such a dangerous mission.” Yeliah stepped back and looked her brother up and down. “You’ve lost so much weight and you had so little to lose already. What has happened?”

Koltan just shook his head and held a finger to his lips, then pointed back toward the village. Using the sign language of the Seekers, he indicated that they should head back towards the sea. Holding his face in her hands she kissed his forehead, then turned and ran lightly towards the ocean.

After running for a click, they stopped and found shelter behind a large weather-beaten stone. Huddling down beside each other, Koltan and Yeliah put there heads close to each other. He explained that the mission Viktor had sent him on was not what had lead to his long absence. It was only after completing his search of the abandoned buildings that the Seekers had found 160 clicks to the south east that his true adventures had begun. Koltan described how he had run into a southern tribe of Scabbers when leaving the town with his discoveries. The Scabbers had forced him to go with them, surrounding him with spears as he had come out of the backdoor of a pharmacy. They were hidden with a natural camouflage that appeared to be part of their mutant nature. Koltan had gone south on his own since all previous indications were that the mutants were unable to handle the colder weather that came off the ocean right into the old city. Their appearance outside of the store had startled him enough to that he was completely unprepared. Instead of fleeing or starting a fight he had no chance to win, Koltan had gone with the Scabbers. They had headed south immediately, running fast, almost as though it was a life and death situation. Koltan had indicated that he would not try to escape and would follow them willingly. They had not tried to remove his bow or belted cross-bow, nor had they tried to search his backpack. Facing no immediate threat, Koltan believed that this was an interesting experiment to examine. Yeliah interrupted her brother’s story, “Can the rest of this wait just a little while longer? Lanor is plotting a coup and I could really use your help in putting him in his place. Then we can clean up, so you can finish your story over a glass of wine.”

Koltan nodded that this would be acceptable and started to stand. A cross-bow bolt slammed into the rock right above his right knee, shattering upon impact. Yeliah screamed and rolled across the leaf strewn forest floor. Koltan leaped straight up to the top of the large boulder. Hoping it was only one assailant, he scanned the forest in the direction the bolt had flown from. Just as he was about to jump down behind the boulder there was movement in the branches fifty feet to the east. Flicking two throwing stars from his waist he pulled and threw them in one fluid motion before dropping to the ground behind the boulder with Yeliah. A scream came from the forest edge, then cursing. Koltan grinned at his sister, and then signaled that they should separate and try to flank their welcoming party. Nodding she rolled across the ground headed north, while he ran crouching to the south. Dodging between the saplings in the small clearing, trying to avoid moving any of them and giving away his position, Koltan looked towards the area where the cursing had come from. He stopped running and stood up, whistling a signal at his sister. Yeliah stopped as well and they both walked towards where an unkempt man stood holding his shoulder with his right arm hanging limply.

“I suppose you think it’s wise to attack the children of the clan leader?” Yeliah challenged the dirty looking thug. He tried to shrug and bit off a scream. “Are you alone?” she questioned.

Scanning the forest behind, Koltan now had his own bow off his shoulder with an arrow nocked and ready. The thug sneered at Yeliah, about to shrug again and thought better of it.

“As if I’d tell either one of you brats,” he spat his reply out, along with a stream of tobacco juice.

Koltan finished scanning the area, ignoring the thief, then nodded satisfied with his inspection. He walked up the thief, grabbed the throwing star imbedded in the man’s shoulder and pulled it out none too gently. The man collapsed to his knees, hand grasping his right shoulder and glared at Koltan. Pulling a piece of finely spun hemp rope from his belt, Koltan pulled the thief’s hands behind his back and secured them tightly. The thief’s eyes watered, but other than that he did not move or make a sound. Grabbing a handful of the man’s dirty hair, Koltan pulled him to his feet. Yeliah grinned and followed behind as the thief was pushed roughly up the path towards the village.

Thus, they found themselves approaching the village in near dusk. The gates in the large compound fence were closing even as they left the treeline. Koltan whistled sharply causing a couple of heads to pop up over the fence. Yelling, two tall rangers leaped between the gates and came running towards them.

Pummeling his back, Koltan was tossed between the two like a leaf in a storm. “Where have you been boy-o?” “Oh, I’ve missed your sorry ass, you silly little man.” The rangers finally stopped yelling enough to notice that Yeliah was there too. Standing a bit sheepishly, they also realized that there was also a bound prisoner as well.

“What have we here now?” questioned Viktor. Yeliah outlined the scene near the shore and Viktor turned the prisoner over to his lieutenant, Mac. “And what in all that’s holy were ya doin’ down by the shore, young miss? You know that your father is in all likelihood going to try coming back overland. The sea is too harsh a mistress to make that our new trade route.”

Yeliah hung her head for a second, then realizing as temporary leader, she had no reason to be ashamed of her decisions. “Can we just get back home, clean up and relax first. I’ll bring him to the central hall as quick as I can so we can all hear his story.”

CHAPTER 2

Gathering in the main hall, everyone who had already heard about Koltan’s return was packed into the meeting area. Standing shoulder to shoulder, the lead Rangers, the senior Seekers and the Council were all near the front of the hall, while the rest of the residents of Normerics were trying to find room to stand.

Yeliah and Koltan approached from the rear of the hall through the trees that used to be a park of some kind, but had long since overgrown with undergrowth. It was harder and longer to get there, but they didn’t want to fight their way through a crowd. Climbing the stairs to the back door, they eased in behind the backs of the Rangers and edged along the wall to where the Council leaders were standing. Tapping Lanor on the shoulder, Yeliah whispered, “We’re here.”

Lanor whipped his head around, then smiling ruefully, stepped aside and beckoned mockingly, “M’ lady, if you please?”

Yeliah and Koltan stepped into the one small opening that was left in the center of the room. Immediately quiet took over the room at the sight of the clan leader’s children. A whisper started near the doorway and went quickly around the room. Stepping forward through the crowd from the front door was Mikhail and two of the five lieutenants he had taken with him. Yeliah ran to her father and threw her arms around his neck. “You made it, you’re home at last.” Koltan walked up to his father and saluted him. Smiling, the leader took his son into his arms and squeezed him tightly. “Glad to see I’m not the only one who made it home safely,” he said aloud, then whispered something for his son’s ears alone.

Turning to face the assembly, he spread his arms, lifted his head and broke into the ritual prayer that he always began each assembly or council meeting with.

“Heavenly creator, we thank thee for bringing our friends to abide with us. Allow us to clear our hearts and our minds of all ill feelings that we may do Your work with a clear conscience. Mother and Father of all that is bountiful, we give you our woes. Now let us begin. So as it is, so shall it be.”

All heads had dropped and several of the severely devout had dropped to their knees, hands clasped in front of them. Now Mikhail turned to his Council, Seekers and Rangers. “My friends, as you can see, all have returned unharmed, though not unscathed. I have also heard that my children were attacked in my absence. Shall we sit down and discuss these matters and once the business is completed, we can then let the tale be told by those with the gift of the silver tongues?”

Lanor and his colleagues nodded their assent and the Rangers eased their way through the crowd, escorting the more reluctant to the door as the hall emptied slowly. Mikhail pulled the large worn arm chair from the corner where it had been pushed and sank into it gratefully. He motioned to everyone to pull out their chairs from the corners and along the wall where they had been frantically pushed. The Rangers dropped the table legs down and placed the two large tables into the centre of the room. Then the assembly gathered around. Yeliah and Koltan placed their chairs behind their father, one to either side of him.

Mikhail turned first to Lanor and said “You have been busy my friend,” the sound of his voice was as brittle as the ice on the water tower in winter. Yeliah shuddered in spite of herself, having steeled her nerves prior to the sit down.

Lanor tried his usual rueful grin, attempting to cover his fear with a smile. It was obvious that it wasn’t working, as the sweat broke out on his upper lip and between his brows. Mikhail turned away towards his captain of the guards and with a raised left brow questioned, “And you mon capitan? How has the protection of my daughter gone while I have been gone?” Watching the man squirm was painful even for Koltan who had suffered many tortures during his last two years as a Seeker. Finally, Mikhail cleared his throat and laughingly declared, “Enough of this sparring, are we not all friends and comrades. United against the Muties, Scabbers and determined to carve out a future for our children?” with which he waved his hand towards his own children.

Nodding his assent, Lanor tried to assert again his own sense of entitlement. “M’ lord, if I might begin. Can I ask your son to tell us why he felt the need to abandon the community for so long?”

Mikhail glanced at Viktor momentarily and then with a flick of his wrist, buried a sleeve knife in Lanor’s throat. Gagging and choking on his own blood, Lanor gripped Mikhail’s wrist before slumping to the tabletop. Viktor motioned to two of his men who stepped forward briskly and removed the body. It all happened so quickly that no one had a chance to protest. Two of the men loyal to Lanor now attempted to rise in protest and Viktor again with a nod of his head, had the two removed from the room.

Mikhail turned to the remaining Council members, Rangers and Seekers. “My friends, let us begin again. It is time we got down to business. There is a saying, keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Lanor coveted power and sought to take over this compound for his own gain. This community is here to support and provide sustenance to its members, NOT to be the avenue to accumulate power and personal wealth. He has paid for his transgression with his life. Does anyone have any further issues with this?”

With his left eyebrow raised Mikhail scanned the faces around the table. Seeing no one willing to admit their discomfort at the swiftness of his actions, Mikhail then turned to his children, “Come forward, join us and tell us what has happened my beloved.”

Yeliah and Koltan pulled their chairs up to either side of their father, who looked to Yeliah first. A deliberate act to ensure that Lanor’s request was put to rest where it belonged.

Yeliah bowed her head to her father and then laid out what had happened since he had left. The threats Lanor had made against her, the fact that he had indicated he had the full support of the entire Council. At this statement, there were more than a few of the Council who shifted in their seats uncomfortably. Mikhail waved his hand at them negligently. “Pashada, never mind, I am sure it is merely the prattle of he who sought to pressure my daughter.”

Mikhail then turned to his son. “My son, it gladdens my heart find that you still walk among us. Pray tell these honorable men what you have discovered during your long escapade.” Mikhail winked at Viktor, albeit not surreptitiously, it was obvious he already was aware of the story.

CHAPTER 3

Koltan reviewed his trip through the southern abandoned buildings, coming to the part that Yeliah had already heard about the Scabbers surrounding him. The story continued with the Scabbers trying to talk to him, their guttural growls and grunts made little sense. Frustration set in and they were getting ready to skewer him with their crude spears, when out of the darkness that had set in walked a glowing apparition. It appeared to be a spirit at first, seemingly floating above the ground as it approached the gathering. Koltan then saw that the figure was actually a very tall male well over seven feet tall who was riding on a wheeled cart that seemed to roll over the ground of its own accord. There was a tall handle that the creature was gripping and the glow came from this handle, shining upwards, illuminating the being onboard and the area around the cart. The cart rolled to a stop within several feet of Koltan as the Scabbers separated their ring to allow the cart to roll through. The being stepped down and Koltan realized with a shock that it was a former Seeker from his very own clan. A Seeker whom Koltan had idolized as a child but who had been missing in action for over ten years. Koltan stepped towards the man, but was stopped by a spear thrust across in front of him.

“M’ lord, what has happened to you? We have believed you long lost to Deara’s deathly bower.”

“Poor naïve child, I am no longer the man you once revered. I have transcended that part of my existence and have become so much more than that limited being. These poor wretched creatures are seeking your assistance on my behalf. I have given them the task of finding a way of healing my mate.” The man turned to the Scabbers and with several growls and grunts sent four of them into the building that Koltan had exited several hours earlier.

“I assume that you have recovered whatever medicines and food items that were usable from within?” he questioned Koltan.

Koltan nodded warily. If this was not the same man, it sure as Deara looked like him, admittedly though somewhat stretched. “So if you are the same but not the same, what made you this way, Seeker Noremak?”

“To know that would be to reveal too much at this time. What I need to know is if you have any of the medicines that will heal my mate and if you do not, where to find it. The color of the tablets are the color of the berries that grow on the brambles, a deep dark blue that is almost black. The old ones language named it in their letters as Ery-thro-my-sin. Have you any of these or do you know where I may locate it?” The voice of the former Seeker had slowly faded to almost a whisper as his stare bored into Koltan’s face.

Koltan shuddered in spite of himself. Despite being trained to suffer through any tortures, the voice of Noremak wormed its way into his psyche. “M’ lord, if it pleases thee, I have not found any in these ruins. But we have plenty back at the compound if you would like to accompany me, I’m sure they would be pleased to assist you in your quest.”

The tall body whipped back not so much in fear as in shock. “Never may I return. Your father has let it be known to all how much he abhors the Muties. Ever since the death of your mother, he has sworn to avenge her. He blames all Muties for his loss,” Noremak hissed angrily.

Koltan squinted, the daylight had long faded and the Scabbers had not lit any torches or any sort of fire, leaving the only light that which glowed from the cart that Noremak had arrived on. “I do not understand how anyone could mistake you for a Mutie. It is obvious that you have been through a very trying event, but you are Noremak the Seeker.” Koltan shook his head, it had already been a long day and the stress of his capture by the Scabbers and now Noremak was wearing him down. “Please M’ lord, let us return to our community and allow the Healers to work on your mate.”

Noremak did not answer, but turned to the remaining Scabbers. Pointing at Koltan he grunted then mounted his cart and moved away from the gathering. Koltan tried to follow, but was prevented by the spears thrust in front of him. “M’ lord, wait, what am I supposed to do now? May I not accompany you?” Koltan yelled out to the retreating figure on the cart.

Noremak ignored him. The Scabbers started poking their spears at him, jabbing him but not really intending to harm him. It had become obvious that he was being herded to a new location. Having nothing to lose and everything to learn, Koltan allowed them to lead him onward.

CHAPTER 4

At this point, Mikhail interrupted his son’s narrative. “Where pray tell is this abomination that would claim to know my own true heart? How can a man who grew up with me, side by side, claim that I would not welcome him back to my clan?”

Koltan sighed and looked down at his hands. M’ lord, I cannot reveal his location or his own thoughts; I can tell you this much; he is no longer the man you grew up with. He is indeed a much changed man, unique in himself.”

Mikhail nodded thoughtfully with a frown settling on his brow as he indicated that his son should continue with his tale. Yeliah stopped her father with a whisper in his right ear and then turned to two of the guards standing by the front door. “Have the kitchen help bring us some cheese, bread and wine, I have a feeling this is going to be a long night” she commanded.

Koltan began his tale again where he had left off with him being herded to a new location. The Scabbers had him headed further south from the abandoned community they were in. This was all new territory for him and he tried to take in as much of the terrain as he could despite the encroaching darkness of the night. It was obvious that they were following what had once been a major thoroughfare.

After travelling for roughly 30 clicks and Koltan expressing several times with much frustration at the lack of communication his fatigue, the Scabbers headed to the side of the pavement and down into a wooded area. They huddled around him, forcing him to squat and then finally lay down, curled into a ball. Scabber flesh rubbed against his as they crouched and curled their bodies around his, warmth flooded over him and despite his queasiness, it eased him into a restless slumber.

He awoke to a rough scaled hand shaking his shoulder. Opening his eyes, he squinted at the sunrise and sat up. A large green scaled face was peering into his with what almost appeared to be intelligence behind the green eyes. “Are we ready to continue to wherever we are headed?” He questioned not really expecting an answer.

To his surprise, the creature nodded, then turned and pointed further south. The voice was very expressly trying to communicate. The grunts were not nearly as fast as last night. Then Koltan received a shock, for the creature opened its mouth and he could see that the creature’s tongue had been cut out. It was obvious that this was not a birth defect; the scar tissue was severe enough that it almost blocked the creature’s throat. “How much farther is it?” and to forestall more grunting, he held up his fingers, first five then ten. The creature raised its scaly hands and then added all ten of its fingers beside Koltan’s hand, then closed and opened them twice more. Koltan raised his brow, and asked, “Thirty more clicks?” The creature grinned and shook its head, then pointed at the sky and moved an arm in an arc across the sky. Koltan shook his head, “No, I cannot leave my family for thirty days; they are expecting me home within the week.”

The creature bared its sharpened teeth in a grimace that was clearly not pleased. Koltan sighed as he realized it mattered little if he objected. All of his weapons had been removed from him while he slept last night.

Koltan explained to the listening Council, Rangers and Seekers, that they had travelled for thirty days exactly, headed south the entire time. They only stopped to sleep and food was very scarce. The Scabbers seemed to have specific stops pre-arranged where food had been stored for them, but most of the food was rancid and Koltan ate as little of this as possible. They passed through several areas where there were abandoned buildings, but when Koltan pointed to the buildings and himself to his newfound friend, he just received a negative shaking of the head.

The terrain had changed gradually climbing up into foothills of mountains that were starting to rise. The ocean had faded off to the north-west and there were very few buildings of any sort. Koltan had picked up by this time what some of the grunts and growls indicated and knew that the excitement level of the Scabbers was rising now that they were entering the foothills. The odours in the air were very green, completely unlike those in the area they had travelled through for the past 30 days, far closer to what it was like around home. The smell of decay was being washed from their hair and clothing by the soft wind flowing down the hillsides, pushing at the dead, keeping the ghosts of civilization past at bay.

Suddenly from a rise less than half a click away arose a towering figure. Koltan thought at first that it was Noremak, but realized that this creature appeared to be even taller than the ex-Seeker. The challenge was obvious, but the Scabbers ignored the creature, climbing the hillside trail in a rush. Another tall figure rose beside the second one, this one was obviously armed though Koltan could not distinguish what type of weapon it was. The second one aimed at the lead Scabber and with a flash of light, its body exploded in a rain of blood and flesh. Koltan dropped to the ground and rolled to the side of the trail underneath a large flower covered shrub. Beside him he could see his friend and on the other side of the trail when he turned his head he could see another Scabber hiding beneath another shrub. However, the main body of the group continued scrambling up the trail. There were two more flashes of light and the muted screams that accompanied this indicated that the remaining Scabbers had now taken cover as well. Koltan crawled out from beneath his cover, hands raised over his head, his friend’s scaly hand tried to pull him back, but he shrugged off the restraint. “M’ lord, you do us great disservice, for Noremak himself bade these creatures to deliver me unto you.”

Koltan watched as the creatures conferred with each other, the weapon had been lowered, its work having been accomplished in stopping the rush to the top of the hillside.

CHAPTER 5

The first creature held up a long fingered hand indicating that he should wait. The second Mutie then turned and disappeared over the other side of the hill. Waiting there was the longest moments of his life, not knowing if he would be the next person to disappear in a cloud of flesh. He started thinking about the weapon that had done that kind of damage. Never before had he heard of or seen such a device. The clan at home all used hand made weapons such as bows, crossbows, throwing stars. There were pipe bombs of course, but not even those could have done this type of damage. Suddenly there was a loud humming noise and a cart similar to the one Noremak had ridden appeared at the top of the hill and then proceeded down the trail to where Koltan was standing.

“You stated that Noremak had bidden these abominations to bring you here?” questioned the tall being on the cart. This person was different than the two who had been guarding the hillside. Appearing to be more of an elder or leader while the other two had definitely been guards, dressed in clothing meant to hide them amongst the hillside foliage.

The question almost appeared to be rhetorical as the man beckoned at Koltan to climb up onto the back of the cart. His Scabber friend now rolled out from under the shrub, stood up and stepped in front of Koltan. The guard on the hillside with the weapon lowered it from his shoulder so that it was pointing at the two of them. The cart rider raised his hand towards the hillside, waving off the threat. “Do you speak for these creatures, human? Why should I not exterminate them all?”

“Please sir. They have aided me in reaching you on behalf of Noremak. He is searching for medicines to assist in the healing of his mate.” The Scabber stood in front of Koltan defiantly. Koltan placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder and with a gentle squeeze indicated that it would all be alright. “It was his belief that I might be able to aid him in that search or in the healing. These” Koltan stopped for lack of a proper description, not wanting to insult the tall creatures by referring to the Scabbers as Muties, since it was obvious that the tall creatures were also Muties.

The cart rider’s face registered his surprise, “Noremak came to you? Seeking your assistance? Is working with these mutants?” The questions tumbled out of his mouth like rain off of the roof of the houses at home. Instead of the arrogant attitude that had been so ever present, the creature actually appeared uncertain and even horrified.

Koltan knew when to push and when to pull back. This was the time to push and he used everything he could remember from his discussion with Noremak thirty days previous. Looking very saddened, he murmured, “His mate has some form of lung disease and is wasting away. He begged me to find the Airy-thro-mice-in. These friends of his were to aid me in that search. He ordered them to bring me to his home first in order to meet his mate prior to beginning that search.”

The creature pulled back physically as far as the cart would allow it to without actually moving the cart. “You are going into his home? We cannot allow that, they have been given solitude and she must not be disturbed. We cannot risk the spread of her illness. This has happened in the past, most devastating.” The long tapered hands waved above its head and the guards above, came slowly towards the group. The rest of the Scabbers had also crawled out from amongst the shrubbery and stood patiently waiting. As the two guards joined them, the creature turned the cart around and headed up the hill. It muttered something that Koltan could not understand to the guards as it passed them. The guards turned and pointed up the hill, then at Koltan and the Scabbers. The progression started up the hill like a parade. As they crested the hillside, Koltan was shocked to see a village spread out through the tree tops. Large walkways hung from the branches of the giant red skinned evergreens connecting the homes built around the trunks of the trees. There were people climbing the long walkways that circled the trunks, walking between the homes. But there appeared to be no children present. Koltan had stopped in his tracks at the sight and was prodded forward by the weapon barrel of the guard.

None of the people even stopped to look at the strangers entering their community. Koltan’s Scabber friend poked him in the side and pointed towards the center of the village. There was a building sitting on the ground, not up in the trees and it appeared to be where the creature on the cart had gone to. It also appeared to be where they were headed. Koltan turned to the tall guard without the weapon and pointing at the building, asked, “Is that where we are going? Who was that on the cart?” The guards looked at each other, shook their heads and just pointed towards the building. Koltan realized that though they might understand what was being said or that it was a question, they didn’t speak the same language.

As they neared the building, Koltan could see that it was not so much a building as an enormous tree that had long ago rotted from the inside. A doorway had been cut into the side and there were spots that had been patched with lumber. The guard without the weapon knocked on the door in a pattern that was hard to follow. The door swung open and the guards stepped back to motion all of the Scabbers and Koltan inside. The Scabbers keen senses of smell obviously were sharper than Koltan’s as they panicked once the door was open. Scrambling backwards, falling over each other in an attempt to run, the Scabbers were stopped by the guard with the weapon turning it upon the one furthest from the tree-house. With a much louder swooshing sound, the weapon emitted its blue fire and the Scabber evaporated. The rest of the Scabbers dropped to the ground, claws over their necks, quivering in very real fear.

The person who had ordered them back to the village appeared on a walkway overhead and in a different language barked at the guards in apparent frustration. The guard in a guttural growl, pointed at the Scabbers and then the tree-house. Koltan knew from the hand across the throat the Scabbers were about to be dispatched and leaped in front of the guard with the weapon waving his hands in front of him. “No, they will go with me, I promise.” He was not sure why he felt the need to protect a group of mutants whom he had previously thought of as dangerous and potential threats. Perhaps it was just spending the last thirty days with them, or the fact that their leader had taken the time to show him some kindness.

Koltan stepped over to his friend, knelt down beside him and whispered, “I do not know what is inside of there, but we either go in or we get killed out here. Let us step inside as warriors, back to back, we can survive this.” With a shudder, the Scabber, whom Koltan had taken to calling Fred since it was the closest sound the Scabber could make to friend, stood up, He grunted at the rest of the Scabbers and pointed at Koltan then at the tree-house. No one had removed any of the weapons they had picked up off of the ground on the way up the hill to the village, so the Scabbers raised their spears defiantly, growled en masse and formed a diamond formation behind Koltan and Fred. Even the guards looked impressed, if one could judge at all from their long faces. With a nod from Koltan they all started forward into the doorway.

CHAPTER 6

Mikhail interrupted his son’s tale as there was a knock on the door of the meeting hall. “Enter”, he called out and the Ranger nearest the doorway opened the door. Three young ladies entered the hall carrying platters covered in buns, cheeses, steaming chicken breasts, tomatoes and lettuce. Another followed behind carrying a wooden case full of wine bottles and behind that followed another girl carried wine goblets. The trays were set on the table for those seated around the table. The Rangers and Seekers standing around the walls looked at Viktor and at the moment a young man entered carrying a tray covered in sandwiches already made with either pork or chicken inside with a satchel on his shoulder. The smell was overpowering as their mouths all watered. The young man circled the room allowing those standing to take a sandwich and handing each one a bottle of beer.

“Now my son, tell me, tell all of us, what was inside that damned tree that frightened those freaks who had taken you so far south?” demanded Mikhail in a light tone, trying to hide the concern in his voice.

Koltan resumed his story starting with entering the tree-house. Fred and his companions maintained their formation right through the doorway. Koltan led them bravely into the tree. Inside there awaited three more of the tall beings all armed with the light-fire weapon. The inside was lit with glowing lanterns similar to the one that had been on Noremak’s cart, these lanterns hung on the wall surrounding a large hole in the center of the floor. The guards pointed towards the stairwell that was leading down into the earth. Koltan walked toward the stairwell with his cohorts and started down the stairs. Two across the Scabbers followed him down. The lights continued down the wall of the shaft that led them downwards. The staircase appeared to spiral down forever, looking over the railing on the inner side showed only a very dim lit darkness that revealed no bottom.

Koltan paused on the stairwell and looked up towards the top of the spiral. Two of the guards were peering down at them, one of whom pointed his weapon and motioned them to continue. Koltan did not want to risk any more of his companions and turned to continue the downward spiral. The air was moist and almost too thick to breathe properly. Their climb into the earth had already brought them down more than 75 feet and the light from above was no more than a dim circle hovering overhead like a halo. Suddenly one of the Scabbers let out a moan, clutching his spear tightly and pointed with one hand down over the railing. Koltan leaned over to stare intently towards the bottom. He knew that the Scabbers had a more intense vision that could pick up things like heat signatures and was not expecting to be able to see whatever it was that had caused the renewed concern. For all of the Scabbers were now moaning out loud now. Koltan recoiled in shock. There, no more than 20 feet away was the largest lizard that he had ever seen in a dim orange light instead of the white light that had lit the stairwell. Bright red and covered in scales, it resembled the stories his father had told him as a child of dragons. A long neck, ending in a sleek head with a ridge of scales that stood up along the back of the neck similar to the mane of a horse, with a broad nose and a mouth that was open and very obviously lined with large, flesh rending teeth. The body was bulging, with strong thick legs that barely supported the weight of the enormous creature, and then slimmed down to a long tail that had spikes more than three hands width on the tip. It appeared that the creature had heard them coming as it’s head was snaking back and forth, tongue darting across it’s teeth, tasting the air. Koltan shook his head at the Scabbers, “No my friends, there is no reason to fear this creature. It has become too fat on being fed the enemies of my enemies. We shall be able to conquer this beast and come out of here triumphantly.” Sounding far more confident than he felt, Koltan grabbed Fred by the shoulders and looking into his yellow eyes, stated this again. Fred seemed to believe him for he turned to his brethren and with a hiss waved them to silence.

Koltan stared over the edge again, shaking his head and sighing. If only they had one of the weapons that their captors had, they could turn the beast into fried meat. With only a handful of spears it was highly unlikely they were going to come out of this alive. Turning to Fred, he realized that all of the Scabbers had turned the color of the walls of the shaft. While most lizards had a keen sense of smell, tasting the air with their tongues, Koltan thought if they spread out around the room that the creature was contained within, and used the Scabbers natural camouflage it may create enough confusion to allow them to attack it from all sides. The concern was that it may attack the ones that it could sense with its sense of smell.

After explaining the plan to the Scabbers, Fred and the other twelve Scabbers lowered their spears and slipped down the stairwell. Koltan stayed at the end of the line and prepared his bow. The steel tipped arrows and compound bow should be enough to pierce an eye if he could get a clear shot. They needed a distraction in order to allow the Scabbers to slip around the beast below. Koltan raised his bow and aimed for the creature’s tail at the opposite side of the area in which it was contained as its head was currently pointed towards the bottom of the stairs. Carefully pulling back as far as he could, the release echoed up the stairwell shaft with a distinct twang. The shaft flew true and pierced the tail just as the creature lifted its tail in a slashing motion. Koltan felt the entire stairwell shake as the monster below them slammed the ground with its tail after the arrow pierced the tail completely. Its head whipped around to find what had happened to the tail and at that moment, the Scabbers scrambled down into the pit and circled the creature, but stayed back against the wall, blended into the color of the pit. Koltan remained upon the stairwell and as the creature below turned back toward the stairwell, he released the next arrow towards the monstrous red neck. He was saving the eye shot until he was sure that the spears were going to work. Once again the twang echoed up the stairwell and the arrow embedded in the neck of the giant lizard. It reared upright, standing on its hind legs and at that moment the Scabbers ran forward and thrust all twelve spears into the chest of the beast. As it fell back onto its belly, the Scabbers ran back up the staircase and at that moment Koltan loosed two arrows consecutively into the eye of the monstrous lizard.

From thirty feet above a bolt of fire was loosed down the center of the stairwell in their direction. The distance and the dimness seemed to work against their aim as the fire erupted against the stairwell railing. Trapped now between the fire of the weapons above and the monster below them, Koltan was frustrated and bellowed his anger at those overhead. Fred ran up the stairs and grunting pointed down at the floor below, pulling on his hand, trying to lead him downward. Then Koltan realized that the creature below was no longer moving and had fallen over on its side while the other Scabbers pulling their spears from the beast’s body. With another shot starting a fire on the outside wall of the tree, he plunged down the stairs, stopping to pull his four arrows out of the beast and then rushing to the far side of the cavern where the other Scabbers had gathered in front of a large gate.

Realizing that the gate would have to be locked to contain the lizard inside, Koltan pointed at the large iron hinges on the sides of the gate and yelled that they needed to be pried apart. Wedging two spears against the side of the cavern and the point of the spears pressed into the hinge, two of the Scabbers were heaving at the gate with little luck. Koltan grabbed a spear from the hands of the nearest Scabber and jammed the point of the spear between the head of the pin and the hinge and heaved upwards. The pin slid upward about an inch and Fred jammed his spear into the bottom hinge-pin assembly and pulled as well. The two pins slid slowly up and out of the hinge assembly. Koltan pointed at the top hinge, but no one could reach that high. One of the Scabbers climbed up using the hands and knees of two other Scabbers and stood on the shoulder of the largest of them, then pried on the remaining hinge. With the lock and hasp holding the other side of the gate closed, even with two pins removed the top hinge assembly would not allow them to pry an opening between the gate and the wall. There was a loud crack as the pin eased out of the top hinge and the gate sagged inwards. Koltan held up his hand to stop the mad rush of escape, “Wait my friends; we must use caution for they will know soon enough that we have slain their beast.” The Scabbers stopped and once they were through the gate, reformed their diamond formation for defense. This entryway to the cavern was wide enough for the Scabbers to be four across and was lit with the same orange light that had been in the cavern itself.

Overhead there was more weapon fire that was sizzling down against the lizard now. Koltan lead the Scabbers into the tunnel, staying slightly ahead of the group with Fred trailing behind to ensure that they were not being followed. After twenty-five feet, the tunnel narrowed as it turned sharply right. Having a keen sense of direction was extremely important to a Seeker and Koltan realized they were now headed back towards the same ridge where they had been originally apprehended. There had to be a cave that entered the tunnel from that ridge he thought to himself.

Sooner than he thought possible the tunnel was lighter up ahead, he slowed his jog down and the entire troupe faded back against the right hand wall. Koltan slid forward along the wall and realized the light was coming from a shaft that led up to the surface. There was bright sunlight beaming down from less than 15 feet above also filling the tunnel with fresh air. He waved the group forward and they reformed their diamond. Another sixty feet down the tunnel it angled sharply upwards and turned into a wide staircase climbing up towards the surface. Again the troupe slid back against the wall in single file, walking silently, slowly forward. At the top of the stairs, the tunnel merely opened up into the outside. There was no gate and no apparent guards. Koltan didn’t trust this situation. Waving Fred forward, he whispered in the Scabber’s ear, “It doesn’t make any sense, this is a huge opening and we should have seen it, there is more here than meets the eye.”

Fred nodded, then pointed back down the tunnel and made a motion to either side mimicking a side tunnel. Koltan furrowed his brow and thought hard, “Well, it could be, the tunnel was wide and we were sticking close to the right side. Let’s backtrack a bit and see what we can find going down the other side. We don’t have to go far.” Fred turned and grunted at the rest of the Scabbers. Six of them were going to wait here at this entrance, two on each side of the tunnel waiting about fifteen feet back from the entrance. Another would come back another twenty feet, then the last one would be another twenty feet back. They trotted back down, sticking to the left side of the tunnel this time. The first one stopped and faded back down into the wall. They were now halfway to the shaft that had led up to the surface bringing fresh air and light. The last Scabber now stopped at the forty foot mark and the remaining group carried on, watching the side of the shaft for any form of opening. As they reached the spot where the shaft of light came down into the tunnel, they could hear a loud sizzling sound from the cavern where they had defeated the large lizard despite it being over two hundred feet back. That meant whatever was happening had to be very, very large. Koltan realized that this was a very dangerous situation and they either had to discover a way out or proceed very quickly out the cavern entrance.

Fred and another Scabber that was slightly different looking than the rest of them started scanning the tunnel walls. Koltan was still confused why the shaft of light came down into the tunnel. There was really no reason for them to bring light and air down to the tunnel with the end of it wide open. As the Scabbers inspected the walls, Koltan peered up towards the top of the shaft. Fred called out at the same time that Koltan spotted something glinting at the top of the shaft. Grunting excitedly, Fred had come to pull Koltan over to the wall. Higher on the wall than either one of them could reach was a long silken cord stretching up towards the top of the shaft. At that moment there was a scream that echoed from the cave entrance and then another. Fred bent down and Koltan leaped from Fred’s cupped hands onto his shoulder and grabbing the cord, pulled hard as he jumped back down to the ground. A rope ladder snaked down from the top of the shaft and ended several feet above the ground. Immediately the Scabber leapt up the ladder, climbing hand over hand as rapidly as possible. Fred pushed Koltan towards the ladder and then started running back down the tunnel towards the entrance. Weapon fire erupted against the wall behind Koltan coming from the lizard’s lair direction. Fred was already out of sight around the bend that hid the entrance. Again frustration roiled through him as he was caught between an obvious angry guard with a trigger happy finger and leaving his friends behind to be fried. Grinding his teeth, he tied the end of the ladder to his belt using the silken cord and then started climbing up the shaft, pulling the ladder up with him as he went. After entering the shaft, which narrowed considerably, he stopped about twenty feet up and looked back down into the tunnel. More weapon fire erupted in the tunnel, though it appeared that the shots were entirely random and meant more to scare and intimidate than actually being aimed at anyone in particular. Koltan then kept climbing up the shaft. The other Scabber was waiting at the top, hands extended down into the shaft waiting to pull him up to the surface.

Koltan stared around, confused. They were not on the ridge where the first guards had been, but instead were much further south of that same ridge. It did not make sense, as he was sure that they had been headed north. Shaking his head, he turned as his new friend, whom he decided to call Karmody, pointed to the west. Sure enough, there were the other Scabbers climbing out of the cavern entrance, over the bodies of four of the Tall peoples. They headed towards the cavern entrance to rejoin their comrades.

CHAPTER 7

Mikhail interrupted his son’s narration again with a question, “This weapon that fired the bright light and erupted in fire, was it similar to our rifles?”

Koltan shook his head, “No, they look the same shape, but there is a much larger magazine underneath it. It seems to be the energy source for the fire.”

Mikhail’s brow furrowed and he turned to Viktor to whisper something. Viktor nodded and got up and left the room. Mikhail turned back to Koltan and asked, “So this has taken us up to several weeks of travel southwards and yet you have been gone from us for over six months. This tale is far from over I assume. It’s late into the night already, let us all get some sleep, and then meet back here in the morning.”

Turning to the rest of the assembly, he bowed to the crowd and with his hands clasped together at his chest, bade them all goodnight. Mikhail, Yeliah and Koltan stepped out the rear of the building and followed the trail back towards their home. The windows glowed with light and there was smoke coming from the chimney. A figure could be seen at the stove, pulling a large pan of something from the oven. Yeliah’s face lit up and she ran towards the house. “Shajeen came back with you from your trip too!” she called out over her shoulder.

Mikhail laughed and slapped his son across the shoulders. “Let’s put the story you were telling us aside for now and I will let you know what I found out on my trip away.” Then Mikhail shook his head softly and muttered under his breath, “You’ve been gone so long, I forgot you don’t even know that I had to leave or why.”

Koltan looked at his father, “I never thought you would leave here. You’ve been in charge for so long that I just assumed you always assigned those duties.”

Mikhail smiled fondly at his son, wrapping his arm across his shoulder. “Let’s go inside, there’s going to be warm bread, cold wine and I will tell you what has been going on while you were gone.”

CHAPTER 8

Inside the home, Shajeen set a carafe of red wine on the side table between the two chairs pulled up next to the large fireplace. On the ottoman in front of them there was a large platter with bread, cheese and apple slices on it. Yeliah sat on the hearth at the side of the fireplace. Shajeen sat down at the feet of Mikhail, her head resting against his legs.

Mikhail poured wine in the four glasses on the tray, passed them around, and then settled back into his chair. “Now, where should I begin? As you all know, Shajeen, myself and five of the Rangers left here to go north seeking answers on what had happened to our honest trading.”

We headed out in the two canoes, hugging the shoreline, since the mountain had exploded in flames. Obviously the volcano below the mountain had erupted and the spewing lava has ignited numerous forest fires, thus blocking the mountain passes. It took us five days to paddle through the ocean to the Wissler village. The ocean was calm and the trip was uneventful. However it was a different story when we arrived in the village. Kalamar no longer is their leader; they have been overtaken by a tribe of mutants whose leader makes Viktor look like a dwarf. The people there have been turned into servants of this monster. They have no way to leave or support themselves or their families and he’s the one who has been forcing the traders to leave some of their supplies with the Muties in them mountain passes.

Koltan raised his eyebrow quizzically at this comment. Mikhail sighed, “That’s right, you don’t even know about that incident. He quickly recounted what had transpired that night over a month ago when he’d raided the Traders Council. Koltan just shook his head in disbelief, not able to believe that both the traders and the northern village of Wissler could have been so easily overrun by the Muties. The village and the traders had seemed so strong and invulnerable to this type of control.

Mikhail continued his story of their experience in trying to discover why trade had suffered between the two villages over the past year.

We were greeted as in days of old, with a large group gathered on their shoreline. The women and children were there banging on their drums and chanting welcoming songs. Their men were nowhere to be seen, but it was not particularly obvious at first. The group of them just kept milling about and changing positions, so we did not notice. Once we landed the canoes on the beach, and were out of them, suddenly these large muscular scaled creatures appeared from between the houses with large rifles pointed at us and we had no choice but to follow them into the center of the village. They had erected a large gallows in the square which already contained two bodies hanging from it. One of whom was Kalamar and another of the town councillors. They lined us all up against the gallows including Shajeen. I was proud of the Rangers with us, not one of them flinched or argued.

Finally this gigantic creature comes out of the village hall; he had to almost bend in half to get through the doorway. All he was wearing was a loincloth and the medal of office that Kalamar had been so proud of. On this creature however, it was not worn like a necklace but more like one of Shajeen’s chokers, barely fitting around his neck. He strode across the square, reaching us in barely five steps. Standing before us, he turned toward the crowd of women and children and in a bellow demanded to know who these strangers were. Kalamar’s widow came forward defiantly, stood unflinchingly before him and stated that we were the leaders of his defeat. He laughed in her face, before backhanding her to the ground. Turning to us, he picked up Shajeen by the hair and held her there while asking me who we were. I’ll give her credit for bravery, she didn’t even wince, although I’m sure it must have hurt like Sacremoan for her to be held like that.

At this point, Mikhail reached down and stroked Shajeen’s hair, then continued.

I told him that I was the leader of a southern compound and I had travelled to Wissler to discover why I was not receiving my proper trade goods. He dropped Shajeen to the ground where she collapsed to her knees. He introduced himself as Arrik, the new leader of the town and its people and invited us into his “palace” as he called the town hall.

Once inside he strode across the hall in about five strides and climbed up several tables that had been stacked on top of each other to create a type of dais upon which sat what I can only imagine in his mind must have seemed a great throne. They had taken a large upholstered arm chair that had been at one time a glorious red, but was now stained and faded to a muted pinkish hue and had hung upon it all types of fake jewellery. He waved us forward to stand before him as there were no chairs. The Rangers with me were kept outside by his minions. “Kneel before your new lord and master while I tell you what will happen if you refuse me.”

I stood, refusing to bow before this bully and Shajeen looked at me, knowing that I would not bow to this creature. I knew the question in her eyes, asking if it was worth leaving you two as orphans and her at the mercy of this beast. But I could not bring myself to give him the satisfaction of beating my will that easily. I saw this out of the corner of my eye as I kept my focus on the monster.

He snarled, baring large fangs and then bellowed his anger. The two guards outside the door opened the doors, but he waved them away. He climbed down from his seat and strode towards me. I was tired of his antics and threats and with my eyes, I motioned Shajeen to the doors, then turned and advanced upon this beast who had killed my friend Kalamar. “I’ve had enough of you and your bullshit, you massive monstrous beastie. I’m going to teach you some manners.” To my amazement, this caused him to stop in his tracks.

Bursting out into a loud noise that I assumed passed as his laughter, he slapped his thigh and then said, “Well played little man, well played. If a contest of might is what you wish to engage in before you will kneel to your true master, then I will grant you that request. However, when I have you kneeling before me that will be the last thing you shall see. Once you are dead, then your wife becomes mine.” He leered in Shajeen’s direction at this statement.

I grinned back at him and merely shook my head, “You will not have her or my obeisance. I’m going to kick your ass so hard you’ll be breathing through your waste-hole, you arrogant bully.” I started to advance on him when he held up his hand, “Wait. If we are to do this, it will be outside so that my people will once again see that I am their true leader. It inspires so much more confidence in them to watch me kill interlopers like you.”

I stepped aside and allowed him to proceed outside ahead of me, not wanting to risk being stabbed in the back. “Arrik will once again prove to all of you, that I am the rightful leader of you weak humans. Muties are the future of this world. This puny human thinks he can teach me a lesson in humility, I beg to differ. Gather round and watch me break him.”

“Truly a magnificent, if somewhat ill informed opinion of himself, for as you can see for yourself I am still here. But let me stop my story now, it is late and we have all had a full day. Come, let’s go to bed, we will have time to share both our stories in the morning again with the full council.” Mikhail chased his children up the stairs while Shajeen placed the dishes back into the kitchen.

CHAPTER 9

Koltan woke to the smell of bacon and fresh bread. He shook his head, hardly believing that he was finally back at home and in his own bed. Getting up, he splashed water from the sink in the bathroom on his face and looked at his reflection in the mirror. It didn’t seem like the same person staring back at him as the one who had left this house six months ago. A beard chased around his jawline and there were lines around his eyes that had not been there when he left. He started as he heard the knock on his door and then relaxed, knowing that it was family. “Dad says brekkie is ready,” his sister called.

He smiled, familiar voices, scents and surroundings, at last he could let down his guard and relax. Yet somehow, knowing the secrets that he still held inside untold, he worried about his father’s eventual reaction. Shaking off his blue thoughts, he headed down to breakfast, suddenly famished.

After they had eaten and cleaned up the dirty dishes, the four of them headed out towards the main hall where the meeting had been held the night before. Sure enough, the crowd had already gathered and was waiting to see the two lost members of their extended family. A cheer went up at the sight of Mikhail and Koltan, echoing around the town and through the trees. Mikhail stopped at the top of the stairs leading into the hall, “Friends, I appreciate your concern and your welcome. We have much to plan for in the coming weeks I expect our small village to be attacked not once, but at least twice and if my son’s tale plays out the way it seems to be headed, this will continue again and again. We will call you together once the Rangers and Seekers have had their briefing.”

He turned and entered the hall with Koltan and Yeliah following, where the Rangers and Seekers were already lined up around the room, waiting to take their seats. Water had been placed on all of the tables and there were fresh scones in baskets spread along the tables. Mikhail waved them to seat themselves and took a seat at the back of the room this time. He motioned for Koltan to take the seat at the center of the lead table and Yeliah sat near her father. Victor sat next to Koltan and shook his finest apprentice’s hand before turning to the now crowded tables. Slapping his hand on the table, Victor silenced the talking and whispering, “We must finish this story and hear what has happened to the north as well. For if I’m not mistaken, Mikhail has a tale for us as well, and if the signs are right, we are in for a whole lot of trouble.”

Mikhail raised his hand and waved at Viktor with a thumbs up. Koltan started where he had left off the day before.

Fred was there with five of the Scabbers, Karmody was with me, which meant we were missing two. I yelled at them and waved my arms, getting their attention. They climbed up the hillside and hurried towards us. I looked at Fred with a question clearly written on my face. He pointed at the guards below, then cut his hand across his throat and I sighed. This was not what I had come south to accomplish at all. I was now responsible for the death of these people or so it felt at the time.

We turned to the north and started running, not as fast as we could, but far more than a jog. It was evident that having killed their giant lizard and four of their guards we would have made them very unhappy. Fred was leading the group, with me right behind him. The rest of them spread out to watch the outlying areas for any surprises. We had made it about 5 clicks with the light fading fast when I heard a buzzing noise. I could not determine what was making the noise, but the Scabbers with me must have heard and know this sound, because they scattered into the bush beside the trail. I followed their lead, rolling under the nearest scrubby bush that I came to. Overhead was an amazing craft that came from the direction of the village behind us. It appeared to be a large platform with four wind turbines beneath it. On top were four of the tall guards from the village armed with their fire weapons. There were railings surrounding the platform and as it passed overhead I could see that there was another guard seated at the rear who appeared to be directing the craft by angling the turbines. I knew that if they continued down the trail it would become obvious that we were not ahead of them and they would return thus slowing us down by having to hide each time they crossed our path. I did not know if the craft would continue without its driver, but it was a chance I had to take. It was almost beyond us; I rose to one knee, pulled an arrow from my pack and let it fly. As always, true to its mark, the arrow embedded itself in the neck of the driver. He slumped to the side and the platform immediately tilted that way, dumping the two creatures over the side of the craft while the other two dropped their weapons to catch hold of the railing. Fred had seen what I was doing and the rest of the Scabbers ran to where the two tall men lay on the ground. Clearly they were not dead, but it was not long before they were, their weapons gathered up by my troops. At the same time that the Scabbers were gathering the weapons up, the platform overhead had started to spiral down to the ground. The airflow from the left side was keeping it up enough that it wasn’t careening hard, but the rudder on the rear was over sufficiently that it was definitely going in for a hard landing. With a loud thrumming, the turbines engaged the trees, foliage was flying through the air and we covered our ears for a loud whining started as the tree trunks jammed the turbines. Then the entire platform erupted into flames and an enormous ka-rump echoed through the forest.

We have to get the heck out of here was the only thing I could think. If that wasn’t a beacon to the rest of the freaks searching for us, then I don’t know what else might have been. I yelled at the rest of the Scabbers and started sprinting down the trail again.

There were no other overhead pursuits that afternoon and we made good time keeping to a steady jog. Eventually we stopped as it had become too dark for me to see. There was a bright glare from the south of us and it appeared that the fire from the crash had continued to spread. It concerned me that the village of tall creatures might have been endangered with the women and children inside, but I had to shrug this feeling of guilt off since their warriors had brought this upon themselves by attacking us.

This pattern continued for the next three days, with the Scabbers hunting and scavenging for food and water, while we jogged steadily northwards back towards where I had first encountered them. On the third day, we heard the familiar purring of the carts that the tall people used and dispersed to either side of the road, hiding in the ditches that lined this area.

We waited there in the shrubbery determined to take out this searcher as we had the ones on the overhead flier. However, it was obvious that this one was alone. There was no chattering, no voices raised and the sound was too low to be more than one cart. As the purring of the engine rounded the corner, Fred held out a hand to prevent anyone from attacking. He nodded at Koltan, then at himself, and then pointed to his eye and his heart. Koltan frowned for an instant then realized Fred was explaining this was a friend approaching. It had been so long since he had even thought of Noremak that he had not realized this might be his cart.

Fred leaped into the trail and grunting, ran towards the sound, followed by his brethren. I had no wish to be left behind or thought of as a deserter so also trotted along behind the others. There was the distinctive cart and sure as the ocean is green, riding it was Noremak. Fred stopped and knelt before the now abruptly silent cart as did the other Scabbers. Noremak stared at them clearly surprised, and then turned to me, “Did I not tell you to seek out the meds necessary to assist my mate’s recovery?”

I just shook my head in frustration. For the past month I had travelled with strange creatures, battled monsters and now I was being challenged for not procuring drugs for a former colleague. I’d had enough of this and was about to tell him where to shove his attitude when Fred stopped me with a shake of his head. Standing up from where he had been kneeling still, Fred stepped in front of the cart and holding out his long knife, haft first, he presented it to Noremak and threw his head back. There could be no mistaking what he was proposing and I leapt forward to stop this stupidity once and for all.

Noremak had taken the machete and was fondling the haft and blade thoughtfully, ignoring both of us. “Koltan my young comrade of old, you have surprised even me. For these mutants that you travelled with are willing to sacrifice themselves for you.” He handed the machete back to Fred over his arm like a knight of the old world. “Tell me then what has transpired so that you have returned empty handed.”

I quickly filled Noremak in on all that had transpired since we’d departed over three fortnights previous. I watched anxiously as his face transformed from surprise to anger to outrage. It made me nervous as I knew now what the weapon he had strapped across his back was capable of. Finally I told him of our escape and the crashing of the flying platform and with that he laughed. “I had no idea that they were less than trustworthy. When I took one of their women as my mate and they helped us celebrate, it was my understanding that they had accepted me as one of their own despite having originated differently than they.” He shook his head and sighed heavily. “I can only guess that they have allowed her to die, for without the medicine it is unlikely she would have lasted even this long.”

He turned and looked down the trail in the direction we had been fleeing. Glancing once at the still kneeling Scabbers and then turning to stare at Fred and me, he spoke with finality, “I must go back and be sure. If nothing else it will ease my heart, for it was the first time I had allowed myself to be close to another being since I was a teen. She meant a lot to me. I ask that you keep these beings close to you, for no more loyal a companion will you find. They were never accepted as comrades by my adopted people, but you seem to have won their friendship.” He turned to leave on his cart, then paused, “Will you do me one small favor, Koltan?” Waiting until I nodded, Noremak’s face went through an emotional turmoil as he wrestled with his feelings, “Tell your father that we aren’t all bad. Despite my physical changes, in my heart I am still Noremak. I wanted to go back so desperately as I suffered with these changes, but the fear of his anger kept me away.”

He turned away before I could say a word and proceeded down the trail. The Scabbers all stood up and started a low keening moan that gained in intensity the further away Noremak moved. Finally he stopped and turned back towards us, returning until he was within speaking distance; pointing at Fred he motioned him forward. “My friend, my skilled hunter, my trusted protector, you cannot travel this road with me. This is my road now and if fate is kind, we will be reunited again. Travel with your new friend and watch his back. He is young and brave and thinks he can conquer much with just his wits. Protect him as you have protected me.” Noremak extended an arm and pulled Fred against his chest. Pushing him away, he looked over the remaining Scabbers and brushing a tear from his cheek, he bowed his head to them and extended both arms. Standing up he brushed away another tear and then turned once again to head back towards the village of mayhem that we had been running from. “Live well my friends, live well.”

Chapter 10

Mikhail interrupted his son at this point, “I would have welcomed him back. I would have!” Low but vehemently, he shook his head as well, not meeting anyone’s gaze. Sighing, he turned towards Shajeen, “Have I terrified my own people so much?”

She shrugged and pointed out towards the village, “You need to ask them that question yourself. If one has felt that way, then who can know the heart and mind of the rest of them without the question being asked.”

There was a thumping at the door followed by loud and angry voices. Mikhail flashed a look towards his son with a raised eyebrow. All four of them grabbed up their weapons and flanked the door, while Mikhail called out, “Who is it?” There was another thumping followed by the sound of a mewling cry and the sound of bow strings. Koltan jumped in front of his father and flung open the door, jumping aside as two arrows flew through the opening. Laying on the doorstep was one of his Scabber companions with an arrow in his shoulder. Before any further arrows could be loosed, he stepped in front of his companion with his arms raised, “Cease this foolishness. This is my companion as I had already begun to tell all of you at yesterday’s meeting. Do none of you have the common sense that your parents taught you?”

Mikhail stepped up beside his son and with a stern look ordered his rangers and soldiers to disarm. “Enough of this.” The men lowered their bows but the expressions of disgust did not leave their faces. Mikhail sighed, realizing that the men were merely reflecting the attitude that he had expressed often enough since his wife had been abducted 15 years earlier. “Gather everyone to the main hall; we need to address this situation and the people of what is happening.”

Koltan with an arm around the Scabber at the door helped drag his friend inside. “This is George,” he said as he eased the mutant into the chair nearest the door. Dark blood was oozing out around the arrow shaft. Koltan cursed under his breath as he surveyed the damage. “I’m going to have to pull this out; luckily it’s only a shaft without any head on it.” He turned to his sister, “Do you have your med bag handy?” Yeliah ran to the back of the house and brought out a large olive green bag with a faded red cross on it. She pulled a large bundle of gauze out from inside and a bottle of strong smelling medicine. She soaked one of the gauze pads with the purple liquid. Koltan grabbed the shaft near George’s shoulder, while Mikhail stepped behind the chair and held onto the Scabber’s chest. Locking eyes with his friend, Koltan pulled abruptly and Yeliah immediately pressed the purple stained gauze onto the wound and covered it with the rest of them, pushing hard. The Scabber didn’t even flinch and Mikhail shook his head in admiration.

“I have to head over to the main hall and bring everyone up to speed, before things get out of hand,” Mikhail told his children, “Keep this one inside, put him into the second floor guest room. Koltan, you should head out and find the rest of your friends before they all get hurt.”

Koltan was standing there with his mouth hanging open, staring at his father. Then shaking his head in disbelief he turned towards the door. Catching his sister’s eye he could see the same look on her face as well. Growing up throughout their teen years, neither of them could remember a time when their father had ever accepted the changing world around them and the way that humanity had been adapting to the ever increasing poisons in the air, water and earth.

Chapter 11

“Friends! Gather quickly for we have to be prepared to welcome something that has been too long in coming.” Mikhail stood on the steps leading into the main hall, hands cupped to his mouth. The children of the village were the first to come running, followed by the Rangers and Seekers.

“As many of you heard yesterday, my son has befriended a group of mutants during his absence to the south. Today, one of his companions attempted to reach out to my son and was attacked by our Rangers. This was not their fault, as I have been blind to the changes coming to the world around us and have maintained that these people were a menace.”

With a large sigh, he sat down on the railing on the stoop. “We need to join with these creatures to defeat an enemy that we knew was coming, just not when.”