The warriors pounded their chests again. Staring at the man who complained about her mutants earlier, Angrokt flung her sword. It stuck firmly in a cedar chest next to him and wobbled.
Two Days Later ~ 2:00 pm
Thunder's hooves clacked against the smooth, wet stones along the shore of Odinuk River as Storm led a team in search of muclones. Following the night's downpour, the foamy rapids whisked over the boulders as it roared toward the waterfall a quarter of a mile behind him.
"Whoa, boy, slow down." He patted his chestnut stallion's neck.
Trailing a few yards back, his son, Fox, along with Tropokt and Hound Dog rode their mounts. Ghost trotted along the side.
"We've pounded this area enough." Storm pointed at a nearby trail on a higher ledge. "Let's head up there. We'll check the creek feeding into the river."
He glanced back at the two newest additions to the village. While thrilled that the Skalag spy and his nephew were new neighbors, he couldn't help but wonder how Ukkiville would fare without Tropy's tips of the enemy's plans. Hound Dog seems like a cool kid.
Listening to the marksmen tell their stories and observing their interactions, Storm began to understand how Wolfuk came to trust Tropokt. These bad-guys-turned-good certainly weren't living up to the 'savage Skalag' image he had formed over the years — they were like regular guys.
As Storm's steed cleared the ridge, he pulled the reins to the right, guiding the stallion through a grassy field toward a cluster of trees in the distance. A pungent odor stung his nostrils.
Deciding it was time to welcome the newest members of Ukkiville, Storm glanced at Hound Dog. "Ughhh, is that you, Doggy Breath? Did you fart?"
The young warrior shook his head. "Don't look at me! Something stinks, but it's coming from your direction." He covered his nose with his arm.
Storm chuckled and continued toward the disgusting smell. After he and his party crossed the glade, he spotted a huge heap of dung, five times the size of anything left behind from the largest buffalo he had ever seen.
The hair on the nape of his neck stood on end as he scanned the area. Great! Seems we're hunting something that could eat us for a snack!
He lifted his arm. "Keep sharp. I'm not sure what's up ahead." He waved his hand and forged forward.
Near the edge of the woods, the lower limbs of oaks and some elms had been stripped of their leaves. That's weird.
Storm tugged on the reins. "See those trees?" He turned in his saddle.
Tropokt nodded. "Strange. What could do that?"
"You got me — never seen anything like it!"
Storm hopped off Thunder. "We better leave the horses here. I don't want anybody getting hurt if they get spooked."
The others followed his lead. Tropokt and Hound Dog slung their rifles over their shoulders.
Storm cocked his head. "Tropy, scout the woods while we search for what caused this damage. Be careful! Whatever did this is gigantic!"
"Got it! I'll find you when I'm done."
No more than 10 minutes later, the rustling of leaves and snaps of twigs tweaked Storm's ear. What's that?
Squinting, he peered through the nearby brush and trees. It's Tropy!
"Run!" The Skalag-turned-friend yelled at the top of lungs as he sprinted past Storm. "Run for your lives!"
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Serpent among the Ivory Swords
Near Odinuk River
Thursday ~ August 13, 2093 ~ 2:45 pm
Not waiting for another invitation, Storm and the others raced in the same direction as Tropokt. While sprinting, Storm grabbed Fox by the shirt and helped him along.
"Faster, boy!" Deafening sounds of splintering trees filled the air. He glanced back as a knot swelled in his gut.
A massive, blackish-brown beast with extremely long tusks charged in his direction. More than twice the height and five times the size of the largest stallion, the monster crashed through every medium-sized aspen in its path.
Ghost barked and snarled as she kept rushing and circling the creature. The incessant dog snapped and dodged the swipes of the tusks that swooped upward in a huge curve.
Something that looked like a gigantic snake extended from just below the eyes. Red and black stripes along the sides of its angular, serpent-like head and dark spots across the length of its long, tubular body resembled an anaconda — an ugly animal Storm remembered from a book as a kid. It weaved back and forth as the creature closed.
Adrenalin gushed through his veins, and Storm's heart pounded furiously. He bolted faster than he ever remembered and yelled. "Tropy! Take Fox into the forest with you! I'll try to distract it."
"I've got him!" Tropokt darted at an angle with the boy to his side.
Waving his arms, Storm zigzagged away from his friends. "Keep going!" As the muclone charged into the glade with nothing slowing its momentum, it gained ground on Storm.
Blazes, I've got to get into those trees. Swerving, he motioned to the sharpshooters with both arms. "Set up on each side! Watch your crossfire!"
Into the woods, he raced with the giant beast on his trail about 30 yards behind. He glanced back as it continued to bust through the small and medium pines and birch as if they were toothpicks. What is this freakish thing?
Sweat poured down his face as he scanned the landscape further ahead. Thicker trees!
Arching his back as he picked up speed, he headed for a row of larger oaks. He lowered his head to plow through the brush as it zipped by and tore at his ears.
Got to get there before it kills me. The cracking of shattered timber kept getting closer.
Sneaking an occasional glimpse, he spotted the terrifying anaconda's jaws reaching out to snatch him. Keep going, don't look!
He zoomed between two of the larger oaks and heard a deafening crash. Ear-splitting roars followed as the tenacious monster stumbled to its front knees.
Storm paused and yelled. "Fire!" Explosive shots from both sides rang out: six rounds in all. The creature screamed, and the muscular serpent rose high in the sky.
Shivers! What does it take to kill this thing?
Storm stared into the eyes of the elephant-like brute as it furrowed its forehead. It struggled to its feet and stomped around the large trees, resuming its charge.
Uh-oh! Determined not to be part of the mutant's food chain, Storm sprinted for his life.
Tropokt's voice filled the air. "Over here! Lead it this way."
Without thinking, he rushed straight toward Tropokt. The roar of water swelled as he neared. Odinuk River! The cliff! Yes!
He lowered his head again and raced forward. The noise of splintering timber increased to his rear. Up ahead, he observed a small clearing with a rocky floor.
Labored snorts from the beast grew louder, and he glanced at the impending threat. The serpent's head sprung at him, stopping an arm's length from his face. Adrenalin exploded through his veins, launching him faster.
After rounding a massive boulder, Storm tried to stop but slid on the slippery rocks to the edge of a cliff. He leaned over and looked down.
Water churned at the bottom of a steep waterfall more than seventy feet below. He turned and stared directly at the monster heading full steam for him. Just as it neared to where Storm could almost touch the snake's snout, he stepped back and dropped off the precipice.
Fox screamed. "No!"
Before Storm's eyesight dropped below the ridge, he watched as the muclone's legs stiffened while trying to stop. Its flat, clumpy feet slipped as the enormous body attempted to backtrack in panic.
During his descent, Storm stretched and grabbed the branch of a snarled tree anchored in the cliff.
He swung to the side as the creature tumbled over the ledge. The serpent's jaws snapped at him but fell short by inches.
The helpless beast smacked the river's rocky shore below. A crimson stream poured from the cracked skull and spilled into the water. Within minutes a bright red swirl wound its way down Odinuk River.
Hound Dog casually looked as his friends. "I don't know. Maybe we should leave him there for a while. He's got quite the scenic view."
"Just get the blasted rope — hurry!"
Five Days Later ~ 9:30 am
Thrilled, Mercy's smile remained a permanent fixture that morning. Her husband had returned from his mission the night before, and nothing could spoil her day.
She gazed toward heaven and whispered. "Thank you for bringing Drew home safely."
Not knowing her husband was going to arrive so soon, Mercy had invited her friends' families and Deeruk's children over for the day. She and Drew decided to leave the plans unchanged. Besides, a change of pace from the regular toils of the day offered an even better chance to break the ice with their visitors.
Recovering from their all-nighters during the trip to Ukkiville, Drew and the Texas guests were still asleep in the cabin. The temperature outside swelled quickly during their rest.
In front of the porch, Mercy shielded the bright sun from her eyes as she looked out over Arctic Bear Lake. While Snapper distracted Proto with constant splashes, Hoot and Chirp ganged up from the rear and hopped on the older boy's back.
Chili and Ice, in their own little world, dove for trout at the other end of the small lake. A thump touched Mercy's heart as she noticed the white crosses on the shoreline.
Even though her pet polar bear, Fluf, and her playful, but antagonistic otter died a couple of years back, the pain still stung whenever she spotted the markers. I sure miss my Teddy Bear and Whiskers.
Her attention shifted back to the young swimmers dunking Proto, who appeared delighted with their never-ending antics. I can't even imagine what Chirp and Snapper must be feeling after watching their mother die. I'm glad their aunt let them come over. At least they're having some fun for a little while. She sighed.
"Stupid fire!" Storm's scolding startled her.
Mercy chuckled at her buddy huffing and puffing at a stack of kindling beneath the grate of a grill. "You having trouble over there?"
"Ah, the wood's damp and the blasted breeze keeps blowing out the flame, but I've got a handle on it. I'll get the ham and brisket going in no time — don't worry." Leaning against the side of the decorative rock wall enclosing the fire pit, he fanned the glowing timbers.
Laughter broke out from the porch behind Mercy. Chatting, Caru and Fox sat next to each other with their legs dangling over the wooden deck.
Shortly Afterward
Flicking a grasshopper off the floorboard, Caru watched the kids playing in the lake. Proto — who would have thought? He seems to love playing with the kids.
She turned toward Fox sitting next to her on the porch. "How come you haven't found yourself a girlfriend yet?"
"I could ask the same of you. I ain't seen you goo-goo-eyed over any particular boy. You already know how I feel."
She shook her head. "You mean about me? You and Proto are peas in a pod. You two know that can't happen. We're cousins."
He closed his eyes. "Don't you think I know? We just can't find another girl even half as fun as you."
"Well that's sweet, but I know there must be others out there. How about that new girl I've seen around the farmer's market? She's cute."
"Fox!" His father turned a spit rod, skewering a young, wild hog over the flame. "Keep an eye on the fire and the meat for a while, will you? Us grown-ups are gonna talk with our visitors from Texas soon."
"Yep, I got it." He waved, then glanced at Caru. "What were we talking about?"
"The new girl from the market. Proto said she seemed to take a liking to you when you helped her with that Venus flytrap."
He rubbed his nose. "Teerha? She's really nice, but she's kinda busy. I never see her anywhere except when she's with her mom at the fruit stand."
"Well, you're never going to find out unless you ask her. She might make time to get away if she found the right guy."
"Maybe, but that's probably never gonna happen. Proto might think differently. She's been eyeing him lately."
He picked up the cup next to him and paused as if thinking for a moment. "I might as well drown my sorrows." He gulped the rest of his water.
"I know you can't be my girl." He curled his lip.
Deep in her heart, tender feelings for her cousins lingered as well, but never could such thoughts be spoken, especially to them. Caru gently pulled her buddy closer and guided his head on her shoulder.
"You goof! I love you and Proto like brothers. We do everything together, and I'd do anything for you — except what you're dreaming about. Besides, we're too young for any of that serious stuff."
Caru stuck out her little finger and curled it. "Here, give me your pinkie."
She locked her's with his. "You and me — we're friends till eternity, and then some." She kissed him on the forehead.
"Caru, dear." Mercy walked up the porch steps. "Do me a favor and keep an eye on Proto. Make sure those kids don't drown him out there. I'm going in for a while. Our visitors are awake, and I want to make sure they're fed."
She chuckled. "Yes, ma'am. Proto seems to be holding up pretty well out there so far."
Before the door swung closed, she heard a stranger's voice. "We're ready to get started when you are. We can't wait to learn more about those muclones and tell you about our weapons."
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Defenders from Afar
Meanwhile, at Mercy's Cabin
Tuesday ~ August 18, 2093 ~ 10:45 am
Facing the backyard on the wrap-around porch, Teli sat across from his father. "I just got done talking with one of the Texans. Her name is 'Tiger.' She said they brought a satellite receptor and a couple of computers so that we can communicate with the Freedom Defenders. She's going to show Queasy and me how it works."
"Fantastic, but I thought all the satellites had been destroyed."
"That's what I said, but Tiger told me that Texas launched a handful of new ones in the last few years. They also brought some batteries to store energy and reduce the drain on our solar panels during peak times. According to her, it'll take a good part of a day or two to set it up and demonstrate how to use the equipment."
Warming under the sun, Teli dragged his chair under the shade of the porch. "How come Texas is so much more advanced than other territories?"
"That may take the rest of the morning to explain, but here's the short version. The Texans anticipated some things a little better than others, much like Intellulka and his friends did." Thoruk inched his chair closer.
"Texas became an independent territory prior to the World Annihilation Period. They had already isolated their critical systems well ahead of the attack. Fortunately, they blocked terrorists and other foreigners of the rogue countries from getting close enough to do any serious damage. We're lucky to have The Defenders as our friends. Without them, we might not have survived the big battle before you were born."
Teli smiled. "I'm thrilled they're here. I can't wait to set up the equipment they brought, but I don't know when we'll get a break. You guys have been keeping us running like chickens with our heads cut off! Do you think it's going to slow down?"
"Hard to tell. Fortunately, Wolfuk's completed his search and hasn't found anything in Wolverine forest, but Storm has another area to scout. I hope his team doesn't find any more muclones like that gigantic monster they killed last week. You called it a woolly mammoth and a — what?"
"An anaconda. A huge snake from Old South America."
"That's it. Anyway, talk to Queasy and take a day off from your investigations to work with Tiger in the next couple of days. It's important that you get the communicator set up before any battles break out."
Thoruk filled their metal mugs with water from a gourd pitcher and looked at Teli.
"Thanks for explaining this stuff to me all the time. You really like working with Queasy, don't you?"
"So, you haven't changed your mind about potentially being a leader some day?"
"Nooo." Teli shook his head. "That's not for me. I love what I'm doing. Besides, Caru's the one cut out for that kinda stuff. I don't ever see that changing."
"Well, alright. I just wanted to make sure you didn't have any second thoughts."
"Don't worry — I'm positive!"
"Okay, I won't mention it again unless you bring it up." Thoruk smiled.
"I'm glad you spend so much time with Queasy."
"Me too. I learn a lot!"
"I can tell from the way you talk about muclones. You amaze me at times! You're becoming Intellulka Junior, and I mean that as a compliment."
His father peered at him. "The truth is, since Intellulka died, I trust nobody more than you and your friend when it comes to scientific stuff."
Having never heard as great a compliment from his father, Teli tried to contain his emotions, but a broad smile spread across his face. "Thank you. I'll tell Queasy you said so."
"Careful now, Brainy's head might explode." They both laughed.
Teli wiped his brow. "It's already getting pretty warm out here."
"Yep — gonna be a scorcher." Thoruk took a sip. "You know, I never did hear what you guys found out about the bird that scared your sister off the cliff."
"Well, that one was real interesting. The neck and head were from one of the more poisonous snakes in the world — a king cobra."
"Cobra? Where's that from?"
"Usually forests of East and Southeast Asia: places like Old India and China."
"How about the body? What kind of bird was that?"
"Again, nowhere near here. It was a condor, a giant scavenging bird from Old South America. Queasy's been wondering how the Skalags are getting DNA from territories so far away, especially the prehistoric stuff."
Thoruk scratched his beard. "Somehow, we've got to find out who's supplying them and put a stop..."
The latch behind him clicked. As the door swung open, Drew's head poked from around the edge, and he stepped onto the porch. "Sorry to interrupt." In one hand, he held a cup of steamy chicksoy and in the other a piece of toast smeared with strawberry jelly.
The New World: Blue Moon Generatoin Page 16