by M L Bellante
Coleman found their spears sticking out of four huge black animals. They were like mastiffs, and the males’ heads had a short, rounded horn. Shadi went around and gave each one a coup de grace. Yips were heard coming from the boulders. Coleman ran to see what was making the noise. He found two very young pups, about four or five weeks old, hidden under a stone ledge. He pulled one out and dropped it behind himself and went for the other one. As he pulled out the second pup, Shadi dashed to Coleman’s side and struck the first pup a killing blow.
“Stop!” Coleman shouted, but it was too late. The young betzoe was dead. Coleman held the remaining pup tightly against his chest and protected it. “Do not strike this one. I will keep it and raise it,” he told the others.
“The young ones are the best to eat. They have tender meat and taste good,” Tzeechoe advised.
“I will keep this one as a pet,” Coleman said.
“What is that?” Tzeechoe asked as the other men drew near.
“A pet is an animal friend. It will help me hunt when it grows up,” Coleman instructed.
“Tondo, you do strange things. I think this p´ut will try to eat you when it grows up,” Shadi warned.
“We will see, my friend, we will see,” Coleman said.
The men then skinned the dead betzoes and made baskets for their entrails. Coleman attempted to make a basket for carrying the pup but failed miserably. Tzeechoe finally came to his aid and finished a leafy one with shoulder straps in minutes. The men then gathered up the various skins and parts and carried them back to the village.
They arrived a little before midday, just in time to add the betzoe meat to the cooking fire for the first meal of the day. Two other groups had already returned and it looked like the village would have quite a feast. When Coleman reached into his basket and pulled out the betzoe puppy, every child within sight ran to his side and wanted to see what he had. Some of the parents pulled their children away, fearing they would be attacked. Quickly, they realized the pup was too small to hurt anyone and appeared to be frightened out of its wits. Coleman held the puppy against his chest and let the bolder children touch it.
After each child who wanted had a turn, he put the pup back in the basket, placed the basket on his back, and wore it like a backpack. He then talked for a while with the men of the other hunting teams and traded stories about the day’s hunts. While so engaged, many teams of gatherers returned to the village with baskets full of food pods from the trees and bushes.
When Coleman had finished conversing with the others, he went to Tzeechoe’s lodge and showed the pup to Tzeecha and Atura. Tzeecha hugged the little creature while Atura wondered aloud why anyone would keep it alive.
“It is a beast from the trees. It will grow big and become a threat. It is dangerous,” she warned.
“If I cannot teach it to be good, I will kill it myself,” he told them. He asked Tzeecha to watch the little betzoe while he checked on Chashutzo. He returned a little later and gave a thumbs up to Tzeechoe. The women looked a bit confused, so Tzeechoe told them that it meant Chashutzo was doing well. The revelation brought smiles to their faces.
The midday meal was shared around the communal fire. About a half-dozen hunting teams and a couple of gathering teams had yet to return, so their families saved a portion of the food for their men to eat upon their return. It was evident the meal was very welcome by the villagers. The chief joined the party and spoke with many of the families, moving from group to group like a host at a social gathering. Coleman could tell he was checking to learn how the villagers felt about the new way of doing things.
As Coleman waited for the other teams to return. He squinted at p´atezas, this world’s sun. It was the first time he had stopped to examine it closely. To Coleman, it appeared to have a red tint. Could it be the planet’s atmosphere causing an illusion? Earth’s sun appeared in many colors: white, yellow, orange, and red. Coleman knew that the sun was a white dwarf star. Could p´atezas be a red dwarf? It was another mystery to the visitor.
Coleman had a nagging fear in the back of his mind as he worried about the hunters and gatherers still in the wild. He hoped everyone would return safely whether they succeeded in their tasks or not. He closed his eyes and offered a silent prayer for the welfare of the remaining hunters. As the shadows grew longer, the other teams trickled back to the village. It was late in the day by the time the last hunting party returned. Every team had returned with food. Coleman was relieved that no hunter or gatherer was injured. The day had been a great success. The people were obviously happy and the children were well fed. In fact, they had full bellies for the first time in a long time. He took a few scraps of meat and fed them to the betzoe pup as many children watched. He let them take turns holding the puppy and watched as their parents observed with worried expressions. They soon relaxed when they saw the pup licking the faces of the children as they giggled and laughed.
You’ve overcome the potato incident. The People love you; they revere you. It won’t be long before they worship you. Coleman shook his head, attempting to chase away such arrogant thoughts, nevertheless, he was feeling very self-satisfied with his efforts to date.
CHAPTER 11
STRANGE POWERS STIRRING
The boy, Nevesant, and his odd-looking companion had become close friends during the many days they had been together. Upon Nevesant’s suggestion, Tangundo had taken to wearing a kerchief across his face to hide his growing beard. The outsider could tell it made Nevesant more comfortable for the boy still was not fully accepting of his hairy face.
The two had built a relatively comfortable lean-to that was closed on three sides. The boy had managed to steal a hand ax from a farmer and Tangundo had put it to good use in designing and building their makeshift home. Fair-sized logs were used, making the structure semi-permanent and requiring many days of effort. During the project, Tangundo began learning Nevesant’s strange language, and by the time the lean-to was completed, the outsider could communicate well enough to convey his points.
Nevesant avoided his home hamlet most of the time because of what the townsfolk had done to his outsider friend, the only friend he had. They had driven the stranger into the mist, expecting him to die there, but he hadn’t, much to Nevesant’s surprise. The boy’s curiosity drove him to badger Tangundo with questions about what lurked inside the mist, but the outsider had never given him a clear answer. Nevesant quit asking about it when his incessant questions drove Tangundo into a fury. The outsider threatened to thrash the boy if he didn’t stop pestering him about it.
The two survived by hunting small animals. Tangundo had become proficient with a sling he had made and a spear he had fashioned from hardwood. Nevesant continued to set snares. Tangundo had also become skilled at spearing fish. At first, Nevesant had warned him not to stand in the water, but the outsider either didn’t understand or only scoffed at the boy’s warning. Consequently, he received a nasty bite on his left leg and quickly scrambled out of the water. He had since learned that every nearby body of water in the area that was able to support fish also contained creatures with sharp teeth.
Occasionally, when hunting went poorly, Nevesant would disappear, returning at night with something he had pilfered from a farm or even from the town. It was risky, and he knew the consequences of being caught would be dire, but the choice was between taking the risk or facing a night of hunger pangs. Tangundo had warned the boy that eventually someone was going to come looking for him.
Tangundo had failed in his hunt and Nevesant’s snare was empty. Late in the afternoon, Nevesant slipped away, returning that night with a couple of feathered creatures he’d snatched from a farmer’s coop. Man and boy ate late and slept late the next day. The two had just arisen from their beds, a few blankets the boy had illicitly appropriated long ago, and were sitting on logs when three men burst into their camp.
“Stay where you are, Creeper!” one of the men ordered as he brandished his quarterstaff menacingly. “Who are you?
” the intruder growled at the tall Tangundo. He didn’t answer. “Why is your face covered? You been helping this little thief steal from me?”
“Look!” another of the trio said, pointing to the hand ax protruding from a nearby log.
The man with the quarterstaff quickly glanced at it and when he looked back at Nevesant, his eyes filled with hate. “That’s mine! I’m tired of your thieving ways, Creeper. I’m taking you back to Purrant Grazius. He’ll know what to do with you,” the man threatened.
“No, I won’t go!” Nevesant cried.
“Yes, you will, and it will be the end for you,” the man chuckled.
“Who be Purrant Grazius, and what he do with boy?” Tangundo haltingly asked.
“He rules this province and reports to King Ben-do-teg. The purrant has already warned the boy that if he didn’t change his ways, he’d be given to the slave traders. Who are you?”
“Tangundo.”
“Remove that scarf and let me see your face,” the man ordered. Tangundo didn’t move. “Gund, take the boy. Fino, remove the man’s kerchief,” the man with the quarterstaff ordered.
As the two men advanced, Nevesant cried, “No!” and moved behind Tangundo. The outsider pushed Gund back, and that started a struggle between Tangundo, Gund, and Fino. Tangundo was taller and stronger than either of the other two men, and he was getting the better of them when the third intruder’s quarterstaff crashed down on the outsider’s back, stunning him and causing him to cry out in pain. In the ensuing scuffle, Tangundo’s face was revealed, causing the three intruders to recoil in surprise and fear.
“By the gods, it’s the crazed beast! The one we drove into the mist!” Fino shouted.
The man with the quarterstaff quickly recovered and grabbed the boy. The other two men jumped on the outsider, attempting to subdue him. Tangundo roared in anger and began glowing with a purple aura. Gund and Fino screamed in pain as Nevesant and his captor tried to shield themselves from the burning purple rays. Tangundo pounded his fists into Gund and Fino until the two were no longer able to fight back. He then turned on the one holding Nevesant. The boy broke free of the man’s grip and dashed into the brush. The intruder attempted to defend himself with his quarterstaff, but he was too frightened to mount much of a defense. Tangundo tore into him as he had the other two, leaving him bloody and nearly unconscious.
When the noises coming from the camp ended, Nevesant cautiously returned and looked around. The three intruders were vanquished and Tangundo stood over their bleeding bodies. The outsider’s aura was fading but still clearly visible.
“Tangundo, what did you do? Are you one of the gods?” the boy asked nervously. The outsider didn’t answer. He simply stood, examining his arms and body as the purple aura slowly faded away. “You’re a god!” Nevesant exclaimed. Then he dropped to his knees and prostrated himself before the outsider. “Please master, let me serve you,” the boy offered.
The outsider thought for a few moments before responding. “Alright, Nevesant. I want you tie hands and feet,” Tangundo ordered, pointing at the intruders.
“Yes master, but what shall I use to tie them?”
“Use what they got.”
“Yes, master.”
Nevesant did as he was commanded. Tangundo sat on a log and watched the boy complete his task. Ever since being driven into the mist and experiencing the wonder and horror dwelling there, he had felt different. It was as though strange powers were stirring within his core. And now, these powers had been manifested in his anger and fear. The mist dwellers had spared him and infused him with their strength, but he didn’t know what that was until now. The gods of the mist had demanded a payment for empowering him, but it was a ghastly price to pay. Nevertheless, he wanted more of this incredible power. He stared at the three intruders, wondering what he should do with them.
As he sat contemplating, he felt an unseen presence enter the camp and envelope him. It whispered enticing things and stroked his ego. It reminded him of how he easily defeated the three intruders and how the boy now revered him as a god. This was only the beginning, he was told. He was tempted with promises of power, fame, and fortune, and as the quiet voice in his head hissed its message, a smile slowly crept across his face. The thought of becoming someone of high stature had never before entered into his thinking, but now, because of this new power, he could become whatever he wished.
His decision—his choice—having been made, the unseen entity departed. Nevesant went to the outsider and waited. “They hope I die in mist. Now, I send them into mist,” Tangundo said with an evil smile.
Nevesant grimaced. “You are the only one I know who has ever returned after entering. What lives there?” the boy dared to ask.
“You not want see, Nevesant. They horrible, powerful. I must feed them.”
“With what are they to be fed?” the boy asked. The outsider didn’t respond, but his cold red eyes shifted to the three intruders lying in the dirt.
CHAPTER 12
CITY OF THE ANCIENTS
At the Batru village, the evening meal was taken to the lodges as usual. There was a huge selection of foods from which to choose. The women smiled and laughed as they made their selections. Tzeechoe and Coleman waited near the hut’s entrance for their women to return with the food they had chosen. The betzoe pup was asleep on Coleman’s foot. Soon, the women arrived and the four ate a substantial meal in the dwindling twilight. Coleman dangled a piece of cooked meat in front of the sleeping pup, which caused it to awaken and snatch the food, swallowing it in one gulp. Coleman continued feeding the pup until its belly bulged. Darkness had fallen by the time they finished, and in the glow of the silvery moon they could see Tahso, dressed in all his regalia, heading their way. Quickly, the women retreated into the lodge while the men waited to greet him.
“Good evening, Tahso. I greet you with friendship. What brings you here?” Tzeechoe knowingly chimed.
“I will speak with Tondo on a most important matter,” he replied.
“Then we will discuss it in my home. Please enter,” Tzeechoe continued.
The three men entered the dwelling and Coleman put the pup in its basket. They found the women sitting a respectful distance from the central fire. Tzeecha wore a big smile and it was evident Atura was barely able to contain her excitement. The men sat and chatted for a few minutes discussing the affairs of the day. Finally, much to the relief of the women, Tahso slapped his knees, turned to Coleman, and said in a formal tone, “Atura has caught my eye. I would like your blessing to talk with her more often.”
Tzeechoe had taught Coleman the correct procedure to follow in this matter and he said, “Are your intentions honorable?”
“I only wish to honor your family. May I speak with Atura?” Tahso requested.
Coleman continued with his portion of the protocol. “You are to honor my daughter. Are you an honorable man, Tahso?” Coleman forcefully asked, a bit uncomfortable with the term daughter, but the ritual had to be repeated in this manner.
“I will honor your daughter as I honor you,” Tahso said as he bowed.
“I know you to be an honorable man, Tahso. You have my blessing to speak with Atura. I will ask Tzeecha to be the observer of these meetings,” and he bowed to Tahso.
All eyes turned to Tzeecha. She bowed and said, “It is an honor for me to serve these two.” Tahso, Tzeechoe, Atura, and Coleman then bowed to her.
“Tondo, I want to speak with Atura this evening. Do I have your blessing?” Tahso continued in his formal tone.
“Yes, you have my blessing, but do not make the observer late for bed,” Coleman formally answered.
That ended the dialog and Tahso retired from the lodge with Atura and Tzeecha following closely behind. When he could no longer hear the trio’s footsteps, Coleman leaned back and smiled broadly, clasping his hands behind his head. “Tzeechoe, give me high-five!” he erupted. Tzeechoe stared at Coleman, bewildered at what he had just said. Coleman then raised Tzeechoe’s ri
ght arm and slapped their hands together. “High-five, my friend. It means everything went very well.”
Tzeechoe raised his left arm and shouted, “Hi-feeva! Everything went very well!” They high-fived each other again and Tzeechoe began slapping his chest. Coleman also started slapping his own chest, his skin turning a brilliant red.
An hour or so later, the two women returned. Atura was almost giddy with delight as she glided into the lodge. Coleman smiled as she drifted past him. The sleeping mats were laid out and the four retired for the night. The pup fussed a bit, so Coleman pulled the basket closer. Soon, all was quiet and Coleman fell asleep.
He awakened with Tzeechoe shaking his shoulders. “It is time to meet with the other hunters,” he whispered.
He got up quickly and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He lifted the pup from its basket and took it outside, returning a few minutes later and placing the betzoe back in its basket. The two men trotted off to the center of the village. Most of the hunters were already there. Only a couple of stragglers arrived after Tzeechoe and Coleman. The teams divided into hunters and gatherers, received their blessings from Tahso, then darted into the jungle. Coleman’s team chose to look for plant food this day. As soon as they entered the jungle, men began weaving baskets of green leaves and flexible vines as they walked. Tzeechoe took some time to teach Coleman, again, how to quickly assemble and weave a strong basket for temporary use. He was getting better at it, although he was much slower than the others and doubted his finished product would hold up to much abuse. Nevertheless, Tzeechoe slapped him on the back and congratulated him on his attempt while the other men chuckled to themselves.
The group had traveled for about an hour before they began looking for food. Some of the men scanned the trees for fruit pods while the others examined the bushes. Unlike the villagers, Coleman spent his time looking for signs of food growing underground. He noticed the men always looked up, but they never examined the ground. After a while, he found a patch of wild onions and attempted to pull one up but failed. With Tzeechoe’s help, they were able to extract one, a bulb nearly as big as a man’s fist. Tzeechoe puzzled in wonder at what they had discovered.