by J. H. Hayes
It was then Azaria recalled palling around with Yumineh several Summer Gatherings past. She remembered she was the unfortunate Fox Camp girl who’d lost her family to tragedy at an early age. Izyl, the Second Ta’araki of Fox Camp, helped her widowed aunt raise her. She also remembered being warned away from her by a few rude Fox Camp kids. Azaria hadn’t understood why they called her nasty names, but she pointedly remembered rejecting their advice and continuing to play with her along with Dogahn and Daneel.
Yumineh was dressed in a running skirt and top. Natu running apparel was uniformly thin and skimpy, almost non-existent. The back of the skirt didn't fall as low as the front, so that much of the bottom of the backside was exposed on both male and female runners. Men of course wore nothing else, but the women liked to wear a thin, soft leather band across their breasts, its function to keep them from cumbersomely moving around as they ran.
Azaria smiled more widely now as she remembered her. "Are you going to run, Yumineh?" She didn't know the Fox Camp girl was already considered by some to be the fastest of her camp - or that she was highly competitive. Yumineh only frowned in response, leaving Azaria wondering if she’d somehow offended her.
While the three greeted each other, the first whistle blew, alerting the runners to line up. Azaria set herself next to Dogahn and Yumineh positioned herself next to her. She gave Dogahn one last smile and saw him looking past her and smiling at Yumineh. She wondered if Yumineh had stayed out late the previous night also.
About forty other young runners from the three camps formed a line to the left and right. The Long Race was the only contest dominated by the young. Speed and stamina were required to make a champion long runner, qualities the young possessed in abundance.
Fahim and her mate Takur, the elderly Ta'araki co-leaders, shambled forward. Fahim’s graying hair was unkempt, but Takur kept his much tidier. Both had pale, shriveled skin and faded tattoos covering their arms and parts of their foreheads and cheeks.
Together they led the Ta'araki, the representatives of the Ta'ar, chosen by the Ta'ar to govern the children of the Ta’ar, the Na'ta'ar - or Natu, as it was commonly shortened - in most matters. The Ta’ar were often referred to by their other names, the Watchers, or Birdmen, who according to Natu legend, had come down from the stars and provided them with new knowledge and technology.
Most Ta'araki were also trained healers, although some were more adept than others. Most camps also had a non-Ta'araki leader who led in conjunction with a Ta'araki counterpart. Boar Camp's situation was unusual however, as their non-Ta’araki leader had died tragically several winters earlier hunting rhinoceros. Takur quickly elevated Fahim to co-leader, filling the power vacuum before a new non-Ta'araki leader emerged. Usually the Ta'araki and camp leaders would consult together before making important decisions, although often the Ta'araki leaders’ word tended to be the final one.
The Ta'araki men tended to believe they held more power, as the new deities were generally described as masculine. However, many of the female Ta'araki also claimed representation for the Great Earth Mother, who still held effectual sway in many aspects of Natu life. Therefore, in practice, there were no rigid rules. The Ta'araki mates of Boar Camp ruled together as a pair, however Fahim often took control when the situation warranted it. Her personality was dominating enough to ensure her decision usually took precedence.
Takur stepped in front of the line to address the crowd. Those who'd risen early enough to cheer the runners off to a strong start were massed behind the line. "Thank you to all of our runners for participating in the Long Run," he started, pausing momentarily as the audience quieted down. "You are all honored and your sacrifice honors us. You’ll be completing the Temple course. You'll run the low path, around the Great Temple and then return on the high path and end back at this spot."
The runners would follow a direct route shadowing the river along its southern bank, below the cliffs, and crossing the river at the point of their choosing on their way to the Great Temple. They'd circle the Temple complex and follow the river again on the trail that ran above the cliffs. They'd then overrun Boar Camp a short distance to reach the lowland access point and finish with a southeast sprint to the top of Sunset Hill.
Strong swimmers would make direct river crossings. Less capable ones might take a longer path, detouring to a spot with a weaker current. Being an experienced swimmer, Azaria had already decided on the first crossing, but she had a decision to make for the second. She'd been pondering the matter for a moon, but still couldn’t make up her mind.
"The first runner to run between the finish stones behind you will be declared the winner," Takur said. "Are there any questions?"
Looking back, Azaria saw a pair of large stones spaced about six paces apart from each other. When no one spoke, Takur continued, "Honored runners! Set yourselves and prepare for the starting signal." After a moment of tense anticipation, he took a deep breath, held it and then emitted a loud, shrill whistle.
As the mass of young runners took off, Azaria sprinted a few steps ahead of the pack and took a short step right in front of Dogahn, forcing him to stop completely to keep from running into her.
"Hey!" he objected. It would’ve been a dirty trick had they not been such good friends.
Azaria spun and backpedaled. "Hey! Careful! You almost ran into me," she said, before racing off. Dogahn grinned and shook his head, sprinting to catch up with her.
Azaria ran at a hurried pace until she reached the middle of the pack. She didn't want to be too far back when they all converged on the narrow trail that led away from the encampment. Once on the single file path, it would be hard to pass. One would have to run parallel to the trail through thick grasses to get around another runner. Because most ran barefoot, the likelihood of injury was greater if one strayed off the worn path.
As Azaria passed, Yumineh sped up a bit to keep up. Dogahn was also quick to catch up, passing Yumineh as they closed in on the constricted trail. But as he passed, she sped up, bumping him hard with her shoulder, sending him off several steps to regain his balance. She turned and flashed him a playful smile.
Dogahn was incredulous. What is it with these females? Well, if she wants to be in front, fine. I'll pass her later. He fell in line right behind her just as they reached the constricted trail. Azaria was right where she wanted to be, in the middle of the pack. Yumineh was also happy with her position, right behind and able to keep pace with Azaria. Dogahn had planned on leading the pack, setting the clip he wanted and preventing any passers with brute strength if he needed to. But since that wasn't possible at the moment, he was content to run just behind the two attractive girls.
The pack ran gradually northeast as the sun sped upward. Azaria liked the pace that was set. She thought it was just below what she would have set herself. She felt good, full of energy and looking forward to one of the upcoming refreshing stream crossings. She wiped away beads of sweat rolling down her high forehead and occasionally into her eyes, thinking over how she’d make the main river crossing just before the Great Temple. She’d spent many nights lying in her furs contemplating the best strategy, always coming to the same conclusion. She’d run straight at it, not bothering to adjust her route at all. It was a wide section with a swift flow, but not much of an obstacle for an experienced swimmer like herself. She'd always loved the water. She remembered the long fishing excursions with her father when she’d spend half the sun swimming up and down the brisk river instead of helping her father catch char as she was supposed to be doing. She smiled. Her father never minded. He always encouraged her to do whatever she loved as long as it was in some way productive. And he believed strong swimmers added value to his community.
Dogahn on the other hand was breathing hard and sweating more than usual at this point in a run. He quickly realized he should’ve been more diligent in turning in early the night before. He tried to think of something beside his weariness. Needing a distraction, he looked up the trail to Yumineh a
bout ten paces in front of him, focusing on the long, thin muscles in her lengthy legs. He watched as her muscles worked with each step. Extend and contract, extend and contract. Her darkly tanned skin was glistening with building sweat. He could see the glimmering reflections of sunlight moving up and down as each leg fell back and then pushed off and strode forward. This is great, he thought. Focus on her legs. It's easier to run that way. The struggle didn't seem so bad when he wasn't dwelling on it. He concentrated again on the back of her thighs.
His eyes eventually drifted upward to the two full mounds bouncing up and down at the top of her legs, first one and then the other. Although considered rude, he couldn’t keep himself from staring at them and didn’t realize he was running with an open mouth. He caught himself and reverted back to the practiced breathing pattern all runners were taught. Breathe in deeply through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Again and again. Over and over the same pattern, never faltering. That was the way to provide ample breathe to the lungs and prevent premature dehydration.
His breathing under control, his thoughts turned again to the woman in front of him and his eyes inevitably returned to her perfectly shaped humps, beating rhythmically to their own dance. She looked amazing. He couldn't remember ever getting so excited during a run. But he couldn't help it. She was right there in front of him. And what was the harm really? It was keeping his mind off the exhaustion. No one knew where his eyes were.
He couldn’t help comparing her with Azaria, the only other girl he'd ever found as captivating. Azaria is so beautiful I get excited just thinking about her. Yumineh’s cute too, though. But her eyes... Her eyes are weird, slightly off. But I kind of like them. They make her special. She's beautiful too.
Dogahn’s focus again turned to Yumineh’s midsection. Her back was glistening. I'd like to make her glisten like that. He had visions of himself on top of her in his furs. Her long, slender, bare body underneath his, the two of them gyrating in rhythm. He was staring at her backside again, and then at her back and her silky, long, dark hair. I like how the Fox Camp girls wear their hair like that, with braided strands wrapped around their heads. Again his eyes made their way down her back and paused at her bobbing backside. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and press himself up against those exquisitely plump mounds.
Suddenly, Dogahn realized how excited he’d become and struggled to think of something else. In his distraction, he’d fall behind. Yumineh was farther ahead now, still behind Azaria. He heard a thrashing behind him and to the right. As he looked back one of the male runners glided past, breathing hard, perspiration flying off his arms as he pushed forward.
Dismayed, Dogahn thought to recapture his place. But he was breathing hard. It was a struggle just to maintain the distance between himself and the young man in front of him. He questioned if he had the stamina to win.
Two positions ahead, Yumineh was fully unaware of the psychological battle Dogahn was waging. Things were going perfectly for her. She was right behind Azaria. The pace wasn't overly taxing. She felt great. Plenty of energy for the swim, although she wasn’t sure how far until the main river crossing. She guessed it wouldn't be long. On the way to Boar Camp she'd asked Izyl if they could camp at the river so she could strategize. Fox Camp was almost a full sun’s walk northeast of the Temple, very near the crossing. It was a natural place to stop, but Izyl was also happy to oblige her. She was proud of the young orphan runner, sure she'd place highly in the race.
Azaria could see Bat Cave up ahead. They’d reach it in moments. The trail would soon open and then they'd be close to the crossing. Feeling supremely confident, she sped up, hoping to pass a few of the runners ahead of her first.
As she accelerated, she saw the front runners begin to pull ahead and knew the crossing was imminent. Azaria took a deep breath and exhaled. High grasses gave way to sand as she sped up again to catch those in front of her. Some of the runners turned to follow the river farther southeast. She instead sprinted straight for the water. She passed the older boy in front of her and then a girl around her age she didn't know. Azaria was almost there, anticipating the plunge into the cool waters. She took a short step to adjust her stride and accelerated to full speed. A couple of bounding steps and she dove head first. Beneath the river’s surface, she reached far, fully extending her arms as she kicked her legs violently. Her long stroke propelled her forward and back up to fresh air. Another stroke and another and she cocked her head to the side to take a breath. She repeated the stroke, sneaking a glance to find the far bank.
Suddenly something brushed her arm, interrupting her stroke. Another swimmer? Azaria looked to her side, only to find Yumineh passing her in the middle of the river. Shocked, she increased her stroke, struggling to match the Fox Camp girl. But Yumineh was uncatchable. She was too fast. Who is this girl? Azaria wondered. She swam her heart out, but Yumineh was a full length in front of her now. As she approached the shore, her rival was exiting the water.
Azaria felt dirt at the nadir of her downstroke. With the next, her arm plunged into sand and she pulled her body out of the river. She looked up and saw Yumineh heading for the incline, a few paces ahead.
When she reached the top, Azaria glanced back and saw runners in the distance behind her. She was ahead of them for now, but they were coming on strong. She looked forward and saw three runners. An older boy from Fox Camp led, who she knew to be very fast. He’d come in second the previous summer. Right behind him was Yumineh, making no indications she wanted to pass. A boy she recognized as being from Swan Camp was in third, right in front of her, but several paces behind Yumineh.
It was not far to the Temple now. Through cedar and oak, Azaria could see the enormous structure looming over the surrounding forest. Atop its shallow mound, no other feature rivaled it. There was no reason to scale the gentle incline on which it sat. The energy required would just sap her strength. She would run around the small hill as would the rest of the competitors. Azaria looked up at it though, marveling at its immensity. Only the Natu are capable of such a feat, she thought. Only my people, blessed by the Ta'ar, have the knowledge, skill and organization required. In the First Temple, huge T-shaped stones formed a circle, connected together by a high wall made of small brick sized stones layered one on top another. The ring stood protectively around two more truly massive T-shaped structures set side by side. She'd seen the Great Temple before, but always felt insignificant in the presence of the giant stones. Beyond them in the distance a covey of vultures headed for what she assumed was some unfortunate beast. She didn't know the vultures had learned to expect an easy meal when the funny two-legged creatures came.
As Azaria completed the wide turn around the magnificent complex, it disappeared behind her field of vision and she was drawn back to her primary focus. Nothing had changed. Yumineh was still in second and she in fourth.
The mild morning gave way to a stifling heat, as each of the runners struggled to maintain their respective positions. Atop the high cliffs, the dirt was soft, and scattered stone lay all over, requiring careful diligence in where one stepped. There were no longer any refreshing jaunts through the branching streams of the spry river. Weariness gave way to exhaustion and dehydration. They’d reached the toughest part of the course, just when the sun's intensity was multiplying.
Azaria pushed herself hard, determined to keep up with Yumineh, her practiced breathing turning to more erratic, irregular gasps. She saw Yumineh pass the front runner effortlessly and pick up a few paces of distance. She's amazing, Azaria admitted. She's a better runner than I am. She’s better than everyone. Yumineh will win this race.
Unless...
It was all Azaria could do to keep Yumineh within sight. The other girl continued to distance herself from the rest of the runners. She knew it would take an exceptional amount of courage if she had any chance of catching up.
The brilliant, harsh globe above them poured its burning energy down upon them now. Azaria looked over the cliffs stand
ing above the river, the landscape finally becoming more familiar as they neared Boar Camp. Her side ached, knotting up from lack of water. She took several deep breaths to counteract the cramping. Sweat was stinging her eyes. She couldn't wipe it away fast enough. Her chest wrap was rubbing the sides of her rib cage raw.
Near the back of the group, Dogahn had long lost hope. He struggled to keep his current position, but the fight wasn't going well. His despair grew as each runner passed him. It was all he could do to keep from stopping and walking the final stretch above the cliffs. He just didn't want to come in last. He couldn't. He wouldn't let himself.
Azaria watched three runners ahead of her, concentrating only on Yumineh. Her Fox Camp rival had stopped gaining distance and was holding her current position twenty paces or so ahead of the Swan Camp boy. Azaria wondered if she’d spent herself too early. The thought gave her an unexpected boost of energy. Then, almost as if Azaria's contemplation had willed it, Yumineh slowed. She slowed a lot. The older Fox Camp boy passed her. She was losing ground rapidly. The Swan Camp boy passed her also. Azaria was catching up with her, realizing Yumineh had misjudged her pace. The insight electrified her, although somewhat ashamedly. She sped up, ready to pass.
A couple of strides and she was upon her. It takes brains to win a Long Run, she told herself, and this Fox Camp girl is clearly lacking. Behind her though, Yumineh had sped up and was suddenly next to her again, matching her stride for stride. She's taking this personally. Well, sorry Yumineh. This isn't personal. I'm just better. She increased her pace, gaining on the boy in front of her.
Yumineh matched her stride for stride.
"Azaria, how’re you doing?"
Azaria was astonished. No one talked at this point in a race. "Guud," she grunted. It was all she could do to keep this pace, how could Yumineh expect her to converse?