Jaric nodded appreciatively. “We could learn from you.”
“They must die.” The fallen warrior stumbled to his feet and stared into Rok’s face.
“Their words are from the heart,” Rok said. “It is written, ‘ Tak aya waya. Ro podak ya .’” Rok’s eyes narrowed as he turned back to Jaric. “The one who wants to learn will embrace that knowledge the rest of his life.”
The injured warrior turned and stared with open hatred at the three humans. “They are like Hrono. They cannot learn.”
“I say they can,” Rok growled.
“You question me? The First Leader.”
“Yes.” Rok sneered.
The old warrior stepped back as he bent down for his fallen rapier.
“You have grown old.” Rok said, drawing his own sword. “The old ways are too much with you. Have you not heard Rawlon’s sayings, First Captain of all the Bands?” Rok lowered his body into a battle stance as the older warrior did the same. “Life learns to adapt, as a river learns how to flow around new bends when the land changes. This is a new race. Their words are well spoken - spoken from their hearts.”
The old warrior held his weapon before him. “And I say they must die for their pollution.”
Rok held his weapon ready, moving the blade from side to side with eager anticipation. “And I say they are given mercy. So they can learn.”
“I say we should take a couple steps back,” Jaric whispered to Kyle and Becky.
The two blades struck with a resounding clang. After the first blow, the two warriors leapt back and began circling-circling and staring, each looking for a momentary weakness in the other.
With a clash of crossed swords, they closed. Again and again their blades bit into the other, while their long feather-hair danced around their heads with their sudden motions.
In short order, the older warrior’s superior swordsmanship had stripped Rok of his rapier. But the old one had closed too much.
Rok grabbed the old warrior’s arm that held his weapon to keep it at bay. As the old one struggled to release Rok’s grip they began exchanging blows. Each sent his free fist violently into the ribs and face of the other as they fought. Grunts of pain followed each heavy blow.
Finally, with a mighty blow, Rok knocked the rapier loose. Now they were even-fist to fist and eye to eye.
The other warriors had watched mostly in silence, but now they began to cheer and shout. A few cheered for the older warrior, for their shouts were loudest after his blows struck home. But it became obvious that the majority were for the younger warrior, Rok, as their shouts overwhelmed the cries of the others.
The struggle now began in earnest, their blows pummeling each other relentlessly. The older warrior suddenly fell over, but he took Rok down in his grasp. Their struggles continued on the ground, rolling and kicking, fending off fists with one forearm, striking with the other. In a few moments, youth and strength prevailed.
Becky’s eyes grew wide.
Rok was standing over the fallen warrior, astride his panting form. As the old one struggled vainly to rise, Rok struck him again. He took hold of the warrior’s left horn in the mighty grip of his right hand. Rok growled as the muscles in his right arm bulged with his effort as he twisted and slowly bent the horn down.
It snapped with a sickening crunch.
Blood streamed down the left side of the old warrior’s face as he screamed with pain.
Rok rose with the broken stump. He turned slowly and raised it toward the other Kraaqi warriors who had been watching intently. They broke into cheering, chanting Rok’s name.
Becky felt her stomach tighten as she fought the urge to throw up.
“We’ve just witnessed a changing of the guard,” Kyle said.
“I wish I could have missed it,” Becky replied as her face turned pale.
Rok threw down the broken horn and motioned for the three humans to follow him.
Becky looked down at the wounded warrior as she passed. “What will happen to him?” She asked.
“He will return to our Band’s planet. He will no longer fly with us. His days are past.”
“Seems a bit harsh for somebody who loves life,” Jaric said.
Rok stopped and stared at him.
“But who am I to judge?” Jaric raised his hands with innocence. “I’m just a messenger, sent to the Kraaqi.”
“Messenger?” Rok asked.
“Yes,” Kyle said. “We have news of the utmost importance for you. But not just you, for the entire Kraaqi race.” Kyle looked deep into the warrior’s eyes. “It may mean the death of not only your people, but all of your worlds as well.”
The expression on Rok’s face turned heavy. “We will talk of this matter. But first, before we can teach you, you must become brethren of the Band.”
“Uh-oh,” Jaric said.
Rok smiled at him. “You must prove yourselves real woman to the Kraaqi.”
Kyle and Jaric looked at each other and shook their heads.
Kyle sighed. “First off, Rok. Jaric and I are man.” He closed his eyes at his own mistake. “Or men, we’re men. Not women.” He pointed at his sister. “She’s a wo-man.” He pointed at himself and Jaric. “We are men.” He enunciated carefully.
Rok looked from one to the other. “Whatever.” He began walking again, speaking over his shoulder without looking. “But you all smell like Grauntaan manure.”
The three looked at each other, shaking their heads.
“Something tells me we didn’t really hear that right. Not the last word,” Becky smiled.
“Probably Mother’s doing, or programming,” Kyle said. “Using a kinder, gentler synonym where possible in these translators.”
“Well, I guess I’ll make sure I use a stronger deodorant next First Contact.” Jaric lifted his right arm and sniffed loudly.
They all laughed.
“I wonder what it is we’ll have to do, to be a brethren of the Band?” Becky thought out loud.
“I hope we don’t have to break anybody’s horn off,” Jaric said with distaste.
“Well, this is a warrior race.” Kyle smiled. “No doubt there will be some kind challenge, or confrontation, in which we have to prove ourselves. But whatever it is, let me handle it.”
“You got it,” Jaric and Becky said together.
The Kraaqi warriors led the three to a clearing quite near to where all of their ships had landed. A camp was quickly prepared, fires were started and tents were raised. In fact, at a distance, this camp could have easily been mistaken for a camp of Native American Indians or half a dozen other warrior races straight out of the History section of the knowledgebase.
For the first time since they had arrived in Kraaqi space, the three humans felt that they could relax.
As the last tents were put in place and the fires were roaring bright under the fading sun, Rok approached the three humans where they sat together in the middle of the camp.
“We will perform the ceremony of brethren with you.” Rok looked from one to the other. “For man and wo-man to be brethren of the Kraaqi and brethren of the Band of the Stars.”
Kyle stood up. “Tell me what I must do.”
Rok nodded, but looked instead at Jaric. “You are dark-skinned, the one called Jaric. Kraaqi see such as a sign of favor at birth.”
Kyle bit his lip impatiently. “But humans do not choose their leaders so.”
Rok smiled. “Well, it is true your ways are different from ours. You even allow your females to be warriors.” Rok shook his head and laughed. “So, we will even allow her the right to be brethren with us this night.”
Becky stood up beside her brother. Jaric followed.
“What does the ceremony entail?” Kyle asked.
“We will eat together in friendship. A special meal.” Rok motioned for the other warriors to draw near. “I will then tell you of the Kraaqi-of the history of my people and our ways. I will speak of the worlds where we have dwelled as one for times unto
ld. And I will tell you of our harmony with the land, sky and water.”
“Sounds like a long evening,” Jaric whispered to Becky.
“ Shsssh ,” Becky admonished quickly.
“We will tell of our conquests and our endless war with the unholy Hrono.”
Becky sighed as her eye caught Kyle’s.
“Then you will tell of us your people, your worlds, and your ways,” Rok finished.
Kyle turned and whispered. “This will be easier than I thought. We’ll incorporate our message into our tale of the human race.”
“Yes,” Becky agreed. “We’ll tell them how the T’kaan destroyed our kind, wiping out all humanity, except us.”
“That should stir up their righteous indignation,” Jaric added.
“And then we’ll tell them the T’kaan are coming here, to do the same thing,” Becky said.
Kyle nodded. “Yeah, and then the hard part-telling them that their only hope is for the Kraaqi and Hrono to fight together with the Mewiis.”
Three heads shook solemnly.
“Are you ready?” Rok asked, ignoring their unheard whispers.
“Yes,” Kyle answered.
Jaric grabbed Kyle’s arm. “Hey, Big K. Let me take the lead on this one. This is way too easy for you. Take a break for once.”
Kyle looked at him and smiled. With a wave he motioned for Jaric to step forward.
“What are we gonna’ eat,” Jaric smiled. “You know, I’m hungry now that I think about it.”
The Band of warriors began laughing.
“We eat the food of warriors tonight,” Rok said.
Jaric stopped suddenly. “And exactly what is that?”
“The tail of a Rathar.”
Jaric contemplated a moment. “Okay. Sounds good so far.”
Rok laughed out loud and the other warriors joined him in a hearty round of laughter.
Jaric looked at Kyle and Becky, and they all added their voices in the merriment, albeit with some hesitation.
As the sounds died away, Rok grabbed Jaric firmly by the arm and began taking him toward a lake that was off to the side of the camp.
Jaric looked back at the camp. “Aren’t we gonna’ eat first?”
“No.” Rok laughed. “First we must take some Rathar tails.”
Jaric felt his heart begin to sink as Rok’s grip pulled him towards the lake. Jaric looked back to Kyle and Becky who were following with the others. “Uh, I’m beginning to wonder about this little ceremony.”
“So are we,” Kyle grinned. “I’m glad you’re taking the lead on this one.”
Jaric looked back to the lake with an apprehensive expression. “Maybe I ought to ask you what a Rathar is?”
Rok began laughing again. “I will show you.”
Within a few minutes, they were on a small hill overlooking the blue waters below. As Jaric’s gaze followed that of Rok, he felt his stomach tighten.
“They look an awful lot like crocodiles,” Kyle said matter-of-factly. “Except for the horns and the talons.”
Jaric swallowed.
Rok pointed at one of the twelve foot beasts below them. It was sunning itself with the warm afternoon light across its scaly hide. The long snout contained rows of teeth that protruded ominously from its mouth, while each of its six legs, three on each side, there extended a set of wicked talons from each toe. At the back of their heads two horn-spiked ears rose.
“Rathars are deadly in the water. But out of it, they are vulnerable. As this one is.” Rok smiled.
“Could’ve fooled me,” Jaric said as his eyes took in the beasts below.
There were about a dozen of the animals, all of them lying very still beside the blue waters of the lake, obviously in a state of semi-stupor. A few were larger than the first specimen Rok had pointed out, while the rest were slightly smaller. As they watched, one opened its huge mouth and bellowed its roar. The others didn’t move as they slept on.
“Oh boy,” Jaric said cheerlessly.
“What weapons do we use?” Kyle asked with enthusiasm.
Rok’s expression became puzzled.
“None.” He chuckled with amusement. “We are warriors.”
Kyle raised his eyebrows in surprise. But he nodded in agreement.
Two of the large creatures below suddenly lashed at each other, snapping and hissing with great fury. Hunks of mud and grass were flung into the air like a sudden brown blizzard. In another moment it was over, the two beasts again settled down into their semi-comatose state.
“How do we do it?” Kyle asked again.
A gleam came into Rok’s eyes. “You must come upon them stealthily. Quietly. And leap upon their back.”
“Oh boy,” Jaric repeated.
“You’re kidding,” Becky half-shouted.
Rok looked at her in surprise. “No, I do not joke.”
Kyle crossed his arms, still gazing at the huge creatures below. “Tell us more.”
“What?” Becky said in disbelief. “Are you...”
Kyle held up his hand. “Let Rok speak.”
Rok smiled. “If you take your hand and cover the front of their small snout, they cannot open it. As so.” Rok demonstrated with his hands around an invisible Rathar’s snout. “It puts them in a state of confusion. Remember, their strength is only in the biting, not the opening of their jaws. A warrior can hold their jaws shut with ease.”
“Cover their mouth,” Kyle repeated.
“But beware,” Rok warned.
Jaric and Becky held their breath while Kyle looked on impassively.
“They have two special fangs inside their mouth. A single bite is fatal.” Rok crossed his massive arms. “And do not let them get their claws on you. For if they do, they will never let go. They will drag you into the water and drown you.”
Jaric and Becky continued to hold their breath.
“Also, beware of their tail...” Rok began.
“Why?” Jaric interrupted. “If they fart in your face, it’ll kill you?” He asked sarcastically.
Rok rubbed his face in thought. “No. But that is not pleasant either.” Rok drew in a deep breath. “No, they use their tail as a weapon, to strike at you once you have gripped their mouth. You must watch for that first movement, and grab it before it recoils to strike a second time.”
“And...” Kyle prompted.
“You twist the end quickly with your free hand, the tip will snap off. You then need to jump quickly as the Rathar will freeze for several seconds. When the pain reaches its brain, it will react. At that point, the Rathar will be none too happy, to say the least.” Rok smiled widely.
Jaric and Becky stared at Rok in dead silence. Only Kyle nodded, clenching his fists with anticipation.
“Thus, you have your meal.” Rok raised his hands, palms upwards, indicating how easy it all was.
“Suddenly, I’m not very hungry,” Jaric said with great sincerity.
Kyle patted Jaric’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, buddy. This one’s on me. I’ve got to try this thing one time.” Kyle turned to make his way to the lake’s edge.
“Tradition says that the Leader makes the first hunt,” Rok said.
Kyle stopped, and then with a broad wave of his right hand, beckoned Rok to take the lead.
Rok stepped forward at an enthusiastic pace. As he reached the tall grass that led to the lake’s edge, he bent forward so that his head alone was visible.
“Tradition says, the wisest take the rear,” Jaric whispered to Becky as the others pushed ahead.
“Got it,” Becky concurred.
Becky and Jaric followed until the group came to the edge of waist-high grass-from here on there was no more cover to the lake’s edge. At the lead, Rok motioned for all to be still.
Now, he crept forward alone.
Rok moved quickly from the edge of the grass to a large boulder. From behind that, he carefully picked his victim.
Nearly ten paces from where he hid, a large male Rathar snoozed peacefully. Ro
k had picked the largest of the bunch as his victim.
Turning back, Rok nodded at them and pointed.
“I can’t watch.” Jaric covered one eye.
Rok crept past the boulder, carefully making his way out into the open toward the huge Rathar. He had almost made it to the Rathar when he stopped in mid-stride. The huge beast had raised its hind leg and suddenly began scratching itself. This lasted for almost a full minute, and then as quickly as it had started the beast was back in full repose.
Rok remained frozen, still five paces away from it. With a flash of movement, he took two steps and leapt for the Rather.
He landed square on the beast’s great shoulders, both his hands grabbing for the end of the snout.
The Rathar’s reaction was immediate
It jumped to its six feet and stood frozen while its head twisted backwards. Surprisingly, the huge beast was dead silent as it searched with its tongue and razor teeth to find the tormentor on its back and pull it inside the opened maw.
But Rok was just as fast. As the head turned, he clamped one hand above and another below the snout, shutting the mouth and its bared fangs that had begun searching for him. With a quick adjustment, he now had one hand firmly holding the end of the snout shut.
Rok twisted his body and leaned to one side with his left arm stretched upward, as if he were ready to ride a bucking Brahma bull at some rodeo.
Just in time.
The Rathar had arched its long body and sent the tail forward with lightning swiftness to knock the enemy off its back. The tail snapped just before his face.
With his left hand Rok grabbed the end of the great tail and in one motion twisted the end of the thick tail.
The onlookers heard a distinct snapping sound.
Even as the beast roared in pain, Rok leaped off and was racing headlong past the boulder and back into the tall grass carrying his trophy before him. In a few more seconds, he was on one knee beside Kyle, breathing hard as he tried to catch his breath.
Back at the lake the huge Rather, now minus the tip of his tail, quickly crawled into the water and disappeared. The other Rathars continued their slumber as if nothing had occurred.
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