by Saxon Andrew
The view started again as the Zord flying through the trees approached the nesting ground again. They watched as hundreds of giant Torg pulled at the dead bodies around the giant tree. They saw as the flyer released the load of quivers and watched them fall to the gathered archers. Then the view changed as the giant tree rushed into view and came to a jarring halt.
The community could see that the flyer had hit the tree and was hanging on. The view below looked like a vision from hell as the Torg pulled bodies away from the tree. Then the community saw Scotty looking up at the downed flyer, reach down and grab four quivers of arrows, then run toward the tree. Jingo was right behind him, and the two of them climbed the mound toward the flyer. Then the view changed to the level of the two archers on top of the mound killing Torg at an unbelievable rate. They saw Scotty kill six Torg as they tried to attack the wounded Zord. They saw the jaws of a giant Torg come within six feet of the wounded Zord. They knew the Zord was now on top of the mound with the two archers. No one counted the number of arrows Scotty and Jingo fired on the mound, but many Torg came within an arm’s length of them before they fell back into the climbing mass. The view shifted to the pathways, and the Torg filled them as far as could be seen in both directions. Then the other archers arrived and the killing amazed the communities. When the four hundred archers came down the mound, one being led by Scotty and the other by Jingo, the dead Torg filled the pathways ten feet high. Then they saw the Torg turn and rush away from the archers advancing up the path. The view shifted to one high over the forest and the community watched as the Torg began running from the forest in hundreds, then thousands, and then hundreds of thousands. Even the archers that had been in the fight were shocked into silence.
Jesa looked at Jingo and he could see she knew he had not heeded her advice to not take any risks. He lowered his head and said, “I’m sorry, Jesa.”
She lifted his chin with two hands and looked into his eyes, “I’ll never be as proud of you as I am at this moment.” She had tears in her eyes as she held him tight. “You would not be here if you had followed my advice.” Jingo put his head on hers and said, “I love you.”
She nodded and whispered, “I know.”
The doubting teenagers felt their shame. They looked at the archers that faced the Torg herds and were silenced by the bravery they witnessed. They vowed to become just like the brave archers.
The two communities were silent. The shock of what the archers had faced was overwhelming, and words could not describe what they had seen.
Bleath looked out at the gathering and said, “We have looked at the memories of your archers who survived, and we are humbled by the price they paid for us. More than two hundred of them died fighting the charging herd as they were overrun. Not one of them ran to save themselves. One thing we have seen is that without the bravery of the one with white hair and the four armed archer with two weapons, the Torg would have taken our babies again. They supported their fellow warriors and turned the Torg away fifty six times.”
The gathered community looked at the archers and they were all nodding. Everyone looked at Scotty and Jingo and Scotty said, “It was Jingo that made the difference.”
Michael Blake stood and said, “Jingo did make a huge difference. But it was you he followed into the jaws of the herd. You didn’t hesitate, but came to save us no matter the odds. The Zord is right; the two of you are what saved us.”
Bleath added, “And, as a result of your bravery, saved our newborns.” Bleath looked down at Samuel and Jing, “Your archers also saved my species from extinction.”
Samuel said, “What!?”
“Last cycle, not one newborn lived. The cycle before that, only two survived. Over the last hundred cycles, we have lost more to death each year than we could replace. We are down to only nine thousand and time is not on our side. The Torg herds have grown to the point where they could not be stopped. This cycle, more than fifteen thousand newborns are alive because of your brave warriors. This night under the twin moons, their skins are hard and they are now able to fly. This night all of our memories will be imprinted on them going all the way back to our ancestors that flew the smoky skies of our home world. Their parents will also imprint the vision I just shared with you. They will know they owe their lives to your gallant archers. Those fifteen thousand newborns will bring us back from extinction, and the food provided by your archers will feed us for more than ten cycles.”
Jingo was shocked, “What food?”
Bleath said, “Right now our warriors are flying the Torg you killed to the snow on our mountains. It will be preserved until we need it. We will not have to attack the Torg herds to feed ourselves and fewer of us will die. Our numbers will grow because of your kindness.”
Bleath looked at Scotty and Jingo and said, “Please come forward.”
The two looked at each other and walked in front of Bleath. Bleath said, “I thought my son was insane when he argued against attacking you. Now I know you are a blessing from the Air God. I have learned that your weapons are called bowguns.” Scotty and Jingo nodded. “We have changed the names of the three mountains next to our lands. The two mountains on each side of the center one will be called the two bows to honor this warrior that fought so bravely for us. One will be the left bow; the other the right bow.” Jingo swelled with pride at what he was told. Bleath turned to Scotty and said, “The center mountain will be called White Hair to honor you.”
Scotty lowered his head and said, “I don’t deserve more than any of us.”
“Yes you do, White Hair. It was you that opened your heart to my injured son and taught us how truly good your communities are. You risked your life then and countless other times defending our hatchings. None of this would have happened without your good heart.”
Bleath looked out at the gathering and said, “We have also vowed that my warriors, our mothers, and our children will defend all of you until that mountain ceases to exist. It will be a constant reminder of our oath. We owe you our existence and we will never forget what you did this cycle.”
The gathering rose and cheered the announcement and began hugging and congratulating the brave warriors that fought the Torg. Bleath raised his wings and the communities became quiet. “There is one more message that I promised to deliver.” The giant Zord looked at the archers that had gathered and were sitting in a group, “The warriors that carried you to our nesting ground and brought you home have asked me to tell you that they are sworn to you. They will be your mounts anytime you desire them. They will carry you wherever you choose to go, and will defend you against all enemies.” Bleath turned to Scotty and said, “My son and Zreeg have agreed that both of them will be your mounts. You have won their respect, and they vow to defend you.” Bleath looked up and said, “You are now Riders of the Zord, and we will never allow you to fall.”
The celebration began in earnest and joy was the watchword. Jing looked up at Bleath and said, “You know if our archers can fly with you, we can stop many of the Torg from reaching your forest. They may be persuaded to stay away.”
Bleath looked down at Jing and said, “Next year we will have to try and see. You should know that both of you have also been given a mount.” Two of the Elders stepped forward and one said, “I am Jing’s.”
The other said, “I am Samuel’s.”
Samuel looked up at Bleath and asked, “Is there a special reason why your birthing ground is located in that forest?”
Bleath tilted his head and said, “It’s dark enough under the trees to protect our newborns’ skins and eyes.”
“Well, if you look over the hill from our community, the ging trees are thick and it’s quite dark under them. If you would lay your eggs here, we would have more than three thousand archers to protect them. We have eliminated most of the Torg around here and few will come close to our community. Those giant herds will have nothing to feed on and they are too far away to come here.”
Bleath looked at the four Elders, th
en looked back at Samuel, “We will do exactly that. I can see that my family is going to grow and prosper. Thank you for helping us.”
The community continued to celebrate as Zord warriors descended to join in the festivities; many of them looking for their chosen rider. Soon the Zord began lifting with their riders and started circling high overhead, screaming their happiness.
Jesa held on tight to Jingo as Cezee circled the community. The beauty revealed from the two full moons shining on the forest below filled Jesa’s heart. She knew she would never forget this night. Jingo turned his head and said, “Jesa, will you do me the honor of becoming my Mate?”
Jesa’s heart exploded and, holding on tightly, she scrambled around Jingo to face him. She wrapped her legs around his waist and then kissed him over and over. Cezee could feel their love; it was just like the feeling shared with his mate tending to their six new children. Cezee stayed aloft until Jesa stopped kissing Jingo and said, “Yes.”
Chapter Six
Twenty year old Scotty Robbins sat on the hill looking up at the stars. They were still amazing after all these years.
“Why do you spend so many nights out on this hill, White Hair?”
Scotty looked over at Vring sitting on the hill beside him and said, “I guess it’s because I know the history of many of them. There are others out there that are just like us staring at the majesty of the universe around us. They, too, are struggling to survive.” Scotty rolled over and looked at Vring and said, “Those stars were once all joined together in a community of millions of planets.” Scotty rolled back over on his back and said, “My home world is now gone from this universe with the Great Royal Family that ruled us with love, compassion, and wisdom. They once tried to make us more than we could be. Greed, ambition, and lust for power seduced many of us and we lost it all.”
Vring continued to stare at the sky and said, “I’ve seen what you speak of in your mind. There are times one must lose everything to understand and appreciate what they take for granted.”
“It was too high a price, Vring. Trillions have died in the aftermath of that loss. No one remained strong enough to control those bent on absolute power. Now we are only a shadow of what we were.” Scotty took a deep breath, “We lost so much.” Scotty looked at the stars and said, “I dream of finding those out in those stars that have learned this lesson and long to be rejoined to a community that knows the value of peace.”
Vring remained silent and looked at the stars.
“I’m surprised you’re not helping care for the newborns. The last hatching set some kind of record didn’t it?”
“I’m actually using you as an excuse to escape.” Scotty looked at Vring. “I told Bleath that you wanted me to take you Torg hunting in the morning. That’s the only excuse that would allow me to escape.”
Scotty laughed, “Is it that bad?”
“Think about what thirty thousand newborns sound like. Add that to the forty five thousand youngsters less than three cycles old; I think my ears are still dead and will never hear properly again. Even a Torg could charge me and I wouldn’t hear it. Thank the Air God for all the food your archers provided or we would be in huge trouble feeding them.”
Scott smiled, “I would have never thought any of you would complain about newborns.”
“Easy for you to say; you don’t have to feed or hear them.”
Scotty chuckled again and said, “Well, we’ll go up in the morning and make sure some of your community see us.”
“I appreciate that more than you know. By the way, where’s Jingo?”
“Jesa is close to delivering their first child and he’s staying close.”
There was silence for several minutes and Vring asked, “Have you not found a mate?”
Scotty sighed deeply, “No. There are quite a few of our young women that have made their interest known but none of them touch my heart.”
There were several more minutes of silence and Scotty said, “None of them come close to what my mother was. I guess I still miss her too much.”
“I’ve seen Jesa’s memories of the day she died. She was a remarkable Human. She died trying to save several that had fallen.”
There was another long silence, then Vring said something that brought Scotty up off his back. “At least she didn’t suffer like those poor slaves north of our lands.”
“What slaves, Vring?”
“Oh, don’t worry about them; they aren’t members of your community. The big Yellow Skins use them to work their farms.”
“Vring what are you talking about?! What do you mean, suffering?”
Vring looked at Scotty and said, “I thought you only protected those in your two communities. Those slaves are captured species being forced to farm for the Yellow Creatures. They have been captive since shortly after the original destruction.”
Scotty jumped up and said, “We do not tolerate slavery of any kind. You mean there are many being held as slaves?”
Vring tilted his head and said, “They were the last time one of our warriors flew over their lands.”
“How long ago was that?”
“Three cycles ago, just before you came to save our eggs, we sent warriors out looking for safe nesting grounds. We have seen them occasionally over the centuries.”
“Vring, I want you to take me there.”
“No way!”
“Why not?”
“Those yellow creatures have a weapon which uses a bright beam that kills Torg from great distances. It is called a blaster, according to your memories. I will not take you into that deadly land.”
“If you won’t take me, I will start walking there in the morning. I will not sit idly by when there are people being held in slavery.”
Vring saw Scotty was serious. “White Hair, they will see you just like the Torg that have learned to sprint into the forest when one of you goes flying with us. I can hide with my color shifting, but they will see you.” Vring paused and said, “Besides, I must have my father’s permission to leave our lands.”
Scotty stood up and started up the hill. “Hey, where are you going?”
“I told you I would walk if you won’t take me.”
“You’re serious; aren’t you?”
“Yes I am, Vring. Slavery was never tolerated by the Holy Realm, and we live by the Realm’s principles.”
“Well, wait just a minute. Slow down. I’ll go home and request that I take you to see the northern slaves. If I’m turned down, Zreeg will come take you. It would take you almost a cycle to walk the distance and you don’t know where you’re going. They’ve been there over a thousand cycles; waiting a few more days won’t make a difference. That will give you time to prepare for the trip.”
Scotty stared at Vring and said, “Ok, I’ll wait three days. If you don’t come back I’ll start hiking north.”
“Why does this bother you so much?”
“Slavery robs a being of everything; their self-worth, their happiness, their dreams, and their love. No one should endure that kind of suffering.”
“Is it your responsibility to free every slave on the planet?”
“It is the duty of all of us to free those that are slaves. That includes your species, too.”
“Why?”
“Because the Torg had enslaved your people; your species were made a food source for them and you faced extinction at their jaws. How was life living under the Torg, Vring?”
Vring was silent and finally took a huge breath, “Every day was spent in constant sorrow anticipating the coming slaughter of our hatchlings. Many had chosen just to attack a large Torg herd to end their pain and suffering. Most of those were the mothers that had lost their eggs too many times.”
“Do you think those slaves feel any different, with no hope of freedom?”
““Drab you, Scotty. Now I’m feeling anger at those slave masters.” Vring paused and said, “Even if I’m told not to go. I give you my oath I will take you anyway.”
“How long will it take us to go there?”
“Three days of hard flying.”
“Then ask Zreeg to go with us to carry enough food for you to make the round trip.”
“I’m sure I’ll find food on the way. If nothing else, the Torg reproduce at an extraordinary rate. Are you going alone?”
Scotty lowered his head, “I made an oath to Jingo to tell him any time I was planning to leave the community. He takes that promise to my mother very seriously. However, he’s expecting his first child and he might stay.”
“Would you?”
“Wow; that’s a hard question! I honestly don’t know what I’d do.”
“Could you wait until the child is born?”
Scotty took a huge breath and blew it out, “I probably won’t have a choice. If he chooses to go, I just couldn’t force him to leave Jesa to have their child alone.” Scotty pondered the dilemma and said, “I don’t want you to go and collect all you need to make the journey and then have you wait here. Jesa is due in two days and the Cainth are just like your species; their births are within hours of the scheduled time.”
Vring said, “Let’s do this. Give him some time with his newborn and we’ll leave seven days from now. Is that a plan you can accept?”
Scotty looked up at the stars and, after a seeing a shooting star flash across the sky, he said, “Yes.”
Vring walked down the hill and spread his wings, “I will see you in seven rotations, White Hair. Make sure you have enough provisions.”
“I will, Vring. Thank you.”
The huge Zord lifted and flew north.
Scotty watched him go and shook his head, “Boy, they grow fast. He’s larger than Zreeg.”
Vring arrived midmorning after a leisurely flight back, and he could hear the latest hatching of newborns long before he arrived. “Now, where’s Bleath?” He circled over the forest and didn’t see him in any of the clearings. He flapped his wings six times, caught a rising thermal, and rose to more than fifteen hundred feet. He looked out over the huge wastelands and didn’t see him there, either. That left one place. He turned and flapped toward the three peaks. “There he is.”