by Dave Hazel
“Yes. You have done this town and all the people in this land a great service. Do not concern yourself for their loss or how the people will react. The people will rejoice at their demise. With that said I have other matters to be concerned with now. The elders are discussing what their response to the Soso invasion will be. We must hurry. Time now is my enemy.”
11.
Back at Drod’s home, Mykal and his men sat off to the side as they listened to the six elders and Towbar discuss the coming invasion. Several others stood by ready to do the bidding of the six elders. Some of the servants rushed in and out of the large room. Mykal thought they were gathering information and taking messages to others. It reminded him of a ‘War Room’.
The elders and Towbar spoke in their native language for most of the discussion. Kurt slept beside Boris and snored. When his snoring got the attention of the elders and the servants, Boris elbowed him to make him stop, and the talks continued. Though Kurt’s snoring disrupted the talks at least three times, none of the elders seemed bold enough to have Kurt leave.
It embarrassed Mykal. “Wake him up,” he whispered to Boris.
When the talks ceased, Drod stood and addressed the giant. “Lord Towbar, as you have witnessed, we are not in agreement. We are not strong enough to stand and fight. We are too old to turn and run.” Drod summarized the two views. “I, myself, agree with you that we should depart and join forces at the Pass with the other towns and villages. We have not the numbers to fight the Soso army en route. Since we are not in agreement, by default, we shall stay,” he said dejectedly. “If we are to die, we might as well die here in our own homes.”
“Drod, this is sad news to my ears.” Towbar folded his massive arms over his hard chest. He sat on a small table near the large wooden table. The chairs at the tables weren’t large enough for him. A slight frown creased his lips. “I must depart and make my way to the Pass.” His face characterized defeat.
“Wait a minute,” Kurt rudely interrupted. He looked and sounded intoxicated, but he seemed to understand the dilemma. “Do you mean to tell me that you old guys know you’re gonna get your asses kicked, and because you can’t agree what to do, you’re gonna just stay here and die? Within the next day or two all you people will be dead.”
“We understand the dangers involved,” Drod replied calmly.
“The hell you do.”
“Kurt, this is their business,” Mykal stepped in to silence Kurt, but he caught sight of Towbar’s hand motion for him to allow Kurt to continue.
“No Myk, I may be drunk, but I understand that these old geezers are signing the death warrant for all those little kids out there. All those young people will never have a chance to experience life because of what they say. They’re not even giving the people a choice. Towbar, I can’t believe you’re not gonna say anything, other than you have to leave.”
One of the six elders spoke to Drod in their native language. “Kurt, Buck wishes to express his gratitude for your concern,” Drod relayed Buck’s words. “However, we are too old to start all over again. We are just too old to run, only to fight at the Pass. The Sosos may not know we are here.”
“I can’t believe I am listening to this nonsense,” Kurt gasped and slapped his hands to his side. He looked to Towbar. “Are you gonna allow this stupidity? Sure, you guys may be too old to run, but what about the other people in this town?”
Yond, one of the six replied. “As the leaders, we make the decisions for all our people.”
“Then be the damned leaders you’re supposed to be and lead these people outta here to have a chance at life,” Kurt barked.
Mykal moved to silence Kurt because of his tone, but Towbar shook his head slightly to prevent his interference.
“Kurt, you are a stranger to our customs and you do not--”
“We may be strangers, but little kids are the same where ever you go. They need your help to grow up. Not your okay to allow them to be butchered cuz you’re too lazy and selfish.”
The elders seemed surprised. Towbar cracked a slight smile.
“It is the responsibility of our group to lead the people. As a group we have not agreed on a decision,” Vert tried to explain. “It would just be easier if we stood our ground and defended our homes and our livelihood.”
“Don’t you understand? You’re all going to die,” Kurt gasped with utter amazement and what he heard.
Vert nodded in agreement. “Our numbers are no match for the army traveling here. So, yes, it is possible we could die.”
“That’s the stupidest damn thing I ever heard. You say it like you don’t care. We just went through the two villages in the hills,” he paused, snapping his fingers to recall the names.
“Jamison and Wussic,” Towbar supplied.
“Yes. The Sosos didn’t just kill the people. They butchered and tortured those poor people. The idea that you’re willing to allow that to happen to the kids and everyone else out here tells me you’re not good leaders at all. You’re little selfish cowards who don’t wanna die alone.”
“Your words are offensive to us,” Vert replied with a huff. “Our custom dictates if there is not an agreement, we will do nothing. Some do not believe we should leave,” he said and looked down giving away his position on the debate.
“Screw this,” Kurt hissed and pulled his 9mm pistol. His bloodshot eyes made him look crazy. He jerked the slide and chambered a round. The metallic clanking would have had a dramatic impact, but the elders didn’t understand his weapon. “Tell me who the dumb asses are, and I’ll kill them right now and allow some other leaders to take over?”
“Kurt, don’t do it,” Mykal yelled and jumped up. He looked to Towbar who didn’t flinch.
“No Myk, if these old guys wanna die so bad, I’ll make it quick and painless for them so the kids will have a chance.”
A commotion of fearful uncertainty filled the room. The elders and servants looked back and forth to each other and then turned to Towbar. They didn’t understand the danger at hand, but had been briefed on the situation at the bar with Gan.
“Lord Towbar, we do not understand,” Vert spoke up.
Kurt huffed at Vert. “For those idiots who wanna stay and die, I’ll kill ‘em right now then the others can leave.”
“Th-this has ne-never occurred,” Vert gasped frightfully.
Towbar stepped up and placed his massive hand on Kurt’s shoulder. “Thank you Kurt. My friend here makes a great point. All the people of this town should not die because of the decisions, or lack of decisions, of six old men who have lived long full lives. I am granting permission to change the laws.”
“My Lord, what are you suggesting?” Drod and the others looked at Towbar, everyone seemed to be flabbergasted.
“I will need help defending the Pass until our soldiers arrive. If there are some willing to flee the coming Sosos I will eagerly accept their help at the Pass. For those who desire to stay, I will accept that as well. I am suggesting you make the people aware of the situation and give them the option to flee to the Pass. I understand that is contrary to the local law imposed on this village, however we can debate that after the war with the Sosos has been completed. In several days, for those who elect to stay here, it will no longer be a concern.”
Mykal expected Towbar to laugh with the sarcastic swipe he made, but then he realized Towbar didn’t have a sense of humor.
“Hell yeah!” Kurt shouted and pumped his fist in the air. “Otherwise I’ll change the leadership like that,” he said with a loud snap of his fingers. “I care a hellova lot more about little kids than I do a bunch of old people who don’t giva shit. And don’t even try to tell me you care about kids if you were gonna let them stay here to die,” he said and focused on Vert.
“We will bring the matter to the people,” Drod nodded and bowed down before Towbar. “All the people will have a choice. Myself, and all those willing to flee will join you at the Pass. Thank you, Towbar. Thank you,” Drod’s smile lit
up his face. “My family thanks you as well.”
“Thank you, Drod,” Towbar replied. “I thank you on behalf of the King and his family. I will leave this in your hands. We must depart.”
“Thank you for warning us of the Soso invasion,” Yond said and bowed his head in gratitude.
“That was easy,” Boris said.
“Let’s go,” Mykal said. “I wanna get back to Denny and the others before that rescue team takes off.” Mykal pulled Kurt aside. “Were you really gonna shoot them?”
“Damn right Sarge. If it woulda come down to it I woulda shot every single one of them old guys. Now I need some sleep.”
“I’m proud of you buddy.” Mykal then turned to Towbar. “Do you think we’ll be able to get back to the hills before it gets dark, or do you think we’ll have to stop and sleep?”
“We will not make it to the hills before dark. I would advise taking a different route of travel. I would not like to stumble into the Soso camp at night. I suggest that we travel along the mountains until we find a place to rest. The Sosos will not be along the mountains. In the day light we will be able to avoid the Sosos and meet up with the others.”
12.
“Why don’t you pull over there,” Boris suggested. He pointed to a portion of the mountain that protruded out, creating a natural overhang. “So if it’s gonna rain like Towbar said, we’ll have cover for it.”
“Yeah, I’m ready to stop and get some rest,” Mykal agreed and scanned the horizon. The ground before them stretched wide open for miles. There was nothing existing for the Sosos to use as cover if they were to sneak up to their position. “We can see for miles in all directions. This will be a good place.”
They backed the car to the rock wall to allow a quick departure. Though Towbar assured them that Sosos won’t travel at night, they weren’t going to take chances.
“What if this thing falls on us?” Kurt complained when he got out of the car and stared at the enormous overhang.
“If you don’t like it, sleep out in the open,” Mykal said.
“Um, no,” Kurt replied. “I’ll stay with the crowd. I was just asking. I wasn’t trying to cause any trouble, because I know I’m in trouble with you already, Boss man.”
“You’re right. I oughta kick you right square in the ass.”
“I know, I know. I screwed up. But man, Myk, that drink kicked the crap right outta me.”
“That drink? You mean drinks. As in more than one and I said only one,” Mykal said firmly.
“I’m sorry,” he said and looked down to avoid Mykal’s glare.
“You coulda got us killed, you friggin goof.”
“Here, get it over with,” Kurt said and playfully bent over exposing his rear end for Mykal to kick.
“No more nonsense,” Mykal said to show all was forgiven.
“Something else has used this very place for shelter before us,” Towbar stepped into their conversation. “This place has been used recently.” He stared into the shaded overhang and sniffed the air like an animal. The giant moved to the rock wall and sniffed more intently.
“Did you mean something or someone?” Boris asked. “I don’t like the sounds of ‘something’. You did mean, someone, right?”
“No. It, it--” he sniffed for more clues. “It was some sort of beast. I have never encountered such a beast before,” he explained and continued sniffing the air. “We will be safe.”
Mykal took charge. “Well, I don’t want any surprises. Would you rather stand guard alone or in pairs?”
Kurt raised his hand. “Hey guys, let’s not play that macho BS, cuz there’s no ladies out here to impress. I say pairs.”
After agreeing to their guard duty schedule, Mykal joined Towbar at the rock wall. The overhang protruded by almost twenty-five feet. It formed a mini-cave. Towbar busily inspected the rock wall and continued to sniff the area.
Once satisfied Mykal returned to the back seat of the car where he planned to catch up on some much needed sleep. He took his wallet out and pulled out the photos of his family. His finger gently touched the face of Pam. He longed to talk with her and hold her. His heart ached. He missed her more than ever.
After he put the pictures away Mykal wondered if he would ever see them again. The thought of never seeing Pam again, the idea of not watching his boys grow up, and other heart rending ideas made his eyes well up. He forced himself to stop. He couldn’t allow the others to see him in such a weak way.
He took out his notebook and continued to write in his daily journal of the events that occurred. He made the killing of Gan and his henchmen as vague as possible. His entry noted that they had to defend themselves again. He wasn’t sure who would read this later and didn’t want to leave himself open to prosecution under military law. While he laid there in an attempt to fall asleep, consumed with thoughts of his precious family, he hoped he wouldn’t dream about this strange world, or the lives they took in the bar in Pallomee.
CHAPTER FIVE – Day 4
1. Sunday, June 26th 1983
0144 hours, Land of Labins, along the Finger Mountains.
“Mykal get up,” Boris whispered desperately. He tapped Mykal on the forehead with the butt of his rifle. “Hurry, Myk, there’s something odd going on.” Boris sounded scared.
Startled from his sleep, Mykal bolted up in the seat. Still dark, he could barely see anything. “What is it?” Mykal said quietly, grabbing the handle of his revolver. It had to be serious for Boris to wake him in such a manner.
“I don’t know,” Boris spoke softly. Boris remained focused toward the black pit inside the mountain. “Come here and check it out. Some weird noises are coming from the back of the cave.”
“What kinda noises?” Mykal asked. His heart skipped a beat and his mind started to race. He feared a sneak attack from the Sosos. He climbed out of the rear window on the passenger side so the dome light wouldn’t turn on and expose him. “Where’s Kurt? I want Kurt behind the wheel.”
“I’m over here,” Kurt whispered from the driver’s door.
“Where’re Roy and Towbar?” Mykal said into Boris’s ear.
“They were sleeping on the ground in front of the car. Listen, it’s the noise again,” Boris said nervously.
Mykal couldn’t see anything. No matter how hard he tried to pierce the darkness, he couldn’t make out anything. He strained his ears for what Boris thought he heard.
It startled him when he heard the strange sound of rock slowly scraping against rock. It sounded like a heavy block of stone being moved across a stone floor. Though he desperately wanted to see who created the noise, he feared turning on the taillights or a flashlight.
When the stone-against-stone sound ceased, Mykal wasn’t sure if he could really see it, or if he just sensed that the rock wall became darker. Whether he imagined the darker, deeper, impression or not, he felt a sudden gush of cool air. Just as suddenly as the musty breeze blew by, he saw a small pair of bright red lights glowing in the darkness. A new sound started; heavy sniffing and muffled grunting.
Mykal’s hands trembled when the red lights blinked. The red lights were eyes. “What the hell is it?” He whispered, but Boris didn’t answer. He imagined some red-eyed demon from recent horror movies coming to feast on their flesh. “I’m going to get Towbar and Roy. If it moves at us, shoot the hell outta it.”
Mykal returned with Towbar and Roy Jr. They were all transfixed by what seemed to be at least six pairs of glowing red eyes. The sounds of grunting increased.
“What are they, Towbar?” Mykal whispered at the added eyes.
“I know not,” the giant replied while he softly sniffed in their direction. “They know we are here. They are trying to determine what we are.”
“What’s that mean?” Boris asked quietly.
“I think they are in search of food. I do not know if they are flesh eaters.”
“That’s just great,” Roy Jr. mumbled. “Whadda we do?”
“Just be ready for anythi
ng,” Mykal replied softly. “I’m gonna try something.” He picked up a fist size rock. “Kurt, be ready from that side. Roy, climb in the window. Don’t open the door and don’t start the car unless there’s trouble.”
After Roy Jr. sat behind the wheel of the car, Mykal gently tossed the rock so that it would hit the ground near the opening of the rock wall. It sounded like a couple of billiard balls cracking together. He waited to see if there would be any response. A sudden rush of noise and unintelligible grunts filled the air. The glowing red eyes darted from side to side.
The red eyes seemed to be lined along what would be a cave opening. A moment later a rock landed near the car. “Are they trying to communicate with us?” Boris whispered. “Should I thump the ground three times to--”
Another rock thudded close to the car. Abruptly, several more rocks hit the ground around the car. One of the rocks hit the metal of the bumper. The clanging started a commotion of howling among the red-eyed creatures. Glowing eyes scrambled back and forth. Suddenly rocks flew in all directions. Some struck the car making the disturbance grow louder.
“Let’s get outta here,” Mykal yelled and he ran to the other side so Boris and Towbar could get in the passenger side.
Mykal and Kurt rushed to the rear car door, eyes focused on the creatures because of the high pitched squealing sound they emitted. They collided into each other and both fell. Roy Jr. blasted the siren and flashed the red lights. During the pandemonium of the Three Stooges like slapstick horror-comedy Mykal and Kurt knocked heads when they tried to get up. Both fell back down.
They scrambled to their feet and got inside the car with Kurt in the middle between Mykal and Towbar. “Let’s go, let’s go,” Kurt yelled while rubbing his forehead.
“I’m going,” Roy Jr. shouted and slammed his foot to the floor but the wheels spun on the grass like ice.
Mykal watched out the rear window, holding his forehead. “What the hell are those things?” The car quickly put the desired distance between them and the strange red-eyed beasts.