Abuud: the One-Eyed God

by Richard S. Tuttle

  "But they will know that the reds did not do it," interjected Arik. "None of them wore boots."

  "They are cannibals, Arik," explained Wylan. "They just killed their dinner and are on the way home for a feast. They will be back for us later. This is an island. We won't get far."

  "He is right," nodded Tedi. "We either need to go barefoot or conceal our tracks like we were taught to."

  "Or find ground on which we will not leave tracks," added Arik. "Concealing our tracks will take considerable time. Time we don't have if that mountain blows its top. How far are we from the mountain?"

  "I don't think we are too far," answered Tedi, "but it appears that we are now in the territory of the red cannibals. They just lost a bunch of men and will be looking for who killed them."

  "I can't imagine that these cannibals will live very long if they keep killing each other," interjected Wylan. "What will the last cannibal eat?"

  "Visitors to the island," frowned Tedi. "I don't intend to still be on this island when that happens. Let's get to that mountain."

  Arik nodded and Tedi started leading the group again. An hour later, Tedi stopped the group at the base of the mountain.

  "This is not going to be an easy climb," Tedi stated as he gazed up at the mountain. "How high do you think we have to go to see the rest of the island?"

  "I am not sure," replied Arik. "I guess we will just climb until we can see it."

  "Maybe we should travel around the base of the mountain until we find a spot where it is less steep," suggest Wylan.

  "We can't do that," Tedi shook his head. "This trail passes the base, but it does not circle it. There is no way that we can penetrate some of that jungle. It is too overgrown to move through without a lot of hacking. We can't do that quickly, and we can't do it quietly."

  "Tedi is right," agreed Arik as he examined the rock that they would have to climb. "There are some ridges that slope upwards. If we can climb to them, we may be able to actually walk up the mountain for short periods. It will at least make the climbing quicker."

  "I am not sure I can do it," announced Wylan. "I will slow you two down, and a fall from up there is certain death. Perhaps I should wait down here for you."

  "Nonsense," smiled Tedi. "You have skills just like we do. They just have not been honed yet. This experience will help you learn mountain climbing skills."

  "I hope I live to use them," Wylan muttered under his breath, but he was glad that Tedi had confidence in him.

  Tedi slapped Wylan on the back and then threw his spear into the jungle. He reached up and grabbed the rock wall and started climbing.

  "Why did he throw his spear away?" asked Wylan. "Won't we need it later?"

  "There is little choice in the matter," shrugged Arik as he tossed his spear into the jungle. "We cannot carry it with us while climbing, and to leave it here is to tell the cannibals where we went. We will have to do without them."

  Wylan nodded and threw his spear into the jungle. He looked up at Tedi and started climbing up after him. Arik waited until Wylan had progressed a ways up before he started climbing. Wylan showered Arik with quite a few pebbles, but Arik figured that he was doing all right for his first attempt. The climbing was slow as the handholds were few. Tedi was good at picking out the best path up the mountain, and the others followed his lead.

  When Tedi reached the first ridge, he paused and waited for the others. When Arik was safely on the ridge, Tedi started walking. The ridge was very narrow, but it sloped upward at a good rate. It was not too steep to walk on, and not so level as to be a waste of time. As long as it lasted, it would take time off their climbing. The only problem with the ridge was that it curved around the mountain. If it curved too far, the mountain would block the view of the jungle.

  The ridge ended too soon for Tedi's liking, but he saw another ridge above him. He frowned when he saw it sloped in the same direction as the first one, but he put his hands to the rock and began climbing again. He looked down and saw Wylan and Arik below him. When he reached the next ridge, he waited for the others to join him.

  "This method is taking us around the mountain," declared Tedi after Wylan and Arik had reached the ridge. "If it takes us too far around the mountain, we will not see the jungle."

  "We have little choice," Arik responded as he gazed up at the sky. "Darkness is only a few hours away. Let's follow this ridge to its end and then see what our options are. If we cannot find a ridge going in the other direction, then we will just have to accept the best view we can get."

  Tedi suddenly leaped back and whisked his foot across the ridge. Arik looked in time to see a huge spider being kicked off the ridge by Tedi's boot.

  "I hate crawly things," shuddered Tedi. "That was as big as my fist. Spiders shouldn't be allowed to grow that big."

  "That was a big one," nodded Wylan. "I wonder if it was venomous?"

  "Thanks for the cheery thought," scowled Tedi as he turned and proceeded along the ridge.

  This second ridge had slightly less slope and was narrower than the first, but it ran for a long time. When Tedi reached the end of its run, he stopped. He frowned as he saw the wide expanse of sea below him. He realized that the ridge had taken them too far around the mountain, and they would need a ridge going in the other direction to view the jungle.

  Tedi gazed upward, but he could not find another ridge. He did see a narrow crevice that tilted back towards the jungle and figured that might be the place to get the view they desired. He checked back along the ridge and saw Wylan and Arik approaching. He pointed towards the crevice and both boys stopped to look upward. Arik nodded his agreement.

  Tedi looked at the rock wall in front of him and flexed his fingers. He plotted his path up to the crevice and started climbing. As he stuck his hand onto a handhold, he felt something crawling on it. He looked in horror at the huge spider crawling on his hand and heading for his arm. Frantically, he pulled his hand away from the rock wall and shook it violently. The spider managed to cling tightly to his wrist. As Tedi's body shuddered, he brushed his hand against his leg to dislodge the massive spider. Suddenly, Tedi felt himself falling.

  Arik heard Tedi scream, and he snapped his eyes off the ridge he was walking on and looked up. He saw Tedi's body fall past the level of the ridge and continue downward. The scream continued for some time before it abruptly halted.

  Chapter 24

  Senility

  "The Demon's Cauldron is boiling," murmured Master Khatama.

  "What?" asked Niki as she looked up at the old merchant.

  Master Khatama pointed out to sea. Far in the distance was a black cloud, which was darker than the darkness lying over Lanoir. The cloud was dense and spreading.

  "The Demon's Cauldron is the mountain on the Island of Storms," explained Boris. "It is volcanic, but has been dormant for thousands of years. It is believed that the last eruption formed the Island of Storms. It was a long, long time ago."

  "But isn't that where the boys are?" questioned Niki.

  "I do not know where they are," frowned Master Khatama. "My senses tell me that they are near Ongchi, but my gut tells me that they are on the Island of Storms. Not knowing where they are concerns me greatly."

  "But they left in a boat," argued Niki. "Doesn't that mean they were going to the Island of Storms like you told them to?"

  "How do you know they left in a boat?" queried Master Khatama. "How do you even know they arrived in Barouk?"

  "I was talking with the fishermen this morning," explained Niki. "They really love me. They think it is wonderful that I healed the soldiers. They especially love me for healing the fisherman, too."

  "I can believe that," Boris said impatiently, "but how did you learn about the boys?"

  "Oh," responded Niki as if she was forced to discuss something less important than herself. "A farmer came into town to talk to the fishermen. I think his name was Bin-sol. He was looking for his nephew, Bin-lu. He suspected that his nephew had been the victim of foul
play because he has not visited the farm. The fishermen told Bin-sol that his nephew had been arrested and taken to Ongchi."

  "What does this have to do with the boys?" demanded Master Khatama.

  "I am getting to that," scowled Niki. "Bin-lu lent his boat to three foreigners. Their horses are stored at the uncle's farm. The horses are not worth enough to replace the boat. That is why the uncle suspected foul play. The boys left here days ago, Master Khatama. I can't imagine how you could think they are still in Ongchi."

  Niki returned to her reading, and Boris strode off towards the beach. He started asking fishermen about the boys and finally found one who could describe Arik, Tedi, and Wylan to Master Khatama's satisfaction. He then inquired about directions to Bin-sol's farm. Master Khatama left the beach and walked through the city to the western gate. The soldiers saw him approaching and bowed politely.

  "Master Khatama," greeted Officer Tang-shei, "I trust your day is wonderful today. Is there anything we can do for you?"

  "I am just off to visit a farm," smiled Boris. "How is Tang-hong recuperating?"

  "My brother is as strong as ever," grinned Tang-shei. "This is the cause of great thanks to you and your friend. He should be back on duty," Tang-shei said softly, "but he likes his free time and nobody will complain."

  "I am pleased that we were able to help," smiled Master Khatama. "Do you know why Bin-lu was arrested?"

  "Bin-lu is a good boy," frowned Tang-shei. "He made a foolish mistake. He wore the Emperor's jewels in public."

  "The Emperor's jewels?" echoed Master Khatama. "What do you mean? What did these jewels look like?"

  "All precious things in Lanoir belong to the Emperor," explained Tang-shei. "Bin-lu wore a very expensive necklace one day. That is why he was arrested. Nobody from Barouk would have arrested him," Tang-shei added defensively. "He had the misfortune of choosing the one day, that Imperial troops were riding through the city, to wear his necklace. I fear that we may never see him again. Few return from the presence of the Emperor."

  "So he was taken to Ongchi?" queried Master Khatama.

  "Oh yes," nodded Tang-shei. "No soldier would want to hold the Emperor's jewels. Bin-lu would be taken straight to the Emperor."

  "You have been most helpful," smiled Boris. "Perhaps we can sit and talk when I return from the farm."

  "It would be a great pleasure," beamed Tang-shei as he signaled for the gates to be opened.

  Boris left the city and followed the directions to Bin-sol's farm. Bin-sol saw the foreigner approaching and greeted him on the path to the barn.

  "You must be Bin-sol," declared Master Khatama. "I have heard of your nephew's plight. You have my sorrow and wishes for his safe return."

  Bin-sol nodded at Master Khatama's words and asked, "Why does this bring you to my farm?"

  "I am a friend of the three boys who are using Bin-lu's boat," explained Boris. "I would like to examine their horses."

  "You cannot take the horses," insisted Bin-sol as his face darkened. "They are little compensation for the loss of the boat, but they are mine now."

  "I do not seek to take the horses," corrected Master Khatama. "I wish only to verify that they are the mounts of the three boys that I am looking for. As for the boat, if it was my friends who took it, and it is not returned, I will compensate the owner for his loss."

  Bin-sol brightened at the offer and smiled. "I will show you the horses," he offered. "They are very fine animals, and I care for them as if they were my own. Come."

  The farmer led Master Khatama into the barn. Boris walked over to the three horses and stood next to Chaco. He laid his hand on Chaco's back and nodded.

  "You are taking care of them well," smiled Boris. "I am called Master Khatama, and I am staying at the edge of the beach in Barouk. You can find me at the merchant's wagon with my name on the side of it. If Bin-lu returns, I am anxious to speak with him."

  "Ah," beamed Bin-sol. "You are the one with the wondrous healing magic. I have heard what you and your wife have done for the people of Barouk. My home is open to you always."

  "Niki is more like a niece," smiled Boris, "but your offer is most generous and welcome. Perhaps one day we may visit. Thank you for allowing me to see the horses. It does confirm that the boys I seek are on Bin-lu's boat."

  "Actually," frowned Bin-sol, "it was my brother's boat. Bin-lu has not taken to fishing as his father did, so my brother left the boat to me. I have encouraged Bin-lu to take up his father's trade, but to no avail. I am afraid that he fancies himself as a warrior, but he never fights with anyone. I do not understand children today. These boys you seek, will they return the boat?"

  "They are not thieves," assured Master Khatama. "Only if the boat is lost, will they fail to return it. Unfortunately, trips to the Island of Storms have caused the loss of many boats."

  "Island of Storms?" cried Bin-sol. "I will never see the boat again. Only fools venture to the demon's island."

  "Or those who must," consoled Master Khatama. "It is a journey that is required of them. They know boats well. Do not count it lost until they return without it."

  "With you, I believe in miracles," Bin-sol smiled.

  Boris smiled, nodded, and left the farm to return to the city. As he approached the gates of Barouk, he saw three riders being interrogated by Officer Tang-shei. He continued towards the gates and finally recognized one of the riders.

  "Tanya," called Master Khatama. "Is that you?"

  The riders turned to look at the approaching merchant, as did Officer Tang-shei. Tanya leaped off her horse and raced to Boris. She threw her arms around the old man and hugged him tightly.

  "Careful, Tanya," chuckled Boris. "You will break an old man's back with your strength. Stand back and let me look at you."

  Tanya danced backwards a few steps and beamed at her uncle. The other two riders and Officer Tang-shei approached.

  "You are looking very fit," smiled Boris. "I see that your travels have agreed with you. Introduce me to your friends," he added as he looked at the other two riders.

  Tanya's face grew puzzled as she glanced back at Alex and Jenneva and saw the soldier standing next to them. All three were within earshot.

  "Certainly, Master Khatama," Tanya smiled. "I would like you to meet Garth and Kalina Shado. I have been traveling with them since I left you. They are wonderful teachers."

  "Well," smiled Master Khatama as he strode forward and extended his hand in friendship to Garth and Kalina, "any friend of yours is a friend of mine. I am pleased to meet both of you."

  Garth and Kalina exchanged the greeting, but their faces were visions of confusion. Neither one of them spoke. Officer Tang-shei walked close to Master Khatama.

  "If they are truly friends," the officer whispered, "I will ready papers for them."

  "That would be appropriate," smiled Boris. "Thank you for the courtesy."

  Tang-shei returned to the gates, and Boris turned to gaze upon Tanya again. Garth and Kalina stood staring at the merchant.

  "I cannot believe how fit you look," Boris smiled at Tanya. "You must tell me everything that has happened since you left. I have arranged for you to receive papers for travel within Lanoir. Your friends will get papers as well. When you enter the city, turn towards the beach. My wagon will be hard to miss. I will prepare a meal for everyone."

  Tanya watched her Uncle Boris depart and pass through the gates. She noticed that the soldiers bowed politely to him as he passed and wondered why.

  "What is going on?" Garth whispered to Kalina. "Am I missing something?"

  "If you are," frowned Kalina, "then so am I. He acts like he has never seen us before. I cannot imagine that he would not recognize us."

  "It has been a long time since he has seen us," shrugged Garth. "Perhaps he is going senile."

  "I do not think he is capable of senility," retorted Kalina. "Perhaps it is just a show so that the soldiers do not know who we are. Tanya was quick to provide cover names for us."

  "Yes
," frowned Garth, "but she is also slow to explain how he is alive and his wagon is not burnt. I do not feel good about this whole meeting."

  "I am deeply troubled about it as well," agreed Kalina. "Let's be cautious, but not paranoid."

  Officer Tang-shei returned from through the gates and handed three sets of papers to Tanya. "You are cleared to enter Barouk," he smiled. "I hope your visit is pleasurable."

  Tanya looked at the papers briefly and then handed two of them to Garth and Kalina. "You are official now," she chuckled after Tang-shei had returned through the gates. "I hope you don't mind my choice of names."

  "You did well," responded Kalina. "Does your uncle know who we really are?"

  "It did not appear that he did," remarked Tanya. "Have you ever met him before?"

  "Perhaps someone who looks like him," replied Kalina. "Let us enter the city while we are still welcome."

  The trio strode through the gates and turned towards the sea. Master Khatama's wagon was easy to find, and they walked towards it. Garth was the first one to spot Niki sitting at the side of the wagon reading.

  "Things get stranger and stranger," remarked Garth. "Niki is traveling with Master Khatama."

  "And he just happens to be in Barouk where the boys are heading," added Kalina. "I agree that something must be explained. Perhaps Niki can enlighten us."

  "Niki," called Tanya as she approached the wagon. "I am surprised to find you here. I thought you were in Tagaret."

  "Hello," Niki said dryly as she looked up and saw who was approaching. "The people of Tagaret are not quite ready for me yet. Being away from them for a while will allow them to understand how much they need me. What are you doing here?"

  "We are searching for Arik and Tedi," Tanya answered cheerfully. "Have you seen them?"

  "Nope," replied Niki. "I have been too busy healing the villagers here."

  "That is wonderful," smiled Kalina. "I see you are reading the books I got for you, too. I am so proud of you."