One white streak of light moved across the northern heavens and caused him to reminisce. As a teenager he had scoffed when one of his teachers who had insisted that particular star was artificial and was, in fact, the orbiting spacecraft that had brought their ancestors to Delpe. He remembered he had had quite an argument with Karlina, a girl he had a crush on at the time, which told him it could be true and if he was foolish enough to ridicule the teacher she wanted nothing more to do with him.
Poor Karlina was killed a couple of years later in a climbing accident. Clay grimaced. It was funny how her face flashed back into his memory from a decade ago. He glanced back at the sky but the falling star had gone. Perhaps they were right and that was the orbiting spaceship Holly was trying to contact. Clay tossed another log on the fire and coughed with tears streaming out of his eyes when the smoke curled back and engulfed him but at least he was warmer now.
The next day was a time of waiting. Fifty centimeters of snow blanketed the road and, as far as Clay could see, the landscape everywhere was covered in snow. The temperature rose and by noon it began to melt. Clay spent the time finding more wood and seeing that his sleeping companions were comfortable but he became bored and decided to trudge back along the road to see if he could find a view to the west. However, every bend just showed another one so after half an hour he gave up and retreated. He laughed at his original idea to walk home from the river. It was fortunate Wunep had found him in that boat shed.
The car appeared again and a sudden movement beyond the smoldering fire caught his eyes. One of the clickers must have awoken. Clay grinned in anticipation of their company.
But something wasn't quite right! The bowman frowned, slipped back around the bend, dropped to his knees and crept forward so he could observe without being seen. A moving object was hovering in the air half a dozen meters above the car. He could make out beating wings and six limbs hanging down. It was a flying clicker, Jaddig perhaps!
Clay's military training, though, made him hesitate and size the situation up. The fire smoke visible would have attracted the incoming flying female many kilometers away but he was still unseen. He crept forward, found a snow free area beneath some trees and ran silently forward so he was close to the vehicle but still out of sight.
The flying female's flight was erratic. She seemed to dip to the right, stagger in the air and correct her movement. In the short time Clay observed her, this happened several times then a noise came through the air like a child crying; long pitiful sobs of someone in pain. The clicker rose in the air, fluttered almost in a circle and dropped.
My God, it was Jaddig and she was wounded!
Clay slopped through the melting snow towards the crumpled shape on the ground. He reached the clicker and saw she was still awake and attempting to rise to her feet. It wasn't Jaddig but a stranger but the sight made him clench his fist in fury. The clicker was young; more like Snimel than Jaddig but the face was a pulpy mass of swollen flesh and the rest of her body looked no better. One wing drooped and an arm hung limp at a weird angle. She wore a body suit but there was a rip up one side and yellow clicker blood oozed out.
Clay's footfalls must have attracted her attention for she looked up and made a brave attempt to smile. My name is Bikut Kegning. Help me, please, she sobbed. I was beaten and shot.
Hang in there, Bikut. Clay replied and scooped her into his arms. She was light, barely forty kilograms and gasped in agony when a wounded arm brushed his chest but sniffed back tears as he carried her to the fire and sat her beside a sheltering rock.
You're bleeding, he said and made a quick dash to the car, fussed around for a moment and returned with a first aid kit found in Wunep's supplies.
He carefully cut the rubber off Bikut's lower left arm and examined the wound below. A small black pellet could be seen at the base of a gaping wound.
It's the bullet, the female gasped. I was shot when I attempted to escape.
Why? Clay replied as he held a cloth soaked in disinfectant on the wound.
For not killing your friends, Bikut replied. Ognje Lannak, my so called friend, reported me when we returned to base. She pouted. I guess I shouldn't blame her. She was terrified when we were told someone had seen me communicating with Jaddig....
Jaddig? Clay interrupted. How do you know about her?
Bikut gave a tiny grin and news of her finding Charlie came tumbling out.
Do you know how Jaddig is now? Clay asked, his face lined with worry.
The retro-metamorphosis was a success and, the last I heard, they had avoided capture and left Hyfra, the flying female replied. That was yesterday.
Thank God! Clay replied, and how is it you are so badly hurt. You have suffered more than a bullet wound.
One of the Mother Matrons beat me up for failing in my duty, She pulled back as Clay dabbed some ointment on her face. They're as cruel as the male officers. I was due to be court marshaled today but some dumb guard guessed I was too wounded to fly and allowed me out of my cell for exercise and I flew over the wall. She grimaced. Almost made it, too, but a bullet sliced my arm. I knew I'd never find Jaddig so decided to head for your human village.
I flew for most of the night but was forced down by the snowstorm, saw your fire on a distant hillside and waited until now to investigate. I almost fell asleep but I guess the pain of my wounds kept me conscious. She gave a tiny smile. I was terrified because I thought it was a crucnon military vehicle but was too exhausted to fly away. When I saw your hairy face and realized you were a human.
Clay nodded and continued to bathe Bikut's wounds. If that bullet is anything like a steel arrow head it will have to come out, he said. Otherwise it will poison your system.
Do it! Bikut replied without hesitation.
It may hurt a little.
I can cope, she answered.
Okay, the bowman replied and found a small razor sharp instrument in the first aid kit. He held the slim arm and positioned himself. Their eyes met and the Crucnon just smiled, Clay swallowed and dug into the white flesh. There was a gush of yellow blood and he felt the knife tip touch a hard object. Almost there, he whispered and dug deeper.
The arm quivered slightly and the girl's eyes were shut. He thought of her as a girl, not a clicker as he gave the instrument a slight twist under the pellet and edged the blade up. It worked! A minute piece of blackened metal came out in his hand. Got it, Bikut, he whispered. Now we need to get your wound bound.
Thank you, she replied and sat gazing at the fire embers in front of them while the man returned to the car.
Here, put this on, Clay said when he returned and handed her one of Snimel's sweaters.
She frowned but reached for it. I have two Crucnon friends asleep in the car, he explained. I'm sure Snimel won't mind you borrowing her jersey.
Snimel! gasped Bikut. Not Snimel Trati?
I think that's her last name. Do you know her?
We went to high school together. Bikut's eyes lit up. Where is she?
Clay nodded at the car and grinned when the Crucnon girl almost ran to the vehicle and peered in. She turned. I knew she was going with Wunep but heard she was called up like I was, Her lips dropped when she noticed her friends had no wings, but I guess she wasn't.
She was, Clay replied, but decided not to go.
Snimel always had that independent streak, the clicker whispered. I was too scared not to report. You don't know what it's like if you disobey orders.
I'm learning, the bowman answered, and I reckon you are as brave as the others. Fancy flying out of jail. That takes a bit of nerve.
No, Bikut stuttered. The opportunity arose and I was too terrified to stay, That's all.
Well, I think you're all courageous, Clay complimented, I'll get the fire stoked and some food heated up before you fall asleep, too. I get lonely just talking to myself...
Clay and his clicker companions spent the night on that snowbound road where, in spite of her determination, Bikut also fell in the deep hibernation sle
ep her species were susceptible to in low temperatures. After breakfast the bowman examined the snowbound road and decided to drive on. It was a difficult start but, after finding a low ratio change box and tying the steering levers on each side together, he managed to move the spinning, groaning vehicle through the snow. The road surface was impossible to see in the conditions so Clay aimed straight down the middle of the smooth section of snow between the lumpy parts on each side where vegetation was covered.
The heater was extremely efficient and Clay kept it on full in an attempt to get the interior up to a temperature necessary for his companions to wake up.
Who's the visitor? Snimel's voice filled the cabin a few minutes later and she leaned over to the front where Bikut was slumped against the door. My God! I know her. That's Bikut Kegning but how did she get here? Her face stared at Clay with concern. And look at her. What happened?
She was trying to fly to our lines and saw the fire during the night, Clay explained. The military beat her up and shot her when she escaped.
The poor thing, whispered Snimel. At school she was such a quiet conscientious sort who never did anything wrong.
She tumbled over into the middle front seat and began to make herself useful Her other arm has been dislocated, she snorted and with one deft movement, pulled the dangling arm out, there was a sickening clunk but it slid back into it's socket. I learned to do that at school, she explained. Our limbs are easily dislocated. She grimaced. It's a favorite form of punishment in the services. If they are not put back within a few hours the injury becomes permanent. However, I think Bikut will be okay. She turned the slumped companion around and very methodically examined the wings before smiling back at the driver. For a human, you patched her up remarkably well, Clay. Thank you.
Anyone would have helped, he replied.
If the crucnon army had found her she would be dead by now after the males had all gratified themselves, Snimel shuddered. Her blue eyes flashed with fear. Don't let them catch us, will you, Clay? she added in a harsh whisper.
I won't, the determined bowman replied, and That's a promise.
Minutes later and within a few seconds of each other, the other two woke up. Greetings, hugs and explanations flowed. Everyone chattered at once in his or her own language. Clay attempted to keep up with the flow of words but soon abandoned the attempt and concentrated on driving through the snow. The jabbering voices and beautiful scenery outside, though, made him feel somehow content and he wished it could go on forever and the imminent battle would just disappear.
Snimel noticed and squeezed his leg with her hand. I'm sorry, Clay, she said in English. We're being so rude.
It's okay, said Clay. I know Vybber but must admit I was a little left behind.
Don't be modest, scolded Bikut. You speak our language well.
Wunep in the back seat grinned. They can talk, can't they, Clay? he grunted. I haven't managed to complete a sentence without...
...Being interrupted, Snimel flung her head around and grinned at her partner. Come on, Wunep, we aren't too bad. I haven't seen Bikut for years and we have so much to catch up on.
Wunep's eyes met Clay's in the rear vision mirror. Told you so, didn't I? he chuckled and ducked as two well aimed hands hit his shoulder.
An hour later they were at the highest point on the ridge, an area where there was a panoramic view of New Washington. To the south were the low lands with the New Columbia a thin line in the distance. Closer, the snow line started and almost hid the clicker army that seemed to be stalled. Everywhere along the edge of the brown road, almost free of melting snow, were lines of dark green tents and campfires. The smoke rose vertical like columns in an ancient cathedral before intertwining to form a layer of cloud above the army.
Bikut stood beside Clay and reached out so one tiny hand was holding his and the second gripped his arm just above the wrist. There's so many, Clay, she whispered. I'm so sorry. You have every reason to hate us all.
I never knew you, Clay replied. Humans and clickers only tolerated each other over the last hundred years by remaining apart and pretending they were not sharing this wonderful land with another intelligent species.
Bikut looked up at him. Why do you call us clickers? she asked.
Your language, I guess. I don't mean to be disrespectful.
I'm not offended, Bikut smiled. It's not as bad as Biped-rats, is it?
No, Clay admitted and turned east.
Here, the ranges spread out like three long fingers with deep-forested valleys between them. The middle distance was covered in purple haze while further back, mountains, glistening with white snow, towered to the sky. Behind, the shy was a deep blue with one faint line of clouds.
It is a beautiful land, Snimel, who had stepped in behind them, sighed. If only we could just stay here.
Clay smiled. Funny, I was thinking the very same thing a while ago.
So where do we go, Wunep interrupted.
Clay frowned. The original idea of the settlers was to come out in that first valley and follow it to a mountain pass but your army know that route. I think they now intend to take an underground cave system through to the second valley. The pass there is higher but safer.
And how will you know where your people are?
They were not due to leave for two days or more so I had hoped to catch them before the main evacuation. I'm sure a rear guard will remain a few more days. The plans were secret because of fear of spies.
But that was the radio, Bikut burst out. I told Jaddig that.
I know, Clay replied kindly, but my people don't. They also don't realize how large your invading army is. He shrugged. Mind you the Proctor, That's Holly's mother, and Commander Evans are no fools. They may have even discovered the army is returning to New Seattle.
I doubt if we can reach your village before the army, Wunep continued. Wouldn't it be better to head for one of those valleys and work our way back?
True, replied Clay, but there's no road. This is probably the closest point to the valleys, the road swings back now and goes down the western side of this plateau to New Seattle. It meets the highway first.
Where the army will be, Snimel added. We'll be trapped and not be able to help anyone.
Clay sighed and glanced down. Bikut's hand was still in his. She smiled up at him and withdrew it. You feel so warm, she commented. Like a heater. I hope you don't mind being touched by a clicker.
I'm honored, he replied in a quiet voice. Somehow, the respect of this flying female seemed important.
Go on! screamed Bikut from the driver's seat.
The three others were behind the vehicle trying to push it out of a mud hole. It was late afternoon and they were away from the road and heading towards the second valley. The snow on the lower slopes had been replaced by mud. The walking trail had become so narrow the outside wheels of the combo reached over the side. The present problem occurred when two back wheels had sunk in mud.
Bikut pushed the hand throttle and let out the clutch but the four driving wheels merely spun. Mud flew up off the end and splattered the unfortunate Wunep full in the face. His entire body suit was caked in the smelly gunk. He reached up, wiped it away from his eyes and grinned across at Clay on the opposite side and Snimel in the middle.
I'm sure it gripped a little, he gasped. How about placing more pine needles under the wheels.
Clay stood up and placed a hand on his aching back. Perspiration ran down his face and the black undershirt and shorts he was down to wearing were both ringing wet. At least you lot don't sweat, he grunted. The warmer you get the faster you work. With me, it's the opposite.
Come on, Clay. Once more, Snimel encouraged. We need your strength.
Okay, Clay grunted I'll try to lift while you two push.
Are you lazy lot ready? Bikut yelled back above the throb of the idling motor. She glanced back, saw Wunep's mud splattered body and burst into laughter.
I'll swap jobs, if you like, he retorted.
He lifted, the other two pushed and Bikut accelerated. Black fumes belched out the vertical exhaust pipe, more mud splattered Wunep, Snimel screamed when a turning wheel sent an arch of the black moisture over her own body but the vehicle jerked, gripped and screamed forward to leave the three sitting in the mud.
Keep going! screamed Wunep as the car seesawed along the trail. Mud splashed everywhere but the wheels continued to grip. The outside ones found gravel and the whole vehicle jerked up and ran forward twenty meters into the pine forest and dry soil. They were out!
Pile in, Bikut yelled out her opened door.
The muddy individuals tumbled in the filthy vehicle and they were off, bouncing over protruding roots but on a clear trail through the pines.
Fifteen minutes later they met a wider road on the valley floor. It was muddy and covered in thousands of footprints, horse hooves and narrow wheeled tracks, all leading towards the mountains.
They've been through here, Clay gasped and broke into a smile of relief. They did come into this second valley!
The three crucnon saw the human's enthusiasm, stared at the evidence of hundreds of tramping feet, human feet and glanced at each other.
Snimel gave a tiny embarrassed cough and repeated what was on all their minds. So what now, Clay? she asked. Her blue eyes stared at the bowman but the twinkle of the last day had been replaced by concern. The last thing your kind will want is three of the enemy arriving in your midst.
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Chapter Ten
On that same day but hundreds of kilometers to the southeast, Holly and her party were close to their destination on a road little better than the one on which Clay was travelling. A vertical slap of rock towered on the left of the narrow pass while the outer edge dipped into a gorge below. Jaddig had resumed driving with the steering clamps removed so she had full maneuverability. On this particular corner they were trying to navigate, it was necessary as were the four humans spaced out in front and behind Charlie to help guide the driver.
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