The New World: A Step Backward

by Skrzynski, Andy

  Protuk glanced at Wolfuk. "I trust you with my life. If you say it's so, then I believe you with all my heart."

  Thoruk sat back in his chair. "I didn't mean anything by my question — just curious. I'm confident in your judgment. Go on. What did you find?"

  "Zolokt is definitely behind the muclones, but he's not alone. His son, Scientokt, is helping. Their lab is a cavern with two entrances in a remote spot of the forest, not far from their encampment. I've seen it.

  "I also observed the pens used to keep the monsters until they're nurtured to maturity and trained before they're released. The cages are kept above ground near the cave but protected by sentries.

  "What's disturbing is that a few of the cages are massive, ranging from 15 to 25 feet high. Any creature of such size could cause significant damage to our protective wall. I saw a couple of the smaller beasts in the enclosures. They were grotesque. One appeared to be an eagle with a wildcat head."

  Stormulka glanced at Mercivil. "Yes, we saw one as well. The blazing freak slashed my shoulder and almost killed Mercy. It was an eagle and bobcat with glowing, green eyes — very eerie. Fluf snuffed the creepy thing."

  Wolfuk bit his lower lip. "The one I saw was a little smaller — like the Canadian lynx."

  Intellulka raised his finger. "The thing they killed was definitely part bobcat, but Zolokt might be experimenting among several species. The lynx makes sense, since it has a lighter skull. The weight of the bobcat made it more difficult to fly; Thoruk had described it as clumsy.

  "The horrid fiend could not effectively hunt, leading to starvation and angry desperation. That's why it so readily attacked. Also, the green, luminescent eyes from a deep-water fish provided vision in locations with the tiniest levels of light, like a dark cavern. Since then, three other muclones were brought to me.

  "Of all the peculiar creations we've seen in this latest group, Zolokt has included combinations from plants, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. What we haven't seen yet, thank God, is a mutant with human parts — but I don't doubt he's already thought of it. Heaven help us if he ever goes that far."

  Wolfuk looked at the others. "My contact said he's seen lots of different mixtures but no mention of humans. Most of the unearthly oddities end up dead, being destroyed because they can't fly, swim, or maneuver well.

  "One of the mangled anomalies could barely move around in the cage. It appeared to be a very long anaconda with stubby legs and the head of a wolf. While it twisted and squirmed, the tormented misfit dragged the overweight head along the bottom of its prison, whimpering and howling. I wanted to end its misery but decided not to jeopardize the mission."

  Intellulka raised both arms with his fingers outstretched. "Zolokt is a maniac and must be stopped."

  Wolfuk nodded. "This is about revenge, come to find out. After witnessing Zolokt's older brother, Fortokt, slay Odinuk's wife during the first Skalag raid, Odinuk beheaded Fortokt. That was the spring of 2046, and the clan leader's initial experiments began shortly afterward.

  "Much of what Tropokt told me brought back lots of memories. It took Zolokt years to get his unnatural creatures to last more than a few days. If you recall, the first muclone sightings occurred in 2053. Things trailed off for a period while he focused on his clan's survival.

  "They raided several settlements around their area, spending time and resources fighting off the retaliations. Then Protuk executed Fortokt's nephew under court order for the assassination of Odinuk. If I remember right, that happened the autumn of 2071."

  Thoruk's temperature rose as he clenched his fist.

  Wolfuk continued. "Zolokt became further enraged and induced his reluctant son to develop his own experiments with atmospheric controls. The execution of Fortokt's nephew really lit a fire under their drive to form more complex and dangerous creations. Now, four years later, we're seeing a sampling of those monsters.

  "The problem doesn't end with the clan's leader. His son, Scientokt, must be halted as well. It's possible we'll begin seeing variations of the son's atmospheric anomalies in the future. So far such controls have been highly unstable and very risky. Many of their own Skalags and muclones were killed by Scientokt's initial attempts.

  "One time he developed a tornado, but it unexpectedly shifted and sucked up a large volume of water from a small lake. Then the encompassing storm traveled upriver, dumping much of the water. A gigantic wave flooded a portion of their encampment. The tornado also produced apple-sized hail which killed a number of people. The funnel itself turned on part of their camp and destroyed many huts.

  "More than 20 Skalags were wiped out in that incident. Tropokt said there were a few other dangerous trial runs with similar disastrous effects. He said such controls are in no way ready for any battle, but he warned it doesn't mean Zolokt wouldn't try using them."

  Thoruk's face got hot, and he shot from his chair. "These parasitic Skalags started all of this from the beginning! They're too lazy to hunt game, grow crops, and extract their own resources."

  Pounding the solid maple table, Thoruk shook the surface with each thunderous strike. "They're always stealing, killing, kidnapping, and enslaving our people because they're starving and desperate due to their own laziness."

  He gritted his teeth. "Zolokt's the one who murdered my mother and father, and he's the one acting mad after his brother and nephew were killed as a result of THEIR aggression? He's sending these creatures to slaughter us!"

  With eyes of fire, Thoruk's nostrils flared. "I'm the one who's mad now! I'm the one who's sick and tired of this man and his family. He's seen nothing like he's going to experience in the weeks to come." His fist hit the table with such force Intellulka jumped.

  Taking a deep breath, Thoruk sat down and turned toward Wolfuk. "Did you learn of his plans for releasing these monstrosities?"

  "Yes, and the discovery includes the answer to your last question before I left, 'is he or his clan up to anything else?'. They are planning an all-out offensive in six to eight weeks or so, when they complete and stabilize the latest set of muclones. They intend to use many of their latest beasts in the assault on Ukkiville.

  "In the meantime, the Skalags released a select few of them in our area in an effort to generate fear in the hearts of our people and destabilize the village, while they plan and coordinate their attack."

  Wolfuk gazed at the floor as his words bore the heavy weight of dread. "One other thing: they've established an alliance with another clan, the Scargiles, who live north of them and use firearms instead of the primitive weapons we've chosen to use."

  He scratched his head. "I know our philosophy has been one of not encouraging the escalation of more advanced weapons after WAP, but we might want to revisit that given the circumstances. I'm sorry I don't have better news." He took a seat and stared at his hands, crossed on the table.

  Thoruk stood again. "It's not your fault. The relative calm of these past couple of years lulled me into a false sense of security. I should know this insanity of the Skalags will never end. Protuk and I will discuss the matter of weapons in the coming days."

  Protuk interrupted. "Sir, we all should have been more suspicious. I should have conducted additional surveillance of their operations and had Wolfuk keep in constant touch with his contact. I never imagined Zolokt would continue his craziness after things quieted for so long. It won't happen again."

  Intellulka slowly rose to his feet; his hands trembled. "This is not the fault of any of you. Nobody can predict the actions of a madman. What Zolokt and his son are doing is psychotic. Stop beating yourselves up over something very few could ever imagine. Focus on stopping this lunacy and protecting our village."

  Thoruk slowly nodded. "You're correct, as usual."

  He turned to his tracker. "You did a great job. I know we put you and Tropokt at risk. We really appreciate what you did. Get some rest. You can talk with Protuk after you've slept and had a chance to clean up.

  "Protuk, I need strategy alternative
s and your recommendation to put a halt to the Skalag's aggression once and for all. We'll work together on a final plan to defeat them for good! I want Ukkiville prepared to deal with the worst. We will not just slow them down this time — we will put an end to this evil."

  He spun toward his buddy. "Storm, where are we with the completion of our wall? It has to be ready when the assault arrives. Will it be finished and sound within 2 weeks?"

  "Yes, that won't be a problem. We've got one corner to finish. It should be ready then."

  "Great!" Thoruk sighed. "It's getting late. Go home and get some rest. We have to focus on preparing for anything the Skalags throw at us. Take care and may God bless us." The others replied. "Amen."

  As they headed toward the door, Intellulka pulled Protuk aside. "We need to discuss the secret and when we should make Thoruk aware of its existence. Now is not the moment to tell him, but we have to decide what triggers the appropriate timing."

  The Master of Arms nodded. "Yes, I agree. I'll get back to you after we consider alternatives and recommendations with Thoruk and finalize the plan."

  "Good, we should talk about the timing of sending for help from the Texas Freedom Defenders, per our prior agreement. We can't wait too long — a rider should be sent with the request."

  The towering man put his hand on Intellulka's shoulder and peered into his eyes. "You're right, my friend. We'll tackle that as well when we meet again.

  "This is going to be a real test for Ukkiville and Thoruk. Many of the same traits Odinuk possessed can be seen in Thoruk. Let's pray his judgment is as sound as his father's. We have to make sure he has the best options at his disposal and help him when he needs it."

  Putting his hand over Protuk's, Intellulka smiled. "We will — and Thoruk will be a great leader. I'm sure of it."

  Thoruk chatted with Mercivil at the top of the steps while the others went home. She grabbed his hand. "Come eat at my place tonight. Mom's been cooking, and it should be ready soon. There is lots of food."

  She tugged on his sleeve when he didn't answer. "Come on, I don't want you to worry about dinner. Besides, Mom always treats you like family anyway."

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Facing His Demons

  Monday ~ August 12, 2075 ~ 6:30 pm

  While Protuk walked home after Wolfuk's scouting report, a fist-sized knot mushroomed in his rigid belly. How did I overlook Zolokt's madness and let him introduce more muclones?

  The tortured ache worsened as memories of the murder of Odinuk's wife haunted his thoughts. Fortokt thrusting his sword in her heart — Odinuk's rage — Fortokt's severed head rolling across the mud, squirting blood in a spiraling whirl. I should have prevented her death.

  Bent over with sorrow and regret, he groaned. A twinge in his heart stung as he recalled Wolfuk's earlier words about the assassination of Odinuk. As if hammered from the inside, his head throbbed. My best friend — I couldn't even save him. Collapsing to his knees, Protuk's eyes flooded.

  He drew three extended breaths, and the grief eased a bit. After willing weakened legs to slowly lift his large frame, pressing matters gushed to mind. Skalags — focus on strategy.

  As he clomped up the steps to his log cabin and entered, a blast of heat smacked him in the face. He left the door ajar and trudged across the living room to open a window, hoping a slight breeze would clear the stuffiness.

  He shuffled through the icebox and grabbed a small plate of leftover roast, potatoes, and onions. A glass of fresh milk would help soothe the stomach. Looking about the dingy cabin, he took his tasty fare on the porch to settle his nerves before doing anything else.

  The chirp of a lone cricket pierced the night's silence when the floorboards creaked under Protuk's weight. As he sat down to enjoy the evening's fresh air, an enchanting serenade of a whip-poor-will calmed the tension; his breathing slowed. He leaned back in the pine chair and concentrated on the upcoming battle plans.

  As dusk faded into the dark a crescent moon glided above the horizon and a chorus of gray wolves distracted his thoughts. Echoing among the canyons, the distant howls jolted his soul, and he shuddered. The same eerie sound heard the night his closest friend was killed uprooted horrid memories of the dreadful eve — four years earlier.

  Autumn ~ 2071 ~ Evening

  Relaxed in the confines of Odinuk's home, Protuk reminisced with his trusted ruler as he often did. Since they planned to chat on the porch later and enjoy the crisp air, Protuk posted three sentries outside the cabin, two on each side and one in the rear.

  He pulled up a chair and sat across from Odinuk to eat the thick, juicy, venison steaks he grilled for dinner. Mmm, that smells great.

  He gripped his knife and vigorously cut into the slightly-charred meat. While the sizzling slab slid around the plate, savory juices seeped from the medium-rare morsel.

  As usual, he talked while he chewed, relishing the delicious meal. "Did you and Thoruk enjoy yourselves today?"

  During the recital of the fun-filled activities shared with his son, his excited friend's eyes twinkled. "Thoruk and I spent the afternoon under the large willow by the Lake of Dreams. It was wonderful! We kept an eye on our bobbers and jabbered more than I can ever remember. He ended up catching 14 bass while I only caught two.

  "It was a welcome reprieve from my usual tasks, you know. I even told him about our adventures, hunting Resourcelands and fishing the large lakes north of Old Winnipeg. Remember that time you got seasick?" Excitement swelled with each word.

  Not caring that he heard the same stories hundreds of times, Protuk delighted in seeing his best buddy's face brighten during any occasion. "That can't be all you talked about. You were there a good part of the day."

  "True. I spent hours sharing my thoughts about what it takes to be a strong ruler, respected by the villagers. I know he's going to be a great leader — better than I. Thoruk can...."

  As his long-winded compatriot rambled, Protuk's thoughts drifted to when the two of them were trained by the Ukeville's Master of Arms, Guarduk. Back then they were only teenagers and Odinuk, being taller than he initially, inevitably won each of their earlier training skirmishes.

  Protuk chuckled to himself. I loved the shock on his face the first time I thrashed him after my growth spurt. From that point he won few one-on-one sessions with me towering above him.

  Odinuk's voice disrupted his thought. "Why are you smiling?"

  "Oh, I've been daydreaming about Guarduk's training. Remember?"

  His pal straightened his shoulders. "Of course I do. I always beat you until you grew to be an ox. Then it wasn't fair anymore." Scooting his chair across the floorboards, he rose. "Let's go to the porch and enjoy the cool evening."

  Protuk wolfed the last forkful on his plate while his buddy left half of his food. Following his confidant's cue, he shadowed him to the door. When Protuk stepped out into the autumn breeze, an instant shiver shot through his body. He closed his mouth, inhaling a lungful of the night's fresh air. I love listening to bullfrogs and the howling wolves.

  With hands stretched skyward as he arched his back, Odinuk peered at the moon's mesmerizing glow. "Ahhh, that feels a lot better. Did you hear it? My spine really crackled. I'm getting too old to sit on the ground in one place all afternoon. But it's been far too long since I had as much...."

  Pfffft.

  Odinuk groaned, collapsing to the floor.

  Protuk grabbed his ruler's arm. "Sir, are you alright?"

  Trying to rise, the stricken leader stumbled across a chair. He tried again, but fell. "Aaah." He groped at his chest as blood trickled down his fingers. He clutched Protuk's leg.

  Protuk noticed the shaft of an arrow protruding from the center of his lifelong friend's chest and quickly dragged him into the cabin, slamming the door. "GUARDS!"

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Born to Lead

  Minutes Later: Autumn ~ 2071

  Nausea gnawed at the pit of his stomach as Protuk tried to console Ukkiville's gravely injur
ed ruler while he awaited the guards. Lord, please help Odinuk. Don't let him die.

  His confused confidant glanced up at him; his bulging eyes and distant stare reflected fear as he gasped for air. "Protuk. What is...?" With his shaky finger he pointed to the bloody, wooden shaft sticking out of his chest.

  "Shhh, you've been hit. It's a Skalag arrow. Lay still my friend."

  Trying to speak, Odinuk's frightened gaze faded when consciousness slipped away.

  Protuk snatched a scarf from the coat closet and pressed it against the wound. He squeezed his eyelids tight then peered directly at Wolfuk, one of the two lookouts who joined him. "Hurry, get Thoruk! He should be home."

  "Yes, sir." He bolted out the back.

  Protuk tilted his head in the direction of the other sentry. "You! Go now — get Doc!" He noticed another guard rushing through the rear entrance. "Here, hold this on the wound." He yanked the man's hand to the blood-soaked cloth. "Protect him with your life."

  Gulping a quick breath, he sprung to his feet, barred the front door, and shuttered the window. "I'm going after the archer and any other assassins. Listen for the doctor!"

  Protuk ran out the back door, then sprinted toward the front of the cabin. He peered beyond the edge of the porch. Blazes, where is that savage sack of scum? Could there be more than one? Protuk spotted movement by the trunk of an oak at the edge of the clearing. There he is — looks like he's by himself — probably hanging around to make sure Odinuk is dead.

  He swung a wide loop beyond the would-be assassin, slowly approaching from behind. A twig snapped beneath his boot, and as the Skalag turned, Protuk charged, hurdling through the air. The spindly man's eyes widened as he raised his bow. Too late. Before the warrior drew the string back, Protuk's rock-hard chest crashed into the surprised archer, knocking him to the ground in a heap.

  Sitting atop the assailant's torso, he pounded the helpless attacker's face with his massive fists and dislodged one of his teeth before restraining another punch. I can't kill him now; I've got to interrogate him!