With steely killer eyes, Zolokt glared at Scientokt, a scrawny stick of a young man with pale skin. Still enraged by his son's artificially-contrived tornado which killed several muclones and clan members a month earlier, he snarled. "Did you solve your problem yet?"
The discouraged scientist refused to look his father in the eye. "I've been working day and night, but the environmental controls are still far too crude and unpredictable."
"You're running out of time. Fix it! We will not delay the attack. You'll either be with us or you won't."
Adorned with menacing war paint that extended across her brow and down her arms, Angrokt motioned to the clearing's other side. "There they are."
With his only surviving offspring next to him, Zolokt pivoted and walked in the direction of the allied marauders. When he neared, he extended his hand to his cousin, the Scargile's chief. Gunkoft, a thick-built, rugged man with a jagged scar across his left cheek, grabbed Zolokt's arm just below the elbow, locking grips.
Zolokt tilted his head toward the young warriors in their mid-twenties beside him. "You've met my son and daughter before."
Gunkoft, wearing scraggly, shoulder-length hair and scruffy beard of his clan, nodded. He pointed to two of his men and spoke with a deep, booming voice. "These are my lieutenants." He smiled at another young, muscular man beside him. "This is my son, Spurnoft. All three have participated in my plans."
The Scargile leader faced Zolokt. "I heard you lost several men and muclones recently. Horrible timing."
"Yes, it was." Zolokt focused his perpetual scowl on Scientokt. "The problem will be fixed by the time we march."
Like many leaders filled with distrust, Gunkoft grunted. "It better be! I don't want any experiments killing my fighters on the battlefield. The risks are high enough. There are also rumors Ukkiville has found some of your creatures."
"That's right, but they were intentionally released to instill fear in our enemy ahead of time. Ukkiville's villagers have discovered seven or eight, but a couple remain, and there will be plenty for the battle. In five weeks, I should have more medium-sized muclones and will train a few large ones. When we attack, we'll have enough."
Zolokt's eyes shifted to the side. I hate defending myself to him. I can't fathom what the Scargiles see in my cousin. He's not fit to be a leader. And my son — he fails me every chance he gets!
Zolokt pointed at his two sentries. "Let's go over there and talk."
When they arrived at the grassy spot, everybody sat on the ground except Zolokt, who stood with his arms folded. "The reason we're here is to discuss our plans for the battle. It's time to escalate our advances on Ukkiville. Droughts these past four years have depleted our stockpiles."
He began flailing his arms in jerky bursts as he talked. "Raids in recent months were lean. Neighboring villages are having trouble harvesting good crops, and the tough conditions mean traders aren't paying much for slaves.
"Ukkiville is the best choice for stealing grains, other food, and needed supplies. They've had more rain, and their farming techniques are better than most."
Zolokt furrowed his brow. "It's no secret I hate Thoruk and his villagers. They're responsible for my brother's and nephew's deaths. Now that Odinuk is out of the way, his son is next. We will kill Thoruk and take his village."
Looking at Gunkoft, he continued. "As agreed before, the spoils will be split among our clans. Captors to be turned into slaves will be divided evenly. Weapons: two thirds to Scargiles, one third to Skalags. Two thirds of the food go to you, a third to us. My clan and I will occupy the village once we've eradicated everyone in Ukkiville."
He glanced at the Scargile commander, who nodded. Zolokt squatted, while maintaining eye contact with his counterpart. "What is your latest weapons count?"
Gunkoft turned to a lieutenant who spoke with a raspy voice. "We have 50 rifles, two catapults, and two cannons." The Scargile ruler surveyed the Skalags. "And you, what do you have?"
Zolokt rubbed his chin. "We use primitive weapons but no firearms. Our lack of firepower will be compensated for by muclones. When we march on Ukkiville, we'll have a dozen or more medium-sized creatures and four large mutant destroyers, big enough to damage the wall."
Speaking with a voice tinged in anger, he glowered at Scientokt. "My son will also control atmospheric conditions as part of the assault. He will fix his mistakes."
Clenching his fists, Scientokt reluctantly nodded.
Gunkoft stiffened his back. "I have a suggestion."
Zolokt cocked his head. "Go ahead."
"My scouts report a number of tall pines in firing range of the village. I'd like to place snipers in those trees to initiate the attack by taking out as many sentries atop the wall as possible. They would remain in position to fire at any movement or Ukkiville warriors who venture beyond their protection."
"Good idea. What else?"
"The wall is the biggest part of their defense. Not much exists outside their perimeter. It may be wise to send your large muclones ahead of our platoons. They could be used to penetrate the wall or drawbridge.
"We need an opening to gain access." He glared at Zolokt. "But whatever you do, keep those creatures away from my people! They are scared of those monsters. We cannot afford a panic, especially given the losses in people and muclones you've already incurred."
Zolokt glanced in Scientokt's direction, but his son stared at the ground and wouldn't raise his head. He will never be a leader; he can't even look at me. Angrokt will rule the clan — one day.
Gunkoft rose to his knees. "Let's talk timing. It's late summer, and in less than two months snow will fall. We must attack before then. We shouldn't wait any longer than that."
Scientokt finally mustered enough courage and blurted. "It can't be later anyway. My atmospheric effects will be less powerful as the temperatures cool. We've only got an eight-week window."
Getting to his feet, Zolokt looked around the group. "Then let's attack seven weeks from today. Agreed?"
Everybody nodded.
Wearing her long, black hair in a tight side-knot snug against her partly-shaved skull, Angrokt lifted her chin. "Father, I have something to add."
He motioned with his hand. "Come here beside me."
She got up and stood next to her father, pointing toward their encampment. "I propose we join our forces in the meadow south of our camp, four days before the strike. Once gathered, we should take Devil's Pass through the Eric the Red Mountains. It's not as direct, but the elevation is lower than Glacier Pass. The reptilian muclones will have trouble in the colder elevations along the higher trail."
Gunkoft shook his head. "Makes sense for our fighters, but not for the cannons and catapults. They're too heavy to lug over the pass."
She turned to him. "That's not a problem. There's a usable road around the base of Caribou Mount. It's curvy and much further to travel, but flatter and easier to maneuver. We also have cages, wagons, and chariots we'll need to send on that route. Your men and ours with heavy equipment could set out the day before the rest of us."
"Works for me."
A rustling noise in the trees pierced the air. The group went silent. Zolokt whirled to one of his warriors, Tropokt, and jerked his head.
The stout Skalag jumped to his feet and sprinted toward the disruption. He ran about 30 yards into the woods and spotted a man hiding behind a thicket. He drew his sword and slowly approached. The intruder raised his finger to his lips, motioning to be quiet. The warrior gawked, scrunching his face. Foxuk?
Gritting his teeth, he whispered. "What are you doing here? You trying to get us killed!" Tropokt grabbed a rock. "When I throw this, get out of here quietly. Go!" He threw the stone across fallen leaves 15 yards away, making more rustling noises. Taking a deep breath, Tropokt returned to the meeting.
Zolokt stood, awaiting his report. "What did you find?"
"Just a buck. It scattered after I spooked it." Tropokt pointed in the direction he flung the rock.
<
br /> Zolokt squatted again. "We shouldn't stay in the open much longer. Let's finish this discussion."
"Father." Angrokt straightened her shoulders. "I'm sure you're aware of the rumor — that Ukkiville has a secret weapon which can kill hundreds in seconds. Isn't that one of the reasons we haven't used firearms? The fear of escalating our fights to a point where they take advantage of their weapon?"
"Nonsense! Misguided rumors! I may have thought so at one time, but we've seen no evidence of such a thing during our raids. I don't want to hurt them. I want to destroy them! If we control that portion of the territory, we would have far better resources, and I could eliminate the Uke family for good."
After talking another 15 minutes, Zolokt surveyed those present. "Are we in agreement with the plan?"
Everyone nodded.
Zolokt bared his teeth. "The battle is on!"
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Preparing for Battle
Friday ~ August 16, 2075 ~ 6:40 am
Early the next morning after the bonfire, Thoruk tossed back and forth in frustration, pressing the pillow against his face. Swirling pressure mounted as a myriad of battle schemes wracked his skull. Blasted, I can't sleep! He flopped for the 50th time, or so it seemed. I'm glad I worked on strategies before this blazing headache.
Minutes seemed like hours. He stretched and snatched the clock from the night stand. You've got to be kidding, it's 6:47. He wound the knob on the back of the old timepiece, set it down, and rolled out of bed.
Worn out as if he'd run for 10 miles, Thoruk stumbled toward the kitchen while stepping into a pair of shorts. He lit the lamp on the oak table and then the wood-burning stove to percolate a large pot of coffee. While the dull pain inside his head persisted, he stepped outside and drew a deep breath.
Shutting his eyes, a bit of the ache floated away. Oh, I want to get some sleep — but I can't! They'll be here at eight. Have to hammer out the blasted plan.
Thoruk sat in the porch chair under the glow of a breaking dawn. As he slumped deeper into his seat, recollections of Intellulka's World Annihilation Period lessons drifted through his mind.
Thirteen Years Earlier: January ~ 2062
On a wintry day in the second week of classes, Intellulka had stopped to catch his breath during a long-winded lecture about the World Annihilation Period. Sitting between Mercivil and Stormulka, Thoruk waved his hand. "Why didn't the leaders of the Old Western world prevent the assaults?"
The surly gentleman lifted his finger. "Excellent question! In one word — complacency. They failed to recognize their true enemies and how dangerous they were. On top of that, the leaders lacked the will to fight their adversary at the level required to end the threat. It was far too late when they finally understood the hatred burning inside the terrorists' hearts."
The wise professor peered at Thoruk. "You, as Ukkiville's probable ruler of the future, will face similar dilemmas and very tough decisions."
Wielding his pointer, Intellulka tapped a handful of countries and states on his old map. "WAP illustrated that only a few countries and states with the strongest borders, security, and leadership would survive the destruction much better than the vast majority."
He paused and rubbed his chin. "The key to being a successful leader is to recognize and discern your real enemies from your trusted friends and supporters. Then you have to understand your adversaries — their motivations, weaknesses, strengths, and allies.
"Maintaining impenetrable borders and security to avert attacks from within is essential. When a breach occurs, immediately stop the offenders and repair the damage. Make sure your enemy understands and respects your resolve — that Ukkiville will vigorously defend itself in response to any aggression. If your rogue adversaries smell a whiff of weakness, they are prone to test and exploit it."
The crafty teacher motioned to three stacks on the counter. "You'll uncover more interesting details about the WAP in your homework. As part of your assignment, read How Texas Survived the World Annihilation Period, by John Drake.
"I want you to note the way Texas acknowledged border and security flaws and initiated action on their own, when their federal government wouldn't. Leaders of the state possessed the willingness to defend their territory and freedoms by fighting their recognized enemies — something you should never forget, or you could lose what you have."
Friday ~ August 16, 2075 ~ 7:30 am
Whistling steam from a distance interrupted Thoruk's flashback. The aroma of fresh brew tantalized his senses. Mmm, I need coffee, now!
He rose, stepped inside, and while passing through the living room glanced at his father's ornate cuckoo clock. They'll be here soon. He quickened his pace, grabbed his favorite mug, and poured himself a large, steamy cup. After a drawn-out sip, he closed his eyes. Ahhh.
Thoruk opened the stove door; only three orange embers remained. After adding another log, he washed his face, slipped into a tan deerskin shirt and pair of pants, then returned to the kitchen.
While moving the coffee pot and lighting a lamp in the dining room for the gathering, chatter erupted outside. He strolled to the porch to find his buddies approaching. Thoruk grinned. "Hey, it's been too long since the three of us have sparred."
He spotted the other guests nearing the gate. "You two take a seat in the dining room, but don't kill each other. We need you alive!"
After Intellulka, Protuk, and Wolfuk arrived, got their coffee, and took their seats, Thoruk began talking. "As you know, we're here to finalize plans for the upcoming battle. Please speak freely. I want to hear every one of your concerns and ideas. We need to be on the same page at the end of the meeting. Okay?"
Everybody nodded.
Thoruk looked at Intellulka and Protuk. "I haven't forgotten your lessons. We recognize the enemy: the Skalags, and now the Scargiles. They will be ruthless and likely outnumber us by more than three to one. Thanks to Wolfuk, we understand their strengths and weaknesses much better. Today, we're going to focus on our counterattack."
Pausing, he faced Protuk. "As we discussed before, we'll need help from the Texas Freedom Defenders. After we're done this morning, send your best rider on the fastest horse to their leader. Intellulka can give you details, including a map and a copy of the agreement.
"Request two fighter planes as previously negotiated. I want them here 10 days before we anticipate the battle, in case the enemy strikes early.
"Inform them that we have accommodations. Tell them to fly in from the southeast. We'll stake out flags on the abandoned airstrip for them to land south of our community park so they don't tip off the Skalags."
Wolfuk leaned forward. "Sir, may I suggest delaying the rider for a couple of days? Foxuk continues to scout the Skalag camp and is due back the day after tomorrow. My brother should provide a more definitive date and specifics of their advance."
"Good idea. That still leaves plenty of time. In your scouting report, you mentioned firearms. How powerful?"
"Not sure. My contact only heard about them — there's no information beyond that."
"Okay, we'll assume they'll bring handguns and rifles; and maybe something bigger to damage the wall." He faced Wolfuk. "I sure hope you're right and that your brother has better details."
"Sir, whatever the news, Foxuk and I should visit both enemy camps the week before the battle. Let's severely weaken their offense by destroying as many weapons and muclones as possible."
"Excellent!"
Thoruk turned to Protuk. "I know you've been thinking hard about alternatives and recommendations. What have you got?"
The thick-bodied man stood, towering over the team. "First and foremost, the wall must be completed." All eyes focused on Stormulka.
He shook his head. "Don't worry, we're almost done. It will be complete in five days or so, well before the battle. However, with the talk of muclones — size unknown — potentially powerful firearms, and rumors from other villages that the Scargiles used catapults in the past..."
> Thoruk waved his hand in a rolling motion. "Get to the end, man."
Stormulka's neck flushed. "Okay! We should reinforce the wall better. It's fine for primitive weapons, but it needs to withstand a tougher test."
Squinting, Thoruk sucked a deep breath. "How much more time?"
His buddy clenched his fist. "I'm confident the team can finish the rest and reinforce it within three to four weeks. We will strengthen the most vulnerable spots and work our way out to the corners. If they attack earlier than expected, at least a decent portion will be fortified."
"Makes sense, but you're cutting it close. Expedite it and let me know if you need extra help."
Stormulka shot out of his chair and blurted. "The wall's important, but it's a big mistake to wait. WE should attack THEM! They're the ones sending monsters to kill us!" His jugular bulged.
"Whoa, Storm, think about this for a moment." Shaking his head, Thoruk stared at his friend. "Going after both the Skalags and Scargiles would be very risky. They outnumber us significantly, and we'd be fighting in the open against firearms on their turf. I know it's hard to be patient knowing they're coming, but we need the wall between us and their more advanced weapons and muclones!"
He surveyed the team. "Does that make sense?"
Seeing the others nod, Stormulka slunk back to his seat and grumbled. "You're right. But I hate being cramped within these blazing walls with Zolokt and his monsters on the loose!"
Mercivil peered at Protuk and quickly switched to another topic. "A fair number of teenagers and healthier elderly can tend to the injured, put out fires, and distribute supplies to the warriors. I'll gather volunteers for the internal activities and organize getting buildings and dry areas doused with water prior to the battle. I'll also determine which of them are willing and qualified to fight."
The burly man bowed. "Thank you, that's a huge help." Protuk then shared his ideas of additional defenses outside the wall, cutting down trees in sniper's range, and timing the strikes by the jet.
The New World: A Step Backward Page 13