by Heidi Skarie
“Was it one of Cadmus’ men?” Jake asked.
“I’ve never seen anyone working for Cadmus who looked like that,” Toemeka said.
“Describe him,” Michio pressed.
“He was dirty with tattered leather clothes, long black hair and a thick beard. One of the tallest men I’ve ever seen, maybe a head taller than you. He had an ugly, large nose with a ring through it, tattoos on his face, and a bandolier. He carried a huge knife and a rifle — not a blaster rifle, an old-fashioned one that shoots bullets. He looked as surprised to see me as I was to see him.”
“Was his skin blue?” Jake asked.
“Yeah,” Toemeka said. “Do you know of a race of blue-skinned people?”
“Sure do. He’s most likely a member of the Owayan Resistance!” Jake grinned. “Let’s head back. He must be a scout. He’ll take us to their camp.”
“The Resistance looks like that?!” Toemeka exclaimed.
“Yeah,” replied Jake. “They don’t have uniforms or modern weapons. They’re a band of warriors living in the wilderness, trying to protect their tribe from Samrat Condor’s troops by attacking enemies that enter their territory. They’re on the move constantly.”
“Will Toemeka be safe among them?” Michio asked. “You never mentioned they were such a wild lot.”
“They aren’t wild.” Jake’s voice was defensive. “They have their own customs and rules they live by. I’m sure Toemeka and Erling have heard of the Owayan people.”
Erling nodded and Jake continued, “They’re a primitive people and the women in their culture are — how should I put it — not exactly revered. Their race is dying out quickly with the takeover of Alandra, but they’d rather die fighting than change their lifestyle.”
“I’ve seen photos of their tribes, but never came face-to-face with one of their warriors,” Toemeka said. “Where are the women?”
Jake pointed toward the mountains. “The women, children and elders hide in a mountain valley.”
“How can they help us?” Michio sounded skeptical.
“I’m friends with their leader. Maybe one of their runners can get a message to the Resistance in Kossel, who can send a spacecraft to fly us out. The Owayan men have incredible endurance. They run all day without resting and can go for days with little food and sleep.”
“Let’s vote,” Michio said. “I’m against going to the Owayan camp. If we were all men, it’d be worth the risk, but I don’t feel right taking Toemeka there. I have an uneasy feeling about it.”
“I’m for going,” Jake said. “We need help. Our only supplies consist of what’s in Toemeka’s backpack. We need food, tents, sleeping bags, communicators and weapons. Not to mention, I’ve been wounded and need time to rest before moving on.”
Erling looked at Toemeka, then said, “I agree with Jake. I think Toemeka’s safer with the Owayan warriors than in a canoe or hiking in the woods with Rochambeau trying to track her. The Owayan people have different customs, but they’ve got just as many rules, traditions and standards of behavior as we do.”
A premonition of danger settled over Toemeka and she shook her head. “I don’t want to go. That warrior looked dangerous and I didn’t like the way he stared at me.”
“Then we’re at a stalemate,” said Erling.
“I’ll flip a coin,” Jake said. He reached into his pocket and smiled as he pulled out a coin.
“My lucky coin survived my river dunking. Heads, we go to the Owayan camp.” He tossed the coin into the air and they all looked up. Overhead a Talon spaceship flew into view. They all spotted it at the same time. “Head for shore!” Jake yelled.
22
Owayan Tribe
Michio and Erling paddled with strong, sure strokes, moving the canoe quickly toward the riverbank.
“Do you think that spaceship spotted us?” Toemeka asked.
“I’m sure they did, but they can’t land anywhere near here,” Michio said. “The foliage is too dense.”
When they got near shore, the current wasn’t as strong and they paddled upstream. Arriving at the place where they’d landed previously, they climbed out of the canoe and pulled it onto land. Then they headed into the woods in search of the warrior Toemeka had seen.
They’d gone only a short distance when Michio clasped Toemeka’s hand and said, “We’re not alone.” He scanned the woods around them.
“I don’t see them,” Erling said.
“You can’t see them, but they’re here,” Jake said.
They all stopped and Toemeka slid her free hand into her pocket, nervously closing it around the grip of her blaster. Leaves rustled as tall warriors with tattoos on their blue faces emerged from the woods and surrounded them. They wore leather clothing and necklaces made of small bones. Toemeka spotted the man with the ring through his nose.
That’s him, she said telepathically to Michio.
He followed her gaze. No wondered you were frightened.
Accustomed to calculating odds, Toemeka assessed the situation. Eight tall warriors surrounded them, all heavily armed with rifles and long knives. But a blaster was a superior weapon and she couldn’t think of any three men she’d rather have fighting at her side.
As if sensing the direction of her thoughts, Jake said, “Don’t display your weapons. We want them to know we’re friendly.” He switched from speaking Universal to Owayan, using a combination of gestures and words.
The nose-ring warrior answered Jake. After a short interchange, the warrior gestured at Toemeka. Jake shook his head and put his two thumbs together saying, “Bah-nay.”
Curious about the guttural sounds and elaborate hand signs of the Owayan language, Toemeka asked, “What did he say?”
“He said his name is Kumaroo. I told him who we are and that Commander Rochambeau is after us. He agreed to help us. They’ll take us to their camp so we can talk to their chief.”
“Why was Kumaroo pointing at me?”
“He’s fascinated by you. He’s never seen a white woman before.”
Toemeka sensed Jake wasn’t telling her everything.
Jake spoke with Kumaroo again, then said, “We’re to go with him.”
All the warriors faded back into the dense forest, except Kumaroo. He gestured for them to follow him and they headed out.
“Michio, can I speak with you a moment?” Jake asked after they’d gone a short distance. “Erling, guard Toemeka.”
Michio and Jake talked quietly for a few minutes while Erling and Toemeka kept going.
When Michio caught up with her, Toemeka asked, “What did Jake want?”
“He was just explaining some tribal customs.” Michio and Jake exchanged a brief glance and Toemeka got the distinct impression they were keeping something from her. She let it go. Michio would tell her when they were alone. Jake’s forehead was covered in sweat and he’d grown pale. Erling put an arm around him to help him keep going.
The sun was beginning to set, casting reddish-purple hues on the land. Once it disappeared over the horizon, it became dark and cold in the forest. They hadn’t gone far when they came to a small clearing where a group of axterdons were staked. The enormous, hairless creatures had horns, two short front legs with claws and stood on two hind legs.
“Thank the stars, axterdons,” Jake said, stumbling to a stop. “I can’t walk much further.”
“We’re going to ride them?” Toemeka asked incredulously. “I’ve never heard of anyone riding them. They’re too wild.”
Jake shrugged. “They’re not completely tame, but they’re strong. One animal can carry two riders.”
“I’m sure they can,” Michio said. “They must weigh a ton.”
Just then one axterdon roared, revealing a mouthful of teeth, and tried to bite one of the other beasts. “Will you look at the size of their teeth!” Toemeka exclaimed.
Jake shrugged. “Nothing to worry about; they’re vegetarians.”
Kumaroo pointed to two axterdons with packs and said someth
ing in Owayan. Two warriors unpacked them, redistributing gear among the other animals
Another warrior brought an axterdon over to Toemeka and Michio. It had no saddle or bridle, just a rope around its neck and another rope tied behind its front legs to use as stirrups. “You can ride in front of me,” Michio said. “I’ll help you up.”
Toemeka’s stomach knotted as Michio boosted her onto the back of the axterdon. She grabbed the rope as Michio started to mount. The axterdon broke away from him and reared up on its hind legs. The rope jerked out of Toemeka’s hand. She screamed as she flew into the air then slammed onto the ground, stunned. The axterdon charged at her with its horns lowered. Kumaroo grabbed rope around the axterdon’s head and pulled it away.
Michio reached her seconds later and knelt beside her, his face strained. “Are you hurt?”
“Monstrous beast!” Toemeka exclaimed. “I said they were too dangerous to ride.” Pain shot through her left hip as she sat up.
“I’m sorry; he got away from me.” Michio helped her stand.
“I’m not getting back on that thing.” Her stomach churned at the thought of getting near the axterdon. “Next time, it’ll gore me with its horns.” She tried to put weight on her left leg and winced in pain.
“You can’t walk all the way to camp,” Michio said.
“There’s a reason axterdons aren’t ridden. They’re ill-tempered and have been known to kill people.”
Michio looked uneasily at the axterdon. “I don’t blame you for being afraid to ride it, but these animals are broken and we’re fortunate to have them.”
“We have to go,” Jake said. “Mount up.” He and Erling were already on the other axterdon.
“Give us a minute,” Michio said. He looked at Toemeka. “I’ll mount first, then help you up after me.” Kumaroo held the axterdon steady as Michio climbed on. The axterdon tried to throw him off and Kumaroo slugged it on the nose, before leaping onto his own axterdon.
Michio held out his hand to Toemeka. “Come on, I’ve got him under control.”
Toemeka limped over. As soon as she reached the axterdon, it whipped out its thick tail and knocked her off her feet.
“Like hell you have it under control!”
Kumaroo rode over, grabbed the back of Toemeka’s sweater and lifted her off the ground.
“What are you doing?” she exclaimed, struggling to get away. He dumped her on her stomach over the side of his smelly axterdon. She scrambled into a sitting position and tried to dismount. Kumaroo put his arm around her waist and drew her firmly to his chest.
“I’m not riding with you!” Toemeka said, trying to pry his muscular blue arm off her. “I’ll ride with Michio.” She pointed to her husband.
Michio rode over to them. Jake said a few sharp words to Kumaroo, gesturing to Michio. Kumaroo’s eyes narrowed, but he let Michio swing Toemeka onto his axterdon. Perched in front of her husband, Toemeka sat tensely on the creature’s back as it started to lumber through the rapidly darkening woods. She expected to get thrown off at any moment.
“Try and relax.” Michio drew her closer. “I know you’re tired.”
“I don’t dare relax.” Despite her words she leaned back against him, exhaustion sweeping over her. “I’m sorry for taking off while you were sleeping. Thank you for coming after me.”
He kissed the top of her head. “I didn’t come all the way to Alandra to risk your recapture. Though I wish you hadn’t left without talking to me first.”
“You didn’t want to leave the group and I was afraid Najetta would die of pneumonia.”
“I know, sweetheart,” he said. “Promise me you won’t take off on your own again.”
She turned in his arms and kissed him. “I won’t.”
Toemeka snuggled into Michio’s arms, grateful for the warmth of his body. Gradually she relaxed, lulled to sleep by the axterdon’s uneven gait.
***
As the hours passed, Michio felt the strain of the last few days beginning to take its toll. Fatigue crept through him, but he didn’t dare relax while riding the unpredictable axterdon.
Much later, they finally reached camp. In the dark Michio couldn’t see much except for a few conical tents. He woke Toemeka. “We’re here, love.”
“Sorry I fell asleep.” She yawned and sat up straighter. He dismounted, then lifted her off the axterdon. The creature had become more docile during their hours of riding. Stiff and sore, Michio stretched, looking forward to a good night’s sleep.
A native led the axterdons away as Erling and Jake walked over. Kumaroo spoke to Jake, pointed to a tent, then left. Jake relayed what he said. “Some of Kumaroo’s men arrived before us and arranged for us to use this teepee.” Erling helped Jake over to the teepee Kumaroo had indicated.
When Toemeka started to hobble after them, Michio lifted her into his arms and carried her to the teepee. He knew her hip must hurt from her fall when the axterdon had thrown her.
The teepee was made of tanned-skins wrapped around branches. Four furs were spread on the ground encircling a blazing fire in the center. Jake and Erling took two of the furs and Michio set Toemeka down on a third one. He stripped off his still damp clothes and set them by the fire to dry. Toemeka did the same and they crawled between the furs. Michio’s head felt thick with fatigue. He was grateful to be in a camp of warriors who would keep guard so he could sleep through the night.
He felt himself drifting off when Erling said, “Michio, I’m worried about Jake. He’s running a fever.”
Michio lay there a few moments, trying to fight off his bone-deep weariness, before replying, “I’ll take a look at him.” He put his attention on the Sound Current humming softly in his inner ears. The cosmic energy filled his every pore until gradually he felt a warm glow flowing through him, renewing his life force. Restored, he pulled on clothes and went over to Jake.
“He’s sleeping. Try not to wake him,” Erling said. “His wound looks inflamed.”
Michio peeled back the fur and looked at the blaster wound. The fire gave off enough light for him to see it was red and swollen.
“And he could have a concussion,” Erling added. “His head slammed into a boulder when he was underwater.”
“He took quite a beating in the river and was shot, but there’s not much we can do for him without medical supplies.”
Right outside their teepee, a man started chanting in a low, melodious voice.
“I wonder what’s going on,” Michio said. “I’ll check; you stay with Jake and Toemeka.”
“Okay, but don’t be surprised if I’m asleep when you get back.”
When Michio stepped outside he saw a large fire had been lit and a white-haired man was dancing near their teepee. The leaping flames revealed he had a large flared nose, a bulging forehead, full lips and tattoos on his face that made it look like a bird mask. He wore only a loincloth and had tattoos all over his body. Michio felt power surrounding him and realized he was a medicine man.
Michio started to walk toward the medicine man, but two warriors grabbed him and pulled him back. “What’s he doing?” Michio asked.
One warrior put a finger to his lips, and then looked back at the medicine man. Michio understood they wanted him to be quiet.
As the medicine man danced around their teepee sprinkling a fine power, Michio felt the energy around their teepee being altered. At last the dance ended and the warriors quietly slipped into their teepees, leaving the medicine man and Michio alone.
The medicine man went to the fire, motioning for Michio to join him. Once seated, the medicine man drank from a mug, then handed it to Michio. He knew he was expected to drink; to do otherwise would cause offense. He breathed in the potent smell of the drink, before taking a sip and handing it back. Warmth traveled through his body and he realized it was a drug. Michio closed his eyes, focused within and neutralized its effect.
Telepathically the medicine man said, I see you don’t need the drink to communicate. You’re strong w
ith the wind, thunder, lightning and the river. You come seeking answers. I changed the energy around your teepee because the vibrations from the woman spoke loudly, drawing death to our camp. I made sure our camp stays hidden from the white conqueror. They won’t find it when they search the woods and they will not see it if they fly overhead. Owayan magic is strong.
The white conqueror is evil, the medicine man continued. His heart is black. The woman’s heart is filled with light. He wants her radiance and is drawn to her, but his nature is coarse. He wants to draw her down, rather than be uplifted by her.
You see clearly, Michio communicated telepathically, knowing the elder referred to Cadmus.
Your heart and the woman’s heart are one. Your Soul journey and the woman’s are one. Your life and the woman’s life are one.
The ways of our village are different, the holy man continued, his words flowing directly into Michio’s mind. Our men do not yet understand a woman’s important role in their spiritual growth. Women are not valued the way they should be. Our men will learn much from seeing your relationship with the woman. But change is gradual and my people resist change. Only those who are open to change will survive.
The medicine man got a distant look in his eyes, as if seeing the future. Only you and the woman can break the chain of evil surrounding your lives. The web that attempts to ensnare you is a strongly built, finely woven thread. There will be no peace until the web is destroyed. Look for the key. The answer is there before the question is even asked. Nothing is as it seems. Beware of illusions. The native fell silent.
Thank you for the warning. Another matter needs attention as well. One man in our group was wounded and needs help.
The medicine man didn’t reply at first and Michio knew he was looking inwardly for guidance. Finally he said, I live to serve my people. It served them to keep the white conquerors from our camp. Now I will treat the wounded man because the wind has told me he will help my people and others. He follows an important path in this life.
The medicine man stood and carried some firewood to the teepee. Michio followed, moving quietly so as not to awaken anyone. The medicine man placed a few pieces of wood on the dwindling fire. It flared up as he began chanting. Michio moved into a trancelike state as he watched smoke rise from the fire, disappearing out the hole at the top of the teepee.