With the muclone facing the bears, Thoruk swung his ax high, then down with all his might. The blade gashed the creature's spine, crippling its hind legs.
As its heads and upper torso twisted in Thoruk's direction he hollered. "Now!"
Fox fired, and the sharp staff penetrated the monster's chest. Yelping, both canine jaws snapped without pause.
As the predator's body staggered, Caru lifted her sword and charged. She thrust the point through the throat of the hyena as the gray jaws of the other head reached for her arm.
She sprung backward, retrieving her blade and falling on her butt. Eyes wide, she scrambled as treacherous teeth gnashed within an inch of her nose.
The tenacious wolf opened its mouth wide, but Thoruk's battle-ax sliced its neck. Blood squirted across Caru's face.
Spiraling, bright red spray shot from the detached head while it bounced down the trail. The muclone collapsed in a heap.
Fox ran to Caru's side and helped his cousin to her feet. Rushing to Chili's side, Proto and Ice tended to her wounds.
Demonstrating a tough-girl attitude, Caru wiped the crimson matter from her cheeks, stepped over the carcass, and looked at Thoruk. "That was close."
He shook his head. "You're right. You shouldn't have charged so quickly."
"But I couldn't let it kill the pets or you!"
Thoruk chuckled inside. She sure has courage. I'll give her that.
His brow furrowed. "You might have been hurt, or worse! I couldn't live with that. Besides, your mother would kill me."
A wry smile broke across his daughter's face. "Probably, but she might spare you. She kinda of likes you."
Proto knelt down for a closer look at Chili's wounds. "These cuts are pretty nasty." He stroked her neck above the blood-stained shoulder.
Racing from around the bend with the riflemen, Tradulka hollered. "Are you okay? We heard roars and barking and ran as fast as we could."
Thoruk nodded. "We're fine, but we had a bit of a fight on our hands."
He looked at the children and saw young adults instead. "They were a big help."
Smiling with his companions, Teli blurted. "Look at the monster we killed. The lion-hyena-wolf thing didn't have a chance!" He stuck out his chest.
Caru shook her head and smirked. "You sure showed it who's boss, brother."
As they bent over to inspect the remains, Thoruk looked at Tradulka. "How about that bird? Did you get it?"
"Bartuk shot it, but it was too heavy to lug when we rushed to check on you. He and I will fetch it in a few minutes. Head back with the kids. We'll catch up. By the way, you were right. It had a very long neck, like the strangest snake I've ever come across."
Caru grinned at Thoruk. "See, just like I said."
With a half-smile, he turned toward the others. "Let's gather the horses and load Teli's trophy on Inferno. Queasy will love this one."
The Next Day ~ 8:30 am
The morning after the adventure with the two-headed cave dweller, Tradulka watched Ukkiville's leader and his team ride off toward Porcupine Forest. While he had doubts at first, he'd grown to appreciate Thoruk's ways: a ruler every bit as good as his father before him — maybe better.
Tradulka breathed a sigh of relief knowing Cutter, Ukkiville's finest rifleman, decided to join them to help protect the children. As if that wasn't enough, the other warrior left his rifle with Bartuk and volunteered to go with Teli to take both muclones to Queasy for inspection. The day couldn't begin any better.
Rolling up his blue blanket, Tradulka stuffed it in the saddle pack. Just me and my buddy hunting monsters — perfect!
After convincing Bartuk to spend the extra day scouring the trees and meadows near the base of Erik the Red Mountains, he hopped on Lightning and led the way. While the steeds plodded down the rocky path, Tradulka recognized his friend's tawny, cowhide vest.
Most people hated the smell while burning engravings into leather, but not him. He enjoyed every whiff when inscribing the intricate scenes of native animals and landscapes across the lower edges of his friend's vest. He drew a deep breath.
Forming leather to his liking had become Tradulka's favorite pastime. Besides, it soothed the boredom of living alone in his cabin during the long winters.
He nudged his stallion and pulled next to Bartuk. "How's that vest holding up?"
"I love it, particularly at these elevations."
"That's good. I've started making boots and belts with similar scenes. It keeps me out of trouble."
The fellow archer chuckled. "When's the last time you got anywhere near trouble?"
"Oh, what do you know?"
"Just about everything. We've been buddies since you were potty trained."
"Unfortunately."
Bartuk chuckled and scratched his curly, reddish-blond beard. "By the way, I met a trader from another village last week. He was looking for a good pair of boots. I'll send him your way next time I see him."
Turning toward Tradulka, he patted his own chest. "Remember when you gave me this vest?"
"How could I forget? You nearly wore me out with constant reminders of your thirtieth birthday a few years back."
"Well, thanks again. I'm glad I had it on a chilly morning like this."
"Yeah, kinda wish I'd brought mine."
"It'll warm up quick enough. Hang in there."
Up ahead, the trail curved away from the tree-line and into a meadow. The tender, green and purple stalks of prairie grass bowed under the weight of the heavy dew.
Keeping a watchful eye on the aspens along the mountains, Tradulka scanned the field mixed with rare patches of flowering clover and alfalfa. The sweet fragrance wafted his way in the slight breeze.
Movement from behind a tree trunk caught his eye. Tradulka tugged the reins and whispered.
"See that?" He tilted his head toward the grove.
Bartuk nodded. "Something's been stalking us for few minutes."
Tradulka pointed at a shallow drop-off and motioned in a circular pattern with his hand. Without a word, his partner quietly led his horse down the slope.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Avian Slasher
At the Base of the Mountains
Wednesday ~ August 5, 2093 ~ 10:15 am
Seconds later while his buddy looped to the rear and out of sight, Tradulka flipped the reins and whispered. "Come on Lightning. Keep it slow and easy."
He stroked his steed's golden neck. As the hooves clopped along the rocky trail, he occasionally peeked at the stalker from the corner of his eye.
The intruder's pace matched his, but it became harder to see as Tradulka guided his horse wider. Come on! Get out from behind those trees. Show us what you are.
Tradulka glanced to the rear of the mysterious beast. Good, there's Bartuk.
He patted Lightning's neck. "Get ready, boy."
Leaning forward, Tradulka kicked his heels. "Yahhh!"
The stallion bolted forward. Yells from his friend echoed across the distant bluffs.
As Tradulka's steed barreled ahead, he turned his head to watch the chase. That's the way! Here it comes!
Still a way off, the creature broke from the grove in his direction. Not wanting to spook it, he pulled the reins. Lightning halted in his tracks.
Let it come to us, boy.
Bartuk continually waved his arms and hollered. Trying to make heads or tails of the stalker, Tradulka squinted.
"What do you think, Lightning? Ain't that the strangest thing you've ever seen?"
Long, fluffy, brown feathers covered a plump, round body, weighing every bit of 400 pounds, maybe more. The beast waddled as it raced at a surprising clip, almost as fast as the horse giving chase. Tradulka rubbed his eyes in disbelief.
Blazes, what is that? Maybe a bird? But how, with its size — running at that speed?
The closer it charged the weirder it looked. What kind of legs are those?
Frozen by the rare spectacle of an enormous avian frame carried alon
g at blistering speed by two naked, stilted legs resembling huge turkey drumsticks, Tradulka swallowed hard. With each stride, puffs of dust rose from three bizarre, club-like toes extending from each leg.
Lightning danced in place, growing more anxious with each step of the creature's unfettered approach. As it continued to charge, an erect plume of feathers, two-feet high atop its rear, wagged in a flamboyant exhibition of a tail.
Drawn to the sight of the monster's unusual head, certainly not of any bird he'd ever seen, Tradulka's gut churned. The muclone's crown was capped by a bright red crest, similar to a cardinal's but as long as Tradulka's arm and three inches high.
The scarlet flare stood in contrast to a broad, black stripe on each side of its colorful cranium, supported by a thick, but lengthy neck. The peculiar being's extended, round snout chomped incessantly as if snatching insects from midair along its path.
Turning his attention to its jaws, lined with several incisors, Tradulka's heart pounded harder. He dared not envision what those snappers might do to any body part that might venture too close.
With razor-sharp teeth slanted to the rear, whatever entered those ferocious jaws would be funneled in only one direction — straight down its throat. Tradulka didn't want any part of that. He unsheathed his sword and held the reins firm.
The closer the creature neared, the wider its massive wings spread. Three curved, pointed claws protruded from both feathered forelimbs. Within spitting distance, the monster screeched and flapped its wings.
Spooked, Lightning reared high, dumping Tradulka to the ground. Bright, yellow, beady eyes glared at him as he retrieved his sword and scrambled to his feet.
The beast rushed him, then jumped skyward, sweeping one of its leathery, gray legs. A large black toe-nail swiped his shirt, slicing it with ease.
Shocked, Tradulka grabbed his gut. Two inches closer and his innards would have spilled to the ground.
He gritted his teeth and stepped to the left, then to the right. The muclone countered each move.
It jumped high again, thrusting its other leg forward. Tradulka darted to the side, barely avoiding its treacherous claws, but he tripped over a rock.
On his butt, he crawled backward with his elbows and heels as the dreadful being loomed over him. His chest burned.
Lifting its head, the creature opened its jaws and lurched forward. Adrenalin gushed through Tradulka's veins as a shot rang through the air.
The monster squawked and staggered, falling across his body. Bearing its full weight, Tradulka could barely suck air.
He pushed and pulled as the sounds of galloping hooves neared. Choking and gasping, he looked up.
Bartuk stood over him and smiled. "Looks like you're in quite the pickle."
Tradulka scowled. "How about a hand?"
His buddy grinned. "Oh, so you need help? I thought you were always Mr. Tough Guy. Mmm, maybe I should go get Queasy first to inspect the beast?"
"Grrr!" Tradulka squirmed and struggled with all his might.
"Get me out of here — now!"
Near Dusk
After hiking most of the day and nearing the edge of Porcupine Forest, Caru watched the glow of the orange sun descend further below the horizon. An eerie chill sent shivers through her body as the last remnants of the massive orb disappeared.
She smiled, recalling the splash of the ferocious cave dweller's warm blood across her face, but the euphoria of yesterday's kill quickly evaporated. She lifted her gaze to the fading pink sky.
Kinked, skeletal limbs of a dead oak looked familiar — like the devil's wretched fingers in her nightmares, grasping at her as she fled the soul snatcher's chase. Tiny goosebumps exploded over her arms.
She placed a palm against her clammy neck. The jugular thumped beneath her touch. Spitting on the ground, she kept pace with her father, Mercy, Proto, and a rifleman named Cutter.
Though proud of her instinctive courage in the face of dangers during daylight, Caru loathed the fear that controlled her thoughts after dark. Especially leery of traipsing through the forest at night, her eyes shifted from one side of the trail to the other.
Sticking close to the two bears, she clutched the thick fur of Chili's neck for comfort. Why must I be such a sissy?
Her head snapped to the left. Did something move? Her heart skipped a beat.
Is it Zo? Several yards away, intricate markings surrounded what looked to be black pupils.
She squinted then shook her head. It's not him — just the bark of a stupid elm tree.
Thoruk dropped back. "You okay? You seem edgy."
"You know how I get at night."
He gently squeezed her shoulder. "It's just your powers playing tricks. Stimulating our brains as we do, hypes the imagination. You're okay." He patted her head and increased his stride.
Gurgling an affectionate purr, Chili looked at Caru, who frowned. "Yeah, easy for him to say. I don't feel 'okay.'"
As the words escaped her lips, unusual howls shattered the evening's still air. A sizable lump swelled in her throat. "Brutish, what was that? That's no mind trick!"
Her father shrugged. "Not sure."
Mercy spoke out. "Doesn't sound anything like wolves."
Thoruk pivoted toward the others. "Keep a keen watch!"
Continuing deeper into a thick grove of hardwoods, Chili lifted her snout and sniffed the air. Her nape bristled in Caru's hand.
She stroked her protector's cream-colored fur. "What's got you troubled?" Ice glanced at her sibling and offered a supportive growl.
Without speaking a word, Proto stared into the bears' enlarged, black pupils. Both quieted as they strolled into a clearing.
Caru looked at her father who intently scanned the area. A greater unease nagged at her gut. Father must sense it too.
Legs worn after the long day's search for muclones, she tugged Thoruk's arm. "I'm kinda tired. Can we crash here tonight?"
He hesitated, then nodded. "Well, alright."
Thoruk turned toward the others. "Let's call it a day and set up camp."
Mercy froze in place. "You sure?"
He set his pack down. "We're out here to find muclones, and this might draw them out."
With her mouth agape, Caru's peered into the darkness and gulped. We're going to be bait? What was I thinking?
Thoruk raised his battle-ax. "Keep your weapons near you."
Proto dropped his gear and gripped the handle of the blade hanging from his belt. "Mine's not leaving my side."
After plopping his stuff on the ground, Cutter switched his rifle to the other shoulder. "I'll get some wood for the fire." He disappeared into the shadows.
Thoruk yelled. "Be careful."
"You can count on it."
Caru helped Proto gather rocks and placed them in a large circle.
Several minutes later, Cutter returned and dropped the dry branches and twigs in the middle of the prepared site. After stacking the timber and lighting a flame, his deep voice resonated throughout the damp air. "Alright, that ought to keep those howlers at bay."
Caru smiled as she and the others continued to ready their sleeping quarters. While she helped her father pitch a tent, guttural growls rose from both furry twins resting a few yards away.
Her heart quickened. "What's got into you girls?"
Proto strolled over and petted the animals. "You hear something out there?" The bears stared at the canopy of trees at the edge of the clearing.
Driving a stake to tighten the last line, Thoruk's arm stopped mid-swing. "Shhh!"
His brow furrowed. "Something's not right!"
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Tree Ghosts
Porcupine Forest
Wednesday ~ August 5, 2093
Moments later, only a trace of dusk's light remained as a pair of whippoorwills traded whistles from the oaks nearby. Caru held her breath and squinted.
Just as she detected one of the two carolers, a tiny flash of pink shot from the trees' shadows. A terri
fying squawk broke the song, and the winged creature disappeared.
She gasped as feathers fluttered to the ground. Leaves rustled in the higher branches.
Lips curled, the bears sprung to their feet. Their throaty snarls sent a frosty chill down Caru's spine. She buttoned her black leather vest.
Slowly removing one of two battle-axes from his belt, Thoruk held it to his side. "Keep alert! Something's out there!" He grabbed a torch with his free hand.
Another squawk halted the other bird's whistle, and more feathers flew in all directions. Caru surveyed the limbs near the noise and again spotted a sliver of pink. A split-second later, it vanished.
She pointed. "Father! Up in the trees!"
Both bears roared and bolted toward an oak. Jaws snapping and huge paws clawing the rough bark, they tried to climb the immense trunk.
Thoruk spun toward Cutter. "Get the rifle! Everybody grab your weapons!"
Unsheathing her sword and holding it high, Caru's chest tightened. What is it? Muclones? Skalags?
A twig snapped, and a flicker caught her attention. Brutish! It's too dark — can't see a thing! She fixated on the spot.
A wavy, almost-transparent trace of movement rippled through the leaves above. "There, in that pine!"
Her father's focus shot upward. "Where? I don't see it!" Raising the torch high with a firm grip on his ax, he inched ahead.
Caru raced to Thoruk and whispered. "I can't make out what it is, but it's moving!" Thrilled to let her father take the lead unlike the day before, she stayed a half-step back.
Thoruk extended his arm. "Take the torch and stay to my rear!" He guarded her with his body and slowly stepped forward.
The surrounding forest erupted in screeches. With Proto, Mercy, and the others barely noticeable in the periphery, Caru panned the thick canopies.
More tiny flashes of pink flicked from all levels. As the branches bounced up and down, hundreds of leaves drifted to the earth.
Thoruk shouted. "Who are you? Show yourself!"
Suddenly, as if on cue, the dance of the campfire's flame lit more than a dozen faceless eyes dotting the trees.
Convinced the frightful glares were of devils from hell to snatch her sinful soul, Caru's heart lunged as if trying to escape. Lord help me! I'll never lie again!
The New World: Blue Moon Generatoin Page 12
