He handed him something that looked like an odd-shaped rifle with a black armrest. The stubby barrel could pass more as a protruding lens with a large diameter, like in pictures of cameras Storm had seen. On top sat a miniature display, facing the shooter.
"What's this?"
"It's a small version of a hollower, like the one I talked about at Mercy's cabin. Follow me."
After several minutes, Speedy stopped and whispered. "It's straight ahead, no more than 30 yards. We'll kill it from here."
Storm flipped up his visor to take a look without the equipment. He squinted. From behind a leafy bush, two luminescent, green eyes with scarlet pupils glared at him. Soft growls rumbled from its location.
Remembering similar demonic eyes from within a cave almost 20 years ago, he gulped. The old scar from a gash he received across his shoulder that day still irritated his skin during the heat of summer.
The constant reminder sent chills up his spine. This beast is much bigger. What have I gotten myself into?
His heart pounded as if ready to explode. Something touched his arm, and he practically jumped out of his skin.
He stared at Speedy who clutched his elbow and whispered. "Aim your weapon at the muclone. You'll see a red dot near the cat. Direct it right between the eyes."
Storm raised the hollower as his partner tapped the small screen and talked into his ear. "It's set for a four-inch hole. Slowly pull the trigger once to lock the mark. Pull it again to fire. Even if the target moves, it will still hit your mark."
Storm held his breath — tugged once — then again. A dazzling beam extended from the hollower to the middle of the creature's eyes. The green flash blinded Storm for a few seconds as the leaves near the intended target burst into flames, then fizzled out. Nothing stirred in the vicinity.
Speedy grabbed something from the top of his helmet. "Here, use my tactical tool. We call it a 'tact.'"
He pushed a button on a long tubular apparatus, and a brilliant, broad beam lit up the entire landscape for more than 50 yards. "Come on! Let's take a look."
The Gunnery Sergeant ran toward the spot of the downed mutant as Storm warily followed. He'd seen far too many animals spring to their feet and attack hunters who thought their prey was dead. "You sure we should approach so quickly?"
"Oh yeah. Don't worry."
As Storm neared, the seared flesh around the skull of the motionless carcass smoldered. He handed the tact to his fellow hunter and nudged the beast with his foot — no movement.
Storm knelt next to the body and lifted its head. "Shine the light over here!"
When the beam settled on the forehead of the corpse, his mouth fell open. He stared through a cauterized, four-inch hole that extended from between the eyes through the entire length of its body, near the tail.
He mumbled. "Unbelievable."
Speedy patted his back. "Now y'all know why we call it a hollower."
Storm's focus shifted to the jaws. "Shivers! Look at those fangs! They're over a foot long!"
He kept shaking his head. "It ain't no cougar — that's for sure! Its body is almost twice the size of any mountain lion!"
Lowering the light, Speedy opened the eyelids. The eyes still reflected a menacing glow of green and red. "This is creepy. I may be crazy, but this muclone looks like pictures I've seen of prehistoric animals. I'd swear it's a sabre-toothed tiger. How is that possible, especially with those weird eyes?"
Storm grinned. "Oh, believe me. This is just one of many of Angrokt's heinous concoctions. It can be worse. Less than a week ago, I killed a woolly mammoth that had an anaconda for a trunk. Trust me when I say an enormous sucker like that, breathing down your neck, is way scarier!"
He looked at Speedy. "We need to take this mutant back to Queasy, our scientist. It won't be fun lifting this thing into Terminator."
The Texan smiled. "It'll be a snap with my slicer."
He pointed his tact at the cat's neck and pushed a button. A very fine, green beam immediately cut all the way through to the other side, cauterizing the wound as it easily tore through flesh and bones.
Within five seconds, the head rolled across the ground. Storm stood with his mouth agape.
"I've gotta have one of those. They're amazing!"
"There's one on top of your helmet. It's yours."
"Seriously?"
"I would never deprive a man of his toy. Take it. You can help me cut this thing up. Just be careful. That laser beam can cut straight through any part of your body or mine in a split second."
"Thank you so much. You're the best!" In less than two minutes, Storm and his new-found friend partitioned the body into five manageable cross-sections.
Speedy switched off his slicer. "That'll do it. Now let's dump these down the rear hatch."
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Warning in the Night
Thursday ~ August 20, 2093 ~ 9:30 pm
After firing 300 reapers with her new bow before dusk, Caru looked at the ceiling from her bed. Proto and Fox — they must love me even more than I thought. Blue Reaper's the greatest gift ever.
She glanced toward her new weapon leaning against the wall — still as beautiful as ever in the flickering light of her bedside candle. I love being around Fox; he's so much fun — and such a goof. She smiled.
As she closed her eyes for a few seconds, Proto's muscular chest and arms drifted into focus. He does have quite the body. If only they weren't my cousins.
A soft tap crashed her thoughts. What's that?
She looked in the direction of the sound. Chili's throat rumbled from the corner of the room.
Four more light raps. Hopping up from the mattress, Caru ran to the window and threw the curtains open. Her pet's growl grew louder as Chili rose.
A big grin beamed from outside. Caru recognized the shadow markings on the forehead. Zo?
She turned toward the bear. "Shhh, quiet." Chili plopped on the oak planks.
Quietly opening the window, she whispered. "What are you doing here? How do you know where I live?"
"You're not hard to find." He pointed at the big furry lump.
"There's only two of those things anywhere near here. Tracking anything you can see a mile away is easy, but that's not why I'm here. I came to warn you!"
"About what?"
Zo's words shot out of his mouth without pause. "I've been on sentry duty with Pa, and we spotted your visitors. He sent a messenger to Ma. Nothing will be safe when she finds out about the steel wagons! She'll want to speed up the attack, for sure! It could come anytime now!"
Caru put her finger to her mouth. "Whoa! Slow down. What attack?"
"My ma and Scientokt plan to hit Ukkiville very soon! You're in big danger outside its protective barrier! Move inside those walls as fast as you can!"
"Why? What do you mean?"
"Ma's about to release hundreds of denamods! Some are..."
Pausing, he shook his head. "I've already told you too much. Can't say any more."
Zo's intense eyes peered at her. "Protect yourself and don't let that thing leave your side!" He pointed at Chili.
Caru raised her brow. "But..."
"Gotta run!" He whirled and disappeared into the dark.
Stunned, Caru stood frozen for a moment. I can't believe it! Why would he warn me?
She turned and hesitated as she glanced at the door. I've got to tell father — now!
Half an Hour Later
Out of breath after quickly gathering the neighbors who lived outside the village, Thoruk rested his hands on Mercy's large dining room table. He looked at each of his friends. "I'm sorry to disturb you at this hour, but I've learned of something you must hear."
Along the kitchen counter, Mercy, Drew, and Storm stood next to their older children and Thoruk's family. Wolfuk listened from the back door while his new housemates, Tropokt and Hound Dog, stood nearby.
The Texas Freedom Defenders parked Terminator and Slayer on both sides of the cabin to monitor any movem
ent in the area. Chili, Ice, and Ghost cuddled across the front door.
Thoruk looked at Caru. "Come here by me."
When his daughter joined him, he put his arm around her. "Go ahead. Tell them what you heard."
Standing tall, she cleared her throat. "Zo came to my window a little while ago."
Tropokt stiffened and blurted. "Angrokt's son?"
She nodded. "Yes. He came to warn me."
Furrowing his brow, Tropokt opened the back door, but Thoruk looked at him and shook his head. The Skalag refugee eased back and turned the lock.
Caru continued. "I don't know why, but Zo told me what's about to happen. They've seen the Defenders, and they've sent word to his mother as we talk."
A soft buzz among the attendees broke out as she shared what she learned earlier that evening. After a few minutes, Storm interrupted.
"I don't know about the rest of you, but I've heard enough. We should pack and get our children to safety now!"
Thoruk raised his arms. "Wait. Just a few more minutes before we do exactly as you say."
He stared at Wolfuk. "When we're done here, talk with the Defenders. After we've packed and are ready to head to Ukkiville, have them escort us there. Once we're inside the wall, you and Tropy go with Speedy and Ambush. Take Terminator and knock out whatever you can find of Angrokt's operations."
Hound Dog pounded his chest. "What about me?"
Storm shook his head. "There won't be enough room. Four's all Terminator can hold."
Thoruk looked at Drew. "While those guys are on their mission, can you and Mercy round up volunteers from neighboring villages who've offered to help after the last battle? They're already aware of Angrokt's wrath. We can surely use additional fighters and firepower."
Drew glanced at Mercy, who nodded. "No problem, we'll get help as soon as we can."
Thoruk turned toward Storm. "Didn't you tell me one of the villages had a bunch of rifles?"
"Yeah, Valley's Hope." He looked at Mercy.
"Talk to their leader. I don't remember her name, but she said they'd come anytime we needed."
Thoruk scanned the room. "Alright everybody, we have very little time. Pack up your essentials and meet here in front of Mercy's place in 45 minutes. Let's go!"
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Battle Stations
Thursday ~ August 27, 2093 ~ 7:30 am
Reaching the eastern edge of Erik the Red Mountains, Angrokt located Ukkiville in the distance. A flaming arrow swooshed high in the sky toward the village from a cliff further along the ridge. Good, Thoruk knows we're coming for him.
She scowled as she looked ahead at the protective wall. Those Ukes only think they destroyed my labs and denamods. Won't they be surprised?
Hooves of horses and the boots of her warriors pounded Devil's Pass. She turned to observe the regiments behind her.
Turbulent winds near the rocky range lifted the billowing clouds of dust higher. The vast army marched along the main road leading to Ukkiville, home of her nemesis. Vengeance will finally be mine today.
She looked down toward the earth's core where her god ruled. I will make Father proud.
Smiling, she turned toward Zo, who stood next to her in the chariot. "Dear, this is where we must part."
Angrokt peered into his eyes. "You are the Skalag's future. If something were to happen to me..."
He put his finger to her lips. "Nothing is going to hurt you, but I should stay by your side! I'm not afraid! This is the day of the Skalags!"
Closing her eyes, she shook her head. "We can't take chances."
Angrokt pointed to the location from which the warning signal flew. "When their archer returns for the battle, take the high ground and use this."
She handed him a spyglass. "You'll be able to watch our victory from up there. I'll come get you when we've finished off the Ukes."
Biting his lip, Zo stared at her for a second, then hopped to the ground.
After looking at her boy one last time, Angrokt scanned Ukkiville's perimeter and mumbled. "Where are those metal-plated wagons?"
She furrowed her brow. "It doesn't matter. I just wish I could see Thoruk's face when my gifts are unleashed."
Behind the Walls of Ukkiville
Responding to the persistent clanging of church bells, Ukkiville's warriors and helpers scrambled to their battle stations. Perched on the walkway along the top of the western wall, Caru stood on her tip-toes. She squinted through a spyglass toward the mountains.
Her heart quickened to the roar of the approaching Skalags. "I can't see a thing yet — too much dust."
Standing next to her, Thoruk reached out. "Let me take a look."
He extended the telescopes shell to its full length and peered into the lens. "You're right; nothing's visible yet. It won't be long now."
As Thoruk observed the field, Caru looked at her father. He wore the thick, wide, moose-hide torso protector and arm guards he used only during battles.
A raised, jagged line across his right bicep marked the reward of one of his previous Skalag skirmishes. The nasty, crimson scar reminded her how lucky she'd been up to that point.
Her father returned the spyglass to her and picked up a blue flag leaning against the pine log wall. After waving it to his left, then his right, and receiving confirmation from squad leaders, he looked toward the drawbridge.
Salty and Speedy nodded in acknowledgment as they stood near Slayer and Terminator. The Texans disappeared down the hatches, and the armored vehicles rolled across the oaken planks over Dream Creek.
Stretching higher, Caru peered over the top of the pine log barrier. "There they are."
Within a couple of minutes, the Defenders positioned the motorized wagons at each corner of the western wall.
She lifted the spyglass for a glimpse of the approaching enemy. "There she is! That's got to be Angrokt! Isn't that the red chariot you mentioned in your stories? Whoa, what are those things pulling it?"
Caru looked away for a brief moment. Where's Zo?
Thoruk gently pried the telescope from her grasp. "Let me take a look."
He wiped the lens on the fur lining of his torso protector and held it to his eye. "Yep, that's her in Zolokt's old chariot. Those muclones pulling her are similar to what her father used — horse bodies with some kind of wildcat head. Sure looks like the sabre-tooths Storm described."
Caru watched the massive clouds of dust spread wider and higher. "How many Skalags and muclones do you think Angrokt has?"
"Hard to tell. I'm just glad Terminator took out some of the muclones and labs last week. Speedy thought they killed more than a hundred muclones in the biggest lab they found."
Caru cocked her head. "Looks like they didn't kill near enough."
Thoruk turned toward her. "Hey, have you seen Teli?"
"Last I saw, he was helping Doc and Aluki move medical supplies closer to the wall. I'm sure he's with Mother by now."
Her father nudged her with the spyglass. "Here, take one last look. It's time for you kids to get to the schoolhouse."
Caru scanned the battlefield as different regiments split off in opposite directions from the road. Distorted blobs morphed into distinct shapes of the dreaded fighters and monsters.
Like in the tales told of the big battle, the Skalags sported shadow markings across their brow. Most of them wore frightful animal head dressings of antlers, wildcats, and grizzlies.
Roars, squawks, and screeches pierced the air as several enormous wagons with large cages rolled into position. The prisons enclosed several varieties of strange creatures, some small, others huge.
Even though Zo warned her, the sheer numbers of beasts and their heart-stopping shrieks choked her resolve. Struggling to remain brave, Caru shuddered as an eerie chill shot down her spine.
Something tapped her shoulder. Startled, she jumped and looked at Thoruk.
He whispered in her ear. "It's time."
With a sigh, she turned his way and hugged him tig
ht.
Her father held her close. "Help Charilulka and Blessivil with the elders and the young ones in the library and make sure Teli's there. Stay safe!"
Thoruk gently let go and peered into her eyes. "Remember, you and your friends don't leave the schoolhouse unless the Skalags breach the wall. Only then, should you come to help. Understood?"
She frowned. "Yes, Father. I just wish..."
"No, I need to know you're safe."
She drew a deep breath and released it. "I know." Caru kissed him on the cheek, and as her father taught her, she slid down the outer edges of the ladder.
After hitting the ground, she grabbed Blue Reaper and her quiver from a nearby oak. She noticed Fox and Proto running toward the school. "Wait for me!"
Seconds Later
Thoruk watched his daughter and her friends as they ran toward the schoolhouse. Sporting tightly braided hair snug to her scalp, Caru wore her favorite wolf-fur leggings and black, leather vest on the cool morning.
Bow in hand and quiver across her back, she disappeared through the doorway. He was saddened to see his daughter go but dared not dwell on whether he'd see her again.
Thoruk turned to study Ukkiville's grounds within the walls. Mercy, Drew, and Tropokt readied themselves in the event of a breached wall.
Queasy stood not far off. With his arms flailing, he talked with a stranger — likely a helper from a neighboring village.
What's that stupid thing on Brainy's head? Thoruk whistled, then motioned in his direction. "Queasy, up here!"
After climbing the ladder to the platform, the scientist panted heavily and gasped. "Did you have to wait till you were at the top of the wall to request my services?"
"You sound a little winded, my friend." Thoruk smiled.
Queasy smirked. "Yeah, it's all your fault. I haven't had time for my exercises."
Thoruk tapped the domed, metal covering over his quirky friend's noggin. "What's this thing?"
"It's an old World War II helmet Intellulka gave me. I thought it might provide a little protection."
Rolling his eyes, Thoruk motioned to the far corner of the west wall. "You watched the Defenders set up the perimeter protection, right?"
The New World: Blue Moon Generatoin Page 19
