“The world conspires against us. I guess we’re not allowed to be too happy.” Braden rested his hand on her shoulder. She winced as claw gashes criss-crossed what had been milky smooth skin. Her wounds would leave scars. The scars on his back from G-War were far worse than the scratches from the mutie birds. What’s one more scar, he thought.
“Should we go back?” he asked, holding her face in his hands.
“To do what?” she asked. She was leading to something. Braden didn’t answer her, only waved his hand, motioning her to keep talking. “I say we go on. We could slink back to the village where they might see us as weak. Or we go on, injured, damaged, sore, but we go on. We show them what real strength is.
“Our goal hasn’t changed, Braden. We continue to the first village and show them how being a trading partner will benefit them. Then the next village and the next until we find these land creatures, bigger than a horse. And we do what we can to bring a couple back. By then, we’ll be healed and ready to rip the heads off sharks.”
“Sharks?” Braden asked. He didn’t know the word.
“Sharks! They are the predators of the ocean. They are shaped like this.” She drew the shape in the dirt on the ground. “Their mouths are filled with sharp teeth. I saw a dead one on the beach once; it was twice the size of Max. They would swim by our boats when we were cleaning fish. They’re drawn to blood.”
“That’s pretty scary. I think that confirms I’ll never go out on the ocean.”
“What? My big tough man afraid of a little fish?”
“Yes, I am,” he said, proudly defiant. “And I’d smack you, but I’m too sore. I think I finally scabbed over. I don’t want to start leaking again.” He smiled. “Well, then. I think we’re going the wrong way,” he said as he turned back west, moving deliberately and slowly.
Aadi floated barely above the ground behind Pack. Skirill squeaked in the way that Hawkoid’s express pain. G-War’s pain was funneled directly into their brains via the mindlink. Their own injuries probably projected back to the companions as well. Even Max and Pack were skittish.
The caravan stopped when they came to a stream. Ice cold water ran rapidly through the shallows. Braden and Micah helped Skirill into the water and washed out his wounds. No numbweed remained to redress the Hawkoid’s injuries, so the cold of the stream was all the help he’d get to take away any of the pain. The cool stream was so soothing that Skirill fell asleep as the water ran over him.
G-War avoided the water, preferring to lick his wounds. He kept his tongue away from the ones with numbweed on them, for now anyway. He was already healing. His wounds looked bad because of his cat hair, but they weren’t deep below the skin. He’d be back to hunting by the next daylight.
Braden and Micah led the horses into the stream. The cold water numbed their cuts and helped calm them. The horses were tough animals, but later they needed to trade with Village McCullough for horse blankets made from their woven armor. It hurt the humans to see the injuries to the horses. Max and Pack had been with Braden longer than anyone except for the ‘cat. They were the foundation of the caravan. Without them, it would be the companions walking across the world.
That would take all the fun out of it, Braden thought.
Aadi only needed rest. After a good sleep, he’d be able to protect them again. With his second thunderclap, he had broken the back of the attackers. After that, they couldn’t regroup. He saved Skirill’s life, maybe even all of their lives.
They camped at the stream, everyone licking their wounds in their own way.
“We need more numbweed,” Braden said, breaking the silence.
“I don’t know what it looks like wild.” Braden drew an outline of the leaves in the dirt. He stood up, holding his hand mid-thigh--they were about that tall. About this big around--he held his hands wide apart. He drew a picture of the branch, with bunches of leaves on it. She shook her head.
They would look in earnest starting in the morning. They stayed closer to the rainforest. It seemed like everything grew within a hundred strides of the big trees. Braden didn’t say that if the mutie birds came back, they’d be closer to shelter. If a cloud that size attacked again… Braden shuddered. Maybe they should have gone back to McCullough. They were vulnerable like this.
And he didn’t like being vulnerable.
“Micah. Next time, don’t hesitate to use your blaster, for all our sakes.” She had completely forgotten about the weapon. It would not have been effective in close as she would have risked hitting one of the companions, but as the mutie birds approached, she might have been able to kill them all with a single blast.
She hung her head in shame. “I don’t think of it as a weapon. I’ve carried it all this time, but never used it against an enemy. I’m sorry, Braden. I could have gotten us all killed.”
“Stop it, partner mine. I didn’t think of it until just now. Ha! Does that make me the smart one?” He threw his head back and laughed, ending with a choking cough. “Oh, that hurt.” He winced as he stretched against his injuries.
“Serves you right, smart one.” Carefully, she snuggled close to him, checking in with G-War. He was with them and watching. They were safe. For now, anyway.
With daylight came fresh pain as each of them worked sore muscles and healing skin. They all had wounds that oozed. A fresh dip in the stream was both refreshing and cleansing. Everyone got a thorough washing before they walked, the morning sun at their backs. Their destiny lay to the west.
37 – Continuing the Journey
They stayed close to the rainforest as they spent the day leading the horses. G-War was almost himself as he rode on a blanket across the saddle. Skirill had to be tied down to keep him on Pack. He was still in bad shape, but he’d started to heal. If they could find numbweed, then they could greatly accelerate the Hawkoid’s return to health.
Braden was angry at himself for not looking for numbweed earlier. Maybe he had started to think they were invincible. They would all suffer their wounds that much longer because of his arrogance.
Micah noticed Braden digging a hole for himself. She didn’t know what it was about and it didn’t matter. He carried the responsibility for their security and health on his shoulders.
Always.
“Stop it,” she said, trying break him from his reverie. “I’m adding this to the list. You’re up to three gut punches and one head punch as soon as I’m well enough to give them to you.”
“Like crap you are,” he shot back. He stopped and looked at her. She stood calmly, looking at him with her big brown eyes. There was no reason to be angry with her. She was right. Maybe not about the gut punches, though. If she tried, that would lead to an exciting wrestling match where he would win, even if she said he lost.
“G-War, my friend, is there any game around? Maybe a rabbit or squirrel, something for Ess to eat?” In response, the ‘cat jumped off the horse, landing softly. He stretched right, then left, then dashed into the undergrowth.
Soon there was a brief skirmish, and G-War returned with a small squirrel. ‘That felt good. This little guy was quick.’ The ‘cat was proud of himself. Braden took the squirrel and held it up for the Hawkoid. He couldn’t move his neck all that well, so they cut the squirrel in smaller pieces for him. His metabolism demanded that he eat often, so they needed to keep him fed so he could heal.
Aadi was back to himself, floating gracefully along. Since they were walking, he kept up by swimming along next to the humans. Each of them took responsibility to look out for the others. Aadi felt as if he were the most powerful among the companions as he was the only one uninjured. He wanted to put himself in a position to react if needed. He was obvious in his movements, even though he was trying not to be.
“Aadi, are you trying to protect us?” Micah asked. “That’s so nice of you. But if they get past you, I have my blaster handy and we won’t let anything bad happen.” She patted the butt of the ancients’ weapon for emphasis.
G-War bolted
into the brush again, this time returning with a rather plump rabbit.
“Let me guess. This one wasn’t so quick.” The ‘cat held up his furry paw to Braden. “I learned to be an ass from you, G. I learned from the best.”
G-War disemboweled the rabbit, a little messier than usual in order to make a statement. The ‘cat wanted Braden to know that he could kill him any time he wanted, so every day he let Braden live was a free day. Braden was immune to the ‘cat’s jibes, because this had gone on for nearly eleven cycles.
They kept walking, knowing that G-War would eat quickly and catch up. They weren’t traveling very fast, as no one was in shape for it. Without Skirill flying overhead, they couldn’t see ahead. They’d gotten used to having few surprises, things that were normal for the rest of humanity.
So they pressed ahead slowly, taking care not to rush headlong into trouble.
But nothing threatened them that turn or the next. By the third turn after the mutie bird attack, they arrived at a small village.
38 – Village Greentree
They stopped on a small rise outside the village, watching, waiting for someone to see them. That would tell them what they wanted to know. Would they raise the alarm and get their weapons or would they be curious, maybe prepare to defend themselves.
The companions waited a long time. The sun approached mid-daylight before someone made an appearance. A person came from the rainforest. First one, then another, then a few more and finally, what looked like the whole village streamed back to their thatch-roofed huts. They looked exhausted. Tired people were less alarmed.
Braden and Micah mounted the horses, taking care not to scrape the scabs on the horses’ backs and flanks. Micah had G-War in front of her and Braden held Skirill in his lap.
They slowly walked into the village, stopping where all the huts were still in front of them. Micah loosened her sword in its scabbard, just in case. Braden put a hand on her leg. He had high hopes that they wouldn’t have to kill anyone.
“Hello! I’m Free Trader Braden and I’d like to talk to your Village Elder!” Braden projected confidently in his trading voice. An older couple stumbled out of their hut, then others young and old came into the open.
“What do you want?” the old man asked simply.
“We wish to trade with this village. I am Braden. This is my partner Micah. The Tortoid is Master Aadi. The Hillcat is Golden Warrior. The Hawkoid is Skirill. What is the name of your village?”
“We are the Village of Greentree. I fear we have nothing to trade, though.” The old man looked sincere.
‘He tells the truth as he believes it to be,’ G-War offered. ‘They are in anguish.’
‘Ask them, Master Human,’ Aadi chimed in.
“I see a great darkness hanging over you. What troubles the people of Greentree?”
“You are very wise to see how distraught we are. One of our children has disappeared in the rainforest. We fear she was taken by the shadow people. Our search has been fruitless,” the old man answered.
Braden looked at Micah. She nodded almost imperceptibly. They would join the search.
“My friends and I have some experience in tracking within the rainforest. We’ve run across these shadow people before.” The Lizard Men, no doubt.
“Who are you?” the old man asked with renewed interest.
“Travelers. Traders. Trying to make tomorrow just a little bit better than today for the people of this world. I want to thank you for not attacking us when we rode in. You are kind and for that, you’ve earned our gratitude and our help.”
“I’ll stay with Skirill and the horses, maybe even look around a bit. They may have plenty to trade and don’t know it. Do what you do best. Find the child; save the village.” Micah leaned sideways, almost falling out of the saddle in order to give her partner a good luck kiss. Braden obliged her, holding her head with one head, letting the kiss linger.
“Time to go, G, Aadi. We have a child to find.” G-War was first to jump off, then Braden got out of the saddle. Aadi swam forward to join them. The villagers parted to let them through. Braden stopped before the old man.
“A little girl, ten cycles old,” was all he said, hope welling up in his tired eyes. They grasped hands, briefly, then Braden was off. He jogged into the trees. Aadi struggled to keep up as G-War raced ahead, found a perch in a tree, and sat there, watching.
39 - Bronwyn
‘Any ideas, G?’ Braden tried to read the signs, but it looked like the entire village had been through there.
‘Joy. I sense her joy. She is not afraid.’
“Joy? How odd. She’s alive, though. We just need to find her. Do you feel anything, Aadi?” Braden asked.
‘Nothing, Master Human. I must be able to see the Lizard Men to talk with them and I don’t see any at present.’
Braden stepped carefully through the underbrush as he moved deeper into the rainforest. It became darker, hotter, and more humid with each step. G-War indicated a rough direction and they set out. Braden fought his way through the puddles and the undergrowth, while Aadi floated majestically above it all. The ‘cat acted more like a squirrel, using the dense lower tree branches as his road.
An untold number of villagers attempted to follow. Braden didn’t care if they followed, but expected he would do better without them. He didn’t know the forest-sense of the villagers, if they would slow him down or not. He ignored them and forged ahead. They soon fell far behind.
The ‘cat came to a stop, crouched on a branch, and listened. ‘Not far now,’ he said. Braden waited as he wasn’t sure what direction they needed to go. The Tortoid swam forward, gently bumping Braden aside. He floated upward and faced a tree.
Braden looked closely. A Lizard Man leaned against the tree, perfectly blending into it. Braden had been a mere arm-span away and never saw him.
‘She is with the Lizard Men,’ Aadi said.
“That’s good. Thanks, Aadi. I’m here to take her home.” Braden said aloud to the Lizard Man. Braden was careful not to expose his chest to the spear. One act and he lost his ability to trust them freely. He fought with himself, but could move no closer to sharing his heartbeat.
‘She is with the Lizard Men because she can talk with them. She sees them when no one else can.’
“I’d like to talk with her if I can. She sounds like a gifted little girl.” Aadi took a long time before answering.
‘Yes. Follow Akhmiyar. He will guide us.’ The Lizard Man stepped away from the tree, leaning his spear against it before turning back to the human. Braden breathed a sigh of relief, as they reached out at the same time to put their hands on the other’s chest.
Akhmiyar grabbed his spear and set off, jogging lightly through the swamp. Braden rushed to keep up. G-War bounded from limb to limb, seemingly enjoying the footrace. Aadi struggled to keep up, his thick legs swimming furiously.
Fortunately they didn’t have far to go. Running into a clearing, Braden saw the child, sitting peacefully among a number of Lizard Men. Akhmiyar waved them away after briefly communicating with the girl. She stood up. The ‘cat vaulted from a branch above, landing soundlessly next to the human. Aadi swam up, blinking rapidly as he joined the group.
“Oooh, how cute!” she said and leaned down to pet the Hillcat. G-War looked back up at Braden. If a ‘cat could have a smug expression, that was it.
“Who are you, pretty thing?” she asked the Tortoid.
“Aadi. What an intelligent name. Mine is Bronwyn. What does your name mean?” she asked. Braden was shocked. She was able to talk with all the companions, but he couldn’t hear her.
“The One. You are the one, the only one like you I’ve ever seen, but I’m only ten. I haven’t seen that much.”
“I’m Braden,” he said as he kneeled so that he was on her level. She seemed disinterested. “G-War, can you tell her we need to take her back to her village, please?”
“Oh, I don’t want to go back,” she answered G-War instantly. “I’m pe
rfectly fine here. The Amazonians will take care of me.”
The Lizard Men? Has she seen how they eat, Braden thought to himself.
“G. Please. I need to talk with her. Can you get her to acknowledge that I exist? Aadi, a little help please…” Braden pleaded with his friends.
Aadi floated upward where he could face Akhmiyar and talk with him. The ‘cat continued to enjoy the child’s attention. Braden shook his head. ‘Skirill, can you hear me?’
‘Yes, Braden,’ answered a tired voice over the mindlink.
‘Tell Micah we found the child. She is with the Lizard Men and she can talk with them, as well as the companions. The only one she’s not interested in talking with is me. Let the village know that Bronwyn is safe and we’ll return as soon as we can. By the way, the Lizard Men are friendly here.’ Braden figured Micah could hear him as well, although he always felt weird talking with her over the mindlink.
‘I don’t know why,’ she answered, having clearly heard everything he said and thought.
‘The child is safe, but she wants to stay here. Don’t tell the villagers that. I’ll see what I can do, but maybe it’s time for the Amazonians, as she called the Lizard Men, to introduce themselves. We’re working on it, lover. I’ll let you know when we’re on our way back,’ Braden said in his thought voice.
‘These are good people, Braden. They will be partners on the trading circuit. Be safe coming home to me, partner mine,’ Micah answered.
40 – Ear of the Amazonians
Aadi convinced Akhmiyar to introduce himself to Village Greentree. With Bronwyn to interpret, they would quickly have close relations. The Lizard Man said that he would bring a small party and that they could round up a pouch of mushrooms to share.
Bronwyn had picked up the ‘cat and was holding him awkwardly while still petting him.
‘G? There’s no way you’re comfortable, and there’s no way you’re enjoying this. Is there?’ Braden asked.
The Free Trader of Planet Vii Page 9
