Rise of Man Book 1: Ascendance

by E. Wayne Stucki

  Chapter 11

  Makok leaned to his left and reached down to shift the furs he was sitting on to a more comfortable position. With that done he settled back to look around the half circle of four other men who made up the ruling council of Karg’s Family. He’d been made an Elder and admitted to the Council two years earlier after the Battle of Home Canyon. Of course that was when Jakto had been the Patriarch and everyone was enamored with Makok’s invention of the bow and arrow.

  Jakto had died last winter and his youngest son, Jat, wanted to be the Patriarch. Makok had opposed that appointment at the time. He’d argued that the Patriarch should be kept in the lineage of Karg’s firstborn sons. Or at the very least someone with more experience should lead Karg’s family. Because of those reasons he’d championed his older brother to be Patriarch since Wern was the firstborn of Kok who was the firstborn of Karg. But Wern had died after falling over a cliff before the new Patriarch had been chosen. When news of that tragic accident reached the Family Jat had pressured the Elders to choose him as Patriarch before anyone else could come forward. The Elders had acceded to Jat’s pressure and confirmed him as the Family’s leader despite his youth.

  Of course, the new Patriarch remembered Makok’s opposition and had been working to get the inventor of the bow from the Council ever since. He’d tried on several occasions to oust Makok last year but had failed.

  Makok gave a quiet sigh as he brought his thoughts back to the business at hand where the Council was discussing preparations for the coming summer. This meeting had begun in the mid-afternoon and from the glimpses he could see through the entrance cloth night had fallen. Jat, sitting in the center of the Family Elders, was leading a discussion in the minutia of planting crops and it didn’t look like it was going to end anytime soon.

  Shadows flickered over the walls from the fire in the center of the Council Hut. That fire was the only light available. A yawn almost split his jaw. Giving a slight shake of his head, Makok tried to wake up and focus his attention on what was happening. He couldn’t understand why they had to talk details or even discuss farming at all. Surely, the farmers knew what they were doing after all these years of planting and tending crops.

  Someone sitting near the entrance of the Council Hut stood catching Makok’s attention. The older, more experienced hunters were closer to the fire and the Elders where they could contribute to the discussion. That was more of Jat’s doing. He didn’t want to hear from the young so they had to sit on the fringes of the assembly. Makok snorted and wondered why God had allowed Jat to become the Patriarch. It seemed that everything the man did put barriers between people.

  Makok watched as the young man made his way through the other men in the hut to reach the fire. Once there the man stood tall and silent. Firelight illuminated the man's face as he waited to be acknowledged by the Patriarch and Makok gave a brief nod of recognition. That was Ko, son of Kek, son of Kekko. A slight smile creased Makok’s lips and he leaned forward in anticipation. This was going to be good.

  Jat continued his discussion with the other members of the Council and ignored Ko. But the young man was a good hunter and had learned patience. He just stood by the fire and waited. A few of the younger men in the back of the hut recognized the slight and began talking between themselves. The longer Ko was ignored by the Elders the more conversations began.

  Makok gave a soft chuckle that was lost in the increasing din of conversations. The Patriarch had insisted on quiet during the Council’s deliberations. And when it wasn’t quiet? He looked over at Jat. It was obvious the Patriarch was getting angry at the breach of protocol.

  At last Jat looked across the fire at Ko and held up a hand from where he was sitting. The conversations in the hut died as men began to wonder what was going to happen next. “You are interrupting vital business,” Jat growled.

  “I want to discuss something that’s more important that farming,” Ko announced. Muttering was heard once again. Makok noticed in the flickering firelight that Jat’s jaw muscles had developed a spasm.

  “It is not for a young hunter to decide what the Council considers,” announced the Patriarch. “And the planting of food is very important to the family.”

  Ko didn’t reply but remained standing by the fire. Muffled laughter could be heard from the back of the hut but those who were guilty of that unforgivable breach were hidden by the shadows.

  Dan, an Elder to the right of Jat, shifted on his furs. “What is it you wish to discuss young Ko?”

  Jat glared at Dan but didn’t protest. Ko nodded his appreciation at the Elders permission then asked, “Why aren’t you discussing plans to deal with the Eaters and their flying things?”

  The Patriarch gave an accusatory glance at Makok. The inventor of the bow just looked back. Although he’d raised this issue many times before he hadn’t prompted Ko to bring it up again. He could try professing his innocence in this instance but he knew Jat wouldn’t believe him.

  “It’s been at least two years since the Eaters have been seen,” replied Dan. “No one’s even heard the thunder of the flying things since the Battle for Home Canyon. They’re no longer a problem.”

  “They’re more of a problem than telling farmers how to do what they already know,” said Ko.

  A quiet muttering was heard as some of the older men were insulted at the young man’s impudence. Jat glared at the young man again then nodded to Dan and Marn. Both men leaned in to consult with the Patriarch. Of course, there’d been no invitation for Makok to participate in the discussion.

  This wasn’t the first time the other Elder’s had excluded him and Makok had grown used to the obvious insult. Jat had been freezing him out of deliberations for over half a year now hoping that Makok would recognize that he wasn’t wanted or needed and leave the Council.

  After a few moments of whispered discussions the Family Patriarch climbed to his feet and faced the young hunter. “The Eaters from the flying things are not a threat!” he announced as he glared at Ko. “The brave hunters from the Clan drove them off and made them aware of what we people can do with our bows. In addition to that, we’ve never been attacked or visited by the Eaters. It was only Home Canyon that was visited.” He paused and nodded at the men in the hut. “Even if they did find us we’ll drive them off with our bows and arrows, just like the Clan did at Home Canyon,” he said. “That’s why we’re discussing crops and not the Eaters. The subject is closed!”

  At the pronouncement Ko’s shoulders sagged and disappointment was apparent on his face even in the dim, flickering light. Marn chuckled and leaned forward. “Don’t worry, young hunter,” he said. “If you live long enough you’ll have ample opportunity to use your bow to show the Family’s eligible young women how brave you are.”

  As the rest of the men in the hut chuckled at Marn’s words Makok, sitting in the flickering shadows cast by the fire, shook his head in disbelief at the Patriarch’s words. He’d been at Home Canyon when the Clan fought the Eaters. He’d seen the power of the Eaters and the clouds-that-break-mountains. The thought of the Family driving the Eaters off with just bows and arrows was completely unbelievable.

  Before this meeting Kerin had asked him to be patient and to keep a low profile. She and his children had faced some ribbing and jeers from others in the Family because of Makok’s positions in the Council discussions. It was very obvious that he was disliked by the Patriarch so many hoped to curry Jat’s favor by harassing Makok or his family. He knew Jat would be even more furious if he said anything now but Makok couldn’t let this idiocy go unanswered.

  “The hunters of the Clan didn’t drive the Eaters away,” he said from his seat. “The Eaters left because they’d killed everyone.”

  “They didn’t kill you,” retorted Jat and glared down at him. “They killed those who were fighting them, not those who were hiding.” His tone of voice was accusing.

  Makok glared right back at the Patriarch. “I wasn’t killed because your father ordered me
not to participate in the fighting.”

  Snorts of derision could be heard from several of the men in the hut. Another man near the fire rose to his feet and moved to stand next to Ko. “Makok’s telling the truth,” Terlon announced through the noise. “Jakto sent me along with specific orders to keep him out of the fighting.”

  “If they weren’t driven off why haven’t we seen them since?” asked Dan. “We haven’t heard or seen any sign of their flying things. Those in Circle Cliffs or Eagle Clan haven’t seen them either.”

  “It might be that the Eater’s haven’t been seen because our village and those of our friends are too well hidden,” the bow maker replied. “But that doesn’t mean they aren’t looking. Remember, we didn’t have any warning they’d found Home Canyon until they came in the flying things. With their original prey gone our enemy will be or is looking for new victims and will attack once they find it.”

  “But why?" asked Marn who was sitting next to Makok. “Why would they want to find us?”

  “For the same reason they attacked Home Canyon,” Makok replied with a shrug of his shoulders and held out his hands. “I have no idea what that might be but it doesn’t mean there isn’t one. I have no doubt the Eater’s are out looking for more people.”

  Jat and Dan shook their heads in disgust at Makok’s words as rude calls and jeers came from the sides of the hut where the younger men stood. Marn didn’t participate in the calling of insults but had the appearance of doing some thinking.

  The bow maker started to say something more but stopped. Looking around he could see his words would have no effect. “Ko has the right of it,” he said instead of what he’d been going to say.

  As the Council resumed its deliberations Makok began to think. If the Patriarch and the Elders weren’t going to do something to protect the Family he’d have to take steps to protect his wife and children.

  The next morning Makok didn’t go into the forest to look for branches and limbs that could be fashioned into bow or arrows. Instead, he went around the village talking to the hunters who were still at home. He wanted to know about places that were well hidden or difficult to get into like Circle Cliffs. This new location also had to have water and fertile soil for gardens.

  Since it was apparent the bow maker was considering finding a new home most of those he talked with thought the man was wasting his time and had a good laugh. A few remembered the criticism directed at Makok when he first tried to tell people about the value of the bow. They’d learned he was right. Then they considered his warning of the night before and wondered if he might be right again.

  When he learned of Makok’s efforts to relocate Jat smiled. If anyone asked he’d encourage the Family to assist in Makok’s efforts to leave. This was his chance to get rid of an irritant.

  The grass that covered the valley floor had greened and was starting to grow indicating spring had come when a young boy named Monet ran through the village shouting and waving his short bow. Makok was at the far end of the cluster of huts, returning from trying out a new bow when he noticed the commotion and hurried to find out what was happening. By the time he reached the Council Hut Monet had disappeared inside with the other Elders. “What’s going on?” Makok asked. “What was Monet shouting when he ran in?”

  Most of the people crowded around the hut just shrugged their shoulders. But one of the girls sitting near the entrance replied. “Monet said something about hearing or seeing the Eaters flying things.”

  Makok shook his head. “I told the others the Eater’s’d come back but they wouldn’t listen,” he muttered in disgust and ducked inside the hut.

  That night his wife asked what the Elders were going to do about Monet’s news. She was interested because everyone in the village had spent the day discussing it. Makok took a bite of the rabbit he’d been roasting over the fire and shrugged. “There isn’t much they can do,” he replied after swallowing. “They’re not sure if it’s Eaters in the area or a young boy’s over-active imagination. But they’re taking action anyway. Guards have been set to watch for any flying things. That should give us ample warning so we can hide in the forest when they come.”

  Kerin nodded her understanding. “Jat and the other Elders didn’t believe Monet,” she decided. “But they wanted the Family to think they’re doing something about the Eaters. That’s why the guards are being set.”

  Makok gave his wife an approving smile. “I’ve told you before that you should be on the Council instead of me,” he said.

  “There’s no way I want to put up with those idiots any more that I have to,” she replied with a grin of her own. “That’s what I’ve got you for.” Then she asked, “since the Elders aren’t doing anything constructive what are we going to do?”

  “We’re going to find a valley of our own and leave,” Makok announced. “I haven’t found one yet but the trading season is here. Maybe the traders from the other villages will know of a place where we can live in peace.” He paused to look over the fire at his wife. “Or I’ll go trading. God willing, we’ll find a new home before the Eaters find us.”

  Five days later the first traders of the season arrived from Circle Cliffs. Makok was showing Akhim new arrows with obsidian tips when the man mentioned the Eaters flying things. The bow maker stopped demonstrating how sharp the new stone points were and looked up. “Those things were seen at Circle Cliffs?” he asked. “I thought it was too well hidden. After all, it was only a fluke that we found your village at all.”

  Akhim shook his head. “We haven’t seen them at the valley,” the man replied, “but in the hills around. And they were heard not seen. From the sound they didn’t appear to be heading for the village and never came near. Because of that the Elders don’t think the Eaters or their flying things know where we are or have anything to do with the disappearances.”

  “Disappearances?” prompted Makok.

  “Families go into their huts at night and never come out in the morning.”

  “Maybe they decided to find another home because the Eaters were getting too close,” suggested Makok.

  “Although they say there’s no danger that was given as the reason by our Elders,” agreed the trader, “but I don’t believe it.”

  “Why’s that Akhim?”

  “Because nothing was taken. Their hides, food, weapons; everything was left. It was like they just walked out and never came back.” Akhim grimaced. “There weren’t any tracks at all. It’s like they sprouted wings and flew away.”

  Makok shook his head. “You’re right. It doesn’t fit. If a family was going to leave they’d need weapons and food at least. So what’re your Elders doing?”

  The trader shrugged his shoulders. “If someone wants to leave they can. But to help the people feel more secure guards have been posted.”

  The bow maker wasn’t the only person in Karg’s Family to listen to the tales of the traders. Several other men began talking with Makok about finding a new home for their families.

  As the summer continued guards continued to report hearing the sounds of the Eaters flying things coming and going from a distance. But since the things weren’t heading towards Grass Valley there was no alarm given. A sense of unease took deep root in Makok and grew with each day he was unable to find a new home. At last he decided to widen his search.

  Makok walked along the path that would take his trading party to the Eagle Clan’s village. He took a deep breath savoring the smell of pine trees and sage brush. Although he enjoyed traveling this trip was met with mixed emotions. He was glad to miss the squabbling of the other Elders and Jat’s constant sniping. And there were the others of the Family that were harassing his wife and children. He hated not being able to bring them with him. The harassment confirmed that it was time to take his family elsewhere. Even if it were another established village.

  A shout from Hert who was scouting ahead caught Makok’s attention. “Someone’s coming!” his friend called back. A moment later he added, “It�
�s the traders from Circle Cliffs.”

  Everyone in the Makok’s trading group took their hands from stone axes and relaxed. Makok glanced around at the surrounding area and shook his head. “Not here,” he announced to the others. “And I don’t remember seeing a good spot back the way we came.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Maybe Akhim will know of a place.”

  According to custom when traders met in between villages they stopped and set up camp together to share news and do a little trading. It was fortunate that Akhim had seen a good spot to camp a quarter days walk towards the Eagles.

  Makok was sitting next to the campfire warming his hands while waiting to go to bed. Darkness covered the mountains and hid the surrounding forest. The light from the flames illuminated the faces of several men sitting nearby surrounding the fire. No one was talking because they were tired and the day’s news had already been discussed. In fact, most of both parties had already climbed under their sleeping furs. He looked up at the cloudless sky to see the stars. A bright sliver of the moon was beginning to emerge over the mountains.

  “Full moon,” commented Makok breaking the silence. “I’ll wake up a couple of times tonight with that shining at me. I’ll be glad to get to the Eagles so I can sleep in a hut.”

  “Not me,” replied Akhim who was sitting next to him. “I’m very happy to be away from that place. I couldn’t leave Eagle Village soon enough.”

  “I thought you liked to travel and see new places,” said Terlon who was on the other side of Makok.

  “I do,” replied Akhim, “generally. But while we were at the Eagles the Eaters flying things were heard.” He shrugged. “None of the guards saw anything but said the sound was coming a ridge or two away.” Akhim looked over at Makok. “I wasn’t going to take a chance with those things, even with the bows and arrows.”

  Makok nodded his agreement.

  A day after parting from the Circle Cliff traders Makok and his party from Grass Valley crossed a pass and started to move down into the valley of the Eagle Clan. About halfway down the slope he paused to look around; searching for the guards Akhim had him told about. “Where are they?” he wondered.

  “Who?” asked Hert.

  “The guards,” Makok replied. “They’re supposed to be watching.”

  “They wouldn’t be very good if we could see them.” Makok turned back to look at Hert.

  “Hert’s right,” added Terlon. “If we can see them the Eaters can also find them.”

  “But we’re not Eaters. They should be able to see that where ever they are,” replied Makok. “And because of that the guards won’t be worried about an attack. In fact, they should be finding out where we come from and send word to their Elders.”

  Hert went to reply but stopped when he realized the bow maker was right. He closed his mouth and joined Makok in looking for the Eagle Clan’s guards.

  Rising high above them on all sides they saw the mountains dotted with thick clumps of trees and shrubs. Further below the traders, a thick strip of lush growth followed the stream on the valley floor. Everything looked peaceful, just like Makok remembered from last summer. Still, a sense of foreboding lay over the valley.

  “Let’s go,” said Makok after he’d scanned the hillsides without finding anyone. “Perhaps when we get to the village we’ll get our answers.” He resumed walking down the trail with the rest of his party behind. No one said anything but were absorbed in their own thoughts.

  The party rounded a small ridge after reaching the valley floor and came to a widening of the canyon where the cluster of huts of the Eagle Clan was in plain view. Makok hurried to a stand of trees which provided concealment and stopped to examine the village. The rest of the men from the Family gathered around.

  “Something’s wrong,” he announced after a moment of watching the scene below. Then before anyone could ask a question he dropped his trading goods under a tree, strung his bow, and headed for the village keeping to what cover he could find.

  Terlon dropped his own packs and ran to stop Makok. “If you go sneaking in like this you’re asking to be filled with arrows,” he warned.

  Makok shook off the hand. “The huts are just like I remember from last year, near the small stream,” he said and pointed. “See the streamers of smoke coming from the huts?” Terlon nodded as he looked and Makok continued. “The sun’s high in the sky. People should be out tending their gardens, children playing, men hunting. So where are they?”

  Terlon looked again at the huts then at the sky, checking the sun. “You’re right Makok. There ought to be people out. This is not right.”

  Makok dashed across another clearing and paused just inside the last clump of trees before reaching the village. The others of the trading party joined him after leaving their own loads of trade goods behind. From the shelter of the trees Makok took a moment to scan the huts and the area around for any indication of life. But only small streamers of smoke rising from the huts wafted by the wind could be seen.

  “Maybe the Eater's’ve been here leaving everyone asleep with their bad air,” suggested Hert.

  Makok gave a slow nod. That would explain the absence of people. “It doesn’t fit,” he said after a moments thought. “If the people were asleep or hiding we’d’ve met someone on the way in. The guards would have warned us away or come to us for help and they haven’t.”

  “So, is everyone in the huts?” wondered Din as he tried to watch everywhere at once. This was his first time away from Grass Valley. “Or did they run away?”

  Although he couldn’t see any danger Makok slipped his bow over his head and one shoulder where he could carry it strung. After making sure his quiver and arrows were secure he pulled his stone axe from its leather thong. “Have your bows ready!” he ordered his men then took off at a run across the wide meadow to the nearest hut.

  Ignoring the usual niceties like asking for permission he whipped aside the entry hide and ducked inside to look around. His axe was held ready to strike but there was no need. There was no one inside.

  Placed around the hut were the standard family properties of furs, pots, and weapons. Everything was lying as if the family had prepared for the night and then left. He moved to the center of the hut and held a hand over the smoldering fire. Although the ashes were still warm, it hadn’t been tended for some time.

  Leaving the hut he went to another checking the ground along the way. But there weren’t any footprints anywhere. He couldn’t even find those left by the Eagle Clan from the night before. It was as if a strong wind had swept all marks away.

  The feeling came that the Eaters were involved returned and he remembered Akhim saying that the flying things had been heard nearby. He glanced around. His eyes darting from huts to groves of trees or clumps of boulders; anything that would shield an enemy. There was nothing unusual to be seen.

  Makok continued to go from hut to hut searching for some sign of what happened. He was leaving the fifth hut when Terlon and Hert walked over to him. “We’ve searched the other huts, the corrals, and the gardens,” Terlon reported. “There’s nothing here but their animals.”

  The bow maker looked up at the surrounding mountains and his unease changed to fear. “There’s nothing more we can learn or do here,” he said. Gesturing at the deserted village he said, “there’s definitely nothing we can do for the Eagle Clan. They’re gone! Turn the animals loose from the corrals so they have a chance to get food and water on their own. Then get the rest of the party to gather our goods and meet on the trail leading to the pass. We’re going home.”

  “Home?” asked Hert. “We have other villages to trade with.”

  Makok shook his head. “Not anymore,” he replied. “Our Elders need to hear of an entire village disappearing so we’re going home.” He paused and looked around before speaking again. “There’s one last place I want to check so be ready to leave when I get back.”

  Hert and Terlon exchanged looks. “I’ll release the animals,” Terlon offered. “You
get the others.” Hert gave an acknowledging nod and moved off to get the others ready. Makok turned once more to look at the village willing the huts and dirt to speak, to tell him what had happened to its people. But all he saw were empty huts. The only sound came from a quiet rustle of leaves caused by the slight breeze and the soft trickle of water falling coming from the nearby creek. The bow maker took a deep breath and let it out in a long, slow sigh. “Maybe there’ll be something at the stream,” he muttered and started off through the village.

  On his way he looked for any place where the Eater’s flying things could have landed. There were several areas that seemed level and large enough but a quick search of each one revealed nothing. Everything had been swept clean.

  As he left the cluster of empty huts and walked towards the stream Makok’s face took on a thoughtful expression. There were only two reasons he could think of to explain the deserted village. One was that the Eaters had been here and taken everyone. He gave a brief shake of his head to reject the idea. The Eater’s flying things were very noisy and the guards would’ve warned the village. Besides if the Eaters were involved the men of Eagle Clan would’ve fought.

  The other alternative was that the people had found another place to live. One that didn’t require the people to take weapons for hunting or protection. One that was warm all the time and had plenty of food. Makok shook his head again. He doubted that such a place existed. There was always danger where ever one went.

  This was crazy, he thought with a wry grin. He’d just ruled out both alternatives that explained the disappearance of an entire village. And that wasn’t possible! In addition, there was still his feeling that the Eaters were involved.

  Once Makok reached the stream he glanced around the near bank, looking for any sign of the Eaters. Water trickled and splashed down its course, over rocks and fallen logs then making its way around trees and boulders. Birds calling and the noise of insects mixed with the sounds of water creating a peaceful atmosphere in complete opposition to the turmoil Makok felt.

  A call disturbed his search and he turned back to see his people ready at the far end of the village. From their talking among themselves and glances at the mountainsides he could tell they were as anxious to leave as he was.

  He gave one last look around before turning to leave and…stopped! There were footprints in the drying mud of the opposite bank. This was it!

  He splashed across the stream but was careful not to disturb the mud of the far bank. After a few heartbeats he gave a furtive look up at the mountains and then called for the rest of his party to come see what he’d found. This was the proof he had been looking for. There, outlined in the mud, were the markings of the Eaters.