by Reece Dinn
When he returned the Lial was awake, slurping down the last of the stew he'd made the night before. He eyed the bulging sack as Beroz entered.
'Leaving today?' he asked.
Beroz nodded.
The Lial threw the bowl away, rising to his feet. 'Hope leave food for rest of village.'
'Don't worry, Lial.'
The Lial picked up Mutumuz and handed it to him. 'Not like this sword,' he said with a half smile. 'First blade to wound me in long time.'
Beroz smiled back, but didn't have the energy to laugh. He took it from him and fastened it to his furs. He grabbed his sleeping fur, rolled it up and tied it to his back. The Lial picked up his staff, brushed the snow off himself, then ducked out of the furaz. Beroz had one last check to see if he'd forgotten anything, then followed him out.
The morning was bright, but overcast. The Lial's Lialstone glowed slightly as the light hit it. They walked in silence to the donoz.
The village was coming to life. Villagers began to prepare for another day of work. The two men passed between the donoz, then stopped.
The Lial held out his hand. Beroz took it with his unclaimed one, gripping it firmly.
'Be strong, Beroz,' said the Lial.
'You too, Lial. Fight hard.'
'You will find a cure. Be stronger in the end. I proud of you.' The Lial smirked. 'Will miss you in home. Need find a Mate to live with, I think.'
Beroz couldn't tell if he was joking or not, so didn't respond. 'Nofar, Lial,' he said, bowing his head a little.
'Nofar, Apochal.' The Lial released his hand.
Beroz hesitated a moment, pondering whether he was making the right decision, leaving the village to its own defences. Leaving his Mal to die, possibly, but he could hardly take her with him. He knew the Lial was in desperate need of his help, but he understood his fears. If the Enemy claimed him fully, then they would be facing four Apochal ludenez, lessening their chances of survival even more. But as much as he wanted to help he couldn't bring himself to lose the hand. Will find way to heal it. He rubbed its rough skin.
The Lial's face betrayed no emotion and the two stared at each other for a moment, a chill wind brushing over them, their braids billowing in the wind.
Beroz walked away, forcing himself not to look back, to not think of his Mal, the Lial, and all the people of Oaraz. Lial will protect them. Lial not lose. He finally looked back when he was way out on the plain. The Lial had gone.
Die.
Chapter Thirty One
Melonaz was sore all over. It was his first time training with the older Sehnal, and he was enjoying every moment of it. Well almost every moment. The constant glares from Nekolz and his two friends were quickly wearing thin. Wish Lial let me fight them. Beat on their faces.
The Lial had told him that he could train with the older Sehnal only if he attended the morning sessions too. Melonaz had agreed without giving it a second thought. He hadn't considered the intensity of it though, his body struggled to keep up.
Nekolz shot him another dark look and spat in his direction while blocking an attack from his opponent, a muscular boy with a big axe. Melonaz held his stare but didn't see the punch coming from his own opponent. The force of it knocked him back, blood filling his mouth. He raised his wooden sword up to block his opponent's next attack he spotted out the corner of his eye. The older Sehnal brought his sword down hard, smashing Melonaz's sword into his forehead, and bringing him to his knees. Melonaz used Hakah, crying out as he swung up at the Sehnal's chest. Pain shot up his arm from the impact as his opponent blocked, Melonaz's sword splintering as it connected.
A swift smack to the forehead sent him sprawling. Biting down hard on his lower lip to keep himself alert, he drew the Raiz back and used Hakah to roll away as his opponent stabbed down, leaving the Sehnal's sword buried in the snow.
Melonaz created a fireball and threw it, the ball sizzling as it flew through the air. It missed, flying over head, then hissing as it fizzled away on the snow.
Kak. He not like that.
The older boy growled, dragging his sword out from the snow while raising his free hand as if to attack.
Kak. Kak.
Melonaz tried to use Hakah to get out of the way in time, but he was too slow.
Lightning blasted out of the older Sehnal's hand and the bolt struck him in the leg. His whole body jolted, pain burning through him. He collapsed onto the snow, body shuddering, mouth foaming. A moment later he felt the tip of his opponent's sword on the back of his neck.
'Win,' he said.
When his body relaxed Melonaz pulled his head from the snow, grunting his acknowledgement.
The older Sehnal kicked him in the side. 'Not allowed to use my sword. It's annoying. Why you not have your own?'
Melonaz spat out a mouthful of foam. 'Lial not let me make my own. Says I not ready.'
The Sehnal cleared his throat and spat out whatever was in there onto the snow. 'Nukuk. Not ready? You strong. Stronger than you think.'
Melonaz picked himself up, groaning. He used Brubah and sighed, the pain fading. Nekolz was smirking in his direction, his face twisted. So ugly. Will make uglier when I beat on his face.
'Hate him too,' said the older Sehnal, inclining his head towards Nekolz.
'He bonokok,' said Melonaz.
'Hear you fight him.'
Melonaz rolled his jaw. 'Yes. Lobkak not win.'
'Not hear he do.'
'I will break his neck.' Melonaz shot Nekolz another look, but he'd resumed sparring with his opponent.
'You need make weapon. Then we fight proper,' said the older Sehnal.
Melonaz eyed Nekolz's sword. It was a two handed weapon, the blade shone brilliantly as he swung it. It was impressive, to Melonaz's displeasure. Break it when fight him.
'You Melonaz, yes?' asked the older Sehnal.
Melonaz nodded. 'You?'
'Godomaz.' He pointed to himself then offered Melonaz a hand up. Melonaz took it.
Godomaz was only a little bigger than Melonaz, but from the way he fought he could tell Godomaz was much stronger, or at least more experienced. Fight well. Need fight more old Sehnal. Grow stronger. Young Sehnal too weak.
'Change,' the Lial bellowed. He was on his rock, his legs crossed, arms folded, Rorkaroz resting against his perch.
'Good fight,' said Godomaz.
'Yes. Hope fight again.'
Godomaz grunted, then headed over to Nekolz and his sparring partner. Hope he beat him good.
Nekolz's fat friend was walking over to Melonaz.
'Hear I need to use my wooden axe on you,' he said. He spun a wooden axe in his hand, his metal axe fastened to his furs.
'Use that if want,' said Melonaz, pointing to the metal axe. 'I beat you with either.'
'Bonokok.' The fat Sehnal unfastened his axe from his furs. It was long and silver, the axehead big and curved like a half-moon. The fat Sehnal threw the axe away and shouldered his wooden one.
Melonaz gritted his teeth and stopped Brubah, forcing himself not to wince as his aches and pains reawakened. End this fast.
The fat Sehnal readied himself. 'I Bronaz,' he said. 'Remember it.'
Melonaz spat at his feet.
Bronaz cried out as he surged forward, to Melonaz's surprise. He barely managed to block the powerful swing, his already splintered sword cracking.
Nukuk. Melonaz used Hakah and thrust his sword at Bronaz's neck, catching him by surprise and connecting with his shoulder, the sword point piercing shallowly. Bronaz grunted, face twisting as he staggered back.
Melonaz screamed, emptying his lungs, body trembling as he used Hakah again, pouring Raiz into every limb. He attacked, unleashing blow after blow. Bronaz's axe splintered with each one he blocked. Melonaz didn't relent, despite his own sword threatening to break apart. He bared his teeth, forcing the older Sehnal back with each successive attack. He hefted his sword over his head, straining his Raiz to make his Hakah as strong as he could, and brought it down hard
on Bronaz. Both sword and axe exploded on impact. The force of it sent Bronaz sprawling.
Melonaz dived on top of him and rained punches down on his head, Hakah fuelling his rage. Bronaz grabbed Melonaz's wrists, restraining him, his grip firm. Melonaz tried to break free, but couldn't.
'Nukuk,' spat Bronaz.
Melonaz cried out again and brought his head down hard on Bronaz's face, hearing something crunch as their heads connected. The older Sehnal released his hold on Melonaz's wrists and fell still.
One down.
The Lial was observing them. Melonaz expected to see anger in his face, but to his surprise the Lial actually looked impressed, or as close as his cold, stern face came to expressing it.
'You fight well,' said Sienalz, the first older Sehnal he'd fought that day. He wielded an impressive looking spear, the spear head almost as long as a sword, and glowed yellow in direct sunlight. The shaft was made of a black metal so dark Melonaz could see his reflection in it. The sight of himself had shocked him and he'd looked away. It'd felt unnatural looking into his own eyes.
'I train hard. Need learn more though. I see that. Lial right,' said Melonaz.
'You better than some here. Experience is all you need,' said Sienalz.
Melonaz felt his cheeks flush. Sienalz had beaten him soundly. He'd barely been able to block his spear, let alone get an attack in. He'd tried to break the older Sehnal's wooden spear, but that had only resulted in him being hit in the face with the blunted tip.
'You joining us tomorrow morning to scout?' asked Sienalz.
Melonaz's eyes widened. 'What?'
'Scouting. Not know?'
Melonaz shook his head. He'd never given much thought as to what the older Sehnal did in the mornings while the Lial trained the younger boys. He'd just assumed that they slept in later or trained by themselves.
'Every morning we scout for ludenez. Find signs that they're nearby, other animals too,' said Sienalz. 'Tracks in snow. Kak on ground. Dead animal. Lial let us go far out onto plains. Go into mountains, sometimes. Go to Twiz too.'
'I go with you?' asked Melonaz.
Sienalz shrugged.
'Kak. Train in morning,' said Melonaz, punching his knee in frustration.
'We leave at first light. If want go be at donoz,' said Sienalz.
Melonaz nodded.
Sienalz rose. 'Up. We fight.'
Melonaz picked up his new wooden sword and twisted it around in his hand. It didn't feel right, it was lighter than his old one, and hollower. Better than no weapon though.
Sienalz pulled his wooden spear out of the snow and spun it around his head.
Melonaz swallowed hard, anticipating another beating.
The night was cold, but the meaty broth in his stomach and the fire beside him kept him warm. Melonaz ripped a chunk from his mirac cutlet, the juices running through his fingers. His Mal had decided that the family would dine outside this evening for a change. 'Adds more flavour to food,' were her exact words. The food tasted good enough. Regardless he enjoyed eating outside, he would be eating all his meals outside one day and it made him feel closer to that time.
Diamoz insistently talked about a boy who lived on the other side of the village. 'His Dal good huntman. Best in village, they say,' she rambled. 'His Dal teaches him to hunt. He shows me how to skin a lilnac.' Diamoz paused to slurp down a mouthful of broth.
Aeolnaz was listening intently, her ears almost pricked up like an alert sehseh. Melonaz knew that she wasn't particularly interested in this boy of Diamoz's though, she just liked listening to stories. Aeolnaz especially enjoyed the stories of the old Kitaz people's great trek out of the old lands, but she enjoyed simple every day stories too.
'Take him out herding, Dal,' Diamoz said to Reijiz. 'He'll be good. I know it. He might teach you to hunt sehseh too.'
Reijiz gave a half-enthusiastic nod. His eyes were half open, head slouched forward, on the verge of falling asleep. He'd been away a lot for the previous few moons. The herds had to be taken down south to the very feet of the mountains in search of good pastures. When he returned each night he was always tired but never seemed hungry. He hadn't eaten any of his food this evening and clearly hadn't been listening to his Al's story.
'How old is this boy?' he asked, dozily.
'Eleven,' said Diamoz, suddenly embarrassed.
'Eleven?' Reijiz smirked, 'Think I fine.'
Diamoz glared at her Dal. Melonaz stifled his own smirk, covering his mouth with his bowl.
'He catches many animal?' asked Aeolnaz, 'Catch sehseh? Wild mirac?'
She shook her head. 'Not know. Not say.'
'He talks big. Trying to impress you,' said Melonaz.
'He not,' Diamoz shot back.
'He is.'
'Stop it,' his Mal snapped. 'Leave your Sal alone. She likes him.'
'What?' stammered Diamoz. Her face suddenly flushed.
'It's fine. No need to be embarrassed.' Her Mal winked at her.
Diamoz grabbed her spoon and ate her food quietly, not mentioning the boy for the rest of the night.
I not need girl. Girls make weak. Not worry about impressing them. Once, when he'd been younger, he'd seen a Sehnal beaten to death for raping a girl, or at least that was what the girl had claimed. The Sehnal had been fourteen, the girl fifteen or sixteen. The Lial had been ruthless in his punishment, the beating the boy had received made his own seem like child's play. Best stay away from girls.
They all remained outside for most of the evening. Reijiz had fallen asleep shortly after they'd finished eating. Their Mal had drank the last of the nibec and then fallen asleep in Reijiz's lap. Melonaz had sneaked himself a small cup when she hadn't been looking. He enjoyed the earthy flavour and the way it made him feel warm inside, though its strength left him gagging.
Melonaz spent the rest of the evening contemplating whether he should go scouting with the older Sehnal in the morning, or do as he promised the Lial and attend morning training. His head told him that he shouldn't go, but his heart yearned for adventure. He finally decided just as he was drifting off to sleep that he wouldn't go. Lial needs me.
Melonaz rose before dawn. He was already clothed and ready to go. Doubt and indecision still plagued his mind. The older Sehnal would be gathering at the donoz. No. He'd made his choice, though every bit of him hated it.
Wiping his eyes, he crept over to the half filled bowl of nuts and berries and grabbed a handful, stuffing them into the pockets of his garb, the nuts cold against his stomach. Carefully, he trod over his sleeping Sal and sneaked out of the furaz.
The morning sky was heavy with dark clouds, the first cracks of light spilling over the horizon. It'll snow soon. He plodded along the well worn path to the training grounds, nibbling on berries as he walked, red juice running down his chin.
Melonaz reached the training grounds just as he finished the last of his berries, saving the nuts for later. No one was around. I early. I never early. He looked around to be sure. Old Sehnal not leave. I can still go. Come back after.
He lingered, suddenly nervous. Lial not angry if I miss one session. Melonaz ignored the doubt that came from the thought and headed back the way he'd come. He kept his head down, not stopping or hesitating as he walked to the donoz. The village was coming to life now, muffled voices, yawns and groans came from every furaz he passed. When he crossed onto the main pathway he ran straight to the donoz.
It was deserted.
Many sets of footprints led away from the donoz. Five sets went off across the plain together, the rest in diverging away in different directions. They not go far. He looked out across the plain, scanning for movement. He decided to follow the set of five tracks.
He suddenly became aware that he wasn't armed, save for his stone knife. I have Raiz. It enough. The Lial's angry face flashed through his mind. No. Should not go. The tracks however beckoned him. He had no choice but to follow. He used Hakah to increase his speed and shot off, running along the tracks, hoping to catch the
m quickly.
Above, the dark cloud thickened, hanging low and heavy. The wind blew with increased ferocity, its cold bite making Melonaz shiver. Don't stop.
Melonaz followed the tracks far out onto the plain. They were headed for the village of Twiz. Other than the tracks there was no sign of anyone. They run too? He kept going.
When Twiz came into view the tracks veered off to the left, towards a large forest in the distance. Go there? The sky was very dark now, the temperature having dropped so much that the sweat on his forehead was beginning to freeze. The wind was blowing even more harshly, bushes and gola shaking violently.
The tracks disappeared into the forest. He followed them in, nearly tripping over a snow covered root as he entered. The wind rattled the gola, shaking the snow from their leaves. Lilnac frantically ran across his path, desperate to find shelter, growling and crying at one another as they went.
The tracks led deeper into the forest. After a while he began to hear voices on the wind. They were faint, and at first he thought it was just his imagination, but the more he walked the more distinct they became. One voice in particular made his blood boil. Hope it not him.
The tracks disappeared behind three gola grouped close together. He focused his Raiz and sensed there were five people nearby. He clenched his fists, almost not wanting to see who was there. When he reached the gola cluster he crouched down and hid behind them. Snow fell on top of his head as the wind rattled the leaves above him.
'Suck it,' said a male voice he vaguely recognised.
'No,' a girl responded.
'Do it.'
'Your friend's enjoying it. Look,' said another male voice, this one slightly muffled.
'She good too,' said a third boy. This voice he knew too well.
Nekolz.
Soemone groaned.
'She not want to. You scare her,' said the girl.
