by Reece Dinn
Melonaz's spirits lifted. He hadn't thought about what he'd do with himself after they'd defeated the horde. A part of him hadn't even considered that he might survive, he realised. 'Yes. Like that.'
'Good. Rest, Melonaz. We talk more in the morning.'
Join danaz? It was like a dream come true. He lay back and tired to imagine all the great adventures he could have as part of a danaz, but his thoughts quickly returned to the ludenez.
Before sunrise the following morning all of the Sehnal and Apochal gathered together in the training grounds, a small funeral pyre had been erected there. Melonaz was one of the last to arrive, the Lial had come and booted him awake.
Everyone stood in silence watching the pyre burn. Both Lial Seboraz and Lial Chicoroz stood together, heads bowed. Lial Chicoroz had a large scalp wound. He seemed untroubled by it, but Melonaz guessed that when he'd received it it'd been quite the blow.
After some time had passed the two Lial addressed the gathering.
'Yesterday close,' Lial Chicoroz began, looking like he'd aged another lifetime since Melonaz had last seen him. Melonaz moved behind two men to avoid being seen.
'Many nearly die. Me too.' Lial Chicoroz pointed to the wound on his head. 'We protect villages. Fight not over. Village people afraid. Think they die. Need make sure that not happen.'
'If horde reaches the village,' said Lial Seboraz. 'We not stop them. They kill all.' He searched their faces, particularly the Sehnal. 'They right to fear. Not let fear make you weak though. Have to fight. Use fear as weapon. They can't win.' The Lial roared, raising Rorkaroz up into the air. The gathered warriors roared in response.
'Need help train village men. Need be as strong as can. Will need their help if want live,' said Lial Chicoroz. His body trembled and he removed his axe from his back and planted it in the snow to support himself.
Murmurs ran through the gathering, several of the Sehnal looking nervous. No words would be able to erase the fear of the ludenez. They'd seen what they can do. Only more fighting, more killing, would rid them of it.
'What if horde attacks village in the north? Not us?' asked the Apochal Tyranoz. 'We go north? Help them fight?'
The two Lial looked at him in surprise, neither having considered that that might happen. After a moment Lial Seboraz responded.
'We need to stay with village. North defend north. We defend here,' said the Lial.
'What if the Enemy claims more Apochal, Sehnal there? No chance to win if we do,' said Gillenaz.
'If sense horde attacking north, we decide then,' said Lial Chicoroz.
Enemy claim more Apochal? The thought reawakened Melonaz's fears. He forced them back down, but he could feel pain in his still injured hand as it trembled. He hid the hand in his furs before anyone saw. More Apochal ludenez? The rest of the warriors looked worried at the thought too, even the two Lial. A silence hung over the group.
Dal warn the villages in north in time? Thinking of his Dal angered him, but it rankled more knowing that without his warning they'd all be dead. As much as he didn't want that lobkak to have made it there he hoped his warning had reached the northern villages.
He focused his Raiz and tried to sense where about the horde was, how far away it was, how many there were, but his ability to sense was far too weak to be able to. Need to train it. Will do when this over. All he could sense was one big hot spot that burned inside his head. He unfocused his Raiz, not wanting to feel their presence any more than he had to. Pain reawakened all over him again, but he bore it, desperate to not give in to weakness again.
The warriors remained watching the fire until the sun had risen over the horizon, then they all returned to the camp to eat. Melonaz was in no mood and returned to his own furaz, exhaustion setting in. He collapsed on top of his sleeping fur and was asleep moments later.
He was woken by someone entering his furaz. It was night, the furaz's interior pitch black. Instinctively he grabbed Dajimoz and drew it in one fluid movement, levelling it at the intruder's shadowy form.
'It's okay. Just want to talk.' The voice was familiar.
'What? Who is it? Why you here?' Melonaz whispered.
'Know it. I know it.' A flame sparked to life in the intruder's hand. Shadows danced across Tenalkz's face, his big nose casting a long one across the whole furaz. He looked tired, stressed, scared.
'How you..?' Melonaz suddenly realised that he wasn't wearing his mask. He panicked, but his fears quickly subsided when the biggest smile Melonaz had ever seen stretched across Tenalkz's face.
'Not think I know you, even with mask on?' His smile widened as he knelt down.
'How know..?' Melonaz began.
'Way you walk.'
'Way I walk?'
Tenalkz sniggered, then coughed, forcing back a sob.
Melonaz dropped Dajimoz. 'See you in battle. Look afraid.'
To Melonaz's surprise Tenalkz dove forward, his arms wrapping tight around him. 'Know you not die,' he sobbed. 'Ludenez not kill you. Know you live. Know it.'
Melonaz returned the embrace, fighting back the tears as emotion threatened to overwhelm him too. They remained embraced for a moment, then Melonaz pushed him away.
'Need explain what happen..' he started.
'Not care. Think know.' said Tenalkz.
'You do?'
'In forest with Nekolz. Lobkak deserves to die.' Tenalkz wiped a tear from his eyes. 'You here. All that matters.'
It felt strange to receive affection from someone that wasn't his Mal or Sal. They hugged again, tears running down both boys' faces, Melonaz feeling better than he had in a long time.
Chapter Sixty Four
Beroz strengthened his Brubah yet again, straining his Raiz so hard he thought he might pass out as he focused the healing energy into his broken spine, visualising the cracks in the bone sealing. He'd seen someone's spine once, a poor villager who'd had his back ripped open by a ludenez. He used that image to imagine how his own would look.
Three days he'd been at it. Still it hadn't healed, no matter how hard he tried. His mind was exhausted from the constant use of Brubah, it took all of his concentration just to focus it now. Sleep came easily at least as a consequence, a welcome relief. The burns all over the rest of his body only mildly hurt now, the constant influx of healing energy having done its job. He was still one big scab however, his muscles stiff and rigid. He could move a little with Brubah, dragging himself from one side of the furaz to the other, his only exercise, but otherwise he was useless, and would be until he healed his back.
He lifted the waterskin the girl had left him with his scarred hand, the only part of him that had any strength in it, even if he could still feel it throbbing every now and then. He took a swig from it, enjoying being able to drink and swallow now without pain, his broken cheeks and jaw healed too. The water was still cold and felt great running down his throat.
His stomach grumbled. Where that girl? Should be here with food.
The girl's visits had become the only thing he bothered to stay awake for. He enjoyed her disinterested attitude, it was much better than her grimacing at the sight of him. She do on inside, I think. He could only imagine how horrid he looked. Not have woman again. Woman not want me. Can still take by force though. Doing that always left a bad taste in his mouth afterwards, for some reason, their screaming and flailing made it difficult to enjoy the encounter. He much preferred consent, but sometimes he had to make do with what he could get, when he could get it. He ran the fingers of his scarred hand over the scars on his face that the last girl he'd taken had given him, but he couldn't feel them. Burn hide old scars. New scars not better though.
The girl fascinated him. He glanced at her body as she fed him, trying to imagine what she looked like underneath her furs, how soft and smooth her skin was, whether she was thick or thin, how hairy she was. He imagined her to be slender, but from the way she walked he guessed she was curvy with big thighs. If he could he would take her, once he was healed. No Lial to fight
if she complain. I be gone before they return. The thought made him feel bad so he forced his mind to the task of healing himself.
Two days passed.
He awoke, and instantly began Brubah. Today day I walk.
It was difficult to tell if his back was fixed or not. The closest to standing he'd gotten was rising to his knees. The pain in his back had been great, he'd had to strengthen his Brubah to endure it, but he'd been able to sit up for a little while. The pain had eased the longer he'd remained in that position, the agony making it easier to concentrate Brubah's healing energy into the spot he needed to. At the very least he was determined to get to his knees again.
He lay there on his front for a little while, trying to pluck up the courage to move while Brubah healed him.
The furaz blew open a little. It was dark out. Whether it was night or early morning though he'd no idea. Time of day had been lost to him a long time ago.
I do this. Even if it kills me. He strengthened Brubah, straining his Raiz. If he could at least numb the pain he'd be able to walk a little. He gritted his teeth, clenched his fists tight, took several deep breaths through his nose, then in one burst of motion pressed himself up with his arms and chest, moaning through gritted teeth as his sore, weak body struggled, but he managed it. He placed his knees under him then sat up fully, straightening his back. It hurt, but to his surprise found it wasn't as bad as it had been. The discovery filled him with confidence.
He eyed the furaz's central pole. As long as it supported his weight he'd be able to stand. Slowly, he crawled over to it, hissing and groaning as he did. His head swam, the movement and the strain on his Raiz making him light headed. He grasped the pole, barely having the strength to get a tight grip around it. He took some more deep breaths, gritted his teeth, then with a growl, heaved himself to his feet. His legs were even weaker than he'd supposed, they and his back barely able to support his weight. Wish I can use Hakah. Pass out if try to. Do without. He stood for a while, wobbling while he held on tight to the pole. If nothing else he could count standing as an achievement. Better if not need Brubah. He focused the healing energy into the parts of his back that hurt the most, sighing in relief as the pain eased.
When he'd gained enough confidence, he breathed in and took a step forward, still holding onto the pole. His back groaned under the strain, causing him to bite down on his lower lip. He took another step, letting go of the pole. He swayed, his head swimming, but remained standing.
Another step, he held his arms out wide for balance. I do it. I walk. If I fall it'll be bad though. Not get up again.
He headed for the exit, one small step at a time, eager to leave the furaz after so long being trapped inside, not caring that if he fell outside it'd be even worse, he was willing to take the risk.
Near there. Near there. One more step, then another. He tried to ignore the images flashing through his head of his spine snapping, of him crumpling to the floor, lying there in agony, unable to move. Pain burned in his back with every step, the muscles there sore and tired from keeping him upright. I shouldn't be walking. Back broken. Will keep me on my feet. He parted the flap of the furaz, relishing the feel of fresh, clean air upon his face for the first time in over a moon. With two more steps he was finally free.
The night was dark save for the soft red light of Rez. No torches burnt. The outline of Nam-Lialaz loomed over him, its presence imposing even in the darkness.
No one was around. An eerie silence hung over the plateau. With each step he took the snow crunched, each step draining his low stamina. Brubah was the only thing that kept him on his feet, but it was only a matter of time now before his mind gave out and he'd collapse. No turning back.
He reached the furaz next to his and peeked inside. There was nothing in there.
It took him what felt like a moon but eventually he staggered over to the plateau's edge, and rested against a large rock.
The village below was lit, though far fewer torches burnt than previous nights, only the main pathways illuminated. Think there's only women, children down there. Huntman, herdman, maybe.
The trail down was dangerous, no torches lit along it. Against his better judgement he stumbled over to the top of the trail and began his descent, each step an agony, Brubah's healing energy having less effect, even when strengthened. He knew he should stop, that he risked doing more damage than he'd managed to heal, damage that he might not be able to recover from, but pride wouldn't let him. The Ro-Lial had broken him, but he was determined to rise up again, stronger than ever. Go Nam-Laftoz. Not need Ro-Lial to say yes. Try to ask. They not listen.
He lost his footing and fell into the mountainside, sharp rock grazing his side, cutting into his burnt flesh. With a moan he fell to the floor, pain finally defeating him. He lost focus on his Raiz, stopping his Brubah, and he cried out as excruciating pain reawakened all over. It over.
Snow crunched.
He glanced down the trail. A flaming torch approached, hovering in the air. As it drew closer he saw who carried it.
The girl. He'd know that short hair anywhere. It seemed longer in the moonlight, and she wore white furs instead of red ones. His cheeks burned, and he was thankful for a moment that scabs hid his embarrassment.
'What you doing here?' she asked, irritably.
'Walk. Need food. Need to walk.'
'I bring you food.' She scowled, shadows dancing across her face in the flickering torchlight beside her. 'Back heal?'
'Little. Brubah stop pain,' wheezed Beroz.
'Looks like.' She sniggered.
'I slip. Fall. Can stand again.'
'Can you?' She crouched down beside him, eyes running over his crumpled form.
'Yes,' he said through gritted teeth.
'Do it. Stand.'
Not wanting to prove her right he tried to focus his Raiz and use Brubah again, but found that he couldn't even feel it.
'Can't,' he admitted, cheeks burning again.
She huffed. 'Will bring you down to the village. Hate walking up here.'
'Mutumuz, sleeping fur up there.'
'Mutumuz?'
'My sword.'
She huffed again. 'Wait here. I'll go get them.'
She stepped past him, heading up the trail the way she'd been going. He admired her slinking hips as she walked away, feeling himself stir below, to his relief.
Chapter Sixty Five
Melonaz and Tenalkz observed the two Lial attempting to teach the No-Braids how to fight. Most of them had been given sharpened wooden spears to use, the spears the easiest weapon for them it seemed. Against a ludenez they'd be practically useless, but it was better than nothing.
They'll all die.
The only men who looked like they might stand a chance of surviving were the huntman. Their spears had stone points, and they had knives and wooden clubs as well. The huntman were hardened men too, having spent a great deal of time out in the wilds surrounding the villages. One or two may had even encountered a ludenez, although there was slim chance they'd have been able to kill one.
'No-Braids are weak,' said Melonaz, rubbing the bones of his recently healed hand.
'I agree,' said Tenalkz. 'Worry for them.'
The No-Braids were feeble. They practised thrusting and jabbing their spears, but none of them looked like they could kill a lilnac, let alone a ludenez.
'Worry for us too,' said Tenalkz.
Melonaz grunted in agreement. It was good having his friend to talk to again. When they'd reunited they'd spent the whole night talking, Melonaz doing his best to regale his stories to him. Tenalkz had listened quietly, enthralled. He'd even appeared a little jealous, to Melonaz's delight. His heart felt a little lighter now that he had his friend back.
Melonaz focused his Raiz. Instantly he sensed the massive heat spot of the ludenez horde. It'd grown again since the last time he'd sensed it. That mean they close? The anticipation was killing him. Want to fight. Face the Enemy. They wait to fill men with fear.
&
nbsp; The two Lial were doing their best to instruct the men, to toughen them up for the fight to come. They had the men doing basic strength exercises, push ups, sit ups, squats, and so on, but Melonaz knew it wouldn't make a difference. The best thing the Lial could do for them was kill all the ludenez before they could reach the No-Braids.
Many ludenez though. It won't happen. They will have to fight. 'Come,' said Melonaz. 'Go train with Apochal.'
Tenalkz nodded. They'd trained with the Apochal the day before, Tenalkz had enjoyed it even more than Melonaz had. They hadn't duelled, but they had practised Raiz, strengthening Hakah and Brubah as much as they could, as well as increasing the strength of their fire, lightning, and wind attacks. It'd been tiring but helpful. The Apochal Tyranoz had been the best, his skills with Raiz as good as those of the Lial, or so it seemed to Melonaz.
They got up to leave, but as they did Melonaz's senses tingled. He focused his Raiz again. The horde's Raiz was pulsing, its heat growing, almost painful to focus on now. Tenalkz looked troubled too. Both boys' eyes met, each knowing what it meant, feeling the same dread.
The two Lial had stopped and were looking to Mir-Ru too.
'It's time,' said Tenalkz, his voice shaking.
'We not die here,' said Melonaz. 'Enemy not win.'
Tenalkz didn't look convinced.
A savage wind blew across the plains, shaking the many furaz that composed the village of Oaraz. The wind blew down from the mountains, whipping up snow all around them. Melonaz pulled his furs tight around him, but the cold wind still somehow got through to his bones.
Tenalkz shivered beside him, clutching his stone pointed spear tightly. Melonaz worried for his friend, hoping the weapon wouldn't be the death of him. He know how to use it well. Can use Raiz too. He'll live, hope so. We'll stay close together.
Two older Sehnal from Twiz stood beside them, shivering, fear clear on their faces. Snow steamed as one of them urinated down the side of his own leg.
