The other men grunted and mumbled, but none spoke as they waited for Kaichen to answer. Kaichen looked at the beaming face of the youth that he had chosen to accompany them. He was a boy of thirteen seasons and his father had been killed in a fall from the red rocks that sheltered them. He lived in a small dwelling with his grandfather, mother and younger brother. Kaichen had taken the time to get to know each family and he knew what the needs were of their village.
“Boys are made into men when they make their first kill. That is the way of our people. But how can a boy ever become a man if he is never trained by the men of his village?” Kaichen responded to Urri with a question of his own while allowing the resounding silence to fill in the words that he did not speak.
Soon each man took his turn recounting the story of his first hunt. The boys were eager to hear the stories of the men of their band and soon all were gathered close. As the day faded into night the women and young girls came and went with platters of food and well spiced stew.
Kaichen enjoyed the company of the other men, but what he enjoyed most was the overwhelming sense of friendship and goodwill that existed within their village.
Amara’s clear laughter floated over the den of voices and Kaichen was captivated by the sight of his laughing wife. She walked arm in arm with two other young women as they chased after the children that sought to stay awake a little longer.
How was it that he could not name a time that he did not hunger for the warmth of her slight form and the touch of her soft hand upon his shoulder? He shared a look with her across the fire that communicated much and his wife smiled as her eyes danced with merriment. Kaichen felt the rhythm of his heart speed up from the intensity of her gaze. Her attention was taken by one of her companions as the woman pointed to a child.
He watched as his wife picked up the little girl even as the youngster tried to scamper off after the older children. Amara whispered to the girl and kissed the child’s round face. Kaichen found himself smiling in return as the little girl returned the gesture and Amara tipped her head back in laughter.
Tamol’s warning came back to mind and Kaichen resolved to keep close watch over Amara. He had already warned the men to watch over his wife and mother at all times.
Ni’zin had done his best to dishonor his mother and take her life. Only Denoa’s strong will to survive had kept her alive until help arrived. Kaichen had the feeling that if Ni’zin still lived, he would find a way to take his revenge.
“Kaichen, the others are laughing and enjoying this last evening before the long cold sets in. Why do you wear a frown that appears darker than the night?” Antuk spoke loudly drawing all eyes toward Kaichen, but he was ready for Antuk’s untimely comment. He had no intention of upsetting the men with his concerns. They were well aware of the possible dangers that their village faced.
“Have I ever told you men that Antuk weaves watertight baskets better than any woman?” Kaichen saw that he had stunned Antuk with his rejoinder. At first, he knew a moment of sympathy as all eyes turned to Antuk and his friend rolled his eyes up to the sky and away.
Antuk did not enjoy undue attention. He preferred to focus on one thing at a time, to the exclusion of all else. Kaichen had begun to think that he had become too accepting of his friend’s behavior. He would not underestimate Antuk ever again.
Antuk’s basket weaving was his personal secret and he did not truly seek to wound his friend. The men immediately shifted their attention to Antuk.
“If his weaving is anything like his skill with forcing the land to provide water to a dry field, then our women can learn something from him. Antuk, will you show us your work? Is it true that you created the belt that the Sundancer wears?” Men eager for an opportunity to trade with Antuk spoke up and Kaichen smiled. But it was the look on Antuk’s face as the women crowded close around the well muscled bulk of his friend’s shoulders and back that caused Kaichen to choke with muffled laughter.
It was just as he suspected, the people of their village were leery of Antuk because of his large size and contrary nature. Kaichen simply provided an opportunity for Antuk to make closer friendships with the people of their village.
Laughter lived inside of Kaichen when he caught sight of the twinkle in Antuk’s eyes as he began to haggle with the men over who would be the first to offer something in trade. For a time, the worries of tomorrow were set aside and he found enjoyment in the present.
A flock of birds took flight as a large rock tumbled down the side of the canyon walls. Falling rocks were a danger during any season, but a cautious hunter knew how to place his footsteps upon ground that was secure. Kaichen demonstrated this technique to the boy that stuck closer than a shadow.
The boy was called Adqala and his face was eager with excitement. Kaichen tried to remain stern as he spoke to the boy. Adqala’s eyes danced with his first taste of adventure.
He already knew how to set a snare and fish when the river was high. Like the other boys of their village he had been taught by his elders to excel at the tasks set before them.
Kaichen knew that the boy worked from the rising of the sun until it set as he struggled to bring in his share of the harvest. Denoa eagerly shared all that she knew about the families of their village. Kaichen was grateful for her wisdom and knowledge.
“Adqala, you will place your footsteps in the place where I have walked. Watch the other men and see how they move silently. Soon we will find the tracks of a herd of buffalo or perhaps those of a fattened deer. All of the animals seek to fill their bellies so that they can survive the long cold.” Kaichen spoke in a voice that was little more than a murmur and he was reminded of Azin.
This was not the first time that Kaichen began to understand the true value of sharing what he knew with others. He could see the wisdom in all that Azin had taught him.
There was a time when he had merely existed, learning what Azin sought to instill in him simply because it was forced upon him. But Azin was not dissuaded from his teaching by a sullen youth with anger and grief burning in his heart.
All that he was and all that he would ever be was wrapped up in the teachings of a wise man, well past the age of one that would continue to count his seasons.
One of the men made a sign that told the others that they had found the first sign of animal tracks. Kaichen’s keen eyes picked up the faintest detail and he saw that they trailed a large buck.
It was with silence that they traveled, never speaking. The anticipation of success beat in the heart of each hunter.
Kaichen strode with ease through dense vegetation and long dried grasses as the terrain changed. Finally, one of the men signaled that he had spotted their prey. Kaichen placed his hand upon Adqala’s shoulder, signaling the boy into a crouch.
He expected the lead hunter to take the shot that would end the buck’s life and provide meat and sustenance for several families. But it was to his astonishment that the men waved Adqala forward.
Kaichen watched as the youth’s tawny skin flushed. It was plain to see that he was overwhelmed with the honor given to him by the men. If his aim was true, Adqala would make his first kill and if he missed, the buck would flee before another shot could be fired from the well strung bows of the others.
Though each man had participated in sharing the story of his first hunt as their fellow hunters listened in, Kaichen was humbled by the honor the men showed Adqala. Each man had a family to feed and while their food stores were almost full, there was always the need for more. Their show of care for Adqala’s responsibility within his own family was a display of true brotherhood.
Kaichen had always stood apart as an outsider, looking in at those that led normal lives. Now he was one of the men of the village surrounded by the red rocks, the birthright of their people.
Adqala crawled to the lead with his bow upon his back and his arrow clenched between chattering teeth. There was a chill to the air but each man knew that Adqala’s blood flowed with nervous excitement and mos
t of all hope. What hunter could not remember the exact moment when he notched his arrow into place in expectation of his first kill? What hunter could not remember the moment when he inhaled and forced his eyes to remain open as he released the arrow that would name him a man?
As one they held their breath.
The buck glanced up at the last moment, a slight shift of its head and then the arrow pierced the hollow place right beneath the ridge of his large head. The animal shuddered and then went down as Adqala fell flat, stunned by what he had just accomplished.
The other men were eager to welcome Adqala as a man of their band. They pounded the youth on the back as he was lifted to his feet by all.
Kaichen knew that Adqala’s knees would not hold him if the other men let him go. He remembered how such a victory left the body limp and the knees weak.
“You did fine.” Kaichen added his own encouragement to Adqala as the hunters urged the young man forward. Kaichen was prepared to hand Adqala his own hunting knife so that the youth could make the first cut but Adqala raised his head and looked Kaichen in the eye.
“My grandfather said that I would make my first kill today. He said that the Sundancer would call the animal to my arrow.” Adqala swallowed audibly as he blinked to clear his tear brightened eyes. “He gave me his hunting knife so that I could make the first cut.”
Kaichen was humbled by the boy’s trust in him but he felt that Adqala should thank the men that had accompanied them.
Before he could suggest that Adqala give the men his thanks the boy threw himself, with youthful exuberance, into first Kaichen’s arms and then the arms of the other hunters. The three men welcomed the dark-haired youth as a new hunter of their band.
Two days spent hunting had given the men aching backs and tired legs. Kaichen and the others were buoyed by their success, but their spirits quickly plummeted as they came upon a deer that had been killed and left to rot.
“This deer was killed by a man.” Kaichen growled low in his throat as he surveyed the scene of death. The deer’s carcass had been left to rot. Such waste was unheard of amongst their people.
At first, he thought that a wild animal had fallen upon the deer, catching it unaware. Blood pooled under the animal’s neck and the stench of rotting flesh was overwhelming. The men held Adqala away from the grisly sight even as Kaichen moved forward to kneel next to the animal.
The other men told Adqala to mind his carrying pack as they moved forward to aid Kaichen. The meat from Adqala’s first kill had been divided and each man carried his share. They were alert to their surroundings as they returned to their village. They had hoped to stumble upon another animal seeking nourishment before the coming time of long cold.
“This deer was killed by a slice to the throat.” Kaichen called back to the men that he claimed as friends and fellow hunters. The men were instantly wary. Because of Kaichen, they lived in peace and they knew that their village would suffer an immeasurable loss if anything happened to him.
Kaichen placed his hand upon his hunting knife and wished for his spear. A shout from behind was his only warning of attack. Kaichen recognized Adqala’s voice and then he was pushed off his feet by the body of one of the hunters. He heard the man grunt as an arrow thudded into the man’s side.
Kaichen rolled until he was covered by dense brush. He looked around him but all was silent. Both Adqala and the other hunter had their bows raised and aimed toward the direction where the arrow had come from.
Kaichen recognized the black feathers of the arrow that had almost ended his life. Ni’zin.
Kaichen silently dragged the injured hunter further into the cover offered by the sparse trees that dotted the land. Adqala’s eyes were wide with fear as he joined them. The hunter called Oltzin did not speak as he knelt beside his friend.
“How bad is the wound?” Oltzin questioned as Kaichen pulled aside the man’s parka.
“Tralek will live if the arrow is removed with care. Tell the women that they must first cut off the end that protrudes and then pull the arrow through. Tell them that if his belly swells there is little that they can do.” Kaichen continued to watch their surroundings for further sign of attack. If Ni’zin sought to surprise them with an attack then why did he only send one arrow? Kaichen would have expected a volley of well-aimed arrows aimed at the chest and throat.
“Why do you tell me this? You will tell the women yourself, will you not?” Oltzen’s breathing was rapid and his eyes were wide as he waited for Kaichen to answer.
“No. I cannot return with you, knowing that an enemy waits to slay us one by one. You will take him back to the village with Adqala to help you carry him and I will guard your back.” Kaichen’s voice was firm as Oltzen began to make a carrying pallet for his friend.
They were close enough to the village that Kaichen felt certain the man and young boy could carry the injured hunter back to safety. He was also counting on Ni’zin or Tonaka to come after him and leave the others alone.
Kaichen wanted nothing more than to rush back to the village and ensure the safety of Amara and his mother. However, the imminent threat posed by their enemies prevented him from acting hastily.
The women of their village were protected by men that had tasted battle and victory, but not before they had known great defeat. Kaichen was certain that the men would guard their village with their lives. Never again would their people be taken captive. Never again would raiders be allowed to cause such devastation.
Kaichen urged the pair to hurry as he listened to Tralek’s harsh breathing. If he made it back to the village, there was every hope that he would live. The same could not be said for Kaichen.
He faced an enemy that sought revenge at all costs. Ni’zin and Tonaka could have disappeared into the desert basins or the high ridges never to be seen again. Both men had been given the opportunity to escape death and instead of turning away, they now sought to take his life.
Kaichen had one advantage over his enemy. He shared the same blood; the same instincts for survival that lived in Ni’zin and Tonaka were equally a part of him. Ni’zin and Tonaka wanted him to know that they had become the harbinger of death and they did not know fear. In order to best his enemy, Kaichen would become the same.
Darkness gave his enemy power. Kaichen remembered that the raiders had only attacked their village during the darkest part of the night. He wished now that he had asked Tamol more questions about the dark gods that his grandfather had once worshipped. These were the same dark gods that Ni’zin and Tonaka venerated with their actions.
Kaichen blended easily with the forest. He was the tree that swayed against the setting sun. He was the blended dry grass that bent under a hunter’s foot. His senses were open to every scent and sound. He took measured steps toward his village, knowing that it was possible that he was being watched, even now.
Enough time had passed to allow Oltzen and Adqala a chance to return to their village. The women would tend to the injured hunter and he would recover from his injury. Kaichen spoke those words into being.
He yearned to sit amongst his people and enjoy the night sounds around them. He allowed himself one thought of Amara as he envisioned the curve of her cheek and the warmth to be found in her arms. Then he set aside his desire to see his lifemate’s face as he focused on that which he did not hear and that which he could not see.
Kaichen considered all that he had learned about his enemy. He knew that Ni’zin and Tonaka did not fear death. The men that had once been sons of a vengeful leader did not know honor. They would strike without warning. They would kill without remorse.
Kaichen’s jaw clenched as fury rolled through him and he used it, he welcomed it as his head turned toward the silence of the high rock spires. He knew with a certainty that his enemy would take the advantage of higher ground.
With a deep exhalation of breath, Kaichen shed the cloak of a hunter and became what was needed to survive.
Death had come for the Sundancer and he
had become death.
Amara aided Denoa as the woman worked over the injured hunter. Her first instinct had been to rush to Kaichen, despite his warning to her not to put herself in danger.
She saw that Denoa worked with calm efficiency as she staunched the flow of blood and cleaned the wound caused by the arrow embedded in the hunter’s flesh. When she had done all that she could, she settled back upon her knees and watched over the sleeping man.
“You will not leave the safety of this village and seek out your mate.” Denoa’s voice was firm.
“I cannot promise you that I will remain here while Kaichen faces danger.” Amara would not be forced to give a promise that she could not keep.
“I do not expect that of you. I will not sit and wait while Ni’zin or Tonaka murders my son.” Denoa picked up her husband’s spear and turned to face Amara.
“I did not expect that of you.” Amara turned the phrase back upon Denoa as the older woman smiled. “But you and I realize that to leave the safety of the village would be to walk into a trap set by our enemy. They knew that Kaichen would send the injured man back to the village and they know that we would seek out Kaichen to assure ourselves of his wellbeing.”
“Then what would you have us do?” Denoa’s voice was strident though she meant no harm. Amara understood how Denoa felt, her heart had not settled into a regular rhythm from the moment that the hunters returned without Kaichen.
“We will trust the Sundancer and we will help Kaichen defeat Ni’zin and Tonaka once and for all.”
Kaichen waited for an attack that never came. When daylight filtered through the sky, he eased out into the open and the scout that had first watch over their village called out to him from above. Kaichen made the climb with ease, each footstep was familiar and each handhold was known to him.
His bow was in his hand as he stood upon the red rocks that protected his people. For a moment, he stood highlighted by sunlight as he surveyed the village below and it was then that he knew. His enemy was near.
The Last Sundancer Page 39
