Laugh of Destruction (Book 3 of the Death Incarnate Saga)

by Jr H. Lee Morgan

  “We made it. Go ahead and unload. Remember to drag in the boats and pile all the bags inside them.” Cage ordered and moved to help where he could while Rin spoke with his mate Zanza and looked over the boat for any signs of damage. The ramp lowered to the sandy beach and the Utala began unloading while six men untied the ropes from the backside of the Spear to drag the boats to shore.

  Brooke stood over with the elders and children, preparing them to move out while Cage observed the rest stacking all the sacks of tradable goods in the boats, keeping the six rowboats side by side. It took less time to offload than to get settled in for the boat ride.

  “Cage, Brooke said we’re about ready to leave. Are you done?” Meeka asked.

  “Almost. Tell her to go on ahead. You know the river’s path better than I. You lead them. Daku and I will catch up when I make sure everything’s ready.”

  Meeka gave him a quick kiss before heading off to the others. She rode double with Brooke as most rode in a similar way on horses. Rena sat behind Sean with another adult behind her while following their mothers. The tribe either rode horseback or kept pace on foot. In minutes the tribe followed the river upstream, not wanting to waste precious daylight. Meeka guided the way, remembering the river she took as a child so long ago. Much of the bank was slick, but easy enough to travel. Some hunters scouted the area for any signs of danger and relayed the information to the group.

  Zanza approached the chieftain and griffin as they tightly bound the last of the bags behind the blockade of the trees. “Rin and Quitte wanted me to say we are ready to return home. The boats are undamaged and we already managed to push them back into the water.” He looked and sure enough the two boats floated. Cage was so occupied he didn’t even realize they had done it. “We will return here in a week as planned unless something happens.”

  “So how do you like sailing?” Cage asked as he wiped sweat from his brow.

  The warrior smiled. “I do prefer solid land to walk on, but Rin and my women seem to truly enjoy the experience. They are all so happy that it is our boat and I will not take such joy away from them.”

  “Just take it easy.” Cage insisted.

  “Why do you say it like that?”

  “Because, Zanza, you’re pregnant.”

  Cage’s statement made the woman stare in shock for several moments before she laughed, but stopped when he wasn’t making a joke. “Truly?” Cage simply nodded. “But I haven’t had a baby in fifteen years… I’m thirty six. I thought I went barren after my first two.”

  “Apparently not. Your skin is glowing and I noticed you haven’t looked well the past few days.”

  “I thought it was just the sickness from Rin.”

  Cage smirked. “In a way, it is. Instead of a cold, you’ve conceived. Congratulations.”

  Zanza’s hands dropped to her bare belly and caressed it fondly before pushing around, hoping she could feel around for proof. She felt barely a bump and she squealed in delight before rushing close to hug her chieftain. “My loves will be so proud!” She hooted before running to the water and swimming with all the enthusiasm she felt. Cage and Daku watched as she was helped aboard and immediately started talking. Whatever they said was lost on the wind, but the large gestures and pointing at her belly soon turned to five women cheered around their sister, giving kisses and hugs aplenty and Rin seemed happiest of all at the distance, twirling the pregnant warrior in circles.

  “Though we won’t have cubs of our own, it is good to see joy in others when they find themselves bearing young… Get on Cage, we must catch up with your flock before nightfall.” Daku said.

  With a toss of the leg, Cage watched as his robe grew a split up either leg to sit on Daku’s back while his limbs dangled around his neck. When Daku headed for the stream and trotted upriver he heard “In all your years, did you ever become a father?”

  Immediately the mount came to a stop and set two considering blue eyes on his human. A sigh of resignation accompanied a shake of the head. “I’m afraid not. We griffins were unique creatures in our prime before the great division. I had many mates who all wanted to have a white king as their own, but unlike other animals, our wants do not give us cubs. I personally was fated to have two spirit mates, quite like yourself.” Daku continued walking at a much slower pace as he continued. “Though I had the pleasure of having many mating opportunities, the only way our kind could procreate is with our fated mates. No matter how often, it would not happen. In answer to your question… No, I had no cubs of my own. My mates never existed. Should I have met them… well, I’d be a father many times over.”

  “How is it you can tell who is unbreakable and who isn’t? How does this whole thing work?”

  Daku smirked. “That is difficult to answer. You will likely understand one day. Enough of this talk for now. Contact Cillian and let him know when we’ll arrive.” His great limbs picked up speed.

  Cage didn’t like questions unanswered, but he would honor his friend and drop the subject. He created another sight mirror and found Cillian staring out over the town from his office window. A black ball appeared before the mayor, one he expected all day. Before Cage could speak Cillian asked “How was the voyage?”

  “Went rather smoothly if I may say so. Cillian, we’ll meet you as we planned around midmorning to early afternoon tomorrow.”

  The blonde shaven man nodded towards the ball before him. “Good. I’ll meet you with the four carts as promised. I told a few of my friends about these boats you talked about and they are very interested. I’ll hold my own thoughts, but the men in question are fair and willing to buy new boats for the large lakes all around the area.”

  “I’ll take your word for it. See you tomorrow.”

  “Are my daughters and new grandchildren there?” Cillian asked hopeful. Cage, when he could spare the power, got his family to converse with Meeka’s parents and got on good terms rather quickly. Cillian even accepted Meeka’s bisexual orientation and thought of Brooke as a daughter too. As for Sean and Rena, they were special and quick to love as any family of blood is. Looking at the man, Cage didn’t wish to disappoint, but it couldn’t be helped.

  “Sorry Cillian, Daku and I are currently catching up and they already have a few hours lead. I’ll tell them you say hi.”

  “Good. I shall see all of you tomorrow. Many in Kote are looking forward to meeting the Utala and this year’s harvest celebration.”

  Soon Cage ended the conversation and held on more tightly as Daku’s pace increased beyond anything a horse could match and with such skill that anyone else would slip and hurt themselves.

  As darkness settled in, Daku entered the Utala camp and Cage saw fires going with food cooking. He settled in with his Familiar while telling the others what to expect again for tomorrow. It would be the first time since the tribe was founded that they would all go to trade on another’s land. Some it frightened, but the overall feel was genuinely excited. He told of Zanza’s pregnancy and only elder Shania commented she guessed what her sickness really was. Many in the tribe were happy for her. And before getting a good night sleep under a clear and starry sky, Cage told his family what Cillian had said and explained how eager he is to see them all again. The four were just as excited.

  “It’s been hours, Cillian! How many more are we going to waste before you realize they aren’t coming?” Jom, the chandler of Kote spoke.

  “Quit complaining. It has barely passed noon.” The mayor replied while lifting his fishing cane from the water. Bait still dangled from a hook so he flicked his wrist to send the measured line out.

  “I can’t sit around all day and leave my shop closed during the harvest. I make most of my yearly profits during this week. I’m not like you who gets to sit around all day, simply talking to people.”

  Cillian nonchalantly gazed to the group of men and a few curious women, among them was his wife. He found half of the home guard geared for a welcome to valued guests and hopefully partners one day. The mostly
former soldiers numbered fifty two and nearly half sat around, talking amongst themselves. The four draft horses were on leaders to allow them to graze on the tall grass. The wagons were empty, ready for the late running supplies. About a half dozen brought their poles along and were quite content. Beside him sat his old friend Ren who was laying on the bank with his eyes closed, enjoying the moment. Then Cillian glanced at the chandler before looking out over the calm lake’s water.

  In a calm, indifferent tone Cillian replied “Then by all means leave. Say what you will about my job, but I would have thought you’d have more patience and be the first to see what the Utala have to offer first. I’ve had extensive talks with my daughters on what to expect. Mostly they have food to share freely for the event, willing to sell it to the town well below what I’d usually allot for bringing into the area. If you need to leave, I won’t stop you, but it will be your loss if another prospector buys what they have and leave you with leftovers.”

  Jom huffed and stomped away mumbling under his breath.

  “Still have the tact of a mule.” Ren remarked from his lazy position.

  Cillian chuckled. “I know when and when not to use politics to get what I want. Different people respond differently. Jom though is always more ready to earn a quick coin. He just needed to be reminded on why he’s here.”

  “Personally I’d rather give him a good swat with the flat of my blade.” The old veteran said before they chuckled in unison.

  “Father! To the west! By the old tower ruins!” Ren’s oldest son hollered from the bed of a wagon.

  Alerted, the entire group stood and looked to the trees where the lake bled into a river. It was clear they saw the body of a gigantic white creature as tall as any man. On its back sat a green robed man who dropped lightly and turned his back. His words were lost in the distance, but he turned around and walked beside the creature. Then the ones who waited all morning got to see many on horseback riding out from the river’s outlet. It was an impressive sight and once the group of just over two hundred passed the ruins and reached open land they nearly all dismounted.

  “Would you look at all those women?” One of the young boys said in a lustful way. “Where are all their men? I wouldn’t mind having my way…”

  “Watch that tongue, Boy.” Cillian stated loud enough for those standing with him could hear. “The Utala tribe, as I’m told, is a female dominant group outnumbering men four to one. Every woman is equal to men and to even bed one you must best her in combat. Do not take their revealing attire as weakness. They are all warriors who would slit your throat if you anger them. And as it so happens, the average man has four wives. They are a hard people and it has taken a lot of effort to get them to come. If you pursue one, it’ll be to your own risk.” The cocky youth didn’t seem to heed the warning with any seriousness.

  It took several minutes for the tribe to approach and in that time Ren gave signals which gave the home guard orders to line up beside him and the mayor. Then without a signal neither Cillian or Ren had noticed the bulk of the tribe stopped as one. Cillian smiled at his beautiful daughter holding the hands of his grandchildren, but they held position smiling back. The rest of the tribe though didn’t show emotion of any kind.

  The mayor watched as Cage, the large Daku, Brooke and seven white-haired older people stepped forth. “Sorry we’re running a little late, Cillian. Couldn’t be helped really. A bear got too close to one of the children on our way here. Our hunters brought it down and it took an hour to clean it from its bones.”

  “Was the child hurt?” Tiffa said as she approached her husband and the home guard.

  “Lost an arm.” Cage replied casually. “But she stabbed it in the eye during the attack before it was swallowed whole. Don’t worry, I put her back together as if nothing happened.” For emphasis, eyes turned to a girl of about eleven showing bright pink skin, obviously showing how gruesome the attack was, but she seemed quite alright.

  “Then I thank you for bringing it down. A bear’s been harassing some farmers.” Cillian said. “Now are you ready to join the celebration?”

  “Not quite yet.” Came a voice.

  “Elder Metak.” Cillian remembered their first encounter and the spear wielding, shirtless elder inclined his head at being recognized. “It is good to see you are well. What is it I can do to ease the trepidation I hear in your voice.”

  The elder took a step forward and spoke so all could hear, but spoke to Cillian. “As you well know, our people are very mistrusting, Cillian. Events have changed and so must my tribe if we are to survive. Never before have the Utala come out of necessity to make trade or have brought our children. Where we come from, traders came to our village. Our children are our life, but all of us agreed it would be best to bring them.” The elder held up a single finger and the promise in his voice could not be inferred in any way other than unbreakable. “Know this, if anyone hurts or lays a hand on our children and not be of our tribe, they have permission to kill their attacker. If a child is overpowered, their parents will not show mercy and will kill. Should the event of this week happen to harm the children, we will kill only those responsible and leave. You will never see a Utala again unless you travel to our island seeking your own death.” The man smiled. “But should our trade profit, your peoples will likely see more of us. And should your tribe be in danger, you can call on us to help. We are a war tribe. If your enemies are too great, we will gladly send them to the great spirits.”

  Cillian was about to speak till Ren placed a gloved hand on his shoulder. The mayor nodded for the captain of the guard to speak. “We do hope our peoples profit, but I must ask two questions.”

  “Speak your mind, Brother Warrior.” The lead elder said, noticing the sword.

  “What would happen should one of our people be killed by one of yours for no reason?”

  “They would not, but if it happens any one of us will kill our own. Weak minds are not permitted in our tribe. I would even kill my mates as they would me should any of us strike down another without serious provocation.” Ren saw the six older women nod that they wouldn’t even hesitate. “We know our customs are different, but Meeka has extensively explained your ways, which we will honor.”

  Ren nodded. “Then I believe that to be fair. My second is, you allow children to kill? I mean, it is difficult to believe a child could kill anyone.”

  Metak smiled broadly. “None of our young are soft, especially after our chieftain came to us. Perhaps a demonstration is in order.” The elder called out “Ville, come here!” and a girl of about six bounced up to stand by his side, biting her bottom lip adoribly and innocently. “This here is my youngest great grandchild, Ville. Ville,” she looked up into his eyes with a smile. “cut my arm wide open.”

  To the shock of everyone present, Ville didn’t even hesitate to draw her knife from her thigh and slice into the elder’s forearm with such speed and strength the blade sliced skin, muscle and bone could be seen for a moment. Then she sheathed her weapon and skipped back to her three mothers as if it were just a game.

  Metak displayed his wound as blood dripped in streams from his elbow. “As you can see, even my own great grandchild would kill me if I had asked. And she is one of the more timid girls of the tribe…”

  Tiffa suddenly grabbed the hem of her dress and ripped it loudly. She then went to rush to bind the wound, but stopped as six spears from the other elders leveled on her. Tiffa felt angry and grabbed one of the spears. “Move these before he bleeds to death!” she demanded through clenched teeth.

  “Ah, you are Meeka’s mother. I’m Elder Shania. Ease sisters, she has the same fire as any of our warriors.” The spears lowered as the older women smiled.

  “It’s alright, Tiffa.” Cage calmly said as he approached. “Ville cut too deeply for even your considerable talents to heal. I’ll fix him, otherwise he’ll lose the use of that arm.” Cage gripped the wound of Metak who barely winced and soft blue light emanated from the arm, beneath th
e blood.

  A few moments later the wound vanished.

  Tiffa came closer and prodded the area around the forearm. “Amazing… I’ve heard magic could heal almost any wound… Elder Metak, how does it feel?”

  “As it should.” He wiped the blood off his arm and made a fist.

  “Why would you make Ville cut you to the point you would have lost all use in it? The wound was so bad I might have needed to amputate it even.” Tiffa admonished while glaring at the old man who didn’t shrink, used to being around strong women had left him immune to such looks. “If Cage wasn’t here…”

  “Even if he wasn’t I would have done the same.” The elder stated directly. “I did as I had to so that my words weren’t lightly taken. Look at the effect my descendant’s actions did to your tribe.” Tiffa turned to see most watching uneasily. Only the home guard didn’t show emotion akin to shock. “I would gladly give up my arm so that it protects the interests of our people. If my injury had prevented a stupid person from harming our first encounter, it would be worth it. To discourage stupidity for our peoples over the next few days and to prevent killing, it had to be done in no other way. Since it is now clear our words are revealed to be as direct as our weapons we may continue.” Metak looked over her shoulder. “Chieftain Cillian, do I have your honor that we will be welcome to Kote on the condition I’ve spoken on? As leader of your tribe, it is up to you on allowing our tribe with full knowledge of our intentions.”

  Cillian could see the resolve in the old man’s eyes. Many scars and fearsome tattoos all over his body showed he lived a deadly life and if each one was from an attack, for him to still stand means that many have died by his hand. The mayor carefully considered all that transpired in the past minutes to say “I believe I still would like to have all of you join us. I will make certain to express your concerns to the town so your people and ours will benefit greatly.”