by Marius Thue
“Do you think Thoke is some kind of god or some demon?” Gerak suddenly asks.
“What now?” Serk looks confused for a moment.
“Father says Thoke has unnatural abilities, and that he's kept it from us all these years. He jumped fifty times his own length through the air, Father said, before crushing the moose’s skull with one strike,” Gerak tells them.
“I'll bet he's a demon, then, like the ravages’ chief perhaps,” Serk suggests.
“The ravages chief is just a story made up to scare us,” Terot says. “Thoke must be the son of some forest god, I'd say.”
“The ravages’ chief is no tale,” Serk objects. “Did you not see that moose-man on the island?”
Gerak sees that Serk has begun to get riled up, so he decides not to be a part of this conversation anymore.
“Shadows can become anything in the night,” Terot protests. “For all we know it was just some man with branches on his head.”
“Sometimes I think you have nothing in your head. Maybe some branches would be an upgrade,” Serk says before being interrupted by his father.
Mekar has been sitting on the mountain for days and now comes running right past them.
“They're here. Hoster's tribe has arrived!” he shouts while running in between the trees. “Where's Garnek?” he asks as he arrives at the camp. Hiro points in toward the hut.
There Mekar finds his chief, still in great pain. Tradition dictates the tribe’s chief must be present for trades, and that it must be done on neutral grounds. Garnek has a tough decision to make as there's no way he can make it up the mountain in his condition.
“Mekar, fetch Thoke for me,” the chief commands.
“I can do it!” Rhekir exclaims, having stood right outside the hut all along.
Rhekir runs to find his father. He likes involving himself as much as possible in the grown men’s business, as he in truth is grown himself now, even though his father won't see it.
Shortly after Thoke enters the hut, he sits down next to Garnek.
“You asked for me?”
“Tireni and Mileni will be given away today, and we'll receive a woman for Terot. I cannot get up there. I don't think I'll do well as chief anymore, I'm afraid. So I have asked you here to take my place, Thoke,” Garnek explains.
“Me? Lead?” Thoke doesn't know what to make of this.
“You're the strongest and the greatest hunter. I've seen what you can do. I saw you fly through the air. Your skill at hunting makes more sense now. Somehow I guess I've always known there was something special about you.” Garnek shifts his injured leg and grimaces. “I don't like that you've kept this from me, but you did save my life, and for that I can only be grateful. Most importantly, I still trust that you value the lives of everyone here more than anything. Protect the tribe like you protected me. It's yours.”
Thoke sits back into the hut’s wall. He looks at Mekar, who simply smiles.
“When you get better, you'll have it back, that I promise you,” Thoke says.
They grab each other’s arms near the elbows, a sign of agreement. Then they help Garnek get outside to tell the others.
“Listen up, everyone,” Garnek begins while people begins gathering around. “I'm no longer capable of leading you. Who knows how long it will take for my leg to heal. Father says I might never walk without a stick in my hand. This means someone must take over. The choice falls to the strongest, best hunter and warrior. Thoke saved my life, and at some point has saved most of yours. We will not fear Thoke for his strength, because he's had it all this time and has stood loyal by our side. He could have taken this tribe for himself at any time but has not. There can be no better chief. Now, gather wood for the biggest fire you've ever seen. Once Thoke returns from the trade, we'll hold the ceremony!”
Garnek's words are met by cheers from the tribe. Everyone but Janeg and Gerak, who both had hoped to get the honor themselves. With disappointment clear on their faces, they attempt to swallow their pride and smile.
Mekar looks confused as he has not been around these last few days. “What kind of strengths are we talking here?”
“Thoke was touched by the gods. They gave him great strength and enhanced senses,” Neera explains.
Mekar nods as if he already knew.
“I'm not surprised,” he says with a smile. “Never before have I seen someone with such perfect teeth.”
Garnek wobbles over to Thoke, being held up by his brother along the way.
“The chief of the other tribe is named Hoster, an old friend,” Garnek tells. “We grew up together, so he can be trusted. Horvag was his younger half-brother, so beware of that.”
The day is cold and dark. Wind blows over the mountain, making snow blow over the wanderers. Thoke brings Hiro, Rhekir, Terot, Tireni, and Mileni. Mekar takes the lead to show them where he saw the other tribe.
Up by the foot of the mountain, Hoster's tribe has made camp. The tribe is much larger than Thoke's with at least fifteen to twenty more members.
A group of five meet them some ways outside the camp. One is Hoster himself. He's a short almost bald man with a long brown beard. Beside him a large black wolf stands eying Thoke and his followers. Thoke regards the wolf's yellow eyes, seeing wisdom only old age can bring.
“Where's Garnek?” he asks immediately. “This trade cannot happen without his presence.” His hoarse voice makes his words sound slurred together.
“I am Thoke, their new chief.” Thoke takes a step forward. “Garnek's leg was maimed by a bull moose.”
“A shame,” Hoster says, his voice scraping through the air. He regards Thoke carefully. “You seem alright by the look of you. Give Garnek my regards, then.”
Thoke nods before replying, “We would like to know if you have any others to give up? We have a fifteen-year-old man who needs a woman.”
This time Hoster regards Rhekir carefully while stroking and pulling on his beard.
“We have a girl aged eleven, I think. She's not ready to birth yet, but it shouldn't be long now. We'll arrange a meeting next winter.”
Thoke looks at Hiro and Mekar. They nod before saying goodbye to their daughters. There's rarely much choice in partners around here as love within small tribes is usually forbidden. “Keep the blood pure,” Sernak would say.
Trading many with one tribe is rare. For the most part, they should trade with multiple tribes to keep strong relations with them. These days, most tribes are reclusive, however, and rarely trust others.
As Thoke sees tears in the eyes of the fathers and daughters, he thinks about his daughter, Larii, and praises himself lucky for having found Neera when he did or for her having found him.
“I never understood the customs of some tribes,” Hoster begins. “Having only one woman? Heck, I have nine and still would like more! Do you know how many breasts that are? A lot, I tell you. Even my sister had three men she dragged along, until one of them killed her, that is,” Hoster laughs, possibly seeing the reason why these customs have become more common lately.
Hoster's words seems to cheer up Mekar, who chuckles a bit under his tears.
“A foolish thing, I agree,” he says under his laughter.
“An unfortunate thing to make trades this way, though, but we must lie low and avoid detection,” Hoster says. “We've tried to move north, but nothing beats these plains when it comes to prey. The mountain demons attacked one of our hunting parties a while back, and we lost some good people. Still, it's worth the risk. Hunger would have killed us all had we not come here. The coast is death as the demons patrol it constantly.”
“We've had some run-ins with them as well, but they're no demons. Ravages, we call them,” Thoke says.
“Ravages, you say? It has a nice ring to it I guess. I heard about the island. Garnek said my brother Horvag and his massive tribe fell from these ravages,” Hoster answers, stroking and pulling on his beard.
“He showed himself to be brave in the end,” Thoke says.
“He was a fool. I don't know what's worse, the demons or Garnek’s wrath. Horvag’s father was a fool and a horrible chief, which is probably where he got it from, when I think on it.” Hoster laughs a horrible stinging laugh. His hoarse voice makes it sound almost painful. “We've begun to breed wolves like they do in the south. You should too. They mostly keep these ravages at bay and let us know if someone's around. They’ve saved us several times. The southern tribes call me The Wolf Chief, which I enjoy quite a bit.” Hoster pats the large head of his black wolf, who still regards the foreigners with sharp eyes.
“How do you keep the wolves from attacking you?” Thoke wonders. His encounter with wolves in the past had been quite unfortunate and painful.
“My first woman’s old tribe has done it for generations. The aggressive pups are killed early, while the ones who are calm around us are bred. They're not as wild as other wolves but can take down a grown man easy enough. They can also be taught to help during hunts, but it's not an easy thing. Next time we meet, we'll give you some pups.”
Thoke nods and they say their goodbyes. A fifteen-year-old girl from the other tribe comes forward. Terot takes her hand, and they say some words to each other. Normally there would be a grand ceremony for these things, but that would require the tribes to come together and make double the noise.
They arrive back at the campsite and are met by a crying Sevi and Diseni. Larii runs past them and throws herself at her father. Thoke lifts her up and then puts her down in front of him. Her long light hair falls down in front of her icy-blue eyes.
“So, what has the warrior girl done while her father was gone?” he asks, smiling.
“I won when all the kids ran to the big stone by the creek. I'm faster than everyone, I think,” she answers. Her lips moves faster than her words, it seems, at times.
“You just might be. Small but fast. You had a great uncle named Helok who was like that you know.” Thoke's smile grows even larger.
“Before you left, I beat Rhekir when we threw stones at pinecones also. I hit at least five more than him.” Larii's enthusiasm increases along with her father’s smile.
“Did not!” Rhekir screams, even though he's standing right next to them. “I was just tired from striking flint all day.”
“So you admit it or not?” Larii asks while she sticks her nose in the air.
Thoke breaks out into laughter. “Ha ha! You're a clever one!” Thoke keeps chuckling, and Rhekir storms off. Thoke tries to make him stop, but it's no use.
“Rhekir gets angry so fast sometimes,” Larii says.
“Go find him … and let him win once in a while. He's almost a grown man now, and it can't be easy to lose to his little sister all the time.”
Larii kisses her father’s cheek and runs off to comfort her brother.
Darkness has fallen on the campsite, and the tribe has lit a big fire. Hiro stands on a high hill, keeping watch. The sound of the tribe chanting Thoke's name fills the air. Hiro doesn't like this, but some ceremony must be done, he supposes. After this, they must leave this place.
A large rock has been dragged in front of the fire, where Thoke sits ready to receive the tribe’s praise. Garnek surrenders his leadership by kneeling in front of him. Janeg helps him bend down on his good leg.
“I hereby give you the honor, the responsibility, and burden that is leading these people. You must protect them and keep them fed. It's up to you that we survive and grow stronger than ever. Do you accept this task?” Garnek shouts.
“I do!” Thoke shouts back.
Dancing and singing follows long into the night while they celebrate their new chief. Torches are lit around the camp. Now they will dance and play with the fires to please the gods.
Thoke remains seated during the celebration. He sees no reason to court the gods, as he still feels anger toward them for what they did to his old tribe.
Neera makes a few attempts to bring him down, but he has made his decision. She does manage to bring Rhekir and Larii to dance around. With song, dance, and fire they will convince the gods to grant luck to Thoke's leadership.
The celebration lasts long into the night, and everyone but Thoke seems to be having a good time. Past the flames, far into the mountain, Hiro sees several shadows moving down. The ceremony must be ended. They have to leave in a hurry.
CHAPTER 13
The tribe wanders across to the other side of the mountain, to the grounds they once used to hunt. A strong blizzard has followed them on the way. Three wolves follow the tribe wherever they go now. Hoster gave them already trained adult wolves as a sign of friendship and future cooperation between the tribes.
The tribe’s vast numbers makes it difficult to keep everyone fed and healthy, which is why they have decided to go back to areas they know well. Thoke stretches his abilities to their peak to be able to catch enough food.
Wading through snow makes the journey a slow paced one. For everyone except Thoke, the cold is almost unbearable. Thankfully there are enough furs and pelts to go around. Many complain about fingers and thumbs going numb in the cold, so Thoke decides to pick up the pace.
Once on the other side of the mountain, they finally get into the forest, which gives them some shelter from the wind. Tired and cold, they begin to set up camp. It's vital they all stay active until the huts are erected.
They find a flat open area inside the forest. A large boulder, three men high, stands in the middle of the campsite. It will serve perfectly as a lookout point.
Eight huts are built, which should be enough to house everyone. The wolves aren't allowed to come into the campsite as Thoke doesn't yet trust them with the youngest children. They stay on the edge of the camp, waiting for some scraps of meat, keeping a lookout for intruders.
One clear night the three best friends, Gerak, Serk, and Terot, sit talking in the outskirts of the camp. The wolves huddle around them against the cold night. The men are all mesmerized by the beautiful night sky.
“I wonder what they are,” Gerak says suddenly.
“The stars you mean?” Terot asks.
“They're fires, I'd say,” Serk breaks in.
Terot twitches his nose and tightens his brows, clearly not impressed with the statement.
“Serk, you mushroom! Fires? Now I've heard everything. They're way too small to be fires,” Terot says before laughing.
Here they go again. This is the beginnings of yet another argument, one Gerak has no intentions of being a part of. He leans back to look at the stars and listens to their bickering.
“They can be far away. Stumpy!” Serk says, pushing Terot lightly.
Clearly angered, Terot takes a few heavy breaths so as not to start a real fight. Stumpy is a nickname Terot has always hated, which Serk is very aware of. Gerak is tall, powerful, and has a full beard. He's almost a reflection of his father at that age. Terot, on the other hand, hasn't inherited height nor beard and only got the powerful part. Serk doesn't stand much taller than Terot, however, but he has a lean body, making him appear so. Terot has a short gray hair, while Serk has a short brown. Neither has much of a beard to brag about, so Terot's height and girth often become the subject of mockery.
“Fires aren't white, you idiot,” Terot snaps before shoving Serk back, somewhat harder.
“Clearly, they are lights, and fire makes light. It must be torches or fires of some kind,” Serk says stubbornly.
“Then how do you explain the green wavy lights that float up there sometimes? Shouldn't that extinguish the fires, then? Didn't think of that, did you?” Terot says, smiling, looking very happy.
“You're impossible to talk to,” Serk says, shaking his head.
They sit there in silence for a while. Gerak now finds a moment to speak.
“Grandfather says the green lights are the spirits of dead men and animals traveling into the afterlife.”
“I think it's green water running across the dark surface there. It might run down into the stars and back up ag
ain. They might be holes, then!” Terot says before standing up, as if he’s just made a huge discovery.
“I think there's mostly green water in your head,” Serk snarls. Clouds begin to form, blocking the stars. Another storm is coming in, and so they return to their huts.
The next morning is yet another big day for the tribe. This is the day Terot will lead a hunt for the first time. Thoke follows the tradition his father started when he became chief. Sernak and Garnek never used to have such a test of skills, but they do not object to it.
Terot has almost seen twenty summers now and has already hunted for years. Thoke still believes the hunters need to be tested in these times of limited access to prey. At the same time, Thoke will get to inspect the old hunting grounds up on the plains. Since Terot's already twenty, Thoke will expect more than normal from him.
Terot gets to choose two hunters to join him. The choice naturally falls to his older brother Gerak, and Serk, who is the same age as Terot. Gerak took his test shortly after Thoke became chief, and Serk shortly after that. It would be wise of Terot to make use of their experience.
Hiro still has the responsibility of keeping a lookout for danger, but Garnek always assumes the role of chief whenever Thoke is gone. Hiro sits on top of the large boulder. From there it's possible to see quite far into the forest, some ways up the mountain, and all the way down to the sea.
Garnek cannot hunt anymore as he can only limp along on his maimed leg. He uses his spear as a walking stick and still holds faith that he might be able to use it well in close combat.
The old man Sernak has lost count of how many summers he's seen. About seventy or maybe more. Still, it's a rare thing to live that long around here. A strong tribe is needed, and that's something Sernak has always had.
He mostly sits inside his hut nowadays. With every migration, it becomes harder for him. He doesn't want to be a burden anymore, so the next time the tribe moves, he will remain and give himself up to the gods. He's only shared this information with Thoke and made him swear not to tell anyone. The news will only create a fuss, and he wants to leave this world as silently and peacefully as can be. The only reason he's been able to keep up until now is Garnek’s slow pace.
