“I had no idea what they had planned for us, but whatever it was, I was glad you were not there to share it. After two days, when they failed to bring you or Screech in, I was sure that you had both escaped.”
Dhal paused. “You should not have come with us, Poco. I wish the two of you had just kept going.”
“Where?” Poco asked softly.
“On to Jjaan-bi.”
“No, Dhal, not without you.” She squeezed his arm.
“Be honest with me,” she said. “If it had been Screech and I who were captured and not you, would you have gone off and left us in the hands of the derkat?”
“You always have the right answers, don’t you?”
“I wish.”
She started to say something else but was interrupted by a derkat scream coming from behind them. Suddenly Screech’s arm blocked Poco’s path.
“What is wrong?” Dhal asked, stopping beside Poco.
“I don’t know,” Poco answered. “All I can see are shadows.”
Dhal and Poco stood quietly waiting, trusting that Screech’s night vision would give them warning if danger approached.
More derkat screams echoed in the night. Two of the females who had been guarding them growled in response, then abruptly disappeared, their shadowed figures melting into the darkness beyond Poco’s sight.
All was confusion during the next few minutes. Dhal, Taav, Poco, and Screech stood in a tight circle and kept watch on the shifting figures around them. The noises made by the derkat gave no indication of the cause of their unrest.
Poco found Screech’s arm and followed it down to his hand.
“Screech, sign to me,” she said. “Can you see what is happening?”
Screech’s fist clenched into the sign for yes. They had played this game before. Signing by touch was an awkward way to communicate, but it worked.
“Are we under attack?” she asked.
“No. The hunters have returned,” Screech signed.
“Screech, is there any way we could slip away in all this confusion?” Dhal asked.
Poco relayed Screech’s answer. “No.”
Minutes passed. The waiting made Poco nervous.
Finally a torch was lighted, pushing back the darkness. Poco looked around and saw Ho-law approach. Beside her walked a young male derkat carrying a torch. Other torches were being lighted somewhere ahead.
Ho-law stopped before them and looked at Poco as she signed. “My hunters have returned. The challenge circle is being prepared. It is time to talk.”
Poco glanced at Screech. He nodded. The waiting was at an end. Poco turned back to Ho-law and signed, “I am ready.”
A few minutes later Poco was seated on the ground facing Ho-law. Screech, Dhal, and Taav sat a pace behind her. As tiyah of her radg it was Poco’s responsibility to make all decisions concerning the division of food, war and peace, and trade.
The ground where they were seated was level; the tall, dried grass had been trampled flat. Ho-law sat on a length of yellow cloth. Her belt of authority lay across her knees. A dozen members of her radg crouched behind her.
Poco glanced around the trade circle. The five torches that lighted the small gathering were held by strong-looking females; their chest harnesses were decorated with round pieces of metal which glinted in the firelight. In her mind’s eye Poco could see herself confronting any one of the five—and coming out the loser. Poco hoped that Screech knew what he was doing.
Ho-law coughed in greeting.
Poco returned the cough and sat quietly waiting. Screech had coached her in the details of making an agreement and had cautioned her against appearing nervous or hurried.
For long moments Poco and Ho-law just stared at each other, blue and yellow eyes locked in combat.
Ho-law’s fingers began to move. “As the one challenged, I will state my demands first,” Ho-law signed. “Agreed?”
“No,” Poco signed.
Ho-law sat a bit straighter, startled by the refusal of her right as the one challenged.
Before the female derkat could become angry, Poco signed again, at the same time speaking aloud, both for Dhal’s benefit, and as a way of maintaining pride in her own identity.
“There is one missing from my radg,” she said. “His name is Gi-arobi. He is olvaar. I ask to see him before any agreements are made.”
Ho-law’s eyes narrowed with indecision, as if she was unsure how to handle this strange tiyah. Perhaps what decided her was Poco’s unwavering stare, or perhaps it was the belief that Poco’s champion was no match for her own, and that all that belonged to Poco would soon be hers. Whatever her reasoning, Ho-law turned and signed to one of those behind her.
“Bring the olvaar.”
The wait was brief. A young male derkat entered the trade circle carrying a small, grass basket. He placed the basket in front of Ho-law and stepped back to his place behind several of his elders.
Ho-law unwound the twine which held the basket closed, then she opened the lid and waved her hand in a gesture that told Poco to look.
Poco leaned forward and peered down into the basket. Gi lay there, curled into a ball. He is so still, Poco thought, as she put her hand on Gi’s head.
“Gi,” she said softly. “Gi-arobi, wake up.”
Dhal reached out and touched Poco’s shoulder. “Is he all right, Poco?”
Dhal squeezed Poco’s shoulder so hard that it was painful but the pain she felt was nothing compared to the fear that had entered her heart. Poco picked up the basket, turned and pushed it into Dhal’s outstretched hands.
“I do not think he is breathing, Dhal,” she said.
Poco’s voice was whisper-soft, but Dhal heard her. The horror mirrored on Dhal’s face was like a blow to Poco’s stomach. She felt the pressure of tears behind her eyes as Dhal scooped Gi out of the basket and cradled him in his arms.
Something touched Poco’s arm. She turned and saw Screech signing to her; his look was grim and unyielding.
“Ho-law waits,” Screech signed.
Sick at heart, Poco turned around, realizing that if she failed to be the leader Screech had named her, they might all end up as Gi-arobi, their coffins nothing but baskets made of grass.
She faced Ho-law and took a deep breath. As she exhaled slowly, she tried to push thoughts of Gi to the back of her mind; it was not an easy task, for she could still visualize Dhal clutching Gi in his arms, the small, furry body lost in his embrace.
Ho-law signed. “As tiyah of the Cergar radg, I claim full possession of your radg should my champion win. Agreed?”
Poco swallowed nervously, though Screech had warned her that in such a challenge fight the stakes were always high.
“Agreed,” she signed.
Then it was her turn. Though she would have been within her rights to demand authority over the Cergar radg if Screech won the challenge fight, he had advised against it. All they really needed was their freedom, their weapons, and food to tide them over until they reached the mountains where they could forage for themselves.
Poco listed her demands, signing carefully so there would be no misunderstanding.
Ho-law agreed to all that Poco asked for, then added, “The challenge circle will be ready soon. Your champion should prepare himself. You will have an escort to the circle when it is time.”
At that, the derkat tiyah and her followers stood and moved off toward the ring of torches a short distance away.
Poco noticed that the number of guards who remained behind had doubled, a sign that Ho-law did not trust her and her companions. She dismissed the guards from her mind and turned to look at Dhal. A tight knot filled her throat as she thought about Gi, but her fear for the olvaar’s life vanished when she saw the smile that lighted Dhal’s face.
He lifted Gi-arobi up to her. “He is all right, Poco! He was only sleeping!”
Poco shook her head, bewildered. “I could have sworn he was not breathing.”
Poco reached out and took Gi und
er the arms. She brought him close so she could look into his eyes.
“Gi, are you all right?” she asked him.
Gi whistled yes.
“You scared me half to death,” Poco said. “Why didn’t you move when I touched you?”
“Gi sick,” the olvaar responded, reverting to trader.
“But you are all right now.” she said.
Gi bobbed his head.
Poco gave Gi a hug, which Gi happily returned.
“What was wrong with him, Dhal,” Poco asked, keeping her voice down. “Did you have to go in?”
Dhal cast a quick glance around, then nodded. “One of the derkat must have been rough with him that first night, hit him in the head or something. There was blood in his right inner ear. It was throwing him off balance. Each time he tried to move, it made him sick. That is why he wouldn’t eat.”
Dhal patted Gi’s stomach. “But he is fine now, except for an empty stomach.”
“Is under-stay-mint, Dhal,” Gi said, tilting his head to one side. “Gi hungry enough to eat a derkat, yes!”
“Well, that is something we can fix,” Poco said, and handed Gi a piece of wild root she had tucked into one pocket.
As Gi stuffed the root into his mouth, Screech leaned over and rubbed his fingers across the top of the olvaar’s head, greeting Gi in his own special way.
Chapter 16
POCO ESTIMATED THE CHALLENGE CIRCLE TO BE approximately fifteen meters across. All the grass within the circle had been torn from the ground.
She shivered as the glint of torchlight reflected in the eyes of the watching derkat. There was an aura of wildness about the plains derkat, a threat of physical danger that was enhanced by the glow of anticipation in their eyes.
Poco realized that she had made a mistake in judging all derkat by her friendship with Screech. Screech had been civilized by his years of living in Port Bhalvar. She looked at the Cergar champion and felt a knot of fear settle in her stomach. Had she done wrong? By taming the wild in Screech, had she sentenced them all to the living death of slavery?
The Cergar champion’s name was Rhel. He was taller than Screech by a full head and heavier in the upper body.
His tawny fur glinted golden in the torchlight, matching his eyes, which at that moment were directed at Ho-law.
Poco could not see Ho-law’s signing, but she guessed from the way Ho-law’s tail was snapping back and forth that the female derkat was excited by the thought of the upcoming battle and was giving her champion last minute instructions.
Poco turned to Screech, who was calmly removing his chest harness and gold armband. Screech gave his harness to Dhal to hold; the armband went to Poco.
“What weapons are you allowed, Screech?” Poco asked.
“No weapons,” Screech answered.
Before Poco or Dhal could voice their surprise, Screech held out his hands, palms up. Suddenly twin sets of claws appeared, clean and sharpened to points. A second later the claws disappeared, retracting back into the fur covering the back of Screech’s fingers.
“It is the derkat way,” Screech signed. “Teeth and claws—to the death.”
Impulsively Poco threw her arms around Screech, hugging him fiercely. The derkat’s arms tightened around her, returning her embrace. Was he as scared as she was? Poco wondered.
“I love you, Screech,” Poco said softly.
Screech answered her with a purring sound that emanated from somewhere in his chest. Again Poco felt tears come to her eyes.
“I think it is time, Poco,” Dhal said.
Poco released Screech. “Our luck to you, Screech. Please, be careful.”
She felt Dhal’s hand on her arm. She stood a little straighter, and with her head up she turned to face the fight circle.
Rhel already stood in the center of the circle. Screech stepped onto the bared earth without hesitation. His gray fur glinted silver as he moved toward Rhel.
Poco squeezed Dhal’s hand. “Here goes,” she whispered. “Pray for him, Dhal! Pray for all of us!”
Dhal said nothing, but the return pressure on her hand told Poco that he was filled with the same fear and excitement she was.
Get him, Screech! Poco thought. Kill him! You can do it!
The two male derkat coughed in ritual greeting, then like mirror images they leaped apart, claws extended. Slowly they circled. Rhel let loose with a yowl that made Poco want to cover her ears. Screech answered with his own cry of defiance, drowning Rhel’s scream.
Poco jumped as the two derkat lunged at each other. Rhel feinted to the left and swung one clawed hand at Screech’s face. The stroke missed as Screech turned, dropped back a step, and bounded away, hands up, elbows out in a posture of defense.
The two derkat circled once more, each gauging the other’s defensive stance and movements. Suddenly Rhel lunged forward. Screech did not back away, and the two derkat met in midair. When they fell to the ground, Screech was under the heavier Rhel.
They rolled over and over, claws raking for a hold. Their growls of rage filled the night air as they each fought for a death grip.
There were answering growls from the watching derkat, all of whom were firmly caught up in the battle.
Poco became aware of Taav’s body pressing close to hers. She could feel him tremble and knew he was frightened, but there was nothing she could do at that moment.
Screech and Rhel rolled into the legs of some of the derkat who were watching. Instantly they broke apart. The two fighters quickly regained their feet and turned to face each other.
There were patches of blood marring Rhel’s tawny coat, one large spot on his right hip, another spot on his left shoulder. Screech seemed to have fared a little better in the first skirmish, with only one dark blotch high on his left side.
Rhel and Screech circled again. Suddenly Ho-law loosed an ear-splitting cry that spurred Rhel into action. The two fighters met again.
A whoof of escaping air exploded from Screech’s lungs as Rhel carried him to the ground. Rhel’s teeth showed as he went in for a kill.
Somehow Screech managed to protect his throat, but in doing so he left himself open to Rhel’s claws.
Time and time again Poco lost sight of Screech, unable to tell one derkat from the other as they tumbled and spun around. The two fighters clawed and bit at each other until droplets of blood spattered their audience.
The derkat surrounding the challenge circle were wild with excitement; the din of their yowling made thought impossible.
Again the two champions broke apart. Both were tiring. Blood was running down Screech’s left side, and he favored that leg as he moved around the circle. Rhel was breathing hard and was well marked by Screech’s teeth and claws, but of the two, he looked to be in better shape.
Rhel cut across the circle. Screech retreated before him. Suddenly Screech faltered and fell to one knee. Rhel did not hesitate; he leaped forward, claws extended, teeth aimed for Screech’s unprotected neck.
Poco’s silent scream was followed by a gasp for air, for just as Rhel struck, Screech dropped onto his back and slashed upward at his opponent’s eyes. The blow sliced across Rhel’s face, lacerating nose and eyes.
The Cergar champion screamed in pain and rage and rolled off to one side, giving Screech a moment to recover. That one moment was all Screech needed. He was on top of Rhel before the large derkat could roll away. A second later he had his teeth buried in Rhel’s throat.
Rhel twisted and heaved himself around, trying to throw Screech off; his claws scored Screech’s back like knives, but still Screech would not let go. Within seconds Rhel’s struggles lessened, then his clawed hands stopped moving.
Screech crouched over Rhel’s body and held his position until the large derkat fully relaxed.
Poco became aware of the silence of the night. All that could be heard was Screech’s ragged breathing as he released his hold on Rhel’s throat and sat back.
Poco looked up as Ho-law stepped into the challenge circ
le and made her way toward her slain champion. Fearing for the battle-weakened Screech, Poco tore from Taav’s embrace. She would not let Screech stand alone before Ho-law’s rage!
The derkat tiyah stopped on the other side of Rhel’s body and watched as Screech pushed to his feet.
Poco came up beside Screech and caught him around the waist as he started to lose his balance. She ignored the bloody fur which wet her tunic and stood quietly facing Ho-law, her look defiant.
For long moments Ho-law and Poco just stared at each other. Ho-law’s eyes were narrowed and watchful, but Poco did not see the anger she had thought to find there. Were the derkat so different from men that they could accept so casually the loss of one of their own? Poco wondered. Didn’t Ho-law feel anything for her slain champion?
Poco felt a sudden emptiness as she realized that she really did not know much about derkat, not how they thought or lived, or what made them the people they were.
“The challenge has been met,” Ho-law signed. “The Cergar radg yields to ‘amba.’ ”
Poco nodded and watched as Ho-law signaled to several of her followers to retrieve Rhel’s body.
Suddenly Poco became aware of the fact that she was holding more and more of Screech’s weight.
“Gray sides is a good fighter, tiyah ‘Jamba,’ ” Ho-law signed. “Tend him, or you will lose him.”
Poco turned to call to Dhal for help and found him standing right behind her. Gi was riding his shoulder; Taav stood a short distance away.
Poco faced Ho-law and signed for light and water. The female derkat nodded.
“Let’s take him over on the grass, Dhal, away from this place,” Poco said.
By the time Poco and Dhal had Screech stretched out on a patch of untrampled grass, one of Ho-law’s followers had brought a hide flagon filled with water. Poco took a lighted torch from another derkat standing nearby and moved around to Dhal’s right, giving him light to work by.
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