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A Legend of the Before People, of Atelani, the First Female Chief

He did not want to admit it to himself, but the devilish cry had unnerved him. Reflexively, Kataku reached for his day pouch and the Oluka leaves contained within. Oluka gave both courage and a fierce heart. If danger threatened, the young buck would be ready.

Kataku snorted. Danger? There was no danger in the forest. The Twins ruled the world and their warriors, of which he was one, were the mightiest under the sun. All quailed before their clubs and swords. Even now, his trail-brother was likely killing or capturing whoever had interrupted their journey with this caterwauling.

Kataku regarded the small knot of captives in his charge. Less than a double handful of females and older children, they were a pitiful lot. One or two appeared to be terrified; the rest were listless and glassy-eyed. For a moment, Kataku was ashamed that he had been detailed to escort these sorry creatures to Ti Anaki. The Twins’ war chiefs had decreed that the villagers should be broken up into small groups to prevent mass uprisings, but Kataku was convinced that this measure was totally unnecessary. These weaklings needed neither bonds nor guards. If ordered to do so, they would have walked by themselves to the capitol.

Long minutes passed. The familiar sounds of insects and bird calls once again filled the air. Kataku’s unease had been replaced by impatience. “Brother!” he called, “it is time to go!”

Nothing.

Feh. Heiru was ever the determined one. No one, not even the most useless, escaped him.

The wailing scream ripped through the forest again. Kataku started. The sound was closer and still there was no sign of Heiru. Kataku gripped his club tightly as something like fear began to make its way through the haze of Oluka leaves.

“Enough” he exhaled. “You there!” he addressed the captives, “start moving!” Kataku struck the nearest to emphasize his command. Trail-brother or not, Heiru would have to catch up. The Twins would not wait. Or so Kataku told himself.

Description

A Legend of the Before People, of Atelani, the First Female Chief

He did not want to admit it to himself, but the devilish cry had unnerved him. Reflexively, Kataku reached for his day pouch and the Oluka leaves contained within. Oluka gave both courage and a fierce heart. If danger threatened, the young buck would be ready.

Kataku snorted. Danger? There was no danger in the forest. The Twins ruled the world and their warriors, of which he was one, were the mightiest under the sun. All quailed before their clubs and swords. Even now, his trail-brother was likely killing or capturing whoever had interrupted their journey with this caterwauling.

Kataku regarded the small knot of captives in his charge. Less than a double handful of females and older children, they were a pitiful lot. One or two appeared to be terrified; the rest were listless and glassy-eyed. For a moment, Kataku was ashamed that he had been detailed to escort these sorry creatures to Ti Anaki. The Twins’ war chiefs had decreed that the villagers should be broken up into small groups to prevent mass uprisings, but Kataku was convinced that this measure was totally unnecessary. These weaklings needed neither bonds nor guards. If ordered to do so, they would have walked by themselves to the capitol.

Long minutes passed. The familiar sounds of insects and bird calls once again filled the air. Kataku’s unease had been replaced by impatience. “Brother!” he called, “it is time to go!”

Nothing.

Feh. Heiru was ever the determined one. No one, not even the most useless, escaped him.

The wailing scream ripped through the forest again. Kataku started. The sound was closer and still there was no sign of Heiru. Kataku gripped his club tightly as something like fear began to make its way through the haze of Oluka leaves.

“Enough” he exhaled. “You there!” he addressed the captives, “start moving!” Kataku struck the nearest to emphasize his command. Trail-brother or not, Heiru would have to catch up. The Twins would not wait. Or so Kataku told himself.