Chapter No.12 "Guilty by association"

     Surprised by the very same man from the previous day. “ What did you do to me? What do you want with me!?” He asks aggressively. The man reaches out offering a hand to Lance. Looking down at the man’s hand Lance retracts, “ what are you going to do now?” He anxiously asks. The man laughs. “ Listen kid, I don’t know if you know the current state of things, but we are going to have to eventually leave this area.” He says looking around at the inside of the cove. Lance looks up to see whatever the man had been looking at. “ Where are we?” Lance inquires. The man looks at his odd looking armband in comparison to Lance’s. “ Why is your pause different?” He asks. Ignoring the second question the man brings up the geographical data he has. Projecting it he points with his free hand to the hologram, “ that is where we are.” Off far from where they were currently there was also a projection of the continent Atlantis. “ How do we get back home?” Lance asks. The man shakes his head, “ we don’t.” He says with a huff. Becoming excited Lance shouts, “ what do you mean when you say we don’t?” The man becoming slightly annoyed turns the projection off as he remarks, “ what am I not speaking Atlantean here? We do not go home simple as that. We can’t because  it’s not there anymore incase you were about to ask!” Lance has a sudden rush of pain in his head as he closes his eyes. “ Please tell me this is just a horrible dream. This can’t be happening.” He says repeatedly as he squeezes his head with both hands. Reopening his eyes he sees the man there in front of him. “ You know I wish this was a dream but it’s not. Last night really happened, and you are going hate to know why.” Lance looks at the man, “ what do you mean?” He asks. The man stands to his feet, “ I cannot tell you here, there is no time.” He says just before he begins to walk away. Lance scrambles to his feet brushing the sand off his clothes, “ hey wait for me!” He shouts as he runs to catch up. The two walk along the beach riddled with dead marine life as the waves crash ashore. “ What caused this?” Lance asks. The man replies, “ it was probably the explosion of the crystal and sinking of the continent.” Lance looks out onto the horizon, the dark bluish green water that once was is now light blue. “ What do you mean? How could the crystal have done this?” He asks pointing out at the horizon. The man replies, “ you have many questions I know, I have the answers you seek however there is much needed to be done before I can explain it all to you.” Lance then asks, “ do you at least have a name?” The man continues walking ignoring the question. “ Lance my name is Lance. What do people call you?” He inquires again as he quickly runs to get in front of the man. “ Please at least tell me your name.” The man stops before him, pausing a moment as he leers at Lance.

     “ Orlando. Those who knew me called me Orlando. But they are long since gone.” Lance’s heart pounds as he realizes. “ Hey I know what you mean, everyone I know is gone too. Does that mean we are all that are left?” Orlando shakes his head side to side, “ no. You don’t know. You have just begun to understand. It is very probable we are all that is left, however I’d like to think there are others who made it. Now we’ve no time fore this. Much is required to be done before dark, there are no automations here anymore kid.” Lance nods in response, turning aside as he gestures for Orlando to lead the way. Walking ahead Orlando consults his pause. Lance notices this and looks at his own. Orlando calculates the distance they have traveled over the time it has taken in attempt to figure out how long it would be until they reach somewhere they can stop. Ahead in the distance there is a looker from Yenga, Metzu watching. He remains silent as the two approach. Hidden behind his mask and the camouflage of dirt, sand, rocks and plants covering his body. The only visible body part are his  eyes behind the mask. As the two reach his location directly in front they stop. Lance looks over at the pile of debris which Meztu is hidden behind, Meztu closes his eyes quickly. Lance tilts his head thinking something is odd about the pile, but he can’t figure out just what it is. Orlando takes his bearings from his armband. Looking around he notices smoke rising in the distance. “ Over there!” He says pointing towards the smoke. Lance looks over to see, “ what is it?” He asks. Orlando replies, “ there is a group of the locals there. We will investigate but not let ourselves be known to them.” Lance nods. The two begin to head in the direction they saw the smoke rising. a few moments later when the coast is clear, Meztu stands up from his position stretching his legs. He removes most all the camouflage dropping it to the ground. Turning his mask around so it sits on his back he begins to make his way back to the village. Spotting tracks from the two men he avoids their path. Meanwhile Jex runs across the  grasslands spotting her father limping slowly in the distance. She runs towards him as fast as she can. Noticing her heading towards him, Narfeesh shouts, “ what are you doing?” Jex cannot hear her father’s question, instead just trying to reach him as fast as possible to warn him of the two that attacked them the night before. Behind him is the three that had been pursuing him all day. As Jex reaches Narfeesh she blurts, “ they found us! We have to hurry.” Narfeesh shakes his head grabbing her hands to calm her down. “ Who found us?” He asks her. She Points back in the direction she came from, “ those two dhandas from yestermorrow narctos the ones that attacked us.” Narfeesh breathes heavily. “ Yes I know, I saw them. One was wounded so I attempted to help them...” before he can finish Jex rips her hands away as she shouts, “ what do you mean you helped them? They attacked us and you showed them kindness?” Reaching behind his head he runs his hand across the back of his skull. Feeling some-thing wet he brings his hand back in front to examine it. Noticing it covered in blood he begins breathing heavily. Jex questions her father excitedly, “ what happened!?” Narfeesh replies, “ while I was helping one of them the other hit me with something.” Just then Jex notices behind her father the three other men heading towards them, spreading out. “ farjah they are coming!” She yells. Narfeesh looks back to see them. Exhaling heavily he says, “ you run! I cannot go one much longer like this.” Jex shakes her head, “ no farjer! I won’t leave without you.” Narfeesh replies, “ then they will kill us both. I will distract them, you just keep running back to the wadja, and stay along there. If you keep going you will end up at another village.” Jex’s eyes begin to fill with tears.  She grabs her father by the arm hugging him close. “ I don’t want you to die!” She cries. Narfeesh nods, “ I know this. I don’t want to have to, but if I must I would rather it be knowing I did it to protect you. Don’t let my death be for nothing!” He replies. Jex sniffles as she thinks of an alternate plan. “ What if we give them the sunji stone?” Narfeesh shakes his head, “ that will not work, they will still kill us both and just take it. You must never let them see it!” He answers. She nods, beginning to hyperventilate. Narfeesh commands, “ go now before it is too late!” Jex’s eyes filled with tears. “ I don’t know if I can!” She cries. He replies, “ of course you can. You are a strong madja, I raised you to be. Now it is time for you to go be strong on your own. Just remember no matter what, I will always watch over you just as your mahmu has.” Jex begins to calm her breathing, she nods slightly. Going against what she wants she looks at the approaching men. “ Now, go!” Narfeesh shouts. Jex begins to run back in the direction she came from. Spotting a large rock on the ground she stops to pick it up. She continues running knowing, it’s only a matter of time until she bumps into the two she had been running from. Getting far enough away from her father she stops, checking the coast for the two attackers she sees it’s clear.

      Standing afar, watching her father in the distance as the three men reach him. Narfeesh sees Jex and asks aloud, “ what are you doing? Just run!” As Yote, Chargus and Lutzi arrive. “ Well den Allmeya, wot appened tew yew dere?”  Narfeesh replies holding out his blood covered hand, “ I think it’s obvious. You sent your goonjis to come attack me and my dawtea. We got away but not before they caught up to us.” Yote acting surprised replies, “ Me? Oi did no such fing. Even if I did den were are deez so called goonjese?” he says holding his arms out. Looking towards the direction Jex ran off in he points at the two men very distant heading towards them. “ Right there, they are headed this way.” Yote looks over, noticing Giblet and Dwege hobbling their way through the tall grass. Yote gets Lutzi’s attention. “ Lutzi!” He shouts, as Lutzi looks over and replies, “ yes?” Yote commands him, “ go get dem tew an bring dem back, ensure dey understan dere are not in for any trouble.” Lutzi nods as he then answers, “ yes Yote.” Breaking off from the group he begins to head towards the two men. At that very moment Giblet and Dwege notice ahead in the distance there is a gathering, “ what do you think that’s about?” Dwege asks. Giblet replies, “ I’m not sure but think of how surprised they are going to be when they find out the pale skin dhandas are really real!” Dwege nods in agreement, “ look, here come Lutzi to greet us. Don’t say anything to him about it till we reach Yote.” He says. Giblet nods replying, “ good thinking, we don’t want him to take the appreciation.” The two begin to walk towards the group not noticing Jex off in the distance to the side. Back at the gathering Narfeesh calmly but angrily says, “ why Yote, what did we ever do to you to deserve such actions against us?” Yote begins stepping towards Narfeesh, who takes a defensive stance. “ Well den oi fink what yew did is more what yew didn’t do. Yew nevah wanted to be apart of our clan, yew just wanted to be off on yer own den.” Narfeesh shakes his head, “ and that was so wrong that you must attack us for it?” Yote arrives in front of Narfeesh, he reaches his hand out to grasp Narfeesh’s to inspect the blood. “ tsk tsk... Just fink of wot we could ave done if we were not always at each ov yahs froats.”  he says slowly reaching with his free hand behind his back to grab his stone blade. Chargus notices, his eyes darting up and down at Narfeesh then back behind Yote. Narfeesh notices Chargus’s eyes, he then looks at Yote who smiles widely pretending everything is fine. Before Yote can unsheathe his blade Narfeesh grabs the small man’s arms and swings him into the air around in a circle as he gathers momentum. Yote begins yelling, “ Do somefing!” Chargus doesn’t know what to do. Before he can act Narfeesh lets go of Yote launching him at Chargus, knocking both to the ground. Making his way over towards them he grunts angrily. Jex watches from the distance, as do Giblet and Dwege. Lutzi is the only one unaware of what is happening behind him. Narfeesh steps above Yote leaning down as he begins to pummel him with his fists blow after blow. Yote yells in pain as he attempts to block the hits. Chargus stands to his feet, rushing to aide Yote he shoves Narfeesh off. Yote scrambles to grab his blade from behind him. Narfeesh rolls aside standing back to his feet. He now focuses on Chargus who gestures with his fingers to taunt his attacker. Narfeesh pretends to throw a punch causing Chargus to lean away in the opposite direction only to be met by Narfeesh’s knee. He then grasps Chargus by the arm twisting his hand inward and spinning around his back. He pulls up rending Chargus’s shoulder, as Chargus screams in agony. Lutzi hears this turning back to look. He sees the three fighting. Beginning to run back he sees Yote with the stone blade approach Narfeesh from behind. He screams, “ noooo!!!” As he makes his way back as fast as he can. Jex sees her father atop of Chargus and Yote coming in from behind. Yote turns the blade around to get a better grasp on it as he steps behind Narfeesh. With his free hand he grabs a handful of Narfeesh’s hair ripping back on it causing his head to tilt back. Reaching around with his other hand he drives the stone blade into Narfeesh’s throat, slitting across.

     The blood spills out from the gash onto Chargus below. Narfeesh’s grasp of Chargus’ arm loosens up.  Narfeesh gurgles falling back to the ground. Yote stands over him victorious as Narfeesh lay atop of Chargus. Running in from behind shouting Lutzi screams, “ what have you done!?” Yote turns back to look with a smile of accomplishment. “ Oi ated dat mook all along!” Narfeesh gasps for air on the ground. Lutzi’s eyes fill with tears as he cannot believe what just took place. Jex screams as she begins bawling uncontrollably. Giblet and Dwege notice her after hearing the scream, they begin to walk towards her. Anger and rage begins to fill Jex as she grasps the stone tightly. She notices them heading in her direction, wiping her eyes she decides to confront them. Slowly she starts walking but the rage is too much, it pushes her to begin running towards them. Giblet says, “ uh oh, I think this is gonna be bad.” Dwege then shakes his head, “ what do you mean, we have the others to protect us now.” As he points at Yote, Chargus and Lutzi. Jex running as fast as she can takes a jump step as she hurls the stone with great force. The stone whirls through the air heading towards Giblet who grabs Dwege holding him in front of him. Dwege says surprised, “ what is it?” But before Giblet can answer the stone smashes into the back of Dwege’s head knocking it into Giblet’s head. Dwege falls forward onto Giblet, both men fall to the ground. Jex continues running towards them, in the distance Lutzi sees her. “ Jexic!” He gasps. He quickly begins running towards her, Yote turns to look. As Jex reaches Giblet and Dwege she kicks Dwege in the face while he is on the ground. “ Why!?” She screams. Kicking Giblet in the ribs, she screams again, “ why did you have to do it!?” Both men groan in pain. Jex turns around to see Lutzi heading towards her. Realizing she will be caught she decides to kick Dwege one last time. This time she stomps on the back of his head causing it to slam into Giblet’s head below him. She then runs off in the direction of the beach. The two mean lay on the ground moaning from the pain. Lutzi runs towards them however without stopping continues after Jex. Yote assists Chargus to his feet smearing the blood from Narfeesh as the two men attempt to wipe themselves clean. Yote looks back at Narfeesh laying face down as his blood pools upon the dirt. Wiping his face with the back of his hand he says, “ we bettah get aftah er den now.” Chargus still in shock from what just happened doesn’t hear Yote speak. He looks around at everything, seeing Narfeesh causes the situation to feel surreal. Yote snaps his fingers, “ oi! Chargus...” he shouts in an attempt to get his attention. Quickly he smack Chargus in the face causing him to come back to reality. “ huh, what is it?” He asks holding his face. Yote replies, “ we need ta go aftah dem.” He points in the direction where Lutzi had chased Jex, and where Giblet and Dwege lay on the ground. Chargus sniffles, “ yes, okay.” He answers beginning to walk, he takes a step over Narfeesh’s body. The two walk across the grasslands. Yote inquires, “ are yew alright den? Somefing no sitten easy wif yew?” Chargus holds his stomach as his pace slows down. He nods ensuring he is okay. Suddenly he rushes aside falling forward as he vomits onto the grass. Yote grimaces in disgust. Waiting a moment for Chargus to recover he looks around. Upon finishing Chargus stands to his feet, he wipes his mouth before saying, “ I think I’ll be fine.” Yote smiles, “ good, lets get going den.” As he holds his hand out gesturing for Chargus to lead the way. The two make it to Giblet and Dwege who both lay on the ground groaning and hysterical. Chargus bends forward to grab Dwege from off of Giblet. Lifting him to his feet Dwege holds the back of his head in pain. Yote leans down to assist Giblet who is reluctant to accept the help. Chargus reaches over to help Yote lift Giblet.

      All four men standing in the field, two holding their heads in pain. Noticing the blood on Yote’s hands Giblet asks, “ what happened?” Yote scoffs, “ nuffin, I just did wot needed doin.” He replies as he looks in the direction Lutzi chased Jex in. Meanwhile in that direction Jex continues back towards the beach, running along the cliff top instead of on the beach below. The man she and her father had found and hid in the cove was now the last thing on her mind as she ran. Caring now only to escape from those who wished her harm. Lutzi gaining on her from the rear shouts, “ I’m not going to hurt you, I just want to know what happened?” Jex not listening to what he’d said as she wanted nothing to do with him. She keeps continuing forward as tears fill her eyes rolling down the side of her face. The sound of the wind blowing past her ears causing her hair to flow lagging behind her. After so long of running she finally decides to look back, if only just for a moment to see if Lutzi was still chasing her. Oblivious to the stones that protrude out from the ground she trips over the rigid rocks,  falling to a halt. Lutzi not far behind quickly catches up, stopping before her as she lay on the ground weeping. “ Can I... can I help you?” He asks ever so gently reaching his hand out towards her. Looking back at him over her shoulder as she lay there considering his offer, Jex turns over onto her back. Reaching to place her hand in his their fingers touch for only a moment as he leans in. Her father’s map can be seen poking out from his satchel, she is reminded  of the anger she felt. In a jolt she swiftly kicks upward knocking Lutzi forward onto the ground beside her. Rushing to her feet she looks back at him as she begins running once more, only to slam into an unsuspecting stranger heading in their direction. Lutzi looks over, surprised by what he sees. Jex turns to look at what it was she ran into. She freezes in fear at the sight of the men standing before her. “ w..w..why...” She stammers. Lutzi gasps, “ they are real!” As he pushes up to his feet. Orlando and Lance had made their way up the beach, managing to run into the two Tirbalians.

Chapter no. 11 Undying ressurection

     Running through the woodlands just beyond the village outskirts, Giblet and Dwege continue forward never looking back. Dwege nearly trips over a rock buried in the ground. Grabbing Giblet by the arm which causes him to twist his ankle and fall. Screaming in agony as Dwege stands up rushing over to help. “ What happened?” He asks leaning down to offer Giblet his hand. Giblet slaps his hand out of the way, “ you knocked me down and I fell on the side of my foot! What do you think happened?” Dwege looking puzzled tilts his head. “ Well I see that you fell but I don’t know why you’re being so loud. I mean what happened to make you yell?” Giblet grasps his ankle tight, “ I think I turned it too far!” He exclaims. Dwege looks around noticing the edge of the woodland is near he then asks, “ do you think if I help you then you’ll make it to the grasslands?” Giblet breathes heavily, rocking back and forth as he allows the pain to run its course. Closing his eyes he thinks for a moment. After one final big breath in he leans forward, moving his hands onto the ground. “ hrrrrhhhggg...” He huffs as he struggles to stand. Dwege assists grabbing under his arms as he lifts Giblet to his feet. “ Easy does it!” He says reassuring Giblet as the two make their way towards the edge of the forest. “ you can do it!” Dwege exclaims, hoping his words will encourage his friend. Giblet exhales heavily with every step forward, placing excess pressure on the wound with each step. “ Almost there now. Just a few more, you can make it.” Dwege says excited. Giblet grunts, “ I can’t... I’m not going to.” Dwege shakes his head, his arm wrapped around Giblet with Giblet’s arm resting over his shoulders as to prop him up. “ You can do it!...” And with only mere steps to go the two topple over falling to the ground. Giblet in agonizing pain shudders, “ I told you. You never listen to me!” Dwege rolls over to his side. He replies, “ I thought you would at least reach the tree line.” Standing to his feet he notices someone in the distance, “ look over there, it’s someone who can help us.” He says excited. Rushing to the edge of the tree line between the large trees Dwege shouts to the person in the distance, “ hey! Over here! We need help!” Giblet attempts to shush him, “ psshh, be quiet. You are going to get us caught!” He alerts Dwege, attempting to wave him back. Dwege sees the person take notice. Turning back he says, “ hey I think they saw me!” Excited he’d gotten the attention of the distant person. Giblet shakes his head as he groans in pain. “ What if they know we’ve run off. They will be coming after us. If they catch us then we are done for.” Dwege attempts to reassure Giblet. “ There is no way they are after us. Even if they were they wouldn’t know anything. They can’t prove that we are lying.” Giblet sighs, “ oh I think they can.” He says as he lifts himself so that his back is resting against the nearest tree. “ Alright so what will we do then?” Dwege asks. Giblet sighs, leaning back onto the tree. “ What can we do?” He answers. Dwege thinks a moment. “ I’m not sure, but we can’t stay here for long.” He remarks. Giblet asks, “ how far do you think we are?” Dwege looks around at the surroundings, “ I don’t think that far. It hasn’t been a long time either.” Giblet exhales as a rush of pain shoots through his head, “ great, the others will be onto us soon and we can’t even move to get away.” Dwege looks back out at the grasslands, “ well that person is gone, guess they won’t be any help.” Giblet jolts, “ what? What do you mean gone? A person cannot just be gone. Where did they go?” Dwege shrugs, “ beats me. Maybe they didn’t think we needed help.” Giblet laughs manically, “ this is just great. Of all the people I have to get stuck with why you?” Dwege laughs in response, “ I don’t know, why is it funny?” He inquires. Giblet shakes his head, “ it’s really not. I can’t explain why I am laughing, or what this is I am feeling.” Just then there is a stick breaking nearby. Giblet twitches in response. Dwege asks, “ what was that?” Giblet replies, “ they are near, I knew it. You led them to us with your yelling. Now they know and they are going to kill us. It’s all your fault.” Dwege shakes his head in denial, “ nuh uh, is not!” He claims. Foot steps approaching can be heard as the leaves crunch in a pattern getting louder. Dwege looks around but sees nothing, Giblet presses himself against the tree trunk as flat as he can to prevent being jumped on from behind. Dwege asks, “ who’s there?” As he looks. Just then another stick breaks behind him. Turning back to see he is surprised by the farmer they had attacked the night prior, standing over him Dwege is at a loss for words. Only partial fragments of sentences escape his mouth. “ uhh...we...yu...” In a quick lunge forward Narfeesh sends Dwege falling to the ground. Crawling backwards he grovels in fear for his life. “ Please it wasn’t our idea.” He says. Narfeesh looks at the two pitiful men on the ground. “ Who was it then? Yetzan?” Giblet shakes his head, “ no, not at all. He wanted nothing to do with you and your kooji.” Narfeesh steps forward again, “ who then?” He asks one final time. Dwege spills the answer, “ it was Yote! He told us that since you refused to let Jex be with Natutu that we would make an example out of you.” Narfeesh stops and laughs for a moment. “ Ha, some work you two did.” Dwege begins hyperventilating, Giblet exhales heavily, “ we were only supposed to scare you.

     The plan didn’t work because you attacked us before we had a chance.” Narfeesh stands upright. “ What did you expect? You came to my living space and startled me.” Giblet nods, “ you are right. Please you must help us. We are being pursued by the others for not doing what we were supposed to.” Narfeesh looks at the two, “ what do you mean?” He asks. Dwege’s breathing slows down. “ He told them we had been attacked by some odd looking dhandas from another land. White skin and light hair.” Just then Narfeesh remembered the stranger he and Jex had found matching that description. “ What do you know of these dhandas?” He asks. Giblet shakes his head, “ nothing, we made them up, they are not real.” He explains. Narfeesh’s breathing begins to increase as his heart speeds up. “ Why are they after you then?” He questions. Dwege replies, “ we lied to them and told them those two dhandas beat us up to keep them from knowing it was you and your dawtea.” Narfeesh confused tries to understand their story, “ let me get this straight. So you chose to lie about us, you told them you were attacked by two pale skinned light haired dhandas that may or may not exist?” Giblet and Dwege both nod in agreement as Giblet answers, “ that’s right.” Narfeesh then asks, “ So do they or do they not know about my dawtea and myself?” Dwege shakes his head first. Giblet nods, “ that is right.” He says very sure of himself. Narfeesh smiles and then begins laughing uncontrollably. “ Wow you two are a piece of work, a couple of real sap heads you two are.” Looking at each other in wonderment Giblet asks, “ so are you going to help us then?” Narfeesh smiles, “ sure I guess I can do that. After all it’s the least I can do. What seems to be the problem?” He asks looking at the two. Giblet points to his ankle, “ I fell on it, now it hurts to move.” Narfeesh bends down to get a better look. As he gets close he notices the joint is swollen and purplish in appearance. “ Looks like you hit it pretty hard.” He mentions, behind him Dwege stands to his feet. Grabbing a large stone from the ground he holds it behind his back. Narfeesh rotates Giblet’s ankle around in a circle as Giblet screams in agonizing pain. “ I have bad news for you.” Narfeesh begins to explain to Giblet. “ It feels like you’ve dis...” but before he finish telling Giblet what he had to say Dwege bashed him over the head with the rock. “ Dis what?...” Giblet asks. Narfeesh falls forward revealing Giblet behind him with the rock. “ What have you done?” Giblet yells. “ He was helping us!” Dwege drops the rock, “ well it sounded like he was ripping your foot off, how was I supposed to know?” He asks as the rock thuds against the ground. “ Is he dead?” Dwege questions nervously. Giblet looks at Narfeesh on the ground. “ No he’s still breathing, but he is going to be angry when he wakes up. We have to get away from here.” Grabbing Giblet by his arm Dwege pulls him to help get him to his feet. Wrapping Giblets arm around the back of his neck, Dwege accepts most of Giblet’s weight so they can keep moving. Several moments later Narfeesh comes to with a terrible pain in the back of his head. Reaching around he feels the lump on his skull. “ ughh...” He groans struggling to his feet. He staggers about for a moment until he regains his balance and orientation. Realizing what had happened he searches the ground for clues as to where the two had gone.

     Finding their foot prints he sees they headed in the direction where he had come from. He gasps, “ Jex...” as he begins to head back in the direction he’d come from. Moments later Yote, Chargus and Lutzi arrive in the area spotting several foot prints leading about. The three conspire speculations as to what took place. Converging their stories into an agreement they decide that something recently took place, and that there were multiple people present. Yote speculates, “ well wot ave we got ere? Looks ta be like tew or free dhanda’s were ere very recently.” Lutzi walks around the area finding the tracks that swipe the dirt in long markings. “ One of them looks to be hurt.” Chargus walks over, “ how can you tell?” He asks. Lutzi points to the normally spaced foot prints leading to a large scuff marking and then the tracks come together. “ The long swiping motion indicates that one of them is dragging their leg.” Lutzi explains as the three men follow the trail. Then through the tree line in the distance Chargus spots Narfeesh walking across the grasslands holding the back of his head. “ Look, over there!” He exclaims. Lutzi looks over, recognizing who it was but he decides not to mention anything. Yote pushes between the two standing at the treeline, “ let me frew!” He insists to get a look. “ Ew is dat?” He asks tilting his head as he furls his eyebrows. Chargus shrugs shaking his head, “ I’m not sure.” He replies. Yote looks at Lutzi to ask, “ do yew know ew dat is den?”  Lutzi squints as if to get a better look. “ Can’t tell from here, but I’d say they are probably one of the ones here before we arrived.” Yote then proceeds to ask, “ well den wares de ova one?” Lutzi shakes his head side to side, “ I’m not sure.” He answers. Chargus inquires, “ are we going to follow him? See where he is going?” Yote looks over at him before he responds, “ dat’s not a bad idea yew got dere.” Chargus smiles. Yote leads the way, “ alroyt stay close, an dun make any noise. We dun want em to know dat were followin.” Chargus begins to follow Yote, and Lutzi is last in the line. The three men leave the cover of the forest and enter the grassland as the wind can be seen blowing across causing the grass to sway in succession.

     Meanwhile on the beach at the coast, hidden in the cover of the cove Jex sits with the unconscious Atlantean. She notices he has a very strange contraption on his arm. “ What is that?” She asks, leaning forward to get a closer look. Grabbing him by the arm and pulling his arm across his chest she places it down. There are strange markings on the device, unrecognizable to her. She places her hand on the device, feeling the smoothness of its surface. Her fingers slide over one of the buttons. There is a reaction as the screen illuminates. She jumps back startled by the strange device.  A moment passes before she decides to go back and take another look. The image on the screen fades and the screen goes blank. Jex grunts, “ huh?...” As she reaches for it again. Pressing her finger against the surface nothing happens. She then runs across it again reaching the button. Pressing it the screen illuminates again. This time she looks at the image. “ What is this?” She asks. There is odd looking symbols in the center. Wording can be seen on the outer edges of the screen. A moment passes once again and the screen fades. Jex grunts, “ he...” she exhales from her nose. Grasping the device again the unconscious man groans. Jex gasps, dropping his arm. She backs away for a moment. Examining him while he begins to move about and gurgle. Rolling onto his side the Atlantean turns to face her, his eyes still closed. Just then Jex hears a voice coming from overhead. Mistaking it to be her father’s she steps out to answer, “ did you find anything?”

     Looking around along the beach. Not seeing anyone she becomes puzzled. “ Are you trying to scare me?” She asks jokingly. Just then she looks up onto the rock face. Spotting the two men that attacked her and her father she screams getting their attention. Atop the cliff Dwege says to Giblet, “ look what we got here?” Giblet steps forward, standing on his own as he looks for a way down. “ There!” He says pointing to way in the distance that leads down to the beach. Jex runs back into the cove to grab her satchel of belongings. She stops for a moment looking at the unconscious man and then back to the point where the two attackers are headed to make their way down to the beach. Her heart pounding as she tries to think of her options available . Knowing it would be foolish to attack them head on she decides to lead them away from the cove. Strapping her satchel over her head onto her shoulder she closes her eyes whispering, “ spirit madja give me the strength and speed I need to escape the grasp of those who wish me harm.” Taking a large breath in her nose and holding it for  moment before she exhales out of her mouth. She steps out from the cove and begins running along the beach towards the steps leading down. Giblet and Dwege see her and pick up their pace heading for the path. “ What is she doing?” Dwege asks. Giblet replies, “ she knows she’ll be trapped down there so she is running to get away. Hurry up so we can catch her!” Jex pushes herself as hard as she can, no longer thinking about what if, just doing. She makes it to the base of the steps leading up. She lunges skipping steps along the way. Up top Giblet tells Dwege, “ go! Leave me, I’ll make it on my own, you go after her!” Dwege lowers himself allowing Giblet to remove his arm from around his shoulder. Dwege begins running towards the steps nearly reaching them just as Jex is three quarters the way up. Jex notices that Dwege is quickly approaching, she bursts up the final quarter and without hesitation throws herself shoulder first into Dwege’s hips using his own velocity against him. Dwege flips into the air and lands with a thud onto his neck. Jex then runs towards Giblet who smiles awaiting her arrival. Just as she nears him she fakes right causing him to reach out and lean in to catch her as she then swings with her momentum back left and around Giblet’s grasp. He yells to Dwege on the ground ahead in the distance, “ What are you doing? Get up and go after her!” Jex continues running along the cliff as the waves crash ashore onto the sandy beach below. Giblet bent over breathing heavily gently lowers himself to the ground before laying onto his back. He places his hands on either side of his face and growls in frustration. Dwege grunts in pain as he turns to the side to see Giblet was unsuccessful as well, laying on the ground. He pushes himself up with his arms before standing to his feet. Slowly he begins making his way over to Giblet to help him. On his way over he notices on the beach below someone walking through the water as the waves slam onto the shore. He shouts to Giblet, “ look there’s someone down there!” Giblet unable to hear what Dwege is saying shouts back at him, “ just shut it!” Angry that twice Jex has slipped away from them. Dwege nearly reaches Giblet he shouts again asking, “ did you hear me?” Giblet replies, “ did you not hear me? I said shut it!” Dwege ignores the order instead he goes on repeating himself, “ there’s someone else down there!” He says. Giblet lifts his neck, “ what? Who is it?” He asks. Dwege answers, “ I don’t know but it looks like a dhanda.” Giblet then sits up to take a look. He sees a man covered by a dark brown hooded cloak. “ What do you think he’s doing down there?” He asks. Dwege shakes his head, “ I’m not sure.” The man down on the beach stops and looks at the two on the cliff. “ What are you looking at!?” Dwege shouts. Just then the man reaches up removing the hood of the cloak to reveal a pale skin face. “ The dhanda we made up!” Dwege cries, “he’s real and now he’s come to kill us for telling Yetzan he attacked us!” Giblet shakes his head, “ no, that can’t be. There’s no way.” Just then the man on the beach begins walking towards the cliff. “ Run away! We need to get away!” Dwege exclaims. Giblet stands to his feet with help from Dwege. The two make their way back in the direction they came. On the beach the hooded man makes his way over towards the cove. Reaching the hidden recess in the bottom of the rock face he removes his cloak, dropping it to the ground. He then drops to his knees and bends forward to listen to unconscious Lance’s chest. Hearing his heart beating inside he leans back. Removing the weapon from it’s holster on his right side he turns a knob to change the setting. Aiming the weapon at the Lance, he pulls the trigger causing it to make a high pitch droning as it charges. A moment later the gun like weapon discharges a beam of electric pulse. Lance convulses, arching his back and gurgling. Letting off the trigger the beam dissipates. He re-holsters the weapon sighing. Using his armband he scans Lance for vital signs. There is a flat line for a moment, followed by a quick thud and then successive rapid thuds. Lance sits up quickly, as seawater projects from his mouth uncontrollably. “ bwahhhh...” He gurgles as the last of the water makes it way out. He breathes heavily, his eyes barely open as the bright daylight nearly blinds him. Lifting his right arm in front of his face to block the light and see the figure knelt over him he gasps. “ You!...”

Chapter no.10 "Somefing for nuffing"

     Meanwhile outside the farm within the hunting grounds Yote and Yetzan walk along the hidden path away from the placed traps. Sauntering slowly along as they look around for any significant clues. Yetzan is the first to break the silence, “ Yote do you think I’ve raised my unda properly?” Yote looks aside at first somewhat uncomfortable with the question. Pausing he thinks for a moment, “ oi don’t fink so my chief, why do ask? Do yew fink so?” He shrugs placing one hand inside the other rubbing them together awaiting a response. Yetzan exhales heavily, “ I’m just not sure what to think anymore. I simply cannot see Natutu taking on my role any time soon.” Yote replies, “ Ahh yes oi see wot it is yew are getting at. Deeze fings can jus take time den.” Yetzan scoffs answering, “ he’s had more than enough time to prepare!” As he rips the leaves from a tree branch. Holding them in front of himself and letting go as they fall down spreading out. The wind carries them off in a forward direction. Yetzan smells the air looking around cautiously. Yote answers conniving, “ well den wot is it dat yew propose? Would yew ravah someone else take de title of chief?” Yetzan considers the thought, pouting his lips and darting his eyes back and forth  he thinks muttering to himself. “ They’d have to be strong, and quick witted...” as Yote nods in agreement becoming ever more excited. “ Yes... an dey would ave to know de village and all it’s people den.” Yetzan nods replying, “ good point. You know there’s only one person who I know fits the description and could do the job just as well as me.” Looking down at Yote who grins from ear to ear awaiting the words he thought he may never hear. Yetzan content with his decision says, “ you know old friend I never thought I would do this. I never thought it would come to this.” Yote’s inner emotions bursting with sheer excitement. His eyes bulging so hard they struggle to stay in the sockets. Yetzan pats Yote on the back as he says, “ thank you Yote, you have been a real help. This is why I know I can trust you.” Yote becoming bashful his cheeks red, at a loss for words he is only able to come up with, “ its nuffing really.” Yetzan concludes, “ after we find these two dhanda’s I will make the announcement this narctos, just after the sunji settles and the Lunis shines upon up.” Yote nods with elation, “ yes my chief.” Yetzan then inquires, “ do you notice anything about the hunting ground? Anything at all?” Yote looks around. Noticing all the traps still in place, no footprints in the mud, nothing out of the ordinary. He responds, “ no my chief, everyfing looks normal. Just as we left it.” Yetzan agrees, “ exactly. Not a single thing is out of place. Makes you wonder if anyone or anything has come this way besides us.” The two look at each other for a brief moment. Suddenly they hear a yelling from far off. “ Someone found something. Sounds like Errow and Chargus, hurry Let’s go.” He commands. Yote nods and follows behind as the two leave the area.

     A few moments prior as Errow and Chargus walked the perimeter of the farm. Chargus asks, “ what is it between you and Lutzi, why does he bother you so?” Errow rolls his eyes. “ That looker is a grute faced back attacker. No honor or respect is deserved by such a worthless dhanda.” Chargus nods, “ okay but wasn’t it you that attacked him?” Errow rushes two steps ahead to stand in front of Chargus turning to face him. “ Let’s get one thing straight, I only attacked him before he had a chance to pull something. If left to plot he will make a plan to take me down. It’s called anticipation.” Chargus looks to the side away from Errow. Placing his hand on the back of his neck he struggles at first to comprehend what he is being told. He then questions Errow, “ how exactly do you know he wants to take you down?” Errow looks at him sternly, “ I know that when someone is better there are those lesser that wish to be like them.” With the hand behind his neck Chargus then scratches his head. “ You are losing me, which one of you is the better and which one wants to be like the other?” Errow becoming frustrated replies, “ are you with him, or with me? I’m starting to not see where you stand here. I am and always have been the better one.” Chargus scoffs nervously, “ alright settle down, I’m not with him. I am my own dhanda, I don’t want to have to pick a side and say I’m on it. You may do something that I won’t agree with. When it comes down to it I don’t want the others thinking I’m with you in that case.” Errow snarls, “ well then you better watch out for you since you feel that way. I thought we were united for the same cause, but I see differently now.” He walks ahead of Chargus who replies, “ what cause would that be? Your status as the village linguist? Ensuring that you secure your place?” Errow stops instantly. Clinching his fists he turns around quickly and bolts it back to Chargus double time, stopping right in front of his face. “ You should do what you do best and listen. What’s good for me is good for those that are aligned with me. If I do good then so do they. If you are choosing to be your own dhanda then so be it. I am not looking for solo dhandas to live their own life how they deem. I am looking for dhandas with understanding that power comes in numbers.” Chargus tilts his head, turning his ear towards Errow as a sign to say, I’m listening. Errow continues, “ a single dhanda may only have the ability to capture and kill a beast large enough to eat for a single meal or two, having to hunt more often. Many dhanda’s of equal skill working together can capture whatever they desire, having to hunt less gaining more. Do you understand what I am saying?” Chargus nods replying, “ what is it you intend to capture that you need many dhandas for?” Errow smiles deviously as he lowers his head squinting slightly. “ It’s not so much what but more of a who.” Chargus gasps, “ look foot prints, someone was here!” He says pointing to the ground behind where the two stand. Errow doesn’t take his attention away, “ last chance, are you with me or not?” Chargus breathes heavily. Considering the idea for a moment he nods, “ fine, but you need to let me in on your plan if I am to join you.” Errow exhales from his nose, flaring his nostrils, “ all in due time.” He looks away from Chargus and focuses his attention on the foot prints. Walking over towards them the two men inspect the size and direction the prints lead. “ Looks like a smaller one and a larger one.” Chargus says. Errow nods in agreement looking at the path, “ well they headed towards the grassland. We can pursue them.” Chargus shakes his head from side to side, “ we will get the whole group, that way we can reach them faster and take them down easier.” Errow smiles, “ see you get it.” He then yells loudly to get the attention of the entire group.

     Moments later Lutzi and Natutu arrive, Yetzan and Yote not too far behind them. Yetzan looks around, “ we are missing two. Natutu why do you have that? Where did you find it?” The group looks at Natutu with the blanket draped over his shoulders. “ I found it at Allmeya’s. It’s mine now. Besides, Lutzi took something too!” Errow nudges Chargus with his elbow. Looking at Errow who darts his eyes towards Lutzi he whispers, “ see I told you.” Yetzan looks at Lutzi and then replies, “ I don’t care if someone else  took anything, especially if that someone else is not my kooje. Lose it now!” He demands. Natutu huffs, “ but farjer!” Yetzan growls, “ now!” Causing Natutu to drop the blanket on the ground. Jealously Natutu reaches for Lutzi’s satchel. Lutzi steps aside placing his satchel behind his back. “ If I can’t have what I’d taken neither can you!” Natutu shouts. Yetzan rolls his eyes before stepping behind Natutu and pulling him backwards by his shoulders. “ I have given you many chances and all of which you have missed. Now this evenis when narctos reigns  I shall announce my successor as chief of the village. It pains me to tell you my unda, it will not be you.” Natutu freezes as the thought suddenly consumes him. Yote standing back smiles, looking over to Errow and Chargus. He winks as to signal them. Errow turns to Chargus smiling. Both men nod at each other. Yetzan takes a step back, “ where are the other two? The ones that saw the mysterious dhandas in the first place?” Errow and Chargus shrug and shake their heads. Yetzan looks at Lutzi who responds, “ I’m not sure chief.” Yetzan looks at Yote then Natutu. “ Well which one of you called us over?” Errow lifts his hand, “ we did chief, we found these tracks leading to the grass lands. If we follow them they may lead us to the ones we seek.” Yetzan steps towards the footprints. “ Hmm, I’m beginning to wonder if there are any mysterious dhanda’s at all.” Yote inquires, “ wot do yew mean den?” All but Natutu steps in behind Yetzan who points to the prints on the ground. “ Those are not the markings of two dhandas. They are one dhanda and a wadja, more so they are that of Allmeya and his dawtea.” Looking at the prints Yote nods, “ oi fink yew are roight.” Looking off in the distance in the direction the prints lead then back at Yetzan, Yote questions the next move. “ Well den do yew fink we should follow dem, maybe dey’ll lead us to dem dhandas.” Yetzan shakes his head, “ no I think those two that are no longer here made up the two dhandas. Think about it, pale skin, light hair. There’s no such thing as a dhanda like that.” Lutzi chirps in, “ excuse me chief.” Everyone looks back except Natutu who is still standing off to the side contemplating his father’s decision. Yetzan awaits a response, “ yes what is it.” He asks. Lutzi continues, “ the dhandas with pale skin, do you think maybe it is the shemli dhandas from the legend of the fijar mogk?”

     There is silence for a moment. All the men look at Yetzan awaiting his reply. His face changes from serious as the smile grows wide. He begins to laugh, “ don’t be ridiculous. The fijar mogk is a story we tell the kooje. There is no such thing.” Lutzi looks at everyone laughing, he replies, “ but the flash yestermorrow narctos, the mogk, I saw it myself as did many others around the fijar. Errow you saw it didn’t you?” Everyone turns their attention to Errow who shakes his head as he presses his lips out. “ No idea what you are speaking of.” He replies. Yetzan answers, “ don’t worry Lutzi, we all see things that are sometimes not there. Just some of us more than others.” Everyone except Lutzi and Natutu begin to laugh. Yetzan quickly takes command of the situation, “ alright enough time for games, now it’s serious time. We have two missing dhandas, tracks that lead us to the Allmeyas, and an announcement to make this evenis. We are to split up once again. Yote, you go with Chargus and Lutzi. I will take Errow and Natutu.” The group splits into two as Yote asks, “ wheel be taken de trackens den?” As Yetzan agrees, “ yes and the three of us will search for the two missing dhandas. If by chance neither of us find what we are after by the time the sunji turns red just head back to Yenga. We will reconvene in the morrow.” Both groups separate to perform their different tasks.  Yote, Chargus and Lutzi walk along the foot prints leading towards the grassy outlands.  As Yetzan walks with Errow and Natutu at his sides he tells them, “ I will be choosing my successor, it’s most unfortunate that my own unda will not be.” He looks at Natutu with the clear expression of shame. Upset Natutu looks at the ground. Yetzan stops grabbing Errow by the shoulder. “ You know Errow, I will be choosing someone I know has great strength. Can understand the needs of the village. Knows those who dwell within, and can speak in such a way that he is respected by all.” Errow smiles widely, “ yes my chief.” He replies. Yetzan gestures with his hand as to lead the way before he begins to walk again. He and Errow walk side by side as Natutu mopes behind. “ You know Errow, my choice will probably cause ill intentions. I need to know if you agree with my choice.” Without hesitation Errow replies, “ by all means chief Yetzan, your choice is respected by not only myself but the others as well. I think what ever you chose will be welcomed.” Nodding and smiling the two walk. Yetzan shakes his head, “ I’m not sure that all will agree with you. I have thought about it long and hard, and there is really only one choice. I need to know before I make it whether you support me fully.”  Errow nods again, placing his hand on the chiefs massive bulging shoulder. “ Yes my chief I stand beside you and your decisions. After all you have gotten the village this far.” Yetzan nods ever so slightly. “ Good, well then now that that’s settled let us find those two wandering dhandas.” The two of them head off before Yetzan pauses for a moment. Looking back he yells to Natutu, “ hurry up unda!” As he fans his hand towards himself. Natutu picks his feet up and slowly begins before Yetzan becomes enraged. “ Now!” He commands causing Natutu to double time his pace. Meanwhile following the footsteps in the mud Yote leads Chargus and Lutzi. He pauses for a moment standing upright. The other two halt behind him. Yote turns around, “ yew tew, yew realize dat Yetzan is goin ta be given is speech an andin off is title to de one ee finds most appropriate to be de chief den royt?” Lutzi looks at Chargus who looks back. Both nod, Chargus asks, “ and who do you think that will be?” Yote smiles revealing his yellow discoloured unkempt teeth. “ Why none ova den me of corse. Ew did yew fink?” He laughs before asking. “ aye need ta know den if when dat appens yew tew will be willing ta do fings dat may ova wise seem uneffical?” He gives them a moment as he gauges their reactions. Lutzi inquires, “ what kind of things?” Yote looks at him deviously as he replies, “ give your meger life for wot eva cause I deem favorable to my ruling.” Lutzi raises his eyebrows. “ I’m not sure I can do that.” Lutzi answers first. Yote smile fades quickly as malicious intent can be felt in his expression. “ Lutzi, afta all dat oive dun for yew. Somefing as simple as fighting for a righteous cause is beyond yor capabilitee?” He paces towards Lutzi who becomes uneasy. Chargus knowing that the only thing shorter than Yote is his temper subtly takes a defensive stance. Yote pauses for a moment. “ No use gettin angst. Were on de same side. I just wonted te warn yew dat somefing big is about to go down, an oi need ta know who ta trust an ew not te. Now den we got us some runaways te catch.” He winks as he smiles before leading the way. Looking at each other they both begin to follow a few steps behind.

Chapter 09. Washed Ashore

     Meanwhile, back in Yenga the villagers are beginning to awaken and begin their day. Throughout the village all seems calm when suddenly the calm atmosphere is disrupted by shouting. Many stop what they are doing to look over. Chief Yetzan is yelling at Natutu, “ I told you yestermorrow, you must make a choice. Time is nearing for you to grow up, be the dhanda you were meant to be!” As Yetzan finishes yelling he walks away from the lower gates towards the village market. There are several villagers gathered whispering amongst each other  as Natutu stands back at the gates embarrassed. Yote meets with Yetzan in the market, looking past the chief at Natutu in the distance, he then turns his attention back to Yetzan who huffs before he complains, “ I don’t think that kooje will ever be a dhanda. It pains me that he is mine.” Yote darts his eyes to the side before answering, “ oi my chief deeze fings take time. In de meantime oiv gavard de lookers, an de listeners. We’re ready to search for deemze pale skinned dhandas wot Dwege an Giblet had spoke of.” Yetzan smiles, “ ahh yes some excitement. Do we know where they were headed, or why they are here?” Yote shakes his head, “ no my chief, only dat dey are where dey shouldn’t be an dey ave a weapon we could use.” He smirks as he imagines what he would do with such a weapon if he had it in his power. Yote fantasizes taking the village by force for himself, as Shukara falls in love with him and his newly acquired weapon. Yetzan notices Yote is in a daze, snapping his fingers in front of Yote’s eyes there is no response. “ Hey Yote! You alright?” Suddenly Yote snaps out of it, “ huh, wot appened?” He asks. Yetzan bewildered by Yote’s actions replies, “ I was about to ask you the same thing. Anyhow let’s get going, the more time we waste the further away we may have to travel.” Yote nods in agreement. “ Yes my chief, royt away. Everyone will be gavahed just outside de village, we will start de search on Allmeya’s farm.” Yetzan nods, “ sounds good to me. I’ll meet you there.” Yote smiles before leaving Yetzan’s presence, as the chief turns around to call for Natutu. “ Well you going to stand there all day or what?” He shouts. Natutu looks over to see his father calling to him. He makes his way over towards him. Yetzan says, “ we are to search for those dhanda’s you heard about yestermorrow.

      We will start at Allmeya’s farm and continue from there.” Natutu smirks, “ alright. Should I bring anything?” Yetzan shakes his head replying, “ no, just focus on the task.” Natutu nods and excitedly begins to walk away from his father who shouts, “ and Natutu!...” Getting his attention Natutu stops to look back. “ What is it?” He asks. Yetzan concludes, “ this doesn’t change what I said yestermorrow either. You better choose a madja or I’ll make the choice for you.” Natutu huffs, “ yes farjer!” He replies, walking away. Yetzan notices a group of villagers watching off in the distance. He shouts, “ what are you looking at?” They quickly disperse and act as if they are all busy. Yote gathers all those partaking in the search just outside the market, Errow, Chargus, Lutzi, Dwege, and Giblet. All standing before the short statured advisor to the chief who’d demanded their presence. Natutu makes his way towards the group from off in the distance. Yote begins his speech, “ oim sure dat some of yews are wondering why it is dat eye’ve gavered yew here.” Chargus and Errow look at each other for a brief moment with a quick half smirk as Errow raises his eyebrows. Darting his eyes to the side he signals towards Lutzi standing at the very end of the group looking forward. Giblet and Dwege pretend as if they don’t know what Yote is going to say as he paces about in front of the group. Natutu approaches stopping between the two one step in front. Dwege looks over at Giblet who nods to him. Both men take a half step away to make room for Natutu to join the group. Yote turns back to see Natutu enter the conversation, “ as oi wos saying, dere as been word of a few dhandas dat don’t belong ere, ow would you say...” he tilts his head side to side as he rotates his fingers in an attempt to come up with an answer. “ Creeping about?” Natutu offers up a solution to Yote’s loss for words. “ dats it, dey been creeping about on Allmeya’s farm as far as we know. We are ta break into groups an search de area. Chargus, yew go wif Errow an check the perimitah.” Chargus and Errow nod and smile as Yote continues, “ Dwege an Giblet, yew retrace de steps yew took yestermorrow. See if peraps dere’s somefing you missed. Lutzi you are to go wif Natutu and search de ole ouse. If yew find anyfing, and I mean anyfing that could lead us to dem tell me immediately. You ave your orders, now go.” Yote commands as he flicks his hands as if to sweep the group away with the back of his fingers. Dwege and Giblet nod and begin to walk in opposite directions. After a few steps Giblet notices Dwege walking in the other direction. He turns back to chase after him. Yote shakes his head taking a deep breath. “ Doze tew are opeless!” He mutters. Natutu turns to face Lutzi, “ well we should probably get going.” He says walking towards him. Lutzi breathes heavily before responding. “ Sure thing.” He replies. The six men headed to the farm outside the village as Yote stands there. Yetzan approaches from behind, “ well what will we do then?” He asks startling Yote who quickly turns around to face the chief. “ What will we do?” Yote repeats. Yetzan opens his eyes slightly as he lowers his head, “ yeah that’s what I asked.” He mentions as Yote thinks and looks around. “ We’ll search de unting grounds. Cover more area dat way. If dey’re out dere we will find dem” Yetzan smiles, “ sounds like a plan.” He says as he pats Yote on the shoulder. Yote looks down at Yetzan’s large hand right next to his face. Stepping forward Yote wastes no time. Yetzan’s hand still holding tugs the chief to follow until he removes his hand from the little man.

     All four groups split up in their search, heading out on various course in the same direction. Meanwhile at the edge of the grasslands Jex and Narfeesh make it into the clearing. The sound of the waves crashing ashore can be heard nearby. The air becomes cool and moist as the vast ocean is spread from end to end as far as the eye can see. Reaching the top of the cliff where the ground changes from soft and grassy to jagged rocks, Jex and her father stop for a moment. She smiles at the sight of the bright blue water. “ You haven’t been here for a long time!” He tells her. “ Yes I remember when I was a kooje, you and mahmu took me here.” He smiles a very large grin as he reminisces about those days. “ ahh yes your mahmu loved coming here!” He exclaims. Jex proceeds to ask, “ why did we ever stop coming here?” Narfeesh replies, “ I am reminded of your mahmu...” His large smile begins to fade. Jex nods, “ oh right... sorry to bring up painful memories.” Narfeesh shakes his head. “ ohh no it wasn’t you. Being here incites the old thoughts. Never mind that thought, what do you say we head down there.” He asks as the two approach the cliff’s edge he points down. Looking over Jex gasps, “ do you see that?” She asks. Narfeesh looks down, focusing his sight in the general direction she is looking. “ What is that?” He questions placing his hands over his brow to block out excess light from above. “ It looks like a large piseczis, do you think it swam ashore?”  She replies. “ Quickly, this may be our fortunis. If it just died recently we can still use it for meat!” Narfeesh excitedly states. Making his way down the side of the cliff he quickly gestures for her to follow. Jex climbs down the rock ledge onto the loose slope leading down.

     The two hastily make their way towards the beach where they’d seen the large object washed ashore. As they run across the sand closer they notice many dead creatures along the waterline. The large slumped over one becomes closer. The two then gain a better perspective realizing what they thought they had seen to be incorrect. “ That’s not a piseczis! It’s a dhanda!” Jex says. Narfeesh nods in acknowledgment before he instructs her, “ quickly turn him onto his back.” The two of them bending over to push the pale skinned man from his side. All the while behind them the waves crashing ashore in a never ending bombardment with the land. The rocks that litter the ground, battered by the water. Smashing against each other in an endless battle until only grains of their once whole being are left in their place. Settling only to be swept up by the next crashing wave moments later. As the two Tirbalians quickly work with the unconscious body they are unaware someone is watching from the distance. “ Listen to the center for Any boomba?” Narfeesh commands as he points to the chest. Jex leans in placing her ear onto the unusual fabric clothing the body. There is a very slow beating of the heart. “ Yes I can hear it. Boomba...boomba.” She replies, Narfeesh nods as he then instructs the next steps. “ Grab the legs, I’ll grab underneath his shoulders. We have to take him to the base of the cliff there.” He says pointing to the rock face that they had climbed down from. Jex nods, she quickly moves into position grabbing both legs, Narfeesh grabs the upper body firmly. He nods giving the signal to lift as the two stand to their feet lifting the limp body of the unconscious Atlantean. The two walk in unison over the sand making their way to the cliff to hide beneath the rocks protruding from the cliff walls. Placing the body down the two both pant to catch their breath. “ Why here of all places?” Jex questions. Narfeesh points up to the rock above, “ if they come looking for us from above where we were they will not see us down here.” Jex looks up, “ ahh..” She says bringing her head back down, she then notices the foot tracks and trail in the sand they made coming over. “ What about the markings in the sand? They will see those for sure and then they will know.”  Narfeesh looks over his shoulder, he nods in agreement. “ You are probably right.” He replies. Bending forward he grabs a handful of sand. Stepping a few steps out from the cover of the rocks he tosses the sand into the air. Jex inquires, “ what are you doing?” Narfeesh watches as the sand blows slightly to the left. “ Did you see that? The wjindis will cover our tracks in time.” He explains. Puzzled Jex shakes her head, “ what do you mean?” Narfeesh steps back under the rock cove. “ The wjindis will blow the sand over and cover our tracks. If we attempt to cover them ourselves it may end up looking unnatural, then when or if they do come pursuing us and they see it they won’t know why but they will know something is out of place.” Jex breathes heavily, “ alright, so what now?” She says in response. Narfeesh shrugs replying, “ I don’t know but this dhanda needs our help right now, so we should do what we can.” Jex looks down at the very pale skin, and light hair. “ Yes but who will help us when we need it?” She asks. Narfeesh replies, “ patience dawtea, everything in it’s own time. Perhaps we are meant to find this dhanda. By helping him in turn we are helping ourselves.” Blinking several times Jex questions her father’s words, “ what? How does that even make any sense?” She then asks irately. Narfeesh looks at the ground behind him before sitting back onto it. Exhaling he responds, “ you still have much to learn, and I will not be around forever to teach you.” He says inspecting his palms. Jex brushes the ground behind her with her hand before she lowers herself down to sit also. Crossing her legs she then interlocks her fingers into each other placing her hands onto her lap. “ Why do you say this?” She asks. Narfeesh replies, “ there is so much more to this life then we are allowed to know. More than we are able to experience in a single lifetime. This is why it is important to learn as much as we can in our short time. This is because when our time is up, if we have not passed on what we have learned then we have not lived effectively.” Jex scrunches up her nose as her eyes begin to tingle. Narfeesh continues, “ think about your mahmu, in her time there was much she had learned but yet never got the opportunity to pass on to you. Now that you are growing and becoming older you have to learn those same things but on your own.” Jex nods as memories of her childhood rekindle, she half smiles thinking of the time when things were simpler. Her father concludes what he has to say. “ So although at this time it may seem imprudent to assist this dhanda, in the grand scheme of things perhaps he is a necessary piece to our puzzle that will assist us later on, teaching us things we could not yet learn on our own. He has been intertwined in our fate for a reason, and as so we should take this moment to embrace that and help him.” Jex smiles, she looks at the Atlantean on the ground and then at her father. “ I think I understand farjer.” As a small tear rolls down her cheek she spots something out of the corner of her eye. She bends forward to push herself to her feet. “ What is it?” Narfeesh asks, as she moves closer to the edge of the cove to get a better look, However nothing is there. “ I thought I saw something.” She replies looking down the beach as the waves crash onto he sand and retract back into the large body of water. Looking over his shoulder Narfeesh comments, “ could have been your eyes playing tricks. We will need to gather some food, and get moving again soon. Who knows when those goonji’s will arrive, and I don’t want to be around when they do.” Jex steps back into the cover behind the rocks. “ Yes, what shall we do then?” She inquires. Narfeesh replies, “ you stay here with the dhanda, I will go gather. If you hear anything try to remain calm.” He stands to his feet dusting his back and legs off. Jex sits back onto the ground, “ be careful.” She warns as Narfeesh removes his satchel placing it onto the ground beside her. “ Don’t worry, I will be right back.” He reassures her. Grabbing her fathers satchel and pulling it close she nods, “ alright. Be safe and step soft.” Narfeesh nods before turning to gather. He walks along the cliff base to avoid making more foot prints in the sand. Jex opens her father’s satchel removing the golden relic to inspect it. In the distance the one who had been watching the entire time sees Narfeesh leave, as well as Jex holding the golden stone.

      Meanwhile, at the abandoned Allmeya farm the three groups with their various tasks search about for any clues that will lead them to find what they are looking for. Giblet and Dwege walking around outside through the fields stop for a moment. “ What are we going to do if they don’t find those two dhandas we saw?” Dwege asks. Giblet shakes his head, “ what dhandas? You mean the ones that we made up? What are we going to do when they find out we lied? I don’t know probably get our heads cut off.” Giblet replies angrily. Dwege misunderstanding asks, “ well I thought it was your idea in the first place?” Giblet shakes his head, “ no you blurted it out, I wasn’t serious when we were talking about it on the way back. I thought you understood that!” Dwege answers, “ well don’t you think that if I knew that I wouldn’t have told them!” Giblet slaps his own face, “ please tell me you are not this stupid.” Dwege shrugs, “ what do you mean? How stupid?” Giblet exhales, “ we need to figure something out and fast, otherwise it’s going to be us we are hunting and not some made up dhandas.” Dwege tilts his head, “ how can we hunt for ourselves if we are right here.”Giblet Shakes his head, “ no it’s not us hunting us. It will be them hunting us. I give up let’s just leave right now before they catch on. That way we can have a head start.” He then begins walking away. Dwege still unable to comprehend  asks, “ where will we go?” Giblet shrugs throwing his arms out to the sides, “ I don’t know nor do I care.” As he continues to walk along the path of the field. Meanwhile inside the house Natutu and Lutzi look around at the mess created. “ What do you think happened here?” Natutu asks looking around. Lutzi spots the broken cucass jar and various scattered belongings left behind. “ It’s hard to say. Looks like some kind of struggle took place. From what I can tell.” Natutu then walks towards Jex’s room, he smiles. “ It this her room?” He asks taking a deep breath in before entering. Lutzi looks over at Natutu to see him go in. He walks around looking at things on the wall, trinkets and odd things. Walking past the door he spots Natutu sprawled out on Jex’s bedding as he rolls around sniffing the ursus fur covers muttering, “ to think she actually slept here!’ As he laughs maniacally.

     Brushing off the comment Lutzi spots a hand carved wooden ornament  made from a tree that had fallen. On the top corner there was an intricate marking. “ What is this?” He questions lifting it closer for a better look. Realizing it was the very same symbol he’d seen earlier on the skin that he’d acquired. Quickly he places the ornament into his satchel. Standing in the door way to Jex’s room Natutu inquires, “ and just what do you intend to do with that?” Catching Lutzi off guard, he replies, “ well they won’t need it anymore now do they?” Natutu smiles, “ you’re right, I like your style.” Marching right back into the room he gathers the blanket and places it over his shoulders. “ I’m taking this home, after all she won’t be needing it now will she.” He laughs so hard he snorts stopping abruptly as he looks over at Lutzi who rolls his eyes. Natutu asks, “ well did you find anything interesting?” Shaking his head, Lutzi replies, “ nothing of any use to us.” As he begins to make his way to the door Natutu runs in front blocking him. “ What are you doing?” Lutzi asks slightly annoyed. Natutu holds out his hands, “ wait, show me what that was that you had taken first.” Lutzi leers at Natutu, “ why. What importance is it of yours?” Natutu becomes infuriated, “ it is very important. Do you want me to tell my farjer you are a pillager?” Lutzi sighs, “ and I suppose you taking her blanket is not considered pillaging?” Natutu turns his face into the fur draped over his shoulders, taking a big whiff he responds. “ No, it is very different. This blanket is useful and can keep me warm when I am cold. She will not be using it and I will, so I am not pillaging, just borrowing. Besides I will be having her as my wifge soon. So what’s hers is mine. Whatever it was you took was small and can be hidden, so it must not be useful. That means you stole it and only for your own sake. Very selfish and intolerable. My farjer will be hearing of this.” He smiles smugly. Lutzi scoffs, very displeased to hear what Natutu just said as he himself has liked Jex for as long as he could remember. “ Alright you sifaris sap, here...” as he digs inside his satchel for the ornament. Grabbing it he tosses it at Natutu’s chest. It spins as he fumbles it and clumsily drops it onto the floor. Lutzi rolls his eyes shifting his weight from one side to the other. “ Now that’s more like it.” Natutu says grunting as he bends over to grab the ornament. Standing erect he inspects the object. “ This is it? This piece of junk? At least take something of value.” Lutzi closes his eyes breathing deeply to remain calm. “ Looks like an imitation of the bigger one my farjer has.” Natutu states. Tossing it back, Lutzi opens his eyes snatching it out of the air. Natutu opens the door and steps out as Lutzi inspects the object for damage. Noticing a small chip protruding on the back side. Lutzi scoffs, replacing the ornament back into his satchel before he leaves the dwelling just as the wooden door swings shut slamming closed in the empty house.

Chapter No.08 "The Sunji Stone"

     Considering the words of the oracle as his eyes dart back and fourth. “ Well good thing you didn’t lead them to the village. We’ll send a search team in the morrow when it is brighter. As for you Yote, why didn’t you say something sooner?” Yote smiles, “ cos oi wanted yew ta ear it firs and my chief. As to not change of de story, jus incase oi missed somefing.” Natutu looks at Yote, then back at his father. Yetzan shakes his head, pleased with what he has heard he smiles, “ alright that is enough excitement for one night. We better rest so we can find a couple of dhanda’s in the morrow.”  As he stands to his feet to usher the other out. Yote standing to his feet is also excited by the news. He follows behind as Giblet and Dwege make their way for the door. Both men reach for the handle at the same time. Giblet stops, “ I’ll let you do it this time, last time you got hurt.” He says. Dwege smiles, “ thanks, probably better that way...” as he pulls the door open swiftly and smacks Giblet in the face with the door. Yote and Yetzan both cringe as the door makes a whacking noise. “ ohh are you alright?” Dwege asks as Giblet covers his face. “ I’m fine just go!” He says in a nasally tone. Dwege leads the way as Giblet and Yote follow behind. Yetzan Stands at the door waving as the men leave. He suddenly remembers, “ oh Yote! I wanted to ask!” As Yote pauses for a moment, turning back to face Yetzan, “ yes my chief?” He asks. Yetzan inquires, “ did you happen to see that light in the skae? Where about would you say that came from?” Yote nods, “ yes oi fink it came from the wadja, peraps even as far as de edge?” Yetzan has a realization. Thanking Yote He closes the door behind him. Natutu standing back in the hall way still asks, “ what did you want farjer?” Yetzan looks back at him, “ huh?... Ohh nothing. I thought perhaps you had asked Yote to help coax me into letting you have your way with Allmeya’s daughter.” Natutu halfheartedly smiles, “ oh yeah, no... nothing like that.” He says nervously. “ Well I’m going to go to bed now. Did you need anything more?” He asks. Yetzan places his hand on his beard, twisting the hair at the tip between his thumb and index finger. “ No... nothing I can think of at the moment.” Shaking his head. Natutu nods before turning to go to his room. Yetzan makes his way back to his chair where he slumps himself back down. Considering the story Giblet and Dwege had just explained, he takes into consideration what the oracle had told him. Whispering the words, “ skae lit up at the edge of the wadja...” Closing his eyes whilst his mind begins to wander he slowly slips into a state of relaxation, and temporary paralysis. Natutu drops onto his bedroll on the floor. “ hmmph... it’s not fair!” He huffs crossing his arms. “ Stupid farjer and his stupid rules. What does he know! I’ll show him.” He says laying on his bedding dissatisfied. “ I’ll show them all!” He mutters as he picks dirt out from under his finger nails with his teeth.

     Outside as the three pass through the upper gate and begin descending the hillside Yote whistles to get both of their attention, “ oi need yew tew tell me troofully, was dere actual dhanda’s wif pale skin or not?” Dwege smiles before looking at Giblet who is biting his lips in.Yote asks again, “ please tell me dere’s dhanda’s wif pale skin.” Giblet says, “ well... it’s a long story.” Yote replies, “ well we got de ole nyght den. Spit it out.” Dwege claims spastically, “ they came at us like a couple of raging aneemols, we almost died three times!” He says holding up two fingers before looking and realizing it was the wrong amount, he slowly raises the third. Giblet smacks Dwege’s hand down. “ Well Yote, not exactly.” Instantly Yote grasps Giblet’s beaded necklace and pulls his face down parallel to his own. “ Wot do yew mean not esactly?” Giblet says, “ we did what you told us to, we went after Allmeya and tried to take the dawtea. But the two were well... ready for us!” Dwege standing behind shaking his head adds, “ yeah!” Yote lets go of the necklace, “ wot do yew mean readi den?” He questions. Giblet reaches into his satchel and pulls out the map, handing it to Yote. “ They beat us down and ran off through the field.  That old dhanda Narfeesh dropped this, I don’t know what it is. He never looked back, or came back for it.” Yote unravels the rolled up map. “ Do yew tew dum bum idiots realize wot dis means?” He asks. Giblet and Dwege look at each other for a moment, then back at Yote. Shaking their heads, Dwege replies, “ that we are going to look for some shemli dhanda’s in the morrow?” Yote begins to laugh manically holding the map in his right hand. He looks down at the imagery on the hide. Tossing the map down the side of the hill he answers, “ it means yew tew are gonna be dead dhanda’s wen Yetzan finds out dat dere ain’t no shemli dhandas!” Pushing his way between both of them, Yote makes his way down the side of the hill. The animal hide falls to the ground below landing on Lutzi’s head, covering his vision. He jolts as a reflex, quickly grabbing the object that landed upon him. Pulling it off he inspects the dry hide. “ What is this?” He asks himself holding the map out in front of his face.

     Looking all around at the image he realizes what he is holding is a hand drawn reference of the land as it is. Only someone who has travelled around can recognize many of the landmarks that are depicted on the image. In the bottom corner there is a small recognizable signature he’s seen before but can’t remember where. Spotting Lutzi inspecting the item he’s holding Errow decides to make his way over. Lutzi notices Errow walking towards him and decides to roll the map up  and place it inside of his satchel around his waist. Errow approaches questioning, “ what have you got there Lutzi?” Walking in front, and then around him. Lutzi plays it off as if he has not clue what Errow is talking about. Errow already upset at what had happened earlier decides to act upon his feeling. Lunging at Lutzi he steps on his foot and pushes him back before grasping his satchel. Lutzi struggles to keep his balance, flailing his arms around in circles as he leans his head towards Errow. Pushing Errow off he smacks Errow’s hands and then from the inside of his upper forearms Lutzi throws outward launching Errow’s hands off of his satchel. Errow reaches out grabbing Lutzi by his long thick hair pulling Lutzi forward onto the ground. Capturing the attention of the group all the men encircle the two to witness. Errow takes a step back as Lutzi pushes himself from the ground standing back to his feet. Adjusting his satchel which rests upon his hip, Lutzi slides the bag to his back. Errow smiles before saying, “ that’s not going to help you! I’m gonna take whatever that was you had.” Using one of his woven bracelets, Lutzi ties his hair back behind his back as well as he mentions, “ hopefully you don’t have to pull my hair again to get it.” The majority of men in the crowd all laugh causing Errow’s smile to fade. He decides to rush Lutzi head on, screaming as he charges at him with both fists forward. Lutzi takes a deep breath, slowing his breathing down as he begins to relax. Just as Errow reaches him he grabs Errow by both of his arms, leaning back using his right leg placed in Errow’s chest and his own momentum against him he flips Errow backwards. Landing on the ground on his back with a thud as the breath escapes his lungs Errow gasps rolling onto his side. Lutzi stands to his feet, brushing himself off he lowers his stance preparing for the next attack. Errow slowly stands to his feet, as Chargus steps up from behind him helping him up. Discretely handing Errow a stone blade to assist him. He pats Errow on the should telling him, “ C’mon you got this!” Errow nods, turning his head to the side and spitting. He cracks his neck from one side to the other before raising his shoulders. Then putting his hands back out in front of him he reveals the blade in his grasp. Lutzi sees this and using his left hand lifts the strap holding the satchel over his head removing it. Errow smiles, “ that’s better, now hand it over.” He says opening the palm of his free hand as he holds the blade out in his other. Lutzi reaches out to hand the satchel over, “ that’s right it’s not worth dying over is it?” He asks. Lutzi shakes his head from side to side as Errow approaches. Just as Errow goes to grab the strap Lutzi swings the satchel in a circle, wrapping it around Errow’s right arm. He pulls Errow forward and then trips him as he gets close. The two tumble to the ground. The crowd watches excited with anticipation to see what will happen. Errow rolls aside as Lutzi ends up beneath him. The strap still wrapped around his arm Errow pushes the blade down just above Lutzi’s throat. Everyone begins screaming and shouting. Using his free hand, Errow presses the razor sharp stone down, lowering it as Lutzi pushes him up in an attempt to repel him. Just then as Yote, Giblet and Dwege reach the bottom of the hill, Yote spots the crowd gathered and shouting. “ scuse me!” He says to the two as he leaves their side to see what is going on ahead. Pushing his way through the crowd just as Errow finally presses the stone blade against Lutzi’s throat. “ Looks like I win.” He says. Lutzi struggles with everything he’s got. Just then Yote steps before both men. “ Wot in Kratok’s name as gotten in ta yew Errow?” He asks before plunging his index and middle finger into Errow’s nose pulling his head up. Errow backs off, falling backwards before standing to his feet with the satchel still wrapped around his arm. Lutzi places his hands on his throat as he exhales. Yote helps him to his feet before he steps over to Errow and grabs the satchel from around his arm. Ripping it away he hands it to Lutzi. “ Firs yew dun listen to wot it is oim saying, den yew make me aff to smack yew around to make an ecks-sample. Now yew decide instead of leading by ecks-sample yew are gonna attack de only one of all dem dhanda’s wot stood up fer yew whilst I slap yew aroun. Ow does dat make any sense wot so ever?” He asks using hand gestures to really get the point across.

     Errow ashamed of himself lowers his head, unable to look Yote in the eyes. He replies, “ it doesn’t. But that’s only...” before he is able to finish Yote shakes his head, “ I’ve erd wot I was looking for. Dats enough. Now oi want all of yew muck eads to get back to wot it was yew were doing before I ad ta come over and break up the partee...” He stands there for a moment closing his eyes as he runs his fingers through his hair. Everyone slowly begins to move away. Upon opening his eyes he finally Loses his patience, angered he shouts, “ now!!!...” Quickly most everyone speeds up their actions. Yote asks Lutzi, “ are yew alroyt myson?” Breathing heavily, Lutzi looks down to the little man and nods, “ yes, if not for you Yote...” with a smirk and a wink Yote replies, “ now yew go off an get some rest. Oyl andle Errow, an opfully by de morrow yew can elp foynd wot it is we’re aftah.” Thanking Yote again Lutzi turns to head towards his own home which wasn’t located around the main residential area. As he walks away he could hear Yote scolding Errow, “ wot is de problem Errow? Are yew aving a ard time doing de job you’ve been given?” He hears in the distance, deciding not to look back Lutzi heads for his own hut hoping to finally get some rest after such a long day. In the morning the sunji begins to rise on the horizon, just over the edge of the water that seems to go on forever. Awakening inside of a looker’s roost positioned high up in a tree out in the grasslands, Jex yawns as the light begins to brighten the world for another day. The roost is high enough that whoever looks out from inside can see a fair distance all the way around. Jex asks, “ where are we going to go now?” Narfeesh stretches, “ I’m not sure now that I’ve lost my mappa.” He turns to the side, grabbing his belongings. Leaning onto the satchel he uses it to support himself as he stands. “ We better be going, we don’t know if they’ll be looking for us.” He tells her. Jex yawns as she nods, before stretching. “ Okay, I am ready, just let me grab my things.” She answers. “ We’ll follow the wadja, eventually it will lead us towards Machunga. We’ll be safe there for a bit.” He tells her before stepping into the escape hole there to allow entrance and exiting of the tree. Climbing down, Narfeesh looks at the ground as Jex places the straps above her head and onto her shoulder to keep her satchel on. She notices the leaves are dry on the canopy of the tree. “ Do you notice anything?” She asks her father before she too descends from the roost. At the base of the trunk Narfeesh asks, “ notice what? There’s too many things to notice one single one.” Jex carefully steps from one foot place to the next lower as she elaborates, “ the leaves, they are dry.” Scratching his head Narfeesh shrugs, “ what do you mean? What are you getting at?” As Jex reaches the final step she leaps from the tree and onto the ground. Standing straight up she explains, “ my point is that what ever that flash was yestermorrow narctos in the skae wasn’t an thunder storm. I don’t remember it even riajnis at all.” Narfeesh nods, then bends forward touching the tall grasses. “ You’re right, no wadja. hmm...” He begins to walk, “ how do you know that’s the right way?” Jex asks. Narfeesh answers, “ because Yenga is back that way.”

      Walking in the same direction. Jex looks back, having never really ventured out past her families farm in her life this was all new to her. She begins to run to catch up with her father as the two walk along. “ So what exactly is that sunji stone that has been past down, and why is it so important?” Narfeesh then reaches into his satchel shuffling his things around as he grasps the golden relic. Pulling it out he holds it out in front before handing it to Jex. “ This stone was past down in our family from my eldest garand-farjer, to his kooje, and from him to his kooje, and again until my farjer received it. Being the only kooje my farjer had, he gave it to me just before he died.” Jex marvels in awe as the  relic radiates with great luster. “ Why is it so special?” She asks as the two continue to walk. “ There was a time of great hardship upon the land. There was much Fighting between tribes, the skae was blanketed with gloom. Even brojahs fought their own brojah. One day there was a thunder storm far away, much like the one from yestermorrow narcto. It was said that shortly after the flash the skae itself opened up. The gloom was blown aside as the sunji shone through. With that came many falling stones from the skae. Several different shapes all made from the sunji itself. They landed in the dirt with such power they had to be dug from the ground. My garand farjer was one of the few to find one. From that day forward he was blessed with luck and prosperity. We have handed it down from farjer to kooje ever since.” Jex looks at the stone with all it’s unnaturally hard edges which dazzle in the light, the glistening sparkle dances along the crisp edges as it is moved. “ We cannot let others know we have it as they will only wish to take it!” He exclaims grabbing it from her. Jex nods, “ have you even seen any of the other sunji stones?” She inquires as he takes the stone from her. Placing the relic back into his satchel and closing the flap, Narfeesh shakes his head from side to side. “ No I have not. I assume in the same way we hide ours from everyone, they would hide theirs from us. We should get going now, it’s only a matter of time before they come looking for us.” Jex agrees, she then asks, “ why do you think they were after us in the first place?” Narfeesh shrugs thinking to himself for a moment, “ I’m not sure why it is they do anything that they do. Their actions usually seem unwarranted and impulsive.” He begins to walk forward as Jex follows right behind. The two head away from the village, across the grasslands.

Chapter No. 07 " Running Amok"

     The stars flickering in the night sky as the Lunis glows silvery white, but illuminates the ground with a bluish twilight. The air is unusually calm, as normally there are still birds cawing, singing and whistling at this time. The bugs chirp and buzz for just a while more until the cool air replaces the warmth from the sunji heating the ground. A light mist begins to emit as the atmosphere lowers in pressure and the vapor in the air settles to the ground.  There is a sudden flash of brilliant white light from far off in the distance. The sky becomes illuminated momentarily as the flash fades off leaving a purple haze to diffuse the night sky. Jex and Narfeesh witness the flash which lights the surroundings for just a few seconds before dissipating. “ What was that?” She asks. Narfeesh replies, “ I don’t know, perhaps there’s thunder storm coming. In which case we better find shelter.” Standing still for a moment Jex stares at the sky above where the flash had taken place. She inquires, “ do you think it has to do with the fijar mogk?” Narfeesh looks at her, then back at the remnants left behind. Thinking for a moment about the celestial body that passed the night before he reflects on the legend. “ I’m not sure.” He answers as he factors in the mysterious visit and the words that have filled his thoughts from earlier. Meanwhile back in Yenga, the entire village rushes out to get a glimpse of the flash that fills the sky. There is much chatter as the villagers speculate as to what it could be. The lookers, and listeners assemble just outside the market. Errow, the village linguist approaches the group. He looks for Chargus, and Lutzi, ensuring both are there in attendance.  “ I’m sure you have all heard the news or witnessed what had just taken place. I assure you it’s nothing more than an thunder storm heading this way.” Just then the rippling shock wave passes through the village as it blows trees aside and huts not properly secured to the ground. There is a deafening crackle as the whole ground below their feet rumbles. Most everyone cowers down covering their ears. A moment after it had passed many villagers begin to question what just happened. Shaking his head side to side as he attempts to focus his thoughts, Errow says to the group gathered. “ See, as I said just a thunder storm, the wadja will soon fall after. We have all been gathered here because our lead dhanda would like to have a word with you all.”

      The men all look at each other wondering what this is all about. Lutzi remains looking forward, his thoughts elsewhere as he considers the fijar mogk from the night before. Chargus looks at Errow, lifting his head slightly to get Errow’s attention. He then shifts his eyes to the right towards Lutzi as to signal for Errow to look over at him. Every other individual there currently enthralled in speculation and conversation as to the flash that had just occurred. Errow makes his way over stopping in front of Lutzi. “ Do you have something you wish to say?” He questions. Breaking his concentration, Lutzi opens his mouth, but Before he can answer Yote yells interrupting him. “ ol-right den you useless excuses fer dhanda’s stand dere and shut it.” Errow smiles at Lutzi, “ we’ll continue this later.” He says as he raises his eyebrows confidently. Yote looks over at Errow, “ Errow! wot part of shut it dun you undah stand?” He asks angrily. Errow shrugs looking over to quickly apologize, “ sor...” But before he can finish Yote cuts him off, “ shut it!!!!” He screams as his face becomes flushed, the vein in his forehead protrudes and throbs. Making his way over Errow he gestures for Errow to lower his face down to his level by curling his index finger repeatedly. Lowering down in front Yote slaps Errow in the face with his open hand. The whole crowd flinches as contact is made. Turning to the side Errow accepts his punishment then stands back up straight. His face now burning where Yote’s hand contacted, Errow remains silent. Yote walks back in front of the group as he says, “ dats bettah.” He sighs gathering his thoughts before turning to face the group. “ Any of yew know wot it is why aye ave yew ere right now?” Not one person answers. Yote looks at their faces, mostly filled with fear and anxiety. “ Well let me tell yew den. Oi gavered yew ere to remind yew for de final time wot it is we are doing. Lookers, ware’s de lookers in de group?” He asks. “ Step forward, listeners yew step back. Just the lookers up front.” All the listeners take a step backwards leaving just the lookers and Errow standing there. Yote paces in front of the men standing there. Getting to Errow he looks up at the red mark on his face, with a smile he once again gestures for him to come down to his face. Doing so Yote smacks him across the opposite side of his face. The group winces once again as the hand contacts the face. “ Wot part of lookers only in de front did yew no get?” He asks. Errow steps back, both sides of his face throbbing now. Yote turns back around pacing once again in front of the group. “ Lookers it is de responsibility to watch for fings dat go on in an around de village. Yew see somefing you report it. Ave aye made myself clear!?” He yells. Once again no one says a word. He repeats, “ ave oi made myself clear!?” The group of lookers and Errow all respond unanimously. “ Yes Yote!” Looking over Yote sees Errow yelling, “ do yew like it wen oi smash moi and on yor face?” Errow shakes his head side to side, “ no Yote, I don’t!” He replies. Yote then proceeds to ask, “ den why do you make me ave to do it?” Errow answers, “ I don’t understand.” Yote makes his way back towards Errow, the group of lookers moves aside out of his way. Yote curls his index finger once again, “ come ere now... dun be shy!” He says to Errow who is reluctant to lower his face. Just as Yote lifts his arm to smack him across his face for a third time a voice calls out, “ he doesn’t understand you because you talk different!” The entire crowd gasps as they all look amongst each other. Yote freezes just before striking Errow again. “ ew says dat?” He demands to know. Lutzi steps forward. “ It was me.” He answers. Errow looks over surprised that Lutzi would do such a thing. Yote lightly slaps Errow on the cheek, “ stand back up!” He tells him. Making his way over to Lutzi Yote
adjusts his belt and satchel as he tosses his head to the side cracking the vertebrae in his neck. He smiles, “ now wot would compelle yew to say such a fing?” He asks. Lutzi looks down at the short man, taking a moment he replies. “ You are not of this land, you came here from Brierland did you not?”

     Yote looks around as all the other watch intently. “ Aye, an wot’s dat matta?” Lutzi rebuttals, “ that’s my point. You came from elsewhere and as such you speak different. Perhaps Errow can’t understand you because of the  difference in the way you speak.” Looking back at Errow, Yote raises his eyebrows, “ is dis de troof den?” He asks Errow, who shakes his head and answers, “ no Yote. I can understand just fine.” He replies. Lutzi looks over at Errow and sighs. Yote looks back at Lutzi as the whole group watches waiting to see what will happen. Yote smiles, “ I appree-she-ate de fought, but I’m fraid dat’s jus not de case. You know Lutzi, I admire de fact dat you spoke up in is defense just den. Says alot about wot yew stand for. But now oi ave to do somfin I dun want to ave to....” Turning back he yells, “ Errow!” Getting his attention, “ come ere!” He says motioning for him to come over instead of going to him. Errow smiles at Lutzi as he makes his way towards the short man. Yote curls his finger to have him come closer. “ Oi need ta tell yew somefing dat’s for yew only!” He says. Errow bends forward turning his head towards Yote. Placing both of his hands around his mouth as if about to whisper as secret into Errow’s ear Yote leans close. With his left hand he grasps Errow’s hair, and with his right he smacks him across the face. All the men wince as he makes contact. “ Now maybe nex time yew won’t ave such a ard time earing wot it is oi say!” He then pushes Errow back. Returning to the front he continues his speech. “ Right now all de listeners step forward, lookers an Errow step back!” Everyone does as he says. “ Good oi fink we ave an undah-standing now. Listeners it yer jobs ta listen and report. If a looker tells yew somefin you don’t deside wevah or not to report, yew jus do! Do oi make myself clear?” He asks. The listeners reply simultaneously, “ yes Yote!” He smiles, “ now finally, last but certainly now least. Errow step forward!” The lookers and listeners step back leaving a large space between them and Errow, who take a step forward then looks back at the others. “ Dun look at dem, look at me!” Yote shouts. Errow sharply turns around to face Yote. “ If yew ear anyfing. An oi mean anyfing, yew tell me roight away. Do yew undahstand?” Errow nods, replying, “ yes Yote!” Nodding, Yote says his final words before dismissing the group. “ Well den if the wadja is gun fall soon we bettah fix dem uts for the village. Dun waste anymore time, get on it!” He exclaims before turning around to make his way back up the hill towards Yetzan’s residence. Stopping he turns back, as the men all begin to walk away Yote shouts, “ wait now... one more fing.” The men all freeze and turn to look back at him. “ Anyone see dem tew Giblet an Dwege? I notice dey aren’t ere!” The men all look at each other. Most everyone shakes their heads no. Yote then says, “ wen dey show up yew send dem to me!” As he sticks his thumb into his chest. Turning back he continues to the path leading to the staircase up the hill to Yetzan’s.

     The men all return to what they were about to do. The nigh sky clear as the Lunis shines on down. Not a cloud in sight. Still the villagers all work together to resurrect the huts. Slowly they all begin to speak, forming various individual conversations that becomes an ambiance as the villagers break off into different groups all working together to rebuild. As everyone is hard at work, Errow takes a moment to stop what he is doing. He looks over at Lutzi who is busy with a few men. Lutzi does not notice Errow staring, he just remains working. Moments later Errow notices the two missing men, Dwege and Giblet approaching from the distance. He drops everything to make his way over. The two are so preoccupied in their story they plan to tell Yote that they fail to see Errow heading towards them. “ Where were you two?!” Errow asks interrupting the two and catching them off guard at the same time. Coming to a halt the two men stand looking at each other. “ We were doing something very important!” Dwege exclaims. Errow sneers at Dwege, “ oh really? And what’s that?” He inquires. Dwege retorts, “ we were fighting off a...” And before he can finish Giblet elbows him in the side, as to get his attention. “ What is it?” He turns to ask Giblet, who nervously replies, “ we were going to pick up something important.” Dwege misunderstanding shakes his head. “ No we weren’t.” He says, as Errow grows impatient with the two. Giblet looks at Dwege, widening his eyes, “ yes we were!” He replies. Dwege shakes his head, “ no we were fighting those shemli dhanda’s that we killed remember!?” He says with a very obvious wink to follow. Giblet growls, “ no we were not! Remember!” Errow now suspicious asks, “ so you were off killing some shemli dhanda’s now were you?” He skeptically asks. Giblet shakes his head. “ We were collecting something important to Yote. Dwege is thinking of something else!” He says attempting to cover for Dwege’s explanation. Shifting his vision from one to the other, Errow doesn’t know what to think. He replies, “ well Yote just so happens to be looking for you two, so we’ll see. By the way, Dwege what’s that stench? And how did you get those markings and bruises?” Giblet looks at Dwege and then back to Errow. “ It’s a long story, we will explain it to Yote.” Hesitant to believe, Errow responds, “ very well. I will take you to see him myself. I wish to know what is going on and if you will only tell him, I want to be there to hear it.” Giblet looks at him, then back at Dwege. “ Fine.” He says, pushing past Errow to head for the steps leading up the hill. Errow looks at Dwege who smiles and shrugs. He then follows behind, as Errow follows him. The three walking up the steps carved into the hillside, Giblet and Dwege side by side as Errow follows a few steps below. As they round the bend that then leads to the steep climb up neither says a word. Giblet thinking to himself about what is going to happen when they reach the top. Dwege thinking about explaining the amazing story of how he solely killed off the shemli dhanda’s and saved Giblet. Errow thinking by bringing these two to see Yote that perhaps that could ease some of the grief he’s been receiving lately.

      In the village, in the midsts of the rebuilding of the huts and shanties at the base of the hill Lutzi stops working for a moment spotting movement above. He looks to see Errow walking with Giblet and Dwege towards the chief’s residence. He smiles then returns to his task, heaving a pile of dried grasses and sticks aside to cover the outer walls of a structure. Moments later, as the three reach the top Giblet and Dwege freeze before the large gate. Errow questions, “ well what are you waiting for? Open the gate!” The two look at each other. Both shrugging simultaneously, before they both turn to grab the gate. Giblet pushes as Dwege pulls. Both men groan laboriously, “ are you pushing?” Dwege asks. Giblet replies, “ yes, that’s how it opens.” Dwege responds, “ no it’s a pull, you have to pull it!” Giblet shakes his head and retorts, “ it’s definitely a push!” Once again both men shrug and then attempt to do the opposite they were just doing. Giblet begins to pull as Dwege pushes. Both men struggling to budge the gate. Errow scoffs from behind. “ What’s the matter can’t you two open a gate?” Giblet shouts, “ I’m pulling!” As Dwege shakes his head, “ you’re pulling now? I was pushing! I thought you said it was push?” Giblet shrugs, “ no you said it was pull, you seemed so sure.” Dwege replies, “ well I don’t know anymore, do we push or pull?” Both men look back at Errow who bites his lower lip in frustration, “ it’s neither! It slides!” He says angrily. Giblet laughs, as Dwege huffs, “ well why didn’t you say so?” Reaching for the bars Dwege places his hand on the outside bars as Giblet grasps the inside ones. Giblet slides the gate to the side trapping Dwege’s fingers between the two. Dwege screams, “ arhhhggg! My hand! It’s stuck, open the gate!”  As Giblet panics and continues to push. Errow finally having enough pushes Giblet aside and slides the gate back releasing his fingers. By now the commotion has gotten both Yetzan and Yote’s attention as the two exit the residence making their way over to the three at the gate. The last thing Yote managed to see was Errow pushing on the gate whilst Dwege was screaming with his hand trapped in it. “ wot’s de meaning of dis! Still not listening cos yew fink jus coz yur a linguis yew dun ave ta?” He asks excitedly. Errow shakes his head as he nervously replies, “ no Yote, I was helping him to get out, it was Giblet that trapped him in the first place.” As he points at Giblet standing back away. Yetzan and Yote look over at him, then back at Errow. “ Really now, yew cannae even take de blame for wen it is yew urt an mess up. Blamin de ofvers now.” Shaking his head in disappointment Yote then instructs Giblet and Dwege to enter the property. “ dere’s some splainin ta do.” He says as the two men enter through the gate.

     Errow attempts to follow he is stopped by Yetzan standing before him with his arms crossed. Errow Looks up at him to see him shaking his head from side to side. “ You’ve done enough Errow,  Yote and myself will hand these two. You better Go on before Yote finds another reason to smack you.” Errow slightly embarrassed nods as Yetzan closes the gate sliding it to the side. Watching from through the bars on the gate as Yote places his arm around Dwege to lead him back towards the house. Yetzan walks behind Giblet who follows Yote and Dwege. “ Now tell me wot it is yew found.” He mentions as they walk beyond earshot of Errow. Exhaling a large breath Errow hits the gate with both fists closed, he then kicks the gate enraged as he growls. “ That should be me! I should be in there!” He mutters before giving up. As Yetzan holds the door open for the others to enter he gives one look back to see Errow still standing there. Squinting as he moves his head forward to get a better look he then shakes his head from side to side before entering the home himself. The door slams behind him, and the yard is left empty. Errow turns to head back down the hill, bothered by the thought the entire way. With his head down he watches the ground in front rather than what is ahead of him. Reaching the base he returns to assisting with the rebuilding of the huts. Meanwhile inside the chief’s residence Yote takes a seat, as does Yetzan. Giblet and Dwege are left standing as they are not offered a spot to sit. Natutu peeks out from his room to look as Yote starts of saying, “ so me chief. Jus as oi had suspected, deese tew were off at the Allmeya farm on an errand.” Yetzan cuts him off there, “ what sort of errand is required there?” Yote smiles revealing his dirty stained worn down teeth. “ Well me chief, dere’s de mattah of yur unda.” Yetzan frowns, “ what does Natutu have to do those Allmeya’s?... Is this about that madja? I already told him!... Natutu get out here!” He booms. Yote shakes his head attempting to diffuse the situation, “ no, dere’s more den jus dat.”

     Giblet and Dwege standing before Yote and Yetzan, both men look at each other. Wondering what is about to happen. Yetzan sniffs the air, “ what is that smell?” He angrily slams his fist down onto the arm of his chair. Giblet takes a small step to the side as to distance himself from Dwege. a moment later Natutu steps out from his room into the hall leading to where the men are all gathered. “ So Yote, tell me then what is this about?” Natutu walks in, standing between Yote and his father. Yote stalls for a moment, “ well umm, it is dat dere’s... well... dere appens ta be more to it an den it jus so appens dat umm Allmeya an is dawtea got all wravelled up in it...” Dwege interrupts, “ it was shemli dhanda’s!...” Giblet scrunches his face up just before he covers it with the open palm of his right hand. Yote stammers, “ yeah it was dem shemli dhanda’s den...” as Yetzan pushes Natutu aside, “ what, what, what?!” He exclaims, as Yote realizes what he’d just agreed to, he looks over horrified. Dwege continues, “ well it was just us, Giblet and me!” He says slapping Giblet on the back. “ We were out past the Allmeya farm, we were just on our way back when out of nowhere these two pale skinned dhanda’s jump on us and attacked us!” He points to the scrapes and bruises on his face. “ That’s how I got these! No matter... if not for Giblet I’d be dead, cause one of them practically sat on my face and kept me from breathing.” Yetzan with eyes wide open, completely intrigued asks,
“ so what did you do then?” Giblet unable to listen anymore figures he might as well end it now before it becomes too fat fetched. “ We ran my chief!” Yote looks over at Giblet, then back at Dwege. Natutu who had been there the entire time becoming increasingly excited to hear the story. Yetzan then asks, “ did you run straight back to the village?” Dwege nods his head yes, as Giblet shakes his head no. Giblet elbows Dwege. “ We ran through the hunting ground my chief. That way if they followed they’d be trapped for sure!” Yetzan sits back to relax as he thinks for a moment.