It had already been ten hours, what would another twelve matter? So Fred
decided to stay with the tribe until the next day. The man who had
troubled Fred by his strange remarks and glances was called Dirk, he was
the tribe leader's sister's son. He held a valuable position in this
particular tribal society, he was also a bit cocky. The leader, Tavik,
quickly brought the woman to the tribe's expert healer. This left Fred
with nothing to do but socialize.
"So..." said Fred to Dirk. "Ya like living down here in the Naleena?" The nomad gave Fred a queer look. "Like it? What's to like? Why shouldn't I like it? You got a problem with it?" Fred quickly decided he rather speak with the other nomads about him. "So... you guys are the bear tribe, is that right?" The closest male (not Dirk who was busily ignoring Fred) looked at Fred and shook his head. "No, no, we are the Tribe of the Ursuin, the great beast that eats little children in their sleep. It has great claws and blue fur and can growl in six different languages." "It can... what?!?" "That is right," continued the man. "But that is a tale for another fire. Now, what news comes from the north, what news of King Truen?" Fred knew that these nomads, as savage as they appeared to him, were fiercely loyal to the King. He knew that he must not do anything that would change their estimation of the King. "King Truen is well and healthy. He battles these days with the Dragon to the west of you, in the Shreken. He also battles with the men in Cogan to the north of you. The King is strong, he shall prevail." The men murmured in approval at this news. Then Dirk spoke up (he was done ignoring the newcomer). "Why fight the Cogan?" "They are barbarians," answered Fred. He finished his sentence as if that fact were enough. "Oh," said Dirk. Apparently it was enough! "Why fight the horrible snake?" "Why?" said Fred taken aback. "Because it is there! And not only that, it crawls out of its den in the Southern Caves and attacks our towns! It burns our fields! It steals our children!" Then Fred paused and thought a moment. "Does the dragon not do the same to you and your people?" Dirk smiled as if he were far superior to Fred. "We are nomads, we follow the old ways of life. We have no towns, no fields, and our children are always with us. The dragon is no threat to us." This was a revelation to Fred and one he would spend the night mulling over.
|
7/4/2002 7:41:02 AM
Extending Enabled
21498332 episodes viewed since 9/30/2002 1:22:06 PM.