15 stones, p.39
15 Stones, page 39
After awhile the sounds receded and the council looked expectantly about. The order and conduct of battle was Baer’s prerogative, the details of which would be decided when its turn came. Now they were looking for some vision to inspire them. Most turned to the shaman of the Standing-Rock Clan. They had heard so much about him but it did not seem possible that the words spoken of this young man who sat in front of them, wrapped in his furs, staring into the fire, could be true. Feeling all the eyes on him, Chaiko tried to do something shamanish to reassure them. He leaned over the fire and sniffed deeply of the rising smoke. He held his hand into the fire and looked into the flames. Shamanish enough? he hoped. “The hills are moving,” he began, “hurrying to see a great battle and a battle we would serve them. The vultures are indeed pecking on our land, nibbling, nibbling, and would tear a great chunk of it for themselves. We are resolved, are we not, to prevent them? We have spears, we have Falcon Lebows to make our claim. But the battle, where shall the battle be? In our hearts and spirit or drowned in blood? Tomorrow may come to witness a great slaughter. So we shall wait till tomorrow, if tomorrow will wait upon us.” The leaders looked at each other questioningly.
Before nightfall, eight Makeye men arrived, a woman with them. They too promised more yet to come. The woman was presented as a seer of some skill, brought along to add spiritual weight to the persuasion of their weapons. The cave was seething with warlike noises, everybody bragging what they would do to the enemy. The women shuddered to hear such gory words. Why do men revel in blood so much? “Because they have to face the risk of wounds and death; they have to make a virtue of it so they can do what is required of them,” Tanya said, trying to enlighten them. Dawn nodded. The men took this burden upon themselves, but often it was not easy. Her husband, she knew, was struggling to find a way around it.
Chaiko had made a small fire on the side and now withdrew to it. He stared into the fire, trying to keep the war-like sounds from intruding on his thoughts. It was disconcerting to have all these people here and more coming, looking to Baer and himself for leadership. They expected a great battle, the joy of it already sat on their faces. He looked at Baer and their eyes met. As always the brothers understood each other. “Stand strong, this is our time to prove our service to all the clans. Be strong!” They nodded to each other.
Chaiko thought how much of being a shaman amounted to show. Why, a shaman had to be better at it than even that poet and jester, Makar. A shaman must appear more than he was, larger than himself, much larger. After all, he represented the power of the spirit world. He looked speculatively at the woman seer the Makeye had brought and wondered how much power she really had. In all his life, Chaiko had met few with real power. In fact, Bogan was the only one he was sure of. Bogan had laid his hand on him and called him Chaiko with such a compelling look in his eyes. Chaiko would never forget that. He knew it was significant but had not known why. But then it was a game of confidence and he would do everything necessary to increase the confidence of the people who looked to him. He threw a short handful of kuma-seed into the fire which exploded into a poof of smoke and a storm of sparks, drawing attention to him. He waved his hand over the fire in a ritualistic gesture. Shamanish enough? The heavy smell of burnt kuma-seed pervaded the cave. People nodded, reassured that their shaman was at work.
The swollen numbers spilled out of the cave. For the first time since danger had threatened, the fires were boldly ablaze. Rea was on guard, and as the darkness settled on the land he called out jubilantly pointing to the east, where about six fires were visible in the distance. “The East is coming! The East is coming to meet the West!”
All the people stood at the entrance of the cave, facing the darkness, cheering at the sight of the fires burning in the night. Men raised their spears and chanted. The women waved, and their shrill yells rode over the men’s. The nearest fire blinked in greeting as someone blocked and unblocked a view of it. That night the darkness seemed friendlier than ever.
Later in the night, Makar told the rousing tale of five young people among the very enemies now coming against them. The listeners hung onto every word, gripped by the tenseness of the story. Afterwards they looked in wonder at the five, but particularly at Crow, who had to shrug his shoulders, being the reluctant hero that he was. Then they looked at Lana and Ido. How could they be so slim and small when they appeared so much larger than life in the story? And they were held prisoners by these louts only half human, half dogs, like their name indicated, Dog-Soldiers.
After that people had a hard time settling down, because it was such an unusual time: to be among strangers who were clan but already friends, and ahead of them the looming danger of the coming days.
Dawn woke in the middle of the night to Yael’s restlessness from all the excitement of the evening. She rocked him back to sleep, and she looked for Chaiko, but he was still beside his fire bundled in a fur, rocking back and forth. She frowned; so much was expected of him. He had a reputation for creating miracles and now everyone expected him to produce one. Well, if anybody could, he could. She caught herself; she was not any better than the others. She rose and went to him, carefully skirting bodies that were lying everywhere. She stroked his hair gently till he returned from wherever he had been and noticed her. “Come to sleep,” she said very gently, “you will need a clear head tomorrow.” Reluctantly, stiffly, he got up, went to their place and lay down.
Just before morning, Chaiko awoke from a nightmare. He had been standing in a stream of blood that was flowing, rushing out of the cave. Above him was a line of vultures cawing loudly, cruising in the air awaiting to land. “No!” Chaiko of the dream had cried, powerless to stop things from happening. “Must not let it happen,” Chaiko whispered to himself. He went to the lookout and found Stow sleepily on guard. He sat facing the east and watched the light steal into the sky. When the sun rose, his resolution strengthened. It must not happen. For all of them, the sun must rise again and again.
Chapter 25
Early next morning the council reconvened swollen by the leaders of the new people. It was decided that first and foremost information was needed about the proximity and intent of the enemy so that they would have something specific to discuss. Cosh, Crow and Chandar were sent along with representatives of the other groups; it would be good if they learned the lay of the land and a little of the enemy. The scouts left, and people stood on the brow of the hill until the last of them disappeared from view. Good luck, the signs flashed.
Baer grabbed Ushi and ordered, “Go among the new arrivals; talk to them about the Tolmecs. Let them know what they have to face. Makar’s story was a good introduction last night, but it was long on words and smelled flowery, a little short on practical things. So describe for them the real thing ... you know.” The trader nodded. He knew exactly what was wanted. He joined a fire and before long he was talking about the Tolmecs to avid listeners. He colored them a little more bloodthirsty than they perhaps were, but that could be forgiven under the circumstances. He answered their questions then moved on, spreading his information.
Chaiko was busy organizing some work along his line. He already had a number of Falcons ready, but not nearly enough for all the new people. He got Kor and Kray working on more Falcons and more talons. Imres, one of the Makeyes, requested that he be taught the skill and was included in their number. Any help was welcome, and soon men and even women were gathering wood and branches for more weapons.
It was left to Tusk to introduce the newcomers to the deadly accuracy of Falcon. “Whether you call it Falcon or Lebow does not matter,” he warned. “This weapon is deadly, but strength and courage alone can’t stand against it. A man half my size could easily kill me with these puny sticks before I could get close to him, so have respect for them.” Then he and Stow demonstrated the lethal precision of this instrument of death. After that, of course, all clamored for Falcon, each impatient to try it in his hands. Tusk worried over them, making sure that they did not hurt each other.
Before noon, more of the Lesser-Bear-Claw arrived, led by Laars himself. There was much pounding of backs and clasping of hands. Both Chandar and Ulla welcomed more relatives. Simm, of course, was visible everywhere. He wanted to know if his Turtledove missed him already. They hurried to reassure him that she was so sad that she stopped eating for a whole day. That seemed to satisfy him.
Shortly after, twenty of the Dorgay arrived, led by a tall fierce-looking warrior who had but one eye, having lost it chasing a warthog in dense undergrowth: a twig, snapping back, had poked an eye out. They all looked intimidating, each with two stout spears and a heavy war club besides. The Sharp-Owl greeted them heartily as they, being such close neighbors, were closely interrelated. They reported that earlier they had passed more Makeyes, eleven or so, who were just breaking camp. They also should be arriving shortly.
The shadows had hardly started bending the other way when indeed the Makeyes arrived and were hailed enthusiastically by their fellow clans. Their leader apologized for not having brought more provisions with them, but they had travelled light because they were afraid of missing the fight. Baer could reassure them that the others had brought plenty for all, and it was not food that was going to be the problem. “Tolmecs?” the leader waved the threat away. “We thank them for the courtesy of bringing the fight to us, so we don’t have to go chasing after them. We shall make them feel right welcome.” Baer was amazed at the warlike posturing he was observing, for he had never previously found the clans so ready to fight. Maybe Chaiko was wrong about the peaceful nature of the clans, or maybe, they had gotten out of the habit of fighting, but had not forgotten how. Certainly the ferocity would serve them well in this confrontation.
As more people arrived, strangers greeted each other with unaccustomed familiarity. They had not known such times as these, but the old songs talked about them. There had not been any real epic written since. Everybody, however, realized that this was one of those rare times when the fate of the clans was in their hands. They knew that songs would be composed and sung about them, no matter which way the battle went. If they won, jubilation of course, and if they lost ... but they were not going to lose. This generation would stand and repel their enemies. In this exuberant atmosphere strangers thought nothing of going up to one another and talking like long lost brothers. They all had the feeling of soon going into a desperate battle side by side. A Makeye was demonstrating the proper technique of thrust and parry with the spear. He was agile and the spear flashed dangerously in his hand, describing a confusing figure of movement to confound the enemy. But a Dorgay who watched his exercise still preferred his stout war club. “If I get inside the reach of your spear you will have to kiss Masher here,” he declared as he patted the club affectionately.
There was not much more to discuss until Cosh came back with some hard information. Baer sighed; even at Cosh’s fast pace, it would still take them till next day to return, unless the Tolmecs were much closer than expected. No! Tomorrow would do just fine. The later arrivals indicated that runners had been sent east to the farthest clans so that more were surely underway. “Bogan said the clan stands together. It is in standing together that makes clan the clan,” declared Vakai, wishing to build some fire into them. But Chaiko had to smile at such oversimplification of Bogan’s words.
“Well, they had best hurry if they want to get here for the dance.” Laars grinned, fanatical joy blazing in his eyes.
In the middle of the afternoon Baer and Chaiko were able to exchange a few private words, but their women had to stand on guard so that they could do so. “Be careful, brother,” Chaiko warned, “we have to keep tight control on so many different groups and leaders.”
Baer nodded but stated his own concern, “That’s why do not talk of peace and counsel with the enemy. We are preparing for war; do not divide the minds and set one half fighting against the other. We need to be united with a single vision, and concentrate our power.” And he showed a tightly clenched fist, focused and ready to strike.
Chaiko nodded, “You are right. But do not be too quick to rush into war. If necessary we will fight with determination in our hearts and be prepared for it. But you must promise to give me an opportunity to do what I can.”
“Brother, I can’t let even you compromise our safety.”
“I am not asking as your brother, I am telling you as your shaman. You must give me my chance when I ask for it.” For the first time in their lives the two brothers were not fully in agreement in a thing that mattered.
“With the coming of the other clans our numbers have increased,” Baer retorted, “and today we stand a better chance ... if we all stand together and therefore, you must not split us between war and peace. As your leader, I command you, as I will not risk the safety of the people in my care.” Baer’s voice turned hard. “I will not risk a split in our resolve.”
“That I will not do either,” Chaiko assured him, “but if and when my chance comes I must take it, and you will have to give me time when I ask for it. I will ask only if I must.” The two brothers glowered at each other standing nose to nose, eyes locked in a contest of will that neither could win. Tanya and Dawn pushed between them. “Do not fight,” Tanya hissed at them. “The people must see that you agree with each other!”
Dawn pulled at Chaiko, “Harmony. Harmony of thought and action.” Chaiko released his breath to ease the tension, his face losing the troubled look. “Talk to him about harmony,” he said nonetheless, as he took a step backward.
“You are right, we must not fight. Thank you,” Baer said to Tanya, then turned back to his brother. His eyes were level and clear. “All right, brother, you will get your one chance if I can give it, but you will ask only if you must.”
“Agreed,” allowed Chaiko. Then the two brothers embraced and went their separate ways, Baer to consult with Tusk. The big man was certainly in his element in this warlike gathering.
Chaiko returned to stare once more into the fire. This tense encounter had upset their women, but Tanya tried to hide her worry from Dawn, who in turn tried to overlook it.
That evening the cave was even more full. Some of the euphoria had evaporated as people realized the significance of the coming battle. They knew some would be injured and some would not return. They looked wide-eyed at one neighbor or another, wondering if he was the one who would make it or not.
In the darkness, out on the plain, one fire burned in the distance. Who was it? Ushi exclaimed that it must be his people, the Omaani.
Again Makar told the story of their escape for the new arrivals who had not yet heard, but there was less enthusiasm. People were subdued. They went early to lie down, but sleep eluded most of them.
Chaiko again woke from a nightmare which he had sought to prevent. It bothered him, of course, that his brother was not with him on this thing. Dawn finally reached up, drew him down, and rocked him to sleep.
To Baer’s relief, Cosh returned midmorning the next day. He brought disquieting news that the Tolmecs were on the move. A full flood of them was crossing the river and spreading across clan lands, coming overland the most direct way and, at their present rate, likely to arrive within two days. They were proceeding cautiously with scouts to all sides, screening their advance. “We had to retreat lest we be discovered,” Cosh said, concluding his report to the general war council.
Baer tersely asked the question whose answer they all wanted to hear. “How many are they?”
Cosh thought very carefully how to phrase his next words, as he was never too sure of numbers and the range of numbers was impossible to conceptualize. “We counted over three hundred and they were still coming as we were forced to leave.”
“Three hundred,” frowned Baer, trying to visualize three hundred. That was a large number. He looked at Chaiko who shrugged his shoulders, too. Up to now there had been no reason to count that high. The newcomers had no idea what they were talking about, needing laborious explanation of the meaning of the strange counting words. Finally they borrowed Dawn’s strategy of using piles of grass stalks to give an indication of numbers. They painstakingly counted out three hundred and sat looking at the heap of straws. It was hard enough to relate to the piled grass and see in it actual people, and worse, armed and painted warriors.
“Well how many are we?” Chaiko thought to ask.
“At last count we were one hundred and twenty two. But more are on the way,” Tusk quickly reported. Everybody was thinking can one hundred stand against three hundred? That sounded like for every one of the clan, there were three of the enemy to face. To make sure of this, they counted themselves again, a hundred and twenty three, not including the women and children. They argued about what the piles represented, but it was clear to all that they were substantially outnumbered, a sobering thought even for Tusk. He knew he could take care of his three and then some, but he was not sure of the others with him, like Stow and Makar.
“Well, then, so be it,” said Baer. “We must draw up a plan to face them and prepare. As you heard, they are likely be here in two days. The first question is where do we face them, here in the cave or out in the open?” Baer paused to let the question sink in. It was obvious that the newcomers had not thought about it, expecting the host to lay out the battle. Vakai said as much: “You know the land and you have already had experience fighting them. Besides you have the most to lose and more to defend ... with your women and children behind you. It thus seems to me that you should lead and the rest of us will follow.”
“Then it would be my decision to face them in the open,” answered Baer, “as here we would be trapped against the cliff and lose all freedom of movement. It would also make it difficult for anybody else coming to our aid to join us. If we withdraw carefully we can lure them further into our land and choose our own battle ground. It would also leave open the possibility of withdrawing to a more favorable position if need be.” He paused and waited for some reaction. Tusk spoke unhurriedly, “By so maneuvering we can gain an extra day or so.” A good point, if more of the clan was on the way.
