INVADERS FROM THE NORTH BEWARE!

Rounding the corner to the entrance of the house I sa! a terri"#e "att#e ta$ing %#ace& M' (other)s (en
!ere fighting a cro!d of strange %a#e*s$inned !arriors I had ne+er seen "efore s%ea$ing a #anguage
that !as e,ua##' unfa(i#iar& I sa! Teta the #eader of the -ort House guard fighting +a#iant#' against four
of the( !hi#e se+era# of his guards !ent do!n "efore the #arge (ass of foreign !arriors&
With strange round shie#ds and #ong s!ords of a (a$e I had ne+er seen the (en !ere +icious and ga+e
no ,uarter& No one had 'et noticed (e as I stood "efore the house #oo$ing des%erate#' for (' (other
and sister tr'ing to decide !hat to do& Then I s%otted Meri*Ta (' (other surrounded "' four of her
faithfu# !arriors& The' !ere ho%e#ess#' strugg#ing to %rotect her against the i(%osing !a+e of attac$ers&
M' (ind !as then (ade u%& S%ringing for!ard I sei.ed the s!ord*ar( of one of the aggressors stri$ing
hi( in the "e##' unti# he #et go of his !ea%on& Then se+era# of the strange !arriors turned to!ards (e&&&
Bio and book info:
Brother G (Gregory L. Walker) is a Chicago based journalist, poet, historian and author. While
orking part!ti"e for the #ssociated $ress, Brother G spent %& years conducting research for the
#frican Legends genre, riting '(hades )f *e"non,' and de+eloping contacts in archeology
anthropology and linguistics orldide.
(hades )f *e"non is an e,citing, inspiring, aard inning series of ad+enture no+els ritten in
the epic style si"ilar to classics like '-he Lord )f -he .ings.' But this series finally re+i+es an
aspect of history and legend that has been long o+erdue: -he contributions of #fricans to orld
history and ancient legends. #ccording to "any teachers, these books help to pro"ote a truly
"ulticultural e,perience in the classroo", pro"oting historical self!estee" and interracial
respect. -he reading progra" consists of books, teaching guides, "usic and art and has pro+en to
be a poerful educational tool. /specially in tough, lo reading interest situations. -he books
ha+e been used in the efforts of do0ens of teachers to i"pro+e the reading interests and literacy
scores of students fro" "iddle school, high school and e+en college. -he teaching guides are the
result of o+er to years of research and riting by 1r. Clyde #. Winters $h1, of Go+ernor (tate
2ni+ersity and a 34!year teaching +eteran of the Chicago $ublic (chool syste".

Brother G has also ritten colu"ns on co"ic books and graphic no+els for the #"erican Library
#ssociation, contributed to the national nes publication '5n -hese -i"es' and is one of a
popular group of Chicago poets ho inspired the "otion picture 'Lo+e 6ones.' .ecipient of the
Best 7e #uthor )f the 8ear #ard at Chicago9s Black Book :air 3&&&, Brother G has been a
featured speaker o n C!(pan, at the ;arle" Book :air, -he /ast Coast Black #ge of Co"ics
Con+ention, the #ssociation :or -he (tudy of Classical #frican Ci+ili0ations, and nu"erous
other schools, colleges and organi0ations. Brother G on of the Best 7e #uthor of -he 8ear
#ard at Chicago9s Black Book :air 3&&& and the #frican #"erican $a+ilion9s 3&&< )cta+ia
Butler ;u"anitarian #ard on *ay =& at Book /,po #"erica.
:or -eaching Guides and the (hades of *e"non reading progra" contact:
Greg.brotherg>g"ail.co"
(ee Brother G speak on
C!(pan here:
http:??.c!spanarchi+es.org?library?inde,.php@
"ainApageBproductA+ideoAinfoCproductsAidB3DEE<F!G
.ead re+ies here:
http:??.a"a0on.co"?gp?product?&<FF3=EG&G?refBpdAlpoAk3AdpAsrA%@
pfArdApBGDF4=<D4%CpfArdAsBlpo!top!
stripe!%CpfArdAtB3&%CpfArdAiB&<FF3=EG3&CpfArdA"B#-H$1I5IJ&1/.CpfArdArB%K*G
*3$HC1#<$:EB.4%;
(ee Brother G speak to a group of youths here:
htt%/00+ideo&goog#e&co(0+ideo%#a'1docid234567849:9;89838<57=
(hades )f *e"non
THE AFRICAN HERO OF THE TROJAN WAR AND THE KEYS TO ANCIENT WORLD CIVILIZATION
BOOK ONE
By Gregory LBrother GM Walker
$ublished by (eker 7efer $ress, a di+ision of (eker 7efer Group at ("ashords
Copyright 3&&< Gregory Walker
1isco+er other titles by Gregory Walker at https:??.s"ashords.co"?books?+ie?F<GE
Smashwords Editio! Li"#s# Not#s
-hank you for donloading this free ebook. 8ou are elco"e to share it ith your friends. -his book
"ay be reproduced, copied and distributed for non!co""ercial purposes, pro+ided the book re"ains in its
co"plete original for". 5f you enjoyed this book, please return to ("ashords.co" to disco+er other
orks by this author. -hank you for your support.
This o$#% is a wor& o' histori"a% 'atas( 'i"tio )as#d
o th# %#*#ds ad m(ths o' th# *r#at A'ri"a h#ro +#mo
Boo& "o$#r artist "r#dit, Darr(% S-i"#(
Boo& "o$#r d#si*, Co.rt#( Jo%%i'' / Dir#"t E''#"t ad th# A"#stors
Shad#s O' +#mo, Th# A'ri"a H#ro O' Th# Tro0a
War Ad Th# K#(s To A"i#t Wor%d Ci$i%i1atio
2! +(tho%o*(3 4! Histori"a% Fatas( Fi"tio3
5! A'ri"a St.di#s3 6! +artia% Arts3 7! S-irit.a%it(.
Brother > ?>regor' @& Wa#$erA is a Bhicago "ased Courna#ist %oet historian and author& Whi#e !or$ing
%art*ti(e for the Associated -ress Brother > s%ent <8 'ears conducting research for the African
@egends genre !riting DShades Of Me(nonE and de+e#o%ing contacts in archeo#og' anthro%o#og' and
#inguistics !or#d!ide& He has a#so !ritten co#u(ns on co(ic "oo$s and gra%hic no+e#s for the A(erican
@i"rar' Association contri"uted to the nationa# ne!s %u"#ication DIn These Ti(esE and is one of a
%o%u#ar grou% of Bhicago %oets !ho ins%ired the (otion %icture D@o+e Fones&E DShades of Me(nonE has
"een o%tioned for (o+ie %roduction "' the actor Wes#e' Sni%es star of the DB#adeE tri#og'&
Ac$no!#edg(ents/
I would like to first thank the creator for making this world in such a way that it challenges all of us to
struggle and to strive, for without this there would be no progress. I must next thank the long chain of
ancestors, those known and unknown, who sent me here and put it into my heart to carry on this
work. To my mother, Geneva and father, Pat and the rest of the Walker clan, thank you for your
support and love. Thanks also to the usar uset !ociety for revealing the great wisdom to me.
Thanks to "lyde Winters for revealing the facts to me. Thanks to #ill $uke, %oe &andsdale and Tim
Truman for the kind words and assistance.
To my creative and spiritual homies puat 'n (eru, 'n 'n !a Takhi)%ohn Grey*, $onnino (ill, "ourtney
%olliff, $arryl !picy, uset +, Temu, ung -u .a, %ah #ang %ah, #aba /0e, 1rank !tevenson, Tony kins,
.eatha (ardy, !ene-aku 'n 'n, (rupti -en b and (ra Ptah2 Thank you for every line drawn, every
image rendered, every verse kicked, every line spoken, every minute edited and all advise given3
together we are the modern -ed0ay and I love you all. 4ou are constant reminders to me that a fist
can break through where a finger falters. -eace&
uthor,s +otes2
DShades Of Me(nonE is the first series of the ne! African @egends genre "eing introduced "' Se$er Nefer -ress&
Based u%on <8 'ears of research the genre ref#ects the stud' of e%ic traditions that !e ca## DE%ico#og'E a !ord
coined "' A'e#e Be$erie a "ri##iant %rofessor of Africana Studies at Borne## Gni+ersit'&
In his ground "rea$ing "oo$ DEthio%ic/ An African Writing S'ste(E Be$erie defines E%ico#og' as Dthe art and
science of ('tho#ogi.ing s'("o#i.ing narrating #a(enting %ro%hes'ing a##egori.ing and fo#$#ori.ing& It cou#d "e
#oo$ed u%on as tota# histor'&E
I rea#i.ed tota# histor' !as !hat I had e("ar$ed u%on <8 'ears ago after reading Be$erie)s "oo$& In (' ,uest I ha+e
studied traditions of histor' #egend and ('th a#ong !ith the sciences of archeo#og' #inguistics and anthro%o#og' in
an atte(%t to find out !here the histor' and #ore originated& I too disco+ered that De%ic co(es in and out of
histor'E and that Dso(e e%ic ta#es cou#d #itera##' and de#i"erate#' e+o#+e out of histor'E as Be$erie (entions in his
definition&
I !i## e+en go a ste% further to sa' that "ased u%on (' stud' of s%iritua# traditions and African re#igion E%ico#og'
can so(eti(es "e a strea( of s%iritua# energ'& It can "e the %rocess "' !hich the ancestors gi+e us guidance here
on the earth a !a' of $ee%ing (essages a#i+e so that !e !i## not tota##' forget e+en in the dar$est ti(es&
The #egends of Me(non are of this nature ha+ing o+er the 'ears ta$en on an a#(ost (agica# ,ua#it' as if the
#egend had a #ife of it)s o!n& The' raise ,uestions/
5 Who were these 6blameless 'thiopians7 praised fre8uently by the ancient Greeks from the earliest times9
5 Why were they the central focus of 6The 'thiopis,7 the third book in the Tro0an War saga9
5 Who was -emnon, the prince:king of these blameless fricans9
5 Why was he chosen to receive a uni8ue immortality, while his opponent chilles was sent to (ades after death
)see 6The /ddessy7*.
5 Why were the statues of a local king named after -emnon in 'gypt by the Greeks9
5 Why did one statue emit a distinct sound as the sun rose, eerily backing the tradition that -emnon was literally
the 6son of the !un97
5 Why have poets referred to -emnon when pondering the highest aspects of human nobility9
5 Why did a group of German scientists in ;<=> name a 0ournal about the world,s greatest artistic, cultural and
archeological finds 6-emnon97
5 Why is there a 1rench 0ournal today that presents studies of great archeological finds called 6-emnonia97
These are E%ico#ogica# ,uestions I ha+e %ondered and stri+en to ans!er in an E%ico#ogica# fashion through
inter%reting the #egend& Not on#' a"out Me(non "ut a"out (an' other #egends I ha+e co(e across in this %rocess&
So I as$ 'ou to read this e%ico#ogica# g#ossar' and this "oo$ series and thin$ of it as (' atte(%t to honest#' %ortra'
the accu(u#ated #egend and historiogra%h' a"out Africans in ancient ti(es& Fust re(e("er Be$erie sa's it is not
the tas$ of E%ico#og' to "e #itera##' true as in %ortra'ing a rea# (an !hose na(e !as Me(non& What is necessar'
is that it "e honest in %ortra'ing a #egendar' figure and !hat he has co(e to (ean to the !or#dHthe highest
as%irations of hu(an $ind&
>#ossar' Of Ter(s&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Fore!ord&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
-reface&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
-RE@GDE/ HE)S >OT TO FI>HT TO @IVE&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
BHA-TER </ I WOG@D BE A WARRIOR&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
BHA-TER :/ DESTINI IT IS INDEED&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
BHA-TER 3/ >GARDIAN OF AGSAR&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
BHA-TER ;/ WE@BOME BABJ BHI@DREN OF MEMNON&&&&&&&&&
BHA-TER 4/ SEE NOW SERVANTS OF THE SER-ENTS&&&&&&&&&&&&&
BHA-TER 6/ GNDERSTAND THESE ISH*RA*E@ITES&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
BHA-TER 7/ WIND AND WAVE ?Bet!een Man and Wo(anA&&
BHA-TER 9/THE WO@F BREATGRES&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
BHA-TER 5/ THIS IS THE SMITHI OF DAEDA@GS&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
BHA-TER <8/ SHOW NO MERBI&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
BHA-TER <</ I FOR>ED FOR IOGR -A&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Me(non)s @'rics&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Mythology Is Psychological Archeology
George Lucas of Star Wars
An Epicological Glossary Of Terms:
Aahm#s N#'#rtariN -he greatest hero of ancient Ia"it. Oueen #ah"es 7efertari led the coalition fro" southern
Ia"it that defeated the dreaded ;yksos in+aders. -hough practically ignored by historians today, this Pueen as
"ade the "ost honored (heps of Ia"itQs entire history. -e"ples built in her honor ri+aled those of the 7eteru, and
parades ere held in her na"e until the beginning of the Christian era.
AatN Ia"itic: # region of the -aut underorld.
A*ar.N -he sacred island ho"e of the #nu, located off the coast of "odern!day southern 5ndia. ("all blacks li+e
on islands in this area to this day.
A%%atN # fe"ale deity, popular a"ong (outh #rabian blacks until the co"ing of 5sla".
Am# N -he "ost high, creator deity of both the Ia"itians and Iushites, and "any other /ast #frican nations.
Am#8RaNIa"itic: #nother na"e of the "ost high, ith e"phasis on the deityQs role as a creati+e poer ! see .a.
Amorit#sN#ncient na"e for a no"adic, arlike (hashu people in the *iddle /ast during the Bron0e #ge. -hey
blended ith the ;ittites to beco"e the ;abiru, forefathers of the "odern!day ;ebres.
netch (rakH Ja(itic/ Bo((on greeting gi+en to honored e#ders %riests and ro'a#t' in Ja(it&
ncestor communicationH A s%iritua# science/ Ritua#s and %s'chic a"i#ities de+e#o%ed to ensure that the #in$s
"et!een the #i+ing and the deceased are not se+ered after death&
nuH The sacred ancestors of the Jushites& These s(a## "#ac$s originating near the Mountains of the Moon once
#i+ed a## o+er the earth& The' !ere re#ated to the %resent da' forest %'g(ies of centra# Africa !hose traditions
c#ai( the' once #i+ed in #arge cities& Anu re(ains ha+e "een found near ancient (onu(ents !or#d!ide inc#uding
Stonehenge the >reat -'ra(id and in O#(ec0Kiu ruins& High#' s$i##ed in the s%iritua# sciences the' !ere the source
of #egends of %iLies fairies and e#+es&
pademakH Jushite deit' of %rotection& A#!a's de%icted in #ion for( this deit' !as %o%u#ar in u%%er Ja(it and
#o!er Jush fro( +er' ancient ti(es unti# the Bhristian era&
rabyHAncient na(e for (odern*da' Ara"ia es%ecia##' South Ara"ia&
tefH Ja(itic/ Brother0friend %otentia# father&
tenH Ja(itic/ The sun&
tl3antaHAncient na(e for the fa"#ed #and across the At#antic Ocean $no!n first to the Jushau then to the
ancient >ree$s and others& Source of the stor' of fa"#ed At#antis At#*anta !as north south and es%ecia##' (idd#e
A(erica&
usarHJa(itic/ Deit' re%resenting the highest as%ects of s%iritua#it'&
usetH Ja(itic/ Deit' re%resenting (othering nurturing and e(otions&
#aa en petH Ja(itic/ Meta# fro( the s$' a (eteor&
#ekhtanHA countr' #ocated in the Midd#e East during the Bron.e Age near the countr' no! ca##ed S'ria& A great
trading nation of Shasu and Ta(ahu %eo%#es& It !as destro'ed during the >reat Wor#d War&
#lybosH A Banaanite cit' fa(ous for its sea%ort and shi% "ui#ding&
#asileiaH Ancient ho(e#and of the northern(ost contingent of D-eo%#e of the SeaE #ocated in northern Euro%e
near the Ba#tic and North Seas&
"anaanH Ancient countr' once #ocated in the Midd#e East&
"anaanitesH The Jushite %eo%#e !ho once ru#ed in ancient Banaan& The' !ere (igrants fro( Ta(ana&
"hiHFar eastern na(e for the #ife force& Ba##ed Rau "' Ja(itians and Junda#ini "' %eo%#e fro( South India&
"hildren of GebH Ja(itic/ Hu(an "eings a#i+e on the Earth&
"hildren of Impotent .evoltH Ja(itic/ Gnchec$ed e(otions assistants of Set&
$ark $eceasedH Ja(itic/ Gnru#' hu(an s%irits that refuse to rest after death& Bonfused and in need of #ight the'
sta' on to %#ague the #i+ing&
$esher !eaHJa(itic/ The Red Sea&
$0ahyHA region of the Midd#e East Cust south of !here Israe# is toda'&
'astern ?ushitesH B#ac$s re#ated to (odern*da' So(a#ians South Indians and South Ara"ians !ith dar$ "ro!n to
Cet*"#ac$ s$in cur#' to straight hair and shar%er features than Western Jushites& Origina##' fro( Ta(ana&
1ive Great ?ushite +ationsH The fi+e grou%s fro( Ta(ana !hose %eo%#e (ost adhered to the great teachings
e("odied "' the s%iritua# sciences and the Gni+ersa# -rinci%#es& These are the Ja(itians of North East Africa the
Ha#ta(tians of ancient Iran the Banaanites of the Midd#e East the Me#uhans of Southern India and the Kiu of Asia
and the A(ericas&
GebHJa(itic/ The deit' of the (ateria# %#ane Earth& The !or#d !as recogni.ed as conscious "' the %eo%#e of
Ja(it thousands of 'ears "efore the >aia theories of toda'&
Great GreenH Ja(itic/ The Mediterranean Sea&
Great World WarH Around <:88 B& B& the Mediterranean area "eca(e e("roi#ed in de+astating !arfare& This !as
due to in+asions "' a ('sterious coa#ition #ed "' northern Ta(ahu du""ed
the D-eo%#e of the SeaE "' Ja(itians& The' destro'ed great nations in Euro%e Asia and on the is#ands in the
Mediterranean "efore the' !ere fina##' defeated "' a coa#ition of Jushites in Ja(it& At the sa(e ti(e in West Asia
and India Eastern Jushites !ere fighting other Ta(ahu !ho s!e%t do!n fro( the Eurasian ste%%es& This >reat
Wor#d War so(e historians thin$ !as the source (ateria# of the greatest e%ics in ancient !or#d histor' such as
the I#iadM the Norse Ragnaro$ sagasM the -hi#istine ta#es in the O#d Testa(entM the Indian e%ic DThe Maha"harataME
the stor' of At#antisM and DThe Ethio%isE !hich featured the #egendar' Me(non&
(abiruHAncient na(e for the se(i*no(adic tri"es of Ta(ahu ?HittitesA and Shashu ?A(oritesA !ho sett#ed in the
Midd#e East Cust after :888 BB& The' ca(e together in the #and of Banaan for(ing the He"re!s of the O#d
Testa(ent& DAnd sa' thus saith the @ord >od unto Ferusa#e(M Th' "irth and nati+it' is in the #and of Banaan th'
father !as an A(orite and th' (other a Hittite&E * 8<d Testa(ent E.e$ie# <6/3&
(altamtiHAncient E#a( #ocated in the countr' !e no! ca## Iran !as sett#ed "' +arious grou%s fro( Ta(ana&
@inguistic studies indicate do(ination "' the Kiu !ho a#so do(inated in regions of Bhina and Meso*A(erica&
(apiH Ja(itic/ The ri+er Ni#e&
(attiH Ancient countr' once #ocated in Tur$e'& Origina##' sett#ed "' Jushites it ca(e under the do(ination of
Ta(ahu !ho ado%ted the #oca# cu#ture& So(eti(es an ene(' so(eti(es an a##' of the Ja(itians it !as a (ight'
nation !ith a high#' e+o#+ed societ'& The' !ere destro'ed "' the -eo%#e of The Sea during the >reat Wor#d War&
(ittites H The Ta(ahu %eo%#e of Hatti& So(e sett#ed in areas of the Midd#e East "#ending !ith the A(orites to
"eco(e the Ha"iru forefathers of the ear#' He"re!s&
(eruH Ja(itic/ Deit' go+erning herois( sta"i#it' and (aturit'&
(erukhutiH Ja(itic/ Deit' go+erning Custice !arfare and the u%ho#ding of natura# #a!&
(esperidesH >ree$ ('tho#og' sa's that is#ands ca##ed Hes%ers or Hes%erides !ere #ocated in a fa"#ed #and across
the At#antic Ocean and that Me(non !as raised there& In rea#it' these !ere the sett#e(ents of the Kiu %eo%#e in
ancient MeLico& Archeo#ogists toda' are %u..#ed "' the engineering feats of the O#(ecs ?see KiuA !ho (o+ed
thousands of tons of earth and stone to create artificia# is#ands %#atfor(s for te(%#e co(%#eLes and giant stone
statues& A carefu# eLa(ination !i## re+ea# that so%histicated earth (o+ing and stone !or$ing !as a co((on
techno#og' of Ta(ana (igrants !or#d!ide& Direct (ention !as (ade "' the >ree$ !riter Sc'#aLus of Boriandre
!ho recorded that -hoenicians traded !ith Ethio%ians on an is#and across the At#antic Ocean& Toda' (aCor Kiu
sett#e(ents are $no!n to ha+e "een #ocated on is#ands in ancient MeLico&
(et3(eru H Ja(itic/ Deit' go+erning %#easure seLua#it' and i(agination&
(ouse of &ifeH Ja(itic/ Schoo# %#ace of #earning&
(yksosHA coa#ition of Ta(ahu and Shashu !ho !rested contro# of @o!er Ja(it fro( a%%roLi(ate#' <6;8 to <43:
BB The' !ere o+erthro!n "' an ar(' of Ja(itians fro( Waset ?The"esA and MedCa' !arriors #ed "' the great
Nueen Aah(es Nefertari&
InduH Ancient na(e for Eastern Jushites !ho #i+ed in Indus Jush&
Indus ?ushH Ancient na(e for the area stretching fro( -a$istan u% through a## of northern India& It !as once
do(inated "' Jushites !ho f#ed the area during the ti(e of the >reat Wor#d War& Anthro%o#ogists toda' ca## their
cu#ture the Indus Bi+i#i.ation& The' !ere origina##' fro( Ta(ana in Africa&
IfritsHE+i# creatures fro( Ara"ic fo#$#ore often re%resenting the fearfu# and destructi+e forces of the desert&
Ish3.a3'IHAncient Israe# of the O#d Testa(ent&
?aH Ja(itic/ Indi+idua# s%irit the %ersona# sou#&
?abba !toneH Ancient "#ac$ roc$ considered sacred "' Is#a( e+en toda' and a#so re+ered "' !orshi%%ers of the
DgoddessE re#igions of ancient Ara"ia&
?amHJa(itic/ Meaning dar$ or "#ac$& Mistrans#ated in Bi"#ica# teLts as DHa(&E Africans are the chi#dren of Ja(
not of a ru(% of %or$&
?am3tefH Fa(ous creature fro( Ja(itic #egend& His na(e (eans Dfriend of "#ac$ %eo%#e&E
?amitH Borrect na(e of ancient Eg'%t (eaning the #and of "#ac$ %eo%#e ?JushitesA& -art of the Ta(ana
cu#tura#0ci+i#i.ation co(%#eL Ja(it had "oth Western and Eastern Jushites !ithin its %o%u#ation !hich eL%#ains
!h' (an' (onu(ents do not #oo$ #i$e the stereot'%ica# DNegro&E The Ja(itians created the greatest achie+e(ents
$no!n to (an$ind seeding the !or#d !ith their $no!#edge and %u..#ing us !ith s%iritua# sciences that ha+e 'et to
"e fu##' understood&
?amitiansH The %eo%#e of Ja(it&
?amiticH Things of and fro( Ja(it ?i&e& #anguage (onu(ents cu#ture etc&A&
?amitic (eresyH During the #ast 'ears of the <9th d'nast' a ne! $ing na(ed An$henaten (ounted the throne and
tried to institute s!ee%ing changes in the re#igion of the Ja(it& Dec#aring his DAtenistE re#igion ?the !orshi% of the
%h'sica# sunA the on#' #egiti(ate faith in Ja(it An$henaten "ui#t a cit' and (o+ed thousands of con+erts to it& In
ti(e the Ja(itic %eo%#e rose u% in defense of the traditiona# Ausarian s%iritua#it' and dethroned An$enaten&
Then the' defeated his chief %riest Ausar*Mesh ?$no!n "i"#ica##' as MosesA "anishing he and his fo##o!ers fro(
Ja(it& These eLi#ed heretics Coined !ith others fro( the Midd#e East to "eco(e the "i"#ica# Israe# concocting a
fa#se histor' "ased u%on Ja(itic histor' s%iritua#it' and cos(o#og' inc#uding hatefu# stories a"out the nation that
had "anished the(&
?eftuiH The is#and nation of ancient Brete in the Mediterranean Sea&
?heperaHJa(itic/ The sacred "eet#e re%resenting the act of creation&
?,un &unH @egendar' regions of ancient Bhina do(inated "' "#ac$s ?Kiu and ShangA !ho (igrated there fro(
Ta(ana& One of the greatest sett#e(ents !as that of the Kiu in Bhina)s Shensi %ro+ince& Toda' do.ens of %'ra(ids
one near#' as #arge as Ja(it)s >reat -'ra(id can sti## "e found there&
?ula 4ogaH A s%iritua# science/ The chi#dren of Ta(ana disco+ered a third great use for seL !hich is $no!n toda'
as tantra or tantric seL& It is the use of 'oga and (editation techni,ues during intercourse that co("ine (a#e and
fe(a#e Rau for use in hea#ing %s'chic %heno(ena s%iritua# cu#ti+ation or other (ar+e#s !e so(eti(es ca##
D(agic&E Toda' Ju#a Ioga is %racticed %ri(ari#' in Asian and African cu#tures&
?ushH@and to the south of Ja(it ho(e to the Ja(itians "efore the' sett#ed further north&
?ushauH The na(e that the ancient high cu#ture "#ac$s of Africa ca##ed the(se#+es& When the' (igrated the'
usua##' created %#ace na(es such as Indus Jush si(i#ar to !hat the' ca##ed the(se#+es&
?ushiteH Things of and fro( the Jushau&
?ushite darts H An a(a.ing !ea%on of the Jushites& These thro!ing "#ades !ere 3 to 4 inches #ong and (ade of
fine#' honed "ron.e& Ra.or shar% the' !ere astonishing#' accurate !ea%ons
in the hands of a trained !arrior& Ja(itic %aintings de%ict the( "eing used for !arfare and hunting s(a## ga(e& A
fa+orite !ea%on of the MedCa' !arriors&
&ower ?amitH The northern region of Ja(it !hich "orders the Mediterranean is referred to as D#o!erE or Ddo!n
thereE "ecause the Jushite %eo%#e #i+ed !ith a southern orientation& Midd#e to southern Africa !as their
ho(e#and and !as therefore Du%E !hi#e areas farther north !ere considered Ddo!n&E
-aatH Ja(itic/ The Ja(itic deit' !ho go+erns the natura# "a#ance of the uni+erse& De%icted as a !o(an Maat
a#so re%resented the idea# of DrightE "eha+ior and socia# Custice&
-akkaH Ancient na(e for the cit' of Mecca&
-ed0ayH Jushite !arriors !ho (o+ed into Ja(it after he#%ing to eL%e# the H'$sos& The MedCa' !ere great
trac$ers !ho a#so ser+ed as the %o#ice force of Ja(it and !ere #egendar' (artia# artists&
-eluhaH Ancient na(e of (idd#e to southern India !here other Ta(ana %eo%#e sett#ed&
-eluhitesH Ancient na(e for the Jushites !ho sti## #i+e in Southern India and are a#so i((igrants fro( Ta(ana&
-emnonH The (ost !ide#' $no!n heroic figure in !or#d histor'& When the >ree$s too$ o+er Ja(it the' na(ed
t!o statues near The"es the DBo#ossi Of Me(nonE !ho in >ree$ ('ths !ent to the "att#e of Tro' !ith !arriors
fro( Susa ?IranA and his o!n ho(e#and&
DTo Tro' no hero ca(e of no"#er #ine or if of no"#er Me(non it !as ThineE Ho(er&
The na(e DMe(nonE (eans i((orta# in >ree$ and Ja(itic "ac$ing traditions that sa' he !as (ade i((orta# "'
the gods& Ja(itic/ Me( * cu((in 2 a "#ac$ seedM na 2 to go onM un 2 #i+ing& >ree$/ Reso#ute a#!a's there&
There !as a te(%#e in ancient Ha#ta(ti ?Bi"#ica# E#a( ca##ed Iran toda'A ca##ed DThe Te(%#e of Me(nonE and
recent scho#arshi% on >ree$ ('ths %oint to ancient Meso*A(erica ?see Hes%erides and KiuA as his ho(e#and& In
Asia Africa and Euro%e there are (an' #egends of Me(nonM so(e indicating that there !ere (ore than one& So(e
%eo%#e south of Ja(it c#ai(ed re#ation to Me(non !hi#e ancient >ree$s c#ai( he !ent to Ja(it)s The"es& In
rea#it' Me(non re%resents the !or#d!ide inf#uence of the chi#dren of Ta(ana es%ecia##' the Ja(its and the Kiu&
-en bH Ja(itic/ Meaning Dsti## heart&E Meditation techni,ue to gain contro# o+er e(otions and assist s%iritua#
de+e#o%(ent&
-eshH Ja(itic/ Meaning D"orn ofE or Dson ofE or Ddaughter of&E ELa(%#es/ Ausar*Mesh Ra*Mesh and Tehuti*
Mesh&
-iddle tl3antaH Ancient Meso*A(erica ho(e#and of the E#der Me(non !ho hai#ed fro( the ('sterious Kiu
%eo%#e !ho originated in Ta(ana&
-ountains of the -oonH Ancient (ountain range near the traditiona# ho(e#and of the Ja(itians other Jushites
and the Anu& Situated near (odern*da' Gganda it is the site of fantastic anthro%o#ogica# disco+eries indicating that
technica# ci+i#i.ation "egan in this region near#' <88888 'ears ago&
-utH Ja(itic/ Mother or e#der !o(an& The s'("o# for Mut !as the +u#ture often !orn on the cro!n of ro'a#t'
and deities to s'("o#i.e the nurturing as%ects of go+ern(ent&
-yceneaHAncient na(e of the region $no!n toda' as southern >reece& In >ree$ ('th it !as the ho(e of the
#egendar' hero -ersus and his Jushite !ife Andro(eda& The -ersus and Andro(eda ('th re%resents the %eacefu#
co(ing together of Ta(ahu and Jushite %eo%#es in %re*>ree$ histor'& M'cenea !as near#' destro'ed "' the -eo%#e
of the Sea&
-yrmidonH @egendar' !arriors fro( >ree$ ('tho#og' #ed "' Achi##es in the TroCan War&
+abataH Ancient na(e for a South Ara"ian region sett#ed "' Jushites&
+abataensH The %eo%#e of Na"ata (igrants fro( Ta(ana&
+ekhebetH Ja(itic/ The coo# e#ectro(agnetic force of the Earth res%onsi"#e for so(e %s'chic %heno(ena&
+eterH Ja(itic/ A deit'& One of the conscious go+erning natura# forces %ut in %#ace "' the creator to run the
uni+erse&
+eteritH Ja(itic/ Natura# forces (anifested negati+e#'M e+i# deities&
+etersH Ja(itic/ -#ura# *a grou% of go+erning s%irits& The' !ere ne+er !orshi%%ed in the (odern sense "ut !ere
re+ered as conscious forces of nature assigned "' the creator to run the uni+erse& Statues and i(ages !ere used
as re(inders of this as !e## as foca# %oints for (editation to contro# Neter forces inside hu(an "eings&
Misunderstood to this da' as Dido# !orshi%E this s%iritua# science is sti## a co((on %ractice of (ost African %eo%#e&
+eteruHA## of the go+erning s%irits&
+imrodH@egendar' !arrior fro( the Bi"#e and other West Asian #ore& He actua##' re%resents Jushau grou%s !ho
(igrated fro( north centra# Africa ?Ta(anaA into West Asia to for( the E#a(ites Su(erians A$$adians Na"ataens
and others& DAnd Jush "egot Ni(rod&&&He !as a (ight' hunter "efore the @ord&EH>enesis <8/ 9 O#d Testa(ent&
+omeH Ja(itic/ A cit'M ho(e district&
+orth tl3antaH North A(erica&
/racleHA s%iritua# science de+e#o%ed to %ro+ide insight into the inner !or$ings of a situation decision or
occurrence& True orac#es are ne+er fortune*te##ing de+ices& The' %ro+ide a (eans of eLa(ining the under#'ing
s%iritua# structure of a situation si(i#ar to a co(%uter %rogra( that ana#'.es stoc$ (ar$et trends& Bard ga(es dice
and other ga(es of chance of toda' are "ased u%on orac#es de+e#o%ed "' the Jushite and Anu %eo%#es thousands
of 'ears ago&
/xhideHVarious (eta#s cast into the easi#' carried sha%e of an oLen)s hide&
Pan3?au3.au3!henH Ja(itic/ Means Ddefeating ene(ies !ith the force of Ra&E A Jushite (artia# art& A for( of it
sur+i+es in >reece to this da' and is ca##ed -an$ration&
PetraH Ancient na(e of a cit' in north!est Ara"ia&
PetransH The %eo%#e of -etra !ho !ere its Jushite and Shashu sett#ers&
People of The !eaH An ancient grou% #ed "' >er(anic %eo%#e !ho (igrated fro( Basi#eia in northern Euro%e to
the Mediterranean area& Reno!ned sai#ors %irates and !arriors this coa#ition initiated the >reat Wor#d War circa
<:88 BB
.aHJa(itic/ The deit' re%resenting the >reat -o!er the creati+e #ife force& Misinter%reted as the DSun >odE
"ecause the Ja(itians often used the sun as Ra)s s'("o# ?see AtenA& Through their s%iritua# sciences the Ja(ites
disco+ered that a## #ife is sustained "' interaction !ith the energ' of the sun current#' ac$no!#edged as a scientific
fact&
.a3-esh IIIH -ro%er na(e for Ra(eses III the great $ing !ho defeated the -eo%#e of the Sea& ?Ra (eaning Dthe
great %o!er "ehind a## #ifeE and Mesh (eaning D"orn ofE or Dson ofE !hich then trans#ates into DThe Third Son of
the >reat -o!er&EA
.auH Ja(itic/ The #ife force or ser%ent fire ?chi in BhineseA&
!abaHAncient #and in South Ara"ia ru#ed o+er "' a #ine of #egendar' Jushite ,ueens such as the Nueen of She"a
?Sa"aA of the O#d Testa(ent&
!abaeansHThe %eo%#e of Sa"a !ho !ere Shashu and Jushau (igrants fro( Ta(ana&
!piritual sciences H The Jushite techno#ogies of s%iritua# u%#ift(ent socia# ordering and natura# resource
(ani%u#ation& These inc#uded orac#e s'ste(s s%irit %ossession0trance natura# hea#ing (editati+e techni,ues Ju#a
Ioga the (ani%u#ation of earth#' and hu(an energies ?%'ra(ids acu%unctureA and the coercion of the #a!s of
nature through heightened s%iritua#it' co("ined !ith hidden $no!#edge ?(agicA& The Jushau and Anu shared in a
ci+i#i.ation co(%#eL that recent anthro%o#og' indicates stretched "ac$ <88888 'ears originating near the
Mountains of the Moon of Gganda& During this ti(e the' de+e#o%ed these s%iritua# sciences&
!etH Ja(itic/ A#so ca##ed Setesh the %rinci%#e of e+i# and disorder si(i#ar to the Bhristian De+i#&
!hangH Ancient grou% of Jushites and B#assica# Mongo#oids ?"ro!n s$inned Orienta#s si(i#ar to IndonesiansA !ho
ru#ed %arts of ancient Bhina fro( <488 to <888 BB& These Jushites !ere Ta(ana i((igrants !ho sett#ed in the
area ca##ed J)un @un&
!hashuH Ja(itic/ Ara"ic or Se(itic %eo%#es& OriginaI#' Ta(ahu (igrants !ho ca(e do!n fro( Eurasia around
:888 BB the Shashu %eo%#es de+e#o%ed "' inter"reeding !ith Jushites and ado%ting their cu#tures&
!hekem ur !hekemH Ja(itic/ Means D-o!er >reat -o!er&E This !as the co((on designation of Ja(itic $ings
not D%haraoh&E The ter( %haraoh origina##' (eant D>reat House&E
!hemsuH Ja(itic/ Fo##o!er de+otee&
!hepsH Ja(itic/ Honored ancestor& One of the Jushite s%iritua# sciences is ancestor co((unication (isna(ed
ancestor !orshi% "' !estern o"ser+ers&
!hepsuH Ja(itic/ -#ura#* the honored ancestors&
!ky3boatHJa(itic/ In ancient Ja(it and other Jushite cu#tures there !as a #egendar' tradition of f#'ing +ehic#es&
The' !ere (entioned in (agica# ta#es #i$e DThe Stories of Setne Jha(!asE and de%icted and discussed u%on the
te(%#e !a##s of Edfu& In Edfu the traditions sa' that the Neter Heru esta"#ished a Dfoundr' of di+ine ironE and
(aintained a f#'ing +ehic#e used in the !ar !ith Set& I##ustrations of this f#'ing +ehic#e can sti## "e seen on the Edfu
te(%#e toda'&
!ofik abutH Ja(itic/ The fe(a#e deit' of #earning&
!outh tl3antaH South A(erica&
!piritual sciences H The Jushite techno#ogies of s%iritua# u%#ift(ent socia# ordering and natura# resource
(ani%u#ation& These inc#uded orac#e s'ste(s s%irit %ossession0trance natura# hea#ing (editati+e techni,ues Ju#a
Ioga the (ani%u#ation of earth#' and hu(an energies ?%'ra(ids acu%unctureA and the coercion of the #a!s of
nature through heightened s%iritua#it' co("ined !ith hidden $no!#edge ?(agicA& The Jushau and Anu shared in a
ci+i#i.ation co(%#eL that recent anthro%o#og' indicates stretched "ac$ <88888 'ears originating near the
Mountains of the Moon of Gganda& During this ti(e the' de+e#o%ed these s%iritua# sciences&
TamahuH-eo%#e of Euro%ean descent& ?Ja(itic/ Ta(a (eans %eo%#e and hu (eans !hite&A Various Ta(ahu
%eo%#es d!e##ed near the Mediterranean Sea #i+ing in re#ati+e %eace !ith their Jushite neigh"ors unti# the >reat
Wor#d War circa <:88 BB& At this ti(e near#' a## of these ci+i#i.ations !ere destro'ed "' a coa#ition #ed "' northern
Ta(ahu ca##ed the -eo%#e of the Sea&
TamanaHAncient region of trading cities and countries #ocated in !hat is no! the Sahara Desert& ?Ja(itic/ Ta(a
(eans D%eo%#eM na (eans Dto goE or Dto tra+e#&EA The chi#dren of Ta(ana the Jushau or Jushites #in$ed "' si(i#ar
#anguages s%iritua#it' techno#og' and race& Tre(endous engineering feats #i$e stone tunne#s hundreds of (i#es
#ong "eneath the north African sands giant (ega#iths in Morocco and other north African countries and !e##
$no!n Ja(itic and Jushite (onu(ents attest to the #e+e# of ci+i#i.ation attained "' these %eo%#e& When the Sahara
?!hich is #arger than the #and (ass of the continenta# Gnited StatesA dried u% the %eo%#e of Ta(ana (igrated
gi+ing "irth to the (aCor ci+i#i.ations of the ancient !or#d&
Ta +eterHJa(itic/ Means D@and of >od& Ancient "irth%#ace of the Jushite %eo%#e near the Mountains of the
Moon&
TautHThe s%iritua# !or#d& The %#ace of residence of the dead and the source of a## non*(ateria# #ife& In the #o!er
regions of the Taut d!e## the #o! s%iritua# forces in the higher regions d!e## the (ore %ure&
TehutiH Ja(itic/ Deit' of !isdo(&
TemH Ja(itic/ Bad negati+e&
TenehuH Ancient @i"'ans& These %eo%#e #i+ed in the region Cust !est of Ja(it and !ere the source of considera"#e
trou"#e due to their atte(%ts to in+ade Ja(itic territor'& The' e+en for(ed a %artnershi% !ith the -eo%#e of the
Sea against Ja(it& The Tenehu !ere a (iLed %eo%#e !ith Ta(ahu Shashu and Jushites !ithin the %o%u#ation&
Tro0an WarH The #egendar' !ar docu(ented in >ree$ ('tho#og' "' Ho(er in DThe I#iadE and DThe Od'sse'E and
"' Arctinus of Mi#etus in DThe Ethio%isE in !hich Me(non is the #eading character&
TroyHAn ancient trading cit' !hich !as #ocated in Tur$e'& In >ree$ ('tho#og' it !as the ho(e of -ria( !hose
ha#f*"rother Tithonos !as the father of the E#der Me(non !ho ca(e to Tro')s assistance& In rea# histor' Tro' !as
a trading center of the ancient !or#d !here Jushites Ta(ahu and others #i+ed in %eace $no!#edge can !or$
(irac#es&together& In the ('tho#og' the cit' fe## to forces #ed "' Achi##es and Aga(e(non !ho( (an' historians
no! "e#ie+e re%resented the D-eo%#e of the SeaE coa#ition&
TuH Ja(itic/ >ood %ositi+e&
@achet H Ja(itic/ The hot e#ectro(agnetic force of the Earth res%onsi"#e for so(e %s'chic %heno(enon&
@niversal Principles2 The Ancient Jushites) %attern of "eha+ior ins%ired a!e a(ong the ancient >ree$s !ho ca##ed
the( DB#a(e#ess Ethio%iansE and referred to the( as Dthe (ost fa+ored of the gods&E This !as due to a code of
s%iritua#it' and ethics !hich the Jushites %ro%agated to the !or#d& Here is that #ist co(%i#ed fro( the traditions of
the Jushites the(se#+es and !hat !itnesses such as the >ree$s said a"out the(/
;. "ovet no land or riches that the supreme being does not naturally grant you.
A. .espect the opposite sex as your e8ual and your compliment.
B. Give unto the world what you would have the world give unto you.
C. lways seek balance in all things, for only in harmony can there be growth.
D. (onor your ancestors, especially those who sought 0ustice and balance in their time upon the earth.
E. !eek not simply to do good, but encourage others to do good as well.
>. lways seek higher wisdom in all of life,s endeavors.
F. (onor and safeguard the children, who have come to forge the future of the world.
<. !eek to be part of a brotherhood, sisterhood or group, for we accomplish more together than alone.
;=. (ave no tolerance for evil and in0ustice, so that you will forever be known as blameless.
@pper ?amitH Southern Ja(it&
@raeusHWhene+er Gachet and Ne$he"et !ere harnessed for a %s'chic attac$ or for %rotection the uraeus usua##'
!orn at the "ro! "' ro'a#t' !as used to focus and discharge its %o!er& For those !ho cou#d not use the %o!er the
uraeus is si(%#' a re%resentation of this ancient s%iritua# science& The Ja(itic teLts descri"e the %o!er of the
uraeus as #aser*#i$e and instant#' fata#&
@rim and ThumminH Orac#es used "' the ancient He"re!s ?Ha"iruA as (entioned in the O#d Testa(ent& ?< Sa(ue#
:9/6A&
Western ?ushitesHB#ac$ %eo%#e !ith "roader noses thic$er #i%s and $in$' hair&
GiuH Ta(ana (igrants !ho #eft the dr'ing Sahara sett#ing in ancient Bhina Iran and Meso*A(erica& The Kiu !ere
Western Jushites #inguistica##' and cu#tura##' re#ated to the Manding %eo%#e !ho sti## #i+e in West Africa toda'& In
Iran the' "ui#t D.igguratsE and #eft (an' artifacts !hi#e in MeLico the' "ui#t %'ra(ids and car+ed huge stone
%ortraits& The nati+e A(erican Ma'a ca##ed the( DTu# Tu# KiuE and re(e("er the( as teachers& ?Tu# Tu# in Manding
(eans Dsu%%orters or teachers of the High OrderEA Toda' the' are ca##ed the O#(ecs (other ci+i#i.ation of the
A(ericas and referred to as the DShi D'nast'E "' Bhinese anthro%o#ogists& In Bhina the' #eft African %h'sica#
re(ains and do.ens of %'ra(ids ?(an' sti## standingA in that countr')s Shensi %ro+ince !hi#e artifacts and statues
fro( sett#e(ents in MeLico indicate that the Kiu had Jushites and Asians a(ong the %o%u#ation& This hints at an
e(%ire or at #east trade re#ations that (a' ha+e stretched fro( Bhina to the A(ericas&
T(' -'-+/+ T.$ITI/+ +$ T(' GI@2
;. The Giu were renowned for their architectural wonders and statues wherever they settledH the legendary
character -emnon has been affiliated with architectural marvels and statuary worldwide.
A. The Giu had ma0or settlements in both the 1ar 'ast and the 1ar West, which the Greeks confirmed by saying
that -emnon led ?ushites to Troy from both horiIons.
B. The Giu had settlements upon islands )like &aventa in -exico*, and the legends of -emnon say he came from
islands called (esperides, located on the far western shores of the tlantic /cean.
Bo(e on te## a stor'
Morning >#or'
a## a"out the Ser%entine FireE
/#.-;, W571 C :5./N
L(/.$/7-57/ :5./M
Foreword
What is histor(9
What is the conte,t of reality ithin hich e all li+e@ #ll of the "o"ents before this "o"ent. Why is it i"portant to
record it in a ay that it reflects@ Because history is a ay of saying that, L5 as there too.M 5 "attered. 5 contributed. 5 a"
so"ebody. #nd the degree of that contribution gi+es +alidity to ho 5 alk, ho 5 talk, "y sense of aesthetics, ho 5 ear
"y hair, "y orna"entation, the ay 5 dress, the ay 5 dance, "y religion.
5 ha+e significance because so and so of long ago alked, talked, spoke, danced, felt, reali0ed in a si"ilar "anner. #nd if
so and so alked, talked, spoke, danced, felt, thought and heard "usic in a si"ilar "anner, and he as significant, and he
acco"plished "any great things, and his aesthetics, his sensibility is si"ilar to "ine, then perhaps e+en 5, in this s"all
shack, or this s"all ghetto pad, or this island in the Caribbean, or this #frican hut, if he ho is before "e, ho looked like
"e, hose lips ere thick like "ine, hose nose as ide like "ine, and hose shoulders spanned the globe of his
drea"s, if he could achie+e greatness ith his light, then perhaps, so can 5.
But ithout "y reflection in the "irror of history, if "y reflection is nohere to be seen, if "y reflection is insignificant
or cast in the light of cri"inality, if "y light is not of i"portance, then of hat i"portance could 5 be in this present
"o"ent@ Because if nothing of significance looks like "e or has "y +oice or "y alk, ears his hair like "y hair or
thinks in the ay that 5 think or ears his clothes on his back that ay 5 ear "ine, then of hat significance a" 5@ What
significance do 5 hold dear to "y heart if 5 a" only a recent disco+ery, an e,peri"ent. What is "y significance@
-he Puestion of conte,t and significance are not of intellectual i"port only. 8oung "en passing through the passages of
life, pro+ing ho they are, is so"ething that e should pay attention to. Because if you and those that ha+e gone before
you, been like you, ha+e pro+en the"sel+es in a "anner that is significant, that did not rePuire the" to defile the"sel+es
or their brother or any part of hu"anity, then perhaps you can copy that beha+ior.
But if that "e"ory is not taught and if the only reflection 5 see is the present and around "e is only the sociopathic that
preys upon "y ignorance of "yself, and does not hold "y "other and father, uncle and aunt, grand"other and great
grandfather and relati+es in high estee", then "y culture and "y tribe is not orthy. -hen 5 "ust pro+e "yself to you. 5
"ust pro+e "y "anhood, "y significance, "y contribution to you in ays that so"eti"es are not only self destructi+e,
but destructi+e to you as ell. Because if 5 can not +alue "y on life, 5 "ost certainly can not +alue yours.
(o ithin this conte,t of history, e percei+e reality. Histor( is th# mom#t r#'%#"t#d i th# "ot#:t o' th# -ast3 We are
alays struggling for so"ething to hold onto, so"ething that says, L5 ha+e a lineage of significance and i"portance like
others.M
-his is hy this book is not a book that is to be read by those ho ant to ha+e a scholarly treatise on a great "an of
antiPuity, but by all of us, black, yello, hite, and bron, ho understand the i"portance of and i"pact of indi+idual
achie+e"ent and contribution. (o that that contribution not only reflects the i"portance of the struggle of that particular
culture, but of the hu"an spirit and its i"portance. Because history is not only the chronicling of a single e+ent or
cu"ulati+e e+ents or contributions of a particular indi+idual only, but it is "ore i"portantly the chronicling of the process
through hich indi+iduals and nations go, the process through hich e all go to reach a certain goal. #nd history is also
a teaching de+ice in ter"s of chronicling hat not to do, here not to go, hat sto+es not to put our hands on. 5t is the
chronicling of the process of acco"plish"ent itself.
What is the anato"y of acco"plish"ent@ 5t is the dissection of acco"plish"ent. ;istory is a dissection of tradition and
rituals and rites of passage. #nd the dissection of ethics and sacrifice hich is alays in+ol+ed in the process of
acco"plish"ent. -he dissection of discipline, of co""it"ent, of legacy and "ost i"portantly, the dissection of
generational responsibility. -hese funda"ental ele"ents Nthe process of acco"plish"ent, tradition, rituals, rites of
passage, ethics, sacrifice, discipline, co""it"ent and generational responsibility are so"e of the funda"ental issues that
are absent in the consciousness of the tenty!first century. 5 belie+e that if e do not begin to ree,a"ine these
funda"ental principles of sur+i+al that had been utili0ed by cultures of the past, e ill not be able to sur+i+e the tenty!
first century.
(o 5 celebrate this book and this author, and though it "ay be seen as the acco"plish"ent of one "an, *e"non, 5 ould
ask you to think of *e"non in a greater conte,t. -he conte,t of his historical significance. 7ot as an indi+idual, but as
historical process itself, because he as truly the ;o"o 2ni+ersalis, the uni+ersal "an, ho acco"plished "ore than
"any. #nd if e e,a"ine the principles that he li+ed by, the rituals of his culture, the rites of his passage, the ethics by
hich he functioned and the legacy hich he left that connects us to hi" through the chord of generational responsibility,
then perhaps e ill see that he is a sy"bol of all acco"plish"ent and of all the processes thereof. #s e celebrate
*e"non, in essence e are in the light of the celebration of oursel+es, because e all ha+e the potential to be like hi" and
"ore. We ha+e the potential to "o+e toards our light and our ay. ;oe+er, ithout the lantern of history, e are certain
to flounder in the abyss of ignorance.
Bi%% D.&#
LGo back again and find the di+ine dark,
(eal up your eyes and be as to"bs,
(ee that yoursel+es shall be as *e"non as.
-hen, if you ha+e the strength to curse the darkness,
#nd praise a orld of light, re"e"ber *e"non...M
Corad Ai&#! ;<r#%.d#s 'or +#mo= 8 2>67
A)so%.t#%( astoishi*3
-hose ords are about as close as 5 can co"e to describing the effort, research, and re"arkable results of Brother GQs
"onu"ental epic L(hades of *e"non.M
;ere is the story of one of the greatest and "ost legendary heroes of history, and unfortunately, fe kno anything about
hi". :e ha+e any idea of the contributions of #fricans to history, as "ost peopleQs +ies of blacks are based on broad
racist interpretations established by books, and e+en "ore, by fil"s.
# lot "ore ent on in the black past besides L8es Bana.M
5t is unfortunate that "odern readers ill be astonished at the cultural and historical significance and contributions of
#fricans to history. 5t is e+en "ore disturbing that "any of #frican ancestry ill be surprised to disco+er the i"portance of
their race to the de+elope"ent of the orld.
#rt. 1ance. *usic. Literature. $olitics. Go+ern"ent. /+en *artial #rts. #frica and #fricans ere instru"ental in the
de+elope"ent of all of these, and "ore. Besides this, L(hades of *e"nonM is hat the British lo+e to call a Lripping
yarn.M 5tQs the sort of tale that entertains hile it enlightens, "uch the sa"e ay that LLittle Big *anM entertained and
enlightened us.
5 donQt really kno ho to e,press "y respect for Gregory L. WalkerQs endea+ors and the fine results. /+erything 5 say
see"s la"e. 5tQs just not enough. 5 can only say that 5 ha+e been entertained and 5 ha+e been enlightened.
#s Brother G states in the last line of the prelude of his tale, L-his is the story of *e"non.M .eally, nothing else need be
said. 5n fact, say no "ore. .ead.
Jo# R3 Lasda%#
PRELUDE: HES GOT TO FIGHT TO LIVE
-he doctor shifted uneasily as he stood at the foot of his patientQs bed. 7e,t to it the "other and father sat in to
chairs pulled close, silently eeping. Clinging tightly cheek to cheek, their hot tears "ingled as their bodies shook
ith grief. )n the bed lay a dark!skinned young "an beneath hite linen sheets, his head and left eye bandaged, his
+isible eye closed. ;is breathing as shallo. *ulticolored ires ere attached to his face, head and chest.
(haking his head sadly, the doctor "ade a "ark on his notepad. -he parents hadnQt noticed hi", so he decided to
lea+e the" alone. #s he backed aay toards the door, his shoe scraped the floor and both parents looked up.
L*rs. *artin...*r. *artin,M the doctor said hesitantly.
L5s there any hope, doctor@M cried *rs. *artin. LWill "y baby co"e out of this@M
-he doctor looked at the desperate, pleading looks on the faces of the *artins. ;e salloed hard to keep his on
+oice fro" cracking. L5Q" sorry. WeQ+e...done all e can. With this type of head injury...itQs a "iracle heQs sur+i+ed
so far.M
L;e ainQt gonna ake up,M cried *r. *artin painfully. L*y boy is goneRM
L7o,M said the doctor. L7o. -hereQs a chance.M
*r. *artin stood up, his hands held out toard the doctor. L;o "uch of a chance@ ;o "uch of a chance does "y
boy ha+e@M
-he doctor clutched his notepad until his knuckles turned hite. L$lease *r. *artin,M he said. L(it don, please.M
L5Q" asking you, doctor. ;o "uch of a chance does he ha+e@M
*rs. *artin rocked back and forth in her chair, hugging herself as the tears strea"ed don her face. L;eQs a good
boy. Craig is a good boy. $lease, God. $lease, donQt take hi" fro" us.M
L;o "uch of a chance, doctor@M *r. *artin repeated, his eyes filling ith tears.
-he doctor sighed and iped his hand o+er his "outh.
L$erhaps fifteen, possibly tenty percent,M he replied sole"nly. L5f he co"es out of the co"a ithin E3 hours.M
-he doctor then gestured toard the "edical ePuip"ent on the other side of the young "anQs bed. 5t e"itted a lo,
steady beep as it "onitored the young "anQs life signs.
LWeQ+e done e+erything e could do. 5tQs up to Craig no. ;eQs got to fight to li+e.M
*r. *artin sat don ne,t to his ife as the doctor Puickly left the roo". -hey sat for long "inutes, staring at the
still for" of their son. Both ished Craig had been ho"e to nights ago, hen a bullet "eant for so"eone else
struck hi" on his ay to school. ;e as the first generation of their fa"ily to go to college, and he planned to be a
riter. 7o his hopes and drea"s hung by a fifteen to tenty percent thread.
LCQ"on, honey,M said *r. *artin. L8ou need to get so"e sleep....M
L5 ainQt goinQ nohere,M *rs. *artin said. L7ohere. 5Q" staying here until "y baby akes up.M
*r. *artin sighed and held his ife close as the hospital gre Puiet around the". (oon they ere asleep ith tears
drying on their cheeks, hile clinging to each other in fitful spas"s of e,hausted slu"ber.
#ll as Puiet. #ll as still. 5n the "ind of Craig *artin a deeper Puiet of total silence and infinite darkness reigned.
-hen the +oice spoke.
L(hula!ka!aR #akeR L
-he dark +oid undulated as the +oice spoke again. L(hula!ka aR CraigR (hula!ka!aR #akeR L
Craig opened his eyes. Before hi" stood a strange figureN a tall "an ith inky black skin, earing a gray robe of
strange shiny "aterial. *ists sirled around the figure and Craig noticed that the "an as sitting on so"ething that
looked like a cloud. -here as a di" glo that see"ed to co"e fro" e+eryhere and shados flickered past the
corners of his eyes. (uddenly, Craig felt fearful.
LWhat is this@M he asked. LWho are you@M
-he figure took a step toards hi" and Craig noticed the "an as incredibly handso"e. ;is eyes flashing ith
streaks of light, the "an s"iled and introduced hi"self.
L5 ha+e been knon by "any na"es, o+er "any lifeti"es, as ha+e you, (hula!ka!a. *y i""ortal na"e is (hula!tet.
5 a" your ancestor, your (heps.M
Craig took a deep breath as reali0ation suddenly hit hi". -he last thing he re"e"bered before this as an incredible
pain in his head and falling to the ground.
L5Q"...5Q" deadRM Craig gasped fearfully.
(hula!tetQs grin turned into a big s"ile. L5 see you are still subject to the fear. 7o (hula!ka!a, you are still Craig.M
-hen (hula!tet a+ed his hands at their surroundings. L-his...is you. 5 a" the +isitor here.M
LBut...hy are you here@M Craig asked. LWhatQs happening@M
L8ou surely are near death, Craig (hula!ka!a,M replied (hula!tet. LBut your ti"e "ust not yet co"e. 5 a" here to
gi+e you strength, so that through you, others can find strength as ell.M
(hula!tet a+ed his hand and Craig grabbed the side of his face, crying out in terrible pain. (hula!tet nodded gri"ly
as he spoke. L8ou "ust kno the challenges ahead of you if you choose to li+e.M
Craig fell to his knees. -he pain as searing.
L5..."y eyeR Where is "y eye@M
L8ou "ust learn to li+e ithout it,M said (hula!tet, "atter!of factly.
L5 canQt,M Craig screa"ed. L5 canQt li+e like this.M
(hula!tet strode o+er to hi". /ffortlessly, he picked Craig up and stood hi" on his feet. -he pain drained aay as he
touched hi".
L8ou "ust li+eRM
LBut 5....M
L8ou "ust go back to your parents, back to the orld, and you "ust li+e, Craig (hula!ka!aR LookR L
(hula!tet took a step back and lifted his pal" upard. # flicker of light appeared abo+e it, groing brighter and
bigger as it sirled around.
L-his is hy you "ust go backR Look into this light hich as "y life. *y "ost fa"ous lifeRM
Craig stood as if hypnoti0ed. -he light increased to se+eral feet across and i"ages took for". .apidly landscapes
fle by, as if +ieed don fro" the height of a flying bird. ;e sa forests, ri+ers, sand and gigantic structures that
he had only seen as ancient ruins in books of ti"es long past.
# shining pyra"id flashed by and the +oice of (hula!tet boo"ed out of the sky around hi".
L;ear no, Craig (hula!ka!aR -his as a ti"e of change, a ti"e hen the path of "ankind shifted. # ti"e hen the
kingdo"s of /la", Iush, #tl!anta, (aba and Ia"it stood out as glorious beacons of the black "anQs culture. When
the lands of ;atti, Ieftui, *ycenea and Bektan li+ed in peace and the cultures of "an stri+ed for har"ony.M
CraigQs "ind reeled as the i"ages ca"e closer. ;e could see an astonishingly beautiful building of pure hite stone.
8oung people earing hite robes ere alking up shining "arble steps. *ost ere dark skinned, but so"e ere
lighter. -hey all alked into the building ith an air of +eneration and respect, carrying s"all bo,es and ooden
boards ith brushes strapped to the".
L-his is the end of the #ge of Bron0e, the tilight ti"e of enlighten"ent, hen the glory of ci+ili0ation as at its
peak, the spiritual sciences flourished upon the earth and the uni+ersal principles ere respected. Black people ere
knon as bla"eless, noble and ise. -his as the age of "y "ost glorious life. *e"nonRM cried (hula!tet. L5 as
called *e"non, and this as the ti"e of the Great World WarRM
Braig sa! a 'oung (an !a#$ing u% the te(%#e stairs !ho( he i((ediate#' recogni.ed& It !as Shu#a*tet&
L8ou are a scribe,M (hula!tet continued. L-he first scribe in our fa"ily line ho can clearly hear "e. )nly you can
let the orld knoR -hrough you the orld can gain strength and faith that this age ill return. /+en those ho hurt
you. /specially those ho hurt youRM
Craig nodded enthusiastically.
L(ho "e,M he cried. L(ho "e, (hula!tetRM
LCraig (hula!ka!a, "y soul!descendantR Gain strengthR Choose lifeR -his is the story of *e"nonRM
DThe -rofound -hi#oso%hers Who Ta$e Their Histor' Fro( E%ic -oe(s Are Of Bourse O"#iged To Ma$e
T!o Me(nons& This In Our Museu( The' Ba## The Iounger&E
>odfre' Higgins
Anaca#'%sis <936
CHAPTER 1: I WOULD BE A WARRIOR
4ear B, Third -onth of Inundation, $ay ;= in the reign of !hekem .a3-esh The Third, ?ing of ?amit, the strong (eru,
endowed with life.
*aster (hu!ha sat high upon the raised platfor" of teaching. ;is legs ere crossed in the traditional "anner and in
his lap lay three scrolls of papyrus. -he candles of teaching burned brightly in their tall golden holders behind hi",
the fla"es flickering o+er his shoulders, the light glea"ing fro" the sides of his bron, bald head. ;e lifted one
scroll, scanned it briefly and addressed his students.
LWho can tell "e, ords e,actly, here are the Ia"itians are fro"@M
5 kne the anser. 5 had studied ancient traditions ell. 5t as one of "y fe passions in learning. 5 as in a foul
"ood though, and so kept silent.
LCo"e, speak up,M *aster (hu!ha e,horted. L8ou ho ill be apprentice scribes on the "orro, speak upRM
*any students sat in the cha"ber of learning. #"ong the candles of enlighten"ent ere those fro" as far north as
Bekhten and as far south as 2pper Iush. -he right hands of all ho ould graduate on the "orro shot up, e,cept
"ine. 5 as in a foul "ood.
L*e"na!un,M *aster (hu!ha said. L8ou kno the anser. (peak itR Words e,actlyRM
5 kne he ould choose "e. 5t as like this alays. 5, the reluctant student and he, the deter"ined teacher. -here
had been "any bouts ith the rod beteen us o+er the years, but 5 had learned.
L8es, *aster (hu!ha,M 5 replied. L:ro" the ritings of ;unefur: We are the Ia"itians. We co"e fro" the Halley of
Beginnings, near the *ountains of the *oon, here 7eter ;api dells. We folloed the aters of ;api in the ti"e
of #usar to partake of the gift of life and goodness, here, here ;api touches the Great Green. We are the
Ia"itians, e co"e fro" -a!7eter.M
LHery good, *e"na!un,M *aster (hu!ha said. L7e,t ti"e, no hesitation.M
;e lifted another scroll and unrolled it. /ach of the "any students in the cha"ber aited silently, eyes forard,
an,ious for the ne,t Puestion. /,cept "e. 5 dipped "y brush into its ink and started a draing of Ihepera, the
beetle, on "y palette.
*aster (hu!ha looked up, ga0ing into the faces of his students. L7o, ho can say, ords e,actly. Who are the
sacred ancestors of the Ia"itians@M
5 put don the brush Puickly, s"iling innocently as his eyes touched "ine. ;e sPuinted and looked on to the ne,t
student.
LWhat is their nature@M he ent on. LWhere do they dell@M
-he hand of #"istan, son of Bekhtan i+ory traders, rose high. -he
*aster nodded and #"istan spoke.
L:ro" the ritings of (heke" $epi the (econd, in the land est of -a!7eter and south of the seat of ;api, li+e the
sacred ancestors of the Ia"itians. ;ere in the shado of the *ountains of the *oon dell the #nu, the s"all ones,
strong of "agic.M
*aster (hu!ha see"ed +ery pleased. Leaning forard ith the papyrus in both hands, he congratulated the student
fro" Bekhtan.
L8ou kno ell the traditions of the Ia"itians for one so ne a"ong us. (peak on, son of the north. What else do
these ritings say@M
L#s the first of all peoples,M #"istan continued, L-he #nu dell daily ith the 7eters. 5t is their song that drons
the ailing of (etesh, it is their dance that brings s"iles to the faces of the 7eteru and "akes fertility fro" o"b to
to"b. 7o "an can keep the #nu bound. 7o "an can stay the #nuQs "agic. ;ail to the #nuR -hey dance the dance of
lifeRM
-he roo" suddenly e,ploded ith clapping and enthusiastic cries. 7ot only did #"istan kno the ords e,actly,
but he had "ade good speech fro" his knoledge.
LGood speech, #"istan,M said *aster (hu!ha. L8ou ill do ell at your post in Bekhtan.M
5 did not join in the praise of #"istan. Gi+ing hi" a sidelong glance, 5 ent back to draing "y beetle. *aster (hu!
ha "ust ha+e noticed, for an instant later his rod landed atop "y palette, +iolently knocking it fro" "y lap, spilling
ink across the floor.
L*e"na!unRM he cried. L8ou try "y kaR Why do you not gi+e praise to your fello student for good speech@ Why
do you not pay attention in the ;ouse of Life@
-he rod sished "enacingly past "y face as he dre it back. 5 no longer feared his stick, but 5 had gained a healthy
respect for it. 5 kne speaking plainly ould likely earn "e a taste of it, but 5 spoke nonetheless. 5 as in a foul
"ood.
LGreat *aster,M 5 cried angrily. L;e is a northernerR ;e co"es fro" a land here great speech "eans nothing, here
the lo+e of *aat is unknonR -hey curse the 2ni+ersal $rinciples in his landR 5t "atters not ho ell he speaks, for
soon he shall be back a"ong the". ;is space should be filled by one fro" a Iushite land...M
5ndignant cries ent up fro" "any in the roo", especially the other northerners. 5 heard so"e +oices of agree"ent,
though, especially the students fro" 2pper Ia"it and Loer Iush. -he "ur"urs gre louder and louder.
L(ilenceRM cried *aster (hu!ha. LBe silent all of youRM
-he *aster paced the floor as the roo" gre Puiet. ;olding his rod behind his back, he boed his head as he
searched for the right ords. -henhe hirled around toards "e.
L5t is true that "ost northerners cause trouble, as so"e Iushites ha+e been knon to do also. But hat "akes you
think that they can not kno *aat@M
5 spoke hesitantly, knoing that a debate ith *aster (hu!ha could only end ith "y total defeat and likely
hu"iliation.
LBut...but look at their lands. -hey go about like ild ga"e...M
#s 5 talked, *aster (hu!ha picked up the last papyrus. ;e looked at it and nodded. ;e ore a knoing s"ile as he
looked up at "e.
L8ou kno as ell as 5 *e"na!un, that all northern lands are not like that. 7oble ;attie and #lashia are to
e,a"ples. ;ere is the last lesson, *e"na!un: What as the first task of #usar hen he learned to percei+e *aat@
5 nearly choked. 5 kne the anser, and it "ade "y argu"ent orthless. *aster (hu!ha kne this also.
L(peak, *e"na!unR Words e,actlyR L
5 looked around at the other students. -hey ere all staring. (o"e of the northerners s"irked, but #"istan looked
sy"pathetic. 5 gathered "y strength and obeyed "y teacher.
L-he first task of #usar as to deli+er the Ia"itians fro" the ilderness and harsh li+ing. -o teach the" the ays
of culti+ation and the prosperity of li+ing in *aat, great #usar led the Ia"itians don the course of ;api to the
richness of the black +alley. With freedo" fro" earthly ant there ca"e ti"e for the progress of the spirit. 7e,t
#usar and Great *ut #uset created the fertility rituals....M
L-hat is enough,M *aster (hu!ha said. L8ou ill ne+er be a great scribe until you learn to apply the isdo" you
recite. Get to your feet, student.M
5 stood before the *aster. 5 as the tallest student in classS indeed, the tallest youth in the district, and 5 toered o+er
hi". ;e looked up into "y face, fle,ing his rod. ;e as not inti"idated.
L5 kno you ha+e recently passed your rites, *e"na!un. 8ou are no a "an. -he ti"e of the rod is o+er for you.M
5 breathed a sigh of relief as *aster (hu!ha shook his head.
L5 kno not the reason for your anger, *e"na!un, but you ill no go to the ;all of the Cha"bers of the 7eters.
Let your head rest ith ;eru so your ka "ay kno peace.M
5 gathered "y palette, paints and brushes and strolled toard the entrance to the ;all of /nlighten"ent. -he candles
along the alls flickered as 5 alked past, playing dra"atically ith the shados of all the students. Before 5 parted
the curtain, 5 turned to look at the class. (itting on their "ats, they all see"ed so content, so at peace ith their
destiny, but 5 as not. -hough 5 ould graduate on the "orro, 5 kne that the life of a scribe ould not be "ine.
5 alked don the long corridors of the ;ouse of Life, past the dra"atic paintings and huge statues of the go+ernor
and go+erness of isdo" and learning: Great -ehuti, ith the face of the ise ibis bird, and (ofik #abut, hose
beautiful, piercing eyes bore the isdo" of o"anly understanding. -hey see"ed to stare don upon "e, asking
"e, LWhy@ Why ere their gifts not enough to cal" "y restless ka@M
5 turned don the ;all of the Cha"bers of the 7eters and alked past the i"ages of #"en, .a, #usar and #uset.
:inally, 5 stood before the Cha"ber of ;eru and read the inscription abo+e the curtains: /nter Blind ;eru.
5 entered the cha"ber, lifted the candle fro" the table at the entrance and closed the curtains behind "e. -he altar of
;eru glea"ed before "e in sparkling gold, sil+er and inlaid lapis!la0uli. # golden statue of ;eru, e"erging fro" his
lotus and earing the cron of kingship, do"inated the altar.
Beside ;eru lay the golden crook and sil+er flail. # stalk of frankincense poked out fro" a holder before the statue
and all sat atop strips of red and hite ea+e!cloth. Bending the candle slightly, 5 lit the frankincense. #s the s"ell
of the fragrant stalk afted throughout the cha"ber, 5 took up the crook and flail and seated "yself on the floor
before the altar.
L#s the strong ;eru subdued (et,M 5 said, L"y ka ill subdue the folloers of (et.M 5 then breathed deeply and
focused on the i"age of the go+ernor of the ill. LBegone, Children of 5"potent .age,M 5 said. LBegone, foul
folloers of (et.M
5 grasped the crook and flail tightly, closing "y eyes as the i"age of ;eru took shape in "y "ind, groing in
sharpness and intensity. -here he stood before "e, earing the cron and holding the i"ple"ents of so+ereignty
that ere no in "y hands. ;is eyes glea"ed as he searched "y "ind for his prey. -hen he thrust his beak
"enacingly, hungrily for the blood of the Children of (etesh. /ach ti"e his beak thrust forard, cal" ashed o+er
"e, freedo" fro" the raging e"otions, the icked span of (et.
5 as at rest ith ;eru for a long hile, losing all sense of ti"e or place, hen on the edge of "y consciousness 5
heard the tinkling of the bell of aakening. (loly 5 struggled out of the place ithin "yself as ;eru faded.
)pening "y eyes, 5 sa that the candle on the altar had burned out, but light ca"e in fro" behind "e.
*aster (hu!ha stood in the dooray, holding the curtain open. #s he placed the bell back in its place, he said gently,
L*e"na!un, it is ti"e to depart the ;ouse of Life.M
5 stood up sloly, replacing the crook and flail, then turned toards the entrance. Glancing up, 5 noted the ords
abo+e the e,it.
LLea+e in $eace, Great ;eru, your eye has no been restored.M
*aster (hu!ha as obser+ing "e closely as 5 slipped through the curtain.
L8ou ha+e been in the cha"ber for a long ti"e *e"na!un,M he said. LCo"e, e "ust talk.M
#s e strolled don the corridor toards the great doors of the ;ouse of Life, *aster (hu!ha nodded in appro+al.
L*e"na!un, no that you are refreshed by the 7eter, tell "e...hat troubles you so@M
We strolled out onto the landing before the entrance and stood beteen the ;ouse of LifeQs giant hite pillars.
*aster (hu!ha looked inPuisiti+ely into "y face, saying, L8ou ha+e been a difficult, but brilliant student,
*e"na!un. 8our scribal skills are un"atched by any in your class. *any posts aait one such as you. $erhaps in the
court of (heke" .a!*esh hi"self....M
5 turned fro" the face of "y teacher, ga0ing across the endless sand south of this place of learning. 5 i"agined
"yself tallying boats and counting heat. 6otting don na"es of those ho had grie+ances in the courts of *aat
and recording the building projects of the (heke". 7one of these as hat 5 anted.
L*aster (hu!ha,M 5 cried, L5 ant to be like "y pa. 5 ould be a arriorRM
*aster (hu!ha held up his forefinger as he alays did hen "aking a point. L-here are "any ays to in glory,
*e"na!un.M
LBut 5 ant to fight for the protection of "y people, just as "y pa did,M 5 said desperately. L5 ha+e tried to forget it. 5
ha+e tried to follo "y "utQs ishes to co"e to the ;ouse of Life and learn the ays of a scribe. But "y pa as a
arriorR 5t burns ithin "eR 5t haunts "e night and dayRM
L5t is true that your pa on fa"e in his day. /"erging fro" the fabled land of the #tl!anta, he defended *aat ith
sord in hand and earned glory in "any lands. But then he lost his life at -roy. 8our "ut ould not see you go that
ay.M
5 ga0ed back toards the sand and held up "y hands to #ten. 5ts rays da00led "y eyes as the orange orb sank toard
the hori0on.
L*y "ut, "y "ut, "y "ut, "y "utM 5 cried. L5 ha+e folloed the ill of *eri!-a all "y daysR 7e+er has she asked
"e of "y ishesR 7e+er has she let "e choose "y on ayRM
*aster (hu!ha placed his hand on "y shoulder.
L(he has considered you at e+ery step, *e"na!un. (he could see the fire of your pa burning strongly in you. -his is
hy she anted you far aay fro" the fields of battle. (he is your "ut. 8ou and 7eftiji are the parts of *e"na!un
the /lder that she has left upon the earth.M
;is ords penetrated and 5 understood. But "y desire ould not go aay. L8our ords are true *aster,M 5 replied.
L5 ill think long on the".M
5 then started don the steps to "ake "y ay ho"e.
L;old, *e"na!un,M *aster (hu!ha said. L)ne other thing.M
5 stopped at the foot of the stairs, ga0ing back up at "y teacher.
L-here ha+e been reports of strange +essels along the "erchant routes. -ell your "ut to be ary. 5f you see anything
a"iss, go at once to the fort of the *edjay and report it.M
LBut "aster,M 5 said, Lthere ha+e been no pirates on the 1esher (ea for "any ages. Who ould dare...@M
L5t "ay be "ere ru"or, *e"na!un. But your "ut is $ort!*istress and so "ust be "ade aare. Go no and infor"
her.M
#s 5 strolled don the hill that supported the ;ouse of Life, 5 could see the entire no"e, all the ay to "y "utQs
house in the far distance, on the banks of the 1esher (ea. #s the rays of #ten gre di""er, acti+ity in the streets
beca"e lighter. -he "arket as closing don, as sailing "en headed toard the saloon for a draught, and "arket
o"en packed up their ares for the day.
5 decided to go don the "arket street, in hopes of finding a flask of honey for *eri!-a before they all closed don.
$erhaps it ould seeten the sour taste that as sure to co"e hen 5 told her of "y plans.
-he "arket o"an took the barter note 5 ga+e her and handed "e the flask of honey. (he scrutini0ed the note
closely as 5 alked aay.
L5t is a true note, "ut,M 5 said. L8ou can redee" it at "y fa"ilyQs granaries anyti"e. Good e+ening to you.M
(he s"iled, then slid the note into her pouch. L6ust checking, "y son, just checking.M
5 alked aay, hefting the flask and ondering if she as as careful ith her on product. #s 5 considered opening
the stopper to look inside, 5 spied a -a"ahu youth near "y age, alking ith to large hunting cats on leashes. #s 5
ca"e closer, 5 sa he had a laborerQs sack hanging at his side. -hen 5 sa that it as "y class"ate, #"istan.
$retending not to see hi", 5 ent into a false e,a"ination of the flask of honey.
L;o, *e"na!unRM #"istan said.
LGreetings, #"istan,M 5 replied.
LGoing ho"e@M
L8es. 5 ha+e honey for "y "utM
L*ust you hurry@ 5Q+e so"ething to sho you....M
-he to cats he had leashed ere of the southern breed, fro" the lands abo+e 2pper Iush. Large!boned and strong,
they ere of the type nor"ally used for catching birds in the "arshes near ;api. )ne cat as ebony black, the other
i+ory hite.
L5 go to "ake profit ith "y friends here,M #"istan said, gesturing toard the cats. LCare to co"e along@M
L#"istan...M 5 said reluctantly, Labout hat 5 said in the ;all of Learning today....M
L7e+er "ind that,M he said cheerfully. LCo"e along.M
We turned don a street and started toards the ealthier side of ton, here the boat oners and traders li+ed.
-he cats see"ed eager, as if anticipating so"e pleasant acti+ity. (oon e stopped before a beautiful house ith a
noticeably huge garden.
#"istan held the leashes toards "e. L;ereR ;old these.M
5 sei0ed the leashes as #"istan alked to the front door. -hough 5 could not hear clearly, 5 could tell he as "aking
so"e kind of deal ith the o"an ho ansered, probably a financial one. :inally, she "ade a gesture of
resignation and #"istan alked back triu"phantly.
L(he has agreed to "y price,M he said.
L$rice...for hat@M
LWatch, *e"na!un.M
We alked toards the garden and the cats beca"e frantic, straining against the leashes and hissing i"patiently.
-hen #"istan opened the gates to the garden and let the" loose. -hey bounded e,citedly toards the thick plants
and began their frantic hunt for prey.
5 nodded at #"istan and s"iled. L8ou Bekhtani,M 5 said, laughing. L#lays ready to "ake profitRM
L5 canQt help it,M he replied ith a grin. L*y parents are traders.M
-he cats hissed and leaped for a fe "o"ents, and then the hite one returned holding a large green snake.
(pringing o+er to "e, the cat dropped it right at "y feet. 5 as startled a little because it as still ali+e, but #"istan
got to it first and sta"ped it to death.
-he cats continued stalking and hunting until the black feline dropped another snake before us. 5 raised "y foot,
preparing to sta"p it to death, hen #"istan thrust his pal" toards "e.
L;old, "y friend,M he said, Lno need for that....M
5 looked don and sa that "y class"ate as right. -he snake as already dead.
-he hunt continued as the orb of #ten settled beneath the hori0on. 5 as ondering ho e ould see in the dark
hen #"istan pulled a pitch torch out of his bag. #s 5 held it, he took to fire stones fro" his pouch and struck
the" together near the head of the torch, Puickly sending enough sparks flying to set the torch abla0e.
-he fall of night see"ed not to bother the cats. #s their pile of snakes gre larger and larger, #"istan bea"ed
proudly as he spoke of the". L#h, *e"na!un,M he said, Lthese cats are the best profit!"aking in+est"ent 5 ha+e
e+er "ade. -hey kill the pests and 5 "ake the riches.M
L5 see they are ell trained,M 5 replied. LBut hy do they not kill all the snakes they bring out@M
L#h, *e"na!un,M #"istan replied. L-he dark one, he kills e+ery one, hile it is the hite one that does not kill its
prey.M
LBut hy@M 5 asked.
L)nly the 7eters kno. -he hite one delights in the hunt. -he black one delights in the kill. -hey are of the sa"e
litter, and ith their parents it is just the opposite. -heir "ut, ho is "ilk hite, li+es for the kill, hile their pa, a
black cat, lo+es the hunt only.M
#"istan then looked into "y eyes. L5 suppose you cannot say ho a creature ill act based on here it co"es fro"
or ho it looks. 5 suppose you ha+e to judge a creature by its on actions. 1onQt you think so, *e"na!un@M
5 looked into the light!skinned face of "y class"ate, noticing ho the torch!light as shining upon his straight black
hair and only nodded in agree"ent.
L5ndeed, #"istan,M 5 replied. L8our isdo" is sound.M
-he pile of snakes gre larger and the hunt ent on until #"istan called the cats back. #s 5 held the leashes again,
he counted the snakes and ent back to the house. #fter another brief discussion ith the "istress, he returned ith
a handful of shekels and a big grin. 7odding gratefully, he handed "e three of the".
L:or your help, *e"na!un,M he said.
5 thanked hi" and e e"braced. #s e parted ays 5 silently thanked #"istan for the lesson he had taught "e.
$assing the edge of ton, 5 left the di" torchlights fro" the houses behind and picked "y ay o+er the
ell!orn trail in total darkness. 5 had no fear, ha+ing alked these trails all "y life. *y only orry as ho "y
"ut ould react hen 5 told her of "y plans to be a arrior instead of a scribe in the ser+ice of the (heke".
#s 5 passed the *edjay outpost, a s"all fort to the north and est of "y ho"e, the "oon as rising high. *o"ents
later 5 strolled along the 1esher (ea, casually noting the gloing orbQs light bouncing off the a+es. Little did 5
kno that this ould be the last carefree "o"ent of "y life.
5n the distance the night torches that illu"inated "y ho"e re+ealed a large ship docked nearby. #s 5 ca"e closer 5
heard loud +oices, then shouts and the sound of "etal striking "etal. # battleR
5 ran a fe paces and stopped. L-he *edjayRM 5 thought. L5 "ust tell the *edjay so"ething is rongRM *y *ut and
sister had a do0en arriors to protect the", hich should, 5 reasoned, gi+e "e the ti"e to alert the arriors at the
fort. 5 turned to run back, hen a frightful screa" pierced the air. 5t as "y "utR
1ropping the honey and shekels, 5 ran frantically toards the house. (e+eral s"all landing boats, ob+iously fro" the
large ship, ere pulled onto the shore. 1ead "en ere laying e+eryhere. .ounding the corner to the entrance of
the house, 5 sa a terrible battle taking place.
*y "utQs "en ere fighting a crod of strange, pale!skinned arriors 5 had ne+er seen before, speaking a language
that as ePually unfa"iliar. 5 sa -eta, the leader of the $ort ;ouse guard, fighting +aliantly against four "en, hile
se+eral of his guards ent don before the large "ass of foreign arriors.
With strange round shields and long sords of a "ake 5 had ne+er seen, the attackers ere +icious and ga+e no
Puarter. 7o one had yet noticed "e as 5 stood before the house, looking desperately for "y "ut and sister, trying to
decide hat to do. -hen 5 spotted *eri!-a, "y "ut, surrounded by four of her faithful arriors. -hey ere
hopelessly struggling to protect her against the i"posing a+e of attackers.
*y "ind as then "ade up. (pringing forard, 5 sei0ed the sord!ar" of one of the attackers, striking hi" in the
belly until he let go of his eapon. #s se+eral of the arriors turned toards "e, -eta noticed and yelled out.
L*e"na!un, fleeR GoR (a+e yourselfR L
#s he said this he turned his head slightly, so"ething he taught "e ne+er to do in battle. )ne of the attackers took
ad+antage of this and +iciously ran a sord through his belly.
5 screa"ed as 5 atched "y good friend die.
L-etaR -eta, noooR L
7o "y "ut as also holding a sord. )nly to of her "en ere left, deter"ined to fight until the end, but se+eral
of the strange arriors ere closing in on the", hich sent "e "ad ith rage.
LLea+e "y "ut,M 5 shouted. LLea+e herRM 5 screa"ed, hile grasping the sord the ay -eta had taught "e.
-here had been "any "ornings -eta and 5 ould sneak aay and he ould secretly teach "e the arts of ar. 5 used
those skills no and aded in a"ong the surprised arriors. #s -eta had often instructed, 5 took ad+antage of "y
height, singing don upon the" at angles they found hard to block. -o ent don at the ad+ance of "y blade
before they reali0ed that death alked a"ong the". #s fast as 5 could, 5 split to "ore heads and sliced the necks of
three "ore.
(pattered ith blood, "y only thought as to kill e+erything hat li+ed beteen "yself and "y "ut. By no she had
noticed "e and at first looked Puite surprised. -hen she began gesturing frantically toard the house.
L*utRM 5 shouted. L5 a" co"ingRM
:inally the arriors reco+ered and had "e on the defense. Blocking "e fro" "y "ut, they pushed "e back and
aay fro" her. 5 could see that her guards ere fighting +aliantly but ould soon be o+erhel"ed. 7o cut and
bleeding, she assisted the" as she called out to "e.
L7eftiji,M she shouted, pointing toards the door of the house. L8our sisterRM
LBut *utRM 5 cried.
LWorry not for "eRM she screa"ed, LGoR (a+e your sister...noR L
5 hesitated briefly, then another screa" ca"e fro" the house. 5t as 7eftijiR Whate+er as going on, "y "ut see"ed
"ore concerned for "y sisterQs safety than her on, and though it pained "e greatly, 5 obeyed her.
-he battle as blocking the entrance to the door, so 5 rush to a indo, but to turn and ju"p as they pressed "e
ould "ean certain death. #fter se+eral ild sings toard the arriors to ard the" off, 5 hefted a large floer
pot fro" the indo ledge and thre it. 5 then let fly other s"all pots fro" the ledge, then as they ducked, turned
and leapt through the indo.
:alling hea+ily, 5 ignored the pain and sprang up Puickly. )utside 5 could hear the arriors cursing, but none ere
tall enough to ju"p as 5 did. 5 pushed furniture don before the door to slo the" and ran further into the house.
L7eftijiRM 5 called as 5 ran through our "any roo"s. LWhere are you@M
-hen 5 heard her.
L*e"naRM she screa"ed desperately, L*e"na, helpRM
5 ran to her roo" to find it croded ith the sa+age arriors. -hey had her pinned don on her bed, groping and
tearing at her clothes. -ears strea"ed don her face as she struggled against the".
5 bared "y teeth, saying nothing as 5 stepped before the dooray. )ne of the arriors spied "e, and ith sord in
hand, rushed "y ay. #s he e"erged fro" the roo", 5 sliced his neck and booted hi" to the side as others sprang to
attack "e. But they could only e"erge one at a ti"e, and 5 as ready. (idestepping as they ran past, 5 cut the" don
one after the other.
#fter se+eral had fallen, the others ere "ore ary and stood back, poking at "e ith their sords. #s their
attention turned toards "e, 5 glanced o+er their shoulders to see 7eftiji gather herself up and slip silently through a
indo.
Breathing a sigh of relief, 5 ran back toard the front door to assist "y "ut, the re"aining arriors close upon "y
heels. -here 5 as "et by the fiends 5 had escaped earlier, and no found "yself trapped.
Gripping "y eapon tightly, 5 decided to take as "any of the" ith "e as possible. -hen the crod of arriors
before "e parted and "y eyes beheld a terrible sight. )ne of the +icious "en dragged a li"p body by the hair and
tossed it don before "e. 5t landed at "y feet, blood spattering across the floor. 5t as "y "ut.
#t first 5 as speechless, fro0en in horror. -hen 5 spotted the s"iling, gleeful faces of the cruel arriors before "e
and fle into a terrible rage. (lashing right through the icked s"ile of the nearest one, 5 began attacking those
around "e ith all the hatred and force 5 could "uster. -he ferocity of "y attack thre the" back and 5 "aneu+ered
into a corner, preparing to take the" all ith "e into the ne,t life.
5 fought for long "inutes, until fatigue and the o+erhel"ing nu"bers finally o+erca"e "e. Cut, stabbed and
bleeding fro" "any ounds, 5 slipped on "y on blood and ent don.
-he sord as renched fro" "y hand and 5 as dragged o+er the body of "y on "ut and out the door. -here
before the entrance 5 as held upright, as rough hands tore "y tattered robe fro" "y chest. # arrior 5 had
ounded stood before "e. ;olding a sharp knife in the fla"es of a torch, he eyed "e hatefully. # fe +icious kicks
to "y back and blood as spurted fro" "y "outh. -hen these +illains began speaking to each other. -hough 5 could
not understand, 5 kne they ere "aking plans for all the dreadful things they ould do to "e.
(uddenly the arrior ith the heated knife thre aay the torch and approached "e, a cruel s"ile playing across
his +icious face. 5 readied "yself for death, but as he raised the knife a +oice rang out behind hi". 5t as in his on
strange language but had an un"istakable Ia"itic accent. ;e hesitated, then proceeded toards "e again as the
+oice called once "ore.
-he ould!be "urderer looked o+er his shoulder, speaking sharply to hoe+er had addressed hi". (e+eral of the
others raised their +oices in hat see"ed to be arnings, but he ignored the", raising the blade to stab "e once
again. 6ust as the eapon as about to fall, his body con+ulsed +iolently and he screa"ed in bitter anguish.
Clutching at his chest, he dropped hea+ily to his knees, the knife tu"bling fro" his grasp as he fell. Beteen his
clutching fingers the flesh of his chest "o+ed +iolently, bulging and palpitating unnaturally.
-hen fro" out of the shados e"erged a Iushite "an, his head clean sha+en in the fashion of a Ia"itic priest. ;is
hands held high, he recited ords of poer, "aking gestures in the air as the "an rithed and "oaned. :inally, the
"agician stood o+er his +icti", "ade a cutting "otion in the air, and the "anQs chest burst open like a ripe fruit.
*uttering incoherently, the arrior atched as his on heart rose fro" his body, to be plucked fro" the air by the
Iushite "agician. -hen the arriorQs eyes rolled back and he fell, dead in his on floing blood.
-he strange Iushite put the heart into a sack at his side, casually shaking the blood fro" his hand. -hen he spoke to
"e ith a +oice that chilled "y heart.
L8ou fight like a panther, young one,M he said.
5 stared at hi". ;e as indeed a estern Iushite, like "ost Ia"itians, and as e+en earing the hite robe of a
Ia"itic ;igh $riest, but apparently he as also the leader of these strange pale arriors. 5 thought of the lesson 5
learned fro" #"istan.
L# sha"e about your "ut, young one,M he said, gesturing toards the arriors surrounding us. L-hese
are...barbarians. #t ti"es they can be Puite difficult.M
-hen he s"iled. Cold fear such as 5 had ne+er felt ran through "e as 5 sa hi" s"ile. 5 ondered hat he ould do
ith the dead "anQs heart.
LWhat is your na"e, young panther@M
5 could hardly open "y "outh fro" the fear, and 5 kne that he had to see it in "y eyes.
L5 a" Iho!#n!(a,M he said. L(peak your na"e, young panther, and 5 "ay yet let you li+e.M
L*y..."y na"e is *e"na!un. (on of *eri!-a and *e"na!un...M
Iho!#n!(a put his hand to his chin.
L*e"na!un...*e"na!un@ (on of *e"na!un the arrior, the Great *e"non ho fought at -roy@M
5 looked at hi", but "y "outh ould not open. -hen he raised his hand as if to strike "e. L#nser "eRM he shouted.
L8esRM 5 cried. L8es, he as "y pa.M
Iho!#n!(aQs eyes narroed as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully. L5 see no hy you fight so ell. *any of "y allies
ould rejoice to see the seed of the great *e"non of -roy destroyed. But 5...5 ha+e other plans.M
Iho!#n!(a e,tended his hand, cruelly clutching "y face. ;is fingers ere bloody and hot.
L8oung panther, do you ish to li+e@M
(truggling against the fear this priest "ade ell up inside "e, 5 spoke defiantly.
L5...5 care not,M 5 groaned. L5 ha+e defended "y fa"ily.M
L-hat you ha+e done, young panther,M Iho!#n!(a said. L#nd you ha+e done it +ery ell. But no you ill be "y
defenderR *y arriorR L
L7e+er,M 5 groaned. L8ou killed "y *ut. 7e+er ould 5 ser+e you...you....M
;e stepped back and clapped his hands and to arriors stepped forard. -hey ere holding 7eftiji.
L*e"na!un,M 7eftiji cried. L1o not do itRM
Iho!#n!(a alked toards her. .aising his hands, he began speaking the ords he used hen he took the arriorQs
heart. 7eftiji screa"ed.
L7oRM 5 cried. LLea+e her aloneRM
Iho!#n!(a stopped the chant and turned back toards "e.
LWhat is it you say, young panther@M -ears strea"ed don "y face. 5 ould ha+e fallen if the arriors had not been
holding "e.
L8es, Iho!#n!(a,M 5 said.
L8es...hat...young panther@M
L8es...5 ill ser+e you. 1onQt hurt "y sister....M
Iho!#n!(a lifted "y face again and s"iled his cruel, icked s"ile. L5 kne you ould see the isdo" in this
decision. 1o as 5 say and your sister ill not be har"ed.M
;e then barked orders at his "en in their rough, crude language. (o"e hustled forard fro" the house ith bags of
shekels! dock fees earned by "y "ut. Iho!#n!(a counted the bags and sent the bearers toards the boats. -hen he
turned to 7eftiji and 5.
LLook ell, young panther,M he said, gesturing toards the house. L8ou ill ne+er see this place again. :ro" this
day forard, you are "ineRM
#s 7eftiji and 5 ere dragged toards the boats, 5 could not look at "y sister. )+erhel"ed by grief and eakened
fro" "y injuries, 5 felt that 5 had failed "y fa"ily. -hen "y eyelids gre hea+y and "y "ind slipped don into
darkness.
CHAPTER 2: DESTINY IT IS INDEED
5 aoke to feelings of pain and sickness, and the sound of great aters splashing all around "e. 5 as lying don,
"y body saying to the rhyth" that acco"panied the sound of the ater. )pening "y eyes, 5 beheld 7eftiji
kneeling o+er "e, applying a cool et cloth to "y face. 5 tried to speak, but she Puickly co+ered "y lips.
LOuiet, *e"na,M she said in a lo +oice. LWe "ust not let the" kno you are aake.M
5 nodded and looked around the roo". 5 lay naked upon bedding rolled out on the floor. 7eftiji knelt beside "e upon
sleeping sheets of her on, tears of happiness elling up in her eyes. Light ca"e fro" a candle in a holder on the
all near us.
We ere in a s"all cabin inside the ship, ith one door as the only entry. 7eftiji did not ha+e to tell "e that it as
locked.
L5 kne you ould co"e back to "e, *e"na!un,M she said. L-he healer in ser+ice to Iho!#n!(a said you ould
not ake up. But 5 kne.M
LWhere are they taking us@M 5 hispered.
L5 do not kno. 5 ha+e heard Iho!#n!(a talking to so"eone outside. -hey said e ere near -a 7eter....M
5 shook "y head and tried to sit up, but "y li"bs failed "e and 5 slipped back don to the bedding. 7eftiji put her
hand upon "y chest. L.est, *e"na,M she said. L8ou ill be strong soon.M
L7eftiji, e "ust get off this ship....M
L5 kno,M she Puickly replied, Lbut you "ust not let the" kno you are aake. Iho!#n!(a is planning so"ething
terrible for you. ;e keeps speaking of our pa, saying you ill be a greater arrior than he as, but in ser+ice to
hi".M
6ust then e heard footsteps co"ing toard us. 5 closed "y eyes and pretended to be asleep as 5 heard the door
sing open.
-here as the sound of to "en entering the roo", and then the +oice of Iho!#n!(a.
LGirl, has your brother yet stirred@M
L7o,M 7eftiji said. L;is head is still hot.M
-he floorboards creaked loudly as they ca"e closer and began rubbing their rough hands o+er "y head and neck.
-here as a pause and another +oice spoke in the strange language of the northerners. Iho!#n!(a "ade so"e reply
to it and then he spoke again in Ia"itic.
L;ere, girl. #noint his li"bs ith this. -he son of such a "ighty one should die in battle, not like this. 5 ould see
this panther roar once again.M
Iho!#n!(a and the other "an left the roo" and the door shut once again. 5 opened "y eyes slightly and looked
toard the entrance, then turned toards 7eftiji. (he clutched a s"all clay pot in her hands, staring at the door ith
burning hatred in her eyes.
L5t is heat!oint"ent, *e"na,M she said as she turned toard "e. L;o can a "an ho knos so "uch of healing be
so cruel, so e+il@M
#s she applied the heat!oint"ent, 7eftiji told "e hat had gone on as 5 had lain near death. We had been at sea for a
Puarter"oon. 1uring this ti"e she had been to the deck tice, both ti"es to be shon ho far aay fro" ho"e e
had been taken. Iho!#n!(a thought this ould "ake her gi+e up hope and con+ince her to cooperate ith his plans,
but for her, it as a "o"ent to "e"ori0e the lay of the ship and plot our escape.
We plotted patiently as ti"e ent by, "y strength gradually returning as 7eftiji shared her food ith "e. 5 spent
hours stretching and e,ercising "y li"bs, interrupted by tense "o"ents of feigned stupor hen Iho!#n!(a and his
healer ca"e to check on "e. #fter to "ore Puarters of the "oon had passed, 5 as at last strong enough for us to
"ake our "o+e.
Late one night, hen all "o+e"ent upon the ship had ceased, 7eftiji stood at the door, holding her bedding. (he
kicked the door and aited for the guard to open it. When he did, she thrust the bedding into his hands and pointed
at "e. 5 lay ith "y eyes slightly open, to be ready at the right "o"ent.
LCo"e, "an, help "e "o+e hi",M 7eftiji said as she pointed at "e. L;e has been on the sa"e filthy bedding for
eeks.M -he guard see"ed not to understand her ords and thre don the bedding in disgust.
;e as about to sla" the door shut hen 7eftiji cajoled hi" sharply.
L;e is sick ith fe+er,M she said. L;e "ust ha+e ne bedding. Iho!#n!(a ill be angry if he dies because of your
negligence.M
#t the "ention of Iho!#n!(aQs na"e a fearful look ca"e o+er the guardQs face. ;e froned at 7eftiji and sloly
alked into the roo". #s they ca"e toard "e, 7eftiji bent don and reached for "y legs.
L8ou take his ar"s,M she said.
#s the guard bent don for "y ar"s, 5 lunged up suddenly, sei0ing hi" fir"ly by the throat. ;e tried to reach his
sord, but ith a tist 5 thre hi" to the floor, all the hile tightening "y grip to cut off his ind. 7eftiji darted
through the door and ca"e back Puickly, holding a large ater +essel. 5 as choked hi" +igorously so he could not
cry out, but he as starting to pull his eapon.
L*e"na, "o+eR L 7eftiji hissed.
#s 5 re"o+ed "y hands 5 could see the guardQs lips for"ing a cry, but the +essel ca"e crashing don upon his head
and he fell li"p. -hen 7eftiji and 5 looked at each other. Both of us ere dripping ith perspiration and breathing
hea+ily fro" the e,cite"ent. 5 then took the guardQs clothing and put the" on "y on naked fra"e, and after
snatching up his sord, e cautiously "ade our ay out the door.
We alked softly to the top of the stairs and 7eftiji peeked apprehensi+ely out onto the deck. (he then gestured for
"e to follo and e slipped stealthily into the open air.
-he ship as +ery large, as large as any 5 had e+er seen, e,cept for the grand +essels of the (heke" or the trading
ships fro" Blybos. Behind us, toards the rear, as a large sPuare structure. 7eftiji had told "e earlier that this as
the sleeping Puarters of Iho!#n!(a, and that behind it as the steering oar and oars"enQs Puarters.
1irectly before us lay another large structure, hich as the sleeping Puarters for the cre and arriors. )n the far
side of this sat the storeroo". )ur goal as to get there for supplies, and then get to the s"all boats stored nearby.
-he ind as high and the sails ere full, hich "eant that no roers ould be about. #s our eyes beca"e adjusted
to the light of the three!Puarter "oon, e "o+ed silently past the sleeping area of the "en. 5 heard snoring and
"o+e"ent as e crept and held "y breath as e passed beneath their indos. 5 had no ish to fight these +icious
"en again and put "y sister at risk.
#s e passed the arriorsQ Puarters, 7eftiji stopped, pointing carefully around the corner. 5 looked to see a arrior
leaning against the door that led to the shipQs supplies, his ar"s crossed resolutely o+er his chest. *y heart sank into
despair. We had been fools to think that the storeroo" on a ship full of barbarians ould not be guarded.
7eftiji pulled "e close and hispered into "y ear. L5 ill distract hi", *e"na, and you....M (he pulled her finger
across her throat like a sord cut, and 5 understood hat she "eant.
7eftiji took her robe off and alked boldly out into the open. -he arrior noticed and stepped forard, reaching for
his sord. -hen his eyes idened and he rela,ed, a lustful s"ile playing across his face. ;e then said so"ething to
her in his strange language, hich 7eftiji ansered ith a giggle and a fertility dance. #s her body sayed before
hi", he stepped forard and tried to sei0e her, but 7eftiji danced a circle around hi", keeping just out of his reach.
;is breathing beca"e hea+y as he stu"bled around and around to keep up ith her. When his back as finally
toards "e, she stopped. #s he poised to spring upon her, 5 rushed forard, plunging the sord as deep as 5 could
into his back. 2ttering one brief "oan, the "an dropped hea+ily to the deck, his eyes rolling up in a stare of death.
#fter 7eftiji redressed herself, e opened the door to the storeroo" and stepped inside. 7ear the entrance e found
a candle, lit it, and began gathering supplies. We chose sacks of dried "eat and fruit and jugs of ater, anything
hich ould last a long ti"e, because e kne not hen e ould see land again. 7eftiji sei0ed a large knife used
to tri" "eats and tucked it into her robe. -hen e put the supplies into to large sacks and dragged the" around the
storeroo" toard the s"all boats.
-here e found three +essels, each ith a rope tied around its "iddle and length. )ne as larger than the others and
as ePuipped for sailing. We chose this one and tossed our supplies into it. 7earby stood a large ooden pole ith a
rope and pulley attached. #t the end of the rope there as a hook for latching onto the boats and loering the" into
the ater. 7eftiji attached the hook and 5 began pulling it into the air, but the pulley sPueaked loudly and sharply,
piercing the salty night air.
We stopped suddenly. *y heart beat Puickly as 7eftiji and 5 stared at each other for long seconds. :inally she looked
around and shrugged her shoulders. We kne e had no choice but to go on. -he pulley kept sPueaking as 5 pulled
the boat up. -hough 5 kne it ould arouse the sleeping arriors, 5 prayed that e ould get into the ater before
e ere caught.
:inally, the boat as high enough to push o+er the side, but by then e heard footsteps and cries fro" the other side
of the storeroo". 7eftiji stepped forard to help and e ere rapidly loering the boat toard the ater as to
arriors appeared. -heir sords ere dran and 5 could hear "ore approaching.
LGet into the boat,M 5 ordered "y sister.
7eftiji hesitated at first, then cli"bed to the edge of the ship and leapt into the s"all craft. #t that "o"ent a arrior
ran forard, singing at "e ith his sord. When 5 stepped aside his blade cut the rope thread through the pulley,
causing the +essel and "y sister to plunge don into the dark aters.
5 snatched up "y on blade as the arriors rushed "e. )ne slashed don at "y head hile the other thrust toards
"y legs. Blocking the donstroke, 5 leapt back to a+oid the other blade, then ca"e back at the arriors ith +icious
circular strokes that put the" on the defense. But by no "ore arriors had appeared and 5 kne 5 had to "ake "y
escape.
(houting and cursing, 5 beat back the to arriors before "e until they beca"e entangled ith the ad+ancing "en.
-aking ad+antage of the "o"entary confusion, 5 ran to the edge of the ship and leapt out into the sea.
$lunging deep, 5 let the sord slip fro" "y hand and sa" up to the surface. When "y head burst abo+e the a+es,
5 sa the s"all boat close by and "ade "y ay toard it. -here ere shouts and curses fro" the ship as 7eftiji
pulled "e aboard, then e s"iled as the huge +essel glided past us, pushed on by the poer of its sails. (ei0ing our
oars, 5 began roing i""ediately, anting to put as "uch distance beteen us and Iho!#n!(aQs ship as possible.
#s the outline of the ship slipped further aay into the darkness, 5 as deter"ined to ro until e could no longer
see or hear the +essel that had held us capti+e. Losing all sense of place and ti"e, "y "ind centered on the oars and
the sea and escaping the e+il of Iho!#n!(a. (e+eral ti"es 5 heard 7eftiji speak, but 5 ignored her, focusing only on
the task at hand.
(o"e ti"e later 7eftiji shook "e. Lifting "y eyes, 5 found #ten rising, the sea cal" about us and no sign at all of
the ship of Iho!#n!(a. #fter gi+ing praise to #"en!.a 5 collapsed into the botto" of the boat, falling into an
e,hausted, deep sleep.
(o"eti"e later 5 aoke ith a start as a strea" of ater crossed "y lips. 5t as 7eftiji trying to rid "e of "y
parched, dry "outh. Gulping it don +igorously, 5 reach for "ore but she pulled back. L7o, *e"na,M she said.
L(loly, take it sloly.M
5 ga0ed across the open sea and sa that it as still cal" and peaceful. #ten as no "iday to rest, so 5 had
ob+iously slept for "any hours.
L5 roed for a hile,M 7eftiji said. L-hen 5 ent to sleep also, *e"na. 5t is hard ork.M
5 stood up and stepped o+er to the "ast at the center of the boat. L8es, it is,M 5 replied. L7o e "ust hoist the sails
so that e can tra+el faster. #t night e ill follo the stars.M
7either 7eftiji nor 5 kne "uch of long range sailing, but as children of the $ort *istress of the 1esher (ea, e
kne ho to set sails and had so"e knoledge of na+igation by the hea+ens. #s night descended e guided the
boat toard the est. We kne e ere on the upper 1esher and hoped to reach -a 7eter before our supplies ran
out. #s e lay don in the boat, holding each other for ar"th and atching the stars, our thoughts turned to our
parents.
L*e"na,M 7eftiji said. L1o you think "ut and pa are together no@M
5 hugged "y sister closer, nestling "y chin into her thick braided hair. L5 think so,M 5 said. L5 ould think that #usar
ould unite the".M
L*e"na, hy are the good killed by the e+il@M 7eftiji asked sadly. LWhy do the 7eteru not destroy all ho ould
unbalance *aat and bring rong into the orld@M
L5 donQt kno. $erhaps *aster (hu!;a ould kno. ;e taught that the good and the e+il "ust fight, like the
struggles of (et and ;eru, until so"e balance co"es about.M
7eftiji sat up and looked at "e seriously. L5f...hen e get back ho"e, let us go to the te"ple. Let us pour libation
for "ut and pa.M
L8es,M 5 said. LWe ill do that for our parents.M
We sailed for "any days ithout seeing land or any other +essels. )ur supplies ere running lo, especially ater,
and our spirits ere beginning to fade. -hen one "orning after a full "oon had passed 5 aoke to the heat of #ten
upon "y face and sat up to find a cloud of "ist in the distance. 5 leapt to "y feet hen 5 sa the outline of hat
appeared to be hills or "ountains. 5 could see a great "any sea birds flying o+erhead, crying out as if to greet us,
hile the bree0e brought us the co"forting s"ell of fresh +egetation and earth.
5 shook 7eftiji joyfully. LLook,M 5 cried happily. LLandR We ha+e reached -a 7eterRM
7eftiji stood up beside "e, iping the sleep fro" her eyes. # broad s"ile played across her face as she joined "e in
+ieing the still distant sight. But as e ca"e closer, her s"ile faded. (he looked up at "e, pulling on "y ar" and
saying gri"ly, L*e"na...that is an island. -his is not -a 7eter.M
#s e ca"e closer 5 could see that she as right. -he "ist as clearing and 5 sa that it as indeed an island, but
e+en fro" a distance 5 could see ho green and beautiful it as. 8et, there as so"ething strange about the ay it
shi""ered, and the fragrance of the +egetation as like none 5 had e+er e,perienced. 5 considered this a trick of "y
"ind due to our long eeks aay fro" land.
LWell, let us at least stop there for food,M 5 said. LWe "ust at least ha+e fresh ater.M
7eftiji nodded and started gathering the e"pty ater jugs. 5 sPuinted at the island and a strange feeling ca"e o+er
"e. 5 felt as if e ere being atched.
#s e sailed closer, the sea birds see"ed to gather thickly before us. Crying out loudly, they ho+ered o+er the boat
like a cloud. *o"ent by "o"ent, "ore birds joined the flock in a flying ju"ble beteen our +essel and the land.
LWhat is rong ith those sea birds@M asked 7eftiji. L5s there a group of fish nearby@M
We both looked into the ater. We had seen birds gather on the edge of the sea in this "anner to hunt large schools
of prey fish after a hatch. :ro" their "o+e"ents 5 kne they ere preparing to di+e into the ater and attack.
#l"ost too late 5 reali0ed hat they ere doing.
L7eftijiRM 5 shouted. LGet donRM-he sea!birds screa"ed in unison as they di+ed toard the boat. 5 had no doubt
that e ere the prey. 5 grabbed a thick sail lying nearby, pushed 7eftiji don and lay on top of her, co+ering us
both as best 5 could. With deafening screa"s, the birds pu""eled into "y back and +iolently battered the boat.
L*e"na,M 7eftiji asked fearfully, Lhy are they attacking us@M
L5 donQt kno, 7eftiji,M 5 huffed. L5 donQt knoRM
#s the attack continued, 5 heard tearing and rending. .isking a peek fro" beneath the cloth, 5 sa the cloud of birds
tearing our sails to pieces and slashing the cloth e lay under. 5 kne they ould soon get to us. 5 also kne that
there as no ay to fight so "any. 5 started to despair.
L7eftiji, they are tearing through the clothRM
LGet off "e, *e"na. Let "e try so"ething,M she cried.
5 rolled off her as she started "o+ing around in the di"ness under the shredding sail. (uddenly she pressed a large
stone +ase into "y hands. LWill this fit o+er your head@M she asked.
LWhat@M 5 asked, half listening as 5 heard the birds pecking frantically at the cloth. 5 could see s"all holes tearing
near "y head, and had to hold on tight as they tried to pull the sail off of us.
LWill it fit o+er your head@M 7eftiji repeated. L;urry, *e"na, e ha+e no ti"eRM
-he holes in the cloth ere getting larger and the birds ere striking "y back "ore +iciously, but 5 slipped the +ase
o+er "y head. L8es, it fits,M 5 cried fro" inside it, Lbut hat...@M
(he then pulled "e toard the edge of the boat.
L;old onto "y ar",M she said, the ringing sound of her +oice indicating her on head co+ered. LIeep the +ase on
and get into the ater. )n three, e ill ju"p in. Ieep the +essel on your head and hold onto this rope, hereRM
(ei0ing "y hand, she and ran it across a rope attached to the side of the boat. L)ne...to...threeRM
#s e rapidly slid o+er the side and into the ater, the birds screeched horribly and descended don upon us.
;olding onto the rope, e floated in the ater up to our heads. #s e aded, blo after +icious blo pounded
against the +ases. #t first it had "e reeling, until 5 thought of 7eftijiQs safety and steadied "yself. Leaning "y
encased head against the side of the boat, 5 rapped "y free hand around "y sisterQs aist.
L#re you all right, 7eftiji@M 5 asked, trying to shout o+er the noise of the birds.
*y sister said nothing as her body ent li"p and fell toards "e, causing the stone +ases to strike together loudly. 5
hugged her close, bracing both our heads against the side, deter"ined to hold out against the "ad attack.
-he birds kept striking for long "inutes, until they reali0ed they could not get at us through the stone +ases. When
they stopped striking us, 5 could hear the" tearing things apart in our boat.
-he +ases ere getting hea+ier, hile 7eftiji as dead eight in "y already e,hausted ar"s. 5 kne 5 could not
hold on "uch longer, and the choice beteen death under the a+es and death at the clas of the birds crept into "y
"ind.
-hen suddenly, the tearing and screeching stopped. Listening carefully for the sounds of the birds, 5 sloly lifted the
stone +ase. #ten bla0ed brightly and 5 half e,pected an attack upon "y eyes, but 5 looked around to find that the sky
as clear. )ur sails ere totally ra+aged and there ere "arks all o+er the boat, but, thanks to "y sister, e had
co"e through ali+e.
5 pushed "y +ase into the boat, then pried the +ase off 7eftijiQs head. (he had totally lost her senses and had an ugly
bu"p on her forehead, but her breathing as e+en and steady. Gathering her into "y ar"s, 5 pushed her into the boat
and pulled "yself up after her. 5 intended to gather the oars and ro as far aay fro" this island as 5 could until 5
glanced at our supplies.
-he ater +essels ere toppled and fouled and the bags of fruit and "eat ere e"pty. 5 sat don ne,t to "y sister,
stroking her still face. We had no choice no but to get to the island.
7eftiji aoke as #ten as lo on the hori0on. -hough e both ished it otherise, she agreed that e "ust get to
the island. -hankfully, the birds ne+er returned and after a rest 5 started roing toard land. #s e both looked
ner+ously to the skies, 7eftiji sang a te"ple hy"n to cheer us:
6s the love men is eternal
s the law of men is 0ust
The Two &ands will endure forever
Through the work of all, it must.
s usar came back to save us
s (api saves the land from dust
The Two &ands will endure forever
Through the work of all, it must....7
7eftiji as about to begin a ne +erse, hen suddenly so"ething struck the boat ith such force that e ere
nearly tilted o+er. *y sister screa"ed and held on to the side as 5 lifted the oars and peered into the ater. (e+eral
dark, sail!shaped fins e"erged fro" beneath the a+es, hich 5 i""ediately recogni0ed.
L(ea beastsRM 5 shouted. L7eftiji, stay aay fro" the sidesRM
-he fins of the sea beasts ere circling the boat sloly. -hese ere the terrible creatures that 5 had heard about fro"
sailors, ho say that hen a "an falls into the sea near the", he is torn to pieces and eaten. -ales of these beasts,
ith their frightfully large jas and "ultiple ros of teeth, are used to frighten children and those ho ne+er lea+e
land. 5 could not understand hy they ould attack a boat, but after the sea birds, nothing could surprise "e near
this strange island.
#s the fins of the sea beasts circled faster and faster, 5 turned to 7eftiji. L-ie yourself don,M 5 said. L8ou "ust not
fall into the aterRM
*y sister took rope and frantically tied herself to the "ast that once bore the large sail. 5 started roing toards the
island, but one of the sea beasts charged, crashing into the side +iolently. 5 held onto the oars ith all "y strength
and tried to ro again, but another sea beast ra""ed us. -he creatures ere huge and 5 could hear the ood
splintering ith each blo. 5 kne if this continued our s"all +essel ould be torn apart.
Lifting an oar, 5 bashed it against the ne,t one that charged. But it ignored "y blo, s"ashing itself against the boat,
nearly throing "e o+er the side.
7eftiji screa"ed. L*e"na, be carefulR 6ust roR $lease ro, you cannot fight the"RM
5 looked at "y sister and shook "y head. L-hey ill not let "e roR Where is your knife@M
#s 7eftiji pulled the knife fro" her robe, another sea beast battered us. -he knife slipped fro" her hand and
tu"bled toards the a+es. 5 do+e for it frantically, snatching it up just before it fell into the sea.
-he sea beasts continued circling. -aking turns, they dashed the"sel+es against the sides, nearly succeeding in
tilting us o+er se+eral ti"es. 5 sat don in the "iddle of the boat, hacking aay at the oar ith the knife as ater
had begun leaking fro" the sides. (uddenly 5 stood up, holding the sharpened oar and ga0ing at "y sister gri"ly.
L7eftiji, if 5 donQt...if you find yourself alone, si" to the island. 5t is your only chance....M
L*e"na, hat are you going to do@M
5 said nothing and turned toard the ater. Bracing "yself, 5 spotted one of the beasts rushing toards us. Lifting
the oar high, 5 brought it don, stabbing into the side of the beast ith all "y "ight. # loud, shrill noise e"erged
fro" the ater and 5 leaned upon "y "akeshift spear, pushing it deeper into the body of the beast. -he creature
thrashed +iolently and began turning, and 5 found "yself being hoisted fro" the +essel as 5 held on "y "akeshift
eapon.
Looking back, 5 screa"ed to 7eftiji. L(i", "y sister, hile 5 distract the". 8ou "ust li+eR Li+e for "e, pleaseRM
L*e"naaaaaRM she shrieked.
-hen the sea beast do+e into the ater, taking "e ith it into its airless depths. ;olding "y breath as e plunged, 5
tisted the oar as it thrashed, deter"ined to slay the beast. #s long "o"ents ent by, the creatureQs struggles
beca"e eaker and "y chest throbbed painfully for air. :inally the beast ga+e up and e bobbed to the surface.
$oking "y head abo+e the ater, 5 gulped desperately for precious "outhfuls of air. #fter catching "y breath, 5
pulled the oar fro" the body of the dying creature and blood poured into the sea. 5 turned to si" aay, only to find
the fins of the others fast approaching, forcing "e back against the creature 5 had just killed. Bracing "yself against
the dead beast, 5 prepared to strike at its approaching co"rades ith the oar.
#s the first of the others ca"e near, "y heart nearly stopped. 5t as tice the si0e of the one 5 had just killed, and 5
kne 5 could not stop it. But 5 as deter"ined to go on fighting, and do+e beneath the a+es, hoping to strike at the
beastQs soft underbelly. -he huge creature hurtled toard "e and 5 poised "yself to strike. But, suddenly, it +eered
aay fro" "e and surged up toards the surface.
#s 5 looked on in utter surprise, the beast bit into its on dead co"panion. (i""ing further back, 5 atched as the
others rushed forard, joining in the cannibalistic feast. #s the sea filled ith blood and the sounds of tearing flesh,
5 cautiously sa" back to the boat.
-ossing in the oar, 5 dragged "yself up o+er the side, gasping for breath as 5 fell in. 5 called to 7eftiji, but there as
only silence. Lifting "y head, 5 ga0ed into e+ery corner of the ra+aged +essel, but "y sister as gone.
Looking toard the island, 5 sa nothing but a+es. 5 looked behind and there as nothing but the sea beasts,
continuing their feast. -hen 5 looked back to the island, hoping against all odds that she ould be there.
5 roed as fast as 5 could, "y ar"s aching fro" the dayQs ordeals. #s 5 dre closer, 5 noticed that the sand of the
island had a strange glo, but paid little attention to it as 5 scanned the shore for 7eftiji. :inally, 5 beached the boat
and dragged "yself ashore.
5""ediately 5 spotted a set of fresh footprints, s"all footprints e"erging fro" the a+es that 5 kne "ust be
7eftijiQs. :olloing the prints, 5 called to "y sister se+eral ti"es, but heard nothing in return. 2ndeterred, 5 folloed
the footprints for a long hile, until, to "y dis"ay, they abruptly disappeared.
:or "ore than an hour, 5 searched frantically in all directions. But 5 could find no further sign of "y sister. -here
as only a deep i"pression in the sand that looked as if a hea+y rock or giant log had been dragged aay.
When the rays of #ten began to gro di", despair o+erca"e "e and 5 shouted to the sky. L#"enRM 5 cried. L)h,
#"enR 1o not take fro" "e the only one 5 ha+e leftRM
5 sank to "y knees, staring don at the strange sparkling sand. 5 as eak and tired. -ears strea"ed fro" "y eyes
don onto "y et and tattered robes. #s the a+es crashed against the shore, 5 reached into the sand, clutching it in
despair. 5t as then that nature of the sand distracted "e. 5t as hea+ier than any sand 5 had e+er knon, and
looking closer, it daned on "e that it as not sand at all. (uddenly 5 reali0ed that the entire beach as "ade of
gold. Gold ground to the fineness of sand.
6ust then a loud noise e,ploded across the beach, and the ground shook ith the force of an earthPuake. 5 struggled
to re"ain upright as the beach rolled beneath "e, and then ithout any arning, #ten disappeared.
(loly turning, 5 looked up and as paraly0ed ith ae. # creature of huge proportions blocked out the light. 5t as
a giant serpent, fully G& cubits long and no less than %& cubits across. 1a00ling scales co+ered its body, glea"ing
like sil+er as it eclipsed #tenQs fading light. # curious glo surrounded it alsoS and hen it "o+ed, its sinuous for"
produced a tinkling sound like softly shaken sistru"s.
But the strangest thing about this i"possible creature as its head. -hough its skull as shaped like a serpentQs, its
face had re"arkably hu"an features. 5ntelligent eyes bea"ed fro" beneath bros of pure blue lapis and a golden
beard jutted fro" its chin that as identical to the false appendages orn by the kings of Ia"it.
*ade speechless by its si0e and aeso"e beauty, 5 stared at the creature in utter disbelief. -hen it bent its huge head
and spoke to "e, in a +oice so loud that it took "y breath aay.
LWho has brought you here, little one@M the creature boo"ed.
5 co+ered "y ears and loered "y head. *y "ind could not belie+e hat "y ears had just relayed. -he creature
spoke perfect Ia"itian.
LWho has brought you here, little one@ Who has brought you here@M it thundered. L(peakRM
5 tried to, but no ords ould co"e. With an i"patient nod the serpent rose up "enacingly, recoiling itself to bring
its golden beard right near "y chest. L(ay hat has brought you to "y islandRM it shouted again. L5f you do not tell
"e at once, 5 ill sho you hat it is to be burned utterly into nothing and beco"e a thing of ashes. (peak Puickly, 5
a" aiting to hearRM
5 looked up into the face of the serpent. 5ts eyes gloing bright gold, penetrating to "y +ery ka. $ondering his
Puestion, 5 found the strength to say one ord.
L1estiny.M
LWhat@M the serpent replied, tilting its head to hear. LWhat is it you say, little one@M
L1estiny...brought "e here,M 5 repeated.
-hen the serpent rose and let out a tre"endous peal of laughter, shaking the entire beach.
L;a ha, ha ha, ha ha, ha haR 8esssR 8es little one, you are rightR 5t is destiny that has brought you hereR 1estiny it is,
indeedRM
#nd ith that, the creature leaned o+er "e, opened its huge sil+er "outh and snapped "e up into its gaping jas.
CHAPTER 3: GUARDIAN OF AUSAR
-errified, 5 found "yself tu"bling fro" side to side inside the dark "outh of the huge serpent. (ure that "y end had
co"e, 5 aited for the huge i+ory teeth to crush "e and for the "assi+e, rough tongue to press "e don into the
tunnel!like gullet. Long "inutes passed as 5 felt the serpent "o+ing and heard strange sounds, like a+es of the
ocean, co"ing fro" so"ehere inside its body. :inally, the giant head loered, the "outh opened and 5 slid out,
landing gently on a gloing, golden floor.
1a0ed and surprised, 5 looked around at a tre"endous ca+e ith alls that gloed like heated bron0e. Behind the
serpent as a huge pool of blue ater ith speckles of light playing beneath the surface. 7e,t to the ater stood
7eftiji.
L)h, *e"na,M she cried as she ran toard "e. L;e said you ould co"eR -he serpent said you ould co"e and he
as rightRM
-he serpent slithered its huge bulk into the blue ater and turned around toards us. # s"ile appeared on its strange
face as it nodded its huge head knoingly.
5 hugged 7eftiji close, thanking #"en for bringing her back to "e. -hen 5 turned back toard the huge creature,
stepping protecti+ely before "y sister.
LWhat...ho are you@M 5 asked. LWhat place is this@M
-he serpent dipped its head into the pool, brought it back up and +igorously shook off the ater. *oisture and light
sprayed in all directions as soft "usical notes chi"ed fro" the scraping of its sil+er scales.
L5 a" the king of this island. Who are you, little ones@M
L5 a" *e"na!un, and this is "y sister 7eftiji. We are Ia"itians. 8ou said you are a king. Where are your subjects@M
L5 a" "y on subject. 5 a" "y on king.M
L#re there no others like you, then@M
L(o "any Puestions, little oneR 1o you not ish to refresh yourself@ #llo your sister to sho you the ay.M
7eftiji took "e by the hand and led "e fro" the ca+e. 7earby as a gro+e of beautiful sil+er trees, filled ith
delicious looking fruit. #s e neared one large trunk, a li"b loered, putting a juicy red fruit in reach of our hands.
5 "ar+eled at this and turned toards 7eftiji as it ho+ered near "y head.
L-ake it,M 7eftiji said ith a s"ile. L8ou ill like it.M
5 plucked the fruit and the branch rose back into place. 7eftiji took it fro" "y hand, tisted it, and it split perfectly
don the "iddle. Biting into her half, she s"iled, juice dripping fro" the corners of her "outh. -hen 5 bit into "ine.
#n e,plosion of sensations engulfed "e. Wa+es of pleasure ashed o+er "e and 5 found "yself greedily de+ouring
the fruit. 7eftiji plucked "ore and e consu"ed se+eral before she led "e back into the ca+e.
#s e alked, 5 felt as if 5 ere floating. /+ery sense see"ed to be heightened, "y "ind as clear and "y
eakness had gone aay. We stopped before the pool again, standing beneath the ga0e of the serpent.
Looking deeply into our eyes, he spoke gently.
L8ou ha+e passed the tests of orthiness to co"e unto this land,M he proclai"ed. L-he test of intelligence fro" the
creatures ho fly. -he test of strength fro" the beasts ho si". #nd the test of courage fro" the beast ho is not a
beast. 8ou ha+e earned the high fruit of the -ree of Life and great knoledge can no be yours.M
*y "ind tingled. -he fruit see"ed to dra out long forgotten "e"ories, and 5 recalled here 5 had heard of this
serpent before. #s he spoke, 7eftiji and 5 looked at each other. 5 kne she recogni0ed hi" also, fro" stories e had
heard as young children.
L5 a" Ia"!#tef,M the serpent said at last. LGuardian of #usar. 5t as 5 ho safeguarded the body of the sacred one
after the treachery of (et, for the sal+ation of all Children of Geb.M
We fell to our knees and boed our heads in re+erence.
LIno this also chosen ones: 8ou ha+e not co"e to this 5sland of the Ia by chance, but by destiny ordained by the
7eteru and by your ancestors. $repare yoursel+esR -o"orro your lessons beginRM
-he great serpent shook his gloing coils again, then disappeared beneath the surface of the pool. 7eftiji and 5 ent
to a corner of the ca+e. -here e lay don in each otherQs ar"s and fell into a peaceful sleep.
)ur lessons indeed began the ne,t day, at the rising of #ten, ith Ia"!#tef leading us to see the onders of his
island. -here ere hills "ade of gold and precious ge"s. -here ere gro+es of the seetest "yrrh and fields of
fragrant khol and cypress trees. 1elicious fruits ere e+eryhere and there ere gardens here +egetables rose
fro" the soil into your hands at the beckoning.
("all, beautiful ani"als ith brilliant colors and "any strange for"s roa"ed at ill. (o"e rese"bled sPuirrels or
hares, hile others ere puffs of fluffy blue hair ith large eyes and s"all hu"an!like clas. -hese pro+ed to be the
friendliest, running up and don the trees and tossing don fruit hen e could not reach it. #ll around e sa
nothing but peace and joy. 5t as truly an enchanted island.
We stopped near a strea" that had the fragrance of fruit incense, ith brilliant red bushes burdened ith fat purple
berries lining its shore. #s 7eftiji and 5 dined upon the berries and drank fro" the strea", Ia"!#tef settled his huge
body into a spiral and spoke of the nature of his land.
L8ou stand upon an island that as one of the first in creation. -his 5sland of the Ia has all that "en desire. 5t is a
paradise, like #usarQs :ields of $eace, but it e,ists in this orld and not the ne,t.M
LGreat serpent, hy is it so difficult to get here@M 5 asked, draing a cool handful of ater fro" the strea". LWhy so
"any challenges and hardships@M
L-his place is only for the orthy, only for those ho" the 7eters dee" it necessary to send,M Ia"!#tef replied.
LWhen there is great strife in the orld, a fe Children of Geb are called to this place to gain knoledge for the
orldQs sal+ation.M
L#re e in such a ti"e no, great serpent@M asked 7eftiji.
Ia"!#tef nodded. L8es, little one. 5t is re+ealed to "e that the Children of Geb ill be plunged into a great ar.
1ire ti"es, unknon since the slaying of #usar, are co"ing to all your lands.M
5 rose and stepped toards Ia"!#tef, ho looked don at "e as 5 raised "y hands e,citedly.
L-his is hy 5 long to be a arrior, like "y pa. ;e fought to preser+e *aat, and 5 ould do the sa"e. -his "y "ut
could ne+er understand...M
Ia"!#tefQs long forked tongue flicked out, nearly striking "e. 5 ju"ped back, startled into silence.
L8our "ut has "uch isdo", young one,M said the great serpent. L5 "yself can see the state of your ka. 8ou are not
yet ready to fight as a true arrior.M
5 sat don ne,t to the strea" and pondered Ia"!#tefQs ords for a "o"ent. LWhat do you "ean@M 5 asked, finally.
L8ou ha+e fire ithout discipline. (trength ithout hu"ility. Inoledge ithout isdo". -ell "e, little one, ould
you fight in the ser+ice of #usar or in the ser+ice of (et@M
L#usarRM 5 replied Puickly. L8es, #usar of courseRM
L-hen you "ust first de+elop ;eru, the son of #usar, inside yourself. 8ou "ust conPuer the e+il forces ithin your
on spirit, if you ould fight against it in others. .ight no you are strong ith the influence of (et. -his is hy
you ha+e been sent here.M
LWhy ha+e 5 been called here@M asked 7eftiji.
L8ou ha+e co"e to learn to heal, "y child. With the help of the fruit of the -ree of Life, you both ill achie+e your
destinies upon this island. #s 5 said, great e+il is rising a"ong the Children of Geb, and you "ust help fight against
it.M
LWhat is this e+il, great serpent@M 5 asked.
Ia"!#tef rose, his scales chi"ing and glea"ing in the light of the ne day. L:ollo "e.M
We ent back into the ca+e and stood before the pool of sparkling blue ater. -he flickering lights flashed beneath
the surface, looking al"ost ali+e as Ia"!#tef a+ed his head abo+e the". -he lights ca"e together and for"ed
gloing orbs, then the orbs blended to for" a surface hich shone like a polished "irror. 5"ages started to for"
upon it as Ia"!#tef began to speak.
L-here are other beings like "yself in the orld of Geb. *ost play no part in the affairs of "en, as they aait their
ti"e to go back ho"e to here e all co"e fro": the -aut. )ur ho"e is in the higher regions of the inner planes and
e are e,plorers of the orlds ithout. We are spirits ho tra+el to different regions to e,perience and gain isdo".
1o not ask "e hy. -his is our natureS it is hat e do.M
-he pool shoed groups of serpents gathering and "o+ing together. Landscapes changed fro" cold "ountains, to
hot green forests, to long flat plains. Gradually, the serpents changed also, so"e beco"ing larger, so"e shrinking in
si0e and so"e changing in different ays: groing legs, or ings or fins. (o"e re"ained "ore snakelike, hile
others took on "ore hu"an features like Ia"!#tef. -he i"ages ga+e the i"pression of the passing of i""ense
ti"e.
LWe ha+e li+ed here since your orld as young, little ones. #ll as ell until the Great 7eter caused your
nu"bers to gro and your abodes to e,pand. :or e are beings that adapt to the ays of the do"inant creatures of
the orlds e li+e upon, and sadly, so"e of us ha+e fallen under the influence of the i""ature Children of Geb.M
5"ages of hu"an beings orshipping serpents, running in terror fro" the", "aking ar against the" and other
acti+ities flashed upon the surface.
LWe are beings of great poer and intelligence ho prefer to re"ain neutral to the affairs of your orld. -his is hy
e li+e far aay fro" you in re"ote places. But so"eti"es you "o+e near us, influencing us according to the
nature of your spirits. Luckily, 5 delled near Ia"it and fell under the say of a righteous people, the Ia"au....M
L#s your priests say, 5 protected the body of #usar, hile ;eru battled (et for the throne. But after the ti"e of ;eru,
5 as forced to lea+e, for the tur"oil in the spirits of the Ia"itians after #usarQs ti"e beca"e too "uch to bear.
7o 5 li+e here, protected by "y ancient "agics and the 7eteru of your orld, ho send "e pupils to teach hen
the Children of Geb beco"e endangered. 8ou see, there are others like "e ho are not in league ith good forces.
Look hereR -hese are "y brethren ho ha+e fallen under the say of unjust peoples.M
*ore i"ages of serpents appeared in the pool. (o"e ere being orshipped like deities. -o "y horror, they
appeared to be recei+ing hu"an sacrifices. Ini+es in the hands of black!robed priests fell upon +icti"s lying on
bloody altars before the". )ther "ore terrifying i"ages appeared, shoing thousands of people gathered before the
serpents and their bloody priests. -heir backs bent lo in re+erence, "ost of the orshippers looked like the
northerners ho ran ith Iho!#n!(a, but so"e ere Iushites, and so"e ere (hashu.
-here ere also yello! and red!skinned people that 5 had ne+er seen before. #ll carried sords or spears and
see"ed to be preparing for ar. 5 shuddered at the e+il these serpents e"itted, and at the eagerness ith hich their
orshippers see"ed to re+el in it. 5ndi+idual i"ages of serpents appeared one by one, as Ia"!#tef spoke their
na"es:
7arti!anke"!sen, allied ith the icked of the :enku.
;erfeke"!Peb, allied ith the icked of the 5ndu.
#nkh!e"!fentu, allied ith the ith icked of 7orth #tl!anta.
(a"!e"!Pesu, allied ith the icked #0!tec!a.
;a!hu!tia"sau, allied ith the icked of (outh #tl!anta.
(hept!te"esu, allied ith the icked of the Basilia.
2n!e"!sahu, allied ith the icked of far eastern IQun Lun.
(a"!e"!snef, allied ith the icked of the southern ho"elands.
#kh!e"betu, allied ith the $eople of the (ea.
Ia"!#tef shook his head sadly as he continued.
L-hese are the < fallen ones of "y kind, ho ha+e absorbed e+il and de+eloped a taste for blood. -hey gi+e support
to those ho ould bring the" poer and influence through sacrifice, and they in turn, e"poer e+il "en and
negati+e forces fro" the -aut. $repare yoursel+es ell here, little onesR :or the e+il in "enQs "inds is beco"ing
flesh. *onsters no alk your orld, and you, *e"na!un, "ust use your skills as a scribe to prepare for the ar
against these e+ils.M
L;o, great serpent@M 5 asked. LWhat "ust 5 do@M
L8ou "ust sit before "e and rite hat 5 relate to you. )nly this knoledge ill sa+e the Children of Geb fro" the
.eckoning.M
LWhat is this .eckoning@M asked 7eftiji.
L-hose ith the hearts of beasts shall beco"e the",M replied Ia"!#tef. L#nd other creatures so terrible that "en
ill co"e to call the" "yths and legends. But they are real, and you "ust kno the" to defeat the".M
-hus began our ti"e of learning on the 5sland of the Ia. 1ay after day, e sat before Ia"!#tef, fulfilling our
destinies as his students. 1ue to the enchanted fruit of the -ree of Life, our "inds opened tre"endously, alloing us
to learn in "onths the ePui+alent of years of study in the ;ouse of Life. -he great serpent ga+e "e stylus and
papyrus and assigned "e to prepare a sacred +olu"e for the sal+ation of the Children of Geb.
5n the shados of sparkling hills of gold, 5 learned the nature of the -aut underorld and the creatures that dell
ithin and those that can co"e forth fro" it. #"ong glorious gro+es of rainbo trees, 5 learned that all drea"s and
all night"ares e,ist in the -aut and that at certain ti"es and places, they e"erge into the real" of the li+ing. 5 na"ed
this sacred +olu"e L-he Book of Inoing the Creatures of the -aut.M
-his book, 5 as told by Ia"!#tef, ould ensure that all the great Iushite nations, those ho "ost adhered to the
spiritual sciences and held fast to the 2ni+ersal $rinciples, ould be ePuipped to co"bat the forces of the
.eckoning. 5n preparation for "y task as the keeper of the book, 5 as rePuired to learn the languages of these other
Iushite peoples, three of ho" 5 had only heard of in legends and tales told by "y pa. But, according to Ia"!#tef,
they ere real, and one day 5 ould be rePuired to deli+er a copy of the book to each of the".
5 also prepared for being a great arrior by learning to cal" "y restless spirit. -he great serpent taught "e to rest
"y "ind and to breathe properly, in order to go ithin and keep "y heart stable. -his techniPue, called the great
ritual of *en #b, as once taught to ;eru by -ehuti in the ar against the usurper (et.
7eftiji also fulfilled her charge by studying the great (piritual (ciences used for healing. 5n this enchanted place
here e+ery herb needed for healing gre, "y sister "astered their use by learning the speech of the plant orld and
the nature of the "inerals in the body of Geb. Ia"!#tef also taught her to detect the $atterns of Life in the body,
and ho to "anipulate the" by hand or by s"all sticks inserted into their flo.
5 found that 7eftijiQs "inistrations brought ease to aching "uscles and that her herbs ga+e +itality to the heart and
"ind. (he kept us both +ital and strong as e filled our charge as students. 5 kne that "y sister ould be a truly
great healer in the orld.
-i"e see"ed to stand still upon the island, and for a long hile e forgot about our li+es in the outside orld, until
one fateful e+ening. -hat dayQs lessons ere ending for "e, hile 7eftiji sat "i,ing herbs in a pot o+er a s"all fire.
-he seet fragrance filled the ca+e and put "e as ease, but hen 5 turned to ask her hat she breed, 5 found her
sobbing. /,cusing "yself fro" "y discourse ith Ia"!#tef, 5 rushed to her side.
L*y sister,M 5 cried. LWhat is it@ Why do you eep@M
(he tossed a "ushroo" into the pot and a puff of yello s"oke afted toard the ceiling. L*e"na,M she ansered
tearfully. LWe ha+e not spoken of *eri!-a for a long ti"e. 5 "iss her so...M
5 loered "y head and "y "utQs seet face auto"atically ca"e to "ind. L8ou are right, "y sister,M 5 replied. LWe
ha+e not gi+en her or pa their honor, nor ha+e e sent the" our lo+e. We ill libate for the" both tonight.M
Grasping the hot pot ith to pieces of cloth, 7eftiji re"o+ed it fro" the fla"es. -hen she looked past "e to Ia"!
#tef, ho sat on his coils nearby. LGreat serpent,M 7eftiji said. L5s this -aut you are teaching "y brother about the
sa"e underorld in hich the dead dell after life on Geb@M
L8es,M said Ia"!#tef. L5t is all a part of the endless otherorld created by #"en for spirits ho li+e ithout flesh.M
LCan you sho us our parents, then@M
Ia"!#tef uncoiled hi"self and rose high, his head poised abo+e the sparkling pool. -hen he looked at 7eftiji and
asked in a serious tone, L#re you sure this is hat you ant, little one@ )ften the condition of a nely passed spirit
is not pleasing to see.M -hen he nodded at "e and added, L#nd you, *e"na!un, do you ish this also@M
5 thought about the last ti"e 5 had seen "y "ut. 5 had lost her during a ti"e of +iolence and e ne+er spoke parting
ords. #s for pa, he si"ply left one day hen 5 as s"all and 7eftiji nely born. ;e said he as going to aid allies
in a battle at -roy, and ne+er returned. 5 longed to speak to the" both and to hear their +oices again.
L8es, great serpent,M 5 replied. L5 ould like to speak to "y parents.M
L#s you ish,M Ia"!#tef said, a+ing his sil+er head abo+e the pool. Light "ists ashed across the surface and
colorful i"ages flashed by. Bright corridors appeared ith strange alls that pulsated as if ali+e, leading to a door
that opened to a shining cha"ber. -here, sitting high upon his throne of pure hite, sat #usar. ;e as rapped in
hite cloth fro" the neck don, his face black as charcoal, ith the crook and flail held tightly across his chest. ;is
head sloly turned and he see"ed to be looking at us. -hen he sloly nodded, as if gi+ing us per"ission to go on.
-he +ie then flashed past #usar, don long corridors here tendrils of darkness and light flitted to and fro. :inally,
5 sa "y "ut. (he as 5ying upon a sil+er bed, her hands entined peacefully across her breast.
L(he sleeps the slu"ber of the nely passed,M said Ia"!#tef. L5f you ould take council ith her, you "ust libate.M
7eftiji and 5 looked around the ca+e, then back at Ia"!#tef. L-here are no libation bols nearby,M 7eftiji said.
L2se your hands,M said Ia"!#tef.
7eftiji and 5 reached into the pool, ithdraing to handfuls of ater each. We poured it onto the ground and spoke
the libation ords.
;E # N#t#r! K#-#r8a&h3 Ea Ti E +#ri8Ta?=
("all flashes of light appeared to sink into "y "utQs head. ;er bros "o+ed and she stirred, but only slightly.
L#gain,M said Ia"!#tef. L(ay it louder.M
We dipped our hands into the ater and poured it onto the ground again, shouting the libation ords in unison.
;E # N#t#r! K#-#r8a&h? Ea Ti E +#ri8Ta?=
-his ti"e "uch "ore light engulfed "y "ut. (he shook and "oaned, then opened her eyes and sat up. *eri!-a
blinked and looked directly at us.
L5 a" aake, "y children.M
L*utRM 7eftiji cried, her eyes filling ith tears. LWe "iss you soRM 5 said nothing at first due to the knot elling up
in "y throat. ;olding back tears of "y on, 5 boed "y head in sha"e.
L*ut, 5 a" so sorry....M 5 finally e,clai"ed.
L(hush, *e"na,M spoke *eri!-a. LLook at "e.M
Ga0ing into "y "utQs face through the "ist of the pool, 5 found her s"iling seetly. 5 could still feel the affection
she had alays gi+en "e as she ga0ed into "y face.
L8ou did the best you could, *e"na, and 5 a" proud of you. *ourn no "ore for "e, "y children, for 5 ha+e only
crossed o+er. 5t is you ho ha+e ork to do in the orld of Geb.M
L*ut, e are here on the island of the Ia,M 7eftiji (aid. LWe are ith Ia"!#tef, the great serpent fro" the stories
you told us of #usar.M
*eri!-a sat up higher on the sil+er bed and turned her face toard the great serpent. L;ail, Ia"!#tefR *y children
are blessed by your presence.M
L;ail, (pirit in the boso" of #usarR L Ia"!#tef said in reply. L8our children are to be prepared for a great struggle
that threatens their entire orld. 1oes this ha+e your blessing@M
*y "ut ga0ed first into "y eyes, then into 7eftijiQs. L5s this hat they ill to do@M she asked.
5 grabbed 7eftijiQs hand and e nodded our heads in unison.
L8es, "ut,M 7eftiji declared. L5t is.M
L-hen teach the" ell, great Ia"!#tef. -his endea+or has "y blessing.M
L*ut,M 5 said. LWhere is pa@ Can e speak to hi"@M
*y *ut shook her head. LWhen 5 first arri+ed, he did not co"e to greet "e. 5 do not belie+e your pa is here.M
LWhat@M 5 cried. LBut hy is this so@ (urely, he is not consigned to the outer darkness. )ur pa as a righteous "an,
he ould not be in the place of sinful spirits....M
*y *ut held up her hand to silence "e. L*e"na, your pa is not here in the -aut at all. ;e still dells in the boso"
of Geb. ;e is still ali+e.M
7eftiji and 5 looked at each other in utter a"a0e"ent.
LBut, "ut,M 7eftiji said. L-hey said he died at -roy.M
L8our pa does not dell ith #usar, dear one. (o"ehere, he still li+es.M
:eelings of joy, fear and confusion o+erhel"ed "e. /+er since 5 as a young boy, 5 had grie+ed o+er the death of
"y pa. -o find he had sur+i+ed brought only one Puestion to "y "ind. L*ut, here is "y pa@M 5 asked.
L#las,M *eri!-a said sadly, Lthis 5 do not kno.M
LBut you of the -aut can obser+e the doings of Geb. ;o can you not kno here he is@M
*y *ut placed her hand upon her bro. Loering her head she spoke sole"nly. L-his is true. But hen 5 seek to
obser+e "y husband, 5 see only darkness. 1arkness. 8our pa yet li+es, but he is held don in darkness and he cannot
"o+e. 5 can tell you only this...it is in a place in the north, for 5 can feel the cold that he feels. ;is place of capti+ity
bears a harsh and bitter chill that ne+er ends.M
-he thought of "y pa being held in cold darkness disturbed "e greatly. #ll "y life 5 had been told that he died an
honorable death defending *aat in a far!off land. 5 turned toards Ia"!#tef.
LGreat serpentR 8ou ha+e heard this yourself. 8ou "ust let us lea+e to find our pa. We "ust lea+e here noRM
L8ou are no prisoner here, little one,M Ia"!#tef said. LBut your lessons are not yet finished. Would you gi+e the"
up no, so close to co"pletion@M
5 opened "y "outh to speak, but "y "utQs +oice as there before "ine. L*y son,M she said. L5 too ould see "y
husband freed fro" the cold prison in hich he dells, but you ha+e a task there that needs co"pleting.M
*y "utQs tone as as it had alays been hen scolding "e for i"petuous beha+ior. 5 boed "y head. /+en after
her death, 5 as hu"bled by her isdo". 7eftiji held "y hand as e both listened respectfully to the shade of *eri!
-a.
L*y children, you ha+e been gi+en a sacred task. 8ou "ust learn all fro" great Ia"!#tef and go back to gi+e the
isdo" to the orld. -hen go and find your pa, ith "y blessings. 8ou "ust fulfill this destiny. $ro"ise "e you
illRM
L5 pro"ise, "ut,M 5 said.
L5 too, pro"ise,M said 7eftiji.
L*y children, you "ake "e proud. Libate for "e and 5 ill send you help hen 5 can. Be strong and listen to the
great serpent. 5 a" tired no, "y children, fareell.M
*eri!-a lay back don upon the sil+er bed and the i"ages faded fro" the pool. Ia"!#tef then disappeared beneath
the surface of the sparkling ater, and 7eftiji and 5 retired to our corner of the ca+e. -hough 5 stilled "y e"otions
ith the breath of *en #b, 5 ent to sleep thinking of "y pa and drea"ed of hi" being held don in cold darkness.
-el+e "oons ent by during our stay on the 5sland of the Ia and "y sister and 5 learned diligently fro" the great
serpent. #ll as peaceful until one sunny "orning hen 7eftiji and 5 ere out picking fruit. # strange object
appeared suddenly in the sky. ;igh abo+e the trees it ho+ered, looking like a stiff sort of bird. #s it ca"e closer, 5
sa that its ings did not "o+e and that it ga+e off a lo "usical hu". #s it fle back and forth o+er the island,
like a bird of prey seeking +icti"s, 7eftiji and 5 ran back to the ca+e to infor" Ia"!#tef.
When e burst into the ca+e, he as 5ying atop the pool, floating serenely as the sparkling lights reflected off his
gloing scales.
LGreat serpent,M 5 puffed e,citedly, Lthere is a strange flying thing abo+e the island.M
L8es,M added 7eftiji, Lits ings do not "o+e and it "akes a strange noise.M
Ia"!#tef glided fro" the ater and rose up before us. LWhere is this object@M
L5t is near the gro+e of the -ree of Life,M 5 said.
-he great serpent listened to our fearful +oices and a huge grin appeared across his face. ;e then let out a loud peal
of laughter that shook the entire ca+e.
L#h ha ha ha haR Look at you, little ones, shaking in fear. ;a+e 5 not taught you to be "ore obser+ant than this@
:ollo "eRM
We trailed Ia"!#tef back to the gro+e, strolling through the trees until e ca"e to a ell!orn clearing. Ia"!#tef
looked to the sky, pressed his lips together and let loose a piercing histle. (oon the object appeared directly abo+e
the clearing, e"itting an identical sound. -hen it began loering to the ground. #s it ca"e closer 7eftiji and 5
looked on in a"a0e"ent, finally reali0ing hat this strange object as.
L# sky!boatRM 5 cried.
#s it ca"e closer to the ground 5 could see it clearly. 5ts ings ere stiff and attached to each side of the +essel to
cut through the ind. 5t had a tail that stuck upright for steering and as perhaps 4& cubits long. $ainted hite on
the top and black on the botto" half, it bore a "i, of Ia"itic sy"bols along ith other odd and unfa"iliar signs.
7eftiji and 5 had heard of these "agical +essels in tales told to us as children. 7o, like Ia"!#tef and his island, e
kne they ere actually real.
-he great +essel floated gently to the ground, landing a fe cubits aay. -hen a door opened on the side and to
+ery s"all Iushite "en stepped out. Both ore loincloths in the style of early Ia"it and bore reaths of hite
floers around the tops of their heads.
-hey stepped forard holding spears, boed to Ia"!#tef, then took their places at both sides of the door. -hen a
+ery s"all o"an ith radiant, reddish!bron skin stepped fro" the ship. (he as dressed regally in a long blue
robe held at one shoulder by a pin ith a huge clear dia"ond. #round her neck as a reath of floers of brilliant
colors and +ibrant hues. ;er hair as closely cropped in the style of southern Iushite o"en and her eyes ere
large, liPuid and e,pressi+e.
(he stepped aside and a s"all "an e"erged. ;e too had striking red dish!bron skin and as dressed as she as,
ith blue robes and a sparkling reath, but his pin held his robe on the opposite shoulder. Looking closer, 5 noticed
a soft golden light radiating fro" their skin. -hey boed to Ia"!#tef and spoke in unison.
L;ail, great Ia"!#tef. We bring you greetings fro" the land of the #nu.M
L;ail, princess 7u!#t. ;ail, prince #unk!#t. Welco"e once again to the 5sland of the Ia.M
7eftiji and 5 ere shaking ith delight. ;ere again as another legend co"e true. -he great #nu, the sacred little
people, stood before us. Ia"!#tef noticed ho e ere shaking and nodded at us ith a chuckle.
L-hese are "y charges, *e"na!un and 7eftiji,M he said. LIa"itians ho ha+e co"e to the sacred island to learn.M
-he prince and princess boed their heads toards us.
L;ail, *e"na!un. ;ail, 7eftiji,M they said in perfect unison again.
We both boed ner+ously, too o+erhel"ed to speak.
-he royal #nu turned toards the sky!boat and clapped their hands. )ut ca"e lines of #nu "en and o"en
carrying baskets. -here ere do0ens of the". *ost ere black!skinned and looked like the s"all peoples far to the
south of Ia"it. But so"e had the reddish!bron co"ple,ions of the prince and princess. -hey all ran joyfully into
the trees and started picking fruit, singing songs of transcendent beauty as they orked.
#s their e,Puisite songs filled the air, the at"osphere beca"e charged ith a +ibrancy unlike anything 5 had e+er
knon. 7eftiji and 5 sayed to and fro as e e,perienced the legendary "usic of the #nu, the songs of healing that
only a pri+ileged fe had e+er heard.
-he prince and princess e,cused the"sel+es and ent a"ong their people, directing the" and o+erseeing their
har+est. 7eftiji and 5 ere speechless for long "inutes as e atched the" ork. :inally 5 pulled "y "ind aay
fro" their songs to pursue the Puestions raging in "y "ind.
LGreat serpent,M 5 asked, Lhat is your relation to the #nu@M
Ia"!#tef atched the little people dashing a"ongst the trees, nodding his on head to their "usic. ;e ansered
"e ithout taking his eyes off the". L-hey co"e to har+est during this season yearly. -hey are the only race of
GebQs Children, ho as a hole, are orthy to eat of the -ree of Life. -hey are the oldest of your kind, those ho
for the longest ha+e gi+en thanks to #"en!.a.M
)ne s"all #nu ran by, a basket balanced precariously upon his head. ;esitating, he inked at 7eftiji before
scurrying on his ay. *y sister giggled. L-hey "ust be +ery ise to eat so "uch of the -ree of Life,M she said.
L5ndeed,M Ia"!#tef replied, Lthey are the "ost ise of all the races. Hery soon they ill lea+e the orld of Geb
behind. -hey ill be the first race to cross o+er all together, and go on to be one ith the 7eters.M
5 as astonished at the i"plications of Ia"!#tefQs ords.
L8ou "ean their people ill die all at once@M
Ia"!#tef shook his head. L7o, little one. 7o. (oon they ill gather on their sacred island of #garu for the great
ritual of Co"ing :orth. #s a people, they ill gi+e up this orld and go to li+e in the -aut fore+er.M
We atched their flurry of acti+ity for hours and listened to Ia"!#tefQs "any stories about these little "agical
people. :inally, they hauled the fruit aboard and prepared to lea+e. #s e stood atching the s"all folk file into the
sky!boat, the royal couple alked up to us, gi+ing us an open!handed salute 5 had ne+er seen. #s e boed in
return, they stepped closer.
-he princess took the colorful reath fro" her on neck and placed it around 7eftijiQs, hispering so"ething in her
ear. -hen the prince took a ring fro" his forefinger, and, sei0ing "y hand, pushed it upon "y finger.
5 did not belie+e it ould fit "e since his hand as like that of s"all child. But as it "o+ed up "y finger, the band
gre, slipping onto "y forefinger easily. -he band as solid gold and bore a pitch!black stone of a sort unknon to
"e. 5t as car+ed in the likeness of the head of a great cat, ith a face that see"ed to change e,pressions. 2pon the
catQs bro as a sy"bol 5 had only obser+ed in the "ost ancient of Ia"itic docu"ents. 5t as the sy"bol for a
chief or great leader. -hen the prince hispered into "y ear.
LBy this ring you ill be knon.M
5 had no idea hat he "eant, but 7eftiji and 5 thanked the" re+erently for the gifts. -hey saluted Ia"!#tef and then
disappeared into their sky!boat. #s e atched it rise a"ong the clouds, Ia"!#tef "ade a fateful announce"ent.
LLittle ones, you ha+e recei+ed e+erything you ca"e to this island to get. 8our orld aaits you. 5t is ti"e for you to
lea+e.
CHAPTER 4: WELCOME BACK CHILDREN OF MEMNON
5t as a clear early "orning on the golden beach of the 5sland of the Ia. -he sea as cal" and the ater bright
blue!green as e stood beteen our s"all boat and the great serpent. 5t as ith great sadness that 7eftiji and 5
restocked our +essel in preparation for lea+ing. -ears filled "y eyes as 5 carefully rapped "y greatest possession,
-he Book of Inoing -he Creatures of the -aut, in cloth and papyrus for the trip.
Ia"!#tef lifted his head high to scan the aters and flicked his huge tongue out to test the ind. -he rays of #ten
bounced off his gloing scales, reflecting light onto the golden sand and aters of the sea. ;e had ne+er looked
Puite so beautiful to "e.
L5t is a good day to sail,M Ia"!#tef said ith a nod.
7eftiji and 5 looked at each other, but said nothing as e placed jugs of ater and bags of food into the boat.
Inoing one day e ould ha+e to lea+e, e had repaired the s"all +essel during our stay on the island. But as e
stood there on the gloing golden sand, neither of us reali0ed ho difficult e ould find lea+ing the presence of
the great serpent.
7oting the sad looks upon our faces, he tried his best to cheer us up. LCo"e no,M belloed Ia"!#tef heartily.
L(till your heartsR Be at peace ith your destiny, for you ha+e achie+ed great things during your stay hereRMWe put
don our jugs of ater and ran to hi", rubbing our hands all o+er his scales in a futile atte"pt at hugging his huge
bulk. Loering his head, he gently shook his i""ense fra"e, causing the "usical chi"es of his scales to fill our
ears.
L#hhh, little ones,M Ia"!#tef said affectionately. L5 a" +ery fond of you also. But e all ha+e our duty. Go back to
the orld ith hat you ha+e learned. Be strong, for the Children of Geb need you.
LGreat serpent,M 7eftiji said sadly, Le ill "iss you so.M
5 stepped back and looked up into the face of Ia"!#tef.
LCould destiny bring us back to this island, great serpent@ Will e e+er see you again@M
L5t is possible, it is possible,M Ia"!#tef said ith a s"ile. L5t is "ore likely, though, that you ill ne+er co"e back.
But there is a ay for us to alays speak to one another, if you choose to accept it.M
LWhat is it, great one@M 7eftiji asked. L;o is it that you can alays speak to us@M
L8ou can accept "y +eno",M Ia"!#tef replied.
L5t ill allo "e to be ith you in spirit and speak to you in ti"es of need.M
L;o do e take the +eno", great serpent@M 5 asked, the anser to the Puestion daning upon "e as soon as 5
spoke the ords.
L(tep back,M Ia"!#tef said.
7eftiji and 5 did as he bid as the great serpentQs loered his head to our height and opened his "outh. :our long
fangs 5 had ne+er noticed before jutted fro" his jas. #s they ca"e close 5 couldnQt hold back a gasp of instincti+e
fear.
Ia"!#tef pulled back asking, L1o you not trust "e, little one@M
L8es...M 5 said, ha+ing to think for a "o"ent, Lyes, 5 trust you.M
Loering his head again, he bit lightly into "y shoulder ith to sharp fangs. -here as a sharp pain that as
Puickly gone, and a peculiar sensation of cold liPuid entering "y body. Withdraing the fangs left not a trace of
blood, only to s"all "arks shaped like a crescent "oon.
#fter he bit 7eftiji he coiled hi"self before us and spoke. L*e"na!un and 7eftiji, there is no a sacred bond
beteen us that can ne+er be broken. 7ot e+en by death.M
7eftiji and 5 looked at each other in astonish"ent. -he ords Ia"!#tef spoke no ca"e into our "inds before they
reached our ears.
LWe are no connected across all spaces. (till your heart and call "y na"e, and 5 ill anser to gi+e you
guidance...if it is safe to do so.M
L;o "ight it not be safe to anser@M 5 asked.
L5f the forces of the e+il ones are near, they "ay hear "e,M Ia"!#tef said gra+ely. L-hey ould be able to use our
co""unications to track you don. 8ou ould be in great danger.M
LWe thank you for this gift, great serpent,M 7eftiji said.
LWe ill cherish it abo+e all orldly possessions,M 5 added, Land ill take care not to abuse it.M
We boarded the boat and Ia"!#tef nosed us gently into the aters of the sea. #s soon as e unfurled the sails, a
gust of ind fle into the", carrying us siftly aay fro" the island. Ia"!#tef stood there as e sailed further
aay, getting s"aller and s"aller in the distance. :inally, e sa hi" turn around and head back into the hills and
forests of his enchanted island, but e heard his +oice in our "inds as his for" disappeared into the trees.
L:areell, little ones. :areellRM
We sailed north for "any days, ith greater ease this ti"e since Ia"!#tef had taught us "ore about using the stars
to guide us on our journey. We had been on the 5sland of the Ia for a full year, and ondered hat as going on
back ho"e. We longed to see a trade +essel or diplo"acy ship going to or fro" a port of Ia"it, to get nes and
finally speak to fa"iliar people. )ne day, three Puarters of a "oon into our journey ho"e, 5 spied a ship in the
distance.
L7eftijiR L 5 cried. LLook, a shipR L
7eftiji stood up ith "e and e atched it co"e closer. 5t as a large +essel, as large as any trading ship fro"
Canaan or (aba, and it see"ed to be going the sa"e ay e had co"e. -his "eant it as probably tra+eling to the
incense!rich lands of the southern Pueens of (aba or -a 7eter.
#s the ship gre closer, 7eftiji a+ed a hite cloth, signaling to the" that e ished to co"e aboard. -hey spotted
our signal and +eered toards us, hen a strange feeling suddenly sei0ed "e, and 5 snatched don 7eftijiQs a+ing
ar". While she looked at "e in confusion, a a+e of horror and recognition ashed o+er "e. 5 had recogni0ed the
ship too late.
(uddenly the deck as lined ith archers. #ll ere -a"ahu, pale northerners ith red and yello hair, ai"ing their
bos carefully to cut us to pieces ith their arros. Cold chills sept o+er "e hen 5 sa a dark Iushite e"erge
a"ong the". 5t as Iho!#n!(a.
L#t last, young pantherRM he shouted don ith a icked s"ile. LWe ha+e been looking for youRM
-hey thre don a ladder and to "en sca"pered don. 5 thought of fighting, but there as nothing 5 could do.
7eftiji stood "otionless, her "outh open and eyes filled ith fear. 5 had to shake her as the arriors stepped into the
boat.
LBe bra+e, "y sister,M 5 hispered. LWe ill find a ay out of this. :or no, do as they say.M
5 hugged her as the to arriors stepped toards us, sords dran. -hen they sho+ed us up the ladder, cli"bing
after us ith the points of their eapons at our backs. #s soon as our feet touched the deck, other "en sca"pered
don to retrie+e our belongings. We ere then sho+ed toard the "iddle of the boat. -here Iho!#n!(a sat in a
throne!like chair, his hands folded in his lap, and e+il glint of diabolic joy in is eyes.
LWelco"e back, children of *e"non,M he said coldly.
L;o did you find us@M 5 cried. LWhy donQt you lea+e us alone@M
L*y...de+ices told "e that you had ne+er left the south 1esher (ea,M he replied, Land that so"ehere you still
li+ed.M
L8ou ha+e been out here,M 5 asked, Lfor a hole year, looking for us@M
Iho!#n!(a leaned forard in his chair, pointing at "e "enacingly. L5 told you, young panther, you are destined to
ser+e "e.M
L7oRM 5 cried. L5 ill ne+er ser+e you. 5 ould die first.M
;e stood up and clapped his hands and se+eral arriors sei0ed "e, hile others snatched 7eftiji aay fro" "y side.
-hey dragged her toards Iho!#n!(a ho asked cruelly, L5t is clear that you ha+e no fear of death, young panther,
but hat of the life of your sister@M
7eftiji struggled against her captors. L*e"na!un, donQt do itR L
L1onQt hurt "y sisterRM 5 cried.
Iho!#n!(a turned to the arriors near his chair and gestured. :ro" a"ong the" stepped the largest "an 5 had e+er
seen. ;e as a +eritable giant, harshly pale, ith a thick red beard and a strange horned hel"et topping his bright
red hair. # thick leather corselet encased his "assi+e fra"e, and the skin of a large beast ser+ed as a cloak. ;e
alked toards Iho!#n!(a and boed, then turned toard 7eftiji and dre the largest sord 5 had e+er seen. -he
double!bladed eapon as a hand and a half ide, big enough to cut don a s"all tree, and he held it against the
throat of "y sister.
L7o, young panther,M Iho!#n!(a said. L5 ha+e not just been proling the 1esher (ea looking for you. 8our
departure forced "e to seek a ne arrior fro" the north to ser+e "e, and he ill cut your sister in half at "y
bidding. What say you@M
7eftiji as petrified ith fear as she looked up into the bestial face of the -a"ahu arrior. 5 had no choice but to
bo "y head to Iho!#n!(a.
LLea+e her be,M 5 "uttered. L5 ill do as you say.M
LHery good, young panther,M Iho!#n!(a said. ;e a+ed his hand at the "en holding "y sister and they dragged her
aay. -he huge "an sheathed his sord and stood "otionless.
LWhere are they taking her@M 5 cried. LLea+e her ith "eR Why do you take her aay@M
L7ot this ti"e, young panther,M Iho!#n!(a replied. L8ou ill not see your sister again until 5 a" sure you ill
obey "e.M
-he arriors let "e go as Iho!#n!(a hispered into the ear of the huge -a"ahu. ;e then alked toards "e and
began pushing "e roughly toards the hold of the ship, the sa"e hold 5 had escaped fro" a year ago. ;e pushed "e
once too roughly and 5 hirled around to confront hi". *y anger o+erco"ing "e, 5 slapped his hand aay and
raised "y fist threateningly.
Groling like a beast, the -a"ahu sei0ed "y neck like a stick and lifted "e fro" the deck ith one hand, choking
"e and a+ing "e about like a s"all child. #s 5 kicked hi" and paed at his ar", the light began to di" before "y
eyes, until a ord fro" Iho!#n!(a released "e fro" his deadly grip. 5 fell to the deck, di00y fro" the lack of air.
(uddenly Iho!#n!(aQs face appeared o+er "e, and the ring gi+en to "e by the #nu as roughly jerked fro" "y
finger.
L8ou are "ine no, young panther,M he said, turning the ring o+er in his fingers, Las are all your possessions. 8ou
ill join this northerner in ser+ice to Iho!#n!(a, and you ill ne+er escape "e again.M
5 sat in the hold for "any days, pondering the destiny that brought us back into the clutches of this e+il "agician. 5
thought of "any plans for escape, but none see"ed orkable because 5 kne not here they kept 7eftiji, and
because of the presence of the huge arrior outside "y locked door. #s constant as the a+es bouncing against the
ship, he stood there day and night, ne+er see"ing to rest or sleep.
When he opened the door to pass in "y "orning and e+ening "eals, his strange blue eyes ere e+er alert and
penetrating. ;is hea+y breathing and the odor of the putrid skins he alays ore ere a constant re"inder of his
presence. 5 could see hy Iho!#n!(a had chosen hi" to guard "e, for he had the Pualities of a hunting ani"al. #
dangerous, deadly beast.
-hree Puarters of the "oon passed as 5 languished in the hold of the ship. -hen one "orning 5 heard a co""otion on
deck, and felt the ship co"e to a stop and loer anchor. Later the door sung open and "y huge guard beckoned "e
to follo hi".
)n deck the hole cre as preparing to depart, furling sails and loering barrels to the shore for restocking. 5
looked out at the s"all ton here e had docked. 5t as an ordinary trading center, ith long streets filled ith
creaking agons and colorful "arkets. (e+eral ta+erns and ga"bling houses ere nearby, indicating the sort of
loose ad"inistration under hich this port "ust operate.
5 as escorted off the ship and loaded into a agon along ith "y huge guard and se+eral other arriors. 5n a
nearby agon 5 caught a gli"pse of 7eftiji. (he sa "e also and turned to speak, but as jerked roughly by to
"en sitting near her. #t the head of her agon 5 spied Iho!#n!(a.
We left the ton and tra+eled across sandy plains toards the east. #s e tra+eled along, 5 looked for any
opportunity to escape, but "y e+er!+igilant guard see"ed ne+er to sleep.
/ach ti"e 5 oke up, his piercing blue eyes ould be there, boring into "ine.
#fter se+eral days, e could see the outlines of a large city. -o the south 5 sa fertile fields and huge "onu"ents of
stone ri+aling those of Ia"it. -o the north, the fields ga+e ay to trackless desert and endless brushy astelands. 5t
looked "uch like parts of Ia"it, but the huge "onu"ents had been built differently. -he na"e of the place ca"e to
"e as 5 recogni0ed the tre"endous te"ple toards the "iddle of the city.
;undreds of Iushites and (hashu ere "arching around a tre"endous stone building, chanting, their heads loered
in re+erence. /+en fro" this long distance 5 could hear the orshippersQ litanies as they praised the na"e of #llat,
*ut Goddess of the (abaens, and her gift inside the te"ple, the holy black Iaaba (tone. We had reached the sacred
city of *akka, in the fabled land of #raby.
We stopped near the northern side of the city, got out of the agons and ent inside a large building that bustled
ith acti+ity. Iho!#n!(a ent ahead ith 7eftiji and a fe arriors, lea+ing the rest of us near the large entrance
ith the piles of trade ite"s stacked against the alls and the "en ho guarded the".
-here ere "any sorts of people "illing about the areaN Iushites, (hashu and e+en so"e -a"ahu. *ost ran to and
fro ith tablets of clay and pieces of papyrus in hand, no doubt keeping track of trade agree"ents and sale ite"s.
:inally a guide ca"e and escorted us don a long corridor and into a s"all roo". 5nside Iho!#n!(a as seated at a
table ith a (hashu "an ith ily eyes and a crafty de"eanor.
L#h,M said Iho!#n!(a. L-his is the one 5 spoke of....
LWhere is "y sister, Iho!#n!(a@M 5 de"anded.
L(he is safe, young panther,M he ansered. LLook, Ihalibar, see "y latest arrior, the son of the great *e"non of
-roy.M
-he (hashu looked at "e. 7odding his head, his narro eyes appraised "e fro" head to toe. L-he son of
*e"non,M he said. L;e is orth "uch on the open "arket...M
Iho!#n!(a looked at Ihalibar suspiciously.
L1o not think of it, Ihalibar,M he said. L;e is to be "y arrior. (oon he ill fight for "e.M
IhalibarQs eyes shifted ner+ously.
L7o, "y dear friend,M he replied. L5 ould ne+er betray you. 5t is si"ply "y "ercantile instinct....M
L5 ant to see "y sister, Iho!#n!(a,M 5 interrupted.
L8oung panther,M Iho!#n!(a ansered, Lyou ill see your sister hen 5 say. :or no, 5 "ust attend to business in
the (abaen lands south of here. 8ou ill stay here under the atch of Ihalibar, and your guard, Cronn.M
LBut here is "y sister@M
# +icious e,pression appeared on the face of the e+il "agician.
L8ou ill see your sister later, son of *e"nonR #li+e if you obey Ihalibar, dead, if you disobey hi" or atte"pt any
foolishness. 5s that clear@M
5 loered "y eyes.
L5s that clear, young panther@M
L8es,M 5 ansered.
LGood,M he said. LWhen 5 return, e journey to the city of $etra. -here your training shall begin.M
-hey locked "e in a roo" inside IhalibarQs storehouse and stationed Cronn as "y guard once again. )ne s"all
indo alloed "e to see the astelands to the north, here 5 atched the sands blo for hour after hour. *any
lonely days ent by as 5 ondered about the fate of "y sister and conte"plated ays to escape. 1espair as "y
daily co"panion, and as 5 sat on the floor of "y cell, orrying about 7eftiji, the days on Ia"!#tefQs 5sland of the
Ia see"ed a distant drea". )ne day 5 sa the great serpentQs face in "y "ind, i"agined his +oice and longed to
hear hi", and then suddenly his +oice ca"e into "y head.
L8es, little one, 5 a" here.M
5 ju"ped to "y feet. LIa"!#tefR 5s it really you@M
L8es, little one. #re you troubled@M
L)h Ia"!#tef, things ha+e gone terribly rong....M
L-ell "e, little one.M
5 told Ia"!#tef of our second capture by Iho!#n!(a and about our present situation. 5 asked hi" if 7eftiji had
contacted hi".
L7o, 5 ha+e not heard fro" 7eftiji,M he said. L#nd there is no one nearby ho 5 can send to assist you, little one. 5
a" sorry.M
5 sank back don to the floor, holding "y head in "y hands. L5 cannot send you direct assistance,M Ia"!#tef said,
Lbut listen *e"na!un...trust no one you "eet in that land of the (hashu, and if you can escape, flee to the court of
the Oueen of (aba. (he is a just ruler and e+en the poer of Iho!#n!(a cannot stand against her. :lee south to the
Oueen of (aba if you can, little one.M
#s the +oice of Ia"!#tef faded, 5 found reneed hope, a rise in "y spirit to keep fighting. $eering fro" the
indo again, 5 atched the rays of #ten gro di""er, and felt assured that our chance to escape ould co"e.
When #tenQs rays disappeared beneath the hori0on, 5 heard a loud thu"p near the door. -urning around, 5 e,pected
to see Cronn handing "e "y e+ening "eal. But the (hashu "erchant, Ihalibar stepped through the door instead.
LCo"e, young one. 5 ill take you to your sister.M
#t first 5 hurried to the door, but then re"e"bered Ia"!#tefQs ords and hesitated. LWhere is Cronn@M 5 asked
suspiciously.
Ihalibar s"iled and pointed to the floor near the door.
L;a, haRM the (hashu laughed. L-he filthy barbarian lies here, the +icti" of drugged ine.M
5 alked toard the door and peered out onto the floor. -here the huge -a"ahu lay face don in a pool of spilled
ine. # tu"bled flask lay nearby.
L;e ill bother you no "ore,M said Ihalibar. L1eath ill take hi" ithin "o"ents. Co"eR Why do you hesitate@M
5 folloed Ihalibar through the dooray. We stepped o+er the still body of Cronn and hurried don the corridor.
LCareful, young "an,M Ihalibar said. L-here are "en in Iho!#n!(aQs e"ploy still about.M
We ca"e to a large roo" filled ith clothing of "any for"s and fashions.
LChoose a robe for conceal"ent,M said Ihalibar.
5 picked a long bron robe ith a hood, pulling it tightly about "e. With the hood pulled o+er "y head, no one
could distinguish "e fro" the "any pilgri"agers to the great stone of *akka.
Ihalibar thrust another robe into "y hands. L:or your sister,M he said.
(ei0ing the robe fro" hi", 5 stuffed it inside "y on. We alked rapidly out into the "oonlight, heading toards
the north end of the city. 5 atched IahlibarQs "anner as he greeted those he kne along the ay. /+en if Ia"!#tef
had not arned "e, 5 ould ha+e had deep suspicions about hi". ;e as (ebek!-e", crafty and dangerous.
LWhy do you do this for us@M 5 asked. L5 thought you ere a friend of Iho!#n!(a@M
L8oung one,M he replied, Lprofit is "y only friend. #nd rest assured, this ill rePuire pay"ent...M
5 stopped i""ediately and de"anded, LWhat for" of pay"ent@M
Ihalibar stopped ahead and turned around.
LIho!#n!(a told "e that a book he found in your possession indicates you ha+e been to the 5sland of the Ia. -he
land of golden shoresR .uby hills and strea"s lined ith dia"ondsRM
5 nodded. L8es, e ha+e been there...M
L-hen you "ust lead "e there. 5 "ust ha+e the riches of this islandR L
LBut Ihalibar...M 5 began.
.aising his ar"s, he clenched his fists greedily and hissed, L-he island, young oneR -he island for your freedo" and
for the life of your sisterR 8ou ill lead "e there. 8ou ill do itR )r 5 ill lea+e you in the clutches of Iho!#n!(aRM
5 said nothing as e resu"ed alking. $resently e ca"e to a huge stone building ith torches burning at each
corner. -he guards outside the front doors kne Ihalibar and let us through. 5nside ere trade ite"s fro" the ships,
no doubt stored to be taken o+erland to "arket. #s e approached a s"all roo" toard the rear, 5 sa to "ore
-a"ahu arriors 5ying on the floor. Both ere soaked ith ine and neither as breathing. # (hashu "an earing
desert clothing stood o+er the". ;e saluted Ihalibar ith a bo, said so"ething in the (hashu language, then turned
toard the door the "en had been guarding.
5 strode forard and thrust it open and there stood 7eftiji, holding a +ase o+er her head and about to strike "e. 5
pulled don the hood, then the +ase tu"bled fro" her hands and she rushed into "y ar"s.
L*e"na!un, *e"na!un,M she sobbed.
L#re you ell, sister@M 5 asked, handing her the e,tra robe. L1id they har" you@M
L5 a" ell,M she replied, looking at Ihalibar. LWho is this ith you@M
L-his is Ihalibar,M 5 replied. L;e ill lead us aay fro" here.M
L;urryRM said Ihalibar, hile he and his friend looked around ner+ously.
LWe "ust go. 7oRM
#s Ihalibar and his "an alked ahead toard the door, 5 reached don and stealthily snatched a sord fro" one of
the dead guards, Puickly concealing it in the folds of "y robe. We then caught up ith the (hashu at the entrance.
But hen e alked out e found the guards barring our ay ith their spears loered.
Ihalibar spoke to the" in a different language, si"ilar to Ia"itian, but 5 could not "ake it out. ;e turned to "e and
translated.
L-hey ere told that the girl as the property of Iho!#n!(a. -hey ant to kno hy e are taking her.M
5 prepared "yself to fight, reaching inside the robe to pull out the concealed sord. But before 5 could dra it forth,
Ihalibar spoke to the" again and they s"iled. .eaching into his pocket, he produced to s"all bags and tossed one
to each guard. -hen they stepped out of our ay, falling back into place near the door. )ne guard stared at his feet,
hile the other a+erted his eyes toards the "oon.
LWe "ust go to the northern edge of *akka,M said Ihalibar, as e alked rapidly aay. LWe ill find a cara+an
aiting there to take us to a northern port. :ro" there e ill gather a ship and supplies for the +oyage to the 5sland
of the Ia.M
7eftiji looked at "e incredulously and 5 gestured for her to keep silent. (he and 5 both kne that the sacred island
could not be reached by nor"al "eans, but e had to deal ith the "ore i""ediate concerns first. 5 had spent "any
days atching the sands blo toards the northern astelands and 5 kne they ere barren and dangerous. 5 had no
ish to journey into the".
LWhy can e not acPuire a +essel at the port nearby@M 5 asked. LLet us sa+e the trip through the northern deserts.M
Ihalibar shook his head. LBy no they "ust kno of all the dead arriors,M he ansered, Las ell as the "issing
gold 5 stole to finance this +enture. 5 can ne+er again go back to *akka or to the nearby docks. But about these
things 5 no longer care, for the riches of the enchanted island are soon to be "ine.M
)nce again 7eftiji looked at "e in disbelief, but said nothing. We reached the edge of *akka, and, as Ihalibar had
said, there as a s"all cara+an aiting to transport us. -o agons pulled by asses ere filled ith supplies and
se+eral "en. # third agon as e"pty, e,cept for a fe sleeping "ats, a s"all a"ount of pro+isions and a dri+er.
(e+eral "en astride ca"els and ar"ed ith spears rode ahead and behind the".
-he "oon as high and bright as e boarded the e"pty agon and headed north. Ihalibar sat across fro" 7eftiji
and 5, and as e jostled along into the night, he began to do0e. -he torchlight fro" the front of the agon as
playing along the side of his seaty face hen 5 decided to hisper to 7eftiji.
L*y sister,M 5 e,plained, L5 ould ne+er pro"ise the sacred island to anyone, least of all to a "an like hi".M
7eftiji looked across at Ihalibar, shaking her head in disappro+al.
L-hen hy does he think e ill take hi" there@Q, she asked.
L5 had to go along ith his "adness to get hi" to free us...M
L5 understand,M she said, Lbut hat "ust e do no@
LWe "ust escape fro" hi" also, and "ake our ay to the Oueen of (aba in the (outh. Ia"!#tef says she is a just
ruler...M
LIa"!#tef@M she replied. L8ou ha+e been talking to Ia"!#tef@M
#s 5 opened "y "outh to anser, a loud, horrified screa" echoed through the night air. -he cara+an ca"e to a halt
and Ihalibar bolted upright. # "ounted arrior ca"e racing up to the agon, speaking the (hashu language and
sounding terrified. Ihalibar ga+e orders to the "an and then translated for us.
L# huge beast has appeared. 5t snatched #li off his ca"el and broke the ani"alQs neck. #li has been dragged off into
the darkness....M
While he as talking, another screa" pierced the night air. Ihalibar shouted orders to his "en and the agons
closed into a defensi+e triangle. We got out and "ade ca"p in the "iddle, hile riders ca"e in close and the "en in
the agons got out their eapons. (itting close around the ca"pQs fire, e peered up into the "oonlit sky.
L(o"e beast stalks us,M said Ihalibar. L#nother "an as just taken.M
7eftiji huddled closer to "e. LWhat is it@M she asked. LWhat kind of beast@M
L-he "en donQt kno,M Ihalibar ansered. L5t beha+es like a lion, but they ere all hunted don generations ago.
Besides, 5 ha+e ne+er heard of a lion breaking a ca"elQs neck ith one blo. *y "en are +ery afraid.M
#nother "an screa"ed horribly and a ca"el bleated. Both cries ended abruptly.
L-he foolRM Ihalibar said as he stood up fro" the fire. L5 told the" all to close ranks near the agons.M
# "ounted arrior rode up to us, shouting desperately. Ihalibar shouted orders back and his riders gathered closer
to the cara+an. (uddenly the crafty (hashu as holding a spear and handing "e one also. L-his beast is tearing "y
"en apartRM he shouted. L$repare to fight, son of *e"nonRM
5n each agon fi+e "en stood holding spears and peering into the darkness. (uddenly, a cloud co+ered the "oon and
a huge dark beast charged a agon, toppling it sideays and sending "en flying in all directions. -he arriors in the
other agons screa"ed curses as their spears sliced through the night air. 6ust then, a tre"endous roar of bestial rage
rolled across the sand, causing the ca"els to rear up uncontrollably and thro their riders. )ne unlucky "an ho
landed out in the darkness screa"ed suddenly, his +oice acco"panied by the sound of breaking bones.
(tanding back to back in the "iddle of the three agons, e aited for the creatureQs ne,t charge. Gradually the
clouds "o+ed aay fro" the "oon, flooding the desert ith di", but elco"e light. Long "inutes ent by, and
there as only silence fro" the asteland. Ihalibar shouted and his "en ansered back fro" all sides.
L5t see"s that the beast is gone,M he said ith relief.
We sat don near the fire again as IhalibarQs "en put right the agon and took a count of heads. -hey shouted the
nu"ber back to hi" and he shook his head bitterly.
L:i+e dead,M he said. L#nd e still donQt kno hat sort of beast it as. $raise to #llat that it is gone.M
-he ca"p as tense for the rest of the night ith all of us peeking into the darkness, afraid and still ondering about
the strange beast. 7o one slept as e all aited for the light of day, and hen the rays of #ten broke o+er the desert
hori0on, the "en gladly prepared to lea+e.
5 cradled 7eftiji in "y ar"s as she do0ed, hile 5 atched the acti+ities of the breaking ca"p. 5n the distance 5 sa
to "en piling sand o+er the dead bodies. #s 5 atched, a large figure approached the" fro" out of the desert. -he
to "en leapt at the figure, ho pulled a huge sord and killed the" i""ediately. -hey fell atop the bodies they
had been burying.
#s to ca"el riders rushed toards the killer ith their spears raised, 5 reali0ed ho it as and ga+e 7eftiji a
nudge. L5t is Cronn,M 5 hispered. LBe prepared to flee.M
Ihalibar no stood atching as his arriors fought the giant -a"ahu.
L5t is that big barbarian,M Ihalibar said in astonish"ent. L5 ga+e hi" enough poison to kill fi+e "enR Why is he still
ali+e@M
We atched in a"a0e"ent as Cronn battled his ay toard the cara+an, singing his huge blade as he dodged the
thrusts fro" the ca"el riderQs spears. )ne flashing seep cut don a rider, sending hi" spraling to the sand,
clutching his gushing ound. *ore "en ran out to oppose hi", but the huge arrior as unstoppable, ripping
through the" all ith his flashing sord.
#s IhalibarQs "en fell like stalks of heat, fear flashed into his eyes.
L-hat "an is possessed by e+il things,M he said. LCo"e, young ones, e "ust go.M
We ju"ped into a agon and left the cara+an ith only to of IhalibarQs "en acco"panying us, the dri+er and the
"an ho had helped get 7eftiji fro" the storage house. -he rest he abandoned to fight the huge northerner.
5 looked upon Ihalibar ith utter conte"pt for lea+ing his arriors to die hile he escaped. ;e noticed this and
shrugged his shoulders, s"iling "aliciously. L-hey do not "atter, young one,M he huffed. L-he only thing that
"atters is the treasure of the 5sland of the Ia. 5 ill be richer than all the Oueens of (abaRM
5 a+ed "y hand in disgust. 5 as tired of this "anQs pettiness and greed. LIhalibar, there is no treasure,M 5 said,
finally.
LWhatRM he shouted. LWhat are you saying@M
L7o one can get to the 5sland of the Ia for treasure,M 5 ansered.
L8ou lieRM Ihalibar screa"ed. L8ou lieR 8ou ant to go back for it yoursel+esR 1ri+erR (topRM
-he agon halted and Ihalibar stood, draing a long cur+ed sord. ;is face as tisted ith anger.
L5f this is true then hy did you not tell "e before@M
5 stood up beteen 7eftiji and the "ad "erchant, sliding "y hand into "y robe. L8ou ere our only ay to
escape...and 5 ne+er pro"ised youR 5 ne+er pro"ised you anythingRM
Ihalibar raised his blade. L-hen 5 ill take profit out of your hideR # PueenQs ranso" can be had for the son of
*e"non of -royR L
5 pulled "y sord out just in ti"e to block his donard stroke. IhalibarQs "an leapt don to assist hi", but 5
booted hi" aay before his feet could hit the ground. When his lackey tu"bled to the sand, Ihalibar holed ith
rage. L-ake "y treasure@M he screa"ed. L-ake "y treasure, ill youR@ 1ie, young foolR 1ieRM
;e sliced ildly at "e and 5 "anaged to block each stroke, but the "o"entu" tu"bled "e fro" the agon. When 5
rose he had his sord raised o+er 7eftiji, ho held her hands before her, helplessly looking up at her doo".
Leaping up Puickly, 5 stabbed IhalibarQs leg. ;is painful screa" filled the desert air. L#aaaaiiieRRRRM
;e fell fro" the agon, his sord dropping fro" his hand. 5 leapt forard to finish hi", but his "an as suddenly
there, thrusting at "e ith a spear. #s he jabbed at "e, he turned his back toard the agon, gi+ing 7eftiji the
chance to sei0e his face and scratch his eyes. #s he cursed at her, 5 pushed the spear aside and thrust "y blade
through his chest. ;e cru"pled to the ground before us.
When 5 turned back to Ihalibar, he had gotten back to his feet and had retrie+ed his eapon. #t first he stood his
ground ith his sord raised, spitting upon us horrible curses and jeers. -hen a fearful look ca"e o+er hi" and he
turned to flee, dropping his sord in his blind panic. (tu"bling pitifully due to the ound 5 had inflicted, Ihalibar
looked back ith an e,pression of total terror.
.eali0ing he as not looking at "e, 5 turned around to see his agon dri+er falling to the sand, clutching a hea+ily
bleeding ound. (tanding o+er the dying "an as Cronn, holding his huge blood soaked sord.
-he giant alked past "e and 5 stepped aside, atching carefully as he stalked toard Ihalibar. -he "erchant as
no craling along pitifully, "uttering in fear. .eaching desperately into his robe, he ithdre pouch after pouch
of golden shekels, tossing the" before the approaching giant.
L7oRM Ihalibar screa"ed in terror. L7oRR ;ere take itR -ake it allR 6ust spare "e. (pare "eeeeRM
Cronn ignored the pleas and the pouches, treading the" into the sand as he approached his tre"bling +icti". :inally
he stood o+er Ihalibar and roared terribly, sounding strangely like the beast that attacked the cara+an.
Ihalibar held his hands before hi", Puaking in helpless fear.
L-he beastRM he screa"ed. L-he beastR #aaaahhhRM
CronnQs sord ca"e don in a glea"ing arc, cutting Ihalibar precisely in half and spattering blood in all directions.
-he giant roared again, kicking IhalibarQs re"ains +iciously hile flicking the blood fro" his blade across the dead
"anQs face. -hen he turned back to "e.
CHAPTER !: SEE NOW SERVANTS OF THE SERPENTS
#s the giant -a"ahu approached, 5 raised "y sord in defiance. 5 kne 5 could not stand long against hi", but 5
planned to hold hi" off just long enough for 7eftiji to escape. Casting a Puick glance o+er "y shoulder, 5 sa her
leaning o+er the side of the agon, gra+ely concerned about the battle. *y only hope in the fight as the knoledge
that Iho!#n!(a anted "e ali+e.
Cronn approached "e arily, tossing his sord fro" his right to his left hand. ;e "ade se+eral s"all leaps and
feints in an effort to unner+e "e, but 5 held "y ground, circling around hi" like a panther. ;e sung his sord
again and 5 ju"ped back. -hen he sung again, incredibly fast for a "an of his i""ense bulk, and 5 sidestepped.
-hen suddenly he rushed "e.
Blo after blo rained don upon "y sord and 5 had no choice but to block the". Cronn kne that "y ar"s, as
s"all as a childQs co"pared to his, ould tire and then he ould ha+e "e. #s the tre"endous blos ca"e don, 5
heard 7eftiji call "y na"e, but 5 could not let her say "y attention.
(eat poured fro" "y body beneath the hot robe and 5 began to falter. -he giant, hoe+er, ne+er see"ed to tire as
he jabbed and sliced his blade toards "y head. #s 5 heard "y sister calling again, 5 hit upon a desperate plan to
trick "y opponent.
(tanding still ith "y sord upraised, 5 let hi" rain blo after blo as 5 blocked the". 5 kne he could see the
perspiration floing don "y face and 5 pretended to hee0e and gasp. When he hesitated slightly, 5 fell to the
burning sand as if stricken by the heat. Watching ith "y eyes half closed, 5 sa Cronn loer his eapon and nudge
"e ith his foot. #fter nudging "e again, he sho+ed the huge blade into the sand and bent to pick "e up.
Ouickly 5 sei0ed "y sord again and reared back to plunge it into hi". But he as a seasoned arrior and tisted
his body the second he sa "e "o+e, causing "y sord to stab into his side, instead of his heart, as 5 intended.
;e holed in pain as 5 ju"ped to "y feet, renching the blade fro" his body as 5 rose. -hough he kneeled before
"e, his large head as at "y chest and 5 ai"ed "y blade for it, deter"ined to put an end to the bestial giant fore+er.
-hen a fa"iliar +oice cried out.
L(topRM
5 looked o+er "y shoulder at the agon to find it surrounded by -a"ahu arriors. 5n the "idst of the" stood Iho!
#n!(a, holding "y struggling sister.
LGreat (ek"et, young pantherRM Iho!#n!(a shouted across the sand. L8ou are indeed your paQs sonR But the ti"e
for this battle is o+er. $ut don that blade if you +alue your sisterQs lifeRM
5 looked don at Cronn, then stepped back and let the sord drop to the ground. -hough he bled hea+ily fro" the
ound 5 had inflicted, he i""ediately sei0ed his sord and sprang to his feet. ;e raised his eapon o+er "e hile
Iho!#n!(a shouted at hi" in the language of the northerners. ;e then looked toards Iho!#n!(a, then back toard
"e, letting loose an angry roar of bitter frustration. -hen, +ery sloly, as if it pained hi" to do it, he loered his
blood!encrusted sord.
L7o,M Iho!#n!(a said s"ugly. LLet us lea+e this place and journey on to $etra.M
Iho!#n!(a had ith hi" a si,!agon cara+an. -hey put "e in ith the injured Cronn, a healer ho as orking on
his ound and se+eral other arriors. 7eftiji as forced to ride ith the "agician. -hen e turned toards the
north, folloing the trail that Ihalibar had been tra+eling. -he trip lasted "any days and since 7eftiji and 5 ere not
alloed near each other, 5 took the opportunity to obser+e the strange habits of the -a"ahu arriors "ore closely.
-hey ere careful to co+er the"sel+es ith hite cloth and see"ed especially concerned ith a+oiding the rays of
#ten, hich, unchecked, caused painful red infla""ations upon the". #s 5 atched the" Puarrel o+er the cloth at
the hottest ti"es of the day, 5 reali0ed that they ere just as curious about "y skin. #t first so"e of the" touched
"e, then looked at their hands as if e,pecting so"ething to rub off. )b+iously "ost of the" had ne+er seen a
Iushite, just as "any Iushites had ne+er seen a -a"ahu of the light haired sort that these "en ere. #s for "e, 5
hoped that #ten ould burn the" all to ashes or chase the" back to their cold barbarian lands fore+er. 5t as indeed
a pu00le to "e ho a Iushite, e+en an e+il one like Iho!#n!(a, could ha+e beco"e connected ith these strange
"en.
:inally, after "any days of riding, the great red "ountains around $etra loo"ed before us. (oon e negotiated a
narro inding highay flanked by otherise i"passable cliffs. Great falcons circled abo+e as e "ade our ay
up a long undulating road.
#bout "iday through the trail, a stone structure appeared. Built fro" all to cliff all and strongly garrisoned, the
gate effecti+ely barred our path. #s e approached, its large ooden doors opened and a group of (hashu e"erged,
brandishing sords and spears. Confronting us aggressi+ely, they see"ed to de"and infor"ation. Iho!#n!(a spoke
to the" briefly and they opened the gate to let us pass.
(oon e ca"e to a second gate and ent through a si"ilar routine before e continued. -hen e approached a tall
"ain gate, "ore strongly fortified than the others. )nce again a fe ords fro" the "agician as all that as
needed to alloed us to pass through.
$assing the final check point, e entered the city, here 5 as i""ediately struck by its beauty and onderful sense
of order. -he streets ere lined ith colorful, ell!constructed dellings of clay, "ud and ood, laid out in
carefully planned sPuares and triangular patterns. But hat really set the city apart fro" others 5Qd seen, ere the
huge te"ples and to"bs car+ed directly into the red stone of the surrounding cliffs.
Great colu"ns of intricate detail lined the entrances and the alls ere co+ered ith delicate car+ings and +ibrant
paintings. 7e+er had 5 seen orkings in stone to "atch these e,cept for the greatest te"ples of Ia"it. -he people
ho had car+ed the" "ust surely ha+e been fa+ored by -ehuti.
-he cara+an stopped before a te"ple, here Iho!#n!(aQs "en began unloading ite"s. -he "agician hi"self ent
inside, folloed by se+eral arriors and 7eftiji. 5 as hustled in behind the", still a"a0ed at the effort it "ust ha+e
taken to car+e all this fro" the li+ing stone. #fter alking don "any long and inding corridors lit by torches, e
finally stopped before a huge dooray. Iho!#n!(a hesitated, straightened his back and puffed out his chest, and
then e entered.
-he roo" e stepped into as huge, do"inated by se+eral large thrones situated upon a high dais. (e+eral do0en
"en and a fe o"en stood before the thrones, "illing about to large candlelit tables co+ered ith "aps and
riting instru"ents. When e entered, a tall -a"ahu ith yello hair and a long hite robe stepped forard. #fter
greeting Iho!#n!(a in the language of the northerners, he shot a glance at 7eftiji and 5.
Iho!#n!(a pointed to "e, s"iling as he talked, but the yello haired "an see"ed to be angry. # chill ran up "y
spine hen he looked at "e again ith a bitter scol, pulling his finger across his throat in a cutting gesture.
)thers approached the" and offered greetings before joining in the argu"ent beteen Iho!#n!(a and the -a"ahu.
#fter se+eral "inutes, Iho!#n!(a raised his hand for silence and spoke again, briefly. -hey all see"ed to accept this
and turned back to their tables, all e,cept the yello haired -a"ahu in hite. Gi+ing "y sister and 5 an e+il sidelong
glance, he sulked angrily fro" the roo".
5 looked at 7eftiji to see if she had noticed this. But she see"ed to stare blankly ahead. 5 as beginning to sense that
so"ething as rong ith her hen a loud gong sounded and e+eryone directed their attention toard the thrones.
(e+eral "en and to o"en alked up to the dais and seated the"sel+es. Iho!#n!(a as one of the". -he gong
sounded again and the rest "ade to single file lines facing each other, creating an aisle leading to the thrones.
7eftiji and 5 ere sho+ed don it and pushed roughly to the floor. 5 sei0ed "y sisterQs hand to co"fort her and
found it li"p. -hen 5 looked into her eyes and to "y horror, found the" Puite e,pressionless.
L7eftiji,M 5 cried desperately. L*y sister, hat has he done to you@M 5 pleaded hile sei0ing her and holding her
close, but she as lifeless and did not return "y e"brace.
5 looked upon the dais to find Iho!#n!(a sitting upon his throne, s"iling knoingly. (Puinting up at the "agician, 5
raised "y fist in anger.
LWhat ha+e you done to her@M 5 screa"ed.M What ha+e you done to "y sister@M
Iho!#n!(a looked at the others sitting near hi". #ll nodded and s"iled, e,cept the yello!haired one, ho sat upon
the far right throne ith a hateful and disappointed e,pression.
L5t beca"e clear to "e, young panther,M said Iho!#n!(a, Lthat you ould continue to try foolish escapes unless
drastic action as taken.M
LWhat drastic action@ 5 screa"ed. LWhat did you do to her@M
L8our sister is no bound to "e,M he replied. L5 ha+e left her ith a s"all sli+er of life, hich only "y knoledge
can "aintain.M
# rage, so terrible 5 ne+er ished to feel it again, ca"e o+er "e. L8ou..."onsterRM 5 cried. L(o"e day...M 5 tried to
continue but as snatched closer to the throne by to arriors.
Iho!#n!(a leaned forard. L8our threats are "eaningless to "e. 5 ha+e your sister and all those seated here are to
itness your pledge to ser+e "e.M
-he roo" as totally silent. #ll eyes ere upon "e as 5 stood there tre"bling ith rage.
L-here are so"e a"ong the (er+ants of the (erpents ho ha+e a blood grudge against the seed of the Great
*e"non of -roy,M said Iho!#n!(a, gesturing toard the yello!haired -a"ahu. L-hey ould ha+e sought you out
e+entually and taken your life. 5 gi+e you a chance to li+e. (er+e "e and li+e. .efuse and 5 gi+e you to the".
8ou...and your sister.M
5 looked into 7eftijiQs face again, only to find her blank stare too "uch for "e to bear. 5 then scanned the faces upon
the thrones, locking eyes ith the yello haired -a"ahu. ;e stared back, scoling ith such intense hatred that it
as al"ost palpable. -hough 5 kne nothing about hi" then, 5 sensed that this "an ould fore+er be "y "ortal
ene"y, and that one day e ould fight to the death o+er it.
Iho!#n!(aQs +oice broke our link of hatred. LWhat say you, *e"na!un, son of the Great *e"non of -roy@M
5 pulled "y sister close to "e. 5 kne not if she understood "e, but 5 hispered into her ear regardless.
L:orgi+e "e, "y sister. )ne day 5 ill find a ay to free you. :orgi+e "e for hat 5 "ust do.M
L8our anser, young panther,M Iho!#n!(a said. L5 ill not ask it again.M
#ll of those seated on the thrones leaned forard in keen anticipation. # hush fell o+er the entire roo". Looking up
into the e+il eyes of Iho!#n!(a, 5 got don on one knee.
L8es,M 5 said. L5 ill ser+e you.M
-he yello!haired -a"ahu sta"ped his feet, then rose and stor"ed fro" the roo", hile the rest of those present
e,ploded in cheers. 5 reali0ed hat "y pledge "eant to the", as they began chanting "y na"e in the northern style
they had used years ago for "y pa.
+E+8NON? +E+NON? +E+8NON? +E+NON?
-hey rejoiced because the son of the "ost fa"ous fighter for justice had just pledged his ar" to the forces of e+il. 5
looked don at "y feet and thought of "y parents. 5 could only beg their forgi+eness until 5 could find a ay to free
"y sister. -he chanting gre louder as 5 prayed.
;+E+8NON? +E+8NON? +E+NON? +E+8NON?=
L*ay #"en the great....M
;+E+8NON? +E+8NON? +E+8NON? +E+8NON?=
L...ha+e "ercy....M
;+E+8NON? +E+8NON? +E+8NON? +E+8NON?=
L...upon "y ka.M
1ays later 5 sat in a large chair in the roo" assigned to "e by Iho!#n!(a, brooding o+er the fate of "y sister. *y
"ind as ju"bled and confused, and 5 could not still "y heart due to the tur"oil. -hat and the sha"e 5 felt for
pledging "y loyalty to that e+il "agician ould not let "e contact Ia"!#tef.
5 glanced at the door to "y roo", e,pecting Iho!#n!(aQs "essenger to arri+e at any second. -his as the day 5 had
been told 5 ould begin "y Ltraining,M and hat that "eant 5 did not kno. Iho!#n!(a said it ould in+ol+e
Lstrengthening "y bones,M but "y only concern as that it strengthened "e enough to one day plunge a blade
through his e+il heart.
#t last the "an appeared. Boing lo, he beckoned for "e to follo. #s e left "y cha"bers, 5 obser+ed hi"
closely. By the look of his long, straight black hair, dark bron skin and sharp features, he as an /astern Iushite.
# brand upon his shoulder "arked hi" as a sla+e. -hen it daned upon "e that 5 had only seen Iushites in ser+ile
positions in $etra. #s e alked don the long corridors, 5 tapped hi" on his shoulder.
LWhat is your na"e@M 5 asked.
;e stopped and turned toards "e.
LCan you understand "e@M 5 asked. LCan you speak Ia"itic@M
-he "an looked around suspiciously.
L8es,M he replied in a lo +oice.
LWhy do you hisper@M 5 asked.
-o (hashu arriors turned don the corridor and alked toards us. *y guide i""ediately loered his eyes and
turned aay fro" "e to bo to the". -hey see"ed to barely notice hi" as they alked by, but looked at "e ith
great curiosity. #fter they turned don another corridor e ere once again alone. 5 dre close to hi" and loered
"y +oice also.
L1o not be afraid,M 5 said. L$lease, tell "e, hat goes on in $etra@M
L*y people are the 7abata,M he replied. LWe ca"e here fro" the land of 7i"rod and built $etra long ago. :or
centuries e prospered as a trade center and peaceful "eeting place for all nations. -hen they ca"e, and through
deception and cruelty, conPuered us. 7o e are sla+es in our on land.M
5 noticed the pain in the "anQs +oice. ;is loss as great and terrible.
LWho@M 5 asked. LWho ca"e@M
L#ll of the". -he (hashu e already kne, for e had traded ith the" for ages. We kne little of the -a"ahu,
ho along ith the (hashu, laid siege to our defenses as if e had had none at all. But e held our ground
successfully until others ca"e. -hese others e could not stop. -hey ca"e fro" the sky. (trange Iushites ca"e
fro" the skyR -hen their "onsters attacked. . .and all as lost.M
LWhat is your na"e@M 5 asked. L;o is it you kno the Ia"itian language@M
L5 a" ;a00. 5 as once a trader. 5 ha+e tra+eled to Ia"it "any ti"es.M
5 listened intently as he told "e "ore about $etra. ;is great land had been subjected to inhu"an suffering under the
do"ination of this strange coalition. ;e looked at "e inPuisiti+ely and shook his head.
L/+en here e ha+e heard about your paQs e,ploits against these people. Why do you ser+e the"@ ;o can you
betray your +ery blood@M
5 turned fro" hi" in sha"e, ga0ing don the corridor to keep fro" looking hi" in the eye.
L5 do not do it illingly, "y friend,M 5 ansered. L)f that 5 can assure you. 7o, take "e to Iho!#n!(a.M
We alked don se+eral corridors until e ca"e to stairs that ere cut into the all of the te"ple. ;ere ;a00
stopped, pointing up the long torch!lit tunnel.
L5 a" alloed to go no further, *e"non,M he said. L5 hope e can talk again soon.M
L(urely,M 5 replied. L#nd 5 thank you, ;a00.M
5 "ounted the stairs and found the" dark, narro and endlessly inding. -hey see"ed to go on and on, and 5 once
again "ar+eled at the crafts"anship needed to cut such a pathay through solid rock. :or long "inutes 5 cli"bed
fro" stair to stair, so"eti"es inding to the right, so"eti"es to the left. 5 felt 5 "ust be ascending to the +ery top of
the "ountain, and hen 5 at last e"erged 5 as struck by the intense rays of #ten.
#s "y eyes adjusted to the light, 5 sa that 5 as indeed at the su""it, standing in an open air te"ple at the +ery
top of the "ountain. (e+eral large ooden shrines ere situated atop tables of solid hite rock, hich glea"ed
brightly fro" the intense light falling fro" the sky. 1irectly before "e a long outcropping thrust out fro" the face of
the "ountain, jutting toards the southern astelands in the distance. 2pon the outcropping sat an altar car+ed fro"
the hite stone, polished to a da00ling sheen. 7e,t to the altar stood Iho!#n!(a and another "an, a Iushite 5 had
seen upon one of the thrones.
L#t last, young panther,M Iho!#n!(a said, gesturing at the "an ne,t to hi". L-his is (ung Li, your trainer and
instructor.M
5 looked closely at this "an called (ung Li. 7e+er had 5 heard a na"e like his, nor had 5 e+er seen a Iushite Puite
like hi". ;e as +ery short, ith straight hair and dark shiny skin like an eastern Iushite. But his eyes ere greatly
slanted in a ay 5 had ne+er seen. ;e ore a da00ling blue robe of glea"ing "aterial 5 had noticed only on the +ery
rich, or on "e"bers of the (heke"Qs court. #s (ung Li boed gracefully, Iho!#n!(a noticed "y curiosity.
L(ung Li is of the (hang peoples. -hey rule a large kingdo" far to the east, on the other side of the orld. 8ou "ust
obey hi" as you ould "e.M
5 approached (ung Li, boing hu"bly in return. -hen he "otioned for "e to sit don upon the altar. -o "y
surprise, the hite rock felt cool under the direct rays of #ten, and 5 ondered hat sort of stone it as car+ed fro".
L5 learn Ia"itic ords just to teach you,M (ung Li said ith a strange accent. L8ou "ust listen. Listen and 5 "ake
you strong. 2nderstand@M
5 nodded and Iho!#n!(a looked on appro+ingly.
L:irst thing, take off clothes. Lie don and 5 be back,M (ung Li said.
5 took off "y robe, aist rap and sandals and lay don upon the altar.
Iho!#n!(a approached and stood o+er "e. LLong ago, young panther, "en had the fire of #ten, the force of .a in
their "arro,M said Iho!#n!(a. L-he bones of "en then ere unbreakable, but e lost that and "uch "ore "any
ages ago.M
(ung Li appeared ith a pot and put it don ne,t to "e on the alter. ;e then reached inside, ithdraing a handful
of a strange s"elling oil. ;e rubbed it on "y skin and 5 flinched, for here+er the substance touched "e, the rays of
#ten intensified and burned. 5 tried to get up, but they both held "e don by "y shoulders.
LBe still,M (ung Li said. L-his "ake you strong. (trong like long ago.M
L1o you kno hy a stone is hard, young panther@M Iho!#n!(a asked. L5t is because the force of .a is tight ithin
that stone and hardly leaks out. -his is hat ill happen to your bones. 7o one ill e+er be able to break the".M
(ung Li continued rubbing the oil all o+er "e. (oon 5 beca"e accusto"ed to the heat and no felt "y bones
tingling inside "y body.
L-he chi ill be solid in your li"bs, young "an,M said (ung Li. L8ou ill be great arrior.M
LChi@M 5 asked. LWhat is this TchiQ@M
LChiR .auR 5t is LifeRM Iho!#n!(a said. LWhate+er the na"e, it is the force of life, the serpent fire that dells ithin
us all.M
5 had ne+er felt such intense heat, but it as not like nor"al fire. 5t as as if "y body as absorbing the +ery rays of
#ten and storing it inside. -he altar beca"e cooler as "y on heat intensified. 5 started to beco"e sleepy.
LWhat...ha+e you...done to "e@M 5 asked eakly.
-he +oice of Iho!#n!(a see"ed to co"e fro" far aay. L5 gi+e you strength, young panther,M Iho!#n!(a
ansered. L(trength beyond your drea"s.M
*y eyes closed and eariness o+erca"e "e. #s 5 drifted into slu"ber, (ung Li poked at "y li"bs and rubbed "ore
of the oil into "y skin.
5 kno not ho long 5 slept, but hen 5 aoke 5 found "y body totally paraly0ed. )nly "y eyes ere still under "y
control, hich re+ealed the hundreds of s"all sil+er needles poking into "y skin. (ung Li stood o+er "e, poking "e
ith "ore of the strange sil+er rods and "ethodically tapping the" into "y flesh ith a tiny ha""er.
L#h, young "an,M said (ung Li. L5 see you ake.M
;e pressed his face don close to "ine, s"iling.
L8ou, no orry. 8ou be strong. 8ou, be best 5 e+er ork on. 8ou see,M he said and continued tapping in his needles.
(uddenly, 5 felt a rush of energy course though "y body. *y li"bs jerked uncontrollably as it raced though "e.
#fter a hile, 5 recogni0ed that the force see"ed to be folloing specific pathays throughout "y body, especially
up "y back.
(ung Li see"ed greatly pleased ith hat as happening to "e. L8esRM he cried gleefully, clapping his hands.
L-he dragon "o+es ithin youR -he serpent fire aakesR 8oung "an, "o+e your fingersRQQ
5 concentrated on "y hands. But "y "uscles ould not respond. -hen 5 felt a special heat hisking through "y
body, racing don "y ar"s. 5 as then able to iggle "y fingers and tist "y hand around slightly.
L)h, you doing good,M (ung Li said e,citedly. L7o "o+e toes.M
5 then focused on "y toes. )nce again, the "uscles ould not respond at first, but then the energy raced don "y
legs to "y feet and 5 iggled "y toes +igorously. (ung Li clapped his hands gleefully again. L8ou the best 5 e+er
ork onR 8ou control the chi so PuicklyR *o+e leg no.M
5 "o+ed "y leg in the sa"e "anner, then (ung Li "ade "e "o+e other parts of "y body ith the force of this .au!
chi. 5 as a"a0ed at ho it ani"ated "y li"bs ithout using any particular "uscle. -he i"plications of this control
daned upon "e hen (ung!Li e,tracted the needles fro" "y ar". When 5 once again felt "y "uscles, he
instructed "e to reach toard hi". When 5 did, "y ar" shot out ith such force that 5 al"ost fell fro" the altar. ;e
then re"o+ed the needles fro" "y face but 5 could not speak. *y jas jerked and "y tongue clicked +igorously in
"y "outh hen 5 tried. (ung Li laughed like a child, placing his hand upon "y head. L:ocus chi, young "an,M he
said. L8ou no aare and it ill stay ith you. 7o you learn to control it.M
5 lay upon the altar for "any days beneath the needles as (ung Li taught "e to control the force and direct it. (oon 5
as able to hold the force don and "o+e nor"ally. But e+en at rest 5 felt it bursting and rushing throughout "y
body. 5 asked (ung Li about the nature of this energy.
L-his force you call .au and 5 call chi is in all creation,M he replied. L#ll "en born ith it. *ore co"e fro" food
and sun. Iushite "en get "ore fro" rays of #ten, absorb "ore .au than others, but lose it because fe can direct
it.M
LWhy then can 5 feel it@M 5 asked.
L8ou been upon altar for full "oon, young "an. 8our "uscles shut don by needles and your chi increased by
herbs. 5 open your aareness of these channels, the rest co"e fro" you.M
5 re"ained in the open air te"ple for fi+e "ore "oons, alternating beteen long periods of sleep under the needles
and herbs and study ith (ung Li hen 5 ould be aakened.
*y (hang instructor introduced "e to "any strange practices, including the consu"ption of only +egetables, hich
he said 5 ould ha+e to continue for the rest of "y days. ;e also kept "e under the baking rays of #ten, but because
of his "inistrations, 5 rarely needed ater. )ther things happened as 5 learned to "anipulate the .au force through
"y body.
*y sense of touch e,tended beyond "y flesh, alloing "e to feel the presence and shape of objects before seeing
the". #nd hen 5 opened "y "outh for food, 5 could taste it ithout placing it on "y tongue. /+en "y eyesight and
sense of s"ell ere greatly enhanced hen 5 channeled this poerful .au force into these senses.
#fter accidentally breaking plates during "eals and crushing drinking +essels, 5 found 5 had to relearn e+ery
"o+e"ent of "y body to co"pensate for this rise of poer inside "e. (ung Li taught "e techniPues to rest "y head
and still "y heart, si"ilar to those Ia"!#tef had shon "e. But these e,ercises ere for the "anipulation and
redirecting of the .au force, not si"ply to cal" the spirit.
Iho!#n!(a ca"e to +isit us "any ti"es, and see"ed greatly pleased ith "y progress. )n these occasions he ould
appraise "e like a pri0e bull, alays assuring "e that "y sister ould be safe as long as 5 did as 5 as told. 5 ne+er
liked the sinister tone he used nor the strange looks he ga+e "e on these +isits.
L(oon,M Iho!#n!(a ould say, Lsoon you ill be ready young panther.M
)ne day (ung Li used an unpleasant de"onstration to sho "e hat he had done to "y bones. 5 as sitting upon
the hite altar, naked and bathed in the rays of #ten at "idday. *y feet ere touching the ground and "y knees
ere pointed toard (ung Li.
L-ell "e, young "an,M he asked, Lho do your li"bs feel@M
5 focused on "y ar"s and legs. L-hey feel...hea+y,M 5 said. L(o"eho thicker, but 5 ha+e not gron.M
L)h, you ha+e gron, young "an,M (ung Li replied knoingly. L8ou ha+e gron on the inside, in your bones.M
(uddenly he produced a knife fro" the folds of his robe, and before 5 could "o+e, he plunged it into "y right knee.
5 holed in pain and sei0ed hi" by the throat, but he flicked "y hands aay effortlessly and ithdre the blade.
5 pushed hi" aay, and leapt fro" the altar, li"ping toards the entrance to escape this "an ho 5 thought had
gone totally "ad. But before 5 could reach the dooray, (ung Li dashed before "e ith incredible speed, barring
"y ay to the e,it.
;e then brought the knife up for "e to see and 5 gasped in astonish"ent. -he bron0e blade as bent and cracked.
1ripping ith "y blood, it as destroyed as if it had been dashed against a stone. Looking don at "y knee, 5
found it cut to the bone, but instead of i+ory hite, the bone glea"ed ebony black. (ung Li addressed "e ith a
satisfied s"ile.
L.au is in your bones and nothing ill break the",M he said. LLike the days of the last age, hen "en ere
nourished only by #ten, your bones ha+e been burned by chi.M

5 aoke on the "orning of "y last day in the te"ple to find (ung Li and Iho!#n!(a standing o+er the altar. -hey
held a bullQs hide beteen the", looking at "e e,pectantly.
L5t is ti"e for the last phase of your training, young "an,M said (ung Li.
L8ou ha+e been gi+en strength that fe besides the (heke"s of Ia"it kno in this age, young panther,M said Iho!
#n!(a. L5t is ti"e for the Cere"ony of .ebirth.M
5 stood up as they laid the bull skin onto the hite altar. -hey then directed "e to lie on it as they perfor"ed a
special cere"ony. Iho!#n!(a "ade signs in the air and chanted, hile (ung Li rapped the skin around "e and
stitched it closed. #s Iho!#n!(aQs strange ords echoed out into the desert air, 5 as o+erco"e by an urge to close
"y eyes and sleep. #s 5 drifted into slu"ber, 5 felt ater being poured upon the skin and s"elled the fragrance of
"yrrh, the incense of (eker, go+erness of poer and death. 5 then fell into a deep and drea"less sleep.
5 as dran back to consciousness by the sound of dru"s and the incense of #uset, the 7eter of birth. When 5
opened "y eyes, 5 found "yself still inside the skin, but felt tugging and pulling fro" the outside. (uddenly the
stitches tore loose and light fro" se+eral torches flooded in. Hoices ere all around "e as 5 stood up confused.
When "y eyes finally adjusted to the light, 5 found "yself in the great hall, before the thrones once again.
-he roo" as filled ith the people of the coalition that had conPuered $etra. )n one side stood do0ens of -a"ahu,
on the other side (hashu, and behind "e stood a group of the "ysterious Iushite (hangs. -his ti"e though, a group
of red!skinned people ere present, earing long robes and feathered headdresses. Before "e sat the leaders on
their thrones, ith Iho!#n!(a once again in the "iddle.
L(ee no, (er+ants of the (erpents, 5 ha+e before you the son of your greatest ene"y, e"poered and ready to ser+e
"e,M Iho!#n!(a shouted to the crod. L-here are so"e here ho ould do all they can to destroy the seed of
*e"non of -roy, but 5 say to you, hat better re+enge than to "ake hi" ork for our cause@ What seeter
+engeance could there e+er be@M
5nterpreters translated for the +arious peoples of the crod, and loud cries of appro+al rose fro" the (hashu and the
(hang. -he yello!haired "an and "any of the -a"ahu re"ained silent. Iho!#n!(a ga0ed at "e intently as 5 stood
there, naked and reborn in this place of e+il.
L8oung *e"non, are you ready to ser+e "e@M
LWhere is 7eftiji@M 5 asked.
;e clapped his hands and a arrior led "y sister out into the open. (he still had the sa"e blank look upon her face,
and 5 +oed silently that Iho!#n!(a ould pay for her suffering.
L8es,M 5 said hesitantly. L5 a" ready to ser+e you.M
Loud cheers erupted again throughout in the cha"ber, until Iho!#n!(a held up his hand for silence. L-hose of you
ho doubt "y isdo" ill think differently as you atch our ene"ies fall before "y poer, under the sord of "y
arrior that stands before you. CronnR (tep forardRM
-he giant -a"ahu stepped out of the crod.
LGi+e the young *e"non a eapon,M Iho!#n!(a ordered.
Cronn alked o+er to the crod of -a"ahu and snatched a sord fro" one of the". ;e then alked o+er to "e and
put it in "y hands, hile Iho!#n!(a and the others leaned forard on their thrones.
L7o Cronn,M Iho!#n!(a ordered. LIill hi"...if you can.M -he crod "o+ed back as Cronn dre his huge sord
ith a sa+age hol. 5 stepped back and prepared to defend "yself.
-he giant rushed "e i""ediately, charging forard ith a scol of rage. ;is sord ca"e don ith enough force
to split "e in to, but 5 sidestepped, and, Puicker than 5 had e+er "o+ed before, flicked "y sord past his defenses
and slashed hi" on his side. -he crod gasped in surprise as the unbeatable Cronn turned toards "e, blood
gushing fro" the ound 5 had inflicted. ;e then raised his sord to beat it don upon "e as he had done in our last
fight, but this ti"e, as blo after blo rained don upon "y upraised sord, 5 hardly felt the shock.
:or long "inutes 5 held "y hand aloft, blocking blo after blo ith ease, as Cronn continued pounding aay. *y
blade began to dent and bend fro" the blos hile the sound of "etal striking "etal rang out. :inally, the giant tired
and stepped back, a pu00led look upon his face. Iho!#n!(a leapt to his feet.
L8ou seeRM he cried. L8ou seeR Witness "y orkR Cronn, try againRM
-his ti"e Cronn took a different tactic. ;e ca"e at "e charging like a bull, singing his sord at "y "idsection. 5
kne he e,pected to knock "e don, so rather than trying to dodge hi", 5 ran toard hi" instead. )ur sords
clashed, shooting sparks high in the air, as our bodies sla""ed together like to hea+y stones. Locked together
tightly, e snarled and pushed each other, trying to "ake the other gi+e ground.
5 stood "y ground, but though the .au in "y bones "ade "e resistant to his bulk, he as still far hea+ier. (loly he
pushed "e back toard the raised platfor" underneath the thrones. #s e ca"e closer to the all, he increased his
efforts, no doubt thinking of s"ashing "e against it, then striking "e dead as 5 reeled.
#l"ost as if by instinct, 5 focused "y .au through "y ar"s and up the blade, until 5 could feel CronnQs body
pressing against it. #s 5 focused the force against hi", his eyes idened in surprise as he felt it. -ense "o"ents
passed. $erspiration poured fro" his face hile grunts of hateful deter"ination poured fro" his throat. :inally, 5
thre the .au force forard in a "ight surge, causing hi" to push back in stubborn defiance. 5 then stepped lightly
aside.
Launched forard by his on strength, Cronn crashed +iolently into the dais and fell upon his face. -he entire
cha"ber e,ploded ith laughter, ith e+en "ost of the -a"ahu joining in his hu"iliation. Groling angrily, the
giant leapt to his feet, but hen he turned around the tip of "y sord as at his throat. -he cha"ber fell silent as the
giant ga0ed don upon "e, his eyes filled ith fear and surprise. 5 looked to Iho!#n!(a for the signal.
L;e li+es,M Iho!#n!(a proclai"ed. LLet hi" go, *e"non.M
5 snatched the point aay fro" his throat, slicing into his red beard as 5 dre it back. Cronn loered his head and
dropped his sord, then turned and alked sloly fro" the cha"ber. )nce again cheers rocked the roo", and Iho!
#n!(a stood up proudly, shouting abo+e the crod and pointing at "e.
L8esRM he cried. L8esR #nd he is "ineR *ineRM
)nce again the yello!haired -a"ahu left his throne and stor"ed fro" the cha"ber. # fe -a"ahu fro" the crod
ent ith hi". Iho!#n!(a atched the" lea+e ith a s"ug grin, then continued to rant before his throne.
L(uch a arrior needs a fitting eapon,M the e+il "agician cried. L(o ithin the eek e lea+e for the north. -here
the great blacks"ith shall forge "y arrior a fitting blade. Let our ene"ies tre"bleR -re"bleR )ur on dark panther
ill stalk the plains of this orldR #nd he is the son of their greatest protectorRM
CHAPTER ": UNDERSTAND THESE ISH RA ELITES
#s 5 strolled don the long dark corridors of the te"ple on the "orning of our departure for the north, 5 ondered
hy Iho!#n!(a had su""oned "e to "eet hi" alone before e "ounted the cara+an. ;a00 as a fe steps ahead,
leading the ay to a section of the te"ple 5 had ne+er seen. #s e rounded corner after corner, 5 noticed a slight
decline in the floor and reali0ed that e ere going don, deep into the boels of the this a"a0ing structure.
:inally, e approached a huge door. ;a00 pointed to it and boed.
L/nter, *e"na!un,M he said. L5 shall aait you here.M
L-hank you, good ;a00,M 5 said, returning his bo ith one of "y on.
L$lease, "y friend,M ;a00 hispered, ner+ously looking around. LBe careful not to sho "e respect before others.
#s a sla+e...5 ould be beaten for it.M
5 looked into his fearful e,pression and felt pained. ;ere as a noble "an, afraid to recei+e co""on courtesy fro"
another. 5 placed "y hand upon his shoulder and dre hi" close.
L)ne day, ;a00,M 5 hispered, L5 shall return here. -ogether e ill o+erthro these e+il ones ho ha+e taken $etra.
-his 5 sear to you, "y friendNyour people shall one day be free.M
;a00 s"iled and looked deeply into "y eyes. L5 belie+e you "y friend,M he hispered. L5 truly belie+e e can.M
5 pushed open the door and found "yself in a s"all torch!lit corridor. #t the far end, thin curtains hung before an
entrance to a ell!lit cha"ber. $ushing through the curtains, 5 entered a large roo" containing se+eral large tables
co+ered ith s"oking containers and strange de+ices. ("all co+ered +ases along the all shook slightly, as if they
contained so"ething ali+e. 2pon one of the tables sat se+eral transparent flasks containing sirling colors and odd
i"ages.
(tanding o+er one of the tables as Iho!#n!(a, staring intently at the pages of a book. 5 took a step forard and
recogni0ed it as "y on Book of the -aut.
L8oung *e"non,M he cried as he looked up fro" it. LCo"eR /nterR L
5 approached the table upon hich he studied "y ritings.
LCarefulRM he cried. L1o not touch anything.M
5 alked around the table, i""ediately hearing strange sounds co"ing fro" the flasks and other containers. $eering
curiously into a s"all jar, 5 spied tiny gloing eyes staring back at "e and 5 ju"ped back, startled. LWhat is this@M 5
asked.
Iho!#n!(a thu"ped the book ith his fingers.
L-his is the ork of "agic, young one. *y ork and the isdo" contained in this Book of the -aut.
L8ou ha+e no right to use that bookRM 5 said angrily.
Iho!#n!(a sla""ed the book shut haughtily and alked around the table toards "e. L5 clai" the rightRM he said,
pointing his finger close to "y face. L5 take the rightR 5 a" the "aster hereR L
LBut that book is sacred,M 5 began.
L5 a" the "aster here,M Iho!#n!(a repeated. L1o not Puestion "e, younger *e"non.M
L8es, Iho!#n!(a,M 5 said, "y sisterQs blank face appearing in "y "ind.
L*uch better,M Iho!#n!(a said. L5 called you here to speak to you pri+ately for three reasons. :irstNthis is a
brilliant book you ha+e ritten. 8our scribal skills are Puite e,cellent. 5f 5 did not need you as "y arrior, you
ould surely be "y scribe. -he isdo" of the legendary Ia"!#tef is e,traordinary. What as he like@M
L;e as good to us,M 5 replied. L;e is +ery ise. ;e is sacred...M
Iho!#n!(a nodded. L;e is +ery knoledgeable about the .eckoning. 5 ha+e used this book to su""on
certain...spirits.M Iho!#n!(a pointed to the +ases along the all and the transparent flasks upon the table.
L-hese e ill take ith us on our trip to the north. 5t ill be Puite dangerous. We ill ha+e to go through territory
that is saturated ith the forces of the .eckoning .M
LWhy@M 5 asked.
L)nly there can e find the great blacks"ith. )nly ;e can forge the blade needed for your tasks.M
5 pointed to the flasks and +ases. L#nd you ill use these...spirits for defense along the journey@M
L8es,M Iho!#n!(a replied. L5 ha+e su""oned and bound the" to these containers. 5 ha+e only to release the" hen
needed and assign the" their tasks. But there is another reason 5 called you here.M
;e turned to the table and picked up a s"all sil+er bo,. Lifting the lid, he displayed its contents. L)f course you
re"e"ber. . .these@M
5nside the bo, as the ring gi+en "e by the #nu prince and the floer necklace gi+en to 7eftiji by the tiny princess.
5 lunged for the bo,, but the "agician snatched it back.
LGi+e the" to "eRM 5 de"anded. L-hey belong to us.M
L7oRM shot back Iho!#n!(a. L7o they belong to "e.M
5 stood ith "y hands close to "y sides, fists balled, rage seething in "y breast. 5 longed to tear the sacred objects
fro" the hands of the e+il "agician, but 5 dared not do it. Iho!#n!(a s"iled ickedly and placed the bo, back on
the table.
L5 ha+e e,a"ined these objects ith all "y de+ices,M said Iho!#n!(a. L8et, 5 cannot discern their nature...M
Loering "y eyes, 5 prepared to lie. 5 thought it best not to re+eal the true nature of the ring or the necklace. Iho!
#n!(a folded his ar"s and looked inPuisiti+ely into "y face.
LWhere did you get these ite"s, young *e"non@M he asked.
L-hey ere gi+en to us,M 5 replied.
LBy ho"@M
LBy the great serpent,M 5 lied.
L;"",M said Iho!#n!(a, placing his hand upon his chin. L(o far as 5 can discern, the ring is a "ere bauble. But the
necklace is "ade of floers that ne+er decay. 5 belie+e it has so"e "edicinal use.M
L-hey ere presents to us, Iho!#n!(a,M 5 said.
L-hey ere gi+en to us.M
L5f you ser+e "e ell 5 ill return your belo+ed ring,M replied Iho!#n!(a. L#s for the necklace, your sister has no
need for it no.M
LBut...Iho!#n!(a,M 5 started.
L/nough, young panther,M Iho!#n!(a said, throing his hand up to silence "e. LWe ill speak of this no "ore.
-here is one "ore reason you ha+e been su""oned before "e.M
;e clapped his hands loudly and a o"an e"erged fro" a corridor across the roo". 5 as i""ediately struck by
her beauty. (he as of the eastern Iushites, ith fine features and softly floing black hair that caressed her
shoulders and ran don her ar"s. ;er eyes ere light bron ith flecks of gold and her skin gloed like burnished
bron0e. (he ore a long, tight blue gar"ent of the sa"e "aterial orn by the (hang and alked on sandals
i"bedded ith sparkling ge"s.
(he as Puite graceful, and an enchanting fragrance sirled about her, "aking "y nostrils flare and "y skin tingle.
5 had ne+er seen a o"anly fra"e as perfectly cur+ed or as delicately for"ed. (he as truly the "ost beautiful
o"an 5 had e+er laid eyes upon.
-earing "y eyes fro" her, 5 looked at Iho!#n!(a, ho s"iled at "e knoingly and gestured for her to co"e closer.
L-his is 7ala,M he said. L(he ill be your teacher for the ne,t phase of your training.M
5 ga0ed at her ith "y "outh ide open. (he s"iled and boed gently. LGreetings, *e"non,M she said. L5 a" of
the 5ndu fro" the east.M
5 looked at her again fro" head to toe. ;er beauty as into,icating.
LIho!#n!(a,M 5 asked, Lhat a" 5 to learn fro" her@M
L7ala, sho hi",M ordered Iho!#n!(a.
(he ca"e close to "e and thre her hands around "y shoulders. 5 felt the heat of desire rising as she pressed her
body against "ine. -hen 5 felt her touch "e at the base of "y neck. *y legs i""ediately ga+e ay and 5 fell to the
floor. 5 could neither feel nor "o+e as 7ala and Iho!#n!(a leaned o+er "e, laughing at "y futile atte"pts to rise.
L#h ha, young *e"non,M said Iho!#n!(a "irthfully. L8ou see things are not alays hat they see". (he is
beautiful, yes, but she is deadlyRM
LWhat ha+e you done to "e@M 5 asked angrily.
L5 ha+e "erely touched a poer point,M 7ala said. L8our legs ill return to you "o"entarily.M
-he control of "y legs ca"e back as she spoke and 5 leaped to "y feet. 7ala ju"ped back in surprise.
L)h,M she cried. L8ou are a strong oneRM
Iho!#n!(a gestured for 7ala to co"e near as he e,plained. L-he people of 5ndus!Iush ha+e perfected the
knoledge of the poer points of .au ithin the body. 7ala ill teach this knoledge to you. (he ill also teach
you ho to build your .au ithout the rays of #ten or the eating of +egetables.M
L;o is this done@M 5 asked.
7ala reached up to touch "y face. 5 flinched, then let her caress "y cheek.
L5t is called Iula 8oga, -he Way of 2niting )neQs .au ith -hat of #nother,M she said ith a sensuous s"ile.
L2niting...ith another@M 5 asked. LWhat do you "ean@M
7ala s"iled. L5 ill sho you hat it is.M
*o+ing her hand don fro" "y cheek, she brushed past "y neck and chest, finally resting her fingers against "y
belly. )nce again 5 felt fires of desire for this strange o"an.
L1o you feel that@M she asked. L5s it hot@ 5s there desire there@M
5 salloed hard. ;er long fingernails slightly scraped the "uscles abo+e "y aist rap. Iho!#n!(a chuckled
slightly as he looked on.
L8es,M 5 said eakly. L8es, 5 feel it.M
L-hat is .au,M 7ala said. L-he life force. We ill unite and 5 ill teach you to strengthen yourself ith the life force
of your desire.M
5 looked at her in total disbelief.
L2nite@M 5 asked. L8ou "ean...M
L8es, thatQs e,actly hat 5 "ean,M said 7ala ith a playful s"ile. L1o you not find "e desirable@M
5 looked at Iho!#n!(a. ;e s"iled and thre his hands into the air.
L-rust "e, young *e"non,M he said. L5t is the best ay.M
5 did not trust Iho!#n!(a, but 5 as a young "an. )nly tenty years fro" the o"b, and 5 had ne+er been inti"ate
ith a o"an. -he beauty of this one o+erhel"ed "e.
L5t is truly the best ay of replenishing .au,M 7ala said ith a sensuous glea" in her eyes. L(o"e say it is the only
ay orthhile.M
L5Q" sure,M 5 replied eagerly. LWhen do e begin@M
Iho!#n!(a stepped forard. $lacing his hands upon both our shoulders, he looked into our faces.
L8ou can begin hen e sail fro" the port of Ga0a in Canaan, but first 5 ha+e a task for you both.M
We left the te"ple hours later ith Iho!#n!(aQs si,!agon cara+an. #s e rolled aay fro" the stone!car+ed alls
and colu"ns, 5 noticed 7eftiji standing at a indo, "otionless. 5 a+ed to her, though 5 kne she ould not
respond. Whate+er Iho!#n!(a had done kept her in a state "ore deathlike than ali+e. )nce again 5 had to stifle "y
rage and sadness as 5 atched her blank face and unblinking eyes as e left. -he only co"fort 5 had as ;a00, ho
as standing ne,t to her as e left. ;e had pro"ised to look after her hen 5 learned she as to be left behind.
5 shot a Puick glance across the agon at Iho!#n!(a as e ound don the path aay fro" $etra. ;e see"ed not
to care that "y hatred for hi" gre by the "inute. #s he sat ne,t to 7ala discussing the task e ere to co"plete
before sailing to the lands in the north, 5 ondered if the day ould co"e hen 5 ould ha+e to consider "y sister
lost and take "y re+enge upon hi". But before that day ca"e, 5 +oed to do all in "y poer to free her. #nd for
that 5 had to learn "ore about Iho!#n!(a.
L8oung *e"non,M Iho!#n!(a said as the agon jostled along. L)nce "ore, let us re+ie the task 5 ha+e gi+en
you.M
5 nodded earily. -his as at least the tenth ti"e e had gone o+er these plans.
L8es, Iho!#n!(a,M 5 replied.
LWe are fi+e days aay fro" the port of Ga0a. -o get there e "ust pass through the land of the 5sh!.a!/lites. #s 5
ha+e told you, they are a s"all confederation of ;abiru tribes, #"orite bandits and Canaanite castoffs bound
together by descendants of the great Ia"itic ;eresy. -hey ha+e raided the area for generations, stealing fro"
cara+ans, ayard tra+elers and the like. #s a people they are really of no consePuence, just a fe thousand fleas
biting at the ru"p of Canaan and nearby lands. But they ha+e so"ething 5 antNthey possess the Baa en pet.M
L*etal fro" the sky,M 5 said.
LCorrect,M said Iho!#n!(a. L5t fell fro" the stars a fe generations ago, landing near a Canaanite outpost. -his as
hen the +arious tribes "aking up the 5sh!.a!/lites stopped arring and ca"e together. -aking the fall of the sky!
"etal as a sign, they laid siege to the outpost and took it.M
7ala leaned forard and joined in the telling.
L7o they keep the Baa en pet and use it for consultations.M
L8es,M added Iho!#n!(a. L-hey use it as an oracle. -hey call it the L2ri" and -hu""in,M but they ha+e no idea
hat its true poers are. -hose ho use the "etal in ra for" beco"e e,ceedingly strong due to its effects, but also
subject to fits of "adness.M
L-he fools think they are being o+erco"e by the spirit of their deities,M added 7ala conte"ptuously. LBut it is the
poer of the "etal fro" the sky.M
L-hey ill co"e out to "eet us hen e cross o+er to the lands they control, de"anding tribute,M said Iho!#n!(a.
LWhen they do, young *e"non, you are to take 7ala to their leader and offer her to hi". ;is na"e is (a"son, a
+ery si"ple "an, ho, 5 a" told, has a eakness for beautiful o"en. -rick hi" and bring "e that sky!"etal.M
L5 understand,M 5 said. LWe ill be thie+es robbing fro" thie+es.M
Iho!#n!(a shrugged his shoulders. L5 care not ho you reason it,M he retorted. L6ust bring the Baa en pet back. 5t
ill be used to forge your eapons in the north.M
)n the e+ening of the third day, as #ten settled belo the hori0on, the hills of Canaan appeared in the distance. #s
e dre closer, a large group of "en appeared upon the road and started toards us. #s they closed in, 5 recogni0ed
the" as the no"adic raiders called ;abiru. With their short spears, slings and dusty goatskin aistraps, they ere
ell knon to Ia"it as trouble"akers and thie+es.
-hey stopped se+eral cubits before us and to "en stepped forard. Iho!#n!(a stepped don fro" the agon to
greet the". -hey began talking in the ;abiru language and Iho!#n!(a repeatedly pointed back toards 7ala and 5.
#fter a fe "inutes, the ;abiru leader stepped o+er to the agon and looked at 7ala. ;is eyes idened and he ent
back o+er to Iho!#n!(a, nodding his head +igorously. :inally, their con+ersation broke off and Iho!#n!(a ca"e
back to the agon.
L8ou "ust go no,M he said.
7ala and 5 stepped don fro" the agon. #fter 5 sei0ed a bag of supplies and slung it o+er "y shoulder, Iho!#n!(a
pulled "e close.
LWe ill aait you at the third hill north fro" this spot. 1o not fail "e.M
7ala and 5 joined the group of ;abiru as they turned back toards their ho"e. 5t as no co"pletely dark and one
of the" lit a torch as e left the road and started across the fields of their land. #fter se+eral hours, e arri+ed at
their ton. # great ooden all encircled it, co"plete ith a large gate and sentry post. When e neared, the torch
bearer a+ed his torch and shouted a passord. -hen the huge gate creaked open and e alked inside.
-orches ere burning e+eryhere, re+ealing a "odest ton of "ud!thatched dellings and s"all, round grain bins.
-here ere +ery fe people in the street, but sheep "illed about in large nu"bers, their eyes gloing in the
torchlight as e aded through the". 7ear the center of the ton e ere led toard a large building. -o ooden
statues of inged "en stood outside it, surrounded by se+eral ar"ed guards. 5 assu"ed it as the ho"e of their
leader.
We ere led into the buildingQs corridor, here the torch bearer knocked on an inner door. 5t soon opened and three
young o"en appeared. -he torch bearer spoke to the" briefly and one disappeared, returning a "o"ent later
nodding affir"ati+ely. (he beckoned us to follo her and e did, trailed by the to other o"en.
We ere led into a large roo" filled ith the seet s"ell of frankincense. 5n the center of it there as a large table
co+ered ith scrolls and tablets. -here sat a large ;abiru "an, peering intently at a scroll by the light of a candle.
-he young girl nudged hi" and he grunted unpleasantly. (he nudged hi" again and he pushed her hand back ith
his elbo. (he nudged hi" yet another ti"e and he finally looked up.
LGreetings,M 5 said.
LGreetings,M he ansered. 5 as surprised that he spoke clear Ia"itic.
7ala boed lo. (he had been told not to speak unless spoken to, as is the custo" a"ong the 5sh!.a!/lite o"en.
-he large ;abiru rose to his feet and ca"e toard us. ;e looked "uch different fro" the rest of the". -hough his
curly hair and beard ere long, they ere +ery ell ashed and neatly co"bed. (parkling rings adorned his thick
fingers and a sil+er necklace accented his throat. ;is robe as of finely o+en hite "aterial.
L5 see you ha+e brought "e tribute,M said the ;abiru, eyeing 7ala. LBut here is the tribute for "y people@M
L(he is all e ha+e,M 5 said.
L)h, but 5 hear you ha+e si, agons in your cara+an,M he replied. L(i, agons "ust be carrying so"ething of
+alue.M
L8es,M 5 replied. L5t is her. -ake a close look, great king.M
L5 a" no king,M said the ;abiru. L5 a" a judge, the la of "y people, and "y na"e is (a"son. 5 ill take a closer
look at your tribute.M
;e alked toard us and sei0ed the torch fro" our guide. ;olding the fla"e before 7ala, he e,a"ined the contours
of her body and let out a loud, long histle.
L(he is indeed rich tribute,M said (a"son ith a lustful s"ile. L$erhaps 5 ill let you go ithout further pay"ent.M
L5 a" glad she pleases you,M 5 said.
L(he does indeed,M he replied, placing the torch into a holder on the all. LWhat is your na"e, young "an@M
L*e"non,M 5 said.
(a"son stroked his beard. L*e"non...it see"s 5 ha+e heard that na"e before...M
L$erhaps you ha+e,M 5 replied.
LWell, *e"non, it ould please "e if you ould break bread ith "e. What say you@M
L5 ould be honored, great (a"son,M 5 replied.
;e spoke to the young o"an ne,t to hi" and she scurried fro" the roo". #nother young o"an brought out a
chair for "e.
LCo"e, sit,M (a"son said, beckoning "e toards the table. 5 sat don as (a"son pushed the scrolls to the side and
a+ed his hand to dis"iss our guide. ;e started fro" the roo", sei0ing 7alaQs ar" on his ay.
LLea+e herRM ordered (a"son. L(he goes to the o"enQs Puarters later. 5t...pleases "e to look at her.M
-he "an let go of 7alaQs ar" and left. -he to other young o"en stood nearby, shooting angry glances at 7ala.
)ne as a -a"ahu ith delicate pale skin and red hair. -he other as a estern Iushite, perhaps 7ubian, ith
bron skin and short, tight hair like "y on. Both ere +ery beautiful and ob+iously jealous of 7ala. (a"son
flicked his hands at the" and they hurried fro" the roo". ;e shook his head as he atched the" lea+e.
LWo"enRM he said. LWere they not useful for "aking sons, 5 ould ha+e nothing to do ith the".M
-hen he looked at 7ala again. L/,cept for o"en like this one. Where did you find such a treasure@M
LWe...bought her fro" southern (hashu,M 5 lied. L-hey told us she co"es fro" far to the east.M
L5ndeed, she "ust be fro" the east. 5 ha+e ne+er seen a o"an like her,M (a"son replied. L#nd belie+e "e, 5 kno
"y o"en.M
-he first o"an ca"e back ith a flask of ine and to bron0e goblets. (he as a southern (hashu, ith long
bron hair and light bron skin. (he too as beautiful and s"iled prettily as she poured the ine. (a"son sa "e
appraising her and chuckled lightly.
LCan 5 offer her to you for the night@M he asked.
L-hank you, great (a"son,M 5 replied. LBut no. 5 "ust lea+e soon.M
;e lifted a goblet and gulped don the contents. L#s you ill,M he said, sla""ing the goblet don upon the table.
-he young o"an i""ediately filled it again.
L-ell "e, great (a"son,M 5 asked. L;o is it that you speak the Ia"itian tongue@M
;e gulped don "ore ine, iping his beard ith the back of his hand.
L5t is rePuired of all judges since the ti"e of #usar!*esh. 5t as he ho led our people fro" bondage in Ia"it and
as gi+en the Co""and"ents and the 2ri" and -hu""in by 8aeh.M
5 nodded and took a sip of ine. #s he continued to talk 5 began to understand these 5sh!.a!/lites. 5t see"s that they
had taken a part of Ia"itic history, tisted it, and ere using it as doctrine to unify their people. :or the Ia"itian
records say that this #usar!*esh as an e,iled priest of Ia"it ho led folloers of the Ia"itic ;eresy decreed by
the "ad king #unken!#ten. 5t as they ho nearly led to the ruin of our people before e finally dro+e the" fro"
our land. But 5 as not there to argue ith (a"son. 5 anted to learn here they kept the 2ri" and -hu""in.
-he (hashu o"an brought in plates of food and "ore ine. 5 only ate the +egetables, lea+ing the la"bQs leg and
fol 5ying here they ere. (a"son noticed this and Puestioned "e.
LWhy do you not consu"e the "eat@M
L5 a" forbidden to eat it,M 5 replied. L5 ha+e undergone...changes recently that ill not allo it.M
L#hRM cried (a"son, raising his goblet high, L8ouQ+e found a ne faithR # toast to your ne ay of lifeRM
We dashed our goblets together and drank heartily. -hen 5 glanced o+er "y shoulder at 7ala. (he as still standing
near the entrance, gi+ing "e an i"patient look. 5 turned back toards (a"son as he gu00led "ore ine.
LGreat (a"son,M 5 began carefully, L5 a" interested in your faith also. What is the 2ri" and -hu""in@M
L5t is the sacred ay that 8aeh speaks to us,M he replied, biting into a large hunk of "eat. L5t ad+ises us in ar, in
peace and in life.M
LCould it anser a Puestion for "e@M 5 asked.
(a"son tore into a la"b leg ith great enthusias". .arely had 5 seen anyone eat ith such relish. #s he spoke, food
trickled fro" his "outh.
L(urely, but 5 ould ha+e to ask the Puestion "yself. )nly a judge of 5sh!.a!/5 can consult the sacred stone.M
We finished the "eal and the (hashu o"an cleared the table. )n her ay out (a"son said so"ething to her in the
;abiru tongue, and she dre a curtain behind her. -hen he pointed to 7ala.
LWo"an, turn around,M he ordered. L7o fe"ales are alloed to +ie the 2ri" and -hu""in.M
#fter 7ala turned around, (a"son alked o+er to a table in a corner of the roo" and returned ith a bron0e
candleholder containing se+en candles. ;e lit the" ith a torch, then touched the fire to a stalk of frankincense. ;e
returned to the corner, lifted a ooden bo, ith great re+erence and brought it back to the table. (loly he opened
the lid, re+ealing a large, dark lu"p of rock nearly a half cubit around. (peckles of gloing "etal glistened fro" it.
L-he 2ri" and -hu""in,M said (a"son re+erently, clasping his pal"s together. ;e stood o+er the stone and said a
prayer in the ;abiru language, then he re"o+ed to s"all rods fro" the bo,. )ne as of bron0e and the other
sil+er.
LWhat is your Puestion, *e"non@M he asked.
-hough 5 doubted the accuracy of this oracle, 5 decided to ask so"ething of real i"portance.
LWill 5 e+er see "y pa again@M
(a"son lifted the sil+er rod and said, L5f this rod sings longest, it "eans yes.M -hen he lifted the bron0e rod and
added, L5f this rod sings longest, it "eans no.M
;e closed his eyes and sloed his breathing. -hen he tapped the rock ith both rods and it began to +ibrate. ;e
struck it again as the bo, and the hole table began to shake. (uddenly a loud piercing note ca"e fro" the sil+er
rod, and then the bron0e rod started to sing also. (a"sonQs hands Pui+ered and his "outh opened and closed as if he
anted to speak.
-he piercing pitch of the rods gre louder and louder and 5 co+ered "y ears to block it out. *o"ents later the
bron0e rod ent silent, hile the note fro" the sil+er rod ent on, but loer and loer. # fe "o"ents later the
rock and table ceased shaking and the piercing sound stopped co"pletely.
(a"son opened his eyes. L8ou ill see your pa again, *e"non,M he said. L8aeh has declared it.M
L-hank you, great (a"son,M 5 said. L8ou ha+e gi+en "e "uch co"fort.M
(eat as pouring fro" (a"sonQs face and his robe as soaked fro" the strain of his oracular task. ;e placed the
rods back into the bo, and as reaching for the candles hen he suddenly fell to the floor. -hen 7ala appeared fro"
the shados behind hi".
L-ake the rock, *e"non,M she said. LLet us lea+e this place.M
5 looked up at 7ala, +ery surprised. 5 had not noticed she had "o+ed. -hen 5 looked don at (a"son. -hough his
religious doctrine had truly appalled "e, 5 as starting to like hi". 7o e could ne+er be friends. 5 sei0ed the
hea+y rock and slipped it into "y pouch.
7ala took a flask of ine and poured it on (a"son as he lay there. -hen she dashed so"e on "e, placing the e"pty
flask in (a"sonQs still hand. LLet us go,M she said. L8ou "ust pretend to be drunk until e lea+e this city.M
We alked fro" the roo" and strolled don the corridor toards the entrance. 7ala sei0ed a bla0ing torch at the
door and held "e up as 5 stu"bled and feigned drunkenness. (a"sonQs three o"en laughed as e ent past the",
a+ing their hands and holding their noses. /+en his guards outside the door looked a"used as 5 shuffled past in a
fake stupor.
#s e alked further fro" (a"sonQs house, 5 increased "y speed and began alking nor"ally. 7ala see"ed
disturbed and as urging "e to go e+en faster. L-here as so"ething. . .strange about (a"son,M she said. L;is body
felt different. 5 donQt kno hat it as, but e "ust get aay fro" here Puickly.M
#s e ent through the ton e sa "any agons sitting near houses and draft ani"als all about. 7ala stopped at
one of the dellings and pointed to to asses tied nearby.
L*e"non, get those ani"als. We "ust lea+e Puickly. (a"son ill not re"ain asleep +ery long. 5 kno he onQt.M
she said +ery ner+ously.
We hitched the asses to the agon and Puietly rode toard the gate. 5 a+ed the torch to signal the toer, and the
huge ooden doors sung open for us to ride to freedo", but as the doors ere closing behind us, 5 heard a loud co""otion fro" the
city. 5 then slapped the reins on the asses to hurry the" along.
L;urry these beasts, *e"non,M said 7ala fearfully. L;e ill soon be after us.M
# shout rang out fro" the toer and se+eral arros fle past us. -hough the three!Puarter "oon as bright and
7ala carried a torch, the road as +ery dark and unfa"iliar. We sped along as fast as 5 dared to dri+e the beasts,
hen 7ala suddenly sei0ed "y ar".
L)h, noRM
L#re they after us@M 5 asked.
L8esR #nd they ha+e horsesRM
#s she spoke 5 heard the hoof beats, then glanced around to see another agon gaining close behind. -he "en
carried spears and stood ready to thro the" as their agon closed the distance beteen us. 5 kne they ould soon
be upon us, and e had no protection fro" their eapons.
L7ala,M 5 shouted abo+e the clatter of the pounding hoo+es, Lhat is in the back of this agon@ Look PuicklyRM
7ala turned around and held the torch aloft to see. L-here are so"e bags of grain and s"all +ases...M
L-ake the reinsRM 5 ordered.
When 7ala had the reins, 5 sei0ed the torch and leapt to the rear of the agon. # spear flashed past, barely "issing
"e. )ur pursuers ere no perhaps =& cubits aay and closing in fast. 5 could not "ake out the approaching
figures, but 5 could hear the +oice of (a"son, shouting o+er the thunder of their horses hoo+es.
L5 ga+e you the hospitality of "y people and you stole our sacred 2ri" and -hu""inRM he cried. L-hiefR 8ou shall
not lea+e the land of 5sh!.a!/5 ali+eRM
#nother spear histled past, landing on the seat right ne,t to 7ala. 5 kne 5 had to ork fast or e ould surely be
struck don.
L8our trick did not orkRM (a"son shouted hysterically. L8aeh is "y shepherdR 8aeh is "y strengthRM
Craling along the bed of the agon, 5 sei0ed to large bags of grain and dragged the" to "e. -hen 5 leapt to "y
feet, clutching one of the bags close to "y chest.
L;ereRM 5 cried, a+ing the torch o+erhead. L;ere 5 a"R Iill "e if you canRM
CHAPTER #: WIND AND WAVE BETWEEN MAN AND WOMAN
-hree spears histled through the air, plunging into the thick bag of grain 5 held before "e. -ossing it aside, 5 lifted
the other sack as the pursuing agon ca"e alongside us. #s 5 prepared to hurl it 5 could no see (a"son under the
torch light. (ord in hand, he crouched lo, preparing to spring o+er into our agon. But 5 did not gi+e hi" the
chance. Lifting the bag high, 5 hurled it to the ground before the rapid hoo+es of their horses.
-he lead beast tripped and fell as 5 had planned, the to others ran o+er hi", and then the agon e,ploded as the
ood hit the horses. -he "en ent flying high into the air, their screa"s and curses joining the painful cries of their
horses.
Leaning o+er the side of the agon, 5 dripped ith perspiration. -he recked agon disappeared into the darkness
behind us as 7ala cried out gleefully.
LWell done *e"nonRM
5 looked up and grunted, then lay don on the floor of the agon. Watching the stars, 5 let 7ala dri+e us on into the
night.
;ours later 5 placed the Baa en pet in the hands of Iho!#n!(a. ;e grasped it enthusiastically, hefting it high into the
air. -he flecks of "etal in the rock glea"ed and glittered under the light of the three!Puarter "oon.
L#hhhRM he e,clai"ed. L-he sky!"etalRM
;e took so"e ti"e to ad"ire it, then handed the rock to a arrior, ho alked to a nearby agon and placed it
carefully inside a hea+y sack. (atisfied that is as secure, Iho!#n!(a turned back to 7ala and 5.
L1id you encounter "uch trouble getting it@M he asked.
L7ot as "uch as e could ha+e,M 5 began, Lbut e...M
L*e"non as "agnificentRM interrupted 7ala.
LWe ould surely ha+e been killed if not for his Puick thinking.M
Iho!#n!(a s"iled slightly. LWe ill discuss this along the ay. Let us lea+e for Ga0a before they co"e searching
for us.M
We "ounted Iho!#n!(aQs agon and rode aay to the north, lea+ing behind the asses and the agon e had stolen
fro" the people of 5sh!.a!/5. While 5 sat in a corner of the agon, ondering about the fate of (a"son and his "en,
5 atched 7ala and Iho!#n!(a talking. 7ala spoke breathlessly, "entioning "y na"e se+eral ti"es, often gesturing
and glancing "y ay. Iho!#n!(a nodded frePuently, apparently pleased ith hat she told hi". :inally, he raised
his hand for 7ala to be silent and spoke to "e.
L5t see"s 7ala is +ery pleased by your actions, young panther,M he said. L5 a" pleased also that you acco"plished
your first task so ell.M
5 grunted and looked aay. #s the agon rolled on through the night, 5 drifted off to a drea"less sleep.
5 aoke hours later as the rays of #ten touched "y face and sa that e ere on the streets of a +ery large city.
Within "o"ents 5 recogni0ed the fa"iliar language of the people of Canaan and kne e had at last reached Ga0a.
Winding our ay through throngs of people fro" "any different lands, e took in the early "orning sounds and
sights of a "ajor seaport: the cries of "erchants as they sold their ares, "usicians playing for food and shekels on
the streets and the spicy, seet and pungent odors of early "orning "eals being cooked in a thousand pots.
#t last tall sails loo"ed ahead of us and e ca"e to a stop at the seaport of Ga0a. Iho!#n!(a got don fro" the
agon and disappeared inside a s"all building on the edge of the docks. 7ala looked at "e +ery strangely as she
offered "e dried fruit and ater to break the nightQs fast.
L;o as your rest, *e"non@M she asked.
(o"ething about her +oice "ade "e look into her eyes. 5 found a passion there that 5 had ne+er noticed in a o"an
before.
L5t as...bearable,M 5 said, taking the fruit. L-hank you.M
#s 5 popped the "orsels into "y "outh, 7ala lifted a flask to "y lips and poured the cool liPuid don "y throat. 5
salloed +igorously until she stopped and pulled the flask aay.
L*e"non...M she said. L5 ha+e been assigned to teach "any "en the things 5 a" to teach you, but 5 ha+e ne+er
taught one Puite like you.M
Wiping the ater fro" "y lips ith the back of "y hand, 5 took another bite of the fruit.
LWhat do you "ean@M 5 asked.
L8ou are young, but there is so"ething about you,M 7ala replied. L8ou ha+e strength beyond your years...you are
handso"e. . .you are. . .desirable.M
5 as about to ask her to go on, but Iho!#n!(a appeared.
L)utR #ll outRM he cried. LWe ill board the ship no,M he belloed, then turned toard 7ala and 5.
LCo"e, e ill sail i""ediately. *e"non, bring the Baa en pet.M
5 sei0ed the sack containing the sky!"etal and folloed behind hi". 7ala carried her on bags beside "e, and e
boarded a large +essel of the type knon in "ost ports as a LBlybos ship,M na"ed after the great Caananite city of
shipbuilders. 5t as perhaps =4& cubits long and D& cubits ide, ith huge sails and storage space for a trip of to
do0en "oons or "ore. Warriors and sailors sar"ed all around us, shouting and searing as they prepared for our
departure.
Looking around closely, 5 sa that the +essel had been outfitted for conflict. -here ere ooden shel+es near the
sides of the boat, hich 5 recogni0ed as archery platfor"s. ("all bron0e bols containing pitch, used to light fla"e
arros, sat in ooden fra"es, hile large urns for the ater used to put out fires sat nearby. (pears and ja+elins
ere also strapped to the sides of the ship. Where+er our journey ould take us, 5 reasoned, it surely "ust be fraught
ith danger.
Iho!#n!(a took the Baa en pet fro" "e and directed 7ala and 5 to a structure built onto the deck of the ship. 2pon
alking inside e found it as a sleeping roo", "odestly furnished ith a large bed and a s"all couch. 7ala
see"ed to like it +ery "uch and tossed her bags happily to the floor. (he plopped don upon the couch, bouncing
up and don playfully.
L-his is your sleeping Puarters, *e"non,M Iho!#n!(a said. L#nd 7alaQs.M
7ala looked at "e ith a big icked s"ile and a glea" in her eyes. Iho!#n!(a looked at us both and grinned
knoingly.
L5 ill interrupt you +ery little during this journey, young panther. 8ou ha+e "uch to learn,M he said, then
disappeared through the e,it, closing the door behind hi".
#s soon as he as gone, 7ala stood up and alked seducti+ely toards "e. 5 stood ith "y hands at "y sides, not
knoing hat to do as she circled "e, giggling like a s"all girl. (he "o+ed just close enough to reach up and gently
touch "y face.
L*e"non,M she began. L5 need ti"e to prepare. Why donQt you go and look around the ship. Co"e back hen #ten
passes nearly to night.M
5 kne little of the ays of o"en, and 5 had no idea hat she needed to prepare for, but at that "o"ent 5 ould
ha+e done anything she asked.
#s 5 alked out of our Puarters, the ship as lea+ing port, sails blon full ith air, heading north across the Great
Green (ea. #s a child groing up 5 had seen "any ships and had alays been fascinated ith the sailing of large
+essels. (o 5 atched the sailors pull and tie the huge billoing sheets of cloth and ork the rudder that steered the
ship. 5 atched the captain, a burly, dark bron Iushite fro" Canaan ith a slight li"p, lick his finger to test the
ind and shout orders to his cre.
#s 5 strolled across the deck, 5 noticed that the Puarters for the arriors and cre ere also bustling ith acti+ity.
(tanding near the dooray, 5 atched argu"ents o+er sleeping arrange"ents, pro,i"ity to the e,it and other
pettiness co""on hen "en li+e closely.
But one arrior a"ong the" recei+ed no argu"ent. Con+ersations ceased as Cronn alked past "e and entered.
-he giant -a"ahu strolled in a"ong the", clai"ed the space of his choice and cast don his huge sord, sleeping
blankets and other belongings.
-here had been no contact beteen us since 5 hu"iliated hi" before the asse"bly in $etra. (ince then he a+oided
"e at all ti"es, alking the other ay hen 5 ca"e near or lea+ing any roo" hen 5 entered it. 1espite ha+ing
beaten hi", 5 as still cautious near Cronn. 5 kne he hated "e for his defeat and hu"iliation, and 5 kne that if he
took "e unaares 5 ould surely die.
5 re"ained on deck for hours, atching the port of Ga0a disappear in the distance. :inally the ti"e ca"e to go back
to the sleeping cha"ber...and 7ala. Walking in, 5 i""ediately s"elled the scent of sandalood, the fragrance of
;et!;eru, the perfu"e of passion. -he indos ere co+ered ith cloth and the roo" as totally dark. (uddenly
to candles on the floor near the bed fla"ed to light. (tanding beteen the" as 7ala. (heer gar"ents of light
green and yello ere rapped tightly around her body and draped about her face, "aking her golden eyes stand
out in the candle light.
(loly she began to dance, ith lingering, sensuously delicate "o"ents that entranced "e further into the roo".
When she flicked her hands, a light chi"ing sound filled all the space beteen us, keeping ti"e to her graceful
"o+e"ents.
(he ca"e closer and began to dance around "e, teasingly chi"ing near "y ears and tossing the corners of her sheer
gar"ents into "y face. 5 tried to e"brace her, but she as too Puick, snatching her hips aay before 5 could close
"y grasp. 5 as shaking ith desire and breathing hea+ily hen she finally stopped near the bed. (uddenly she
began casting off the sheer gar"ents piece by piece.
-aking a deep breath, 5 ga0ed at her s"all dark body, oiled and glistening in the candlelight. 5n "y passion 5 leapt
forard and tried to e"brace her, but she stepped aside and 5 landed on the bed, frustrated and confused. -hen 5 felt
her soft hands on "y back and the heat in "y body rose. -urning o+er, 5 found her beautiful eyes looking deeply into
"ine. 5 opened "y "outh to speak, but she placed a hand o+er "y lips and said softly, L(hush, *e"non. 8ou are
too fast. 8ou "ust be gentle.M
(he then slid her flaless body don onto "ine, co+ering "y lips ith a kiss. 5t as then that "y lessons truly
began.
1uring the long +oyage 5 as educated by the throes of ecstasy, and 7alaQs "ost enthusiastic "ethod of teaching. 5
learned that the force of .au runs just like ind and a+e beteen "an and o"an and that the source of passion
and poer are the sa"e. #fter repeated unions ith 7ala, 5 learned self control, and the tricky techniPue of retaining
"y seed in order to build up this .au poer.
7ala told "e that the treat"ents 5 recei+ed fro" (ung Li alloed "e to feel "y .au to a greater degree than "ost
"enS and that 5 could increase "y .au greatly by tapping into this poer generated beteen us hen united. (he
also said that in order to stay strong 5 "ust practice this Iula 8oga for the rest of "y life.
(oon e could re"ain e"braced for hole days or nights, ith the .au force tra+eling back and forth beteen us.
Circulating like blood, it as cool one "inute and hot the ne,t. 5f 5 retained "y seed throughout a session, 5 ca"e
aay bursting ith +igor and had to run se+eral ti"es around the ship to burn it off.
But there as one other consePuence of the techniPues 7ala taught "e that as not pleasant. 5 first noticed it one
day during a run around the ship. :eeling irritable for no reason 5 could understand, 5 found "yself running under
the noon!day heat of #ten. -he ship as full of acti+ity as arriors practiced their sord and spearplay and sailors
tended to the needs of the +essel. 5 ran past a group of sailors and arriors ho, taking a break fro" their duties,
ere grouped together in a circle. -heir backs ere bent, and their +igorous shouts and oaths indicated they ere
engaged in a bit of ga"bling. .unning by, 5 heard one of the" laugh and stopped suddenly. 5 had the distinct feeling
that one of the" as laughing at "e.
LWho laughed@M 5 asked angrily, turning toard the".
-hey stopped their ga"e and looked up. -here ere si, of the", four -a"ahu arriors and to Iushite sailors fro"
Canaan. 5 did not think they could understand "e, but "y anger ould not abate. 5 stepped closer to the group of
"en, shaking ith unco""on rage.
LWho finds "e a"usingRM 5 screa"ed, pointing at a sailor. L5s it you@M 5 groled at another "an. L&r is it you@M 5
shouted, pointing rudely close to a "anQs face.
-he arriorQs co"ple,ion turned red and he slapped "y hand aay. 5 kne that "y reputation struck fear into the"
due to "y defeat of Cronn, but the arrior stood his ground and e+en took a step closer. Without hesitation, 5 sung
"y fist into his ja and atched hi" cru"ble to the deck. #s 5 turned to threaten another "an, the sailor 5 had first
confronted leaped upon "y back. -hen to "ore leaped forard and the fight as on. Warriors and sailors fro" all
o+er the deck ca"e o+er, for"ing a big ring around us as they atched.
-he four of us ent tu"bling back and forth, cursing and spitting. #round and around e surged as the "en hit and
kicked "e until 5 ould sei0e ahold of one and thro hi" to the deck. :or long "inutes e braled, and the "en
fighting against "e ere as surprised as 5 as that 5 did not see" to tire.
(tepping back to catch their breath, they huffed and puffed as they circled "e. Blood poured don fro" "y lip and
so"ehere near "y eye, but 5 did not care. LCo"e,M 5 shouted, shaking "y fist, Lho is ne,t@ Who ants "oreRM
-he "en around us began histling. (hekels and notes changed hands as bets ere laid on the fight. -he sailor and
the to arriors circled "e like cats. 5 did not kno ho ould leap ne,t, so 5 prepared "yself for an attack by any
or all of the". (uddenly 5 heard the sailor ho had circled behind "e scrape his foot upon the deck and ducked lo.
Looking up, 5 sa hi" sailing o+er "y head, directly into the belly of the arrior facing "e. -he crod roared ith
laughter as the "en tu"bled to the deck.
-he face of the re"aining arrior beca"e li+id ith rage. .eaching into his boot, he pulled out a knife and lunged
toard "e. Leaning backards as the blade slashed inches fro" "y face, 5 sei0ed his outstretched ar" and yanked
hi" to "e, sla""ing "y fist into his belly. ;e doubled o+er, the knife slipped fro" his hand and 5 stepped on it.
-hen ith the other foot 5 kicked hi" sa+agely in his side. ;oling painfully, he dropped to the deck, defeated.
-here the four "en lay before "e, rithing and "oaning. Blood dripped don "y face as 5 stood there, but still the
rage and poer in "e did not lessen. 6ust then the crod gre silent. -he "en parted and the giant Cronn appeared.
#n e+il joy sept through "e and 5 s"iled, anticipating "ore fighting, but then Cronn stepped aside and Iho!#n!(a
as there.
LCease, young panther,M he said. L8ou ha+e fought enough for no.M
5gnoring Iho!#n!(aQs ords, 5 fi,ed "y ga0e upon Cronn. :eeling an urge to fight that ould not be denied, 5 lifted
"y foot and picked up the knife. #s 5 alked toards the -a"ahu giant, Iho!#n!(aQs +oice rose in a chant, his
hands "ade signs in the air and suddenly 5 felt like sleeping. 5 took to "ore hea+y steps, struggling to fight the
drosiness, but it as no use. -he knife fell fro" "y hands and 5 fell into the ar"s of "y giant ene"y.
5 aoke in our sleeping Puarters to find 7ala "assaging "y body ith fragrant oils and singing a soothing "elody.
-he irritable feeling as gone and at last 5 felt at peace.
L7ala,M 5 asked, Lhat happened to "e@M
.eaching up, she touched "y lip lightly and 5 inced fro" the pain. L8ouQ+e been fighting,M she ansered "atter!
of!factly.
5 sat up and i""ediately felt di00y. *y body ached and throbbed fro" head to foot. Groaning fro" the pain, 5
pressed 7ala for an e,planation.
LBut hy@M 5 asked urgently. LWhy did 5 feel that ay@ 5 anted to hurt those "en, and 5 donQt kno hy...M
7ala lit a stalk of incense ith a candle and handed it to "e.
L;ere, s"ell this.M
5 took a deep breath and a onderful tingling feeling ca"e o+er "e.
L8ou ere floing ith too "uch .au. 8ou ha+e been building it up too "uch lately ithout spending it. We ha+e
to take it sloer.M
LBut 5 kno about the e,tra .au,M 5 replied. L-hat is the reason that 5 "ust run so "uch. But hy did 5 ant to hurt
those "en@M
7ala shook her head. L5 told you, *e"non. 8ou ha+e been floing ith too "uch.M
LBut...5 donQt....M
L;ush, *e"non. .est no. Go to sleep.M
5 slipped off into a slu"ber, but not ith "y "ind at peace. 5 did not pursue the "atter further, but throughout the
journey 5 ould often feel angry for no apparent reason, and 5 could not help thinking that there as so"ething 7ala
as not telling "e.
-he +oyage lasted a full "oon. 1uring this ti"e Iho!#n!(a told us "any ti"es about the dangers e "ight face in
the land of our destination. #s a place saturated ith the force of the .eckoning, any force of nature could be
per+erted. 5 thought of this hen e finally sa land and sailed into a deep bay offshore.
Iho!#n!(a chose 3& arriors besides "yself and Cronn for the journey. -hen he prepared so"e of his strange flasks
and +ases for transport and ga+e each of us a necklace that he said ould help protect usNall of us, 5 noted, e,cept
Cronn. #fter stocking eapons and pro+isions for the trip, e boarded three s"all boats and roed to shore.
We dise"barked and 5 looked at the northern land e had co"e to. 1irectly before us as a range of hills co+ered
ith thick green forests. -all grasses and trees 5 had ne+er seen before stretched in all directions and though it felt
ar", there as so"ething in the air, a chill of a sort that 5 had ne+er e,perienced. 5 kne this as indeed a strange
and different land.
Iho!#n!(a see"ed unusually cautious. 5nstructing us to be ary at all ti"es, he insisted e report anything unusual
i""ediately. )nly Cronn see"ed to be at ease as e set off through the unknon ilderness. -here al"ost see"ed
to be a spring to his step as he led us along, picking out the best routes through areas that see"ed ne+er to ha+e been
trodden before. 5 obser+ed hi" carefully, noticing ho he ould stop periodically, sniff the air, and change
directions.
We alked for hours o+er hills and flatlands co+ered ith thick endless forests. #t ti"es the trees ere so close that
little light ca"e through, causing the "en to alk closer together, peering cautiously all around, ju"ping at any
strange sound or "otion. We finally e"erged into a clearing as #ten slipped don beneath the hori0on. -here e
built a fire and settled don for the night.
#fter setting up a defensi+e syste" of shields and lances around the ca"p, four "en ere posted for the first atch.
#s e sat around the large ca"pfire, under a full and lu"inous "oon, e noticed other strange things about this
land. -here ere none of the fa"iliar sounds of a forest at night, like insects chirping, night birds signaling their kin
or ani"als dashing on nocturnal hunts.
#nd besides our an,iety o+er the lack of these fa"iliar things, so"eho e felt e ere being atched. /+en
Cronn gre agitated as he sat near Iho!#n!(a, ar"s folded across his huge chest, eyes roa"ing the darkness
beyond the light.
(uddenly a loud, long hol pierced the night air. #ll of us leapt to our feet, brandishing eapons and uttering
prayers or curses.
LCal" don,M co""anded Iho!#n!(a. L5t ill do no good to panic. Be seated.M
We sat back don and Iho!#n!(a turned to Cronn. -hey "ade eye contact and the giant rose to his feet. ;e left the
light of the fire, lea+ing his eapons behind, and alked out into the night toard the direction of the hol. :or
long "inutes e all aited breathlessly, ondering hy Cronn ould dare to +enture forth, alone and eaponless
into this strange forest. But he soon reappeared, alked rapidly back into ca"p and straight toards Iho!#n!(a.
#fter he hispered into the "agicianQs ear, Iho!#n!(a stood up i""ediately and cried, LBreak ca"pR We "ust
lea+e noR Break ca"pR 7oRM
-he "en started stuffing bags and rolling bedding ith great haste "oti+ated by fear.
L5t ill be dangerous to "o+e about at night,M Iho!#n!(a said. LBut it ill be "ore dangerous to stay here. -here
are creatures about that should not be faced under a full "oon.M
(e+eral "en lit torches and handed one to Iho!#n!(a. -hen the "agician reached into a pouch, pulling out a s"all
+ase co+ered ith leather and bound shut ith a cord. #fter placing it on the ground near the fire, he then reached
into a larger bag and pulled out a s"all black cat. 5t as only a kitten, but it struggled and rithed fiercely to free
itself. Iho!#n!(a held it close to his face and spoke into its ear. 5""ediately the cat closed its eyes and ent to
sleep.
#ll the "en atched curiously as Iho!#n!(a placed the kitten ne,t to the +ase, untied the cord around it and pulled
back the leather. # red "ist rose fro" it as Iho!#n!(a began chanting and orking a series of hand signs in the air.
-he "ist sirled abo+e the cat, for"ing a circle in the air abo+e its "otionless body that 5 recogni0ed i""ediately.
5t as hat Ia"!#tef called a gateay to the -aut, the "ajor tool for the spread of the .eckoning. *ost occurred
spontaneously, but so"e "agicians could call the" forth at ill.
# bright flash of red light leaped fro" the portal, en+eloping the feline, and then the portal disappeared. -he cat
leapt to its feet, e"itting a cry as if its heart ere being torn out. 5ts color changed fro" black to blood red, hile
crackling noises like the sound of burning ood, e"itted fro" its Pui+ering body.
-hen to our astonish"ent, the cat started to gro. We gasped in disbelief as it selled to the si0e of a jackal. *en
stepped back hen it gre to the si0e of a panther, and as it gre bigger still, the arriors pointed their eapons at it
fearfully.
L1o not be afraid,M Iho!#n!(a said forcefully. L5t is here to assist us. *ake no sudden "o+es.M
:inally, at nearly tice the si0e of a full gron lion, the cat creature ceased groing. Glancing around at the "en
asse"bled, it alked up to Iho!#n!(a, loering its head obediently.
Iho!#n!(a s"iled and spoke to it ith authority. LGo forth creature of ;erukhuti. Iill those fiends ho ould hunt
usR Iill the olf!creatures ho hunt in the night. GoR 7oRM
-he huge feline nodded before Iho!#n!(a, then turned obediently and bounded off into the forest.
Iho!#n!(a spoke to us all, pointing in the direction the cat!creature had gone. L*y ser+ant ill not be able to kill
all the beasts that hunt us, but it ill keep the" busy enough for us to gain so"e distance. 5n the "orning, hen it is
safe, e ill rest. 7o, let us depart.M
We tra+eled through the night ith torch bearers on either side, out front and at the rear of the co"pany. -he going
as slo and e stu"bled often, but no one relished the idea of "eeting these Lolf!creaturesM ho hunted us,
especially if they posed a danger to the fearso"e ;erukhuti!cat created by Iho!#n!(a. Cronn led us once again, but
this ti"e e+en he see"ed to be disturbed.
5 asked Iho!#n!(a to e,plain our situation and he shook his head sadly. L5 had no idea it had gone this far. 7othing
is as it should be.M
LWill e "ake it to the orkshop of the blacks"ith@M 5 asked.
-he look on Iho!#n!(aQs face as gra+e. ;e looked around at the arriors, then ansered "e softly.
L(o"e of us "ay, young panther..."ost, perhaps all, ill not.M
5 looked at the three arriors ho carried the +ases filled ith spirits. Iho!#n!(a noticed and pointed at the". L5
donQt kno that these ill be enough,M he said.
L-he big cat...onQt he co"e back to protect us@M 5 asked.
L/+en if the ;erukhuti!cat sur+i+es his battle ith the nighthunters, these conjured creatures can only be asked one
task. #fterards, the creature is free to do its on bidding.M
When the rays of #ten broke out o+er the land, e stood atop a hill o+erlooking a lush green +alley. #t its center a
strong ri+er churned, floing fro" a high "ountain in the distance.
L-hat is our destination,M said Iho!#n!(a, pointing to the "ountain. L5t is there that e ill "eet the great
blacks"ith. We "ust first cross o+er this ri+er, though, and then e ill stop to rest.M
#s e "ade our ay don the hill 5 sa signs of ani"al life for the first ti"e. ("all creatures ith stripes on their
backs ran to and fro, hiding in the grass and behind the rocks on the hill. Birds fle abo+e the +alley and 5 could see
fish ju"ping and thrashing near the surface of the ri+er. We all felt better as e descended into the +alley, noticing
its bountiful, +ibrant life.
Iho!#n!(a, hoe+er, did not share our enthusias". L.e"ain careful,M he said cautiously. L1o not be fooled by
appearances.M
#s e approached the shore of the ri+er, to arriors prepared to cross it, e,tending their spear butts to probe the
botto".
L;oldRM Iho!#n!(a shouted. L8ou kno not hat lies beneath the surface of that lake.M
;e alked forard and a+ed the arriors back. 5 looked at the ri+er carefully. -hough it sept along strongly, it
see"ed a nor"al body of ater. But 5 kne nothing as as it see"ed in this land saturated by the .eckoning.
Iho!#n!(a alked forard and stood on the bank, his hands stretched out o+er the roiling surface of the ater.
Closing his eyes, he a+ed his ar"s and "o+ed his lips for a fe "o"ents. :inally, he loered his hands and turned
toards us. L5t is safe to cross,M he said. L-here is nothing to har" us in this ri+er.M
#nother arrior and 5 took our spears and aded in. -he current as strong and e stu"bled slightly as e planted
our spear!butts for support. #s the other arriors splashed in 5 kept "y head don, probing ith the spear for holes
or drop!offs. 6ust then 5 heard fearful cries behind "e. -urning around, 5 sa the" all, including Iho!#n!(a and
Cronn, bending lo o+er the ri+er and pointing to the sky.
5 felt a rush of air o+erhead as a dark shado fle by. 1ucking lo, 5 e,tended "y spear upright, confused by the
frightened cries of the "en behind "e. -hen a horrified screa" rang out and 5 turned toard the arrior ho had
aded out ith "e.
*y eyes idened as 5 sa hi" struggling in the clutches of a gigantic bird. :lapping its ings a fe cubits abo+e
the ri+er, it held hi" in its clas as a falcon ould a rabbit, and ould ha+e taken off i""ediately if not for the
arriorQs +aliant struggles.
(crea"ing in pain and terror, he stabbed into the birdQs huge breast ith his spear, causing the creature to e"it an
ear!splitting screech each ti"e it as struck. Water splashed as the beast beat its ings, atte"pting to fly aay. 5
looked behind to find se+eral arriors holding spears aloft, poised to thro, but afraid to for the sake of the
struggling arrior.
5 as nearly close enough to thrust "y spear at the creature, but the tre"endous ings ble enor"ous gusts of
ind, keeping "e off balance. 1eter"ined to help though, 5 braced "y spear on the rocky botto" of the ri+er,
sloly straining toard the ho+ering creature. 5 as nearly in position to attack hen the giant clas around the
arrior tightened and 5 heard a loud snap.
(uddenly the spear dropped fro" the arriorQs hand and his body gre li"p. 5""ediately 5 lunged, but it as too
late. Beating its huge ings rapidly, it sept up fro" the surface of the ri+er, bearing its dead prey into the early
"orning sky.
#s 5 stood atching the huge bird fly aay, another roar ent up fro" the arriors behind "e, and Iho!#n!(a as
shouting the loudest.
L*e"nonR L he cried. L8oung panther, look to the skyR Look to your rightRM
-oo late, 5 brandished "y spear and si+eled to "y right. But 5 as struck so siftly and ith such force that all 5
could only see ere stars and a huge, hite feathery breast. -hen giant clas sei0ed "e and shook "e +iolently,
sPuee0ing the breath fro" "y body. Gulping for air, 5 thrust "y spear into this ne bird, causing it to screech in pain
and anger. 6erking and kicking, 5 thrust deeper, but its clas only rapped around "e tighter.
Looking up at its huge legs and body, 5 reali0ed fearfully that this creature as larger than the other. #s 5 struggled
desperately, 5 heard Iho!#n!(a shouting to the others.
L-hroRM he cried. LCut the creature don, noRM
/ighteen spears sliced through the air. # fe hit the bird, causing it to screech terribly, but still it did not fall.
Gripping "y spear again, 5 thrust until 5 felt the point hit bone, but it still ould not let go. -hen 5 felt a jerking
"otion, and the surface of the ri+er fell aay. -he huge ings flapped harder and suddenly 5 found "yself high
abo+e the trees, atching Iho!#n!(a and his "en beco"ing specks in the distance.
;igher and higher e cli"bed, the huge ings gliding on strong gusts of ind. 5 had no doubt about "y fate and
struggled on, preferring the Puick end of a fall o+er being eaten by this beast and others ho aaited in itQs nest.
But then its talons tightened around "e again, shooting terrible pain throughout "y body, especially "y back.
.esol+ing not to cry out, 5 clenched "y teeth in bitter defiance, aaiting the aful snap that ould surely seal "y
doo".
CHAPTER $: %THE WOLF CREATURES
5 passed each "o"ent, in agoni0ing pain, aaiting the sound of "y back bones breaking. But as the pressure
increased and it did not happen, 5 re"e"bered the ords of "y trainer (ung Li, that "y bones had been
strengthened by .au and could not be broken. #s this reali0ation ca"e o+er "e, 5 let go of the spear and ent li"p.
5""ediately the birdQs grip loosened and the crushing pressure disappeared. -hinking its prey no subdued, the
creature rose on a gust of ind, gliding toards its destination.
But 5 as not subdued. 7o that 5 could catch "y breath, 5 kne hat to do. Closing "y eyes, 5 breathed deeply,
"ur"uring a litany of chants fro" the Book of Inoing the Creatures of the -aut. #fter se+eral atte"pts, 5 hit upon
one that orked, and the effect of its poer as i""ediate.
(huddering, the bird beca"e disoriented and released "e. .eaching up Puickly, 5 "anaged to sei0e a leg to keep
fro" plunging to "y doo". 5 held on tightly, chanting louder, since 5 could see it as "aking the bird fly e+en "ore
erratically. (oon the birdQs head drooped lo, blood ran fro" its beak, and itQs large golden eyes struggled to stay
open. *o"ents later itQs huge ings ceased flapping and trust out rigidly. -hen e sloly descended toards the
ground.
6ust abo+e the tops of the trees, 5 looked to the east. -here as the hite!capped "ountain that Iho!#n!(a said as
our destination. *uch closer and to the north there as a s"all +illage, hich ould be "y first stop, if 5 could only
get to the ground ali+e. 5 kne the landing ould be hard, but 5 had no choice but to let go of the birdQs leg just a
fe cubits abo+e the ground.
-u"bling head o+er heels, 5 landed roughly atop thick bushes ithout "uch injury. $ulling free fro" the
+egetation, 5 looked up, just in ti"e to obser+e the birdQs +iolent landing. #fter crashing through a stand of bushes,
it flipped +iolently end o+er end, before finally s"ashing against the trunk of a huge tree. .aising itQs head once, it
ga+e a sharp, piercing cry, and then fell silent fore+er.
5 "anaged to get to "y feet, but only +ery sloly, "y back aching fro" the birdQs grasp and the fall. 5 then "ade
"y ay o+er to the creature to retrie+e "y spear. But upon close inspection 5 found the tip of "y eapon poking
fro" itQs feathery back, dri+en co"pletely through fro" the i"pact of the fall.
;esitating "o"entarily, 5 pulled to other spears fro" its breast that had been thron there by the other arriors.
#fter iping the blood fro" the blades upon its hite feathery chest, 5 settled don beneath a nearby tree. -here 5
sat for Puite a hile, staring at the giant bird and conte"plating the strangeness of this land.
When #ten rose to "idday, the pain in "y back subsided and 5 set out for the +illage. .e"e"bering Iho!#n!(a
ords, that nothing as as it should be, 5 held one spear poised to thro and carried the other o+er "y shoulder. 5
had no ay of knoing hat strange beasts 5 ould encounter, but 5 anted to be ready.
#fter a brief trek, 5 stepped fro" the forest into the fields surrounding the +illage. 5 found it "uch s"aller than it had
see"ed fro" abo+e. $erhaps fi+e do0en s"all thatched huts ere the hole of it. # ell!orn road led into the
+illage fro" the est, then stretched on to the east, "arking this place as a "ajor stopping point for those journeying
to the great "ountain.
But as 5 obser+ed the area and 5 could sense there as so"ething rong. -he fields ere co+ered ith the husks of
unhar+ested crops that ere blon o+er ith sandy, parched earth. 5 sa no people in the +illage nor tra+elers on the
road. 5ndeed the site before "e as as still and as silent as death.
Walking cautiously into the +illage, 5 i""ediately noticed the carcass of an ass, its bones poking through a leathery
hide that looked as if it had been shredded by tre"endous clas. 7earby 5 spied a pile of clothing and poked it ith
"y spear. When 5 felt the bones inside and heard the dry clacking as they knocked together, 5 kne it as the
re"ains of a "an.
5 took a look around at the dellings and noticed signs that so"e great +iolence had befallen the place. -he doors of
the huts had been torn don, hile deep cuts "arred the indo sills and alls. :ences had been tra"pled to the
ground and tools and other ite"s ere scattered about. #ni"al and hu"an re"ains ere e+eryhere.
#s 5 continued through the +illage, the gri" truth beca"e apparent: (o"ething had attacked this place and killed
e+ery li+ing thing, and fro" the cheed and tisted state of "ost of the re"ains, it see"ed likely that the population
had been de+oured.
-urning on "y heels, 5 rapidly headed back the ay 5 had co"e, intending to lea+e this place of death. But on the
outskirts of the +illage "y ru"bling e"pty gut forced a thought upon "eS if this place had been destroyed as rapidly
as the e+idence indicated, then there "ight be so"e food left. :ood hich the dead +illagers no longer needed, but
hich 5 needed desperately.
With this in "ind 5 turned back to begin "y search, looking around cautiously for signs of "o+e"ent. -he first hut 5
ca"e to had grueso"e splashes of blood on the alls, but in a corner 5 found a bag of grain. :ro" a nearby delling
5 scrounged a sack of dried fruit and nuts. 5 dre ater fro" a ell in the "iddle of the +illage, then settled don in
the cooking area of another delling to prepare a ste.
#s the light of #ten aned, 5 sat cross!legged before the pot and a s"all fire, stirring "y ste ith a ooden spoon.
(uddenly 5 heard the sound of footsteps fro" outside. (ei0ing a spear, 5 crept Puietly to the indo and dre aside
the curtain. -here stood a s"all -a"ahu boy. ;is eyes closed and his nostrils flared, he as apparently enticed by
the s"ell of the ste. ;e as dirty and tattered, ith long filthy hair the color of stra and so thin he "ust ha+e
been near to star+ing.
5 as happy to see that so"eone had escaped the carnage that had o+ertaken the +illage, and, ithout thinking,
tapped the indo sill to get his attention. (tartled, the boy looked up Puickly and our eyes "et. 5 s"iled ar"ly,
but he turned on his heels and ran.
LWaitRM 5 cried.
1arting fro" the hut, 5 shouted again, but the boy as gone. -hen 5 heard the sound of rapid feet to the left and ran
in that direction. (oon 5 sa hi", running a"a0ingly fast, darting beteen huts and fences.
5 reali0ed then that 5 had been a fool. -here as no ay to kno the state of the childQs "ind after itnessing the
death of his people. Besides that, he had probably ne+er seen a Iushite before. :ro" "y brief look at hi", he
see"ed to be no "ore than %& years oldS and 5, a +ery tall "an, chased after hi" holding a spear. -here as no
reason for the child not to be terrified.
With the boy still a good distance ahead, 5 stopped running and tossed don "y spear. LChild, ait,M 5 said in the
"ost gentle +oice 5 could "uster. L$lease stop.M
-he boy looked o+er his shoulder, then stopped and turned hesitantly. ;e ga0ed at "e briefly ith a confused
e,pression, then took off again, disappearing behind a nearby hut. Lea+ing "y eapon behind, 5 alked toard the
delling ith "y hands outstretched. (ince the dooray faced "e, and the boy had not e"erged fro" the other side,
5 alked around the hut e,pecting to see the child there, coering in fear.
But nothing as there but an e"pty ater trough, once used by the no!dead ani"als. 5 as pu00led. #fter alking
around the hut se+eral "ore ti"es, 5 finally accepted that the child had disappeared.
$icking up "y spear, 5 alked back to the hut for "y ste, ondering all the hile here the child had gone. 5
poured so"e ste into a bol and placed it outside near the dooray, then sat inside the hut, eating silently. 5 hoped
the child ould take the food, but 5 heard nothing.
By the ti"e 5 finished eating, the +illage as in total darkness and 5 thought about ho 5 should proceed. 5 did not
feel safe here, but 5 had no ish to tra+el in the dark, alone and in unknon territory.
With great trepidation 5 decided to bed don there for the night, but not before taking precautions. :irst 5 propped
the door that had been knocked don back into place, pushing a table and se+eral stools against it. -hen 5 took a
"ound of bedding and skins that ere heaped into a corner and spread the" atop "y body for conceal"ent. $lacing
"y spears close by, 5 tried to appear as "uch like a "ound of clothing as 5 could before drifting off to sleep. 5 think
later this tactic sa+ed "y life.
#fter an undeter"ined period of fitful sleep, 5 aoke to the sound of loud slurping noises. ("iling, 5 thought of the
child finding the ste, perhaps eating his first cooked "eal since the death of his people. -hen 5 heard loud scraping
and sniffing noises, folloed by a lo grol.
$eeking through the cloth and skin, 5 found the light of the full "oon strea"ing through the indo, and the night
air being pierced by a loud, bone!chilling hol. *y blood ran cold. -he olf creaturesR 5 thought about the fate of
the +illagers, and suddenly it all "ade sense.
$eering up at the indo again, this ti"e 5 sa to red eyes staring in. -hen a long, dog!like snout poked past the
curtain, sniffing at the air and groling dangerously. When the eyes and snout disappeared, "y "ind raced in a near
panic to co"e up ith a plan.
#s 5 ondered hat 5 should do, a loud crash resounded, the table and stools fle back and the door crashed to the
floor. -he sniffing gre louder as to large claed hands rapped sloly around the dooray. -hen "y heart stood
still as a pair of huge, olf!like beasts crept into the roo". /ach of the" as sil+er!gray, a full cubit taller than "e,
and stood upright like a "an. -heir stooped backs and strangely shaped legs ere poised as if to spring, and it as
clear that they ere hunting. 5 kne they ere hunting for "e.
-he creatures lu"bered through the hut until they ere standing abo+e the pot of ste. (natching it up, one of the"
pulled the pot to its snout and began slurping. -he other tried to snatch it aay and they groled and snapped
"o"entarily. -hen, after a fe "ore gu00les, the aiting creature snatched the pot to finish hat as left.
Continuing to peek through the cloth, 5 atched the" eat the ste, terrified and fascinated by these strange
creatures. :inally, they tossed the pot to the floor and headed for the dooray. But before they stepped through, one
sniffed the air again. -he other raised its nose also, and then they looked at each other, groling as if in agree"ent.
(loly they turned and shuffled toard "e.
5 had positioned "y ar" so that 5 could sei0e "y nearby spear. -hough 5 did not e,pect to in a battle against these
creatures, 5 as prepared to defend "yself rather than die like a sheep at the slaughter. 5 could hear their raspy
breathing as they ca"e closer, teeth bared and clas e,tended. *y fingers ere already gripping the shaft of the
spear and 5 steadied "yself to plunge it into the body of the one that got to "e first.
But just as they ho+ered right abo+e "e, a thundering roar ca"e fro" outside, shaking the +ery alls of the hut ith
its ferociousness. 5""ediately it as folloed by se+eral hols and the grols of other olf!creatures. -he to
"onsters before "e raised their heads to the ceiling, holing in unison as they returned the call of their co"panions.
-urning aay fro" "e, they leapt to the dooray, stopping only briefly to look back "y ay. )ne creature curled
its claed hand into a fist and shook it at "e, and then they both bounded aay.
*o"ents later 5 heard the sound of a tre"endous battle. -ossing off the cloth and skins, 5 sei0ed a spear and ran to
peek outside. #nother hea+y roar shook the air as "y eyes focused in the "oonlight. -here in the distance as Iho!
#n!(aQs ;erukhuti cat, locked in a furious struggle ith the olf!creatures. (e+eral of the" lay dead at the catQs
feet, hile it shook another in its huge jas.
Leaping up and don around it, the olf!creatures ere ob+iously afraid of the huge beast, hich as three ti"es as
large as any one of the". -hough eight of the" surrounded the feline, they hesitated, groling furiously and
holing in frustration.
(uddenly a crunching sound ripped through the air and, the cat tossed its latest +icti" aside. -he body landed
se+eral cubits aay, broken and still. :our of the ol+es rushed o+er, holing "ournfully. #ngered by the death of
their co"panion, they circled the giant cat until one of the" found the ner+e to ju"p astride its back. Biting and
paing furiously, the olf beast tore at fur and flesh until the cat finally thre it off. #n instant later the attacker as
dead, gutted by the lightning!fast clas of the feline.
-hen the re"aining olf!creatures leaped forard to attack, including the four "ourners ho left their dead
co"panion and joined the onslaught. -here as a furious flurry of acti+ity as the creatures rolled around under the
"oonlight, holing and groling, paing and scratching. )ne olf!creature as thron fro" the "elee and li"ped
out of sight.
-hough 5 hoped the cat ould be +ictorious, it as clear that it as gra+ely hurt. -here ere no three "ore olf!
creatures dead at its feet, but blood dripped fro" terrible ounds on the catQs sides. 8et still it stood, roaring
defiantly.
Circling arily, the re"aining olf creatures searched for an opening. -he giant cat stu"bled, causing one of the
ol+es to leap boldly, only to be snatched by a cla as Puick as a flash, then dragged in to the poerful jas and
brutally decapitated.
-here ere only three olf!creatures left, and 5 kne it as only a "atter of ti"e for the". But then 5 sa that the
olf creatures ere "ore for"idable than 5 had suspected. *y eyes idened as the one ho had li"ped aay
suddenly reappeared, carrying a long bo and a Pui+er of arros.
;oling to signal the others, it notched an arro, and let it fly as soon as they "o+ed aay. -he "issile landed in
the huge catQs side and it roared in pain. -his caused the other olf!creatures to hol gleefully, ju"ping up and
don in delight.
Looking on in horror, 5 kne 5 could not let the" kill the cat, because then they ould turn on "e. (pringing
Puickly fro" the hut, 5 ran forard ith "y spear poised, intending to kill the olf creature ith the bo before he
could notch another arro.
L;o, "onsterRM 5 cried. LLook this ayRM
-he creature turned toard "e and looked Puickly, then holed toards its co"panions. 5 as poised to thro the
spear, but one of the" had detached itself fro" the battle and as bounding toard "e. -hroing "y eapon no
ould lea+e "e defenseless, so 5 held on to it, readying "yself to fight.
-he archer notched another arro and pointed it at the giant cat as its co"panion ca"e upon "e. Groling
"enacingly, it tensed itself to spring, hile 5 held "y spear lo and gripped it fir"ly.
#fter eyeing "e for a long "o"ent, he finally pounced, co"ing don upon "e as a dog does a cornered rabbit. But
5 brought the point of the spear up ith all "y strength, piercing its hairy chest in "idair.
8elping in pain, it tried to grasp "e ith its long, sharp clas. But as the blade entered the "onsterQs hairy chest, 5
planted the butt of the spear in the ground and rolled aside. -he beast ca"e don hard, forcing the blade clear
through its back. 5t broke off ith loud snap as the beast hit the ground.
(ei0ing the broken shaft, 5 s"ashed it upon the creatureQs head until its struggles finally ceased. -here 5 stood abo+e
the dead beast, breathing hea+ily, holding the bloody shaft of the spear. *y body shook terribly fro" the shock of
hat 5 had done and, 5 could scarcely belie+e that 5 sur+i+ed the attack of such a creature.
But there as no ti"e to gloat, as an arro shot past "e, then another, forcing "e to di+e to the ground. *ore
arros ca"e close and 5 scurried for co+er behind a broken agon. $eeking fro" behind it, 5 looked on as the
"onstrous archer turned back and shot arro after arro into the giant cat. When its back and chest ere bristling
ith arros, the +aliant feline finally fell as the three re"aining olf!creatures leapt to e,tract their re+enge.
#s 5 atched the olf!creatures tearing at the giant beast, 5 ondered hat 5 should do. -hey ould surely co"e
after "e ne,t and there as no place to run here they could not find "e. (uddenly, 5 heard a histle. Looking o+er
"y shoulder, 5 spied the young boy ho had run aay earlier. Crouching lo beside a nearby hut, he beckoned "e
to follo. -aking a Puick glance back at the olf!creatures, 5 sa the" tearing the cat to pieces and rolling around in
its blood. Ieeping lo, 5 sloly "ade "y ay toard the boy.
Ouietly he led "e through the +illage, toards the hut here 5 had lost hi" earlier. /+ery fe cubits he ould stop,
reach into a bag hanging at his aist, and toss a handful of poder o+er our footprints. 5 recogni0ed the s"ell of the
strong spice, for e used so"ething si"ilar in the rituals of Ia"it. -he boy as tossing crushed red pepper to co+er
our scents.
(linking lo behind the hut, he led "e to the long ani"al trough 5 had noticed earlier. (ho+ing it to the side, he
re+ealed a large hole in the ground and gestured for "e to ju"p in. #s 5 did, he took a branch, sept aay our
footprints for a fe cubits, then spread "ore of the crushed pepper on the ground. $ulling a for"idable knife fro"
his belt, he leaped in beside "e. 5 helped hi" pull the trough back o+er the hole and e settled don Puietly.
5t as not long before e heard the olf!creatures. ;oling and groling for "ore blood, they ere trying to sniff
out "y trail. We sat silently in the dark, listening to the" shuffling and sniffing, then snee0ing and hee0ing as they
inhaled the hot red pepper.
(e+eral ti"es the sounds ca"e Puite close and 5 could feel the boyQs body tense and tre"ble. .eaching out in the
darkness to touch his hand, 5 found it clutched tightly around his knife. #fter an hour or so the olf!creatures ga+e
up the search and the boy and 5 drifted off to sleep.
;ours later 5 aoke to see the rays of #ten slipping through the cracks in the trough. -he boy stirred also and e
listened for a hile for sounds. When e ere satisfied that none of the creatures still lingered, e pushed the
trough aside and e"erged.
Looking around cautiously, 5 stretched "y li"bs. -he child slipped the knife back into his belt and did the sa"e.
-hen 5 beckoned hi" to follo and e cautiously ent back through the +illage. -here e sa the re"ains of the
huge cat that the olf creatures had taken their terrible re+enge upon. 7o part of its red hide as not scored by
cla"arks and its entrails lay scattered for "any cubits around. 5 tried to co+er the childQs eyes and turn hi" aay,
but he pushed "y hand aside and stood here he as.
#s e pressed on, 5 looked don at the boy, a"a0ed at his strength, ingenuity and his ill to li+e. ;e had
knoledge beyond his years and "uch toughness. 5 thought then that e should be introduced, and after bending
don so that "y eyes ere le+el ith his, 5 pointed to "yself. L*e"na!un,M 5 said. L*y na"e is *e"!na!un.M
-he child si"ply looked at "e.
L*e"na!un,M 5 repeated, thu"ping "y chest ith "y knuckles.
-he childQs e,pression re"ained blank, but he nodded as if he understood. 5 pointed at his chest. LWhat is your
na"e@M 5 asked.
;e continued to look at "e blankly, so 5 pointed first at "y "outh and then at his and asked, LCan you speak@M
-he child did not respond. #fter se+eral "ore atte"pts 5 finally ga+e up and e "ade our ay back to the hut here
5 had first encountered the olf!creatures. 5 "ade us another pot of ste and the boy ate ra+enously. 7oting his
hunger, 5 "ade another and he ate it also. -hen he stretched out on the floor ithout a ord and ent to sleep.
#s he lay there, 5 conte"plated the situation. -he only option that see"ed reasonable as to go to the "ountain and
hope to "eet up ith Iho!#n!(a and his "en there. 5 had no doubt that the "agician thought "e dead, but, ha+ing
co"e so far and endured so "uch, perhaps he ould ha+e the eapons created regardless.
Looking at the child lying near "e, 5 considered his fate. 5 could not bring "yself to lea+e hi" alone in this +illage.
:or despite his cle+erness, it as only a "atter of ti"e before the "onsters ould catch hi". -he boy ould ha+e to
go along ith "e. #s he lay there asleep, 5 gathered the pro+isions 5 had found the day before, stuffed the" into a
sack and prepared to lea+e. -hen 5 shook the boy and he i""ediately sat up, eyes clear and alert. 5 "otioned for hi"
to follo and e left the hut.
(oon e arri+ed at the outskirts of the +illage, near the road leading to the "ountain. But hen he sa "y
intentions, the boy shook his head and pulled "y ar", pointing back instead to the +illage. ;e see"ed +ery fearful
of lea+ing, repeatedly pointing toards the hole that as his refuge. (haking "y head, 5 pointed toards the road,
and then up toards the "ountain.
-he child let go of "y hand and stood still. 5 alked a fe steps further, then turned to beckon to hi". ;e only
shook his head again. -he giant dead cat as ithin sight and 5 pointed to it. #fter he looked at it, then back at "e, 5
raised "y hands in a cla!like gesture, baring "y teeth to "i"ic the olf!creatures. -he boyQs eyes gre ide and
he looked back at the dead cat again. -urning around, 5 headed for the road, s"iling slightly. #fter a "o"ent or to,
5 heard the boyQs footsteps as he ran to catch up ith "e.
-he boy and 5 tra+eled don the road for "any days, during hich he pro+ed hi"self as resourceful as he had been
in the +illage. ;e see"ed to kno the surrounding country ell, pointing out stopping points for ater and food like
an e,perienced guide. ;e "ade snares for s"all ga"e and foraged for ild edible plants ith ease. But "ost of all
he kne ho to a+oid the strange creatures that lurked in this strange land.
1uring the day he sensed hen the giant birds soared o+erhead in search of prey, pulling "e off the road "any ti"es
as a large shado sept o+er us. 5t as due to his insistence that e slept in trees at night, after he had spread "ore
of the crushed pepper o+er our tracks. -here e ould lie, high a"ong the branches, tied to the" tightly so as not to
fall. Belo us ere the olf!creatures and other beasts, proling for prey during the night. 5f not for this "ysterious
child, 5 ould ne+er ha+e sur+i+ed the trip to the "ountain.
Looking up one day, about three!Puarters of a "oon into the trip, 5 found the "ountain filling the landscape before
us. )ur destination as perhaps a dayQs tra+el aay but 5 and the boy ere both road!eary. We sat don at "idday
to lunch, 5 eating nuts and roots found for "e by the boy, and he eating a s"all bird he had roasted on a fire. -he
child as hungrily biting into the "eat hen he suddenly stopped and looked up the road alongside us.
;anding "e his food, he alked o+er to the road, dropped to his knees and put his ear to the ground. #fter se+eral
"o"ents, he ju"ped to his feet and trotted toards the forest, gesturing for "e to follo. ;e had sa+ed us too "any
ti"es for "e to Puestion hi", so 5 kicked dirt o+er the s"all fire and folloed hi" into the brush. -here e
crouched for long "o"ents, looking don the road e,pectantly.
(oon 5 felt ru"blings co"ing fro" the ground, and then 5 heard the un"istakable sound of galloping four!legged
beasts. 5n the distance a large group of creatures appeared, kicking up dust as their thundering hoo+es rapidly
pounded the road. 5 could "ake out no chariots, so at first 5 thought it a large contingent of horse riders, rare in
Ia"it due to the scarcity of large northern horses. -hen they ca"e closer 5 as astonished to see hat they really
ere.
#s they ran past us, 5 ga0ed up fro" their pounding hoo+es to their thickly "uscled horse bodies, to the stout hu"an
torsos and heads atop the". -he creatures ere half horse and half "an. #ll of the" carried clubs and looked +ery
fierce, ith large bushy eyebros and thick beards of bron, yello or gray. -heir long "anes, starting out as
hu"an hair on their heads, stretched don their hu"an necks, don their hu"an and horse torsos, ending in a
nor"al horseQs tail. # fe ore protecti+e leather hel"ets and +ests o+er broad "uscular chests.
-here ere do0ens of the" and 5 as totally breathless as they ran by. 5 had heard of such creatures in legends and
had alays dis"issed the" as "yths. But since "eeting Ia"!#tef and co"ing to this strange land, 5 had already
begun to rethink hat as real and hat as not.
*y i""ediate concern, hoe+er as that they see"ed to be heading for our destination, the "ountain, and that they
did not see" friendly at all. -he boy as insisting that e not get back on the road, so e tra+eled instead through
the nearby forest for the rest of the day. #fter bedding don for the night, e ga0ed don fro" the trees, obser+ing
a strange and fascinating sight.
*any "ore of the horse!"en ran by in the darkness. Carrying torches, they galloped through the night in an eerie
display of light and sound. -hey see"ed to be in a hurry, and for so"e reason this orried "e. 5 hoped that their
business ould not interfere ith "y on.
Walking through the forest the ne,t day, e spotted a group of "en in the distance ca"ped in a clearing. -he boy
noticed the" first and pulled "e into the bushes. *o"ents ent by as e listened and atched. -hen 5 sa a
arrior patrolling the area ho see"ed fa"iliar to "e. #fter recogni0ing fa"iliar +oices, 5 reali0ed that this as the
group 5 had co"e to this land ith. 5t took "uch coa,ing, but 5 finally con+inced the boy that it as safe to e"erge
and e approached the guard.
#t first the "an ju"ped back, startled, brandishing his spear, until he recogni0ed "e.
L*e"nonRM he cried, calling "e by the na"e the northerners preferred. ;e shouted again and "ore "en ca"e
running. (urrounding us, they touched "e and sore "any oaths hile escorting us into the ca"p. -here Iho!#n!
(a greeted "e ith a nod, s"iling broadly as 5 approached hi".
L8oung panther,M he said. L*y...de+ices said you still li+ed.M
L5ndeed@M 5 replied.
Iho!#n!(a looked "e up and don. LBut they could not tell "e your condition. -ell "e, young panther, are you
sound@M
5 thu"ped "y chest ith "y fist. L5 a" in one piece.M
Iho!#n!(a s"iled broadly again. L/,cellentR /,cellent, for e ha+e "uch ork to do. But first tell "e, hat
happened after you ere sept aay fro" us@M
We sat don and 5 told Iho!#n!(a hat had transpired. ;e nodded as 5 recounted the tale and see"ed greatly
i"pressed by the ay 5 had handled "yself. ;e as also interested in the boy after 5 told of his part in the story.
LHery good, *e"non,M he said. L5t see"s "y in+est"ent has been orth hile.M
;e then ga+e the boy a curious look. L5nteresting child,M he said. LHery interesting.M
-he boy sPuir"ed under Iho!#n!(aQs ga0e. 5t as clear he did not like the "agician and 5 could not bla"e hi", for
the look the "agician ga+e hi" as akin to a herder appraising li+estock.
-hen Iho!#n!(a stood up abruptly, saying, L5 ill reard the child later, *e"non. But no e ha+e other "atters
to attend to. 8ou and 5 "ust go up the "ountain to take the sky!"etal to the great blacks"ith. -here he shall forge
you eapons like no others. But there is a proble".M
L#nd hat is this proble"@M 5 asked.
Iho!#n!(a "otioned for "e to follo and e alked aay fro" the ca"p. -he boy stayed behind, ra+enously
eating a bol of food gi+en to hi" by the "en. (oon e caught up ith Cronn, ho as patrolling the area like a
great stalking beast. ;e shoed no e"otion at the sight of "e, "erely nodding a Puick greeting. -hen e continued
on until e ca"e to the edge of the forest.
#head the huge "ountain loo"ed abo+e a huge grassy plain. *o+e"ent attracted "y eye to the far right, and there,
hundreds of the horse!"en e had seen earlier ere "illing about a large ar"ed ca"p. (o"e jousted ith their
clubs hile others ran in for"ation under co""anders earing hel"ets and leather jackets.
Iho!#n!(a tapped "y shoulder, then pointed to the other side of the plain. -here hundreds of other strange creatures
"o+ed about. -hey ere tall and "anlike, but had curling horns jutting fro" their heads. (haggy hair co+ered their
bodies and pointed beards jutted fro" their chins. -heir legs, strangely bent, yet ell "uscled, ere also hoo+ed. 5
as looking at a contingent of goat!"en.
-hese creatures jousted ith one another also, but ith spears, throing ja+elins and slings. 6ust like the creatures
they rese"bled, they ere +ery agile, often ju"ping high into the air fro" a standing start. #ll ore leather corselets
and kilts, ith kni+es strapped to their sides. Wondering hat as going on, 5 turned to Iho!#n!(a for ansers.
L*e"non, hat you see are preparations for ar,M Iho!#n!(a said.
LWhy@M 5 asked. LWhy are these creatures at ar@M
Iho!#n!(a shook his head.
L-hat 5 do not kno, young panther. 5 only kno that neither ill allo the other access to the trail up the "ountain,
hich runs up fro" the "iddle of this plain. 7or ill they allo any others access.M
L$erhaps e could ait until after their ar is o+er...M 5 started. Iho!#n!(a thre up his hands.
L7o, young panther, that ill not do. )ur business "ust be taken care of ithin the ne,t fe days, during this, the
"onth of (ek"et. We "ust go up this "ountain today.M
5 shrugged "y shoulders. L;o are e to do this@M
L*y de+ices can shield us fro" their sight for a fe "o"ents, long enough to get through their defenses and out of
their sight. Co"e, let us return to ca"p and prepare.M
We ent back to the ca"p, here Iho!#n!(a told his "en to ait for us and to a+oid contact ith any of the
creatures. Gathering up so"e of his s"all +ases and instru"ents, he put the" into a sack, hich he slung o+er his
back. 5 carried the sky!"etal and so"e other pro+isions in "y bag. -hen e both slipped into long, thick cloaks to
ithstand the cold of the higher parts of the "ountain.
Before e left 5 tried to e,plain to the boy that he had to stay behind, but he either did not understand or had no ish
to co"ply. Iho!#n!(a and 5 tried to lea+e se+eral ti"es, but the boy refused to stay behind. :inally, e had to
arriors restrain hi" as e left. #t the edge of the forest, Iho!#n!(a e,plained to "e hat e ere to do.
L5 shall "ake us in+isible. 5t ill only last a fe "o"ents but it should be enough, *e"non,M he said. L8ou and 5
ill not be able to see each other hen it takes effect, so you "ust hold on to "y ar". Walk carefully and Puickly
and e ill pass through these creatures ithout their e+er knoing.M
Iho!#n!(a reached into his bag, pulling out a handful of yello, seet s"elling herbs. #fter crushing the" into his
"outh, he closed his eyes and began to chant. (uddenly, as 5 held onto his ar", he disappeared. -hen 5 atched as
the effect crept up "y ar" also, o+ertaking "y chest, torso and legs. When 5 could no longer see "yself, Iho!#n!
(aQs +oice ca"e fro" the air near "e.
L;old tight, *e"non,M he said. LWe go no.M
(trolling out fro" a"ong the trees, e started across the "iddle of the plain toards our destination. Guarding the
path up the "ountain, a line of horse!"en stood a fe cubits across fro" a line of goat!"en. -hey gestured
"enacingly at each other, their "utual hatred apparent.
L(oon e ill be beteen their lines *e"non,M Iho!#n!(a hispered, LWalk +ery Puietly.M
(uddenly the field as in an uproar as the creatures cursed and snarled at so"ething behind us. With a feeling of
dread, 5 turned to look. -here 5 sa "y young friend, bursting fro" the protection of the forest. ;e began running
across the field, stopping suddenly hen he spied the field full of "onsters. ;e then tried to turn back, but se+eral
creatures rushed to cut hi" off. 5 looked on ith gra+e concern for the boy ho had sa+ed "y life. ;e "ust ha+e
heard us speak of going up the "ountain and so"eho escaped the "en in the ca"p. 7o, deter"ined to catch up
ith "e, he had ran out to his doo".
#s the child stood in breathless fear, a horse!"an detached hi"self fro" the line, "o+ing toards hi" ith a huge
club. -hen a goat!"an leapt forard to intercept hi" ith a ja+elin. :eeling the tension in "y body, Iho!#n!(a
blurted out his orders. L*e"non, do not let goRM he hissed. LIeep goingR Lea+e the child...M
5gnoring his orders, 5 let go of the "agicianQs ar" and dashed toard the boy.
L*e"non, noRM Iho!#n!(a shrieked.
#nother roar ent up as 5 "ateriali0ed before the creatures in the field. -hey hesitated in surprise for a "o"ent,
hich as all 5 needed to rush forard and scoop the child into "y ar"s. .eali0ing hat 5 had done, 5 looked
around desperately for an escape route. But the forest as too far aay and the field ahead as filled ith hostile
"onsters.
)n "y right the horse!"an galloped forard again, singing his huge club, uttering a fearso"e cry. )n "y left the
goat!"an bounded toards us, the point of his ja+elin ai"ed at "y chest. (ho+ing the child to the ground, 5
crouched defensi+ely abo+e hi", preparing to fight for our li+es.
CHAPTER &: THIS IS THE SMITHY OF DAEDALUS
*y "ind as racing, trying to find a strategy to fend off the terrible creatures, hen suddenly an in+isible hand
pressed against "y shoulder and the child and 5 both disappeared. #s Iho!#n!(a yanked us aay, our bestial
attackers sept by ithout striking a blo.
Cries of surprise and frustration ent up fro" both sides of the field as the "agicianQs +oice hissed into "y ear.
L*e"non, you foolRM he said. LWere you not so +aluable, 5 ould lea+e you to these creatures. Co"eR #nd stay
close to "eRM
L5 ill not lea+e the boy,M 5 replied.
LHery ell then, the boy co"es alsoR Let us depart, noRM
Iho!#n!(a pressed hi"self beteen the child and 5 as e alked across the field toard the path up the "ountain.
-he throngs of half!hu"an creatures "illed about in a state of confusion, ondering hat had happened to us.
Within "o"ents, hoe+er, their attention turned toards each other as both groups cast suspicious looks at the
other. (houts and curses fle forth beteen the", then a ja+elin fro" a"ong the goat!"en sailed into the "idst of
the horse!"en. By the ti"e e reached the path leading up the "ountain, the creatures ere fully engaged in a
furious battle.
5t as a strange thing, seeing creatures such as these e,changing blos. 5 had been infor"ed by Ia"!#tef that these
things ould occur, but still it did not prepare "e for the aeso"e sight.
Leaping ni"bly, the goat creatures dodged the clubs and hoo+es of the horse!"en, deftly poking, thrusting and
draing "uch blood ith their ja+elins. -he horse!"en ere "uch sloer, but hen they did strike one of the goat!
"en ith their huge clubs or poerful hoo+es, "ost did not rise again.
(houting out cries of terrible bloodlust, they see"ed bent not only on inning the field, but on each otherQs total
slaughter.
Iho!#n!(a, the child and 5 kept close as e alked up the rocky path, the sound of the battle fading as e cli"bed
higher and higher. *o"ents later 5 noticed the for" of the "agician flickering back into +ie. When 5 could finally
see hi" clearly alking ne,t to "e, the boy and 5 also beca"e +isible and Iho!#n!(a released his grip upon us.
$erspiration dripped fro" the "agicianQs face, and for a "o"ent he see"ed eak and di00y. But he Puickly
co"posed hi"self, ga0ing at "e ith a bitter scol.
L8oung panther,M he began +ene"ously, Lyour disobedience jeopardi0ed our entire enterprise and +ery nearly cost us
out li+es.M
5 looked don at the boy. ;is ar"s ere rapped around "y aist and he stared up at Iho!#n!(a in utter terror. 5
opened "y "outh to speak, but the "agician thre up his hand to silence "e.
L5 care not hat you ha+e to say,M he continued. L5 a" the "aster here. .e"e"ber that the life of your sister is in
"y hands. 1isobey "e again and you ill be punished. 5 ill start by taking the heart of this child that you see" to
care so "uch for. 5s that clear@M
5 looked aay and said nothing.
L5s that clear young panther@M
L8es,M 5 ansered. L8es, it is clear.M
We alked up the "ountain path for hours. #t first there as "uch +egetation in the for" of s"all trees, bushes and
thick green grasses. But as e cli"bed higher, the greenery ga+e ay to rocks and bron grasses, hile the air
beca"e colder and harder to breathe.
-he cold inds ble stronger, causing Iho!#n!(a to pull his cloak tight. #fter noticing the boy shi+ering, 5 lifted
hi" into "y ar"s, draing "y cloak around us both to share the ar"th. (oon e found oursel+es en+eloped in a
thick hite "ist that clung to our clothing and "ade it i"possible to see "ore than a fe cubits ahead. We kept
going sloly, picking our ay carefully up the rocky path, peering ahead into the "ist to keep our footing.
#t one point 5 noticed "o+e"ent in the di"ness ahead, but it disappeared Puickly and 5 said nothing. But as e
plodded on, 5 gli"psed the dark figure again. -his ti"e it as "uch clearer, and 5 kne e ere not alone on the
path. 5 glanced at Iho!#n!(a and he nodded. ;e had seen it also.
L1o not be alar"ed, young panther,M the "agician said. L-hey are "erely the "essengers of the blacks"ith.M
Walking on, 5 noticed one of the dark figures standing ahead of us. #s e ca"e closer, 5 sa that it as about the
half the si0e of the boy. -hough the "ist still shrouded the figure, 5 could see that its body as round and shapeless,
like a lu"p of un"olded clay. 5ts eyes ere like large sil+er dishes and it see"ed to ha+e no feet. When e stopped
a fe cubits before it, a li"b e"erged fro" its shapeless body and for"ed into a hand.
Iho!#n!(a stepped forard and raised his hand in a gesture of greeting, and they began talking in a language that 5
had ne+er heard. #fter a brief e,change, the creatureQs body "elted like hot a,, directly into the ground ithout a
trace. *o"ents later it rose fro" here it had disappeared, e,tending an ar" again to beckon us onard. Iho!#n!
(a nodded and e folloed the creature up the path.
#fter a short hile e e"erged fro" the "ist to find oursel+es at the botto" of a sheer high cliff. We could go no
further and 5 looked inPuisiti+ely at Iho!#n!(a. -he "agician gestured for patience as the s"all creature plodded
up to the face of the cliff and touched the rocky surface.
# loud grinding noise pierced the air as a sPuare slab of the cliffQs face shook and receded. #fter grinding back a
cubit, it slid to the side, re+ealing a long tunnel lit by strange fla"eless lights. We folloed the creature inside as the
opening closed o"inously behind us.
#gain e alked for a long ti"e, folloing the endless lights along the alls, deep into the heart of the "ountain,
only to e"erge in a huge ca+e filled ith large spikes hanging fro" the ceiling and jutting up fro" the floor. We
ca"e to a halt in the "iddle of the ca+e, facing another s"aller tunnel on the other side.
(uddenly a tapping sound echoed all around us. $eering don the tunnel ahead, e sa the shadoy figure of a
"an alking sloly toard us. ;e as hunched o+er, supported by a stout cane, hich as the source of the
tapping as it touched the floor of the ca+e. #s he ca"e closer 5 noticed he as surrounded by a do0en or "ore of the
shapeless little beings, ho sca"pered around his feet like ell trained pets. ;e alked right up to us, his cane
continuing to tap, until he ca"e face to face ith Iho!#n!(a.
LGreetings, "agician,M he said in perfect Ia"itian.
LGreetings, great blacks"ith,M Iho!#n!(a replied.
L5 ill do the ork if you can pay the fee,M the blacks"ith said. LCan you pay "y fee@M
L-hat e shall see, great 1aedalus,M Iho!#n!(a ansered. L-hat e shall see.M
L:ollo "e,M 1aedalus said.
1aedalus turned back to the tunnel heQd co"e fro" and e folloed closely. 5 obser+ed hi" carefully in the di"
light. ;e as an aged -a"ahu ith oli+e skin and s"all, piercing blue eyes. 7e+er blinking, they flickered to and
fro as he talked. # shiny bald head topped a broad torso ePuipped ith hugely "uscled ar"s and large hands.
;e ore a long slee+eless gar"ent of thick leather that reached belo his knees, ith boots to "atch and bracelets
of the sa"e leathery "aterial. ;is skin as darkened in patches, no doubt fro" years before the heat of the forge. 5
noticed also that one of his legs as shorter than the other. /+en so, he alked ith a strong, sure!footed rhyth",
punctuated by the tapping of his cane.
5 ondered about the little creatures that folloed hi", happily "illing about his feet. (o"e rubbed against our legs,
gi+ing off a strange, cool da"pness. -hey see"ed especially dran to the boy, ho kicked at the" ner+ously, trying
to shoo the" aay. 7oticing this, 1aedalus looked at the boy strangely, then spoke a sharp ord, causing the
creatures to "elt into the floor and disappear.
L/,cuse "y friends, please,M 1aedalus begged. L/arth ele"entals can be +ery...touchy.M
We continued don the tunnel until e e"erged into a large cha"ber.
5t as +ery hot, filled ith the sounds of "etal striking "etal, and the little black creatures ere sca"pering
e+eryhere. 1aedalus turned toards us, and ith a seeping "otion of his hand, guided our eyes across the roo".
LWelco"e to "y do"ain,M he said. L-his is the s"ithy of 1aedalus.M
-he s"ell of "elting ore filled the air and "etal contraptions of "any shapes and si0es ere all around. :ro" the
ceiling hung a replica of a hu"an skeleton, "ade of pure shining sil+er. )ne table contained sords and eapons of
all kinds, all ondrously crafted ith keen and flaless edges.
)n another large table there ere tiny "etal ani"als "ade of bron0e, "o+ing about in s"all "etal cages as if ali+e.
# tiny "etallic replica of a lion lurked near the cages as if standing guard, roaring a tiny roar as it paced jerkily back
and forth.
# nearby all had se+eral holes bored into it, all gloing ith different kinds of hot "etals. # long trough on tall
legs stood o+er the holes, its botto" gloing red hot. -ubes fro" different sections of the trough led to the opening
of each hole, each dripping ith floing hot "etal. -here as also a large bellos poking into a tube along the side
of the trough. (e+eral of the ele"ental creatures ju"ped up and don upon it, causing air to enter the tube ith a
loud hissing sound. -he botto" of the trough gloed bright red and yello!hite as "ore hot "etal poured don
into the holes.
7e+er had 5 seen such de+ices, not e+en in the "etal shops of Ia"it. 1aedalus, leaning upon his cane, grinned
proudly as he atched the looks of onder upon our faces. -he boy see"ed especially taken by the goings!on in the
shop, his face lighting up ith the first s"ile 5 had seen as he ga0ed at the ondrous contraptions.
Iho!#n!(a let out a loud histle, boing lo before the blacks"ith. L-ruly, it is as they say. -he onders of the
shop of 1aedalus are like the orkings of the 7eters.M
L5 can do the ork if you can pay the fee,M replied 1aedalus. LWhat is the ork@M
Iho!#n!(a gestured toard "e and 5 stepped forard. .eaching into the sack on "y back, he pulled out the sky!
"etal and handed it to the blacks"ith.
L#h, (ky!"etalRM 1aedalus cried, turning the rock o+er se+eral ti"es in his hands. LHery pure. Where did you get
it@M
Iho!#n!(a shifted a little, rubbing his chin for a "o"ent before reluctantly opening his "outh to speak, but
1aedalus held up his hand to interrupt hi".
L7e+er "ind,M 1aedalus said sharply. L5t is not "y business here you acPuired the ore. 5 only asked because it is
the purest 5 ha+e e+er seen. What is it you ish@M
LWeapons,M Iho!#n!(a said. LWeapons of a "ost ondrous sort. Weapons to conduct the life force in a ay that
ill allo its bearer to defeat any foe, "an, beast or "onster.M
Leaning upon his cane, 1aedalus stared at the ore for long "o"ents then said, L5t is true that sky!"etal, forged
properly can be a conductor of life force, but ho is to ield these eapons@M
Iho!#n!(a pointed to "e.
L;e is to ield the".M 1aedalus looked at "e incredulously. LBut he is a "ere youth. -he bearer of such eapons
ould ha+e to be trained to channel such poer, and trained in the ancient tradition of the greatest arriors and
kings. ;e ould surely die otherise.M
Iho!#n!(a s"iled. L;e has recei+ed this training,M he replied. L#nd he is the son of the Great *e"non of -roy.M
1aedalus leaned forard on his cane, looking at "e closely. L8esR 8es 5 see it noRM he e,clai"ed. L-he son of the
great *e"non of -royR
-hen he looked at Iho!#n!(a suspiciously.
LBut hy ould you, a (er+ant of the (erpents, ant to ar" the son of your greatest ene"y ith eapons such as
this@M
Iho!#n!(a looked at the blacks"ith gra+ely.
L5 ha+e "y reasons, hich you need not concern yourself ith.... Can you do the ork@M
1aedalus raised the sky!"etal to his eyes and asked, LCan you pay the fee@M
LWhat is the fee@M asked Iho!#n!(a.
LCo"e,M replied the blacks"ith, Llet us enjoy a "eal and e ill discuss it.M
1aedalus led us to another torch!lit cha"ber containing a large table and se+eral chairs. -o young o"en e"erged
fro" an adjacent cha"ber. 1aedalus spoke to the" briefly, and they sca"pered back the ay they had co"e. -hey
ere young and pretty -a"ahu o"en, and 5 as surprised to see the" in the co"pany of the crippled old
blacks"ith.
*o"ents later they ca"e back ith se+eral platters of food and "ugs of drink. *y plate had only +egetables and
nuts, hile the others dined on s"all birds. 1aedalus looked at us and shook his head.
L5 hope that these "eager offerings satisfy your hunger, "y friends,M he said, L"y stores are groing light, due to
the situation at the foot of "y "ountain. 5 "ight not be able to offer you "uch "ore than this.M
L8ou "ean the ar beteen the "onsters,M 5 replied.
L5ndeed,M the blacks"ith ansered. L5t is a gra+e situation.M
L-ell "e, blacks"ith, hy do they ar@M Iho!#n!(a asked.
L5t is part of the "adness that has o+ertaken this land,M sighed 1aedalus. L-hose creatures ere nor"al "en a short
ti"e ago. -he goat!"en, called (atyrs, ere co""on herders ho delled near the foot of the "ountain. -he horse!
"en, called Centaurs, ere "ounted no"ads ho habitually raided the".M
L5t is the .eckoning,M said Iho!#n!(a.
L8es,M ansered 1aedalus. L-he .eckoning. 5 ha+e seen the" co"e and go o+er "any thousands of years. *ankind
likes to forget about the", ne+er learning the lessons they are intended to teach, choosing instead to push these dark
ti"es into the real" of "yth and folktale. But it is real, and it ill keep happening until "ankind changes its ays,
or is destroyed.M
L)r until the proper poers take control,M added Iho!#n!(a.
1aedalus looked at hi" and suddenly there as strong tension beteen the". -hen the blacks"ith shook his head
sadly.
L5 ha+e seen "any atte"pts si"ilar to the one your coalition plans, Iho!#n!(a. -hey alays end in disaster.M
L-his ti"e e ill succeed,M retorted Iho!#n!(a angrily.
L-hat re"ains to be seen, "agician,M the blacks"ith shot back.
Both "en gloered, until 5 spoke up to stop their argu"ent. L;o ha+e you seen the .eckoning "anifested o+er the
years, great blacks"ith@M 5 asked.
-aking the chance 5 offered, 1aedalus leaned back in his seat before ansering "e. LWhen the negati+e forces of the
-aut o+erhel" a land, it changes those ho are spiritually unprepared, bringing the ani"al nature ithin the" to
flesh. 5t changes their bodies to "atch their thoughts. -hen they fight endlessly, sa+agely, co"pelled by their lusts,
greed and pettiness.M
L2nless they are shaped and "olded by "en of poer,M Puipped Iho!#n!(a.
5gnoring the "agicianQs co""ent, 1aedalus took a bite of his food and continued. L(o"e, like the Wol+en, those
terrible olf!creatures ho dell to the east, "ake actual pacts ith the dark forces. -hey then beco"e hat
Ia"itians call (ebau fiends, knoing ser+ants of (et. /aters of hu"an flesh and drinkers of hu"an blood.
:ortunately, there are less Wol+en than there are of the others, for they are surely the "ost fearso"e.M
L5 ha+e had so"e dealings ith the",M 5 reported gri"ly.
L-hen you are fortunate to be a"ong the li+ing,M replied the blacks"ith. L*y concerns no lie pri"arily ith the
hoo+ed beings. -hese creatures, hen they ere "en, brought "e food and other ite"s in e,change for "y ser+ices.
5f their ar continues "uch longer, 5 shall star+e here in "y "ountain.M
LWhat do you plan to do@M asked Iho!#n!(a.
L-his is the fee that you "ust pay for "y ork,M the blacks"ith replied. L)ne of the groups "ust in this ar, so
that so"e trade can resu"e.M
L#nd hat ould you ha+e us do@M 5 asked.
L(i"ple.M 1aedalus replied, tapping his finger on the table. L5n e,change for "y forging your eapons, you "ust
align yoursel+es ith the (atyrs, ho are far less sa+age than the Centaurs. *ake certain that they in this ar and
gain control o+er the area.M
Iho!#n!(a and 5 looked at each other.
LWe ill do this,M the "agician said.
L#nd one other thing,M 1aedalus said, pointing to the boy. LWho does this child belong to@M
5 placed "y hand on the childQs head, jostling his golden hair. L;is people ere killed by the Wol+en, he is under "y
protection.M
1aedalus stared into the childQs face. L5 sense so"ething special about hi". 5 ha+e need of an apprentice. Lea+e "e
the child, that 5 "ight teach hi" the craft, and your debt to "e ill be paid.M
L(urely,M replied Iho!#n!(a.
L7oRM 5 cried.
Iho!#n!(a looked at "e "enacingly.
L1o not challenge "e on this, *e"non...M
1aedalus looked at us both, then pointed to the boy. LLet us see hat the boy has to say.M ;e then addressed the
child in the local -a"ahu language. #t first the boy as distraught and sei0ed "y ar", looking fearfully at the to
older "en. But as 1aedalus kept talking, the fear changed to a look of curiosity.
:inally the blacks"ith reached into a pocket of his gar"ent and brought forth a tiny golden replica of a panther.
#fter placing the tiny feline on the table, he tapped its back ith the tip of his finger and the pantherQs head reared
back, letting out a tiny roar, and then it ran toard the boy. -he child caught it as it leapt fro" the table and looked
up ith his eyes bea"ing ith joy. 1aedalus spoke to hi" again and the boy nodded happily.
L5t is settled,M the blacks"ith said. LWhile 5 forge your eapons the child ill learn to construct onders such as the
toy he holds. 5f at the end of your ti"e here he ould learn "ore, he ill stay. 5t ill be his choice.M
5 obser+ed the boy carefully. Looking into his eyes, 5 could see the happiness he felt. Iho!#n!(a looked satisfied
and 1aedalus grinned triu"phantly.
L-hen it is done,M said the blacks"ith. L5 ha+e had "y o"en prepare cha"bers for your rest. Let us retire no.
-o"orro, the forging begins.M
-he ne,t day e stood before the ore!"elting de+ice of 1aedalus, "ar+eling at his skill and precision. :irst he
pul+eri0ed the rock and "elted the sky!"etal aay fro" the refuse. -hen he poured the pure "etal back into the
trough for the final phase of heating. Iho!#n!(a had told "e hat 5 as to do at this stage, and 5 stepped up to the
trough and held "y hand o+er it. -he "agician took a s"all knife and sliced "y pal". 5 ground "y teeth in pain as
the blood floed into the "etal, hissing loudly.
#fter long "o"ents, the blacks"ith released the first portion of the "etal onto a slab of rock and put it to the side.
-hree "ore portions floed fro" the trough until all the "etal as released. #fter letting it cool, he placed each
piece atop a large slab of "etal and struck the" ith a huge ha""er. )+er and o+er again he pounded the", until
the pieces took on elongated shapes. -hen the blacks"ith stepped back. 5t as no up to Iho!#n!(a to e"poer
the "etal.
-he "agician stepped up to the slab. Closing his eyes, he a+ed his hands o+er it and rocked back and forth.
.esting his head in the orld of the spirits, he then began to chant. #t first it as lo, but gradually it gre louder
and fiercer in intensity.
L:ire lo+er,M Iho!#n!(a cried, Lfierce one, lo+er of slaughterings, de+oted lady ho co"es in the guise of (ek"et,
slaughterer of (ebau fiends at e+entide. By force of the "ight of .a, "ake all fiends burn to dust.M
#s the "agician continued to chant, the already hot air in the cha"ber gre hotter, and after long "inutes, his face
as co+ered in perspiration and his clothing as soaked through. Iho!#n!(a continued on, until after a full hour of
chanting, the cha"ber suddenly turned cooler. Looking closely at the space before the "agician, 5 sa the reason
hy. -he heat had gathered before hi" in the for" of a red sirling "ist as he continued to chant.
L:ire lo+er, fierce one, lo+er of slaughterings...M
-he blacks"ith and 5 stepped back as the red "ist coalesced into a large hu"an!like for". -hen "y eyes idened as
a lionQs head appeared upon the figure. 5 feared for all of our li+es, for Iho!#n!(a had dared in+oke one of the "ost
terrible forces in creationN2achet, the heat of creation, in her guise as the ar 7eter (ek"et.
-he hot "ist thickened and (ek"etQs head beca"e "ore defined. -hen her o"anly body solidified, e"phasi0ing
her full, round breasts, +oluptuous hips and finally her thickly "uscled legs. (he thre her head back, e"itting a
terrible roar that shook the entire cha"ber. Iho!#n!(a ceased chanting and looked at "e. 5 re"e"bered his
instructions, but hesitated.
L*e"nonRM Iho!#n!(a shrieked. L5 cannot hold her for long. Gi+e her the blood, noRM
(till 5 hesitated. 5n ae of the fearso"e i"age, 5 could not "o+e.
L*e"non, noRM he cried again. L(he "ust ha+e the blood, or she ill kill us allRM
5 stepped forard as (ek"et roared again, raising her clas to strike Iho!#n!(a. But 5 thrust "y ar" forard and
offered "y hand, still dripping ith blood. ;er fiery eyes +eered fro" the "agician to "e, and she sei0ed "y hand
in her burning grasp.
Bringing "y hand up to her "outh, she opened her huge "a as if to bite it off. But then she sa the trickle of
cri"son and hastily licked the ound ith a tongue of hot blue fla"e. # flash of heat rushed through "y body and 5
"o"entarily lost "y senses.
When 5 opened "y eyes again 5 as on the floor. Looking up, 5 sa Iho!#n!(a chanting once "ore, as the great
7eter (ek"et danced before hi". 5t as the Ia"itian ar dance, and though she floated in the air, she as bobbing
and stepping around the roo" as if on solid ground. (he danced all the "o+es for long "inutes, until Iho!#n!(a
gestured toard the four pieces of "etal.
(ek"et then stopped, boed her head obediently and changed back into red "ist. Iho!#n!(a gestured again and
the "ist separated into four strea"s, seeping don to the "etal and en+eloping all the pieces. (uddenly the "etal
turned bright red and shook +iolently. Iho!#n!(a stood proudly as he ga0ed don upon the".
-hen the i0ard stepped back and 1aedalus took his place at the forging slab once again. Loering his head, he
spoke a ord 5 could not hear and "ade a sign in the air. 5""ediately the "etal stopped shaking and the red color
faded. ;e then sei0ed the pieces ith his tools and resu"ed pounding the". /ach ti"e the ha""er ca"e don, 5
heard a lo grol as (ek"et as being te"pered and forged into the +ery essence of the eapons.
We atched the s"ith at ork for hours that day and for days afterards as he crafted the eapons ith all the skill
at his co""and. 1uring the forging process, he i"bedded the colorful jeels of the eight great 7eteru into the hilt
of each blade, so that they ould conduct all the +ibrations of the life force. -hen he turned his attention to the edges
of the eapons.
1aedalus ent to a corner of his s"ithy, returning ith a s"all gloing stone of an intensely yello hue. With great
care and re+erence, the blacks"ith ground the blades of the four eapons against it for hours on end, checking the"
carefully after each stroke. -hough Iho!#n!(a and 5 inspected the blades and dee"ed the" finished se+eral ti"es,
still they ere not good enough for the s"ith.
L7o,M 1aedalus insisted, L these blades "ust slice the +ery bree0e fro" the air, the heat fro" the fla"e, the breath
fro" the lips that breathe it.M
5t as difficult to tell ti"e in the heart of the "ountain, here neither the rays of #ten nor the bea"s of the "oon
penetrated. But e slept and aakened %4 ti"es before the day ca"e that 1aedalus pronounced the eapons ready.
Iho!#n!(a and 5 rushed into the blacks"ithQs orkroo", after being su""oned fro" our resting cha"bers by one
of his strange ser+ants. -here upon a large table lay the eaponsNa long sord, a short sord, a dagger and a s"all
throing knife. #ll glea"ed ith the brilliance of polished hite sil+er, the color of the forged sky!"etal. -he
jeels in the hilt of each eapon shined brightly in the torchlight and beside each eapon lay a finely crafted
scabbard of rich leather. 1aedalus stood beside the table ith a satisfied s"ile.
L-hese eapons are Puite possibly "y finest ork. -he purity of the sky!"etal alloed "e to hone the" to a
precision unknon e+en in "y e,perience.M
L8es, you ha+e done ell, blacks"ith,M replied Iho!#n!(a. L-hese eapons ill be feared and re+ered by "any.M
L8es they shall, pro+ided the bearer can pro+ide the" ith the proper force,M replied 1aedalus. L#re you sure that
this young panther, e+en though he is son of the *e"non ho fought at -roy, is prepared to ield such poerful
ar"s@M
Ga0ing at "e fro" head to toe, Iho!#n!(a ansered the blacks"ith. L;e has pro+en hi"self a great fighter,
especially since co"ing to these lands, blacks"ith. 5 ha+e had a "aster of the (hort $ath to the Inoledge of .au
te"per hi" as you did these eapons. -hey are i"bued ith his on blood and are therefore a part of hi". ;e is, 5
assure you, ready to ield these eapons.
1aedalus nodded.
LHery ell. 8oung *e"non, step forard.M
5 took to long strides and stood before the blacks"ith. ;e then lifted the long sord, holding it inches aay fro"
"y outstretched hands. (uddenly 5 felt a strange tug upon "y body as "y hole being cried out to hold the eapon.
1aedalus noticed this and nodded again.
L8es, yes,M he cried enthusiastically. L-hese are indeed your eapons, young *e"non. :orged ith your on
blood, they are a part of you no.M
-he sord see"ed "ore beautiful than anything 5 had e+er seen. *y "outh gre dry and 5 reached for it, but the
blacks"ith jerked it back.
LBut beare,M he said. L7e+er ha+e there been eapons such as these. #s receptacles of such poer, they are a
gra+e responsibility. 1o you understand this@M
5 salloed hard. #t that point, 5 ould say anything to possess the eapons.
L8es.M 5 cried.
LGood,M replied the blacks"ith. L-hese are the +ery Clas of (ek"et, e"poered ith the ka of she ho li+es to
slaughter. -he jeels ill tell you hat poer dri+es your ene"y, so that you ill kno ho to fight it. #gain, are
you sure you are ready for such poer@M
L8es, gi+e the" to "eRM 5 cried.
-he s"ith passed the hilt of the blade into "y eager hands and as soon as the sord touched "y fingers, the .au
rose fro" "y center, near the botto" of "y belly. :loing up through "y body, it passed into the sord and back
again into "e, circulating like blood, pulsating like the +ery heart ithin "e.
When 5 first grasped the eapon, 5 felt that its eight as of "ediu" heft for a eapon of this si0e. But as the .au
rushed through "e, the sords eight disappeared. 5 could scarcely belie+e hat 5 as feeling. Wa+ing the eapon
before "e as 5 gripped its hilt, it felt like one of "y on li"bs. 1aedalus and Iho!#n!(a both s"iled, looking on
appro+ingly. LCan you feel it@ the blacks"ith asked.
LCan you feel that it is a part of you@M
L8es,M 5 ansered. L8esRM
L:ocus your .au, young panther,M Iho!#n!(a said. L:ocus it into the sord.M
-his ti"e 5 consciously pushed the life force fro" "y body into the sord, and the eapon pulsated. Looking at it
carefully, 5 sa no "o+e"ent, yet it throbbed like the blood in "y +eins. -he blacks"ith handed "e the short sord
and the sa"e thing happened. Grasping the to eapons, 5 felt no eight as they see"ed to "eld into "y hands,
beco"ing part of "y flesh, one ith "y bones.
Lifting "y head, 5 tilted it back and "y "outh opening in a silent screa" of ecstasy. *y life force no pulsated
fro" the tip of "y toes, to the top of "y head and into the +ery tip of each eapon. 5 could feel the ra0or sharp
edges the ay 5 felt the tips of "y on fingers and toes and 5 could feel the ru"ble of a lo grol e"erging fro"
the". )nly then did 5 kno for certain that hat the blacks"ith had said as true: -hese eapons ere indeed a
part of "e and they ere e"poered ith a ka of "ighty poer. 5 had at "y ser+ice the spirit of retribution feared
by all "en and beastsS 5 possessed the +ery Clas of (ek"et.
#nd as 5 stood there holding the Clas, the pulse of the .au running through "e, 5 felt a fa"iliar sensation, not
unlike hat 5 had felt that day on the deck of the ship. -his ti"e the feeling as e+en "ore intense, and 5 as both
strangely elated and unsettled.
Co"pelled to feel the" in "otion, 5 began hirling the eapons in defensi+e patterns, only to disco+er another
into,icating aspect of the blades: #s they cut through the air the grol transfor"ed into a high pitched screa" that
echoed throughout the cha"ber. -his as (ek"etQs screa" for blood.
(uddenly 5 anted to run don the "ountain and single!handedly slay all the creatures ho threatened the ell!
being of the blacks"ith. 5 kne it as not right, but "y ill could not fight the co"pulsion. With these ne, deadly
eapons in "y grasp, the .au pulsating ithin "e and the urgency of (ek"etQs screa", 5 felt a strong urge to "ake
ar.
CHAPTER 1': SHOW NO MERCY
:or the ne,t se+eral days, Iho!#n!(a, 1aedalus and 5 discussed ideas for ending the ar beteen the creatures at
the foot of the "ountain. #fter consulting ith "any of his ele"ental ser+ants, 1aedalus hit upon a daring plan that
ould allo us to repay hi" for the forging of "y eapons. )n the "orning of our last day ith the blacks"ith, e
sat around a table in his s"ithy, finali0ing the plans for the bold actions e intended to take.
L-hen it is agreed,M 1aedalus said, leaning forard o+er the table, Lthat these are the steps that "ust be taken to put
an end to the conflict. Iho!#n!(a and 5 nodded as 1aedalus ent on, repeating the plan once again.
L*y ser+ants tell "e that the ife and child of the leader of the (atyrs ere taken by Wol+en to nights ago. 5n
order to ingratiate yoursel+es ith the", you, *e"non, "ust go into the ton of the Wol+en and get the" out,
pro+ided they still li+e.M
L2nderstood,M 5 said. L#nd it "ust be done during the day, hen the Wol+en are at their eakest.M
LCorrect,M replied the blacks"ith. L#nd you, Iho!#n!(a, ill use your poers to cause a distraction in the ton of
the Wol+en to assist *e"non, and, if you can, you should capture their leader for the ne,t phase of the plan.M
L8es,M said Iho!#n!(a. L5 ill bind and hold hi" until nearly nightfall, then turn hi" o+er to the Centaurs. -he
Wol+en ill track their leader and attack the horse!"en during the night. -hen e attack at daybreak ith the
(atyrs. With their forces surely eakened by their battle ith the Wol+en, the Centaurs ill be defeated and your
troubles resol+ed.M
L8es,M replied the blacks"ith. L5f this orks, 5 a" sure "y oes ill be alle+iated. When the battle is done, return
here and 5 ill gi+e the eapons their final co"ponent, the gift of 5nfinite .eturn.M
5 fingered the hilts of "y eapons, hich ere no strapped at "y side. 5n the days since they ere gi+en to "e,
"y hole being had been floing ith .au, ith the sords acting as a strong focus for "y life force. What else, 5
ondered, could the blacks"ith besto upon the"@
L5nfinite .eturn,M 5 asked, Lhat is that@M
L8ou ill find out after this task is o+er, young *e"non,M replied 1aedalus. L:or no, you need kno only this: it
is a gift 5 ha+e bestoed upon only to other arriors o+er the centuries. 5t is a gift all arriors drea" of ha+ing. 5t
is a gift that ill be yours if you co"plete this task successfully.M
L-hen let us be about it,M declared Iho!#n!(a, as e rose to begin preparations.
#s e strolled fro" the cha"ber, 5 noticed "y young friend at a table, orking intensely. Looking up briefly, he
s"iled, then ent back to tinkering ith his s"all, crudely shaped "odels of ani"als. -hey ere far fro" the
polished, lifelike speci"ens of the blacks"ith, but ere re"arkably ell done. 5 thought briefly of bidding hi"
fareell. -hen, thinking better of it, 5 si"ply left hi" to his ork.
#fter e gathered our essentials, 1aedalus led us to a tunnel that e had not noticed before. )ne of his little
ser+ants stood before the entrance, holding a torch in its inky black hand.
L-his tunnel ends near your ca"p,M the blacks"ith said. L#fter you ha+e co"pleted your tasks, co"e back to the
entrance and knock four ti"es. *y ser+ant ill open it and lead you back to "e. :areell for no.M
Iho!#n!(a and 5 boed to the blacks"ith, then folloed his ser+ant into the tunnel. We alked for to or three
hours, folloing the torch held by the creature ahead. :inally, the light stopped and the little creature pushed against
a all, causing a section of rock to pull back. -here before us as a shallo ca+e, light strea"ing in through its
entrance. Iho!#n!(a and 5 stepped through, and the hole closed silently behind us.
We e"erged fro" the ca+e ith our hands o+er our eyes, for the light of #ten, after so "any days in the di"ness of
the "ountain, as da00ling. Looking around, 5 found that the blacks"ith as correct. We ere indeed Puite near the
ca"p. 5n fact, 5 could hear the fa"iliar +oices of so"e of Iho!#n!(aQs "en.
We alked toard the", and ithin "o"ents spotted a guard patrolling the area. ;e greeted us re+erently, looking
at "y eapons ith great interest.
5nside the ca"p Iho!#n!(a gathered his arriors before hi", shouting orders in the -a"ahu language. (e+eral "en
ent aay rapidly, returning "o"ents later bearing ten leather cases. #s they carefully undid the straps, "y eyes
idened. -he cases concealed %& co"posite bos.
5 had not knon that Iho!#n!(aQs "en ere in possession of such eapons. 5 had only seen one bo in this entire
land, and it as only a si"ple one, "ade perhaps of sapling ood. -hese co"posite bos, ith their sophisticated
"elding of bone and hard and soft oods, ould be accurate and deadly in the hands of a co"petent archer. -hey
alone could kill do0ens of unary ene"ies before they kne hat had hit the".
-he ca"p as ali+e ith "o+e"ent and sound as the arriors "ade preparations for battle. Cronn see"ed
especially eager at the prospect of fighting and, after speaking to the "agician, sat don to sharpen his huge blade
ith a large flat stone. (houting orders to his "en, Iho!#n!(a packed his pouch and changed his clothing hile 5
discarded "y cloak and donned a long bron tunic, padded for ar. #s 5 strapped on "y eapons Iho!#n!(a
beckoned "e toards hi".
LCo"e, young panther,M he said as 5 joined hi". L5t is ti"e to repay the blacks"ith.M
Cronn joined us and e alked aay fro" the ca"p, heading east toard the ton of the Wol+en. #fter a hile e
happened upon a ell!orn path, co+ered ith the footprints of the olf creatures. -here ere also hu"an
footprints, signs of struggle and blood.
We folloed the path until "idday, hen the ton finally loo"ed into +ie. -he settle"ent, perched atop a broad
hill, as surrounded by a tall, spike!topped all. -he tops of do0ens of dellings could be seen ith s"oke rising
fro" the fires burning inside. -oard the "iddle of the settle"ent, toering o+er all the rest, stood a large structure
of solid black, painted ith blood!red sy"bols.
-he hill itself as dotted ith ooden stakes, ell sharpened and positioned to i"pede a "ass attack. Because of
this, the only safe ay up as the s"all path on hich e alked, hich ended before a large ooden door. 5t as
of the type controlled by ropes and pulleys, and no stood raised for the dayQs co"ings and goings.
-o guards stood near this opening, holding spears and scanning the area diligently. 5 as surprised that they
see"ed to be nor"al "en. LIho!#n!(a,M 5 asked. LWhy are the guards not Wol+en@M
L)h they are, young panther,M the "agician replied. L.e"e"ber, so"e of those ho "ake pacts ith (et gain the
ability to change at ill. (ubterfuge is one of (etQs greatest gifts, as 5 shall no de"onstrate.M
-he "agician then reached into his bag, pulling out a handful of the herbs he had used before to beco"e in+isible.
LWhen you see the guards fall, young panther, co"e to the gate. When the fires start, go in and find the fe"ale (atyr
and her child. 8ou "ay be hea+ily opposed. (ho no "ercy if you ish to co"e out of this ali+e.M
With that, Iho!#n!(a crushed the herbs into his "outh and disappeared. -hen Cronn, ho had been holding onto
his ar", also dissol+ed before "y eyes.
5 obser+ed the guards in the distance for a fe "o"ents. (uddenly one of the" dropped his spear, sei0ing his chest
in pain. ;e then fell to the ground, a pool of blood for"ing around hi". When the other guard bent o+er to assist
hi", there as a loud chopping sound and his head ent rolling don the hill.
-aking this as "y signal, 5 ran to the gate and peered in. -here the tonspeople ent about their business, obli+ious
to the fate of the guards. (uddenly a terrible odor assailed "y senses and 5 nearly retched. 5 had ne+er s"elled
anything like it, and if not for "y assigned task 5 ould ha+e fled ith all haste aay fro" it.
#s 5 shook "y head to clear "y distressed nostrils, a loud cry ent up in the +illage. $eeking in again, 5 sa people
running toards the far side of the ton, here a huge fla"e had erupted, engulfing se+eral structures.
-aking ad+antage of this distraction, 5 ran through the gate, reaching for "y Clas as 5 ent. #s soon as "y hand
touched the hilts of the eapons, .au rushed fro" "y body to the sord and 5 as filled by an intense bloodlust.
5 then scanned the area, for the location of the prisoners. (uddenly 5 heard a terrible screa" and ran in its direction.
-he screa" rang out se+eral "ore ti"es, draing "e to a long ooden building a short distance aay. #s 5 neared it
a "an stepped forard "enacingly, brandishing a spear and shouting at "e. 5 tried to ignore hi" and keep going, but
he lifted the spear as if to thro and 5 as forced to turn and face hi".
With a terrible hol he then sprang toard "e, his face elongating and his li"bs beco"ing hairy ith each stride.
;e stopped a fe cubits short of "e, groling fearso"ely and looking e,actly like the beasts fro" the doo"ed
+illage. But this ti"e 5 as not afraid.
(tepping forard boldly, 5 cut the blade of his spear aay ith one sift stroke. When he pulled the shaft back in
surprise, 5 lunged, plunging "y blade through his belly. ;e opened his "outh to cry out, but 5 flicked "y short Cla
across his hairy throat and he only "ade a painful gurgling sound. 5 as running toard the building as his body hit
the ground.
#s 5 neared the building 5 heard the horrified screa" again. -hen 5 kicked the door open, to be "et by an intense
blast of that terrible odor. *y eyes atered profusely, and hen 5 finally blinked the" clear 5 sa the "ost horrible
sight. -here before "e as a di", torch!lit cha"ber. # +ery large, surprised "an ho+ered o+er a table, holding a
huge car+ing knife. ;e ore a gray apron that as soaked in blood, and upon the table before hi" lay a s"all (atyr
child. 5ts "outh bound tightly ith cloth, tears strea"ed fro" its eyes and blood spurted in torrents fro" its four
se+ered li"bs. -he child as being butchered ali+e.
Looking around Puickly 5 sa a cage filled ith crying, hi"pering (atyr children, and "y blood fairly boiled ith
rage. 5 stared at the butcher, a"a0ed at the cruelty displayed before "e, as he s"iled "ale+olently and sei0ed
another knife. -hen he alked sloly toard "e, transfor"ing into the largest Wol+en 5 had yet seen. ;e as so tall
that he had to bend don to keep fro" hitting his head against the ceiling, and his ar"s ere e,tre"ely long. #n
e+il snarl ru"bled across his lips as he began slashing the kni+es at "e.
#s 5 blocked his strokes 5 obser+ed ell his blade techniPue. ;is Puick, precise "o+es indicated that his ork ga+e
hi" considerable skill ith the blades, but "y eapons ere longer, and 5 struck back faster, cutting hi" in se+eral
places. 5ntense "o"ents ent by, during hich 5 ounded hi" "any ti"es. But for so"e reason he did not call out.
5nstead he kept on co"ing, despite the pain and injuries 5 inflicted upon hi".
:inally, in a desperate atte"pt to o+erco"e "e, he rushed in ith his long ar"s flailing. *y sords no screa"ing,
5 blocked the kni+es rapidly, sending sparks flying in e+ery direction. -hen 5 sidestepped Puickly, and ith one
hirling stroke, sliced both cla!like hands fro" his ar"s. ;is eapons clattered to the floor, black blood spurted
fro" his ounds and his head shot back in a hol of shock and pain. 5 flicked "y short Cla once again, slicing his
throat as 5 had his co"rade, cutting short his painful cries. ;is hea+y body hit the floor and 5 stepped o+er it toard
the table. (heathing "y eapons, 5 bent to e,a"ine the child, but found it as too late. -he poor thing lay still and
cold, dead fro" the blood loss and the shock.
:ootsteps approached the building and 5 stepped back into the shados beside the door. # Wol+en entered the roo",
looking around and sniffing in canine fashion. (eeing his dead co"panion, he bent to e,a"ine hi", hi"pering and
"oaning in grief. ;is pointed ears perked to attention just as 5 stole upon hi" fro" behind, but before he could
"o+e "y blade ca"e don and he joined his cruel co"panion.
(triding across the roo", 5 sliced the bars of the ooden cage open. #s the children craled out 5 called the na"e of
the fe"ale 5 had co"e to retrie+e. L1ila@M 5 called an,iously L1ila@M
# s"all child stepped forard, tears strea"ing don its face, pointing to a door on the far side of the roo". 5 alked
o+er and kicked it open to find another roo" lit by a single torch, here a fe"ale (atyr as tied to a post. #s she
looked up fearfully 5 loered "y eapons.
L1ila@M 5 asked in a lo +oice.
(he nodded and 5 cut her loose. -hen the little (atyr that led "e to her ran into her ar"s. 5 had found "y pri0es.
$utting a finger to "y lips, 5 signaled for silence and helped her to her hoo+ed feet. -hen e gathered the others and
headed for the door. $assing the butchering table on the ay, 1ila ran o+er to it, eeping and crying o+er the body
of the dead (atyr child. 5 as forced to pull her aay so that e could go on.
We peered out into the +illage to find shouting and bustling in all directions. -he people ran ith pots of ater
toards fla"es that no engulfed half the ton. Iho!#n!(a and Cronn had done their ork ell. We no had the
di+ersion e needed.
5 hustled 1ila and the kids out, planning to sneak the" fro" building to building toards the gate. But se+eral "en
spotted us and thre don their pots. ;oling terribly, they transfor"ed into Wol+en as they ran toards us. We
ere still ell aay fro" the gate, so 5 pushed 1ila and the children toards it.
L.unRM 5 cried. L1onQt look back, just runRM
#s they took off for the gate, 5 glanced at the hilt of "y eapons. #nger and bloodlust had distracted "e fro"
noticing before, but the e"erald ge" as glea"ing brightly, identifying the Wol+en as negati+e aspects of the 7eter
(ebek. #s se+eral of the" rushed toards "e, 5 recited the proper chant fro" -he Book of Inoing the Creatures
of the -aut and the effects ere instantaneous.
-he creatures beca"e disoriented, stu"bling and slipping against each other. 5 then pulled .au fro" "y center,
pushed it into "y blades, then hacked aay at the confused "onsters as the +oice of (ek"et screa"ed.
-o fell before "e, then three, four and fi+e, until only one creature as left standing. 5njured and astonished, he
took se+eral steps back, holing for assistance. )thers in the distance no ran to assist hi", calling for "ore help as
they ca"e.
1espite the strength of the chants, 5 kne their greater nu"bers spelled "y doo", so 5 turned and ran for the still!
open gate. But another Wol+en had seen "e and ran to the gate first. 5""ediately he began uninding the rope fro"
the pulley, trying to drop the gate and lock "e inside. 5 kne if he succeeded "y fate ould indeed be sealed.
.unning as fast as 5 could, 5 leaped upon hi" just in ti"e, plunging "y long Cla through his side and sei0ing the
final bit of rope. Iicking the dead creature aside, 5 peered through the gateay. 5n the distance 5 sa 1ila and the
children, disappearing into the forest to safety.
(atisfied that they ere out of danger, 5 glanced behind "e to find hordes of Wol+en closing in. (pears poised and
clas e,tended, they ere eager to a+enge their friends and dine upon a "eal of *e"non. (heathing "y long
blades, 5 pulled out "y dagger as a spear shot past "y head. -hen 5 sei0ed the rope attached to the pulley, yanked it
tight and slashed it ith the blade.
-he huge gate ca"e plunging don and 5 shot straight up to the top of the gate, just as the Wol+en pounced on the
spot here 5Qd been standing. $ausing briefly to cut the rope fro" the gate, 5 leapt o+er a"idst a hail of spears.
Landing safely on the other side, 5 took off for the forest, a satisfied s"ile upon "y face.
5 caught up ith 1ila and the children on the path. (hortly thereafter, e ca"e upon Iho!#n!(a and the giant
Cronn, ho held a struggling figure, rapped in a thick cloth o+er his shoulder. Iho!#n!(a looked +ery pleased.
LWell done, *e"non,M he said. LLet us be aay Puickly before they gi+e pursuit.M
L5t ill be a hile before they can,M 5 replied. L-he fire still rages, and 5 e,tracted the rope fro" their gate.M
Iho!#n!(a nodded. LHery ell done, indeed.M
We "ade haste don the path, looking behind frePuently for signs of pursuit, hich ne+er ca"e. (oon e arri+ed
back at the ca"p, here Cronn thre his struggling burden don, placing his foot upon it triu"phantly. -he other
arriors gathered around, intensely interested in the struggling bundle. #fter gi+ing 1ila and the children ater and
food, 5 ca"e o+er to in+estigate the prisoner "yself.
L;e is their leader,M Iho!#n!(a said. LWe took hi" directly fro" his great hall as he directed the firefighting efforts.
;is Wol+en brethren ill surely try to retrie+e hi" tonight.M
LWhat ill e do ith hi" until then@M 5 asked, atching the bound figure rithe upon the ground.
LCronn ill atch o+er hi" until nearly nightfall, hen he ill be deli+ered to the Centaurs. -hey ha+e reason to
hate the Wol+en the"sel+es, and ill be glad to recei+e hi". -i"e no to return 1ila and the (atyr children.
)ur party split into to groups, ith half the arriors going ith Iho!#n!(a and 5 to bring the goat!creatures back
to their people and the other half staying ith Cronn to deli+er the prisoner to the Centaurs.
#s e approached their ca"p, se+eral (atyrs rushed toards us ith ja+elins le+eled, but 1ila and the children ran
forard and they loered their eapons. Iho!#n!(a and 5 aited at the edge of the ca"p as they entered a"id loud
cheers and happy greetings.
*o"ents later 1ila and to (atyr "en ca"e forth, beckoning us to follo the". We ere led to the "iddle of the
ca"p, here a large (atyr sat before a fire, playing ith 1ilaQs young child. ;e put the child don as e ere led
before hi" and stood up. .aising a hairy hand, he greeted us graciously.
Iho!#n!(a ansered hi" and 5 boed. ;e then alked o+er to us, placing one large hand on each of our shoulders.
-hen he gestured for us to join hi" by his fire.
Iho!#n!(a, ho understood his language ith so"e difficulty, introduced hi" as Ladin, leader of the (atyrs. ;e
as "uch like the rest of his co"rades: golden hair, a barrel chest, curled horns jutting fro" his forehead and a
pointed beard. But by his regal bearing and intelligence one could tell that he as their leader.
;e and Iho!#n!(a talked for so"e ti"e, ith "y na"e co"ing up frePuently as ell as the na"e of 1aedalus. #t
one point Iho!#n!(a pointed to the edge of the ca"p, here the rest of his arriors aited. Ladin i""ediately
dispatched an assistant, ho ca"e back "o"ents later, leading the "agicianQs "en.
Iho!#n!(a shouted an order and so"e of the" stepped forard, bearing the leather pouches that contained the
co"posite bos. -hey untied the straps and pulled the" out a"id lo histles and cries of surprise fro" the (atyrs.
LadinQs eyes gre large as a bo as handed to hi". ;e turned the eapon o+er se+eral ti"es, plucking the string
and fle,ing the ood. Iho!#n!(a "ade galloping gestures ith his hands, then feigned being hit by arros, causing
the (atyrs close by to burst out laughing. -hen, after another brief e,change, the to leaders shook hands
+igorously. -he alliance had been "ade.
:or the rest of the day Ladin and the "agician "ade preparations for the attack against the Centaurs. #rros ere
soaked in pitch for setting fires, (atyrs sparred ith Iho!#n!(aQs arriors and e+en practiced shooting the
co"posite bos.
5 sat in the shade obser+ing the goat!people ith great interest. -hey see"ed an easy!going, fun!lo+ing lot hen not
fighting, ith a penchant for jokes and "ischief. #nd their o"en and children ere gi+en "uch respect and not
abused, alays the "ark of a ci+ili0ed people. 5 also noticed that they ate no "eatNonly grains, fruit and
+egetables, hich suited "e just fine. Why the -aut ould take such good!natured people 5 did not kno, but 5 as
glad to help the" oppose the e+il beings ho threatened the". When the orb of #ten glided toard the hori0on and
the shados lengthened, Cronn joined us at the ca"p ith the rest of the arriors. ;e had successfully gi+en the
leader of the Wol+en o+er to the Centaurs. 7o e had only to ait.
We sat around the ca"pfire for hours, aiting for signs of the attack. :inally, hen the Puarter!"oon as high
o+erhead, e heard the first shouts. *o"ents later the air as pierced ith aful hols and terrified screa"s as the
Wol+en leaped fro" the shados upon the horse!"en.
:ro" across the field e sa torches "o+ing to and fro as the Centaurs fought desperately against the sa+age night
beasts. #ll through the night sounds of the battle raged on, causing "uch pleasure a"ong the (atyrs around us. 5,
hoe+er, found no joy in the thought of anyone facing the Wol+en hordes, especially at night.
#t one point a screa"ing Centaur ca"e running o+er to our side of the field. (houting hysterically, he see"ed out of
his "ind ith fright. -he (atyrs i""ediately surrounded hi", their ja+elins poised. ;is entire body co+ered ith
blood and horrible ounds, the Centaur see"ed un"indful of the i""inent danger as he hi"pered and ailed for
sanctuary. Getting don on his horse knees, the creature begged pitifully for help, but the (atyrs only ga0ed at hi"
coldly. :inally, Ladin ga+e the signal and ja+elins pierced his throat and heart. ;is ailing ceased as he fell don
dead upon the field.
(e+eral other Centaurs galloped o+er during the night, only to recei+e the sa"e treat"ent. #fter a hile 5 could not
bear to see any "ore and e,cused "yself to the far side of the ca"p. (itting Puietly against a stack of supplies, "y
chin tucked into the pal" of "y hand, 5 had the distinct feeling that hat 5 as in+ol+ed in as +ery rong. -he
idea ca"e to "e to try to contact Ia"!#tef for ad+ice.
(loing "y breathing, 5 closed "y eyes, thinking the na"e and recalling the i"age of the great serpent. )+er and
o+er again 5 called, but there as no anser. :inally 5 ga+e up and drifted off to sleep.
5 as shaken aake to find the rays of #ten ashing o+er the landscape. Iho!#n!(a stood o+er "e, pointing across
the field. LCo"e, *e"non,M he said Lthe battle begins.M
We hastened across the field just in ti"e to see the (atyrs "eet the first line of Centaurs. #fter clashing +iciously for
se+eral "inutes, the goat!"en fell back and Iho!#n!(aQs archers rose up ith notched arros. #fter one +olley
fro" the poerful co"posite bos, se+eral Centaurs fell, clutching at chests and necks pierced through. #nother
+olley cut into the" they a+ered. -hen a third hit the" and their line fell co"pletely apart.
-he (atyrs then sar"ed into the ene"y ca"p shouting +ictoriously as they stabbed and thre their ja+elins. -he
Centaurs, eakened and injured fro" the night!long battle ith the Wol+en, ent don Puickly before their fresh
opponents. *eanhile the archers picked off Centaurs at ill, hile Cronn aded into the "idst of the carnage,
hacking and slashing ith his huge sord.
Groups of fe"ale Centaurs and their young huddled together as the battle raged around the", crying and shaking in
fear as the rout Puickly changed into a slaughter. :eeling sorry for the innocents, 5 turned aay fro" the carnage and
alked off the field. Iho!#n!(a atched as 5 left.
L*e"non, here are you going@M he asked.
L-o the ca+e here e are to "eet 1aedalusQ ser+ant,M 5 ansered. L8ou donQt need "e here.M
-he "agician said nothing as 5 alked into the forest. (oon 5 as back at the "outh of the ca+e. (eating "yself
before it, 5 listened to the sounds of the battle. (uddenly 5 heard the galloping of hoo+es close by and a Centaur
stu"bled into +ie.
Leaning eakly against the trunk of a large tree, he as cut and bleeding fro" "any s"all ounds. Looking up, he
spotted "e and raised his huge club "enacingly. 5 as about to pull "y Clas to defend "yself, hen the creature
"oaned loudly and the club fell fro" his shaking hands. -hen he toppled o+er and hit the ground hea+ily.
5 alked o+er cautiously for a closer look and found that he had a deep, hea+ily bleeding cut on his left rear thigh,
i"possible for hi" to reach ith his hu"an hands. -earing a piece of cloth fro" the lining of "y tunic, 5 bound the
ound tightly. -hen he opened his eyes and looked up into "ine, confused and +ery afraid.
L1o not orry,M 5 said, gently patting the ound. L5 onQt har" you. -here has been enough fighting and death
today...M
;e opened his "outh to speak hen suddenly his eyes idened at so"ething behind "e. -urning to see hat it as,
5 as just in ti"e to see a huge club descending toard "y head. 1ucking Puickly, 5 rolled aay and sprang to "y
feet. -here before "e stood another Centaur, hirling his club "enacingly, a "ad look in his eyes.
-he one 5 had just assisted thre up a eak hand, saying so"ething to the attacker, ho shot hostile ords back,
pointing at "e accusingly. -hey argued for a fe "o"ents until the second Centaur finally shouted hi" don. -hen,
before 5 could act, the intruding Centaur raised his club and brought it s"ashing don upon the head of his injured
co"rade. -he sickening sound of crushing bones echoed throughout the forest.
-here as nothing else to do no but reach for "y eapons, but hen 5 did, they felt strange. #s 5 pulled the" out
they see"ed hea+ier than nor"al, and hen 5 tried to push .au into the", none ca"e forth.
-he "ad Centaur rushed upon "e, singing his club in a seeping arc. -his ti"e the eapon struck "y shoulder,
knocking "e fro" "y feet. -hough the pain as terrible, 5 clutched "y blades tightly as 5 hit the ground, hoping
they ould soon co"e to life. -hen as 5 struggled to get to "y feet, 5 noticed a ne peril: the strength in "y li"bs
as also lea+ing. (till 5 rose, eapons raised in defiance, as the "erciless Centaur ca"e in for another pass.
7oticing "y faltering ar"s, he grinned hatefully and closed in, bringing his club don against "y shoulder once
again. -his ti"e the blo sent "e tu"bling head o+er heels through tall grasses and bushes. (truggling to "y knees,
5 eighed "y options, reluctantly deciding to flee. With "y eapons still stubbornly clutched in "y hands, 5
craled through the +egetation in an effort to find an escape route. But a glance behind "e re+ealed the cruel
Centaur ho+ering nearby, tauntingly sitching his club fro" one hand to the other.
5 pulled free of the bushes and tried to run back toard the field of battle, but "y assailant caught "e Puickly and
struck another blo sPuarely in the "iddle of "y back. $ain shot all the ay to "y feet and 5 fell to "y knees, hile
the Centaur pranced around "e. 5 tried to cral the other ay, back toard the "outh of the ca+e, but soon his
hoo+ed feet blocked that path also.
-hen the Centaur ga0ed into "y eyes, searching for signs of fear. (eeing none, he beca"e irritated and s"ashed his
club don upon "y head. Blood floed don into "y eyes and "y face landed hard in the dust.
CHAPTER 11: I FORGED FOR YOUR PA
5 felt "y body being carried along and opened "y pain!filled eyes to see hat as happening to "e. 1ense darkness
surrounded "e and 5 could see nothing, but 5 kne 5 as being carried donard fro" the angle of "y body. 5 soon
recogni0ed the cold da"pness pressed against "y li"bs, and reali0ed 5 as being taken by 1aedalusQ strange
ser+ants back into the recesses of the "ountain. But 5 could not speak, "y head throbbed painfully and "y eyes
ould not stay open.
5 aoke later to the feeling of a cool, et cloth being applied to "y head. )pening "y eyes, 5 sa before "e one of
1aedalusQ o"en. ("iling gently, she greeted "e ith a friendly nod. Behind her stood the blacks"ith hi"self,
leaning on his cane and peering don upon "e. ;e said so"ething in the northern language and the o"an rose and
left the roo". -hen the blacks"ith stepped forard.
L8oung one, you are lucky to be ali+e,M he said sharply.
L5 kno,M 5 replied, re"e"bering the blo 5 had taken fro" the Centaur.
L5f your bones had not been strengthened during your prior conditioning, that creature ould ha+e split your skull.
/+en so, hen "y ser+ants arri+ed, he as preparing to strike you again, hich ould ha+e surely killed you
regardless. -hey are truly a cra+en race of creatures, those Centaur...M
LWhat happened@M 5 asked.
LLuckily for you 5 sent se+eral of "y ser+ants to obser+e the progress of the battle,M 1aedalus replied. L-he Centaur
feared the" and ran aay in fright. -hen they brought you back here.M
L-hank your ser+ants for "e, 1aedalus. 7o 5 "ust get up fro" here...M
5 tried to rise, "y head throbbed +iolently and di00iness o+erca"e "e. 1aedalus shook his head as 5 fell back onto
the bed. L8ou are still too eak. 8ou "ust ha+e "ore rest. 7o that you are aake, though, there are things e "ust
discuss.M
5 lay back and prepared "yself to listen. 1aedalus sat don on the edge of the bed, his cane beteen his legs, his
hands perched atop it. ;e looked around the cha"ber cautiously, then peered deeply into "y eyes.
LIno this, young *e"non: 5 ha+e e,isted for "any centuries, peacefully orking "etals here in "y "ountain,
forging for any ho could pay "y fees. ;a+ing fe earthly needs, it has been easy to re"ain apart fro" the affairs
of the orld.M
5 tried to pay attention, but the pain and ringing in "y head distracted "e. 1aedalus noticed and rubbed "y bro
gently. -he pain subsided and 5 could hear hi" better.
LBut this ti"e...M he continued, shaking his head sadly. L7e+er before ha+e the affairs of the orld threatened "y
ay of life, so 5 "ust do hat is necessary to "aintain it. 5t see"s, therefore, that 5 "ust break "y code of neutrality
to assist you.M
L#ssist "e@M 5 asked. L;o@ Why@M
LListen to "e,M said the blacks"ith. L-here are things you are not being told by Iho!#n!(a. -hings you need to
kno.M
LWhat do you "ean@M 5 asked.
L8oung *e"non, you are being decei+ed. 5 sense things about your spirit...the o"an you ha+e been gi+en...M
L7ala@M 5 asked.
1aedalus nodded. L(he is beautiful, is she not. # true "istress of pleasure...and poer@M
LWhy, yes,M 5 replied ith a s"ile.
1aedalus shook his head gri"ly. L(he is a +iperR (he is using her skills to cloud your "ind and change your nature.M
LBut she e"poers "e. #fter 5 a" ith her 5 feel as if 5 could do anything...M
L8es,M said 1aedalus, poking a finger into "y chest. L8es, you are e"poered, but do you not feel so"ething else@M
5 thought for a "o"ent. LWhy...so"eti"es...at ti"es 5 ha+e felt "ore arlike. .eady to fight...but...5...QQ
L8ou are being "anipulated,M the blacks"ith continued. L5t is Iho!#n!(aQs ish that you beco"e a killer ith no
re"orse, and 7ala is his instru"ent. When you are joined she attracts negati+e forces. -hen, orking her "agical
arts, she seals the" to your spirit.M
5t all "ade sense to "e no. Iho!#n!(a kne that 5 ould ne+er illingly be as he anted "e to be. (o he ga+e "e
this o"an, seeking to use her skills to change "e. 5 loered "y head, asha"ed that 5 had been so easily fooled.
1aedalus placed his hand upon "y shoulder.
LBe not asha"ed, *e"non. :or you are young and kno nothing of these things. 5t is Iho!#n!(aQs ish that you
beco"e dependent upon this o"an, for only a arrior ho co"bines his life force ith that of a o"an of poer
can "anipulate the forces that ha+e been set free ithin you. 8ou ha+e been aay fro" her for a long hile, and that
is hy your strength and eapons failed you.M
LWhat should 5 do@ 5 asked.
1aedalus rubbed his chin.
L-here are other o"en ho ha+e such talents. -e"ple o"en, priestesses, others. 2ntil you find a "ate ith the
rePuired skills, these are the o"en you "ust seek out. :or no, take "y ad+ice: do not go near this 7ala again.
.efuse her. .eject her.M
LBut ...hat shall 5 tell Iho!#n!(a@M 5 asked.
1aedalus tightened his grip upon "y shoulder.
L5 a" sure you ill think of so"ething. 5 tell you this because you play a large part in Iho!#n!(aQs plans.M
L8ou kno his goals@M 5 asked.
L5 can see here he is going. 5 ha+e seen this co"ing for so"e ti"e,M the blacks"ith replied sadly. L;e and his
coalition, the $eople of the (ea and other (er+ants of the (erpents, ish to take control of the force of the
.eckoning and tist it to their on ends. -hey ish to reco+er the riches and the do"inion they once possessed.M
LWhat do you "ean@M 5 asked.
1aedalus held up both his ar"s, nodding toards the "etal bands upon each of his rists. )ne band shone a
lustrous yelloish!bronS the other as polished just as highly, but had a dark, coal!black sheen.
L-his is the "etal of the past,M he said, pushing the bron0e band toard "e. L#nd this, the "etal of the future.M
5 looked closely at the darker band as he held it close.
L5ron,M the blacks"ith said gri"ly.
L-he ti"e of iron is upon us and the orld ill run red ith blood.M
LBut hy@M
L-he $eople of the (ea rested control of the trade in bron0e and held it for "any years. 8our paQs Iushite
coalition, ho started this trade long ago, took it back, rendering the (ea Iings to the status of couriers. But no
that iron is co"ing into general use, their share of the profits are shrinking...M
L#nd so... @M
L#nd so, the (ea Iings ha+e lost their fortunes. #t first they took to piracy and highay robbery. But the taking of
to strategic cities, -roy in the north and $etra in the south, shos that their a"bitions are "uch "ore serious no.
-his, 5 think, is here you are in+ol+ed, young *e"non.M
L;o so@M
L8our pa as once their "ain opponent, co"bating the" in all lands, upon all seas. 5t ould please the" greatly if
you, his son, ould be their arrior and assassin.M
L1o you kno "y pa@M
-he blacks"ith leaned forard, s"iling. L5 forged for your pa.M
*y "outh fell open in surprise and "y "ind reeled ith "any Puestions. But just then e heard footsteps and
1aedalus placed a finger to his lips. We passed a "o"ent in silence, then Iho!#n!(a strolled into the roo".
L#h, young pantherR 8ou are finally aake. 5 feared you ould not ake up after the "any days you lay there.M
L*any days ... ho long as 5 asleep@M
Iho!#n!(a and the blacks"ith looked at each other.
L8ou ere se+erely injured, *e"non.M replied Iho!#n!(a. L8ou ha+e been here for %G days.M
5 sat up and shook "y head e+en though the pain of "o+ing ent through "y e+ery li"b. Iho!#n!(a stepped
toard the bed, holding a s"all ooden bo, in one hand and an object 5 did not i""ediately recogni0e in the other.
L8ou perfor"ed better than 5 e,pected in this last +enture, Iho!#n!(a said ith a satisfied s"ile. L(o 5 ha+e decided
to reard you.M
;e placed the bo, in "y hand and opened it. 5nside as the ring gi+en to "e by the #nu prince on the 5sland of the
Ia.
L*y ring,M 5 cried, snatching it fro" the bo,.
5t as shining in all its obsidian glory, the torchlight bouncing off the contours of the feline car+ings. But 5 noticed
that the special "ark as not there.
L5 can detect nothing "ore than an orna"ental use for that ring,M said Iho!#n!(a, Land so 5 return it to you.M
L-hank you,M 5 replied, pulling the ring onto the "iddle finger of "y right hand. #s 5 positioned it there, the feline
face "o+ed and the sy"bol of leadership re!appeared upon its bro. 5 co+ered it discreetly to conceal these things
fro" Iho!#n!(a.
L#nd this,M the "agician said, offering "e the other object.
*y "outh fell open as 5 recogni0ed an object 5 thought 5 ould ne+er see again: 5t as a leather hel" ith a lustrous
ring of car+ed bron0e circling the cron.
L8es,M Iho!#n!(a said. L5t belonged to your pa.M
*y eyes idened. ;ere before "e as the +ery hel" orn by "y sire as he battled his ay across the orld.
-ighter fitting and different fro" the protecti+e headgear orn by the nati+e arriors of Ia"it, the hel" "ade "y
pa stand out fro" all others and added to the legends about hi". LBra0en crested *e"nonM he as often called. ;e
had told "e the hel" as fro" his ho"eland.
L-his ill help to protect your head the ne,t ti"e so"e creature takes a sing at it,M Iho!#n!(a said. LWhy do you
hesitate@ -ake itR L
*any Puestions ran through "y "ind. Where had he acPuired "y paQs hel"@ What did he kno about his fate@ #nd
hy as he gi+ing it to "e no@ 5n light of the con+ersation 5 had just had ith the blacks"ith the anser to the
last Puestion beca"e i""ediately clearNthe "agician anted "e to be the i"age of "y pa, to continue the legend
of *e"non, but as a ser+ant loyal to his e+il purposes. Little did he kno that his plans to change "e had been
disco+ered. $ushing "y Puestions aside for the ti"e being, 5 reached out and took "y paQs hel". -urning it o+er in
"y hands, 5 +oed that the legend ould go on, but not in the ay the "agician e,pected.
LGood, good,M Iho!#n!(a e,clai"ed. L8our ne,t gift ill be ti"e ith 7ala. (he ill help to bring you back to full
strengthNand bring you "uch pleasure.M
L5 no longer ant 7ala,M 5 replied.
LWhat@M cried Iho!#n!(a.
L5 no longer ant her,M 5 shot back. L(he no longer pleases "e.M
Iho!#n!(a shook his head in disbelief. LWhat do you "ean@ 7ala is one of the "ost beautiful o"en in creation.
(top this foolish talk.M
L5 "ean it. 5 no longer ant her. 5 ant,M 5 began, but had to stop and think for a "o"ent. L5 ant a -a"ahu
o"an,M 5 lied. L-hatQs it. Get "e a -a"ahu.M
Iho!#n!(a as taken aback. ;e looked at 1aedalus, but the blacks"ith only shrugged his shoulders.
LWho can fatho" the lusts of youth@M the blacks"ith said dryly.
L# -a"ahu,M said Iho!#n!(a, shaking his head. L8ou ant a -a"ahu@M
L8es,M 5 said. LLike 1aedalusQ o"en ho took care of "e. #nd 5 ant to of the", just like 1aedalus has.M
Iho!#n!(aQs "outh dropped open. L8ou ant...to of the"@M
L8es. -o of the". 5 prefer one ith yello hair and one ith red. 6ust like 1aedalusQ o"en. 5 ad"ire his taste.M
Iho!#n!(a looked at the blacks"ith again. 1aedalus shrugged once "ore, turning toard the dooray.
L$erhaps e should let hi" rest no. -o"orro he ill recei+e the final gift for hat he has done for "e. Iho!#n!
(a, e should let hi" sleep.M
-he "agician nodded in agree"ent, the incredulous look still upon his face. 5 turned o+er in bed, clutching "y paQs
hel" to "y breast. -hen 5 laughed silently and drifted off to sleep.
-his ti"e "y slu"ber as tortured by anguished drea"s of "y fa"ily and i"ages of Ia"!#tef, all cascading
before "e in a deluge of confused i"ages. -hey ere "ercifully interrupted hen a tug at the co+ers of "y bed
oke "e ith a start. .ousing fro" "y fitful drea"s, 5 rolled o+er to find one of 1aedalusQ ele"ental ser+ants
standing nearby. #s 5 rose, ashed "yself and dressed, the lingering i"age of the great serpent re"ained. 5 kne 5
had to contact hi" soon.
1aedalusQ ser+ant led "e don a long corridor, identical to hundreds in the do"ain of the blacks"ith. (oon e
e"erged into the fa"iliar hall and ere greeted by the s"oke, sounds and odors of the great orkshop. -here, ne,t
to a large table, stood 1aedalus and Iho!#n!(a. )n the floor nearby 5 sa the boy 5 had brought. 2pon seeing "e,
he leapt to his feet and ran into "y ar"s. 5 hugged hi" affectionately.
LGreetings, *e"non,M said 1aedalus. L-oday you ill recei+e "y final gift as pay"ent for hat you ha+e done for
"e in this land.M
5 stepped forard and boed to the blacks"ith and nodded at Iho!#n!(a.
-he boy then tugged at "y ar", leading "e to the floor here he had been playing. -here 5 sa nu"erous "etal
objects, including crude replicas of ani"als, tools and other i"ple"ents. Looking closely, 5 noticed so"e slight
"o+e"ents a"ong the ani"al replicas. -he blacks"ith leaned toards us.
L5 as correct, *e"non, in choosing this child as "y apprentice,M he said.
L5t see"s so, great blacks"ith,M 5 replied.
-he boy alked to 1aedalus and stood ne,t to hi". Iho!#n!(a stood nearby, silently nodding, rubbing his chin.
L-he child certainly is gifted,M the "agician said.
L;e is "uch "ore than gifted, Iho!#n!(a,M replied the blacks"ith. L-his boy is chosen. ;e is attuned to the
ele"ents of the earth, as 5 suspected by the lo+e "y ser+ants ha+e shon hi". ;e ill be a "aster blacks"ith.M
5 looked carefully at the child. ;e see"ed happy and Puite proud of hi"self, and 5 as glad he had found so"ething
to gi+e his life "eaning, after hat had happened to his people.
L;e still has not uttered a ord,M said 1aedalus. L(o 5 donQt kno hat he as na"ed at birth. 5 call hi" $hastos !
he see"s to like it.M
L;ail, $hastos,M 5 said, boing to the boy. LGreat s"ith in training.M
Iho!#n!(a stepped forard.
L#he",M he cleared his throat. L5 think no it is ti"e to be about the real business of the day. We "ust be gone fro"
here soon.M
LOuite true,M replied the blacks"ith. L*e"non, approach the table, please.M
5 alked up to the large table to find "y long and short sords, dagger and throing knife 5ying upon it. -he
eapons had been shined and polished to a sparkle. 7e,t to the" sat a large tub of ater. 1aedalus a+ed his hand
o+er the tub and spoke a ord. (uddenly the ater began to s"oke and bubble. L*e"non,M said the blacks"ith.
L;o "uch do you ant these eapons@M
5 looked at the hi" curiously.
LHery "uch,M 5 replied. L5 ant the" +ery, +ery "uch, 1aedalus.M
LGood,M he said. L(oon you shall ha+e a chance to pro+e it.M
-he blacks"ith clapped his hands and four of his little ser+ants appeared. -hey leapt upon the table, and each sat
upon one of "y eapons. 1aedalus said another ord that 5 could not understand and their little bodies began to
dissol+e. (inking don sloly, they ere absorbed into the +ery "etal of "y eapons. /ach blade shook +iolently
as a creature beca"e one ith it. 5 looked at the blacks"ith in astonish"ent.
L:ear not, younger *e"non,M he said. L;ere is your first test.M
;e clapped his hands once again and suddenly each eapon stood upon its on handle. -hen one by one the blades
hopped to the tub and leapt into the bubbling ater.
L7o, *e"non,M said 1aedalus, Lretrie+e your eapons.M
5 looked at the blacks"ith as if he had taken lea+e of his senses. *ore s"oke as rising fro" the tub and it bubbled
"ore +iolently.
L1o as he says, *e"non,M Iho!#n!(a ordered.
5 had no doubt that "y hands ould be scalded se+erely, but 5 stepped up to the tub ne+ertheless. -he ater bubbled
so +iolently that 5 could not see the eapons, but 5 steadied "yself and plunged "y hands into it. -o "y surprise and
relief, the ater as cool to the touch.
5""ediately the long and short sords placed the"sel+es into "y hands and 5 brought the" out. #fter laying the"
to the side, 5 plunged "y hands back in for the others. -hey too leapt into "y grasp and 5 pulled the" fro" the
ater. 5 placed the" all on the table, then turned to face 1aedalus and Iho!#n!(a.
LHery good, *e"non,M said the "agician.
L8ou ha+e passed the first test,M said 1aedalus. L8our eapons ha+e been bonded ith earth spirits. #nd because
you ha+e pro+en to the" that they are anted, by rescuing the" fro" apparent danger, they are fore+er bonded to
you. But no co"es an e+en "ore difficult test: you "ust har"oni0e the earth spirits ith the ka of (ek"et.M
L;o do 5 do that@M
L8ou "ust con+ince the lady of +engeance to accept the other spirits,M 1aedalus replied. L5t ill be dangerous, for
the only ay is to trick her into de+ouring the". 8ou "ust go inside yourself, to your place of poer, here you and
these eapons are one. )nce there, you "ust taunt (ek"et into eating the spirits. -hen, at the correct ti"e, you "ust
e"brace her so that you are all one.M
5 thought for a "o"ent of the terrible figure of the 7eter (ek"et. 1uring the forging of "y eapons she had drunk
"y blood. -hough she as the fighting spirit of "y eapons, 5 had no ish to "eet her face to face again.
L#re you sure this is necessary@M 5 asked Iho!#n!(a.
L5t is,M replied the "agician. L1o it, young panther. (he does not har" those she has beco"e bound to. #t least, not
"uch.M
5 nodded and proceeded to sit cross!legged upon the floor. Iho!#n!(a stood o+er "e, "o+ing his hands in strange
patterns o+er "y head.
L1o not let her catch you until all the spirits ha+e been de+oured,M he said. L5t is then that she "ust be e"braced.
Good luck, young panther.M
5 closed "y eyes hile Iho!#n!(a continued to a+e his hands o+er "e, no "ur"uring potent ords of poer.
(uddenly there as a flash of light in "y "ind.
5 opened "y eyes to find "yself standing before a huge red te"ple. -he alls of the structure ere co+ered ith
paintings and car+ings of "e battling all the creatures and "en 5 had faced thus far in co"bat, fro" the "en 5 had
killed in "y first encounter ith Iho!#n!(a, to the Wol+en creatures fro" the land of 1aedalus. 5n all the
encounters 5 held the Clas of (ek"et, e+en in situations here 5 had yet to possess the".
-o giant statues stood outside the alls on high pedestals. )ne as an e,act likeness of (ek"et as 5 had
encountered her during the forging of "y blades. -he other statue as of "e, standing tall and holding "y eapons.
-here as another pedestal hich stood e"pty. 5nstincti+ely 5 kne it as the one 5 had co"e to fill.
#s 5 approached the steps of the te"ple 5 noticed one of the earth spirits sitting there. When 5 stopped to ha+e a
closer look, it transfor"ed itself into a plu"p, juicy black pig. Continuing up the stairs, 5 approached the entrance,
here there as another earth spirit sitting patiently. #s 5 alked by, it transfor"ed itself into a fat "onkey.
Continuing on, 5 stepped into the te"ple and started don a long hall. 5n the distance there ere three sil+er thrones.
# bright red creature ith the body of a o"an and the head of a lioness sat in one of the". 5t as (ek"et.
5 looked around for the other earth spirits and sa one sitting halfay don the hall, right in the "iddle of the floor.
#s 5 passed by, it lifted its shapeless black body and transfor"ed into a black sheep. 5 kept going toards the
thrones, looking for the last of the earth spirits. When 5 ca"e near, 5 found (ek"et asleep, her head slu"ping to the
side. -he last earth spirit sat right before her. 5t looked up at "e before changing into a s"all black deer.
5 stood before the throne, ga0ing up at the sleeping deity. 1eciding to take the direct approach, 5 sei0ed the black
deer and tossed it into her lap. (ek"etQs eyes blinked open at once, and her fiery stare bore right through "e. -hen
her jas opened to i"possible proportions, and her roar shook the entire te"ple. 5 salloed ner+ously, praying 5
had taken the right approach, as she looked don into her lap.
5 atched in a"a0e"ent as she lunged ithout hesitation, sei0ing the disguised earth spirit. ("acking her lips
hungrily, she lifted it to her gaping jas and slid it don her throat. -hen she stood up looking at "e, the hungry
look still in her eyes. -urning on "y heels, 5 ran don the hall, ith (ek"et close behind. #s e ran, 5 ca"e to the
little black sheep, bent don and scooped it up. -hen 5 turned Puickly and tossed it to the deity. (he caught it deftly
in her clas, looked it o+er and tossed it into her "outh. (he as cheing loudly as 5 headed for the entrance.
6ust outside the other spirit aaited cal"ly for its turn to be de+oured. 5 scooped it up and tossed (ek"et this latest
"orsel. -he "onkey disappeared just as Puickly as the others, but this ti"e 5 could see a +isible lu"p in (ek"etQs
belly. 7e+ertheless, she ca"e at "e again as 5 ran don the stairs of the te"ple. #t the botto" stood the first earth
spirit in its pig guise. 5 bent don to scoop it up, but hen 5 turned (ek"et as upon "e. Inocking "e don to the
ground, she raised her sharp clas and opened her ra0or!toothed "a. -he heat of her breath scorched "y face as 5
pushed the pig into her "outh.
;er jas sla""ed shut like a trap and she salloed again. -his ti"e her belly bulged to huge proportions and she
stepped back fro" "e. -o "y great relief, the hunger in her eyes subsided, a gentle purr arose fro" her throat and
she took on a peaceful de"eanor. (ensing that the danger as o+er, 5 e,tended "y ar"s to e"brace her.
When e touched, the lu"p in (ek"etQs belly pushed into "e and 5 felt the stirrings of the creatures sheQd just
de+oured. 5 also felt an o+erhel"ing sense of security and strength, as if nothing could e+er har" "e. $eering o+er
her shoulder toard the te"ple, 5 ga0ed at the last pedestal. 5t as occupied no by the statue of an earth spirit.
;ugging the deity tightly, 5 closed "y eyes and s"iled.
-hen the +oice of Iho!#n!(a aroused "e.
L*e"nonR *e"non, aakeRM
5 opened "y eyes to find the "agician and blacks"ith standing before "e ith satisfied s"iles. -hey nodded to
each other triu"phantly, and 1aedalus pointed to "y eapons.
L*e"non, you ha+e har"oni0ed the forces of your blades. (ek"et has accepted the earth spirits, "aking it possible
for the" to do hat they "ust do. 7e+er ill you ha+e to orry about losing these eapons: they ill alays "ake
their ay back to you. -hro the dagger as you ill, plunge the blades as you "ust. -he Gift of 5nfinite .eturn is
yours.M
5 lifted "y long sord and held it up high. 5""ediately the fa"iliar rush of .au fro" "y "iddle, through "y ar"s
and into the eapon. 5ts eight disappeared as the poers of the .au force ashed o+er "e and 5 s"iled. -hen
suddenly the feeling as gone. 5 loered the hea+y blade carefully, so that Iho!#n!(a ould not detect ho eak
the force as ithin "e.
L-hank you, great blacks"ith,M 5 said. L-his is a gift ithout price.M
L-hank you, *e"non, for hat you ha+e done for "e,M 1aedalus replied. L*ay these eapons ser+e you ell.M
Iho!#n!(a stepped forard and boed to the blacks"ith.
LGreat 1aedalus,M he pronounced graciously, L5 ill see to it that your na"e is knon in the four corners of the
orld for hat you ha+e done. We thank you for your ork. 7o e "ust be gone.M
5 e"braced $hastos ar"ly as e stood before the long tunnel that ould take Iho!#n!(a and 5 back to the ca"p.
-he boy still had no +oice, but the tears in his eyes told "e he as greatly saddened by "y departure. -hough 5 had
gron fond of hi" also, 5 thought it best to lea+e hi" ith the blacks"ith. #s 5 looked don into his sea!green eyes,
he handed "e a s"all panther "ade of sil+er.
L-hank you, $hastos,M 5 said. L)ne day, "y little friend, e shall "eet again.M
L;e ill be ell taken care of here,M said 1aedalus. L;e has a destiny to fulfill and 5 ill see hi" through it.M
-he blacks"ith assigned another of his little ser+ants to lead us back to the ca"p. :ro" there e ere to follo the
creature back into the tunnels ith all the "en. 5t ould then lead us to another tunnel that ould take us back to our
ship, a+oiding entirely any hostile confrontations like those e had encountered co"ing here.
#s e alked along through the tunnel, 5 noticed that Iho!#n!(a see"ed especially preoccupied and irritated. Lost
in thought, his face contorted into e,pressions of anger and orry, and he glanced at "e "any ti"es before he
spoke.
L*e"non,M he began sloly, Lthere is a task to be done.M
LWhat sort of task@M 5 asked.
L# task 5 had hoped to a+oid...M
LWhat is it@M
-he "agician shifted the torch he as carrying fro" his left to his right hand, then stopped alking and turned to
"e. L1o you kno of *inos@M he asked.
5 thought for a "o"ent.
L8ou are speaking of the king@M 5 asked. L*ad king *inos of Ieftui@M
L-he sa"e,M replied Iho!#n!(a, as e co""enced alking.
LWhat about hi"@M
L;e and his sires before hi" ha+e been +aluable allies in our coalition, especially since they took the 5sland of
Ieftui and opened it for our purposes. But "adness has alays run in their bloodline, none orse than the current
king, *inos the fourth.M
L#nd so@M 5 asked.
L#nd so he is no longer of any use to us. ;e also refuses to gi+e back a +aluable tool 5 loaned hi". #s you lay
reco+ering fro" your ounds, 1aedalus infor"ed "e of the "ad kingQs latest "isdeeds.M
L1aedalus knos hi"@M
L1aedalus forged for hi". 5t as the only ti"e the blacks"ith left his "ountain ho"e to do his ork. *inos repaid
hi" by trying to ensla+e hi" and caused the death of the s"ithQs only sonS this is hy the blacks"ith longed so for
an apprentice. -here is no lo+e beteen the great blacks"ith and "ad Iing *inos, 5 assure you.M
(uddenly it occurred to "e hat the task "ight be, but 5 decided to ask regardless. LWhat do you plan to do@M
L(o"ething that has ne+er been done in the history of our coalition. 8ou, *e"non, "ust go to the court of *inos.
:irst you "ust find "y property....M
L#nd then@M
L#nd then you "ust relie+e the "ad king of his pathetic life.M
When e arri+ed at the ca"p, the "en greeted us ith loud cheers and Puestions about our journey. -hey ere +ery
curious about "y paQs hel" and our strange guide, but cautiously kept their distance fro" it. )nly Cronn, ho stood
off to the side, leaning upon his huge sord, see"ed unconcerned ith our presence. Iho!#n!(a joined the giant
and they talked for a hile. -hen he barked orders at his arriors to break ca"p. #s e hurriedly packed, 5 asked
Iho!#n!(a about this ne urgency.
L-hough it is no affair of yours, *e"non,M said the "agician, Le are +ery late in departing fro" this land. Cronn
and 5 ha+e pressing business in the far northern regions he calls ho"e. We "ust get back to the ship Puickly.M
We broke ca"p and folloed the little creature to a large ca+e on the side of a nearby hill. 5nside as a long dark
tunnel leading don into the ground. (o"e of the arriors ere reluctant to go in, but after a fe threats fro" Iho!
#n!(a and Cronn, torches ere lit and e descended.
We alked for "any "iles for hat see"ed to be se+eral days, stopping periodically for brief rests. :inally, e
e"erged fro" the tunnel just before daybreak, onto the sands of a beach. )ur strange little guide boed once, then
slipped back into the tunnel and disappeared.
#s the rays of #ten brightened the landscape, e sa our ship "oored nearby and set out for it. When e ca"e
ithin signaling distance, Iho!#n!(a lit a large torch and a+ed it in a special pattern for se+eral "o"ents. -he
pattern as repeated on the deck of the ship, and soon three s"all boats ere sent in to retrie+e us.
#s e roed back to the +essel, 5 took one last look at the land that had gi+en "e so "uch but had nearly taken "y
life. When e ere cli"bing aboard the ship, 5 ondered if 5 ould e+er see 1aedalus or $hastos again. #nd,
re"e"bering hat the blacks"ith had said, 5 ondered hen "y pa had co"e this ay.
-he sailors and arriors rushed to greet us, e"bracing friends and, in so"e cases, "ourning those ho had not
co"e back. $ushing through that crod and heading right for "e as 7ala. 5 looked for a ay to a+oid her, but it
as too late.
(he thre her ar"s around "e, s"othering "y face ith kisses L)h, *e"non,M she said, L5 kne you ould co"e
back to "e. Co"e to our roo". $lease, please co"e.M
(he as as beautiful as e+er and her perfu"e as in+igorating, but 5 pushed all that out of "ind, then pushed her
aay too.
L*e"non, hat is rong@M she asked.
L7ala,M 5 began, Lthere ha+e been...changes since e parted...M
LChanges@ What changes@M, she snapped, finally sensing "y "ood.
LChanges,M 5 said ith finality.
#s 5 alked aay, Iho!#n!(a appeared and began talking to her. 5 headed for the arriorsQ Puarters to find "yself a
space to sleep, but before 5 stepped inside 5 turned to look at Iho!#n!(a and 7ala. ;e as gesturing +igorously,
shaking his head and tossing both hands into the air. (uddenly there as a long pause, and then 7ala turned and
looked at "e, her beautiful face tisted into a bitter "ask of pure hatred. With a petulant flip of her hair, she
stor"ed off to her Puarters.
-he ship i""ediately set sail, rapidly putting distance beteen us and this strange land ith its strange creatures.
#fter atching the shore disappear, 5 spent the entire day obser+ing the arriors in their Puarters and polishing "y
eapons. (e+eral ti"es 5 sa 7ala peeking through the indo, but 5 ignored her. When night fell the other
arriors engaged in ga"es of chance and the sharing of tales, but 5 sat in a corner alone. 5gnoring all that as going
on around "e, 5 Puieted "y "ind and sloed "y breathing. 5t as ti"e for "e to contact Ia"!#tef.
5 rested "y head for long "o"ents, concentrating on the i"age of the great serpent. :inally 5 heard his +oice.
LGreetings, *e"na!unRM
LGreetings, Ia"!#tef,M 5 ansered. L5t is so good to speak to you again. (o "uch has happened...M
5 told the great serpent hat had taken place since 5 last had spoken to hi". ;e as proud of the ay 5 had handled
the +arious challenges, but he scolded "e harshly about "y hesitation to contact hi".
L5Q" sorry, great one. 5 onQt hesitate ne,t ti"e.M
L8ou should not ha+e been asha"ed of hat you had to do to sa+e your li+es,M said Ia"!#tef. L7o one forced
through torture and threats is e,pected to keep his ord.M
LBut let us continue,M Ia"!#tef said. L5 ha+e tried a nu"ber of ti"es to send you "essages, but so"e force has
pre+ented it.M
5 thought for a "o"ent. L5 too ha+e tried to contact you. Could the influence of 7ala ha+e blocked our
co""unications@M
L;""",M he replied thoughtfully. L-hat is highly probable. /+en no, it is "ore difficult than it should be.
1aedalus as correct, you "ust not go near this o"an again.M
5 then told Ia"!#tef about the latest assign"ent 5 had recei+ed to kill Iing *inos and retrie+e so"e "ysterious
LtoolM fro" the kingdo" of the "ad "onarch.
L-he kingdo" of *inos...M sighed the great serpent. L;old, *e"na!un. 5 "ust contact another.M
# fe "o"ents later, Ia"!#tefQs +oice as ith "e again. LGo to the court of *inos, *e"na!un. -here you ill
find so"eone ho can help you. But first you "ust assist hi".M
LBut hat about Iing *inos@M
L*y friend at *inosQ court says that political intrigue ill be the kingQs undoing +ery soon. 8ou ill not ha+e to kill
hi".M
L5 a" relie+ed, great one. 5 ill not kill for Iho!#n!(a.M
L5 kno you ouldnQt, *e"na!un. Contact "e again after "y friend has "ade you stronger.M
LBut ait, great serpent. ;o ill 5 kno this friend at the court of *inos@ ;o ill 5 kno ho to help hi"@M
L8ou ill kno hat he needs hen you "eet hi",M Ia"!#tef replied. L#nd fear not. ;e ill kno you.M
UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
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$lease share it ith your friends and any educators you kno ho "ay be interested in the (hades )f *e"non
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