Rebirth

Enjoy!!

BOOK 1

Hunter/Warriors of the Dales

CHAPTER 1

The Cabin by the Sea

They pitched camp at the foot of the mountain. Dusk was approaching, and the mountain loomed above them, grim and formidable in the gathering gloom. They had no desire to start the climb at this hour, for they knew that darkness would be soon closing in on them, even though the early spring days were already visibly lengthening. There was an empty cabin adjacent to the base of the mountain, used as a camp for this very purpose and which had served extremely well for as long as anyone could remember. They walked in carefully, easing into the unlit room, checking for snakes and other small animals which could conceivably have spent the winter hibernating there. Spiders scuttled away at the sounds of their approach and from the light of the newly-lit torches, taking refuge in the cracks of the unadorned planking of the walls. From the hut, they could hear the distant roar of the surf ceaselessly pounding the base of the cliffs where the mountain slid into the ocean.

The six of them had bivouacked many times, and without much verbal communication, each knew what had to be done. Oil lamps and candles were lit, the place dusted, old sheets shaken out, and the beds remade. Ayleen had lit the fireplace because, at these heights and its proximity to the ocean, even in springtime, there was a distinct chill in the air; and the nights could become quite cold. Even though they were seasoned veterans, a little warm comfort was always nice, and each bed was turned down with a blanket which, though made of coarse fiber, was perfectly warm. They quickly heated their food rations and at last settled down for a comfortable chat which included planning for next day’s journey up the mountain.

They looked at each other. They were six grown women, hopefully past the age of girlish nonsense and fears, and who had trekked all these miles to retrieve one young Wise One with the Power. She had been apprenticed for one year to the old Mountain Witch, the traditionally dreaded Old One, for by that name the latter was known to all. To speak her real name was forbidden by ancient tradition and had been lost these many years in the fog of clouded memory. These six women were a squad, the proudest and the most successful in last year’s games. They had been together for three years, and in those years, they had stayed, fought, hunted and patrolled together throughout the Dales, functioning as one unit.

Tami was the biggest, the strongest of them. A tall and muscular woman, she had a mild and calm temperament that belied her physical appearance. Her short blonde hair was cropped short, so as not to interfere with her vision in battle and also additionally, that her helmet would fit neatly over it. It was plain that she was regarded as the leader by the others. There was something in her deep blue eyes, which made the others rely on her. This was one who would not lose her temper or get flustered whether in battle or the hunt. Her bow was strung and carried over her left shoulder as her quiver of arrows lay juxtaposed on her back. Ayleen was the tall, dark-skinned one, the mercurial spirit who always looked as if she was going at full speed; the first to talk or leap into action. As usual, she opened the conversation, I would like to make an early start on the morrow, she said, in between bites, We should reach the old hag’s cave by lunchtime and have the young Seeress down here by evening. We will overnight here again and start for home the next day.

How long does it take to get up there? asked Kat. She always wanted to know the details. She was a planner to the ultimate degree, leaving very little to chance, and this was their first mission to this area. About four hours, according to the briefing we received before we left, Tami replied placidly, tearing into her more than generous portion of meat. I don’t want to spend a minute more than is needed at that awful place, Kat continued. Tami laughed, That’s because you are scared of the old lady! Kat was not fazed in the least but continued, From the little I have heard she smells awful! People who have been there say they don’t think she has taken a bath in years. Just think of the future Wise One penned up in her cave for the whole winter! and she added emphatically and perhaps, rhetorically, Is there some special magic that demands that old women should not bathe regularly?

There was general laughter but on a sober note, Dani, losing her usual reticence, remarked, I guess the Wise Ones have ways of dealing with such little affairs. They have very important things to consider and acts to perform when they mature. I hope the young one will be like that!

Ayleen interjected, Hey, speaking of baths, do you think that if we come back early tomorrow, we’ll be able to take a dip and swim in the ocean for a short while? I know it will still be a bit cold, but I think we’ve put on a little insulation this past winter so it shouldn’t be too bad!

They all had a good laugh as Ayleen was the most finicky about her personal hygiene and was by far the skinniest of them all. She could best be described by an onlooker as long and lean with not an extra ounce of fat on her body. She was quick and fast, a deadly combination in hand to hand combat. Her pearly white teeth flashed widely in her dark face as she joined in the laughter. Sure, we will all need to cleanse ourselves after the old witch’s cave. I think she does it to disgust everyone so that no one wants to stay. What a lonely life she must have! Staying out here where there is no one for weeks, only passers-by and the occasional sight of the Wild Ones, Dani said. Dani was the shortest of them all but sturdy and wide. Her muscular shoulders and arms strained at her tunic.

As the mantle of leadership fell naturally on the shoulders of Tami, so she was assumed to be the second in command. The women proceeded to discuss the Old Witch and then the Seeress-in-Training. It had fallen to them to bring her home for the Spring Festivities. It was quite an honor for their unit to be chosen for this singular privilege. They had earned it by being the best squad in the previous year’s games. There was Lee, a slim fighting machine, her high cheekbones and slanted eyes betraying a heritage that was uncommon even in the Dales. She sat in the circle with the firelight flickering over her olive tinted countenance, impassive with a world of patience in her body language. She was the expert in hand to hand combat as many an opponent had learned earlier that year. Last of all was Bilah with her jet- black hair curling away from her face and outlining the high cheekbones and prominent, high, arching nose.

They were yawning with approaching sleep when suddenly Bilah, normally not excitable, cut in, I hear a noise. Listen, girls! And, sure enough, a high-pitched screaming noise was heard. It grew in intensity until the little hut began to shake. They got up and swiftly moved to the porch. A ball of fire was streaking across the skyline and would land somewhere near to them. It disappeared over the horizon and its light was quickly extinguished. I guess when we get her Highness down tomorrow, we will go and have a look to see what that was, Dani opined. I suppose it might be a sky stone! Let’s turn in now so we can start early tomorrow morning, she added.

Closing all the windows tightly, they left a single candle burning, and each got under their blankets. All too soon, everyone was fast asleep from the fatigue brought on by the day’s hard traveling. Before the candle stub guttered in its little container, silence prevailed, and the warm, dark blanket of sleep enveloped the little cabin.

CHAPTER 2

The Climb

They were awakened the next morning by the chirping of the early spring arrivals from the South. These birds were hardy and ready for the spring and the summer seasons of plenty. Tami cursed heartily as she was awakened from her slumber by the noisy little avians. She was definitely not a morning person. She awoke to find the others in various states of undress and awareness. She loved sleeping in at this time of the year. It was just cold enough that she could snuggle under the blanket and appreciate its warmth. Getting out of bed, she put on her socks and boots first, as was her wont, and then her outer tunic as she had to go to the outhouse fairly urgently. She hoped she would be first as the facilities were fairly primitive and not conducive to lingering on the cold toilet seat. In addition, she had no desire to be bitten on her rear end by curious, hungry insects as had occurred a few times in the past!

She hurriedly ran to the outhouse and soon emptied the contents of her bladder without incident. She came outside and, in the brook gurgling on its merry way to the sea at the back of the cabin; she washed thoroughly in the cold, clear water. By the time she returned to the cabin, she could smell the smoke and the freshly caught fish frying on the spit. Kat had been busy in the brook. Everyone was wide awake and busied themselves. It was always a team effort. Each one had her peculiarities, but no one shirked their duty. It was why they were the best and had survived many a dangerous expedition.

Sitting around the fire, they ate swiftly and silently. Kat, as expected, was the first to break the silence, I wonder why the Old One chose to stay here in this lonely spot. Tami looked at her directly, I hear that she is the only one who knows the Wild Ones. She was captured by them and lived among them when she was young, or so the story goes and is not afraid of them. Who are they? inquired Bilah, and why do we have to be careful of them?"

Tami began the narrative. This I learned at the Dales in class, from a Wise One who taught there. Many years ago, when there were many of us humans; when we were numbered on the Earth-like the leaves in the forest, there came a great war. This war was different. It involved the whole world. Not one corner of the Earth was spared. The weapons used were so terrible that even if people did not perish immediately, they sickened and died later from the poisons in the very air which they breathed. Fire rained down from the heavens where machines made of metal flew through the skies and brought death and destruction on all indiscriminately. She paused between bites and continued, Hundreds of years passed and the Earth recovered, but Humankind did not. We survived like animals, but some of those who did survive lived for a very long time. These became known as the Keepers of Knowledge and studied the old ways and the machines that had caused so much destruction. They also developed powers that must have been dormant before and were now awakened through the knowledge they had acquired. These powers were of the mind rather than the body. The Council made the decision, never to use the old Technology again and so these machines were destroyed or hidden away beyond the ken of ordinary folk. These Keepers of Knowledge became the forerunners of the Wise Ones.

But who are the Wild Ones? Bilah persisted Where do they come in and who are they?

They are those humans who have never joined us. They are supposed to be wild and ferocious and very primitive. Little is known about who they are and what they do. They do not come to the Dales or the Valley. The Wise Ones are placed strategically on the hills overlooking the Dales to prevent them from invading our homes. They are the ones with the power to erect a barrier protecting our valley. No one comes here without their knowledge. Sometimes the barriers become weak, and the strangers may enter. They are forbidden because they bring Old World diseases and problems into our homes. It is why the young Seeress has come here; to be apprenticed and to learn the secrets of the Wise Ones. She will be one of them soon. She has the power and now perhaps the knowledge to take her rightful place as our leader’s successor.

Breakfast had come to an end. The sun was up in the skies, shedding its light over the beach and the cabin. Dishes were scraped and scrubbed with the ashes from the dead fire and rinsed with water from the brook. The scraps and trash were neatly buried in the compost heap at the back of the cabin. Everything was tidied for the return that evening. It would be a difficult day physically for all, no matter their fitness.

There was a distinct worn, winding path which led up to the mountain top. Occasional rocks were up-thrust, laid bare by the erosion of the surrounding soil, but most of the trail was covered with the native pebbles of the mountain itself. In the early morning sun, the dew quickly dried on the grasses alongside the trail, and the mist was easily dispersed by the heat of the day. Early wildflowers of springtime blossomed on either side of the pathway struggling against the cold of the morn. The six of them walked steadily, two abreast, moving easily and quickly as was their custom. There was a very little conversation as each meditated on her questions and the answers to them. A modicum of conversation was needed as the climb was taxing, and they needed to save their breath for the challenging ascent.

A few hours later, they could discern the permanent mist that seemed to surround the mountain top like a halo. The air was noticeably colder and soon soft, small snowflakes began to swirl around them. Even in her coat, Ayleen had begun to shiver as she tolerated the cold far worse than her comrades. The rest plodded stoically along, knowing that soon the hillside cave, the residence of the Old One, would appear through the haze.

Suddenly they saw a glimmer of light, discernible through the softly drifting snowflakes, coming from afar and their steps hastened as they made their way to the source. The residence was well hidden so that, unless the occupant wanted them to find it, it would be a difficult task to locate it. But, of course, the Old One had known they were on their way and had the welcoming fire prepared.

As they reached the entrance, a querulous voice called out to them, Enter, soldiers of the Queen! The Old One appeared as if by magic at the entrance of the cave and welcomed them. She did not appear to be as repulsive as they had imagined, although bent and worn with ill-fitting clothing hanging on her tall skeletal frame; and soon the warmth of the fire and the smell of the hot stew in the cauldron assured them of their welcome. They had not realized how cold and hungry they had become on the trail.

The young Seeress had welcomed them, and her simple knapsack was already packed. She was ready to return to her home as she had not seen her adopted mother, the Leader, for the past year. She was small and petite, and her flawless, olive-complexioned skin rendered a little paler by the frosts of the winter past and the prolonged existence in the sunless cave of the Old One. Her features were very delicate and chiseled, and her hands and feet were tiny as if a strong wind would blow her off her feet. They stayed just long enough to warm themselves by the fire and satisfy their hunger for it would be another four hours down the mountainside to the cabin and they did not want to be caught in darkness on the trail to the cabin.

They watched with wonder as she bade farewell to her Mentor with obvious affection, embracing her tightly on parting as if reluctant to leave her for the greater world. The Old One muttered, Begone, child! You have a duty to perform. Make sure you do your job properly so that we may all survive the coming troubles. I’ll try my best, Wise One, replied the girl, we will be in touch as we discussed. I will remember what you told me. Goodbye for now!

The load was surprisingly light, and soon, they were on their way down the mountainside. The descent, not surprisingly, was easier than the struggle of the morning and soon, within a few hours, they espied the little cabin at the base of the mountain.

CHAPTER 3

The Cave

Since they had tidied and spruced up the cabin before they had left that morning, the hut was a welcome sight, and soon they had stowed their belongings in all the right places.

Let’s go and have a swim, Ayleen suggested, and then we will have dinner.

As the saying went, So said, so done! And soon, like carefree young maidens, their clothes were tossed aside, and they plunged into the ocean. The water was cold but refreshing, and the waves were not very high or powerful in the sheltered cove. It felt so good to be clean all over again after the winter’s cold! They were splashing each other when they noticed that the young Wise One was clutching her head as if in agony. What’s wrong? asked Tami. Is your head hurting? No! gasped the budding Seeress, someone is calling for help; we must go to help!

She abruptly got out of the water and clothed herself. Get your weapons ready, I don’t know if there is any danger, but we should be prepared. It is not something with which I am familiar. Immediately they got out of the water, implicitly trusting in her abilities and became the alert hunter-warriors of the Dales. Clothes were donned, and weapons readied as she led them cautiously to the caves at the base of the mountain. I felt the calling coming from here, she remarked, threading her way through and around the piles of sand and slippery rocks, covered with green algae and mosses, until an opening to a large cave could be seen, no doubt a result of erosion through the years by time and constant tidal action. They all felt her sense of urgency communicated to them as she led them in single file to the opening. It was low tide, so the entrance to the cave was easily visible.

She seemed very sure of her directions as they rounded a bend and saw that it opened into a large room with a high ceiling bedecked with the overhanging crystalline stalactites. Then they stopped in amazement as they noticed a box-like structure floating above the ground. There were no legs and no attachment to the structure. It stayed there all by itself. The young Seeress muttered to herself, A sarcophagus! But the thoughts are coming from here! There was a strange radiance about the elongated structure which caused the interior of the cave to be lit in a soft light so that they could see quite clearly.

The young Seeress turned to them and said, Stand clear, and I will try to communicate with whomever or whatever is inside this box. I don’t know whether I will succeed or not but be ready to back me up. She concentrated, placing her hand on the coffin-like structure, shutting them out and then she appeared to enter into a trance-like state. Suddenly, her body seemed to jerk, and her face became tranquil and serene. With growing wonder, she reached out her other hand to touch the smooth gleaming metallic structure. It felt warm to the touch, and then she stirred. There is someone in there, she said, ‘and he is calling out to us for help!"

He? they shouted in unison and amazement for the men they knew, were big shambling hulks, hardly human.

Yes, she replied, It is definitely masculine in thought patterns!

They looked all around the casket but could find no openings or seams which would suggest an entrance.

Come on, sisters, Tami remarked, It is getting late, and we can return in the morning. The tide will be coming in soon. They reluctantly turned to go, and they had barely walked a few paces when she turned around to see the box-like structure following them. She gasped audibly, Look! It’s following us! And, so it was; easily negotiating the curves of the cave and following them much like a pet would follow his mistress. Once they were out on the narrow beach, away from the cave, they began to play games. They would stop, and the box would stop. They would walk briskly, and the box would follow always keeping the same distance from them.

As the evening shadows started to close out the day, the seven of them hurried, until the little cabin came in sight. They went inside to prepare the evening meal and get ready to overnight. They planned to leave early the following morning.

The box-like structure remained stationary outside and soon plopped down near the entrance. They tried to move it, but it appeared heavy and fixed now to the ground. Once more, they gathered around it. Suddenly Tami excitedly pointed to one end, It’s becoming transparent! she cried. Sure enough, the top of the box became a transparent lid through which they could see the occupant!

He was small and delicately made and appeared to be sleeping. His body was nude and appeared to be completely hairless. His head appeared perhaps a bit large for his body, and his smooth skin was a golden brown. The features were startlingly regular and symmetrical with full lips curved like the drawings of the Old Greek God Cupid of ancient mythology, and a high-bridged straight nose was the dominant feature of his face. He was not only handsome, but some would even call him beautiful. They drew nearer to examine the box but soon it misted over again and became opaque. They noted that he was most definitely a male.

They went inside, wondering at the strange phenomenon as the box stayed outside.

While eating, they asked the Seeress, How did you know? And did he communicate with you? No, she replied, I just heard a cry for help. It was not like ours. It was alien, but the meaning was there. I could sense the appeal but not what it meant. It seemed more like he was calling out to us. His mind was very powerful, but it withdrew after I first contacted it. Anyway, let’s go to bed and see what happens tomorrow. I will be in touch with the old Wise One tonight and also in the morning before we depart.

Each retired to her bed and soon fell asleep. While they slept, the dreams came.

It was a blue and white and green world, where the buildings built of strange hard shining metal rose to the heavens. Machines flew through the skies and traveled on smooth highways on the ground. People by the millions, of different colors and sizes dressed in wonderful shimmering robes, walked or rode on the streets which were moving walkways. At nights the cities gleamed with the lights of multiple lamps turning nights into daylight. The very buildings shimmered with the lights which glittered in different patterns. Then came the slow degeneration of the race, the loss of morals, and the sense of values, a time where war and pestilence reigned. Humans descended into immoral, unnatural, and non-productive behavior where every possible taboo was violated. Fire poured from the heavens obliterating all in its path. People died by the millions, killing each other in a frenzy of hate and intolerance until entire populations began to die. Nations rose against one another, and soon there were just a few scattered, isolated bands of people left. They finally understood, then, that they, the people of the Dales, were just one of those scattered bands.

Then they learned of the devolution of the males. These became large shambling creatures with very little knowledge and less intelligence. Fewer males were born, and those who survived were kept in pens and their seed used to impregnate the breeder class of females. Many females became unable to bear children, and thus, the population became smaller and smaller. A lot of the old knowledge was lost, and those who remembered became fewer. These were known as the Wise Ones, the Keepers of knowledge, and they lived for a long time guiding the re-emergence of Humans as a defined and dominant species.

As the dreams ended a feeling of sadness and longing for that lost ancient world encompassed the dreamers, and then they dreamed separate dreams. Moans and groans in restless sleep were heard in the cabin. Bodies were tossed in abandon and pleasure, and then silence reigned.

Early the next morning, they went about the tasks necessary for an early start. But this time it was different. They were quiet and regarded each other with a diffidence which was quite unusual for the team.

Finally, as they slowly chewed the last of the morning meal, the Seeress spoke. Something out of the ordinary happened last night, and we have to talk about it. The rest nodded in earnest agreement.

Then she dropped the bombshell! I think we are all with child! I can sense their presence within us.

It had to be ages since anyone, but the breeder females had been able to have babies. They were all shocked. They were soldiers and a Seeress! Traditionally it was thought impossible

They talked and grudgingly, reluctantly recalled the ecstasies of the past night. Each had had a different experience with a different male. With some embarrassment, they related their experiences until it was all out in the open. Then sobriety, albeit with some confusion, prevailed.

Tami asked the Seeress who appeared lost in thought, What next? What can we do?

I have been in touch with the Old Wise one, and she says we cannot go home. We are no longer one with them. We have broken their traditions and contravened their tenets. We would be hunted and killed if we return to the Dales, and regarded as abnormal and deviant. She can no longer protect us. The Wise Ones have felt the troubling in the air and already regard us as contaminated and therefore have dispatched the soldiers. The Old One will be here soon to give us instructions.

They quickly tidied the cabin, the habits of their military training taking over.

Before they were finished, there was a quiet tapping at the door. It swung open to reveal a strikingly handsome older female with unbound graying hair cascading over her shoulders in natural curls, dressed for the road with a small pack on her back and a sturdy staff in her hand. There were runes of a probable mystical nature, tattooed on her arms and forearms. They gasped. She was nothing like what they had experienced at her home the previous day. The young Seeress smiled and welcomed her. This is the real Old One, she said, smiling at the others. The Old Crone was an illusion."

But why should they wish us harm? We have done no wrong. Bilah was furious.

Think about it. In the old days there used to be an almost equal number of males and female births. Now, for every ten girls, there is only one boy being born. And worse, they have become large mindless hulks with very little redeeming qualities. Even now they are becoming fewer despite everything the Wise Ones can do. Our race is dying regardless of what the Old Wise Ones do. The Old One looked sadly at her.

Enough talking, let’s make haste. Move quickly now! And she shepherded them through the door towards the seashore.

CHAPTER 4

The Coming of Rah, The Immortal

The ship that enclosed the shell of his body flew through space, darting through differing space-time continuums, moving at speeds deemed impossible by even the greatest of Earth’s scientists of ancient times. Rah was an Immortal, responsible for the surveillance and wellbeing of this sector of the Universe. He had received an urgent summons from the few remaining elders of his race and had been informed about a particular hazard to his area. One of the sentient life-forms whom they had created was in danger of being exterminated from existence by the dreaded Djinnahs who showed no mercy to beings they considered inferior. They had been and continued to be a scourge on the sentient life forms of the Universe. The Immortals were constantly at war with them to preserve the different species whom they had created.

Time was relative and immaterial to him as his life expectancy measured in the millennia. He had programmed his little ship before, and as he slid into his resting box, the cold overcame him, and only his brain was kept alive to run the ship and ponder the complexity of his mission.

The little vessel darted through wormholes spanning light-years, and boldly ventured into the gaping mouths of Black Holes which formed the centers of galaxies only to be spat out into a neighboring galaxy. A light charge of Anti-gravity coating was enough to protect it from the crushing gravitational pull of the Black Holes.

At last, it reached its goal, a small solar system on the edge of a Galaxy. The yellow star shed its light on nine worlds which orbited it, held by its gravity. The ship targeted the third planet and headed unerringly for it.

The little ship circled the planet for days learning everything about it. Information was sent to the computers, and the decision was made. The mind of Rah processed all the information, and he knew what he must do. The ship started its descent. He knew that he would have to die and be reborn to save this planet. Time was of the essence, and Rah knew he did not have much. In one generation he would have to get this world prepared for the oncoming Djinnahs! The ship chose its location and hid itself in the ocean. The resting box was released and powered into an adjacent hiding place until such time as it would be ready to be found. The cry for help transmission beam was initiated. It would attract only those who were intelligent enough to decode the signals.

Rah was awakened by the warmth of a hand, making contact with the resting box. He reacted with perhaps a little too much relief. The receiving mind withdrew. It went into a protective mode, and he realized that he did not want to force it to open itself to him. He broke off contact leaving just a thread to link with her when he was ready. He knew that the ship had chosen well. These were the highly intelligent species the Ancient Ones had engineered many millennia ago. His mental sigh of relief was profound. The species would live to fight the Djinnahs when they arrived. He directed the box to follow them being careful not to frighten them because he needed their cooperation. Fear would drive them away, and at this critical stage, he needed them. He could be ruthless, but he had no wish to behave as if he were a member of the Djinnahs. They would have to understand and welcome him.

The box rested on the sand in front of the little cabin.

As the world became dark, he knew the time had come. Their defenses were down, lulled by the opiate of restful sleep. He entered their minds one by one, giving each of them the dreams of their deep desires, awakening in them the basic primitive desire for reproduction and propagation of their species. It did not matter to him that they had mutated and certain functions had been lost. He tweaked their bodies, opening one tube here, closing another that was not needed, making them whole again and reassuring their sleeping bodies that everything would be all right again. He entered their bodies, giving them the ecstasy and pleasure they had not known for ages. He re-entered his chamber that was now his coffin and lay down. His physical body deteriorated into a fine dust. The Essence of his being escaped into the void of space, joining the vast expanse of the Cosmos. He left behind all the knowledge he had accumulated in his millennia of Being; seven, small, shining discs for his children to learn. They had to learn, or the race would die, and his death would have been in vain.

In the morning, the women came to view the open box. As if they each knew involuntarily, which one belonged to them, the women chose the shining discs and stowed them safely away.

The Old One led the way. We have to leave the Dale immediately, and it will be for a very long time until those you carry are ready, so do not expect to return soon. The offspring that you bear now will help to protect you later, but now they need your protection.

How can we get out? asked Ayleen. I was told it was impossible. The Old Wise one responded, The young one and I will join forces to break the wall at its weakest point, over the water.

She led them to a small secluded cove wherein a shallow cave she showed a slim wooden boat and ordered them in.

Quick, hurry up! I sense the soldiers coming. She jumped spryly into the skiff, making a mockery of her age, and the rest scrambled aboard. There were four oars and those in the front and back, manned by the two strongest, Tami and Dani respectively, started rowing towards the open sea. They stroked mightily and desperately, for they could see the giant stags and their riders thundering down to the beach. The little boat put her nose to the horizon and bobbed up and down on the waves with the oars impelling her onwards in a frantic attempt to distance themselves from the pursuers.

The Wise One linked her hands with those of the young Seeress. She began the ancient chant pouring herself into the magic with the young neophyte joining in freely, lending her psychic strength. Both women appeared to be straining as if in physical stress by the look on their faces.

Suddenly, the fabric of the air itself appeared to rend, and a small hole appeared close to them. It is a portal, the Old One cried, Row, row! It will not stay open for long. I do not have the strength. Tami and Dani strained at the oars, and the boat leaped like a frightened deer through the portal. They looked back and could no longer see the shore and the stags. The beach was gone! Only open sea met their eyes. This view was what the rest of the world would see during the day.

What now? was the question from the irrepressible Ayleen, as the boat slowed, and the sea became calm.

We go to meet and become the Wild Ones, was the reply from the Old One. This will be your lot. There is a great future for you and the young ones you carry. I don’t know, but I sense we are here for a greater purpose, the salvation of this world, the one you saw in your dreams. I do not pretend to understand, but I know that in the coming years, you and all your allies will be tested by forces about which we know nothing. Those seven silver discs you found in the sarcophagus are vital to the understanding and the knowledge of the dangers with which you will be faced. Guard them as instructed. Your children will have to learn what they contain. Only they will have access to the knowledge stored there.

Slowly and with reluctance, they paddled around the bend in the coastline and saw a welcoming shore. This place would have to be their future home if they survived.

CHAPTER 5

A New Land

They waited offshore until the safe arms of darkness dropped like a blanket over the world, and the little boat was carefully rowed onto the shore. They beached her with a gentle thud and dragged her through the sand under the shelter of an overhanging cliff which made an almost cave-like depression. They hid the vessel inside the shelter. Then, thoroughly and methodically, they obliterated the skid marks in the sand although they hoped that by morning the tide would have covered up, or washed away all traces of the boat. Perhaps one day in the future they would need her. They did not want anyone to find them before they were fully prepared.

They looked at each other, seeing the privations of the past few days reflected in their bodies and their faces. Hunger and water deprivation had taken their toll. They salvaged whatever was left on the boat and picked up the remaining supplies and their armament and began to make their way up the beach. The beach was a sandy one but strewn with rocks which had tumbled down from the surrounding mountains. By the light of a bright moon, they struggled up a steep slope and onto the hillside.

On reaching the top of the present hill, they were able to see in the distance, a few bright lights. Looks like a fishing village, whispered Kat. The women looked around. Let’s not go there right away, said Tami cautiously. We may not be very welcome here. The Old One laughed, I assure you that if they knew we were witches, as they call us, we would definitely not be welcome. Let’s stay in the hills, find a place where we can rest and recuperate and then we can meet them on our terms.

They took what little they had brought from the boat and sharing the load they moved in single file up into the hills.

They followed the path which zigzagged up the sandstone cliff, clinging to little branches to help themselves get a little grip on the pathway. For practical purposes, they kept adjacent to the little rivulet which streamed over the cliff and emptied itself onto the sand of the cove. It would be easier to follow the natural pathway of the riverbank, and also, they would have an abundant source of freshwater for drinking, cleaning their catch, and cooking over the next few days.

When the sun was directly overhead the next morning, they sat in the shade of a tree and divided some of their supplies. As they munched on the dry food, the Old One said, "There are two immediate needs. We need to find shelter and food. The young one and I will pitch a temporary camp here. It can act as a home base. Tami, you are the biggest and physically the strongest. You will follow the path of the stream until you find a suitable place to stay. Kat and Ayleen will go south to scout the village and look for food supplies. Bilah and Dani will go west to the hills with Lee. Do not let them see you yet until we are established. As I have mentioned before, I know these folks, and they do not like the people they call the witches.

CHAPTER 6

Foraging

The sun was still overhead when Tami set out on her foraging and discovery journey. At first, the going was easy as she kept to the banks of the stream. Her thick sandals and leather tunic protected her from the thorns and nettles lining the riverbank. She had traveled perhaps an hour or two when she saw as if in a mirage, a deserted looking but still serviceable construct, halfway between a big barn and a cabin. It looked ideal. She moved quickly towards it to explore the structure. No doubt a little too quickly! And in her haste, she missed her step and pitched headlong forward into a pool of murky, viscid, black mud. Cursing herself for her carelessness, she tried to get her footing and grab one of the branches of a nearby tree when she realized that she could do neither. There was no bottom to the pool! And the branches of the tree were beyond her reach.

Struggling to keep calm, she grabbed onto some of the tough-looking grasses at the river’s edge and was able to halt her slide downwards. She figured that she had fallen into one of those mires which kept a continual suction bringing things that had been there for years to the surface and dragging down anything unfortunate to be sucked in. She was barely keeping afloat on the muck which threatened to engulf her at any time. She tried to remember all that she had heard about these moors called quagmire or quicksands. She remembered that the more you struggled, the more likely you were to be sucked in. She marshaled her thoughts, and after a few moments, she had no choice but to call for help. She knew she would be exposing herself, but if no one came, she would likely have no other alternative.

Desperately clinging to the heaviest and sturdiest grasses she could find, she let out her powerful voice, Help! Help! Please! She bellowed as loudly as she could. She would repeat this cry every few minutes. At the moment, she was stable and in no immediate danger. If only she could reach a tree branch! She was about to give up when she heard an irascible voice saying, Stop that noise, woman, I am here! He came up over the hill and down to her assessing the situation, as he ambled up on what appeared to be a small doleful looking animal. It was a just fit for him as it was just as small and brown as he was.

How did you manage to get yourself into this fix? as if asking himself. At first, she had some difficulty understanding his speech, although he spoke a variation of the Universal Language. It was still decipherable. His voice was soft and high pitched for a man. She did not need him to be philosophical at this time. She needed action, something to be done urgently.

I was running towards the house and did not see the pool! She fairly shouted at him. Why were you going to my house? he asked curiously. He seemed not to realize the gravity of the situation, looking at her curiously. Never mind! Get me out of here. She was ready to plead. He descended from his mount, walked carefully around the bog, hunkered down on his legs, and said as if making conversation, How come you can’t recognize a bog?

Told you I took a misstep and fell in. You think I wanted a bath in this muck?

He seemed to ponder the question and came back with, how would I know what women want? I’ve never had too much to do with them!

He wandered around. Those tree branches wouldn’t do you much good anyway. They would break easily. I’ve got to get you some of these here lianas. And he took out a knife and sawed through some of the large vines surrounding the tree.

When these are fresh cut and green, they are very strong. When they get old and dry, they become brittle and break easily. Just like people, I suppose, and he broke into a cheerful grin. He wrapped two pieces around the bole of the tree in a U-shape, threw one end to her and said, Hang on. I’ll try and pull you out!

He took hold of the vines and started pulling on them straining. Because of his small size, it was an exercise in futility. He hemmed and hawed and then brought around his little burro. He tied the rope to it and tried to get the animal to pull her out. She felt a little give, but that was all. She kept on holding to the vines, feeling a little more secure when he said, You too fat, too big!

No! I am not, she said indignantly.

Poor Pedro, look at how he strains! And