The New World: A Step Backward (12 page)

After a lengthy round of countering each other's thrusts and swings, Protuk exercised a double counter move.  Having never seen the maneuver before, Thoruk's eyes widened before deflecting the spear's point without a scratch to his vest.  Confident in his abilities, Thoruk taunted the brawny man.  "Is that the best you've got?"

Protuk clenched his teeth, stepped back then charged, thrusting his spear at Thoruk's legs.

Thoruk sprung high in the air, somersaulting just off Protuk's shoulder, landing on his feet behind him with his sword at his teacher's throat.  Keeping the blade in place, he leaned around Protuk and whispered in his ear.  "What did you learn from this?"

The defeated warrior turned to face him and bowed.  "Very nice move — well done."  He smiled and grabbed Thoruk's arm.  "You're ready to do battle and become a leader, my friend.  It would be an honor to fight by your side and defend your back in any battle."

Wednesday
~
August 14
~
8:00 am

Stretching outside the village, Thoruk spotted Fluf and his lovely friend approaching. 
She's always so perky, even this early in the morning.
  "Hey."

Mercivil smiled while twisting her disheveled hair in a tight ponytail.  "Hi, I'm glad you remembered to show up today.  You've been — let's just say — preoccupied."

He frowned.  "I know, I've been lousy company lately.  I hope you understand."

"I do.  There's a lot on your mind.  Maybe this jog will help?"

Thoruk grinned.  "It will.  I really need the exercise.  With all that's been going on, I almost forgot that we need to begin chopping wood within a few weeks before the snowstorms arrive.  Let's do it together.  It will also strengthen our upper bodies before the battle.  We can start with your stack first."

Her eyes lit up.  "Sounds great!  I'll sharpen my axes."

Rubbing his chin, Thoruk raised a brow.  "I'll bring my own.  Yours are too light for me."

Itching to get going, Fluf lumbered back and forth.

Thoruk finished his routine quickly and glanced at his lightly-muscled partner.  "Ready?"

"Yep, let's get going."  She ran in place.  "Should I keep the pace slow today?"

"Funny, I'm not Storm.  Besides, I'm always easing up so you two won't get worn out."

His buddy took off with her trusty guardian following her heels.  "We'll see who tuckers out first."

After running hard for a half hour through the winding trails in Wolverine Forest, Thoruk slowed to a jog.  "The upcoming battle's still nagging me.  I've been thinking about what Intellulka and Protuk taught us."

"Me too; things I haven't thought of in years.  You getting tired, Old Man?  You've been eating my dust the last quarter mile."

"I was trying not to show you up, but..."  He sprinted to the front.  "...hurry, catch up!"

Running hard, neither talked much, but Thoruk's mind raced. 
I've got to avoid the mistakes countries made during WAP.
He recalled Intellulka's leadership lecture the day it snowed a foot in Ukkiville when he was a kid.  ...i
nitial strike against the Old Western world occurred Easter, 2019 — they hated Christians and Western ways.  Old China and Iran used something called nanotechnology — created smaller, portable nukes, and electromagnetic pulse generators.  What were they called? 
His eyes darted.
  EMPs!

He slowed a bit. 
Whew — having a hard time breathing — but glad we're running.

His recollections resumed. 
China and Russia stole account numbers and passwords — hacked utility and defense systems — robbed millions of savings accounts, and shut down electric grids and defense control centers.  Terrorists detonated EMPs and nukes — destroyed Western cities and most of the technological advances of the 1900s and early 2000s.

During the 50-minute run, his mind continuously swirled with learnings of that era.  Mercivil's voice interrupted.  "You're falling behind.  Come on, slowpoke!  You better not be thinking of the battle!"

Gasping for air, he slowed to a walk.  "Hey, let's take a break."

His friend glared at him.  "I can tell.  You ARE thinking of the battle!"

"Not exactly.  The old professor's lessons about the World Annihilation Period keep popping in my head!"

He creased his forehead.  "That's one of the reasons I'm stressed.  I don't want to repeat the same mistakes the Old United States made prior to the attack.  They were too complacent and didn't discern who their real enemies and allies were.

"I can't fathom how the U.S. left their borders unprotected and didn't recognize their enemies were so dangerous and determined to put an end to their way of life."

He leaned closer.  "I'm not going to let that happen to us."

She grabbed his hand.  "I understand.  That's why we're running — to provide relief — to think more clearly.  Let's finish jogging before your old muscles stiffen."

He chuckled.  "Don't you ever let up?"  After heading along the edge of a lush, green pasture for 10 minutes, he stopped and pointed at a lump in the field.  "Hold on, what's that?"

"I don't know.  I can't tell from here.  Maybe a cow; it's brown and white."  She held her arm out in the direction of her pet.  "Fluf, stay."

Thoruk's eyes widened.  "Let's look."  He hopped a fence and dashed toward what appeared to be a lifeless body.  Sharp grass blades whipped across his legs with each stride.

When Mercivil caught up, she quickly covered her mouth with her hands.  "Not again!"

The disgusting stench of torn guts shot though his nostrils, and he jerked his head aside, covering his nose. 
Blazes, I hate the smell of death!
  Fresh, glistening blood and flesh was splattered everywhere around the hide, grass, soil, and rocks.

Seconds Later ~ 9:15 am

Walking around the repulsive mound of flesh, Thoruk inspected the mutilated mess then peered at Mercivil.  "You were right.  It WAS a cow.

"A bear did this — a large one.  Look at the wide, deep slashes on the neck.  See that paw print next to the kill?  The predator is huge — strong enough to drag the heavy carcass from where the Jersey must have been slaughtered.  Notice the bloody trail?"  He tilted his head toward a red, soaked path of matted oats.

Mercivil scanned the area and pointed.  "There's a house where the pasture ends.  We should tell the owner."

Clearing the fence and returning to the road, they hurried in the direction of the old pine cabin.  Partway there, Thoruk lifted his arm.  "Shhh, did you see that?"  Thirty yards to his right, the dense, chest-high grass moved.

His alert partner whispered.  "It must be very big.  Look at the swath of crushed weeds."

Thoruk rose to his tiptoes.  "I can't see what it is.  It may be the same bear, stalking the cattle?"  He motioned in the direction of the brown and white Jerseys with bulging milk bags.  "They must sense trouble; notice how they're circling each other."

He turned toward Mercivil.  "Take Fluf and wait by that gate.  I'll warn the owner and grab some weapons."

"Okay, but hurry!"

Hunching over, Thoruk dashed to the rancher's house.  After 10 minutes, he and an older man returned, carrying bows, quivers, and spears.  The thin, deeply-tanned farmer, who often attended the same church service as Thoruk, opened the gate.

Mercivil stared at Fluf.  "Heel, stay tight."

Checking the wind, Thoruk kept low as he and the others took a wide berth among the taller weeds along the fence line.  He approached within view but remained hidden from the attacker, now closer to the cows. 
Shivers, that thing stinks!
  He tracked the stealthy animal's movement in the grain field. 
I've never seen a huge bear stalk its intended meal this way — crouched beneath the short oat tops — almost crawling.

When the mysterious creature neared the opening's edge and gingerly stuck its snout from the green mass, Thoruk's heart pounded harder.  He squinted and whispered.  "That's no bear, it's a panther!"

As the wildcat slowly crept into the opening, he observed the freakish monster's black panther head and the stout, brown body of a grizzly.  The fur under the chin and around its paws was still smeared with blood.  Thoruk gasped. 
Another muclone!  Makes sense.  A normal animal wouldn't leave its first kill to attack something else.

Wanting to maintain silence to get better positioned before arousing the beast's temper, Thoruk turned and motioned to the others.  Too late.

The livestock owner sprang to his feet.  "What on earth is that?  Get out of here!"  Fear gave into anger as he hollered.  "Stay away from my cows!"  He dropped the weapons except for a spear he began waving.

The gruesome carnivore swiveled its head toward the commotion, leapt to its hind legs, and unleashed a deafening roar.  Mooing and holding their tails high, the cattle scattered across the pasture.  No longer interested in the fleeing Jerseys, the bearcat directed its fierce glare at the farmer.

In a fury, Fluf shot skyward to her hind paws.  Her thunderous roar silenced the stunned monster.

Mercivil screamed.  "Fluf, lay down!"  Her protector paid no heed and remained erect, growling with her long, ivory teeth bared.

The muclone's nape spiked as it steadily advanced, crouching and holding its head low.  The fiend snarled with lip curled, drooling while it crept within 50 feet of Fluf.

Adrenaline gushed through Thoruk as he tossed a bow and quiver to Mercivil.  He snatched the small battle-ax from his belt and yelled.  "Spread out and surround it!  Don't worry about Fluf!"

He and the others circled the unearthly brute while it plodded forward, shifting its wary eyes back and forth.  Fluf dropped to all fours, swinging her snout side to side as her neck fur bristled.

Thoruk hollered to the farmer who ran to the monster's other flank.  "Aim for the heart and let loose on my count of three!"  Nearer to Fluf and closer to the beast's front, Mercivil knelt down and drew her bow string to its limit.  "I'm going for the chest!"

Thoruk drew his weapon back.  "One — two — THREE!"  He flung the battle-ax for the jugular.

A bloodcurdling scream blasted from the fiend's jaws.  It charged and vaulted into the air.  Fluf bolted toward the vicious creature, jumping high.  Just as they were about to collide, the muclone went limp, collapsing when it hit the polar bear.  The crumpled wretch twitched as blood oozed from its wounds.

Mercivil remained kneeling.  Her eyes flooded.  "Thank you, Lord!"

Racing to his shaken friend's side, Thoruk hugged her and held her trembling hands.  "Are you okay?"

Fluf sniffed the red pool under the carcass and strolled to Mercivil, placing her nose on her master's shoulder.

Torn between frustration and love, the caregiver turned and punched Fluf, then snuggled her tight.  "Why didn't you listen?  You could have been hurt."

Rolling, the playful protector exposed her belly.  Mercivil laughed, cried, and plopped her cheek on her furry guardian's tummy.

The farmer approached.  "What is that thing?  I'm so thankful you were here.  Without you, I had no chance."

Thoruk stood and shook the man's hand.  "I'm glad we were all here to stop this one.  It's another of Zolokt's muclones.  Did you attend my announcement about these creatures in the village the other day?"

"No, I've been tied up at my cabin the past two weeks, mending fences and fixing my barn's roof.  I heard the church bells, but I was too busy."

"Well, next time you should go.  We don't ring those bells unless it's Sunday or a very serious event.  It might save your life.  I need to take this freak to Intellulka.  Can I borrow a wagon and get help loading it?"

"You betcha, I'll be back in a snap."

Thoruk pivoted toward Mercivil.  "Well, I have to admit your plan worked pretty well.  I didn't think about battle strategies for a second in the last 20 minutes!"  They both chuckled.

Once the farmer returned and the bearcat was placed in the buckboard, Thoruk guided the horses to visit the old professor.  Looking at Mercivil, he pointed to the bloody beast.  "Let's hope we don't spot anymore of these on the way to the village."

Thursday
~
August 15
~
5:30 pm

The highly-anticipated Ukkiville bonfire was about to get underway on a pleasant, summer's eve.  Mercivil waved a group of older girls and boys toward her.   "Let's put up the tents, tables, and chairs in this area before the smaller children arrive."

She looked at the Lake of Dreams, surrounded by tiny, lavender flowers along the edge.  The light breeze swept the colorful shore's fragrance throughout the park. 
Mmm that smells so good.  I sure hope the youngsters have fun tonight.  Who knows what our families will face in the next few weeks?

In the distance, Stormulka set up additional tables and chairs with a half dozen kids.  Mercivil nodded when he glanced her way. 
I'm lucky Storm's been so helpful; he hasn't even mentioned any dreams yet.

Hearing a commotion, she turned.  Arguing with each other, two teenagers fussed over tablecloths.  Mercivil grabbed some torches and held them toward the tussling duo.  "Come and help me with these."  While giving instructions, she motioned with her hands.  "Let's place several by the shoreline and both sides over here to create more light."

Mercivil pinched her lips together. 
I don't want muclones sneaking up on anybody.

Hoping to find Thoruk, she spun toward the trail. 
I wonder when he'll show up?  He promised to be here before the activities start.

She spotted Protuk and Wolfuk, who agreed to spend time with the youngsters and post sentries around the park, out of sight so the kids wouldn't get frightened.

As the two men approached the large tent, she greeted them.  "Hi, thanks for coming.  I know this is another thing to add to your overflowing plates, but the little ones really love you.  You're the two biggest attractions each year, except maybe Fluf."  They chuckled.

Protuk scanned the area.  "Well, a lot of the children are here because they're thrilled to help their favorite teacher."

She smiled.  "Thank you."

Surveying the grounds, she noticed three smaller tykes running circles around their favorite bear in the distance. 
It's a good thing Fluf has such a good disposition.

Mercivil glanced at Protuk.  "Do you have your carvings?"

"Of course, I always bring them for the youngsters.  They're here in my case."  The craftsman lifted a beautifully-crafted maple box with an engraving, 'For the Little Ones.'

She turned toward Wolfuk.  "Are you ready to teach the teens how to track hogs and whitetails?"

He shrugged his shoulders.  "Ready as I'll ever be."

Protuk scouted the park.  "Have you seen Thoruk?"

Mercivil squinted at the amiable man.  "Not yet, but he promised to show up.  You don't intend to talk about any of your strategies tonight, do you?"

"No, unless he asks."

"It's best if none of you discuss battles near the children.  The teenagers have keen ears and are always curious about what's happening."

"Yes, you are right as usual, Miss Mercivil.  I'll be mum unless Thoruk insists, but I'll encourage him to talk later, away from the kids."

"Thank you.  Now, why don't you go set up?  I'm sure the young ones will get in line to see you in no time at all."

Five minutes passed and Mercivil glimpsed over to where Protuk laid intricate carvings on a table.  Several little tykes ran in his direction, screaming, "It's Protuk!  He's here!"

Just like that, 10 small campers fidgeted in a crooked line to receive wooden replicas of bears, wolves, otters, and other local wildlife.  No doubt, Protuk was the highlight of the moment.  Mercivil smiled. 
It's great to see everybody having fun.  Protuk and Wolfuk seem to be enjoying themselves.

After a half hour or so, Stormulka approached and pointed at the road.  "There's Thoruk.  I'll be right back.  You don't need..."  Without finishing his sentence he whizzed toward his buddy.

Looking things over, Mercivil sighed. 
Everything is ready now that Thoruk's here.

Mercivil cupped her hands around her mouth.  "Listen up!  We're going to light the bonfire.  Gather in a semi-circle but don't get too close.  We don't want any flaming urchins."

A couple of the boys laughed.  "Awww, why not?"

Squinting with curled lip, Mercivil feigned an evil stare.  "Just come here and stop being a pain."  She grinned.

From behind, someone put their large, firm palms over her eyes.  "Hi, are you talking to me?  It appears I've arrived just in the nick of time to save you from ruin."

She recognized Thoruk's voice and whirled.  "Not a minute too soon."  She hugged him.  "Thanks for coming.  Tonight wouldn't be the same without you.  Go over there and do the honors.  Light my fire."

He chuckled and walked along the front row of youngsters near the kindling under one of the logs.  "Okay, let's move back a bit.  You're too close."  He studied the large audience settling on the ground before him, most still chattering away.

Thoruk raised his arms. "Da, Da, DA, DAAAH!  Hear Ye, Hear Ye!  This evening we celebrate our annual bonfire.  It is a day, where by law, all children are ordered to HAVE FUN!"  The kids cheered.

"Okay, before we get started, please bow your head."

The chorus of chatter grew silent while most lowered their chins, though some kept peeking around.

"Now, close your eyes.  Dear Lord, please bless these wonderful children, their families and friends, and Ukkiville.  Please keep us safe from all evil, my Lord."

Everybody responded in unison.  "AMEN!"

While the crowd lifted their heads, Thoruk pointed to the crisscrossed arrangement of logs.  "ARE YOU READY TO HAVE FUN?"

The excited campers screamed. "YES!"

The Master of Ceremonies egged them on.  "ARE WE READY TO LIGHT THE FIRE?"

"YES!"

"Can you say, 'thank you, Miss Mercivil'?"

They shouted unanimously.  "THANK YOU, MISS MERCIVIL!"

Stormulka extended a lit torch to Thoruk, who motioned for Mercivil to join them.  He placed her hand and Stormulka's with his.  "Let's do this together, united."  They lowered the fire and set the kindling ablaze.  Within seconds, flames engulfed the logs, helped by the soft breeze.

The youngsters yelled.  "Hooray!"

Protuk moved his chair nearer to the bonfire as smaller children lined up again to get carvings.

Grinning, Thoruk peered at Mercivil.  "Who needs Santa when we've got Protuk?"

Mercivil looked across the sky as the evening's light was fading. 
Stunning!
  She poked Thoruk and pointed to the horizon where the full moon's orange glow peeked above the mountain crest beyond the lake.  "That sure is pretty."

Thoruk smiled.  "Yep, but not as pretty as you are this evening."  He gazed into her eyes, illuminated by flickering flames.

She jabbed him harder.  "Don't start that tonight.  There are little ones to tend to.  I'll get even with you before the night's through."

Mercivil turned to the audience and raised her voice.  "What better place in the world exists for telling a story?"  She extended her arms, motioning at the Lake of Dreams.

Cupping their palms like megaphones, the kids hollered.  "NONE!"

Silence fell over the crowd for a second, and a monotone sound emanated from a distance.  "What's that noise?" asked a little girl.

"Those are bullfrogs," sniped a freckle-cheeked lad, mimicking the spotted croakers with a throaty "Ribbet, ribbet."

The boys next to him laughed.

A stark, eerie shriek pierced the air, startling everybody.  All heads whipped in the direction of the horrific screech.  Mercivil's eyes widened as the children's contorted faces were etched in fear. 
What on earth!