02 Quetzals Flock

QUETZAL'S FLOCK
will take over the Ship you have so conveniently opened for us, we will take it over!
As for Eridos and his band of traitors, they can meet the Dwarf face to face. I say to
you, get to hell out of my camp and throw yourself on the mercy of your friend
Eridos. I say, get out of my tent before I get to my feet - otherwise, I'll kill you, my
dear brother Quetzal!"
There was no mistaking his intentions, he half rose. He had spoken softly.
Quetzal held his ground.
"Hammadi commands here. If you try to stand in his way, I will kill you! I can
do so from far away, make no mistake! I will do to the rest of your body, what I did to
you balls! You will die in agony!"
They stared into each other's eyes, their wills locked in a ferocious battle. It
was an uneven struggle, Quetzal had to keep his power on the leash, otherwise Obeid
would have been a dead man. He felt real regret, they would become bosom
companions when he returned into the past of this man. A real companionship
between Obeid, Ajanta and himself, would develop. He wondered how he would be
able to become the man they remembered, after all the hatred and strife which had
been generated.
Obeid tried to struggle to his feet. His body was lean and in the peak of
condition. His muscles stood out like knots, as he tried to smother the pain of putting
weight on his lower limbs. He slumped back, sweating, exhausted and defeated. If he
could have killed his adversary with a look, Quetzal would have been dead twice.
Kane rose to the surface briefly.
"It's a pity we can't part friends, as we once were. Ask Ajanta to tell you the
story, I haven't time. She tells me that we were once like brothers. I would have like
that relationship to have continued."
Kane thought he sounded genuine, he felt genuine. Obeid seemed to hesitated
and for a moment, Kane thought he might have penetrated the stiff pride and
animosity.
"Yes - I have no doubt Ajanta could tell a story or two. I've heard about the
cosy session you spent with her. You can always trust a woman to let her emotions get
the better of her logic. No doubt, you stirred the old fires. Hammadi, you've wrapped
around your little finger and you've fooled Ajanta - or so you might think. You won't
soft talk me, Quetzal. We were like brothers, but you're not the man with whom I
shared the cloak two days ago. You're someone different. Him, I could trust. You I
can't.
Well, it so happens that you're not the only one who can fool and delude. It's
time I told you a few things which you either don't know, or which you've chosen not
to remember. It seems that Eridos is a great friend of yours these days. I suppose you
claim not to remember the incident which caused the blood feud between you? I'll
remind you.
It was the night before you took Ajanta as your woman. You were intent on
killing Eridos then, nothing would cool your blood lust! It was you who started the
fight which nearly got us all killed. Take a good look at Hammadi and then take
another look at that obscenity you seem to like flashing around. Is Hammadi really
your son, great Quetzal?"
Kane stared at him, Quetzal had retreated and was acting the onlooker. He
hoped he didn't look as stricken as he felt. It was a return blow for the one Obeid had
received. There was a half-smile on his face, he was enjoying the victory. Kane started
to shake with cold fury. The hatred of the man was hard to believe. He was prepared
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