02 Quetzals Flock

QUETZAL'S FLOCK
he still had Hammadi on his side. For the time being, it was easier to pretend that
Obeid hadn't spoken and that things were as they had been earlier.
Kane debated his next move and decided that it was time to leave the
Encampment where he was now an enemy. The temptation would be too great for
someone to have a misguided intention of avenging Obeid's injuries. On the other
hand, it was time for him to meet his Companion of the Image, Eridos. What
reception he could expect was another question. The sooner he was away the better -
for another reason. He had no desire for further contact with Ajanta.
Hammadi escorted him to the entrance to his tent. Dagh and Motya appeared
at the same moment.
"I suggest that you remain within your tent, my father. Your Body companions
will remain with you."
Kane growled.
"I don't need anyone to protect my honour!"
He was sorry as soon as he said it, Hammadi's lips tightened.
"It is a question of security, my father. You have many enemies among our
Gens!"
Kane nodded slowly.
"I'd already made up my mind to leave, Hammadi. I'll make it as soon as
possible - but now, I need some rest."
He slept solidly, which was surprising. He had four guards, three young
looking multi centenarians and the Bole. They were undisturbed until it was time for
him to wake. Hammadi was absent, Dagh and Motya eyed him with reserve. He
wondered where their loyalties really lay, perhaps it came down to who Hammadi
trusted, they trusted. Hammadi returned, he looked more wooden faced than usual.
"My mother wishes to talk with you, she expects you in five thousand heart
beats."
Kane wasted a half hour feeling savage and mutinous. In the end, he hurried to
make himself presentable and marched out of the tent. There was a ghost of a smile on
the faces of Dagh and Motya. Hammadi escorted him through groups of herdsmen
striking the nearer tents. They gave him no recognition. Kane hardly noticed, his mind
was seething with anticipation. This time, he was determined that there wasn't going
to be a seduction scene.
She had said that she wanted to talk - so did he! Talk it would be and nothing
else. He wasn't a prize stallion to be used to gratify her appetite, or to vent her spite -
or whatever other motive she might have.
She didn't meet him at the tent entrance and Hammadi had already stalked
away. He hovered outside - indecisive. He knew she could see his silhouette through
the thin walls of hide. He couldn't stay where he was without announcing his
apprehension. He suddenly felt like a schoolboy on his first visit to a brothel, not sure
whether he wanted to go through with it, but not wanting to miss the experience
either. He pulled the flap aside and entered.
The air inside was sweet-smelling. She had prepared the ground. He knew the
signs only too well. He tried to steel his determination but he knew it was a lost cause
before he started. He let the flap drop behind him. The light was subdued and it took
his eyes a few moments to adjust. She was half-reclining on a soft pile of skins. It was
as if she had been waiting in that position since the last time he had left her. She said
softly.
"Let's talk."
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