02 Quetzals Flock

QUETZAL'S FLOCK
was there an assembly of the elders of the tribe. It was a feast for two - but not two
friends, that would have been too much to expect.
To Kane's surprise, he found himself beginning to mellow towards him. He
should have hated him but he was finding it hard. There was no conscious history
upon which to base a hatred - at least, not on his part.
"I moved my Encampment towards the Arch - "
Eridos shrugged.
"I don't know why, but I chose to humour you. My men told me about the
Pentacle - let us say, I was intrigued and it was time to move the herd anyway, we
were running out of Schwarm."
"Hammadi moves his Encampment there too."
He looked up and stared.
"My spies tell me that you have deposed Obeid and put Hammadi in charge -
is that true?"
"Yes."
He laughed softly.
"It would have been a scene to enjoy! Tell me, how did my dear cousin react?"
"Predictably."
"He roared like a wounded bull Picun and swore that he was still in command
and that Hammadi would obey him."
"You know your cousin very well, Eridos."
He turned and the smile was gone.
"I would have done the same - nothing less - and will do so, if someone tries
the same tactics here."
"The only one to try the same tactics here, is me! But then, you have shown
yourself much more amenable than Obeid."
"Perhaps I have a greater understanding of the powers of the Masters of Psi,
Kane Ashford. Did you realise that the Great Arch is the boundary of the Division,
and has been so for a day?"
"I told you, I remember nothing of former times, Eridos."
He met his host's penetrating stare.
"Tell me, Quetzal - how is the lovely Tene Ajanta?"
Kane stared restlessly.
"When we parted, quite well. She didn't send her love!"
Eridos lounged back on his bed of hides.
"It would have been most improper if she had. You say you don't remember,
but I remember how close you were, four thousand of your years ago. You see, I can
still remember your peculiar numbering system!"
Kane allowed a grudging admiration, he could see why Obeid detested him.
He was beginning to sound more devious than a snake. He changed tactics, perhaps he
was getting tired of the game of cat and mouse."
"You have had a long journey - and I also remember your strange habit of
resting frequently. I have arranged accommodation for you. You must handle your
strange box yourself, for some reason my men are reluctant to do so. You must show
me its tricks sometime."
One of the attendants lifted the tent flap on cue. Kane rose, bowed slightly and
followed him. The Picun with the Bole stood grunting a complaint. Kane unloaded the
animal, with the attendant standing with folded arms at what he considered to be a
safe distance - little did he know that the Bole could focus on a speck of dust at a
hundred paces. Once settled in the tent, Kane gave instructions for strict surveillance.
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