02 Quetzals Flock

QUETZAL'S FLOCK
you spoke to the people, he called me to the Cave of the Wraiths and explained that
you have no memory of the earlier time."
So - Urartu was behind the present visit.
"How old are you, Hammadi?"
Kane's pulse quickened.
"I was born before the start of the night, two days ago. It is now near to the
end of my second day."
Kane asked carefully.
"Do you count a day as being that which lies between two nights. Or does
your day start from the end of one night to the end of the next night?"
His eyes widened a little.
"The first, Lord Quetzal."
It seemed that his son was about four thousand years old - unless the Bole had
taken leave of its circuits! Kane fought down a rising tide of hysteria mingled with a
surge of uproarious humour.
"And your mother, Hammadi - is she well?"
"The Tene Ajanta is beautiful and very well and eagerly awaits your coming,
my father!"
It was nice to see a young man who thought so well of his mother. Kane wasn't
quite sure if he could cope with meeting an eight thousand year old woman, whom he
took to bed when she was four thousand years old.
"She has waited for my Lord's return faithfully."
Hammadi was stoutly intent on declaring his mother's honour.
"She has never taken another and has waited the long days for your return. My
Uncle Obeid also awaits you eagerly, Lord Quetzal!"
"Your Uncle Obeid?"
Hammadi glowed with enthusiasm.
"He who loves you, Lord Quetzal. He too, will long to embrace you."
Kane swallowed the thought that he might have hedged his bets four thousand
years ago.
"Dagh and Motya - who are my Body Companions - and I, are now your Body
Companions. We will guard you from all harm!"
"I didn't realise that I was in any danger."
It looked as if he was about to have three young men underfoot, who might
impede his independent activities.
"You are always in danger from that Sharta, Eridos!"
The name was spat out with considerable venom.
"Eridos?"
"The Tepe Eridos, Lord of the Black Cloaks!"
Kane was getting out of his depth, he changed the subject.
"Were you born, when I - er - left?"
"I was conceived but not born, Lord Quetzal. You were summoned by those
who many not be mentioned. My mother and uncle, together with the Master of
Dreams and all of the Wraith Brothers, stood with you at the place of the Great Arch -
that is the place where we met you, Lord. If it had not been for Pjarl straying into the
ocean and being snatched by the Krain, we would have seen you return, as you
promised when you walked into the Great Arch."
Kane rolled his eyes to the ceiling. He had left yet another misguided female
literally holding his baby. It was becoming a habit, he wondered how many more
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