02 Quetzals Flock

QUETZAL'S FLOCK
"Quetzal does not often visit the Caverns of the Crag with his son and his
companions. Tell those who complain, that the Lord of the Flock extends his welcome
to them. They may use the pool if they so wish."
Kane heaved himself out of the water and stood dripping in front of the old
man. His Body Companions followed suit. He draped an arm around his son's
shoulders. Hammadi had his body, he looked hard and fit. Nijah retreated and they
trooped into Kane's chamber. Hammadi wanted to know.
"Do you wish to ask more questions?"
He didn't sound too enthusiastic. Kane decided to give the exercise a break. He
felt restless. Hammadi and his companions brightened up perceptibly when he
suggested.
"Let's take a ride!"
The thought of another session clinging to the back of the Picun, tended to
make him wonder whatever had induced him to make the suggestion. An answering
thought suggested that it would be good to be out in the open air again, under a sky
and not a cavern roof.
He wanted to get away from the instability. The ground trembled all the time
and there were frequent severe shocks, which raised his nervous tension more than a
few notches. Hammadi and the other two seemed to take it in their stride, unless it
was particularly sharp, when they would make some flippant remark. The place was
unnerving, even on Mars, he had disliked it when his search for minerals took him
underground.
He began to have second thoughts, when they emerged into the fierce glare of
the red star. It had been very cool in the caverns, except for the Cave of the Wraiths.
The heat had a bludgeoning effect, even the Kous couldn't keep it out. He pulled his
hood up and over his face, to avoid to ruddy glare. The Picun had been led to the front
of the rock. He pitied those who spent their lives as grooms - perhaps they took turns.
They melted away into whatever shade they could find, as soon as they had finished
their duties.
The quartet were left in charge of the animals. Kane's eyed him with
indifference and he hoped it was docile. He asked himself yet again, what had induced
him to suggest the discomfort he was enduring. He watched the ease with which
Hammadi mounted. He seemed to fling himself on the animal's back and then swing
his leg over to sit astride. It was harder than it looked and Kane managed to get
himself into an unfortunate position. He heard a distinct snigger. He glared at his son,
who was trying to keep a straight face.
"It is not considered the best example of filial devotion to laugh at your
father!"
Hammadi assumed an expression of contrition. It was spoiled by a twitching at
the corners of the mouth. Kane started to swear and this was mistaken for a command
by his far from docile mount. He spent the next few seconds flying through the air,
before landing on his backside in the dust. He glared at his three companions, who
met his glance with wooden expressions. He climbed to his feet and dusted off the
Kous. He then grabbed the Picun by the hair around its throat. It squealed at the
unexpected belligerence but he still managed to fling himself astride before it took off
at a half gallop and led the way out of the courtyard of natural rock.
It slowed down to a complaining trot and he was able to admire the scenery.
There wasn't much to see, although the crops to each side were of paramount
importance to those who depended on them for their survival. He judged that the area
31