02 Quetzals Flock

QUETZAL'S FLOCK
These things crossed his mind as they hurtled into the Encampment. Dust and
people scattered in every direction. Someone needed to talk to Hammadi about his
manners and remind him that it didn't look very good, having his father clinging to the
short hairs of an excited Picun, with his sore arse waving in the air like a multicoloured
flag.
The three boys repeated their party piece of standing on the backs of their
mounts, whilst reining in their own and one other. Hammadi's muscles stood out like
inflexible ripples. His Kous had blown open and streamed out behind him. He was
laughing, jubilant with four thousand year old youth, uncaring about his nakedness.
Notions of parental correction faded from Kane's thoughts.
The Picun came to a halt and Kane tried to gather his breath, dignity and
Kous, as befitted a man of his standing. The flap of the nearest tent was thrust open
and he was grabbed by one leg, by the man who emerged. The newcomer was as vital
and laughing as Hammadi. There was no mistaking the man who had been shown to
Kane in the flames of the brazier in the Cave of the Wraiths.
Obeid yanked him by the leg. Kane gave a wild yell, lost his grip and his
balance and fell off the back of the Picun. He landed with a bone shattering thud at the
feet of the laughing man. He was hauled to his feet without ceremony, clamped in a
rib crunching bear hug and treated to a vigorous kiss full on the lips. Visions of
brother Ivan flooded back. His sort were littered all around the universe! Hammadi
and his two companions were in convulsions of laughter. Obeid held Kane out at
arm's length and looked him over critically.
"You haven't changed! Still the same old Kane - could be a bit younger
perhaps!"
He must have possessed one hell of a memory. It was Kane's turn. He had a
flash of inspiration.
"You haven't changed a lot either - since the last time I saw you."
It was true enough, the image in the brazier had been accurate. Obeid grinned
and didn't take his eyes away.
"What do you think of Hammadi? Not a bad pup - show's that you and Ajanta
have good genes. I'll never make head or tail of that woman! She refused point blank
to meet you. Said she preferred privacy."
"Hammadi's a wonderful - boy. He's a credit to you, Obeid. I can understand
Ajanta - a few more heartbeats after all this time won't matter."
Obeid grunted and changed the subject.
"I see you're no better a rider. You seem to spend most of your time hanging
on or falling off! Now, Hammadi's a damn good rider - must get it from his mother's
side. A man ought to know how to handle a mount."
A small crowd had gathered and were drawing closer. Obeid changed his
manner.
"So, Lord Quetzal, we welcome your return and trust you will abide in our
tents for many heartbeats."
His tone was sonorous. He gave Kane a prodigious wink and whispered.
"That's for domestic consumption - play it up, man!"
Kane rose to the occasion.
"I thank the Tepe Obeid. May peace and prosperity dwell in his tents and may
his fecundity never decrease!"
Obeid's mouth twitched slightly but they continued to eye each other with
utter seriousness.
"Will my Lord enter my tent?"
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