Chapter 4

	The door opened slowly, and without a sound, yet she sat up anyway. He stood framed in the doorway, his fur almost red in the faint glow of the lamp. He stood there for a moment, silent in the gloom. She was about to speak, when he walked over, and knelt beside her. Their eyes met, and he took her hand, draping it over his shoulder. She smiled shyly.

“Corwyn…” she whispered.

He smiled back, sliding his left hand around her back, and pulling the sheet from her bed with his right. Gently, he took her legs, and rose. She rested her head on his shoulder, toying with his chest fur with her left hand. It was so thick, and felt so warm. They moved quietly through the village, seen only by the village cats, pausing in their nightly hunt to watch them pass. Onwards, they went, out through the gates and into the night. She closed her eyes, not caring where they were going. She felt completely safe. After all, her Champion had promised never to harm her. It was only when he stopped, and lay her on soft grass, that she opened her eyes again. He was kneeling beside her, with her left hand in his. He leant over her, and stroked her cheek, his hand moving up, to take gentle hold of her ear. For a brief moment she stiffened, memories of Chozu vivid in her mind. But Corwyn didn’t lift the ear to bite it, he merely turned it, laying it across the grass and exposing the soft skin of the underside to the sky. He leant over her, cheek touching cheek.

“Luanne… beautiful Luanne…” he whispered, kissing her ear. She sighed, and shuddered as his tongue trailed lightly down the pale skin. She reached up and stroked his face, and they looked into each other’s eyes.

“Any time you want me to stop, just say so.” He kissed her nose and she nodded, not taking her eyes off him as he shuffled back, kneeling by her feet. Strong hands caressed her calves as he kissed her foot. Luanne smiled and gently bit her lip, watching intently as Corwyn’s attentions crept ever higher. At the hem of her nightgown he paused, and looked up at her. After a moment, he hooked his thumbs inside and slowly ran his hands up her thighs. She lay back, trembling slightly as he worked higher, ever higher. Then, blinded for a moment by her dress as he slid it over her head, she looked up to see his face, only inches from her own. He kissed her lightly.

“Are you sure about this?” he whispered.

“I’m not sure about anything…” she replied, taking his face in her hands and kissing him back. Suddenly, and to her great surprise, Corwyn stiffened and toppled off her, falling motionless by her side.

“Well well, what have we here?” came the familiar voice. She stared in horror. Standing over her, naked and erect, was Chozu, a gleaming dagger in his hand. He licked the blood from it. Corwyn’s blood!

“Now we can finish what we started, hmm?” He reached down for her, and she screamed.


	The cry seemed to last forever, and everybody froze. It couldn’t be. All the women had left, hadn’t they? But that was definitely a woman’s scream, and worse, it came from inside the building. Mino was the first to react, covering the distance to his sister’s room before half of the others could move. He flung the door wide to see Luanne cowering in a corner.

“Oh no… Luanne, what are you doing?”  Mino gasped, rushing to her side. She seemed dazed, and just sat blinking at the light streaming in the door.

“Mi… Mino?” It had been a dream? But it was so vivid, so real. She could still smell him. Mino helped her to her feet, as the others arrived.

“Luanne, what are you doing here, for the Gods’ sake? You were supposed to be safe with the others, and now…” Kell was both furious, and desperately afraid. His daughter should have been half a day away from here, following the rough map Corwyn had provided. Now it seemed she was going to die with the rest of them. He threw his arms round her, and hugged her tight.
“Oh gods, Lu, what am I going to do with you?”

“I’m sorry, Daddy.” Luanne said quietly. “I… I had to stay…”

“What the hell for?”

She took a deep breath, and sighed. “Well, you need at least one person who knows how to dress a… a wound properly. And someone to look after the wounded once the um, fighting starts. And…” She paused to wipe a tear from her eye. “And I knew if I left, I might never see any of you again, and…”

“Hello?” Corwyn’s voice echoed from the front door, and she stopped mid-sentence. “Anyone here? Listen, I think I’ve spotted someone out scouting near the…FUCK…” He stood in the doorway, a look of complete surprise on his face, which quickly became grim. “What happened?”

“She stayed behind and hid, that’s what happened.” Mino shook his head. “We have to get her out of here.”

“Not possible.”

Kell stared at him. “Why?”

“As I was saying, I’ve spotted someone outside.” Corwyn looked pained. “I think it’s a scout. Anyone leaves now, and they’ll wonder where they’re going. We can’t let them know what we’ve done, or all this’ll be in vain.”

“So what now?” Mino asked.

Corwyn slowly rubbed the back of his neck. “In about an hour, once it’s too dark for them to see me, I’ll sneak out and try to catch that scout.”

Mino spat. “Why not just kill the bastard? One less Puma to fight.”

“Because I’d like some info on what’s coming, and because I can’t ask a corpse why they’re doing this in the first place.”

Mino muttered something about soulless murderers under his breath, and Corwyn shook his head. “If that were true they’d have killed you long ago. Or taken you as slaves, at least, so I’m betting there’s something else. And if we find out what that is, we might find a way to get through this.”

“What does it matter? They’re gonna come anyway.”

“I know. But we have to try everything we can think of. We all know what’s likely to happen otherwise…” Corwyn turned and walked out, leaving the others to their thoughts.


	It was, he thought, finally dark enough to venture out. As he fastened the last of the buckles on his armour, he heard a faint sound, and caught her scent.

“Hello Luanne, something I can do for you?”

“Um… I wanted to ask you something. And I want you to be honest with me.”

“You’re the boss. Ask away.”

“I want to know what you’re all planning to do. Everyone is acting as if you’ve already lost.”

He gazed into her eyes for a second, then took a deep breath and sighed. “You’re right, none of us expect to walk away from this one. The plan is to hold them off as long as we can, to give the others as much time as possible.”

“But… what happens when… if they find the stores empty? Won’t they just go after the others then?”

He smiled grimly. “Your uncle thought of that. He’s volunteered to hole up in the stores, and when thing look like the Pumas are close to victory, he’s going to torch everything that’s left. That way they’ll never know how much there was. Or rather, wasn’t. So even though we expect to lose, they’ll gain nothing, and the others should be out of harm’s way.”

“Burn it?” she turned her back and went quiet.

“Luanne… I’m sorry…” She didn’t respond.

“Luanne?” He placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Corwyn… when you catch that scout… why not tell it what you’re going to do? Surely they wouldn’t risk an attack if they thought there’d be nothing left for them?”

“I was pretty much given the impression your people and the Puma wouldn’t talk to each other.”

“No… but they’d talk to you, wouldn’t they? I mean, you’re an outsider and a Cat. I’m sure they’d at least listen to you?” She turned and looked up at him, only to find he was staring into the distance. “Corwyn?”

“I’m either getting old, or suicidal, because that hadn’t even occurred to me…” Corwyn said quietly. He looked down at her and grinned. “Something to try, at least. You’re as bright as you are beautiful.”

He grabbed his sword. “Wish me luck, little one.”  He turned to leave but stopped when she took his arm. “Hmm?”

“For luck.” She quickly kissed his cheek, and scampered away. She didn’t look back until she reached the door to her home, but by then he was gone.


	The tiny sliver of Luna above cast very little light, and she could barely see her hand in front of her face. Then again, she thought, she wasn’t there to watch her hands. The village looked fairly quiet, with only a handful of guards patrolling the walls. Earlier, she’d seen the striped cat she’d been told to look for, and he looked to be a big bastard, at least compared to the Viscacha around him. She was still a little fuzzy on why a Cat would be helping a bunch of stinking Rodents in the first place. The story that he’d stumbled across Chozu and Anak as they interrogated a Viscacha prisoner sounded suspicious. They were supposed to be scouting in secret, so what were they doing taking prisoners? Still, even though they’d blown their cover, it didn’t look like the village was particularly alert for an attack. It made no sense at all. Why hadn’t they fled? There didn’t even seem to be anybody on watch. Maybe she could sneak closer; hear what was going on.

He could see her now. He’d known once he picked up her scent, that it was a female Puma, and he’d finally snuck close enough to see her. Edging ever closer to the village, it was clear from her groping hands that she could barely see. Excellent, he thought, that should make this comparatively easy. He stalked, hoping to get in pouncing distance of her. He was no more than thirty feet away, when she heard him and turned. Too late. Something heavy slammed into her, sending her flying. The ground came up hard, leaving her senses swimming. Before she could react, she found was lying on her belly, with someone sitting straddled across her legs.

“Do as you’re told, and you won’t get hurt.” Strong hands grabbed her left arm, twisting it painfully behind her back. Her right swung round, clawing at his leg, trying to get at her dagger. But it was pinned beneath him and her fingernails were useless against the heavy leather.

“Let me go you bastard.”

“Dammit, quit struggling or I’ll just knock you out, and that’ll hurt, believe me.” That just provoked more fighting, and it was with some effort that he finally had her hands bound. He stood, and dragged her to her feet, holding her tightly by the upper arms. Still she struggled.

“Listen,” Corwyn hissed in her ear, “you can’t get away. All you’ll do is trip in the dark as you run, and I’ll easily catch you.”

Her response was a heel rammed down on his foot, and the back of her head slamming into his nose. As he stumbled, she took off at speed.

“Corwyn, you’re a bloody amateur…” Looking around he saw her running away from the village. Her shoulder clipped a tree and she spun. Unable to see, she completely lost her footing and fell heavily. There was a scream, and he ran over as fast as he could. She was face down, and groaning.

“Where does it hurt?”

“My… my arm…” she groaned through gritted teeth. Gently, he ran his hands down each arm, and she cried out in pain as he reached her left elbow. The joint felt odd, either broken or dislocated, he thought. And twisted behind her like this it must be agonizing.

“I’m going to untie you. Don’t try anything stupid, or I’ll do something very unpleasant to you that I guarantee you will not like.”

Grumbling to himself, he fiddled about with the knot, cursing his great fat fingers. Finally, he gave up and just cut the cord with his dagger. She rolled onto her right side, wincing in pain as she gingerly cradled her injured arm.

“Please don’t,” she said as he pushed a hand under her right shoulder.

“C’mon, up you get.” He helped her sit up, then took her right hand and helped her stand. When she tried to pull her hand away he held on, and took her wrist in his left hand. “This way.”

“Who are you? Where are you taking me?”

“The name’s Corwyn, and I’m taking you to the Viscacha village to be questioned.”

She tried pulling away again, but his grip was solid. “Oh Gods no, please, they’ll kill me.”

“No they won’t. You’re my prisoner, not theirs. Now come on and we’ll see to your arm. I promise I won’t hurt you.” He turned and moved off. With her left arm useless, and her right firmly held, there was nothing she could do but follow.


	“HELLO IN THERE! OPEN UP!” Corwyn bellowed. Seconds later a face appeared over the wall.

“Shit! He’s got a Puma with him.” The sounds of people running came from behind the gate, and as it opened Corwyn could see a small crowd gathering. They looked decidedly hostile. He drew his sword, thinking it best to act quickly.

“Back off. This is my prisoner, and she’s under my protection.” They stared in amazement. They’d thought he was a friend, so why was he protecting an enemy? Angry muttering filled the air, which died down as Pahu and Kell arrived.

“Ah, I see you did it.” Pahu said, his gaze firmly fixed on the Puma. “Right, Puma, you’re going to…”

“Actually, it’s better if you leave this to me.” Corwyn interrupted. “Luanne’s convinced me to try something before the Puma arrived.”

“Try something? Try what?” Kell spluttered.

Corwyn grinned. “Talking.”

“But they’ll never talk to us! And we don’t want to talk to those honourless bastards anyway.”

“I know. But as Luanne pointed out, I’m not one of you. They might talk to me. Now excuse me, I’ve got a lot of talking to do, and little time before the Puma show up. Make sure your sentries keep low, it’d be a shame if anyone took an arrow before I try negotiating.” As he spoke he started pulling the Puma into the village. Reluctantly, they parted, and Corwyn dragged his captive inside.


	She loved the smell of Yellowthorn berries, and as she ground them the wonderful, citrus sweet scent filled the air around her. Happily humming to herself, she added some crushed herbs and a few small pieces of bark, and ground the mix into a paste. She’d just finished when there was a knock on the door.

“Come in, it’s open.” She turned towards the door to see Corwyn standing in the doorway.

“Hello little one, I’ve brought you a patient.” He pulled the Puma into view, and Luanne gasped.

“You’re back already?” 

Corwyn closed the door, and released his grip. She immediately retreated into a corner. “Could you take a look at her arm, please? She fell rather badly when she tried to run away.”

Luanne nodded and cautiously edged towards the frightened woman.

“Don’t touch me…”

“I… I’m a healer… let me help.”

Stepping close, she very gently ran her fingers over the injured arm. “My name’s Luanne, what’s yours?”

The Puma winced as fingertips delicately wove around her elbow. “Marta…”

“Well, Marta, I don’t think you’ve broken any bones, but the joint’s not lined up right. I can fix it, but it’ll hurt, ok?” Marta nodded slightly, and Luanne turned to face Corwyn. “Corwyn, I’m not strong enough for this. I’ll need your help.”

“Sure, just tell me what to do.”

Luanne carefully lifted Marta’s arm, which prompted a faint whimper. “Just place your hands like I’ve done, and when I say so,” she let the arm down, “pull apart, and turn your hand like this, and I’ll try to push the bones straight, ok?”

“You’re the boss.” He took her place, this time eliciting a pained groan. His touch was not as gentle as Luanne’s.

She placed her hands gently on the joint. “Ok, pull! Twist!” With all her strength she tried to re-align the bones. Marta screamed and tried to push him off.

“Almost… There! Done it!” Corwyn let go, letting Marta slump to the floor, sobbing. Luanne took her by the shoulders. “Shh, you’ll be fine now. Corwyn? There’s a shelf behind you. Could you get me the second from the left please?

“Sure.” He passed the jar to her, and she fished around, pulling out a piece of bark.

“Here.” Luanne said, offering it to Marta. “Chew on this, and swallow the juice. It won’t taste good, but it’ll help with the pain.” Marta took it, chewing quietly for a while. Luanne put the arm in a sling, then spent a few minutes fussing over a few cuts and bruises that Marta had taken in the fall. Corwyn watched them both, particularly Marta, who was watching him just as closely. He was an imposing sight, standing over her with his arms crossed. Why was she here? What was he planning? She felt horribly vulnerable, clad only in a halter-top and breechclout, and she really didn’t like the way he was staring at her.

“All done.” Luanne said. “I’ll just get you a blanket.”

Corwyn sat down in front of Marta, who tried to shrink into the corner. “What are you going to do to me?”

“Don’t worry, I’m just going to ask a few questions. Then I’m going to give you a message to pass on to your people, and let you go.”

“I don’t understand…”

Luanne came back and handed Marta a blanket. “Here you go, nice and warm. Let me help.” Gently, she coaxed Marta out of the corner a little, and wrapped the blanket around her. “There. Isn’t that better?”

Marta huddled under the blanket, and Luanne was surprised at how scared she looked. Then again, Corwyn did look impressive.

“Thank you, Luanne.” Corwyn said, as she sat down next to him. “Marta. I’m going to tell you story of how I happen to be here, and why I need your help.”

“Help? You need my help?”

“Yes. Luanne?” He placed a hand on her shoulder. “It’s about our first meeting, so if you’d rather go…” She shook her head slightly, clasping her hands tightly in her lap.

“OK. Luanne here is one of the Viscacha healers. She was out gathering herbs when she bumped into two of your people, Chozu and Anak. They knocked her out, and kidnapped her.” Marta briefly took her eyes off him to look at Luanne. So this was the prisoner they took.

“When she woke up, it was dark, and she was forced to march on until they decided to camp. Then they interrogated her, which basically meant they hit her, asked questions, and hit her some more. Finally, they decided to kill her.” Luanne started to tremble. “Luanne? You ok?”

She nodded, and he went on. “But Chozu had something else in mind first. He told her that she wasn’t just going to die, but that he was going to kill he by eating her alive.”

“No, that can’t be true. It’s a lie…” Marta gasped.

“Not only that, but that he wouldn’t become Feral, because he’d already eaten a Viscacha child before, and it didn’t happen then. But first he was going to rape her. And then he tore her dress open, and bit her ear.”

All of a sudden, Luanne turned and buried her face in Corwyn’s chest, tears streaming from tightly closed eyes. For a second Corwyn didn’t move, then he wrapped his arms around her, gently rubbing her back. “Oh Luanne, I’m sorry. Shh shh, you’re safe now. He can’t hurt you. Shh.”

Marta watched them for a few moments, and then turned away. Before, she’d been too scared to take hey eyes off him, and now she was too ashamed to look. The girl’s pain, and his concern were all she needed to know the tale was true. She knew Chozu was a sadistic bully. It was the reason he’d never married. None of the women wanted anything to do with him. But for him to eat Kin? No wonder the explanation had been so vague.

“And that’s where I come in.” She looked up, and saw he was watching her, still stroking the Viscacha’s back, though the girl no longer seemed to be trembling. I’d been attacked by a pair of wild puma on the edge of the desert, and I’d been wandering the foothills for a while. I saw lights, and took off in that direction. Spotting a campfire I detoured a little. I was getting close when a change of wind brought two scents to me. One was a male Cat; the other was some kind of Rodent female. And from the scent I could tell she was terrified. I closed in, circling round to the far side of the fire, and nearly made it when she screamed. I charged, shouting. Chozu was straddling her, licking blood from her ear. He looked up, and I kicked him in the ribs. I chased them off, and carried her back to her people. Had I known what he was planning to do I’d probably have killed them both. And so, with Chozu telling her what you were going to do, we’ve been able to plan a surprise. And that’s where you come in.”

Marta drew back again. “Me?”

Corwyn nodded. “Tell me, who’s in charge of your tribe?”

“Chief Javek.”

“How long before his force arrives here?” She said nothing. “Listen, just because I’m friendly to these people, doesn’t mean I’m hostile to yours. At least tell me why your people are driven to attack, after years of peace?”

“We… need the food. A sickness has killed most of our cattle, and we can’t survive on our small grain store and a few goats and chickens.”

“Ah, now I understand.” He sat silently for a while. “Is food your only reason for this raid? Not driven by hatred for the Viscacha people.”

“We might not like each other, but we aren’t going to risk our lives for that.”

“Good. Then there might still be a way. Listen very carefully. If your people attack, we will fight to the death. Some of your people will die; many could be wounded or crippled. All the defenders of this village expect to die. And so when it looks like you’ve almost won, the grain stores will be torched. Understand? Even though you’ll have beaten us, you’ll still lose because we’ll burn the food you want. You’ll all starve anyway. The raid will have been in vain.”

Marta was horrified. “We’ll all die…”

“Yes. That’s why I’m going to take you out of here, and back to your people. Tell your Chief Javek this, and tell him to come to the village at dawn and I’ll negotiate terms that’ll hopefully allow both people to live, ok?”

“Why are you doing this?

“Do you think I want to die? Do you? Does she?” He nodded to Luanne. “There are quite a few reasons I’m doing this, but it would take too long. Let’s just say I’m doing it because it’s the right thing to do. Luanne?”

“Yes?”

“You ok now?”

He let her go and stood. “Come now, Marta. There’s little time. If the attack begins before you can warn your people what’ll happen, then we’re all dead.” He offered her a hand. Hesitatingly, she took it and he helped her to her feet. “Don’t be afraid. I’m not an enemy. Not yet.”


	It had taken a few precious minutes to argue his way past a few hostile Viscacha, but once outside the village they made good time. With him leading her, they were about half way to the river when he saw the first of them. It was still too dark for them to see much, and on his own he could easily avoid them. He whispered to her. “Play along with me here, I don’t want to get into a fight and have to kill someone.”

“Um… ok.”

They stood silent in the grass until the front-runners were barely fifty feet away. “Ok, you ready?”

“Yes.”

“STAY WHERE YOU ARE OR I’LL CUT YOUR SCOUT’S THROAT.” He yelled. She screamed.

Everyone froze. A couple started to advance. “I SAID STAY WHERE YOU ARE.”

“PLEASE, I DON’T WANT TO DIE.”

“I WANT TO TALK TO JAVEK. QUICKLY.”

“Ok, when your Chief appears, I’ll be off and running. They can’t catch me in the dark. When he speaks head towards him, calling that you have to talk to him. Tell him what we plan to do, and to meet me at the village at first light. He can bring a few bodyguards. Tell him I’ll come down to meet him, and that I’ll be alone.”

“I will.”

“I AM JAVEK, CHIEF OF THE PUMAS. WHO ARE YOU, AND WHAT DO YOU WANT?”

With that, Corwyn ran. Marta walked towards the voice. “CHIEF JAVEK, IT’S ME. I’VE FOUND OUT WHAT THE VISCACHA ARE PLANNING. WE MUST TALK.”

“MARTA? HERE. THIS WAY.”

Moments later they were face to face, though they would have been hard pressed to tell. “Marta, how did you get away?”

“He let me go, and ran off. He told me to deliver a message.”

“Hmm. And the message is?”

“ Ok, they’re going to fight to the death, and if we look like we’re winning they plan to set fire to the stores and destroy all the food.”

“WHAT?”

“He says if we attack, some of us’ll die or be maimed, and it’ll all be for nothing because the food will be gone.”

“Fuck. We need that food or we’ll starve. We have to take it, there’s no other choice.”

“Chief, he wants to meet you near the village when it gets light to negotiate something.”

“Do you know what?”

“He didn’t say. Just that he’ll be alone, but you can bring bodyguards.”

“What else can you tell me about the situation? About him?”

She took a deep breath. “I’m not sure about the situation, but I am sure the threat to burn the food is real. Since they’re planning on fighting to the last, burning it isn’t a loss to them. As for him?  He calls himself ‘Corwyn’, and he’s a big bastard. Bigger than you. Not tall, but really heavily built. Surprisingly gentle.”

“Hmm?”

“When he caught me, he bound my hands behind my back. Now, I managed to break free and run. But I couldn’t see, hit something, and fell. I hurt my arm. It was agony. When he came over, he cut me loose, which helped ease the pain a bit. Then he dragged me into the village, and the first thing he did was take me to a healer, and fix me up. Oh!”

“What is it?”

“The healer. It was the girl Chozu attacked.”

Javek paused. “Did she… say anything to you about that?”

“No, but he did. All of it. Chief, Chozu did them a terrible wrong, and now we’re here to steal their food. I’m surprised they didn’t kill me. In fact I’m convinced I was only captured so he could tell me about the girl, and pass on a warning. I think he’s maybe got a solution. Please call off the attack.”

Javek groaned. “Fine. PASS THE WORD, CAMP WHERE YOU ARE. THERE’LL BE NO ATTACK TONIGHT.


	“Corwyn, there’s no way that’ll work.” Pahu repeated.

“Why not? I don’t imagine they’ll be stupid enough to take the risk we will. Look, I’ve met three of them now, and though one in particular really needs to be killed, the other two shouldn’t be judged by his standard.”

Pahu threw his hands in the air. “Yes, to bring that up, how do you expect to keep the peace when they’ve a Souleater in their midst? And why hasn’t he gone Feral?”

“That’s a myth. It doesn’t work like that.”

“But…”

Corwyn cut in. “No ‘buts’, I’ve known five individuals who’ve eaten Kin. One ate the body of a friend when they’d been trapped, and though our laws demanded all Kin Eaters die, it was felt he hadn’t broken the ‘spirit’ of the law, so he and his family were secretly spirited away, and he was declared dead. Three I’ve had to execute. And we’ll deal with the last later.”

Pahu blinked. “Did you say you’ve executed people?”

“Not personally, but I gave the order.”

“Oh.” Pahu didn’t know what to make of that. It sounded so… cold-blooded.

“Pahu, do you trust me?”

“Yes. You rescued Luanne. You’ve stayed here to die with us, when you could easily have slipped off with the others.”

“Then at least try. With the Elders gone, you’re the senior man here. Do you agree to my proposal?”

Pahu sat back in his chair and sighed. “Ok. If you can get the Pumas to agree then we’ll try it your way, though I can’t imagine my people will like the idea much.”

“It wouldn’t be for long. A few months at the most.”

“I’m not sure they’ll stand a few days, never mind months.”

Corwyn shrugged. “What else can we do? Our only other option is to die fighting, and dead isn’t something I want to be yet. Ah, it’s getting lighter. Time for me to go.”

“Be careful.”

He stood. “You’d better get to the grain store. If I’m not successful you might want to be ready.”

Minutes later, up on his roof, he was joined by Luanne. “You look like you’re going back out.”

“Yes. Hopefully the Puma Chief will be coming to meet me nearby.”

“Who’s going with you?” She sounded scared.

“I’m going alone. I wouldn’t want an angry exchange ruining things.”

“Oh. Um… Corwyn, I um…”

“Yes?”

“Um… oh, never mind. Just please, be careful.”

“I will.” Grabbing up his sword, he set off into the early morning light.


	There they were, maybe a half-mile away. Three figures, coming his way. It wasn’t long before they met. They stood silently for a few seconds, sizing each other up. The big one in the middle had to be Chief Javek. Clad only in breeches and sandals, and carrying an ornately decorated staff, he carried himself with an air of authority Corwyn knew well. His two guards were a little more armoured, in leather jerkins. He already knew one of them. It was Anak. Corwyn broke the awkward silence first.

“I am Corwyn, Firstborn of Amberstar, and I seek a peaceful solution to our problems. Are you willing to hear me out, Chieftain of the Pumas?”

Javek frowned. “You haven’t given me much choice. Threatening to burn the food means I have to hear you out.”

“True enough. But it’s not like we’ve much choice either.”

Javek glowered. “Marta said you wanted to negotiate. Surrender?”

“A truce.”

“They’re willing to talk?” Even after…” 

“Yes. Even after what Chozu did to the girl. And don’t forget the child he ate.”

Both Anak and Javek looked grim, and there was a gasp from the other guard.

“Interesting. It seems you know but haven’t told your tribe. I take it Chozu’s still with you?”

“Yes…”

“Right. This is what I have in mind. The Viscacha have already agreed to place me in overall charge, and to mediate between your two peoples. If you do the same, they’re prepared to share their resources with you.”

“You’re not expecting me to just hand my people over and tell them you’re the new chief, are you? Never.”

“That’s not what I meant. You’ll rule your own peoples. It’s both Puma and Viscacha as a whole I’ll be looking after. I don’t want anyone else hurt. Consider me a go-between. If you’ve a problem relating to the Viscacha, and vise versa, then I deal with it, otherwise you’re free to do as you please amongst yourselves. But you must deal with Chozu, else I’m not sure the Viscacha won’t back off.”

“I see.” Javek looked him over again, and narrowed his eyes. “Why are you doing this?”

“If I had a crown for every time…” Corwyn muttered. “Easiest answer is that I made an oath to protect the weak from harm. I protected Luanne when Chozu wanted to rape and eat her.” Javek and Anak winced, and the third Puma’s face was a mask of horror.

“I’m trying to protect these people from an attack by superior forces. And lastly, I find I can’t leave you to starve. Think of your children and mates.”

Javek nodded. So it was a matter of honour. “This oath, who was it to?”

“To my mother, and to my Lord Sol.”

“Sol? You worship Sol? Would you swear on Sol’s name that this isn’t a trick?”

Corwyn turned slightly, gazing at the approaching dawn. He said nothing.

“Well?”

“I will, just give me a moment. I’m waiting for dawn so I can swear in his name in full sight.”

For a time the only sound was that of the dawn chorus. Finally, as the first tongues of fire broke over the horizon, Corwyn spoke. “Almighty Sol, I greet you with joyous heart.” He turned back to Javek. “In my Lord Sol’s name, and beneath his gaze, I swear to you that I’m not trying to trick you. I have a solution to your problem.”

All three watched him closely. There was something in his expression as he watched the sun start to rise. Javek had seen it in some of the more devout of his own people. Devotion. He meant every word, because he could not lie before his God.

“I believe you. And I swear, by Sol and Tempest, that I accept your terms, as long as the Viscacha do likewise. Now, about this solution?”

“We’ll talk about that in a moment. You have to tell me what you’re going to do about Chozu.”

“Little I can do. If I try to banish him, he’ll ask for a Trial by Combat. He’s my best warrior so he’ll win and ‘prove’ himself innocent.”

“Trial by combat doesn’t work, you know.”

“Perhaps, but it is the law. And since I cannot have one of my people make such an accusation, after all Anak can’t tell if all he said was true, it would have to be the girl he attacked who spoke up. Would she? And still he’d be guaranteed to win.”

Corwyn stood in thought for a moment. “Not if I fight him.”

“What? But you aren’t a Puma.”

“No. But you’ve already agreed to my terms. If a Viscacha has a problem with one of your people I’m the one to deal with it. So let me. Just promise me one thing. If I fuck up and by some chance he kills me, promise me you’ll still honour the spirit of our agreement.”

“You have my word.”

“Thank you. Ok, this is what I want you to do. Gather every last one of your people, and bring them here, along with the last of your food. We’ll share ours with you. It’s not a huge amount, but it’s more than enough to last while some of us go buy more.”

“With what? We have little in the way of trade goods or gold.”

“Ah, but I do. Quite a bit, in fact. I’m more than happy to buy you what you need. I was told by Marta that you need a new herd, yes?”

“You have enough to do that?”

“I’m not sure I have enough to replace a whole herd, but I know there’s enough to get you started. And if it means we can be at peace, it’s a small price to pay, don’t you think?”

“Sound reasoning. It’ll take a few days for us to move here. Do you want to deal with Chozu now, or…?”

“Better if we wait till everyone’s here. If both peoples are here to see their leaders exchange vows, it’ll help keep the peace. And it would make my position as mediator clear.”

Javek nodded. “I understand. We’ll return as soon as possible.” He turned to go.

Anak hesitated. “My Chief… might I stay a minute? I want to ask him something privately.”

Javek paused briefly, nodded once, and then walked on. Corwyn and Anak faced each other in silence. Hooking a couple of fingers into the crook of his arm, Corwyn casually scratched his chin. “Well?”

“… Chozu is my brother…” Anak said quietly.

“Ah, I see. You want to ask me to spare his life?”

Anak’s face was hard. “No, I want to make sure you’re going to kill him.”

Corwyn stopped scratching. “Say again?”

“He’s always been cruel, but what he admitted to, what he was going to do to the girl, is foul. He’s a monster, and he needs to pay for such… such evil. I’m disgusted that we share the same blood.” His shoulders sagged. “This’ll break our mothers heart. She never could see him for what he was.”

“Set your mind at rest, Anak. He killed a child. Ate it. There’s no way I can let him live.”

Anak turned to leave but didn’t walk off. “Our laws let the accused choose the weapon to be used in the trial. It will be a spear. I wish you luck.” He walked briskly off, and didn’t look back. Corwyn watched for a few minutes, before returning to the village.


	“So that’s the story. They’ll camp outside, and then you will come out with me. Formal vows will be sworn, and I’ll do everything I can to keep the peace.”

“Are you sure they’ll honour that?” Pahu asked. It was clear he wasn’t completely convinced.

“Yes. In fact I’m sure once they hear the accusation against Chozu, shame alone will keep them from breaking their word. Luanne, are you up to it though? Telling a crowd what he did?”

She shuddered. “If… if it means you can… I mean, if you…” She stopped, and took a deep breath. “If it helps, and you’re sure you can beat him… yes.”

“I may not have used a spear in a long time, but I doubt he’s fought with his own recently, so he’s probably rusty. I’ll spend the next couple of days sparring with a few of your better men. See if I can remember what to do.”

“Please don’t joke about it.” Luanne looked frightened. “You could be killed…”

“Sorry... Still, I’ve thought of that. Javek’s agreed to hold to the spirit of the agreement if something goes wrong, so you should still be okay. Oh, how long will your runner take to reach the others?”

“Well I sent Mino and Pahm.” Pahu answered. “They’re pretty decent; probably making a race of it. I’d say half a day. The old and very young will slow them quite a bit. So they’ll be back in two, two and a half days.”

“Good. Lets talk resources. The Puma have, apparently, little goods or gold to trade. How about you? Any gold or gems? Jewelry even?”

“We have some gold yes, but not much. There is jewelry, but most of that went with those who left. Same goes for the pearls we sometimes find in the river’s shellfish.”

“Cool. We can get that when they get back.”

“Will it be enough, do you think?”

“Actually, I don’t think it’s really needed at all, but it’s good to have a reasonable safety margin.” He reached down and picked up a large pouch, tipping it out onto the table. Hundreds of small gold coins poured out, along with a number of slender gold bars. Luanne gasped.

“Uh… Corwyn…. I hate to ask, but how in the world did you get so much money?” Pahu asked quietly.

“Petty cash.” Corwyn replied, almost absentmindedly.

“Pardon?”

“Petty cash. Like I said, my family is quite wealthy.”

Pahu just stared at it. He’d never seen so much gold. “Corwyn, this is a fortune.”

“Err…I suppose it is, really.” He looked embarrassed. “Sorry. I’m so used to dealing in large sums that I’m forgetting just how much this really is.”

“And you’re happy to just spend it?”

“Sure. It’s no use to me if I’m dead, and when all’s said and done, it’s only money.”

Luanne picked up one of the bars. There were three small marks pressed into the side. “What’s this?”

“It’s a trade bar. We use them in larger purchases, when coinage would be awkward. Not worth much outside of my homeland, but gold’s gold.”

“Do you really think you’ll need all that?”

“Maybe. I’m not sure, to be honest, but I do have to buy quite a lot. Cattle, if I can find enough. Maybe some goats or sheep. Much as I like a good vegetable stew, I prefer meat, and so do our ‘guests’.”

“Ah.” Pahu said quietly. “Fair point… so, how many people are you taking with you?”

“I was thinking of a half dozen from each tribe. Should be enough to handle whatever wagon train we can organize. I’d say we could force march to that village in a few days, spend a few grabbing everything we can, and be back in under two weeks.”

“So where exactly is this place? I never heard of a village north of here.”

Corwyn sat back and stretched. “It’s a trade post set up around a pretty large oasis on the very edge of the desert. Seems to thriving from what I saw passing through. Lot of traffic. I don’t think they know you’re here or you’d probably have had merchants checking you out by now.”

“How soon will you be going?” Luanne asked.

“I’ll give it a week. Get the Puma settled in nearby, and make sure things are running as smooth as I can. Then I’ll head off.” Luanne looked nervous. “Luanne? You ok?”

“I’m scared…”

Corwyn leant across the table, and gently patted her hand. “I won’t let any of them hurt you.”

“No. I mean I’m scared for you…”

“Heh. Don’t worry about me, I’m bigger and scarier than him.”  He stood. “Time for the first of those spear lessons, I guess. Care to join me Pahu?”

“Sure. I need a bit of practice too.”

Luanne watched as the pair walked off, wincing as Corwyn muttered about not having used a spear for over twenty years. She really hoped it was just his odd sense of humour, otherwise… No. She didn’t want to think of that. He’d win. He had to.


	It was a very tearful reunion. Luanne’s family had thought her lost when they discovered she hadn’t come with them. They’d had to restrain her mother from coming back for her, for fear of losing her too. When Mino and Pahm had caught up with them they could scarcely believe their ears. Peace? With the Puma? How could that even be possible? Still, they’d returned as asked, if somewhat nervously. The sight of Luanne, tending her precious Yellowthorn saplings as if everything was back to normal was nothing they ever expected to see again. After the initial tearful relief had worn off, then the questions began. What had happened? Corwyn caught what? When? The Puma chief agreed? He’s going to what? On and on it went. Every new arrival asking, endless questions. Eventually she found herself busy. Some of the weakest, the very young and old, hadn’t faired well on the march, and needed some attention. It took the better part of a day till the last, exhausted Viscacha hobbled in through the gates. Luanne ran over to help.

“That’s the last.” Pahu said quietly. “The Eldest has agreed to go along with your plan, though many of the others are unhappy.”

“Luanne’s plan, actually. My plan was ‘hit them with a big sharp sword’. She suggested talking first. She’s brighter than this dim old lamp.”

“Heh, I think you just trusted our judgement of the Puma. They’d never have talked with us alone, after all.”

“Maybe not… tell me, what’s the story between your peoples anyway? Why so much animosity?”

“To tell you the truth, I’m not at all sure. Seems we’ve always been at each other’s throats. Probably just started as a territorial thing, and just escalated. A few deaths in raids, and border clashes and I suppose we just got into the habit of hating each other. Do they really think we’re as bad as we see them?”

“Absolutely. Marta thought you were going to torture and kill her as soon as I brought her inside. And both she, and the chief’s guard were horrified by what Chozu had done. Here’s something you might want to spread around. Chozu’s own brother, the other Puma there when I rescued Luanne, told me to kill his brother for what he’s done. That his brother was a monster. I’m telling you, you people are not so different.”

“Old hatred dies hard, Corwyn. It’ll be hard for some of us, myself included, to forget the past.”

“I know. But what choice do you have? To start with, I’m not going to let you deal with them directly. Go through me. Then I’m going to try something unusual.”

Pahu looked at him suspiciously. “Unusual? What do you mean by… unusual?”

“Hostage exchange.”

“But we don’t have any hostages, and neither do they!”

Corwyn grinned. “Yet. What I meant was that a family from each tribe goes to live with the other for a bit.”

“Is that wise?” Pahu still wasn’t completely sure he trusted the Puma. He didn’t like the idea of handing a few of his people over to them.

“It works well enough back home. Rival families sometimes have members stay with each other when relations are stretched. It can defuse an awkward situation as nobody wants to provoke any retaliation against his or her own kin. Hell, I’ve been in the same situation a few times over the years. Like I said, I’ll let things get settled before asking for any volunteers.”

“Would it be ok for me to pass this on too? I can’t imagine anyone wanting to make that decision without a few days to mull it over.”

“Sure.”

Luanne came back over. “Everyone should be ok. They all just need to rest.”

“I’m very glad to hear it, Luanne.”

“Um… my friends call me Lu.” Luanne said shyly.

“Luanne is much more beautiful and fitting. Besides, back home we use ‘loo’ to mean…” He whispered in her ear and she giggled and flushed.

“Oh no! Don’t you dare tell…”

He chuckled. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell a soul. Pahu? I think, tired as folk are, this might be a good time to start gathering gold and pearls, yes?”

“I suppose now’s as good a time as any. I’ll get on it.”

“Thanks. Oh, and make sure your guards stay alert. I’m expecting Puma any time now. I wouldn’t like people to panic because the first they know the Puma are around is because they’re knocking on the door.”

Pahu nodded, and set off, and Corwyn walked towards ‘his’ roof. Luanne followed, humming quietly.

“You seem very pleased with yourself, little one?”

“Oh, I’m just happy that things seem to be working out.” She stopped humming, “Corwyn? Is it really true what you said about my name?”

He grinned. “I’m afraid so. Loo really is used to mean toilet.”

“No… about it being pretty… and apt…”

“No need to ‘fish’, Luanne, we both know it’s true. You’re quite beautiful. In fact you’re whole people are good looking. Heh, personal thing, I’ve a thing for long ears… ah I remember this one Rabbit. He was so cute…”

Luanne stopped in her tracks. “HE? You… you mean, you and… and other men…?

“Man. Just one. Experimenting as a young man, with this very cute, and very excitable Rabbit boy. Didn’t work out, the whole man/man thing just wasn’t something I’m interested in. Does it shock you?”

“Just surprised me. I mean the way you’re always flirting with Ahni…” Her voice trailed away.

“Is something wrong? Am I stepping on your toes?”

“What do you mean?”

“Are you two…?”

“What? No! Of course not.” Luanne snapped. “We’re just friends, is all.”

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to offend you.” He climbed the stairs, with her close to his heels. Not that he minded; he very much enjoyed her company. She was smart and friendly, if a little shy. But when she talked about her work, she was almost a different person. Vibrant and alive, her shyness melted away. Corwyn had decided that, much as she preferred the ‘real’ Corwyn, he preferred the ‘real’ Luanne. He sat on the edge of the roof, and she was about to sit down near him, when she paused.

“Corwyn? What’s that?”

He followed the direction of her gaze. He could see what seemed to be a dark smudge, far to the west. “I can only assume it’s the Pumas. Looks like they’ll be here some time tomorrow.” He rose. “I’ll go tell Pahu and the others.” As he walked off, Luanne took one step after him and stopped. Instead, she turned and sat on the edge of the roof, waiting. It wasn’t long before she heard him on the roof behind her.

“Thought you’d have gone off to rest, little one, it’s going to one hell of a day tomorrow.”

He sat beside her, and sighed. “Long day…”

“I’m not sure I can do it…” Luanne said.

“Hmm?” Corwyn turned to look at her and saw she was trembling. “Luanne, what’s wrong?”

“I don’t think I can… can accuse him. I don’t want to see you hurt.”

“If I don’t deal with him as soon as I can, what’s to stop him once I finally leave? I’m sure others will find out about what he did. If they don’t already know, your people will tell them soon enough. If he’s anything like I think he is, he’ll blame me for rescuing you, and you for telling. Not himself, of course, his kind never does.”

She looked up, eyes glistening. “I’m afraid. He might…”

“And if that happens, I’ll bloody well take him with me. I swear he’ll not live to hurt you or anyone else again. I promise.”

Luanne looked away for a moment, looking at the slowly setting sun. “Would you… um… I mean, er, would you like to…” She started as his right arm draped across her shoulders.

“Yes. Yes I would. I would like very much to sit and watch the sunset with such fine company.”

“N-no, I meant…”

“I know exactly what you meant. And I’m not going to take advantage of you like that. Another time, under happier circumstances, and I’d be delighted to. But you’re still hurting.”

“But…”

“Shh. Let’s just say that I really appreciate the offer, and I’m extremely flattered. But I think we should just sit awhile, and think of happier times.”

She leant in against him, head on his shoulder. Truth be told, she was glad he’d turned her down. The memory of Chozu still burned. She didn’t want to be touched like that, not yet. Corwyn looked down at her, a rueful smile on his face. Old Man, he thought to himself, you know it’s the right thing to do, but damned if you aren’t going to kick yourself in the morning.


	Pahu wasn’t pleased. Though they were farther from the village than he’d expected, the Puma were still far closer than he liked. And there were a lot of them. From the tiniest babe in arms, to the oldest, Pahu estimated there were at least three hundred. With the Viscacha numbering four hundred and twenty six, they’d be lucky if the food lasted three months. Not that they could eat it all anyway, since they needed some of it for next year’s harvest.
“Corwyn, I really hope you know what you’re doing…”

“Absolutely no idea. I’m making this up as I go along.”

“WHAT?” Pahu swung round. Corwyn was grinning at him. “Oh, very funny.”

“Don’t worry. Everything’s going fine so far. They’ve camped too far away, though. I’m going to go have them camp closer.”

“They’re already too bloody close, if you ask me.” Pahu grumbled.

“Well, they need to be closer. I want as many of each tribe as possible hear the exchange of vows, and to see me mete out justice on Chozu.” His face was grim.

“Oh.”

“Ah well. The sooner the better, I suppose.”

It was only a couple of hundred yards to the Puma camp, and from the moment he’d appeared at the village gates they were watching him closely. He was still fifty yards away when a group of six, including the Chief, came forward to meet him.

“What’s wrong? I thought you were bringing one of their Elders.” Javek said.

“The Viscacha Eldest is very old, and can’t walk far. And as I wanted everyone who could to hear the agreement, I thought you should move your camp right up to the village.”

“Ah, I see. Very well.” Javek turned to one of the guards. “See to it. I know they’re tired but there are some… matters that need to be resolved.”

Corwyn watched them slowly gather themselves. He thought Pahu’s estimate of around three hundred was probably right. And it seemed Marta hadn’t been exaggerating when she’d told of their food problems. Barely two-dozen cattle remained of their herd. They had quite a few goats and chickens, but overall not enough. Corwyn had a feeling he’d need every single coin.

Javek watched him closely. “You carry yourself like someone used to power. Are you a chief among your people?”

“No, just a wanderer. I have a background in my country’s army, though, so I’m used to giving orders.”

“And you can handle a group this large? I’m told there are more than four hundred Viscacha, and we number three hundred and twenty-five… no, make that twenty-six. There was a baby girl born on the trip. That’s close to eight-hundred.”

“At one point,” Corwyn answered, “I was in sole command of over two-thousand soldiers, so I’m sure I can handle the load.”

“Two… thousand? Why would anyone need two-thousand warriors?”

Corwyn smiled evilly. “Why, for when your enemy has one-thousand, of course. Shall we go?”

Javek gestured. “After you…” He and his guards waited, as Corwyn nodded, and walked off in the direction of the village.

“Khansa?” Javek turned to face one of his guards, a taller Puma with a lighter build. “Go find Anak and Chozu. I want them with us when we exchange vows. Say it’s an honour guard.”

“Yes Father.” Khansa walked off, and Javek turned his attention back to Corwyn. Stranger, he thought to himself, Chozu’s my best. I hope you’re as good as you think you are.


	It had taken almost an hour to get the Pumas to set up camp as he wanted, in a loose arc facing the village gates. The atmosphere was very tense, and everyone he could see was watching him. It made him feel strangely uncomfortable. While he was used to commanding attention as an officer, he wasn’t sure he liked being scrutinized in such a way. He understood it, as they were likely confused and suspicious, but he didn’t much like it. Still, he thought, nothing I can do about it till we’re ready. And so he sat at the agreed meeting place, watching the Puma watching him. Eventually, he noticed a shift in their attentions, focusing on themselves, and on a small group emerging from their midst. The Chief. Corwyn rose as they approached.

“I greet you, Chief Javek of the Puma, in the name of the Viscacha. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll go and bring their Eldest, so you can exchange vows before both your peoples.” Javek nodded, and Corwyn walked off. Crunch time, he thought to himself. Just inside the gate stood the small group he’d chosen to act as the guard for the Eldest. Luanne’s father and uncle, because they were both experienced, and would be a comfort for Luanne. Luanne herself, in order to accuse Chozu. A cousin of Luanne’s, Tayan, who Corwyn had been sparring with over the last couple of days. And, of course the Eldest.

“Well, they’re here, and I suppose it’s best to warn you that Chozu and Anak are with him, so it looks like we can do this quickly.” He put his hands on her shoulders. “Are you ready?”

She nodded. “I… I’m scared…”

“You know you’re safe with me.”

“Yes…” She sighed deeply “I’m ready.”

Corwyn turned to face the others. “Time to go. Luanne? Stay close, I’ll keep him away.” She clung to his arm, and they walked off. Tayan was close behind, helping the Eldest.

“Kell…” Pahu said quietly as they followed, “why the angry look?”

“Look at them. They look too close for my liking. And she spent the night with him.”

“Oh.” They walked in silence for a moment. “Obviously you disapprove.”

“Too fucking right! I just don’t want to see her hurt. They’ve no future together, after all. He’s a drifter. He’ll move on and she’ll be left behind. But I don’t know what to say. How d’you tell the man who saved your daughter’s life and is trying so hard to help us to back off?”

“Fair point. Want me to have a word?”

Kell paused. “Yes. You’re friendly enough with him. Thank you.” Their pace quickened, and soon they were together, facing the Puma.

Corwyn bowed. “Chief Javek of the Puma, may I present the Viscacha Eldest?” Javek bowed slightly, and the Eldest nodded. “Chief, if you would please meet us in the middle.” Luanne hung back as Corwyn helped the old Viscacha to meet the Chief. “Thank you both, now if you could clasp each others hands…”

Javek and the Eldest took each other’s hands, and Corwyn wrapped his own around them both. “We need to be loud, so people can hear. I’ll begin, then you, Eldest, can make your vow. Then the Chief, and I’ll finish. And then I’ll move straight on to deal with… unfinished business. Ok?”

“That’s… agreeable.” Javek replied, while the old Viscacha merely nodded.

Corwyn’s voice boomed out across the fields. “PEOPLE OF THE PUMA, I WELCOME YOU TO VISCACHA LANDS. DESPITE THE… MANNER OF YOUR ARRIVAL, THE VISCACHA PEOPLE HAVE AGREED TO A TRUCE. I AM TO BE THE IMPARTIAL OVERSEER OF THAT TRUCE. LISTEN NOW, AS THE LEADERS OF BOTH YOUR PEOPLES SWEAR PEACE IN THE NAME OF THE GODS. Man, but that sounds so pompous.” The Eldest chuckled. “After you, sir.”

His voice rang out, only a little louder than normal, but it was clear and sharp. “Corwyn has proven himself a friend to us, and I trust his judgement. He has promised us he can end our fighting, and bring us peace. He has promised to provide us with the food we need to feed both our peoples, and we are happy to follow his lead in all things until such a time as we no longer need him. So we swear, in the names of Sol, may his Light always protect us, and Nimbus, may her Rains keep our lands green. This I swear as Eldest, in the name of the Viscacha.” He leant forwards, and touched his head briefly to the knot of hands.

Corwyn smiled. “Thank you, Eldest. And now you please, chief Javek.”

Javek paused a second, and took a deep breath. “I DO NOT KNOW YOU, STRANGER, BUT I MUST TRUST YOU. YOU HAVE CONVINCED THE VISCACHA TO HELP, AND EVEN THE GIRL ATTACKED BY MY SCOUTS HAS THE HEART AND SPIRIT TO FORGIVE US. WE ARE SHAMED BY HER COURAGE. WE TOO WILL FOLLOW THIS ‘CORWYN’. WE TOO WILL FOLLOW HIS LEAD, HIS JUDGEMENT. WE TOO WILL TRUST IN PEACE. THIS JAVEK, CHIEF OF THE PUMA, SWEAR IN MY PEOPLES NAME. THIS I SWEAR, IN THE NAME OF SOL, MAY YOUR FIRE ALWAYS BURN IN OUR HEARTS. THIS I SWEAR, IN THE NAME OF AOLUS, MAY HIS WIND ALWAYS SPEED OUR ARROWS TO THEIR PREY.” He bowed his head. “This I swear…” he said to himself.

“Thank you so very much, Javek. IT IS DONE. YOUR LEADERS HAVE WORN TO PEACE. BOUND BY HONOUR. LET BOTH PEOPLES KNOW THAT I AM THE GO-BETWEEN. IF THERE IS A PROBLEM THAT SOMEONE HAS WITH SOMEONE FROM THE OTHER TRIBE, I AM THE ONE YOU COME TO. I WILL MEDIATE. I AM THE ONLY ONE HERE FROM NEITHER PEOPLE AND I SWEAR TO BE IMPARTIAL, AND TO SERVE BOTH TRIBES EQUALLY. SO SWEARS CORWYN, FIRSTBORN OF AMBERSTAR, IN THE NAME OF SOL, AND WITH JOY IN MY HEART. Gods, it sounds so corny now that I’ve actually said it.” He released their hands, and the trio parted a little. “Time to settle things, Javek.”

“Already?”

“No time like the present. Luanne? Please come here.” Nervously, she came over, and Corwyn stood behind her, hands on her shoulders. “NOW WE COME TO THE FIRST MATTER CONCERNING A DISPUTE BETWEEN YOU. THE VISCACHA ONLY AGREED BECAUSE I SAID I WOULD DEAL WITH A TERRIBLE WRONG DONE TO ONE OF THEIR KIND. THIS IS THE GIRL CAPTURED BY THE PUMA SCOUTS. IT IS BECAUSE OF HER WE ARE HERE NOW. Any time you feel ready, little one, nice and loud.”

She stood, shaking slightly, her heart pounding in her ears. She took a deep breath and looked up. Straight into Chozu’s eyes. She could see the hatred, but there was something else too. Fear. He was afraid. She straightened up, standing as tall as she could manage. Corwyn gently squeezed her shoulders “That’s it, my brave princess, show him he’s lost.”

As the tears started to well in her eyes, she smiled. “When Chozu and Anak were finished interrogating me, Chozu thought it would be fun to torment me.” Her voice was clear and strong. “He told me I would die. He told me he would make it look like an animal attack by eating some of my flesh.”

“Lies!” spat Chozu.

“Anak told him it would make him feral, and that you would hunt him down like a beast. Chozu replied it didn’t happen the last time. That he’d eaten one of our children.”

“Rubbish. Filthy lies made up by some Viscacha whore for revenge.”

“And if Corwyn hadn’t shown up then,” her hands came up onto his, “he’d have raped me first. He’s a rapist, a murderer, and a filthy Souleater.”

Chozu sneered. “Not a word of that is true.”

“Every word of that is true, brother.” Chozu froze. No… he didn’t just…

“Chief… MY PEOPLE… ALL SHE SAID IS TRUE. CHOZU IS A MONSTER. A SOULEATER.”

There was total silence. Suddenly a wail from the Viscacha village cut through the air. Though most of the Viscacha had heard this already, they’d kept it from the child's mother until now. The Puma were stunned. Luanne turned and clung, and Corwyn gently wrapped his arms around her. “Well done, Luanne. Well done.” He held her for a moment, before beckoning Kell to come for her.

Corwyn drew his sword, long and ferociously sharp. “CHOZU OF THE PUMA, YOU HAVE BEEN ACCUSED OF THE WORST CRIME A KIN CAN COMMIT. EVEN YOUR BROTHER DESPISES THE MONSTER YOU ADMITTED YOU WERE. YOU ARE AN ABOMINATION. SENTENCE IS DECIDED. DEATH.”

As Corwyn started to advance on him, a shocked Chozu backed off. “I… I CLAIM TRIAL BY COMBAT!” Corwyn stopped.

“VERY WELL… BY THE AUTHORITY GRANTED ME BY YOUR CHIEF… I SHALL BE YOUR OPPONENT. YOU HAVE ONE HOUR. WHAT WEAPONS SHALL WE FIGHT WITH?”

Chozu’s smile returned. “Spears.”

“Go ready yourself, because in one hour I’m going to kill you, Eater of Kin.”


	Luanne was hovering nearby, as Corwyn got ready. She had a dreadful sense of foreboding she simply couldn’t shake. He stripped off his heavy leather armour, in favour of a much lighter set, tan in colour and decorated, like almost everything else he owned, with a golden sun symbol.

“Don’t be afraid, Luanne. Everything will work out, you’ll see.”

“Please be careful.” There was an edge of fear to her voice he couldn’t help but notice. He turned and put a hand on her shoulder, a gentle smile on his face.

“One of the things I’ve learned over the years is how to read an enemy. A spear might be his chosen weapon, and chances are, he’ll be better at using it than me. But I do have one important advantage.”

“What?”

“He’s afraid of me, of what I am. And that fear gives me an edge, because it’ll make him careless. But I shouldn’t get cocky.” He looked at the sun, steadily climbing. “I have a favour to ask.”

“Um, yes?” Luanne asked as he led her over to his pack.

“Here, I want you to look after some things for me…”

“Okay.”

He handed her a dark, and rather heavy wooden box. “Can I…?”

He nodded, and she looked inside. The thing inside was a puzzle to her. Putting the box down she lifted it out to get a closer look. It was some kind of metal tube, set into a beautifully carved, curved wooden handle. It was richly decorated in gold and silver, and had a metal plate set on each side. She couldn’t tell what the design engraved on the plate was. She looked up at Corwyn. “What is it?”

“It’s a gun, a wheel-lock pistol. It’s a weapon for you to give to Pahu, if something goes wrong.” She put it back in the box as if it were poisonous. Despite it’s beauty, it was a weapon, designed to kill, and so she didn’t want to touch it much.

“Oh…” she said quietly as he handed her the folded frame with the portraits of his mother and sister. There was a strange white thing with it. On it were black lines, some of which looked similar to the ones etched on the gun.
 “Next time a merchant visits, ask if he knows of the Amberstar family, and give him the frame and the letter.”

“Letter? What’s a letter?” she asked curiously.

“Um… it’s when you write out a note to someone far away”

“Right?”

He paused and looked at her. “Don’t your people know how to write?”

“I don’t even know what a right is.”

“You see those black marks? That’s writing. Each shape represents a certain idea, a sound. Put them in order, and they make up words.” He pointed. “That one says ‘Corwyn’, and that one says ‘Amberstar’. He opened the folded sheet up, a pointed to another set of marks, about half way down. “And that one says ‘Luanne’.”

“That’s my name? That’s me?”

“Would you like to learn to write? Assuming I win, of course.”

“I think so… is it really useful, though? It’s not as if we know anyone far away.”

He chuckled. “Luanne, all those things you learn, from stories and from trying new thing. All that knowledge you could write down, on paper like this, so it’s never forgotten. Fireside storied, legends, herbal recipes. Anything and everything.”

She looked amazed. “I could do that?”

“Sure. You’re very clever, little one, I’m sure you’d find it very easy.”

She blushed slightly, suddenly self-conscious. “I’ll hold on to them for now…”

He reached back into the pack, and paused. “One last thing, Luanne. And I must ask you not to show it, or even mention it to another living soul.” He pulled his hand out, and it glittered in the light. A gold disk.

“Oh… oh Corwyn, it’s beautiful.” She reached for it, but he pulled back.

“That might be, but it’s also extremely dangerous. I’ll show it to you, but you mustn’t touch it.” He held his hand out and she moved in close.

It glittered. It was a flattened, oval, three inches long, and two wide. Cut into it was an intricately carved sun symbol, same as on Corwyn’s clothed, but far more detailed. It was filled with a stylized maze of lines, flecked here and there with tiny specks of colour, as if the tiniest of gems were set there. The center was taken by a yellow stone, the like of which she’d never seen. Even in the sunlight, she could swear it was lit from within. “So lovely. What is it?”

He let her look at it for a few seconds, then took a tunic from the bag and wrapped it inside. “Never take it out again. It is the Eye of Sol. A potent and potentially deadly artifact that has been in my family from a time before we even had the name Amberstar. A gift from Sol himself.”

She was shocked, Corwyn didn’t merely sound serious, but grave. “It was for this that my brother killed our mother. For what it could do, and the power it would grant him.”

“I have to tell you something. I must tell you a secret few outside my immediate family know. I am not a Kin in the true sense of the word.”

“I… I don’t understand…”

“I, my mother before me, and her father and so on, were long ago blessed by Sol. Our senses are heightened, our bodies strong. We have… animal-like claws…” he looked away. He was ashamed; she must think him a monster. “And there is a price to pay for such strength. Our tempers ride high, and we are somewhat aggressive. A certain bloodthirstiness, you might say. We long for the fight as it makes us feel alive. Some of us, my mother for instance, were truly feared. Even my mother’s own officers were nervous around her when she took them into battle. My brother saw only the strength, coveted it. The Eye of Sol is what gives us that strength, that power. He wanted it, and killed for it. Only, I escaped, and fled to keep it out of his grasp. I… I…” His voice failed him, and he sat quietly down.

“Oh Corwyn…” She sat next to him, wanting to comfort him in his grief, only to find him staring at the tunic, holding it’s golden secret. His face was stern, full of resolve.

“Luanne, this is a tremendous favour I’m asking here. For anyone not of our direct family line, this is an immensely dangerous thing. For you, not even a Tiger, to touch it directly could be fatal. But you’re the only person around here I trust with it. Promise me, if I die, you’ll take it somewhere nobody’d ever look for it. Bury it deep, under the roots of a tree. Just lose it. Better I die as the last of my line than let my brother find it.”

“But…”

“Please, Luanne, promise me that.”

“I… promise.”

He stared off, out across the plains, when he felt her take his arm. Looking round, he could see her attention was on his hands. “I already knew your senses weren’t like ours. I’ve known it since you carried me through the dark, sniffing the air.” She looked up, a slight smile gracing her lips. “That you’re strong isn’t exactly a secret, you know. But claws… like a cat’s? I’ve never heard of anyone with claws like that before…”

He turned away again. “No… I don’t think there are any…”

“Can I ask… why tell me all this? You could’ve kept your claws secret, and I’d still have promised to look after your things.”

“I need you to truly understand how dangerous the Eye is. When I said it gives us our strengths, I meant it literally. We aren’t born this way. During my Coming of Age ceremony, I willingly accepted this. Sol appeared, and transformed me through a magic I can never hope to understand.”

“Sol… appeared?” Luanne was suddenly very wary. Gods don’t appear to Kin. They couldn’t, everyone knew this. She felt a chill run down her spine; was her Corwyn insane? She let go and sat back a little.

“I know what you’re thinking, Luanne.” Corwyn said quietly. “You’re wondering if I’m mad, aren’t you?” His face still looked away, but now his head hung. “It was more like… a vision, than anything else, a golden light, a hint of form, and a touch like a summer breeze.” His voice had grown very soft, reverent. When he turned back to face her, the tension had gone, and he smiled a little. “It was the happiest day of my life. My god, mighty Sol himself, had asked me to serve. The two months following were probably the worst, though.”

“Oh? Why?” She was rapt. It couldn’t possibly be true, but why would he lie?

“By the next evening I was running a fever, and by the week’s end I was too weak to stand. I could barely speak. I blacked out several times. My ordinary claws turned black and fell off, and it wasn’t long after that, that I went both deaf and blind. I’d been told to expect a short period of illness, but at that point I genuinely thought something terrible had gone wrong, and I was going to die. All my senses but touch seemed to be gone, and at least that was something. Because all through this, either my father or mother was beside me, holding my hand.” He smiled. “It’s the only time I remember seeing my mother cry. She’d been through it herself, and knew the pain and confusion I was feeling. Sometimes, when I felt my worst she would sleep next to me, and wrapped in her arms I felt comforted.”

He paused for a moment, and she could see nothing but love in his expression. It was clear that those had been happy times for him. “Eventually I grew stronger, and first my hearing, so sharp, so clear, and then my sight, returned. It was a wondrous time, exploring my new senses. The scent of things I’d never noticed before. Animals… people… girls… “ He winked, and she flushed. “Everyone has a different scent, you know, and I found I could track by it.”

“But it was my vision I found most remarkable. My night vision is the equal of any Kin I know. Even as good as an Owl. I can’t judge colour too well, but the night sky is glorious to me now.”

“Corwyn…”

“Yes?”

“Can I see your hands?”

Corwyn raised his right hand, looking down at the open palm. “I don’t want to scare you, Luanne.”

“I’m not scared. Not when I’m with you. Please?”

He looked at her, and nodded. He flexed, and his claws slid free. They were small by comparison to his hands, but she could see they were needle sharp. They retracted. “They might be small, but they have their uses.”

“They didn’t look that scary…”

“Those aren’t the ones to be scared of.” Undoing a buckle, he pulled off a boot. His foot looked…odd. It was strangely symmetrical, and wait… only four toes? Then she knew what it was. Other than the fact that his foot had a heel, it looked very much like a cat’s paw! The toes extended, and enormous claws unsheathed themselves. Despite herself, she took a sharp breath, and suddenly they were gone. Corwyn hurriedly pulled his boot back on. “Sorry…”

“No… no, I was just surprised… Um, have you ever… used them?”

“No, and I never want to.”

“I see… now I understand. Everything you told me, about growing up your army, all those rules, the vows… it’s how you control your temper, isn’t it? “

He stood, and offered her his hand. “I can see I’m going to have to watch you.” She took his hand and rose. He picked up the spear they’d made him. A special spear, made from the blade of his short sword, with an extra thick and heavy haft. Heavy and brutal, he thought, isn’t that apt.

“Let’s go, Luanne. Time to settle things.”


	Chozu stood waiting, anxious to start, but fearing it all the same. Damn them, damn them. Javek had been willing to keep it secret, as long as he’d proven himself in the coming battle, but now? The whole tribe knew. They’d never take their eyes off of him now. Never. They’d always be watching him, always alert to his movements, and he knew it. He’d have to go, there was nothing else for it. Find somewhere where nobody had ever heard of this place. A flash of colour caught his eye, and his blood ran cold. It was time.

“Javek. Eldest. I’d very much appreciate it if you’d have your guards form a loose circle around us. If the filth tries to run, cut him down like a dog.”

Chozu glared. He’d recovered his composure for the most part, and to have this… freak talk about him in such a way infuriated him. He’d kill it, kill the monster and then the girl… yes, his revenge would be sweet. Yes, take revenge and go far away and live life his way. Come on then, you striped bastard, he thought to himself, nobody’s ever beaten me with a spear. Nobody.

“Begin.” Corwyn shouted, adopting a defensive stance. Chozu also sprang back, spear held ready. He studied the great orange Cat. Odd, he wondered, he’s holding the spear in a strange way. Holding it, divided into three equal lengths of haft? He wouldn’t take full advantage of its length that way. He grinned. It was obvious he didn’t know much of how to use a spear. With his greater reach, he tried a couple of tentative attacks. Parried. Corwyn held the heavy spear more as if it were a staff. He knew the staff. Everybody knew the staff. It was one of the first weapons he’d ever learned. You might not have a spare sword, the saying went, but you can always find a branch. Chozu’s spear swung low, but Corwyn stuck the end of his into the ground, and it bounced harmlessly. Instantly Chozu pulled it back and thrust. It was only barely parried. Not good, Corwyn thought.

“How’s the shoulder, Chozu?”

Chozu’s only answer was a couple of swift jabs, both parried. “Not talking?”

Chozu attacked a few more times, before Corwyn suddenly pressed forwards and swung down. Chozu only just managed to stop the blow, and the force of it staggered him. He hadn’t expected such sudden ferocity. Again the blade came up, and when it struck the spear he heard it crack. It wouldn’t survive a third blow. He let the force of the blow knock him back, and as he fell he stabbed wildly. Corwyn tried to parry and almost made it. Almost. It caught him in the left shoulder, breaking his collarbone. Then, a fraction of a second later his own spear hit the haft of Chozu’s and the latter’s broke. He fell to one knee, eyes still fixed on Chozu, scrabbling backwards with half a spear still in his hand. His arm hung limp, and he suddenly felt cold. His senses swam. Chozu grinned. He wobbled as he stood up, and thought he could hear someone calling him. He shook his head, and took a step towards the Cat in front of him, and realized hi shoulder was numbing. Fuck, he thought, some kind of poison?

“Very… clever… but now… you have no weapon… and whatever you’ve… used isn’t fast enough…” Corwyn started to advance, and Chozu, with little option, ran round to his left. He turned to follow but, dazed as he was, he was too slow. Pain. Chozu had managed to blind-side him. A second blow had him on his knees, and then he was on his face, on the edge of darkness. Chozu flipped him over.

“How’s the shoulder, Corwyn?” He gave the broken spear a twist, and Corwyn groaned. “Oh, it’s delicious, this is. The irony, eh? I get to kill you with your own spear.

“Corwyn, NO…” Luanne had finally shaken off her father, and was running towards them, past the surprised guards. He was down. Her protector, her champion. Her Corwyn. “No don’t, please.”

Chozu turned, and as she got close, punched her hard in the stomach. Only just conscious, Corwyn saw her fall, retching. Rage flared. Whatever Chozu had used, it had robbed him of any thoughts of calm control.

“get...away from her…” he whispered.

“You want some of the same, slut?” Chozu said, sneering. He crouched, whispering “Don’t worry, I’ll get to you later…”

“Get away from her.” Corwyn said, rising.

“What? Chozu turned. “What the fuck?” He was stunned. The monster shouldn’t be able to crawl, let alone stand.

Corwyn reached up, and pulled the broken spear free, dropping the bloodied thing to the ground. Blood ran freely from the wound “I said get away FROM HERRRRR!” The words faded in a feral roar.

Chozu turned to run, but Corwyn was upon him before he could take a single step. His right hand came up, and claws bit into Chozu’s chest. His jaws clamped onto Chozu’s shoulder and both fell. The guards fell back, protecting their leaders, and several people screamed. Luanne coughed, and looked up. What was happening?

“Corwyn…” A moment before he was down, and then she’d heard a roar. Corwyn’s head came back, tearing free a great chunk of Chozu’s shoulder with it. He screamed, punching the monster’s head with all his strength. Nothing. A second bite, and blood fountained. Chozu threw his head back, an agonized scream filling the air. Corwyn went for the exposed throat, and sank his fangs into the soft flesh. To Luanne’s horror, her brave rescuer had gone from brave knight to ravening beast. There was a wet tearing as Corwyn tore the throat from his prey. He roared his triumph, as Chozu lay twitching, a soft gurgling as his life gushed from him. He looked around, sniffing. He turned to Luanne, and sniffed again. Guards readied their weapons, and Luanne heard a call for archers.

“Get away from my sister!” Mino shouted as he charged. Corwyn growled and rose, claws ready, only to find Luanne come between them. “Luanne, get away!”

“Corwyn, please, what’s happened to you? Corwyn? Corwyn, please say something.”

Corwyn’s response was to sniff her. Then he flopped on his haunches, and nuzzled her hand. “Corwyn?”

He shook his head. Everything was a blur. He’d killed something bad, and knew this thing that smelt like prey was a friend. That it could do something about the hurt. It smelt good, but all he wanted was the hurt to stop. He licked the wound, and looked up at it again. It was making noises, and suddenly he remembered.

“Luanne…” Corwyn said quietly, and promptly passed out.

“Corwyn! Gods, somebody help me. Please he’s bleeding to death.” No one moved. “Please, he’ll die. You can’t just let him die, not after everything he’s done.”

Javek stepped up, a couple of guards hesitantly following. “Where do we take him?”

“Thank you, oh thank you… this way, quickly, my home.” They hurried towards the village, Javek and the guards carrying the unconscious Corwyn.

Kell watched for a few moments. “Pahu? If he survives, I don’t want him near my daughter.”

Watching the group hurry to carry Corwyn inside, Pahu silently nodded.


	Darkness swam around him, warm and soft. No thought disturbed him as he lay there. Though there were people around, he paid no heed. What finally caught his attention, and intruded into his dreamless sleep, was the smell. It made him hungry, and hunger brought him back. He took a deep breath, and opened his eyes. Luanne’s room. Large cushions propped him up, half sitting in her bed. Luanne herself was draped across his legs, fast asleep. Gingerly, he checked himself. His shoulder was swathed in bandages, the arm in a sling. His head hurt, and he found it difficult to focus. She stirred slightly, causing her ear to slip across her face. Despite the ache, he smiled, gently brushing it back and stroking her cheek. She immediately sat up, a look of surprise on her that quickly softened as she saw he was awake. Her eyes brimmed.

“Oh Corwyn…” Arms swept around his waist. “I thought we were going to lose you…”

“… I lost it, didn’t I?” He draped his arm over her. “The last thing I can remember is you falling.”

“You… you bit out his throat…” Luanne whispered. “Horrible…” His hand slid from her, and she looked up. He’d turned away, a pained expression taking the place of his smile.

“I never wanted any of you to see that side of me. They’re already talking and whispering, aren’t they?”

“Of course they are. They’re just confused and surprised.”  She took his hand in hers. “They’ll be ok, and so will you once you’ve rested.”

Corwyn nodded. He wasn’t as sure as she was, but there were things to do, and no time for self-loathing or self-pity. “How bad is it?”

“It’s deep but clean and there’s a nasty gouge in the bone, though it’s still intact. I’m afraid it might be a while before you’re able to use the arm again, but it should heal without too many problems. And we treated you quickly enough that you didn’t lose too much blood. You look a little dazed, but I suppose that’s to be expected. He did hit you very hard. But… you just went limp, and your breathing got so shallow we thought you weren’t going to make it. And I couldn’t tell what was wrong. I’m sorry…”

“For what?”

“I couldn’t help you more…”

“Hey, I’m alive, aren’t I? Good enough for me. As for what was wrong? Chozu poisoned his spear with something. So I don’t blame you for not knowing.”

“Oh.”

“How long was I out? Because I’m starving…”

“Um… a day and a half.”

“Have you been here all that time?” She nodded. He tried to rise, but she gently pushed him back.

“Don’t you dare think of getting up till I say you’re strong enough.”

“But there’s work to…”

“Hush.” Luanne interrupted. “I wouldn’t dream of telling you how to fight, so don’t you tell me how to look after my patient. Now, I’ll go tell them you’re awake, and I’ll get you some food, ok?”

“You’re the boss.” He watched her skip out the door, and frowned. So much to do, and stuck in bed. “Corwyn,” he said quietly, “absolutely do not rage at the nurse this time. It might be frustrating, but she’s right, and you bloody well know it.” Think of it as a short rest, he told himself. You haven’t stopped in months, and it’s about time you took a break. And it’s nice to have an actual bed for once too. Voices echoed in the next room. Visitors. Time to go to work.






Copyright G W Robertson, 29/06/2004. All characters remain the intellectual property of the same.

Eventual guests from the vcl will receive full acknowledgement of their character.

In this chapter, Marta the Puma’s the only one really available, but if anyone else out there has, or comes up with a male Viscacha character, then technically Pahm is also available, and I’ll add a scene with those two as they hurry to stop the others fleeing.