Daskada, the Legend by Christopher Woods

Author:Christopher Woods [Woods, Christopher]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Seventh Seal Press
Published: 2020-02-25T22:00:00+00:00

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Chapter 35

“Humidity sucks here,” Kal said as we stepped off the shuttle ramp.

“We were here in the winter before,” I said. “Plus a little further away from the equator.”

“You have to come down here every year,” he said. “Why wouldn’t you do it in the Winter?”

“I come when she calls,” I said.

“Have you requested a wintertime report?”

“Nope.”

“Why not?”

“I love to hear you bitchin’ about the weather.”

“You’re not a very nice guy,” he said.

I shook my head as I saw the familiar glimpse of movement.

“I’m not paid to be nice,” I said. “You knew I was coming to Pekonii, and you knew it was going to be hot as hell. Why did you want to come?”

“I’m waiting for the time the matriarch eats you. I want to be there for it.”

“You know she’ll eat you right after that.”

“Yeah,” he said. “But I’ll get to see her eat you.”

“Wouldn’t you rather not get eaten at all?”

“Of course, but it’ll be worth it if I get to see her eat you.”

“What if I ask her to tape it for you?”

“Are you trying to get rid of me?”

“How could you ever think something like that?” I asked. “I’m shocked.”

“Asshole.”

I chuckled as we crossed the hot tarmac where the shuttle sat. The tree line seemed funny sitting right beside a modern landing field. Usually, a city would spring up around a starport. This small port was solely for use by my forces as we did business with the matriarch.

“I bet you’re glad we don’t have to carry cash to them instead of the slate Telegon sent.”

“I could imagine paying in crates of gold,” I said. “But they aren’t that old fashioned.”

“How come that one has a quiver of javelins?”

“Well, maybe some of them are old fashioned.”

“He hasn’t fired a gun, or he’d sell his children to get one.”

“You’re probably right.”

“You ready for this?”

“Yeah,” I said. “We have more casualties to report this time, but we had to fight Oogar. Those bastards are tough.”

“They are,” he said. “So, how long have you known about Grawwl?”

“It’s been about a year or so,” I said.

“That’s crazy, isn’t it?”

“Maybe a little.”

“I don’t know what to think about it,” he said.

“You should know,” I said.

“What?”

“You have enough money from the mining company to buy anything you’d ever want. You don’t have to raise another rifle, yet you’re out here, right beside him.”

“But that’s different,” he said.

“How?” I stopped and turned toward him. “He was born with enough wealth. You have enough wealth. It’s the same thing. We do this because it’s who we are until we aren’t anymore. Then we can quit.”

“So, why haven’t you quit?”

“I made promises.”

He shook his head. “Maybe, today.”

“What?”

“Maybe, today is the day she eats you. Then I can quit.”

“I really hope not.”

“I’d say so.”

The large Andori greeted us in its loud, roaring language, “Gorestole! Welcome!”

“Pandures,” I returned his greeting. “How are you?”

“I am still here,” he said. “Allameeta has not eaten me yet. But, she hasn’t had her dinner, so be careful.

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