Fractured Prophecy by P J McDermott

Author:P J McDermott [McDermott, P J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780648092131
Published: 2019-07-06T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 15

Dur Untash

Hickory surveyed the land below while the others waited on the blind side of the crest.

“What do you see?” called Gareth.

Hickory sucked in a long breath, turned onto her back and slid down toward them. “A village on the shore of the lake. Lots of people.” The blood hammered in her temples. She hadn’t really believed Sikona’s story of humankind on Auriga, thinking he’d made it up to encourage the GA to take on the mission. When they discovered the signs of early man on the island, she’d assumed the Mesopotamian ruins indicated an Earth colony, long-since extinct.

“Lakedwellers?” Gareth and Jess spoke in unison.

“I guess so. A couple of hundred men, women, and children, as human as you and me. There’s no sign of the Bikashi. They seem an undernourished lot and their clothes are pretty scruffy. Fishermen, I think. There are a half dozen wooden boats anchored by the lake.” She glanced at Sikona. “Looks like I owe you an apology.”

“It is no matter; however, I believe the time is now opportune for us to part ways.”

Hickory eyed the sword he still bore from the snake attack. “Why decide to go now? You have proved your worth after a poor beginning. We agreed you’d take us to the gates of the city.”

“I have learned much over the last ten days, Captain. I do not want to be responsible for placing you in Jolphyr’s hands, and my presence would not go unnoticed in the village.” His eyes formed perfect circles and his nose quivered with mirth. “No, better for all if I make my way to Kaffur alone. You will have no difficulty finding the city from here. Perhaps I will see you there.” He handed the blade to Hickory and strode away. Halfway down the hill, he half-turned and raised an arm in farewell.

Watching him go, Hickory felt both relief and regret. Sikona wasn’t a friend, he might never be, she thought, but he’d been true to his word. How would the people of Earth respond to this assessment of the trustworthiness of the Bikashi nature? It went against all she’d ever been taught. She’d likely be arrested for treason for merely voicing it.

Gareth glanced at her. “Are you sure he’s not going straight to Jolphyr?”

“Sure? I’m not certain of anything in this world, but I have to trust him.” She inspected her team’s clothing. Like her own, they’d been chosen based on Sikona’s descriptions of Lakedweller attire. After weeks on the planet, they were looking shabby. Probably won’t stand out too much. “Boots and socks off.”

<<Hic-o-ray, I have no boots or socks,>> Anyar transmitted.

#

The children playing in the street spotted them sliding down the scree and fled, screaming with excitement. People appeared at the doors of their dwellings, curious to see what had caused the commotion. Others went racing off to spread the word.

“So much for blending in,” muttered Gareth.

Hickory noticed the tendons on Anyar’s neck stiffen and her eyes narrow as the humans scattered in front of them.

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