Manly Wade Wellman - Hok 01 by Battle in the Dawn (v1.1)

Author:Battle in the Dawn (v1.1) [Dawn, Battle in the]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER VI

The Capture of Riw

HOK and Oloana had not much time in the days that followed to discuss or dread the Gnorrls. As a matter of fact, Hok forgot the creatures, as much as any man could forget, having once encountered them. But when, in sight of the familiar plain and the bluff- bound river he saw on a ridge a cautiously peering hulk that was neither beast nor man, the old hate and revulsion came to him—came almost as strongly as though for the first time.

It was then that Hok, clutching Oloana’s wrist with a crushing strength that surprised even her who had seen him grapple the giant Kimri, half growled and half quavered a command never to stand, walk or sleep without a weapon in reach; never to relax guard; never to stir from the home shelter alone. Oloana then knew that if her mate feared anything, it was the unspeakable Gnorrl. Solemnly she promised to obey and strictly she kept that promise.

Approaching the old rock-defended camp by the river, Hok’s trained eye glimpsed footprints that told him of the presence of his kin. When he and Oloana drew into sight at the narrow entrance between rock and water, young Unn, who was standing guard, first sprang erect with poised javelin, then burst into an uproar of welcome. Others dashed into view—Eowi, Barp and Nohda, all larger and lovelier to Hok’s sight than when he had left them. There was a gay reunion in the open space before the cave; Hok introduced Oloana, with the simple declaration that she belonged to him and must be respected as much as his own right eye. Eowi smiled shyly but winningly at the stranger girl, and cemented a new friendship with a present—the finest of the scrapers captured from the Gnorrls.

When the first hugs and shouts had subsided a trifle, Hok suddenly stiffened to attention. Two figures—living human figures—crouched in the shadow of the rock.

“Who are these?” he demanded at once.

“Oh,” replied Eowi, with the carelessness employed in speaking of chattels, “Zhik found them.”

“Zhik?” Hok had missed his brother. “Where did he find them?”

“Here he comes,” interjected Barp. “Let him tell.”

Zhik trotted into view, bearing the hide and choicest parts of a slaughtered goat. He whooped at sight of Hok, and the two exchanged affectionate fraternal roars and buffets. Then came once more an introduction of Oloana, and finally Zhik’s explanation of the strangers.

He called them to stand forth—a middle-aged man with a great slate- colored beard, and a slim young girl, several years Eowi’s junior and as dark in complexion as Oloana. The man’s name was Kaga, and the girl was his daughter, Dwil. Zhik considered them his property, by right of discovery, capture and defense against the Gnorrls.

“Two days after you left,” he told Hok, “I was hunting, and saw four people—these two, another man and an older woman. I did not know if they were friends, and I kept out of sight. They were new in the country, for they did not watch for Gnorrls.

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