The Transall Saga by Gary Paulsen

Author:Gary Paulsen
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Fiction
ISBN: 9780307434036
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Published: 2009-04-10T21:00:00+00:00

chapter 31

"What is the matter with you, Kakon? You do not seem like yourself today." Dagon was putting the finishing touches on a new crossbow. "You have nothing to be anxious about. The feasting begins tonight. And the Merkon’s messenger has sent word that the Overlord will arrive tomorrow in time for the games."

"I’m not anxious. I was just thinking." Mark scraped the shaft of an arrow. "Dagon, I’ve been curious. Who is this Merkon? Does he come from another Tsook tribe?"

"The Merkon is the leader of all Transall. He lives across the great river and is coming many miles to meet you."

"Why would he do that? Why would he travel here to watch my ceremony?"

"The Overlord was invited and chose to come. That is all I know. We have not seen him on this side of the river in years. He always sends an emissary to collect our tribute. It is a great honor that he wishes to visit us in person."

"Maybe he’s coming to check up on you, Dagon. You know, make sure you’re doing things the way he wants."

"There is no need. We are only a small village on the outskirts of many others that are much larger. And we pay our tribute each year. The Merkon would not waste his time checking on us."

Mark sat back. "Are you telling me there are bigger towns than this one?"

"Of course. The Tsook are more numerous than the stars. Unfortunately, there are also many tribes of nonpersons in Transall. It will take time but we will conquer them all."

"Is this the Merkon’s plan?"

"In the time before the Merkon, even the Tsook fought among themselves. The land was constantly at war. Now we are united under his leadership and peace is more common."

"Kakon." Barow stuck his head out the door. "Megaan and Leeta have something they want to show you."

Mark set his arrow on the ground. "What is it?"

"You will not be able to see from there," Megaan shouted. "Come inside."

Mark stepped across the threshold and stopped. The girls were holding up a brand-new set of clothing made of soft off-white leather with long fringe on the sleeves.

"We made them for your ceremony, Mark," Leeta said proudly. "Do you like them?"

"Of course I did all the sewing," Megaan’s grandmother said smugly. "These silly girls would never have gotten it right on their own."

Mark touched the new clothes. "I’ve never had anything so nice. I don’t know what to say."

"You could say thank you," Megaan teased. "Unless those words are too hard for an important warrior to say."

"Unlike some people"—he made a face at Megaan—"I can say thank you ... all."

"You’d better hurry home and get ready." Megaan put the buckskins in his hands and pushed him out the door. "We cannot have you embarrassing us at the feasting."

Dagon grinned at him. "It is a dangerous thing to have women sew for you, Kakon. Next thing you know they will be telling you to take a bath. "

"In my case that might not be such a bad idea.

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