War World: The Patriotic War by John F. Carr

Author:John F. Carr
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pequod Press

Bat rode drag in the dimday light as the Young Tribe drove the herds of cattle and horses northwest below the foothills. He could just make out Ganzaya in the distance as she led the way. At the rear, he kept in contact with scouts who drifted back to watch for pursuit from the Tri Clans.

Somewhere ahead, Ganzaya had assured him, they would find a valley or two from which a stream flowed from the mountains onto the plains. Once they had a water source, they would have a home. He had a new life as Bat Khan.

Bat turned in the saddle to see if any scouts were coming back. He would take his turn in their rotation. Instead of scouts, however, he spotted a lone rider off to the side, out on the plains. This rider was pacing him but not coming any closer.

The profile struck him as familiar, even at a great distance in the dimday light. In a moment, he recognized his sister Odgerel, based on the outline of her clothes, hat, looped braids, and unusual height. She wore a Kalashnikov on her shoulder. He had always looked up to Bataar, but Odgerel was only a year younger than Bat and they had been close throughout their childhood.

None of the Young Tribe members were near him. Confused by Odgerel’s presence, he spurred to a canter to meet her. She did not come forward, but stopped to wait.

“Are you insane?” Bat called out as he drew close. “Riding out here alone?”

“Insane?” Odgerel shouted back. “I hoped I was wrong.”

“Wrong?” Bat drew up in front of her. “Nothing is wrong.”

“You and your friends stole those herds.”

“That’s no different from the raid on Purity we have heard about so many times in our lives. And the breakout from the mining camp. Where else did the Free Tribe’s original herds come from?”

“We need the Tri Clans as allies. And you’ve split our tribe. How can we fight these New Soviet Men this way? You’ve ruined everything.”

“This is my life. My father and brother can lead the Free Tribe against the New Soviet Men.” He hesitated. “You should not be out here alone.”

“The Women’s Patrol came with me. I asked them to wait out of sight.”

Bat looked past her in the dimday light, especially for his mother, but did not see the patrol. He was relieved that his sister was not alone out on the plains. “Why did you come here?”

“Maybe you are just blind. You know why Ganzaya hates us all.”

“I’m Batkhuyag Khan of the Young Tribe, and she doesn’t hate me.” He reined away and spurred his mount.

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