Conflict by Walt Socha

Author:Walt Socha [Socha, Walt]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Science Fiction, Adventure, Colonization, Time Travel, Teen & Young Adult
Amazon: B01MSJ69DC
Publisher: Wyeast Press
Published: 2016-11-07T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 31. Day 39

Joe raised one arm then another, loosening tired muscles, and looked toward the river. He smiled as he watched several of the children working with one of the horses. Brent had them leading Flicker around, getting them used to communicating with the animal using body language.

Impatient as he could sometimes be with humans, the guy had a knack with animals.

“Real good to watch the kids, aye?” Larry’s adze scraped along a crossbeam, shaving down a high spot. The tower was almost complete, lacking only a few remaining floor planks and part of the railing for the lookout perch. Above him, Matu lashed a bundle of reeds to the roofing beams. “What about some sort of barrier?” Larry asked. “Don’t want to fall off in the middle of the night.”

“It would take forever to split planks for walls.” Joe ran his hand along the rough railing. “I saw Sesapa weaving what looked like fish net. Maybe...”

“I’ll ask her.”

Joe glanced at Larry, but the big man kept his eyes on his adze.

As Joe turned back to his end of the beam, movement along the path to Haven caught his eye. “Got company.” Joe pointed back at the rebuilt village. “I think that’s Marisa.” “That’s one scary old woman.” Larry’s adze peeled another slice from a high point on the beam. “I’m ready for that next floor plank.”

The rough board had just been muscled into place when Marisa reached them. “Morning greetings.” The elder woman looked up and slowly shook her head. “You are birds today?”

“Morning greetings to you, Grandmother.” Joe smiled. “No, we just want to see what the bird sees.”

“I search for Kristi. She planned to hunt for herbs with me this morning.” The elder looked east. “Up into the northern branch of the valley.”

“I have not seen Sky Goddess this day,” Matu said from his perch.

Marisa looked up and frowned. “You should not insult the gods, child.”

“I am almost a warrior.”

“That you are.” Joe turned to Marisa. “And I think your gods would not fault a child. But I haven’t seen Kristi.” Joe looked at the sun. Almost noon. “When were you to meet her?”

“At sunrise.”

“I didn’t see her this morning.” Larry grunted. “Or last evening.”

“Last time I saw her was yesterday at lunch,” Joe said. “Heard her said something about Levanu and exercise. Was late for dinner, so I didn’t notice she wasn’t around.” He dropped his hammer and started climbing down the ladder. “I’ll look around for her.”

“Joe, over there.” Larry pointed to the south. “East. Downriver. Half a mile along the river trail. I see two horses approaching the garden clearing. With empty saddles.” “Matu, keep watch.” Joe slid down the remaining section of ladder and ran, Larry’s heavy footfalls behind him.

Within minutes, they reached the river trail and slowed.

Talking in a soft voice, Joe approached the horses and took hold of their reins. One was Sweetpea, Kristi’s usual mount. The other was Bitchess, one of the older mares. Levanu had been learning to ride on her.

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