Chapter 9 - The Outside World

The air was crisp, and the ground was wet from the storm. The grass was slick and stuck with each step, but worst of all was that it left tracks. V was easily distracted by the outside world. Every tree, every bush, even large rocks seemed to be worthy of her attention or some question. Even those from the nursery knew better than to yap on and on about what everything was.

“What tree is that?”

“A tree.” she replied

“But what is it called?”

“Stupid tree, same as the other stupid tree.”

“Why was one a walnut tree and this is just a stupid tree?”

“Because it doesn’t have walnuts or anything useful. It has smelly sap and pointy bristles.”

She recalled that they did have names, but it was difficult remembering which was hemlock and birch and cherry and maple. Everything had a name, but names were not that useful. Every Gobbo had a name, but knowing those names did not matter unless you needed them for some reason. Even having a real name before they left the nursery was a waste, more than half died. Knowing names made you care and caring made you weak.

“Leaf… Leaf…” V called out from behind a bush.

“What!?” she snapped and looked to see where her friend was crouched at a poisonous berry bush, “Don’t eat those!”

V’s ears twitched, but she said nothing and took cover behind one of those stupid trees. She really was no better than a yearling out here, but whether or not she was a child was a matter of just one night. There would be no changing her now. She was always easily scared and hard to push to do anything, but the Great Mother would need her? Yes. V was a terrible liar and did not put enough thought into anything. That alone is why she was a danger out here.

“Leaf.” V asked, “Where is the bucket?”

Her hands found her face, half in exasperation and half embarrassment, “Just go!”

It was just one thing after another with V. The light of dawn loomed to the east by the time they had made the trek to the stream. Unlike the springs around the warren, this was the limit of their normal gathering territory. The rushing water came from high up in the hills without end. The current was faster than one could walk, but once every year the fish would leap out of the water and climb upstream. Today was not one of those days. She was relieved when V remained silent, and they began to follow the stream down towards the shore.

Then it got awkward. Walking in silence, V’s steps shadowing hers. The sun rose up and the shadows of the night stretched like twisted giants many times her size out in front of her. V’s own shadow reached her, but yet she said nothing. V would have continued with her questions if not for her. It was not comfortable, but it was better than her constant pestering.

“Leaf…”

Here we go again. She continued walking towards the shore.

“Leaf.” she whispered, “Who is that?”

Who? That caught her attention, and she looked to where V stared. Several large figures moved through the rolling land and she recognized the glint of the chainmail and leather packs they carried. Mahn! She turned to V and gave the sign for silence and caution, but V did not know those.

“Huh?” V mimicked the sign but kept her voice low.

“Mahn. Why are they here?” she motioned to hide and take cover.

A group of five tall figures moved with purpose as they moved through the hills, searching for something. V followed after them, clumsily tripping over loose rock and hugging behind trees at least. Perhaps she did have some instinctual knowledge after all, but it was not enough.

“What are you doing?”

“They are saying something.” V whispered

“It is not like you can understand them.”

V shook her head, “I can understand a little.”

If that was true, then the Great Mother really did see some purpose for V. How did she know their language? Either way, V was intent on listening to them as they trekked over the land in search of whatever they were after. One thing was clear, it was not a hunt, and it was not going to be peaceful. The five figures were armed, each of the five having a dagger or very large dagger on their belts, one carrying a bow and quiver.

The one in the lead was wearing strange armor made of little rings over an animal hide piece of clothing. This one was the leader. A male with a short brown mass of hair on the top of his head. He was the only one not carrying the leather bag on his back. That job obviously fell to his underlings.

The second one was tall and dark skinned compared to the first. A Dwellin? It could not be. Taller and carrying a dagger and the bow and quiver, they wore a hood that hid most of their face and any signs of their ears that would make their identity more obvious. A Dwellin working with Mahn would be dangerous, as Dwellin were supposed to be their allies! This one was also male, but more than that was difficult to tell.

The third in line carried a very long dagger and a heavy pack with several spears bundled up in the pack. Moving in the middle, this was either an important figure or someone who could not be trusted. Another male, but of pale skin and long black hair.

The fourth was different, though with the same pack and dagger, this one was smaller and had long hair. Worse, her chest was full. If she still had breasts, then she cared for young that were not yet weaned. So, they were bringing their entire tribe over now? It did not make sense to her.

“Look.” she whispered to V, “She is full of milk. That means they brought their young here. Their whole tribe has come over this time it seems.”

“How do you know she is full of milk?” V asked.

“Are you stupid? Milk swells in a mother’s chest so long as the child is not weaned. Surely you have noticed at the nursery. Why would one of them be out and about without a child?” She did not understand it. It was a pointless risk.

V shook her head, “No. Even those who are not mothers have that.”

“Did the Great Mother tell you that?”

“No-”

“The dream?” she asked, “Or are you trying to keep me from worrying?”

“I know. I just know.” V said with a lack of confidence, “They are not like us.”

It did not help. The last in line was another dark-skinned figure carrying a very large pack and two daggers. Another male. That would make three warriors, a leader and likely its mate. Perhaps they were looking for their warren from the last time they appeared? The Dwellin Host had come down from the mountains and destroyed them, but now they worked together?

As they ventured towards the cliff side, something came into view. A cave with two logs propped against one another in an upside-down V over the entrance. The two logs were lashed at the top by rope with the tail ends coming down in the middle in a loop. Threaded through the rope by a cut was a circular stone. This was the den of Mahn. The five gathered around and began to inspect the entrance. It was likely not their first time seeing it.

“We need to tell the chief.” She said to V, “They have come back, and they mean to stay.”

“I want to get closer.” V said, “I need to know what they are talking about.”

“Do as you want. I am telling the chief. Don’t get killed.” she said as she decided to take her leave, “I brought you to them. I am going back.”

V did not seem to care. She did not try to stop her from leaving. Just what happened? Was this still the same V as from last night? Nothing made sense. V was stupid. Everyone was stupid. Leaving was difficult, but she had her own duty and telling the chief of the danger was more important than a stupid qued.