The Guide, Wulfshard [management books to read txt] 📗

stop for the night?”
“No.” Visam told the cat – who she couldn’t even see, but felt was keeping step with her. “This is the worst part of the swamp. We can’t stop. There isn’t anywhere to rest, anyway, and we haven’t seen or heard from the humans in two days.
“We have to rest some time, Visam. I can’t walk on this ankle much longer. And we’re all cold and tired.” Kukka told her. The white tigress walked a little passed her lizard guide. There was a snap of thick string before the sound of switches click. Out of the trees at least long, wooden spears plunged. One was headed right for Kukka.
“Idiot!”
Visam shoved her out of the way. The sound of splitting flesh and tearing scales filled the air as she was flung against the ground.
“Visam!!!!!!!!!” Surudu was there, picking her up in second. Blood stained the ground crimson as the lizard choked in pain. Her eyes were clouded with agony.
“Kukka…is –”
“She’s fine.” Her companion told her. “She’s just fine.”

Pain. That was all Visam knew. There was only pain…and darkness. Voices at the edge of her hearing were whispering. Everything was blurred and fuzzy as she tried to open her heavy eyes. Visam heard Surudu's voice, and something about removing a spear. Absolute and complete agony tore through the lizard's world as something snapped and was jerked out.
"Stop the bleeding!" Something shouted.
Hot cloth wrapped around her almost too tightly for her to breath. She couldn't think. Every small movement, even breathing, was laced by the hot agony. Vaguely, the Mozori was aware of three people - one of which she felt grab her hand. It was Surudu. He was worried; she could feel it.
She was so weak...so tired...
Once again Visam was asleep.

*****

Surudu paced back and forth for a time. But the two Demi stayed close to the fire, watching Visam closely. She was bandaged now, and the bleeding was easing. But it wasn't stopping, and she wasn't waking up. Kukka and Tuphanu began to talk quietly in their own language.
"No." Tuphanu suddenly growled. "I won't have it."
"But -"
"Damn it, Kukka. That's too dangerous. She wouldn't want that, because then we'd have to carry you. Do you think a powerful Mozori like her wants to trudge through a dangerous swamp carrying a Demi on her damn back?"
"Shut up." Surudu hissed. "Arguing about anything is stupid here. We have to find a way to keep going."
"Are you insane?" Tuphanu snapped. "Visam is half-dead!"
"Which is why we need to make another boat. We can't stay here.

You don't understand; we will all die. Even if the humans turned around and left right now or were killed right in front of us, we would die. Staying where we are is suicide. We have to go on."
"Who will guide us?"
"I can guide. I won't be as safe or good as Visam, but it's a Mozori trait. Now... Tuphanu, I need you to help me chop some wood. Kukka can watch Visam. She seems to know more about medicine."
The cat rose stiffly and followed the lizard just passed the firelight. He helped her cut down a large, hallowed and dead tree - refusing to touch anything alive. The two drug it toward the light. He began to shape it, telling his assistant what to do as they went alone.
Surudu frequently looked at Visam. He tried his hardest not to show his concern or desperation, but it wasn't easy to hide.
How can we live, if she dies here?

Imprint

Publication Date: 12-25-2011

All Rights Reserved

Dedication:
This book is dedicated to my family and best friend for the inspiration and encouragement for all my writings.