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Oops - I forgot to label it but this is my entry for SSC 18.
****************
In a state of semi-consciousness, half awake but still half asleep, L’jakta sighed with regret as she realised she was alone and that P’eldro had left. She could hear Jana purring quietly in her sleep but the rest of the camp was still silent in the early morning. Snuggling down deeper into the blankets and cushions her mind wandered dreamily amongst the memories of recent events.
The whole tribe had moved all their belongings down to the main summer camp one month earlier. The elders, astride their favourite ponies, had led a ragtag band of people down to the plain. It had been a colourful and noisy affair. Young hunters, in charge of driving livestock from the spring camp, had discovered, much to their disgust, that the pigs and goats did not always go the way they were supposed to. The children, who delighted in chasing the pigs around, making the chore even harder, hampered them still further. Wagons, nearly empty, were driven slowly to the camp by the womenfolk. The wagons would return full as the summer camp was the place where provisions were restocked, old friendships renewed and the hunt would take place.
L’jakta gave up trying to herd the pigs and rode ahead to catch up with her mothers’ wagon. She tied her pony up and swung nimbly into the back to be greeted by a growl and two luminous yellow eyes. Jana was L’jakta hunting cat and the look of disgust that she threw L’jakta spoke volumes about her opinion on being made to ride in the back of the wagon. L’jakta had been present when Jana was born and was the first thing the cat had seen when she opened her eyes. This had always been the way that the bonding took place. Afterwards the hunter and cat were so in tune they were almost telepathic.
“Never mind” L’jakta told Jana “ we’re nearly there. I can see tents belonging to the tribes who are already at the camp”. In reply Jana playfully slapped her shoulder with a massive paw but then lay down to wait out the rest of the ride. Jana was only 8 months old and considered still too young and playful to be allowed to run with the ponies as the other cats had done. So it was that she had been confined to the wagon.
Three weeks passed swiftly amidst much merriment and tribal reunions. L’jakta had an early start the next day as her brother was leading the hunt and had allowed L’jakta and Jana to go with them. She was just about to enter her tent when she became aware that someone was watching her. She glanced around and noticed that P’eldro, the dark one as she had secretly named him, had joined the tribes. He nodded once in her direction, spun away and disappeared into the dusk. L’jakta watched him leave. It had been six months since she’d last seen him. Even among the nomadic tribes he was an odd one, he came and went as he pleased. Sighing quietly to herself she turned in for the night.
Riding out at first light to join the other hunters she had been secretly delighted to see that P’eldro would be going with them. Again he glanced in her direction, nodded his head slightly, and then turned away to listen to the instructions being issued by her brother. Everyone knew what was expected of them and they all rode out silently to the hunting fields. The hunting cats weaved their way amongst the ponies but Jana stayed close to her side. L’jakta wasn’t taking part in the hunt but was going only as a spectator. Peeling away from the hunters she led Jana up a small hill so that they could watch from a short distance away.
Sliding down off her pony she stood beside it and laid a hand on the back of Jana who had plodded up to stand on her other side. Together they watched as hunters and cats moved in perfect unison to bring down the antelopes that would go towards feeding and clothing them over the coming 12 months. “Look Jana, we’ll be doing that in a couple of months when you come of age” said L’jakta. Jana just gazed haughtily at her in disbelief. Her look told L’jakta that she considered herself ready now and it was L’jakta that was holding them back. L’jakta laughed softly at Jana and turned once again to the hunters. She watched as P’eldro and her brother peeled away from the other hunters and headed towards her. Looking down she spotted a majestic buck idly watching the proceedings from the edge of the herd. That was obviously their quarry and she gazed with some envy as they closed in for the kill.
Suddenly she was aware of a sound behind her and glancing over her shoulder she could see Jana stalking the rabbits that had come out to play at the bottom of the hill. At that precise moment a lanypack charged from a small grove of trees. L’jakta screamed for Jana in horror as the lanypanks’ horn caught Jana in the thigh and threw the huge cat into the air. She was already on her pony and flying down the hill towards Jana as the lanypack, for all its size, lifted the cat into its mouth and raced away. Sobbing hysterically she didn’t hear the ponies until P’eldro pulled his up in front of her, halting her headlong flight.
“Stop” was all he said.
“Let go of my pony” snarled L’jakta “I’m going after her”
“And what good would that do? The cat is already as good as dead”
“But she’s not dead yet! I’m not giving up on her.” Suddenly L’jakta found herself uncontrollably sobbing. “She’s not dead yet. I can still sense her.”
P’eldros’ cat came and stood alongside L’jakta. “You too?” he questioned the cat. “Okay, okay but just wait a moment.”
He turned and looked at L’jaktas’ brother and an unspoken message passed between them. Her brother rode away and returned quickly with 4 of their most experienced hunters. “Now we’ll track the lanypack,” said P’eldro.
The tracks were unmistakeable as the small party moved out with P’eldros’ cat leading the way. There was no question of L’jakta not going with them and it was with dry eyes and head now held high that she rode by his side. They had only travelled 2 miles when P’eldros cat hissed and flattened her ears. Ahead of them the tracks led to an opening of what was obviously a large cave. Nothing was said as P’eldro indicated that his cat would lure the lanypack out. The hunters spread out ready for the kill while it was indicated that L’jakta should stay out of harms way.
Without waiting to be lured the lanypack charged out of the cave, straight at the nearest hunter. If the hunter hadn’t been so experienced he would have been badly gored. As it was he threw his ponies head around while his own cat charged into the attack. Everything seemed to be chaos to L’jakta as she watched hunters and cats confuse and turn the lanypack. It was a difficult predator to kill but not impossible for the hunters who were there. They knew what they were doing and deftly kept out of reach of the horns and teeth of the lanypack. Soon it was obvious, even to L’jakta, that the animal was tiring. The cats were able to nip at its legs and soon the ground was covered in blood from a dozen different wounds. At that moment P’eldro and her brother rode at it from opposite directions and their spears flew true. The lanypack screamed in a mixture of anger and fear but in its weakened state could not retaliate. The other hunters closed in and it was over in moments.
What was just moments to the hunters had been a lifetime to L’jakta as she raced her pony to the mouth of the cave, dismounted and ran inside. Jana was laid just on the inside and it was obvious from the tracks she’d left that she had tried to drag herself from the cave. L’jakta fell to her knees beside the cat and cradled her head in her arms. Jana was still alive but barely as P’eldro and her brother came into the cave. Between them they picked the cat up and set it on a sled they had brought with them. Leaving the other hunters to quarter and strip the lanypack they escorted L’jakta and Jana back to camp.
Jana had been extremely lucky. Other than the initial injury to her thigh, a broken front leg and a shock which would keep her quiet for a few days she had nothing else wrong with her. L’jakta sat with Jana for several hours, just talking quietly to her and stroking her fur. Eventually Jana fell asleep and L’jakta became aware that the evenings' entertainment had begun as the women danced the hunt. It was very rare for L’jakta to dance but she decided that she would this evening.
As the other women melted away she stepped into the firelight. Chiffon scarves of blood red, pink sand, green grass and black encased her body. The drums beat out the time for her as she twisted and turned. Imitating the hunters, cats and lanypack she danced the rescue of her cat. As the last drum beat faded into the night she stood before P’eldro. Black and red chiffon scarves were entwined and offered to him in an age-old fashion. As a chieftains daughter she knew that this was a brazen thing to do. If he refused to take the other end of the scarves and stand she would be humiliated. Not just before her own tribe but the other tribes spread around the camp would hear about it swiftly as well.
P’eldro knew she was there. Although he had seemed to be joking with the other hunters he had watched her every move, as he did on most occasions. L’jakta could barely look him in the eye but her pride would not allow her to look away. She watched with bated breath as he took hold of the free end of the scarves but instead of standing up he tugged on his end. The move was so unexpected that it caught L’jakta by surprise and unbalanced her. As she fell she was caught by P’eldro and he placed her in his lap much to the enjoyment of the hunters close by who had witnessed it. L’jakta had been too relieved originally to mind the move but filed away for future reference the fact that she owned him one.
What followed was a week of pure delight and discovery for both of them. They hunted together, feasted together, laughed together and spent every night in her tent exploring each other. Learning that they had a passion equalled by the other as the cats kept guard at the door of the tent and politely seemed not to watch.
Which brought L’jakta back to the present time and the fact that she was alone in her cushions. She had known that this day would come but she hadn’t expected it to arrive so early. Nor had she expected him to leave without a word. Shrugging resignedly she rolled out of her bed and padded across the tent to check on Jana. The cat was just about fully recovered but still tired easily. As L’jakta stroked the cat her hand caught on a thin leather strap which had been tied around Janas’ neck. Lifting it carefully over the cats’ head L’jakta stared in wonder at the perfectly formed black diamond that the thong held. For her people the diamond was a symbol of eternity and joining. For L’jakta it was an indication that P’eldro would return soon. Tying the strap about her neck she couldn’t help it, she knew she wore a huge smile. Nudging Jana to get a move on and get out of the tent she could have sworn that the cat was smirking as well.
****************
In a state of semi-consciousness, half awake but still half asleep, L’jakta sighed with regret as she realised she was alone and that P’eldro had left. She could hear Jana purring quietly in her sleep but the rest of the camp was still silent in the early morning. Snuggling down deeper into the blankets and cushions her mind wandered dreamily amongst the memories of recent events.
The whole tribe had moved all their belongings down to the main summer camp one month earlier. The elders, astride their favourite ponies, had led a ragtag band of people down to the plain. It had been a colourful and noisy affair. Young hunters, in charge of driving livestock from the spring camp, had discovered, much to their disgust, that the pigs and goats did not always go the way they were supposed to. The children, who delighted in chasing the pigs around, making the chore even harder, hampered them still further. Wagons, nearly empty, were driven slowly to the camp by the womenfolk. The wagons would return full as the summer camp was the place where provisions were restocked, old friendships renewed and the hunt would take place.
L’jakta gave up trying to herd the pigs and rode ahead to catch up with her mothers’ wagon. She tied her pony up and swung nimbly into the back to be greeted by a growl and two luminous yellow eyes. Jana was L’jakta hunting cat and the look of disgust that she threw L’jakta spoke volumes about her opinion on being made to ride in the back of the wagon. L’jakta had been present when Jana was born and was the first thing the cat had seen when she opened her eyes. This had always been the way that the bonding took place. Afterwards the hunter and cat were so in tune they were almost telepathic.
“Never mind” L’jakta told Jana “ we’re nearly there. I can see tents belonging to the tribes who are already at the camp”. In reply Jana playfully slapped her shoulder with a massive paw but then lay down to wait out the rest of the ride. Jana was only 8 months old and considered still too young and playful to be allowed to run with the ponies as the other cats had done. So it was that she had been confined to the wagon.
Three weeks passed swiftly amidst much merriment and tribal reunions. L’jakta had an early start the next day as her brother was leading the hunt and had allowed L’jakta and Jana to go with them. She was just about to enter her tent when she became aware that someone was watching her. She glanced around and noticed that P’eldro, the dark one as she had secretly named him, had joined the tribes. He nodded once in her direction, spun away and disappeared into the dusk. L’jakta watched him leave. It had been six months since she’d last seen him. Even among the nomadic tribes he was an odd one, he came and went as he pleased. Sighing quietly to herself she turned in for the night.
Riding out at first light to join the other hunters she had been secretly delighted to see that P’eldro would be going with them. Again he glanced in her direction, nodded his head slightly, and then turned away to listen to the instructions being issued by her brother. Everyone knew what was expected of them and they all rode out silently to the hunting fields. The hunting cats weaved their way amongst the ponies but Jana stayed close to her side. L’jakta wasn’t taking part in the hunt but was going only as a spectator. Peeling away from the hunters she led Jana up a small hill so that they could watch from a short distance away.
Sliding down off her pony she stood beside it and laid a hand on the back of Jana who had plodded up to stand on her other side. Together they watched as hunters and cats moved in perfect unison to bring down the antelopes that would go towards feeding and clothing them over the coming 12 months. “Look Jana, we’ll be doing that in a couple of months when you come of age” said L’jakta. Jana just gazed haughtily at her in disbelief. Her look told L’jakta that she considered herself ready now and it was L’jakta that was holding them back. L’jakta laughed softly at Jana and turned once again to the hunters. She watched as P’eldro and her brother peeled away from the other hunters and headed towards her. Looking down she spotted a majestic buck idly watching the proceedings from the edge of the herd. That was obviously their quarry and she gazed with some envy as they closed in for the kill.
Suddenly she was aware of a sound behind her and glancing over her shoulder she could see Jana stalking the rabbits that had come out to play at the bottom of the hill. At that precise moment a lanypack charged from a small grove of trees. L’jakta screamed for Jana in horror as the lanypanks’ horn caught Jana in the thigh and threw the huge cat into the air. She was already on her pony and flying down the hill towards Jana as the lanypack, for all its size, lifted the cat into its mouth and raced away. Sobbing hysterically she didn’t hear the ponies until P’eldro pulled his up in front of her, halting her headlong flight.
“Stop” was all he said.
“Let go of my pony” snarled L’jakta “I’m going after her”
“And what good would that do? The cat is already as good as dead”
“But she’s not dead yet! I’m not giving up on her.” Suddenly L’jakta found herself uncontrollably sobbing. “She’s not dead yet. I can still sense her.”
P’eldros’ cat came and stood alongside L’jakta. “You too?” he questioned the cat. “Okay, okay but just wait a moment.”
He turned and looked at L’jaktas’ brother and an unspoken message passed between them. Her brother rode away and returned quickly with 4 of their most experienced hunters. “Now we’ll track the lanypack,” said P’eldro.
The tracks were unmistakeable as the small party moved out with P’eldros’ cat leading the way. There was no question of L’jakta not going with them and it was with dry eyes and head now held high that she rode by his side. They had only travelled 2 miles when P’eldros cat hissed and flattened her ears. Ahead of them the tracks led to an opening of what was obviously a large cave. Nothing was said as P’eldro indicated that his cat would lure the lanypack out. The hunters spread out ready for the kill while it was indicated that L’jakta should stay out of harms way.
Without waiting to be lured the lanypack charged out of the cave, straight at the nearest hunter. If the hunter hadn’t been so experienced he would have been badly gored. As it was he threw his ponies head around while his own cat charged into the attack. Everything seemed to be chaos to L’jakta as she watched hunters and cats confuse and turn the lanypack. It was a difficult predator to kill but not impossible for the hunters who were there. They knew what they were doing and deftly kept out of reach of the horns and teeth of the lanypack. Soon it was obvious, even to L’jakta, that the animal was tiring. The cats were able to nip at its legs and soon the ground was covered in blood from a dozen different wounds. At that moment P’eldro and her brother rode at it from opposite directions and their spears flew true. The lanypack screamed in a mixture of anger and fear but in its weakened state could not retaliate. The other hunters closed in and it was over in moments.
What was just moments to the hunters had been a lifetime to L’jakta as she raced her pony to the mouth of the cave, dismounted and ran inside. Jana was laid just on the inside and it was obvious from the tracks she’d left that she had tried to drag herself from the cave. L’jakta fell to her knees beside the cat and cradled her head in her arms. Jana was still alive but barely as P’eldro and her brother came into the cave. Between them they picked the cat up and set it on a sled they had brought with them. Leaving the other hunters to quarter and strip the lanypack they escorted L’jakta and Jana back to camp.
Jana had been extremely lucky. Other than the initial injury to her thigh, a broken front leg and a shock which would keep her quiet for a few days she had nothing else wrong with her. L’jakta sat with Jana for several hours, just talking quietly to her and stroking her fur. Eventually Jana fell asleep and L’jakta became aware that the evenings' entertainment had begun as the women danced the hunt. It was very rare for L’jakta to dance but she decided that she would this evening.
As the other women melted away she stepped into the firelight. Chiffon scarves of blood red, pink sand, green grass and black encased her body. The drums beat out the time for her as she twisted and turned. Imitating the hunters, cats and lanypack she danced the rescue of her cat. As the last drum beat faded into the night she stood before P’eldro. Black and red chiffon scarves were entwined and offered to him in an age-old fashion. As a chieftains daughter she knew that this was a brazen thing to do. If he refused to take the other end of the scarves and stand she would be humiliated. Not just before her own tribe but the other tribes spread around the camp would hear about it swiftly as well.
P’eldro knew she was there. Although he had seemed to be joking with the other hunters he had watched her every move, as he did on most occasions. L’jakta could barely look him in the eye but her pride would not allow her to look away. She watched with bated breath as he took hold of the free end of the scarves but instead of standing up he tugged on his end. The move was so unexpected that it caught L’jakta by surprise and unbalanced her. As she fell she was caught by P’eldro and he placed her in his lap much to the enjoyment of the hunters close by who had witnessed it. L’jakta had been too relieved originally to mind the move but filed away for future reference the fact that she owned him one.
What followed was a week of pure delight and discovery for both of them. They hunted together, feasted together, laughed together and spent every night in her tent exploring each other. Learning that they had a passion equalled by the other as the cats kept guard at the door of the tent and politely seemed not to watch.
Which brought L’jakta back to the present time and the fact that she was alone in her cushions. She had known that this day would come but she hadn’t expected it to arrive so early. Nor had she expected him to leave without a word. Shrugging resignedly she rolled out of her bed and padded across the tent to check on Jana. The cat was just about fully recovered but still tired easily. As L’jakta stroked the cat her hand caught on a thin leather strap which had been tied around Janas’ neck. Lifting it carefully over the cats’ head L’jakta stared in wonder at the perfectly formed black diamond that the thong held. For her people the diamond was a symbol of eternity and joining. For L’jakta it was an indication that P’eldro would return soon. Tying the strap about her neck she couldn’t help it, she knew she wore a huge smile. Nudging Jana to get a move on and get out of the tent she could have sworn that the cat was smirking as well.
Liked it - a good one.
Yet despite the deft story telling and competent character development, it seemed a little forced - as FFF said, the description wasn't quite up to scratch and I never really had a visual idea of what was happening.
Otherwise though, good stuff.
Yet despite the deft story telling and competent character development, it seemed a little forced - as FFF said, the description wasn't quite up to scratch and I never really had a visual idea of what was happening.
Otherwise though, good stuff.
Seemed like part of a novel or something to build up a greater plot to me. I enjoyed, but there were times when it plodded on a little.
Still, nice. :)
Still, nice. :)
Thanks for the comments. Yes, it is generic but funnily enough I enjoyed getting it written down at last. It has a face, feet and body. It also started out as 'Nomad' was altered for 'Diamond' but needed 'Tracks' for me to get it written down and completed.
I'll admit to being unsure about 'descriptive energy' but it sounds good so I hope I find it again soon :)
I'll admit to being unsure about 'descriptive energy' but it sounds good so I hope I find it again soon :)
I thought that this was a bit generic, just my opinion, and the description was a little lacking. It didn't really catch my attention at all to be honest.
Aye, a good tale well told in all.
But I couldn't help noticing the slight lack of your usual descriptive energy - it was a bit to restrained to get me involved fully.
But still good, despite that.
But I couldn't help noticing the slight lack of your usual descriptive energy - it was a bit to restrained to get me involved fully.
But still good, despite that.
Oops - I forgot to label it but this is my entry for SSC 18.
****************
In a state of semi-consciousness, half awake but still half asleep, L’jakta sighed with regret as she realised she was alone and that P’eldro had left. She could hear Jana purring quietly in her sleep but the rest of the camp was still silent in the early morning. Snuggling down deeper into the blankets and cushions her mind wandered dreamily amongst the memories of recent events.
The whole tribe had moved all their belongings down to the main summer camp one month earlier. The elders, astride their favourite ponies, had led a ragtag band of people down to the plain. It had been a colourful and noisy affair. Young hunters, in charge of driving livestock from the spring camp, had discovered, much to their disgust, that the pigs and goats did not always go the way they were supposed to. The children, who delighted in chasing the pigs around, making the chore even harder, hampered them still further. Wagons, nearly empty, were driven slowly to the camp by the womenfolk. The wagons would return full as the summer camp was the place where provisions were restocked, old friendships renewed and the hunt would take place.
L’jakta gave up trying to herd the pigs and rode ahead to catch up with her mothers’ wagon. She tied her pony up and swung nimbly into the back to be greeted by a growl and two luminous yellow eyes. Jana was L’jakta hunting cat and the look of disgust that she threw L’jakta spoke volumes about her opinion on being made to ride in the back of the wagon. L’jakta had been present when Jana was born and was the first thing the cat had seen when she opened her eyes. This had always been the way that the bonding took place. Afterwards the hunter and cat were so in tune they were almost telepathic.
“Never mind” L’jakta told Jana “ we’re nearly there. I can see tents belonging to the tribes who are already at the camp”. In reply Jana playfully slapped her shoulder with a massive paw but then lay down to wait out the rest of the ride. Jana was only 8 months old and considered still too young and playful to be allowed to run with the ponies as the other cats had done. So it was that she had been confined to the wagon.
Three weeks passed swiftly amidst much merriment and tribal reunions. L’jakta had an early start the next day as her brother was leading the hunt and had allowed L’jakta and Jana to go with them. She was just about to enter her tent when she became aware that someone was watching her. She glanced around and noticed that P’eldro, the dark one as she had secretly named him, had joined the tribes. He nodded once in her direction, spun away and disappeared into the dusk. L’jakta watched him leave. It had been six months since she’d last seen him. Even among the nomadic tribes he was an odd one, he came and went as he pleased. Sighing quietly to herself she turned in for the night.
Riding out at first light to join the other hunters she had been secretly delighted to see that P’eldro would be going with them. Again he glanced in her direction, nodded his head slightly, and then turned away to listen to the instructions being issued by her brother. Everyone knew what was expected of them and they all rode out silently to the hunting fields. The hunting cats weaved their way amongst the ponies but Jana stayed close to her side. L’jakta wasn’t taking part in the hunt but was going only as a spectator. Peeling away from the hunters she led Jana up a small hill so that they could watch from a short distance away.
Sliding down off her pony she stood beside it and laid a hand on the back of Jana who had plodded up to stand on her other side. Together they watched as hunters and cats moved in perfect unison to bring down the antelopes that would go towards feeding and clothing them over the coming 12 months. “Look Jana, we’ll be doing that in a couple of months when you come of age” said L’jakta. Jana just gazed haughtily at her in disbelief. Her look told L’jakta that she considered herself ready now and it was L’jakta that was holding them back. L’jakta laughed softly at Jana and turned once again to the hunters. She watched as P’eldro and her brother peeled away from the other hunters and headed towards her. Looking down she spotted a majestic buck idly watching the proceedings from the edge of the herd. That was obviously their quarry and she gazed with some envy as they closed in for the kill.
Suddenly she was aware of a sound behind her and glancing over her shoulder she could see Jana stalking the rabbits that had come out to play at the bottom of the hill. At that precise moment a lanypack charged from a small grove of trees. L’jakta screamed for Jana in horror as the lanypanks’ horn caught Jana in the thigh and threw the huge cat into the air. She was already on her pony and flying down the hill towards Jana as the lanypack, for all its size, lifted the cat into its mouth and raced away. Sobbing hysterically she didn’t hear the ponies until P’eldro pulled his up in front of her, halting her headlong flight.
“Stop” was all he said.
“Let go of my pony” snarled L’jakta “I’m going after her”
“And what good would that do? The cat is already as good as dead”
“But she’s not dead yet! I’m not giving up on her.” Suddenly L’jakta found herself uncontrollably sobbing. “She’s not dead yet. I can still sense her.”
P’eldros’ cat came and stood alongside L’jakta. “You too?” he questioned the cat. “Okay, okay but just wait a moment.”
He turned and looked at L’jaktas’ brother and an unspoken message passed between them. Her brother rode away and returned quickly with 4 of their most experienced hunters. “Now we’ll track the lanypack,” said P’eldro.
The tracks were unmistakeable as the small party moved out with P’eldros’ cat leading the way. There was no question of L’jakta not going with them and it was with dry eyes and head now held high that she rode by his side. They had only travelled 2 miles when P’eldros cat hissed and flattened her ears. Ahead of them the tracks led to an opening of what was obviously a large cave. Nothing was said as P’eldro indicated that his cat would lure the lanypack out. The hunters spread out ready for the kill while it was indicated that L’jakta should stay out of harms way.
Without waiting to be lured the lanypack charged out of the cave, straight at the nearest hunter. If the hunter hadn’t been so experienced he would have been badly gored. As it was he threw his ponies head around while his own cat charged into the attack. Everything seemed to be chaos to L’jakta as she watched hunters and cats confuse and turn the lanypack. It was a difficult predator to kill but not impossible for the hunters who were there. They knew what they were doing and deftly kept out of reach of the horns and teeth of the lanypack. Soon it was obvious, even to L’jakta, that the animal was tiring. The cats were able to nip at its legs and soon the ground was covered in blood from a dozen different wounds. At that moment P’eldro and her brother rode at it from opposite directions and their spears flew true. The lanypack screamed in a mixture of anger and fear but in its weakened state could not retaliate. The other hunters closed in and it was over in moments.
What was just moments to the hunters had been a lifetime to L’jakta as she raced her pony to the mouth of the cave, dismounted and ran inside. Jana was laid just on the inside and it was obvious from the tracks she’d left that she had tried to drag herself from the cave. L’jakta fell to her knees beside the cat and cradled her head in her arms. Jana was still alive but barely as P’eldro and her brother came into the cave. Between them they picked the cat up and set it on a sled they had brought with them. Leaving the other hunters to quarter and strip the lanypack they escorted L’jakta and Jana back to camp.
Jana had been extremely lucky. Other than the initial injury to her thigh, a broken front leg and a shock which would keep her quiet for a few days she had nothing else wrong with her. L’jakta sat with Jana for several hours, just talking quietly to her and stroking her fur. Eventually Jana fell asleep and L’jakta became aware that the evenings' entertainment had begun as the women danced the hunt. It was very rare for L’jakta to dance but she decided that she would this evening.
As the other women melted away she stepped into the firelight. Chiffon scarves of blood red, pink sand, green grass and black encased her body. The drums beat out the time for her as she twisted and turned. Imitating the hunters, cats and lanypack she danced the rescue of her cat. As the last drum beat faded into the night she stood before P’eldro. Black and red chiffon scarves were entwined and offered to him in an age-old fashion. As a chieftains daughter she knew that this was a brazen thing to do. If he refused to take the other end of the scarves and stand she would be humiliated. Not just before her own tribe but the other tribes spread around the camp would hear about it swiftly as well.
P’eldro knew she was there. Although he had seemed to be joking with the other hunters he had watched her every move, as he did on most occasions. L’jakta could barely look him in the eye but her pride would not allow her to look away. She watched with bated breath as he took hold of the free end of the scarves but instead of standing up he tugged on his end. The move was so unexpected that it caught L’jakta by surprise and unbalanced her. As she fell she was caught by P’eldro and he placed her in his lap much to the enjoyment of the hunters close by who had witnessed it. L’jakta had been too relieved originally to mind the move but filed away for future reference the fact that she owned him one.
What followed was a week of pure delight and discovery for both of them. They hunted together, feasted together, laughed together and spent every night in her tent exploring each other. Learning that they had a passion equalled by the other as the cats kept guard at the door of the tent and politely seemed not to watch.
Which brought L’jakta back to the present time and the fact that she was alone in her cushions. She had known that this day would come but she hadn’t expected it to arrive so early. Nor had she expected him to leave without a word. Shrugging resignedly she rolled out of her bed and padded across the tent to check on Jana. The cat was just about fully recovered but still tired easily. As L’jakta stroked the cat her hand caught on a thin leather strap which had been tied around Janas’ neck. Lifting it carefully over the cats’ head L’jakta stared in wonder at the perfectly formed black diamond that the thong held. For her people the diamond was a symbol of eternity and joining. For L’jakta it was an indication that P’eldro would return soon. Tying the strap about her neck she couldn’t help it, she knew she wore a huge smile. Nudging Jana to get a move on and get out of the tent she could have sworn that the cat was smirking as well.
****************
In a state of semi-consciousness, half awake but still half asleep, L’jakta sighed with regret as she realised she was alone and that P’eldro had left. She could hear Jana purring quietly in her sleep but the rest of the camp was still silent in the early morning. Snuggling down deeper into the blankets and cushions her mind wandered dreamily amongst the memories of recent events.
The whole tribe had moved all their belongings down to the main summer camp one month earlier. The elders, astride their favourite ponies, had led a ragtag band of people down to the plain. It had been a colourful and noisy affair. Young hunters, in charge of driving livestock from the spring camp, had discovered, much to their disgust, that the pigs and goats did not always go the way they were supposed to. The children, who delighted in chasing the pigs around, making the chore even harder, hampered them still further. Wagons, nearly empty, were driven slowly to the camp by the womenfolk. The wagons would return full as the summer camp was the place where provisions were restocked, old friendships renewed and the hunt would take place.
L’jakta gave up trying to herd the pigs and rode ahead to catch up with her mothers’ wagon. She tied her pony up and swung nimbly into the back to be greeted by a growl and two luminous yellow eyes. Jana was L’jakta hunting cat and the look of disgust that she threw L’jakta spoke volumes about her opinion on being made to ride in the back of the wagon. L’jakta had been present when Jana was born and was the first thing the cat had seen when she opened her eyes. This had always been the way that the bonding took place. Afterwards the hunter and cat were so in tune they were almost telepathic.
“Never mind” L’jakta told Jana “ we’re nearly there. I can see tents belonging to the tribes who are already at the camp”. In reply Jana playfully slapped her shoulder with a massive paw but then lay down to wait out the rest of the ride. Jana was only 8 months old and considered still too young and playful to be allowed to run with the ponies as the other cats had done. So it was that she had been confined to the wagon.
Three weeks passed swiftly amidst much merriment and tribal reunions. L’jakta had an early start the next day as her brother was leading the hunt and had allowed L’jakta and Jana to go with them. She was just about to enter her tent when she became aware that someone was watching her. She glanced around and noticed that P’eldro, the dark one as she had secretly named him, had joined the tribes. He nodded once in her direction, spun away and disappeared into the dusk. L’jakta watched him leave. It had been six months since she’d last seen him. Even among the nomadic tribes he was an odd one, he came and went as he pleased. Sighing quietly to herself she turned in for the night.
Riding out at first light to join the other hunters she had been secretly delighted to see that P’eldro would be going with them. Again he glanced in her direction, nodded his head slightly, and then turned away to listen to the instructions being issued by her brother. Everyone knew what was expected of them and they all rode out silently to the hunting fields. The hunting cats weaved their way amongst the ponies but Jana stayed close to her side. L’jakta wasn’t taking part in the hunt but was going only as a spectator. Peeling away from the hunters she led Jana up a small hill so that they could watch from a short distance away.
Sliding down off her pony she stood beside it and laid a hand on the back of Jana who had plodded up to stand on her other side. Together they watched as hunters and cats moved in perfect unison to bring down the antelopes that would go towards feeding and clothing them over the coming 12 months. “Look Jana, we’ll be doing that in a couple of months when you come of age” said L’jakta. Jana just gazed haughtily at her in disbelief. Her look told L’jakta that she considered herself ready now and it was L’jakta that was holding them back. L’jakta laughed softly at Jana and turned once again to the hunters. She watched as P’eldro and her brother peeled away from the other hunters and headed towards her. Looking down she spotted a majestic buck idly watching the proceedings from the edge of the herd. That was obviously their quarry and she gazed with some envy as they closed in for the kill.
Suddenly she was aware of a sound behind her and glancing over her shoulder she could see Jana stalking the rabbits that had come out to play at the bottom of the hill. At that precise moment a lanypack charged from a small grove of trees. L’jakta screamed for Jana in horror as the lanypanks’ horn caught Jana in the thigh and threw the huge cat into the air. She was already on her pony and flying down the hill towards Jana as the lanypack, for all its size, lifted the cat into its mouth and raced away. Sobbing hysterically she didn’t hear the ponies until P’eldro pulled his up in front of her, halting her headlong flight.
“Stop” was all he said.
“Let go of my pony” snarled L’jakta “I’m going after her”
“And what good would that do? The cat is already as good as dead”
“But she’s not dead yet! I’m not giving up on her.” Suddenly L’jakta found herself uncontrollably sobbing. “She’s not dead yet. I can still sense her.”
P’eldros’ cat came and stood alongside L’jakta. “You too?” he questioned the cat. “Okay, okay but just wait a moment.”
He turned and looked at L’jaktas’ brother and an unspoken message passed between them. Her brother rode away and returned quickly with 4 of their most experienced hunters. “Now we’ll track the lanypack,” said P’eldro.
The tracks were unmistakeable as the small party moved out with P’eldros’ cat leading the way. There was no question of L’jakta not going with them and it was with dry eyes and head now held high that she rode by his side. They had only travelled 2 miles when P’eldros cat hissed and flattened her ears. Ahead of them the tracks led to an opening of what was obviously a large cave. Nothing was said as P’eldro indicated that his cat would lure the lanypack out. The hunters spread out ready for the kill while it was indicated that L’jakta should stay out of harms way.
Without waiting to be lured the lanypack charged out of the cave, straight at the nearest hunter. If the hunter hadn’t been so experienced he would have been badly gored. As it was he threw his ponies head around while his own cat charged into the attack. Everything seemed to be chaos to L’jakta as she watched hunters and cats confuse and turn the lanypack. It was a difficult predator to kill but not impossible for the hunters who were there. They knew what they were doing and deftly kept out of reach of the horns and teeth of the lanypack. Soon it was obvious, even to L’jakta, that the animal was tiring. The cats were able to nip at its legs and soon the ground was covered in blood from a dozen different wounds. At that moment P’eldro and her brother rode at it from opposite directions and their spears flew true. The lanypack screamed in a mixture of anger and fear but in its weakened state could not retaliate. The other hunters closed in and it was over in moments.
What was just moments to the hunters had been a lifetime to L’jakta as she raced her pony to the mouth of the cave, dismounted and ran inside. Jana was laid just on the inside and it was obvious from the tracks she’d left that she had tried to drag herself from the cave. L’jakta fell to her knees beside the cat and cradled her head in her arms. Jana was still alive but barely as P’eldro and her brother came into the cave. Between them they picked the cat up and set it on a sled they had brought with them. Leaving the other hunters to quarter and strip the lanypack they escorted L’jakta and Jana back to camp.
Jana had been extremely lucky. Other than the initial injury to her thigh, a broken front leg and a shock which would keep her quiet for a few days she had nothing else wrong with her. L’jakta sat with Jana for several hours, just talking quietly to her and stroking her fur. Eventually Jana fell asleep and L’jakta became aware that the evenings' entertainment had begun as the women danced the hunt. It was very rare for L’jakta to dance but she decided that she would this evening.
As the other women melted away she stepped into the firelight. Chiffon scarves of blood red, pink sand, green grass and black encased her body. The drums beat out the time for her as she twisted and turned. Imitating the hunters, cats and lanypack she danced the rescue of her cat. As the last drum beat faded into the night she stood before P’eldro. Black and red chiffon scarves were entwined and offered to him in an age-old fashion. As a chieftains daughter she knew that this was a brazen thing to do. If he refused to take the other end of the scarves and stand she would be humiliated. Not just before her own tribe but the other tribes spread around the camp would hear about it swiftly as well.
P’eldro knew she was there. Although he had seemed to be joking with the other hunters he had watched her every move, as he did on most occasions. L’jakta could barely look him in the eye but her pride would not allow her to look away. She watched with bated breath as he took hold of the free end of the scarves but instead of standing up he tugged on his end. The move was so unexpected that it caught L’jakta by surprise and unbalanced her. As she fell she was caught by P’eldro and he placed her in his lap much to the enjoyment of the hunters close by who had witnessed it. L’jakta had been too relieved originally to mind the move but filed away for future reference the fact that she owned him one.
What followed was a week of pure delight and discovery for both of them. They hunted together, feasted together, laughed together and spent every night in her tent exploring each other. Learning that they had a passion equalled by the other as the cats kept guard at the door of the tent and politely seemed not to watch.
Which brought L’jakta back to the present time and the fact that she was alone in her cushions. She had known that this day would come but she hadn’t expected it to arrive so early. Nor had she expected him to leave without a word. Shrugging resignedly she rolled out of her bed and padded across the tent to check on Jana. The cat was just about fully recovered but still tired easily. As L’jakta stroked the cat her hand caught on a thin leather strap which had been tied around Janas’ neck. Lifting it carefully over the cats’ head L’jakta stared in wonder at the perfectly formed black diamond that the thong held. For her people the diamond was a symbol of eternity and joining. For L’jakta it was an indication that P’eldro would return soon. Tying the strap about her neck she couldn’t help it, she knew she wore a huge smile. Nudging Jana to get a move on and get out of the tent she could have sworn that the cat was smirking as well.