SECOND EXPEDITION; D'Akanii.

FIRST GENERATION

Jul 18, 2023

Authors Note. Our starting Quote comes from a well respected writer of religious comparisons. Formerly a catholic nun who left her convent, giving her reason as the lack of kindness within the faith. She went on to create the “Charter For Compassion” - A subject I wish to explore at a later date…..

“We must abuse ourselves of the fallacy that Myth is untrue” Karen Armstrong.

12983 BBBC.

Janak sat high on the cliffs, his youthful gaze scanning over the mouth of the Whitestone Sea. In the distance to to his left or right a quick side glance would reveal one of his older brothers, Nocht or Mashtaba. There were others further along the coast, sentinels waiting for signs of danger crossing the waves. Their parents had come from beyond that far shore, survivors of a travelling people. People with a mission, now adjourned.

Sometimes at nightfall, fires could be seen over there, fires of the Agiainar. On occasion a drowned body of one of that fearsome race would be found in the shallows. Two cycles ago one had waded out of the water, a huge ugly roaring man-beast. Before he / it had reached the cliff foot the arrows had flown, the corpse dragged and dumped back into the foam. Vigilance Rewarded.

That night Janak had asked his mother why the Agiainar bodies were always male, whilst the majority of their own adults were female. Aziara explained that the Agiainar women were said to be much smaller and fewer than the males. Many of them died giving birth. “We the D’Akanii once had many more men than now, back when we left our homes on the Isle of Malachoparus. Four moons later, as we crossed the mountains on our journey to this place those brutes attacked as we slept, killing half our men and carrying of six women.“ She wiped her eyes and continued “After that we kept a night watch….. and we slept holding our bows. For two more moons they harried us, attacking, but we were prepared. We slowly lost most of our men, but they were never able to take our woman again.”

“And then we crossed the water !” - “Yes, we were helped by fisherfolk, but it took some days; 52 women and girls, 5 men, firing their bows like mad sagarna, and one boy !” - “And that boy is now my father !!” - “Indeed he is, and of all your Siblaan.” - “But Mother, not all of the other fathers are D’Akanii !?” - “True, for there were no other peoples living here when we came, only the passing fisherfolk who’s camps are to the north. Some of their men have settled with us.”

“Are we to stay here for much longer, Mother ? We have a mission, do we not ?” - “Jaiwa ! We have a mission, but it is not the mission of the fisherfolk amongst us. They may choose not to travel when our expedition starts again. You and I, Nocht, Mashtaba and your father will be part of it, a renewal of our truths…..” Before he could form his next question, she embraced him and pointed to his bed.

Janak and his father, Jamera, walking in the next dawn’s half light, downhill towards the cliffs, halted on espying three sticks pushed into the path.

Jamera grasped the boy’s arm “Shuss, be ready to run back.” Jamak nodded as they both drew an arrow to their bows. After a brief silence Jamera made a sound like a bird. They heard laughter and a strange woman rose from the long grasses ahead “You D’Akanii ?” she called. “J’aiwa, that we are, and you then ?” “I am Askara, M’Hernicus to the Khumodin-Alach, trained by my Siblana, Naraga. We have sought thee long:” Smiling she laid down her bow, the other two copying her gesture of peace. “How did you find us ?” - “Fisherfolk to the north have spoken of your presence here, I came searching.” Jamera nodded, gesturing around “They helped us greatly in reaching safety, and in founding our village.” - “Aiaah, they carry our M’Hernicusii on our journeys to and from Orolandus.” Jamera was startled at this “They have never mentioned you to us, yet you speak of plurals !” - “The different bands of fishers speak different tongues. I am the first of our messengers to make more than one trip, thus the first to comprehend but a few words., Even though we meet with them every year or two.” Jarek remained silent, entranced by this woman, a living legend to him.

Jamera held back his further and numerous questions, telling his boy to take Askara back to to the camp, where she could impart many of her truths of Orolandus and of the Krinjii. “I will stand sentinel in your place this day and bring word to the other watchers.” All three ran.

Each of the other ten tribes had sent their expeditions forth, not all of the M’Hernicusii had yet returned. Those that did were full of wonders and woes to relate to the ever eager audiences in the Ovid Hall, recruiting more travelers. D’Uahanna had passed peacefully, another had taken her place. According to the custom, the new incumbent had changed her name by one sound. This new incumbent was D’Uahaana. Winter stormy seas were higher, sometimes breaking over the harbour wall. The slaughter by the Agiainar had never occurred along the route taken by the Khumodin-Alach, who were happily settling into the ways of the Krinjii. In D’Hog’Harlan there was much discussion over serious flooding, though few converted to the mission’s concept. After three days of news and rejoicing it was time for Askara to resume her journey.

12980 BBBC.

Khalimar Sarkarius was delighted to hear the eventful Truths of Askara’s rediscovery of the D’AKanii. Long had he fretted over what may have befallen the missing tribe. Subsequent trackers had never returned, the likelihood of Agiainar encounters seemed high. As the Winter visitors arrived on the island volunteers from all tribes were sought to replenish the depleted D’Akanii. A cohort of twenty males were to travel with Askara, the coming Klenten, together with a fresh D’Akanii selected Triphorlax and two Illuminatii. For the sake of speed she would not be guiding more than a few Khumodin-Alach on the longer section of her journey.

12978 BBBC.

Askara’s Cohorts had arrived, bringing disturbing news. As they had, as usual followed the north coast route, violent gales coming from the sea had blasted them with a terrible stench. They had been compelled to detour far inland, gasping and retching, thereby loosing a number of days. In their weakened state they had been alarmed to see a small party of Agiainar watching them from hilltops. Although unattacked, stick signs indicating vigilance had been placed for a second cohort.

The villagers were unsettled at these tidings, many felt it would soon be time to resume their expedition. Askara agreed, she explained that her own small band would be following a well established route across the southern foothills of a great mountain range, which rose just a few days march away. Her advice was that the D’Akanii should diverge northward as soon as they viewed the range, to skirt the western coast of the, now newly named Sea of Eggs. The tribe accepted this wisdom and the Red Salt group departed.

12976 BBBC.

The second cohort reached The Whitestone Village carrying gifts of Charred Elephant Meat, a much favored treat on the Isle of Malachoparus. A great feast of celebration was held, with many fisherfolk invited, amongst whom mothers with young children would resettle. Perhaps to follow on later. Just a few of the fisherfolk elected to join the exodus. One week later a hundred and sixty six voices rose in jubilant song as they departed

12975 BBBC.

SECOND GENERATION.

The tribe moved slowly across a difficult terrain that alternated between rock strewn broken hills and marshland. Wary of venturing too close to the Sea of Eggs, nevertheless keeping it just within sight. Late one afternoon they came to an impassable deep ravine, rapids tumbling below. Reluctant to descend the seaward cliffs the tribe turned inland, west, through thorny scrubs, almost immediately discovering a lengthy three rope bridge. Two of the fishermen were sent across to inspect the netlike structure. They considered it to be old, obviously repeatedly repaired, definitely unsafe for more than one or two people to use at a time.

It was decided that the tribe should camp for the night, rather than split the tribe. Tomorrow they would attempt to get the entire expedition over between early and late grey lights. Half the adult males first, including Jamara and sons, and half last. In between, the Triphorlax would cross with the women. One at a time. Those waiting their turn grew impatient or nervous as they realized not all would make it before nightfall. Gradually the numbers on the bridge were increased - until the last five were spread apart across the center section. At this point the bridge snapped behind them, catapulting the final straggler to his death below. The others were caught in the twisting ropes, and swung hard against the rockwall, sustaining broken bones. They were rescued, but the lower they were the worse the injuries. Dawn arrived as the last man came up over the brink. All were carried a short distance to nearby trees where they would shelter a while. At least a moon. Scouts would explore the terrain ahead for safer routes. Meanwhile they were being watched, probably by the builders of the bridge. Fearing retaliation for the damage, Jamara encouraged the production of many more arrows. The triphorlax insisted that peace offerings of trinkets and hunted game, should be place outside of their encampment. The gifts disappeared, the watchers neither showed themselves, nor molested the tribe.

Jamera, now the only living male from the original expedition held the trust and respect of the women. The new triphorlax, at times, reluctantly and unconsulted, had to accept his decisions, always supported by his sons. Janak had the natural gift of persuasive speech. Mashtaba had the habit of standing quietly with his arms folded whenever Jamera or Janak spoke to the tribe. Father and sons were carefully studied by Benedara, the new Illuminati, well aware of the possibilities of impending confrontations. Her attention was noted by the middle brother, Nocht, leaving him both curious and uncomfortable. She in turn, discovered a route to dismantle challenge. Or so she thought. As she encouraged her target, Jamara and Mashtaba became displeased, Janak a little jealous. Benedara’s intentions to deflect dissent were destined to do exactly the opposite.

TO BE REVISITED……..

Yes, I Author !

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