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Post by thundertail on Mar 13, 2012 17:36:08 GMT -5
Please note!:
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Post by thundertail on Mar 13, 2012 17:40:35 GMT -5
_ SIXTEEN: "Expansion" Two nights later I was once again on guard duty. I shared the morning shift with Bross Dilophosaur, who wasn't very much the conversationalist! After the usual smalltalk between us died down, we both got busy gurading the perimeter of the camp. The morning sun rose just like it usually did, bringing it's special brand of cheer to ward off the gloomy night; and I smiled as I watched it wash over our camp. Bross passed my position right on time, and we went to the main entrance to the camp for a small break. "Our shift should be over soon.", I said offhandedly. "And when we are finished, I must go instruct the young ones.", Bross stated woodenly. "I taught them yesterday.", I told him. "I don't think carnivores will ever get the hang of speaking English!" "You seem to grasp our languages well.", Bross observed. "That is due to the armor.", I told him. "Klamath translates any language almost instantly!" Bross's stomach rumbled. "Can he translate that?", he snickered. "I don't need him for that!", I laughed. "You're hungry!" "The hunting party only left a few moments ago.", Bross said dejectedly. "They will not be back for hours." Before I could reply, we both heard at the same time a rustling coming from down the path into the forest. We snapped into action, taking defensive stances and creeping onto the path. We saw the bushes move of thier own accord, and darkened shapes move among them. A form was seen on the path, followed by two more; and they seemed to know of our presence, but did not seem to care. These three shapes walked out from the shadows of the trees, into the edge of the clearing and into our presence. As one all three crouched on the ground and hissed mewlingly, tan beaks, multicolored feathers and all! "Rise and identify yourselves!", Bross ordered. "Why be you tresspassing into clan Thundertail?" The creature in the lead made a series of deafening screeches, catterwaulings and other vocalizations that made Bross wince. This terrible sound was in the same category as scraping fingernails across a blackboard and many other unpleasant sounds all at once! I winced too until Klamath got a fix on the language and told me what they were saying. "They say that have traveled far and wide.", I told Bross. "They seek a place where carnivores of other species live as one." "Tell them to shut up!", Bross said, covering his earslits. "Travelers, your speech is most disturbing to hear.", I said. "Is there another way you can communicate?" "We can also dance the Footprint dance.", the first creature said. "The Ovaraptor speech is alarming to others. We are sorry." "I can't stand it any longer!", Bross backed away. "YOU talk to them!", he ran to get the others. "Fine saurians, I am Stinger, member of clan Thundertail.", I told them as Klamath broadcast it into thier language. "Here is a place where carnivores of different lineage hunt and live well. You have indeed found the place you seek. However, I am at a loss as to why." "Word has traveled around the Rainy Basin of a clan that is trying to live with others in peace.", the first Ovaraptor said. "We few are the only ones of my pack. We seek a place to live in peace, and we sought this place for the kind creatures that rule it." "So, I take it you came to ask if you could stay here!", I concluded. "I do not make such decisions, but king Thundertail will decide if you stay or leave.", I finished as Bross brought Thundertail and a number of others. The trio had stood, but bowed as the group aproached. They squawked nervousely as each clan member scrutinized them. I translated thier wishes to Thundertail and he looked them over with suspicion. "Never before have I seen such strange dinosaurs.", Thundertail said at last. "What services could they perform for thier stay here?" "We are hunters that employ stealth to obtain our meals.", The first one, bearing bluish head plumage, said as I translated. Most of the others winced at the irritating language, but Thundertail did not. "We are loving and caring to our offspring, and Selma knows the healing techniques.", the leader of the Ovaraptors indicated a green plumed individual. "I see.", Thundertail said after consideration. "You hunt much like the Veloceraptors. You care for young; and do not steal the eggs of others, like your name implies. We have a healer already, but Ursula might need an assistant.", he turned to Rex. "What do you think, son?" "I think these creatures look neat!", Rex smiled. "They seem harmless enough, and thier skills could prove useful around here. They sought us out because they heard of our kind demeanor; and this proves that word of us is getting around! I think we should take them in - with your permission of course!" "Then with my son's endorsement, my answer is yes! You may join us!", Thundertail smiled down on these waist-high creatures. "They are rather unusual at that, son!... Welcome to your new home!" "We thank you for your kind decision, my king!", the leader screeched, and I continued translating. "My name is Greach. The female is Selma and my second is Dulock. We are well met indeed!", Greach would have smiled, but his beak prevented it. His eyes did show his mirth, though! "Indeed! However, your language will have to be gotten used to!", Thundertail chuckled. "Come! We will provide shelter; and food once our hunting party arrives.", he led them further into the clearing as this strange trio craned thier hideous red necks to spy every aspect of the camp. "I shall allow you the day to get used to everyone and be introduced; then tomorrow I will decide your tasks.", Thundertail continued. Even though the trio barely grasped regular carnivore language, the Ovaraptors merely nodded at this instruction. "We generally rotate the work assignments to allow the talents of all to proficiate at the same time. First we will see to your natural talents, then later train you on other tasks." The Ovaraptors nodded as they jerkily walked beside thier new leader, then sat at his instruction near the feeding area. I translated as Thundertail told them of the lore of the clan, up to the point where they accepted me into thier clan. Then it was my turn to relate to them who I was and the events that brought me here today. They related that these events would naturally need to occur for a clan such as this to form in the way it has. I told them of the temples and pyramid in the distance, and Halcyon hidden in the mountains beyond them. By the time I was done telling my tale, and the subsequent comments from all concerning this, many of our clan had come over to greet these newcomers. The hatchlings were frightened at first at these strangely colored creatures; but the Ovaraptors either treated them with indifference or gently responded to thier curious proddings. The female, Selma, cooed and chortled at thier antics; and squawked slightly when she felt a touch on her shoulder - and the squinting face of Ursula looking up at her. "So, you're a healer too, eh?", Ursula asked after they were introduced. "Well sweetie, we'll see if your skill matches my fifty years of treating people!" "I would be honored to share as well as learn.", was Selma's translated reply. "No need to translate with me, Stinger honey!", Ursula told me. "I know many different dialects." "That's swell!", I said. "I'll just leave you two girls to yourseves, then!" I went around the other side of the small group of newcomers, noticing the Kirkys introducing themselves singly and in groups. Some of them could actually understand the extremely discordant language somewhat as both species tried to have brief animated conversations. Mayday looked the little creatures over, offering a hand of friendship; but the Ovaraptors were a bit leary of physical contact and edged away at her attempts. Grond was no more successful as he drew in to give them a nasal scrutiny. By the time all the carnivores present had gotten acquainted with the new carnivores in thier midst, the hunting party began to arrive with thier quarry. Deathflower and Thistlesnarl were dragging thier joint Styraccosaur kill into the area and didn't see the three Ovaraptors now a part of thier clan; and both nearly attacked them as they rose and tried to give them a hand with thier kill. Grond and Rex quickly broke off the attack and explained to them that they were now fellow clan members; of which both larger females promptly apologized for the incodent! "Oh! We're so sorry!", Deathflower said in a rush once the excitement died down. "We didn't know..." The Ovaraptors merely nodded and scuffled back to where they were. Pretty soon the rest of the hunting party returned, and presently were introduced to Greach, Dulock and Selma. The newcomers refrained from thier native tongue as much as they could, and instead rose and perform a Footprint dance to show thier gratitude for the hospitality they were receiving. A Footprint dance consisted of a twisting, swinging step meant to place footprints in the exact positions for reading, like the footprint language writen on parchment, these patterns in the sandy spot they had chosen told our group all they wanted to tell us. "Thank you for taking us in!", Dulock danced. "Your hospitality is most apreciated!", Selma danced. "What you wish we will do!", Greach danced. The Kirkys, seeing this, brought out some musical instruments and made up a tune on the spur of the moment in rithym to this hopping movements. Hearing this, the Ovaraptors bobbed thier heads and redoubled thier dancing pace. Pretty soon some of the other Kirkys joined in on the dance, and they looked like they were having a real good time of it! The dancing was contageous, and some of the younger Tyranosaurs and juvenile Veloceraptors got into the act; and on the spur of the moment, I joined in too! All of a sudden Selma grabbed my hands in hers and we both started bouncing higher than I could unaided by Klamath - I was laughing and swinging her around like it were an old fashioned square dance! Mayday joined the fray aided by Greach, and all of a sudden she was in my arms and Selma was in Greach's. As eventual weariness took over me, I begged out and slowly sat down at the edge of the crowd that had formed around this dancing. As the Ovaraptors ended thier dance and the musicians took the cue too, a peal of roaring cheer and clapping or stomping as was the want of each individual rung out for the performance! "A wonderful event, my friends!", Thundertail said for all to hear. "That was a much better form of communication than before! It proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are most welcome here!" "Thank you.", Selma squawked softly, and I translated since I was closer. "From all of us!" It ended up taking almost a week for our clan to get used to seeing the Ovaraptors in our campsite; but it took much longer for us to get used to thier ghastly voices! We spent most of that time going about our business such as hunting, revisiting the Incan pyramid, making sure all the roads and trails in our territory were safe and patrolling for any traveler that was in distress. We felt it our duty to do the latter since we wished to have good rapport with our neighbors or any other stranger that would wander into our territory. It was around that time when we got some more visitors in our midst. Like last time, these creatures were looking for us; but actually joining us was not what they had in mind! I was away, cataloging some of the hyroglyphs again in the Incan pyramid with several of the Kirkys - they were smart as well as funny, and many had genious level intellegence and were well schooled. They were helping me decipher these glyphs, drawing them up on the papers and making note at the remnants of colors still present in the carved reliefs. Anyway, we were returning from our day in the pyramid with many a satchel of parchment in our load when we noticed a two wheeled pushcart in camp and four non meat eating dinosaurs around it or atop it in a state of mild shock and alarm at the half dozen meat eating dinosaurs confronting them. I gave my satchel to Theodore the Kirky and ran over to see what was the matter. Two of the new dinosaurs were Stenosauruses, and appeared to be the brains of the group while the other two were larger ones - Corythosaurs, I guessed - and they were dressed in identical garb of semiarmored affairs. These wielded staffs that were poised ready for defense while the latter two were stammering away apologetically and rummaging in the cart, looking through scrolls of parchment. "What did you catch today, Rex?", I asked as I got into the group. "Just these guys.", Rex said. "They came into camp, and Mayday says they're on a mission from the high council at Waterfall City!" "Hello strangers.", I addressed them. "What brings you into clan Thundertail?" "Oh! Another human!", one of the Stenosauruses said as he noticed me. "Ahem! We were sent by the cultural study guild at Waterfall City to study your group and report back. Did you find the notice, Merry?" "Not yet.", said Merry in a feminine voice. She drew her head out of the back of the cart. "You brought it along, didn't you?" "Of course I did! I'm very thourough, you know!", then the male turned to me. "Yes, we did bring that notice - I'm sure of it! Now. Are you in charge here?" "No, not really.", I said. "This is clan Thundertail, and Thundertail runs the place. I help out all over and translate when needed. What's your name, by the way?" "I am Sterry Stenosaurus, assistant curator of records at the cultural study guild.", Sterry said. "My counterpart, Merry here, is my assistant." "Pleased to meet you both.", I said. "And these other two?..." "They are our saurian guard escorts.", Sterry explained. "You can't expect us to be trapsing about in the Rainy Basin unprotected, don't you?" "I guess not...", I said. "But they won't be necesary here. We are a friendly group, and hunting is not allowed in camp. One of our rules, you know!" "Ooh! Merry! Make a note of that!", Sterry said. "And now, that Thundertail person you mentioned. Could I speak to him?" "He is on a hunting expedition this morning.", Rex said as I translated. The sound of Rex's barking roars unnerved the newcomers to no end! "He left me in charge until his return." "Uh..., I see.", Sterry said, eyeing the large carnivore warily. "And your name?... For the record, of course." "I am Rex, son of king Thundertail.", I translated for Rex, and I added a little bit more information. "Thundertail is the direct descencdant of Stinktooth the great, friend of the famous Arthur Dennison." "Yes, I had read about Stinktooth!", Merry said as she at last found the needed document. "He was one of the first to see benefit of interacting with other creatures, besides eating them, of course!" "Yes, and we hear that Thundertail is attempting to actually live with others.", Sterry broke in as he grasped the document. "That was why we were assigned to come study this group. Here is the notice...", he made to hand the document to Rex; but Rex's carniverous look gave him pause. He handed the document to me instead. "A declaration.", I read aloud so all could hear. "Upon discovery of your group of carnivores, and the promise you show toward the advancement of civilization, we of the high council of Dinotopia deem it prudent to observe your progress in this matter. We have sent personages of obvious esteem and talents to expedite this excercise, and so equip them in order to perform this task. We beg your cooperation in this matter and allow them all courtesy and acomodation in order to carry ot thier assignment. Successful completion of this will bring higher noteriety for yourself and your group." "We congratulate you on your progress toward the Dinotopian edicts of peace and harmony thus far,", I read on. "And wish you resounding success in future endeavors. Breathe deep, seek peace... Signed: Waldo Seville, mayor of Waterfall City and speaker of the high council.", I looked up at the faces listening to me intently and smiled. "Well now! It looks like we made the big time, everyone!" There was a mixture of roared cheers, jabbering congratulations and general hubbub as many more of us congregated around the newcomers. Thier cart was loaded with provisions, and had literally a library of botanical manuels and nature publications in scroll and book forms. They also had a healthy supply of blank parchment in there for recording what they came here to record. The two guards looked at each other a moment, then burbled something to Sterry in thier own baritone speech. "Yes, you may stand down if you wish.", Sterry told them. "I don't think we'll be attacked here." "What are thier names, if you don't mind me asking?", I asked. "We like being on a first-name basis with everyone here." "It doesn't matter.", Sterry told me. "They're guards, and I don't know thier names." "Well, it might matter to them!", I shot back. "We don't play favorites here, either." "Very well then...", Sterry said. "Guards, tell them your names." "I am Tebo.", Tebo said. "I am Raffa.", Raffa said. "Well, welcome to clan Thundertail, Tebo and Raffa!", I said, smiling. "I hope your stay here is most enjoyable." "Perhaps.", Tebo said and leaned his fighting staff against the cart, Raffa doing the same. "Well now!", Rex broke in. "The letter said to acomodate you, so I think we should get started. You'll need a place to stay, food and water and stuff like that..." "But what of father?", Mayday asked. "He trusted me to make good decisions while he's away.", Rex told her. "Having the rest of Dinotopia know about us is just the thing he wants. He would be more than happy to have these folks stay with us, and he would do the same thing as I am doing." "If you're sure, Rex...", I added. "I'm positive!", Rex said shaking his head. "Now, about those acomodations...?" "I got just the ticket, boss!", Harold scurried in front of him to say. "You know that 'Big Top' tent we got? That'll fit all four of them in it easy!" "Great idea!", Rex said. "You go set it up and we'll have our guests move thier stuff over there." "Right boss!", Harold scurried toward the other Kirky tents. "Follow me, everyone!" Sterry and Merry went to thier cart and began to push it in that direction after Tebo and Raffa had lain thier staffs on it. The guards helped push, and soon they were surrounded by a hundred Kirkys. "Ok, boys! Listen up!", Harold yelled to get his peoples' attention. "We got some guests around now, and they need a place to stay. I want you all to go and set up the 'Big Top' tent, and make it snappy!" "AW!!", was the reply, along with a myriad of unprintable replys! "I SAID SET UP THAT TENT!!", Harold yelled. "Hurry up, you walking meatballs! Move it!", he began scurrying around and shooed them to thier duties. "Hut, two three, four!... HEEYAH!" After they all had scurried to do thier chores, Harold turned to the newcomers and said sweetly: "Your tent will be up in a jiffy, boss!", he smiled and went to oversee the operation. "Why, I never saw the like!", Merry whispered to Sterry. "What did we ever do to get this assignment?", Sterry whispered back, agreeing in his own way. Raffa and Tebo merely stood there as they witnessed the whole exchange. I looked at them and smiled nervousely. The only thing that showed they saw humor in it was a slight quivering of thier lips. After staring at the progress beginning on thier tent, Sterry and Merry began unloading thier supplies and stacking it on the ground; and by the time they were through with that, the dinosaur skin canvas was ready to be lifted onto the tentpoles. An hour or so later the hunting party was returning with thier kills, and Rex rushed over to his father to greet him properly and quickly explain what happened this morning. After the kills were properly situated into the feeding area, Thundertail went over to greet his new guests personally. "Well, well!", Thundertail roared in greeting, which brought the two guards on alert. "I see my son has gone over my head and invited more strangers!" "Uh..., greetings to you...", Sperry turned from loading some gear into the tent with a start. "You are king Thundertail, I presume." "Correct!", he rumbled a chuckle. "And my son made no error in acomodating you. I've been waiting a long time for a visit from officials from the government!" "Oh, we're nobody, really!", Sperry said, fidgiting from one foot to the other. "We were merely sent to investigate a strange phenomona occuring on Dinotopia. You must admit that civilized carnivores are an uncalled for thing!" "True. A thing like this has never happened before...", Thundertail said. "But as my ancester, Stinktooth the great once observed: 'The talents of many species, once combined, become greater than the talents of any individual species.'.", Thundertail gave Tebo and Raffa an acid stare. "If such a thing can work with herbivores, why can it not work with carnivores!" "A logical assumption, great one.", Sterry said. "It is our hopes that observations of how this civilization develops can give us insight on how our own civilization developed." "If you wish to know of that, perhaps a tour of yonder temples and cities would help.", Thundertail offered. "The carnivores' sworn duty as per the previous treaty with you was to guard these things. We have recently taken the liberty to explore them to see just what we are guarding." "Another logical course of action.", Sperry said. "We have often wondered what was in them." "I have Fly with a stinger deciphering the writing in them, and some of the Kirkys and others help out as well...", Thundertail said, then cocked an ear at the sound of eating coming from the feeding area over the rise. "This is wonderful food for thought; but now it may be time for food of other varieties! Would you care to join us in today's feast?" "We were getting famished at that!", Sperry said for his group. "However we do not eat meat. We find that most offensive! We did bring plenty of provisions for ourselves, though; and planned on eating when we were done unpacking." "Nonsense! We have a garden where the humans and some others eat from!", Thundertail turned to seek me out. "I will have Stinger prepare you a meal! STINGER! Could you come here a moment?" "Yes, sir.", I said after I came to them at a trot. "Would you prepare a meal for our guests?", he asked me. "I had Mayday and some others harvest some fresh vegetables; and Selma is cooking it as we speak.", I announced, for I had to get firewood for them as well. "It should be done in a few moments." "That's why I like you, Stinger!", Thundertail complimented. "Always thinking ahead!" "What can I say? It's that bussboy job I had in college!", I chuckled and motioned for them to come. "You may eat over with us.", Thundertail said as he followed me. "If it's all the same to you,", Merry said for them all as she came out of the tent. "I think we should eat over here. Being around carnivores makes us a little nervous!" "Think that'll be ok?", I asked Thundertail and he nodded. "Alright then, I also deliver takeout! I'll be right back..." "Uh,... excuse me, Stinger...", Sterry called. "You talk strangely. Where did you come from?" "From the United States, actually. Massachusettes, to be exact. See, I was flying my Air Force jet, and it crashed in the Rainy Basin a little over a year ago.", I told him. "You're a newcomer?!", Sterry exclaimed. "Amazing!", Merry added. "The things you could tell...!" "Well, if you stay long enough, I'll tell you all about it!", I told her as I walked away at last. Selma arrived with thier food a little while later, a couple of Veloceraptor females helping her; and the group of visitors interviewed them as they ate. I watched this from afar after my own meal, and laughed inwardly at the almost schitzophrenic way the Stenosauruses conveyed themselves. If they weren't being serious all the time, you would swear they were funnier than the Kirkys! They each took turns interviewing everyone that passed by, and talked to at least a half dozen carnivores by nightfall. The guards, Tebo and Raffa just looked on impassively; merely nodding at the occasional predator passing by or gently scooting a youngster from under foot. Pallets consisting of skins stuffed with leaves were provided for them to sleep on, and this combined with the bedding they brought with them; thier sleep was most comfortable indeed, or so they told us in the morning. In the morning they started thier work in ernest. Both Sterry and Merry went seperate ways around the camp with clipboards designed to acomodate the rather narrow scrolls they had brought with them. These were curled at either end, and as the scroll was used up, the parchment would actually roll up within it; and the clip on the side held an inkwell, where they would write with thier claws instead of using a pen. They got busy interviewing everyone in camp, from the most ferocious looking Tyranosaur to the smallest hatchling Kirky. Even though they tried to keep thier interviews as brief as possible, it still took many days to talk to everyone! The guards got a tour of every place in camp, from the feeding area to where we usually put our droppings and everything in between; and got to see where everyone's houses were. They even visited Ursula and had thier fortunes told, even though it was against thier will! Over the next few days Merry and Sterry asked everyone in the camp what exactly is done around here, and we all told them. They now had an idea of what we do around here, from taking care of the children and our hunts to the things we discover on our expeditions into the near by temples. I had shown them all the notes we had taken and told them about the artifacts still within them; of which they made profuse notes and copied down the notes we had taken. We had offered them tours of these facilities, but they said they were scholors, not archaeologists; and that it would be better if a professional expedition explore them. They had wondered why there was a circus here, and Harold explianed that that type of entertainment was all but banned everywhere else, so they left the mainstream and wandered around for many years in the Rainy Basin until they came upon this camp - and they all were grateful for us letting them stay. They were most curious about how clan Thundertail was run, and most intrigued at the armor me and Mayday wore as well as the exotic and ancient weapons around the camp. They had wondered why most of the carnivores wore amulets around thier necks, and thier purpose. Of all this we gladly told them - we felt we had no real secrets to keep! They knew that Thundertail ran things in his clan, and it was by his disgression that things got done around here. I told them the legend of the armor of Othgar, and the army of armor probably still hidden all around Dinotopia; and I didn't leave out the weaponry incorporated into these suits. They maintained that weapons were enemies even to thier owners - one of thier Dinotopian ethics - and said we'd get into trouble with them sooner or later! Mayday told them about the amulets, which allowed the carnivores to travel outside the Rainy Basin and be around Sunstones. This unnerved them because they feared we'd use them to attack the other cities and towns on the island! I had to assure them that these would only be used for peaceful purposes and benevolent interactions with other Dinotopians, and never for attack - only our most trusted clan members posessed them anyway! The two saurian guards, Raffa and Tebo had thier own experiences while they were with us; and Sterry and Merry had them keep notes on everything they observed. Tebo watched as many of us tended the garden, foraged for food and performed general cleanup and maintenence around camp. Raffa was intrigued about how the clan hunted, and even went along on one of them as an observer. Thier extreme trepidation about being around carnivores gradually melted once they saw how peaceful we lived; and they actually interacted with us once they were convinced that we were no threat. The two factors for this was the sweetness of our children, which have the power to soften even the hardest of hearts, and the Kirky Circus; for there was always some performance or another going on at any given time! Once I saw these guards trying to break up a fight between Dulock the Ovaraptor and Deathflower because she had nearly trampled one of thier mud huts they insisted to make near the river for thier homes while she was trolling for fish in the river. I just told them to leave them be, and minor scuffles here end quickly with very little bloodshed. They maintained that fighting is not the answer if one is to live peacefully, and there should be a trial or something to exact the guilty party and mete out proper compensation. However, by the time they finished explaining this to me, the dispute was over and I saw Deathflower begin to help Dulock repair the damaged hut. During the time they were here, a few rather important events were planned, and of course, Sterry, Merry, Tebo and Raffa were invited to attend. Ripper, Snapper, Dungbeetle and many of the other Veloceraptor children had passed thier training as hunter/trackers; and many were deemed ready to leave the nest and take thier place within the Veloceraptor tribe. That would not only mean that mine and Whitetail's children would be adults; but that would also sever our bonds as Nestparents, as per the agreement made so long ago. It would also mean that whomever Whitetail chose for her next mate would also be alpha male, and any decisions concerning their pack would be his, and not mine. It looked like I was out of a job! Whitetail and I talked about this and subsequent upcoming events a lot; and there was a brief, rather violent ceremony involved with Nestparent seperation. We practiced to get the moves right: As soon as the children were deemed to have left the nest, she was to swipe at me with her claws. I was to back away during her swipe so she'd miss, my eyes lowered, and sit opposite her as she chose her next mate. I was to keep them lowered as the chosen mate came and pushed my head to the ground and growled at me, then I was to slink away, crouching behind the rest of the pack. We did the moves in private until we both got it down pat; for the ceremony was to be in a few days. The other thing that was so special was the fact that Pincushion would finally be released from his Path Of Shame punishment; for his two months were up in a couple of days too. He was all excited at the prospect because he had learned all his lessons concerning the incodent that gave him the punishment well! He was now sure footed and swift, cunning and humble; traits that could be valuable in the hunt as well as in adulthood. Tyranosaurs do not exactly train thier young to hunt; but rather take them along and let the skills naturally develop. There was no coming of age rituals among them; just the fact that if you're skilled enough to make your first kill, you were old enough to hunt. I think the reason why Pincushion was so excited was he would soon get his amulet of protection back, and regain his status in the clan once again! The day of these events finally came, and everyone got ready for the ceremonies to commence at sundown. "I've never been to a carnivore crermony, actually.", Sterry commented to me as I went to collect them all and bring them to the feeding area, now converted into a meeting place. "What usually happens at them?" "I'm not too sure myself.", I admitted. "This is the very first one of its' kind!" "Oh...,", Sterry said, looking at Merry. "I hope it isn't too barbaric!" Logs were rolled over to sit or crouch on, and a blazing fire crackled in the middle of the huge circle. Already the Kirkys were milling about in full circus attire, finding seats for themselves and ushering many of the others to thier places, entertaining the children or generally adding to the controlled mayhem growing in the area. As the Setnosauruses sat and the Corythosaur guards stood behind them, Thundertail, Deathflower, Grond and all the rest of the Tyranosaurs took thier spots. All the Veloceraptors came in next and sat near Whitetail while the Ovaraptors took thier spots next to them, only a little further off. Mosqioto was missing, though; and all the children whose night this was. They were the last to arrive. "Saurians! Carnivores! Friends!", Thundertail roared. "Tonight marks the first year we all have been as one clan! Let there be a thousand more!" Everyone roared, cheered or did what was apropriate for the event; then the subjects for this cheering took places before the fire in front of Thundertail. "As with everyone and everything since time began, one is born and one grows up.", Thundertail continued. "With this clan, this is no exception. Tonight marks the point where these hatchlings must leave the nest and begin life as adults. Have they all passed instructions given to them?" "Yes, my king!", Mosquito announced. "This group will be a fine addition to the pack!" "Are you all sure you are ready to leave the home you have known as hatchlings and venture a name of your own?", he addressed this to the children before him. "Yes!", was the reply of all five hatchling Veloceraptors. "Dungbeetle, please step forward.", she complied nervousely. "Go tell your parents you are ready to leave the nest." "Yes, sir.", Dungbeetle did as was told. "Snapdragon, please step forward.", he did so. "Go tell your parents you are ready to leave the nest." No words came from him. He just moved his jaw and turned to his parents. "Mantis, please step forward.", the boy complied. "Go tell your parents you are ready to leave the nest. "As you command.", Mantis said and did as was told. "When the next two come of age, many things will happen.", Thundertail said to the group. "Is it certain that everyone involved wishes this to happen?" I nodded and so did Whitetail. Ripper and Snapper just shuffled thier feet nervousely. "Then let it be so.", he looked down on the boys. "Snapper, Ripper. Please step forward.", the two boys dared not look into the eyes of thier leader, but did as was told anyway. "Go tell your parents you are ready to leave the nest." "Yes sir.", Snapper was barely heard, and Ripper merely nodded. They both walked over to us, nodded; and Ripper said to us: "We are now ready to leave the nest, mother and father." "We will miss you.", said Snapper. Both of them gave us both a nuzzle and a hug, then walked over where the other children sat, right in front of the rest of thier pack. I then turned to Whitetail and took both her hands. We both bowed to each other and Whitetail began our lines. "Fly with a stinger, you have fulfilled your contract with me.", she said sternly. "Whitetail Veloceraptor, I have fullfilled my contract with you.", I said to her. "I hereby expell you from service to my clan.", with that she swiped out with her right hand, claws extended! There were many gasps in the crowd. I scooted back, releasing my hold on her other hand, went to a half crouch and bowed, cowering. I then scooted back ten paces and hung my head in the dirt. I heard the confused murmurings from the non-Veloceraptor personages around the campfire. "My vows with Fly with a stinger has ended.", Whitetail announced to her tribe. "I now choose another to be my alpha and my mate!" She scanned the group of Veloceraptor faces as if choosing. She knew she could choose any male there, even though they might already have a mate; but even a wedded Veloceraptor knew not to argue with thier matriarch! Her eyes passed over the group many times until they locked onto the face of Mosquito, who blinked in suprise. "Mosquito. I choose you as my alpha and my mate!", she said at last. "Do you accept my offer?" He pursed his lips, then rose. "Yes, I do, my Matriarch!", he said, slowly coming over. He crouched in front of her and grasped her hands. They nuzzled and cooed; then Mosquito saw me cowering there and leapt on me! The crowd gasped once again! "I am now the alpha!", Mosquito sneered. "Begone! And never see my mate again!", this Mosquito punctuated this by stomping on my neck three times! More gasps. He leapt off and held Whitetail's hands again. They nuzzled, cooed and howled as one at the sky. Only then was I allowed to get up; and I skulked away and sat near Rex for the rest of the ceremonies. The rest there saw it was only part of the ceremony, and began to tenatively cheer the wedlock of Whitetail and Mosquito. I got stares and consoling looks as Rex rubbed my shoulders as if to comfort me. Pretty soon Thundertail asked the question that was on everyones' minds at the moment. "Mosquito, new alpha male of the Veloceraptors of clan Thundertail. I have a question for you.", he began. "Now that you are the alpha, what is the fate of your clan? Will you move on, or will you stay here with us?" "My king, my clan has never known such prosperity before we were accepted into your clan.", Mosquito told him. "It would go against my new oath to seek benefit to my pack if I have them leave! By your leave, I would like to have my clan stay with your clan." "Mosquito my boy!", Thundertail said. "That is just the response I was hoping for! My clan has never seen such prosperity since your clan arrived either - and every time we invite new clans, things just get better and better!", some chuckles were heard. "However sir,", Mosquito added. "I am new at being alpha male. I would need instruction on how to lead my pack for the benefit of all." "If I may...", I held up a hand. "I would be more than happy to give you a few pointers." "Mosquito might not need many of those, Fly with a stinger.", Whitetail broke in. "The responsabilities you have already given him has provided him with the experience he would need. You have had him leading the scouting parties, training the young ones and heading many other activities - including leading half the tribe on his own during our absence while we were captured by the Tyranosaurs our first days here. With these experiences, he would be more than qualifyed to be the alpha." "This is true!", Mosquito realized. "But still, I would apreciate your input from time to time." "I'd be more than happy to!", I said as I leaned into Rex's rubbing my back. After mild clapping, Thundertail spoke again. "Well said, my friends!", then he took a more serious tone. "Two months ago, an affront to members of this clan occurred. This resulted not in the death of the offendee, like it should have; but death was stayed by just punishment all the same. For the murder of Whitenose Veloceraptor, Pincushion Tyranosaur was bidden to walk the Path Of Shame. Today marks the point where this path is ended. Pincushion Tyranosaur, please step forward.", he did so, bowing to his king. "Would the survivors of the offended party please step forward and face the accused?" I got up and did as was told. Whitetail, Ripper and Snapper did likewise, and we all formed a line in front of Pincushion. I had in my hand Pincushion's amulet of protection, given to me by Rex, who had held onto it just for this occasion. All of us nodded somberly at Pincushion, and Pincushion nodded back. "Pincushion Tyranosaur, are you truely sorry for the misdeed you have done, and promise never to let this happen again?", Thundertail inquired. "Yes, sir.", Pincushion replied. "And with the training the Kirky's have made me do, not repeating this mistake is all but assured." "Good.", Thundertail said with finality. "Fly with a stinger, Whitetail, Ripper and Snapper. Pincushion apologizes for murdering your daughter and sister. Do you accept this apology?" "Yes, we do.", came Whitetail's reply after asking each of us with her eyes. "Very well then.", Thundertail announced. "Then with the power vested in me as leader of this clan, I pronounce that your Path Of Shame is at an end! Stinger, the amulet...?" I stepped forward as Pincushion lowered his boxy head. I slipped the amulet chain over his head and let it slide back in place. Before he could raise his head, I reached and gave his muzzle a hug. "And next time, watch it!", I whispered to him. The rest of my former family stepped up and nuzzled or hugged the part of his anatomy closest, and we all disengaged at the same time, turning to our king. "It is done, my king.", I said. "Very well then!", Thundertail turned to Pincushion. "Pincushion. You are hereby reinstated into my clan. All rights and privelages you had lost are restored to you. You must be warned, however, that any further affronts to me or my clan will result in banishment from this clan. One year for the next offense, five years for the third, and will become permanent for the fourth. Do you understand this?" "Yes my king.", Pincushion bowed. "I will make no more trouble." "Go to your family.", this Thundertail whispered with a small smile. Pincushion rushed off in a hail of his own applause to a spot near his relatives, relieved to at last be out of the king's scrutiny. Once this died down and everyone took thier spots, Thundertail spoke again. "Members of my clan, friends and esteemed guests. Under thoughtful consideration, I have decided to make a new edict concerning how this clan is run.", he announced. "I have heard of the many ways governments here and around the world are run, and wish to run an experiment of sorts concerning this one. I will hear comments and suggestions concerning the details of this clan, and base any further decisions on the results. This is much like that Democracy government described by Stinger, and similar to the Parliamentary government currently in place all over Dinotopia - or so I've heard!" "But what about clan rules? Our traditions?", Grond asked, Mayday at his side. "Those will be observed as well.", Thundertail told us. "It should be possible to mingle the old with the new. Even visitors here may make suggestions, as new and different ideas bring new and different hope. I would ask your opinions on my clan so far, Sterry Stenosaurus." "Er..., well sir.", Sterry stammered. "It is a bit too early to make an assessment on your clan. But what we have observed so far, this clan looks like it is well on its' way to civilization. This meeting is proof of that!", Sterry looked troubled. "There is one thing, though...", this was barely heard. "And what is that?", Thindertail heard him! "Well sir..., it was the order and protocol of this meeting...", Sterry cleared his throat. "See, the seperation of bonds between Stinger and Whitetail should have come AFTER the reinstatement of Pincushion into your clan. This resulted in Mosquito's request that Stinger should not be near Whitetail was breached at that time.", he looked over his notes. "I see your point.", Thundertail said, considering. "But you must realize that this is our very first clan meeting. Nothing like this has happened in a Tyranosaur clan - ever! I think we should make it a point to choriograph future meetings so they happen smoother next time. Does everyone agree?", most of the clans' heads nodded. "There's another thing.", Sterry went on. "I realize you are still barbaric - at least by our standards. The seperation ceremony between Stinger and Whitetail seemed far too brutal for regular Dinotopian tastes." "Sir, the ceremony you witnessed was passed down since our species evolved.", Whitetail informed him. "Over the years it has developed into something more for ceremony than actual injury or humiliation. For our species, it was most formal." "I see.", Sterry said to her. "It was not my intention to tout Veloceraptor tradition. I am humbly sorry." "No offense taken.", Whitetail told him. "You did not know." "Very well then.", Thundertail said. "Is there any other suggestions or courses of action that might be considered for discussion?" "Boss, it's about the copro problem.", Monty the Kirky spoke up, but nobody was aware there was a problem. "We got that cart, you see; and we were having Pincushion haul it for us. Now that he's no longer bein' punished, who's gonna pull it?" "Perhaps we could assign other Tyranosaurs on a rotating schedule or something.", Thundertail said. "Does everyone agree?", Everyone found this was agreeable, but none wanted to be the first to pull the copro cart! "Oh, and another thing, boss!", Monty continued. "We been haulin' the copro as far as we can, but the smell still gets here when the wind's right. We use some for the garden, but it takes along time to sweeten it with ground-up bone. Think we should pile it further off?" "Perhaps we should use several sites to dump it.", I suggested. "Where I come from in the outside world, we dump our garbage in many different waste sites miles away from where we live." "First we must find sites to put it, then I think we should expand the garden.", Thundertail thought aloud. "Perhaps make another, or even many gardens. That way we will use up most of our dung." "But if we produce too much food, it will go to waste!", Jerry Kirky said. "It would rot, and that would make more of a smell!" "Not if we offer to herbivores in Rainy Basin.", Mayday suggested as she sidled up against me. "It help them survive. It also attract more game!" "Or how about offering it to travelers through your realm?". Merry Stenosaurus suggested. "You could acomodate more guests if you had more food to offer." "All good suggestions. I am proud of this clan's willingness to help in this issue!", Thundertail said. "With these suggestions and further planning, we will have this problem all but solved!", he rose. "I decree, therefore, that turns will be taken by the Tyranosaurs in my clan to pull the copro cart to new sites further away from the camp. That the garden will be expanded to produce more food, using up more copro, for our future guests. This produce could also be a comodity to be traded for things we do not get here, like refined medicines and other people to give us more and better ideas!" "My king!", I said. "You are beginning to sound like a true diplomatic leader!" "Things are changing, Fly with a stinger.", Thundertail said to me. "Perhaps we will have a true civilization before I leave this world!" "Aw, you won't die!", Rex told his father. "You'll live for a long, long time!" "That's a sweet compliment, son.", Thundertail gave him a nuzzle. "But all creatures die sooner or later. That is why I am having you learn all there is to know about being king." "There are our traditions to consider too, my king.", Grond said. "Those too, my clan brother!", Thundertail told him. "Now, if there is any other issue that should be discussed, let us please voice them." For the next hour or two, many subjects were touched upon. One was the issue of housing. The cabins and sheds built were adequate enough, but required frequent maintenence. The tents the Kirkys used were functional as well, but the older ones showed signs of wear, and most of them leaked when it rained. New types of shelter would have to be devised pretty soon. Many types of shelters were mentioned, from simple mud huts to the kinds of skyscrapers that are in the outside world. The Stenosauruses and I suggested our shelters be made of stone, but none of us knew how to build them. The only bricklayers were in the cities around Dinotopia, and none were willing to up and go to the Rainy Basin in thier right mind! I told them that one summer I built a brick fireplace for the patio of my home many years ago, but it ended up looking nothing like what was on the plans! I suggested that we could use the stone structures already available to us, and was asked to explain. The Incan pyramid, the tower beyond it and the city of Halcyon had withstood the ravages of time, and were still as sturdy as the day they were made. These could be refurbished and be made fit for habitation without undue strain; but Grond warned about those being on holy ground, and we were sworn to guard them - not live in them! Before arguments of this idea spread out of control, Thundertail ordered us to change to another subject; and we would discuss this in greater detail later. The next subject that came up was about the education of our young. Though training for the hunt was a practical instruction, the children would need a higher education if they were to interact with other Dinotopians. Sterry suggested they be taught the basics of reading, math and other higher subjects - including the codes of Dinotopia. Since most of our clan didn't know how to read or write - and saw no real need to if all one did was hunt all day, this caused many to take one side or another. Most of the females wished only the best for thier children; and even though they were as ignorant as thier predecessers when it came to higher education, they generally voted for educating thier children this way. Most of all, Thundertail thought it was a good idea; and reasoned that, if we were going to be civilized one day, we should be taught to be smart as well. We voted that a simple cirriculum would be set up, and the smartest adults in the clan would teach in school once everything was organized for it. Not long after that, not many useful suggestions presented themselves as many of the children grew tired and asked to be sent to bed. The talk around the slowly dying campfire eroded into pockets of smalltalk, and the Kirkys took this as thier cue to do some more performances. They took out thier trampoline and did tumbling leaps off it; and pincushion volunteered to be thier landing pad! During this entertainment, Mayday had inched her way closer and closer to me; and somewhere during this time, I found her hand in mine. "So Stinger.", Thundertail turned to me and said as he noticed the gesture. "What of you and Mayday?" "Well, we had been talking a little about our relationship recently.", I smiled at her. "But nothing conclusive has been agreed upon. I guess now that my Nestparent duty is over, I'll have more time to talk - maybe tomorrow or something!" Just then Mayday got up and grabbed my ear! She drew me up to a standing position and began to lead me away. "No Stinger! We talk NOW!", she drew me painfully out of the firelight. I heard much saurian snickering fading behind me. We walked west in the darkened clearing, toward the left hand rise in the boomerang shaped clearing. In the dimness I could just barely make out some of the tents the Kirkys use - as well as the much larger 'Big Top'. By this time the hold she had on my ear was released, and that hand took my hand during this time. We skirted around the tents as quietly as possible and made it to the log Pincushion used to become so sure footed. We sat on this log as our eyes adjusted to the starlight, then we looked at each other. "So, where do we begin?...", I said absently. "Shut up...", Mayday said as she drew me into a kiss. When she pulled away for a breath, she continued. "I wait too long." "And now it's time.", I stated, stroking a hand. "There is a lot of things to talk about, to plan..." "You talk too much!", she giggled as her loose embrace tightened. Mine did too, and this time we both kissed passionately. Another break and she continued. "We talk tomorrow. Just feel ifor now!" Feel I did, and the next kiss contained more passion for this strong, caring woman was more than I had ever felt for a woman. It wasn't long before my brain was on fire for her, stoked by her amarous responses to me. However, before this passion went too far, we both let go and looked sheepishly at each other. This look produced a small wave of guilty laughter from the both of us! "Wow!", was all I could say. "You talk too much!", she laughed throatily, and embraced me for another round... _
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Post by thundertail on Mar 14, 2012 4:41:53 GMT -5
_ SEVENTEEN: "Scouting party" That night marked many changes for the clan, both large and small. Mayday chose to sleep with Grond, like she opted to do when Whitetail and family were staying with me; but promised me that great changes in that arrangement would happen very soon! When I got back that night I found Ripper and Snapper in thier old nests, and asked why they were there. I saw that Whitehead had gone off with Mosquito last night to sleep with him. Ripper and Snapper had said they could not find nests to sleep in with the pack, so what was one more night, they figured! I agreed, nuzzling them; and helped them find nests in the morning. I found many of the Kirkys directing more of the clan with thier duties when I emerged from my cabin the next morning. They said the clan needed more organization if they were to perform the tasks discussed last night. I helped them by recruiting Thistlesnarl to pull the copro cart, surveyed an area to build a second garden, relocated the Ovaraptors' mud huts because they were going to be in the way of the new garden and I asked Sterry if we could have some of thier parchment supplies so I could begin writing down some of the assignments needed to be done. The morning was so busy with this that I didn't notice that Rex had gone with the hunting party, and he was in charge of that! I caught up with Mayday near the river. She was showing the newest hatchlings the dangers of the water; and Soo was there demonstrating the dangers of Mosasaurs - though rather gently! After the lesson we talked about her moving in with me, and the fact that Grond might want to move his nest to be near her. I inquired if he was her Partner, and she gave me a kiss and commented that if I couldn't see that, I was blind! I commented that, since we were now officially seeing each other, I should get on friendlier terms with the rather gruff brother of Thundertail. Later on that day Mayday was moved in, and Grond had moved his nest. It was now right under my window - and boy, can that beast snore! But all that is best saved for later. What happened the next few days increased my feeling that Dinotopia wasn't the peaceful paradise I once thought. "We're back!", Rex said as the hunting party began arriving with our daily meal. They had caught many Struthies this time; and each of the six Tyranosaurs were carrying two each while the dozen Veloceraptors were dragging thiers. "We went to a new section today! Never guess what we found!" "What is it today?", I asked, stroking his muzzle. "A sleepwalking Stenosaurus?!" "Naw! Something neater!", Rex gave me a lick. "That new area had new paths. There was an old cart off of one of them. It was all broken up, and there was nothing useful left but the cart hardware - we brought those back with us." "Carts break down all the time.", I told him. "It's probably years old!" "But this one had scorch marks and sword slice marks all over it!", Rex protested. "There were still footprints near by, and they were human - no dinosaur prints around!" "Maybe it broke down and people salvaged what they could, then left.", I suggested. "We found this rigged to a tree near by.", Pincushion said as he brought forth a log that had wooden spikes imbedded into it. "We tripped it, and it could have very well killed one of us!" "Hmm...,", I examined it. "Not good!" "What do you suppose it means, Stinger?", Rex asked. "It means that there are humans in the Rainy Basin.", I said. "Ones that hunt meat, and use underhanded means to get it. They like robbing folks of thier stuff, too." "What do we do?", Rex asked. It was his first time dealing with unknown dangers. "First, tell your father. He's at the ruins now, so when he gets back.", I told him. "Next we need to have a meeting, then after that we might have to put extra guards and patrols out. We have to do everything your father wants done about this. We need to keep everybody safe!" "Right Stinger!", Rex said. "Boy, you sure know how to take charge!" "It's that military training!", I said. "Now, the next order of business is food! We'll deal with this problem at another time." When Thundertail heard of what Rex discovered while out hunting, he pondered it for many moments. I repeated my suggestions of added security, and he found them sound measures. The guard was doubled at night, and our hunting parties got extra escorts. No one was allowed out of sight of the camp without guards following, and no unescorted excursions to the temples were allowed. On another hunting expedition a week later in the same general area as the last, another cart was found. This one showed blood where the puller would have been, and from this we knew it was a fresh attack. Like the last cart, human footprints were all around, but no dinosaur prints except tiny ones leading away through the forest. These the trackers followed until they came upon a little dinosaur with a purple sash and a small shoulder bag. This one had fallen, and lay unconcious at the bottom of a steep slide of rock. From the look of her, she had been running for her life; for there were many tiny cuts all over her body from running through the rough undergrowth. Mayday said this species was called a Compsagnathus, a favorite for humnan girls of all ages. We brought her back to camp and let Ursula and Selma take care of her. Two days later she began to come to, and when she sensed all the carnivores around her, she panicked and tried to get away; and she nearly broke out of Ursula's Gypsy cart many times! It took many forced feedings of sleeping medicine to keep her calm enough to accept food and thier administerings, but the little Compsagnathus eventually accepted her fate and calmed down enough to talk to. "Where am I?", she squeaked. "Please don't eat me!" "Now just calm down, child!", Ursula was there, and about to give her another dose of sleep medicine! "You're nice and safe here. We found you in the woods, and brought you back to our camp. What's your name, by the way?" "Elinore.", she squeaked. "Where's Ruby? Have you seen Jeff? Is Rufus ok?" "Who're they?", Ursula asked. "You haven't seen them!", Elinore said. "Oh, no...!" "Now relax!", Ursula told her. "I know some people, and they will get to the bottom of this! If you rest easy I'll get them." "Well, ok.", Elinore said and lay her head back down. There was a knock on the door, and she lifted her head with a jerk! "Relax!", Ursula whispered and got the door. "Oh! Mildred, it's you!", a listen. "Yeah, she's awake now. Frightened as all get-out, though!" "She won't be once she sees what I have!", Mildred came in holding a heaping bowl of greens and fruits. "Hello sweetie. My name is Mildred Kirky. Me and my mate run the Kirky Circus - heard of us?" "Hello ma'am.", Elinore greeted. "I'm Elinore. I don't think I heard of you." "Well, we've been out on the road for a while, so to speak!", Mildred chuckled. "Now, look what I brought! You hungry?" "Absolutely starved!", Elinore turned and tried to sit up. "Thank you!", she slowly began to taste and chew. "You know, I heard they found you all alone out there.", Mildred made for conversation. "What were you doing out there all alone?" "Oh! I wasn't out there all alone.", Elinore said between bites. "I was traveling with my Partner and her mate to Earthfarm. They were summoned there by the Matriarch to help with the harvest, and Rufus was going to pull a grain cart.", she looked around. "What is this place?" "That will take a lot of explaining.", Mildred told her. "See, you're still in the middle of the Rainy Basin. You are a guest to a clan of special Tyranosaurs. Ones who have the help of other carnivores to make a community that works like a civilized society.", she saw her confusion. "I know things like this just don't happen; but it has! We're a friendly clan, and like to help folks - especially ones as pretty as you!", Elinore blushed. "I'll go get Stinger and the rest.", Ursula said and left. she could be heard calling for Sylvester, her new rickshaw puller. "So you are...?", Elinore asked as soon as the old healer was gone. "Carnivores?", Mildred finished. "Oh, yeah; but we're too small to do much!", she smiled. "Wait until you meet Thundertail! Biggest Tyranosaur you may have ever saw!" "Is he vicious?", Elinore asked. "He's as nice as can be!", Mildred told her. "He's the one that joined all our clans!" "What other carnivores are here?", Elinore asked. "Lots!", Mildred said. "There's us Kirkys, Tyranosaurs of course, Veloceraptors, Dilophosaurs, Ovaraptors - and humans." "Humans! No!", Elinore balked. "They attacked us! Hundreds of them!", she hid her head. "Relax, sweetie.", Mildred rubbed a shoulder. "I guarantee it wasn't any of them." Another knock and the Compsagnathus jumped again. "I'm back. How's she doin'?", Ursula said. "Better, I think.", Mildred looked at her scared face. "They ready?" "Ready when she is!", Ursula said, looking at her as well. "Hon, do you feel up to coming outside?", Mildred asked softly. "Uh, huh...", Elinore said and allowed thier help to stand. She was slightly taller than the Kirkys: longer neck and tail; but her form was somewhat skinnier, perhaps due to lack of food. Ursula opened the door and Elinore winced at the sudden brightness; and stumbled down the steps before the two females righted her. Her feet touched the grass at the same time she took in the others waiting for her outside. A human male was sitting in the grass next to a small table, lowering himself so he wouldn't seem so formidable. The rest either stood or sat behind him - carnivores from her size up to mountainsize specimens! Her little heart raced like mad, but she made her feet move a few more paces. "Why don't you sit over there, on the chair?", Ursula offered. "It's more comfy than standing!" "Uh, huh.", Elinore complied, gulping. "Hello, little one.", I said softly. "You had us worried for a while there!" "Hello human.", Elinore said after gulping again. "My name is Elinore. I would like to thank you for finding me - and for not eating me yet." "They call me Stinger, and we won't eat you!", I chuckled. "But we WERE wondering why you were out there all alone." Elinore retold what she had said to Mildred, then asked: "Have you seen them?" "No, but here is what we found:", I said. "We found your cart and many human footprints around it. We followed your tracks and found you." "This sounds like the work of Torres Lesage!", Sterry Stenosaurus said. "Are we going to tell her about the blood?", Rex asked, but Elinore didn't know Tyranosaur. "What did he say?", Elinore asked. "May as well now!", I glared at Rex. "Um..., at the cart, near where the puller would be, we found some blood. We think the puller was killed by those humans." "Rufus? No...!", Elinore wept. "Shhhh, now!", I soothed. "I take it Rufus was your puller. Who else was with you?" "My Partner is Ruby. Ruby Mattock.", Elinore said through tears. "Her mate was Jeff Mattock; and his Partner was Rufus. Poor Rufus!", she cried some more."What happened to them?" "There was no blood near the driver seat.", I said. "We think they escaped. We didn't find a trace of other footprints besides the ones around the cart and ones leading away toward the Crackshell Coast." "They could have been carried away.", Thundertail suggested. "The footprints did seem deeper than usual.", Mosquito added. "Yes, they might have been captured.", I said. "But we don't know anything for sure." "What Partner wearing?", Mayday crouched to ask. "Maybe find clothes in woods." "Ruby was wearing black leggings, an orange tunic and bright red vest.", Elinore told her. "A bright red busby hat, too. Jeff wore his brown pants, black vest..., and I think he wore his green tunic this morning. He wears a deep blue Longshoreman's cap too." "I suggest we go back to the cart and trace every footprint in the area.", I said. "Maybe we can pick up thier trail - or the culprets that did this!" "It cold by now!", Mayday said. "Nothing's too cold for MY nose!", Grond gave her a nuzzle that sent her sprawling in the grass. Elinore squeaked laughter despite herself. "Yes, let's do this!", Thundertail said. "Everyone meet me by the feeding place, and we'll go from there!" "Yes, my king.", I said, then turned to Elinore. "Don't worry. We'll find them!", I got up, showing her my height comparitive to hers. "You stay with Ursula and Mildred to be safe, ok?" "Ok, Stinger.", Elinore said and rose to meet her two caregivers. "He's such a sweet human!..." We all went over and discussed how we were to search for these two humans, and what we would do if we encountered those other humans. The first thing to do was to get to the pilaged cart and start from there. We would follow the known human footprints there and search for clues around the area. We would track the woods in every direction of the compass; and signal back to each other using Kirky runners - these little guys could scurry through the forest undetected by most creatures, especially unaided humans like these land pirates obviousely were! If we found the humans Elinore described, we would perform any help necesary, even rescue them from the pirates if necesary. If we found them alone, we were going to help them back to camp. If we found them dead we were going to bring them back - and try to break the news to Elinore as gently as possible! With that plan in mind, we set off towards where Rex said the cart was. It was in new territory indeed, and for some suprising reason I recognized the area. The forest was matted with broken tree branches; and what convinced me I knew where I was was the fact that I saw the rusted remains of my F-17 fighter jet! I commented this in passing, seeing the wreckage was useless, and we moved on; even though I mentioned I might want to come back one day and salvage the rest for parts like nuts and bolts and things. After several more miles of hiking we entered the area where the battered cart still sat. I looked in and around the cart and saw that everything useful had been taken, and the area where Rufus had once occupied was now devoid of blood, and several sets of small dinosaur prints led to and from the site. The Kirkys fanned out in the general area to find clothes or other small bits of things from the cart or the owners, trying to find evidence on just what happened. The Veloceraptors fanned out and found Elinore's fading footprints along with many slightly larger sets of saurian footprints, which were evidentally scavengers hoping to find something more nutritious than the blood they had obviousely found. They found no less than twenty seperate sets of human tracks. These tracks were fanned out somewhat, but all were going in a general northwest direction; so we followed them deeper into the forest. We fanned out as well, scouring a swath of forest nearly a hundred yards wide in that direction. Four miles later we came across a path, where wagon tracks had made ruts in the compacted dirt surface. Here the footprints disapeared, and the cart tracks seemed to be going more west than north. Up that way was a pass that led to the sea, or so Grond told me through Mayday. Before we left the area one of the Veloceraptors found new human footprints a hundred yards from all the rest. Whomever they were had broken free, and took to the trees for a while before descending to complete thier escape. What convinced us that the people that made the tracks here were the ones we were looking for was the red busby hat found in the bushes not too far away! We had decided to split up just then. Grond, Thundertail, half the Veloceraptors and Kirkys followed the wagon tracks while the rest of us followed the fainter human footprints that were taking a more northerly direction. Our going was slow due to the thick undergrowth; but the Veloceraptors and Kirkys kept on the trail with little variance. The group led by Thundertail had an easier job of tracking thier quarry, for it was hard to lose wagon tracks. They trundled down the road as fast as Tyranosaurs would go, which left most of the smaller ones eating thier dust; and came out onto bare seaside cliffs many hours later. Off in the distance a structure of stone stood perched on the cliff like a suicide victim waiting to jump. It looked well armored and defensable; but the parapets showed many decades of disuse or lack of maintenence. They hid in the near by trees and watched the castle for any sign of activity until it was decided to rejoin our search many hours later. Our northern route took us deeper into the forest than I thought possible. Rex, Thistlesnarl and Pincushion led the way while Whitetail, me, Selma, the other half dozen Kirkys and the rest of the other Veloceraptors took up the rear; cutting a fifty foot swath across the underbrush. Pretty soon the terrain under the trees became rocky, which soon obliterated any sign of visible footprints. The dinosaurs' senses of smell had to take over, and I just had to take thier word for it! About a mile later the trees thinned out and we were traveling through craggy ravines and small, trecherous valleys. One of the Veloceraptors next to me said he could smell something strange, like droppings of birds; and as I scanned the rocky crags ahead with Klamath's scanners, I made out hundreds of Pteranodons nesting all about us! I gave word that we were to excercise extreme caution because Mayday had told me that Pteranodons were hunters, and weren't too picky on the prey they picked on! The three juvenile Terranosaurs were too far ahead to get word, but they had found something that we were looking for. "Say Rex.", Pincushion said as he stooped near a rather deep ravine. "What's this?", he held up a tiny cap, deep blue with a narrow brim in front. "I think that was what Elinore said her Partner's mate was wearing!", Rex said. "Let's look some more." The three Tyranosaurs looked all around the area, then began scanning the ravine below them. As they peered over, they saw a glint of red over near a crag fifty or more feet below. Thistlesnarl thought it was a stand of flowers until they rounded some gnarled trees hanging over the side and saw the forms of two human bodies laying on a narrow ledge below and seventy feet further up the ravine. The one wearing red was on her side; and the only sign of life was she moved a foot. The male in green down there didn't move at all; and his head, arms and legs were all bent in impossible directions. All three looked at this sight helplessly until Rex turned to them both and looked at them. "Go for help!", Rex ordered. "I'll stay here.", neither needed to be told twice, and they turned and bolted off the way they had come. As they twin carnivores left, Rex looked back over and started whimpering worriedly. Thistlesnarl and Pincushion made it back to where we were following them less than a handful of moments later. They told us what they found and to hurry. After they were done telling us they led us back the way they had come. Just then Pincushion had an idea and scurried back the way we had come! "Pincushion! What are you doing?!", I yelled. "Come back here!" "I got an idea!", he roared. "I'll be right back!", the Tyranosaur bolted through the woods and was lost from sight - we had no choice but to go without him! When the rest of us got there, Rex was there looking down; and as soon as I got to his position, I looked too. "Ok guys!" I said. "We're going to have to get them up the ravine somehow..." "We have no ropes.", Thistlesnarl said. "Where's Pincushion?" "He ran off.", I said. "Said he had an idea." "I hope he brings ropes...", one of the Kirkys groused. "No time for that...", I said, then my eyes flashed because I knew what to do! ", Rex, hold my legs down while I go over the side." "I'll hurt you!", Rex balked. "No you wont! The suit can take it, right Klamath?", I said as I got into position. "Stress pressure on leg armor sixteen tons per square inch.", Klamath droned. "Rex will not even dent me!" "See?... Go ahead, son.", I urged, and Rex gently complied. "Good! Now, starting with the Veloceraptors, climb down and hold onto each others' ankles.", I winced as Whitetail climbed down and we both grasped wrists. Slowly the formation was built. The six veloceraptors only made it two thirds of the way down the cliff, so the Kirkys were employed - two per row since they were so small. I had Mayday climb down our living ladder, and then Selma with her medicine bag. They both reached the bottom, and immediately checked both humans for life signs. "Human male dead.", Mayday announced. Just then the sentinel pteranodon took wing. He saw the humans fall a while ago, and now these tresspassers; but decided to wheel around the other side of the ravine area, which was his flock's home. He would be keeping an eye on these creatures, in case they decided to escape! "The female lives.", I translated for Selma's hideous screeches. "Cuts all over. No broken bones. Maybe a concussion...", she backed away as the stricken female groaned and wriggled. "Miss.", Mayday scooted over and said. "You hurt. We help." "Ohhh...!", she responded, moving her head. She immediately collapsed. "What we do?", Mayday asked. "We no move her up cliff like this!" "Can we stop this now?", one of the Kirkys complained. "I think I'm getting taller!" "Please, Malcolm!", I scolded. "This is an emergency! We'll all feel taller by the time it's through!... We're just going to have to try, is all!" "Wait boss!", Larry Kirky said, third one down on the right. "We got an act like this - at least we did. We'd curl our bodies up and make an upside down pyramid on the trapeese." "No way, man!", Malcolm balked. "Well, we got to do something!", I said. "My arms are pulling out of the sockets!" "QUIET!", Rex roared from above. "What Larry said is our only option! Let's just do it, ok?" Rex's yell brought many more Pteranodons to our attention, but we didn't know this. The sentinel came back and quietly crowed his observations to the others; and they all began to get ready to take wing. "Tell us what to do.", I said to Larry, and he did. The human female was taken up by Mayday to a standing position next to the wall and the living ladder. The bottom two Kirkys drew her arms up to the next tier of Kirkys, then the next. The Veloceraptors had to hang on with one hand while transferring her ever upwards. When she was up far enough Thistlesnarl grasped her gently with her teeth and dragged her to safety. Once the human was up, Mayday and Selma climbed the living ladder; and both immediately went to tend to her. Like an undulating mass, the Kirkys curled up and climbed the ladder almost as a wave; then helped the Veloceraptors up when it was thier turn. Whitetail let go of me and Rex removed his foot off my butt. I sat there, shaking feeling back into my arms before I went to see about the human. "How is she?", I asked. "She comes and goes.", Selma screeched as I translated. "We need to take her back to camp. I can not treat her properly out here." "Here I am!", Pincushion panted as soon as he arrived. "I thought you'd need these!", he held the harness strapping and rigging ropes from the cart! "That's where you went off to!", I said. "Good thinking... A little late, but a good effort!", I showed him the rescued female. "Darn!... But what about the male?", he asked. "Dead.", I said. "We can't just leave him there...", Rex said. "You're right.", I said. "Well Pincushion. I guess that stuff will come in handy after all!" The Kirkys hurriedly rigged up a sling from the harnesses, and tied the rope pieces together for length. It was my turn to descend to the ledge, and to the poor chap that died in his horrible fall. I rappelled down the face of the cliff on the rope, then dragged the corpse closer to the cliff. As I tied the sling rig to him, I heard cries coming from high above. From every direction of the compass came clouds of Pteranodons! I stepped back so those above could see me and yelled! "Hey guys! We got company!", I said and pointed to the sky. "Everybody be on the alert!... Mayday, use your stunner and I'll do the same! Everybody take cover - and protect that human!" Seconds later the first of the Pteranodons strafed those on the top of the cliff. Selma was clipped off her feet, and Rex snatched one out of the air. All the Kirkys scurried for the bushes while the Veloceraptors formed a defensive phalanx around the stricken human female. Pincushion snapped at one as it flew by, but Thistlesnarl batted it with her head into a tree. Mayday peppered the air with stunner balsts and missed all but one; which cartwheeled out of the sky to crash hundreds of feet below me. I, being a crack shot in aerial combat, knew enough to fire my stunner slightly ahead of these flying monsters; and my aim downed six while only missing one. "Aim ahead of them, Mayday!", I yelled at her through the noise of Pteranodon cries and carnivore roars. "Let Zandra take over if you can!" "I try!", she gritted her teeth. "There too many!" Four Pteranodons landed on Rex, and he shook off all but one that had latched onto his neck with razor sharp talons. He roared in pain as he stomped one on the ground that he shook off. Pincushion was having the same trouble, and the Veloceraptors' defense was weakening; but Thistlesnarl took out two more that dared come near her. Just then many more carnivores were in thier midst, and Rex found the one attatched to him squashed against his side by a thunderous blow from behind. Rex turned to see what happened and smiled. "Dad!", he exclaimed as he saw his father, Grond and the rest of the search party! "Where did you come from?" "Silence!", Thundertail roared. "There is a battle afoot!", he dove into the fray of the fighting, lashing at any Pteranodon that got near. Before the hour was long, there were many dead Pteranodons about - and fallen down the ravine. The area was red with battle; and once their survivors saw there were no chances at a free meal, reformed over our heads and wheeled back to thier aeries. The creatures below them were battered and bloody themselves; but precious little of it was thier own. We stared as a group as the Pteranodon swarm shrank in the distance and landed nearly a mile away. Panting, everyone gathered to survey the scene, muttering in disbelief at what just happened. "The Pteranodons are bold.", Thundertail said. "They dare attack us?" "We are in thier territory.", Grond stated. "They had the right." "Dad, we found the humans.", Rex said. "One of them is dead." "Yeah,", Pincushion said. "Stinger went down to get him." "Stinger!", Mayday said and leaned over the edge. I smiled up at her with hands on my hips. "We all set up there?", I said with sarcasm. "Ready to get me outa here?!" "Ooh! Right!", Rex said and grabbed the rope. Many of the Veloceraptors helped; and so did the Kirkys when they came out of hiding. Soon the corpse was lifted and was drawn away from the cliff. Then it was my turn, and I rode the rope to the top; where Thundertail drew me to a standing position as the sling was removed from my waist. "Ok, now let's load up and get out of here.", Thundertail told us. "There's no telling when the Pteranodons will return!" We mountd up and began the long journey back. Atop Thundertail, I reached down and hauled the injured human female up to me with the aid of Mayday and Thistlesnarl. Ruby moaned as she was hauled to a sitting position in front of me, and I grasped her around the middle as one of the Kirkys grabbed some rope from his kin below and began tying her into place. The dead male, Jeff Mattock was his name, was tied to Pincushion so he wouldn't fall off; and the rest of the Kirkys piled onto Grond, Thistlesnarl and the rest. The Veloceraptors, Mayday and Selma grabbed as many Pteranodons as we could to eat on the way back, and we all set out heading for home. The going was slow, mainly for the sake of the injured Ruby, who was jostled around like a ragdoll as she lifelessly rode with me on Thundertail's back. The group also had to take it slow for the sake of the smaller-legged creatures and our hundred pound Pteranodon loads. Along the way we related our parts in the rescue; and Thundertail told us of his excursion to the perpetrators' hideout. "You did well, my son, for finding these people.", Thundetail told Rex. "I am training you well, for leading the search and finding these creatures in distress." "We all did our part, and came through on top for the most part.", stated Rex. "If it weren't for them, we would have failed." "My assignment went well too.", Thundertail said. "We have found the stronghold of Torres LeSage. She lives in a castle on the northern coast." "That king Adolpho's castle.", Mayday said. "Me hear it haunted!" "Sounds like it's haunted all right!", I said. "Haunted with lowlifes!" By mid afternoon we had gone only as far as the destroyed cart; and by late afternoon we eventually made it to our camp. Before we could even dismount we were greeted most profusely; and then they saw the condition of our band and helped us with our burdens. Ruby was let down and was rushed immediately to my cabin, where Ursula waited for her patient; and Selma went with her to oversee Ruby's condition. The corpse of Jeff was taken down and placed by the 'Big Top', much to the protest of Merry, Sterry and the two guards - we had to assure them it was only a temporary arrangement! While all of this was being organized, I went to Ursula's gypsy wagon to see on our other visitor. Elinore was a skittish creature, and news of our expedition would have to be told to her gently! I knocked on the miniscule door, and Elinore's head poked out a moment later. "Oh! Hello Stinger!", she squeaked. "You're back! Please tell me how it went." "Please, have a seat.", I said, indicating Ursula's table and chair. I sat on the grass beside it. "What a time...", I began. "You're a mess - and all bloody!", she noticed. "What happened?" "Well Elinore, it was like this:", I said, then told her of the whole ordeal. "We went to your cart in the woods. We found many human footprints, and found Ruby and Jeff had been captured. We followed them to a path in the woods, and it seemed that they escaped." "Good!", she smiled. "What next?" "Well, Thundertail and some others followed the other tracks, and that led to another cart.", I continued. "The cart tracks led to a castle by the coast. We think that is thier hideout." "What about Ruby and Jeff?", Elinore asked. "We followed those tracks, and it led to a craggy place with Pteranodons in it.", I said. "We found them fallen down a cliff. They were hurt badly, but we pulled them up... The rest might be too hard for you. Want me to continue?" "Please! I need to know!", she begged. "Ok, here goes:", I cleared my throat. "Jeff didn't make it. His neck and nearly every bone in his body was broken.", I loooked at her stricken face. "Ruby is still alive, but she's hurt bad. Ursula is over seeing what she can do as we speak." "Oh no!", Elinore wailed as soon as she could find voice. "I must go see her! I got to let her know I'm safe!" "Ruby is still unconcious.", I said. "We think she has a concussion and other injuries. The bush she fell on saved her life, but she has cuts from head to toe. I think you should wait until she's awake before you visit." "NO! I must see her NOW!", Elinore was growing livid! "Take me to her right now, human!" "Ok, ok!", I said. "Just wanted to save you the shock!", I reached for her. "Here, let me carry you." I picked Elinor up and carried her like one would carry a cat, which she said was a most comfortable mode of transport. We made our way past the 'Big Top', and I asked if she wanted to view Jeff's body. She consented as I slowed to the shape under a tarp around the corner of the tent. I put her on the ground and lifted the corner for her to see. She crept forward, tears welling, and grasped the huge hand. Bowing, she ran the hand on her face in a nuzzle, breaking down and weeping uncontrollably. I let her do this for many moments, and then she turned to me and mimed to be picked back up. "He was so kind.", Elinore said finally. "Ruby is going to be heartbroken." "It's a bad time.", I said. "I'm really sorry for you all..." I made it to my cabin at last, and knocked only once before it was opened. Selma's eyes saw me and my passenger as I walked in with her mistrustful eyes; and I set her down by my bed they were using as an operating table. Elinore rushed over to the form on the bed and tried to see better. "Now child!", Ursula said. "Let a body work! I'll let you know when she wakes up!" Instead of speaking, Elinore went onto the bed and nuzzled her Partner's face. A moment of weeping and she got up, wiping her tiny face. "Let me know the second she wakes up!", she ordered. "I want to sleep here tonight." "Alright child.", Ursula told her. "But where will Stinger sleep?" "Don't worry, Ursula.", I said. "I'll be fine! Maybe I can sleep with Rex tonight. It'll give him a thrill!" "Gee whiz!", Elinore said. "Am I that much of a pain?" "No you're not!", I crouched to say. "You're our guest, and the guest is always right!" More than three days later, and with the concern of all in the camp, Ruby slowly began to wake up. She had been cleaned up and her clothes had been laundered and put back on her; but the bruises and larger cuts remained. Her beauty and dirty blonde hair were masked by her ordeal, and she moaned as she tried to fight her way through waves of nausea and pain and into the realm of conciouseness. Ursula came over to the female still struggling to wake and nursed some water into her. Coughing, she struggled to a half sitting position before surrendering once again to gravity. "What happened,...Ohhh!", Ruby croaked. "Where am... I?" "Just relax child.", Ursula said as she was handed some greens from Selma, whose eyes unnerved the recently awakened human. "You're with friends." "I ache... all over.", Ruby turned her head to see this miniscule dinosaur beside her. "Elinore...? That you?" "No, I am Ursula. A healer.", Ursula turned to Selma. "Go get Elinore.", Selma chirped, nodded and left the cabin. "Where am I?", Ruby asked examining the room, her administrator and the food before her in that order. "Last I know we were going through the Rainy Basin. We got attacked by humans! Why would humans do that to us?" "Now don't worry about that! We got that business under control.", Ursula indicated the food. "You've been out for nearly three days. You must be starved!" "I'll say!", Ruby took the bowl and the implement and tasted experimentally. She practically devoured half the bowl before she looked up guiltily. "Want some?" "Naw, I'll eat later.", Ursula said as a knock came at the door. "Bet I know who this is!", she barely had time to pull the latch, and in sprung Elinore. "Ruby...!, Ruby...!, Ruby...!", Elinore leapt on the bed and engulfed the human in her miniature hug. "Oh!... I'm glad you're all right!", she kissed her, then nuzzled lovingly. "Elinore! You made it...!", Ruby returned the hug and kisses, then she drew him back, looking solemnly. "But where are we?" "Oooh! We're still in the Rainy Basin.", Elinore told her. "We're in a place known as clan Thundertail. We're in a community of Tyranosaurs!" "Tyranosaurs?!", Ruby looked around warily. "We're in trouble!" "No, silly! These Tyranosaurs are nice!", Elinore giggled. "They have made a clan of all sorts of carnivores, and like to help people." "I never heard the like.", Ruby told her. "Are you sure you're all right?" "She's not lying, sweetie.", Ursula said as she prepared more medicine. "I'm a Scartopus Kirkus - a Kirky. We're carnivores. Selma over there is an Ovaraptor, a carnivore. We got Veloceraptors and Dilophosaurs - humans too!" "Those dredful humans attacked us!", Ruby said. "Not them!" "Oh no, my Partner!", Elinore said. "There is only two humans here, and they're both nice as can be! This is thier house, which they gave to you until you recover." "That's very Dinotopian of them!", Ruby said, giving her Partner an extra hug. "Now, I think that's enough excitement for your first day among the living.", Ursula said as Selma wailed, giving Ursula another ingredient. "You need another dose now. Are you getting a headache, dear?" "A little.", Ruby said. "I'm feeling a little nauseous, too." "That's that concussion you got..., but at least you got food into you!", she turned to Elinore. "Maybe you can see her a little later, ok?" "Sure thing, auntie Ursula!", Elinore got down and reluctantly left the cabin. "I like when she calls me that!", Ursula chuckled as she brought the bowl over to Ruby. At the end of the day, Ruby was feeling a lot better; and most of us took turns visiting her. She was quite alarmed when Thundertail put his massive head into the window for his visit; but her trepidations dissapated once he voiced her well wishes translated by Mayday. She was equally suprised when Sterry and Merry made thier appearances; for she only thought that carnivores lived here. They explained that they were here on assignment from Waterfall City to study this community, and would leave as soon as they were finished; but this act of kindness would surely prove to the council that these creatures were as upstanding as any citizen on Dinotopia. She was amazed and amused at the small troupe of Kirky jugglers and clowns that visited a little while later. Thier antics sure boosted her spirits after she got word that her husband was dead; and she thanked them profusely for thier efforts. "So, how you doing?", I asked when it was my turn. I feinted getting some gear from my chest as an excuse for my visit. "I see you're enjoying our first-class accomodations." "Much better, thanks.", Ruby said. "Do you know what is to become of us?" "You need to recover a little more, but once you do we'll let you and Elinore get back to your lifes.", I told her. "And what life can I have without my husband?", she was near tears. "It's a tough blow, to lose all that.", I said. "But things have a way of working out. You two will make it, I just know it!" "It will never be the same, though...", Ruby said as Elinore came in next. She had more food and water and rest, and by noontime the next day, Ruby was feeling a lot better. Ursula and Selma finally allowed her to get up, walk around the cabin and meet more of the clan members that walked by the doorway. She was slowly getting used to being in the midst of our clan of carnivores, but the sight of them all milling about doing thier duties still unnerved her to no end! Just before the evening meal, Mayday led her out of the cabin and began a small tour of the campsite, and she met up with many more of the clan in passing. Mayday described just about everything going on at the camp, from the gardening to the reason for the copro cart - but she could guess on that one! She was amazed at how these creatures adapted to living in shelters, and gazed at the rows of tents on the other side of the encampment, the cabins and smaller domiciles made of wood and thatch nestled between the trees and even the mud huts and lean-to's all about. She maintained that such communal behaviour among carnivores was uncalled for. Mayday just simply stated that they get along well together. "Ah, there you are, miss Ruby!", Sterry said as he caught up with them. Merry was at his side was busy compiling her notes and didn't notice he stopped. She bumped into him and broke his concentration. "Ah,... we are nearly done here, and we were wondering if you needed a lift home." "I live in Pteros, but we were reassigned to go to Earthfarm.", Ruby told him. "You're going there, Sterry?" "Well, no. Not really.", Sterry told her. "We must regester our paper on this place at Waterfall City first; then I think out next assignment is in Canyon City, not too far away from there. We can see you that far." "That's most gratious of you, kind saurian.", Ruby said as Elinore took a more comfortable spot on her shoulder. "We really shouldn't impose like that..." "Nonsense child!", Sterry said with a tisk. "It's the least we can do! I insist!" "Then if that's the case,", Ruby said with a grin. "It looks like you have some traveling companions!" "Yippee!", Elinore chirped. "Er..., how are you coming along, Merry?", Sterry asked. "Almost finished.", Merry said, not looking up. "All we got to do is proof read it and make any changes and it should be right as rain!" "Excellent!", Sterry said. "Now we must be off! We should get packing so we're ready to leave by sometime tomorrow!" "Right.", Merry followed as I came near the group. "Hi guys.", I said as I gave Mayday a kiss. "We're almost ready for a feast to celebrate your recovery. Want to join in?" "We never been to a carnivore feast.", Ruby said. "I bet it's messy!", Elinore said. "Don't worry.", I said. "I've been showing them table manners!" They laughed as they followed us to the feeding area. A makeshift table was set up for them and us off to one side so they wouldn't be in direct sight of the potential gore. Soon the carcasses were brought in and the carnivores began to congregate around the bonfire made to light the darkening day. Our meals were served, and the feast began without much preamble save for Thundertail announcing we could begin. Soon loose conversation began around the fire, and smalltalk and joking commenced like what usually happened within the comeraderie of the clan. Ruby and Elinore observed all of this with an air of polite amusement until some of the conversation wafted her way. They turned and addressed the talker: me! "I said, did we tell you what we're doing at the temples over there?", I repeated. "N..., no, you didn't.", Ruby said. "What are you doing?" "We are exploring them and catalogueing what's there.", I began. "If all goes well, we will be fixing them up and moving in pretty soon." "Those temples are dangerous!", Ruby said. "You shouldn't be in there." "Well, we figure that, since we must guard them.", I began. "We should at least know what we're guarding! We found that the temples aren't as dangerous as rumored; and there are things in them that can be useful to all Dinotopians - once we figure out how to use them!" "But still, it's against the laws of Dinotopia!", Ruby told me. "The things in there, if placed in the wrong hands, could destroy Dinotopia! That is why those places are taboo!" This silenced conversation for a while as most of the rest finished thier feast. By the end of the feast, the conversation commenced once more. Sterry commented that they were almost ready to leave - perhaps as soon as tomorrow noontime. We all were saddened at the news, and wished them a safe journey home. Ruby told us that she and Elinore was leaving with them, and the farewells were redoubled. Soon Ruby got upset again and spoke up. "And what of those dispickable pirates?", Ruby asked. "Those people must attone for this! You know that, don't you?" "But what can be done?", I asked. "I won't stand for them running rampant like this! What if they do this to others and hurt someone?", Ruby asked. "They won't hurt anyone in the Rainy Basin if we have something to say about it!", Rex growled as I translated. "Right dad?" "Tresspassing of thier caliber will not be tolerated!", Thundertail confirmed. "When I get back to civilization, I'm going to file a formal protest against them!", Ruby said as Elinore nodded. "I want justice served!" "When we get to Waterfall City, we'll help you fill out the proper forms.", Sterry offered. "We're good at paperwork!" "Just relax! Things are being done about it.", I told her. "We found out where the culprets live. Torres LeSage and her gang lives in king Adolpho's castle on the Crackshell coast. We are keping an eye on her, and are watching for any other mischief in the Rainy Basin. See, now that we know who's doing this and where they are, we can do something about it." "You won't be able to get guards to go way out here...", Ruby said. "No one is crazy enough to go into the Rainy Basin unprotected!" "We're going to do it ourselves - Rainy Basin style!", I said. "If LeSage uses underhanded means, that means we got to be underhanded to catch her." "That's against Dinotopian law, you know.", she said. "But not Rainy basin law!", I said. "We carnivores do things a bit differently than you. We will see justice served!" Fairly soon the conversation around the bonfire dwindled to a few pockets of smalltalk and planning of tomorrow's hunt and the like. By this time most of the rest of the clan had retired from the feast, and the Kirkys and Veloceraptors got busy cleaning up from it. Pretty soon we all decided to turn in for the night, and Ruby collected the dozing Elinore and shuffled off to my cabin. I sidled against Rex, begging to sleep with him again with my eyes; and he just nuzzled me swattingly and we both went in the direction of his nest. The rest retired soon afterwards, and before long the whole camp was abuzz with the sounds of saurians sleeping - all except for Ripper and Snapper, who had the first shift at guard duty tonight! In the morning I woke up and rubbed Rex's neck to wake him; then I went into the clearing in the early morning light to witness the hunting party, led by Grond and Bross, leave the area. I walked over to the 'Big Top' when I noticed activity coming from that area. Tebo and Raffa, the saurian guards, were busy loading Stery and Merry's small pushcart; and the latter two were busy hauling thier things out of the tent. I looked inside, where Merry was rolling up thier bedding, and startled Sterry as he turned and almost made him drop the load of scrolls he was stuffing into a bag. I smiled and retreated so he could load that and just stood outside to watch the procedure. "Big day today!", Sterry chirped. "We spent the evening reviewing our notes, and I think we got all we came for. We should be leaving by noontime!" "Well, I'm really sorry to see you guys go.", I said as I helped him with a bedroll that Merry handed him. "Your presence these past few weeks was a real shot in the arm for all of us!" "Duty has its' own schedule.", Sterry told me. "If we had our druthers, we'd stay a whole lot longer. Truth be known, the council at Waterfall City wants our report real soon. They're really curious about you, you know." "Well, it's a good thing they're taking an interest in us.", I said. "Thundertail thinks the knowledge of our existence will really help the clan and our cause." "What is his cause, if I may ask?", Stery asked. "Well, you must admit, carnivores in general have a less than favorable reputation - if you know what I mean.", I said. "They are really nice folks, when you come right down to it. He thinks it's just because we eat other creatures, everyone else thinks we're just mindless eating machines that would slay a person as soon as talking to them. We are not like that, really! Sure, we eat meat, but that's only because that's the only thing we CAN eat." "But not for you and Mayday.", Sterry told me. "Humans have a choice on what to eat; and it's much more humane to eat plants rather than meat." "But as you say, we have a choice.", I said flatly. "It was by our decision that we eat what we choose; and around here we eat mostly meat." "Stinger. I want you to do me a favor while I'm away.", Sterry told me, changing the tack of the conversation before it got too far. "The report we're giving the high council is only a report. Copies would no doubt be issued to the ancient library of Dinotopia, but there are others that might want a running description of what goes on around here. I will give you the remainder of our writing supplies if you were to write down everything that happens here from now on. The chief librarian's name is Zippeau Stenosaurus, and he, for one would certainly like to know about the place!" "Why sure, I'll do that for you!", I agreed. "My penmanship isn't so great and I can't really write with flair; but I could give a description of life in the Rainy Basin if that's what they might want!" "Excellent!", he pulled down a light crate and set it at my feet. "I'll go tell Merry!", he ducked his head inside. (So Zippeau, this is why I'm writing up all this stuff. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did writing it - and living it! I hope I do a good job at it, and make you proud! I hope to one day visit Waterfall City and meet you in person. I bet we both have lots of tales to tell...!) Anyway, by the time that our visitors finished packing thier cart, Ruby saw them doing this as she stepped out of the cabin and quickly packed her and Elinore's few belongings herself. By midmorning, and after I left to deposit the writing implements at the cabin and train some of the children to stalk prey, the hunting party returned. When they saw Sterry and company all set to leave, they began to congregate around thier fully loaded cart. "Ah! I see you're leaving without fully wearing out your welcome!", Thundertail announced as he wove his way through the crowd. "Uh..., that we are.", Sterry stammered, still not used to carnivores. "We ah... gathered all the information we need so far." "Now we must be on our way.", Merry continued as she took the other Stenosaurus's hand. "It has been an honor to be among you, truely!" "Gee! And we were going to give you a big sendoff, too!", Harold Kirky said from below. "You all will be missed.", Whitetail said. "Say Stinger!", Rex whispered to me. "It looks like they are like you and Mayday!" "Hush!", I whispered back, then turned to the leaving group to explain. "Ah..., Rex commented that you are seeing each other socially?" "Oh that!", Sterry looked at his hand. "Well, we're mates. Didn't you know that?" "We found out long ago that we work well together.", Merry explained. "Both on the job and off!" "Well I think that's great!", Deathflower cooed. "Anyway, miss Ruby and miss Elinore are going with us.", Sterry announced. "Our next assignment would no doubt be near where they want to go." "Yes, and we thank you from the bottoms of our hearts for all you've done for us!", Ruby said. "Yeah!", Elinore echoed. "Think nothing of it!", said Thundertail. "Your donation to us of the body of your beloved husband was payment enough - and then some!" At length all the good byes and other formalities were said, hugs and kisses passed around where applicable and the travelers prepared to leave. An escort was suggested to protect them and see them out of the territory occupied by us, and Ripper and Snapper dutifully volunteered. We all waved, roared or cheered as Sterry, Merry Tebo, Raffa, Elinore and Ruby turned the cart around and exited the clearing that was clan Thundertail... _
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Post by thundertail on Mar 14, 2012 20:08:47 GMT -5
_ EIGHTEEN: "Movers and mayhem - and more movers!" A few days went by, and things finally started getting back to normal around clan Thundertail. In the morning I awoke in my cabin, and found Mayday snuggling against me, face a mask of bliss in her private dreams. My mind began to decipher what went on last night as it serenely drew itself out of slumber. Once our visitors had gone, we had been seeing more of each other of late. She had moved in before this; but we had to give up the cabin for our recent guests. As you know, I had been sleeping near Rex's nest; and Mayday decided to do likewise with Grond. The past two nights we had moved our sleeping mats closer and closer together; and now they were side by side, just like they were a double bed. Smiling, I finally pieced together what went on last night. She had been saying in not so many words that the time was right for us to be together, and her silent words last night told me exactly how she felt about me. I recalled the unsure caresses, the gentle kisses up to its' delicious consequence - and the rematch shortly thereafter. To put in the nicest terms I know, she took my seed! Mayday turned and began to stir, tightening her embrace on me and slowly opening her eyes as soon as she faced me. "Morning.", Mayday cooed. "Sleep good?", she stroked my stubbly chin. "Every morning is a good mornig when I have a sight like this to look at when I wake up!", I replied. "You talk too much!", she kissed. "What time?" "Early.", I said as I looked toward the window. "The hunting party should be leaving by now." "You on hunting party!", Mayday said, crouching to a sitting position. "You late!" "They'll just have to start without me!", I said as I noticed our armor sitting where we left them, open to accept our forms. Thier hands were intertwined, and thier green and amber eyes glowed softly. "Hey you guys! Were you peeking last night?" "Reproductive activities do not interest us.", Klamath said. "It reminded us of when we were alive and could do it!", Zandra said. "Well, next time no peeking!", I scolded as Mayday giggled throatily. Klamath and Zandra's eyes dimmed and became opaque. We then decided to get up, and disengaged to do so. We scrambled to don our underthings and went to our armor to sit into them. They closed around us and we rose to a standing position at the same time. I went to the door and looked outside. The hunting party was definitely gone; but Greach the Ovaraptor and Rellas the Dilophosaur, who were the guards this morning, were causing a scene by the western path; and we both ran in that direction to see what was going on. A family of humans and thier Pachycephalasaurus Partners had been stopped by them before they could enter our camp. I stepped up through the growing crowd of carnivores to see what they wanted. "Welcome to clan Thundertail, travelers.", I said to the humans formally. Thier pullers brayed and balked at these creatures before them whom they were instinctively afraid of. "What brings you so deep inside the Rainy Basin?" "Greetings. I am Miles Krieger.", the male human said puttting down the reigns on his twin steeds. "This is my wife Melissa.", she nodded. "This is my son, Greg,", he waved at the scary creatures all around. "And these are our Pachycephalosaurus helpers, Sauron and Chillet.", they nodded. "We have come from the Northern Plains. Our farming community has banished us from there for our crimes." "What crimes?", I asked. "If you are criminals, you can't seek sanctuary here!" "It is not a crime so insidious as the eating of meat.", Miles said. "Our farm had been overrun by vermin, and we had set aside a means to halt them. Our traps worked, but killed many of them. When it was found that they tasted good when cooked, we had been eating them ever since. We had been eating them for a time when the other farmers inquired how we got rid of our pest problem. We mentioned the traps, but still they wondered how we disposed of the corpses." "So they eventually found out you were eating them.", I concluded. "We have also tasted meat.", Sauron rumbled. "And thus was the reason why we were banished.", Miles nodded. "They said that all carnivores should live in the Rainy Basin, and we should go there before the local magistrate pronounced sentance. With no fewer words, we packed up our belongings and left." "We had heard of a place in the Rainy Basin run by noble and wise carnivores.", Melissa took over. "Carnivores who have banded together for thier common good. Ones who see the benefit of others, and assist those in distress. We seek that place and those creatures. Is this the place we seek, and are these those creatures?" "Those descriptions certainly describe how things work around here.", I said, not getting to the point. "But it is not up to me to decide who stays or leaves. Our leader is king Thundertail, and I believe he is heading this mornings' hunting expedition." "But until then, we should find a place for them to put this cart.", Grond broke in from behind. " It is blocking the path!" "Yes! Right.", I said, looking around. "How about putting your cart over there, by those small tents? I'm sure the Kirkys won't mind." "Certainly sir.", Miles had the Pachys turn the cart in that direction. "Hey mister!", came the little boy voice of Greg in the back of the cart. "My name is greg. Where did you gat the armor?" "The name's Stinger, and I got them a long time ago.", I called. "Now let's see to some refreshments. You're probably thirsty from your trip - and hungry too. Whitetail, could you see to that?" "Yes Stinger.", Whitetail scampered off. Soon everyone cleared the area and went about thier previous duties; and the newcomers parked thier cart in the indicated spot. The Pachys were unhitched by Miles and allowed to mill about, but stayed in the general area of the cart; and Melissa set Greg on the ground by the cart and told not to wander around. Since they were so near the Kirky camp, many of that troup milled around doing thier duties close by. Alvin Kirky walked by, saw the youngster and ran back to his tent to get his juggling clubs; and soon returned to give the tyke a little show! Many more Kirkys saw this activity and began tumbling and dancing about, much to the delight of little Greg! Suddenly Melissa Krieg looked at the troup performing there and held a hand to her mouth before speaking. "I know who you are!", she said to the group. "You're the Kirky Circus!" "That's right, ma'am.", Alvin said, dropping a club and making Greg laugh. "How'd you guess?" "You performed at Sauropolis when I was little.", she said. "My pa took me to see you; but you were a much bigger group back then..." "Times are tough.", he told her. "My father told me of all the grand performances we did all over Dinotopia. Back then the entertainment that we did was really worth something. Now adays, folks like thier recreation more... sedate. You know, we were outlawed in many cities and outposts over the years. That's why we went to the Rainy Basin. You go where the action is. Know what I mean?", he picked up his clubs and began juggling some more. "Anyway, we found ourselves here, and things are now looking up!... LOOK OUT!", he scrambled out of the way as he dropped all the clubs this time! "Miles darling!", Melissa called. "These fellows are from the Kirky Circus! remember me telling you about them?" "This new home is going to be fun!", Greg added. "Yes dear, I remember.", Miles said, twisting his moustache. "And it would be fun. That is if mister Thundertail says we can stay." Just about then Whitetail came over with thier meals, assisted by two of her female kin and two female Dilophosaurs. The humans got steaming plates of vegetables with a slab of cooked leftover meat with a meatsauce over it and the Pachys got greens topped with the same meatsauce as well. The humans dug in with hungry gusto while the Pachys shrugged and took a more civilized approach to thier grazing. They were just finishing up when a roar was heard, and several carnivores came into camp dragging thier latest kills. These ones didn't notice the newcomers as of yet nor thier cart as they were busy arranging the carcasses in the feeding area. I saw them coming, and ran toward Thundertail, head bowed because I remembered I was supposed to be with them this morning! "There you are, Stinger!", Thundertail noticed me after a moment. "I thought you got lost out there or something for a moment. I was about to send a search party!" "My king, I am truthfully sorry for missing out on this morning's hunt.", I apologized. "I guess I overslept." "You did? Well, it happens sometimes.", Thundertail looked away, had a second thought and turned back. "You're not getting sick, are you?" "No, it's not that, I think.", I said. "Hey stinger! Missed you on the hunt!", Rex said as he came over and nuzzled me. He took a snuffle, wrinkled his nose and looked at me. "Say Stinger, you smell different today. Dad? Doesn't he?" "I don't know. let's see...", Thundertail took a whiff. He thought about it for a moment, and a glow of recognition lit his face. "Stinger! You rascal! You mated with Mayday, didn't you?!" "Uh, huh...", I admitted in a shy way. "See? He's not sick, son!", Thundertail chuckled. "Just lovesick!" "What?", Rex asked. "Maybe that's why I overslept.", I admitted. "Sometimes humans need extra rest afterward!", I shrugged. "Don't we all!", Thundertail gave me a nuzzle. "Don't we all!" "Huh?", Rex said. "Later, son!", Thundertail told him with a look telling him he shouldn't press the point! "Uh,... my morning was not spent idly, my king.", I continued. "We have yet more guests, and they wish to ask a favor of you." "My goodness!", Thundertail feigned exasperation. "This place is getting to be the busiest place in all of Dinotopia!... Please take me to them, Stinger." I led the way to the Kirky tents with Thundertail and Rex in my wake. They got thier first glances half way there of the covered cart, the three humans and the two Pachycephalosauruses; whose noses told them instinctual danger was approaching and they balked. As we drew nearer I called out and alerted the newcomers of our arrival. "Greetings once again, strangers!", I said as I stopped many feet away from the group. "I would like to introduce Thundertail, king of the clan Thundertail, and his son, Rex.", I indicated each dinosaur in turn. "Greetings, king Thundertail and Rex.", Miles said, still leary to approach us. "I am Miles Krieger. This is my wife, Melissa; and the young one is my son Greg. Our Partners are Sauron and Chillet. We thank you all for your hospitality so far, and beg friendship for the rest of our stay." "Well met indeed!", Thundertail said as I translated. "Stinger here says that you have a favor to ask. What is it?" "First sir, our story.", Miles said. "We come from a farming community in the Northern Plains, and our crops were rice, okra and other types of crops. One day we noticed our crop was being overrun by small mammals who ate our crop and decimated our land. We had found out that other farms were suffering the same fate. Many tried unsuccessful means to ward off these creatures with little effect. Our method entailed trapping and killing them, which proved most effective. During this time, and with other foodsources running low, we decided to include these creatures into our diet. We found the meat good, and included it in our meals long after the plague was over. The others began wondering how we were so successful; and when we told them about the traps, inquired on where we disposed of the bodies." "We dared not tell, but with some spying on thier part, they found out.", Miles continued. "With repeated warnings, they told us to give up the practice of eating meat; but it had become such an ingrained part of our diet, we simply could not! At length they told us to leave the community or they would notify the local magistrate and have us banished or incarcerated. This action gave us incentive enough to leave!" "We have traveled all over this part of Dinotopia, looking for a place to call home.", Melissa took over. "A place unfettered by edicts that control the things one eats, thinks or does. We had heard from outposts around the Rainy Basin about a band of carnivores within that utilizes the skills of many carnivore species to embetter the whole. Ones who are friendly to strangers and helpful when in need." "What we ask, oh noble saurian,", Miles continued. "Is if we may live here and serve the clan to the best of our abilities." "We won't make trouble.", little Greg cut in. "Honest!", Melissa quitely hushed him. Thundertail chuckled at the child, then seriousely considered thier dilemma. What a sad story, and what a ridiculed life these poor creatures suffered! To be banished from a home they obviousely had for a long time, the people they knew all that time, and ones they thought were thier friends; turning on them for a trifle such as what they choose to eat? They may have differing ideas and ways, that was true; but realms fail if those who administer over people do not listen to them! The rest of Dinotopia must be backward indeed if they condone actions such as this! At last Thundertail looked at these newcomers and cleared his throat. "Strangers from a strange land. You speak a strange story indeed!", he announced as I translated. "The injustices placed on you for what you do saddens and enrages me to no end! Here we do not tout a person for what they do or what they think; and if you are ridiculed for doing those things elsewhere, you certainly won't be ridiculed for them here.", he looked them all directly in thier eyes. "You may stay as long as you wish, and live with us as if in a family!" Miles couldn't believe this. His jaw quavered before he spoke. "My king! You do not know what honor you bless us with!", he finally stepped up to him. "I will serve you well - we all will!", he took his two-fingered saurian hand and bowed with it. "Welcome home, persecuted travelers! May you find peace here!", Thundertail gave the human a nuzzle, then regained composure. "Now, what tasks should I assign your group? You say you are farmers. We have two gardens to tend - soon to be three, if my information is correct. We have a variety of crops currently growing, but no rice or okra. You may work there for now until we see about any other skills you may have." "We will do this with honor, my lord!", Miles said. "I planted potatoes and other tubers a while ago.", I offered. "They should be ready for harvest soon." "And you Pachys: I assume you're strong.", Thundertail continued. "Yes we are, kind saurian.", Sauron said through my translation. "And we are skilled in many agricultural tasks.", Chillet said taking her mate's hand. "Ah yes!", Thundertail acknowledged. "And I assume you are skilled in apropriate domestic endeavors?", he looked at Melissa. "Oh yes, your honor!", Melissa said. "Also a seamstress before I was married." "That is a useful skill.", Thundertail admitted. "My clothes are getting all torn and beat up.", I added. "Mayday can't sew for beans!" "Yes...", Thundertail gave me an acid stare. "And now another problem: where are we going to house you all?", he looked around until he spotted Harold in the crowd of Kirkys. "Oh, Harold! Come here please." "Yes, boss!", Harold scampered into view, looked around at the newcomers and nodded. "Oh, I got you, boss!", he turned to his comrades and yelled: "Say guys! Guess what!" His group knew what was coming too, and balked: "Oh, no!", "Not that again!", "We just tore it down!", "No way, man!", among many other unspeakable phrases! Instead of saying anything, Harold took on a scary look and chased his kin around until they eventually complied and went to get the tent paraphanalia. Once that task was started, Harold came back into view, smiled and said: "In a jiffy!", he scurried off to help. All three of us laughed at this hyjinx, but the newcomers just stared at the miniature retreating form, mouths agape! "Kirkys funny!", Greg said as he laughed too and broke thier dumbfounded looks. "Don't worry.", I whispered to Miles. "You'll get used to it!" Miles just shook his head and turned to help Sauron take a few things from the covered cart that they needed at the moment. I helped a little; and during this time he inquired about my suit. I explained that it was a special suit of armor, and I had earned the right to wear it. He asked if he was going to get one, and I told him it depended on if we could find another in the ruins of Halcyon or elsewhere; but Klamath whispered to me that he wouldn't let one such as him wear the armor of Othgar! A little more than an hour later the 'Big Top' was erected, and the family moved thier belongings inside. When they were done unloading it, thier cart was parked with the other carts were - we were getting quite a collection of them of late! By evening they were all moved in, and a feast was prepared in thier honor; for they were the only other humans invited to join us since Mayday and I had the honors. Sauron and Chillet were also honored, for they were the only vegetarian dinosaurs to ever be admitted as clan members - not counting our kills, that is! The Kirkys performed thier acts and played thier music, the meals were placed; and the whole clan had a wonderful time that night. In the morning little Greg was placed with the other children in my class, and I taught them to speak and write English, of which only the human child really grasped the concept. Miles and the Pachys were shown the gardens, and saw how we tended them; and Melissa went around and met all the females in the area, being led by Mayday, Ursula and Selma. Before the week was long, these new humans and thier Partners had begun to grasp how things were done around here; and had full knowledge where things were in the general area of the camp, including a brief tour of the almost completed Incan pyramid and the base of the tower beyond. These folks seemed to be fitting in around here perfectly! The only thing not explored about them as of yet was thier hunting abilities; and it was a good thing we did not have them with us yet because we discovered more trouble in the dense jungles! We were out in seperate hunting parties, as it was suggested we would get more game if we split up. The party I was included in went in a southwesterly direction and the party that included Rex, Mayday and most of the other Tyranosaurs went southeast; and we split up near where my jet crashed. We hadn't gone more than three miles when one of the Veloceraptors pushed down a branch and we heard a loud snapping - then the Veloceraptor's startled cry! Figuring he had injured himself, most of us rushed over to see what happened. "Look!", the Veloceraptor hissed. "I step on branch, and this snap at me! I no know what is, so I shout." "Looks like a bear trap!", I said as I examined the wooden contraption. "Are those teeth?" The trap definitely looked like its' steel counterpart on the outside world, only three times as large. It was made predominantly with two thick bowed pieces of branch lashed together with a wooden trigger component and other lashings to make it work; but the most disturbing thing was what the business end was lined with. They were shark teeth, I was sure; but these teeth were clearly four inches across each - and there were a dozen in each row! I asked which kind of shark would have teeth like those, and Whitetail said they belonged to the Meglodon, a gigantic shark more than fifty feet long, and extinct everywhere else but the shores of Dinotopia! "Now the big question.", I said after everyone had a look. "Who could have put this thing here?" "LeSage?", Whitetail suggested, and I nodded as my eyes widened. "You know, if there is this trap here, there might be more all over the place!", I concluded. "This area is too unsafe to hunt in. I suggest we get out of here, and hunt somewhere else." "Wait!", Whitetail said. "If all over, we should find. Traps hurt more than us - maybe others get hurt too. Let's do." "Well,...", I said. I was in charge of this group. "Ok, but watch yourselfs! These things could snap you in half, by the looks!", I tossed the trap down as hard as I could. It didn't break, but bounced and landed in the bushes. " LeSage!", I said in a whisper. The Veloceraptors, aided by the Kirkys that came along with us, scoured the area; and within an hour they swept an area of almost a square mile. Only two other traps were found. One was spotted by a Kirky and his Veloceraptor counterpart sprung it with a branch. The other one was already sprung, and the leg of the poor Struthie that was in it was nearly severed off. We gathered the traps and took the Struthie and left the area, on our way to search for the other hunting party. We trapsed through the jungle with extra caution, wary of more of those horrible traps; and finally came to the area where we had split up. It was rather easy for the Veloceraptors to pick up their Tyranosaur friends' scent, and only less easy for the Kirkys, whose sense of smell was slightly less acute. We traveled southeast, hoping the others hadn't made the same discovery - and praying that it wouldn't be the hard way! Fairly soon we saw some of the rest dragging the hugest dinosaur I had ever seen on Dinotopia before! It was clearly sixty feet long, and must have weighed dozens of tons; for every Tyranosaur in the group was pulling it through the jungle, and all of them were having the most difficult time I had ever seen. Mayday was at the tail of the beast, using Zandra's strength to do her part, and I jumped in beside her to help. Leaving the traps and the Struthie to the Kirkys, the Veloceraptors grabbed spots and pitched in as well. I then turned to Mayday and gave her a peck on the cheek. "What is this thing?", I asked. "It young Brach.", she replied. "Never guess what we found.", I panted. "One Struthie... That all?", Mayday grunted. "No...", I gasped. "Someone has..., been setting traps!", I heaved. "We know...", strained Mayday. "Found pitfall..., lined with stakes!", she heaved some more. "Tyranosaurs fill with trees... so no one fall in." "We found... foot traps.", I groaned. "No!...", Mayday stopped pulling a second to get a better grip. "Who do this?" "Need you ask?...", I said. "This has 'LeSage' written all over it!" "There no writing on pitfall trap!", Mayday said. "It's a figure of speech.", I explained as I got my own new grip. "It means that this is exactly what her and her henchmen would do." "Yes.", Mayday said. "I no put past her!" "We got to have a meeting tonight and figure out what to do.", I told her. "With all these traps around, it might get too dangerous for us carnivores to hunt!" "We starve!", Mayday said. "We won't starve.", I said. "But it might be time to put LeSage out of business in the Rainy Basin..." It was nearly early afternoon before we had dragged the multi-ton bohemoth of a Brach into camp; and the others there helped us drag it the rest of the way to the feeding area. It was so large we had to slice it up in chunks for dispersal to everyone in the clan; and when the clan ate thier fill, we all began discussing matters we discovered during the hunt. We let any clan member that wanted to inspect the three traps and the ten foot long, eight inch wide sharpened spear that one of them pulled out of the pitfall trap as we told our tales of the hunt. Miles Krieger told us that LeSage's men had raided thier outpost many years ago; and he had heard that many outposts all over the island had suffered the same fate many times over the years. I had asked why the law didn't take care of her and her pirates, and he said they would rather forgive than get! I told him that the only way to handle such bullys was to go out and force them to stop - violent reaction was the only language ruffians like that understands! He merely shook his head and said that it wasn't the Dinotopian way; but I countered and said it WAS the Rainy Basin way! Thundertail disagreed with me, but only just a little. He said all carnivores deserve a chance, and these land pirates were no exception. We would track and monitor thier activities in the Rainy Basin, and disrupt thier activities whenever we found them doing it. The Rainy Basin is OUR territory, he told us; and no interloper that bold was going to disrupt our way of life! We would do it subtile at first, then we would gradually get tougher until they never return! Since they were humans, I volunteered to spearhead the project. I told them that where I come from, the world is just full of people like her - I knew how to handle her type! Thundertail agreed with this for the most part; but asked Rex to go along with me so I wouldn't damage the ways of Dinotopia too much! With these plans all settled, the rest of the clan got back down to everyday business. Things got pretty quiet around there for a few days as everyone did what they usually did; and the two hunts that were scheduled during that time went over most successfully and without a hitch. Not long after that another event occured in camp, but it wasn't an unpleasant event. Thistlesnarl, who had pulled guard duty that day, recognized the man tending the Triceratops driven cart right away, but not the others in the cart; and she let out many a bellow to greet him, which startled the whole group! Most of the clan near by heard this commotion and looked in that direction, and pretty soon those who recognized Shawn Branko came running up to greet him as well. "Shawn Branko, that you?", Mayday was the first human to approach. "Good see you! Me Mayday. Remember?" "Most definitely!", Shawn said, taking her hand. "You're looking well." "Yes, we all do well.", Mayday replied as Grond stepped up, gave the human a sniff and purred. "Grond say he happy see you too!" "Ah, I bet you're wondering why I'm here...", Branko began. "Copro cart!", Mayday guessed. "We use it, but you come for it! I go get it!" "No, no! Not that I assure you!", Branko cut her off. "I came here for two things, actually." "Better wait for king Thundertail.", Mayday said as Rex and I came near. "Here Stinger and Rex!" "Shawn Branko! How you been!", I climbed the cart to shake his hand, and once done Rex reached for a lick. "What brings you here?" "I came for a visit - not because of the copro cart!", Branko chuckled. "Also, to ask a favor." "What is it?", I asked. "First thing, this is my sister, Sarah.", Branko introduced. "This is her husband, Mark Sereno; and these are thier children, Holly and Francis." "Nice to know you all.", I said. "And what's your name, noble saurian?" "My name is Doppo.", the Triceratops answered. "Breathe deep." "And seek peace!", I replied in kind. "I see that this is definitely not a copro cart. Does it belong to your brother in law?" "No. I switched professions.", Branko told us. "I am now with the delivery sect." "I see.", I said. "And Doppo is your new Partner?" "Not really.", Branko told me. "Just of the business variety." "Do my eyes deceive me?", roared Thundertail as he wove his way through the growing crowd. "Shawn Branko! It's you! How is my third favorite human?", I translated. "Fine, just fine!", Branko replied. "I just stopped in for a visit; and there is something else." "Ah yes! The Copro cart!", Thundertail said. "I'll have someone bring it over. We had been keeping really good care of it, you know!" "No sir, it's not that!", Branko said. "I see all your belongings in the cart.", Thundertail said. "Are you moving?" "No sir, not that either.", Branko said. "Then what is it, dear boy?", Thundertail asked. "Well, it's my family, sir.", Branko began. "Where they lived, they were being picked on by the townspeople." "What ever for?", I asked. "See, they live in a fishing village on the crackshell Coast; catching fish for tribute when convoys go through the Rainy Basin.", Branko began. "Ah! Those convoys!", Thundertail remembered. "You stay near a path and wait until one goes by; then they give you a ton of delicious fish!..." "Yes sir, well...", Branko continued. "My relatives broke the rules and actually ate some of the fish they caught. They only did it once, but that branded them as carnivores. They can't show thier faces there again!" "And you were wondering if we could put them up.", Thundertail concluded. "You just assumed..." "Not that! If you don't want to, I'll turn the cart around and leave!", Branko blurted. "My son, since you have left us, I decided to help those oppressed by the Dinotopian ethic about eating meat.", Thundertail told him, indicating the Krieger family and thier Pachy Partners. "Why would I go against my decision and turn your lovely family away?!" "You mean they can stay?", Branko got it after a moment. He turned to his sister and her family and smiled. "You can stay!" "Welcome home, wayward travelers!", Thundertail greeted formally. "Uh sir.", I went up to my king and asked. "Where do you suppose we house them? All the cabins and tents are full." "That IS a problem...", Thundertail began to ponder the problem. "Hey boss!", Harold popped in front of him. "I got an idea! Y' know the pyramid and temple?" "Yes, little one.", Thundertail looked down. "Well, we have been doin' a lot of work in 'em.", harold said. "Me and the boys have reconditioned many rooms; and some of them could be used for living in. They ain't furnished, but they are dry and solid as a rock - literally" I had been in the Incan temple recently, and Harold wasn't lying! They had done an excellent job of cleaning up the many centurys' worth of dirt on the floor, cleaned and repainted the glyphs in the walls - fully colored so these murals looked brand new. The pillars and other structural work were done in reds, greens and golds; and the pastel hyroglyphs and scenes were as fresh as the day they were first etched and painted. Sure, there were places for gold icons and studs where jewels once were adorned; but the wall scones and other hardware had been replaced and everything worked like new. This wasn't true for the lower levels or the very top of the tower; but one could comfortably live there once furnishings were arranged. The Serento family looked like they brought enough of that to fill a few rooms at least! "Harold Kirky, your crew have outdone yourselves!", Thundertail said. "I proclaim that you and your family can stay in the pyramid for as long as you want! I would also suggest that the other humans could do the same for now as room there permits. Thier current dwellings could be appportioned out among the rest of us." "What fine idea!", Mayday said. "Me and Stinger get real place!" "Well, us guys already took the liberty of movin' in there, boss.", Harold told us. "We had the females about to lay eggs make thier nests in there. They only took a room or two - we're small! There should be plenty more, though. We're fixing up rooms every single day!" "Very well, Harold.", Thundertail conceeded. "You're doing the brunt of the work in there. You should have some of the benefit." "Thanks, boss!", Harold bowed and moved off. "Very well then.", Thundertail said. "Now let us meet everyone and get these fine humans settled in!" Introductions were had all around as Doppo was unhitched from the cart to move about a bit. The Serento's belongings were unloaded and set near my cabin for now. The newcomers were given a brief tour of the immediate area, and I told Shawn about what was going on lately - especially of the traps found in the forest, suspected trechery by Torres LeSage. Little Greg Krieger was singled out and introduced to Holly and Francis Serento. Holly looked about two years younger than Greg, and her blonde ponytail and dolly made her look much younger. Francis's darker, shorter hair and building musculature betrayed he was in his late teens. "Look Greg!", Mayday told him. "You have new playmates!" "But she's a girl!", Greg balked. "I a girl, and you like me, right?", Mayday coaxed. "Well, if he don't want to play, he don't have to!", Holly stuck her tongue out! "And I don't play kiddie games!", Francis said, hands on hips. "Here Doppo. You hungry?", Dragonfly came over with a big armload of greens for him. "Uh,... Don't mind if I do.", Doppo replied, unnerved to have a carnivore waiting on him, but it seemed like a refreshing change to him. "Thank you sir!", he dug in. "So you see, I told them what happened when I got to Prosperine.", Shawn Branko related to us in the mean time. "They thought I hit my head or something because they didn't believe me! I told them many times; and then they told the district magistrate. She said that things like that just weren't possible, and that I was lucky to make it out of the Rainy Basin alive!", he drank some water from the flask I handed him. "Those guards we met were no help, either! They told thier superiors that they drove off the carnivores chasing me and rescued me from them!" "The nerve!", Thundertail barked. "That ain't the half of it!", Branko continued. "They made all possible haste to get me out of prosperine and to Treetown. I told my story to my superiors there, and they made ME responsable for losing the copro cart and having my Partner killed! I had to pay for the cart, and they told the Matriarch at Earthfarm. She said I was to never have a Partner again!" " shame!", I commented. "So even though I work with Doppo now, he can never be my Partner.", Branko continued. "I met him as I was out of work, and he said he needed a driver for his delivery company. Having nowhere else to make a living now, what else could I do but accept the offer." "This is just the thing that gets me!", Thundertail said. "Slandering the reputations of decent creatures just because of what they do! Don't they realize we were just trying to help folks?" "Please don't fret, noble king.", Branko told him. "Sentiments like that happen all the time on Dinotopia." "I guess that no matter where you go, there is no place that is perfect.", I said. "Sad but true.", Branko said. "Shawn Branko, friend of clan Thundertail.", Thundertail said. "If you wish, you may stay here as well. We may not be like everyone on Dinotopia, but we wouldn't ridicule you for what you are." "Thank you for the offer, noble saurian.", Branko said. "But I am on probation of sorts. Doppo is being nice enough to help out my family; but if I go off and live here, I would never be able to show my face around Dinotopia again." Later on, during the evening feast, Branko told him of how Mark Serento's father was in the Skybax corps, and his noble deeds of fending off thousands of Pteranodons that attacked Pteros twenty five years ago. We related the attack of Pteranodons that happened to us recently, and he said they get bold from time to time. Long into the night we swapped stories, and the Serentos were temporarilly housed in Mayday's and my cabin for the night. In the morning the portion of the clan that wasn't going on the morning hunt or had other things to do around camp helped the Serentos move thier belongings into the Incan pyramid. The family was awestruck as they toured the place and marveled at the palace-like rooms done up in colored splendor. The rooms they chose may not have had any windows, but the golden overhead dome in one of them sparkled with the light of many sconces, and one room had a cistern leading to a water supply; but that had dried up centuries ago and the Kirkys couldn't figure out how to make it work again! When the Kriegers entered the temple and seeing how lavish it all was, they wanted to move in right away too, and by the end of the day we were moving thier things in there as well... _
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Post by thundertail on Mar 15, 2012 4:56:44 GMT -5
_ NINTEEN: "LeSage's match!" More than a week later, and after Shawn Branko went back to his own life, the humans and thier Partners that came before as well as the humans Branko left under our care were getting quite used to being among us. It was deemed they should also learn how to hunt, but they were too inexperienced yet to be of any use on the hunts; so a regimen of training was set up for them, and they were taught by many of the clan members that wanted to. Mark Serento said he had fished using nets and spears, so he was being trained on spearthrowing as well as swordplay. His wife, Shawn's sister, was good at filleting the fish along with repairing and making nets, so she was taught the art of knife wielding as well as defense with a staff. Miles Krieger proved to be the least experienced adult there, so he was assigned to use a clublike branch, and his training would escalate from there. Melissa, his wife had an aptitude for the bow, she had said; but there were no such weapons available as of yet. She got sword practice instead. Francis Serento insisted he wanted to train too, so we had him practice with a staff; and coaxed Greg Krieger to spar with him, even though Francis was sizes bigger than he. Unfortunately, little Holly Serento was too young to take any kind of training except basic ackedemics - with a little stalking practice thrown in! That fateful morning we set out on our hunting expedition, just like every other time. I was assigned leader of the whole party because Thundertail wanted to stay behind and supervise the newcomers in thier training. We set out in the direction the Dilophosaur trackers said there was game last night. They said there was a giant herd of Stegosaurus in some deforested areas of the Rainy Basin - plains of grass seperated by rows of trees; and they informed us that the hunt should be most successful because of this! We followed thier lead for many miles through the jungles and across the marshes until we made our way to our first small clearing. This area was in the extreme southern part of the Rainy Basin, land once developed by homesteaders; but the power of the Sunstones had difficulty reaching this area, so it was left abandoned and the jungles were finally starting to reclaim the land. Pretty soon the plated backs of many hundreds of the giant beasts could be seen, but they had no idea of our approach because we stayed well downwind of the giant herd. We all silently stalked around the perimeter of the area and got into position. All of a sudden the wind shifted and several of the Stegs reared up and bolted, which sent the rest of the herd scattering willy nilly in every direction! The chase was on, and pretty soon every one of us were in pursuit of our own Steg. I singled mine out of a knot of three, using Klamath's speed to give chase. This one took to running through the trees, and was soon pretty far ahead of me. Klamath's tracking senses never let me lose sight of him, but we were being drawn farther and farther away from the rest of the hunting party. At a smaller clearing many mles away from the botched ambush I caught up with the beast enough to use my stunner on him, and he went down in a grunting heap. I went over to put the finishing touches on the creature, severing the spine just behind the neck with Klamath's twin daggers. That was when the crossbow bolt hit the beast's neckplate several feet behind my head! I turned with a start, and saw several dozen grubby humans armed with crossbows, spears and other killing weapons. They were laughing and chortling among one another, prodding each other and intermittently looking at me and each other while they pointed thier weapons at me. As a group they slowly took steps closer while a taller one with long dark hair and a headband took the lead. "What did we catch, Quint?", one asked from the back. "Somebody stealing our Steg, by the look!", Quint replied. Seeing my cue, I spoke. "Greetings strangers!", I called. "Lovely day to be out and about; but I think you have made a mistake. This is my Steg. I caught him fair and square!" "Oh! But he's too big for you to take away!", Quint said, acting like he was taken aback. "There's enough of us, so why don't you let us take him off your hands for you?", the rest chuckled. By this time Klamath had informed me that the rest of the hunting party had noticed my absense, and many had tracked me to the area. They didn't know what to make of these strange humans, so they were hanging back out of sight in the trees to see what will happen. Rex, on the other hand, was sneaking up, using the bulk of the Steg for cover until he got close. "That won't be necesary, honest!", I said, stalling for time. "My friends should be around soon, and we'll take care of it. Thanks for the offer, though!" "I dont think you understand!", Quint took many steps closer. "We are taking this Steg, like it or not!" "There seems to be a gross misunderstanding on whose Steg this is!", I said flatly. "Perhaps we could take this matter to the high council at Waterfall City and they can straighten this out." "ENOUGH OF THIS!", yelled a female voice from in back of the crowd. She pushed her way through, then spoke some more. "Quint! What's going on here? I thought you were getting us dinner!" "This man won't let us take our Steg.", Quint said. "We were trying to convince him otherwise!" "Dolt! You can't reason worth copro!", then she turned to me. "Torres LeSage, at your service.", she offered her hand, expecting me to kiss it or something. I merely shook the multi-ringed appendage, which felt clammy. "Uh, they say you won't let us have our Steg. What gives?" "Name's Stinger.", I said. "Well, in reality, I was tracking this Steg, and finally got him. I was putting the final kill on him and then your merry men showed up." "Oh yeah? How do you explain that crossbow bolt?", she indicated the projectile stuck in the Steg. "They shot at me.", I said. "Look, why don't you just go away and we'll forget this ever happened.", Klamath told me that the whole hunting party was in the area now, and Rex was crouching just behind the Steg kill! "Stinger...", LeSage chuckled. "I don't think you understand! We outnumber you and you are overmatched.", She took my arm, drawing me aside. "I would take your own advice if I was you!" "LeSage!", I chuckled. "You really don't know what you have here, do you?", I gave a wolf whistle. Just then Rex walked out from around the Steg and eyed the whole group of humans. LeSage's eyes went wide and let me go, running to her men. Just then the rest of the Tyranosaurs in the hunting party showed themselves. They had encircled the group, but were dozens of yards off yet. They grunted and swayed in anticipation. The Veloceraptors and others in our group were still hidden, but Klamath told me they were much closer than the Tyranosaurs! The group of humans huddled where they were, many looked like they had relieved themselves! "I'd like you all to meet my buddy, Rex.", I indicated my Partner. "Also, the rest of the pack. See, we live here. We hunt here. We don't like it when you... people... come in here and steal our kills!", just then Mayday showed up in full armor, mask and all. She quietly came up to Quint brandishing her energy lance. "Oh, hello Mayday!" "What catch?", she asked, eyeing Quint like one would view meat in a butcher shop window. "Thieves.", I told her. "Slim pickings.", she replied. Then she unfurled her mask so her dark beauty shone through. She smiled at Quint; and he stared back uncertainly as she got closer. Mayday made moves to touch Quint's long hair, and I had to intervene! "MAYDAY!", I yelled, and she hissed loudly at me! She backed away slightly and brandished her lance once again. I just looked at LeSage with a helplessly queer look! "Stinger.", LeSage smiled as she got up enough courage to approach me again. "Friend Stinger! I'm sure we could work something out!, she steered me away again, whispering softly. "Look, why don't you join us. You are obviousely a strong and skilled hunter. We could use you to help us ransack all of Dinotopia! What do you say?" "Wait a minute.", I whispered back conspiratorilly. "I'll go see if it's all right." I turned to the others in my group and began speaking Tyranosaur at the top of my lungs, hoping these land pirates wouldn't understand. "I want you all to follow my lead, ok?", I yelled instead. "When I snap my fingers, I want you to capture two of this group. Do not hurt them, but take them back to camp and imprison them for now. Otherwise, agree with everything I say or do. When I am done talking to you, all of you are to laugh - even those still in hiding. Ok, now laugh!" As I turned back to LeSage and her men, the whole area erupted in peals of saurian laughter! I broke down and laughed like it was the most hysterical thing I had ever heard in my life! I walked over to LeSage and placed a hand on her sholder apologetically before my laughing fit ended, and began to speak as it ebbed away. "Oh, LeSage! You're funny!", I still chuckled as I got my breath. "What makes you think I'd ever betray my clan?", I laughed some more. "You know, my offer before still stands. You can walk away from this and we'll forget this ever happened..." "There's something you don't understand.", LeSage said as she reached for something. "I don't take no for an answer!", a dagger was suddenly at my throat! "Oh!", I said amusedly as I grabbed her wrist."Nice Knife! Where did you get it?", I chuckled as I used Klamath's strength to wrench it from her grasp. I tossed it over my shoulder, and it stuck into the Steg behind me - one inch above the crossbow bolt. "Anyway,...", I said as if to a child as I picked her up by the scruff of her vest. "It's time you learn to take no for an answer!", I held her high with her srtruggling; and walked her over to the side of the Steg kill. I plastered her to the side of the dead beast roughly and got really close to her face. "Never underestimate the creatures of the Rainy Basin, sweetie!", I whispered with venom as I extended Klamath's twin daggers before her and impaled her neck between them! Blood drueled out of the wounds I made in the Steg behind her, and she gulped as it dripped onto her shoulders. I let her drop to the ground and walked away a bit. She got up, rubbing her neck and staring at me acidly. "You'll pay for this, Stinger!", LeSage croaked. "Don't count on it!", I shot back. Looking around, I snapped my fingers loudly, and all hell broke loose! Four Veloceraptors fell onto a man in the back of the crowd, dragging him away a bit with him kicking and screaming. Three Dilophosaurs took out another man on the other side of the group and immobilized each appendage until he was whisked away as well. This happened so fast that the rest were just now getting into a defensive circle, crouching and looking in every direction for more attacks. The frightened female scampered to her men and took up her own spear. Once she saw her ranks were thinned thusly, she yelled: "Hey Stinger! What's the meaning of this?", she yelled. "Well, we were figuring, what's a great meal like this without a little desert?!", I said, patting the Steg kill, and the rest of the hunting party resumed thier laughter. "If I see your face in the Rainy Basin again, I will hunt you all down myself and you'll be the main course! Get it?!" "You've made grave enemies today, Stinger!", LeSage threatened. "I wouldn't sleep too deeply at night if I were you!" "Ooh, goody! I love suprises!", I shot back, then looked at Rex. "Rex, I think they've worn out your welcome, you think?", I asked my Partner as he nodded. I then changed to Tyranosaur: "My clan. When I snap my fingers again, chase them out of the Rainy Basin!", then I changed back to human speech. "Ok my clan. I think it's time we show them the way out!", I snapped my fingers. As one all of the Tyranosaurs except Rex approached them and began roaring as they did, and the Veloceraptors joined in the fray as they allowed them a corridor of retreat. LeSage and her men didn't need an invitation to run away, and they did so with reckless abandon; many of them losing thier weapons along the way. The Tyranosaurs halted near the treeline, but all the Veloceraptors gave them chase for many miles, corralling them on a nearly straight course toward thier hideout. Many hours later, while we were back at our camp, Whitetail told of how they scurried; and how quickly they barracaded themselves up in king Adolpho's castle on the Crackshell coast. The sight of all them running made us all laugh as we stood by the Steg carcass, Rex thumping me playfully with his muzzle and sending me staggering! "That was soooo funny, Stinger!", Rex guffawed. "You sure handled them good!" "You did it!", Mayday said, leaping into my embrace, then stepped back ashamedly. "Me sorry, almost ruined it..." "What? Oh that!", I pulled her back in. "Not really. It was a nice touch." "You no mad?", she said. "I thought you jealous!" "Not at all!", I kissed her. "But you know, that might work out well if you flirt with him next time." "What?", Mayday was shocked! "It will throw Quint off guard.", I told her. "He'll be so confused as to why you like him he'll make mistakes, and we could use that if we're to get to LeSage. Get it?" "Not really.", Mayday said. "But what if I find out I really like him? I thought he cute!" "I thought he was cute too!", I laughed as I gave her a bigger kiss."Oh Mayday! You're funny!" "Say guys.", Rex said, nudging us. "I think it's time we start back to camp. I'm going to need help if We're going to get this Steg back to camp." "I suppose you're right.", I said as I let Mayday go. "I want to see how our new guests are doing!" We got busy with the carcass and joined the other Tyranosaurs, who went back to thier own kills back up the area. We all made it back to camp many hours later, and tended to our kills in the feeding area until some of the Kirkys came by complaining about the two guys the Veloceraptors brought back; saying they would not stop kicking and wouldn't settle down. Hearing this, I went to where they were tied to a tree near the crux of the boomerang shaped clearing. Many of the clan were around them, keeping a really close watch on them. Besides being tied, thier eyes were blindfolded and there were gags in thier mouths; but thier feet should have been tied after they were walked in there! I went over and took off thier blindfolds, and thier eyes told me of how livid they were! I just scowled at them like they were some disgusting thing I found on the bottom of my boot! "I hate to say this, but welcome to clan Thundertail.", I told them. "This is where you'll spend the rest of your miserable lives." They squirmed in thier restraints. "How well you behave here will determine how long you live.", I continued as I bent to remove thier gags. "Co-operate and you will live to a ripe old age. Do anything we don't like and I can't guarantee your longevity. Do I make myself clear?" "Yes sir.", the younger one gulped. He had short, scraggly hair and ragged teeth. "Yeah...", the older one barked without enthusiasm. His was a head of quarter inch long stubble. "Good!", I said cheerily. "Now, what are your names? We can't go about calling you 'hey you' or 'come here stupid', or something like that; now can we?" When no answer came, I crouched to the younger one and asked: "What's your name, son?" "Diego sir.", Diego only breathed. "Welcome to clan Thundertail, mister Diego!", I said as I pivoted to look at the other one. "What about you?" "Name's MacDougal.", MacDougal rumbled, not liking this situation at all. "And glad to meet you too, mister MacDougal!", I said. "Around here they call me Stinger. I have been given permission to tend to you newcomers to our clan. That means your butts are MINE! get it? Screw up and I'll hear of it! Now, I think I will assign you to someone from the clan, and they will teach you the ropes, as it were. But before that, I'm sure you're hungry and thirsty! Thistlesnarl, could you see to that?" "Yes Stinger.", Thistlesnarl rumbled. The rest of the carnivores in the crowd rumbled uneasily as I untied them from the tree and led them to a standing position. Diego looked around at them, eyes wide and sweat pouring off him, not knowing what was going to happen next. MacDougal sneered at his captors, looking like he really wanted to spit at us! I led them toward an unlit campfire and had them sit on the log there while I frisked them for any weapons the others might have missed. I found a tiny jacknife on the younger one and a straight edge razor on the older one; but otherwise the others had done a pretty thourough job! "Now, the time has come for you two to meet our king, Thundertail the wise.", I told them as thier meals were placed before them on the ground by some of the Kirkys, whom stuck thier tongues out at them as they left. "He will tell you what he has planned for you; but for right now, you can eat.", I cut thier bonds with the straight edge, then saw some trechery in MacDougal's eyes. "Oh, and if you plan on taking off now; I'd plan otherwise! See everyone knows what you smell like; and you'd be tracked down and killed before you made it a hundred yards. Sounds like fun, huh?" MacDougal simply grunted noncomittally and Diego nodded warily as they both dug in with thier food with such savagery even unbecoming for us! I left them to thier meal, but others took my place, sitting a ways off as inconspicuous as possible. I saught out Thundertail to tell him what went on during today's hunt - provided nobody told him yet! I wanted to ask him if I could handle these brash newcomers my way, but I knew I would need his permission to do so. Nobody here knew how to handle these people, who were more trecherous than the most cunning wild animal and twice as smart. I had shadows of doubt about my own abilities to handle Diego and MacDougal, but ones of thier kind are plentiful in the outside world; and I have handled quite a few shifty characters in my day! I found him over by the feeding area, inspecting the Steg kills. Rex was with him, and so were many of the clan that went with us. Rex was adamantly telling him about the hunt - and the dispickable characters we had met; and Thundertail looked in my direction as soon as he smelled me and smiled! "Well, Fly with a stinger, I hear that you lived up to your name today!", he boomed. "My son tells me that you had a pleasant run-in with our human nemesis!" "LeSage's men were trying to steal my kill.", I said. "I knew how to handle bozos like that, so I had the rest follow my lead." "And he said you brought us some desert.", Thundertail said. "Or else he lies!" "Actually sir, I had the hunting party capture two of them.", I explained. "I think there may be some hope to turn them around and make them live upstanding lives. If you would allow me, I think I could turn them around. Who knows? They might even become valuable members of the clan!" "Well, if you say so, Stinger.", Thundertail said as he dipped his head for a bite. "Have some?" We had our meal secluded from our prisoners; and they had an uncomfortable time just sitting there on the logs all day. Finally I went back over to them and had them get up, not needing to coax Diego, but really having to with MacDougal. I led them over to the meeting area, where the bonfire was lit and the sun began to sink. It was there that Thundertail saw them for the first time. "And you want to save THESE creatures' lives?", Thundertail asked. "I must say you have your work cut out for you, Stinger!" "I think that there is good in all creatures - no matter how hard they try to hide it.", I began. "I intend to find that good in these men, and see thier abilities as they grow with us - or kill them in the process!" "You can't keep us here!", MacDougal barked. "It's against every law on Dinotopia!" "So is stealing, pilaging and murder!", I shot back. "You two had it made, but you let LeSage trick you into a destructive life! You couldn't learn the easy way, so now you're going to learn the hard way!" "What if we refuse?", the bald man asked. "You're among carnivores.", I said simply. "What more needs to be said?!" "Well, good luck teaching me!", MacDougal huffed. "It will be your BAD luck if you don't co-operate." I told him. "Phah!", he spat and became silent. "Now, to teach you both properly, I think you should be split up.", I told them, and everybody there. "I will need a few volunteers to take them in. Who wants to have one?" "I will.", Bross Dilophosaur spoke up. "I will take the hatchling." "I'm no hatchling!", Diego said hautilly. "I'm twenty-three!" "Do you want to be twenty-four?", I asked, but continued before he could answer. "Then shut up!", I looked at him and he cringed. "Ok, Bross gets Diego. Now, who wants MacDougal?" "Can I have him, Stinger?", Pincushion asked meekly. "I always wanted a Partner, like Rex!" "Oh, he won't be a partner, Pincushion. He will be your student, and must do everything you say. He's a prisoner and a criminal.", I told him. "He can not be trusted, and he will always try to make mischief. But do you know why we're not going to kill even ones such as these?" "Because dead people don't learn anything?", Pincushion remembered his Path of Shame. "Correct!", I said. "And for that, I'll say yes. You may take MacDougal and teach him how to be a member of the clan!" "Bah! Now I got a Scaly keepin' track o' me!", MacDougal said. "Naw! It'll be fun!", Pincushion said, which his new ward didn't understand, and nudged him off the log! "Hey, ye'...!", MacDougal protested. "Take your charges back to your places and you may begin thier training in the morning.", Thundertail commanded. "Perhaps the first thing that should be done is to teach them our language; but until then, you may work out hand signals or something." This I translated for the newcomers, which when they heard it didn't know what to expect. The Serento family and the Krieger family were well on thier way to understanding carnivore speech, and they seemed to naturally understand not to have anything to do with these criminals; for they stayed well away from them during this meeting. The ropes that still held Diego was drawn up by Bross and he was led away from the fire, off to the Dilophosaur's lean-to in the forest. Pincushion nudged MacDougal to a defiant standing position and went off to the direction of his nest for the night. With no other things to discuss that evening, and with little worry they would escape, the hunting party - of which I was not assigned to tomorrow morning - decided to turn in for the night as well. The rest of us stayed up a while longer with knots of muted conversations wafting around the nearly dead bonfire. "Stinger, you sure you know what you're doing?", Rex asked me. "Those two look like nothing but trouble!" "This is just what they need.", I replied. "They need the chance to show they're not as bad as thier lives made them. What would have happened if you were rescued by someone that was mean and cruel? I would think that if that was the case, you would have grown up to be one mean Tyranosaur. Am I not right?" "I guess so.", Rex said. "Well, that's what happened to these guys.", I told him. "I want to give these guys a chance to unlearn all they have learned. You know: give them a second chance, and to show them that life needn't have treated them so rotten that they turn out like thay have." "That LeSage is a witch!", Thundertail said. "Yeah! And she even tried to tempt me into joining her.", I told him. "Of course, I laughed in her face!" "She didn't like that very well.", Rex said, turning to his father. "She pulled a knife on him." "It ended up in the Steg, didn't it?", I shot at him. "I was in no danger wearing Klamath!" "What was the reason for splitting them up?", Thundertail asked. "And why give them to those two? Bross is too headstrong, and Pincushion is too naiive and trusting!" "It's all psychological.", I explained. "I know there will be conflicts between them sooner or later; and when there is, I'll step in and make things right. That way they'll think I'm giving them a break when I fix whatever trouble there is. I'll look like a hero to them, and they'll at least respect one of us. It will be easier for them to connect with us if they think that one of us are on thier side. See?" "No, but I guess things like that happens when human minds are at work!", Thundertail told me, chuckling. "Good luck with this, Stinger!", Thundertail got up and headed for the direction of his nest. Rex got up and followed him; and I took that as my cue to go to bed myself. In the morning I went to prepare my day helping to restore the Incan pyramid. We had finished catalogueing all the hyroglyphs in the pyramid itself, and worked on in the chambers directly below it - and even began recording and deciphering the scrolls, tablets and were half way done describing the strange machinery parts in those chambers. But it was slow work with all the renovations going on inside plus the afore mentioned activities; and it was time to start renovating the upper levels of the pyramid. After kissing Mayday good morning, I set out to prepare the Krieger's cart so I could transport needed materials to the pyramid so the Kirkys and I could get started. I went to where Sauron and Chillet the Pachys were housed and asked them if they wanted to help out, for thier cart was designed for them to pull; and of course they said they would be delighted! They had only briefly seen the pyramid at a distance, and were also curious as to what was inside - I promised them both a tour of the place once the work was done. "Almost all hitched up, Sauron!", I said as I patted his flank - and he roughly swatted my hand away! "Ok, big guy...", I finished dejectedly. "Pardon me, Stinger.", Sauron said. "But our kind do not like being touched." "I'm sorry.", I said. "No offense, but we're not a very affectionate species.", Chillet said, her head turned to me. "We rarely even let our Partners touch us." "Ok, I see.", I told them. "But that doesn't mean we can't still be friends!", I smiled as I finished putting thier rigging on and they backed into thier spots. "All set, guys?", both nodded. "Ok, let's go!" We went to where the Kirkys had told me the things they would need were prepared. The spot next to the river contained hundreds of long, thin poles and many coils of vine, buckets and jars of paints and other material. There were wooden pulleys, hammers and tools, animal skin tarps, reams of blank parchment and writing paraphanalia and a small supply of food - evidenatlly thier lunch - all to be loaded up and transported to the Incan temple. I spent the next twenty minutes loading the covered cart, of which the covered part was taken down so it resembled a Wild West buckboard; and when I was done, we began our short journey to the pyramid. The two Pachys' mouths hung agape at the size of the stepped stone edifice before them when we got there. They couldn't believe something that huge existed! I smiled at them as I began to unload the supplies; and when some of the Kirkys noticed us, began to flood out of the temple and lend a hand. Their Kirky jabber inundated the area as instructions to the other workers were rattled off and they scurried with thier burdens to where thier assigned spot was. I unhitched Sauron and Chillet and let them pace about to get the scale of the place. The pyramid was clearly four hundred feet tall and had a base of eight hundred feet on a side. Steps led up the center of each side, and each tier of the complex rose forty feet above the one below. There was a temple-like structure at the top; and the last time I'd been up there, I noticed it had some strange devices built into the interior walls as well as some sort of recepticle imbedded in a stone pedistal at its' center. These were a mystery to all of us, and we decided to renovate the top last. The Kirkys main objective this week was to clear off all the overgrowth clinging to the outside of the pyramid, or so I was told. They already had crews go along the top of each tier and pull any weed or small tree that grew there; but now they were going to remove the viny growths that crept up the sides of the tiers! The poles and vines we brought were going to be used to make scaffolding so the miniature workers could safely perform this part of the operation. A few of them boasted that they were even going to paint the outside so it would look like new! The Pachys and I amusedly watched the Kirkys scurrying work for many moments; and since we weren't needed until they needed another load of supplies, I had an idea. "Say, you two want a tour of the place?", I asked them. "They must have all the lights in by now!", of course I was referring to the wall scones, and the torches in them that were constantly lit and tended these days. "Certainly!", Sauron said as he took his mate's hand. I led the way through the ground level entryway, which was just barely tall enough for them to duck thier eight foot tall, domed heads through; but it was easily wide enough to let four of them abreast go through. They marveled at the golden scenes played out on the walls of ancient events and glyphed stories as they traveled to the first intersection; which was supported by four massive stone pillars painted in greens and reds, laced with gold and silver details and rose above the torchlight like they would go on forever. Sauron balked at a particularly gory scene on one wall describing how to properly perform a chest operation on a Brach - I told them this might have been a hospital as well. As we explored the branches of this section of the pyramid, little Holly Krieger stepped out of the series of rooms her family occupied and smiled at her mommy and daddy's Partners before scurrying out toward the entrance. At the section where the corridor sloped downward and spiraled into the ground below the pyramid, many Kirkys were in the corridor at a table. They had several of the broken tablets found in the chambers below, and they were meticulousely trying to glue them back together. I called hi, but they were concentrating so much on thier work they didn't seem to notice us. We had barely made it down to those chambers, which were still unrefurbished and dusty as all get-out; a tiny voice was calling for someone, of which we heard through the tiny ventilation channels running between the rooms and chambers - another marvel of engineering present in this place - and the voice seemed to be calling our names! "Guess the tour is over for now!", I told them. "What a wonderful place this is!", Chillet commented. "It would be marvelous to see when it is completely restored!", Sauron agreed as they followed me back up to the main entrance. "Yes?", I said as I looked around. "We're here!" "There you guys are!", Jerry Kirky, the overseer of the project, said. "I thought you left already! Yeah, boss. We need another load of stuff to finish up the upper scaffolds. I'll have Zeeka and Sam go back with you to show you what we need." "Sure thing, Jerry.", I said as we all went back to the cart. the two mentioned Kirkys were singled out and they both scurried up the sides of the cart. I hitched the two Pachys to the cart and we all headed out a few moments later. All along the way the pair of Kirkys were singing and jabbering to themselves to no end - it seemed they were part of the singers for the circus! All that Sauron did was roll his eyes and grunt to his mate at thier antics. All of a sudden Sauron found one of them on his back, so he turned around to look. "More fun than a three-ring circus, eh Sauron?!", Sam chirped. "Get OFF me!", Sauron yelled. "Ok, ok!", Sam retreated. "Touchy, ain't we?" "I'll explain later.", I whispered to the little one. We made it back to camp with little more trouble; but when I saw what was going on there, I jumped off and ran in the direction of where I saw Pincushion pinning MacDougal to the ground! "WOAH! Woah Pincushion!", I said as I tried to push him away. "What's going on here?!" "I'm trying to teach him Tyranosaur, but he won't co-operate!", Pincushion told me. "I was jus' showin' ye I knew what ya meant!", MacDougal defended as he got up. "No need ta be so terse!", he dusted himself off. "It was an unusual approach, if you ask me!", Pincushion huffed, then he told me the whole account. Pincushion was having MacDougal learn Tyranosaur a word at a time, showing him objects and saying them in Tyranosaur. The human wasn't getting it at first, so Pincushion began to pick up the objects and say them with more force. MacDougal got this evil look, then began saying the indicated object in Tyranosaur a little. Then he began THROWING said objects at Pincushion! 'Stick!', he'd say, and clattered it against his skull! 'Rock', right in the eye. 'Dirt!', right in the mouth! He did it so many times it made Pincushion mad! Finally the Tyranosaur had had enough, and knocked him over, growling for him to knock it off - and that's when I showed up. "I see...", I said. "First off. Pincushion, you should be a little more patient with him. He is not used to being around Tyranosaurs, and not used to having one teach him stuff.", then I turned to mister MacDougal. "And you shouldn't be so mean to someone who is trying to help you. I don't know what you went through in your life, but dinosaurs are nice at heart.", then to both of them. "I want you all to make up and try again. Only this time try being more agreeable. Ok?" "Well..., ok Stinger.", Pincushion said. "Never thought ida had a scaly fer a teacher!", MacDougal mumbled. "Aw awright, put 'er there! Let's give another go.", he picked up a rock. " 'Rock!' ", he said, and simply let it drop. Nodding, I left the area and went back to where the cart ended up. Sauron and Chillet witnessed my exchange for a moment, then went where the Kirkys wished them to go. I went by thier tents, now fewer in number, then near the gardens; but I saw something wrong there as well. Bross was standing over Diego, braying and growling in his language, and the young man had a pleading look about him. I rushed over to see what was the matter! "BROSS! Bross, wait a minute!", I yelled as I got near. "What's going on?!" "This pup won't work!", Bross said. "He make little holes in garden! Not good enough - tubers deeper!" "What's he complaining about?", Diego said, still on the ground. "I learned all he taught me!", then went to Dilophosaur. "I learn!" "I can see that.", I said. "Bross, you did a wonderful job of teaching him your langusge, it seems; but it does no good pushing him beyond what he's willing to do." "He lazy!", bross spat. "He no want do work!" "Maybe gardening isn't his thing, as we newcomers say.", I said. "Perhaps you should try something he's good at first. Son, what do you like to do best?" "Fighting.", Diego said sulkily. "He no fight, he prisoner!", Bross said. "He better off doing honest work - like gardening!" "Please! just try letting him do something else.", I said. "Maybe there are other things, like letting him run the copro cart, or something." "I ain't driving no copro cart!", Diego balked, getting up. "It's 'am not'; and you'll do whatever we say you have to!", I told him sharply. "Now, both of you make up and try again!" "Yes, Stinger.", Bross said. "You know what you're doing." "What choice do I have?", Diego said, picking up his shovel again. "Is this the right way?", he resumed his work, of which Bross helped by giving the shovel an extra shove deeper. Smiling, I went back to my own work for the rest of the day. A week passed, then two; and the two prisoners looked like they were finally getting used to this strange, involuntary situation they found themselves in... _
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Post by thundertail on Mar 15, 2012 18:39:01 GMT -5
_ TWENTY: "Rehabilitation." Even though mister MacDougal didn't seem much interested in doing any work around here - and because Pincushion didn't press the issue - I saw him help out in other ways. It turned out he was a whiz at fixing things. One time the copro cart broke down with a loose axle, and he fixed that up in no time. Hinges on doors were no problem, and neither were the springs on the Kirky's trampoline; and I was mighty tempted to have him look at Klamath's twin dagger mechanism that had somehow gotten stuck, but Klamath wouldn't have a person the likes of him touch him! Diego was starting to connect with some of the other people around the camp, especially the human personnell. One time I saw him give Francis Serento some pointers with his staff practice - pointers the teenager didn't need beacuse he beat the older one two falls out of three! The young adult was put to the test by Bross many times of late. He was almost always seen working at this task or that, and went back to his quarters by the Dilophosaurs extremely weary from his efforts. I did not dare show them the temples, or of Halcyon just yet, and made sure nobody else did, either; for people like that could not be trusted. They could very well escape and tell LeSage about them; and she could come and pillage them! And speaking of Torres LaSage, we had been hearing rumors of her exploits of late as well. Even though there was no sign of her works or her men in our territory - we made sure of that - there were other clans of carnivores all around the Rainy Basin not really affiliated with us, and some of them had thier stories to tell us. During a hunt we came across that Tyranosaur that halted us on the way to Prosperine while delivering Shawn Branko home - Snaptail was his name - and we found him in our northern territory. He said his leader, Brokentooth, had stepped in this cruel trap with teeth and had his foot severed completely off. Of course, they put him out of his misery; and that made Snaptail leader of the clan; but that didn't take away the fact that LaSage wasn't still at work in the Rainy Basin! We told him we would help catch the setter of the trap, and we knew who did it; and that protection of the Rainy Basin was everyone's business, and to let us know of any more problems. Snaptail told us that, if justice was served, he would gladly add his clan to our clan! Another report of LaSage's activities came in a report from a rogue band of Veloceraptors our Veloceraptor scouts had encountered one day. They were out hunting Struthies, and were giving chase, they told them. Down a footpath they chased them, and suddenly the herd bolted into the woods for some reason. The easier way was by path, and they could easily cut them off if they continued that way; so they bolted down the path. The reason why the Struthies bolted into the woods became aparent when suddenly half thier group disappeared into the ground! When the rest looked, they saw thier comrades impaled on stakes at the bottom of a pit, either already dead or dying. These Veloceraptors had heard about us, and ventured close to our territory to tell us; and our scouts promised them we'd make everything right. Just like the Tyranosaurs, this clan of rogue Veloceraptors promised to join our group if justice was served. After this we decided to patrol the whole Rainy Basin for her and her men - an A.P.B., if I can use the newcomer jargon (If you're still confused Zippeau, just ask the Scotts - they'll know what it means!). We scoured every forest and rill for any of her activity. We asked all around for any clues as to thier whereabouts. We even put some surveillence on King Adolpho's castle to watch what they do! Little does anyone know, but there is a secret passage that leads from the World Beneath, and goes to the castle through a secret door in the castle. We found it on an expedition in the World beneath, and began using that way to spy out her plans; and that was how we found out where she would be on her next caper! Of course, we kept all of this from Diego and MacDougal. They were too busy getting retrained to need to worry about what was going to happen to thier former boss anyhow! One time I saw MacDougal pull a huge pile of metallic things toward where he and Pincushion had set up thier area, and wondered why; and many days passed when I began hearing tinkering going on in the area, so I snuck a look. What I saw there was not to be believed! It was an array of copper pots, sealed lids, tubes and other devices; and they were resting on low fires near a sunken area of the clearing. MacDougal was ripping up some cloth and stuffing it into one of the containers that had a curlicue metal tube sticking out the top which led to another container that led to the larger pot over the fire. Zippeau, I don't know if you know what a 'still' is, but it is a fermenting device used to make hard alchoholic beverages - I knew the configuration from my grandmother who lived in the hills of Upstate New York - she had one! Needless to say that I raced into the area on a fuller boil than the ingredients in the still! "What in the world is going on!", I yelled. "Where did you get all this stuff?!" "Nothun sir!", MacDougal said as he got up defensively. "Why, just washin' me skivvies!" "Hi Stinger!", Pincushion walked into the area with more cloth. "How do you like the machine MacDougal made? He's really good at putting things together!" "I'll say!", I glared! "Do you know just what this machine is, and what it does?" "No Stinger.", Pincushion said. "But MacDougal said it will make something special!" "It's called a 'still' - a distillery. It is used to make alchoholic drinks.", I explained. "Now, where did you get the stuff to make it?" "This stuff came from the pyramid and in Halcyon.", Pincushion told me. "The Kirkys said they didn't need it, and MacDougal said he could find a use for it." "And I suppose you told him about the temples, too...", I was steaming! "Isn't that just great!" "Oh no, Stinger!", Pincushion told me. "I never told him where I got it." "He knows now!", I said. "Pull it back a bit, Stinger!", MacDougal said. "I knowed aboot th' pyramid all along. I see it reet over yonder! An' I dunnow where this 'Halcyon' is, soo please calm doon!", he made a submissive gesture. "Please sit, have a drink?" "OH!... Why not?", I deflated. "But afterwards, take this thing apart. OK?" "Just a wee snifter...", MacDougal smiled as he dispensed an ounce straight from the stopcock and into a tiny flask. He handed it to me. "Nay drink it too fast, noo! It hasna aged yet!" I took a whiff of the clear liquid, and it smelled like just your average bourbon; then took the courage to have a sip and sputtered it back out! "You're making paint thinner for the Kirkys. Right?", I said as soon as my throat unclenched and I wiped my mouth. "Wot? That be me own secret recepie!", MacDougal defended. "Ye wait til it ages a bit! Smooth as silk, I say!" "What ever!", I snapped. "Look, just take this contraption apart and don't ever let me catch you making another!", I stormed away. What happened immediately after I left I had to find out later. "He don't like me hooch!", MacDougal said sadly. "Maybe there's somethin wrong wid it...", he tasted the batch. "Stinger said you should take it apart.", Pincushion told him. "Best get started..." "I knoo wot's wrong, laddy!", MacDougal snapped his fingers. "I fergot ta wash this stuff out befo using it! It kinda tastes tinny." "Maybe we could use this stuff to make another machine...", Pincushion studied the still a moment, not listening to a word. "Wot we need is a way to clean it out!", MacDougal continued. "Mabee a wee bit of cleaner will do the trick!" "What are you talking about, MacDougal?", Pincushion asked at last. "I forgot to clean it out, laddy. That's why Stinger hated it!", MacDougal said. "We got to clean this thing properly if the hooch'll taste good. We'll need a good cleaner to wash it proper. We got no soap, but there's another cleaner I can make!" "What's that?", Pincushion was curious despite himself. "It's called 'bleach'.", MacDougal explained. "To make it all I need is one ingredient." "What's that?", Pincushion asked. "All I need is this:", MacDougal reached for a bucket. "Could you go in th' bucket, laddy?" "What?!", Pincushion asked, suprised. "Y'know..., go!", MacDougal explained. "Make water, pee, know what I mean? Bleach is made of boiled urine. I canna make all I think I'll need all by meself!" "That's sick!", Pincushion commented, taking the bucket. "Well, ok MacDougal. You must know what you're doing...", he went to the treeline and disappeared into them. In the mean time I strolled over where the other prisoner was working. He had been hard at work all mornig collecting copro, and was taking his lunch by a tree stump before delivering it to out dumpsites. A sweaty Deathflower was hitched to the cart, and she was having her Struthie lunch as well. I came up and leaned against the side of the cart right next to him. "So, how's things?", I asked nonchalantly. "Been better.", Diego said as he blew on his spoon. "Where's bross?", I asked. "With his pack. Planning hunts, I guess.", Diego told me. "Said I had to clean copro in the whole camp by nightfall. This is our second load." "I see.", then I turned to Deathflower. "How are you, fine huntress?" "I'd rather be hunting!", was Deathflower's reply. "Well, every task is important!", I told her. "How is Diego doing?" "Not bad.", she rumbled. "He learns quick!" "Even know T-rex speech.", Diego said in Tyranosaur raggedly. He tried to squawk like the Ovaraptors, but failed, then returned to English. "I can't understand Ovaraptor worth copro!" "You'll get it.", I told him. "I'm proud of how far along you're coming, son. You know that?" "Thanks; but that only makes one of you!", Diego said as he finished his stew before continuing. "Bross thinks I should do better." "I think Bross is a perfectionest.", I told him. "He wants everything done to his exacting standards - including your training." "I don't like him.", he said. "Every time he thinks I make a mistake, he hits me!" "Really?", I said. "Yeah, and even if there is no mistake - and especially if it's a little mistake!", Diego went on. "I mean, if I wanted to get hit all the time, I would have never ran away from my father!", this memory stifled him. "I see.", I said. Now we were getting somewhere! "So, your father always hit you, and you ran away.", I concluded. "Then you met up with LaSage and her men." "Something like that.", he replied. "Only with them, instead of getting hit, I got beat up all the time! I had to learn how to fight if I was to survive around those buffoons! I really hated that place!" "So, is this place any better?", I asked. "Just a little bit.", he said. "There's loads of work; but otherwise it's not nearly as bad as being with the Outsiders. Certainly in par with being home with my father." "Well, thank the fates for second chances, eh son?!", I chuckled. "Look, if you do a better job around here, I'll talk to Bross about not hitting you. Sound like a deal?" "That's the best news I heard all day!", Diego piped up as he set his bowl down and climbed into the seat of the copro cart. "Thanks, Stinger!", I scooted aside as he took the reigns. "Ready to go, Deathflower?", he rumbled in Tyranosaur. "Waiting for you!", she purred. The copro cart presently trundled down the path and was lost to the jungle beyond. Later on that day we all had a meeting concerning the upcoming capture of LeSage and her men; for thier rampage through the Rainy Basin had gone on too long! Bross had informed his clan to co-operate with the rest in thier part in this caper beacuse he would still be busy with his prisoner. Thus said, we plotted out just how we were going to trap them. Most of it is still top secret, so I won't go into a much detail here. Let's just say that we would have Sauron and Chillet act as bait, and when they go to catch this knowing prey; they would lead them on in a merry chase through the forest to where we would plan to set up our ambush! There we would single LeSage from her men, scatter them and send them packing back to thier castle - and then read LeSage the riot act as far as the Rainy Basin was concerned! We had written up a contract of sorts for her to sign - in triplicate, just to make things legal! An hour later everything was planned, and the meeting took a more domestic tone. Discussed was how the temples were coming about; and the restoration of Halcyon and how soon it would be ready to live in. With the prisoners doing some extra work around camp, that left many free to do other duties; but it also hampered others whose job it was to watch them. The responsability fell on me, ultimately, since I was officially in charge of them; so , with the help of those present I put in charge of them (Minus Pincushion - he was still tending to MacDougal at the time.), I gave reports of thier progress. "MacDougal seems to have a knack with building and fixing things.", I eventually said. "He shows promise in other ways; but his absolute dislkie of 'scalys', as he referrs to you as, makes him a creature not to be trusted. I had paired him with Pincushion in hopes that his gruff exterior would melt under Pincushion's trusting Naiivitie. The trouble is the process might take a long time as MacDougal is an older gentileman, and it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks - as we newcomers say!" "And this Diego?", Thundertail asked. "Diego is basically a boy lost in a young man's body.", I said. "He means well, but he always got punished by his father as a boy for no apparent reason.", I looked at Bross. "That was why he ran away from his home, and that is why we shouldn't treat him like that. He feels this is a better situation than being tied in with LaSage, but not as good as being completely free." "And you say I should be more lenient with the boy?", Bross accused. "My father treated me thus, and I grew to become leader of my pack!" "One must learn to treat different people different.", I told him. "That type of punishment must stop! If he does wrong, hitting him is not the answer! Talk to him. Explain to him why something he did was wrong. All that hitting does is raise lumps. It does not fix the problem!" "I will try, Stinger.", Bross said. "He'll be a better person because of it!", I said, then stood down because my part of the meeting was over. The very next day we bagan to prepare everything, and clue everybody in as to what they were supposed to do. The first thing was to tell the Kirkys to halt thier activities in Halcyon, for our plans included it; and LaSage needn't know about our plans for the palce! All the Kirkys had done so far there was to sweep the centurys' old dust and dirt from the main thouroughfares in the center of the city; and that revealed that the streets were literally paved in gold bars! We had them instead, lock up any door that worked and leave only the torches lit that led from the spiral entryway to the side portal that I had first entered Halcyon my first few days there. Once LaSage was in there, the ones we picked would be her escorts there. Once she had made it outside after her subterranean journey, I would be waiting in the courtyard at the mouth of Halcyon; and there I would give her the ultimatum. Being a gratious host, I would provide her with a meal as lavish as we could make it; for she would no doubt be famished after her ordeal - we may be uncouth, but we make wonderful hosts! Anyway, with all those plans made and in the works; I was walking across the clearing when I saw smoke rising from the treeline near the western path; and figuring that a campfire had gotten out of control, ran to the area and yelling at the top of my lungs! I ran into the woods, and saw the emergency wasn't like I thought; so I screeched to a stop right in front of the still I told MacDougal to tear down! Hands on hips, it took me only a moment to decide what to do, and I bent down and started ripping pots and tubing from the contraption. "Woah there, buck!", MacDougal came rushing into the area with a new armload of firewood. "Avast there!" "MacDougal!... I thought I told you to take this thing down!", I yelled at him. "Where's Pincushion?" "Here I am!", Pincushion came into the area carrying his own armload of firewood. "Our old wood got wet, and went to get dry wood." "Look matey, I knoo you told me ta' take down th' still.", MacDougal said. "But I figgered oot why ye didna like it." "MacDougal didn't clean the thing out!", Pincushion finished for him. "Made the 'hooch' taste awful!" "That's not why I said that!", I said. "Having this around, making liquor and all that is not allowed. Mayday told me once that they banned all alchoholic beverages a hundred years ago. They said it caused mayhem from otherwise upstanding citizens. Did you know that if we get caught with this thing, we could get into big trouble?!" "Awk! Hogwash!", MacDougal said. "I been makin' hooch all me life, an' LaSage said we can drink wot we want!" "I ain't LaSage!", I spat. "Now take it down!" "Aw, but please! At least taste it!", MacDougal pleaded. "I made a fresh batch. It orta be nice an' tasty now!", he offered me this now deep amber liquid in a tiny flask. "Please?", Picushion pleaded as well. "He worked real hard on it...", I couldn't resist pincushion's eyes! "Oh, brother!", I grabbed the flask roughly and looked at it. I smelled it - no difference there from last time - and took a sip. It tasted like world class scotch whiskey! "Hmm,... Not bad...", I mumbled. "It's kind of woody, and something else I'm not sure..." "How is it, Stinger?", Pincushion wanted to know. "It good?" "Now wot ye say?", MacDougal said. "Dou I make fine hooch, or whot?!" "It's pretty good.", I said, then looked at them both as they pleaded with thier eyes. After a full minute, I told them. "Look, you can keep the still.", they whooped! "But keep it under cover - and don't make big batches!...", then I had a thought. "Is there a bottle somewhere and a stopper? I need some of it for a plan..." "What are you going to do?", Pincushion asked. "Never mind!", I told him, looking for said materials. "Eere you are.", MacDougal handed me a flat pint-sized bottle. I went to the spigot on the still and drew out a full bottle; then I corked it and looked at the deep amber liquid. "This should do fine!", I said. "You going to drink the whole thing?", Pincushion asked. "Ye better watch out fer th' hangover!", MacDougal warned impishly. "He, he!" "What's a hangover?", Pincushion asked. "Ooh! Bad, lad!", MacDougal said. "Remember when we were taking mister Branko home?", I asked and he nodded. "Remember when you got too close to the Sunstones?", again he nodded. "Like that, only it doesn't go away for a while!" "Oh...", Pincushion said. "Then why do you drink it?" "Ever one likes a good challenge!", MacDougal chuckled. I chuckled too, and turned to leave. "Now remember, keep this hush-hush!", I left the area. "Humans are wierd!", Pincushion turned to his charge. "But you're the wierdest!" "Aw! You don knoo the half o' it!", MacDougal chuckled. "Hmm... Wonder what it tastes like...", Pincushion bent to sniff the still. "Smells awful!... Wait! What's that smell?", he took a long whif. "Seems to smell like me!... Say! wait a minute!" "What is it, lad?", asked MacDougal. "Did you remember to rinse the still out?", Pincushion asked. "It smells kind of strange." "Might've got a little still in there. Why?", MacDougal didn't like the way Pincushion was looking at him. "Isn't bleach poison?", Pincushion's eyes went wide. "MacDougal! You've poisoned poor Stinger! Please tell me you didn't leave any in there!" "It was a joke...!", was all MacDougal could say before Pincushion leapt on him, knocking him down and growling in his face! I was only fifty or so feet away, and heard the commotion going on behind me. I turned and saw what was going on; and I had Klamath make all possible speed to get back! Yelling for him to stop, I pushed and pushed; and finally Pincushion got off MacDougal, the Tyranosaur huffing and spatting conrempt. I helped the poor man up and looked at them both with utter disgust. "Ok! Mind telling me what that was all about?!", I shouted. "The lad's daft!", MacDougal accused. "Are you going to tell him, or do I have to?!", Pincushion glared. "Tell me what?", I asked. "MacDougal cleaned out the still with bleach!", Pincushion said. "He left some in the still, and you drank it!" "It was only a wee amount, I think.", MacDougal said. "How much?", I asked. "The whole thing.", the older human shrunk. "You put the whole BUCKET in!!", Puincushion growled. "I don't understand.", I said. "Stinger, you, of all people should know what bleach is made of!", Pincushion told me. "It's made of urine, right?" "Yeah...", I drank urine? "See, he had me fill the bucket, saying he wanted to clean the still. I never knew he was going to pull a prank on you!", Pincushion admitted. "Oh Stinger! You're poisoned!" "Relax Pincushion, just relax!", I said. "I'll be all right, honest!", I stroked his saddened muzzle. "See, when you distill bleach, the harmful properties are filtered away. In some distilleries I know of, they add bleach to enhance the liquor's flavor." "You mean you're not going to die?", Pincushion looked relieved. "Not for a good many years yet!", I smiled, he smiled back. "See, mister MacDougal may have thought he was playing a joke, but it turns out it backfired on him!" "Foiled by me own wit!", MacDougal said, tasting the hooch himself. "Dandy!" "Yes, it is!", I said. "Now all we need is a name for it." "Caint think o' none.", MacDougal said. "Me neither!", Pincushion said. "Hmmmmm...", I said, eyes closed deep in thought. "How about..., 'Tyranosaur Breath'?" "Tyranosaur Breath?", Pincushion said. "Why is that?" "Well, you can't really call it the other thing!", I laughed out loud! That stuff was starting to get to me. "Thots a fact, lad!", MacDougal chuckled. "A dandy name!", he roared laughter, hugging Pincushion's muzzle. "But please, MacDougal! No more pranks!", Pincushion became serious. "Any more stunts like that and I'll eat you - I swear!"... _
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Post by thundertail on Mar 15, 2012 19:15:05 GMT -5
_ TWENTY-ONE: "Ultimatum." Deep in the dense rainforests of the Rainy Basin, two adult Pachycephalosauruses stood in a tiny clearing by a well worn game trail. Thier domed heads bobbed and dipped for forage, alternately raising thier heads to survey the area for predators. The ragged human hiding in the forest's undergrowth near by saw this and smiled; for he was the advance scout sent by LaSage to find food for her horde - maybe there was a reward for him if they could capture these domeheaded scalys! He backed away from hiding, and scurried away, deeper into the forest; where many of his mates lay in wait for word of what he had spied. A half mile later he made it to the first of the crew, a rather tall and muscular one he dared not cross; so he pulled the giant's sleeve - and got a crack across the face for the effort! "Martino! Never do that!", the giant hissed. "What did you find?" "Two domed scalys about a mile that way.", Martino hissed as he pointed with one hand, rubbing his face with the other. "Make for good eatin', I'd say!" "Shut up!", the giant hovered near, making him cringe. "You're not here to say, just look!", he turned to the remainder of his men and barked: "Move out!" "But Quint. You don't give orders! LaSage does!", Martino said. "Shut up!", he swiped at him, but he was too far away. "I'm in charge while she's not here!" "That's right, boys!", came a feminine voice from the forest behind them, they turned. "Now, what have you caught me for dinner?" "Domed scalys, ma'am.", Martino reported. "Bout a mile that way." "Why aren't they caught?", LaSage asked. "Because... they haven't been hunted yet?", Quint guessed. "Right!", LaSage pulled him up from his crouch by the ear, giving the rest of the some twenty men there a shooing gesture. She smiled as they all hurried off into the forest. "Dolts!", she mumbled as they left. She followed at a more sedate pace. In the mean time, the two Pachys hadn't moved more than a few feet. They didn't have to know the hunters were now on thier trail; for the little Kirky in the underbrush on the other side of the small clearing nodded to them that thier bait was taken! Still they browsed and chewed, waiting for those dispickable humans to arrive; and they didn't even need to look around to notice thier arrival, for one of them rattled his arrow quiver and gave them all away! Like a shot both thier heads rose, and they looked around worriedly - just like they practiced; and once they saw the top of one of these two-legged hunters' heads, they took off like a shot in the other direction, braying all the way! The taller one swatted the offender in the head, and the whole group of humans took off at a run after these two domed saurians, wailing and yelling like a pack of Veloceraptors on the scent of prey. A singal Veloceraptor saw that the chase had been engaged, and rapidly found his comrades and stealthily followed the group. The Kirky, knowing his part of the mission was over, circled the whole thing and went back to camp. The Pachys, in the mean time, dodged and wove thier way through the dense jungle at a pace they thought the humans chasing them could match; but it proved too grueling for thier pursuers and they slowed some more. Right behind them, the humans took to scouting and tracking rather than a blatent attack run; and were combing the forest for thier tracks - they were falling hopelessly behind! "This isn't working!", Chillet said at a run. "They're lagging behind!" "We'll have to slow down some more, then!", Sauron replied. "I got an idea! Let's pause at the next clearing." "What for, my mate?", Chillet asked. "You'll see.", Sauron said, then slowed his pace as the next clearing was seen. As the group of hunting humans came almost within sight, he continued. "Now, let's argue!" "What about?", Chillet asked. "Nothing. Just yell at each other.", Sauron told her. "Let's butt heads too, just for effect!" "Ooh! Like the fun we had as yearlings?", Chillet smiled. "Yup!", Sauron smiled too. "Let's go!" Both Pachycephalosauruses grunted and brayed at each other for a few moments, then they began to circle. Both bobbed thier heads, threatening one another for a few seconds; and then lowered them and began to charge. The crack of thier skulls echoed around the forest, making the group of humans take notice and locate the direction of the noise in one quick motion! The humans stalked closer for a look - and couldn't believe thier eyes! These two scalys were fighting! "What's going on?", LaSage asked as she muscled her way to see. "Scalys are fighting!", Quint told her. "Probably blame eachother for being hunted!" "Scalys don't blame each other, you lug!", LaSage slapped him. "They're just full of forgiveness!", she pranced in place cutely. When nobody continued the hunt, she looked at her men. "Well...?! After them!" The two Pachys looked up from thier playfighting and saw the horde of humans coming towards them again; and they did not need to be told twice to get a move on! They brayed in mock suprise and took off once again in the direction contrary to thier pursuers. The Pachys were merely at a trot, and pretty soon they were pacing along a path, and then back into the woods again. Not long after that they were going into rills and rock outcroppings between the trees. They were beginning to lead LaSage's horde into the trap the others had set for them; and to prove it there were seen several Veloceraptor and Kirky heads peering out from the undergrowth, whom ducked back for cover as soon as Sauron and Chillet passed. The horde of humans saw that the going was getting rough, but saw they were chasing thier dinner up into some rills and ravines - and that was good! They all redoubled thier pace, readying weapons and redoubling thier bloodcurdling screams. LeSage, in back, simply rolled her eyes at these louts; they were going to attract every carnivore in the Rainy Basin at this rate! In reality, the Pachys were leading THEM into a trap, they knew! As the yards passed in their slower going, they saw many more of thier comrades - and even saw glimpses of thier Tyranosaur friends as well. All they passed by scooted back into hiding, and soon LaSage's men were seen running into the ever closing trap. The rills turned into rocky knolls which crowded in from all sides; and soon the Pachys were in a shallow, narrow canyon of sorts, where there were many avenues of escape. Thier pursuers' confidence soared when they realized thier quarry was trapped; and ran on with gleeful determination. A steep cliff reared up in front of the Pachys, and a tiny opening in the rock in front of them became visible; but off to each side of this obstacle were two narrow paths up the slope of the cliff; and these were hidden from the human hunters' view. The Pachys ran right up to the cliff, and each took seperate paths left and right and were lost to view. Before the human horde could reach that spot, a dozen Veloceraptors took the Pachys' places and sneered and screeched at the approaching humans, bearing claws and teeth. Needless to say that LaSage's men screeched to a halt, dead in thier tracks! They all turned to run, but three Tyranosaurs came out of hiding to block thier path. They turned as one to find another exit through the rocks, but at every turn they were met with carniverous death. LaSage, in the middle of her group, winced and hissed at each turn; and her men drew into a tighter and tighter knot of quivering flesh. As the carnivores took steps closer, I emerged from the group in Klamath's full armor to observe the scene. Stepping up to the group, I unfurled Klamath's mask so all of them could see me! "Well fellas!", I said in a surly way. "Looky what we caught!" "STINGER!", LaSage managed. "Why are you spoiling our hunt? Those domeheads were ours!" "They were our bait.", I told her. "And with them we caught the slipriest fish of them all!", the saurians around me chuckled meanly. "Clever!", LaSage said. "Now, what's the meaning of this?!" "We have been sanctioned by the creatures of the Rainy Basin to seek you out.", I told them all. "Your pillaging of the Rainy Basin must stop – NOW!" "And what are you going to do if we don't?", LaSage asked, daring us. "With my friends surrounding you, dare you ask?!", I said. "Now LaSage, come out here!" "No!", she tried to slink deeper into her men. I approached the quivering crowd; and when nobody gave me access to LaSage, I unfurled Klamath's twin daggers. "Come out, come out, wherever you are!", I sang meanly. I took a few steps closer. Finally the ranks split, and I reached in and bodily dragged her out of the group. I pulled her up and flung her into the arms of Mayday, who was still in Zandra's full armor. The vicelike grasp was too strong for LaSage to struggle free of. I then turned to the group. "Can you find your way home by yourselfs?", I asked them. "Don't worry about us.", said the tall man with long hair and a headband. "What's your name, Jack?", I asked him. "Quint.", he said. "Quint, huh?", I thought. "Did you have a relative named David Quint?" "He was my grandfather.", Quint replied. "I knew him.", I said. "From what I can tell, the sapling doesn't grow far from the tree." "What's that supposed to mean?", Quint asked. "Never mind, you idiot!", I said. "You may go now!" I indicated my friends, who let them have a path of escape; and with much roaring coaxing from the saurians surrounding them, they took the hint and bolted back the way they came. Many of my friends gave chase to make sure thier departure was a permanent one! The Pachys Sauron and Chillet were up at the top of the rocks looking down on this exchange, and whooped with glee at thier leaving. They were still out of sight, but soon left the area toward camp. Thier part in the ambush was over, and they brayed with excitement as they left due to thier part in it. I turned to LaSage as her group disapeared from sight and put on my cheesiest smile. "LaSage! Darling!", I said as Mayday brought her forward. "Are we having fun so far?" "You're horrible!", LaSage spat. "Takes one to know one.", I shot back. "Search her for weapons!" As Mayday held her, two Veloceraptors slinked up and felt up and down. They found two daggers in her boots, a long dagger in a hidden sheath in her vest - and her riding crop hid one as well. Once done I looked her over personally. I saw something strange down her cleavage; and being the gentileman I am, had Mayday search that area. She pulled out a really tiny knife that was form fitted to be sheathed there, and I looked at it, nodding. "Hmmm...! Cute!", I said, leering. "Every well-dressed villian shouldn't be without one!", LaSage shot back, smiling. "Now, you have one chance to survive this.", I told her once I regained myself. "See that small cave over there?" "Yeah...", she said as she looked. "Get in there!", I shoved. "Do it quick! I think my friends are getting hungry!" "You wouldn't!", she struggled in Mayday's iron grip. "Wouldn't I?", I said as she threw her toward the entrance. "Go! Get! Scat!", The Veloceraptors near the cave entrance began to growl and spit, lunging out toward her as she got near. She cringed, but slowly did as was told. She crawled down the tiny hole and was lost from sight - just like what I had done my first time here. Rex rushed up to the hole and roared loudly down it, sending her speeding down it as fast as she could! We all laughed at her retreating form; and once that moment was over, I turned to my friends. "Well guys.", I said, still smiling. "Time to set up for the next step! Let's go, everyone!", we mounted up and went to the courtyard at the entrance to Halcyon many miles to the north with all due speed. There were others in the bowels of Halcyon, and I found out just what happened to LaSage after that from them as soon as the operation was over. here's how it went: LaSage slid down the sloped hole, and landed with a gasp in the wet depression at its' end. She cursed as she discovered she was all wet, but regained her composure as she examined her current surroundings for a way out. Thinking it would be an unwise idea to climb back out the way she came, she began studying the stone darkness for another way out. A faint glimmer of light coming from a crack near the back of the space caught her eye, and she maneuvered around toward it to see if there was another way out. She came out onto another chamber with natural pillars and boulders partially blocking the way that she had to snake her way around, but she followed the ever increasing light coming from somewhere directly ahead of her. Little did she know that she was not alone in this cave, for she passed a shadowy alcove without noticing the Dilophosaur remaining perfectly still, appearing to be just another rock outcropping and not daring to breathe until she was well past. This crerature silently slithered out of his hiding spot and followed her with his darkness adapted eyes as she made her way further into the gloom. In the chamber with the neolithic wall paintings she paused to get her bearings, and turned at a slight sound. Figuring it was merely rockdust falling somewhere, she moved on until she saw the opening at the far end of the chamber - silhouetted by the ever increasing torchlight coming from there. She went through the tunnel beyond and found the passageway with the Egyptian-like cartuches all over the walls; and at the end of this chamber in one of the ancient scones at the end of the passage, a torch was lit. That was when she KNEW someone was down here with her! Taking the torch, she went through the portal at the end of the chamber and came out into a gigantic chamber, of which the light of her torch couldn't penetrate the gloom all the way to the end. The first Dilophosaur came into the chamber LaSage had occupied a moment before, and; seeing that his comrade hadn't moved, jostled a stilled arm of the creature in the alcove she was in - she had obviousely fallen asleep! Hushed murmurings and they both headed out the doorway and continued following thier victim well out of reach of her torchlight. A confused LaSage looked around this huge chamber, trying to get her bearings. She looked down at her feet and noticed the yellowish sheen coming off the floor - was it made of gold?, she wondered. Just as she looked up from this, she noticed another glimmer of torchlight coming from a spacious doorway to her right. Inside she saw this really tiny dinosaur up on a scaffolding, examining the hyroglyph in front of her and making profuse notes on a piece of parchment. LaSage licked her lips and approached the little scaly. "HEY, YOU!", LaSage yelled. The little scaly rose her head with a jerk and nearly toppled off the eight foot high scaffold she was on - which would have been a three storey fall at her scale! "Know where I am?" "Lordy! You nearly scared the daylights outa me!", the little Kirky squeaked, climbing down. "Don't sneak up on a person!" "You speak English!", LaSage said. "That's convenient..." "Next time call your shots!", the Kirky shot back. "What can I do you for?" "I'm kinda lost.", said LaSage. "Know where I am?" "I know where you are,", the Kirky told her. "You're in a cave with a pint-sized dino, asking fool questions!" "Listen, you squeaker!", LaSage took steps closer, the Kirky took steps back. The two Dilophosaurs took defensive stances just outside the doorway. "I'm looking for a way outa here! I don't need any of your sass!" "Oh! You're lost!", she cooed smilingly. "Hear that, boys?" "What do you mean, 'boys'?", LaSage asked, looking around. "My guides. Think I could find the place all by myself?", the Kirky said. "I heard of this place from the library at Waterfall City. I'm an archaeologist, by trade. Nice place, this. Full of history! I was just readin' about this battle of sorts - actually a story about a king who was telling a story about a ficticious battle, and..." "Enough!", Lasage shouted. "Are you going to help me get outa here, or what?" "Sure thing, kid.", the Kirky said in a calming way. "By the way, what's your name?" "LaSage.", she told the tiny creature. "What's yours?" "Wen.", she said. "I want to know NOW!", LaSage said, becoming more irritated by the minute. "Wen's my name, stupid!", Wen said. "Now, where are my giudes?... LEETER!... RIVEN!... Where you at?" The twin Dilophosaurs loomed in the doorway and made a few steps inside. From there they bowed and grumbled something to Wen for a moment. In the mean time LaSage cringed back at these two carniverous, twin-frilled monstrosities, who smiled evilly at her fear. Seeing this, Wen smiled and came closer to the stricken human. "THOSE are your guides?", LaSage choked. "Best guides in the world for these dark places!", the Kirky whispered. "Got great night vision!" "They're homely!", she continued. "Well, you ain't no beauty queen yerself, sugar!", Wen said, which gave LaSage a start. She turned to the Dilophosaurs. "Now, where you been - asides skulking around the place?" At a brief grumbling, Wen shouted. "Off sleepin' again! I told you two to finish bringin' in the supplies!", she turned to LaSage. "Can't find good help these days." "Ain't that the truth.", LaSage mumbled. "My oafs took off on me. And you know why? All because of a little trouble with those scalies out there - spoiling my hunt!" "You hunt, dearie?", Wen asked, then said. "Well, I wouldn't go a-hunting in these parts! This whole area belongs to clan Thundertail, and they don't take kindly to strangers! Had to get special permission just to come here myself!" "So, you gonna help me find my way outa here, or what?", LaSage asked ome more time. "I guess I had better or you'll never let me get back to work!", Wen said, sighing. "C'mon..., follow us..." Wen the Kirky, pretending to be an archaeologist for Waterfall City, turned and picked up an unlit torch and approached this crazy human female before her. The human cringed until she saw the little scaly merely wanted to lite her torch. Taking the lead, Wen went past this human and headed for the door of the chamber they were in. Leeter and Riven the Dilophosaurs, pretending to be the ficticious archaeologist's assistants, filed in behind the human after she tenatively passed them - delighted that she was scared out of her wits of them! Wen turned the corner and came out onto the main thouroughfare of Halcyon, even though LaSage didn't know she was in Halcyon. "You seem leary around dinosaurs, miss.", Wen commented absently. "Why is that? I mean, carnivores is one thing, but little old me?..." "I hate them!", LaSage said, voice echoing in the hidden space. "They smell,... and they are too cursed nice." "Well, you don't smell like a field of daisys yourself!", Wen said. "And you'd appreciate it more if you were nice yerself!" "I'll probably have to take a half dozen baths after this...", Lasage said absently. "Hey! I'm nice!" Wen yelled so Leeter and Riven could hear: "Why don't you guys scout ahead. Make sure things are safe!", she turned to the human as soon as the twin Dilophosaurs fanned out in the darkness. "This place is just loaded with traps and dead ends - heavy emphasis on the word 'dead'!... But if we stay on the main streets, we should be ok." "How comforting.", LaSage said and became silent as she followed this tiny, mouthy scaly. The two females silently walked through the streets of Halcyon, listening to thier footfalls echoing in the darkness. Wen did not choose the shortest route out, for she led LaSage through nearly every nonconverging street she could to throw LaSage off. One time shuffling could be heard off to thier left - or sometimes to thier right, and the wraithlike form of one of the Dilophosaurs was seen briefly flittng by just on the edge of thier torchlight. This unnerved LaSage no end, and the Dilophosaurs knew it; for they repeated this performance many times over the next few minutes! After about a half hour of travel, LaSage slowed and stopped; and when Wen saw thier combined torchlight decrease in intensity, she turned to see LaSage leaning against a pillar she had found. "What's wrong, sugar?", Wen asked as she returned to the human. "Let's rest a bit, huh?", the human said. "I ain't used to all this walking - especially if I don't know where I am!" "Ok by me.", Wen crouched on the golden floor. "But I thought you were all hot to leave." "I didn't know leaving would take so long!", LaSage told her. "What happened to your goony friends, by the way?" "They come and go.", Wen said absently. "Good thing I brought water.", Wen uncorked a flask and drank. "Have some?" "I'll pass.", Lasage said. She was thirsty, there was no doubt; but the thought of having a dinosaur's mouth on the waterflask first unnerved her! "Say, I been meaning to ask. These roads. Are they really made with gold?" "Solid, sister!", Wen said, rapping the yellow bricks at her feet with her tiny claws and left light scratches in the soft metal. "But the real treasure here is the knowledge hidden away here. You know that place you found me in? We believe that was a library complex. Think of all the literature there!" "Knowledge is fine.", LaSage said standing. "But give me treasure I can spend and you'll get no complaints from me!" "To each thier own!", Wen said, getting up herself. "Ready?", she turned and left without looking back. LaSage went with this scrawny creature with a surly look. Imagine her: getting the help of a worthless scaly! Never the less, she followed the creature - what other choice did she have? It was either this or become hopelessly lost in this dark, dangerous place - it was her only shot! Wen at last led her to the beginning of the huge spiraling saurian staircase; and the two Dilpohosaurs showed up at about the same moment. The Kirky nodded at her two friends before they led the group up the stairway; and by the time LaSage had nearly reached the top, she was thouroughly winded again. The light of a large slit of a window became apparent, and Wen parked her torch while LaSage did the same. As soon as the window came up on the right, LaSage ventured a look outside for the first time since the morning; but all she got was a glance due to the monstrosity that suddenly appeared there. The Veloceraptor that was perched on the ledge right outside the window lunged in, screeching, spitting and baring its' claws! LaSage leapt back gasping as the twin Dilophosaurs engaged it with savage gusto. It was only an act, in reality; and the Veloceraptor retreated well before any actual contact was made. "My charter with Waterfall City didn't state I'd be attacked by those slinkers!", Wen yelled as she tried to help LaSage up. "You're on your own from now on! Come on, boys!", all three turned and ran back the way they came. "Come back, you jerks!", LaSage yelled after them. When no reply came, she hissed and looked at the remainder of her way out. "Ditched again!", she continued to climb the stairway. One more turn in the stairway and she was looking out through a tall and wide arched portal onto an avenue that led to a large grass covered courtyard. She saw no carnivores as of yet, but near the far end of the space a crude table was set up; and it was loaded with covered platters of banquet fare! Was her eyes deceiving her?! She took a dozen paces out into the courtyard; and two Veloceraptors carrying spears soon flanked her. Putting on a brave demeanor, she paid them little heed as she came to within a dozen yards of the table. Standing on either side of the table were two suits of armor, rigid and seeming lifeless. The guards hissed and turned to these suits, nodded and took thier places in the perifery of the area. That was when the black colored suit moved! It marched to the table and sat down at the far chair, beckoning LaSage to do the same. She complied, and that's when I unfurled Klamath's mask, revealing my own not too unhansome face! "STINGER!", LaSage screamed. "What is the meaning of all this?!" "Glad you could make it, LaSage!", I said instead. "You must be famished from your long ordeal. Come, eat! Manja, manja!" "You put me through all that copro, and you expect to butter me up with food?!", LaSage was livid - I could see it! "I don't know what your game is, mister; but I'm having none of it!", she got up, but only made it halfway before she noticed Rex, Grond, Thundertail, Deathflower and Thistlesnarl suddenly fill the courtyard with thier bulk! She wisely decided to sit back down. "Please! Just relax, will you?", I made a halting gesture. "It is more than apparent we have a lot to discuss; but we have plenty of time to do that. It's more civilized to conduct our business in a more relaxed manner; and what's more relaxed than a friendly meal?" "Well, it seems like you're giving me no other choice;", LaSage said, warilly eyeing the massive creatures surrounding her. "And I am rather hungry...", she lifted a cover to see what was under there. "Good! Now I had prepared a variety of vegetables, gravy is in that boat over there; and for the main course, we have turkey-roasted Strutheomimus!", I rattled off the parts of the meal while digging in myself. Whitetail came over with a steaming bowl of potatoes, and nodded as she set it on the table. "And roast potato! Whitetail, you think of everything!", I turned to LaSage. "She's an excellent cook, you agree?" "Fine...", she said between bites. "Now... About the things we need to talk about?..." "In due time.", I said. "We have no wine, but Selma has made a nice batch of cold jinka/citrus tea.", I poured. For almost an hour we ate in near silence. It was strange, eating with someone that was supposed to be my enemy; but it was the only way I knew to soften her up enough for us to tell her all the things she needed to hear. She eyed me suspiciousely over her tea and wiped her mouth before looking around once again. I smelled that she was looking for a way out of our clutches, so I made a move. I cut a leg off the Strut on the plate in front of me and nodded for Rex to come near. I motioned to see if he wanted the food, and he nodded and huffed playfully. I placed it into his mouth and he gulped it down in one bite. This made LaSage wince and nearly loose her food! "I like it when they're well fed!", I said in a cheery way. "Have you had enough to eat, LaSage?" "I think I have had enough!", she said it like she was fed up! "Good!", I said like she answered my question properly. "Then I think it's time we get things started! Mayday, the papers?" "You know, you really don't have to do this.", LaSage said in the mean time. "I can just leave now and there will be no problem..." "On the contrary.", I said. "There will always be a problem when you and your men carry on and insist to cause trouble here. The reason why you're here is to make sure it doesn't happen again." "And how do you suppose to stop us?", LaSage leaned back, hands clasped on the table before her. "This clan is working its' way towards being civilized. Your activities here are preventing us from doing this like we want. This MUST end.", I told her. "We are going to do this like civilized adults, in a civilized way and with all the legality we posess." I opened the satchel containing the contracts we had prepared and placed them onto a cleared section of the table. "Now, I want you to hear what's going on - from the lips of king Thundertail himself.", I switched to Tyranosaur. "Thundertail, we're ready, I think." LaSage cringed as the massive creature approached the table, Thundertail eyeing her with acid as he got near. Rex came up too, but stayed a few Tyranosaur paces back. Thundertail roared at her, flinging her long hair back with his breath, then spoke as I translated. "Torres LaSage, I am very displeased with your conduct in the Rainy Basin.", I translated. "You defile our land, you spoil our game, you hurt and kill our neighbors and you act with behaviour not fit to be called Dinotopian, let alone civilized.", he glared. "I want all these activities stopped immediately, and I want you to never set foot in the Rainy Basin again. What Stinger has prepared, I want you to sign. I want you to obey what is written there; and if that contract is broken for any reason, we will track you and your men down and kill you all!", Thundertail turned away and retook his place, Rex following and doing the same. "So you see, you've made many enemies here.", I concluded. "These enemies are far more powerful than you are equipped to handle. I suggest you sign and honor this contract, which is basically a treaty of peace and trade, or else I can not guarantee your survival. This is your one and only chance to live through this, so I suggest you seriousely consider it." "We'll be ruined! Where will we hunt?", LaSage said as I passed her a copy of the contract. She scanned the document, which basically contained all that Thundertail and I had told her already. Then she set it down. "I don't get it! You say I must never come back here again; and yet you say that as a reward, we get a cartload of supplies every month? How will we get it if we can't come back again?" "King Adolpho's castle is only a short distance beyond the Rainy Basin.", I told her like the location of her hideout was common knowledge. "It won't be a problem for us if we deliver it to you." "How do you know where we stay?", she asked. "That's a secret!" "About how long have you known we existed?", I asked instead. "A few months, why?", she returned. "We have known about you for almost two years now.", I told her. "We have scouts that go all over Dinotopia and gather intellegence for us undetected. Scouts that are experts in stealth, and knowledgable about the areas they go in. We know everything about you. If I so choose, I could have one of them slip into your bedroom at night and steal all your jewelry while you sleep - or even slit your throat!", I smiled impishly. "But that's not my style!", I became serious, but in a teasing way. "By the way, where did you get all those awful clothes in your closet?" "What?!", LaSage balked. "Never mind.", I said, chuckling a moment. Then I looked at her and continued. "Have you read and understood the treaty in your hands?", she nodded, so I continued. "When you sign this, you are never to set foot in the Rainy Basin again. This contract also entitles us to legally use what force that's necesary to stop you if you breach the contract. Did you read and understand that part?" "Yeah, yeah! I got it!", LaSage was getting anxious. "Just let me sign it so I can get outa here! Where's the pen?" I handed her a feather stylus and an inkwell. If it was a contract signed in the outside world, it would have been signed with a ballpoint pen! I took out the other copies and placed them before her. "It's in triplicate, of course.", I told her. "What for?", she said as she finished with the first copy. "One copy is for you, one is for us and the other will go on file at Waterfall City.", I explained. After the first dried, I rolled it up and tied it with a leather cord. When she was done with the second copy, I repeated the procedure; and lastly with the final copy. "There we are! All nice and legal!", I handed her a copy. "This means that the council at Waterfall City can do nothing to stop you!", Lasage realized suddenly. "We can't go ask them to help us with you!" "Precisely!", I said, smiling as I set the other two copies on the table before me. "You see, we had to be this thourough in order to make sure you stop pillaging here. If we didn't, we could be branded as criminals ourselves." "Touche'!", LaSage said. "Stinger, you're one of a kind!" "Thank you!", I said, getting up. "And now, Torres; I think it's time to toast this new deal of ours. Don't you think?", I produced the freshly labled bottle of MacDougal's hooch and two small flasks. "It's a little something we whip up occasionally...", I handed her the glass. "To your continued health!", I toasted and we both drank. LaSage gasped at the firy liquid careening down her throat! "What is this stuff?!", she choked, and I pivoted the bottle so she could see the label. "Hmm..., 'Tyranosaur Breath'!... Boy! I'll say!" "Got plenty of bite!", I clipped as I snapped my teeth together for emphasis. This made her giggle a bit despite herself! "Now, about seeing you home..." "I can manage...", she began, but I cut her off. "On the contrary! We don't want you to know the location of this place; so if you would, you will be blindfolded and led away from here.", I told her as Ripper and Snapper came from the perimeter and clasped her hands behind her. LaSage struggled in thier very strong grasp as Mayday came by with some rope. She tied LaSage's hands together and left plenty to be used as a lead. Then she went to the table and took the satchel and stuffed LaSage's contract in there. She also produced a waterflask and added that to it. I came up to her, and her eyes told me she wanted to bite me! Before tying the blindfold on, took the bottle of Tyranosaur Breath and stuffed it in the bag too. I slung the satchel around her shoulders and maneuvered in front of her. "I'll have these two Veloceraptors escort you to the nearest signpost.", I told her, indicating Ripper and Snapper, who stepped up and snapped to attention. "I'm sure you can find your way from there." "I'll get you for this, Stinger!", LaSage screamed as she was blindfolded and roughly led toward a path that disapeared into the jungle. "Mark my word!!" All of us stood in silence as she passed out of sight, and waited there for a good ten minutes until she was out of earshot before we all let off with peals of cheers and roars! I tried to shush them all, and when they finally stopped of thier own accord, I spoke. "Ok guys. Let's clean the place up and get back to camp.", I said. everyone nodded and soon the place was as we found it. Then we went as a group back home. In the mean time Ripper and Snapper was having very little trouble with thier captor. She just strolled along led by the rope, nudged this way or that as bumps or turns in the path indicated she should change direction. LaSage grunted as she tripped over a root, and Snapper dragged her back to her feet. Inside of two hours a signpost came up ahead of them at a crossroads in the path; and LaSage was jerked to a halt. "What now?", she asked. "Can you speak?" Ignoring her for now, Ripper got onto Snapper's shoulders like the Kirkys had made them practice and he reached over to snag LaSage's blindfold off. Snapper took a hop backwards in case she did anything, and Ripper got down. He then went behind her and snipped the ropes from her wrists with his razor sharp talons. As one they turned to face her. "You... Go... Now...!", Ripper croaked in English, pointing; but when LaSage didn't take the instruction right away, they both got into defensive stances and hissed menacingly! "Ok,...ok!", LaSage stepped back. "I get the hint already!... I'm going!...", she turned toward the sign and walked toward it. When Ripper and Snapper took steps toward her, she turned and bolted down the path and out of sight. Snickering to each other, they both beat feet in the other direction and toward thier home. Back at our camp many hours later, the celebration was well under way. With all the festivities going on at our victory over the land pirates, it seemed like New Years and the Fourth Of July all rolled into one! I was congratulated many times, and congratulated everyone who participated in LaSage's capture. I displayed our copies to those absent, and explained the power this piece of parchment gave over LaSage. The council at Waterfall City would surely consider it a legal contract; and by thier own laws, LaSage was honor bound to obey it - provided there was a shred of honor in her entire body! I drew everyone near as the festivities began to wind down; and with Ripper and Snapper in each arm, I began doling out my verbal accolades to this fine band of hunters and others. "My friends, I would like to thank the bravest members of our clan: Sauron and Chillet Pachycephalosaurus!", I said as roaring cheers welled up. "These two bravely encountered LaSage and her men, and were hunted mercilessly!", all chuckled. "It was fun!", Chillet said. "Like playing tag as a hatchling!", she got chuckles for that statement. "It was a most exciting time, to be sure! The best part of the ordeal was when we saw all of you giving them what for!", Sauron replied. "Stinger, for this, you may touch us, if you like." "That won't be necesary.", I told him. "I would do nothing to dishonor such worthy clan members." "It is you that is the honorable one.", Sauron bowed, and they both milled back into the crowd. "And for the smallest hunter of them all, and the ones protecting her; I give you Wen, Leeter and Riven!", I said as they got thier own cheers. "That LaSage wasn't so tough!", Wen said. "I could have taken her all by myself! Smart move, though; making me act like an archaeologist! Had her fooled good!" "We loved scaring her!", Riven said. "Most fun we had in a while!" "There are no booby traps in Halcyon; but there was sure a booby in it!", Leeter said, and got laughs. "To all the rest of you hunters who kept LaSage and her men corralled so they would fall into our trap.", I continued. "Not a finer band of dinosaurs I have ever met!", most of the rest cheered. "And to all the rest who prepared for this event; your help made my little encounter with her all the better!", I said to them all. "To Mayday for her kind assistance, and Whitetail and her helpers for preparing that delicious meal - even to MacDougal for his unintentional beverage - which went over marvelousely!", all chuckled. "To Rex, for being there; and showing LaSage that Tyranosaurs can also be friendly. To his father, whose strenness with her told her more than the words on paper could ever do that we are displeased with her actions... And lastly, to my two boys!", I kissed the Veloceraptors still in my hands. "Whose bravery in leading her away proves they are worthy members of this clan and of thier pack!" "I don't think that LaSage will let something like a piece of paper stop her.", Mark Serento said. "From what I hear, she laughs at such attempts." "That was before, my friend.", I told him. "We have the might to make her obey that piece of paper. The other Dinotopians hand those out, and expext the person's honor to hold them to it. With her, she has no such morals; but she doesn't count on our determination! We will make her - physically if necesary - to obey that contract. Right everyone?", cheers rose up. "That is not according to Dinotopian ethics.", Mark said. "Neither is what she's doing.", I said. "If she wants to break the laws, it's up to someone to make her stop. This means even if we have to break some of those same laws to do it!" "You, being a newcomer, probably do not know of the strong principals we go by.", Mark said. "Even if we threaten her with violence, the council will consider us as criminals to thier laws." "The same council who banished all carnivores to the Rainy Basin, and the one who spurred such predujice that you were exiled here too?", I told him. "Perhaps we should consider trying to change the whole island, instead of just one bad group!" "But what you are talking about is an island-wide revolution!", Miles Krieger said. "A thing like that hasn't been attempted since Othgar the great attempted it millenia ago!" "Perhaps it is time for a change.", I said simply. "What of our attempt for civilization?", Thundertail asked. "Would this not send that to a grinding halt?" "Not if things are done slowly, methodically and carefully.", I said. "I think, for right now, we have done enough. Let's wait until LaSage makes the first mistake; then we'll see what we can do from there." "A logical course of action.", Thundertail conceeded. "We especially can nothing tonight! So, if there isn't anything else of importance to discuss right now, I say we should retire for the night and continue with things tomorrow."... _
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Post by thundertail on Mar 16, 2012 4:30:40 GMT -5
_ TWENTY-TWO: "Talon" For the next few days, life at camp went on like normal. We hunted, we planted the next growing seasons' worth of crop, we coexisted and we socialized. The Kirkys were nearly completely done remodeling the pyramid itself, and they were beginning to renovate the chambers we found Zandra in many levels below ground. They had asked many in the clan to help - and I had helped them many times myself - and this time they asked for as many Dilophosaurs and Veloceraptors that could be spered for thier next phase down there. To completely renovate those rooms, everything had to be vacated from them; and this meant that all tablets, scrolls, the shelves and racks thay were in and any other object that wasn't structurally part of each room. Let me just say that for two days there was a continual line of creatures carrying things out of the temple! With the growing number of creatures wishing to join our clan at this time, finding work like this proved to be no problem; even though it put an extra burden on the hunters to obtain the required food. This proved to be a good thing for the Kirkys assigned to catalogue and conserve these objects, for it allowed them full view of what they were conserving. Most of that stuff they worked on in the upper chambers of the pyramid. We had finally found out about the temple complex at the top of the pyramid, and what it was used for. When Mayday saw the place, she said it looked familiar somehow; and so did the Kriegers when they went up there as well as the Serentos. They all agreed that the pedistal once held a Sunstone and the machinery below it that made it link with all the others; but time had corroded the machinery - and someone had stolen the Sunstone! They said that the configuration of the remains did not coincide with the other Sunstone arrays they had seen, and might have been set up for another purpose entirely. No sooner than they began this project, other Kirkys got to work in Halcyon, as most of the main chambers and buildings in the downtown area had been catalogued. Again, they wished to renovate and conserve all the hyroglyphs, and make that area as pristine as the day it was first built - or at least as good as when it was last occupied. There was a major problem they found right away, and proved to be the reason why the city was abandoned: there was no water there, for it had all dried up! We had discovered almost forty cisterns sixty feet deep all around the city, but only two had traces of water. One had four feet in it and the other was barely knee deep on me! That meant that if we wanted to live there for any length of time, new sources of water would have to be found; or even find new ways of getting water into the city might have to be employed. The various other objects being collected around the area were beginning to pile up in the newly renovated store rooms, and we were wondering what use they could be used for. Some of the objects, thier purpose was obvious; but others baffled most of the ones assigned to study them. There were tools like wrenches and hammers, objects like screwdrivers and things of that nature. There were more modern devices like Sunstone torches resembling flashlights, optical devices like telescopes and cameras. There were parts for devices that resembled phonographs of the 1920's and things that could only be parts for old fashioned telephones. One object held our attention for the longest time, for it converted the energy of the Sunstone within to a weak form of electricity - touch it and you get a mild shock! A similar object turned the Sunstone's energy into kenetic energy - it turned a gear mechanism on it's side. We had found plans for such devices, as well as other Sunstone-utilizing devices, but lacked the knowledge to put them all together - provided we had all the right parts for them! The only one in the clan that knew mechanical parts was someone we didn't trust very much; but Pincushion was getting better and better at detecting his hyjinx and diffusing any trouble it would cause. Many of these pranks would have been quite hurtful if any hatchling or smaller dinosaur found out about them the hard way! So, against the opinions of nearly every other clan member, I led MacDougal to the Incan temple with the excuse of giving him a tour as a reward for his success in his making of Tyranosaur Breath. MacDougal whistled as he got close - a thing like this he had never seen before! Giving somewhat of a tour and explaining that some of us actually live inside, I led him in as I described the hyroglyphs and showed him the rooms as I passed. "Before we got here, all these colors were muted and faded. Some was merely bare rock.", I told him. "The Kirkys are expert painters. They repainted everything as you see right now." "You mean those pipsqueak scalys did all this?", MacDougal was amazed. "Well, sometimes they need help from the bigger ones.", I told them. "And they don't really appreciate being called scalys!" "Once a scaly lover, always a scaly lover!", MacDougal shot back as he spied a relief thet was pure gold. "Well, anyway... How do you like it here so far?", I changed the subject. "I'd never thought a thing like this existed!", MacDougal said. "I mean, how do you like being in our clan?", I corrected. "Ain't bad, really.", he said. "At least I can do what I like. An' that one, Pincushion! I think we's seein' eye ta' eye now adays. He's a real character!" "He is at that!", I had to agree as we climbed an interior stairway. "He tol' me what he done to ya'.", MacDougal told me. "Not that I care, but he seemed pretty guilty about it." "I don't expect you to care about dinosaurs, sir.", I said. "But they love thier children just like a human would, and so do I... Anyway, up ahead is a room that has things taken from the lower levels of this complex. We can't make heads or tails of them, and we wanted you to see if you know what they are, being good with tinkering like you are." "I can sure try, lad.", MacDougal said as we entered the room. We spent the next hour or so in there. He would intermittently study the glyphs on the walls and finger this object or that before thumbing his scruffy chin and announcing what a certain object was. The more modern devices he had no clue, and I had to tell him what I thought they were - and some of the devices he had differing opinoins on! After the time was up, he gave me his opinion on some of these devices, and made suggestions of uses for these parts. "I could use the tools.", MacDougal said at last. "Least with those I could make other useful stuff an' fix the equipment we got." "What about this other stuff?", I asked. "Do you think you could make anything out of them?" "Maybe, lad.", he said. "Good!", I said. "That can be your new job! Try to invent new things from these parts - or even reinvent the devices your ancesters created." "Nay lad!", MacDougal said. "See, I have that Ursula scaly hep me wid th' still. She saw an' had an ideer: she want me to hep her. She want me to make refined medicine wid me still! 'Add Jinka.', 'Add Beloma', 'Add this or add that.'!... I'm jus too busy, laddy!", he bowed his head. "She made me make four other stills jes fer her medicine!" "Ah! It sure feels good to be useful, don't it?", I sighed. "That's ok. You can take your time with this project. Making medicine is a bit more important in my book." "I suppose.", MacDougal said as he touched the energy converting device - and pulled his hand away abruptly because of the shock! "Lorda mercy!..." Once we were done in there I led him out and up to the top of the temple to see if he could make heads or tails of that. Our other prisoner never ceased to amaze us, on the other hand. Diego had begin to be increasingly cheery toward everyone of late, and began to take a real interest in his assigned tasks. He would even go ahead and do things on his own if nobody asked him to do one chore or that. He would even make suggestions to make a certain task run smoother or help the younger ones in thier childlike troubles - yes, he was really becoming an intergal part of the clan in his own right! I asked him one day how he liked it here, and he replied that things were definitely looking up since the day Bross sat him down and had a little talk with him. It went like this: They were both repairing one of the Veloceraptors' communal shacks, which had flooded out during the recent rains and became unstable. At a break for lunch they sat by the load of supplies they were working from and began to eat. After several moments of wordless feeding, Bross spoke up. "Everything ok?", he said absently. "That southern corner needs a new support beam.", Diego said. "I don't think we have one long enough." "We might be able to lash two together. I don't think we'd need one as big as you may think.", Bross said. "Did you notice something recently?" "Yeah. I noticed that the Incan temple over there got a new paint job.", Diego said, looking in that direction. "Wonder why the Kirkys are doing that." "I'll tell you later - and even show you one day.", Bross said, then got the conversation back on track. "But that's not what I meant. I meant if you noticed something else - between you and me." "No, not really.", Diego told him. "Unless you mean the way it seems you're less forceful with me." "I stopped hitting you!", Bross said. "Sure I yell at you, but that's just my way.", he leaned toward the human. "Do you know why I stopped hitting you?" "No, but I'm not complaining!", Diego smiled. "I was wondering, though..." "One creature hitting another is wrong.", Bross said flatly. "It doesn't matter the reason; for there is no reason that would justify someone hitting someone else." "Then why were you doing it?", Diego asked. "It was the way I was brought up.", Bross admitted. "My father believed that discipline and enforcement makes a person more responsable as an adult. I got hit for the least little thing, and got even worse if I complained about it. I grew up believing this very same thing, and would do the same thing to my hatchlings. It was the advise of a friend that made me realize that violence begets violence; and such behaviour must cease." "Wow, bross! My pops did the same thing to me!", Diego told him. "Your childhood looks just about like mine. That's why I ran away from home; but since then I have done nothing but running away and running into trouble." "This is why I vowed to never hit you again.", Bross told him. "I would not see another creature suffer any more than is his lot in life. I would ask if you could forgive me for this; and I will try to be more supportive and understanding in the future." "Well, of course, Bross.", Diego said, reaching for a clawed hand. "I know you were only trying to help - at least I know now!", he smiled, Bross giving his own toothy one. "Perhaps we can teach us both to be more understanding of each other!" They leaned into each other in an awkward embrace. Once they realized what they were doing, they pulled away. "Uh..., perhaps we had better get back to work, son.", Bross said as they looked at each other in a queer way. "Sure thing..., pops.", Diego said, at last realizing what he said. They both chuckled and got back to work. So things were going a lot better for those two, and things were looking up for the lad. I slowly began to see that Diego was becoming a good person at long last, and I was seriousely considering either suggesting he become a full clan member or that we let him go back to a normal life. During this time we have not heard much from LaSage or her goons, and for that we're grateful. It seems that, after she was presumed missing, Quint took over; and the rest of them fought each other as to who would be second in command, or so our spies told us. When LaSage eventually returned, she saw the mayhem that was even too barbaric for her tastes and routed them all into shape; but when Quint tried to take over despite this, she fought him with swords - and plastered his butt all over the castle! Once order was regained over there, LaSage told them what went on; and burned our contract after reading it to them! She said that it wouldn't be wise to go into the Rainy Basin at this time - 'Let the scalies calm down a bit. Maybe they'll forget about it!' - was the gist of her logic. She decided they would concentrate thier raids on the neighboring towns and outposts outside the Rainy Basin for a while - with a bit of highway robbery thrown in for good measure! This we didn't interfere with beacuse it was out of our territory, and there was legally nothing we could do about it; but it had serious reprecussions in our future relationship with the rest of Dinotopia. Unlike them, we did not breach our side of the contract made with LaSage. We made preparations and loaded a cart - but not the copro cart, like everyone wanted! We were giving them many sacks of grain and fruits, meats, plenty of firewood, clothing made of dinosaur skin and lots of other things they might need to keep a hundred or more humans going for a month. Along with this we had MacDougal bottle a whole case of Tyranosaur Breath in quart bottles - had to give those goons some kind of entertainment! We drew straws on who wanted to go because nobody really volunteered to do such a repulsive job, and it was a good thing I wasn't the human drawn for the trip. Mayday got the honors of driving the cart, and Sauron and Chillet had to pull the cart. Ripper and Snapper were drawn to guard the cart's flank, and Wen was elected to go along too. We didn't trust these guys very much to speak of, so a squad ten veloceraptors was elected to go along with them, to hide in the foliage near by and to act only if there was trouble. Mayday told me what happened, and here's how it went: The trip to the Crackshell Coast was really uneventful, she had said when she got back. Even though the Sunstones were really far away, and King Adolpho's castle, thier destination contained no such stones, the amulets of protection the carnivores in the group wore still glowed softly. They came up on the escarpment that blocked the sea, and traveled the path to a coastal plain that was dotted with sparse, stunted trees and scraggly bushes with a few boulders strewn about for good measure. Over a rise in the plain they saw the grey edifice that was King Adolpho's castle, and the hideout of Torres LaSage and her gang of cutthroats. the Veloceraptor guards scattered and got under cover as the wagon approached the main gate, and Sauron and Chillet balked in thier harnesses at the foreboding structure. The area outside the gate was strewn with barbed logs, traps and other types of flotsam as the occupants inside chose to throw there - evidentally an attempt to discourage anybody from coming close, or they were just plain slobs! Mayday had the Pachys stop many yards away from the wreckage ahead, and scanned the debris for a path through to the large oaken door. She dismounted as Wen popped her head over the supplies in back she had been resting on and hopped onto the driver seat for a better look. Ripper and Snapper flanked the cart and proceeded to the heads of Sauron and Chillet - they would be there in seconds if Mayday should get attacked! A rap on the main door by her staff and a knock on the door with her clenched fist was all it took, and several humans were suddenly in her midst, whom came out from a smaller entrance around the side! They chuckled meanly and shoved one another as they slowly surrounded her, brandishing daggers, belaying pins or other weapons as they vied for position. Just then a tall man came out with long black hair and a headband, brandishing a crossbow; and Mayday knew this man's name was Quint. He sauntered out and bulldozed his way through his comrades, who jostled him back - or those who dared! He walked right up to Mayday and glared in her face, but she just smiled politely anyway. "What are you doin' here, scaly lover?", Quint asked gruffly. "I deliver goods like contract say.", Mayday said. "Should we unload, or you come get?" "There's no need to unload it.", Quint said as he eyed some of his men. Those men stole around and tried to surround the cart. "We'll take the whole thing!", the Veloceraptors there hissed at the approaching humans, and they halted thier progress. "This only cart we have!", Mayday told him. "You no take or not get more supplies!" "We take what we want, sweet thing!", Quint got close, as if to embrace or kiss; but the menacing look told Mayday otherwise. "I think I'll take YOU!" "Real tempting offer...", Mayday said as she stroked his chin. She had Zandra turn on the stunner feature as she touched him, and he went down like a sack of socks! "But you slim pickings!", she walked to the cart. "You! Unload cart!... NOW!", the men there either scattered or attempted to do as told! The side door opened, and Mayday saw where it was located this time. Out of it came Torres Lasage, dressed in some frilly nightgown of sorts. She saw the commotion and stomped over to the prone form of Quint laying on the ground, who was just now coming to. Good thing Zandra only gave him the mildest of zaps! "What's going on here?! Get up, you oaf!", LaSage said as she stooped to pull the much larger man to his feet. "Is this your doing?", she looked at Mayday. "Me Mayday, from Rainy Basin.", Mayday said. "Me deliver provisions, like it say on contract." "What did you do to Quint?", LaSage looked at the still groggy pirate. "He get fresh!", Mayday smiled in the man's direction, and he cringed. "Next time maybe not be so easy on him!" "Where's Stinger?", LaSage asked. "I thought he'd be doing the deliveries." "He busy. Maybe he deliver one of next carts.", Mayday told her. "What's he doing so he can't come see me?", LaSage continued. "He ask what you do, but you no tell.", Mayday said. "What think, he tell you what he do?" "Ok, whatever.", LaSage said. "Are you slugs gonna unload the cart, or does Mayday have to do to you what he did to Quint?", the rest of the men hurriedly complied. "You need find better men!", Mayday commented. "Ain't that the truth!", LaSage mumbled. Then she said after a thought: "Say, you know if Stinger packed any of that stuff I had at the signing of our treaty? I haven't had any good hooch since you guys ate MacDougal!" "You mean this, sweetie?", Wen suddenly popped up from the seat and went in back to the crate of Tyranosaur Breath. She pried up the lid and drew a bottle halfway out. "Agh! You?!", LaSage drew back from her own searching that same second. "Are you with them, you pipsqueak scaly?" "Yup, but ixnay on the alyscay; ok?", Wen said as she handed her the bottle. "Huh?", LaSage wasn't sure if Wen was speaking her native language! "So I take it you're not an archaeologist, like you said.", she said instead. "Fooled you good!", Wen giggled. "Humans are sooooo gulible!" "You know each other?", Mayday asked. "We've met.", LaSage told her. "Aren't you done yet?!", she then screamed to her men. "QUINT! Take this to my quarters.", she indicated the crate. "Yes, ma'am.", Quint said as he struggled with the crate of hooch. He gave Mayday a sidelong look as he passed. "Slim pickings..., huh!" The rest of the unloading was done with little further preamble - at least as little as this bunch could achieve! Mayday looked on in silence as Sauron and Chillet brayed and balked if one of these pirates got too close to them. Wen busied herself trying to have a one sided chat with LaSage as LaSage looked on with growing impatience. The now emptied cart felt much more maneuverable to the Pachys as they turned it around of thier own accord - they wished to depart as soon as possible. At the end of her crew's task, LaSage looked at Mayday and smiled. "Well, I can't say this has been fun!", she offered a hand. "Tell Stinger my reguards, and I guess I'll see you guys next time.", Mayday did not accept the hand. "Keep your end of bargain and we will keep ours.", Mayday said instead as she mounted the cart's seat. "Catch 'ya later, sweetie!", Wen called, Snapper and Ripper hissingly giggled! "What a comforting thought...", LaSage said softly as the cart rolled out of sight. When she was sure they were gone, she shouted. "QUINT! Get over here!" "Yes.", Quint said. "Keep an eye on miss Mayday, if you please.", she instructed. "Try to get close to her, find out more about them through her." "Yes. It will be a pleasure.", Quint said. "But what if she kills me?" "There'll be one less oaf in the world!", LaSage shot back. "Now get outa' here!" As soon as the cart made its' way into the forest beyond the cliffs, the rest of the Veloceraptors came out of hiding and scrambled into the back of it. All were excitedly chattering with Ripper and Snapper, who joined them back there, asking them how it went. Sauron and Chillet balked and brayed at the way Mayday handled the whole affair, and Wen actually said she would miss the old girl - which got strange looks from the whole group! "Boy, I'm glad I'm out of there!", Sauron told his mate. "I think I'm going to need a bath after this!", Chillet agreed, holding her nose! They were laughing and carrying on long after thay made it back to camp; and once I heard of thier little adventure, I did likewise! Once our little commitment had been fulfilled for the time being, we once again got into our daily lives; but this didn't last very long, as we soon found out - never a dull moment in the Rainy Basin! Our hunting party had just come back from the daily hunt, but only brought back enough to last merely a day or so; and we had just finished doling it out to the growing community when all of a sudden shrill cries began to be heard in the extreme distance. "What's that?", Sarah Serento Shrieked, looking off into the sky. "Is a storm coming?", Deathflower asked anybody. Off to the west a dark mass began forming on the horizon, and we all thought it was storm clouds until we got a good look. First we thought it might be locusts or some other insect pestilence, but insects do not make the noises this glob of darkness was making! As we watched it grow, we began to make out batlike shapes, and concluded they were a swarm of Pteranodons! "Everyone take cover!", Pincushion roared. "Those are Pteranodons!" "How many do you think there are?" Thistlesnarl asked him. "Hundreds...", Pincushion began to run. "Thousands!" In a natural maneuver to protect our children, we all coralled them in one place and sent to the pyramid; hoping the heavy stone walls would protect them, and we'd use it as a place for a last-ditch defense. Just as we had gotten the last of the little ones into shelter, we noticed yet another dark cloud forming near the first swarm! "They're massing!", I said as I handed three Kirky children to Selma. "Everyone hide!" This swarm did not appear to join the first one. On the contrary, they seemed to be attacking the first swarm, dipping, challenging and egging each other on in mid flight by ones and in groups! The dogfighting flocks got closer and closer to our camp in thier rampage across the sky; and soon they were wheeling and diving over our heads. "Everyone stand down and hide, like Stinger said!", Thundertail roared. "They don't appear to be attacking us. Do not engage them unless you are personally attacked!" Everyone really didn't need to be told to do this, for within minutes nothing was seen moving in the whole camp save for hundreds of eyes staring up out of the surrounding cover. We all saw the aerial combat going on over our heads, and thanked the fates the Pteranodons were attacking themselves and not us. As the battle unfurled, many screched off chasing one or many of thier foe, and we could see that there were two different types of Pteranodons at odds with each other. One group was jet black with really dark grey wings while the other group - a much smaller group - was dark brown with slightly lighter brown wings. The larger group seemed less skilled in flying, but was also the more aggressive due to thier numbers. The smaller group was well adept in aerial combat, but thier smaller number made thier finesse in the air an even match for the other flyers. The battle raged on for nearly an hour, and many hundreds of Pteranodons fell out of the sky from both groups. This was bad for the combatants, but would prove good for us; for in battle there were many casualties, which meant free meals for us! We waited and watched the battle, silently cheered for one group or the other and drooled at the thought of the feast that would come after the battle was over! More than an hour later the tides of the battle turned, and the remainder of the brown Pteranodons turned tail and flew off toward the west. Presently, the remainder of the black Pteranodons gave chase, and the whole swarm took off after them; and Thundertail and his clan began to emerge from hiding to survey the aftermath. Cheering and gibbering began to well up at the sight of all the fallen Pteranodon bodies! "Ok everyone!", Thundertail called. "Drag them all to the feeding area." "We needn't have gone hunting, my clan brother!", Grond emerged from tearing his down from a low tree. "Today our prey comes to us!" "Indeed!", Thundertail smiled at him. "Hey! this one is still alive!", Pincushion found one mewling on the ground near the river, wings bent in a zigzag pattern. He bit the poor things' head off and continued. "But not any more!" "I wonder if they taste like chicken.", I wondered as I dragged one from a bush. "What chicken?", Mayday asked as she pulled one off the roof of a mud hut. "Say boss.", Harold pulled my pantcuff and said. "Better come over here." "What is it?", I asked as I followed at a run. "One of them landed over here.", Harold said. "I think he's not terminal. I sent for Ursula and Selma..." The brown Pteranodon lay on the copro cart, wobbling his pointy frilled and beaked head and mewling in agony. One wing lay sprawled over the driver's seat and the other lay splayed almost touching the ground. the bird was struggling to get up, but the pain of his injuries brought him back down again. Three Kirkys were having a hard time holding him down to prevent him injuring himself further, and all were jabbering that he hold still; which unnerved the frightened and hurt creature all the more! I came up to the head, which sported reddish slitted eyes that was winced in pain and a javelin tipped beak. I stroked the creature along this beak and tried to coo him into calmness. Klamath listened to the painful cries to get a fix on the language, and after a moment said a string of squawks which made the bird still somewhat. A second after this a stream of the language entered my brain and I could understand too. I told him that we would help him, and to just relax. Just then Selma Ovaraptor came into view and examined the many cuts and abrasions, then cackled at the sight of the bloody and badly damaged wings. Ursula came next, being pulled in her miniature rickshaw by yet another Kirky puller. They both consulted with each other for a moment as they went over the creature from beak to tail. "Cuts all over. Both wings broken.", Ursula said and Selma cackled agreement. "This wing, though. Severed from the rear fibrils almost to the leading edge. She'll never fly again, I'm afraid!" "Wait! There must be something!", I said. "She's got to get better so we can find out just what that battle was all about!" "You don't understand!", Ursula said. "We'd have to physically sew the wing back on - and I'm not sure it will function properly if we do!" Selma squallered a moment, then Ursula said: "Selma's right. Best to put her out of her misery." "I got an idea!", I said. "MacDougal! Over here!" "Aye, laddy?", MacDougal said several moments later when he got there. "Oy! This ones a goner!" "Get me some Tyranosaur Breath.", I told him. "The kind with the highest concentration of alchohol - and hurry!" "Tis noo time ta be drinkin'!", MacDougal told me. "But orders is orders!", He went to do as told. "What do you have in mind, human?", Ursula asked. "If we can reattatch the wing, she will survive.", I said. "We need to anesthetise her to do it, and if the liquor was used externally, it would prevent infection." "Where'd you learn that?", Ursula asked, suprised. "You been practicin' medicine behind my back?" "Just your basic Dolphinback medical training!", I said. "I read it somewhere, ok?!", I smiled. "Well then, by jinky, I think it'll work!", Ursula said. "Selma, can you talk to her? Tell her we'll try to save her, and try to keep her calmed." Selma complied, and we all got busy extricating the stricken and screeching Pteranodon out of the stinking copro cart. MacDougal arrived many moments later with the requested jug, commenting on how stinky the beast was, and actually lent a hand as we carefully carried her to my old shack - evicting Sauron and Chillet in the process because that was where they were currently taking up residence. I fed her small doses of the hooch, of which she complained of the taste worse than her current pain; but soon the alchohol took its' effect and she was dozing lightly but fitfully. Ursula mixed some of the Tyranosaur Breath with some fat renderings, making sort of a salve to disenfect the smaller cuts all over her body while Selma had Melissa Krieger employ her sewing techniques to the severed wing as soon as it was medically sound. Selma and Ursula worked furiousely to save her life all during the day, and well into the night. During this time Thundertail asked why we would save one of those who had attacked us months ago, and I told him we needed to know why they went to war. Also that, if all went well and they could befriend this beast - maybe she would stay with us and could look for game for us from the air. Thundertail eventually agreed with my logic, and allowed our healers to continue attending her. In the mean time the bodies of some two hundred Pteranodons, both black skinned and brown skinned, were found and gathered at the communal feeding area. Most of them were found dead, but a few were still clinging to life; and those that were did not survive the trip to the feeding area, and died of thier fatal wounds. The Pteranodon we found did not die, and many days later soon recovered enough to lift herself from her near coma. "Easy child!", Ursula cooed as she saw the now bandaged beyond recognition, winged creature struggle to move. "You had a bad time!", a mewl of pain was the response. "Selma, if you would?", Ursula called out the door. Selma told her that she'd be all right and not to thrash about like she was doing. Both thier languages were remotely similar, but it was still a chore because of the dialect problem. That was why it took many tries to tell her this! By the end of the day I stopped by to see how the poor creature was doing; and when I saw her there wrapped up like a spider would a fly, I stooped down and looked into her reddened and saddened eyes. "How are you feeling?", I asked and Klamath translated. "I hurt...", she croaked, and then took a swallow of water. "Where is here?" "You are in the territory of clan Thundertail.", I told her. "We saw a sky battle, and when it was over we found you.", I gently pushed her back down because she was trying to rise. "Please don't move around. We have you put back together with sewing thread and good intentions!", I smiled. "Not worth moving anyway.", she croaked. "Who are you? You are human, and humans do not live in the Rainy Basin." "They call me Stinger.", I told her. "And what are you called?" "I am named Talon.", Talon said. "I come from Crevice Aerie to the northwest. Is there any news from my flock?" "When we saw the battle, we took cover until it was over.", I told her. "The black ones outnumbered and overpowered the brown ones. The last we seen of them, they chased the brown ones away." "Then we have lost our home!", Talon wailed. "They had moved thier nests too close to our territory. We fought back after several tries to reason with them. We were just too few!" "By our count, only a handfull of your flock survived to flee.", I said. "The rest were driven out of the sky, and fell to thier deaths. You were the only one that survived that battle , but you are badly injured just the same. You had fallen in our copro cart, and that broke your fall somewhat." "So that is why I smell this way!", Talon chuckled. "There is no need to be worried.", I told her. "You'll be all right; and you can soon rejoin your flock." "No human. All of my flock is dead - I know it!", Talon said. "For those black ones are devils! They would not rest when any of thier enemy are left alive. They would track them down and destroy them one by one if necesary. My flock is doomed!" "But you are alive.", I told her. "And they might not know you still live. Even if they did, you are here, and we can protect you." "You would do that, to one that had attacked you so long ago?", Talon said. "I remember you now! You are that black armored creature in the gorge!" "That was your group that attacked us?", I concluded. "We were only there to rescue some comrades who fell in the gorge." "I saw that, and that was why I hung back from my flock.", Talon said. "It is no crime for one creature to help another." "For that, we're grateful to you.", I said. "To answer your question. Yes, we quite possibly would protect you from your enemies. You might even be able to join our clan if you wish, and help out the clan with your flying talents." "Like this?", she touched her severed wing with a beak, and wished she didn't. "I can not fly! Besides, who ever heard of different species working together! This I would have to see for myself before I believe it can work - let alone wish to join it!" "We'll leave that option open.", I said as Ursula and Selma came back in with medicines, food and bandages. "I guess I should be going now. Get well soon, Talon!", I stepped out the door. "Now sweetie, that's enough excitement for one day!", I heard Ursula coo as she gave the Pteranodon the once over for the dozenth time since she had been there. Many days passed, and Talon became stronger aided by many meals and the healers' medicines she had. Soon she is healed enough to rise from the nest in the cabin and walk about a little with some aid; and many more days later she can do this without aid. Her wings, though they had been crushed and torn in the battle, slowly became healed enough to not need so much support the body-encasing splints had provided. Now in a pair of slings, she is allowed to venture out of the cabin; and she began to observe the activities going on outside the cabin door. She squawked in amazement on how all these different types of carnivores behaved as they went about thier seperate duties about the camp. As the days pass, she is eventually introduced to nearly everyone in camp; starting with the Tyranosaurs and other major creatures in camp to the humans, from the oldest to the youngest. In her opinion, so I asked her one day, she thought that this was the beginning of a grand symbiosis of creatures, and it seemed to be working well for everyone involved. Her negative aditude of a fortnight ago gradually melted to the point that she actually applauded such a venture. At our monthly meeting, and after she had given her account of the aerial battle, she stated to us all that if they wished her to do anything for them once she was recovered enough to do so, she would be more than glad to help us! Of course, at this point, she was well enough to at least try to test out her rapidly recovering wings. It was soon deemed unnecesary for her to have the slings on altogether, and upon mild testing it was found that the sutures had held long enough for her wing fibrils to begin to knit together, and the long scar down it was merely line thick and well on its' way to recovery. The bones within the other wing seemed to have mended with minimal distortion; and even though thier movements seemed a bit stiff to her, Talon's rather optimistic reply indicated to us that she would be once again flying in very little time!... _
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Post by thundertail on Mar 16, 2012 17:15:51 GMT -5
_ TWENTY-THREE: "Clan, family and the World Beneath." The community of carnivores soon become so populous with more creatures wanting to join as well as those coming in for visits that it is decided to utilize every space available in the Incan pyramid as well as any accessable areas in the tower beyond, which we just found out was called the tower of Orous. We even try to get some of the clan to live in Halcyon for extended periods of time. Of course this proposal was limited to the amount of water available in the cisterns there; and it was deemed that up to twenty or thirty could live there at a time. The jungles surrounding Halcyon hid many strange things, and the pedistal in the courtyard held a twice lifesize statue of Othgar. The half crumbled remains lay strewn in the jungle near by, and conservators were at a loss as to how to restore it! Evidence of many more statues, monuments and buildings seemed to litter the floor of the jungles surrounding the entrance to Halcyon, and seemed to stretch in all directions; and this told us that Halcyon was a very large, sprawling metropolis indeed, for its' outskirts also included the Incan pyramid, the tower of Orous as well as all of the bottom land the majority of the clan had currently occupied. All this land was its' suburbs, used for farming and the like; but when the water table shifted due to tectonic activity eons ago, the water levels in the city proper dropped; and sent the people away from this place to find better living conditions. We had hoped that we could restore this area so we could support some kind of population. A growing civilization needs a base on which to grow from, you know! When the clan realized they had to expand or deplete the land they were currently using, proposals for building shelters in the forest surrounding Halcyon was considered, and many went there to start clearing land and removing these stone edifices within for ease of construction, but I argued that those foundations could be used to build our own structures on. That the former buildings lasted for hundreds of years on these foundations, and so could ours. A better suggestion would be to completely renovate these sites, and live in them like those who originally built them lived. This is a good idea, but it's evident this process would take many generations to finish! As these plans get under way, others get to work making shelters for the rest out of more conventional material. It was about this time when I met up with an emergency of the most personal nature. I was with Mayday, helping her Deathflower, Waterkill, Mark Serento, Miles Krieger, Sauron, Greg Krieger and many of the Kirkys build a row of adobe-like structures to be used as guest quarters. I was in charge of helping Pincushion place log supports for the roof of one, where Mayday and some of the Kirkys would later thatch and layer with mud to make the roof strong. All of a sudden, Mayday let off with a tremendous shriek and doubled over! Many of our group rushed over, but I got there in time to help her to the ground. "What is it?!", I asked. "Did you hurt yourself?" "N..., no!...", Mayday winced. "Me think baby come!... Oooooh!!" "Our baby?", I asked dumbly. I had completely forgotten! "Oh, god! Somebody!..., Anybody! Get Ursula - and hurry!", Pincushion took off like a shot. In the mean time Mayday convulsed through waves of pain as contractions took over her body. I asked Zandra to release Mayday, and the armor complied immediately, unfolding from her body like the peel of a banana. The others there thoughtfully constructed a litter of sorts out of poles and thatching material, and I gently lifted Mayday out of her armor and placed her onto it. By this time Pincushion returned with Ursula on his back and Selma tagging along at his heels. Immediately the two healers got to work on the still writhing form on the litter. "Yup, gonna come out any time now.", stated Ursula as she took a Jinka elixer and made Mayday swallow. "You shouldn't have let her work in this condition, Stinger!" "I forgot.", I said. "Are you sure it's this soon?" "Sonny, I've been delivering babies since you were one yerself! I've brought thousands of hatchlings into the world,", she told me. "And at least a hundred of 'em were human!", at Mayday's moan, she looked about. "Let's get her home.", then at another moan many seconds later: "Better make that the nearest shelter! I don't think the kid's gonna wait!" The nearest shelter was the adobe hut made for medium sized dinosaurs three doors down that we had completed yesterday; and we all scrambled to get Mayday inside. I took the head of the litter while Mark Serento took the rear. As soon as we placed her down on the floor, Ursula and Selma began shooing us out; but I stayed on, defiantly clasping Mayday's hand. She convulsed again, screaming; and I gently held her head down with the other hand, cooing encouraging words to her. Presently Melissa Kriegeger and Sarah Serento rushed in, and were briefly given instructions on what they were to do. Finally, as a last resort, Ursula came up to me and scowled, followed by Selma - I looked up at them as Mayday moaned again. "Stinger, you just have to leave!", Ursula told me sternly. "You're only gonna be in the way!", Melissa told me, helping Selma arrange the interuments they'd need. "We can handle it from here.", Sarah said as she prepared the linens she brought. "Deliverin' babies is womens' work!", Ursula said as she dragged my hands away. "Why don't you go boil water or something?" "Water?", I asked, dumbfounded. "Yeah: water!", Ursula told me. "You always supposed to have hot water when deliverin' babies - don't ask me why! Now scoot!", I rose and looked back on Mayday as I closed the wooden door. I backed away, nearly tripping on some ground litter; when all of a sudden the import of what was going on finally hit me: I WAS GOING TO BE A FATHER! I turned and woodenly went to do as requested: boil water! Yeah, right; that's the ticket! So I went to the nearest dwelling to do so. It was the mud hut currently inhabited by Goerlatch and Riven Dilophosaurs, and I started the fire in thier circle of stones and dragged the cauldron they use over to it. Like a fool, I put the crock over the fire without a tripod and it went out - I forgot to put water in the pot anyway! While I was fumbling with this task, a gargantuan form hovered by, blocking the dappled sun coming through the leaves high above. I looked up with a start. "Well, this is it; right Stinger?", Rex asked as he gave me a nuzzle. "Yeah.", I said as I righted the crock and scanned the area for the Dilophosaur's waterskin they use. I tripped over thier doorway as I reached for it. "You must be nervous.", Rex continued. "That's not the half of it!", I said, rubbing his muzzle. "I am not afraid of very much, but every time I have a baby, I get the willies!", I bent to relight the fire. "I wonder what it's going to be.", Rex bent to watch what I was doing. "Females are nice, but males are special!" "That doesn't matter to me, bud.", I said as I finally got the fire lit. "So long as it has the right amount of parts: nothing extra and nothing missing. Otherwise it would be perfect!", I gave his close muzzle a hug. "How you think Mayday's doing?", Rex asked, but he was answered by another of her wails in the distance. "Oooh!" "She is one tough female.", I told her, looking worried myself. "She gave no indication that she was pregnant until the very end." "I hope she's all right...", Rex said as he rose to his feet. I went to pour water from the skin to the cauldron and place it on the tripod I had remembered to place over the fire. Mayday's moans were heard again! "That sounds just awful!" "Say Rex. When the baby's born, guess what you'll be.", I said, trying to take my mind off what was happening. "What?", he asked. "You'll be his or her uncle!", I smiled, and so did he as he walked away. I tended the fire for a few moments, then I stood and went to the nearest tree, looking in the direction of the adobe building. I leaned on the tree for support, thinking about the implications of my beloved in there, going through agony delivering our child! I grasped a large rotted branch and bowed my head; and a crashing sound to my right startled me so bad I crushed the branch I was holding! I looked at my armored hand sheepishly, then looked up into the face of my leader. "Courage, my clan brother!", Thundertail rumbled. "Having offspring is a harrowing time for all fathers." "My king!", I bowed. "I am sorry that construction of those buildings are delayed. Mayday is delivering my child." "I know this! That is why I ordered the whole project postponed until Mayday is ready to leave yonder building!", Thundertail smiled. "Can't have workers disturb her or the baby with thier noise!" "But sir, my work!", I stammered. "Nonsense!", Thundertail motioned that I should sit back by the fire. "At a time like this, family comes first. You are excused from any work until matters at home are settled. You now have a growing family to tend to - and that will be your new assignment!", he nuzzled me, and I returned the gesture. "Thank you sir.", I said as I drew away. "If I may ask, what is the purpose of boiling so much water?", Thundertail asked before he left. "When birthing babies, it is the thing to do.", I told him. "I don't understand either; but go ask Ursula if you really want to know." "I know why!", Thundertail chuckled triumphantly. "It's to get rid of the father so the wetnurses can deliver the baby!", he guffawed as he trundled out of the area. I smiled, not feeling so nervous any more. This only lasted a moment, as I looked down at a tapping on my armored leg! Little Holly Serento was there, looking up hopefully at me. She had her dolly in her hand, and it looked like she was crying! "What's wrong, sweetie?", I asked her. "Uncle Stinger, have you seen my mommy?", Holly asked meekly. "I can't find her anywhere!" "Your mommy is helping aunty Mayday right now.", I said sweetly. "She will be busy for a while." "Oh. What is she helping her with?", she asked, mouthing her dolly's hand. "Aunty Mayday is having a baby, and your mommy is helping her.", I told her. "Do you know what that is?" "Oh yes! Mommy had me, and mommy had my brother, Francis!", Holly said. "My mommy didn't need any help with us, though!", I chuckled! "Well, maybe Mayday is new at it.", I said as seriousely as I could. "With all the experience your mommy has, I was sure that she would be the first one she asked for advice!" "Uncle Stinger. What kind of baby do you think aunty Mayday will have?", Holly asked meekly. "Oh, I don't know!", I said. "But what ever it is, it will be very special to her!" "I hope it's a girl!", Holly smiled. "That way I can play with her and my dolly!" "That sounds like fun!", I told her. "Especially when you got a swell dolly like that one!" "Yeah! She's a really swell friend!", Holly said. "Have you seen my daddy?" "He was working with me on the new houses; but uncle Thundertail told us to stop.", I said. "Maybe he is doing other work..." "I'll go find him, then.", Holly turned. "Bye bye, uncle Stinger!", she skipped off. Just then Mayday's moans sounded across the forest. "Such a sweet lass!", the voice behind me said, startling me once again! "MacDougal! What are you doing here?", I said as I turned. "Aye, havin' kids is a chore, I say!", MacDougal sat beside me. "Had four meself in my day, I did! 'Twas a nervous wreck ever time!" "Thanks for your concern.", I was suprised he even found me, let alone cared! "That all you came here for?" "Nay lad!", MacDougal said, smiling with missing teeth. "Wid all me youngins, I needed something to brace meself up. Looks like you could use the same treatment!", he produced a bottle of Tyranosaur Breath! "Me best batch yet! Had it aged for three whole weeks!" "Let's see it!", I said, taking the bottle and downing a slug as soon as I uncorked it. "You sure know how to save a life!" "Ye deserve it!", MacDougal said. "Ye already done a bonny job!", he chuckled as I handed him the bottle. "You know MacDougal, you're all right after all!", I told him, calming down for the first time in a while. "If all goes well, pretty soon we can let you go." "Now, ye' donna' want ta do that!", MacDougal said after he drank. "I could go back to LaSage an' tell her all aboot th' place!" "You like it here, don't you?", I asked after what he said sunk in. "Aye! Caught at me own joke again!", MacDougal admitted. "Least with this place I can do what I want because it's what I want to do - not because I got to! An' that Pincushion! What a lad!" "I must say, my friend; you sure turned yourself around!", I said as I noticed the cauldron just now boiling. "You're going to make a fine clan member before long!" "Thanks lad!", MacDougal got up and placed the bottle at my feet. "Good luck wid yer nipper!", he left. Riven Dilophosaur slowly came into the area, looking at me curiously for a moment before going into her mud hut that I was in front of. She saw I was using some of her things, but did not complain. She had obviousely heard of what was going on, and figured I needed it to help Mayday. She started going into the hut when her name was called from the adobe building Mayday was in. "Oh, Riven!", called Ursula, who was at that door and saw her. "Could you come in here please? Mayday's one strong girl!" "Yes, healer!", Riven said and started over. "Stinger! That water boiled yet?", she then called to me. "Almost!", I yelled back. I tested it, and it was just slightly hotter than bath water. I lifted the crock off the hook and brought it over, Riven at my side. Ursula had Riven take the crock as I neared the adobe building and shooed me away again! The briefest glimpse I had inside revealed Mayday on the litter, legs splayed; but the rest of the females were hovering around her as she gasped and panted, so I didn't get a very good look of what was going on inside. I went back to the campfire, extinguished it and snagged the bottle from next to the log. Then I resolved myself to stay next to the adobe building, sitting with my back to the wall. Here the moans and screams were more intense, but I found myself dozing a little anyway. The rest of the clan was either too busy to visit me or figured there was enough on my mind to bother me, but I got no more visits for the longest time. I lifted my head with a start after a while when I heard the loudest moan I ever heard Mayday make, quickly followed by the tiny cries of a baby - this snapped me to attention in a flash! The building had no windows, so I could not see anything; but less then twenty minutes later Selma came to the door, squawked sweetly and beckoned me inside with a clawed finger, shushing me with another clawed finger over her beak. I followed her inside quietly and saw Ursula and the humans tending to something small over in the corner while Riven daubbed Mayday's face with a cloth, mewling to her as she dozed fitfully. I rushed to Mayday's side and took over the task Riven was doing. "How are you feeling, my darling?", I asked in cooing way. "Stinger!...", Mayday said slowly. "You have a son!...", she weakly kissed me, then slumped back again. "But no make me do that again!", I chuckled. "I won't. I promise!", I told her as I wiped the sheen of sweat from her face. "So, it's a boy.", I said. "Then we'll name him what we agreed upon?" "Of course, my love...", Mayday smiled her perfect teeth and lay dormant for a while. The way we came up with the names of our babies were simple enough: We would pick several names we liked, then we played 'Paper, Rock, Scizzers' to see which name goes where (If you're a little confused with this procedure, it is a way to decide on which person's idea will be done. Zippeau, you can ask the Scotts about how it's done, I guess!). If it was a girl, my pick was Eileen and Gwen; and Mayday's was Havarra and Gulhara. If it was a boy, my names were Hamilton and Quinten while hers was Somala and Musaffa. I won first pick and she won second pick; So that meant my son's name was going to be 'Hamilton Somala Decker'! Mayday's lower section was covered, but her upper torso was not - it didn't seem to phase me a bit when Melissa Krieger came over with a swaddled little form and put it on Mayday's chest. I looked down on the little creature there and marveled at the shock of thin curly hair there and the light brown, almost tanned skin on the head. He gurgled as he reached with his head to feed, and Mayday encircled him gently with her hands to steady him and her eyes slitted with bliss. I looked down on them both in rapt happiness: I now felt whole in this place, where my new family was! I placed my hand on the baby's back and he gurgled some more, writhing under the gentile stroking pressure. A moment later he stopped nursing and rolled his head to squint through barely open eyes at me - I smiled like a fool! "Well, hello there, little one!", I said softly and lightly. "I am your papa! Happy birthday!" The baby cooed and gurgled while Mayday looked down at his sweet little head. I heard shuffling and looked at the others in the room like a caught child. With the import of the moment, I had completely forgotten they were there! All of them approached the litter and viewed the spectacle as I looked back down on my son. "Do you know what your name is?", I looked directly into his face and he burbled. "Your name is Hamilton Somala Decker! Like that?", Hamilton just jiggled a bit. "He will grow up strong!", Mayday said weakly. "He put up big fight!" "Did you beat up your mama?", I asked playfully. Hamilton gurgled and hitched, then cooed laughter at the silly face I was making. "Well, I think he's a fine hatchling!", Ursula said. "But I think it's time to get mom cleaned up! Stinger, could you scoot again?" "Yup!... Is it all right if I take Hamilton outdside?", I asked as I slowly rose from the litter. "I want to show him to everyone." "I think it's ok if it's ok with Mayday.", Ursula replied as Mayday nodded weakly. "Only wrap him up good! Hatchlings get chilly easily!" As I lifted Hamilton off Mayday, Sarah Serento came over with a smallish blanket and wrapped the child in it. I held him the proper way as Melissa Krieger went to get the door for me, and I concentrated really hard so I would hold him the proper way. I was so intent on this that I barely saw what waited for me on the other side. Everyone in clan Thundertail was out there waiting for me! Ripper, Snapper, Whitetail,Thundertail and Rex were near the door, and the jungle surrounding us were just full of every one of my hundreds of comrades from the largest to the tiniest. Word had evidentally gotten around, and everyone had halted thier activities to greet me and my new son as soon as we came out. I was shocked, and so was Melissa as she stood there aghast too; so I scanned all thier faces and said thank you with my eyes to them all. Only when I was done with that could I at last use my voice. "My clan and my king!", I said so all could hear, voice breaking as I spoke. "I present to you my new son: Hamilton Somala Decker!" I walked toward Thundertail with my little burden. Little Hamilton hitched and cried at the large intrusion as Thundertail took his scent. I let Rex do the same thing as the baby writhed in my hands. Suddenly Rex noticed my bleary eyes and spoke: "Stinger! Why are you crying?", he didn't know. "Are you sad?" "No, son. Sometimes humans' eyes leak when they are very, very happy.", I said, hitching. "This is the happiest moment of my life!" "Humans are so wierd!", Rex said softly, which made everyone near laugh! All this noise made Hamilton writhe and cry; and wouldn't stop no matter how much I tried to soothe. "Ooh! There, there!" I cooed. "It's all right. These creatures are friends!", then my hand found something warm and wet! "Oh! I see!", I said and looked at Rex. "Looks like Hamilton sprung a leak of his own!", I chuckled with him nervousely as Thundertail took a sniff from afar and confirmed this. "I better get him back in!", saurian cheers met my back as I dodged back inside. For the rest of the day and most of the next, we stayed in the adobe building, being visited by nearly everyone small enough to enter as we tended our new son. They each marveled at the light brown creature in the reed-woven bassinet next to the pallets many others brought in for us to sleep on. Those pieces of furniture made by Whitetail and the Kirky females on the spur of the moment - gifts made in honor of our new arrival. The tiny Hamilton Somala Decker mewled and cooed at his visitors, but balked and cried when most of his saurian visitors got too near. The only saurians the baby actually liked were Selma, Ursula and Riven; who were all present during his birth. After the birth, and when the human females went back to thier previous duties, it was decided to move Zandra from where she lay in the dirt by the last adobe building we were working on. Many of those there could not lift her four hundred pound weight, and she could not move on her own without someone wearing her; so both human females were asked to wear her so she could be brought back to the pyramid, and only Sarah Serento had the courage to do so. Sarah stood shakily in the suit, then slowly walked to the pyramid and sat Zandra on one of two stone pedistals in our quarters, where she opened up and let her inexperienced wearer out. Sarah ended up saying it was a disorienting experience, but Zandra promised she never had to do it again! The next day it was time to move my family back to my quarters in the Incan pyramid. I led the still weak Mayday the near mile to the pyramid with one hand while I carried our son in his hamper with the other. Our home in the pyramid had been transformed slightly into a nursery of sorts, where a makeshift cradle and changing platform had been erected. Everyone wanted to pitch in and help, but it seemed like too much help as it was merely one human child. Pincushion told me a few days later through Thundertail that the adobe building Hamilton was born in was going to be an historical monument among the clan. It was the place where the first ever human baby was born to clan Thundertail, Pincushion explained, and would be called the 'Hamilton Somala house' - what an honor for the little guy! Among the considerations for the new arrival, plans were being made on how to properly feed him. Mayday would no doubt be hard pressed to produce enough milk for him; and the other human females weren't able to produce yet, even though they gratiousely volunteered, and would if they could. The manufacture of other baby food for him was no problem as it was easy enough to puree meats, fruits and vegetables; but he would not be able to digest that until he was a little older, I figured. Sarah Seretno told us about the Forbidden Mountains, and a community there called 'Tentpole in the Sky', where the Mammoths live and work with people there, who were mostly the descendants of Bhuddist monks marooned here hundreds of years ago. The Mammoths produce milk almost year round, and it was so rich that one gallon could be watered down and make ten - it was the richest milk on Dinotopia! She said it would be fairly easy to strike a deal with them and get some. We had mineral salt, grains, fruits and other items these mountain dwelling creatures would need! Another way, suggested by Melissa Krieger was to make the milk out of certain plants akin to soy plants; and though it tasted nothing like natural milk, it would have the same nutritional value as regular milk. I saw that plans for the well being of my son were well under way, so within a week I decided to resume my tasks for the clan. Thundertail told me that I would need to stay close to my family for a while yet, and had me do jobs within easy reach of the pyramid. I would help harrow our fourth field further up the river with many of the others, repair and rebuild the dwellings and help out with any domestic chore asked of me; but hunting and doing anything with Halcyon and the World Beneath were out of bounds! That was why I wasn't in on the discovery of the Strutter chamber in the World beneath, or of the discovery of the third amd forth suit of Othgar's armor - but I certainly heard about it later! They never even told me an expedition to the World Beneath was to take place, let alone who was going to go along! It turns out that Rex was going to lead the mission since he had been down there before. Bross was going too because he knew the way up to Zandra's chamber; and Diego was going along too since his integrity around camp allowed him to do so. I found out that a team of a dozen Kirky Archaeologists were going because they knew the Dinotopian hyroglyphics best. Many of the Veloceraptor guards went along too, and Ripper and Snapper was going to lead them. Miles Krieger wanted to come along too, but only out of curiositys' sake. They all gathered in Zandra's chamber in the bowels of the Incan pyramid and began thier descent into the World Beneath. The group descended the spiraling stairway as the Kirkys made note of the frescos all along the walls, making notes on scrolls as thier work was lit with Sunstone miner's helmets rigged up by MacDougal. Rex remembered certain landmarks, especially the Sunstone scones that throbbed as thier amulets of protection passed by them; and could just barely make out his own scent in the floors ahead of him. To Rex, nothing down here had changed since his first excursion down here so many months ago. "Careful guys.", He said in a whispered roar. "There's an intersection up ahead; and I think we go this way..." He led on, Kirkys lagging behind to note an ornate doorway or interesting glyph on the wall. The others also lagged behind, looking this way or that, into this doorway or down that lane. Rex saw this and slowed his pace, figuring it would take a long time considering all the neat stuff they were finding! As he waited for them at another intersection, he scuffed a foot absently and looked down at his own amulet of protection as it pulsed, and further down at the silvery surface his feet had uncovered. "Hey guys, what do you make of this?", he called them over. "Looks like the street is paved in silver.", Miles commented as one of the Kirkys rubbed his saurian hand over the spot. "Must be worth a fortune!", Diego said, crouching to look. "The whole complex is worth a lot more than mere riches.", Bross told him. "I'm sorry!", Diego smiled. "Must be the pirate still in me!" The group gave a bit of a chuckle and then moved on. At the final turn that Rex remembered, they came upon the gallery of chambers where the other amulets of protection were found; and the chamber itself hadn't changed either. This was the extent of Rex's knowledge of the place, but he remembered Zandra saying that this whole area was where all the technology of ancient Dinotopia was invented and the chamber of the Strutters was not very far away. The only thing that bothered him was which direction would that chamber lie. He had the whole team spread out and explore the surrounding galleries for openings or other chambers; and maybe they could find a clue to where it was, etched somewhere on a wall or on a scroll or tablet somewhere. An hour later, nothing of that nature was found, but as they delved deeper into this section of the complex they noticed the utilitarian nature of some of the buildings. Ancient shops and taverns lined the streets - or so the glyphs on the walls depicted showing scenes therof - showing that this was once a thriving metropolis. One of the Kirkys found a plaque emblazoned on one wall of a larger structure, and her deciphering came up with the name of this place: 'Kinan Van', or so it translated. the plaque also made reference to the city of 'Poseidos'; of which Miles Krieger told them sank in Sapphire bay long before the current civilization on Dinotopia got started. The Kirkys made note of this discovery and we all moved on, deeper and deeper into the World Beneath. On the other side of this section of the World Beneath, named Kinan Van, they came to a series of huge portals. There were three, hewn out of the surrounding stone with arches tall enough to accomodate a Brach and all seeming to lead off in different directions. Stinkweed informed Rex that the left portal went south in nearly a straight line for as long as he traveled, and might even eventually lead to King Adolpho's castle on the crackshell Coast. They all explored the middle portal, but a rockslide a half mile in made going that way impossible without removing the obstacle. The right portal turned abruptly, and a sloping straight stairway led down into the gloom below. The shaft was not totally gloomy since Sunstone scones were also along the walls there, and gave off thier dim whitish glow. These scones were seen shrinking down to nothingness in the extreme far distance and causing a rather disturbing optical illusion for the group! "Let's go, guys.", Rex said as he led the way. "Sir, if my calculations are correct,", said Lisa Kirky. "We are directly under the foothills of the Forbidden mountains." "I guess the World beneath is a big place!", Rex smiled down at her and continued descending. Down and down the group went; and this stairway proved to not go on forever like it appeared. It stopped at a corner, and the landing that jagged sharply right and went on for another two hundred yards before jagging right once again and another long straight stairway presented itself to the group. This one didn't go on for nearly as long as the first set; but opened up to reveal the wide ledge they were on. This ledge had many alcoves and doorless chambers along the right side - and a yawning chasm to thier left that swallowed the light from thier Sunstones! At the end of the stairway they met up with a large archway that held up nothing, it seemed; and then a curving rampway that led to the floor of this chasm, or so they thought it was. What was scattered all over the floor of this enormous space was enough to boggle all of thier varied imaginarions! Strutters! Dozens of metallic creatures sat in baylike formation, either mostly intact or mostly in pieces. The Kirkys scurried out among the wreckage to observe them more closely as Miles Krieger tried to identify many of the metallic shapes he could. There were Tyranosaurs, crabs, Brachs, Chasmosaurs, Sorolophuses, and many more dismembered pieces of legs, heads, torso pieces and tables beside them filled with undeterminable parts. The walls of this space had hundreds of portals, niches and chambers of various sizes and purposes; and many of those spaces had strong looking doors that were either shut tight or open. What dominated the center of the space was a tower that spanned the height of the chamber, and looked to be about as high as the tower temple near the clan Thundertail camp. It was hard to see all the way to the top, but a faint sparkling was coming from that height, making both the Sunstones in the miners helmets and those in thier amulets of protection shimmer and flicker; and they all began to realize that there was a massive Sunstone up there. The group split up, taking thier own seperate ways throughout this massive space. They all agreed to meet back up with each other every hour or so near the tower, whose Sunstone was somehow increasing it's light intensity from a weak glint to barely illuminating the huge chamber - and getting brighter by the minute. The Kirkys went off in teams of two. One would look and experimentally touch this object or that while the other would make notes about said items. Diego went off with Bross, and they methodically began testing the doors to the chambers around the perimeter of the huge space. Each open door, or door that would open revealed rooms full of either parts for the Strutters or other workshops whose functions they could not yet fathom. The other ones seemed to be locked up tight, and they shortly gave up after a few brief group efforts. Mark Serento explored around the more intact Strutters with Ripper and Snapper, who told the rest of the group of Veloceraptors to fan out and look for dangers. Mark would climb onto some of the more intact Strutters and look at the controls and test out where the operators would sit. Ripper and Snapper contented themselves with examining the Strutters' capabilities and try to open small hatches evident on most of these strange machines. Rex walked to the base of the tower in the middle of the gargantuan space, studying the curlicue etchings and trying to see if there was some kind of access to its' interior. As the Sunstone high above his head intensified in brightness, he could just barely see the far end of the chamber directly behind the tower, and what he saw there first gave him pause; then it made him roar loudly and run to the huge arched dias just now being illuminated. Dwarfed by the arch there stood the bust and face of some kind of statue, which appeared to be on some wierd shaped obelisk. As Rex got near he saw that it was not an obelisk at all, but massive stone or metallic clasps that held some kind of crimson thing resembling a man with the face of a Triceratops. The rest of the explorers had heard the roaring, and were just starting to run to where Rex now stood as the Tyranosaur was just regaining himself enough to take steps near this strange statue. Rex's amulet of protection was pulsing and glowing profusely the nearer he got, and he turned with a start when Snapper's clawed hand touched his ankle. "What is that?", Snapper asked. "I don't know...", Rex sniffed. "A statue, I think." "It looks familiar somehow...", Diego was next, Bross on his heels. "It looks like what Stinger wears.", Bross guessed. "It's the armor of Othgar?", Ripper asked. "Maybe...", Rex said. Just then some of the Kirkys showed up, and they got nearer to the inert thing clamped there. They circled it, getting a good look of every aspect of the armor; but as they got really close, the eyes of the thing began to glow red due to the proximity of the Sunstones in thier helmets! Everyone stepped back as the seams to the armor began to glow as well, and soon the metallic clamps began to split off the armor and retreat into the floor of the dias in a slow, mechanical way. Once this was done, the eyes glowed blinding crimson; and this made them step back a little more! That was not the thing that unnerved them the most, because a moment later the armor began to speak! "I am Triphus, armor of Othgar.", it said in a booming voice. "Who dares desecrate my sanctorum?" "Uh..., sir...", Rex said after nervous looks to his comrades. He was the leader of this expedition, and figured it was his place to speak to this armor. "We are on a mission of exploration. We were sent to find out as much as we could about the World Beneath. We did not mean to disturb your rest, and are sorry." "I see. I understand Tyranosaur.", Triphus considered. "Some of my best friends were Tyranosaurs. Also some of my worst enemies!" "We were just exploring and found ourselves here. We call it the chamber of the Strutters.", Rex told this creature now standing on its' own. "Yes, but Strutters are not the most formidable thing you'll find here.", Triphus told them. "I was forged for battle, and defeated many a foe. I was placed here to guard the machinery of war and make sure nobody uses them for such purposes again. I advise you to leave immediately or I will destroy you all!" "We mean no harm, your honor!", Rex comnfirmed with trepidation. "But we do have friends, and perhaps you might know them." "Who, saurian?", Triphus asked. "Speak!" "My partner currently wears Klamath, and his mate now wears Zandra.", Rex said. "They are Othgar's armor, just like you are." "Klamath?! My superior officer!", Triphus said. "And sweet Zandra! They still function? Where are they? I would speak to them." "They are well, your honor.", Rex told it. "However, they are elsewhere, performing other tasks." "No doubt seeking other lands to conquer!", Triphus chuckled. "They were always ones with higher ambitions than I!" "They are performing tasks no more important than assisting thier wearers in the raising of thier young.", Rex said meekly. "In my clan, the family comes first." "Ah yes. War is tantamount to protecting the home and family.", Triphus told them. "When there is no war, it is time to return to ones' roots.", his eyes glowed somewhat dimmer. "I see that many of your group are of different kinds. I would get to know you all. It has been many millennia since I had some creatures to talk to!" "It would be our pleasure, sir!", Rex said, becoming quite relieved about now. "My name is Rex, son of Thundertail, king of clan Thundertail of the Rainy Basin. I am a direct descendant of Stinktooth the great... Perhaps you have heard of him?" "The most famous Tyranosaur of all time!", Triphus said. "Yes, I have heard of him. One who saw the benefit of interaction with other kinds." "Yes! And my father is expanding on that notion!", Rex told him excitedly. "He has expanded our clan to include other types of carnivores and herbivores - including humans! It was a human that facilitated this change of our age old ways." "And I see that you have humans with you.", Triphus stated. "Are you the ones that made this change?" "No, your honor.", Mark Serento said, figuring it was his turn. "My family was banished from our outpost for the crime of eating meat. The Tyranosaurs in this clan took us in." "And you, son?", Triphus asked. "I had run away from home.", Diego told this strange being. "I then made ascociation with a group of criminals; but was captured by the clan. Since then I have been accepted as one of them." "Thank the fates for second chances, eh?!", Triphus chuckled. "Now you Veloceraptors: how came you with them?" "Sir, my mother's pack was caught stealing food from the clan, but Stinger proposed he become leader of us and joined us with the Tyranosaurs.", Ripper blurted all at once. "And who is this Stinger?", asked Triphus. "He is the waerer of Klamath.", Snapper answered. "I see. A fine strategy for unity.", Triphus told them. "So, if Stinger wears Klamath and he has a mate, who wears Zandra?" "Mayday wears Zandra.", Bross told the metallic creature. "She is also his mate." "I see, and how did you come about to be affiliated with the Tyranosaurs?", Triphus asked. "We were caught scavenging, but Stinger suggested we could scout prey at night and inform the clan.", Bross told him. "I see little ones. Can you explain this?", Triphus asked as Lisa came to his knee. "Boss, we also intruded into thier camp.", she squeaked. "We are performers, see; but our acts are not permitted anyplace else. These kind ones took us in, and we entertain and wait on them as seen fit." "A notable arrangement - and a wise one!", Triphus said. "What better protection in the Rainy Basin than to be within a clan of Tyranosaurs!" "I guess that's about it, sir!", Rex said at last when he saw nobody else had anything more to say. "Very well then! We are all well met indeed!", Triphus said at last. "I would be honored if one of you humans would wear me. I will not fail you, and you will attain power like you have never dreamed!" "I can not.", Mark Serento said. "I have a family to think of!" "Well, I don't know...", Diego said, thinking. "Wait, guys!", Rex intervened. "I don't think we should do this... No offense, your honor! It's just that I think we should tell my father and have him decide what to do. I may be his son, but I'm not yet qualified to make the decision on who should wear you." "I suppose that's a wise decision under the circumstances.", Triphus said after a moment. "Rex, son of Thundertail. You will make a fine leader one day if you make decisions such as this! I will wait for his decision - what's a little while longer when I've been waiting as long as I have?" "Thank you for understanding, sir.", Rex told the armor. "We should leave soon so we can return that much sooner.", he nodded for everyone to begin leaving. "Before you go, I've noticed you utilize Sunstones.", Triphus halted them. "If I may, could I request I have one? My energy levels are approaching critical!" "Certainly, sir.", Rex said, turning. "We have enough, but how can you use it if you can not move?" "If one of you place one in my chest, it will suffice.", Triphus said. "Like this?", Lisa said as she removed the marble sized Sunstone from her miner's helmet, which was in a metallic cone that was used for a reflector. She stepped up and waited as Triphus slid a small hatch on his chest aside. He instructed her to remove the blackened Sunstone husk and put her Sunstone there. The hatch closed up and Triphus's eyes glowed more steady. "Thank you child.", it said. "I was growing weak." "Don't mention it, sir.", Lisa said and returned to her comrades. After apropriate goodbyes to Triphus from the entire group, they turned and made thier way back to the surface. It took only half the twelve hours to get to Zandra's chamber in the Incan pyramid because they had remembered thier way out - and they weren't busy exploring thier surroundings this time! Like I said, I had no idea they were going to do this, and I didn't find out about it until I got back from my next assignment a day later!... _
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Post by thundertail on Mar 16, 2012 19:55:46 GMT -5
_ TWENTY-FOUR: "Triphus, armor of Othgar." One of the chores that Thundertail allowed me to do outside of taking care of my son, Hamilton Somala Decker, was to deliver the second load of supplies to Torres LaSage and her band of huligans. I was the only one deemed able to handle such shifty characters, and the fact that I wore the armor of Othgar didn't hurt, either! So I helped loading the cart with tubers and rice and other things we had that they would need and chose the ones that were going along with me. Since it was getting time to harrow the first field before the rainy season before it flooded, Sauron and Chillet would not be able to pull the cart for me. I chose Thistlesnarl this time, and Greach the Ovaraptor to help unload the cart when I got there. I took a small contingent of Veloceraptors for guards, as well as Leeter Dilophosaur to guard the cart itself. I kissed Mayday and my son good bye and we all headed down the trail that led to king Adolpho's castle, my group fanning out along the path as we left camp. The trip there was rather uneventful save for the two Chasmosaurs we scared up and the Veloceraptors gave chase and killed them both. One of these beasts we loaded on the cart as extra meat for our unwanted beneficiaries, ate all we could of the second and hid the rest to eat when we returned. Fairly soon after that the castle by the sea came into view and the Veloceraptors commenced getting into hiding, and would act only if there was trouble. Thistlesnarl pulled the cart up to as far as she could to the main gate, but that was it due to all the traps and debris up against it. I saw a narrow opening to the big double doors and made for it, weaving my way through the obstacles. I pounded on the door, remembering what Mayday had said about the other entrance; but nobody magically appeared from it, so I tried again many times with the same nonexistent results! Tired of this, I pushed with all of Klamath's strength, breaking the heavy wooden beam on the other side and pushed both of the doors open a moment later. What met my eyes reminded me of one of those Three Stooges comedy routines! Dozens of guys were standing about in a frenzy of excitement while several others with swords were parrying and chasing each other around the battlements. The shouts and namecalling grew to a deafening pitch as a knot of combatants passed by without even noticing me - or what I did to thier door! I scooted back as someone threw a punch at someone else and sent him sprawling at my feet; and I stepped over the fallen one to get into the center of the fray. "Hey guys?... HEY GUYS!", I yelled. "S'cuse me!... I'm here with your supplies!... HEY!!!", nobody would listen to me! Just then five guys came down some steps to my left tied in a knot of struggling and fighting frenzy. As this group got to the foot of the steps the knot exploded as all of them were sent sprawling on the cobbles. In the center of that group stood that tall one with long hair and headband: the one they called Quint - strong little bugger! I smiled as I turned to him; and he smirked back as soon as he noticed me. "Want a piece, scaly lover?", Quint snipped with a sneer. "Hey guys! Look what blew into town!" "Naw, you're not my type!", I said to him. "Actually, I'm looking for the other dark-haired cutie. Seen her?" "Ain't I good enough?", Quint got into a defensive stance. "Actually, no.", I said and turned away. "LASAGE! You here?", I yelled. Soon another knot of sword wielding men came barreling around a corner, turning every once in a while to do combat with thier single attacker. LaSage kicked out and sent two of them sprawling while the rest massed for an attack of thier own. It was at this time that Quint decided to jump me while I was watching this. Klamath's automatic defenses warned me of the attack, and I simply lifted a foot, catching him directly in the sternum; and he fell in a heap without me even looking back at him. LaSage saw this, dispatched her attackers in a matter of moments and stormed over to pick up her fallen comrade. "What are you doing fooling around, moron?!", she whispered at him, then looked at me with a cheesy smile. "Fancy meeting you here, Stinger! Have you come here on business or pleasure?", she offered her hand to kiss, but I merely shook it again. "Hi yourself.", I said instead. "I see I came in the middle of recess; but I got your supplies like we agreed." "You have now?", LaSage looked at the yawning opening that used to be her main entry way, and the yawning Thistlesnarl beyond. She then turned back to me. "I see you did a little redecorating around here!" "Sorry, the doorbell was broken, so I knocked.", I said, then indicated the mayhem still going on all around us. "No one would let me in!" "I see. But are you going to repair it?", she asked, then recanted. "Never mind! So you say you got our stuff?" "It's right outside.", I told her. "If you and your goons want to help unload...?" "Say, is that scaly tame?", LaSage looked at the Tyranosaur outside again. "I'll ask.", I said, and called Tyranosaur: "She wants to know if you're tame, Thistlesnarl." "Do I have to?", Thistlesnarl roared. "Yes, you got to!", I said in English. "Aw!", she rumbled. "Yeah, it'll be ok.", I told LaSage with a smile. She just looked at me sideways as she turned to her men, who were still fighting! "Ok you goofs! Listen up!", she said, and when this didn't work, she gave off a shrill whistle, which brought the mayhem to somewhat of a halt. "Our load of supplies are here! I want you and you and you and you to unload it!... NOW!!!", she selected the men and cuffed them out to the waiting cart and hungry looking carnivores! The men moved like they were going to thier own excecution as they left the crashed open gateway, then looked up in horror at Thistlesnarl the Tyranosaur sneering back at them and Leeter the Dilophosaur doing likewise behind the cart - they didn't even see Greach the Ovaraptor in the back until he screeched at the man he handed a crate to! The man recoiled and jerked back, miraculousely still holding the crate; and the others began reaching into the cart leary of more suprises. As LaSage and I watched this, Quint stepped beside his leader, but on the other side of her from me and watched as well. "So, where's Mayday?", Quint asked as he watched. "At home.", I told him. "Taking care of our new son.", he gave me the queerest look! "So, ah...", LaSage cut in. "Been thinking of my offer?" "I try not to.", I told her as the first load of supplies were trundled inside. "I been thinking more of what you been doing outside the Rainy Basin." "Like what?", LaSage said, swiping at a man who dropped a sack of grain. "Oh, like how you go after folks that don't fight back; yet you leave us alone.", I said turning to her. "Why is that? We too tough for you, or what?" "Well, you know:", she smiled sweetly. "A good strategy is to take the route of least resistence." "Also to leave well enough alone!", I shot back. "And that's why you don't bother us with that.", stated LaSage. "Let's just say that it's out of our territory.", I told her. "What about us?", LaSage asked. "Ditto...", I told her as the second load of supplies came in. As the men continued to take thier supplies from our cart, Greach, Thistlesnarl and Leeter would harass them; having great fun as they growled and snapped at the already jumpy men as they got too close! I went out to the cart as the last of the supplies were brought in and palmed Thistlesnarl's muzzle; and oddly enough, LaSage came out with me, and both her and Quint stayed well away from the three ton monster. All of a sudden Thistlesnarl grumbled something neither of the two pirates next to me could understand! "What girl?", I asked, and got a repeat grumble. "Oh, yeah! Sure thing!", I said as I walked up to her and began to unhitch Thistlesnarl from the cart! "STINGER!...", LaSage shouted. "What are you DOING?!" "Little dinosaur's room...", I said as I unhitched the last of the straps. Thistlesnarl nuzzled me and disappeared down the path. "When you gotta go, you gotta go!", I smiled cheesilly. "That thing's going to annihilate us!", Quint said. Slowly backing into the castle. "Well, that might take a while.", I said, turning to LaSage. "In the mean time, it looked like you were having a little fun. Am I not right?" "That's right!", LaSage said. "You wanna take one of us on?", she led me back into the castle. "I was thinking more of taking YOU on.", I said. "I want to see what you got!" Leeter and Greach snuck to just within the gate opening as the rest of the men inside gathered to watch thier leader combat this scaly lover, but they didn't know those two scalys were there, watching them! LaSage marched right on through the crowd of pirates and reached a rack of swords. She chose one, then one for myself and handed it to me as I got near. I examined the blade as Klamath decided it was not worthy to wield and tossed it halfway across the courtyard we were in. By this time Thistlesnarl got back and joined the duo at the door. "I preferr my own blades.", I said and had Klamath deploy one of his. It sprung from my back as the men around us gasped. I caught it deftly, examined it and nodded in satisfaction. "Fancy!", LaSage scoffed. "But can you use it? That's the question!", she got into a stance and made flourishes in the air before me. "I promise to go easy on you.", I said as I performed a few parrys in the air myself. I stood still where I was as I waited for her first attack, of which I blocked easy enough and thrust her sword hand away without changing my stance. Seeing this had no effect, she changed tactics and began circling me; of which I let her get behind me. All the while cheers and catcalls began erupting from the ever growing horde. It seemed like word had gotten around to the rest of the pirates in the castle, and many more hooligans began pouring into the courtyard of king Adolpho's castle. I spun suddenly and caught the hilt of LaSage's sword with my own as she spun out of that and slashed for my neck. The block was so powerful that her blade snapped a third of the way from the pommel. I backed up as she examined the damage, and I stopped and stepped up to have a look for myself. Of course my sword wasn't even damaged; for Klamath's blades are made of an Irridium/Tungsten/Steel alloy, and almost totally indestructible! "Hmm...,", I took the hilt. "Must've been a flaw in manufacture.", I handed my sword to her. "Here, use this." "Thanks!", she said as she hefted the much heavier blade. Her sneer told me she was going to strike, so I had Klamath deploy his other sword and blocked her swipe in the blink of an eye. Suprised at the speed, LaSage backed up a pace and tried for a series of flourishes; all of which I blocked with such force it staggered her back a few more paces, and I advanced a few steps myself. Seeing her trick had no effect, LaSage circled once again, guarding with the sword point as she tried to figure out a point of attack on me - which I gave her little chance. After a moment of this I sighed and lowered my sword; and seeing this as her chance, she lunged at me with all her force. Klamath's speed made her tumble past me, and she landed with a thud on the cobbles. This sent a wave of laughter from her crew, of which she looked at them with a sneer as she got back up and resumed her stance. "Hey, scaly lover!", Quint yelled from the crowd all of a sudden. "What makes Mayday like you more than me?" "I guess she likes honorable men.", I replied as I blocked LaSage's next attack, tossing her back easily. I retreated two steps and took a stance as LaSage came forward brandishing her weapon. I figured it was my turn to go on the attack, but I didn't actually want to kill her, so I slowly advanced as I increased my speed and force. I made sure my blows landed on her sword as I advanced further, and she parried the blows nicely. The faster I sped up the more frantic her blocks became as I slowly drove her in a lazy circle around the area her thugs allowed us. As an act of desperation she climbed the steps behind her and led me up them, fending off my blows with each step. I followed, noticing the other men there following the action as we ascended. Quint was in the lead, and the whole group saw how I was beating thier leader at swords - and many of them were taking bets on who would become the winner! All of a sudden LaSage jumped off the stone railing and landed in a small cart below. I flipped up using Klamath's agility and strength, flying up over her head and landing facing her in her intended path of escape. "What are you made of?", LaSage panted desperately. "Rocks and snails and puppydog tails!", I quoted the childhood saying. "How you holding up?" "I'll do.", she panted, brandishing her sword in a weak way. "You're good." "You got lots of stamina yourself.", I complimented back. "Want to quit? You look parched!" "Just resting!", LaSage fought her way off the cart and I let her circle me once more. This time around I let her make me back up, and I led her a merry chase all around the courtyard. I must say I was giving the pirates who were betting a bit of a worry doing this! I led her around past the sword rack and over near the broken down entrance and back around to the stone steps. All the while I met her blows with my blocks, throwing in a few flourishes and feints for good measure. I knew what I was doing, leading lasage on like this; I was tiring her out so she would give up of her own accord, but I never dreamed she would go as long as this! Finally I swung in and began putting the killing blows on her, so to spaek. I pounded on her sword with mine, beating her to the ground and giving all the men behind me gasp. At the last instant before she was completely on the ground, her sword fell from her hands and she just lay face down there, trying to push herself up but could not. I sheathed my sword and picked hers up, sheathing that as well. Then I slowly drew her up and led her to the stone steps to rest. "Not bad, Torres.", I said to her. "You lasted almost twenty minutes" "That's LaSage to you!", she could barely say it. "You're absolutely unstoppable! Where did you learn a sword like that?" "I'm used to wrestling T-rexes!", I told her, producing a small flask of Tyranosaur Breath. "What's a little swordplay after that?" "Gimme that!", she grabbed the flask and drank greedily. "Who makes this stuff?" "See Leeter over there? He's the Dilophosaur.", I told her. "His brother, Rellas, makes it." I lied. "He won't tell the exact recepie; just a dash of this, a sprinkle of that... You know, he don't want to give out his secret recepie - even to us!" "How much of it did you give us?", LaSage asked after considering the information. "Two cases this time.", I told her. "Only this time leave some for your men!" "They don't deserve it.", LaSage said, wiping her mouth. "I don't know...", I looked at them, and they backed off a step. "They do most of the work around here. They deserve something." "Look. You run your place your way and I'll run my place my way!", she spat. "Don't you think you've worn out your welcome?" "It is getting late at that.", I stated, looking at the sun, which was over our heads and sinking a bit. "Got to get my friends home soon, I guess. They might be getting hungry!", this news unnerved the men! I got up and walked over to the entrance of king Adolpho's castle; but before I could make more than a handful of steps, many of the men there made moves to encircle me! The closer I got to the doorway the tighter they made the circle until they were mere feet from me, allowing me no way through them. I just smiled at them and tried to advance, but Quint stepped through the crowd and stood nose to nose with me. My dinosaur companions saw this and prepared to spring to my rescue, and the Veloceraptor guards watching from the periffery were doing the same. "You realize there's a tax for crossing that threshold.", Quint growled as the men chuckled. "You also have to pay for that door!" "I do now...", I growled back. "QUINT! Let him alone.", LaSage ordered softly, but it was too faint to be heard through the grumbling coming from the mass of men all around me. "Yeah, the way we see it, you owe us big time!", Quint continued. "How much you want?", I asked him, not backing down in the least. "I have no money." "We'll just have to take it out of your hide, then!", Quint tried to shove me into the crowd with his body but failed due to Klamath's four hundred pound weight. "Boys?" With that every pirate in the place rushed me! They all grabbed me and started pummeling me with blows, trying to drag me down and evidentally dismember me; but the suit of armor was designed for this, and they couldn't even drag me to the ground. The blows landed on hard armor, and the punches were deflected from my face by Klamath's mask that automatically closed over my face. As thier attack reached fever pitch, Klamath charged his pusher beam, or Cza-Voon, and encased himself with it. Like leaves in a hurricane, the men flew from me with such force that they splatted against the stone walls of the castle interior, knocking most of them unconcious. The shockwave from the burst rippled the air and knocked over anything not fastened down, and smaller debris wafted around in its' wake. LaSage had the presence of mind to hang onto the iron brasier in the center of the courtyard or she would have met the same fate as the cart that was splintered against the wall beside her! "Like I said, it's been fun; but now I got to leave.", I said in Klamath's voice, which unnerved the still dazed crew. "You should know better than to mess with the armor of Othgar!", I walked toward the entrance to king Adolpho's castle, not being hindered this time. I walked out to my friends standing just outside the doorway and led Thistlesnarl to the cart, where I presently hitched her back up. Leeter and Dulock chattered on about the exchange I had with them, but I hushed them both with a finger and motioned that they should follow the cart. As we left the scrub-dotted clearing in front of the castle, the squad of Veloceraptors emerged from hiding and hopped up onto the cart behind me, rasping and grumbling as they situated themselves for travel. It wasn't until king Adolpho's castle was well out of sight that I gave out a whoop of joy, and the others with me began chattering about the encounter as well. "You gave LaSage what for!", Leeter said as he paced the cart beside my head. "She not have chance!" "I thought you were a goner when they jumped you.", Thistlesnarl said. "I was worried!" "They were kind of unpredictable.", I said offhandedly. "But if you give them back what they give you, they'll back down. Remember guys: bullies are really cowards underneath it all." "You're no coward, this is a fact!", Greach squawked. "You stood up to them like they were the size of Kirkys!" "I was wondering, Stinger.", one of the Veloceraptors in back asked. "You bring us along, and yet we never are used. Why let us come at all?" "Insurance.", I said simply. "They might be more powerful then they let on. If so, we got you to back us up!" "Oh.", the Veloceraptor became silent. "Thanks for unhitching me back there.", Thistlesnarl said as she pulled. "That was a relief!" "When you got to go, you got to go!", I told her and she chuckled. "Stinger, can I tell you something?", she continued. "What is it?", I asked. "If it's something private, cover your earslits, everyone!" "Well, it's about Rex.", she searched for words. "I mean, I like him and all, but..." "Did he do anything to you? I'll have a word with him if you like.", I offered. "No! Nothing like that!", Thistlesnarl said quickly. "It's just that... Well, I like him and all. I thought it was funny when he told me he fell onto that log a while back!... Anyway,... do you think he likes me too?" "I think he likes you.", I told her. "You, him and Pincushion have been buddies since we first came here. I don't think there would be much to break up friends like that!" "That's not what I mean!", she sounded desperate! "I mean I like him - I really, really like him. Get it?" "Oh, that!", I sounded relieved. So she has a crush on him! "I'm sure he might like you in that way. He's still a bit young - and so are you - but you two are almost grown up enough to be thinking thoughts like that. Why don't you have a talk with him. Explain things. You know!" "I don't know!", Thistlesnarl paused our travel to look at me. "What if he says he doesn't like me? What if he loves someone else?!" "Listen to me: you are the only female Tyranosaur his age in the clan, right?", I asked and she nodded. "I'm sure that with the friendship you already got with him, true love could emerge from that. Right?", again she nodded. "And the only other one to worry about is Pincushion." "Him?! He's my brother, for crying out loud!", Thistlesnarl balked. "To me he's just a gawky kid!" "There you have it then!", I said triumphantly. "Nothing to worry about! All that's left to do is to talk to Rex and you'll be all set!" "Think so?", she asked and I winked! She smiled in a toothy way and continued the journey back home. As we neared the area where we left our Chasmosaur kill, we noticed a great disturbance in that area. The veloceraptors got down off the cart and scouted ahead as we waited. They came back moments later, saying that there were strange Veloceraptors there. I unhitched Thistlesnarl and we all rushed over; and we saw exactly what our Veloceraptors told us. The dead Chasmosaur were surrounded by eight of our carniverous kin, who were snapping and cursing in thier language. I had our Veloceraptors engage the interloper Veloceraptors, and soon a stalemate took place. It was only then that I stepped out to be seen by the whole group. "What's going on here?", I yelled. "Seems we can't leave our stuff anywhere without it being stolen!" "Who are you?", demanded the larger Veloceraptor. "We are from clan Thundertail, of the Rainy Basin.", I told this upstart. "We were on our way to a diplomatic mission of sorts, and hunted these two Chasmosaurs, and was going to eat this one on the way home, but it seems like our idea was ruined!" "We see kill. We eat kill.", one of the other Veloceraptors hissed. "It ours! Finders keepers!" "It seems we do have a problem here...", I thumbed my chin. "You do realize that you are hopelessly outnumbered. Do you realize what we could do to you if we so choose?" "Your threats fall on closed earslits!", the Veloceraptor said. "We own this kill fair and square!" "I don't think they're going to back down.", Thistlesnarl informed me softly. "I know. I think I got a way around this.", I replied in kind and turned to the others. "Maybe we could work out a compromise - that is if you're willing to listen." "Speak, human.", the larger Veloceraptor said. "That Chasmosaur is large enough for all of us.", I began. "We are not far from home, and would only require small amounts to suffice us. If this is acceptable, we could eat our fill and be on our way; and then you can have the rest. Does this sound fair?" "Considering the alternative,", began the leader Veloceraptor after a moment of conferring with his friends. "This sounds like an acceptable suggestion. We will feed as soon as you leave." The group stood off a ways and let us at the carcass. We bowed as we each took a turn. Thistlesnarl was first, and took two dainty fifty pound mouthfuls before backing off to let Leeter feed. He took three bites and backed away while Greach took several beakfuls. The Veloceraptors went at the carcass in groups of three; and when they were done, I cut off a seven ounce slab for myself. Appetites sated, we bowed as they fell on the remaining half of the carcass; and we waited until they were done before I spoke to them once more. At length we wished them well and continued on our way; and by mid afternoon we arrived in the campsite that king Thundertail ruled. We were greeted in the usual way by all that were near, and then I led Thistlesnarl to where we store the carts and unhitched her; and from there I let her go her own seperate way. When I got back to where Thundertail was, Rex was there; and he was just finishing up telling him how his day went. As they saw me approach, they stopped talking as Mayday with little Hamilton in her arms came into thier midst as well. I saw that the whole group had concerned looks on thier faces, but started up with my little adventure with LaSage anyway. "You'd never guess how my day went!...", I began, but Thundertail halted me with a grunt and spoke. "I think you better hear what Rex has to say first, Stinger.", he instructed. "Repeat your story, son." "Ok.", Rex said and turned to me. "My father had me and a few others explore the World Beneath. We went down past where we got those other amulets of protection, and came out into the cave of the Strutters." "You found the Strutters?", I said. This was a great archaeological find! "Yeah, but that's not all.", Rex continued. "We also found another one of Klamath's kind - fully intact. Do you know one named Triphus, Klamath?" "Why yes I do!", Klamath said. "He was one of my finest generals. How does he fare?" "He is ok, I guess.", Rex said. "We gave him a small Sunstone beacuse he was weak; but we dared not do much more for him." "I see.", Klamath said. "Your highness. You have seen the benefit of having two of my kind around. This benefit would only increase with three." "What is the nature of this Triphus?", Thundertail asked. "He is strong, and a cunning warrior.", Klamath told him. "He may not be as intellegent as I, and he has a brash disposition; but he is loyal to a flaw, and would do anything for the cause of justice." "It is true, your honor.", Zandra added. "He would be a great benefit to the clan. He has assisted me a number of times in the past." "As you know, there are other places to explore down there. We have yet to discover the Sunstone cave or many of the other points of interest rumors of the World Beneath have indicated.", Thundertail told us, and continued after a thought. "And it is true that having the armor of Othgar in our service is a genuine help. Perhaps it would be wise to allow Triphus to awaken. But who do you suppose would wear him?" "Triphus showed a great interest in the two humans that went along with us.", Rex said, then at Thundertail's look, continued. "Mark Serento refused, saying he had to think of his family. Diego was unsure about the situation; but he was a former Outsider! Do you think he could be trusted with the responsability?" "I don't know.", I said. "He has shown great improvement around here. The way he is starting to take charge of the tasks he's given and how he treats the other kids shows he really cares about the clan. It is your decision, of course, king Thundertail; but in my opinion, he will do well wearing the armor of Othgar." “Triphus will also show the boy the path of the warrior.”, Klamath added. “He will be instructed in the ways of honor.” "We should ask him if he wishes to wear it first.", Thundertail said. "He might have changed his mind. "Better yet, I got an idea - if it is acceptible to you.", I told him, and at his nod, continued. "We could have him lead me and Mayday to the chamber of the Strutters himself - alone. That would give him confidence enough to do it. Besides, I think Triphus has already chosen him!" "Very well then, human.", Thundertail said. "You know more about this than I do. But Rex will also come with you, as well with two Veloceraptor guards." "As you wish, my king.", I said, bowed and left his presence. I headed for the direction of the pyramid. I needed a rest from my encounter with LaSage - and I never got a chance to tell anyone about it! Mayday drew up along side me and handed our son off to me. I kissed him as I held him and walked, cooing nothings into that increasingly inquisitive face. I looked up to see where I was going, and Mayday looked at me suddenly like there was something wrong with me. "I beat LaSage in a swordfight today.", I blurted to her. "We fought until she was exhausted!" "Sound like fun.", mayday said. "I help Hamilton to walk." "You walked?!", I said to his face, and he gurgled. "Why, you'll be running before I know it, I bet!" "How Quint?", Mayday asked. "Still alive.", I said. "He asked about you. I told him about our son." "You think he harm my baby?", Mayday looked alarmed! "With all these carnivores around?", I said. "He'd be crazy to try!" "He crazy, try or no!", Mayday stated, and we both laughed - including Hamilton, though he didn't know why! We entered the Pyramid and began the domestic obligations ascociated with the raising of our son, then we went to the evening's feast. Mayday had one of the Kirky females who was raising her own seven offspring in the next set of rooms there to tend to Hamilton until we got back. The feast went on like usual, and the Parasolophus that was captured by the hunting party was extra delicious. Afterwards I finally got the chance to tell of my day with LaSage over the dying bonfire, and Rex told of his adventures in the World beneath. The whole clan thought both adventures to be most interesting indeed! "You know, we're really going to have to go back there.", I said offhandedly. "The World beneath, that is. Those Strutters could be a great help around here once they're repaired. They could carry great loads and help out in other ways." "They were built for war!", Grond said. "How could machines like that be put to good use?" "We could find some ways to strip the weapons off them.", I said. "I'm sure MacDougal could get them working again given time. And it wouldn't be a problem for him to disarm them while he's at it." "And there is that other suit of armor to contend with.", Thundertail said. "What would become of that?" "Suits like that are only operational when someone wears it.", I said. "Maybe another human could wear it. You've seen the usefulness two suits of Othgar's armor can be. This would only be magnified with three." "We have only a handful of other humans old enough to use it.", Thundertail said. "I suggest we ask for volunteers." "I can't do it.", Mark Serento said. "I got to think of my family. Who will take care of my children if I'm killed in the thing?" "I can do it!", Greg Krieger volunteered. "You're too young, Greg!", Melissa Krieger told him. "The suit would need a bigger person to operate it. Am I not right?" "I suppose...", I said. "AW!", Greg balked. "Well, don't look at me!", Melissa said. "Things like that scare me!" "I don't think so.", Miles Krieger refused. "Nay lad!", MacDougal said when many looked at him. "I be too old to galavant in a contraption like that!" "I wore Zandra before.", Sarah Serento said. "I never want to do that again!" "What about you, son?", I asked Diego when everyone had given thier reasons. "I know it's a lot to ask..." "Me, sir?", Diego stammered. "Why me?" "Well, you had already been there.", I explained. "You've already seen him, and you know the way there. From what I heard, Triphus really wants you to be his wearer." "I guarantee the experience will be well worth it to you.", Klamath added. "But I'm a pirate! An Outsider!", Diego balked. "Do you really think you can trust me with it? I could turn and destroy all of this - and I don't weant to!" "The very fact that you don't want to is reason enough for you to wear Triphus!", I told him. "That statement right there proves you are a worthy member of this clan. Your thoughts of protecting it by refusing to wear the armor is all the proof needed! So, what do you say? We need a guide to show us the way anyway." "Well..., If it's all right with king Thundertail, I suppose I'd give it a try.", Diego said, slowly considering the implications of his decision. "Then it is agreed.", Thundertail said to the clan. "Diego will lead a group to the World beneath. He will wear Triphus, armor of Othgar and become a full fledged member of clan Thundertail! Agreed? Opposed?", there were many of the former, and only a few of the latter. "Father, can I come along too?", asked Rex. "I have also been there." "I was just getting to that.", Thundertail said. "You may go along; and two Veloceraptor guards as well. It's still a dangerous place down there!", just then Ripper and Snapper raised thier clawed hands. "Yes, you two can be the guards!...", he nodded. "We like to guard!", Ripper said. "Especailly guarding Stinger!!", Snapper added. All too soon after that, the conversations around the bonfire dwindled to knots of conversation; and some of that entailed the planning of the trip, which would be tomorrow if everything went right! We laughed and joked around for many hours, telling tales and swapping experiences and minor opinions haphazardly. As the stars began to take over the sky in the wake of the setting moon, many had decided they had had enough, and made thier way to their sleeping areas - no less I and everyone going along on the trip! Last night's sleep had left me something else to be desired that night, but I woke refreshed never the less. We had Whitetail babysit Hamilton and Mayday and I descended into the depths of the pyramid. When everyone had gathered in the chamber of Zandra, we all inspected our supplies and headed down the stairway single file. Rex led the way down the stairs, but we all fanned out as we traveled through the streets and the buildings beyond them. At the chamber where we got the other amulets of protection was the limit to my knowledge of the place; so we had Diego lead the way from there - Rex accompanying him in just in case. At the intersection of the three corridors we paused as thier way was explained by Rex: Left hand archway led in the wrong direction, middle arch caved in a mile into it and the right arch was the way to the Strutter cave. We took that passage, and the mile or more of stairs beyond; and soon came out onto a cavernous space, of which Klamath said went on for quite some distance and was just filled with all sorts of massive machinery. As the group finally made it to the main floor of the Strutter chamber, the effect of having Klamath and Zandra there at the same time made the Sunstone on top of the stone tower in the center of the space to glow brightly, illuminating the entire space to an almost sun-bright intensity. Now the scope of the Strutter chamber became apparent to us all, for the whole space was the size of four football stadiums in area (Zippeau, ask mister Scott how big one is!), and nearly three times as high! There were hundreds of Strutters littering the floorspace, and nearly all of them were in various states of disassembly with thier parts either strewn about or on tables next to them. I scanned through the Strutters and spotted a headless Tyranosaur form near the far end of the cavernous room. I wove my way around many of the others, stopping every now and then to look at a strange Strutter or a small part on a table along the way. Mayday was right behind me, doing pretty much the same; and we both made it to the Tyranosaur at about the same time. "Hey Rex! Look!", I pointed. "Meet Robo-Rex!" "Where's the head?", he called from fifty yards away. "On table over there.", Mayday informed. It lay on its' side, blank eyes seeming to look at me. "Let's see what kind of choppers it has...", I said as I went to the head. I pried open the serrated steel jaws using Klamath's strength. It creaked from lack of movement all these centuries, and I looked inside suprised! "Hey! There's a cannon in there!", the small bore weapon was where the tongue of a live Tyranosaur should be, and looked similar to those french cannons on ancient naval ships I've seen in nautical museums. This one was once painted bright colors, resembling destruction, blood and death. "That do a lot of damage!", Mayday said as she inspected the device. "Maybe all Strutters have cannons!" "Well, if we're going to use these one day, they'll have to go!", I said. "MacDougal is going to have his work cut out for him with this project!" "We found the other thing over there.", Rex told us, pointing with his snout in the direction of the stone tower with his snout. Presently we all followed him, Snapper and Ripper fanning out among the machinery and becoming lost to view. We passed the tower and saw Triphus encased in the stone clamps like he was when the first group first found him. He was made tiny by the huge alcove archway his standing form was framed by, and made even tinier by the twin statues of Othgar that framed the archway. Those statues were obscured by the gloom of the place the first time, so they unnerved everyone there at the sight. Klamath and Zandra walked faster then the rest in recognition of thier comrade, and made it there first. Triphus's eyes glowed a dim red at our presence, then glowed even brighter as he seemed to recognize who was before him. "Triphus! My old friend!", Klamath boomed as he stood me before him. "It has been an eon! I am pleased you are still functional." "My leader, I have been waiting here for so long!", Triphus said as the clamps seperated and sank into the dias he was on. "My duty since we last met was to guard the chamber of the Strutters, and this I have done as per orders of Othgar and technician Shetsetskafti." "Was he an Egyptian?", I asked. "That name sounds like it." "It was quite possible he could have traveled to that land when Posideos sank, human.", Triphus said. "You are Klamath's new wearer. Who be you?" "I am colonel Charles Decker, sir.", I said. "They call me Stinger around here." "Klamath relates to me that you are Dolphinback.", Triphus said. "Is this true?" "Yes.", I said. "My flying machine crashed in the Rainy Basin about two years ago, and I encountered Klamath shortly thereafter." "And who wears Zandra?", Triphus asked. "Me Mayday, many mothers Kenyan.", she told the armor. "Me in transportation guild, but Partner get eaten. Me meet Stinger, then clan of Tyranosaurs. Been fine ever since. Me have Zandra about year." "They have been nothing but a help ever since we met them, sir.", Rex added, and Ripper and Snapper nodded. "It was a wise decision that my father opted not to eat them!" "I see.", Triphus said. "And now the question I've been meaning to ask. Who will wear ME?" "We have decided that Diego here will wear you.", I told him as Rex shooed Diego out from behind him so he could be seen. "He seems too timid.", Triphus said. "Are you sure he is worthy enough?" "He comes highly reccommended.", I said. "He good boy.", Mayday added. "I will do the best I can.", Diego said. It was barely a whisper. "Then come, son!", Triphus said as his helmet split down the middle and retracted behind the collar, which was the head frill of the Triceratops shape. "I will offer you power and glory like you have never seen!", the parts of the suit split open like a piece of fruit: chest, arms, legs and neckpiece. Diego stepped closer, inspecting the interior a moment, then looking back at us. "Go ahead, son.", I coached. "Just back into it and let it close around you. It's a bit disorienting at first, but that soon passes." "Well...", Diego said as he reluctantly complied. I positioned his arms and legs into the appendage halfs, and Triphus closed up as I backed away. His red eyes glowed intensely and the joints did likewise as his whole body shuddered, and Diego's muffled gasps came through the mask. A moment later he became still, and Triphus's mask scrolled away from Diego's rather bewildered face. After a moment, Diego looked around and gained a knowing look before he spoke. "That was strange!", he breathed, then told Mayday and the rest of us: "It was like trying to think all over again; and then my mind became full of all kinds of deeds I have never done before!" "Diego, we are now one.", Triphus said. "I will serve you well, and you will learn many honorable things." Diego and Triphus took a first unsure step, wobbling slightly until balance was regained. They stepped off the dias as we all backed up, and they turned around - seemingly enjoying it. Diego flexed his fingers and worked the arms in the suit as he looked around at us, smile broader than I've ever seen on him! That was momentarilly obscured as all three suits reactivated thier masks, and a reunion of sorts took place. "It is such a pleasure to be whole once again – and to be able to move!", Triphus took Klamath's hand, ending in an almost brotherly hug. "I missed you all!", he grabbed Zandra in a true affectionate hug. "It has been a long time since we were a team.", Zandra pulled away, taking Klamath's hand. "I hope we are never split up again!" "And so brings us to our new mission.", Klamath said, breaking the moment somewhat. "The people of the outside world has developed civilization on thier own. They would not take kindly to any enforced changes to the will of Othgar. Stinger had suggested a more diplomatic approach to winning them over; but it must be attained slowly and carefully." "We have given our services to the carnivores of this day and age.", Zandra told the frilled mask. "We are leading them into a civilization and culture of thier own. From there we would be more able to address the rest of the population." "So war is not an option this time.", Triphus concluded. "Such a shame! But I suppose you attract more insects with honey than vinegar!", he seemed to chuckle. "I will do what is necesary to assist in your policies, my lord!" "You were always my most faithful general.", Klamath told him, and Triphus nodded. "And now, my lord.", Triphus said. "I would show you what else I had been guarding all these millennia!" He turned and faced the dias, standing in the direct center of the arch. A stone he stepped on that was etched with a Triceratops head lowered an inch, and the eyes of the twin Othgar statues began to pulse with a soft glow. Triphus raised his hands and his outstretched hands began to glow, causing the eyes to glow brighter. All of a sudden a split appeared in the alcove beyond, and grinding stones betrayed machinery working far below thier feet. The two halfs of the alcove split apart and the dias lowered even with the rest of the floor; and all this created a wide stairway that opened up to a sloping passageway lined with Sunstone sconces. Triphus lowered his arms and turned to them. "Behold!... Beyond lies the workshops of Shetsetskafti!", Triphus announced. "Greatest scientist of all time! Follow me...", he descended into the passageway, and we all followed. "Beyond the portal ahead, no soul has seen in ten thousand years!", Triphus said as he placed his right hand on a raised stone beside the stone door. The door slid upward with a grind, but the darkness beyond showed that the lighting had failed. A light gasping could barely be heard beyond, and a slight squeak soon followed as whatever was inside noticed our presence. We began to notice this too, and cautiousely looked around through the gloom. Klamath's enhanced vision could detect nothing living in there; but where were those noises coming from? "I don't think this chamber is as abandoned as you let on, my friend Triphus...", I murmured as we entered. "All right, intruder!", Triphus said loudly. "We know you are in here! Show yourself!" "Leave here!", came a squeaky metallic voice. "You're not allowed in here!" "We posess the armor of Othgar!", I said. "We are on a mission of peace!" "You don't belong here!", it repeated. "Go away!" "I am Zandra.", Zandra said. "Please, we wish to help. What is your name?" "Flit.", Flit said. "What are you?", Diego asked. "I am a posession of Shetsetskafti.", Flit said. "I am his helper. I will only answer to him. Go away!" "I've had enough of this!", I whispered to Klamath. "Can you light the chamber?" "Yes.", Klamath replied and opened his chest. The green aura illuminated the chamber dimly, revealing parts and contrivances strewn on shelfs and tables; but these devices seemed to be in a better state of repair than those outside in the Strutter chamber. I saw complete robotic creatures and a complete suit of Othgar's armor with a helmet in the shape of a Parasolophus, apparently dormant and inert standing in the near corner. What unnerved me the most was the fact that the lifeless armor turned its' head! "Ok, OK!", the armor said. "You found me." it stood. "Please don't hurt me!" "I know you.", Klamath said. "You are Pobroke! Master tactician for my army!" "Sorry sir.", the metallic voice said. "He had been completely disassembled by my master. His lifeforce has perished. I did not know what to do all these millennia, so I reassembled him. I could not restore his personality..., I'm sorry!" "Pobroke?... Dead?", Zandra sounded like she wanted to cry. "Who are you really?", Diego asked. "Please show yourself." "Yeah! give!", Rex echoed as Ripper and Snapper silently entered the room, sniffing this way and that. "Very well, I'll show you.", Flit had Pobroke's husk seperate, and inside was nothing like what anyone was expecting. His head was bald and metallic, twin lenslike eyes glowed blue and looked at nothing and everything, grille-like mouth that never moved and grates along the sides of the metallic cheeks; which all looked humanlike, but not quite. As the chest seperated, there was no torso, but rather a mass of snakelike metallic tenticles connecting to a nexxus box just below the head. The longer two of the six ended in spadelike protrusions, like the capture tenticles on a squid; and these the construct used them like feet. The shorter pair of the six ended in four shorter tenticles the construct could have used for hands. The remaining two might be used for other types of manipulation, but they wrapped around the nexxus as it emerged. "I was master Shetsetskafti's finest creation.", Flit took two spidery steps tward us. "You're a robot, right?", I stated. "Never saw a robot looking like you!" Snapper looked up into the artificial face and cringed back slightly while his brother, Ripper softly growled at it. Flit flinched slightly at this, but looked back up at us almost a second later. He cleared his mechanical throat and finally answered my question. "We do not use that term; but I am an artificial life construct.", Flit said. "I am fully mobile and fully manipulative. I contain all the data present in my master, and can recall anything instantly." Mayday absently fingered an object on a table near her that looked suspiciousely like some sort of laser handgun while Snapper sniffed at a staff that looked remarkably like plastic. I picked up an object that looked like some kind of timepiece, but could not read the time if time was what it measured. Rex towered over us all examining everything with his eyes. "Why did you reassemble Pobroke?", Klamath asked as he fingered scales on his armlets, testing the stunner actuator. "Why, if you weren't able to revive his mind, didn't you deactivate him?" "I guess I got lonely...", Flit admitted. "You try being cooped up in here all that time and not go stir crazy! I had to talk to someone, didn't I? Even though the conversations were rather one-sided!" "Wait a minute, Flit.", I said, having an idea. "The armor of Othgar were constructed with the entities of other creatures incorporated into thier systems. Are you similarly constructed?" "Affirmative..., I mean, yes.", Flit said. "In life, more than ten thousand years ago, I was Flit, Shetsetskafti's Partner. About two years before he left, he created the construct you see me in today. I volunteered to become incorporated into its' design because I figured I could serve him better utilizing the powers this construct has.", he paused as if in thought - or regret. "I was once just a little tiny Compsagnathus." "And they do get lonely sometimes.", I concluded. "Flit, would you like to come with us to the outside world? I guarantee you'll never be lonely again!" "You're right, I guess.", Flit said, backing into the armor formerly known as Pobroke. "It serves no purpose to stay in here and do nothing for the rest of eternity. Besides, I miss the company; and this is the most excitement I've had in a millennia!" "Stinger! What are you doing?!", Rex whispered to me. "We agreed to let Triphus join us, but nobody said we could have four of them - let alone this 'robot'! What would my father think?" "Relax, Rex.", I told him in an equal whisper. "I think Flit and Pobroke might be very useful to us." "Rex right, Stinger.", Mayday said. "Thundertail say yes to Triphus, but not know about other two. First ask him, then let come when say OK." "All right.", I said, then addressed the contrivance before me. "I'll need permission before you can come along, Flit; but I'm sure the answer would be yes. So, if you can wait just a little bit longer, you'll soon see the sun again!" "I will leave your master's workshop open so you may move about.", Triphus told it. "But please do not venture out beyond the Strutter chamber." "Ah,... yes, sir.", Flit responded as he sat the remains of Pobroke onto the dias he had occupied before. "But before you go, could you tell me what's going on? It's been ages since I've heard any news!..." "We'd be delighted!", I said. I told this mechanical creature before us all about me and my adventures on Dinotopia so far. I said how far the carnivores had come, from near pure barbarism to near civilized behaviour; and related on how we have interacted with both allies and enemies thus far. I indicated that the rest of the Dinotopians did not adhere to the ways we have shown so far, and how we had hopes to one day negotiate with them. Rex told of how his clan was run, and all the changes from the traditional ways, which had happened in a blink of an eye by thier time standards. Diego told of his life with Torres LaSage, and all the crimes he witnessed against the people of Dinotopia he was privy to. Mayday related to him the ways of life the dinotopians live; from the most simple and utilitarian to the more opulent, and the pride these people take in thier everyday lives. Ripper and Snapper told of life in thier pack, and the boon they share with the Tyranosaurs in the expanded clan they share. Klamath, Zandra and Triphus all told of thier parts in the war so long ago, and thier exploits since that time. All in all, Flit was totally entertained and enlightened the whole hour as we all spoke - it was clearly the most news he had heard in a long while! "But one thing I want to know, Flit.", I said when we were through telling him our tales. "Since Pobroke is dead for all intents and purposes; doesn't it feel strange to use his body like you do? I mean, it's like being with a Zombie or something!" "Zombie?", Flit asked. "It's a myth, of course.", I began. "But a Zombie is a living dead person. The myth says that some kind of magic makes the dead come back to life and walk around, looking for the living to make into Zombies like themselves." "Ooh!...", Flit shivered mechanically. "I never thought of it like that! I needed Pobroke's body to better manipulate and repair things. I never dreamed he was a Zombie!" "It's only a myth, like I said!", I chuckled. "Perhaps for mechanical contrivances, this might not be the case." "Pobroke was a great friend when he was alive, and a splendid warrior.", Klamath told us. "Just because his mind was incorporated into that suit did not make him any less of a person! It is still a shame he no longer functions." "I'm not saying he was not well remembered, Klamath.", I said. "It's just that the myths my society has contrived might not apply here." "P-p-please!", Flit stammered. "Do not create such dissent on my account! I understand the implications, so please, seek peace!" "Don't worry Flit!", I said. "Even friends like us have disagreements from time to time." "Nothing major is meant by it.", Klamath confirmed. "Oh,... good then!", Flit said. "I guess I'll see you later?" "Yes, we go now.", Mayday said. "It getting late!" Farewells were said all around, and we presently left Shetsetskafti's workshop with the blue glowing eyes of Flit watching us leave. We crossed the massive space occupied by all those Strutters and made our way to the exit of the place. Within an hour we climbed the stairway that led to the upper complex, and not long after that we were in the chamber of Zandra. All along the way we gave a tour of the place for Triphus, who hung back to read this or that hyroglyph or gaze at one fresco or another. His eyes shimmered crimson as we came out into the jungle that surrounded the pyramid, evidentally enjoying the sunshine after so long out of its' presence. He was still looking up when Thundertail came by and noticed the new suit of armor on the path; and Triphus instantly got into a defensive stance at the sight - much to the useless protests of Diego within! Klamath halted him with a hand and had him retract his helmet so the bewildered Diego could stare up at his king with a strange smile on his face! Soon our whole group were smiling at him, and that transferred to the toothy mouth of Thundertail. "Well, well!", Thundertail boomed. "So this is our new arrival! I assume your name is Triphus? Klamath has told us a lot about you." "I am Triphus, warrior armor for my lord Othgar.", Triphus bowed. "I beg that I fall under your service for the duration of your wise reign, sir." "Granted, noble sir.", Thundertail consented in kind. "How does your wearer feel about all this?" "It's the strangest experience I ever had, sir.", Diego told him. "But Triphus indicates that he will help me through it." "Excellent!", Thundertail told the lad. "Just like Stinger helped you through your rehabilitation from LaSage's influence!" "Yes, a distasteful part of a life that no longer is.", Diego told him. "It's a good thing that this life is getting better and better!" Thundertail chuckled at this comment a moment and then had us relate to him the rest of the journey into the World Beneath. He remained amazed still at the robotic contrivances that Strutters were; and took extra interest when we described the workshop behind Triphus's lair, and those that had occupied it. He agreed that it might be useful to have Pobroke about, and that other robotic creature, Flit, seemed comical to him when we described him! At length he decided that we should summon them right away, and include them into our ranks. He reasoned that, with the technological and mechanical expertise Flit evidentally had, he could be useful to help keep equipment around the clan in good working order; and give MacDougal assistence in such matters, and the opposite could be true when it became necesary to rebuild the Strutters down below. At length, Flit and Pobroke was summoned, and both took great pleasure of all the creatures on the surface that was eager to greet them and introduce themselves. It took many days for the three new mechanical members of clan Thundertail to get used to things around camp. They were given a tour of the place, and told of the policies of the clan and told of the various goings on in recent days. Not long after that they were well acclimated to thier new existences, and evrryone in camp soon grew used to these strange devices... _
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Post by thundertail on Mar 17, 2012 4:31:17 GMT -5
_ TWENTY-FIVE: "Skybax." "Er..., could you hand me that big wrench over there?", Flit asked MacDougal down in the bowels of the World beneath, in the Strutter chamber. "And for Pathos' sake! Hold that leg joint straight!" "Aw, bugger off, ya' tin can!", MacDougal said, but complied anyway. "First it's scalys orderin' me around, next it's metal mouths!", he shoved the indicated piece in place. "Who died an' made you boss?" "My boss, Othgar, that's who!", Flit said as he disengaged from Pobroke, slithering around the other side of the Strrutter they were working on. "Pincushion, can you do anything with him?" "I tried!", Pincushion said as he brought over another piece of the metallic Bracheosaur. "Guess you can't teach an old human new tricks!" "Fah!", MacDougal spat. "Are we going to get this beastie together, or are we going to stand around all day?" Actually, the last several weeks were quite productive; for not only did they locate every part to every Strutter in the chamber, they had organized those parts for easy assembly. The Kirkys made great haste in cataloging and sorting the items in there, and deciphered records down there that were evidentally the plans to assemble each one of them. So much time was spent down there by them that a lot of the work on the surface began to lag behind. The closed chambers all around the space were opened, and thier contents surveyed and catalogued; and most of those chambers contained workshops, forgeries and storerooms with all sorts of Strutter parts. The only thing that seemed to be missing was the large Sunstones that used to power these metallic bohemoths! As little Hamilton grew to a toddler, so did the responsability for his well being. I had to stay closer and closer to home, trying to help Mayday with the ever growing lad. The rest of the clan were most helpful in many ways from the tiny to the immense. The Kirkys and other saurians fashioned toys and other items for him, and many more gave us gifts that proved quite useful to his care. Rattles of bone and small utensils soon became everyday items around the nursery; and clothing, diapers and other acceseries and many other things proved to be quite a help indeed. The Kriegers volunteered to take the cleaned copro cart, driven by Bross and Chizpa, to Tentpole in the sky to strike a deal with the Mammoths there; trading the milk they make for grains and various fruits and vegetables that were quite rare in thier frigid climates. Thier one week journey ended with a resounding treaty with the peace loving beasts; and soon many caravans of Mammoth driven carts began to enter the Rainy Basin! Diego's growing relationship with Triphus was extremely hard on him, but it proved most informative to him, and his personality began to grow as the wisdom he was nearly constantly being told heightened his sense of honor and made him feel like the most special person on Dinotopia. His reliability to the clan was redoubled in the eyes of all when he decided to volunteer to take the next load of supplies to LaSage and her band of cutthroats. Diego realized that he and Macdougal was dead as far as LaSage and her men were concerned, and the whole clan thought it wise to continue to let them think so; so it was decided that he not show his face while he was at king Adolpho's castle, and to let Triphus do all the talking. As soon as the Krieger's cart was loaded with thier supplies and Sauron and Chillet was hitched to it, Diego and Triphus left camp on thier way to the lad's former home and prison. They had brought along the usual group of Veloceraptor guards, and this time Rex went along to secretly make sure Diego didn't defect back into his former gang. The trip to the castle was relatively uneventful save for the bevy of Struthies they had ambushed along the way. This time they left no leftovers, and the ones they didn't eat was brought with them so LaSage and her 'gentilemen' could have some fresh meat. Diego recognized the castle from a distance, and had the cart go faster down the all too familiar dirt path that led to it. The Veloceraptors fanned out and used the sparse scrub that dotted the clearing around it for cover as the cart and Rex walked toward the castle like they do it every day of thier lives. Usually there would be sentinels on the battlements who would warn those below of any kind of visitor - Diego had spent many a day doing just that. All the walls looked empty to him, and far too quiet for his likings; but Triphus told him that there were still plenty of life forms inside, and to be prepared for anything. They stopped the cart many yards from the barricaded main door, but Diego knew that door would not give them the trouble; for there was a side door to the castle, hidden from view of the main gate, and there would be a literal flood of pirates rushing out to greet them any time now! When nobody came out for many moments, Diego got kind of nervous; for nobody goes unaccosted when waiting in front of LaSage's lair! Triphus had to calm him down a bit as he dismounted the cart and told Rex to wait there. He walked over to the side door, motioning to knock when he noticed something strange. The door was open a crack, and nobody was there to greet them! Triphus pushed the door open softly and crept into the courtyard. When this produced no results, Triphus turned on his sensors and located all the men in the castle. They were up in a side room, sitting around tables and not moving very much from thier spots. Finding his way using Diego's knowledge of the castle layout, they found the room they were in closed; and many shouts and laughter wafted out to them. All in one quick motion Triphus swung the double doors open, startling the group out of thier gluttony and corousing. "Excuse me, gentilemen!", Triphus boomed as the pirates quickly stopped what they were doing and drew swords and knives. All dozen of them had by this time stood up and were quickly approaching, the snarling looks on thier faces told Triphus and the quivering Diego inside that they were not happy in the least at being disturbed! They got to within feet of the maroon armored, Triceratops frilled thing before them and halted, brandishing thier weapons and groaning menacingly. Suddenly a shorter man came out of the crowd and scowled at this apparation like he meant to do harm. "What d'ya want?", he said, and Diego knew his name was Martino. "Get outa here! We're busy!" "I have arrived with your shipment of supplies!", Triphus told him. "And you think you can waltz in here and tell us that?", Martino drew up his small knife, slick with the food he had been carving. "You be either stupid or brave, but I wager the latter!" "What would Torres LaSage think if she came back and saw you like this?", Diego said through Triphus. "We got your supplies, for crying out loud! It would go good for you if you come get it, you know!" "How do you know what she'll say?", Martino said as the rest laughed evily. "I don't think you know anything! Let's open this tin can and see what makes it tick...!" All of a sudden they rushed Triphus and Diego, but the armor's automatic defenses kicked in and sent them all sprawling onto the floor and clattering into the table with a thrust and turn of the armored body. Most of them got up, but some stayed down; and Martino got up brandishing a sword. He sneered at this unmoving beast and crouched into a defensive stance, edging his way toward this foe. "I got my can opener now!", Martino said. "What do you got?" "I really do not have time for this!", Triphus said as he lunged forward like a streak. He grabbed the sword and wrenched it out of Martino's hand, then he snapped it in half like one would snap a twig! "Now, are you going to unload your supplies, or do I need to do that with you humans?" The smarter ones in back of the crowd nodded and began to move to the exit. Martino stood there, still crouched, looking at the broken sword on the floor and scowling up at this superhuman creature. As most of them began to move past him, he got the hint and joined them. Diego chuckled at the whole thing silently; for it was probably the first time he had ever beaten any of them in battle! Triphus backed up to let them pass and followed them a few paces back down the hall and out into the courtyard of the castle. Seeing they were being followed by this armored monster, many of the pirates quickened thier pace. Several of them went to the main gate and took the bar off the hasps to pull the door open; but ran back in fear at what waited for them on the other side! Rex had taken it upon himself to remove most of the traps and debris from the main entrance; and he was just finishing up when the doors swung back and several of those pesky human pirates met his smiling gaze! Behind him, Sauron and Chillet snickered at the astonishment on thier faces; and many of the Veloceraptors waiting in the underbrush beyond enjoyed the spectacle as well! Triphus walked past the stricken humans and walked right up to Rex to rub his muzzle, then he looked back and made a welcoming gesture toward the cart; of which the pirates reluctantly got the hint, but were too afraid of the half grown Tyranosaur before them to comply. "Don't worry! He won't bite - yet!", Diego said through Triphus's voice. "Let's give them some room, ok Rex?", both backed away from the path and let them through. The pirates gingerly scooted past Rex, and made it almost as one to the copro cart - which still smelled slightly - and to thier waiting supplies. Chillet brayed at one of them as he got too close while Sauron reached out and snapped at one who looked at him wrong; but other than that, the unloading went on smoothly for the next ten minutes. Once done, Martino stepped as close as he dared and looked up to the frilled thing. "Say, don't I know you from somewhere?", he asked with a sneer. "I do not know.", Triphus said. "Have you ever been to the World Beneath?" "Aw! Never mind, tin can!", he backed away and set his attention on the supplies now stacked or tossed in the courtyard of the castle. "Hey! Half that stuff's mine!...", was heard until the doors were closed by two more thugs, and any further talk was muffled. "Well! that was interesting!", Diego said. "Those birds never change!" "So, how you feel about them now?", Rex asked as they drew near the copro cart. "I feel like I need to take a bath when we get home!", Diego replied, which got laughs from thier group. "Then let's get you home!", Rex chuckled as the cart was turned around. "I feel kind of dirty myself!", he gave the now helmetless Diego a lick, of which Diego rumpled his muzzle. As before, the Veloceraptors came out of hiding and hopped up onto the cart once they were safely out of view of the castle. The trip home was relatively uneventful, save for the fact that a band of humans were detected coming thier way. As they all sprung into hiding well away from the path, they saw that it was LaSage and her other men returning from wherever it was they had gone to. The ones they left at the castle would certainly get into trouble for messing up her dining room; but hopefully she would be lenient on them because they had acquired thier next shipment of supplies from clan Thundertail - but knowing LaSage, that would not be the case for them! As they passed, many were speaking about where they had been. It seems they had visited an outpost near the outskirts of Waterfall City, a tavern of sorts that was run by mister John Scott. No harm was done, just a little drinking, gambling and horseplay; and that one little fight that Quint had gotten into with a citizen there was what most of them were talking about. This little bit of information the others would surely want to know about, and they would tell the rest of the clan when they got back! They made it back into clan Thundertail with no further incodent, and when they got there they were met with all the welcome conquering heroes would receive. Thundertail himself was especially pleased that they met with no real resistence, and laughed at thier exploits there. A proud Diego told of how Triphus broke Martino's sword, and the way they had the situation under control from the first moments. I stepped up to Diego and personally congratulated him on his first solo assignment, and welcomed him as a new full fledged clan member - the look of pride on his face was the only thank you I needed! I had led the hunting party back home a while ago, and a feast was soon prepared for them in thier honor. The Kirky band piped up, thier tumblers and acrobats performed many daring stunts; and merriment was abundant all around camp. Even MacDougal stopped by and gave the lad a congratulatory slap on the back! However, the celebration did not last for very long as two dark shapes shadowed the camp from high above. We all looked up and saw two large flyers swoop into view. They landed in a clear spot behind us, and quickly wished they didn't for all the carnivores converging on them. I noticed thier avian harnesses, thier rather large size and thier human riders and realized they were from the Skybax corps from Canyon City, and rushed into the fray to try and regain some kind of order! "Greetings, flying travelers!", I yelled through the commotion. "How may we help you?" "Hello sir.", the man said. "I am David Scott, from the Skybax patrol. This is my wingman, Romana Dennison.", I shook his hand and hers in turn. "David Scott...", I said as I disengaged. "I remember you now! You were here over a year ago, if I remember correctly." "Yes, I was.", David said. "I filed my report of you; and word was received of your other exploits since then. Let us just say that this is a most unusual situation indeed!" "What do you mean?", I asked. "Well, the council has made a decision on what you and this clan is doing here.", david said. "Romana, the writ please?", she reached into the saddle bag on her Skybax and handed it over. The carnivores that were around gave room for thier king; and Thundertail looked these two new humans over as well as thier flyers and grumbled a few words to me. "What is going on, Stinger?", he asked in a rumble, which unnerved the flyers to no end. "The council at Waterfall City has reached a decision about us.", I explained in Tyranosaur, which gave David and Romana pause. I turned to them and translated what was said. "He wanted to know what was going on." "I see.", David said and continued unrolling the scroll. He cleared his throat and started reading. Nearly every creature there leaned in to witness the reading. "To king Thundertail, clan Thundertail, Rainy Basin.", David Scott read. "From mayor Waldo Seville, speaker of the high council, Waterfall City.", everyone hushed. "We, the distinguished members of the high council, have hereby decreed that all activities in the lost city of Halcyon, the temples Orous and Teeklan, and the recesses of the World Beneath, to cease and quit. Furthermore, all activities concerning the restoration of said places to be disbanded. The reasons for such a decree are as follows: 1) Said facilities are holy places, and our founders agreed to never enter them again. 2) The carnivores of the Rainy Basin are to guard said facilities only, and not to habitate them, as per the original treaty. 3) Said facilities contain dangers in the form of unsafe areas, devices and other objects that contain magical and unknown powers and made for unknown purposes; and such devices in the wrong hands could spell disaster.", David flinched as he looked up at all the angering carnivores listening to him - including me! "Uh..., there's more, from mayor Seville himself, no less!.", David said, hoping he wouldn't be eaten before he was through. "Do not let us be misunderstood, kind saurians! We commend you all for what you have done so far, and wish you all the best in your trek toward civilization. However, the fact remains that the above activities is against every applicable law on Dinotopia! We hope you will do the right thing and desist these activities, for we hold those places in the highest reverence, and would be saddened if they were defiled in any way. With all my best... mayor Waldo Seville..." At first nobody in the clan could speak. We couldn't believe that the high council would rule that we had to stop our activities, or had the audacity to attempt to hinder us! We actually couldn't blame these two people or thier flyers for delivering to us this grave news; but the growing tension was almost too much for any of us to take! Pretty soon nearly all of us were grumbling, balking and protesting the news we had heard! As the noise reached a fever pitch, Thundertail gave off a tremendous roar and brought the rest of us to near silence. "You mean to tell us that they forbid us from gaining our right to civilization?! Are they mad?!", Thundertail roared, and I translated. "We need these places to grow and thrive! We can not expand and nurture our new civilization without them!", this I added myself. "I know this.", David said. "I'm all for you making a place for yourselves here; and I agree you may need these places to live.", he turned to Romana. "But the fact remains that they want you out of those places, and there is nothing you can do about it." "We realize that you may think you need places to live, and these ruins may seem like the ideal places.", Romana Dennison said. "But these structures are our most holy places, and it would be a crime if you defile them with your presence. We are an extremely traditional people, and our history means a lot to us. These ruins are part of that history - a history well left as it was!" "We are not exactly without historical sentimentalities.", I told them. "With the work done on them so far, we have catalogued and preserved records of everything as the way we found it before we took measures at restoration or renovation. We have amassed a small library of notes and observations of what exactly was here. We have restored every area as exactly as we could make it, and faithfully reproduced everything as it was like it was new. We never intended to destroy anything here, just to make it like the way it was, and to render it livable once again." "I see that.", David said as he looked over his shoulder at the newly renovated pyramid in the near distance. "And you should be commended for your efforts. But I did not make this decree - they did." "I am certain there can be another way to attain the goals you seek.", Romana said. "I see you have a viable community right here in the forest. Perhaps you can start fresh from there..." "Our population is growing by the day.", I told them. "If such a community were to exist, we would expend our rescources in short order. This is why we decided to rebuild these places; so we can give the land we currently are housed on over to more productive endeavors." "That is a well thought out plan, by the sound.", David Scott said. "Perhaps the council could be lienient in this case?" "What the council has decided must be obeyed!", Romana Dennison said to him. "These places are sacred." "Does the council think we have a say in where we live?", I asked, only half way sarcastically. "From what I gather, thier jurisdiction doesn't exactly cover the Rainy Basin." "It is expected that all Dinotopians obey the will of the council.", Romana told me. "Any other action is considered unthinkable. If you and this clan are true Dinotopians, you should obey this decision." "But to obey the council, we must betray ourselves!", I snapped at her, then regained myself. "I think we need to talk about this. Thundertail, my king. What say you?", this was said in Tyranosaur. "We all need to discuss this in private.", Thundertail said. "My caln, please meet me over in the other side of the clearing!", this I did not translate, but most of the carnivores obeyed thier leader anyway. "We need to discuss this.", I told them. "If you wait here, we'll give you a reply to give them." "Sure.", David Scott said as he and she stood by thier Skybaxes. Talon hung back a bit to have a look at these two larger flyers. She sidled closer, but at a discreet distance; and then the pair began to notice her. She began to chortle greetings at them, of which they mostly ignored. She asked in her language things like how things were, any air disturbances where they were and such. The only one that seemed to want to respond was Freefall, but the other hushed him. At these squawkings, I noticed what was going on! "No flirting over there, Talon!", I scolded softly, and Freefall chortled softly. I turned my head just then and completed my short walk to where most of the other carnivores were. There was plenty of grumbling going on already, but the ones who were the worst there were Thundertail and Grond! As I stepped into the circle of disgruntled carnivores, most of them quieted down somewhat and began looking at me. I did not know what they were expecting of me, but Thundertail made all thier wishes clear when he spoke to me next. "Fly with a stinger, this news is grave indeed.", he said to me. "You, being human, and more able to understand these ways, should be able to come up with a course of action we could take. What say you, my most important human?" "First of all...", I began as I chose my words carefully. "The high council does NOT hold jurisdiction over the Rainy Basin; so they can not really enforce, legally, this message they gave.", I looked at my comrades a moment. "These Skybax riders have merely delivered a friendly advisory to stop what we are doing. They expect us to stop just because they say so." "But we can't stop!", Pincushion said. "That will destroy our future prosperity!" "This is what they do not understand.", I said. "We must stop because we are Dinotopians, but we can't because that will spoil what we've been working so hard to do: create our own civilization. That must mean, to them, that we would be criminals." "It is obvious to us that we need to discuss this with them personally if we are to live here.", Thundertail said. "Is there a way we could do this, Stinger?" "We must arrange an expedition to the high council.", I said. "We must organize a platform and a presentation to them that would be agreeable to all. We must agree on all the things we need here, and then present it to them in a diplomatic way." "We have a lot to prepare for.", commented Deathflower. "Yes, and not much time in which to do it.", Grond said. "We still have to tell these humans something.", Thundertail said. "I'll tell them.", I said and walked back to where the Skybax riders waited. "Well?", Romana Dennison asked. "What is your decision?" "We wish to seek an audience with the high council.", I told them. "We believe this edict is unfair, and want to negotiate our right to live here. If you would, please tell them that; and tell them this. We did not know this place meant that much to them; however, we do need a place to live. If they can not see this, we are forced to remain here anyway and face whatever comes of it.", my look became softer. "I guess that's about it. If you wish, you may stay for a meal or to rest a little more." "No, we must be off.", Romana said. "Yes, the sun is already sinking low in the sky.", David Scott said. "It is over a two hour flight to Canyon City." "Very well then.", I said to them as they mounted thier flying steeds. "Take care of yourself, Freefall!", I called after thier wake, and Freefall cawed back. Talon cawed after them too. It had seemed that she had gotten quite acquainted with Freefall! As the pair of flyers shrank from sight carrying thier human passengers, our thoughts returned to the news they had brought with them. It was decided to discuss this matter among ourselves in the newly reconditioned ampetheatre in the heart of Halcyon - meetings were obviousely its' original purpose, and no better purpose than this was exactly what would be discussed there. By late afternoon all of the important ones in our clan were gathered there, including representitives of all species currently enrolled in the clan. Klamath's throne was dissasembled from the floor so simpler chairs could be put up on the dias, and the crude table that I dined with LaSage on so long ago was set before them. Spaces up there were set aside for Thundertail and Rex; and the husk of Sharptooth had been removed long ago to make room for all the members who would attend. As all of them filed into the vast chamber made small by everyone attending, the first meeting seen here in many centuries soon commenced. "This meeting will now commence.", Thundertail said as he tapped his claws on the table. "The issue at hand is as follows: What is to be done about the prohibition of the Dinotopian council against our living here, in this place and in these cities. Has anybody a comment on this matter; or can give suggestions as to how to remedy this problem?" Comments flew through the air, and suggestions were also abundant; but the disorder in which they were given made Thundertail roar within the first few minutes! "We shall have order here!", he announced. "Only those with useful suggestions may speak!" Quite a few hours later, many decisions were made; and a plan slowly began to form, and ways to carry it out. It was reasoned that we would have to make the Rainy Basin its' own seperate country to render it completely free of the rule that was all over Dinotopia; and that meant that many things wopuld have to be emplaced. For one, a decree that the Rainy Basin was a free country would have to be written up and presented to the high council at Waterfall City. In this decree would be the perameters of our society: our laws, the exact extent of our reign, what actions were tolerable and what were not for visitors and residents alike, a codcil on how low Skybax squadrons could fly over the country and several thousand other points that all had to be voted on and added to the decree. Other writs were proposed for submission to the high council, like the possiblilty of trade between the Rainy Basin and the rest of Dinotopia and what we would have to offer them and them us, the use of patrols and other means to insure safety and security and, most importantly, the use of known paths throughout the Rainy Basin by visitors. The treaty we had with Torres LaSage would also be included with the material, and we would give them thier copy of the document while we were there. Over the next few days other considerations were made for this budding proposed new country. For one thing, we noticed that many sects of Dinotopian trades had flags or symbols that denoted thier certain station; and we figured we could do something like that too. We decided to make our official banner a silhouete of a Tyranosaur head facing a human hand; but we were undecided as to the color combinations. we decided to utilize the four basic colors present in our Sunstones - and the subsequent colors of the armor of Othgar we posessed. The flags and banners would be either green, red, yellow or blue for backgrounds and either a white or black silhouette - which ever showed up best on the background. Furthermore, each color flag or banner would denote certain professions within the clan: Green with white were for leaders or higher ranking individuals, yellow with black would be for the guards and those who protect, blue on white would denote the ackedemia and the more learnerd skills and red on black would be for warriors and for the hunters. The art of saddle making and other leatherworking skills had already been learned by many in the clan from travelers going about from other places, and nearly every adult Tyranosaur had one made up for him or her. Saddles made for the juvenile members and smaller dinosaurs were also devised, and we all became experienced riders; but now the need for other leather goods became apparent on this trip through the interior of Dinotopia, places where the sight of carnivores terrified people more often than not! Considerations were allotted, and muzzle harnesses were invented for the delegates to wear as they traveled through Dinotopia on thier way to Waterfall City. This would prove to be an extremely uncomfortable, but necesary part of everyones' attire; for we would be going as delegates negotiating peace, not inciting violence! During this time word had reached us that the Pteranodons were starting to attack some of the other carnivores in the Rainy Basin, and nearly destroying a few clans of allied but seperate Tyranosaurs. Some other news brought by several disbanded Veloceraptor tribes told of the same thing happening to them. In every case, these creatures begged us if we could help, us being the best organized group of carnivores in the Rainy Basin. Saddened and outraged at the mayhem they had caused, Thundertail promised these creatures that we would do something about it. Talon suggested we could negotiate a treaty with the various flocks of winged carnivores, her being the translator for our delegation. A smiling Thundertail commended her for her brilliant suggestion, and praised her bravery for her volunteering of herself for such a task. But since these creatures were extremely dangerous to have any dealings with, he decreed that only the strongest of us would go on that mission; and to save time and diversify our efforts, the delegates going to the Pteranodons would go at the same time as the delegation going to the high council at Waterfall City. "Now my clan,", Thundertail said at our next meeting once we were ready to go. "The time has come to decide who is to go to these negotiations. Now, since the dealings with the Pteranodons is going to be the most dangerous as well as the most important to our immediate security, I will lead this mission; and since the dealings with the high council will be more important in the long run, Rex will go in my stead. It will give him experience in dealing with humans and thier laws!" "I will not fail you, sir.", said Rex. "Grond, Deathflower, Waterkill, Thistlesnarl, Pincushion and five others will go with me.", Thundertail told them, and all nodded. "Talon shall go with me as translator, and Triphus will attend too." "To serve in this cause is what I exist for.", Triphus said, then Diego added: "I will do my best, sir." "And those who will go with Rex are as follows:", Thundertail said as he nodded at Diego's comment. "Fly with a stinger, you will go as translator and main negotiator; for your intellegence and insight in matters human will attain for us all we require. Mayday will also go along, for her, like you, know our ways and needs." "Thank you, sir.", I said and bowed. "I will get our clan everything we deserve." "Me do best.", Mayday told him. "Whitetail should go to assist in organizational matters.", he continued as she bowed. "Even though it is a mission of peace, guards should go along too to protect our delegation. Ripper and Snapper will do this duty.", both bowed and saluted saurian fashion. "Since there would no doubt be no way to procure food and provisions we are accustomed to along the way to Waterfall City, such supplies should be brought along too.", our leader said. "A cart with said supplies will be prepared, and Sauron and Chillet will pull it; with Harold Kirky driving the cart." "You got it, boss!", Harold said as Sauron and Chillet nodded and barked compliance. "Then if there is nothing further, I think we should prepare to leave.", Thundertail then announced. "My king.", I said just then. "We have sent our request with the Skybax riders many days ago. I think we should send a more expedient message now that we are ready to leave." "A good idea, Stinger!", thundertail told me. "But what shall we send, and who shall deliver it?" "I can deliver it.", Mark Serento spoke up. "Prosperine is the closest town with Postal Bird service, and to get there fairly fast, I could ride one of you kind saurians." "But prosperine will not allow carnivores to enter there, amulets of protection or no!", Grond stated. "I'll go.", Pincushion spoke up. "I know the way, and I can always wait by the stream like last time. I'm sure mister Serento wouldn't mind walking from there..." "What a wonderful suggestion, Pincushion! And it's gratious of you for volunteering Mark Serento.", Thundertail complemented. "That sounds like the best course of action to me. Does everyone agree?" Everyone did, and soon we prepared to go to our first true formal negotiations since Thundertail first founded the clan. The next day Pincushion and Mark Serento went off to Prosperine to deliver our note to the high council. He had brought a small supply of provisions in a pack, along with some of our miniscule supply of Drachs and jewels in case he had to pay the Postal bird to deliver the message; and he mounted Pincushion's saddle and both were on thier way. The trip there, they had told us, was rather uneventful. It was deemed that speed was of the essence, so no Veloceraptor guards were dispatched with them. Who, in thier right mind, would bother a determined running Tyranosaur in the Rainy Basin anyway?! They got to the rapidly running stream, and the log that was placed there so long ago; and Pincushion ran over it like it was a wide bridge. At the rise in the path beyond the stream, Pincushion's amulet of protection began to glow dimly, and it was there he stopped to let Mark down. They parted compay then, giving a saurian embrace before Mark made his way down the path that led to the roads going to Prosperine. By midafternoon Mark made it to the outskirts of the city, and inquired the location of thier Post Office. After many wrong turns thanks to the wrong directions given by the stray passers by he had asked, he finally made it to the open air avenue that had the aviary that was the Post Office of the city of Prosperine. "Hello. I am Postal Bird Five-twelve.", squawked the tiny parrotlike creature. "Please state your destination and message in that order.", her feathers ruffled. "Destination: Waterfall City, council chambers.", Mark said. "Message as follows: The creatures of the Rainy Basin humbly request audience to discuss writ given two weeks ago. Our delegation will leave aproximately the time you receive this message. End of message." "The Rainy Basin?!", Five-twelve balked. "I will not send a message from them!" "But you MUST!", Mark said with believable desperation. "You don't know what they will do to my family if I fail!" "How human?", Five-twelve asked. "Do tell." "We were traveling through the Rainy Basin.", Mark began his lie. "We were stopped by a horde of them! They captured us and ate our Partners. My wife and two children are held hostage! They said that if I did not deliver thier message, they would eat my family!" "You poor thing!", Five-twelve said. "Of course I'll deliver your message!" "I have money to pay, if you wish...", Mark sounded meek. "Nonsense!", Five-twelve said soothingly. "If it will help free your family, I'll do it! They WILL free your family, won't they?" "I don't know, but I hope so.", Mark sounded like he was about to weep. "I must go back to a spot near the Rainy Basin, where one of them is waiting for news of my success." "I could dispatch guards...", Five-twelve offered. "No, please!", Mark warned. "If they see that I've betrayed them, I don't know what they'll do to my family!" "Then I guess I should be on my way.", Five-twelve said as she prepared to take off. "Good luck, human!", off she went. Mark Serento smiled and turned from the aviary. It took more time to get to the outskirts of Prosperine than it was to get to the post office thanks to him being turned around on the many side streets and his preocupation with the myriad of shops and thier wares - he missed civilization terribly! By late evening he had reached where he had left Pincushion. Once again he had to hide near the stream as the path was rather well-traveled. After a brief but affectionate greeting, Mark got back on the Tyranosaur, and they began the rather long trip back to camp. The sun had just left the sky when they got back, and they related to us what happened during thier trip. We decided to write up a signed deposition concerning what Mark had said to the Postal bird, that it was merely a ruse to get her to deliver the message, and that Mark Sereno and his family were full members of the clan, and good friends. Once this was done, it was decided we should all turn in for the night, for tomorrow would mark a day of great changes in the clan... _
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Post by thundertail on Mar 17, 2012 15:09:21 GMT -5
_ TWENTY-SIX: "Waterfall City." Activities in clan Thundertail started earlier than usual that morning, for things were changing, and everyone decided to get an early start. I had tossed and turned all night, thinking about what I would say to the high council when we got there; but I woke up at the crack of dawn like it was my turn to be on the hunting party. I roused Mayday with a kiss and went to see how little Hamilton was doing, and he was still sound asleep! We both donned our armors of Othgar, now polished to a gleam, and went out into the corridor of the pyramid to see that the rest of its' occupants were up as well. I had asked Selma Ovaraptor to take care of my baby while I was gone, and she agreed whole heartedly - can't beat an Ovaraptor's motherly instinct! We went to where Sauron and Chillet were housed, and saw that they were already getting ready; putting on thier harnesses, now sporting clan Thundertail insignia on thier saddle blankets and the brass hardware on them gleamed with fresh polish. The cart we were going to use was in the process of being loaded with a one week supply of food and provisions for us all: dried and preserved meats, baskets of fruits, vegetables and nuts and all sorts of other things we would need for the more than one day trip to Waterfall City. I knew we made the offer before, but we were bringing the Copro cart; and we hoped that this time they'd take it off our hands! I placed the satchel containing all of our paperwork behind the seat and looked around at all the other activity about camp. Kirkys ran about getting things the other delegates needed for thier diplomatic mission. Ripper and Snapper, adorned in thier guard finery and already muzzled, were getting a dressing down from Mosquito, thier pack leader; and thier mother, Whitetail, was there straightening thier uniforms. She was all decked out in her own woven finery, and had her amulet of protection around her neck. Harold swaggered over to the cart and inspected his clan as they loaded the cart, spouting orders like he was some kind of dictator before finally climbing aboard and testing the seat. Rex was over by his father getting the rest of his saddle on and being adorned with finery denoting him as prince of the Rainy Basin, and he balked at the scratchy muzzle thay had fashioned for him. It was a halterlike device with chain straps and a chainmail facepiece that would hide his carniverous teeth. I walked over and inspected him from head to foot before speaking. "Looking good, Rex!", I said as he looked down on me with sad eyes. "I feel ridiculous!", he said through the facepiece. "No you don't!", I told him. "You look dignified..., regal!" "He'll do fine.", Thundertail said, observing the procedure. "Now stop fidjiting or the Kirkys will never finish!" More than an hour later everything and everyone was ready. The delegation that was going to confront the Pteranodons gathered over by Thundertail on the other side of the boomerang shaped clearing, and he began to brief them on what they were to expect; and I and my group stood off to wait for them to finish. As the sun finally made it over the trees in our little corner of Dinotopia, both groups turned to one another and nodded silently in departure; and without another word, both groups turned toward the paths that would lead them to thier destination and left clan Thundertail. Since I wasn't on Thundertail's team this time, I'll tell you how it went with our team first. We headed down the path that led south first, trying to avoid Deep Swamp; which was flooded due to the rainy season. The going was slowed as we slogged through many a puddle and washed out road. We veered west as soon as we made it past that vast, boggy expanse; and the ground quickly became dry and gradually became rocky. I had insisted that we rest frequently, and we stopped just at the western border of the Rainy Basin by nightfall. We set out early the next morning, and came across the first outpost by mid morning. The place was called Gorgonia, and the people there were extremely frightened at first; but with some extensive explaination from me, they let us pass with no further complaint other than terrified looks. The same thing happened in Horsetail grove, as well as Carnassus.The people we tried to avoid at Sweetwater Lake treated us with more or less the same hospitality, and some of those actually allowed us to drink thier water before hurriedly shooing us away! Before long we were nearing the outskirts of Waterfall City, and the sight of all the gleaming buildings nestled between hundreds of water cascades both large and small enthralled us all! Mayday pointed as she described each building and thier importance to us. There was the tower where the Prime Sunstine was stored, it's lighthouse-like glint shone brightly despite the sun. There was the One-world globe and the library complex - and the great stone bridge that connected the city with the rest of Dinotopia. Many Skybax flew here and there above the city, and if you looked real close you could see the activity of thousands of the city's residents - including the multi-ton Brachs pulling this or that cart or milling about doing other errands. Truely, Waterfall City was a shining jewl in the crown of Dinotopia! "Well, we might as well get on with it.", I said as I saw the amulets our carnivores were wearing shine and pulse in accordance to the shining of the Prime Sunstone. "Yeah, I guess.", Rex gulped. "C'mon, fellas..." "What's the matter, big guy?", I asked from his saddle. "Nervous?" "Maybe just a little.", he said. "Well, don't worry.", I told him as we continued down the road. "I'll do most of the talking." Within the hour we were within sight of the giant bridge that spanned a deep, river swolen gorge; and gazed down the main avenue it created at the tall city gate beyond. Many pedestrians and saurian driven carts were on the bridge too, coming and going and on thier way to thier various tasks; and all of them gave us a wide berth and worried stares as we passed. I just smiled and waved, urging my companions to do the same; thus we all tried to make nice as we entered Waterfall City. At the gate two saurian guards in impeccable uniforms rushed out to block our way with crossed spears. It was at that point that we all halted. "State your business.", barked one of them as the other backed up a step when he noticed we were carnivores. "A delegation from the Rainy Basin to address the high council.", I told them. "We were not informed.", the guard stated. "Your credentials, please." "Uh..., we have no credentials,", I told the dinosaur. "But we have that writ that they sent by Skybax a short time ago.", I looked back to our cart. "Harold, could you get it please?", he reached in back and rummaged through the satchel behind the seat; then he hopped down and handed it to him. "There you go, boss!", Harold stretched to hand it to him, then returned to the Copro cart. "I don't know,... We really weren't notifyed.", the guard said after reading the writ slowly. "We will have to send someone to confirm this.", he turned to his companion. "Please go see.", the other guard rushed off. "Now, if you would move yourselves and your belongings over by that building...", he pointed with his spear. "We will see about this." We waited there for a full twenty minutes as the guard waited for his cohort to return. In the mean time many passers by looked sideways at us like we had some sort of disease! All we did was shift our footing and basically kept silent as gasps and muted callings of others swirled all around us. If Rex wasn't nervous before, he would certainly be now - I sure was! I looked this way and that, seeing the people and dinosaurs staring at us; and hoping that darn guard would hurry back! All of a sudden a disturbance in an upper level caught Klamath's eye. Several human boys and young dinosaurs were playing, walking along the stone railing up there, when all of a sudden an even smaller Stenochysaurus lost his balance and teetered over the edge! Klamath's actions suddenly turned to overdrive and catapulted me over to where the lad was falling - totally against my will, I assure you! I quickly halted under him as he finally lost his battle with gravity; and I caught him before he hit the hard cobbles below. The suit collapsed slightly to absorb the momentum and quickly righted itself. I let the stunned dinosaur down on his feet as he finally realized what happened, then he looked up at me with strange fear in his eyes! "You ok? Nothing broken?", I asked in the creature's language. He nodded and ran away. "I think you should leave the flying to the Skybax!", I called after him. It was then that I heard the reluctant applaud coming from all around me. I looked at the crowd, then noticed that the guard had materialized at my side, spear pointed at me! I wisely bowed at the crowd and slunk back to my group. Rex smiled at me in a toothy way at my heroics, but nobody could see due to his facemask. It was at about this time that the other guard returned. He spoke a few hushed words to his companion, and both turned to us. "If you would follow us, please.", the first guard instructed. We presently complied, and followed the twin saurian guards deeper into the city. The going was slow due to all the foot and cart traffic, but this quickly got out of our way once they saw us coming. In only a few short minutes we approached a sweeping building with wide steps leading up to the biggest set of doors I had ever seen. The guards halted us at these steps and told us to wait while one of them rushed inside. It was only a moment later when a lanky older man with ornate robes and a multicolored felt hat shuffled out and trundled down the steps, guard discreetly in the rear. As he looked up from concentrating on his steps, he took a step back and gasped! "Well, when Doppo said there were carnivores at the front gate, he was not kidding!", the man exclaimed. "Ah... I am mayor Waldo Seville, at your service.", he bowed. "A pleasure, your honor.", I said, and we all bowed, human and saurian alike. "I am Stinger, speaker for our group. We are on a diplomatic mission from the the Rainy Basin, seeking audience to discuss a writ we had received.", I rose and said. "Yes, yes. We had received a message concerning such.", mayor Seville said. "To tell the truth, we hadn't expected you so soon!" "I suppose the outposts we passed through saw that expedience was of the seesnce.", I said. "I see... You may unhitch your pullers over there so we can get started...", mayor Seville said, pointing Sauron and Chillet were unhitched by Harold and Whitetail, and I led the twin Pachycephalosauruses into our group. The cart we left in the alley shouldn't be disturbed as the two saurian guards went to guard it. Seeing all was in readiness, Waldo turned to us and spoke. "Now, if you would follow me...", he turned and proceeded up the steps as we followed. The whole group made thier way through the giant doors, Ripper and Snapper following in our wake. Up a long, wide and tall arched hallway we walked; and everyone felt humbled at the vastness of the space. Human and saurian assistants, along with thier delegate superiors, milled about on thier own seperate errands all around us; but none of them came within twenty feet of us. They all seemed to know we were on a diplomatic mission of our own, but none of them seemed to want to confront us! As all these creatures disappeared around corners and alcoves, the giant antechamber became vacant except for us and the mayor. I saw that Waldo Seville stopped at another set of great doors at the further end of the space, and he halted us at that door. "Now, if you would please wait here, I will introduce you.", the mayor said, turned, and turned back to us. "What are you called, by the way?", this he whispered. "I am called Stinger, translator and speaker of this precession.", I said. "This is Rex, son of King Thundertail. This is Mayday, a helper, good friend and my mate. Here is Whitetail, administrative assistant and matriarch of her pack; and Ripper and Snapper, our guards and her sons. This is Harold Kirky, leader of the Kirky Circus; and these are Sauron and Chillet, good friends and helpers.", he nodded at each of us in turn and opened the great hall doors, disappearing inside. Even though the doors were thick and strong looking, muffled sounds could be heard through them. I turned up Klamath's hearing, and heard clearly what was going on. Mayor Waldo Seville presently announced that delegates from the Rainy Basin had arrived. That we were carnivores and not to act afraid when we entered. A moment later, in a louder voice, he made the official announcement. The twin doors swung outward to reveal a courtroom full of saurian and human delegates and witnesses of every gender, species and form of dress. Tenatively at first, but with growing enthusiasm, applause both human and saurian rang from the room! With as much regality as I could, I led our delegation into the room. Rex was next with Mayday at his side. Sauron and Chillet was next, followed by harold, and Ripper and Snapper brought up the rear. Mayor Seville was up on a dias at the back of the room, which looked like he was behind the bow of a ship; and he pointed to us that we should stand at a table in the center of the main aisle. When we got there, we bowed as one as Ripper and Snapper went back to stand next to the saurian guards at the front doors. Rex stood behind us as we went to the table, where a few seats were placed. Mayday and I decided to stand, but Whitetail took her satchel of papers and placed them on the table, sorting the contents as she sat. Harold took the seat next to her, then hopped onto the table to see better. Sauron and Chillet merely stood directly behind Rex and looked around at all the delegates. We then bowed to everyone in the room, and once the mayor saw that we were properly situated, he at last spoke. "Creatures of the court of the high council of Dinotopia!", Waldo Seville said, raising both hands. "A monumental day has indeed risen on our land; for this is the first time in nearly three hundred years that emissaries from the Rainy Basin have graced this court with thier presence!", a sea of applaud rose up, and we bowed again. "Now, it said through correspondance that you have an issue you wish to address us with.", the mayor said. "What, pray tell, would that be?" "Your eminence, mayor Seville, illustrious members of the high council,", I began. "We are the delegates from the Rainy Basin, from clan Thundertail. I present to you Rex, son of king Thundertail and heir to the kingdom his father now rules!", Rex bowed and the others in the room applauded. "I am Stinger, speaker and translator for the delegation and trusted clan member.", my applause came. "This is Mayday, trusted clan member and my mate.", hers came. "I present Whitetail, matriarch of her tribe and administrative assistant.", so did hers. "Harold Kirky is from the Kirky Circus, and also a trusted clan member. Sauron and Chillet Pachycephalosaurus are strong workers and loyal clan members. Ripper and Snapper, the guards are Whitetail's sons and brave clan members.", once all thier applaud died down, Waldo Seville raised a hand and spoke. "You mean to say you have different species in your group, and some are not even meat eaters?", he asked. "We find the skills of many are greater than the sum of any one species.", I explained. "While some are known for thier strength or thier intellegence, others are skilled in other ways. All you see before you have eaten meat from time to time.", Sauron nodded. "One more question and you may continue.", Waldo asked. "I do not recognize you. Who are you, and where do you come from?" "Though Stinger is my clan name, my real name is colonel Charles Decker, of the United States Air Force.", the whole chamber gasped at this news. "A little over two years ago, my jet plane crashed in the Rainy Basin...", I told them the whole story, and when I was done all fell silent. The mayor was the next to speak. "Then you haven't been formally indoctrinated into Dinotopia!", he said triumphantly. "You must regester yourself with us before you can become a full citizen. We will arrange some papers for you to sign; and since you already have a Partner, like you say, we could dispense with that! Your education is adequate if a little outdated, perhaps we could teach you..." "Please! Your honor.", I cut in. "There's really no need to go into that on my account! We need to solve the issue at hand quickly, as we had only brought enough provisions to last only a little while.", I looked at Rex and smiled. "You don't want us to run out of food, do you?" Waldo gulped."I see your point!... Very well. We will dispense with those proceedings and continue with the meeting.", he waved for me to continue. "Many weeks ago, a pair of Skybax riders entered the territory of our clan.", I continued. "They bore a writ, and that writ stated that we were forbidden to live in the temples and ruins of the ancient cities that abound in our territory. We are a clan that has decided to become more civilized; and through many endeavors, have become so to a certain degree. It was decided that, if we are to grow further, we must renovate and occupy such places; and seeing as how nobody is using those places, we decided to live there." "The writ you speak of is perfectly legal.", the mayor commented. "Those sites are considered holy." "The reason why we have come to you today is to petition that this writ is unfair, and protest it most vigorousely.", I said. "We need to use those places because, as we grow, we are slowly depleting our land. Our population must live in those cities so our land can be better utilized. Is it possible for you to understand this?" "We realize that you may think you need places to live, and these ruins may seem like the ideal places.", Waldo Seville said. "But these structures are our most holy places, and it would be a crime if you defile them with your presence. We are an extremely traditional people mister Decker, and our history means a lot to us. These ruins are part of that history - a history well left as it was!" "We are not exactly without historical sentimentalities.", I told them. "With the work done on them so far, we have catalogued and preserved records of everything as the way we found it before we took measures at restoration or renovation. We have amassed a small library of notes and observations of what exactly was there. We have restored every area as exactly as we could make it, and faithfully reproduced everything as it was like it was new. We never intended to destroy anything here, just to make it like the way it was, and to render it livable once again." "That may be true.", the mayor said. "And you should be commended for your efforts. But this decree was made by the ancients; that no one set foot in those places again.", he bent to say conspiratorially: "I'm all for you making a place for yourselves there; and I agree you may need these places to live; but the fact remains that we want you out of those places, and there is nothing you can do about it." "I am certain there can be another way to attain the goals you seek.", a female human spoke out. "I see you have a viable community right here in the forest. Perhaps you can start fresh from there..." "The council has final say, Rosemary!", Waldo said to her. "They can not stay there!" "But Waldo! This could be the breakthrough we were looking for!", Rosemary Seville told him. "What they are doing is a well thought out plan, by the sound.", Rosemary said. "Perhaps the council could be lienient in this case?" "What the council has decided must be obeyed!", a bedecorated Ankylosaur said to her from an upper tier. "These places are sacred!" "Dear, Almasaur is right.", the mayor told her. "The old laws must be obeyed! The writ stays in good standing, and your complaint is denied!", he tapped the gavel. "Case dismissed!", There were hushed murmurings in the courtroom as delegates prepared themselves for the next case. I did not budge, but turned Klamath's volume up so all could hear. "I'm afraid that is not good enough!", I said, and gave everyone there pause. "Whitetail, the scroll?" "You are out of line!", Waldo accused. "This case is dismissed! You can not speak further on this matter!" "For this injustice, I feel I must!", I looked at the scroll open in front of me and cleared my throat. "We, the creatures of the Rainy Basin this day decree that all properties and holdings in the Rainy Basin are the property of the carnivores, to be usurped by no one. We secede from any laws or edicts decreed by the council of Dinotopia, and claim the Rainy Basin as a sovern land ruled by only us.", I looked up at all the shocked faces around me, and the determined faces of my comrades. "Said claimed land includes lands not under influence of the Sunstones, temples and cities immediately within the Rainy Basin and all accessible areas of the World Beneath.", I continued. "Travel through well known roads will not be affected, but we require that we provide guarded escorts. Skybax may fly over our land, but not land or fly below treetop level without prior permission. Trade treaties may be negotiated as seen fit, as with other treaties.", I looked up. "I could go on, but as you see, we are quite determined!" "I can see that, Stinger!", Mayor Waldo Seville said. "And since you seem most determined to live in those places, I see no point in hindering you further!", he looked at the delegates. "What is your verdict?" "For the fact that they will do so anyway, I decide that they may continue thier activities in these places.", Almasaur said. "And they may do this with my total dissent!" "They do seem determined.", Rosemary seville said. "Let's let them continue, and see what happens." "Very well.", mayor Waldo Seville said with a huff. "Council members, what are your votes?" It turned out that only a handfull of council members wholeheartedly agreed with the idea of us governing ourselves, much less letting us rebuild the ancient temples and cities for us to live in. All the rest voted for the idea with various levels of trepidation, from mild waryness to full blown protest! But all in all, it was agreed that we could continue living there and keep on restoring the temples and cities. Those who voted gave thier reasons, and those who were against it gave thier complaints most strongly! Finally, mayor Waldo Seville tapped his gavel, and the courtroom slowly got back to order. "Now then, is there any further words you would like to say to the court?", this he addressed to me. "First off,", I began. "It was never our intention to disrupt your way of life, nor make a mockery of your beliefs. It was merely the simple fact that we need these places in order to grow toward civilization. Our goal is to attain civilization in our own way, and in our own time. All we ask is to be given the chance to do so, as you have done in your own time." "Thank you, mister Decker.", the mayor said. "And now, there are a few points in your civilization we need to discuss." "I would be pleased to tell you, but please call me Stinger.", I said. "The life I once knew is dead to me, and so should my name." "As you wish.", Waldo said. "Now, there is a question as to the type of government you plan to rule by. What type is currently in place?" "The government we now have is a kingdom.", I said. "It is currently ruled by king Thundertail, and all decisions go through him. He takes advice from all clan members, and bases his judgements on those." "And do you make the majority of those suggestions?", he asked. "I have made my share of them.", I admitted. "And do you think you have had a hand in the changes clan Thundertail is now undergoing?", he continued. "Perhaps.", I said. "But as I say, he has final say in the way things are run." "Do you eat meat?", asked a Parasolophus delegate. "I consider myself an Omnivore.", I told her. "I eat both vegetables as well as meat. I preferr my meat cooked." "You realize that we consider eating meat extremely offensive, don't you?", she asked. "I feel that is is a person's right to choose what they wish to eat.", I told her. "You have made a choice to eat only vegetable matter, and the carnivores made the choice of eating meat. With some, the choice has been made for them by thier biological make-up.”, I turned to look at Almasaur. “Your kind has been designed to eat only plants, and the carnivores are designed to eat meat. Humans and many other creatures can digest both." "But it's against all the laws of Dinotopia!", she said. "We have made steps toward carnivores eating plants.", I cut in. "We have small gardens, and some of the carnivores do eat some fruits and vegetables - though not in enough quantity to survive. They can only consume about one percent of their daily nutritional needs this way - thier digestive systems simply can not handle it." "I can get along eating fifty/fifty, boss!", harold cut in, and I smiled. "Of course, with the smaller carnivores, the ratio is different!", I chuckled. "The thing is, carnivores can not do without eating meat. It may take many generations before this ratio is different; but at least you can say they're trying. Why, prince Rex here just loves bananas, except he can not stomach too many of them!" "Thank you, sir.", the Parasolophus stood down. "I notice you and Mayday wears suits of armor.", Rosemary seville stated. "These are weapons; and weapons are enemies, even to thier owners. Where did you get them?" "They came from the World beneath.", I said. "They are the armor of Othgar.", the delegates gasped! "The most powerful and magical devices known to Dinotopia!", the mayor nearly shouted. "And you posess them!" "They have proven to come in really handy in the Rainy Basin, sir.", I said. "They have saved our lives countless times, and are useful in other ways." "They were built for war.", Rosemary said. "Terrible wars eons ago! You do not realize what you posess!" "On the contrary, distinguished ma'am.", I said. "Klamath has divulged his full story to me, as Zandra has done with Mayday. They were built to serve Othgar to restore the order that once was before Dinotopians were forced underground. They now realize they can not achieve those goals through war, and have agreed to help us to achieve civilization and restore order through peace." "How so?", Waldo asked. "By instigating such trouble as you have started now?" "Well sir, I really wouldn't call what we are doing trouble; but we have made a few successful treaties with our neighbors.", I said. "Such as?", he asked. "The first treaty that I was first involved with was the one between the Veloceraptors currently in our clan.", I said. "The same goes with every species of carnivore in our clan. Before I arrived, the Tyranosaurs in clan Thundertail had established one with the Mosasaurs in the Polongo river that passes by the territory. We stay on our side of the river and they stay on thier side by thier swamp; and nobody bothers the other." "Yes, such treaties are necesary in order to have peace in your territory.", Rosemary said. "Please go on." "Our first experiences in dealing with humans, besides yours truely, is the treaty we currently have with Torres LaSage...", I said, but couldn't go on because of all the commotion going on. "LaSage?!", mayor Seville shouted. "How in the world did that come about?" "A while ago, we had discovered her and her pirates hunting in the Rainy Basin.", I said. "They left cruel traps, and those were injuring other carnivores in the area. These incodents had gotten out of control, and the other clans asked if we would do something about it. They said that if we could deal with them, they would join us in our cause. So we made plans and carried them out.", I went on to describe how we trapped LaSage and her men, using sauron and Chillet for bait - and the rather unpleasant experience she must have had in Halcyon. "So at length, she signed the treaty, and we have a copy of it for you for your records.", I eyed Whitetail, and she produced it for thier baliff to give to the mayor. "I must say!", mayor Waldo Seville said after examining the document. "This treaty is masterfully penned!", Rosemary went to the podium to study it herself. "And has she honored this treaty?" "She has tresspassed into the Rainy Basin a few times, and we've caught them trying to set thier traps; but other than that, we have not breached our side of the contract.", I told them. "It says here that you are authorized to use what ever force necesary to enforce this treaty.", Rosemary said. "What exactly does that entail?" "Basically, what it says there.", I said simply. "It means we can use force from stern suggestion to all out battle. So far all we needed to do was a little visual intimidation." "Meaning?", waldo asked. "Well sir, what would YOU do if you saw a full grown Tyranosaur staring at you?!", I told him, and the court erupted in modest laughter! "I see...", Waldo gulped. "Well, so long as it doesn't get any more severe; I would say that you have a grand contract with them - and you don't seem afraid to see it carried out! I'm sure we can endorse this treaty - provided things don't get too far out of control." "We'll make sure of that, noble mayor.", I said, then turned to my comrades. "Of course, there are many other events of note." "Do tell!", Almasaur was still chuckling. "We have helped others who were traveling through the Rainy Basin.", I said. "Shawn Branko, the Copro cart driver, was lost and injured, and we took care of him until he was well before taking him back home.", I then added. "We have brought his cart along with us in case you needed it back." "Shawn Branko?", Rosemary said. "I thought he told us that tale to save face for losing the cart! I banned him from having another Partner. Oh, the injustice I've given him!" "He recently returned to us.", I told her. "He has found another profession in the transportation guild, he said." "I should remedy things with him right away!", Rosemary continued. "And of course you may keep the cart! Pathos knows it is useful!" "Indeed it is, ma'am!", I chuckled and continued. "We saved Ruby Mattock when she fell into that ravine. LaSage was behind that one. She robbed thier cart, killed thier Partner; and Ruby's husband was killed in the accident." "She made a full protest about the incodent.", Rosemary said. "She is now forming a petition to have our saurian guards storm LaSage's castle." "We won't do it no matter how many signatures she gets!", Waldo cut in. "That's simply not our way!" "Well..., we used a little force, and now we enjoy a treaty with her...", I said suggestively. "It may be your way, but it isn't OUR way!", Seville said. "Ok, ok!", I said. "I guess it's prudent to have differing policies. Now, to continue, we have recently formed a treaty with the Mammoths of Tentpole of the Sky. We trade mineral salt and fresh produce for mammoth milk and Mammoth wool and other goods they and thier Hindu monk Partners make. They applaud our attempt at civilization." "I thought Tentpole of the sky was abandoned.", mayor Waldo Seville said. "There population is a mere eighty individuals.", I told them. "We heard that they still adhere to the old ways." "I see.", he said. "It's good to see they fare well." After that I asked the delegates if they had any other questions reguarding the Rainy Basin; and at first they asked in an orderly enough fashion. It seemed that at every point in our proposal to make the Rainy Basin a seperate nation, a delegate had questions concerning that point. The questions came randomly and at one point came all at once, so I asked the council members not to burst out like that until the whole proposal was heard, and they all agreed to this. I read on, and by the end of another hour I was finished. They ended up voting on the points discussed; and when they were through, I had Whitetail give a copy of our governmental charter to thier baliff. "Well, sir.", Waldo Seville said after examining the documents for a full fifteen minutes. "You seem to have thought out nearly everything. I honestly hope you all know what you're doing!" "We believe the cornerstone to any action is a lot of planning.", I said. "If you read further, you'll see we thought of nearly every contingency." "Yes, and I see that you plan to eventually never hunt again?", Waldo asked. "That plan is in its' infancy stage.", I said. "We know that one of the reasons why you are afraid of us is because we hunt you. We have always known that being fed is a lot easier than hunting, so we came up with a few ideas to at least lessen our hunting.", I turned to Rex. "In old texts we have found, dinosaurs used to go on Death Marches; where dying dinosaurs go into the Rainy Basin alone, die and become food for the carnivores. I hear there is a ceremony involved before the dinosaur begins, and they dress up in ribbons and finery and get a big send-off before they leave for the last time." "We no longer do that.", Rosemary said. "We find it better for the loved ones if we bury or dispose of the deceased in other ways." "Well, one suggestion would be if you would resurrect that tradition.", I said. "Another method would be something called a Death Caravan. A group of sick or dying creatures are led into a carnivore infested area and left there to die. The lore at Tentrpole of the Sky says it was common practice a few hundred years ago." "The advances in our herbal medicines reduce the chances of anyone getting terminally sick.", Rosemary said. "Besides, it would be suicide for the ones leading that caravan." "Not when you'd be dealing with civilized carnivores; who would know the sick ones from the ones leading them.", I said. "I also hear you bring loads of fish along with your caravans through the Rainy Basin as tribute for safe passage. Thundertail remembers those well! We would like to see that practice continue." "We use that way to preserve our lives!", Waldo said. "Well, now it can be used to pay the guards we send with every caravan for the protection they will provide.", I said. "There are more suggestions; but they come from the outside world, and I don't know how well received they will be." "What are they?", Rosemary asked. "Back where I come from, they have farms more commonly known as ranches; places where people keep livestock.", I told them. "We usually keep cows, pigs, goats, chickens and other animals on them. We utilize the products they produce; and when they become too old or when it is time, we slaughter a number of them for food. The livestock can not leave the property, but they are well protected and taken care of by the owners of the property." "That sounds like slavery!", a Stenoychosaurus spoke up from the rear. "Ghastly and uncivilized!" "I don't think any creature would go along with THAT!", the Parasolophus added. "Yes, this even sounded bad to the carnivores.", I told them. "They don't know a thing about taking care of others yet; and yes, they think it's slavery too!" "So that was a bad idea.", Waldo stated. "Please go on." "Another thing we have on the outside world is an institution called a Retirement Home.", I said. "When a person gets too old to be a useful part of society, becomes too mentally feeble to take care of themselves or get's sick due to thier age; they are interred in these places. There they are taken care of by nurses and assistants, fed and clothed and any medical ailment is taken care of by professional healers. There they can do anything they want within thier age-enhanced limitations. When they die, loved ones come and make arrangements for thier funerals." "That sounds like a wonderful concept.", Rosemary said. "Only in our version of it, when the old one dies thier body becomes the property of the clan, to be utilized as we see fit.", I said. "We reason that taking care of them in thier last days to be payment for eating them afterwards." "I see.", mayor Waldo Seville said. His demeanor got sour. "Mister Decker, I'm sure that being a newcomer to Dinotopia, you may feel that such talk is an everyday event. The very thought of a creature eating another creature is unthunkable to us. I'm sure I speak for everyone present that such talk is most unpleasant to hear; and we would appreciate it if you stop." "Very well, I am sorry if I offended this illustrious court by stating what carnivores do.", I said. "Your love of life and passive philosophy is a most commendable concept. Unfortunately, it is not so nearly every place on earth, no less the Rainy Basin. We who live there live by the laws of survival: eat or be eaten, kill or be killed. Just because we are striving for peace and civilization does not mean that we can immediately grasp your philosophy on life. We will try to be more civil in our speech, but you must also make allowances for what we lack." "We will try.", Waldo said. "But be it known that we have already allowed leniency thus far! If you look at these fine delegates, you will see on thier faces the offenses they have suffered." "Then perhaps BOTH of us must make changes.", I conceeded. "Agreed.", the mayor said. "Now, we will review all the documents you have given us. We will discuss these in private, and give you our decision by tomorrow afternoon." "Thank you, sir.", I said. "Now, on to the matter of your accomodations! I will have the bailiff make the arrangements.", the mayor turned to an older man with a skullcap and robe with a disheveled look about him. "Minch! Please see to it." "Yes, sir.", Minch bowed, turning with a jerk, then turning back."Right away, sir.", he scurried out of the hall. "Now then!", Waldo said, smiling nervousely. "Would you care to sit in on the rest of the meeting? Guards, please escort them to an upper tier." The guards collected us and led us out around to a stairwell that was wide and designed for larger saurians. They led us down a short corridor and in through an arch, which contained a pair of couches designed for large bipedal dinosaurs like hadrosaurs and the like; and fit Rex nearly perfectly. Several human seats and smaller saurian seats were in this booth as well, and it took a few moments for us all to get situated. We peered out over the courtroom, staring down at the delegates as they murmured and talked; preparing themselves for the next order of business. Presently, mayor Waldo Seville tapped his gavel and the whole council chamber became silent once again. There were three other orders of business that session, and all of them were extremely minor, if you asked me. One issue concerned a vegetable vendor, who was accused of vending inferior crop. The plaintiff said that his maise and barley had some kind of mold all over it, and demanded compensation. The accused said that he offered her free lentils and wheat for a month, but she would not be satisfyed, and demanded they pull his vendor's license. The mayor told her to accept the offer or obtain her groceries at another vendor! Another case dealt with a Stenochysaurus who entered someone's home because she heard a hatchling crying, and the owner of the house wanted her to be banned from the block because of it. The accused said that when she heard the hatchling crying, she just had to go help; but the plaintiff said that she had no offspring, and the cries had to have come from the building next door; and her home echoed sounds coming off the streets, and the hatchling could have been anywhere. Waldo asked the plaintiff if she would forgive the accused as it was a common mistake; and ordered the plaintiff to have her home soundproofed! An older looking Stenochysaurus stepped up to the podium once he was recognized and went over his notes before he spoke. "Members of the council.", he began. "I am sure you are well aware of the ancient texts contained in the library. These texts are so ancient thier scrolls are decaying at a most alarming rate! Though my staff's efforts are most gallant, they are hard pressed to keep up.", he cleared his throat and examined his notes once more. "What is needed is more staff members on so these scrolls can be preserved in time." "Zippeau, do you not have an adequate staff to handle the job?", the mayor asked. "Those records have lasted hundreds of years, and they should last the time it takes to have them restored. I suggest you put them into a more protected place until your staff can get around to restoring them.", he tapped his gavel. "But your honor!", Zippeau protested, then deflated. "Very well, your honor..." Just then minch snuck into the chamber and made his way up to the mayor's podium. He whispered in his ear a moment and then backed away out of sight. He showed up a few moments later at his baliff's desk on the main floor. "Delegates of the Rainy Basin!", Waldo announced. "I have just been informed that your accomodations have now been arranged for. If you would follow mister Minch at the end of this session, he will show you the way." "At your service.", Minch added. "That is extremely kind of you, honored mayor.", I said. "But shouldn't we be going after the meeting?" "Nonsense! you are our guests.", Waldo said. "It is very rarely that we have our hospitality put to the test by carnivores!", he chuckled nervousely. "Then I'm sure that I speak for my whole group that we would be honored to stay the night!", I told them all. "But since that would put a crimp on our supplies, Mayday and myself will refrain from eating meat our entire stay.", Mayday nodded. "Me too, boss!", Harold announced. "As will we.", Sauron spoke for his mate and himself. "Very well then!", mayor Seville said. "Then if there is no other items on the agenda, I decree this meeting adjourned." "Ah..., lord mayor!", Zippeau spoke up. "May I have a word with mister Stinger, if it please the court?" "Certainly, Zippeau.", Waldo said. "Please make it brief, sir." "Yes, your honor.", Zippeau cleared his throat. "Er..., the things you have discovered in the Rainy Basin is most intrigueing! The information alone on such places would be a tremendous boon for all! I wish to ask if you are willing to share such information? It would be really exciting to explore such places as well!" "Of course we would share everything we found there.", I said. "Right now we haven't as yet made copies of our notes and observations; but we will make it top priority once we get back. I'm sure that, as time goes on, we will allow tours of those places too. Why, mister Zippeau, you may be among the first to see such things!" "Excellent! I can hardly wait!", Zippeau sat down, smiling. "Then now I pronounce this meeting adjourned.", mayor Waldo Seville tapped his gavel. We decided to wait until the upper hallway thinned out somewhat, the larger saurians up here needed a lot of width to maneuver to the lower level - and definitely didn't need to be spooked by our presence! As the last of them passed the entrance to our alcove, I looked out and saw the fidjiting form of Minch near the doorway. "If you would follow me...", then he noticed Rex preparing to head for the exit! "Oh..., dear...!" "Have no fear, Minch!", I told him. "We are on a peaceful mission, and these saurians mean you no harm." "It's quite a thing to get used to, is all...", Minch divulged. "Ah..., well. This way, if you please...", he led the way to the wide stairs. As we descended, we noticed that many of the delegates were in the huge foyer, waiting for us, it seemed. We all could tell they were all somewhat terrified of us, but they were all hiding that under an air of friendly greeting. Nods of welcome and good wishes abounded among a sea of verbal greetings.Waldo Seville rushed over, Rosemary close in his wake; and shook my and Mayday's hand. "Well done on your presentation, my friends!", he gushed. "And my best wishes on your future endeavors!" "Thank you sir.", I said. "From all of us!" "I know you, don't I?", Rosemary said as she got a closer look at Mayday. "Why! It's Majinta! Good to see you! Where have you been?" "I sorry...", Mayday bowed her head. "I get lost in Rainy Basin. Carnivores eat Trika, then Stinger find me. I stay and help. I end up liking him. He my new mate." "Well, it's good to see you're all right. You had us worried!", Rosemary smiled, which made Mayday do likewise. "It's good to see you're satisfyed with your new life." "Oh, yes!", Mayday said in a cheerrier way. "New Partner name Grond. He Tyranosaur!" "Well, that's just wonderful!", Rosemary told her. "I have never met a Tyranosaur... formally, that is.", Waldo said, eyeing Rex. "Sir Rex, we are well met!", he began to raise his hand to his muzzle, and Rex completed the motion. "Welll... mettt...", Rex rumbled in English, and I was taken aback! "I see my English lessons are paying off!", I said. "I knew he understood it, but I didn't know he actually spoke it ." "You teach?", Rosemary asked. "Yes, we all do a variety of things back home.", I explained. "Usually it's what is assigned to us that day. We've all been everything from teacher to Copro driver!" "A Jack of all trades.", Waldo said. "We feel it is better to know a little bit about everything than everything about only one thing.", I replied. "It makes us more versitile." "Many of us have various jobs ourselves.", Waldo said. "However, they are mostly related to each other." "Ah, sir...", Minch interrupted. "It is getting late..." "Indeed.", mayor Waldo Seville said as he noticed the delegates' numbers dwindling. "Very well. If you follow Minch here, he will show you to your domiciles. He will also show you some of the sights along the way." "Yes, sir.", Minch acknowledged. "Right this way, sirs and ma'ams..." Minch led us out the front doors of the council chamber building, and we went to where our cart was stored. We found out that they had moved the cart to a secluded alcove away from the main thouroughfare; and the guards said the cargo inside smelled too offensive to keep it out in the open like that. What did they know of good cured meat?! As soon as we hitched sauron and chillet to it, Minch ordered the guards to continue escorting us to our domiciles for the night. The larger ones of our group were to be housed in the warehouse district near Ichthyosaur Canal, in a warehouse that served the fishing fleet that fished Hadrosaaur Bay to the north. The fleet was out for the month, and thier warehouse stood vacant, or so Minch told us as we traveled west down the Grande Promenade. It seemed that by now everyone in the city was aware of our presence, and knew we were there on a mission of peace; and the passers by crossed our paths with little reguard save for thier favorite saying: 'Breathe deep, seek peace.'! We either nodded or echoed thier greetings as we walked by; and everyone in our group marveled at the archetecture of the dwellings as we went by. Minch told us of them as we strolled in the dimming light of day, amid thundering rushes of the myriad of waterfalls surrounding us. There was the Museum of Clocks and Sundials which also doubled as a school, Troodon hall stood behind that and was the mayor's quarters, we passed Fountain Avenue with its' namesake of a fountain in the form of a Miasaurus at its' middle, the Boroza Cafe where all the elite citizens eat and finally turned down Seedpod street with the Painting Gallery at its' corner. In the distance to our left was a giant greenhouse building, where Minch said they grow many rare plants for transplant where needed. We passed that complex structure and saw a building come up on the other side of the avenue with many human and saurian craftsmen working on thier stone sculptures; and on beyond that was a massive building with rows of tall bay doors, and at the center of this structure he had us stop. "These are your accomodations, fine saurians.", he said as he worked the large iron ring on the bay door in front of us. "Please follow me.", he turned on the Sunstone lighting that lit this space. Along a long, wide corridor were many large stone bays that were grooved in the middle - perhaps used to house small boats - and all were empty. At an intersection in the center of this space was a wider area, and minch indicated we could unhitch the cart and store down a side bay to our left. As we did so, Rex had help taking off his saddle and halter; licking moisture back into his mouth after that procedure was completed. Several bays next to this one had piles of straw and other padding, and Minch said they were thier beds. Soon Ripper and Snapper were without thier muzzles, working thier mouths to relieve stiffness; and Whitetail was at the cart, ready to dole out thier supplies. "I think you guys are all set for the night.", I said once I saw everything was settling down. "We'll see you in the morning, ok?", I bowed at the two Pachycephalosaures and hugged each of the others. "Uncivilized...", Minch whispered. "Carnivores are very affectionate folks.", I said. "Well, I guess we can be on our way!", I finished stroking Rex's muzzle. "Sweet dreams, guys!" "Right this way.", Minch indicated the way out. One of the saurian guards met them halfway to the door. "Has the others arrived yet?", the guard nodded. "Others?", I asked as Mayday halted at my side, Harold on her shoulder. "Yes, we have two saurian guards outside this building, and this one will be escorting you.", minch told us. "For your protection, I assure you!" "Looks like we're busted!", Harold blurted. "Hush!", Mayday told him. "Can't beat Dinotopian security!", I smiled at Minch, and he made an awkward smile. "Right this way...", he said as we went past the guard. The light had left the sky, and Sunstone streetlamps shone like jewels all up and down the street. Only a few citizens were milling about, and all of them were too preoccupied getting home to notice us. The guard escorting us went north up the block and turned down a side street, where empty kiosks stood all along it. Minch explained this was called Marketplace Plaza, a fine spot to obtain goods and wares; where all sorts of things were bought and sold. At a corner kiosk, Minch stopped and looked in a doorway right next to it. "Oh, Rhudolph!", he yelled. "Are you here?", presently a nondiscript middle aged man came down and stood on the steps of his home. "Your new guests are here." "I see." Rhudolph said. He went to me to shake my hand."I am so pleased to meet you.", he shook Mayday's hand. "When I heard you were in town, I volunteered right away!" "Nice to meet ya'!", Harold said in a mousey way. "And the same to you, little sir!", Rhudolph replied, not knowing whether to shake the tiny offered appendage or not. "Er..., my apartment is just upstairs. If you would follow me..." "Do you mind a saurian guard in your apartment, Rhudolph?", Minch stopped him. "Court orders, you know." "I would be delighted!", Rhudolph said. "I'll have Lenore set out more blankets!", he rushed up the steps. We smiled and began following him. "Uh, Stinger.", Minch stopped me. "You and your group are due to be at the council building two hours before evening meal. We have arranged a small tour of the city until then, starting at sunrise. I will have someone rouse you." "Thanks, Minch.", I said. "You do a good job organizing things!" "Thank you, sir.", he bowed. "Have a pleasant night.", he scurried off. We proceeded up the steps and into the apartment building, saurian guard close on our heels. At the first level we turned right and came directly to a door which Rhudolph opened. His wife stepped out of a kitchen area, saw thier new company and retreated back there once she lovingly touched her husbands' hand. Screeching was heard down a short hall, and three small streaks jagged out and around a living area dotted with many forms of seating. "Kids! not while company's here!", Rhudolph said as he attempted to halt them, but only caught the small Stenoychosaurus bringing up the rear. "What's going on, Wany?" "Jack spilled water on me!", Wany complained in a child's voice. "Did not!", Jack said from behind a saurian couch. "Mimi did!" "I did NOT!", Mimi said from behind a curtain framing an oval bay window. "Enough!!", Lenore called from the kitchen. "We have guests! We would appreciate if you act civil!" "Sorry about this...", Rhudolph said, ushering us further into the room. "I guess they're a bit excitred." "Kids will be kids.", I said. "No damage done." "Mister, do you eat meat?", Jack asked as he got out of hiding. "Sometimes.", I smiled as he edged closer. "But I promised the mayor I wouldn't while I'm here." "Aw! I wanted to see it!", he whined. "He'd probably eat YOU!", Wany said. "I doin't eat friends.", I said. "Eating friends is rude!" "You're silly!", Mimi said, going over to examine Mayday a moment. "Hey kids!", Harold said as he hopped off Mayday and onto the saurian couch. "Know what I am?" "You're a Compsagnathus!", Mimi guessed. "Naw! With these teeth?", he smiled, showing his recurved needle-like teeth. "I'm called a Skartopus Kirkus. A Kirky!" "Oh! A little sawtooth!", Wani said. "I hear they'e rare." "I'm special in another way. Wanna see?", harold asked as he grabbed objects off an end table, then presently began to juggle them! "I can do all sorts of tricks! Back home I am the leader of a circus!" "A circus!", Mimi exclaimed. "Wow!", Jack echoed. Harold continued entertaining the children, telling them about all the circus acts, while Mayday and I began talking with thier parents. The decor of the apartment was spartain, but had a unique style depicting Roman style mixed with a rounded naturalist style. Everything was as beautiful as it was useful looking. However, after only a few brief moments of smalltalk, Lenore rushed into the kitchen, and announced that dinner was ready many moments after that. The dining area was in a corner of the living space, just within sight of the kitchen doorway; and Lenore soon came out to place steaming cauldrons on the table, straightening out everyones' place settings as she passed. "Please come to eveningmeal.", Lenore announced when she was done. "I'm sorry, but we have no meat." "Everything smells fine!", I said as we all got up, thier furniture groaning from relief of the weight of the armor we wore. "No meat's no problem!" "Yeah! I'm starved!", Harold got up from the floor, where he was demonstrating some tumbling moves for Wani, Mimi and Jack. "C'mon kids! Let's go!" We all went over and seated ourselves, savoring the exotic aromas and wonderful sights of the evening meal. The children were suprisingly silent as thier mother passed them thier plates; and then us three were served, and we waited for Rhudolph and Lenore to be served before waiting to eat. The whole family silently looked at thier plates for a moment before proceeding, and I figured it was one of thier traditions, so I eyed Mayday and Harold to do the same. The meal was simple but elegant; consisting of a seaweed pasta in an ocra and lentil sauce with mystery spices, two tone bread with a garlic and oleo drizzle, two types of squash and wild rice on the side. Dessert was simple fruit wedges of various types, to be served later if we wished. We ate in near silence until near the end, where jack spoke up. "So mister. Is that real armor?", he asked between orange bites. "Yes, it is.", I said. "It is very special armor. Know why?" "No. Why?", Wani asked. "It is very, very old.", I said. "It is the armor of Othgar; made for wars thousands of years ago." "My children should not hear of wars.", Rhudolph protested. "Ah, but now the armor is used for peace.", I told him. "Klamath has realized that wars are futile." "Klamath?", Mimi asked. "That is the suit's name.", I explained. "Klamath is also special because he has a spirit in it." "Zandra too.", Mayday added. "By Pathos! They're haunted!", Wani exclaimed. "Not really, they're just there to guide the suit and wearer.", I said. "Like a symbiotic relationship." "Perhaps you'd better let us explain, Stinger.", Zandra's voice came from Mayday's suit. She folded her Misasurus mask around Mayday's face, and amber eyes glowed. "We were originally a herd of Ankylosaurs who sought favor with Othgar the Great. We had our essences instilled in this armor to better serve him." "Upon our master's defeat, we were ordered dismantled.", Klamath took over as his Tyranosaur mask covered my face. "Through the eons we were found, restored and served our wearers; but thier ambitions were not the way of Othgar. We gradually saw that the only way to serve Othgar was to serve his children." "We now seek peace, as your saying states.", Zandra completed. Both masks retreated into our collars. "Well, I think that's a wonderful purpose.", Lenore said. "Yes! To help the carnivores become civilized is a fantastic goal.", Rhudolph said, getting up. "We have been waiting for centuries for this day!" "Can carnivores be nice?", Wani asked. "My papa said they're nothing but mean!" "They treat us very well.", I told him as we all retreated to the living area. "We have a nice home, and all the friends we could ever want!" "That's why we volunteered to be your host. We look forward to going into the Rainy Basin unfettered.", Rhudolph sat in a human armchair. "I run a kiosk downstairs, serving all sorts of drinks and potons. I rely on travelers to get the ingredients I need, and most of them only grow in the Rainy Basin." (Continued next posting.)
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Post by thundertail on Mar 17, 2012 15:12:40 GMT -5
_ TWENTY-SIX: "Waterfall City" (Continued) "Well, if all goes well with our negotiations, you may soon have all the herbs you need!", I said, opening the armor slightly to remove a flask. "Try this. We make it where we come from.", lenore saw, and ran to grab a few small glasses in the kitchen. "What is it?", Rhudolph asked, taking a whif and recoiling. "Smells foul!" "We call it 'Tyranosaur Breath'.", I said. "It's mostly grain alchohol, mixed with Jinka and other herbs - plus a secret ingredient!", I poured a small amount into each of the four glasses. "Let's have some!", Harold requested. I poured some into the flask cap, a perfect fit for his miniscule hand. "I want some!", Jack said. "No, son!", I told him. "This is only for grownups." "Uncle harold don't look old!", Mimi said. "I'm forty five!", Harold told her, taking a sip. "That MacDougal's done it again!" "My goodness!", Rhudolph choked. "That's really strong!" "Absolutely horrid!", Lenore only took a sip. "Hmmm... Cranberry this time!", I said after downing the entire portion. "More like Jakka berry.", Mayday corrected after she drank hers. "You know, I think some of my customers would like this.", Rhudolph said. "Can you bring more?" "Well, if our negotiation goes well, pretty soon we could import it to you.", I told him. "We do wish to establish trade with the rest of Dinotopia, and I'm pretty sure we could include that as part of our goods. We already established a trade agreement with the Mammoths at Tentpole of the Sky." "I heard of them.", Lenore said. "But I heard they dispersed and went elsewhere." "Thier community is small, but they still thrive.", Mayday said. "We help by trading them supplies." "That's just wonderful!", Lenore replied. "What intrigues me the most is what I hear you are doing with the temple ruins in the Rainy Basin.", Rhudolph continued. "Imagine all the historical knowledge you have unearthed!" "We have been keeping very good records on what we found so far.", I told him. "We'll be glad to share all that with the rest of dinotopia as soon as we make copies of it." The conversation went on like that for another hour or so. Let me tell you, they were really curious about us! During that time Harold kept the kids entertained by trying to teach them how to juggle. They were all having a great time, but only Wani had the dexterity to really get the hang of it. All too soon Lenore called thier bedtime, and the children reluctantly marched to bed, and she followed to tuck them in. Presently we all decided to turn in as well, and Rhudolph led us to Wani's parents room, where a nestlike bed stood. There's a trick to sleeping in those, where you crawl in and curl up in a fetal position. Mayday and I knew this by our several times sleeping in our partners' nests! They explained that Wani's parents pulled rickshaw taxis for the city; but were visiting relatives in Volcanium and asked if we'd take care of thier son for the week - the reason why they had a spare bed for us. Harold was shown a smaller nest made up just for him on a saurian chair just inside this room; and he curled up into it as soon as I placed him inside, waving good night silently. Rhudolph and Lenore wished us goodnight and closed the door behind us, and we found some floorspace and had Zandra and Klamath seperate so we could sllep in the nest more comfortably. We got in bed, kissed goodnight and were both off to sleep within twenty minutes... _
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Post by thundertail on Mar 18, 2012 6:19:28 GMT -5
_ TWENTY-SEVEN: "Bad Blood." King Thundertail knew what he had to do as he led his delegation deep into the Rainy Basin jungle. He had a plan forming in his mind, courses of action to deal with the creatures they were about to meet. He had to negotiate a treaty with the Pteranodons that were wreaking havoc in the area, and somehow make peace with those headstrong and highly dangerous Pterosaurs. They were appointed by the other carnivores in the Rainy Basin because they were the only clan organized enough to effectively do this job. He was hoping that things would go smoothly with these unpredictable creatures; but secretly fearing the outcome if things went horribly wrong! This was on his mind as he led his group, which consisted of nearly all the Tyranosaurs in his clan, nearly all the Veloceraptors, the two remaining suits of Othgar's armor - and had Talon come along to translate to these black skinned flyers. Grond had strong misgivings about this meeting, saying that no one could reason with such creatures, and thier adherence to the old ways were even stronger than clan Thundertails' once was. All the adult Tyranosaurs, including those recently joined, had to agree with this thinking; but all of them secretly held hopes that these beaked terrors would listen to reason. The juveniles with them did not know what to expect, but hoped any show of violence would never happen. The twenty or more Veloceraptors, led by Mosquito, scoured the paths up ahead; and dutifully reported back that they were still on the right track. He led the way toward the only spot where he had last encountered them: The ravines where they helped rescue Ruby Mattock so many months ago. This was also the area where Talon's flock once had thier territory; but since they had been exterminated by this larger flock of black Pteranodons, scouts said they now had one of thier rookeries there. By noontime the group passed by the rotting wagon wheels that was the remains of the cart Ruby Mattock and her family once owned, and Thundertail told the Veloceraptors to scout ahead and find the best way to the area. The Veloceraptors scoured the entire forest ahead, and soon found a pass into the ravines, which started out as a wide, grassy gully and sloped down into a widening rocky expanse. The gully turned ever steeper, but proved not to be a real problem as the whole contingency presently followed in the Veloceraptors' wake. Soon the sparse shrubbery evident along the downward moving trail disappeared as they entered the floor of the ravine field, to be replaced by splotches of Pteranodon guano splattered all over the rocks ahead. Diego sidled up to Thundertail and placed a hand on his flank to get his attention. "Sir.", he whispered. "Triphus tells me there are hundreds of life forms ahead. We're very close!" "I agree.", Flit said, looking around nervousely. "I don't see anything...", Thundertail said a bit loudly, and suddenly there was slight movements all around them! The black Pteranodons were well camouflaged for this rocky terrain, for they occupied nearly every crevace, knoll and crag, blending into the rocks like they were a part of it. Many turned thier heads to watch us pass, and that's when Thundertail and company knew they were there - and they were now completely surrounded! The Pteranodons did not take wing, but hopped about, displaying wing as they squawked and rasped at this intrusion. Soon many began to hop into the path and block the exit; and a slightly larger one leapt up and took off a short distance to land many feet in front of Thundertail. This one squawked and catterwauled as Talon craned her neck, trying to make out the dialect. "He asks what we are doing in thier territory.", Talon squawked and Triphus translated to Tyranosaur. "That such blundering intrusions end in death to the blunderer." "Tell them we are on a diplomatic mission to the new owners of crevice aerie, and wish to talk peace.", Thundertail said, and all translated. "So you wish to talk peace!", this one, obviousely the leader, said; then let out a peal of Pteranodon laughter. "You, who weaken your kind with others? Don't waste our time!" "We have been asked by the other carnivores of the Rainy Basin.", Thundertail explained. "We wish to seek peace, for them as well as us." "And you come here to speak it with all of your clan?", the creature said. "You look more than ready for battle than to talk peace!" "It is for our own protection. Word has it that you would most likely attack us.", Thundertail replied. "Our purpose is a benign one, I assure you!", he bowed, then continued. "I am king Thundertail, of clan Thundertail. May I ask your name?" "The doomed deserves no less than that.", this creature said. "I am Strafewing, leader of crevice aerie and ruler of all the sky. My flock is many thousands strong, and our fear spreads throughout Dinotopia!" "Well met, noble flyers all.", Thundertail bowed. "Do you agree to talk peace?" "Why would we wish to talk peace with the weak?", Strafewing cawed. "Those who are strong keeps thier groups pure. Those who combine species proves thier weaknesses by relying on others." "We find that the strengths of many species far outweighs the strength of any one kind.", Thundertail said. "Tyranosaurs are strong and powerful, but we lack the stealthy skills present in Veloceraptors. We are smart, but we lack insight the humans posess. The three kinds, with thier skills, combine to make a clan that is more powerful than any one kind ever could." "And you are friends.", Strafewing groused. "We have no room for such emotional prattle! We have no friends, we do not owe any creature anything and we do; and we take what we want, and woe to any who get in the way!", he looked at his flock, who was slowly rallying. "We live by instinct. Anything else goes against the laws of nature, and is an abomination to every species in your clan! Adhere to the old ways, Thundertail; for you do your clan dishonor with this practice!" "We have seen nothing but prosperity since we started this.", Thundertail said. "It may not go according to tradition; but it is a new and wonderful way of life, and makes life well worth living." "It will NEVER work with us!", Strafewing scoffed. "We will never stoop to illiciting the help of others!" "We are not asking for you to join us in this!", said Thuindertail. "We are merely asking that you join in a treaty of peace with the creatures of the Rainy Basin. You may live your lives as you always have otherwise. We would not force you to live life our way." "As if you can force us to do anything!", Strafewing chuckled. "Never the less, you are still tresspassing on our land. Our females are currently roosting, and they will tolerate no interference. The rest of us honor thier wishes, and demand that you leave IMMEDIATELY!" "Will you at least consider our treaty proposal?", Thundertail asked. "No!", Strafewing cried, wings flapping. "Now begone!... BEGONE!!!... GO-O-O-O-O!!!!!", he took off into the sky. Strafewing circled the area, buzzing the group and crying orders that even Talon could not translate. Immediately, by ones and in groups, all the members of his flock took to the wing; blackening the sky and deafening the air with thier screeches. "Everyone!... Away...!", Thundertail ordered, but it was too late! Seemingly out of nowhere Pteranodons flew in low, clipping dozens of Veloceraptors off thier feet and sending them tumbling among the rocks. The Tyranosaurs in the group were being strafed in groups as they turned and bolted, claw marks soon grew on all thier hides. Triphus turned on his forcefield, and many of the flyers missed him as he peppered the air with stunner fire. Flit, in the suit named Proboke, simply jumped behind a boulder and hid from the onslaught, but not for long as flapping wings eventually found him! "This way!...", Diego yelled. "Into the trees...!" "They will not be able to follow!", Flit confirmed and ran past the armored human. It was every creature for themselves as they all attempted to escape the system of ravines. Each and every one of them were injured and harassed every step of the way. The attacks thinned out somewhat as they eventually made it to the trees, but many of the Pteranodons followed them as space between the trees allowed. Many more of the flyers followed above the treetops, and spied thier movement through the canopy. After many miles, the screeches over thier heads dwindled, and eventually lapsed to silence; but Thundertail and his party continued to run for thier lives anyway. At a small clearing they stopped to catch thier breaths, and assess the damage inflicted upon them. "How is everyone?", Thundertail pantingly rumbled. "Can we go on?" "All members have multiple contusions and lacerations.", Triphus said after scanning the group. "None have any fatal wounds, but may require attention to prevent infection." "Thank you, Triphus.", Thundertail said. "Now, we rest for a few moments, then we go home. Have some water, and see about food.", he licked at a nasty wound by his ankle and stopped after a moment. "What do you suppose went wrong?", he asked no one. "There are some creatures you just can't reason with.", Grond said, tending a wound on his tail. "But I never saw creatures so unreasonable!" "We should strike back.", Diego commented. "Are you daft?!", Flit scolded, walking up to him and unfurling his mask, displaying his robotic face. "There are too many of them... Millions and millions and millions of them!" "Well, they creamed us this time.", Pincushion said, snuffling a bloody nose. "Whose to say they won't do it again?" "We will NOT attack them.", Thundertail told them. "We will figure another way to deal with them.", he winced as he turned around. "But we can't do anything right now. It's best if we go home..." Presently the negotiation group gathered and continued along the path toward home. Thundertail still couldn't figure out why the negotiation ended so poorly! By midday they trudged into camp, being received like heroes until the rest saw thier condition and immediately ran to get the healers. Selma came first, screeched in dismay and ran to get Ursula; and when she saw how bad they all were, immediately took action. "Ok everyone!... We got a first-class emergency here!", Ursula yelled to all the Kirkys among the rest. "You and you and you and you and you, go make bandages and get the salve.", they scurried to the task. " You and you and you and you and you, set up a triage area over by the feeding area.", they rushed to set it up. " You injured ones, get in line over there and I'll examine you..." "Our negotion ended in disaster!", Thundertail told her as she looked him over. "How could creatures be so unreasonable!" "Holy smokes! You're a mess!", Ursula fingered a cut and he winced: one of a literal roadmap of them all over his body. "Never mind those buzzards. Let me take care of you first.... Get some bandages over here!" "I tell you I'm all right!", Diego said as Selma insisted to look him over. "Triphus protected me... Go see to Pincushion! I think one of them landed on his face!", she nodded and sought out the Tyranosaur in question. "Now ma'am, I'm still functional...!", Flit said as Wen attempted to examine him. "May I be of assistance?" "Naw..., I don't think so.", Wen turned to a battered Veloceraptor named Dragonfly."Maybe you could help in triage..." By the end of the day all the injured was taken care of, and everyone there mulled over the incodent by themselves to try and figure it out. Thundertail wished Stinger was there to give a logical solution to this problem - he was always good at that! Too bad he was at Waterfall City; but his job was probably more difficult as humans were craftier than any other creature - even though the motives of most Dinotopian humans were benign. After a silent evening meal, where even the antics of the Kirkys didn't lift thier mood, Thundertail decided to hold a small meeting between the negotiation party and the rest of the clan to see what else could be done about the Pteranodon problem. The evening campfire illuminated a beaten and gloomy bunch of saurians as everyone sat in silence listening to this or that one add thier comments to the discussion or voiced thier opinions on the comments spoken previous. Diego and Triphus, who had remained silent until this point, indicated that they wanted to speak, and Thundertail let them. "We were thinking it over, and we believe we have a way of getting the Pteranodons to accept the treaty.", Diego said. "How so?", Thundertail asked. "There was a battle I was in long ago.", Triphus said. "One where we did not attack, and yet won ourselves an outpost. The goods in this outpost were too valuable to go there and destroy it, so we devised a plan to take it and render the citizens our friends." "They illicited the help of rogue humans.", Diego continued. "They had them ransack the place; but in the middle of this, Triphus's forces came and rescued the outpost." "The citizens were so grateful we saved them that they let us have anything we wanted.", Triphus continued. "Of course we took the valuable goods!" "Reminds me of one such incodent when I was with LaSage...", Diego said. "Only with us, we took no prisoners!" "So, we must do something like that to win us a treaty from the Pteranodons?", Thundertail guessed. "This ruse may seem underhanded,", Triphus told him. "But it seems the only realistic way to attain the treaty." "As much as I dislike underhanded methods, I think the Pteranodons deserve it!", Grond said, wincing as he moved his sore tail. "Look what they did to us!" "Tell us what to do.", Thundertail exhaled. "Well, first thing,", Diego said. "We will need the help of all the adult Kirkys...", between the both of them, Diego and Triphus told them the whole plan. "You know, I think this plan is going to work after all!", Thundertail smiled for the first time since this morning. "Who says that Stinger is the only one here with the good ideas?!" At length they decided to start the plan in the morning. All the Kirkys were to secretly go to the crevaces and spy on the Pteranodons and try to figure out thier movements and patterns: when and where they go during the day, and find the best time to strike. They found that the times there were fewest Pteranodons at the rookery was early in the morning and a few hours before nightfall, when most of them were out hunting. The Kirkys proved to be so small thier movements through the foliage near the crevaces went unnoticed; and their greyish color made them all but invisible against the rocks - provided they remained perfectly still as the Pteranodons passed overhead! With all this information gathered by them, it was decided that they should strike early the next morning. As the last of the Pteranodons took to the sky and shrank in the distance, stealthy lines of Kirkys descended into the crevices, hugging the crags and moving as unseen as possible. They tried to stay downwind of the ten or so females remaining, who were lightly dozing as they sat on thier nests. Each Kirky would slink up on the leeward side of the unoccupied nests and remove any eggs contained within, slithering off with thier prizes and covering any traces of thier presence as they left. They did this for a while, and soon sported more then a hundred eggs; of which they temporarilly hid in some tiny caves in a low rise less then a mile away. When they all met there to regroup, they began to transport these eggs to the Incan pyramid by a circumventing route to it. They also hid there, and that's when clan Thundertail waited for the second phase of the plan to come about. They didn't have long to wait, as before noontime the same day, a cloud of Pteranodons converged on the clansite, nearly filling the clearing with thier number. In the mean time, Thundertail, all his Tyranosaurs and all his Veloceraptors were waiting for them, moping around and reapplying bandages to thier wounds like the plan called for. Strafewing hopped right up to our leader and screeched in his face! "What did you do with them?!", he said. "Give them back to us!!" "What are you talking about?", Thundertail asked. "You know what I mean, landwalker!", Strafewing squawked. "Where are they?!" "No we don't!", Thundertail told him flatly. "Please explain yourself, for now you are on OUR territory!" "This morning most of our eggs were stolen!", Strafewing said. "Who would be so foolish to take them than the ones we so recently defeated?!" "We were here the whole time!", Diego said in passing, applying more gause to Pincushion's nostrils. "...Takes time to heal wounds." "We do not know what will convince you to talk about a treaty...", Thundertail began. "ENOUGH!!", screeched Strafewing. "Where are our eggs?!" "Now, listen clearly to me:", Thundertail got close to his beak. "We do NOT have your eggs! We do not know what happened to your eggs. We are very sorry to hear of your loss, but we had nothing to do with it! Do I make myself clear?" "Wait! Did anyone see who took the eggs?", asked Diego. "No.", Strafewing said. "We saw nothing!" "Then why you blamin' us fer it?", MacDougal came by with a bucket of salve, handing it to Selma. "Ye dunna know who done it!" "We merely assumed...", Strafewing was becoming unsure. "It's all right.", Thundertail told him. "No harm done. Now, it seems to me you need some help..." "We'll find them ourselves!", Strafewing was still proud. "Have they got our eggs?", another Pteranodon swooped over and asked. "If they're not found, I do not know what to do...!", she moaned mournfully. "Let's help them.", Thistlesnarl said, getting salve rubbed on her strafed chest. "The little ones' lives are at stake!" "A good idea...", Diego put in. "It IS the right thing to do.", Flit said. "Besides, our honor be at stake!", MacDougal added. "What do you say, noble flyer?", Thundertail asked. "May we help you look for your eggs?" Strafewing let go with a high, mournful sigh in thought before speaking. "I see there is no other choice but to ask for help.", he said, bowing in defeat. "We would certainly appreciate it..." "All is well, my friend...", Thundertail told him softly. "Everyone needs help from time to time.", he turned and asked for the least injured of the clan to join the search. In the mean time, all the Kirkys were hidden in the Incan pyramid, listening to this exchange. Soon fifty of the clan began forming in the clearing. Out of the many dozens of Tyranosaurs in the clan, only about half that number were able enough to participate. Aproximately the same ratio was evident with the Veloceraptors; and since the Dilophosaurs and Ovaraptors did not go the first time, they were able enough to rally by thier king as well. As soon as Strafewing saw all was in readiness, he had his flock take wing and head for Crevice Aerie; the ragtag group that was the clan following quickly in thier wake. Once there, Strafewing quickly told the rest of his flock about this, and not to be alarmed that the other carnivores were in thier rookery. he told them we needed to look around and find evidence on who stole thier eggs. So eventually the nesting mothers let this Veloceraptor or that Dilophosaur get close and sniff around. Not long after this started, Dragonfly found a scent with his Veloceraptor nose which led him to one tiny footprint. He gave a shrill cry, and many of the others came rushing over, Pteranodons shadowing in thier wake. "Kirrrrky!...", Dragonfly said. "Mannnnny!..." The rest sniffed around and detected the direction these thieving Kirkys went. Kirkys were cunning scavengers, Strafewing knew; and they are very difficult to detect from the air. Suddenly the Veloceraptors headed east, loping through the underbrush and sweeping back and forth to keep to the scent trail they were following; the larger carnivores close in thier wake. Soon the trees became too thick for the Tyranosaurs to follow, so they picked clearer areas to skirt around the dense foliage; and pretty soon there wan't any room for the Pteroasurs to fly in between the trees, so they had to soar above the treetops and catch glimpses of the chase. Soon the pursuers found themselves in a rocky area, slowly rising to form a rocky knoll in the middle of the jungle. They followed the scent into these rocks and halted at a series of tiny openings in the rocks. "They go here!", Mosquito said. "Follow me!", he rushed down his hole. Many of the othere followed thier own scent trails down other holes near by, and soon a gigantic scuffle could be heard deep underground. Veloceraptor wails mixed with Kirky screeches punctuated with banging, scrabbling and hollering met the earslits of the Tyranosaurs and Dilophosaurs that finally located where thier comrades had gone. A dark mass swooped down through the trees and landed near Thundertail; Strafewing squawking questioningly. "They have them cornered underground!", Thundertail replied, Talon landing too to translate. "There is a maze down there!", Mosquito crawled back out, even more cuts on his face. "There are thousands down there! They're putting up a fight, but they are retreating further into the caves.", Talon translated this too. "Continue pursuit.", Thundertail told him. "Better search the area.", mosquito replied. "There may be more entrances to these caves!" "Make it so.", Thundertail turned to Bross Dilophosaur and said. "Yes, my king!", he sauntered off, grumbling to the other Veloceraptors and three Ovaraptors. They all trundled deeper into the jungle. "I think we have things under control for now.", Thundertail said to Strafewing. "If you want, you may go home and rest. We'll take over from here." "I see you do...", the Pteranodon watched the other carnivores work. "Let me know the second you find them!", he flapped off, many others of his kin following. Pretty soon those of clan Thundertail were left alone, so Thundertail asked Waterlilly the Veloceraptor to go into the caves and tell the rest inside to desist thier activities - they were only acting anyway! He told her to tell them to get back to camp as soon as they could and prepare for the next phase in the ruse. Soon the jungles around the area quivered with the movements of many stealthy carnivores as they went back home. By nightfall everyone was back at camp, planning the next steps in the plan and preparing things for the events that would begin tomorrow. By morning one of the clans' carts was prepared with fresh bedding, and a little more thwn a hundred eggs were gently nestled there. Several dozen female Veloceraptors hopped aboard to keep the Pteranodon eggs warm and Bross and Leeter was hitched up to it. Mildred, along with many other Kirkys were tied together, knowing full well thier lines for they were good actresses, and prepared to march all the way to the Pteranodon's lair. Talon, Diego, Triphus and Flit helped everyone get ready; and waited by Thundertail for all the rest.Thundertail, several of the other Tyranosaurs and many of the veloceraptors also prepared to leave; and once everyone was ready, they all began thier trek; and all hoped this would work! The trip there was extremely uneventful, but once they drew near they noticed many Pteranodons inspecting them from high above. As they entered the Pteranodon's territory, many followed from lower altitudes; and as they approached the ravines, Thundertail let out a peal of roaring to get the whole flocks' attention. Strafewing flew up and landed in our path, eyeing the whole contingency with both scorn and wonder; for the cargo our cart held was the hope of his whole flock! "We have retrieved your eggs!", Thundertail confirmed. "The Kirkys will never again pilage your nests." "By the Prime Sunstone!", Strafewing crowed. “You came through...!" "The battle was intense, and thier number was in the thousands.", Thundertail told him. "We killed and ate all but a few hundred. Once they realized they were defeated, they surrendered. They will never do this again, and promised to be our slaves if we spared thier lives." "It's true, boss!", Mildred squeaked. "We had no ideer you had such powerful friends! We're sorry... Please spare us!" "For what you did, do you expect to live?", Strafewing told her. "No creature insults us thusly and lives!" "No Boss!... Please!...", Mildred begged. "We promised we would spare thier lives if they promised never to do it again.", Thundertail repeated. "It would serve no purpose to completely wipe them out, and would dishonor your flock." "My King...!", Spiderweb called from inside the cart. "The eggs are cooling off! We must get them to thier nests quickly!", she got into a better position over the clutch she was tending. "Very well! I will spare you - for now!", Strafewing gave in. he squawked to his flock and many of them drew near the cart of eggs. "Bring the cart into the rookery. The females will choose thier eggs from there." Bross and Leeter drew the cart deeper into the ravine and stopped right in the midst of many dozens of cliffside nests. By ones and in groups, the female Pteranodons came over to view the eggs and claim the ones that were thiers. The female Veloceraptors complied and carried the eggs to the nests belonging to each female Pteranodon, getting thenked with a squawk in the process. It took quite a long time to get the right eggs in the right nests, but once this was done the whole rookery became calmer and more serene. Strafewing looked on at all this activity, and had a look of happiness Thundertail never knew he posessed! "Ah! Happiness now reigns!", Thundertail commented, looking at the sight. "And it is all due to you and your unusual clan!", Strafewing said. "It is truely a sight to behold!", he turned to look at the smirking Tyranosaur. "It is becoming clear to me that other species can live in peace, despite the differences." "Even we both could benefit.", Thundertail agreed. "When these eggs are hatched, I would be willing to discuss a treaty with you.", the flyer told the theropod, then turned to Talon. "I would be pleased if this lovely creature officiate at that time, too!... Especially her!", she preened as he cooed in a universal Pteranodon sign that he liked her. "I would be honored, your eminence.", Talon replied as soon as she gained composure. "It would be a wonderous day, that day!", Thundertail bowed, and Strafewing did likewise, and they touched beak to muzzle in a nuzzle of friendship. Fairly soon all the eggs were in the right nests, and all the Pteranodons settled down into thier nests. It was about this time that Thundertail figured they had worn out thier welcome, and he had his group gather for the long journey home. He praised his clan for the good deed they had done for thier former enemies; saying that they were enemies no more, but allies of the Rainy Basin and new friends. Giving the command, they all followed him out of the ravines and back into the jungle; on the path that would lead them home. When they got home a great but subdued celebration commenced; and if it weren't for the recent injuries thier previous diplomatic mission had given them, it would have been a much more festive occasion indeed! Diego and Triphus were praised for thier brilliant strategy, and both were given higher rank as a result; for they would now be asked more often for thier advice in certain matters, and thier skills would be called upon in other ways. A few days later, the delegation that went to Waterfall City returned, and both negotiation teams would certainly have thier tales to tell... _
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Post by thundertail on Mar 18, 2012 7:02:08 GMT -5
_ TWENTY-EIGHT: "The Council of Reason." Soon the nighttime was over, but the sunshine did not wake me up this time. It was the pattering of little feet coming from the hall just outside the door! I cracked my eyes open and saw Mayday smiling at me in her dreams, and lovingly stroked her cheek to wake her; but it was then when I finally realized we were not in clan Thundertail! I jerked to a sitting position in this strange nest, wondering where Rex and the others were when I heard a knock on the door and an unfamiliar voice calling for breakfast. Mayday woke in a flash, looking just as confused as I, and scrabbled out of the nest. I followed, and we silently slid into our armors of Othgar. I nearly tripped over the Setnoychosaurus hatchling that ploughed into me, and dodged the human boy that ran in his wake; and Mayday stroked the head of the little girl that sleepily followed the other two. I turned and walked out toward the living area of our host, realizing at last that we were in Waterfall City, in the home of Mr. Rhudolph and family; in the middle of a diplomatic mission. "Sleep well?", Lenore asked as we passed her miniscule kitchen. "We're having seaweed pancakes this morning!" "Like a hatchling, only sounder!", I yawned. "Top notch digs!", Harold scampered past my legs. "Bring on the grub!" "Harold! Manners!", Mayday scolded as I held her chair at the dining room table. "Rhudolph went down to set up shop.", Lenore informed us. "A Postal Bird came by. Said you were to be met by a mister Zippeau Stenochysaurus, and be taken on a tour of the city. Later you will be escorted to the council chambers.", she set out two large plates of greenish pancakes, and went back for the condiments. "Thanks for the information, this lovely breakfast and your impeccable hospitality in that order!", I said, eyeing our breakfast. Jack, Mimi and Wani scooted to the table, sitting and poking at each other; making the type of morning racket all children thier age usually make. Lenore rolled her eyes and apologized as we ate. We commented that it was great to be kids, and to enjoy it while it lasts. Pretty soon thier carcophany grew, indicating that the children were done eating, and wanted to play. "If you're done, you can get ready for school!", Lenore scolded, wiping her mouth. "I hear miss Marion has a test on agriculture today." "Aww!", was thier mutual reply. "A good education is the key to having a good life.", I told them, turning to Lenore. "I'm a part time teacher for our little ones." "That so?", Lenore began to get up, taking her childrens' dishes as they left. "What do you teach?" "Oh, the basic ackedemics.", I told her. "My specialty is teaching the saurians English, and Mayday ususlly teaches weaving and thatching. Mosquito the Veloceraptor teaches the art of stalking. We all pitch in and teach classes on subjects we're good at." "It's wonderful to hear that the whole community takes part in the childrens' education.", Lenore said as she took our plates. "But that hunting business..., makes me jittery just to think!" "We teach them the things they need to know to survive.", Mayday said. "Carnivores need to eat, and Stalking and other hunting skills are necesary." "My kind teaches the youngsters balance and flexibility.", Harold cut in. "Never thought us circus folk could teach anybody anything!" Just then there was a knock at the door, and Lenore rushed from the kitchen to answer it. It was the saurian guard, saying there was someone to see mister Stinger and the party from the Rainy Basin. Harold, Mayday and I rushed to finish getting ready, and we followed the guard down to the street. Standing there was an older looking Stenoychosaurus, bespectacled and carrying a clipboard made for a scroll; and he was eyeing the contents of the scroll before looking up and noticing us. "Ah! Mister Stinger, miss Mayday - and your name?", he said. "Name's Harold, Mack.", Harold said from my shoulder. "And Harold. A skartopus Kirkus, if I'm not mistaken!", he looked at his notes, writing the name on it with a stylus. "Ahem,... Well then. I am Zippeau, and I will be escorting you on a tour of the city. But first we will go gather the rest of your group.", he consulted his notes again. "Now, it says they are in the fishery's warehouse. Nasty place! You would think they would put you in some place better!" "The Rhudolphs were excellent hosts.", I said. "We were never treated better." "Yes, they are some of our finest citizens.", Zippeau said. "Now if you'll follow me..." Zippeau led us down the lane of Commerce Square, where shopowners were just setting up thier wares. We saw textiles and hardgoods coming from homes behind booths with saurian signage and banners announcing thier wares. Not too far up the street we saw Rhudolph unfurling a tarp, which covered a bar of sorts. His back was turned while he was bringing out glass flasks and earthenware crocks, but let out a gasp as he turned and recognized us. "Mister Stinger! Miss Mayday!", he set his items down. "I see mister Zippeau has found you with no problem." "We're on our way to collect the rest of the delegation.", I said to him, then turned to Zippeau. "Perhaps we could double back so mister Rhudolph can meet them?" "Certainly. I was planning to show you the other side of the city first.", Zippeau said. "I'm sure we can arrange a brief visit." "That would be fine, I guess.", Rhudolph said. "Perhaps I could intrest you in a cranberry mamossa to start your day?...", he began to mix. "That won't be necesary, Rhudolph; but thank you anyway.", Zippeau told him. "We are on a tight schedule!" "We be back shortly.", Mayday said as we followed the Stenoychosaurus. "Later, Mack!", Harold said as he jumped from my shoulder to hers. We followed Zippeau through the market, which was starting to fill up with patrons as well as the noise of barter; and passed by the invisible barrier that marked the end of that sector. Quickly we passed many buildings, some of which human and saurian traffic was emerging, going to start thier daily tasks and errands. In the dimness of evening, the grandeur of these buildings were obscured; but the early morning light revealed the washed and well worn charm these rustic styled neolithic buildings contained. Each set of buildings sported thier own style, and thier roofs were tiled with either red or blue terra cotta tiles and designed with thier own flavor. No building seemed to be more than five stories tall, from what I could count from the rows of windows; but many of them towered over our heads for the fact they were also designed for saurians. The guard met us at the bay door that housed the rest of our group; nodding silently as they recognized our guide. They opened the door and led the way to where we left our friends. We rounded the corner and saw Rex just getting up, Sauron and Chillet helping with his harnesses and Amulet of Protection before hitching each other into the cart harness. Ripper and snapper were reapplying thier muzzles and straightening thier own amulets while Whitetail was putting on her sash. As soon as Zippeau saw the carniverous group, he let out a loud gasp! "Oh, my goodness!", he tried to stifle. "Zippeau, I would like for you to meet the rest of my group.", I introduced. "This is Rex, prince of the Rainy Basin and heir to clan Thundertail.", Rex bowed as soon as Chillet stopped fidgeting with his halter. "Pleased to meet you (gulp), sir.", Zippeau nodded. "Meet Ripper and Snapper, our bodyguards.", they chirruped and nodded. "Charmed...", Zippo mumbled. "They're safe, right?" "Sure.", I said and continued. "Sauron and Chillet are great friends and strong helpers.", they nodded. "Wonderful to see non-carnivores working together with carnivores...", said Zippeau. "And lastly, meet Whitetail. She's a good friend.", I introduced and she bowed with a sweet chirp. "Well met, ma'am.", Zippeau said. He was still many yards away, not daring to get closer. "Please Zippeau, I assure you they are very friendly.", I told him. "You may come closer. They won't bite - I promise!" "You must excuse my fear.", Zippeau told us. "I have recently had a bad run-in with carnivores. They were Mosasaurs!", he displayed his scarred tail. "They're an unpredictible lot.", I admitted. "We have a tenative treaty with a group of them back home ourselves." "Aw! I can take any old Mosasaur any day!", Harold said. "Word of advice, Zip. You can beat anybody if you can outsmart them. Mosasaurs are as dumb as they come!" "Eh..., have you had breakfast yet?", I asked my group to change the subject. "Yes.", Sauron replied for them all. "Then I think we should be going, right Zippeau?", I asked. "Er..., yes!", he replied with a start. "Now, I have planned a tour this morning that should be most informative.", he consulted his notes. "Now, everyone in Waterfall City is aware of your presence, and were told not to become too alarmed of you.", he gasped as Ripper and Snapper approached him to lead the way. "I wish I could be calm...", he breathed. We all filed out of the bay we were in and gathered in the enclosed corridor, Zippeau looking at each with extreme trepidation. As we came to the entrance of the fishing fleet warehouse, Harold scurried up beside Zippeau and smiled as he waved for the others to follow. The guards outside opened the bay door and everyone presently stepped out into the street and squinted at the sunshine. Immediately they noticed all the people and saurians passing by in all directions; and many bowed or waved as they passed, though they still gave us a fairly wide berth! We made our way toward Commerce Square once again, where business was bustling with buying and selling; and though the noise this time around wasn't so chaotic, it was just as loud. Though thier patrons stayed far enough out of range of a potential bite, the sellers here proved just as insistant with us as they were with thier regular customers! Zippeau went on at the prosperity of waterfall City, as it was a hub of all kinds of endeavors; but his words fell on deaf ears as we took in all the color and smells coming from everywhere at once. All of a sudden Rex halted and turned to a large kiosk sporting all types of fruit, and his gaze fell on the large yellow mass of fruit hung on a pole that supported its' awning. "Baaa... Naaa... Naaa...!!", Rex rumbled in English nearly as loud as he could; and that brought everyone's attention to him. "Oh, no you don't!", I scolded once I saw what he was looking at. "You remember the last time you had bananas!" "Sir?", Zippeau called. "He just loves bananas, but they don't like him.", I explained to him as I turned to the fruit stands' owner. "One day he got ahold of a whole bunch of them... Let's just say that I was following him around for a week!" "I..., I see...", the owner stammered. "Hey, boss!... Casabas!", Harold got down to look at a basket of the melons at the foot of the kiosk. "Can we do some shopping?" "Er..., I don't see why not...", Zippeau said helplessly. While all this was going on, Rex was looking at me with pleading eyes, bobbing up and down and begging; quietly mewling. I turned my gaze down a moment as if in thought, then I looked directly at his pathetic display. I could not stand it any more, and took a breath to speak. "Oh...! Ok.", I said. "But only two bananas! That's it.", I went and pulled two down. "How much for these things?", I asked the fruit stand owner. "Uh..., two bananas and three melons...", he added. "F-four Drachs, please...", he backed away. I tossed the bananas into Rex's mouth one at a time and watched him chew gleefully. I then pulled out the tiny sack that had all the money we had; a handful of Drachs, plus many small and colorful jewels with several small Sunstones mixed in for good measure. I dumped the contents into my hand as I leaned toward the counter. The owner gazed at what was in my palm, marveling especially at the Sunstones! "Say! Those are Sunstones!", he exclaimed as some of the patrons drew closer. "Those belong to everyone." "We trade them for stuff we need sometimes. We find them all over the Rainy Basin.", I told him conversationally. "That was four Drachs, right?", he nodded as I counted the ancient coins. I handed him the money, then smiled as I placed a marble-sized Sunstone in his hand as well. He shook as his hands drew away, eyes amazed at the very valuable stone in his hand. He withdrew into his kiosk, excitedly showing the Sunstone to his wife. In the mean time, Harold took his three melons and began juggling them, showing off in front of the growing crowd. After a moment or two of this, he stopped and gave Chillet a melon and then her mate; and then they both downed thier treat in one bite. I was too busy with the kiosk owner to see this, but Mayday and Zippeau witnessed this, and both rolled thier eyes at the silliness. Show over, most of the people and saurians that gathered turned and went about thier previous business as the uniqueness of our presence wore off. We passed by the kiosk run by Rhudolph, and he waved at us. I quickly drew my group towards him, and he shrunk back at the sight of Rex instinctively! I smiled as he recognized me, and only then he became less apprehensive. "Ah! mister Rhudolph! We meet again!", I shook his hand over the counter of his Kiosk. "I would like you to meet the rest of my party." "Pleased to meet you...", Rhudolph mumbled, still eyeing Rex. "This is Rex, prince of the rainy Basin and heir to the throne of king Thundertail.", I announced as Rex bowed, sniffing at him from afar. "Sauron and chillet Pachycephalosauruses, who are good friends as well as good helpers.", they bowed. "Whitetail Veloceraptor, my assistant; and her sons, Ripper and Snapper, our bodyguards.", they bowed. "You have met Harold Kirky, as well as Mayday - and I'm sure you know Zippeau Stenoychosaurus..." "That I do - and I'm sure we are all well met!", Rhudolph said. "Er..., could I interest any of you in a drink of something?..." "Excuse me everyone.", Zippeau announced. "Our next stop is the Waterfall City library; but first there are many sights to see. I suggest we get a move on if we are to complete the tour and be on time for your meeting." "A good idea.", I said once I was finished with the owner of the fruit stand. "I think we're beginning to draw a crowd!" We all presently moved on, and came out at where Zippeau described as Fountain street. The square we came out onto sported a two storey tall obelisk at the center of another fountain sporting Parasolophus statues spewing water; and on that obelisk were written many stories of caring in saurian footprint script. To our right stood a building dedicated to dance and fitness, and was described as a gymnasium of sorts; and to our left stood an even larger building which were housing for Ceratopsians and Hadrosaurs. We turned left down Fountain street, meeting many of the predescribed buildings' residents along the way; and made it to the waterfront of inner Mosasaur harbor. Across the two hundred foot channel we saw many boats that hauled cargo and passengers both saurian and human, and turned right to walk along its' length. Zippeau described many famous landmarks in the distance, no less the famous vessels that were moored all along the way. His crowning glory that he spoke of was the gigantic massif that was the Waterfall City library, rival in height only to the Prime Sunstone Tower itself. At the end of the avenue we were on was a massive stone bridge that spanned Pliosaur Canal, and he steered us for it. Across it were the ackademies of Masks and Puppets - obviousely the theatre district; and many actors mimed thier stories and practiced thier entertainment right there in the street. Harold could not help but leap off the cart and observe these acts close up, and the saurian guards that accompanied us had to convince him to rejoin our group! We turned our heads to be on our way when a lanky lady dressed predominantly in red strolled into view with a clipboard and stylus, handing out pieces of paper and talking to human and saurian alike. A tiny dinosaur strolled at her side, and it was carrying a thick sheaf of such papers, passing them out as well. The thing that made me know who this female was turned out to be the bright red busby hat on her head - it was Ruby mattock, and the little dinosaur could be no other than Elinore! I shouted and waved to get her attention, and her eyes lit up as she rushed over. "Ruby Mattock! I'm so glad to see you!", I said as she came to within feet of my group. "And Elinore! How you've been?" "Stinger!" Ruby shook my hand, ending in a mild hug. "it's been so long! What brings you here?" "Stinger! Stinger! stinger!", Elinore exclaimed before I could answer. She leapt into my crouching embrace and nuzzled my face. "Oh! It's been an age!", she leapt into Mayday's arms. "So, how's everything, friend?", a nuzzle and kiss. "We are on a diplomatic mission.", I explained. "Mister Zippeau here is taking us on a tour of sorts..." "Yes, and we're lagging behind!", Zippeau said. "I thought you were told not to solicit people, Ruby!" "Well, if enough people agree, the council will have no choice but to storm LaSage's castle!", Ruby maintained. "They must be stopped!" "Maybe I should tell you what WE have done about LaSage.", I suggested. "What did you do?", Ruby was curious, and Elinore nodded as she was greeting whitetail. "Whitetail. Could you get the copy of LaSage's treaty?", I asked, and she complied. "We negotiated a treaty with LaSage and her pirates.", I said as I handed the document to her. "They can no longer tresspass in the Rainy Basin or we will drive them out. As compensation, they get provisions on a monthly basis." "And they obey this?", Ruby asked as Elinore hopped on her shoulder to read it too. "Most of the time.", I said. "When they break the contract, we send them packing!" "Maybe the council should do the same thing...", Ruby said. "That way they won't hurt anybody. Maybe I should rewrite my petition!" "Sounds like a good idea!... Let's see your pamphlet.", I said. Elinore handed me one."Hmmm...! If it will help, we'll sign it." "Sure!", Elinore had Ruby hand me her clipboard and stylus. We each signed, minus Zippeau, of course; and I handed it back to Ruby. Whitetail took back the treaty copy and put it back in the satchel in the Copro cart. After that we said our goodbyes. Ruby gave us each a hug, kiss or handshake where apropriate; getting introduced to sauron and Chillet in the process. One last nuzzle by Elinore, ending with Rex, who had to stoop so the tiny creature could; and we all parted company, loking back fondly at the reunion. Zippeau steered us left after that, and we came out on this massive plaza of concrete and grass, where many citizens sat or stood in groups; obviousely content in enjoying the day, and thier children played in thier midst. After brief scrutiny from the nearer groups, they went back to thier peaceful business. We walked along until we came to a smaller bridge that spanned a narrow cargo chute, or so Zippeau explained; and crossed to an expanse known as juggler's Plaza, right in front of the Rainy Basin library. Showing off, Harold juggled objects from the cart as we passed by several groups of costumed and facepainted jugglers; of which they nodded appreciation and his skill. Harumphing, Zippeau led us on, and we eventually made it to the vast steps of the massive building. We unhitched Sauron and Chillet, and as a group we mounted the saurian built steps leading to the thirty foot tall doorway. "Behold! the Waterfall City library!", Zippeau announced. "My pride and joy!", he produced an impossibly large key and wrenched it into the keyhole, twisting with seemingly all his strength until the massive workings of the lock clanked home. He strained on the door until it was plain that he needed help. Mayday and I rushed in to lend a hand; and with the strength of Klamath and Zandra, the door gave way and creaked to the open position. Beyond lay row upon row of shelving spanning the ceiling containing thousands of scrolls and well made tomes - shelves that seemed to extend as far as the eye could see. Windows high in the structure and skylights illuminated the majority of the space, and lower Sunstone powered scones and lamps lit more intamate areas for private reading. I turned and stared at all the volumes lining the space, and noticed everyone else in my group doing the same. Zippeau watched us all doing this with an extreme look of pride. "All of Dinotopia's knowledge is contained in this space.", he said. "You may disperse and browse if you wish, for this knowledge is meant for all.", the rest did, but Mayday, Rex and I followed Zippeau further into the complex. "Like I said in yesterday's meeting, we would be glad to donate copies of our findings from the ruins to the library.", I told him. "As you say, knowledge is meant for all." "Ah yes, but as you can see, a lot of these volumes need restoration.", Zippeau told us as he turned down an alcove, where easle-like desks set up with scrolls in very poor shape. "I'm afraid they will disintegrate before they're tended to." "Kirkys good at fixing scrolls.", Mayday said. "Tablets too. Maybe you could send them to us and they can restore the scrolls." "A grand idea, but the council is still undecided about your kind.", Zippeau said. "I, for one, would be extremely nervous having carnivores trapsing about the place!... No offense, of course!" "We understand. Carnivores have been your enemies since the beginning of time.", I told him. "After all that, trusting us is a hard comodity to come up with. Perhaps over time and with your kind getting used to us, trust might come eventually." "True.", Zippeau said. "Since I've been in thier presence, I've seen they are just as nice as anybody else. I'm sure we will become very good friends - given time, of course.", he gulped as Rex snuffled at him. "About how many scrolls of information do you think we have back home, Mayday?", I asked her, turning to see a glass cabinet with really ancient looking books. "Three rooms in pyramid full.", Mayday said. "Many thousands in each room." "My word!", Zippeau said. "That's nearly a tenth of what we have here! And I'm sure most of it we do not have!" "Where do you suppose to put it all when we start sending copies to you?", I asked. "The library looks about full!" "I have no idea.", Zippeau paused in thought. "Well, there are other buildings in the area.", I suggested. "Perhaps you could annex one of them for storage." "A grand idea!", Zippeau said, writing it down on the edge of his notepad. "I shall suggest that at council as soon as you begin transporting the scrolls!" "Zippeau. Do you know a Sperry Stenychosaurus - or Merry Stenoychoasurus?", I asked suddenly. "I believe they work in the Cultural Anthropology guild.", he said. "They were the ones sent to investigate your clan, if I'm not mistaken." "That's them! They were model guests.", I said. "Anyway, Sperry suggested that I write about everything about my life, and that you would be most interested in reading it." "Yes, that would be interesting indeed!", Zippeau said. "I would like to see it." "I've been very busy on it; but other things come up from time to time.", I told him. "I only have written down up to the point where he suggested I do it. I'm not nearly finished with it yet..." "Well, I'd be glad to see what ever you have.", Zippeau remarked. "Perhaps you could send it to me in installments!" "A great idea!", I said. "I'll sent the first part along with the first load of Archaeological texts." "A fine idea.", Zippeau said, offering his saurian hand, which I shook. "It getting late.", Mayday said, noticing a lightbeam coming in from a high window and landing near our feet. "Yes, inded!", Zippeau said. "I must go get something for you, and I'll be right back. If you would, please collect the rest of your group and meet me back at the entry hall. I'll be right there in a moment...", he trotted off as we began searching the library. Rex spotted Sauron and Chillet down a row of scrolls; and Chillet was using a strange treadmill device which advanced the scroll she was reading, Sauron listening to her recite. Rex huffed and nodded for them to come along, and they presently followed as soon as Sauron removed the scroll and placed it back into its' recepticle. I found Harold up on a table in a study area, looking into some archives on the ways the ancient Dinotopians entertained themselves; so I whistled and he scurried in my direction, and he told me he was looking for anything on the Kirky Circus. Mayday found Whitetail, Ripper and Snapper down another aisle, looking at titles of old human books as they passed; and they fell in line behind her as soon as Snapper noticed her waving. All the aisles had arrows showing the way out, and we all converged on where we first entered the library. Many moments passed as all of us began telling each other what we had discovered. At long last Zippeau emerged from another direction, and he was pushing a smallish cart containing a few dozen volumes and scrolls with a small satchel to put them all in. He huffed as he stopped and removed his spectacles. "There. This should help you out a lot.", he told us. "I took the liberty to lend you several subjects that will help in your childrens' education. There are books on mathematics, history, Footprint language, mechanics, Dinotopian lore and several other entertaining stories. You may take your time copying these for yourselves as these are copies of the originals." "You shouldn't have...", Chillet said. "That's right nice!", Harold said. "Children need learn like Dinotopians!", Mayday said. "Well, thanks a lot!", I said. "This is just what we need." "Just doing my part.", Zippeau told us. "I asked the council if I can do this, and they agreed." "Zip...po... niiice...!", Rex went to lick him, but the Stenoychosaur recoiled. "No need for affection..., please!", he bowed with shyness. "Er..., now we need to proceed with my tour.", he began loading the literature into the satchel. Sauron and Chillet lifted it and we all proceeded out the great doors and down the huge steps outside. Zippeau locked the doors behind him as we all helped load the bag onto the cart and hitch Chillet and Sauron to it. Instead of Zippeau leading us back the way we had come, the timid and bespectacled Stenoychosaurus took us down a short lane where another gigantic fountain sprayed its' water a hundred feet in the air. On the other side of it was a low, spanning building with a two hundred foot tall flat roof; and many Skybax took off and landed from that height. He said that was the main Skybax aerie of Waterfall City, and news from all over Dinotopia was dispatched there. Also, beyond that, was the Aqua Stadium, where aquatic species of all types came to participate in sports and other types of water based activities; and went on for many moments describing them all. When done, he steered us south down to near the path that led to the Juggler's Plaza, and the bridge that we crossed previousely. A left turn near the hall of Masks and Puppets, his next destination for us would be the Guest Regestry building; so he said. He told us that anybody visiting Waterfall City had to regester there - just to keep the books straight, he joked nervousely! We unhitched Sauron and Chillet and we all entered this comparitively small building, much to the alarm of the people, dinosaurs and clerks inside; and waited in the foyer. Zippeau excused himself and went deeper into the building while we stood there enduring the whispered words and mistrusting stares from the people near us. Soon Zippeau returned with an older human trailing him with a rather thick handwritten tome; and that man was none other than Minch! "Ah, you're here.", Minch stated. "How is your tour going?" "Very well indeed!", I told him. "Such a magnificent city!" "You realize why you are here.", Minch stated. "Zippeau indicated that we had to regester with the city.", I offered. "Quite.", Minch said as he began requesting forms from a passing clerk. "Mister Stinger, since you are a newcomer, we have special forms for you - along with a citizen's compact. The rest have regular visitor's paperwork to fill out. I'll explain everything as needed.". He began to hand out some papers to us, along with writing supplies as he saw none of us had any but Whitetail. He hurriedly ushered us into an alcove near by, eyeing us with trepidation all the way. Minch then left us and Zippeau to fill out our forms. Mine was a series of your basic questionaires. They asked my previous name and address, occupation and the like, along with current address and occupation and all the rest. Once done, I helped Rex fill out his since his hands weren't dexterous enough to hold a stylus; then I looked to see how the others were doing. Zippeau was helping Whitetail, Snapper and Ripper fill thiers out, giving them pointers and commenting on how bad thier handwriting was. Sauron and Chillet were doing fine on thier own, as was Mayday; and once we all were done, we handed all the paperwork to Zippeau and had him summon Minch back. "Ah! You're done. Excellent!", Minch said as he collected the papers. "Now, one more formality and you may go on your way.", he led us out to the main foyer, where volumes of thick books stood on thier pedistals. "Now, if you would sign your names on these books, you'll be considered full Dinotopians and welcome in Waterfall City forever.", Minch handed me the stylus first. "It's a busy time, so there will not be a ceremony this time...", he stepped back. I didn't know whether they wanted my original name or my clan name, so I signed both names. Mayday did likewise, even though she was a natural born Dinotopian and was probably not necesary for her to. Rex was next, but he fumbled with the stylus so much I had to guide his hand. Sauron and Chillet probably didn't have to sign either, but they did so anyway. Next were Snapper, Ripper and Whitetail; and they just scrawled thier names as best they could. Harold sauntered right up and signed his name with flair, then walked away with a smug pride. This done, Minch looked at us all before addressing us and Zippeau. "Excellent! Now I will let you get about your business.", he smiled. "Uh..., Zippeau. The council session will start in two hours. I suggest you cut the tour short and proceed right over there." "Oh yes! You're right, Minch!", Zippeau said, eyeing his notebook with regret. "There was so much more I wanted you to see...! Oh well. Maybe next time then." "Don't worry, Zip!", Harold said. "Yes, if the rest of the city is half as glorious as what we saw so far, then we all look forward to it the next time!", I told him. Zippeau nodded farewell to Minch, as we all did, and led us out of the guest regestry building. Turning right, we headed down the lane right in front of Aqua Stadium and went over the bridge that spanned Plesiosaur Canal. We were now on Rosy Morning Promenade, and water flowed on either side of us. We headed south, and the canal was on our left and the mist of White Curtain falls was on our right. Rex looked over the edge at Cloudbottom Gorge below us and moaned at either the height or all that water, so I pulled him away from the sight and we all continued on. Soon we passed the bridge over Plesiosaur Canal that led to the Tunnel Arcade and the Dining Commons, then came within view of the Waterfall City Observatory. We then went past the One-World Globe and the Museum of Clocks and Sundials on our way to the Council chamber building. Once there we unhitched Sauron and Chillet again and Zippeau escorted us to the door. Many of the citizens who once feared us actually cheered us as we walked up the wide steps; and the huge doors swung open at our presence. We were not greeted by the mayor this time, but rather allowed to enter the main foyer of our own accord, where many of the council members and thier aides nodded greetings; and some of them even had the courage to walk up and do so personally. Fairly soon the meeting was called, but we were asked by a court valet to remain behind a moment. After all the delegates left the foyer for the council chamber proper, the valet said we could now enter. As before we were escorted up the center aisle and told to stand by the table at its' end. Whitetail took her place at it, as did all of our group to thier places; and then the meeting began as soon as mayor Waldo Seville took his place. "This meeting will now come to order.", he tapped his gavel after several moments, and the council members' murmurings died down. "I see we are all here, so now this meeting shall now commence." The mayor shuffled papers around his podium as higher ranking council members handed him more; and once he finished examining them, he spoke. "Delegates of clan Thundertail and citizens of the Rainy Basin, we have come to a decision about your proposals about your becoming a seperate society; and come to conclusions about your protests on out writ banning you from the restorations of the ruins in your domain. But before we divulge our decisions, there are several points of question reguarding certain things we would like to ask." "Please go on, your honor.", I said. "The Prime Sunstones and others around Dinotopia protect us from attacks by carnivores.", he continued. "How is it possible that you are with us today, unfettered by the Sunstones?" "A while back, while exploring Halcyon; and with the help of the armor of Othgar, we discovered these...", I turned to Rex and displayed his amulet. "This is called the Amulet of Protection, or 'Thak-Allon' in the old tongue.", I displayed it so nearly all of the delegates could see. "It protects carnivores from the effects of the Sunstones. We believe the colored Sunstones, powered by the white or clear one in the middle, gives off frequencies that nullify the other Sunstones' effects around the creature wearing it. The Sunstones give carnivores a terrible headache if they get too close!", some delegates chuckled. "I will show them!", Snapper said in Veloceraptor. "No, Snapper!", I told him in Veloceraptor. "You don't have to...", but it was too late! Snapper reached and pulled his amulet over his head and tossed it to Ripper. The effect was almost instantaneous due to our proximity to the Prime Sunstone - less than a mile away! First he mewled in pain, then his next breath came out as a mewling scream! His clawed hands went to his head, and he hobbled around with a strange look on his face, screeching in agony! Seeing what was happening to his brother, Ripper took only a second, and grasped his brother to still him. He shoved his arms down so he could replace the amulet; and once it was done, held him as the intense pain subsided. Whitetail rushed back and gave him water while he still mewled. "The next time I do something stupid...", Snapper panted in Veloceraptor. "Remind me of this!", I translated, but there was more words of concern from the delegates than laughter at his comment. "We did not know that Sunstones hurt the carnivores!", Waldo said. "...And these amulets, they do nothing to effect a carnivores' disposition?" "No.", I said. "The carnivores of the Rainy Basin truely want to negotiate peace with you. They realize that thier reputations are not exactly to your liking; so our delegation wanted to show you they meant no harm by being as civil and non-threatening as possible." "Oh yes! They were perfect gentilebeings all through the tour!", Zippeau spoke up from his seat behind us. Mayor Waldo shushed him with a stare. "Sorry, your honor....", he sat back down. "Yes, we had reports stating as such.", Waldo said as Whitetail resumed her place. "And you all should be commended for your behaviour!", we all bowed at the compliment. "Frankly, we did not know what to expect; but we're so glad it turned out the way it did.", he consulted his paperwork again. "Our wish to negotiate peace is an ernest one.", I reconfirmed. "We know that now, and encourage you to do so.", Waldo said. "And now onto another matter.", he shuffled pages in front of him. "We are most concerned about the things you have found in the places you have discovered. The armor you now wear has been forged for war, even though they are now used for peaceful purposes.", he looked at us sternly. "We would like to know what else you have found in the city of Halcyon, the pyramid of Teeklan and the temple of Orous; and what you plan on doing with them." "First of all, the records we have found so far is very vague on the purposes of the artifacts we have already found.", I told them. "Our main objective is to render those places livable first, then try to utilize the things found there. In Halcyon there is not much there except for the buildings and reliefs; and the only pieces of useful equipment there besides pottery and the odd weapon and such was Klamath, the armor of Othgar." "In the pyramid of Teeklan, we found it full of scrolls, tablets and other literature; reliefs on the walls showed it may have been a library of sorts, and the temple on top of it may have once held a Sunstone.", I continued. "Deep in the bowels of this pyarmid, we found Zandra, armor of Othgar; which is who Mayday wears right now. Below her chamber she showed us the way to the city of 'Kinan Van'; which was one of the cities Halcyon was protecting. Kinan Van was once a hub of commerce and technology. There are streets filled with the remnants of shops, businesses, pubs and domiciles; and facilities there housing workshops with many interesting and mysterious machines in them. That was where we found many Amulets of Protection as well as instructions on how to construct them. On the other side of Kinan van, we found a set of entrances to the World Beneath." Shouts of dread as well as cries of exclamation followed this revelation, and mayor Waldo Seville had to tap his gavel for many minutes to regain order. "Please! No more outbursts!", he said, then addressed me. "So you have found entrances to the World beneath. And have you explored those passages?" "To some degree.", I said. "The passage that held these entrances fanned out into three other passages. One was caved in less than a mile in, and the same went with the second. The third one took us to the Chamber of the Strutters." Everyone wanted to balk at this as well, but the mayors' stern look gave everyone pause. "You have found the Strutters too?!", he was livid enough for everyone there! He cleared his throat and continued. "What were the condition of the Strutters?" "We found the chamber filled with them. Rather, thier parts.", I told them. "They were all nearly completely taken apart. When we went to examine them, we found that all the parts for them were still there; all but the Sunstones that controls them. We are trying to figure out what to do with them; but I'm sure they could be put to good use given time." "The ancient texts say that the Strutters were built for war!", Zippeau blurted out, not caring if he was out of line. "What good can come of them?" "Well, the first one we will try to put together is one of the Bracheosaurus Strutters.", I said. "If you strip all the weaponry off them, that one can be useful hauling cargo or passengers. We found many other types of Strutters down there, and they can be just as useful. There are crablike ones that can be used for underwater exploration, Chasmosaur Strutters that can be used in construction or to pull a cart. I think there is a lot of good we can do with them - once we find the Sunstones that power them.The Sunstone recepticle on the Bracheosaur is fairly large. About the same size as the mayor's hat.", I told them, receiving murmuring giggles. "We're not sure what color stone it is, or the geodesic configuration; but we hope to find it soon so we can see if we put the thing together right." "This is unheard of!", Waldo said after a moments' sputtering. "Not only did you find the Chamber of the Strutters, yet another one of our most revered places; but you also plan to reactivate them?! Mister Stinger, starting your own civilization is one thing; but if you set those monsters loose on the land, who knows what might happen!" "Your honor, did the original trteaty with the carnivores include guarding all the holy places?", I countered. "As far as we are concerned, that part of the old treaty still stands. We will still protect those places against intruders, and never let others take anything dangerous. You have always trusted us with this task; so why can't you trust us still?" "Well, first thing is we trusted you when you were merely guarding them. Frankly, we don't know what to think about you actually utilizing those places!", the mayor said. "We could trust you to guard the places, but I don't know about you actually living there and using those things." "I realize that trust is a hard comodity to come by considering what we were to you.", I said. "But certainly you must know that we're on the same side as you. Dinotopia is a very small island, and we're all we got." "Perhaps we must reconsider a few things before we make rash decisions.", the mayor said after a moment of thought. "Though we agree that you may need those places to live in, we urge you to be extremely careful in the instrumentality you discover. Make sure you know exactly what it is you're dealing with before you set it in motion.", he turned to his cohorts. "We of the council hereby rescind the writ given to clan Thundertail many weeks ago. They may rebuild the pyramid of Teeklan, the temple of Orous, the cities of Halcyon and Kinan Van. They may use them for habitation purposes ONLY; and any unknown artifact must be regestered with the Archaeological Guild of Waterfall City before activation. Clerk, make it so.", he rapped his gavel. "Your honor." I said. "On behalf of the creatures of the Rainy Basin, I thank you and the high council for your wise decision." "On the contrary, Stinger.", mayor Seville said. "It's against everything we stand for that we give you the chance at all! We are a trusting council, however; and will take your word for it that you will not go off and muck everything up for the rest of us. We expect regular reports of your progress, though; both how you are faring as well as the artifacts you unearth.", he paused a second. "I will have dispatched with you a Postal Bird; and you will be appointed to establish a Post Office in your domain. We will require progress reports on a minimum of a monthly basis, and full copies of your findings will be sent to us as soon as possible. Advisors and other scientists will be dispatched from time to time to personally see to your progress, and any detromental decisions will be brought to the high council for consideration first. Are these conditions satisfactory to you?" "For me personally, I would say yes.", I told them innocently. "But I can not make such decisions without consent of king Thundertail. We will have to discuss this with him before any such conditions are agreed upon. If it be acceptible to the court, we can discuss this further on our next visit to your fair city." "We understand. You were sent here with only limited authority to make decisions.", mayor Waldo Seville said. "We are able to receive you in four months' time; as we need to discuss the import of your presence in detail among ourselves." "I had been thinking that one month should be sufficient.", I said. "I am sure thet king Thundertail would love to take a tour of this fabulous city. When he hears about what I've seen here, it would blow him away!”, I smiled. "Now wait a minute!", Rex roared in Tyranosaur. "We came here to become our own country! You can't sit there and dictate what we can and can't do! We are carnivores! Proud and Strong - we broke away from Dinotopian tyranny because of this! My father WILL not stand this!" I did not bother to translate. Instead I said this to him in English: "Rex, my friend! You can't expect them to understand our need for independance this quickly! It's good enough that they rescinded thier writ! Now, please calm down.", I said as I stroked his muzzle. "This is merely the first step of many. We will achieve what we are trying to get given time, so don't worry if we didn't get everything we asked for right now!" "But... not...fair...!", Rex said in English. "Prince Rex.", Waldo said softly. "Do you know the Dinotopian saying, 'Survival of all or none.', or "Others first, self last.'?", Rex nodded. "They mean that the good of the whole is more important than the good of the one.", Waldo explained. "What you do in the Rainy Basin could have harmful effects on the rest of Dinotopia. We need to think things over thouroughly in order to wisely decide what is best for the ENTIRE island. What may be good for the denizens of the Rainy Basin may not be good for the rest of the island. This is why we must proceed slowly and carefully. You will have your own civilization; but it might take a long time to accomplish. Do you understand now?" "I... Under... stand...", Rex rumbled. "What do you think, mister mayor?", I asked as I smiled at Rex. "Isn't he doing great for it being his first time at council?" "Yes, he is!", Waldo smiled. He looked at his notes. "Well, I guess this session is over.", he rapped his gavel. "Ah..., Stinger?", he said suddenly as everyone began to rise and leave. "Would you care to join us in noonday feast? It will be in the Dining Pavillion down the street..." "Unfortunately, no.", I said. "We must be going, for I'm sure our supplies are all but depleted." "Stinger is correct.", Sauron said. "There is only enough meat to last two meals. It is a long way to the Rainy Basin..." "Very well then.", Waldo said as he vacated his podium and quickly exited down to the chamber floor. "I will escort you outside...", he passed them, eyeing Rex suspiciousely, and led them to the main doors to the foyer. Mayor Waldo Seville led the way across the foyer and to the main doors as the other delegates gave us plenty of room. They lagged behind as we stepped down into the thouroughfare in front of the council building; and then the mayor turned, halting us. All of a sudden he produced a small whistle from his robes and blew several times. The shrill sound was just a few decebels within human hearing, and made the saurians in our group wince at the sound. Many moments later a Postal Bird flapped into the area and landed on a stone railing post beside the stairway. The bird fluttered, postulated and cleared its' throat before speaking. "Please state your destination, name and message in that order.", he said. "No, not that!", Waldo told it. "An edict has been decided in the high council. The delegation from the Rainy Basin is to establish a post office in thier domain. We wish one of you to go with them and oversee the establishment of such facility." "Oh, I see!", the Postal Bird said. "This sounds like a big job! If you would excuse me, I will tell the others. My supervisor isn't going to like this!...", he flapped off, around a building and out of sight. "I wish they wouldn't do that!", Waldo said. "I haven't even told him all we require!" "I'm sure they know what they're doing...", I told him. Within ten minutes the Postal Bird returned, accompanied by another, and another. They all landed with a flourish on walls and statues in the area, and one that appeared to be the older of the three spoke next. "We haven't established a new post office in over a hundred years.", he said. "Revered mayor, are you sure about this?" "Most definitely Sixty-Three.", Waldo told him. "The creatures of the Rainy Basin want to establish a civilized society on thier own. We deemed it prudent that they should have a way of communication with us to keep us informed on thier progress." "I see.", Sixty-Three said. "Then to have the proper post office, one must have a proper aerie to house us in, eh?" "We could build one of those in no time.", I offered. "We will take care of the construction, human.", Sixty-Three told me. "All you have to do is install it in your realm; and then there is a ceremony to christen it into service.", he hopped to get a look around. "Where is McGuire?" "He's hurrying as fast as he can!", the male summoned by the mayor said. "His old legs aren't what they used to be, you know!" "Hold your place Four-Seventeen!", Sixty-Three said. "Just for that, you can accompany your mate and oversee this operation!" "Yes, your honor...", Four-Seventeen said, bowing. "You mean you wouldn't want to come along, my mate?", the female asked, flitting to his side. "Oh, Six-Ninty-Nine! Of course I would wish to go!", Four-Seventeen said. "It's just that..., there are carnivores there...!" "Correction, Four-Seventeen!", I said. "There are CIVILIZED carnivores there! I guarantee you won't be eaten." Just then a withered old human struggled into view pushing a fairly large pushcart, zigzagging along as the cobblestones would let him. On this pushcart was a heavy looking piece of furnature, or so it seemed; for it looked clearly five feet long and boxlike. It was painted gala colors and resembled a multi-compatrmented birdhouse of sorts. As he drew slowly closer, the wording above both large pigeonholes said 'Post Office' in both human and Footprint language. The old man plopped the cart down as he noticed he had arrived, then stood back aghast as he saw the carnivores about! "There you are, McGuire!", Sixty-Three said. "If you would, please load it onto thier cart." "Mercy!", panted McGuire. "When Four-Seventeen said there were carnivores in the city, I should've believed him!" "No need! We'll do it!", I offered. "Maybe that is for the best. It looks like McGuire hasn't the strength!", Sixty-Three said. "Can that aerie be spared?" "It was going to go to Volcaneum.", McGuire said. "It was the only one in the shop." "Looks like you'll have to make another!", Sixty-Three said. "Alright human. Please proceed..." I lifted the aerie, but it seemed to be heavier than it looked; so Mayday lent a hand. We jostled it around, trying to set it in between our other supplies; so Snapper hopped up and helped us to arrange everything. McGuire took a satchel out of his pushcart, and Whitetail offered to take it from him - and he gave it up with extreme alarm! I took it from her and placed it behind the seat of our cart. Now fully loaded, I turned to mayor Seville and spoke. "This cart belongs to the Copro guild.", I told him. "Are you sure they can spare it?" "It will be all right.", he said. "You get a lot of use out of it, so I hear! Consider it the Copro guild's contribution to your society." "Thank you sir, from all of us!", I said, and he presently led us down the lane toward the Rainbow Bridge. I mounted Rex, Mayday hopped aboard the Copro cart and the two Postal Birds lighted onto her shoulder and the back of the seat. We followed mayor Waldo Seville to the end of the street, never looking back until that point. When we did, we noticed many of Waterfall City's residents following us; and didn't know we were leading a parade until a band near the back started to play! There were jugglers and tumblers of human and saurian descent as well as many larger becostumed saurians bellowing and trumpeting our exodus out of the city. The fanfare was overwhelming as we got to the Rainbow Bridge; and as we crossed we heard nearly every one of the citizens cheer and call to us from rooftops and window openings. Dozens of Skybax filled the sky, darting and pirouetting in the sky, putting on an aerial show in our honor. The mayor saw us to the other side of the bridge and waved as we made our way down the road that would lead us back home. "Well,", I said to our group as the cheering died down thousands of feet later as the trees began to thicken. "I think that meeting went very well. King Thundertail will be proud of us!" "But we no get everything we want.", Mayday commented. "It's a start.", I told her. "And a great one at that. Now the rest of Dinotopia will know of us, and our desire to seek peace." "Uh..., sir...", Six-Ninty-Nine squawked on Mayday's shoulder. "What are we to expect in your realm? Will we be eaten?" "No, I don't think you'll be eaten. Our children might try, but they would only be playing!", I told her. "We'll just have to explain to them you're not to be played with. Perhaps you could stay away from them until we do. I guess all you'll have to get used to is being around carnivores and become accustomed to seeing us eat. Other than that, we are just like any other community." "I heard that carnivores are very voracious eaters.", Four-Seventeen said. "I have been teaching them table manners!", I chuckled. Just before we got to Sweetwater Lake, we stopped and had ourselves lunch; and the two Postal Birds got a taste of how our table manners were. Next we pressed on and made it to the outpost less than an hour later. They explained to the residents there about us, and that soon carniverous caravans like this would be commonplace in thier lands. The leader of the place didn't like the idea, but he said he would go along with anything the high council dictated. We left there after a brief goodbye and headed ever eastward. The same thing happened in Carnassus as well as Horsetail Grove; and we stopped on the outskirts of Gorgonia to have our dinner. We decided to bed down there for the night, and passed through the small outpost with little fanfare at all. Again the Postal Birds explained about us, but the people there were dead set against having carnivores trapsing through thier land. I guess that in some places things never change! By noontime the next day we entered the Rainy Basin, and the familiar smells of home filled our nostrils. Here we could freely hunt, and by nightfall we had several Struthies to add to our larder. The fresh meat was a welcome change to the salted and stale meat we left with, and made for a very memorable meal. The Postal birds commented that; though it looked too bloody for thier tastes, at least we freely share the food. By midmorning the next day we returned into the territory of clan Thundertail, and by nearly noontime we entered into the campsite. We wondered why we weren't greeted with more fanfare, as was our way; but we wouldn't find out until later that afternoon what had happened in our absence!... _
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