Post by greentongue on Jan 19, 2011 6:58:27 GMT -6
Karlo was surprised to learn that the football player that had attracted his attention was a cousin of Haikon's. His name was Kagoth hi Satara. He was of an equal clan standing and had a comfortable familiarity with the football. The ease with which he kicked the ball implied that he had been doing it for longer than just this caravan trip. With Haikon away indulging in the pleasures Karlo had previously dreamed of, striking up a conversation was a welcome distraction.
Kagoth walked up to Karlo with the football and as he neared he tossed the ball to Karlo. Sweat ran down his forehead from the practice and heat of the day. "Hello, you're Karlo right? A friend of Haikon's if I am right."
Karlo deftly caught the ball. "Yes, that's right. I've seen you as we practiced; you're very good."
Kagoth said to a servant, "I need some water." then he addressed Karlo. "I am fairly good with the ball. Are you in need of a player for some reason? I have noted you looking about and watching the others with your friend."
While Karlo and Kagoth talked, Kagoth's servant fetched him a drink. Returning quickly with a small pitcher and a couple of cups on a tray, the servant poured some water and offered it to Kagoth.
Karlo nodded. "There will be a game played when we get to town. Runmaru needs a few more players for his team. Have you a friend as skilled as yourself?"
Kagoth stated, "I may know someone who can be of use. What is the wager on this game and what are the odds?"
Karlo shrugged, "Until we have a team, I do not think odds have been set. The wager would be whatever you care to make it, I imagine."
"How many others are you looking for?" inquired Kagoth as he wiped his brow a moment then motioned the servant with the water away.
"As many able players as you can come up with. We can choose the best later."
Kagoth nodded and said, "I may know a player who could be up for a game."
He then changed subject, "I would like to meet your companion. I have noticed you both have garnered a bit of a reputation from the attack and he seems to be able to get the ear of a certain woman that many have tried to see. You both have the air of action and adventure about you and may need another to help you in your goals. What say you?"
It was clear that Haikon was not returning soon. With knowing looks between each other they suspected that he would be carried back again and be in no condition to socialize.
By joining their supplies together they had a meal that was better then their usual fare. There was even enough that the servants were granted a piece of fruit to accompany the gruel provided from the common caravan kettle. Over their meal Karlo and Kagoth discussed the high points of football games they had played. Karlo had a long night to look forward to, anticipating Hiakon being in no condition to stand watch when he returned.
The conversation wound down and Kagoth retired to his own sleeping mat leaving Karlo to his thoughts. Once again he would be fulfilling the watch duties while Haikon indulged in pleasures only dreamed of. Karlo was unsure what Runmaru hi Thrizelu's reaction would be to the frequent visits by Hiakon but, he was sure it would not be favorable. A man in Runmaru's position and so obviously smitten by Tsana would not stand by and let another man supplant him. A quick dalliance was to be expected by one of their faith but, more than that would not likely be tolerated.
It had been a long active day for Karlo and he found that maintaining vigilance was becoming more difficult with each passing hour. Hiakon's return brought the expected problem. He was in no condition to stand watch.
Awaking the servants, Karlo instructed them to prepare a strong drink of herb stimulants. Karlo tried to reason with Haikon while this was being prepared. It was not too successful as far as conversation went but he did learn how wonderful Tsana was and in great detail.
While reclined and listening to Haikon ramble on in disconnected description of Tsana, Karlo soon saw Tsana as if he was with her. In fact it was him that she was turning her attention to. Before Haikon could join Karlo in sleeping, a servant with a drink arrived.
Haikon took the offered drink by reflex and chugged it down. The foul taste caught him by surprise as he was still reliving his earlier experiences. With a look of disgust he flung the empty cup aside and tried to focus on the servant that had handed it to him. Slowly the drink began to take effect and the world lost its fluffiness. "Why did you give me that?" he demanded.
"Master Karlo said that I must. He insisted that one of you needed to stay awake tonight and that it was your turn." answered the servant humbly.
Haikon looked at Karlo fast asleep beside him. Resigning himself to his duty and with movements that were becoming more controlled he dismissed the servant with a wave of his hand.
Alone in the night Haikon had time to reflect on the events earlier. A smile played across his face in memory and anticipation of future rendezvous
It may have been the mixture of the drugs and herbs but he had the feeling that he was being watched by unfriendly eyes. He did not notice anyone obviously scrutinizing him, but he couldn't shake the feeling.
Noise steadily increased as the light of the rising sun added new heat to the sauna of the jungle and a multitude of creatures began stirring. The effects of the night before wore away from Haikon to be replaced by fatigue. Awakening Karlo he threw himself down for a quick nap before the caravan began the day's journey. Kagoth arrived soon after with the remaining fruit his servant had traded for. Joining Karlo for breakfast he set aside a piece for Haikon. They ate quietly together after murmured pleasantries while frequently glancing at Haikon.
With the first people beginning to form into marching order and the camp gear completely stowed, Karlo shook Haikon awake and handed him the now tepid food.
Karlo and Kagoth questioned Haikon about what he had learned from Tsana. As they watched the people slowly move past them, Haikon filled them in on what he had learned. Pausing whenever anyone else was within hearing range and covering the pause with bites of food. Nothing he recounted exposed their mission.
With Haikon finished eating their small group hurried to return to their normal marching position. One of Runmaru's men was waiting for them to arrive. He greeted them and informed them that they were invited to join in a friendly game against Morusai hi Ujjain men. Runmaru would sponsor them in the competition. The game would take place tomorrow afternoon so everyone would have time to make any arrangements they need in town. He returned to Runmaru with their agreement.
Word spread like wild fire through the caravan of the impending match. Many people found reasons to stop by and assess them. Some offering words of encouragement, others barely hiding their disdain. In early afternoon they entered the outskirts of Crossed Palms.
The immensity of the sakbe road was highlighted by the afternoon sun. Ahead, on the other side of the town, the wall stretched as far as the eye could see in both directions. A guard tower divided the wall in the middle. Its placement gave the impression that the road was the wall of a huge castle.
The buildings of the town fanned out from the tower. Enclosed compounds with high walls clustered along the main streets. Standing aloof and imposing were the humped heights of several temples. Between these and along the wall were lesser building. Some clearly warehouses, others homes of wealthier clan members. As the building approached the edges of the jungle the quality of building materials visibly declined. Some of the building at the far edges looked to be barely more than piles of brush.
The mood of the caravan noticeably improved as the town came into view and the end of this part of the journey approached. The anticipation of bathes and normal beds could be felt in the air. Runners from the various clan houses could be spotted joining the clumps of their members and making arrangements for lodging.
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Kagoth walked up to Karlo with the football and as he neared he tossed the ball to Karlo. Sweat ran down his forehead from the practice and heat of the day. "Hello, you're Karlo right? A friend of Haikon's if I am right."
Karlo deftly caught the ball. "Yes, that's right. I've seen you as we practiced; you're very good."
Kagoth said to a servant, "I need some water." then he addressed Karlo. "I am fairly good with the ball. Are you in need of a player for some reason? I have noted you looking about and watching the others with your friend."
While Karlo and Kagoth talked, Kagoth's servant fetched him a drink. Returning quickly with a small pitcher and a couple of cups on a tray, the servant poured some water and offered it to Kagoth.
Karlo nodded. "There will be a game played when we get to town. Runmaru needs a few more players for his team. Have you a friend as skilled as yourself?"
Kagoth stated, "I may know someone who can be of use. What is the wager on this game and what are the odds?"
Karlo shrugged, "Until we have a team, I do not think odds have been set. The wager would be whatever you care to make it, I imagine."
"How many others are you looking for?" inquired Kagoth as he wiped his brow a moment then motioned the servant with the water away.
"As many able players as you can come up with. We can choose the best later."
Kagoth nodded and said, "I may know a player who could be up for a game."
He then changed subject, "I would like to meet your companion. I have noticed you both have garnered a bit of a reputation from the attack and he seems to be able to get the ear of a certain woman that many have tried to see. You both have the air of action and adventure about you and may need another to help you in your goals. What say you?"
It was clear that Haikon was not returning soon. With knowing looks between each other they suspected that he would be carried back again and be in no condition to socialize.
By joining their supplies together they had a meal that was better then their usual fare. There was even enough that the servants were granted a piece of fruit to accompany the gruel provided from the common caravan kettle. Over their meal Karlo and Kagoth discussed the high points of football games they had played. Karlo had a long night to look forward to, anticipating Hiakon being in no condition to stand watch when he returned.
The conversation wound down and Kagoth retired to his own sleeping mat leaving Karlo to his thoughts. Once again he would be fulfilling the watch duties while Haikon indulged in pleasures only dreamed of. Karlo was unsure what Runmaru hi Thrizelu's reaction would be to the frequent visits by Hiakon but, he was sure it would not be favorable. A man in Runmaru's position and so obviously smitten by Tsana would not stand by and let another man supplant him. A quick dalliance was to be expected by one of their faith but, more than that would not likely be tolerated.
It had been a long active day for Karlo and he found that maintaining vigilance was becoming more difficult with each passing hour. Hiakon's return brought the expected problem. He was in no condition to stand watch.
Awaking the servants, Karlo instructed them to prepare a strong drink of herb stimulants. Karlo tried to reason with Haikon while this was being prepared. It was not too successful as far as conversation went but he did learn how wonderful Tsana was and in great detail.
While reclined and listening to Haikon ramble on in disconnected description of Tsana, Karlo soon saw Tsana as if he was with her. In fact it was him that she was turning her attention to. Before Haikon could join Karlo in sleeping, a servant with a drink arrived.
Haikon took the offered drink by reflex and chugged it down. The foul taste caught him by surprise as he was still reliving his earlier experiences. With a look of disgust he flung the empty cup aside and tried to focus on the servant that had handed it to him. Slowly the drink began to take effect and the world lost its fluffiness. "Why did you give me that?" he demanded.
"Master Karlo said that I must. He insisted that one of you needed to stay awake tonight and that it was your turn." answered the servant humbly.
Haikon looked at Karlo fast asleep beside him. Resigning himself to his duty and with movements that were becoming more controlled he dismissed the servant with a wave of his hand.
Alone in the night Haikon had time to reflect on the events earlier. A smile played across his face in memory and anticipation of future rendezvous
It may have been the mixture of the drugs and herbs but he had the feeling that he was being watched by unfriendly eyes. He did not notice anyone obviously scrutinizing him, but he couldn't shake the feeling.
Noise steadily increased as the light of the rising sun added new heat to the sauna of the jungle and a multitude of creatures began stirring. The effects of the night before wore away from Haikon to be replaced by fatigue. Awakening Karlo he threw himself down for a quick nap before the caravan began the day's journey. Kagoth arrived soon after with the remaining fruit his servant had traded for. Joining Karlo for breakfast he set aside a piece for Haikon. They ate quietly together after murmured pleasantries while frequently glancing at Haikon.
With the first people beginning to form into marching order and the camp gear completely stowed, Karlo shook Haikon awake and handed him the now tepid food.
Karlo and Kagoth questioned Haikon about what he had learned from Tsana. As they watched the people slowly move past them, Haikon filled them in on what he had learned. Pausing whenever anyone else was within hearing range and covering the pause with bites of food. Nothing he recounted exposed their mission.
With Haikon finished eating their small group hurried to return to their normal marching position. One of Runmaru's men was waiting for them to arrive. He greeted them and informed them that they were invited to join in a friendly game against Morusai hi Ujjain men. Runmaru would sponsor them in the competition. The game would take place tomorrow afternoon so everyone would have time to make any arrangements they need in town. He returned to Runmaru with their agreement.
Word spread like wild fire through the caravan of the impending match. Many people found reasons to stop by and assess them. Some offering words of encouragement, others barely hiding their disdain. In early afternoon they entered the outskirts of Crossed Palms.
The immensity of the sakbe road was highlighted by the afternoon sun. Ahead, on the other side of the town, the wall stretched as far as the eye could see in both directions. A guard tower divided the wall in the middle. Its placement gave the impression that the road was the wall of a huge castle.
The buildings of the town fanned out from the tower. Enclosed compounds with high walls clustered along the main streets. Standing aloof and imposing were the humped heights of several temples. Between these and along the wall were lesser building. Some clearly warehouses, others homes of wealthier clan members. As the building approached the edges of the jungle the quality of building materials visibly declined. Some of the building at the far edges looked to be barely more than piles of brush.
The mood of the caravan noticeably improved as the town came into view and the end of this part of the journey approached. The anticipation of bathes and normal beds could be felt in the air. Runners from the various clan houses could be spotted joining the clumps of their members and making arrangements for lodging.
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