Stranded(water everwhere!)

[arcon]

Arcon sat up startled men were everywhere. He could here the chatter of voices but it the language was unknown to him. Sudden two men were at his side. Another shouting orders to them. He
heard the same slogan repeated again and again arcon assumed it meant hurry.
The two men grabbed and lifted him as though he was potatoes on the way to market. Arcon screamed in pain but they ignored him. The pain had finally subsided as the men dropped him a good foot into the middle of the canoe. As he lay there
in pain he heard a soft voice say "saboota mayii"
Arcon turned and in the next canoe sat his little
friend. Arcon managed a painful smile. Niki grinned back and pointed to the full moon.
It was a fine moon, and it would make for good light for the journey back to the village.
Suddenly two men were in the water then two more..both canoes began moving backwards.
It seemed only seconds before Arcon could feel the steady gate of the canoe. It surged with each
powerful stroke. The night air was cool the breeze felt good upon Arcons face. The moonlight
was a reminder to him of many a night spent with Zelda in the court yard. Many precious moments had taken place under the silky white light of this moon. He couldnt help but wonder ...Would there be anymore? He had no real idea where he was, where they were taking him or what they'd do with him. For some reason he still felt as though
his fate depended on this young boy.

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[arcon]

They had reached the small village by morning.
Arcon had been taken to a small hut to be cared for by the women. The men seem to have no immediate interest in him. His friend the boy was the only male he'd seen since his arrival at dawn.
There were at least 4 women in his hut. All were chattering at the same time as they moved about mulling over his wounds. Two came toward him with a large bowl of water and what appeared to be sponges. It was then he noticed his clothes were
not on his person. The two women said something to
each other then smiled at him.

[arcon]

Niki's head was bowed. His fathers voice was very high.

"What were you doing? That side of the island is
very dangerous! You know this. Now , we are all
in peril."

Niki kept his head bowed and answered, "I was fishing father."

Mannoa was proud to have a son, but he didnt
understand his rebelious,adventurous nature.
He only new that the safety of his family and the
few surviving people of his tribe was in jeopardy.
It had only been 4 weeks since their escape form their captors. His men were busy building larger boats to take them far from these Islands but this
was taking time. Thed been lucky so far not to be
discovered. Twice they had avoided being seen by two search partys. It was his hope their captors now presumed them dead. Killed by the storm that came shortly after their nightly escape. They'd lost 10 of their people that terrible night.
Four of them were children.
Now Niki had built a fire on the windward side of
the Island. Had their captors seen the fire?
He didnt know. Would they come in full force now?
He glanced over to see Niki crying. He was not a man yet. He was just a child. He only wanted to do
what was best for this strange man.
Would this man cause the death of his remaining
people? Mannoa's dark eyes looked at his son. He
opened his arms and said, "Niki,come here."
Slowly Niki came over,and told his father,"Im
sorry, I just wanted to help...."Its ok Niki, we will help the stranger and we will leave these
Islands."replied Mannoa

[arcon]

It had been two nights since Talcon had seen the
campfire on the island to the North. His warriors were busy outfitting their best boats. All spring he had his men building the new slave fleet 6 graceful ships powered by one single sail and 12 oarsman
Fortunately they'd survived the recent storm one moon ago. It was time for another slave run but first he'd check this island to the south.
He called for Arzak his fleet leader and best sailor: "make the supplies ready for the journey,
Arzak." Arzak was a seasoned sailor. He'd lived most of his life at sea,he'd survived many vicious
storms lost a hand and an eye to raiding rebels of the Northlands. Strange white men with red hair who wore shiny metal on their bodys. He'd lost his hand to one ten years ago in a battle for
a cargo of sea lions.
It took him nearly a year to hunt the man down but he was sure the Red haired excuse for a seamen
would father no more children. He'd made certain of that. Arzak was so proud of himself he carried the strange remains with him in a leather sack.
His own men feared him and Talcon himself gave him a wide berth.
"It will be done Talcon." "We can when you are ready
Talcon"
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[three_hundred_fifty_five]

Talcon... clap clap

Talcoff... clap clap

Talcon, Talcoff, Talcon... The Talcer.

<img src="graemlins/jawa.gif" border="0" alt="[Jawa]" />

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[arcon]

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[arcon]

Arcon had slept for two days. He awoke fresh but still very sore from his wounds. Outside the hut he could here the voices of men. They voices were
raised and they seem to be in a heated debate.

Suddenly a man entered his hut. He was a small man, not more than 5 feet tall. He wore a head dress made of leather,with a fur rim circling his head a top the head cover. Judging from the creases in his skin and his platnium white hair, Arcon could imediately tell he was an elder. Maybe a medicine man, or a man of magic but what happened next Arcon was not prepared for.

In perfect English the elder spoke.
"Who are you, stranger and from where do you come from?"

Arcon could not speak at first he could only stare in shock. What should he tell this man?
For now hed just tell him his name.

"I am Arcon, and you?"

The elder didnt answer him at first. Then answered, "I am Malenci,an elder of the Malki
tribe."

"Why have you come here Arcon?"asked the elder

Arcon hesited but decided he needed to tell the elder something. He would not lie to the man but he didnt see it as a wise move to tell him everything.

"I was in an accident. I didnt come here of my own intent but was lucky to come upon an old washed out hut afloat in the river in which i fell. I drifted to the ocean and was washed ashore here by a mighty storm. I am grateful to the young boy that found me."

"The young boy you speak of is my grandson.
His name is Niki. He is a good boy. His intentions are noble but he lacks wisdom.
It is not good to save one and kill many."replied the elder as he lowered his head.

"What do you mean?" arcon asked.

"The fire the boy built will bring our enemy.
We are close to leaving this island,even now the boats are being built by some of our best craftsman. They outnumber us. We cannot fight them for we are too few. The spirits tell me that you are a man of importance. If some or all of us die and you should be free I hope that your life has much meaning to others."

The elder turned and left Arcons hut.

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[Fencing Angel]

hey Arcon.. Goal for you to see if you can manage..
Get back to Arconia By you're 2000th post....

Just try. thought you might like the chalange

<img src="graemlins/fett.gif" border="0" alt="[The Fett]" />

[arcon]

Thanks Fencing Angel but i believe great minds may think alike. That is the plan.

arcon

[Fencing Angel]

well then you'd better not waste any posts on me then.. Cya then... Merry christmas too..

[arcon]

Alaya was again very worried, again her husband,Mannoa would lead another hunting party to the other side of the island. She knew the danger and new shed get little sleep until her husband returned. The meat stores were low and the hunt for wild boar to replenish their supply
of meat had reach a critical level. The provisions
for their long journey at sea was complete. The boar meat had been salted,packed and stored for the long journey at sea. To be free and safe again was all Mayia wanted. The life as a captured slave and living on the run had taken its toll on her.

Mannoa, was anxious to complete this last hunting
trip. He gathered together two dozen of his best arrows and his hardwood spear that had been a gift to him from his father. Hed killed his first boar at the age of 15. Slowly he ran his fingers over the scar over his right eye. He could still remember that first hunt. Hed been startled when the boar attacked him from behind. Alerted by the scream of his father hed turned just in time to face the 200 pound wild black mass of muscle as it powered its way into his 130 pound frame. To this day he considered it luck that he instinctively raised the spear in time that the boar impaled himself onto the weapon piercing its heart. The force of the animal knocked him 20 feet backwards and the animals hoof knocked him out cold. The scar over his eye soon became a symbol of power to his friends and his family.
It marked him as a brave hunter and was the talk of his village for many years.

"Why cant I go?" Niki whined. " I told you Niki,
Three more springs and you may go. I will give you this fine spear that belonged to my father.It saved my life on my first boar hunt. This you know. It will be yours. Be patient my son."

Mannoa looked at his son with his strong dark serious eyes but inside he knew what Niki was feeling. He rememembered his impatience as a young man. He had even been caught following his fathers hunting party when hed been told the same thing. His father had punished him by making him work with the women for the course of one moon cycle.
Mannoa packed his last few things. He ran his hand through Niki's hair before he left the hut
and as he departed gave Niki his usual order.
"you are the man now, take care of your mother".
And he was off.

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[arcon]

It had been more than a week. Arcons strength had returned. His wounds were tender but for the most part he had healed. The elder had been to visit him numerous times curious of his background and his land. Arcon had grown to trust the old man. He was wise in his years and it was a comfort to speak to someone in his native tongue. The young boy had been to see him also, and the elder was present to translate. The boy was so full of questions that it tired the elder. His visits were shorter when Niki was present...still the three had formed a bond in the short time theyd been together. Nikis father seemed gaurded but Arcon understood this, he knew what is was like to carrie the responsibility of a people and their safety on your shoulders. How many strangers had he been leary of in Arconia? Too many!

Arcon had been into a morning routine of Sword play to exercise. He was using a piece of hardwood
that he used as a mock sword when the elder entered the room.

"You seem bored",said the elder.

"No, its not that my good friend, im just stiff.
Im thankful my wounds are healed,its good to be rested, but im not one that thrives on inactivity."replied Arcon as he completed his block to the low outside and his thrust."

The elder stood firm and didnt move as the hardwood stopped short of his nose by less than an inch.

"You play well, by how are you with a live target
Arcon of Arconia?" said the Elder as he slowly pushed the hardwood Sword aside.

"Why, what do you mean?" Arcon answered with boyhood excitement.

"Ive asked Mannoa to allow you to attend tomorrows
wild Boar hunt. He was reluctant at first, he still does not completely trust you. How are you with the bow and spear?" asked the Elder.

"The Sword is my weapon but ive experience with them" arcon replied barely able to conceal his excitement.

"good, ill have the weapons brought to you. Make yourself ready. The journey to the other side of the island will begin at dawn."

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[arcon]

"Make the damn boats ready and do it now," screamed Arzak to his men.
"Why are you so hard on them,asked Talcon,you know they hate you."
"I dont care, they respect and obey me. They know if they dont they die....they know if they do i will take care of them."

The two men were as different as night and day but
yet they had a business marriage of convenience.
Arzak was ruthless, he knew how to capture slaves.
He knew how to get every ounce of strenght out of
his men. He was a machine, a man with no concience
no feelings.....no mercy.
Talcon had been educated in business his father had taught him the fine art of Trade. His contacts through out the area were of great value.
No one would do business with the likes of a man like Arzak. Though different they both needed each other. It was not a relationship based on friendship.

"The Island to the North , I want to make it our
first stop,Arzak. It was reported that a fire was seen on the Island some time back."

"Fine", Arzak replied seemingly irratated by the request. "We'll leave in two hours."

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[arcon]

It was a group of twelve. Mannoa, Arcon and two others would do the hunting. Mannoa had two of his
best trackers leading the hunting party with six porters to carry supplies and help transport their
kill. The morning sun was just beginning to warm their backs as the party headed into the island
thicket. It would be nearly a days journey to the
other side of the island.

It was a feeling he couldnt describe. Arcon felt
renewed. He knew how lucky he was to be alive.
His episode at sea although still fresh was becoming just a bad memory. He longed for his own land, but for now he would enjoy the hunt, it was hard to face the reality of his situation. He welcomed this break. He valued the experience of just feeling good again.

Mannoa watched the New stranger as he made his was through the thicket. The man seemed confident
and at ease as they made their way across the island. This man was no ordinary man.....he sensed
him to be a leader. How had he come to be alone on this island? His father had told him of
a battle upon a cliff and an unbelievalabe story of the stranger surviving at sea upon the wall of a thatched hut.. Every stanger Mannoa had seen in his lifetime had always arrived
in big boats not washed up on the beach like an injured whale.

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[arcon]

Niki new he was doing wrong but if he was careful
he could paddle to the other side of the island and watch the hunt from a high ridge overlooking the hunting ground.He hoped his grandpa didnt miss his spy glass. grandpa had told him
of the area and warned him to stay clear of the boars breeding area. The boar were many here but to venture near their young was sucicide without
the skills of a good hunter. With good luck he could beat them back and theyd never know. Of course mother and grandpa would be mad...but Niki
could deal with them.

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[arcon]

Arzak was again in his element. How he hated his time on land. The sea was his home.

They were making good time. With the steady downwind breeze and his oarsman hard at work theyd
make the Northside of the Island in less than a day.
"We'll make the Windward side in less than a day"
he told Talcon.

"Theres been a change of plans, my good man...replied Talcon.....We're going to the Southside of the Island."

Arzak, looked at him with cold eyes and a stare that could kill as he countered Talcons suggestion.

"What the hell for? It will add a day to our journey. The damn fire was seen on the Windward
side of the island."he scowled

"Trust me Arzak, call it a hunch",sneered Talcon.
"You want to capture slaves dont you?"

[arcon]

Niki paddled with easy strong steady strokes.
He felt strong and confident as he quartered the
two foot waves that appeared every 5th stroke.
He looked up to get his bearings when he spotted
trouble. Fear shot through him and as he froze holding the paddle close to his chest. A two foot wave struck him head-on partially filling his canoe. He quickly paddled on the port side trying to turn his canoe around but the water from the first wave left him sitting lower in the water.
His manever was too sudden and the second wave caught him broadside flipping his canoe upsidedown. Niki had only the time for one breath before falling into the cool ocean water.

[arcon]

"Stop the oarsman Arzak" shouted Talcon. "I want
him alive".

"Hes gone under for the third time , i doubt youll get him alive"replied Arzak.

"Get him now,damn you...dive in for him NOW!",
screamed Talcon

Arzak glared over at Talcon before entering the water.

[arcon]

Mannoa slowly lead the group as they entered the
mateing grounds of the wild boar. Hed been careful to plan their approach from an upwind direction. Should the boar catch their scent it
could very possibly be the death of them all.
He knew that there were up to 200 boar in the imediate area. For 20 years hed hunted the animal
and hed seen many good men die on the hunt. The
same year little Niki was born hed lost 5 men on a single hunt.
Two of his hunters were on both flanks while he took the lead. The stranger(arcon) was at the rear.

[arcon]

Suddenly Arcon could feel a rumble beneath his
feet. He was bringing up the rear in the hunting party and so far had seen no boar. He noticed hed
fallen a little behind and could no longer see
Niki's father when he heard the screams. They came from up ahead. He was just before running up ahead when he saw the first boar...but it was not one it must have been dozens. At first he froze the boar must have advance 30 yards during his inaction. There was little time quickly he turned to run he could smell the animals they were so close. He could tell the first one was just yards off his heal. The noise was deafning. There.... up ahead he spotted what might be his salvation...
a long vine hanging from a good size tree. The tree had a few low limbs if he could make the vine in time hed continue to run and maybe he could swing back to the tree. If he pulled himself
up as he swung hed be high enough to reach the limbs. Hed have only one shot no time for a practice. He was almost there. Loch and he had spent many summers playing in trees. He remembered the days they hid from Zelda and Moon.
He had the vine with 5 long fast steps he increased his speed pulling with all his might to climb the vine...one hand over the other....three quick hand over hands he completed before he started to swing back. The sight was unbelievable.
Just beneath him there must have been a hundred
wild boar bearing down on him. As he pulled himself up three more feet he could see that the leading boar were startled at his sudden change of direction. Theyd stopped causing the others behind to colide and fall. The lowest limb caught
him directly in the gut knocking the air from his lungs. He gasped for air releasing the vine loosing his grip he found himself falling back down toward the mass of confused boar beneath him.
He managed to grab on throwing his left arm over the limb and for a few seconds hung there out of breath and unable to move. It was the first bite
on his boot that motivated him to shimmey in close to the tree trunk and climb up to the second
limb. Out of breath, a bitten little toe and damn lucky he sat and watched the boar as they continued past the tree.

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