CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
With the capture of the subterranean Drong base the Leaf Children had created a problem for themselves. It was something they had not really thought through as they had set out on their journey home. Then they had merely concentrated on getting out of the tunnels, across the desolation of the Dead Place and back to their forest. If there had to be a battle then they would fight. But beyond a hoped-for victory, or better still if they could avoid a confrontation altogether, detailed action in the aftermath had not been discussed.
Now they were forced to address the subject. The confrontation had been short lived and surprisingly easy. Indeed, surprise had been one of the deciding factors. The surprise of their arrival on the scene and the shock at the cavorting black creature with Jordon mounted on its back screaming at the top of his lungs. The base was theirs. And so were twenty Drong soldiers. The question was, what to do with them?
The three who had been shackled in Venki’s former dungeon for being traitors posed no difficulties. As soon as they were released they pledged their support to the Leaf Children. They had no choice. But the other seventeen were not so simple. Beaten they were. Terrified of the huge fierce-looking dog there was no doubt. Even disgruntled over Drong life in the tunnels to a certain extent. But ready to join the Leaf Children? That was far from certain.
The problem was magnified by the fact that the children soon realised they would have to take the Drongs with them whether they liked it or not. Kerry and his gang had already gone to the forest camp, they learned, and there was the possibility he might have succeeded ion overrunning it. Whether that was true was something the children would have to face soon. In the meantime they could not leave the captured Drongs behind. Having arrived at that initial conclusion the other decisions fell into place.
The seventeen would be completely disarmed and bound. Ankles would be hobbled and the soldiers would then be linked together by a rope looped around the hobbles and threaded in a long single file. That way the Drongs were restricted severely in their movements. And that meant they could more likely be controlled by the Leaf Children who were fewer in number.
With the Drongs marching in the middle the children left the cavern and headed out on the second leg of their journey. They passed along the illuminated tunnels with their fading sketches on the walls, through the caves with the unusual art objects and the lookout tree, and into the museum. They lingered briefly spending a few minutes in silent farewell to the two Leaf Children in the recess in the wall, and then climbed the stone staircase to the passageway above. When they arrived at the ladders that would take them to the hollow boulders and into the Dead Place they halted.
“This is as far as he goers,” Jason said to |Jordon and pointed to the dog. “Make him go back. We can’t take him any further.”
Jordon would have liked to take the animal back to the forest but he realised that was impossible. There was no way he could be taken up the ladder, and in any event there was agreement among the children that he belonged in the tunnels. He was not a creature of the outside world. Patting the dog’s neck and shoulder Jordon said quietly: “You can’t come with us. You have to stay here,” Then he stepped back and said sternly: “Off you go. Go.”
The dog licked the boy’s face with his huge green tongue but did not do as instructed. He roared and sat on his haunches refusing to budge.
“Go,” said Jordon. “Go on. Go back.” The dog remained where he was and roared a second time. “He’s not going to leave,” said Jordon.
“Alright,” said Jason. “Then we will. Come on, up the ladder. I’ll go first and then the rest of you follow. When we’re outside he’ll have to go. He’ll be ok.” With that he started the climb up.
The others followed, again with the line of Drongs in the middle, bunched closely together and following each other one rung at a time. Jordon was last. With a final pat and a “thank you” he climbed the ladder. As he pulled himself through the opening into the heavy heat of the Dead Place he looked back and saw the dog far below still sitting watching him. “Bye,” he called down and the dog roared in reply as the boulder slid back over the hole.
Nikko walked to one of the other boulders and searched the ground nearby. Soon he found what he was looking for. There was a small plate under the soft earth with a rod protruding slightly, held by a metal pin. He looked at Gabrysia. She nodded and Nikko pulled the pin out. The rod dropped from sight. His action had dismantled the mechanism for mobbing all the boulders, sealing the underground maze.
“Dom you think we’ll ever see them again?” asked Porky.
“That’s not up to us any longer,” said Gabrysia. “That’s for Fusan to decide. Only he from the inside can open the way now.”
The sun was nearing its apex as the Leaf Children and their Drong captives headed across the Dead Place, and by the time they reached the jungle edge they were covered in sweat and their feet were cut and burning. In the shade and cool of the thick foliage they rested. Then as one they rose and with Jason, Porky and Josh scouting ahead the group headed deeper into the jungle.
As they walked Nikko retraced the time from when he last trekked through the jungle. So much had happened it had already begun to blur. The details were individually clear and fresh in his mind but they raced into one another and became tangled, out of sequence with no respect for accuracy of time. The dingy evil of the tunnels that had been the scenes of flight and fear. But they also led to fantastic sights and ultimately to the wonderful meeting with the Keepers. Then Yshon with its contrasting, illogical beauty of winter and summer, and the other jungle which hid the incredible secret of the Keepers’ tree-house colony. All of it was fantastic, made more so by the beauty and sensitivity of the Keepers themselves.
Nikko would not see any of it again and he sighed, gently touching the silver globe given to him by Fusan and safely tucked into his breeches. Instinctively he looked down and for the first time in more than a week he noticed his appearance. He was startled. He was wearing only breeches and they were torn at the knees and filthy. His legs and torso were covered in grime and he had no doubt his hair was matted and his face grubby. He looked at the other children and saw they were the same. In fact, there was little difference in appearance between the Leaf Children and the Drongs. He recalled when he had seen the Drongs for the first time in the forest as they advanced on the camp, and he thought then what an unsavoury bunch of urchins. Now he was much the same.
He must have made an involuntary sound because Danielle who was beside him asked: “Sorry? Did you say something Nikko?”
“No,” he replied. “I was just thinking to myself what a sight we must be. A bedraggled band of urchins. Anyone would think we were all Drongs who had been underground for ages,”
Danielle smiled. “I suppose now that you mention it we are pretty dirty aren’t we.”
From ahead Jason urgently called back: “Shhh! Something’s coming.” The children dropped to the ground and waited and watched.
“What is it?” asked Danielle.
“Shhhh,” repeated Jason. He was crouched behind a large tree with a thick bush in front of it. To his right, five meters away Josh also crouched and slightly in front of him Porky stood erect, side on and flush against a big tree trunk with strong roots plunging from overhead into the moist earth at his feet. A narrow path ran between Jason and Josh and whatever was approaching was coming on quickly, unconcerned at the noise it was making. It could not be seen but Nikko figured it would be upon them in seconds. He braced himself and saw that Jason sank lower to the ground ready to spring if needed into the path.
Nikko was transported back to the day, now seemingly long ago and not far from where they now were, when Jordon had been surprised by very active ants and Porky and Josh had referred to black bears. What if it was a bear crashing through the undergrowth? What would they be able to do? For all intents and purposes the children were defenceless. There is nothing we can do he told himself, and his muscles became as taut as steel and his eyes blazed.
Suddenly the bushed in front of him parted and through came not a bear but a Drong soldier running as fast as he could, his head slightly inclined and his arms in front of him forming a shield for his face.
Without thinking Nikko stood up and waved his own arm in the air and shouted: “Wei!” the soldier saw the movement. He also certainly heard the cry for almost at the same time he let out a yell and tried to veer to his left. But his momentum kept him going and Nikko pivoted on one foot, twisting his hips, and shot our his hand. He caught the soldier’s shoulder and the deflecting blow propelled the Drong further off balance and he smashed into a tree. He rebounded like a rubber ball and ended up flat on his back in a clump of bushes.
Almost at once Jason was on him. He leapt onto his chest pressing the Drong further into the bush and pinned his shoulders with his knees. One hand he clamped over his mouth and the other he waved impatiently up and down as a sign for the other children ton stay where they were. For thirty seconds nobody moved or said anything. Then Jason hissed at the Drong: “Where are the rest? How many are there?”
Securely held and with Jason’s hand over his mouth the Drong was unable to answer. He shook his head and mumbled incoherently. Jason lifted his palm slightly and repeated the questions; “How many? Where?”
The Drong was clearly frightened and breathless. “None,” he exhaled. “Just me.”
“I don’t believe you,” said Jason and moved his knees back and forth across the Drong’s arm muscles. The Drong groaned and closed his eyes. Again he said: “There are no others. Only me. I’m alone.”
Jason was still unconvinced and looked to Josh a few meters away. “Check it out,” hen ordered, “Take Porky and scout up front. If you see anyone stay where you are. But five us a whistle. Go on, quickly.”
Josh and Porky ran off through bushes near where the Drong soldier had burst in on them. The others remained where they were and three minutes later the two boys returned with the news that the solider was apparently telling the truth. They had seen and heard no-one.
Reluctantly Jason accepted the Drong was not lying. He eased himself off his chest and removed his hand from his mouth. The other children crowded around and Fallon asked: “What’s he doing here?”
“You heard him,” said Jason and gave the boy on the ground a not too hard kick in the ribs. “What are you doing here? And while you’re at it, where have you come from and where were you going?”
At first the Drong did not say anything, but then he added: “We’ve taken your camp. It’s ours.”
“What?” exclaimed Porky. “You couldn’t have. He’s lying Jason.”
“Hold it,” said Jason. He looked back at the Drong still on the ground. He had made no effort to stand. “If you’ve captured our camp you’ll know where the toys are. Tell us.”
The soldier smiled. “I can do better than that,” he said. “They were in the chamber in the big tree. But they’re not there any longer. They’re heaped on the ground. Or at least some are. Some accidentally got dropped in the river. Like one of your Leafie pals.”
“What do you mean?” demanded Jason. “What have you done?”
“Like I said, we’ve taken your camp. You might as well give up.” The Drong was still smiling. Then he went on: “You’re completely outnumbered. There’s nothing you can do. And anyway, there’s more of us on the way.”
Jason had assumed the role of inquisitor with no objection from the rest of the group, most of whom still stayed in the bushes out of sight. He maintained it now and continued: “There are no others coming. You were alone.”
“Not this way, behind you. You’ll be caught in a trap. You might as well surrender now.”
Jason feigned worry. “You mean more Drongs from the tunnels? Oh dear, you mean they’re on their way too?”
“That’s right. We’ve called them up. They will be around here any minute.”
Jason kept the worried look in his face. He turned to Nikko. “Nikko. Quick. Go and see if there are any Drongs behind us will you? And you might as well bring the others up here too. All of them.”
Nikko looked concerned and ran back into the bushes. A minute later he returned with the Leaf Children. “No-one thee,” he reported. “Except us.” He hesitated and then added: “Oh, and these guys of course.”
With that Simon led forward the twenty Drong soldiers, seventeen of them hobbled together and the other three clearly showing no intentions of doing anything other than what they were instructed by the Leaf Children.
“Is this your rearguard force?” Jason asked casually. “I don’t think we need be too worried about them. Do you?”
The soldier’s smile had disappeared. He said nothing and glared at Jason.
“Well,” Jason said. “I think you’re right though. You should join them.” He bent down and pulled the soldier to his feet, “Now, while we’re making you secure and safe with your friends here, why don’t you tell us all about our camp and what you’ve done. Everything. You can start by elaborating on your remark about one of our family.”
Ten minutes later the Leaf Children knew all they had to. With a but of coercion from Porky the Drong had been forthcoming with all the details of the capture of the trees, the punishments meted out and the general layout and situation when he had left a few hours before.
Porky had struck the solider when he heard of the whippings and especially when he learned of the boy David who was obviously at that moment partially submerged in the river. Fallon had been the one to pull him away. And it was Fallon who had cautioned: “Let’s not lose our heads. We have to think through how to retake the trees. Calmly.”
The Drongs were forced to sit at a distance from the Leaf Children as they huddled together to devise a plan of action. It took nearly half an hour. There was a great deal of discussion and scratching on the ground with sticks. Finally Jason said: “It’s decided then. That’s what we’ll do.” He faced Gabrysia: “Gabrysia, you are in charge. You’re our leader and we’ll take out lead from you.”
“Thank you Jason,” she replied. “But I think we all know what we have to do. Let’s not waste any more time.”
They reformed with the Drongs in the middle again and set off for the forest. It took them three hours to reach the edge of the jungle. They were only minutes from the camp and they could see they had no more than an hour of light before the sun dipped and long dark shadows fell, a short prelude to night.
“Josh, Simon, Danielle and Jordon,” said Gabrysia. “You have fifteen minutes at most. In twenty minutes we move. You know the plan. Good luck.”
Without a word the four departed, heading to the right, parallel with their present position.
“We wait,” said Gabrysia.
The minutes seemed to drag. The Drong captives were untied but retired to trees, even the three who had said they would join the Leaf Children. No chances could be taken. They were also gagged with strips torn from their own jackets. After about five minutes Gabrysia said: “Jason. Take up your position with Fallon and Porky. When you see Nikko’s signal make your move.”
“Good luck,” replied Jason and he and the other two moved off to the left.
“Not long now,” Gabrysia whispered to Nikko who was the only one top remain behind with her. “I hope this works.”
“So do I,” he said. “So do I.”
Side by side they sat in the grass concealed from the clearer expanse in front of them by low but coarse bushes and a cluster of leaves on an overhanging branch. There was nothing to say so they sat quietly and concentrated on their own thoughts. Nikko’s mind travelled over the sequence of events which he hoped would soon take place. Then he moved on to the future, his future, in which he saw himself in the yard of his own house with its familiar metal clothes hoist, the flower beds and the shrubs. And his mother and father. It had been so long. So very long since he had seen any of those things. He wanted to reach out, to touch them and feel their security. Instead he felt alone. As if he had departed from his body he looked down and saw himself crouching in the grass. Alone.
Like a camera drifting silently away the scene grew larger and larger with his self diminishing by the second. Further it sailed until all he could see was the vast empty landscape with himself a dot almost gone. Just as he was to vanish he felt a warmth on his arm and the vision disappeared. He looked down and saw Gabrysia’s hand resting on the warmth. There was a gentle squeeze and he heard her say: “It’s time Nikko. It’s time to go.”
“Right,” he said and they rose and walked together into the clearing.
Gabrysia and Nikko strode straight ahead for a hundred meters and with every step the forest opened up more until they stopped and looked at the scene directly in front of the, fifty meters away was the camp with the Drongs standing or lounging about the central trees. They appeared disinterested. There were also many Leaf Children. Their faces were long and they were mechanically going about their chores or carrying firewood, grass baskets of food or rubbish that had been left lying around by their guards.
One of the Drongs with his back against the nearest tree straightened and called to a girl: “You. It’s time to get the water. Take her over there with you and bring it back. And be quick about it or else.”
As the Drong finished his order the girl spied Gabrysia and Nikko and was about to call out when Gabrysia said sharply: “Stay where you are. Don’t move. You don’t have to do anything that idiot says.”
The soldier wheeled around. For a moment he just stood there and then he raced into the centre of the clearing and shouted: “Kerry. Kerry. She’s here. Come quick.”
All the Drong guards ran to join him and more appeared from inside and behind other trees. Two raced from the direction of the river and four more appeared from the bushes at the back of the camp, dragging three Leaf Children carrying baskets with them. For their part the Leaf Children congregated in a group to one side and looked on eagerly.
“Where’s Kerry?” demanded Gabrysia. “Where’s your leader? I don’t see him among you rabble. Is he hiding?”
From above the massed children Kerry called down: “Here I am Queen Gabrysia. I’m up here. In your headquarters. Where you used to be.”
Gabrysia looked up and saw Kerry standing on the platform outside the main chamber. He had hands on his hips and was grinning broadly. “So,” he called down. “You’ve come back. Managed to find your way. How clever of you.”
“Give up Kerry,” she said calmly. “You’ve had your fun. You and your ruffians are finished now.”
Kerry guffawed. “Finished? Us? I’d take a closer look if I were you, we are in charge. As for looking like ruffians you don’t look so good yourself.”
“Give up Kerry,” Gabrysia releated.
Kerry laughed again. “You reallt are amusing Queen Gabrysia. You know that? Here we are, in control of your camp, armed, in large numbers with more on the way and you ask us to give up. Just you and your friend there.” His grin slowly was replaced by a sneer. “You’re a fool,” he said. “You annoy me still. Take them.”
Six Drongs moved forward, each carrying a solid wooden baton at the ready.
From behind the group of Leaf Children Josh, Simon, Danielle and Jordon stepped into the open. “I wouldn’t go any further if I were you,” said Josh. “You might end up getting hurt.”
The Drongs stopped. They stared at Josh and then looked at Kerry for instructions.
“Well, well, well,” said Kerry. “There are six of you now. Good. But not good enough. you’ll still lose the fight.”
“We don’t want to fight,” said Gabrysia. “Give up.”
Kerry nodded slowly. “You don’t want to fight. Alright. I’ll tell you what we’ll do. We’ll settle this by compromise. You give yourselves up to us and I won’t drown one of your Leafies down at the river. How’s that for a bargain?”
“If you mean me,” said the boy David stepping around beside Josh, “I don’t see how you can keep your side of the bargain.”
The Leaf Children cheered and some of them ran to him and threw their arms around his neck. Then the rest of them joined them and squarely faced the Drongs on the ground who were beginning to look a little unsettled.
“You’ve done well. I’ll give you that,” said Kerry. His face was stern, no longer slit by the lopsided grin or sneer. “But you forget my reserves. They’ll be here any minute. You can’t win.”
“They’re not coming Kerry,” answered Gabrysia still very calm. “All seventeen of them and the three you had locked up are back in the jungle. And so is your messenger. But they’re tied up. You’ve lost. Give up.”
Kerry was silent. He stood on the platform glaring down at Gabrysia. His eyes never left her face. She looked back at him. Then very relaxed she and Nikko walked slowly forward. When they were only ten meters from the Drongs she stopped and said: “You’ve failed. You’ve lost. Drop your weapons. We have the numbers now. You have no-one coming to your aid.”
Clearly the Drong soldiers were undecided what to do, they shifted their feet and a few of them tried to peer into the jungle in the distance to see if the other Drongs were coming.
“They’re not coming,” said Gabrysia. “They really are tied up. They gave in. without a fight.”
“Don’t listen to her you fools,” shouted Kerry. “It’s all lies. Take them. Take them now you cowards.”
“He calls you fools and cowards,” Gabrysia said. “I think you are all intelligent enough to know what you should do. Forget the foolishness of the past. Do the right thing now. Join us.”
One of the Drongs at the front of the group looked up at Kerry in the tree. “Maybe she’s right,” he said. “Maybe we could start over Kerry. We could stay here. It’s better than the underground.”
“Coward!” screamed Kerry. “Traitor! You’re all traitors. You’ve got no guts. You’re all cowardly girls. Do what I say or you’ll pay for it.”
The Drong who had spoken dropped his baton and called back. “You do it Kerry. You’re so brave up there. Do your own fighting for a change. I’ve had it.” He turned ton Gabrysia. “I’ll join you,” he said.
Another Drong dropped his baton. “I will also,” he said. He was followed by the soldier next to him, and then another, and another. Without exception the Drongs on the ground gave up.
“Come down Kerry,” said Gabrysia. “It’s over.”
“No,” he hissed. “I have the tree.”
Gabrysia turned to Nikko and nodded. He withdrew the silver globe from his breeches and caressed it gently. Then he tossed it into the air and closed his eyes. The ball sailed higher and higher until it was about three meters above the platform where Kerry stood. But he didn’t see it. Like all the other Drongs and the Leaf Children below he had turned away quickly and covered their eyes. He protected his face for two minutes and then carefully opened his eyes. There was no flash, but he saw the globe above him, slowly turning and remaining suspended in the air. He stared at it, his jaw slack and his arms by his sides. The globe hung there, mesmerising him. Finally he forced his gaze away and looked down. Nikko was standing like a statue, his head bent and with his eyes tightly shut. Gabrysia was looking up smiling.
“Come down Kerry,” she said softly. “You know we have the power.”
The rest of those on the ground opened their eyes and stared in disbelief at the silver ball. There were exclamations and sighs as they pointed into the air. The sun was entering its last journey of the day and was nearly at the horizon. Shadows were falling giving the globe a misty, unreal shimmer.
“I’m not coming,” said Kerry but there was a tone of faltering assurance.
From behind him in the frame of the window onto the platform Jason said: “Then I’ll have to carry you down.”
Kerry spun around. He had not thought to lock the window as he could see all that went on below him. But when he hid his face from what he expected to be a blinding flash Jason had rushed into the tree and had silently climbed the ladder to the master chamber. Behind him now and also in the room were Fallon and Porky.
“It would be best for everyone if you came of your own free will,” Jason said. “Gabrysia has given you a choice. You can join us if you want to. If not, you will have to face the consequences. Either way you’re going to have to come down.”
“You’re going to have to make me Leafie,” Kerry replied. “Because I’m not going down there.”
Casually Jason reached behind him and slowly pulled the window shut. From inside Fallon securely locked it and waited. No more words were spoken. Enough had been said. Kerry had made his position clear. No matter what had happened on the ground below e was not going to give in without a fight. Jason had quietly stated his position by fastening the window behind him. He was not leaving without the Drong leader. There was no need for argument. That time had passed.
The platform on which the two boys stood measured about nine meters square and most of the onlookers below could see from where they were what was happening. Those who could not moved out and joined the rest. There was a hushed expectancy among them.
As the boys began to circle around the edges of the platform the sun finally dipped out of sight and darkness fell. Moon light sprinkled through the trees and provided a haunting glow so the combatants lost their features and became mere outlines against the matt background.
On the second circuit of the platform the boys closed to within a few meters of each other., initial sizing up completed. Nikko’s silver globe suddenly dropped and as though it was a signal Kerry swung a wide roundhouse punch at Jason. It was easily evaded as Jason leaned out of range. But his upper body sprang back and he shot out a sharp left jab at Kerry’s face. The punch was short and crisp and snapped Kerry’s head back bloodying his lips. Kerry didn’t seem to flinch and the children below were not sure Jason had even made contact. But Jason knew. He could see Kerry’s eyes harden and he felt the hard whack of bone against his knuckle. It surprised him how much it had hurt his hand.
Again Kerry threw a looping punch. Again he missed and Jason jabbed him in the same place on the lip. This time Kerry jerked his head back and wiped his mouth with the palm of his hand.
They continued circling a few meters apart and for a third time Kerry dropped his right shoulder, ready for a sweeping blow. Jason raised his arm to protect his face but instead of throwing the punch Kerry leapt and grabbed him around the waist in a bear hug. He squeezed as hard as he could and Jason let out a painful grunt as his ribs bent in and his spine was forced backwards. Kerry lifted him off the wooden planks the dropped him heavily and punched him squarely in the stomach.
Jason doubled over gasping for breath. At the same time he backed away and moved in an anticlockwise direction away from his opponent. Catching his wind he stared at the Drong leader’s face. He was grinning and his eyes were huge with excitement. Jason continued to circle out of range and collected his thoughts. The Drong was tough and strong, and he was enjoying the fight too much. He wanted it to last.
Jason recalled one of the teachings of the Keeper when they were learning self defence in the tunnels. Remember, your opponent is always an expert. Do not underestimate his ability. Get your distance, make it tour timing, not his, and act swiftly.
He knew then what he had to do. If the fight went on he was sure the Drong would be very hard to beat. He would not be able to overpower him with strength. Kerry not only could withstand hard blows, he seemed to enjoy the feeling of pain. And if he tried to fight him on his terms, Jason sensed it would be a long and drawn out battle. He had to end it and end it swiftly.
He moved in the anticlockwise direction. With each measured step he began to edge closer, never taking his eyes from the Drong’s. Kerry grinned his lopsided grin. His eyes suddenly grew wide and he started to lean his weight onto his back leg. Jason acted. He jabbed his left out fast and hard. Kerry raised his arm to block it, but he was slightly off balance and Jason punched hard with his right to the stomach. He caught Kerry just under the heart and he sighed and bent double. Jason spun around and kicked with his right leg. His heel struck Kerry in the ribs and he was sent reeling sideways. He rolled onto the platform and teetered on the edge. He balanced for a few seconds and then toppled over, grabbing frantically for a hold, all thoughts of the pain in his stomach and side gone.
As his hands clawed at the planks Jason threw himself over to the lip and grabbed both of Kerry’s arms above the elbows. He pressed his body into the wood and pinned Kerry’s arms as hard as could Kerry slipped a few inches and then stopped, all but his head and shoulders dangling in the air.
Below them the group of children gasped and held their breaths. In the dim light all they could see was Kerry’s precariously hanging silhouette, the legs kicking wildly searching for support that was not there.
Jason could see Kerry’s face and could see he was terrified. Kerry said nothing but his eyes were silently pleading. Finally the Drong spat: “OK. OK, you win. But get me up. Please.”
Jason did not respond straight away. Then he called loudly: “Fallon. Porky. Quick, give me a hand.?