Chapter 5: Dry departure; Wet arrival
After the party, Aznar made precise plans for taking on such a great feat. Nothing like this had ever been done in Tajir's history, and it may well be the last time. Letters were sent throughout the kingdom depicting the future prosperity of Tajir once the horn was found. Each letter had a decree from the king stating the wish list that would be read to the unicorn. The list was compiled of fifty wishes. All of them dealt with either the king or the land itself. At the palace, the royal guards were practicing battle tactics, ensuring that they would be ready for any danger in the jungle. Vladimir was gathering books to take with him, while Aznar was overseeing the building of ten caravans. Each was elaborately decorated with the king's approval. The caravans had handles so that it could be pushed or pulled from the front or back. Every caravan contained a week's supply of food and a long canoe that could hold five tigers easily. The treasure hunt was scheduled to leave the next day.
A letter arrived at Yohan's home. The letter stated that Yohan was invited to join the expedition by the direct order of King Aznar himself. Being the good citizens that they were, Yohan's parents did not refuse and they prepared his belongings. Most of the day was spent with Yohan's parents telling him how to act on his extended stay with the king; and if it was impossible to find help, to run whenever danger was near. Evening approached and Yohan wanted to speak to someone else before he left. His father went with him to the slums of Tajir. It was a place where the tigers placed the Shavronites in unsanitary conditions. It was gated off from the rest of the country. Two guards stood at the front gate as the two cats approached. Brin and Yohan explained their situation. The guards opened the gates; however, one of the guards whispered something to them as they crossed the threshold.
"We cannot be responsible for happens to you in there, said the guard, " Knock on the gate when you come back, that is, if you come back at all."
The gates where closed and the cats stood in the slums of the Shavronites. It was a grotesque ghetto. Homes where shabbily built with the cheapest of material and the streets were filled with garbage. Some shady characters hung about the streets. Many of them spat on the ground as the cats passed by, and others grinned with the intention of causing harm to them. Yohan's father embraced his coat as if he was protecting himself from a disease. Yohan saw this but said nothing.
"Did your friend tell you where he lived?" said Brin. " I don't want us to stay too long."
"He once told me that he wasn't far from the gate. He said go up two streets make a left and his home is the last on that block."
"Good. Now don't make a conversation, son, just wish him well so we can leave."
Father and son went forward. Voices rung out in anger as the cats sped up their travel. They heard cursing after cursing.
"Look at the cats," one voice said, "let us take out our anger on them!"
"Yes!" said another voice that seemed far away, "If we can't get a tiger, skinning two cats will do just fine!"
Yohan and his father began to run. More voices shouted and cursed them as they ran through the streets. Some creatures threw garbage at them out of their windows. Yohan's father did his best to protect his son, but both were belted a few times by debris until they reached Maligo's home. Inside Maligo's mother, who was named Lena, heard an incessant knocking at her door. When she opened it, she was surprised to see two cats running in, almost knocking her down.
Cats! Get out both of you! You're not welcomed here, " said Lena.
By this time Maligo had come from his room. Once he saw Yohan, the two shook hands as if they had not seen each other for years. Their parents were flabbergasted by the sight. "You know him?" said Lena.
"Yeah, he's my friend."
Lena place her hand to her head in amazement.
"A cat and Shavronite best friends, what is the world coming too?"
"Okay ,son, say goodbye to your friend and make it fast. I want to leave this horrid place," said Brin.
"And who might you be?" said Lena. Yohan's father grabbed his coat once again. "My name is Brin, I am Yohan's father."
Yohan, ignoring his father's wishes, was telling Maligo of the current events. Maligo's eyes grew as he was told of the horn and the expedition.
"Horn? The silver horn, is that what you said?"
"Yes, ma'am." Said Yohan.
"The tigers are fools for searching for an evil device such as that."
"I will have you to know that the tigers are good creatures and the horn is a device of blessing. When they find it they will wish peace upon this world and all shall live free and abundantly."
A hoarse laugh came from Lena. She sat down as she held her belly.
"That is one of the funniest things I have ever heard," she said wiping a tear from her eye, "Did they teach you that in the schools? Does your son believe that poppycock too? That horn, if it's still around, was an instrument of one of Dranus‘s minions. That horn will bring no good and the tigers wish good only for themselves."
"I have never heard a Shavronite speak so lowly and cruelly about the tigers," said Brin highly insulted. " I will report you to the guards when we leave. They will hear of your treasonous tongue! And further more--"
Yohan grabbed his father‘s coat. The action calmed his father's tirade. "Dad let's go. See you around Maligo."
"Good idea son, the atmosphere is quite stifling," Brin said with a look of apathy. "So are the guests." Was Lena retort.
Brin, not to be outdone by an insult, shot back with one of his own.
"The tigers are right in what they have done to you. You Shavronites are foul creatures not fit to govern yourselves. It is right and just that we stand above you and may we keep you under our feet for many years to come!"
The words fell heavily on the two kangaroos. Brin caught sight of Maligo, who was at the point of crying. Brin regretted what he had said, but it was too late for apologies. Both cats left the home in silence.
"I don't want you to ever talk to that cat again, you hear me?" said Lena to her son. "But mom!"
Suddenly there was yelling in the streets and before Lena had time to inspect, both cats rushed back into her home, cowering behind her.
"What now? Leave us alone!"
"There's a group of creatures coming after us," said Brin.
Lena opened the door and looked down the street. A group of thirty creatures were coming toward her home. She slammed the door shut and called to her son. Maligo jumped into his mother's pouch. The crowd formed outside chanting the death of the two cats. Some had clubs, and there was one creature that had a rope for a hanging. After a few moments, the shouting died down and a lizard stepped forward to speak for the group.
"We know you're in there," said the lizard. " We won't kill you. We'll just rough you two up a little bit," he said as the crowd laughed.
Lena stepped outside, closing the door behind her. She made herself known to the group. The group asked for the cats again.
"What will you give me if I let you have them?"
"Mom, no!" cried Maligo.
"You'll have some entertainment at the cats' expense," said the lizard. " and we'll even give you the first chance at hurting them. You can use this club or a rock if you prefer." I nside, Brin and Yohan could hear the whole conversation, the thought of torture ran through their minds. Lena came back inside. She glanced at Brin and his son.
"I should let them have you. You and the tigers have treated us like dirt for far too long. Maybe you should feel what we feel."
The kangaroo's hand went to the door knob. Brin and Yohan were speechless; nothing they could say would change her mind, but Maligo looked up to his mother and when she caught a glimpse of his eyes Maligo's words fell heavily on her conscience.
"Mom, he's my friend."
Lena's hand slowly slipped away from the knob. With a deep sigh she looked at the cats and had pity on them. The group outside called out again. Lena turned away from the door and told the two cats to follow her. They were led to the back door of the home. "Take the back street. It will take you back to the front gate. I'll stall the group as long as I can."
Yohan and Maligo said their last good-bye. "Thank you," said Brin.
"You're welcome, now hurry," said Lena.
They hurried down the back street as fast and as quietly as they could. Yohan and his father made it back to the front gate without further trouble. Brin knocked on the gate and the tiger opened it with a smile.
"How was your time?" said the guard sarcastically.
Brin didn't even respond to the question. The trial of the ghetto was enough for Brin, and he cared not for anyone's mocking remarks. He took his son and made their way home. It wasn't long before the sun rose again and a great bubbling of cheers filled the streets of Tajir. The king's parade went into the streets showing off the grand caravans and the soldiers' military might. Each caravan was pushed by Aznar‘s soldiers. To the tigers it would have made more sense to bring a few more Shavronites to handle the labor, but Aznar made it clear before hand that only three Shavronites would be on this trip. Three wolves were chained to a caravan; two pushed from behind while the other was in the front. Their faces showed no concern for the great spectacle. They did what they were told and no one paid any attention to them. Aznar was at the head of the parade; he was being carried on a litter. Tigers bowed as the king passed by. There was a minstrel yelling at the top of his lungs. His verse fell on the crowd‘s mind like the morning light: "AZNAR, THE CZAR OF THE JUNGLELANDS. CELEBRATE HIS POWER AND CELEBRATE HIS MIGHT. CHEER HIS VALOR WITH THE GREAT TREASURE IN SIGHT."
Aznar sat proudly as the community repeated the words. The parade made its way to Yohan's house. Aznar's litter was placed on the ground. The king looked to his left and pointed to the black wolf that was at the feast a few nights ago. The wolf was chained to the caravan and a tiger guard released him. The wolf went up to the house and knocked on the door. Inside, Yohan's family hugged and kissed him good-bye. Yohan's mother went to open the door. Upon seeing the wolf she let out a screech and soon gained her composure.
"The king is waiting," the wolf said taking a bow.
Yohan stepped forward. The wolf glared at him with his good eye. Aznar called Yohan over to his litter and told him to hop aboard. The wolf was taken back to the caravan and chained. The parade continued through the streets. Yohan turned back to wave good-bye to his family. He sat back down and Aznar had a cheerful look on his face.
"You miss them already don't you?"
"Yes," said Aznar.
"Do not worry I will be your family until this expedition is over," said the king. Out of the corner of his eye, Yohan saw the wolves chained to the caravan.
"Why are they chained like that?"
Aznar took a sweeping glance at his wolves.
"I have to put my baggage somewhere," he said unconcerned. " They are my slaves. Well to be more exact all the Shavronites are my slaves. But the three wolves are my personal ones. I do as I please with them, and that's the end of the conversation. If you want to talk, talk about the horn. Is that understood?
"Yes, sir."
Aznar went back to his cheerful mood as he waved to the crowd as they chanted praises upon him. Yohan did not feel well at all. He turned his attention back to the wolf with the golden eye. He wore a black cape and Yohan saw that his handed was branded. Suddenly the wolf saw that the cat was spying him. The wolf bared his teeth savagely at Yohan.
Yohan quickly turned away. The grand parade ended as the train of caravans rolled off into the distance in search of the silver treasure.
The tigers took the road to the west that led into the grassy plain. The soldiers kept a watchful eye for any hidden dangers, but all went well on this front of the adventure. The journey of the caravans ended at the Titan River. Aznar ordered his soldiers to load up the boats. The three wolves were unchained to help. The two wolves that Yohan had not met were two exact opposites of the first. One was taller and powerfully built. His fur was dappled with gray, black, and light brown. He did twice the work as one tiger and in ten minutes he had six canoes fully loaded. The other wolf was short and stocky. He was a black wolf as well, but because of age his fur was beginning to grey. The short wolf had a fat, little belly. Whenever he would run to get supplies, his gut would bounce up and down. Yohan could not help but to laugh at the humorous sight. The kitten took notice of the dress of each wolf.
The big one wore a Tajirian cloak patterned with the shape of diamonds. He wore no weapon by his side; but by the looks of him, he didn‘t need one. The short wolf also wore the same type of cloak, but the color was blue. Around his waist was a cord that acted as a belt to hold a short sword by his side. The wolf with the golden eye was suited with a black cape, which was embroidered with the Aznar‘s family seal, consisting of two tigers holding up a shield. Two swords crossed over the shield which symbolized the tigers‘ military appetite. The wolf also wore a black shirt, and around his waist he had a golden belt, which was decorated with a long rapier. Aznar came over to Yohan and placed his hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry someday you'll have a Shavronite for your own." Yohan said nothing. He stood idly by listening to Aznar.
"Conquered creatures; they are spoils of war," said Aznar proudly. " I‘ve owned them since I was a child. Those wolves have grown up with me, and they will die with me. The wolf with the golden eye, the one with the rapier, I call him Sebastian. I‘ve trained him to use that blade with the utter most expertise, but he knows not to use it against me or any other tiger for that matter. I had to teach him a lesson about his place when he was younger; he knows better now. The taller one there, that is strong as two tigers," he said directing Yohan's attention, "I call him Brute. I have taken him to other kingdoms to fight in games. He has won me a few hundred coins here and there. He is as strong as a tiger, but he dares not to raise his hand against me. The middle aged wolf, the short one, I call him Sly. He has tried on numerous occasions to escape, but I took my claws to his back a few times. He doesn't think of it anymore."
The tigers were ready to leave shore by noon. Aznar called his soldiers together giving them their orders. They all scurried away to any boat that was available. The river ran smoothly as the sun sat high over the horizon. The river opened up into a massive lake. A group of small islands passed by as the tigers paddled rigorously through the current. Yohan could hear the heavy breathing of the tigers that were out pacing the canoe he sat in. Onward the rowing went until one of the lead canoes sent out a horn call. This meant it was time for a break, and all retreated to the nearest coast they could find. The canoes were brought on shore and the group rested; ten minutes by Aznar's command. The soldiers talked about past expeditions against other countries and some of the things that they did there. Yohan found the conversation vulgar and went out of ear shot of the talking. Suddenly from his left, a butterfly swooped in front of the young cat. The thrill of tying to catch it took his attention away from where he was headed. Suddenly he tripped over a tree root, or so he thought. When he brushed himself off from the fall, he saw that he was in the midst of the three wolves. The first thing he noticed about the wolves was the marks on their hands. The mark consisted of a basic pictogram of a shield with the letter "A" in the center of it. His eyes met with Sly‘s; the wolf showed no emotion. Then his eyes went to Brute. The large wolf sucked his teeth and began to extend his hand to grab him. Yohan retreated as far as he could until he bumped into the third wolf, Sebastian. The wolf's golden eye hit the sun's ray at the perfect angle, and a quick streak of light blinded Yohan temporarily. The young cat rubbed his eyes and dropped his quivering hands. Sebastian sneered at Yohan. Yohan's eyes were filled with terror. His bottom lip twittered from the anticipation of the wolf's next move. Then Sebastian jumped into Yohan's face.
"BOO!" he shouted.
With a shout, Yohan dashed out of sight after tripping over Brute's leg. The three wolves had a good laugh at the kitten's expense.
"That's enough resting," the king said commanding his troop. "Load up and move out!" Into the water the canoes went with a great splash. The hard rowing continued; even more vigorous than before. Hours went by and there was no sound from the lead canoe to stop. The tigers continued to row into the night, not stopping for anything. Yohan eyes began to feel heavy and it wasn't long that he was asleep listening to the calm passing of the canoes through the water.
The next morning, after a quick breakfast, the tigers continued to row. After ten minutes of paddling the group was met with a problem: the river was forked into two. A gigantic rock formation stood boldly in the river‘s path. Each branch ran in between two crevasses. A canoe slowed down and ran beside Yohan's. Vladimir addressed the young cat in a worrisome tone.
"Which way did your dream tell you to go? Do we go left or right?
Yohan was thinking hard. The dream only gave him the river, but the tiger gave him no time to think.
"Quickly, answer now!" said the tiger aggressively.
"To the right," Yohan said nervously, "We go to the right."
Vladimir's canoe moved forward until it arrived by Aznar's canoe. The command was given and the group steered to the right, unsure of the present outcome. The rock‘s wall towered high above them. The river narrowed and the pace quickened. Half way into the crack, the walls were closing in. One tiger was able to touch both sides of rock by stretching out his arms. The speed of the river continued to increase. The canoes whipped through the narrow crack as they were tossed about like small toys. It was impossible now to use oars, the group was at the mercy of the water. The great crevasse had all together removed the sky from their sight, and now the shadows led them into the darkness. Commotion spread throughout all ten boats. The tigers in Yohan's canoe looked at him sharply. Yohan hid his eyes from their rebuke and pretended that he was not there. Echoes of thunder resonated off of the walls and a mighty gale began to blow. The wind was so strong that the tigers shielded their faces from the winds piercing gale. Suddenly the river dropped, pushing them down further into the dark; and a choir of terror came from the group, but the voices were inaudible as the wind and thunder raged on. The crevasse had finally let them go into a wide open cavern. Above them a skylight peered down on a majestic whirlpool. The raging water twirled quickly under the sunlight Its fatal currents had seized other victims in the past, and today it may well have many others.
Before the tigers had a chance to gather their senses, the whirlpool drew the small boats inward with its potent vacuum and it was not inclined to let them go from its clutches. The lead boat tried to rally a signal to tell the others of what to do, but the horn's call could not overpower the thunderous sound of the river's eye. In a desperate effort, the king screamed his command,
"PADDLE!" shouted Aznar. " PADDLE FOR YOUR LIVES! PADDLE TO THE CAVERN WALL!"
The soldiers, although unaware of their king's command, grabbed their oars and rowed with all their might. The white foam drew them in closer. The circular current was perplexing; no one knew which way to stir. Some tigers found themselves stirring right into the center of the eye, while others thought they were gaining ground. The water and wind worked as a team to keep the prey in sight. Yohan was nearly drowned by a splashing wave. The canoe that he was in was fairing better than the others, and he was nearly out of the eye's grasp. Anzar's boat made it safely to the cavern's wall; the wolves' boat was there too. Two boats were in a struggle against the eye; however, without hope, the water consumed them and they were quickly taken under. One boat was propped up into the air and the canoe, with its occupants, came crashing down into the center of the whirlpool. Two other canoes were fighting hard against the raging water, but the river's eye had already lost five boats; it would not lose two more. The remainder of the group cautiously made their way around the whirlpool. They took the nearest opening, hoping it was not the way they came in. The tigers fought the current back out into the open. The new area was unfamiliar to the tigers; it was as if they had been swept away to a new world. The hills ran higher than the simple lowlands of Bal-Malfest. The trees were taller, and the smell of the air was as fresh as the first day God had blown it into existence.
Some of the tigers did not like the area; they wanted to return home; but under Aznar, dreams of home where far gone.
The group landed upon shore. Half drowned and half petrified, the tigers ate some of the drenched supplies. Most of the food was inedible now. Anzar looked for his chief scribe, Vladimir, but he was no where to be found. Anzar called once again, a fellow soldier addressed him.
"Sir," said the soldier, "he was in one of the boats that did not get away." Anzar did not show any remorse for the lost. He simply rolled his eyes and said, "A few lost for a great cause, it is expected."
When Aznar took note of Yohan's presence, he was overjoyed that he still had a way to the silver horn. Yohan on the other hand thought that the king would chastise him, but he was surprise when he came up beside him and said,
"I don't know if you were right or wrong in your decision," said Aznar, " but if it has taken us one step closer to the treasure, it was done for the good of the tigers."
Aznar patted the young cat on the back This did not help Yohan feel any better.. Further away a group of ten soldiers had gathered together to speak about the unfamiliar territory. Some where afraid of the stories of the jungle, they had heard tales of lost tigers who never returned once they entered. Others doubted the kitten's knowledge of the silver horn, saying that Aznar had gone mad in believing a naive daydream. One soldier addressed the rest of the group.
"You all know how I feel now." he said in a whisper, "Our king is off his rocker, and that kitten is lying; he doesn't know the way. Besides, we all know the stories of the jungle: once you go in, you don't come out. I say we stand our ground and head back home. I'm in no hurry to die. Who's with me?"
The seven tigers nodded in agreement, the other two were not sure.
A plan of mutiny was beginning to form, but the plan was cut short. Aznar emerged from behind the group. He had heard little of the conversation, but he knew what was going on. Aznar stood with his hands behind his back.
"What are you talking about?" asked the king.
The soldier found it hard to speak. One of the tigers fumbled with his words, but was interrupted by the king.
"You ten are far away from the rest of the group. That worries me, and I don't like to be worried. I might begin to think a mutiny was at hand. I might have to make examples out of some of you. Do you think that's fitting?
All ten tigers shook their heads quickly. Suddenly, Aznar grabbed one of the soldiers by the throat. The tiger gasped for air as Aznar's hand tightened down.
"Now, you ten are going to wipe those silly ideas about the jungle out of your heads. We're going in and were not leaving until I find the silver horn, YOU HEAR ME! NOW HEAD BACK TO THE GROUP, BEFORE I TAKE MY BLADE TO ALL OF YOU!"
Aznar threw the soldier to the ground. The remaining tigers helped their comrade to his feet and returned to the others. Aznar looked over his shoulder. He peered into the distance, sampled the air, and blew it out of his nostrils. There was a malignant smell in the breeze, it gave Aznar thoughts of nasty things that might lie ahead, but he showed no emotion. All he wanted was the horn, and he was willing to sacrifice anyone to find it.