Chapter 12
Be Our Guests
Robbie shivered as the wind blew across his small body. Night had come upon them as they flew through the night sky. The female that he was flying with had her arm wrapped around him. He felt like he was in the arms of a giant. With each passing moment they drew closer and closer to the mountains. Despite their predicament, Robbie kind of liked the feeling of flying. Though it was still a scary experience.
Robbie watched as they flew by the rocky cliff sides of the mountains, like flying through a maze of colossal walls. Robbie peered over the side of the banshee to see how far down the land was. He gulped at the treacherous rocks below that meant instant death to any who crashed into them. There was a good reason why they called these mountains the Terrible Path. He boldly hawked up some saliva and spat outward to see how far it would drop. The saliva was caught by the wind and only smeared itself over his cheek. Robbie wiped it off on his sleeve.
Fel'Ingna looked questioningly at the Sky Child for his attempt to spit. What was he trying to accomplish? Sky People had odd habits, even for their children. Though the act slightly disgusted her, Fel'Ingna found this child to be unusually adorable (and naughty). She looked ahead to see the cliff sides give a wider birth, revealing their village.
The village of the Tompekong village was built across the ridges along the cliff side wide enough to fit housing on. Some were even built over the entrances of caves that led deep into the mountain side where the majority of them resided. During storms or other great calamities, the people would take refuge in these caves. The sight gave the impression that one was looking at a small bamboo city. It was even more beautiful during the day.
Fel'Ingna drew out a horn and blew into it. The blow resonated throughout the mountain village, alerting the villagers of their warriors' return. Throughout the village, Na'vi began to holler and cheer. The banshees flapped their wings as they approached a wide ledge and landed. Fel'Ingna dismounted with Robbie held securely in her arms, as did the other hunters. After dismounting, Neytiri walked over to Fel'Ingna. Dodgers, who had been clinging to her for the entire flight, jumped out of her grasp to join Harmony who was in the hands of another hunter. The hunters watched the furry ape with careful eyes. They watched all of their captives. The cheering villagers were rushing over to welcome home the members of their clan.
"Fel'Ingna of the Omaticaya," said Neytiri. "I think it would be wise for you to conceal the Sky People so that you may explain their presence without fear of any misunderstanding. I too wish to explain my own presence to your Olo'eyktan."
"Neytiri of the Omaticaya, so be it," Fel'Ingna answered as she handed Robbie over to her. As he was placed into her arms, Robbie clung onto Neytiri for dear life as if she were his only means of salvation. "But remember that they are your responsibility. You must ensure they do nothing rash or I cannot guarantee their safety."
Neytiri nodded as she held the Sky Child close.
"Hey, lady?" said Robbie to Neytiri. "I want to see Beverly and Harmony."
Neytiri brought him over to his friends who were being watched by the hunters. Harmony sat on the ground with Dodgers clutching on to her and Beverly sitting up with her arms and legs still bound. She placed Robbie down as he ran over to his friends.
The villagers began to encircle them as they welcomed them home. The hunters blocked the Sky People from view. The people parted as Olo'eyktan Ka'Ti and Tsahik Fel'Isa emerged. Ka'Ti was an elderly man of considerable years, though that did not tamper the strength he had left. He wore a vest of feathers and a necklace of birds skulls across his chest. Though he retained some handsome features, his face was marked with wrinkles.
Fel'Isa, being a few years younger, had not aged as quickly as her husband. Though he never said it, Fel'Isa suspected her husband was sometimes jealous of the beauty that she still possessed even in her elderly years. She would often prod jokes at him, earning a scornful look and then a laugh. She was a wise woman and generous. The children of the Tompekong considered her a second mother. Though she was slow to trust the Sky People, she knew of the few good ones among them and wished to learn about their ways, though there was only so much one could learn and understand. Her English was also good, thanks to the education that Marcus Steinbeck had provided during his stay with them. Though he and every other dreamwalker had been banned from entering the village, she still missed him. He was a good friend and intelligent for a tawtute.
The leaders approached their daughter followed by their son, Ka'Ufu, who had returned some time ago. The father smiled, pleased that they too had returned safely. "I see you, daughter," he said in their formal greeting.
"I see you, father," Fel'Ingna replied.
"I am happy to see that you and your party have returned safely." His smile faded slightly as he caught sight of Neytiri.
Neytiri greeted him. "I see you, Olo'eyktan of the Tompekong. I am Neytiri of the Omaticaya."
The people looked at her amazed.
"The Omaticaya?" said Ka'Ti astonished. "We have heard stories of your clan. You live far across the ocean from the motherland."
Neytiri raised a questioning eyebrow. "Motherland?"
"Yes," said Ka'Ti. "You could say that we, like many of the other tribes, are kin to you. Our people traveled across the sea long ago and came to these lands. Very few have ever dared venture the long and dangerous waters to bring us back news. But how did you come here so far from your home?"
"That is a story that I would be happy to tell you in length later. But I will tell you that in short that I was captured and brought to this place by the sky people. I managed to escape."
The people murmured amongst themselves in wonder.
"That is remarkable, Neytiri of the Omaticaya. And the fact that you escaped and came here to us is amazing. We welcome you to our village."
"Thank you, Olo'eyktan. But there is more to my story." Neytiri paused, looking back at the hunters that concealed Beverly and the children from sight. She prayed that no harm would come to them once they were revealed. "Your daughter should better tell you."
Fel'Ingna explained. "Upon our assault on the Sky People's village, a metal bird was fleeing across the forest. It fell into the trees below. We followed it and tracked down three Sky People that had fled. We captured them and brought them here."
Ka'Ti's eyes widened in shock. "You did what?" he said in outburst. "Sky People are not allowed to come here. Daughter, even you should know that."
"I know, father, but these Sky People were different. Let me show you." Fel'Ingna motioned for the hunters to bring their captives forward. The crowd gasped as Beverly, Harmony, Robbie, and Dodgers were revealed and brought before the Olo'eyktan. They stared astonished at the small creatures.
Ka'Ti gazed dumbstruck at the people before him. They were an adult woman and two children. One of the children was holding onto another figure that Ka'Ti thought was another child at first, but with careful inspection he saw that it was actually a strange animal that he'd never seen before. In all the time that he'd known the Sky People, Ka'Ti was not prepared for this. The last thing he ever expected to ever find among them were Sky Children and here they were now at his feet.
"I didn't know what to do with them, father. So I brought them here for you to judge," said Fel'Ingna.
"You had better not lay a finger on them," Beverly shouted. Olo'eyktan looked at the dark skinned female among them. He recognized from her strange attire that she was a warrior.
"These Sky People do not belong in this place," Ka'Ufu objected. "They are dangerous and not to be trusted."
"Olo'eyktan, I beg that you offer them refuge in your village. The children at least are innocent of their elders' wrong doings. They are harmless. I will take responsibility for them," Neytiri implored.
"You do not speak here, stranger," Ka'Ufu pointed a threatening finger at Neytiri.
"No," Fel'Isa said as she raised a hand to silence her hot-tempered son. "These are the first Sky Children we've seen. We should keep them with us. We may learn something from them." She spoke into her mate's ear. "Keep them with us at least for a while. They may prove useful."
Ka'Ti considered her words. He slowly approached the newcomers. The children stared back at him with fearful, pleading eyes. They looked at him as any other child of Na'vi would have done. Fel'Isa was right. "Then the Sky People may stay with us," he said. People among the crowd murmured amongst themselves about the turn of events.
Ka'Ti looked at the dark skinned woman who glared right back at him. Anger seemed to be a common emotion among the Sky People. Yet he admired the fire in her heart. It signified fearlessness, an excellent quality for a warrior. He approached her and knelt down on one knee. "I see the rage that burns in your eyes, sky person," he said in a deep accented English. Beverly stared back at him. "Such hateful beings I do not allow in my village. But... if you promise to calm your anger and live with us peacefully, I will unbind you."
Beverly glared at him. Nothing would have given her more joy than to slug this wise cracker. But what else could she do? She and the kids were stuck here and she had to ensure that they made it out alive. "Fine then, your holiness," she said begrudgingly and with a hint of sarcasm.
"Please, I am no holier than those around us," he answered with an amused grin.
"Father, you can't be serious," Ka'Ufu objected.
"I have made my decision," Ka'Ti said firmly.
The prince remained silent. There was much he disagreed with his father on, but he knew better than to challenge the king of the mountain. Ka'Ti undid Beverly's binds. Beverly rubbed her sore wrists as she slowly stood to her feet.
"Come, my daughter," said Ka'Ti. "Dinner has been prepared for your return. And our... guests are also welcome."
Fel'Ingna smiled. "Thank you, father. Come, my friends." She motioned to Neytiri and the Sky People. "My father has invited you to eat with us."
"Eat?" said Robbie excited. "Great! I'm starving."
"Me too," said Harmony.
Ka'Ti led them into the village. Beverly took the kids' hands. "Stay close to me. There's no telling what these people will do." The hunters stood around them as their escorts. As they walked along through the village, they noticed that the people were staring at them a lot. Robbie and Harmony also noticed smaller faces that peered through the bodies of the adults to get a look at them. No doubt they were also children. They entered through the mouth of a great cave into the interiors. Torches were lit along the passage. Eventually they came to a large cavern with cooking pits arranged in a circle. Around it several Na'vi were preparing the meal.
Ka'Ti sat with his mate at his left and his son on his right. Fel'Ingna sat a few meters away from them and motioned for Beverly, the children, and Neytiri to sit near her. Although her usual place was by her mother's side, tonight it was Fel'Ingna's duty to ensure that the humans and her parents were safe from each other. Fel'Ingna had been awestruck when she had seen the dark skinned human fight against her party. Never had she witnessed such raw power and determination in battle. It were as if some great monster lived in the woman and seeped its rage out through her. That is why she thought it best to keep distance between them and anyone else.
Beverly and the children sat down, waiting to be served as the whole assembly filed into the cave to find their places. They removed their exo-packs. Their escorts sat around them, shielding them from any other contact. Neytiri joined them with Dodgers in tow. Huge leaves with food placed on top was being passed around from one person to the next. Eventually it came to them and Beverly took their share of the meal and passed it to the children. Beverly knew in all the time that she spent on Pandora that the biochemistry of the native creatures was not completely indifferent from livestock and vegetation on Earth. Some animals and vegetables were safe for human consumption.
Beverly took a bite into her food, which was some sort of meat. She found it good, surprisingly. Robbie just stared at the alien food like the way a child abhors a chunk of broccoli. "Don't just stare at your food, Robbie," said Beverly. Robbie just continued to stare at it with sad eyes. "Eat it."
"I want regular food," he whined.
"Not so loud," Beverly scorned him with a hushed voice. "Robbie, I know this is tough. But we could be trapped up here for days. You need to eat or your going to starve. Now eat!"
"Yeah, Robbie," said Harmony with her mouth half full of food. "It tastes like sausage."
With a huge effort, Robbie gulped before taking a big bite. Expecting to hurl at any moment, the food was surprisingly delicious. Harmony was right. He swallowed the bite in his mouth and wolfed the rest down.
Several more courses were passed along. Dodgers had helped himself to some of the fruit and vegetables. Sometimes he would play with his food and throw it at a nearby Na'vi, earning a threatening glare from Beverly (though the kids found it amusing).
Robbie went into his backpack that he still had on and pulled out a candy bar for Harmony, Beverly, and himself. Harmony took a bite out of hers. She looked at Neytiri who was watching her curiously. Harmony broke off a chunk and offered it to Neytiri. Neytiri took the small brown piece, sniffed it, and placed it in her mouth. She was instantly surprised at the very sweet flavor that washed and melted over her tongue. Neytiri had tasted many sweet things in her life, namely fruits, but this was a whole new kind of sweet that she had never experienced before. She liked it.
"Thank you, little one," said Neytiri with a little smile. "What is that called?"
"Chocolate," Harmony answered. She broke off another chunk and offered it. Neytiri took it and made contact with Harmony's fingertips. Neytiri felt as though she were stroking the delicate hands of an infant. She gazed at Harmony with affection. The odd feelings she felt when she first met this child at Vatican's Royale were returning. She was simply too adorable for words.
Robbie jealously watched the two interacting. "How come Harmony gets to sit with the alien?" Robbie grumbled.
"Just shut up and eat your food," Beverly grumbled. "Don't be too eager to commingle with these savages."
Across from them, the Olo'eyktan and the Tsahik were observing the aliens.
Ka'Ti whispered into his wife's ear, "They are a strange group, these Sky Children."
"True," Fel'Isa agreed. "But very sweet natured. I especially like the little girl. Her hair shines like the rays of the sun."
Ka'Ufu grunted.
Ka'Ti looked disapprovingly at his son. "You do not like these children, my son?"
"Sky People are all the same, no matter what form or size," Ka'Ufu snorted.
"You should not be quick to judge, Ka'Ufu," his mother scorned him. "I am not blind to the fact that the Sky People have taken much, but they are not ruthless. I do not trust them. And perhaps we should not trust these Sky People here with us. But something tells me that something good will come of these children. We must trust in Eywa."
"And we will discuss such matters at a later time," said Ka'Ti. "For now, we eat."
A loud belch caught their attention. Almost everyone present looked in the direction of the Sky People. Robbie mischievously smiled as he said, "That was me!"
When dinner was finished, Beverly, Neytiri, and the children were led by their escorts to a shack where they would be sleeping under guard. The room they were presented with was small with a few cots made from animal skins.
"This is where you will rest. If you need anything, tell the guards outside and they will help you," said Fel'Ingna. She dared one last look at Beverly. "Remember, warrior woman, we are watching you."
Beverly glared at her but turned her attention back to the kids, helping them prepare for bed. Fel'Ingna addressed one last message to Neytiri. "If you are who you say you are, then remember that the safety of my village rests in your hands. We must defeat the Sky People and drive them from our land. We will need your help when the time comes."
Neytiri merely nodded. "May the All Mother smile on you," she said.
"And also with you." With that said, Fel'Ingna exited the bamboo house.
Neytiri sat down across from the humans. Robbie and Harmony snuggled into their cots. Beverly drew animal skins over them as blankets.
"Good night, Beverly," said Robbie as he yawned.
"Sweet dreams," said Harmony.
"You too, guys," Beverly said in a tender voice.
Harmony looked at Neytiri one last time. "Good night, Neytiri." And she laid down at last to rest.
Beverly looked at Neytiri for a long moment. At first, Neytiri didn't know what she wanted until at last she spoke. "I want you to know, I don't trust you, Na'vi. I don't trust any of your kind. But... as much as I'd hate to say it... thanks. For saving our lives."
Neytiri gazed at Beverly surprised. Beverly then laid herself down and drifted to sleep. As Neytiri lay on her own cot, she thought of Jake, praying that he was safe; hoping that perhaps in some impossible way Toruk Makto would come flying in to the rescue just as he had done once before. She thought about what Fel'Ingna had told her. The request she made was perfectly in her right to make. Neytiri thought it only right to aid the Tompekong in their struggle to save their land from the destruction and greed of the Sky People. Had circumstances been a little different, she would have joined them in their fight.
However, things were not that simple anymore. The presence of these Sky Children presented a new dilemma. One that could not be solved on a battlefield. Neytiri had never dared entertain the possibility that some Sky People had a righteous nature until meeting Grace Augustine and Jake Sully. They had given her reason to believe that there was good among them. Neytiri had always assumed that Sky People were mostly bad and only a few ever found the light on their own. However, seeing these pure, innocent beings somehow changed that. Even Beverly's character impressed and confused her. Beverly was aggressive and quite ignorant of the ways of the People, yet she defended the children with all her strength. Indeed, that was all she really seemed to want. Any Na'vi would have done the same for their children. That was clear when she fended off a whole party of Na'vi warriors.
Neytiri could have just as easily not intervened and allowed the Tompekong to do whatever they wished with these people. But leaving them to an uncertain fate, one that could have even led to death, made her spine crawl with dread. Neytiri couldn't explain it, but she was feeling the same things she had felt when she spared Jake's life the first time she met him over a year ago. Only now it was pulsating stronger than ever. Try as hard as she wished, Neytiri couldn't turn away from it.
Nothing was simple anymore.
Exhausted beyond reckoning to ponder these things any longer, Neytiri rested her head down and fell asleep.
While the villagers of the Tompekong were preparing to retire for the night, the Olo'eyktan had called his family for a private council to discuss the fate of the newcomers.
"This is a difficult situation for us," said Fel'Isa. "No one could have guessed that Sky Children would be in our presence."
"What should it matter?" said Ka'Ufu. "It makes no difference if they are children or not. We should dispose of them at once. They will only bring ruin to our village if not cause it themselves."
"How could you think something so horrible, Ka'Ufu?" Fel'Ingna said outraged. "Are you suggesting we kill them?"
"I said nothing of the kind," Ka'Ufu defended himself. "I simply mean they cannot stay here. We must face the truth. They are Sky People. They cannot be trusted. We have waited many years for them to change their ways, but they are still a blind and foolish people. And they will never see or understand anything other than their selfishness."
"The newcomers may be Sky People, but they are only children."
"And a warrior who dealt injury to your warriors!"
"Only to defend the little ones!" she shot back.
"Silence!" Ka'Ti commanded them. "Fel'Ingna, your brother speaks true. We have prayed everyday to Eywa that the Sky People would change their ways and give more respect for our land. The Sky People will never learn."
"Marcussteinbeck does," Fel'Ingna said in defense.
"Marcussteinbeck is only one among a few that could see."
"Then what is to become of the newcomers? Surely you wouldn't-"
"No, Fel'Ingna," said Fel'Isa. "While I agree Sky People cannot be trusted, it would be heartless to do harm onto these children who meant no harm to us. As Tsahik, I don't think that that would please Eywa. I also sense no evil intentions in them."
"Is it Eywa's will that we ignore the danger that lurks in our home?" said Ka'Ufu. "No doubt the Sky People at the metal village will learn of this. When they do, they will attack us. We should at least send these newcomers away."
"Perhaps there is another way," Fel'Isa offered. "Ka'Ufu, today you would have attacked the Sky People's village to drive them out of our land. But suddenly a dreamwalker confronted you and convinced you to stop. Then Fel'Ingna discovered the newcomers. Perhaps it is a sign that we are not meant to follow the path of war. There may yet be hope."
"What are you saying my wife?" asked Ka'Ti.
"Ka'Ti, besides your clan, what do you consider the most precious thing to you?"
Ka'Ti thought it over a moment. "You and my children."
"Exactly. And what would you do to keep them safe?"
"Anything," he said. "But what does that have-"
It took a few moments for those present to interpret her message and piece it together. Ka'Ti, Ka'Ufu, and Fel'Ingna suddenly stared at Fel'Isa incredulously as the revelation hit them. No further explanation was needed. They knew what she was suggesting.
"I see your plan, mother," he said impressed by her proposal. "I think that is an excellent plan."
"Well, I don't," Fel'Ingna said angrily. She rose to her feet furiously. "Mother, I object. There is no way that will work!"
"I assure you that what I have in mind is clever."
"Mother, I don't think this is wise," Fel'Ingna objected. "Besides, it wouldn't be fair to the Sky Children-"
"I am surprised at you, daughter." Fel'Isa said.
"I am only saying that-"
Ka'Ti raised his hand to silence them. "Fel'Isa, I can only imagine what you propose. And I can tell you already that it is risky. We could be placing the village in even greater danger than we may have already."
"I am aware of that. But we are in danger still with the threat of war. Eywa has offered us a new way. If it succeeds, we may be spared any bloodshed. These children will help that come to pass."
"So be it," Ka'Ti answered.
Fel'Ingna was incredulous. "Father, you can't-"
"I have decided," Ka'Ti said firmly.
"I will reveal to you my plan at the proper time. For now, you must respect our judgment and follow our instructions. That will be all," Fel'Isa said.
Fel'Ingna groaned aggravated. She had heard enough for one night and left to retire.
Ka'Ufu rose from his position also. "Whatever the plan, I am with you, mother and father." With that said, he bowed and retired.
Now that they had been granted a moment of solitude together, Ka'Ti took the chance to inquire. "Fel'Isa, do you really propose to use these newcomers as a means to convince the Sky People to leave our land?" he asked.
"Yes, but not in the way you think," Fel'Isa said. "Our son and daughter don't yet understand my intentions. There is still much more to be said. And the path will be a difficult one."
