Five

Summary: Thade and Attar go to battle



The next few days, Attar and Thade trained the troops. Everyone gladly excepted Thade into their army. He helped everyone. Ari came to see what was going on often. She visited with Daleya, who had begged Usis not to go. Thade was surprised to see Usis, who had disliked humans, be so passionately in love with one.

Ari avioded Thade, but Attar could see she cast longing glances at him. She brought food for the troops and gave them words of encouragement. At night her father held parties. Sandar had been kind to Thade, and he was happy for that. At least everyone else was being nice, but Ari was the only one he really cared about.

"We're ready," Attar told Thade. Thade looked down and saw hundreds of men, human and ape, ready to fight. Thade took a deep breath and was about to command them to leave, when Attar nudged him.

"What?" he asked. But he stopped when he saw Ari standing next to Attar. Thade walked up to her and glanced down into her deep brown eyes.

"I-I came to say goodbye," Ari stammered. Attar winked at Thade, then quickly went to do some last minute checking.

"I know this is going to be dangerous, and if I never see you again, then I want you to know that I forgive you."

Thade smiled and pulled Ari close. He kissed her as if he would never kiss her again. When he pulled away, she smiled up at him.

"I'll be waiting for you when you get back," she said, stroking his face.

"If I get back," Thade reminded her.

Ari shook her head. "When," she corrected him.

Thade pulled her close again, and ran his fingers through her hair. "I love you."

"I love you too." And before she could start to cry, Ari turned and ran away.



"I see them!"Usis shouted. Thade turned to see thousands of angry, blood thirsty apes, standing about a mile ahead of them. Thade stopped the army, and turned to them.

"Remember to use your heads. Don't just go in there a fight. Make them wonder what you're doing."

They all nodded, and Attar raised his arm. They shouted, and began to run towards the other army. Weapons ready, they fought until the end. As the battlefield grew quieter, Thade glared at the General of the enemy army. Thade knew him, his name was Loudes. His was an extremely violent gorilla. Thade drew his sword and