A.N. Gaaaah I know i know i didn't update like i promised. I knew what i wanted written but i couldn't find the time nor the spark. I have to have that frame of mind when i write or else its crappy and boring. You don't want boring do you? Nope! hahah so this one wnet longer then i expected enjoy it people. I'll try I'll TRY to get another one out ASAP.
Chapter 9: The Song of the Cobra
He could hear music in the distance. He could see the light of the fire dim because it was so far away. There was a crowd hovering around it. Trowa knew their feast was probably about to begin. Taste ran dry from his mouth at the thought of real food…the food he had gone without for nearly half a month.
Duo had been out all day, with the exception of waking up a few times and moping about something. Then he got bored again and fell asleep.
Quatre had been very quiet lately, it seemed he, like Trowa did not have much to say these days. Heero was out of his line of view but he might as well have been non-existent even his breathing went unnoticed. To his surprise it had been Wufei who was starting all of the conversation that day. Just as he was now.
"It's funny isn't it? We haven't eaten any real food for days, and they're over there eating like kings." He bit out angrily. Suddenly something occurred to Trowa so he could change the subject, he wasn't really wanting to talk about food at the moment.
"Where did you say you lost your real Katana Wufei?" But this only seemed to be a worst subject for the Chinese man and Trowa regretted bringing it up.
"That weak bastard Taliben. He has it, I've seen him walking around with it on his belt like its some Trophy from the gods that was sent to him. Ignorant fool. He'll probably go and use it to chop wood instead of what it's really for. When we get out of this the first thing I'm going to do is get my Katana and…---"
"You mean if we get out of this," Trowa corrected. He shouldn't have said that either. This was why Trowa didn't like talking more then he had to. If he didn't look at the situation long enough he had a bad habit of always saying eerie things to bring someone down…to bring them back to reality. But it was the truth and he couldn't help it.Wufei was more quiet now but he grunted in agreement.
"If we get out…" He repeated. Trowa turned onto his back again his eyes straying to the village once more. Sounds began to vibrate through the air and ground. Exotic music filled the air and the music begun. The crowed began to thin into a circle watching as others danced for entertainment. Trowa squinted against the faded light off in the distance but his search was in vain. He wondered where she was…and what she was doing..
Perhaps she was dancing with them. Swaying to the beat of the drums.
Or maybe she was like him. Somewhere alone in her own world, watching everything as if it were always so far away. Trowa closed his eyes so he wouldn't think about it anymore and decided maybe what he really needed was some sleep.
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Tonight the houses were abandoned. Small children tucked safely in their beds. A distant howl aroused the air of the night sky, calling to the wolves that roamed the night. Tonight it was the end of summer. Tonight was a time to dance.
But Lika did not feel like dancing. She felt like dying. It was as if a hole had punctured her in the chest and she would bleed to death if she did not find a way to make it go away. There was only one way to dry her constant tear. To find Keemiol and bring him home.
She had asked everyone. Searched everywhere. The palace, the gatherers market, the missu. He was no where to be found. It was as if he had been swept away from the earth never to return! And she wanted to know why…why had he not come to see her and their son when Taliben and his crew returned? Why was it that no one seemed to have heard from him or even seen a trace of him all day? Keemiol had always been a quiet reserved man. But he was not invisible. Lika decided that she would get to the bottom of this. And by doing that she would have to see Taliben. He would surly know where to find her husband.
Lika saw him speaking with his minions just outside of the crowd that hovered by the large bon fire. The smell of fresh meat and exotic fruit filled her senses along with smoke but she ignored the merry making and approached him sternly.
"Taliben," She said loudly to catch his attention, for a moment he must've thought she was someone else but his smile faded when he realized it was only her.
"I need to speak with you."
"Not now Lika. I am busy." She stepped in front of him so that her eyes were level to his chin. She held her ground.
"Well your business can wait. This is important." Taliben frowned his other minions behind her must've looked surprised for her boldness against her cousin. But she knew Talibens anger only got the best of him when he wasn't getting what he wanted. Something physical like Raja. Gently she grabbed his arm.
"Please Taliben, it will not take long." Lika promised holding his gaze with her large worried eyes. He sighed.
"Fine, but make it quick." He said in annoyance. Lika brought him around the missu and two homes before she turned and finally had the will to speak.
"Taliben I want to know where my husband is. He hasn't been here all day and no one has seen him. Did he not return with you?"
"I don't know what you're talking about. I haven't seen him either." Likas red rimmed eyes sparked with anger.
"I grew up with you Taliben. I know when you lie." Taliben glared at her with indifference.
"Lika.. Keemiol journeyed with us but we were separated somewhere in the Jungle. I am sure he's fine.. he knows the way home." Lika stepped back her cousins words catching her off guard.
"You left him? He was lost…and you didn't search for him-- or try to find him?!" She asked incredulously. Taliben shrugged. And turned to walk back to the feast.
"He may return. He may not. It's not my fault if he does not know how to stay close. Good night Lika."
He left her there stunned and alone. Silent.
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Rajas ear were ringing with sound as the drums hit their final mark, signifying the kings arrival. Her small stomach was filled with Jumbaba causing her feet to feel foreign and to sway lightly across the ground. Her world was spinning, dancing to all the wonderful sounds of delight, the music and grand embers of fire that rose from the dark pit. She turned and righted her self accordingly to greet her king with the others. He approached from atop the hill that held his palace, and the moon shone behind him. At first Raja thought it was a lion with the torso of a man and she had to restrain her self from gasping. She squinted her eyes and ran into the person next to her in excitement.
"Watch your feet," The woman growled, her eyes furrowing together in a straight angry line. The young blonde stumbled backwards, a lazy grin coming across her face in apology.
"Sorry."
But it was the Mansa- in his royal cape of fur, the lions head placed over his own so that his face peaked out in the dark cave of its mouth. The Mansa raised his palms to the sky and the people bowed to their knees in respect while the ceremony began.
"Brothers and sisters, yet another fine summer passes for Kashka. And we give thanks this night. Thanks be to the Gods... For their guidance..for the fine grains of wheat from the earth. For the wild boars we have speared to feed our children! For the safe and peaceful passage from our enemies. Praise the Gods!"
Raja lifted her chin and joined the joyful chorus.
"Praise the Gods!"
"Praise Yalluk. God of the night time sky!" The people repeated their kings words with vigor and respect. Raja was deafened by the sounds of her people and their cheers as they danced around and shouted their respects to the stars above.
"Praise Palla, God of the sun!"
In the back of her mind she caught a glimse of their faces..and how alone they were but her senses were dulled from the drinks and she was no longer susceptible to guilt, or pain. Just passion. And excitement. Her lips found the will to speak and she utter the praising with a laugh.
"Praise you Palla.." The Mansa lowered his hands signaling quiet.
"And last- give praise to Gizzam. Lord of all that is."
This was a silent prayer. No one but the Mansa held the right to speak in Gizzams name, he was far too great and those that did speak it aloud were fools. Only a fool would think themselves higher then He of all that is…
When Raja looked up once more she could barely contain her breath. Her ears could already hear the faint rolling of the drums as they waited anxiously to continue their thundering music. The Mansas face appeared black against the bright light of the fire, and only the whites of his eyes and teeth that smiled so mysteriously could be seen…
"Let the feast begin!"
Raja grinned. The crowd thinned and circled the fire again. Sounds came back to life, the sounds of a hundred men and women dancing and laughing and talking amongst the fire. Raja made her way across the camp dodging through the mass of dark oily bodies and shoulders. Eventually she nudged her way through and stumbled out of the crowd with a sharp jump. She reeled and caught herself against the feet of the most respected. If it hadn't been for her drunken state she would have apologized immediately, the sober part of her mind was begging her too but she merely looked up into the eyes of her king and grinned like a sheep.
He too couldn't help his smile. With a laugh he offered his frail arms to her from his pedestal and helped her to find her balance.
"I am glad you have come of age to join us in the summer feast Raja." He said, holding her straight as she swayed.
"Are you enjoying yourself young one?" She nodded eagerly.
"Yes Mansa. Very much!" The slurred sound of her voice caused him to laugh again. He patted her shoulder affectionately.
"Good, good. Now let's see that pretty dance shall we?..but only when you are ready. I think for now you should rest for a while before you tip over. No more drinks or I fear Akil and Mikal will be carrying you home!" Raja nodded.
"Yes Mansa. I'll stay away from the juice I promise!" With that she rolled on her heel and sauntered off back into the crowd. A thought to find her friend passed through her mind.
'I wonder where Lika could be…' She hadn't seen her all evening. Lika had promised she would be there to keep her company..
Raja shrugged it off her eyes passing blankly over the sea of faces as she passed them. She spotted Ajule and Yeebal by the roaster arguing about who got to roll it back and forth. Raja rolled her eyes as the dead boar swerved wildly over the fire from their commotion. As she expected she found Taliben standing off to the side nearby, surrounded by his usual crowed of anxious young girls, most of them were labeled as the whores of the village. Raja had to supress a snigger when she found her brother in the corner near a tent with Waytua the butchers daughter. He had obviously had his fill of drink for the evening because he was now nibbling off of her neck whispering sweet affections and gathering her into a very compromising position. Raja turned away blushing finding she really didn't wish to see anymore. Her brother after all was not a little boy anymore. He would do as he pleased.
Raja found her self a more quiet place to sober up on the outskirt of the feast and sat down. She knew the effects would wear off soon and it was only a matter of time. She would have to gather Sheeda, Kaalina and the others so they could prepare for their entrance…
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Taliben eyed his minions while sucking roughly on the skin of his mistresses neck. His arms held three of them, all giggling and fighting eagerly for his full attention. But none would have it. He had not seen Raja all night since the feast began and he knew she would be preparing to dance soon. And Taliben had a wonderful idea on how to keep himself amused in the meantime…
"Taliben do you want me…" One whispered licking his cheek with pressure and suggestion. The option appealed to him slightly but he chose to refuse it for now. He had a mission to complete if he wanted everything to go as planned.
He had to find some way to rid himself of these blubbering whores first though.
"Now you all know I would enjoy taking the three of you at once…but not tonight…I have some business to attend to." With a small amount of regret at leaving, their moans and pouts following him he made his way over to the pit roast.
"Stop arguing you fools and follow me." He snapped, hushing the arguing pair and cutting into the crowd again. Without looking too suspicious he carefully pulled out of ring of firelight and into the shadows of the abandoned village.
Ajule and Yeebal followed soon enough but with much less grace and care.
"What is it Taliben," Ajule slurred into the darkness. Taliben eyed what he had to work with in annoyance. They would have to do.
"Stop breathing so loud Yeebal, you sound like a wart hog."
"Sorry."
"What's going on," Ajule repeated a little louder. Talibens midnight eyes seemed to glimmer in the dark. He grinned.
"We are going to play a little game."
"On who?" They asked in union. Talibens grinned deepened.
"On one of the prisoners. They haven't had fun in a long while…let's say we give one of them a break hmm?" Obviously their silence opted as confusion but Taliben paid them no more attention with words. He simply turned and gestured them to follow.
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The breeze curbed gently around the tree, gliding through its branches.
All five of the pilots were sound asleep. So four of them wouldn't have heard when one was clamped over the mouth and awakened.
The hand struck his lips like lightning and its pressure was strong. He couldn't call out to the others. Tiredness had reached its full height on all of them. They had passed out. The pilot struggling soundlessly against two grips of iron as their hands held him while the third man cut the bindings. He was released and for a moment he felt a wild excitement at being free…until a stinging punch to his stomach brought him back to reality.
"Kuny wa tafa hano." The third hissed and suddenly the hot burning sand began to fill his beaten old shoes as he was dragged mercilessly across the dessert. Their destination of course…was the village.
The pilot cringed at the feeling of sharp beads of sand scratching at his ankles. He picked them up but no sooner had he tried he was dropped to the ground. He blew dirt out of his face his natural instinct was to get up off the ground. But A large foot came down hard on his back and kept him rooted to the spot. He opened his bleary eyes as saw a rim of orange light tracing across the ground in front of him. He looked up to see a crowd of people very close by, all of them standing inside the ring of light. No sooner did he see this were his lips silenced from calling out. A hairy piece of fabric was clamped across his mouth and tied tightly around his head. Now…he only had his eyes and his ears. A dark baritone voice found the pit of his ear making his spine shiver.
"Lep jo mecca." A moment later the band between his teeth was briefly lifted and a thick warm substance filled his mouth. Alarmed, the pilot swerved and choked back the sour foamy substance but he was held down and forced to drink it when his nose was gripped firmly to restrain air. He swallowed the unknown bile, his eyes watering. He heard them laugh when they saw this.
"Oooh…Teho gogaat sa na wak ati…ehh?" The third one came into the light and the pilots stinging eyes narrowed in anger.
It was Taliben, the bastard that bothered Raja so much. And he was not alone. These men were who held him were probably his two minions..The sour drink was poured down his throat once more. The pilot shifted slowly in their arms growing dizzier by the minute. The substance seemed to be building up in the pit of his stomach making him feel heavy and unbalanced. He'd been drunk before but there was no comparison. His head lolled about and fell forward but Taliben grabbed him roughly by the hair and pulled him up right again.
Then wordlessly he pointed and the pilots eyes found what he was pointing to.
It was Raja. And she looked like he had never seen her before. She could not see him…but he could see her. They all could. In the light of the fire she stood in the center of a circle formed by women all dressed the same. Baskets surrounded them and stood untouched. Paint outlined curves and parts of her body, her face shielded in a mask so perfect and mysterious..it reminded him of a gypsy queen..
A wild beat formed in his mind. Drums..he could hear drums. They were so real- the music seemed so real he could even hear it ringing in his ears.
And then slowly…she began to dance. First her hips swayed to the beat. One move at a time…teasing the eyes of her watchers. Then her hips moved faster. The pilot found himself hypnotized by them…the way the bronze of her skin shimmered in the light of the fire. The muscles in her stomach flared as she flexed in and out, her arms finding motions to match the music perfectly. Her shoulders wreathed and her hips twisted faster and faster until finally she moved. The others danced around her as she moved within the circle…like a magnificent bird caught in a cage.. Her movements awed the crowd…had them quiet and watching.
The pilot heard the music progress…and suddenly the sound of pipes and lutes filled the air. What he saw next shocked him.
Snakes started bursting from the baskets, their black necks flared their tongues hissing in arousal. They too swayed their bodies to the music…and the pilot watched in a daze his eyes glued open so that he wouldn't miss a moment. He heard a chuckle on his shoulder. Taliben had been watching too.
So this was what it was about.
He had wanted him to see. To see what Taliben thought he had. To see what Taliben was saying he couldn't have.
"Jehe pennoe leaat yan, aah?" For some reason…barriers didn't matter right then. He knew this was all meant to tease him. And that drink…her dancing. The way her body had moved and twisted to the music..it was torture to a man in the deepest sense…He was aroused in more ways then he knew. But Taliben was no fool. He kicked him lightly in the groin and laughed hard when he received a painful moan from his captive.
'What the hell did they make me drink…' Well it didn't matter now..all he knew was that he didn't want to watch any longer. It had been nearly impossible pulling his eyes away from the girls body once…he didn't want to go back and do it again. He wouldn't give in to this man and his phonies. He wouldn't let them have their little inside joke completely.
He looked at the ground and even when Taliben shoved his chin in the air his eyes refused to look back at the feast. He heard the man snarl and he knew that his little adventure had now come to an end.
Taliben punched him twice across the face knocking him out. Then he signaled to Ajule and Yeebal to return him to his bindings and with one last smirk as the drunken white man was dragged away he returned to his whores at the feast.
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Raja could feel the anticipation of the cobras as the music heightened, she spun herself around and suddenly the crowd was cheering and dancing too. The snakes slithered from their baskets and fell into the sand. Rajas moves grew timid but she continued…she knew this was tradition. No harm would befall her or the dancers. Out of the corner of her eye she watched them slither closer, the jingle of the bells on her hips, and the sound of the Diji near by luring them closer and closer to her. They were in a trance…slipping quietly through the feet of the dancers who also danced in a timid motion.
The dance was near its end. The music came faster and faster. The chosen warriors for the next generation including Taliben and her brother came forth to complete the ceremony, long raw knives clasping firmly in their hands. They joined the gaps of the circle as the music hit its final note and the last sound of the diji protruded into the night. Raja could hear nothing but the hissing and the sound of her own frightened breath as it raised from her lips. She held her arms raised in the last position of the dance, not moving an inch as all seven cobras hissed angrily at her feet.
Their necks flared larger and the men raised their knives. Raja closed her eyes to the final moments of the ceremony. It was over.
She opened them and each man held one of the dead killer snakes in their hands, blood spilt across their fingers and their smiles proud. Raja and the women bowed before them as they formed a line to the Mansa and offered the snake as a gift.
Raja peeked through her veil of hair, her painted eyes gleaming while she watched her brother being honored as one of the seven warriors. Each of the seven warriors would now hold power over the entire village and the only person who had higher ranks then them would be the Mansa and his royal court. Mikal couldn't stop smiling. And Taliben to her distaste looked as casual and smug as ever. She knew Mikal would never be chosen to rule…but she hoped someone other then Taliben..Jabari perhaps…but not Taliben…
But something did not seem right when her eyes rested on the Mansa. He was leaning heavily on his side. Raja noticed it before anyone else and right before he fell over she bolted forward and caught him against her back. The others cried out in surprise and the warriors sprang forth to help him. She felt Taliben shove her roughly aside and she had just enough time to see him smirking at her before he turned his attention to the King. He was heaving up a storm..his eyes were dilated and a pool of saliva dripped down his mouth. The old man crumbled again but this time it was against the arms of his servant. The Mansas faithful servant was at his side with large worried eyes.
"You are not well enough to continue Mansa. P-please…let me take you back.--"
"No wait," The old man replied firmly with his weak voice.
"I will end the ceremony first." The servant sighed but nodded obediently and recoiled to his position.
"As you wish."
Raja didn't know how she knew it…or why but as she watched the old man she had grown so fond of…one she respected and would trust with her life…she knew it was almost the end for him. Gizzam was coming. He was so close now. If she had the eyes of the night she could possibly catch a glimpse of him…wandering the village house by house…searching for the Mansas soul.
Tears formed in her eyes but she didn't dare wipe them away until the ceremony was deemed over and she could take off the paint that stained her cheeks and body. She listened deftly to the sound of her kings voice…and a part of her wondered if it would be last time she ever heard it again.
"The feast is over. May you all go on this new eve and live prosperous lives. May your children grow strong and wise. May your daughters marry and bare healthy children. May you all have food in your body. Good night now. You may go home."
Raja willed herself to move, her feet trudging softly against the rough desert sand following the others. She heard them all she knew what they were thinking.
"The Mansa did not look well…"
"Perhaps it's just a passing sickness."
"Perhaps He of all that is…is coming for him.."
"Then Taliben will be named Mansa." Raja closed her eyes she couldn't take it.
A hand gripped her own and reeled her around. Of course she knew it was Taliben but she refused to open her eyes to see his grim featured face.
"The Mansa does not have much time left. I will be named King after he passes. And I will be asking for you Raja. You will give in. It is only a matter of time…"
Such a fowl voice…and such fowl words to whisper. Anything was fowl when it came to Taliben. Raja could feel his breath hot and drunken against her neck and it frightened her. She pulled away looking for her father immediately. She found Mikal instead watching them and waiting for her with his fists clenched and ready.
"I must go Taliben." She replied neutrally.
"This is the last time you'll walk away from me Raja. Enjoy it." He called after her. Raja looked back and saw him smiling oddly at something she couldn't understand. She cringed and looped arms with her droopy eyed brother leading the way home.
Sleep found her and soothed her body. But Talibens words found her in the night...and haunted her in her dreams...
'Enjoy it.'
Something was going to happen. Very soon.
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Hehehe I'm not telling you who the chosen pilot is...knowing me thought you guys probably already guessed. Don't worry. For those of you who didn't figure it out it will be explained in the following chaps. Somethings about to happen. We all feel it!! Yay anticipation anticiaption. REVIEW PLEASE. I LOVE REVIEWS. THE MORE I GET, THE FASTER I WANT TO WRITE.