Flight of the Golden Harpy (52 page)

“Once the swarms are gone, we’ll remove the surviving people off your land,” said Waters.

“I do not know of this owning of land,” Shail said, “but I do not wish for those humans to lose their homes. If they cause no harm to harpies or the jungle, they may stay.”

“That’s very generous,” said Waters. “So you’ll destroy the swarms?”

“You accepted the demands and soon shall be free of the beetles,” said Shail. “I vowed so.”

Waters turned toward the people and announced, “He has agreed to save us!”

The crowd erupted with cheers and claps. Shail jumped at the loud response, unfamiliar that humans could make such noise. He stared, wide-eyed, at them and slowly relaxed, realizing they were expressing approval.

The noise subsided, and Shail turned to Waters. “They have heard the truths of harpies?”

“Yes, we’ve learned about your race and all the injustice you’ve suffered,” said Waters. “I can only say I’m sorry to you and your harpies. Mr. Turner gave a full disclosure. He is truly responsible for convincing the people.”

Shail glanced at John. “I was told if you take your hand in mine it would make us friends.” He extended his hand to John.

John grinned and shook Shail’s hand. “We’re more than friends. You bonded with my daughter, so you’re my son-in-law.” He took hold of Shail’s shoulders. “And like a son, you couldn’t make me happier.”

“I am pleased you accept me,” Shail said. “When you protected my flock on your lands, I longed for your friendship.”

John motioned toward Waters. “Shail, I think you’ll be good friends with this man. Whether you destroy the swarms or not, Governor Waters made sure the harpies are always protected by our laws. He’s an honest, fair-minded man.”

Shail nodded to Waters. “So our trust grows,” he said and turned to leave.

“Wait, Shail,” said Waters. “Don’t you want to say anything to these people?”

Shail stared at the thousands of smiling humans. Followed by John and Waters, he walked toward the crowd that cleared a path. Reaching the center of the room, he stopped and gazed up at the ceiling and then at the people. He recalled his trembling and fear of the little cabin and the old doctor, yet now he stood in an enclosed building among fifty thousand humans, some armed, and he felt nothing but calm. He raised his head and forced his soft voice to be heard. “All my life I have waited for this light when human and harpy are at peace. You learned we carry your blood, but the blood makes no difference. It was fear of the unknown that truly divided us. We shall save you from the swarms or die trying. The survival of both our races has brought this truce. May it continue with our offspring.”

The crowd’s roar was deafening, and Shail flinched, the sound offending his sensitive hearing. He sensed admiration in their minds, and also the reverence of worship, similar to his own flock. He glanced at John, puzzled.

John patted his shoulder. “They’re grateful, but can also see your dignity and grace. They love you, Shail.”

Despite the enthusiastic response, Shail remained cautious, not easily exploited. Humans were fickle creatures, and only days earlier they had wanted his death. He was free of drugs and hate, and his keen instincts and telepathy had fully returned. He was on alert. He started toward the doors when he detected strong hate aimed at him. He froze and nervously scanned the room. His wings were slightly raised for flight, and he sniffled with agitation.

“What’s wrong?” John asked, seeing his menaced demeanor.

“A threat,” Shail said quietly.

A man leered at him from behind several people. Shail put the face with the hateful mind and recognized the hunting range owner. Shail detected Bill’s smoldering anger.

Bill pulled a laser gun from his pocket, pointed it at Shail, and stepped out beyond the crowd. “This stinking harpy murdered my brother, and you’re fools to trust it.”

Seeing the weapon, the people fled, creating a large space between Bill and Shail, with only John remaining by his side. The room became quiet as all watched the drama unfold.

“Put down the gun, Simpson,” John ordered.

“No way,” said Bill. “This golden is going to die.” He pulled the trigger, and John leaped in front of Shail, taking a blast to his back. Shail held John as he slipped to the floor. Bill’s mouth hung open. He had just shot a man in front of a ton of witnesses.

Shail leaped across John’s body and flew at the big man. His shoulder rammed Bill’s gut, knocking him down. The hard blow sent the weapon flying out of Bill’s hand, and it slid across the floor. Shail rolled to his feet and sprang into the air while Bill staggered to rise and retrieve his weapon. Like a tenacious mockingbird after a cat, Shail dive-bombed the man. Bill vainly swung his fists at the elusive target as his face and back were hammered with the harpy’s swift kicks. A tremendous belt to his nose sent Bill crashing to the floor, and he stared up at the fluttering harpy that flew like a revenging bat out of hell, relentless and lethal.

Shail landed close to the sprawled-out man. “Rise,” he shouted, and his feathers quivered with rage.

With his shirt sleeve, Bill wiped his blood off his face. He turned this way and that, and then scrambled toward a six-foot iron suturing rod. Grasping it, he stood up and wildly swung at the harpy. Shail leaped backward, the metal nearly slicing open his stomach.

“Go on, you little coward,” Bill growled. “Take to the air.” He charged, wielding the iron weapon.

Shail dodged the blows, keeping his feet on the ground. “I need not wings nor flight to defeat you.”

Bill swung and missed, and Shail lunged at him, grabbing the rod in the center. They clung to the weapon, struggling to out-muscle one another and force the rod down on the other’s throat. Shail and his flapping wings began to out-power the man. In desperation, Bill kneed Shail’s stomach and flung him to the floor, slamming the rod toward the downed harpy. Shail rolled out of the way and scrambled from the pursuing man and his crashing weapon. It was only a matter of time before Bill connected with a powerful blow.

“Shail, take this!” yelled a voice from the crowd. Ted tossed Shail a second rod. He caught it and deflected a fatal strike. Bouncing to his feet, Shail held his weapon, the battleground now even. He flung his hair, mocking his enemy. They moved in a stalking circle and then Bill rushed him, flailing his weapon. Shail swung back, and the iron rods collided. The clanging of metal echoed through the dome. The two adversaries wielded their weapons, and the fight resembled a sword duel between ancient knights. With each of Bill’s attacks, Shail warded off the blows and swung back.

Puffing and sweaty, Bill hysterically swung his rod at the harpy. Instead of striking back, Shail dropped down, spun around, and rose. His rod hit the unsuspecting man’s back. The devastating blow sent Bill flying. He landed and lay on the hard surface.

Shail slightly panted, each breath incensed and softly seething. “Get up,” he said.

Lying on his belly, breathless, exhausted, and in pain, Bill slowly rose and then lunged for his laser gun several feet away. Grasping his weapon, he pointed it at Shail and clambered to his feet. “Now you’re going to die,” he said. A hideous grin formed on his lips.

Shail backed away, still holding his rod, and glared at the man. Before the gun fired, Shail threw his rod straight at Bill. Like a spear, it bayoneted Bill in the chest. Bill dropped the laser gun and staggered. He stared with shock at the rod piercing his chest and looked up at Shail. He dropped to his knees as the harpy approached.

“Two lights have passed,” Shail said. “Remember my vow.”

“You promised to kill me…” Bill gasped. He crumbled to the ground and was still.

Shail looked at John. A doctor leaned over him, attempting to treat the wound, and Waters and Ted stood by. Shail rushed over, slid to his knees, and stopped next to John.

“Even if we could get him to the hospital…” The doctor bit his lip.

Shail carefully lifted John’s head and cradled it in his lap. “Do not go.”

John gazed up. Blood trickled from his grin. “Did you get him, Shail?” he asked.

Shail nodded. “He is dead.”

“Good, you’re a good boy.” John gripped Shail’s arm and grimaced with pain. “Promise me…” He struggled to speak. “Promise me you’ll take care of my daughter?”

“I shall,” Shail said.

“I love Kari so much,” John said. “I’m glad she chose you. I’m sorry I misjudged you,” he said weakly. He gasped and his breathing ceased. His hand went limp, releasing the hold on Shail’s arm.

Shail breathed hard, fighting back tears, and watched the doctor check John’s pulse.

“He’s gone,” the doctor said.

Shail leaned over John’s lifeless body and nuzzled his rough cheek. “You were a great protector,” he whispered to Kari’s dead father. “You even protected me.” He stood up. His arm dripped with Turner’s blood, and he glared at the humans, feeling the rise of rage. “Who else seeks my death?” he asked in a strong, threatening voice. “Step forth. Let us now put an end to all hate.” No one in the crowd moved or spoke. Shail shook, trying to throw off his anger. “Then honor this man, for he has saved you. He sought peace and paid for the peace with his life.” He walked toward the doors, parting the people.

Waters ran after him. “Shail, wait,” he called.

The harpy stopped at the doors and fiercely stared at him.

“Are you still going to destroy the swarms?”

“I shall keep my word, but you had better keep yours,” Shail said. “Harpies are not killers, but as you have seen, we can be, if we must.” He shoved the doors wide open and gazed at the swarms. Stepping out, he was airborne before any beetles could latch on. Shail’s golden wings glided over the backdrop of a black and deadly landscape.

21

Charlie flew the hover all night, following the two brown harpies. Every so often, he heard Kari’s sniffles for having lost her golden mate at the auction. She finally drifted to sleep, exhausted from worry and grief. Charlie also worried, but for different reasons. His concern was for John, who once committed to a cause was relentless. If the governor failed to help him, John would go to the range and free the harpy himself, no matter the obstacles. Charlie reflected on their conversation on the morning of the auction. John had said for Kari’s sake, he’d trade his life for Shail’s. His statement wasn’t to be taken lightly. John stood behind every word.

The northern journey dragged on through the night, interrupted by brief rain showers. Charlie slowed the hover several times so the harpies could take a break, but they refused, waving him on. Their energy seemed boundless, but at daylight, Charlie grew tired and landed the hover near a stream. The harpies didn’t object and waded into the water to drink and wash off their sweat.

Kari woke and joined the two males by the water. Charlie ate beef jerky and watched the three harpies communicate in silence and eat fruit. Kari returned to Charlie and the hover. “Before the light fades, we arrive.” After talking to the harpies, her manner of speaking had briefly changed to their broken tongue.

Revived, the two males fluttered into the air and motioned Charlie to follow. They soon reached the mountain foothills, and the weather became cooler. Kari turned on the hover communicator to reach someone in Hampton, but there was no response. Even the emergency police channel was dead. She nervously glanced at Charlie. Apparently the swarms had struck and the city was under siege.

Charlie reached over and patted her arm. “Don’t worry, Kari. Shail is safe. They won’t let a three-million-credit harpy get consumed, and your father can outsmart bugs. I wouldn’t be surprised if John and Shail were together right now.”

She breathed deeply, obviously not convinced, and kept switching the com channels, looking for news.

By late afternoon, they were in the high mountain range, and Charlie landed in a small clearing to give the harpies another break. He grew more amazed by their speed and endurance. They could easily out-fly a small hover and had the stamina of migrating birds. The two males leaned against a boulder, lightly panting and shaking their sweat-soaked locks. Charlie approached them with the offer of food, and their eyes widened with caution before hesitantly snatching the fruit from his hands. They uneasily watched him while nibbling the food. The browns weren’t as bold as Kari’s fierce golden mate.

Charlie grinned and walked away, leaving them to eat in peace and admire them from a distance. Their slim muscular bodies glistened in the afternoon sun. Wet, tan, and high-strung, they resembled a sleek thoroughbred after a hard-won race. Though related to men, the harpies were totally different from their human cousins, and their highly evolved instincts were aware of every smell, sound, and movement. It would be a crime if they were tamed, he thought. Wild animals, like harpies, placed in a zoo became lazy and relaxed, lost their drive and instincts, while the same animal in the wild lived by its wits and skill. He glanced at Kari, and she was like a freed zoo animal. Bonding with Shail, she had embraced her wild harpy nature and cast out civilization. Even if her mate died, she’d never return to the zoo, the comfortable human world.

They resumed the flight, and at dusk the harpies settled on a small plateau and Charlie landed the hover. He and Kari gathered their gear and started a steep climb up a mountain path led by the harpies. They had traveled only a short distance when the harpies stopped. One male took Kari and Charlie’s bags and flung them across his shoulder and wing. The other harpy stood in front of Charlie.

Kari smiled. “He thinks you’re too old and wants to carry you.”

Charlie frowned. “Too old? He can carry me when I’m dead.”

The tall male sniffled at the short old Indian and walked away with no translation necessary. They continued the hike up a narrow rocky path, the cold wind blowing at their back. At dark they reached the cave. Kari entered a large expanse and found female harpies and fledglings gathered around fires. Seeing the blond harpy, they dropped to their knees and lowered their heads.

“Please rise,” Kari relayed. She sat down by the fire and Charlie joined her, definitely feeling out of place as the only adult male and human. After a while he wandered out of the cave and was grateful to find one of the male harpies guarding the entrance. The harpy nervously backed away from him.