The Chase

The Chase

We crested the hill and came upon the valley in the late afternoon. The setting sun was huge beyond the Sowelu mountains, casting a red light across the face of the moon rising behind us: I saw it reflected in Berkana`s green eyes as she surveyed the scene and decided on the best plan of action.

" He is an hour ahead of us - no more than that," Berkana declared. " My instincts say we should go in and take him now - "

" In the dark!" Kano`s voice was sharp and cynical, pitched high in critical disbelief. Like several of the men of our Cluster, Kano had been outraged by Berkana` s election to leadership - that she was female and younger than he being a double blow to his pride.

Kano glanced round at the others in the hunting pack, looking for their support. His smirking face glowed with anger and disrespect. One or two of Kano`s supporters nodded, but nervously in light of their defiance.

Berkana shrugged and remained calm. It made me smile to see her deal so coolly with her opponents.

" The creature`s night vision is no better than ours. Its technology is no better than ours - "

" Its weapons are appalling!" Kano challenged. " Think back to the huge destruction these monsters have caused to our cities!"

" Yes..." Berkana`s eyes filled up with memories. " But we fought back and we beat them. Now just one of these animals remains - and it is there in the woodland valley. It has only the weapons it could carry from its downed ship; and it is but one creature, and we are many."

Berkana hefted her slingbag more securely across her shapely back.

" Our commission is to hunt down the last of these invaders. I want to see an end to them. You and your supporters stay here if you like, Kano, but I`m going on - "

" I`m with you, Berkana," I chirped up, filled with admiration for her. She smiled at me.

" Thank you Isa...You see Kano, even the youngest among us is keen to continue."

" The youngest and stupidest - "

Berkana`s features froze at that. She turned away from Kano and began moving down off the crest of the hill into the trees. I followed, along with the others who were loyal. Glancing back moments later from the shadows, I saw Kano`s advocates straggling after us...And then Kano himself, no doubt feeling a little insecure out in the open alone.

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