Page 69 of Planet Zero
Addie chuckled. “What about it?”
“This is the beginning. Chemmusaayl will tell you that the lowest cave contains the oldest inscription, but it isn’t so. At least, not entirely. The writings are mixed. There is no clear system. But the language in this cave is old. After Eqnan passed, lean times descended upon his people. Warriors vied for dominance, creating factions within the tribe. They broke apart, and the big stronghold was no more.”
They reached a strange scene on the wall. The etchings depicted a slice of a barren steppe and nothing more.
“What is the meaning of this?” Addie asked.
“Famine. Death. A time had come when all animals disappeared. Bushes bore no fruit, and even the bugs died off. It happened over time, there are notes of worry that get progressively more ominous with each entry. It was a great trial for the people. A lot of For died during those times. The tribes hunted each other for meat. It was a period of great unrest and great sorrow.”
“Also after Eqnan died?”
“Much later. But you need to heed what you read here. Times come and go. Everything has a cycle. And Wrennlins were active before the famine, too. The harbingers of it.”
“Like now! And the big game is disappearing.”
Again, he inclined his head, pleased she understood.
“Will Chemmusaayl make a connection?”
“He should.”
But he won’t.Addie thought, somewhat desperately.You know,you read history. And you pay attention.
She moved along in small slow steps, scrutinizing every drawing.
“What about this woman?” The etching depicted a strong if not a very beautiful lady surrounded by children.
“Her name was Meil. She was taken prisoner during a conflict. There, she became a serving woman to her new tribe and she worked hard. Finally, one male asked to mate her. She birthed eight sets of twins.”
“How unusual.”
“That is not all. She also had a great spirit and she was wise. She became a High Counselor, the only woman in history to bear the title.” He smiled slightly. “She had red hair. It is said that all living For with red hair descend from her.”
Addie took in his deep red-brown strands. “You, too?”
“If you believe the legend,” he answered glibly. “What else would you like to know?”
She turned away from the fascinating walls. The man in front of her was no less fascinating. His animalistic nostrils flared slightly, and large demonic eyes regarded her with calm wisdom.
“I would like to know why you are not a chief?”
He recoiled. The eyes she found so compelling flashed angrily.
“Is this a joke?”
“No, Zoark, it’s not!”
His face hardened. “Then you must know the answer to your own question.” He turned to leave.
“Hear me out! Please. Your leg, yes, I know. And your wizened condition.”
His eyebrows climbed up. “Is that what you call it? Wizened?”
Addie colored slightly. “Well, yeah. What else do you call it?”
“There’s a word for it.” He said a word in For.
“I haven’t heard it before.”
