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LOVE CHASE
Chapter 6
Over the week before our fifth session, I took down many notes
of post-observations and conjectures about Mr. Shaw. He and his tale
had begun to captivate me in so far as the man I could not touch was
becoming visible to me. However, I knew my thoughts could only
be one sided. I knew nothing of Martin Shaw at ground level. Who
fascinated me were Tanu, Sheba and Karut. I could not decipher which
one or ones of these were my patients. I knew I should have forced
him to allow me important questions. To dig further into him not his
alter egos. I confess, I became intrigued like a shut-in living only
for soap operas.
In the back of my mind I also searched for some
connection with his story telling and Dennie's dream. Logic told me
differently. It had to be coincidence. And it was exactly that, a
mysterious coincidence, I pondered to myself. What else do you
call something that defies explanation?
I had also begun to sense a decisive sexual connotation
weaving throughout his tale. His leading male somewhat overly
masculine, Sheba stood out as too feminine. Meka dealt others
with a sexless hand while Karut longed for what he could not
have. Was Mr. Shaw trying to translate a sexual
dysfunction to me? I feared perhaps Mr. Shaw harbored a problem he
dared not face; or at least expose. That lying within his
emotional makeup lurked a rapist or, the opposite: an infant
frightened of sexual performance. However, really it was just a
little too early to tell. So when Mr. Shaw entered for our next
session, I sat back and became all ears.
Many hidden eyes from within the safety of Ahutu watched
Tanu as he met the sunrise. Standing many yards from the village
entrance, he clung to the sword. Tanu stood ramrod straight
while observing two men approaching on horses. These men loomed so
big that the horses appeared rather to be short ponies. Tanu could
make little of them save that they were black and wore headgear.
Headdress, except for hoods and veils to protect one from the sun
remained as unheard of as metal in Ahutu and only worn by women
during rituals of fertility. This outer world that rode directly for
him seemed very unusual to Tanu. His fears mounted as they drew
nearer. These men looked like gods from under their bright golden
headdress and, now distinctly seen armor. Tanu never could imagine
such a strange sight. They rode high with long lances atop horses
which, when in perfect view, were as large as Zebras. The entire
spectacle rocked Tanu to his core. He spent his entire life as a
hunter in the bush praying to catch movement from a twig or a rustle
that betrayed prey. Now, before him, the ground seemed to quiver, the
entire world heaved, pounded and bristled!
In a cloud of dust they halted before Tanu who
stood hiding his great fear though his heart spilled worry like
hot oil upon his gut. Two prompted their horses up to and into Tanus
space. Tanu stood his ground. Animals seldom frightened the hunter.
The two warriors drew no weapons as they studied Tanu. One removed a
golden helmet while the other merely sat high with shaded eyes
targeted at Tanu. The one wiped his brow. He glanced from Ahutu back
to the olive skinned man who clung to a sword, and then he spoke a
greeting in a strange tongue. Tanu just stood squinting up at them.
He dared not move for fear of arousing the men into early battle.
Trying again, the mounted warrior greeted Tanu in a
language often used in Nubia. Tanu understood him to say, Good-day.
Are you from that village?
Tanu peered past the panting horses and replied in his
own tongue, I am. They understood him and the one altered his dialog accordingly.
"Good." The warrior stated bluntly. He leaned
toward the hunter. With an almost friendly, if not comical tone he
asked, You always greet the new day with a sword?
"They expected us, the other blandly commented in a
language familiar only to them.
Tanu remembered Phro's advice. Courageously he warned, I
am here to protect my village. This ignited a laugh from the
two. I shall guard it with my life! Tanu roared as they hushed
instantly and eyed him more closely and suspiciously.
The two quickly assessed Tanu as very mad. Such a man,
as big as he was brave, still was no match for an army. You are bold!
The one complimented. But do not challenge us. Replacing his helmet,
the warrior reared his big horse. The other brought his to attention
and shifted higher upon its saddle. Make way, swordsman, the warrior
cried and nudged his horse forward. Tanu stood his ground.
The warrior's horse reared then, as if knowing what its
rider thought of Tanu came eye to eye with Tanu. Angry, the rider
shouted to move or be run down. Tanu stood firm. Raising the sword,
he meant to behead the animal. Instantly amid the grunts from horses
and men the warriors pulled back and drew their own swords aside
pointed lances. The first warrior meant to attack, however, his
comrade held him back by saying something to him in their native
tongue. The two calmed their steeds and returned all weapons. They
sat looking down at Tanu who stood ready and wondering. His heart
sped madly. His temples pounded and neck twitched.
"Very well, swordsman, the first finally said,
spitting to the dusty earth. We shall leave you. But we will
return soon. So saying they drew their horses in a circle around the
cautious hunter then kicked up sand and rode away. A deep sigh
of relief fell from Tanu as he watched them ride over the ridge.
Contrasting the thunder of the horses' hoofs, joyous
cries rolled from Ahutu. Tanu turned as a smile alit his face.
Swiftly the entire villages, led by Sheba, were upon him. Tanu was a hero!
Minutes later, the two warriors rode into a massive
desert encampment. They rode between hundreds of gray tents while the
other horsemen that had followed them to Ahutu dropped aside into
corrals. Soldiers were everywhere. Most attended to the tents,
corrals and armories. Some were food handlers. They moved from tent
to tent and distributed meals. There were hose who passed out beer.
Several men sprinkled water throughout the grounds to relieve the
dust that men, horses and chariots spewed freely into the stuffy air.
There lived a carnival-like tune faintly among the tents and plenty
of jostle and laughter. The two returning warriors did not discard
their steeds early. They rode and spoke to each other about the brave
swordsman. Both warriors admired the manner Tanu handled himself and,
as they approached near the encampment's center, they began comparing
the swordsman with their lord's own champions. Their gazes strayed
left to the decorated tents of the powerful champions just as one
exited his. Lord Tammer should have sent him, the one said,
watching the champion stretch wide mighty arms to greet the new
day. He twisted a torso seemingly of iron to and fro, his bulky
shoulders flexing high like two erupting volcanoes. Stopping in
mid-stream, the champion took notice of a new decoration in front of
his tent. Stuck into the desert sand stood a tall elm branch,
thick and dry, with colorful bird feathers strung at its top.
He regarded it for a moment. Then, thinking it only a gift from
a secret admirer and not from his lord, he ripped the branch from the
soil and in one mighty burst broke it in half.
"Would be the swordsman, the one warrior remarked
to the other with a dreadful smile and nod of his head at the
splintered branch.
Slowly past saluting men they guided their horses to the
camp's largest tent. Inside sat five great generals and their lord.
Lord Tammer munched on Kola nuts and spoke pleasantly to his generals
who sipped bamboo wine. They sat in a half circle while pushing many
maps across the sandy floor. The youthful Lord Tammer adjusted a
jeweled turban and buttoned up his jacket of finest silk just as an
attending slave announced the two warriors.
The two approached their lord. Bowing before him, they
saluted then awaited his permission to speak. Instead the biggest of
the generals, Tubac, from behind a braided beard spoke to lord
Tammer. Your messengers return empty handed, my lord. Tubac's one eye
asked Tammer what he thought about that while under a black patch,
had he another eye; it would have mocked the younger lord.
Lord Tammer gave the two the benefit of the doubt. Have
you arranged it with this little village?
"They are reluctant, my lord, the first warrior answered.
Tubac frowned. To lend us a guide? Remarkable! He caused
similar reaction among the other generals. Don't they know where
Tassilli is?
"We never got to ask, the second warrior replied.
"Explain, commanded Tammer. He pawed at his
clean-shaven, handsome face while listening to their explanation.
"They think we are here to level their little
circle of huts, my lord. This brought a jolly laughter to Tammer and
his generals. We came greeted by a swordsman. A big man with eyes of
a lion, hands like a god's and legs as big as tree trunks. He would
not let us pass, my lord. There came a trace of fear in their voices
yet only Tubac picked up on this correctly. The others mistook it for
respect of the swordsman.
Lord Tammer pursed his lips at the men. Such a god that
your horses could not ride over him?
"You commanded us not to insight trouble, the warrior reminded.
"He's correct, Tubac irritated Tammer with the remark.
"So I did. Lord Tammer challenged Tubac's one
eye with both of his. I will send my champions into this
village. They will do me justice.
Tubac's head cocked. His face filled with a
cunning uncertainty. Oh? What have our champions which these
brave warriors lack? Tubac resurrected an old battle between he
and Tammer. When Tubac's armies were defeated by Tammer and the
two forces became one, the lord chose to claim Tubac's champions as
his own. To compensate Tubac, Tammer awarded him with his own
dethroned champions. However, Tubac never acknowledged the
turnover. He knew Tammer's champions were actually of his
breeding and training. And now, under a new master, Tubac disbelieved
the men would serve as well. My champions are the
strongest in all of Egypt. They fought braver than yours, Tubac, in
Nubia, Benin and against the nomads of Assyria!
Tubac would not challenge outright but he also refused
to back down. But lack of battle has softened them. Lord Tammer
appeared slighted by his words. However, the two warriors were
downright insulted. They, like all Tammer's troops, worshiped their
champions no matter whom the mighty warriors presented the spoils of
war to. Yet they only gnarled silently and looked to their lord
wishing he would turn the champions on Tubac.
Instead Tammer asked, This swordsman, a villager?
"I believe so, my lord, one answered.
Tammer rallied at Tubac, You expect my champions to
fight a hunter of swine or a simple farmer?
Still Tubac returned, 'Try him, my mighty lord. The
village is reluctant to give you a guide to Tassilli. Slay the
man, if your champions can, and put the fear of Tammer into their
hearts. They will then oblige you anything.
Lord Tammer had built his battalions under the strict,
skillful hand of cruelty. Once his legions elevated their leader to a
powerful position of a reigning lord, he evolved naturally away from
cruelty into discipline, as do all men. Though just under thirty
years nowadays Tammer, plumed and jaded, worn and wiser, had begun to
lose grip of such regimented ways. He grew mellow, feeling a paternal
relationship with his legions and less the mighty tyrant. This did
not blind Tammer from the realities of military life. So when one of
his generals remarked, And if your champions should be slain, you
gain another yet stronger, Tammer felt the stress of his position
forcing him to succumb to what could be only the slaughter of a
simple plainsman.
Later that same day Tanu and Phro stood outside Ahutu.
Filled with awe, they observed the many battalions approach the
ridge. Captains called out as the massive army halted. Their lines
covered Sahara's long horizon with bright helmets atop broad
shouldered warriors. Lances pierced the sky where horses and covered
wagons did not. Nine horsemen rode from the bannered ranks toward the
two villagers. I haven't seen horses since my youth. Today I see so
many, was all Phro said. Tanu did not reply. He only met the horse
that morning but concerned himself with the men not the beasts. To a
hunter an animal is just a potential meal, possible bait or nothing
at all. They can be slaughtered or disregarded. Animals have no
weapons like those men carry in their hands or in their heads. Phro
sensed Tanu's anxiety. Brushing gently at the young man's shoulder,
he said, Be brave. Fore bravery will save our people.
"I fear death by a knife such as this one. Tanu
glanced from riders to sword then back again.
"Remember what the shaman always says: you never
were not nor shall you hereafter ever cease to be. Then Phro frowned
while looking back toward Ahutu. Aloud he wondered, Where is
our shaman anyway? I would think he should be at our side with his
endless chants.
Under a nervous smile Tanu remarked, Probably praying
with all his might that he will still be present by sundown.
Nine horsemen rode thunderously up to the brave
villagers. Lord Tammer led the company. He rode with
three generals behind right and left. To the rear followed two
of his champions. These were big, dark men who wore scars from many
battles. Around their wide shoulders they wore fitted armor
glistening under polished helmets that revealed dead serious faces.
Their muscular abdomens lay bare above strong legs armored at the
shins. They wore nothing else except a sword about the waist, common
to warriors of the time; they entered battle naked, save a sufficient
amount of armor.
Lord Tammer halted the company not ten paces from Tanu
and Phro. Tammer wiped at his brow and steadied himself atop a big
white steed. He eyed the villagers then the village. Experience
showed him two brave men, one able and young the other worn and old.
He knew eyes peered from every shadow of the village but each gaze
would be harmless. Turning about in his high saddle, Tammer turned to
Tubac with a nod. Tubac then rode up to the two villagers.
Tubac teased the two with dust and an advance of his
steed but neither stirred an inch. Slightly impressed, Tubac roared
out, I am first command to the great Lord Tammer, he nodded in his
lord's direction. To whom do I speak?
Phro moved closer to the general. I am Phro, an elder
from the village you seek to plunder. I was once a brave warrior for
the king of Benin.
Not impressed, Tubac pointed to Tanu, Who is this beast?
Tanu stood firm and quiet as Phro answered, He is Tanu.
One of the many warriors who will protect our village to the death.
His statement caused mumbled jeers among the nine men present while
Tubac reared his steed back to Tammer. Together they agreed this Tanu
was raw stuff of champions. Both men desired a contest.
Tubac returned to the villagers. Old man, you fear the
mighty Tammer will plunder your little village?
"We do not fear you! Phro roughly responded. Tanu
thought him a bit hasty. Such over-kill, Tanu thought, could
have gotten everyone murdered.
With an injurious chuckle Tubac emphasized, My lord is
bent on the destruction of your tiny field of huts. He has killed
many men since we left our homes. We have ravished women while
leveling every hut along the way.
This unsettled Tanu who until then had hoped the village
elders were over-dramatizing the conduct of the many men. He
instantly pictured his beautiful Sheba being raped by these foreigners.
Tammer is a cruel lord and a merciless taker of lives!
Tubac raged then settled down, looking for a reaction. Yet the two
stood firm. Turning lighter, Tubac smiled down, But your courage
amuses my lord Tammer. This excited Phro. He knew courage could save
the day. Tanu wasn't all that certain. After all, the odds were
against him. This Lord Tammer could say anything he liked then turn
right around and do anything he cared to. Tanu would not trust these
strangers. Why should he have? If they could easily kill, lying must
also come naturally.
"My lord proposes that your warrior go against his
personal guard. Tanu and the two champions carefully eyed each other.
The champions were eager to kill a man. Tanu wondered how to do such
a thing.
"At what stakes? Phro bravely asked as if he had a choice.
Tubac sent a wry glance back at Tammer. Both seasoned
warriors and leaders of men thought all this grew tedious. Tammer
originally wanted a guide to Tassilli. Then he fell into a wager
that, at best, would only obtain him another champion or a guide. And
now he sat bargaining with a defenseless plainsman. Nevertheless,
Tubac carried on the scam. "Your courage has already saved your
little village, he said delighting Phro and Tanu to no end. The
stakes you want shall be for a man. If your beast here wins, we will
enlist him into the greatest fighting force in the world! If he
loses, you give us another man - any man - to guide us to the high
lands of Tassilli. Suddenly Tubac wondered about something that might
have just forced the powerful Tammer and all his forces to turn and
ride off realizing he was only wasting his time. Tammer would ignore
their wager and the villagers if: Are there any men here who know the
route to Tassilli? Tubac asked.
"I do, the not-to-bright Tanu spoke not thinking he
would ever see Tassilli.
"He speaks? Remarkable! Tubac pretended surprise to
match the folly of this entire scam.
Phro sent victorious glances for saving Ahutu at Tanu
who, relieved for his village, worried over the battle sitting atop
two horses. They hungrily shifted in their saddles like two hunters
ready to spring on a lion.
Tubac moved back to Tammer. Simple fools, these nomads,
he whispered into the lord's ear.
"With what we lead them to believe, Tammer replied,
Did they have any alternative?
Naturally they did not. |
