Flight of the Golden Harpy (46 page)

John clutched Kari’s hand, as Shail flew at the bars, hissing. Bill moved close to the cage, and Shail arched his wings. Bill chuckled. “He’s definitely vicious, gentlemen, and it doesn’t take much to get him to spread his wings for an attack. As you see, his wings are flawless. There’s no feather loss. He’s fast, smart, extremely handsome, and dangerous; the perfect game animal for a challenging hunt. The winning bidder will enjoy my new hunting range and have backup hunters for protection. There’s no risk to you or having all your money fly off if you first miss your target. Since his wings are valuable, we suggest a stun-gun hunt. His feathers and genitals will stay intact, and you and your friends can hunt him several times. We have a pole for hanging, stripping, and gutting him and a barbecue pit for those who enjoy dining on the harpy delicacy. We’ll tan the skin, treat the wings, and ship them to any place in the galaxy. All this is included in your auction bid. So without anything further, let’s start the auction.”

Ted tapped Kari’s arm. “This is barbaric. Do they really do those things to harpies?”

“Yes,” Kari answered.

The auctioneer took the microphone from Bill. “We’ll start the bidding at one hundred thousand credits,” he said. “Do I have a first bid?” A man in the back held up his number. “Thank you. Do I have two hundred thousand? Thank you. How about three? Thank you.” The numbers rose, and Kari worriedly glanced at her father.

“Do I hear one million?” the auctioneer said.

John nodded, knowing most of Dora’s local hunters and the zoos were now out of the auction and only the truly rich remained.

“One million to the man in the front row; thank you, sir,” said the auctioneer. “One million one, do I have a bid for one million one? You’ll never get another opportunity like this. This magnificent creature is one of a kind. Thank you, sir, one million one; do I have a bid at two, one million two?”

John nodded and turned to see the opposing bidder. The stubby senator flashed his bid card above his balding head. John had spoken with him when he registered on Saturday. Senator Blackwell nodded at John and made a mocking grin. “Goddamn Blackwell,” John quietly grumbled. The price was now at one million three, and kept rising as John bid against the senator.

Kari’s heart leaped with each bid. She had come to the auction confident her father would win, but as it reached two million, her hopes wavered. At two million two, the senator put his number down.

“Two million two, do I have a bid for three?” the auctioneer asked.

Kari held her breath and looked around the large room. The auctioneer announced it again, and it seemed her father had won.

“Two million three,” Bill said. “I have an off-planet bidder on the com.”

“The bid is two million three, sir,” the auctioneer said to John. “Do you wish to go four?”

John took a deep breath and nodded.

“Two million four; will he go five?” the auctioneer asked.

Bill related the quote to the bidder on the communicator and nodded.

Kari’s heart sank and her eyes watered, knowing her father could go no higher. The auctioneer asked John for the next bid, and he shook his head.

“Two million six, anyone?” the auctioneer asked.

“Wait,” Bill said. “I have a second bidder online, and he’s made an offer of three million.”

“Three million. Will your last bidder go three one?” the auctioneer asked.

The crowd watched as Bill communicated the last bid of three million one and Bill said, “No.”

“Anyone here willing to go three million one?” the auctioneer asked the crowd. The whole room was silent. “Sold, for three million,” the auctioneer said, striking the small mallet on the podium.

Kari couldn’t control herself and leaped to her feet. She shouted to the auctioneer and Bill as they shook hands. “You can’t sell him. He’s not an animal.” The room went dead silent, all eyes fixed on her.

John jumped up. “Kari!”

She ignored her father and ducked under the rope and leaped up on the stage. “He’s my husband,” she sobbed and gripped the bars, looking at Shail.

Shail dropped to his knees and put his arms through the bars. They embraced one another and kissed.

A guard stepped forward to remove Kari, but John turned and faced him. “Leave her alone. Let her have her good-byes,” he said, and the guard backed off. The room of stunned hunters stood and watched the two apparent lovers. The once-aggressive harpy tenderly held and nuzzled the crying girl. His distressed eyes had lost all their fire.

“I love you, Shail,” Kari muttered between sniffles. “I’ll always love you.”

Bill waved both hands at his security guards. “Get her away from him before she’s hurt,” he yelled. Two guards approached Kari.

“I’ll take her,” John told the men and slipped under the rope and onto the stage. “Kari, we must go now,” he said, and gently pulled her from Shail’s neck. Holding his daughter in his arms, he looked into Shail’s moist eyes. “I’ll protect her, Shail.”

Shail made a slight nod and placed his head against the bars while John ushered his trembling daughter toward the doors. Kari wept and leaned against John for support as they slowly walked through the crowd. All eyes stared at them.

Senator Blackwell was standing by the exit door. As John and Kari approached, he reached out and petted her head. “Poor little thing, she could die of depression when her mate is killed. I understand why you wanted the stud, John. You’d own the last golden breeding pair. I’ll give you a million for the female and take the risk of losing her.”

John leered at Blackwell. “Get your stinking hand off of her,” he growled, fighting the temptation to sock the senator.

Blackwell backed out of reach, seeing John’s temper. “I take it she’s not for sale,” he said as John and Kari passed through the door. “Well, you’d better keep her on a short leash,” he called. “She’s an animal and fair game to all.”

Kari had announced to the worst harpy hunters in the galaxy that the golden male was her husband. Many like Senator Blackwell knew she was a female harpy. In seconds she had recklessly tossed away her human rights and become a game animal. John hurried her out of the hunting range.

*   *   *

Bill Simpson spoke into the microphone while John and Kari walked outside. “Gentlemen, please. You know how male harpies affect women. The ladies lose their minds and blubber over these pretty males. We plan to stock our range with harpies, and hope you’ll all return for an exciting hunt.”

Most of the crowd ignored Bill’s comments and focused on the male harpy. Once the girl had left, he curled up and covered himself with feathers almost as if he were mourning.

Bill went to his cage and tapped the bars with his rod. “Get up!” he yelled. The harpy paid no heed of him and lay quietly. “He’s upset he couldn’t rape that girl.” He saw the men, his future customers, didn’t buy his explanation for the subdued harpy. He whispered toward the harpy, knowing it understood English. “It obvious she’s not a woman, but your harpy mate.”

Shail lifted his head, incensed.

“I bet she’s pregnant,” Bill went on. “It would be worth a trip to the Turner Estate to snatch her.”

Shail sprang up and crashed against the bars.

Bill had moved out of reach expecting his response. “I can’t wait to hang you,” he said. “Then I’ll get your female. Every time I fuck her, I’ll think of you.”

With all other men out of earshot, Shail spoke to Bill. “You shall soon be dead and unable to touch her.” He lowered himself in the bedding.

*   *   *

The crowd left the room and wandered out into the night. Shail watched them leave and bitterly thought, When they seek me in the range, many shall die.

George came up to his cage. “I wish I could give you back to the girl. She really loves you.”

Shail moved closer to the bars, so George could pet him. The other employees were busy folding chairs and hauling them away. Shail stared up at George with indecision while the man stroked his hair. “You are very kind,” Shail said softly. “I shall return this kindness with a warning.”

George’s eyes widened. “Simpson was right. You can speak.”

“Hear my words and heed their warning: The swarms soon come to this city and all here shall die. I do not want you among them. Travel this darkness to the northern mountains.” Shail plucked a small feather from his wing and handed it to George. “Show this to the harpies and tell them you have my protection. They shall help you.”

George took the feather. “You told Bill he would be killed in a few days. Is this what you meant?”

“Yes. Do not linger with the knowledge and warning I give you. The swarms shall come within two lights.”

“Thank you.” George glanced around at the men. “I wish I could get you out of here.”

“Knowing I have saved a worthy man heals my black heart. It is thanks enough.”

George nodded and patted his shoulder.

Seeing the old guard pet the harpy, one guard called, “George, are you friends with that creature?”

George removed his hand from the cage. “Yes. Tell Simpson, I quit.” He walked toward the front doors.

*   *   *

A well-dressed man stopped George in the doorway. “Excuse me,” said the middle-aged man. “Can you tell me where I can find Mr. Simpson?”

George pointed. “He’s the big guy with the cattle prod,” he grumbled and left the building.

The man walked through the room toward Bill. “Mr. Simpson, I’m the agent representing the highest bidder. You received the faxed credit voucher, but I need to examine the harpy and get his paperwork in order for shipping.”

“Shipping?” Bill said. “You mean your client isn’t hunting the harpy here?”

“No, sir,” the agent said. “My client has his own private range. As soon as I certify that the creature is healthy, he’ll be loaded into a truck outside.”

“Now wait a minute,” Bill said. “This harpy has to be hunted at my range. He’s very dangerous, and we know how to handle him.”

“Apparently your handling is inadequate. The harpy managed to injure and kill several men, one of whom was your brother. I’m sorry for your loss, but we’re perfectly capable of dealing with wild animals. Furthermore, I’ve read your purchase agreement. There are no clauses that state the harpy must be hunted at your range. Now, if you please, I’m rather anxious to move him. It’s a long journey to the other planet.”

“Fine,” Bill growled. “I’ll be happy to get rid of the murdering little bastard.”

In his office, Bill transferred the ownership papers into the agent’s name and left for the large room. By the display cage, two men stood with a narrow shipping cage with padded bars.

“He’s wearing a shock collar,” Bill said and pulled a remote out of his pocket as he and the agent neared the harpy cage. “I’ll set it to high and knock him down. It’s the only way to get near him.”

“That’s not necessary. One of my men brought in a stun gun. It’s less painful and traumatic compared to an electric shock, and I have a heart stimulant in case of an adverse affect. After he’s stunned, he’ll be kept on tranquilizers. For three million credits, the harpy can’t be stressed or injured.”

Shail nervously paced, studying his new adversary. He saw the narrow shipping cage and the small gun.

The agent gazed up at the moody harpy that light-footedly pranced back and forth, constantly extending and ruffling its wings to threaten. “So this is a golden harpy,” the agent said. “He’s exquisite, absolutely stunning.” The harpy hissed at him. “He’s also flamboyant; definitely not a coward. His new owner will be very pleased.” He retrieved a small stun gun and pointed it at the harpy.

Shail froze and sniffled at the weapon. Kari had taught him about guns, and when the man pulled the trigger, Shail plunged into the straw. The stunner hit a bar behind him.

Bill laughed. “Hope his new owner has better aim than you. You’re lucky he’s caged.”

Shail sprang to his feet and angrily seethed.

“He is very fast,” said the agent and carefully took aim again.

Shail jumped sideways and the stun hit his feathers. He felt the numb prick through the feather veins. He shook his hair with animosity.

“He’s watching when I pull the trigger,” said the agent. “He’s not only quick, but smart.” The agent moved closer to the bars, ensuring his next shot would hit the elusive creature.

The man was close enough, and Shail dove at the bars, grabbing the man’s hand and weapon. Shail twisted the wrist to retrieve the weapon, but he suddenly felt the full voltage of the electrical collar that sapped his neck. He let go of the weapon and fell in the straw, tossing and rolling with pain. He frantically pulled on the collar as powerful shocks ravaged his body. He curled up in a tight ball, gasping, and the hurt forced tears to run down his cheeks. This is the end, he thought before falling unconscious.

The agent saw the harpy and turned to Bill. “Stop!” he screamed. “You’re killing him.”

Bill smiled and released the remote key. “Thought you could handle him?” He smirked.

“Open the cage!” shouted the agent. A guard unlocked it, and the agent scrambled in and knelt by the comatose harpy. “You damn fool!” he raged, examining the precious animal. “You nearly stopped his heart.”

“Mister, I saved your life,” said Bill. “That harpy had you and the gun. I wasn’t taking any chances.”

“Let’s get him out of this wretched place,” said the agent to his two men. Shail was placed in the small cage and loaded into the waiting transport truck. The truck drove down the wet streets and disappeared around a corner.

*   *   *

Kari and John walked toward the small park. Ted and Charlie followed in silence. There was no more to say. When they reached the hover, a dark shadow stepped from a cluster of trees. Kari broke free of her father’s sheltering arm and ran to Aron. She hugged him and cried. There was no need to explain that she had failed to free Shail.

Aron held Kari and glanced with distress at the hunting range. She detected Aron’s thoughts and frustrations. Shail was so close, but so far. Aron turned away from the range and looked down at her. “You must leave, Kari,” he relayed. “Shail’s fate is out of your hands.” He sniffled toward the trees, and two male harpies emerged from the dark, keeping some space from the men. “Have the metal bird follow these harpies. They shall lead you to sanctuary in the northern mountains.”