The Witches of Ne'arth (The Star Wizards Trilogy Book 2) (48 page)

From the nearby village approached a group of men carrying rakes and hoes.  Bok quivered at the look in their eyes.  He flopped for the largest stick in reach.  Limping, he stood between them and the craft and waved the stick menacingly.

“Stay away!” he shouted.  “This craft is property of the Leaf!  You will not harm it or you will have penalty of death!”

They eyed him mutely, muttered among themselves, laughed and walked off.  Bok slunk against the rumpled skin of the aircraft and, since there was no one around, allowed himself a moan.

When he had mustered the strength, he inventoried the damage to the aircraft:  a wing all but ripped away, the sides badly gashed, the wheelbase broken.  He moaned again and closed his eyes.  Once fully rested, he would have to find his way back and tell Archimedes.  He would rather face another disaster in the air.

With that, exhaustion both physical and emotional overwhelmed him . . . .

He felt a jab on his shoulder.  He opened his eyes.  The sun was lower, it was late afternoon.  He must have slept.  A saddled horse was grazing nearby, tied to the stupid tree.  Kneeling in front of Bok was Geth.

“Bok!  Are you all right?”

Bok knew he was still groggy, but replied,  “Just tired.  Archimedes is going to be angry at me.”

“Archimedes is very worried about you, young man.  We saw where you landed and he wanted to come, but I told him he was too old.  He's not angry, he's worried sick.  He'll be very happy that you're alive.”

“I was trying to reach Skawful.“

“Yes, Archimedes explained about that.  He says he should have told you that he has been working on another idea for ascending the aircraft.”  Geth helped Bok stand.  “Let's get you home, son.”

“The glider – “

“Ral has a wagon, we'll come with it tomorrow and retrieve the craft.  It should be fine here overnight.”

“Yes.  The farmers won't touch it.  I lied and said it belonged to the Leaf.”

“Well, that may turn out to be truth soon enough.  I've heard rumor that the Inner Circle is having Krobart replaced.  The new commander has fighting experience.  That makes me want to trust him already.”

“I don't care who runs the Leaf, so long as I am to be a pilot.”  

Bok took a step.  His leg crumpled with a wince. 

Disregarding protests, Geth scooped the proud airman. “Up you go, boy!”  

As Bok was ignominiously carried to the horse, his only consolation was that the Lady Carrot was not there to see.  

END OF
THE WITCHES OF NE'ARTH
, MIDDLE BOOK OF THE STAR WIZARDS TRILOGY.

STORY TO BE CONCLUDED IN THE FINAL BOOK OF THE STAR WIZARDS TRILOGY:

THE WIZARD FROM TIAN
.