The Lone Moon: First Quarter

The Tribe

With a quick gesture of his hand, the dense vegetation split into two. What use to be a dead-end, was now a clear trail. As they entered, many new faces started appearing from out of no where. Men, women and children were very much present.

Up ahead was a huge spherical version of a dome but, made of only trees and vines. Every person present was intrigued by the look of the new "visitors". Toby and the restless Amy were now in their domain. 

As they entered, all men bowed down by the sight of one man.

Person 1: Chief.
We found these two loitering about in our lake.

Toby: NO. We weren't there to harm any of YOU. We only wanted to-

Person 1: TO KILL US!!!

All of the people gasped with fear.

Person 1: They wanted to kill us! So that they could take our land for THEMSELVES! But we WILL NOT LET THAT HAPPEN!!!

Chief: SALUKE! That is ENOUGH! This man's conscience is true. I see it in his eyes.

With mere disappointment and embarrassment, the man named Saluke, walked shamelessly out of the scene.

Toby: Please Sir... please help her... That's all I ask and we can leave the next day. Out of your sight! PROMISE!

How could he have said no with those eyes that show deep sorrow and desperation?

Chief: Hurry then, Come! Follow me! I'll take you to Adelpho.

Toby: Thank you Sir. Ummm... but where exactly are we?

Chief: HA! For a bunch of spies, I expected you to know.

Toby: Spies Sir?

Chief: "Hmmm, I guess I was wrong. 
We're in The Great Land of Harmonio, the land to the East. And allow me the pleasure of introducing myself. My name is Sarawano, Chieftain of this mighty tribe. And "who" exactly might you be?"

Toby: Toby, Sir. Toby Vernoly of- of  Phoenix...

Sarawano: I see. And who might she be.

He directed his attention to the tired girl being carried by Toby.

Toby: Amy, Amy Vernoly. My sister...

Sarawano: In here!

As Sarawano opened one side of the tent, countless numbers of people lay inside, injured.

Toby: Ummm but Sir...

Sarawano: Call me Sarawano.

Toby: But Sarawano, what happened to all of these people?

Sarawano: We are at war. These men have not only sacrificed their homes and their families, but they also have sacrificed their entire lives. But no matter!!! That topic will be saved for another time...
Ahhhhh! Here he is! Adelpho, I would like you to meet Toby of Phoenix. Toby- Adelpho. Adelpho-Toby.

Adelpho: A pleasure Toby.

Toby: Nice to meet you.

Little did they know, Amy started groaning in pain.

Amy: Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..................

Adelpho: And whose this?

Sarawano: Sorry to cut the introduction short Adelpho, but we need a bed stat!

They all started rushing when Toby said bewildered and awed at the same time;

"My sister, Amy Vernoly Sir."

Adelpho: I can see the resemblance. 

As they lay her down on one of the beds, she softly cried-out;

"Toby? Where- are- we?"

Toby: Sh-sh-sh-sh... It's okay... You'll be alright. You just need some rest, that's all...

Amy then drifted off in to a deep sleep.

Toby: What are you going to do to her?

Adelpho: Well... First of all... "What happened?"

Toby: Ummm, she told me that her scar was burning...

Sarawano: What scar?

By the time Adelpho unwrapped Amy's bandages, they we're all shocked by the sight of the glowing wound.

Adelpho: It's- It's.......... the MARK!

Sarawano furiously shoved Toby in a corner and quickly grabbed him by the neck, slowly lifting him up a few inches off the ground.

Sarawano: HOW DID SHE COME ACROSS THIS SCAR?!? HUH?!

Toby: I-I-I-I-I do-n't KNOW?!? I think she had it when that THING took a hold of her!!!

Both the Chief and the Medicine man had a strong-look of concern written all over their face. Sarawano then finally released Toby from his grasps.

Adelpho: "sigh"... I'-ll, I'll do what I can. BUT please... leave us! I need time to think...

Toby: Will she be alright?

Sarawano: Let's GO! We need to leave him to his work.

As they left, Adelpho whispered to himself;

"She'll be alright............
before the next full moon................"