Doctor Abbott

Untitled Part 14

It took several weeks for Ben to heal. He took on as many chores in the cottage as he could to help build his strength back and even made some badly needed repairs to the place. He learned quickly that when people showed up he had to hide being that this island held two villages and both wanted him dead.

A few times warriors came from different villages on other islands and Young would spend extra time talking to them. Once even bringing someone up to introduce himself and enjoy a meal.

The man was not as tall as other Joutone, and his fur was a solid grey that reminded Ben of a Russian blue cat. His eyes were very black and almond shaped, Ben could not tell where the pupil ended and iris began. He seemed to watch every move Ben made as they ate. Only pausing now and then to take a drink and watch as Young retrieved various goods and presented them for approval or rejection. The predator would be right back to assessing Ben and his movements right away.

Despite the seemingly friendly demeanor the warrior was trying to pass off, Ben could not help but feel uncomfortable in his presence. He finished his food and made his way to the ground to start on his evening chores. The stranger descended the ladder shortly after and gestured to his guards who immediately closed in on the human. Ben's jaw dropped open at the realization of what was happening and he yelled up at Young, "Are you kidding me? You sold me, you son of a bitch!"

Young chuckled as he waved goodbye, "I send you with two bottle of liquor. Is parting gift, enjoy." Then he ducked back into his tree house. The guards laughed as they wrestled Ben to the ground and tied him up.

Ben lay strapped to the travois for hours. The war party finally came to a stop to adjust their trade goods, and add some fresh hunted meats to the carts. There was but one merchant in the group and he was there merely to assess value. The rest of the warriors were there to hunt The beast that had purchased Ben was nowhere to be seen most of the journey, yet as soon as the party stopped he waltzed into camp with a sword half sheathed.

The weapon sung as it completed its journey into the holster. He leaned on a bolder, taking a water skin that was offered to him and removing the cap before taking a drink. The creature was mid conversation with a warrior and spoke in the tongue of their people rather than English. He meant to take that drink he was after and instead he caught Ben's bound form squirming in his ties. "Release him." This time the words were meant for Ben's ears

The warrior relaxed against the rock and waited for his prize to right himself. The human stumbled as he tried to rub the feeling back into his wrists. Then desperation had him clutching at his own crotch, nearly doubling him over in pain. "Do you mind if I relieve myself? It's been a rather rough ride."

His new master's dark eyes lit with amusement, as he chuckled into his drink. "You are funny, human. By all means, take your relief." The warrior gestured to a nearby tree as he finally indulged in the water in his hand. The warrior cleared his throat as Ben finished up. "So Doctor Abbott, we finally make acquaintance. I am Ormr." Closing the water sack he tossed it to Ben's feet and took note of Ben's pause in reaching for it "I see you have heard of me. I hear we have a common enemy. The traders says it was Mâvis who shot you, although I highly doubt it."

"Why do you say that?"

"Mâvis does not leave survivors. If it was his arrow he would have stayed to enjoy the life draining from your eyes."

"It was Bjorn that shot me. Mâvis retrieved the arrows and left me to die." Ben swallowed his pain over the glimpse that day brought back. He needed to stay focused, as he was not really sure what Ormr wanted with him just yet.

"Ah, now it makes sense to me. However, Mâvis killed Bjorn nearly two months ago. I wonder what drove that." Ormr expected Ben to have an answer and when the news appeared to be new information for the human Ormr took to his feet and signaled his guards that it was time to move.