At all costs (The Legend of Tarzan)

Return to the Village

It was near nightfall the next day when they returned to the kouba village. John, Jane and the children were welcomed back with open arms, and joyous smiles. Latimore and his two men were quickly thrown into a makeshift cage, usually used for small wildlife waiting to become dinner. The strongest men were set to guard them, and the village celebrated the happy return of Tarzan and his family.

'Tarzan!' Wasimbu spoke as he walked towards John and embraced him. 'It is good to see you again, my brother. I am glad to see you found your children.'

John smiled. 'Not as glad as I am, my brother.' Then John sighed. 'It is a harsh blow to find out it was my own cousin who took my children. I knew he was desperate to get my title, but I never expected him to be this desperate. I never expected him to hurt me, nor my family. But alas he did, and he will pay the price for it.'

Wasimbu looked at Tarzan with a serious look. 'I am surprised he is here at all, my friend. You have killed before.'

John looked at him, regret stinging in his heart. 'I only took one man's life since the day I was born. I did it in rage, and without honour. Since then I have bettered myself. He needs to pay the price for his actions, and for that he needs to live.'

Wasimbu nodded. 'I agree. But for now, let's ignore our troubles, and rejoice in the safe homecoming of your children. It is time for celebration.'

Both men laughed and joined all others by the bonfire. They spent the night eating, drinking, telling stories and singing songs. They danced and played music and spent the night laughing and smiling. The fire did not die until late into the night. Both Christopher and Elizabeth had fallen asleep in their parents arms, and Tarzan carried them to their old bungalow, and tucked them in.

'It is a strange thing that I feel better about my child's safety in the Jungles of Africa than in our servant filled home in London.' Jane giggled, standing in the doorway and watching her husband.

'It is because the man we knew to be a danger to them, is tied up and guarded.' He smiled.

Jane smiled as she walked up to john and wrapped her arms around his neck. 'I guess you are right about that.' She looked at her husband and saw a naughty smile appear on his face. A moment later she felt him kiss her neck. 'Darling?' she said. John hummed. 'Can we stay for a few more days before returning home? I have missed the ease and simplicity of life here.'

John looked at her again. 'Whatever you want my darling.' He said as he picked her up. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he carried her to the bedroom.

'Tarzan! Tarzan!' Wasimbu yelled, running up to John and Jane as he was walking around outside the next morning.

'Please come with me. We need to discuss something.'

Jane and John looked at each other, nodded and followed Wasimbu to the main hut of the village. The main hut was the common room, so to say. It was were feasts were prepared, were people took cover in case of bad weather, and it was the place where villagers were given medical treatment by their shaman. On this morning, the big hut was functioning as a birthing chamber. In the back of the hut, behind a curtain, a woman about 20 years old, lay on a bed, with a very small baby in her arms.

'Tarzan, Jane, this is Kalaya, and she wishes to ask you something.'

Jane and John sat down by the side of the bed, looking at Kalaya. They smiled at her.

'How are you Kalaya?' Jane asked.

'Sad.' She replied as she looked from John and Jane towards the small child in her arms. 'My baby is born far too early, and I fear she will not survive to see the next moon.'

Jane looked down, knowing how painful losing a child is, after having had a miscarriage.

'How can we help you?' John asked, a genuine kindness in his eyes.

'Take her. Take her to London and make sure she lives. My husband died a month ago protecting the village from a lion. My little baby is the only thing I have left from him. She needs to survive. Please, make sure she lives.'

John looked at Jane. 'Are you sure about this, Kalaya?' Jane said. 'I can understand your motivation, but it is never easy to say goodbye to a child, even if you know it is in good care.'

'I am sure. Please, make sure she will live and that she will have a good life.'

John took her hand in his. 'I promise you we will do whatever we can for her. We will take her back to London.'