The Ten Clans Chronicles

Prologue and Chapter 1

PROLOGUE

Many seasons ago, the ten meerkat clans were one, fighting for justice and freedom. They were joined beneath one banner and one symbol—the legendary sword Kamifer—also known as the demon sword, or Demonbiter. Wielded by one leader, this treasure of the meerkats was deemed undefeatable when that ruler had the support of all ten clans and true justice on his side.

No force could stop the clans from freeing hapless creatures from the paws of bandits, marauders, slavers, or even the fleets of vicious picarats that sailed the seas under various warlords. But then High Ruler Parachi became too sure of his power and became a conqueror rather than a freedom fighter. So Kamifer betrayed him. It became lost to the clans forever after that, and they were driven apart, a few even to become sworn enemies.

But what happened to High Ruler Parachi after that, you ask? Well, nokat really knows that. It was far too long ago, and there is no further record of him. Let's just suffice it to say that he was no longer high ruler.

Kamifer was never again found after that. It was as if it had vanished without a trace.

And so, it waits in some obscure part of the world for some fortune hunter to dig it up and try his luck. Though take warning, my friends, for in the wrong paws, it could turn forests to deserts, and deserts to icy wastelands, and churn the seas like butter.

But Kamifer the Demonbiter will always betray those without the Sight, those it deems unworthy. Any creature unlucky enough to have it in their position would have a better chance of survival at the bottom of the ocean, or in the middle of a bone-dry desert with no water for a hundred leagues.

What do I mean by survival? Well, now, that would take too long to explain now. That is another story, a story that is long and treacherous, a story with never a dull moment, for it is the story of a journey.

Only in the right paws can this piece of legend, the Demonbiter, ever do good again. Only in the paws of a creature kind and selfless, putting others' lives before his own, a creature not motivated by greed or the promise of power, a creature humble at heart... only in the paws of a creature like this can Kamifer ever again be a symbol for justice and freedom, a tool to protect many innocent others.

For now, our tale has ended. Now be good youngsters and go to sleep. Dream of heroes and the good times to come. Dream of adventures with friends, of the treasures you'll find... and try not to get into too much trouble while you're at it. Now—no more questions. Just go to sleep and know that you're surrounded by those who care for you.

Go to sleep, my dear little ones...

Go to sleep...

Go to sleep...

BOOK ONE: THE TRAVELERS

We cleverly defend ourselves against

all that would do us good.

—C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe 

CHAPTER ONE: THE OASIS

Deep underneath the desert sands was an entire underground village in an elaborate tunnel system. In the small hearth room right off the spacious dining hall, the elder Trobo was telling a story to a group of youngsters. They were settled on the floor around him on thick rugs woven of soft sandy-colored fur.