Chapter 133 - Exodus of the Neirie, 23,000 Years Ago part 11

The giant rose as I appeared at the perimeter of his torch's dancing light. "Thest!" he greeted me. "I was beginning to think you hadn't noticed me!" He shouted to be heard above the gusting winds, but he needn't have bothered. I heard him just fine.

"Tapas," I nodded, showing him the palms of my hands. "How do you fare?"

"I fare well," he answered. "We all have, under your protection."

He spoke true. His cheeks were no longer sunken, his eyes no longer pits. His body had grown plumper and regained the pink hues of good health. He was not handsome, not this great beast of a man, but he would no longer frighten women and little children if he should chance to cross their path.

"A storm approaches from the north," I said over the whipping of our clothes.

"Yes, and a powerful one, too, by the look of it."

He clasped my hand and I patted him on the shoulder. In another time, another place, I would have offered him my home, the comforts of one of my wives. I sat on the ground at his feet, and he joined me, crossing his legs. "What did you wish to speak of?" I asked. I was very curious.

"I have two things to tell you, T'sukuru," the giant answered. He was grinning so it must be happy news, I thought. He cast his gaze in the direction I had come. "Where is your boy? One of the things I come to tell you involves your son."

"Ilio?" I asked, surprised. "He is hunting on his own tonight. I am trying to wean him."

Tapas laughed, nodding in understanding.

"What news do you have of my son?" I asked. I worried: had he snuck away and caused these people mischief? I did not know how he might have done so. Perhaps, while I was sleeping...

"In due time. First, I wished to let you know that I will be departing from camp at sunrise."

"Departing? Where are you going?"

"The hunters we met a few days ago hail from a tribe very near to my people's lands. They are starting their journey home in the morning. I and my Vis'hantu brothers and sisters will accompany them."

"I hate to hear that. I'm sure the others will miss your wise counsel."

Tapas nodded, spreading his hands. "All things joined must also part," he said. "That is a saying my people have. I only wished to let you know so that you did not wonder when we departed. The Tanti camp is only a few days journey east from here, if you wish to accompany them the rest of the way… or you may join our party."

"I would have been curious. Thank you for keeping us informed," I said.

"No, Thest, thank you," Tapas said, his expression very sincere. "If not for your assistance… I… These people…" He choked on his emotions suddenly, his eyes growing misty. He looked embarrassed.

"No need for that," I said, feeling a great affection for the man. I hardly knew him, but there was something in his nature that reminded me of my father-- his sense of honor, perhaps, or maybe it was just the great frizzy mane of red hair. My father's hair was red when I was a boy, and just as unruly. I patted the giant on the leg. "I hope your journey is a safe one, Tapas. And I hope you find your wife and daughters in good health."

"Yes, I too," he said.

"Now... what of your other news? What must you tell me regarding my son? Has he done something that I'm not aware of?"

Tapas grinned very broadly. "Your boy will soon be a man. That is the other thing I came to speak with you about."

I frowned, thinking I had misunderstood him. Some Denghoi words had several interpretations. "A man? What do you mean?" I asked.

"One of the Tanti women is with child, T'sukuru. She claims the father is your son."