Dania Ch. 08

"Roth. . . . you're not. . . .you're not . . . umm.....dead...." I could hear the trepidation in Jun's voice. I wondered whether or not he would give leadership back to Roth or if Roth would have to take it back. I secretly hoped that Roth would take it. I longed to see him take control of a situation, like he had taken control of me.

"No Jun, I'm not dead. Whatever gave you the impression that I was dead?"

"But I saw her.....and there was blood...so much blood..and...and..."

"And nothing." Roth grabbed him by the throat and pulled him close. When he spoke next his words were low but full of anger. "You followed me when I told you to stay. And now you've taken what is mine. Explain yourself!"

"I told everyone about how I'd seen Dania hit you over the head with that stone and that you were dead. We were scared. . . . We decided to move on so that she couldn't find us. You weren't here, Roth, so they chose me to take over."

"And you accepted."

From where I was, I could see two large males slowly circling around behind Roth. At first, I didn't know if he knew about them or not, but it soon became clear that he'd seen them. While still holding onto Jun's throat with one hand, he pointed at them with the other and never broke eye contact with Jun. "Remember who I am."

I had readied myself in the tree, poised for attack and swishing my tail back and forth. I wanted them to try something so Roth would call me. I was angry at the fact that they had taken from my Roth. I smiled just thinking about how much fun it would be to take them apart. But Roth's snarl had backed them off. I was impressed. It was clear that Roth was in charge of this situation without ever having to let go of Jun.

"So we have a little problem here, Jun. I'm not dead so your claim has no grounds. But the Meh-teh did choose you. We have two leaders and one people. How do you propose we solve this issue?"

Jun struggled to speak. "We don't. You're our leader. Do you hear that, people? Roth is our leader....not me." With that said, Roth threw him to the ground and then grabbed his staff and broke it in half and threw them beside Jun.

Roth turned to the Meh-eh and said, "My people, I want you to all know what has happened. But now is not the time. All will be explained tonight at sunset. There is much I need to discuss with our elders."

I watched from a safe distance as Roth stopped and talked with several older members of the Meh-teh. He was gracious and warm but still secure in his role as leader. I see why many of the Meh-teh respected him. I could not hear what was happening but Roth shook several hands. Only one of the elder's seemed less than forthcoming.

After conversing with the Elders, Roth walked among the people. He greeted everyone with a smile on his face and called them by their names. I got the feeling that most of this was for Roth to reassure the people that he was really back. I noticed that there were some who avoided him almost entirely. It was as if they were unhappy that Roth was back. How any of the Meh-teh could not want a magnificent leader like Roth back seemed shocking to me.

Later in the morning Roth found an alcove and signaled me down. I came to his side immediately. I was full of questions about the Meh-teh and his return.

"Why were some of your people avoiding you?"

"My guess is that they were loyal to Jun. In their eyes, he is still their leader. After all, I never bested him to take over."

"But he never bested you either."

"No, but I was 'dead' and he was chosen. And being chosen by our people in the absence of a leader, is acceptable."

"So what are you going to do."

~~~~~~~~~~

I told Roth that I was a little scared to go out and meet everyone. That because of all that had happened, I was sure that the Meh-teh would hate me. I had attacked their leader and wounded him. They thought I'd killed him. It wasn't a far stretch of the imagination for some to think I'd taken him from them.

"I am the only one you need to worry about right now. The others don't matter."

I steeled my resolve to match Roth's instruction. I knew that when it finally came time for me to be around the others, their looks of jealousy and contempt would mean absolutely nothing to me. I would merely note who they were because they might pose a problem later, but what they thought actually would mean nothing to me. I was here because Roth had asked me to be, not the Meh-teh. I promised myself I would only give them a smile that said, "Yes I am here."

I wanted the Meh-teh to know that I was no danger to them, I felt that was important. I whispered as much in his hear. He pulled me close said "Up in the tree's, my kitty. We have one more meeting to go to today. You will attend this one and I will introduce you to the Elders, but keep yourself hidden until I call you."

I thought we were headed to the central clearing where the Meh-teh seemed to gather to socialize, but we headed straight through and out the other side back into the Forest. We went far enough that the sounds coming from the clearing were no longer audible and we waited. We were soon met by the elders of the Meh-teh, including the one who would have rather not been there. He spoke first.

"Roth, Jun has a claim to be leader of our people. He was here when you were not."

"Dak, I was never beaten. And I came back before the cycle of the Moon passed. It is Jun who has no claim."

So Dak was his name. He sat down in a huff, obviously displeased with the logic that Roth had just presented to him. "Still the people chose him, that has to account for something." Dak was loyal to Jun, that much was clear.

It was a much older Meh-teh named Dren who spoke next. His fur was completely gray and close to white in some places. "Roth, while you were reuniting with our people today, we spoke long about the situation at hand. There has never been a happening like this before." Dren spoke very slowly, making sure that every word was understood.

"I was afraid of that," Roth said. "I had hoped that your many years would provide us with a solution for this. I know that both of us have a legitimate claim to leadership. And it must be settled. The only way I know of in which respect of the people will be earned is to have the Calling of the Drums. I don't want to kill Jun, but I fear that is what would happen."

"Oh what, you're so mighty that you couldn't be defeated? Big bad Roth can beat anyone now?"

"Dak, I did not mean it that way. But let's face it, Jun isn't exactly the best warrior out there. He's far from it."

"Roth..."

"Enough!" Dren interrupted. "You will not do this. Not here! Not now! We are here to find a solution, not to bicker like infants. Have I made myself clear?" No one made a sound. I could hear them breathing. It was eerie. Dren spoke, "More bloodshed is not needed. But we need a solution. Does anyone have any suggestions?"

I didn't know who Dren was, but it was clear that he was someone who meant what he said and said what he meant. All of the Meh-teh present respected him enough to accept what he said, almost without question.

The tension in the air was palpable. I watched as they all looked at each other without saying a word. No one wanted to speak first. That or they just didn't know what to say. It was Dren who spoke first.

"We could choose to have Roth as our leader again, but that would mean that Jun would have to be exiled. And if he ever came back, then we would be in the same position we are now."

"Unacceptable!" Dak screamed.

"I agree," Dren countered. "So what do you think we need to do?"

"We do nothing! We chose Jun as our leader. We have satisfied tradition."

"But you didn't. I had until the cycle of the Moon was complete to be back and you chose before then," Roth corrected. "I earned my place as your leader and that has never been taken away. As much as I hate to say this, if I have to earn it again I will."

"Roth, that is not necessary. It is a credit to your leadership that you have asked for this council. What is needed is a test of some kind. One that will not give an advantage to either of the two."

"What kind of test, Dren?"

"A test of Will. Both Roth and Jun will stand atop a platform. This platform will be large enough for them to stand on only. If at any point they sit or fall, they will lose. They can choose to come down at any point and this will result in the other becoming leader. No food or water will be allowed for the duration."

"This is unfair to Jun. He has done nothing to that warrants he relinquish his leadership!" This was, of course, Dak who objected.

Dren narrowed his eyes, "And neither has Roth. Our only other option will be that Roth challenge him with the Calling of the Drums." Everyone waited for Dak to respond to Dren. "Alright, if there is nothing else . . . "

"Dren," Roth interrupted. "There is one more thing. It concerns Dania. I have chosen to bring her here with me. Come down here, Dania," Everyone gasped at once as I leapt down to him from my spot in the tree. "She is my responsibility and will be of no danger to anyone here, unless provoked, in which case she would defend herself. I would expect this from any one of our people.

"So you come in here and try to steal Jun's leadership and now you bring this . . . thing and tell us she's your . . . "

Roth seized him by the throat and when he spoke his words were vicious. "I've tolerated you because I wish to do what's right for our people. Something I thought was the right thing to do. But I will not listen to you disrespect her. By disrespecting her, you disrespect me. I will not tolerate this, do you understand."

The Elders were attempting to free Dak from Roth's vice-like grip, but it was to no avail. They were too old and weak to do more than bother him. To Roth, they were flies. It was only when Dak nodded his head that Roth released him.

"Roth," Dren said at last, "As far as tradition goes, you would have to choose a mate who is of the Meh-teh." I could literally feel Roth's heart sink. "But as leader, it would be your choice to abide by this or not. I will say this though, if you are successful and become leader once again, she will need to be educated in our ways. And if she is ever a danger to our people, she will be removed whether she is your mate or not. Do you understand this, Roth?"

"I understand and accept this. I thank you for your wisdom," Roth said as he smiled. "But she is not my mate. She is very special to me, yes. But not my mate."

There was a small rumbling of thunder, although there were no storm clouds that could be seen.

"Dak, go back to our people and see to it that the platforms are built."

"But. . ."

"Just go. Roth, I'd like to speak to you alone for a moment."

We waited for the Dak to leave, and then the others. I could tell that there was something definitely on Dren's mind. Something was troubling him. I had an idea that it was me. I'd messed things up for Roth yet again. I mean, if it hadn't been for me, Roth wouldn't be in this position right now. And here I've done something to make things worse for him.

"Roth, I don't know if you've realized this or not, but there are those among us who have become loyal to Jun in the short time you were gone. The way they see it, you abandoned us. And it was Jun who spoke up and took action. To them, he went above and beyond."

"I have noticed this. As I walked among our people there were some who avoided me. And then there is Dak. He has made it abundantly clear that he doesn't want me back."

"I just wanted to make sure that you were aware. And keep an eye out for Dania. He's not fond of her either. If you like, I can make sure she's safe while you and Jun settle things."

"I really appreciate that. I can't thank you enough."

"It is my pleasure, my son."

~~~~~~~~~~

I had no doubts in my mind that he would be victorious. There was no way that Jun would best Roth. It just wouldn't happen. I personally thought having to prove himself again was something he shouldn't have to do. But I also wanted to see him be leader that he was. Couldn't I have both?

Dren explained to the people that there would be a test of Will to determine who the leader of the Meh-teh would be. As each had an equal, and rightful, claim to leadership it was only fitting that they should be given a challenge that would put them on equal grounds.

When the time finally came for both of them to begin their test, I could clearly see how divided the tribe truly was. Dren had explained to everyone what was going to happen and all but a select few agreed that it was the best way to choose who should be the real leader. No one thought that Roth could be defeated physically, but this would put them on even ground. There were quite a few who were clearly in favor of Jun coming out on top. I couldn't help but smile. I knew that Roth would win this. He had to.

As they were about to climb atop their respective platforms, a female Meh-teh I'd never seen before ran past those chosen to watch and up to Jun and threw her arms around him. This seemed to shock everyone, Jun included. I wondered if this woman had feelings for him. Her behavior seemed to indicate that she did. Some small part of me was happy for her. But at the same time, because it was Jun, I felt a little spiteful. Right now Jun was an adversary. And the two of them would be stronger than just him. I couldn't help but think to myself, "I could take her."

Wait. Was I jealous of this woman? No, that wasn't quite it. She wasn't a threat to me. But maybe she would give Jun some extra inspiration and that was not good.

I walked over to Roth, making sure to sway my hips and swish my tail. I had no idea why I was doing this, but it felt like I should. I stood on my tipped toes and cupped his face in my hands and kissed him. I felt him harden and reached down grabbed his erection with one hand and purred loudly enough for everyone to hear.

"When you win."

I released him and walked over and stood next to Dren. Roth was grinning. He knew what I'd done and was happy with me. Was it a little petty? Maybe. But it showed everyone that Roth and I were together, and that I aroused him.

Dren cleared his throat and spoke three words: "It has begun."

Thunder rumbled nearby. Gossip about me rumbled in the throats of the other Meh-teh.

~~~~~~~~~~

If I thought that being away from Roth would be pure agony, I was wrong. It was worse. It was more than I could endure. I missed his strong presence and demanding sexuality. I craved his touch. I thought of touching myself, but I didn't want to near Dren and I didn't want to touch myself without Roth either. It would only reinforce his absence. I was alone that night. The only thing that kept me sane was the fact that Roth insisted that I stay away. I am pretty sure that I never slept that first night.

Dren was patient with me. I must have woken him at least a dozen times as I paced back and forth. I apologized for being such a nuisance, but all he would say is that it was no trouble at all and then lay back down. I would try and speak with one of the watchers and ask if I could sleep at the bottom of Roth's platform. At least this way I could be near him.

As soon as the sun rose, I went and asked. They were not given a chance to answer as Roth interrupted them.

"Dania, as much as I would love to have you near, we cannot take the chance of calling into question our integrity. If you don't come near, there is no way you could sneak me help." And then he turned and glared at Jun who had a smug look upon his face.

I was too disappointed to take in fully what he'd just said. But I did hear him connect his integrity with mine and that made me feel treasured.

For the next three mornings and the next three sunsets, I would go and visit with Roth, always keeping the watchers between the two of us. These were the only times he would allow me to see him. He assured me that he was fine. But I could tell that he was fatigued and looked as if he would eat the first thing that got near him, even if it was meat.

Jun, on the other hand, seemed to be faring much better. While he looked a little tired, he did not appear to be in as bad of shape as Roth. This puzzled me. There was no way he had more stamina than Roth. I couldn't quite figure it out. Something wasn't right. Or was it that Roth wasn't 100%?

There was a storm that night; very little wind, but lots of thunder and lightning. It kept me up most of the night worrying about Roth. As the sun was coming up, the storm abated and I headed out to speak with Roth. My heart sank when I saw Roth's platform and he wasn't on it. And then I saw that Jun wasn't on his either. One of the watchers told me that it had ended just before the storm ended.

Roth was on the ground next to his platform, kneeling on one knee. He was clearly exhausted. Jun, however, was ranting about how he hadn't given up and that it wasn't fair.

Apparently, right at the end of the storm, Jun had fallen from his platform. Roth had won! I was so excited that for a moment I didn't stop to think that he might like some water or something to eat. I cupped up some water in my hands and took it to him. It wasn't much, but it was the first drink he'd had in a few days.

Jun was still ranting and raving. Roth motioned for me to help him up. He walked over to Jun and said something in his ear. I couldn't hear what it was, but Jun didn't say another word about anything being unfair.

"I need to eat, Cat. Please bring me some food." Dren was already a step ahead of me and had some prepared for him. I brought it to Roth and he sat and ate in the clearing. I could tell that he was tired, but he refused to leave his people for the moment. I wanted to have him to myself, because I wanted to know what happened. How it was that Jun fared so much better than he did. I knew that something wasn't right, but I just didn't know what.

It was nearly mid-day before Roth would let himself be torn away.

"Dania, if you're wanting what I think you want, it will have to wait. I don't have the strength to do anything properly."

"Roth, I know this. I want you to lie down and get some rest. Here, let me help you.........But I do have a question or two if you can stand it. I mean, if you're too tired I can wait."

"No, go ahead, Kitty."

"How did Jun do so much better than you?"

Roth's face grew dark. "If I tell you this, it can never leave here. You can never tell anyone. Understood?"

"Yes."

"Jun had someone helping him. I couldn't tell who it was, but late in the night, someone would bring him some food and something to drink. I think at least one of the watchers was in on it too."

"Roth, that's not right!" I was furious. The nerve of him to cheat like this.

"Dania, I told you that you would tell no one. And you are not going to." His voice was stern and I knew that he meant what he said. He wouldn't allow me to tell anyone. "Jun knows that I know he had help. He also knows that I don't care. He still lost. But if he attempts to take my leadership again, I'll kill him."

I not-so-secretly hoped that he would. "If he does, can I help?"

I continued, "So how did you win?"

"With all the rain, the platform became very wet, and slippery. There was a sudden gust of wind and Jun fell. It was odd because there had been no wind at all during the storm that night. I almost fell myself. But when he fell, the test was over. I am the leader of the Meh-teh."