What is up with these guys? Harry couldnt help but ask himself, as he felt a couple of eyes on him.
Ever since yesterday, he had known that the Aqua tribe members had been keeping an eye on him. They were not being very deliberate, but there was no imagining it; they were truly keeping an eye on him. Yesterday at the party, they were not being very obvious about it, but now they are no longer trying to hide it.
That morning, the hunting squad left with the first rays of the dawn to procure meat for the feast with the Divine Messenger and the Aqua tribe. As the host, it was Vulcan's duty to prepare an adequate feast for them. Even Harry, who was supposed to have a rest for the day, was asked to be a part of the team, as they really wanted to have meat on the table today.
But none of them expected the people of the Aqua Tribe to join them. They didnt ask for permission or try to help. They just followed the hunter's party deep into the plains.
Now, standing amongst grass which was already showing signs of turning yellow, Harry could feel the eyes of the Aqua Tribe looking at him. And the worst part was, he didnt understand what they wanted in the first place.
Talk with Joron was also not enlightening. After he had heard what the essence is, and what he can get from the, Harry really wanted to try to use one. But with no Lord Scripture, he feared that using the stone might expose him. And he just couldnt afford to be exposed right now.
Another part was, he didnt want just any essence to be part of his arsenal. He knew the value of getting a good transplant and good chrome. Essence of this world is similar to chrome from his previous world, and the thing with chrome is, one just dont buy anything that they could get their hands on.
Which is why he declined getting an essence last night.
To say Joron was surprised would be an understatement. The man was flabbergasted. He even got angry at one point, but Harry's resolve remained unbreakable.
"That is the signal," someone said, breaking Harry's train of thought.
And sure enough, now a crowd of Hirans, the plains equivalent of deer, was now coming towards them. Everyone got into a position, Harry did so as well with his bolas.
"With me," he whispered to one of the hunters.
As the Hirans came near them, Harry got into a sprint. His eyes had already scanned for an opportunity for him. His first bola lodged itself in one of the Hiran's, bringing it down. But rather than sticking around, he started running after the rest, leaving the securing of the prey to someone else.
With a burst of Vita, he gained an incredible amount of speed and came close to Hiran, who was running with her calf. His second bola, lodged into the legs of the mother, brought her down promptly. The mother struggled to get out with her calf, who was barely old enough to walk properly. The little thing was close by, calling for help, trying to help her mother.
Harry stood there watching the scene, his cold heart not feeling any mercy for the mother or the kid.
Hurried footsteps finally made the calf run. "Good job there," he heard one of the hunters say.
He turned around to see one of them carrying a bow and arrows. He came to the guy and snatched the bow and one arrow from his quiver. Harry then knocked the arrow and aimed at the running calf.
"There is no way that you are going to hit that," he heard Maya, who had come to watch him in action.
Ignoring her words, his eyes calculated the trajectory and let go of the arrow. Creating a hyperbola, the arrow landed on the calf, injuring and paralyzing it in the process.
Harry then turned around, gave the man his bow back. "I am heading back," he said, ignoring the completely shocked faces of the audience…
***
That night, the great fire was lit. All the families of the tribe were present around the fire, standing with their respective family members. All of them had black paint stripes on their faces and were carrying their weapons in their hands.
Groga and Joron were standing in the front, with Harry and his family in the first lane at the back of Groga. While the Divine Messenger and Aqua tribe were standing exactly opposite to them, making eye contact.
"My dear Vulcans," The Divine Messenger loudly announced. "It is that time of the year again. The green lands in which we reside would go through a change, turning yellow because of the Kukarachan of Plants." According to the legends of the Heks, there was a demon who cursed the lands of Summers. The temperature of the lands would be increased in the upcoming weeks, making the green grass yellow.
"And with the curse, also comes the Festivals of Champions," The Messenger added further, "Like always, the Grand Priestess would choose a Vita Wielder from the festival, who is worthy of becoming her acolyte. Or maybe her husband. So by the end of this moon cycle, every tribe is expected to send their young ones to Agora to be tested,"'
Young ones? That priestess bitch is a pedophile, He thought. But the prospect of going to Agora does sound interesting. Maybe I can finally sneak into the Sacred Dome if I participate.
"Now, I will need Groga, son of Joron, to come forward," The messenger said.
Groga with his spear, stepped forward, "I Groga, son of Joron.. Chief of Vulcans, greet messenger,"
The messenger nodded, "Which is the child that you are going to send to Agora?"
Groga shook his head, "I, as a chieftain, could ascertain to the Priestess that in there is no one in the tribe worthy of her time. Either the children are just barely old, or they lack proper training,"
His words brought Harry's mood down.
"BLASPHEMY!" Maya yelled from the back. "Dont lie, Groga. You have a child who is ready. He is a great hunter, proficient with a bow. And from what I saw, he can also handle Vita quite well,"
To his surprise, Groga glanced back and glared at Harry. What did I do?