Unseen eyes watched from the edge of the camp as the Pontu’ Gi soldiers formed up and started through the jungle. As soon as the foliage obscured them from sight, Sohorkon’ Boh leaped from his hiding place, quickly advancing to the prone figure lying in the dirt. His well-muscled arms reached out, gently turning Siri' Bhu over and tearing a piece from his ragged and torn uniform, holding it tightly against the wound to stanch the flow of blood.
He reached down to gently hold two fingers against her neck, feeling a faint pulse. Relieved, he glanced around the camp. The lines at the corner of his eyes tightened as he saw the piled bodies of the Princess’ guard. More evidence of Saballa’s savagery, having experienced it first-hand himself.
Sohorkon cursed under his breath for coming upon the scene too late. Even then, what could he have done alone? It was just as before. He had been helpless. There was nothing he could have done. Nothing now except save the Keeper. Another along with himself who could testify of Tranthra’ Joh’s treason.
A moan escaped Siri’ Bhu’s mouth and Sohorkon quickly turned his attentions to her, caressing her cheek, laying her out, taking care to keep the pressure on her wound. Her eyes fluttered open and she gasped in pain.
“It’s O.K.”, Sohorkon said, “You’re going to be all right.”
Siri squinted, looking up at Sohorkon, then concern flashed in her eyes. “The Princess – Javin – we need to help them. Where are they?”
“There’re gone, taken by Saballa’s men. There’s nothing we can do for them now.”
“But we must! We must stop them!” Siri tried to rise. The pain made her fall limply back. She shuddered then her eyes fluttered open again and she stared at Sohorkon. “Who are you?” a look of fear appeared in her eyes.
“It’s OK,” Sohorkon soothed, “I’m a friend. I was attached to the guard of Prince Sauros’ Boh. We also were attacked by Saballa and his men. I was the only one who escaped.”
Siri’ Bhu started again, this time didn’t try to sit up. She spoke through clenched teeth. “We were looking for the prince. Was he killed? Is he all right?”
Sohorkon’Boh lowered his head as if in shame. “I don’t know. I was ordered away to get word to my people. Several of those creatures were sent after me . . . they follow me no longer. I was hoping to get word to the princess at Putra’ Fi Sorro. That city was closer. I can only hope the prince was spared, as was your princess. Beyond that I don’t know.
“Now rest easy, Keeper. You've lost a great deal of blood. The wound is deep but didn't strike anything vital. Let me get you some water, and when you've rested we will press on. Your testimony, combined with mine, will certainly raise the cry of warning to both our peoples.”
“We have to hurry!” Siri' Bhu said, again struggling to get up. Again the pain forced her to lie back.
“Yes, we must hurry,” Sohorkon agreed, “only when you’re able. Here, chew on this.” He reached behind and pulled a dried root from his belt pouch. “It doesn’t taste like much but it'll give back some of your strength.”
“Thanks,” Siri' Bhu answered weakly. She reached up with her right arm to touch his chest, keeping her left as still as possible since any movement brought great pain.
“I hate to do this,” Sohorkon said, “but I’m going to ask you to turn over so I can dress your wound better.” The Keeper smiled, nodded, and gently, with Sohorkon’s assistance, started to turn. Siri’s wound was taken high on the back of her left shoulder, dragging deep but glancing off bone and striking downward. It had missed everything major though a great deal of blood had been lost. Sohorkon gently lifted the ragged dressing to see if the blood was slowing. Siri’s intake of breath told him the severe pain she was in.
“I’ll get some water to rinse the wound. That should help soothe the pain. Then I'll clean these strips and dress the wound for you. With your permission,” Sohorkon began sheepishly. “I may need some from your clothing to make a sufficient dressing.”
Siri’ Bhu laughed in spite of the pain. “You may have whatever you need. A lack of modesty is much more to be desired than bleeding to death, don’t you think?”
Sohorkon smiled. “Yes.” Then he hesitated, concern crossed his eyes. “If I may ask . . . the princess has a sister.” The Keeper narrowed her eyes and watched Sohorkon close as he continued. “Was she safe the last time you saw her?”
“She is safe,” Siri answered guardedly. “Why do you ask?”
“I was just concerned,” Sohorkon said. “With Tranthra’ Joh’s treachery, I just pray she hasn’t been left in the castle. If the princess has been taken, there’s no telling what Saballa would do with her sister. She also is in line to be queen if something should happen to Mouhra’ Lah.”
Siri was quiet, her eyes scrutinizing Sohorkon’ Boh who returned her gaze levelly. “As I said,” Siri answered. “She is safe." Then a pause… “Who are you?”
“I am Sohorkon’ Boh,” he answered.
Siri’s eyes went wide. “You’re the prince’s brother! You’re lucky Saballa didn’t recognize and have you killed!”
A wry grin spread across his face. “He tried.”
Again there was silence. Sohorkon’s expression grew pained.
“I never should have left my brother. He made me – ordered me for the sake of our people -- to give warning.” He looked at Siri, his eyes determined. “That is what we must do. If my brother has sacrificed himself, it must not be in vain!”
Siri’ Bhu nodded.
“Now,” Sohorkon continued, “let’s dress your wound. Then we must make our way back to my city, Sunzah’ Nu Geeza, Heart of the Forest. There we can find people who'll help. We must now consider Putra' Fi Sorro in enemy hands.”