During the years to come, Hawk would help create an amazing tribe & find herself with an entire city to protect. She would fight incredible battles...find & lose friends...find & lose love...and continue to persevere, never giving up on the world we're all trying to create.
"Stormriver Camp"
Stormriver guard 1: "Hurry up, don't have all day!"
Stormriver guard 2: *pushes a girl forward, hands tied behind her back* "She is being a bit difficult. This place will cool her down. Open the door, and I'll throw her in."
Hawk: (Okay...almost in range...) *kicks guard #2 in stomach, head-butts guard #1, turns to run and gets kicked in the side by guard #3 who comes running up then shoves her in the stockade* (What have I gotten into?? One moment searching for other people, next I am captured and in some sorry stockade with some sure sad-looking bunch of kids.) *aloud* Okay, someone want to tell me who, what, where and why I am here?
Ransom: (Ooohhh, I like this person. She can kick some butt!) Hi, I'm Ransom. I'll try to answer your questions, but you've asked a lot. *unties the girl* You are a prisoner, like myself and the others here. You were taken by the Stormriver tribe, slavers.
Hawk: *gets up rubbing wrists, puts rope into pocket and looks towards a gang of ruff necks watching her* So who are you? Rival tribe or new captures?
Diablo captive #1: (She's a fighter, could be useful later.) We are the El Diablos. We got captured by Stormriver because of the squirt over there. *points to Ransom as he walks closer to Hawk to talk more privately* So, we are planning to escape, want to help?"
Ransom: *sees the new girl talking with one of the Diablos* (So, is she one of them? Hope
not.) *sits down to think while staring at the two talking*
Hawk: Depends. What's in it for me? Second, who exactly are the Diablos? Third, what's the rough plan? ( I better play it tough. Something doesn't click. I better establish my status and not let them think they can just co-opt me.)
Diablo captive #1: Duh, we got out of here. What you do after that is up to you. Plan? Well, no. But that kid over there, *nods toward Ransom* she's got something going. She doesn't like us, but maybe you can get some info out of her." *walks back to his group*
Hawk: *walks back to Ransom* (Diablos--cute name--not up to any good but may be decent allies. Loose-lipped. If I had been a plant they would be in so much trouble. Lets see what
Ransom can tell me. For sure, I am not leaving this little kid on her own.) Mind if I sit down? I'm Hawk by the way. Don't know what you did, but those Diablos don't like you at all. Now you were explaining whats going on...want to finish?
Ransom: *speaks softly so nobody else can hear* I am a Stormriver worker. I have been here since the tribe formed up, after the survival camp was thrown over by the older kids once all the adults went away. All the younger kids were forced to work, and the older kids watch and guard over us. About a month ago, the tribe has started adding to its labor force through slavery. Me and a friend tried jumping in the river to escape but some Stormriver scouts found me. From what I can tell, they think the El Diablos helped us escape. *looks over at the El Diablo captives then back down at the ground* I think that is why those guys other there are mad at me. *looks out across the stockade* Hawk, I think Stormriver is getting ready to do another raid on the El Diablos or some other tribe.
Hawk: (This explains a lot.) I think you're right that the Diablos blame you.Those guys over there may be petty enough to want to beat you up, so I wouldn't get too near them. Stay near me...I don't like bullies. Can't say for sure about a raid. Have you been here during one? I mean, do you know how many guards stay around here? That may be important.
*looks at Ransom with a half-smile* I know...I am getting ahead of myself. I haven't told you anything about me. I am Hawk. I am on my own and was headed for the city. I heard a kid crying went to investigate, but it was a trap. Now I am here, and I want my walking stick back...the leader of the group has it. *squints up at the sun* Anyway, i don't plan on being anyone's slave. But I am not about to just try and fail at escaping right away. Besides, it is getting hot. Let's move into that corner to take a siesta. It'll be shaded soon. *gets up and walks to corner, sits down*
Ransom: *gets up an walks over* Hey, Hawk...it's a bit cool in the shade. I am going to soak up the sun rays. *sits next to Hawk but out of the shady spot and Looks up at the sky* We had rain yesterday. The sky looks pretty clear today, so I think we'll be sleeping under the stars this evening. *sees the El Diablos staring at Hawk then at the guards* (So, she is planning on leaving. I wonder what she's thinking?) I think I am going to take a nap too.
*curls into a ball*
Hawk: *yawns, notices the El Diablos staring at her and stares back, catching one of the guy's eyes as she mouths "later" and jerks her head at the guards* (Hope they understand, I don't want the guards getting suspicious.) *glances towards the guards* (These guys are pretty watchful. Then there are El Diablos...won't be easy to hold them in check. Much to think about...but for now, sleep 'til evening. Glad Dad taught me the trick of sleeping for a set time. I really miss him and Mom.) *drifts off to sleep*
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-Chyna
Photo source: copyright Cloud 9 "The Tribe"
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