Vring walked closer and Bleath said in a serious voice, Whats wrong?
Vring shared his thoughts of what White Hair was going to do.
Vring could see Bleaths fear. We cant risk letting him go there.
Vring knew Bleaths love for the two-legs and was amazed at the depth of his feelings for the small being of another species. He understood it because every Zord knew White Hair was a gift from the Air God. Father, you saw his thoughts. Do you think we can prevent him?
Bleath thought a moment and said, No. He will do exactly what he said and walk there if we dont assist him.
Im worried that he will be seen on my back. We have to fly over open land and even the Torg run before we can get close with a rider.
Bleath thought and lowered his head. Vring waited and wondered what his father was contemplating. His thoughts were deep in his consciousness and Vring couldnt hear them. Finally, Bleath raised his head and said, Announce a council of all Zord tomorrow night.
Vring was worried. His father had not even forbid him to go. He knew that as the chosen successor to Bleath, he would never be allowed to deliberately place himself in danger. He was going anyway and he was sure Bleath saw that in his thoughts. Vring sighed and remembered being restrained from warning the two-legs about the Zords planned attack three cycles earlier. If they planned to restrain him again, they would have to catch him first. He smiled at that thought. Im not so small anymore and Im the best flyer in the flock. Vring thought about it and suddenly realized that no warrior would step forward to restrain him from protecting White Hair. They knew the blood debt Vring owed to Scotty and would never consider stopping him from paying it. Then he knew why Bleath did not forbid him to go. Vring knew if he didnt go, Bleath would take his place. Vring shook his head and wondered about the adoration the Zord had for his friend. What is bothering his father so much to call a council? Hed find out tomorrow.
Thousands of Zord were gathered on the high slope of White Hair Mountain in the clearing just below the snow line. The families were gathered together in groups with the family elder in front. Bleath looked at the thousands of three year olds attending their first council and again, remembered the Day of the Torg, when the two-leg archers freed them from the vicious beasts. The three year olds outnumbered the adults. He saw their awe at the gathering and smiled at their good behavior. The community was talking among themselves wondering what had happened to cause Bleath to call a council and some were worried. Finally, Bleath raised his wings and the huge gathering grew silent.
I am going to share a conversation my son had with White Hair. Bleath replayed what Vring had shared with him, and Bleath saw immediate fear from the older warriors.
One of the older Elders said, We cannot allow him to go. He must be prevented from going into that dangerous place.
Bleath looked out at the community and said, Do you not think his community said the same thing to him when he chose to come defend our newborns? Bleath waited, then said, No, they did not. They knew his quest that night was worthy and true to their beliefs. Do you think they could have stopped him from doing what he knew was right? Even if they had tried, he would have come anyway and the great Four Arm would have followed him. He is from the Air God and he will do its work. We will demonstrate a lack of thankfulness if we try to prevent him from his new quest. Bleath paused and silence dominated. He is also right about the nature of this quest. He freed us from our oppressors. Think back to how our lives were filled with sorrow and pain until he came. Those oppressed slaves are also feeling sorrow and pain. We cannot turn our backs on those that need freedom.
Bleath saw the community feeling Scottys thoughts, and he could feel a hatred of those that are oppressors rise among the warriors. The Elders and I have decided to give a gift to help the White Hair in his quest. The community looked at Bleath wondering what he was planning. There is real danger to our friends if we fly into those lands. We are going to give our ancestors Zeckas to protect them. The community was stunned. Bleath expected a huge negative howl at the suggestion, but it didnt come.
Zreeg thought so all could hear, I formally request that in the event of my death, you send my Zecka to the two-legs. I can think of no holier use of it than protecting those that faced the jaws for my children. The leader of the six three year olds behind him added their thoughts to his, We also ask for the same holy use of our Zeckas. We saw them fight and die so we could live. Hundred of the warriors shouted to add their names to the request.
Bleath was both humbled and gladdened by the communitys response. He knew the holiness of the Zecka. He looked out at the gathering and asked, Do any object to what I am asking of you?
Silence dominated the community. Bleath looked around and continued, Vring, Zreeg, and Cezee will carry the Zeckas with me to the two-legs community tomorrow night. They are the chosen brothers of White Hair and Four Arms. We will make our offering and plead that they accept it. I know they will be reluctant because of the goodness in their heart. However, I will prevail and make them do it. I thank you for your faith in doing this, and I know they will give the Zeckas the honor they are due.
Scotty was sitting with Jingo seeing the love they had for their newborn baby girl. The grunds were howling around the community and everyone knew that Jesas baby had arrived. Jesa was holding her and Jingo had his arms around them staring into the face of his new baby girl. Have you thought of a name?
Jesa looked up at Scotty and said, She will be called Maddy.
Scotty jerked in surprise.
We cant think of any name more worthy than your mothers, Scotty.
Scotty felt the tears gather in his eyes, but fought them off. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Suddenly they heard a loud screech overhead and Jingo said, Thats Bleath. What is he doing coming here?
Scotty felt immediate stress. He had not told anyone about his planned trip. This had to be the Zord coming to persuade him not to go. He said, Jingo, I havent told you; Im making a trip. I think the Zord are here to try and stop me.
Why would they want to stop you?
Scotty shook his head, Uh, it might involve a tiny bit of danger.
Jingo stared at Scotty and looked up at the ceiling, If Bleath came here personally to try and stop you there is a lot more than just a little bit of danger.
Scotty sighed and said, I just couldnt take away from this joyous moment to tell you.
Jesa looked at Jingo and said, Better gather your things. I know who you are and you should go.
Jingo stared at his mate and child, then said, Tell me what youre planning on the way to the fire.
Scotty began filling him in as they headed toward the clearing.
Jing and Samuel came running into the clearing and heard the three horns start sounding. The two communities dressed quickly and began moving rapidly towards the central clearing. Something was happening, and it had to be serious for the Zord to make an unannounced visit.
The communities finally gathered and Jing was starting to wonder why the Zord had not landed. Then he saw the huge form coming down and recognized Bleath. This had to be serious for him to come.
Bleath landed and looked at Jing and Samuel, I have come to ask permission to help White Hair in his quest.
The entire community looked at Scotty and saw his apprehension. Samuel said, You want to tell us what hes talking about, Scotty?
Scotty saw Samuel was not in a good humor. Jing was also staring at him. He shrugged at Jingo and stood and walked to the three at the center of the community. He looked up at the giant Zord and said, I have not shared my plans with the community, Great Flyer. I was going to go alone.