Spock lay curled up inside the hut allocated to them, unable to sleep. Jim's even breathing was the only sound he could discern and he shifted silently, unwilling to disturb his friend. Jim needed the rest. The strain caused by the struggle with the serpent had taken a heavy toll on the human's strength.
He had discovered some minor details about the lifestyle of the villagers from the physical contact of the children who had stroked him. It had not been intentional mind-probing but the unrestrained thoughts had assailed him before he had been able to strengthen his shields. He had learned that he wore the body of a creature known as a gral. A simple people worshipping their sun as a goddess, they had automatically assumed that he and Jim were gods. His captain had been alarmed by this and, using sign language, had attempted to dissuade them of such a belief. Despite his best efforts, the villagers had persisted in their reverent behaviour although a more relaxed atmosphere had been gained.
Spock meditated for a time until he became aware that his friend was stirring. He brought himself alert and waited until the large yawn and soft groan from the figure on the sleeping mat proclaimed that the human was marginally awake. He nudged the rounded ear with his nose and awaited the inevitable response.
"Spock, will you quit poking that piece of ice you call a nose at me!"
I apologise, Captain. It is almost dawn.
One sleepy hazel eye opened. "This is the first time I've been comfortable in weeks."
We must move on, Jim. Our search for those responsible for our abduction should continue.
There was a deep sigh from Kirk. "Yes, I know, and we don't want to influence these people. The Prime Directive still stands. Perhaps we shouldn't have intervened but how could we have let the girl die?"
Indeed, Jim. There is no harm done. They believe the Sun Goddess sent us to save the child. Their legends abound with such deeds. Our visit here will be yet another addition to their folklore. However, with reference to the Prime Directive, an argument could be made that those who brought us here did so deliberately. If suggestions were implanted in your mind then their intent was that we should meet these people. It is likely that our abductors are also native to this planet. We cannot be held responsible for their actions.
You're right, Spock, but I'd prefer to keep any contamination to a minimum. That too may be part of the test. Let's go while they're still asleep.
Kirk packed his meagre belongings and within minutes the forest swallowed them up as if they had never existed.
****
They travelled at a fast pace during the morning, putting as much distance as possible between them and the village yet Spock was uneasy. His telepathic senses were picking something up but he could not determine what it was.
As they rested in the shade of the trees, out of the afternoon heat, the shafts of filtered sunlight were suddenly replaced by a bleak darkness.
Spock sat up and sniffed the air; his fur was standing on end. He was aware of Kirk, beside him, staring upwards as a jagged flash of silver lightning split the sky. It was close to them, perhaps too close. Before he could inform Kirk of his concern another streak materialised high above and moved towards them as if seeking them out. He pushed the human out of the way just before it reached him and yelped in pain as it grazed his own back.
Kirk stumbled and fell but he regained his feet, his eyes widening in dismay as he saw Spock had been injured. Spock nudged him onwards and, as more lightning crackled ominously near them, they both ran from the forest to open ground in search of safety.
As they watched the bolts continue to strike the trees, Kirk's hand moved soothingly on Spock's fur. The storm lasted for only a few minutes but the devastation left in its wake was considerable. Spock accompanied Kirk as the human made his way back through the smouldering foliage. Kirk grimaced as a bare foot stepped on the hot ground but he continued on, retrieved his pack and returned to the lake shore.
He massaged plant sap into the burn on Spock's back. "Damn," he muttered. "The fur's been seared away."
I can control the pain, Jim, Spock said. Please treat your own injury.
Kirk sighed, sat down, and looked at the reddened sole of his right foot. "It stings." He applied the sap and breathed a sigh of relief. "That was sudden. There was something strange about that storm, don't you think? It appeared to be aimed right at us, as if it wanted us out of there." He smoothed the fur of Spock's head.
It may be coincidence.
"There's also another possibility. Our unknown kidnappers might be playing with us."
Perhaps. They have demonstrated powerful psi-ability. A lightning storm should not be beyond their capabilities. Spock repressed a shudder. He could not understand a telepathic species who would abuse their gifts. It was alien to everything taught to him from childhood.
"I just wish I knew what they wanted from us, Spock. I've had enough of their games." Kirk's eyes flashed in anger.
We have two choices, Jim. Stay here or continue on.
"I don't think they're going to let us stay put," Kirk said. He stood up and stared over the calm waters. "C'mon let's go."
****
By early evening, Kirk, tired from the day's hike, was sleeping soundly despite the tenderness which lingered in his foot. He dreamed of his ship. Never had she looked so inviting as he wandered her brightly lit corridors and spacious rec-area. Eventually he reached the observation deck and stared out at the stars. This was his favourite place. When problems became overwhelming he could come here and against the vast backdrop of the galaxy everything would be placed into perspective.
Jim. Spock's mind-voice was full of urgency.
He was awake within seconds. Spock was standing beside him with back arched and jaws open. A deep and threatening roar emerged from his throat. Before Kirk could speak, dozens of dark upright forms ran howling from the forest and surrounded them. The night was overcast and it was difficult to see clearly but Kirk glimpsed people of humanoid appearance. They were brandishing large spears.
Kirk held out his hands in the universal symbol of non-aggression. "We mean you no harm." He hoped they would understand his gesture.
He touched Spock's back. What are they?
I would assume they are another indigenous species, Captain. I sense fear and rage. They broadcast their emotions without restraint.
Are they afraid of you, Spock? Or of both of us?
I cannot tell.
Kirk took a deep breath. "Sit down, Spock."
Jim?
Kirk could sense his curiosity. If they think you're my pet they might be less afraid.
Spock obeyed but commented, I do not believe they will be as amenable as the Lake People.
The natives fell silent then one stepped forward. The moon chose that moment to emerge from behind the clouds and Kirk saw him properly. He had the same blue skin as the villagers but there all similarity ended. His hair was grey and tied back with a strip of hide. He was as tall as Kirk and on his thin but muscular body was a tunic made from gral-skin. Shrunken heads hung from his belt and around his neck he wore a leather band with large sabre teeth attached to it.
Kirk beat down his fear and spoke in a soft tone, "We are visitors. We mean you no harm."
The native grimaced showing jagged white teeth. He cried out in a shrill voice and waved his spear in the air. In response the others surged forward. Kirk dived for his pack and the weapons within but he was downed by a flying tackle.
He kicked out and landed a hard blow on his attacker's body. "Run, Spock," he yelled.
He scrambled to his feet and began to fight in earnest. Beside him, Spock was roaring but although the others approached with caution they did not waver from their course. Out of the corner of his eye Kirk saw four males holding a large net. It was obvious that they meant to capture one or both of them. He wished for the universal translator, for any means to show their peaceful intentions but it seemed that these belligerent people were not interested in anything except their capture and perhaps their death.
The leader called out again then threw his weapon. Kirk started to move out of its path but knew that he would never match its speed. As it whizzed towards him, a heavy furry body crashed against his and knocked him away to safety. He fell to the ground and tumbled over as the spear slammed into the carnivore's body. Spock whimpered, stared at him with crimson eyes already filming over, then collapsed.
"Spock," he cried and struggled to reach him but there was a sudden hard blow to his head and everything went black.
****
The pain in his skull was intolerable. He moaned and tried to will it away. A bright light penetrated his closed eyelids hurting him with its intensity. Gritting his teeth, Kirk forced his eyes open to find himself still at their campsite but the sun was now high in the sky. He struggled to his knees and glanced around. He blinked several times to clear his vision and noted the signs of struggle on the grass.
"Spock," he whispered as memory returned.
He reached for his pack, took out his water container and splashed the liquid on his face and hair. Feeling a little better now, he tried to work out what had happened. None of his weapons had been taken; they could have killed him but had only knocked him out. They obviously only wanted Spock, or rather the gral. The spear, meant for him, had entered Spock's leg; not a fatal wound unless the tip was poisoned. Kirk shuddered and dismissed that thought. Perhaps it was a tranquilliser drug of some kind. He recalled how fast the substance, whatever it was, had worked. Some poisons or tranks could act very quickly.
He held his head between his hands. No. I won't believe they've killed Spock. I have to track and find them. But how?
He took a deep breath, lurched to his feet, but a wave of dizziness overcame him and he slumped down again. He knew it was the result of the head blow and that he really should rest but how could he?
"I must find Spock before they kill him." He took a deep breath to control the pain. "I must."
***
The Lake People
Leryn moved restlessly on her bed of rushes, disturbing her daughter who slept nearby.
"Mother," the girl murmured. "What is wrong?"
The Priestess opened her eyes and stared up at the ceiling. "I dreamed, Arva, of great danger."
"To the clan?"
Leryn sat up and brushed her long white hair back. "I do not think so." She stared at the child's worried face, remembering how the godlings had saved her. She sensed it was they who were in peril.
She threw on her garments and left her home. The sun was high in the sky but no-one was around. They had all slept late after the night's festivities. As she made her way to the gods' dwelling she called on her family to wake up. She drew the flap aside, found the hut empty then turned to face her people. "Where are they? Did anyone hear them leave?"
"They are gods," her son, Matui, said. "They flew home to the Sun, their Mother."
Leryn shook her head. "No. They do not have wings like the wind-gods. They cannot fly. The hunters must search for traces of the gods' passing. Quickly."
They rushed to do her bidding and shortly after, Matui waved her over. "See here, Mother." He pointed to signs in the grass. Her son was a fine hunter and could trail the cleverest of prey. "They travel west along the forest's edge."
A chord of fear struck the Priestess. "We must follow them. I know that something evil has befallen them. Verindi land lies too close. Those savages do not worship the Sun-Mother. They would kill all of Her children." She remembered their last raid only too well. She had lost too many in that fight.
"But they are no ordinary children of the Sun," Arva said. "They are godlings."
Leryn touched the girl's cheek. "Alas, my child, godlings are not immortal. They can be killed. We must help them or our Mother will be angry with us."
Matui folded his arms across his chest. "There are few of us left. If we help the godlings then more of us will die."
"So be it," Leryn replied. "The Mother sent Her children here for a purpose. They saved Arva to be our next priestess. Would you repay Her by allowing them to die in Verindi hands?"
Matui bowed his head. "You speak true, Priestess. We will follow your orders."
As a small band of warriors prepared to travel, Leryn stood by the lake and raised her hands towards the sky. "Sun-Mother, grant us protection in this endeavour. We will do our best to help your godling children."
Soon the group of six was ready. They held spears and daggers. They wore belts with pouches attached to carry a supply of small but deadly darts, some dried provisions, water, and Leryn's herbs and potions. The forest would supply any further needs; it was safer and faster to travel light. Leryn bade farewell to those who remained and resolutely followed her son as he tracked the godlings. Behind her walked the other four hunters.
They would find the Children of the Sun and bring them safely back to the village.
****
Matui halted and knelt down to study the ground. "The gral tracks are here but others have also waited for a time then moved on." He looked up at the Priestess. "Verindi."
Leryn controlled her fear for the Sun's children. If the gral-god fell into Verindi power then he was in great peril. The Verindi were savages. They killed not only for food and clothing but for amusement. They tortured their victims and ate their flesh. They did not care if it was one of their own race, an enemy, or an animal or bird. They were evil.
"What of the godlings?" she asked. "Where are they now?"
Matui's hearing was more sensitive than any other in the tribe. That was one reason why he was the people's greatest hunter. He concentrated deeply, as Leryn had taught him, and listened. The others waited, scarcely breathing as he slipped into a trance-like state.
His eyes snapped open. "I hear the sound of one in pain."
"Who?" the priestess asked.
"I do not know, Mother. It is a short distance away. I must be closer to be sure."
Leryn looked at her people. "It may be the Verindi. We must be cautious. Lead us, Matui."
Her son stood up, continued on for a time, then suddenly crouched down behind a large bush. He sniffed the air. "It is the golden god," he whispered. "He lies hurt."
"Is he alone?" Leryn said.
Matui nodded. He stood up and walked to where the god lay sprawled out on the ground. Leryn and the others followed. The Priestess noted that the god's hair was in disarray and red blood oozed from a wound on his forehead. She knelt beside him, touched his bruised face, then examined him but apart from the surface injuries, could find nothing else wrong with him.
"If this had happened to one of us it would have been fatal. However, even to a god, such a blow might be serious." Leryn had seen the disorientation a head injury could bring and resolved to treat the young godling very carefully.
She opened her water gourd and bathed his face. "There now," she soothed. "I am a wise-one, skilled in plant-lore. I will help you."
The godling groaned. His breathing grew harsher and he appeared to be struggling to wake up. Leryn put her arm under his neck and raised his head enough for him to sip some water. She urged him to drink and moments later his eyes opened.
He stared at her and blinked before speaking in his strange language, his voice rough with pain. She did not understand but responded anyway. "We are here to help but first you must rest."
His eyes seemed to flash with emotion but she could not interpret it. Perhaps he was angry or worried about the gral. How was she to communicate with him?
He swallowed more of the water, allowed her to help him sit up, but he grimaced, bent over and held his head between his hands. "Spock," he said several times.
"Spo...c...k," Leryn tried.
He looked at her and there was moisture in his eyes. "Spock," he repeated and pointed to his own teeth with both hands, drew his fingers down as if sketching in the air, then growled.
Leryn growled in response. Matui mimicked the gral-roar and the godling smiled.
"Spock must be the gral's name," Leryn said.
She tried with hand gestures to ask him what had happened. He seemed to understand and slowly acted out the Verindi attack on him and his companion. He then touched his own chest. "Kirk," he said.
Was that his name? "Leryn," she said, pointing at herself.
"Leryn," he repeated after her.
She then introduced the others and he was able to say their names also. Leryn was relieved as she had feared that his head injury might have affected his speech.
As the god ate some of the fruits she gave him, Matui and the others scouted ahead. Leryn watched Kirk. He was so tall and muscled, far stronger than any of her people but she sensed that he would not harm them. There was something about the way he smiled, or looked at her, which roused her maternal instincts. She was Mother to her tribe yet how could she presume to take on that role for a godling?
Perhaps it was a test set by the Sun-Goddess. If that were so, for the people's sake, she dared not fail. Yet it was more than that. This young godling needed her help. So did his brother, the gral. Even gods had to mature and learn and if she assisted them then, in the future, the people could call on their help.
Oh mighty Sun-Mother, she prayed. We will protect your children with our lives.
The sun seemed to shine more brightly and Leryn was pleased.
****
Kirk studied the woman. It was difficult to judge her expressions but he was sure of her good intentions. She had tended his cuts and bruises, fed him and had attempted communication. Once again he wished for the universal translator but since that was an impossible dream he would have to rely on more traditional methods to make himself understood.
Her name was Leryn and she appeared to be leader of her people. By the way she moved her hands and chanted, as if praying to a god, when she looked up into the sky indicated that she also functioned in a religious capacity. Spock had gleaned that her people thought of them both as gods. Her opinion might change now on seeing how he had been hurt and Spock captured. Hardly omnipotent beings. Yet, Kirk recalled the Norse tales of vulnerable gods who could be killed.
Matui was obviously a skilled tracker. If he could lead the way to Spock then there was hope of rescuing his friend. His attackers, the Verindi, if Kirk understood correctly were much larger than these frail-looking people. Even if they were willing to help, how could the villagers possibly fight and win against the more powerful and aggressive tribe.
That the Verindi had wanted to kill Spock was not in doubt, yet these folk who now helped him also wore gral skins. He knew that the use of animal hide had been normal in Earth's past. Early cultures had depended on their beasts for food, clothes, warmth and other necessities. Kirk suspected that was how Leryn's tribe survived but were these Verindi like the many Terran hunters who had killed for pleasure? It was a practice which had continued on Earth well into the 21st century and still happened today on other worlds.
Leryn watched him with motherly concern and offered him more fruit. He shook his head and rubbed at his stomach to indicate that he was full. She smiled and gestured that he should lie down. At first he was going to protest but his head was throbbing and he was still shaky so he decided to comply with her wishes. He knew he would be unable to find Spock in this condition but each moment wasted was likely to take his friend farther away.
As he rested, his impatience grew. What was he doing here? He needed to find his friend. If those savages killed Spock!
Why have you done this to us? he asked his unknown kidnappers. If it is a test you can stop it. You've put us through enough. If anything happens to Spock I won't rest until you're brought to justice.
A touch on his shoulder startled him awake. He opened his eyes to see Matui staring down at him. "Verindi," he said pointing into the forest. "Spock."
Kirk sat up. So the young hunter had found Spock's trail. "Let's go," he said and stood up.
Leryn handed him his pack and he hoisted it on his shoulder then followed Matui into the forest. They travelled for the remainder of the day. It began to rain but they were partially protected by the trees. As the forest began to thin out Kirk could see a grassy plain ahead. He wondered where the Verindi lived. He touched the small tracker's shoulder and asked, "Where are we going?"
Matui pointed downwards then said, "Verindi." He dropped to the ground and touched the broken twigs lying there.
Kirk knelt beside him and studied the signs. The trail of damaged vegetation and footprints on the damp ground led out of the forest. "Yes, Verindi." But how was he to make himself understood beyond these few words and gestures?
"Umak, Verindi, saz," Matui said.
Kirk frowned. What did that mean? He turned to Leryn and she seemed to understand his confusion. She settled down beside them and picked up a twig. On a patch of ground she drew a hill. "Umak," she said.
"Umak," Kirk repeated. "Umak, Verindi. The hill, or maybe the home of the Verindi."
Leryn drew circles on her hill. "Saz, umak Verindi."
"Saz. Caves," Kirk said. "They're cave-dwellers."
He stood up and walked the short distance to where the landscape changed from forest to plain. It was becoming too dark to see far now but somewhere, hopefully nearby, was the lair of the Verindi. The small villagers began to make preparations to camp. Kirk wanted to continue on but knew that it was impossible under present conditions. Although the rain had stopped it was going to be another overcast night. With a sigh, Kirk recalled the starlit evenings during their first week here before he and Spock had decided to travel by day. Maybe the seasons were changing. It was becoming a little cooler at nights although the days were still hot.
After a light meal, he settled down onto the ground but his mind was filled with worry over Spock and sleep eluded him. It was many hours before he eventually slipped into a fitful slumber.
***
The Verindi
The odour of burning flesh was overpowering.
Spock tried to move but found himself restrained and only able to lift his head a fraction because his jaws were lashed together. He opened his eyes. He was lying on his side in a small wooden cage. His forelegs and hind legs were also tied, and there was a length of rope on the underside of his body which linked both sets of bonds.
It was almost dark but his night vision helped him discern his surroundings. He was alone in a barren cave. Raucous laughter, the smell and a flickering light were coming from an opening in the rock only a few metres away. Obviously another cave.
He turned his attention inward. He was uninjured apart from sores caused by the tightness of the rope, and friction burns possibly from being dragged here. The wound was already beginning to heal but he felt lethargic, no doubt a reaction to the potent drug which must have been on the spear. He called on Vulcan techniques to banish the symptoms and ease his pain then considered his options.
There was only one - escape.
He tried to open his jaws. The vine was strong but he persisted and it snapped under the pressure. He took a deep breath and looked down at the restraints on his forelegs. He tried to break them by tensing the powerful muscles of his legs, but they would not yield and he decided that using his teeth might be more successful. Could he gnaw the ropes loose? It was not easy to manipulate himself into a position where he could reach the vine but he eventually managed it and after many minutes of painstaking work the fibres began to give. At last his forelegs were free and he was concentrating on the final cord. It did not take long to release himself then he turned his attention to the cage.
He flexed his back and felt the muscles ripple. He was sure it was possible to snap the wood but could it be done without alerting his captors? He pressed his shoulders against the cage and felt the bars give. He pushed harder. It was imperative that he broke out and found Jim. The drug had dulled his psi-ability and he could not determine his captain's presence.
The wood cracked. Spock stopped and listened for any signs of discovery. The noise from the other cave did not cease and, certain now that his escape attempt would not be heard, he exerted pressure on the cage until one whole side broke, freeing him from confinement.
He stalked to the exit from where he could see a group of men and women sprawled around a fire on which the carcass of an unknown beast cooked on a spit. The natives were drinking and openly indulging in sexual congress. Spock ignored their behaviour and concentrated on an escape plan. He could see the cave mouth and feel the faint breeze blowing in from outside. Could he surprise them and make a run for it? Or should he wait until they were replete and sneak out as they slept?
He slunk back as one of the men looked in his direction. He scarcely breathed as a silence fell, and only relaxed when the noise started up again. What was he to do? If he moved now he could easily be caught or even if he did escape there was a strong likelihood of there being casualties. The thought of taking lives was abhorrent to him so he decided to wait. Unless they checked on him, the odds for his escape were better. If Jim were here Spock would have quoted them to amuse the human. There was little point in calculating them for himself.
The festivities continued. Spock's time sense ticked over. Two hours fifteen point three minutes crept by before the people crawled away into corners to sleep. Spock listened for a further few minutes then crept out. He crouched down low and silently padded to the exit. Freedom was just a few bounds away now but he still remained cautious; there might be guards posted.
Spock paused. He was unable to detect signs of any living creatures in the near vicinity so he left the cave. He stood on a ledge, part of the way up a bare hill-side. It was almost morning and there was hardly a cloud in the sky. There was an excellent view. Grassland stretched for several kilometres and in the distance he could see the forest.
Jim is there, he said, as his sluggish senses now caught a faint hint of the human. With a massive leap he landed on the pathway below and bounded down to the bottom of the hill.
There was a loud yell. Spock twisted around to see three natives running towards him. He had no idea where they had come from but it was illogical to dwell on it; perhaps he could scare them off. He bared his teeth and, permitting the animal within to emerge, roared with all the menace of an adult gral. The men stepped back in fear. Spock prepared to run as fast as possible away from them. He swiped his paw in the air, his claws unsheathed threateningly, and he hissed.
A sudden stab pierced his back. He turned to face the gloating face of the one who had originally speared him. Spock roared as the disorientation caused by the drug swept him again.
NO.
Primitive emotions took over and he propelled himself towards his attacker, aiming for the neck. He wanted to tear the creature's throat out.
Blackness overcame him.
Jim. Help me, he mind-called as he collapsed.
****
As soon as it was light, Kirk and his new friends headed out across the plain. The sky had cleared and the day was warm. There was little cover as they began climbing the gentle incline that led to a line of low hills. Kirk paced himself to his allies' shorter stride but he chafed at the seemingly slow progress.
The closer they came, the more he worried about the Verindi discovering them but they safely reached the crest of the ridge line, where Matui paused and listened intently. He stared up at the more rugged hills beyond then turned to the others. "Pivna, Verindi, doma gral. Zma foj lmo."
"What?" Kirk asked. He had only understood two words out of that.
"Spock," Matui said pointing to himself, then crouched down on the ground and imitated a gral sound.
Leryn lifted her spear and drove it down on Matui's back, drawing it away just before it sliced his skin.
Kirk's blood chilled. "No," he said. "We have to rescue Spock. Where will he be?"
Leryn touched his arm as if to soothe him. She pointed upwards and nodded. "Verindi," she said.
"I'm going up there," Kirk said and strode on.
Matui dived forward to stop him. "Neega," he said and took the lead.
Kirk sighed but permitted the youngster to continue. He had brought them here safely and Kirk presumed he knew what he was doing. Kirk followed and the others brought up the rear. They used a well worn path and when they reached approximately half way up the slope they found a large cave. Matui did not stop but led them farther up what was becoming a steep incline.
A faint roar stopped Kirk in his tracks.
"Spock," he whispered. His friend was alive but what were those savages doing to him?
Kirk ignored his scraped skin and bruises as he climbed upwards. He could hear voices now, jeers and laughter and the harsh panting of an animal in distress. The path abruptly ended and they scrambled onto a dusty plateau, vegetated with withering bushes and a small copse of trees. Kirk and his allies hid behind their cover and stared out in horror at the unnerving scene before them.
Spock was tied to a wooden stand placed upon a pyre of burning coals. He was struggling weakly and Kirk guessed that he had been drugged again or else he would have been able to free himself from the ropes.
You bastards, Kirk screamed inside. How was he to rescue his friend? There were seventeen Verindi to their six.
Leryn reached into one of the pouches on her belt and drew out a small gourd. "Teka," she whispered.
The others removed darts from their own pouches. Leryn dipped these weapons, one by one, into the container then held out her hand to Kirk. He did not know what the liquid was but it must be effective against the Verindi. He held out his axe and she dampened the edge with several drops of the potion. He shook his head when she indicated his knife. He would need it untainted to free Spock and could not take the risk of an accident.
The attention of the Verindis was on Spock and his futile struggles to escape. They were unaware of the danger behind them as the flames rose higher and the wood caught fire. The savages were laughing as they prepared to watch an intelligent creature being burned alive. They screamed with delight, and their blue skins shone with sweat as they danced up and down.
Intense fury built up in Kirk. He glanced at his five companions and saw their determination. Kirk could only guess what the Verindi had done to these gentle people. Were they the reason that so few of the villagers existed?
He ran forward and the Lake People followed, throwing their spears at the unsuspecting Verindi. As Kirk had guessed, the content of the gourd was poisonous and those hit, fell screaming with pain. The others recovered from the shock of the surprise attack and rallied together. Shrieking wildly the two groups clashed in violent hand to hand combat.
Kirk's only goal was to reach his friend. The crimson eyes were gazing at him and his presence seemed to give Spock renewed strength. The gral's muscles strained at the ropes which bound him even as the flames drew nearer. Kirk fought his way towards Spock using every street-fighting trick that he knew but almost at the pyre he saw the Verindi leader jump onto the smouldering stand and aim a dagger at Spock's neck.
"No," Kirk yelled and launched himself forward in a desperate attempt to stop him. He was not close enough but that did not matter. He had to try.
Spock snarled and, with a great heave, broke partially free and moved out of the knife's way just before it reached his throat. The Verindi was unable to stop the downward thrust and the weapon lodged itself in Spock's forepaw.
With a cry of rage, Kirk tackled the Verindi around the ankles and knocked him off the stand onto the ground. He hit him hard across the jaw and the man crumpled into unconsciousness. Wasting no time, Kirk dived onto the now burning stand and cut Spock's remaining bonds. He wound his arms around his friend's heavy body and assisted him away from the pyre to safety. Spock was staggering and his thoughts incoherent. Kirk tried to hide his concern. It had been close - too close - and he did not dare think that, if the knife had been poisoned, it was too late.
The fight raged around them until Matui cut the downed Verindi leader's throat. Demoralised by that death, the remaining few screamed and ran.
"Spock," Kirk said urgently. "Can you walk? We need to get you out of here."
Spock tried to stand up but his legs would not take his weight and he collapsed.
Leryn knelt beside them and looked into Spock's eyes. "Topa," she said, indicating the gourd in her hand.
"Yes, he could be poisoned," Kirk said. "He's certainly been heavily drugged. He won't be able to go into healing trance. How are we going to help him? We can't move him. He's too heavy. We're too few."
Matui and his two remaining warriors went amongst their fallen enemy slitting all their throats. Kirk shuddered but made no comment. It was not for him to interfere with their customs. He did not know why they had helped him but it had been of their own free will. Would their unknown abductors have aided them if the villagers had not? Kirk did not know. Once again he cursed the aliens who had brought them here against their will.
He bent down and stroked his friend's mangled fur. "Spock," he murmured. "Talk to me. Tell me how to help you?
Something would have to be done about the knife embedded in Spock's paw. He hoped that Leryn would know how to treat the wound. He would not consider the alternative.