The darkness and evil of their merciless aggression now
repulsed and infuriated him, as if some grotesque and twisted visage.
Bitter, roused beyond words, he let out a cry and leapt wildly toward
the brutal hill-man.
Surprised but not defenseless, Barabbas met the attack head on. Whirling
his weapon with savage skill, he struck Kalus square in the face with
the butt of his spear. Stunned, Kalus fell to the ground, and before he
could move, found the point of Barabbas' spear held threateningly
only inches from his throat.
And so, as quickly as it started, the battle was ended. Though a stern
and forceful leader, Barabbas was not without compassion. Combining sign
language with angry, animal grunts and gestures, he told Kalus he must
now leave the tribe and never return. For by questioning the authority
of its leader he had committed the one act of disloyalty that could
never be forgiven. The other males huddled silently behind him, adding
their mute support.
It was only then that Kalus realized the full significance of what he
had done. Though Neanderthal and ape-like, the hill-people were the only
family he had ever known. Looking to the back of the cave he saw his
mother whimpering softly in dismay, and the other women clutching
tightly to their children, as if uncertain as to what it all meant.
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