Healed by Hope by Jim Melvin

base of a titanic mountain, and it was there that the dogs went wild. When they encircled the bear, they barked and yipped hysterically, but the bear paid little notice. He had found a dead tree that contained a mammoth beehive, and he was busily lapping up gobs of honey as the bees buzzed angrily around him, helpless to fend off the assault.
    “Ugga!” Elu called, running heedlessly toward the massive animal. The bear paused, cocked his head, and then charged toward the Svakaran, equally excited. The pair wrestled playfully in the grass, while the cattle dogs nipped at their legs. Even Essīkka and Sam dared to join them.
    But Ugga soon lost interest. He had things to do—bear things. And when he ran off, not even the dogs attempted to follow.
    Elu stared after him, tears coursing down his cheeks. The Svakaran couldn’t decide whether to be happy or sad.
    Then he looked at Essīkka’s lovely face and chose happiness.

15
    IT TOOK THE BETTER part of three days for Ukkutīka, thirty score Tugars, and the Pabbajja to march from Avici to the northeastern border of Java. It was past midnight, and the quarter moon already had set when they decided to call a halt and make camp. Entering the forest at the height of day was dangerous enough. At night it was far worse. Regardless, they were without fear of attack while in the open, and they built a dozen cook fires by the side of the road and enjoyed hot meals. As it turned out, the Pabbajja ate the same kinds of food as the Tugars, and they were surprisingly good hunters. This night they feasted on venison, rabbit, and squirrel.
    After filling his belly, Ukkutīka sat in darkness away from the fires and spoke with Kithar, one of the warriors who had played an important role in the war against the fiends.
    “I don’t know if I’ve ever felt more exhausted,” Ukkutīka said softly. “It has been quite a year. You also must be weary, Kithar.”
    “Weary but relieved,” the Tugar warrior responded. “It is good that we will help the Pabbajja slay whatever monsters remain in Java, but afterward we should return to Tējo where we belong.”
    “Why did you volunteer?” Ukkutīka said.
    “I was with Rati when the swamp rose up and devoured the black knights and Pabbajja. I suppose I’m still feeling guilty that we were unable to save them. And you?”
    “I was not at Nissaya, but I was told that the Pabbajja fought bravely against Mala—and were slaughtered for their efforts. Such unselfishness demands some kind of reward.”
    Kithar nodded. “Their overlord approaches now.”
    The Pabbajja waddled toward them. Ukkutīka was amazed by how quickly the Homeless People could walk, considering their extremely short legs and awkward gaits.
    Bruugash came near and bowed, as was his custom.
    “Master Asēkha . . . it would be our pleasure if the weary Tugars would rest tonight,” he said. “But the Pabbajja have one more task to complete before we can sleep. We must summon the rest of our people, some of whom are many leagues from here, still dwelling on the western border of the forest you call Java but that we know from ancient times as Kala-Vana . I tell you this only because we must leave you for a time, but we will return before morning with more of my people.”
    “How many more?” Ukkutīka said.
    “I am embarrassed to say that I am not sure how many still live,” Bruugash said. “But I would guess that at least one hundred score remain—enough to increase our strength.”
    Ukkutīka nodded. “I am at your service, overlord. Your word is my command. The Tugars will wait here until you give the order to do otherwise.”
    Bruugash bowed again. “We will enter the forest. You might hear sounds and see lights in the distance that will seem unfamiliar. Please ignore them. They will be no threat to you or your warriors.”
    After the overlord and the Pabbajja departed, Ukkutīka surprised himself by falling quickly into deep slumber. In his dreams, Kala-Vana came