CHAPTER 2
The Attack
Four hundred twenty-two years passed since the world changed. Deekee didn't think things were so bad. He boasted about a good slaving business over the years. He, his three spouses and eleven children were more than comfortable. Something was missing. Being a Tentinile has its rewards, like once in a great while, he would come into possession of an Elite. He delighted in the different creative ways he could make them scream. He especially liked the profits he made from the ticket sales. "They deserve it, they caused it all didn't they?" he thought to himself.
"Dad! Dad! His oldest son, Landah yelled as he ran up to his father.
"What is it Landah?" Deekee asked.
"Good news, the slave catchers have made a haul!" Landah said excitedly.
Deekee's eyebrows rose in anticipation as he asked, "What kind of haul?"
"They caught four Elites - one man, one woman and two boys! Is that bagend or what?" Landah exclaimed.
"Yes, it definitely is an exciting turn of events!" Deekee answered. "Profitable indeed," he thought to himself rubbing his hands together.
"But there's some bad news too," Landah said a bit more subdued.
"What? Spit it out," Deekee commanded impatiently.
"There was an Elite land machine that they couldn't get into, so they left it there," Landah answered.
Deekee was disappointed about the machine. "Landah, harness the Dantros, get provisions and have the catchers pull the machine back!" Deekee snapped. He had the best team of Dantros in the city and knew they would have no trouble bringing the machine back to the village.
"O.k. dad, I'll get on it. Can I go with them?" Landah asked.
"Not this time, did you forget it's Bandee's Birthday?" Deekee said.
"Oh, yeah. How about next time?" Landah persisted.""Sure, Landah, next time," Deekee answered rather absent-mindedly.