Bing Gananda 13

8 Exiles


Samuel Tindor was walking back to the fire when he saw Martin, Spitzer and Hull silhouetted against the horizon. He stayed in the shadows and listened to the argument in horror. Then came the shot, and he saw Spitzer fall.
He stayed still, afraid to move lest they see him. Then, in a moment they all heard the shot from the Mary Anne, followed by a splash.
"Sounds like Roper and Grinder are busy."
"What do you think about Daniels and Billy?" asked Hull.
"Daniels is dead, I don't know about Billy."
"I wonder how it went."
Martin was watching the ship.
"We'll know in a minute," the Mate said.
As they watched, another lantern appeared onboard. This one was swung back and forth for a moment.
"Well, that's that," said Hull. "What about Spitzer here?"
He kicked sand at the body.
"Let the birds have him," Martin said as they turned away.
"Aye, Captain."
Martin smiled.

Tindor watched the men walk back to the group at the fire. He heard the sailors grow quiet. Then there was a cheer. His heart sank.
It was mutiny. He suspected that he would be unwelcome at the fire. He wondered how Jackson had fared. He couldn't imagine the Bos'm as a mutineer. He stood a long time in the dark, watching the ship at anchor in the cove.


At the council, the other Eld grew uneasy at the mention of Kurura. The murmuring from the crowd grew louder. To actually seek out the dragon was unheard of. A voice was heard above the rest.
"Bing Gananda is a danger to us all! Send her away!"
It was Gala Gania. But now the others began as well. Bing Gananda was hurt at the outcry against her. She could see that even the Eld were turning against her. All but the eldest, the one who had spoken to her. She was sure he knew.
But there was no stopping it now. Bing Gananda was banished. The council agreed, all but the one, the eldest, who remained silent.
Gala Gania smiled. She had finally had her revenge.
Anger rose up in Bing Gananda at the injustice of it. She stood defiant, glaring at them all in the moonlight. Then she called to Pandurina. The crowd parted as the Shadocatch strode forth.
Then, with a last defiant glare, Bing leaped onto the cat, and they shot away into the night.


Tindor was unsure what to do. He sat down at the edge of the trees, and looked out over the water to the ship. It was no good going there either.
After a time he noticed something in the water. It seemed to be moving toward the shore. As he watched he could see that it was a man swimming quietly, but not toward the fire. Someone had escaped from the ship.

When Grinder and Roper had attacked, Jackson had realized that he had no chance against both of them. All he could do was attempt to escape. And the only escape was over the side.
But now he was tiring. His soaked clothing was pulling him down. He had already pulled off his shoes. He was no great swimmer, and the beach was still far off. He had no plan other than to reach solid ground.
He was sure the crew on the beach were part of the mutiny. If he made it to the island, he would have to find a place to hide.
He was surprised when his feet found the bottom. He crawled up onto the sand with relief and lay still. He knew he couldn't stay there. But he was exhausted. He had to rest.
Jackson lay there for a time in the dark not thinking of anything other than how good the wet sand felt. Slowly, he became aware that someone was standing next to him.
"Jack?"
"Sam?"
Tindor helped him to his feet.
"Come on, Jack, come back here in the woods. We don't want to be seen."


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