Toman of the Cherokee 3

Atohi left me as he headed back into the village. I was still standing there beside the trail. Today had certainly been an eye opener that was for sure! Thinking about Naci’s naked body I shook my head as I felt parts of my anatomy grow to painful lengths!
 
<So it appears you have made a new friend this is good. Just remember you are not to reveal who or what you are. Once I have the bubble in place no one will be able to see or feel what we do within it.> I heard Pops in my head. <By the way what the young Atohi said is true they really do beat you. Don’t take the threat lightly!>
 
My mouth was hanging open when I heard movement behind me on the trail. Several females were coming, stopping a moment to ask if i had seen a pair of males entering the village a short time ago. Still a little dazed I told them no truthfully. The older females looked at me then nodded their heads and moved on. Naci was at the back of the group smiling slightly as she went past.
 
<So, she is as trusting of you as I thought she might. This is a good thing. Toman we have to do all we can to protect these people. What they are doing for us could guarantee their destruction. I’m sure I don’t have to remind you of that fact!> Pops thoughts came to me again.
 
<I am doing all I can Pops. Like I said it feels a lot like I have a curse on me or something!> By now I was really starting to get frustrated with everything that had gone on.
 
<I know I told you I’d look into it, for now try to carry on. Might I suggest that you TRY not to bring attention to yourself anymore?> Pops told me.
 
<As if I am trying to Pops!> I was almost shouting at him in my mind. 
 
Just then I heard more movement down the trail. Moving back I soon saw several younger males moving toward the village. One in particular drew my attention, Malak with his one arm in a sling. Moving past only a few gave me a heated look, though Malak’s could have melted metal.
 
Stopping before me he growled, “You will regret not killing me outsider! Your days here are numbered I shall make certain of that!”
 
I nodded unafraid spitting back, “Only if you are as much of a coward as I think you are and attack me in my sleep!”
 
This of course drew more than a few snickers from some of the males with him. “We shall see when you are dead at my feet!”
 
“Not unless you bring a small army because you are afraid to face me again! No I think that you should just sulk away and leave those of us with real honor alone!” I said in an even lower voice again drawing a few snickers.
 
Malak’s face was red from anger as several of the others dragged him away. I heard many of them whispering to him that I would kill him the way he was. “No, I do not bully or fight the weak and helpless like he does and is!” I snapped out at the few that had spoken.
 
Their eyes wide they all quickly dragged him past leaving me alone again with my thoughts. Well I thought I was alone with my thoughts as I heard a sigh. <I think I am beginning to see what you mean Toman. Just standing there trouble has found you!> Oh shit! I had forgotten Pops had been ‘talking’ to me.
 
<See Pops? Told you I never look for it, it just seems to seek me out!> I thought to Pops still seething with anger from the audacity of Malak and his cronies.
 
<That’s another thing Toman.> Pops told me, <your power has a tendency to be linked to your emotions.>
 
My mouth dropped open, <Pops are you talking about what I think you are? My god! No wonder the council is trying to kill me!>
 
<What are you talking about?> I heard Pops question.
 
<Pops I am not so stupid that even I have heard of the wild power!> I thought back to him then I gasp, <I am a danger to everyone! > Now tears were starting to fall from my eyes. <I am a beast I deserve to di–>
 
I gasp again as I felt an extra hard slap across my face. Again I was flying across the expanse of the forest. I came to a stop at the feet of Pops, an extremely angry look on his face.
 
“I am never to hear that crap out of your mouth again do you hear me?! You disrespect your entire family doing it! I am training you; therefore you are no beast though I still reserve the right to end your life if I have to! Now, get your ass up, get more firewood. This time watch where the hell you are going and what you’re doing!”
 
Picking myself up, I nodded with my head down tears still falling from my eyes. “I’ll do my best Pops.”
 
I moved off keeping all my thoughts to a minimum. I spent the rest of the day watching several of the older males as they practiced with their bows.