The Bandit Scout

Chapter 9 -- The Feast

Stella's head was abuzz with giddiness from the powerful session she had just had with Carlos, and from the overwhelming feeling of love she felt for him. But she was still the Bandit Scout for the Bucks and had to maintain appearances. Fortunately, her things from her hut had been moved into Carlos' lodge. She put on a long dress with long sleeves for the feast, made of buckskin, of course. This was more formal and proper for the coming event, and happily, it would hide the marks made by the flogger and the rope marks she was proudly wearing. She wasn't ready yet for her father and the other Bucks to view the evidence of her submission to Carlos.

Knowing that the Comanches, Carmen, and Chief Garcia would be displayed at the feast, Stella got a halter and shorts from her things and walked to the camp center, where Carmen and her father were still bound to posts.

"I have been told your story. As a prisoner, you will endure trials and tribulations. But you shouldn't have unnecessary indignities added to those. If I untie you so that you can put on some clothes, will you cooperate with me retying you?" Stella asked Carmen. Turning to Chief Gomez, she said, "The old ways are changing. You have been caught up in that process to the harm of your people. You must note that you have not been tortured, and that is not the normal way of bandits. Think carefully about that before you make any answers tonight, for you will surely be given choices."

Garcia Gomez answered, "I thank you for bringing clothes for my daughter. It is not seemly for her to be naked in front of me. And yes, I have been thinking about the fact that we have not been tortured. I thought that Chief Brooks was saving us for a big event yet to come."

"We didn't know she was your daughter. There will be a feast shortly," Stella said.

Carmen added, "You must be Stella. A woman sentry said that you are the reason that I was taken out of the spread eagle and given this far more comfortable bondage. Thank you for that. Yes, I would love to have some clothing and will do as you say."

Stella began untying Carmen and couldn't help but notice her beautiful and voluptuous body, as well as her long blonde hair. She observed the patch of hair at her groin and knew Carmen was a natural blonde. When she was free, Carmen put on the shorts and halter and backed up to the pole to be retied.

She commented to Stella, "This is a very revealing and sexy outfit you have brought me. It is very nice, and I like it a lot. Thank you, Stella. You are very kind, more so than I expected any of the Bucks to be."

Stella stepped behind the pole, pulling Carmen's hands together and lashing them firmly. She did not add any additional ropes but departed, saying, "I am sure that I will see you later at the feast."

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In Ralph Rider's lodge, he, Medico Stevens, and Chief Brooks were having deep discussions. Chief Brooks was saying, "Of course, we need more than katanas. We need tontos, arrowheads, spearheads, and even wakizashi. And we need armor plating. With an adequate supply of weapons, no bandit or outlaw band can prevail against us. I've heard that on Earth, many centuries ago, a group known as the Romans enforced a period of peace lasting hundreds of years, referred to as the Pax Romana. Together, we could form the foundation of something similar on Newhome. Yes, I spent a few years at Unihold."

Ralph Rider replied, "I have been dreaming of such a thing since my student days at Unihold. This could be the beginning of my dream coming true. Dan, I understand that the idea of this came from your daughter, Stella. In one day, she has changed from my greatest enemy to my greatest ally. You have raised a great woman, Chief."

"Thank you, Ralph. That is kind of you to say. Much of what she is comes from Medico Stevens. She has been a serious student of his from an early age, academically and in martial arts. You know that our scouts are typically older individuals with extensive experience. Due to the efforts of the Medico, she is the youngest scout we have ever had. And she may be the best we have ever had. Now, my worry is her relationship with Carlos McTavrish. You have known him for a long time. Do I need to worry about him?"

Ralph answered, "Dan, if I had a daughter, I could think of no better a mate for her than Carlos McTavrish. He is tough, smart, and fair. And we can have no better an ally than him in our endeavor. But I think we need to address another issue. The actions we take now will set the tone for our future actions. What do you plan to do about the Comanche?"

Dan replied, "You are right. That is a vexing problem. By tradition, I would torture Garcia Gomez and his daughter to death at the feast tonight. That is what the Bucks will expect. But it is not the tone that we want, is it?"

Medico Stevens commented, "You may be giving me too much credit for Stella's progress. She is the most exceptional student that I have ever had. Sorry, Ralph, but that would include you and Carlos, and you two were outstanding. My recommendation is that your primary focus should be on recovering the Katana Documents and developing a method to manufacture the katana blade correctly. What you do with the Comanche is significant, but I think minor compared to making katanas.

"This alliance is also of the utmost importance. I will share something with you that Unihold has kept secret. The Masters at Unihold have anticipated that someone would unlock the secrets of forging a true katana blade for the last century. They hoped it would happen at Unihold, but they also recognized it might occur elsewhere. They also recognized that a political and social realignment on Newhome is necessary.

"I went to Unihold from the Bucks when I was a kid. After I became a Master, the senior Masters observed Ralph and Carlos and concluded the probability was high that they would play a role in this. That warranted having someone nearby to assist. After they left Unihold, I was asked to return home and become the Bucks' Medico. This was in anticipation that the conditions here were right for this realignment to transpire."

Ralph questioned, "Why do I feel like I am a pawn on a chessboard?" He happened to see Stella passing by as he glanced out of a window. "The Comanche may be the easiest part of this mess to handle. I see Stella going by. Let's ask her what she thinks about the Comanche?" Ralph said as he walked to the door and opened it. "Stella, would you join us for a minute?"

Stella entered the lodge, and her father brought her up to date on their discussions. "Stella, I think that we need to break tradition and find a better solution for the Comanche. What do you think about that?"

Immediately, Stella answered, "Dad, no good comes from being continually at war. Throughout my younger years, I trained to prepare for war. Then I left the Bucks' territory as a scout, and I learned two things. Everybody else expects and prepares for war. And nobody wants it. I would like us to give the Comanche the chance to live in peace with dignity. I just took some clothes to Carmen. I learned that she is the daughter of Chief Gomez."

Her dad answered, "I didn't realize that. The girl is tougher than I thought. It is about time to go to the feast. I will be thinking about this. At this moment, it is my thinking that the goals we have been discussing are not mutually exclusive."

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Stella goes to Carlos' lodge and collects him. They walked to the feast, which was set up on the edge of the camp. A head table has been set up to seat the Chief, two of his advisors, his daughter, Ralph Rider, Carlos McTavrish, Capt Ron James, and Medico Frank Stevens. Seats were available for all Bucks of adult age, nearly five hundred of them. A Bucks youth was considered mature by the age of fourteen. A year on Newhome was longer than on Earth, and fourteen Newhome years was about eighteen Earth years.

As soon as the head table was seated, the rest of the Bucks took their seats. Bucks of the age of twelve to thirteen years would serve the feast. There was copious beer and wine. Hard spirits were available on Newhome but were less common. Some adult Bucks remained on guard and on sentry duty. Two stakes had been set in the ground with large stacks of firewood close by. While the last of the Bucks were taking their seats, sentries brought Garcia and Carmen Gomez and tied them to the stakes. By tradition, they would be burned there at the same time that the funeral pyres were lit.

Garcia told his daughter, "Be brave, Carmen. This is the way of the bandits. We have failed, and now we must pay the price, our lives. There will be great pain, but breathe the smoke in deeply, and it will end more rapidly. I have loved you, my daughter, and you are forgiven whatever mistakes you may have made."

Carmen answered him, "Oh, Father, I am so sorry for my part in this. Thank you for those words. But, based on Stella, I still have hope."

Chief Brooks arose and cried out loudly, "Bucks, lift your mugs high to toast our victory. Then drink deeply in hope for a better future for us all." He lifted his mug as all Bucks arose and lifted theirs. Then he drank deeply, as did all but the prisoners.

The Chief gestured for everyone to be seated, and as they did, he continued, "Perhaps we would have won the victory without the Wagon Train and Rider Ranch, but perhaps not. Lift your mugs again and salute the Wagon Train and Rider Ranch. Ralph, Carlos, please stand." Ralph and Carlos saluted the Bucks as the Bucks saluted them. Then they took their seats, and the Chief went on,

"With our new allies, we enter a new age on Newhome. For the new age, new customs and traditions must be forged. Since Ralph Rider will forge new weapons for us and the Wagon Train will transport them, we need to explore new methods for many tasks. First, I will address our Comanche prisoners. Chief Gomez, you planned a secret attack on us, but I turned the tables against you. By our customs and by yours, your life and your daughter's life are forfeit."

As Chief Brooks paused, Garcia Gomez said in a loud and clear voice, "That is the custom. For myself, I will make no plea. I have lost, and it is time for me to die. I will show you the bravery of the Comanche. I do ask that you spare my daughter. Carmen had no part in planning our attack. She is only a low-level trooper. Let her live and do what you want with me."

Chief Brooks replied, "Chief Gomez, I would have all Comanche live and prosper, even though that has not been our way. Are you willing to live under a new order for the good of your people?"

Gomez answered, "I don't understand what you are suggesting. If you will explain it to me, I will do everything that I can to save Carmen and help the Comanche."

The Chief ordered, "Set two more places here at the head table. Free Chief Gomez and Carmen Gomez and escort them to our table. Bucks, this is the first step of many changes to come. We strive to break cycles of violence and promote goodwill among all. Do not mistake, we will have many battles ahead. The proposed changes will not be readily accepted by all. But never doubt, our fighting skills will be required for many years to come.

"For now, do not delay, enjoy this feast," as he took his seat.

The new place settings were placed at either end of the table, and soon Chief Gomez was seated at one end and Carmen at the other. Ralph Rider wished that he could get closer to Carmen. He was finding it hard to take his eye off of her. Garcia said to Chief Brooks, "Thank you for bringing us to your table. Even if you take harsher measures later, this gives us great face. You said something about living under a new order. Would you tell me what you are thinking?"

"Garcia, the Bucks have allied with the Wagon Train and Rider Ranch, not just to fight you, but for the long term to be the enforcers of the peace. We have good reason to believe that Unihold will be a strong supporter of this arrangement. We expect that new weapons will be made available to us. We will require that the Comanche stop all raids on ranches, plantations, mines, towns, and trains. That will be a huge change for the Comanche. Your people will need to learn new trades, such as farming, ranching, mining, and smithing. The Bucks will be responsible for enforcing this. Any individual or group that violates this will be subject to our actions. Can you lead your people in this new way?"

After a moment to ponder, Garcia replied, "I do not know whether I can or not. It will not be easy. The Comanche Bandits will not joyfully give up their traditional life. However, I expect that I can lead this effort more effectively than most. What say the Bucks about this?"

Chief Brooks rose to his feet and said in a loud voice, "Bucks, do you agree with me in breaking tradition and sparing the Gomez's lives?"

The Bucks rose to their feet and clapped to show their support for their Chief.

"Bucks, will you follow me as I break other traditions and form partnerships and alliances with former enemies for our mutual benefit?"

Now, instead of just clapping, a roar of approval came from the Bucks. The Chief said, "Thank you, my friends. Please continue the feast."

To Garcia, he said, "You have heard the Bucks' answer. Now, you must decide which path to follow. Will you become my ally and partner with me to help rebuild Newhome, or will you remain my enemy?"

Garcia replied, "How can I answer honestly since any answer you don't like will mean death?"

The Chief said, "I will pledge you safe passage off of our mountain no matter what you decide."

Garcia asked, "And does that include my daughter?"

And the Chief stated, "No. Whatever answer you give now could be considered to be under duress. You can change your position later, honorably. Carmen must stay with us as a hostage."

Garcia told the Chief, "That is for the best. Many Comanche will blame her for alerting you to our presence here. She will be safer with you."

From the other end of the table, Carmen, who had been listening to the exchange intently, spoke up, "No, Father, if I am to be judged by the Comanche, then so be it. I will stay with you."

"Carmen, Chief Brooks is right. They must have a hostage, and you being here will have more influence on me than anyone. You must do as Chief Brooks and I say."

"Will I be a prisoner?"

Chief Brooks answered her, "Carmen, all Comanche are under suspicion until they prove themselves. You will be close to the leadership of our alliance, and could cause us potential harm. So I must tell you that you are not yet free. As we get to know you better, your situation may improve."

She said, "Chief Brooks, I will try to be a good prisoner for my father."

Stella spoke up, "Carmen, I will try to be your friend and will try to help you in every way that I can."

Ralph said, "Rider Ranch will do everything that it can to keep you safe."

Carlos added, "What Stella said goes for me and the Wagon Train, too."

Seeing that Garcia had eaten, Chief Brooks ordered sentries to take Chief Gomez back to the Comanche in the meadow. They were to free all Comanche but not to return their weapons. Chief Gomez was to organize their return to the Comanche camp.

Once Gomez had left, the Chief said, "Now our next priorities are the return of the Katana Documents and getting the Wagon Train on to Kennedy."

Carlos announced, "I want to return to Rider Ranch. Capt. James, will you continue as Wagon Master and take the Wagon Train to Kennedy? Then, in Kennedy, would you report these events to Unihold? Ralph, would this have your approval?"

Ralph replied, "Yes, I believe that your metallurgy knowledge can be of use in the production of katana. Lt. Daley and his Mounted Platoon should stay with the train, also. Capt. James, does this meet with your approval?"

Capt. James said, "I am more accustomed to just receiving orders. But yes, this is a good plan."

Medico Stevens spoke up, "I believe that I might be of some assistance in developing the method for making a katana. I would also like to go. I also recommend that we take our smith's apprentice, Walter Holt. He is well advanced toward becoming a Master Smith."

"One last item," said Ralph. "I need a personal assistant to speed up my work on the katana. Would you assign Carmen to me?"

Ralph, of course, was saying this because he was infatuated with Carmen. But what he said was true. He did need an administrative assistant. The Chief had no objections. And what the hostage wanted was simply not important. After all, working for Ralph was better than burning at the stake.

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The second feast at the meadow was also progressing well. The Wagon Train was given the same food, beer, and wine as the feast at the camp. The Bucks cooks had outdone themselves.

The details of the Bucks guards assigned to watch the Comanche revealed that twelve of the Comanche were women warriors. The women had been separated from the men for a special sport. The women had been expecting this. The ways of the bandits were harsh, and it was a bad thing to be on the losing side. It should be noted that these bandit practices reduced the number of attacks that occurred because a band would not attack unless it was very confident of winning. The Comanche were confident but had no way of knowing about the sudden and unexpected alliance of the Wagon Train, the Rider Ranch, and the Bucks.

Like all the Comanche prisoners, the women had their hands tied behind their backs. The Bucks sat them in a tight group under a large, wide-spreading tree in the meadow. One woman was selected, and two Bucks approached her and forced her to her feet. She was terrified but would not show it to the Bucks. She knew that she and the other women would pay a horrible price for the Comanche defeat. That was the way of the Bandits. The Chief and his daughter would be burning at the stake in the Bucks camp about now.

The woman's hands were untied, and the rough hands of the Bucks removed her clothing. Her hands were lashed together in front and tied to a long rope that was thrown over a low limb of the big tree. The rope was pulled by Bucks lifting her hands high over her head, until she could only touch the ground with her toes if she arched her feet. Her feet and ankles would soon tire, and her arms and shoulders would be supporting her weight.

One after the other, the rest of the women were treated the same way. Twelve naked women were dangling from tree limbs, all close together. The Bucks' guarding of the men was particularly vigilant at this point. If the Comanche had any fight left in them, this is when they would attack. But they were bound well and had no fight left.

The Bucks made unrestricted use of the tied-up, naked women and rotated with those guarding the men, so all of the guards could have their turn. When a man came before a strung-up woman and impaled her on his member, she would usually put her legs around his hips to support some of her weight and give her aching shoulders, arms, and wrists some temporary relief.

Some of the men were kind. Others were not. All in all, it was a brutal affair. But it was the way of the bandits. But it was not as cruel as the women had expected. They had been hurt and had some bruises, for sure. They had been used sexually. But they had not been damaged in any way, from which they would not recover.

A Bucks rider came and informed the men about what had happened at the feast at the Bucks camp, and Chief Gomez was returning. The guards lowered the women's hands from their overhead position and freed them. They were allowed to dress. Instead of having their hands tied behind their backs once more, they were told to go to their men and to free them.

Food from the feast was brought. The Comanche were surprised when they were freed and allowed to serve themselves food. They were surprised even more later when sentries rode up with Chief Gomez, and they were told that he was still their Chief and that they were free.