Free Bunduki (Bunduki Series Book One) by J.T. Edson Page B

have no idea of the direction in which her
home was situated. In either event, he would be delayed—possibly
for days—in his attempt to find Dawn. That was something which he
did not care to contemplate. He had seen sufficient to realize that
the jungle contained many perils, some of which—such as the
presence of Mangani —were different from anything she might be
expecting.
    ‘ What is your name, great
god of the jungle?’ Joar-Fane continued, when her words failed to
elicit the desired response.
    ‘ Bunduki,’ the
blond giant replied, being able to say his name while speaking the
girl’s language although it had been impossible when using the much
more primitive speech of the Manganis. ‘But I’m not a god. I’m just a
man.’
    ‘ Bunduki,’
Joar-Fane repeated, speaking the word slowly. Then she turned on her
most winning smile.
‘Bunduki. Bunduki. I like it. I’ve never seen such a beautiful man as you,
Bunduki, and I’ll make you a very fine wi—’
    Hoping to chill the girl’s ardor by a
display of indifference, the blond giant pushed her gently aside.
Her words had been trailing away even before he did so, and she was
staring past him in an alarmed fashion. He swung around, wanting to
find out what had attracted—or diverted—her attention.
    Several more Mangani were coming from
the game trail. There were five females; one big and old, the
others younger but fully developed. A dozen children of various
ages were trailing along and two immature bulls brought up the
rear. Joining the new-comers, the two youngest members of the first
party started to explain—as well as their limited vocabulary would
allow—what had happened. The females and the youngsters did not
listen with any great display of interest. In fact, long before the
explanations were completed, they were beginning to scatter and
forage for food in the bushes and grass at the edge of the
clearing.
    Bunduki decided that it might
be advisable to leave. There was a chance that the presence
of Bul-Mok ’s family would arouse his protective instincts and cause him
to lead a mass attack by the other bulls.
    Gathering up his bow, the blond
giant went to retrieve the arrow from Bul-Mok ’s ruined club. If his suspicions regarding the
jungle were correct, it would be impossible for him to obtain
replacements of such quality and materials. The girl scuttled after
him, darting frightened glances at the Mangani. Having advanced with the intention of
attempting to reach the dead capybara, the largest of the young
females gave a snarl and rushed towards Joar-Fane.
    ‘ Back!’
Bunduki roared, reverting to Mangani and placing himself between the girl and
the female.
    Ignoring the command,
the she-Mangani continued to advance. The big blond did not hesitate in his
response. Stepping forward and dropping the club with the arrow
still in it, he delivered a right hand cuff to the side of the
disobedient female’s head that was hard enough to knock her
sprawling. After that, none of the others tried to come near and,
on regaining her feet, the first one hurried away.
    Handing his bow to Joar-Fane who was
staring at him with an expression that—under the circumstances—he
found disconcerting, Bunduki picked up the club and drew free his
arrow. Tossing the club aside, he led the way to the capybara he
had killed. Looking at it, the girl let out a gasp.
    ‘ No Telonga
could have done this!’ the girl declared, indicating the arrow
which had sunk to cresting xxviii so that its head had emerged on
the other side. Then another, more pressing thought diverted her
and she ran the tip of her tongue across her full red lips. The
water-pig is good meat. Even a wild one.’
    ‘ Are you hungry?’ Bunduki
inquired, looking at her as he was kneeling by the
carcass.
    ‘ I have not eaten more than berries and fruit since I escaped
from the Mun-Gatahs’ People-Taker three days ago,’ Joar-Fane
replied.
    Who is he?’ Bunduki asked, removing
the broad head from