The Taton's Orb

To both his and Brak’s surprise, the stone glowed brightly for an instance and Brak abruptly halted his advance. Â Eyes wide in fear, Urak stared confusingly at Brak. Â His adversary froze into a zombie-like state, his eyes filled with indescribable terror.

Urak, still holding the stone, curiously waved his hand in front of Brak’s face. Â Receiving no response, and recognizing an opportunity to ensure his own survival, Urak withdrew his short dagger from its sheath and plunged it into Brak’s belly. Â The dagger penetrated the yellowish skin without resistance and Brak fell dead to the floor with only a quiet moan escaping his lips.

The stone pulsed brightly at the deed and Urak experienced a sense of power flowing through his limbs. Â He had never before experienced such satisfaction. Â At that moment he realized that he had a weapon whose secret would gain him the power that he had always craved. Â This secret would assure his rise to chieftain of the clans.