his hilt blade but suddenly fire shot through his
chest. He couldn't breathe and his head began to whirl.
35 He tried desperately to hold on to the other man's weapon, but the
man pushed him down on his back and pulled free, slashing his stomach
with his hilt blade. The man rose his weapon to drive it in Swift
Deer's throat, but before he could, a huge fist drove into his face.
The man's head jerked back, there was a loud snap, he went limp and
fell over Swift Deer.
36 A huge hand.reached down, picked him up, and threw him aside. The
last thing Swift Deer remembered of the fight was a loud voice booming
"Come on worms, taste my metal! Come on!" Then, darkness swallowed him
up.
37 When he woke, someone was wrapping bandages around his stomach and
he was laying on Sweet Treasure's lap. The great Giant stood over them.
38 "He'll be o.k.," the Healer announced. "He hasn't lost much blood.
He's got to be quiet for several days so this can heal."
39 The Giant shook his head. "Don't you know enough not to jump on a
sword?" he asked.
40 "At the time," answered Swift Deer, "it seemed like an important
thing to do."
41 "I'll be right back," announced the Giant. "Something I've got to
take care of." About fifteen prisoners were huddled in the corner under
guard. "Do you men want to live?" They all shook their heads. "Then go
back and tell your friends that the only way any of them will stay
alive is if you bring me the heads of your Chieftains within fifteen
minutes. The other Chieftains have already been told, and
every passage is sealed. The only way any of you will