Bajjo said, "Are we here to slaughter them? Exile them? Why do we care about this savage village?" He spat on the floor and rubbed his snout.
"You will remain here with one more member: Falak. He is a kite janaav."
Bajjo stood up, knocking over his stool, but Bagheer stepped in front of him. "A net to catch the serpents. The kingdoms will not like it, but it's been months since we found a pit anyway. A cunning strategy to find Fang movement. Falak will fly to give news if we find Fangs, yes?"
General Dabip frowned. "Yes, Bagheer. If the numbers are too great and the village is consumed, he is to inform us. The rest of you—"
"Are to die," Bagheer finished. "We will do as our dharma requires and come back in the next life as something greater." The black panther smiled, patting the naked, muddy shoulder of General Dabip.
"In the next life," Dabip said. "Now, go meet with the woman Ishku. She is the elder of this village, more or less. She will help you settle in and has agreed to you staying. She is an otter."
THE VILLAGE OF MIBTHA blended in with the jungle. The homes were carved into the trees, and stairs were difficult to discern as they were made of branches cajoled to grow into structures. Where man controlled nature, these janaav learned to live with nature. Labda was the only one uncomfortable, as the others felt at home. Sugriva reverted to his monkey form to navigate more easily.
Bajjo ribbed, "One day, little monkey, you will use your janaav form, and you won't have to get so tiny to travel the jungle. Until then, you're really just a man and monkey, but not a janaav." He laughed and it grated on Sugriva's nerves. The monkey wondered if there were fire ants in the area.
Bagheer cut in. "Do not be cruel to Sugriva. His dharma has not led him to find his half form. He will find it when the Astadash feel it time, and not before nor after. If he is not to find it, it is simply a thorn they placed in his side, so he could grow into a new birth more suitable for him."
This did nothing to calm Bajjo's cackles.
Ishku was waiting in front of the only noticeable structure. It was a small hut made of vines and roots, which were under a tree that reached for the heavens. There was a door in the front, and windows which the vines and roots grew around. Vines wrapped around multiple times to create a portal in.
The woman was stunning, with a slender body and fair skin in comparison to most in the dark jungle. Her eyes were red, and her knuckles were a little thick. Some disease, Sugriva assumed. Her hair was gray, with golden highlights, and there was a tail which stuck out under her shirt. She said, "You are the warriors sent to protect our little village? I assume there is not much of an army coming, then."
Sugriva said, "We are only here to watch for enemies. We do not expect real danger. Until we find what we're looking for, we will stay out of your way."
"As long as you stay out of ours," Bajjo grumbled.
A growl emerged from the house, and out came a janaav tiger. He was a large man, with dull orange fur and black stripes. Under his chin and his belly were white. He ducked under the door frame, then stood beside Ishku. She looked like a child in comparison. "You've no place here. Otter Mother is too kind in letting you stay. Find what you need and leave."
"As long as we have that understanding," Bajjo said.
Bagheer took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Then he exhaled and stepped forward. "I apologize for the tension. That was not our intent. If you point us to where we are staying, we will move on with haste. In the meantime, if you have jobs for warriors, we will fulfill our path."
Ishku laughed and smiled. A slight shudder of her body gave Sugriva a thrill. Her hips were wide and her breasts were pleasing, attributes usually denied the slender otters. Yet, despite her physical beauty, the way her eyes shined kept his attention. Ishku said, "I will keep that in mind. Aavu is my overprotective body guard. He can show you to your hut. You can wander as you see fit, but please do not cause pain. We ran away from Jaya to find peace."
Bagheer and Sugriva bowed. Bagheer said, "Thank you for your hospitality."
Sugriva was awed by Ishku, and simpered like an idiot when he came up from his bow and met her enticing gaze.
Aavu walked off, and the five warriors hurried to follow. The tiger growled, "You aren't needed here. We have all janaav, and we can fend for ourselves. Our hawks and kites are just as fast as yours."
Sugriva looked to Falak, but the kite didn't seem to notice the insult.
They arrived and Aavu put an arm across the door. Bajjo nipped, but didn't sink his teeth in. Sugriva thought maybe the badger was becoming house broken. The tiger said, "I will keep an eye on you. I like fighting. Please give me a reason."
Bajjo and Falak were quick to enter the house. Bagheer remained outside when Aavu stormed away, then asked, "Why are you here? It is said you left your paths, but nothing else."
"It is a story not meant for you." This was enough to get Labda to go inside as he sighed from the circular nature of the conversation.
Bagheer persisted. "I believe we should exist together. This can be done through understanding. Please, imbue us with understanding."
Aavu said, "You are respectful and the monkey
