A Hero's Welcome (A shaggy dog story)

[grimjim]

As The Kitin War drew to a close, the old lands swept away in the great swarming the armies of the four peoples fought hard to hold back the Kitin while the civilans were evacuated into the Prime Roots.

Many were killed, many more were injured and those who could no longer fight were sent into the roots with the civilians to the newly established villages in the depths of the planet.

One young man fought bravely but suffered a grievous would, the front part of both his feet having been cut from his body by a vicious kincher claw. He survived but barely and was able to walk thanks to specially stuffed boots once the flesh had healed over. Still, he could fight no longer, he was given his amber medal and sent to join his family in the roots.

Hobbling and on crutches he joined the steady stream of despondant refugees making their way into the prime roots and finally made his way to the underground village where his family had settled.

Matis, Tryker, Fyros or Zorai the whole village seemed to greet him as a hero of the Kitin war. Food was laid before him, a special place was set by the fire for him and the children brought him garlands of glowing flowers in thanks for his great sacrifice. He was overwhelmed with joy to be treated so well and despite his natural modesty pride swelled in his breast.

It was some time before he noticed that out of the whole village only one person was not treating him as a hero, avoiding him, scowling at him even. Over the next few days this grew to upset him more and more and every time someone from the village smiled at him all he could see was the scowling face of that one grumpy man.

It preyed on his mind more and more, disturbing his sleep, had he done something to upset the man? Had he fought any less bravely than he should have? Had the man been in the military himself? Could he even be such a thing as a kitin sympathiser?

Finally he could bear it no longer and he hobbled on his crutches to confront the man.

"What is the matter? Have I upset or harmed you in any way?!" He cried "Everyone here treats me as a hero and does me honour but you! Tell me how I have wronged you and I shall make it right!"

The scowling man glowered at him, hawked and spat upon the moss beside him.

"Ain't your fault lad, I'm just lack-toes intolerant."

...

I'll get me coat...

PS. What do you call a Tryker slave on a leash? A foot-long sub!