9 months ago

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Entertainment Rahan Roger Lecureux PukeOnAPlate PukeOnABook Comics

Translated by the Son of the Puke Ages.
Index:
https://rumble.com/v3486cm-rahan-index-of-episodes-by-roger-lecureux..html

Source of Rahan Comics:
Philippe Ropers.
https://vk.com/topic-203785966_47424128

Rahan.
Episode One Hundred and Sixty-Three.
By Roger Lecureux, drawn by Andre Cheret.
The Great Love of Rahan.

As he entered under cover, the son of Crao suddenly saw, a spear throw from his raft.

The skeleton that was springing up.
Out of the water!

Then, the skeleton began to gesticulate in the darkness, and Rahan could make out the thin vines that animated it!
It is not with such crude trickery that "Those-of-the-river" Will forbid their territory to Rahan!

Hum! Usually, intruders turn back! But since the unknown "Fire-Hair" has spirit.
I will have to use another means!

Rahan had barely passed the macabre warning when he collapsed on his raft, a short dart.
Stuck in his back.

Goodbye "Fire-Hair"!
You will not wake up until the "River-Below"! And then it will be too late!
Ha-ha-ha-ha!
The son of the wild ages did not hear the laughter of the hunter with the blowpipe.

Page Two.

He could not hear the sounds of the forest, nor those of the river whose current was becoming faster and faster.
As he did not perceive any rumbling from the distant, foaming, frothing cataract of the "Upper River" and the “Lower River.”

Unconscious, Rahan was carried away towards inevitable death.
It seemed that nothing could save him!
And yet.

And yet he came back to himself safe and sound!
What. What happened? Where is Rahan's raft?

What. What is he doing in this cave?

As he was asking himself these questions, a cheetah came out of the darkness and approached.

Back! "Spotted-Skin"! Rahan did not escape the realm of shadows to perish under your fangs!

Oh. What? What.
Rahan's hand had flown to his ivory knife. But the lizard sheath was empty!
Page Three.

Fear not, "Fire-Hair"! "Zouka" is my most faithful friend! He will not hurt you at all!
Rahan must be dreaming!

From the silhouette and the voice, the son of Crao guessed it was a young woman.
You are not dreaming, Rahan! But you were very, very lucky!

Your raft was caught in a whirlpool long before the "River-below."
A whirlwind threw you into a cove, very close to this cave.

I had a hard time dragging you here! Do you know that you have been sleeping since yesterday?
You had "it" on your back!
A dart!?

Yes, a dart that puts to sleep, like those of my clan use! Only Togar marks his like that!
Which means he is looking for me!

Who is Togar? And who are you yourself?
Why did you steal Rahan's knife and why do you hide your face!?
Rahan took a step, but the Cheetah was already interposing, ready to pounce.

My name is Naouna. I will return your weapon to you when I am certain of your good intentions!
Page Four.

This hood?
The custom of our clan forbids young girls from showing their faces to strangers before their marriage!

And those who violate custom never live more than twenty springs!
But why the Custom!
But why did you flee from your people? Why do you seem to fear this Togar!?

Because Togar has decided that I will be his woman!
And I refuse to marry this brute! I prefer to abandon the clan!
A glimmer of sadness passed through the blue gaze.

That suddenly became concerned.
Someone is coming! "Zouka" smells danger!
Indeed, the cheetah was staring at the entrance to the cave, growling.
And suddenly.
Togar!
I have finally found you, Naouna!

You will not escape me anymore! You wanted to escape with this unknown hunter, huh!?
It is the council of elders who decide your fate!
I will never be your woman! Let me go Togar! Let me go!
The man dragged the young woman away without consideration.
Come! Come!
Page Five.

To me, “Zouka”! To me!
The Cheetah leapt.
Togar had taken up his blowpipe.

The feline reared up, before collapsing on its side, as if struck by lightning.

To me, "Fire-Hair".
Do not leave me in the hands of this savage!
Togar was about to slip another dart into his blowgun.

The son of Crao rushed forward.
Which of the two men would be the fastest?

It was Togar!

The soporific dart stuck in his chest, the son of the fierce ages wavered for a moment.
Before falling a few steps from the cheetah!

Ha-ha-ha!
You did not choose a very sturdy hunter, Naouna!

Page Six.

The sun was low when Rahan regained his senses.
Togar’s darts do not steal life but.
They are formidable! Is that not right "Zouka"!?

The cheetah returned to himself as well, trying to.
Get rid of the bamboo stinger.

Rahan will help you, "Zouka"! Do not move!
An instant later.
You want to thank Rahan!? Well you can help him get his knife back!

Soon after.
Slow down "Zouka"! Slow down! Rahan's heart is going to burst!
The son of Crao could not sustain the mad rush that the feline imposed on him.

He was about to collapse out of breath, when.
Oh!
A line of totems stood along the river, under the light of the setting sun.
The cheetah bounded towards a village of straw huts.

Rahan decided to wait until nightfall before venturing further.
Rahan now knows where to find his Knife! Will he be able to deliver Naouna?

Page Seven.
Naouna, Naouna, Naouna.
The son of Crao liked to whisper this name. He could not get the "Girl with the Leopard" out of his thoughts.
He could still hear the soft voice, and saw, shadowed by the hood, the large sky-colored eyes.
And a feeling he had never experienced before came over him.

The moon was sinking into the flood of clouds, when he slipped into the village.
Voices rose from a large straw hut.

The hunter on guard in front of an isolated hut did not hear the son of the fierce ages approaching.
Naouna is definitely in this hut!

Rahan never hit a man who had his back to him. That was why.
The moon is very beautiful tonight!
Do you not think so?
What? What?
An abrupt, fraction of a turn. And.

Zlang!

Page Eight.
Stepping over the man, Rahan entered the hut, when.
Do not enter "Fire-Hair"! No, no, wait!
Naouna!

Naouna had to put her hood on before Rahan caught a glimpse of her face.
Her cheetah growled, ready to attack.
Flee, Rahan, Flee!

If you are caught in our village.
We will both be put to death!
Rahan will not leave without his knife, give it back to him, Naouna!

I do not have your knife anymore, Rahan!
Togar took it from me!
So Rahan will take it back from Togar!

Togar and the elders are gathered to judge me!
Do not confront them, Rahan! Flee.
Run away while there is still time!

Rahan will never abandon his knife to Togar!

Many times, the son of Crao had lost or had had his knife confiscated.
And each time he had managed to get his weapon back!
The "Elders" are gathered in this big hut! Rahan recognizes Togar's voice!
Page Nine.

And indeed, inside the hut.
And Naouna was preparing to flee our territory with this unknown hunter!
Naouna has violated custom!
What Proof do you bring Togar?

This!
This cutlass is an offering from the unknown hunter in Naouna! And do you believe that one would offer such a beautiful weapon to a woman.
Whose face we have never seen!?

This knife is proof that Naouna showed her face to this hunter! What do you decide Taharg?

I am your leader and Naouna is my granddaughter.
But I will not make an exception for her!
Since Togar claims that she has violated custom.

That is wrong! Naouna took the knife without Rahan knowing!
And she never showed him her face!
The irruption of the son of Crao caused stupor among the "Elders."

And rage in Togar.

Page Ten.

I knew that I should not have spared you in the forest!
I should have killed you!
But there is still time!

Ha-ha-ha!
You are more adept with the blowpipe, Togar!

Togar, furious, was already slipping a scarlet dart into his blowgun.
And this time, it is not an arrow to put you to sleep!
You are going to die, Rahan!

If Rahan understands correctly, he must see that Togar.
Is only brave in front of an unarmed opponent!
So, Togar? What are you waiting for to send Rahan to the "Shadow Kingdom"?
The son of Crao relied on the "Elders'" sense of loyalty.

He had reason!
Stop, Togar! You do not take an opponent's life without.
Having fought him loyally! And.
Since you have a dispute with this hunter, you must settle it with a "Torch Duel", as our law requires!
With the torch! With the Torch!

Page Eleven.
With the Torch!
Rahan agrees to face Togar in a fair duel!
This duel will be!
Here is the rule, each opponent has one hand tied behind his back.

And each one is armed with a torch.
The first one to let his torch slip is considered defeated!

A moment later, the whole clan formed a circle, the younger women, like Naouna, were masked with a hood.
Naouna would have a great opportunity to escape!

The one Rahan's thoughts were directed towards was anxious.
If mine knew that Rahan knocked out Orgho.

They would kill him without even giving him the chance of this "Duel with the torch"!
As Naouna dragged the guard into his hut, the duel had just begun!

All that could be heard was the sound of torches clashing together.
Chtok!
The outcome of the fight was uncertain.

Page Twelve.

For if Togar had the power, the son of Crao had the agility!

The blow had surprised Rahan, throwing him to the ground!

But he had not let go of his torch! Enraged, Togar threw himself on him.
Let it go!
Let it go! Or else.

Ra-ha-ha!

Togar had just fallen abruptly.
Hargh!
And let his torch escape!

The son of the fierce ages did not give him time to take it back!
Is Togar admitting defeat?
Yes?
No?

Page thirteen.

Togar was defeated in a fair fight!
So his life is yours! Here. You can kill him!
The old chief held out the ivory knife.

Rahan never steals the life of "Those-who-walk-upright"!
Togar will live!
Rahan had barely sheathed his knife when cries arose.

Naouna has run away!
It was this man who delivered her!
The hunter that Rahan had knocked out shortly before had just appeared, accusing.
Immediately, hostile cries arose.

Death. Death!
Rahan will never convince this clan!
All he has left is to flee! If he can still escape from this trap!

Snatching his long spear from a shocked hunter.
Oh!

Ra-ha-ha!
He escaped the encirclement with an agility that left the others speechless!

Page Fourteen.
When Taharg reacted, the son of Crao had disappeared!
Find that hunter and bring him back! But bring him back alive! Do you understand Togar? Alive!
I will kill this Rahan! Only an old fool like Taharg can think of sparing him!

Rahan, panting, had just reached the big river.
He was going to dive.

When.
Come near me, Rahan! They will never imagine that we are hidden here!

Naouna!
The hooded girl stood on top of a tall totem pole.
She stood out against the moon, like a goddess of the night.
The totem's sculptures made it easy to climb.

Why are you hiding here, Naouna!?
Why did you not take refuge on the other side of the river!?

Like all the clan, I never knew how to "Crawl on water"! Quick, Rahan. They are coming!

The flickering lights of the torches drew nearer.
The fugitives held their breath.
When Togar and his men passed at the foot of their refuge.
Page Fifteen.

But Suddenly.
The cheetah growled furiously, unwittingly betraying the presence of Rahan and his companion!

The hunters reacted instantly.
Naouna! Rahan!
The foreigner must pay with his life for such sacrilege!
Taharg demanded that we bring him back alive!

What does this old fool matter! I claim the honor of killing this Rahan myself!
Togar already slipped a red-feathered dart into his blowgun.

“Arrows of death”! This time you are lost, Rahan! The two of us are lost!
Not yet Naouna! We still have the river!

But. I do not know how to crawl on water!
Rahan will help you. Courage.

A clamor arose.
Seizing Naouna in his arms, the son of Crao jumped into the black waters.

Page Sixteen.

Do not be afraid Naouna!
Togar cannot do anything against us anymore!

Although the current was fast, Rahan swam vigorously toward the other bank, and
A little later.
Togar will not join you on this side of the river!
You will probably find a more welcoming territory than yours.

You might meet a hunter there. You will love and whose woman you will become.

No!
Naouna had almost screamed.

No hunter could match you, Rahan! You have never seen my face! You do not know if I am.
Ugly or not, but you did not hesitate to risk your life for me!

It is with you that I want to live, Rahan! From now on, and forever!
But. But that is impossible. Naouna!

Why!? Maybe I am not pretty enough?! Say it!
Naouna had suddenly thrown her hood at Rahan's feet.
And the latter, his heart pounding, hesitated to turn around.

Page Seventeen.

I just broke our custom for you, Rahan! You have to answer my question!
Naouna seemed to defy the moon, which fringed her face with a marvelous halo of silver.

You are beautiful, Naouna! You are very beautiful!
During his adventures, the son of Crao had met many young and pretty women.
But never had he felt such a strong emotion.

Naouna, suddenly anxious, threw herself against him.
The spirits will punish me! I will not live my twentieth spring!
The "Spirits" exist only in the imagination of "Those-who-walk-upright"!

You will live your twentieth spring, and many more!
How can you say such a thing?

Because Rahan will watch over you! Because Rahan loves you, Naouna!
Rahan, troubled, felt as if these words had been spoken by someone other than him.

He awkwardly tried to take hold of himself.
Uh. Rahan is.
Tired. He, He does not really know what he. Says.
We'll talk about all this again tomorrow, Naouna!
Page Eighteen.

A little later.
I am happy, Rahan! The season of the "Green Leaves" will end soon.
What does it matter if I do not see the one of the "Yellow Leaves”!
Chase that stupid idea out of your head, Naouna!

Naouna spoke at length about her childhood, the death of her parents during a dangerous hunt.
It was Taharg-the-chief-who took me in and raised me.
As Crao collected and raised Rahan!

It was while recounting her memories that Naouna fell asleep.
By disobeying the custom of the hood.
In defiance of evil spirits.

You gave Rahan the greatest proof of love! Rahan will never forget it.

The son of Crao had difficulty sleeping. When he finally found it, the sweet Naouna infiltrated his dreams. He imagined himself marrying Naouna.
Taharg-the-chief consecrated their union in front of the entire clan.

From then on, he knew the deepest happiness with his companion. Everything seemed more beautiful to him. More beautiful, the forests. More beautiful, the springs.
I love you Rahan! I love you!

Page Nineteen.

He taught Naouna to "Crawl on the water", and revealed to her countless secrets that he himself had discovered during his adventurous wanderings.

Dangers sometimes threatened their well-being, but they knew how to repel them together, overcome them together, triumph together!

We won Naouna!
Thank goodness, Rahan!
Otherwise, our son would never have seen the light of day!
No, our son! Our son, our son!
In the whirlwind of his dreams, he imagined Naouna giving him a child.
Rahan's son!
This, this is wonderful Naouna!

Ra-ha-ha!
What is going on, Rahan? Why that scream!?
It was the glow of the rising sun that awakened the son of the wild ages.

Because Rahan is happy, Naouna!
And if you still want to become his woman, he will be.
Happier still! What do you answer?
I will be your woman Rahan!
Page Twenty.

Rahan knows that it is customary to offer a present to his future companion.
He can only offer you this necklace!
Take it Naouna!

Naouna was reeling with emotion.
The son of Crao had told her the day before how much this necklace of claws meant to him.

The son of the wild ages, throughout his wild childhood and adventurous youth, had never left this necklace!

Therefore this offering that he presented today was the most beautiful sacrifice on his part!
You. You should not, Rahan!
Rahan is sure Crao would approve!

And then one day we will do what Crao and his father's father did.
We will pass the necklace on to our son!

Tears of happiness sparkled in Naouna's azure eyes, like crystal pearls.
I love you Rahan!
I love you!

Page Twenty-One.

It is all just a beautiful dream, Rahan! Too many things stand in the way of our love! The spirits will punish me for violating the "custom of the hood"!

Taharg-the-Chief will never agree to our union!
Togar the jealous will kill us without respite, He will kill you with his own hands!

Shortly after, these hunters discovered the hood abandoned by Naouna.
Naouna would never have dared to defy the spirits like that!
Or else. That is all.
Rahan is a demon who bewitched her!

"Zouka" suddenly growled, signaling the approach of the men.
If Togar and his brothers have found our tracks, we are lost!
Unless we cross the river again!

Carrying Naouna, the son of Crao was already throwing himself among the reeds.
Rahan knows an old ruse that almost always succeeds!

Zlac!
The ivory blade cut down a tuft of dry, hollow reeds.

Page Twenty-Two.

Suddenly.
Oh! "Zouka" is going to be devoured by the "Woodskin"!
A crocodile glided in the wake of the cheetah as it swam toward the other shore.

The son of the fierce apes could, when circumstances demanded it, swim as fast as a fish.
Goodbye "Skin-of-wood"!
Rahan has no other solution!

You are saved, "Zouka"!
Rahan hopes that your presence will not betray that of Naouna!
The ivory weapon had brought death. The saurian whipped the water in a final convulsion and.

The current carried him away.
And Rahan? Where. Where is Rahan?

Oh!
Rahan appeared right next to her and had managed the feat of swimming to kill the saurian and coming back without returning to the surface once!

A feat that nearly deceived Togar and his men.
Over there. Look. It is Naouna's "Spotted Skin"! This proves that Rahan and Naouna.
Are hidden in these reeds!
Page Twenty-Three.

Nestled against the bank, breathing thanks to the hollow reeds, Rahan and his companion heard the hunters' footsteps.
They are approaching!

And suddenly.
There they are!
Ha-ha-ha! I am going to skewer that demon like a common fish! Ha-ha-ha!

Zlack!
But he had grabbed the shaft of this one and.
Pulling suddenly, threw Togar off balance!

To me! To me!
Do not let this demon escape again!
Not knowing how to swim, Toger clung to the reeds and yelled.

Kill him! Kill him!
But his brothers did not react when Rahan, supporting Naouna, moved away from the bank.
Taharg-the-chief said to bring back "Hair of fire" alive! We will obey Taharg!

Page Twenty-Four.

Why come back to the village, Rahan?
Because Tahar-the-elder must know that you are going to become Rahan's companion!

Togar is as relentless as he is ambitious. He dreams of seeing his totem rise here!
His totem? What do you mean Naouna?

Tradition has it that our clan raises a totem to the glory of each chief, before he joins.
The "Territory-of-Shadows."
They will not forgive me for not wearing the hood anymore! I am scared, Rahan! I am scared!

Under their hoods, the young women's eyes shone strangely.
The men's hands clenched on their axes and spears.
Confidence, Naouna! Rahan is watching over you.

Taharg the Elder's face had hardened, and his gaze expressed deep sadness.
By showing your face to a foreign hunter, you have violated custom and defied the spirits, Naouna!
The elders will decide your fate!

Rahan is no longer a stranger, Grandfather!
See this necklace he gave me! That means I am now his wife!

Page Twenty-Five.

A murmur of amazement arose.
The sadness disappeared from Taharg's gaze.
The woman of "Hair of Fire"?
Is this really true Naouna?

That is the exact truth, Taharg!
And Rahan wanted you, his grandfather, to be the first to know this great news!

This is indeed great and happy news, Rahan!
But I doubt that it will be to the taste of all our hunters!

Taharg is right!
Oh!

The son of the fierce ages had thrown himself aside, avoiding the dart aimed at him.
And.
Chtok! Argh!
The red-feathered dart had found another target!

Look! It was Togar who killed Taharg!
I, I did not want to touch Taharg! That. That is the "Fire-Hair" demon!
That I was aiming for!
Page Twenty-Six.

Cries of death rang out from all sides, which the son of Crao stopped with a gesture.
Wait! Taharg-the ancient is still alive!
Rahan might be able to stop him from joining the shadows!
Rahan had already pulled out the poisoned dart and was cutting into the wound.

This was a technique Crao practiced when a poisonous snake bit a hunter!
The whole clan was watching, intrigued and yet hostile.
Hum! If Rahan does not manage to save Chief Taharg. He will not survive him for long!

Several times Rahan sat up, coughing up a little blood.
Rahan is a "Wampa." he drinks Taharg's blood! Kill him!

Taharg will live.
The old chief muttered two inconsistent words, but his breathing was still irregular.

Rahan lies to us to save his life!
Has Togar already forgotten that he was the one who almost stole Taharg-the-Chief's?

Page Twenty-Seven.

The elders rapidly consulted and rendered their verdict.
If Taharg survives, the clan will forgive Togar for his sin and grant Rahan hospitality.
But if our leader dies, Togar and Rahan will both be put to death!

Carried away to his straw hut, old Taharg was delirious.
I would so much like your happiness, my Naouna.
But this Rahan, Has not yet accomplished his feat! Is he worthy of our clan!?

However, Togar and his brothers consult together.
If Taharg dies, the clan will kill you, Togar!
No! We convince those fools that Rahan.
Was sent by the evil spirit!

And I will not let anyone else have the pleasure of sending Rahan to the "Shadows"!
I will become the leader, and Naouna will no longer be able to resist me!
She will become my woman!

In another hut, Naouna lived in anguish.
Do you think grandpa will live?
Rahan cannot know, Naouna. We can only hope!

Naouna finally fell asleep, her long hair spread over her companion's chest.
If Taharg-the-elder dies, our dreams of happiness will never come true!
Page Twenty-Eight.

A great clamor suddenly broke out at daybreak.
Taharg still lives! Taharg still lives!
The old chief stood on the threshold of his hut.

The whole clan was already gathering.
The "Shadows" Did not Want Your Old Chief, Brothers!

The son of Crao and his companion rushed in.
But the "Shadows" are not everything! Ranggo, our sorcerer, claims that Taharg is still alive.
Taharg the elder had become ironic.
Rahan has a lot to do with it!

May this day be a day of joy!
An ovation greeted the son of Crao.

May Togar be forgiven for his inhospitable attitude towards the stranger with “Hair of fire”!
May Naouna be forgiven for revealing herself before her marriage!
And since Naouna wants to marry Rahan, may her wishes be granted!

A cry of rage suddenly rose up.
Taharg has no right to let one of ours marry a stranger!
Rahan does not belong to our clan and has not accomplished the exploit that would make him worthy of being part of it!
Page Twenty-Nine.

Togar, once again, challenged the son of Crao. But the old chief decided.
Rahan saved Taharg's life.
Is that in the eyes of the clan, not a sufficient feat!?

Rahan and Naouna will be able to build their hut wherever they want on our territory!
I hope you will not have to regret this generosity, Taharg!

Togar raged with his brothers entrained.
You will have to be wary of Togar, “Hair of Fire”!

In the meantime, I wish you and Naouna great happiness!

In the days that followed, Rahan and his companion built the most pleasant of straw huts on the hill overlooking the river.
It was the middle of the "Green Leaf Season" and.

The nights were clear and mild.
Tell me more about yourself, Rahan. I want to know everything about the one I love!

The son of the wild ages recalled his adventurous childhood, his eternal wandering from territory to territory, and his marvelous discoveries.

Page Thirty.

The son of Crao also spoke of his countless clashes with "Those-Who-Walk-Upright".

But Rahan never stole a single hunter's life!
He never killed a man! And that is his pride!

Rahan spoke without any vanity of all these mysteries of nature that he had elucidated.
Of all his inventions born from his observations.
And Naouna was ecstatic.

Would my Rahan be the greatest of sorcerers?
Or a spirit. Or a god?
Ha-ha-ha! Neither one, Naouna! Rahan is not.
Just a simple hunter! And he is proud of that too!

A little later, the son of Crao taught his companion to "Crawl on the water".

Which fueled Togar's jealousy, who sometimes came to spy on the couple.
I will kill Rahan!
I will kill him.
But he will have to suffer before he can join the shadow realm!
Page Thirty-One.

As the days went by, Rahan taught Naouna a thousand things.
Well done, Naouna! You will soon be more skillful than Rahan!

I got him, Rahan! Quick, Rahan! Quick!
Often hunting together, the young woman showed no less ardor than her companion.

They never failed to go down to the village to offer a portion of game to the old chief Taharg.
May happiness accompany you until the end of time, my children!

One morning. They came across Togar and his brothers, who were leaving for the mountain.
Where are they going, Grandpa?!
Hum, er.

Taharg the Elder was terribly embarrassed.
Togar wants. To accomplish an “exploit” to take you back from Rahan. Naouna.
An “Exploit”?

What “Exploit”?
Togar has promised to bring back the totem tree before the "Pointed Moon".
If he succeeds, it will be a very great feat, and I will no longer be able to oppose his will!
I should respect the law of the clan, which requires that the first wish of the one who accomplishes an "Exploit" be granted! And Togar will demand that you become his woman, Naouna!
Page Thirty-Two.

Never! I would rather kill that brute!
You will not have to do it, Naouna! Rahan will bring back a totem tree before Togar!

A little later.
The red-wood trees grow behind the hills, two days' walk from here.
And it will take you four times as long as Togar and his brothers to drag a tree to the village.

The pointed moon appears on as many nights as the fingers of both hands.
So Togar can accomplish his "Exploit"!

Do not worry, Naouna. Rahan will be back long before him!
An idea came to him.

The son of Crao looked mischievously at the river.
Naouna, pensive, saw her companion disappear into the hills.

You have to get used to the idea that Rahan is not a hunter quite like the others, Naouna!
He is like the wind that blows from valley to valley. Like the "Hook-beak" that flies from summit to summit. How could he live happily with you, Naouna!

Page Thirty-Three.

It took the son of the fierce ages two long days to finally discover some "Red-flesh-Trees".
It will only take Rahan one morning to return by river!

But. A few arrows' length away, Togar and his brothers were already on their way back.
Listen! Does it not sound like axe blows!

An instant later.
"Fire-Hair"! Finally the chance to kill this demon!
He is alone, and there are four of us! That would not be fair, Togar!

So. I will take care of him alone!
But as I promised myself, I want him to suffer before joining the "Shadows"!

The son of Crao was hacking into the tree with such ardor.
He did not even feel the dart!

When he came to, it was to hear Togar's cruel laughter.
Ha-ha-ha!
As long as you have the strength to hold on to those roots, you will live!
But the time will come when you will have to let go.
And then.
Page Thirty-Four.

And it will be the great dive into the "Kingdom of Shadows"! Are you ready "Fire-Hair"?
Let’s go!

Ha-ha-ha-ha!
Togar had just pushed the rock into the void, and Rahan only just had time to grab the roots!

The son of Crao thought that both his legs were being torn off.

Togar had disappeared.
The rogue left Rahan his knife. But to draw, Rahan must let go of a hand.
One hand only! He needs to hold with one hand only!

The torture of cutting the vine was unbearable and the only way to end it.

Rahan's hand had barely flown towards the ivory handle, when the other had to let go!

He had one last thought for Naouna, and that was the fall.
He caught a glimpse of the river rushing at the bottom of the gorge.
And.

Page Thirty-Five.

The heavy rock had been stopped on.

A providential ledge, that arrested his fall.
The "Shadows" do not want Rahan yet!

An instant later. A strong wind had risen.
Rahan is saved!

Crack!
Oh? What is this? What is that?
He had barely freed himself when a long crack arose over the wind.

The red-fleshed tree! The wind has finished Rahan's work!
The tree, whose trunk he had made a large cut into, fell under the gusts.

And sliding in turn on the cliff, tipped into the void.
And was falling straight towards Rahan!
Rahan was wrong, the "Shadows" have not yet said their last word!

However.
Chase away this stupid remorse! The main thing now is to arrive before the "pointed moon".
We should have stopped you from torturing Rahan, Togar!

Naouna, in the village, lived in worry.
This coming night will be the third since Rahan's departure.
He will never be able to bring back a "Totem Trunk" alone!
Page Thirty-Six.

Rahan should not have taken up Togar's challenge!
I am unhappy my Zouka! Perhaps the spirits want to punish me for having disobeyed custom!?

It was in the middle of the night that a.
A long cry arose from up the river, far away, upstream.
Ra-ha-ha!
This. This. This is impossible. I. I must be dreaming.

Naouna was not dreaming!
Rahan! Rahan!
It was indeed Rahan who appeared.
Straddling a tree.

Throw some vines to him! Quick! Quick!

A little later.
Taharg the elder could not hide his joy.
You brought back the red-fleshed tree before Togar! That is a great exploit, "Fire-Hair"!

Rahan told how he almost got knocked down by that tree and how.
If Rahan catches the totem tree, he will gain several days on Togar!
The idea came to him to take the "Path of the water".
Page Thirty-Seven.

The son of the fierce ages generously did not speak of the torture to which Togar-the-deceiver had subjected him!

He and his companions did not arrive until the day after next.
Argh!

There were four of you, and Rahan alone did better than you!
Men were already carving the large totem dedicated to the old chief.

Togar's rage was indescribable.
Naouna will neither be mine nor Rahan's! I will kill her at the first opportunity!
You are losing your mind Togar! Do not count on us anymore!

As the "Green-Leaf-Season" came to an end, Naouna's anxiety grew.
The spirits are punishing me for violating the custom of the hood!
I will not see the season of the "Yellow-leaves"!
Stupid belief, Naouna! Nothing will happen! You will live!

Rahan was right. The first dead leaves fell, and nothing happened.
This custom was born.
In the mists of time, it is unfair for our young women! The example of Naouna proves it!

These words of the sorcerer triggered joy. All the young girls of the clan, that day, got rid of their hoods forever!
Page Thirty-Eight.

We are moving deeper into autumn, and life continues, happy and peaceful.
But, Naouna, more and more often.

Discovered her companion meditating apart. Or.
Observed, thoughtful and melancholic, the last blazes of the sun.
Rahan is not happy as he should be.
Rahan needs new horizons!

Rahan will never settle on one territory!
He will always want to discover what is hidden on the other side of the mountains.
The other side of the oceans!
Rahan's destiny is to uncover the secrets of nature.

To go from clan to clan to transmit them to "Those-who-walk-upright"!
Naouna has no right to be an obstacle to this destiny!

One morning, returning from a hunt lasting several days, the son of Crao chased away a flock of birds of prey.
Oh! What. What is going on?
Naouna!

Fearing the worst, he rushed towards the hut from which a few more vultures escaped.
Naouna!
Page Thirty-Nine.

Togar!
The half-decayed corpse that lay there was indeed Togar's.
The quiver of red darts proved it!

Rahan ran down the hill, calling out to Taharg-the-elder.
The "Hook-Beaks" tore Togar apart! But what was he doing up there!?
Where is Naouna!?

A sad smile creased the old chief's lips.
Reassure yourself, "Fire-Hair". Naouna is alive!
But it was a close call.

Just after he left for the hunt, this felon Togar tried to steal Naouna's life!
He was like crazy.
And he would probably have killed Naouna, if "Zouka" had not come to his aid!
It was Togar who has joined the "Shadow-Territory"!

This coward did not deserve to be buried!
We left his remains to the "Crooked Beaks"!
And Naouna?! Where is Naouna!?

Page Forty.

You will not see her again "Fire-Hair"!
She left the clan three days ago!
She did not want to hinder your destiny.

Leaving is the greatest proof of love she could give you, Rahan!
Do not try to find her, brother! You have taught her enough tricks to escape your search!

Here, she asked me to give this back to you!
Rahan knew that he would not find again the one who, for a season, had been his companion.
Rahan will never forget you, Naouna!

He found it too difficult to stay any longer in this territory, and the same day he decided to leave "Those-of-the-Upper-River."
The salutations of the clan accompanied him for a long time.
But the son of Crao did not hear them.
He thought of this great love that had lasted only one summer.

He thought of that girl with the azure eyes.
He thought of Naouna.
And he knew he would never forget.
Never.
Never.

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