The Taton's Orb

To both his and Brak’s surprise, the stone glowed brightly for an instance and Brak abruptly halted his advance. Eyes wide in fear, Urak stared confusingly at Brak. 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. 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. 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. He had never before experienced such satisfaction. At that moment he realized that he had a weapon whose secret would gain him the power that he had always craved. This secret would assure his rise to chieftain of the clans.