CHAPTER VI
Hanna opened her eyes, confused and suffering from a terrible headache. Her body was so battered that she could barely move. Fragments of memory drifted through her mind, but they were so hazy, so delirious and impossibly unreal, that she could remember nothing of what had happened after the accident.
Everything that followed remained a mystery. Nor did she have the slightest idea where she was.
Looking around offered little help. The room was almost completely dark, although she seemed to be safe, tucked beneath a blanket on something resembling a small bed.
How had she gotten there?
Perhaps it had all been a bad dream. Perhaps the strange world in which she believed she had found herself was nothing more than a product of her imagination.
Hanna knew that asking herself so many questions would do no good, yet the only thing occupying her aching head was precisely that: the desperate need to find an answer.
Hungry and terribly thirsty, she tried calling for someone who might help her. Her voice was so weak that it was barely audible.
Moving proved just as difficult. Nevertheless, fighting the pain that coursed through every muscle in her body, she managed to pull her arms free of the heavy blanket covering her.
She felt along her body, reassuring herself that she was at least still in one piece. Then, with considerable effort, she managed to sit upright on the narrow bed.
The entire process was slow and painful, but at last she achieved her goal.
Next, she searched for a light switch, hoping to discover what kind of place she had awakened in.
She found nothing.
Only a rough, mud-covered wall that seemed to crumble beneath her fingers.
She called for help again, without success.
Then she tried to stand.
Much to her dismay, it was impossible. Her injured leg was swollen, and the slightest movement caused excruciating pain.
Abandoning the attempt, Hanna reached down to examine her wound.
She felt a crude bandage covered in some kind of thick, sticky paste. There was plenty of it, and curiosity prompted her to take a little between her fingers to discover what it might be.
She brought it to her nose.
Whatever it was, it smelled awful.
Still, the mere fact that someone had been caring for her was comforting. At least, she thought with a touch of irony, she was no longer surrounded by iron bars.
Or so it seemed.
Time passed slowly in the dark room.
After several minutes, Hanna began to grow impatient. The silence was absolute, and she had no idea whether it was day or night.
The possibility that everything had been a dream was becoming increasingly difficult to believe.
Accepting a more realistic explanation, she began wondering what had happened to Gunuruk.
She also remembered the last moments she had spent with Kron.
Inevitably, tears began to fall.
After a long, claustrophobic wait, she finally heard something.
A door slammed somewhere above her, sending her heart racing.
Then came footsteps, apparently from an upper room. A shiver ran down her spine, raising the hairs on her arms.
Nervously, she returned to her original position and tried to pretend she was still asleep.
But before she could pull the blanket over her head, the door began to open, stirred by a faint current of air.
A dim light entered the room.
The space was remarkably simple. There were no decorations, no windows, nothing that might offer the slightest clue to her whereabouts.
Only a beautifully carved door, beyond which she could make out what appeared to be daylight.
Hanna remained motionless, studying her surroundings.
Clearly, this place was strange, just like everything else that had happened to her.
And whatever she remembered, it had not been a dream.
Before she could speculate any further, the sound of someone hurrying down the stairs sent her heart racing again.
In a way, she was desperate for someone to arrive. Yet the fear that it might be another of the dreadful people she had encountered made anticipation and terror almost indistinguishable.
She tucked her head beneath the blanket.
A shadow appeared in the doorway.
The figure approached the bed in silence. Noticing a faint movement beneath the covers and hearing the nervous breathing of someone trying desperately to remain quiet, the visitor slowly began pulling back the blanket.
“Hanna!” came a voice with a peculiar accent.
She reacted with immediate delight.
It was Gunuruk.
There could be no doubt.
He moved closer, so close that she could almost smell him, and at last she saw his tiny eyes again.
“Gunuruk!” Hanna exclaimed, her face lighting up.
Her little friend answered with a smile.
Despite the short time they had known each other, the bond between them seemed sincere and remarkably strong.
For several seconds, they held hands and studied one another, trying to make sure they were both all right despite their obvious injuries.
At first, they simply smiled.
Then a strange, brief conversation began. Neither understood a single word the other was saying, yet Hanna became so overwhelmed that she burst into tears.
Gunuruk watched his brave friend with concern as she struggled to wipe away the tears streaming down her face.
Perhaps the joy of seeing her plump little companion again had been too much for her.
Or perhaps it was simply the final drop in an overwhelming flood of emotions that, incomprehensibly, she had been forced to endure.
Whatever the reason, Hanna could not stop crying.
Gunuruk, his bright eyes filled with sadness, gestured anxiously, trying to cheer her up.
But she kept talking through her sobs.
“Where am I? What am I doing here? I just want to go home!” she repeated.
She knew it was useless.
And yet, strange as it seemed, the only thing that brought her any comfort was the knowledge that she was with this endearing little creature.
She forced a smile for her friend, although tears continued rolling down her damp cheeks.
Gunuruk appeared to understand.
Perhaps it would be better to leave her alone for a while.
After making it clear through his gestures that he would return later, he said goodbye and waddled cheerfully out of the room.
Left alone in what seemed to be some kind of burrow, Hanna continued crying.
Although she tried to stop, several more minutes passed before she finally fell asleep.
Hunger and thirst soon woke her again.
When she opened her crusted eyes, she discovered Gunuruk sitting on a small stool, keeping watch over her.
Feeling a little better, Hanna smiled.
Then she used her hands to explain just how hungry and thirsty she was.
Gunuruk had no difficulty understanding. After being unconscious for so long, she must surely be starving.
He hurried out of the room and soon came back down with a small basket, which he placed beside her.
Hanna had already managed to sit up.
After a moment’s hesitation, she ventured to inspect its contents.
There was a small pitcher filled with fresh water, some flatbreads, what looked like balls of cooked rice, and a wide assortment of fruit.
She wasted no time sampling the delicious offerings.
Before long, the basket was empty.
Gunuruk watched every movement, his eyes bright with pleasure as his companion devoured everything he had brought her.
When she finished, Hanna patted her stomach contentedly.
Then, smiling at him, she tried to explain that she wanted to get out of bed.
Gunuruk helped remove her covers.
After a long and difficult struggle, Hanna finally managed to stand.
They made their way slowly and carefully toward the door. The uneven ceiling of the cave almost brushed the top of Hanna’s head.
At the stairs, they decided to seek help.
Gunuruk called two of his companions, who readily assisted him in carrying Hanna up to the floor above.
She was astonished.
All three creatures looked identical.
Once upstairs, Gunuruk gave her his unmistakable smile and invited her to sit in a comfortable armchair made of solid wood.
She was exhausted. After so long confined to bed, even the slightest effort was draining.
For several minutes, she remained seated, taking in every detail of the upper room while she caught her breath.
The building was extraordinary.
Hanna had never seen anything like it.
She admired the cabin’s sturdy construction, whose surfaces appeared to be carved with figures of people and creatures entirely unknown to her.
Meanwhile, Gunuruk was engaged in a lively conversation with his two companions.
Hanna, now thoroughly confused, found it almost impossible to tell which of the three was him.
Before she could work it out, two of them went outside.
She assumed the little creature who remained must be her friend.
For a while, they tried once again to hold something resembling a conversation.
At least there was no shortage of laughter.
Then another Snork called to Gunuruk from outside the cabin.
His expression suddenly grew serious.
He knew the moment had come.
He could not understand why this young girl had aroused such interest among the Council.
After all, although he owed Hanna his life, Aknus—the Great Chief of the Kingdom of Antraka, whom many called the King of Antraka—normally devoted himself exclusively to governing the land of the Snorks.
Everyday concerns and minor disputes were left to the Urus, who were responsible for resolving the smaller affairs of their people.
Yet today, the entire Council, which happened to be assembled, wanted to meet his young friend.
Gunuruk knew Hanna could not remain there for long.
Antraka was a land reserved for Snorks, with exceptions made for other beings or people who came to conduct business or trade.
It was also true that the Snorks generously rewarded those who helped them.
Hanna undoubtedly deserved a substantial reward, for these hardworking creatures were among the greatest accumulators of treasure.
The two friends left the cabin.
Moving slowly, at a pace dictated by Hanna’s injured leg, they made their way toward a large building nearby.
Her headache remained severe, but she gazed in fascination at the beautiful landscape surrounding them.
The sun beat down fiercely, and the village appeared almost deserted.
To one side stretched a dense forest.
On the other, beyond a slope dotted with houses that seemed to merge with the earth itself, lay a great inlet crowded with ships, opening onto the turquoise waters of the ocean.
Numerous small islands were also visible on the horizon.
For a moment, Hanna felt at peace.
The view was nothing short of paradise.
Gunuruk, however, seemed eager to reach their destination and repeatedly encouraged her to concentrate on the short distance still ahead.
The little Snork was a cheerful, energetic creature.
His lively walk, the constant smile that never seemed to leave his face, his unmistakable voice—Hanna appreciated every one of these qualities.
His eyes were gentle yet alert, always watchful, always attentive to her.
He was undoubtedly unique, with a personality quite different from that of his companions.
At times, it seemed that all he wanted was to be by her side.
It took Hanna only a few minutes to learn how to distinguish him from the others.
She wondered what he had been doing so far from his homeland when he was captured.
He certainly did not look like a warrior.
Then again, none of the Snorks did.
At first glance, they seemed a peaceful, hardworking people, utterly unlike the strange and terrifying individuals she had encountered on her journey to Antraka.
Eventually, they reached a colossal building covered in elaborate decorations and ornamentation.
Guards welcomed them at the entrance.
Inside, their arrival was announced with solemn ceremony.
Bewildered, Hanna was helped into a chair by an attendant wearing unusual clothing.
Gunuruk remained standing behind the generously proportioned chair in which his friend was seated.
Opposite them, following the formal announcement, half a dozen elderly figures entered in single file.
They took their seats without speaking.
Once everyone was in position, the great doors of the majestic chamber closed.
For several seconds, silence filled the room.
Then one of the Snorks seated near the center spoke, calling Gunuruk forward.
The little creature stepped forward without hesitation. Passing before the assembled Council, he approached the Great Aknus, who presided over the gathering.
Although Aknus was his grandfather, he was a stern and strict figure, and Gunuruk greeted him with a respectful bow.
From her seat, Hanna watched their exchange with keen interest.
She could not understand what they were saying, but she had the distinct impression that she was the subject of their conversation.
After a few more words, the other Council members joined the discussion.
Then Aknus, concealing his movements beneath the large cloth covering the table, as though shielding himself from prying eyes, handed something to his grandson.
Gunuruk was completely bewildered.
Curious, he returned to Hanna and offered her the object his grandfather had given him.
She watched his approach nervously.
When he stopped in front of her, he opened his plump hands.
It took Hanna only a moment to recognize what lay inside them.
“My pendant!” she exclaimed happily.
Gunuruk immediately urged her to be quiet and put the precious object away.
She understood.
Quickly fastening the chain around her neck, she tucked the pendant beneath her shirt.
Then she threw her arms around her companion in a grateful hug.
Gunuruk looked startled.
He turned toward the Council, whose members were talking among themselves.
Aknus called Hanna forward.
It was the first time he had seen her.
His gaze remained fixed on her eyes, as though he could see something beyond them.
Hanna was a little frightened. The stern expressions of the assembled Snorks inspired considerable respect.
Nevertheless, she gradually approached without hesitation.
When she was about three feet away, Aknus stepped down from his elevated position and silently stood beside her.
Hanna had to bend down, for the Snork barely reached her waist.
The Great Chief of Antraka was large by the standards of his people, although perhaps the many magnificent garments covering him contributed to that impression.
A great robe and several brightly colored cloths formed part of his usual attire, but on this occasion his body was adorned with even more elaborate ornaments.
His gaze was calm and unwavering.
His expression was serious, his bearing authoritative.
There could be no doubt that he occupied the highest position in the hierarchy of his people.
Aknus was a respected leader, worthy of the responsibility he carried.
A tireless worker, he had always fought for a just and free land.
Now he and Hanna simply looked at each other.
Yet there was something different in the Snork’s eyes.
His gaze had softened.
Gunuruk was astonished.
He could not remember ever seeing his usually cold grandfather behave in such a manner.
Hanna, meanwhile, seemed to have relaxed.
The touching moment was interrupted by Narsak, the Uru of Bakalia and by far the most ill-tempered individual in the chamber.
With considerable foolishness, he appeared to suggest that the distinguished leader of the Council should return to his honorable seat.
A tense discussion followed.
Narsak made his complete disapproval unmistakably clear.
Eventually, the doors opened, and the meeting was declared over.
The Council members departed first.
After Gunuruk was informed of the conclusions reached during the surprisingly brief session, he and Hanna began their journey back.
The little Snork was utterly bewildered.
He kept staring at his friend in astonishment.
Not only had the Council decided that Hanna would not be required to leave Antraka, but she had also been granted the status of a Snork until she recovered completely.
The decision filled Gunuruk with extraordinary happiness.
Yet he could not understand it.
He knew of only a handful of outsiders who had ever been treated as equals.
Their deeds had been so heroic that they deserved to be recorded in the great books.
Normally, those who helped the Snorks received a generous reward of precious jewels and metals, followed by a courteous one-way journey beyond the Antraka Peninsula.
Furthermore, although the village filled with visitors of other kinds—especially humans—during the season when ships were collected, evil now lurked dangerously throughout the surrounding lands.
From childhood, Snorks were taught to distrust anyone who did not belong to their own kind.
Hanna knew nothing of these circumstances.
The entire experience had left her deeply confused.
But when she touched her pendant, she was simply happy to have it back.
Exhausted, she asked Gunuruk to accompany her to her spotless little refuge.
The following day began early for Hanna.
With the first rays of dawn, Gunuruk appeared in her room to perform the morning treatment on her injured leg.
He pulled back the covers and removed the bandage.
Hanna was sweating, and once again she appeared feverish.
Her night had been filled with nightmares and pain.
Now, half asleep, she seemed delirious.
“Where am I? I want to go back! Kron…!” she cried, twisting and turning on the mattress.
Gunuruk took a cloth, soaked it in water, and placed it on her forehead.
Hanna seemed to regain her senses.
Grateful for her friend’s attention, she gently took his hand.
Gunuruk felt deep affection for Hanna.
It was not merely because she had saved his life, but also because of the warmth and kindness she radiated.
Seeing her in such a condition worried him.
He hurried to summon Metmek, the village’s elderly healer.
But just before leaving, he noticed something strange about the room.
It looked as though someone had been there.
Nevertheless, he wasted no more time and went to seek help.
Hanna waited patiently, feeling somewhat dizzy.
For the first time since the shipwreck, she took a proper look at her leg.
Beneath a greenish mass, her wound appeared almost completely healed.
The sight puzzled her.
Remembering how terrible the injury had looked the last time she saw it, she began wondering how many days she might have spent in this place.
“What does it matter?” she muttered to herself, discouraged.
Nothing seemed to make sense anymore.
Gunuruk soon returned with Metmek.
Both stood beside the bed.
While her devoted friend cleaned the wound and covered it once more with the strange mixture, the old healer examined Hanna’s body with his hands.
A few minutes later, they finished.
Metmek, who had been overseeing Hanna’s long recovery since her arrival, encouraged her to continue sleeping.
She had remained motionless throughout the treatment.
Now she obeyed the kindly creature’s gesture and closed her tired eyes.
Gunuruk asked the healer about his friend’s condition.
Metmek looked at him with a smile.
“A good boy you are, Gunuruk. Your care has been a great help to the human. But worry, you need not. Great things this brave young girl has yet to do,” he said quietly.
Hanna could hear their conversation, but she paid it little attention.
Although she was beginning to grow accustomed to their peculiar language, understanding even a single word remained impossible.
After a short rest, the day passed peacefully.
Apart from waking for meals, Hanna spent most of her time asleep, gradually recovering her strength.
Evening arrived in the village, bringing with it a sudden burst of activity.
Snorks disliked the hours when the sun shone most fiercely.
Although a thin layer of black fur protected them from sunburn, they did not tolerate heat particularly well and preferred to work as the sun began to set.
At that hour, Bettnuk filled with inhabitants who seemed to emerge from nowhere, hurrying back and forth in a frenzy of activity.
Gunuruk was eager to return to work.
But Jasnek, the Uru of Bettnuk—the principal city of the Kingdom of Antraka—insisted that he rest, in accordance with Metmek’s instructions.
Gunuruk disagreed.
He assured Jasnek that he felt better than ever.
His protests accomplished nothing.
With his head lowered in disappointment, he made his way back toward his cabin.
Along the way, he thought of Hanna.
It had been hours since he had seen her.
He decided to pay her a visit.
The place where Hanna was staying was one of the Onuk cabins, buildings intended for visitors.
Although they followed the village’s traditional architecture, they incorporated certain features designed to make daily life easier for their occupants.
The ceilings were higher, and the rooms were larger and excavated closer to the surface.
These adaptations were necessary because Snorks preferred to shelter in deep underground burrows.
Gunuruk was almost at the cabin when something caught his attention.
Under cover of darkness, someone wearing a large, concealing robe was attempting to enter the building.
Gunuruk immediately followed, moving with great stealth.
The stranger was already inside.
Just as silently as the young Snork followed him, the mysterious figure descended the stairs leading to Hanna’s darkened room.
Gunuruk waited upstairs until the visitor had entered.
Then, growing increasingly irritated, he crept down to the half-open door.
He had no intention of allowing anyone to harm his defenseless friend.
Peering through the narrow opening, however, he saw something unexpected.
The stranger had sat down and was staring intently at Hanna.
The darkness was almost complete.
But darkness presented no obstacle to a Snork.
Gunuruk decided to remain silent and watch.
At first, he was almost certain the visitor must be Metmek.
Then, a few seconds later, the mysterious figure pulled back the enormous hood that had concealed his face.
And…
“Grandfather!” Gunuruk cried.
He stared in disbelief.
The stranger was none other than Aknus.
The Great Chief reacted with unmistakable surprise.
He immediately left the room, seized his grandson by the arm, and hurried upstairs with him.
They moved so quickly that both feared they had awakened Hanna.
But she continued sleeping, entirely unaware of the extraordinary encounter.
Once upstairs, they began a long conversation in hushed voices, carefully guarding against curious eyes and ears.
During that conversation, Aknus revealed to his grandson a secret he had kept for years.
A secret known to only a handful of individuals in Antraka—and throughout all of Kettke.
Gunuruk was overwhelmed by a multitude of emotions.
After bidding farewell to his composed grandfather, he found himself unable to sleep for the rest of the night.
How could it be possible?
The question returned to him again and again.
He could scarcely believe Aknus’s astonishing revelations.
This was certainly not what he had expected.
Not even remotely.
Countless questions, some as important as the very future of his people, continued circling through his plump little head.