Again he leaped high and the gourd sounded like a nest of angry rattlesnakes as he shook it.
Vanga and Wabiti shrank back in superstitious dread, while the old queen's maidens gave shrill and penetrating screeches of terror.
"Cimbula! Have mercy!" they screamed, and Wabiti's followers among the Gorols came running and stopped suddenly, held back by fear, crying hoarsely, "Cimbula! Cimbula, do not destroy us!" Vanga spoke her mind.
"We called the mighty Cimbula because strange enemies have driven us from our caves."
"Show me the enemies," bellowed Cimbula. "I will slay them all."
His one eye glared hatred and defiance and his flint blade swished through the air.
"Tahara could not save us," said Vanga. "Since he came here, our troubles have multiplied."
"Never before have raiders swarmed upon us from the desert," growled Wabiti.
"They have driven us from our caves," shrilled Vanga.
There were mutters of assent from the listeners, while Cimbula glared silently as if planning some deadly reprisal.