At the moment he reached the door of the lodge, the helicopter burst upon the clearing. Neju darted it one frightened glance and then ducked through the doorway.
The old one still sat as Neju had left him, motionless, staring at the strange weapon before him. He did not even look up when Neju entered.
"Come, Father," Neju said very gently.
"Eh?"
Neju glanced over his shoulder. The sky demon was heading straight for the lodge.
Very tenderly, Neju drew the old one to his feet. He wrapped two arms around his body, protectively. "We must hurry, Father."
The old one blinked, but he moved as Neju urged, and the two of them stepped from the back entrance of the lodge. The helicopter was flying low, and it seemed almost on top of them.
It was then that the Chieftain saw it. There was fear and wonder in his eyes.
"We must run!" Neju said.
Together they trampled across the dying garden, their feet moving rapidly, and the old one's breath came in sharp rasps.