ABSTRACT
Broad-leafed rhododendrons l proliferated the slopes of Japfu when Pelhu and Thinocha, his brother, raided south into the black-forested Barail range of North Cachar. The defences of their stronghold had been repaired and strengthened. The time had come, or so they thought, to take the initiative - to attack in order to deter once and for all would-be aggressors. Pelhu knew besides he would not for long be able to hold in check his young men's ardour, for the will to win the coveted cowrie-studded kilt was strong in each of them.
