The Search

by Susan Leigh Noble

  Suddenly, he leapt forward. He heard the breaking of branches and then the feet of the predator pounding the ground behind him. Tosh raced between the trees as fast as he could, but he could hear the beast closing in on him. He leapt up the tree in front of him, his claws digging in as he scrambled toward the lowest branch. Something brushed his tail as he climbed onto the limb. He turned to see a wolf leaping toward him. Tosh quickly leapt to a higher branch as the snarling hound landed back on the ground. Heart racing, Tosh sat upon the branch with his tail wrapped securely around him. The wolf paced in front of the tree, and then he sat down and howled.

  Tosh shuddered at the wolf’s cry. The sound brought back a memory of another day many, many years ago in a different forest where he and his brother had been playing. They too had heard the cry of the wolf and being young hadn’t realized how close the wolf pack actually was to their location. Before they knew it, the wolves were snarling and snapping at their feet as they dashed through the woods looking for safety.

  Tosh could hear the labored breath of his brother as he ran. He glanced over his shoulder and saw his brother’s massive frame behind him. Unfortunately right behind Tubbs, who had lived up to his name, was a wolf. Tosh knew if they couldn’t find a place to hide or jump to safety soon this wouldn’t turn out well. Tosh leapt onto a hollow log and then onto a low tree branch. He soared up the next few branches to safety and turned in time to see Tubbs duck into the log.

  No, Tubbs, you will be trapped there!

  But Tubbs didn’t answer as one of the wolves stuck his head into the log. Tosh could hear snarling and then the wolf whimpered slightly, jerking his head back. A thin red gash trailed across his nose. Suddenly, three other wolves ran into the clearing. They joined the other two wolves in circling the hollow log. The largest wolf, a black brute with a scar across his nose, stuck his head in the log. Again, Tosh could hear snarling and snapping. And then a cry cut through the air. It was the cry of death.

  The crunching of leaves altered Tosh, and he was pulled back into the present. Below three other wolves had joined the young wolf that had chased him. He was partially glad to see them as they distracted him from remembering Tubbs’ death but now that the pack was excited about his presence in their territory, he knew they wouldn’t leave easily.

  He only wished he knew what his grandfather had done to make the wolves leave. Tosh had been stuck in the tree, shocked by the death of his brother when a large grey cat had entered the clearing. The cat puffed up, swelling in size as he stalked toward the black wolf. He had stood nose to nose with him. And then, the wolf had whimpered. He turned and ran from the clearing. The rest of the pack followed. It had been unbelievable. That evening was Tosh’s first meeting with Tobias and one he would never forget. It certainly wasn’t the last time his grandfather had amazed him.

  ***

  A few hours later, Tosh sat in the tree restless and hungry. The wolves still sat at the base of the tree. He had assumed a rabbit or something would distract them, and they would leave. But instead they faithfully waited for him to decide to come down. Tosh nearly considered it as he hated having nothing to do but dwell upon the events of the past few days. He had imagined different scenarios - ones in which he had convinced Nolan not to go into the tavern or where he convinced him to move on to another town. He felt he had let Nolan down. It wasn’t as if he hadn’t experienced the death of an Elemental before. He had been after all part of The Search for more years than he cared to count. But never had one of his Elementals been murdered because of his power before.

  Tosh pushed those thoughts from his mind as he curled up on the widest section of the branch. Tucking his tail over his nose, he tried to nap. A few minutes later he fell into a restless sleep and since he had been thinking of him recently, Tosh dreamed about his grandfather. He dreamed of the last time he saw Tobias.

  Are you sure I am ready?

  Yes, Tobias answered patiently. You and your siblings have trained well this past year. Now it is time for you to begin The Search.

  Why here?

  In a large city such as this, you might find three or four who have traces of the power. If you just wander the countryside and look in smaller towns, you could be searching for months, possibly years.

  So I should always look in cities?

  No, Tobias laughed. It is just easier for your first time if we start here. Later, you can spend your time searching wherever you want.

  Tosh stared in fascination at the high gates of Mendel. As they entered the city, he gazed at the multitude of people moving among the narrow streets. His grandfather trailed behind him as Tosh headed into the heart of the city. Then from out of nowhere Tosh felt a tingling sensation.

  Grandfather?

  Yes, I feel it too, Tobias said. Now you need to determine where it is coming from.

  Tosh wandered back and forth, feeling the amount of power ebb and grow with his movement. He finally located the source - a woman in her late twenties who was sweeping the front porch of a store. Before Tosh could decide what he should do next, a thin grey tabby cat with white on his chest, paws and chin ambled out of the store.

  Tobias, nice to see you.

  Nice to see you too, Sax.

  Showing another grandson around?

  Yep. Looking for his first Elemental.

  Well, he can’t have Sabrina. She is already taken.

  Tobias laughed. We will just keep looking then.

  They continued searching through the city. Around lunchtime, Tosh once again felt a glimmer of Elemental power. It belonged to an elderly man sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch of his home. Tobias quickly urged Tosh to pass him up explaining one so old and with so little power would not be worth a STAC’s time. They needed to concentrate on those with greater power, on those who had a chance of fulfilling the prophecy.

  It was late afternoon when once again, Tosh felt the twinge of power. As he continued down the street, the power grew stronger. It clearly was more than the old man had possessed and even more than Sax’s Sabrina. As soon as he saw the tall, thin man with the black beard, Tosh knew he was the one with Elemental power. He glanced back at Tobias. His grandfather nodded. Tosh started walking toward the man.

  A rustling sound pulled Tosh from the dream. He awoke feeling enormously sad. He had not thought about Brax in many, many years. They had shared nearly thirty-one years together. The day they met had also been the last time Tosh had seen his grandfather. Tobias passed away just two years later.

  Tosh glanced around, realizing the sun would soon be setting. He glanced down to see three of the wolves below asleep. The fourth wolf sat staring up at him. He sighed. The wolves obviously had nothing better to do than wait him out. But Tosh had no desire to hang out in the tree any longer.

  He looked around. The forest was not as dense as back home but there was a possibility he could jump from tree to tree. Tosh began to climb higher. The sounds of his claws gripping the tree bark woke the other wolves. They milled around below as he climbed. Finally, Tosh found a branch that almost touched the neighboring tree. He climbed to the end of the branch. It dipped slightly from his weight. Quickly, he leapt, landing safely on the nearby limb.

  Tosh spent the rest of the afternoon leaping and jumping from branch to branch. The wolves patiently followed him. Then he heard a roaring sound. If he could remember his geography well enough, the Bowen River should be nearby. Two trees later, he saw the edge of the gorge. After a hop to the next tree, he could see the water rushing by. The wolves circled around the base of the tree.

  Tosh surveyed the area. The tree he sat in was at the very edge of the gorge. Below him was a steep incline of about fifteen feet to the water. It was too far to the other side to jump. The water was certainly too fast for him to swim even if he could find a way down to the river. Then he spied a fallen log a few hundred feet upstream. It was a perfect bridge for him to cross the gorge, but he would have to time his crossing just pe
rfectly as he would surely have the wolves on his heels.

  He continued leaping from branch to branch until he was as near to the fallen log as he could get. He studied it wondering how much weight it would support. It should easily hold his weight but if the wolves followed him, he feared it might break. He glanced down at the waiting wolves. He sat, tapping his tail on the branch, as he thought of a way to distract them. He wondered what would happen if he spoke to the wolves. He had never used the mind connection with anyone other than another STAC or an Elemental. He wasn’t sure it was even possible, but it might at least shock them and give him just a few seconds head start.

  He climbed down the branches until he was on one of the lowest ones. The wolves’ ears perked up, and they excitedly circled the tree.

  Run! Get out of here!

  The wolves jumped and whimpered, looking for the source of the voice. Tosh didn’t hesitate. He dropped to the ground and ran toward the log. He was halfway across it when he heard a noise behind him. He glanced back. The young wolf that had originally chased him was following him. The log rocked slightly. Tosh hurried. He was almost to the other side. The cracking of the log echoed across the gorge. Tosh didn’t have time to jump as the log collapsed into the water below taking him and the wolf with it.

  Tosh hit the water, sinking into the cold river. He fought not to panic as water covered his head. He kicked his feet. His head broke through the water, and he gasped for breath. He struggled to keep his head up. Something bumped into him. Twisting his body, he saw part of the log right behind him. He dug his claws into it and held on. He looked around. In the fading light, he couldn’t see the wolf anywhere in the rushing river. The high walls of the gorge began to give away to an open area. He was now only four feet from the edge. If he could get on the log and get just a little closer to the side, he should be able to leap to the riverbank.

  Tosh used all of his strength to pull himself onto the log. He shivered and huddled on top of it as it rushed down the river. Up ahead he saw a large rock protruding from the water. If the log hit it just right, it should send him toward the riverbank. Tosh dug his claw into the log as it crashed into the rock. The log spun around. Suddenly, he saw the shore only a foot away. He bunched his muscles tight as he prepared to leap. The strong motion of his jump caused the log to shoot out toward the center of the river. His traction gone, Tosh fell into the water near the shore. He staggered out of the water and collapsed on the muddy riverbank.

  Chapter Three

  The first thing Tosh registered was he felt warm. But that didn’t seem possible since he had pulled himself out of the cold river. Then he realized he was moving. He opened his eyes. Cloth covered most of his head, but he moved slightly and saw the blue sky above him and the outline of a man’s face. Nolan? It couldn’t be though the man did have the same blonde hair and appeared to be about the same age.

  “Oh, are you awake now?” the man said, as he laid a hand on Tosh’s side.

  Tosh looked down. He was being carried in a sling across the man’s chest. The man stopped and sat upon a rock as he eased the sling over his neck. He sat it on the ground. Once free of the soft material, Tosh tried to stand up but staggered, almost toppling over.

  “Hold it there,” the man said. “I think you could use something to eat.”

  He swung the bag from his back and began rummaging around inside. He pulled out a pouch. “Here, have some dried rabbit,” he said, tearing off some bite-size pieces for Tosh. “It is the best I can do right now.”

  Tosh began gobbling down the food. He glanced up at the man who sat watching him.

  “I was not even sure you were alive when I saw you on the riverbank this morning. I am Jonah Glade, by the way.”

  The man didn’t appear to be expecting an answer and there was no way he could even know Tosh wasn’t just an ordinary cat. Having finished his meal, Tosh took a tentative step toward him. The man lowered his hand for Tosh’s inspection. Tosh sniffed at it and then butted it with his head. The man scratched his chin and ran his strong hand down Tosh’s back.

  “I am on my way to Talus if you care to join me,” Jonah said. He looked over Tosh. “You shouldn’t be traveling out here anyway; this is wolf territory.” He nodded. “You are probably still weak, and I have a few more hours of walking until I need to stop for the night. How about you ride for a while?”

  He fitted the pack back on his back and the sling to the front. He lifted Tosh and secured him in the sling. Tosh snuggled up enjoying the warmth. Jonah was correct. He was still weak from lack of food and then using up all his energy in his adventure in the river yesterday. Yeah, nice try, he thought as he tried to justify allowing this stranger to carry him. The truth was he hated to walk anyway so being carried was a better option. Warm and secure against Jonah’s chest, Tosh fell asleep.

  The crackling of the fire and the warm smell of meat scented the air as Tosh stirred. He immediately saw Jonah working by the fire. Tosh rose, slowly stretching. He glanced at his fur. It would take some work to get the river smell out of it. He gave his shoulder a couple of licks.

  “Ah, awake again,” Jonah said.

  Tosh took a few steps toward him, stumbling slightly as his muscles protested the movement. He stopped to stretch again.

  “A couple more good meals and you will be as good as new,” Jonah said as he took a small rabbit off the spit. “I caught this for our breakfast.”

  Tosh glanced around, just now realizing the sun was rising instead of setting like he originally assumed. Jonah laughed. He cut up a few pieces of rabbit and put them before Tosh. As he quickly devoured them, Jonah put out a bowl of water. Tosh gratefully drank. When they finished their meal, Jonah put out the fire and packed his bag.

  “Do you feel like walking today?” Jonah asked.

  Before Tosh could move, he cocked his ears back. He could hear the faint sounds of a wagon approaching. He turned his head just as the grey horse pulling the wagon came into view.

  “Maybe neither of us has to walk,” Jonah said with a smile.

  He hailed the driver and then walked over. Tosh couldn’t hear what he said but when Jonah turned to him, he was smiling. In a few strides, he was in front of Tosh. He scooped him up before Tosh knew what was happening. Jonah carried him to the wagon, placing him on a blanket in the back. Tosh whipped his tail around, glaring momentarily at Jonah. He hated to be picked up. Then he settled down to groom his fur and rid it of the smell of the river and this morning’s campfire.

  The driver was an older man who introduced himself as Ethan Kent. The wagon was loaded with fabric which Ethan planned to sell in Talus. The soft material made a perfect place for Tosh to lie. This was much better than walking he thought as he began the task of putting his fur back to its former glory.

  As they rode, he learned a little more about Jonah. He was on the way to Talus to become a healer. His Aunt Tress had just been appointed as the healer for the Altron High Council. As Tosh listened to the two men chat, he couldn’t help but wish he could stay with Jonah. He would love to stay in one place for a while. And learning the art of a healer couldn’t hurt either. Tobias has only brushed over a handful of tonics during his teaching.

  Tosh fondly remembered some of the lessons Tobias had taught him and his siblings. There had been some exciting adventures as well as some boring lectures such as history in which Tosh spent more of his time daydreaming than he did paying attention.

  Tosh shook his head. He didn’t understand why he was thinking about Tobias and his family so much lately. He sighed. It probably was because he should be beginning The Search again. He still had his doubt about whether that was the right thing to do. But he didn’t want to dwell on it now. Instead, Tosh laid his head down and thought back to the very first lesson.

  So not all cats can do this? His brother Tell asked.

  Tobias sighed. As I have said, you are not technically a cat. Though we did start out as cats, you have abilities that an or
dinary cat doesn’t possess. The mere fact you can communicate telepathically sets you apart from most creatures. Only dragons and STACs possess that ability.

  And because we are STACs, we can sense magical powers? Tosh’s sister Tia asked.

  Just Elemental power. We can’t detect those who are Learners, though I always thought that would be a useful talent.

  But didn’t you just say the Learners and the Elementals are no more? His sister Tanny had asked.

  Power like that doesn’t just disappear. And one day the Elementals will return. That is why I am here to train you. You have to help search for the one individual who will save the Land.

  From what? Tosh asked.

  Tobias shook his head. We don’t know. We will get into that later. Today’s lesson is about using your telepathic abilities. We can use them to talk to one another as well as Elementals, but I must warn you if you choose talk to a human or Elemental, you need to do so with caution.

  What for? Tell asked.

  Well, you never know how someone will react to hearing a voice inside their head. Some humans have declared us evil, chasing us down and trying to kill us. Others have thought they were going insane. Even approaching an Elemental can be dangerous. My sister was set afire by one who was startled when she spoke to her. You can just never tell what will happen. And the same holds true with an Elemental using their power. Others don’t like what they can’t explain or do themselves. Those with Elemental power have been killed over it many times.

  The wagon hit a large bump, jarring Tosh out of his recollection. While Tosh had taken Tobias’ words to heart and never spoken to anyone who was not an Elemental, it hadn’t been so lucky for his sister, Tanny. He had heard of her violent death only years after it happened. She had been seeking help for her Elemental when she spoke to someone. Alarmed by the intrusion, the person had pelted her with rocks until she stopped moving.

  ***

  The next few days blurred together. Tosh took the time to rest knowing he may not always be as lucky to have a ride like this one. Ethan never questioned Jonah about Tosh and seemed faintly amused that Jonah spent some of his time talking to the cat. Tosh had taken this free time to think about The Search and what he would do next. He couldn’t imagine taking on another Elemental right now. He thought a break was in order but who was he kidding he wasn't sure he wanted to do this at all anymore. All he knew was he wanted to get out of Altron and away from anything that might remind him of Nolan. A trip to the Grasslands of Zena would definitely be a change from the forest.