Shade grinned and the seven others took a retreating step back. They thought he was being aggressive. Shade then looked at the ground. He easily began tearing into the soil with powerful claws. Everyone watched as Shade began writing.
Once he was finished he sat down next to his work. Alex looked at the seven and asked “Do any of you know how to read?”
The only one to raise their hand was the young woman. “I do.”
He pointed to Shade’s writing and stepped to his side. She walked up to the two reluctantly. She had long brown hair and worn clothes. She has also been on a long journey like the entire pack has. Her hands were slightly dirty and she clutched her item in her hand. Alex couldn’t see exactly what it was because of its small size. She then slowly looked down at the writing and her eyes grew. “Hello. I’m Shade. It is a pleasure to meet all of you.”
The woman’s eyes met his golden. “You know how to read and write?”
“Aye, he can. I can promise that none of you will be harmed by him. If you are nice to him he will be respectful of you.” Alex clarified.
They were reluctant to meet Shade, but they allowed everyone under the tree’s canopy for protection from the unwavering sun.
The tree was massive, but nowhere near as large as the Xeal tree lord inside the Ruler’s Forest. Marlin, Lily and Alex had all sat their packs and belongings against the tree’s trunk. The grass under the tree has been cut and maintained which meant that this place has many visitors. There was a soft and comfortable breeze coming from the west which cooled the warming air. It was a pleasant place to rest one’s tired and aching muscles.
The Pack stayed off to the side, so that the others wouldn’t feel threatened by their presence. They all sat under the canopy except for Clift. He decided to graze ravenously.
While they sat they asked the others simple questions.
The young woman explained she arrived two days ago, but she missed Freelan by only a few hours and she has been waiting here ever since. Alex saw the steed and boot tracks and they were as old as she claimed. The teenage boys had arrived yesterday evening and waited with her. The family arrived earlier that morning. What they didn’t know is that Alex found old hidden tracks that explained Freelan patrols usually arrive every five or six days, if the pattern remained the same. So everyone had a minimum of two to three days in their wait.
The next day the others became slightly less uncomfortable around Shade. They found out quickly that Alex was able to commune with Shade and Clift. The boys especially wanted to know how he could do such a thing with his voice and they wanted Alex to ask Shade a bunch of questions.
On the third morning since their arrival, a thundering noise sounded from far off in the distance. Shade had heard it as well and approached his brother’s side moments later. The sound emanated directly from the north. Alex and Shade both focused their eyes on a dark point in the distance, creating dust.
Wanting a better view of who approached, Alex climbed up the tall tree for the advantage. Once he made it up half way he could see between the branches. He yelled down to the alerted group. “Rides are coming.” A large detachment of cavalry riders were heading in their immediate direction.
Once he climbed back down, Marlin helped put Alex’s things in his leather pack. Marlin handed it to him and he slid it on. Alex grabbed his staff from the tree trunk and walked to Shade’s side.
While they waited together everyone decided to stand in front of them for some reason. The other newbie’s stood at the head, while Lily, Marlin and Clift stood behind them. Shade and Alex remained at the rear.
The group became larger as they approached. A troop of thirty people appeared, each riding horses in a V formation. There were twelve extra horses that weren’t carrying a rider. Only seven women were amongst the group of riders, the rest looked like battle hardened veterans and above average warriors. Each person wore a different clothing style, but only one thing was the same. Each one wore a silver ring on their right index finger. All of their expressions were calm and their eyes scouted the horizon for any signs of danger.
Leading the group was a large man with a dark brown beard, frosted with hints of gray that hung down to the hollow of his throat. His arms were large and his chest was wide. Alex had guessed he was in his mid-thirties. He wore a dark green sleeveless tunic along with brown pants. His leather boots had spurs on the heels. His brown eyes looked directly at the group beneath the tree.
As he drew closer, his eyes widened in shock. His voice boomed. “Look Out! Shadow Fang!”
His company came to an abrupt halt, warhorses neighing from the unexpected stop. Alex could easily tell that out of the thirty, only five weren’t of the weapons class. The other newbie’s ducked as weapons were drawn, but Lily, Marlin, Clift, Shade and Alex looked relaxed. They knew something like this would probably happen. Alex needed to do something before things got too out of hand. Alex’s voice boomed with authority once again. “You do not need to fear my companion! Holster your items!”
Over half of the people instinctively obeyed his words and the other half sat stunned. Even the leader looked at the human beside one of the Big Three with wide eyes as a menacing flanged mace hung off his side.
Alex walked around the others, Shade stayed right by his side. Shade and Alex walked a safe distance to greet the leader. They stopped together and he spoke casually. “My name is Alex, and this here is Shade.” he patted Shade’s shoulder and he glanced at him before looking into the man’s eyes. “He will pose no danger for you or anyone else, unless they attack him. If they do attack than he won’t show leniency.” Alex then looked at Shade directly. “Give him a greeting.”
Several people gasped as he spoke to Shade.
Shade turned his back to the lined group. He then began writing again. While he wrote Alex spoke. “He is extremely smart and is writing you a letter to show he isn’t a mindless beast. If I might ask your name?”
The man eyed the tall young man and especially Shade suspiciously. He then grudgingly holstered the shaft of his hanging mace. He glanced at his men and nodded. They too put their weapons away while eyeing the pair warily. Cautious brown eyes bore into the boy’s gray, but he had a hard time keeping his fire lit while maintaining eye contact with Alex. He then sat up completely straight before addressing the Shadow Fang’s speaker.
“I am Commander Yort. I command this battalion along with a quarter of our land based forces. I am charged with delivering new recruits to the main city, after you have been tested.”
“What kind of test? Takka didn’t say anything about that.”
Yort grinned. “Takka is a sly man who only tells you what you need to know. He gives the first ok, but to become a full member there is a few tests one needs to take.” He crossed his burly arms. “If you wish to continue you will come with us, otherwise leave.” His tone told everyone there was only one option. Since each knew the meeting spot beneath the oak tree they’d be killed if any were to bow out now. They would think they were a spy and that would be detrimental to their health if any were to refuse.
“You are likely a truth seeker… I can pass any test you’ve got in store for me.” Whatever it takes, Alex told himself for personal reassurance.
He grinned. “Good choice and I am.”
Yort’s eyes shifted as Shade nudged Alex’s shoulder with his nose. “I’m finished, Alex. Tell him he’s allowed to read.”
Alex stepped back to allow Commander Yort to see what was written. His eyes narrowed as he read the soil. Once he was finished he threw his head back and laughed, slapping his hand against his thigh. He then pointed at the ground. “Men, come look at this. A fiend can write, and legibly too.”
He moved his warhorse back as his comrades moved in so they could read. Some laughed while others stared dumbfounded.
Suddenly Yort dismounted his steed and so did most of his men. Fifteen stayed behind to hold the other horse’s reigns. Fourteen men, plus the commander, came over to stand
in front of Alex. They stopped fifteen paces away.
“You said your name is Alex correct?” he nodded. “Very well, Alex. There is one test that will be performed.” He pulled out his mace, holding the shaft’s handle out to the tall lad. “You will hold my item and I will ask you two questions and you will tell me the truth. I will warn you. You will only get two tries at giving an honest answer for each question. If you lie, my item’s reaction will heat up too hot for you to handle. Do not try to hold on or else your skin will melt. If it senses that you’ve lied on the second attempt, you will be killed by our hands.” He gestured to his men who all had a hand on their weapon items. “My item cannot be lied to nor can it be tricked. If I lie it does the same to me.” He held up his burned and melted hand. It had healed, but the damage was unmistakable. “This helps weed out any spies. That is why I’m a truth seeker.”
He then gestured Alex forward with a flick of his handle. Alex walked up closer, but a man took his staff away. He declared “No weapons permitted.” and any could understand the reasoning. They were putting their lives on the line and weapons would only hinder their advancement back home, to those they cherish.
As Alex walked forward the fourteen men surrounded him. Shade didn’t like it, but he was told to stay put. The circle thought the lad growled at them, but he reassured them by saying that he told Shade to not interfere.
Still he remained completely surrounded with no chance to escape, except to take the tests and pass. He walked closer and grabbed the handle of the commander’s mace. He then released his grip and the item was heavier than it looked, but Alex was more than capable of holding it in one hand. Alex stepped back and waited.
“My first question is; are you really called Alex?”
He wanted to see how his item worked so he said “Nay.”
The shaft of the mace flared red hot instantly in his left hand. His hand reflexively dropped it before the heat could singe the flesh away. Alex then started laughing and so did a few of the surrounding guards who got a kick out of his reaction. Alex picked it back up once it turned black and cool again. Commander Yort grinned as Alex said “I had to try it once.”
Yort then continued with the next question. “What is the reason you’d like to join Freelan?”
Is that all? Maybe there is more to this. Is there something he’s looking for that cannot be seen? Just to be safe, I’ll explain myself. Alex straightened up proudly as he said “Because I want to free the minds of the people from the king’s archaic notion that sacrifice is the only key to ensure happiness. I want the people of all lands to live how they want to, without persecution and the only way to accomplish my goals is to join Freelan.” The entire time the heavy item remained cool to the touch,
Yort grinned and took his item back. “Welcome to our ranks. Now wait until the others have been tested.” The circle opened up and the man returned the staff back to Alex. Then the commander yelled “Next!”
Shade was the first to greet him and he wanted to know what happened. While they walked back, one of the boys entered the closing circle of warriors. Lily and the others remained in the same spot, and they met up with them. They also wanted to know and Alex explained everything that went on. He told them not to lie because his hand still stung.
While they talked the other two went on and they all passed the test. The family also passed without incident. And then Marlin went up and handed his collapsed pole over to the man who took Alex’s staff. Alex listened to Marlin’s answers and his answer about joining was similar to what he told Takka back in Nicronane. He still wasn’t abashed about his position.
Marlin returned and tucked his item in his back belt loops again, grinning from ear to ear.
Lily squeezed Alex’s shoulder before she was the last to approach. She handed her sheathed items over to the man again and Yort first asked “Why do you want to join?”
“I want to help others and save their…OUCH!” The mace sizzled as it hit the ground. She was shocked by the sudden reaction of his item. Whatever she said or was about to was a lie. Alex’s heart started thrumming when the circle all grabbed their weapons and drew them.
Alex crouched forward and Shade knew what his body language meant without saying anything. He crouched forward and lowered his head too.
Yort made it voice tight and controlled. “You only get one more chance to tell the truth. If you lie once more you will be cut down.”
Lily turned and met Alex’s defiant grey eyes, but she’s never seen such a protective look from him before. What are you looking at me for? Alex asked in his thoughts. She was taller than most of the people around her so it was easy for her to find him. Her eyes were frightened and haunted, but not from the situation. She was more than capable of dealing with those around her, even without her items. She seemed worried about something she was about to say or do. Alex knew her well enough to be worried for her immediate safety. Her expression was like a personal secret that she didn’t want to reveal to anyone, but there was little choice. It made his heart beat even faster, but only to see her safe. She then broke eye contact and picked up the mace again. She then looked Yort in the eye and asked “May I whisper my answer in your ear?”
“Only if one of my men can keep a blade at your throat,” He said evenly.
“That will be fine.”
One of the men in the group held a knife to her throat as she bent closer to whisper. Yort and Lily both showed impassive expressions. They were both used to life and death situations and a blade at Lily’s throat didn’t unsettle her like it would to most others. Her voice was too soft for Alex to hear. But what she said made Commander Yort look directly at him and the mace remained cool. Once she pulled back he studied her expression for a while.
He nodded and stated “That answer will get you access.” The knife moved from her throat and the knife wielder moved back into his original position. “Now what is your name?”
“Lily of the Blood Moon.”
Everyone was stunned into silence at such honesty. Yort recognized her name almost immediately and began laughing until she held up his unresponsive mace and then his face turned to rage. “Arrest HERRR!”
The men converged on her and Alex snapped. This will not happen again. Because of her name, they were about to…
His heart had begun thundering and things slowed once again. Senses became sharper and his limbs felt stronger. Heat poured of him as his staff began falling to the ground, he’d need both hands for what was needed.
Before anyone seemed to move, Alex had already pushed one man out of the way and gotten within the circle. Lily had an even look as she gazed at Yort, who remained in mid-scream. He wound his arms around her taut middle and jumped backwards. Her body snapped forward from the speed and the mace left her hand as he leapt out of the circle. Alex landed about twenty paces away and maneuvered her behind him. Then his heart slowed and things sped up again. The crash was a little stronger and more violent than it was at Takka’s place. The shakes returned to his limbs and he had to focus before anything else could happen.
The man Alex pushed, fell on his back and the others took another step and then looked between each other. Before anything happened, it took all Alex’s control and willpower to stop the spasms rolling through his body. They all had dumbfounded expressions as they searched for her so he gave a hint with a whistle. “Over Here!”
They turned as one to the sound of Alex’s voice. And then their eyes turned to disbelief once they realized he saved Lily and she stood behind him. He even heard her voice speaking in complete denial. “How? Wait…! What just happened? Alex?”
He ignored her and spoke. “Commander Yort! You and I need to have a personal discussion, now! The rest of you will stay where you are. If anyone moves to intercept Lily they will have to deal with Shade.”
Perfect timing occurred as Shade walked to stand between them and the others. His deep voice was calm, but his golden eyes weren’t close to matching his tone. “Alex, wha
t is going on? Things look too serious.”
“Just make sure that no one tries to move after Lily. They want to most likely kill her wherever it is we’re going.” He moved deliberately closer to Lily and growled deeply to the warriors, threatening any who came closer. Alex then began walking away from everyone.
Then Yort demanded “Who gave you the authority to order us around!?”
Alex stopped cold and his patience was very thin at the moment. He slowly turned his vision completely upon him. No one else mattered, but the focus on Yort. His heart wasn’t hammering, but some other part of Alex wanted to beat him down into submission. He felt commanding, like no one could contest him without losing their sanity or their life. It was as if Alex became cloaked in authority and the sense put a weight to his words that couldn’t be ignored or disregarded. The feeling had always been part of him, but he still cannot understand himself nor does he understand why. The feeling of authority had flared again, but it didn’t recede as abruptly as it usually does.
Yort began weakening under such an intense stare and weight on his chest. It was like he submitted his own soul under those grey eyes. He had no choice except to obey. As he bent down to grab his mace Alex continued walking away.
He silently followed the strange lad, away from his troops. Once they couldn’t be heard, but could easily see the others under the tree, Alex stopped. Yort was looking down and almost bumped into him. His mace’s leash was clutched in his hand and it swung forward with his abrupt stop. Once he stopped Alex began speaking casually. “Commander Yort, there are things I must know before I explain anything to you. Tell me why you ordered Lily to be arrested?”
Yort’s brown eyes looked into his unwavering grey. The boy with raven hair watched both him and his item for any signs of untruths. “Lily of the Blood Moon is one of our largest threats. She has a price on her head for killing so many of our members. She is in the top one hundred people that must be taken care of.” His item started heating up, but he continued. “She was also the one who slaughtered my home village a year and a half ago. She did it all by herself.” The shaft began cooling. “Believe it or not she’s not the kind of person that deserves a second chance.”
Untamed Gift (Book One of the Items Trilogy) Page 36
