by Natalie Erin
“Stowaways who I would’ve been dead without.” Ionan changed back into a dragon. “We know from experience it’s too dangerous to cross. I’ll fly you over.”
“As will I,” Snow Drop added. Kia clambered on her back and she glided across easily. Keota stayed behind to help the others. Casiff shook his head when Ionan told him to get on. “I’m a fairy! I can use my own wings,” he huffed. His blue wings appeared and he fluttered over the edge pompously. About half-way over though, it appeared Casiff hadn’t been exercising his flying that often. He began to drift slowly down and panic flashed on his face as he waved his arms in mid-air, trying to stay afloat. Lottie gasped as he started to sink faster down towards the river.
Ionan rolled his eyes and scooped Casiff up before he sank any further, pumping his wings furiously. “Put on a few pounds, have you?” Ionan grunted.
“The only pounds that I have put on is muscle,” Casiff spat.
“Maybe in your mouth, so you can chew faster,” Ionan said.He put him safely down on the other side and cruised over to get Lilja and Cornia. They crossed with ease and Ionan landed to get Lottie, Keota scrambling onto Snow Drop.
“Ready?” he asked.
Lottie gulped and looked down into the water. She nodded and climbed onto Ionan’s back, watching the river as they began to fly over. As they crossed the middle a dark shape at the bottom of the canyon caught her eye and, curious, she leaned over to see it. Just as she could recognize the shape, she accidentally leaned too far over and slipped right off Ionan’s back.
“No!” Lilja cried as he watched his sister fall. How many times was he going to have to relive the same nightmare? Ionan tried to catch her but his dragon form was too large to go into the canyon, and the company watched in horror as she hit the water and came back up again, waving her paws wildly.
“Hold on Lottie!” Kia screamed. Lottie padded the water and Ionan tried to reach her, but found with dismay every form he tried was too big to fit or too small to save her without drowning himself. Lottie struggled, but the current was fierce. The group followed her, running along the edge of the cliff and trying to find a way down. Lottie’s strength failed and she drifted underwater, her brother’s howling in her ears. Lottie wondered if it would be the last thing she ever heard.
There was a tugging at her scruff and she felt herself rise from the depths as she was dragged out of the water and onto land. Head spinning, she gasped for air and looked around for her rescuer.
“Not the best way to go for a swim, huh?” a whimsical male voice asked. Lottie turned and saw a young gray wolf, around her age, looking at her humorously.
Lottie shakily rose to her feet. “Thank you so much for saving my life,” she heaved, “Who are you?”
“Name’s Echo,” he smiled before letting out a wild, comical howl, the sound vibrating through the entire land. “I’m a loner. I was down here getting a drink and low and behold some pretty little she-wolf comes falling out of the sky. I’ve always prayed for a mate to come crashing down from the heavens. I guess the Creator finally answered.”
Mate? she wondered, and her brother was instantly at her side, Cornia following behind. The climb down from the cliff had only taken them seconds. “Lottie,” he whispered, and he nuzzled her lovingly before noticing Echo out of the corner of his eye. “Who’s this?” he asked, standing over her protectively.
“I could ask the same of you, stranger,” Echo barked.
Lottie stepped in front of her brother. She was glad Lilja cared, but she was a little annoyed he had interrupted her conversation. “This is my brother Lilja and his mate Cornia,” she said. “We’re traveling with four others to rescue their pups and two children from a pair of kidnappers.”
“Kidnappers in the Lands?” Echo shook his head. “Things are getting crazier and crazier all the time.”
“Here they come now,” Lottie said. Ionan changed into a hawk, landing on Keota’s shoulder. He and Kia were riding Snow Drop, with Casiff sliding (or rather, rolling) down the cliff behind them. Casiff rushed over and embraced Lottie. “Are you alright?” he said, snuggling his head into her neck.
“I’m fine,” Lottie said, her fur ruffling up in embarrassment. “This is Casiff, my fairy. I’ve been bound to him since I was a young wolf. The Pegasus is Snow Drop, and the man and woman on her back are Keota and Kiatana. The Changer is Ionan.”
“Two fairies, a Pegasus, an Accompany and a Changer!” Echo said. “I was right, you are special.”
“Are you the one that saved Lottie?” Keota asked.
“Yes, my name’s Echo, and you are very welcome,” the wolf smiled. “I’ve been wandering around since I was kicked out of my pack a year ago.”
“Thank you!” Casiff cried and he tried to latch onto Echo as well, but Lottie grabbed his shirt and pulled him back.
“The wandering loner, his howl that will echo…” Kia said. “Of course, the missing wolf!”
Cornia stared at the gray wolf. “Echo. Where have I heard that name before?”
“You haven’t. I’m no one important,” Echo said, waving a paw casually.
Lottie looked at the newcomer. “Echo, there was a prophecy foretold of a loner who will join us on our journey. I think it was talking about you. Will you join us to help rescue our pups and the children?”
Echo laughed. “You want a rogue like me to come along with such a beauty as you?” he said, and Lottie shied away bashfully. “Still, I haven’t got anything else to do around here. I guess I’ll come along.”
“We have a long way to go and it could get dangerous. It won’t be easy,” Lilja warned him, stepping in front of the loner and narrowing his eyes at him.
Echo once again laughed. “And you think the life of a lone wolf is? No, I will attend your little group, and stick it out for as long as I can. I desire a little adventure in my life.”
“Then it’s settled,” Kia said. “I think you’ve heard about us before. This isn’t exactly the first time something crazy has happened to us.”
“This can’t be the great Lottie and Lilja?” Echo said. “I thought you were just named after them!”
“Why would anybody name pups after us?” Lilja asked.
“I’ve seen many parents name their pups after you,” Echo said. “But I suppose it shouldn’t be a surprise. Such a lovely she-wolf such as your sister deserves the moon and the stars to be named after her!”
“Oh,” Lottie whispered and she put her face down. Cornia started wagging her tail and bounded over to Snow Drop, and they whispered excitingly, casting glances at Lottie. Lilja felt a little left out and turned his back away as the company discussed where to go next. For some reason, he didn’t like seeing his sister next to Echo.
Maekrel flew off towards the Ice Born Mountains, gliding softly through the clouds and surveying the area beneath him. The animals of the forest were just beginning to get the news that their fairy would be leaving. Some panicked, while others only prepared for the worst. They hadn’t forgotten the chaos that had befallen them the last time Kiatana had left, and now some were reasoning that the Verinian itself was cursed with bad luck. He couldn’t say he blamed them. From the rumors he had gathered about Malaki Shaman and the Black Death, he was surprised that Keota and Ionan were able to handle it.
But this time they weren’t dealing with a madman. Maekrel knew his brother and Keota couldn’t stand up to Wyntier. What Wyntier had done in Nesting’s Haven was far worse than what had happened in the Battle for the Verinian, so he needed to put a stop to whatever the villain’s plans were, and fast.
At this speed he could make it to the mountains by nighttime tomorrow. Dragons were fast creatures when they wanted to be. He knew he would be tired by the time he reached Wyntier’s hideout, but he could always wait to attack. Besides, it could take days to find the exact location. Maekrel didn’t have that kind of time. Creator only knew what Wyntier was doing to poor Allie and Kennu. The man didn’t have a kind bone in his body, and no matte
r how compassionate Vera could be Maekrel didn’t know if she would stand up to Wyntier for any reason.
As he got closer to the mountains the snow began to fall. He had to shake the gathering flakes off his back several times in order to stay in flight. He was getting close, he could feel it. It was only a matter of time before Wyntier’s plans would be put to an end once and for all. He would make sure of it.
Vera stood in the doorway, watching the snow fall upon the ground. Wyntier was now back at work in his little lab, and claimed that he was close to correcting the mutation formula. All of the children were sleeping soundly. She longed to go outside and fly but the wind was too strong, and she was afraid to leave the children alone. A new bruise darkened on one side of her paw. Wyntier’s Accompany strength gave him the ability to hurt her so easily, and Vera wished she was bigger. If she was Ionan’s size, he wouldn’t be able to push her around so easily.
Or would he? Vera didn’t know if she could manage the thought of striking at her partner, even though she had struck at innocents by his command. This is all so confusing, she thought.
The snow was darkened by the shape of something landing on the mountainside, and she squinted her eyes in order to get a better view. As it drew closer the dark shadow became a beautiful gold color. “Maekrel,” she gasped, heading towards the lab.
“Wyntier!” she screamed. Vera’s loud call woke all eight of the sleeping children. Wyntier came running out of the room, his face mashed into an angry glare.
“What is it now?” he asked, holding a syringe so tightly in his hand Vera feared he was going to break it.
“It’s Maekrel and Ana. They’re coming,” she said urgently.
“Impossible. We lost them in the city years ago.” A look of utter confusion filled his face.
“How should I know?” Vera hissed. “We have to conceal the children or we’ll be dead the minute Maekrel puts his paw in the door.”
“You take care of the brats. I’m going to hide,” Wyntier hissed. He slid back into the darkness of the lab and Vera angrily let out a puff of smoke. Leave it to Wyntier to make her do the dirty work when their lives were at stake. Vera gathered up the children and herded them into Wyntier’s bedroom. “It’s going to be okay little ones, we just want to make sure no one will hurt you,” she cooed softly.
“Are our parents here?” Midnightstar asked.
“No no, it’s someone large and frightening. You mustn’t make a sound or else he’ll find you.”
“You heard her! Pipe down before we’re eaten!” Jade yelped. The children slid into the space and kept their mouths shut as Vera closed the door, just enough so they were hidden from view.
Maekrel landed softly upon the ground in front of the cave. He shook piles three feet high of snow off of his large figure and then turned towards the entrance. “I know you’re in there,” he called. “You might as well surrender the children and come on out.”
Vera’s heart skipped a beat. There was no use trying to hide. She was in plain view. “We have no children, Maekrel,” she said. “We’re just trying to escape from your claws.”
“Don’t lie,Vera. You were always horrible at it,” he growled, heading towards her slowly, ready to pounce. “If you give them to me now I’ll ask for a fair trial for you back in Nesting’s Haven, and spare your life.” He hesitated. “Though I can’t say the same for your Accompany. Now show yourself, Wyntier! You’re under arrest!”
“Never!” From out of the darkness of the lab Wyntier came charging out of nowhere and, with wild eyes, plunged a needle into Maekrel’s rough hide.
Maekrel let out a desperate wail and reared up onto his hind legs, slamming his head into the ceiling.Wyntier was thrown to the ground with a thump as the dragon before him began to change immediately. His long snout disappeared and his scales became soft, pink skin. His body shrunk and contorted as hair grew on the top of his head and his tail vanished. Maekrel screamed in a mixture of pain and horror, and Vera looked away. After ten minutes of struggle and wailing, the transformation completed itself.
The Changer no longer held the form of a majestic dragon, but that of a human. He was as tall as Wyntier, but built with more muscle, with thin lips and a fine nose. His golden hair was the only thing left to show what he had once been, along with his eyes, which were the same rich color. His teeth were sharpened to fine, deadly points.
“What have you done?” Vera whispered. Maekrel heard the sound of her voice and turned to Wyntier, who was smiling triumphantly.
“I am Maekrel,” the human said, kneeling on one knee. “And I have come to serve you, Master.”
Ana was trying to get the weeds out of the garden behind the hut, not because it needed to be done but more so to ease her anxiety when, out of nowhere, the breath was knocked out of her and she was thrown onto her back.
Her eyes widened. Something had happened with Maekrel. And it was big.
“No,” she whispered. “Dead. No, he can’t be dead. He just can’t.” She tried to rise slowly and a fresh bout of pain filled her. Unable to stand it, Ana collapsed onto the ground and clutched tightly at her chest, gasping for breath. Being an officer, she had seen this happen countless times with other Accompanies who had lost their Changers in the line of duty. But she couldn’t lose Maekrel. If her Changer was gone, it would kill her. She already knew it would kill her by the fresh pain filling up her chest.
Ana lay there, unable to move, until sunset was filling up the horizon. Footsteps crunched in the falling leaves beside her and Ana looked up to see a beautiful fairy with a foxes’ ears and tail crouch at her side. Her stomach rolled out in front of her in a smooth hill.“Oh, this will not do,” the fairy said softly. “Don’t worry, love, soon it will be better.”
The fairy scooped Ana into her arms and carried her into the small cabin, laying her down on a hammock that hung from the ceiling.
“Who are you?” Ana clenched her teeth against the pain, bewildered by this newcomer.
The fairy smiled at her. “I am Vixen. Vixen rules over the unicorns in the Ice Born Mountains and is a good friend of Kia and Keota. Now you must hurry to get better. You have a Changer to go find child, for he is not dead yet.”
Chapter Six
Piece by Piece the Prophecy is Revealed
“Wow Echo, you really know how to hunt!” Lottie said approvingly as the gray wolf strode up to her with two huge rabbits in his mouth. Echo beamed triumphantly and wagged his tail, throwing the meat her way. “For you, shining eyes,” he said coyly. The two tore into their meal and Lilja watched, his tail tucked between his legs.. He carried one single, shabby hare. “Hey Lottie, want to share?” he asked, nudging the animal.
She looked up from her meal for a second. “Thanks, but I’m sharing with Echo.”
Feeling rather useless, he went over to Cornia. “Want some? I know you already ate.”
She shook her head. “I’m so full I couldn’t manage another bite. But it’s a good catch though.”
He appreciated her efforts to cheer him up, but it didn’t help much. He laid down and ate alone, watching Echo and Lottie as they tore into their feast
“We need to get moving soon,” Kia said. Snow Drop and Ionan came down from the sky and Casiff whined to Keota, “Why can’t you ride double with your wife? It’s weird that I have to, and Ionan would carry me better.”
“I certainly would not,” Ionan protested.
“Because Keota’s so tall, he could stand up and I could walk right under him,” Snow Drop said with a sarcastic tone before pausing, adding lightly, “ Though he would be easier to carry.”
“For the last time, I am not fat!” Casiff said. “Why can’t we all just love and accept each other the way we are? And treat each other nice instead of always being sarcastic?”
“There’s a great idea,” Keota grumbled.
“You might as well ask the world to turn the other way,” Ionan added.
Kia ignored them all and looked up at the sun. “I
t’s noon. We should start traveling.”
The two fairies and Accompany mounted their rides, and Kia turned in her seat. “Keep up with us!” Kia called to the wolves. “After a few hours Ionan can fly you for awhile, but don’t get left behind!
“We’re on it!” Lilja shouted up to them. Amazingly, the wolves were able to keep up fairly easily. Echo got bored and started playfully bumping into Lottie. After this he ran up a large boulder and jumped off, sailing over them all and landing right in front of Lilja. Lottie laughed, but Lilja grimaced. He was getting tired of Echo showing off all the time. If Echo kept fooling around and Lottie didn’t stop falling for his jokes, they’d be running in circles soon enough.
Above, Ionan watched the scene with a disapproving gaze. “Why does he keep doing that? Lilja, make him stop!”
Lilja looked at the other male and growled, “Stop, Echo! We’ve no time for games! This is serious!”
Echo ran beside him and bared his fangs in a cocky smile. “Just because I can run as fast as you and still have time for some fun doesn’t mean you have to be so serious.” He said the last word deeply, mocking his voice. Lottie laughed at the imitation.
Cornia stepped up her pace and growled at the two of them. “Quit acting like little pups! Have you forgotten we’re trying to save children, and not become them?” She gave a quick snap at Echo, her fangs missing his pelt by an inch. The gray wolf halted and whirled around, hackles raised. The two wolves began circling, preparing to battle.
“Echo, stop! That’s just how she is, she was just playing around,” Lottie protested, jumping onto Echo.
The minute he touched her Echo jumped for her throat. Lottie sprang back, hurt and shocked. Lilja stopped dead in his tracks and prepared to spring, willing to protect his sister from this wandering rogue. But his attack was stopped as Echo let the anger fade from his face, lowering his teeth.
