by Natalie Erin
There were even some, it was whispered, that were able to raise the dead.
Her and Wyntier would have to be separated, however. He showed no interest in becoming a priest and whatever the Accompany chose he wouldn’t be able to be with Vera, as she’d be traveling and living in the temple most of the time. They’d see each other every so often. Most bonded pairs wouldn’t be able to stand this, and often chose careers together, but Vera had a feeling that it might be good to give each other some distance.
But Vera had no intention of leaving Wyntier. She still loved him dearly, and his absence wouldn’t change a thing. She’d love him no less, no matter what became of them.
“Vera!” a voice cried out behind her, and the young dragoness turned to see a small white griffin charging towards her, with the back haunches of a snow leopard and a fierce, silver beak. Her best friend shook the feathery owl ears on top of her head and rose up on her hind legs to wave at Vera with her long talons. “Vera! You have to hear this!”
Vera chuckled and turned towards the younger Changer. “What is it this time, Allyr?”
“I have the greatest news!” Allyr said. “I just heard Ionan and Keota whispering in the library, and it was about you! I don’t even know if I should tell you, it might spoil the surprise! But, I figured that since you’re leaving in the fall that you might want to know. It’s sort of important.”
“Out with it then, my dearest friend,” Vera laughed.
“Ionan’s planning to propose to you! Tonight!” Allyr yelled. “Isn’t that just wonderful?”
She was floored. “Ionan? Propose? But why...are you sure?”
“I am completely sure. He and Keota were bickering about it. Keota doesn’t want him to do it because of...well, you know...but he’s going to let Ionan do it anyway!”
Vera walked over to the fountain and stared into it. “Are you sure that this isn’t just one of their grand plans to try and get me away from Wyntier, before he changes my mind about the temple?”
“Ionan loves you, Vera,” Allyr said kindly. “You two are Dinkleberry’s cutest couple, and I know you love him back. He’s not asking you to marry him in order to get you away from your Accompany. Although...” Allyr turned one silvery, large eye towards Vera’s cheek, which was darkly bruised, “I wouldn’t say that was a terrible idea otherwise.”
Vera quickly moved her wing so it shielded the bruise from her friend. “He was upset. It was my fault, really, and he was sorry that he did it. It won’t happen again.”
“That’s what you said the last time,” Allyr said. “Vera, why don’t you leave him? Go to the Council and ask them to split your bond. They’ll make exceptions if he’s abusing you.”
“It would bring shame on me to leave my Accompany. Changers who do that are outcasted. I would never stand a chance of getting a job in Nesting’s Haven, let alone be able to become a priestess,” Vera argued.
“Nobody would blame you for leaving Wyntier, not in Southwild. Give it a few years and there won’t be a soul who’ll remember you left him. Don’t you want to be happy?” her friend insisted. “Do you honestly think he’s going to let you go anyway? Especially when none of your friends will be around to protect you? You know he only pushes you so far because he’s afraid of Ionan,” Allyr said.
Vera grimaced. She hated the prospect of leaving all of her friends behind in order to follow her dream.But Allyr’s words rang true. Would Wyntier let her go? “Everything will turn out alright, you’ll see,” Vera said. “But what should I say to Ionan? Yes? No?”
“You should say what your heart tells you to say,” Allyr said gently.
Vera nodded. “You’re right. And my heart tells me to say yes. Yes, I want to marry him!”
“Then do it, you silly featherbrain!” Allyr laughed. “But how are you going to get Wyntier to agree? He has to accept in order for it to be legal.”
“I’ll ask him,” Vera said, transforming into a sparrow and fluttering in midair. “I’ll ask him right now!”
A few hours later, however, her hopes had been dashed. Sitting quietly by the fountain, she felt ashamed as a single tear ran down her face. Wyntier had not only said no to the marriage, but he had told her that she wouldn’t be a priestess. He was going to be in the army, and she was going to be by his side as a nurse.
A nurse, she thought, trying to cheer herself up. Now that wouldn’t be so bad, would it? To help the needy and less fortunate soldiers of war? She couldn’t help feeling a bit disappointed. But then she shook herself out of it. Keota and Ionan were going in the army too. Since she would be a nurse she’d be able to watch over Ionan, and take care of him if he got hurt. Nothing meant more to Vera than making sure Ionan would be okay. It’s not like I’ll never become a priestess, she thought, and a smile spread across her face. Helping Wyntier and my friends is more important than what I want.
Her dreams would have to wait.
Vera was startled awake by a cry of pain. Allie fell onto the ground as Wyntier smacked her across the room, the little fawn’s legs flying through the air. Kennu started at the sound of his Changer’s scream. He rose to his feet and stared at Wyntier in disbelief.
“You’re a bad man!” Kennu yelled and he charged at Wyntier, kicking him hard in the ankle.
“You stupid brat,” Wyntier grabbed Kennu by the throat and pushed him against the wall. “How dare you kick me!”
“Bad man does not hurt Kennu!” Allie yelled and charged at him, transforming into a lynx. She landed squarely against Wyntier’s chest and threw him to the ground, clawing at his face and arms. The five older wolf pups charged forward and began to tear at his legs. He threw them all off and turned on the pups, not realizing who was behind him.
“Bad man is in trouble now!” Kennu yelled as he jumped onto Wyntier. Wyntier toppled forward and shattered three of the many vials in front of him. Vera watched the scene, frozen, unsure of who she should help.
“You little brat!” Wyntier grabbed Kennu and launched him across the room. Kennu crashed into the wall with a cry and Allie ran to his side. She looked him over closely and then turned her head toward Wyntier, her eyes glowing once more. “You are a bad man,” she hissed, and her voice was one of an adult, powerful and strong.
His eyes widened in fear. “Stay back. I won’t hurt anyone else, just please, stay back.” Wyntier slowly retreated, putting his hand out in front of him to try and calm the small Changer.
“You have already hurt someone, and you will pay,” Allie told him, her teeth bared. She charged forward and launched herself into the air, but before she could strike, Vera caught her.
Wyntier cried out once again in fright, and Vera ran to his rescue, screaming at the children. “Get off of him! He didn’t mean to hurt anyone. Just go back and find something else to do!”
The children did as they were told, looking at Vera with confused and hurt expressions. “I want them locked up.” Wyntier snarled at his Changer. “Now!”
It didn’t take long for Vera to do as he asked. In the end the children all sat in a small pen that was up to Kennu’s shoulders, trapped in a small circle with little room to run and play.
Kennu began to cry. “I want Mommy and Daddy!”
“I want Io!” Allie moaned. The two of them burst into tears. The wolves followed suit, whining and crying.
I can’t do this much longer, Vera thought, and she did everything she could to keep from crying herself.
Maekrel had been sent out yet again, this time to act as a scout. As he ran through the snow, he heard his name. “Must be Master calling me,” he mumbled. He headed toward the sound and picked up his speed. “I’m coming!” he cried, barreling through the snow like no tomorrow.
He kept running until he ran head on into the source of the voice. He fell onto the snow and rubbed his head gently. The woman he had crashed into was much taller than him, and obviously a lot stronger.
“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry,” the woman said in a hurried tone. “I’
m looking for my Changer and I’m in a rush.” She didn’t seem to be the slightest bit affected by the crash.
“That’s all right. I’m looking for someone too,” Maekrel responded cheerfully. “I heard my Master calling me so I’m off to find him, wherever he went.”
The young woman stuck her hand out. “I’m Ana.”
Maekrel took the offered hand and she helped him to his feet with an amazing strength.
“Thank you.” He brushed himself off gently. “I’m Maekrel.”
“Maekrel?” She looked at him with a startled expression. “No. There is no way you’re Maekrel.” She looked at him with curious eyes, then realization as she recognized the golden stare. “You are Maekrel.”
“Yes, that’s what I said,” he told her. “Now if you’ll excuse me, my Master needs me.”
“No!” she called. He turned to face her. “Don’t leave. I need you. You’re my Changer.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’ve never seen you before in my life,” Maekrel insisted.
“What are you talking about? We’ve known each other since you were a hatchling. I was only six. We met at our finding ceremony. Don’t you remember?” she insisted.
“Um...no.” Maekrel shook his head. “I really must be going. I’m sorry, but I have no time to talk to crazy people. I wish I did, because what you’re saying is really funny.” Maekrel turned again but Ana launched forward and tackled him to the ground.
“Please Maekrel, you must remember.” Tears began to fall from her golden eyes. “I love you Maekrel. You just have to remember me.”
“I need to go, crazy lady!” Maekrel pulled his sleeve from her grasp and pushed her off, breaking into a run.
Not knowing what else to do, Ana fell to her knees in the snow with tears pouring from her eyes and began to sing. It was only a simple little tune her mother had sang to her and Maekrel shortly after the ceremony, but they spent many nights at Dinkleberry singing it to each other whenever times were tough. Her voice was only a whisper, but he heard her perfectly.
“Hush little one, don’t cry anymore. The night is near, but don’t you fear,
I am here.
Child, you may feel scared, but everything is okay,
I keep the nightmares at bay.
Because I love you, and I am here for you,
sweet little one.
I love you and will always be here
sweet little one.
Do not fear for I am here
my little one.
Shut your eyes, hush your cries,
and I will watch you as you sleep.”
The tears continued to fall from her eyes and recognition filled Maekrel’s eyes. “Oh Ana.” He went to hold her and his face began to crumble as he realized what Wyntier had done to him. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have gone off alone.”
“It’s alright,” Ana said and she embraced him tightly. “Everything’s fine, so long as you’re still here.”
“How did you even get here so fast?” he asked, pulling away from her.
“I hitched a ride from the Great One’s Changer, but he left me here in the side of the mountains and headed back to the Verinian when we couldn’t find you,” Ana said. “I’ve been looking for days and...”
“You’ve caused too much trouble Ana!” a voice cried, and the two turned to see Wyntier standing over them, pointing his finger at the tall girl. “And now I’m getting rid of you, once and for all!”
“I think you’re wrong Wyntier,” she said calmly, rising to her feet with Maekrel’s hand in hers. “Have you forgotten what you did, five years ago? Maekrel and I have been chasing you ever since. Now you’ve taken my Changer away. There’s nothing worse than that. It’s time for this to end.”
Wyntier looked between the two of them coldly. “If you take me, Vera won’t survive,” he said threateningly.
Ana was still calm, although pity shone in her eyes. “She was dead the moment you found her, Wyntier. It makes no difference now.”
Wyntier pulled out his gun but found it unloaded. As the pair stared at the object in confusion he unsheathed his dagger. He charged at Ana, ready to stab the blade into her heart.
Maekrel cried and grabbed his arm. The two wrestled, the snow shuffling around their feet and Ana pulled out her own knife. Maekrel wasn’t as strong in his human form, and Wyntier threw him off easily, into Ana. The two stumbled and fell over the side of the cliff, tumbling into the jagged peaks.
Breathing raggedly, he laughed as he saw them fall and eventually disappear. Knowing they must be dead, he sheathed his knife and reminded himself to always keep the gun loaded. After the snow had covered up Ana and Maekrel’s tracks, he set back to his hideout. It was time to set his plan in motion.
Chapter Seven
Secrets and Insanity
Vera was looking in a puddle on the cave floor. A black eye was forming from Wyntier’s last hit. She thanked the Creator that the children had no injuries. I swear never to let him touch any of them ever again, she thought. If he does, Accompany or not, I’ll roast him! She stomped over to the children and settled down next to the pen. The pups crawled to her side, sticking their paws out, while Kennu laid a hand on her head. Allie touched her nose to her face, and smiled. Kennu was crying.
“I want Mommy and Daddy,” he sniffed.
“Io,” Allie whined. The wolf pups turned away and sat in a circle in the middle of the cage.
“We were supposed to have our first hunt a few days ago,” Jade yipped.
“I want to go back home!” Shadowin growled and he started biting angrily at the bars.
“Maybe Wyntier will let you out of there, but you have to be good. If you are calm, maybe I can convince him to let you free.,” Vera said, trying to lie to herself. The children’s eyes shone hopefully. “Would you like to hear a lullaby? All Changers and Accompanies know it. You and Allie might even recognize it, Kennu,” she whispered softly. They nodded and Vera began to sing in a beautiful, harmonious voice.
The children eventually fell asleep, and Vera was amazed at how small they were. Midnightstar was the only one who was still awake. “Thank you Vera. You have the most beautiful voice I have ever heard. You are truly wonderful.”
“If I was really wonderful, I wouldn’t have put you all here in the first place,” Vera sighed.
Midnightstar shook her head. “No, Vera. That was your Accompany, not you. Your Accompany is evil, and I can’t understand how you could love him. But you…you are good and kind. A beautiful creature like you should never be forced to do that monster’s will.”
Just then, Wyntier walked in. “Grab the brat and let’s go!” he cried, pointing at Kennu.
Vera glared at him. “He won’t come unless Allie is with him,” she said.
“Take her as well. We need her,” he said.
“What are you going to do with that?” she asked warily, looking at a needle protruding from a box.
Wyntier shut it, muttering, “We’re going to pay our friends a little visit.”
Kiatana and the group finally landed on the edge of a cliffside just over a flat plain. The wolves seemed tired, but Kia glanced at them and knew if she asked them to travel farther, they would do so.
“I’m exhausted,” Casiff said as they gathered together on the side of the large cliff, shaking his head. “We all need to rest.”
“We can’t rest until we’ve traveled farther. We have to find my son,” Kia insisted.
“He’s right here.”
The group looked up and saw a handsome Accompany riding the purple dragon they recognized as Vera. Their hearts clenched as they saw he had Kennu in his arms, and was smiling at them maliciously.
“Mama! Daddy!” he cried, tears streaming down his face.
“Hold on baby, I’m coming!” Kia screamed. Her wings appeared and she flew towards Wyntier, while Casiff followed. Ionan let out a jet of flame, Keota launching onto his back in an offensive position.
&nbs
p; “Come any closer and I drop the Changer!” he warned. They all froze in place and Ionan shouted, “Allie! Where’s Allie?”
“Io!” the fawn cried. They whirled around and saw with horror that Allie was at the side of the cliff, hanging from a net. The more she struggled, the more she got entangled in the ropes. Her sharp hooves were cutting the mesh in her struggle to get away. If she kept moving, her legs would either be broken or she would cut through the netting.
“You monster, she can’t fly yet!” Keota screamed.
Ionan looked at her and bellowed, “Allie, quit moving!” When she still struggled, he roared, “ALLIE! STOP!”
The noise scared her and she paused, her eyes wide. Wyntier looked at them all in turn, connecting in turn with their eyes. “One. False. Move,” he warned, “And the Changer and the prince will die.” He pulled out a syringe from his pocket, and the needle glistened in the sunlight. “Ortusan venom. Very effective for making fairies forget things. Of course, I didn’t need that for taking care of Maekrel,” Wyntier said, smiling at Ionan. “My little mutation serum was enough for that.”
“What did you do to my brother!” Ionan cried.
“It was his fault for following me,” Wyntier said. “Now I want to see what happens when the little prince forgets who his parents are.” He pushed up Kennu’s sleeve.
“Vera, stop him!” Ionan called, but she simply turned her head away.
Kennu started bawling immensely as Wyntier raised the needle. Kia went insane. “You dare to mess with my son?” she screamed, and flew head-on at the Accompany. She brought out her dagger and aimed towards his heart, but Wyntier turned and plunged the syringe into her arm.. Kia fell from the sky, instantly stunned.
