Moon Feast
by Lakisha Spletzer
Copyright 2010 Lakisha Spletzer. All rights reserved. https://www.kishazworld.com
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely incidental.
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Author Acknowledgements
I have to thank Lyn Ehley for editing and for not being freaked out by my strange story. I also have to thank those who proofread the story for mistakes and helped me polish it up.
And thanks to you, the reader, who has taken a chance on reading this story. May you enjoy it as much as I had fun writing it.
~1~
It was a beautiful afternoon full of life and sunshine. Yet none of it mattered to Dareus as he crashed into a tree. A hoarse shout escaped from his dry throat and sweat poured from his body. His head swung to and fro as he scanned for any sign of his pursuer. His brown hair was plastered against his head but he did not try to brush it away. Normally a fastidious man, he worried more now about his survival than the state of his appearance. He ducked behind a trio of trees and fought to catch his breath.
“They’re not going to get me! No, not going to!”
He’d heard the stories like everyone else of Trolgres, giant ugly green creatures well over six-feet tall. They had small tusks on either side of drooling mouths full of sharp, discolored teeth. And the stench could overwhelm a grown man and make him gag.
Dareus was warned by the town elders to steer clear of the woods. Not one for heeding old women’s tales, and not fearful of nonsense spewed by pagan villagers, he ignored them. The same story about the area being haunted had persisted from the time he’d arrived on the First Continent. Though he called the Second Continent home, a longing for travel and adventure had compelled him to beg for his father’s blessing and money to take the trip to the Northern land. He visited the place called The Circle of Twelve, a region made up of twelve large villages. The moment he stepped foot in the first village, the townspeople urged him to return home.
“The land is cursed!” they said.
“You’ll die if you go there,” one old man pronounced. Dareus laughed at him and moved on to the next town.
Now he wished he were on a boat going home. A twig snapped and his heart beat faster. Is it one of them? Have they found me? Furtively, he tried to peer into the fast-darkening night to see if the hunter had indeed found him. Not spotting anything, he eased away from his hiding spot and sprinted north. “I’m going to make it! I will be safe.” The mumbled words of courage did little to soothe his frayed nerves.
Ahead he saw the opening that would lead him back to civilization and safety. The beckoning sight of green grass and a white fence spurred him to push his tired body to its limits. Just a few more feet….
The screech of an overhead bird distracted him and he looked up. It was a costly mistake. Something slammed into him hard and he went reeling. Dareus tried to break his fall but wasn’t fast enough as his head connected with a protruding rock. His vision went dark as unconsciousness claimed him.
~2~
Murmured voices woke Dareus. He started to open his eyes but stopped immediately. Grogginess and a raging headache forced him to stay still as he tried to get his bearings. The pain finally became manageable, so he took a chance and looked around. For a moment, there was only blackness and he thought he was blind, but the glow from the nearby fire convinced him otherwise.
It was night and the light of the moon barely penetrated the thick tree cover above. He didn’t see his rescuer and felt an uneasy twinge. He wasn’t bound. If he had been taken by the creature, he would be dead. Hoping that a fellow human had saved he called out, “Hello? Anyone there?”
“Yes, I am here.”
Dareus flinched and clumsily grabbed a nearby branch, pulling himself to his feet. His gaze darted around while he tried to spot the speaker. The quick movement made his head ache and he almost blacked out again.
“Calm yourself, traveler. I mean you no harm.”
“Then show yourself! Stop hiding!” Dareus demanded as he peered into the dark.
Leaves rustled off to his left. Dareus spun again, shutting his eyes as he fought for calm. Carefully he opened them and stared. A beautiful, black stallion stood across from the fire. Being a good judge of horseflesh and a consummate rider, Dareus assessed the horse with a critical eye and liked what he saw. The stallion stood sixteen hands high, was well proportioned and very sleek with no excess fat.
Dareus looked around for the rider but saw no one. He frowned and nervously chuckled. “Ha, ha. Very funny. It’s a nice horse but let’s stop playing games. Show yourself!”
“I assure you, Human, that I do not play games. That is for colts and fillies. You may call me Moonwave, for that is my name.”
The horse’s lips were moving! Dareus stumbled back, shock driving all logic from his mind. Speechless, he simply opened and closed his mouth. His head no longer hurt and his vision was clear. He was not seeing things! And there was nothing wrong with his hearing.
The stallion regarded him calmly. “Humans are such silly creatures. Surely you have met one of my kind during your travels through the First Continent?”
Finally Dareus' voice returned. “You...are...talking!”
“Yes, I am speaking with you. You are the only other reasoning creature in my vicinity.”
“But, but you’re a horse! You’re not supposed to talk!”
Moonwave gave him a pitying glance. “You really are sheltered. Yes, I can speak, think and feel. This forest belongs to my herd and you have trespassed in it. Didn’t the town elders tell you about the pact between our kinds?”
“No, Moonwave. That is your name, right? My name is Dareus Stykin. No one mentioned any pacts to me. If I should not be here, I apologize. I’ll leave immediately.”
“Do not be absurd. It is the middle of the night. Rest by the fire and, at first light, I will escort you from this spot.”
Relief washed over Dareus. He was going to make it out of this cursed place without being eaten by whatever monster lived here. He had lied to Moonwave though it didn’t bother him in the least. He’d been given very strong warnings against coming into the woods. Even the dire mumblings of the town council about evil befalling those who dared enter the forest had not swayed him from journeying inside.
“I see.” Moonwave’s silver eyes locked onto his face and Dareus tensed.
It wasn’t until Moonwave glanced away that he relaxed, but then the stallion’s previous st
atement made him throw a sharp look at the horse. “Wait! How did you know I’ve been traveling the First Continent?” Suspicious, he backed up a step.
“Humans talk. Though we do not infringe on each other’s territories often, we do exchange necessary information.”
Dareus was slightly mollified by the explanation. I will keep an eye on this creature. I don’t trust things that use human speech but aren’t human.
“Rest now, Human Dareus, I will escort you to safety in the morning.” Moonwave trotted toward the trees, his tail swishing.
Dareus thought about calling him back but decided to follow the horse’s directions. What harm could possibly befall him when a talking horse stood guard? Content with that knowledge, he wrapped his cloak around him and went to sleep.
* * *
Moonwave continued his slow trot to his waiting servant, Shekyra. For a human, she was the best at what she did. She was co-leader of the Northeast Forest Herd Caretakers and she never complained, shirked her duties or let his hide become dull or matted. His mane always shone with health. He whinnied softly, alerting her to his arrival.
“Lord Moonwave, welcome back!” Shekyra dropped into a graceful curtsy, her green eyes lowered toward the ground. She was petite and curvy. Her fingers were slender and her face was delicate with high cheekbones that made her appear wide-eyed. Her bronze skin complemented the jet-black hair that tumbled to her shoulders in tight curls. Her orange tunic and brown pants hid a wiry, strong body. She had fought hard and won the right to be his Caretaker.
“The human is asleep, Caretaker. Alert the herd that they should prepare the feast.”
“Yes, Lord Moonwave. Will our other three guests be joining us?”
“Excellent idea, Shekyra. Make sure they are well prepared. Now, I must graze. I will see you at the pasture.”
“Good night, Lord Moonwave. May your hooves be swift and your journey short.”
He nickered and stamped his hoof twice in the customary acceptance of the blessing. He watched her leave and with a hard swish of his tail, walked deeper into the forest to graze.
~3~
The sunlight’s heat grazed Dareus’ face and he awoke with a start. Blinking rapidly, he tried to get his bearings and see all at once.
“Slow down, nothing’s going to get you,” he muttered while he took a steadying breath. Another minute passed and he was able to peer about in the bright light and he noticed that he was alone. The remains of the fire still smoked in the morning air. Had he really spoken to a talking horse? Or was it all just a dream, a product of believing all the villagers’ stories? Dareus struggled with his thoughts. Even if the horse hadn’t talked, someone had made the fire. He didn’t know how to make one. As the son of a Duke, he was not required to perform such menial tasks. He wanted to properly thank whoever had saved his life.
A yawn escaped him and gingerly he stretched before coming to his feet. He turned and looked around for the black stallion. “Hello? Mr. Horse? Moonwave? Are you there?”
Moonwave trotted into view, coming from the left grouping of trees. “Yes, Human Dareus, I am here. Come, I will show you to my herd’s pasture.”
“Why are we going to your pasture? Can’t you just take me to a village?” Angrily, Dareus gave the horse an irritated glare. His body was stiff from sleeping on the hard ground and he was very hungry.
“Since my grazing lands share a border with the town Noest, it is the quickest way to leave the forest.”
“Ah.” Dareus vaguely knew the names of the places in the area. Always before he’d had a guide to explain such details that he never listened to. He couldn’t afford to appear stupid in front of a horse. The very idea was mortifying. First rule of nobility—never let the commoners and those beneath your station know your ignorance of a topic. “Well, then, lead on.” He pompously waved his hand in the air.
“Whatever you do, human, do not stray far from my flank. Not all forest creatures are kind, like me,” Moonwave warned.
“I understand.” Not that he would do anything foolish. He wanted to live, not die in this strange unwelcoming place.
Moonwave snorted and walked into the brush, followed by Dareus.
In the beginning, Dareus was happy to be moving but after several hours, his feet hurt and his temper rose. Why should he be forced to use his own two feet when a horse was right there? It was rude of Moonwave not to offer him a ride. Besides, they could travel faster if he rode. He opened his mouth to speak, but snapped it shut when Moonwave came to an abrupt stop in front of him.
“What is it?” Dareus demanded as he tried to see what the problem was. He stared at the second horse that blocked their path. It was another stallion! This one was solid white and looked angry. Dareus moved closer to Moonwave. He didn’t want to get caught in the middle of any fight the two males might have.
“Snowrider. What brings you to Northeast Forest pastures?”
“I had heard rumors that a bold traveler was attempting to journey through our lands. I decided to investigate and I see now it’s true. Do you take him to dine?”
Snowrider’s words gave Dareus a sense of foreboding. He felt an undercurrent of meaning being used and he was missing a piece of the puzzle--a very important part. He would ponder that revelation after he and Moonwave got away from the newcomer.
“Yes, he is my guest. Shekyra has gone ahead to tell the others to start preparations for the meal.”
“Moonwave, why do you always seem to find all the visitors that enter our forest?” Snowrider stomped his hoof irritably.
Moonwave whinnied a laugh. “Because, Snowrider, my power is stronger than yours. Now, if you’ll excuse us, I don’t wish to keep my herd waiting.”
“Oh, very well. Enjoy your meal.” Ungraciously, Snowrider stepped aside off the path.
“I will. May the First Ones bless your hooves and herd.”
“And may they twice bless you, Moonwave.” Snowrider reared back on his hind legs, struck the air twice with his hooves before coming down with a ground-shaking thump. He charged into the trees, disappearing from view.
Dareus let out the breath he was holding. He turned to Moonwave and angrily shoved his hindquarters. He ignored the flattening of Moonwave’s ears as Dareus gave voice to his aggravation. “When will you explain to me what is going on? I was under the impression that it’s just a herd of horses. Now, I know you can talk but you said nothing about magic. And even if you have magic, how can you have a feast? You don’t even have hands!”
Dareus would have continued his rant but Moonwave’s tail slapped him in the face. He sputtered, stepped back, and tripped over a rock. He flailed, trying to stay upright and ended up on his backside in the dirt. He gulped as Moonwave’s nose stopped an inch away from his own.
“Never, ever, push me again, Human. You are not a Caretaker. Now get up. There is one hour left of walking. Then you can rest.”
Chastised, Dareus rose and struggled to keep up with Moonwave’s canter. He continuously wiped sweat from his brow and cursed nature for his bulky body. Exhausted to the point of fainting, Dareus almost wept for joy when Moonwave stopped at the edge of a clearing.
“Here is my home. Come, Human Dareus. The Caretakers will prepare you for dinner.”
Dareus gaped at the view. The grass here was a vibrant violet-blue, not the green of his homeland. Several large structures dotted the landscape. He was surprised to see people entering and exiting the buildings. “There are people here?” The question was half accusation, half observation. “You didn’t mention there would be others like me here!”
“Calm yourself, Human. Who do you think I meant when I said Caretakers? And as you noted during our trip here, horses don’t have hands.”
Moonwave’s explanation made Dareus furious. “Well you should’ve been more direct about it,” he grumbled, crossing his arms over his sweat-soaked tunic.
“Lord
Moonwave! Lord Moonwave!”
Dareus’ glare changed to a grin when he saw the beautiful woman jogging toward them.
“Shekyra! I am glad to see you here. Dareus, this is Shekyra, my Caretaker.” Moonwave gently butted his nose against her outstretched hand.
“Lord Moonwave, you flatter me.” She smiled brightly and turned to Dareus. “Welcome, Dareus, to Lord Moonwave’s herd and pasture. If you will please come this way, food and bath are prepared for you.”
“Gladly.” Maybe being here wasn’t so bad. Shekyra’s womanly curves were a nice distraction. Perhaps he would manage to get a bed partner from this adventure, making all the complications and annoyances of this trip worthwhile. He followed her, admiring her body as she pointed out what the different buildings were for.
“…. Are there any questions, my lord?”
“What? I’m sorry. I was enjoying the scenery.” He smirked, pleased with his entendre.
She gazed coldly back at him. “My Lord Dareus, I assure you that scenery is ever-changing, as are one’s circumstances. You will be housed with the herd’s other guests.”
He reached out and stroked her backside. With a quick jerk, she moved away and slapped the offending hand. Irked that she was ignoring his flirting, Dareus took a threatening step toward her but froze at a shrill whinny. He spun around and came face to face with a rearing mare. He yelped, flung himself sideways and narrowly avoided getting his head crushed. He threw his hands up trying to appear harmless.
“Call her off!” he begged Shekyra, who stood passively by, watching his humiliation.
“The horses do not tolerate fools. Keep your hands to yourself and you will continue to live. Or, if you persist, there are those who like to feast on human flesh. I will gladly serve you to them on a silver platter.”
Dareus blanched and eyed the mare as she trotted over to Shekyra’s side. The horse stood docilely beside the Caretaker but her eyes were locked firmly on him. It reminded him of the Trolgre’s stare. He felt the familiar terror from his flight through the forest rise and sweat ran down his face.
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