Ra' van (Book Three of the Items Trilogy)

by H. Lee Morgan, Jr

  Heat surged through his limbs as his heartbeat grew to an intense hum. Then the way he ran altered with the new strength and speed his legs adapted to. Instead of pounding the ground as fast as his legs would allow he began leaping on alternating legs and his speed increased further. Alex leaned forward, his torso nearly parallel to the ground, his right knee bent and touched his right pectoral muscle and as the left foot lunged his body forward it began bending to touch the left pectoral muscle while his right leg shot down to power him forward again. His sword didn’t infringe on the movement as his left hand gripped the handle to keep everything from slowing him down. Within three inhuman bounds Alex gained over a hundred feet before Shade caught on and howled at the challenge before coiling his enormous muscles to propel his large form at incredible speeds. Nearly a minute later Shade caught up.

  Alex pumped his legs as hard as possible and it nearly matched Shade’s, but even a Furion cannot truly outrun a Shadow Fang who was born to run, for long. Shade ran beside his brother, feeling a sense of freedom burn within his body. Ava saw the burst of speed her brothers put on from high above and felt a challenge rising within herself. She angled her wings and tail-feathers downward and within seconds of dive-bombing in their direction she flared her wings and flew to Alex’s left.

  She flapped as hard as she could since she couldn’t fly as quickly so close to the ground, but the challenge wouldn’t beat her pride. Alex grinned as he looked to her on one side and his brother to the other, while also carrying a laughing Lily.

  The three blazed across the landscape for three hours, spurring each other harder and to greater levels of endurance. Eventually the sun became too difficult to run so recklessly in and they forced themselves to a stop by an uninhabited oasis. There they cooled off under a tree and swam in the spring fed water. They all drank to their hearts content.

  Eventually Ava flew back and retrieved the others and brought them in by nightfall.

  “Shade’s looking better.” Niranene commented.

  “The flight across the desert helped all of us and felt great to get out of our system.” Ava explained after translation. “Did any of you have any troubles while we were away?”

  “Not a one, other than one of the water skins sprung a small leak and we patched it before losing all its contents.” Marlin explained. He then wiped sweat from his brow. “I don’t know about you, but I do not like these lands. It’s too dry and hot for my taste.”

  “That is why my people are so strong.” Isabelle explained. “To live in the south, where water is scarce, we had no choice other than to adapt and become strong. Fresh, clean water like in this little oasis is scarce. I wonder if you noticed, but we don’t receive much rain. We usually get three of four showers a year. I’m surprised there aren’t many who have found this place. Usually someone will claim this source and charge others to use it.”

  “What worries me is how few travelers we’ve seen on the road.” Alex wondered aloud. “You’ve said this road is well traveled for it connects Sheridan and Jugo, but during our run we only saw one horse drawn wagon today.”

  “That is because it is the time of year for the Zamba sacrifice.” She explained.

  “Zamba?” Niranene asked. “What’s that?”

  “It is why we have come. Many acolytes who wish to be accepted as full Juguan priests scour the lands, searching for unsuspecting victims. After the rise of Yosh he recreated the ritual that has been outlawed by past High Priests. Many inhabitants have ceased travels until the ritual has been completed or have gone into hiding to protect their loved ones. Once an acolyte captures and drugs a person they deem strong or worthy enough, they return to Jugo with their prize. When a person is captured they are considered sacrifices…”

  “Which is what you’ll all become.” A sadistic voice announced suddenly.

  Alex jumped up to search where the voice originated to find nothing human of shape in the darkness. “Who’s there!” he yelled and felt angered at not sensing a presence.

  “One of the acolytes you spoke so highly of.” The voice said again from all directions. Alex drew his sword and it sang as it became free. Everyone else drew weapons except Niranene. “Weapons will not do you any good. You’ve all fallen in my trap. And it is too late to escape…” The voice mocked.

  Darkness consumed much, but Alex’s keen vision spotted tiny glints of metal faintly glittering on all the trees, plants and grass. They weren’t there before and the glint caught his eyes when the voice spoke. He then warned his companions “Careful, he’s put something on the trees and grass.” The voice went silent in surprise. This made Alex smile, but he first silently rumbled to warn the fiends. “Where are you? Come out and challenge us if you think you can.”

  He then caught glints of the metallic particles on everyone’s clothes and bodies from resting or rubbing the coated area.

  “There isn’t any need for me to answer the questions of sacrifices. After tonight I’ll undoubtedly be promoted to priesthood with full benefits.”

  Calosh then spoke. “My child, what you believe has been corrupted beyond recognition. I am High Priest Calosh, your future leader. Cease this foolish ritual before you disgrace those we strive to resurrect.”

  “Only Yosh is the High Priest unbeliever.”

  Calosh looked meaningfully at Alex and mouthed ‘He cannot see us!’ And then he said “Now I understand as to why this oasis is so vacant and not claimed. You’ve claimed it, but travelers mistakenly believe it isn’t…” While the high priest continued to speak Alex knew he was simply buying time by causing a distraction. The acolyte had to be close enough to hear, but also not be able to be seen or else when he spoke the glittery item wouldn’t be so effective at hiding his presence. He stomped on the ground with sudden force and pushed a tremendous amount of heat to the soles of his feet to increase their sensitivity. Again he stomped without making any sound and felt the vibrations each stomp created. The force of the strike on the rocky ground made everyone step on an unconscious level. “because you’ve designed the trap solely for the Zamba. Now how, might I ask, will you be able to take on all twelve of us alone. As is custom to these heinous rites you must go out alone to bring a slave back. Even if you manage to succeed in besting us, how will you bring transport us all to Jugo in time?”

  “Twelve?” The person stumbled on that one word. Again Alex stomped, trying to remember all the subtle skills taught back in Pilluan when he wasn’t shaping the boulder. “Do not fool me there are only six people and four large pack animals.”

  Then they realized why the glitter clung to them since they rested on the ground and that is how the person could sense. The tiny fragments transmit his voice and relay movement. The item didn’t work on Alex and he probably thought Ava to be a bird and Krum to be a small human.

  Stomping one more time, Alex grinned as he sensed an oddity. Something moved several feet beneath the surface.

  Immediately he slammed his heel into the ground one more time to make absolutely sure of the movement before jumping over Quee and plunging his blade to the hilt into the ground. Panicked, the person hiding within a compartment slapped his hand against the wall and Alex reacted by standing when he heard something click from above his head. Four small glass balls, the size of an eye, containing a green liquid fell from holes in a tree, but before they hit the ground he plucked them gently out of the air. Quickly wondering what lay inside he tossed one a hundred yards away and saw the thin glass easily shatter on the dry ground and an ominous green mist appeared when the liquid met air.

  It could have been nothing other than a chemical used to make others cooperate by drugging them.

  He grinned, set the glass capsules in Calosh’s steady hands, walked back to his sword and commanded his Dominance to encase the void beneath his feet. “Come up here before you do something you’ll regret again.”

  The whole group tensed as a click came from beneath the sword. Alex easily withdrew his weapon from the ground as a s
egment of grass lifted, revealing an underground hole. Brown hair preceded a boy with late teen features in purple robes with a red sash crossing his chest. His forehead remain unmarked, but his colors proved his low rank status in the priesthood. He stepped out of the well concealed hole, under the full effects of Alex’s Dominance. “Instead of making yourself known you should have just used the glass balls when we were unprepared. It shows true ignorance when the task would have been easily distributed. Since you are a talker you couldn’t help yourself. Now why did you reveal your presence?”

  “Because I wanted you to feel helpless. Sacrifices do not have any hope…”

  “Stand right there and don’t move or say a word.” Alex then turned around and approached the others. They spoke in hushed tones, trying to decide what to do. Without the gas he’d lost his only advantage and couldn’t bring harm, but since none were hurt they unanimously decided to be lenient and send him away.

  But not without consequence.

  When all agreed Alex approached the boy, pulled the dagger from his robe and broke the handle from the blade with his bare hands before the acolyte’s very eyes and threw them in opposite directions with all he had. “Losing the dagger given to the individual will forever mark them as one unworthy, who didn’t fulfill their duties.” Calosh said solemnly and although the boy couldn’t move, tears streaked down his cheeks in full understanding of what is happening. “Even when Alex allows you to leave you cannot return to Jugo or any Juguan centers. You are hereby banished from my sight for not obeying the words and orders of the true High Priest and sought to ally yourself with a false believer who revels in unnecessary bloodshed.”

  He then nodded to Alex who brought his Dominance forth to command “Leave the area and never seek to kill, maim or harm your fellow man from this day forth. One day, when you fully come to realize why you chose the wrong path and help others without seeking reward will you no longer be bound by my control. Go now and don’t tell a soul about anything that happened here or what you’ve seen this night. Make a new home and find a new path to live that doesn’t involve the task of harming another living being.”

  The boy cried harder, but immediately turned and fled as if his life hung in the balance. The predators watched the figure and felt no pity.

  “We need to rest” Ava announced. “and be more alert. Where there is one trap, more are sure to lay in wait.

  By morning all had gotten enough rest and checked for anything of use inside the hole. They discovered a sack of green balls and Calosh grabbed them to say “They might come in handy if we’re ever surrounded. Toss a few and put the opposition asleep. Our order has used these many times to escape major hazards after our exile. Give me a few minutes to make them travel worthy for we cannot afford to have them crack and leak on us.”

  “Go ahead.” Marlin said as he dropped down in the spacious hole and dug in another sack. “Look here!” He resurfaced in excitement, holding a rolled up piece of parchment. “It’s a map detailing the areas the acolytes have been permitted to hunt. It also shows where all water sources are. With this we can avoid problems like last night and not fear dying of thirst. None of the maps back in Sheridan had half of the details this one does.”

  “Good find, husband.” Niranene approved and patted his shoulder.

  “Anything else of use down there?” Lily asked both Alex and Calosh from above.

  “Just a cot, some dry fruit and meat and a Juguan tome. That boy came ill prepared to take on a group as large as ours.” Alex informed just as Ava stuck her beak down in the hole and said “We need to leave soon. A convoy of six wagons is heading in this direction and will arrive within the hour.”

  Alex stood and looked at the white robed priest sitting on the simple cot. “Better quicken the pace on securing those orbs, we need to leave. Ava just said we’ll have company soon. I’ll pack your blanket and cover our tracks, but we will leave in fifteen.”

  “Understood.” And Calosh quickly wrapped the individual balls in padded cloth with greater haste.

  With haste and focus of his own, Alex found a leafy branch, broke it off and began covering their prints from their time at the oasis.

  Just as he completed covering Shade’s last paw print Calosh exited and they mounted. They headed south, away from the main road and used the oasis as cover to escape notice. When Ava returned to say the maneuver succeeded they circled in an easterly direction, found a road and traveled due East.

  Thanks to the map left behind they easily circumvented major hazards, but during the three week journey it became increasingly more difficult to avoid being spotted by roving patrols and Juguan priests. More so now within Ra’van’s controlled territory. The arid landscape didn’t help matters either, but they reached the Byro river and made a decision.

  At the river’s edge Isabelle and Calosh said goodbye to Quee and Demek. The river offered more lush vegetation and hunting opportunities. The parting took the better part of a day, but eventually the Beran lioness and Grizon left to carve out new territories for their own.

  That night they snuck into a fishing village, in secret. They met an old fisherman who remained a loyal follower to Calosh’s order and paid homage to the new High Priest before taking all of them to his boat under the cover of darkness. It didn’t take as long as it usually does for the captain to not fear coming face to face with Shade, but they all slipped onto the boat and crossed the river.

  After crossing they knew Jugo laid only a day’s travel and made final preparations before leaving.

  Chapter 19

  “Are you certain there isn’t another way?” Lily inquired solemnly.

  Calosh began to speak, but Alex stepped closer and laid a hand on her slumped shoulder. “It is the only way to enter the city. Trust me, I do not favor this part of the plan any more than you. All you can have to do is put on a set of clothes. Marlin, Niranene and I are the ones who will have it much worse. Even Clift has accepted to do something he swore to never do again.”

  He turned to his friend within the darkness to nod.

  For the entire day they watched Jugo from a distance and weren’t spotted. They all had to reign in their individual anger for nothing could be done. Hundreds of purple robed acolytes came in from every direction, dragging the drugged, beaten and mutilated innocents to the imminent end of their journey through life. Fully red robed priests rode on horseback all around the city, checking the acolytes harvest and searching for people foolish enough to attempt to rescue those being brought to appease Yosh’s ideals. The entire group had to change locations when the patrols came too close to their spot. Night came quickly and they couldn’t risk fire, even if they dug a pit.

  Ava remained the ever watchful sentinel perched at the peak of a nearby tree, aware the enemy is too close and could easily fall upon them. Out of everyone, Shade seemed to be the only one content with the plan. He said earlier, when they watched the city and those coming in from the desert “This will not be expected and we’ll succeed because it has never been done before.” Only he could say that because he didn’t have to do anything. Ava vehemently rejected it for she didn’t want to see her Alex hurt in any way, but she couldn’t create an alternative to enter the heavily guarded city without bloodshed. She instead sulked and stayed in the trees to keep angry thoughts from consuming her by keeping guard.

  Marlin grimace and said “Procrastinating will only make it worse right?”

  “It’s always felt that way.” Alex admitted.

  Both men slipped off their tunics and faced each other. They now understood why Calosh told them to stop shaving a week ago for each had a scruffy beard coming in and smelled worse than the others.

  “One at a time or all out.”

  “We’re warriors so let’s do this like men.” Alex clarified.

  Marlin nodded and balled his fists until the knuckles became white and the tendons stood out. Alex did the same, but looked much more fierce. Pain exploded on Alex’s jaw from Marlin’s
suddenly thrown punch and he retaliated by throwing a punch towards his friend’s gut. Alex knew he couldn’t use his abilities to heal or overdue any strikes or his friend wouldn’t survive. They had to pummel each other on equal ground. When Marlin caught his breath he lunged, used his weight to grapple Alex to the ground. Achieving the upper hand, Marlin scored three punches to Alex’s face and shoulder before being bucked off when Alex planted his heels and threw off the opponent by thrusting his hips. Lifting his legs and thrusting them out, Alex flipped into a stand and hastily began kicking his friend while he tried to regain position. After a glancing blow to the side of his head Marlin wrapped his arms around the Furion’s knee and jerked upward to throw him off balance. In response to the grapple Alex couldn’t save himself from his head bouncing off a flat piece of shale. Momentarily disoriented, Marlin again took the advantage to elbow the opponent in the gut and split his lip with a well placed punch. Newfound pain brought clarity to Alex as he jabbed with his left hand, audibly breaking Marlin’s nose.

  “That’s enough!” Niranene commanded and both men instantly fell on their backs and panted heavily from the fight and the pain that wracked them.

  She and Lily quickly rushed to their sides and began ministering to them. As Lily helped her love to sit up he needed to spit a globule of blood and did so. Alex’s lip had been split quite well and bled profusely, but didn’t look nearly as bad as Marlin’s broken nose, blood dripping off his chin. Both the healer and warrior gave their husbands a dry cloth to wipe the blood. Pressure was then applied to Alex’s lip and head when he heard Niranene say “Take this beaded cloth and place it in your gum of the upper lip.” As Marlin did so she explained “It will help stem the nose bleeding, trust me.”