Less than ten minutes later the fighting came to an end. Alex had long since lost his scrap of cloth and walked right up to Shade, completely uncaring of how he appeared. Gore did little to take away his powerful presence. He grabbed the lock and jerked with enough force to open the cell. “Fear not, you will not die this day. Only those priests who remain alive or awake are good. Go to them and they will help you get back to your families.”
“Who are you?” One brave man asked.
“Prince Alex Shuelson of Ra’van and rightful heir. Please go make yourselves well and return to where you belong.”
“Thank you, good prince.” He and the others carefully avoided Shade, but went straight to a group of priest healers.
“Alex!” Isabelle called and hurriedly approached him and avoided admiring his nakedness. “Where’s my item?”
“Right here.” And he dug it out from beneath his bracer since there were no other places to safely store it.
She smiled and took it before going off to help a little girl.
Marlin approached next in a similar condition, but a small cut on his cheek was all he received from battle. He grinned and said “Good fight, my friend.”
“Aye.” And they laughed.
“Don’t they look great!” Lily remarked as she slipped her unblemished swords back into their white sheathes.
“That is an understatement.” Niranene joked lightly, admiring her love’s physique.
Both turned and realized just how they looked and laughed.
“What now?” Ava asked as she landed between Shade’s ears.
“We go quickly and inform Allahandra of our progress and clean ourselves.” Shade announced. The others didn’t need to wait long to understand the exchange.
They found Calosh and told them where they were going and he said he’d take care of the situation till they came back.
After removing the robe of a fallen priest to cover themselves somewhat all of the pack members hurried to Wilo’s estate to see him waiting expectantly by the front door. He grinned joyfully at hearing of Yosh’s death and the success at completely stopping the Zamba. He didn’t like hearing of the deaths, but to stop the ritual for all time and save many more in the long run. It had to be done. Shade began padding over to Clift to explain the success and to also clean much of the blood from his paws and coat.
“I’ve already prepared your rooms and had my servants draw you a bath and a change of clothes.” Wilo explained while walking them through his home. “If you need further assistance please ask my servants, they know to do anything you require. You’ve freed us and gotten me out of bed. The gifts you’ve given will not go unrecognized.”
Adjoining rooms stood before them and they split up. Inside and in the center sat a large wooden tub of steaming water. Alex and lily both slipped out of the robes and hurriedly sunk into the warm water. They quickly began soaking while removing the grime and gore clinging to them. Special soaps sat beside the tub and Lily began scrubbing the dye from her flesh and hair. It took nearly an hour, and Alex’s help, but her white hair returned to its former glory and her fair complexion no longer appeared tan. Stepping out of the water revealed just how dirty they had both been, but they felt clean and refreshed after such an ordeal. They then used an ewer to clean their bloody swords.
Alex then reapplied his ruby and uncle’s Freelan ring, Allahandra’s medallion and Ava’s perch.
While dressing in their washed clothes Lily remarked “After tonight’s fight your bruises are almost gone. And your lip is nearly healed.”
“You don’t realize how hard it was to not heal quickly out of habit. I had to keep telling myself to resist.”
“Many wish they could heal so quickly, even healers.” Then she got a worried and wondering look, saw his expression and elaborated. “You really scared me earlier. I thought you were affected like everyone else as you did what everyone else had. When he whispered in your ear I nearly jumped, thinking you’d have your heart pulled out…”
“Now that was difficult,” He agreed. “but Shade has taught me that to snare your prey it isn’t always best to chase after them. As a pup he learned that hunting sometimes required patience for the prey to come closer. I could have attacked earlier, but Yosh’s guards would have gotten in the way and it might not have worked. When Shade caught his first rat he explained how he waited till the prey came close, I had to get close to my prey as well. What was the hardest part was how I couldn’t save those eleven when I could have, but I couldn’t do anything till his guard dropped…”
“Zawat truly said the success relied on you. He must have known all this would have happened. Only a Furion could resist Yosh’s item. No one else could have gotten so close except a slave. Now what are we to do?”
Just then came a knock on the door. Marlin peeked his head in, saw they were finished dressing and both he and Niranene entered. Both returned looked better, but Marlin still displayed black eyes and bruises. Niranene would fix that later. He then asked “Have you reported in yet?”
“Nay, we were just about to.” Lily admitted.
Withdrawing the circular mirror from the leather pack, Alex walked towards a table beside a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing bedroll for a bed while using an index finger to trace a spiral on the reflective surface from the outside in. He held his finger in the center for a moment before watching it dissolve into tiny particles upon the desk.
A moment later it began gathering and took on the resemblance of a silvery man of perfect detail. The man’s face began moving until Janken saw who summoned him. “Prince Alex!” he sounded overly thrilled. “Hold on for a moment so that I may find Allahandra.” Janken’s small form then began running in place and a small chuckle came from Marlin. He then raised his tiny fist and looked to have knocked on an invisible door. “Move aside, I must speak with Allahandra immediately for the prince is using my item.” Moments later the figure stopped again and the tiny figure turned and looked directly at Alex, but didn’t speak for a few seconds. “The queen wishes to know if all went according to plan?”
“Aye, I just killed Yosh and many of his most loyal priests. Right now Calosh and his priests are helping to return the people who had been captured back home while taking control of the high temple as well as all of Jugo. Ava stunned most of the priests and devoted followers and will most likely not awaken till sunrise at the earliest.
“Now before your item fly’s away, tell me of Freelan’s situation or anything else we need to know before proceeding with the plans.”
Janken quickly reiterated his words and went silent. “Allahandra says that we’ve had minor skirmishes by those both inside and outside Central City, but nothing that couldn’t be quelled easily. Much of Gagiat has been torn by the confusion left behind by our ability to expel Ra’van influence.
“Two weeks ago an army from Nicronane arrived, thanks to the kindness of the newly appointed king, Moro, great grandson of the last king who ruled Nicronane. He couldn’t come personally since his lands are in a similar state as Gagiat. Already Moro’s forces are working with Freelan as we make final preparations to disembark for the long journey to your kingdom. He also sent much needed supplies, such as food, to show he wants to be allies.
“Angie has seen that in three weeks the weather will break enough for us to continue traveling again. We will march during the winter, but the worst of the season has passed. And your tasks remain the same…”
Then Janken paused and looked away for a moment to return and offer both Alex and the other’s a genuine smile. “Allahandra has also asked me to tell you news of great importance. She and Rakkian have just found out yesterday they have conceived an heir.”
Lily stepped closer. “Allahandra is with child?”
“Aye.” The little old man nodded with a smile.
“Tell her I said congratulation and for Rakkian to take it easy. Who knew he still had it in him?” The room burst into laughter.
Just as Jank
en roared in laughter his item lost cohesion and began drifting away, back to the owner.
“Wasn’t that a surprise?” Marlin smirked.
“I’m happy for them.” Niranene remarked. “They deserve to find happiness and begin a family.”
Lily grinned. “It’s unfortunate…”
“What is?” The healer wondered.
“That we didn’t include Allahandra in our wager. She would have lost and owed us.”
“It’s too late to bring her in now though.” And both women smirked knowingly, but retained a spirited look that said neither had forgotten the wager. Whomever came to be with child first would lose and have to do something the winner wished.
After freshening up they decided to sit with Clift, Shade and Ava out in Wilo’s yard since sleep was the last thing they thought of, that and the overturned city that had lost their leader. Alarms and shouts from all sides of the canyon remained incessant. Calosh had sent word that they should remain at their host’s estate while he and his fellow followers continued securing the city. They didn’t complain for they needed the time to rest and get off their feet. Riots and sounds of battle clearly echoed through the night, but without Ava’s skill there would have been a great many more violent outbursts. Calosh and his fellow priests had it rough since they vowed to never take the life of another living creature and it severely hindered efforts, but his iron hard will supported his normally nonviolent tendencies.
But Alex and The Pack were impressed by how many good and just priests and common people had secretly plotted for years, just for this very night to come.
They didn’t speak much as they watched the city from upon Wilo’s sandstone wall that gave a great view of the city. On several occasions they witnessed groups of people walking bound behind a red robed priest and it made them smile. The freed slaves were being personally led back to the homes they’d thought to never see again. But few priests or loyal companions could be spared to return the bruised and abused people. Torch bearing mobs tried resisting the change already in the air, only to be beaten back or knocked out. It seemed as if only Alex and his dear pack were the only ones who killed this night, but only on the side of right. Yosh’s followers didn’t bat an eye when slaying Calosh’s men and women. Still, with nearly half the city asleep thanks to Ava’s shriek, the battles leaned in favor of Calosh. When any angry inhabitants saw them sitting on the wall and thought to attack all Shade needed to do was lift his menacing head and growl. Most quickly began to smell like urine before fleeing back to their homes.
Nearly three hours after the sun began to rise a messenger arrived and requested Alex to proceed to the high temple.
“So we’ll now know if our efforts were successful…” Ava commented as she fluttered down and latched her talons on Alex’s left shoulder.
“After what happened during the night, I believe it will be.” Shade stated with confidence and Ava smiled in her way.
This time Shade walked openly beside his brother and everyone else followed the three of them. Whomever saw them stopped to gawk openly at Shade first and then over the others. Several people offered small smiles of gratitude, but over by the enormous temple they all heard angry shouting and almost like another fight about to break out.
People parted widely as they stepped on to the largely suspended bridge leading towards the central focus of Jugo. It didn’t take a quarter of the time to traverse the road over the river beneath. They walked proudly and resolutely, but as the crowds grew louder they casually gripped their weapons, but to any looking upon them it displayed a resolution to cut anyone down who dared approach.
When wood from the bridge ended and became stone they found themselves surrounded by heated citizens and priests who had all been bound and their items confiscated. Only a hand full remained under Ava’s effects, but others were beyond livid with the situation. Warriors and fighters blocked exits and kept the crowds contained to either side of the path that led down to the alter free of corpses, but blood painted the ground and showed all who had died just hours before. Standing before the alter that Alex turned to rubble was Calosh wearing his stunning white robes. Contrasting greatly with the blood-soaked ground, the white robe appeared as a symbol for good and hope. Before Calosh stood six high level warriors with a red sash crossing their sternum and had weapons drawn.
When he spotted the gigantic form of Shade, Calosh ceased looking so glum.
Shade’s ears began to hurt with all the screaming the humans did and howled loudly enough to overwhelm all others and the effect worked instantaneously. Nearly all shouts ended and Shade winked towards his siblings and smiled unrepentantly.
Alex took the lead again and Shade followed while making sure none thought to harass. It wouldn’t happen for the crowd could see he wanted them to try for he truly despised the cruelly thinking humans almost as much as an Akaror. He’d take pleasure again, killing Juguan practitioners who delight in killing others for beings already dead. He’d always follow Alex’s decisions, but personally he would like to permanently rip the throat out of every one of those who would even consider piercing a pup who had yet been born naturally. Thoughts of his first run-in with Juguan believers had left him angered beyond reason.
“Everyone!” Calosh spoke loudly enough to gain the crowd’s attention as Alex and The Pack stood beside the High Priest. “It is understandable to be angry, but the man standing to my side is the one who killed Yosh.” Before the crowd could react in any hostile way or Alex turn and stare in shock Calosh continued explaining. “The priests who stand here believe in much the way you do, but the path Yosh took you down was dark and biased by personal gain and hatred. There wasn’t an alternative to free our once true and pure beliefs except to cut out the dead and rotting leader who killed to gain his position. I stand before you now in these robes as a High Priest by my late father Zawat” That got a few whispers. “and by a unanimous vote of over a thousand established priests for dedication and service to the people. Who here doesn’t believe that the Ancients still work through us in some way?” the crowd looked at each other in confusion and Alex looked as his friends and all shared a smile for none of them believed in this ridiculous religion, but where they stood would only hinder Calosh’s efforts if they did. None voiced a rejection. “If all believe that singular truth then I would not be standing here if not by their blessing. This man to my right is none other than the rightful heir to this great land of Ra’van. He is Prince Alex Shuelson.”
“Prove it!” someone in the crowd shouted.
That provocation made Alex step forward and draw his sword. Its crisp and clear ring filled the air and the sun peeked over the canyon wall at that very moment to allow it to reflect off the blade in a beautiful yet dangerous way. As the blade’s music died he raised his voice while saying “I could not care less if you believe me as being the heir of the kingdom you reside in, but once I ascend to my rightful heritage I would still have done as I did last night. Taking the lives of innocent people for your belief will not be tolerated as long as I draw breath. I have witnessed the atrocities done by those who follow Yosh’s way and will end it. If you wish to follow a man who I killed for murdering innocents then step forward and I’ll send you after him. Who knows, maybe when I cut you down the Ancients will return, care to see if it happens or will you try another way?” The threat had the desired effect and fear of death kept all silent for they could see he would slay them, but he’d give them a chance to fight back, but even then he’d still be victorious. “Now that you can see reason, listen to Calosh with an open mind.”
“That will not be necessary.” A voice announced all of a sudden.
Alex and the other’s turned to the large doors of the temple to find an elderly woman standing in the opening. She wore a white dress and upon her brow stood the standard Juguan scars. Everyone in the crowd dropped to a knee in recognition.
She walked several steps with a stick for an aid while addressing the crowd. “Rise good people
and listen to me.” Then dark eyes turned to Alex and although she is elderly her personality and standing felt like he stood with other people of standing like Allahandra, Zawat, Lady Hanna, Rakkian, Takka, Angie and many others who naturally took command of a situation. Her tone softened. “Young prince, enough blood has been spilled. Please put away the blade for this day will require much thinking and consideration, something most of them have never done before. Beliefs are already being tested so allow me to speak to my people.”
“Who are you?” He wondered while sheathing the blade.
She smiled and took several more steps towards the crowd, passing by Alex without answering. Calosh stood stunned and the six warriors set to protect him parted slightly to allow her to get close. Whoever the woman is she commanded great respect. “Listen to what I have to say! Last night my husband was killed and I could not be more thrilled.” Gasps came from many after that declaration. “Most of you are too young to know what actually happened to our once great and powerful people. As a little girl my sister and I loved and cherished Jugo. High Priest Klen was our father.” That made Alex pause for Klen was king before… “And Yosh, my husband, killed him when he knew my sister’s husband Zawat had been chosen to be the next leader of our people, nearly forty years ago. Yosh was an abusive husband and cruel leader that most blindly followed and only now that he is gone can I speak freely. Few of you have seen me, for he has detained me in that wretched temple so that I cannot speak the truth and he couldn’t kill me for he feared that to do so would anger those we believe. The reason I couldn’t bear a child is because he beat me for his own limitations. I tell you this so you do not continue to idolize such a despicable creature who cannot harm me anymore. If my father could see how his home has turned into this, he’d weep and die again of a broken heart. Our priests kill when they never should have! And now that my nephew stands before you, you criticize his legitimacy? That is inexcusable and will not be tolerated. If you cannot realize you have been fooled by an addlebrained madman then you are a fool. Furthermore if you do not take my heritage as daughter to the former king and widow to the late Yosh then I’ll have poisoned seeds prepared so that you may sacrifice yourself; for as long as good people still exist then you’ll no longer get away with taking the lives of others for our belief.
Ra' van (Book Three of the Items Trilogy) Page 39
