“What’s a bird?” the bird asked.
How ironic. She would have to explain to the bird what it was. She rubbed the back of her hand across her forehead. “Well, birds generally have bodies like yours and wings that allow them to fly. Usually, birds are not terribly intelligent and they certainly don’t talk.”
The bird shifted its head, all the while continuing to watch her. “I must not be a bird, then.” He puffed out his chest and stood a little taller. “The people of Caldot refer to my kind as Sharmuse. My name is Kalangia.”
“A Sharmuse.” She tapped a finger against her temple. “Now, I believe I have heard of your species. You can take different shapes?”
“Yes, though our choices are limited and the size and color of each shape will vary based on the individual shifting. We appear as winged beasts; or fierce two-legged creatures with claws, sharp teeth, and leathery skin; or web-footed lizards; or small beings not unlike Humans. Unfortunately, our legs are short in that form, so the best way for me to track you was by air. Would you be more comfortable if I took another form?”
Isabelle pursed her lips. “Would you take the form of the Human-like creature? I’d like to be familiar with your different appearances, in case I should encounter more of your race.”
Kalangia chuckled, though to Isabelle’s ears it sounded like the bird was choking. “My dear,” he continued, “even if you see me in Human-like form, you may not be able to recognize the others. Some of us stay in winged or webbed form for decades at a time. Still, since you asked so graciously, I will shift for you.”
After fluttering to the ground, Kalangia began growing at a rapid pace. Isabelle watched spellbound as the little stick-like legs grew into stubby, thick legs and the wings grew into stubby arms. Once shifted, the Sharmuse stood not quite two and a half feet tall with thick arms and legs and fat fingers and toes. A purple covering stretched across his body, mimicking clothes; he wore no shoes on his feet. His body showed little hair, but his head held a great shock of brown hair springing in every direction. His round eyes opened wide, sitting atop a round bulb of a nose. He smiled at her and waddled over to sit on a small, smooth rock.
Isabelle gazed at him intently. After a few seconds, she realized he might be offended by her frank staring. Forcing herself to appear more at ease, she moved closer to him and sat on a moss-covered rock to his left.
They both gazed to the south for a few moments before Kalangia finally spoke. “I can see why you were insistent I view this land. Beautiful.”
Isabelle was confused, as she assumed he could as easily see the land as a winged beast — see it even better, in fact.
Kalangia spread his pudgy hands in front of him. “You see, our abilities are quite different in each form. As a winged creature, we can see far distances well at night, but only closer ones during the day.”
Hopefully, Kalangia wouldn’t mind a few questions as Isabelle enjoyed learning about other species. “How many Sharmuses are there on Zolei?”
Kalangia sat quietly for a few moments, drumming his fat fingers on his knees as he thought. “Not as many as there once were. We arrived here with the Miyran clan a century and a half ago. As you know, the Miyrans traveled by ship across the galaxy, stopping here and there at different worlds. They enriched their culture and family by learning from many different species. They reached our home world many centuries ago, and because our sun was shrinking and our world was growing colder, they invited us to travel with them. We lived on their vessels for many years and visited numerous worlds with them before the vessel came under attack. I was very young at the time. Unfortunately, the warring species that raided other worlds for resources grew suspicious of the Miyrans and began attacking our vessel at regular intervals. Many worlds were being destroyed and the Miyrans worked to counteract these attacks. It’s only natural we would eventually become targets. The warring species destroyed many others. So many cultures were lost.” He shook his head and turned his eyes toward the ground. “The Miyrans decided to settle on a suitable world, which would allow them to protect the clan, as well as those traveling with us or others seeking refuge from attack. Do you know the story of the Miyrans?”
“Bits and pieces,” Isabelle replied. “I know more about the history of Humans. Our world was ravaged by another species seeking to extract any value from our lands. I believe most of our people were killed, and about fifty thousand escaped into space. We traveled for decades until we found Zolei and asked to settle in the forest of Kullac. But I find few that remember the truth of what once was here on Zolei.”
Kalangia nodded in agreement. “You speak the truth. As I mentioned, we arrived with the Miyrans and a number of other species seeking refuge among the clan. The Graeliths lived on this world among the deep marshes far to the south. They found most of the planet uninhabitable. The Miyrans struck an agreement with the Graeliths and settled here.”
“What were the terms of the agreement?”
“That the Graeliths would allow the Miyrans to settle here and provide a home to species in need and in return, the Miyrans would protect this world from attack by warring species in search of resources. This planet holds vast resources untapped by the Graeliths that continue to be maintained by the Miyrans. This treaty was honored by all for some time. The Sharmuses thrived on Zolei. Our numbers grew to the tens of thousands. We lived peacefully alongside the other species and were well respected for our fishing, hunting, and tracking abilities, at least until the Tyrnotts arrived. The Tyrnotts scorned us even before Lord Attol was murdered. However, after his murder, the Tyrnotts convinced the Graeliths that the Miyrans were their enemy and the Graeliths, as well as other species, began hunting us. In any form but this one …” Kalangia paused to gesture at his temporary Human form. “… we’re served well on the table. The rizon attack us when in our amphibious form. The Graeliths have large winged creatures, birds perhaps.” He held a finger to his lips then pointed it at Isabelle. “As they are certainly not very intelligent. These birds attack us in our winged form.”
“Surely you aren’t such easy prey in your two-legged form with sharp teeth and claws?”
He grinned sincerely at her and confirmed, “No, we are indeed more difficult to capture in that form. Unfortunately, that form is the most difficult for us to maintain. We also tend to be less kind to other creatures in that particular form, I’m afraid, so we tend to use it only when attacked. There are only seven thousand or so of us left now, and we live like prisoners in the tunnels beneath the palace to ensure our safety. Each day, we feel the warmth of the sun for only a few hours, when its rays push their way through the small barred windows at the top of the tunnels.”
A whole species trapped beneath the palace? Isabelle placed her hand on her chest. What a horrible way to live! She couldn’t imagine not being able to soak in the sun and enjoy the forests of Kullac at one’s leisure. She started to say something, but Kalangia held up his hand to stop her.
“We stay there by choice. We’re not really prisoners, but there’s too much risk if we leave the palace. The Lady treats us well and we are devoted to her. One day we will live again in the open air.” A tear formed in his eye as he gazed wistfully toward the south.
“Kalangia, if you aren’t safe when you leave the palace, why did you travel here?”
“I’m glad you reminded me,” he said with a subtle smile. “I bring news from Lady Anyamae. Yes, we still try to help her whenever we can. She has given us plenty, and this is the least I could do.”
He paused for a few moments. Isabelle held her breath, hoping for good news about Eros. She clenched her hands, resting them on her knees.
Kalangia reached over and placed his hand on her arm. “Eros is well and travels with four companions. They successfully crossed the river and are now in the safe company of the Lady’s men.”
Isabelle laughed in relief and clapped her hands. “The old men traveling the forest — those seeking lost marked ones in need?”
Kalangia nodded.
“Thank goodness! While the journey will still be difficult, at least Eros has found the old men. You’ve given me hope, Kalangia.” Overcome with gratitude, she placed her hands on his shoulders. “We travel to Banston later today. I would be honored if you would join us.”
A darkness crossed Kalangia’s face and he looked deep into Isabelle’s eyes. “I bring you other news, as well. Nord sent word to the deep marshes. Soon, Graeliths will swarm the city and surrounding lands. Our Lady has been unable to discover Nord’s full plan, but much blood may be spilled. Lady Anyamae knows you travel to Banston to honor the dead and wishes you to carry her news to warn the others. There are four other marked ones journeying with Eros. I will tell you of them, as their loved ones may attend the funeral. Share the news discreetly.”
“I’ll guard the information well. Will you travel with us?”
“I’d be delighted. Though I think it best for my safety to remain in winged form. A word of caution: you will only be able to hear me in winged form if you are very close.”
Isabelle nodded in understanding. Kalangia shifted back into winged form and rode on Isabelle’s shoulder as she worked her way down the hill and through the town at a somewhat slower pace. She entered her house to find Anthony in the sitting room. She introduced him to Kalangia, and because they were already late, she hurried to prepare for their journey.
Chapter 44
Prizene led the group, attentive to staying on the roughly defined path, as well as looking for anything of interest or concern. Spike remained curled inside her top pocket, though he popped his head out from time to time, sniffing the air before scrambling back inside. Prizene inhaled deeply, enjoying the thick, rich air of the forest, which was so different from her home. Flowers with small petals dotted the side of the path where the sun penetrated the treetops. She stopped momentarily to watch a small bug flit from flower to flower. The bug had a bright blue body and a dozen little appendages that twirled, keeping it afloat. What a strange little creature. Ahead, the path sloped upward with bigger rocks strewn on the left side. They must have reached the base of the smaller mountain chain that ran south. The sun pierced the forest from high overhead now. With half the day’s journey behind them, they would soon turn off the path, heading deeper into the forest. She soaked in the beauty all around her.
She felt a slight shiver in her pocket and peeked in at Spike. Based on what she had learned from the old men the night before, she guessed that the little flibbit must be hungry. Since they intended to travel with the old men only through today, maybe she should try to identify the linoya plant herself to ensure she could continue to feed Spike properly. She scanned the foliage along both sides of the path and then she saw it: a plant just a few yards off the path appeared to be linoya. While Aston had cautioned them to stay on the path, the ground in this area was mostly barren. Surely it would be safe to move off the path this short distance.
She stepped gingerly off the path, then took another step and another. Nothing happened. When she neared the linoya plant, she squatted, intending to dig the plant up with her sword to reach the root. As she placed her hand on the sword’s handle, she spied a small insect-like creature surfacing from a hole in the ground. The creature, roughly two inches tall, was brown like a stick. Each of its four legs ended in a sharp point, propelling it across the ground. From its midsection extended little green clamp-like appendages. Its head was long and flat. She watched the little creature in fascination. Wonder what it’s doing? Oh no! He’s running toward me! She stood and turned back toward the path, but not quickly enough. The creature jumped onto her leg, and all four points from its legs dug into her skin. She gasped and swatted at it, only to see dozens more of the little creatures racing across the ground toward her, preparing to attack.
She took a few hurried steps back toward the path before the creatures pounced. They swarmed over her legs, digging their pointed legs into her skin for traction and using their clamp-like appendages to secure themselves to clothes and flesh. Once in place, they bit her repeatedly. Heat rose from her legs and increased with each bite. She screamed for help, covering her top-most pocket with her hands to protect Spike.
Tip arrived first at the scene and hesitated only a moment before approaching her. The little creatures covered Prizene from mid-thigh downward and were slowly moving up to her torso. She couldn’t move her legs. She choked, “Help me!”
Tip grabbed a loose branch and started striking the creatures. While he knocked a few off Prizene, the creatures took tiny bits of her clothing and flesh with them, causing Prizene to bleed noticeably.
Aston and Azetan reached them next and Aston commanded, “Tip, stop! Hitting the creatures will only cause more injury to Prizene. Quick, race back to the wagon and bring Chimsey with his flute! Tell him Prizene found a nest of quasms.”
As Tip sprinted to the wagon, Aston turned to Azetan. “Do you know the song honoring children in death?”
“The story of the child-snatcher?” Azetan asked.
“Yes, that one.”
“I don’t know the words, but I know the melody. My voice isn’t my strength, though.”
“Irrelevant. Just hum the melody while I sing.” Aston started singing a soft, melodic tune, while Azetan hummed along with him. The quasms held fast to Prizene, though their attack seemed to slow down. The music captivated them.
When Tip returned a short time later with Chimsey and his flute, tears streaked Prizene’s face. She swayed dangerously back and forth, as though she might topple to the ground at any moment.
Chimsey placed the flute to his mouth. Tip seemed fascinated by the instrument and watched closely as Chimsey released a latch and spun the top section of the flute. He blew into the end of the flute, his left hand moving over the holes in the body of the instrument while his right hand regulated the speed of the spinning top. The efforts produced a deep, soulful tune. As Chimsey played, the quasms lost their grip on Prizene and one by one, fell to the ground motionless. Aston stepped cautiously in her direction and carefully plucked off the last of the quasms still holding firm. Once that was done, he motioned to Azetan, who squatted by Prizene and hoisted her over his shoulder. They returned to the path as the wagon approached.
Chimsey continued to play. Azetan lifted Prizene into the wagon with Aston climbing in after her. As the wagon continued its journey, Aston explained that the quasms release a toxin into their victim’s body that caused paralysis. Once paralyzed, the quasms feast on their victim for weeks. Aston treated the worst of Prizene’s injuries, providing her with a neutralizing agent to counteract the toxin and suggested that she stay in the wagon for a while. To that she could only nod, then peeked inside her pocket to ensure that Spike wasn’t harmed.
As Azetan turned back to watch Chimsey, he spotted Tip standing motionless at the edge of the path, a glazed look in his eyes. Azetan shook his head and approached the still-immobile Tip. Such was the power of the Greots! He drew back his hand and slapped Tip sharply across the face.
Tip drew his head back from the force of the slap and blinked his eyes wildly. “Why did you do that?”
“You were sleeping. Here, take these shreds of cloth and plug your ears.”
Tip took the pieces and replied quietly, “I was not sleeping … just thinking!” Still, he rolled up the shreds of cloth and stuck them in his ears, grumbling.
The party continued on its way. Chimsey stayed until Kenrya, bringing up the rear, drew closer to him. He then joined her on the path, all the while playing his flute to ensure the quasms remained docile.
Chapter 45
Isabelle returned to the sitting room with her packed bag to find Anthony and Kalangia, still in his bird form, staring at one another. As Anthony slowly turned his head to the right, so did Kalangia. As he slowly turned his head to the left, Kalangia did as well. Isabelle shook her head in bewilderment. “What are you doing?”
Without breaking eye contact, Anthony merely re
plied, “Testing him.”
Isabelle threw her hands up in exasperation. “Anthony, I’ve already explained to you, Kalangia is a Sharmuse. He’s an intelligent creature.” Placing her hands on her hips, she glared at Anthony. Kalangia was probably insulted; she should have known better than to leave him alone with Anthony.
Now Anthony looked at her and grinned. “I know. We’re only having a bit of fun.” He looked back at Kalangia. “Isn’t that right, my little purple friend?”
Kalangia chirped merrily and cocked his head. He flew and landed on Isabelle’s shoulder, quite close to her ear, and said, “I may be intelligent, but I’m not so sure about your friend here. He spent the last thirty minutes trying to show me how to fly properly.”
Isabelle laughed, relieved Kalangia had a sense of humor. Anthony was just crazy enough to be funny. “Well, you two are quite the pair. But we should leave for Banston if we are to arrive before nightfall.”
They gathered their bags. Kalangia rode on Isabelle’s shoulder for the walk to Anthony’s air transport. Anthony told them that he still had a small rodent cage aboard his vessel, from the days he had once kept a small pet. Before disembarking in Banston, he suggested, they would transfer Kalangia to the cage for his safety. Kalangia was safe aboard the transport, however, so once they boarded the vessel, he shifted back to his Human-like form to more easily converse with his travel companions. During their flight, he provided Isabelle with information regarding the marked ones and their journey to date. He provided the names of Eros’s companions as well. “When I departed the palace,” he told them, “they had started their day with the Lady’s old men, crossing the wetlands.”
Isabelle considered this information. Factoring in their most likely path, she calculated their present location. “My guess is they are walking with the old men near the mountains. The men meandered a good bit when I encountered them on my journey to the training camp seventeen years ago. As it’s likely many of them are still among the group, they are probably traveling even slower than they were back then.” She smiled as she thought of Eros. “I taught Eros to always listen well and to observe. He should learn a good deal from the old men.”
The Journey of the Marked (The Miyran Heir Book 1) Page 18
