Shifter

by John Sharp

  ****

  The days become weeks as we travel by night, resting as the suns peak. The Kiraten’s attitude toward us is mostly hospitable as we make all possible haste toward Babel. However, a few have an underlying bigotry toward us that has me baffled at first. One calls us ‘trash of Palentor’ and spits at our feet. Whisper nearly tears his head off. My shadow, being bored and frustrated at the constant hiding, subtly attacks his mount as he rides, sending the rider flying. The melgui is crippled and the Kiraten reluctantly give it to Whisper. Whisper informs me later that it did taste like KFC. The mysterious accident was seen as a sign from the Five that we were not to be trusted and they keep their distance from that point forward.

  Meals are a stressed affair and only Tarith seems unperturbed. Tarith informs us that our world is Fomoria the domain of Palentor. He also tells us that many Kiraten hold those of other ancient ones in less regard. The Kiraten hold especially Palentor in contempt, viewing him as the weakest of the ancient ones. Apparently during the war of the dragons Palentor relied heavily on Valerdon in their struggle against Melephos and Shalarom. I can’t help but feel our ancient one is the nerd of the group. Smart but lacking the prowess of the others. I think intelligence is a far greater strength than shear power. Try telling that to a proud, strong race like the Kiraten.

  After four weeks of harsh travel the intense heat of the day recedes far enough so that we travel all day and rest by night. Overhead thick, teal clouds smother the sky, obscuring the suns and tempering the climate. Not only does the temperature get more moderate but so does the landscape. No longer are there carnivorous hills or giant predator’s best left to the imagination. Instead the land becomes relatively civilized as we enter Kiraten territory. It could almost have been Earth except for the numerous active volcanoes and extremely deep trenches dug as barriers to protect tilled fields. We travel swiftly, now on compact dirt roads passing small, poorly constructed buildings at either side.

  Late one day Tarith says we will stay at an Inn, for the first major Kiraten village is nearby. Sarah’s face lights up like a fireworks display at the prospect of a soft bed and, more importantly, a bath. I feel a churning in my stomach. What welcome will we receive?

  We reach the village a few hours before dusk. I’m not sure what I expect, maybe hovels of straw and workers toiling in fields. I am unprepared for the level of sophistication I see. In many ways it reminds me of my own world if biology took the place of technology. Sarah and I gape like country rednecks seeing a major metropolis for the first time. Creatures of all sizes and shapes wandered about each perfectly designed for the task they are doing.

  Buildings grown from the very soil lay about in sectioned off patterns, much like crop growers on our world leaving space between fruit trees. Composed of the now familiar, flawless formed wood, they are functional works of art, each one similar but asunique as a painting. This is not the typical construction seen in my world where each builder has the same materials to work with and a design code to follow. No, these are as different from one another as a birch tree is from a pine. Some are tall, just over two stories with high steeple tops. Others are long and flat with spiraling roofs ending in curved tips. Even the colors vary wildly. The tall ones are a light green like a new leaf in spring, others a polished black volcanic glass. Each one has that grown look I have come to associate with all the Kiraten constructions. I am about to ask Tarith how these buildings are made when the answer becomes evident the further we go into the village. We do a series of turns, leaving the field behind and I see several half formed structures all in a row on the outskirts of the village. It is indeed growing right out of the ground. Some are nearly finished and others have just started. The mostly complete structures have fist sized bugs, reminiscent of huge slugs, slowly crawling over the surfaces in defiance of gravity. They seem to be polishing and sealing any gaps flawlessly together. The new buildings’ foundations are like a field of tightly bound plants that would merge soon into a single, broad base and grow into walls from there. It’s a genetic engineering marvel.

  “This is amazing!” I say to Tarith who is just ahead of us, leading the party through town as others split off on their own. “How is this possible? Do you have special science that uses biology instead of machines?” Sarah leans forward intently from behind me.

  Tarith chuckles. “No, Valerdon has shaped life to help us, his chosen, to better live and serve his will. He creates the template for life and as his servants we nourish it, ensuring its survival.”

  Sarah frowns and I feel a similar expression cross my features. Valerdon did this for them? I don’t know if I believe in these Five the Kiraten are so adamant about but every day it seems more and more likely. If this is true then why didn’t we get this kind of treatment? If this Palentor is our ancient one, why doesn’t he favor us as Valerdon obviously doesthe Kiraten? A bitter jealously rises in my stomach. I feel like a child whose parents exclude gift giving at Christmas only to find out that all his friends got lots of toys.

  Whisper snorts as he trots just behind Tarith. “My kind need no special treatment. We are mighty warriors and need no leavings of a god.”

  Tarith gives a sharp retort. “They are not leavings. They are gifts so we Kiraten may better serve Valerdon’s will. I suspect you are a creation of Belaroth the balancer. She favors no species, but arms all equally in different ways and leaves them to their fate.”

  Did this Palentor do the same for humans? As I think about it I dismiss it. Palentor, as Tarith had told us, is the wisest of the Five, known as the sage. Perhaps he did give us something even greater than what Valerdon gave the Kiraten. Wisdom. Humans have mastered our natural world on our own. We have created many wonders and discovered truths about the universe. That ability and natural curiosity might be the greatest gift of all. The only greater gift was not interjecting Palentor’s will on us like Valerdon did with the Kiraten.

  I’m not sure if Sarah is going through some personal revelation like I am. She focuses on the more immediate issue. Proving once again that she is smarter than me in many ways. “Where is this inn and is there a bath in it?”

  “Yes, Sarah of house Clifford, our lodgings are just ahead. Many of our group will seek out entertainment or stay with relatives and will not be joining us. I will stay with you both. Solice will accompany us later after she meets with the local ruling house. Your arrival has already created much speculation,” Tarith says by way of explanation.

  It is true. So taken was I with the village itself I failed to notice Kiraten gathering a safe distance away, murmuring softly and pointing at Whisper then to us on his back. Our pale skin and different hair immediately stand out like a beacon amid the blue skin and leafy green hair that all Kiraten seem to share.

  I feel heat flush my face as I become consciously aware of my every movement. I’ve never liked being the center of attention. Sarah however blooms before my eyes. Acting like a beauty queen atop a float she genially waves to those gathered as we pass by. None return the gesture or make any sign at all. Whisper, ever the proud warrior, strides with confidence, his head held high despite the fatigue from the long day of turmoil.

  The inn is taller than most of the surrounding buildings, excluding some rather large structures off in the distance. A deep rose color it has artfully designed walls with intricate patterns imbued on all sides. A sign hangs above a set of double doors wide enough to even allow Whisper access. To my surprise it’s in English. It reads ‘The Travelers Den’. Why do they have signs in English? Ignoring yet another question, Sarah and I dismount, following Tarith through the doors into a wide foyer where two Kiraten wait. They give us and Whisper nervous glances.

  “We greet you, Tarith of house Thanous,” says the smaller of the two, bowing low. He’s a bit pudgy with a good humored face that currently looks concern as he gets a good look at Whisper. “We did not expect you b
ack for some time. Has something happened?”

  “I greet you, Jarith of house Manitise,” says Tarith. “Much has happened which I’m not at liberty to divulge. We make all possible haste to Babel but our extensive travel has left us weary. We require lodging for the night and supply made ready for an early departure.”

  “What shall we do with the mount?” Jarith asks, again giving Whisper a critical once over. “I could purchase such a beast from you and give you a more suitable replacement.”

  “Buy!?” Whisper growls, bearing his sharp teeth the size of daggers. “If you value your skin blue man I would not dare say such words again.”

  Shocked Jarith takes a step back, bowing low to Whisper as he does so. “A thousand pardons! I did not realize you could speak.”

  “They are off-worlders, Jarith, and are the reason for my haste. They have news of the traitor Solarkar,” Tarith says.

  Jarith’s face darkens, his fear of Whisper temporarily forgotten. “The traitor still lives!” He spits on the floor.

  “Yes, but with their help he won’t for much longer,” Tarith says. “Please, find lodgings for the large one. He is called Whisper of house Price and has personally dueled Solarkar to his near destruction.” Jarith’s face lights up. It’s remarkable to see how fast his emotions changed.

  “Accommodations will be found with all haste, Tarith.” Turning to Whisper he adds, “Oh great warrior, forgive my earlier rudeness. I did not know I spoke to one who had battled the hated traitor. I shall find you comfortable lodgings and meat worthy of your deeds.”

  “I can’t stay here?” Whisper says, giving me a concerned look.

  “I’m afraid not. For your size will not permit such,” Jarith says.

  “It’s ok, Whisper, we will be fine. Go enjoy your meal. You deserve it,” I say.

  “Very well, S…Jerry,” Whisper said. Jarith claps his hands and his silent aid standing next to him comes forward, bowing deeply to Whisper.

  “Come with me, large master, and I shall fine you enough food to even fill a first creation,” the man says.

  Heading out of the foyer back into the street I hear Whisper say, “Do you have any melgui?” Just before the door closes, sealing off all sound.

  Left alone, Sarah and I make quick introductions before we’re led off to separate rooms. My room, to my pleasant surprise, is marvelous with a wide bed and a deep bathtub. The floors are the same pleasant rose color as the exterior, with dizzying patterns on all surfaces. Heading to the bed beneath an oval window I see a thick mattress stuffed with who knows what with a series of finely woven blankets atop it. A small, perfectly grown dresser of black wood stands next to it. I can easily imagine such craftsmanship going for thousands in my world. A knock the door interrupts my musings.

  “Come in,” I answer.

  Tarith steps through the door with a set of fresh clothes atop a small basket. “Jerry of house Price, I have brought you fresh linens and materials to bath yourself.”

  “Thanks,” I say, taking the goods. “How’s Sarah doing?”

  “She is well. Solice has just returned and is seeing to her needs,” Tarith says and I nod.

  “Please relax well this night, for after this we will not stop at another village. There are many between here and Babel but they are off the main road. Our journey cannot afford any further delays.”

  Again I nod, feeling disappointed. Turning, Tarith is about to leave when I ask the thing that has been bothering me since we arrived. “Why is the sign for the inn in English? Why do you even speak the same language as us?”

  Tarith pauses with one hand on the door. “Such things are better answered at Babel.” With that, I am left alone.

  It takes me a long time to figure out both the bath tub and the restroom located through a small door on the far side of the room. I seriously think about asking Tarith for help at understanding the toilet but my pride won’t let me. Fortunately, I figure it out before I broke down and used the nearby sink. It isn’t hard though the small creature that pops out and eats everything is rather disturbing. The bathtub is more difficult. It has a curved, jet black faucet over a pure white marble tub sunken into the floor. I glance around, looking for some type of handle. What I find is a small, unlit sigil stone in the floor. Remembering what Tarith said I press my thumb on it. A glowing symbol appears in the round stone and the hot water erupts out of the faucet. It’s hot. Far too hot for a human but it feels wonderful to me. Undressing I sink beneath the water, feeling utterly relaxed. I’m not sure how long I soak in the tub, long enough for the water to turn cold. Getting out I am started by a sudden knock at the door.

  “Jerry, can I come in?” A voice asks. It’s Sarah. My last bathing encounter replayed before me and I am quick to reply.

  “Just give me a second!” I cry, hurriedly dressing in the fresh clothes Tarith had given me, a lime-green full body suit.

  Sarah enters after I give the all clear. A single glance at her and I feel my heart stop. She looks incredible. Her skin is clean and finally free of the angry red sunburn that plagued her since our arrival. It is now back to its milky white complexion. Her white blonde hair has regained much of its luster and now falls below her shoulders in an artful done pony tail. She wears a stunning light beige full body suit that blends splendidly with her skin and her hair.

  “Do you like it? Solice picked it out for me. She said it would go perfect with my hair and coloring,” Sarah says, beaming brightly at me. I become very aware that this was the first time we were alone since coming to Inti. Well, almost alone.

  “Perfectly boring perhaps,” my shadow says, becoming an indistinct silhouette leaning casually on the wall. He has been so inactive lately from all the hiding that I almost forgot he was here.

  “Oh, it’s you,” Sarah says, looking disappointed.

  “It’s me,” my shadow agrees, giving us his trademark evil smile. “I’m so much more here than in our world. I can’t wait to go out and play.” I suppress a shudder.

  “Do what you want. Just leave us alone for a while,” I say, then quickly add, “Don’t be seen.”

  “No problem,” my shadow says, drifting like a phantom to a window just above my bed. “I’ll just kill anyone who sees me.” With that ominous promise he slides out between the window and the wall, effortlessly drifting off into the night. I wonder if he was joking. Probably not. Sarah too looks concerned, so I quickly redirect her attention away from my shadow.

  “He was lying you know,” I say a bit sheepishly. “You look amazing.”

  Sarah’s concerned look vanishes and her face flushes in pleasure. “You’re finally learning,” she says, coming close to me.

  I catch her scent as she nears; a pleasant lilac mixed with a twinge of cinnamon. Before I can utter some inappropriate, awkward phrase that would have certainly ruined the moment she is upon me, our lips pressed together as if sharing oxygen. The embrace is beyond anything I have ever experienced and considering my views into other worlds with human eating walls and talking ferrets that’s saying something. My mind is blank and my worries vanish. The moment and the feeling of Sarah’s lips consume me. Nothing else matters. That is until she breaks the embrace, pulling me toward the bed. I numbly follow on unsteady legs made of jello. Is this really going to happen?

  Nope. A second later a wailing fills the night like an air raid siren, followed immediately by a fierce knocking on my door. Sarah doesn’t miss a step, dropping my hand and rushing to my door. Whatever is going on, it better be nothing less than the apocalypse or I’ll be pissed.