by HC MacDonald
“So you will stay?”
“No, he made it clear that he wanted to move on without me. I let Sanna talk me out if it before, but now, I know. I respect him enough to leave.”
“He doesn’t know what he wants. Stay.”
I didn’t respond. We both knew the answer. She sat with her hand on my knee giving small pats of reassurance as we waited. It took some time and when they finally returned, I couldn’t tell by the expressions on their faces what the decision was. It put me on edge. I hated not having my magic. Now when I wanted to protect myself, I couldn’t. I also knew I shouldn’t. With my hopes dashed, I could feel my depression start to seep back in.
Raoul was the one to address me. I stood up and moved back to the podium. Balera moved to stand by me. Her hand on my lower back for support. It reminded me of my mother.
He began by rattling off all the things they had discussed doing. It varied from banishment of Ladow to imprisonment in the cells below. I cringed at the thought. Hanging my head low. Then the direction changed. A reminder of the help I gave. One by one they stood telling me of a story about someone I had helped or rescued that they knew or loved. I hadn’t realized I had done so much.
When they had finished, the decision was given. The group decided no punishment would be given for my deception. As a curtesy I should inform the Council of my intentions and requests if I come to the village in the future. As for the ceremonial challenges. If I could convince a majority that magic was not used, I could continue to participate with the remaining two contestants. I looked at the group.
“Not necessary, I will leave first thing in the morning. I elect to withdraw from the competition.”
“Hosh Posh! She is confused. Tell them you did not use magic.” Balera informed me. I looked at her with surprise and confusion.
“Balera what are you doing. I’m not staying.”
“You will stay. You are both being foolish. Someone has to be the voice of reason. So you will stay and compete, or I will force you to.”
I knew now where Sanna got her forceful nature from. I realized as she smiled at me with a sincerity I only saw from my mom that she was doing what she thought was best for me too. I turned back to the Council.
“All I have is my word that I did not.” I said to no one special.
“I believe her.” Raoul chimed in.
“As do I.” Gregory sounded.
“I”
“I”
The I’s continued till the room was divided. From next to me, I heard another I. Balera gave her vote.
“You are not a Council member and therefore have no vote Balera.” Someone said.
“I am here and you need a tie breaker, so consider me speaking on behalf of my son.”
“Balera, that’s not how it works.”
“I am mother to the Chief. I get a vote.”
With them counting Balera, the I’s had it. I was granted permission to continue. Raoul nodded his head and smiled. “Raina, you will participate in the next round of challenges as yourself without the use of any magic. Understand?”
“Yes, thank you all for your kindness and understanding.”
I didn’t know what to do then. No one was moving. Was I supposed to leave now? I looked to Balera, she stood firm. I looked back at the Council. Raoul spoke again. “As the one who is wronged, you have the right to decide the punishment of Leon as Chief.”
“No! No! I do not wish any punishment for him. I understand why he did it. I forgive him for it. Nothing more is needed in my eyes.”
“This is your answer?”
“Yes.”
“As a participant, you need to understand he will be removed as Chief and will no longer be bound to the traditions of the contest. Do you still wish to continue forward with the challenges?”
“Yes, I would. I would ask that you not take his birthright away from him. This is a mistake that was made to me. I do not wish to see this recourse on an action I have forgiven.”
Balera spoke up then. I could feel the heat of anger coming off her skin. See the surprised look on her face as she stared at the council.
“You have no right to take away his birthright. I know you don’t all feel that this mistake warrants that grand a response. It must be an unanimous vote. I will seek the votes of the people to have him reinstated as Chief.” I could hear the desperation seep into her voice. She was stopped by a Councilman
“Balera! We will continue to discuss this and take all the participants remarks, as well as yours, into consideration before we have a final vote. If you will follow us, we will discuss this more thoroughly.”
I watched as they all left again out the small back door. Balera moved with them. I went and sat in the chair I used before. Waiting. Soon the small door opened returning all the Councilmen and Balera. I stayed seated. Balera moved to sit by me. She patted my knee again. Her face expressionless. We watched as Teela was brought into the room and stood at the podium.
Forward
Leon
“Leon we have reviewed the facts. What you did was unbecoming of a leader in our community. We have been embarrassed and shamed because of your actions. We are not happy with your lack of judgement. If the council had it’s way we would remove you as chief of the village immediately.”
I knew they were not pleased. I had embarrassed us all with my actions. But this, this was an unfair call. Strip me of my birthright for a mistake.
“You can’t do that?” I started to gasp out. The councilor held up his hand silencing me.
“It is not our decision to make.”
I held my breath. If not their decision then who’s?
“We have heard from the women your actions have hurt. They voted one to allow you to stay in your position. One to have you removed immediately. One abstained from the vote. Two have chosen to decline their nomination as a contestant. With that being said the remaining women will move on to the last and final phase. We will take a final vote to decide your fate.”
I watched as Gregory read the charges and put the council to a vote. One by one each member cast his vote. It was four to six in favor of me staying on as leader.
“Leon, I hope you will learn from your actions and understand we will not tolerate any additional embarrassments like the one you did today.”
“I will do my best to do my duty to the people of this village.” I recited the beginning of my oath. The Council members stood and exited the room. I waited for the women to leave also. It was just my mother and I left. She walked to me and put her hand on my shoulder.
“You really screwed up this time.”
“I thought I was in the right when I did it. As soon as it happened, I have regretted it ever since.”
“Reminds me of someone else. Maybe it’s time you forgave her.”
“Maybe.”
“Leon, I know your confused. You need to trust your instincts on this.”
“Mom, I need to be alone.”
“Okay, I love you son. I’ll see you at home.”
She left me with my thoughts. I wandered out of the chambers and headed to my meadow.
I wasn’t far from the meadow when I caught the scent of Raina. She was here. I moved toward the smell. I could see a partial figure behind the trees.
“Don’t Go. I need to apologize to you.”
“You sure do.” Lace said as she turned from the shadows of the tree. “You should have been more careful with my things. And that stunt you pulled. I applaud you, but at the expense of your title.”
“Lace?”
“So, do I get that apology, then maybe I’ll consider putting my name back into the contest.”
“Lace, what are you doing here?”
“I had to get my necklace.” She held it up for me to see. “You weren’t in any hurry to help me.”
I stepped closer. She was back to her pleasant smell. I reached out and examined her necklace in my hand. Trust my instincts I thought of my mothers words.
“Lace, I won’t be mad, please tell me the truth, what was your vote?”
She stumbled and tried to step back. I reached out with my other arm and gently held her in place. “Lace.” I think I knew the answer, but wanted to hear it from her.
“You know they were going to strip you of your birthright. I had to agree with them. You understand. Then to save myself the embarrassment of competing for someone no longer worthy I backed out. But, that has changed. They let you stay. I already sent word to be reinstated as your nominee. Everything will be back to normal. Don’t you see I did what I did because I love you.”
I felt sick. My mother was right again. I was the fool. I was blinded by her scent that I didn’t see the game she was playing. She wanted the title, the power, not the person. I looked down at the pendant still in my hand, trusting I was doing the right thing this time, snapped it from her neck and crushed it against the trunk of a tree. Lace was horrified. The scent that was so pleasant and attractive instantly turned to rotting mulch.
“You, why did you do this.” I asked.
“You hated her, yet you pined over her. I gave you the best of both worlds. Your wolf was happy, and you were happy. You can’t blame me for that.”
“You tricked me.”
“You let yourself be tricked.”
“I could have liked you for you.”
“No, you didn’t. I had met you over a dozen times, and you didn’t give me the time of day, so when I heard of the necklace, I stole it, and you see, here we are a perfect match.”
“We are not a match. You are a liar and thief.”
“No more than your precious Raina.”
“You are nothing like her.” I wanted to say more, but an odd smell filled the shadows of the trees. “Do you smell that?”
“I love you Leon, and I did this for you.”
“Lace, enough, do you smell that?” It was getting stronger. I looked around. Lace stopped talking. She moved away from me. I could hear her struggle, I looked back at Lace. She was fighting invisible arms. Her mouth muffled.
“Lace!”
I could hear a cackle of a laugh. Then, I was thrown to the ground. I could feel the constraints and weight pressing me down. I couldn’t see anything. Lace was still struggling against the air around her, and I was doing the same. I howled for aid hoping someone would come.
I continued to struggle, I could hear the panting and felt something wet drip onto my face. I managed to loosen an arm. I swung as hard as I could at the air where the wetness had come. I made contact. I heard the whimper and then a growl as my arm was pinned back to the ground again. I howled again for aid.
I heard Ethan respond. He was close. Far off in the distance I heard Thibault answer my call.
“What ever you are, they will be here soon.”
“More for the slaughter I see. Then we should wait, let you watch your friends be killed.”
I knew that voice, but from where. I continued to struggle. I could hear the branches breaking and out of the woods was Ethan, with Raina on his back. She slid to his side. Ethan looked around, confused at the site. Raina was poised with daggers in her hand. “Raina, I don’t see anything.” Ethan whispered to her.
“Can you smell them. One to our right, Two to our left holding Leon, and one behind Lace.” Raina said, not taking her eyes off Lace.
“Ah, I see the tramp has eluded death and found her way here.” The voice cackled.
“I see your still the coward you are.” Raina responded. I could only watch. Ethan was sniffing the air and had circled behind Raina. The conversation between them continued.
“I should have killed you the first time.”
“You really think you have the skills. I let you capture me. Don’t think I’ll be this easy on you this time.”
A ferocious growl echoed around us. Lace was thrown to the ground. I watched as Raina ran towards the sound, slid on her legs, ducking under an imaginary line, then climbing onto an invisible form. Her daggers digging deep, and disappearing into thin air. The growl that followed was deafening. She was being tossed to and fro in the air. Then, the beast of a man appeared.
It was Hagar. He reached and caught hold of her shoulder ripping her from his back. She landed in a roll jumping back on her feet. Ethan was now snapping at the air behind her. Hagar was twisting to remove her other blade. She turned to face Ethan and then rounded on him and swiped with her dagger. One of Hagar’s lackey’s appeared before her. Ethan jumped as she ducked and attacked the wolf.
Hagar had released the knife from his shoulder blade. I could see the pools of blood spreading out over his back. Lace was huddled in a nook of a tree. Raina was motioning to her to go. She finally took the hint and transforming on the run sprinted out of the woods.
Hagar looked at her than leaned against a tree. “You think I’m at a disadvantage don’t you.”
“I know you are.”
“Maybe I can change your mind. I only need one of you.” He let out a short high whistle. Behind a tree came Mutt with something over his shoulder. He threw the item to the ground. It grunted in response, then rolled to face us. Sanna was bound and gagged. Ethan growled in anger. I could feel my own anger surface.
“Still feel you have the advantage.”
“Yes, now you have a choice, surrender and let her go, or, well, let’s just say, I will let these two decide.”
Hagar laughed. He stood up straight. Raina looked from me to him. I knew what she wanted. I stopped struggling and instead set my sites on Hagar. He moved toward Raina. Raina moved toward constraints holding me. Ethan leapt at Mutt. In a scuffle of dirt and wind. I saw the other two appear. I transformed and lunged at Hagar, knocking him down before he reached Raina.
Hagar and I were now dancing. Snapping our jaws at one another. I heard Thibault call. I responded. It was a matter of time before they would be out numbered. He could help Raina and Ethan.
Hagar attacked. I beat him off, snapping at his neck and legs. Our battle began. We hadn’t been fighting long when reinforcements arrived. I heard the battles around me intensify. Hagar watched in anger as his gang was being subdued. He turned and ran at Raina, another fierce growl echoing. He leaped, but she moved at the last second, and he missed her skidding to a stop. “You can’t catch me.” She taunted him. Then took off running deeper into the woods. I ran between them. Hagar charged, knocking me to the side in his pursuit of Raina.
My instincts kicked in again, I had to protect her. I got to my feet and chased after them. I could see her ahead. Hagar was gaining on her. She scrambled up a tree, barely missing the powerful snap of his jaw breaking the branch below her. I leapt onto his back, baring my teeth into the back of his neck. He howled in pain. Then began thrashing me about. I fell to the ground, but quickly got back to my feet. I looked at Raina, she was moving about in the tree, but safe. She called out, “Last chance to surrender beast.”
“I will kill you both.” He snarled out. I looked at him, anger in my eyes. This was a rematch I was waiting for. I took my stance and found the spot I would strike to kill him. I bared my teeth ready for the kill. Then pushed off the ground to strike. As I did, I saw her drop from the tree.
My mind was in slow motion. Her hands wrapped around her dagger. I couldn’t do anything to stop myself. I was going to hit Raina, not Hagar. In the brief split of a second, we were on the ground in a pile of blood. I had attacked Raina. She lay on the ground, blood spilling from her neck. I transformed and kneeled over her. My hand trying desperately to stop the blood. I looked behind me, Hagar lay in an unmoving pile. A dagger pushed deep into his skull. Blood pooling off to the side. He was dead.
I yelled for help. She needed healing. She needed help.
“Raina, stay with me.”
“I’m cold.”
I removed my bloodstained shirt and wrapped it around her body carefully. Still keeping pressure on her neck.
“Raina, you can’t leave me. Someone help us.”
Ethan and Sa
nna were first to arrive. “Get help, she is bleeding to death.”
Sanna took off running transforming in one leap. She would find help. Ethan limped over to me. He saw the bite from her throat. His hand went to my shoulder. “We need to move her.” He removed his shirt and tore it into strips of cloth then wrapped her neck as tight as he dared. The blood was soaking through.
“Raina, stay with me.” We picked her up and carried her to my home. It was the closest location to where we were. We passed the others on the way. I noticed Hagar’s gang bound in a circle. We hurried.
I kicked open my door and we laid her on my bed. Robyn and my mother rushed in from outside. They went to her side. Robyn began administering lotions and chanting in an unknown tongue. My mother, handing her herbs and potions to be applied. I sat on the bed, holding her hand.
“Raina, stay with us.”
She fluttered her eyes and gave me a soft smile.
“Raina, I was such a fool.”
“You're not a fool.” She whispered, then closed her eyes again.
Robyn and my mother exchanged glances. Then my mother stood and ushered us all out of the room. I could hear through the closed door more chanting and soft pleas for Raina to stay. I began pacing the room. Sanna was attending to Ethan’s wounds. I could see her hands were shaking. A soft knock resounded on the door, Thibault let himself in.
“How is she?”
“Don’t know yet. They are still working on her.”
“She’s a tough gal, she’ll make it this time too.”
“I hope your right.”
“We’ve secured the others. I’ve asked Raoul to fashion some talismans for us to see past their magic. Search the woods for any stragglers lurking about.”
“Good idea. Can’t have any more attacks. Oh, can you send someone to check on Lace. She was there too.”
“Yeah, I’ll send someone right away. Anything I can do for you?”
“No, yes, send for Gregory,”
“As you wish.”
He left the room closing the door behind him. Sanna was sitting on Ethan’s lap wrapped in his arms. “You're thinking of work now?”
“No, I’m doing what I should have done. Setting things right.”
