by Lana Axe
“With all my heart, I thank you,” Tashi said. “Both of you.” The arrival of these travelers could not be a coincidence. Had Koli’s sacrifice brought this to pass? Or could it be Annin, working to secure her daughter’s well-being, even after her death? Tashi took comfort in the thought. Annin had been strong in life, and she would certainly be strong in the life to come.
“You’re glowing,” Kaiya whispered to Galen.
He continued to stare down at the child, a sideways grin on his face.
“You’ll make a wonderful father someday,” Kaiya said without thinking. She and Galen had never discussed his desire, or lack thereof, for a family. She had often expressed the sentiment that she did not intend to bear children. He had never argued nor expressed misgivings. His doting over the child only led to further confusion on Kaiya’s part.
As if on cue, Galen said, “I think I’d make a better uncle.”
A cry ripped through the silent village, startling the visitors as well as the priestess. They looked at each other as the scream sounded again. Something was desperately wrong.
Every male Ulihi grabbed a spear and ran toward the source of the disturbance. The ground shook beneath their feet, but it was no tremor. This was not a constant rumble, but rather a heavy stride. The footsteps approached, the warriors showing no sign of fear.
Frozen in place, Tashi said, “They come for vengeance.”
“Who?” Kaiya asked.
“The gods,” Tashi replied, her eyes full of terror. She had brought this upon her people.
A form came into view as Kaiya strained to make it out. It was jumbled, loose pieces of rock held together by some force. As it stepped nearer the village, Kaiya couldn’t believe her own eyes. Gray stones, amassed more than seven feet high in a rough quadrupedal shape stopped at the edge of the village and rose to its hind legs, preparing for an attack. Though it had no mouth that Kaiya could see, it bellowed a deafening roar.
Turning to Galen, Kaiya said, “Take the child and protect her with your life.”
The elf opened his mouth to speak, but Kaiya refused to hear him.
“Keep her safe, and under no circumstances are you to approach this creature or attempt to fight. Do this for me.”
With a single nod, Galen clutched the baby to his chest. Glancing at the beast, he turned and ran, the doula following close behind him.
Turning back to Tashi, Kaiya asked, “You’ve seen these things before?”
“Never,” she replied, shaking her head.
The rock monster entered the village on massive stone feet, rattling the Ulihi as they scattered for cover. Two warriors charged forward, spears in hand. Their war cries echoed in Kaiya’s ears as she watched them fall, crushed by the weight of the beast, who continued forward without a thought for the lives it had taken.
Raad darted forward as the creature passed, grabbing a spear from one of the fallen warriors. Running to join the other men, they positioned themselves into a battle formation. Standing behind them were the majority of the village’s women, the warriors shouting for them to flee. To their credit, most of the women refused. They grabbed loose rocks and burning torches, ready to defend their homes. Only the oldest among them fled to safety.
Tashi ripped the bottom from her staff, dropping the top to the ground. Kaiya looked at her in confusion until she realized what the priestess actually held. Placing the bottom end of the staff to her lips, she blew inside it, sending a dart speeding toward the rock beast. It glanced off the creature’s armored hide, causing it no harm.
As the men began their charge toward the beast, Kaiya readied her hands. Silver sparks swirled upon her fingers, the wind racing at her back. Focusing her mind to the enemy, she struggled against its weight to hold it solidly in place.
Seeing their enemy struggle against the wind, Raad and the warriors charged. With a grunt, Raad thrust the spear between the rocks that made up one of the monster’s legs. The force of the blow sent a shattering pain through his arm, his shoulder crunching and wrenching itself at an odd angle. Crying out in agony, he dropped the spear and grasped his shoulder with his other hand. Unable to shift the injured arm back into its correct position, he stumbled out of the way, cursing.
The rest of the warriors continued the onslaught, breaking their spears upon the rocks. The creature remained in position, completely unaffected by their weapons. The women threw their rocks, hoping to knock pieces away from the creature to weaken it. But the rocks glanced off without harming the beast. Fire had no effect as they lobbed their torches toward it. One succeeded in lighting fire to a hut, sending warriors and women alike scrambling to contain the flames before they could spread across the village.
Kaiya held her breath, her strength waning. The creature’s weight was immense, forcing her to expend a vast supply of magic to restrain it. Dropping to one knee, the sorceress began to sweat. Sensing the beast’s mind, she knew it had but one purpose—to destroy.
The rock beast swayed and struggled, freeing its feet enough to move a few inches. Three women fled from beneath it, one of them crashing into Kaiya as she struggled to maintain her focus. Losing her concentration, the sorceress faltered, and the beast charged forward unimpeded.
The woman helped Kaiya to her feet, both terror and sympathy in her eyes. The sorceress attempted to catch her breath, but there was no time to spare. The beast crashed into an unoccupied hut, smashing it with a single step. It swiped a massive arm at a second hut, toppling it as if it were no more than a pile of leaves.
The warriors reformed their ranks, determined to continue the fight. Swinging its head around, the beast focused its attention on them. It pawed a foreleg against the ground, kicking up dirt and snow. An angry growl escaped the beast as it reared onto its hind legs, preparing for another attack.
The warriors stood their ground, but Kaiya knew they would not survive. Squeezing her eyes shut, she summoned the wind above her, focusing her magic to the sky. Dark clouds swirled above her, a burst of thunder splitting the air. Her violet hair blew violently on the wind, scratching at her face. With a single blast of wind, she knocked the Ulihi backward, sending them tumbling to safety. Throwing open her eyes, a bright flash of silver erupted from them, calling the lightning from the sky. In a single strike, it blasted the stone beast, shattering its rear half into hundreds of pieces. Exhausted, she collapsed on the ground, her head slumped over her knees.
The warriors wasted no time getting back to their feet. This was the opportunity they needed. Leaping onto the creature as it writhed in agony, they tore at the rocks until they managed to wrest a few from their proper position. The beast tumbled, its form too weakened to maintain itself. With a cry of victory, the Ulihi stood over their kill.
Tashi raced to Kaiya’s side, finding her unconscious. Gently she rolled the dwarf onto her back and brushed her hair away from her face. Leaning down, she pressed her ear to the woman’s chest. To Tashi’s relief, the sorceress was still breathing, her heartbeat strong.
Opening her eyes, Kaiya bolted upright, a silver sheen disappearing from her face. Her eyes shot to the fallen beast, and she whispered a word of thanks to the wind.
“You have saved us,” Tashi said, extending her hand to Kaiya.
The sorceress gladly took it, pulling herself back to her feet. As she stood, she felt eyes upon her. The presence had returned. Its force was strong, focusing its will upon her. A great malice entered her heart, burning throughout her body. This was a force of pure evil, and she had angered it by defending these people. Whoever had sent the beast was taking notes, and the next one would not go down so easily.
Not that Kaiya had found the battle easy by any means. Her head spun from the effort, and she felt as if she hadn’t slept for a week. The muscles in her arms ached from fatigue and overuse, and her legs were jelly beneath her. These things she hid well, knowing that she could not let the true enemy see any sign of weakness in her. Conventional weapons weren’t going to banish this threat, and she
knew of no other in the mountains who could lend magical aid.
The images from her vision flashed once again in her mind. It was imperative she continue her journey higher into the mountains. Her final destination would not be the painite mines.
“Are you injured?” Tashi asked.
The sorceress shook her head. “Tired is all,” she said. “You?”
“I am well, but others have fallen,” Tashi replied. Her eyes looked to the fallen warriors, whose bodies were being wrapped in blankets.
Galen rose from his position behind a boulder, the infant cradled in his arms. The doula, who had pressed herself close to him to further shield the child, rose as well, with a simple nod to a job well done. Together they reentered the village.
Hearing footsteps behind her, Tashi spun around. Her heart leapt to see the elf still clutching her niece. “I thank you for protecting this child,” she said to him, bowing slightly. She inclined her head to the doula, who reached for the child.
Before passing the child to her caretaker, Galen leaned down and kissed her forehead. As he handed her over, he said, “She didn’t cry or make a single sound.”
“That is because she is Ulihi,” Tashi said, holding her head high. “She knows when danger is near.”
“Danger will return,” Kaiya said. “We must continue on our journey.”
Raad made his way toward them, still clutching at his dislocated shoulder.
“This man is injured,” Tashi said, a line of worry wrinkling her brow. Reaching out for him, she said, “You risked your life for my people. You are a warrior.”
The miner swayed and pursed his lips. “I wouldn’t go that far,” he said. “I did more damage to myself than that monster.” To Kaiya, he asked, “What was that thing?”
“I don’t know,” she replied, “but I intend to find out.”
Examining the dwarf’s injured shoulder, the priestess said, “This will have to be reset. It will hurt, but only for a moment.”
Without another word, she yanked on his arm, doubling him over in surprise. Pressing her bare foot against his armpit, she wrenched the arm back into place. A sickening crunch sounded, and a sharp pain shot through Raad’s body. For a moment he thought he might lose consciousness, but as soon as the pain had started, it vanished.
“I will wrap that in place for you,” she said, turning away and dashing inside a hut. She returned seconds later with a strip of cloth which she fashioned into a sling. “That will feel better in a few days.”
His arm immobilized and feeling much better, Raad said, “Thank you, ma’am.” His eyes scanned the snow for his fallen backpack, his taste buds desperate for a sip of ale. Looking at his arm, he said, “I don’t suppose I’ll be able to carry my pack.”
“I’ll get it,” Galen offered. Jogging across the village he retrieved the dwarf’s belongings and adjusted the straps to fit his own frame. Returning to his companions, he said, “It’s the least I can do for a warrior.”
Raad rolled his eyes. “Let me at that ale,” he said.
“Later,” Kaiya stated firmly. “We need to get going. I’m ready to find out what that creature was, and what it wanted from these people.”
“How can you protect us if you aren’t here?” Tashi asked. “I implore you to stay.”
“I cannot,” Kaiya said. “Whatever sent that thing is a threat to us all, not only your tribe. A vision has sent me higher into the mountains, to the very summit perhaps. But first I must get to the mines, and we’ve already gone off-course.”
Slowly nodding, the priestess said, “I understand. There is a passage through these mountains that will take you to the mines by nightfall. There is no need for you to return to the path where we found you.”
“If you can give us directions, I’d be most grateful,” Kaiya replied.
“It is a difficult trail,” Tashi said. “I will come with you as your guide.”
Raad looked the priestess over, making note of her slender build and bare feet. “There are avalanches and other dangers up there,” he said. “I don’t think it’s safe for you.”
“I can look out for myself,” she replied, a fire in her eyes.
“I don’t doubt that,” the dwarf responded.
“Will you allow me to travel with you?” she asked Kaiya.
“You may,” the sorceress replied. “We’re grateful for your help.” Time was of the essence, and the priestess could save them a lot of it.
“Aren’t you needed here?” Galen asked, thinking of the baby. “Your niece?”
“The doula knows more of infant care than I do,” she replied. “Without my sister, there is no one here who needs me.” A pain shot through Tashi’s heart at the thought of Annin. The hole left by her absence would never heal. “I would also like answers,” she added. “This beast has attacked my people, and I would bring justice to its master.”
“As would I,” Kaiya said, admiring the priestess’s strong convictions.
“Please don’t go, Tashi,” the doula said, her dark eyes pleading.
“I must,” she replied. “I would make this a better world for this child.” She took the infant in her arms and held her close to her heart. “Know always that I love you, and that your mother loved you more than life itself.” With tears in her eyes, she handed the girl back to the doula. “Be well,” she said. Taking her position in front of the others, she led them northward. Pausing only a moment, she looked back toward the village. They are safe now.
Chapter 8
Stepping with ease over the stony terrain, Tashi led the group northward. Kaiya walked at the priestess’s side, with Galen and Raad close behind. Obstacles hidden in the snow proved no problem for Tashi, who moved as lightly as a bird. The dwarves, however, tripped frequently, Raad cursing with each bruise to his toes. Being an elf, Galen struggled little. A heightened sense of balance and nimble feet gave him an edge over his dwarf companions.
Tashi pointed forward. “The path is just ahead,” she said. “It is uneven with many jagged rocks.”
“So watch our steps or we might twist an ankle,” Raad finished for her.
“Yes,” Tashi said. “Dwarves walk too heavily upon the land.”
“A heavy step means your foot is in a solid hold,” the miner countered.
“But here you will not be able to see what is beneath the piled snow,” she replied. “It’s best to step lightly to avoid injury.”
“Take her advice,” Kaiya said, reaching for the wind. Magic could lighten her step, and perhaps she could provide assistance to Raad too. As long as the air around her continued to move, she would not lack for power. Still, she would use very little. It was best to be at full strength should another stone monster appear.
As they reached the intended path, the group saw no change in the terrain. It was strewn with snow, the tops of gray rocks jutting upward, whispering a warning to the travelers.
“We don’t come this way often,” Tashi said. “Once we traveled great distances, but now these paths are rarely used.”
Raad stared at the priestess with uncertainty. “You sure it’s the right one?”
“It will take us to your mines,” she promised. Stepping ahead, she pointed out a narrow clearing that existed among the rocks. It was far from straight, but it would provide safe passage.
Single file the travelers moved on, stumbling each time they lost the path—all except Tashi, who had no trouble finding where to step. The clearing was made for small feet, not the wide boots of the dwarves.
The path grew steeper as they trudged ahead, their legs already aching with exertion. Several times Kaiya nearly slipped, forcing her to put more effort into her magic. Raad seemed to notice the improvement, and patted her on the back.
Cresting the hill, the travelers looked upon a scene of true beauty. The rock-strewn path gave way to a grassy clearing, powdered with the purest white snow. Evergreens stretched out before them, their rich green needles peppered with white snow.
“
It’s beautiful,” Kaiya commented, her gray eyes full of wonder.
“This is how our mountains looked before the miners came,” Tashi said.
“Now hold on, missy,” Raad said, waving his good arm. “We haven’t done any damage anywhere. We build settlements and dig deep. That doesn’t include destroying any landscapes.”
“Doesn’t it?” Tashi asked. “Your kind do not respect the land or those who dwell there.”
“There are only two mines at this elevation,” Raad replied knowingly.
“In this area, yes,” Tashi said. “But the mountains are vast, and my people have been driven out of many areas. Once we were nomads, traveling throughout the region. Now we move only to avoid the mines.”
“That isn’t our doing,” Raad said. “Unless your kind used to live down in the holes, we haven’t disturbed your land.”
The heat rising to her face, Tashi replied, “For millennia my people dwelt here. Our numbers were great, our children strong. Our sacred sites have disappeared, fallen to the hammers and axes of the dwarves.”
Grunting his disagreement, Raad said, “I’ve never heard of any mining operation running people off their land. Those sites are scouted thoroughly, and anything that looks like it’ll pose an expensive problem is a deal-breaker. We want ore, not trouble with the natives.”
“You take more than you need, and you leave only destruction,” the priestess shot back.
Galen spoke up, attempting to soften the argument. “It’s possible that a nomadic people wouldn’t have been home when scouting was completed,” he suggested. “No one would know there had been an intrusion until the tribe returned.”
“And we cannot stand against your kind in a fight, so we must go wherever we can find,” Tashi said. “Soon there will be nowhere to go.” Not that it mattered much. With no children surviving to adulthood, the Ulihi would soon be extinct. The sentiment found its way to her tongue, but she swallowed it, refusing to admit defeat in front of the miner.
