2
The forests grew denser as the Ona advanced further inland. The long trees covered a vast area, marking it with their shadows, and skeletal shrubs appeared from beneath the snow. Sections of the forest’s floor were covered in patches of snow and leaves. Although the cold was harsh, many trees continued to grow green and the forest was buzzing with life.
Careful treading, and Thalia’s calligraphy skills, allowed the Parthans to roughly map the layout of the land they had covered, offering them ample time for their side-tasks. By the time they reached their temporary camping site, enough materials and knowledge about the forest was gathered to ensure the group’s survival.
Ninazu collected a large amount of herbs, which he stocked in pockets he had stitched into the inner layer of his cape. Due to similarities in the smell, color and shape of other plants existing in Nosgard, the dark bearded man was able to identify many uses for several specimens he had collected.
Percival and Dindrane, the red-haired twins, gathered ten long fallen tree branches to make bows. On the march, Dindrane plucked strands of her red hair and made her bow’s string with them. The abundance of wood made it unnecessary to collect additional branches for arrows.
Monolos, the tanned man with black hair, sent Screo to scout up ahead. The hawk reported no humanoids, but several deer. Screo took no rest between his scouting commands and reported in regular intervals, grey eyes never blinking. The animal handler kept a close watch on any useful beasts he could have trained and made use of, but found none.
Hephaestion had closely inspected the terrain and wildlife surrounding them to develop a plan for the construction of their temporary camp. It did not take long for the chestnut-haired tactician to determine the materials and amount of time required to complete the crude structures.
Ganis noticed that her priestess companion, Eirene, held a statue of Pax, carved out of a white wood with a calm smiling Alvian face, in her hand. She whispered prayers as she caressed the statue’s face with her thumb.
“I still find it ironic that a soldier like you prays to the God of Peace.”
“I am not a soldier. I am a priestess.” Her fair face carried a gentle smile, covered only by the occasional stray strand of her long black hair swinging with a lone breeze.
“It’s still ironic; praying for peace while acting for death.”
“Death is not contradictory to peace,” she noted. “You do have a valid point, but once the way of Pax is revealed to you, it will make sense.” Eirene maintained her soothing smile on her face while addressing her companion. She had no intention to sound condescending and talked softly to Ganis.
“Is it not against Pax’s will to shed blood?”
“Pax leads us to the way of eternal peace and salvation. Although my methods might seem contradictory, they do eventually lead to salvation. However, I still pray to be forgiven for the injustices I might have ignorantly caused.”
“Why?” Distracted by a motion she sensed deep within the forest, Ganis looked to her right and asked yet again, “Why?” The hunger was growing too fierce to control.
“Because the suffering I had caused cannot be forgiven without sincere guilt and remembrance. If I make a habit of taking lives, then I stand to forget how valuable they are.” Eirene looked at the disturbance which grasped Ganis’ attention and asked, “What is it?”
“I just found my game. Monolos’ hawk reported correctly. This forest is indeed filled with deer. Once we reach camp, I will bring you this deer.” She pointed at the general area where her sight was fixed - her true intentions well hidden.
“It is impressive that you can mark a target from such a distance. Now, Ganis, do you wish to be enlightened about any other spiritual matter?”
“No. I need to focus with this deer,” investing a great deal of effort to suppress the urge to feed on her faithful comrade, Ganis concluded the conversation and distanced herself.
Just before the sun was about to set, Pertinax gave the order to set up camp. The tireless Ona had managed to travel a long distance since the Siren’s Tear had crashed. Finally they had the opportunity to use that which they gathered. Almost instinctively, the Parthans started working on their assignments immediately.
As Ganis headed out to hunt the deer she had marked earlier - and to feed – the blue-eyed Thalia approached her to offer aid in the hunt.
“Hephaestion informed me that that you are to bring us dinner. Nothing builds a better bond between women like hunting.” Her braided yellow hair swung violently as she gestured dramatically.
“I thought fist fights were better.” She smiled. Please let me go.
“Yes they do, but it doesn’t help me prove my point.” Thalia leaned on a tree, snow piling by the protruding roots of the tree making the difficult gesture seem forced to Ganis.
“I’ll do this alone. It’s somewhat of a personal test.” The hunger made it difficult to conjure a better excuse.
“You’re a very interesting person, Ganis. Perhaps the Wolf Emperor’s suggestion to bring you along will end up teaching me a thing or two. Good luck.” She pushed herself away from the tree and stumbled back in place, shaking her single yellow braid back in place as she turned, Thalia walked away.
With no further delays, Ganis sought out the marked deer. Unlike other hunters, Ganis tracked her prey by scent. The irresistible sweet nectar of life flowing inside the deer’s veins caused her to hastily run towards it.
Once Ganis was at a safe distance from her comrades, she unleashed her Dark Gift and covered the distance between the deer and herself in a fraction of the time it would take any other of her companions.
The animal had no chance to react and found Ganis suddenly at its throat. It was a young deer at mating age, a prey many hunters would ignore, but to Ganis it was just food. The bloodlust took over and her feeding frenzy began.
After spending the voyage feeding on the occasional rat she came across, the deer’s pumping blood felt like a royal feast as it rushed into her parched throat, gradually quenching her thirst with each dying heartbeat. The moroi was finally properly fed and ready for the dangers to come.
3
Ganis returned to the camp far quicker than any human could manage, given the enormous distance she travelled. In order to maintain her true identity secret, she had prepared an explanation to justify her speedy return.
Because the efficient Ona had set the temporary campsite at a far quicker pace than Ganis anticipated, she momentarily thought that she had lost hear bearing and stumbled upon another group. Trouble?
Five round huts built with wooden branches, leaves and snow had been hastily constructed around a campfire. What was but a brief clearing when Ganis first set out for the deer had become a rudimentary camp for the outlanders.
Relieved after seeing the Parthans finishing the final stages of the construction, Ganis abandoned her hiding spot and proceeded to report her catch to Thalia. A pot made from an unusually conveniently shaped rock had ingredients boiling in it in preparation for Ganis’ catch.
“You finally returned! We’re starving!” as soon as she saw Ganis approach, Thalia remarked. “Impressive! You can carry that deer on your back so easily. Even with our runes it would be a challenge for any of us. I wonder what Asclepius taught you at Katabasis.” Thalia’s suspicions unintentionally slipped from her hasty tongue. She covered it well with her casual tone, but not without Ganis taking notice.
“I’ve been training a great deal to prepare for this mission.” Ganis dropped her catch violently, releasing a wild thump as it struck the icy ground.
Thalia immediately unsheathed her dagger and began skinning the beast. As soon as enough skin had been removed to allow the cutting of a large chunk of meat, Thalia sliced some of the carcass’ meat and threw it into the boiling stew, with little regard to splashing its contents. Continuing skinning and cutting the beast, she said, “So you knew about this mission a while ago?”
“Not this mission, but a mis
sion. Lord Asclepius deemed it necessary for my training to undergo a quest of sorts.”
After having thrown another chunk of meat into the cooking pot, ensuring that there was enough to satiate the entire Ona, Thalia proceeded with the skinning in a much more artistic manner. She patiently ran her dagger between the skin and muscle of the beast as her free hand pulled to separate the hide.
“Emperor Servak has been generous with giving away titles,” Thalia said, “naming many new lords and dukes. I also hear that he intends to make these titles inheritable.”
“How do you know of such things?”
Laughing at the matter merrily, she replied with a tune, “Before the light of my memory shone, I was implanted with much known. Once my second life began, it was clear how much its span.”
“That’s a rather annoying way of saying that you don’t know.”
“I need to work on this tune. People need a song to remember my greatness.” She cut another smaller chunk of meat and threw it in the pot.
For a while Ganis observed her comrade skinning the deer. In spite of her experience with leather, she was impressed by Thalia’s skill. The ease of her motions while separating the carcass’ components made the tedious and tiresome process appear to be pleasant. Before completely skinning the animal’s hide, Thalia used a rope she had prepared earlier to hang the corpse. Shortly afterwards, she gutted the animal and started cutting small pieces of meat to preserve. A dear was quite the catch. Nothing was wasted by the Parthans.
“Thank you for bleeding the animal while bringing it here.”
Ganis was relieved that her attempt to hide her feeding marks was successful. “An experienced hunter always prepares as much as possible while on the move.”
“No they don’t. But experienced soldiers do.” She smiled, yellow hair swinging as she worked. “I imagined you to be more of a clumsy hunter that would puncture a beast’s skin beyond repair.”
“Just cook in silence.” They both shared a smile.
Of all the Parthans, Ganis felt her bond with Thalia growing the strongest. She knew that it was important for an Ona, but she was still far from being one with them.
Pertinax approached the two women and spoke. “Ganis, are you familiar with the Parthan Ona watch system?”
“Rotate groups of watches consisting of two members thrice a night?”
“That is one of the systems we use, and the one we will apply tonight. Because you have not yet been attuned to us, I would like you to keep watch with Eirene. She should be the easiest to attune to.”
Not completely understanding Pertinax’s justification, Ganis nodded agreeably. Once Pertinax walked away and entered his hut, Ganis asked of Thalia, “Which one of these five huts is mine?”
“I believe that the one to the left has not been occupied yet.” Thalia smiled menacingly. “You will share it with her holiness.”
“I hope her blind faith is not contagious. I would hate to wake up the next morning and find myself yearning for a white wooden statue of some disproportionate Alvian.”
Taking offence in the Ganis’ words, Thalia replied, as any devout servant of Pax would, “I know that I constantly make fun of the priestess and her obsessive praying, but Pax is our deity and you should not berate him unless you are a follower of our ways. I also think that faith will go a great deal with someone that possesses your potential.”
To avoid any unnecessary hindrances, Ganis decided to hold her thoughts regarding the Ona’s religion. She apologized, excused herself, and headed to her tent where she rested. When it was time to serve the cooking broth, Ganis claimed that she would rather rest until it was time for her guard duty with Eirene. Her decision was not contested by the hungry Parthans.
4
It did not take long for the Ona to prepare some rudimentary weapons. Using wood from their surrounding trees and hides from animals, the twins made bows, quivers and arrows while Thalia made warm armor. However, for melee weapons they only had sharpened staves prepared. Thalia insisted that the staves would not be called speared not to disgrace the Parthan weapon of choice.
With no purpose to remain stationed in the campsite prepared earlier, Pertinax decided it was time to continue marching further inland. Once the command was given, whatever they could salvage from the camp was quickly packed. The rest destroyed.
Debris from the huts were scattered and covered-up as much as possible, within the limits of time.
The same marching tactic applied earlier was used to guide the Ona’s path. Screo scouted ahead while the others kept a watchful eye for anything useful they came across.
Suddenly, as they headed further inland, a threat appeared. Preoccupied by her thoughts of assimilating, a beast’s presence escaped Ganis.
“Battle formation!” after being alarmed by a snarling charging hound, Pertinax shouted.
In a flash of a moment, the Parthans prepared their bows and stood in a circular defensive formation, granting them a complete vision range covered among the warriors. Still not attuned to her comrades, Ganis left a gap in the formation that was accounted for by Hephaestion’s quick reaction.
“What is it?” Ganis asked as she drew her hunting dagger.
“We sensed a threat. Join the formation quickly!” He gestured with his arm for her to fill an empty spot within the ranks.
As she prepared to join her allies, a large brown hound charged at the unaware moroi. Her reflexes allowed her to dodge the beast, but not to land a killing blow. Jumping past its target, the fearsome hound found itself facing the merciless Sigurd who stabbed it in the eye and through its skull, felling the beast.
“At ease!” Pertinax commanded. “Ganis, your reaction hinders us. Until you get used to fighting alongside us, we will use a nine-man formation. Just make certain we cover your back while we coordinate our attacks according to yours.” Although Pertinax expected his new companion to quickly fit in, he realized that the prospect was overly optimistic.
“Understood, captain.” Without uttering a word, Ganis leaped into the bushes and outside the sight of her comrades. “I found something interesting. Monolos, come here!”
Getting closer to Ganis’ veiled spot, the Parthans noticed three small furry objects clumsily moving and exerting small unthreatening growls. A closer look revealed them to be three young pups.
“That’s a grim sight indeed,” cried Monolos. The beast-handler bent a knee and approached the younglings carefully, reaching out to them.
“Leave them and let us go,” Pertinax cold-heartedly ordered. Ganis had not expected this reaction, but she often saw kind men become cruel officers when their duties demanded it.
Knowing his captain’s heart, Monolos picked one of the brown pups and held it to his face. “I know that we have decided not to interfere with what concerns us not, but now that we already meddled, should not we atone for our deeds and give these children a fighting chance before releasing them to the mercy of wilderness?” Although he held the pup up to Pertinax, kind Monolos intended for his speech to address all his companions.
“I believe that this action would be deemed favorable by the disciples of Pax,” Eirene calmly added, serene smile never parting her fair face.
“These siblings should be tended to at this age. We second the plea of our brother,” the red-haired Dindrane spoke for both Percival and herself. He simply nodded agreeably.
With no other objections, Pertinax agreed, “Very well. They are your concern now. Once they grow, we will speak once more to decide on what to make of them. Yet I hope that our journey will not last so long.”
“That’s an interesting development. Are you sure you can tame them?” Ganis asked of Monolos.
“Judging by the size and attitude of their mother as well as the absence of others of their species, these hounds are not pack animals. This characteristic will prevent the need to establish dominance, but might reduce their potential for loyalty. There’s simply no way I can deduce more from what little I’ve gath
ered. Yet this would provide us with an opportunity to closely study one of the indigenous species of these lands.”
Ganis observed the brown pups carefully. She noticed that each had a distinct eye color; yellow, blue and brown. The three hounds trembled with fear and cold as Monolos approached to hold them. One by one, the Parthan placed the pups inside his shirt to warm them.
“What if they decide to pee or stool?” disgusted by the foul odor emanating from them, Ganis asked.
“They’ll soon learn how to handle these issues. Till then, we will endure the inconveniences of parenthood. This is the least we could do after slaying their mother, the one responsible for taking care of such inconveniences.”
The band resumed their travel after the short halt. It did not take the hawk long to return to his master and report the area up ahead. As soon as it arrived, Monolos introduced it to the pups. The avian curiously looked at his new siblings and gently pecked at their heads. Driven by instinct and training combined, it hunted small critters and insects to feed the puppies whenever it flew back.
“Running across wild beasts, our gentle soul avoids feasts. To care and watch for helpless pups who might appear as different cubs…” Thalia continued to meaninglessly sing and rhyme during the remainder of their eventless walk towards their unidentified destination, inland.
5
The Parthans had traveled a long way, and since their arrival, they had not met any natives. Little did they know that this was about to change.
Screo reported a small group of men exceeding their own numbers by two. After a moment’s worth of contemplation Pertinax decided that the opportunity to establish contact outweighed the risks of being attacked.
The seasoned warriors headed towards the party with great caution. Their movements were harmonious and well prepared; a result from a lifetime of intensive training. Ganis was ordered to remain behind them while they sneaked towards the armed strangers.
Book of Kayal: Strength of Unity Page 2
