She noticed that where she once wiped, wetness seeped from pores. “Daku, why does he sweat when his body feels cool?”
“Because his mana is pushing out the other.”
Not a second after he said that, Cage sat upright with a gasp. The sudden move startled everyone and he nearly butted heads with Meeka. His dark eyes were wild for a moment before he felt the pain assault him in full force. Every muscle screamed out in soreness, but as he gritted his teeth, pain in his mouth demanded the most attention. Copper, like the taste of blood, coated his dry tongue. His hands jerked to his jaw while his tongue felt around. Many of his teeth were cracked down to the roots, some broke almost entirely. The amount of force required to break molars would need to be beyond what would normally be exerted. He took hold of the tremendous level of pain before he could moan or shout his great discomfort. Without a second thought he focused inwards to find his teeth in serious need of repair and his mouth glowed blue. When the personal dental work finished, that area of pain diminished. “What happened?” He hoarsely asked when he noticed himself surrounded. His own voice sounded alien and raspy.
“How do you feel?” Daku said from behind and Cage turned around.
“Like I just ran hard, fell off a cliff and got the living shit beat out of me.” He admitted. “I haven’t felt so beat up since I kissed Meeka for the first time. Daku, who managed to do this level of damage to me?” The griffin’s blue eyes studied his partner closely before retelling events over again while also explaining how Cage should never again do as he did. “Don’t worry about that. I won’t make the same mistake twice… And to everyone I hurt, I’m sorry.”
“You were not in control of your own body.” Brooke said, laying a hand on his thigh. “None are to be blamed for this mistake, Love. Megdline truly did not know her magic would harm you like this. None except Daku did.”
“Granny, don’t beat yourself up.” Cage said when he found her standing over by a tree alone.
“I almost killed you, Cage.” She admitted solemnly, unable to meet his stare. “Believe me, I’ve tried to remember ever reading anything that could have done this to you. I didn’t read even a reference to our mana being different. If I had known I wouldn’t have had you take my mana into yourself. I feel horrible about this and not knowing everything there is about a warlock.”
“Some things cannot be told without secrets being broken.” Daku said cryptically. “There are many things I’m not allowed to say, but some secrets are connected and can create dangerous situations. Mana of warlocks and mages do not mix and that is all I’ll explain.” It was clear he’d say no more on the subject and let others come up with their own theories.
“I need to…” Cage knew much needed to be done, even if he felt miserable. He went to stand, but couldn’t find the strength.
His stumble had Meeka react by pushing him back. She could feel him trying to resist, but in his condition her own strength surpassed his. “You need to rest. That seizure took much from you. You will eat and go to sleep. Whatever you need to do can wait. At least, you are still yourself.”
Using a pitiful resistance, Cage surrendered, unable to dispute her orders as a concerned healer and worried mate. He eased himself into a comfortable position as bread and a vegetable stew was brought for him to eat hungrily. Heavy eyes and a full stomach made him fall asleep and the constant pain left.
“We should all get rest.” Elder Metak stated to the tribe. “I believe we are safe for the night, but if there are wolves and cougars here we need to keep our animals close. Have the dogs close to warn us if anything get near.”
With that, everyone settled in for the first night on their new home.
Morning greeted Cage with a sore, tired body. His consciousness returned to feel as if needles were being stabbed all over. He couldn’t withhold a groan or the fact that even early dawn light was nearly blinding.
His groan roused Brooke and Meeka, but it was Sean who didn’t get much sleep and who walked over to say “How are you feeling, Dad?”
“Not too good, Buddy.” Cage replied. He winced as he tried to sit up as a sharp twinge came from his side. Two pairs of hands appeared at his back, but it made him gasp through clenched teeth. Meeka and Brooke worriedly met each other’s gaze and immediately withdrew their hands.
“You need to move your body or else the pain will linger.” Daku observed.
“Already… figured that part out.” Cage retorted through clenched teeth. Knowing it would be best to do it quickly, he frowned and jumped to his feet.
“Do not be so hasty, Cage Love.” Brooke said, standing at his side.
“Aw, Cage, you’re all bruised, especially at your ribcage. Is anything broken?” Meeka asked, afraid to touch him again.
He stood still, sensing the entirety of his body magically for damage. “Nothing’s broken, but there are a few deep bruises. My muscles are strained and in knots. I need to get the blood flowing.”
“Best to do a little swimming. It will be better than running.” Meeka took his hand while Brooke claimed the other.
Together they led him down to the water’s edge, seeing how he tried to hide the pain, but his body betrayed him by limping. The water quickly eased and took up his weight. The pain however was worked through by swimming methodically so that each joint got proper range. The swim slowly began to loosen cramped muscles. Blood flow increased due to the movement and with it came less prominent pain. Brooke and Meeka swam seductively with him for a reason until his limbs were numb enough to feel like pudding.
“Thanks you two, this helped.” He said kindly, unable to take his eyes off the two striking women.
“Are you going to take the day to rest?” Brooke swam closer.
“No, my mana has recovered plenty. It’s my muscles that aren’t exactly strong for heavy lifting. I still plan to show the island after creating some spells.”
“Are you sure you’re up for it?” Meeka asked as she did lazy breaststrokes.
“I cannot be coddled when there is so much to do with so little time.”
“I didn’t mean to imply you couldn’t.” She retreated some.
“I know you mean well, Meeka. I’m already running behind in my estimations. Ready to get out?”
“Certainly.” The blonde beauty smiled wistfully. “But I’d much rather have you in.”
“As would I.” Brooke mischievously gave him a kiss on the lips. “You had better feel better if you wish to join us tonight… otherwise you won’t be satisfied while we make love.” The tantalizing incentive already made him feel better and it grew when Meeka swam up behind Brooke and gave her breasts a teasing squeeze from behind. “Meeka Love, you’ll pay for that later.” Brooke reached around to pinch Meeka’s bare bottom and got the squeak she desired.
Openmouthed shock transformed to revenge as Meeka splashed water in her woman’s face. It escalated into a splashing contest full of laughter.
“I’ll be there.” Cage promised his two generous mates before swimming to shore.
Gravity returned fully without the buoyancy of water and it was much more difficult to amble around than usual. The tribe also began to wake from the playful, watery antics and many looked to their chief and saw he had some color return to his features. Brooke and Meeka went over to the fire to help prepare for breakfast while Cage moved to rest on the fur. Daku remained silent, seemingly glad to have Cage recover from the latest ordeal.
“Rena, can you go bring me the bag of crystals from my pack please?” His request was answered by the spindly little girl who moved over and rummaged around till she located the bag and brought it over. He thanked her and then looked down to the soft, brown, bison fur before upending every piece of crystal. Thanks to the fur, the gems stood out. If he’d done this in the sand they might end up lost. He then began situating them in a circle between his legs.
Megdline woke when she felt magic at work and spotted Cage intently focused on something on the ground. She stood and approa
ched. She then noticed the crystal pieces being warded as they twinkled with power. He only looked up when she tried sensing the wards he layered into the group. His focus returned.
Meeka and Brooke brought food back so everyone can eat. Their lover took a break to enjoy the meal while staring out over the ocean, feeling at peace.
Little was said to Cage as he worked without another break for close to five hours under the shade of trees till he asked Megdline for her crystals. Many protested, but he promised to not do as he did yesterday. Stating he needed them, the tribe relented. Then he went back to work for another silent hour of enchanting the control crystals.
“Alright, Granny, I’m finished implanting my personal spells for the island. Will you tell me how to word the disruption spells now?”
Megdline bobbed her head. “Repeat after me while inputting the wards. Disrupt magical sight to blind any who wish to see what is not allowed by…”
Cage repeated word for word for nearly a half hour as the most complex spell he’s yet to implement. The complexity didn’t fall on deaf ears as he could understand the subtleties that would work well. The spell progressed to even hide all traces of the gems so that only the caster could locate or alter them. Any tampering without permission would result in decisive action. Most of the spells had to be absorbed by the primary dual crystals to work properly and not cause a contradiction or conflict with another spell in the exchange network.
When he finished the spell and linked the two crystals to the sixty one smaller pieces, he felt the gems working a constant tingle of magic. He was prepared for it and the feeling was exactly like it was in Vin’re and Castle Emroc. To test if it worked, he grabbed a stick, laid it down in the center and willed the conjured sight mirror to appear, to find the stick he desired. An image appeared, but the texture was indiscernible to make out anything while giving a headache. Holding the mirror active a little longer, he reached in and removed the stick. The sight mirror instantly cleared to see the stick hovering in the air.
Why does it look to be floating… my hand is right there… Then Cage remembered why the stick appeared to be floating, he was still invisible to magical observation while the stick wasn’t.
Seeing proof that the spells worked with his own two eyes he manipulated the sight mirror to alter for a sky view of the whole island. He saw everything the island offered, but he had a purpose in doing this as he mentally marked the precise locations around the reef protecting the whole island. Each marked point he linked to one of the sixty, one to a spot and moved on.
When everything felt in order he fed the crystal network enough mana to complete the landing task. He then waved a hand over the pieces to say “Disperse.”
The sixty pieces levitated before shooting off in different directions, guided precisely to their destination.
All that remained behind were the control crystals.
“How did you make sure they will stay once they reach their destination?” Frill asked after watching the crystals fly off under their own power.
“Each one has been told to bury itself deep within the reefs. So long as the reef stays, the gems won’t move unless there is an attack.” Cage retorted. “Also, the gems will protect the reefs from being tampered with.”
The tribe, seeing the sparkle of stones shoot off, got up and gathered around their chieftain. Cage held up a hand, forestalling any questions while staring down at the two gemstones faintly giving off a weak white light. Within a minute there was a flash that emanated from the objects. Most nearby heard him say to himself “They’re in place and secure.” Cage had set the crystals to flash brightly once as soon as each one settled in and began actively exchanging information through the linked mana network. “Now to make sure it works…” the gathered retreated several steps as an inky shape appeared and grow to a flat oval screen. The sight mirror tried showing any aspect of the island and nothing could be discerned. He pumped in more power, but no matter how hard he tried, the image didn’t clear in the slightest. He then chose to locate Kote and found it busy. “Good, you can see out, but not in… Perfect.”
Cage ended the magic and fell back to the ground to sigh. “I’m done.” He laughed for a short time.
“Not yet.” Megdline spoke up. “For the spells to work more efficiently you must place the control crystals somewhere safe… preferably in the center of the island to be most effective.”
“Understood.” He replied and then sat up. To the village he said “Pack enough for two days. We’re leaving in a half hour.”
“All of us?” Someone asked and got a nod. “Some should stay with the boats and animals.”
“Okay.” Cage amended his plan, momentarily forgetting about the boats and creatures. “Figure out who will stay, but most of us will need to follow me. All of the children though will come. I will show where they should hide during an emergency. Just like the safe place they had on the plains, there is one here.” He yawned, tired from the hours of magic and concentration. “Wake me when everyone is ready.” With that he leaned back and closed his eyes to rest.
Working together, the tribe bustled to gather supplies for two days.
“We’re ready, Dad.” Rena said and pushed his shoulder gently.
Cage roused, feeling much better due to the nap. Leather bags hung off many shoulders. He stood and the tribe approached. Sean held out his dad’s pack who took it with thanks. Nearly two dozen had chosen to stay behind and wished everyone else farewell. For added protection, some that were coming chose to bring their hunting dogs.
Placing the control crystals in a pocket, Cage said “We must go before it gets dark.” He then felt pressure on his shoulder to find Daku had landed in the size of a small hawk. Brooke and Meeka followed their mate into the trees along with their children. Everyone else followed.
Chapter 6
Traveling through the wild and untamed forest, Cage told of his time here, pointing out different places that he knew well. Cutting through thick forest lasted less than an hour before coming onto a freshwater stream. He spoke of the edible plants and those to be avoided. Since watercress grew abundantly along the banks, he munched on the peppery delicacies. Some followed his example and most enjoyed the taste. The younger children didn’t like them so much.
Dogs barked excitedly at all the new scents and usually frightened the wildlife. Thankfully they were well trained and didn’t stray far from their owners.
Progress was slower than Cage intended, mainly because his muscles still hurt. At least with the children he didn’t need to push himself. The slick banks hadn’t changed and several times there was an accidental fall. Luckily the injuries were minor and didn’t slow the individual. Going upstream also meant that the small river shrunk down to a hearty stream.
Coming around a sharp corner Cage and everyone came to an abrupt halt. Ahead stood a recognizable cougar lapping from the noisy stream which made it difficult to talk let alone hear anything else. The large cat suddenly stopped drinking and jerked his head up. The cougar was just as surprised as everyone else. It’s pride made it stand its ground and roar to scatter the prey. Instead everyone drew their weapons, unafraid as they saw worthy prey themselves. Most of the older children, Rena and Sean included, drew knives.
“KITTY!” Cage shouted happily and forgot how tired he was.
The mountain lion froze when it heard that particular voice. Its ocher eyes widened with recognition, yowled in terror and bolted for the woods as fast as its lithe body could carry him. Even with the loud stream, it could be heard crashing through the forest to get away and not daring to look behind. “Kitty go bye bye.” Cage pouted before laughing a deep belly laugh.
“Cage, what did you do to make a cougar run from you like that? Never in my life had I ever seen such a reaction from an animal.” Frill asked. “In all my years, I’ve never seen one tuck its tail between its legs like a frightened dog either.”
“Funny you should ask.” Cage couldn’t hold back a chuckle. �
��When Kitty and I first met I was running up this very river, near this very spot and tripped over him. We fought, he got in a good swipe before I maneuvered behind him, kicked him in the balls and threw him by his back legs across the rushing water.” Cage noticed many of the men cringe and cup themselves at knowing just how much a scrotum hit hurts. The women simply laughed at their reactions.
Frill even cringed, his tail also hiding his jewels instinctively from the warlock. Megdline laughed all the harder.
“Come, were almost there!” Cage said and could hear quite a bit of snickering.
Up ahead, the stream opened. He stopped at the top of the incline to say in the dwindling sunlight “Welcome to my paradise!”
“Great spirits!” Brooke explained as she took in the breathtaking beauty of the island’s greatest masterpiece. Other exclamations came after hers, all positive.
In the current lighting the abundant flowers stood out brightly and the floral scent put even a troubled mind at ease. Cool mist from the majestic waterfall felt relaxing on a hot, sweaty body. Butterflies and bees fluttered all around the field, pollinating the vibrant wildflowers while the clear lake teemed with colorful fish. For the backdrop stood a sheer cliff. Green moss and a few tough plants grew on the face. Everything seen of this place spoke of peace and tranquility.
“Paradise indeed.” Megdline commented. “Such natural beauty is rare to find. This place must be protected for future generations.”
Laugh of Destruction (Book 3 of the Death Incarnate Saga) Page 17
