Also in the week and a half since the bloody match, it was rare to find any patch of snow or ice and the ground began to be exploding with grass and foliage. Small leaves began consuming barren limbs and even a few early plants began preparations to become flowers. The cycle of seasons and rebirth was amazing to watch. Unfortunately with so many predators about no birds, squirrels, rabbits or other edible animals even considered venturing this close.
Just as the sun made its initial dip behind one of the largest mountain peaks Gerieg called everyone’s attention now that all were at the foot of the mountain. As he told the masses to remain in line Alex was dumbfounded at such a sight. Eight thousand fiends gathered beneath him and as they moved towards the closest path through and out of the mountain. The thousand or so Fury moved like a swarm towards the impassable fissure between the mountains. They moved almost as one, like locusts and reacted almost as if one mind. The land based fiends that had no other choice except traveling through the tunnels also moved almost as one. Many rubbed against each other to make a tighter line, except the Pikro that were always avoided. They had all the room they could want. Orggian sat atop large fiends and held torches so that all could see properly through the maze. The fiends that carried didn’t seem to mind the passengers and it was the symbiotic relationship that kept everyone together.
Gerieg and Alex led the masses through the tunnels and some complained they didn’t like confined spaces, only because they were so large to begin with. Ava remained the only Fury who came into the tunnels, only because she was small and loved residing on Alex’s shoulder. Even Gerieg said he was jealous of her size for Sheer was much too large to sit upon his shoulder.
They didn’t stop the first time as they traveled through the torch lit tunnels that made all lose the sense of direction and time.
Eventually they came upon the blocked entrance and Alex laughed as he found it as easy as breathing to move the blockage compared to the first time it took all the concentration he had to maintain focus. Once it was opened he and the long procession marveled at the fresh air blowing in and the excitement of freedom quickened their pace to find that it was now midmorning and the sun hadn’t yet crested the mountains many peaks.
Like inside the mountains protective ring, the outside mirrored the natural season. Early sprouts of greenery began to make the mountain slope and the ever reaching forest come alive once again. The many Fury’s who already made it through the impassible pass either rested in the trees or circled to see their new surroundings. Like Ava, many never ventured beyond their protective mountain. Alex noted the look in her eye that she marveled at all the new sights and opportunities. Her yellow legs quivered in anticipation at the expansive sight. With a pleading look, Alex gave her the ok to scout to her heart’s content. She immediately jumped off and began soaring upon the wind. Soon she was nothing more than a dot amongst the expansive blue sky.
Then something caught his eye as Shade moved into the opening of the cave. A thin trail of smoke was seen off in the distance. It was hard to see, but thanks to a shift in the wind the smoke changed direction and captured attention. Alex remembered the original ascent and knew that the smoke came from the home in the woods that belonged to Kikren.
“So he made it back.” Alex whispered to himself.
Elo was the next to exit and made it clear to begin descending.
Alex and Shade took the lead this time and made their way carefully down the scree of loose rocks. Together they helped each other. Like last time, Shade resided half in and out of his shadow so that he didn’t slip. It was easier going down for if the rocks gave way to a slide it made it all the quicker down the slope. It didn’t make it any less dangerous though. Gerieg and Elo also chose their descent close to Alex’s path, but over just enough that if there was a rockslide he wouldn’t be harmed. As they began descending the movement gained Sheer’s attention and she immediately knew that they were out and that they could be rejoined again.
Once in the safety of the higher trees Alex watched in amazement as the cave opening spewed out thousands of fiends like an angered anthill. They all took different routs down the mountain and moved like a single-minded wave. The individual movements blended and worked together to minimize problems. Some received minor injuries, but no one was seriously hurt coming down the mountain.
It took over an hour for the last fiend to exit and another hour for all to make it to the comforts of trees.
Gerieg then had the gathered follow him down even further until they came upon Kikren’s home out in the woods.
When the wooden home was in sight Gerieg had a mischievous grin filling his expression. Alex checked the air and heightened his hearing to make certain that Kikren was inside. A shuffling of feet gave away the person’s location as the sound of thudding wood in a hissing fire was being approached. He was home.
Ava was still off looking at her new surroundings, but Alex, Shade, Elo, Sheer and the gleeful Gerieg approached the building with stealth. As they approached Gerieg deepened his voice to sound different and threatening. “Whoever is in there, come out with your hands up and we’ll spare your lives!”
Silence was then followed by the grinding sound of a chair being moved as someone stood abruptly. Suddenly the door exploded outward and in the doorway stood a stone-faced Kikren with his lens in hand, ready to blind an enemy while the other held a long edged knife. Still impeccably attired and his mustache kept appropriately groomed, he held his ground, ready to kill any who dare threaten him.
Kikren stood there for a moment and when he understood who stood at the base of the steps of his home his eyes bulged in astonishment. This change of expression made Gerieg and all others begin to laugh. Kikren then looked at the outskirts of his home to see it completely surrounded by more fiends than he ever imagined. Kikren’s apprehension melted when he remembered his duty. He stuck the knife down in a sleeve in his boot and placed his lens back in the pocket of his vest. As the aid of the king, he bowed respectfully to both Gerieg and the prince. He then walked down the steps to carefully ask “My lord, please do not frighten me like that, it isn’t becoming of someone of your standing.”
Those words only made Gerieg laugh all the more. “You’d think I’d change so quickly?”
Kikren took the opportunity to reveal an appropriate smile. “I had hoped the time in training would, but I guess that if the late queen couldn’t quell your playful side I guess nothing will.”
Gerieg chuckled again.
The older aid looked upon them with a critical eye and noticed all of the changes the prince and Shade have undergone and was amazed at the differences. He said in awe “Lord Alex, you are now a master? Your training must have been intense for you look like someone completely different.” Then he looked upon the gigantic partner. “And Shade, you look more like the monster that gives little children nightmares.”
Shade didn’t understand what was said so Alex filled him in and both laughed. Alex then turned his voice upon the aid and felt the familiar change tickling in his throat. “It is heartening to see you as well. Shade say’s he enjoyed your compliment and wishes me to tell you he is now the new High Alpha.”
The expression of being impressed lit Kikren’s features. “That is a remarkable outcome. I see that the training was a complete success if he has beaten the Shadow Fang, Midnight.” Then he changed the direction of the conversation. “My Lords, I was not expecting you for several more months. Has something happened that has caused the army to gather and come at this time?”
“Aye, Alex finished his training in record time. He was finished during the peak of winter actually. We’ve actually been waiting more for all to awaken from hibernation and gather our forces. It is now time to begin our counterassault, now that we are finally prepared.”
No further information was needed. Kikren didn’t need lengthy explanations for simple observations were more than adequate. He could see the physical change in the prince and the confidence he now held
in those sharp grey eyes. He had indeed become a Master Furion. The aid then raised a hand to be allowed to speak. “If the two of you would, please follow me. I have taken the liberty of appropriating proper clothes for both of you. You both need a proper change in wardrobe.”
As Alex followed behind his grandfather a question burned in his mind. “Kikren, tell me how Sean and Shay are doing. Did you find Kallel and Mary?” Gerieg quickly added “I would like to know as well.”
The inside of this home was nearly as simple as Marlin’s was. A large bed for a single person rested near a central hearth and the firelight gave just enough illumination to knock off the subtle chill and grant light. Three large cabinets were placed upon the northern wall, opposite of the door. Two wooden windows remained closed and in another corner held a large box that held all the food Kikren needed for winter. Alone in another corner sat a large stack of thick firewood that would burn for a long time to come. The sound of a nearby stream was faintly heard outside along with the many fiends, but allowed knowledge of where the water source is.
“Certainly,” The aid smiled and shut the door behind them. Kikren guided his lords to their individual cabinets, but not his own. “It took me two months to find Point Lake and find a village who I could charter the two horses along with myself and the children to Greeton. Both Shay and Sean were strong for the trip. It took Sean a few weeks to trust me. Several times he though I intentionally made his baby sister cry and struck me with your old staff. That weapon never left his side.” It wasn’t hard for Alex to imagine the strength the wood held within and it was hard to stop himself once he began chuckling. Gerieg held no such restraint. “Though he was small he was very protective of her and his spirit sometimes left welts. He never struck me in anger, only when he thought I did wrong to Shay. I was grateful one of the horses we had was a lactating mare, but it was difficult getting the milk for Shay to drink. In time the children became accustomed to me. We found villages here and there and were easy enough to help when I needed supplies for the children. We didn’t stay long in those places either.
“It didn’t take long, nor did it cost much coin to get the boat. It took another week to arrive at port. I asked around and it was Kallel who found me at an inn when he got word someone was looking for him. He is a nice man once you realize his appearance is nothing but a show.” Alex nodded in understanding while paying rapt attention to the elderly gentleman. “Kallel grew angry when he saw Sean carrying your staff. I had to prove I was of Freelan and that I knew you. I left the kids locked in the room while I discussed matters with Kallel in the tavern of what had happened in their village and the request you made for Kallel to look after the children. He was saddened at the tale of their family, but would be glad to care for the children.
“The next morning he brought the three of us to his home and Mary was beyond words at taking the children in. She was a lovely woman and I see why you wished for them to be cared for by Kallel and her.
“They were kind enough to allow me a place to stay for two days while I went into Greeton to buy supplies, along with your clothes. During their hospitality they informed me that Allahandra is recalling all vital members back to Alluan and her city. Kallel and other transporters were ordered to stay inconspicuous unless further ordered.”
Alex felt a tendril of fear clutched at his heart. “Do you know why she is recalling or did they know?”
“Nay, they knew not the reason, but our own resources have told me more detailed information. Both Travis and Janken have arrived safely at the Royal City and have explained that they are preparing for a war that will come in the Fall of this year. Thankfully they’ve seized the foothold on the northern border of Gagiat and Alluan.”
Alex quickly thought “Do you still have Janken’s mirror? Can we use it to contact Allahandra and tell her I’m on the way?”
Kikren sadly shook his head. “I’m sorry, but I used the last mirror two months ago when I returned here and released the horses. Janken’s mirrors can only be used for no more than a few minutes at a time before the fine shards drift back into his possession and I have no further specialists items that can communicate with the city. The only thing I do know it that the queen has been informed during that last conversation that you’ve arrived safely and have begun your training. She was relieved to hear it.”
There was so much to think about, but an army coming to attack her Royal City gave cause to hurry. Gerieg also knew that time was also a factor.
While he accepted the onslaught of emotions and sorting out the details he opened his closet and was surprised at what he saw. Folded on the shelves were woodsy and dark colored pants while the tunics were mostly sleeveless and even darker of color. Then there were two capes as dark as Shade’s coat and just the right length once tied around the neck and set upon the shoulders. The end of the cape was raised four inches from the ground and made of thick, sturdy material.
Looking between his own clothes and the new ones he quickly undressed and pulled out the other ragged set from his pack. As he attired the new clothes Kikren said “I noticed you favor dark colors which will serve you in the forest or at night. I also had those capes made dark as night so that if you need to use the cover of the darkness it will always be to your advantage.”
“Kikren, I thank you and wish there was something I could do to repay you for all the forethought and care you have given me.”
“Think nothing of it.” He said with a proud smile. “When this is all over just be sure that you are safe so that we meet again. Keep your kind heart for that will be the only price I will ever accept.”
Alex smiled and startled the aid as he embraced him. Expressions of his thanks flowed into the older man, but it didn’t take long for Kikren to give a grateful returning squeeze. No tears were shed, but a deep respect filled both. Once they released the hold Alex turned to his grandfather. “It seems like my ended training won’t be too late... I guess this is where we part?”
Gerieg attired his favorite color, light blue and a new red cape. Both grandfather and grandson could feel the calling of where they needed to go, now more than ever. All had been taught and instilled, but separation would be hard to do again. Both had a path in opposite directions, but would they ever cross again? Neither knew not, but hope was all they could wish for.
The elder Furion couldn’t speak, but he nodded that it was indeed time.
Together the three men went outside the simple house, after filling their pack to capacity with the new clothes. Ava returned and perched herself between Shade’s alertly pointed ears. Kikren was glad to meet her and she him for this was her first human contact from the outside.
“Be safe!” Gerieg ordered for he hated long goodbyes. “You too!” Alex felt the same way. Very soon Alex jumped upon Shade as Gerieg did with Elo. Alex felt his voice change as he ordered “All who are with me! Follow, for our destiny won’t find us!”
A deafening roar filled the forest as Shade began taking the lead, heading in a westerly direction. Enormous sounds of movement followed as half of the fiend forces followed the young Furion. Just over four thousand fiends followed by their own will, finally able to move forth after so long.
The younger siblings were quickly filled in on the current situation and knew roughly how long it would take to reach their home. There would be a fair amount of time to work on the tasks set before them.
The final words that Alex remembered on this day was this simple whisper. “Lily, I’m coming home!”
Chapter 18
During a month and a half the fiends followed Alex without question or aggression. Knowing the speed they’d need to take and the distance to the destination was proven a serious misunderstanding as they were swifter than he originally judged. Unlike any human army, the fiends needed little for they were naturally equipped to handle any threats while moving and that meant less baggage and more time to run. Alex thought the Pikro would be the slowest, and indeed in their fastest run they were, but
they had also been training so much they matched the endurance of a Shadow Fang or Beran. Even Ginger showed she was no slouch, even at her age she could keep up with the best of her kind. The Grizon might have only recently come out of their hibernation cycle, but once they packed on some weight they too kept their strength. Teem ran mostly with his pride and easily kept pace, which was more of a trot they could keep for days without tiring. The many Shadow Fangs were in the same predicament and wished to run at their peak, but they knew they needed to be together for there is strength in numbers. Krum decided to ride upon Beta to stay as close to Alex as possible and the council was welcome. Ava always flew with other Fury’s while the army ran through the land and kept an eye out for any danger. The flock of raptors flew in wide, sweeping patterns so that they wouldn’t be easily seen or showed to be going in a particular direction. The last thing the force needed was to arouse suspicion simply by looking up when a flock of fiends all flew together, in the same direction. Crest allowed Shade to run the lead each day towards the west, but didn’t lead by much. Now that both of them were fully healed they wished to chase each other, but they kept themselves in check during the run.
The constant drumming of four thousand fiends became like a hum that lasted from the dawn of each morning to the dusk of night. Only four breaks each day were needed to catch their breath, eat a snack and drink heartily when a clean stream was come upon.
Furion's Trials (Book Two of the Items Trilogy) Page 37
