by D. M. Sears
Gregor looked over the hill into the distance looking masculine and captain-like. I felt that knot thing in my stomach, as I looked his way. No one should be this hot, period.
“My house is just over that ridge. We can make it by morning if we start now. Be on your guard, this particular forest has its many charms that can be deadly.” Gregor focused that last part at me specifically. Leading the way, he tramped through the soft burnish red grass. Lex followed behind him, taking in the scenery, and Val hung back with me.
“Do you remember this from when you lived here?” I was interested to know how much of this place she remembered.
Val looked at me and we began to follow the men up the path. “I never came this far into the outer lands. Keeva was not a place we were allowed to venture.”
“Indeed. However, I wonder if that had to do with the forest itself, or the inhabitants.” Gregor briefly looked over his shoulder at us and then turned his eyes towards the ridge.
“What does he mean?” I asked Val. I saw her eyes look down and then ahead of us.
“There was a lot of discord between the races of this land. Each race wanted to be the rulers and no one wanted to be ruled. All the races stayed within their own communities, as I have said before. We traded among each other, but that was where the line was drawn.” Val looked sad at that. I knew she was thinking of my mom and dad.
“Who lives out here? Are they so horrible that people didn’t want to be around them?” I knew Gregor was tied to the people that lived in these woods and if I could find out it would bring me closer to unlocking him.
“Some things are better left for another time.” I heard Gregor’s voice turn cooler and a bit sad. Val moved ahead to catch up to Lex. They were whispering back and forth and I knew it had to do with the conversation.
As we walked, I swore I saw something in my peripheral vision. Whatever I was seeing in between the trees crept along the forest floor like a dog or cat about to spring.
I hesitated before I finally said,” Um guys, there is something out here with us.”
I scanned the area and saw green – yellow eyes glaring back at me. I stumbled and fell onto the ground. Val turned to see what I had done; she followed my gaze towards the thing in the bushes.
“Eden, are you okay? I see nothing, are you sure you saw something? Things always seem ominous in forests at night.”
She held her hand out to me but I could not take it. I was frozen in my place by the second set of eyes that appeared. These were clear, sparkling dove-colored eyes. I heard the rustle of underbrush but no one else seemed to see or hear what I did. My birthmark began to pulse softly on my wrist. Out of nowhere, something flew past me and I threw myself over to the ground. My internal alarm was shrieking at me, danger.
“What was that? Don’t you all see the eyes?” I was yelling at my group wondering why they hadn’t stopped whatever was flying around us.
Lex ran over to me and Val leaned over, protecting me from the flying thing. Gregor was gone with preternatural speed leaving us alone. I peeked between Lex and Val and saw the most horrible pair of white eyes I had ever seen. It glared my way as it tried to get to me and I felt sharp claws pierce my arm. Val began to chant and a violet shell covered us. I saw the pair of eyes I had seen earlier rush our way. One leaped onto the flying thing and I heard the gnashing of teeth. The smaller of the two animals pounced on the hideous white-eyed creature. All of a sudden, a great storm cloud rolled in, and a lightning bolt hit the thing on the ground causing it to burst into a black flame. The stench was unbearable and I choked on the fumes. A heavy wind picked up the smoldering remains and carried them far from us. The stench lingered longer than I would have liked and I doubted I could get the smell out of skin and hair.
Oh joy, nothing like smelling of old burned creeper. The sarcasm filled my thought.
* * * *
I hadn’t noticed my wrist burning with all the commotion going on, but now I did. I rubbed it reflexively and then felt the searing burning pain from the wounds on my arm. I reached around and my hand felt four claw holes. The blood seeping from my wound made me light headed and I felt a burning in my blood and my vein faded to an ash color.
“My arm burns.” I said with a semi-hysterical voice.
Val looked at my arm and ran for her bag. She pulled out a clear unknown liquid and poured it over my wound. The pain was so intense I let a small sound escape me as I sucked in my breath, trying not to break down. The liquid fizzled and frothed until a black, tar-like ooze dripped out of the deep holes. Once the ooze stopped, Val used another substance that looked like grape Jello and a strip of cloth to bind my arm.
“What was that?” I asked in a shaky voice. I didn’t see the two people that had ripped the thing to shreds, nor did I see Gregor.
Lex looked at me and then at Val. “That was a shadow, Eden.”
“Why did it attack us? No one knew we were here, did they?”
“I don’t know, but I am going to find out.” With that, Lex left us sitting on the ground.
The burnished grass tickled my legs as I sat holding my arm. I winced as I moved it to my side. My mark raged in response to the attack, my head pounded, and my body was weak. This whole adventure-time nonsense was already over rated.
“You will be fine, sweetheart. I got the poison out of the wound and the gel will help heal the skin. No scar will be left.” Val looked around the forest. “Where are Gregor and the others?” I looked around towards the southern part of the forest and shrugged.
“There they are. “ Val had relief in her voice as we watched Gregor, Lex, and two wolves come our way.
Gregor approached with the two wolves and bent down beside me. The wolves stayed back a ways and sniffed the ground from where I was.
“Let me see your arm.” Gregor’s eyes were the color of a thunderstorm raging as he unwound the bandage. I swore I could see fire burning in the blackness of his pupils.
“It seems Valora has quite the talent for healing.” Val blushed slightly and stood up leaning into Lex. Gregor replaced the cloth and lifted me gently to my feet.
“Who are they?” I asked Gregor in a soft, almost whisper-like voice as I gazed at the pair of strange wolves now beside us.
“They are my friends of long past. They were hunting shadows when they came upon us. We are in your debt for aiding us.” He bowed at the waist and the two wolves transformed on the spot into people. I know I was staring, but who could help it. This was not something you saw every day.
The female was tall and muscular in a very feminine way. The leather top she wore looked as though it was handmade and had a rough leather throng weaved through to hold it together. Her pants were short, about mid-calf with the same tailoring. The creamy colored leather accentuated her mocha skin. She had long white hair, so light it could have been made of the moonlight itself that fell to her waist in soft layers.
The woman laughed and the sound was so airy it made me smile in spite of the situation. I gazed into her eyes, almost the color of her hair, and took the hand she had reached out to me. She felt feverishly warm and to my surprise, her skin was silky, not rough like I had anticipated. When I looked back at her face, she had tilted her head and was staring at me.
Thank you for the compliments. Do you communicate this way often?
How embarrassing. I needed to control this telepathy thing.
Most of the time I have no idea I am even doing it.
Her nod gave me reassurance.
“I haven’t seen anything like that, ever. It was magnificent, I am sorry for staring.” I knew I was blushing and looked down at my hands as I wrung them together.
“Do not fear us, little one.” Her voice was so soothing and calm. I felt as though water was washing over me. It was so relaxing, almost as if she infused her voice to relieve tension.
“We would never dream of hurting you. I am Maiya and this is my mate, Koren.” I glanced his way and saw the wolf change into a towering a
nd muscular man. Koren’s skin was lighter, almond-colored, and his dark brown hair looked like dark chocolate. The leather clothes he had on looked to be tailored by the same hand, roughly hewn but a rust color. Koren’s chartreuse eyes twinkled as he smiled at me. I reached out and shook his hand, and, just like Maiya’s, he was burning up.
“It is nice to meet you both. Thank you for helping me; I wouldn’t have known what to do.” I smiled even though I was shaken up. Gregor looked around the forest and with a soft, yet firm voice, he urged us to move.
“We are still a ways from my home. We need to get inside before the sun rises. I can feel it and it will be rising over the tree line in a few hours. We must hurry.”
Gregor began to run through the maze of trees and underbrush towards the bluff. There was no way I was going to be able to keep up. My legs were weary and I felt so tired from the wound on my arm. I stumbled over my feet from exhaustion and hit the ground on all fours. Val and Lex came up behind me and when I looked at them, tears swam in my eyes. I was tired and in pain. All I wanted to do was go to sleep. I felt like a baby, why was I a wimp?
“Why have we stopped?” I heard Gregor whoosh next to me in his preternatural speed.
I stammered as I tried to speak. “I fell. My legs gave out and I fell. I am sorry, but I’m just so weary.” I hung my head down looking at my hands picking the dirt from the scratches I gained by catching my fall.
“I will carry her. Shadow poison is a nasty thing.” Koren came to my side and lifted me gently. I looked at him questioningly.
“Do not worry; you will be taken care of. Rest your head.” He smiled his effortless smile and my spirit lifted a little.
Chapter Nine
I dozed here and there as we made our way to the mountain. Blurred images of pearly whites and sunset yellows raced by my face before I let the black take me. I woke to the soft glow of minerals alight in the rock surrounding me. I rubbed my eyes digging the sleep from the corners making sure I was really seeing this.
The room was made of some sort of rock that I had no name for, with walls that shimmered as if glitter was embedded throughout. The veins of light made the lavender rock look inviting and soothing. I watched the river of light dance across the sparkles before I realized I was lying on what appeared to be some kind of skin on a dirt floor.
The pelt was large and soft. It reminded me of the fur kittens have when they are small. I ran my fingers over the thick black fur and smiled. The ground under me had the fluffiest soil I had ever touched. I grabbed a handful and allowed it to sift through my fingers. I could feel the energy that pulsed within minerals mixed with the dirt, Mother Earth’s heartbeat. My mark began to pulse with the same rhythm. As my eyes continued to adjust to the soft lighting, I saw Val and Lex curled up on another pelt across the room. They were in each other’s arms sleeping soundly. My heart was happy to see them resting.
I stepped to the door and noticed the carvings upon it. I was sure I knew these markings. The door was the traditional rectangular shape, heavy, but it was a magnificent purple red. I had never seen such a rich color. The color and aroma of the wood reminded me of cedars from my home. As I looked closer to the carvings, I noticed them delicately etched into the wood. Protection and healing, is what filled me as I looked at the marking covering the door.
“What is this place?” I stepped into the hallway and the veins of minerals in the rock walls came alive with a pink light. This place had such an old-world quality mixed with fantasy. I could spend many hours wondering the house, just focusing on the walls alone. The space felt inviting and warm, yet, I could not shake the sense of darkness that accompanied all this beauty. Hmm, much like the master of the house.
I gave a tiny smirk at the thought and came to a room I was certain was the living room. I gazed around seeing thousands of books on the walls. I gave a gasp at the oceans of books that lined the room. Never in my life had I seen such a library as this one. Deep shelves the color of chestnut fell against each wall from floor to ceiling. Each was filled with leather bound books of varying stages of age. My mouth dropped open as I absorbed the sight around me.
I walked to a shelf and ran my hand over the faded volumes. The smell wafting from the books told me they were ancient. I wondered if any of them had been read in a while. My wrist buzzed as I reached to take a volume off the shelf. I was caught off guard as a voice spoke, making me jump.
“Do you often go through people’s things when you are a guest in their home?” The voice had a playful tone with a briskness that told me they were amused.
With a mild blush, I lowered my hands and placed them in my jeans pocket. “I am so sorry. It’s just that I have never seen so many books in one place. I love to read and this one caught my attention.” I looked back at the book I was going to remove from the shelf and saw the filigree on the binding. It looked oddly familiar to me.
“I understand. Books hold great value in my eyes. The writings live on after everyone has gone. They hold unfathomable wisdom to every part of our past, present, and future.”
Gregor, who had walked up beside me, caressed the binding lovingly. I watched those strong fingers and wished they would touch my face the same way…sigh. I turned my head slightly so he couldn’t see my blush.
“I think we should go into the kitchen, I am sure you are famished after all the excitement.” I nodded. I was a little hungry and I was dying to sit down so I didn’t look so awkward.
I followed Gregor into the adjoining room where Maiya and Koren, who were already seated at the table, were drinking and eating something that smelled heavenly. My stomach gave a loud grumble as if on cue.
“Good morning, Eden. Did you sleep well?” Maiya had such a lovely voice. I instantly felt calm and relaxed. Koren gave me a wide pearly smile and stood to pull my chair out.
“Thank you.” I gave him a polite grin but quickly realized I hadn’t brushed my teeth or even checked a mirror. I was sure I looked horrid, and all I could think of was getting into a shower!
“The room I am in is astonishing. My bed is very comfortable. Thank you for carrying me.” Maiya gave a light chuckle and Koren looked at Gregor with a bemused expression.
“It was no trouble to carry you. I am happy to know you find your accommodations adequate. If you will excuse me…” With a flourished bow he turned away.
Gregor quickly left the room while I looked on in a stunned daze. He carried me? I swore Koren said he would carry me, in fact, I was positive he picked me up. I felt off and a bit dizzy. Did I drool on him, did I snore? I felt mortified.
“Calm yourself little one.” Koren’s voice was full of laughter. “Gregor took you from me; he is faster than any of us in human form. You were in good hands and very well taken care of.”
He placed a plate in front of me. I looked at the contents and saw bread, that resembled nine grain from the café in my town, tomatoes with olive oil and sea salt, eggs, and what I assumed was their interpretation of bacon. I lifted the mystery meat off my plate and took a tentative bite. It was salty and surprisingly tender.
“Wow, this is so good! Can I ask what it is?” I felt bad for asking, but I really wanted to know what I was consuming.
Maiya smiled and took a bite of her own. “It is thibdaeu.” She took another bite and I followed suit. It definitely hit the spot.
“Is that like a pig or something?” I had a mouth full of food, and though it was rude, I just needed to know.
“Um, not exactly.” Koren said with a slight turn of his head. “It is a small creature with horns and viciously sharp teeth, much like the small rabbit, only much more dangerous. It takes a skilled hunter to catch one and an even more skilled hand to fillet it. There are poison sacs that run the length of the inside of the animal. If you do not cut it right, you will poison the meat and then it is no good.” I dropped the meat from my fingers and felt my stomach roll.
“Gregor is very skilled and he cut it to perfection. You are safe.” Maiya had such
a soft tone. I smiled at her and began to eat my breakfast again.
I was so full from breakfast that my eyelids began to flutter. “Thank you for the wonderful breakfast.” I sat back in my chair and felt very heavy and sluggish.
“You need rest, little one. The toxin in the claws of shadows takes some time to wear off. Go back to your cot and we will come get you at nightfall. You have nothing to fear while you are here.” Koren and Maiya took my plate and cleared the table.
I rose unsteadily from the chair, “Thank you again. I think you are right. I feel very tired.”
Koren nodded and Maiya smiled in my direction. I left the kitchen and snuck back into the cave-like room to my pallet. I fell against the soft fur, and digging my hand into the ground, I inhaled the scent of rich loam. I felt the thrumming of minerals in the ground and it lulled me back into a serene sleep.
I was unsure of the time when I finally woke. I looked around the room and no one was there. It seemed that after my filling breakfast I had passed out. I stretched and rolled my head, knowing I would be stiff, but to my surprise, I felt very relaxed and well rested. I left my nice little bed and went to the door. As I opened it, I stared straight into slate grey eyes. My heart stopped and words caught in my chest. They bore into me and I felt heat rise to my face unsure of what to do.
“I was just coming to get you. Everyone is in the main room, please follow me.” Gregor turned on his heel and walked down the corridor. The smell coming from him was so intoxicating that I felt lightheaded.
Every time I was around this mysterious man, I felt things I had no idea I could feel. My whole body wanted him, and the worst part was it didn’t bother me. I needed to get to know him better.
Gregor led me down the corridor to the left and we stopped in front of another door carved much like mine was. “You will find every comfort needed in here. Take your time and join us when you have finished.”
