The Rising Azimuth

by D D Mathews

  “Colin, come forward,” Osmund called.

  He scaled up the two ditches to stand next to the king. “Colin MacDermott is ready to be introduced to his clan. He is ready to fight, love and die for his clan. Now change.” The short introduction didn’t faze Colin, who changed on command. His Were was amazing, his fur was thick and full, solid black. He had strong shoulders and arms. And long claws to flay his enemies in battle. He stood tall, not as tall as Mandy, but with more masculine shaped arms. His legs were built for lunging and chasing. His head was that of a perfect predator. His Were eyes looked like fire, glaring red-orange with an intensity that would frighten most werewolves and all humans. He stood proudly in this form, chest out, waiting for Osmund to continue.

  When the king’s command came, Colin’s Revert was a little gross, like wet mud sliding off him. Now he stood naked in front of these families who had laughed at his dad. He took the time to look down at those who usually looked down on him. The clan was silent below him. He noticed some of the girls were looking at him differently than before. He looked to his right and saw Colleen. She watched him with interest, but Colin didn’t think it was the same interest the other girls were giving him.

  Osmund continued, “Do you swear fealty to your clan, Council, and King?“

  Intentionally not looking at Osmund, “I swear to honor my clan, my Council, and my King. I will fight for them to protect our lands and our lives,” he answered.

  “We welcome you son,” Osmund finished, barely shaking Colin’s hand. Unsurprised, Colin headed to the Council and started working his plan. He had already shown the clan he wasn’t a clown, next was indicating his interest in Council business and clan politics. He shook hands firmly with each member of the Council looking them squarely in the eyes. When he reached Sarah McCarthy on the end, he shook her hand as was the protocol, leaned in and said, “Your words impacted me greatly and I was hoping to discuss them further tonight.” She stared at him weighing his words and something else Colin couldn’t comprehend. She broke the handshake and smiled the cold, slightly wicked McCarthy smirk Colin knew too well.

  Osmund grabbed Colin’s arm and pulled him back to the front of the ridge to his clothes. He collected his clothes and held them to his hip as he walked down the Hill of Tara to his place at the end with to his family. His crying father hugged him. Colin put on his clothes and listened to the end of the rite.

  “We are family. Clan Celt is everything. We must protect ours, work together to resolve issues internally and externally. And most importantly, today we look to the future in the hearts and minds of our new brothers and sisters. And as your King, I welcome each new son and daughter into my heart, into the clan’s collective soul. You make us stronger and I believe each of you will do great things, let’s celebrate.“

  Clapping and cheering echoed around the hill, a few Celts howled into the night. The introductions were over but the Rise was just beginning.

  The Celts were laughing and jovial as they moved away from the Hill of Tara, west. It was time for food and drinking. A couple families walked faster to collect pre-prepared food. Every time the Celts got together for these gatherings alliances formed, rivalries started, and lots and lots of drinking. Colin had heard from his dad and others about the last Rise. The stories were mini-epics full of chivalry, heartbreak, and tears. Hopefully, tonight would go down as one of those.

  Carthach interrupted Colin’s thoughts, “We’re heading over for some food. Are you ready?” Colin knew this was silly since his family would have to eat last. He didn’t say anything to his father; he didn’t want to make him feel bad. Carthach was so upbeat about Colin’s performance.

  “Okay, Da. No problem. Let’s go.” Colin started walking with his father and grandfather. He took one last look toward Sarah and Colleen and found both were staring right at him. Having one McCarthy stare him down was rough, but seeing four, emotionless McCarthy eyes look down on him caused a shiver up Colin’s spine. He forced himself to stare back. Unimpressed, Sarah and Colleen turned away. He thought he had won a tiny victory.

  “I hope they have hog tonight,” Colin said as he turned and put his arms around his father and grandfather. “My introduction went well didn’t it Da?“

  “It went very well. I see great things for you, maybe a good mate or better lands. You know what I always say, small steps lead to big things,” Carthach quoted himself.

  Grandpa broke in gruffly, “He should be running things around here.”

  Carthach said, “C’mon Da, we should be realistic. Maybe that Mandy girl will come sniffing around. Just imagine the size of the pups.” Colin loved that no matter how poorly his family was treated, his father was always optimistic.

  The trio strolled over to the crowd while discussing the possibility of a twelve-foot tall werewolf. Colin listened somewhat but his mind was still thinking about the McCarthy’s matriarch.

  They walked over to the tables which had been set up earlier. Mandy and the Riley girls were taking orders from Miranda, Mandy’s mother. It was unusually for a family from the second Rille to be in charge of anything. However, it looked like she had the Rileys marching to her orders. They were removing food from hot bags and setting everything up. Already Colin could smell stew in a couple large pots and pork along with vegetables; potatoes, squash, beans, peas, and corn. It was a classic Irish set-up. The aromas made Colin’s mouth water.

  Most of the members of the clan were still fraternizing with their own families. He looked around and saw Osmund speaking to a foreign wolf with thinning blond hair. He noticed a few O’Rinns conspiring amongst themselves. He saw Mr. Connelly and Daniel Riley set up two kegs. Soon the beer would flow and the eating would begin. Music started playing, it was upbeat and lively.

  Everyone stood around waiting for Osmund to get his food; he was having an energetic conversation with the foreigner. Colin couldn’t hear anything they were saying no matter how hard he tried to eavesdrop. It didn’t look like an argument, yet it was close.

  Colin saw the Flannigans and some of the O’Rinns doing a chant for the betrothed. The two families surrounded Neil and Ariel, who both looked uncomfortable. Colin understood this would fix a couple issues within the clan. Ariel was a pretty woman, but a wild child and had run away many times to chase after a boy or a band. Last fall, she ran away when she was supposed to be guarding a storage depot for both of the families and the Council. Rumors said the depot burned down. The blame fell on the O’Rinns. Ariel was the cause and forced into a marriage. Colin thought the punishment was just but doubted Ariel would change much. “Good luck Neil,” he thought.

  Osmund finished his discussion and walked with the foreigner to the food tables. Mrs. Connelly served up overly large portions for both the king and his guest. And the feasting began. Everyone who wanted to eat now lined up by rank. Colin knew it would be a while for him and his family to eat so he looked back toward the hill for Sarah McCarthy. He spotted her walking slowly with the help of her granddaughter. The McCarthy men had already joined the food line behind Osmund. This was the best chance Colin would get so he told his father, “Save my spot,” knowing it didn’t matter. His father nodded and Colin headed back toward the Hill of Tara to speak to Sarah.

  “Councilor McCarthy, could I speak with you about the ancestors?” Colin asked as he walked up to the two women.

  “What does a MacDermott know of the ancestors?” Colleen spat.

  Her aunt caught her with a firm backhand. Colin tried to hide his surprise. He failed. He always assumed things looked rosy from the outside, this confirmed it. Colleen’s eyes flashed anger then returned to her normal statue like demeanor.

  “We should treat all kindly, especially those below us, because tomorrow we may have to dance for our dinner, missy. And if I remember correctly you dance like shit.” Sarah said. In two sentences she had reminded both newly Raised of their place, shown her knowledge of shifting politics, and reminded them she had a mouth. “Colin MacDermott, ple
ase assist me. We can talk on the way to the feast. Colleen will listen politely.“

  Colin didn’t want Colleen to be hostile. She could be a powerful obstacle in reaching his goal. However, as long as Sarah breathed air, he hoped Colleen wouldn’t be too much of an issue. Colin took Sarah’s arm and walked her towards the food tables as he carefully chose his words “Were the ancestors any more specific about the coming evil, the plague?“

  “The ancestors showed me three wolves skinned alive as a brutal wind tore up the entire land, like a tornado,” she answered.

  “Did they offer any solutions for the clan?” Colin asked hoping to see an angle he could benefit from.

  Sarah continued, “The ancestors showed me lands I’ve never seen, never visited. Cold landscapes with ice and snow. I think they want us to search for new blood.”

  “Have you shared this with the King?” Colin asked.

  “No.” she stated. Colin noticed the one word answer, which was rare for this woman and it hinted at much more than she wanted. Colin didn’t press, dropping the issue, and moved on.

  “You spoke of change so much it makes me wonder if the ancestors were speaking directly to you about us, the Raised wolves. Could it be that?“

  Sarah stopped suddenly. She looked past Colin, while Colleen intentionally looked away. “Maybe,” she said.

  Another short answer meant Colin was on the right track. He needed one more thing. “Is there anything the ancestors told you that I could do to help the clan survive this plague?“

  Sarah’s intense eyes focused on Colin as she answered him, “Go out into the world and find our clan allies.” She slapped her granddaughter on the backside hard, “And take this bitch with you.” Colleen gasped in outrage; her icy demeanor broken.

  Chapter 6

  Nuri woke up on her kitchen floor, her face in a pool of fluid; she hoped was water. Her head ached viciously. During the haze of waking up, she thought yesterday was only a nightmare. When the image of that dead werewolf, the one she had killed, smashed into her memory she knew it was all real. The night of debauchery with Tamara and her sisters kept her dark thoughts at bay. The morning wasn’t so kind.

  She pushed herself off the grey linoleum onto all fours, felt dizzy then vomited on the floor. The acidic taste of emptying her stomach was awful. After a few awful dry heaves, she finished, stood, and went to the pale green refrigerator. Nuri took out a half-empty bottle of water and rinsed out her mouth into the nearby sink. She drank down the rest of the water and dropped the plastic bottle on the counter. The kitchen was a mess.

  She walked into the front room of her apartment, finding a half-naked Gretchen on the couch. She had drooled onto the cushion, creating a wet spot. She was wearing a shirt and panties, no pants. Nuri wondered where Gretchen lost her pants last night, maybe the fourth bar or that awful Goth club. Nuri couldn’t think so she stumbled to her bedroom. Piles of clothes were stacked up in the corner next to an equally disastrous closet. On her bed, Tamara was still passed out. There was a young man about Nuri’s age with a scruffy beard looking for his other boot. His dark hair was sticking up wild and his eyes darted around like he was guilty of something. Nuri noticed a wedding band on his finger.

  She escaped the stranger in her bedroom and walked into the bathroom and straight into the shower. She turned the water on before removing her clothes. As cold water splashed over her she felt a little better; more awake. She took off her now soaked clothes and dropped them next to her in the shower. While she soaped up, she thought about yesterday. She had a thousand questions and no answers. She finished rinsing off her skin, but let the now hot water run over her face and body for a few minutes before turning it off. She dried off and wrapped her hair up in the towel. She said a prayer, hoping her aunt’s companion was gone. Stepping back into her bedroom, she found only Tamara, still asleep. Nuri rutted around pulling sweatpants and a t-shirt from the pile of clothes. She got dressed and stood above her own bed, looking down on her aunt. Nuri pushed Tamara’s shoulder, waking her up.

  Tamara bolted up, eyes shut, “No baby, you rock my world. I’ve never had any dick that big.“

  Nuri squished her face up in disgust. “Tamara, he’s gone,” she said.

  “Good, he was rubbish. Probably couldn’t spell clit, much less find one.”

  “You have to get up, Gretchen is here. I don’t know where she lives or if she’s late for work.”

  Tamara, without opening her eyes said, “She doesn’t work, guys just give her presents. I. Need. Coffee. Bad.”

  Her ‘old’ aunt was all about being proper and following the rules. This new creature wasn’t. Nuri sighed and said, “I’ll go and get some from the corner.“

  “That’s a sweet girl,” Tamara said collapsing back into the bed then rolled all the sheets around her like a caterpillar in a cocoon. Nuri didn’t know what to say or do, so she left the apartment and walked down to the corner shop to get coffee.

  The morning air was crisp as winter wouldn’t completely let go of Krakow. Without a coat, Nuri should have been colder instead the wind felt good on her skin. She wondered if this was because of the wolf thing. The street was quiet and the block she lived on was mostly dull colored apartments of greys, off-whites, and pale blues. Due to age, the paint was chipped completely away in some places while other spots were repainted in a much brighter shade of the surrounding base color. The walk let Nuri finally think. What does this mean to me? Is my normal life over? And what bizarre thing will happen next? She purchased three coffees and a gniastko from Iwona, the shop owner. Nuri exchanged small talk with the elderly woman. Iwona didn’t notice anything new. Nobody on the walk home pointed and screamed at her. Even though Nuri’s entire world had changed inside, the entire world outside saw the same woman.

  She still had questions and her aunt had the answers.

  ***

  The night air was cool on Joseph’s skin as Samantha led him to her house. His eyes fluttered, he was sleepy. A white two-story house dominated one side of a dead end street. Samantha took his hand and they walked around the house to a barn. It reminded him of a cartoon. It was bright red with white trim and X’s on the doors. On the other side of the barn was an open field. She pulled opened the sliding barn door. Inside was clean. The barn was decorated with tools and folk art. A horse neighed at the far end. Samantha pointed to an empty stall with a cot and wash basin. Without a word, Joseph walked into the cozy stall.

  Samantha said, “It’s not much but you can stay a couple of nights. My parents never come out here so you won’t be found. If you’re hungry I can bring you some food.“

  Joseph was too tired to eat so he shook his head no, “Thanks Samantha, you saved my life.“

  She turned scarlet again.

  “Goodnight Joseph, I’ll see you tomorrow,” she turned and rushed out of the barn, closing the door on her way out. Joseph didn’t have anything to organize, so he collapsed on the cot. He felt something hard and square in his pocket. He fought to pull the object out. It was a wallet. He opened it; inside was over a hundred and twenty dollars, an ID, some credit cards, a condom, and a few of business cards. He pocketed the cash and placed the wallet on the ground next to the cot. Within minutes, he was asleep.

  The off-color dream world expands in all directions. A massive wolf roars fiercely as the image swings around him like a panorama view in a movie. The echo of the grey wolf’s call bounces off invisible walls. The cry embodies pain. It reverberates for hundreds, if not thousands of miles. The wolf is light grey and the size of a dump truck. He steps forward with a paw and the imprint is the size of a kiddie pool. The wolf howls out again, this time in grief. The beast bursts into movement without warning. The distance covered in seconds is vast and almost immediately the massive wolf reaches a small town. The buildings in the town are barely taller than him. He climbs up on a one-story building with his front paws, like a toddler in a playpen. Another deep long howl, full of mourning comes from the wolf’s throat
and chest. He pushes back off the building and stalks further through town. The wolf sniffs the air, searching for something. The wolf’s head whips left, he’s caught a scent. He takes two steps; the entire world blurs around him and snaps back into focus when he stops. The wolf stands next to a white house with a red barn next to it. He’s angry and it burns him from the inside. He must find his prey. The burning need courses through his body increasing his anger, pain, and grief. Before he is able to find his mark the fire bursts from him. In this strange empty place, the rage literally causes the wolf to catch fire. Fire curls off the wolf’s huge body. Flames flicker from his cheek and catch the house on fire. It burns bizarrely quick. In seconds the fire engulfs the family home. The nearby house catches fire as well. The screams penetrate the fiery beast’s ears but not his heart. He doesn’t care. However, when the smell of burning people hit his nostrils, the wolf blinks out of the dream realm.

  Joseph sat up, still dazed, unsure what his dream meant. An odor of burning wood and something much worst almost made him vomit. His sense of smell was now enhanced. He caught notes of burnt metal, wood, and even rubber. Once he realized the horrible odor under all of that was burning flesh, he couldn’t smell anything else. He jumped up and hurried from the barn. When he slid open the barn door, he stepped into a hellish scene. Samantha’s house was engulfed in flames, as were the next couple of houses. Sirens were getting closer to the blaze. Joseph, in a panic, ran towards the house. The heat was too much and he had to retreat. A man in boxer shorts grabbed his shoulder and dragged him away across the street to a safe distance.