by S. S. Segran
“I think it’s sprained,” Mariah said, face red with embarrassment. “Probably happened when I kicked the wolf in its face.”
“What am I, chopped liver?” Aari hollered from the tree. “This little four-legged nuisance is still trying to rip my legs off, just to let you know!”
The friends looked at each other. They were exhausted from fighting for their lives, but they felt more assured. Kody smiled blearily. “One more. Shouldn’t be too hard.”
As they squared off against the last wolf, a howl echoed from the second entrance, the sound amplified as it bounced off the walls of the enclosure. The friends stopped in their tracks, feeling as though the wind had been knocked out of them. Seven pairs of red eyes on seven shadows filed into the enclosure. Hackles raised, a second pack of wolves stalked toward the friends.
Tegan, Kody and Jag let go of their sticks, utterly spent. The sight of the menacing creatures depleted their newly-won confidence from the last battle.
Drained, they watched with heavy hearts as the creatures of death approached.
23
The wolves moved toward Mariah, Tegan, Jag and Kody, keeping low to the ground. Worn out, the friends came to the painful realization that, barring a miracle, their chances of survival were next to none.
From the shadows of the night, a figure somersaulted high over their heads and landed in front of the group. Two other figures followed, landing on either side of the first in a crouch with a fist on the ground. All had their backs to the friends.
Hidden from view up in the tree, Aari was dumbfounded by the unexpected entrance. He peered closely at the newcomers but the bonfire’s light was against their backs. Even then, he was almost certain that the arrivals were—
He felt a sudden rush of wind past his face and would have yelled if a hand hadn’t covered his mouth. He looked into the grinning face of Akol. Once Aari had regained his wits, Akol removed his hand and smiled.
“Holy smokes,” Aari whispered. “Akol! Man, am I glad to see you!”
The youth chuckled. “And I you, my friend. Now stay put.”
“What—”
“Stay put and do not move. My kin and I will take it from here.” Akol’s eyes twinkled the same way his grandfather’s did. “You five managed to hold your ground quite well against the first pack.”
With that, he did a backflip out of the tree, well over the wolves’ heads, and landed facing the creatures. He spun around to flash a brief smile at the four stunned friends behind him, then returned his attention to the beasts.
The wolves were as surprised as the teenagers were by the new arrivals. Akol and his three companions spread themselves out in a line, preventing the animals from reaching the friends. From their garments, they pulled out slim, cylindrical objects made of polished wood. They slid their thumbs over something on the devices and both ends of the cylinders produced extensions, one end of which was a spear, the other a blade. The youths spun their weapons over their heads and to their sides, the blades a blur. The collective motion made a “whoomp-whoomp-whoomp” sound like a helicopter’s rotor.
The wolves lowered themselves to the ground. The one that had pursued Aari growled deep in its throat and took the smallest of steps forward. A youth with short blond hair and dark skin reacted instantly, rushing at the wolf as it leapt. He roared and pierced the creature through the ribs. Using its momentum, he hoisted his staff and the beast over his head. He followed through the wolf’s trajectory with a backflip, gripping his weapon firmly, and was in mid-air when the wolf landed on its back with the weapon speared right through its body. The youth completed the backflip, pulling out the spear at the same time, and ended with a perfect landing.
The whole motion had taken only seconds to complete. The friends eyed the lifeless wolf. The pack snarled uneasily, their tails slowly swinging back and forth.
Two other youths put away their staffs and pulled bows that were slung across their backs, each nocking an arrow. Drawing back on the strings, they let their projectiles fly and nocked another arrow, releasing them a mere second after their first volley. Four wolves dropped.
Akol faced off with the three remaining wolves. Two lunged at him. Not having room to use his staff, he ducked and sprang into a handstand before kicking out with his legs. One wolf was struck full in the muzzle and fell, rolling away. The other was hit under the snout and tumbled backward.
Akol straightened and spun his staff as he approached the creatures. The wolves backed away, teeth snapping. One of them crouched. Akol, his staff still whirling, knocked the beast on the side of the head before it could leap. The force of the impact threw the wolf’s head sideways. Before it could react, Akol pierced it through the chest and pulled his staff back out as the wolf went limp.
The rest of the youths closed in on the two remaining wolves. The creatures balked for a moment and bolted out of the enclosure.
The friends were at a loss for words. Akol looked up at the tree and called, “You can come down now, Aari!”
Aari descended guardedly, making sure no other wolves were lurking about, then joined his friends in staring at the villagers with a thousand questions buzzing in their minds.
“Akol,” Tegan said, “what . . . how did you . . .?”
Akol held up a hand. “I understand you will have many questions, but first things first. Are any of you injured?”
The friends checked themselves and each other, then Jag said, “Only Mariah. She might have sprained her ankle.”
Akol addressed his fellow villagers in their language and the youth with short blond hair gently lifted Mariah into his arms. Mariah suppressed a squeak as color bloomed in her cheeks. Even having gone through their ordeal, her friends managed teasing looks in her direction.
Akol grabbed one of the dead wolves’ carcasses and pulled a face at the sight and smell of the creature up close. “The horses will be pulling this one,” he muttered. He motioned with his head for everyone else to follow and exited the enclosure.
Outside, they found two horses grazing calmly. The youth carrying Mariah refused to let her walk and helped her mount one of the steeds. Akol and his comrades fashioned a stretcher from thick vines and branches with expert ease. They rested the wolf’s carcass on top of it, then secured one end of the stretcher to the second horse. Instantly the equine whinnied and tried to pull away, ears flat against its head. The youths quickly jumped in to settle the horse. Akol went around to the front and stroked its forehead, saying a few soft words in his language. The animal calmed down almost immediately.
The friends were still bursting with questions but Akol stopped them. “I shall provide you with answers later, but for now, we will head back to Dema-Ki where you will be safe.”
They nodded, too tired to argue. Having witnessed the amazing feats of the youths who had come to their rescue, they found themselves eager to head back to the village. As Akol took the lead, the friends all thinking the same thing: Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to be with these people for a little while longer.
24
Nageau and Akol strolled side-by-side along the river that snaked through Dema-Ki. It was just after noon, and Akol was reporting what had occurred during and after the rescue of the five friends.
Nageau listened, asking short questions only on occasion. Once Akol finished, the Elder couldn’t help but smile. “You always make us proud, Akol. Without fail.”
Akol dipped his head, grateful for the compliment. “Grandmother was a great help to us,” he said modestly. “She was able to help out the five long enough until we got there. She said she tried to stop the wolves but they were too far gone in their sickness to be commandeered.”
“She told the Elders that, too,” Nageau said. “Quite peculiar. And you are sure none of our guests were hurt?”
“We checked them immediately after we killed the wolves. They were scratched and bruised, and Mariah has a sprained ankle, but they were not bitten. When we brought them back, Huyani took a good look at t
hem and said they were alright. Mariah is already faring much better thanks to her.”
“I saw that you also brought back one of the wolves’ carcasses.”
“Yes. I handed it to Magèo to study.”
Nageau nodded. “How did the five react when you mentioned they would be brought back here?”
“They did not resist. I think they now truly understand that they are in danger if they are alone out there.”
“Do you suppose they would be willing to stay?”
Akol shrugged. “Unfortunately, I have no answer. You would have to ask them yourself.”
Nageau raised his head. “Once they have rested and are feeling better, please inform us. We would like to speak with them.”
Akol bowed and headed toward his sister’s neyra where the friends were being treated.
Nageau stood by the water’s edge and watched him go, then closed his eyes and breathed in deeply. He remained still for the next several minutes, clearing his mind of all thought, then opened his eyes and crossed a bridge to the south side of the valley.
He found his companions outside the Elders’ assembly neyra and together they headed in. When they’d all sat in their respective places around a small fire that Tikina made, Saiyu asked, “What is the news with our guests, Nageau?”
“They are safe and mostly uninjured,” Nageau replied, “with the exception of Mariah, who sprained her ankle. It is quite miraculous, everything considered.”
“At least that is something to be thankful for. I only hope they will not attempt to run off again.”
“After what they have been through, I doubt they will.”
The Elders hadn’t slept well during the night; worry about the teenagers and the illness in the village had caused them much stress. At least with the friends now safe and sound, a portion of their concerns were eased.
As Tikina formally opened the meeting, Tayoka dove headfirst into the discussion. “I think we should give our five guests the image assessment,” he declared.
His companions cocked their heads interestedly.
“That way,” he continued, “we will be almost certain that they must undergo the training. After all, only our people have the innate ability to complete that assessment. If these five are the ones, then they should have no trouble passing this test, even if they are from the outside world.”
“That sounds reasonable,” Tikina acknowledged.
“Saiyu, Ashack?” Nageau gestured at the couple. “What do you think?”
The pair exchanged glances, and Saiyu dipped her head. “I believe we are both in agreement. In addition—upon them passing the image assessment—within the first few days of the initial stage of their training, we should know if we are indeed on the right path.”
“So it is settled, then,” Tikina said. “I expect all that is left to do is convince the five to stay and train with us. This should be interesting.”
“What if they do not wish to stay?” Ashack demanded. “What would we do? Certainly we would not hold them against their will.”
“No, we would not,” Nageau said sharply. “We must carefully devise the best manner with which to broach this subject.”
“After the nightmare they have been through, perhaps convincing them that we really do care and being frank with our proposal would be the best course of action,” Saiyu said.
The Elders conferred further on the subject and agreed with Saiyu’s recommendation.
Clasping her fingers high over her head and stretching out her spine, Tikina asked, “Have you arranged a time to meet with the youths?”
“Akol will call on us. I expect the meeting to occur after their evening meal.”
Saiyu smiled. “Speaking of Akol, he is a truly remarkable young man, Nageau. You and Tikina must be incredibly proud of him. He conducted the entire rescue operation in an exemplary manner.”
Nageau and Tikina beamed proudly. “Thank you, Saiyu,” Nageau said. “Something tells me that he will be doing much greater things as he matures into full adulthood.”
“Tikina did well, too,” Tayoka beamed.
Tikina smiled coyly. “I simply held the fort until Akol and his companions came along. Poor Akira has some injuries, but she will be fine in no time.”
“That eagle’s tenacity and willingness to work with you is incredible,” Saiyu said.
Tikina’s smile widened. “The Guardians were not far behind Akol and his friends, though. They would have intervened if our youths were unable to handle the wolves.”
“Were they patrolling the southern corridor?” Saiyu asked.
“Yes . . . our most vulnerable side to outsiders.”
Nageau held his mate’s hand. “We have been well protected for centuries. It will not change. Now, I would like to know if anyone has anything to report about the ailing patients in the convalescence shelter, or of any other happenings.”
The others shook their heads.
“So far, everything is peaceful,” Tikina said.
“How are the patients?”
“They are all quiet and cooperative.” Tikina grimaced. “I will admit, it is difficult to see them strapped down to their beds.”
“Pray that there will be no more incidents,” Tayoka grunted. “Perhaps the universe will grant us that one blessing.”
* * *
The friends waited for the Elders to arrive in Huyani’s living area. Chayton, who had greeted them each with a friendly, slobbery lick to the face, was now curled near the entrance of the neyra, dozing. The group envied the wolf’s calmness; they were all on edge about what the Elders might do about their attempted escape.
Huyani walked in and smiled graciously at them. “Relax,” she advised. “The Elders are not coming to chastise you.”
Kody fidgeted. “Yeah, but I’m pretty sure we caused an inconvenience for you guys.”
“Nay. In fact, I believe your little expedition broke a few of our people from their habitual routines. Gave them a little more excitement than usual, if you will.” Huyani patted his cheek before withdrawing to the kitchen quarter of her shelter.
Kody smiled comically. Tegan and Mariah gave him a look. He shrugged. “What? Being mollycoddled gives me a nice feeling.”
“She wasn’t mollycoddling you, Kody,” Tegan said. “It was just a light pat. Mollycoddle means she was pampering you.”
“Call it what you will.”
The group quieted down when they heard the unmistakable tone of adult voices. A moment later, Huyani and Akol guided the Elders into the living quarter where took a seat on the couches and a couple of chairs that Akol had pulled in.
Nageau focused on the teenagers, not wasting time. “I must say, my young friends, you are a bold and daring group.” His smile was so winning that the five didn’t know if they should say thank you or be ashamed.
Nageau leaned back. “There is nothing to feel chagrined about. The only thing here that needs to be said—and I am sure Akol has already told you this—is that we are glad you are safe. It is dangerous outside this valley. The untouched wilderness does not take lightly to people with no credible navigational experience or survival skills.”
Aari rubbed his forehead. “So we found out.” He looked up at the Elders anxiously. “Are we in trouble?”
“No, you are not,” Tikina responded pleasantly. “We do have a proposal for you, though.”
The friends frowned at each other. “What kind of proposal?” Jag asked.
Nageau came out directly. “That you stay with us, and that we train you to be as skilled as our people.”
The friends were stunned into silence. This was most definitely not what they expected. One question surfaced in their minds—“Why?” Jag asked.
“My companions and I feel that there is something very special within each one of you,” Tikina answered, “and we would like to help you uncover your skills.”
“But why?”
Tikina pressed her lips together, then said, “There is something you
must know, younglings. The people of Dema-Ki are half-bloods. We are part native, but our other ancestors were from an island long gone.”
The friends raised their eyebrows slightly, wondering where she was heading. “What’s this got to do with us?” Kody asked.
Nageau leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees. “There is a very old prophecy of ours. It tells of a darkening time throughout the earth. A world in turmoil.” He clucked his tongue as he searched for words. “Preceding this darkness, five younglings would descend from the sky, and we would train them as part of our duty.” He met the eyes of each of the friends.
“We didn’t descend from—oh, wait, yes we did.” Kody’s eyes widened in realization and he held his hands up. “Whoa, there. I think I know where this is going, and I’m just going to say straight up—”
“We are not the people from your prophecy,” Jag stated firmly.
“Come now,” Tikina cajoled. “All we are saying is that we would like to extend our hand and teach you some valuable skills.”
Mariah folded her arms. “What exactly would we be getting ourselves into if we did agree to this idea?”
“We will help you unleash the latent powers of your minds,” Nageau said. “Once you learn how to control your mind over your body, you will be able to increase your capabilities by leaps and bounds.”
“Pardon?” Kody said. “What does that mean?”
“It means we will help you increase your prowess, with the end results being, among other things, increased speed, agility and strength, learning how to move objects with one’s mind, how to handle physical adversity, how to survive in harsh environments and so forth.”
The friends looked at him a little guardedly, but their faces glowed with newfound interest. Aari pondered for a moment. “We would all get those talents?”
“It depends on your core ability.”
“Not sure what that means, but what honestly makes you believe we are the ones?” Kody asked.
“The prophecy states five younglings would rise from the flames of a fiery bird. Your aircraft, as it was struck by lightning, caught on fire and resembled our legendary fire bird, the Cerraco. You indeed arose from it. Also, the colors of each of your eyes match the shades stated in the prophecy’s first verse.”