Ra' van (Book Three of the Items Trilogy)

by H. Lee Morgan, Jr

  Crest lifted her head to see where the nearest patch of nature lay and said between panting “I can make it that far before they arrive.” and stood.

  Everyone began walking behind the two largest fiends as they moved as quickly as possible over to the nearest patch of foliage.

  While everyone followed, Alex smiled while surveying the arid landscape. The journey from Central City to Sheridan went by quickly and uneventfully when all they did was dart across vast distances and try to outrun the ever increasing winter. Only a solid week had been spent trudging through forests while the rest of the time had been spent crossing territories on already designated roads. They were all pleasantly surprised three weeks ago when snow no longer gripped the land, but the frigid rain still chilled to the bone and made some traveling hours miserable. Even Calosh seemed content at how quickly they managed to make up time after eventually leaving.

  Then Alex and Shade shared another birthday, but this time shared it with those they loved and came to respect. Somehow Lily thought far enough ahead to bring ingredients and combined them to bake small, yet delicious cakes for everyone. She would have made more and better used quality, but journeying left no room to bring a proper oven and enough ingredients to properly feed all of them. Shade still loved his sweets more than anyone and wanted a candied apple when all had come to an end.

  But along the southerly trek, the forests began thinning almost as quickly as the snow turned to rain. Rich areas, teeming with life thinned as they reached the more southern arid climates. Because of the Pikro Mountain’s vast range, much of the moisture is blocked coming from the northeast for it dammed much of the water needed to keep large trees healthy. Oasis and small streams dotted the land and kept everyone from getting dehydrated and small game kept starvation at bay. With less foliage the harder it became to avoid being spotted. Seven times to their knowledge they were spotted, but those who saw the strange sight knew full well to avoid approaching.

  Nearly everyone saved a small portion of their meals for Crest for they didn’t want her to have any complications and although she ran constantly she didn’t have the first problem which eased many considerable worries.

  Although the land is gripped in nature’s wintery embrace Sheridan remained hot and untouched as if summer still remained in effect.

  Eventually they reached Sheridan yesterday and come to find out it was a small city, like the one Alex grew up a day from on in the Waget Isles. It took only an hour to walk from one side to the next, but they only stayed long enough to gather supplies since the journey to Jugo is fraught with peril to the unprepared traveler. They purchased a dozen water skins since certain areas hold only death, for oasis become less frequent between the two cities. Being native to arid and desert conditions, Calosh and Isabelle knew what would be needed for such an expansive journey. Also they purchased three cows and both Shade and Crest gorged themselves on one while Quee and Demek shared the third since they hadn’t had a filling meal in weeks and they’d need as much sustenance as possible. Only this morning were any of the four in any condition after digesting such a large meal.

  While there Alex and Lily saw only a dozen loyal Royal Guards and fearlessly approached them to learn of anything new. Since leaving Central City they’ve had no contact with another person for certain reasons. What they learned came as an honest surprise. With the recapture of Central City, Gagiat has begun dissolving the Royal Guard in its land and has started enlisting recruits for the Central Defenders instead, the original military’s name before being overtaken, since they stand as the newest and closest opposition to Ra’van. The twelve sitting around were the only ones who still haven’t switched alliances while those that Zawat transferred from the last huge military gathering had a change of heart and realized just how lucky they weren’t transferred somewhere they’d never survive. Like the center of Point Lake or in the belly of a volcano. Seeing and realizing on their own at how Freelan wasn’t out to slay, plunder and murder, a great many in Gagiat decided to join a cause that is righteous. Burdening yourself by following an ideal that is forced upon you will only end in swift and unpleasant disaster. Freedom to choose is the only right a person can decide for themselves.

  It didn’t take more than twenty minutes for them to get off the designated route and enter the thicket for privacy and safety. Under a rare shade tree large enough to incorporate many of them Crest began tearing up patches of grass and her mate helped make a reasonably soft nest to give birth in. When the pains of motherhood came fully upon her she circled around and lay in the soft bedding. Nearly everyone stood near as the time for new life came closer every minute. Shade kept rubbing his cheek with hers to offer comfort. Krum had delivered a great many young and he coaxed Crest on when and what to do.

  Eventually a strong wave came upon her and she stretched her neck while becoming rigid and just as suddenly relaxed with a sigh. Krum whooped “Here is the first pup!” And he scooted around the bed of grass to show the parents their first ten inch long pup with wet black fur. He placed it down and the new mother began cleaning her first young.

  “Male or female?” Alex asked as he knelt down beside his newest family member. Ava dropped from his shoulder and delicately brushed her wingtips over the dark form.

  Wondering the same thing herself, Crest ever so gently nudged the wet mass to reveal “A daughter.” And at her crooning words the pup squirmed and made tiny whimpering sounds and squeaks that warmed the heart.

  The women made awe sounds and tried getting closer looks and went silent as Crest tensed again and a moment later another Shadow Fang pup arrived. This one turned out to be male. While she began cleaning the second Krum gently coaxed the first to an available nipple and as it turned out she was already a greedy feeder.

  A good sign.

  Lastly to be birthed was another female.

  None could be any less excited to see such a miracle and Alex wondered how anyone could see fiends so beautiful as such evil creatures. They made a family and extended the pack by three.

  Exhausted, Crest lay on her side, allowing her first litter to suckle. Her smile couldn’t be misconstrued for anything but happiness. Sharp teeth or not.

  Everyone got a chance to gently pet the pups soft, dry fur that already protected it from many dangerous situations. It’s silky soft to the touch and after feeding they promptly fell asleep, but in the arms of Alex, Niranene and Lily. While they were being loved by all Calosh prayed over the three new blessings to the world. Their lupine faces were all scrunched and so adorable that all conversations remained centered on the three new family members, even if they weren’t related by species. Tiny sabers were all that protruded from pink gums, but weren’t a threat to the mother nor were their claws deadly enough to warrant worry quite yet.

  Quee stayed close and already had six cubs herself and knew what the mother needed, but she looked at the pups and would make sure neither they or the mother needed anything before she went off to hunt while also finding no other signs of humans during the mission.

  “Have you decided on names yet?” Ava asked the new parents.

  Both Shade and Crest began talking in hush rumbles and barks, but he became the first to smile and say “I’m naming my son, Wake.”

  “And I’m naming my daughters, Yanna and Itanah.” Crest crooned. “Itanah is the one with the slight white tuffs of fur on the tips of her ear.”

  After translation Lily clutched Yanna to her breast more lovingly and rocked. “I love the names. And I love them doubly so. They are so adorable.”

  Quee returned with four rabbits an hour later and Ava led Alex to a Date tree and everyone spent the rest of the day and all night in joyful surprise at the newest pack-mates. They celebrated with a meal and fawned over the three additions.

  After the sun dipped far below the horizon and the constant heat they endured began to quickly vanish did Crest gain everyone’s attention while Wake, Yanna and Itanah curled around their mother’s large forepaws.
She used Alex as the common translator as she stated “At first light you are all to leave me and the pups behind.” Shade began opening his maw but she gave him a warning look. “I know what you’re about to say and it must be done. Quee” the lioness’ round ears perked and she ceased licking her six inch sabers. “has explained that the area is able to support a predator my size for a minimum of eight months and holds enough rats for the pups to sharpen their fangs on until they can move with me. That will be plenty of time for them to grow enough to follow me when we set off before all the game in the area runs out. When they can safely travel, the four of us will journey to Jugo, in search of everyone. If all works according to the plan I’ll meet you at Calosh’s temple, but if you’re forced to proceed before we set off I’ll head to Tantene and if we are late there also, we’ll continue to the Royal City. It might take time, but the four of us will reunite with all of you.”

  “And should it take longer to raise them well enough to follow me then I can always head towards Sheridan to find prey. It isn’t too far…”

  Shade couldn’t stop himself from grumbling. “It isn’t right, leaving you alone to raise our pups.”

  “Circumstances such as these are unavoidable. At least I was able to travel with you this far and be here together with everyone as they arrived. Also we will be much closer here to follow and find you rather than have been left back at Central City and not have an idea as to where you are.”

  Clift clopped closer and his chestnut hair glistened in the firelight like copper. “Why do you need to stay? Can’t we simply put the pups in a bag and bring them with us. We can wait a few days till you recovered enough to run again…”

  “Herbivores.” Quee snorted. “We cannot take the pups for they need to become accustomed to the land first, not be put away and carried like human coverings. They must do what they see fit to do to survive and they won’t have time like that if they are forced to travel in such a way. They need to have solitude and learn how to survive by following a parent. Here, in this very spot, the pups will learn to carve their own path. We cannot afford to upset the teachings Crest will instill and no predator will dare trifle with a lord of her size so she can more than watch them and protect them from harm. A strong mother like Crest sees this and will impart all she can into them without infringing on the task set before everyone.”

  Hearing this through translation Calosh said “Crest, I’m grateful that you are thinking for me and my people and are choosing the hardest thing, making your mate leave you. Your dedication to good humbles me. I believe you’ve stated your answer clearly enough, but I need to ask… Are you sure you need to stay behind?”

  She waited for the translation to state “I am.”

  “Then may the Ancients guide and protect all you hold dear.” And then she tilted her head and nodded slowly.

  Krum then patted the new mother’s flank to gain her attention. “If you’d like I can stay here and…” he stopped when she shook her large head.

  “I have a feeling you’ll be of greater need to your partner when you get to Jugo. You and Niranene both have looked over my pups and have said repeatedly how perfect and healthy they are. Although she knows fiends like us from books, you have much more experience dealing with injuries and birthing of the different species. You wouldn’t lie about my pups health if they were anything but perfect. As such they will have a better chance of survival alone with me out here than in a city or other such location.” Her large golden eyes turned and met everyone’s, especially Lily’s. “Only I and my pups will remain here. The rest of you have a task that needs to be fulfilled before the High Priest and King Yosh begins the annual sacrifice that must be put to an end.

  “He’s killed thousands of slaves from southern villages already and Zawat said this year’s sacrifice will be the largest yet, over three hundred will die if you don’t stop him. Calosh needs to step in his rightful position and end all the needless bloodshed. If sacrificing lives could bring the dead back to life it would have already happened.” She then met Calosh’s steady gaze. “Although I cannot bring myself to believe that the dead will ever come back I will not judge you so long as your hunting isn’t meaningless. I’ve seen good actions come from your followers, but you must change all of Jugo and the Juguan religion so that lost lives will not continue since failure seems to be the only success in bringing the Ancients back to life.”

  “From what you’ve said I’ll agree to an extent. Sacrificing lives hasn’t done any good, but I believe dedication and a steadfast resolve will impress the Ancients enough to want to return to our plane of existence.” With that said they dropped the subject.

  “I am tired.” Crest said and yawned widely. “I suggest we all get sleep for all of you have a long journey to complete.”

  Shade turned on his side and laid the side of his face on the grass nest and the tired mother rested her head upon her mate’s neck, their pups sleeping contently between them. Ava remained close, constantly stroking the pups soft fur with her wingtips.

  Lily scooted closer and leaned her back against Alex’s firm chest. “Do you think we’ll sleep so contently like them when we have a child of our own?” She asked softly.

  “I believe it will be better because we’ll have a large bed made and all of us can sleep together as one large and happy family.”

  Marlin chuckled. “Sorry man, but Niranene and I will require or own room.”

  Alex laughed softly. “You know what I mean. Mine and Lily’s room will be large enough for us, our babies and partners.”

  “Babies? As in how many do you want?” Niranene inquired.

  Lily grinned at her friend and rival. “As many as we can conceive. I want many children with him and am looking forward to the many hours of process in making them.”

  That got the whole camp chuckling.

  Just as the eastern sky began to grow with a new day’s light the time for waiting came to an end. Around the fire everyone enjoyed a somber breakfast and said little for this day would be hardest on Shade and Crest. They just started a family and couldn’t even be together for a full day before splitting.

  “Shade, everyone is waiting on you.” Crest said from laying atop her nest while their young fed greedily.

  Distraught and warring emotions to stay showed heavily on his features. “I understand, but it is difficult to leave you behind.”

  “If you believed anything else I wouldn’t have selected you as my mate.” She then licked his snout. “Go. We will meet again. Just as soon as they are strong enough we’ll follow your trail.” When he didn’t move she nipped his paw.

  Alex and the others watched the sad exchange and waited by the edge of the trees and brush. Shade smiled and returned a nip to her ear before walking away.

  Returning to the waiting group Shade said “We must proceed.” and waited while Alex and Lily jumped and situated themselves on his back. Krum changed arrangements and rode with Calosh atop Demek.

  Shade stole one last glance as his mate and progeny before stepping through the foliage and going beyond sight.

  It didn’t take long to reach the caravan and merchant trails. Every time they started the run, Shade naturally ran point. No humans used the road for as far as he could see. He had to run as fast as Demek, the Grizon, could. Although Demek slowed progress they still had made relatively good time. Clift usually thought he was the one to slow Shade’s pace and he liked that it wasn’t he who slowed them in this journey. Ava flew upon the winds and updrafts created by the arid climate, keeping her sharp eyes focused on any dangers that lay ahead of the group and in any other direction.

  “Alex,” Shade spoke for the first time in hours of traveling along the desolate path. “I now understand.”

  “What do you understand?”

  “I thought that I understood how hard it was for you when you had to leave Lily, to drop everything and travel with Gerieg.” He sighed through his snout as he jogged, not feeling the least bit of fatigue. “I
had only you back then, really. We were together and that was all I needed in life. I always thought it was the two of us, until Ava joined in and we became a trio. Crest is to me what Lily is to you, but until today I never truly thought about how difficult the decision is until it presents itself. I just want to apologize for my ignorance. Duty and love rarely overlap and when it doesn’t your life gets much harder.”

  His Furion partner and brother patted his neck and said “This is something I never wanted you to ever experience, Shade, but life isn’t kind and will test even the strongest of us. My grandfather helped me and now I’ll help you.” Alex then turned to look upon everyone and altered his vocal cords. “Shade is having a hard time so I’m going to help put his mind to another task. Follow this road and meet us by nightfall. After we stop I’ll send Ava to bring you all to the campsite.”

  “Don’t kill yourselves.” Marlin exclaimed with an acknowledging wave.

  Alex patted his wife’s hands and she released her hold around his middle. Effortlessly and acrobatically, Alex flipped off Shade’s back and began running as soon as his foot touched the ground. If he were normal he’d tumble and hurt himself by jumping off a swiftly moving transport, but his unique heritage gave great benefits. Mainly speed and strength.

  Lily repositioned herself and the side-packs strapped to Shade’s side that looked similar to a saddle. Once she made sure she was ready she simply nodded down to him.

  The eldest brother increased his running speed slightly to look the younger one in the eye. “Remember how Gerieg trained me? He knew that I was overwhelmed by all that had happened to me back then. Struggling with the spasms created by my inexperience with my previously unknown strength was only half of my problem. I didn’t realize what he actually did until hindsight a few months later. I was overwhelmed by my abilities, those I left behind and he solved my worry with training. All those bruises he inflicted served to dull my inner pain. Now that is what we must do for you this day. Try and keep up.”