Pursuer (Alwahi Series)

by Monique Morgan

  “That is nothing to speak lightly of,” he hissed out. “Failing the final test means death…” she could feel the anger radiated from him. He was furious with her, and for a moment, it blotted out her anger. His chastisement rang true and dealt a swift blow to her pride. “Now pull yourself together and stop acting like a child,” he finished, releasing her hand and turning, the air still heavy with his fury.

  Although she knew he was right, it still did not stop her from glaring at his back as he left. Who was he to come in here and treat her like this? Was he being the vigilant team leader, giving the obligatory pep talk? Or was there something more to his rash behavior? Not knowing the answer to these questions, Zanas followed the only answer that she was sure of, she felt grimy, and a hot bath might also lift her spirits.

  Zanas sighed as the warm current worked its magic on her stiff body and her aching soul. Dressdon was right. She always knew her sister was a Dreamer, before she even knew what a Dreamer was. Asenya had only begun to touch the surface when they were above, even then, being captivated by their ways. They would finally lead separate paths. She had expected this as well, but not so soon.

  The tangles worked their way out of her hair just as her tension left. She would stop acting like a child. Once again, she blamed her chaotic emotions for her change in behavior. Resolving to pull herself together, she exited the bath and returned to her room. After she was dressed in fresh clothing and her hair was pulled into a tight braid, she finally began to feel like herself.

  … … …

  Five pairs of eyes stared at her.

  “It’s alive,” Fless said in a mocking whisper. Zanas gave him no answer as she took a bite of her bread.

  “We thought for sure you would be like one of those creepy bottom dwellers, crawling around in the dark… with no eyes….” Tress said his eyes exaggeratingly pulled wide. Zanas had heard tales of bizarre creatures lurking in deepest part of the earth. Some believed that they were once people of Alwahi whose mutation had gone terribly wrong.

  “You two are equally funny,” Desstina butted in and then she narrowed her eyes at Zanas. “It’s all right… some people crack at the thought of the final challenge,” she said with an evil glimmer in her eyes, a smile floating just beneath the surface. Zanas sighed, chewing on another bite of bread. She could see the silent shaking of the blonde’s shoulders as she laughed to herself.

  “Speaking of last challenge, it should be coming up soon,” Desstina said, her eyes bright with enjoyment. “And then we will really see if you have what it takes. And we will also get to see…”

  “Enough!” Dressdon roared. Pursuers seated at tables around them turned and stared, a momentary lapse in their discussions, and then the noise around them began anew. At all tables except theirs, that is. Dressdon glared furiously at Desstina, who pouted her pink lips, a look of annoyance across her face. “You know the tests are not discussed,” he hissed. “Do you want to penalize your whole team? Is it really worth a snide remark? Eat your food or leave, but don’t speak of the tests again.” Dressdon’s eyes were on fire and Desstina seemed to shrink in a little. She said nothing, as she picked up a piece of fruit and placed it in her mouth.

  The twins began their lively banter, and eventually brought Desstina out of her sulky mood as she chastised them. Zanas glanced passed the teasing trio to Ressna, who seemed rather quiet. She moved her eyes down the table and found herself looking straight into his eyes. He had the blank look she was unable to read once more. She ached for the resolution to the tension between them and then ached as he left the hall.

  “Sheesh… what’s wrong with him!” Tress said. Fless nodded next to him.

  “Ahhh you know…” Desstina said with a sickening sweet smile and slyly glanced towards Zanas.

  Not wanting to deal with it any longer, Zanas picked up her food and headed towards her room. She would give her scraps to Maleek; he was always looking for extra food.

  When she entered her room, she was surprised to find Maleek missing. She had left the door slightly ajar when she left the lazy predator, Maleek had been snoring very loudly, one paw covering his nose. He had awoken her multiple times during the night, his paws twitching in a rhythmic motion. She had imagined that he dreamed of running, chasing some obscure prey. When she had finally been able to get back to sleep, it was this that she dreamed of. The prey always seeming to elude her, but Zanas could still remember the burning of her lungs and the thrill of the pursuit.

  She placed the leftover food by the warm fireplace. Whenever Maleek did return, he would be pleased to find some treats. Walking over to the window she pushed it open and sighed as the soft glow of the Ulwahi glittered down on her. The city below always seemed so peaceful, the city people meandering, appearing to have no care in the world. All of her times in the city had one thing in common; magic sparkled through each one of the memories.

  She thought of the most magical memory she had of the city, and of Dressdon’s wide hands holding her waist. The knock at the door made her jump slightly. Pulling it open, she felt her face begin to burn, and was furious with herself when she was unable to meet his eyes.

  “What’s wrong?” The concern in his voice made her meet his narrowed eyes as they looked down upon her.

  “Nothing,” Zanas said shaking her head and forcing herself to feel at ease. She would not allow him to mess with her emotions. The sparkling amusement returned to his eyes for a moment, as quickly as it appeared it left, replaced by the cold emptiness.

  “Anessa would like to speak to you,” his voice was strangely quiet and she felt her heart begin to pound again.

  Dressdon turned and began to walk down the hallway and she matched his pace, walking beside him. It felt strange to be so near to someone, yet be unable to speak. Once again, she was angry at herself for letting her mind wander. She needed to be focusing on what lay ahead. Something was about to happen, something big.

  He led her through the third level and its winding hallways. Although Zanas had lived in the hold for some time now, she had yet to explore all the dark passages. Just when it seemed like she had come to a dead-end a new turn would appear, or some hidden passageway would be unearthed. The hallway that they were currently walking in seemed overly cold. She felt a chill across her flesh and she gave a small shiver. Dressdon stopped at a large door knocking quietly on the wood, answered by the muffled reply of Anessa.

  The room was warm and inviting. A large fire burned in the beautiful fireplace against the far wall, casting light on the large overstuffed furniture that crowded the room. For a moment, Zanas was unable to place the clan leader and then the movement of Anessa’s arm brought her into view. The woman was seated on a couch beside the fire and she waved them over. Zanas chose a chair that was close to her, the warmth of the fire chasing off the chill of the hallway. She could hear rustle of Dressdon taking a seat, but she kept her eyes on the clan leader.

  The woman was striking. Zanas remembered the first time she had seen her, sitting in the pledge house. She remembered how young the woman had looked in comparison to the other clan leaders. Zanas had a strong suspicion that the woman was just as old as they were, yet her features said differently. Only the slight wrinkles streaking beside her eyes, like webs, gave the hint that she was not as young as she appeared. Zanas had only caught glimpses of her since that long ago day when she had led her from the pledge hall.

  “I have been keeping an eye on you,” Anessa began. “I’m sorry that I have not had enough time to meet with you before. I have been very busy with some business between the clans. However, I have been apprised of your progress. I really wish that I had been able to see your pledge fight, but unfortunately…”she paused for a moment thinking about her words carefully. “I had to be away from the hold,” Anessa finished, and then looked over at Dressdon. “Your team leader has reported good results for you, and good prospects, if you become part of this clan. The only remaining obstacle is your final challenge, and that is the m
ain reason that I have called you before me today.

  As I am sure you have noticed we do not prepare our pledges for the tests. We believe that only the true Pursuers will instinctively know what to do. Alwahi chooses and puts all her people in their rightful place. So far, you have passed all that has been put before you. You have hunted for your clan, you have fought for your clan, and now you must be willing to die for your clan.

  The third test takes place on the course. As is the tradition, you will face a single opponent, taking the place of prey. Unlike the games you have played with your teammates, you will not be wearing the protective suit. Your opponent will have three arrows. This is no game. The hunter will try to end you. This is the true test of a Pursuer, to face death and survive. You will be given no quarter once you have entered the challenge. You become a Pursuer, or you die.” Anessa stopped speaking for a moment her eyes intently watching Zanas’s face, as if she were searching for traces of fear.

  “If you are unworthy, now is your chance to leave. You can choose to leave the hold and go to the city… or wherever you choose. But you will no longer be welcome in any of the three clans of the beneath.” There was a hard quality to her tone which seemed to emphasize the seriousness of the last sentence.

  “If you pass the final test, you will become a permanent member of your team. You will never hunt with any others, unless you are chosen as worthy enough to lead your own team.” she paused once again and turned her eyes on Dressdon. “In passing the final test you will also be passing the last test of your team.” Anessa turned her eyes towards the blazing fire, the crackling of the logs the only sound.

  “And who is to be my opponent?” Zanas asked. Anessa looked at her and then turned her eyes pointedly at Dressdon.

  “As it always is… you will face your team leader.”

  … … …

  They stood in the darkened shadows of the hallway.

  “I will not take it easy on you. All Pursuers must pass this test or they are unworthy to be clan,” Dressdon said quietly. He had the face he usually had lately, the blank unreadable countenance. Once again, there was a soft voice telling her she should be afraid, and yet she wasn’t.

  “And you should know,” Zanas said her voice coming out in a soft growl. “I will not take it easy on you.” She turned and began to walk down the hallway that echoed with the soft laughter of Dressdon.

  Chapter 19- Pursued

  Maleek had finally returned and he greeted her when she entered the room, pressing his wet nose against her hands. Zanas felt somewhat at ease. A weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She finally knew what the third challenge was. She no longer had to wait and wonder what it would be. Now she needed to start preparing herself for it.

  Zanas tried to remember back to the time she had played the course with Dressdon. A scene came to her mind. In it, Dressdon was standing in one of the high walled canyons, aiming with dangerous accuracy at Ressna. She tried to pause the moment in her mind, looking at it from every angle. The way he held his bow, the tension in his arms, the position of his feet, all the things that could give her some idea of a strategy.

  Maleek seemed to sense her tension and rubbed his rough side against her leg. Zanas reached down and gave him a pat on the head. He had been a good companion to her, always loyal and caring. He stood up strolling to her bow that sat against the far wall, nudging it with his nose. It gave a small clank as it toppled to the floor. A hiss escaped her lips and she rushed over, picking up the bow and running her hands over its smooth surface, testing for any breaks.

  “Take it easy Maleek, you big brute.” she said in a half-angry tone. Something felt good about the weapon in her hands, the weight of it stretching her muscles. Her spirits began to lift at the thought of arrows flying through the air. Zanas gave Maleek an appreciative pat as she headed towards the fourth level.

  Zanas had no idea why, but she had yet to use the shooting range. Perhaps she had not seen a reason to before because she used her bow often on her hunts with her team. But they were in a down time right now. All the teams rotated their hunting shifts, each one receiving valuable time off. Zanas believed that most Pursuers found this to be a peaceful time, but she found it unnerving. She preferred to be on the move, instead of spending her time lounging.

  She heard the laughter of Pursuers as she stepped out of the door and onto the fourth floor. When she passed by the fighting hall she could see two Pursuer’s landing blows, as a small crowd cheered them on. The waiting room to the course stood empty as she passed it next, the protective suits gleaming lonely on the walls. The next room was where Zanas was headed. As she stepped through the doorway, she was glad to see that the room was mostly deserted, with just a few Pursuers launching their arrows into the targets.

  She placed herself into an empty booth. The shooting range stretched out in front of her. There were numerous targets placed randomly along its body. Some of the targets resembled animals, some that Zanas recognized, and others that she did not. Other targets resembled the shapes of humans and for some reason this amused Zanas. She loaded an arrow and let it fly. It soared through the air and landed square in the head of a dummy.

  “Nicccccceee….” she heard an amused voice.

  Zanas looked over to see Desstina taking the booth next to her, her bow in her hands. Zanas watched as the blonde sent an arrow flying through the air and into the eye of the dummy Zanas had hit. Desstina turned towards her and grinned.

  “Deadly minds think alike,” Desstina said, with a sly smile lowering her eyes and looking intently at her bow. “You know, this is where I came the night before my third test,” she said pulling one of her arrows out of her quiver and twirling it in her hands before sighing. “Many die in the final test, but you’re one squirrely prey. I’m sure I’ll be amused by you for a very long time.” A frown crossed her pretty face. “But that’s all I want to say, I didn’t come here for chatting,” she finished pulling her blonde hair into a knot and then began to launch one arrow after another.

  Zanas could not help but be warmed by the girl’s words. Desstina was small and deadly in her dazzling way. She gave no apologies for her rash, blunt behavior, and she thrived in a society that valued these traits. Yet she had gone beyond her natural instinct and calmed fears that she thought may have been circulating in her teammate’s head.

  … … …

  Zanas curled up next to Maleek, in their big stone bed. She allowed herself only once to wonder at the future of Maleek, should she fail the final test. Thinking like that would not aid her. She had to keep her mind fear free. She would become a Pursuer or she would die trying. It was her destiny. Maleek, normally stirring frequently in the night, was remarkably still. He may have sensed the worry in his companion and tried to give Zanas every possible opportunity to rest.

  Her final test was scheduled just after breakfast. Although she knew that she should eat for strength, Zanas found herself unable to when she awoke in the morning. Instead, she spent the few hours looking down at the glittering city that had captured her heart. A soft knock at her door summoned her and she opened it to see a worried looking Ressna.

  “I just wanted to wish you luck,” she said quickly reaching forward and pulling Zanas into a hug. “I have no doubt you will do well,” she whispered and then she turned and fled.

  Zanas closed the door and returned to her bed. She cuddled with Maleek and stroked his rough fur. He purred at her and licked her hands with his tongue. Sensing that it was time, she rose and left the room, leaving the door ajar so Maleek could leave if he needed.

  The walk down the hallways seemed even longer than usual, and the climb up the towering steps seemed never ending. Zanas opened the door to the fourth floor expecting to find it changed in some way, but the hustle of the floor was unchanged. Pursuers were occupied in a variety of activities, and only a few gave her a look as she passed. When she finally made it to the waiting room of the course, she was only met by two people, Anessa and Dressdo
n.

  Although there were two people in the room, Zanas only had eyes for one. She found herself sucked in, as his eyes stared back at her. The blank look was gone, his eyes afire, and Zanas knew that if she dared put her hand to his chest, his heart would beat rapidly beneath her fingers. His face was dark, a black hand smudged across his face. His bow seemed enormous in his hands, three black tipped arrows erupting from his quiver.

  “The final test is a private exchange. There will be no audience here. It will be between the hunter and the prey. May you come out of the course alive. You may enter at any time,” Anessa said in a businesslike way. Zanas wondered how many pledges she had said the very same thing to, and how many of them had made it out alive. The emotionless way she said this faltered her confidence for just a moment, and then she looked back into the burning eyes of Dressdon and felt her resolution aflame once again.

  Zanas exited the waiting room and entered the course. The empty canyons surrounded her with silence. She could almost imagine being somewhere in the Grand Canyon, its huge body enveloping her small existence. But if this was the Grand Canyon, it was the underworld version of it. Zanas closed her eyes, and took one deep breath. Her eyes snapped open, and she began running down the central canyon. She was the prey, and he was going to have to work to find her.