Manifest

by Cody Whitfill

  “ALPHA, GOLDEY. FIND NEW PACK. YOU WILL MISS US! YES! BUT WE WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU! YES! YES! YES! LET US SING TOGETHER ONCE MORE MY SISTERS! YES! YES!”

  Alpha gingerly stood up and made her way forward with Goldie. She bowed low to her family before letting loose a howl so fierce, so full of emotion, that all present felt a chill run up their spine.

  The other wolves soon picked up the howl, with Jiri and Chitt lifting their small voices to the heavens as well. Gitch felt a strong urge to join, and in quick succession, all present took up the primitive call. Together, they could be heard for many miles in all directions.

  Many of the fleeing imps went blind with fear, and a short golden rain fell in their tiny section of the Dufflin Forest. They would never forget this terrible battle, nor the ensuing victory cry let loose from the lips of their conquerors. Tales would be told, songs would be sung, and little imp children would come to fear the Fae forces that lay outside the safety of their stone walls.

  After several long seconds, the five spirits started to dissolve. The wind began carrying them in all directions until all that remained was a low echo reverberating against the nearby trees. Even that, too, faded before long.

  To Gitch’s surprise, it was Wasi that broke the glaring silence. “So, Gitch... are you some weretoad that will eat us all in our sleep?”

  “Nah, he be a bit occupied at night to be slurpin’ down the lot of you!” Dwik said with a creepy grin. He looked at Gitch and began slowly stroking his bushy white beard.

  “Oh…never mind then… I didn’t realize you two were-”

  “WE‘RE NOT! We are SO not!” Gitch interjected.

  Kraz looked from Gitch to Dwik. His mouth was ‘O‘ shaped as if finally putting together the puzzle, but then gave him a sly wink. The imp was not helping him out here. Jerk.

  “We have more important matters at hand besides our eccentric brother’s sleeping habits. Now shut your sing-hole or you can sleep with Kraznik tonight!”

  The sergeant sounded miffed, but it was not lost on Gitch that Pinaki had just called Kraznik by name for the first time. Judging by the way Kraznik‘s head jerked up, he had caught the change in attitude as well. He must have made quite the impression on the strict sergeant.

  “Alright, you bunch of kangakorn pouch grabbers, listen up! Those were likely not the only imps in the area. In fact, I would guess at least two other imp flocks were on their way to investigate the same magical disturbance Captain Selah is after. They are going to need warning and reinforcements. That flock was much larger than their typical scouting party, and the captain must have time to prepare. That means splitting up.

  Dwik, Goldie, and Wasi will head back north to warn Avocado Team. Dwik, being as the disturbance sits in your former home, you will guide your team north, hopefully to arrive prior to the imp flocks. The imps‘ sense of magical detection is not as strong as fairies, and it will hopefully allow you to rendezvous with our brothers and sisters prior to the enemy’s arrival. Goldie, with all due respect, you will need to allow Dwik to ride you. Speed must be of the essence.”

  She bowed in response, and Dwik scratched her side affectionately. Seeing as there would be no complaint, Pinaki continued. “Wasi, you will provide air support and advise the captain of the situation at hand. The battle may already be joined, and they will surely need your magic.”

  “Yes sergeant! Will you be requesting additional troops from Fae-thil?”

  “Correct. I will need to report to Queen Tibura and present Kraznik for questioning. I am sure she will dispatch a contingent of fairies to reinforce your position. You have my word that I will be among them.

  Now, as Kraznik‘s warden, Gitch will need to come with me. Alpha will also join us as she will only hinder the others.”

  “I… CAN STILL…RUN….AND FIGHT! I CAN! I…can.” The offended wolf growled.

  Gitch could tell she was in a lot of pain, but her pride would not allow her to back down. If he did not speak up, it would also get her killed.

  “Alpha, Sergeant Pinaki is right. The quicker the others catch up to Avocado Team, the sooner they will be surrounded by allies. Your pack needs you at full strength. Come with us, get healed, and then we can join the coming battle!”

  She bristled, but lowered her head in resignation. It wasn’t too often Gitch had won an argument against a woman, and so he savored the moment. It was likely not going to happen again for a long time.

  They spent the next ten minutes gathering supplies and looting corpses. Dwik began collecting stones to refill his sack for the journey. Kraz flew up into the trees to search for a few 1rahzen berries to tend Alpha’s wounds.

  The rest of them started looting. Sergeant Pinaki carefully gathered Jiri’s equipment and belongings. There was nothing left of Chitt‘s. The imps must have taken it all with them as they retreated.

  Wasi began quickly looting all of the imp scouts and warriors. They were plenty but carried little of value. All told, he found just 40 copper coins and one health potion. The coins were split among himself, Wasi, Gitch, and Kraz. The sergeant refused, and the wolves had no need for money. The health potion went to Dwik. Above all, he needed to reach Captain Selah. Only he knew the most direct route and would be more vulnerable since he was limited to the ground.

  Gitch walked forward to the corpse of the flock leader. The half-disintegrated body was right where Gitch had left it. This was actually a relief, as he really didn’t want some fire-bombing imp-zombie roasting and toasting him from behind prior to eating his brains out. Nope, that would be a bit of a downer on an already crappy afternoon.

  Gitch decided to not take any chances. He walked up to the corpse and kicked it in the head. Due to his previous toad chomping and acidic saliva, his foot sank three really gross inches into the skull. This wouldn’t have been so bad, had he been wearing shoes. He pulled his foot back out with bits of green brain matter stuck between his toes. After a good barfing, he set back to work.

  The imp wore a hooded-tunic that was damaged beyond repair. Gitch nearly tossed it aside, but then felt a bulge from an inside pocket. He pulled it open to reveal a small scroll bound in black twine. When he opened it, he saw some unintelligible words and a crude map of the forest. The map had four locations circled with one of them already crossed out. He checked his own map to compare, and his fear was confirmed. They stood in one of the circles, and the Todd’s glade stood in another. He would need to get this to the sergeant ASAP!

  The only other items in the pocket were a silver coin and one of those creepy daggers. This one was at least sheathed, and so he dropped both the coin and weapon in his own pouch. Gitch then made his way back to Pinaki to show him the map.

  The sergeant’s eyes went wide and he immediately gave a shrill whistle to gather everyone‘s attention.

  “We are moving out immediately! There are three other imp flocks, and they have at least a rough idea where the disturbance lies. Wasi, take you team north with all haste. May Dufflin grant you both speed and protection!”

  Gitch, sensing the direness of the situation, had something to say as well. “Dwik. Wasi. I told the captain, but it is imperative that every fairy enter the pool. I think Todd may be able to help in some way, but you must talk with him!”

  Wasi looked confused at his words, but Dwik understood. “It will be done, Gitch, ya can be sure of it!”

  Gitch gave him a fist bump in appreciation.

  Both groups departed shortly thereafter. Wasi, Goldie, and Dwik traveled north, while the remaining survivors of Beet Team headed south and west. The 1rahzen berries Kraznik gathered for Alpha did wonders, but she still had a noticeable limp, and the evil poison still flowed through in her veins.

  They traveled as quickly as possible, but Alpha’s health continued to deteriorate by the hour. Gitch gained another two levels in flight, but there was no joy in it. Great was the worry for his friend. By the time the sun fell, the wolf could hardly keep up a trot. She began to stumble, and fina
lly toppled over. Gitch called for a halt, and Kraznik and Sergeant Pinaki came flying back. The sergeant took one look at her and grimaced.

  “We are close, but I do not think she will be able to make it the few remaining miles to Fae-thil. We will need to carry her if she is to survive.”

  Gitch and Kraznik looked at him like he was smoking a little too much of the wacky tobaky. How in the world were they supposed to carry the giant wolf? She was much larger than the wolves that used to live on Earth, easily weighing upwards of 300 pounds.

  The sergeant let out an uncharacteristic snort and pulled something large out of his pack. Did everyone in this game have a bag of holding? Maybe it wasn’t quite as rare as he had first thought. Still, it was better than not having one.

  Sergeant Pinaki unfurled what turned out to be a large net. He spread it on the ground next to the unconscious Alpha. He motioned for Kraznik to lift her head and Gitch to grip her lower legs. The sergeant grabbed two fistfuls of fur near her midsection and counted to three. As one, they all lifted.

  Gitch was barely able to lift an ankle, and Kraznik just managed to lift the massive head. Sergeant Pinaki, though, lifted her entire body off the ground! He wasn’t even straining that hard! Gitch didn’t know much about physics, but somehow this didn’t seem right. Could the sergeant really be that strong? ‘Together’ they set the giant wolf in the center of the net and brought the corners together over her prone form.

  “Gitch, you’re on scout duty. Fly above, and make sure we are not attacked by imp or fairy. If you see a fairy, be sure to shout ‘Bumble Leaf‘. That should be the correct call sign for today. If a patrol of fairies spots Kraznik first, there very well might be trouble.”

  “And if I see an imp?”

  “What the bloody snail stool do you think you should do if you see an imp? Shout a warning and blow the dung sucker back to the deepest hell!”

  Pinaki shook his head before addressing Kraz. “Sorry, Kraznik. As far as I am concerned, you have proven yourself in battle, but if my brothers and sisters see you flying freely, they may think you have enchanted us in some way and kill you on sight. I promise to speak on your behalf to the queen to ensure you are treated fairly, but I think it best if you join Alpha inside the net.”

  Kraznik sighed in frustration, but couldn’t refute the logic. He was just happy to not be hunted constantly. He allowed himself to be ensnared without further complaint.

  The sergeant picked up the four corners, and flew into the night air once again.

  The tiny 6-inch fairy was carrying Alpha all by himself. Gitch stood dumbfounded before realizing he was being left behind. He lifted off as well, but made a mental note to ask the sergeant about his workout regimen.

  Chapter 17

  They made excellent time and arrived at the border of Fae-thil in just under an hour. A call rang out, but as soon as Sergeant Pinaki shouted “Bumble Leaf”, the guards visibly relaxed. A few even lowered their weapons.

  “Who goes there? Why are you out in the forest so late?”

  “It is I, Sergeant Pinaki. Kijute, take control of your squad! If I see one of you lower your weapon before your target appears again, I swear I will ship the lot of you to guard the Nether Swamp!”

  “Yes, Sergeant Pinaki. Sorry sir!”

  “You will be if I see you slacking again! Now, I have immediate need of a healer. One of our party has been poisoned and very little time remains. Send word for Hifa, and have this wolf taken to the healing hut.”

  “It will be done sergeant.”

  Kijute, let out a low bird call, and a small nightingale came flying down from a nearby tree. Kijute relayed the message and sent it on its way. Gitch soon lost sight of the handy bird but knew that somewhere, a healing fairy was being roused to take care of his Alpha.

  “I will also need to speak with the queen as quickly as possible. We will need an escort, as I have captured an imp who has forsaken his kind. He is to be treated fairly, and no harm is to befall him prior to meeting Queen Tibura.”

  The blue fairy appeared uneasy at allowing an imp into their settlement, but he was well trained to obey his superiors. “Yes sergeant, it will be done.”

  This time he gave a great hoot and a small pygmy owl flew down from its perch. He dropped a dead mouse at Kijute’s feet and looked up with pride. The blue fairy looked aghast, but recovered quickly. He told the owl to gather additional fairies for an escort, and to advise their leader a non-hostile imp was present.

  The pygmy hooted in confusion. She nudged the mouse toward him with her beak, but Kijute pretended to not notice. She clearly wasn’t pleased that the small fairy was rejecting her gift. She squawked and took off in a flutter of wings and irritation.

  Kijute smiled nervously at Sergeant Pinaki who in turn closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.

  “Lesson 14, always accept an offered gift from our beast friends. Be sure to apologize to the owl upon her return. Nature is to friend, not offend. Remember that Kijute. There may come a time when that owl saves your life, or one of your children’s…or doesn’t. Our choices matter.”

  “Yes, sergeant. Sorry, sergeant,” Kijute said sorrowfully.

  They didn’t have to wait long for more fairies to arrive. News of an injured wolf and a nearby imp spread like wildfire. Within minutes, five fairies flew up to carry Alpha away to the healers. Gitch was glad to see them strain under the weight, but they still flew her away without much difficulty. How were these little 6-inch midget fairies doing that? He didn’t have time to dwell on it, as not 30 seconds after they left did an entire squad of fairies appear to escort them to the queen.

  They were not taking any chances with Kraznik. His arms were left bound, and they fitted some sort of leather contraption over his wings. He began to protest when they pulled out a muzzle, but it didn’t do any good. Imps were especially not welcome in Fae-thil, and every precaution was being taken.

  Seeing as backup had arrived, Sergeant Pinaki took his leave; he didn’t have time to trudge through the forest with the bound imp. He needed to speak to the queen immediately. He left instructions with the new patrol leader, Takaar, to bring the pair to the queen’s residence. He would rejoin them there. Pinaki then bade a quick farewell and flew into the air.

  Unlike Kijute, patrol leader Takaar seemed completely in control. He barked orders to his troops, and not one of them lowered their weapons. Their eyes remained focused on the imp, while two of them scanned the colossal trees for any hidden dangers.

  Takaar led the group onward, but not before Gitch heard Kijute sigh out in relief. Gitch wasn’t sure if he was more excited to be rid of the imp or the imposing sergeant. Either way, it seemed like the danger had passed.

  After 20 minutes of strenuous walking, they found themselves in front of a purple berry bush. If Gitch didn’t know any better, he would say those were…

  “Are those gloop-err, 1rahzen berries?!” Both Gitch and Kraznik looked at the bush excitedly.

  “Oh yes! Have some if you like!” a grey fairy with auburn-spiked hair responded.

  Gitch grabbed one and sliced it in half with his weapon. The trident was hands-down a better weapon than the sewing needle. For one, the blade could be used for stabbing or slashing. It could even cause his targets to bleed. Two, it had a longer reach. He wouldn’t have to get as close to his enemy. Three, it wasn’t a freaking sewing needle!

  One of the fairies removed Kraznik‘s muzzle, and Gitch handed him half the berry. Gitch and Kraznik bit down at the same time. He took two or three delicious bites before realizing the bites actually weren’t that delicious. In fact, the fruit tasted more like vinegar than sugar. He spit out what was in his mouth, but the taste was absolutely not going away! He felt like he was about to puke when a fairy handed him a canteen. He gulped it down without question. It had a sweet taste to counteract the disgusting fruit he had just eaten. Kraznik was not offered his own canteen.

  “What type of hell berry did I just eat?!”
<
br />   The fairies all erupted in laughter. Even Takaar cracked a smile. Gitch was fuming, and the imp was doing his best to hack up a lung.

  “No, it is not! It is a pompunu berry, not yet fully ripened. That is why it appears as a 1 rahzen berry.”

  “Then why did you call it a 1 rahzen berry!”

  “You called it a rahzen berry. We simply lied so you would eat it. It was very funny and a penance for making us work so late at night!”

  “Well, screw you too pal,” Gitch muttered under his breath. “Thanks for the drink at least. What was that by the way?”

  “Kangakorn milk. Freshly squeezed this morning. It’s not exactly easy to gather, but it works well to counteract the pompunu berry. You’re welcome by the way!” said the cheeky grey fairy.

  Gitch spit again. Why was he constantly putting strange things in his mouth?! He was just glad Dwik wasn’t here to see this. He didn’t need to give the gnome any more ammunition on their ongoing screw fest.

  Kraznik gagged until he threw up, which quickly brought the laughter to an end. They could care less about the imp’s well-being, but the smell was absolutely putrid. Several of the fairies started gagging as well. Takaar got them all back on track.

  “Alright Feckle, you’ve had your fun. Now give the imp some milk so we can be on our way. We must not keep the queen waiting! Any more delays, and you can milk the entire herd of kangakorn for the next week!”

  Feckle quickly uncorked another canteen. Kraznik was having a rough time of it, but he managed to lift his head and open his mouth. Feckle flew over to him and poured most of the liquid down his throat. Some of it also happened to go up the imp’s nose, but Feckle pretended not to notice.

  When Kraznik had his fill, he bent back down and blew out a combination of milk and snot from his nose. Feckle happened to still be in the path of destruction and was covered in a thick, white mucous. It was beyond disgusting, and the fairies began slowly backing away for fear of further icky retribution.