The Drifting

by L. Filloon

  “Hey, Cess! What’s up, big cat?” greets Mellis.

  Cessa stretches her neck across my lap so that Mellis can rub the back of her ears. I laugh as I place an arm around her neck, hugging her to me. We chat about everything and nothing. We finally make our way back when the cloud-hidden sun dips behind the distant horizon. As we approach closer to the thela Sema calls us in for dinner. I slow our pace when I realize what dinner was…chicken pasta.

  ~ * ~

  Chapter Fifteen

  ~ Tharin ~

  I met up with Tolan, Phoris and Julia a few miles out from the tower. Within the hour, we approach the Great Oaks pathway leading to the bridge of the Oak Clan. Julia, who after spending some time with Mili, is somewhat out of her self-imposed time-out, although she has kept quiet for most of the trip. Every now and then, Tolan would attempt to start a conversation with her, but her silence would kill any effort on his part, leaving him solemn and withdrawn.

  As we pass the first giant oak tree, I watch as Julia looks about her taking in the breathtaking view. It is a day’s walk through these old giants to the gates of the city, and a week’s walk to complete the circle from one end to other. The acorn planted that created this natural barrier was from Eirrell, brought to this new realm by Kalinest’s queen. She crumbled the seed within her hand and with a blow of her breath she spread the pieces until the circle was complete. If the barrier created by an elfin queen isn’t enough to keep unwanted attacks, the silver wolves of Velesi are the guardians of these woods and there is not much that escapes the beasts of the forests.

  The wolves’ size matches that of the giant oaks. The height of the silver wolves stands at ten-feet tall and can devour anyone within a couple of bites. They are called silver wolves because of the pure white of their fur, but their formal name is Kufftai. The Kufftai have been guardians of these woods since the rending of the realms. Motai, the leader of the pack, was tied to Kalinest as Cessa is tied to me. Some of the Ancients have whispered that Motai is alive and still leader of the Kufftai.

  The path is open to any with good intentions seeking solace within the city of the Oak Clan. However, in the light of recent events, an evil made his way through the barrier and the Kufftai, and has instilled himself within not just the city, but the Oak Tower court. How is that possible? I shake my head at the thought. I can’t help but think that Ka has a bigger agenda than what he’s already shared.

  We enter the woods as the sun works its way down for the night. Thanks to the giant oaks, it’s not raining as hard on the path. It looks like we won’t make it to the gates today and I signal Phoris to find us shelter within the oaks. When using the path and finding that shelter is needed, we ask from the same tree once – if we can help it. We wait as Phoris locates an oak that has been used for shelter before some seasons past.

  Phoris returns looking about him unsure, “The old oak has agreed to provide us shelter once again.”

  “What’s wrong?” I ask reaching out through the forest. Usually the Kufftai are watching close by, near the edge of the woods on both sides of the path. I find none.

  I look at Phoris, “What did the old oak say?”

  Shaking his head slowly, he says, “He said nothing but to come into the shelter quickly.”

  I look over at Tolan and see him reaching out as well. Without thinking, he pulls Julia close behind him. Even Julia seems to sense something is not right and doesn’t resist Tolan’s protective gesture.

  “What do you sense, Tolan?” I ask, keeping my senses clear and eyes open.

  “Nothing. I mean, absolutely nothing. It’s like the Kufftai are gone. I don’t sense any danger, but there is an underlying uneasiness throughout the forest. Something has happened since we’ve been gone. Can you reach Father from here?”

  “No, we’re still out of range. I’ll reach out to Ka. He said he would be following closely.”

  “No need, Prince, I’m here,” says Ka from behind us. We all turn as one to see the old elf approach as he looks about him, his eyes distant. I can’t help feeling irked by his sudden appearance. I didn’t even hear or sense him close by.

  “All of the silver wolves in Velesi from every clan’s forests have been called away.” Ka is now dressed as a Sidhe commoner. His dark pants, old boots, dark green jersey and Sidhe hunter cape are torn, dirty and worn. He’s holding a short staff, a knotted broken branch, something that looks like he picked up along the way. His posture is different as well; he’s now bent over as an old man his age would. His grey hair is long and tied with a bark strip at his back – looks dirty and matted. The biggest change is his face. Although I know him to be old, now he looks ancient, with one eye glassed over with a milky substance. His nose looks as if it was broken many times over, his teeth are rotted out and he’s sporting a long, dirty beard that falls past his waist.

  “What do you mean ‘called away’?” asks Phoris, looking at Ka curiously. Although he knows of Ka from what we’ve told him, this is his first time meeting the old elf. I can see by the look on his face he was expecting someone more grandeur than the old derelict now standing before us.

  Ka turns to face Phoris, “I mean, young Caller, that the silver wolves have been called away.”

  “By whom?” asks Tolan, now holding Julia’s hand. She’s also looking over the old elf curiously. I don’t think, however, she’s noticed she’s holding Tolan’s hand.

  Ka looks about him again and when he turns back toward us he simply shrugs his shoulder. He walks by Tolan, Julia and me stepping up to Phoris. My cousin eyes are on Ka as he nears. Once the old elf is at his side, Phoris continues to look down at him curiously.

  Looking back up at Phoris with a knowing grin, “I knew your grandfather, little one.”

  Phoris is taken aback, either from Ka stating he knew his grandfather who passed some two thousand seasons ago, or he’s been called “little one” by the stooped and frail looking elf.

  Ka turns to us as he grabs hold of Phoris’ arm for support, “It’s best to heed the old oak. I think we should take shelter. We’re losing light fast and there are things that the silver wolves have kept at bay while they were here. I’m sure all of Velesi knows that the borders of the clans are no longer guarded by the Kufftai.”

  Once again, within a blink of an eye we find ourselves in the thela of the old oak. Phoris looks about him startled. He stares down at the old elf holding on to him for support, surprised and with a little more respect. Ka looks up at Phoris with a cocky grin, giving him a wink. He lets go of Phoris’ arm and stands to his full height coming almost eye-to-eye with my big cousin. Moving forward and with a wave of his hand he calls forth from the oak floor a table and seats to accommodate our group. A large bowl of fruit appears in the middle of the table including cups and a pitcher of water. I know the food is for Julia’s benefit and Tolan gives the old man a glance of gratitude.

  It takes Phoris only a moment to settle before asking, “How did you do that?”

  Wooden plates appear before Ka and Julia. While placing fruit on both their plates he answers, “Do what?”

  “How did you bring us to the thela without asking?” questions Phoris, looking at the old man intently.

  “Of course I asked, Caller. It would have been impolite of me not to.” Ka continues loading the plates with the fruit. He takes a cup and pours water into it, placing it near Julia’s plate. Julia sits for a moment staring at her plate before looking up at Ka. With kind, gentle eyes he says quietly to her, “Eat.”

  Julia smiles for the first time since we stepped foot onto Velesi soil. It’s a small smile and only for the old elf, but a smile nonetheless. I watch as Tolan sits helplessly beside her. I look at Julia and the loss of her best friend is still evident on her face and in the way she now carries herself. Ka places a hand on her arm and I feel the energy being passed from Ka to Julia as Lily did with me during the drifting. I’ve never known anyone to be able to pass on energy this way. Tolan and other healers like him use energy
to heal, but Tolan once told me that the energy he uses is from energy around him, not directly from him. I stare at Ka trying to find resemblance to Lily or Senestra. Perhaps he and Sema are distant relatives to Lily. No matter how hard I stare, I can’t see any resemblance. He looks more like my family than hers.

  I feel more than hear Tolan let out a breath as Julia picks up an apple and take a bite. Once satisfied that she is eating, Ka turns to Phoris. “When you’re as old as I am, you learn to take shortcuts without being offensive. This oak and I are old friends. You will learn more once you become Summoner.” He reaches over to Phoris and pats his arm as my cousin continues to stare at the old elf in awe.

  “What has happened?” I ask Ka when he turns back to face me.

  “To be honest, I’m not sure. Motai and I have a connection.” When he sees the incredulous look on our faces, he waves his hand impatiently. “You know…the whole wolf thing. Anyway, I can’t reach him.”

  “Wait,” says Phoris placing his hand on the table as if bracing himself against the obvious answer. “Motai? The ancient Kufftai of King Kalinest…is still alive?”

  Ka smiles at Phoris, eyes twinkling. “I love sharing news that stumps the young. They seem to think they know everything.” He finishes by looking over at me with an arched brow.

  He turns to Julia, who is now on her second piece of fruit. “Do you know why elves have pointed ears, my dear?” He twitches his ears at her, causing her to laugh with a full mouth. She shakes her head at him, “I don’t know either,” he shrugs. “I was hoping you’d tell me how these so-called elves can remember any of their history if they’re not listening when it’s being taught to them in the first place.” He takes his eyes off Julia and focuses on Tolan sitting just behind her.

  Tolan lifts his hands up defensively. “Hey, you need to discuss that with your Ancients, because all of this is new to me. I was never told that Motai still lived – only that he was the leader of the Kufftai and Kalinest’s pet.”

  Ka slams his hand down on the table making Julia jump. He points at Tolan stabbing his finger at him saying, “Motai was never a pet, and I will not have you demean him in that way. He fought beside his king and has been faithful to this day as guardian of the clans. You will speak of him in the utmost respect.”

  The room becomes quiet. After a few long seconds tick by, Julia lifts her hand slowly and reaches out to place it on top of Ka’s, his finger still pointing at Tolan. She gently pushes his hand down on the table, keeping it there with her own. He looks gruffly at her but softens when she says quietly, “Please, don’t yell at him.” We watch as a spark of the old Julia comes through her grief. She keeps quiet, but her steady stare on Ka is an obvious challenge.

  The tension breaks when a smile appears suddenly on Ka’s face. I feel Phoris, Tolan and myself relax. Tolan and I have seen what the old Sidhe can do and we both know that even with Phoris here, we would still be outmuscled.

  Ka places his other hand on top of Julia’s, patting it softly. Julia returns the smile, keeping her hand within his and goes back to eating her fruit. I glance over at Tolan whose chin is up, proud of how Julia came to his defense, but still unsure of Julia’s obvious avoidance to speak with him.

  Clearing his throat, Tolan faces Ka, “My apologies, Ancient One. I spoke without thinking. I meant no disrespect.”

  Ka nods, accepting Tolan’s apology. “It’s forgotten. I’m sorry about my outburst,” he says as he smiles at Julia. “I’m getting cranky in my old age.”

  “You think?” I reply archly.

  Ka laughs out loud causing Julia to laugh, too, causing Tolan to laugh because he wants to be part of Julia’s joy. Phoris and I look at each other as if the three have lost their minds. Once more relaxed, but still holding onto Julia’s hand, Ka looks at us pointedly. “As I mentioned earlier, I do have a connection with the leader of the silver wolves, but for some reason he’s not answering my call.”

  “Would Motai abandon the Sidhe nation?” I ask noticing the worried frown on the old man’s face.

  “Never,” he answers quietly. “He wouldn’t betray his king, the Sidhe he’s sworn to protect and the realm he created.”

  “So why is this happening then?” ask Phoris indicating outside with his thumb.

  “There’s a reason Motai isn’t here. Sooner or later those reasons will come to light,” he speaks directly to Tolan.

  I look over at Tolan and he gives me a shake of his head obviously as lost as the rest of us. I turn to Phoris. “Can you reach out to the elements to see what changes have occurred here and why even with the oak barrier there is still a sense of danger?”

  “Don’t bother,” chimes in Ka. “I’ve already spoken with them.”

  Phoris looks back at Ka with a mixture of awe and curiosity. Ka continues, “Once the silver wolves were called away, a lone figure with a large ugly beast was seen at all thirteen forests. Each clan sent out two scouts to start at the path of the forest circles and meet back at the opposite ends. When they met up, each said they spotted the man and beast but when the scouts pursued, they disappeared.”

  “The orc bounty hunter,” I answer remembering him and his large dog-like beast back at Crowfoot Mountain.

  “Are you sure he’s the same one?” questions Tolan. “If he was someone with black magic at his disposal you would have sensed it and he would have hit his mark.”

  I shake my head in thought, “No, there was no sense of black magic about him or his beast, just something off. But then again, the scouts who witnessed this hooded figure didn’t mention anything about black magic. They mentioned they only spotted him at different locations and not at the same time. Maybe he’s got the speed; some orcs still possess the ability.”

  “That’s true,” says Phoris, “but it’s been centuries since we’ve heard of any who do.”

  “Ah, that doesn’t mean anything,” retorts Ka. “Just because you don’t hear or know of someone or something doesn’t mean it or they don’t exist. Look at me.”

  We stare at the old elf. He’s right, the denizen of Velesi are varied and many. For all we know, the number of orcs could be greater than what we’ve assumed. We need to keep our minds open to anything remotely suspicious.

  “Ka, what’s this uneasiness running through the great woods of the oaks? We’ve always been protected, even without the silver wolves. Has my father called back the scouts?”

  “Yes, he has pulled them back into the gates. The gate to the Oak Tower is no longer open. They are manned by archers and guards, but word has reached your king that you’re back in the realm. They just don’t know when you’ll arrive.”

  “We leave now,” I say rising, Phoris moving to join me. Ka, Julia and Tolan remain seated.

  “Why, Tharin? It’s dark out now and without the silver wolves to cover us, it could be dangerous.” I know why Tolan hesitates – Julia. It doesn’t take long to change his mind, however.

  “I’m going with Tharin,” says Julia rising and moving to my side. Tolan gives me a hard look before rising, too. He moves to stand next to Julia, but she moves to my opposite side. I stare down at her, but she stares off in the distance with a determined look.

  “Think about it, Tolan” I say turning to my brother. “It seems that we’re being delayed. I don’t know if the disappearance of the silver wolves has anything to do with it, but I have this urgent feeling about all of this.” To keep Julia from hearing the rest of my suspicions, I speak to Tolan alone. “If Eathos believes Lily is dead, who would be his next hurdle to stand in his way to bring war among the clans?”

  “Father,” answers Tolan for all to hear. Julia turns to him, but when he shifts his to her, she turns away quickly. I don’t believe Julia blames Tolan for Lily’s death, but there is something there that’s putting a wedge between them.

  “I came across assassins at a clearing, they were sent to kill me. Looks like Eathos is trying eliminate anyone who would get in his way. Word probably hasn’t gotten back to
him that I’m still alive.” Tolan gives me a curious look. “I’ll tell you about it later,” I add.

  Ka stands slowly, “You may be right, Tharin.” I know he’s responding to my conversation with Tolan instead to the fact that we need to leave. Again, I tell myself I have to find a way to block him and Sema from my thoughts. Perhaps Father would know.

  Before I can ask Phoris to thank the old oak, we find ourselves back on the path in the pouring rain. The old derelict, bent and frail is leading us toward the Oak Tower gates. I make my way to walk beside him, followed by Julia and Tolan, and Phoris taking up the rear. I don’t need to put a shield around us as I feel the old elf’s energy protecting us. I can feel the power and strength of his will; I’ve never sensed any stronger, not even my father’s.

  The stars above give some light, but the moon isn’t at its peak yet, so darkness from the giant oaks spreads across the path like an omen shadow. The uneasiness felt earlier permeates the surrounding area and my hand slips under my coat to rest on Tazo’s hilt. The light chinks of Tolan’s chains whisper behind me and I know my brother senses the danger as well.

  Phoris is a Caller by nature and birth, but he is also a formidable warrior in his own right. I know his silver rings are at the ready. I suspect that Julia is behind Tolan, holding his hand. I glance behind me and see not only is she walking beside him, but there is a physical change. She looks about her sensing the danger as well, and I instruct Tolan to prep her for an attack we all know is coming. Instantly, Julia looks forward and I know that Tolan is directing her now. I look ahead of us, and in the far distance I can see the looming gates of the Oak Clan – gates that just closed for the first time in a millennium.

  We come to a stop, positioning ourselves for attack when shadows dance several feet ahead of us, blocking our paths to the gates. Ka pushes his hood and cape back and stands to his full height, holding his knotted branch to the side. Phoris is instantly at Julia’s open side facing behind us, as well as Tolan. Julia, drenched but not showing any sign of fear, turns and faces the same direction as Phoris and Tolan, standing in a rudimental fighting stance. We’ll have to fix that once we’re back at the tower, if we can keep her alive long enough. I think about that for a minute. Lily will have my head if anything happens to her friend. I send a quick note to Tolan and he gives a swift kick hitting me on my calf. I deserved that. I should have known better…he’s got Julia covered.