The Realms of Animar

by Owen Black

  Chapter 6

  Moonlight sparkled off of the vulture’s eyes as it soared above the mountains, gliding silently in the night sky. Although his kind was not fond of flying in darkness, this was an opportunity that made such risks worthwhile.

  Lightning flashed in the distance, momentarily turning his eyes into shimmering mirrors just before thunder boomed in the distance and announced the rainfall that was soon to follow.

  While the others were sleeping Critias had snuck away, anxious to tell their master what he had found. He wanted the credit all for himself and though this was a ruthless act he felt no guilt. They would have done it to him, had they the wits to think of it first.

  The news that he carried on his wings was of such importance that he was certain the master would reward him greatly. Would he be showered with treasures or women? He could only imagine.

  Fortunately his wait would be short because when he glanced down he saw his destination - a dark opening in the base of the mountain that seemed rather simple from afar but housed a dark evil more sinister than the land had ever known.

  The cave entrance was flanked by a pair of torches that struggled to fight off the howling wind that tugged at their flame, casting eerie shadows that bounced around the two large lions that guarded the opening. The massive beasts were confined by thick iron chains, a form of captivity that drove them to such fury that even the bravest of unwanted visitors would not risk attempting to pass.

  The vulture descended from the sky and morphed to his human form as he landed on the ground near the entrance. The lions stirred briefly and then relaxed when they recognized Critias. He confidently walked past them and into the mouth of the cave, anxious to provide a report of what he had discovered.

  Twisting and turning, he ducked past stalactites as he followed the torch-lined tunnel, each breath filling his nostrils with the familiar stench of the carnivore lair. The cave complex housed so many beasts that the odor that lingered was truly foul, even to a creature as disgusting as Critias.

  He stopped briefly at a fork in the passage when a scream pierced the silence. A snicker crossed his lips before he continued on, wondering just what fun he was missing had he taken the other path.

  Carved by the efforts of hundreds of slaves, the cavernous lair was enormous and housed as many as five hundred at any given time. Within its numerous passages and chambers were the features of a typical carnivore settlement including a weaver, blacksmith, mess hall and, of course, a butcher, along with a number of other more diabolical areas.

  The largest and most frequented location, however, was anything but typical. Spawned from the twisted mind of their leader, this chamber was known as “The Pit” and was a dried out underground lake that had been converted to a purpose more suitable to the insatiable needs of the carnivores.

  A long set of steps had been carved into the cavern floor and led down to the main pit area where hundreds of cages held captives of all shapes and sizes. Most of the prisoners were locked in their animal forms using metal collars, horse shoes or other more painful mechanisms while a few of the more dangerous species were locked in human form in a separate area of the chamber.

  Only one other passage led from the pit and it was by far the most feared in the complex by those unfortunate enough to have been captured. Screams of the prisoners forced to walk the tunnel length served to remind the others of the destination that loomed at its end - the slaughterhouse.

  Critias continued on and eventually the passage opened into a well-lit room. Unlike the passageway he had followed, this room was occupied. Approximately twenty people had assembled and ranged from small to large and all except one, a small cat, were in their human forms. The majority were directing their attention to the throne positioned in the middle of the far wall with the exception of a handful of servants that carried wine flasks and bowls around the room, serving those present.

  Standing on either side of the throne was a large dark-skinned sentry, each standing nearly seven feet tall and wearing red leather armor that covered everything but their heads. They were menacing in appearance but were no match to the man seated between them.

  Sitting on the throne, dressed in armor similar to his guards, was the Alpha Lord of all carnivores and the most deadly creature that had ever walked the land. He was a tall, muscular man with short dirty blonde hair and dark, deeply set eyes that seemed to sparkle with a fiery rage. His morph was unique and extraordinary, he was sinister and yet keen and he cast dread upon all who crossed his path. His name was Fatalis.

  Critias’ heart began to pound when he then noticed the breathtaking woman who was sitting on the steps beneath his master. Her name was Felidae and she was as equally dangerous as her mate but for far different reasons. She was tall and lean with bronze skin and a sculpted figure. Her long black hair flowed down her chest just enough to cover a portion of her otherwise exposed large bosom. She was strikingly attractive and clearly aware of her impact on men. One of her many amusements was drawing the attention of the opposite sex with constant flirtation before she would cast them to Fatalis for punishment. Although this practice was quite common her allure was too overwhelming and many weak-willed men continued to fall prey to her games.

  Returning his attention to the Alpha Lord, Critias noticed that he was currently engaged in a conversation with three cloaked figures, although only their backs were visible. Curious, the scout crept along the cavern wall until their faces came into view. They were two men and a woman and Critias recognized them immediately. They were wolves, skilled assassins that Fatalis used to enforce his will on any who dared crossed him.

  The middle of the three hooded figures standing before them lowered his hood, revealing his shoulder length thick brown locks. He was handsome and calm with eerie light blue eyes and a light beard that complemented his high cheekbones and dark features well. His name was Mordigal and he was the Alpha of the wolves and one of the few who had earned the respect of Fatalis.

  “My Lord you know you have my loyalty in all things, as you have for many years,” Mordigal said calmly. “I will continue to do your bidding but please consider what I have told you today. Eventually food will become less plentiful if we continue at this rate.”

  “We can breed what we need,” Fatalis replied with a wave of his hand. “If we can’t, we will just get new breeders and eat the ones we have!” He then laughed and slammed his fist onto the arm of his throne spewing forth a number of chuckles from the onlookers.

  Mordigal acknowledged the response with a slight smile and glanced to the man standing to his right.

  Fatalis then abruptly turned to Critias, dropping silence on the chamber in an instant. The vulture scout froze.

  “Rodent, you are a fool!” the Alpha Lord boomed. “Your stench alone gives you away!”

  A wave of laughter spilled forth and Critias felt sweat as it began to form on his forehead. The vulture scout lowered his head, bowed awkwardly then spoke, “My master, I sincerely apologize for interfering.” He gulped then continued, “But, my Lord, I have news you would be most interested in hearing.”

  “Get on with it,” Fatalis replied, annoyed. “Clearly you think this is worth my time.”

  “I believe I have found Avryn’s settlement sire.”

  Gasps erupted from the mouths of those present and Fatalis smashed his fists on the arms of his throne. “Finally!” he roared. “Tell me what you found!”

  Critias was a bit startled when Mordigal turned to face him and said, “Yes, do tell vulture. Where are they?” It was obvious that the assassin was equally as interested in his report as Fatalis.

  Nonetheless, the moment was his. Critias had the attention he had so desperately yearned for. Like all vultures, he was looked down upon by not only the carnivores but also other Avian species as well. Referred to as carrion feeders, vultures mostly relied on the other animals to do their killing. This manner of survival was considered a weakness and led them to live as outcasts, rejected by mo
st societies. They were forced to offer their services to any who would welcome them. Mercenaries and cutthroats, they were a despicable breed.

  Fortunately for Critias, Fatalis accepted his kind and used them as scouts because they could fly and, most importantly, they lacked in character. Suiting his needs well, he found them especially useful because they had no moral conflicts and would perform the most despicable deeds to earn his favor.

  Critias took his time as he explained to Fatalis and the rest of his captive audience how he had found the settlement. Although he had been quite fortunate to discover their location, he managed to weave a tale that depicted his efforts in the most heroic way possible. He failed to mention the efforts of his companions and he stopped before discussing the battle that had taken place.

  When Critias had finished, Fatalis leaned back in his throne and rubbed his stubbled chin. He knew the methods of the scout far too well.

  “So what of the rest of your group?” he asked. “Why are you the only one who has returned?”

  The devilish grin vanished from Critias’ lips. He could feel his heart as it thumped beneath his ribs. “The others are a day or so behind,” he replied. “We…we ran into some trouble, scouts of their own perhaps. I’m not sure really. They had a gorilla and…”

  “What?” Fatalis roared, his face marked by anger.

  “It…it couldn’t be avoided,” the scout muttered. “They found us, smelled us maybe. We tried to stay hidden I assure you we did.”

  The Alpha Lord stepped down from his throne and past his lovely companion, nearly knocking her over and provoking an icy glare as he passed. Mordigal quietly stepped aside and provided a clear path to Critias. His disdain of the carrion scout was obvious.

  Fatalis walked up to Critias and grabbed him by the neck. The tendons in his massive forearms flared as his grip tightened, forcing a small yelp to spew forth from the scout’s throat as he struggled for air.

  “I was clear when I sent you and the others out!” Fatalis yelled, sending spit flying from his lips. “Only find them! I told you to bring your food. How dare you let your thirst for blood thwart our chance at wiping them out! By now they are preparing for us. I should snap your neck right now!”

  Mordigal quickly stepped forward and placed a hand on Fatalis’ arm. Although such boldness might provoke the fury of their leader, Mordigal’s pale blue eyes were as calm as frozen water.

  “As much as I would love to see this foul creature dead, we need him to show us to their location.”

  His face now a deep red, Critias glanced frantically at Mordigal then back to Fatalis as he begged for his life with his eyes. Fatalis dropped him to the ground where he landed in a heap.

  Mordigal glanced down at the fallen scout. “A gorilla you say? Did you see more than one?”

  “Just the one is all I saw and a big one he was,” Critias replied as he rubbed his neck. He then stood up and gingerly turned his head from side to side.

  “And the size of this settlement, how many people do you think they have?” Mordigal asked. “How far away is it?”

  Critias nervously looked at Fatalis before he replied. “I really can’t be sure how many are there. I would guess quite a few, likely three hundred or more. As for distance, well, it is probably ten days travel on foot. I can show you… yes, yes I can show you of course!”

  Mordigal turned to Fatalis who was obviously pondering his next move.

  Anxious to speak Critias then blurted, “We even intercepted some rabbits trying to make their way to the village! They were easy—”

  “Quiet you fool!” Fatalis yelled. He turned his attention to Mordigal and continued, “Take this pitiful creature out of my sight. Gather some members of your pack and get inside the walls. We need to confirm that this is indeed Avryn’s settlement. If it is I have a…delicate task for you. See me before you leave.”

  “Of course,” Mordigal replied softly. “We will need some horses from the stables. I won’t be able to guarantee their safe return.”

  “Take what you need,” Fatalis replied with hate-filled eyes. “I have waited for this day for years but we need to plan carefully. When I am through with them I will enslave their children and feast on their precious king. It’s time to rid our land of these defiant cattle once and for all.”

  Chapter 7

  Thane was awakened by an intense pain that shot through his head like a fiery blade. He groaned in agony and clutched his temples. He could feel the warmth from his head penetrating his hands while beads of sweat trickled down from his scalp.

  It was late, or early, he could not tell - still dark out. He sat up in bed, pushed the blankets away and let his legs fall off the side of the bed. He was wearing a light brown wool shirt and pants, his typical winter sleepwear that was enough to keep him warm but certainly not the cause of his current condition.

  Not alleviated by the cold air in his room, the pain got worse and forced Thane to double over. Quick pulses of light flashed behind his eyelids. His upper lip began to tickle then he realized it was cool and wet; his nose was running. He reached up and wiped it with his fingers and saw red, dark red. It was blood, and quite a bit of it. His head began to spin and the strange lights flashed in his mind. Then, suddenly ending his suffering, the world went dark and he fell forward, unconscious.

  ***

  Morning light streamed into their bedroom nudging Felia’s eyes to open just as Avryn climbed out of bed. As he usually did during the winter months, Avryn was wearing light woven pants to bed, but no shirt. She smiled and watched quietly while he stretched his arms over his head and stretched from side to side. She admired his muscular back and arms. They had been together for nearly twenty years, but her attraction to him had never waned.

  Avryn glanced back and spotted her just as she closed her eyes. She was still under the blankets but he knew she was awake. He grinned and slowly leaned over his sleeping bride. His lips nearly touched her ear and he whispered, “You can’t fool me my love.”

  Her arms shot up and grabbed him around his neck and she playfully planted a kiss on his lips. As he pulled away and stood up, she replied, “Funny, all those years I watched you when we were growing up and you never noticed then!”

  “Aye, but I was but a shy schoolboy,” he replied with a grin. “I got up the courage when it mattered.”

  “Did you now? I seem to recall it was I who did the courting!”

  He laughed. “Perhaps, but I came after you when it mattered. Your parents were trying to pawn you off on a family of Zebras! I couldn’t sit back and watch that travesty unfold.”

  “I suppose you did,” she said, pausing to brush aside a few hairs that had fallen across her face. “Although….I sometimes wonder what Thane would look like with stripes.”

  “Rotten woman!”

  Avryn then reached down and attempted to grab the side of her stomach, a particularly ticklish place he knew well. He fought off her flailing arms and eventually fell onto the bed on top of her. They wrestled for a few moments, giggling like children.

  Felia managed to take control and climb on top of Avryn. She was wearing her favorite light blue night gown, made by her mother years before. Her long brown hair flowed gracefully over her shoulders and seemed to magically fall into place, framing her beautiful face perfectly.

  She sat up and gently stoked his chest. Her face turned serious. “I meant to ask yesterday…still nothing from the lost bunny? Has she even turned yet?”

  “Not yet,” he replied. “It’s been nearly a month since we found her. Some people wonder if she can even morph at all.”

  “I suppose you have noticed Thane has taken an interest.”

  “How can I not notice? I was going to take him with me to train and he said he would rather go and ‘sit with her’ as he puts it. I went back to check on him a few hours later and he was just sitting there, staring into the cage, talking away, telling her random tales of his adventures. He has never latched on to a newcomer like this. F
or all we know she might not even understand him. I just don’t know why he seems to be so infatuated with the poor thing.”

  “Well, he did find her,” Felia explained. “I suppose that is the attachment. Trussil is the best at teaching the young ones to morph but I have never seen one take this long. Maybe she has just been through too much. I guess seeing your whole family devoured might be something that just can’t be overcome.”

  “Maybe so. There has to be something we can do for her though.”

  “What about the cage? Do you think we have to keep her in that much longer?”

  “For now I do, it’s pretty large and with the winter weather rolling in soon, we need to protect her. I like Trussil’s idea of keeping it in the school though. Maybe seeing the children will help.”

  “I hope so,” Felia said. She bit her lip then continued, “Do you still think there might be more of them out there? It’s been so quiet since the attack.”

  “We’ll see,” Avryn replied. “Maybe it was just a random event, but this far from other settlements makes that unlikely. The coming winter will make traveling through the mountains virtually impossible so things should be quiet until spring.”

  “What about the messengers we sent out about the Winter Festival?” she asked.

  “They all made it back just fine. Hopefully most of those that are traveling here have already made it, I’m sure the first snowfall will be any day now. I am meeting with the festival planners today. Only one day away so hopefully everything is about ready.” He then grinned evilly and added, “You know you are welcome if you would like to join us.”

  “No thanks,” Felia laughed as she shook her head. “I’m glad we are still having it but you know I am not much of a planner. I will do my part to cook and entertain though, you can count on me.” She playfully punched him in the stomach then climbed off the bed and stood up. “I am going to go peek on Thane. I haven’t heard a peep from him all morning.”

  Felia then straightened her gown and walked to the bedroom door, opened it and then glanced back at Avryn and winked.