Furion's Trials (Book Two of the Items Trilogy)

by H. Lee Morgan, Jr

  Alex and Ava watched on in wonder as Midnight howled in rage and attacked their sibling, but was thwarted and counterattacked. Shade relied upon wearing out his opponent and dealing minor strikes that accumulated over the nonstop battle.

  Shade even used his shadow to avoid life threatening strikes, but didn’t reside in it for long. His speed and endurance proved to be at match between Midnight’s strength and experience. Thanks to chasing Crest his ability to dodge saved him much pain and damage. He never ran in a straight line like many thought, nor did he remain still.

  The crowd fed off the excitement the fighters displayed and roared even more.

  Shade just finished running along the wall that surrounded them, trying to wear out the overzealous killer with little luck. Midnight seemed to have the same level of endurance. It became clear as to why this Alpha has ruled for so long.

  Just as Shade thought he dodged Midnight’s attack, he fell for a feint. Trapped, the Alpha jerked around and turned his head with blinding speed, both sabers had become close enough to tear two deep gashes into Shade’s right shoulder muscle. White hot pain flared at the injury and almost caused him to collapse. His own blood stained his enemy’s sabers as he howled in pain and limped away. Trying to hide the injury it was impossible not to hear gasps in the crowd and knew those he loved had seen him harmed this badly. The lacerations alone completely immobilized the use of his right foreleg.

  Seeing an opportunity and weakness, Midnight struck. He charged one last time in the hopes of ending this minor rebellion.

  Shade knew just how much trouble he was in. This was it, the final moment that would mean life or death. His limp leg hindered his movement and the enemy was aiming for the kill. Midnight focused on one thing, winning.

  In the blind rush of Shade’s enemy, he didn’t realize that Shade had tensed his three remaining good legs. Just as Midnight opened his deadly maw to sink them into Shade’s neck, Shade both jumped and spun at a sickening speed.

  Shade opened his own deathly jaws and clamped on Midnight’s foreleg, biting with all his might, bone broke easily between his teeth. With a sharp jerk and twist of his head, his captured opponent crashed into the ground. Shade released his hold to instantly jump atop Midnight, sinking as many claws into flesh as possible. Then Shade put his muzzle to the enemy’s throat.

  In a demand he snarled “Move and Die!”

  A hush fell across the crowd seeing how the combatants stopped and one remained dominantly superior and held the condition between life and death. They quieted even more to hear what was said.

  Remembering back when Alex forced Rakkian to the ground, Shade knew what Midnight was about to do just as he was about to do it. The captive struggled, but could not free himself from the extreme weight that nearly immobilized him. When he didn’t surrender and cursed between growls Shade barked with a venomous hatred “I SAID STOP!” and to prove he meant it he sunk four inches of his already bloody sabers into his enemy’s neck, avoiding all vital areas except in the thick neck muscle. The pain it caused was intense, but the point was taken when Midnight knew he had lost.

  Shade’s muzzle stayed close as he chastised himself for what he was about to do. It went against his every instinct to allow a rival and enemy to live, but he had asked if Crest trusted him and this would be the only solution that would make her happy. Though he hated this resolution, it only served to feed the anger in his voice as he growled loud enough for even her to hear him “Midnight you have lost this fight! As is the rules, I am going to allow you to live on the condition that you surrender!”

  “Never!” He growled and tried fighting free himself again.

  To make his point clear again Shade bit deeply into his shoulder muscles. Pain filled another howl that all gathered could hear. Shade repeated “Surrender or I’ll bleed you until you’re delirious and confess your loss either way! I’ve won and all you have to do is admit it publicly! I don’t want to kill you in front of her!”

  After three more defiant outbursts Midnight’s crimson lifeblood continued to soak the ground. Finally done with the pain he whispered “I surrender…”

  Shade spoke louder. “What was that?!”

  When he didn’t announce it quickly enough Shade racked his back legs and cut four more lines into his flank. With the pain at its peak Midnight cried at the top of his lungs “I SURRENDER!!!”

  With the words out in the open the crowd cheered as Shade won a fight that was beyond his class several months ago. Continuality had seceded to change and given way to a new High Alpha. Shade had now become the leader of the Shadow Fangs of the Shura Mountains along with gaining some of their loyalty.

  The weight of battle was now over and he stepped off Midnight and looked up just as Alex and Ava were leading a wave of fiends to give congratulations. Alex smiled broadly as he ran with all haste, but it quickly turned to horror.

  Alex saw Midnight stand when Shade turned his back. The former Alpha had nothing left to lose as he turned and sheathed his fangs fully into Shade’s hamstring. Enraged Alex dashed with all of his strength as a Furion, but was rendered unnecessary as a green globule landed on Midnight’s elbow, on the right foreleg that was already crushed and broken. Looking up, Elo had spat his acid like a bolt from a crossbow, all in the attempt to get him off.

  The acid began dissolving fur, flesh and bone almost immediately and the distraction of pain allowed Alex to grab Midnight’s snout and jerk his head back to remove his fangs. Once Shade was free, no further intervention was necessary. All watched as the honor-less loser lost his right foreleg, as it dissolved away from the Beran acid and the body and limb tumbled in separate directions.

  Alex grabbed Shade from underneath and jumped the two of them ten yards away just incase the enemy tried again. In a rage of her own Ava swooped down in front of Midnight and shrieked directly in his ear, nearly killing him if she yelled any longer than three seconds. Firmly incapacitated, she flew back and bit back a slur of curses at seeing how wounded her furry brother was.

  Shade was in so much pain he collapsed into unconsciousness, but all were glad to see him still breathing. Alex was glad the pain and shock were too much and his mind shut down to protect itself. Unfortunately his gaping shoulder and hamstring were in desperate need of help. Minor cuts riddled him, but didn’t need immediate attention. Four jagged cuts from foot long sabers needed all due concentration if Shade were to survive.

  Many Orggian moved quickly to help heal both Shade and Midnight. Though they didn’t like him for the deeds he just did, they healed all who were in need, without exception. Knowing bloodshed was inevitable in this confrontation they were prepared for a situation such as this. Meek and his ilk began hurrying to save the lives of both, now that it was all over.

  The Orggian that worked on Midnight used a burning rod of metal to cauterize the wounds and the acid eaten stump.

  Shade’s injuries required stitches and nearly ten shelled apes tended to him, drooling their healing saliva in the wounds before sealing. Some chewed herbs before forcing them down his throat, which he instinctively swallowed. Alex helped where he could by creating an intense heat in his fingers to cauterize the wounds together just enough that the flesh could be stitched. Nearly two hours passed before all of his wounds were sealed and the blood ceased to flow.

  Most of the spectators stood where they were and watched for what would happen next. None were surprised or upset when Elo explained why his used his acid. He said it was because the victor had been decided and the loser struck in a cowardly move. Elo was in his rights to intervene when the High Alpha was in danger. Astonishingly not a single voice raised an opposition against the deciding battle. Gerieg even came close and offered a suggestion which Alex couldn’t pass.

  All made way as both Alex and Gerieg carefully carried Shade out of the pit and rested him by Crest. She cried how foolish he was, but was glad to know how he was alive and would be well in a few days.

  Krum used his herbs again
and Shade awoke after sneezing several violent times. Ava flitted up to him as he laid on his left side, for it was the least injured. She asked how he was and his groggy reply was “So I’m alive? What happened? The last thing I remember was that Midnight surrendered.”

  “Allow me to explain.” Said Midnight’s former beta, Beta. He strolled up and was flanked by all the Shadow Fang packs and all Alphas. It was as if night had surrounded as the dark coats encircled them. Alex gasped at how many lords and normal sized Shadow Fangs had approached when he was so focused on Shade that he lost sense of those whom surrounded them. Somehow they had pushed the crowd away and all patiently waited. Only Alex’s grandfather and his partners were allowed to remain so close. Beta said with great respect “Shade, as your success has been witnessed by us all you are now our highest Alpha. All of us were touched by your strength, but were surprised by how you granted an enemy the chance to surrender. That compassion has earned you my undying loyalty and those of the other packs.” The beta looked at all the others. “All those who agree that he is our rightful Alpha give voice.”

  As one, nearly a thousand Shadow Fangs reared their heads to the vibrant blue sky and a chorus of howls filled the air. The feel of the sound was beautiful and filled with hope and satisfaction. When the unison of howls quieted Beta asked “What will be your first order, Alpha?”

  Shade barely managed to lift his head to say with a tired smile “First off, I only want to be called by my name, not by any other title. Your name is just too difficult to remember so I’ll still call you Beta. Secondly I would be honored if you remained the beta over the other packs in my stead. I’m in no condition to do much of anything at this point in time.”

  “You will allow me to keep my place?” Beta asked in astonished wonder.

  “I don’t see why not. You’ve always kept things together when Midnight wasn’t around. In fact you did a better job.”

  “I would be honored to be called Beta and you’re not the first to forget my name.” Beta smiled admiringly.

  Alex then stepped between them. “Beta, please give them both time to rest and heal. Also see to it that all new arrival packs hear of the change in power.” Alex’s voice then hardened. “And when Midnight eventually wakes, see to it that once he is able to stand that he is properly escorted from these mountains. If he stays more than three day’s he will be lying, for the wounds would have been healed enough from the Orggian who worked on him. Also see to it he isn’t harmed or harm anyone else until he is exiled.”

  “That won’t be too difficult.” Beta answered calmly, understand that a Furion’s commands are higher than all others. “I will track you all down when all able Shadow Fangs have arrived.” Beta then turned to the others and spoke quickly. Soon all of the other predators moved on and gave them some space. Some remained to get a good look at the new leader of the Shadow Fangs, but all he wanted to do was find some cover and get some sleep.

  Gerieg surprised them when he brought a large litter out from behind a thick bunching of adolescent deciduous trees. “I made this last night, knowing Shade would need it.”

  Alex sighed “Why then didn’t we use it to get him out of the arena?”

  Gerieg shrugged and Alex thought; He forgot about it until now.

  With a little help Alex carefully picked Shade up and laid him on the litter. Shade ground his teeth in pain, but didn’t voice it for everyone was worried about him. He had just fought a life and death battle after all.

  Alex then made his heart pound to increase his strength to drag the large and weighted litter into the comforts beneath the interlocked trees. Gerieg supported Crest as she hobbled to remain at his side. Alex smiled happily for Shade won both the title and Crest’s heart. At least she gets to know both her father and new love will both live. Alex thought. The only struggle will be will be Midnight has to survive on three legs and alone, now that he no longer commands a pack. Crest I just hope you will love Shade. That is what he needs.

  When they all made it, the fiends joyously congratulated Shade on his victory. When Ava had had enough she told everyone to give him room to rest. They saw her anger already in the battle today and knew not to cross her. When Shade was eased down near the center, Crest also was eased by his side. Alex took the other side and together they made Shade feel better. But when Krum gave some herbs to both Crest and Shade, each were already fast asleep. Every hour from then till morning he and another Orggian coated the wounds with their saliva to quicken the recovery process.

  Three days after the battle over the High Alpha position, both Shade and Crest’s healing was going splendidly for the two of them were both up and moving under their own power and without assistance. Though they were able to be amble about they still needed a few more days until being fully recovered. The healing properties of the Orggian saliva were not to be underestimated. The stitches were no longer able to be seen or retrieved for the armor-like fur of the Shadow Fang made it impossible to delve to the flesh.

  Results of the healing meant Midnight was also recovered enough. Shade, as the new High Alpha, was there along with every member of his new and extended pack. He along with the rest saw to it that the former ruler of the packs was escorted promptly from the sanctuary. Midnight struggled now that he only had three legs, but his arrogance had come at a costly price. In an obvious reaction to losing a limb as well as leadership, he was mostly silent and regretful for his actions, but it was too little too late and his very actions cost him everything he ever knew and fought for. At the very least he didn’t get belligerent or harm those that walked him towards banishment. As the former leader was escorted through the mountain pass, Shade had to remain behind for he still wasn’t ready to journey so strenuously as his hamstring still caused pain.

  The night after the escort had returned, Beta walked straight up to Gerieg, Sheer, Elo, Alex, Ava and his new leader to gladly announce “Shade, all of the able bodied Shadow Fangs have arrived. Our numbers are even larger than originally predicted.”

  Shade stood at this news and asked his new lieutenant “How many are there in total?”

  Beta spoke honestly for that was Shade’s request. “The actual number is difficult to count for no pack remains still long enough to be properly counted, but we are over a thousand strong. Of those, over five-and-sixty percent are lords like us.”

  “Very well, tell them we’ll hold a gathering for all of our kind and speak to them all at one time.”

  Beta smiled and went to carry out the task.

  The next day Alex and Ava accompanied their brother into the throng of the gathered packs. Alex compared the gathered to a sea of black fur, rising and dropping like the sea on a new moon when the sky reached its darkest point. Shade moved to a rock that was raised like a stage so that all could see and hear him clearly. Alex and Ava also stood with him. Alex did his best to count, but like Beta said, it was impossible to count for the excitement made the packs all antsy and difficult to remain still for long.

  All quieted when the new High Alpha began speaking. Shade stood proud and gained the attention of each for he embodied the most ideal aspects of their kind. “Good day to each and every one of you.” He began. “I’ve called you here to discuss the plans that have been passed to me, but first there is something I must say. I know it will take time, but my hope is you’ll come to trust me. As the new leader, I promise to allow you to retain most of your freedom and ask that you’ll listen when something needs to be done. As I am a partner to a Furion you all know my first duty is to be with and follow him, and that means that I won’t always be there to lead you. In my stead, Beta will lead the packs in my stead or till I am challenged and lose this position. With that said allow me to speak as to why you have gathered.

  “As the first group to gather completely, we Shadow Fangs have once again proven our speed and loyalty. As you are all quite aware it will soon be time to leave this place and venture into the world once again for The Great Hunt. Because it is nearly time to
depart I must know one simple thing. When we leave, half of all forces will leave with Gerieg and the rest will accompany Alex. As I assume, Gerieg will need several packs to fill the ranks of his troops. We have already spoken upon this and nearly half of the Beran prides will follow Alex. In a sign of good faith I must ask for volunteers to travel with him. You have the choice to either follow Alex or Gerieg. When your choice has been made our groups will separate and go to several destinations to show to which Furion you’ll travel with.”

  One in the crowd raised his voice to ask “How long do we have to consider which side to pick?”

  Shade gladly answered. “From the estimates of other leaders, we expect all of our forces to be here within a week’s time. Once all arrive we will depart.” When the crowd whispered among themselves for over a minute Shade said “If there is nothing else, you may go back to what you did before I interrupted your day.”

  Luckily no one else had anything important to voice, but those that didn’t leave wished to get to meet and get to know their new leader. Many thought he was too young, but they knew him capable of managing a variety of problems. He proved that much down in the arena.

  As predicted, a week later the army gathered in full and was ready to burst. Over eight thousand fiends filled a two mile stretch of land and it was getting crowded. Sometimes it was so packed and stressful that Alex had to jump and run along the tree branches just to make it to another location. The electricity in the air intensified when Gerieg announced to the Orggian to begin loading the packs on the fiend lords. The lords followed the Orggian that they were responsible for and waited as they were strapped with leather bags that carried the essential supplies.

  While everyone began final preparations Alex also stocked his leather pack. The remaining two Xeal seeds were sealed inside the metal bowl. The small knife used for cleaning and shaving remained in his pants pocket. Alex removed the flint rock from the pack for it was no longer required. Only one tattered pair of clothes remained for the others were all worn out to the point of falling apart at the seams. Also, three days worth of meat was crammed inside as well. Allahandra’s coin still hung from a leather thong around his neck. Both wrist protectors and the ornate sword shone with brilliance and only required a wet cloth to keep clean. He alone required more maintenance than anything else he owned or carried.