by B C Penling
Panthigra laughed and put her arms around him in a furry hug. He purred at her and put his large paw across her back.
“You, little one, are blocking my suns,” he teased.
“There’s plenty of time for naps later,” Panthigra stated. “Let’s play!”
“No.”
Panthigra sighed. A pebble struck her leg, as it often did, and she turned her head to see Thera motioning for her to move.
“Enjoy your sunlight,” Panthigra said.
She rolled off of him and rose to her feet just as a blur of Thera bolted past. She landed on him with a little growl and bit at his ear. He shook his head and flung her off. Thera landed on her feet, spun around and charged a Tigthero. He sprang up and ran which encouraged a mocked hunt. Panthigra joined in the simple game of chase. Around the courtyard they went, pouncing and running.
Thera jumped on his back and bit his mane at the base of his skull. Tigthero pretended to weaken by dragging his hind feet. Panthigra dove on top of him and he collapsed into the grass, laughing.
“Two on one is hardly fair!”
“You lost! You know it!” Thera exclaimed triumphantly. She began licking his ear that she bit earlier.
“It’s ok, Tig, we still love you,” Panthigra said, patting his side.
A cry above them made them turn their attention to the sky. An eagle spiraled to the ground and landed a few feet away from them, attracting the attention of the younger cubs.
“Saia, Old Man requests that you meet him at the lone tree to the north,” it said.
“Can I eat it?” Thera asked, crouching down with malicious eyes. “Eagles aren’t supposed to talk, though. Do you think it would complain?”
“No, Thera,” Tigthero said. “You can’t eat it.”
“Amara?” Panthigra asked.
The eagle nodded and in wisps of silver smoke, the eagle changed its shape to a black cougar with strikingly blue eyes.
"I definitely shouldn’t eat it,” Thera muttered, her eyes wide with surprise.
“No, you shouldn’t,” Amara said. “I wouldn’t appreciate that, at all.”
Panthigra walked up to her and stroked her head. “I’ve missed you. Where have you been?”
“I’ve had to do some important things,” she replied. “I met with Old Man who sent me north. I met with him again and he sent me here to request that you meet him beneath the lone tree. You need to move quickly as there is not much time to waste.”
“Oh, I’m not going to be there long, right?” Panthigra asked. “I love being here. I have a family. I don’t want to…”
“Saia, you can come back,” Amara interrupted. “For now, though, Old Man needs you.”
“I’m called Panthigra now,” she said. “My old life is behind me. I’m one of the felions now.”
“That’s beautiful,” Amara said.
“What’s going on here?” Ocher asked.
“Old Man calls Panthigra to the tree,” Amara said. “She must heed his request.”
Ocher looked at Panthigra with concern. “When will she be back?”
“That is uncertain,” Amara said honestly. “There's a lot to accomplish. Many things must be reached and this little felion of yours is an important key to the future of Felis and all of Dagan.”
Panthigra took a step back. She was an anomaly who was finally accepted into a family and she was loved despite their lack of blood relations. She didn’t want to leave them. She’d miss them entirely too much.
“What about my family?” Panthigra asked sadly. “I’m finally happy. I finally feel like I belong.”
“I understand,” Amara said. “Old Man does, too. But, he needs you. Dagan needs you. Humans of Ouris were too blind to see what you really are, Panthigra. Felions love you for who you are but even they don’t know your true purpose.”
“I’m just Panthigra. My purpose is to live happily with my new family.”
“Ah, yes, and which one will come with you?” Amara asked, looking around.
“I will,” Tigthero said, getting to his feet. “I won’t allow her to go anywhere without me.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” Panthigra complained. “I don’t want to leave my new home.”
“Pan,” Amara said seriously. “You will cause this world to end if you do not comply. You are a Keizi and the obelisk needs its guardian.”
“What?” Panthigra asked, perplexed.
Ocher gasped and looked at Panthigra. “Are you certain?”
“Old Man is never wrong,” Amara said, not taking her eyes off Panthigra. “Now you understand why he gave her into your care. He knew that you would adopt her as your own; love and protect her.”
Tigthero leaned closer to Panthigra. “Does any of this make sense to you?”
She shook her head.
“There are monoliths on Dagan, the obelisks, which hold high concentrations of magic,” Ocher said. “These pillars provide balance, keeping our world strong and prosperous and peaceful. Each obelisk has a guardian, someone who disperses the magic from the obelisk throughout Dagan. The guardians are called Keizi. According to Amara, you’re one of them and that means our world is probably in trouble.”
“You’re correct,” Amara said. “Keizi have fallen. The Warisai have overcome all but one. Only the north pillar beneath the archway remains. This pillar was cracked many years ago in an event that spawned the Warisai’s existence. We fear that the archway will be stressed into collapse if we don’t get more Keizi in their rightful places. The obelisks must come under the control of those meant to control them, not an axis of evil with malicious intentions. That’s why the Old Man needs you.”
“Warisai? The huge, ugly lizards?” Panthigra asked.
Amara nodded.
“I heard people talking about them in Ouris. They were worried they would attack them.”
“They haven’t, yet,” Amara said. “But, it will happen soon. They attacked Meridsani in the north and are marching on Ouris on the tails of the refugees.”
“That’s awful!” Panthigra exclaimed. “What if they come here after?”
“Ouris is the only large city on this side of Ancienta. Felis should be safe but stay vigilant.” Amara looked at Ocher. “They appear to be attacking larger cities, ones known for trade goods, and smaller villages that were active crossroads traders.”
“Therefore, you believe they’re following trade routes and since felions don’t trade outside of Felis, we’re not in any danger?” Ocher asked.
“I would only correct you by saying you’re in less danger than settlements with heavy trading and more loot to offer.”
Ocher nodded. “I’m assuming you need to meet Old Man and reach Ouris before the Warisai do?”
“Yes, time is of the greatest importance right now,” Amara said.
“I will warn other felions of the risk of attack,” Ocher said. “We’re likely to reinstitute scouts and patrols, something we haven’t done since the Fae War.”
He turned to Panthigra. “As much as I’m going to miss you, I feel you need to go. You’re important to us, our family, but also extremely important to the world. Dagan needs you.”
Panthigra ran up to Ocher and wrapped her arms around her felion father. “I love you, Ocher.” She paused. “Father.”
“And I love you.” He wrapped his thick arm around her, hugged her tightly, and lowered his chin to rest on the top of her head.
“Tigthero,” Ocher said. “Take care of her. I doubt this will be a quick venture. May your paws carry you swiftly and may your journey be safe.”
“I will,” Tigthero said. “Always.”
“Can I go, too?” Thera asked, bouncing around Ocher’s feet.
“No, Thera,” Leona said. She walked up behind Ocher. “You need to stay here.”
“Aw, why can’t I go? I’ve done all my chores. I’ve caught my rats.”
“You aren’t old enough,” Ocher said. “Besides, their path is a long one and involves dangers that
no little felion should endure.”
“But, I can handle scary things. I’m brave,” Thera argued.
“I don’t doubt your heart, little one,” Amara said. “I’m sure you can face dangers without fear but you must think of the caliber of things. Who’s going to protect your mum if those monsters come here?”
“Oh.” Thera thought for a moment. “I know you’re only trying to make me feel better about staying here but you do have a point.” She tapped her chin with a claw. “Maybe I can be a scout!” she exclaimed. “I’d be very good at that. Can I mom?”
“I think that’ll be alright,” Leona said. She nuzzled Thera’s face before turning her attention to Panthigra. “Please be safe.”
“I don’t want to go.” Panthigra shook her head. “I finally have a home where I feel like I belong. I haven’t even left yet and I miss everyone already.”
Thera sat on Panthigra’s feet and rested her head on her leg. “I’ll miss you, too.” She purred and closed her eyes.
Panthigra slid her feet from beneath her, knelt down and hugged the little felion. “Take care of mother and father. I’ll hopefully be back soon.”
“Panthigra,” Amara said. “A Keizi’s job is to watch the obelisk and balance the magic. Once you’re there…”
Panthigra’s face slackened and her eyes became distant. “I can’t come home, can I?”
“As a Keizi, you must stay with the obelisk.”
Her eyes welled up with tears. She hugged Thera tightly and cried into her neck. “Good-bye, little sister.”
Thera hugged her and then turned to her parents and Amara. She looked at them pleadingly. “Can’t she come back? Ever?”
“Afraid not,” Amara said. “For our world to survive she has to stay there.”
“I guess I really was born to be alone my whole life,” Panthigra said with a sob. She hugged her arms together and looked down. Tears dampened her fur as they coursed their way down her cheeks. The warmth and love of her new home and family melted away into a lonely darkness. She finally found a place where she belonged. She found her home after being exiled from her last one. Now she realized that she was different because she didn’t belong anywhere in particular except in isolation beside a pillar of rock.
Tigthero looked at Leona and Ocher. He then looked at Thera and Panthigra. The silence and sadness was deafening. He knew what he had to do. He walked up to his parents and rubbed his face on theirs.
“Father, mother,” Tigthero said. “Farewell. I will miss you both.”
“Come back safe,” Leona replied.
“I won’t be back,” Tigthero said. “This is our last farewell unless the fate of the universe brings us together again.”
“You mean,” Ocher began, “you’re…”
“Going with Panthigra, yes,” Tigthero said. “I’ll stay with her so she’ll never have to be alone.”
Panthigra looked up at him, eyes teary but grateful. She sniffled and wiped her face.
Thera scooted over to Tigthero and pawed his knee. “Big brother,” she said softly. “I… I’ll miss you, too.”
Tigthero rubbed his face on hers and said, “I’ll miss you, runt. Please, take care of everyone. Maybe you can come visit us.” His eyes glistened softly. “I’ll miss your ferocious attacks on my handsome mane.”
Thera managed a forced giggled that resonated with sadness. “I love you, Tig.”
“I love you, runt.”
“Hey, next time you see me, I’ll be twice as big!” she exclaimed. “Then you can’t call me runt anymore.”
He licked her forehead and walked to Panthigra. “Let’s not waste anymore time. Climb on.”
“Wait,” Leona said, turning around. “I don’t think you should go without.”
She trotted smoothly over to their cave and entered. She was inside for a few minutes, rummaging around, before returning with a leather satchel in her mouth. She gave it to Panthigra.
“There, that should help you in case the weather turns bad. It isn’t much, as I’m ill-prepared for this all, but it’ll at least help you start a fire to keep warm or cook if you desire.” She smiled sweetly.
Panthigra wrapped her arms around Leona’s neck and hugged her tightly. “Thank you, mother. I’ll miss you.”
“And I, you, Panthigra,” she replied.
“You’ve all given me the greatest gifts of all,” she said. “You gave me care, love, happiness, a family, and my name.”
“You still have us,” Ocher said.
“Yes, that’s right,” Leona agreed. “No matter how far away from us you’ll be, we will not stop loving you and you will never be removed from our family.”
“Thank you,” Panthigra said. Her heart was beating in her ears, demanding her to stay with her family. Every ounce of her body desired the warmth of their affection until the day she died. She didn’t want to leave. If she stayed though, they would all die if the last pillar fell. Once she, the Keizi, was placed into position then it could help their survival. Lengthening the life of Dagan helped to lengthen the lives of the ones she loved.
“I’m as ready as I’ll ever be,” she said.
She walked over to Tigthero and jumped onto his back. She smiled at her adoptive family one last time, knowing that her future smiles were reserved for her dreams about them. With saddened hearts, Tigthero and Panthigra left the village. Amara led the way north and into their uncertain futures.
Panthigra dared not look back. She knew she’d see Thera sitting sadly on the hilltop of their cave. She knew she’d see Ocher and Leona beside her. Saying goodbye was hard enough for her but seeing her felion family watching her leave would’ve hurt more than anything. Instead of getting one last look at them, she held tightly to Tigthero’s mane and cried.
His long strides carried them quickly into the pathways that were walled by tall grass. They wound their way through the maze of trails, following Amara who was still in her cougar form. To Pantigra, it felt like they were moving at a much faster speed than usual.
Eventually, the grass became shorter and when it did, Amara no longer followed the trails. She barreled through the grass and coursed her way straight to the old, lonely maple tree.
Under that tree, painted with yearend colors, was where Saia had met Tigthero. It seemed like such a long time ago and a part of a different life that felt strange and vague. Beneath the tree now was a confident individual lying against Tigthero’s side. Panthigra had easily pushed the Saia of her past into the relics of her memories. Returning to Ouris, however, was bound to bring all her feelings straight to the surface once again.
She worried what would happen once she and the old man arrived at the gates. She was exiled from there. The price of returning was intense lashings, something she’d have to explain to the old man. The law was old and brought to light due to her exile, something they never had to do before. The people of Ouris were peaceful like the rest of world but it wasn’t without laws and punishments which helped with crime deterrence. Typically, they never had to enforce the laws since the people were compassionate toward one another; everyone except Saia. This, she thought deeply about and concluded it was likely because they feared or misunderstood her. Perhaps it will be different once the old man explains that she’s a Keizi.
The wind was blowing fiercely from sunrest to sunwake which caused the maple leaves to rustle. They yammered their yearend tune and quite a few broke free from their holds and rode the wind away. Storm clouds had darkened the sky and had long since swallowed up the pale blue. Small sprits of rain joined the wind and caused the air to feel even chillier. The storm was closing in.
Panthigra was cuddled against Tigthero’s mane. The lessening maple leaves weren’t much for cover and would be even less if the rain came down in torrents and liberated them from their branches.
“The rain is coming,” Amara said over the noise of the wind. “Soon we’ll be drenched unless we find more adequate cover.”
“Where can we go?” Pant
higra asked.
“There are caves in the mountains beyond the forest. We should be able to find shelter in one.”
“How will Old Man find us?” Panthigra asked.
“We have our ways of locating one another,” Amara said. “Let’s go now.”
“Great, more running,” Tigthero complained with a yawn. “And I missed my catnap.”
Panthigra patted the top of his nose. “You can sleep all night in the cave.”
“Sounds lovely, but,” he gave her a sly look, “maybe I’ll run around the cave just to keep you awake until the suns come up.”
Panthigra laughed and climbed onto his back. “Come on brother; let’s go before your mane gets soaked. We both know how you look when that happens.”
Tigthero snarled. “Yuck, don’t remind me.”
He rose to his feet. “Lead the way, Amara.”
“Try to keep up.” She grinned. She bolted to the woods and Tigthero followed.
The trees moaned in the wind and dead branches snapped and crashed to the forest floor. The trees seemed to touch the sky and paint it a foreboding gray like giant earthbound artists. They kept a swift pace upon the narrow forest pathways, running past ferns and winding around the enormous tree trunks with thick red bark. Amara then led them up a steep pathway that ascended a rocky mountain.
As they ran higher to more barren terrain, the rain splattered them with thick cold drops. Out from beneath the protection of the trees, the wind whipped them harshly from all directions and made it difficult to keep the rain from clouding their eyes.
Before too long, the rain was pouring down in heavy continuance without hint of ceasing. Tigthero’s mane was soaked and flapped heavily against his neck as he ran. Panthigra was soaked to the skin and numb from the wind.
Thunder grumbled overhead without any hint of lightning in the dark sky. The night was gathering and the storm was worsening. Water surged down the bald, rocky mountain face in small angry streams that loosened sediments. Muddy red water flowed quickly to the forest below as the trio raced just as fervently. It was nearly dark and they still had no cave to rest and dry off in.
The last light of day had faded rapidly behind the smothering clouds. Panthigra could barely see Tig through the bombardment of rain. She shook the water from her eyes and looked up in time to see Amara enter the lit cave. Tigthero followed her, coming to a stop just over the threshold. What greeted them was far from what Tigthero and Panthigra expected.