by Sarah Cathey
“He is a Daken rider.”
Now it was the princess who blushed, “I see why father was so concerned about you then. Where is your rider now?”
Shakja shook her head and slightly unfurled her wings to cover her as she walked along with the decking of the settlement. “We must go. I have told you enough.”
Seemingly satisfied the princess followed suit, unfurling her wings and covering her body to mask herself from the planking.
They walked only a short time before Shakja arrived at another hut. The moonlight above gave her plenty of light to see inside as a smile grew on Shakja’s face. Her eyes lit up. Salett was still awake and sitting in a corner of the hut snacking on something.
“My friend, Salett,” Shakja said as she quickly ran inside. “I am so happy to see you.”
Salett said nothing as Shakja raced to her. To Salett there was no one else in the hut; only her.
“Salett, what is wrong? Why won’t you…” but her words were lost on the reality of what was happening. Shakja turned toward the princess, a rare tear falling from her eye, “It’s as I feared.”
The princess looked at the Drjeen in the corner, “What is going on here? I demand it.”
Salett turned and curiously stared at the young Drjeen.
“Come princess.” Shakja said, “It is no matter of yours.”
“No,” the princess demanded. “I want to know, and I want to know from her.”
Salett’s stare developed into horror as she realized the circumstances. She immediately jumped up and fell to her knees. “Princess Amanna. I am so sorry, had I known—.”
“Princess Amanna?” Shakja gasped and fell to her knees as well.
“Oh, stand up. Enough of this. Now tell me what is happening.”
Princess Amanna would soon be queen and would be the likely heir to the entire throne of the Drjeen. It was the red and almost pinkish hue of a scar across her brow that told Salett who she was, but Shakja in such haste ignored those small intricacies of a Drjeen who otherwise acted as any youngling.
Salett stood and forced herself to not look over at her friend. “I am sorry princess, but I have lost someone dear to me. She is no longer here and I can no longer speak to her.”
Princess Amanna looked at Salett and then Shakja seeing the immediate link. “She has been banished.”
Salett nodded, tears falling from her face.
“Come, Princess, I must go. I can hear the patrols nearby.”
The princess followed, but as she stepped from the hut’s doorway Salett called out.
“Princess Amanna. If you hear of my friend, please tell her she will survive. She must, so that again I can see her with eyes that are not prohibited.”
Shakja heard the words and took a painful breath fully unfurling her wings and launching herself upward. As she turned toward the bluffs, she saw dozens of patrols and their torches landing at the base of the settlement. The princess quickly followed.
“Where now?” asked the princess.
“I have a place.”
“Is it safe?”
Shakja thought on Salett’s last words, “I believe so. For now.”
“What are you doing?” Aput sat up as the canopy above began to allow light into the otherwise dark forest surrounding the two companions. The wafting smell of charred Rawkta was still full in the surrounding air, yet the remains were no more. Aput looked around and realized most of the camp he’d put together, albeit in poor condition was packed up and except for the Rawkta’s blackened remains and a few of Aput’s engineering works, there was nothing indicating either of the companions had ever been there.
“If I understand, we do not have much time.”
“Well, you are in no condition to fly.”
“Who said we are flying? We must be close enough to the system that we can walk.”
Aput couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Did the Daken-Rider know nothing of the dangers surrounding them? “but, what of the—.”
The spear was soundlessly thrown right up to the point where it brushed one of Aput’s horns. The feel was barely noticeable, but the steely sound pierced his ears only at the moment the sharp blade sped past his ear. He knew then that that was a sound he never wished to hear again, and likely the sound most victims hear just before their fated death.
“If you are afraid, then I only ask that you trust my spear.” Shook followed the path of the spear and retrieved it from a tree behind Aput. “I have been assigned to protect you and see us through this mission. I do not pretend I know the full scope of your mission’s importance, but I do know that if I were assigned, it must be of the utmost. Now come, we must go.”
From above the forest, the canopy appeared to be significantly thicker than it was. Though, Aput was able to appreciate the strange way that Shook was able to navigate the two forward without so much as a tangle of brush or thorns engaging with their bodies and clothes. Aput stayed close behind Shook as ordered. Shook, despite his injuries, kept on at a fast pace, his eyes darting and alert. His ears were at the ready taking in every sound around them. Aput, on the other hand, could hear nothing except the droning hum of the forest, the chatter of insects and the occasional sweet whistles of animals flying above.
“Do you think we’ll come across another Rawkta?” Aput asked.
“I doubt it.” Shook continue to move forward, stepping on top of and then leaping a few lengths from a fallen tree.
“Why do you say that. I hear the run throughout this region.”
“That is true.”
“Then I don’t understand.”
Shook paused and turned to face Aput. “It is true that the Rawkta are all over this region. But they also dwell at night and Drjeen are not their preferred food. They eat rodents, aquatic creatures and anything with soft skin. Their teeth may be sharp for fighting, but not good for chewing the skin of Drjeen. There are only three reasons they would attack us.”
Shook turned and began walking again.
Aput stumbled forward trying to keep up, “Are you not going to tell me?”
“One. We attack the Rawkta and it must fight us. Two. The Rawkta is protecting it's newborn and we stumbled upon its territory, though that is unlikely from the last as it will not breed for another full turn. Three…”
Aput stopped walking as Shook gained another length ahead of him.
“What is three?”
“The Rawkta was sent to assassinate you.”
Aput didn’t follow Shook, stunned by the response. Shook turned and raised a talon. “Don’t dwell on it much. I’m sure we will have far greater dangers than a dead Rawkta and full bellies.”
Shook laughed and as he did something thick untangled itself from a nearby tree and with the same speed as Shook’s thrown spear it grabbed hold of Aput by the neck and ripped him from the ground. Before Shook had time to respond the creature was crashing through the trees and dragging a suffocating Aput behind.
Aput struggled as best as he could but the serpent-like creature was not only fast but had more strength than Aput could imagine. As his gaze came and then dropped into vertigo, Aput tried the only thing he could—stay awake. He couldn’t let the creature take the air from him, despite its success so far. In the distance, Aput could see Shook quickly approaching almost as if he hadn’t been injured at all. The creature, sensing the same, slithered up a tree allowing Aput to dangle and be knocked hard against the sharp bark.
The first jarring thump struck the tree half a length from Aput’s head and grazing the serpent’s oily skin. Aput brushed against one of Shook’s spears as he was pulled upward. The second thump struck the serpent piercing through its skin and into the tree, stopping the creature’s upward movement and relaxing its strength enough for Aput to free himself from the tight grip and fall to the ground.
By the time Aput hit the ground Shook launched himself from a boulder, spear in hand and struck the serpent again. This time, the spear entered the serpent’s head which had com
e down to investigate the spear lodged in its lower half. An orange ooze splattered and collapsed on Aput who tried to dive out of the creature’s blood loss. Shook grabbed his sword and with a single strike decapitated the animal. After retrieving his spears the animal collapsed in full bulk to the ground.
Shook jumped down, landing nearly on top of Aput.
“What in the world is that?” Aput’s hearts were beating so hard he could barely get the words from his mouth.
“I don’t know.” Said Shook. “I’ve never seen one.” Shook looked around, “Come on, I hear water. You can use a bath.”
Aput followed, not nearly as light-hearted as his companion and he couldn’t help but wonder what the life of a Daken-Rider was like to where all of this seemed like a relatively common day.
The waterfall fell from the bluff nearly three-hundred lengths above. Aside from the Tower of the Moons, this was one of the tallest landscapes he’d ever been up close to. Aput was quick to jump in the interestingly warm water and wash himself of the orange stench that covered him.
Shook walked up and sat down on a rocky outcropping near Aput. “Well, should we take a look?”
“At what?” Aput followed Shook’s eyes and could hardly believe what he was seeing. “Do you think that is…” but he let his words drown in the mist of the waterfall. From the bluff was chiseled the ornate tertiary and celestial coordinates that even Aput used in his own readings. Vines and thick lichen created a maze across the facade of the bluff, but in the uninhabited areas that were no doubt that Aput and Shook were sitting at the edge of the ancient caverns.
“So, this is where it all began.” Shook said, raising himself upward and puffing out his chest revealing a regality that Aput hadn’t yet seen. Aput knew the Daken-Rider was special, that he was strong and ideal for this adventure. But it wasn’t until now that Aput realized there was more to Shook; there was royalty in him, whether he knew it or not. “Come, let’s explore.”
Aput flew out of the water and circled below Shook who was already flying up the entrance. He attempted to say something but decided against it. They had some time and the Rider was probably correct. They should explore before heading back. Aput needed to know that not only was this the cavern of the ancients but would they also be able to hold an entire population.
There was no grand entry as one would expect a palace to have and by the time Aput stood along Shook at the top of the cavern entrance, he realized how unassuming the ledge and entry were. Shook had already lit a torch and when Aput landed he said nothing when he stepped into the chamber, although if anything both of them felt the brisk chill of wind pressing against them.
“It is deep with many chambers.” Shook said.
“How can you tell?”
“The breeze comes deep within the bowels where a great river exists. A river far greater than the one above.”
Aput nodded, still not as impressed as he thought he’d be. The two of them moved deeper into the bluff.
“Stop here,” Shook ordered. “I have heard legends. You stay here and don’t move.” Aput listened and by now knew there was no reason to question Shook’s instincts.
Shook took a few more paces forward and then his wings unfurled, and he took a great leap. Aput watched as Shook’s torch kept going farther and farther away. The warrior then turned and sped in a full massive circle around the open expanse of the cavern. Pock-marked into the walls were chiseled caves, like tombs awaiting their fallen. Shook was in flight for what seemed like ages as Aput stared in wonder at the sheer size.
Shook finally landed back near Aput. “I think this will do for whatever it is needed. What say you?”
Aput nodded. “I have no doubt. It is better than I could have ever imagined.”
“It goes on much farther too. This is only the entrance.”
Aput took a deep breath and slowly let it out. He had to calm the excitement of his hearts. If anything, he expected the king to award him in some way. The fate of the Drjeen may have been saved.
Standing on the edge of the outcropping, the mist of the waterfall sprayed the two, keeping them nice and cool in the extreme heat. Both paused to take in the great river below them, only imagining what must lie inside the cavern. But it was the small changes below that Shook realized was far more important.
“Do you see that?” Shook asked.
Aput strained his eyes and it must’ve been the many turns he spent at the telescope that helped him sync into the surrounding area. Below the two, hidden in a mesh of trees and vegetation was a vast city forgotten to time.
Shook went on, “This must’ve been the first city of the ancients.”
“I had no idea it was real.”
Shook couldn’t let his gaze go, “I don’t think anyone did.”
The flight back was a somber one for both Aput and Shook. The sheer magnitude of what they had discovered had them both in awe. While Shook grasped only the bones of what was happening, Aput held both pride and worry at what their next steps would be. Surely, the king and queen would raise his rank and at such a young age the position would be unrivaled. But, the dread of moving an entire population in such a short time the distance that he and Shook had gone seemed immeasurably exhaustive and terrifying. Over and again he attempted to develop a plan of sorts to identify the logistics, but each time he failed. He knew, based on his previous experience with the king and queen that finding the cavern of the ancients wouldn’t be enough. He might actually be tasked with the entire project of moving the Drjeen.
As the two entered the city and landed on the royal palace’s courtyard Shook turned to Aput.
“I believe our mission is complete. It has been a pleasure, my friend.” Shook clasps Aput’s talon reinforcing his strength but in the way of a friend. “I must tend to something so this will be our farewell for now.”
Aput had little to say but Shook understood that there was far more afoot than Aput could tell him. Suddenly horns began to burst and the torch-lit and the quiet courtyard were now erupting. Drjeen patrols filled the courtyard, assembled and quickly flew off.
Shook furled his wings around Aput, uncertain as to what was happening, but understanding a potential need to protect the scientist. After all, the scientist was still under his protection and there had been at least one assassination attempt. The ensuing chaos only gave way to the ease of a second.
Once the patrols had left Aput looked around terrified and then to the stars. “What is happening?”
Shook shrugged, but his eyes just as alert. “I know what you do. That means I must find out.” He leaped for the sky not knowing what was happening but carried with him a sinking feeling of loss.
Aput watched his companion and his mighty wings propel upward until he was out of sight. Aput looked to the stars again, the familiar blue star lingering above and ominously brighter.
Chapter 10
Aput’s time with the royals was short-lived as he was only allowed to confirm that the Cavern of the Ancients was located. It would be the responsibility of Shook to report on additional details. However, as Aput settled in for the first real night of unencumbered sleep the royal palace was busily working to alert the office of superiors and caste leaders who had been complaining of the curious blue star that was seemingly growing in size.
Horax and Neparon sat in the royal audience chamber as their staff quickly prepared the tables below the royal throne. Horax anticipated some pushback from his audience, but he finally did have an answer to their annoying accusations and questions as well as a seemingly positive response.
Neparon reached over to Horax, allowing a talon to scratch his chest scales as a sign of affection. “It will all come to pass soon.”
“Do you think Amanna is safe?”
All signs of this Drjeen Shakja showed that while an independent spirit and quite competent in her duties, she also lacked the traits of the warrior-caste and therefore could not inflict harm on another Drjeen. “She is with one of her own. She is s
afe.”
At this Horax slammed his throne-chair. “One of her own? One of her own, you say. Amanna is to be queen—.”
As always Neparon was quick to console her husband’s impulsive temper. “Not of caste. Of spirit. The caste-system is of our own doing and organization. However, we cannot mettle in the destiny of one’s spirit regardless of how frustrating. Amanna moves to her own will. It may, I hope to be tempered as queen, but as a princess, she has many turns to work toward her royal responsibility.”
Horax’s flared temper flickered away as quickly as it had emerged and just in time as the first of their guests arrived in a long presentation of Jeen leaders.
By the time food was being served Horax stood and unfurled his brilliant wings, snapping them hard in front of his body and creating a booming alert. It was now time for the audience to be addressed.
“My fellow Drjeen,” he began, as Neparon reflected on the audience in front of she and her king. “It has been nearly a quarter of a turn since reports first began to come in regarding a unique blue star. As you all know, the Tower of the Moons was notified and tasked with identifying the star and if there is any threat.”
The audience had quickly quieted as the king stood up and began addressing the chamber. None dared upset an already ill-tempered Drjeen with all the power of Jeen. His words were only a play on the current knowledge, but as Horax spoke he prepared them for his revelation that the growing celestial star was not that at all.
“And why is it growing?” cried out a caste leader in the far of the room, too distant for either the king or the queen to identify.
Immediately the room broke out in anger, quieting the newer caste-leader. Horax snapped his wings again, stopping the royal guard from removing the caste-leader.
“It is a fair question and one I intend on addressing.”
Neparon nodded in Horax’s unusual, yet effective casual response. She was proud of him.
“The blue star is not a star at all. It is an asteroid.”
“But, we have been advised to tell our populations that the star will fade and that it is merely phenomena.” Another more superior caste-leader responded this time without concerns from his peers.