Aegis Rising (6 page)

Akol pulled up three padded wooden stools for them to sit on as his companion served the grilled meat onto the shallow plates in front of the boys. Huyani turned around to grab something from a narrow counter behind her. When she turned back again, the boys saw she was holding some sort of cutlery with an astonishing resemblance to forks and knives. Handing the cutlery to them, she said something, though the boys couldn’t make heads or tails of it. Nor did they really care, what with the scrumptious food staring up at them invitingly. Huyani and Akol dipped their heads at the friends and exited the shelter.

As the boys dug into the delicious, expertly-seasoned meat, Aari asked, “Where in the world are we?” Chomping down into the food, he continued, “This place seems like some sort of getaway haven, but I’m getting the feeling that we’re the only tourists here. Or is that just me?”

“That’s one way to put it,” Jag said. “We’re definitely out of the way
somewhere
. I’m pretty sure this ain’t Dawson Creek, although I’m getting that northern Canada feeling.”

“I want to know where my dad is,” Kody put in. “I’d feel better having him around.”

“Don’t forget the girls,” added Jag, chewing his steak. “We need to find them too.”

They finished their meal in silence after that. As they sat leaning with their backs against the counter and drank from their cups, Akol and Huyani came back in.

“Oh, joy,” Kody muttered. “I’m hurting again. Not as badly as before, but still.” He rubbed his temples and closed his eyes.

Huyani clucked her tongue and grabbed a bowl sitting on the far side of the counter. She dipped her hand into it. When she withdrew her hand, greenish-brown goop dripped from her fingers and she waved them at the boys. The trio leaned back with disgusted looks on their faces.

Behind them, Akol hooted with hilarity. Huyani’s lips twitched as she tried to control her own amusement. Walking around the counter to Kody, she raised her messy fingers to his face. Kody eyed her and jumped off his stool, cringing as his aches started to throb again. Huyani raised an eyebrow and took a step toward him. Before Kody could move again, she reached out and dabbed the cuts on his face with the goop. Kody grimaced but stayed still as she applied the mud-like sludge, then ministered to the other two boys.

As the night rolled on, Akol stood up to stretch. He and Huyani were both enjoying their first proper interaction with the boys. He yawned and looked out the window, noting the setting moon.

Jag followed his gaze and realized it was time to leave. He was about to stand up as well when he saw that Aari and Kody were oblivious to the world and were being sweet around Huyani. He kicked their legs discreetly under the counter and the two were yanked back to reality.

Smiling, Akol led the friends out of Huyani’s shelter and brought them back to their own. Thanking him, the trio ducked into the shelter and, though it hurt, flopped down on their sleeping bags, weary in both body and mind. They really wanted to find the girls but were too exhausted to remain awake any longer, and fell asleep within moments.

7

A
soft blanket of mist lifted from the valley as dawn crept in to announce a new day. A glow of daylight gently rolled down the slopes of the mountains that bordered the snugly-nestled village. Birds began their early morning choir as they spread their wings and flew from branch to branch. Somewhere in the trees, a young fox barked excitedly as it spotted a shrew.

As the sun climbed over the snow-capped peaks that guarded the hidden valley, its rays shimmered on the surface of a slender river that meandered through the entire length of the village, neatly dividing it in two. Dotting the northern bank were an assortment of
neyra
, cabin-like shelters that were mostly five-sided and housed about seven hundred inhabitants of the valley.

Nageau rolled out of his bed and stretched easily. Entering the kitchen, he found his mate already catering their morning meal. She looked up and gave him a big smile. Warmly greeting him, Tikina said, “First-light meal is almost ready.”

“Many thanks,” Nageau replied, giving her a quick hug. “I will join you in a moment. Do not wait for me.”

Tikina nodded and watched as he threw on his cloak and strode out of their
neyra
. Outside, Nageau paused and looked around. His people were already roused from their sleep, and as he passed them, they acknowledged him in equal measures of respect and friendliness.

A sheep trotted by, bleating, and nudged Nageau’s leg. The Elder looked down with a smile and patted the animal’s head fondly. Some of the barn animals often roamed freely around the southern side of the valley during the day, then instinctively returned to the barn at night.

As he scratched the sheep’s fleece, his only offspring, a woman of thirty-eight summers, spotted him and walked swiftly over. She gave him a quick peck on the cheek as the sheep trotted off.

“Father, may I assist you in something?” she asked. Nageau beamed at her and ruffled her hair as he’d always done since she was a child.

“Actually, I heard that Huyani has done a wonderful job tending the injured ones,” he said, adding, “I need to remind her that the Elders are expecting to hear from her about the five today.”

“I will take care of that. When are you holding the meeting?”

“At quarter-morn.”

“Then I must get to her right away.” She embraced her father then twirled around and walked briskly to Huyani’s
neyra
. Nageau watched as she poked her head in, then turned and retraced his steps. Back inside his home, he and Tikina had a warm meal of poached eggs, flax seed bread and goat’s milk.

“Will Huyani come to the meeting to enlighten us on the five?” Tikina enquired.

Nageau nodded and continued chewing on the last portion of his breakfast. They drank down the milk and headed out along the winding path adjacent to the river. It led them to the western end of the village where the Elders’ assembly shelter was located. They found Saiyu and Ashack already there. The couple looked up and Ashack’s usually guarded features broke into the slightest of smiles. “It looks like Tayoka is the last to arrive . . . again.”

“I am here, I am here!” The four turned to the source of the voice. A slim figure with a headful of bright red hair was running towards them, so fast he was almost a blur.

“Tayoka, how nice of you to join us.” Nageau’s face cracked into a grin at the approaching Elder.

Tayoka darted through the open door and pulled up beside Tikina, not at all out of breath. “Good morning, everyone.” He gave the other Elders a sheepish look. “I apologize for being a little late. I am not as quick as I used to be.”

Tikina warmly squeezed his shoulder and said, “Good morning to you too.” She smiled. “You may have the speed of lightning, but age does eventually catch up with us. Or perhaps you are simply becoming lazy.”

Tikina, Saiyu, Nageau and Ashack laughed at the youngest Elder’s indignant expression. Saiyu had already started a small fire in the pit at the center of the room. They sat around it, relaxed and prepared to commence the meeting.

Nageau cleared his throat. “Have we come up with anything?”

Tayoka shook his head. “On my part, I am afraid not.”

Saiyu peered at Nageau as she readjusted the bracelets on her arm. “What about you, Nageau?”

“I had many whirling thoughts, though none were concrete,” Nageau replied glumly.

“I slept soundly,” Ashack said. Not wanting to appear smug, he continued, “But Saiyu and I agreed with Tikina’s proposal that we meet with our guests as soon as possible.”

Tikina spoke up, keeping her gaze on the fire. “By meeting face-to-face with them, we may be able to unlock some of the mysteries of the prophecy.”

Nageau nodded slowly. “Agreed. Huyani is coming to brief us on the progress the five are making health-wise. We can ask her about her encounters with them as we prepare to meet them.”

Just as he spoke, the door opened and a beam of light flashed into the
neyra
. A second later, Huyani stepped in. She bowed to the Elders.

“Elder Nageau,” she said formally. “Am I disrupting?”

Nageau smiled broadly. “No, not at all, Granddaughter.” He patted the space between him and Tikina on the low wooden bench. “In fact, we are just about ready to hear what you have observed.”

“There is a lot to share,” Huyani said, taking her place between her grandparents.

Saiyu folded her arms on her lap. “We are most interested.”

“Well, if you are all comfortable, then I shall begin.”

The Elders nodded in unison, and Huyani began reciting her observations.

8

T
egan slowly came to and cracked open an eye. As she glanced about, the first thought on her mind was,
Where am I?
She saw Mariah lying on her back inside a sleeping bag and felt relieved that she wasn’t alone.

She gently shook her friend. “Mariah.” When she didn’t stir, Tegan shook her harder. “Get up already!”

“Mmh . . .”

Tegan rolled her eyes. “Wake up or I’ll let Kody at you.”

Mariah bolted upright. “Don’t you dare!” She looked around, her eyes settling lastly on Tegan. She was not amused. “Kody’s not even here.”

“Works every time,” Tegan said with a tired smile. She pushed her hair back, letting the ash-brown layers cascade over her shoulders, then winced when she felt a sharp pain in her shoulder.

Mariah scratched her head. “Where are we?”

“I don’t know. The guys aren’t here, and it looks like we’re inside some sort of cabin.” Tegan peered into her sleeping bag, then at Mariah. “Who changed me out of my sweatpants and into a robe?!”

Surprised, Mariah pulled down her sleeping bag. “Um . . . I’m wearing one too.”

“I’d like to know how.”

“Let’s get out and find the guys first.”

“Good idea. Hopefully they know what’s going on.” As an afterthought, Tegan added quietly, “I hope they’re okay.” She got out of her sleeping bag, feeling stiff and uncomfortable. She took a few breaths, then headed toward the small cabin’s door with Mariah right behind.

Tegan cautiously opened the door and they both instantly shrank from the harsh light that struck them.

Tegan shut her eyes firmly. Flashes of orange, yellow and black danced within her closed eyelids. Mariah was no better and muttered, “That was awful.”

“I know, but we need to get out of here if we want to find the guys.” Tegan turned back to the door and squinted. “Come on.”

They took a few steps out and stared, open-mouthed. Surrounding them were majestic mountains adorned with snow-capped tips. As the sun bounced off the icy peaks, the light made a dazzling glow around the mountains, like a halo encircling them.

Midway down the mountain, pine trees filled the landscape, growing denser as they approached the turquoise river at the base. Woven between the tree line and dotting the banks of the river were many other shelters of various sizes.

As they scanned the structures cautiously, they spied one in between the trees not too far from where they stood. It looked identical to the shelter they’d been in. Exchanging inquisitive glances, Mariah asked, “Looks just like ours—you think . . . ?”

Tegan gave a hesitant nod, and they headed that way in anticipation.

A mound of bushes and shrubs rose in their path as they drew nearer. As they brushed past some ferns, Tegan’s keen ears picked up a rustling sound. She stopped abruptly, swept a restraining hand in front of Mariah, and spun around.

Before she could hiss a warning, a golden-brown creature, about three times the size of a domestic house cat, sprang over them. It landed silently on its huge padded paws and turned to face the girls. Taken aback, it took the two a few moments to register that they were looking at a lynx. They eyed the wildcat in disbelief. It stared right back with something more than just feline intelligence. Was it . . . amusement? It had an almost human quality that sent shudders up the girls’ spines. Sitting back on its haunches and blocking their path, it appeared that the lynx wasn’t going to leave. It gazed at them, licking a claw, then leapt into the trees and disappeared.

A few heartbeats later, Mariah looked at Tegan with an air of incredulity and delayed fright. “Was that really a lynx?”

“Yeah.” Tegan glanced back at where the cat had been to make sure the animal was no longer there. She didn’t know what to make of that little incident. “That was really weird. Did you notice how it looked at us?”

Mariah shivered and nodded. Trying to push the encounter from their minds, they continued on. After weaving their way through a stand of fir, they came into full view of the shelter.

A mixture of anxiety and anticipation arose in the pit of their stomachs as they increased their pace. Questions were raging in their minds:
Are the guys inside? Are they injured? What do we do if they’re not there?
They didn’t dare wonder who might be inside if the boys weren’t.

As they closed in on the shelter, they slowed down and lowered instinctively into a crouch. Not wishing to startle the occupants—whomever they were—the two treaded quietly over the uneven ground. To their chagrin, Mariah tripped over an exposed root and, with a muted cry, almost fell on her face. With quick reflexes, Tegan grabbed her friend’s arm before the impact. At that exact moment, the door flew open and a tall figure stepped out from the shelter. The girls froze.

The figure turned back to the opened door, and with a husky voice the girls knew all too well, called out impatiently, “Hey, boneheads! Get your butts out of there—we gotta find the girls!”

Kody and Aari stepped out of the shelter, blinking sleep from their eyes. Tegan and Mariah looked at each other with joy. Shrieking, the two charged as fast as their robes allowed and flung themselves at their bewildered friends. Hollering in delight, Jag hugged them both fiercely, Aari and Kody following suit.

Minutes lapsed as the friends reunited with strangling bear hugs and cries of happiness. As they settled down, Aari stepped back and observed the robes the two girls were wearing with amusement. “Nice threads,” he grinned. Mariah bowed at the praise, and was brushed into yet another bear hug from Kody. She grimaced good-naturedly.