Epigraph

Sweetness in the Sun, the bath of light.

 

Warm is its embrace.

 

The World burned, and now is cold.

 

From the ashes, risen are my children.

 

Come to me, my cold-blooded.

 

Man is dead. They are passed.

 

We are the future, my cold-blooded.

 

Slither, crawl or fly. The time is nigh.

 

Come to me, my cold-blooded.

 

    ~Song of the Cold-Blooded~

Chapter 1: New Life

Three whole months of bliss, Tarin and I together, running free through the Old World. So far, this had been the best time of my life. I did volunteer work often, always willing to help grow the community of Springwell. I loved this place, and now called it home. After everything that happened to me, my torture in a secret research facility, the death of my parents, and having to come to terms with being a Wylder. I needed this place, a safe haven from the troubles of the world. It suited me.

 

Nearby Nashboro started opening their closed minds as well. Wylder were no longer being forced out of the city and sent to us. They were given a choice, and though most elected to move to Springwell, a handful chose to stay with their families. Bobby was on the council, or Sir Andrew as they had started calling him. The open line of communication between our two towns created more opportunities; trade began as well between the two communities, and talks were going on about letting Wylder children born in Springwell attend the schools in Nashboro.

 

Today I stood, hand in hand with Tarin, at the graves of my parents. Simple hand carved stone grave markers stood out in stark contrast to the dark cold dirt. Cold snowflakes settled on my nose, I gave a slight shudder in response. A sad smile on my face as I knelt and laid a hand on each tombstone. “I miss you guys, and I think about you all the time. I thought you’d like to know Nashboro has started opening up its borders to us.”

 

I sniffled a little, Tarin hugged me from behind. He always knew how to reassure me. I turned, letting him wrap me in his warm embrace. “I won’t ever let something like that happen again.”

 

“I know, and I’ll always have your back. No running off alone on suicide missions.”

 

“Ok.” I said.

 

“You promise?”

 

“Yes, I promise.”

 

“Good, cause chasing you down is tiring.”

 

I laughed, and pushed him away. I ran towards the tree line, letting myself slip into my graceful leopard form. It came natural now, after a bit of practice. Within moments, I disappeared into the woods, a blur of fur in the chill January snow. I leapt over fallen brush; small drifts of snow floated through the air in my wake. Instincts kicked in, adrenaline pumped faster with each beat of my heart as I raced to leave him behind. Over the sound of my racing heart, I heard the steady thumping of paws hitting ground as Tarin tore through the woods to catch me.

 

It took no time to clear the woods just outside of Springwell. I burst forth from the trees into the outskirts of the town, Tarin fast on my heels. A few townsfolk glanced up from their work as we thundered past. I’m sure we made quite a sight. Two larger than life leopards rushed through the snow, hot breath steaming in the cold air.

 

Tarin leapt, trying to pounce on me mid stride. I twisted, using my smaller graceful body to turn at the last second and duck into an alley. I gave a glance back; he hit the ground hard on the miss and skidded in the snow several feet. I didn’t wait, instead I pounded harder, and reached the run down house Cami, Dhamon and I now shared. I slipped back into my human form and skipped through the door, gave it a harsh slam of triumph and collapsed giggling onto the couch. Cami rushed in at the commotion, looked around and saw me. She rolled her eyes and went back to the kitchen.

 

The door flew open, and a wet Tarin came in. He scrunched his nose at me, and dove at me on the couch. I rolled to the left, and hopped up heading for the kitchen. I enjoyed playing with Tarin. I skidded to a stop, and held up a hand to halt Tarin. I walked into a solemn atmosphere. Cami and Dhamon sat at the table with Binala. I wondered what she was doing here.

 

“What’s going on?” I asked.

 

Cami and Dhamon looked at us, then back to Binala. She burst into tears. My concern grew; I took Tarin’s hand, drug him across the room to join the small circle of friends.

 

“Someone wanna fill us in?” I asked.

 

“About a month ago Rees started having strange dreams. I didn’t think anything about it at the time.”

 

“So this is about bad dreams?”

 

“At first it was just dreams. Then he started acting strange. He’d go all distant randomly and start talking to himself. Or at least I thought he was talking to himself, now I’m not so sure.”

 

“Ok? So do we need to check on him? Have an intervention or something?” I asked.

 

She started crying harder, “I don’t think that will help. Rees is gone.”

Chapter 2: Wyld Song

 

We spent the day scouring the countryside. We picked up Rees’ scent, headed in a southwestern direction. We followed it for several miles, before it vanished. We tried hard to pick it back up, and failed.

 

“Well I’m lost.” I said.

 

“You’re not the only one. How does something like Rees just vanish?” Tarin said.

 

“Aren’t you guys supposed to be expert trackers? Could he have pulled some trick to throw us off?” Dhamon asked.

 

“I’ve tested all the tricks I know to throw off a scent. He didn’t backtrack, or hit any water. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he grew wings and flew off.” Tarin said.

 

My shoulders slumped in disappointment. I didn’t want to return to Springwell without news for Binala. I sat on an overturned tree. “How else could we track him?”

 

“Umm, well. I guess we could see if Bobby, or perhaps someone else that can fly could scour the air for him. I mean, unless you know some magical means of conjuring up someone.” Tarin said.

 

Dhamon stopped, and tapped his foot. I almost laughed. Nali, still trapped within his soul had decided to put in her thoughts. We waited a few minutes for their inner dialogue to cease.

 

“Well?” I asked.

 

“Nali think we should go see Aeolia.” He said.

 

“Why would she be able to help?”

 

“She knew where you were. When you ran off to Nashboro, how do you think the Wylder found you? Nali says she has a natural attunement with the Wylder. If anyone can help it will be her.”

 

“Fine. Let’s go see her then.”

 

The trip back to Springwell took to long. Dhamon slowed us down. Tarin offered to give him a ride on his back, but he declined. The look on his face surprised me, a mixture of pride and fear. To make matters worse, the snow picked up, suffocating the land in its cold embrace. I shrugged it off as we entered town, giving myself a good shake to dislodge the flakes from my body, before I shifted back to my human form. The sensation of the change lingered, I never grew tired of it.

 

Aeolia, I learned, isn’t a Wylder. Bobby couldn’t explain her origins. He only guessed. He told me that she is some kind of spirit, or nature being perhaps. The things he knew for sure; she’s powerful, and anchored to Springwell or at least the earth Springwell is on. Her power comes from it, which is why the further she moves from it, the weaker she gets. I hoped she would be able to point us in the right direction. Rees and Binala helped me when I needed it the most, and I’d be damned if I didn’t return the favor. What are friends for after all?

 

I walked through the town, headed for the center. I figured the easiest place to talk to Aeolia would be there. It’s where she zaps us to when she does her teleport trick.

 

“Aeolia?” I asked.

 

I stood there, waited, glanced around. She sure is taking her sweet time I thought. I grew frustrated; every minute, unknown terrible things could’ve befallen Rees. I didn’t want to wait.

 

“Yes, He’s gone.”

 

I turned to find the voice. Empty air greeted me. “Aeolia?”

 

“He’s passed beyond my realm. The song called to him, and he went.”

 

“Went where? What song? You’re not making any sense.”

 

“Only they can hear the song. I hear only faint whispers of it.” She said.

 

“This song, where does it come from?”

 

“Far to the southwest. A harsh land, with the mistress that sings to them.”

 

“She sings to them? Who is she? Who is she singing to?” I asked.

 

“The Cold-Blooded.”

 

I gathered my friends to me. We all sat together in the house. Tarin, Binala, Cami, Dhamon, as well as a few others showed up as well. With everything going on between Springwell and Nashboro, I didn’t want to bother Bobby with our current dilemma. Better to leave him out of it to deal with any problems that arose here.

 

“So here’s the deal. Rees has gone missing, and Aeolia is giving off some creepy cryptic vibes about it.”

 

“Why should we trust her? Honestly, that thing scares the crap out of me.” Feldmond said.

 

“It doesn’t matter. Aeolia’s got the towns best interest at heart. We all know this. And, she has never steered us wrong before.” Cami said.

 

“So? What are we waiting for? Lets get going, find this place, find Rees, and maybe kick some ass.” Gloria chimed in.

 

I laughed. Gloria lived for a good fight, thrived on the thrill of battle. My friends would follow me, into the depths of hell. It gladdened my heart. I paced the room for a few minutes. In the end, we couldn’t take everyone, to many uncertainties in the future for us to leave Springwell. We decided that we would keep the group small, and tell no one we were leaving. Of course, everyone would know within hours of our departure, but that couldn’t be helped. Tarin, myself, Gloria and Binala would go. Cami protested this decision. She wanted to be there. She still owed me, and as my best friend didn’t want to be left behind. Despite their status as Wylder, or complicated, as I would put it, Tarin voiced logic that they would slow us down in the Old World. So with reluctance, they agreed to stay behind. All that decided, we parted ways for the night, agreeing we would leave at first light.

Chapter 3: Badlands of the Old World

We left in the morning. The sun just started waking, climbing, it still hung below the horizon. The pink orange glow of light signified the beginning of its ascent. We packed little. Our Wylder forms required nothing. We would live off the land with ease; hunt when hungry, sleep when tired. I relished the idea of travel. I grew up in Nashboro, and desired to see more of the world beyond.

 

We traveled much of the day. We stopped twice to rest, and eat a small meal to keep our energy up. What little we did bring, Binala carried in a large pack, slung over her massive frame. Any other time, I would’ve laughed at the sight of a huge bear wearing a backpack.

 

By noon we passed the spot Rees’ trail went cold. A cold barren hilltop overlooked the area, and I gazed down over it while we waited for Binala to catch up. An eerie vibe echoed up from the valley. I perched, overlooking the area. A whisper in the wind, then it disappeared.

 

The snow started melting after noon. The slushy mess worked its way in-between my paws before melting. We thudded along the countryside. Most of the land southwest of Springwell consisted of overgrown farmlands interspaced with patches of light forest. Depressed, that’s how the land looked. Locked in the grip of winter, the trees bare of greenery. Twisted brown grasses, weighed flat under the snow cover. Ivy hung limp and lifeless from trees. It carried a despairing beauty to it all; the hibernation of life as it waited for spring.

 

As evening approached, we entered an enormous expanse of dense forest. We navigated the thick woods as best we could, but were slowed by Binala’s massive size. As the sun stooped lower and lower towards the horizon, the angled light started casting odd shadows through the trees. Small shadows danced in fickle patterns around us.

 

“Maybe we should stop for the night?” Gloria said.

 

I shifted to normal and leaned against a tree, “Gloria’s right, it’s getting late, we should probably stop for the night. I’m hungry anyway.”

 

Tarin circled back, returned to his normal form as well, “You’re always hungry.” He teased.

 

I rolled my eyes at him, “This place looks as good as any. Besides, Binala looks like she could use a break.”

 

“I’m fine.” A gruff raspy voice thundered from somewhere in the trees. Her dark fur camouflaged her well in the fading light. She crashed through the trees, and made a lot of noise as she broke and crushed brush.

 

“Look, I know you want to find Rees, but running yourself into the ground isn’t going to get us there any faster. We need a good nights rest, and some dinner. Which I will be happy to go hunt down.” I said.

 

Binala crashed to the ground, didn’t bother to shift back to normal or protest further. She grumbled at no one as she slid the pack from her shoulders, and let it hit the ground with a resounding thud. She then moved to a nearby tree and started using the tree as an oversized back scratcher.

 

“I’ll get a fire going. Unless you two want me to go hunting?” Gloria said.

 

“No I think Tarin and I can handle it. Two cats on the prowl.” I said.

 

Tarin groaned, and I grinned. I knew how much it infuriated him to be compared to a house cat. I walked off into the woods; Tarin would of course follow me. Together we headed into the deep shadows of the woods in search of food, leaving Gloria and Binala behind to setup our makeshift camp.

 

We shifted as we moved through the dense forest. Our superior senses picked up the trail of a deer. I relished in the smell, letting it waft through me. I salivated, the human side of my brain recoiled, but I pushed it aside. Behind me, Tarin stalked in unison of body and mind that excited me. Step for step he followed, our padded feet silent on the snow packed ground.

 

Before long, a large white-tailed doe came into view. Its head buried in thick brush, foraging for meal. I started forward, inch-by-inch, and used what trees and shrubs I could for cover. I never looked back; Tarin circled our prey from the other side. Once I found a good covered position I waited, ready to pounce. The call came from the opposite side of the doe. It’s head jerked to the sound, startled. It turned to run, my legs twitched in anticipation, muscles vibrated, tense as a spring, ready to fire off.

 

It never moved. It grew calm again, settled its head back into the shrubbery and continued eating. A noise echoed around me, loud, booming. It startled me from my confusion and I turned, ready to face whatever came crashing through the woods at us.

 

“What the hell are you doing in my woods?” A voice thundered.

 

I cowered for a moment as it appeared. A huge man, the largest I’d ever seen broke through the growth into view. His stature surprised me, very few people were bigger than Binala, and this man stood a good foot taller than her. My eyes easily pierced the darkness. He looked naked, until I realized his entire body was covered in a fine thin layer of fur. I gazed up from my crouched position and shrank back further, he bore massive stag horns, fourteen points in all.

Chapter 4: Stag Wood

Fight or flight kicked in. Should I run or go for the throat? My mind jumped back to the blood already on my hands. Mrs. Davenport’s lifeless eyes stared at me. Blood trickled from my fingertips. No, not again. Not if I could help it. I slid to my human form, and wagered that discourse was the better answer.

 

“Who are you?”

 

“I think the intruder should identify herself first don’t you.” He said

 

“I’m Eliza Blayne.”

 

“Well Eliza, I’m Horace. Now, I ask you again. What are you doing in my forest?”

 

“We didn’t know these woods were claimed. We were just hungry.”

 

His expression softened, “That I can understand. We all hunger, but what is it that you hunger for?”

 

I arched an eyebrow; the question took me by surprise. What did I hunger for? I glanced in Tarin’s direction without thinking. Then back in the direction of our camp, I feared for them as well. Then my gaze went to the darkness, Rees jumped unbidden to my mind. That’s why I came, for him. I shook my head, and refused to put words to my conflicted thoughts.

 

“Dinner.” I said and licked my lips. My gaze went unbidden back to the doe, which stood nearby ignoring us all.

 

“I think dinner can be arranged. I assume that those two beasts are your friends as well?”

 

“Binala and Gloria? Yeah they’re with us.”

 

“The large one, the bear. She is quite noisy, tromping through my woods.”

 

“Sorry about that.” I said.

 

He shrugged, “Let’s go then, and tell your boyfriend to come along.”

 

Tarin slipped from the shadows. He was still in his leopard form. I figured he was waiting to spring into action, if things had looked ugly for me. I smiled; he always looked out for me, even when I didn’t ask. Together, the three of us walked back to our makeshift camp. Gloria stacked wood near a roaring fire. Binala sat nearby, absorbed in the flickering flames until she heard us. She looked up, a wave of disappointment crossed her face at the lack of food; then perked up when she noticed we had extra company. That’s Binala for you, always suspicious. No wonder her and Rees hit it off so well. She started to get to her feet, ready for action, but stopped when I shook my head. No need to get our guest riled up.

 

“Where is dinner?” Gloria looked disappointed.

 

“We ran into some difficulties.” I motioned to our guest.

 

“Greetings, I’m Horace.”

 

They looked shaken by his odd stag head. I found it comical, Wylder being weirded out by another Wylder. I moved to the fire and started warming myself. This late January weather was terrible without the warm fur of my Leopard form. My shadow flickered against the darkened woods.

 

“Horace, this is Binala and Gloria.”

 

He bowed, “A pleasure. I hear ya’ll are in need of dinner.” He pulled a small horn from his side and blew into it. The sound echoed through the forest. He put it away before he settled himself on a log.

 

Alarms went off in my head, had he summoned help? Were we in danger? I hoped not. A few minutes later, the brush stirred, and several creatures emerged from the darkness. At first, I assumed they were Wylder, but changed my mind. They were simple creatures, natures own, somehow bidden to do Horace’s will. They brought with them delectable fruits, gathered from places unknown within the wood, and laid it all at the feet of their master. As soon as they dropped their cargo, they scurried off back into the darkness.

 

“Why does the wildlife obey you?” Binala asked.

 

He shrugged, “I have a special relationship with this forest and those that live within. That’s how I knew ya’ll were here, my friends told me. Not that I needed it, your friend Binala was making enough noise to alert everything within fifty miles of ya’ll.”

 

We passed out the fruit, and started eating. I would have preferred meat, but nature’s bounty filled our bellies. I was surprised at the variety of food considering the time of year, but decided not to ask.

 

“I’m sure ya’ll have plenty of questions, but for now, eat and rest. Tomorrow I will return and we can discuss things. I have other matters to attend to this evening that aren’t as pleasant as ya’ll.” Horace said.

 

He stood and stretched. His form melted before us, and was replaced by an enormous white stag. I could’ve sworn he smiled at us, before he zipped off into the woods.

 

“Does anyone else think Horace seems a bit off?” Tarin asked.

 

Gloria laughed, “Yeah, but then again, what do you expect? We are out here roaming the countryside in wild territory unknown even to us. You should probably be glad that he is the weirdest thing we’ve run into.”

 

I stared at the fire, and my thoughts turned to Aeolia’s strange talk about the song that called the cold-blooded. I wondered if Horace could tell us anything about her. I tossed an apple core into the fire, and the fragrance of apple wafted through the air. All these strange folk I’d met. Not long ago, I would have thought all this complete nonsense. How the world changes.

Chapter 5: Fitful Nights, Wylder days.

I awoke to a strange crackle. Night blanketed me still, and the fire burned low. Blurriness affected my vision. I blinked, thinking myself still half asleep. The haze never faltered. A ripple of sensation traveled across my skin, something neared us. I moved to shout the danger to my companions, and couldn’t find my voice. Tarin shifted in his sleep, unaware of any unusual activity.

 

The fire hissed, and poured heavy smoke from the dieing embers. A smoky translucent form of a woman took shape. To my surprise, it resembled Aeolia. It couldn’t be her, we traveled to far from Springwell, to far outside her center of power. The figure floated towards me, and hovered just above my face. I should be terrified, but instead calmness descended over me. She leaned in and kissed me on the forehead and darkness took me.

 

I found myself on the edge of a cliff, propped up against a tree overlooking a vast ruined city. Small curls of smoke drifted up into the air from various spots across the place. I didn’t recognize the city, but the woods looked familiar.

 

“Sorry, we needed to have a chat away from prying ears.” A voice said.

 

I recognized it, “Horace?” I said, and turned around searching for the voice.

 

He emerged from the woods, and took a place near me, leaning, arms crossed, against a tree. “You don’t seem to astonished to see me.”

 

“I’ve encountered so much weird lately. So no, I guess I’m not. Where are we? Is this a dream?”

 

“No this place is quite real. Challanda used her magic to bring you here, but her abilities only work within my woods.”

 

“So she is like Aeolia.” I said.

 

“Aeolia?”

 

“We have a spirit in Springwell, like Challanda I guess. She seems, centered and can only use her powers near it.”

 

Horace pondered this a moment, “ Interesting. We are at the southwestern edge of my domain. A day or so from where you and your friends are.”

 

“And that place?”

 

“Is called Memphi. It is a forlorn place of impoverished humans and Wylder. They live in two factions, which are in a ceaseless war against each other. I recommend you avoid the place, and it is not why I brought you here.”

 

“It’s about the song isn’t it?”

 

“So you’ve heard it then?”

 

I shook my head, “Not directly. Aeolia told me about it. My friend Rees apparently did hear it, and ran off. That’s why we’re out here, searching for him.”

 

“I see. Well beyond Memphi, there is a river. Do you see it?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“If you follow the river to where it ends, you will find her domain.”

 

“Who is she? Do you know? Aeolia could tell us so little. Why does she sing to them, the cold-blooded?”

 

“I don’t know much myself.” He turned to me, his expression grew grim. “She is powerful though, and Old. Not all strange things are Wylder. Whatever she is, she is far older and more powerful. Apparently her song’s reach continues to grow. It was only two months ago that it reached my woods. Within days the few here were gone.”

 

“What few?”

 

“The Cold-Blooded. Lizards, Reptiles, whatever you want to call them. The Wylder whose blood runs cold answer to her song. I don’t know what waits in her domain, or why she is calling them, but I urge you to turn back.”

 

I sighed and turned away from him, “I can’t. I owe Rees my life. I have to help him if I can. I have to at least try.”

 

“I figured as much, you seem the stubborn type. I will do what I can, but can offer no assistance beyond the woods.” He stood and dissolved into the depths of the wood.

 

I watched him until he vanished from my sight, then turned back to the city. Wylder and Humans at war. Why am I not surprised? Will always be like this? Are we simply destined to be at odds with one another? Surely there is a better way. A profound drowsiness settled on me, and I blinked heavy eyelids trying to stay awake. I failed. 

 

Chirp chirp chirp. The sound the awakened me. It grated my nerves and I cringed. “Just five more minutes.” I said.

 

Blinding light bled through my eyelids, and startled me awake. Oh yeah, we’re in the wilderness. I sat up, stunned to silence. Everyone was still there, but we moved. I climbed up from my bag, unable to remember anything past the conversation between Horace and I.

 

How did I get back to camp? How did we get moved from our campsite? Ugh, why am I always questioning myself? “Challanda.” I yelled when it hit me.

 

This woke everyone up, and they all shot out of their bags like rockets. It took them a few minutes longer to realize we weren’t at our original camp.

 

I shrugged off their concerned looks, “It was Challanda, a sprit like Aeolia. She must have moved us. Though, I’ve no idea why. Best thing to do is pack up and keep moving.”

 

I didn’t want to tell them about our conversation last night, but I guessed wherever we were this was Horace’s attempt at help. I tugged my pack on, and got ready to explore our new surroundings. My pack felt heavier, so I opened it. A bright red apple fell out. Now I was sure Horace and Challanda had done this. We were stocked with provisions for the road.

 

“Whoa, where’d all this food come from?” Gloria said.

 

I rolled my eyes, knowing I couldn’t keep it from them, “Umm, well Challanda kinda fetched me last night. To talk to Horace.”

 

Tarin eyed unsure, “Why not all of us?”

 

I shrugged, “Honestly no idea.”

 

“What did ya’ll talk about?” He asked.

 

“Not a lot. He doesn’t know much about this songstress either. He tried to get me to go back to Springwell. I refused, and he told me how to get to her realm.”

 

“And How’s that?” Binala added.

 

“We travel southwest, to a town called Memphi. There is a river there and we just have to follow it till it ends.”

“Sounds simple enough. Is the town inhabited?”

 

“Umm, well that’s the complicated part. Horace said we should avoid the town if we can, Seems the Wylder and Humans there are at war with each other.”

 

Gloria shrugged, “So lets just around. Easy enough.”

 

I gave her a cross look, “And what if someone in a position to help had said the same thing about Nashboro and Springwell?”

 

“We don’t have time to go gallivanting around some half destroyed city to stop a war. What about Rees?” Binala asked.

 

“Yeah, what if I hadn’t ran off to look for Cami? Rees wouldn’t have been rescued and you would have never met him.”

 

Binala looked at me, the words of a response dieing to escape her, but she just glared at me before sighing in defeat. She knew I was right. She pulled the straps of the heavy pack over her shoulders, and trudged off towards the southwest. The other’s moved off to follow her.

 

I stopped a moment and stared back into the woods. “Thanks Horace.”

 

We walked then, deeper into the woods. It felt odd though, the woods thinned out as we went, instead of growing thicker. Soon I realized why. Binala halted, then the others, and I moved up to see what the holdup was. I stopped in my tracks, at the edge of a cliff. The same cliff I stood on the night before. Horace had moved us countless miles closer to our destination, or I guess Challanda had. Faint curls of smoke drifted up from the half ruined city below, and I made up my mind.

Chapter 6: Outskirts of Memphi

Turned out, Memphi was still farther off than we thought. It took nearly a week to get there from the ridge Horace deposited us on. Still, despite the rugged terrain and the bitter January weather, we made steady progress. Stopping only after darkness started to fall. We camped and ate, which made it feel more like a vacation to me than a rescue mission. Still, the thought always hovered in the back of my mind. Except this particular night, as we neared Memphi, Tarin’s paranoia grew.

 

“What the hell do you mean we can’t have a fire?” I said.

 

“We’re to close to the city. If they really are at war with each other, then we don’t want to throw up smoke signals for them.” He said.

 

“I don’t give a crap. Do you not feel how cold it is out here?”

 

He grinned, “We can always cuddle for warmth.”

 

Oh, he thinks he’s smooth. “Or I could just use both our sleeping bags and you can sleep out in the cold. Since, obviously it doesn’t bother you.”

 

His grin stayed strong, “Okay, but if anything shows up. I expect you to protect me.”

 

“I’m sure if anything comes from the city, we are capable of handling ourselves. Right ladies?”

 

Several grunts of approval followed. I stacked the wood in a tepee formation, and used kindling to get a good core heat started. Soon a fire burst to life, and shed warmth throughout us. We gathered around it, savored the exquisite flames. Now that we roamed past Horace’s lands, we felt safer hunting. So the day prior we caught a large doe, the remains of which we packed into small containers in our bags. Now that our bodies were warm, we pulled out a pot, which we filled from a water skin and started making a deer stew. We added some of the provisions given to us by Horace and before long a smell of garlic and herbed meat wafted through the air. It made my mouth water. I could imagine the succulent warmth of it in my stomach.

 

I filled a small wooden bowl with the stew and retreated a few steps away from the fire. I sat on a small overturned tree, away from the others. I wanted time to sit and think. I huffed as steam rose from the bowl. I looked over at Tarin and he smiled like an idiot at me.

 

He thinks this is just some pleasure trip and doesn’t take it serious. It’s life or death for Rees though, and what about the factions in Memphi. I sighed, and began eating. Was I really going to do it again? Of course I am. Who else is going to do it if not me. The people in Memphi have families just like I used to. I shook my head at myself. You shouldn’t get involved. We’ve got other things to do. No. The execution of my family and others came unbidden to my mind. No is right, and that’s what you’re going to do. What’s right.

 

I finished my stew, and went for seconds before grabbing my bag and stretching out for the night. I drifted off to thoughts of my parents. The last I remember was the notion, let whatever will come, come. 

 

We awakened the next morning, after an uneventful night. The crisp air steamed as it left my mouth, and I breathed in the chill morning air. The sky glowed pale, with the faint light of the rising sun. I dreaded pulling myself from the sleeping bag. I knew from the sharp intake of breath that the morning chill would linger, and I could see that the dull red embers of the fire burned low.

 

Instead, I relaxed my mind and felt the beast rise. Seconds later I slipped from the covers in my feline form, warmed by the thick fur that covered me. I stretched my form full length in the chill morning, and smelled all the vibrant flavors of life with flair of my nostrils. I turned my head and tweaked my ears, the others continued sleeping. I trotted off on the rough pads of my feet, a silent predator in the wilderness.

 

Once I moved off from my sleeping companions a bit, I broke into a full run. I dodged roots, leapt over fallen logs, felt the heat of blood as it surged through my body from the exertion. The exhilaration of a predawn run invigorated me, bringing much needed clarity to my emotions. My sides heaved, but my lungs ignored the harsh frosty air. Just the thud of my feet as I sped through the wood. I went in a large circle around our camp, being careful not to wander to far. Once I felt my energy was spent, I slowed and trotted back at my leisure.

 

I arrived to find the others already awake. The fire had been rebuilt, and Binala sat by it, reheating the remnants of the stew as she added more meat to it. We ate till our bellies could hold no more. I looked at the others and saw the same sense of dread I felt. Who knew if we would eat this well again or when. My gaze drifted westward towards Memphi. Who indeed.

Chapter 7: Memphi

Memphi loomed larger before us as we crept closer by the hour. Now the woods that had covered our progress were all but gone. The cracked concrete jungle that reminded me of Nashboro replaced them. Small curls of smoke wafted lazily through the sky before the wind caught them, pushing them away. The sense of dread rode me worse than before, civilization neared us.

 

Tarin took point, eyes peeled for any sign of danger, while Gloria and I came behind him. Binala took up the rear, and watched our backs, incase someone or something tried to sneak up on us. Though we entered the outskirts of the city, the smoke that signaled actual inhabitance was still further off. The ruined buildings and winding streets on which we traversed hadn’t seen maintenance in a long time.

 

We pushed onward. Tarin halted and threw up a hand, bringing our procession to a halt. We ducked behind a large dumpster, flecks of green still attached to it, but overall, it had rusted away.

 

“What’s wrong?” I whispered to Tarin, and nudged him a bit so I could see around the corner.

 

“I heard something further up the street. It sounded like people yelling.” He said.

 

“Well we knew we were going to run into people eventually. What’s the problem?” added Binala.

 

“The shouting didn’t sound friendly. It sounded almost like they were chasing after something.”

 

I trusted Tarin’s instincts and his superb hearing. Soon, everyone could hear the angry shouts. Bile threatened to rise from my stomach as the anxiety I had been feeling reached a climax. Had we been spotted? Was this a patrol sent to bring us in? Would they try to take us prisoner? To many questions whirled through my mind, none of which I could answer. I peeked around the dumpster, waiting for the mob to show itself. Instead my mind went blank at what appeared.

 

It moved lightning quick, near as fast as I could in Cheetah form. Its legs came off the side of its body at an odd angle, and the eyes were offset more towards the side of the head. It had a long tail and the entire body was covered in drab olive green scales. It ran past a broken section of brick wall and to my surprise the body burst forth into the deep rust red color of the bricks. I had heard of creatures like this before, Chameleons. This one differed though, its size was nearly that of a human. That’s when I realized, it must be a Wylder. This perplexed me. Chameleons were cold-blooded. Why was it here, why hadn’t it been called by the song like Rees?

 

I didn’t get but a moment to ponder these things. Another creature followed the first fast on its heels. This creature resembled something else. It was long, slender and covered in fur. At first I thought it was a raccoon, the fur pattern reminded me of the smaller ones I’d seen roaming the wilds back home. As I looked at its elongated slender form I realized that I had my eyes on some kind of creature that I had never before lain my eyes on.

 

They zipped past us, and I assumed they would keep going. A scent of us in the air must have caught their attention because they slowed as they neared where we were hidden and eyeballed our direction with suspicion. This momentary hesitation allowed the group chasing them to gain ground, and a small group of humans turned the corner.

 

The grouped numbered around ten, all male. They halted when their prey came in sight and they lined up weapons, and began taking shots at the two creatures. None connected. Whether out of fear of the humans, or the thought that other Wylder would help them, they ducked into the small area we had tucked ourselves away in. The strange feral creature looked at me, its eyes pleading for help. I sighed, knowing I would do what I always did, act without thought.

 

I stepped from my concealment, and the firing stopped right away. They seemed surprised to see a human girl appear before them. My companions followed suit and stepped out moments later. This startled the small mob even more. They kept their weapons pointed at us, but took no action. I gave a small wave of my hand to the two creatures still behind the dumpster, letting them know to take off while we had the armed men distracted.

 

“What the hell is going on?” I demanded.

 

The apparent leader of the group seemed to come to grips with what was happening and lowered his weapon. The others followed suit. “Who are you? Where did those mutants go?”

 

“I’m the one asking the questions here, since you were shooting at us.”

 

“We weren’t shooting at ya’ll, didn’t even know you was there. We’re after those mutants.”

 

“What mutants?” I asked.

 

“Don’t play coy. I know you saw those creatures run by. We was shootin at em.”

 

“Those things that ran by? You mean the Wylder?”

 

“What the hell is a Wylder. Who are you, and where are you from?” His tone seemed cautious and he raised his weapon in suspicion.

 

“We’re travelers from the northeast, a place called Nashboro.”

 

“Never heard of it, what ya’ll doing in these parts?”

 

“A friend of ours went missing and we heard he went this direction. We are trying to find him. Look, we don’t want know trouble. So we will be on our way.”

 

“Nah, it’s nearly dark and it isn’t safe to be out after dark with those and other mutants running bout the city. You should come with us, ya’ll look pretty young and I wouldn’t feel right if something would happen to ya’ll after dark.”

 

I rolled my eyes, though I doubt he could tell from this distance. He had once again lowered his weapon at least. I was a bit perplexed by the whole mutant stance, but what did I know. After all, we weren’t from here, and the culture after the burning was sure to vary to the extreme from place to place. I figured at the very least we should investigate further and not let on that we were Wylder ourselves. Play the part for now at least. I gave my companions knowing looks. I could see the concern and the acceptance in their eyes. They would follow me to the ends of the earth, even if they thought I was plum crazy.

 

“Alright, we are kinda hungry anyway and we traveled pretty far today. A break doesn’t sound to bad.”

 

The man grunted his approval and motioned us to follow him.

Chapter 8: Discoveries

The group led us through the twisted remains of Memphi. As we ventured deeper into the city, members of the small mob would split off, headed for their various homes. I never imagined that after the burning, people would live in such squalor. I had grown so accustomed to the rebuilding of Nashboro, that the idea of any other way of living seemed implausible. Yet, here I roamed a live example of humans that banded together, but not rebuilt. It begged questions of my curiosity.

 

Soon, just our small group and the mysterious leader remained. We ended up outside a run down two-story house. The bricks were in disrepair, and the pillars of the porch cracked with paint that hadn’t been replaced in years. I thought maybe with a little work, it could have been beautiful.

 

The man stopped at the porch and turned to us. “Look I’m sorry I was coarse earlier. Things have been strained around here. I’m Phil. My wife Stella doesn’t know I’m bringing guests. I don’t know how she will react. We don’t get guests often around these parts.”

 

I looked around to the others with a knowing smile. “Don ‘t worry. We will be on our best behavior. I’m Eliza, and that’s my boyfriend Tarin, and our friends Gloria and Binala.”

 

He smiled a bit and led us in. “Stella, I’m home, and I’ve brought guests.” He yelled.

 

Phil then showed us to the sitting room, stocked with older, but useable furniture. We all took seats, Phil included, though he sat in a large recliner, while we populated the couches. Moments later in a flourish, a mature, portly woman entered, with a large pitcher and several empty glasses. Phil jumped to his feet, took the pitcher from her, and started pouring everyone a glass. The yellow iced liquid was new to me, and as I sipped it, I was overcome with the bitter sweetness of the drink.

 

“Wow this is amazing. What is it?” I asked.

 

Stella stopped in her tracks and looked at me. “Dear, you’ve never had lemonade?”

 

“Nah, we don’t have anything like this in Nashboro.” Tarin said.

 

“I’ve never heard of Nashboro. Where is it?” Asked Phil, as he and Stella got comfortable.

 

“It’s northeast of Memphi. About, I dunno three hundred miles or so I guess.” I said.

 

“Hmm, so it’s past the forest. No wonder we haven’t heard of it. You seem to be informed about Memphi though. Why is that?”

 

“Well that’s a long story, but basically, we learned about this place when we passed through Stag Wood.”

 

“Wait, ya’ll went through the woods? That place is full of mutants. I’m surprised you made it through unharmed.”

 

“Well.” I started to reply, and was interrupted by the sound of the front door closing.

 

“Hey dad, mom, I’m home.” A young girls voice called out.

 

“We’re in here dear, and we have company.” Replied Stella.

 

A minute later a girl appeared in the doorway. She was tall, around five foot eight. Luscious long auburn hair fell all the way down to her waist. The hair framed her face well, contouring her small nose and high cheekbones. Our eyes met, a light shade of brown, almost chestnut, and I could see the terror in them.

 

“Umm h-hi.” She managed to stutter out.

 

One deep breath and I knew the reason for her fear. We had already met, this girl was the chameleon we had encountered in the outskirts of the city just a short while ago. I smiled, trying to reassure her. I wouldn’t give her secret away.

 

“Hi, I’m Eliza.” I said, and introduced her to the others, which seemed to relax her.

 

“I’m Nevi.” She said.

 

I acted as if nothing was off and turned back to Phil as Nevi took a seat on a nearby couch to listen. “Like I was saying, Things are umm, a bit different where we are from.”

 

“How so?” Phil asked.

 

“Well, we don’t call them Mutants first of all. We call them Wylder.” I gave a quick glance in Nevi’s direction. “And well, there is an entire community of them in a small town called Springwell on the outskirts of Nashboro. We used to be at war with them, but things have changed over the last few months and we have started to accept them. After all, they are mostly human, just….different.”

 

“What do you mean mostly human. I’ve never seen one of those mutants resemble anything close to human.”

 

“Yeah, I can imagine that. Things seem way different down here, but I assure you, I’ve seen firsthand that they can be as human as you or me. Like Bobby the well, leader of Springwell can change into a giant horned owl.”

 

“All this sounds a little hard to believe.” Phil said.

 

I shrugged. “I’m not asking you to believe me. You asked a question and I answered. That’s how we made it through Stag Wood safely. We talked to the Wylder in charge of it and he granted us safe passage.”

 

“What? You actually talked to him.”

 

I nodded. “Yeah, we had dinner together. He is the one that told us about Memphi.”

 

“We sent an expedition into the woods a few years ago. Only one man came back, and the stories he told were terrifying.”

 

“Well we didn’t go there with violence in mind.”

 

“What are you trying to say.”

 

“Those Wylder earlier, they weren’t trying to hurt you or anyone, but you people seem to have a shoot first mentality.”

 

“We are just trying to survive.”

 

“So are they.”

 

“So if they can look like a human, they could well be any member of the community here and we wouldn’t even know.”

 

I shrugged. “Probably, but it didn’t matter till a minute ago. You didn’t even know.”

 

“But this changes everything.”

 

“No it doesn’t. It just changes what you know. You and your people still live in ruins and struggle to survive, instead of rebuilding.”

 

“How dare you. You know nothing about us.”

 

“True, but I do know that not so long ago. Nashboro harbored the same views of the Wylder as you do the mutants. I also know that since things have changed, life has improved for both of our people.”

 

“Well,” Stella said as she stood and interrupted the conversation, “Dinner will be ready in just a few minutes. Why don’t we all move to the dining room?”

 

I stared at Phil with contempt and nodded. I stood with the others and made our way to the dining room. I glanced at Nevi, she seemed intrigued and shaken. I don’t think anyone had ever talked to her father that way before. We all sat down to a decent enough meal. It wasn’t the best I had eaten, but it filled us up. Most of the meal was spent in silence. No one quite sure what to say, we busied ourselves with the food instead. I finished and had grown tired of the silence.

 

“Hey Phil. I’m sorry. I do appreciate you showing us hospitality. I really do, and I’m not trying to insult your way of life. I was just giving you the facts about our way of life. If you don’t want us to stay I understand. If you do let us bed down for the night, we will be gone first thing in the morning, we still have to find our friend Rees.”

 

“I wouldn’t turn away guests simply for a different point of view. While I can’t say I understand everything you’ve said, I can appreciate that you have different views. You can stay as long as you need, no reason to rush off in the morning if you don’t want to.”

 

I nodded. While the others finished their meals, I sat silent, thinking of ways I could talk to Nevi in private. I needed a few answers that I was sure only she had.

Chapter 9: After Dinner Party

We finished the meal off and kicked back at the dining room table. I looked for any excuse I could to get Nevi along for a quiet chat with her. The opportunity soon presented itself when she volunteered to clear the dishes.

 

“I’ll help!” I exclaimed and jumped up, not leaving any room for protest from our hosts.

 

Nevi gave me a sideways glare but said nothing as she started carrying dishes to the kitchen. I grabbed an armful as well and followed suit. It took two more trips to get all the dishes to the staging area to be cleaned.

 

“What the hell are you doing?” Nevi hissed at me through clenched teeth.

 

“Trying to talk to you alone, since you obviously don’t want your dad to know that you’re Wylder.” I replied in a hushes tone.

 

“Yeah, I heard your little speech, or most of it at least. Here in Memphi though, I’m just a mutant.”

 

“We’ll I disagree from experience, but that’s not what I wanted to talk about.”

 

She continued scrubbing place and tossed me a look that said, “Well then?”

 

“We’re down here searching for my friend Rees. He is a Rhombi. It’s cold-blooded like you, but Horace told me the song called all the cold-blooded away. How are you still here? Have you heard the song?

 

The mention of the song froze Nevi in her tracks. The plate she held in her hand clattered to the floor, and shattered in a small explosion of ceramics. Her hands shook in visible terror, as if I’d conjured some half hidden nightmare to her mind. What the hell? I thought to myself.

 

“Everything alright in there?” Phil hollered from the dining room.

 

She seemed to regain a bit of her composure, “It’s fine dad, a plate just slipped through my fingers.” She turned a stone cold gaze at me, fighting back the fear from moments before, “How do you know about the song?”

 

“Um, well that’s hard to explain. Aeolia, the nature spirit, or whatever she is in Springwell told us about the song. Then Horace, the stag lord and the forest spirit there confirmed the song’s existence.”

 

“So you don’t hear it?” A lilt of sadness rode her voice.

 

“No, I’m Delacouri, a Leopard Wylder.”

 

She sighed at me, “I’ve been hearing that god forsaken song for months. I’m not sure why, but I guess it must be as you say. The song calls to the cold-blooded nature of my Chameleon.”

 

“Then why haven’t you gone like the rest?”

 

“Because every time I heard the call I hide and use my Chameleon spirit to camouflage myself till the urge passes and I relax.”

 

“But you know where the song is calling you to right? The stag said it’s where the river ends. You could lead us there.” I said, my excitement rose with my sense of hope.

 

That same look of horror returned to her face, “No.” She said it simply in one resolute word.

 

I didn’t press the issue. It was obvious that whatever this creature was calling to the cold-blooded terrified her, and I sure couldn’t blame her for it. The idea of something powerful enough to take a hypnotic hold of all the cold-blooded scared me more than a little.

 

“Ok Nevi, we will find it on our own. I hoped you could lead us, but I understand. Regardless, I hope you and the other Wylder think about your own safety and what I’ve said today. There is a place for you all in Springwell if you want it. I know Horace will give you safe passage through Stag Wood.”

 

I turned to rejoin my friends and she stopped me, “Why is Rees so important? You could go home. There is no need for you to get involved in this.”

 

I gave a small shake of my head, “He helped me long ago as a child. I forgot about it but he never did. Then a few months ago, he helped me again during a time of need, even though I had forgotten my earlier debt to him. I’ll not leave him to the whims of some mad creature.”

 

“So you’re not gonna give up searching for him?”

 

“Never.”

Chapter 10: The Night

I look back on it now, and I figure I got setup. Everyone slept peacefully in extra beds setup for us by Phil and Stella. I tossed restless in a dream. A faint whisper of a song on the breeze called to me. The song had a tranquil feel to it, but at the same time it filled me with a dread I couldn’t explain. I think that’s what woke me up. I tried going back to sleep but the dream nagged at me. I stood, and quietly wandered from the house, out into the chill air of a dark night.

 

I walked a short ways, up a nearby hill. I felt confused, still half asleep. Why? The question plagued me. Why even as a faint whisper in a dream had I heard the song. I didn’t seem possible. I’m Delacouri, a leopard not one of her  cold-blooded. I shouldn’t have heard it. The moon glistened in the sky, a giant white orb spotted with bits of darkness. It struck me as a ray of hope, littered with spots of despair. It reminded me of my life so far. Imperfect, patches of happiness interlaced with dark times.

 

Stars twinkled their radiance against the blackness of the sky. I glanced over a motionless cloud as I scanned the horizon. Then it moved. I barely caught the motion out of the corner of my eye, but I knew I’d seen it and it perplexed me. There was no breeze tonight. I stared at it, and though it remained distant, I could see the movement. It fluttered in the sky in a way that defied gravity. It seemed to be coming closer and I knew then that this was no low hanging cloud. Soon I could see enormous wings as they flapped ever few seconds. I should have ran then, or called for help but my curiosity proved to strong. I merely waited as it approached. Majestic is what I would have called it. It appeared to be some kind of giant flying lizard, though I think my history books would have called it a dragon. It was covered in dull silver-green scales, almost like tarnished silverware. Massive leathery wings pumped furiously to keep it aloft. A huge body with massive legs and taloned forearms absorbed the impact of landing in front of me. It turned is head, filled with rows of razor sharp teeth towards me, and its yellow slit eyes looked on me with recognition. It stared at me a few moments, sadness in its eyes before the form melted away into something that more resembled a human.

 

“Rees?” I said, a mixture of joy and confused apprehension in my voice.

 

He looked at me in a way I hadn’t seen before. I would have almost called it hungry, “Yes it’s me.”

 

I smiled and rushed forward enveloping him in a hug that he didn’t return, “Let’s go home. Binala is here and she is worried sick about you.”

 

“I can’t. That’s not why I’ve come. The queen sent me to fetch you.”

 

“I don’t care what she wants, or her stupid song. It’s time to go home.” I answered, raising my voice.

 

He reached out a hand and caressed my cheek, “You’re special Eliza, more than you can possibly imagine, and she wants you.”

 

I felt the anger flare up inside me, and I pushed him away. “I don’t give a fuck what she wants. It’s time to come home to your family.”

 

The push barely moved him, “I’m hers now, and she commanded me to bring you.” I felt the pulse of power and saw his hand shift into a scaled clawed appendage. He struck in a blur, and grabbed my arm in a vicelike grip, “And her will is all I care about.”

 

“Let go of me Rees.” I cried out, and struggled in his grip.

 

He tightened his hold on my arm, causing me to cry out in pain. His clawed fingers sliced a gash into my forearm. Thick crimson blooded welled up through the wound and poured through his fingers. It dropped with a almost inaudible splat on ground at my feet.

 

“I’m sorry.” The sadness hung heavy in his voice.

 

I looked up at him, thinking the tone a lie. I was wrong, tears pooled in his eyes, and threatened to spill over. I didn’t understand how he could be sad and still under her thrall. I couldn’t ponder it because a hot burning sensation rolled up my arm. The heat flashed up to my head. My heart beat quickened, and I felt a nauseous dizziness. I looked into those pale blue eyes confused. Then felt the power radiate off him as he shifted back into his dragon-like form. I would have been impressed again, but the thought was lost on me as the vertigo gave way to unconsciousness. My last memory was a fleeting sensation of being lifted off the ground. 

Chapter 11: The Coming Out Party

 

“Where is she” Tarin yelled.

 

“I have no idea.” Phil replied, trying to remain calm in the face of the angry young man.

 

I reached my boiling point. I know Eliza didn’t want us to out ourselves, but now she was missing and I didn’t have the time or the patience this. I let my anger rise further, calling my leopard to the forefront and felt myself slide into my half form. I watched as his eyes lit up with a terror he had never felt before, and jerked him up, holding him against the wall.

 

“I said…Where is she?” I stated again, though this time it came out more feral and throaty.

 

“Stop.” Nevi said, “Put him down. He doesn’t know where she is.”

 

“Nevi stay out of this please.” Phil said, his voice cracked despite his attempt to show calmness.

 

“No dad. I’m sorry Tarin. I saw it. A creature late last night. I heard Eliza get up and thought nothing of it, but then I heard the song. I ended up following her several minutes later, but I was too late. Some strange creature flew off into the night with her. It’s ok though, I know where they took her.”

 

Phil wore a confused expression, “What on earth are you talking about.”

 

Nevi sighed, “I’m so sorry dad. I should have told you a long time ago.” A deep sadness rode her words.

 

Phil’s confused look deepened, causing the wrinkles to become more pronounced. “Told me what? What is going on? What song?”

 

Nevi started weeping softly. Without a word she reached out a pale arm. Phil’s confused look turned to shock, then anger as she let is melt away. Her smooth cream colored skin replaced by the opalescent green coloring of her chameleon scales.

 

“I’m the lizard you’ve been after, and yesterday Eliza asked for my help. It scared me and I said no. Now I see, she was right.” Her voice held a resolve that impressed me.

 

I eased off of Phil, and he almost slumped to the ground. The revelation from his daughter rocked him and he stared at her seeming lost. I backed off, and let my rage dissipate shifting back to my human form as I turned my gaze to Nevi. I knew Phil was no danger to us now.

 

“No, not you.” Phil whispered in denial of what he witnessed.

 

A sad understanding smile spread across Nevi’s face, “Yes dad me. You’ve been chasing me for years. You can’t catch me because I learned from you. I know all your tricks to tracking.”

 

“But how? Why?” Phil shook his head softly, trying to understand.

 

“I don’t know. I never asked for this, but I can’t help what I am. Eliza is right, I’m not a mutant. I’m Nevi, your daughter, but I am also Wylder. No longer will I consider it a curse. It is a gift, and I should use it as such to help those who need it.” Nevi said as she turned to the door.

 

“Where are you going?” Phil cried, despair in his voice.

 

“I told you, Eliza asked for my help. I refused, but now I’m going to help her friends find her. I can hear the song that calls to the Cold-Blooded. The song that called your friend Rees away, so I know where she is. She deserves that much.”

 

Phil reeled from everything that just happened, and seemed catatonic. I relaxed, he was no danger to us despite his bias against the Wylder. I nodded in Binala and Gloria’s direction and we moved towards the door. I stopped at the precipice and turned back to Phil. I needed him to at least hear what I had to say. I felt like it would be what Eliza would have done.

 

“In Nashboro, many families died because of hatred of what we are, hatred of the unknown. We aren’t mutants, we are just people like you that happen to have amazing abilities.” I looked out the door to where my companions and Nevi waited, “Your daughter loves you. That’s why she kept it a secret. She tried to protect you in her own way. She wants that love returned, but it’s your choice.” I looked away and muttered under my breath. “I hope you make the right one.”

Chapter 12: Gilded Cage, and A Journey

 

I awoke slowly, whatever toxin id been given left me in a haze. I rubbed my eyes trying to clear the blurriness from them. I looked around not sure where I was. My eyes opened in astonishment at the elegance of my surroundings. Everywhere I looked, the hue of gold bounced back at me. The room in which I found myself was large, darkened in the areas past the low light of a torch on a nearby pillar. I found myself sitting on a large ornate daybed. Other antique furniture along with numerous paintings, vases and other such decorations littered the room. The entire room seemed to have an excess to it reserved for royalty, and as far as I could tell it was all gilded in gold. Someone had went all out in the gaudiness of the room. Despite being cold plated, I could tell that all the furniture was old and restored to near perfection. The grogginess still hung heavy on me as I tried to stand. I stumbled a little and caught myself on a rock pillar. That’s when I realized that I resided in some kind of cavern, and the lack of windows led me to believe I must be underground. I staggered backwards, and sat back on the bed, unsure of what to do. I felt hopeless and alone.

 

Soon I heard the creak of hinges out in the darkness. A door that I hadn’t seen before opened. I would have never it if not for the torches that burned in the corridor beyond. A small frail old woman entered, carrying a silver platter in her arms. She walked over, and set it on a small table near me. She bowed at me but refused to meet my eyes before backing away. She never uttered a word as she retreated to the door to leave. I sighed inwardly as I heard the resounding click of the door lock as it shut behind her.

 

I scooped up the tray and set it before me. I pulled the lid off, half suspicious of what might await, and to my surprise found an array of meats, and vegetables steaming on the platter. The smell of roasted meats caused my stomach to churn. It protested at me and I knew I had no idea how long I had been out or when my last meal was. I dug into the food ravenously, and stuffed myself until I felt bloated. I leaned back with a groan, my stomach so full I felt I might explode. In the quiet flickering light, I forced myself to lay back down and fell asleep amidst a food high.

 

• * *        *        *        *

 

“I appreciate what you’re doing, but you don’t have to lead us yourself. You can just point us in the right direction and stay here with your family.” I said

 

“Look Tarin. I know you mean that, but I meant it when I said I’d guide you and your friends to Eliza.” Nevi replied a steel resolve in her voice.

 

I shrugged, “Fine, Eliza means more to me than you could ever know. So if you are determined to lead us then I won’t stop you.”

 

Nevi stopped a moment and looked over at her Vulpes boyfriend from childhood then back at me. “I know exactly how you feel.”

 

Kyle, Nevi’s were-fox boyfriend was busy packing his supplies into a small hiking pack. He had a quiet reserved demeanor, but also emanated bravery. He had to since he had instantly agreed to accompany Nevi when she told him what she was up to. No way would he let her run off into certain danger alone. I respected him for that, knowing that I would do the same for Eliza no matter what.

 

A short while later, we were all packed and ready to go. We stood together on a high hill near the outskirts of Memphi, and looked down on the river that lined the western half of the city. The banks were high and treacherous. North of where we stood, the broken mangled remnants of an old bring protruded from the waters.

 

“Father once told me this was a mighty river, before the Burning that is. It used to stretch from one end of the continent to the other. No one is sure what happened, but now its shriveled over the years and ends long before it reaches the southern coast.”

 

“What lies beyond the end of the river?” I asked.

 

“I’m not sure. Some of the elders say that the lands beyond became a wastelands choked and starved off water. Now it’s little more than a desert, which is why we never travel there.” I answered.

 

“Hmm, that sounds like the place Aeolia described to us.” I said.

 

“Then what are we waiting for, let’s go get our friends.” Binala said in a huff.

 

A voice rang up the hill, “No wait.” We all turned to the sound and saw Phil as he strolled up the hill, a group of several armed men followed in his wake. “I need a word with my daughter.”

 

Nevi stepped forward to confront him, “If you want to stop me, you might as well open fire now.” She yelled as he continued to approach.

 

He stopped a few yards from where we stood, “It’s not like that.” He had a soft sad lilt to his voice as he spoke. “I love you Nevi, no matter what you are. I will do my best to learn and accept what you are, but if you are bent on going on this crazed mission then I am coming with you.”

 

Everyone just kind of stood there, mouths gaping in shock, even me. No one expected that response. We all felt certain he would try to drag her kicking and screaming home. It appeared that Phil took to heart what I said and was doing his best to be accepting of her revealed nature. After all despite being Wylder, she remained his little girl, and what kind of father would he be if he let her go running off into the wilderness alone. The stunned silence continued for several minutes, everyone just stood watching each other.

 

“And them?” I broke the silence, and pointed at the several armed men behind Phil.

 

“After you guys left I gathered the townsfolk and made an announcement. I retold them the story that Eliza told me last night and about my daughter. I told them of Eliza’s abduction and informed them that I intended to travel with Nevi to find her. These men volunteered to accompany me.” Phil answered.

 

A man stepped forward from Phil’s entourage. He looked distraught. “Kyle, you should have told me.”

 

“Kyle stepped to Nevi’s side with a determined look on his face, “Why? So you could know that the mutants lived among you?”

 

“That’s not fair son. We didn’t know. We thought ya’ll were just giant mutated creatures left over from the Burning.”

 

“You didn’t even approve of me dating Nevi, and you expect me to believe you could have accepted what I am?” Kyle answered spitting the words venomously at his father as he took Nevi’s hand.

 

“Enough. All of you.” I interjected myself into the conversation. “What matter is they’re here now trying to accept you. Back home many of our friends in Springwell never got that much before the headmaster had them all gunned down in cold blood. So if you’re coming with then let’s go. If not go home.” I yelled out loud enough for everyone to hear, and shouldered my pack. I didn’t wait to see who followed; I just turned and left.

Chapter 13: A Nightmare

 

I regained consciousness unsure how much time passed. I blinked, and stretched my limbs testing for any lingering effects of the toxin. I felt nothing and looked around. I still remained in the gold gilded room, though someone had changed me in my sleep, I and now wore a light silk gown that descended all the way to my ankles. I stood slowly, worried I might still be unsteady on my feet. Once I made sure I would stay steady on my feet, I started searching the room. I checked everything and everywhere, but found nothing though the feel of a presence lingered. The sensation of being watched sent the hackles at the nape of my neck up and down in a continuous roll of chills.

 

I took a seat back on the day bed, then thought better of it. I hopped up hoping it would be that easy. Fate didn’t disappoint when I tried the door and sure enough it remained locked. I returned to the bed feeling defeated and sat down in an indian fashion; One leg over the other in meditative position. Although I looked unladylike sitting like this I enjoyed it; It helped me both relax and concentrate at the same time. Bobby had taught me to do this during our time together in the military compound.

 

I concentrated on my breathing, and forced myself to relax. I went over the details in my head. Some strange powerful Wylder, seemed to have some strange kind of control over the others of a cold-blooded nature. She, and I was positive it was a female, could sing a song that called to their blood. She seemed to be growing in power, from what Horace said, and the song spread further and further as she did. For some reason the anchored magical beings, such as Aeolia could also hear the song, but it seemed to have little to no effect on them. Also, somehow this creature changed Rees beyond the hypnotic hold she held him in, his very form had changed from that of his Rhombi to something that more resembled a dragon from ancient myths. That one boggled my mind; a power like that to change the nature of someone’s beast was unlike anything I’d seen or heard of before. The biggest question that plagued my mind was why me? What did this queen want with me, a newly changed Delacouri? Then I wondered, how had I heard the faint whispers of her song? The last thought caused my body to quake with a cold chill that rocked me from head to toe, and still that feeling lingered of someone watching me. I darted my eyes around, but still I found nothing. Who or what watched me obviously didn’t want to be seen, but a pit in my stomach grew. I felt like I would soon find out.

 

Time passed, I didn’t know how much; It was impossible to tell in my gilded cage. Minutes, hours, they all blended together in a seamless boring strand of time. To me it felt like an eternity. Finally I heard the hinges of the door creak as it opened. I expected to the old lady, with another platter of food; there was food, but instead of the old lady, I was greeted by the sad eyes of Rees. Despite the sadness his eyes conveyed myself enraged to a degree I hadn’t felt since Mrs. Davenport murdered all those innocents. He stood still as stone, watching, waiting, and expectant.

 

I rocked back then rolled forward off the bed, and onto my feet. I started a mad dash across the room toward him. I intended violence since he hadn’t listened to reason. A vision flashed in my mind, a plan to shift to my half form and tackle him. I hoped to take us both crashing through the door and then make my escape from this gilded dungeon. I called my leopardess. She appeared growling and hissing at the edge of my consciousness. To my surprise she stopped there, and started pacing. I skidded to a stop just a few feet from Rees. A confused look climbed my face. I concentrated on her, trying to force her to the surface, but try as I might I couldn’t call her forth.

 

“Wha…What did you do to me?” I sputtered.

 

“Me?” He seemed genuinely confused, “I’ve done nothing.”

 

I stepped closer to him my anger boiling over, “Don’t you lie to me Rees.” I screamed it at him, and swatted the tray from his hands. It fell to the floor with a loud crash, and spilled its contents across the floor.

 

“I swear it’s the queen’s will not mine.” He said with a scowl and looked at the wasted meal.

 

“Oh really? Cause I blame you. You’re out of your fucking mind. What the hell were you thinking kidnapping me?”

 

“I follow her will in all things.” He replied looking ashamed, and unable to meet my gaze.

 

“See, you can’t even look at me. What do you think will happen when the other’s realize I’m gone? Tarin will tear this earth asunder to look for me, and what about Binala? She won’t stop looking for you either. She was heartbroken when you vanished.” I said as I gave him a vicious shove. “Why do you think we set out to find you? We thought you were in danger, and yet here you are all cozied up to the enemy.” I shook my head in disgust, “And to think I set out to return the debt that I owed you.”

 

“All will become clear when you meet her.” He said in a monotone voice as if possessed.

 

“Yeah? Is that before or after I rip her fucking throat out, and drag your ass back home?” I asked through half clenched teeth.

 

That caused him to chuckle, “You always did have spunk. We shall see how your courage holds up in her presence. No doubt she will want to see you soon. I’ll send someone to clean up this mess, and I’ll be back when her highness wants you.”

 

He turned and departed, and I could hear him barking orders at someone beyond the door. Moments later the old lady from before entered and started cleaning up the mess I made. I moved to assist her thinking her old and feeble. As I knelt her head turned and she looked at me with yellow eyes the color of dandelions. Her pupils were split into a slit that traveled up and down rather than being round. She hissed at me, a long forked tongue flapped at me. It startled me, and I jumped back several steps. What the hell are you lady, ran through my mind, but I stopped short of asking. It seemed she wasn’t the conversational type anyway. I retreated to the far side of the room, and the relative safety of my bed to await my audience with the queen.

 

• * *        *        *        *        *

 

If I thought the Stag wood, or Memphi were bad then the twisted wasteland we now traversed was a living nightmare. We followed the river south by southwest throughout the day, and bully for the humans they didn’t complain about our pace. As we travelled the waters of the great river dwindled further. Signs of the land being parched in an everlasting thirst grew more evident. The lush trees and tall billowing grasses of the Memphi valley gave way to twisted brown underbrush, cracked and burnt from the previous summer. The trees if you could call them that looked sick. Their vibrant life dissipated. Early on it was just the crisp deadness of the leaves, those that still clung lifelessly and those that lay scattered on the ground. Then the bark started peeling away like a snake moulting its skin till they were laid bare to the elements. Soon the landscape was dotted with the corpulent remnants of what used to be life. Eventually even the grass gave way to a dry barren sandy rock strewn terrain starved of water. Far to the west carrion birds circled low, no doubt waiting on the death throes of some hapless creature. Evening approached and the hung hung low enough in the sky that it could be looked at without blinding. I spotted a large flat outcropping up on a hill, and directed the group to it. Daylight faded and it was time to make camp for the night.

 

The men of Phil’s company pulled out axes after everyone dropped their packs. They intended to chop down one of the dead trees for firewood. Binala pointed it out to me and giggled. I smiled back at her with a slight nod. She winked at me, and meandered over.

 

“Excuse me gents.” She said at they stopped chopping to cast her dubious stares. “Make room for a lady to offer some help?”

 

Most stepped aside with smirks, still unsure of and a bit afraid of the Wylder. One, braver than the rest, offered her his axe. She declined with a smile and a shake of her head so he stepped out of the way as well. She cracked her knuckles, and moved forward gripping the tree. She pushed, and pulled on it with obvious strain though it did not budge. This elicited several amused snorts from the men. I smiled to myself knowing she was putting on a show, and that these grown men had never seen a Wylder shift, let alone a Ursus. I knew they were in for a shock, but figured they needed to get used to it. After all we were headed into the den of an unknown number of cold-blooded.

Binala fell forward onto all four, the men stared at her with renewed interest. They knew my companions were Wylder but not our particular flavors. She let out an inhuman road for added effect as she called her Ursus to bear. Her body cracked and popped as it contorted. Her human form melted away, and in its place stood a huge grizzly bear nearly nine feet tall. She reared back on hind legs and roared again. She lunged forward then, and dug her clawed paws the size of a man’s head into the gnarled trunk. In one smooth motion she ripped it free of the eath. The dead thing never stood a chance against her immense strength, and it snapped at the base. She turned, and dropped the twisted remains before the men. They stood dazed, immobile, obviously shaken by what they witnessed. One man’s axe slipped from nerveless shaking fingers. She calmed, and let herself slide back to human form with a smug smile on her face.

 

Binala snapped her finger at them, “Come boys, I can rip it free, but I can’t chop it up.”

 

This brought them back to life, and they all jumped on the downed tree hacking it into firewood. With six men at work they reduced the tree to useable timber in no time. Soon the camp was set, and a fire blazed in the center. Dusk settled on us, and the cooking pots came out the make an evening meal. I glanced into the distance and the settling twilight. I knew that soon nocturnal hunters would be out and I wanted meat.

 

“Gloria?” I said, and garnered the attention of all.

 

“Yes?” Came the soft reply.

 

“Let’s go see if we can rustle up some meat for the meal.” I said not interested in eating only boiled vegetables and dried jerky.

 

“Um, sure.” She replied, “But I’m not sure what you expect to find in this desolate place.”

 

I knew she was right, but I also had more experience hunting than she did, having grown up in the Old World. I figured also that the more Wylder they saw shift, the less likely the men would be to freeze if it came to actual combat with others like us. So I ignored the men that watched us, and together we did a less spectacular shift into our animal forms. A resplendent Leopard, and a oversized Badger. We made an odd pair as we stalked off into the twilight. On our way out I could hear the men with my enhanced hearing, and smiled at the talk of the wonder of it. Little did they know there could be a terrifying side to it as well.

 

We returned just a little over an hour later, carrying the only sizeable game we could find. Three large Boa constrictors. Turned out that badgers were excellent at hunting snake, and all I did was track them for her. The Wylder thought nothing of the meat we brought. We were used to living off the land, and what it offered. The men however looked mortified at the thought of eating snake. I handed one to Binala with a shrug, more food for us. The three of us made quick work of the snakes. We removed the heads, and tails then skinned them. We spit them on thin metal rods, though we had to halve the snakes, as the poles were made for smaller game like hares and fowl. Soon the smell of roasting meat spread through the camp, and I could see the men cast aside their doubt as they licked lips at the delicious scent. As the twilight deepened into full night the repast finally finished, and together under the twinkle of a cloudless star filled sky we ate; not as Wylder and Human, but together.

Chapter 14: Moura

I must have dozed off again. I awoke on my side, curled up in the fetal position. The smell of fresh food assaulted my senses, and made me realize how hungry I was. I grimaced remembering the wasted food from earlier. With a sigh I grabbed the tray, no reason to starve myself in captivity I thought. I stuffed myself without grace, and wondered just how long I’d been held hostage. There was no real way to tell how long the toxin had affected me, days, weeks? I hoped not months. I finished off the delicious meal and put the tray back on the table. Once again I tried calling my leopardess out, and as before she halted just on the edge of my consciousness. What did they do to me? I asked myself again. I felt frustrated and helpless in a way that I hadn’t since before my first change. The thought brought out memories I just started getting over. The sound of gunfire. The fallen bodies of the other Wylder families. The metallic smell of my parent’s blood as it oozed through my hands while I held them for their last breaths. Tears threatened to spill from my eyes, and I forced them back not willing to let myself be broken here and now by my own memories. It didn’t matter how dreadful they were. My friends are coming for me. I knew for sure the truth in that thought. Never would Tarin or the others leave me to suffer here at the hands of some strange creature. They would come for me. I just needed to keep my wits about me, and hold onto my sanity till they arrived. I hugged my knees to my chest and tried to sooth my mind. Soon Rees would come to present me to the queen. He did not disappoint.

 

It took just a few minutes for him to appear in the doorway, though in the confines of my gilded cage it felt more like hours. He wore new attire, sporting a long silver colored ceremonial robe, emblazoned with a gold colored sun on the chest. He looked ridiculous. Jeez, what is with this lady and gold?

 

“Are you ready to meet her highness?” He asked, lacking any emotion in his voice.

 

“I climbed to my feet, “As if I really even have a choice.” I stated.

 

He motioned for me to follow, and turned not waiting to see if I obeyed. He expected obedience, which aggravated my nerves to know end, because what choice did I have. He knew it, and to my chagrin so did I. I followed in silence a scowl plastered on my face. I didn’t care let everyone see the contempt on my face. We strolled through the door into a well-lit corridor. The striations indicated this cavern once existed underwater, and had been carved out by the flow of it over countless millennia. I ran my hand across the stone, though long bereft of water, time had sanded the rock to a polished smoothness. We passed numerous others milling about as we wound our way through the myriad maze of tunnels that made up the catacombs. Most wore robes similar to Rees’ though theirs sported hoods that hid any chance to see facial features. Try as I might, they refused to make eye contact with me, keeping their heads bowed low. I sighed disheartened. No one here would help me; I’m on my own. The knowledge helped steel my resolve. I would survive this somehow.

 

We passed an open archway, and I stopped peering inside. The clamor of combated echoed from within. To my astonishment the room opened up into a giant hall filled with reptilian Wylder of all shapes and sizes. They drilled in pairs with tooth, nail, and even manmade weapons in the most intense one on one combat I’ve ever seen. Rees coughed, urging me to continue, but I ignored him. I might not have a choice, but I sure as hell didn’t have to be in a hurry. Strange feather Wylder, incapable of true flight, glided around, battling large legless snakelike Wylder. Some sported cobra hooded heads, while others were sleeker with giant rattles on their tails. Huge long snouted cold blooded that resembled Rees before his recent change faced off against less spectacular lizard folk that seemed generic in their heritage, but were just as armored, graceful and deadly wielding manmade weapons. In the corner two tower Wylder were locked up, grappling together. Each a hulked out mass of muscled ferociousness. Venomous looking vile spittle drained from their blunted snouts continuously I watched, and heard Rees tapping his foot impatiently. I continued to ignore him, fascinated by the spectacle before me. A sense of foreboding rose up in me as I realized, to my horror, that the queen was training an army. To what end I wondered, and figured there remained only one thing to do. Ask her myself.

 

I turned to Rees and nodded. The dread still gripped me, but now purpose beyond mere survival renewed my confidence. I knew death, and despair first hand. I would be damned if I let this creature spread more of it. Rees glanced at me curious of my straightened posture, and the resolve written on my face. He shrugged it off, turned and led me deeper into the catacombs.

 

Soon the well-lit caves ended in front of a large set of mahogany doors. Like my cage, the double doors were overlaid with gold plating. Each door bore a pictogram inset into the wood. On one an effigy of the sun sat, and it took just moments for me to figure out the symbology of it. The cold blooded needed the sun to help regulate their body temperatures, so of course it would be the symbol of life to them. On the other looked outlandish. It appeared to be a dragon, but not like any I’ve seen in books. The tail reminded me of a snakes, with a hooded head like a cobra, and the snout that could only be described as crocodilian. I knew it had to be her personal emblem. Rees pushed the door open with ease, as if the massive thing weighed no more than a feather. A tall gaunt man with hollow cheeks wearing a robe of simple design stood just beyond the door waiting. He nodded when he saw Rees and turned to the interior.

 

“Presenting her highness’ Dragon Rees, and your majesties esteemed guest, Eliza Blayne.” The man boomed in a loud baritone voice before he turned back to us, giving a motion to enter.

 

I thought the pomp and ceremony silly. The notion of Rees being the queen’s dragon seemed odd till I thought back to when he kidnapped me, he certainly did have the appearance of one. What did she do to you Rees? I wondered. The idea of me being an esteemed guest though was flat out ludicrous. More like a prisoner, I thought to myself. You don’t keep guests locked in their room. Rees started heading inside, and I followed. My mission jumped to the forefront of my mind. I squared my shoulders, chin held high, and pushed my way past Rees, trying to exude a confidence I didn’t feel. The room opened up into an enormous cavernous thing, supported by four natural stone pillars that rose up above the torchlight, disappearing into the darkness above. I noticed the floor appeared a different color than the expected gray stone. Instead a black marble with flecks of white that danced in the glimmer of torchlight lined the floor. The glossy stone created a path under the illumination that led to the far side of the room. At the end I spied a large throne carved from a crystal laden granite that sparkled in an innumerable different ways depending on how the light hit it. On the throne sat a figure mostly shrouded in darkness. I couldn’t make it out, but inside I knew it was her.

 

I moved closer to get a better look. She wore a sheer dress that extended well beyond her feet, hanging over the edge of the throne. The dress look silky, and shined with an ethereal luminescence. The thin fabric that flowed loosely past her feet tightened hugging curvaceous hips, and perfect pert breasts. The entire packaged decried the promise of fulfilled desires. I continued taking in her majesty, her dress was cut in a low V-neck style, exposing skin that screamed perfection, smooth as cream, almost the color of honey. No, that’s not right, it was darker, somewhere between honey, and caramel, a gorgeous golden sun kissed hue. That’s when my gaze fell upon her face. I almost looked away, the profound beauty caught me though. She had a sharp chin, high cheekbones with a single dimple, full lashes, and thick well-groomed brows surrounded the most unusual eyes. They were almond shaped, with a slight slant that cried of lost ancestry from ages past. The color mesmerized me, a dark brilliant gold faded to sunset orange at the pupils, yellow honey colored streaks danced throughout the irises. I stared unashamed, breathless as I approached. Who wouldn’t love her? This glorious creature’s divine right to rule apparent to me now, and my mind urged me to fall to my knees in worship. She deserved it after all didn’t she? She smiled at me with those thin sensual candy apple red lips, and let the full weight of her magic fall on me. I felt lost in the carnal promise of all that smile, and the shimmering reflection of torchlight in those tri-colored irises. A physical sickness gripped me when I tried to look away, fighting the urge to prostrate myself before her.

 

“Welcome Eliza.” She said, her voice sang with a melodic tone that eased the tension in my mind, further pulling me towards her embrace. “I’ve been waiting a long time for you.”

 

I knew I should be angry, but I couldn’t remember why. All I could think about was the warmth of her promised embrace. My leopardess roared at me, breaking through the fog of her power. “I don’t feel very welcome. In fact I feel more like I was kidnapped and being held hostage.” I snapped at her with a snarl. “What do you want from me? Why bring me here? You’ve been waiting for me? That doesn’t even make sense.” I continued.

 

Rees moved to stand at her left side, leaving me alone and isolated at the center of the room. The queen’s smile faded, creasing into the thin lines of a frown. She gave a dismissive wave of her manicured hand, and the other hooded figures departed in haste. Well, whatever it is, she doesn’t want everyone to know. I thought, not sure if it were a good or bad thing. The gold laden door clicked shut as they left, and as it did the energy flowing from the queen ceased. I felt it right away, the cessation of prickled nerves disappeared as the oppressive power flowing off of her ended. I once again felt in control.

 

“What the hell lady. Don’t be using whatever mumbo jumbo you got on me. I’m not one of your puppets to be controlled.” I said with more courage than I felt.

 

She laughed at me, the power rippled in her voice, but wasn’t directed at me, it simply was. “Child, If I wanted a slave it would be nothing to take your mind from you as I did my dragon.” She replied, an evil sweetness to her voice as she ran her fingers through Rees’ hair.

 

So she is controlling him. “Then what do you want? I feel at a disadvantage, you know my name, but I have no clue who you are or why I’m here.”

 

“Of course you’re right.” She said with feigned shock at her lack of etiquette, “A thousand pardons Ms. Blayne.”

 

I rolled my eyes at her formal use of my name, “So who are you? WHAT are you?” I asked, a thousand questions ran through my mind, and I plucked the simplest two from it.

 

“I’ve been known by many names over the millennia, but now I go by Emalia. It suits me in this new age. As to what I am,” She looked sad for just a moment before her face returned to its stone cold expression. “I am Moura, an ancient being, the last of my kind, and reptiles belong to me.”

 

“But Rees isn’t a reptile, he’s Wylder.”

 

She scoffed, “You silly humans, and your primitive ideas about race and blood. The cold blood runs in their veins, whether human in part or not.”

 

“Ok, well I’m Delacouri, not cold blooded. How come I could hear your song in my dream that night?”

 

“That’s because you’re very special Eliza.” Her voice came out sultry, full of dark promises. I felt the rush of power that rode her words; it caressed me, urged me to give myself up to her.

 

I gulped struggling to resist her charm, “That’s not a real answer. Why me? What makes me so special?” I found it easier to ignore her voice when I felt annoyed, and her avoiding my questions irked me to no end.

 

“All in due time. Rees was right though, you are strong, and.” She hesitated searching for the right word. “Stubborn.”

 

Her comments pushed me from annoyed to livid, “I don’t give a shit about your due time. I want answers now.”

 

I smiled on the inside when her eyes went wide at the brazen audacity of my words. Good, let’s see how she likes it. I saw the anger in her eyes, and knew I’d pressed a button. The rage poured off of Emalia in thick waves of power that pushed against me. My leopardess snarled at the edge of my mind reacting to the rage with her own. It physically hurt, pressure behind my eyes exploded into a migraine, but I stood my ground.

 

“You make demands of me you impudent child? I ruled the east while your people still cowered in caves.” She said, her voice deep and threatening as it resonated throughout the chamber. Her hair flailed in the air in an invisible wind, flowing on the waves of power that emanated from her. “Rees, put my toy away before I break it.” She breathed deep, trying to calm herself.

 

He didn’t hesitate, and led me back to my cage in a rush. We ignored all that we passed, I could smell his fear. We stopped outside my cage’s door, and he leaned in to whisper to me. “You’re playing a dangerous game Eliza. This fire will burn you.”

 

The concern sounded genuine, but I couldn’t be for sure. I returned to my room, and he shut the door behind me. I sat on the daybed lost in thought. I didn’t even hear the old lady when she brought me my meal. How strong of a hold did she have on Rees? Could it be broken? I didn’t have the answers yet, but I wouldn’t give up.

 

Impressum

Texte: Duron Crejaro
Bildmaterialien: Nevi-Bookrix User, AMAZING Cover made for me. Thanks a million!
Lektorat: Duron Crejaro
Tag der Veröffentlichung: 09.02.2016

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