A Sad Memorial
#58 of Dragon Hunter Saga
"Are you sure you want to go this way Gwen?" Alberich asks recognizing the area as the place I had killed Starbursts niece. I nod my head silent as I peer through the trees, concerned that I hadn't seen any foot steps through the snow a mile out from the building the remaining people should be living in. Shadow steps forward and silently vanishes through the trees and I wait for him to come back.
Discovering what Shadow is, sure has made it easier for me to let him do his job. Considering he is technically indestructible, I imagine the military would have loved to know how to make copies of him. Though from what Gilorndir has said, very few could make a 'copy' of him mush less another like him. {I bet Merlin could though}, Cheshire chuckles at my thought; agreeing with me.
After a few minutes Shadow silently returns and indicates we should follow him, and he moves carefully through the trees as if concerned something might attack us. That winds up concerning my greatly, as there isn't a Drake here any longer. My guardians prevent humans from being a danger to me, so what could be the issue?
As we make our way to the edge of the clearing leading to the old Rec center I notice the building is now a burnt out ruin. I turn to Starburst, "is this your work after we left here the first time?" He shakes his large head as he looks over the rubble, "no; there were still some innocents here. So I did not touch this place, look here." He indicates to a few spots in the broken cinder blocks, "smell right by this darker colored one." I lean in and smell a faint amount of gasoline, and then I pull my head back.
Angrily I start combing over the wreckage, but I find no remains of anything human; thankfully. As I stand thinking about where the people may have gone Zander touches my shoulder, "Shadow quickly headed off to the east. I think I can hear foot steps from that direction." Which means there is someone here, as Shadow walks so silently you never hear him.
I lean up against Zander and wait a few minutes then I hear a quiet scuffle and not long after Shadow returns carrying over his shoulder one of the former Headman's body guards. I indicate the spot in front of me where shadow unceremoniously dumps the man and steps a respectable distance away.
The impact must have had an effect as the man woke up and he notices me and looks scared, then he looks about and spies Starburst and goes white. I fold my arms and look down at the man, and briefly tilt my head to the rubble. "Care to explain that?" The man pales even more, "the old Headman did that. He was angry that the people didn't want to listen to him after your man cut him," Cheshire chuckles at the comment of Shadow being my 'man'.
I wave at the building, indicating that the man continue. "He lit one of the piles of clothing on fire after dousing the building with the small amount of gas we had stored. That man is insane, our current Headman had to kill him after that." I shrug my shoulder and Zander comments, "so the apple doesn't fall far from the tree huh?" The man gives Zander a questioning look and then notices Zander isn't a human on a horse, and jumps to his feet.
Alberich steps forward and lowers his horn to point it at the man's chest, "don't move; human. My friend here, was revering to that wicked man's daughter. Whom has given us quite a hard time in the last couple of years." The man freezes staring at the weapon pointed at his heart, he speaks hurriedly. "What are all of you things?"
It was now my time to chuckle as I explain slowly to the man about how humans and Dragons are not the only intelligent life left in the world. The man slowly calms down and speaks again, "you should come speak to our Headman. I, I think he would like to meet you." I look at my Guardians and they all nod, Cheshire still being quiet in the hopes no one notices his intelligence. Alberich moves his horn away from the man's chest, "very well; take us there. Know however, if this is an attempt to harm Hunter Gwen. We will kill you and those aiding you." The man nods his head and turn towards the direction Shadow found him in and heads off. The others follow him and I pause there with Starburst, who is still looking over the rubble.
"A sad memorial to my niece, but she did not know the truth of the world;" he says sadly. I pat his foreleg, "well; not much we can do about it friend. She chose her path, as you chose yours. We don't always pick the right one, but we must follow it to the end; and make the correct turns on it." He nods his head, and peers into the woods the direction the rest went in. "I think I shall hang back and make a dramatic entrance, Cheshire thinks it might help our cause." I snort, "that and he wants to scare the humans out of five years growth." Starburst shrugs and I follow the rest of my group to where ever the man was leading us to.
About ten miles from the burnt out ruin was a haphazardly build cinder block wall, haphazardly built; due to the fact that if you gave it a good shove it would probably topple over. The man lead us inside a well built gate, the guards not looking happy to see non humans with someone who appeared to be human. I noticed that the only person I recognize is the one leading us here. Which may not be a bad thing.
We slowly make our way past homes that while not well built, will defiantly keep their residents warm. Albeit they seem to have multiple 'families' living in one home a piece. The homes themselves appeared like old styled long houses that I had read about in history class as a child pre-disaster. Which made me wonder who was in charge here.
We stop in the open space in the middle of the compound, and a young man of Native American descent comes out of a nearby long house with an older man following him. "What have you brought Kyle?" The man (Kyle I guess) responds, "this is the Hunter who killed the Drake that the old Headman was worshiping." The young man pauses, and the older one steps a little more forward; looking at my Guardians.
He turns his head to say something to the younger man in a language I do not understand at this time. {He's speaking in a local tongue Gwen,} Cheshire informs me. {He is warning the man not to do anything foolish as you are favored by the Gods.} I smile then, the old man catching my smile; and he sighs. "Pardon Great Lady, I did not wish to hide anything from you. As I can now see it is a fools errand to do so." I nod my head, and he bows to me and waves a hand to the young man. "Lady this young man goes by Red Eagle. I personally wish to take you for removing the wicked spirit which had gripped this place." I nod my head again, and he continues. "He has taken charge of the people who remained behind then, and since accepted many into this village. We are teaching them the old ways, so we may survive the coming age."
Zander tilts his head to the Elder, "thank you grandfather. Does Red Eagle not speak for himself though? Or is this in respect for Hunter Gwen?" The young man steps forward, "I speak for my self horse man. The Elder in my opinion is foolish, how is this little piece of a woman able to take out a Drake much less a Dragon?"
The Elder looks offended at Red Eagle's comment and Cheshire hops off of Zander back and slowly walks forward. "Young man," he says surprising the crowd that gathered to watch the goings on. "If you do not believe that Hunter Gwen is a Hunter, then please; walk a mile in her shoes." In the next instant the Elder looks concerned and Red Eagle collapses onto the ground.
Cheshire sits calmly in front of the man and a few members of the crowd charge forward and. Hit an invisible wall. Cheshire keeps his eyes on Red Eagle but speaks to the crowd, "mind your business. If you are concerned for him ask your Elder what I am doing." One of the men carrying a weapon looks at the Elder who states, "the magic cat is making him see her deeds. He is reliving her trials, he is literally having him walk in her shoes."
Zander crosses his arms and inclines his head to the Elder again, "my guess is this young man is a tad head strong." The Elder nods his head, "that is why I am here. He has a way of getting himself into trouble." I nod my head, and we wait an hour; then Cheshire lifts his head blinking to the Elder. "He will have a bit of a head ache after this, he should be more mindful of those he chooses to insult in the future. The Hunter's future partner is not known for his temperament and would probably wish a few words with him if he attempted to best her." The Elder himself pales, "I shall take your warning Sir and pass it on to him." We wait as Red Eagle shakes himself and slowly stands holding his head, he looks over to me and shudders then bows his head. "Pardon my error Lady Hunter, I could not do what you have done I shall endeavor to be more mindful of my statements." He rubs his head, and Cheshire chuckles.
Some of the guards rush forward and Red Eagle waves them back, "they are not at fault here. I was very foolish in my treatment of the Hunter and her Guardians, though. Where is your, other; Guardian?" The Elder gives us a curious look as I simple point up to the sky and Starburst slowly flies into the village center causing a great deal of screams from the women. The guard look as if they were going to rush forward when Red Eagle puts up a hand. "He is not dangerous, he is one of the Hunter's Guardians."
One of the women from the group who worshiped the Drake shouts, "but she said they were all dangerous." Starburst turns his head to the woman, "as a general rule we are all dangerous. I happen to share my former brother's viewpoint of humans, and chose to help the Hunter in her quest to end the Matriarch. Who is my mother, and the most dangerous being alive. We are actively searching for her, but are unable to figure out where we must got to locate her."
The Elder looks up at Starburst in awe, "there are tales from our people about some of your people. Ones whom over the ages did help humans, the 'sleeping sickness' didn't effect most Dragons here until after Europeans arrived. So Dragons from here are a bit more designing of freedom from your wicked mother, and I am sorry that your mother happens to be such a creature." Starburst bows his head, "I have come to discover this about those on this continent. I thank you for your statements about my mother, pity we cannot chose our parents. Though," He winks at the Elder, "we can chose who we spend our lives with." The Elder nods his head, "very true; I believe you have chosen well."
Red Eagle invites us into his long house for a meal, and then apologizes after recalling Starburst could not fit inside. Instead he tells the crowd to please leave one of the fresh kills behind the nearest house and stay away till Starburst finishes eating, shuddering at a memory of mine seeing the dragonlings eating a human no doubt. He then orders a full meal be served in the open in front of his long house, with a request we spend at least one night in his village. Apparently guest quarters are always in the leader's home with the way they are living.
Alberich speaks to me privately, {it's probably more so he can keep those young women off of him for at least a night.} I notice the women of his age all fawning over him and alternatively shooting me dirty looks. The Elder follows my eyes and then asks, "so Great Lady whom are you to be paired with?" I inwardly chuckle knowing why he asked it.
"Well Elder, we have an ancient Elf at Hope Point whom I am the Perfect Mate for. He is of an old family with some major anger issues." The Elder nods his head, "I have heard tales of this elf, he is the last of his line yes?" I nod my head and he asks another question, "so why is he not traveling with you?" I chuckle, "well he was brought to the city to help train the Hunters. I have two teen-aged ones and a baby in residence, however; Lady Morrigan has stated that he must come when we discover the Matriarch's location."
Upon hearing that I already had a future husband the women stopped even looking in my direction, Red Eagle looked crestfallen then. Alberich chuckles, {see now they know you aren't in the running for his attention and are now ignoring you. Though I have an idea, when; when Mauve is ready. Send her here for her apprenticeship.} I nod my head and speak tot he Elder. "I need a place to send one of the teens to apprentice, can you house a young woman and her gryphon Guardian?" The Elder smiles and nods his head, "of course. She can stay in the guest quarters, anything we should know about her?"
I smile, "aside from the Guardian. Know she is a twin, her brother is already assigned to the City of the Night. As, well; he has an attachment there." The Elder gets a sad look on his face, and Red Eagle asks. "Is something wrong? What is this city?" The Elder gathers his thoughts a moment, before responding. "It is a city made and run by what is refereed to as Vampires, but know they are not as the legends say 'undead'. They are a different line than human, but like the Hunters can inter breed with humans. Though, it has been of long standing that Hunters and Vampires do not mix, and to have one mated to a Hunter is unheard of. I doubt there will be any Hunters born there, and any children born of that union might be problematic."
Red Eagle blinks, "they can have children?" Alberich chuckles, "how do you think new vampires come about? Like the old 'legends'? According to those I'd be chasing half those women climbing all over you." The group of women blush and scatter, making Alberich chuckle again and Red Eagle looks relieved. "Thank you Sir Alberich, but yes that is how I thought new vampires came about."
I pick up an acorn cake and nibble on it, "you'd be amused to know then that the envoy to my city is the grandson of 'Dracula'." Red Eagle laughs, "oh I bet he hates that honorific." I nod my head, and the Elder pauses a moment thinking then turns to Cheshire. "Pardon, but as I am guessing you are helping the Lady with her training. What is her ability?" Red eagle gives the Elder a questioning look and the Elder responds. "All Hunters have a special trait, some run in families." Cheshire nods his head, "yes and while Hunter Gwen comes from a very long line of Hunters, she does not have the family ability." The Elder gives Cheshire a questioning look, Cheshire continues. "She has the sense evil ability," the Elder blinks and shakes his head. "Very few of those Hunter have lived past their first dragon." Cheshire nods, "yes because they tend to desire to remove the 'evil' presence emanating from them."
The Elder takes a few minutes sipping a locally made wine, "is she having issue differing between the individual items in her sense?" Cheshire nods his head, the Elder takes a few minutes thinking again. Looking between me and Cheshire. "If I could help her could you link me into her mind long enough to show her how to filter the sense?" Cheshire blinks as if pole axed, nice to see someone surprise the old cat.
"Yes, I could do that. Can you show her how to filter this sense?" The Elder nods his head, "I have a similar ability. The reason I warned Red Eagle about her is to me she is surrounded by an intense white light." Cheshire nods his head and saunters over to me, "finish eating my dear. This might be uncomfortable and we should lie you down before doing this since last time we attempted this you passed out." I nod my head and finish eating.
I lay down on one of the beds in the long house with the Elder standing next to me, and Cheshire on my chest. {I have asked Dramon for back up as I will be focused on keeping you two linked, he is not to pleased about this attempt.} After my talk with him the night outside the Cross Roads I am not surprised. Cheshire speaks, "do not turn on your other sense till you can hear the Elder." I nod my head as does the Elder.
{Lady can you hear me?} I hear the Elder tentatively speak to me, {yes. I am just glad you did not do as some their first time and 'shout' at my mind.} I hear a chuckle from the Elder, {well this isn't quite my first time doing this kind of thing. My teacher reprimanded me for shouting into his mind the first time. So I am very careful.} I could feel amusement from Cheshire, and a nudge which was my signal to turn on my evil sense. {I am turning it on, it is a bit overwhelming.} I reach into my mind where I keep my other sense and release it and as soon as the unpleasant feeling from my 'sense' starts up I could feel a calming presence come from the Elder tamping down the overwhelming weight of my own sense.
{You have the strongest version of this ability I have ever seen Lady, no wonder you have issues using it.} I get the feeling he is looking about through my sense as he judges something I cannot tell. {Alright, let us do this a little at a time. In the village you can sense the ill intents of some of our members?} I send him an affirmative, {good. Now tell your mind they aren't important.} I do so and some of the 'weight' vanishes. {There, that helps yes?} I agree with him, {now think about the Drake you killed here a couple of years ago. This will give you the 'feeling' of the Drakes are a general. Tell your mind they aren't important.}
We keep this up until I have eliminated everything but one dark welling of energy and Cheshire pulls the Elder out of my mind. I can feel Dramon mentally touch my shoulder, {at ease my dear. You have been under a whole day, everyone was informed this might happen. You have it now though, good. Hopefully we can end this soon for everyone's sake.} He then gives me a mental hug and leaves my mind as I slowly open my eyes and with the help of Zander I sit up slowly.
"She's in the Alps."