Oryn
"I swear that is the sixth man-eating plant to attack us. If that midget survived I will be so impressed I will praise her name to the Great Sky for all my days! " complained Thalia
I watched her as she tried to clean the goo that the plant excreted onto her sword and clothes when it grabbed her. Looking out at the wall of plants and trees in front of us I had to wonder the same. The girl that we had been following for the past few days couldn't have been taller than my shoulder, and she was a petite thing. My hardened warriors were having a hard time trekking through this death trap of nature, how could she have managed it and survived.
"Kian, are you sure we are following her tracks?"
Kian jumped down from a tree he was perched in.
"I am positive Warlord, her scent is strong her, couldn't be older than a day. And the patterns in on the ground indicate that she was moving southeast fast."
"Okay, I trust your judgment. Your tracking skills haven't lead me astray yet. But, if something seems out of place let me know."
Turning to the three warriors I had chosen to follow us I said,
"Let's take a break here. Remember to stay alert, we don't know what could be dangerous in this jungle."
My three warriors nodded their heads in understanding and sat down on fallen logs and take sips from their canteens. I proceeded to do the same when I heard Thalia laughing.
"Warlord look, it's a baby creature of some sort."
Turning towards her I smiled at the scene. A human life creature with round ears, fur, and a tail was perched on her shoulder playing with her hair.
Enzo, one of my warriors, asked, "What do you think it is?"
"I have no idea, but it is one of the most curious things I have ever seen. I wonder if it is baby since it is no much larger then a Gabo baby?" Just as Thalia stopped speaking about four more of the creatures emerged from the trees. They approached us cautiously, seeming to be curious and wary of our presence. After a few moments, they approached each and every one of us. Looking through our things, searching our hair and smelling our clothes. It was a nice reprieve from our trek, but the trek was suddenly cut short.
"Ouch" proclaimed Suri.
"What's wrong," asked Thalia.
"The creature cut me."
The creature jumped off Suri's lap and quickly back the trees.
"Let me take a lo—ouch. This one just stabbed me too."
It happened instantly, the remain three creatures poked the rest of us with something sharp and retreated to the safety of the jungles. Before, I could react and check on my companions my head began to feel woozy. Black dots began to cover my vision as each of my companions started falling onto the jungle floor passed out. I tried to regulate my bloodstream and slow down the poison that had entered my bloodstream. As I slumped to the ground, the last thing I saw was a pair of bare feet stepping into my field of vision. Then everything went blank.
…..
Oryn
When I came to the first thing I noticed was the smell and crackling of a burning fire. This confused me since we hadn't burned a fire in our campsite since we arrived unless someone was cooking. The jungle was too hot and humid for any of my people to stand the added temperature. Tapping into my memory, the last thing I remembered was the childlike creatures covered in fur that found us on our trek. Suri and the others were fawning over the animals when they began to prick each of us with something. I recall then my men falling to the group right before I clacked out myself.
A low raspy voice interrupted me from my thoughts.
"We know you're awake. No sense in laying on the dirty old ground anymore, it can't be too comfortable."
It was then that I had been laying in a pile of ash next to a fire. I opened my eyes slowly standing. My body was tense, ready for any attack, as I assessed my surroundings.
As my eyes roved the room, I realized that besides myself, I noticed we were in some chamber contains many different herbs. On the other side of the room, I saw an older woman grinding something on a wooden table. I couldn't see her face but is the wrinkles on her hands, and snow-white hair was any indication she must be a woman nearing her sixtieth cycle.
Quickly realizing we were the only ones in the room, I promptly began to calculate the odds of an escape using the old women as a hostage. I needed to find my men and leave before they noticed we were missing.
Just as I a step forward something came flying from the beams of the ceiling. Landing between we and the women I saw one of child-like creature from before, but this one was double the size of the others and much less friendly looking. It hunched forward with its fists on the ground, with its lips pulled back exposing six-inch-long canniness it hissed at me. Mimicking my earlier move, it took a step toward me.
"Chamil, calm down. There is no need to make our guest tenser then he already is" chided the women.
The slowly began to relax as it listened to the woman's voice. It retreated next to the table the women was at, all the while never taking its eyes off of me. I took a step back, frustrated at my situation. Usually, I would never let an animal get in my way, but I had no idea how to handle an animal like this. Although it only came to my navel in size, I could tell by its width that it was a strong animal, most likely able to match me in strength and out power me in agility. Since I had no idea where my men are I don't want to make a scene and make their situations worse.
Returning to my perusal of the space the women finished her work and faced me. Gesturing towards a char by the fire she said,
"Please sit down. No reason to continuing standing."
She took the chair across from the one she indicated, and her faithful protector followed her. Hissing at me again as it sat by her feet. I sat in the chair and watched as she began to pet the head of the creature. Its eyes closed in contentment as it began to emit a strange purring sound. She smiled down at it and turned to me.
My initial assessment of her age was correct, but unlike the women of my tribe, she did not have the born eyes and frizzled hair. Instead, hers was a startling white, decorated with different flowers and leaves, entwined with vibrantly colored strings. Her green eyes were accentuated by a black tattoo that began at the center of her forehead then broke into four lines, two going right and two going left, curving to both of her temples and looping out to her ears. I imagined that the lines then met somewhere on her shoulder.
She noticed me tracing her tattoos and smiled.
I looked back at her with a blank expression. I was not embarrassed by being caught staring, currently, I am a captive of a people that I have no knowledge of.
When she realized my lack of shame she chuckled, which caught me by surprise.
"Well, you are a brazen one that's for sure. Mael's assessment of you Oryn wasn't far off."
My eyes narrowed at that last statement, wondering who this Mael was that knew about me. Not wanting to betray my ignorance I choose to remain silent, a picture of confidence and control. This only caused the women to chuckle even more.
"Since you've noticed my tattoos I may as well explain. Give us something to talk about while we wait for the others. This symbol," she pointed to the diamond In the center of her forehead, "Indicates my role amongst my people. And the four lines represent the talents I use to help me fulfill my role."
"Do all your people have such tattoos?"
"Ah ha, he speaks!" She stopped petting the creature and clapped her hands. It hissed at me, obviously unpleased with her attention being taken away.
Smiling she said, "No, not all have this tattoo. We all have something on our body expressing our roles and skills, but only those on the council have a mark painted onto the middle of their forehead. This allows all our people to know and understand who the protectors are."
"Very interesting, but I find myself at a disadvantage. I do not know your name or who your people are."
"Well, how rude of me. My name is Amina, and I am a councilman of the Minut Tribe, which you and your men are currently a guest of."
"Speaking of my men, I would like to s—"
A loud bang of the door cut me off. I quickly stood, reaching for my sword, only to grasp air. Once I realized I didn't have any weapons, I crouched low, hands in front of me, ready for an attack. A looming figure stood in the doorway, a man who easily towered me in height and width. He had to crouch as he entered the room and as the fire lit her expression all ease that I felt in the woman's presence evaporated. Albeit older than me, his looking height and broad width spoke of a man seasoned in battle. His blue eyes had a light to them that had a touch of madness, and his graying black mane and beard added to the effect.
As he began walking into the room my sense sharpened and added strength seeped into my limbs. The man stopped walking a few feet of me and took in my appearance. Anticipation ran through me, readying my system, as the tense in the room began to rise.
Usually, I prided myself on instincts and quick reflexes, but what happened next took even me by surprise. In a speed, even hard for me to register with my enhanced sight, he pulled me into a big hug and bellowed,
"Welcome new friend!"
I was frozen, caught in surprise, unsure how to respond.
"Torbin put the poor boy down. Can't you tell he's shocked speechless."
The madman placed me down by my chair and sat on the ground next to Amina.
"My apologies boy, but it has been far too long since I have had the pleasure of making a new acquaintance. It seems my excitement got the best of me. My name is Torbin, and I am the chief councilmen of our people."
I cautiously sat back down and schooled my expression. Forcing my surprise out of my system.
"My name is Oryn, but I am aware that you already know who I am."
The man named Torbin looked down with a sheepish expression.
"Yes, we know who you and your companions are. As you and your people like to keep yourself unnoticed, we like to do the same. Unfortunately, your presence becomes known to us and was found in a position of gathering information in case you discovered us. I'm sure you would have done the same in our position."
I nodded my head in understanding but was still unpleased with the knowledge that we were no longer a secret.
"I can't fault you for scouting my people, but as you know, we have no desire to reveal ourselves to others I would like to retrieve my men and be on our way. We were tracking an escaped criminal that we are concerned will reveal my people's location. If you let us on our way, I promise, once we secure her, on my life we will never venture back here or speak of your people."
The man named Torbin looked at Amina, apparently having some sort of conversation with her via their eyes. After a few minutes, I shook his head and stared up at the ceiling. Amina whispered something into the creatures' ear, and it left the room in a hurry. I watched it leave as I waited for somebody to say something. After ten minutes, my patience was wearing thin. Thankfully, before I could speak, Torbin finally looked at me. But, from his saddened expression my impatience was instantly replaced with cold anger. My body tensed, ready to attack him for whatever bad news he was about to relay to me. Out of the corner of my eyes, I noticed Amina, grip the arms of her chair, the first sign of unease I had seen from her.
"I am so sorry my friend, but we cannot let you and your friends go. Although I understand your situation, you must understand we cannot risk our exposure."
My face went completely blank as my cold fury finally set in. These people seemed friendly, enough albeit strange, and I did not want to hurt them. But I could not allow me and my men to remain here. Who knew what would happen to my own people?
Formulating a plan of escape, I relaxed my body. I wanted them to mistake my ease for submission, but once I was alone or with Amina, I would find my people and escape.
"I know it will be hard to adjust to at first, but I know that you and your men will come to find our village home. There is much peace to be found here and much to keep you occupied."
"I appreciate the thought, but I must try again one more time to ask for you to let my men and I go. Like you both are leaders here, I am the leader of my people. MY duty is with them, and since we are new to the jungle, they will be vulnerable without me there."
Amina was staring into the fire and had kept quiet for the last twenty minutes, so when she spoke, both Torbin and I were startled.
"Amina, I understand your compassionate heart, but we cannot risk it. Especially with the news that the Rangers have increased their scouting."
This was first I had heard of the dealings of the Empire of Aleia and stored this information away for later. It could prove to be an essential topic to bring up with my commanders when I returned.
"I understand your concern Torbin, but I feel that things are going to be getting worse and we can use all the allies we can get. My dreams have not been pleasant of late."
"I understand—"
Suddenly she turned towards Tobin, and I was mesmerized but a pulsing green light that seemed to emit from her eyes. As I was caught in their depths I was overwhelmed by a sense of despair and immense anxiety that I had never felt before.
"I asked Chamlin to retrieve Mael since she is the one who told us about these people her council would be valuable."
Torbin scowled, "It's the middle of the night. You know how she gets when she is woken this late. Last time she demanded more oranges form my tree, whose knows what she will ask for tonight."
"Oh, suck it up Torbin, you can afford to lose a few more. Her advice is priceless, and you know it."
At the mention of Mael, Amina's eyes dimmed back to their usual green, and the spell was broken.
"Speak of the devil, I can her here coming already, and she is not happy," grumbled Torbin.
I focused on my hearing and heard a strange oh-oohing followed by a very unhappy voice.
As the door opened, Chamil was pulling along a small figure, which I assumed must be Mael.
"Amina, what is so important that you work me up that this Tah-forsaken hour."
As the two entered the room, the girl who I assumed was Mael yanked her hand from the creature and rubbed it.
"And next time tell you dirty ape to not man-handle me. He gets way to handsy for my liking. And for that matter, DON'T HAVE ANOTHER--."
The girl abruptly stopped speaking, she looked from Amina to Torbin, and then to me. I noticed her eyes had slightly widened in surprise and a broad smile spread across her face.
Folding her arms, she leaned against some shelves, smug satisfaction radiating from her.
"Well, well, well, look what the dirty ape dragged in. The mighty Warlord Oryn."
Squinting my eyes, I tried to determine when I had met her. She was around five-foot-two, a very petite girl. No, she wasn't a girl. Although she was slim, there was a womanly curve to her body and age to her eyes that no girl could possibly have. Her eyes told the story of someone who knew too much about life, someone who watched others and took note of the world around her.
Despite her youthful size and looks, she's an attractive woman. The first thing that drew my attention was the color of her hair. I had never seen hair so bright in my life. It reminded me of the golden honey butter my Mother would make on Coosky. But it was her blue eyes that really drew me in. They aren't big and round like many of the women from my land, they are the shape of almonds. The blue in them almost drew me in as much as Amina's did earlier. The women's eyes were a deep cornflower blue that had a mirthful sparkle to them, almost like the blue stars in the night sky laughing at the world below. I can honestly say that I have never seen anything so naturally captivating. Although she doesn't possess the sumptuous curves or charm of the Famidun women, her delicate features had a charm of their own. And as I traced the delicate lines of her face, I finally placed her face.
Not wanting to betray my surprise, I relaxed back into my chair. I casually perused her body and let a small smile play on my lips.
"I must admit, without the filth you look like a new creature. But, I must admit, I miss the old look. It suited you much better."
She puckered her lips into a pout and grabbed her chest like she had been hit.
"I'm hurt, but I know how you like your women," Mael said with a wink.
She pushed off the wall and came over to sit with the rest of us.
"Since you woke me up at such an unholy hour of the night, I must assume you would like me for something. And since the almighty Warlord is with us, I can only assume it has something to do with him." She gestured towards me.
One of Torbins brows lifted as he leaned forward
"Now Mael, that is no way to treat our guest. Although his predicament is unfortunate, we can try and make it as comfortable for him as we can."
Mael batted her eyelashes and smiled sweetly.
"Cut the bull-shit Torbin. You and I both know there is no way that will happen. You would be going ballistic if you were in his shoes."
Torbins eyebrows pinched,
"I swear, I will never understand your need to be so unpleasant. But, we should get to the matter at hand. Mael, Warlord Oryn has requested to return to his people, and you know that we can't let that happen. Amina proposed an alternative solution…"
Torbin glanced at Amina and then continued,
"She thought that we might bring his people here, to live amongst us. And before we bring it up to the council to vote on we thought we would hear what you thought."
Slightly shifting in my chair, I reminded myself to relax. I don't want to betray my interest in their answer. Whatever they decide would determine what I would be doing next. I began to slow my breathing as I started to focus in on my mind's eye. The scene before me began to show the patterns ebbing and flowing in Mael's body. Although, she presented an attitude of nonchalance patterns I saw told me differently. Her body was full of the swirling circles of careful thought. The gray of the swirls told me that she was thinking of the different outcomes from our two people living together. From the darker tint, I knew she was thinking heavily about the negative consequences. I would not be surprised if she denied bringing my people in, although her time in our camp was short she was treated as one of the lowest in our society. She probably bared only negative feelings about my people.
Leaning back onto her hands, Mael rubbed her chin, and spoke,
"First their culture is very different than our own. They have a caste system, similar to the Torbins, but instead of earning your position you are given it. Your position in society is decided by the strength of your talents at birth. They believe that the strength of your talent when you are born with is your ultimate potential. And those with high positions and strong talents are very prideful about it. I can see Yani having a particularly hard time being kind about that."
Amina stifled a smile while Torbin gave a soft chuckle. I wondered who this Yani must be that Mael would feel the need to mention her. But I was most intrigued by her statement about affinities. It was true that my people do not believe that talents can grow like one's bodies strength can, but it seemed that these people thought differently.
"Secondly, they Bond based upon the possibility of strong offspring. I can see our people getting along with them socially and even a few romantic relationships springing up, but unless the child is strong, they don't keep the child and discontinue the relationship. I can foresee that as a problem. But the most important point I want to bring up is that they have," Mael paused and made direct eye contact with Torbin, "they have slaves."
Until that moment I thought of Torbin as light and cheerful man. Someone who didn't take life seriously and who my Amah would call a 'gentle giant.' But when Mael mentioned that we owned slaves, I saw a frenzy of volcanic red dots explode in his body. I felt my muscles fill with power almost immediately. The energy boiling from the Chief was too much, so I was forced to close the eye of my mind. Now looking at him without his energy blinding me I could examine his expression. Robin stared in the fire, a look of murder in his eyes. His hands were clenched so tightly that his knuckles began to turn white. My eyes observed the tremors of his skin and I braced myself for the attack I knew was coming.
Right before he pounced, Mael stepped between us. She stretched her arms and scratched her chin.
"With that said, I must admit that they have redeeming qualities. I even have found myself attached to a few of them. I guess what I am saying is that I think it can work. But, there will be a learning curve, and it will be difficult. They will have to learn to accept our culture and we there's. I would also recommend a unification council. But, that's above my pay grade, and honestly, I don't really want to be involved. So, I suggest you get the council together."
Shrugging her shoulders, Mael strode to the door and waved goodbye.
"I was in the middle of a wonderful dream about dancing oranges and sparkly jewelry. I'm going to try and get back to that. Oh, by the Torbin, I will be stopping by for my pick of the harvest tomorrow. I 'll bring my own box this time, the one you gave me to last month was way too small."
The door closed behind her, and I just stared. It took me a moment to realize what she had done. She had just told two members of the council that despite the differences between our people, she would support bringing my people here. But, she didn't just do that. She also dispelled a very violent confrontation between her Chief and I. Her perceptiveness impressed me, and I realized she wasn't what she let her seem at all.
Turning back to the two people currently in my presence I saw that the women named Amina was watching me and Torbin had resumed his cheerful disposition.
Carefully I asked,
"What she said about my people is true, but I agree that we can make it work. Will you let me know when you have made a decision."
Torbin smiled, "The council must gather and deliberate, but once a decision is made I will send someone to let you know what our decision is. In the meantime,, you will continue to be a guest in Amina's work-room."
Getting up Torbin walked to the door, and Amina followed.
"Have a good night and if you need something we have multiple people watching from the outside. Don't hesitate to ask them for anything."