Zarda had reached his limit with the chaos at the dinner table. Despite not even finishing the meal, he powered through the pain. As Zarda conversed with Lady Sindri, a latecomer arrived - a she-wolf named Mother Ylva, along with her sons Edom and Magni. Also with them was Jabari, the African wild dog, who had been adopted by the family and was now known as Hljodr. Jabari caught sight of Zarda and ran over to him, breaking away from his family. The she-wolf cried out, drawing everyone's attention, including Zarda, who finally noticed the familiar face. Jabari ran into Zarda's arms.
Zarda's negative outlook had suddenly transformed into a pleasant sight, a much-needed change of pace.
"Thank the creator, you're alive and well," Zarda whispered in relief.
The small dog looked up at him with a smile, attempting to communicate with words but finding that his tongue was unable to cooperate.
"Ja•ja, happy. You?" Asked jabari.
Zarda felt joyful as he listened to the little creature speaking to him. Ylva was shocked as she approached them. Her eyes were filled with wonder, and her heart swelled with happiness as she heard him utter his first audible word, even though it wasn't flawless.
Ylva softly rested her hands on Jabari's shoulder.
"You're the only individual he's communicated with since arriving at our castle many weeks ago. When we found him, he was frail and close to death, shivering in fear. My husband and I welcomed him into our family, as we have children around his age. We refer to him as hljodr. I gave him that name because he never utters a word. Do you know his true name and what he is?" inquired the she-wolf.
"Yes, I am familiar with this young pup. I saved him from the Nexus labs and released him to run to safety, promising to come back for him. His mother named him Jabari. He hails from my homeland, the Savannah, and is an African wild dog pup. Thank you for taking care of him. He appears to be in better health and spirits," Zarda responded.
While the two chatted, Jabari climbed onto Zarda's lap and started eating his food. Zarda chuckled, pleased to see him thriving.
"No, hljodr. Don't!" Exclaimed Ylva.
Zarda raised his hand to the she-wolf and reassured her,
"It's okay. I don't mind. I've eaten enough. He can join me. I've missed him," Zarda stated.
Jabari turned to look at Zarda's joyful expression, his face full of delicious coot. Jabari glanced around the table multiple times, as if searching for someone in particular.
"What is it, hljodr?" Asked his mother.
He turned to Zarda, giving it his all. He did his best to make his words as clear as possible.
"Me•me•eena no here?" He asked curiously.
Zarda knew who he was asking for, it didn't take much to realize meena meant maleena.
"What he said, mate?" asked Osborn.
Unfortunately, Zarda was aware of who he was inquiring about; it was not difficult for him to deduce that Meena actually meant Maleena.
"Our friend who dwells in the rose garden, under the willow." Zarda replied, without saying maleena was dead.
Osborn initially didn't understand, but then it dawned on him who zarda had been speaking of. The bear glanced sadly at his plate, his heart heavy as he swallowed hard and wiped away a tear. Zarda couldn't bring himself to break the sad news to Jabari.
"She left back for home, isn't that wonderful? She's safe and probably resting right now. Don't worry about her. I'm here now, just like I promised." said Zarda.
Jabari, young and trusting, believed Zarda's assurances without hesitation. The little one felt relief that his dear friend was safe and unharmed, continuing to eat without a care. The others, however, were solemn and felt a deep sorrow for the loss of their companion. Zarda, too, struggled to contain his emotions and hold back tears. It was a day ripe for weeping, as his feelings overwhelmed him all at once. Zarda held Jabari in his lap until the young one was finished eating. Jabari then chose to snuggle against Zarda's chest and rest, reminiscent of the day Zarda had found him. Zarda had become a symbol of protection and care to Jabari. Zarda who felt a special bond with the young one, didn't mind it at all. Ylva watched with contentment as Zarda's gentle nature shined through in his interactions with Jabari.
"You will make a great father one day." Said the she-wolf.
Zarda chuckled. "One day. Huh, how about, I am a father twice over now, yet I've never met either of them." He replied.
Ylva felt ashamed after broaching the subject, as she could sense the pain in his eyes.
"I'm sorry, I had no idea," she apologized quickly.
"It's okay. You couldn't have known. Don't worry, I'm willing to talk about it," Zarda replied.
Sindri also took note of the response and stored the information away for later. Standing up, she raised her hands in gratitude to Mother Earth for the plentiful food. The devout followers of the high lady nodded in agreement, but Zarda and his friends stayed silent, observing intently.
The absence of praise for her beloved God did not go unnoticed. It fueled her anger towards him and his companions. However, the words of the seer echoed loudly,
"They are not enemies, but those who follow behind them."
Despite her disdain for Zarda and his crew's disobedience, she reluctantly turned to him and asked,
"Do you not honor Mother Earth, Zarda?" Lady Sindri inquired.
He smiled, shaking his head no.
"I do not pray to dead gods. My Elohim is alive. His power is omnipotent and Everlasting." replied Zarda, confidently.
At that moment, he felt a sense of pride like never before while introducing his master. It was a feeling stronger than the anticipation of his own child's arrival. In his thoughts, he thanked the creator for being the ultimate provider. Standing up, he cradled Jabari in his arms with great care.
"Do not be offended, Lady Sindri. I am indifferent to whom you serve. It is your free will to choose your allegiance, just as it is mine to choose not to praise it. But enough of this discussion. Can we visit your castle now? I am curious to explore and learn more about your kingdom," Zarda said.
Jabari nestled closer as Zarda held him securely. The noblewoman nodded in approval and gently wrapped her arm around Zarda's, careful not to disturb the little one.
"Very well, Follow me. First, As you can see, we have no walls. We do not believe in them. I use a magical force field to encircle the entire encampment. As you noticed a slight difference in the trees as you stood outside our borders. You may have seen the trees marked with my enchanted runes. We rely on our ancient gods and our seer Eindride for protection. Eindride is revered in all four of our communities." Sindri elaborated.
"Four communities. Is this not sanctuary?" Asked zarda, somewhat confused.
Sindri chuckled at his comment.
"Indeed, this is sanctuary, the main castle," she explained.
"We have various communities spread throughout the magical perimeter, each tailored to the needs of different species. As the high lady, it is my duty, along with Lord Asger, to ensure that everyone has suitable accommodations."
Zarda grasped the concept but wanted further explanation, as she could tell from his expression as the high lady. She proceeded to further elaborate.
"In the town of Fljot, otters, beavers, whooping cranes, and fish rely on the river for their habitat. The bats, bears, and pumas prefer caves, so they live in the town of Hellir within the mountain. Fowl friends, squirrels, porcupines, minks, and possums reside in the tree-built town of Arvid. The rest of the creatures live within our castle borders of Havardr, where we thrive together and trade every three months during a big merchant festival. Every nine years, we celebrate solstice with a ritual of gift offerings to our gods. Next event is likely to be in summer. If you're still here, you'll have to see the tradition. We have four months until its arrival," Sindri explained.
Zarda remained silent as he absorbed the new information being shared. As his master had warned, he knew that the upcoming task would be challenging. He resolved to adhere strictly to the guidelines provided and not exceed them. While journeying down the path, Seerer encountered Sindri, Zarda, and their small group. Seerer gazed intently at the lion-like creature before him.
"So you have come. Your aura pulsates with a white light. Do not look upon me. For your power weakens me." Said the seerer, always with doom and gloom.
The seer was overwhelmed by Zarda's majestic presence. Shame was evident on the seer's face.
"Don't pay attention to him. He's always so gloomy, unless you want your future revealed," Lady Sindri remarked.
Zarda didn't need that, and he remembered when he was young that his master had said it was more exciting not to know. Sindri guided them past the seer and around the garden, then to their wooden huts, the holy temple, and the nearest latrine by the edge of the forest near the river. Zarda, peeking through the trees, saw a bustling town by the water's edge. Irabel clasped her hands by her heart as she gazed at the town, standing next to Oridian as she started to speak.
"I hope to make my way down there soon. To see if Oscar had made it safely. Our home at Great Rivers was destroyed by the humans and many animals were taken that terrifying day. Oh, I need to keep hope. Look at me, just rambling." said Irabel.
Oridian smiled upon her friend sincerely.
" No worries, irabel. You don't have to apologize to us. I'm sure he is there, just waiting to be reunited." She replied softly.
Oridian's words had brought irabel comfort.
"You truly believe that? Oh, I hope so too." replied Iabel.
The female otter observed carefully as creatures roamed the riverbank. The dense tree line made it hard to distinguish details, but she could make out shapes moving in the distance. The scent of smoked fish wafting through the air calmed her nerves. It reminded her of the annual big catch and fish fry her city used to host in the fall. It had been the final celebration before winter arrived and they had to rely on their food reserves. Great Rivers had once been a flourishing otter community, until the humans came. Time had flown by since that fateful day. The image of smoke billowing and flames engulfing her beloved city was the haunting image that lingered in her mind.