UnFamiliar Pathways (Familiar Magic Book 4), page 17
Trusting the two of them, Chimeg closed her eyes for just a second and felt herself whirling down into the depths of exhausted slumber. Everything around her went fuzzy and then black.
Chapter 32 – Momentary Peace
On the French Road, Earth
Jehani was curled up in the back of one of the wagons, nestled comfortably in a rumpled blanket. The young cat was surrounded by what seemed to his drowsy eyes to be a veritable sea of sleeping kittens.
The warm sun was freshened by just the hint of a gentle breeze and the benediction of its touch combined with the tiny purring sounds coming from the sleeping babies to create a blanket of reassurance around the adolescent cat. Jehani relaxed into the swaying motion of the wagon, thinking sleepily to himself, Even with the horrible things that have happened, it is times like this that make me able to believe that life still has joy and beauty in it.
Turning his head slightly to the left, Jehani could see the sturdy back of Helene as she gently directed the team pulling the wagon. The woman that Boney referred to as Soft Hand Lady had proved herself to be a caring and considerate fellow traveler.
Not only had she been central to the kittens' comfort, but Helene had readily embraced the veritable army of Hidden Folk and Familiars that the Wizard had brought with him. The woman seemed happy to be useful, bustling about as she made individual contacts with each and every member of their party, irrespective of how large or old they were.
Thinking back to the pain and terror of the last couple of days, Jehani was just happy that he could move without searing agony. The Wizard did not have strong healing skills, but Adil had done enough that the others in their party had been able to leverage their individual talents to bring the adolescent cat close to a full recovery.
Jehani was not quite sure if his mind had fully wrapped around the idea that Hidden Folk could be Healers, but he knew that the shy, tiny creature known as NaKenen was a powerful and talented Healer.
The stooped little lizard had not impressed the pain-wracked cat when they had first met. However, less than a minute after first touching Jehani’s agonizing wounds, soothing Power had removed the lingering inflammation and allowed the young cat to take his first deep breath since the foxes had ripped open his sides. At that moment, the frail Healer had made a lifelong friend.
While Helene had been seeing to the comfort and care of the members of the party, Hugh and the Wizard had been engaged in many deep and long conversations. Adil had shared some of his stories, allowing insight into the man behind the title. He and the wagoner moved into a seamless and cooperative partnership without fuss or clash. Like a shadow of his Master, Zain Malik worked in lockstep with Helene, providing hands where needed and driving the third wagon.
It was left up to Boney to keep the four-legged Familiars in line. The big hound somehow managed to get the various groups of animals moving in the required direction as the wagons left each waystation. He even managed to keep them distracted and occupied in the evening around the campfires.
Jehani smiled a bit as he thought of the mounted races that Boney had arranged the night before. First, the big hound had convinced the horses to act as obstacles and turn markers. He let them choose their own locations, and the herd stallions had taken great glee in making a complex and challenging set of tracks for the racers to conquer.
Then Boney had called for contestants, stipulating that one Familiar would carry another through the course and that only those that crossed the finish line with the partner with whom they started could win. Other than that, it was a race pure and simple.
What had happened after that was chaos followed by drama, and finally the race. The uproar of contestants arguing as soon as Boney had finished laying out the competition sounded almost like the roar of hungry beasts to Jehani’s ears.
He had been immediately inundated with small kittens trying to burrow under his body. Some of the children of the Hidden Folk had also decided that he was a protector and crawled underneath his belly and chest to join the tiny felines shivering there.
It helped that Jehani was amused and intrigued rather than frightened. His relaxed view of the uproar allowed the little ones to relax. Within a few moments, half of them were sound asleep and either purring or snoring, while the others poked their little heads out from underneath the adolescent cat’s comforting fur. Eyes bright and ears pricked to catch the sounds, the little ones were curious.
Jehani felt the weight of their trust and accepted that responsibility without a second thought. Focused on protecting them without smothering their natural instincts, a rumbling purr built up inside of the young male. He could feel the deep harmonics as they seem to rattle his soul, like a dancer’s castanets or the warning sound of a hidden snake.
The power and depth of the sound rumbled through the surrounding area. Where did that come from? he thought to himself. I have never sounded like that before! That noise should have been produced by a much bigger cat, rather than scrawny me!
A sudden surge of movement had resolved into paired racers, drawing Jehani’s attention. He had not been surprised to see that many of the larger cats and dogs had chosen to run the race. Most of them had riders that were Hidden Folk, although one of the heavily furred hounds had decided to carry a small Angora.
Jostling a little bit as they lined up at the starting marks, the contestants seemed like a barely restrained mob. When Boney had raised his snout to the sky and let out a sharp baying sound to mark the race start, what ensued after that had been sheer unadulterated chaos and fun.
First, the animals had raced along the marked path, aiming for a black Yakutian horse that marked the first turn. Skidding and slipping, all of the contestants made the turn and charged into an area that had horses standing in random locations acting as obstacles. Bouncing off of each other in their efforts to get ahead, the dogs and cats absorbed the blows of their fellow runners while their riders added another layer of sound as they hissed, screeched, or yelled at each other.
One enterprising animal chose to simply jump over the horses that had taken a stand in the broken field. Even when the cat had landed on the ponies back and launched from that position, the sturdy, muscled animal kept watching the flurry of action around it with unrestrained patience and an immovable stance.
As the pathway narrowed down to a turn marked by another Arabian, the noise throttled, and Jehani had seen that each pairing was focused on this last turn before the homestretch. In the mad scramble to get around that turn, several of the pairings went sliding or skidding into the brush. That delay would keep them out of the race contention, but every one of them got back up and resumed their efforts to at least finish the race.
Exploding onto the homestretch, Jehani had seen the logs and piles of brush that had replaced the horse obstacles of the previous broken field. He remembered thinking it was just as well that these obstacles were inanimate as he watched the straining competitors crash into the barriers or catch weary paws and feet in the grasp of tangled vines or clingy thorned branches.
The field of contestants continued to stretch out until it was clear that the race was going to be won by either a bulky dappled hound ridden by a short and bulky Hidden Folk male or the thick-coated dog carrying the Angora cat. Both animals were running full out, breathing in gasping inhalations of air, moisture dripping from their jowls. Clearing or evading the clinging grasp of the obstacles smoothly and without apparent strain, the two racers moved forward almost in perfect synchronous movement.
Just like everyone else in the suddenly silent crowd, Jehani had leaned forward to better see the finish line. The little ones that had been watching from the safety of his embrace scrambled to improve their line of sight, many of them climbing to sit on his shoulders and head. In breathless anticipation, he waited to see who would be victorious.
Just short of the finish line, a barrier of twisted bramble stretched across the entire width of the field. Jehani could see the coils of the long leafy tendrils and their vicious looking thorns even from where he sat. Contemplating how badly it would hurt to be tangled in those vegetative traps, Jehani saw the exact moment when the dappled hound’s foot caught the outside loop of one of those insidious leafy lengths.
Although the power of his leg and the strength of his determination ripped the hound's limb free of the brambles’ grasp, it still cost him a gut-wrenching split second. The other contestant had no such impediment, flinging its body through the air in a desperation-fueled headlong dive for the finish line.
Ahead by half the length of its stretched-out body, the grey furred dog and its feline partner crossed the finish line for the win. The racer’s flying form continued to travel, crashing to the ground a good ten feet behind the finish line and short of where the Wizard waited with Hugh.
Resting for a brief moment as its gasping breath slowed and changed into softer pants, the big dog climbed to its feet and stretched. Emerging from the dense fur on the canine’s broad back, the delicate-looking Angora cat arched its spine and let all the hair on its body fluff out. Settling back on its haunches, the feline sent out a wail of triumph, joined by a victorious howl from the dog.
When at last the runner-up limped over to congratulate the winner, more of the contestants had stumbled across the finish line themselves and joined him in the acknowledgment of the victor’s triumph. Looking pleased, the grey dog acknowledged those congratulations in a restrained manner.
Remembering the less restrained behavior of the dog’s feline partner still brought a rush of amusement to Jehani. The adolescent cat could see the Angora’s strutting dancelike movements as she had worked her way back and forth from the grey dog’s head to the base of its tail, broadcasting her voice as she moved. Tail straight up in the air, with just the end of her appendage crooked to the side, she stopped periodically to preen and pose. He could almost hear her still singing, << Shadow Dancer and Bright Memory for the win! Queens and Bitches rule while Dogs and Toms just drool! Say it! Sing it! Play it again! >>
Unable to resist their laughter, the Familiars let loose in a cacophony of mirth and appreciation. When the Wizard choked through a translation for those that did not hear the animals, the humans joined in.
Smiling contentedly, Jehani carefully lowered his head to go back to sleep. He did not want to wake any of the tired little kittens and Hidden Folk children. He knew that all of them needed to rest up because more dangers and troubles are coming their way. Every moment of peace and comfort was to be treasured, and he planned on thoroughly enjoying what was left of his nap.
Chapter 33 – Merry Meet
On the French Road, Earth
Hugh could see the waystation just ahead, but it looked far more crowded than he had expected it to be. The big man could feel bands of tension tighten along his body as he wondered what more awaited them. This close to Paris, most of the faster conveyances and caravans would push on to make their final destination even if it were later in the evening when they arrived. For him, he always stopped at this waystation so that he could enter the extended Parisian sprawl with rested teams and refreshed mind.
It was, therefore, with a wary gaze that he regarded the densely packed groups that waited for him as the cavalcade approached the waystation. Picking up on his concern, the Wizard unobtrusively drew his wand, holding it partially concealed by the side of his leg. Adin’s other hand kept a firm grip on his intricately carved staff.
The other two human members of their party also prepared. Helene nudged her loaded crossbow so that it was clear and ready for her draw, while Zane pulled back the side of his coat so that his bladed and curved throwing knives could easily be reached.
It was not just the humans that prepared for possible conflict. The smaller dogs that had been walking scrambled to get back up into the wagon and carts. All of the small animals without warlike weapons concealed themselves in the labyrinth of goods and coverings that filled the caravan load.
Jehani not only tucked his charges safely away behind the protective and concealing bulk of their many packs, but he carefully placed his body over the largest hole, determined that he would not give up the babies without a fight. Almost immediately, two Hidden Folk armed with bows and a short, muscular dog joined him.
Startled, the adolescent cat glanced at the grim-looking Hidden Folk on either side of him and noted their rocksteady grip on their bows. He also noticed the blue substance that coded the tips of their arrows, and wisely held his peace.
The dog positioned itself in front of Jehani facing toward the strangers. In a low mental tone, the animal said, << You are brave, but recovering still from your wounds. I am sturdier. If there is a blow to be caught, it would be better for me to take the injury than you. I have more chance of surviving it. >>
At first, Jehani did not know how to respond. The young male cat really wanted to protest and tell the dog that he was capable of protecting the kittens on his own, but he knew that everything that the strange dog said was correct. Unable to think of something that he could say that was both truthful and appropriate, Jehani was forced to simply say, << You are right, although I wish I could argue with you. Thank you. >>
Surprisingly, one of the Hidden Folk turned to Jehani and gave him a wide grin saying out loud, “Smart male! You apparently have not yet caught testosterone poisoning, and I hope you never do. It makes you much easier to work with.”
Once again, Jehani kept his silence. He was less concerned with posturing and more worried about what the mass of waiting people meant to them. Were they enemies? Or could they possibly be more travelers that were supposed to join them? Without any answer, the young cat’s mind just spun until he was almost nauseous with dizziness and unanswered questions.
Lacking anything better to do, Jehani tried to focus his gift and used it to check the auras of the beings that waited at the waystation. Once his gift kicked in, what he saw made him exclaim in warning to those around him. << Be careful! There are two powerful but different Magic users in the group ahead of us! One of them reeks of burned herbs and strange metals, while the other one is filled with the Power of turbulent Earth movements and the smell of an astringent flower. >>
Immediately, the Wizard answered, questioning him, << Can you determine their intent? Are they preparing to attack, or are they actually waiting for us? >>
Pressured, Jehani almost stammered as he answered, << I cannot tell! There too many of them. I can say that there are so many Familiars in that group that my mind feels pressured! But I do not know what they want! >> Jehani could tell that his own mental voice sounded panicked and overwhelmed, and the young feline knew that portrayal was an accurate representation of his true feelings.
Jehani caught the recognizable and comforting smell of Boney, and he realized that the big hound had come to pace beside the wagon bed, which housed him and the kittens. The big dog’s mental voice reassured the rattled young feline, wrapping him in strong virtual arms of support. Boney calmly asked him, << Can you just relax your mind and take in the feelings and thoughts? Look at the colors of the auras and see if they are shot through with the sparkles and lines that precede immediate action. >>
Taking a deep breath, the adolescent cat focused his other Sight on the waystation. Light exploded across his Magical senses, and his eyes watered in physical reaction. Whimpering in pain, Jehani managed to grind out, << There does not appear to be any evil intent held by anyone in the actual waystation. However, many of the beings waiting for us are ambivalent or questioning of our plans. Also, one of the Magic users seems to be very guarded and contained. My guess is that he is going to be trouble, not through intent but simply because of who and what he is. >>
The hound pressed for more information, demanding, << What else do you see in the area? Are all of the beings collected in the waystation, or are there any lying in ambush? >>
Jehani cast his perceptions on a broader arc, trying to determine who was positioned where. To his surprise, he felt the presence of concealed beings scattered throughout the surrounding woods and even some that appeared to be flying overhead. Quickly, the adolescent cat shared the information with Boney, before plaintively asking, << What should we do? Why do we have all of these people watching us? >>
The big hound seemed to shrug before he answered, << Not everyone makes up their minds as quickly as we have. I can understand that some of the watchers may be spying on us, observing who we really are based on our actions and what our plans might be. None of that is a concern right now. Instead, let us see what the parties waiting for us have in mind. >>
The young cat quieted but kept his Sight active anyway. He was somewhat reassured when the Wizard nodded his head to let him know that everything that he had said to the hound was also recognized by one of the humans. Slowly, Jehani led a deep breath out, realizing he was more reassured than expected as he felt some of the tension that kept his muscles cramping dissolve away.
In just another few moments, their caravan of six carts and wagons entered the center area of the waystation. Hugh signaled the drivers to pull to a halt, and for a brief period, there was no noise except the uneasy stamping of hooves and the shuttered breath of many living beings.
Almost exploding from the left side of the waystation in a flurry of layered clothing and flyaway hair, a young woman with a broad smile and cheerful voice nearly jumped into the wagon beside Helene exclaiming, “I am so happy to see that there are other women! I was petrified that I would be the only one, and that would have been not only boring but very uncomfortable. I really do not like being uneasy when I am traveling in a group! Do you?”
Before Helene could force a single word out, the other woman continued her chatter in a soft burred accent, “I said to myself, Rachel, you need to be open-minded about this whole thing. After all, it is not every day you get this mysterious Call to do something important with your life! Is it? So I talked to all of the Familiars around me and even talked to the Hidden Folk. Some of them were really hidden, and I had to spend a lot of time tracking them down. But then it all was happening really, really, really fast, and I had to leave again. So I tried to make sure all my duties were handed off. After all, if the Call was good for me, then maybe others should also be considered. I did not want anybody to be left out! I hope that was okay! Was it not?”
