A passing hour loosened the lips of the group, though none addressed Cuganwa aside from Odaru. The hunter hummed gleefully with a festive smile. His left leg stuck out further thanks to a tourniquet. Cuganwa occupied himself with thoughts dwelling on the events of the day. It all ended in the burning eyes of the witch, aside from their strange glow, she was no monster. The charge-horns and death snare were after them. Yet, he attacked the “vengeful witch” who could’ve waited for the beast to take one or two lives before killing it. His father stayed his hand only until she struck him.

  “Protector. Protector. How you may shine,” Odaru sang allowed. “Great you. Great one. For guarding this life of mine.” Cuganwa looked back finding the veteran hunter half turned with a large grin expressed on his face. Odaru turned back facing forward.

  “You’re welcome,” Cuganwa whispered as he turned back as well. “I’ve tried to do something worthwhile.” The boy looked down at his hand thinking of his attempt to stab the charge-horn. Nothing about his effort would’ve been fruitful, yet he fought on. The strange pulse had calmed leaving him with little clues to its nature.

  “She had to be controlling it,” Selsaj stated. His tone grew louder catching the boy’s attention. “Every time we see her, she’s doing something we don’t understand and leaving something we can use. She must be trying to buy her way back in.”

  Iogda replied, “How could she control one of those things? They aren’t the brightest, and quite unruly. Seems like a hassle.”

  “I think she’s trying to work on Sutama and control the beast. She may be taking it back to some pets.”

  “What? No.”

  The sleds soon came to rough ground once more. The grinding noise was loud and filled the air quieting the young hunters. They traveled on a worn path through the brush before reaching a bridge of bone, wood, and mortar. One of the free-riders rode ahead ensuring the path was clear as the other followed in the rear of the caravan. With the bridge just wide enough for the whip-necks to move side by side, they all crossed with ease. Cuganwa looked at the structures as small stones fell into the water calling the attention of the water bites. He remembered stories from his father taking masonry workers from the craft hut to fix the bridge on occasion, a task that often kept him from returning until the sun was nearly set. Everyone halted just beyond the bridge. Cuganwa looked toward his father. One of the free-riders pointed to the south as he conversed with Sutama. Cuganwa peered over finding parts of the tall grass parsed and matted to the floor. Along the path, two tall horns lied on the ground from beyond the grass.

  Cuganwa looked back at his father. The man gestured toward the grass just before the free-rider scouted the area. The ride at their rear joined him. Odaru then sat sideways in his seat as he removed his bow from a side quiver and notched an arrow.

  “Keep your eyes on the rear, Cuganwa,” Odaru instructed. The boy did so.

  ‘What’s happening? We don’t hunt tall horns,’ the boy thought.

  Moments passed before the group was ordered to dismount. Six of the men climbed down and moved to join Sutama standing beside the grass. Cuganwa did the same.

  Sutama then looked at all of them. “We have an entire herd of tall horns slain here.” Selsaj’s eyes went wide. “I am uncertain why but, they need to be dropped into the river before any beasts think they have a new spot to hunt near the path.”

  “How does an entire herd get killed?” one of the hunters questioned. Sutama shook his head.

  “Either way, we take one with us. The elders will have to hear about this,” Sutama added.

  Selsaj then asked, “Why not take more?”

  Sutama turned to the hunter. “If we don’t know why they are dead or what killed them, we invite dangers to the village. We’ve never had this game before. Let’s learn what is safe or dangerous. Then we will choose."

  The group moved on searching the area for each of the animals. Cuganwa and the others had a hard time dragging the beasts to the river. Each one had claw marks cutting through their sides, some were shallow, and even in places around the hind legs that the hunters could not see as fatal though they were the only marks they could find. The group tossed a sixth tall horn over the edge. Cuganwa followed the others only for his foot to strike something, nearly causing him to trip. The boy looked down and found an ax. ‘Did someone drop their ax?’ the boy then looked around and found a patch of dirt bare of earth. A clump of dirt had gathered with thin drag marks trailing to the center.

  Cuganwa turned to the group before he announced, “I found an ax! Did someone drop theirs?”

  The others stopped and inspected themselves. Only two of the hunters carried such a tool on them as the others preferred to leave them strung to the saddles. The men looked at each other shaking their heads and back at the boy. Curious eyes then scanned the floor finding several of the same marks along a bare trail. Once the group was done with the herd, and the last was tied to the rear sled, they presented the ax to Sutama. As the older hunters discussed the meaning, Cuganwa climbed back onto his whip-neck. Selsaj then climbed on his own continuing their conversation.

  “She had to have done it,” Selsaj declared. He kept an arrow notched but, did little to keep guard.

  “How? She had to tackle the charge-horn just to kill it. No way she could do that to the tall horns or that many close together from what you guys have said. They’re too fast, and arrows bounce off them too. Why bother?” Iogda continued.

  “For us, they are difficult.”

  “And? How would she have done it?”

  “Blade-jaws.”

  “No,” Iogda said annoyed.

  “What else? They are the only ones who hunt everything. I don’t think even blood-manes bother with them but, they were all cut.”

  Where were the prints, tracks, or blood from them fighting back?” Iogda turned to face his partner. “There weren’t any. Not even hoof prints but, we found bodies. Only the ax and signs like the witch was crawling through there.”

  “If she was crawling, then how would she be attacking them with blade-jaws?”

  “I don’t know. But why did she take two charge-horns? One makes sense but, that second was not her s” Selsaj’s tone grew aggressive. Cuganwa wondered if he were still mad at it being taken, he could not blame the hunter. “It just seems like something she could do. That stone can hold things larger than her, the ax left out here and the animal coming from where we were but, was bigger than any charge-horn we’ve caught. I bet even larger than Odaru or Sutama have seen.”

  “Then why leave the bodies?” Selsaj shrugged.

  “Remember the tale of the first sinner? He took the chief’s wife and family controlling blade-jaws to kill them because he did not become chief himself. She must be trying to learn the same.”

  “But, why leave them?”

  “I’m not certain and….I hope you’re wrong.”

  “That is not a strength we can deal with on our own. If anything, we would have to deal with using every party in the village.”

  “True but, that is why I think this is a test and the meat or animals she leaves is just a way to try and buy herself back in. She kicked Cuganwa away but, only a warning shot? We ignore each other, but what’ll happen if this continues? We’d be blindsided.”

  “What about the charge-horn? Why take it for food if she could control it?”

  “No. I think her spells don’t work on them like blade-jaws or blood-manes.”

  “If she controls them.”

  “Yes, if. But those are demons. Charge-horns are game. Her spells deform it, and she sends it after us, or it gets loose. Then takes it back as food and win favor.”

  Iogda sighed and shook his head. “We should tell the others. That would be best.”

  “Oh! We hear you fine, boys! You’ve been loud enough!” the two looked toward the front finding all eyes on them. “Your concern is valid! We will take your thoughts to the elders. Let’s continue!” Sutama said. The group continued with the final stretch of their trip closing with the sun close to setting.

  A long white wall protruded from over the land above the dirt mounds and brush as the setting sun brought an orange sky. Sutama retrieved a horn from his sash and released a long call ringing through the air. A torch strung to a pole jutted up from the wall swung back and forth signaling their call was received. The group then rounded the area toward the southern portion where much of the land was flattened and bare. Sutama circled the whip-necks fitting closely to the outer wall and away from the brush line. The hunters then waited, standing in a perimeter facing out toward the drylands. Cuganwa stood further back watching as Odaru remained in his saddle. An arm then came around the boy’s side pushing something into his hand. The boy looked down to find his father handing off the knife silently. Cuganwa took up the blade as he looked to his father with wide eyes.

  The man’s expression was softer than before as he gave a nod and walked toward the wall. Shifting sand rustled behind them as the white wall was picked apart. Countless bones, all standing at half the height of the whip-necks, were removed as villagers opened the path. Each had pointed ends that were thin and flexible to withstand the strong winds. Soon, a space just wide enough for the whip-necks to pass was made. Sutama called for the drivers of the animals in as village guards poured out to cover their rear. The hunters then lead their mounts into the village as dozens of onlookers watched the hunters bring their game. Those working on the gate raced to replant the defenses. Many pointed to the tall horn lying on the last sled.

  “Hah!” He’s alive!” Cuganwa heard. Many of the children were watching as he descended with the others. The boy smirked at his friends as he held up the knife as proof of his new station. Some clapped and cheered as others looked away with disdain, old rivals with remaining prayers to be hunters. Each one was beaten in a foot race. As Odaru took the lead of the animals, the whip-necks were driven further into the village. Many started to comment on his wrapped leg.

  “Sutama, your group has come late,” a voice almost as commanding rang out.

  The village chief approached with a broad smile across his face slightly obscured by his mustache curled upward on opposite ends. He was well toned and in his late thirties. His sign as chief was displayed by his full red attire and a bracelet holding a clear stone.

  “Hello, Gamaunda. We had a bit of an issue along the way, and other concerns,” Sutama replied. Gamaunda nodded his head.

  “By the Great Lord’s shine, you still return with all your men and more game than expected. No better a trade wanted but, let’s speak more over here.”

  The man nudged his head to the side, away from most of the others. The rest of the hunters returned to their families. Cuganwa watched as they spoke to one another, he looked around the village as everyone spoke to others. Feeling as if he were being watched, Cuganwa turned around, finding a woman leering at him with a smirk. He blinked and gave a nervous laugh. She wore a thin green shawl over her head and a long dress dyed blue and white. Around her neck, she wore a wooden medallion engraved with the symbols of Kelvert. Spiked rays of light rose upward from a center piercing just beyond a wide crescent arch above them.

  “Hello, mother,” the boy said as he approached and gave a hug.

  “Hello, hunter. Did you enjoy your first trip?” the woman asked.

  Cuganwa paused looking to the ground. “…Yes.” His mother tilted her head to the side studying the boy’s reply.

  With quick hands and the return of her smirk, she grabbed the knife from its sheath. Cuganwa failed to block her as she stepped away and turned the blade in her hands, inspecting the ornament. “Sweet enough of you to bring me a gift, dear.”

  “Mom, please,” Cuganwa started as he glanced at the other children watching him. “I’ve passed.”

  “Well, I don’t think you should be one.” Her smirk turned into a scowl. “How did Odaru hurt his leg?”

  “He fell when the whip-neck lost balance,” Cuganwa answered.

  Her brow arched upward. She blinked several times trying to decipher his words. “A whip-neck lost its balance?” The woman narrowed her eyes. “What happened?”

  ‘Please don’t ask more. I can’t mention the witch,’ the boy thought. “It’s true. Another charge-horn came out of the brush and almost ran into Muga. Then we fell.” ‘Not everything but, this did happen,’ Cuganwa told himself.

  “Who’s Muga?”

  This time, the boy blinked. “Is that important? The whip-neck we were riding?”

  “You fell with him? Why didn’t you mention that first?”

  “A lot more was happening besides us falling.”

  “He could’ve cut the ropes before you two fell. What happened to the charge-horn?” Who missed that last one?”

  “I did,” the boy admitted. “When I was running, I never saw it.”

  The woman chuckled. She then handed the knife back. “It will be troublesome if you make mistakes like that too often. Be careful.”

  The boy smiled back. “Yes, mother.” He then placed the blade back in its sheath.

  “Hi, Cuganwa!” a voice shrilled. Small arms then wrapped around his waist. A small figure tackled into his side.

  Looking down, Cuganwa was greeted with a large grin and eager brown eyes from a young girl. “Hey, Caluu,” Cuganwa greeted as he hugged her back.

  “Did you make it! Are you a hunter!” she shouted.

  “Yes. Yes. I made it. I will be going with them from now on.”

  “And soon, he will start his bow training,” Sutama added gaining everyone’s attention. Gamaunda was with him. Caluu clung onto the boy’s arm as the three listened. “You won’t be going out every time but, there isn’t a hunter who doesn’t know how to shoot a bow.

  Cuganwa smiled. “But first, you must make yours,” the chief reminded. He kept his usual smile as he nodded to the others before turning back to Cuganwa. “You will appreciate it more when it is done by your own hands. Remember, your aim will be the thing that both protects you and others.”

  “Yes, Chief Gamaunda,” the boy replied.

  The man smirked before turning to Sutama. “So, a meeting tonight to discuss more.”

  “We will be there, chief,” Sutama assured. Gamaunda placed a hand on the boy’s back and gave a nod before leaving.

  This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

  “How will Odaru fair with a bad leg?” his mother asked.

  “Oh no, Jogia. Cuganwa will join me tonight.” The woman blinked several times and fixed her body to face him completely. “Odaru is being seen by the elders now. I am sure they will ask him as many questions as they will us.”

  Jogia’s brow furrowed. “I don’t like him being there.”

  “No. He’s a hunter and will be treated as such.” Sutama grew a smile. “Remember, three more years, and he could marry.”

  “Five,” the woman declared as she stared at the boy.

  Cuganwa narrowed his eyes, “I’m just thinking of hunting right now.”

  Can I be a hunter next?” Caluu, not for a while, my love.”

  “I can run too!” she protested.

  “Oh. Then run home with Mother.” The two turned to head further into the village but, not before Jogia kissed Sutama and raced with the young girl. Both laughed as they sped off.

  Sutama smiled at them. Cuganwa looked at his father, noticing a sense of fatigue in the veteran hunter.

  “Did you tell her?” the man asked.

  “No. I’ve said nothing about it,” Cuganwa replied.

  Sutama sighed. “Good. I am proud of you. Just remember to cherish life. It can go so easily.”

  “Father, why am I joining you at the meeting?”

  The man turned to Cuganwa, his expression hardened. “Today’s events need all witnesses. You of most. Twice danger came to you, then…other matters.”

  Sutama continued, “After supper, we leave for the meeting and see what the elders have to say. Let’s go home.”

  Night came with its usual howl of the wind. Nuyani’s core hummed rapidly radiating through her body in a single breath. Her eyes shot open as a sudden pressure was clear and grew heavier upon the internal drum. Nuyani pushed away rolling to her side as long blue claws shot from the floor proceeding the same grotesque figure.

  ‘By the Great Lord, why have you come!” she thought. Nuyani gritted her teeth staring at the specters as she reached for her knife. Without hesitation, she leaped toward the apparition and sliced at its limb. The blade passed through the specter leaving it unharmed as it reeled back from the sudden attack.

  “What!” she questioned after landing on the floor with new bruises to add on her legs.

  The howler then attacked once more reaching for her with a swipe. Nuyani rolled to her feet holding her blade at the ready and her arm chambered to her side. She held a maddened glare and subtle smirk. The specter waited for an arm’s length away watching with voided eyes. A chuckle came from Nuyani. ‘I don’t think they will like your eyes any more than mine, howler. Why didn’t I cut you?” She fixed her smirk into a growl, ready to defend her home.

  “Focus on the beat. No words.”

  Her attention remained on her foe. Her thoughts grew silent. She was ready to strike, ready to react. The ringing pulses echoed through her, and each muscle grew lighter. The apparition’s presence became a sloshing solid bead sitting at the front of her core. The howler shifted, moving toward the domed huts, continuing to face her as it fled. Nuyani did not wait and darted forth. The apparition whipped through the air passing through a hut wall. She stopped before striking the stone surface. Its glow shifted while shining through the small round window. The pressure became heavy. Nuyani stepped back as the claws glided through the stone, almost striking her stomach.

  ‘Not so feral after all,’ Nuyani thought. The howler drifted forth peeking out of the wall. Nuyani stared back, slowly inching toward her foe. The vibrant energy grew stronger. Nuyani noticed her body was fine. The sense of cold plaguing her the night prior did not emerge. She inched closer to the small doorway, ready to attack once more. Going for another lunge, she broke off midway to reach the door and tried to stab the specter through the opening.

  Her foe whipped into a circle evading the attack before swinging at Nuyani’s arm. The claws passed through the leather once more but, only managed to knock away her arm. Her forearm struck the doorway’s edge causing the woman’s knife to drop to the floor beneath her. The apparition paused, looking between Nuyani and the knife. The specter retracted its arms and hid beneath the floor as Nuyani retrieved her knife. Nuyani tested her grip. Aside from the old scars she had yet treated, the apparition’s blow did nothing.

  ‘Praise to the Great Lord,’ Nuyani thought as she crouched low and faced the direction of the pressure.

  “You will not have me,” the woman stated as she stared at the ground. “You have failed to catch me. You run only to attack again. Why are you still here?”

  The hum of her core strengthened leaving soft vibrations in her ears. Nuyani cleared the hut as the shifting weight stayed in the same place. The cavern’s draft brushed against the blade’s surface. The brisk wind passed through her mind. She sat still waiting for the howlers to move. Waves shifted at her core growing heavy in an instant. Nuyani lifted her foot as the claws rose from the floor bringing its blue glow. She dodged the howler’s attempt to grab her foot. Nuyani stabbed at the limb but, it sank into the floor leaving a loud tap as stone struck stone.

  “Damn it.” The apparition’s presence shook and grew lighter. “Is it backing away?” As her blade hovered a few inches over the ground, she could feel the small granules of dust pressing against her fingers. ‘This drum. By the Great Lord, what is it?’

  Nuyani dropped her thoughts as the waves grew stronger and shifted once more becoming lighter. Light burst from the ground as the howler revealed its head inside the hut. Nuyani leaped for her foe as its jaw descended. Her orange eyes widened as she was bombarded by an ear-piercing scream, Nuyani froze for a moment maintaining her glare at the apparition. Moments passed as the stabbing throb radiated through her mind. Her hearing grew muffled. Nuyani drudged through the onslaught swinging at its head. The howl ended as the apparition backtracked rising from the ground and passing through the wall. Its hand was missing. Nuyani dashed forth as her foe passed through the stone. She struck the wall with all her might.

  A sense of cold ran over the tip of the blade. Her thoughts dwelled on the internal drum’s presence. A shriek rang through the cavern barely audible to Nuyani. A sinister smile appeared on her face as she felt the weight against her core disperse. Blue embers glowed then died out beyond the hut’s small window.

  She laughed to herself letting it echo in the dark of the cavern. “Thank you, Great Lord. Can I sleep now?” Nuyani sat with her back against the wall, her arms and legs lost all strength. No other pressure or distortion lingered. “Please be the last.” A scowl came over her face. She brought both hands over her ears. All she could hear was her heartbeat amongst a constant headache. She mumbled several prayers to herself. The words came in muffled sounds.

  Nuyani rested continuing to test her hearing until the words were clear. Halting as she noticed the dark shift. A dim silver haze formed into thin, sparse paths outlining the simple details in the stone. After three or four beats rose, a sharper stronger pulse would rise. The more the rhythm repeated, the brighter the silver lines became. A strain rose in her eyes as if she were staring for too long. Nuyani laughed. ‘Now I can see in the dark?’ She moved to retrieve her blade. The haze outlined the edges of the weapon as the center remained pitch black. When she picked up her weapon, the tip fell off. Nuyani felt an urge to throw the blade but stopped. She sighed while inspecting it. ‘I’m awake anyways. I should gather some more supplies.’ She stocked off to the cavern front and rummaged through her baskets for another waterskin, herbs, and rags. Retrieving some small pieces of wood, Nuyani placed them into the fire pit. She retrieved the same small stone and gripped it in her hand. Before her, lights shimmered and danced over the back wall proceeding the charge-horns before they poured out piling atop of one another. Nuyani covered her nose and mouth. Her eyes stung from a rancid odor emitted by the larger beast, then fell onto the gray and yellow lump of flesh in the middle of the charge-horn’s back.

  “I don’t think I should eat this one,” Nuyani mumbled.

  Lights danced over the larger charge-horn before it drained into the small crystal. Nuyani took a deep breath, relieved of its stench. Leaving to retrieve another ax, Nuyani hacked at the charge-horn’s spine taking several hits concentrated on one area just to break through the hide. A trail of course fur lined the beast’s back and was great for kindling. Nuyani cut some off using it, and flint, to burn it in the fire pit. She then removed the hide and several portions of muscle from around the smaller charge-horn’s belly before placing it on a tarp. Nuyani glanced at the larger beast biting her lips before deciding to return the festering creature to the stone.

  With wood stocked, a strong flame soon started the front of the cavern and quelled the pulse. Nuyani moved to retrieve the ax only for a twinge of pain to emerge reminding her of scars she still had.

  Rummaging through her supplies, Nuyani took the time to clean her wounds. With some water, she washed out the blood and grounded down several herbs before wetting them and wrapping the pulp around her forearm. A sting soon came making Nuyani give a sharp breath. As she waited, she looked at the cavern entrance. Only the silver glow shined through the dark. Yet, she never wanted to find a beast ready to take her. Not once in her years alone had a single animal dare to venture inside the cavern leaving her with questions as she turned toward the abandoned huts. The dead village was not common knowledge. Nuyani wondered if anything that happened in the cavern was something the animals feared. ‘No matter, Al the better for me,’ Nuyani concluded as she returned to her tools.

  Keeping mental notes, she prepared her tool strap for the venture bringing her spare ax in place of the knives and ax she lost. Nuyani stored away her bags of nuts and berries within the closest hut. Many of the drylands’ regions were picked by the village parties leaving late afternoon as the safest time to avoid encountering any of the others, though some sighted her easily. She made her way through the tunnel and into the night, concerned only for the predators that stalked the dark. With new vigor, she stood at the slope focusing her mind on the hum. A moment passed as a simple pulse rang from her core.

  ‘Yes. I don’t need those demons to reach it,’ Nuyani cheered.

  She concentrated on the sensation until the beat was rapid. With her sense under control, Nuyani darted off toward the south heading a little toward the east in an attempt to avoid any blade-jaws or blood-manes. All around her, life scurried and moved under the blanket of darkness. Yet, she could feel the presence as if they leaned against her. The pulse maintained its usual ebb as the blue lines did not appear.

  Nuyani chuckled, still holding a new awareness with wind sailing past her. ‘I can feel them. I wonder if that is how these howlers see as well,’ Nuyani thought. Her smile disappeared as she remembered To’anu’s words stating they were taking her home. She kept silent letting the warm winds of the night carry away her thoughts. The land slumbered even in her race. Larger pressures rose and fell in her passing, and the crescent moons remained in their sapphire and emerald glow; only another night or so before new moons took their place. Slowing in her steps, Nuyani reached a dry riverbed where countless rocks lingered close by. Aside from a lone bush to her left, the remaining pressure was before her leading to a stone no taller than her knee. When she stepped forward, a small lizard scurried out. Nuyani sighed, not realizing her breath was held before she glanced at the looming shadow of the cliffs only a few dozen meters away.

  Even with her speed, an ambush by any beast was not something she would risk without reason. Nuyani squatted before the stones and picked out a few that were slightly larger than her hand. Untying one of her sacks, she placed three of the stones within it just as a pressure appeared and shifted against the drum. Nuyani rose as the bushes rustled behind her. The woman sprinted forward and bound over the smooth stones. Behind her, heavy panting and stones tossed about sounded off. Once on the other side, Nuyani sprinted on only to look back at a large figure in the dark with glowing eyes. It gave up and watched as she moved away. With the release of a sigh, Nuyani told herself, ‘Not even the blade-jaws will scare me. I might get stubborn and caught if I’m not careful.’ Thoughts of To’anu’s wounds came to mind. ‘No. I must not be careless.’

  She made her way toward the lower center of the drylands seeing small lights dance in the air, followed by the soft trickle of water. The humid breeze whipping past her face became brisk. She stopped one another dark line appeared on the earth. The water before her was merely a stream with the moon’s light revealing the stones at the bottom. The riverbank edge on both sides was filled with wildflowers but, she did not linger and stepped into the water crossing through the gentle cool. Her body eased letting the tension of her muscles dissipate. Before she could leave the water, Nuyani looked to the moons. With soft sounds, no predators to be found, peace came to her mind. The face of the apparition returned, and Nuyani’s ease faded. She made her way toward several clusters of flax flowers and porcupine grass gathering several clumps within another sack. Nuyani looked at both bags wondering how cumbersome the return trip would be. Unlike game, she could never use the crystals to carry supplies and ease her burden.

  “Another down. I just need wood and wax,” she stated before continuing to the east.

  The moons sat high as she neared a small forest at the southeastern corner of the drylands.

  Towering cliffs standing in the distance. She arrived at a small forest with trees that grew sideways. Often called lizard bark, each trunk had branches that kept it elevated in the air as if they were short legs buried in the ground as the sky-bound branches left short canopies at the top. Nuyani hid between two of the trees before checking the pulse and looking about. Only the still presence of the trees remained. In the distance, she could see another pair of glowing eyes looking up from another small stream passing through the area. It was a fox. The animal proved to be just as cautious turning away and darting into the night.

  ‘Stay vigilant, little friend,’ Nuyani focused on her core once more wondering why she had not noticed the animal. ‘Can you hide from me?’ she wondered.

  Nuyani dropped the idea and kept her core’s pulse strong as she neared one of the trees. The trunk stood at shoulder height giving enough distance for her to hack at the branch bases. Nuyani retrieved her ax and swung at the branch splitting through several short inches. The sound thundered against the cliffs. She rushed knowing the noise could draw anything nearby. With a few more hacks, she severed the first branch. Nuyani then stared at the piece seeing if she could use her core to make the silver lines appear once more. After a moment passed with no luck, Nuyani sighed and judged the shape with what sparse light there was and felt it was a good piece for another ax. She then started on another branch. Nuyani took several breaths. Chopping echoed in the dark. With her ax raised, she dived beneath the tree. A crash shook the tree as Nuyani curled into a ball with her ax held close. A loud screech filled the air with the shadowed claws raking at the dirt. Remaining rapid, the rhythm returned as the blue haze formed the outlines of the tree, branches, and claws closest to her A blood-mane pushed against the tree. Its strength made the lumber creek as it shifted outward. Her heart pounded away as she slid further from the animal’s grasp.

  Nuyani breathed slowly, carefully reading the animal’s movement. The presence shifted as the tree eased. Trouncing shook the tree as a snap sounded off. The branch she worked on broke off as the beast climbed over. With a roll and swift hands, Nuyani was out from beneath the tree as the beast tried to reach her, flapping wings sent gusts of wind through the area. Nuyani paid no mind as the looming shadow in the sky faded into the distance. After an hour of scavenging, she returned home dropping her supplies on the floor before the firepit still burning. She severed another portion of the charge-horn’s fur and hide before placing it in the flame.

  The flames rose, giving a stronger light. Nuyani then retrieved a lone basket, small clay pot, and string. After several trips, she left for the river and lowered the basket and pot within the water. A cautious eye scanned the area on occasion, fearful of another beast.

  ‘Alright, charger horn. Your turn has come. Or howlers. Great Lord, please let them rest,’ she thought.

  To her benefit, the trip proved silent as she returned to the cavern. Hours passed as she went to work. As daytime broke, Nuyani had a new ax and knives flinted from the stones and stopped making the lacquer she needed for the leather hide. Without any hornet’s wax, she would need to retrieve the ingredients again. Nuyani released the larger charge-horn beside its smaller counterpart. As the light faded, its odor rushed through the area. She heaved and lowered her head to the side. Guarding her mouth with an arm to fight her urge to spew, she ignored the smell of rotting flesh.

  ‘Can’t waste this,’ she reminded herself. The beast could be used for many tools from water skins made from gutting the humps, stomach, or bladder into other leather pieces. Nuyani studied her attire finding several frayed sections chipping away. She paused noticing the stream of light peering through the eastern hole within the ceiling. Unlike the other, it was smaller and without any means to reach it making her wonder how it had formed.

  Dropping her tasks, she knelt. She started her prayer once more and finished with the rising gesture of her hand. Her thoughts flashed to the apparitions and then to the grass that bound her for a moment.

  ‘Great Lord, please reveal some answer. What is happening in your lands? Are the spirits corrupted? Why?’ She turned back to look at the growth on the charge-horn wearing a scowl. Returning to her work, Nuyani avoided it. She cut off smaller sections of hide and let the coagulated blood drain slowly into another urn thanks to an indented line carved through the rock floor and leading to a small lip over the edge. Nuyani did not bother with its hump but used the other sections of the beast. Its bladder and stomach could still make great water skins, and she only thought to use the rest of the meat and bones to hunt other game. Gathering meat from the other charge-horn along with the larger one’s hide, she climbed the indented ladder leading to the ceiling exit. A cross-hatched barrier of rib bones from heavy-hornss barred any animal from getting through. Each bone flexed like a bow with ends anchored into small stone divots lining the rim.

  She laid down on the floor before placing several slabs of meat and the hide on the ground for drying. She peered out to an endless desert of golden sand as the mountain chain continued to the west. It was a completely different world from her own. Nuyani let go of her collection of questions and turned to head back down. She forgot the salt to preserve the meat. In mid-step, a soft distortion riled the drum’s pulse at her flank. Nuyani spun around brandishing her new knife. Her ember eyes widened as she looked at a figure standing just beyond the barrier.

  “Mother?” Nuyani whispered.

  “Hello, Nuyani,” the woman smiled. Nuyani looked much like her aside from the small wrinkles under her eyes and forehead. The woman wore a simple brown dress. A small trail of blood fell from a gash on her right temple.

  “This…this can’t be. How…”

  “Relax, Nuyani,” her mother chuckled. “You’ve changed so much. So strong. Even his strength grows within you,” Tears swelled in her eyes.

  Nuyani rushed to the bone gate. “By the Great Lord, how are you here? Have you been alone all this time? Why haven’t you passed on?”

  The woman shook her head. “I can’t answer, Nuyani. There isn’t time. Tonight, there will be danger in the village. You have gifts from the Great Lord. Use it to protect them.” A soft echo followed her mother’s words. Nuyani could feel her presence grow light as the rhythm became stable. The woman had passed through the barrier and was placed on Nuyani’s cheek. More tears streamed from the lone daughter as she felt a familiar warmth. “You’ve grown stronger. Use this strength to help others.”

  ‘I…” Nuyani felt mixed. All she could see were the maddened glares and arrows sent her way.

  “A difficult life? I am sure. But, don’t give up. You can survive. Teach them the same. I love you, Nuyani.” Her presence faded faster as the light of the sun peeked over the cliff growing brighter.

  “I love…” The barrier shook violently hitting Nuyani’s hand, forcing her to step back. Her attention called to a blood-mane trying to force its way through to the meat on display. The cage ends jostled in their anchor points. Nuyani turned back to find her mother gone, her core’s beat unhindered.

  Nuyani gritted her teeth and turned to the beast snapping and clawing through the barrier. Grabbing her knife, she lunged at the animal cutting at anything poking through. The blood-mane cawed at her in protest but, gave up releasing a beat of its wings and flying away. Nuyani released her weapon and fell to the floor burying her face in her hands.

  “Great Lord, she’s still here. She’s trapped. Where is she?” How can I fight for them when she is out there?” Nuyani looked out into the demon lands. Her mother must have come from there, captured by the howlers. Nuyani shook as she uncovered her face and gripped her legs digging each finger into the leather.

  “By Lord Kelvert, I will do as you ask. But I will see you free, mother. Whatever is out there, I will free you from its grasp,” she mumbled.