Elemental Awakening

Chapter Eleven

“My skin is crawling again.” Wendy broke the silence. Everyone knew what was going on. No one wanted to acknowledge it.

David looked up and grunted his recognition. He had stopped sleeping except for spurts here and there after the battle. Not even his chosen could aid him. Day or night more and more visions were coming to him.  The war room in the warrior house was empty except for the elementals the house captains and Bintain. The feeling of hopelessness was palpable. Everyone was waiting for Ashfoot and Dankiyet to arrive for the news to come and to develop a plan. How do you fight something that can command every insect alive?

People in the outer villages had been disappearing every night.  “There has to be something that we can do.” Mazy sounded exasperated, still hopeful, and the only joy in the group. Much of the grisly details were withheld from her and Cleo as they were still young. Not old enough to carry a spear on the warrior trials yet.

“We are leaving in two weeks.” Ashfoot burst into the room that Sui had defeated Avensong in with the news.

“Shaman we cannot leave, the Clan needs us.” Parespine commented over her shoulder.

“Good, because I would hate to leave them.” Flat and to the point Ashfoot declared a migration. The rest of the party began to erupt with questions that could not be isolated “We need to ready the Tribe to leave immediately after the Nomads leave.”

“Where?”

“Uhhh What?”

“Why?”

“Oh that’s funny.”

“No she’s for real.”

“I can’t, not now, not like this.”

“What is happening?”

“How are thirty thousand men, women and children going to be able to pack up and leave in two weeks?”

 “If we do not go to the Dragon Maw all of our nomads will be lost.” Ashfoot looked sick for a moment and turned to Avensong and Dankiyet who know the vision that Claudagh shared with her. With the histories and coming events everything needed to be pushed. “I have lost the sight since my last meeting with the beast. He has shrouded me. The Dragon Clan extended the invitation to all of the Cactus Paw. We cannot defeat Lochsear on our own. The council has already agreed to the move, most grudgingly.”

The council tribe meeting will be in the morning the elementals were being told the specifics of which in advance a courtesy. Somber faces shown around the room. The house leaders, the Bintain, the Elementals and their guides. The tribes of the Abysmal plane were Spartan in nature, they kept only what they needed, this would help with the migration, but they would still be leaving home none the less. No clear indication as to when or if they would be returning. The elementals were in support of the decision, after seeing what this thing was capable of, strength in numbers may be their only strength. It was hard not to make the connection that they were animals being forced into in to a corner.

…

During the tribal conference specific people were asked to speak in favor or against the migration, crafts masters, the warrior house leaders, and the Elementals. The first to speak would be the Blacksmith, Ghostwalker.

“The decision is a difficult one. Especially for shop and land bound trades like mine, but with the Elementals I know that it won’t be difficult to build a new shop. I will go where the Elementals go. I know that we will not be able to survive without them.” Ghostwalker had all the trust a man could give another man resting with the Elementals and Ashfoot’s family and not just because they were his family as well now, but because he had love and respect for them.

Others that spoke were Sedna the tailor that sold David Dankiyet’s dress, whom was for the migration if only because his daughter was one of the dragon riders. War was for the move again because his son is a dragon rider, but also because his wife is heavily pregnant again. Burning Earth was against the change even with a son in the warrior house and a daughter in the dragon riders. Savitra, the council leader’s ex-wife spoke against the migration with some good arguments.

“I believe that the Nomads have every right to continue with their annual journey, however if they were to change their first destination to the Dragon Maw. It won’t change much in their regular points, with two villages missing they will need this added trade opportunity.” Savitra’s argument changed in intensity “Those of our tribe that wish to stay in the Cactus Paw should, but no shame should be held over those that wish to leave.” Spreading her arms to the attendance she continued. “I am willing to fight and die here in this place that I was born I will deny any invader the claim to my home, and I will stand alone if I have to.” Savitra left the podium to applause.

Others followed the numbers of the representatives that were for or against broke down into about one third wanting to stay or not do anything in the case of the Nomads, and two thirds wanting to seek a new home possibly permanently with the Dragon Clan. The closing statements were reserved for the elementals and the council leaders. Each of the elementals agreed that moving the entire population would be safer than trying to stand to the encroaching tide. The council leaders restated their desires with Magrotin announcing that he would not be serving as farm magnate another year he would be stepping down once they settled within the Dragon Maw. The last statements were left for Ashfoot and Dankiyet. The old and new shaman.

“Our shaman lost the sight when she went in search of this beast that has been terrorizing us, but I still have it, and as he builds his strength he will do one of two things.” Dankiyet paused. “He will strike our ally or he will strike us. If we consolidate then we may have a chance to stave him off for a time.” David stood and went to her knowing that she would need his physical contact. The tribal hall erupted in murmurs.

They had no way of knowing if she was expecting a child for a few more days but her visions had gotten more vivid over the past few nights. Her grandmother once told her that that was a sign in those with the gift. Whatever the reason Dankiyet was apprehensive. Seeing into the mind of a monster, a demon even, struck her. She was shaken and needed the comfort, but still had to be strong, she had to be the shaman that the tribe would need.  David’s other half didn’t have the luxury of being scared. It made him proud to see her hold herself in such calm and assuredness.

Ashfoot followed Dankiyet in speaking, conversations diminished in respect of the current shaman. “I may not be able to guide our people in the future, and because of this I am passing the mantle to my apprentice.” Ashfoot gestured to Dankiyet as all order was lost at this anouncement. “I am, still available, I will not be in council any longer though.”  Tariel retook the podium as the crowd of bodies in the hall were crushing with excitement.

“Shaman Ashfoot isn’t leaving the tribe, and she will not be forgotten by the council.” The attendance regained composure enough to understand the closing statements. Tariel continued “Votes will be taken tomorrow morning, and counted after lunch. Tomorrow evening results will be announced with results of final deliberations.” The members of the tribe disbursed to their homes to contemplate. It was doubtful that any would find restful sleep.

…

As the dawn was cresting the caldera people were already milling in the meeting hall ready to cast their votes. Many of those were Cactus Paw from the Nomad half of the clan. The council leaders were all present, to include Dankiet and Ashfoot, to collect votes from the people. Each council member stood with a wooden box and watched as each adult dropped a single scrap of paper into the receptacle. As the fifth shadow crossed the mark and the corresponding candle in the meeting hall burned to a stump the boxes were closed and the billets were taken to the council chambers to be sorted and counted by the council themselves. They had to be quick because they only had three shadows to finish the count and have a decision made and ready to announce.

“I have one thousand five hundred and thirty two in favor of the exodus.” Magrotin said after his box was finished being counted. “And I have nine hundred and twelve against it.”

Avensong followed with, “My box has one thousand four hundred and twenty five against for, and one thousand six hundred and seventy eight against.”

“Two thousand and thirty seven in favor, and seven hundred and fifteen against.” Cafune looked disappointed.

Dankiyet looked up from her stack and tallied “One thousand six hundred and twenty one in favor, and six hundred and fifty one against.”

“One thousand five hundred and twelve are for, and seven hundred and three are not.” Magrotin finished counting.

Tariel wrapped up the annotations with “two thousand six hundred and seven in favor, and three hundred and nine against.” He paused as he scraped the votes back into the box. “It is clear that the majority of our people are in favor of this exodus. I do not feel comfortable not giving people a choice.”

“When we leave the caldera, we need to plan as though we are never coming back.” Dankiyet intoned forebodingly. “As long as those staying understand that they will have no support nor protection.”

“Is that what you see?” Cafune asked shocked.

“Yes.” Dankiyet let it be known that she didn’t see any other option than the entire Cactus Paw tribe joining with the Dragon Tribe.

“I’ll make it known.” Resolved to the decision Tariel prepared to address the Tribe. The Nomads were ready to leave immediately if necessary, but had been waiting for the word that it would be safe again. This wasn’t going to make anyone happy. Cafune and the Nomads especially. Tariel trusted that even with the differences that she would make an intelligent choice and take them towards the Dragon Maw as quickly as possible.

…

In the end preparations were under way to secure the Dragon Maw, and move the residents of the Cactus Paw into the cave complex and the city of the dragon clan. The dragon rider youth of the cactus paw had yet to take first flight and only the guided incantations and protection spells that the shaman blessed and pushed the elementals to build have been holding the terror at bay. Every man, woman, and child had a new rune to keep with them for the journey. The construction of the amulets took about a week, however as sets were finished groups of the Nomad group would begin their exodus. Ashfoot poured her life essence into each protective binding in hopes that it would afford her clan, her people some time, any time to give them a chance to fight off the beast in the dessert.

Three to four families at a time would leave with their own livestock, as they moved out of the protection of the volcano basin their friends would wave and wish them safe travels. All groups of travelers moved in the direction of the Dragon Maw, though an indirect rout. Understandably the Nomads were taking full advantage of an extended rout for more trade, and to pass on the word of the evil in the desert. It was expected that many villages would pick up and follow the Nomads. Many of the villages on the route had no name, or they were just named after a land feature, such as ‘River Bend’ or ‘Date Palm’. Other villages were named after the family that founded them in the case of ‘Grinder’ or ‘Swardson’ these names changed with the families that lived in them and gave them life. The families were known to change as often as the seasons or the Nomad migrations. It was expected that the families that were related to Nomads would easily pick up and follow the Migration.

Upon arriving at the city of Spine the nomads were welcomed by dragon riders and city dwellers. Spine became the gateway to the Dragon Maw centuries ago because the city rested in the opening of a canyon that stretched up into the mountainous territory of the dragon clan. Because dragons prefer elevated land for easy launches and landing the clan quickly claimed the craggy rooftops of the northern peninsula. The Cactus Paw did not dispute this claim nor did any other group, the inhospitable terrain was less than ideal for cultivation or building a civilization. Spine was cut into the cliff faces on both sides of a massive stone paved road that was more than capable of accommodating ten oxen lead carts comfortable side by side. The boulevard that served as the outdoor market and the only though fair of the city saw many feet and stories today with the vanguard of the Nomad migration.

Dragons and riders circled overhead as the conflagration of people kept a steady pace through the city. The Dragon maw and the cleared valley was at the end of the road. If travel was steady and stops were minimal the head of the migration would arrive in five more days or so, with the last group of families closing the defenses behind them just four days behind them. As Cafune passed between the pillars of Spine she could feel a tension release that she did not know she had. The trip had been more stressful for her than she had realized.

Cafune looked from side to side trying to find the mayor of Spine or at least a dragon rider that had directions for accommodations. Right as the tired traveler heaved her shoulders in resignation for more walking a woman slight of build with a shaved head stepped forward. She had the heavy chain and seal of the mayor’s position draped around her neck. Piercing blue eyes took inventory of Cafune from behind thick black eyelashes her thin mouth spread in a nervous smile as she approached the Nomad headwoman. “Council woman Cafune?” her soft voice asked.

“Yes Mayor?” Cafune left the name open to be supplied.

“Ah yes I am mayor Celia, welcome to Spine. If your group needs accommodations, we have four empty houses at the opposite end of the city, I understand you also have your tents and caravans, and there is a clearing next to the homes.” Celia sighed and began leading Cafune to the empty buildings. “I would also like to discuss how we may help make the rest of the journey easier for all your people. I have residents that have enquired as to if they would be permitted to travel with you.”

“We will be happy to take them with us if you release them.” Cafune replied, “Thank you for the use of your city and homes.”

“Oh you are most welcome, and the question wasn’t if I would release my people, it was if you would be happy to take them with you.” Celia sounded hurt at the assumption that her people needed permission to leave in the face of impending danger.

“I meant no offence Madame mayor, I have been through towns in the past fortnight that the people had to vote their leader out in order to even be able to voice the desire to leave. I hoped that your people had better freedoms, I just didn’t want to cause you any discomfort.” Weary Cafune explained.

“Thank you for the concern. After you have had time to wash the road the city council and myself wish for you to make an announcement to the people of Spine instructing them what to bring or leave for the exodus. My husband was a nomad, and he told me that life in Spin leaves people soft. I want them prepared for the rigors of travel.” Mayor Celia requested, leaving the option open to the veteran Nomad.

“Yes Madame, will your people be assembled by evening?” Mayor Celia understood that Cafune was not requesting a time rather giving her a time that she would be willing to speak.

“I will make sure of it.” Celia paused before turning to leave Cafune at the door way to the first house, “You will have a dragon rider calling on you in one candles time. I understand you will be heading back out to the tail of the migration.”

“I will be ready for them then.” The matron said as she ducked into her temporary dwelling leading her immediate family and some friends. They had only traveled for one day since their last stop over at a town with not real name, but weariness still set in. A weariness like nothing experienced before. A Nomad can walk for many days taking breaks only to sleep and evacuate, however even the fittest youths were scuffing their feet on the road and stumbling into the houses provided. She would need to eat and wash up before receiving company. She knew what the dragon rider would want to talk about. They had kept in constant contact with the rest of the Cactus Paw during the trip with dragon riders.  First though, just to be able to sit down, and on an actual chair.

…

Cafune woke to the sound of someone clearing their throat, realizing that she was still covered in road and her belly was protesting her forgetfulness. “Let me get myself to my feet Rider. The road has not been comfortable this season.” With great effort the sinewy aging woman erected herself. She looked upon the rider and was surprised to find a man her age looking back at her. His face was creased from squinting into the wind and sun during long flights on dragon back, his black was streaked with white telling his age was in his middling years. When she realized that she was gaping at him she tried to recover herself. “I’m sorry, I’ve gotten accustomed to the younger riders, it’s nice to see that there is still use for those of our age.”

The rider blushed. “Ah yes Matron, I spoke with Mayor Celia. Once you are rested and you have spoken with her, and the city’s residents; the council is waiting for you at an oasis two days’ travel outside of the Cactus range.” Pausing and turning to the door the man of average height looked over his should, “My Dragon is Bacchus, and I am Abraym.”

Cafune nodded and made her way to the Mayor’s appointed offices with the help of her attendant whom had been waiting outside the home for her. The Nomad Matron knew that Abraym would be waiting for her in the area after she took council with the Mayor and made her announcements. She generally wasn’t one for public addresses, and would have to mentally prepare herself after speaking to Cilia.

The mayor’s offices were modestly adorned with a discrete rug a wide table with eight sturdy chairs facing one another. The table top was a map of the abysmal plane burned and stained into the wood and sealed with resin. Celia stood at the open head of the table looking down at the table moving small wooden disks and painted pebbles into positions on the map. “Matron, Cafune.” The city’s leader looked strained. “How would you advise that we begin moving?”

Cafune apprised the map and markers. Some of the disks had prickly paw cacti painted on them, others had hookspine cacti. The pebbles had dragon heads or dragon tails. The dragon tails were all clustered in the valley that held the city of Spine, the majority of the dragon heads were located at the Dragon Maw complex, and small dragon head pebbles were scattered among all the other disks and pebbles. The prickly paw cacti were clustered in the Cactus Paw complex and stretching in a direct pattern to the Dragon Maw, the hookspine cacti have cleared the Cactus Paw lands and serpentined into the Dragon lands unpainted pebbles were scattered amongst the hookspine wooden disks. “I see you have good information. Our riders are doing a good job of tracking our numbers.” Cafune commented before placing her hands on the table. “My people already have a heavy burden with all the families that we have taken on during the journey. If the riders can start moving the very young and the very old to the Dragon Maw starting at the rear of the column it would ease the stress on all.”

“Hmm, that would help yes.” Celia turned to her aid “Go fetch Bacchus’ rider, the Queens will need to be informed of this.” The young man swiftly exited the room in search of the rider.

“I understand that the riders have transported many people. However, if they can shift their efforts to the rear of the column and just focus on the young the elderly, and the sick it will allow the rest of my people to move faster.” Cafune turned to Abraym as he joined the women.

“The Queens have been informed. Anything else?” Cafune was taken aback until she remembered that the dragons and riders could speak across the distances.

“How do you want to evacuate the city though?” the mayor questioned.

“If they have the ability have them start now. The towns that we have come through on the way have been told to only take what they need. We are bringing our herds with us, we slaughter and eat what we bring. The only items that we put in a wagon is dry goods and babies. Everyone walks.” Cafune informed the mayor bluntly. “Madam Mayor you are evacuating.”

“I see.” Celia looked uncomfortable, then resolved. “How long will it take you for your people to pass through the city?”

“Seven nights. Most parties will not stop over during the night, so be sure that the groups that want to travel with us are ready to move as soon as we get to the city.” The Matron turned to the rider. “After I make my announcement to the people of spine I will be ready to go. My sister will be leading the exodus until I return.” Abraym simply nodded.

Cafune followed Celia to the second floor of the mayors’ offices where a balcony overlooked the boulevard that the nomads entered the city on. The Mayor nodded to her thin dark haired attendant, and he took a small horn out from behind his back and blew into it producing a clear haunting tone that echoed back from the other cliff face. Within minutes the people of spine began to gather on the cobblestones below. Celia gestured to Cafune to begin her announcement.

Very real fear pushed ice through the matron’s veins. She let it was through her, took a deep breath and spoke. “People of spine, as we all know an evil is boiling in the dessert. There is little hope that our way of life will be preserved. But there is hope that we can make it through this, as one people, together. We are moving to the Dragon Maw; you should go with us. For safety and to be able to move quickly take only what you need.” As Cafune spoke more people poured onto the road, murmurs erupted when she told them to only take what they could carry, and disgust was palpable when she told them that the nomad’s caravans were for food only. Cafune finished her statements and left the balcony meeting Abraym in the room attached to it. “I don’t think that I am a very popular person right now.”

“Not to worry, when they realize that they have the Cactus Paw people to credit for their safety they will think back on this.” Abraym smiled as he motioned to another set of stairs that lead further up into the cliff. “Bacchus is this way.”

“Yes of course.” The matron followed the Rider to his dragon.