BDS: Chapter Eighteen

"It doesn't feel right without Gyan with us," Valora said as the masters filed into the Xita-8 ready for them in the nearest bunker.

"Elder Master Syam said he couldn't come because of his Shanlo demons or whatever," Jarek said.

"You mean his transformation," Hoshi corrected.

"Same thing. He could lose his mind on the mission and kill everybody."

"I don't think it quite happens like that," Valora said.

Jarek grinned and shrugged.

"This is our first trip without an older master," Brogan said as he took the pilot's seat in the cockpit. "I'm in charge."

"Not a chance," replied Hoshi.

Brogan smiled. "The one who flies is the one in charge."

"You wish," Valora said as took the seat next to him. She turned back to the others. "We ready?"

The rest of the group nodded.

Jarek spoke from the middle compartment as Brogan fired up the ship and took flight. "What are the others doing again?"

"Honestly, Jarek, what are you thinking about when we are in Council?" Hoshi said.

"Food…sometimes fire."

Hoshi rolled her eyes.

"Master Cahira and Master Asia have gone ahead to ensure the villagers get safely to the Coven Mountains," Lorcan offered. "They are also alerting the Spear warriors of the attacks in Feyla Forest. Elder Master Zenobia has gone to the Inala to help them prepare."

"And the crazy star wizard?" asked Jarek.

"On some mission," Lorcan said with a shrug. "I think he's going to try and hunt Akila—said he needed Master Jabari, Master Shamira, and Master Jalena for something."

"The protective units in all cities have been informed of what is transpiring," said Hoshi.

"Jarek, you said the Vaznaun in your dream were larger than Kar?" Tarak questioned.

Jarek nodded. "Stronger, too."

Tarak's eyes narrowed.

"If you're worried about the villagers, I saw them making it to the shelter of the mountains," Jarek continued. "I did not see beyond that."

"It's the Kolar and Divakae warriors that I am thinking of," Tarak said. "They may be a match for speed, but unless they have the numbers, the Vaznaun will overrun them."

"Has Sufina contacted you again?" Danika asked Tarak.

Tarak shook his head. "That's what worries me."

Speed it up, Brogan,said Jarek. We have people to save.

Brogan grinned. Just what I like to hear.

Within the hour, Brogan quietly landed the Xita-8 in a clearing at the southeast edge of Feyla Forest.

They retrieved the lumrays from the lower compartments, and Tarak led them through a narrow set of rough trails leading to the back side of the Divakae village.

True to Jarek's vision and Sufina's message, the village was empty.

No battle has taken place here, Tarak said to the others as he motioned for the warriors to move north, deeper into the forest. Once they passed the outskirts of the village, Tarak slowed his lumray and the others followed suit. He turned to Hoshi. Can you see anything, Master Hoshi? We are about to reach a broad clearing in the trees, and I want to know if you can spot the Vaznaun or any of the Divakae.

Hoshi stood, straddling her bike, and studied the land before her. After several steady breaths, the halo in her eyes turned yellow. Double yellow stripes crossed horizontally and vertically over her face. I don't see anything yet.

Jarek, see if you can focus on Sufina and see what surrounds her like the way you found Valora in Mordán's dungeons, Brogan suggested.

Jarek nodded. I just need to form an image of her in my mind. Tarak, share an image of Sufina with me. He closed his eyes in concentration. If I find her, I will just tell you what I see because it takes more energy to share the scene.

He paused in silence for several moments before he spoke again. She, Nikan, and many of the other Kolar warriors have been taken captive. Sufina and Nikan are not injured, but they are blindfolded and bound on horseback. Some of the Kolar Cloaks are injured. The Vaznaun are moving slowly, but I can't tell if it is because they are fatigued or if it is done intentionally for us to easily catch up.

Can you see where they are? Tarak asked.

I don't know the forest as you do, Tarak, but the trail seems to be marked by a white cloth. They have just crossed a bridge.

Why would they be coming from Jeweli Forest? Danika asked.

Sufina and Nikan must have attempted to divert the Vaznaun's attention from the villagers traveling to the Coven Mountains, Brogan replied.

Can you see Shen-Nolas or Shen-Montán, Master Jarek? Tarak said.

Jarek shook his head. No. Only the few I reported. There are more than a dozen Vaznaun.

Tarak's brow furrowed. Shen-Nolas would not have parted from the Cloaks normally.

What if only a few of the Cloaks were assigned to go with Sufina and the rest are with him?Valora asked.

Perhaps. Master Jarek, can you see if the Vaznaun are taking the northern trail?

That's what it looks like in my vision. The trail is wider than the one we have taken.

Tarak nodded.

Valora suddenly looked up sharply. A large black raven with glowing red eyes dived into the group from overhead. Valora's eyes lit up and the halos around her irises emitted a green glow as she held up her forearm for the bird to land. Two green-glowing vine markings formed at her temples and across her cheeks. The same markings spread along the back of her hands across her forearms.

The group watched Valora in curiosity as she petted the raven for several moments. It is Sufina's raven, she told them as the raven took flight again. The Vaznaun have placed a suppression bind around Sufina's forehead to prevent her from sending telepathic messages. The group is headed to the Kivope Village to capture the rest of the Kivope and Kolar people. They will likely use Sufina and the Cloaks as bargaining pieces.

So, the rest of the Cloaks are at the Kivope Village with Shen-Nolas? Tarak confirmed.

Valora nodded. Shen-Montán went with the elders to the mountains in case they were ambushed.

When did your charisma markings start appearing on your face, Valora? Hoshi asked.

A little while ago, when I was taking a walk through the forest. Anytime I started conversing with the trees or animals they appear now. It makes it easier because ever since I don't have to decipher the code they speak. I automatically understand their frequency much better. She turned to Brogan. Have your markings appeared?

Brogan looked startled. Huh? What? No way!

You don't want them to?Valora asked in confusion. Your ability to read the planet's vibrations will be sharper when they do.

He shook his head. They look all windy and like…plants!

So? It's representative of your connection with nature.

Would you rather them look like a rock? Hoshi asked.

Yes! It would reflect my strength, he answered as he squared his shoulders.

Valora shook her head as she started her lumray. More like a reflection of what's in your mind.

The others laughed and started their bikes again.

Wait, Tarak said. I think we should split up. They will be expecting us to arrive together. It may be one reason they are moving slowly. If it is a trap, then having others on the outside would be more to our advantage.

You're right, Valora said. Who are the fastest riders?

Lorcan, and Danika, Hoshi said.

Brogan, Jarek, Hoshi, and I can take the northern trails straight into the Kivope Village. Tarak said. Valora—you, Danika, and Lorcan take the northeast trail and turn west on the other side of the Kolar Village to cut them off. There is a tree of violet and red leaves that is larger than the others. It has a thick branch that extends over the main trail. You can't miss it. Wait for us there. We will try to direct them to you when we encounter them from behind. The trail leading to Nos Pass is not as smooth but is still manageable. You'll have to cover more ground and still beat both us and the Vaznaun there, so I would only slow your speed across the unstable patches of the trail.

Valora, Danika, and Lorcan nodded and took off quickly.

Let's go, Hoshi said.

The remaining four moved cautiously up the northern trail.

Tarak's eyes narrowed in determination as the group passed the area of the forest where he and Sufina had hunted the alk long ago when she was still too small to hold his bow. I know you may not be able to hear me, Sufina, but I am coming.

After several hours, the group slowed to a stop. Brogan knelt and placed his left hand on the ground as blue-white light filled his gaze. The halo in his eyes swirled with green light. A green glowing vine of thorns formed at both temples and followed the same path as Valora's markings across his face and arms.

Brogan openly scowled at his hands when he saw the others watching him. However, a soft smile of pride formed on his lips as he turned his head away. He stood after several minutes. They have picked up their pace. I think their earlier movements were slow due to fatigue. We can increase our speed now.

If they had taken a potion to make them more powerful, it would explain why they moved at a slower pace, said Jarek.

I agree, said Tarak. They needed time to recover. He turned to Brogan. You have sensed no other movements off-trail?

Brogan shook his head. None other than from the animals.

The four moved on, guiding the lumrays as fast as possible across the trail.

Up ahead, Brogan said after a short time had passed.

Hoshi smiled as a yellow glow formed around her irises and her cross markings reappeared. Our team has arrived on time. They are hidden in the tree.

Danika stood in the middle of the thick branch that extended across the trail, her charisma activated to make her invisible.

Valora was perched on a higher branch, her vine markings apparent on her face and arms. The trees claim that Brogan and the others are near, she told Danika and Lorcan.

Lorcan remained quiet and alert as he watched from a tree on the other side of the trail.

Craenal suddenly stopped along the trail and held his hand up for the others to do the same. He looked around cautiously. "Take the rest of what's left in your vial," he told his men.

A small smile formed on Sufina's lips as she sat unmoving on her horse. She turned her head slightly in Nikan's direction. "The warriors are nearby. Be ready."

"Yes," Nikan whispered.

The Vaznaun quickly drained the rest of their potions. They bent over and groaned, grabbing their head as the transformations took place. The light warriors' eyes widened as they saw the change in the Vaznaun. Glowing red markings spread beneath their skin, stretching their stature and height. Their veins bulged dramatically as their muscles grew. Several Vaznaun roared as the power of the potion flooded through them.

How in the—?Brogan said as his eyes lit up.

Gross, added Jarek.

Get ready, Tarak said as he readied his alneil bow, balancing himself on his bike with his knees as it sped up the trail.

"Now, Nikan!" Sufina burst out.

Both horses took off at a run.

"After them!" Craenal yelled. He stumbled as he took off after the two on foot, his sudden increase in weight throwing him off balance.

They are still adjusting to their new power, Valora told the others.

Sufina tightened her legs around the horse and lifted her bound hands straight into the air as her horse raced forward.

Tarak released his first arrow.

The suppression metal around Sufina's wrist shattered as Tarak's arrow pierced the binds through the middle. Sufina smiled as the red glow returned to her eyes and spread to the sun and moon marking on her forehead, shattering the suppression bind around her head. She ripped off her blindfold and whistled a pulsing high-pitched noise as she looked to the sky. The eyes of her raven turned bright red as it dove from its place above.

A Vaznaun carrying Sufina's and Nikan's weapons, all stashed in her quiver, swatted at the bird as the raven clasped Sufina's quiver with its outstretched claws. The strap around the quiver broke from the Vaznaun's shoulder as the raven took flight again.

Danika crouched low as Sufina's horse reached the tree extending over the trail. Sufina reached up and grabbed Danika's outstretched arm. Sufina pushed herself up onto the branch as the horse continued to run past.

"I'm glad you could see me," Danika said. "I didn't want to scare you—something invisible grabbing you."

"I can see your energy with my Soma abilities," Sufina said as she caught the quiver the raven dropped to her.

Valora dropped from the tree to the ground as Nikan's horse slowed and trotted directly to her. "It is Valora, Nikan," she explained as Nikan tensed. She quickly helped him off the horse and removed his blindfold. Her eyes lit up as she grabbed the metal binds at his wrist and broke them into pieces. She barely had time to unsheathe her gladaé before Craenal reached the two.

"Nikan!" Sufina yelled as she tossed his short sword to him. He caught it and turned just as Craenal struck.

In a blur, Lorcan flew over them from where he jumped from the tree. He flipped in midair and stretched his legs. His feet smashed into Craenal's chest. Craenal's blow was softened, but still met Nikan's smaller frame. Nikan flew backward into Valora, who was slammed into the tree. Her breath caught as her back hit the trunk.

Sorry, Valora. I was too high, or I would have reached him sooner, Lorcan said as he landed a short distance away.

Valora coughed hard but stood quickly. It would have been worse if you didn't hit him when you did, she said as she helped Nikan stand.

Craenal chuckled in his deep voice as he stumbled back from Lorcan's strike. "You'll have to do better than that, warrior."

He's like a mountain, Lorcan said as he gazed up at Craenal. The green glow of his gladaé flashed as he quickly removed it from its sheath.

Your speed is the advantage here, Lorcan. Use Chiséi.Valora encouraged as more Vaznaun surrounded them. We just have to find their weak spot.

Danika jumped down beside her comrades as Sufina loaded her bow.

Tarak, Brogan, Hoshi, and Jarek engaged the rest of the Vaznaun further down the trail.

Their skin is too tough to pierce, Tarak said as his eyes lit up.. He stretched his bow as far as it would go. It's as thick as an animal's hide.

They're a match in strength, Brogan said as his foot slammed into the chest of another. He sent a ray of light through his palm. The Vaznaun slid back as the light blistered his skin but continued forward again. As the Vaznaun attempted to strike Brogan, Brogan teleported near Valora. Okay sis, let's see how they take the double dose. Valora grazed Brogan's arm and the two shot a thick ray of light, blasting several Vaznaun off their feet. Only moments passed before they stood to attack again.

We need to find a way to defeat them without having to open our Reserve, Danika said.

Someone hurry and find their weakness, Jarek said as he observed the Vaznaun on the ground scrambling to stand back up.

Use Relasu to scan their energy, Jarek!

Oh yeah.

They're intuitively skilled, Sufina said as a Vaznaun dodged one of her arrows.

Searching for an opening, Tarak aimed his arrow at the throat of the Vaznaun that was charging Valora. At the last minute, he lowered his bow just to the front inside of the Vaznaun's shoulder. The Vaznaun cried out as the arrow pierced him through.

Tarak found it. Valora said as another ran at her. The Vaznaun struck. She disappeared and reappeared behind him, launching herself up to throw a backkick to his head. She quickly scanned for an opening through glowing eyes before swinging her gladaé low beneath the Vaznaun's calf. The Vaznaun roared as he dropped to one knee. I found another, she said.

Jarek and Hoshi placed themselves in front of the injured Kolar warriors, who had been tossed off the trail from the horses that previously carried them. Some stirred while others remained unconscious. Three Vaznaun approached them cautiously. One grinned as he emitted a low growl.

I am beginning to like Kar more and more after meeting these guys, Jarek said.

I don't like any except Tarak, Hoshi replied.

Tarak's not Vaznaun, remember? He's Divakae, he said, doing his best impression of Tarak's accent.

Hoshi smiled. True.Her eyes lit up brightly just before she released three throwing blades at a Vaznaun.

The Vaznaun stumbled and looked down at his chest in confusion. He sneered as he yanked out the blades and threw them down.

My normal dose of energy isn't going to work, Hoshi said with a sigh.

Craenal advanced full force at Lorcan, who teleported out of the way just as Craenal reached him. He reappeared behind Craenal, eyes alight,  to deliver a front kick in Tark's direction.

At the same moment, Tarak released another arrow.

Craenal smirked as he turned and rolled his shoulder back just in time. Tarak's arrow slammed into the tree behind him. He raised an eyebrow. "I know what to watch out for, warrior. Unlike my son, I do not underestimate the abilities of my family, especially one that is a light warrior."

"He's not your family!" Jarek said loudly in defiance. "He's ours!" He gave Tarak a proud nod as he moved forward.

Will you focus, Jarek? Hoshi said.

Where is fire when you need it? Jarek said.

We will have to form the Lumfáinne to take them out, Valora announced, her breath labored. If we continue like this, we may run out of energy unless every strike hits the right mark.

I agree. Teleport to the middle of them as soon as you can, Brogan said.

We'll have to warn the others, Danika said.

A loud horn suddenly resounded throughout the forest. The warriors glanced to see Shen-Nolas leading the rest of the Kolar warriors on horseback through the trees alongside his brother, Hensál, and guards from the Faun village. Bringing up the rear were dark-skinned warriors donning red and royal blue tribal gear, matching the breastplate and browband of the black horses beneath them.

My fire is here, Jarek said as he spotted the torches carried by some of the riders.

The tribal warriors instantly surrounded the Vaznaun.

"Give up, Craenal," Nolas stated. "You're outnumbered."

"Perhaps, but not outmatched," Craenal replied. He whistled. More members of the Black Sector Vaznaun appeared through the trees behind the tribal warriors.

The tribal warriors spread throughout the area, moving their horses to face the incoming Vaznaun as they prepared to fight.

Suddenly, an eerie gray mist seeped from the trees and around the ankles of the newly arrived Vaznaun. The Vaznaun looked down in confusion as the mist slipped past them.

Craenal narrowed his gaze as he watched the mist rise and thicken around his men.

What is that?Jarek asked his team.

The yellow glow around Hoshi's eyes intensified as she gazed at the perimeter of the trees. No clue,she said. I can't see the source.

It's magic, Valora said as her eyes lit up. She gripped the hilt of her gladaé tighter and lowered her stance again. Get ready. Akila is here.

Brogan's eyes narrowed.

"It is the star witch," Nolas told his men. "Remain alert."

"Tsk, tsk," Akila's voice carried with the rapidly spreading mist. "Craenal, what did I tell you about engaging the light warriors without proper backup?" The mist parted with a puff as she appeared directly behind Craenal, her silver-blue chrome eyes alight. Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Too bad the potion I gave you does nothing for common sense."

A short throaty growl was Craenal's only reply.

Where is she?Danika said as she began to move through the mist, invisible to those around her. I can't sense her.

Do not seek her out if you can't sense her, Danika, Valora warned. She may still be able to see you.

"Looking for something, warrior?" Akila suddenly whispered from behind Danika.

Danika turned, but not before Akila raked her fingernail across the back of Danika's neck. Danika dropped to her knees as she grabbed her neck—the effect of her charisma faded.

Akila smiled and called out to the others. "Sorry, but my men must retreat for now. I'm sure we will all meet to play again very soon." Her fading laugh echoed through the trees as she and the Black Sector Vaznaun disappeared into the mist.

"How did they—?" Jarek asked as he whipped his head around. He sighed. "Stupid witch magic."

"Danika!" Tarak called. He narrowed his lit gaze as he tuned all his senses to Relasu. He saw the outline of her energy on the ground several feet away and raced to her side as the mist began to fade.

Nolas dismounted and raced to the Cloaks where they were still lying on the side of the road.

"Danika!" Tarak said again as he lifted her head.

Danika opened her eyes. "Akila cut me with something," she whispered. "I feel numb." She inhaled sharply and went limp once more.

"Let me see," Valora said as she raced over. She knelt beside Tarak and examined the swollen mark on the back of Danika's neck.

"She is still breathing," Tarak said.

A tall, dark-skinned Kivope warrior with braided blonde hair approached the group. "I have something that may help her." She pulled a packet of herbs from inside her cloak. "If she is poisoned, this will slow the spread." She handed Tarak a pouch with water to mix the herbs.

Danika's body suddenly jerked sharply and tensed as if having a seizure.

"Hurry and give her the packet," the warrior demanded. "Even if it is something else, the herbs won't hurt her."

Tarak emptied the herbs into the pouch of water. He cradled Danika's head and allowed the water to seep slowly into her mouth after her body stilled. "Her heart rate is steadying some now," he said.

"We need to get her to Sir Malik or back to the healers at headquarters, Tarak," Hoshi said with concern. "If Shamira is there, she might know what has happened to her."

Tarak nodded and scooped Danika up into his arms in one motion. "Let's go now."

"Thank you," Valora told the warrior as she gave her a quick bow. "You may have saved her life."

The warrior gave Valora a short nod and rejoined her comrades.

Nikan and Sufina, who had just finished speaking with Nolas, approached Tarak quickly.

"Are the villagers still safe?" Tarak asked Nikan.

"According to Nolas."

"Good. We have to get Danika help, but I will see you both soon."

The two nodded in farewell.

Danika stirred in Tarak's arms and opened her eyes. "What's going on?" she said as her gaze sharpened.

Tarak stared at her in silent surprise.

Sufina and Nikan shared a smile.

"Tarak?" Danika questioned again as she searched his face.

"Uh…" he whispered. He cleared his throat. "Uh… how do you feel?"

"Fine," she smiled. "Um, although I like it here, you can put me down if you want."

Tarak gently released Danika's legs for her to stand. One hand remained on her back. "You can stand?"

"Yes. I just remember Akila standing behind me and then nothing. Then I had a vision of an old woman standing by a river. She asked me to drink from the river of light."

The other warriors surrounded Danika.

"How did you—?" Jarek started.

"What's going on?" Brogan interrupted. "I thought you were out of it."

Hoshi stared at Tarak with a raised eyebrow. "What did you do?"

"Was it the herbs?" Valora questioned.

"May I see the back of your neck, Master Danika?" Sufina asked.

"Sure." She turned her back to Sufina and moved her hair out of the way.

"There is no trace of an injury," Sufina told the others.

"Let me see," Jarek demanded. He pushed Brogan's arm out of the way and examined Danika's neck. "Hmmm, interesting."

Valora studied Danika for several moments. "I think you may have a healing ability like Shamira's, Danika."

Hoshi smiled as she watched Tarak closely. "Or was it the touch of true love?"

Tarak shifted uncomfortably and looked away, his face flushing.

Danika blushed. "Hoshi!"

"I'm just saying," Hoshi replied with a shrug.

"True love?" Jarek asked.

Brogan's gaze moved back and forth between Danika and Tarak. "Oh no! Not you two?" He sighed and shook his head.

"There is nothing wrong with falling in love, rock brain!" Valora said. "Besides, I already told you about them when we were learning Lumanthrú."

"I thought they were just—you know," he scratched the back of his head, "liking."

Valora rolled her eyes. She turned back to Danika. "I still think it would be a good idea to talk to Sir Malik about what happened, Danika. Any wound from Akila should not be taken lightly."

"I agree," Danika said. "I feel fine, but I'll talk to him as soon as we return."

"Speaking of returning, let's get back," Lorcan said. "I'm sure we'll have to go put out another fire Akila has lit somewhere after we check in with headquarters."

"I thought you were mine, Danika!" Jarek exclaimed in mock frustration as the two followed the rest of the group. "I expressed my love for you at the Tran Ceiabré!"

Danika smiled. "What? When you were demonstrating the type of man Gyan is? I don't think comparing my red hair to the sky is a profession of love, Jarek."

"Well, it was a metaphor for love," he replied.

"Yeah, okay. I think you will find another girl to harass very quickly." She pushed him away.

"But, I want to harass you," Jarek mumbled as he trailed after her.

"You want to pursue every girl," added Lorcan.

"True."

The three shared a quick laugh as the tribal warriors gathered around the group and briefly discussed their next steps.

"We have joined all of the forest tribes to stand together," Nolas told the light warriors. "I am sure the mountain Vaznaun will soon return, as the witch said. We will be unable to assist the Spear warriors in fighting Nardan should the Vaznaun return."

"They will have alternative assistance," Valora reassured him. "Take care of your villages first."

Tarak embraced Sufina and Nikan in farewell. Valora, Lorcan, and Danika bowed, then retrieved their lumrays and joined the rest of the team. The tribes bid their farewells to the warriors and watched the lumrays race back through the trees.

***

Gyasi Tomé, alongside his men—the Maveik rebels—watched from the opposite side of the clearing as the warriors in the forest separated. The jewels aligning the hem of his long, now rugged and torn, black coat glistened as it caught the light leaking through the forest canopy. The rest of the rebels stood scattered among the trees nearby.

The large, muscular man on his left turned his camouflaged face to Gyasi. "Should we reveal that we are near?" he asked.

Gyasi pushed the old, worn hat he was wearing up from his eyes and adjusted the large weapon resting across his shoulder. "No Eamonn, not until they need us, which, judging from the looks of those beasts and the feeling in my gut, won't be too long from now."

***