Chapter Eight
Alexandrian Mountains; Mid-Afternoon
Freya woke up slowly, though it took her a few minutes to realize why. Something was sniffing her. Freya stared at it to find it to be a dog's snout sniffing her curiously. Freya wondered what dog could possibly live in the mountains.
"Landloper, quit it," a male voice said outside the cave.
The dog snout retreated, allowing Freya to crawl out of the cave. She couldn't believe the person standing at the cave.
It was a Burmecian, but he was very different. His fur was a rather dark gray instead of white. He had roan hair that reached about two inches below his broad shoulders. His eyes were rust-colored. He was at least six feet tall, maybe more, with simple brown clothes for attire. His tail was brown instead of the usual black. He held a walking stick in his hand, a knapsack over his shoulder, and a machete strapped to his thigh.
"Are you all right?" the male asked. His accent was similar to Aireff's, except without the weird words. "This is a most curious place to sleep and be found. You look like you've been hurt."
Freya stared at the male, then at his dog. It was a massive dog with lanky legs. Freya recognized it as a roan Great Dane. It approached Freya, but Freya backed away.
"Landloper, sit," the male commanded of the dog. The Great Dane sat immediately. His owner then looked back up at Freya. "What is your name?"
Freya looked up at the male. "Freya."
"Freya. Fancy name," the male said. He stared in the distance. "What are you doing so far from Burmecia?"
"I'd. rather not say," Freya muttered after some thought.
"Then don't," the male said gently. "No one is forcing you."
The male continued to stare into the distance. Freya watched him suspiciously. The male then finally turned back to Freya.
"Not a question for me?" he asked.
"Who are you?" Freya asked.
"I prefer to be called Wanderer."
"Wanderer?"
"Yes. Do you mind?"
"No. not really. Do you think you could help me?"
"With what, may I ask?"
"I need to find a friend."
"Are they in the mountains?"
"I don't know. Did you see a male Burmecian around six feet with blue eyes and a simple outfit that was this color around?" Freya lifted her tail and showed Wanderer the orange fabric tied to her tail.
Wanderer nodded almost immediately. "I did see a male that you describe. He was travelling with an Ice Hawk, oddly enough."
"Where did you see him?"
"He was far from here, heading in this relative direction. I'd say he is not too far."
"Do you think you could lead me to him? That is, if it's not too much."
Wanderer smiled. "Certainly. Hang on a bit."
Wanderer closed his eyes and brought up two of his four fingers. He "drew" two parallel lines in front of his eyes with his fingers, leaving a burning trail. He opened his eyes slowly and seemed to stare at something unseen between the two burning parallel lines. He smiled, and blew the burning lines away.
"Follow me," Wanderer told Freya.
Not having anything else to do, Freya began to follow the mysterious male as he headed toward a large mountain.
"We meet again."
Fratley looked in the direction the familiar gruff voice came. The man he had met earlier was approaching. Fratley's eyes narrowed. He still didn't trust this man, especially since he looked so much like the human who kidnapped Freya.
"What are you doing here?" Fratley asked.
"The same reason you are," the man replied. "I am looking for your girlfriend."
"I take it you have not found her?" Fratley asked.
"No. And neither have you."
"I cannot travel. My companion is not in good condition, and potions don't work on shapeshifters."
"You do know that she could be dead by now."
"Yes." Fratley's voice became grim. "It is one of my worst fears."
The man approached Fratley.
"The person we are up against is one of the most dangerous men in the world. Double-crossing him can get you killed. There is a saying. 'Those who hate him fear him. Those who cross him are dead.'"
"Can't you just tell me this guy's name or something?" Fratley asked with irritation.
The man blinked. "Not yet. Maybe later, when I trust you more. For now, just know this: he's dangerous. Be careful when you confront him."
Fratley's eyes narrowed as he stared at the man before him. "I don't trust you."
"Such is the reason I give no names. I will leave now. I have no place in these mountains. If I see your friend I will tell her where you are."
"How will you know? I will have moved!" Fratley challenged.
"I will know," the man said simply.
The man left, leaving Fratley very worried. He didn't trust this man. He knew too much, and hid it all. Cleo woke up nearby.
"What wrong, Fratley?" she asked.
"I don't trust that man," Fratley said, motioning to the man who just left.
"Shall we go?" Cleo asked.
"Already? Shouldn't you rest more?" Fratley asked with concern.
"I fine! Shapeshifters heal fast if wounds not severe!" Cleo chirped as she transformed into an Ice Hawk. "Come! Let us go!"
Freya, Wanderer, and the dog Landloper had only been walking for five minutes before Wanderer called a halt.
"Someone comes," he said simply.
Freya walked up to Wanderer and peered in the distance. A male human was approaching. Freya quickly noted that he had black eyes just like the human who kidnapped her. She backed away frantically, and Wanderer grabbed her arm gently yet firmly.
"Relax, it's all right," he said. "You're safe with me. Landloper, protect her please." Landloper strode over to Freya, who simply stood there, not knowing whether to run for her life or just stand there with an unfamiliar large dog. Wanderer walked up to the man.
"Who goes there?" he asked. His eyes then widened with surprise. "Meander?"
The man who Wanderer called Meander looked over at Freya.
"Someone is looking for you," he grunted in a gruff voice. "He's not too far away. Maybe a few miles."
"Who?" Freya asked suspiciously.
"He never gave his name, and neither did I," Meander said simply. He then looked over at Wanderer. "As for you, Er-"
"Do not speak of my real name, Meander. I have no interest in the results of it being heard," Wanderer said. "You have done your job, Meander. Or have you?"
"Hardly," Meander grunted. "No one trusts me."
"You look much like him," Wanderer grunted.
"Tell me," Freya suddenly said, approaching Meander. "All I need is a name!"
Meander seemed shock.
"I know you know. It's obvious. All I need is a name!" Freya persisted. "Come on, please!"
Meander lowered his eyes. "I'm sorry, but I can't do that. Not until I know I can trust you. Good luck."
Meander headed off, leaving Freya annoyed and Wanderer unfazed.
"And that is Meander," Wanderer said, shaking his head. "Mysterious fellow, no?"
"Do you know the name of the human who wants to kill me?" Freya asked.
Wanderer frowned. "Not until I get a description, I'm afraid. But first, let us return you to that Burmecian, shall we?"
"Fratley, look!" Cleo chirped, looking in the northeast. "Two Burmecians."
Fratley looked in the same direction as Cleo and immediately saw the two Burmecians. One was an odd-looking male with a walking stick and a Great Dane at his side, while the other was Freya. Immediately Cleo began to descend while the two Burmecians came to a stop.
"There you are," Wanderer said to Freya as they watched a massive Ice Hawk descend toward them. "Exact same Ice Hawk I saw."
Freya didn't say anything. She only watched as the Ice Hawk came to the ground. She quickly saw Fratley on the Ice Hawk's back. Fratley leapt off the Ice Hawk while the Ice Hawk suddenly changed form and became a gorgeous white wolf. Freya didn't seem to notice the Ice Hawk morph. She instead raced over to Fratley and embraced him so tightly he probably couldn't breathe very well. It didn't matter too much to Fratley though, for he did the exact same thing back to Freya. Wanderer smiled at them, wishing he had someone he could hug like that.
"God, I was afraid you'd be dead," Fratley muttered.
"Pessimistic, are you? Relax, I wouldn't let him kill me," Freya replied, staring into Fratley's deep blue eyes.
Fratley nodded. "I'm sure you wouldn't." He looked up at Wanderer, who stared at him with return. "Who's that guy?"
"Even I don't know. He calls himself Wanderer, but I know his real name starts out as 'Er'," Freya said.
"'Eroy?'" Fratley guessed, his memory picking up something. Wanderer stiffened.
"Eroy?" Freya looked over at Wanderer, then shook her head. "It can't be."
Wanderer didn't answer. He didn't like this at all.
"Anyway, I have one more favor to ask of you, Wanderer," Freya said.
"Go ahead," Wanderer said, relieved she didn't pick anything up from Fratley's suddenly blurt-out.
"The person who kidnapped me had pitch-black eyes just like Meander's. Is there anyone else at all who looks like Meander?" Freya asked.
Wanderer nodded. "Julius. I'm afraid I can't say whether it was Julius or Meander who attacked you though. You will have to figure that out on your own."
"Couldn't they be the same person?" Fratley asked, staring at the clouds with wonder.
"They just as well could be," Wanderer said. He looked Freya in the eye. "I take it you will be all right from here onward?"
Freya nodded. "Thank you for your help."'
Wanderer smiled. "Pleasure."
Wanderer headed off, his dog Landloper following. Freya noted that he was heading in the direction of Burmecia. She looked up at Fratley.
"Where to?" she asked.
"Um." Fratley evidently had no clue where to go.
"Alexandria probably have more information about Julius and Meander. Maybe we figure out if they same or whatever there!" the wolf chirped.
"It talks?" Freya asked, staring at the wolf with shock.
"She's a shapeshifter named Cleo," Fratley said. "Anyway, perhaps we should go to Alexandria. It's a short walk. Shorter than going back to Burmecia, anyway."
Freya nodded. She really wanted to go back to Burmecia, but that was dangerous in itself. She would be best to go to Alexandria. Perhaps Queen Garnet knew something about Meander and Julius.
"All right. Let's go to Alexandria," Freya said. "It'd be nice to see Zidane and Da - I mean Garnet anyway."
Cleo transformed into an Ice Dragon.
"Um, Cleo? I don't think an Ice Dragon would easily be accepted into a city," Fratley pointed out.
"That okay! I just become chocobo before we get there!" Cleo chirped. "Get on!"
Freya climbed onto Cleo's icy spiked back and situated herself between two massive spikes. Fratley followed her example, and soon Cleo took to the sky, flying toward Alexandria.
"How long do you think it will take to get there?" Freya shouted over the rushing wind.
"A day or so! No worry! We get out of these mountains by time night falls!" Cleo shouted back.
Freya nodded, liking the idea and liking more that she was back with Fratley. She leaned against the massive spike behind her, staring at the fluffy clouds floating lazily around a blue sky. ----------------- Hello! Thank you for reviewing, everyone =) Such nice reviews. Is this story really that good? *Blushes* Anyway, Freya is finally back with civilization, but who is this "Wanderer"? Who is this "Meander"? Who kidnapped Freya? Find out. As the story progresses, that is!
Oh, and be sure to remember Wanderer and the name "Eroy", okay? Also remember that funky thing Wanderer did with his fingers and the "burning trails". Very important things are beginning to surface! I can not even begin to list them all! But many things that are being said are fairly important, so pay attention!
See you soon!
Alexandrian Mountains; Mid-Afternoon
Freya woke up slowly, though it took her a few minutes to realize why. Something was sniffing her. Freya stared at it to find it to be a dog's snout sniffing her curiously. Freya wondered what dog could possibly live in the mountains.
"Landloper, quit it," a male voice said outside the cave.
The dog snout retreated, allowing Freya to crawl out of the cave. She couldn't believe the person standing at the cave.
It was a Burmecian, but he was very different. His fur was a rather dark gray instead of white. He had roan hair that reached about two inches below his broad shoulders. His eyes were rust-colored. He was at least six feet tall, maybe more, with simple brown clothes for attire. His tail was brown instead of the usual black. He held a walking stick in his hand, a knapsack over his shoulder, and a machete strapped to his thigh.
"Are you all right?" the male asked. His accent was similar to Aireff's, except without the weird words. "This is a most curious place to sleep and be found. You look like you've been hurt."
Freya stared at the male, then at his dog. It was a massive dog with lanky legs. Freya recognized it as a roan Great Dane. It approached Freya, but Freya backed away.
"Landloper, sit," the male commanded of the dog. The Great Dane sat immediately. His owner then looked back up at Freya. "What is your name?"
Freya looked up at the male. "Freya."
"Freya. Fancy name," the male said. He stared in the distance. "What are you doing so far from Burmecia?"
"I'd. rather not say," Freya muttered after some thought.
"Then don't," the male said gently. "No one is forcing you."
The male continued to stare into the distance. Freya watched him suspiciously. The male then finally turned back to Freya.
"Not a question for me?" he asked.
"Who are you?" Freya asked.
"I prefer to be called Wanderer."
"Wanderer?"
"Yes. Do you mind?"
"No. not really. Do you think you could help me?"
"With what, may I ask?"
"I need to find a friend."
"Are they in the mountains?"
"I don't know. Did you see a male Burmecian around six feet with blue eyes and a simple outfit that was this color around?" Freya lifted her tail and showed Wanderer the orange fabric tied to her tail.
Wanderer nodded almost immediately. "I did see a male that you describe. He was travelling with an Ice Hawk, oddly enough."
"Where did you see him?"
"He was far from here, heading in this relative direction. I'd say he is not too far."
"Do you think you could lead me to him? That is, if it's not too much."
Wanderer smiled. "Certainly. Hang on a bit."
Wanderer closed his eyes and brought up two of his four fingers. He "drew" two parallel lines in front of his eyes with his fingers, leaving a burning trail. He opened his eyes slowly and seemed to stare at something unseen between the two burning parallel lines. He smiled, and blew the burning lines away.
"Follow me," Wanderer told Freya.
Not having anything else to do, Freya began to follow the mysterious male as he headed toward a large mountain.
"We meet again."
Fratley looked in the direction the familiar gruff voice came. The man he had met earlier was approaching. Fratley's eyes narrowed. He still didn't trust this man, especially since he looked so much like the human who kidnapped Freya.
"What are you doing here?" Fratley asked.
"The same reason you are," the man replied. "I am looking for your girlfriend."
"I take it you have not found her?" Fratley asked.
"No. And neither have you."
"I cannot travel. My companion is not in good condition, and potions don't work on shapeshifters."
"You do know that she could be dead by now."
"Yes." Fratley's voice became grim. "It is one of my worst fears."
The man approached Fratley.
"The person we are up against is one of the most dangerous men in the world. Double-crossing him can get you killed. There is a saying. 'Those who hate him fear him. Those who cross him are dead.'"
"Can't you just tell me this guy's name or something?" Fratley asked with irritation.
The man blinked. "Not yet. Maybe later, when I trust you more. For now, just know this: he's dangerous. Be careful when you confront him."
Fratley's eyes narrowed as he stared at the man before him. "I don't trust you."
"Such is the reason I give no names. I will leave now. I have no place in these mountains. If I see your friend I will tell her where you are."
"How will you know? I will have moved!" Fratley challenged.
"I will know," the man said simply.
The man left, leaving Fratley very worried. He didn't trust this man. He knew too much, and hid it all. Cleo woke up nearby.
"What wrong, Fratley?" she asked.
"I don't trust that man," Fratley said, motioning to the man who just left.
"Shall we go?" Cleo asked.
"Already? Shouldn't you rest more?" Fratley asked with concern.
"I fine! Shapeshifters heal fast if wounds not severe!" Cleo chirped as she transformed into an Ice Hawk. "Come! Let us go!"
Freya, Wanderer, and the dog Landloper had only been walking for five minutes before Wanderer called a halt.
"Someone comes," he said simply.
Freya walked up to Wanderer and peered in the distance. A male human was approaching. Freya quickly noted that he had black eyes just like the human who kidnapped her. She backed away frantically, and Wanderer grabbed her arm gently yet firmly.
"Relax, it's all right," he said. "You're safe with me. Landloper, protect her please." Landloper strode over to Freya, who simply stood there, not knowing whether to run for her life or just stand there with an unfamiliar large dog. Wanderer walked up to the man.
"Who goes there?" he asked. His eyes then widened with surprise. "Meander?"
The man who Wanderer called Meander looked over at Freya.
"Someone is looking for you," he grunted in a gruff voice. "He's not too far away. Maybe a few miles."
"Who?" Freya asked suspiciously.
"He never gave his name, and neither did I," Meander said simply. He then looked over at Wanderer. "As for you, Er-"
"Do not speak of my real name, Meander. I have no interest in the results of it being heard," Wanderer said. "You have done your job, Meander. Or have you?"
"Hardly," Meander grunted. "No one trusts me."
"You look much like him," Wanderer grunted.
"Tell me," Freya suddenly said, approaching Meander. "All I need is a name!"
Meander seemed shock.
"I know you know. It's obvious. All I need is a name!" Freya persisted. "Come on, please!"
Meander lowered his eyes. "I'm sorry, but I can't do that. Not until I know I can trust you. Good luck."
Meander headed off, leaving Freya annoyed and Wanderer unfazed.
"And that is Meander," Wanderer said, shaking his head. "Mysterious fellow, no?"
"Do you know the name of the human who wants to kill me?" Freya asked.
Wanderer frowned. "Not until I get a description, I'm afraid. But first, let us return you to that Burmecian, shall we?"
"Fratley, look!" Cleo chirped, looking in the northeast. "Two Burmecians."
Fratley looked in the same direction as Cleo and immediately saw the two Burmecians. One was an odd-looking male with a walking stick and a Great Dane at his side, while the other was Freya. Immediately Cleo began to descend while the two Burmecians came to a stop.
"There you are," Wanderer said to Freya as they watched a massive Ice Hawk descend toward them. "Exact same Ice Hawk I saw."
Freya didn't say anything. She only watched as the Ice Hawk came to the ground. She quickly saw Fratley on the Ice Hawk's back. Fratley leapt off the Ice Hawk while the Ice Hawk suddenly changed form and became a gorgeous white wolf. Freya didn't seem to notice the Ice Hawk morph. She instead raced over to Fratley and embraced him so tightly he probably couldn't breathe very well. It didn't matter too much to Fratley though, for he did the exact same thing back to Freya. Wanderer smiled at them, wishing he had someone he could hug like that.
"God, I was afraid you'd be dead," Fratley muttered.
"Pessimistic, are you? Relax, I wouldn't let him kill me," Freya replied, staring into Fratley's deep blue eyes.
Fratley nodded. "I'm sure you wouldn't." He looked up at Wanderer, who stared at him with return. "Who's that guy?"
"Even I don't know. He calls himself Wanderer, but I know his real name starts out as 'Er'," Freya said.
"'Eroy?'" Fratley guessed, his memory picking up something. Wanderer stiffened.
"Eroy?" Freya looked over at Wanderer, then shook her head. "It can't be."
Wanderer didn't answer. He didn't like this at all.
"Anyway, I have one more favor to ask of you, Wanderer," Freya said.
"Go ahead," Wanderer said, relieved she didn't pick anything up from Fratley's suddenly blurt-out.
"The person who kidnapped me had pitch-black eyes just like Meander's. Is there anyone else at all who looks like Meander?" Freya asked.
Wanderer nodded. "Julius. I'm afraid I can't say whether it was Julius or Meander who attacked you though. You will have to figure that out on your own."
"Couldn't they be the same person?" Fratley asked, staring at the clouds with wonder.
"They just as well could be," Wanderer said. He looked Freya in the eye. "I take it you will be all right from here onward?"
Freya nodded. "Thank you for your help."'
Wanderer smiled. "Pleasure."
Wanderer headed off, his dog Landloper following. Freya noted that he was heading in the direction of Burmecia. She looked up at Fratley.
"Where to?" she asked.
"Um." Fratley evidently had no clue where to go.
"Alexandria probably have more information about Julius and Meander. Maybe we figure out if they same or whatever there!" the wolf chirped.
"It talks?" Freya asked, staring at the wolf with shock.
"She's a shapeshifter named Cleo," Fratley said. "Anyway, perhaps we should go to Alexandria. It's a short walk. Shorter than going back to Burmecia, anyway."
Freya nodded. She really wanted to go back to Burmecia, but that was dangerous in itself. She would be best to go to Alexandria. Perhaps Queen Garnet knew something about Meander and Julius.
"All right. Let's go to Alexandria," Freya said. "It'd be nice to see Zidane and Da - I mean Garnet anyway."
Cleo transformed into an Ice Dragon.
"Um, Cleo? I don't think an Ice Dragon would easily be accepted into a city," Fratley pointed out.
"That okay! I just become chocobo before we get there!" Cleo chirped. "Get on!"
Freya climbed onto Cleo's icy spiked back and situated herself between two massive spikes. Fratley followed her example, and soon Cleo took to the sky, flying toward Alexandria.
"How long do you think it will take to get there?" Freya shouted over the rushing wind.
"A day or so! No worry! We get out of these mountains by time night falls!" Cleo shouted back.
Freya nodded, liking the idea and liking more that she was back with Fratley. She leaned against the massive spike behind her, staring at the fluffy clouds floating lazily around a blue sky. ----------------- Hello! Thank you for reviewing, everyone =) Such nice reviews. Is this story really that good? *Blushes* Anyway, Freya is finally back with civilization, but who is this "Wanderer"? Who is this "Meander"? Who kidnapped Freya? Find out. As the story progresses, that is!
Oh, and be sure to remember Wanderer and the name "Eroy", okay? Also remember that funky thing Wanderer did with his fingers and the "burning trails". Very important things are beginning to surface! I can not even begin to list them all! But many things that are being said are fairly important, so pay attention!
See you soon!