Note: Finally! Five new reviews. That's the bare minimum. I know you people can do much better than that. Anyway, thanks to all who reviewed. Here's chapter nine, as promised. Maybe next time we can get up chapter ten much quicker. But you all must review, review, REVIEW!!!!!!
451- 452 H.E. Communication
The two wolves and the man, Tait, got to the caverns in no time. It was just after sunset as they began to make camp. Neither the boy, nor the pack had arrived yet, but the wolves had expected no less. They would come when they came. Tait went to gather wood and water as the two wolves went to hunt.
The next day dawned bright and clear. Tait washed himself and then turned to the wolves. "Now what?" he asked. They lay down, indicating that they were to wait. The bats who shared the caverns were just returning to their home. As they returned, they greeted their fellow hunters. While the wolves' Pack-Sister was with them, she had introduced both species to each other. Now they were good friends and looked to each other for information.
Now Fleetfoot asked them, Have you seen the pack?
One bat replied, Yes. They are not far. Maybe a half-day's journey until they reach us.
Thank you, hunt-friend. Like the wolves, the bats hunted for their food; only, the bats ate insects and the wolves ate other animals.
Late in the afternoon, Sharp Nose picked up a scent. It was the rest of the pack. He went to stand by the mouth of the cave and barked for the other two to come. They came and looked out. There, just at the foot of the hill, was the rest of the pack and the boy. They were slowly making their way to the caverns. Fleetfoot and Sharp Nose ran to greet them.
The wolves danced around each other, biting and licking playfully. Somehow, both the boy and Tait had been caught up in the reunion and received welcome licks as well. "Let's move the celebration inside, shall we?" commented Tait. "I made supper and I know you all like bacon." So, they all went into the caves, the boy following behind the wolves. They all sat down to begin eating. The boy hungrily consumed his portion of bacon.
Once supper was over, Fleetfoot barked an inquiry to her fellow wolves. One got up and retrieved a box that was in the corner of the cave next to the boy's things. The wolf brought it to Tait. He opened it. Inside he found a map of Tortall with many landmarks and fiefdoms marked on it, a shimmering blue stone of some sort that was wrapped on one end in a leather thong to serve as a neck strap, pieces of blank parchment wrapped into a bundle, a whistle, a ball of string, a pot of ink and a writing brush, and a note. The note read:
To whomever reads this,
I assume that my wolf friends have given you this box. Inside, you
will find things that you can use to contact me in case of an emergency.
There is a whistle to call Huntsong, my golden eagle friend, who will
carry any messages you may have. The parchment and ink are for the
messages. The string is to tie the message to Huntsong. The stone you
may use if it is a dire emergency. Repeat these words: Daine, you're
needed and I shall be alerted by the stone I wear. I will come as soon as I
can. Unfortunately, you cannot talk to me with the stone, you can only
signal to me. If I am near my mage friend, Numair, I will ask him to set
up a speaking spell so that we may talk. Do not stray from the stone, as it
is what allows Numair and I to know where you are. The map is to locate
you or anything else that is important. Please thank my wolves for helping
you to reach me.
In your service,
Veralidaine Sarrasri
Tait put the note down. He took out the whistle and the stone. "Which one?" he asked the wolves, figuring they would know best which one to use. Sharp Nose pawed the stone. "Quite right." Tait picked up the stone and said, "Daine, you're needed."
Meanwhile, back in Tortall, Daine was having an archery contest with some of the pages. Suddenly, the stone she wore at her throat beside her Badger's claw flared to life. It had been a year since she gave that box to the wolves. It meant someone was in trouble. Numair had magicked the stones for her so that she could extend her hearing range to wherever the stone was. She listened now. The matching stone was in Dunlath Valley. She could tell because of the chatter the animals were making there. "I'm sorry," she said to the pages. "I have to go. Tell Numair Salmalín I've gone to Dunlath Valley." Instantly, she turned into an eagle and flew off towards the northeast. If she flew all night, she could just make it by mid-afternoon or early evening tomorrow.
Back at the caverns, as soon as Tait had said those words, the stone flared a brilliant, blinding blue. Tait shielded his eyes, but the stone only glowed for a brief instant. Then it went out as if nothing had happened. Now it was the same blue it had been before he called upon its magic. "I guess we just wait, now," he said, turning to prepare himself for sleep.
All the while, the boy had been watching from a corner of the cave. He assumed that the wolves and this man were in some way helping him, but he still felt a little scared. Now, for the first time since supper had begun, Tait turned to the boy. "You, boy," he said. "Come here." The boy obediently came. Tait was sitting and he patted his lap, indicating the boy should sit there. The man helped the boy into his lap and wrapped his arms around him. "What's your name?" Tait asked.
The boy was silent for a moment, then replied, "I haven't got one."
"Well, then what would you like to be called?"
The boy shrugged. He was getting tired. He yawned, covering his mouth like Lord Aaron had taught him to do so long ago. "It's rude to yawn without covering your mouth," Lord Aaron had said. Now the boy did as he was taught every time he yawned.
"I guess you're getting tired," the man told him. "By the way, I'm Tait. Me an' these wolves here are gonna take care of you until Daine can come. She knows these wolves better'n me. Was nearly raised by them, she was. Well, it's gettin' late. I think it would be a good idea to go to sleep now. We can talk tomorrow." Tait helped the boy to stand. He gave him his bedroll, saying that he would sleep under an extra blanket he had. They both fell asleep almost instantly.
~*~*~*~*~
Note: If I get at least five new reviews for this chapter, I will post as soon as I can. Otherwise, you may just have to wait until I feel like posting again. So, five more reviews or you'll have to wait. Come on, I know you're out there! Until next chapter,
~*Robinwyn*~