Chapter 11: Into the lion's den
What did fate have against us to cause us such misfortune? Unlike me, Shade and Chinook, the two Vampyrum Spectrum were delighted to see us. And that wasn't a good sign. Like us, they had survived the bombing. No big surprise considering what they, especially Goth, had all outlived in the north before. Though, he wasn't fully out of danger yet. The metal disk was still attached to his belly and so was the button on his ear. He just needed to make one wrong move, and we were all done for.
''I see our swift reunion doesn't seem to excite you at all,'' said Goth. ''How unfortunate.''
He looked ready to sink his teeth into our flesh, as he had planned to back in the north.
''G-guys!'' Chinook asked. ''Who are these two?''
''Goth and Throbb'', Shade replied. ''We told you about them, remember?!''
The bigger Silverwing's eyes went huge. He turned back towards the two meat-eaters and looked at them up and down as if measuring their size. Then he looked back at Shade. ''You mean to tell me that these are the two giant bats you two and Marina came across on your way to Hibernaculum?''
''Eh, yes.''
Chinook looked as if he was about to faint.
''I see you have already informed your companion here about my cousin and me'', said Goth. ''Good, we do not have to introduce ourselves then.''
''H-how did you survive the bombing?'' I decided to ask.
Goth blinked. ''You mean the firestorms? We flew away from them. Simple as that.''
''But you still have that button on your ear, ''Shade said, pointing at it with his claw. ''Wasn't it telling you to land by one of the human buildings?''
''Sure. But do you really think I'm that naive to blindly follow some instructions humans plant into my head? You should know me better amigo.'' Goth harrumphed as if the pure idea of my kind telling him what to do was outrageous. ''You little bats and owls may fall for their tricks but for me, that's just some annoying piece of metal.'' He reached up to his ear and with one full swipe, the button was torn out of his flesh. Blood dripped from the wound but Goth didn't even flinch and tossed the metal button away with disgust. I knew how much he wanted to do the same with the band on his forearm. But this one was stuck on him. Just like the metal disc on his belly.
''Eh, you know what. It was actually nice to see you two again but now we should part ways. You should head home and get that disk removed. We will hang out somewhere else.'' I gave Chinook and Shade a slight push to get moving.
''What's the hurry?''
Both Vampyrum came closer and blocked our way.
''We basically owe it to you that we are back in our beloved jungle. The least we could do is to show you a bit around.''
''Oh, p-please don't bother.''
I didn't like the grin on Goth's face. The fact that he hadn't pounced on us yet wasn't necessarily a good sign. On the contrary, I was sure he had something terrible for us in mind.
''Now then, let's go shall we?!''
Before I could even react, Goth grasped my arm and pulled me to his side. I was dangerously close to the bomb on his stomach. Breathing as shallow as possible I dared not to move to close to it. Even Shade and Chinook didn't try to come to my aid. They knew, that, if they attacked Goth, it might cause the bomb to explode. Something none of us wanted to risk. Not even Goth himself, I was sure.
In the end, we had no choice but to follow the two Vampyrums. To make sure that we wouldn't try to escape, Goth bored his claws into my shoulders while Throbb flew behind the two Silverwing males, making sure they didn't stray from the path.
Meanwhile, Orestes was back at the place where the plane had dropped off the owls and bats. There was still fire everywhere and the air was filled with the shrill howling of sirens. The smoke was burning in his eyes but he kept on flying around, hoping to find any survivors. For the time being, it seemed no more bombs came falling from the sky. But for how long would it be like that?
He didn't want to wait and find out. He needed to hurry and get back to his friends.
Orestes searched around for as long as he could. But all he could find was more fire, piles of ash, and dead bodies. Luckily, no one he knew. The sight of these unknown bats and owls was worse enough. He couldn't even imagine what to tell Chinook if he found his parents or his uncle among those killed in action. Yet, he did not see any sign of life from them. But that did not necessarily mean the worst. Presumably, they had flown away to get to safety, as he and the others did. At least he hoped so.
He decided to go for one last round and then turned back towards the jungle to inform his friends. But by the time he got to the spot where he had left them, there was no sign of Vanessa, Chinook, or Shade. They seemed to have vanished from the face of the earth. For a brief moment, Orestes thought he was at the wrong place, but when he looked around, he knew it was the right one. He called out for his friends but received no answer. What happened to them?
Orestes wanted to look for them, but he was so worn out and this place was so strange. Who knew what would await him in this jungle. Just to plunge blindly into the thicket was insane. He had to come up with a plan first and also find shelter for the day.
My shoulders hurt, but I didn't dare to complain, fearing Goth would only tighten his grip or worse drop me.
With dismay, I noticed the traces of destruction the deeper we went into the jungle. Huge craters and furrows, dug into the earth by fire. Apparently, the city outside was not the only target of the attacks. I wondered what in the world had gone wrong this time among my peers, that it had to degenerate into another war. I wouldn't have blamed Goth if he decided to throw me into the next best trench for what the humans had done to his home. Then again I was still glad he didn't.
The further we flew over the canopy of the jungle, I noticed how quiet it was around us. Every now and then we heard the screeching of birds or the chatter of monkeys but otherwise, it seemed as if the abundance of creatures that lived here had been forcefully silenced or simply fled.
On our way, we did not even stop once to take a short break. Thereby we had been traveling for about an hour, maybe two. The weight of the metal disc must surely give Goth a hard time. Nevertheless, he flew on determinedly. Even Throbb didn't complain. It was a nice change from back then in the north where he was always complaining about the weather or his empty stomach. Now he was probably just happy to be back home.
And then we were there. With the sun setting on the horizon the top of a mighty pyramid rose from the jungle. It was almost completely overgrown with vines, ferns, and palm trees, which somehow managed to find their roots in the broken rocks and stones.
The view was breathtaking. For a short moment, I even forgot the pain in my shoulders. Just by looking at it. Never would I have thought that I would ever visit one of the famous Mayan pyramids. So far I had only seen them in pictures and films.
"Speechless, señorita?''
I flinched at the sound of Goth's voice as if I had forgotten that he was there.
''Your kind built this pyramid hundreds of years ago in honor of Cama Zotz. But at some point, you decided to turn your back on him and now you are allowing the jungle to devour it.''
''It's not that the people had voluntarily turned away from their gods,'' I thought but remained silent.
Silently we flew closer to the pyramid and headed towards the royal chamber that crowned the top. Once we were inside, Goth threw me roughly onto the stoned floor. Next, he landed himself, very carefully, making sure that the disc wasn't touching the ground. Then Throbb and my Silverwing friends landed as well. Shade immediately went to my side and helped me back up. I hissed from the pain in my shoulders and saw that Goth's claws had dug some nasty holes into them.
''Great, more scars for the collection.''
Suddenly there was an agitated maelstrom of voices all around us accompanied by the crackling of thousands, if not more, leathery wings. I looked at Goth and Throbb and noticed a widespread grin on both their faces. Then Goth solemnly stretched out his arms and loudly drowned out the bustle. ''Everyone, we have returned!'' he shouted. ''You princes; Goth and Throbb are here. We have finally returned home!''
Calls of joy rose in the general tumult. Some Vampyrum Spectrum departed from their roosts and fluttered in a tight circle around our heads, welcoming their lost princes.
''Where have you been?''
''We thought you were killed.''
I threw a quick glance at Shade. Judging by his expression, he propbably also thought that our meeting with the Vampyrum Colony felt similar to the moment we arrived at the Hibernaculum.
''Praise lord Cama Zotz, you are home.''
One adult male landed before us and the other bats retreated to a respectful distance. He looked kind of like Throbb, but with more muscles and less fat. Though he wasn't as slim as Goth. His fur color was darker than the pudgy Vampyrum with dark green wings and heather blue eyes.
''¡Padre!'' Throbb beamed and rushed over to the other male.
''Mi hijo.'' With a smile, the older male folded his wings around Throbb. Wrapping him into a short and tight embrace. ''You have no idea how happy I am to see you both'', he said.
''We sure are glad to be back as well'', Throbb replied.
''I have to tell your mother about your return. She was so worried. And I will also inform your mother as well Goth.''
''No need for that uncle Alkaios,'' he said waving it off. ''There are more important matters to be taken care of first.'' He opened his wings to show his uncle and his colony the metal disc on his belly.
''Dios mio! What in Zotz name is this?'' Alkaios asked with a gasp.
''A dangerous device, created by humans and the cause of the firestorms that are destroying our jungle. Those filthy creatures are using northern bats and owls to carry their weapons. They were even foolish enough to believe they could use me for this as well. But we will use it against them instead.''
Alkaios frowned, then barked an order to two of the surrounding Vampyrum who landed down in front of their Prince.
''Free me from this thing'', Goth commanded, ''But be careful. It will explode if it touches hard surfaces.'' The two Vampyrums started working immediately. With extreme caution, they bit through the stitches, holding the disc. Afterward, they brought the bomb to a secure place. Goth sighed, relieved to finally be rid of the extra weight.
''Now then,'' he said, ''Where is my father? I need to speak with him.''
I watched how Alkaios turn his gaze away, closing his eyes for a moment. The rest of the colony growing silent. A gloomy mood hovering in the air.
''Goth, it hurts me to tell you this...But your father, King Deimos, is dead.''
I exchanged a short shocked glance with Shade and Chinook, while Goth stared at his uncle in pure disbelieve. ''When?'' he asked. ''When did that happen?''
''Five nights ago. He was out hunting and got caught by one of the firestorms.''
''He was hunting? I thought he was sick?'' Throbb asked. ''I seem to remember that he wasn't even able to leave the roost the night Goth and I got kidnapped.''
''That's true and his health grew even worse before he mysteriously got better again. Just to... have his fate be sealed by humans in the end.''
''Those blasted humans.'' Goth growled under his breath, his hands clenched into fists. ''They have mocked me and Cama Zotz, they are destroying our jungle and now they also killed my father. They will pay for all this.''
Cheering broke out among the Vampyrums. They flapped their wings in applause and shouted Goth's name in chorus.
''Guys, let's move while they are distracted'', Shade hissed, pulling Chinook and me back to the exit. We barely made it halfway to the exit as Goth turned around. ''Not one step further you three!''
Petrified we stopped immediately and didn't even dare to give a single beep from us. Instead, we just turned back around and watched how more and more eyes focused on us in confusion and curiosity.
''You have brought someone with you?'' Alkaios asked, trying to get a look at me and the Silverwings.
Throbb nodded. ''Two northern bats and a human.''
''A human?''
''Exactly.'' I let out a shocked squeak as Goth grabbed my arm and pulled me in front of him, so his uncle and everyone else could see me better. ''This is here is a human we came across in the north. She managed to get herself shrunk to the size of a mouse and is able to speak in animal tongue.''
Hearing this the cannibal bats chattered nervously with each other. Some scowled at me and began to growl while others protectively wrapped their wings around their partners and children as if fearing I would harm them or something. I would have loved to hide behind Goth's broad wings, but knew I couldn't escape the attention.
''Why did you brought a human to our roost?'' Alkaios was as shocked and confused as the rest of the colony and took turns looking at his son and nephew. Hoping for explanations.
''She and her friend Shade here'', Goth nodded towards the small Silverwing, ''have given me and Throbb a lot of trouble in the north. I almost died twice because of them.''
The Vampyrum gasped and murmured among themselves how this was possible, wondering what had happened.
''And who is that other Silverwing?'' Alkaios asked, nodding towards Chinook who looked like he was trying to make himself invisible but failed.
''Only one additional souvenir'', Goth replied. ''Probably from the same colony as the runt.''
''Hey!'' Shade frowned, still not liking to be called by that name. Goth ignored him.
''Well, I must say, your return brings many surprises,'' Throbb's father said.
''Indeed.''
Another Vampyrum stepped over to join us. Hands behind his back. It was an adult male with dark red fur, long pitch-black hair, and deep dark, almost black, reddish-brown wings. However, the unusual thing about him was his blood-red eyes and his black teeth. I have never seen an animal with such teeth before.
''Your Highness, welcome back'', he said and nodded respectfully at Goth and Throbb.
Goth frowned at this gesture as if he had rather expected a deep bow or something like that. And honestly, so did I.
''Do I know you?'' Goth asked, trying not to show his irritation.
''I'm afraid you've never seen me before. I came here only a few days before your return. As an emissary from a Vampyrum colony further to the south.
"Emissary, you say?''
''You hear correctly your majesty'', croaked the voice of an old gray bat with a crooked back. Goth's eyes flashed briefly in surprise at the sight of the old cannibal. Supported on a curved twig, he limped closer and bowed as far as he could before the two princes. ''It is a great pleasure to have you safely back with us again.''
Shade blinked, staring at the old bat. ''Woah'', he said. ''You are old.''
Eyes flaring, the elder turned to him in indignation. With his crouched posture, he was more or less at Shade's eye level. ''A little more respect, muchacho'', he spat, poking him in the chest with his stick. ''Do you northern bats talk like this to your elders?''
Shade quickly shook his head and moved a few steps away.
The old bat shook his head in displeasure. ''Estos jóvenes de hoy. No más respeto por la edad.''
''Voxzaco,'' Goth interrupted his mumbling. ''I see you' re still in good health.''
Voxzaco laughed gaspingly. "Oh, you are too kind, your highness. To be honest, my joints are bothering me more and more each night. But I still don't seem to have finished my task in this world yet. Otherwise, the great Lord Zotz would have welcomed me into his realm by now.''
"Maybe he forgot about you'', I thought.
I had encountered old bats before by the Silverwings and in the artificial forest. But until now I had not yet met one that was as old as Voxzaco. He had to be about one hundred, calculated in human years. Amazing that he survived up to now, considering how animals in the wild are usually not blessed with a long life. He had so many wrinkles on his face that it looked like his wrinkles had wrinkles. His ears were tattered at the tips, just like one of his pale scarlet wings. Maybe the results of fights in his youth. In some places, his fur had fallen out and the pink naked skin was visible underneath it. Furthermore, he had pale yellow eyes with one tiny pupil on the left side and an enlarged one on the right, which seemed to tremble upon closer inspection. I had to turn away from it, feeling I would get dizzy if I keep looking at it any longer.
''Now, I see you have met Erebos so far. May I introduce you to his sister Phoenix as well.''
Out of the shadows came a beautiful Vampyrum lady with flowing pastel orange hair, scarlet fur, and darker colored wings. Like Erebos, she too had coal-black teeth. I knew animals didn't brush their teeth daily like humans. But in my opinion, these two were in dire need of it.
''It is a pleasure to finally meet you, your highness.'' She made a voluptuous bow before the princes, whereby her attention was mainly focused on Goth. ''My brother and I are deeply sorry about your loss. King Deimos was a great king. Highly respected in all kingdoms.''
''Gracias'', said Goth and let out a soft sigh while turning his gaze down for a moment. ''I appreciate your condolences.''
Throbb suddenly seemed to remember something and turned to his father. ''Eh, padre, now that uncle Deimos is dead. Doesn't that mean you are king now?''
His father shook his head. ''I decided to postpone the coronation ceremony. It seemed more important to me to bury my brother first and hold some nights for mourning.''
''A wise decision,'' Voxzaco interfered. "But now that you're back, Prince Goth. Your father's reign automatically passes to you.''
Goth smiled. It didn't surprise me at all that he liked this news. ''In that case, we should get through the coronation ceremony as quickly as possible. There is much to do.''
''Certainly. your highness,'' Voxzaco agreed, nodding. ''But there are still some preparations to be made. Nevertheless, I think we can hold the ceremony tonight.''
''So be it.''
''Your majesty, what shall happen with the three northerners?'' a Vampyrum asked, standing before the entrance. Our only way out.
''Lock them up,'' Goth commanded. ''But not in the dungeon. Take them to one of the empty rooms on the upper floors.''
''Yes,'' Voxzaco added, his odd glance brushing over me and my friends. ''These three are of the utmost importance for the ceremony.''
''Uh, may I ask why?'' But Chinook's question remained unanswered. Instead, he, Shade, and I were each grabbed by a Vampyrum and dragged away. I had no idea what to expect later, but I guessed it was nothing good. Especially judging by the look the Vampyrum called Erebos was giving me.
The sun had just set on the horizon as Marina was gently shaken awake by Ariel.
''Psst, get up. Frieda says it's time to leave.''
''Ok, ok. Just give me a second.'' Marina yawned and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. She had slept poorly. Concerns about Shade and her other friends kept her up most of the afternoon. She prayed to Nocturna, hoping that they were doing all right and that they would find them as soon. Then she quickly spit-washed her face and followed Ariel and the others out of the tree trunk.
''Well then'', began Frieda while the others gathered around her, "we shall set out on our ways. May Nocturna enlighten our paths.''
Together with Ariel, Frieda, and the others, Marina got airborne. Barely seconds after did she discover a big moving spot in the eastern sky. Owls were her immediate thought. But then she heard the telltale sound of bat wings, a creaking in the cold. It was a large group, perhaps a hundred, and they were flying straight toward the human building.
"Quickly," said Frieda, "we should warn them.''
When they came closer, a smile spread on the face of the elder. ''If my eyes do not deceive me, then that must be Achilles Greywing.''
Marina was stunned. Achilles Greywing was a name known to virtually every bat in the northern world, a great warrior who had fought in the last rebellion against the owls fifteen years ago. Despite the defeat of the bats, the bravery and stratagem of Achilles had become legendary, and there were hardly any young bats that had not fought battles in his name in their imagination.
''Frieda Silverwing'', said the majestic warrior. He looked old, even older than Frieda if that was possible. But his wing beats were still secure and powerful. He had ash-grey fur, dark grey wings, silver-grey hair, and a dark grey mane with stripes of silver in it. His muzzle was bordered by a thick silver beard.
''Achilles,'' said Frieda, ''it is a great pleasure to see you again. And a great relief.''
"The relief is all mine,'' the Greywing replied. ''How come you are so far from your Hibernaculum at this time?''
''It's a long story. Though I could ask you the same, old friend.''
''The reason is the owls. This winter they attacked and murdered several colonies on their journey to their winter roost without justification. This'', he nodded to the bats around him, ''are some of the survivors I have collected.''
Marina looked up at the bunch of bats and gasped briefly as she caught sight of a familiar face among them. "Penelope?''
Hearing her name, Penelope looked around in confusion until her eyes locked onto Marina's. A smile spread on her face she flew closer to the other Brightwing. Together they circled each other in narrow airy greeting rounds.
''It's so great to see you again'', Marina beamed. ''But what are you doing here? What's with the other banded bats? Don't tell me the owls have caught you.''
Penelope shook her head. ''The others are fine. We managed to find the white kermode bear Ursa and she helped us find a safe winter roost.''
''That's great. But still, I don't understand why you are not there then.''
''I and a few decided to go looking for you, Shade and Vanessa'', Penelope said, ''We wanted to help you and make sure you and Shade's colony are safe from the owls. We owe it to you after you have helped us.'' Marina was speechless and could only smile thankfully at her friend.
In the meantime Achilles turned back to Frieda. "Where are you heading?''
''Some of us wanted to return to Hibernaculum while the rest of us are on our way south for a rescue mission.''
''Rescue mission?'' Achilles frowned with concern. ''What happened?''
In short sentences, Frieda told the general and the other bats, with Marina's help, about their search for Cassiel and the events in the human building.
''In that case, you should accompany us,'' he said. ''We're on our way south to Bridge City, possibly our last refuge. And the sky is currently too dangerous to fly in small groups. Owl patrols are everywhere. Just recently we had to suffer the loss of fifteen bats in a skirmish with them.''
Frieda nodded in agreement, but before they could fly on a snow-white bear emerged unexpectedly between the trees. The bats were frightened at first and fluttered wildly in confusion. But Marina quickly recognized who it was. ''Ursa!'' Delighted she fluttered towards the white black bear. Her grim look wandered over the flock and then brightened as soon as she spotted the Brightwing.
Upon hearing the name the bats calmed down again. Apparently, word had already gotten around about the helpful leader of the beasts.
''Looks like I manage to find you after all'', she said noticing the Silverwings behind Marina.
''You were looking for us'', she asked.
Ursa nodded. ''Yes, but I didn't come alone. She bent down a little lower on her front legs and thus gave a view of an exhausted looking Silverwing on her back.
''Mercury!''
Icarus instantly fluttered over to Ursa and landed on her back beside his mate. "What happened?" he asked with concern.
''Don't worry'', Mercury said with a weak smile, sounding tired. ''I'm just a little...exhausted that's all.''
''Mercury, please tell us. Is there anything wrong at Hibernaculum?'' Frieda asked him.
The male needed a few moments before he could answer. ''General Brutus... He and his owls... They have invaded Hibernaculum.''
Marina's eyes widened. Outraged and frightened murmurs broke out among the other bats. Frieda herself looked as if she had received a blow to the chest. But her state of shock didn't last long. During the short time she knew her, Marina had never seen the Silverwing elder angry. But now her eyes were burning with rage.''
''How dare they,'' hissed Achilles. Equally shocked at the news. ''Haven't they done enough already by blocking the night sky for us. Do they have to attack us in our winter roost now as well? There hasn't been such an atrocity in millions of years.''
Marina looked into the disappointed faces of Windslang and the others who had hoped to return to Hibernaculum.
''How did Brutus find you?'' Frieda asked, trying to keep her voice quiet.
"It was Bathsheba. She betrayed us and led the owls straight to us.''
''What?''
Marina shook her head as if she couldn't believe what she just heard. She had already guessed that this old bat was up to something. She had been the only one who was absolutely against her, Shade, Orestes, and Vanessa staying with the colony and wanted to hand them over to the owls. But that she would go so far as to betray her own colony was something Marine never thought of her doing.
''It gets worse,'' Mercury continued. "As long as the colony... accepts Bathsheba as their new leader... they are safe, at least. But the other elders were locked away with me. Hibernation is impossible in this cell and the owls won't give us enough food.''
''Why did they do that?'' Icarus asked.
''They wanted us to reveal the whereabouts of Frieda, Shade, and the other ''traitors'' as Brutus described them. It was pure luck that I managed to escape.''
''And I'm more than happy about that.'' Icarus pushed his nose into his lover's fur and let himself get wrapped up in his wings, purring softly.
''We will fly back immediately and free them'', Frieda said determinedly. But Achilles shook his head. ''There is nothing we can do. The Owls' division will be too strong for us there.''
''That's right,'' Mercury said, still holding his mate. ''They also have the wolves on their side, guarding the captive elders.''
''We can't just abandon them,'' cried Ariel.
''I agree,'' said Frieda, whereupon Achilles shook his head once more.
''If you go back to them they will lose their elder without you helping them. We must go south. In Bridge City, we will meet with other colonies and gather our strength. If there is a battle, and I am sure there will be, it will definitely take place there.''
The Silverwing elder hesitated for a moment but then she nodded. ''Alright. We shall leave at once.''
''In the meantime, I will seek allies and try to do something about these wolves,'' Ursa offered.
''Thank you,'' smiled Frieda.'' My colony and I greatly appreciate your help.''
''Now, let's go. There's no time to lose.'' Mercury wanted to take off but Icarus held him back.
''Wait! Are you sure you're fit enough to travel?'' he asked.
''As I said, I'm fine, Icarus. I just haven't been eaten enough for a few nights, that's all.''
''If you say so.''
Mercury smiled and gently nuzzled his mate. Then he looked around as if looking for someone. ''Say, where is Vanessa?''
Icarus sighed and looked at Marina who then told him and Ursa about what happened in the human building as well and how they put Shade and many other bats into flying machines to be brought south. She didn't mention that it was Throbb who had helped Vanessa to get on board too. She didn't want to worry them any further knowing that a cannibal bat was near her adoptive daughter. Instead, she changed this part of her story a little. However, this didn't mean that Mercury and Icarus were any less concerned.
''We should leave now,'' said Achilles. "It's going to be a long flight and a very dangerous one as well.''
And so the bats said goodbye to Ursa and headed south to Bridge City.
Unsuspected by all, Atlas and three other owls, had heard everything while being well hidden in the foliage. With a grim look, he watched the bats flutter away while Ursa trotted in the opposite direction. Then he gave his men a sign and returned with them to Hibernaculum to give his report to General Brutus.
AN:
- ¡Padre! = Father!
- Mi hijo = My son.
- Dios mio! = My god!
- muchacho = boy
- Estos jóvenes de hoy. No más respeto por la edad = These young people today. There is no more respect for age.