Chapter 10

Gathering Information

Daine walked through the small village, heading into the surrounding forest. Having just finished breakfast, she was planning to confer with the animals to gather any useful information they could give her. Numair was in the village trying to find out what had made the villagers the way they were. Kit she had left with a delighted Arisa before she left.

With the assistance of a chipmunk, she made her way to a small clearing, perfect for her needs. Sitting down on the turf, she closed her eyes, allowing her awareness to spread. The little chipmunk curled up on her left leg.

Sending her magic yet further, she called out to the animals, getting their attention. When she had all the animals within reach listening, she explained the reason behind her summons.

Does anyone know where the villagers have been going when they leave the village?

She received a murmur of answers, most of them no's. But there were several yes's, and she honed her senses on one, a large tawny owl.

Wing-brother, do you know where the villagers have been going?

Of course I do, for they leave by night and travel deep into the woods, never stopping. That's why the creatures of the day alone know nothing of the unusual antics of the villagers.

Where do they go?

A cave deep in my hunting territory. It's very well hidden.

Can you take me and a friend there?

By night. Maybe it would be better if you asked another.

Of course, thank you. Go back to sleep. Turning her attention back to the other animals, she sent the ones who didn't know what she needed back to their interrupted tasks, focusing on the ones who had the required information.

Who can easiest take me and my friend to that cave? Daine inquired.

I will, a deer answered. Twigs snapped nearby; leaves rustled. Opening her eyes, Daine saw the large 9-point buck appear.

Hello, I'm Dante. When do you want to leave?

As soon as I go back to the village and find him.

Isn't that your friend in the woods behind you, Wildmage?

It shouldn't be, she replied, turning around.

-----

He watched the couple from the window, parting the curtain discreetly. He stared silently as he pulled her into his arms, his lips locked with hers. They parted, he heading towards the town square, she towards the forest.

Leaving the window, he opened the door, silently closing it behind him. Quietly he followed her down the street and into the forest. They eventually came to a small clearing and he stayed among the tress while she sat down in the middle of the grass. A chipmunk curled up on her leg as she closed her eyes.

She stayed like that for a long time, and he quickly go bored. But he forced himself to stay quiet and out of sight behind the tree in case she opened her eyes.

Finally he heard something in the woods on the other side of the clearing, and repositioned himself so he could have a better view of whatever it was. She opened her eyes, looking in the direction of the disturbance as a large buck appeared.

He was surprised when the deer stared in his direction. As she turned to face him, he realized that he had moved out from behind the tree.

-----

"Alex!" Daine exclaimed, recognizing the blonde-haired young man at the edge of the clearing. "What are you doing here?"

"Sorry," he replied with a smile. "I just wanted to make sure you were safe."

"I'm safer than you are in the forest."

"Oh, I know that," he answered, walking over to her. "Besides, I wanted to talk to you alone."

"About what?" she asked, confused.

He said nothing, just stared at her. Then he pulled her tightly against him, smashing his lips against hers, forcing his tongue into her mouth.

Daine froze, horrified. Then she freed her arms, pushing him away from her, anger in her eyes. Dante came in between them, realizing that Daine did not want what had just happened.

"I'm better suited for you than that stupid Black Robe Mage," he snarled, eyes glinting. "And yet you don't notice me. He's too old for you and nowhere near good enough. I, on the other hand, am-"

"SHUT UP!" she screamed, glaring at him. Alex suddenly flew 20 feet into the air, before sliding the remaining 10 feet and slamming into the base of a tree.

Daine just stared at him, shocked. Had she done that? She must have. No one else was around. Dante, seeing her discomfort, went over to Alex, nudging him with his antlers.

He's not dead, the buck assured her. Just unconscious.

Could you watch him? Make sure he doesn't go anywhere?

Sure.

Thanks, she said, turning and running back to the village and Numair.

-----

"Come on," a young girl called, leaning over the fence. "I won't hurt you. Come take an apple, pretty pony."

Cloud eyes the little girl, and snorted. Do I look like a little girl's pet? she demanded, looking over at Black, who was calmly eating grass beside her.

Well, you look like one more than I do.

Cloud's ears went back as she lashed out at the stallion, who quickly jumped aside. The little girl pulled away quickly, then returned, keeping a wary eye on Cloud. This time she focused her attention on Black.

"It's okay. Come get a nice juicy apple," she cooed.

Go get a nice juicy apple, Cloud teased. Honestly, you'd- Suddenly she stopped, ears going forward as if straining to hear something far away.

What is it? Black inquired. Before she could answer, he felt it too. Daine…

He lunged forward, leaping over the fence, Cloud at his side.

"What the-" the girl cried as they ran into the forest. "Hey! Come back!"

They ignored her, racing on.

Black was amazed that the mare was able to keep up with him at the fast pace he set. As he ran faster and yet she still stayed beside him, he figured it must be concern for Daine that she was able to match his gruesome speed.

Soon they saw Daine, running towards them. She stopped in surprise as she saw them approaching her. What are you two doing here?

Never mind that! Cloud snapped, nuzzling the girl. Are you okay? What happened?

Yeah, I'm fine. I just need to get to Numair as soon as possible.

Then ride Black. He can get you to Storkman quicker than I can.

Okay, she said, hugging the mare. Then she turned to the black stallion beside her. Ready?

Black snorted. Let's go, he replied as she jumped onto his back.

Cloud, could you go back and help Dante watch Alex?

Dante?

A deer. They're over there in a small clearing, she explained, pointing the way.

Sure, the pony responded as Black raced back towards the village.

How'd you two know I needed you? Daine asked as the mighty stallion below her leaped over a fallen log, muscles tightening.

Cloud sensed it first, and as I listened to hear what bothered her, I sensed it as well. It was just a feeling that you were distressed and needed us that led us to you.

Oh. Maybe I should ask Numair about that, Daine replied as they entered the village, galloping out of the forest.

Racing down the street, Black nimbly dodged the villagers, who didn't even make any attempt to get out of the stallion's path. Daine directed him to the town square, where she believed Numair would be.

Sure enough, Numair was there, talking to one of the locals, a frustrated look on his face. "Numair!" she called, causing him to look up. The young man he was talking to merely got up and walked away, never looking in Daine's direction.

"What is it?" he asked in confusion, going over to her as she dismounted Black.

"He's unconscious," she began, voice shaking.

"Who's unconscious?" he asked, wrapping his arms around her. "What happened?"

"I was in the woods, talking to the animals. I found a buck that's willing to take us to where the villagers have been going. But then Alex appeared, and started explaining about how he wanted to make sure I was safe. I told him that I was far safer in the woods then he was." She stopped there, burying her face in his chest before continuing. "Then he grabbed me and kissed me, forcing her tongue into my mouth."

She felt Numair stiffen. "The bastard," he muttered, eyes glinting dangerously.

"I pushed him away, and Dante, the buck, go in between. Alex started ranting about how you weren't good enough for me and he was. I go mad. I glared at him, and I remember wishing that I could make him fly into a tree. And suddenly it happened. He flew 20 feet into the air, landing on the ground and sliding the remaining few yards into a tree. It knocked him out."

"I guess we know another of your new powers," he said, looking down at her. "But are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Just a little shocked, that's all," she replied, kissing him gently. "But we have to go back."

"Why? Let's just leave the jerk there."

"Numair, Cloud and Dante are watching him. Cloud can bring Alex back while you and I follow Dante to that cave on Black."

"Bareback?"

"You'll be fine," she assured him, jumping up on Black. She directed the stallion to the podium in the middle of the square, where a fountain rested, a large griffin with the water coming out of its mouth. "Get on."

He obeyed, climbing on behind her. The stallion headed back towards the clearing once Numair was settled.

"So did you find out anything?" Daine asked.

"It's highly advanced magic," Numair began. "Whoever is behind this, their magic is equal to any of the Black Robe Mages in the world, including me. They've turned those villagers into mere drones, with no memory of themselves. They don't even know their names. They only know how to do mundane tasks. Their memories are still there, suppressed, walled away, out of their reach."

"Can you free them?"

Numair sighed. "That's the problem. Those blocks are permanent as long as the source of them is alive. If I tried to free someone of those blocks, they would die, and quite possibly take me with them."

"So we have to find the mage behind this and kill them?" she inquired, a sinking feeling in her stomach.

"Exactly. If they are no longer a factor, neither are the blocks. But that is going to be no easy task."

"Anything else?"

"The villagers themselves are quite a threat."

"How? They just walk along minding their own business."

"For now. But they are under the control of that mage and will obey every command he or she gives them. Murder, suicide, anything."

"So when we find this mage…" The sinking feeling turned to one of horror as the reality sank in.

"We just may have an army of once loyal citizens to go through."

AN 1: Hehehe. Alex shows his true colors. A over-confident jerk.

AN 2: I'm amazed. Do you realize it hasn't even been quite 2 weeks since my last update? I suppose miracles can happen.

AN 3: Who went to see Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix? I went to see it Saturday. Honestly, they screwed this one up worse than the other 4 put together. It completely makes a mockery of J.K. Rowling's work. Speaking of Harry Potter, 4 days left til the 7th book!

AN 4: Lips of an Angel, by Hinder. I've been listening to that song the whole time I was proofreading this. Lol

Read & Review!

Later ppl,

The Dragon Kasia