I apologize for that last cliffhanger...oh who am I kidding, I love doing that too you guys, haha
wow, there goes that sassy attitude of mine again, sorry. Anyway, on with the story.
Ronin had gathered them all into the Queen's garden, where they sat at a wooden round table. Sunlight filtered through the petunias above them, casting purple shadows on their faces. Finn sat at Ronin's right and Nod at his left. M.K. had seated herself beside Nod, and Jason was on her other side. Occupying the rest were the high-ranking officers of Moonhaven. Mason, Ross, Thryn, and Lex were standing to the side. They weren't really a part of the council but they were not excluded either. The young Leafmen and women all knew about the rose. They were in on it now. A blue dragonfly had buzzed in and perched on Thryn's shoulder, much to M.K.'s and Jason's surprise, yet everybody had ignored it.
"Give me your reports," Ronin ordered the officers. One by one, each man or woman described the day, but they all said the same thing. Everything was normal and no one saw Queen Ariel, Fara, Mub, or Grub leave the palace. Her last sighting had been in her garden, where she was tending to her plants.
M.K. tapped her foot impatiently. This meeting was wasting time! They ought to be out in the forest, searching the trees and ground for Ariel. Then the girl dismissed that thought. Where would they even start to look for her?
"I have Captain Troy and Sergeant Tai combing through the south section of the forest," Officer May, a stern, raven haired woman spoke. "Captain Roamer and his group have the north, and Captain Artis is searching in the east."
"Who has the west section?" Ronin asked.
Officer Kane, a clean-shaven and muscular man answered, "Officer Jeden wanted to search that area personally, which is why he's absent. He's suspicion that Bufo might have something to do with this."
Ronin growled at the mention of the slippery frog, "I wish him the best of luck. It wouldn't shock me if Bufo planned a kidnapping, and if he did, then he's just put the last nail in his coffin. I've tried to pin something on him for years..."
The general glared at the table for a few moments longer before he shook himself out of his mood. "What about the people? Have they heard of any of this?"
"We've been able to keep it under tabs," Kane replied. "All they have seen is increased activity of the Leafmen. We don't want them going into a panic, but they'll demand an explanation sooner or later. You're in charge, Ronin. It's your call."
The general clasped his hands together and rested his chin on them, "We'll wait for the search parties to return, hopefully with the Queen. For now, I will fill you in on the details."
Ronin started by telling them about the Queen's dream, and how Nod stumbled on the rose. He recounted the events of the day, starting with Thryn and Nod leaving Moonhaven (the officers glared at the two teens with disapproval), rescuing them from the Boggans, and what they discovered at Nim's tree. Officer May had raised an eyebrow when Ronin mentioned the journal and tablets.
"If the tablets are with Nim, where is the journal?" she asked. "Our best scholars should have a look at it. Maybe they could interpret the scripture."
"I left it in my saddle bag," Nod muttered. "I can go fetch it now..."
"Later," Ronin said. "M.K. and Jason still have to tell their part of the story."
Now everybody present looked to the two Stompers who had kept very quiet throughout the meeting. M.K. felt uncomfortable having all these powerful people staring at her, but she knew she'd have to take the floor on this one. Jason had been shoved into this world so abruptly, he wouldn't be able to speak without cracking.
She began, her voice a little husky, "Well, I was watching a soccer game with my friends, and I saw this large flock of black birds making for the forest-"
"What?" Kane interrupted her. "What kind of black birds? Grackles?"
"I really couldn't tell-"
"Couldn't you have mentioned this sooner?!" Kane was shouting now. "That could have been a hoard of flying Boggans headed for Moonhaven!"
"I followed them into the forest," M.K. continued, determined to not be intimidated. "When I finally got close enough, they flew off and I didn't see any Boggans on their backs."
"How could you not see any?! They're huge, blasted monsters!"
Nod jumped to her defense, practically bristling with anger, "It's not her fault if she didn't see any! If there were Boggans, wouldn't they be here by now?"
"Enough!" Ronin roared, cutting off Kane's retort. The officer sat back with his jaw set angrily. Nod glared back at him, but didn't say anything. Ronin continued, "We shouldn't blame M.K. if she didn't see anything. At least now, we know that a big group is on the move. How many more soldiers do we have here?"
"Two hundred strong," May replied, not affected by the recent shouting match. "It is sufficient enough to hold off an attack for some time."
The general seemed satisfied, "Good. Now M.K. if you would please continue."
The red-head started again, a little calmer now. When she finished, a wave of muttering began around the table.
"We have never seen any wind birds before," Finn said. "Could it be a spirit of sorts?"
"I don't know," Ronin admitted. "It would be good to look this up at Nim's tree. Thryn, send Sterling over with a message. Pass on the news that the Queen is missing, and emphasize to Galuu that he needs to keep that quiet."
The gray-eyed girl nodded obediently and left to find some paper and a pencil to create the message. Her dragonfly flew ahead, sensing that his skills were needed. The meeting continued but M.K. zoned out.
She stared at the rose. It was sitting quietly, its green bud resting on top of the Nod's hand. The leaves on the stem clutched his arm, while the stem itself wrapped around it. The way it sat reminded M.K. of magazine pictures of green vipers in the rainforest. Those little devils would stay coiled around a branch, acting like vines until a bird had the misfortune of perching there. The rose attacked just as fast as a snake, when it saved Nod from that Boggan with its thorns. Looking now, there was a lack of thorns, but M.K. didn't doubt that they were there.
Nod noticed her staring and she blushed, a little embarrassed. He smiled sheepishly and whispered, "I couldn't stop looking at it first either."
M.K. traced the stem with her finger, all the way to the roots in his elbow. The sight of the roots inside Nod made her skin crawl. It was like something out of a bad horror movie or sci-fi film.
"Does it hurt?" she asked softly.
He shook his head, "I don't feel it, but it does take a toll on my body. I need water almost every five minutes." He gestured to the empty canteen sitting on the floor next to his chair.
"You're going to need some more soon," she commented.
"It can wait."
M.K. noticed that he was gripping the arms of his chair with force, turning his knuckles white. Also, his brown eyes kept breaking away from hers to scan the foliage around them. It was like he was looking for someone.
"What is it?" she asked.
The girl almost shuddered at the haunted look in his eyes, "I can sense all the plants in here, like they are people...or ghosts. It's kind of overwhelming."
M.K. glanced at the flowers that surrounded them. They were still and silent, like always. "What was it like in the forest?"
"I felt nothing. It was like normal. But when I'm in here, it's like a whole crowd of whispering people is with me...I can't explain it."
It was something to ponder, but she had something else to ask Nod. "What's going on between you and Ronin?"
At that, Nod's eyes grew dark. "We had a fight. A bad one..."
It must have been bad if Nod looked so hurt. Too bad here wasn't the best place to talk about it. She squeezed his hand to reassure him, "It'll be fine. You guys will make up, sooner or later. Hopefully sooner."
He didn't get a chance to respond. A long, drawn-out horn bellowed into the room. Its sound caught off everyone speaking and froze them in place. Birds stilled, bugs quieted, hearts stopped, and blood ran cold.
The Leafmen alarm call.
A young Leafwoman galloped into the room. "Boggans on the horizon! It's a whole army, a flock! They're headed for Moonhaven!"
A momentary gasp followed, then Ronin jumped to the command, "Officers, to your posts and rally your troops! Ready the hummingbirds and bring out the war instruments!" He turned to the Leafwoman, "Go to every sentry and tell them to continue to blow their horns. I want them to contact the search parties in the forest to bring them back here!"
The young woman ran like a deer. The officers quickly strapped on their swords and headed to different parts of Moonhaven. Running feet echoed off the walls, and the birds in the roosts screeched at the noise.
The group of teenagers were about to leave to join their comrades, but Ronin stopped them. "All of you stay here. Lex, I want you to find Thryn, then both of you head up to the roosts." The grasshopper girl gave him a confused look, but did as she was told and left. Ronin continued, "Grab your weapons, more armor, and a map. Then all of you are going to the roost to get a bird."
"Are we joining the air strike, sir?" Ross asked.
"No. You're leaving the forest."
"What?!" all of them asked in unison.
Ronin looked impatient. "All of you are fleeing for safety. We cannot risk the rose falling into enemy hands!"
"But the Boggans can't take Moonhaven," Nod cried. "Right?"
For the first time in his life, Nod witnessed hopelessness bloom on Ronin's face. He was scared!
"This is just precautionary," Ronin reassured. "I need to stay and command the army, but Nod, you must leave and hide somewhere safe. Particularly far away. Your friends need to go with to protect you."
Nod's throat threatened to close. "Don't you remember the last time I left you? I thought you died!"
The older man gazed at him for a few moments, his expression one of barely concealed pain. "Ross, gather as much as you can carry, and get them up to the roost." He indicated Lex, Mason, M.K., and Jason, who were watching the exchange between boy and man.
Ross nodded affirmation and gently guided the other teens out the room. Before following, M.K. hugged Ronin, tears threatening to fall. "Ronin..."
The general smiled. It was small, but a smile nonetheless. "It was good to see you again."
She gave a sad smile and left with the others. Nod and Ronin were alone. There was a minute of silence as each stared, not sure what to make of the other, as commotion and chaos echoed through the halls.
"I'm sorry," they chorused.
"What?" they did it again.
"Thryn told me to apologize first." A third time! They laughed and both looked sheepish. Then Nod realized what Ronin had just said.
"Wait, Thryn told you to apologize?" he asked, incredulous.
Ronin looked just as mystified, "That girl's got a gut of iron and nerves of steel, to be able to tell her commanding officer to say sorry! A person like that is invaluable in the battle."
Nod grinned knowingly. She really was unpredictable.
Ronin continued, "She also has a heart of gold. She told me the truth of why you entered that race...let me tell you, Nod, to do that for a friend...well that's priceless."
Nod's chest swelled with pride at the words. He couldn't contain the big smile, but it was his turn to extend the olive branch. He sighed, "I know you're just doing your job, and I can drive you crazy but-"
"There's no need. I know you didn't mean any of it, and you're not a selfish brat-" the mournful horn of the Leafmen bellowed again, and Ronin looked more urgent. "Listen, we don't have time for an official make-up, and we certainly can't have a heart-to-heart talk, but I just want you to know..." He smiled. A real smile. "I'm proud of you."
Nod could have passed out from all the giddy happiness inside. Funny, when did Ronin's opinion matter so much to you? He scoffed. It had always mattered; he just now was willing to admit it.
And just like that, the moment was over. The horn moaned again, as if signalling a funeral. "Now get out of here," Ronin ordered, attempting to regain his gruffness. "We've wasted enough time sharing our feelings like girls."
"I can't just run and-"
"I'm not having any of that. You will go. Now."
The boy's throat was closing up as he choked back a sob. Why was it only now that he came to the realization, that Ronin filled the gap that his dad left open? You never know a good thing until it's gone. He felt like he was losing his father all over again.
The Leafmen general must have seen the growing fear in his eyes. "It'll be fine Nod. You have your own to protect. The rose, your friends, and M.K. need you to be strong."
Even as he said it, Nod knew he was right. Ever since he was child, he had believed that skilled Leafmen like Ronin and his father were unstoppable. When his dad died, he grew up a bit faster than other children. No warrior was immortal. Then Ronin, who he thought was dead, came back in the nick of time to save the pod. Some of that childhood belief was restored. If Ronin was determined enough, (and from Nod's experience, he was) then he'd live through anything.
Ronin grinned wolfishly."Don't worry. I'll show them the end of my blade before they'll even ask." He pulled out his sword with zing, ready to slice through Boggan flesh. It was his way of telling Nod, "I'll be okay."
Nod turned to leave but glanced back and said, "Thanks Ronin." The general nodded his goodbye, his blue eyes a little shinier than usual. Nod ran out to the hall, knowing that if he didn't leave quickly, then he wouldn't be able to leave at all. He took the stairs two at a time. He began to feel his chest tighten with worry for his second father, but the image of Ronin cutting down Boggans with his gleaming sword dispelled the fear. Woe betide those who invade Ronin's home.
The turmoil around her didn't make her nervous or scared. It just annoyed her because, when the horn bellowed, the tip to her charcoal pencil snapped. She had to dig around in the desk to find a new one, grumbling curses under her breath. When she did find one, Thryn calmly finished the required message, not reacting to the call of the horn or the shouts of the soldiers. "One thing at a time," her father always said, back when he wasn't a gambling drunkard. Sterling cocked his head and twitched his wings, waiting patiently for the scroll to be tied to his tail.
Lex bounded into the room, her short green hair is disarray and her eyes wild "Boggans!" she shouted breathlessly. "They'll be here soon! Come on, we have to go!"
Thryn calmly looked up from her message, rolled it, and sealed it off with a leather thong. Her grey eyes were like smooth pools reflecting an overcast day, totally undisturbed. "Where did he post us?"
Lex shook her head, unperturbed to Thryn's lack of a reaction, "He told me to fetch you and then head up to the roosts. We're getting birds."
Thryn lifted an eyebrow in question, "Does he want us in the air attack?"
"I don't think so."
Quickly, Thryn analyzed the situation. What would she do in Ronin's place? Realization dropped like an acorn in the fall. "He wants us to leave."
The grasshopper girl was dumbfounded, "Leave Moonhaven? Now, when it's about to be attacked!"
"He's thinking about Nod and the rose's safety."
"Well then what are we waiting for? Let's go!"
Sterling buzzed, cocking his tail in question. The message didn't matter now, if she was leaving. Nim Galuu would hear of this soon enough. Thryn would rather have her faithful dragonfly with her when she left. She pushed past her friend, "I need to get something."
"Now?!"
"It'll only take a minute. It's in the armory."
Lex huffed but conceded. They ran down the halls, and up several flights of stairs, going the opposite direction than the other warriors. Sterling flashed ahead of them, his blue body gleaming in the torchlight. The armory's racks were empty of weapons and armor, the Leafmen and women claiming them for the coming bloodshed. In the back were rows of caches that served as cubby holes in the walls. Each one was assigned to a specific soldier who needed more than the standard issue equipment that most Leafmen received. Thryn walked up to her cache, knowing exactly which one. Shoved in the back corner was a large, bulky burlap sack, tied closed with a leather drawstring. She slung it over her shoulder, and walked back to where Lex waited in the doorway.
"What's that?" her friend asked curiously.
"Something that might help us," was all she said in reply. Thryn quickly checked herself. She had her favorite holly leaf shawl on and her most durable boots. Strapped on her back were her deadly twin katanas and her reliable quarterstaff. Her loyal dragonfly perched on the staff, ready to follow her anywhere and do anything for her, and she carried her secret weapon.
"I'm ready."
hey guys...im so excited about my fic you have no idea! I've dreamed this up for months and it is exhilarating to write it all down and make it official. O_o
Man that was a fast update. I'm on a roll! :D
what would jesus do? He'd review! So get to it