The Realms of Animar (3 page)

For those that had survived the journey, they were rewarded with a place more amazing than they could have dreamed. Unfortunately most that had learned of Avryn’s journey were reluctant to leave their homes, forcing the original founders of Avryndale to leave countless friends and loved ones behind. This common sorrow helped form a bond between them, something that never seemed to fade.

A cool breeze wandered in from the north and prompted Trussil to pull her cloak tighter. Although the air in the region had a chilling bite it was also somewhat refreshing, especially to an Avian like herself.

Looking over her students, she watched as the order that they had managed to maintain quickly fell apart. With cheers and laughter they scattered about the tall grasses, some rolled and tumbled, others twirled about and watched the other students take shape with interest.

Thane wasted no time. He quickly morphed into a glistening white horse and galloped across the expanse before him.

Trussil, well aware of the boy’s habit for straying a bit too far, cupped her hands around her mouth and yelled after him, “Thane! Slow down and stay close!”

The other children likewise morphed into their animal forms, some faster than others, while a few struggled with the change.

“That’s quite a collection you have there,” Dugan said as he looked over the group.

Trussil grinned and gazed out at her students. She quickly spotted Mephitis, who was doing his best to find a willing playmate. Life was more difficult for skunks, especially the young who at times lacked control of their odiferous defenses.

The afternoon passed without incident - even the typical scuffles among the students were at a minimum. Satisfied with how they day had unfolded, Trussil was about to call the children to order when she felt a slight tug on her dress. She looked down and spotted a small, black-haired girl with large piercing blue eyes staring up at her. It was Larissa, one of the newcomers and she was clearly out of breath.

“Hi sweetie,” Trussil said. “Is everything ok? Do you need someone to play with?”

“Lady Trussil!” the girl gasped. “I saw a bird in the trees. A funny one like you said to tell you about.”

Concern instantly gripped Trussil and she lowered herself down in front of the young girl. “Where honey, where did you see it? Is it gone?”

Trussil watched anxiously as the girl raised her arm and pointed far into the distance, across the fields where a line of trees stood that marked the beginning of the Bluemist Forest.

The girl frowned. “It was there, sitting on a branch in one of the trees. I don’t see it now. It must have flown off.”

Trussil squinted and peered into the distance. Her eyesight was more keen than most but the girl was one of the few in the village with even better vision, a trait inherited from her animal form.

“It was there,” the girl said. “I know I saw it. Long neck and a fat body – one of the bad ones you told us to look for.”

As if the child had spoken the very words that would call forth Death himself, fear shot through Trussil’s heart. She grabbed the girl by the shoulders. “Listen honey. Are you sure what you saw? Big wings tucked up high? Large curved beak?”

The girl, now visibly shaken, nodded her head.

“Everyone!” Trussil yelled. “We have to go - now!” She then began gathering the students at a frantic pace.

Dugan ran to Trussil. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

“Larissa saw a vulture. Help me get them together.”

Dugan scowled and looked to the sky. “A vulture? Out here?”

“Sounds like it,” Trussil replied, then gestured to the distance with her eyes. “She saw it in the tree line out that way.”

“Alright, hurry along,” the guard said. “I will get Semu and we’ll go check it out.”

Before heading back to the village Trussil took one last look into the trees. Something was out there, hiding in the canopy of darkness, peering at them with hungry eyes. She could feel it.

Chapter 2

T
hane
stirred as the rising sun
penetrated his room. A look of confusion appeared on his face then slowly vanished when the dream that had been dancing through his mind fell to reality. He slowly opened his eyes and looked around.

His bedroom was small but tidy and mostly occupied by a sturdy bed and a simple writing desk. The walls were barren with the exception of a carving of a powerful horse that hung above the bed. Lady Trussil had given it to him as a gift a few years back and it was one of his favorite things. He frequently drifted off to sleep gazing up at it, longing to grow and take the shape of the powerful figure the carving depicted.

Thane kicked at the blanket that covered him, tossing it off the end of the bed as he stretched his legs and gathered the strength to get up. He liked school but, like most children, there just always seemed to be something else he would rather do.

A sharp pain suddenly erupted in his head. He groaned and kicked his legs while his fingers rubbed his temples, anxious for relief. Headaches had become common but this one was the worst yet.

The door to his room suddenly flew open and his father briskly walked in. Avryn was of medium height and build with shoulder-length brown hair and a thick beard that partially concealed a sturdy, but handsome, face. He was dressed in his formal attire that included a blue tunic similar to the guards, emblazoned with the symbol of Avryndale. His pants and shoes were made of finely woven brown cloth and at his side was a long sheathed sword. His concern was obvious.

“What is it Thane?” he asked. “Another nightmare?”

As the pain began to fade Thane wiped the tears that had formed in his eyes away. “No. My head again. This one was really bad.”

Avryn frowned. Although headaches were certainly not a rare occurrence, the frequency of Thane’s episodes had become disturbing.

Thane sat up in his bed, trying to be strong in the presence of his father, and sniffled. “It’s ok now. I’m fine.”

Avryn placed his hand on the disheveled blonde locks atop his son’s head and ruffled his unkempt hair. “You’re a tough one. You got that from your mother.”

Thane grinned and the memory of the pain he had felt disappeared. He noticed the sword at his father’s side and his smile quickly vanished. “Is that because of the vulture?”

“Oh no,” Avryn replied. “Everything is fine. We’re training today. That’s all.”

“Can I come watch?” Thane asked. “I
really
want to learn to use a sword.”

Thane realized an opportunity had presented itself. There was no doubt that he had mastered the art of begging and the pitiful look that formed on his face nearly melted his father’s heart.

Avryn smiled down at the boy and looked around the room, planning to change the subject. He spotted the chair that Thane had moved in front of his window. He laughed.

“I think we need to just get you another chair for your window,” Avryn said. “Trussil mentioned that you spend more time gazing out the window than at your books.” He then walked over and looked through the opening, trying to understand the thoughts of his son. “Don’t you ever get tired of just gazing out there? You can’t see much beyond the village walls any way.”

“No, I guess not,” Thane replied as he stood up and stretched his arms above his head. With the skill of a seasoned performer he then lowered his head and sulked, still clinging to the hope of getting out of school for a day.

“Oh alright,” Avryn said. “That’s enough pouting. I was going to let you come to the arena with me today any way.” He watched as Thane’s face lit with excitement. “Between your mother and Trussil I will never hear the end of it so I hope you appreciate this.”

“What about school? Will it be ok?” Just as the words left his mouth Thane wished he had not said anything. He closed his eyes and grimaced.
Keep your mouth shut you idiot.

Avryn chuckled. “We’ll tell them you are taking a holiday. Besides, I
am
worried about those headaches. I can keep an eye on you this way.” He turned and walked toward the bedroom door. “You get dressed and I will go deal with your mother. We need to leave soon.”

***

The smile that was frozen on Thane’s face had lasted all the way to the training grounds that were located along the western edge of the village. It was a special day and Thane planned to savor every moment of it. His father had even let him carry his sword, although he had to keep the blade in its sheath.

As they approached the entrance to the arena Thane could feel his heart thump with excitement. He swallowed hard and looked upon the tall wooden fence that stood before him. An impressive wall, it was accessible only through two sturdy doors that were watched by a wiry, but very alert, guard that stood in front.

Like Thane, the children of Avryndale all longed to see the weaponry and fighting on display in the training grounds and they frequently sat along the fence, listening to the sounds that spilled forth from inside. There were even a few spots in the wall where they could get a look although the guards would usually run them off after a quick glance.

The people of Avryndale did not take fighting lightly. In fact, most despised it. The timid nature of the majority of the animal forms of the villagers frequently translated to their human side as well. Self-defense was nonetheless an important aspect of survival, although hiding their training behind walls helped satisfy their pacifist nature.

Avryn reached for his sword and, after a brief hesitation, Thane handed the blade back to its rightful owner. Avryn carefully tied the scabbard back to his belt and gave it a good tug.

The arena guard, a short and skinny man with gray hair and a long mustache, cleared his throat and spoke, “Good morning sire. We wondered what was keeping you.”

Avryn grinned. “I brought a new recruit today. I got tied up dealing with his mother. He’s a bit thin but certainly swift of foot and tongue.”

Thane was not amused but he did manage to fake a smile.

The guard laughed and then banged his fist on the door closest to him. “Open up!”

The sound of a latch being pulled rang out and a loud creaking sound filled the air. The doors slowly opened outward, revealing a pair of guards that were pushing them open to allow entry.

Avryn glanced at Thane as they entered the huge arena-like structure. The boy’s mouth was agape as he looked from side to side, taking in the sights that he had never been permitted to see. Thane jumped when the doors closed behind him.

At the north and south ends of the enormous arena were several small buildings, including some that were bustling with activity. Along the western wall were various targets used for archery in addition to several wooden structures that appeared to be used for striking exercises. Along the eastern wall, on either side of the doors that they had entered, were numerous benches, some filled with spectators or participants wielding a wide assortment of weapons. The ground in the center of the arena was packed dirt, clearly trampled smooth from frequent use.

Avryn led Thane to the right where they spotted an open bench and sat down. Avryn patted Thane on his leg and pointed to a tall, sturdy man who had emerged from a nearby building. His thick brown hair was neatly combed and his attire well cared for. He was clearly aware of his audience.

“That’s the Head Trainer, Urso,” Avryn stated. “He organizes the activities and calls out the arena participants each day.”

Thane squinted while he looked the man over. “So is he the best fighter?”

“He can certainly hold his own with a staff. The trick is finding what style of weapon best suits you. When that happens, anyone can become a skilled fighter if they so choose.”

“So a sword suits you best?”

“That it does my boy,” Avryn replied while patting the hilt of his sword. “However it’s metal which leads to complications of another kind.” He reached over and ruffled Thane’s hair with his hand. “You will learn about these things in time.”

“I want to use a sword like you.”

Avryn hesitated and then said, “Honestly, there are far more effective weapons that you could master.” He pulled the sword from its sheath and looked the blade over as he continued, “Although a well sharpened sword makes for an extremely effective weapon, they are quite heavy and obviously you cannot morph while attached to one. That is the main reason that weapons made from metal are not the first choice we turn to.” He smiled as he returned his sword to its scabbard. “I learned to not grow too attached to my swords over the years. I have had to leave many fine blades behind.”

A confused look formed on Thane’s face that conflicted with his nod of understanding.

Together they watched as the man that Avryn had identified as Urso walked to the center of the arena. While they waited Avryn added, “When I was young, we did not spend much time practicing the art of fighting.” A pained look formed on his face. “I wish we had.”

Urso looked over the collection of people who were scattered along the benches and waved in the direction of a few. He then spotted Avryn and Thane and a large smile quickly formed on his lips. He waved his arms above his head and the spectators instantly fell quiet.

“Good Morning!” Urso roared, his deep voice echoing around the arena. “It seems we have a new pupil today!”

Thane blushed as laughter spilled out and numerous heads turned his way.

Avryn raised a hand to hush Urso, a man not known for his candor.

Ignoring Avryn’s wish the trainer then yelled, “Young man, come on out here!” He motioned for Thane to join him in the center of the arena.

Thane hesitated, not sure of what to do.

“Oh come on lad,” Urso roared. “We won’t make you fight just yet.”

Thane looked to Avryn for guidance.

“It’s alright,” Avryn said. “Go on out there. We might as well get this over with.”

Reluctantly, Thane made his way out to the center of the arena. When he drew near, Urso put a hand on each of Thane’s shoulders and spun him around to face the onlookers. Suddenly the boy wished he had gone to school after all.

With the exception of his father, the crowd seemed to be amused by his presence. Thane nervously scanned the faces that peered at him and sweat began to form on his brow.

“Care to tell us your name young fellow?” Urso asked with a grin. Everyone, including Urso, knew the answer already.

“Th…Thane,” he replied quietly, his nerves clearly rattled. “My name is Thane, sir.” Flustered, he then pointed to his father and added, “My father is Avryn, the King.” Thane closed his eyes and frowned.
Oh that was bright.