Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Chanirra ❯ Chapter 12

Chanirra began shivering as the sun slowly began to set. Why was it getting so cold all of a sudden? They had been walking ever since they had left the meeting area and Chanirra had seen nothing but burning sand all around him. Now as the skies turned dark, the hot dry air seemed to evaporate leaving a cold that seemed worse than winter in his home. Set seemed unaffected by it but that made sense since he was a spirit after all. Set suddenly grabbed his arm and Chanirra glanced at him.

 

“Look over there. That is a nomadic camp. We will stop there so that you can refresh yourself,” he said. “They may also have some good wine and some beautiful maidens.”

 

“Why is it so cold all of a sudden?” Chanirra inquired and Set pointed to the sky.

 

“The sun is what warms this land during the day. The sand does not trap heat well and there is nothing growing that will help keep the warmth in this land. At night the air grows quite cold. That is why most adventurers travel in groups and pitch tents at night. Not many people travel in the dead of night because of the biting wind.”

 

“So are we going to stop for the night then?”

 

“We can't afford to. We'll stop long enough for you to eat and drink and then we'll be heading out once more.”

 

“What if they insist that we stay?”

 

“Sleeping is not an option. We've got to reach the burial site before too much time passes. I seriously doubt you want anything happening to Boruta's forest, do you?”

 

“No I don't. I can't fail him. What's smell? It seems familiar but at the same time it seems strange.”

 

“It smells a little like boiled mutton.”

 

“Sheep in this area?! How? There's no grass for them to graze on,” Chanirra said and Set laughed.

 

“The people who have chosen to settle in this land are quite resourceful. There are some small farms near the cities and they have managed to make their own wells necessary for livestock, crops and their own survival. The nomads probably purchased a supply of cured meat from the last time they were in town,” he replied. “Simply because the land is dry doesn't mean there's no possibility for survival. If animals and plants can make it in this land, mortals can too.”

 

“I think they've noticed us. Is there a possibility that they're hostile?”

 

“Not likely. Nomads are generally a calm but curious lot. Come on, a warm greeting usually changes their preconceptions. Hail friends!”

 

“What brings you out in this way?” an elderly man with a short beard inquired and Set held out his arms in a friendly gesture.

 

“My companion and I are searching for an ancient burial site. We are interested in preserving the history of this land,” Set said then glanced at a pair of women that stood off to the side watching cautiously.

 

“What burial site?”

 

“The Moruna burial site.”

 

“That place was lost to the sand ages ago,” another man said and Set shook his head.

 

“I cannot believe that. What would you say if I told you I know this land as well as the spirit who watches over it?” Set inquired and the older man began laughing.

 

“I would say you've been out in the sun too long. Your friend seems a little fatigued. I trust he is a virgin in this land?” the elderly man inquired and Chanirra was taken aback by his words. What did he mean by that?

 

“Yes, he is new to this land but he will soon become an expert in walking this endless sand. He will become as sure of this land as a camel.”

 

“You expect a lot from a kid but I wonder how the two of you plan on surviving. You have no provisions after all.”

 

“What little we had was stolen from us in the last town we visited. With no money and no provisions, all we had left was the drive to find the Moruna burial site. All I ask of you now is some water for my companion and a little meat.”

 

“Do you not require anything?”

 

“No. I will be fine.”

 

“You plan to travel this barren land with nothing in your stomach? What do you think you are, some sort of god?” the second man inquired and Set shook his head.

 

“Of course not. Are these lovely maidens your daughters?” Set asked as one hid behind a horse.

 

“They are our wives. We are traveling to the ocean. We plan to leave this land and start a new life elsewhere.”

 

“Why? What is wrong with this land?”

 

“It is not the land that's the problem. We are losing money here. The taxes are too high in our home town and so we wish to make a fresh start.”

 

“But why do you have to leave this beautiful place?”

 

“It is not beautiful to us,” one of the women said and the elderly man glared at her.

 

“How dare you speak in conversation with this stranger? You have no right!” he snapped then turned his attention to Set. “For a woman who has seen other lands, this place is not glamorous at all. They can not see the endless sand as beautiful. They came here to seek their fortunes and were disillusioned when they found that wealth was not as abundant as they had hoped for.”

 

“Also the descendants of the first tribes in this area have been quite hostile lately. We do not wish to be in the middle of a war we have no reason to be in,” the second man said then pointed to a sheet that lay on the ground. “Please be seated and we will allow you to eat with us. We as travelers understand the harshness of this land. We can allow you to sleep here if you so need it.”

 

“Thank you but no,” Set said. “We will be off as soon as my companion has eaten.”

 

“The jackals and other wild beasts roam this land at night.”

 

“It's not safe out there!” one of the women cried then shrank back at the look the men gave her.

 

“We'll be fine. Our paths met out of necessity. We will not impose on you any more than a simple meal,” Set said then glanced at Chanirra, who stood watching the pot with lust in his eyes. Actual lamb. It had been so long since he had tasted that divine meat. “Sit down so you can be served.”

 

Chanirra obediently sat down and gazed expectantly at the pot. The elderly man snapped his fingers and the women appeared carrying some earthenware bowls and modest serving utensils. One handed a pair of bowls to the two men while the other served Chanirra and Set. Set shook his head politely and the woman paused.

 

“None for me, thank you. I don't want to eat up what little you have.”

 

“Don't worry about it. Eat. We wouldn't feel right if you died out there because we didn't give you substance,” the elderly man said and Set reluctantly took the bowl.

 

The woman then handed a bowl to Chanirra and Chanirra gazed dreamily at the bits of meat in the broth. He could almost howl in delight. Nothing tasted quite like succulent lamb. Of course, mutton was the meat of an older sheep but at least it was the same animal. He raised a hand to pick out a piece of meat then paused when he remembered that he was not wearing his gloves. If they saw his hands, then his hosts might become afraid. Chanirra lowered his head as the other men began eating.

 

“What is wrong with your companion? For someone who acted most hungry, he hasn't even touched his meal,” the younger man said and Set glanced at him.

 

“Eat will you? I only stopped on your account,” he whispered and Chanirra shook his head.

 

“I don't have my gloves. What if they become frightened when they see my hand? I don't want to scare them,” he replied.

 

“If they become afraid, they become afraid. Just eat!”

 

Chanirra slowly cupped the bowl like the others had done then slowly raised it to his mouth. He drank the broth, frowning slightly at its bland taste then closed his eyes in pleasure when his teeth bit into a piece of meat. One of the women screamed in fear and the younger man withdrew a sword.

 

“What kind of beast are you?!” he demanded and Chanirra peered worriedly over the rim of his bowl. He had known this would happen.

 

“Hold on kind travelers,” Set said as the elderly man angrily stood up.

 

“They are messengers of evil! They have been sent to track us down!” he cried and Set pushed back his hood.

 

“Messengers of evil? How dare you malign me like that?! I am Set, the guardian of this land. I do not normally appear to mortals but my companion was becoming hungry. He is a brave warrior from a tribe far to the north and he is trying to stop the destruction of this world.”

 

He jerked back Chanirra's hood and the nomads gasped in shock. Chanirra sat perfectly still, aware of the fear in the humans. It was a level of fear that could provoke them into doing anything and he did not want to do anything to raise their state of panic. Set took the bowl from Chanirra's motionless hands and Chanirra stared at the humans.

 

Don't move, he told himself. Don't say anything. Don't try anything. They are closer to the fire and their weapons and they're liable to try anything. Stay perfectly still and do not show any fear.

 

“Wh...what is it?” the younger man asked and Set folded his arms.

 

“He is why I do not fear the beasts of night. He can speak their language. I'm sure you've seen his kind working as slaves in ships or in the homes of wealthy men. He is a creature with beast and elven heritage. He has traveled far from his home to save not only his people but everyone else,” Set replied.

 

“I never thought they were of any use to this world aside from slaves. What purpose does a mixed breed serve?”

 

Chanirra bit his tongue as he watched the elderly man. He still did not believe that Set had taken control of the entire situation. He then glanced around, trying to find a perfect means of escape if the situation presented itself. Sand stretched out in every direction but he could smell the scent of something slightly familiar. There were definitely canines about but he had never smelled this kind before. Perhaps there was a pack of jackals about. If there was, then he was sure to find sanctuary with them if he needed it.

 

“I know this is hard for you mortals to understand but certain species, no races, have existed long before you ancestors first set foot in this land. His people and the elves are just examples of some of those races. They do not exist solely for your pleasure or to carry out the chores you find beneath you. The gods created him with a purpose and now we must be on our way. I thank you for your hospitality even though it was quite short and wish you fortune wherever you end up living. Remember, fortune is much more than the amount of gold you can carry in your pocket. Let's go, boy.”

 

He nudged Chanirra and Chanirra cautiously stood up, his eyes still on the sword and the fire. Set placed his hood back over his head then patted Chanirra's shoulder.

 

“You seemed to be frozen in fear there,” he commented as Chanirra carefully listened for any signs of aggressive behavior.

 

“I wasn't afraid,” Chanirra replied. “I was trying not to provoke their fear any further. Humans do unpredictable things when they're terrified and I didn't want anyone becoming injured in the confusion. My hood and gloves are meant to protect my identity. Most humans look down on me after all.”

 

“And yet you still wish to save them.”

 

“They are a part of this world and deserve to live on it as much as I do. It enrages me to see them trapping and enslaving my own kind but there is nothing I can do to stop it. As long as humans are greedy, they will continue to take advantage of this world and its inhabitants.”

 

“Don't think I'm not aware of what they do.”

 

“I thought you liked them. From what Undine said, you hang around them a lot.”

 

“I am around them a lot because they are so comical. They fight over the most senseless things. There's a war going on now over a piece of land that has supposedly been in the possession of one group for hundreds of years. The second group believes it was stolen from them by an ancestor of the first group. So far the war has lasted twenty years.”

 

“Land is land. What's so special about it?” Chanirra asked as they crossed another sand dune.

 

“Pride. Yes man is greedy and he loves power but he also has his pride or his dignity. When that is shattered, he becomes angry. Humans can be quite vain in many different ways. Besides, don't animals fight over land? I believe it's referred to as territory, is it not?” Set inquired and Chanirra shook his head.

 

“Animals do not hold a grudge for years afterwards on which one got the territory. They accept defeat gracefully and move on.”

 

“Oh look over there. Some of your canine brethren are having a feast. Approach them with caution. I've seen them take a life of an unwary traveler that got too close to their dinner.”

 

“You do not need to warn me against the actions of a creature whose heritage goes back as far as mine.”

 

Chanirra watched the spotted animals with interest then took a step forward. One of the jackals glanced up and howled in warning. Chanirra listened to the howl then frowned. It was a basic warning but he couldn't quite understand the accent. Intruder approaching? Coming? Beware? It had to be one of the three. Chanirra uttered a howl of greeting in return and the jackals paused. A brave medium sized one cautiously began walking towards him, sniffing the air as he went. He gave a short bark and Chanirra responded, hoping that his intent wouldn't be misunderstood. The accent was thick and foreign to him and he was not sure he was getting the correct meaning. The jackal now stood about six strides in front of him and Set watched with interest as Chanirra slowly knelt on the ground.

 

“You haven't come for our kill have you?” the jackal inquired and Chanirra shook his head.

 

“No. Can you speak a little slower? I'm not used to your accent,” Chanirra replied and the jackal glanced at the others.

 

“It's all right! Go back to eating! So, what's the spirit doing with you then?”

 

“You know him?”

 

“Of course. We always see him out around this time. Where do you come from? You smell like things I've never smelled before.”

 

“I come from the north. I was curious about what you looked like. I've never been to the desert before.”

 

“Why not?”

 

“I've never had a reason to come here.”

 

“Do you like it?”

 

“It's all right but where do you hide if you need to?”

 

“We hide everywhere. Sometimes we go into the human towns and play around there. There's plenty to eat and lots of places to hide.”

 

“Do you know of a burial site?” Chanirra asked as the jackal sat down in the sand.

 

“A what?” it asked and Chanirra frowned.

 

“A burial site. You know, a place where humans put their dead.”

 

“Oh. Yes there is one a few days away. We used to play there but not much any more. Something's moved in there that makes terrible sounds.”

 

“What sort of sounds?”

 

The jackal lowered its head in thought then stood up and yelped at its companions. After a short communication of barks and whines, the jackal turned back to face Chanirra.

 

“Hissing sounds like a snake but it's louder than any snake we've ever heard before. Is your pack around? The others wanted to know. We don't share with strangers you know,” it said and Chanirra smiled.

 

“No. I'm here alone,” Chanirra said and the jackal looked confused.

 

“Why?”

 

“I like traveling alone.”

 

“Don't you miss your brothers though? I know I would if I got separated from them. Actually, that happened to me once. We were in this human settlement and I got lost. The others had ran away and it took me a day to find them again.”

 

“Sometimes I miss them but they're all at home. I'll see them again when I return home.”

 

“What if you don't?”

 

“What do you mean?” Chanirra asked and the jackal paused.

 

“Well once there was a group of people just like you living near an oases we frequent or at least, used to frequent. They could change into animals and they could talk to us. They even shared their food with us. Then one day the humans came and took them away. We tried to save them but the humans had weapons. A lot of the pack died. If the humans find you and take them away like they did those people, you'll never see your pack again,” the wolf said.

 

“What did these people look like?”

 

“They had ears like a fennec.”

 

“If I run into one while I'm here, I'll set them free.”

 

“We would all be most grateful.”

 

“We need to leave,” Set said and Chanirra glanced at him.

 

“All right. I've got to go now. I'll so what I can do about your friends,” Chanirra said and the jackal stood up.

 

“We will greet you when you come this way again. I won't forget your scent,” the jackal said then ran back to the bone it had been chewing on.

 

“Set, were you aware of an entire clan being imprisoned by the humans?”

 

“So they told you about the Fennec group,” Set said and Chanirra nodded his head. “I was not in the area at the time but I came upon the aftermath. It was a sad sight. At least five jackals lay dead their bodies being picked apart by the scavengers. Two humans and one of the Fennec's lay dead as well.”

 

“What does fennec mean?” Chanirra inquired as they resumed their trek through the sand.

 

“Fennec is a type of fox we have in this area. The beast tribe as humans call them were called Fennec because their ears were shaped like the fennec fox. They were a docile clan perfectly content with life near the oases only they and the animals knew about. They lived in peace for many years until the humans showed up. They were captured quite easily because they had no warriors and the only ones that were around to offer them protection were the jackals.”

 

“So you're saying the humans just showed up and captured them?”

 

“The humans have also taken over that oases. The jackals still go there occasionally but they are always wary when they do. They have not forgotten what the humans did to their brethren.”

 

“There are no slaves there?”

 

“No. The camel tracks showed that the humans rode off towards the big city.”

 

“Humans infuriate me so much sometimes. Set, the way you explained this land, I thought all people used camels. Why did those people have horses then?”

 

“They use horses as well. Horses are best used for short trips but if you live in an area that is many hours from the next town, camels are better suited. The horses used in this land are much larger than the horses seen in your area, I'm sure.”

 

“We don't keep any horses but we have seen wild ones. Sometimes we use them to travel short distances is speed is necessary to fulfilling our contract.”

 

“Do you keep any animal?” Set inquired and Chanirra stared at him.

 

“That would be like asking if you kept any spirit around for menial labor,” he replied and Set nodded his head.

 

“A point well made. You were really talking to that jackal, weren't you?”

 

“I can speak with any animal. It's part of my heritage.”

 

“Was that your native tongue you used when you spoke to him?”

 

“It was similar to it. If we got angry with someone in our pack, we wouldn't want the entire forest knowing about it, would we?”

 

“No I suppose not. Tell me, do animals gossip?” Set inquired and Chanirra nodded his head.

 

“Certain animals do it more than others. Squirrels can be terrible gossips if they choose to be,” he replied.

 

“Squirrels? I guess I really need to get about more, don't I? I have no idea what you're talking about.”

 

“Do spirits ever take trips?”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“Do you ever take a tip? You know, leave your region just to see what other places are like.”

 

“I've never considered taking a trip. The only time I go anywhere is when I'm requested to be at the Sacred Grove and Undine has to remind me plenty of times to go there.”

 

“So you've never considered seeing what the rest of the world is like?”

 

“The rest of the world is not my concern. There are other spirits that watch over it. Look over there. Do you see those lights? That's the town of Akhmim. You should be able to see the outskirts of it before too long.”

 

“Is it a large town?” Chanirra inquired and Set nodded his head.

 

“Fairly large. You'll notice as we continue our journey, that all the towns in this region are built near water. Small villages may be built around an oases while larger towns and cities are built beside rivers or the sea,” Set explained.

 

“You have rivers here?”

 

“Well not rivers. River. There's only one river but it's big enough to provide water for many cities and towns.”

 

“Is the burial site near the river then?”

 

“It's not far from it. In ancient times, the river was much larger than it is now. In fact, it was almost like an ocean in the middle of the land. The cities that you'll see are built in the ancient river bed. The Moruna burial site will only be about an hour's away.”

 

“If it's that close, why haven't the humans taken it over?”

 

“Humans are superstitious. They believe the site is cursed and they avoid it at all costs.”

 

“The human that found the amulet believed it brought him good luck.”

 

“Perhaps there is some truth in their senseless superstition.”

 

“Perhaps. The jackal told me his pack avoids it because there's something alive inside. He said something made a hissing sound but it wasn't like a snake.”

 

“Some lizards hiss,” Set said and Chanirra frowned.

 

“I don't see how a lizard could keep a pack of canines at bay,” he replied.

 

“Lizards can grow to extraordinary lengths depending on their type. Have you ever seen a crocodile?”

 

“A what?”

 

“That's a large reptile. They occasionally swim in the river. The mortals stay away when they're in there. Crocodiles can kill a human with one swipe of their tail. They move slowly at first but once they get going...”

 

“I can't imagine a reptile being longer than my arm.”

 

“Crocodiles are longer than a fully grown man and they're more vicious. Mortals know enough to leave those beasts alone. Now if only they could respect the other creatures. It would make all of our jobs a lot easier, wouldn't it?”

 

“It would but as I told Undine, nature cannot survive without a little cruelty. It's how this world works.”

 

“Living in this land has made me fully aware of that reality but we cannot allow it to get out of hand, can we? That's why we exist. At least that's my understanding of the job.”

 

“But to fight over something that happened years ago or to destroy a quiet settlement of people just because they don't look the same way you do...”

 

“It isn't right and I still regret not being around to help the Fennecs in their plight. I was at the other side of the desert when it happened. I have made every effort not to allow such a disaster to happen again.”

 

“Have you ever seen the Fennecs again?” Chanirra inquired and Set sighed.

 

“Not outside doing menial labor I haven't. Of course there's no way I can be at every town every moment of the day. A lot of people still believe I exist and they are afraid of upsetting me,” Set replied.

 

“Do you get upset?”

 

“The sandstorms around here can get brutal when something has enraged me. Sandstorms are like normal storms you experience in your land except there is no water.”

 

“So you have no idea when the rain comes?” Chanirra inquired and Set shook his head.

 

“I have a general idea. I've been around long enough to memorize the patterns. Now let's get back to the Moruna burial site. If there is a crocodile inside that place, then precautions will need to be taken,” he said.

 

“Are they really that bad?”

 

“Didn't you believe me when I told you a croc's tail has the capability of killing a full grown man?”

 

“Well the concept is a little hard to grasp when you have nothing to relate it to. Where do they come from anyway?”

 

“They live near the water. The area near the river looks a lot different from here. Vegetation is lush near the water which is why most people live beside the river.”

 

“Aren't they afraid of the crocodiles?” Chanirra inquired and Set nodded his head.

 

“Very. If you think their tails are deadly, their jaws are even worse. A crocodile is capable of completely crushing a man's leg with on bite. I've heard the screams of agony from mortals before. It is not a pretty sound,” Set replied.

 

“Well how can humans live with such creatures?”

 

“It is a lengthy river. The humans learned quickly to stay away from the portion of the river the crocs frequent although some still travel there out of curiosity or just plain stupidity. Akhmim is a lot closer now. You should be able to see it with your keen sense of sight.”

 

“I can see it. What are the buildings made of? They don't look like they're fashioned out of wood or brick.”

 

“They aren't. Some mortals build their houses out of clay while others use a mixture of stone and brick in their architecture. It depends on their region I guess. Personally I think wood and stone are the most sensible in building materials. Dried clay keeps you cool but it has a tendency to crack in the desert sun. ”

 

“Why don't they all use stone then?” Chanirra asked and Set sighed.

 

“Not all of them can afford it. Clay is a very basic material and it doesn't cost much,” Set replied.

 

“Stones are a basic material too.”

 

“Yes but they can be hard to carry if your settlement isn't directly near the river. Humans have good survival skills despite their tendency to be stupid.”

 

“There is truth in that statement. So do we continue to that city over there?”

 

“No. We will change course soon. We'll be following the old river bed. That's the only way to locate the Moruna burial site.”

 

“Wait a moment. What about the copy?”

 

“The copy? Oh yes. The item you need to bring back to your employer. I guess we will need to go to Akhmim after all. I believe there are some skilled craftsmen in that area. Do you have any money?”

 

“Not with me, no. I carried the money in my traveling robe. Normally I'm never without my traveling robe. I didn't know Boruta had used it as a blanket to keep the human warm.”

 

“What human?” Set inquired.

 

“Don't you remember when I told you? Two humans accompanied me to Boruta's Clearing,” Chanirra said and Set nodded his head in remembrance.

 

“Ah yes. I remember now. We'll have to acquire some money first before we locate a skilled craftsman. No one will take on a job without being paid.”

 

“Do you have any ideas?”

 

“A few. Let's get going before it gets too late. My ideas will work best while it's still dark.”