Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Chanirra ❯ Chapter 14

“Well you certainly took your time coming back. I was about ready to leave,” Undine said as she turned around. “I thought you had forgotten again. Everything is safe and sound I take it?”

 

“For now it is,” Set said as Chanirra sat down. “The amulet was given to an ancient tribe by Nerull. I'm going to have to seek council with the gods soon to see if they can get the spell removed. I think the sorcerer was originally an inhabitant of my area and he traveled to Boruta's Forest to hide in when he stole the amulet from the noble.”

 

“Nerull? Why would he have something here?”

 

“It makes sense. Nerull probably planted the amulet here and was waiting for someone to cast the summon spell for Valac. Once Valac was released, Nerull would soon follow.”

 

“Why can't he just be content with the land of the dead?”

 

“Because he resents this world. How are things in Boruta's place, by the way?” Set asked as Undine placed a hand in the water.

 

“Fine. Auril froze the mortals before they could do any damage and she's just waiting for an all clear sign so she can release them and go home,” Undine said then glanced at Chanirra. “Are you ready to go back to the Sacred Grove?”

 

“Quite ready. Did Bennu leave my robe there?” Chanirra inquired and Undine nodded her head.

 

“Of course. Bennu is quite reliable. He dropped it by the entrance.”

 

“Then I won't need this. Could you please give it to the Fennecs when you see them again? I'm sure they'll need it more than I will.”

 

“Certainly. It was an honor working with you. You are a great credit to your people. They should be extremely proud of you,” Set said and Chanirra shrugged his shoulders.

 

“My brothers are. I'm sure the rest of my tribe is too but I really don't see them that much,” he replied as he took off the robe.

 

“He likes being alone,” Undine said and Set frowned.

 

“Interesting. I thought canines generally had strong ties with their families,” Set said.

 

“Our animal counterparts do. However the rules don't concretely apply to my people. Some of us like our solitude which is why we become warriors. Those who are family oriented take jobs that keep them close to home. So, Undine, what should I turn into this time?” Chanirra asked and Undine picked up a conch shell and blew it. A dolphin appeared clicking happily and Chanirra looked inquisitively at it.

 

“Now that you've seen one, can you change into one?” she asked.

 

“What is it?”

 

“A dolphin. They're excellent swimmers.”

 

“I'm having a little trouble understanding it. I've never heard speech like this before. Could you please speak slower? I've never been down here before so your speech pattern is quite new to me.”

 

“I'm sorry,” the dolphin chirped. “Is this better?”

 

“Quite. Thank you. So you're a dolphin? You're the first one I've ever seen.”

 

“Yup. I'm a dolphin. Undine wanted me to meet you. Can you really change into different animals?”

 

“You can talk to her?”

 

“Well not so much with words but I understand her actions. Also, my kind is very smart so I figured out her meaning. So what are you going to change into?”

 

“I'm going to try and turn into you.”

 

“How are you going to do that on dry land? We don't move very well on dry land.”

 

“I guess I'll have to get closer to the water, then,” Chanirra said and stood up. He moved closer to the water and knelt on the sand. He then closed his eyes and began concentrating. The dolphin watched in amazement as he transformed into a dolphin then slipped into the water.

 

“That was perfect! Thank you so much for coming. I've got to take him home now,” Undine said and the dolphin nudged Chanirra with its nose.

 

“Will I ever see you again?” it inquired and Chanirra looked at it.

 

“It's possible. I must get started for home now,” he replied.

 

“Where do you live?”

 

“Far up north and not close to open water but I'll try to see you again if I'm ever this far south.”

 

He then turned to Undine and she nodded her head. The dolphin chirped a farewell to them then went back about its business. Chanirra swam swiftly beside her and she smiled.

 

“Isn't this a lot faster than the seal form you used the last time?” she asked and Chanirra nodded his head.

 

“Yes it is but will I be able to use it once we reach the river?” he asked.

 

“When we get there, it might be easier to change into an otter but I'll try to find a better place to stop then the last one I found. Maybe there'll be better game for you a little further up the river.”

 

“That would be nice.”

 

“So how did you find the desert?”

 

“Dry. Set was right. You wouldn't have liked it at all. You would have dried out like a fish out of water.”

 

“I like looking at the people on the coast but I guess I wouldn't like traveling any further in. Was their much to see?”

 

“Not really. Most of the human villages are situated around one river and others are situated around oases or small patches of water in the desert. Animals use them all the time to drink from. Birds get their water from the plants.”

 

“But how can plants survive if there's no water nearby?” Undine inquired.

 

“The plants in that area have adapted to suit their needs. Some store water inside the leaves while others have small leaves that use less water. Apparently when it rains, the plants come into full bloom,” Chanirra explained.

 

“How often does it rain?”

 

“Sometimes it takes years for it to rain in the desert. That's why most humans live near the river.”

 

“But those who live at the oases, how do they survive without rain?”

 

“The water at the oases come from underground springs. I'm not quite sure how it works but that's what Set said.”

 

“I'll have to ask him about that the next time I see him. Look. Don't the clouds look a little like flowers?”

 

“I guess. Why do the clouds look so different underwater?”

 

“The water reflects the light differently than the land. You can see a lot farther on land, naturally but the creatures down here rely a lot on their other senses since light can only reach a certain depth.”

 

“What else do they use then?”

 

“Sound. They listen to the sounds underwater and move about that way. Sound reaches farther than light.”

 

“How is that possible?” Chanirra inquired and Undine shrugged her shoulders.

 

“I don't know the schematics of it but that's how it works. Dolphins and whales communicate with sound all the time and they use it to help them find their way in the water. As I said, the farther down you go, the less light there is. Some of the deep water creatures are actually blind. There are species that I know about that mortals have never seen. They live in areas or near areas where the merfolk prefer to live. They sometimes appear in the middle of the ocean to weary sailors but their home is nowhere near a place humans would think to look,” she replied.

 

“Where do they live then?”

 

“They live far out in the deepest part of the ocean. The land underwater is quite different than the land above. I know I've mentioned this to you before but the reason the water gets deeper is that the land sort of drops off or tapers.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“Well the closer you are to land, the shallower the water is, right? As you step further out, the falls farther and farther down. We have mountains, canyons, and caves underwater just like you have on land it's just you can't see it. Look below you. Do you see the crevice down there? That's a hideout for many different kinds of fish. Also there's plants that grow only at certain depths. It's not that much different than altitude on land except the deeper you go, the more pressure there is on your body. It's the opposite of going up in altitude. I believe there's more pressure the further down you go because you get closer to the center of the world. It's supposedly extremely hot down in the center and I think that's where Nerull's realm begins. Because of that, I've never traveled that far down. Nerull is not a god I want to tangle with.”

 

“If he does live at the center of the earth then what's stopping him from destroying the world from the inside?” Chanirra inquired and Undine paused.

 

“Our father won't allow it,” she replied.

 

“Your father?”

 

“Yes. Mitra is the ruler of all the deities and spirits. He and Nerull are reportedly brothers and Nerull did something eons ago that enraged Mitra. Mitra banished him to the land of the dead whose entrance lies beneath the center of the earth deep down in an endless lake of fire. Nerull has never forgiven Father for banishing him and he constantly tries to escape and destroy this world just to spite Mitra but he never succeeds.”

 

“I see.”

 

“You've never heard about this conflict before? It's one of the most ancient battles.”

 

“Not in so much detail, no. I've heard plenty of stories in my travels but it's always hard to tell what is fact and what is fiction.”

 

“Well I'm not certain on all the details since we spirits are not normally permitted to sit with the gods, but I think I'm a little more accurate than traveling tale teller.”

 

“I should hope so. You've been around longer than any storyteller.”

 

“I hope that wasn't an attack on my age,” Undine said and Chanirra shook his head. If there was one thing he had learned in his travels, it was never poke fun at a woman's age even if she was immortal.

 

“Of course not. You're timeless,” Chanirra replied and Undine folded her arms.

 

“That's better. Oh look over there!”

 

“What?”

 

“Humans call them angel fish. Aren't they beautiful? Ocean fish are so colorful. That's what I love about the waters near Set's land. It's so colorful.”

 

“How can there be so much life underwater when not far away is a desert?”

 

“It's part of nature's mystery. How can some species devour their young?”

 

“Creatures do that?”

 

“Some fish do and I believe there are some insects on land that do the same thing. Set's told me about them. I find it hard to believe too but it's true.”

 

“Are we going back the same way we got here?” Chanirra asked and Undine nodded her head.

 

“Of course. Why?” she asked.

 

“It just looks so different.”

 

“It was night when we swam through here. That's why it looks so different.”

 

“I see. So how long do you think it'll take us to reach the river?”

 

“Well we're traveling at a much faster pace so we should make it by evening. You'll have enough light to hunt in, won't you?”

 

“Certainly. I have exceptional sight, after all. I just hope there's something worth tracking wherever we stop.”

 

“Just please eat it where you kill it. Don't bring it back to the beach.”

 

“Does the sight of blood upset you?”

 

“The sight of seeing a creature writhe in pain while you eat it upsets me.”

 

“I can't help what I am.”

 

“I know. That's why I asked you to eat it elsewhere.”

 

“Well it would be more convenient for me to eat it where it lies so I'll honor your request.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

She began swimming faster and Chanirra forced himself to match her pace. She was definitely not as haughty as she had first been but he still was not ecstatic about her. She still seemed slightly pushy to him and he was not fond of such people whether they be mortal or spirits. He glanced around him in amazement as a school of fish passed him by. His brothers back home would never believe this tale.

 

“So how did you get the amulet back for your employer?” Undine inquired and Chanirra turned his attention to her.

 

“Set had a duplicate made. It looks exactly like the original so I doubt the noble will be able to tell the difference. The duplicate is a lot less dangerous, though,” Chanirra replied and Undine nodded her head.

 

“We can breathe more soundly with that knowledge.”

 

“I just hope Set will be able to get the spell taken off the original.”

 

“Oh he'll have no trouble. Set has a way with words and the gods are more receptive to him because of that. Well not all of them. Some think he's pushy and he's looking to move up in the hierarchy. Set has no such desires though. He loves his region. I'm sure you noticed that.”

 

“I did. He loves his land just about as much as you love yours.”

 

“Sometimes I think he loves it more. I'm always ready to go to the Sacred Grove whenever they call for me but Set often forgets to show up. That's really annoying when we're trying to discuss something important. The Sacred Grove isn't a social spot, after all.”

 

“At first I thought it was some sort of battle ground with the way you and Auril were fighting.”

 

“As I've said, she infuriates me. She always thinks she's better than me. I wish I could have gotten stuck with her brother. He's quite handsome.”

 

“But could you stand constantly being around someone that could freeze over the surface of your water?”

 

“Not again I couldn't. Auril and her brother had a fight once and froze my entire domain over. Bennu had to get help from Belenus, the fire god and together they melted the ice. It took them years for them to thaw my region out and I lost many species because of it. I guess I've never forgiven her for that. From what I understand, the entire argument was her fault. She never knows when to admit that she's wrong.”

 

“But can't you get past mistakes?” Chanirra asked and Undine glared at him.

 

“You really don't know Auril,” she replied then glanced up into the sky. “We've got another boat coming. Swim this way.”

 

“They like fishing a lot, don't they?”

 

“It's not a fishing boat this time. It's a ship. It's probably a cargo ship. It looks to be that size. Cargo ships ferry large quantities of merchandise across the sea. They take things from the port towns situated on the other side of the sea to the desert and then back again. Sometimes they carry letters to people who have relatives living on either coast. An awful lot of people would be lost without my domain.”

 

“Are ships the fastest way to travel?”

 

“It's the only way to travel on the sea but sailing can take a lot of time. If the winds die down, a ship can be stuck for days in the middle of the ocean. That's when the merfolk appear to the sailors. Sometimes they provide them fresh fish to eat and sometimes they just tease them. The sailors always try to catch them but they're not fast enough. Some even drown in their haste to capture a mermaid. It's always amazing to witness the foolishness of man.”

 

“You've seen them fall to their death?”

 

“No. I've seen them fall overboard trying to grab a mermaid before but the rest of the crew fish him out before too much time has passed. I think being out in the sun for extended periods of time seems to make them a little unbalanced. Set says the same thing can happen in the desert. I don't know what it is with humans and the sun. You know, he also said that some of the humans in his area worship the sun. Humans seem to worship an awful lot of things.”

 

“There are an awful lot of gods and spirits,” Chanirra commented and Undine nodded her head.

 

“I suppose so but there are ones who worship non-living things like money or statues,” Undine said as she swam upward.

 

“Where are you going?”

 

“I'm going up. We're getting closer to the river. I can tell by how the water feels. You can't sense it because you're a land dweller. Come up here and see if you can pick out a good stopping place but don't go too far up. It's still pretty light out and a dolphin in this area is rare. If anyone saw you, they might start to wonder what you're doing here.”

 

“Do dolphins ever get lost?”

 

“Sometimes but its rare. It's even rarer in this area because the water temperature is cooler than what dolphins are accustomed to.”

 

“There's a spot to the right of the river mouth. I see a town over there too.”

 

“We can't come up near a town. What will they they think if they saw you transform?”

 

“That's true and I don't have my robe with me. I can't just walk right into town. I'd cause a panic. Well then what about the left side? There's some wood over there and I think I can get up there quite easily.”

 

“The further away we are from the humans the better. The small beach to the left of the river's mouth looks like a perfect spot.”

 

“That's where we'll stop then.”

 

 

Chanirra sighed as he placed his flippers on the beach and closed his eyes. He would never become used to long distance swimming. He changed into his natural form then climbed up on the beach. He shook the excess water off his body and Undine shaded her eyes. She glared indignantly at him and he grinned sheepishly.

 

“Sorry,” he said and Undine sighed.

 

“I should have expected as much from you. Don't get lost up there,” she said as he stretched his arms.

 

“I won't.”

 

He climbed up onto a large rock then hoisted himself up on the ground above. He raised his nose to the air and began sniffing for something worth tracking. Squirrels, skunk, raccoon, mice...Didn't this area have anything worth killing? He heard a soft rustle in the bushes and sniffed the air again. Rabbit. It wouldn't be a large meal but it would be sufficient if he was fast enough. For this kill, he would need the use of four legs. Chanirra transformed into his wolf form and took off after a startled rabbit. He followed the creature's erratic pattern as it tried to get back to the safety of its warren and Chanirra ran faster. He watched the rabbit dart in and out of the brush in a vain attempt to lose him then leaped at his target. The rabbit squirmed in pain as he bit through its fur and tore at the flesh that lay beneath. He took a few bites then flattened his ears back when a red fox cautiously approached him.

 

“What are you doing eating my prey? Where did you come from anyway?” it demanded as Chanirra swallowed the fresh meat.

 

“I came from the ocean. I only stopped here for a quick bite. I won't be able to make it home on an empty stomach. Once I have my fill, you're welcome to the rest,” Chanirra replied.

 

“I'm welcome to the rest? This is my hunting spot and you're trespassing. Give me what you've got now!”

 

“I'm much larger than you.”

 

“I don't care. That should be my meal. Not yours.”

 

Chanirra took another bite then nudged the corpse over to the fox. The fox picked it up with his mouth and walked haughtily off. Chanirra shook his head then walked back to the beach. He jumped down onto the sand and placed his mouth into the water. Undine cried out in fear and Chanirra looked at her.

 

“What?” he asked then glanced at his furred paws. “Sorry. Sometimes it's much easier to hunt this way.”

 

He changed back into his natural state and wiped the blood from his mouth. He then lay down in the sand and sighed. Undine stood up and walked into the water. She splashed some water in his direction and he sat up.

 

“Become an otter again. I think that worked quite well in the river. Although the threat is gone, we still need to get you back to the Sacred Grove as soon as possible. I'm sure you want to be paid for all your efforts, don't you?” she asked as he change into a river otter.

 

“Well I don't know if my payment will be as grand as the noble made it out to be,” Chanirra said as he climbed back into the water. “Besides, why would my pay concern you? I never mentioned it.”

 

“You should get something for all your efforts. I'm sure even the gods are aware of your bravery.”

 

“I only did what was necessary.”

 

“Not many mortals would have done what you did.”

 

“Not many mortals have my powers.”

 

“Nevertheless, you should be justly rewarded. Now let's get going. You still have a long way to go before you reach the Orrefors Peninsula.”