Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Chanirra ❯ Chapter 15

Chanirra awoke to the feeling of soft grass underneath his face and a deep voice singing the lines of one of his traveling songs. He sleepily raised a hand then paused when his fingers felt familiar fabric. His traveling robe lay on him. Was he dead? He then felt extreme heat behind him and sat up in terror. Was he in Nerull's domain? What had he done to deserve such a fate? He hesitently opened his eyes then drew back in shock when he saw Boruta standing in front of him. He was in the Sacred Grove again but how had he gotten there? He hadn't even remembered falling asleep.

 

“Hail my young canine friend and hero of this world. I did sing the song correctly, did I not? It goes: She comforts me the whole night through but in the morn she'll be gone. So until she returns again I'll sing this simple song, correct?” Boruta inquired as Chanirra slowly removed the robe from his body.

 

“Yes that's right. It suits your vocal tones but how did I get here?” Chanirra inquired as Auril knelt beside him.

 

“If only the men in my area had your fiery spirit,” she said and Chanirra shivered as she blew on his face.

 

“You can always take a trip to my region you know,” Bennu said as Chanirra stood up. Auril helped him stand and he shivered violently.

 

“How did I get here? Where's Undine? What happened?”

 

“So many questions. I think you were better off asleep,” Undine said and Chanirra glanced at her.

 

“What...? How...?” he asked and she folded her arms.

 

“You were getting tired the last length of the journey so I sang you to sleep and carried you here. Bennu laid your robe on you and you changed into your natural form in your sleep. I only did it because you still have a lot of walking left to do before you reach your home. I didn't do it because I've grown fond of you.”

 

“Personally, I don't believe a word of her explanation. I think you struck a chord in her heart,” Auril said and Undine glared at her.

 

“Don't start shoving words into my mouth!”

 

“Boruta, how are things?” Chanirra inquired and Boruta smiled.

 

“Everything is grand. There was no damage to the forest aside from some scratches and broken limbs but that's to be expected. The trees lose that much in a fierce storm. Sayorr and Roekler run Lirista together now and Midnight gets as much steak as she wants. The two men are getting the road rebuilt and are seeking out new magic users to move into town. Turath's mansion is going to be destroyed and the area will be given back to the forest while the building materials will be used to fix up the inn and some of the old houses the mages lived in. They are also planning on clearing some land so farmers can move in with a cow or two. It will take awhile, but Lirista will be a grand town again. The townspeople have learned their lesson and they've got two good souls getting them back on track,” Boruta said and Chanirra sighed.

 

“I'm glad. I would like to visit them again one day soon but I really should take this back to the noble. He's been waiting many months for its return. Uh, this isn't the original so don't worry.”

 

“Undine explained everything while you slept,” Bennu said. “Now that you've rested a bit, are you ready to be on your way again?”

 

“I'm not exactly looking forward to my trek but I'm ready,” Chanirra said and Bennu shook his head.

 

“There will be no need for long walking. A portion of my realm lies not far from Emerald Glenn. I can drop you quite safely near Brierwood if you wouldn't mind changing yourself into something smaller.”

 

“I thank you for your kindness.”

 

“It is the least I can do for a warrior of your stature.”

 

“Let me get my robe on first. I don't want to leave without it again.”

 

He put on his traveling robe and stuck his gloves into a pocket. He then closed his eyes and concentrated until he turned into a mouse and cringed in fear when Bennu picked him up in his mouth. Undine smiled at his fear as Bennu began flapping his wings.

 

“Don't worry. Bennu won't eat you,” she said as Boruta began waving his limbs.

 

“Don't forget to share your song with my cousin! He'll love it!” he cried as Bennu rose into the sky. Chanirra glanced down at the ground as it seemed to grow smaller and smaller beneath him then tightly shut his eyes. He had the feeling that traveling with Bennu would not be any smoother than traveling with Boruta. Bennu suddenly opened his mouth and Chanirra yelped in terror as he began falling towards the ground. One of Bennu's talons latched around him and Chanirra sighed in relief.

 

“Did you honestly think I would let you fall to your death, brave warrior?” Bennu asked as Chanirra's body still shook in shock.

 

“The thought did cross my mind. Why didn't you warn me?” Chanirra asked and Bennu shook his head.

 

“How could I when you were in my mouth?”

 

“True. You know, I thought a bird of fire would be extremely hot. You don't seem all that warm.”

 

“I am but I am protecting you from my natural heat. If I did not, you would be a pile of ashes in mere seconds.”

 

“I guess you don't have to worry about humans a lot then, do you? I don't think they'd want to live in such extreme conditions.”

 

“Man lives wherever he wants to it seems. If he can live in Auril's realm, he can also live in mine. Most live near the waters, though because that is where the vegetation is most dense. They tend to stay away from my home, deep within the molten rocks but some do visit occasionally. To them if the travel up to the mountain of fire and survive, it signifies that they are truly a man.”

 

“The more I hear about them, the more I don't understand. I'm glad I'm not a human.”

 

“If you were a human, you would not have accomplished the feats you accomplished. Look down, mortal. The height may be frightening to you at first but at this height you can see the land as it truly is. To the far north, past even your home is Auril's domain. To the east is mine. To the south is Boruta and his cousin's land and all around it is Undine's realm. Emerald Glenn is that far speck to the right of my land. I know canines have exceptional eyesight but I do not know if your eyes are still keen in your rodent form,” Bennu said and Chanirra nodded his head.

 

“I can see it. The land looks so strange from up here. It almost looks like a blanket,” he commented and Bennu nodded his head.

 

“I have seen blankets before. The women sometimes fashion them out of the plants growing in the forest around my region. When I fly, I think of those blankets. They are crude and fashioned out of different colors and materials but that is exactly what the world looks like. No piece seems to fit perfectly with another piece and yet they work so well together. I guess my birds-eye view is what allows me to see the big picture. Boruta and I are similar in that respect which I find ironic because Boruta seldom leaves the ground but we are both able to see how things mesh. Undine and Auril have trouble realizing that. That is why they constantly quarrel. Set when he remembers to come, is not helpful either. Auril's always trying to entice him and Undine is always rising to his defense. We spirits have no need for emotions such as jealousy or envy but we still seem to have them.”

 

“I noticed that a lot with Undine. She also seemed to be extremely stubborn.”

 

“She can be but she did carry you the rest of the way to the Sacred Grove. Perhaps that was her way of apologizing for how she treated you on the journey. I'm sure she wasn't kind to you,” Bennu said and Chanirra paused.

 

“Well she wasn't cruel but she was certainly aloof,” he confessed.

 

“That does not surprise me in the least. Sometime I think the only reason I go to the Grove for meetings is to help keep those two in line. You should be able to see the Glenn much clearer now. Perhaps a half hour more and we'll be there.”

 

“You certainly fly fast. It took Boruta and me two days to get to the Grove the first time.”

 

“I don't have as many things blocking my way as Boruta does. I also let the wind currents guide me.”

 

“Like how Undine uses the water currents to travel faster?” Chanirra asked and Bennu nodded his head.

 

“Precisely. The concepts are similar no matter where you are. Water can act a lot like the wind high above the land if it chooses to,” he replied then flew a little lower.

 

“We're not landing already, are we?”

 

“Hardly. The current changed and I need to get in a lower one. Currents change in a similar fashion underwater I am told. Do you see that rocky area to your right? That is my land. Rocks exist there that cannot be found elsewhere. It's because of the fire that lives beneath the mountains. The fire melts the rock and gives them unique patterns that I've never seen anywhere else. I'm going to fly lower so you may want to close your eyes if you must. I'm going to land in that clearing down there. You'll still have a short walk to undertake before you reach the Glenn but I don't want to set fire to any of the trees. I cannot protect you and the forest at the same time.”

 

“I thank you for going out of your way to do this.”

 

“It was not out of my way at all and you're welcome. I know you're eager to get home as well. Brace yourself.”

 

He went into a nosedive and Chanirra tightly shut his eyes. Although he knew that Bennu would not harm him, he was still afraid. After what seemed like an eternity, Bennu leveled off and slowed his flight. Chanirra opened his eyes, quite positive that his heart had stopped somewhere along the way then glanced at the land, which was becoming closer and closer.

 

“I may have to drop you when we're closer to the ground. I'm not used to landing on one foot,” Bennu commented and Chanirra glanced at him.

 

“When you say close, you mean close, correct?” he asked and Bennu nodded his head.

 

“Close enough so you don't suffer any injuries when you fall. You can be sure of that. Trust me.”

 

“I don't exactly have a choice do I?”

 

Chanirra watched the grass become sharper then cried out slightly when Bennu suddenly let go of him and he fell to the ground. Chanirra gasped as he tried to catch his breath while Bennu landed not far from him. Bennu hopped back to where Chanirra lay in a daze. Bennu nudged him and Chanirra glanced up.

 

“You can change back to your normal form,” he said and Chanirra nodded his head.

 

“I will. I just need to get over the shock,” he replied then took a deep breath.

 

“I wouldn't have hurt you, you know. I did give you my word.”

 

“I know but when you're free falling rational thought doesn't always come into play.”

 

“Well you'd better get yourself composed so you can continue on your way.”

 

Chanirra closed his eyes and transformed into his normal state. He stood up and stretched then took his gloves out of a pocket hidden inside his robe. He pulled them on then covered his head with his hood. He nodded cordially at Bennu and Bennu returned the nod. Bennu then flapped his wings and rose into the air as Chanirra turned and began walking towards Brierwood. He knew that Brierwood would have some choice cuts of meat and he was looking forward to purchasing some. He walked out of the clearing and stepped onto the road. He nodded his head at the travelers as he approached them then sighed. Brierwood was a quiet town and the people who lived in it lived peacefully with the world around them. Their ruler, King Endisia was a gentle and just king. The people loved him dearly and he would make frequent trips to Emerald Glenn to seek counsel with the faerie folk.

 

Chanirra had found it strange that a king was so understanding of his place in the world. Through his experience with humans, most of the nobility believed that they were superior to those who were not of noble blood. He could not understand this viewpoint for there was nothing similar to it in his own tribe. His people did not believe that one family was better than another. They were all the same and they had the same rights. His people did have a leader, just like their animal counterparts but he simply kept the peace and lead the group hunts. Anyone could contest the leader if he so wished and if the contender bested the leader in battle, he would become the tribal chief.

 

“Hail stranger. What sort of business in this fair land?” a guard inquired and Chanirra raised his head.

 

“I have to speak to Sunon. Do you know if he's at home?” Chanirra inquired and the guard nodded his head.

 

“I believe he is. You know where his home is, do you not?”

 

“I do. Tell me, do you know what the butcher's special is today?”

 

“Ah, you've been here before, then?”

 

“It's been quite some time but yes. I am quite fond of this town.”

 

“You are welcome to stay here if you wish.”

 

“Thank you but no. I already have a home in the Orrefors Peninsula. I am on my way home but I have business to take care of with Sunon before I can return.”

 

“Then I wish you a pleasant stay and I hope your business with Sunon goes well.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

Chanirra walked past the guard then glanced at a dog who had walked up to him. He knelt on the ground and stroked the dog's head. He glanced up when he heard a small boy cry out and watched the child walk up to him and the dog.

 

“I'm so sorry sir. Did he frighten you? I'm afraid my faithful companion is deaf so I can't whistle for him. He slipped away from me when he saw you. I don't know why. He's usually so cautious around strangers,” the boy said and the dog licked Chanirra's hand.

 

“It's all right. He seems to be an even-tempered dog,” Chanirra replied.

 

“Do you like animals?”

 

“Yes I do.”

 

“Do you own any?”

 

“No.”

 

“Why not?”

 

“I'm on the road a lot. Sometimes the places I travel to are quite difficult for an animal to reach. Now, I must be me on my way. I actually have a meeting with someone.”

 

“Let me take care of him then.”

 

The boy picked up the rope that trailed behind his dog and the dog turned away from Chanirra. Chanirra shook his head as he continued his walk to Sunon's mansion. It saddened him to know that the dog was deaf but the dog didn't seem to mind too much about not being able to hear. The boy appeared to be a gentle soul and the dog had followed him without hesitation. If they could be taught at a young age to respect animals, perhaps he wouldn't have so much trouble with the future generation. Chanirra raised his head slightly when a passerby jostled his arm then quickly grabbed the man's hand.

 

“I don't think so,” he said and the man looked back at him, startled.

 

“What do you mean by that? Let go of my arm before I call one of the guards,” he said and Chanirra tightened his grip on the man's wrist.

 

“First return the item you stole from me.”

 

“What are you talking about? I took no item from you.”

 

“Then show me your hand.”

 

“Why should I? Guards! Guards!”

 

“Here now. What's all this about?” a guard inquired as he walked up to the two.

 

“Arrest this man! I was mindin' me own business when all of a sudden he grabs me and demands to return something to him. This man is a lunatic I tell you!” the man cried and Chanirra gazed levelly at the guard.

 

“Have him open his hand then. If I am not mistaken, he is holding a silver money bag with wine colored strings. It is mine and he took it from me. I am merely trying to get what is rightfully mine back,” Chanirra said and the guard turned his attention to the man.

 

“Show me your hand,” he commanded and the man began quavering with fear.

 

“You're going to believe the word of a stranger over mine?” he asked and the guard pointed a finger at his closed hand.

 

“You also have an unsavory reputation. Now show me your hand!”

 

The man opened his hand and the small money bag dropped onto the ground. The guard knelt down and picked it up, glaring fiercely at the thief. He then handed the bag back to Chanirra and Chanirra took it, nodding his head in thanks.

 

“You have quick reflexes, stranger,” he said then turned his attention to the thief. “All right you! It's off to the dungeon until King Endisia finds a fitting punishment for your crimes.”

 

“Just me luck to pick a mark wit' good ears,” the thief muttered as Chanirra pocketed his money.

 

“Good ears aren't the only thing I have,” Chanirra said to himself as he continued walking. He turned the corner that led to the road that would take him to Emerald Glenn, despite the fact that the smell of freshly cut meat emanated from the opposite direction. Once he had received his pay from Sunon, he would be able to purchase the finest cut of meat the butcher had available. He hoped there was an ample supply of lamb at the butcher's. He wasn't sure why, but he loved the taste of lamb. It was divine tasting meat in his opinion. Also, it was rare to come across in the wild so whenever he felt like eating some, he would have to purchase it. He shook his head as he tried to think of something else besides freshly cut meat. He had to return the duplicate to Sunon and then he would be free to do whatever he wanted. Thankfully, the walk to the outskirts of town wasn't long and he soon came upon a large three story house with alabaster columns adorning the corners. He stopped at a large wooden gate and opened it. A large black dog ran up to him and Chanirra knelt before him and gazed into the dog's dark eyes.

 

“Where is he?” Chanirra inquired and the dog glanced behind him.

 

“He's having his meal right now. Have you eaten yet?” the dog inquired and Chanirra shook his head.

 

“Not recently, no.”

 

“Then follow me. My master is dining outside today and he'll be more than happy to share his meal with you. He has been waiting anxiously for your return after all.”

 

“Do you know a deaf dog?”

 

“Old Spot? I see him from time to time. He lost his hearing saving his master's father from a frozen lake. The family used to live up north somewhere before they came here. The ice broke underneath the father's feet and Spot rushed in and saved him. The cold water did something to his ears. Did you meet him?”

 

“He came up to me while I was on my way here. The boy he was with was surprised that he came to me.”

 

“The boy's name is Herbert. Nice lad. He treats Spot well too. He never lets anyone pick on him. Some of the children try to because he's deaf. Herbert is a bit tiny for his age but that doesn't stop him. His heart is as big as the outdoors.”

 

“He seemed worried about what I might do to Spot,” Chanirra commented as the dog led him down a path to where Sunon sat eating. Sunon, a hefty older man with graying hair glanced up then stood when he saw his company.

 

“Ah, you've finally returned. It's been months. Not that I had any doubts, mind you but I was most worried about what that rascal would do with the amulet. I trust you have it?” he inquired as Chanirra approached him.

 

“I wouldn't be here if I didn't have it. Do you mind if I sit down? I've had a long journey.”

 

“By all means sit down. I can't wait to hear of your adventure. I'm certain it was hard.”

 

“It was and it was quite demanding of my talents. I had to trace the amulet all the way back to its origins in the desert. That was a land I had never seen before this journey. It is most interesting.”

 

“I'm glad you retrieved my heirloom safely. I've been extremely worried.”

 

“It was more than an heirloom. It was an ancient artifact that Nerull had given to a tribe leader in the desert as an attempt to take over the world. The man that stole the amulet knew of the spell to call upon Valac. I was able to stop him, however and I was able to return the artifact to its proper resting place.”

 

“I don't know if I want an amulet capable of summoning demons. I don't need that sort of trouble,” Sunon said and Chanirra smiled.

 

“You are a wise human. However, I have already taken care of that problem for you. Also, Set the desert spirit would not allow me to return with the amulet. This is an exact duplicate that is incapable of summoning anything. The actual artifact was returned to the burial site where it was first discovered. No harm will come from this and Set is currently working on getting the spell removed from the real amulet. Since it was placed there by a god, it must be removed by a god. I apologize for not being able to return the genuine object to you but I cannot ignore the orders of a spirit. They have a higher authority than you or I do,” Chanirra said as Sunon took the copy from his outstretched hand.

 

“I would be a selfish fool if I wanted the actual object after what you have told me. I thank you for going to the effort to track down the scoundrel and putting a stop to his evil. I also thank you for going out of your way to get me a copy. I think I shall cherish this more than the original. Not every man would be willing to risk his life on a copy.”

 

“I'm glad you're satisfied. Now all that is left is my pay and I will start on my way home.”

 

“Do you not have time to rest a bit? I'm sure I have some fresh meat in the kitchen.”

 

“I can stay for a moment or two but then I must be started on my way home. I would like to make substantial progress before it gets too late.”