Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Chanirra ❯ Chapter 16

It was mid-afternoon when Chanirra left Sunon's house. He waved goodbye to the dog and began walking up the street to the butcher's. He now had his pay and soon he would have a good traveling snack. He began hurrying for he was certain that the butcher would be closing his shop soon and he didn't want to arrive just after his doors closed. Chanirra raised his nose to the sky and began sniffing the air for the scent of fresh meat. He soon caught it and made his way through the groups of people on their way home. He turned a corner and ran in-between a small group of people then stopped when he reached a shop with fresh meat hanging in the window. A man inside was in the middle of taking the display in the window down as Chanirra opened the door.

 

“I'm going to be closing up soon,” the shopkeeper commented as Chanirra walked up to him.

 

“Do you have fresh lamb?” he asked and the butcher paused.

 

“How much are you looking for?”

 

“A simple leg of lamb will do.”

 

“All right. I'll get one for you. Where are you from, stranger?”

 

“I live near the Orrefors Peninsula. I am returning home from a journey. I had some business with Sunon and now I am getting some provisions for my long walk home.”

 

“I see. You still have a long ways to go. Are you sure just a leg of lamb will be enough?”

 

“I plan on hunting for the remainder of my journey but I have had a great desire for lamb. How much will the bill be?”

 

“Let's see. I could give you some steak and that would bring it up to twenty rupans or is that too much for you?”

 

“I just got paid from Sunon so I should be able to afford it.”

 

“What did you do for him? If you don't mind me asking that is.”

 

“Something was stolen from his house. I was hired to retrieve it.”

 

“Ah yes. I remember hearing about that quite a few months ago. The thief fled far, did he?”

 

“He did. Here you are. You can keep the change.”

 

“Why thank you. I wish all my customers were as generous as you.”

 

“Well I did come at an inopportune time. I knew you would be closing soon and I tried my best to make it before you went home. Thank you for serving me.”

 

“Well it's my fault I suppose. I should have locked the door but I didn't think of it,” the butcher said and Chanirra smiled.

 

“I'm glad you didn't. I've been longing for lamb for quite awhile now,” Chanirra said as he opened the shop's door.

 

“You've got a choice cut. The lambs around here are exquisite. We have some talented sheep herders here.”

 

“I should come around more often then. I don't know why but I really like lamb.”

 

“Lamb is a delicacy in some regions. We in Brierwood are quite accustomed to it, however.”

 

“It is rare up where I live.”

 

Chanirra walked out of the store and continued on his way out of town. He nodded his head to the guards and they watched him leave the castle. He glanced up into the sky and sighed. If he increased his stride once he left sight of the castle town, he should be able to reach a small fishing pond before it got too dark. The fish pond would be a perfect place to camp for the night. He would be able to sleep for a few hours then he would be on his way again. A few birds cried out as they made their way home and Chanirra's ears twitched slightly. His ear movement was severely limited because of the clasps and he would be glad when he could relax in peace although he was not looking forward to the barrage of questions he would receive as soon as he got home. He wanted to relax in his own home for a bit before he had to tell his tale to his brethren. That was the main reason why he didn't like staying at home for too long. He didn't dislike his people but he preferred his solitude. The Noyu tribe could get quite spirited and he wasn't exactly fond of camaraderie. Even as a child, he didn't like the rough and tumble games his brothers played. He preferred doing things on his own. He liked hunting but he liked doing it alone. He wondered if his desire for solitude had to do with the fact that he was one of the youngest out of a family of eight and shook his head. Now was not the time to try and figure out why his nature was the way it was. He heard whimpering behind him and turned around. A stray dog followed him begging for food and Chanirra sighed.

 

“When was the last time you've eaten?” he inquired and the dog paused, surprised that he could actually understand Chanirra's speech.

 

“Two days ago, I think,” the dog replied and Chanirra unwrapped the package from the butcher's. He wasn't ready to eat but he supposed he could let the dog have the steak. He was not about to give up his lamb. He took out the piece of steak and tossed it to the dog.

 

“Make good use of it and run on back home. I'm afraid I can't take you with me.”

 

“Thank you sir.”

 

Chanirra watched the dog off and shook his head. Why did humans acquire pets only to toss them aside like a piece of garbage? It pained him to see animals neglected or mistreated but he couldn't help all of them. He turned his attention back to the path that led before him and continued on. At least the dog was in better shape then the Fennecs he had encountered in the desert. How could creatures willingly mistreat others and listen to their cries of anguish? That concept was beyond him. He understood the cry of pain when he killed a creature for food but that was different. He was killing in order to survive. The ones that dealt with slaves or abused pets did so for no apparent reason. He had seen men come home drunk only to kick a pet or beat a slave for simply being in the way. Such acts were intolerable and inhumane. He was grateful for the humans that understood such acts were wrong and went to lengths to stop them. His eyes glistened in the moonlight as he looked up to greet a passerby. The pedestrians were becoming less frequent as the sky grew increasingly dark and soon it would be time for him to move faster. He gazed at the meat wrapped in butcher paper for a moment then turned his attention elsewhere. It was too soon to eat and he knew that if he ate now, he would be missing the joy of eating the lamb later.

 

A cool evening breeze struck up and Chanirra raised a hand to keep his hood in place. There was no one on the road but he didn't want his cover blown. He could not afford the risk of running into unexpected trouble. He was battle weary even though it had been days since he had last fought and he yearned of his quiet homeland where he would be able to sleep in peace once the demand for his retelling of his journey died down. He glanced up slightly when he heard hooves pounding the ground and he moved closer to the edge of the road. He didn't want to be trampled by a spirited horse. A young woman riding atop a beige stallion appeared and Chanirra glanced at the horse. He had been frightened by something. Chanirra whistled shrilly and the stallion turned his head.

 

“Hail friend. Is there trouble on up the road?” Chanirra inquired as the stallion ran by. Chanirra watched him slow to a trot then turn around and walk back up to him. The woman sitting on top of him breathed heavily in fright as Chanirra held out a gloved hand and patted the horse's nose. “I mean no harm to either of you.”

 

“How...how did you get him to stop?” the woman gasped and Chanirra smiled slightly.

 

“I spoke to him. Now would you mind telling me what frightened him?”

 

“You...spoke to him? Are you a sorcerer?”

 

“Hardly. I am simply a weary traveler on his way home. I do not practice the art of sorcery. Is there danger up the road?”

 

“Well, you might say that. Yes, there is definitely danger further along the road. There are thieves in the woods. They came out of hiding and robbed me of my money then they spooked Autumn. He sped off down this road and I was unable to control him. I was hoping he'd run out of energy by the time we reached Brierwood and then perhaps I would gain the assistance of the guards in capturing the thieves. I was taking the money to the bank for my parents, you see. It was the days profits for the produce we sold. I know I got a rather late start but we had trouble with some of our animals and I couldn't get away.”

 

“What did they look like?”

 

“I don't remember. They wore hoods like yours I believe and they carried weapons. I was too frightened to ask questions. I've heard tales of the terrible things thieves can do to a young lady and I didn't want to provoke them into doing anything.”

 

“Do you live near here?”

 

“Yes. Yes I do. There's a farmhouse no more than fifteen minutes up the road. That's where I live with my mother and father. Why do you ask? You don't possibly think they may be in danger do you?”

 

“I don't think so. The bandits got what they wanted from you and that was the money. But since I'm heading that way, I might run into the crooks. If I can get your money back, I want to know where to leave it so you can find it.”

 

“But how will you be able to fight thieves? You seem unarmed,” the woman said and Chanirra smiled.

 

“Don't worry about that. I've been in a scrap or two before. Why don't you continue on to Brierwood and let your steed take some fresh water? I'm sure he needs it,” Chanirra said and walked off. He placed his hands into the pockets of his robe and shook his head. Humans were sometimes the deadliest of creatures. Fighting and killing over money which was made out of a simple piece of rock or metal. Why did they allow themselves to be consumed with greed? He listened to some birds fly overhead and closed his eyes. He then thought of the lamb that he still clutched underneath his arm and opened his eyes. If he was going to pursue thieves then perhaps it would be best to eat the lamb now. He couldn't go after bandits with raw meat in his hands. Chanirra licked his lips then sat on the side of the road. He unwrapped the meat and took a bite. He sighed in pleasure at the taste then leaned back as he continued eating. At least no one was around to complain about his eating habits. Why humans had such an elaborate etiquette system for eating was beyond him. He let blood run down his chin and smiled. Humans denied themselves the simple pleasure of eating. They limited themselves with unnecessary tableware and rules. How could anyone enjoy a meal when he couldn't remember what fork to use for what course?

 

He glanced up when he heard the brush behind him rustle and narrowed his eyes. Couldn't he eat in peace? He heard a click from a gun and grinned. Someone wanted to cross him. He was particularly annoyed with the stranger because he had interrupted Chanirra's meal. The leg of lamb wasn't even half eaten yet. He had to take care of this nuisance quickly so he could get back to more important matters.

 

“Don't turn around if you value your life,” a gruff voice said as Chanirra closed his eyes.

 

“What do you want from me?” he inquired.

 

“Not much sir. Just whatever valuables you have. Be quick about it and I won't have to blow you to bits.”

 

“I'm afraid I cannot reach my valuables whilst I'm sitting.”

 

“Very well but don't try anything. I'm not afraid to shoot.”

 

“May I set my meal down first?”

 

“What is it?”

 

“Lamb.”

 

“I like lamb. I'll take it. Give it to me!”

 

Chanirra reluctantly handed his meal up to his assailant and the man sniffed at it. He could smell fresh blood and he took a cautious step backwards. Had he chosen to steal from the wrong man?

 

“This smells odd. How was it cooked?” he inquired as Chanirra slowly stood up.

 

“It wasn't. I eat meat raw,” Chanirra replied and the man dropped the lamb in terror. “I think it tastes more natural that way.”

 

“R-raw? What are you, some sort of devil?”

 

“I am only a weary traveler on my way home. Tell me, did you steal from a young woman earlier tonight? I told her I'd try to retrieve her money. If you have it, I'd like to have it back without too much trouble.”

 

“I-I did. Erm, that is to say we did. My pals and I have camp up the road. We saw her coming and knew she was an easy mark. Women always are.”

 

“Didn't anyone teach you that it isn't right to steal?”

 

“Who are you to tell me what to do?”

 

“Look, I just want the money so I can return it. Not trouble.”

 

“What're you going to do with me? I'm not ready to die!”

 

“Please. I said I didn't want trouble. You can avoid any trouble by replacing the money yourself. You might even feel good about it,” Chanirra said as the gun fell from the bandit's hand. Chanirra turned around and gazed coldly at the man. The man grew pale with terror as he tried to find his voice. Chanirra smiled slightly and the man took off like a shot to the camp his companions had made. Chanirra watched him run then knelt down and picked up his meal from the ground. It was slightly soiled but he wasn't picky. When he hunted in his true form, a little dirt on the meat was to be expected.

 

He began eating as he continued his walk up the road. To stay in his current location would be foolish for once the man told his companions about his encounter, they would return to investigate his claims. Chanirra could stay and easily defeat the group of thieves, but he didn't feel like it. All he wanted to do was get home. He was certain that the man who had failed to rob him would insist that the money stolen from the horseback woman be returned lest they incur the wrath of a demon. Demon, Chanirra mused as he swallowed another hunk of raw meat. Very few humans had actually seen a demon and in most of their descriptions about such creatures, they would use characteristics of the beast tribes. The ignorant feared the existence of such races and they would go to great lengths to destroy known settlements in an attempt to “purify” the land. Some clans, like the Fennecs, were not strong enough to fight back and the people were mercilessly captured, slain, and terrorized.

 

“If man consisted only of ignorance, this world would have been doomed from their arrival,” Chanirra said then took another bite of meat. “Thankfully the gods that created him put some sense in that brain of his. It's just that stupidity seems so commonplace. It almost seems to spread like a weed.”

 

He licked the bone clean the best he could then tossed it aside for some stray dog or wild animal. The end to that piece of meat had come entirely too soon and he supposed he would have enjoyed it more if he hadn't have been interrupted. He licked some stray drops of blood off of his gloves, frowning slightly at the taste of crocodile leather. He had never seen one but by the description Set had given him, he was grateful he had never crossed paths with one. A wild dog howled off in the distance and Chanirra sighed. It was a calling to all of his brethren to take part in the nightly hunt. He was certain his brothers would ask him to do exactly the same thing when he returned.

 

Group hunts in the Noyu tribe were different from their canine counterparts. A group hunt was an excuse to get away from the women and children for a few nights so the men could discuss “manly” things. It was almost like a group of humans going to a pub and getting drunk, Chanirra thought. Of course, there was no drinking on a hunt, but there was loose talk. Men who had chosen a mate would complain about what their women did at home or brag about the accomplishments their children had made. A few others who viewed the hunts as a complete waste of time and came only to please members of their family, would listen and would sporadically throw in a response to be polite but their hearts were always elsewhere. Those few dreamed of going off into the woods and exploring with their own eyes and not with a bunch of friends and relatives tagging along. Chanirra was one of those types but he grudgingly participated in the hunts for he knew trying to get out of it was a wasted effort.

 

Everyone looked up to him and he was always expected to make the first kill. He hated having his work put in the spotlight like that and he had tried numerous times in the past to explain his feelings to his brothers but they never understood his reasoning. He eventually gave up presenting his case and joined the group activities with extreme reservation. He preferred his solitude and that was something his brothers would never comprehend. They were always involved socially and they knew everyone in the community. That was fine, Chanirra told himself as he rounded a bend in the road. If one had that personality but you can't turn someone into something he isn't.

 

He thought of a human expression he had heard once as he stepped over a small hole in the road. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink. That was exactly the situation he was in with his brothers at home. They could lead him into the most gala of occasions but if he did not want to partake of them, he wouldn't. If he was more social, he wouldn't be as good at his trade as he was. Warriors were different from the rest, he had come to realize. They preferred to walk their own paths and normal people did not understand their calling. Minstrels were similar to warriors in that respect. They both traveled a road different from the rest. Warriors were quite often driven by the desire to fight and see new lands while minstrels traveled the land, enriching people with their song. Some minstrels had even journeyed to the land of the elves for he had heard most wondrous ballads during his travels. He then thought of Undine's insistence that he travel down to where elves made their home and gazed up into the sky. Perhaps that would be his next journey. It would be an excuse to get away from his brothers a lot sooner than planned.

 

Something darted out from the brush in front of him and Chanirra stopped. A raccoon stared at him, its eyes glistening in the dark. Chanirra nodded his head at the animal and the raccoon paused.

 

“How is the fishing at the pond?” Chanirra inquired as the raccoon sat on its hind legs.

 

“I thought you smelled familiar. Fishing season's pretty near come and gone. Where have you been all these days?” the raccoon inquired. “You've got so many different smells about you. 'twas hard to place you at first.”

 

“I've been in lands you can only dream of seeing. Is the pond in fair shape? I might stop there for a rest. It's been awhile since I left Brierwood.”

 

“I've got a cousin up in those parts. She's a gabby sort. I don't really care much for her but the missus likes her so we go every now and then. It takes us a good two or three days to get there depending on the weather. When did you leave there?”

 

“Judging by the moon, I'd say it's been about three, three and a half hours since I left.”

 

“You walk fast then.”

 

“I do a lot of thinking while I walk. It helps take my mind off of the distance. Are you going my way?”

 

“I wasn't planning on it but I suppose I can. I haven't caught anything yet and I don't want to go home to the missus empty-pawed.”

 

“Well I'll try my luck at the pond. If I catch anything, you can have it. I don't like fish after all.”

 

“Fish is nice. It's especially tasty when the missus gets out her nut cakes and serves 'em up alongside the fish. Have you ever had a nut cake?”

 

“I don't think I have. I don't eat a lot of nuts and berries. It's not necessary to my diet.”

 

“Ah I keep forgetting that you're part wolf. You look like a simple human in those clothes.”

 

“We wouldn't be having this conversation if I was a simple human,” Chanirra said as he followed the raccoon down a narrow forest path.

 

“'tis true. Do humans fear your kind? Is that why you wear such garments?” the raccoon inquired as Chanirra pushed back his hood.

 

“Many of them do. Some even try to trap us like they try to catch foxes for their fur. Thankfully, not all of them are cruel but we'd rather not take chances.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Why what?”

 

“Why do they fear you so? Is it because you can talk to us?”

 

“I suppose that's one reason. They also fear us because we can change shape. Such a feat is unnatural to them. They truly do not understand how this world works, do they?”

 

“Well I'm no expert on the world either.”

 

“But you understand a lot better than most humans.”

 

“I thank you. Well here's the pond. You can try your luck with the fish but the water's getting a bit cold. I don't know how they'll taste,” the raccoon said as he climbed up a tree stump. Chanirra took off his traveling robe and shook his head. He then pushed his hair out of his eyes and walked up to the edge of the pond. He knelt on the grass, pulled off his gloved then watched the fish swim about the pond. He carefully watched a large one and when it swam near the edge of the pond, plunged his hand in and grabbed it. Chanirra's eyes grew wide in shock when he realized just how cold the water was and did his best to raise his hand out of the water slowly. A quick movement might lose his catch and he didn't want to put his hand in the icy water a second time. He tossed the wriggling fish up to where the raccoon sat and he jumped off the stump to pick it up. Chanirra took a moment to shake the water off his hand then quickly pulled his gloves back on.

 

“I didn't know the water would be so cold,” he commented as he stood up.

 

“Thank you,” the raccoon said and Chanirra held up a hand.

 

“It was no trouble. You'd better get on home before you get into more trouble with the missus.”

 

The raccoon scurried off and Chanirra yawned slightly as he walked over to where his robe lay. He put it on and pulled up his hood. It would not be the first time he had slept in his robe. He supposed he could have slept without it on but as long as there was a chance of a human wandering by while he was unprepared, he would sleep with his natural form concealed. The pond was not all that far from the main road and a human might pass by for whatever reason. Humans didn't always do things out of logic after all. He lay down on the grass and closed his eyes. He would not be able to get a full night's sleep but he would at least get enough to give him the energy to make it home.