Land of the Moon

Chapter 6

Cecily

It was still dark out when the hunters had knocked on our room door letting us know to be ready to leave. There was mist rolling down from the Dark Mountains as we stood at its base, on the only trail leading into its haunting heart. Ema shivered from the cold of the morning or the horror the mountain held in its core. We were waiting as the Hunters worked out a formation in which they wanted to travel. Nikolaj took point followed by Louisa, Cairo, Ema, myself, then Vladimir ending with Mira. 

We traveled way into the Dark Mountains before taking a small break and heading further and higher in. The higher we went the harder it would become to catch our breath. Thankfully the path leveled out a few miles up the mountain. If we could see the village I am sure it would look very small from where we now were. Human eyes would probably have a hard time making out the village at all. With the dense forest, we barely got any light from the midday sun. Many travelers would travel with torches, magic stones to create light or other sources they could come by. Louisa had made small witch lights that floated near us, making visible to us the areas a few feet in front of and around us. Enough so that it did not give away our position to anything else that may be on this mountain with us. 

Our pace was slow going since we had to be on constant alert. The usual time to cross the Dark Mountains was two days if you were lucky and did not run into anything. For that matter, we were doing pretty well so far. Now and again Ema would glance back at Vladimir who carried a bow and Mira though I knew she was just looking at the young elf. When we stopped again we decided to eat lunch not knowing what lies ahead for us further on. Ema sat close to me as we ate our dry slices of meat and bread. We were all gathered in a circle with our backs to each other or something solid, like a tree or boulder. 

Nikolaj stood swiftly, his stance loose but lethal, the rest of us were all on high alert scanning the forest with our eyes and other senses. The forest had grown darker around us, the dim light we did have was snuffed out by whatever is awaiting us in the shadows. Ema had moved closer to me, her hand trembled as she grasped a hold of my shirt under my cloak.

“Cecily, what is out there?” Ema’s inner voice held a small tremor to it.

“I do not know, just stay close to me, I will not let any harm come to you,” I told her this as I kept my eyes and ears trained to the forest surrounding us.

“I know Cecily, I do. I just can not stop my hands from shaking.” Ema moved closer to me as she too looked out into the dark forest. 

“Breathe Ema you must breathe it will help you calm yourself. You must not let fear consume you, you need to keep your head. So you can know what is going on. And what may be coming next.” I gave her hand a squeeze as I sent my reply to her.

I placed a hand over the one she had on my shirt to help calm her trembling. I felt grateful that the Hunters we traveled with were well experienced so that we would not be ambushed or taken by surprise easily. When we had first stopped to rest Louisa had set up a warning ward a little way out from where we stopped to rest. She then had put up a protection ring around us, since we did not know what may come at us if anything at all. Right now whatever was in the shadows around us was not strong enough to even get near Louisa’s protection ring. Though I assume it could not even tell it was there, to begin with, with the way it kept slowly moving around our circle like it was pacing curious to what we were doing in its territory I would assume. 

Louisa and Vladimir had set up a new mind link spell so that Ema and I  could also communicate with them, mostly so that we would not hinder them in a fight. Since all they knew about us was that we worked in healing and some defensive magic. As well as Ema was still learning how to use her magic. 

“You two stay still,” Mira’s voice had whispered in our mind. “This creature is not very strong but we do not know how many there are.” She informed us as she got up taking a stand against whatever was out there.

“I smell three circling us and I can faintly smell more farther out.” Stated Nikolaj as he was already near the edge of Louisa's protection ring.

“Get ready! Louisa, how far out and on how many can you knock out or render immobile for us.” Cairo asked her.

“I can knock out five and freeze up to ten at a time if you all want to make it quick. There are only about fifteen of them. I think they are a pack of some kind. What do you think Nikolaj?” She informed them all while figuring out the best way to proceed.

“That is what I am assuming we must be in their territory, or they are just passing through and think we are easy prey.” The corner of Nikolajs mouth barely twitched as he hid his smile. Being a wolf shifter, like the predator in him he enjoyed the hunt. As well as being a Hunter he quite enjoyed the thrill of a fight. 

“I got the three here if you want to take care of the rest,” Vladimir said as he knocked arrows in his bow. 

“I will cover you so they do not sense you coming.” Louisa’s lips barely moved as she whispered out her spell.

“NOW!” Shouted Cairo.

Mira, Nikolaj, and Cairo ran out further along the trail, as Vladimir let loose three arrows that flew past his fellow Hunters. When the arrows hit their targets their marks burst into bright blue and purple flames. Making the shadows disappear as the beast controlling them screamed out as the flames brought them to their end.

Ema balled her hand up in my shirt letting her tears flow freely as she listened to the beast die. Her eyes scanning all that was unfolding before her. She was determined not to turn away from what may frighten her in this time of darkness, that now wreaked havoc in our world. 

In the distance, I could hear growls and roars from the beast and Nikolaj, as well as the tearing of limbs from the force. Some of the growls cut short as they met with Cairo’s blades. It was not long after that, that the three returned back to our circle. They were wiping the bits of blood that had splattered onto them in their fight. 

“Let's get a move on before any more predators come upon our party.” Stated Cairo as he wiped the blood from his blade.

We quickened our pace along the trail keeping our ears open for more danger and our eyes scanning the forest for a place to stay the night. Nighttime in the Dark Mountains was even more dangerous than traveling in the daylight, though with the thick tops of the trees it was hard to tell day from night. The night had come upon us quickly bringing with it a chilling mist that made it hard for us to see the little bit we were able to with the witch lights. Nikolaj had transformed into his wolf to let his sense of smell help us find somewhere safe to stay for the night. 

The mist was starting to seep into our bones when Nikolaj had finally come across a cave, it was well hidden by some overgrown vines. Since none of the vegetation showed signs of being disturbed before we arrived, we knew nothing had been living here for a long time so the cave would be our safe haven for the night.

Louisa had set up witch lights within the cave as well as showing Ema how to do so herself. Vladimir put a shielding spell at the entrance of the cave so that if any of the light from the witch lights did happen to reach the entrance, nothing would be able to see it. Mira and I set to work on clearing spots for us all to bed down for the night. While Cairo and Nikolaj were looking over a map Ema helped Louisa start a small fire for us to cook a bit of dinner and to warm ourselves from the chill of the night. 

While the small soup Cairo had put on cooked,  Mira was busy searching her pack. Vladimir was resting against a wall with his hood over his eyes giving off the impression he was asleep. Ema and I were sitting near the back of the cave staying out of the way of the others. Ema, had her hand against the wall concentrating using the little earth magic she knew to see how big the cave was. Though witches were born stronger in a certain element it was not impossible for them to learn how to use others. It just took more time to learn. Nikolaj had wandered over to us making Ema blush when he told us he could help warm us up by snuggling up with his wolf. I caught sight of Vladimir twitch ever so slightly and started to move to get up. Louisa had come up and smacked Nikolaj on the arm, this set Vladimir at ease letting him relax again.

“You do not need to tease these women Nikolaj.” Louisa smiled as he rubbed at the spot where she smacked him.

Nikolaj let a sigh escape from him, “I was only playing around Louisa. There is no need to be hitting me.” He then walked off and sat by the fire with Cairo.

“He likes to tease and see if he can get girls to blush, he may seem rough at times but he is a big softy.” Louisa said with a smile, “I saw you practicing some earth magic. How to be able to see further with the mind's eye, right?” She asked Ema.

“Yes I was, Cecily told me it would be good to learn.” Ema smiled at Louisa as she stood up from where she was kneeling against the cave wall.

“Well, she was certainly right about that. How much do you know?” Louisa questioned Ema.

“A small amount before I left my hometown I was just starting to learn about earth magic. I know healing magic though with both water and earth though.” Ema stated proudly.

“Well, that is good. Do you know what is your main element though? Every witch is stronger in one.” Louisa was really wanting to know where Ema stood in her magical studies.

“Yes, my main element is Air,” Ema replied back sounding happy to be getting to talk to someone else who knew lots about magic.

“Oh, that is interesting. Well helping you with earth magic will not be a problem since it is my main element.” Louisa smiled at Ema.

Ema and Louisa sat together for a time talking and learning. I sat away from them watching as Ema enjoyed herself. Mira had walked over and joined me in watching everyone. I could not help myself from taking a deep breath when Mira arrived. She held the scent of blood and it had been a while since I had a taste of it. Knowing that my eyes had a tendency of changing colors when I was like this I turned to look out the mouth of the cave. 

“Do you have some vampire in you, or do you just like the way I smell?” Mira questioned me with what sounded like a playful tone to her voice.

Sighing I looked back at Mira to find the smile I heard in her voice was also on her face. “No, I do not believe that I do have vampire in my lineage. Though you do smell nice, I was smelling you for blood.” Giving her a smile of my own, I told her that I was a shifter though not of which species. It had been a while since I let my animal side hunt. The smell of the blood brought it forth and had me craving it. 

“Well, the shifters I have run into none have ever had their eyes change at the scent of blood, nor have the craving for a kill. I am not that young to believe a tale like that. There is something you are hiding.” She held her hand up, telling me she had more to say. “Do not worry I will not tell, your secret is safe with me.” She paused letting silence fill, the space between us. “We too all have our own secrets we do not share, but no matter we will always have each other’s backs. I guess that would be a bond forged in battle that we Hunters share. You and Ema will be safe with us. She is a special girl.” Mira looked over at where Ema and Louisa were sitting.

“That she is, and thank you, Mira. You bunch are odd but you seem like good people.” We sat in silence once more just watching the others. It seemed we were quite fortunate to have run into these Hunters. “We will part in Pirn town, Ema and I still have a long journey ahead of us. Though I do not know if she will want to part from you Hunters.” I told Mira this as I caught Ema sneaking a glance at the sleeping Vladimir.

“Ah yes I have noticed the glances those two keep stealing at one another as well.” Mira looked over at me and we both let small laughs escape us. Which caused the others to look over at us only making us laugh more. Apparently hearing us laugh had shocked them all. “Oh come now it is not like you have never heard either of us laugh before,”  Mira stated to them all. That made Louisa and Ema break out in laughter as well. 

The night had passed in a comfortable way, though we all paid close attention to the opening of the cave. We decided we would take shifts keeping watch while the others tried to get some sleep. First up would be Vladimir followed by Louisa, Nikolaj, Ema, Cairo, myself, and lastly Mira. Though we only got as far as Ema. 

“Cecily?” Ema was quietly making her way towards me while trying not to wake the others around us.

“I am awake Ema I was not going to let you keep watch alone.” I used the special mind link that only the two of us shared.

“There is something outside making noise. Is it one of those creatures we ran into earlier?” She asked me as she had finally made her way over to me while glancing back at the entrance.

“It does not smell like it. Go and wake the others.” I waved her away as I quietly got up.

I moved closer to the front of the cave putting Ema and the Hunters behind me. I shifted my leopard ears out to let me hear better of what was going on outside of the cave. The slow rhythmic beating of five hearts faintly reached my ears. My instincts told me they were not the beast nor the monsters that haunted the Dark Mountains. These were assassins, it seems they figured out that Ema was not hidden away in the castle. We at least got a small head start. How they made this far on the Dark Mountain at night told me they had to be good at their job. If we could kill them before they reported back to whoever they worked for we could still stay hidden. 

“Ema, tell the others to be prepared for a fight,” I informed her as I was getting ready to meet these assassins.

“Is it really another beast out there?” Her voice sounded as if she was trying to fight off the fear that was sneaking its way into it.

“No, someone has figured out that you are not in the castle. They have sent assassins out looking for you. Ema stay alert and be prepared for anything.”

As Ema made her way around quietly waking the others I sent out a quick message. “We got company.” Ema had whispered to them to be ready to fight. I did not want to reveal to many the situation we were in, but it seemed as if fate was making her own plans. Removing my cloak so that it would not make noise while I snuck up on the assassins outside our secluded cave. Looking behind me I saw the Hunters waking and getting their weapons ready for a fight. “Ema, stay with them.” I ran out of the cave jumping into a nearby tree. The assassins were still making their way towards our cave slowly as they worked to keep themselves hidden within the shadows. 

I could feel my inner beast struggling to be free, my body shivered at the thought of shifting. Getting the chance to taste a fresh kill. Taking a deep breath I shoved those thoughts and feelings aside focusing once again on the assassins. I dropped down on the first, he sensed me coming at the last minute and turned to look at me as I plunged my dagger into his now visible throat. The blood raining down over his fingers as he grasped at where my blade had embedded itself deep into his neck. The first assassin's body just hit the earth floor when I reached the second one. He had his weapon already drawn, and our blades clashed ringing through the night creating their own death songs. The other three assassins took their chances by dashing towards the cave only to be met by the Hunters. Knowing they could hold their own against him I focused my attention on the one in front of me. He moved fast in his attacks trying to overpower me with his vampiric speed and strength. If I was younger and not as skilled my life would be taken by his blade easily. Bringing his sword in a downward arc I jumped at him knocking him off balance. Sliding my dagger across his midsection, thankfully I kept my blades sharp or I would have had to saw my blade across and deep into his guy. As I rolled away the vampire staggered there while trying to hold in his guts to keep them from spilling the earth. Hoping that his healing ability would be fast enough to save his life. My blades were made from spelled steel and dipped in silver making it difficult for anyone with healing abilities to safely heal after being cut with them. sheathing my dagger once more after I wiped it clean as I made my way over the vampire now laying face down as he fought for his last breath. I reached down twisting and snapping his neck making sure that he was dead. One could never be absolute when running for your life. 

I did not waste time to look back and watch the life fade from his eyes. My main goal was to make sure Ema was safe. Nikolaj and Mira stood over the bodies of the last three assassins as I neared the cave. There was a gash in Nikolajs’ side from his opponent's blade. Since they were sent to kill, the assassins' blades were most likely coated in poison. Though all the races were different there were very few poisons that could affect us no matter what one we were from. Walking up to Nikolaj I sniffed at his wound, which only brought out a weird smirk from him. “You need to have Louisa look at this before it gets worse.” I just stood back up when I had Ema run into me wrapping her arms tightly around me. “Their blades had poison on them.” I managed to get out as Ema squeezed me again. 

“I thought I lost you when Nikolaj and Mira had to jump in and stop the three assassins. I was so afraid Cecily.” Ema had started to cry softly as she continued to hold onto me. “I can not lose you as well, I just can’t.” Ema looked up at me then. Sensing she was being stared at she turned to see the Hunters looking at us both.

“Do you want to explain what she means by that,” Cairo looked at me, and then pointed at the dead assassins. “As well as why someone would send assassins after you both?” The look he gave us was stern but I wouldn't blame him we could have gotten them all killed.

“Are you in some kind of trouble?” Louisa looked over from where she was taking care of Nikolaj’s wound.

Ema grasped my hand as she nervously looked at the Hunters who were now looking at us for answers. “What do we do Cecily? Do we tell them everything, can we trust them?” Ema questioned me through our link.

“Calm yourself, Ema, we will tell them what they need to know. The fact that you are the rightful heir to the Land of the Moon must remain a secret. All will be alright.” I reassured her.

“Alright, Cecily, I trust you.” Ema sounded less afraid than she was earlier.

“Let us move back into the cave where it is a bit more private for our conversations.” I led Ema back into the cave where it was safe, putting my cloak around her shoulders. When I turned around the Hunters were making their way into the cave and settling down waiting for our explanation. “As you have heard, those men that attacked were assassins. They were sent here after Ema and me, and they will not be the last. Ema’s family is helping out in the war and people believe if they can kill her, they can stop her family from helping the Aleris kingdom." I spun our tale for them.

“The war has been going on for some time, but we have nothing to do with it since we do not want any part of it. But that does not explain why they would be after you, Cecily?” Cairo gave me a stern look.

“I have been with Ema’s family for many years, and have been trusted to take her to her mother's people. We could not tell you for her safety, though it may have put you all in danger as well from not knowing. If you would be kind enough to let us continue on with you till we are out of the Dark Mountains we would be grateful. We will split up with you and not bring any more trouble your way.” I now faced Cairo giving him my full attention.

“Please do not be mad at Cecily. She is only protecting me and is always thinking of my safety.” Ema had stepped forward now pleading with her eyes that they understand why we did what we did. She watched them as they looked at one another before finally looking back at us. Squeezing my hand as she anticipated what their answer would be.

“We will continue traveling together, once we get out of the Dark Mountains we will decide then if that is where we will part. You two alone will not be able to make it if you are being hunted constantly. There is only so much two people alone can handle.” With that Cairo had brought the discussion to an end. As he headed off to the other side of the cave back to where he was laying down to sleep.

Mira and Louisa went off to take care of the bodies of the assassins so that no one else would be able to track them to the cave. A loud boom had erupted high outside of the cave followed by a heavy downpour of rain. When the two had returned they had looked as if they had taken a quick dip. “It is coming down thick right now. We will not be able to head out as we had planned in the morning. It looks like we may be stuck here till the rain lets up.” Louisa looked back outside the cave before continuing on. “It is coming down so thick making it even harder to see with my witch lights.” There was another loud boom as we all settled around a small fire Vladimir had started to keep the chill from creeping in and taking over the cave. As we settled in once again for the night.