Of Fire and Fury (Book 1: Light-Born Series)

Chapter 30 - Rabid

The cool bone knife felt like it was radiating a shockwave of heat against Rabid’s palm. She studied its knobby hilt, its curved blade. It was a single piece of bone, just a little longer than the length of her hand. The sight of lightning rising from her blood still pierced her memory, but the blade before her looked so ordinary without her blood lighting up the darkness.

“Do you feel that?” Arven asked as she flipped the knife over in her hand. Rabid nodded, her eyes still glued to it’s pale edges, one side was serrated with hundreds of tiny teeth. “It was fashioned from one of the last remaining bones of Khaya, before the rest were lost.”

Rabid’s body tensed at that. Arven sensed her apprehension and took the knife from her hands. The tingling heat immediately left with it.

“Her bones still hold the power of the Great One, just like yours do.” he said.

“Why did my blood light up like that?” Rabid asked.

“Like calls to like. The power of Khaya’s bones called to the power in your blood.” he glanced enviously down at the blade in his hands. “You hold the same power that she did.”

“I’ve never felt any power before.” Rabid said, doubtfully.

“You have never bonded to the earth?” he asked. “Never… had a way with plants, or felt the ground shake when you were angry?”

Rabid shook her head, disappointed. If she had grown up with the Bonder power, her tribe would have known. She would have been alienated even more.

“That doesn’t mean you won’t. It could take some time for you to awaken.” he sat down on the wooden bench beside her, after setting the knife on the table. “When we first reawakened, it was in bits and pieces, and a lot came out on accident.”

Rabid’s mind was still spinning from all she had seen and heard: her ancestry, her blood, her new responsibility. She had no idea how she would do this. She let her hands cradle her forehead as her elbows bit into the knotted wood of the table. There was a feast set before her, and yet she felt no desire for food. Though the people around her excitedly dug into pheasant stuffed with roots and jams, whispering about her and their future, she simply breathed in the wild and new smells and let her mind try to wrap its way around this story.

Across from her Soyala sat, one of the healers that had helped her, and continually glanced at Rabid through her strands of silver hair. She watched her tentatively, a mixture of awe and fear swirling in her pale blue eyes. When Rabid caught her eye, Soyala stared back at her plate. Arven saw the exchange, and tossed Soyala a map.

“Find the shortest route for the messengers.” he ordered. Soyala opened the map, but it did not stop the tentative glances.

Sitting next to Rabid, Kizi was talking with Meri, a member of the Ohave who had come to study medicine under Arven’s tutorage. They exchanged questions about herbs, roots, and healing poultices. Meri’s golden eyes flashed in excitement as she hung on Kizi’s every word, like a starving child receiving rations. Her eyes looked brilliant against her dark skin, her black hair swayed around them in tight coils that sprang in every direction from her head. She was small, even smaller than Rabid, but she was stunning: when she walked into the room, every eye followed her movement. Her joyful energy seemed to ignite happiness in her onlookers as well.

“Now, tell me.” Kizi asked. “I thought the Ohave stuck to themselves. What brought you here?”

“Our medicine man died before he could finish training me.” she said, in her voice Rabid could hear the slight accent of the people of the sea. “The Reanni have been working to reestablish the connection between the rest of the clans for decades now. My people think it is time to forgive and move forward.”

Kizi smiled and nodded, reaching out to grasp Meri’s small hands in her own.

“I think so, too.”

“But what about the Omari?” Rabid asked, to which both their faces fell. “Arven said he wouldn’t help them anymore.” Kizi took a long inhale and then sighed, opening her mouth to speak. But Arven interrupted her,

“I won’t. Blood Wolf has no interest in reuniting the clans. But, he will not always be in charge. I will help anyone who would help us.”

“You’re waiting for Stone to become chief?” Rabid felt a warmth grip her stomach when she said his name. She suddenly wished he was sitting beside her.

“If Blood Wolf will not undo the mistakes of the past, we can only hope that Stone will.”

“You mean the revenge that killed your people?” Rabid asked.

“That, yes. But the Reanni and Omari have more sins than that to atone for. We are the reason death has plagued this land for so long.” 

Arven’s eyes were dark and burdened, as if he had carried a heavy load for years and was unable to release it. Soyala’s eyes fell to her hands, Kizi’s and Meri’s smiles faded. Rabid remained silent, even she was not ignorant of the reason the clans split apart, the great Omari and Reanni alliance that had ended everything. In the silence, sadness seemed to creep into every crevice of the room as they all held the memory of betrayal. It was as though the fabric of their entire world was laced with it.

“This is not on you.” Meri said, shattering the silence with a fierce look at the side of Arven’s face. 

“Yes, my dear. It is. Katshi was my ancestor. Until I right his wrong, the curse of his actions will rest on my family. Just like me, Blood Wolf must choose to right the wrongs of his own family. And if he won’t, we can only hope that Stone will.”

“He will.” Rabid said it with a confidence she did not feel. She didn’t like the doubt that still clung to her: what did she truly know about him? He must know of his father’s mistakes, of his bloodline’s sins. Did he care? She couldn’t help but think that the honor of his tribe would outweigh the honor of their union. Arven’s eyes fell to hers.

“I hope so, too.” he said. His eyes fell back to the map that Soyala was holding. A tear fell from her cheek, making a wrinkled dot on the yellowed paper. Arven wrapped his arm around her shoulder, whispering, “Soyala, kalm.”

The tiny word of old-tongue seemed to ripple from his mouth, and the entire room relaxed. It was like water for parched lips. Soyala nodded, taking a deep and steadying breath, before blowing it out and wiping her face with her palms.

“I’ll get the riders ready.” she said softly, standing and taking the map as she left the hall. As she left, a small boy took her place at Arven’s side. His blonde hair was carefully combed against his head, but his blue eyes were wild. 

“The Omari are leaving.” his small voice matched his wiry frame of no more than six winters. Rabid stood at his word, and her eyes met Kizi’s. Arven glanced between them and shook his head.

“Rabid, you cannot go with them.” he said in his most calming voice.

A knot formed inside her throat. She had suspected this was coming, but she still didn’t want to know what it would feel like to watch Stone leave her behind. He was the only sense of home she had left. Kizi’s warm hand wrapped around hers, it was a slight comfort.

“I’m staying, too.” she said. “You won’t be alone.”

“What do I say, when I tell him?” Rabid asked.

“The truth.” Arven said, sighing. “At the very least, it will reveal some things that we need to know.”

An ache rose up in her, as she wondered what Stone would think. She had just begun to earn a place with the Omari, now it was likely to be shattered forever.

“I need to see Stone before we tell them, alone.” she said. Kizi flashed her a look, and Arven’s eyes darkened.

“I do not think that is wise.” Arven said.

“Am I to be your prisoner, then?” she asked, testily. “I need to speak with him before they leave. I will be safe with him. I have to… say goodbye.”

Arven eyed her for a long time, then looked to Kizi.

“He won’t harm her.” she said softly.

“That’s not what I’m worried about.” Arven said, but sighed heavily and nodded. “You must be back by dawn, that’s when we will address Blood Wolf.”

Rabid nodded, relieved. Arven motioned to the boy beside him, instructing him to lead Rabid back down the tunnels. Rabid followed the boy into the dark passageways, the light steadily growing dimmer until they rounded a corner and the passage was lit by a torch on the wall. When they reached a dead end, the boy grabbed a string with a rock wrapped inside it, and used his bodyweight to pull as hard as he could. The scraping sound returned, and the rocks slid themselves out of Rabid’s way. For a brief moment, Rabid marvelled at the machine as it pulled rocks out of her way. Then she stepped out into the cool night air.

“Knock when you’re back, I’ll be waiting.” the boy whispered, before his blonde head disappeared behind shifting stones.

Rabid stood for a moment, her eyes adjusting to the sudden change in atmosphere. It felt as though she had stepped out of a dream. But as much as she wanted to pretend, she could never go back to the girl she was before she set foot inside Reannihom. So, she shook the childish wishes away and looked toward the warm glow of the Omari fires.

As she began to move toward the front of the structure, moving swiftly and silently to ensure no one saw her, a large form blocked her path. It took her several seconds to recognize that it was a man’s frame, leaning with his back against the rock.

“Stone?” Rabid whispered. He jumped slightly, spinning, then pulled her into his arms. They stood for several long moments, wrapped in each others arms. Rabid was so surprised she couldn’t say anything.

“Sorry.” Stone said pulling away and looking at the ground. “I was worried about you. Now come on, we’re leaving at dawn.”

“Stone, wait. I can’t.” he stopped and turned, his dark eyes reflecting the dim lights around them.

“What do you mean? We have to hurry.” he said.

“No. I can’t go.” even in the dark, Rabid could see his jaw clench and his shoulders stiffen.

“What are you talking about?” he said. Rabid took a deep breath.

“I have to stay, Stone. I just came to tell you. I’m… well you already know that I’m the ancestor of Khaya. To be honest I didn’t believe it but now…” the words tumbled out of her as she tried to make sense of all the memories that suddenly jumbled together.

“What?” he asked softly, endlessly patient.

“I’m sorry, I… there’s just been so much that has happened. You should have seen it, Stone, you would have loved it. My blood was glowing! And the Reanni, they healed me.” She pulled up the skins on her side, where she had been healed.

“The Reanni are healers again?” he said, eyes wide and stunned. They stayed that way as she started over and relayed the entire story, from her entrance to Reannihom to her last words with Arven. When she had finished, he took three long breaths before responding.

“You’re not staying here, Rabid.” though his voice was hushed, it was still laced with frustration. He grabbed her forearm, and Rabid wrenched it free.

“I have to, they want to protect me.” she argued.

“You will be safe with me. I will protect you. Especially now that you have the power of Khaya.” he said quietly. 

“Well, I’m supposed to, but I don’t have any power.” she said, laughing softly. He raised his eyebrows.

“You don’t remember?” he asked. 

“Remember what?” she asked.

“Back in Omarihom, you… I think you woke something.”

Rabid stared at him for a long moment, confused, until she remembered what had happened when Khaya’s bone blade first touched her flesh.

“Wait… when Arven cut me, I saw something. I was laying on the ground but then I felt something inside of me. My eyes were… glowing red.” she glanced at Stone, but he wasn’t looking at her like she was crazy.

“You tore through several large men shortly after that.” he said. “All the while, you were bleeding out. That was the Ravener power then, I’m sure of it.”

“But… where did it come from? I’ve never done that before.” Rabid said, wrapping her arms around herself like armor. She didn’t like the idea of killing people and not remembering it. Her skin shivered at the thought.

“You must have triggered it somehow. In stories, it’s always been from anger or desperate need.” he said.

“The sacred site.” Rabid said, just as the thought dawned on her. “I felt the same power when I put my hand on the wall, and when I saw Khaya.” 

“Rabid.” Stone said, grabbing her shoulders, his face suddenly close to hers in the dark. “Every tribe has their own sacred site. If that’s all it took, you could awaken all the other powers, be like Khaya was, more powerful than anyone else on earth.” 

“Wait, not just. The Reanni already have their power back. What if you can awaken the Ravener power again?” they stood staring at each for a moment, both trembling in excitement under the possibilities. Rabid didn’t want to shatter the moment, but she had only left the fortress to tell him one thing. She took a breath and said,

“The Reanni have a plan, they’re sending messengers to the rest of the tribes to tell them the natuna is here. When we get the power back, we’ll be able to reunite the clans, to destroy the Hauk’s for good, even stop them from ever coming back.”

Stone’s excitement faded as his eyes dropped to the ground.

“My father will never do that.” he said quietly. “They have hated him for things out of his control for far too long.” 

“Not in his control?” Rabid scoffed, her newfound knowledge bubbling up unintentionally. “He killed many of the Reanni’s people because of his need for revenge.”

“Who do you think kept the Hauks from going right back to Napuahom after you escaped, Rabid? He drove the Hauks from our lands. Yes, he made mistakes, but he was avenging Alea.” Stone said, his voice flat. “Do you think that one side of the story is the complete truth?”

Rabid lost her voice, and she looked at her feet, ashamed.

“But I wasn’t even speaking of that.” Stone continued. “The Omari have been hated since the beginning. We have been hunted, warred against, lied about. We protected all of you, and one mistake, from two men, left us and the Reanni cut off from the rest: partners in sin. And now, they dare to condemn us? Those who hold the same blame as ourselves, they hide in their tunnels while we die?”

“So, it’s ‘us’ and ‘them’ again?” Rabid said wearily, his segregation of their people stabbing her in the heart.

“No, Rabid, no.” he grabbed her hands and looked at her sincerely. “It’s you and me. Not Omari, not Napua. Just you and me, always will be. But you have to understand what it’s like to be hated for something you have no control over.”

“I understand.” she said, nodding. Stone’s eyes flashed.

“I know you do.” he breathed. “So you know what my father, my people, have felt. It has been us against the entire world. You cannot expect them to help reunite the clans who would want to see them destroyed.”

“They don’t want to destroy you.” Rabid said hurriedly, trying to convince him. “The Reanni are angry, yes, but they only want your father to right Moru’s wrongs. If he would lay down his pride…” 

“He will not.” Stone said, though his voice was weary, it was sure. Rabid sighed, staring at him in the dim light. The deep of the darkness had dwindled into the milky blue sky of predawn. When Rabid saw it, she remembered her purpose.

“I have to try, anyway.” she said, stepping back.

“Please, don’t go.” Stone sighed. He reached his hand out, but Rabid kept hers wrapped around herself. She didn’t trust herself to touch him and be able to pull away again.

“Arven is going to tell him before you leave at dawn. I’m not safe with you, not until we know your father will not kill me for my blood.” she said. She kept her eyes on the ground, afraid that if she met Stone’s eyes one look would convince her to follow him into oblivion.

“He won’t…” he started, but paused.

“Look me in the eyes and tell me you’d be able to stop him.” Rabid said, dejected. He met her gaze, but could only sigh.

“I don’t want to leave you behind.” he said. There was something in his voice she had never heard before. The all-too familiar warmth rose in her stomach: more strongly than ever, she didn’t want him to leave either.

“Then stay with me. Let them go without you.” she said, finally meeting his gaze. She stared at him, feeling the emotions that he had transformed from anger and fear. This man had worked feeling from her like a slowly loosening knot. She looked at his hand, still outstretched toward her, and she took it, sliding her fingers between his. 

“These are our people. Not just mine, yours too now.” Stone said. “I cannot abandon them outside the walls of Reannihom.”

“Don’t pick them over me.” Rabid said quietly, the pain of such a rejection suddenly threatening to choke her.

“It’s not like that.” Stone said, stepping closer.

“I want you to stay.” Rabid said, a warm tear sneaking from her eye before she could hold it back. He wiped it away with a calloused palm, then gripped the back of her neck gently, directing her face toward his.

“I cannot leave them, Rabid. But I cannot leave you either, so what am I to do?” he said, his mouth edging closer to hers. She stared at it, feeling his breath against her cheek. Her heart pounded in her chest.

“I don’t know.” she swallowed, her voice small and quiet.

“Don’t make me choose.” he pleaded. Rabid closed her eyes and pulled away from his hand. She kept them closed as she said,

“Stay here. If Blood Wolf will let go of his stupid pride, then you’ll stay. But if they will not stand with me, you know that they will kill me.”

The words were forced from her with every ounce of strength she had, and she took another step back toward the great hall at Reanni’s center. 

“Rabid, wait. Don’t do this.” Stone whispered as she began to turn. 

“I have to.” Rabid said, turning her back to him. She could not stop the tears from pouring from her eyes, then. She could feel him staring at her, and she wished he would make it easier and just go. Instead, he grabbed her wrist, pulling her easily against his chest as he turned toward the wall. Her back was pressed back against the cool rock, his chest against hers. Before she knew what was happening, he had pressed his lips against her own. Electricity exploded between them, and warmth lit up her insides. She could taste his mouth on hers, feel his breath in her lungs. Her surprise gave way in an instant, and she melted into him. It was as though every ache she had ever felt for him was increasing tenfold. 

Far too quickly, he pulled away from her again. He took a deep breath. They stared at each other for a long moment, shocked and breathing hard. Then Stone shifted uncomfortably and stepped away, releasing her from where she had been pinned against the wall.

“I’m sorry, I just… didn’t want to leave you without doing that.” he said, biting his lip against the grin on his face. Rabid laughed slightly, but had to swallow several times, and still could not find her voice. Then, he swallowed, and his grin was gone.

“Stay safe, Rabid.” he said. Rabid caught his forearm before he rounded the edge of the wall, the muscles under her hand made her blush deepen. 

“Until we know who’s on our side, this is the only way.” she said, his eyes locked on hers made her insides quiver. 

He nodded slowly and blew all the air from his lungs.

“Stay alive until I come back for you.” he said. He touched her cheek with his finger, briefly, before turning and disappearing around the wall.

Rabid stood for a few moments, her entire body feeling alive. She watched him disappear, wishing he would turn back and hold her again. She clung to the feeling of his lips on hers for as long as she could. After he was long out of sight, she forced herself back to reality. Shaking her head and taking a deep breath, she forced herself to turn back at the walls of Reannihom. Returning to where she had exited, she rapped quickly on the protruding stones, once more stepping inside the heart of the mountain.