Yspaddaden - Chapter 17

 Ynwfn, Dinas Preservation.

The tracker for Marus' team of soldiers crept forth carefully, trying his hardest not to make a sound in the tall grass. The grass was long and brown, course, and when the stalks grated against each other, they made a rasping noise that could be heard if you stood within several yards. But the hight of them made it impossible to see over, and the tracker had to make do with his other senses, listening for others rustling through the grass, sniffing to make sure no one was nearby. But he relied mostly on his othersense.

He did not know if this sense was something supernatural, given to him by some god or other, or if it was merely an unrecognizable part of him that made it seem to be another sense. Whatever the case, he used it, and he usually knew when people were about him, and whether or not those people meant him harm. At the moment he could feel nothing threatening, but he thought, perhaps, there were a few Dinas to the south, creeping ever closer to his scent. If only he could distinguish between races, he could tell where the giant was! As it was, he had to rely on his other, lesser senses for that. Footprints, scents, bent grass. He was following a trail, and he was fairly certain it was the man and his female companion. The land around him did not give many clues as to the size of a quarry, so it was difficult to tell if he hunted a seven foot tall man or a twelve foot tall Dinas. He would know when he found him.

The tracker crept forth, trying to see through the darkness. What was that form, over there to his right? He hesitated, then averted his course, aiming toward the unknown shadow that sat fuzzy against the night sky. Dinas? No, too large to be a Dinas. As he drew closer, he could see now what it was. A large tree, solitary on the plain, sitting solidly in the ground, inviting people to shelter. Strange. Vegetation such as this were usually only found near rivers or creeks. This was only one tree. Where were the others, lining the creekside? The only river he knew to be in these parts was several miles to the north. It was a place where female and young Dinas rested and went to for water. It was usually avoided by people. Why was this tree here, alone, solid? The tracker knew not why, but it was a curiosity he could not avoid. Maybe the giant had seen the tree as well and headed toward it for protection. He was foolish indeed, if he thought that a single tree could protect him from the soldiers of the kingdom. The tracker grew restless, and a smile grew across his face, as he sensed something, something alive, near the tree. There was something there, either Dinas or the giant. He had to check it out.

As he approached the tree, he could begin to hear the snufflings that came from the angry Dinas. And now he could see the large head, bobbing up and down above the grass, shuffling back and forth underneath the large trunk. The tracker began to shuffle himself, backwards, quietly, trying to put as much distance between himself and the beast. He was a tracker, his job was to seek out life, not engage with it. And his quarry was the giant. As he turned to leave, his othersense kicked into high gear, and he felt the beast, before he ever heard and saw it. Another Dinas, towering over him, not ten feet away! The tracker froze. He knew enough about the beasts to do that, and he slowly crouched, trying to blend in with the grass. The beast walked directly toward him, not seeming to notice him, but grunting, hooting nervously. It wasn't until the Dinas was a mere six feet away when he smelled the tracker and recoiled, hands hitting the ground in agitation, looking all about, trying to see where the man was. The tracker grimaced and stood still, hoping the Dinas would go away. Why had the beast only just now noticed his presence? Their sense of smell was effective over several miles, why had he not known the man was there before? He seemed confused, sniffing all about, rubbing the tips of the grass with his hands. The grunting in his throat grew louder, and he began to shuffle sideway, towards the tree. The tracker could sense also the Dinas already at the tree growing agitated as well, beating the trunk of the tree. What was making them so nervous?! Dinas did not get nervous, not in their own backyard.

Only after the Dinas had turned his back on the tracker did he start to move, standing swiftly and turning back the way he had come. He knew not why those two were acting so strangely, but he did not care to find out. He turned and let out a yell. There stood a large Dinas, the beasts feral yell drowning his own out, the scream echoing across the plains.

Marus

Marus heard the man scream, and then the sound of the Dinas war cry. The cry echoed across the plains, and it was being answered all about by others of his kind. The first cry, the human one, had not seemed to come from a female, and he doubted that Yspaddaden had made such a sound. He could only guess as to the fate of his tracker, lying dead in a pool of his own blood no doubt. Stupid man. Well, Marus would have to see this through himself.

He held up his hand and pointed forward, telling his troops to follow him through the brown weeds. He had to find that giant!

Kadyriath

Kadyriath walked seemingly calmly through the grass, but her wide eyes, shining brilliantly in the moonlight, gave her frightened mood away. She walked with her hands outstretched, dripping wet. The liquid covered her arms and legs as well. She knew she was doing right, yet she was still scared. When Yspaddaden had told her that he was going to split up from her and go off on his own, she had panicked, begged him not to, to stay with her. He had explained the plan to her then, and she had eventually agreed, but she did not have to be happy about it. She cursed him under her breath and kept walking, slowly, surely. She could hear the Dinas around her, avoiding her, grunting at her nervously. This plan was really causing an uproar. She had to give Yspa credit. He knew what he was doing out here. She heard the scream of the man then, and recoiled. She almost stopped and crouched, but steeled herself to continue forward. Keep the tree to your right. She glanced over and could just barely make out the form of the large tree that stood in the middle of the area. She kept walking, making a wide circle around it, arms outstretched, thinking up ways to punish Yspaddaden once they got out of this predicament. If they did.

Yspaddaden

Yspaddaden stood stoically, head peeking out above the grass, staring about. Stupid Marus. He seemed unable to get anywhere without any kind of light, and the flame from his torch could probably be seen from miles around, even by someone who did not stand as tall as Yspa. How had that man ever gained so much prestige among the soldiers? Yspaddaden shook his head in wonder and watched. He could not see where Kady was at this time, but he felt the commotion that she was causing. The Dinas were growing more flustered by the moment and Yspaddaden could see several of them wandering around the tree, calling out to their brothers, trying to figure out what was going on. They were scared, that he could tell. And Marus and his men were heading directly toward them. Yspa smiled. Time for action. He unsheathed his sword and surged forth, heading directly toward the company of soldiers.

Marus

Marus walked forward with a confident look on his face. But his emotions betrayed him. He was anything but confident as he crept forward, heading toward the tree that he could now see on the horizon of the grass. He glanced behind him and gave a confident smile to his soldiers. Only seventeen men now followed him. Hardly enough to have with him in a real fight, but hopefully just enough to subdue a large man who was wanted by the king. He turned back to the tree and could now see the outlines of several Dinas, wandering about the tree, some running quite fast, some seeming to muddle about in tiny circles. Marus did not know much about these strange creatures, but they appeared to be nervous, huddling themselves against an unknown enemy. What was frightening them so? There was something strange going on here, but Marus could not put his finger on what it was exactly. The Dinas seemed very agitated, and Marus could not believe that it was their presence that made them so. These were creatures who ate men alive for their meals. So whatever it was that was scaring them, it also scared Marus as well. He steeled himself and pressed onward, leading his men into unknown territory. Whatever it was, they would face it. And hopefully come out alive.

Kadyriath

Kady stopped and knelt. The plan was working beautifully. She could see the group of Dinas clearly in the moonlight, at least ten of them, all surrounding the tree, scared out of their minds. Yspaddaden was right in his planning. She had doubted the validity of his claims when he explained them to her, but she had to eventually trust his expertise and it was turning out to be right. He was a smart man, and she had to envy him a bit for the way this was coming off. She looked over to the side and noted the group of soldiers walking toward the tree as well. They had to notice the Dinas, yet they still advanced. Marus was more courageous than Yspa had given him credit for. Still, even though they continued further, she must implement the next part of the plan. But she was to wait for Yspaddaden's signal. She put the stick that she had been holding down on the grass, then grasped the two stones close to the end. It was unnecessary in her opinion, but Yspa had insisted. She knelt, waiting. Waiting.

Marus

Marus heard the scream of the Dinas and whirled around. The soldiers paused and turned as well, only to witness the last of their party, the man trailing them, being pulled brutally into the grass and darkness, his screams echoing across the plains. The Dinas surrounding the tree started to scream in protest and dance about, beating their knees with their fists in anger. The Dinas behind the soldiers screamed again in frustration. Marus could not see it, but he felt it to be just out of torchlight, standing somewhere in the darkness. The soldiers grimaced as their fellow comrade screamed again. They all knew that cry. The desperate scream of a man, with the knowledge of impending death in his head. The scream was cut short and the Dinas cried out again, this time in triumph. Marus' breathing became irregular as his stomach churned, last nights dinner rising as bile into his throat. They could all hear the distinct sounds of a man being ripped apart, blood spattering the grass, body parts falling to the ground. It was a sound they all knew. And dreaded.

Suddenly, without warning, light leapt forth from the right! Marus twirled and watched as a flame licked at the sky, then traveled forth, racing along a determined course, ringing the tree in its devouring conquest. The ring of flame encircled the tree in a wide arc, causing the soldiers to become trapped within it, along with the group of Dinas surrounding the tree. They were lit up brilliantly now, and Marus could see each of them, all frightened by the flames, running about in fear, not knowing where to escape to. If there was one thing the Dinas feared, it was fire. It was only a matter of time before they noticed the soldiers and began a massacre, venting their rage and fear upon them.

And his men were not helping matters much. Marus spun around, only to see one of the soldiers leap forth, attempting to jump over the wall of flame that kept them prisoner with the beasts. His jump was unsuccessful and he fell on the other side of the ring, his screams of pain being heard by all. The Dinas as well. One of them turned toward the group of men and let out a scream of anger. No doubt he could see the silhouettes of the men against the dancing, ever moving flames. His call alerted several others and within a moment or two all the Dinas that had been trapped within had turned to witness. The one that had called out surged forward, running directly at the soldiers. They backed up as close as they could to the flames without being roasted alive, but it was no shelter from the angry Dinas, fully intent on allowing his anger to rain free upon the humans. He charged forth, feet banging the ground, arms swinging. The other Dinas watched and a few hurried forward as well, to see better. But before the beast could get close enough to cause harm, he stopped short, breathing heavily, baring his teeth. He banged a fist on his knee and gave an agitated cry at them. Marus could not figure out what he had stopped for, until one of his men called out. Marus turned and stood in shock at the sight before him.

There stood the whore, Kadyriath, planted in-between the fire and his men. Her arms and legs were red, covered in blood. She stood with her hands outstretched, feet firm, a steely gaze on her face. Marus couldn't tell if the blood was her own or someone else's. But it was apparent that she was the one the Dinas had shied away from. The men in the back grouped even closer to the men around them, forming a tight circle. One girl, one small, tiny female, yet her appearance was so intimidating that they could not help but back away. She looked at them with authority and anger, raising a hand to point at them. The fire crackled all about, almost drowning out her voice, causing her to yell loudly. The Dinas did not help with their continuous calls. Kady gestured as she spoke.

"Marus, leader of these men! Hunt us no longer! I assure you, if you continue to haunt us, if you pursue us any longer, you will be cut down! I am master of the Dinas now, and they do my bidding! Go back to the king, crawl back to your master and we shall leave you alone! Follow us again, and I shall command these creatures to hunt you, find you, and kill you! Trust me in this! You shall not follow us any longer! Swear to me! Promise me you will leave, promise to me that you will return to your king and tell him that Yspaddaden and his companion Kadyriath are subject to no man, and will not do the bidding of a tyrant-lord! Swear to me you will leave, and I will grant you safe passage! Swear it!"

The Dinas were become quite loud now, and Marus glanced about. They did seem to shy away from her as if afraid, but surely she could not actually command them to do her will. No one was capable of that. His men looked to him for guidance, for courage, and he gave it to them. He turned back to the tiny girl and pulled his sword from his sheath, pointing it at her.

"Kill her."

His men did not have time to grab her before a loud cry was heard, a Dinas call that was louder than all the others, one that caused the Dinas within the fire circle to fall silent. Marus and his men cringed and looked about, trying to see from where the creature that made the sound was standing. There was nothing. Just the Dinas that stood within the circle. And as the fire burned all around them, the call died down, and the creatures once more turned to the soldiers. Marus spun around and Kady was gone. He turned back slowly to the Dinas that stood there, and there was now no fear in his eyes. The Dinas within the circle began to call out again, in anger and frustration. The soldiers behind Marus began to break down in fear as the Dinas almost smiled, right before lifting his feet and running directly toward the soldiers of the king, hunger in his eyes.

Marus had failed in his quest.