Chapter 1 ~ Leaving The Battle Zone

The horrifying battle was over. Shakara had put her mind and body through trials she couldn’t have imagined, drawing on an inner strength she didn’t know she had. The last few hours had been an experience that she’d never forget, one that was worthy of any horror novel. Every muscle screamed in pain as she wearily forced her legs to move forward. Her body ached, yet not as much as her heart. The stars began to shine bright, yet even now she could only find a mild satisfaction in the fact that the war was over. Glancing about at the burning carcasses she knew there would he no evidence that this war ever took place within a few hours. The disgusting odors of blood and decomposing bodies still lingered in the air from the horrific battle, on the other hand in the putrid grounds and rancid air, the battle ground spoke of death in a much more far-reaching sense than many were either capable of appreciating or willing to entertain.
The disgusting odor that permeated the air had already become less noticeable as they stepped from the meadow. A place that had once been a beautiful and vibrant area full of all sorts of life has now been transformed to a blood soaked area of death and corpses. Instantaneously a pulsating shutter shot through Shakara’s body at the thought of all the death and her stomach became queasy. All the sudden Shakara planted her feet defiantly, nodded as if she heard something and then flipped her long black hair hack over her right shoulder and then turned. A second later swallowing a lump of disgust she stared hard at the area taking both a mental and physical inventory of all that had happened, all of the loss and all that was gathered from her short-lived life. With a slight smile she thought. It is inevitable now that all things that thrived here go back as they were, the wild mushrooms, blackberries, salmonberries and wild strawberries together with the most precious of all the flesh of the wonderful wild animals that had shared this area with them. At the same time the corners of her lips went up slightly as she took a deep breath and continued the thought. Like the elk, coyotes, mountain cat, deer, brown bear, wolves, rabbits, bald eagles and yes even the golden eagles, for most provide food for each other, vet today they fought side by side. They especially have the right to continue here. That alone has made this battle worthwhile. Scouring the area with her eyes she allowed only that one realization to sweep through her mind. She then turned towards her friends who were standing about and instantly her jaw fell open as shock took over. Her eyes enlarged as she franticly turned hack to the meadow.
Bloody, and tired Rikk’s pulse raced at the thought of Shakara re-entering the meadow, and he called out, “Wait! What are you doing?” as Shakara continued to head back into the battle zone without a word.
Unfaltering, Shakara, High Priestess and leader of the battle, held her head high while continuing to walk.
Rikk, a ruggedly handsome, headstrong 18 year old with coal black hair and changing eyes rushed to her side, “Shakara what are you doing?” he demanded.
Her long, black hair shone in the starlight, while beads of water trickled down her cheeks and she said not a word.
Anger suddenly over came his fear and Rikk stepped in front of her, and placed both hands on her shoulders. “Stop!” he demanded staring hard into her large brown eyes. As the sight of the tears melted his heart Rikk added in a softer tone, “Shakara, let’s go home. There’s nothing more to accomplish here. It’s over.”
With a strong sense of worth she wiped the tears, looked past him at the still burning carcasses, which lay about the blood stained and smashed hushes to the flaming piles of green and black slime, as well as the unusual vapor, which continued to rise. Then back at Rikk with a coldness in her eyes he had not seen before. Dragging her tongue slowly across her lips she swallowed the lump in her throat, and said. “There is still one of our friends lying in here somewhere.”
With a sharp jerk of his head to the left and right he glanced hack at the group then looked straight at Shakara and asked, “Who?”
Anger tore at her heart as a tear rolled down her face, she bit her lip, inhaled deeply, then glared straight into Rikk’s eyes and asked. “How could you forget the man that allowed me to rescue you?”
Rikk took a sudden intake of air, held it a moment then glanced past her nervously, as fear exploded through him and the realization hit home. Shock filled Rikk. “Shawn!” was all that came out with the exhalation of air.
Hearing Shawn’s name Erin glanced over at the two of them as a sharp stabbing pain slashed at her heart. Her knees went weak, and she slowly collapsed to the ground. Her shoulders shook violently from the crying as she finally releasing all the hurt and pain she had held in during the battle, in order to enact Shawn’s last request.
Adrain rushed to Erin’s side and knelt down in an effort to calm her. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder in a comforting manner.
Hearing Erin’s outburst of tears Shakara turned hack to the group and ran toward her, with Rikk was right behind her.
Adrain looked up straight into Rikk’s eyes. Trying to control his temper Adrain angrily snapped. “Did you know he was my brother?”
Rikk rolled his eyes, swallowing the lump that had swiftly formed in his throat. He blinked once in an attempt to keep control of his feelings, and then staring back boldly into Adrain’s eyes, squared his shoulders said. “Yes! We were closer then most knew.”
“Then come with me! We need to go get him. I won’t leave him here among all those evil creatures!” Adrain stated then stood up slowly, yet defiantly.
Rikk noticed Adrain’s posture. Rikk’s mind raced hack to his friend Shawn as he stood there looking at him and thought. He somehow seems older, more mature now then I ever gave him credit for. He is a lot like his brother, Shawn. Maybe we can become friends. Turning toward the meadow Rikk said, “Show me where he is.” With that, they both moved toward the hushes.
Placing an arm about Erin’s shoulders Shakara said, “It’s all over now. Let it all out, no one is here to see hut me. Go ahead I know it hurts.”
Rikk and Adrain soon disappeared into the night; it became harder to breath the further Rikk and Adrain moved into the meadow. It seemed that the trees surrounding the area kept the suffocating aroma in which made the dispersing of the aroma very hard. They both began choking from the mixture of atrocious odor and steam, yet they continued onward with a strong determination, pushing blood soaked hushes aside, and stepping over puddles of slime here and there, as well as dodging burning carcasses and going around smoldering body parts. Their eves were burning and watering by the time they reached the spot where Shawn had laid. Pushing the limbs aside, they forced their way into the circle of shrubs. Adrain fell to his knees beside Shawn as Rikk stepped to his side. Staring down at Shawn tears filled Rikk’s eyes. Then all at once as the memories of all the fun they had together hit the tears flowed down Rikk’s cheeks silently. Not wishing to show his true feeling. Rikk turned, sniffled and promptly wiped them away, yet not before Adrain glanced up.
Right then a warm feeling flowed though Adrain. If I hadn’t seen it, I wouldn’t have believed it! So, you are able to show feelings over the loss of a friend. Maybe my brother knew something about you that you keep well hidden. Adrain thought, yet said nothing about it.
After minutes of tears Rikk placed his hand on Adrain’s sobbing shoulders. “We need to get him hack to the others so we can all leave this behind us.” He said sympathetically.
Glancing up Adrain nodded, wiped the tears, regained composure and got up.
“Well you grab his ankles and I’ll get his shoulders. Okay?” Rikk said.
“Okay. I’m ready if you are.” Adrain answered squaring his shoulders.
Bending over they got hold of him and started to lift. At that very moment Shawn’s body went totally mushy. Then before they could say anything it transformed into liquid and ran through their fingers.
Dumbfounded, they both looked at one another and stood up straight. To some extent Adrain appeared traumatized. Swallowing hard he forced out, “Where did he go?”
With surprise written all over his face Rikk shrugged his shoulders, and said, “I’m not sure, but he defiantly had some kind of spell put on him. And it had to have been someone with a lot more power then David or Joseph. From the bodies reaction it was put on Shawn after he died, so it couldn’t be moved.”
Anger and frustration battled within Adrain as he listened. Finally Adrain began to interrogate Rikk. “Who is capable of such a thing? Do you think it was just one person? Do you think we can reconstruct Shawn’s body? My God Rikk! Tell me who would put a spell on a dead body?” He demanded impatiently.
Rising up his left hand sharply, palm out toward Adrain Rikk simply stated. “First off you need to quiet down and listen!”
A silent rage flowed through his body, yet with a heavy sigh Adrain became instantly quiet.
“Listen carefully. We are still standing in the middle of the battlefield, which means we probably are not alone.” Rikk whispered. Seeing Adrain’s nod of understanding he added. “Maybe it was put on him while he was alive. I’ll have to check it out. But I want to look at the bright side of this can you do that?” Rikk stated.
Thinking there might he a bright side Adrain perked up a hit. “Of course I can! What is it?” Adrain snapped arrogantly
Attempting to understand Adrain’s shortness with him Rikk just smiled and said. “You don’t have to go to his funeral, just yet.”
Adrain halted, for his skin tingled, and the hair on his arms stood on end. He shuddered, and his heart pounded, as red-hot blood coursed through his veins. Instantly hatred prevailed and Adrain snapped. “That’s not funny! Maybe I thought wrong of you!”
Totally confused Rikk questioned, “What do you mean by that?”
“Never mind! It wouldn’t matter to you anyway. Judas.” Adrain sneered turning from Rikk.
At that moment the old Judas took over and Rikk snatched Adrain’s shoulder, swung him around with a raised hand. “You will tell me what you’re talking about? And don’t give me any bullshit! Or I’m likely to make you join your brother!” Rikk demanded with an evil glare.
Adrain squared his shoulders defiantly then with a condemning glare snapped. “Well, if you really must know. I thought maybe you had feelings for my brother, hut after listening to you just now I find that you don’t and probably never did. I would have no problem showing up for my brother’s funeral no matter when it was. See even though I didn’t know until tonight that Shawn was my brother we were very close friends, Judas!”
Rikk cracked a smiled. “I see you do have gumption just like you brother. That is one of the things I really liked about him. He always said what he thought whether it could get him killed or not.” Rikk stated turning loose of Adrain.
Adrain’s face changed as he asked, “Really?”
In an understanding tone Rikk said, “Yeah! He also made sure to square his shoulders first too, just as you did. It made me think he was ready for what every I did or said. Now listen. What I meant was if I find out it was a spell, maybe you won’t have to go to his funeral anytime soon, but understand we all have to die sometime.”
Adrain’s eyes blinked several times real quickly. “Are you saying he might not he dead?” Adrain’s voice took on a shocked tone.
Rikk’s chest rose and fell in a troubled pattern. “Well, don’t go getting your hopes up to high I have to check things out first, so don’t go telling the women anything just yet.” Rikk warned.
Inquisitively Adrain stated. “I won’t! But, what do we tell them when we come back without Shawn’s body?”
Rikk chuckled. “That’s an easy one. We are just going to say we couldn’t find him. That way we aren’t lying. Right?” Rikk stated jokingly.
Confusion filled Adrain face as he stared at Rikk. “How do you figure that?” Adrain snapped.
Rikk huffed. “Can you find him?” Rikk inquired frankly.
Adrain’ s eyebrows shot up. “Not now!” He answered sarcastically.
“Exactly! Now let’s get hack, there are a lot of others that need healing.” Rikk said pushing through the bushes and taking off at a trot.
Adrain huffed, shrugged his shoulders and quickly followed after Rikk.
The sickening steam had thinned just a little more, yet it still was horrendous and in some areas thick which made it hard to breath. They made their way hack to the group. Shakara was still beside Erin who was now only sobbing, hut was up on her feet.
“Are you ready to head out of here?” Rikk asked as they stepped up to the group.
Glancing up and not seeing Shawn Erin’s heart raced wildly. “Where’s Shawn?” She gasped whipping her face.
Shakara pulled Erin in close to her chest, much as a mother would have and glared at the two of them sternly then stated, “I thought you were going to bring Shawn back!”
Rikk stepped forward and said, “We were !”
Shakara’s face became stern and even before he could say anything else she snapped, “So, where is he?”
Rikk took a deep breath and shaking his bead in disbelief and said. “We don’t know. He was not where they left him.”
Tears again flowed freely from Erin’s face causing pain to rip at Adrain’s heart, so he stepped to her side and brushing away a tear then whispered, “I know it’s not much comfort, hut everything will be all right.”
Erin glared at him, then glanced at the battlefield, inhaled deeply and then fleetingly looked at Shakara. Then in an attempt to appear strong like Shakara she swallowed hard. Subsequently, she looked up at Adrain. Her facial features became calm and understanding. With a slight jerk she pulled away and said. “Thank you for your concern Adrain, but I’m fine.”
Instantaneously he drew back in surprise as confusion set in. His mouth fell open only to be swiftly shut by a stern glare from Shakara. Rikk saw what was happening and moved to Adrain’s side. “Let’s go over there and check if we missed anyone else.” He said nodding to the left.
Shakara gave a slight nod of approval, as she caught onto what he was doing.
Adrain’s facial features were perplexed as they moved off into the woods.

A short time later they were in among a nearby cluster of trees and bushes. Adrain stumbled along in a trance like state, still dwelling on what had happened with Erin.
All at once, Rikk spotted a Mordi searching the hushes off to the left. Clasping his hand over Adrain’s mouth. Rikk pushed him behind a nearby tree, and then raising a finger to his lips Adrain’s eyes opened wide as he stood steadfast.
Minutes seemed like hours as they waited in silence while it ambled toward them. Wetting the end of his finger Rikk checked the direction of the wind. “Shhh!” Rikk whispered.
Adrain’s eyes glanced left and right in nervous curiosity awaiting Rikk’s sign to move.
Seconds later Rikk whispered, “Don’t worry Mordi have relatively poor vision, from a distance they go by movement. So stay still.”
Adrain apprehensively nodded his understanding.
All at once the breeze changed slightly and Rikk placed his hands about his mouth and let go with a distressed Mordi call.
Just then the Mordi stopped dead in its tracks, glanced in their direction, and studied the area. All its attention was then captivated in their direction. The Mordi cautiously eased toward them, watchfully picking its way forward. It stopped about 50 feet away from them and appeared to lose interest. It again went to nosing about in the grass and shrubs.
Disgusted Rikk let loose with the call again, this time with much more intensity.
The demon reacted again by dashing straight toward them. Then at about 20 feet away it spotted them and all at once put on the brakes and swiftly darted into the nearby hushes.
Rikk looked at Adrain in disbelief. “Mordi are opportunists. They hear one of their own in pain or dieing they will go to see if there is something they can take or if it is dieing they will help it along so they can have a warm meal.”
Adrain stomach did a flip as he choked out. “Ah, thanks for the info. But why did you bring me out here.”
Rikk shook his head, swallowed hard and then said. “Adrain, it appeared as if you couldn’t or just didn’t understand Erin’s behavior.”
As lines formed on Adrain’s forehead he replied. “You’re right. I don’t.”
Rubbing his lingers across his forehead Rikk thought a moment, and then said, “Erin is still in love with Shawn and from her actions is not willing to accept his death just yet. From her mannerisms, I’d say she is going to deal with it as if Shawn just went away for a while.”
Adrain shook his head in an attempt to understand then stated. “Say what? That makes no sense!”
Rikk shrugged then calmly replied, “Maybe for you and me it don’t, but for her it would seem like that’s the way she is going to deal with it for awhile.”
The grooves deepened on Adrain’s forehead as he questioned. “How is that going to help the fact? I mean she was right there when Shawn put our hands together and told me to take care of her.”
Rikk hung his head a moment and then shook his head in despair. Seconds later raising his head Rikk looked into a face full of painful doubt and wonderment then moistened his lips. I’m no good at this! Rikk thought, and then said. “Adrain, remember how your heart was lifted at the thought of Shawn not being dead?”
Somewhat surprised Adrain replied. “Yeah, but we didn’t give her that kind of false hope.”
Inhaling deeply Rikk said, “The only thing I can say is everyone handles loss of the ones they love in their own way. Erin is not ready to accept it or even believe it, whether it’s true or not. So, if you do truly care, don’t push her about it or you might just push her away from you totally.”
Adrain shook his head as he tried to understand then in disbelief Adrain looked at Rikk and asked. “How can I help her if she won’t even accept the fact?”
Disappointment began to set in and Rikk was trying hard to control his temper. All at once Rikk blew up, “Look Dammit! I don’t have all the answers. All I know is she is not wanting to talk about it so...” then seeing the hurt in Adrain’s face Rikk swallowed his pride then added. “Look. I’m asking you to please not bring it up to her. When she’s ready, she’ll talk.”
Adrain’s chest rose and fell in a troubled pattern as he stated. “All right Rikk. I’ll he quiet about it, hut I am going to keep an eye on her as my brother asked.”
Rikk smacked him on the hack “I’d expect nothing less! Now do you want to go hunt that demon down or just go hack to the group?”
With that remark a smirk came to his face and Adrain answered. “Let’s get hack to the group now. Turning around he added. “I’ve sort of lost interest in them all!”

A short time later, they caught up with the others and helped carry the wounded to the motel. Before reaching the end of the woods Shakara turned, facing everyone. She smiled softly, raised her left hand with the sword in it. Holding the sword by the blade allowing the hilt to gather light from the stars then in a calm and loving tone she said. “Thank you all! Now you must return to your normal appearance and so be it.”
Minutes later she grabbed the hilt of the sword with her right hand then waving the blade from left to right high over all of them. Slowly it caused a beautiful light show once again. The lights danced and flashed about each animal, swaying this way and that in no apparent order. “This is for your own protection. Take care of yourselves until we meet again.” she said as all at once it flashed in a rainbow of colors, transforming them once again into their normal state.
Minutes later as the sparkles died away they looked normal. Glancing about as if confused and unsure about their safety now, they all darted hack into the natural protection of the woods.
Lee Chin’s heart went out to Shakara as he noticed the hurt in her eyes. Moving to her side he said. “My child, there is a time for everything. Now it is the time to get our friends here to the motel for healing and care. So, they too may rejoin their friends in the woods.”
A smile slowly formed as Shakara said, “Yes, Master of course you are right. Let’s get going.”
Presently Adrian caught up with Lee Chin. Huffing a hit he asked, “What are you looking for, Master?”
Lee chin looked over into an enthusiastic face, gave a slight nod and said. “The tiniest of factors can hold the largest significances.”
“Such as?” Adrain inquired.
“Young people should be into nature more.”
“Okay. I agree. So, tell me what you are talking about.” Adrain smiled.
“I was talking about the way a twig is cracked or the untimely shifting of the breeze.” Lee Chin said, reaching to his left and picking up something he added. “Or a single strand of hair caught by a limb.”
Adrain’s eyes lit up in amazement as “Wow!” escaped his lips.
“You young man, need to spend time here in the mountains. It will enrich your imagination. Have you ever wondered what the forest was to man other then a healthy stirring of the imagination?” Lee Chin said light heartedly stroking his goatee’.
With a nonchalant shrug Adrain replied. “I always thought that it was just a place for getting away from school and parents then again it’s a great place to camp and of course it is a place for the animals to live and eat.”
With one long sharp fingernail Lee Chin swipes a strand of hair out of his eyes then said, “Have you not wondered how they do those things?”
Shrugging his shoulders Adrain answered, “No, the books say...”
All at one Lee Chin’s hand snapped up sharply palm toward Adrain, then turned slightly as if to face him and stated, “Stop right there! I expected as much for you dwell in a cement city. The pursuit and evasion of predator and prey are but shadows of the same desire.”
Adrain’s eyebrows shot up in amazement as he questioned. “Say what?”
Lee Chin again turned slightly and continued to walk. He slowed down a pace while waiting for Adrain to come out of his temporary shock and catch up and then said. “Listen carefully, my son. A deer wants to remain a deer, while the mountain cat wants to consume the deer and in doing so partly becomes the deer, to take flesh into flesh. Either way the escape maneuvers of the deer help tone and shape as well as strengthen the muscles of the mountain cat.”
Still somewhat confused. Adrain said. “1 really haven’t thought that much about it.”
Lee Chin chuckled, stroked his goatee’ and continued to walk while studying the area.
Adrain dwelt on all Lee Chin said for a while, and then all at once another question came to mind. “Master, how could all this happen without anyone hearing it? I don’t understand.”
“You must remember where you are. The people that choose to live up here in this remote area have their own philosophy. Only the strong belong out here. The ones that possess a hardness and will to survive.”
“Then if they are that type why didn’t they come help out in the battle?” He questioned.
Lee Chin just inhaled deeply then replied, “For they are also dreamers. They live a life of deprivation and yet enter the comforts that can only be had in daydreams or in one’s own
Imagination. So you see, they were already busy in their own world. Now hurry we must catch up.”
Wrinkles formed on Adrain’s forehead and a blank expression filled his face as he asked. “Are you saying that no one heard all that noise?”
“No.” Lee Chin said with a slight shake of his head then added, “What I am telling you is that the evil one could have stopped them from hearing the commotion or led them to think of other things in the same way he has distractions for other things.” Lee Chin replied calmly.
Bewildered and unsure what to think Adrain blurted out. “Oh! Okay well let’s hurry up so they don’t get to far ahead.”
Lee Chin nodded. “That would be advisable.” He answered as they quickened their pace.
Finally they came over a little mountain pass, it was the first of Nov. 1988 and the air had a chill in it, which announced that winter was rapidly approaching. Looking down they saw the dense purples and blues of the Spruce as well as the beautiful green pine and eye-catching maple vines, as they trudged closely to the winding river. Shakara glanced up at the ivory crest of Mount Rainer as it shone brightly in the moonlight behind them.
Shakara imagined her mother flying about the ivory crest of the mountain then back at the huge rugged landscape with a renewed pride.

Shortly, they were all back at the motel. Adrain put on water to boil then darted about grabbing up loose clean rags, while Lee Chin and Shakara tended to the wounded.
Rikk’s heart ached as he caught a glimpse of the loving kindness and sorrow in Shakara’s face as she looked at the animals and said. “It is time to heal you and send you hack to the nature you fought gallantly to protect.”
Shakara looked at Lee Chin as a shiver ran through her then said, “Master, have you noticed that there appears to be something mysterious happening up here between the landscape and the residents. A obsession that seems to stimulate their imagination, and causes many to set off deep into the woods in search of the unknown.”
Totally confused Rikk scratched his head and said, “What?”
Shakara glanced over at Rikk. “I’m not sure what, because it is not just a spiritual sustenance, hut a real thing.”
“You set out after an unknown enemy with your senses fully engaged, even wildly alert which is not your normal state of mind. You had to hypnotize yourself just to do this battle, so your emotions should not be listened to right now. It is no wonder you are having strange feeling now. You must get some sleep before trusting your emotions.” Lee Chin replied.
“Maybe you are right, Master.” She answered, continuing to heal the animals.
“ Hey Master Lee, what about teaching me all that stuff now?” Rikk inquired.
“There is only one Master per generation. From the time of the Pharaohs we have been the most feared protectors in the world. A master can hold his breath for over an hour, tear doors from their hinges, dodge bullets, outrun a car, and seem invisible. Do you fully understand how much you will he expected to learn?”
Inhaling deeply Rikk replied, “Yeah. I get the idea. I have to master the full potential of my body”
An eyebrow shot up as Lee Chin calmly said, “You are willing then?”
Rikk’s eyes lit up at the thought of such power and he replied, “I am willing.”
Chin still working on healing an animal simply said, “Then go to bed!”
Shocked Rikk spouted, “What?”
Without looking up Lee Chin stated, “If you can not follow that simple of an instruction how do you expect to learn something that is much more complex?”
Exhaling in frustration Rikk said, “Alright! All right, I get the idea. See ya all in the morning.” Rikk slowly turned and headed towards the door.

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