The wart hog, who you meet a few chapters back, was racing aggressively along the open plains of the world of night. His hoofs hit the ground in a rhythmic gallop as his breath came quickly from his lungs in a deep and bellowing sound. Gradually the open plain emerged into a sea of sand that carried a gorgeous gleam due to the moon’s aid. He stopped for a moment, as if he has lost his way, but upon remembering his road, he quickly returned to his gallop until he made his way to his destination.
The wart hog’s colleague was waiting for him impatiently. It walked back and forth through the said, complaining of the creatures tardiness. Finally, in the distance, the cougar; the kidnapper, descried his friend running up towards him. The cougar stood with his fist clinched as if he was going to strike the warthog.
“Where have you been, Gluttmore?” the cougar said forcibly, “I’ve been waiting for hours. You were suppose to meet me once I came back!”
“Sorry, Slavebourne,” replied the wart hog, trying to catch his breath, “ but my absence has brought something just as vital as the children you have there.”
“What nonsense are you talking about?”
His friend drew closer to the cougar, who was a little put off by the move; but once the hog whispered something in the cat’s ear his eyes enlarged as if he heard something tantalizing.
“Really?” the cougar replied, slyly.
Gluttmore nodded. The cougar intimated for his friend to follow him. A few paces away Slavebourne showed Gluttmore the multitude of children, sleeping comfortably together; stretching far into the distance.
“Look at them,” said the cougar, “Sleep, unaware of where they are or what our master has in store for them.”
“How long does the spell work?”
“A few hours, and then–”
Suddenly a few children began to shake off the spell that had overcome them. The cougar, in haste, took his horn and began to play that wicked tune, putting the children back to slumber.
“That was close,” said Gluttmore, “When will Dranus arrive?”
“In time,” said the cougar, “He’ll be here soon enough.”
Over the sandy sea appeared a myriad of shadows. Shadows darted to and fro like little bugs back and forth in an endless wave of flight. Slavebourne looked up and above him were a multitude of vampire bats. They were so numerous that the two below could not count them all. The bats were as black as the sky they dominated, and if it wasn’t for the
moon’s light they won’t have be seen at all.
Down they came, one by one; huddling together in malice and strife. But one, the leader of the entire legion, pressed through his subordinates, keeping his sights on Gluttmore and Slavebourne. He was large, as large as a horse; his back was angled, placing his head as a perfect weapon of destruction. Around his neck was a form fitting brace that acted as a collar to distinguish his commanding stature over his troop, and for a brief moment, Slavebourne and Gluttmore felt a spark of fear run through their veins.
“Well, well it took you two long enough. Dranus has been waiting.”
“He has to wait no longer,” the cougar said annoyed, “Where is he anyway?”
“Roaming to destroy, as he always does,” the bat said with a snarl, "But let me take a closer look at these children.”
The monstrous bat looked over the sea of slumbering bodies with disgust.
“Where is he going to put all of them?” asked Vamp.
"That’s for him to decide" replied Gluttmore.
From a distance, hoofs were heard beating the ground violently. The sound was
distinctive and always carried a deep piercing chill in the air whenever it was heard.
Slavebourne, Gluttmore, and Vamp, shuddered from the breeze: the three knew
instinctively that Dranus was on his way. The sound of the hoofs became louder and louder; becoming a deafening sound.
The arrival of the unicorn brought his three subjects to bow forcibly under his glare. He was gigantic and his presence was terrifying. The unicorn was built like a warhorse, his eyes were black, and his pupils were slit as a snake’s would be. The wings upon its back were large and bat like; which he could easily transformed into eagle wings if he need to deceive. His mane, wild and silver, flowed over his white skin. The silver horn on his head was long, thin, and shined brightly in the moonlight, but its glimmer had deeper properties unknown to many. The beast called the cougar forward in a commanding tone; and not daring to seem defiant, Slavebourne crawled over to his master.
“Where is my gift?”
“The children," Slavebourne cautiously, “are over that ridge.”
The beast made his way to his temporary prize.
“Look at all the souls!” he said as his eyes grew with greed, “ So many to keep–so many to enslave.”
The beast stood silently overlooking the children, his three minions dared not the speak, least a pernicious punishment would follow suit. Finally, Dranus turned from the children to address his subjects.
“Vamp gather your legion and take these children to my lair– down to the deepest depths.”
“Master,” said Gluttmore jumping in suddenly,” I saw something that you might want to know about.”
Dranus’s look showed more contempt than that of appreciation; and if Gluttmore wasn’t quick about his speaking, Dranus would make sure he would never speak again.
"There are three creatures who are well- they were- were different.”
“Explain," said the unicorn with a hint of uneasiness in his voice.
“They didn’t look like us. Their clothes and fur-”
The unicorn, listening to the description, quickly came up with the answer; that not only was true, but put a swelling fear in his being. Dranus knew that the Holy One had sent those creatures to this world. For what reason?-- he did not know and did not care. The unicorn’s reign over the world of night was being threaten in some form and when Dranus was threaten his only reprisal was to destroy the threat. Six bats were called forward, they were charged with the task of killing the five creatures. To prove the success of the attack, dead bodies were demanded to be brought back. The six bats, under command, swooped into the night sky in search of blood.
“Now, Vamp, back to your work.”
Vamp and his troop each took a child up into the night sky. The flying was fast, passing across lakes, mountains, and valleys, until they came to an immense chasm. Vamp dove into the crack, as his troops followed suit. Down into the dark the flew, until light could not enter further. Three trips were made, until ever child was ensnared in Dranus’s lair.
Chapter 11: Battle on the Open Plain
The air was steady as the five traveled briskly over hilltops and open plains. After a few hours of walking, Peppi and Ragel sat down to rest. Gideon and the others joined them, although they were not tired themselves.
“This is insane," replied Gabriel, "We have no idea where we are going?”
“That usually the best way to get there,” said Peppi, “When you don’t know anything you eventually end up knowing something.”
“What are you talking about?” said the black hare, “Gideon do you know what he is saying?”
“Your guess is as good as mine.” said Gideon.
Peppi shook his head, bewildered that the two did not understand.
“I think he means,” said Samson, “ Despite our lack of information, we will eventually find our way to the children.”
“See! see! The wolf understands.” said Peppi excitedly.
Gabriel returned to his murmuring over the current circumstances.
“There are no stars to guide us. For all we know we could be walking in circles.”
“You may have a point, Gabriel" Gideon said, "We have no map and Peppi and Ragel have never traveled beyond the colony, except when they met us.”
There was much doubt within the group, but Samson made all fears disappear with a sound word,
"The Lord will guide us, be patient."
“Enough of that God stuff!" shouted Gabriel, rejecting the wisdom, "Admit it, we’re lost.”
“You have a real problem with godly talk,” said Samson. “ I pray that the Lord deals with you to change that.”
Something in Samson’s words set Gabriel's heart to anger. He rose up and stormed over to the wolf, which was a bold thing indeed.
“You’ve got a big mouth Samson. I’m going to teach you have to keep it shut.”
The wolf, surprised by the hare raising his hands into clinched fists, began to chuckle.
This, of course, made Gabriel irate; and forgetting his manners, he threw a left hook,
punching Samson in the stomach. Samson, unshaken by the blow, looked over to Gideon and said,
“Gideon, you and Gabriel better take a nice walk or I’m going to show him a real left hook.”
Gideon, taking Gabriel by the scruff of his jacket, lead him away from the group. In the distance they both were in a verbal fight. In the end, it seemed that Gideon had won, for Gabriel stomped away near a large hill. Gideon came back to apologize to his friend
"Sorry, Samson, Gabriel has always been cold when it comes to God. He did hurt did he?
“No. He just needs a lot of love, we both know that.”
Over a neighboring hill, Gabriel was still irate about Samson’s words. He was lying on his back admiring the glowing moon. Every moment he spent in the world of night gave him a sense of enmity for the place. It was stupid, he thought, to travel into unknown territory. Trusting a God he could not see, was as distant as the moon in the sky. Yet over his reflection a spark of fear came over him and all his objections disappeared. Up in the sky he could see something moving. Whatever it was it was coming closer and closer to him. He got up, pulled his blade, and began to inch back toward the hill. He did not have to wait long to see the terror in the sky. Six dog sized bats landed twenty feet in front of him. Each revealed its fangs followed by a hiss, which put such fright into the hare that he nearly lost his grip on the sword. The presence of the bats removed all clear thinking for the rabbit; for he should have cried out for help at that moment. His mouth was dry; he could not find the words to speak. He tried once more and the words came slowly.
"W- what do you want?"
♦
Such a question needed no verbal answer. A little grin was all that was needed to make Gabriel make a run up the hill and down the other side. The bats followed closely behind in hot pursuit, being enticed by the unicorn’s command. Samson and the others were startled to see Gabriel yelling and running from the very enemies that desired never to meet. One bat leaped into the air and slammed Gabriel to the ground. The bat’s aim was to tear into the hare’s neck, but Gabriel kept his blade between him and the bat’s fangs.
Ragel, Peppi, and Gideon ran forward to help. Samson, with bow and arrow, kept the other bats at bay.
With a great cry, Gideon brought his blade down to slay Gabriel’s attacker. The blow missed, but the anticipation of being struck, was enough to send the bat into retreat for the moment. Ragel had already cut down one to the bats. Peppi on the other hand wasn't fairing well. Throwing his daggers proved to be pointless, for the bat was too nimble for them. After throwing the last knife, which the little dog had deeply regretted, he remain helpless. The bat prepared to attack. He arched is back, spread its jaws, and jumped at the little dog, leaving Peppi to face an inevitable fate. Even when it seems that all was over, there came a hope by way of Samson. An arrow had caught that bat in the neck killing him instantly, leaving the little dog covered by the dead brute.
Samson was shooting arrow after arrow with unfruitful results. He almost hit one bat, one arrow nearly struck Gideon, and another missed its target completely. The only arrow that made its mark was Peppi’s.
"Maybe you should aim first," said Gideon.
" I am," replied Samson, looking around nervously.
Gabriel and Gideon killed another bat. Ragel finished off another. The last two bats began to retreat. They whispered to each other of what to do next.
"They are more skillful than we thought," replied the first bat.
"Yes, what do we do now?" stated the second.
"Return to Dranus."
"But he’ll--"
We can go no where else," replied the second, " We have no other choice."
The two bats leaped into the air and flew away, dodging a few arrows from the wolf’s bow. Ragel, under great distress, was earnestly looking for his friend.
"Where’s Peppi?" he cried, " PEPPI!"
A low murmur came from under the dead bat. Everyone languidly and cautiously walked over.
"Be careful this one may be still alive," said Gabriel.
Weapons were drawn as they got closer. To their surprise they saw a small arm wiggling from under the bat. The muffled sound of “Get him off of me” came from the little dog’s mouth. The bat was pushed aside and the papillon jumped up petrified. He took a moment to gather himself and went to find his daggers. The others followed, making sure that he was all right.
"Are you hurt?" asked Samson.
"No," said Peppi brushing himself off, " the foul beast was already dead when he landed on me. And look, my helmet is broken!"
Samson walked over to the corpse. He saw the arrow.
"At least one of them made its mark."
"I’m glad it did," stated Peppi.
After making sure that all was well for the time being, it became clear that another onslaught of bats could come at any moment.
"We have to move and quickly," Gideon said, "We don't need another fight like that."
Can the three of you," Gabriel said referring to Samson and the two dogs, " get the scent of those bats? They may lead us to where we need to go.”
The brightness of the idea put a hope back into a dreary situation.
“Great idea, Gabriel.” said Gideon, “Sometimes you wit astounds me.”
“It should do it all the time,” replied Gabriel, playfully.
"We should have brought a Bloodhound with us," Ragel said. He took a moment to sniff the air, "I’ve got a scent, but its weak. What about you, Samson?”
After a few sniffs, the wolf cocked a grin.
“To the south for sure.”
“Does any trouble with that scent?” said Gideon.
“Come and see,” said Samson, “Come and see.”
The party of five made their way over the hilltops with the wolf in the lead.
The long journey back to Dranus’s lair was a questionable one for the two bats. Failing to carry out the command of the unicorn would only result in a death sentence. The thoughts of what their master would do to them tormented their minds as they circled the great gap below. Diving down into the deep revealed the chasm’s intrinsic nature, with its sharp rocks and jagged corners, the bats had to carefully fly in order not to injure themselves. Down below awaited the unicorn along with Slavebourne, Gluttmore and Vamp. The heavy glare from Dranus told of his swift, hateful wrath to come; and considering the apathetic look from Vamp, the situation did not appease any anxieties the bats had. The two bats had practiced their story before they came.
The lie was this: the three strangers were dead, but since the battle was fierce, resulting in the death of their peers, it was impossible to bring the bodies back to the lair. Hoping that the story would work, the bats believed that Dranus would send some other bats to retrieve the bodies, and then the escape would be not only viable, but permanent as well.
Lying was an odious trait that Dranus had taught them, but little did they know that a servant is never above the master; for the master knew the trick beforehand. There were many things Dranus had power over and many things he had not. The world of night was his stomping grounds, and the unicorn knew of his minions’ deeds: whether or not they were a success or failure.
Vamp trotted over to one the bats and whispered in his ear:
"Bad move coming back."
The large bat then returned back to his master’s side, leaving his former acquaintances to their fate.
The bats articulated their story quickly and as deceitfully as they had planned, but the events were all ready known.
“I made the lie and mastered it,“ said Dranus. “It was a lie that brought the entire creation into corruption and you think your little one will fool me?”
The two bats were silent.
The horn on the unicorn’s head began to glow and the wings on his back arched
menacingly. Before them Dranus the unicorn was changing into Dranus the dragon. His ivory skin became scaly, armored and pitch black making him look like a complete shadow. Hoofs cracked into dragger-like claws, and what ever beauty there was before was now lost. Without another word, the dragon blew a great blaze of gray fire that burned the bats to ashes. A wicked smile slowly emerged across the Dranus‘s face.
Vamp, Slavebourne, and Gluttmore cringed from the act. After his tirade, the dragon shot a icy glare at them, letting them know he was quite indiscriminate of what he killed.
Gradually, the dragon became the unicorn again, and for the time being all was placid in the great deep.
Further away from that dreadful scene, Samson were sniffing the air with all diligence.
The scent had taken them nearer to the mountain range. The wolf scrambled back and
forth, and then suddenly he stopped.
"Let me guess--you lost the scent," said Gabriel.
"All this way and nothing to show for it." replied Peppi.
"This was a bad idea," said Ragel, " We have to retrace our steps and get back on track.
"We don’t have to do that. All we’ll be doing is wasting time," replied Gideon, "Samson got us this far. Look, all we have to do is turn this way and walk straight," he said pointing forward," Who's with me?"
On and on the disagreements went, each figuring that their idea was best. Tempers flared more than they wanted, which made finding the correct direction arduous and tiring.
Gabriel plopped down on the ground and started to complain.
"Pointless!" Gabriel said, " This was pointless the moment we entered this place. We’re sent out in the middle of nowhere to find these children, and were being guided by two dogs who haven’t even ventured outside their own colony.
“Yes we have,” the little dog shouted.
"Only that one time," replied Gabriel, "It's better just to quit and return to the colony."
"This is no time to give up," replied Gideon, "We have mission to do. The Holy One-
“Here we go again,” Gabriel said rolling his eyes.
Gabriel’s words took Gideon by surprise; not only because of the timing, but also by how disrespectful they were. The white hare glowered at his young student. The glance seemed to keep Gabriel's tongue at bay; yet the black hare wanted to say more.
"If you have something to say, Gabriel, say it." demanded Gideon.
Gabriel returned to his feet.
"You always try to drown out the reality of things with one of your tidbits about the Holy One. I'm getting sick and tired of it."
Gideon, although inclined to swat Gabriel across the mouth, was lead by God to deal with Gabriel with words of truth rather than fists of wrath.
"First of all, I expect a little more respect,” said Gideon, “And Secondly, no one is trying to hide the reality of things. God will help us. Everything isn’t easy, some things are hard, but there’s nothing God can't do. Right now we are in a hard spot. And," Gideon said in retrospect, " God has helped me before. We should have been asking for God's help instead of bickering among one another."
This, for the first time, was the best plan of action; for prayer is always the most important deed anyone can do, and a deed no one should do without. Gideon, Samson; and despite not knowing what to do, Peppi and Regal joined in to seeking the Lord’s help.
Gabriel stood afar as not to hear the words, and did not return to the group until he was sure that they were done.
"What do we do now?" asked Ragel, "Did God hear us?"
"He hears us," Samson said boldly, " and until he answers we will do what we are suppose to do."
♦
Dranus stood idle as his three minions watched on, wondering if it was prudent to address him. Before any of them gained the courage to attempt the feat, the unicorn took note of Vamp.
"Still alive," Dranus said looking at Vamp, "is your army so impotent as not to follow out
The bat lowered his head. For a brief moment Vamp thought that his life would be snuffed out by his master; but the deathblow that was immediate for his subordinates, was put aside for a more important plan of action.
"Do you know Astra?" Dranus asked.
“Yes I do,” Vamp replied raising his head slightly, “She is the falcon who lives in the great willow tree near the city of Ishmahal. She is a bird that is a traitor to her own kind."
"She has been a great aid to me” replied Dranus. “I’m going to require her assistance again. Vamp come with me. Slavebourne and Gluttmore stay here.”
The great willow tree hid among the roots of a deep forest comprised of banyan trees.
The tree itself was planted firmly on a small island surrounded by a shallow moat. The giant roots spread like tentacles into the water, and the branches hung low to the ground to hide any occupants therein. Inside the willow tree was the falcon. She slept quietly among the branches, undisturbed by the elements. A cold shiver, however, came over her that did little to stir her, but another blow of cold air sent such a chilling pain through her body that she came from her sleep, noticing that the tree was covered in frost. From without waited Dranus: a beast she feared more than any other.
"Come out of the tree, I want to have a word with you," said Dranus.
The falcon flew down, causing the frost to fall. Astra was as large as a horse, but in the sight of Dranus nothing but an ant, and when she made her way slowly over from her island, the bird took the position of bondage by crouching low to the ground.
"Bird, how goes the night?" said Dranus.
"No better than before," she said solemnly.
Not particular caring whether she was well or not, Dranus went to his purpose for coming.
"I have need of you and do not fail me," said Dranus, " for I have destroyed two others (he made a quick glance at Vamp) "and will not hesitate to do the same to you. There are five travelers. Three of them have not been tainted as you are. I know my Enemy (referring to God) has sent them to assail me. They are here to rescue the children that I have in my lair. Find them and lead them to Ishmalhal. After that you are done and can return to the tree.”
“Why not send big ugly over there to do the job,” she said referring to Vamp.
The bat came forward with a hiss. These two creatures, and their species in general, had always had a deep strife over the skies. Warring factors contributed to an stronghold for the bats on the upper realm. Vamp reminded the falcon of her downcast position.
"Your empty insult will not return you or your kind to the skies. We reign and you birds hide yourselves in mountains and caves."
Astra ignored the comment and inquired further of the strangers.
"How are they different?" she asked.
"Color!" Vamp replied still annoyed by her comment, "Two rabbits: one black, one white.
A wolf and two dogs from this world are with them also."
The very command given to the falcon was very much a concern for her. Ishmalhal was a wicked city. The natives, being distracted by much reviling, had a lustful pleasure in food
and strong drink. Any creature entering therein was known to have such vices overcome them. However, Astra was not inclined to second guess Dranus, and taking his threat seriously, she said not another word. The unicorn's eyes saw, by the bird’s expression, a glimpse of concern for the strangers she would have to destroy. He, using his deceitful devices, immediately did away with an possibility of concern that could manifest itself; for concern would lead to love, which always leads to God, which brings salvation—and Dranus did not want that.
"Care not for the strangers.” said Dranus deceitfully, “Our world must remain the way it is. Its is what you know. You became a traitor to help me keep this world exactly the way it is, right?”
“Yes,” Astra said tensely.
"And as a traitor, you must have a safe haven," replied Dranus, seeing his wicked words at work, "Haven’t I kept you safe from Vamp and the other bats even when you venture out to eat?”
“Yes,” she said lowering her head.
"So with those facts in place you will bring the five to Ishmalhal," replied Dranus, "You all ready know the reward for shortcomings. Do not look so sad little bird. If you do this for me I will allow all the birds to fly amongst the sky again. I will tell the bats to leave the birds in peace."
Vamp could not believe his ears, but upon further cogitation, he knew that this was one of the unicorn’s classic wiles: make a promise, lie about it, and never bring about its true fulfillment. The bat had seen his master use it time and time again against any creature he found perfect to manipulate for his own glory. And it was a trick that Dranus had used on him, although Vamp believed that he was beyond that kind of deception— a dangerous belief.
Astra raised her head as if a glimmer of hope had arrived; and for a brief moment, which Dranus only needed, she believed him.
"You promise?" she said rising to her full height for the first time, " Say that you promise."
The unicorn looked her directly in the eyes and said this,
"I am your master, why should I have to promise? Now go and do as I've said."
The unicorn, with Vamp trailing at a distance, left the bird alone.
"Are you sure that the bird will do her job?" asked Vamp, inquiring further of his master's plans.
"It matters not," exclaimed Dranus, " for if she obeys something is destroyed; and if she does not obey, she will be destroyed. Either way my will shall be done."
There was a odd silence between the bat and unicorn. Vamp was not sure if his master would speak again or if it was wise to speak to him, but Dranus broke the silence with another vicious command.
"Go and gather your legion and head to the city. Wait in the shadows until I give you word. When the five arrive at the city they won’t get out, however, if they manage to escape kill them immediately. Are you able to do this or not?"
“Yes. They won't escape my mighty legion,” Vamp said confidently, "When you chose us
to be your eyes of the night, you chose victory."
"Many words, little to show." replied Dranus.
Vamp, put down for his high speech, left his master alone to gather his subordinates.
♦
Under the bright, white moon the five continued their search. The mountain range had made its introduction as a difficult hike. A labyrinth of sharp rocks and boulders was laid out before them causing the journey to be perilous: on more than one occasion someone would trip or nearly twist their ankle, but there were no serious injuries. Two hours went by before they reached a river. The sight of the river was like that of a oasis for Peppi and Regal. The water ran quietly down the slope, as fish swam vigorously upstream.
"Trout and plenty too!" said Ragel, liking his chops, " My belly has been neglected long enough."
Ragel stood by the edge of the river with his axe raised and waited for an opportunity to hit any unsuspecting fish. When he did, he only got a face full of water. He did this repeatedly with the same results, and with comical frustration.
"Aim," replied Peppi, looking on, "Aim!"
"How long do you two need to rest?" asked Gideon.
"A few minutes," said Peppi, " Once we eat and take a quick nap, we’ll be good to go."
After much travail, Ragel did acquire plenty of fish, dividing his spoil evenly w