Coil of Worlds

Her breathing ragged, Eiren shadowed Chion through the tunnel system. Finding her physically unfit, Chion told her before they left for Areth that he would use the journey as part of her training. After three days of their agonizing flight through the tunnels, she was for once grateful no one could hear her groans or complaints.

Chion made an obstacle course of the debris lying in their path. She admitted that his techniques, though unorthodox, did work. Her reflexes were improving after only a few days, becoming faster and smoother. She knew it’d take months before she could truly fight alongside Skye as his battlemate, yet she felt hope for the first time since last seeing Skye.

The size and number of villages they traveled through became fewer until almost a day had passed since seeing the last village. Judging from their pace, Eiren thought they weren’t that far from the next one. Perhaps Chion would see fit to let them stop there. Goddess knew she needed rest. She mentally shrugged, letting loose a loud snort. Eiren was incapable of asking him, and she hadn’t thought of the question last night.

Focused on putting one foot in front of the other, she almost didn’t see when Chion stopped moving between one stride and the next. She yelped in alarm, digging her sharp claws into the ground for traction. Panting, her tongue lolling out between her sharp incisors, she tried to see why Chion stopped.

A short burst of pride rolled through her when she noted Chion’s ribcage bellowing in and out. Eiren wasn’t the only one breathing heavy; he was pushing himself as well. Using her nose, she nudged his shoulder aside to see through the narrow break in the wall ahead. She sat back on her haunches in wonder. Before her was a sight she had only ever heard of in tales.

Though the cavern was extensive, she couldn’t see more than two paces ahead. Over hundreds of years, the blue, softly glowing root system from the fallen trees above had grown down through the empty cavern until they reached the ground. The taut plants made it impossible to travel through the cavern by passing through the tendrils, similar to the ult webs. Though they gave off the same glow, these roots were different from those found in Malkese. No, these were as thick around as her hindquarters.

She imagined these roots stood much like the trees above once did—solid and unmovable. The entire cavern was filled with the blue roots, lighting the large space like a beacon. Its brilliance made Chion’s white coat glimmer with a blue luminescence.

Travelers often find themselves lost once they lose sight of the entrance. Stay within sight of me at all times. Otherwise, I may not be able to find you. Sound moves oddly once inside, seeming to fade as soon you utter a sound. It is said the roots absorb the sounds, leaving you to feel alone with only the soft rustle of the roots as you pass.

She stretched her tired muscles, ready for the next part of their journey. Curiosity had her ears standing straight up and her skin tingling with anticipation. She never thought she’d visit this wondrous place. She dipped her head, telling him she was ready.

Without a backward glance, he stepped into the cavern forest. Eiren couldn’t stop her eyes from lifting, trying without success to find the ceiling. The plants had grown too close together, the branches of the root trunks hiding the view. When she looked back down, she realized Chion had turned to watch her take in the forest for the first time. In silent query, Eiren looked back up, hoping he’d understand.

He chuckled. If you are asking about the height of the ceiling, I do not know the answer. I, myself, have never seen it. He turned and looked over his shoulder. Do not fall too far behind.

The constant twists and turns forced them to traverse the uneven cavern floor in slow, measured steps. Eiren realized the plants had driven themselves into minute cracks in the floor. Over time, the rocks had conceded defeat to the persistent roots and risen from the ground. It made for a precarious climb. When she feared they’d never leave the quiet forest, Eiren jumped onto a large boulder and saw the exit. A slight movement to the right of the doorway caught her eye. They both sank down behind an overhang in the rock face.

A disembodied laugh came from behind them, and they both twisted around, snarling, baring their teeth in aggression. Except no one was there.

Chion said in a low voice, I do not like this. I’ve never seen anyone here in the forest.

Was there not a small village nearby? The laugh sounded like a small child’s. Perhaps Kurite children were playing here. It made sense. Children often played in places their elders cautioned them away from.

A prickling sense of premonition had her smashing her body into Chion’s, bowling them both over the edge of the boulder. Chion screamed in feline surprise. Before they hit the hard ground, Eiren heard the eerie sound of metal scraping against the rock where they had crouched a moment before. Above them, the interloper’s laughter rang hollow as it was swallowed by the plants around them.

Eiren scrambled to her feet as soon as they hit the ground, making room for Chion to rise from his sprawl. With a wary glance around her, Eiren narrowed her eyes at Chion, expressing their need to depart this forest at once.

A slither of sound had them both sprinting toward the exit. Haunting laughter came closer until she feared they wouldn’t make it to safety. What was it? She would have kept running after leaving the forest, except Chion called her name. Eiren spun around, her hair standing on end, making her look larger than her normal, diminutive size. She cocked her head to the right, swiveling her ears.

Chion took one last look at the opening. Eiren, my apologies. I should have warned you about the dangers of remaining in the forest too long. Although I had been cautioned about entering the forest, I’ve never met such a response, until today.

When Chion didn’t seem inclined to explain, she raked the ground in front of her. She urged him on by jerking her nose up several times.

He huffed a deep breath. It is said that one who stays too long in the forest will transform into a maddened killer. The cavern becomes its hunting ground until he or she dies. For reasons unknown, and no matter the individual’s age—whether it be human or paka, the cavern has the singular ability to cause havoc in a person’s mind. It’s as if the magic that was soaked into the plants produces evil in the minds of those who either stay too long or become lost. Once that happens, the person cannot leave the cavern. It is a slow, painful death. Until now, I did not believe the stories, and I should have. I was remiss in not cautioning you.

Chion gave her a deep bow. You saved my life. Thank you.

She nodded her head once, accepting her due. Eiren didn’t let on how much it meant to receive praise and gratitude from another. Her negative reception in Luthis made her crave the respect of others.

She turned her head to peer into the forest. Even if the person couldn’t leave the cavern, she wanted to put as much distance between her and the forest as possible. Knowing Chion would join her, she walked down the new hallway.

Beauty was dangerous in its own way. The blue forest was beautiful. It made her want to explore the entire area. If not for Chion maintaining a steady pace toward their destination, Eiren would have caved to her curiosity. Now she knew that too much curiosity could be deadly. She’d be more careful in the future, and more aware, more mindful of the perils around her.

Chion set a slower pace toward Cohal, a small farming village. Eiren was startled when a ragged cheer greeted them, and young and old villagers ran up to them with broad smiles. A small child toddled up to her and gave her a small-armed hug. A man, whose lined face showed his age, shuffled toward them in threadbare clothes.

He said with a bow, “The Goddess has answered our prayers. When we heard rumors of eastern invaders entering our lands, we sent young Boh to ask Malkese for protection.”

You have heard of the Malirrans here in the outregions? I am surprised. News travels fast.

A pall crossed over the villagers, leaving them with rounded shoulders and lowered heads. The village elder revealed, “Yes. We lost a young boy to the forest. When people from the next village over came to help us find him, we learned about the Malirrans. We were unable to help the boy, but we hoped Malkese would send us warriors.”

This boy, how long has he been in the forest?

A young but ravaged-looking woman stepped away from the crowd clustered around them and said in a voice that faltered, “It no longer matters. My boy has been gone too long. He is dead now, may the Goddess keep him.”

I fear you are correct. We did not see your son in the forest.

Eiren jerked her head around to stare at Chion. When she heard the woman begin weeping and saw her collapse against a tall, muscular man, Eiren realized what Chion had done. There was no reason to extend the woman’s grief. If she believed him dead, she could begin healing from her loss, knowing he was now at peace. The boy’s mother could now let go of her guilt for not protecting her child. Eiren should have known Chion would show kindness and wisdom.

Chion lowered his body into a dignified bow—one often reserved for councilors. He said with regret, I fear that our presence is not what you think. Eiren and I are on a quest for the High Council of Nine and must continue our journey to Areth. We humbly ask for your village’s hospitality for the night. We will gladly share information in return.

The crowd’s jubilant excitement turned to disappointment. The old man waved his arm toward the small buildings located across a field and offered with practiced formality, “Please join the village of Cohal, so we may share food and drink with others who obey the God and Goddess.”

Later that evening, Eiren was dismayed to learn the entire village turned out to watch Chion teach her how to fight. At first, she thought they would fluster her, but the crowd cheered her when she pulled off a fighting technique, making her want to do better for her unlikely champions. Miscalculating the angle, she fell, landing on her side. Taking a short breather, the same boy who hugged her earlier came skidding along the ground and patted her stomach.

“You hurt? You hurt?”

Though no one heard her, she lifted her head and roared with breathless amusement. Touched by the child’s concern, she licked his pudgy face until the small one squealed with laughter.

She got her legs under her before nosing the boy back to his mother. Refocusing on Chion, Eiren landed on her feet after a few more attempts of the same maneuver.

Chion nodded his approval, then he turned and scanned the assembly. You, sire, would you come assist me? I need someone to hold the spear leaning against the wall beside you.

The man stepped into the makeshift arena holding the spear with practiced ease. They both looked to the white paka, awaiting his orders.

Eiren, you will complete the same move; except this time, you will fight against a warrior holding a spear. Chion stared up into the man’s eyes. Sire, I want you to slowly stab the spear toward her and sweep it across to the right. Before you practice with Eiren, show me the move first.

The people around them murmured with unconcealed excitement. The man shoved the spear toward her and then swept it across the ground as if trying to sweep her off her feet. Although it was meant for practice, the spear was real. It could injure her if she didn’t complete the technique with perfect timing. Her heart thrummed with nerves when she stepped into position.

But when she focused on the man’s arm muscles as it extended toward her, something strange happened. Her mind snapped into perfect sync with her body. Somehow, her body flowed through the move, rotating her front forelegs to push the spear away from where her vulnerable heart rested. She continued the turn, but pushed off with her back feet. Making sure to only leave an impression of her intent, she grazed the man’s thigh with her teeth. Eiren ended the single maneuver within reaching distance of the man’s back. As soon as she lowered herself into the protective crouch, she sprang back up in joy.

It was a simple, novice move, but she had completed it on her first attempt with a real weapon.

Something warm barreled into her side, tumbling her over to her side. When she saw who had dropped her, her entire body shook with suppressed chortles. Perhaps she wasn’t quite ready for battle. It had taken a mere child to drop her.

Chion strolled up and looked down in amusement. The boy hugged her around her neck, almost cutting off her air supply. I see you have a new friend.

She wholeheartedly agreed. The easy acceptance the villagers gave her, despite her inability to speak, surprised her. These people showed how true Kurites should act. She’d never been more grateful for escaping her home.