We stood on the cliff for what was probably longer than necessary. Longer than what was safe too as soon enough we heard a group of howls heading our way.
We quickly decided that it would be best to camp on the cliff face so that we would be out of the reach of any potential predators. We got to work hooking up the abseiling lines while the sun made its way across the afternoon sky. When the sun was balancing atop a mountain peak we began to set up a strange little camp, jutting out of the cliff face. By the time the stars sparkled into view we had finished our camp, eaten the small amount of food we had left, made our plans for the next day and gone to bed.
Well, I hadn’t but only because I was stuck with first watch. I had changed into an owl and flew around every ten minutes. When I wasn’t flying I sat in one of the pine trees on the edge of the cliff.
About an hour in I noticed movement on the forest floor on my flyby. Since it was the first hint of something alive, I decided to investigate.
I dived down, dodging branches as I cleared the canopy. In the QQ I discovered the disturbance. The source shocked me so much I flew straight into the next branch.
The crash sounded out and echoed back as it bounced off the cliff and I was reminded of how quiet it was. But at the top of my mind was shock and pain. And how I was going to not plummet to my death.
The ground rushed to meet me but long before I became a pancake my progress was halted. By a net. A net that was made by people. People who aren’t supposed to be alive. People who now have me.
The net was brought in and they dumped me into a bag before sealing it. I reached out with my mind and found that there were only two people. If it came down to it I knew I could escape but they were here for a reason. A reason I needed to know.
“What is it, Dad?” The speaker appeared to be a young boy. Probably about 12 years old. Their thoughts were scattered, jumping from one to another so fast. He wanted to go home. He was hungry and cold and tired. But he also wanted to learn. I left his mind pretty fast. If I stayed there any longer I would get whiplash.
“I think it’s an owl. Remember the stories grandpa told you about them? A bird that can turn its head 360° and spot mice from one kilometre. A bird that flies on silent wings.” This person needed to get their facts right. Though it makes sense if there aren’t many people in their little village they pictured for a second.
“Come on we better get going. We have the prize we came for. Those new people would be worrying about their bird by morning if we don’t send it back by then.” The bag was lifted and secured to the mans back. A minute later they were on the move having packed up everything they used to lure me in.
They knew we were here. They came out here prepared to capture a bird. They knew exactly what would bring me into their range.
Hours passed as they walked. I learnt nothing useful and eventually slept for a bit. When they first started I mentally called out to Charlotte. I told her what was happening and to just set someone else on watch and leave me be. When she argued that they should come for me, I told her that I was going to be sent back by morning so there was no need to do anything. After that, she left to tell everyone what was happening. Soon after she informed me that if I didn’t return by sunrise they were going to come for me. That was all I heard before I was out of range.
At about two the boys’ grumblings woke me up. He was going on and on about his earlier thoughts of discomfort. Thoughts I was now sharing since I was meant to be asleep long ago.
An hour later we finally arrived at the out destination, a little village hidden behind a hill and flush against a little river. From what I saw through the man’s eyes there were only ten little cottages and a large building that was probably used for gatherings. They headed for the latter and soon we were inside and assaulted with light and sound.
There were fires in all of the pits with people huddled beside them, chatting the night away. The man noted some blankets and pillows piled up and housing all the children who were sleeping despite the noise.
It didn’t take long for the adults to notice our arrival and soon they were surrounded. Packs were removed and packed away, food and drinks were passed and I was given over to an old lady.
The lady set me down in a corner before heading off and checking that all the doors and windows were closed and locked. The man was now telling them what they saw and how they caught me. Chatter arouse again with speculations being thrown about who we were and what we were doing or going to do. Some people wondered why we had travelled the ‘dangerous’ path. Almost everything I heard was sounding right, or at least not far off.
Once everyone had settled down again the lady ordered for everyone’s attention before moving back towards me. Wary I watched from the man’s eyes as she drew closer and untied the knot keeping me in. Slowly, she then pulled the bag open and lifted the flap.
I returned to my mind and saw her peer in and beckon me out. As soon as she pulled back I leapt out of the bag and few onto the rafters. There were sounds of awe from below and exclamations of “Owl!” from some of the older onlookers.
Perched atop a beam I could see the whole assembly of people while they saw only a shadow amount shadows, blinded from the light as they were. I used this to my advantage and searched all their expressions. I hated using my ability when I didn’t need to.
The lady stepped into the middle of the room, looking right into my eyes. Holding up her hand she silenced everyone. I suppose she’s the one in charge of this little settlement.
“Come down and be yourself. We just need to talk and I’m sure you want to be back by morning.” She knew! How? There’s no way she should know. But they did know we were there. And there was no way they knew where we were and then came back for us. Plus they were prepared to capture a bird. So what’s going on?
For several minutes I stayed on the beam. I just watched and waited. Most of the adults became bored and sat down along the walls. Soon it was only the lady left standing in the middle. But even still no one talked or let down their guard. They stayed in groups and near the windows or doors.
Eventually, I let out a screech and dived towards the lady, changing mid-flight. The sudden noise and movement startled everyone to their feet. The lady didn’t appear fazed and even seemed to prepare herself before I even moved. Standing up from my crouch, I eyed everyone again, daring them to move.
“I will answer all of your questions. But first, allow us to introduce ourselves. I am Umara, seer of Arydas, our little village. Everyone here has either fled from Dytamotous or a descendent of someone who has. I’m sure you understand why we would have done that considering your own reasons.”
Of course! How didn’t I think of that? It’s around the time that a seer would be around anyway. And if I’m right she should only be able to focus on people. I hope she can’t look too far into who I am. That would be disastrous. I’ll have to be even more careful though. If I let something slip and she becomes curious, she could learn everything. I hope she only knows about the shapeshifting.
“Nice to meet you. I don’t appreciate being kidnapped though.” I eyed the man and boy again, pleased when they flinched. “What do you know about me? About my friends too” I probably shouldn’t seem too concerned about myself alone. Better to just seem suspicious and worried about our safety rather than panicked. Even if I was.
“I know plenty. I know your names. I know where you lived. I know your Folixpas. I knew where you were throughout your journey. I know you suddenly appeared at the age of 16 in the city while I knew of your friends their whole lives.” Each statement I tried not to show any emotions. Tried not to suck in my breath. But that last statement had me relieved. Mostly.
“I also know why you are here and what each of you wish to do. Though it’s you I know the least about. I watched all the important events in all their lives. But you only showed up a few years ago. And when I focus on you, my vision is cloudy.” Oh crap. This is not good. Well, her not being able to know is good. But it means questions. And questions means I have to lie or evade. These people don’t seem like they’ll fall for anything though. This is bad.
“I uh I don’t know why that would be.” Wow. Great job. They won’t be suspicious of you now.
“Yes, I’m sure you don’t.” She smiled. I clearly wasn’t fooling her. Or anyone for that matter. Everyone was grinning. “That’s not what we brought you here for. We wish for you and your friends to make your home here. You’ll have to build houses and contribute to our everyday lives. But you won’t be roaming around with no clue what you're doing.”
I considered her offer. It would really help us out. We’ll belong somewhere. We can start the new lives we’ve always dreamed of. But there had to be a catch. One thing I’ve learnt in my four years at Dytamotous is that there is always a catch.
“Decide on your way back. If you are on your way by midday we will set up a temporary place for you. I hope you join our community. But for now, you should sleep a few hours. It’s only three and you can fly much faster than they walked.” She gestured to a back corner. The adults nearby started setting up a little bed, beckoning me forward when they were done.
“Off you go. We will wake you just before the sun rises.” Smiling, she turned me around and gave me a not so gentle shove.
A few minutes later, I lay in the pile of blankets and everyone had cleared out. I didn’t like the idea of being asleep in a strange place when my friends were counting on me to come back but I knew I should take up the opportunity. I just hoped I wasn’t tired enough that my magic went haywire or didn’t work at all.
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