Pursuer (Alwahi Series) (20 page)

“
Zanas, I cannot explain the things that I have begun to learn. The things that I am
capable
of learning. I’m just into training right now, but I know that I can go further than they have ever gone.” Her eyes were flashing now, it seemed as though the clouds had turned to lightening. “I feel as though I am where I was always meant to be…” Asenya finished with a terrified look in her eyes.

Zanas was once again confused at her sister’s reaction; not understanding why Asenya would feel terrified. Then it dawned on her. Asenya was terrified that Zanas would hate her at the statement. Asenya was happy in the life that she was currently in. A life away from her sister.

“
They told me I would see you again, Zanas,” Asenya continued, her eyes brimming with tears. “They told me you would be fine, and that whatever you chose it would be your heart’s desire. There is no other way in the pledge house. Some say that it is the Alchemist’s that make it so, but no one really knows.” She paused for a moment, breathing deep. “I have always been different than other people. No one ever understood what I was going through, they all just thought it was some psychological issue. I am finally with people that understand and can teach me… I’m finally where I belong.” Zanas felt sad for a moment, coming to the realization that she understood exactly what Asenya meant. Zanas felt the same way, she was destined to be a Pursuer.

Zanas lay in her bed staring at the stone ceiling. Maleek had left early in the morning, nudging her with his wet nose until she had opened the door for him, leaving it slightly cracked so that he could return unaided. She had no interest in reemerging from her warm furs. Zanas had just started to doze again when she heard movement at the door.

“
Ahhhh Maleek can’t…”

“
I’m not your slobbering beast,” said the sleek voice of Dressdon. Zanas opened her eyes groggily and looked at the dark haired Pursuer. “Get out of bed girl. You will not sit here and mope like a city dweller. Nothing has changed. You always knew your sister was a Dreamer. Now get up,” he finished with a slight growl, effortlessly plucking her from the bed and placing her on the floor. She stood there for a moment shocked.

“
How dare you just barge in here…?” she began fuming.

“
I’ll do what I want girl. You never should have gone and seen her
now
. Look at what it has done to you. There is only one thing, and one thing only, that you should be thinking of. And that is your final test.” His words made sense but that only made her even more furious.

“
What do you care? I’m sure you wouldn’t care if I failed the final test,” Zanas began, speaking before she had thought. She was cut off by his growl, as he grabbed hold of her wrist roughly, pulling her closer to him.

“
That is nothing to speak lightly of,” he hissed out. “Failing the final test means death…” she could feel the anger radiated from him. He was furious with her, and for a moment, it blotted out her anger. His chastisement rang true and dealt a swift blow to her pride. “Now pull yourself together and stop acting like a child,” he finished, releasing her hand and turning, the air still heavy with his fury.

Although she knew he was right, it still did not stop her from glaring at his back as he left. Who was he to come in here and treat her like this? Was he being the vigilant team leader, giving the obligatory pep talk? Or was there something more to his rash behavior? Not knowing the answer to these questions, Zanas followed the only answer that she was sure of, she felt grimy, and a hot bath might also lift her spirits.

Zanas sighed as the warm current worked its magic on her stiff body and her aching soul. Dressdon was right. She always knew her sister was a Dreamer, before she even knew what a Dreamer was. Asenya had only begun to touch the surface when they were above, even then, being captivated by their ways. They would finally lead separate paths. She had expected this as well, but not so soon.

The tangles worked their way out of her hair just as her tension left. She would stop acting like a child. Once again, she blamed her chaotic emotions for her change in behavior. Resolving to pull herself together, she exited the bath and returned to her room. After she was dressed in fresh clothing and her hair was pulled into a tight braid, she finally began to feel like herself.

… … …

Five pairs of eyes stared at her.

“
It’s alive,” Fless said in a mocking whisper. Zanas gave him no answer as she took a bite of her bread.

“
We thought for sure you would be like one of those creepy bottom dwellers, crawling around in the dark… with no eyes….” Tress said his eyes exaggeratingly pulled wide. Zanas had heard tales of bizarre creatures lurking in deepest part of the earth. Some believed that they were once people of Alwahi whose mutation had gone terribly wrong.

“
You two are equally funny,” Desstina butted in and then she narrowed her eyes at Zanas. “It’s all right… some people crack at the thought of the final challenge,” she said with an evil glimmer in her eyes, a smile floating just beneath the surface. Zanas sighed, chewing on another bite of bread. She could see the silent shaking of the blonde’s shoulders as she laughed to herself.

“
Speaking of last challenge, it should be coming up soon,” Desstina said, her eyes bright with enjoyment. “And then we will really see if you have what it takes. And we will also get to see…”

“
Enough!” Dressdon roared. Pursuers seated at tables around them turned and stared, a momentary lapse in their discussions, and then the noise around them began anew. At all tables except theirs, that is. Dressdon glared furiously at Desstina, who pouted her pink lips, a look of annoyance across her face. “You know the tests are not discussed,” he hissed. “Do you want to penalize your whole team? Is it really worth a snide remark? Eat your food or leave, but don’t speak of the tests again.” Dressdon’s eyes were on fire and Desstina seemed to shrink in a little. She said nothing, as she picked up a piece of fruit and placed it in her mouth.

The twins began their lively banter, and eventually brought Desstina out of her sulky mood as she chastised them. Zanas glanced passed the teasing trio to Ressna, who seemed rather quiet. She moved her eyes down the table and found herself looking straight into his eyes. He had the blank look she was unable to read once more. She ached for the resolution to the tension between them and then ached as he left the hall.

“
Sheesh… what’s wrong with him!” Tress said. Fless nodded next to him.

“
Ahhh you know…” Desstina said with a sickening sweet smile and slyly glanced towards Zanas.

Not wanting to deal with it any longer, Zanas picked up her food and headed towards her room. She would give her scraps to Maleek; he was always looking for extra food.

When she entered her room, she was surprised to find Maleek missing. She had left the door slightly ajar when she left the lazy predator, Maleek had been snoring very loudly, one paw covering his nose. He had awoken her multiple times during the night, his paws twitching in a rhythmic motion. She had imagined that he dreamed of running, chasing some obscure prey. When she had finally been able to get back to sleep, it was this that she dreamed of. The prey always seeming to elude her, but Zanas could still remember the burning of her lungs and the thrill of the pursuit.

She placed the leftover food by the warm fireplace. Whenever Maleek did return, he would be pleased to find some treats. Walking over to the window she pushed it open and sighed as the soft glow of the Ulwahi glittered down on her. The city below always seemed so peaceful, the city people meandering, appearing to have no care in the world. All of her times in the city had one thing in common; magic sparkled through each one of the memories.

She thought of the most magical memory she had of the city, and of Dressdon’s wide hands holding her waist. The knock at the door made her jump slightly. Pulling it open, she felt her face begin to burn, and was furious with herself when she was unable to meet his eyes.

“
What’s wrong?” The concern in his voice made her meet his narrowed eyes as they looked down upon her.

“
Nothing,” Zanas said shaking her head and forcing herself to feel at ease. She would not allow him to mess with her emotions. The sparkling amusement returned to his eyes for a moment, as quickly as it appeared it left, replaced by the cold emptiness.

“
Anessa would like to speak to you,” his voice was strangely quiet and she felt her heart begin to pound again.

Dressdon turned and began to walk down the hallway and she matched his pace, walking beside him. It felt strange to be so near to someone, yet be unable to speak. Once again, she was angry at herself for letting her mind wander. She needed to be focusing on what lay ahead. Something was about to happen, something big.

He led her through the third level and its winding hallways. Although Zanas had lived in the hold for some time now, she had yet to explore all the dark passages. Just when it seemed like she had come to a dead-end a new turn would appear, or some hidden passageway would be unearthed. The hallway that they were currently walking in seemed overly cold. She felt a chill across her flesh and she gave a small shiver. Dressdon stopped at a large door knocking quietly on the wood, answered by the muffled reply of Anessa.

The room was warm and inviting. A large fire burned in the beautiful fireplace against the far wall, casting light on the large overstuffed furniture that crowded the room. For a moment, Zanas was unable to place the clan leader and then the movement of Anessa’s arm brought her into view. The woman was seated on a couch beside the fire and she waved them over. Zanas chose a chair that was close to her, the warmth of the fire chasing off the chill of the hallway. She could hear rustle of Dressdon taking a seat, but she kept her eyes on the clan leader.

The woman was striking. Zanas remembered the first time she had seen her, sitting in the pledge house. She remembered how young the woman had looked in comparison to the other clan leaders. Zanas had a strong suspicion that the woman was just as old as they were, yet her features said differently. Only the slight wrinkles streaking beside her eyes, like webs, gave the hint that she was not as young as she appeared. Zanas had only caught glimpses of her since that long ago day when she had led her from the pledge hall.

“
I have been keeping an eye on you,” Anessa began. “I’m sorry that I have not had enough time to meet with you before. I have been very busy with some business between the clans. However, I have been apprised of your progress. I really wish that I had been able to see your pledge fight, but unfortunately…”she paused for a moment thinking about her words carefully. “I had to be away from the hold,” Anessa finished, and then looked over at Dressdon. “Your team leader has reported good results for you, and good prospects, if you become part of this clan. The only remaining obstacle is your final challenge, and that is the main reason that I have called you before me today.

As I am sure you have noticed we do not prepare our pledges for the tests. We believe that only the true Pursuers will instinctively know what to do. Alwahi chooses and puts all her people in their rightful place. So far, you have passed all that has been put before you. You have hunted for your clan, you have fought for your clan, and now you must be willing to die for your clan.

The third test takes place on the course. As is the tradition, you will face a single opponent, taking the place of prey. Unlike the games you have played with your teammates, you will not be wearing the protective suit. Your opponent will have three arrows. This is no game. The hunter will try to end you. This is the true test of a Pursuer, to face death and survive. You will be given no quarter once you have entered the challenge. You become a Pursuer, or you die.” Anessa stopped speaking for a moment her eyes intently watching Zanas’s face, as if she were searching for traces of fear.

“
If you are unworthy, now is your chance to leave. You can choose to leave the hold and go to the city… or wherever you choose. But you will no longer be welcome in any of the three clans of the beneath.” There was a hard quality to her tone which seemed to emphasize the seriousness of the last sentence.

“
If you pass the final test, you will become a permanent member of your team. You will never hunt with any others, unless you are chosen as worthy enough to lead your own team.” she paused once again and turned her eyes on Dressdon. “In passing the final test you will also be passing the last test of your team.” Anessa turned her eyes towards the blazing fire, the crackling of the logs the only sound.