Dusty

The Adventures of Caleb Crowsnest

Despite their momentary setback the reptilian trio shook off the aftereffects of John’s makeshift flashbang, encroaching upon his space bearing a nasty array of weaponry. Lizards, although somewhat smaller than men were considerably better armed pound for pound. Powerful jaws filled by rows of jagged teeth could tear through flesh with ease. Long serrated claws on both their fore and hind limbs made versatile climbing and slashing implements, and their scaly hides prevented all but the most powerful attacks from doing much damage at all. Pile all of that on top of their wicked speed and current state of rabid ferocity meant they were lethal foes indeed. Of course, John was no stranger to violence himself, and stepped in front of the wounded Neil, defending his injured comrade, sword held at high guard ready to deliver death upon any fool who ventured to close. The lizards halted their inexorable advance. Something in John’s eyes warned them, they ought to take this challenge a touch more seriously than they might otherwise have. Even with their three to one advantage.

“Caleb stay back, keep Jake inside and don’t let anyone into that shop. Barricade the door and windows and remain within no matter what happens. No matter what you hear. Keep my nephew safe.” When Caleb hesitated, the swordsman raised his voice to a vicious bark. “Do as I say now!” The boy jumped in surprise at this unfamiliar malice, scurrying back towards the Smithy entrance. John maintained his position as the reptiles began spreading out, encircling the lone man, licking their blades in anticipation. Neil whimpered, clutching his bleeding arm close to his chest as he sank to his knees, muttering pleading prayers to any god who would listen. John kicked him. “Quit crying and draw steel, before they decide they’re man enough to attack.”

Neil shook his head overcome by his sense of hopelessness. “My arm boss, I couldn’t swing a weapon if I had one. They caught me unawares, came out of nowhere. I lost my sword and ran for my life.”

John’s eyes narrowed, and he shifted his position ever so slightly until he was practically standing over Neil. “Who are you? And why have you drawn blood in the public eye? The City Watch will not have this lawlessness in the market square, and certainly not in broad daylight. What quarrel is so important as to risk the gallows?”

The leading lizard seemed to consider this, tilting his head as if in thought. “Our fight is not with you manling! Step aside so justice might be done. Or would you die defending the cohort of a burglar? For there is no greater crime than the desecration of one’s sanctuary! It is folly to defend him.”

“Pah, I doubt you would hold that sentiment to your own victims. Or is it only alright when you do it? Blood vengeance is a two-way street I can ensure you will not be to your benefit. Besides, you are in the wrong any way you slice it and you will find the authorities will concur when they arrive. It would be in your best interest to forgive and forget this ever occurred, and leave this man in my care.” John figured he knew exactly what occurred to enrage these lizard, and what kind of people he was dealing with. Hypocritical, hypersensitive thugs whom Dustin and his three companions had done something to offend. Hopefully Dustin still breathed, but the fate of his friend was a matter to concern him another time. Right now, three angry lizards were bearing down on him from every possible angle and judging by the flickering tongues and shifting feet they were preparing to spring.

The reptile spluttered, clearly incensed by this accusation. His mud brown scales rippled under powerful muscles as he raged. “Do not preach to us! We have not come here to bandy moral philosophy with a manling fool! You are brave, but stupid. We are three and you stand alone. If you do not step aside, we will be forced to slay you, before slitting the throat of that scum you defend.”

John shifted his weight, inching to the left until he could get a good view of Barrow’s Smithy out of his peripheral vision. Caleb had ignored his commands to close and bar the door, but at least he was keeping Jake and Edward inside by blocking the entrance with his body. His cheap sword held in a two-handed grip, watching the entire ordeal from the sidelines. A good kid all in all, if a bit stubborn and bull headed. John felt the corners of his lips quirk up at this thought. Not unlike himself really. Turning his attention back upon the aggressors he narrowed his stance, sword rising until it was pointed directly at the supposed leader of the trio. “No.” He declared, not a hint of hesitation in his voice. “The man of whose life you claim is my friend. Be he a coward, thief, burglar, or anything between I will not stand by and watch you murder him. You have issued your ultimatum, so now here is mine. If you come forward determined to fulfill your sick version of justice know you will not leave this conflict alive. This I swear. Make your decision and be gone.”

The two foes stared across the no man’s land, a sort of realization settling upon them both. One of them would not walk away from this encounter. The lizard’s long tongue slithered out, tasting the air, sensing his chances. Neither would back down, but he held all the cards. The lizard braced himself and gave the smallest of nods.

Like triple chains of brown lightning the lizards sprang into action, their thin scimitar-like swords flashing from every angle, seeking to end the life of this brave, but doomed warrior. They did not count on John being equally stubborn, and trained by Sara Nieve. Like a one-man whirlwind John spun his broadsword over his head parrying two swords and dodging the third, his feet never once coming unplanted. Below him Neil wailed and closed his eyes, sensing it was only a matter of moments before even John’s skill was overwhelmed. Even the best swordsmen could not see in every direction at once.

John caught another sword a moment before it ended his life, forcing the blade and wielder away with a mighty shove, even as the second laid into his shoulder. The embattled warrior did not even feel the blade’s bite, even as his lifeblood seeped from the wound, he spun kicking the lizard who had landed the blow full in the face, sending him sprawling. Before he could take advantage of the downed opponent the other two were upon him, striking with a vengeance. Forced to abandon his defensive position over Neil John back peddled, parrying twin attacks from two separate angles. Again, and again he parried, never seeing the opportunity to repost, every moment a mere heartbeat before death, staved off only by his desperate defense. Yet, despite the intensity of their battle all John could think about was his daughter. Who would provide for her once he failed? Not if, but when he miscalculated by a millisecond he would be sent to meet his ancestors. Who would care for his now fatherless nephew and niece? Who would secret money into his mother’s accounts every month so she could afford to keep the home his father built?

No one… John felt his back press against a wall. The third lizard, having recuperated scurried towards the fight, eager to finish what he started. Nowhere to retreat. This was it. Kayden, Kayden, Kayden. I’m so sorry daughter, beautiful little girl, I failed you. The lead lizard smiled, batting aside John’s sword, and leveling his own, lunging forth to drive it straight into John’s heart, a battle cry hissed in victory.

“Gaaarah-ugh!” The lizard’s face twisted in agony, an expression of shock crossing his face as he crumpled, never knowing what killed him. John roared a berserker’s shout, the battle joy rising in his blood as he pushed himself off the wall barreling into the shocked comrades of the freshly reduced reptilian duo. Caleb stood over his collapsed, unmoving victim his bloodied sword held ready as one lizard turned to engage this new threat, the other squaring off against John. It was his opponent’s turn to scramble in desperate retreat. John came down upon him in a righteous fury, the air humming with the speed and ferocity of his assault. In his peripherals he could see Caleb battling bravely, but losing to the larger, stronger, and more experienced opponent. It was only a matter of seconds John realized. Driving his own foe into the dirt he pounded away until the scimitar broke, and the lizard screamed his final death cry. John did not show mercy. Turning he yelled in fear, not for himself but for his young rescuer. Caleb slipped on a patch of blood, and the iron sword was lost, sent spinning away. The lizard struck, not with his sword but his claws, racking the child across the face. Caleb lifted into the air flying back from the force of the blow and landed hard rolling twice before lying still. The lizard rushed forward, raising his sword to finish his small opponent.

John drew back his arm and let fly. His sword spun faster than the eye could follow striking the lizard hilt first causing him to stumble in surprise. Not wasting a second of his momentary advantage John surged across the ten meter distance, slamming full force into the lizard sending them both tumbling into the cobblestone street, weapons forgotten as they rolled, bit, and clawed for purchase. The reptile was far more suited to this style of combat, John realized to late. They tore at each other tooth and nail the lizard desperately trying to sink his teeth into the soft and vulnerable human throat, John doing everything in his power to ensure that did not happen. The lizard gained the upper hand, forcing John onto his back, drawing his snapping teeth closer and closer to John’s neck.

“No!” Jake stormed from the smithy knife in hand as he stabbed at the lizard; his clumsy blows turned by the reptile’s armored scales. A thunder of hooves followed, and the lizard was sent flying crashing into the wooden walls of the smithy, stunned by the force of the impact. Edward rose to his hind legs, whinnying and striking at the air, with a force that could crush skulls. Realizing he was disarmed, and probably facing almost certain death at the hooves of a powerful stallion the lizard decided discretion was the better part of valor. Sinking his claws into the soft wood of Barrow’s Smithy he scurried up the shear wall and vanished over the roof, leaping from house to house in his flight.

After a few seconds of unprecedented violence peace descended once more on the threshold of the shop. John laid on his back breathing heavily, bloody, but alive.

“Uncle, uncle please don’t be dead.” John felt small hands shaking him as Jake wept openly. John could not remember the last time Jake had cried in front of other people. He had always tried to keep his tears to himself. John smiled, raising his hand to cup Jake’s cheek, soothing the tearful boy.

“I’m okay Jake, just catching my breath. I need you to go check on Caleb, he took a pretty nasty hit, make sure he’s alright first.” Jake nodded and scurried off, attending the other boy.

“He’s stunned,” came the eventual diagnosis. “And his face is all bloody but he’s breathing.”

John released a sigh of relief. The adrenaline was wearing off, and the pain from his shoulder, and many scratches and bruises was beginning to emerge in full force. Wincing John forced himself to his feet, looking to Edward who was dutifully standing watch over the unconscious Caleb.

“Can you carry him and Jake?” He asked, scanning the rooftops for any sign of further attackers. Mercifully, it remained clear, either the lizard had no reinforcements to bring, or they were a fair way off. John was not about to take any chances though.

Edward nodded. “Yes, of course. If Jake holds him on, he seems pretty out of it right now.”

“Good, Roger should attend to him at once. I’m sending you back to the house, we’ll have to put off the search for another time.”

“Aren’t you coming with us?” Jake demand, even as John hoisted Caleb’s body up onto Edward’s back, placing Jake just behind him.

“No, I need to figure out what just happened, and more specifically why. And whether my men are still… If my friends need me.”

“But your shoulder.” Edward argued, sniffing at the nasty wound. “You’ll pass out losing that much blood.”

“I’m tougher than I look.” John winked, but nevertheless he tore off a piece of his shirt, stuffing it unceremoniously into the cut. “See, I’ll live. You three get back to the house and get Caleb in a bed with some of Roger’s medical marvels on that face of his. Stay inside, and do not leave. I’m counting on you Jake to keep everyone safe.”

The boy nodded, a look of fierce determination emanating from him. “I won’t let you down uncle!”

“I know you won’t, you were very brave today. Saved my sorry hide. Ride fast, go straight back and do not leave, and keep that new knife of yours close at hand. Do you remember the way Edward?”

“I never forget.”

“Good, be safe Jake.” And tell Kayden, and mom, and all of them I love them with all my heart He did not add. He watched until the vanished around a corner, before he turned his attention upon his “friend”. Neil lay in a mess of his own making, nursing his injured arm and looking at John with undisguised awe.

“That was amazing… You fought them all at the same time… How did you-“

“Shaddup Neil.” John snapped, his mien switching from genuine affection for his family to ill guarded contempt for the quivering coward laying at his feet. “Twelve and eight-year-old children have more fight in their spines than you.” He grabbed the quaking man bodily by his collar, hauling him to his feet. “Where in the ever-loving hellfire is Dustin? And why did I just have to be saved by my nephew, protecting your sorry rear? Spill Neil!”

The Adventures of Caleb Crowsnest

“Then we’d best be off, just return Mister Dustin’s weapon to him Jake.” John clapped them heartily on their shoulders, giving Dustin a small flicker of the eyes. The action was subtle, even the experienced gang bouncer almost overlooked its importance. He nodded once, retrieving his sword from Jake who was more than willing to pass the heavy weapon off. Leaving the children, the two men stepped off to the side, conversing in low tones.

“…Green skin and one ear. Look, I am not risking my nephew or the other two near the place Dustin, I will keep them distracted at Barrow’s Swordsmithy. Take three of the lads with you and be careful. You remember Nart?”

“Oceanside Enforcer, yeah I recall him. Real tough fella.”

“He’s dead, along with fifteen of his thugs, Boegan just told me. Slain this morning by one of the Woodland Smugglers.” John saw a light of shock appear in Dustin’s eye, and he lowered his voice even further, glancing behind him to ensure the children were not eavesdropping. “Something big is going down, sooner rather than later and all the major gangs are gearing up and gathering muscle, and that includes the City Watch. I’d like to have this Rainbow found and be under cover before then. You’d best hide yourself as well, I’ve had my fill of loss for the day.”

“Don’t worry about me J. I’ll scope the place. If he’s there we’ll scoop him up and be gone like smoke on the wind.”

“I know, you’re one of the best. Meet me at the safe house if you find him or send a runner if you don’t. And try not to get distracted this time.” John finished up and returned to the others who had finished sorting out the travel arrangements. They seemed to busy chattering about what kind of knife they would pick to notice the brief conversation between the two gangsters. Caleb flashed him a suspicious look but said nothing. Dustin flaunted another of his disarming smiles at the boys, before giving John a double thumbs up and vanishing into the shadows from whence he came.

They set off in good order, taking the long way through the winding streets, across mossy roads and a thousand open-air shops. Delicious smells, and delightful sounds keeping them sufficiently distracted. Barrow’s Smithy, as it happened was on the other side of the Market District, and John did not once complain about stalling here and there to appease the fancy of his young wards. Stopping to smell a strange flower here, or purchase sweets there. The seconds ticked by, flowing easily into minutes, and giving Dustin and his men ever more time to search the expansive area within the vicinity of the Rose Palace. After pausing to supply Edward a hearty source of salted water from a talkative spice merchant they started off again, seeming no closer to their eventual goal then they had been a half hour ago. John felt a sharp tug on his jacket sleeve and turned to see a rather emotionally confused Caleb frowning back at him. The boy seemed to be in the midst of a near crisis, almost on the verge of tears, or was that anger? John could not quite tell.

“Excuse me, Mister Nieve.” Caleb said, looking and sounding both embarrassed and exasperated at the same time.

“Don’t worry about none of the Mister stuff, just call me John. Or J.J., or just J. if you prefer. All my friends do.” He winked. “Aren’t we friends Caleb?”

“Yes of course, but John…” Caleb paused, glancing back the way they had come, the seedy tavern where John had acquired his information only a few streets back. A sharp kid this one, John realized, or really determined. “Its just, you said you got a lead of some kind, and maybe knew where Rainbow was. I know you want to help, and get us new blades, but this sword of mine has served me well. I appreciate the offer, but and if you think you could find Rainbow shouldn’t we rush straight there?”

“Brave adventurers need trusty steel to see them through the day.” John opined. “And where we’re going, we’ll need everyone armed. Just in case. Do not worry about Rainbow, he’ll be alright. Hey, he might even find his way to us. Trust me on this one Caleb. I won’t let you down.”

“But that doesn’t make any sen-“

“Look, you’ve been in the city proper for how long?”

Caleb frowned, sensing where this was going. “A couple hours…”

“I’ve been here my whole life, alright? It’s a big city, lots of districts, and unfortunately a lot of nasty people. You remember those women who tried to steal Edward? If you want to find your friend, and be safe doing it you’ll follow my lead. Okay? Okay good. Come along everyone.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It did not take long for the four men to determine Rainbow wasn’t in the Rose Palace vicinity. Nobody they spoke to claimed to have seen him, and even a few coins rubbed together under noses didn’t produce any answers. One local muttered about a bunch of noisy birds causing a racket, but otherwise the search proved futile. Dustin was about to call it quits when one of his goons nudged him, jerking his head towards an unimposing tree residence.

“Hey, Dustin.” The man chortled. “That there’s Miz Liz’s abode don’t’cha know?”

“Liz the thief?” Dustin snorted, wondering why the man had just lost his mind. “She’s another danger to worry about here, I suppose. Not hazardous if you leave her alone though. But what about it?”

“Didn’t’cha hear, ol’ Liz got mixed up with the wrong score. Got herself knocked on her pretty tail I heard and bagged by the Watch.”

“I heard about that too. Bet’cha she’s madder n’ a wet rooster. Probably have a hit out for whoever helped catch her.” Another man named Bysor supported, rubbing his hands together.

“Which means her gang o’ enforcers are probably scattered to the four winds.” Dustin finished a large grin spreading across his face. “Maybe this trip won’t be for nothing after all. I’ve always wandered what that petty thief had stored in there. Course, someone will still have to go let J. know we couldn’t find his rablin… Neil you go.”

“Me?” Neil moaned, looking at his boss in disbelief. “C’mon I want a share O’ th’ loot. Send Bysor instead.”

“Nope, Neil you’re going. Hurry along and get that message to John. You two follow me.”

The unlucky Neil scurried off, glancing jealously back at his more fortunate comrades who would get to split the spoils of the raid amongst themselves, no doubt retrieving nothing of interest for him. For their part, Dustin and his two remaining cronies were licking their lips in anticipation gathering at the base of the tree to produce climbing implements, and giving the local area a quick final check to make certain no one was spying on their burglary. “Act natural, pretend like we’re meant to be here.” Dustin hissed out the side of his mount before very inconspicuously throwing a grapple up towards the higher branches and beginning to climb.

He did not make it far.

A dagger spun from the brush burying itself blade first between his shoulder blades. Dustin gasped, as the air was forced from his body, and then went limp falling backwards towards the ground. His men yelled in shock, drawing weapons and turning to face this new threat. Liz, freshly escaped from her prison cell surged from the undergrowth flanked by her own lizard-folk goons. Seven in total they fell upon the human gangsters who fought bitterly for their very lives. Steel clashed against steel, and one lizard fell mortally wounded to Bysor’s sword before he collapsed In turn, lizard jaws clamped around his throat. The other man tried to run but was cut down, his life ended by a flurry of enraged thrusts.

“Filth! Thieves! Burglars!” Liz raged, standing over the four corpses that littered her bloodstained doorstep. The other lizards hissed in agreement, not often were they drawn to violence, preferring petty theft to murder. But seeing the hideout of their boss so vagrantly dishonored brought them to bloodlust unlike any other. “The other, the one that ran off before they attempted to enter my home. You three pursue him, cut his throat and show him what happens to those who try and steal from me.” She indicated a trio of her five-remaining crew. They hissed and took off, in hot pursuit of an unsuspecting Neil. Liz had been in a furious mood ever since her prize had been stolen, and she was carted off to prison earlier that same day. As if any cage could hold her for long! She’d escaped in record time, regathered her crew and returned home to their headquarters only to find a trio of humans attempting to break and enter. Insanity, she left the place unguarded for a few hours and the roaches start moving in. Snorting she kicked at Dustin’s lifeless body, retrieving her dagger from his spine.

Magically she summoned her climbing steps, leading her followers up into the upper floors where, stepping over the threshold her rage returned. The simple home was a wreck. Feathers littered the floor, furniture was scattered, and her prize chest... Once protected by a plethora of dangerous curses lay shattered on the floor. Liz howled in fury, drawing her daggers until her eyes alighted upon the still form lying at her feet, in a puddle of black ooze. The rablin she had robbed? Slowly she replaced her daggers into their sheaths, her long tongue working the air, scenting out the story. The rablin had taken the full brunt of the magical attack, but something else had shattered the chest, no doubt saving his life. Where the bird feathers came from, she did not know, or particularly care. “Grab him, and secure him.” she ordered, waving a hand at the unconscious rablin. “We’ll question him later, after I sharpen my blades. I’ll make him sing like a bird.”

Sara Nieve would die, the burglars’ friend would die, and this rablin and whoever had stolen her treasures would die as well. All in good time. No one wronged Liz the Thief and lived to brag about it. No one!

The Adventures of Caleb Crowsnest

Uncertain whether they should turn and leave the adults to their conversation or press on and pretend they had not heard the incensed exchange the two boys hesitated, Caleb especially wishing he wasn’t there. Jake wore an unusually embarrassed expression, and he tugged on Caleb’s sleeve. “C’mon, we shouldn’t be here. It’s not polite to eavesdrop.”

Caleb did not resist and let himself be led to a different part of the garden. Jake was subdued as he explained how to gather and bundle the herbs. The task at hand was not difficult, relying mostly on a good eye to identify the correct plant, and whether it would survive harvesting. They would then pluck a leaf, or bit of root and add it to a small bundle and wrap it up using nettle vine. Jake even explained some of the plants, some familiar like goldenrod and yarrow, and others strange or exotic like dragonstem, and bargoro vine. Roger of course did not plant his earthly remedies in any organized manner, so the process took a fair amount of time, just searching amongst the massive garden of different flowers, bushes, and weeds. Working diligently the pair soon fashioned together several of the herbal packets, Caleb managing to complete two, and Jake who was far more experienced putting the finishing touches on his fourth. The younger boy, stepping gingerly to avoid crushing any of the precious plants underfoot stepped closer to inspect Caleb’s offerings.

“These should do. You do not need to wrap them up so tight, you want enough space between the vine to allow the juices to leak through when we crush and wet them, but not so much that any plants escape. Nicely mixed though, especially on this second one. This should be more than enough for Roger’s purposes.”

They exited the herb garden and began the march back to the rear of the house, Jake unobtrusively taking the long way around to avoid the mysterious man and Sara, if they were still there.

“So…” Caleb began, treading carefully lest he offend or embarrass his younger friend. “Was that your uncle earlier?”

“Hm? Oh, yeah. That’s Uncle John.”

“Sara didn’t seem to happy about seeing him?”

“Grandma doesn’t like his gambling.” Jake explained a little to quickly. “Says its either a roll of dice or cheating.”
“Is gambling illegal in Thorn city?” Caleb asked, and then immediately wished he could take the words back as Jake’s face turned red, and he spluttered angrily.

“No! He doesn’t do anything illegal at all and I don’t have any criminals in my family! He’s a good man, who just wants to do good by his family.” He glared daggers at the older boy, crossing his arms across his small chest. “Just drop it alright, they had a disagreement. What does it matter you anyway?”

“Nothing, sorry.” Caleb gasped a little shocked by his outburst. He decided to leave the obviously sensitive subject to rest. They rounded the corner to find the entire Nieve family gathered. Including another stranger Caleb could only assume was John and Sara’s youngest son Marrathew, a thinning man in his early twenties. A heavy atmosphere hung over the small gathering, and Caleb guessed Roger had just finished relating the news for a second time. John was standing a bit apart from the others, as if he was unwelcome but couldn’t necessarily be denied his right to grieve amongst the others. There was a thoughtful air to his mien as he watched his daughter Kayden pet a compliant Edward’s gilded mane. He glanced up as the two boys approached, a surprised but genuine smile breaking the shroud of sorrow that hung over his features.

“Ah, you must be the Caleb I’ve been hearing so much about.”

Caleb nodded, passing off his herbal bundles to Jake. The younger boy looked rather pensive, but said nothing, gathering the packets together and ambled towards Roger who was still diligently working on Flower’s numerous injuries. John stepped forward, encompassing Caleb’s hand in his own, larger calloused palm. They shook once before parting, John stepping back to examine this strange youth further.

“I would like to thank you, on behalf of all my family for bringing this news to us. We never knew what occurred, we could assume of course for the ocean is a dangerous and unpredictable force. But we might have been forever uncertain as to his fate. You have done us a great service today. And returning Ribbon to her home as well, such kindness cannot be easily repaid. But I would like to offer you anything in my power to acquire. Say the word, and I will see what I can do.”

“John, don’t make promises we cannot –“

“Mother,” John released a trouble sigh cutting Sara’s warning off. “Please, I told you I will handle everything.” He looked back to Caleb. “You need not make your request now. It can wait if you require.”

“Actually, there is something.” Caleb said, chewing thoughtfully on his lower lip. “But I meant to ask it of Doctor Roger.”

“Oh, well, erm. I cannot speak for him per say, but I will do my best to convince the good doctor to heed your desire.”

“My home, the reason why I departed on my journey originally was to find a healer who could cure the Black-Eyed-Blight. It has stricken so many of the good folk and threatens to wipe us out. If not from the disease itself, then from the quarantine the kingdom has laid upon us.”

John seemed caught off guard by this, and he glanced uncertainly towards Roger. “What do you know of the Black-Eyed-Blight?”

Roger paused in his ministrations, running two skeletal fingers across Flower’s feathered head as he searched through his four centuries of medical knowledge. Diseases, ailments, cures, and practices changed over the years, evolving with the knowledge of the afflictions themselves. “I do not recognize the name, though if its symptoms match it’s rather descriptive title it could be one of ten different plagues known more professionally under different monikers, or a new one altogether. I cannot say for certain without a detailed inspection of a victim. Of course, I will bring several texts on the known diseases with that particular symptom, and a blank one should it prove undocumented.”

“You’ll come back with me!” Caleb cried in excitement, despite the somber mood.

“I could not say no at this point.” Roger admitted, returning to his work on Flower’s wing. “Though, it would be wiser for you to remain here in Thorn, where you are less likely to become infected. I may not need be concerned with the worries of the living, but you are still vulnerable.”

“You could stay with us.” Sara offered. “Heavens knows this house is large enough to keep you, and we have a nice stable for your horse as well.”

“Hippocampus.” Edward interjected, making Kayden nearly jump out of her skin. The poor girl having not realized the beautiful golden horse she had been petting for the last half hour had been sentient enough to speak. “And I’d prefer to go back to the ocean but thank you for the offer.”

“We have a ship docked at the forest district,” Caleb explained as the members of the Nieve family who had not been aware of Edward’s uniqueness or sentience stared openly at the amused Hippocampus. “Rainbow, Flower, Edward, and I will be perfectly comfortable there, and we wouldn’t want to intrude on your hospitality. But as he said, thank you for the offer.”

“Of… Of course.” Sara said regaining her composure. “And where is Rainbow? I would have liked to see him again.”

“I don’t know.” Caleb admitted, feeling his heart sink at the loss of his friend. “He’s been missing for hours now, ever since we docked. And after the state Flower found us in, I hate to think anything bad has happened to him.”

“Not to worry.” John crossed his arms, a rather pleased expression on his face. “I have some friends who know this city like the back of their hands, and everyone in it. If they cannot find a foreign Rablin wandering the streets, no one can.”

The Adventures of Caleb Crowsnest

Carrion bird could sense when death walked near. Like dark shadows they circled overhead, cawing in their raucous tongue, calling their brothers and sisters to the feast. Many a bird heard their morbid summons but knew better than to approach uninvited. The victim would depart this world soon enough they knew. The Corvids could smell his dying breath; they could see his feeble movements. The faltering rise and fall of his chest grew shallow, and the bolder of the Murder drew closer, settling amongst the branches waiting for death’s final victory. The unconscious form twitched and grew still, and the corvids shuffled closer. One, bolder and larger than the rest croaked, he would take the first pecks, lest a lesser bird suffer his wrath. The others squawked and grumbled but did not argue the simple truth. He would prove a formidable foe, they would wait, impatiently. The corvid, a large oily crow hopped forward, jabbing experimentally at a green foot, his razor beak leaving a line of crimson against the emerald flesh. No reaction emanated from the dying, so he strove nearer, working his way around until the creature’s delicious eyes, concealed behind only thin eyelids were in pecking range. Crowing victoriously the bold corvid drew back his head to feast and struck.

A grey and white thunderbolt ploughed into his back! Driving webbed talons tore deep into his brilliant black plumage, and an orange beak snapped at his head. Feathers flew in every direction as the two birds tussled, rolling across the loam covered floor, screeching, and calling terrible battle cries. They were evenly matched it would seem. Roughly equal in size and strength and equipped with sharpened beaks. The crow thought himself a ferocious warrior, and did not back down easily, tearing into this meddling gull who would intrude upon his meal. The other crows croaked their displeasure from the sidelines, making a thunderous racket but they dared not intervene. First pickings were sacred amongst their kind, this was their boss’s fight alone.

The bloodied duelists broke combat, settling only a few feet apart, circling and sizing the other up. Arguably the gull had taken the worst of the bout, despite her ambush. Puffing out his feathers the corvid near doubled in size, sending out squawks to prove his meanness, impressing upon this outsider she should not have dared disturb his dinner. His display of bravado would have cowed any lesser bird, but gull did not seem shaken, indeed it seemed she would remain unto the bitter end. Who was this insane fowl? So far from her coastline and piers where she belonged, and deep inside the city proper. Was she this desperate for food that she would die fighting for it? As good a meal as the dying creature promised was it worth such a brutal sacrifice? He could kill her, but at what cost to himself? The gull did not share his own doubts. Raising her wings, she launched herself forward, the mournful cry echoing throughout the tree’s interior.

Dead things were common in the forest, the crow decided. One could find plenty of slugs, or insects should one become desperate. No prize, no matter how delicious would be worth this. Turning tail, he fled, flapping away, cawing angrily before the maddened gull could engage. Circling once the gull landed astride the green creature’s chest, glancing this way and that to see if any others amongst the Murder dare test their mettle. None stepped forth. Seeing the strongest among them be driven off impressed a great deal, and they settled down discontentedly to allow this formidable stranger first rights at the feast.

Flower shuffled her feet atop Rainbow’s chest. His heart still beat, she could feel it. The rablin lived, but barely. He was dying, something lurked beneath his skin slowly killing him. His ragged breaths grew few, and far between. She could sense the Murder shuffling ever closer, nearly two dozen hungry crows growing more exasperated by the second. Why hadn’t supper begun?

She screeched as the bolder amongst them hopped within pecking range. They croaked back, twisting their beady intelligent eyes right to left, trying to understand. Wondering if it would be worth fighting for. Time was of the essence. Hopping down she pecked gently at his hands, eliciting no response. She tugged as his toes, and pecked at his nose, and even called into his ear, each attempt showing less reaction than the last. One corvid, braver or hungrier than the others inched nearer, giving his own experimental jab at Rainbow’s face. Flower retorted in kind, grasping the crow’s head by the feathers, and tearing them free with a powerful tug. The crow flailed, screaming bloody murder as his black crown splattered scarlet droplets. That was when the corvids decided then that they had had enough. As one mass of black wings they descended upon the lone gull, determined to kill this intruder and feast. They swirled about, tearing at Flower, as the helpless gull battled fiercely, giving as good as she got. But there were to many, and these crows were not going to just drive her away, they were out for death. The battle exploded into the air, and across the table scattering this and that until a small chest, empty and open was sent clattering to the floor, shattering on impact.

Rainbow’s purple eyes snapped open. He writhed in agony; his body engulfed in a swarm of angry birds. He tried swatting them away, but each contact his hands made sent spine splintering pangs throughout his entire body until he screamed for all he was worth, the birds directly above him were forgotten as black residue leak from every pore on his body. Even the crows, accustom to the scents of rotting flesh blanched at this offending stench and sight. They scattered to the four winds confused and furious at a lost opportunity.

Rainbow began to hyperventilate, his muscles spasming uncontrollably as the last of the black curse exited his body. Black ooze was replaced by putrid sweat and the agonizing pain faded into a dull ache. He whimpered trying to remember what had occurred. Everything was a haze. Memories of children, oceans, forests, and monsters swirled through his head, clouding his thoughts. He dared not move unless the pain return.

A soft bird’s call emanated from his left, and Rainbow turned his head ever so slightly, feeling the liquid murk squish beneath his head. His entire being resisted the movement, but he managed until his eyes could lock upon the flyer who had made the noise. His violet gaze came to rest on a battered seagull. It was Flower he realized, after a moment. She lay awkwardly on her side missing a great deal of feathers and looking considerably worse for wear. Not a far cry from himself in fact. One wing looked bent out of shape, and it seemed she bore a score or more wounds. How she had found him, or why she was in such a state was beyond Rainbow’s mental faculties at that moment. Licking his dry lips Rainbow stretched out a hand, his entire arm shaking from the effort. “F-f-find… Help…” He managed to say, even as the rational part of his brain still functioning told him the bird would not understand. “P-please…”

Whether his words made sense or not, the gull struggled gamely to her feet. Giving Rainbow one last seabird’s cry she limped into the air, flapping raggedly away from the suffering rablin. Searching the city for her lost friends would be arduous, especially with a sprained wing and numerous injuries, but Flower was not the kind of bird to give up easily. Of that at least, she was certain.

The Adventures of Caleb Crowsnest

“I’m sorry. Captain John and everyone else died two years ago.”

At Caleb’s morose affirmation of the crew’s fate a gasp erupted from Jake. The brown-haired boy shuddered, his lips quivering, tears brimming beneath long lashes as if he struggled to hold them back. He fled, bounding through the homely garden before Roger could seize him, vanishing over the gate and scurrying away like a startled rabbit. Skyla, being much younger did not recognize the weight of Caleb’s words, giving the skeleton doctor a chance to snatch her up and pull the little girl into a tight embrace.

“Oh, dear. Oh, dear me.” Rogers muttered as reality sank in and the child began to cry. Caleb suddenly felt a lot more awkward, fiddling with his sword hilt and kicking at the lawn. It was amazing the amount of emotion the bleached skull could emote, even without proper eyes or facial features. The empty sockets were stricken by grief, and the clenched jaw bespoke unsounded sobs of his own.

“I- I’m so sorry.” Caleb said, feeling as if he might cry as well. He beat himself again and again internally. He should have broken the news first to the older members of the family and let them gently ease the younger children into the truth. “I should have known better; I was bringing news of their grandfather’s passing. I’m sure he was a good man; Rainbow spoke well of him.”

“Such a terrible loss.” Rogers shook his head sadly. “You could not have known the scope of this news, do not blame yourself Caleb. You merely brought the message, as dreadful as it is. Though to learn of their grandfather and father’s deaths. It is no easy thing.”

“W-what?” Caleb said aghast.

Rogers nodded. “Aye, Herrown was John’s son-in-law and journeyed with him. An up and coming sea captain himself supposedly, and a good man. A good husband to Mary… Oh dear who will tell Mary? She will be distraught. Always holding out hope that one day they’d both return safe and sound after all these years.” Skyla cried even harder into his shoulder as the kind skeleton patted her on the back. “I know, I know it’ll be alright Skyla.”

“Maybe we should go.” Caleb offered, looking to Edward for some sort of support. The Hippocampus shrugged, looking for all the world as awkward and heartbroken as Caleb felt.

“No, no I must insist you stay. If you would not be imposed. With Rainbow missing, you are the only one who knows the story. I’m sorry I have to ask this of you Caleb, but this family needs the closure you could provide.” Caleb who did not think he could deny Rogers anything at that moment agreed to stay. Rogers rested a thin hand on Caleb’s shoulder. “Thank you, you have done us a great service. We should get the children inside, and send summons to Sara, Mary, John junior and his daughter Kayden, and Marrathew as well. I will have the serving staff on that at once.” He looked to Edward and gave the tiniest shake of his head. “I’m sorry Edward, but a horse of your size simply will not fit comfortably within the homestead’s dimensions. You will have to remain in the garden. There is a bell you can ring to summon one of the servants if you require anything, I will instruct them to cater to your every need. Is this acceptable?”

Looking a little mystified at the concept of a bell, or servants Edward bobbed his head up and down. “Uh sure, that’s fine...”

The busy doctor glanced behind him, a pained look on his unmoving features, and a miserable sigh escaping his rigid jaw. “Caleb, I asked so much of you already. But Skyla needs my support until Mary can be brought back from her place of employment. Would you be so kind-?”

“Yeah, whatever you need.” Caleb said instantly before Rogers could finish. As long as it kept him busy. He did not want to intrude any more than he absolutely had to upon their sorrow afflicted abode. For his own sake as much as theirs.

“Could you fetch Jake?” That certainly was not the task Caleb had been expecting. He never really considered himself very artful at sympathy. Some people had the talent to make others feel better, but it was not one of Caleb’s skills. Not by any means. And what did he know of losing his father, he had never known his own parents, much less Captain John or his son-in-law Herrown. Caleb was a distinct third party in all these events, and probably not a welcome one to Jake’s personal grief or space. “The poor boy needs to be here when his mother arrives.” Rogers continued. “I would not ask if my arms were not already occupied.” He indicated the weeping child clinging to his chest.

“I – I’m not sure I would be the best…” Caleb trailed off, unable to refuse the pleading look Rogers was giving him. The skeleton doctor had been John’s friend, but he was looking to his young charges first and foremost before his own anguish, and it was only right as the bearer of this dark news that Caleb do something to ease his colossal burden. “…Alright.”

“Bless you, you’ve done so much for us already.” Caleb did not feel that way, but he nodded along with the doctor’s words. “You’ll probably find him in the boughs of the mighty Arrocmor. It stands at the southern corner of our grounds. He is quite fond of that old climbing tree, it seems the logical place to locate him in his current, mood. A good place to cry in private.”

“Maybe I shouldn’t bother him there, if that’s the case.” Caleb hesitated. “He would be better left alone.”

Rogers seemed to consider this at great length, preforming a rather odd motion with his hand. He stroked the air beneath his chin, as if he were running his fingers through a beard his face might have once possessed. An old habit from life before reanimation perhaps? “No, I would prefer he were here to meet his mother and be amongst family. Healthier that way. They will need each other. He is an obedient and well-mannered boy, for the most part, tell him I request his presence for a cup of my calming tea to help him feel better. He will follow I’m sure.”

“Oh – uh okay.” Caleb was not sure how he would feel after losing someone as important as a parent. He was fairly certain a cup of tea would do very little in making him feel better. But surely the doctor knew more on these matters than he?

Edward offered to be the transportation, and Rogers, after pointing the general direction of this Arrocmor tree retreated indoors carrying the still sobbing Skyra with him. Hippocampus and boy made a subdued pair as they traversed the significant sward that once belonged to Captain John Nieve. “Y’know Eddy.” Caleb stated, clinging to the Hippocampus’ golden mane as the proud, and freshly restored water beast trotted southward.

“Hm?”

“I somehow thought bringing them the news would give the Nieve’s happiness. Or at least I thought giving them the answers they have probably been waiting for years to receive would cheer them somehow. I guess I did not think about it the right way though.”

“Oh? Why not?” Edward asked, genuinely curious.

“Ever since I could really think about these sorts of things, I’ve always wished someone would come and tell me why. Or at least offer clarity. Answers were all I have ever longed for. Maybe it’s because I have never expected good news, or anything like that. But questions like why did they leave me at Red Twig Orphanage, or Eagletown? Who were they and who am I? They have been haunting me my entire life. Anything to fill that empty hole would be better than waiting and expecting nothing. It seemed like all the other boys who shared my story in Red Twig felt the same way. We just wanted answers, any answer really. Even if it ultimately was bad, it would be better than nothing at all. I thought my experience with loss would be everyone’s, but it wasn’t. They are heartbroken and disappointed, not at all glad or satisfied. It makes me worried how I might feel when I lose someone important, or that I won’t be able to handle the explanation of my own parent’s deaths, however they occurred. Maybe I shouldn’t want to know, maybe it should always remain a mystery, lest I feel the loss and pain the Nieves’ feel today. Does that make any sense?”

“Its all above me.” Edward admitted after carefully contemplating Caleb’s words. “I’ve never felt that sort of loss, hippocampus live such long lives, I shouldn’t have to worry about any of my family passing for quite some time. And you are going to be alright. You’re so smart and skilled with that sword of yours. And Rainbow, he’s tougher than a whale. Flower is a bird and can fly away from any danger… Nope, I don’t think I need to worry myself over losing anyone for a good long time to come.”

“So, you’re just not?”

“Yup.”

“Wow,” Caleb sighed pressing his face into the pale fur. “I wish I could be that way.”

The Arrocmor was not hard to spot. A massive tree that stretched up into the heavens, covered in large, low hanging branches. It was large enough to build a comfortable home within and still have plenty of tree to spare. It was awash amongst bright blue leaves that seemed to sing in the breeze, and soft crimson bark run smooth by generations of hands. Large plump fruit hung from its thinner upper branches, the lower more accessible ones having already been picked bare. Caleb craned his neck skyward, searching the mighty boughs carefully as Edward began the long circuit around its wide base. He spotted Jake when they were nearly a third of the way around, sitting with his back to the trunk, staring back, his face smeary as if he’d just had a good cry, but ceased at their intrusion, wiping away the evidence with dirty hands.

Giving Edward’s mane a gentle tug to have him stop Caleb hailed the arboreal mourner. “Uh, hi Jake. Um, do you mind coming down? Rogers wanted you to come back into the house for tea…” No response was forthcoming, and Jake looked away sniffing. Edward was not offering any assistance, and the one tactic Rogers gave him had flopped. Caleb wondered if he should just walk away having failed in this task. That would not do though. Slipping off Edward’s back he approached the root base of the tree. Hesitantly he laid a hand on the red bark, and almost cried out in surprise flinching his hand away. The tree seemed to thrum, as if it had a heartbeat. He pressed his palm against the wood once more, welcoming the sensation of a beating heart. The tree was alive, truly alive, and warm to the touch. It was so comforting, almost a substitute for a loving parent’s embrace. No wonder Jake had fled here. If given the chance Caleb thought, he might rest against the Arrocmor for an eternity. Pressing his fingers into he soft bark Caleb began to climb, hand over hand, springing from branch to branch with all the lithe strength of a young boy skilled in arboreal movement until at last he surmounted the middling branches, coming to a halt just beneath Jake’s own seat. The boy did not rebuff his presence, but he did not acknowledge it either, pointedly looking in a different direction, trying awfully hard not to cry.

“You know there’s no shame in tears.” Caleb echoed, thinking back to a dark and bloody night deep beneath the ground in the enemy’s lair. He set his back against bark, closing his eyes, and enjoying the rhythmic sensation that permeated from the mystical tree. Somehow it worked, driving the nightmares away, the twisted and bloody shapes that haunted him every night were swept aside, and their memories replaced by solace. “I never knew him, your dad, but Rainbow said the crew that sailed with your grandfather were good men. So that includes your father, right? I bet he would be happy to see you are safe here in Thorn. Um. Real proud of you too…” His words were having no effect. No response whether positive or negative were being initiated. If anything, Caleb felt like he was intruding upon Jake’s space. Maybe it would be best to leave, but the tree felt so soothing he wished to stay and unpack some of his own baggage. Whether for Jake’s benefit or his own he could not say.

“I never knew my parents, y’know. No one did, I was found on a doorstep freshly born with only a note bearing two words and a blanket. The couple who discovered me there did not want me. They gave me to an orphanage, in Eagletown. The matron Adria was nice, and the other children were as good a family as they could be. But it never felt like home, like home should feel like. I never had someone to hurt for, someone I felt so strongly for. Part of me has always wanted to feel the way you do today, and a part of me wants to protect myself from that pain. Seeing you hurt, it rips me apart thinking about how much you must have lost. You clearly loved them so much. I guess what I’m trying to say is I wish I could have had parents like yours. But I cannot ever feel that loss, or that love. Which is why I urge you to cherish his memory and treasure your mother too. For her sake as well as yours. Because not having that love is the worst thing in the world…” Caleb felt a small hand squeeze his shoulder and looked up to see Jake’s tear stained face staring down at him.

“I’m sorry…” Caleb whispered. “That was selfish of me, talking about my problems when-“

“That’s alright.” Jake cut across. “You’re right, I think. Mom is going to need me to step up now more than ever. Take care her, and Skyla, and my cousin Kayden too. I don’t really have a choice anymore.”

Caleb smiled, reaching up and giving Jake’s shoulder a squeeze in return. “I wasn’t lying when I said your grandfather and dad would be proud. That’s very grown up thing to realize.”

Thanks, I hope I make him proud, wherever he is.” The younger boy relinquished his grip and Caleb followed suit. “Do you know how he died? They died I mean?”

“From what Rainbow told me…” Caleb said hesitantly.

“I’d like to know.” Jake spoke with such seriousness Caleb had to check and make sure he was still talking to an eight-year-old.

Carefully, with halting words Caleb laid out the story as Rainbow had told it. Mulling over how much he needed to share, and watering down the more gruesome parts of Rainbow’s no doubt already watered-down version of events. Jake’s face never changed once during the retelling until he asked after the fate of the dwarfs, and Caleb explained their attack and his own part in ending the dwarfen menace. Jake’s face twisted into a bitter frown and he nodded appreciatively.

“Good, they deserved that.” Was all he said, before letting Caleb finish the reciting.

“-So we took their ship, and set sail towards Thorn City.” He concluded in short order. It all seemed so long ago to Caleb, but in reality, it’d only been several weeks since that night. Giving himself a little shake Caleb tried to remember how much his life had changed since being here to there, how much he’d learned and experienced and how many people he’d met. It felt almost surreal. “We should be heading back, Rogers wanted you to be there for you mom when she arrived.”

“Yes, and you’ll have to tell everyone what happened.” Jake reminded him. Together the two boys tore themselves away from the heart tree’s embrace and descended from their lofty vantage, plunging branch by branch until they joined a rather confused, but content to wait Edward amongst the spreading roots.

“Can you carry two Eddy?” Caleb asked, eyeing the golden hippocampus.

“Aye-up. No problem. You two don’t seem too heavy at least.” The sturdy equine assured them. “But don’t ask me to carry Byures as well, he wouldn’t fit.”

“Whose Byures?” Jake asked, as Caleb helped him scramble aboard before hopping up and straddling Edward’s flanks.

“A friend of ours from the Forest district.” Caleb explained. “We wouldn’t have found our way here without him.”

“I should thank him.” Jake said after a moment of thought as Edward began their slow trot back to the homestead. “You were able to shed light on something really important for me and my family. I am glad you made it here Caleb. Thank you.”

Avatar | The New Cycle

Y’know considering the release of ATLA on Netflix, and the subsequent popularity on this interest check, and general confusion as to the setting. I think it says something about the current supply and demand for an Avatar RP...

Someone should really get on that.

The Adventures of Caleb Crowsnest

“I can’t preform any of my magic either.” Edward confided, pawing at the turf underfoot. The hippocampus tossed his mane, snorting his displeasure at this realization. “It’s too far away, my powers are so weak here I cannot preform even the simplest spell. As if I am reaching with all my might, but it’s always just out of my grasp. It must be the distance from the ocean for me, with us being farther inland than I thought. Maybe your source of magic is too far away as well Caleb?”

“That wouldn’t make any sense.” Caleb argued growing ever more frustrated at his inability. He tried the movement again, positioning his hands just the way Byures taught, and uttering the incantation. To no avail. The magic simply refused to work, denying his every attempt. “I don’t even have a source of power. Or if I do, I am not sure what it is. Or how I could be separated from it here.”

“The forest district is mighty, old, and interwoven in a twisted web of ancient spells and powerful beings. Magic is a strange force in this world, complicated beyond our understanding. There is a chance it interferes, keeping you locked from your source.” Byures indicated the ancient twisted trees that surrounded them, and the shimmering air that indicated not all was as it seemed.

“So, my magic is blocked here?”

“Perhaps, perhaps not. I do not know for certain. Attempt to preform a spell you are confident you could accomplish. We might be given more insight upon the outcome.”

Caleb mulled this over, rubbing his fingers together. He knew a simple sparking spell, that almost all the Red Twig orphans were taught. A basic incantation that summoned a tiny flurry of sparks, something that could be accomplished by mundane everyday items, but handy in certain situations. Basic survival skills were a must for everyone and knowing how to produce a fire ranked near the top. Feeling his fingers beginning to produce heat from the friction Caleb clapped his hands together, reaching for the magic within. Nothing happened, no burst of yellow sparks materialized in a brilliant if short lived eruption. No matter how deep within himself Caleb searched he could not locate his magic. Byures was right, he could not access even the simplest spells. Caleb’s shoulders slumped in defeat. Sure, he had never been particularly skilled enough in magic to have aspirations of becoming a true mage, but he had always liked the reassuring feeling it provided. It was like an integral part of him was stolen, leaving an empty hole in its place. Even the normally cavalier Edward seemed taken aback by his lack of powers. No doubt being a creature of magic he was feeling the bite of its loss even worse.

The alligatorman nodded his head, as if he expected this to occur. “It seems my suspicions were well founded. No matter, an opportunity lost but no real harm done. I shall fulfill my promise and see you to the border, but no further. I cannot pass into the other districts. You will have to find your own way or locate a new guide to finish your search. Once you have unlocked your magic once again young Caleb, I urge you to reattempt this spell. You may find it useful on your journey.”

“Thank you Byures.” Edward said sincerely. “We would have been hopelessly lost in here without your help.”

The Hunter merely grunted, then in his slow ponderous way turned towards the city borders once more, his young companions following dutifully in his footsteps.

The Adventures of Caleb Crowsnest

“Caleb?” Edward snuffled at Caleb’s sleeve. They’d been walking a further twenty minutes, apparently Byures’ definition of close by being somewhat different to his own. No building tops or elegant tower spires were in view, though Caleb did find himself spending far more time staring exhaustedly down at the broken path keeping focused on placing one foot in front of the other, rather than towards the sky. The Hunter did not slow his gait, indeed he seemed utterly single-minded in achieving his destination as if nothing in all the world could hurry or stall him. His lumbering gait covered ground steadily, leaving his travelers lagging in his wake, drawing ever further behind. At Edward’s request Caleb glanced tiredly up from the never-ending trail, giving the weary young hippocampus a inquisitive glance. Edward was limping now favoring his right foreleg. His pale gold fur was smeared by dirt and dried sweat while his once watery eyes were crusted over. Mane like golden thread was tangled and burr bedraggled, giving what once was a proud, strong yearling foal, the appearance of a broken old nag. Caleb rested a hand upon Edward’s withers, feeling the muscle tense and ripple under the pressure.

“What’s wrong Edward, are you well?”

“Noooo,” came the hippocampus’ whine. The pale head sank lower, as if he were too exhausted to hold it up any higher. “I’m so, so thirsty Caleb. My mouth is dry, my brain aches, something is stabbing into my foot, and everything hurts.” He lifted his gaze, one eye fixing Caleb with a pleading desire. “I want to go back to the ocean.”

Now that Caleb thought about it Edward did seem a bit dried out, as if his body was withering away under the sun. The boy winced, scratching at a scab that had formed where a whipping branched had struck him during their wild ride. “Tell you the truth Eddy, I’m not feeling to chipper either. I could use a break and a drink of water myself. But we must find Rainbow and recover Valentino’s gift! I would hate to tell the prince of the ocean that his treasure was stolen.” Caleb did not want to admit, but the sooner he was out of the forest and away from Byures company the better. Both gave him a sense of dread, that hung in the back of his mind. Edward only whined in response, his head sinking a little lower. “But a short break wouldn’t hurt.” Caleb sighed, broken by Edward’s pathetic appearance. “Maybe Byures’ knows about a stream or pond nearby.

The aligatorman in question stopped so suddenly the youthful duo nearly crashed right into him. It was all Caleb could do to avoid stepping on his long, dragging tail.

“These things I know.” He acknowledged, twisting his long reptilian snout to appraise the two. “Away from our final destination we will march, but closer, much closer freshwater rests. I do not trust the human wells, rank and filth infused. Follow.” He turned a perfect ninety degrees and stalked off. Caleb and Edward exchanged glances but hurried to follow. At this point they were far to lost amongst the trees to ever hope finding their own way out, much less a good water source. Encouraged by the promise of water they limped behind the Hunter, eagerly awaiting the first sight. True to his promise they were not far off, and Caleb was the first to hear the blessed sounds of running water. They broke through a patch of willow trees and there before them rested a shallow forest pool, fed by a small waterfall that trickled down a patch of mossy rocks. Giving a happy cheer Edward darted forward, splashing straight into the pond’s surface. Caleb followed at a much more reserved pace, kneeling, and dipping his hands to cup a mouthful of the sweet relief into his parched mouth.

“Ew, gross, phath!” Edward emerged from his submerged position coughing and gagging, shaking droplets from his golden pelt. “Caleb don’t drink that, somethings wrong with the water!”

Caleb spat it out hurriedly. “What’s wrong? It tasted fine to me?”

“The water is well.” Byures assured them from his place of observation. The alligatorman watched Edward curiously, tilting his large head ever so slightly. “You are creature of the ocean, yes?”

“That’s right,” Edward concurred.

“There is no salt, the water is fresh.” Byures explained, his voice deep and slow, soothing the worried hippocampus. “The taste is different, but I do not think one who can breathe the air, and yet survive beneath the waves should be concerned. Drink child, the water shall do you good.”

This was enough reassurance for Caleb who drank his fill greedily. Edward hesitated, but his thirst won out and he dipped his head, sucking down the life-giving liquid by the gallon.

“Careful Eddy,” Caleb laughed, splashing some water towards his friend. “You’ll drop the level of the pool drinking like that.”

“It’s nasty,” Edward complained, his tail whipping at the pond flies that were trying to settle on his flanks. “It makes my stomachs feel queasy, but it’s better than nothing I suppose.”

They relaxed along the pool’s shore, swimming in the shallows and laughing at the different tricks Caleb could preform jumping off the rocky waterfall’s summit, spinning or twisting through the short fall before splashing into the deeper portions, scattering the small fish that resided there. All the while Byures watched, silently. So perfectly still he almost blended into the leafy green background. At one point Edward swam out to the deepest part of the pool, where his legs still managed to scrape the bottom and submerged his head, but he burst above the surface a short while later and returned to shore looking deeply concerned. Caleb lounged on the grassy bank plucking a blade of grass and twisting it between his fingers.

“What’s wrong Eddy? The water still making you feel sick?”

“Yeah, it is. But it isn’t that.” At Caleb’s insistence he explain further Edward laid down, a very odd affair for a horse but he managed it, lifting, and twisting his right forehoof as if he was trying to see beneath it. Yet despite his best efforts he could not managed to adjust his body enough to get a proper look. “Something was hurting my foot,” he admitted resigning to laying on his side. “So, I thought I might transform into a fish, because fish do not have hoofs, or legs, or feet. That should have worked, except I cannot transform. I was trapped somehow, stuck in this body. Neither my true self, nor any of the other three would appear, it was as if my magic is severed, or at least strained.” Caleb thought he saw tears emerging from Edward’s large eyes. The boy leaned forward wrapping his arms around the powerful neck of his equine friend.

“It’ll be alright Eddy,” Caleb assured his young companion. “We ran so far inland chasing after that thief, you’re probably just not used to being so far from your home. Once we find Rainbow, we will go back to the ocean, and I’m certain your powers will return.”

“You think so?”

“I guarantee it.”

“Alright,” he gave his best horsy smile he could muster, but Caleb could see the worry in his eyes. Not doubt fearing he would be forever trapped on land.

“No offense, but having legs is painful.” Edward commented after awhile. “I don’t know how you go around on land and surfaces without end.”

“Oh, right!” Caleb sprang up, motioning Edward do the same. “Let me check your hoof, maybe something is trapped there.” Edward did as he was bid, gingerly returning to his feet, still favoring his right foreleg. Caleb knelt on one knee, taking Edward’s injured leg like he’d seen farriers preform to his home village’s horses. Taking two fingers he rubbed them along the hoof wall and then the sole, brushing aside the mud and gunk that clung there. He discovered the source of Edward’s discomfort almost immediately. His fingers brushed against the base of a thorn, and Edward flinched, giving a little yelp of surprise.

“Ouch, what did you do?” He grumbled, nudging Caleb with his nose. “That stings.”

“Stop twitching and bumping me Eddy, you made me lose it. Hang on here it is. You’ve got a nasty thorn in your hoof.” Caleb rediscovered the offending barb, trying to set his fingernails around its stubborn base. It was lodged deep, and it was huge, Caleb did not know how Edward managed to walk so far without more serious complaint.

“A, thorn?”

“Yeah, a big one. I can pull it out, but it’ll hurt.”

“Will it hurt more than the hooked jaws of a giant sea monster?” The question was asked so casually it gave Caleb pause. Boy and hippocampus exchanged a glance and Caleb shook his head.

“No, I don’t think it will.”

“Then I shall manage.”

“Okay, here goes.” Securing the thorn Caleb gave a sharp tug and twist and out popped the two-inch spike followed by a little spurt of blood. Edward braced for the pain barely flinched. Whistling Caleb held the absurd barb up to the sunlight, shaking his head in amazement. “I do not understand Eddy, you were walking with a whole spear stabbing into your foot and only now mention it?”

“It wasn’t comfortable.” Edward tested his hoof on the soft loam, sighing appreciatively. The aggravating sting that had been bothering him for the better part of two hours was finally gone. “Thank you, Caleb, that’s so much better.” He moved his head around, examining the gore streaked trophy curiously. “So that is a thorn. Its rather small isn’t it, to be the culprit of so much discomfort.”

“Small!” Caleb cried aghast, knowing full well if the thorn had been in his foot, he would not have been able to walk more than a few agonizing steps. He flicked the spike away for some other unfortunate to trod upon and stood. “C’mon then, we should finish our little walk. And try to avoid stepping on any brambles this time.

“I’ll certainly try. They are less friendly than a sea urchin.” Edward concurred taking one last sip from the forest pool. “Shall we be off then, Byures?” Edward raised his head, twisting this way and that. “Hey, the Hunter is gone.”

“No he’s not, he’s right over…” Caleb began a frantic search of his own. He had noticed the alligatorman’s uncanny stillness, and ease of blending in before, but now it seemed he was well and truly gone. How could someone so large have vanished without them noticing? And why would Byures leave them alone by this pool?

Battle of the Nations

Oh, @TJByrum make sure you do your @s in a second post, because if you do them in the opening they don't work. Its a known bug.

The Adventures of Caleb Crowsnest

Minutes passed, and hours faded away as the moon slowly rose and dipped in the evening sky. Eagle’s Deliverance guided by Edward’s steady fins kept a sure course. Meanwhile the young friends conversed well into the night. Caleb asking for answers and stories about life beneath the ocean, and Edward piling on his own inquiries regarding the land, each marveling at the mysterious wonders that lay outside their respective reach. Words droned into obscurity for Caleb, and as the stars slowly faded away, he felt more and more challenged to keep his eyelids from drooping. The child yawned larger and larger until at last he resisted no more and dozed against the rail, giving into the urge to pass unto peaceful slumber. Warm sea air, nor gentle rocking of the ship disturbed him, and Caleb dreamt of grass and trees and earth of his distant homeland, far, far beyond the horizon. He could not say how long he slept, it could not have been exceptionally long however as the sky was still black of a late evening, or an exceedingly early morning. Caleb stirred, uncertain as to what woke him. Nothing seemed out of place on deck. Rainbow was most likely below, sleeping. Flower roosted nearby head tucked under her wing, and Ribbon was nowhere to be seen.

“Edward?” He asked, rubbing at his eyes, and forcing back an overwhelming yawn. No answer was offered by the hippocampus, or by anyone for that matter. Deciding whatever it was did not require his attention Caleb reclined against a coil of comfortable rope and prepared to return to his dreams of home.

THUNK

This time it could not be denied. Something powerful impacted their keel, sending shivers down the sloop’s wooden spine. Caleb sat up straight, all tiredness leaving his body in a sudden surge of adrenaline. Standing the boy leaned out over the darkened waters, scanning for any sign of his friend. Edward was gone, or at least deep enough to be out of sight. That was unusual, Caleb frowned, the young sea beast always kept close by, guiding their vessel true. If he was not there, they were sailing randomly wherever the water bid. The sea remained calm under his sharp gaze, Caleb sprinted to the port railing, scanning those waters as well. “Edward?” He called again, this time louder and with a hint of urgency. No response from the hippocampus curtailed his concerns. Perhaps Edward had gone to the ocean floor to find something to eat, or maybe he was resting. The waves seemed calm, perhaps they would not be blown to far off course. Besides, the hippocampus surely knew the ocean better than Caleb. He would be back in no time, the boy reassured himself, forcing his body to relax. And whatever hit their ship? A large piece of driftwood most likely, and nothing to worry over?

A sudden burst of power rocked the ship from bow to stern sending the proud prow high out of the water and crashing back down with a tremendous force. It was all Caleb could do to clench tight to the port railing and keep himself from being thrown overboard. A surge of water crashed down around him, soaking the boy to the bone as he released a terrified cry. Flower, startled from her sleep rocketed off the mast spar, squawking at this injustice. Then, before Caleb could catch his breath, he heard the scream. A young voice, crying out in pain and terror, alien, and yet all too familiar to Caleb.

“EDWARD!” Caleb screeched as the ship rocked again. He clung tight; his arms wrapped around the railing in a death grip, desperate to maintain purchase as the ocean roiled angrily beneath the sloop. “Edward, where are you?” The ocean frothed as if some massive storm raged just beneath the surface. Edward’s forlorn cries echoed out from the dark depths where Caleb’s eyes could not penetrate, and he knew something terrible was happening. But Edward was a giant, spanning nearly the length of the Sloop and undeniably powerful even in his youth. He dragged the ship through a storm for crying out loud! What could possibly cause him to yell out in such horror. Caleb thought he saw a sheen of blood in the water and his heart jumped to his throat. “Edward, no.” He croaked; his voice having gone hoarse from his own cries.

“Caleb, hang on. Do not let go of that railing.” Rainbow appeared, outlined in the shadows of the cabin door, clinging to the frame to keep balance. “What’s going on, whose screaming?”

The impossible sound ceased, as if in answer to Rainbow’s inquiry and the waters stilled. Eagle’s Deliverance rested uneasily on a freshly calmed surface, but Caleb did not reduce his grip, lest the turmoil resume. Not once did the boy stop searching the waves, his hands shaking as tears ran freely down his cheeks. All he could think about was that terrible shriek, and the way it so suddenly concluded. A flash beneath the surface caught his eye, and he leaned out, unable to believe his eyes.

A shape, an enormous monster three times Edward’s size resided below. An eerie bioluminescent spine glowing a victorious evil green, illuminating its pale scales, four massive flippers, powerful amphibian tail, and long wicked jaws within which was trapped the writhing form-

“Caleb no!”

The boy did not heed Rainbow’s cry. His sword set between his teeth Caleb plunged into the icy brine, forcing his eyes to remain open against the agonizing sting of salt and blood. The aquatic monster did not even heed the tiny, insignificant being who now swam ten meters from it. So intent on the prey, ensnared by her foot long teeth. She shook her head this way and that, trying to break the spine of the stubborn hippocampus who fought bitterly for his very life, a rare treat to bring back to her brood…