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Escape From Manitou Island: Part 157 |
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(DISCLAIMER: This part, and all parts hereafter, are works in progress (WIPs) and have not been proofread or checked for plot inconsistencies. I've decided to present them "as is" for now, as there is a significant amount of unfinished material; yet this story has been on hiatus for a long while, I've forgotten certain details, and I have no plans to resume work on it any time soon. Please keep in mind while reading that details may change in the future. Should you spot an inconsistency, however, please feel free to point it out to me for possible correction.)
DREAM HOPPING THE SKY WAS darker than usual, even though it was nighttime. Heavy clouds had long ago blotted out the stars and the air was heavy with humidity so that most of the Islanders had returned to their homes for the night rather than get caught out in the light rain which had started to fall, and was promising to increase, but adverse weather had never stopped Silver Eagle Feather from her own pursuits. She sat at the edge of a ravine not far from Fort Holmes, staring at the trees just barely visible on the other side, her eyes pensive. Most people on the Island didn't even know of this ravine, and so it was a good place to sit and think without being disturbed. Not that she figured on being disturbed so late at night, and in such weather, but she didn't want to take the chance. She'd awakened that morning more disturbed by the fact that she found it hard to breathe than by the fact that her husband and daughter were still not there, and that made her uneasy. She was no closer to figuring out what all of these shared dreams had to do with anything than she'd been when she'd first started looking into it. All that Tal Natha could tell her was that Chibiabos had said they were sent by the Island itself. But...since when could an Island send dreams...? Perhaps I should not ask since when, but why... She bit her lip a little, then succumbed to temptation and nibbled on her thumbnail. She hadn't done that since she was a child, and was often gently reminding Winter Born not to do it. It seemed the least of things to worry about now. The wind picked up so that the trees around the ravine swayed from side to side, their leaves shushing softly. A low grumble sounded in the distance and Silver Eagle Feather lifted her head to look toward the northwest. Every so often the sky would flash ominously, but she didn't get up and seek shelter beneath the nearby trees. Instead she just sat and watched as the heavy thunderclouds rolled closer, arcs of lightning splitting them every so often and once in a while even lancing down to lick at the distant lake, which wasn't visible from here. The hairs on the back of her neck prickled as a charge filled the air, and she frowned slightly, leaning forward to try to get a better look at the roiling clouds. They seemed to take on strange shapes now and then, shapes which broke apart and re-formed, but there was some sort of distinct sense and design to them. As the boom of the thunder grew louder and closer, and the flashes brighter, she realized that the storm was heading right for the Island, and within mere minutes it would pass right over the Turtle's Back, drenching everything in its wake. Silver Eagle Feather at last got to her feet, but she didn't head toward Fort Holmes or the trees. Instead she began picking her way down the precarious wall of the ravine until she'd made her way to the bottom, where she crouched among the broken pieces of limestone, peering upward into the swaying branches and shifting clouds. The latter were lighting up as if a baashkizigan were being fired over and over, and the loudness of the thunder was fit to match; yet the rain didn't increase as much as she'd expected. Her frown grew at this realization, then she gasped and crouched down further, putting her arm over her head and bracing herself against the ravine wall when a flash of lightning arced down into the ravine itself, striking the rock some distance away. She could smell the acrid scent the strike left behind, and a horrendous CRACK followed almost immediately from directly overhead. She gripped at the rock when a gust of wind arose and swept past, tearing at the weeds and grass, and opened one eye a sliver to see what was going on. The clouds had descended so low as to be almost unbelievable, but even as she watched, it was as if part broke off from the rest and gently flowed down into the ravine. It flashed and glowed as lightning zigzagged around within it, and Silver Eagle Feather furrowed her brow to see that its shape was vaguely birdlike. It was shrinking in size, and changing shape as well, until by the time it dropped out of sight beyond a crag in the rock it couldn't have been much bigger than herself; the booming and flashing overhead began to move along, and the gale of wind in the trees eased as well. The charge remained in the air, however, and Silver Eagle Feather held her place, realizing that something not quite normal had just happened. She strained her ears for any further noise and at last it came, the soft shifting of rocks and earth from ahead where the cloud-shape had disappeared. A moment later, she could hear the distinct sound of footsteps, and something appeared from behind the crag. She frowned as the shape of a man came walking her way, his footsteps measured and forceful, as if he were impatient to get somewhere and get his mission over with. She did her best to disguise her presence as he came close, until he walked right past without even seeing her, and she noticed at last his odd clothing with its designs of clouds and birds and the silver feathers decorating his head, as well as the baleful yellow glow of his eyes. She stood up, but he was already past her, evidently seeking an easier way out of the ravine. She stepped out of hiding. "You seek the Dreamspinner?" she called out, as she could think of no other reason why a Thunderbird would land practically atop Tal Natha's home. "If the Dreamspinner is anywhere to be found," the Animiki called back, sounding a trifle annoyed. "Though I do have better things to do than go asking about how..." His voice trailed off and he at last halted, turning to look back at her. Silver Eagle Feather walked toward him and they both looked each other up and down curiously; the confused expression on his face was almost comical when he saw at last who he was talking to. "You are human," he exclaimed, as if both stunned and disappointed. Silver Eagle Feather had to remind herself not to smile at his surprise, as that would have been incredibly rude. Instead she said nothing as he stalked toward her and looked her over again in disbelief. He scowled as he appeared to satisfy himself that she was truly just a human, and crossed his arms somewhat sourly. "I will not bother asking how you even saw me, as I was attempting to conceal myself," he said in a voice to match, "though apparently my efforts have failed and my presence is now known. So I merely request that you do not go gossiping about this, as I have important things to do." He turned away and began walking again. "The Dreamspinner lives just to the other side of this hill," Silver Eagle Feather called out after him, "and he's more quickly reached if you go this way." When he turned to look at her again, she changed into her Ocryx form, and flapped her wings and ascended from the ravine. She had just enough time to see the Animiki's eyes go wide before he was out of her sight, and she landed back on solid ground. A moment later he had joined her, and they started walking through the trees in the direction of Fort Holmes. "I thought that you were human," he said, now obviously confused. "I am half human," she replied. "The other half of me takes after the demon of the lake, on the west side of the Island." He kept giving her odd looks, though those were nothing new to her. "You are related to this Dreamspinner...?" he asked, and she nodded. "He is my half-brother. But he is fully demon, and so looks like I did a moment ago." "These 'demons' have no relation to the Mishupishus, do they?" She shook her head. "No, no relation. Until recently there haven't been any Mishupishus around here, as far as I can remember." There was a pause. "And you aren't going to ask me any questions--?" he said. She shrugged a little as they ascended a rise. "It would be rude to question an Animiki." He blinked, then his expression softened somewhat, and he even held out a hand to help her over a rock when the slope grew steeper. "My name is Ishkode-Aanakwad and I was requested to come here on behalf of a group of humans and...not-so-humans...who are currently traveling in search of the West Wind," he said, rather aloofly, though she could tell that was just the way he talked. When she said nothing he added, "Their apparent leader is a young girl with hair like fire, a girl who can barely hold her tongue." "Her name is Charmian," Silver Eagle Feather said, feeling a slight mix of amusement and relief, "and she's helped this Island many times." There was a very long pause now as they climbed toward the very top of the hill and approached the leveled-off area that indicated the nearby presence of Fort Holmes. "They were all appearing to do well," Ishkode said at last, and gave her a strange look. "Does it not drive you mad not knowing the answers to things sooner?" "I knew you would tell me, if I waited long enough," Silver Eagle Feather replied, and they slowed down as they exited the woods, the low hill of Fort Holmes appearing before them. She gestured. "Over on that side, there is a steep drop, which leads down to a stone ledge in front of a cave in the side of the hill. Tal Natha lives there with his mate and pups. They might not be expecting you, and I doubt anyone here has ever talked with an Animiki before, so they might be surprised." "These 'pups,'" Ishkode said skeptically, "do they look like you or like...?" She was walking toward the hill's edge along with him before the words were even out of his mouth. "I'll go tell them to expect you," she said, and she heard him let out a small breath before he drew himself together and looked aloof again. She jumped from the edge of the hill just as she had before, landing neatly on the ledge beyond. Dakh and Sikt Natha, resting outside as usual, lifted their heads, a mist of rain making their fur appear glittery in the faint light coming from the cave. Silver Eagle Feather told them of the Animiki waiting above without using any words, and without a word of their own the two demons spread their wings and flapped off, away over the trees. A moment later Ishkode landed on the ledge not quite as gracefully as Silver Eagle Feather had, and frowned at the cave a little as she gestured and they made their way toward the entryway. She cast him a look. "Red Bird appears human," she explained, "but is in fact part demon like myself. Tal Natha might wish to ask you how--" A hideous, strangled barking sound suddenly issued from inside the cave, and the two of them halted in their tracks, eyes going wide. A moment later there was an awful noise as of something thrashing about violently within the small space, and a woman's voice joined it, crying out as if in fear. Ishkode turned to Silver Eagle Feather this time. "Have we come at a bad time--?" he asked, but she was already running inside the cave to see what was going on. Winter Born got to see the color blue before she felt the ground go out from underneath her, and plunged down into icy coldness. She sucked in a startled breath--but nothing but water filled her lungs, and her eyes went wide as she started flailing her arms in a panic, bubbles bursting from her mouth when she tried to scream. This--THIS is Tal Natha's dream--? she managed to think, before all of her thoughts turned toward self-preservation, and she struggled to find her way to the surface, only the water seemed to be all around her and she had no idea of which way the surface even was. She kicked out her legs and glanced around, her braids floating around her, but the blueness seemed to go on indefinitely. She turned herself over, hoping that she was facing upward, but the water only seemed to get darker and darker as whatever light there was began fading away. She flailed with her arms even though she didn't know whether she was going up or down or what. She blinked when she spotted something far above--or below--and squinted to try to make it out. Was it land--? It looked like some sort of dark, solid area, and she nearly kicked out toward it, only to see two faintly glowing circles appear in the midst of it, and as if noticing her presence they tilted to look at her, and Winter Born found herself staring into the face of a frightfully immense snapping turtle. Her eyes goggled and a burst of bubbles flew out of her mouth. They flew past her face and she suddenly realized which way must be up. She whirled herself around and began paddling and kicking like mad to reach the surface, however far away it might be. Something off to her side caught her eye, and she couldn't help glancing at it. She almost sucked in another lungful of water when she saw that it appeared to be Tal Natha himself--and he was thrashing around in the water, claws and teeth bared, as if fighting some invisible opponent. His eyes were shut tight and she couldn't tell if he even knew where he was or what was going on. Her fear--both of the bizarre situation, and of drowning--increased, but she steeled herself and paddled toward him, having to be careful not to get hit by his tail or slashed by his claws. She managed to grasp hold of his arm, and saw now that his fighting gestures appeared to be caused more by panic like her own had been. Panic again clenched her own heart, until she remembered exactly where she was supposed to be. A dream--this is just a dream! I can't drown in a dream--! Once she realized this, she blinked, then opened her mouth--and took in a breath. She felt the water flood her lungs...but an instant later, she was gasping for breath, and all traces of the water had vanished from around them. They were crouching in the cave below Fort Holmes, and Tal Natha was still writhing and whining, but Winter Born made herself study one of the crystals set in the wall, turn away, and then look for it again, and when she saw that it was now missing she could tell it was still a dream, and she let out a breath of relief. She turned her attention back to Tal Natha now, shaking at his shoulder. "Tal Natha!" she exclaimed. "Tal Natha, it's me! Snap out of it! You're dreaming!" The demon continued his tossing and growling for a moment or two, but when she continued shaking his arm, digging her fingers into his fur, his motions began to slow and he started gasping for breath just as she had. He let out an awful shudder, then his eyes popped open and he glanced around himself wildly. "The Island--!" he exclaimed aloud, eyes wide and fearful. "Tal Natha!" Winter born exclaimed again, and he gasped and jerked, finally noticing her. His eyes only grew wider and she could tell that he was about to ask how on earth she had gotten there but she hurried to shake her head and answer before he could rile himself up even more. "You're still dreaming! The Red Swan helped me come here. I wanted into your dream but I came out in that other one first!" Tal Natha blinked a few times, then let out his breath in a whoosh. This--this then was a dream within a dream--? he asked, obviously confused. Winter Born could only shrug. "I can't tell! All I know is there was lots of water, and I couldn't breathe! Are you okay--?" I...I believe so. He made a face as he carefully got to his feet, looking himself over, then glancing around the cave. My dream fooled me...? he asked, perplexed, then looked at her abruptly. Wait--you said something about water--? And not breathing--? Winter Born nodded. "That's the dream I came out in. But I remembered it was just a dream, and woke you out of it. Please don't wake up all the way yet, though! I don't want to get stuck in here!" You are still in the north...? he asked, and she nodded and then pointed northwest. He gave a great sigh and sank to the floor as if exhausted; she sat down beside the cave wall and patted his hand. He rubbed at his eyes. Well...at least that much is going well, so far... "I came back to see how everyone here is doing," Winter Born said, and frowned. "It doesn't look like things are going well! Is everything else okay--?" I do not know for certain, Tal Natha replied, sighing and resting his head. This dream you say you just experienced isn't unique to me. Many others on the Island seem to be experiencing it, and what's more, I am not the one sending it. "You...you aren't?" Winter Born's brow furrowed. "Then...who is sending it?" I do not know for certain, he said again. The Ghost Rabbit told me, though I do not know if I can believe him, that the Island itself is sending these visions...but since when can an Island send visions? The strange, shadowy image of the immense snapping turtle deep within the water again flashed through Winter Born's mind--she'd completely forgotten it somehow, until now--and she bit her lip, feeling a fresh stab of anxiety. Something kept her from mentioning this, however, and all that she could do was shrug a little. "I don't know...but it's done other things before. Is everything okay other than that?" So far, Tal Natha said. Some Nebanaubae have sought refuge under the Island, and they say that at the moment there are no Lynxes causing trouble in the lake. This could always change, however, since I believe it was the Lynxes which made them believe the water was "going bad" in the first place. These Lynxes...they seem to trail dread about them, everywhere they go. He paused, then looked up at her with a small frown of his own. Is all going well with you--? Why is it that you've come? Is Charmian all right--? Winter Born nodded reassuringly. "Oh--Charmian's okay! Don't worry about her. She can take all kinds of stuff! We're on our way west to the 'great plains,' whatever those are, to see if we can find Kabeyun there. Father is with us, and the strange red man, and a Mishupishu and an Animiki and everything. Oh." She blinked, then blushed a little. "That's right...Charmian's the one who--" She cut herself off and peered around the cave uncertainly. "Um...Tal Natha...can the Red Swan hear or see us in here...?" The demon furrowed his brow a little. The Red Swan...? No...I do not believe so, unless I should let her. Why? There is something you wish to keep from her...? "Well..." She rubbed at her head. "It's kind of complicated. But I guess if you say she can't hear us, then it's okay." She shuffled a bit closer to him and lowered her voice, just in case. "Charmian sent me here to ask about a dream of hers, you're supposed to know it? She said it had a big fountain in it..." Tal Natha's eyes brightened and he lifted his head. Yes...this is her dream! The one she used to help imprison Ocryana. She told you of it--? Winter Born nodded. "She said she saw a red tree, and then a black spirit stone. Um..." She racked her brain. "Oh. She also wanted me to ask if you know anything about the Red Swan's spirit." She shrugged a little. "That's all." Tal Natha looked vaguely troubled, and now even he peered around the cave as if expecting something to be there. When he turned back to her he lowered his head and thought so quietly that she leaned closer as if to hear him better. I had wondered if this might have something to do with you not wishing her to hear...for not that long ago, the Flint came to my cave and showed me her spirit. It was black, like this one you say that Charmian saw in her dream. I knew the old dream of hers I wished to use, but not the exact form that the new dream would take once I sent it. I take it then that she has figured out its meaning on her own...? "Sort of," Winter Born said, chewing on her lip. "I kind of get the feeling she doesn't really trust the Red Swan much." She fell silent, uncertain of whether she should say more. Tal Natha tilted his head. There is something else troubling you...? "Well..." She twisted one braid between her fingers. "I think Charm's worried because the Red Swan was telling me not to trust her. She seems like a really nice person! At least, I thought so...but Charmian's really nice too...I really don't know what to think! I like both of them--who should I listen to? If the Red Swan finds out why I came here, she's going to be so upset..." I wish that I could give you the answer, Tal Natha said, but even I do not understand all that is happening. All I can tell you is that Charmian has never once let this Island down, and if she claims she is going to help it, then she means it. But what if Chakenapok's got something to do with it...? Winter Born thought pensively to herself. HE'S the one who says the Red Swan's spirit is dark...and she says he could be getting to Charmian...what if he's getting to the Red Swan and that's why...? She let this thought trail off unfinished, her unease growing. Winter Born? Tal Natha asked, making her jump a little. He frowned. There is anything else--? "Oh...um...not that I can think of." She stood up. "Just..." He gave her a questioning look and she twirled her braid again. "Do you think Chakenapok can still do things to people's spirits...?" I had heard that he lost this ability when he was last defeated, Tal Natha said, though I could not say for certain. You have reason to believe he may be doing this again? "No...not really." Winter Born suppressed a sigh; rather than clearing things up, this visit only seemed to be making them more complex. "Thanks, Tal Natha...I hope you don't mind me coming in on your dream!" I do not mind, the demon said. I am glad that you came to see me. And that everyone is doing all right. I-- He cut himself off, blinked, then shut his eyes tightly and growled. Winter Born gasped and hopped back a step, but all that he did was lower his head to the floor and hunch his wings over his back. "Tal Natha--?" she blurted out, and bent down toward him. "Are you okay--?" He made a face. Someone...is trying to wake me up! One of his eyes opened a sliver. I think you had best let the Red Swan guide you back now...for I can't say what it will be like if you are still here when this dream ends! "OH!" Winter Born hopped back again and nodded vigorously. "Okay! Tell everybody how we're doing and--and keep an eye on things--and everything!" All of the messages she'd been hoping to convey to him fled her mind, and she scuttled back toward the cave entrance, though she had no clue where she should be going. She halted at last in the entryway and put one hand to the stone wall, not feeling terribly surprised when it melted away beneath her fingers and opened up behind her. She slipped back into it, watching Tal Natha as he faded away from sight, and she remembered to shut her eyes as she felt herself being pulled back away from the cave, the hissing sound rising around her. She let out a breath and steeled herself for the rushing feeling of being yanked backwards, hoping that she wouldn't end up in water again. I hope your Island is doing well still, the Red Swan's voice came to her above the noise. Oh--so far it is! Winter Born thought, feeling vaguely queasy. And Tal Natha's okay too...thanks for bringing me through, I feel so much better! I feel better then, too, the Red Swan replied, sounding sincere. Just a moment and I'll take you back to your-- Her voice cut off in a strange strangled noise, and Winter Born jerked to a halt so abrupt that it hurt. She bit her tongue to avoid yelling out and kicked her legs, fearing the return of the strange watery void, but all that she felt was air. Then she felt herself falling, and her knees and elbows struck something hard. She couldn't help but yell, "Ow!" this time, and rolled over, grabbing at her stinging arms. "Red Swan! What'd you do that for--?" "And so those two were hiding something from me, after all." Winter Born's eyes popped open as the strange deep voice filled her ears, and she felt the skin on the back of her neck prickle. Ahead of her she saw mostly darkness...but she was standing upon the stone floor of a cave, and she recognized it as the Red Swan's. So she was back in the right place--but who was that who had just spoken--? Not really wishing to know, she made herself turn around anyway, and a chill crept over her when she saw the large shadowy form with glowing blue eyes, its massive hand wrapped around the Red Swan's throat. |