By: ToeClaws
| The sound of Geff and Waverek conversing as they returned home faded into a welcome silence in Rothar’s cover. Rothar turned to look at Eric, his pale eyes meeting the human’s, who was already gazing back. A feeling of oddness crept its way into the Seeker. Much had transpired over the last two days for the both of them. His feelings toward Eric had been something he had thought would remain suppressed, as he had suppressed any other feelings toward others. Now it wasn’t so - Eric held the same feelings for him, somehow, and by some miracle, it was being aloud by Dar Souljeth. It was strange that he felt such uncertainty, as things were usually quite clear to him.
| The feelings Eric was having at that moment were much the same. He had lived a pretty normal life until landing himself in Sioleth. Suddenly, he was an instrument of prophecy, found out he really liked the way reptile feet and claws looked, and now had feelings for a Zagoran. Rothar’s pale gaze held his gently, though the look of confusion seemed to suggest the Seeker felt the same as he did. Much as he wanted to do something, say something, he was unsure of exactly how.
| Rothar smiled awkwardly. “I can sense you are nearly as confused as I.”
| Shocked only a moment, Eric suddenly remembered that his mind was a lot more of an open book to the Seeker now, as Rothar’s was to him… when he figured out how to read it, anyway. “Errr… yeah, sorry. I was just thinking how much you mean to me - and how I can use what I know of relationships with you.”
| The Seeker stood and went to his storage hole to fetch some cool water. As he did, he replied “You have, at least, had the freedom to explore relationships. I hold great knowledge of them, often consoling and guiding couples as a village Seeker, but nay once in my lifetime have I ever been able to live in one.” He returned with two silver mugs and a water skin, handing a mug to Eric. As he poured each of them some water, he continued. “I accepted, in becoming a Seeker, that I would never be allowed to love another, to mate, or to have young ones. My life has been that way ever since. I cannot know why Dar Souljeth has allowed what we feel between us to go on, but I am thankful that it will.” He sipped at his water and let out a content sigh as it washed down his dry throat. Eric sat, listening quietly. “I must admit, I feel at a loss of what to do or say - I can only hope I don’t offend you by my inexperience.”
| Burying his face in his hand, Eric laughed. “Jeez… I was just thinking the same - that I don’t offend you or anything!”
| The pair shared a laugh, and Rothar extended his clawed hand to Eric, who placed his hand in it. Rothar squeezed gently. “We shall learn and experience in this as we have in all things, I think.” They sat, for a long moment, holding one another’s hand, saying nothing, and holding one another in their pale gazes. After a time, Rothar spoke softly “I must admit; I am curious as to why you have such feelings for me. Logic would seem to dictate that one from another world and species, as you, would not.”
| Keeping his hand in Rothar’s, Eric smiled, and thought a moment about it. “Hmm… I’ve never been good at trying to explain my feelings… umm… it’s the way you are.” Rothar raised a brow questioningly. “Okay, not exactly descriptive, I know. Well… when Geff was hurt, for example, you were weak, hardly able to even get about, yet you still insisted on doing everything in your power to help him, in fact, you even took the extra time and effort to show me so that I could aid when no one expected me to. Or then there’s the all the times you saved me life! You have a selflessness that is truly admirable, and strength of character that acts dutifully no matter what the situation. You… you see more than the obvious. You listen to people, instead of just hearing them.” Eric laughed softly and shook his head. “There’s so much Rothar, it’s hard to even try to put it into words. I suppose, though not as important, I find you incredibly attractive. But… I don’t want you to think this is all just because you have amazing looking feet and claws or anything!”
| Rothar looked down at his toes and claws, and flayed them slightly with a bashful grin, then looked back to Eric. “I think that I cannot put into words how I feel any easier than you - perhaps worse so in that I have never needed to. I… I think I see in you what you see in me - strength, will, determination, guidance, and ingenuity. You… see more than the obvious as well, which is… perhaps one of the reasons of Dar Souljeth’s choice.” Rothar was struggling to explain himself to Eric, obviously not used to having to express himself to anyone. “I… I…” He hesitated, then gently lifted Eric’s hand, and placed the open palm of it on his chest.
| Emotions came to Eric suddenly - Rothar’s emotions. He could feel everything that Rothar was feeling as if it were his own. He gasped softly, and closed his eyes as the Seeker’s feelings told themselves to him better than any words could hope to accomplish. The Seeker’s feelings for him were indeed strong, and for so many reasons - large and small. Eric couldn’t help the tears beginning to well in his eyes at the profoundness of the feeling. He had never thought it possible to share emotions on such an overwhelming scale. He wondered if Rothar too was feeling him in the same way. When he opened his eyes, he saw a tear slowly glistening down Rothar’s snout, and knew that the sharing was indeed a duality for them.
| The experience left them in silence for a time - words simply not able to follow its intensity. After a moment, it was Rothar that softly spoke. “We… we should soon ready ourselves, for the sun will sleep shortly, and the celebration will begin.”
| Eric nodded and sighed “Always something, but you’re right. Let’s get washed up.”
| Soon the two had stripped off their clothes, and prepared one of the wash basins with water and Dailnish root to strip away the last few days’ dirt and grime. Rothar went first, working smoothly and quickly, since time was, again, not on their side. Eric watched, smiling, and admiring the Zagoran’s form. He still wasn’t quite sure why he liked it, but he definitely did. Rothar was lean, yet muscular from head to each wonderful toe. The shape, the muscle, the smoothness of his motions all screamed of the power and agility that lay in wait to be unleashed. Eric realised this was the first time that he could look, and not feel that he should turn away, questioning his actions.
| Rothar had finished most of the washing; only his lower legs remained. He bore a bashful look on his face, knowing that Eric had been watching the all the while despite the comfort he normally felt with his body. He smiled gently, and looked up at Eric. “Would you like to wash my feet and claws Eric?”
| “Did you really have to ask!?” Eric grinned wide, and took the cloth from Rothar, who lifted one foot into the air for Eric to begin washing. Teasingly, Rothar flayed and stretched his toes right in front of Eric’s eyes. Eric, without even realizing it, let out a small whimper, and lifted the cloth to begin. He rinsed the foot thoroughly, as well as Rothar’s shin and calf up to the knee. He ran the cloth between each of the beautiful toes, and watched as the dull candle and lamp light glistened off of Rothar’s scales. Lathering up the cloth, he went back to Rothar’s foot, beginning to thoroughly lather and massage it at the same time. Rothar’s only sound was a soft moan of enjoyment. Apart from the incredibly beautiful toes dangled before him, Eric was also amazed at how perfectly steady the Seeker’s stance was as he balanced steadily on one foot.
| Looking down, Rothar couldn’t help but notice the excitement of his human companion. Rothar’s shyness increased with the knowledge that he could so easily arouse his new partner. He wondered how human’s managed, considering how easy it was to spot their arousal! Still, he said nothing, and closed his eyes again, enjoying the soothing feeling of Eric’s work while trying hard not to start shaking from the nervousness that consumed him.
| Rinsing the cloth in the water, Eric, began rinsing the suds away from Rothar’s foot, amazed at the perfect balance the Zagoran still held. As the suds came away, Rothar’s toes and sole were revealed in their full glory. His fine scales glistened gently in the faint light of the cover, and shape of his foot was simply beautiful to behold. Eric found himself looking at the toes again, marvelling at how the great black claws grew perfectly from the centre of the toe, each with its fine ridges, and sharp point. As Eric worked the cloth around the toes, he had the pleasure of watching the skin between them flex and twist slightly with his every motion. He reached around behind, and washed the hind claw, or hallux, as he remembered it was called on dinosaurs, then finished with Rothar’s shin and calf. He smiled up with an embarrassed look, suddenly becoming aware of his excitement, and softly spoke. “Okay… all done, next one please.”
| Rhythmically, Rothar lowered the foot, and lifted the other to Eric. Rothar smiled lovingly, happy that something so simple could please his partner so much. Eric wiped away the dust and grime with the first rinse of the cloth. As he did, Rothar teased again with a flaying of his toes for Eric, who only gasped, and paused momentarily in his efforts to watch.
| Eric’s efforts with the second foot were as long and loving as the first, taking great care to clean every tiny bit of the wonderful foot and its claws, as well as the lower leg. As the suds were washed away again, the beautiful scales and skin returned the faint light of the room in a teasing beauty for Eric to behold. Begrudgingly, Eric dried Rothar’s foot off, not wanting the wonderful moment to end so soon. Rothar grinned, watching Eric’s fixed gaze on his toes and claws, feeling more at ease with the new experience. He paused for a moment, considering, then gently pushed his foot to Eric’s face, pressing the ball of his foot softly along Eric’s lips while Eric’s nose slipped neatly between his first and second toe. He squeezed gently, and heard a soft whimper from the human.
| Eric sat in disbelieve, as Rothar’s sole and toes rested gently on his face. From the moment he saw them, part of him wished to have them pressed down on him, and now it was reality! The scales were tough, yet soft enough that they felt wonderful. The Seeker’s perfect foot nearly completely covered Eric’s face; the large black claws each curving carefully around the top and side of his head. Eric thought for a moment he would explode from the almost instantaneous arousal, but somehow contained himself. It lasted but a wonderful moment before Rothar slowly pulled it away, and set it back on the ground.
| Looking down at Eric, Rothar bore an awkward smile. “I…thought you might enjoy it more, in such a way.”
| Swallowing hard and finding his voice again, Eric chuckled. “Oh ahh… I think I liked it… very much.” He stood slowly, still feeling about to explode at his middle, and met Rothar’s gaze. “But, did you?”
| The grin that met him back was an answer in itself. “I am thankful that I can provide such pleasure to you Eric. It… it may sound strange, but the act of giving it in itself is somehow rewarding.”
| Reaching gently up, Eric brushed Rothar’s cheek and smiled. “That is what a relationship should be - pleasure should always go both ways for reasons of giving as much as receiving.” Eric shook his head and let out a laugh, thinking of his past. “You know what’s strange? I’m not exactly old, but I guess I have the mentality of an older human. I always thought of relationships as what you just said, but girlfriends never really saw it that way… I don’t think they could, at least, not yet.” His look saddened. “In fact, I’m not sure many people see them like that anymore.”
| Rothar looked at him with a quizzical gaze. “You speak deficiently of your people’s conduct again. Do humans not fall in love with one another and share in a life of one soul between them?”
| “No… not really… not many, I mean.” Eric sighed and lowered his eyes. “You would think they would, and some do, but so many relationships and marriages fail Rothar. My own parents separated twice, and only ever seemed to get back together because of money. I… I don’t know what’s wrong with us.”
| “Surely there cannot be such immorality amongst all your people?” Rothar picked up the cloth and handed it to Eric. “I do not wish to break our conversation, but we should hurry as time is short - we can talk whilst you wash.”
| Nodding Eric took the cloth, and started wetting himself down. “No, not all of us are that shallow, but seriously Rothar - if you took all 6 billion of the human race, you’d be hard pressed to come up with 600,000 that were as pure as Zagoran’s seem to be.” Rinsing the cloth, Eric lathered it up with the Dailnish root, and started to wash his chest, leaving his face momentarily to talk. “I… I really don’t want to talk about it Rothar. The more I’m here, the more I find it hard to accept the people I was once part of.”
| The Seeker nodded and changed the subject. “You mentioned you were not that old yet. I myself am still young. I am curious as to the measure of that age. Here, we measure age in seasons, as each cycle of nature’s renewal is of great importance to us.”
| “Yeah, Massic mentioned some ages in seasons, but I don’t know the measure of one. To me, there are four seasons in a complete cycle, which we call a year. There are 365 days to a year, and the days seem about the same length as here.” Eric rang out the cloth and washed away the lather from his chest, and swore he could feel the weight of the dirt and sand leave him.
| Rothar clenched his chin thoughtfully. “There are four seasons in a cycle here as well. We calculate this by the stars, and know that there are 376 days to a… year, as you would call it. I am nearly 176 seasons old.”
| For a moment, Eric stopped washing and thought out the numbers in his head. Crap… I hate math. Okay, 376 to 365 like 3% difference, so 176 by 4 and a bit more... is… is like 45! “Whoa… that would make you around 45 years old, in my terms! That’s middle age for human.”
| The Seeker had a genuine look of surprise. “Middle age? I am considered quite young for a Zagoran - perhaps one of the youngest of Seekers, actually. What is your age Eric, as I do not think you are near your middle years.”
| “Ha… no way. I’m 22, so I guess that makes me sort of a child in Zagoran terms, eh?” Eric began washing again, feeling a bit strange considering the age difference.
| “No Eric, you are far from a child to me… to us. One cannot compare species on equal terms when there are such obvious differences. Zagoran’s usually live to be over 1200 seasons old, sometimes more. Naffit is the oldest among us, and is 1152, if I remember correctly, though he certainly does not act it!”
| The cloth splashed down into the water as Eric gaped in shock at Rothar. “That’s like, around 300 years! Most humans are lucky to get to 90!’ A sick feeling started welling up in Eric’s stomach as the implications of the difference in ages washed over him.”
| “Eric?” Rothar placed his clawed hand on the human’s shoulder. “You suddenly look ill again, what is it?”
| Eric looked up at Rothar and shook his head. “Does that not bother you… that I will be an old man when you are not even middle age?”
| Strangely, Rothar met Eric’s worried gaze with a calm smile. “No. Eric, I may not have had the experience you have with relationships, but I do know that the path a couple travels cannot be forecast, only walked as one comes to it. It can sometimes be a difficult path, but so long as those that walk it never let go of their faith in the other, the destination matters less than the journey. Until now, I thought it was journey that I would never be allowed to take, and now I have a chance.”
| Laid before him in words was yet another reason Eric felt the way he did about Rothar. Despite the knowledge that he would outlive Eric by far, it didn’t seem to matter to him. Even still, Eric could not help but feel a sense of guilt over his comparatively short life span. He smiled sadly “Maybe, in time, Jantra could help extend my life… if that’s even possible. I don’t want to leave you just because I wither away to skin and bones.”
| The idea was an interesting one, but one that Rothar found equally unlikely. Still, Eric’s determination to be fair had was something to admire, for his thoughts were not mired in his own reasons for self preservation, but were of an emotional concern for his partner. Rothar smiled sadly “Perhaps in time, Eric.” He reached down, and retrieved the cloth, ringing it out. “If I may, might I clean your face for you?” Eric nodded, and Rothar began rinsing away the layers of dust and grime.
| Even with the powerful hands and claws that adorned each fingertip, Rothar’s touch was surprisingly gentle, and precise. He seemed to be watching quite fixedly while he was working, which made Eric grin. “I think that’s the same look I must have when cleaning your feet. So what is it then about my face that you like?”
| The fixed look changed quickly to a bashful one as Rothar paused in his work. “I like your ears, I think.” As he said it, he dragged the claw of his index finger softly around one. “And your lips - most fascinating.” Again the claws touched his lips and was gently dragged the length of them.
| Eric closed his eyes and smiled at the soft feeling. He opened his eyes again, and Rothar continued. “Funny, I don’t recall you ever looking at them.”
| Rothar ginned and began lathering up the cloth with the little bit of root that was left. “Of course not - a Seeker is careful of his glances.”
| “Heh… of course, I should have guessed.” Eric turned his head and looked out the small window to see the light of the day fading away. “Oh oh, looks like it won’t be long before we need to make an entrance again.”
| The cloth began rinsing away the soapy lather. Rothar worked carefully as to not get any in Eric’s eyes. “Yes, I regret we must be brief now. The others will have been preparing a feast in great haste for you.”
| “A feast? Oh brother. You know what I want to do more than anything right now? Eric picked up a towel to dab his face dry.
| “What would that be?” Rothar asked inquisitively.
| Eric chuckled “Sleep. I could really go for nice day-long nap.”
| A chuckle sounded from Rothar in return. “Aye - both of us could do with some much needed rest, but a champion of the tribe need also be part of that tribe.”
| Sighing, Eric took the cloth and quickly finished washing his middle, legs and feet. “I know, but I can wish, right?” As he finished, he reached for the leather loincloth, shorts, or whatever they were exactly, and put them back on. “What do Zagoran’s do when they celebrate?”
| Rothar paused a moment, also redressing himself, then smiled. “We often do not have things to celebrate so highly. There could be a great many things… why not wait and see?”
| “Always a mystery with you, eh?” Eric sighed, thinking about the events likely to unfold. Walking to the table near the door, Rothar retrieved their blades, and returned to Eric, handing his sword and belt to him.
| The few moments that remained to them were spent cleaning their swords and tidying their appearance as best they could. A knock sounded at the door and Rothar went to answer it. As it swung wide, there stood Geff, now bearing a black eye patch on one side. He smiled warmly at them both. “Massic has sent me to inform you of our readiness.”
| Returning the warm smile, Eric admired Geff a moment. He was a far cry from the weak and injured Zagoran of a few days ago. He stood strongly again, and was wearing the shin guard armour that so nicely accented his feet. Taking a step back, Geff gestured to the outdoors. Eric took a deep breath, feeling a bit nervous again, and looked at Rothar. “After you.” The two filed out with Geff walking beside them, Eric wondering just what lay in wait for him.
***
| It was from far atop a distant cliff that Drass and his Hethren brothers watched a tiny pin prick of light. Drass stood at a rocky extension of the cliff side they adorned, growling. He knew that the tiny light he saw were the fires of his enemies. That was where he must go to do what the OblaKan had instructed. That was where he would find the Realm Walker, and rob him of his worthless life. “Grrrrraaaahh! Theeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrreeeee!” A sharp clawed finger rose and pointed to the distant light. “Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee gohhhhhhhhh theeeeereeeeeeeeee to keeeeeeeeellllll ahhhhhllllllllll!” The dozen Hethren that had accompanied him cheered and screeched in answer. Drass circled around in a mad dash, and left the cliff with the others in tow, heading for the distant prick of light, red eyes glowing in the new night sky.
***
| As they walked, Geff placed his clawed hand on Eric’s shoulder and addressed him excitedly. “The tribe has prepared a great celebration Eric - never have I seen such happiness among them! Please forgive the imperfections though - it was hastily prepared, given the short amount of time we had.”
| Rolling his pale eyes Eric grinned back “Oh brother - Geff, I didn’t expect anything from anyone, so whatever they did do is more than appreciated!” Eric patted his hand and looked at him with measuring gaze. “You certainly seem to be feeling much better at least.”
| Geff gave a toothy grin back. “Aye, Waverek has mentioned already that I was much more agreeable when immobile.”
| The three friends shared a laugh and rounded the path from the far covers to the centre of the village. Eric’s jaw dropped in what he saw. Before him stood everyone in the village - smiling and laughing amongst the light of a hundred torches. A long table had been set up and on it were as many different dishes of food as torches for everyone to try. “Whoa… this is for me!?”
| Geff nodded excitedly “Aye, ‘tis not every night that we can celebrate the dawn of our champion, is it?”
| Rothar smiled drifted his pale eyes from place to place. “Splendid - an indomitable effort from such happiness to create what is sure to be a memorable night!” He looked down at Eric and gave a reassuring smile. “I can sense your apprehension Eric. Try not to worry so - Eric McColm you are, and so shall you be tonight, to everyone.”
| He was feeling a bit nervous, that’s for sure. Eric nodded to Rothar, and took a deep breath before stepping into the light cast by the many torches. The tribe all turned to the party of three as they entered, and raised their hands in a cheer. Massic found his way to their side and bowed, despite Eric’s stern look that suggested he do otherwise. Massic rose, and faced the crowd of on-lookers. “Tonight we celebrate the beginning of the end for all evil!”
| A cheer rose, and Eric felt like sinking into the ground, not feeling worthy of such a magnitude of praise. He looked to Rothar beside him with a bit of a cringe. “This is going to take some getting used to… I really wish they wouldn’t make such a fuss about it.”
| The Seeker slowly shifted his pale eyes to meet Eric’s, and put his hand on Eric’s shoulder. “Tonight, they have a champion and hope - a sure direction in a battle that seemed never-ending. Let them enjoy it.” Eric nodded, and they stepped forward into the crowd of villagers, who gave pats on the shoulder and thankful forearm clasps to the two pale-eyed companions.
| The effort put forth in such a short time was nothing short of incredible. The table of foods contained dozens of unique dishes - every one of them alien to Eric, but enticing to his senses. Zagoran’s introduced themselves to him, for those he had not yet met, and he clasped their forearms warmly. Encouraged to try treat after treat, Eric laughed and thoroughly enjoyed himself in the presence of his new family, with Rothar never far from his side. Even Massic was in a more jovial mood than usual, occasionally smiling and laughing while talking with his tribe.
| After a time of talking, laughing and eating some very strange but tasty dishes, Eric heard a large deep drum sound, and silence fell amongst the tribe. As a few Zagoran’s parted, Eric saw old Naffit sitting near the main fire with a massive drum at his feet. He waited until all eyes were on him and grinned. “Let us raise our voices together - how about… Siolethum.” Everyone nodded and smiled, and Naffit began pounding out a hypnotizing rhythm on the drum.
| The tribe formed a circle around the main fire, and in perfect unison, the Zagoran voices sounded, a low intoxicating hum like nothing Eric had ever heard. He wasn’t sure there was even a comparison for the uniqueness of the sound. Each voice changed tones as if it were one, and after a moment, broke into a melody of half the tribe singing higher and the other lower, still keeping a perfect match in notes. They sang no words, only altered the hum to a hiss, and then to a melodic yell. Eric was awestruck - it was enchanting, vibrating his very chest with its intensity, yet, so perfectly timed and beautiful that it was calming. He looked beside him to Rothar, who sang a low chorus. The big Zagoran smiled slightly, trying not to hinder his voice. His voice is amazing!
| For some reason, Massic entered the circle, singing along with the others, and point to Rothar, drawing his sword. Eric gasped What the… “Rotha…” Rothar touched Eric’s chest gently and shook his head, still singing. Eric suddenly felt him in his mind, reassuring, and gentle. Whatever Rothar was about to do, he wasn’t to worry for him. Rothar turned and walked to the inner circle, singing the strange melody with the others. He drew his sword and held it to Massic’s for a moment while the firelight danced and gleamed off of the polished blades. In an instant, the blades flashed, and clashed together again and again at breathtaking speed! The two danced and spun, fighting in the most artistic manor Eric had ever witnessed. He soon realized something else equally amazing - every time the blades met, it was in perfect time with the drums and music! By Sioleth… that’s incredible! I’d probably end up chopping my legs off if I tried!” For a moment, Eric thought about what he just said, having used ‘by Sioleth’ as one of the Zagorans would have. He was leaving more and more of his world behind with each day. He stood and watched with wide pale eyes as his partner and chief danced their beautiful and deadly duet, silhouetted by the firelight.
| The powerful singing and everyone’s eyes on the sword dance created an all too convenient means for Drass and his brethren to enter the unsuspecting village. They had reached the edge and waited, and now was the perfect chance. With a horrible screech, the Hethren broke into the village, fanning out and howling with furry. The tribe’s song stopped in a surge of gasps and yells as the villagers realized what was happening. Drass spotted Eric, and charged straight for the so called Realm Walker.
| Massic boomed his voice over the chaos “Protect Eric!” as he and Rothar charged headlong into the mass of black scales and claws that hurried towards them. Eric drew his sword, fearing for Rothar and wanting to follow, but several of the tribe formed a shield in front of him, bearing teeth and claws to meet the evil that was rushing headlong for them. Very few Zagoran’s had brought their weapons besides Massic and Rothar; not bothered to do so as there had been no need of looking ceremoniously correct. As Drass reached the shield of Zagoran’s he began to slash furiously, his glowing eyes never leaving sight of Eric. The Zagoran’s before Eric launched themselves on the massive Hethren, clawing and hitting, forcing Drass back and to the ground. Eric took a step back, and turned, just in time to see another Hethren screeching for him. He met it in full readiness, taking off its right arm as it lunged at him. It screamed in pain as blood poured from the wound, and was met with a second arc of the sword as it tried to turn to face Eric. Its head landed with a dull thud, followed with another from its body.
| Panic gripped Eric, and he looked frantically about, trying to access the situation. It was chaos as touches were scattered about, and the long table collapsed. He could see others coming, bringing swords and spears from nearby houses, and meeting the sinister Hethren with vengeance. He could not see Rothar in the furry of fighting. “Rothar!” He yelled frantically, and turned to run in the direction Rothar had headed, but a horrible screech from behind him cut him short. He turned to see Hethren bearing down at him. He staggered back in a vain effort to fend it off, too late to counter it, but it suddenly fell in a heap before him with a loud thwack.
| Behind the fallen Hethren stood Naffit with his large staff in hand, chest heaving. “Take off its head - quickly!” Wasting not a moment, Eric arced the sword fiercely and cut the head from the body of the dazed beast. He looked back up at Naffit, gasping for breath. “The others - quickly, and watch your back Eric!”
| Eric nodded and ran for the chaos at the other end of the fire. He met another Hethren part way, bloodied and injured from the attack of the Zagoran. Eric yelled and charged it, but it swung out and deflected the swing of his blade, cutting itself badly, but knocking the blade from Eric’s hands and sending him flying between two covers. He landed with a thud, on his side, and rolled painfully to his back as the massive Hethren landed beside him. It raised a scaled black foot and stomped down on his chest pinning him in place with a screech. Its sharp claws pressed into Eric’s shoulders and chest, piercing the skin painfully. He yelled in pain, and gritted his teeth, trying to move, but the sheer weight of the creature was too much to move. The Hethren looked down at him, dripping blood from his mouth and hand, smiling. “Haaaaaaaaaaaaa! Draaaaaaaaaaaaassss get Reeeeeeeeeaaaalmmmm Waaaaaaaalllker!” The voice was hardly more than a controlled screech that sent shivers along Eric’s spine.
| It lowered its face until it was almost touching Eric’s, keeping its weight on him. Eric could feel its hot and foul breath on him and stare into the very pupils of the eerie glowing eyes. The blood dripping from its mouth ran down Eric’s throat as it spoke again. “Soooooooo Fraaaaaaaaaaaaiiilll - Haaaaaaaaaaa! Yoouuuuuuuuuu wiiiiiieeeeeeeelllllllll aaaaaaaalllll dieeeeeeeeee toniiiiiiight - youuuuuuuuuu aaaaaaaaaaaand Seeeeeeeeeeeeeeeker frieeeeeeeeend! Haaaaaaaaaaaaawwwh!” It raised its head and stepped off of Eric’s body, making him feel light-headed with the sudden rush of blood in his chest. He blinked and gasped, watching the set of giant black clawed toes come down on his face, cutting off his precious air. He struggled and grunted, grabbing Drass’s ankle in a vein effort to force the scaly foot from his face. His thoughts were hardly of himself, but of Rothar - lost in the furry of teeth and claws, possibly hurt… maybe dying. His heart raced and he felt a fire burning within him. The Hethren’s screeched laughter stopped as Drass looked down to see Eric’s eyes glowing a pale white. “Whhhhaaaaaaaaat!’s thiiiiiiissssss?” A sudden force like a blast wave caught Drass and hurled him with frightening speed at one of the cover walls. He met it with the sound of bones cracking and popping, and fell to the ground in a motionless heap. Eric rose slowly, breathing hard and growling softly. His glowing eyes shifted quickly to his sword, and it flew from the ground to his hand as he began a run for the others.
| The remaining Hethren had backed Rothar and Massic against a cover and the cliff side, with no escape. Both had been bloodied terribly in the fight, and stood ready against the four creatures that pinned them. Like a storm Eric came, mowing down the first of the four before it knew anyone had come. Another turned to meet him and was struck down in an instant, cut nearly in half by a furious swing. Rothar came at the third and Massic at the fourth as their backs were momentarily turned to face Eric. In another instant, all four lay dead, and the two Zagoran’s stood gasping for breath. Eric stood before them, breathing normally, eyes lowered and glowing a pale white. He growled softly, and held a stance that was animalistic and agile. Eric glanced upwards slightly and the glow in his eyes faded to the pale cyan of a seeker. His mouth opened and he whispered “Rothar… I…” His sword dropped to the sand with a dull thud, and Eric collapsed behind it.
| “ERIC!!!” Rothar charged to his side and knelt by him. He placed his clawed hand on Eric’s chest, and a red glow surrounded it. His jantra raced out, feeling along Eric’s body for a horrible wound, but he found nothing more than enormous exhaustion and a few cuts. Rothar closed his eyes and bound them quickly, knowing there would be far worse injuries awaiting him. “Thank Dar Souljeth - he is fine!” Rothar said half to himself as to Massic.
| As his eyes blinked open again, Eric found himself looking up at Rothar’s relieved face. “Y...You’re… okay…” Rothar’s body was covered in gashes and claw marks, but nothing mortal. Massic looked equally injured.
| Rothar helped Eric to his feet. “Aye - I worried for your safety Eric, but I see there is more to the Realm Walker than mere prophecy’s writings foretold! Come, we need see to the others.” The trio took off in a jog back to the centre fire.
| The other Hethren had been slain, but the Zagoran’s were scattered about holding horrible gashes and injuries. Geff knelt by Waverek, fearfully, holding his partners bloodied hand. Eric broke into a run and came to Geff’s side, gasping as Waverek’s body came into view. A Hethren had stabbed into the Zagoran’s chest with its massive claws, and Waverek now lie gasping in short breaths with eyes closed and blood pouring from his chest. Geff looked frantically to Eric with panic in his eye “Eric! Please… help him… please!”
| Eric swallowed hard, and placed a hand firmly over the wound to slow the bleeding. He felt for Jantra, finding it nearly impossible to concentrate. He closed his eyes and concentrated, trying to blank out the chaos around him. His hand was enveloped in a red glow, and he thought hard of healing… of somehow binding the wound beneath his hand. He could feel it, feel everything wrong that needed to be repaired, but it wasn’t happening fast enough… not nearly enough! “Rothar!!!!! Help me!!!!” he yelled over his shoulder, eyes still closed in fixed determination.
| The Seeker was at his side in an instant, and placed his hand over Eric’s. Suddenly, there was direction in Eric’s mind; order, method. Rothar closed his eyes as well, concentrating, and the horrible wound began to bind itself. Eric’s teeth clenched in what seemed an incredible mental effort, spurred on by the feeling of Waverek’s life fading with every second. Behind Geff, Massic stood with a ghostly look as thoughts of so many seasons ago came flooding back into him with the horrifying similarity of his own loss.
| Waverek’s body arched and he took a gasp of air before bolting to an upright sitting position. He looked frantically about him, as if unsure what had just happened. Geff whimpered softly and moved quickly to hold and support him. They sat, wordlessly holding one another; Geff nuzzling him warmly.
| Eric and Rothar stood slowly, and returned relieved smiles. Eric looked up at Massic, who seemed momentarily frozen in place. Eric knew why… felt why, and reached for Massic’s hand, giving it a small squeeze. “I know. But this time they failed.” He gave another squeeze as Massic slowly brought sad eyes to meet Eric’s. “They will fail from now on, I swear it.” He gently let go of the giant clawed hand, and headed to the space between the two covers where Drass’s body was heaped.
| He approached slowly, sword in hand, ready for anything the mass of black scales and claws might do. Drass’s chest heaved in shallow breaths, but he did not move as Eric approached. His glowing red eyes only watched with hatred; his broken body unable to do anything more. Eric stopped before him, and relaxed, seeing the Hethren’s condition. He raised the sword point to Drass’s throat and spoke in the best menacing voice he could manage. “How did you know me, Drass?”
| Coughing blood in its first attempt at speech, the Hethren hissed and tried again “AaaaaaaabllllaaaaKaaaaaaan knnnoooooooooooowwwws yooouuuuuuuuuuu weeeellll…” it gasped for breath again and sputtered out more blood. “AaaaaaaaablllaaaaaaaaKaaaann weeeeeiiiill keeeeeelllllll youuuuuuuuu… weeeeeeeee weeeeeeeeiiiiilllll kiiilll youuuuuuu!” It growled and shifted slightly, screeching in pain as it did so. Drass halted and panted, as blood poured from his broken body. “Wweeeeee knooooowwww yoouuuuuuu heeerrreeee… wwwwwweeeeeeeeeee fiiiiiiiieeeeenndd yoouuuuuuu agaaaaaainnnn… keeeeeeeeelllll yooouuuuuuuuu aaaaall!!!”
| Eric grinned wickedly, and his eyes began to glow a pale white again. He laughed softly and leaned close to Drass’s face, growling. “Oh no Drass… we can move long before then.” He leaned even closer, putting his face within a nail's length of the Hethren, as it had done to him earlier. Eric almost growled the last words to the dying Hethren. “I know where you hide, where all Hethren hide, and I am coming for them.” Drass screeched madly at the words and Eric thrust the blade forward into the beast’s throat, bringing an end to the OblaKan’s failed attempt to destroy the Realm Walker. The dark path that stretched out before Eric now seemed more fearsome than ever.
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