Renounced: The Shelean Moon, Book Two Page 11

  Leira felt a great big weight lift from her. One she hadn’t even realized was there. “Bring it on, but just one question…What’s going on with Donny and the Rogues?”

  “The Rogues are so full of…” He stopped, and Leira saw the tell-tale signs that someone was projecting to him. His eyes had darkened the air around him and turned shimmery. The room became so cold their breaths were visible.

  “I’m off.”

  She was sure she hadn’t blinked, but one second he was there, and the next he wasn’t. Melinde laughed, although her eyes were also worried.

  “Leira, now you need courage.”

  “I wish I’d shifted,” Donny muttered to Brios. They were in Brios’s room waiting to leave for the meeting at the old mill. “I feel caged in and twitchy.”

  Brios checked the clock. “Loads of time. C’mon then, I’ll meet you by the back door. If you change up here, for all our gods’ sakes, don’t let your claws out and scratch the floor. Mum’s just had it re-waxed, and is muttering dire retributions if any of us scar it.”

  Donny laughed. “I’ll change in the utility. See you in three.” He moved towards the door as he spoke. Once in the utility room, he began the process of shifting.

  He thrilled in the feelings, the change of shape in his body, bones, and muscles moving. How his skin became fur, and his hands took the shape of claws. The rightness of it all. Seeing his spots and knowing the only other person to have identical rosettes—those spots so distinctive to a leopard—would be his partner. As he shook himself, his fur shifted and danced before it settled into the familiar patterns. Forlorn, he wondered if he would ever see that replica pelt. Leira…it all went back to Leira. Donny knew deep down he’d never give up hope that one day she’d relent and give him a chance to prove himself. He’d seen her spots changing even if she hadn’t.

  There was a soft growl behind him. Brios had also shifted.

  Ready?

  He growled his agreement. To the river?

  Yeah, let’s stretch and go.

  Two sleek, perfectly matched male leopards made their way across the lawn. Their speed increased as they reached the well-trodden track that wound through the trees, and they began to lope down the familiar route.

  He hoped that Leira, even if she rejected him, wouldn’t turn her back on her heritage. It was part of what made her who she was. He wondered where she was, and what she was doing. He didn’t dare wonder who she was with. He had to ask Brios.

  Leira?

  She’s safe and will stay safe. That’s all I know. It’s on a need-to-know basis. I don’t need to know, and neither do you—or so I’ve been told.

  That sucks.

  Yup.

  It was just as well that he’d shifted as he followed Brios, winding his body in supple ways around bushes and trees, and leaping tree roots that were raised enough to cause anybody—human or animal—to stumble. He needed the chance to snarl and release his frustrations.

  Straight there and back, I guess. No time for anything else, Brios warned. But hey, it’s good, isn’t it?

  Yeah, and needed.

  Donny could see the gleam of the river ahead. The same river that he’d wait beside in a couple of hours. He jumped from rock to rock and played follow the leader and enjoyed the splashes of water when the shallows covered his paws.

  Time to go back. You lead.

  He growled his assent and left the last rock to spring to the bank. He set off down a different track that he knew would bring them to the side of the house.

  Watch out. Move. The roar from Brios filled his mind, and he put on a spurt of speed. He felt a thick branch graze his hind leg as it crashed behind him, spun on all fours and saw Brios leap it in one great bound as the power on his forelegs gave him the lift and speed he needed.

  The shriek that filled the air seemed neither human nor animal.

  Struan? He didn’t really need Brios’s answer.

  Got to be.

  There was nothing else—no noises, no branches, no rain or thunder.

  “Not like him to give up so easily,” Brios remarked once they’d shifted back. “Just messing, d’you think?”

  Donny considered. “Could be, trying to shake us up a bit. But he forgets just how powerful you are, Bri. He’s so cocky and full of himself that he won’t or can’t acknowledge how strong we are together. What with the elders also looking out for any danger or oddity…well, he’s got no chance. Jog on, Struan, you’re out of your league.”

  The roar was muted, and Brios laughed. “Got himself a sore throat. Okay, let’s go. Dad says to take the Disco.”

  “What…his pride and joy? Wow.” Marok’s care and attention to his 4x4 were notorious. “He must want us armor-plated.”

  “Well, as near as. Okay, time to get on the road.”

  It was easy to say he was okay, to act as if he was fine. Nevertheless, inside, Donny was scared. He’d be daft not to be. The Rogues were dangerous and not averse to changing their creed if it suited their purposes.

  “You ready for this?” Brios asked. “Because I’ve no idea what’s going to go down. I don’t know why they want me, except maybe to test your allegiance? What did you tell them you’d say to get me here?”

  “I didn’t actually say how. They didn’t ask me how I would do it, just that I needed to. If they do ask, or project to me about it, I’ll say I asked you to come here so I could practice some of my next level skills. They’d go for that.” The car neared the entrance to the mill.

  Brios nodded his agreement.

  “Okay, I’ll follow your lead, D. Just keep our projecting channels open and private.”

  Donny nodded and waited until the car had stopped. “We need to go to the glade…over there.” He pointed to where the trees at the side of the mill thinned. “Next to the river. Might come in handy. You never know.”

  “Right, I’ve let Dad know. Mind you, it was Troy who answered.” He shrugged. “Oh well, no matter, at least I’ve passed the info on. Now, let’s go for it.”

  The night was silent. No breeze or animal rustlings, not even the sound of their footsteps could be heard. Donny wasn’t even sure he could hear their breathing.

  The track widened, and he looked around.

  Oh, shhhiiiittt.

  Yup, that’s about it.

  At least thirty people surrounded the boundary of the glade. They stood shoulder to shoulder not speaking or moving. The entire group just watched and waited.

  Gregor Grier to your left. Who’s that next to him?

  Donny squinted. The moon had appeared from behind a cloud, and its cold, silver light illuminated the glade. Still, it was difficult to make out faces and features in the soft light

  No idea, never seen him before. Watch out.

  A crack of lightning struck the ground between them. Deliberately, Donny stood still and noticed that Brios did the same.

  “We have you,” Gregor gloated. “Our new member, Donald Farriday, brought you to us. We will succeed. Accept your doom.”

  Bri…Bri…

  Shit, that’s Rach.

  There was a loud crack as another lightning bolt hit the ground. All around them the grass was ablaze. Donny grabbed Brios’s arm.

  “Bri, we need to move.”

  Brios stood still.

  Bri? Bri? Move it now.

  The flames eagerly licked at each blade of grass.

  Bri?

  Bri… He didn’t move. If anything, he appeared mesmerized.

  Bri, hell. If you don’t get it together, you’ll be toast.

  The flames—greedy and voracious—moved ever closer.

  “Donald Farriday. You may leave because the flames will not touch you. You have done well. You are one of us. Move forward, and come to us.”

  Ha. In their dreams. I’ll never leave Brios like this. Brios seemed stuck and unable to move, He wasn’t even trying to help himself.

  Bri, Bri? Bloody move. C’mon, I need help here. Move yourself, let’s blow.
<
br />   I can’t—oh, our gods, I can’t. Rach projected and told me to take care, and I let my guard down. You go. Leave me. Brios’s voice was anguished.

  Don’t be stupid. You go down. I go down, and I don’t fancy it so…

  He would never abandon his friend—not even if it meant he would die as well. And for him, it would be voluntary with every lick of flame a searing heat on his body until he turned black.

  16

  Move. Shift. Hurry. Tip him and put him on your back. Move forward. Right, on three, run. Go for it, straight through. You’ll be fine. No singed fur, I promise. One, two, go, go, go, go… The unknown voice urged him on.

  Donny had never, ever shifted so fast. Every muscle hurt and every sinew was stretched. He was moving before his bones had even settled. He roared and ran at Brios—who still hadn’t budged, even though flames licked around his ankles. Donny shoved with one powerful shoulder and knocked Brios off his feet then hoisted him across his back.

  There was a swirl of light—an almighty flash of blue—and the flames parted. Donny leaped forward and surged through the tiny gap. He felt the heat on his fur and smelled singed and burned pads. He’d be sore in the morning.

  Hell, I’m sore now. Brios felt like a dead weight across him, and Donny was scared stiff he’d fall off his back. That wasn’t the way a leopard would usually carry anything. Having realized that, Brios was too big and heavy to lift in his jaws, and there hadn’t been enough time to drag him.

  He felt Brios’s weight lift, and the relief was enormous, even though he couldn’t see who or what did it. Somehow he knew it was a friend, not a foe.

  No matter who I am—time to run. Ignore the car and cross the river. They won’t follow. They can’t—not now.

  Donny remembered with a surge of hope that once anyone crossed over the river, they were in Shalean Land. The Rogues might think of themselves as Shalean, but under no circumstances would they dare cross and defile the sacred land. The only obstacle was how to get there.

  He twisted to see what was happening behind him.

  Brios moved through the air with no visible means of support. The flames behind him were higher and brighter and now spread across the glade. They created a barrier between them and the Rogues and sent a red glow into the night sky that tinted the clouds.

  It won’t last long. Let’s get to safety.

  It was a good idea. If only he knew whom he was going to safety with. The voice had no emotion, no accent, and no way to recognize it. He realized he had no option other than to do as it suggested, but he needed to move quickly—follow Brios and the other voice—and get onto Shalean land.

  There were angry shouts behind him that got louder.

  The farther away we are from Shalean territory, the easier it is for them to break through. We’ve got no time left. Hurry.

  Donny watched as Brios floated quickly ahead. He still had no idea what moved his friend, but now wasn’t the time to sit and wonder. He covered the ground quickly.

  The heat from the flames lessened, and he watched the glint of water ahead. Even at this distance, flames reflected on its shimmering surface.

  There was a splash from whoever—whatever—carried Brios—who now looked as if he were lying two feet above the surface as he traveled steadily across the river.

  Donny risked a quick glance over his shoulder and saw two leopards advance rapidly. Others followed close behind. His claws scrabbled at the earth on the bank to get leverage, and he jumped just as another powerful claw slashed towards him. He could feel the air move as it missed him by inches.

  Swim, you need to get to the middle. C’mon, swim.

  Leira? No, not her…Who?

  There was no answer. He heard a splash, quickly followed by two more. It seemed the Rogues weren’t going to let him get away with what he’d done if they could help it.

  Donny swam as fast as he could, but he was getting tired. Typically, the river widened at this point, and the middle was deep and flowed fast. He needed to get at least another few yards, and then he’d be safe. He wasn’t sure he could make it. His arms felt like lead, and his legs had no strength left in them.

  The sound of splashing became louder and closer. Had that noise ever sounded so menacing before? He turned, ready to fight…then, he felt himself hauled backwards…fast away from the Rogues, away from danger, and into safety.

  Something dropped into the river. The air was full of noise and electricity as the water churned, and the closest Rogue leopard howled in pain.

  Gotcha, you bugger. The voice was full of satisfaction.

  Donny let himself be helped. Those last few minutes hadn’t been very comfortable. His rescuer slowed as they approached the shallows.

  Okay, safe now—and you can stand. Climb out. Shake it off and change if you need to. Then let’s get you both back to the house.

  Dammit, who the hell is this? And where are you? How can I say thank you to thin air?

  There was a laugh. You just did.

  So he had. Donny gave his pelt the recommended shake and decided he’d better shift before he did anything else.

  Steam rose from the river, which still reflected the glow from the now dying flames. Brios sat propped up against a tree with his eyes open. Gradually, the blankness in them cleared. There was no one else around. Donny padded over to him to check that he was all right before he shifted.

  Bri…Can you hear me?

  Brios slowly nodded, then blinked.

  Great. Relief flooded into Donny. Up until that moment, he hadn’t let himself understand how worried he was, or how frightening their situation had been. Give me five. I’m going to shift back, Bri. Then we’ll get the hell out of here. That okay?

  He waited for Brios’s nod before stepping behind the closest tree to think, concentrate, and shift back into his human form. He’d been right—he hurt. That superfast shift had added bruises and aches. As he walked back towards Brios, wincing a bit as each step jarred his knees, he watched Brios shake his head as if he was trying to clear it. “You okay?”

  “Sort of,” Brios said in a faint scratch voice. “You sound like you’re miles away. What the…”

  “Yeah, what the…is right,” Donny replied. “Your guess, bro. I’ve no effing clue. It was a trap for you—well, we knew that. They set off the flames and expected you to go down and burn. Plus, I guess for me to leave you to your fate. Which I reckon means we fooled ’em. The rest? No idea. I mean who helped us, or who set the river on fire?”

  Brios appeared more alert by the second. “What do you mean?” he asked.

  “I don’t really know what I mean.” Donny knew he must sound baffled. “The river just seemed to explode as if a bomb or a charge dropped in it. D’you remember anything of the last—” He looked at his watch. “Thirty minutes?’

  “Thirty minutes? Why, what’s happened? The only thing I remember was us walking to the glade. Then…” His eyes brightened, and his face went grey. “Rach projected, told me something was wrong, and we needed to take care. Is she okay? What about Leira?”

  Damn. “No idea, I’ve been more concerned about us. Try her.”

  Brios nodded, and his eyes went opaque. He shook his head. “Hell, D, I can’t get anyone. My ears are ringing. Can you try?”

  “Sure.” Donny turned his mind inward and tried to understand and explain every facet of what he was experiencing. God help him if he ever had to explain it. All he knew was it was part of Shalea. He heard static, a buzzing and white noise. “Nope, same as you. My head is still fuzzy and full of static—must have been the blast.”

  “Eh?” Brios said and looked confused. “What blast?”

  Okay, he really doesn’t remember the last half hour.

  “I’ll tell you later. If I help, can we get you home? We need to talk to your dad.”

  You need to talk to me, you bastard—and soon, D.

  He knew Leira wanted to talk. How, where, and when…he wasn’t sure. She’d gotten through even if sh
e was difficult to hear clearly. The problem was, could he project back? The ringing in his ears was still loud.

  Take your place in the queue, Lei.

  He waited.

  Don’t …surpassing…previous evil…anyway…ice…arms shining… He found it hard to hear anything clearly. What he did hear, he didn’t understand.

  He waited but heard nothing else—just that horrible ringing. Maybe it was time to get back to the Pardes’ to get help and find out if anyone knew more. He glanced at Brios. It seemed his training at the fire station was about to be put to use.

  “Right, bro, I’m going to carry you—fireman style.”

  “I can walk,” Brios stated in what he probably considered a convincing, strong voice. Unfortunately, it wasn’t.

  “Go on then. Stand up. Start walking.” He watched as Brios pulled himself slowly to his feet, and held onto the tree trunk for support.

  “It’s not hug-a-tree week, you know, Bri. Better let me take over.”

  “Sod it. I’ll manage.” Brios let go of the tree and began to slide downwards.

  “Or, embrace the land.” If it wasn’t so worrying, it’d be funny. The sort of thing to razz Brios about for years. “C’mon, superhero, let me play fireman.”

  Brios nodded. “Think it might be a good idea.” He took one step forward. Donny caught him before he slipped totally to the ground, and put him over one shoulder in the classic fireman’s lift.

  “Damn, what’ve you been eating? You weigh a ton.” Donny shuffled Brios higher and anchored him firmly by the legs. “Hope you don’t get motion sickness, cos if you do, make sure you throw up well away from me.”

  “It depends on how smoothly you walk.” Brios’s voice, although it still wavered, was stronger. “Or run or whatever. Hey, I’m just glad you’re here.”

  Donny jogged steadily along the track as his eyes adjusted to the pale moonlight that now flooded the landscape. “I’m glad I am as well.”