The Exiles (11 page)

‘So you chose to go into a fight with a mature female wolf, on your own, even though the whole thing was none of your business?' asked his Uncle, now calm.

‘What was I supposed to do?' Trex said in his defence, ‘just stand aside?'

‘Was she armed?' asked his aunt, who was trying to develop a bigger picture.

‘No, not with proper weapons anyway, just with what she could pick up.'

‘Then what happened?' asked Karthen, interested despite himself to hear the results of the fight, considering it was obvious that Trex had not been badly injured.

‘Well we fought,' continued Trex, ‘and then after a while I was hit in the back of the head by a second wolf.'

‘Hit with what?' asked his aunt with concern.

‘A frying pan, I think.'

Trex rubbed the back of his head, the lump still feeling a little raw. Opposite him, his aunt suppressed a laugh at the thought of being hit by a frying pan.

‘You can be thankful that all you got was a lump on the head,' scolded Karthen.

‘I had to try,' said Trex, shrugging his shoulders.

‘It's the guardsman's job, not yours.'

‘It's every citizens job to uphold the law, it could have been a reservist that came around the corner,' said Trex defensively.

He was pointing out that every citizen of the Lion Empire was automatically a reservist.

‘You are not a full citizen yet,' countered his uncle.

‘I don't see a difference. You said I already fight better then most reservists.'

‘Yes you do. And they are also advised never to take on an armed wolf alone, particularly not a female one,' said Karthen.

Trex had no answer to this and simply stared at his uncle. He had never fully understood why his uncle was so against fighting. It went far beyond his wife being a wolf. Trex wondered how someone with such a long and seemingly glorious military career could have ended up like this.

‘So she got away?' asked his aunt.

Trex looked at the older female wolf, swallowing noticeably again as he realised that he had now came the second part of the discussion, one that he dreaded even more then the first.

‘Well not exactly,' Trex said, cautiously.

This time it was his aunt's turn to raise an eyebrow, more for the tone Trex had used in his answer, then the answer itself.

‘They ran into Captain Felx on the way out of town.'

‘Oh, and who were they?' Sharlee asked, trying to appear impartial.

‘They weren't the robbers. And he did let them go' replied Felx, setting up his answer.

Sharlee digested the information.

‘You didn't say who they were,' she asked, non committal.

‘The one that I fought was Sara.'

‘What!?' said is Uncle as a reflex.

Sharlee's expression didn't appear to change at all, which worried Trex.

‘And the one that knocked me out was Fera,' he added quickly.

‘You have got to be kidding me!' exclaimed his uncle in shock.

Again, Trex's aunt did not move a muscle. Normally wolves were considerably more emotional and expressive then lions, and it unnerved Trex to see the exact opposite happening in front of him.

‘He did let them go,' Trex repeated towards his aunt.

Sharlee was staring fixedly at a point behind Trex. Her eye's refocussing after a few seconds to look at the young lion.

‘Was there anything else?' Sharlee asked quietly.

‘They got away ok…' he replied. ‘Captain Felx will make sure they won't get a record or anything, but he will probably tell what happened to the wolf commander next time he is in Torstberg.'

Beside him, his uncle had gone quiet, attempting to work through the new information.

The silence was so heavy it could have provided ballast for a ship. It pained Trex to see his aunt like this. He had grown very close to his surrogate wolf mother and considered her as his own. Trex would have given anything for it not to have been her nieces that had attacked him. Though Sharlee had not heard a word from her only sister, or had any contact with her family at all for over three years now, she always regretted the split. Something like this just brought back into painful focus all the old emotions, something it had taken years for her to work through and burry.

‘Sara looked well,' Trex offered lamely, not really sure of what else to say.

Sharlee looked at Trex. Blinking a few times, she got up.

The two lion's eyes followed the female wolf expectantly.

Looking around for a second it appeared as if Sharlee only now realised where she was again.

‘I'm going to go and read to Zea,' she stated mechanically. ‘Do you boys mind cleaning up on your own?'

Karthen had to clear his own head before he could answer.

‘Sure honey,' he said, in as reassuring a tone as he could manage.

‘You go and see to Zea, we'll take care of everything down here.' A weak smile was all the encouragement Karthen could muster.

Sharlee looked blankly towards her husband, only able to reply with a small nod of her head. Taking a few steps, she stopped. Seemingly as an afterthought she turned to walk towards Trex. Sharlee placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

‘I'm glad you're ok,' she said, the warmth returning to her voice.

‘Good night aunt…' replied Trex, using her family title deliberately. He was still a little hesitant, unsure of what to say.

Without another word his aunt left to go upstairs. Watching her go, the two males sat in silence for a minute.

‘We had better clean up,' his uncle said eventually.

After working without another word spoken for a time, Karthen finally broke the silence.

‘You know that I'm only worried about you,' Trex's uncle said, while he was washing up.

Silence returned as Trex thought about his answer.

‘I don't understand why you have me train so much if you never want me to fight,' replied Trex. The young lion was drying the dishes as his uncle placed them next to the small tub.

‘You will have to fight often enough in your life,' his uncle replied, his tone carrying ominous weight. ‘There is no reason to go looking for it.'

Both of the lions knew why Karthen was so protective of Trex. After the death of Trex's father eight years ago, Karthen had sworn to do his best to look after his lost brother's only child. Since then, Karthen had done his utmost, taking personal interest to train the boy in survival and combat, far beyond what was necessary for a lion of his age. Inadvertently, in addition to the skills that Trex had developed he had also developed the need to test himself, a need to push himself further. Trex had become hungry for adventure. This was something that Karthen knew could well put the young lion into more potential danger if he over-extended himself too quickly.

‘Have you thought much more about what you are going to do after you pass your final exam?' asked Karthen.

‘No, not really,' replied Trex honestly.

‘But you definitely won't be joining the military,' Karthen asked carefully, a large fury ear twisting slightly for the hoped response.

‘No, I won't be joining the military,' Trex replied with mild exasperation. Trex shook his head, smiling to himself. He could see his uncle visible relax. Karthen worried unnecessarily, Trex had come to this decision on his own a while ago. With his surrogate mother a wolf, he simply couldn't put himself in a situation were he was likely to have to fight them. Though there had been peace now for over ten years, there was still no official treaty, the original pause in fighting having been extended after twenty years of long, protracted, bloody war.

‘I probably will be leaving RefugeCross though,' said Trex after a while, putting away the last of the plates.

‘At least for a while.'

‘I know you have to go eventually,' said his uncle, drying off his hands while leaning onto the kitchen bench. ‘You're just like your father in that way… I just want you to consider further study before you go, just for a few years.'

Trex went and sat by the clean table.

Karthen moved over to Trex while he dried his hands.

‘Look,' he said kindly, ‘in a few months you won't have to listen to me at all any more. But even then I hope you know me well enough to realise that my advice has always been for your benefit.'

‘I know,' replied Trex with a weak smile. As much as he respected his uncle, he was still no help to Trex in sorting out what he wanted to do.

Trex's uncle was happy with his life, and was continually advertising the benefits of living a simple life to the young lion. But deep down Trex thought that this was unfair advice. Trex knew his uncle had turned to this life after a youth spent in risk-taking and adventure. Why should he be denied the experience, because it was considered too dangerous? Well here he was, living on the border of a kingdome currently in a tense standoff with his own, with a family that was turned away by its own kind, with a little girl many considered a freak of nature.

‘I best go and check on Sharlee,' said his uncle. He was himself somewhat bewildered with the current circumstances. Life had been, and still was, technically idyllic, but change just kept happening, there was simply no way to avoid it.

‘I'll stay down here until everything is quite upstairs,' offered Trex, knowing that it would take some time to put Zea to bed.

‘Thanks,' said his uncle. Throwing the small towel over the chair to dry, he made his way to the stairs.

‘We'll talk more tomorrow. Goodnight.'

‘Goodnight.'

There was still much more to think about in any case, Trex would not be going to sleep for some time. Staring across at the large candle that was lighting the room, Trex watched the fire flick back and forth. The flames were dancing about sporadically, as if being irritated by some unseen force.

‘Stop complaining,' said Trex to the candle, ‘you have it easy.'

Moving over to a large sofa in the living room, Trex threw himself down. Lying on his back, Trex watched the shadows from the candle light play across the ceiling. Soon the young lion was lost in his own thoughts.

Trex was awoken the next day by the annoying screeching and whistling of a large flock of parrot-like birds that lived in the forest that surrounded his home. Their morning song grew louder and louder as the groups of colourful birds tried to outdo each other. Trex flinched as a reflex, grumbling as he did every morning, cursing the stupid birds.

At least it's almost winter
, thought Trex. The words formulated in Trex's mind through the cloud of sleep. In winter the birds would migrate away from the upper hills.

Trex stretched from his curled up state, pausing when he touched something unfamiliar. Blinking a few times, he found himself still sprawled across the soft sofa in the living room. He must have fallen asleep last night while contemplating his future. In front of him on the low table the remains of a burnt-out candle was testament to this.

Standing up and stretching his stiff back the young lion let out a massive yawn, exposing some of his sharp front teeth. At least last night was not a complete waste of time. Trex now had a plan. It was not a long-term plan, but considering his current uneasy mental state, it was better then nothing. For now, however, he would have to get a head start on his chores.

After washing his face in the kitchen with water from the internal hand pump he grabbed some leftovers from last night, heading outside into the cool early morning air.

It was already mid morning by the time Karthen came to check up on the youth. Trex was working in the lower fields preparing timber framework for next year's crop. The young lion was panting heavily as his uncle approached. Wielding a heavy mallet, Trex took another swing, impacting hard onto a wooden stake and knocking it firmly into the soft marshy ground. Beside him lay a pile of tall timber stakes.

Looking at the field, Karthen could see that Trex had been very busy.

‘You're industrious today,' commented the older lion. ‘From what I see you have finished most of your daily chores already.'

Trex lowered the mallet. He would need a little time to catch his breath. The youth took a drink from a leather water pouch that hung nearby, pouring a bit of water down his neck to help him to cool down. It was difficult to talk when you were panting furiously.

‘Not feeling guilty for yesterday I hope,' commented his uncle cheekily.

Trex gave his uncle a look that indicated that that was definitely not the case. His uncle wisely decided that the issue was not worth bringing back up.

The older lion tested one of the nearby wooden stakes that Trex had hit in for stability, the imbedded wood standing firm against the pushing and pulling.

‘So what is the reason?' Karthen asked. ‘Not that I mind you doing extra work or anything.'

Trex had cooled down enough to be able to almost talk normally.

‘Remember how you said that with the harvest now in… I could take a couple of extra days off if I wanted to?'

His uncle nodded in acknowledgment, he was pacing out the spacing of the wooden stakes to make sure Trex was installing them correctly.

‘Well I thought that this would be the best time, with my exams coming up in two months and all, after the harvest break I won't have another opportunity.'

‘And what will you do with your free days? Which will be how many exactly?' Karthen asked with interest.

‘I was thinking three or four days. I'll go visit Brekiz at RefugeCross and then just head out somewhere. You know, on my own, just to get away and think… meditate a bit. Maybe I'll head along the coast or go hunting in the savannah, I haven't decided yet.'

His uncle had finished checking Trex's work, obviously satisfied with the young lion's efforts.

‘Sounds like a good idea… assuming you don't get yourself into any more little scrapes,' said his uncle. The adult lion walked back up to the youth.

‘I'll try my best,' replied Trex with a tiny hint of sarcasm.

‘When were you thinking of heading off?' asked his uncle, ignoring his nephew's tone.

‘Today after midday actually. If that's ok.'

Karthen thought about this for a second, seemingly accepting the whole plan.

‘Well then I had better leave you to it. I don't want to stop you when you're on a roll,' he said, starting to walk back to the farm.

‘How is Sharlee?' asked Trex.

His uncle stopped in his tracks.

‘She's, ok…' replied Karthen. ‘It just brought up old memories and feelings. You know she regrets the way things are.'

Trex didn't say anything for a moment.

‘Is there anything I can do?' Trex asked.

‘There's not a lot
I
can do,' admitted Karthen solemnly. ‘She just has to work through it on her own.'

Trex looked disappointed, his uncle appreciating his nephews concern.

‘If there is anything, I'll let you know,' the adult lion said kindly.

Trex's spirits lifted a bit upon hearing this. Turning back to his work, Trex picked up the next stake.

‘Leave out the last stake at the end of the field,' instructed his uncle suddenly. ‘We're going to plant some ribontsum bushes to try and keep the insects down next year.'

Trex nodded, but didn't stop from his work at hand.

The Tristfull family had adopted the wolf tradition of a large warm meal just after midday, the evening meal normally only consisting of bread and whatever conserves were available at the time.

Trex was happy to see that things were back to normal, with his aunt returning mostly to her usual cheerful self. The meal past pleasantly, with the discussion focused on where Trex may like to go for his little getaway.

After the midday meal had finished, Trex found himself preparing to head off. He took everything he would need for the few days away in the city and the wilderness. For this trip he had chosen to take the young horse Flint, using the opportunity to become more familiar with his young free spirited animal.

Standing in front of Trex, Flint fidgeted impatiently.

While he was tended to the horse Trex could see his camel Suzzi watching him from under her favourite tree in the paddock nearby.

‘Sorry Suzzi,' called Trex apologetically to the older camel, ‘but it's not like you want to carry me around for three days anyway.'

Suzzi looked on impassively, her large eyes blinking slowly, as if she were considering his words. Trex had to smile to himself as he tended to the last of the straps. Flint grunted suddenly. Trex recognized that the horse had just seen someone that he liked. Straightening up, he saw his aunt coming towards them across the small courtyard in the middle of the farm homestead.

Sharlee walked up to the young horse, stroking the animal's nose. Flint calmed down automatically, enjoying the attention.

Trex was always envious of his aunt's way with animals, particularly horses. She had been the one who had been helping Trex with his riding. His uncle was quite happy to stick to his own trusted camel, not wanting anything to do with impatient horses. Trex was trying hard to master the animal, but it was not always easy. His aunt had adapted what she knew about horses for an Anthro lion, but Trex simply didn't have the same ability to influence another living animal with his emotions as a wolf did, and so he approached the horse differently.

‘Do you have everything you need?' asked his aunt.

‘Should be enough, I have a bit of money with me anyway, I'll be fine,' Trex replied. ‘Is everything ok? With, you know…' he asked the adult female wolf. The topic of last night's discussion had not been raised again throughout the day.

‘It's fine,' said Sharlee, tending to the horse.

Trex knew that it probably wasn't, despite how well his Aunt covered it up.

‘How was Sara?' Sharlee asked all of a sudden, ‘I mean did she look well?'

Trex thought about this for a second.

‘She looked great, she's really strong and fast,' he said enthusiastically, remembering back to the fight, and happy to be talking about something positive. ‘She still wears her hair the same way she used to. Fringe just like her mother's.'

‘And Fera?' asked Sharlee, unsure if Trex had seen the older wolf sister before he was knocked out.

‘I didn't see her before she hit me,' Trex admitted.

Sharlee nodded, and then moved to check the way Trex had prepared Flint for travel. Trex watched as she adjusted some straps slightly.

‘If you like, I can show you a bit of basic wolf combat training when you get back,' Sharlee offered out of the blue.

Trex had to do a quick double-take, Sharlee was even more of a pacifist then his uncle, he wasn't even aware that she knew how to fight.

‘You could do that?' he asked, still surprised.

‘Wolves also get basic combat training as part of their schooling, I just chose not to take it any further,' Sharlee stated. ‘Anyway, it looks like you may have to face another wolf sooner or later, its better that you're more aware of what you are up against.'

Trex thought about this for a second, though his own training had a large component consisting of wolf combat ability. It was still invaluable to actually know how they were trained. And to be taught from a wolf, even a seeming novice, was almost unheard of.

‘Are you sure?' asked Trex, the eagerness in his voice apparent.

‘Sure. You're family after all,' she said, giving the youth a smile.

Finishing the last of his packing with renewed enthusiasm, Trex was quickly ready to go. He had already said goodbye to his uncle and cousin during their midday meal. Zea had been disappointed not to be able to see Trex off, but the over excited little girl had forgotten to do all of her morning chores and so had to go with her father. Flint was again becoming impatient, somehow knowing it was time to go.

‘Well I'd better be off,' said Trex, unsure of how to continue the conversation in any case.

‘Come here then,' said his aunt, a wry smile on her face.

Trex knew he wouldn't get away without a hug from the adult female wolf. And Sharlee knew that he found that kind of contact a little awkward at his age, which meant giving it to him was all the more enjoyable for her. Trex submitted, taking his aunt briefly into his arms. The extra pressure she applied, despite being meant as a sign of affection, reminding Trex just how strong the female wolf in front of him could potentially be. When she finally released him Trex was able to breathe-in again, thankfully.

‘Well, take care of yourself.'

‘You too,' replied Trex. Mounting up, the lion youth had to battle a bit with the young horse as it attempted to dictate the pace, eager to go.

‘Remember that you have to take charge and be confident. He will follow whatever you want to do, as long as he thinks you know what you are doing,' advised the adult wolf.

Trex managed to calm Flint slightly, wondering if taking the troublesome horse was really such a good idea.

‘How can I be confident in what I am doing, if he never gives me a chance to do it?' Trex asked helplessly. Being a lion, Trex was used to gaining confidence through practice.

‘You have to have confidence in yourself, not in the actions alone. He can feel it,' Sharlee stated. She had just managing to sum up in one sentence the major difference between lion and wolf thinking.

Trex tried to contemplate the words, letting out a crisp ‘heyut!' Flint surged forward.

Sharlee watched with a smile as Trex rode off more steadily down the road. Perhaps living with a wolf was starting to rub off.

Trex arrived at RefugeCross in the late evening. He had taken a longer road so as to familiarize himself more with his horse before riding Flint into a more populated area. Taking the impatient stallion along on his travels appeared to Trex to be more and more of a good idea. He was finally becoming comfortable with the animal. As his aunt had always said, sometimes you just have to jump into things head-first and then sort everything else out once you got there. Even so, Trex had waited to late evening to enter RefugeCross and had taken smaller side roads through the farmland of the lower planes so as to avoid other animals; four legged as well as two legged.