The Exiles (22 page)

Suddenly, something in his immediate area had Trex's and Flint's complete and undivided attention.

The massive predator was half the size of the horse Flint, its powerful claws and crushing jaw making it one of the most dangerous wild animals Trex knew of.

The creature uncurled from the rock it was lying on.

In appearance, the animal could best be described as looking like a massive lizard as we know them. On Trex's world, this species of animal was warm blooded and behaved and acted more like cats or pumas do on our world then reptiles.

The wild beast in question was called a liezon, and this one was almost as shocked to see Trex and his horse, as they were to see it. Jumping back on all fours, the large smooth-scaled creature whipped its long tail in front of it threateningly as it hissed in anger. Liezons had large triangular heads and long slick bodies. Though currently black, the smooth scales of the large creature flashed red for a second in anger. Like chameleons, liezons could change their scale colour to better blend into the environment, something perfect for ambushing its prey.

Flint reared up in shock, grunting and whining in alarm. Trex was barely able to hold on as the liezon scurried forward, swiping one of its mighty claws as a warning.

The jet black animal backed up against a rock. Liezons were shy around Anthros in general, but their two hundred kilogram weight, massive claws and razor sharp teeth proved a good deterrent to anything that may come looking for them.

Trex didn't even get a second glance as Flint suddenly bolted.

Fuelled by its own fear, as well as that of its owner, the horse's mind was blank to everything except running as fast as possible, preferable into the open.

Trex held on for dear life as Flint sprinted through low shrub and trees. Recovering from his shock from seeing the liezon, Trex's mind was overcome with fear as he found himself riding on an out of control horse. Blinking a few times, he strained to get some of his thoughts together.

Bursting through the undergrowth, Flint found some open space to run.

Finally able to look up, Trex tried to clear his mind, he had to do something, and fast. Pulling back on the reigns his arms were almost ripped off by the surging animal. He had to get the animals attention somehow. Reading the movement of the horses head as it ran, he waited until it was back, kicking his legs into the animal sides, he pulled the reigns down low, forcing the animals head down as it tried to move forward.

‘Flint!' shouted Trex, momentarily unconcerned about who else could hear him.

Startled, Flint lost his galloping rhythm, forcing him to slow down. Still panicked, the horse kicked out, trying to remove whatever it was on his back that was stopping him from running. Trex struggled for control as the horse bucked underneath him, pulling in the rains more, he tried to bring the animal to a stop.

‘Flint calm down, calm down boy!' Trex shouted, trying to get the animal to listen.

Rearing up a few times, Flint slowly began to calm. Trex started to make soothing sounds while stroking his horse, or at least as much as he could while still trying to control the stressed Flint.

‘He's gone boy! We're safe now,' reassured Trex, trying to be as confident and calm as he could.

Trex's mind had been brought into sharp focus by the previous events and he was already thinking ahead. Considering the noise he had just made, anyone who was in the current valley would know he was here, and he was still in the open. Looking down, he tried to think of the best course of action. Flint was still nervous, Trex had to get them back into cover and whatever he did, he would have to do it quickly to try and disappear if someone had seen him.

With new determination, Trex took hold of Flints reigns, forcefully guiding the young horse. Flint didn't fight the new instructions, assuming that if the focused emotionless lion on top of him was not scared and was still directing, he must have some idea about what he was doing…

Across the upper end of the valley a small group of riders had indeed seen the young lion's battle with his horse.

‘What is a lion doing here?' asked an older wolf, his rough voice matching his rag-tag appearance.

‘Should we kill him?' asked a younger wolf hopefully. He had ridden up beside the large red wolf who was leading the group. He was the same brown wolf that had attacked Sara only a few nights ago.

The large red wolf Philton watched as the lion disappeared back into thicker vegetation in the distance.

‘No,' he said eventually.

‘He could have been sent by the lions to warn the Sage,' stated the older wolf, his pessimistic tone as hard as he himself looked. This was an Anthro who had failed the school-of-hard-knocks, and then had gone off to kill the teacher.

‘We will not kill him,' stated Philton coolly. The leader's concentrated expression showed that his mind was already hard at work with the new situation.

The young brown wolf spat at the ground in annoyance, disappointed at having missed out on some fun.

‘I want him alive,' said Philton.

This generated an evil grin from the young brown wolf.

‘And in a good shape,' the red wolf added, looking specifically at his sadistic companion.

‘Oh I won't hurt him… much,' replied the brown wolf.

With a crisp ‘hiut!' the group turned to rush down the valley, heading straight for Trex's position.

Further back down the trail, Sara had not seen Trex and Flint's mad dash into the clearing. She had crossed the ridge just in time to see the two disappear back into the undergrowth, not recognizing either of them from this distance. Confused at the sudden appearance of a lion, Sara waited for a reaction from the exiles. They appeared to discuss the matter before giving chase. Watching them head down the valley, Sara was at a loss as to what to do. Only moments before she had decided to remain on their trail; now, however, there seemed to be a good opportunity to sneak past. Somewhat confused, she consulted her map.

‘Damn it,' she said to herself.

Technically she could head on, but something was telling her to follow the exiles. It was the same feeling that had made her decide to stay on their trail only minutes before. Even given these new circumstances, the feeling was still strong. Looking back up, Sara stuffed the map back into a pocket. Well, she had made a decision and it wasn't like she had gone back on any she had made recently, so why start now. Leading Misha into the clearing, Sara began to hunt the hunters.

The one Anthro who was the pray in all this was poor Trex. He had stopped momentarily to arm himself, just in case. Jumping from his horse the young lion unravelled his sheathe, putting the cloak over his head and fastening it like a large poncho with his belt, leaving his arms free. The large pendant was now positioned just below his head on his chest, the few times he had accidentally touched the large black stone the surface had flared silver, indicating the intense level of pure focus Trex was now under. Taking out his short sword and utility axe he manipulated them to attach to the ends of his two sections of staff, which he then repositioned on either side of his quiver that was slung to his back for easy access.

Jumping back onto Flint, the pair shot forward again. Flint was still excited, but his fear had subsided. His owner was driving him hard. Flint didn't know why, but there was purpose in Trex's actions. Even without any noticeable emotions coming from Trex, the horse could tell this was not a time to argue.

Dashing forward through the low scrub, Trex wanted to put distance between himself and the clearing. He had decided that making a break for home was not the best idea. He was already a long way into the wilderness, wolf outposts were closer then lion's. Though Trex didn't really like the idea of going to wolf soldiers for protection, it was still better then meeting unknown and unrepresented wolves in the wilds.

Trex didn't actually know if he had been seen or not. Lions were cautious by nature, and liked to take a course of action that would take almost everything into account.

Trex and Flint returned to the small path that led through the forest. Scanning left and right to see if anyone had seen the previous commotion, Trex suddenly spotted the exiles racing towards him from the clearing. They were only a few hundred meters away and closing. Mentally prepared for this eventuality, their sudden appearance did not register any fear in the young lion. Flint surged forward with more pace. Trex thought that the wolf riders were probably out to have a little fun. If he gave them a good chase they would probably give up.

Though the WesternWilderness was unpopulated there were a few well worn paths here and there, mostly from ancient animal routes. Antelope and wild sheep-like creatures existed on the world of the Anthros too. They, and other animals, migrated up and down the mountain passes between winter and summer.

As useful as these paths were, they could also be disorientating. There were no sign posts out here, and only a few of the paths lead to the important river crossings and mountain passes. It was difficult enough to navigate when you took your time. It was something almost impossible at the break neck speed Trex and Flint were travelling.

At the lower side of the valley, Trex was approaching a stream. Here the forest was tall again, the large trees blanketing the low undergrowth of moss and ferns. Stealing a glance back, Trex could make out six riders; that was less then he remembered from the first glance, some had probably already split off down other paths to see if they could cut him off.

Philton could now see Trex up ahead as the path straightened out for a section. The older wolf was impressed with the lion's riding; it was unusual that they were this good on a horse. Though this did not matter to Philton; soon the lion would have nowhere else to run. Through the thick foliage up ahead the red wolf could make out sunlight filtering through a break in the forest canopy, they were coming to the stream. The wild creek, like most up here in the mountains, would probably ran deep and fast, a perfect barrier to trap the fleeing lion.

Trex burst out of the lower vegetation at the stream's bank. Flint slid on all fours on the dry earth to slow from a fast gallop. Looking up and down the flowing waterway Trex instantly chose his path. Flint jumped to it once more.

Seconds later, Philton burst through the same bushes. Not having to worry about choosing a direction he was now only meters behind the lion.

Trex scanned the river up ahead. There was a crossing of some kind. Coming closer he realized that the water was probably too high to cross safely. Up ahead, he could see another wolf rider emerge from the trees, probably at the proper crossing. Out of options Trex pulled at the reigns, giving a crisp shout.

‘Hah!'

Flint sprang into the fast running stream. Landing with a splash, Flint somehow managed not to topple over. Struggling, Flints back legs slipped on the smooth rocks and the animal faltered. Fighting to move thorough the spraying water, Trex gritted his teeth as animal and rider were carried for a second downstream.

‘Come on, Flint! Hiat, Hiat!' Trex shouted in encouragement, willing his animal forward.

Pushing out with his powerful legs Flint was able to find grip. Hopping forward through the water the horse was able to scamper up the opposite bank of the creek. Trex, now soaking wet, looked back at his pursuers. Surely that would be enough for them to lose interest, why were they so intent on getting to him?

Philton stopped at the bank of the creek, watching as Trex disappeared into the Forest on the other side. Both up and down the creek, exile riders had emerged. Philton could see the steep valley wall on the other side of the fast flowing stream, there was only a narrow stretch of forest on that side, with little way out.

With a series of hand signals and whistles he was able to direct his band of exiles. Taking more time then Trex, he looked for a slightly better water crossing, though he still had to forcefully encourage his animal to enter the frothing frigid water.

Trex knew he was trapped, he could feel it. Fear, however, no longer played a part in his thoughts. Dismounting, Trex already knew what he had to do, he would send Flint on as a diversion then double back and try to cross the river. Once in the larger woods on the other side he might have a chance to slip away and hide out. Trex didn't know why the wolves were so determined to catch him, but his intuition told him that it had become much more then a game to them. Grabbing a large bag from Flint's back he slung it around his shoulder.

Trex then tried to shoo Flint away.

‘Go boy. Run, get out of here!' he said as forcefully as he could without raising his voice.

Flint looked questioningly at his master, not sure what Trex wanted the horse to do.

Trex did not have time for this, taking hold of a section of his staff he flexed the wood while moving to the horse side. Aiming at the animal's rump he let the wood snap back, a large audible smack could be heard throughout the forest

‘Heechhha!' growled Trex, trying to sound as threatening as he could.

Flint jumped at the sharp pain, racing off into the forest. Watching the animal go for only a moment, Trex then tried to cover his tracks as best he could before moving quickly back the way he had come.

The young lion's ears strained for any sound of approaching wolves. Hearing something, he quickly jumped into a nearby tree, climbing up onto a large branch to hide himself. Moving silently, Trex stayed out of sight as six riders shot past.

Taking his chances he jumped further through the trees.

Coming to a small clearing, Philton tried to read the tracks.

‘He went east!' shouted the young brown wolf eagerly. Immediately he and three others began to follow the fresh horse tracks.

‘Wait!' shouted Philton, causing the four to slow down.

‘What are we waiting for? The tracks lead this way!' the brown wolf yelled impatiently.

‘The horse's tracks lead that way, but that doesn't mean that he is still on it,' retorted the red wolf. ‘He's here,' Philton said calmly, turning his horse in a circle.