Chapter XII
Fenrir
When Gabriel woke, he could see Uziel doggedly pushing the Kayak into the river, he had already eaten and was eager to continue their journey. Michael, crouched down by the waters edge, watched him thoughtfully before turning to find that Gabriel was finally alert, he threw him a cooked fish which hung over the fire.
“Black Buffalo of the Hidatsa is here,” said Michael, “last night he visited me.”
Gabriel appeared unsurprised by the meeting. “Isn’t he descended from the line of Watchers? The keepers that were long ago sent to guard the Sacred Seals and the Blessed Codexes, do you think he is the Watcher referred to in the prophesy?”
“Perhaps,” said Michael, “but as you well know many Seals and Codexes were taken by their Watchers and lost in the eternity of space, and also there were other Watchers who knew the virtues of the Way and the importance of the Equilibrium, who were given the same and told to keep them secret and guard them well. Black Buffalo is certainly of that line. At least now we know he still lives. He is a Shaman in this world, unfortunately the truth of whom he is and his importance has remained hidden from him and with good reason. In all things I would say he’s probably as powerful as any of the Mages.”
“Any of the Mages except maybe Moloch,” muttered Gabriel, as he bit down on the fish.
“Yes,” repeated Michael slowly as if remembering something long forgotten. “Any of the Mages except Moloch. But perhaps our meeting Black Buffalo might give him the necessary means to defeat even Moloch.”
Gabriel glanced up at Michael and finished chewing: his eyes narrowed curiously, “I sense you still believe he’s to fight Moloch.”
“Lothos, Moloch, Malachi - they’re all here,” said Michael quietly, “Haldrago, the Longfoot and now as if to maintain the Equilibrium, we have here Black Buffalo. One other thing if I recall he is descended from the Watcher that was sent out to find the Greater Codex, a foolish errand if ever there was one. I wonder, though, at what power is contained within the Codex here on Terra Azure, for it to have brought so many dread adversaries together at this time. That first Watcher had also under his guard one of the four mighty Codexes, but if I recall, he and that Codex were kept separate to assure his safety while he undertook the task he was set. With all this in mind I feel it must mean that this Shaman of the Ute, who guards a Codex, is more than he seems also, more than even a Watcher.”
“What are you suggesting?” Gabriel asked. “That we have a few more surprises waiting for us? No change there then.”
“Also there’s another thing,” Michael pulled Gabriel closer, “the Hopi and the Dakota among others will be with the Hidatsa. I have been shown where we are to meet them, it is a place called the Water that falls from a great height. That means there will be many warriors making the journey west.”
“A militia of our own,” replied Gabriel, he quickly removed a small bone from his teeth.
“Yes, and as other nations join us perhaps we will gather an army together even to rival that which Lothos has mustered. Too many, like the clans of the Longfoot or those of the Cave Bears, will have had their end far too soon; the Dragon has a lot to answer for.”
“And what of us; what do we have to answer for?” asked Gabriel finishing of the fish.
Gabriel rose and silently motioned for Michael to get into the Kayak. A morning mist softly hung over the river as the three set off. Uziel, who sat out front, set a hard pace for them to follow. Knowledge that Lothos was on the move had certainly focused their minds.
“After the High Falls, where do we go from there?” asked Gabriel.
“Across the open prairie,” replied Michael.
“I can already see a problem with that,” said Gabriel.
“Not to worry, this land is vast and Black Buffalo will know a safer road to travel than you or I could hope for.”
“That’s as maybe, but that safer route,” said Gabriel quietly, “might be filled with enemy spies. And we will be travelling with a small army.”
“An army like no other,” replied Michael, “they will melt into the vastness of these lands, not even a sharp eyed eagle will see them. We are talking of the Spirit People, and they will have with them a Watcher. What could possibly go wrong?”
“I remember someone saying that,” said Gabriel, “when we took Helleos Prime; and that didn’t turn out so well, did it?”
“Um, Helleos Prime, Drenn Three, Argea Four,” replied Michael.
“Yes,” said Gabriel, “the list, like the blood spilt, runs and runs.”
With the mist beginning to lift two crows cut across their path, circled above them and quickly flew off. The three quietly watched them pass and drove the Kayak forward with even greater determination.
“Could be spies of Lothos,” said Gabriel.
“We’ll soon find out,” replied Michael, “tell Uziel to keep a look out.”
The river undulated across the lands, cutting deep into open valleys and running through ravines. At one point where they hit fast flowing rapids and shrunken water falls they had to guide the Kayak ashore, they took the opportunity to eat and rest before carrying it to where the waters ran more calmly. The three would then jump back into the Kayak and head quickly toward the Dakota. Long reeds ran along both banks, affording them some protection from prying eyes; unless of course their foe was well hidden behind the confines of those thick green bars.
They once more rushed forward, each stroke of the paddle pushing the water back and bringing them closer to their meeting with Black Buffalo.
“If Lothos gets to the Ute before us,” cried Michael, “then our stay on this world at this time will be over; he will no doubt try to transfer the Codex beyond this realm. I believe that’s why the Mages and the Wold are here, to help take it and guard it should they attain it.”
“Yes,” cried Gabriel, “but the Wold are sorely diminished and as for the Mages, it is only Moloch that we need concern ourselves with.”
“That’s more than enough,” replied Uziel, “especially since he has yet to manifest himself in this physical reality. So far he has only appeared, as the first people call it, as a dark spirited Manitou. There is another thing.”
“Go on,” said Michael without breaking his rhythm.
“Lothos has others he can call upon,” said Uziel, “and they will be more than willing to weave whatever dark purpose he desires. They now know that the three of us are here so I am sure they’ll be well prepared for our next encounter.”
“Yes, and they like us do not know whether it is an Angelos or some other, guarding the Codex,” replied Michael.
“The problem is,” said Gabriel, “since this war of ours spans time, dimension and space it’s difficult to know who else they might call upon.”
“Hence,” replied Uziel, “the reason why Thor’s blade would have been a useful tool right about now.”
“As long as we arrive,” said Michael, “before Lothos at the Ute village then it won't matter who they've employed to help them.”
At those words the three strove once more to pick up the strain, and so in silence they pushed the kayak to its extreme. The sparkling wash rushed past. Small coloured crested wings hovered by, as though they knew that the Angelos were there. And still they flung themselves forward. Uziel suddenly raised his arm; the others immediately becoming alert to some unknown danger, and brought the kayak to a stop. Except for the gentle jostling of the boat there was complete silence. Uziel indicated for them to make for the bank, then almost without drawing breath he slowly reached down and took hold of his sword. As he did so arrows came flying overhead and into the side of the Kayak. The three quickly tumbled out, capsizing the kayak.
“We need to get to the far bank,” said Michael.
“And how do you propose we do that?” cried Gabriel.
“Get underneath the Kayak,” replied Uziel, “and swim.”
They swiftly did just that. As they disappeared into the reeds
the thudding of arrows into the side and bottom of the kayak subsided.
“Now what do we do?” said Uziel.
“That depends on how many there are,” cried Michael.
“About ten or twenty!” replied Uziel.
“Well, which is it - ten or twenty?” said Gabriel.
“I think it is more like twenty,” replied Uziel.
“Well it could be worse,” said Michael.
“You mean there could be twenty one,” shouted Gabriel as another arrow flew past.
Concealed neck-high between troubled reeds that hung over them, their pursuers became strangely silent; the only sound a moorhen that swam frantically between the bulrushes.
“We need to move,” whispered Michael.
“What do you suggest?” replied Gabriel, “we can’t exactly be caught in the open - we’ll be seen and cut down.”
“Then we wait till dark,” cried Uziel.
“I don’t think our friends over there are going to be that accommodating,” said Gabriel.
“Well if you’ve got any bright ideas,” muttered Michael.
“Only one,” responded Gabriel quickly, “Perhaps we could concentrate and phase out of this time.”
“I don’t think that will work,” said Uziel, “these bodies, on their own, simply don’t have enough energy - of course if we’d kept Thor’s blade...”
Just then, muffled cries could be heard from where they thought their pursuers were lying in wait; the reeds waved violently as if struck by a sudden storm and then quickly fell strangely quiet. The three stared out from behind the long grasses at the bizarre scene, not knowing what to make of it. There was a holler from the other side of the river bank. Michael looked at Gabriel. It was not a threatening yell.
“I am Raging Bull of the Hidatsa,” called out a deep commanding voice, “After a vision quest, Black Buffalo sent us to meet you and guide you to the Water that falls from a great height.”
Raging Bull stood up on the other side of the bank, while many of his people rose from where they had fought against what had been a large scouting party of the Shadow people.
Michael signalled for the others to remain hidden as he got to his feet. On seeing him Raging Bull gave out a whooping sound, he stepped forward with the rest of the Hidatsa and waded into the wash and began to swim across. Michael gestured for Gabriel and Uziel to stand also. They quickly clambered ashore and were soon joined by Raging Buffalo and a large number of the Hidatsa; Raging Bull waved his people forward and the majority of them raced away.
“Some Shadow people escaped,” said Raging Bull, “they will be hunted down, while others of my people will seek out other nations to join us in this war.”
Michael, shielding his eyes from the glare of the sun, took the bow handed to him, “It was fortunate for us you turned up when you did.”
Raging Bull nodded stoically. “We have been tracking you since sun rise and finally caught up to you here. Just in time it seems. We were told by Black Buffalo that there was a great danger following you and to beware.”
“If you mean the Shadow people,” said Michael, “you seem to have taken care of them.”
“No,” replied Raging Bull, “something far worse, brought across the great water by the Grey Beards. A mighty beast.”
“Really and what else did Black Buffalo say, did he mention what type of creature it was?” said Michael.
“No,” said Raging Bull.
“Do you recall anything, Uziel, from your time with the Vikings?”
“Some, but mainly what they wanted me to see,” said Uziel.
“Could you be more specific?” replied Gabriel.
“There was a ravenous savage hound,” said Uziel, “I think you both caught sight of it when you first entered the King’s Hall. He was the belligerent beast that rested at the King’s side. He was a gift, of course, from Lothos - if he’s coming after us then you’ll need more than stone knives and wooden arrows to bring him down. I don’t even know whether our swords can cut into his thick hide.”
“Well,” Gabriel muttered, “it looks like we’re going to find out.”
“And why have you only mentioned this now?” asked Michael.
“Because much of what I recall is unclear and I thought it could have been a Wold but now I'm not so sure,” he replied shaking his head. “Look, in the end with all that's been going on I simply forgot about it.”
“What? A creature that’s possibly more powerful than Haldrago and you forgot about it,” muttered Gabriel, “is there anything else that might prove useful to know, unless of course you’ve forgotten that as well?”
“Umm,” replied Uziel casually, “probably, but then it wouldn’t be forgetting, if I remembered what it was, would it.”
“That’s enough,” said Michael, “if we are being tracked by such a creature we should not stay here and discuss it.”
“You are right,” cried Raging Buffalo, “we must leave this place but first I suggest you eat something and rest awhile to recover your strength.”
They did just that, the meal was eaten quickly and after a brief rest they set off, at first running along the side of the river but as the sun began to set they drifted inland. The cool night air closed in; soon they moved beneath the sight of a veiled moon. The long grasses breathed fresh life into tired limbs.
“Black Buffalo,” cried Raging Bull “has set a trap for this beast.”
“I’m afraid it will take more than a simple trap,” replied Michael, “if our worst fears are realised and this creature is greater than Haldrago.”
“Black Buffalo knows this,” said Raging Bull, “the trap is only part of what we have thought of, he has a weapon that belonged to his ancestors. It is called ‘Iktomi’. It means to cast out with fire and flame.”
“Fire and flame,” repeated Michael softly, “That sounds ominous.”
"Also Black Buffalo says that Iktomi has the power to cast the living into the world of the Vision Quest."
“That sounds like a matter transferor,” sighed Gabriel.
“If it is,” said Uziel, “then we have a way off this world.”
Raging Bull, who had run on ahead, suddenly halted. He stared into the dark, as though his eyes like cut crystals could pierce the dense night and release the truth of what waited beyond their sight, but not beyond earshot. They all stopped by his side.
“I hear something,” said Raging Bull calmly, “it blocks our path.”
Uziel quietly drew his sword, “What do you think it could be?”
Raging Bull smiled to himself, “Wild Bear, Crazy Coyote, you make yourselves known like snakes that rattle.”
The two came forward.
“Hi, Raging Bull,” said Wild Bear, “we have stopped many of the Shadow people that escaped, we have left our people to seek out the rest. The Shadow people we captured also spoke of a terrible horror to come. They said their leader is a mighty Shaman and Manitou who is well protected by a wild savage beast called Fenrir.”
“Fenrir - so that’s the mighty beast,” said Gabriel.
“The Sky People,” said Raging Bull, “will be more than a match for this Shaman of theirs.”
“I told them Black Buffalo was the greatest Shaman alive,” interjected Crazy Coyote, “they sneered with contempt cursing us as they died.”
“They,” interrupted Wild Bear, “are filled with fear of their masters. There is something else - a Witch has crossed over from the Vision Realm and this Fenrir has joined up with him.”
“Crossed over, you say,” said Uziel. “A Witch? Surely you mean another Shaman of theirs, or more precisely, it is likely to be Moloch.”
“No,” whispered Wild Bear, “he is more powerful than any Shaman, and I do not know the name Moloch that you speak of.”
“Perhaps” said Raging Bull, “he is this Odin you spoke of.”
“One of the Shadow people who was once an Abenaki said his name,” continued Wild Bear, “because he can take many forms and
many disguises - they call him Atosis the Skinwalker.”
Uziel gasped at the mention of the name while Gabriel sighed deeply.
“Atosis here,” said Michael looking at Gabriel, his eyes glistening in the gloom, “That’s difficult to believe. You should know Wild Bear, this Skinwalker and Fenrir are terrible foes of the Sky people. Atosis, though, is a deeply powerful spirit, we have a different name for him. To us he is called the Dragon. He is cunning, being able to twist words and conjure such deceit that many that were once brothers of ours became enemies.”
“He will not deceive us,” said Crazy Coyote. “The Hidatsa have Black Buffalo and now the Sky people and many others.”
“We need to move,” said Raging Bull hurriedly, “if news of you has reached the leader of the Shadow people then it will not be long before he sends his most dread servants after us.”
They began once more to race across the plain, Michael became distant lost in both thought and time.
“With all that has been going on it was to be expected,” said Gabriel, “that the Dragon would come himself.”
“Yes,” replied Michael, “with so much at stake you’re right, but this time in shape and form a Skinwalker. He has truly out done himself, he is truly a shape shifter of both mind and body, but then again was that not always the Dragon.”
“No,” said Gabriel, “not always, there was a time, a long time ago, when things were different.”
“That was a very long time ago,” replied Michael, “there has been much water under that bridge since then.”
“You must mean,” said Gabriel, “if by water, entire oceans or entire worlds for that matter, then I suppose you’re right.”
“A bridge that can never again be crossed no matter what some think,” muttered Uziel under his breath.
“What was that?” asked Gabriel.
“What Michael said about water under the bridge,” replied Uziel, “I was just thinking this is one bridge that’s been flooded, washed away and lost for good.”
“I guess so,” replied Gabriel, “but think on this - it is he who believes us lost. That the Way is old and archaic, that all he desired was to lead us into a bright new future, a new universal order with him at its head.”
“Huh,” scoffed Michael, “of course. Strange how all those that wish to rule promise new freedoms and new liberties for all, and then as soon as they attain power, the first thing they do is to shackle beat and bludgeon in the name of every freedom and every liberty they promised to give or protect.”
“When you think of it,” responded Gabriel harshly, “by taking away everything he is in fact giving new freedoms and liberties but they are simply very dark ones. And he thinks our vision is limited, yet his bright future would have led to a worse war than ever. To impose his will over all, so that all would have been forced to offer him allegiance; tell me how many universes would have been destroyed before the realisation of such a dream? How many more worlds would have been lost, entire civilisations ended? And the Djinn surely would have joined the fray and not in the token force of what we saw in the Vision Realm but outright.”
“It’s all so grotesque,” said Uziel.
“That's the war that was forced upon us,” muttered Gabriel.
“A war without end,” Uziel shook his head with disgust.
Throughout the rest of the night they kept a steady pace only stopping once to rest and eat. They watched the moon rise and fall, as it gave a brief respite from the cool velvet air. The land soon turned from grassy plain to wooded crop, the ground becoming calloused and brittle. The early morning light felt as fresh as the sweet air. The veil that covered them was becoming clearer as they moved deeper among open trees, a soft mist lay at their feet. Soon they heard surging dancing foamy water. Raging Bull stopped a moment, pulled his stone axe and dagger from his belt, and instinctively they all drew their weapons. There was a harsh screech, and from behind the trees leapt the Wold; these were ones that were once human, they were less formidable and hardy than the real thing but dangerous nevertheless, they had been pursuing them and had waited for the right moment to strike.
As one leapt out at Uziel he sliced him across the midriff with his sword, quickly dispatching the thin tawny creature. Gabriel grappled with another, flinging him to the ground while another jumped on his back and bit into his shoulder. Raging Bull charged at them slamming both Gabriel and his attacker into the ground and thrust his dagger into the side of the Wold. Three surrounded Michael and with a sweep of his sword he cut through two of them. The third swung round with a spiked club that Michael barely blocked; the blow was so fierce that it knocked him to the ground. The next blow ripped the sword from his grasp, the creature came forward roaring with crazed wrath and as it did so an arrow struck through its throat. Even in such an agonised state it had the strength to bring down the blow. But by this time Michael had retrieved his sword and thrust it deep into the creatures body.
Raging Bull took hold of Michael and hauled him to his feet. Crazy Coyote once more let fly an arrow and this time it landed in the back of Gabriel’s assailant knocking him to one side. Momentarily free from the clutches of the Wold they all raced away, with their hunters right behind them. They dashed between the trees, as arrows and daggers flew past. Within an instant there was a mighty roar from behind them, the Wold stopped and faded away their purpose done. Rushing through the trees, was a creature like a dark shadow: it was swift as any arrow and all that could be seen were its savage red eyes.
They came to the edge of the trees and there in front of them was a steep gorge and at its bottom a river. They had managed to cut their journey in half - but at what cost? Turning to face their enemy, Crazy Coyote and Wild Bear let loose arrows but it was of no use: the creature came on, undaunted by such futile efforts to slow its pursuit.
“It’s Fenrir,” cried Gabriel.
“Everyone,” shouted Michael, “there’s only one chance into the river.”
Barely hesitating and just as Fenrir came upon them, they all flung themselves into the chasm and on into the river below. There was a great roar of frustration and anger above them as they disappeared beneath the water.
The fresh water washed over them, harsh cold and unforgiving it penetrated to their bones. As they emerged gasping for breath, above them could clearly be seen Fenrir, its dark coarse cloak lifted by dawn’s early light; its harsh cold stare watched intently, and there was more than intelligence in those eyes. Frustrated that its enemy had escaped and with one last look of contempt the creature turned and was lost in the trees.
The river fought them tirelessly. Unable to control where they were being thrust they worked on steadying themselves, so as not to be crushed against the many jagged rocks that jutted the surface. Once the river calmed they quickly scrambled ashore, grappling with broken fallen trees to gain some leverage.
“That was close,” said Wild Bear.
“You think!” exclaimed Uziel.
“At least it is confirmed,” said Michael.
“What’s that?” gasped Raging Bull, hauling himself from the rivers’ edge.
“That Fenrir is here,” replied Michael, “and that means the Dragon is here also.”
Gabriel pulled Wild Bear to his feet and without stopping for breath they all set off, racing along the side of the river. They made good time on more hardy earth, and soon came upon a narrow cleft at the heart of the ravine. In single file they moved along it.
“Do you think Fenrir,” asked Crazy Coyote, “will still be after us?”
“Oh no,” said Uziel, “I’m sure he’s gone home with news that he let his prey escape.”
“So then,” replied Crazy Coyote, “he’s still after us.”
“It’s of no consequence,” said Raging Bull as they came out on to a flat ledge.
The Gorge was split into two levels; from where they were there was a sharp drop to the lower one. A vast spray greeted them and at its heart barely visible a thin translucent shim
mering bridge of dazzling colours.
“Welcome,” said Raging Bull, “to the Water that falls from a great height.”