Chapter XIII
The Higher Wold
As they edged closer to the torrent of water it became clear that behind the rushing mass was carved out of the rock a deep recess that opened up into a large cavern. There waiting for them were the Hidatsa, the Hopi and what was left of the Dakota warriors. There were many women among them; all were strong and determined but there were no children. It had been decided that as time was of the essence that only the swiftest and strongest among them would make the journey, for they were well prepared for the trek ahead and would carry with them all that was needed to safeguard their wellbeing.
Grey Wolf beckoned Michael and Gabriel forward to meet Black Buffalo, while Humming Bird rushed forward to embrace Uziel.
“I know you,” said Michael, “descendent of the Watcher.”
Though Black Buffalo did not betray any emotion he well understood the consequence of what such a meeting meant. The Sky people only appeared at times of great trial.
“It has been a very long time to wait for the return of the Sky People. There is much I need to tell you, much you need to know,” replied Black Buffalo. “First as you have foresaid my memory of the past slowly returns.”
“We cannot talk here,” said Michael, “Fenrir, the most savage of our enemy’s servants, and the Wold are close by and though we are in number enough so that they will not attack us we must take great care they may have spies near by.”
“Then we shall make our way,” cried Black Buffalo, “onto the prairie. It will be difficult even for Fenrir to follow the secret ways of our ancestors.”
“We had better start,” said Gabriel, “I fear we haven’t yet shaken off our pursuers. Can your people ready themselves for the journey?”
“The First People are always prepared,” cried Black Buffalo.
He turned and gave out a shallow call that echoed and was answered throughout the chamber, there was a slow murmur as people began to rise. Three Hidatsa warriors came forward, at their side was Long Tooth, the great wolf stood shoulder high, a match indeed for Fenrir, and with a single word from Black Buffalo they leapt forward to make sure the way ahead was clear.
With one last look back Black Buffalo led them from within that sunken cavern. At his side Michael was alert to any danger. The two were similar in stature and height and could easily have been mistaken for brothers. Slowly they made their way down, through the trees, and without the snap of a twig, or the rustle of a bush, they reached the edge of the river and from there followed it as it wound its way through the gorge.
“We understand from Raging Bull that you have a weapon known as Iktomi which was past down from your ancestors that will help defeat our enemy,” said Michael.
“We have separated it into two parts,” replied Black Buffalo, “so if one part falls into the hands of our foe, they will not be able to use it.”
“Now is the time,” said Michael “to bring it together. Do you understand the extent of its power?”
“I was,” replied Black Buffalo, “taught to use it in a Vision Quest by an ancestor of mine - I believe now that he was the first Watcher. It is a long staff, attached to which is a shaft with three talons and imbedded in that shaft is what looks like a dream catcher, once the two are connected the spirit of the weapon comes alive.”
“I see,” said Michael, “I recognise the weapon though I am disturbed by its presence here, but at least we do not need to waste time explaining its many uses though if it is what I think it is those should be kept to a minimum.”
Black Buffalo gestured for the long column to halt, and pointed to a narrow pass that led out of the gorge. They were to wait for news from one of the scouts before moving on. The quiet of the party was impressive.
“Once out,” said Black Buffalo quietly, “we will be on the Prairie and from there we will trail the great buffalo herd to their winter resting place so that our tracks cannot be followed. We will then make for the Angry Mud Flats, and go on into the dry lands - these places are dangerous and difficult to cross, but by crossing them we keep the eye of the enemy away from us.”
As he spoke, Gabriel with Uziel at his side approached; his step was hurried, urgent.
“I have seen the weapon. It’s a subatomic disrupter…”
Michael nodded calmly; such a device had been prohibited eons before at the treaty of Edun, it was more powerful than Thor’s Blade but not as precise or deliberate, hence it was agreed that such weapons would be forbidden. When used to its full potential, the energy released could easily get out of control.
“Also,” continued Gabriel.
“There’s more?” said Michael, incredulous at the thought of what was to come.
“They have a Sacred Seal,” Gabriel continued, “it is part of the weapon and it can open a corridor away from here but I’m afraid its range is limited and only a few can use it. It carries the same markings as the disruptor; obviously whoever created it had done so with the specific desire to keep the weapon safe.”
“Of course,” said Michael his arms folded thoughtfully, “those that sent it here would have intended that the wrong people never got hold of it.” Michael turned back to Black Buffalo. “The first Watcher was not one of the First People; he was like one of the Sky People, and as for the weapon the Dream Catcher attached to it is a Seal. It has an active energy source, and its energy can be used to open a doorway into another realm.”
“To the Vision Realm?” asked Black Buffalo.
“No I don’t think it’s that powerful,” replied Michael.
“I’m afraid I did not realise such a thing,” said Black Buffalo, “the first Watcher may have told me of it but I did not understand the meaning of what I was being told.”
“And yet we gave you the means to understand many things;” said Gabriel “the first Watcher was given a talking stick, it contains much knowledge which can only be revealed to one of the Sky People or to a descendent of the Watcher. You must also have it in your possession. I am more inclined to believe that the Watcher did not reveal its true purpose to you so as not to put you in danger.”
“That’s true - the first watcher would definitely realise the import of such a thing but might have felt that it should be kept secret until such time as our return,” mentioned Uziel. “Perhaps he did not mention it because if ever the enemy had captured or even turned his heirs they would not have been able to tell about what they do not know. And you knew the weapon was a weapon but not what type of weapon. Your ancestor wanted to make sure that it and you could not be found or used by the enemy.”
“Umm, could be,” said Gabriel, “but I must say it was not hidden that well, the enemy would have recognised it right away and they would have quickly realised that there was a Watcher close by.”
“Yes perhaps,” replied Michael, “but then these people did not comprehend the device which means that they could not tell the enemy how they came by it. Even the Watcher before I told him in a Vision Quest who he truly was, believed himself to be a powerful Shaman. Knowledge of who he was had been kept from him as with all his line. Terra Azure has always been well guarded, because of the amalgam of converging energy fields that surround the planet - it is at the apex of the Equilibrium and that is why so many higher natural things occur here. It is as if the planet is alive, which in many respects of course it is. Humanity has yet to understand the magnitude of life and how all things are connected. It is that connection that makes humanity so vital, and they do not understand their own strength and neither are they ready to understand it; but with Fenrir and the Wold loose to harry us, Haldrago and Lothos now on the march to the Great Basin at the bequest of the Dragon, and who knows when Moloch might turn up - perhaps it is time to show the Spirit People how to use their power. We will alter the weapon and use it in a manner that will not break the Equilibrium or offend the Way.”
“By we,” said Uziel, “I suppose you mean me.”
“He surely does,” said Gabriel.
Uziel shook
his head whilst mumbling something inaudibly beneath his breath.
One of the scouts that had been sent out returned with news that the way ahead was clear. Black Buffalo waved the column forward and carefully, with almost military precision, the large column moved forward. As they made their way through and out of the narrow pass that led away from the gorge, the sun greeted them, tall shadows marched side by side as sharp air made people wrap themselves in tightly held hides. They moved silently and with renewed vigour; their eyes becoming ever more wary and vigilant to any threat offered. The Prairie could be seen in all its vastness stretching for leagues in every direction. Long grasses that could easily conceal a man or the largest of wolves danced proudly before them. In the distance could be seen a dark mantle that flashed angrily, thunder echoed hauntingly across the plain, fortunately it hung far from their intended aim. They set off at a run. Never before had so many come together for such a reason but then never before had they encountered such an adversary as the Dragon.
With the day nearly completed there still had been no sign of Fenrir, or the Wold, and though the pace was steady it could be seen that a few were tiring, thick perspiration ran down furrowed brows; the bitter rasping air offered no comfort and the biting rain weighed heavy on thick leather coverings, and in the distance there was just open plain. Before the trek became overwhelming they found a place where they could briefly rest and eat without being seen, they then quietly slipped away and did not pause for the remainder of the day.
“Do you think,” said Grey Wolf, “we’ve shaken off any that might have been hunting us?”
“The threat remains,” replied Uziel, “and there is still light in the day which offers us some protection but soon night will come and then I would suggest our enemy if he is out there will strike.”
“Surely if there were any signs of the enemy,” said Black Buffalo attentively, “our scouts would have warned us by now. Still with dark approaching we must find somewhere less open so that we might rest, for a short while at least. There is no reason why we cannot travel through the night also, and then we will days hence from now be at the Angry Mud Flats.”
“I know a place,” replied Crazy Coyote, his face stoic as ever, “there is a long shallow ditch that cannot be seen with the naked eye.”
“Okay, I hope it is close,” reflected Black Buffalo who could see how many were tired; he knew if they were set upon, too many would barely be able to put up a struggle worthy of the name.
“It is,” said Crazy Coyote quietly looking around at the column of warriors
The sun drew close to the Horizon as they reached the verge just above the furrow where once a river ran freely; as they descended one by one, people would slump to the ground, remove the heavy leather sacks and tightly wrapped buffalo cloaks and take out some smoked fish or dried meat to eat. As light drifted beyond them, darkness even with its hidden dangers did not dissuade tired limbs from collapsing; as they sat back, flickering encrusted cold crystals illuminated the firmament. They would rest for a little while at least and then be on their way.
Gabriel lay back on the verge with his head resting on clean grasses, staring up at the constellation of Orion while his mind wondered. This was the first time since he had arrived on Terra Azure that he had had the chance to consider all the places in the entire universe they had traversed. As he gazed up at the vastness; one thought crossed his mind, here finally there might be an end to the war. How many times previously he had considered that, how many times had their hopes been dashed at what was thought to be the final hurdle, the final battle? Could it really be that this planet among all the planets he had visited spelled the end once and for all of the Dragon? Had the war finally run its course and like the dead river bed at his feet, it had finally exhausted itself? Or was there more to come, maybe another millennium of pursuit and being pursued.
“It’s tiring, tiring and tragic,” Michael lay peering over the verge resting on his arms, beneath him for comfort was a deer hide, after ages past he instinctively knew what Gabriel was thinking.
“They chose it,” Gabriel turned to face Michael. “They wanted to break The Equilibrium, and set this path in motion.”
“I wonder when the Dragon first became so disillusioned. Were there any signs that we should have seen?” Michael sat up on his haunches.
“Perhaps when first he began to question the Way,” said Gabriel.
“He always felt things could be better,” Michael breathed a heavy sigh, “that there were too many Chiefs and not enough Indians, so to speak.”
“Do you remember when he stood before us saying that we acted with deference in all things, and those acts meant we could not tell the difference between right and wrong; that we were nothing more than slaves in servitude to our purpose which was to guard and maintain The Equilibrium. And when the argument raged in the end there was nothing left but to cast him out not realising how many had already fallen under his wing, and how we mourned when we thought him dead, for some thought he might be redeemed, and even then we did not know he had fled into the universe of the Mages.” Gabriel’s eyes glistened as he recalled what had happened long ago.
“How could any of us forget the Schism?” whispered Michael, his voice now sullen, “Or forget the first planet destroyed, the first solar system, the first galaxy, and the first universe, as the war escalated beyond what any could have foreseen.”
“It was pure madness.”
“No, it was much worse than that, it was calculating.”
The two fell silent once more reflecting about the long years that had so quickly passed and yet at times had felt unmoving. As they lay there in the darkness a silhouetted figure approached them. It was Uziel crawling towards them, and there was something in his manner that made him appear agitated.
“One of the scouts has returned - bad news I’m afraid, it appears the Wold have struck; there are a number who must have been taken or killed.”
“The Wold do not take prisoners,” said Gabriel, quickly spinning round towards Uziel, and then noticing the anxious look on his face. “What else is there?”
“If the Wold made the scouts talk they may know our plans. Which means we cannot remain here any longer; or even perhaps head towards the Angry Mud Flats?”
Michael ground his teeth together thoughtfully; once more he stared out from the verge into the deep black of night as though it were possible to see through that deep velvet veil. “The scouts were not told that we would rest here, but they do know that we were to make for the Angry Mud Flats, and the Dry lands, so if we are to be set upon it would be at one of those places.”
“Or anywhere in between,” rumbled Gabriel.
“Tell Crazy Coyote,” murmured Michael, “to give the signal, we move out immediately. We shall keep to the plan and follow the Buffalo until we reach the Angry Mud Flats.”
“And if they’re waiting for us there?” asked Gabriel.
“They will not be,” replied Michael, “remember, they wish to get to the Ute as quickly as they can, also we can defend ourselves well enough. So let them come.”
Crazy Coyote gave out a shallow hoot, which was answered by another further along the line and then another. As if as one, the first people rose and were ready to move on. The only light was cast by a clear moon that laid a path for them to follow. They stepped so lightly that it would have been difficult to trace their passing. At their head Black Buffalo once more took the lead. They raced between the long grasses, which along with the night afforded some cover. Far above them could be heard the haunting sound of an eagle that circled before disappearing eastward.
The moon slowly drifted across the night sky. Stars that had hid behind their cloudy shroud began to shine with vigour.
“Uziel,” said Michael, “I recognise that look - what’s wrong?”
“Wild Bear,” whispered Uziel, “says that some First People are no longer with the column.”
“Gabriel,” responded Michael quickly, “
we seem to have lost some friends. I suggest if it was Fenrir we would know about it, which points to the Wold, but then you can never be too sure with such treacherous creatures. Could you and Uziel take care of this problem of ours?”
Gabriel nodded and the two disappeared to the back of the line, where they followed the column gradually slowing so as to lag behind, until making sure that they were not seen, they sunk beneath the tops of the long grasses and were lost from view.
“Do you think it’s the Wold?” asked Uziel, “And what if Fenrir is with them?”
“Then, my dear Uziel,” whispered Gabriel, “things will get very interesting, very quickly. And I think your sword is of a metal that could do even a beast like Fenrir some damage so I’ll leave him to you.”
“Oh, thanks for that,” responded Uziel quietly.
The two made their way through the long grasses, making sure they could not be spied or heard. In front they could see the dim silhouetted figures of the first people, moving in the dark as if they were shadows that lived only in the vision realm, so tall and proud were they, warriors all. To outsiders they would appear a mystery but to the Sky People who understood them they would always be the Spirit People.
The cool air increasingly became close, and damp, small droplets stuck to them like harsh leeches chilling their bones. Something nearby disturbed long thrashing grasses, silently Gabriel drew in a breath and gestured to Uziel to edge near; their approach went unnoticed as they came upon three Wold that were intent on their prey. Uziel positioned himself behind the one at the rear and was about to strike when he lost his footing in a rabbit hole and fell to the ground. The Wold swung round and was dispatched by Gabriel.
“Could you be any clumsier,” cried Gabriel.
As another Wold came onto them, Uziel, who had quickly recovered his footing, thrust his sword into the midriff of the nearest one. The last knew his own sword well; as Gabriel struck he deflected the blow to one side and swiftly drew upon the mace that hung from his belt. And the three were locked in combat; the Wold held firm, no emotion showing in the intensity of battle, as he twisted one way then the other. Uziel thrust his sword forward and carved open the air above the Wold, who had leant back so far he had almost touched the ground. Then Gabriel brought down his sword but the Wold was too fast and in one motion he kicked out, forcing him back and in the same movement he leapt to his feet. The three once more went for one another, their dramatic dance beneath the moonlight not going unnoticed. Grey Wolf, with two Hidatsa, had been sent to guard the rear of the column, and on hearing the commotion had gone to investigate. It was then that on seeing what was occurring they had moved to intercede; Grey Wolf had fired an arrow at the Wold only to watch it bounce off its thick armour. The Wold turned to meet this new adversary but as he did so Gabriel struck, hitting the mark. Uziel in turn lopped its head off.
As the Wold collapsed to the ground an unnatural fume escaped from its mouth, nose and ears. Uziel stood over the creature gasping for air, beads of sweat dripping from his brow.
“Are you okay?” asked Gabriel.
“I’m fine,” replied Uziel, “what was that?”
“It was a Higher Wold.”
“A what?” queried Uziel.
“A Higher Wold,” repeated Gabriel, “I’m afraid it appears the Dragon has been successful - that was a Wold with the Chakra of one of the Mages; that means the Mages have crossed over from the Vision Realm and our situation has worsened.”
“The Mages here also,” said Uziel, “it was to be expected.”
“Expected yes,” replied Gabriel, “but unfortunate at this time, the Dragon is calling forth many of his acolytes.”
Uziel knelt down over the body of the Higher Wold and took its sword and mace.
“Shouldn’t we do the same, call in support?” His eyes glinted in the dark. "Have you considered that maybe to maintain the Equilibrium we might need to call upon a few powers ourselves
“We have not had to; the Equilibrium has held firm thus far and it will continue to do so,” said Gabriel, "everything in its good time.”
He gestured for all to return to the column.
“I hope you’re right,” responded Uziel, chasing after him, “because if we get to a bad time it may be too late to call for help.”
When they reached the long column they quickly kept to its even pace. All kept focused as the ground beneath them became uncertain, the grasses no longer reached up to greet them with vigour, as they trod where a herd of a million buffalo roamed. The moon guided them across troubled harried prairie.
“So the Mages are here,” said Michael, “that is desperate news indeed, the Dragon has moved swiftly, and now we need to get a message to Running Bear, to warn him somehow.”
“How?” Gabriel imperceptibly shook his head. “As you are aware, Black Buffalo has tried, the way is blocked. I believe Running Bear has set up a protective barrier.”
“Yes, unfortunately it is working against him rather than for him, as he does not know that we are here,” replied Michael, barely breaking stride.
“And that will give The Dragon more urgency as he will believe that he is shielding something of great value, which means we had better get to the Ute first.”