The Mori

Chapter 7

"OK you have to concentrate on a good memory and it has to be connected to blood."

"What do you mean it has to be connected to blood?" Canagan replied.

"I mean you have to think of a memory,a strong memory.It is to contain love and it has to be about someone that contains the same DNA is that clear enough for you?"

 

Rudina held onto the bloodstone.She knew that if she was going to activate the stone it would cost her most of the energy but she had to. She had only just managed to calm Canagan. The next time that happened she might not be able to.

 

"That would have to be my mum. My dad used to be in the military and he got called out year after year. We didn't  really worry about it we always thought he come back. Untill the one year he didn't and my mum was the strongest person I knew.  That's when I really find out how strong she already was. She would tell me the moment that I had a mood or felt sad. "you're acting just like your father!" I would get angry and lash out when she said that. And then she would just reply "So you should be really really proud because he really really loved you. He was a great man and you're turning right into a man just like him." Canagan couldn't help a tear escape his eye.

No sooner had a tear fallen.The memory  unlocked the bloodstone that started to  glow and pulse. It pulsed faster like a heartbeat and grew stronger and stronger.

" You're doing it hold on to that memory a little bit longer.We almost got a strong pulse. Rudina could feel the strength slowly slip away into the stone. She hoped she had enough to carry on with this challenge and not be a burden to Artair. He was still new and still learning.It was up to her for now to protect him so he could protect her.

 The stone beat faster and faster picking up rhythm and every time growing more and more for longer and longer until finally it was alight.

 

"Quickly you need to take the stone while glowing and put it against your heart. Canagan took the blowing rock and looked at it skeptically.He looked into Rudina's eyes and she just gave him a nod of encouragement. He knew for  a fact he could always trust this girl. The stone was hot against his chest in fact he was burning his chest!

 

"Ouch that the thing burnt me!"  They burst out laughing as the energy from the stone left an intricate pattern on his chest. He looked down his chest and gently touched the mark.The stone had burnt it's print. 

"I always did kind of want a tattoo." Canagan said starting to laugh at the situation.He stopped when  he saw how terribly pale Rudina was.

" Hey are you ok?" Canagan asked softly.

" Oh yeah I'm fine it's just it takes quite a bit out of me." She replied with a weak smile.

" I tell you what. You stay here and gather your strength,you've done so much for me let me do something for you. What do you think would be okay for me to get to eat?" 

"Just as long as it isn't crocodile buck I think we'll be fine." She said as she fell asleep.

 

 Moments later Canagan returned with a small rabbit. She grown up a hunter and had grown up with the notion of having respect for other living creatures and what they could provide you. 

She appreciated that they seemed to be the same type of person. He was just like her and it was kind of nice to have someone take care of her for a change.

 One of the worst things about being fiercely independent was every now and then people forgot that you did like being taken care of just a little bit.

They brought the feast back to the rest of the group and were met with cheers. They decided together that they wouldn't mention that buck.

 She didn't think that she was wrong but just in case. All things had  turned out well and they had gotten something to eat. They would have to see in the morning what lay in store for them.

When Sarina woke up the next morning she woke up to the most beautiful sunrise. They had slept on a grassy hill that had the most soft grass. It overlooked the mountains  and went on seemingly to go on forever.

Last night they slept under a blanket of stars so bright that it gave them enough light to move around without the moon. This morning they were met by blue mountains that had a layer of mist at the bottom that looked like the ocean.

 It was the most breathtaking part of the land and the most treacherous. If they made it past this trial they were going to go there next. 

 

Sarina started to make a fire. It was the most respectful way to call on The Foxes. They were naturally attracted to flames in the forest as they were to protect the forest from anything happening. This time only one fox appeared she didn't know what to make of this, whether it was a good sign or not.

 

 "Mortal bring forth your daughter that has requested to take The Trial. Rudina took a step  towards The Fox and sat on the floor with her legs crossed. This was a sign that she meant The Fox no harm and it showed she  had respect.

"Child you have done well. You have shown a strength that reaches far beyond your mortal limits. You chose to help an animal instead of benefit yourself. 

For that we refer to you now as The Huntress. You will be allowed to come into the woods once a week and hunt for your people as long as you keep the same respect and kindness. Take this amulet." 

Rudina looked at the round amulet The Fox and handed her. It was white Oak that had been carved delicately into the tree and fox in front of the tree. She thanked The Fox and  put the amulet around her neck. It hung proudly next to the one that Canagan had given her. 

"Take this on your next trial so that they may know that you have passed and good luck!" With that the being disappeared and they also sat down to eat breakfast.

" Hey Canagan!" Erick said as they all sat to enjoy the meal." I must say I've had food from the woods before but, yours is a Hare above the rest!" The group burst into laughter. The grey cloud had lifted now that they had finally eaten. It felt good to laugh at a silly joke. If they didn't then the gravity of their situation threatened to crush them.

"One more thing Huntress." Rudina looked around but couldn't see where the voice had come from. The amulet is a thread to our clan. We can guide you the moment you enter any woods or forests in the world. Fair warning it also means we can watch you. If you ever disrespect our lands there will be a severe penalty. We have left a gift at our front door. Take it to your people. What your enemy had done we want no part in supporting." With that the voice went quiet. A voice in her head was not the type of gift she had wanted. This was going to make camping very interesting.

They travelled back home with the food and happily, there had been no attacks in their absence. It was good news even though it was a bit suspicious. If your enemy sent out a small group. You attacked the group and took what they had. The next step would be to attack the village again as it had even fewer people then before. 

They had to be planning something big or they might be afraid of their new alliance with the Kitsune. The last thing they expected was for Hunter to arrive with flowers. Rudina had just enjoyed the meal and sat talking to Canagan. As he took her empty plate for her, Hunter approached.

" Rudina please can we talk. I've been going out if my mind without you. You can't tell me you don't love me anymore. Not after all our years together." He had brought flowers and did look terrible. The least she could do was to hear him out. She looked to Canagan and he looked sad and angry. She didn't want to hurt him and she cared for him. The problem was that Hunter was right, she did miss him.

" Let's go for a walk." Rudina said and then walked to Canagan. She kissed him gently." I'll be right back ok. It's better if I do the next trial with a level head. Once I sort this out we'll be ready to go.

Canagan didn't like this one bit. The look on that arrogant meat-head's face when she had kissed him had been priceless though! He didn't trust this guy one bit. He would give them their space but, stay close enough to protect her. Something was not right here. He could just feel it!