10: Ravenous

After some time had passed those who were just freed began to become a bit restless from hunger especially the vampires. They were eyeing the ones who had a heart beat as their next meal. Cassia could feel their eyes on her she began to have a sick feeling well up in her stomach. She walked over to the other party members and called a meeting. “We have some very hungry Vampires and I’m sure the other as well, any thoughts.”

Duncan looked around at the people “yep they are looking pretty ravenous. What do you prepose on how we handle this?”

“I thought you were supposed to be their leader?” BoldR quipped back with sarcasm. Duncan turned and punched him in his bicep. When his fist made contact it felt like punching a rock. “What the hell BoldR?! He just smirked at Duncan with amusement “Blacksmith, dah”

“Enough you two, every minute the Vampires are getting hungrier and I don’t want to be next on the list.” Ogra scolded them.l

“What if we kill two birds with one stone.” Cassia spoke up. The group looked at her filled with curiosity. “First do Vampires drink animal blood?”

“Some do in a pinch. What are you thinking Cass?” BoldR replied.

“Well we get a hunting party together. The vampires feast on the blood of the animals. Field dress the bounty of the hunt and we feed the rest. Duncan you and BoldR lead up the hunting party, I and Ogra will head up a harvesting party with those who are well enough to help.“ Cassia looked at everyone hoping for approval.

“That’s a brilliant plan. I think it will work as long as they cooperate.” Duncan commented. Just then They heard Belthazar make a distressed neigh. Everyone looked in his direction to see a couple of Vampires making their way towards him in a corner. She ran towards them to stop them from feeding on her friend. Belthazar began to buck and kick. Cassia grabbed one of the Vampires and tried to throw him but failed. The Vampire hit her hard and knocked her down. Duncan shifted and ran to her aid. He leaped between the Vampires, Cassia,and Belthazar. The White wolf snarled and nashed his teeth, saliva was dripping from his mouth. Filled with a rage that consumed her soul. Cassia’s eyes began to glow a brilliant amber. She screamed “NO! DON’T YOU TOUCH HIM” with such force a wave of energy moved out from her in a ripple pattern. Everyone dropped to one knee in submission.

Shifting back into his human form completely awestruck. “What the hell!? Where did that come from?” Duncan exclaimed in shock.

The others ran towards them to check on Cassia.

“That I have to agree with you.” BoldR replied filled with the same shock and bewilderment.

“Indeed. Cassia darling has that ever happened to you before child?”

“No Ogra. This is the first time.” Cassia looked dawn and nervously played with her fingers.

“We will talk more later. We have a hungry lot to feed right now.” Ogra did her best to comfort the girl.

“OKAY LISTEN UP, WE KNOW YOU ARE ALL HUNGRY, SO HERE IS THE PLAN. VAMPIRES AND WEREBEASTS, YOU COME WITH ME WE ARE A HUNTING PARTY. VAMPIRES YOU GET TO DRAIN THE ANIMAL TARGET DRY, THEN WE FIELD DRESS THE PRIZE AND BRING IT BACK TO FEED THE REST. THE REST WHO ARE WELL ENOUGH TO HELP WILL GO GATHER THE REST OF THE SUPPLIES WITH OGRA AND CASSIA.” Duncan instructed everyone. Soon the parties formed and went in their respective directions.

Ogra and Cassia began collecting wild foods so everyone could eat. The to ventured off in a solitary direction for a private conversation.

“Cassia you exhibited some extraordinary power back there, what emotions were you feeling at that time?” Ogra inquired with immense interest.

“I don’t really know to be honest. I was really angry and I wanted to protect my friends. Oh look chicken of the woods mushrooms.” Cassia ran over to a log of a decaying hardwood tree. She started to cut the healthy pieces off and putting them into a forage bag.

“Nice try on evading the conversation, but I see what you are trying to do. And before you say anything I already caught the ironic joke.” They both smiled at each other.” Gosh darn it my eyes are itching.” Ogra rubbed her eyes.

“That cloth is pretty dirty I will try to find you a clean one. The last thing you need is an eye infection.” Filled with concern for her family friend she reached for the bandage and began to remove it again in hopes to ease the itching. When she removed the bandage, she saw that Ogra’s eyes had reformed under the now healthy looking eyelids. “Does that feel better?”

“Yes much better thank you dear. Wait a minute.” she looked in the direction of the sun then into the shadows, then back up to the sun the to the shadows again. “ Cassia would you be a dear and lead me to a very dark area.” Bewildered by the request Cassia lead Ogra to a very large shade tree. Ogra put the cloth over her face and the tried to open her eyes. To her surprise she saw a light blur.”Cassia I can see a light blur! I couldn’t even open my eyes before!” Tears began to trickle down her cheeks. She touched her face,” I can cry now.”She whipped her tears away. “ This is unbelievable my dear!” She hugged Cassia tightly. The more Ogra cried the clearer her vision became. She looked out at the sunny area with tender new eyes. “I can see again.” Ogra revealed in the feeling. “Now child let me look at you.” Ogra tried to use her seer’s gift but to no avail. She was consumed with depression. “I can see the heart fire, what kind of seer am I?” Cassia held Ogra in her hug.

“ you know it just might take some time for it to develop. You at least can see again.” She tried her best to cheer Ogra up.

“You might be right. Now let me look at your eyes.” It didn’t take Ogra long to notice the piercing amber yellow eyes. The brown that had been present had moved to make a dark outer ring. “ you have your father’s eyes and his royal powers. Do your best to hide them from others, for Archon has many enemies and would love to see you dead.”

Cassia nodded and let go of the hug. Then resumed their efforts to foraging.

The sun was getting low in the sky when all parties returned to the castle ruins. The Vampires and werewolves were mildly content with their feeding. Food was being prepared for those who required actual cooked food. Everyone sat around the large fire eating and talking about their concerns and future plans. The night had settled in and Duncan was able to make a team of volunteers to act a guards while the others slept. Cassia sat on a rock above the camp and knew one thing was for certain many decisions needed to be made.