Changelings: The Novelization (Book 1)

Chapter Seven, "Snare"

Chapter Seven

“Snare”

Blood. Emerson could smell it – it wasn’t the sickeningly sweet scent of human blood, either. It was the smell of sulfur that accompanied Salamander blood, mixed with a hint of orichalcum. Emerson followed his nose, like a bloodhound, eyes closed so that he would be free of all distractions. He didn’t need to see – even though he had night-vision, his other senses were so highly attuned that he could pinpoint his location and that of everything within a several-mile radius in absolute, pitch-black darkness better than most others could do in broad daylight.

The smell was becoming stronger, creating a trail that was as clear and accurate as a compass pointing true north. He heard and felt Darcy pass him by and crouch down, which was no small thing considering that Darcy was as lumbering as a stalking housecat. On the ground in front of her was where the smell was concentrated. Emerson opened his eyes, and saw that she was staring down at a bloodstain on the withered grass.

“They must've collected Axel's body,” she announced, grimly. “I was hoping he'd be left to rot.” She was right, of course – there was a bird-like smell that was apparent now, laced primarily with estrogen – a female Sylph, accompanied by several female attendants and a few males - had carried off Axel. But that wasn’t Emerson’s primary concern – he smelled something much more familiar and distinctive, a mixture of skunk spray and testosterone. He kept sniffing the air until he came across a miner’s cap and a claw on the ground. Sully. That was who he was smelling. That son of a badger with whom Emerson shared a common genetic tie, namely, their mother. He picked up the helmet and claw, confused – Sully’s scent trail came from one direction only, and got fainter as it led to this spot. It was older than Axel and the Sylphs’ scents by several hours, meaning Sully could not have retraced his steps. What the hell?

“That was careless of your brother to drop his equipment,” commented Gordi.

Emerson shook his head. “He didn't... it’s weird, his trail stops cold, right here.” Emerson pointed out the spot, musing.

“We're trying to track Miranda,” Darcy’s voice rang out, irritably.

“Hm?” Emerson blinked, losing his train of thought. “Oh, yeah, I smell her...along with another scent.” Emerson sniffed, confirming. “Undine.”

Emerson stood still, eyes closed again, furrowing his brow as he concentrated on the soles of his feet. He could never have done this before – there were too many people, animals, machinery making vibrations against the ground that he would not have been able to easily discern what was what. But now, he could feel that there was a very large something moving toward the woods. It felt like a pounding waterfall, or the flow of river rapids.

“What’s he doing, meditating?” Darcy questioned Gordi in a whisper.

“He is sensing earth vibrations.”

A moment later, Emerson opened his eyes. “They’re headed straight for the Sylph camp.”

“How many?”

“I dunno. Lots. It’s a parade of them. And... I know this sounds weird, but... I think they’re bringing a whole river along with them.”

“The Undines are not known for their subtlety.”

“Great,” said Darcy. “Why can't we just rescue the humans from the mines like we originally planned...”

“We will,” assured Gordi, calmly. “Miranda might help.”

“Maybe the Undines are transporting her to the Sylphs as a prisoner.”