The Wolf, the Butterfly, and the Kraken

Chapter 26

Vam

I smelled it before I saw it. Tilled earth, green things growing in freshly irrigated fields. Smoke from cookfires. Animals. In my sleepy state it smelled much like home. However, I woke in the haycart, plodding towards some new destination. All was well maintained in this place. Not even a rock seemed to dare leave its place.

We rounded a curve in the road and I saw a plantation the way it should have been. Women were washing clothes, an old man was telling two small children a captivating story. A man worked a forge, and others the field. I could smell food cooking. It felt like a full den of family and friends. No wonder Venerans were such formidable enemies. They had so much to live for.

Then I was seen. All calm and joy went away as a woman screamed out, snatching up children, and dashing inside. Laundry was forgotten. Everyone was suddenly running somewhere in absolute terror. This again. Only this time men were coming with pitchforks, and the man from the forge had a sword. I smelled fear and panic from every side, except-

Except the den leader. I met his eyes, and nodded respectfully as I had been taught. The old man put two fingers to his lips and released a whistle that stopped everyone. Eyes went to the old man on the porch.

He grabbed a cane and stood up, slowly approaching the cart. He passed me, and went straight to Aisley. "Hello girly! It's good to see you back so soon. I see my baby sister sent you with some goods and guests. Any of my favorite rolls in there?"

Aisley handed him a basket wrapped in green cloth, "This is just for you."

"Wonderful! I am going to let young Amos help to unload you and the rest of these goodies. His back is stronger than mine these days."

I wasn't fooled. This old man had a hidden strength, one that everyone here respected. Something told me that he could take me in a battle.

The old man's eyes traveled slowly over the goods in the cart, and then us. He smiled after a moment, and let out a bark of laughter, then another, and then was letting out a belly laugh. It rolled out of him, confusing everyone. He finally caught his breath, but kept a grin. "Kane Ristora, you have a grandson that is Lycant." Eyebrows went up all around as everyone closely examined Oshie.

It was time to make proper introductions. "I am Vam of the Red Moon Green Scythes clan. My wife, Joann, is the daughter of the honored warrior Kane Ristora, and," I hoisted Oshie a little with pride, "Oceanus is our son." I held my arm out to him, "And what is your name?"

The old man looked up at me. It took him a moment, but he took a hold of my forearm and said, "I am called Art. Vam, you go ahead and unload your family then come on inside for a piece of bread."

I climbed out and pulled Oshie down first, setting him on the ground. Kane waved off any help. I was reaching for Joann when Oshie spotted a small furry animal and took a few toddling steps towards it. "No son, leave it be." He sat down sadly, pouting. A little girl came up to him. She held out a wooden toy. His ears perked up, he took it, and grabbed the girls hand with his tiny one.

She was surprised, "He's a watercaster."

I smiled softly, "Yes, and he trusts you, which is enough for me. Go play children. Keep in mind he is a baby."

A lady commented, "He's awfully big for a baby."

I shrugged, "He may be as tall as my Sire, who stands a head and shoulders over me."

The little girl blinked. "They come bigger than you?"

The old man scowled at her, "Seta, go be nice and play."

She nodded and took Oshie to an area with simple toys. We followed Art inside. A lady brought us bread and water. Art watched us thoughtfully for a bit, "So, what brings you to Venera Vam?"