Sorceress

Chapter 6

The ride was bumpy and painful. My back was sore from knocking against the creature I was bound to as it galloped through the darkness. I caught brief glimpses of the silver moon between the black branches overhead. The creatures running alongside the one I was tied to barely acknowledged me, and when they did, they just shot me suspicious and even hostile glares. I wasn't sure where Ignis was, for they had taken him from me.

Struggle as I may, the ropes were strong and well tied. No getting away.

The herd finally started to slow down as we passed through a thick bramble wall. On the other side of the wall was a large clearing, fully exposed to the moon. I couldn't see much, since I was lying on my back facing the sky, but I could hear things. There were no specific noises, but a low humming coming from the whole clearing, as if it was alive. There were obviously lots of the creatures. We came to a stop, and they unbound me (except for my mouth and hands, which remained tied). Two of the larger creatures each took me by the upper arm and forcefully led me to the entrance of a large stick hut at the far end of the clearing. One of the creatures trotted inside and said something in a strange language.

Out stepped another one of the creatures. His horse fur was silver, glowing as it reflected the moonlight. He had a long silver beard and matching hair. His eyes were a glowing blue. On his chest was painted a silver moon. He was elderly, but he gave off an air of power and strength.

"Who are you and what business do you have in this forest," he spoke deeply and clearly. My mouth was untied.

I stared defiantly up at him, "Alice Bane, I'm a witch. I stopped to sleep here on my travels."

He gave me a calm, steady gaze,"The forest is perilous at night, especially to humans. I assume from your age that you have started recently started your training?"

"I'm looking for a mentor. But I can't exactly do that when I'm being held hostage by a bunch of..." I peered around at them, unable to name them.

"Centaurs. That is what we are known as. You must forgive us for this hostile treatment, but we cannot be too careful in these woods, especially at these times," He turned to one of the large centaurs (the one who had me on his back) and said something in the same strange language I had heard before. The large one came and untied my hands, and the one holding me let go of my arm.

"Where is Ignis?" I demanded.

"Keep calm, your friend is in the healing den. He was conscious when the hunting party came across you two. I dare say that if they had appeared a mere second later you would be quite dead at the moment."

"Yes, um, thank you," I replied, toning down my aggression. These creatures had saved me after all, and apparently didn't mean harm.

He dipped his head in response to my thanks. "You may stay here for a few nights. I am Silberin, leader of this tribe. Starken here will show you where you may stay," he gestured to a female on his right, who had been silently watching the conversation. At the mention of her name she stepped forward into the moonlight. She had very light brown fur with a white tail and hair. She was quite muscular, and a silver star was painted on her chest. 

"Hello," she greeted, dipping her head. She had the same manner of speaking as Silberin. Calm and powerful. I gave a small bow and followed her to a leaf hut to the left of the clearing.

"I am Starken, Silberin's apprentice. I will be leader of the tribe when he passes. If you need anything, speak to him or me."

"Thank you for letting me stay," I said, and turned to go into the hut.

But before I could go in, she grabbed my arm. Looking to her in surprise, she pulled me to her, her green eyes burning into mine. 

"Silberin is being hospitable. Do not mistake that for weakness. I know humans. You are all full of greed. For your sake I hope your intentions are pure, and you are just passing through," her grip was to tight, my arm was losing it's blood flow. I was too surprised to speak. "If I catch you doing anything remotely suspicious, I'll make you disappear. I will do anything to protect this tribe," she let go of my arm and turned to trot away, pausing for a moment, "By the way, I saved your life in the woods. You are in my debt," and with that she trotted away.