Under The Obsidian Moon

Chapter 2: The Isangoma

Staring out at the rising sun just barely lighting the mist shrouded land, Saffron kneaded the tense muscles of her back. Another night and yet another dream. This one different than the rest. What did it mean? She felt like they were trying to tell her something but it was just out of her grasp. Letting the drapes fall back over the window, Saffron looked at her phone for what felt like the hundredth time since she had awoke. Still no message from the alpha pair. It looked like she had a sidekick for the day.

Ryan sat at the island as he shoved pieces of french toast into his already full mouth. Smiling at his adorable chipmunk cheeks Saffron finished washing the last dish and placed it in the strainer to dry.

"So what would you like to do today?"

Ryan's face lit up at Saffrons question. "Your going to stay wif me? We get to do stuff togever?"

"Yep. Your parents had important stuff they had to do, so it's just you and me."

"Yeah!" Ryan's squeal of happiness filled the room as he launched himself off his stool and into Saffrons legs hugging them tightly.

"First thing we need to do is get dressed. So let's get going."

After getting Ryan dressed, the pair left the alpha house and headed to Saffron's much smaller home across the pack lands. Holding hands Ryan skipped along beside Saffron singing. His excitement causing her to smile even as his boundless energy made her exhaustion weigh heavily on her shoulders. Something had to give, Saffron thought to herself. These dreams couldn't continue unchecked. She needed a good nights sleep or she felt like she just might go insane.

"Hey Ry? How would you like to go visit an elder?"

Maybe Elder Pellam could help her. If he couldn't purge her of these dreams at least he could give her a tisane that could let her sleep.

After changing, Saffron and Ryan walked into the forest that surrounded the pack lands. Elder Pellam lived deep in the woods, far from the heart of the pack. The elder, though considered pack to all, was not actually a part of Sapphire Sky or any other pack. Instead, the lone wolf was a revered isangoma (shaman) of all the surrounding packs. People journeyed from across the countryside seeking his wisdom.

Saffron led Ryan deep into the forest until the bright sunlight was nothing more than dappled beams of light that cut through the towering ageless trees. The chilled shaded path followed the gentle stream that flowed down the mountain and into the pack lands. Dead leaves and fallen needles rustled beneath their feet as they moved towards the small dwelling that sat within the shelter of the towering trees.

No one knew how old the elder was or how long he had resided in the stone cottage, just that he had been there long before the Sapphire Sky Pack had formed. Now after centuries he had become part of the history of all wolves, the oldest and wisest. His voice, though quite, was obeyed by all. If anyone could help Saffron it would be Elder Pellam.

"Welcome my children."

The lilting voice sounded out behind Saffron causing her to jump. Pressing a hand to her chest she tried to calm her palpitating heart. Turning, she was struck mute by the male in front of her. Though he was not as tall as many wolf males his lean body exuded a strength that bespoke of restrained power. His copper skin gleamed in the gentle glow of the filtered light. The youthful image of his body belied only by his eyes. Within those golden orbs the wisdom of the ages shown through. His all knowing gaze caught Saffron's, holding her in his power, stripping her down to her soul. With one look it felt if he knew her every thought, leaving her open and vulnerable. Trembling in supplication, Saffron lowered her eyes to the ground. Freed from his intense stare she was finally able to take a calming breath.

Finished with his assessment of Saffron, Elder Pellam turned his attention to Ryan. The little alpha pup stared up at the ancient in fascination. His face bright with excitement at getting to meet the legendary man. With a gentle hand he reached forward and gripped the child's face.

"Ahh I see an Alpha has come to call." The lyrical quality of the elder's voice held the pup spellbound as his glowing eyes bored into Ryan's. "Soon little pup you will have a choice to make. A choice that no child should be forced into. But, you hold great honor within you. Your strength will guide you as long as your heart is true. Do not let sadness darken your light and your hearts desire will be achieved."

Letting his hand drop from Ryan's face, the elder turned his knowing gaze back to Saffron.

"As for your path Saffron Meadows, it has still to be determined. Come and share a cup of tea with me as we discuss your concerns, I must know more before I can guide you to your destiny."

Saffron sat at the rough hewn table with Elder Pellam seated across from her. Ryan played quietly in the corner as the adults sipped at their tea.

"What do you need to know?" Saffron asked nervously. She had come here to find a way to stop the dreams, but now faced with the power of the man in front of her she had to wonder if she should have continued dealing with her problems on her own.

"Everything you are willing to tell me. Just say what is in your mind for sometimes even the most seemingly insignificant thought could be the key to unlocking the mysteries of life."

"I've been having dreams. Well nightmares really. All of them practically the same. Wolves in a bloody battle that lead to death followed by a man in the darkness. And all throughout the dream the word revenge echoes over and over again. For a week it has been the same. But this morning I woke from one that was different. This one was so much worse than the rest. This time the deaths were that of a pregnant woman and a small child." Saffron's voice trembled at the thought of the dream. The pain and anger, the absolute hatred that had clung to her when she had awoke screaming from the scenes that invaded her sleep. "When I wake up it's almost as if I'm filled with someone else's emotions. They overtake my own senses until all I can feel is the blackness of the apparition that haunts my dreams. How do I stop these Elder Pellam? I cannot take much more."

"How do you see your dream?"

"As a burden that I'm bearing. One that isn't my own."

Saffron looked on in confusion as with a light chuckle Elder Pellam shook his head. "No my child, I meant what is your view. Are you the victim or the conqueror in your dreams? What viewpoint do you take?"

"Oh." Understanding now what he wanted, Saffron thought back to her dreams and how she saw them. "I'm outside looking in. It's as if I'm not actually part of the dream, I'm more of an observer."

Steeping his fingers the elder rested his chin upon his hands and closed his eyes. His eyes shuttered hiding his thoughts as he mulled over what Saffron had revealed. Long minutes passed in silence broken only be Ryan's quite chatter across the room. Saffron fidgeted in her chair while tensely ringing her hands. Waiting. Hoping that Elder Pellam's lengthy meditations didn't portend something bad.

Finally just as Saffron was about to snap, Elder Pellam straightened. His hands dropped to his mug bringing it to his lips. Taking a sip of the cooled tea he stared pensively at the nervous young woman before him. Though not a traditional beauty, Saffron had something about her. It was there in the way her eyes shone a pure ice blue, how her mess of bright curls haloed her round face. Her soft body with its rounded curves bespoke of home and hearth. She would never be a model or a movie star with her looks. At least not by modern standards. Instead she had a beauty that was soul deep. It didn't need makeup or fancy clothes. It shone from within, taking the plainness of her lightly freckled face and burning brightly as if the sun shone through her alone. That is what the dreams foretold. She was to be the light that burnt through the darkness of hatred and greed. Her love and kindness would end a killing spree that had lasted for centuries.

"The murderer is caught within the darkness of his soul. The sun must be shone into the night for it to be brought to the light. Only with love will destiny be made right. Your mate awaits you at the end of your dreams.

I wish I could ease your path, but you must see yourself through the pain before the way becomes clear. Fear not little she wolf, for if you can stay the course great riches will be yours.

Now it is time to be away. You and your little alpha pup have a safe journey home."

Giving no chance for Saffron to question him more, Elder Pellam left the main room shutting the door to his private areas behind him.