Caidoz

Chapter 43

~Cancer 

A warm breath gently exhaled on my cheek, the scent fresh like morning dew and pine. "Procyon, five more minutes," I say, before rolling over to the right, away from the weak sunlight pouring in from the window.  I could faintly taste dying herbs and spices on my slightly numb tongue. Ugh, what had Procyon given me? I thought before snuggling deeper into the blankets.

  Still, the strangest feeling of a piercing gaze could not be easily ignored. I turn my head in the direction of the warm air and peak open my eyes, blinking in the bright light. I was silent for a moment as I stared up at a face inches from my own. It stared back.

   "AAAAAAHHHHHH!" I kick and back myself against the headboard, curling up defensively. I restrain the Crab, who rushes forward on my pulse as if were a wave to shore.
   The figure steps back sharply, black eyes cautious but gaze never wavering. I take a moment to catch my breath, trying to slow my heartbeat. I look him over, taking in his attire and physical features before realizing he was the Ursinian from yesterday that had called Procyon a god.

   "You're... Apisirahts, yes?" I ask, my tone oddly steady. Something about his strong stance was slightly calming to the point where I felt conversation could be initiated.
   He boldly nodded. "You cry out with screech of demon," He said, his voice containing the tone of authority. 

   I felt the Crab twitch a whisker. "Sorry about that," I said, forcing myself to relax on the pillows. "You startled me, that was all."
   The Ursinian oddly jerked, clutching his heart. His eyes widened. "You have power," he said, his face breaking to a smile. 

   I thought to the Crab. He can feel my energy?! I guess I can' t lie now. My stomach took that moment to inform me of its hunger.
   Apisirahts laughed loudly, to my embarrassment, withdrawing a pink slab of fish from a deer-skinned bag. The meat slipped around his fingers with moisture, making me hungrier at the sight.

   I quickly slung my feet over the bed, walking towards the Ursinian as though hypnotized. I barely noticed that the floor had been cleaned of broken pottery.
   "Eat," he commanded.

   Whether I obeyed his order or my hunger, I took the fish from his fingers and dug in. "Thank you," I say between starved bites. "This is wonderfully fresh. I can tell it isn't even a day old." I stopped myself there. I didn't know how well I could trust Apisirahts, friend of Ursa Minor or not. The lesson I had learned with Boötes still stung.

   After the fish was gone, I finally noticed that Apisirahts still stood by my side. "If I may inquire," I said, trying to remain as polite as I could to not offend. "Why did you come here?" I already regretted the way I phrased it, as it sounded much more of rude comment than anything.

   Apisirahts pointed with a tanned finger at my head, my chest, my torso, my legs, and my feet. "Muscida order me to take you to Pipes," he said. I blinked. The Pipes? What are the the Pipes? 
   He beckoned to me to follow him. "Come." 

   "One moment," I said, quickly grabbing my jacket. I shoved my feet into my boot, lacing them into secure knots. I then fastened the red straps over my body, feeling the comforting tightness. Lastly, I put on my goggles. "I'm ready," I say, turning to face him with a smile, only to see him nod and gesture me closer before fleeing from the room. So we're running, then?

   I bolt out the door of my cabin and race after the proud figure. "Why do you call Ursa Major Muscida, Apisirahts?" I asked, searching for an interesting topic of conversation. 
   The Ursinian laughed again. "She Great Bear spirit," he said. "She have much power. Little Bear have great power," He added. "Polaris strong and good to people."