The War Begins

Chapter 7 - Nenya Return

Even though he was exhausted, Caine kept his head high and his body alert as he strode out towards the forest, reminding himself there was never a safe moment when men were at war. He was surprised that on his journey out of the great arena complex he never saw the confusing woman again, but that might have been because he spent most of his time looking up.

Caine could think of no way to get such a precise image unless a magician copied the carvings, but even then, some flaw would be present. Stepping through the levels took less concentration as evening fell because the chaos of the crowds diminished. When full darkness fell, the arena filled with those looking for space to gather and dance. But meals were to be eaten with family and friends so the elves emptied during dusk making Caine's journey faster.

His steps held a slight urgency; it would not do to be late for another gathering after offering an insult to the elves by not reporting to court immediately. Even though he knew this, he couldn't resist the urge to look up at the carving of the woman and cat on the inner most level. After passing through the darkness of the wall, he waded his way through the unit of soldiers guarding the entrance.

The main gates were very imposing as the sun began to set slowly. A shadow stretched above him until he reached the cover of the forest, cloaking him in darkness. Rustles came through the forest as animals began to crawl from their hiding places, moving through the leaves and other undergrowth from the growing shadows to high in the trees leaving Caine warier of his surroundings than usual. His mind raced back to the ceiling of the arena that showed scenes of war and betrayal; there was only one picture of horror carved into the ceilings of the gates, but it was something that stuck with a person.

Caine always took the same path through the arena if he could to avoid the disturbing scenes his master had shown him in his youth. The trees in the forest, generally displayed so beautifully, we're twisted and falling. Herbivores turned and attacked their predators and man leaving only anguish in their wake. Pack animals such as wolves or the elves patron Nenya, a gigantic black panther like creature, attacked their brothers and sisters, claws slick with blood of friend and foe. Caine shivered as he imagined the scene unfolding before him and hurried faster, beginning to jog. His body protested more exercise, but he pushed forward trying to reach safety from his energetic imagination.

Relief rushed through him when he saw the palace appear before him through the heavy wood of the forest. Just as he saw the tree line before him, a large shadow darted across his path and circled around him before racing back into the brush. Caine froze and waited. From the glimpse he'd caught the animal was large enough to attack a human and he tried to become less of a target. Tentatively, Caine took a step forward and heard a growl vibrate the air. He stopped moving. Stuck where he was, he suddenly became aware of just how alone he was.

He thought he heard a noise from his left but instead the dark shape emerged from his right. Spinning, Caine tried to face the animal, only to feel another shadow appear behind him. Realizing how dangerous the situation had become, as he found himself trapped between two creatures he gathered his magic and loosed his sword, pulling it from the sheath.

"I wouldn't if I were you," A familiar, soft voice said in his ear. Caine tried to find the voice as subtly as possible. "Look closer." Still unable to find the speaker, Caine turned to more pressing matters and inspect the creatures. As he truly looked, he felt his heart stop.

Before Caine stood one large Nenya, and he was certain if he turned, another would be at his back. The cat stood to his chest and was muscled to kill anything that moved. Claws extended from the large paws to dig into the earth, as if readying to use the ground to launch itself.

Caine's gaze slid along the cat's arched back and the three armored tails slowly weaving back and forth low to the ground. Sensing the danger, Caine forced his eyes back to the head and noticed two incisors that peaked over the lower jawline. The Nenya were said to be able to cast a shadow around themselves to cloud the eye or mind of any observer and if used in battle the plate armored tails and swordlike teeth became deadly weapons; ones you couldn't even see.