Rune's Understanding (Book 1) The Lost Ones

Chapter 20

With complete concentration and a touch of curiosity, a still form watched with narrowed eyes the group as they made their way deeper into the swamplands.

The figure moved in virtual silence, as they had for so very, very far. It had taken two entire moons to get here. Following senses and base instincts to find this place. And more importantly, this distinct group of individuals. They held the key to everything.

The figure didn't even blink, such was the intensity in which they stared. Taking in each and every detail of the group afore them. A steady state and a concentration so deep, that everything else ceased to exist outside of the scene playing out in front of their gaze.

It wasn't unlike a portrait - no, that wasn't quite right. A silent movie screen. That was what it seemed like in this very moment.

A leaf dancing in an unusual breeze, breaking through the humid land. A banana spider stealthily readying itself to pounce upon a giant horse fly at one corner of the screen. On the opposite side, at the bottom left of the image, a small brown and rust coloured snake struck with incredible speed and agility, to capture within its needle-sharp fangs a little rat-like, furry creature. All about, as night was turning into day, a slight lightening upon the eastern horizon indicative of the impending sunrise, the night creatures were finishing up their night time rituals and going back to their burrows, caves and other hopefully safe places. To sleep the day away, until the next glorious nightfall.

The still as a stone figure finally closed their eyes and took a deep breath.

Savoring the taste of the wood from the variety of ancient trees surrounding them. Each holding its own special nuance of flavours. The night blossoms, dripping with sensual scents. Enough to cause a slight shudder of pure delight to slip through their body. It had been a very long time since they had been free of the prison of stone and steel.

But they mustn't allow themselves to be distracted from the prize. The group they were watching. The only clue found thus far. Bits and pieces of memory would flit occasionally throughout their mind or in the depths of a dream. But the whole of who and what they were, or where they belonged evaded memory. Was it a blessing or a curse? Would it be too full of pain to remember? Or was it a plethora of lovely things awaiting remembrance?

Alas, therein lay the needed answers. Two of the figures in the group stood out. It was one or both of them that put out the scent picked up on the air those few months ago.

It was either the boy who seemed a bit of a misfit. As if he too were searching for his identity. He didn't seem to be of an ancient soul. He could be an immortal, but he was new in creation. Young in appearance, late teens most likely. Nice face, not model material, but handsome enough. Brown hair, a little shaggy as if he'd missed a routine haircut. The longish type of face, to fit the facial features. His lips were full with a sweet smile. The smile brought a touch of mischief to the face, though. A tiny gap between the top front teeth and a dimple on the left cheek. A slight bit of peach fuzz was apparent on the space above his upper lip, under a long straight nose. His most striking facial feature was his eyes. A pale green, with flecks of emerald green within. They looked big and soulful when he was serious. Melancholy, if you will. But when he laughed or joked, they sparkled with the darker specks. Decently built. Like a farm boy or athlete. But something was within this boy. Something exceptional. Something World changing!

The other figure that caught their attention was the large Vampire. He seemed familiar somehow. But the exact reason why was lost deep somewhere, far back in the dregs of old memories. Just as they would be about to grasp something important, it would slip away like melting butter. Yet flashes of memories had began to surface

The others of the group were interesting enough to  watch, but the silent spectator knew that they held no answers to the many pieces of the crazy puzzle floating around so aimlessly throughout the galaxy of clues lost amidst their brain.

Pulling the thick, black and velvety cloak tighter around their frame, making sure that the hood was secure from any rays of sun that may catch delicate skin left exposed.

An argument had broken out amidst the group being observed.

"Why Have I been forced to take the back seat here? As if seeing my mother was least important! Now She will be falling into slumber again! I will have to wait another day to see her!"

Scarlett's voice held such an edge of anger, the sad and  torn part was absent.

Intrigued by the interactions amongst all of these different species, the hidden one was too mesmerized to seek day shelter quite yet.

"The last thing you or your mother needed was to have you there during her death change," Kahn told the girl.

"But, I am her daughter!"

"And that is probably the biggest reason for you to not have been present! Have you any idea what that change entails, little witch? It is extremely ugly and unpleasant. You die. You leave behind your mortal coil, and through an agonizingly painful process-you live on a state of the undead. It it is not glamourous or even interesting to witness. Especially concerning someone who you love."

And with that, he turned on his heel and said nothing more than it was time to get undercover for the day.

The stranger continued to follow behind at a slow pace as they made their way back to Scarlett's cabin, where they would rest up for a busy night ahead.

The interloper found a giant magnolia tree with an unbelievably large girth, with a large fork with alot of foliage to rest comfortably.

For yes indeed, the coming night was going to be full of plenty of excitement!