Rhanu ran low to the ground, eyes narrowed in the morning sun. His coarse ropes of hair swung back and forth with his movements. His feet were bare despite the cold, but he ignored the thin layer of crusty snow that sliced his soles. Sweat soaked his heavy jerkin, but his breathing was even and steady. His teeth gritted as he sensed his prey.
The long dagger in his fist gleamed when he leaped off an overhanging ledge. It slashed the throat of the caribou as they collided with bone-rattling impact. The momentum carried them both down in a spray of wintry turf. Paying no heed to the dangerous thrashing hooves of the animal, Rhanu stabbed again and again until the desperate scrabbling ceased. His chest heaved as he breathed in huge gulps of frosty air, filled with the adrenaline of the kill.
The wolves broke through the clearing as he sank to his knees in front of his quarry, still breathing heavily. He threw back his head and howled to the morning sky. The sound echoed and reechoed in the valley walls.
When his sense of reason returned, Rhanu stared into the eyes of the wolf pack that encircled him. Without knowing how, he could pick out the ones that were Nahguals. The look in their eyes was not threatening. They seemed to carry a sense of…welcome.
Rhanu gazed at the blood that spattered his clothes and hands. Without a word, he sank his dagger into the hairy hide of the carcass and strode away on trembling legs.
THEY HAD FOLLOWED A cramped and narrow trail for days, a cunningly hidden path that led them deep into the circle of snow-topped mountains. Their destination was not far away, according to Ayna. He did not know what had possessed him that particular morning. He had awoken with all his senses alert, and when he heard the pack on the hunt, his instincts compelled him to join.
It had felt as natural as breathing.
"We are here."
Rhanu shaded his eyes to gaze at the rounded valley in the center of the mountains. Towering evergreens were dusted with white, though further in the valley the lands were untouched by snow. Encampments of nomads and Mandru castes dotted the plains.
"It's beautiful."
Ayna smiled. "Yes. The Mandru call these mountains the Guardians."
"I have not heard of them."
"Few travel here. Most who journey far enough to even catch a glimpse do not live to speak of it."
Rhanu eyed her. Her face was calm as though speaking of the weather.
"They are killed?"
She looked surprised by his question. "These lands are very dangerous, Rhanu. Just because we haven't been attacked doesn't make it less so. You have sensed the castes who have spied upon us."
He had felt unseen eyes more than a few times, and caught the scent of others besides the pack throughout their journey. "Mandru?"
"Among others. Only the true sons and daughters of the land are allowed entry. The Nahgual are allowed passage through all the territories of the Steppes, for our numbers are found among all castes. Others would never have made it this far without being cut down."
Once in the valley, they made their way to one of the camps, where crowds gathered to welcome them. Many were the same golden complexion as Ayna and Nando, but others were fair-skinned, and still others bore the varying features of the Mandru. Rhanu was introduced and welcomed as a brother. They led him to a spare tent used to house guests as Ayna was whisked away by a group of wise-looking men and women who could only be other Sha.
He was surprised by how much he missed her. Though all in the camp were friendly, they gazed at him with unchecked curiosity. Almost in anticipation. He knew it was because of the Geod he wore around his neck. Ayna had told him it belonged to one of the ancient Sages of their legends. He did not know what that meant, but he knew it made him feel like an outsider for the first in a long time. Ayna was the only person who did not treat him as though he was some mythic hero reborn.
It wasn't until a few days later that he was able to catch Ayna in a rare quiet moment, as she spent much of her time in council with the other Sha. But that morning she was alone, sitting in front of a sparkling stream and taking in the majestic view of the snow-capped mountains. Rhanu didn't want to interrupt the moment, but she turned and smiled.
"I take it you're enjoying your stay with us, Rhanu."
"I suppose." He shrugged. "Are all here of the Nahgual? Do they have the same abilities as you and your brother?"
"Not many. Most are here to meet with other castes on neutral ground, for no violence is tolerated within the boundaries of Halladen. Others are here to trade goods and seek council from the Sha. We do not gather in large groups, but we are always aware of where the others are. You will learn this as well."
"What is Halladen? Why is it considered sacred?"
The wind stirred Ayna's wavy hair. She closed her eyes as though soaking it in. "The Hidden City is perhaps the first constructed by the Aelon when they settled among the sons of men. It is beautiful, a true wonder of the world. You are very fortunate to be able to see it with your eyes, Rhanu."
"I'm sure I will love it. But you have yet to tell me why you brought me here."
"So you can speak to Gray Brother."
"And what can he tell me?"
Her eyes opened. "More than you are ready to hear, I am sure. Be patient, Rhanu. He waits for us at Halladen. Tomorrow we should make it there."
He folded his arms. "I hope I didn't abandon my people for no reason, Ayna."
"You are with your people." She tempered the reminder with a light touch on his arm. "But do not worry about the others. It takes time to gather an army, and no army will move in the winter. They will not advance until the snow breaks and the roads clear. You will be safe here until the spring."
Rhanu leaped to his feet. "I never said I would wait here until the spring!"
"Where will you go, warrior?" Ayna was perfectly calm, and to his irritation, even looked pleased. "We are closed in. By now the passage we took here is blocked by snow. We were fortunate to have made it here in time. Many have died trying to brave the winter routes. Best for you if you stay here, injured as you are."
He gave her an accusing glare. "You knew this ahead of time, but did not tell me."
"Forgive me. I did not wish to mislead you, but you are a stubborn man, Rhanu of Hikuptah. Stubborn men need a special kind of guidance."
"Indeed?"
Ayna smiled. "That's what I've been told. Just as it is said a man cannot be fooled unless he wishes to be." She brushed her skirts as she stood. "I smell a fine meal prepared for us, Rhanu. Will you eat with me?"
Still wearing her pleased smile, she walked toward the campfires. As he watched her swaying strides, he felt his anger dissipate as though carried along by the breeze that passed through the mountains. Shaking his head, he followed.
HE RETIRED TO HIS TENT after eating, though it wasn't rest he sought. It was answers. You won't find them sitting in this tent, will you? He ignored the mocking voice. He left because he preferred the solitude. It was better than the constant stares of people expectant of some miracle.
It was not long before he scented Ayna's approach. She entered as though the tent were her own, studying him with those golden eyes. A heavy, fringed shawl was draped across her shoulders and sand-colored woolen dress. Mosaic patterns of multihued beads were expertly threaded in the fabric.
"You seclude yourself too much, Rhanu. Your brothers will not know you if you choose to be a stranger."
Rhanu touched the medallion under his shirt. "So long as I wear this, I will be a stranger. Everyone looks at me as if they see something grand. But I am as lost as any of them are. More so, perhaps."