Two large, shimmering orbs stared up at her, blue as the lake. White gills protruded from the side of its fishlike head, which blurred into a body reminiscent of a frog covered in a long, bright-green strands of algae. Lilau’s surroundings faded as she sunk into its orbs.

Anger coiled around her mind. Why have you come? Leave, now. Its thoughts slipped past, minnows in dark waters. There is nothing for you here.

What do you mean? Please, tell me why I can see and speak with you!

No, I have no words for one who stays with despoilers. An image of a group of Horse Tribe materialized at the Fokla’s words, twisted expressions of hate on their faces. Go away.

A wave rose in her mind, pushing her up and out of the blue orbs. She hit the ground hard. Cold water rushed over her and stole her breath.

Just as quickly as it started, it was gone. She rolled onto her hands and knees, coughing water out of her burning lungs.

Makotae bounded up and licked her face. Are you alright?

I’ve been better. Did you see that? Lilau sat up, willing her heart to slow.

The wave that crashed into you? How could I miss it?

But the Fokla....

Pounding hooves interrupted their internal dialogue as Haji galloped up to them.

Medicine Chief Feechi slid from his back and knelt beside her. “Lilau, are you hurt?”

“I’m fine.”

“I am glad to hear it, although I must admit I was not expecting such a thing.”

“Neither was I.”

“Forgive my impatience, but I must know what you saw. Did the lake Sentinel speak with you?”

“Lake Sentinel? Was that what that Fokla was? Why did you send me to speak with an angry Fokla?” Her voice pitched higher as anger welled up.

“I didn’t know it was so angry. I have visited this lake many times since the illness began, but it had remained silent, just like the others.”

“What do you mean, the others?”

“As the one that speaks with the Fokla, it’s my duty to tell their will to the rest of the Horse Tribe. Unfortunately, the Fokla have refused to acknowledge my presence. Hearing of your gift gave me hope I could understand the problem, and it seems to have done something, at least.”

Lilau eyed him. “The Sentinel told me to go away. It had nothing to tell someone who associated with despoilers. It was talking about the Horse Tribe.”

Bewilderment filled his face. “My people, despoilers? I haven’t seen signs of such. It is our sacred duty to keep the balance between the grassland’s needs and those of our people and livestock. To not do so is...”

“Taboo?” Lilau finished for him. “Wouldn’t that anger the Fokla?”

“Yes, but it should focus their anger on the transgressors, not the whole tribe. Did the Sentinel show you anyone specific?”

“No, there were hundreds, all in a group.”

“I see.” Medicine Chief Feechi rubbed at his neck. “One answer that brings a thousand questions.”

“And what of me?”

He grinned, reaching out to pat her on the shoulder. When she pulled away, he pulled his arm back and continued to rub at his neck. “You have shown me you have the gift for speaking with the spirits, without a doubt. I apologize for the water Sentinel’s reaction. Still, now that I know they will talk with you, I must impose on you another task.”

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Makotae let out a low growl, causing Haji to snort and stomp.

“Easy, you two,” Feechi stood and put his hands up, “I don’t intend on working you to ill health. You both will have rest, food, and dry clothes for you, Lilau. What I do is only to help my people and since I know you two can leave when you decide to, I feel like our desires are the same. Otherwise, you would have already left. Or am I mistaken?”

“No, you are not. But if I’m to help you, I want to stay outside the village.”

“Hmm, well, I think we have a few on the outer edge. If that is what you wish, I will make it so.” He vaulted onto Haji’s back. “Now, shall we return and get you dry and fed?”

Makotae’s ears perked up. Sounds good to me.

Food, the easiest way to get on your good side. It always was your favorite thing.

Second favorite, but it’s a close second to you.

Lilau smiled as she climbed on his back and scratched his neck. You’re my favorite too. Let’s go get something to eat.

*****

Lilau leaned back into Makotae’s belly as he lay stretched out across the patterned rugs. As promised, Feechi gained them a hut as far away from the center of his village as he could manage. She could still hear the bustle of the people and livestock, and it set her nerves on edge. However, it had been quite a while since their arrival and, other than the group that greeted them on their arrival, no one had entered the hut. Probably Feechi’s doing as well.

What do you think this new task will be? Lilau asked Makotae.

Feechi had left them alone right after ensuring their needs were met, leaving them no time to discuss his plan for her.

Something about Fokla, assuredly.

What do you think of Feechi?

Hmm. Well, for all his politeness, he is demanding. I enjoy the lack of audience, though.

The lack of guards, inside or outside the hut, pleased her as well. And the food?

Quite enjoyable.

Lilau reached up, running her hand down the bristly fur of Makotae’s head and neck. I don’t feel like we are in any danger, although I feel we are little more than tools to him.

Yes, but important tools. Like you, I doubt he will do anything to harm us and will continue to help us as long as we return the favor.

But after....

After, we will leave these lands, yes?

Her gut was quiet. She couldn’t promise him that, not with the pull to help still strong in her core. Makotae accepted her silence, leaning his head into her petting.

They remained quiet until some time later, when Feechi walked in laden with more food. He smiled at the two of them as he set the bowls down. “More food from our best cook. I know how bad travel rations can be, so I figured you two wouldn’t say not to extra.” Makotae huffed at the thought, burying his nose in the new meal.

Lilau shook her head at Makotae’s enthusiasm. She didn’t mind the thought of more, and the smell of roasted meat and vegetables made her mouth water, but first she had more pressing concerns. “So, what is this new task you have for us?”

Feechi chuckled. “Straight to the point. Reminds me of someone.” He sat down and took a bite from his own bowl before continuing. “Before I get to that, though, I need to tell you more. The Fokla have abandoned my people. Rituals do nothing, my gift is useless, and while they lay silent, our animals die and the grasslands wither.”

“Wither? It all looks quite colorful to me.”

He nodded. “Where you have been, it still is. Further towards the west, however, is a different tale. The grasses yellow, the water recedes, and the wild creatures are dying of starvation. As the year goes on, the Horse Tribe will push westward, eating the new grass while resting the old, as we have done for many generations. Now, I fear there will be nothing left to sustain us by the end of summer.”

“And you think the Fokla are responsible for this?”

“What else? This is the first time this has ever occurred, and I can say the same of the illness, silent Fokla and withering land. The question is why.”

“The water Sentinel seemed to think it was the Horse Tribe’s fault.”

“Yes. But that makes little sense as well. The Fokla’s judgment lies at the feet of the one who transgressed. We, as a tribe, have done nothing I know of to incur such wrath.”

The pieces started falling into place in Lilau’s mind. “So you want me to talk with more Fokla and find out what happened.”

“Yes, but not just any Fokla. The grassland’s Guardian Ng’ombe.”

Lilau stared at him, sure she had misunderstood. The forest Guardian, Maikoh, was the greatest Fokla in power and scope. Even the greatest of Elders didn’t dare contact it unless the need was dire. “I am no Elder.”

Feechi cocked his head. “What is an ‘Elder’?”

“Those among the Wolf Tribe who are chosen to speak with the Fokla and attend to their rituals.”

“But you have the gift. Were you not chosen?”

“I was never willingly chosen for anything. Such ‘gifts’ are not common among Wolf Tribe,” and she was not born with it, she added silently, “are they common among the Horse Tribe?”

“No, of course not, but to deny a Gifted their proper destiny is taboo.”

Lilau fought back a grimace. So were a lot of other things. Like her existence. “Regardless, I don’t know the proper way of contacting a Guardian. If your Guardian is anything like the forest’s, not doing it in the right way means death.”

“Yes, which is why I’m taking you as my apprentice.”

Makotae stopped mid-chew, picking his head up to regard Feechi with ears up. What did he say?

“What?” Lilau echoed.