Tuesday, October 4, 2005

   Chapter 11: Fifth (part 1)
Pen opened his eyes at the first light and sat up. Lucifer, with Sasheeta laying on the downy underside of one of his wings, was still sleeping, along with the other Caravan kids. The only voices that floated over to him were those of the four Havoc graduates. Akana, Keion, the pegasus, and a large chestnut war-horse were also gathered around their owners. Their figures were hardly more than shadows against the still-dark sky.
“It was lucky that we got the news just in time,” the blonde-haired, brown-and-golden-winged warrior was saying, his hand absentmindedly stroking his red steed. “Run-away chromatics are common, but we wouldn’t want to have faced him with the Caravan.”
“Yes, that makes sense. Was is wild magic?” Panda asked
“No, thank goodness, it was only a cast-out father. And, well, you know how they get when they’re hungry.”
“So I’m guessing that you didn’t give it any more thought,” Panda commented.
“We sent ZeeDee to take care of him,” the warrior was chuckling.
“Oh, I see!” Contra added, also laughing. “Well, I guess that’s why!”
The four of them all shared the inside joke, before Panda noticed that Pen was awake and listening. “Good morning, Pen!” he told him cheerfully, waving a hand. “Come over!”
The black-eyed boy got to his feet and made his way over to them, careful not to disturb the sleeping kids on the sand. When he had joined them, he was quick to introduce himself, remembering that he was in the presence of four Havoc graduates.
“I’m Pen,” he said respectfully, almost automatically scratching Keion’s head.
“This is Nano and Sharp,” Panda said. The two nodded at him, smiling kindly. “And Lyanni and Tobas,” he added, indicating first the pegasus and then the chestnut.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Nano said. “We’ve heard many things about you.”
“My curiousity wonders…” Sharp broke in. “Is it really true that you killed a griffin on your own?”
“Yes.”
“I do not doubt that you tell the truth,” Contra commented. “Your strength is rare.”
Pen shrugged, not knowing how to respond to the complement. Keion started to purr, and the black-eyed boy felt something inside him stir at the sound. It was something between comfort and a strange, warm feeling that he didn’t know what to think of.
Tobas, almost as if he was drawn to Pen, left the side of his master and gently nudged the boy on the shoulder with his big, soft nose. Surprised by the kindness of the huge creature, he reached up his free hand and petted his forehead, marveling his hidden power. Yet, before he knew it, Lyanni had come forward and planted her head in his belly.
Pen didn’t know what to say as the animals surrounded him with their warmth and presence. He petted and scratched them, not realizing that he was returning the kindness that they had extended to him.
“Well, would you look at that!” Panda exclaimed in surprise. Broad smiles were on all of their faces; they all felt happy, without really knowing why.
Comments (5)