Firma Kero: Chapters 1-5

Chapter One: The Perita

The world is engulfed in darkness; the packs here see no hope for themselves. Food is scarce and dangers are many. But they say things weren't always this way. They say that once long ago, things were right in the world. They say a lot of things, but few believe them.

I remember when they came through our woods, telling anyone who would listen about the good days long gone, and the good days to come. Most of my pack, the pack Perita shrugged them off as being outcasts and rebels. Some thought they were insane, but some of us listened, some of us believed. The small pack of dogs called themselves the Firma Kero and claimed to know a way to see peace and goodness in the world again. I listened intently.

The Firma Kero spoke of their Great Leader, who would lead His pack to better days. He would destroy every pack that was not His own, including the Perita. They told us that their great Leader sent a message out to all the packs in the dark and hopeless world,

"The Leader says: If you're not with me, you're against me and if you're not helping, you're making things worse... this is war and there is no neutral ground"

We began to argue with each other, those who believed the message saying,

"We're being given an opportunity to join forces with someone who can assure a bright future. We need to go with them."

But others were less easily swayed and growled back,

"They have no proof, just a message. Why should we believe them and leave our lives behind for such a blatant lie?"

The arguing continued for quite some time until one of the rulers of Perita spoke up. Angus was high in ranking and in stature. His tawny coat waved in the breeze like a lion's mane as he looked down at the lot of us and told us his decision,

"There is no reason for our pack to follow these intruders, not in my opinion. However, if any of you feel that it is in your best interest to go... then leave, and don't come back."

So the Firma Kero left the territory and set up camp where they waited through the night for anyone who wanted to join them to come.

Finding their camp was easier said then done. A small group of us pushed our way through the woods, searching for friendly faces, unaware that those we were leaving behind were trying to keep us from going.  Our nerves were high as we left our territory; there were cougars just beyond our grounds and not enough of us to fight them off if we were attacked. We needed stealth, but what we got was Angus.

The huge dog suddenly appeared in front of us with a snarl and a loud growl. Our little group wheeled backward only to find that we were surrounded.
I lifted my head and strolled toward Angus,

"Only hours ago we were friends and family. Why are you attacking us?"

Still baring his teeth the ruler answered,
"Didn't you hear? This other pack will come back and annihilate us. You're all traitors and I won't allow you to help destroy our pack, our ways."

I stood a bit taller,
"But you were all given a chance, you were all given the option; join the Firma Kero or be against them, fight on their side or stand in their way. If you're afraid of loosing why not simply join us? You can still switch sides."

Without another word the ruler leapt for my throat with a thunderous growl. I yelped as his weight came down on me and struggled to break free. As his jaws clamped down on my neck I gasped for air, but couldn't catch my breath.  I looked around me to see that my friends were all fighting for their lives as well, we'd barely made it out of our old territory and already we were going to die for this Great Leader we hadn't even met. I started to wonder how one pack and their message could cause such division and chaos so quickly.

My eyes were growing heavy and my heart was growing faint and my spirit inside me rose with a question

"Where are you Great Leader? You called us, won't you come save us?"

Before I could finish my though a flash like lightning shot across my chest, knocking Angus off balance and causing him to loose his grip.

I breathed deeply and staggered to my feet. The flash flew by again, this time landing its own jaws on Angus tawny face as it went by. He howled in pain and fell back.

When my rescuer landed and stood still I was shocked. The dog wasn't half my size, covered in short tri-color fur that gave no protection and though he bared his teeth in a hideous snarl his fangs were short and not very threatening.  I looked behind me to see that the battle had been stopped as quickly as it started. The Firma Kero had found us in the woods and joined the fight. We were saved.

I looked up at Angus, the little dog had left a long slash from his right eye down across his muzzle. He shook his head, still in pain and then quietly retreated, his amber eyes locked on my rescuer and on me. The rest of the Perita drew back in the same manner and disappeared into the darkness. We all breathed a sigh of relief and the Firma Kero lead us to their camp.

As soon as they were out of view one of the dogs began trotting away, his white coat glistening in the moonlight as he went and called out,

"Walk close and stay quiet, there are enemies worse than those dogs in this world."

I made my way up to him and sheepishly asked "Who"?

"You don't want to know." He replied, his ice blue eyes revealing some hidden, secret fear.

I stood still as he trotted on again, wondering what could cause such warriors to be afraid.

I didn't stand for long before my rescuer was at my side.
"That's Fintan" he explained "one of the most amazing warriors I've ever seen. He rolls into battle like a fire taking down any who stand in his way. He's also an excellent leader. Come on now, we should be moving."

As we were walking I couldn't help but look down at the little dog. He walked with his shoulders back and his head high, ears forward, tail straight. He was so alert and aware, so brave for one so small and I eventually asked him,

"How is it that you were able to strike Angus without him striking back?"

He looked up with a slight snarl and replied in an irritated tone,
"Yes, you're welcome for that. No thanks necessary."

I could've bit myself. There I was pestering my hero with questions when I hadn't even said a simple 'thank you'.

"I'm sorry. I am grateful, very grateful, I'm also a bit awe-struck. I've never seen Angus lose a fight, not even to a wolf and yet you were able to walk away without a scratch."

The little dog's chest puffed out a little more and he raised the black hackles on the back of his neck in obvious enjoyment of the praise.

"Well, I'd like to take all of the credit, but I can't. You see my fighting skills are a gift from the Great Leader, and He is the one who told us you were in trouble. If you're looking for a hero, look to the Leader."

I glanced around the moonlit forest. No dog struck me as leader, even Fintan didn't seem impressive enough to be the Great Leader. I wondered where he was, if he was hidden amongst us, of if we were off to meet him. But I didn't ask, afraid of looking foolish.

Suddenly the little dog spoke up again,
"My name is Cadogan. Have you got a name?"

"Mor Torin. However just about everyone calls me Tor." I replied with a smile.

Before he could respond the woods opened up into a clearing where there must have been nearly a hundred dogs lying quiet and still. Fintan and another dog walked ahead of our group, whispering the news of our arrival to each dog before gesturing for us to come.

"The pack must have seen an enemy, we'll need to stay silent and hope morning comes soon." Cadogan said sternly.

I was a bit taken back, "But there has to be at least a hundred of us all together. Why should we be afraid of another pack, or a cougar now?"

Cadogan shook his head and whispered
"Our fight is not only against those on earth, but against this world's darkness and against powers in a spiritual world you can't see yet. As you were told earlier, there are enemies worse than dogs."

I didn't completely understand what I was told, truthfully it had me completely baffled. There was another world? It didn't seen possible, an unseen world with enemies more powerful than a hundred dogs. I questioned myself for just a moment, thinking that maybe the others were right and the dogs of Firma Kero were insane. But then I remembered Angus, and how crazed he became, how angry and fearful. No. I had made the right choice.





Chapter Two: The Unseen

By morning everyone seemed to have calmed down. The night had come and gone and no lives were lost to the unseen enemy.

A small group of dogs was sent hunting, I asked to be sent too but was told to stay and rest. My new friend was with the group however, so I found myself looking for someone new to talk with while he was gone.

I eventual ended up sitting with one 'Keeva'. Her deep hazel eyes were warm and kind and her rich red and white coat was something to behold. I found myself completely entranced as she told me about the pack she had come from, the Febla. She told me about when the Firma Kero found her pack and the Great Leader extended his invitation to them.

"The others were all so afraid" she said sadly "only three of us dared to follow them. We felt so guilty leaving the others behind, as we were among the strongest in the little pack, and yet we weren't very strong ourselves. But none of the others would listen to reason... they wouldn't come."

She told me about the tears and the sleepless nights and the hope that somehow the others would find her and join the Firma Kero someday. But as she continued her brilliant eyes were clouded with a vague, dim, hopelessness. Her dream of having her pack with her again was dying inside her.

Keeva excused herself as the others arrived back at camp with food. Cadogan was quick to find me and offered a large piece of meat. I thankfully accepted and told him that I'd been talking with Keeva.  He sighed and informed me that he was there when she accepted the invitation. He had left his pack, the Rego, only days before.

The conversation was dropped when everyone finished their meal and Fintan let out a long rolling howl. Everyone turned their attention to the white dog,

"We need to start moving again. We are headed to the Sovagxa pack, their territory is a five day walk from here. After extending them the Leader's invitation we will be taking the new comers to Promeso to learn from the Great Leader and the Firma Kero members." He turned and looked directly at me as he finished his speech, "Your biggest questions will be answered in Promeso." And with that, we were moving again.

My mind raced with exciting ideas of what Promeso might be like, what all we might learn there and what the Great Leader would be like.

"What is it like?" I asked "This place we're going."

Cadogan smiled, "It's like no other place on earth. The rivers are wide and wild, the trees are tall as mountains and the meadows are lush and green and filled with grazing deer. More than that though, there's a peace that's unexplainable, unwavering, and once you find it, it never leaves you.
"Promeso goes with you. It's not just a place to go it's something to carry inside. It keeps you steady, focused on the mission we all have."

I thought deeply for a moment, "What mission? Is it my mission too?"

We stopped walking for just a moment as Cadogan replied,
"After we are prepared we're sent out to extend the invitation to others. That's how we all came to the Firma Kero, by invitation. How selfish would it be if we came and knew about the upcoming battle and didn't tell the world that there's someone who can save them? I know you don't understand everything Tor, it's cloudy now, but it'll be clear soon. Right now you only understand part of what's going on, but soon you'll know fully. You'll understand everything when the Great Leader teaches you."

I couldn't take my mind off of what he'd said for the rest of the day and his words even haunted my dreams that night. It sounded as though I would be taught and then sent out to teach. I would be prepared, but prepared for what? For the mission of reaching the other packs before the battle? For the battle itself? Cadogan's answer put one question to rest, but raised hundreds more.

My restless sleep was broken by an unfamiliar sound. It was something like a roar but shrill and the cry brought me to my feet in a hurry. With every hair standing on end I looked ahead of me to something indescribable.

It was there, yet it wasn't, it was solid black yet it seemed almost smoke like. Massive wings stretched outward and empty, soulless eyes pierced through me. It was a beast ten times my size. I was terrified.
It's talons were the size of my legs, it's black face bared huge dark fangs and it's screams seemed to strip away my every ounce of courage.
It swayed back and forth in snake-like fashion, its eyes never leaving mine. I could sense something within it, a power that seemed to roll out like fog out of the swamp. It was as if I was in the presence of death itself. I was frozen in place, merely shivering in front of the horrifying figure.

Then a in a deep and powerful voice it spoke,
"CianDougal is I. Fear the Morta Sango, says I. Fear Malvirto, says I. They together will destroy you, they together will end you. The Firma Kero is weak in the eyes of CianDougal, who is I."

My legs trembled, my heart sank, my eyes widened... but still I spoke, though quietly and shaky,
"But what about the Great Leader who calls to us?"

It raised it's head up higher with a shriek,
"Have you heard his voice, asks I? No. The only voice you hear is of this ancient one, is I. CianDougal is the only one who calls you. Come, says I, and meet your fate."

I stepped one foot forward,
"When the Leader attacks and the war is begun, he will strike you too. The Great Leader will end you and I will live."
The beast wheeled back as if in pain, "The Great Dio will not destroy me, before I destroy you!"

I leapt out of the way of an oncoming paw, narrowly missing the enormous claws and as I landed I saw a large gray dog snarling at the monster. I dashed across the forest floor to stand beside him, I stood shaking but did not back down. The beast thrashed around in an angry rage, roaring like a mad lion. We stayed firm until the shrill shrieks and roars halted and like a cloud of smoke CianDougal vanished.

My companion's eyes darted around for a moment, searching the dark of night for any continued attack. There was none. He looked down at me with wide eyes

"You could see it." He said with surprise.

"How could I miss it?" I replied.

"To most of us those creatures are an unseen enemy. You are one of the few to see the unseen."

I remembered what Cadogan had said about the world I couldn't see yet, and about my understanding being cloudy, his words were beginning to make sense. There was a world beyond this one, entwined with this one, where the fiercest enemy was hidden. And the beasts to battle there truly were beyond the size and strength of a hundred dogs.





Chapter Three: New Questions & New Friends

The sun was creeping into the sky, turning the deep blue into a brilliant mixture of yellow and orange. I hadn't slept anymore, instead I watched the skies and waited to see what would happen next. I heard the subtle sound of footsteps coming up behind me and knew instantly who it was

"Cadogan, may I ask you some questions?"

The little dog sat next to me, "I can't guarantee an answer but go ahead."

"Last night I saw something, a beast that called itself CianDougal, he told me to fear the Morta Sango. What is the Morta Sango?"

Cadogan took a long deep breath, and then answered slowly and clearly, as if thinking carefully of every word before it left his mouth.

"The Morta Sango is a pack, a pack of dogs that believe themselves above the rule of the Great Leader. They hate us and all who follow the Leader and would stop at nothing to kill us. They are more than an enemy to fear however, because they are dogs too and the Great Leader invites them into the Firma Kero as he invites every member of every pack."

I tried to understand how it could be possible, not just an enemy but someone who needs rescuing. It didn't make a lot of sense. But at the moment I had more important questions.

"There was something else, he mentioned the 'Great Dio.' Should I know who that is?"

Cadogan smiled, "The Firma Kero calls Him the Great Leader, but Dio is His true name."

"Than the Leader and the Dio are one and same." I said in understanding.

"Yes." he replied.

I still had questions, but before they could be asked my friend walked away. I went to follow him but was approached by the gray dog who had faced CianDougal with me.

"I never introduced myself; I am Graegoir."

I turned to him, "They call me Tor. I can't thank you enough for last night, it's nice to know that I'm not alone."

The dog smiled and replied, "You're never alone."

In the day light I could see that my new friend was no stranger to battle, he had many scars and strange places where his fur had been rubbed away and never grew back. Still he had an odd air of dignity and grace and power.

"Tell me Graegoir, could you make any sense out of what the beast said?" I asked curiously.

The gray head lifted higher and looked me square in the eyes with wild surprise,
"You heard it speak! What did it say?"

I hesitated for a moment, a bit taken back by his reaction then answered calmly,
"He called himself CianDougal and spoke of things to fear, the Morta Sango and Malvirto. He was angry and powerful but seemed to be very afraid of the Leader, the Great Dio, as he called Him."

Graegoir was stunned, not fearful but seemingly so deep in thought that he didn't speak and he didn't blink. In fact he barely breathed for the next few minutes before giving any response.

"He was here for you then. He was trying to scare you away from the Firma Kero, to keep you from reaching Promeso."

"But why?" I asked "What have I done to deserve his attack?"

Graegoir looked directly into my eyes again,
"No Tor, it's not about what you have done... it's what you will do. And if the Morta Sango and the unseen enemy both want you gone, than you can be sure that the Great Leader has something great planned for you."

"Something great; for me? Why on earth would He choose me for anything great?" I argued.

"I don't know, I can't see what He sees, but He must see something in you that is above average."

As Greagoir walked away I found myself alone again. I watched as the last few minutes of sunrise passed, turning the colorful sky into a simple faded blue. And my curiosity rose, sparking even more questions inside me.  I was completely lost in thought until Fintan began barking for us all to start moving again. I sluggishly responded and caught up with the pack, quietly wishing that I didn't have to go anywhere, that I could just sit and sift through the wonderings inside before moving on. But Fintan called and everyone started the journey again so I went, I had no desire to be left behind.

The morning passed quickly and with the mid-day came talk of hunting. I volunteered to go and this time was allowed, Cadogan went too, as did seven other dogs.

We inched our way through brush and thickets and anywhere a fresh scent took us. We'd been gone a little more than an hour when one of the scouts doubled back with a mouthful of fur. He dropped the bundle in the middle of the hunting party; it was a solitary rodent, a bushy tailed rat.
The group immediately started fighting over who would get it. I sat quietly a few feet away, ignoring them until my attention turned to the rat. It was moving! The eyes were wide and I could see its little heart pounding from where I sat. I tried to ignore it, but it was no use. Eventually I burst into the group with a loud bark,

"You're all being ridiculous! I thought the Firma Kero was meant to be peaceful, and yet here you all are arguing over a rat. Can't we do this without complaining and arguing? We live in this world with crooked and mean characters, that doesn't mean we have to act like them. I thought we were supposed to shine like stars in this darkness, not blend in!"

I may have over-reacted, I admit, but I couldn't believe the way they growled and snarled and snapped over less than a mouthful of would-be food.

Every dog had stopped, and looked at me as if waiting for me to do something more. So without hesitation I strolled into the middle of them and sat next to the rat.

"Doesn't it seem pointless to fight over this little one's life? Will his life satisfy anyone here, does this look like a meal to you?"

While I'd been talking he'd made his way between my front paws and was hiding there, shaking like a leaf. I turned my attention to him,
"Can you tell me your name?"

"Cuan." He responded through his shivering.

"Cuan, do you know this area?" I asked softly.

"Every inch of it for ten square miles; why do you ask?"

I breathed deeply and then continued,
"We're looking for food. I thought you might know where the deer are."

"There's a meadow, to the east a bit, you'd find them there. I could show you the way if you'd like."

Without replying to Cuan I looked up at the dogs, "Much more efficient, don't you think?"

The little rat sprang on ahead and we followed him to the meadow. I said my good-byes and he darted off, back into the woods. The rest of the hunt went well and the entire pack ate that night.

In the morning Cadogan joined me again to watch the sun rise.
"You had a lot to say yesterday. I was very impressed, you catch on quickly."

"I didn't mean to lecture you all." I said sheepishly.

"But we deserved it. You did the right thing Tor, and you showed your true colors; as a leader, a defender and a compassionate soul."

I smiled, but turned away, I couldn't imagine myself as a leader, I couldn't imagine what it was that he saw in me. But his words echoed from behind me,

"A defender and a compassionate soul, that sounds about right; also brave, heroic and courageous."

I turned to see Cuan, standing only a few feet behind me.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"Well I never got a chance to thank you properly."

I smiled down at him, "And how does a rat thank a dog for saving his life?"

"By offering my service to my hero. If there's anything you need my Chief, anything at all, I'll do it." He said, bowing his head and then looked up at me, waiting for some response.

"Cuan, that's not necessary. I'm sure you'd much rather be with your family..."

"I have no family." He interrupted. "I had a clan once, but our Chief abandoned us and we all fell apart. Some went off in small groups, I unfortunately ended up on my own. I've been alone for some time now."

I glanced over at Cadogan who said nothing to me. He must have known that I'd already made up my mind, though I think some part of him wanted to argue with me he remained quiet.

"Alright, but you'll have to stay close by me or out of sight. I can't promise that the entire pack will leave you alone."

"Oh I will Chief! You can count on me, always alert, ever vigilant, the wolves are less aware of their surroundings sir, nothing escapes my attention."

Cadogan was still looking at me, "You realize that if he gets himself killed you'll feel pretty rotten, don't you?"

"Maybe the others will be willing to let him be." I said hopefully.

"Not likely." Cadogan replied "They might be the Firma Kero, but they're still dogs."

"I'll stay downwind Chief, they won't find me." Cuan insisted, but I knew better.

"Don't tell me you already forgot how we met. No, it's true this won't be easy. You'd better stay with me, at least I can protect you that way." I said





Chapter Four: Through The Prairie Lands

The journey went well that day. Cadogan did his best to inform the others that Cuan was with us, and if they harmed him they'd have me to answer to.

Fintan was less than excited about the new arrival but allowed him stay.  My new little friend ran along beside me all through the day, chattering almost constantly, asking questions about anything and everything he could think of. He was happy to discover that the Firma Kero not only believed in the Great Dio but lived to serve Him and he could hardly believe it when I told him that He would be in Promeso when we arrived.

As the stars began to shine through the last of daylight Fintan called for everyone to settle in. I found a soft patch of grass and curled up with my tail wrapped over my nose.  Only a minute later there was a light tapping on my muzzle. I opened my eyes to see Cuan anxiously rubbing his face and paws.

"Excuse me Chief, but where should I sleep? I have no nest here and there are owls out at night, and bobcats too sir."

I lifted my head, "You can sleep here." I said half yawning.

"Thank you Chief." The little rat said as he found his way between my front paws, hidden there by my head and mane he seemed to feel perfectly safe.

I had a fitful night; it was filled with dreams that had me waking up every ten minutes. Many of them were of CianDougal, others were of strange dogs attacking me, all of it was horrifyingly real.  Cuan didn't seem to loose any sleep however, the little rat proved to be a heavy sleeper and as far as I know he didn't wake up once.

When morning came I saw that Fintan was up before the sun, speaking with each of the dogs from the Perita one by one. When he came to me I sat up and waited to hear what this was about.

"We've been moving faster than I anticipated, I wanted to let you know that tomorrow we will be meeting with the Sovagxa. They won't want us there, just as the Perita didn't want us. Be prepared to run or to fight, whichever the day holds for us. And you may want to keep that, rodent, even closer to you... if that's possible. I'm sure he wouldn't last two minutes in a pack den."

As he walked away I looked back down at my friend who was still asleep. How could I protect him when surrounded by dozens of strange dogs? Maybe he could stay back at camp with the other group. But then what would stop any of them from eating him?

I watched the sun that morning from my spot in the grass, not moving so that I didn't leave Cuan unguarded. Cadogan and Greagoir joined me, both curious as to how my night went with a rat between my paws.  We talked for a long while, until the call went out to get moving again. Greagoir said he'd come this way before and there was a lake not far ahead, a quiet place in coyote territory. Normally the 'devil dogs' as he called them, didn't take to having others on their land. But they had an understanding with the Firma Kero as they never stayed long and never caused trouble.

The pack had started to move and we needed to catch up. I sent the other two on ahead and gently nudged Cuan with my muzzle.

"Wake up you lazy fur ball, it's time to move." I insisted.

He just curled up tighter and snored louder. I didn't have the time to be polite about things so I grabbed Cuan up by his scruffy gray coat and ran to the pack with the rat carefully hanging from my jaws.  I think it startled him just a bit when he woke up from the jostling to see a set of fangs so close to his face; I heard him squeak quietly while running up to the pack.

The woods faded away and made room for a long and wide prairie which was over run by blueberry vines. A few times my rodent friend disappeared into the tall grass, happily collecting mouthfuls of the wild fruit. All of the dogs seemed to enjoy the prairie too, but for a much different reason. It was freeing to be in the open, we could run and jump and not worry about crashing into the trees or the thickets.

Some of the dogs started racing each other, some started games of tag and others just rolled in the tall grass joyfully. Even Fintan joined the younger dogs in a game of tag.

We were having a wonderful time when I heard a distant squeaking. I ran to see Cuan narrowly escaping a coyote and running to me. I lowered my head and snarled silently. The coyote didn't move he just stared at me with a confused look on his face.

"Well, go on. I won't fight you for it dog, if you're that hungry have it."

I calmly raised my head and relaxed to some degree.
"I don't mean to ruin your hunt, but I prefer my friends alive." I growled.

We rejoined the pack, Cuan staying closer than ever, and could see the lake not half a mile ahead of us. Nearly every dog raced down the last hill to the water, drinking their fill and cooling off after playing hard in the mid day sun.

Cadogan had never looked so happy in the short time I'd known him. He was continually jumping into the water, swimming to the shore and jumping in again, making a bigger splash each time.  Even Keeva seemed to forget her worries and enjoy the moment, splashing with and swimming with the rest of the pack.
Cuan jumped in too, carefully avoiding the other dogs but enjoying himself nonetheless.

"I didn't know rats like to swim." I called out.

"Oh I love it! Don't know that you could get another of my kind in the water though."

No one wanted the fun to end, but eventually Fintan sounded the call to start moving again. We made our way across the lake and pressed on toward the Sovagxa territory.

Night time seemed to be forever away as we were all happily exhausted from the day of fun. We smiled, but our paws dragged and our ears and tails fell limp. Cadogan had taken to walking at the very end of the broken line. No doubt wishing he'd have jumped into the lake fewer times. I was walking only a short distance ahead of him; wanting to be sure he didn't get too far behind.
I hadn't been swimming as long or as hard as the others so I had a bit more energy and was trying to use it to help keep the pack together.

As we started up a steep hill there was a gentle tapping on my forepaw. Cuan was trying to get me to stop. I halted for just a moment,

"Did you need something Cuan?"

"So sorry... to bother you... Chief." He said between gasping breaths, "But I wonder... if you might consider... helping a friend out?"

"Anything you need, it's yours." I said smiling.

Quickly the little rat leapt up and scrambled onto my shoulders.

"Do you mind horribly sir? If you do I understand." He squeaked.

"I don't mind at all, least this way I know for sure where you are." I replied.

Cadogan got a good laugh out of the sight of the little rodant riding on my shoulders.

"Well now the tables have completely turned haven't they? Instead of Cuan serving you, you're serving as his personal guard and now his free ride too! What's next Tor, hunting for berries?"

I didn't reply but Cuan made his feelings known, he jumped down at lightning speed and bit hard on Cadogan's ear. The little dog yelped and the rat ran back to his place and watched as his victim shook his head and continued to make a racket.

"He bit me! That little pest bit me and you're smiling about it aren't you?" he barked.

I was smiling about it, but I didn't answer him.

At the top of the hill we all found a place to spend the night, we were reminded that we'd soon be meeting the Sovagxa so the invitation could be extended. This was a time to be alert and vigilant, a time of seriousness. We could relax and have fun again after leaving the Sovagxa territory; hopefully we'd be leaving with a few new members to the Firma Kero.

As everyone settled in to their own space, and as Cuan nestled himself once again between my paws something inside me stirred. The shadows were dancing unnaturally here.

Greagoir came and found a place not far from me,

"You see it too, don't you?" He asked.

"Yes, what is it?"

Before he breathed a response, the answer came from Cuan,

"It's the unseen, the dark creatures who do Malvirto's bidding. They're enraged that they can't come any closer."

"And why is that?" Greagoir asked curiously.

"Because we all follow the Great Dio... Leader. He won't allow them to attack."

I looked down at the little lump of gray fur,

"So you can see them too? The unseen?"

His little black eyes met my stare as he answered "Yes. Many in my family line can."

What was the likelihood, I wondered inside myself, that this little friend of mine would share my ability? It seemed as if then, that we were destined to meet. No doubt, I thought, The Great Leader has plans for even this little one.




Chapter Five: The Sovagxa Pack

There was no sitting still the next morning; the group chosen to meet with the Sovagxa was quickly called to action. Before the sun was awake we were moving, silently, cautiously.  Though the others were unaware, there was a dark shape looming above us, massive black wings kept steady pace with our walk. Though similar in appearance, it was not CianDougal, it was much bigger than he was.

Cuan was hiding as best as he could in the thick fur of my mane, watching the dark creature carefully.
We were all on edge, knowing that the unseen enemy was everywhere.  The open fields and prairie faded back into a forest as we came over another hill and I stopped a moment when I saw that even the trees here were like black smoke, drown in the dark power.

As the forest became thicker a voice called out, "You there, what are you doing in these parts?"

The dog was a large, muscular wolfish beast with soulless yellow eyes. But what caught my attention more than that was the black shape behind him.  It was a powerful enemy with a lion-like appearance, but the beast's body was long and drawn out like a serpent.

I did my best not to shake in fear at the sight of it, but couldn't look away from it. The dog turned to me, and as he locked his eyes on mine I knew that he was aware of what I was seeing.

Fintan broke the silence,
"We are the Firma Kero, merely passing through, but we would like to speak with the Sovagxa pack before we move on. If that's at all possible."

"If you have a death wish it is." The dog replied.

Fintan straightened his posture and raised his hackles,

"Then by all means, lead on." he growled.

As we neared a small clearing my mind was swamped with confusion, there were so many dogs, and so many dark creatures, I could hardly tell them apart. But my confusion was ignored temporarily when Cuan began pulling on my fur.

"Chief, look over there to the left. This isn't right we need to leave!"

I looked to see the pack leader, surrounded by a black cloud. I inched my way a bit closer and was surprised to hear the old yellow dog consulting with the darkness.

"These beasts are dangerous." The voice insisted as it rose from the dark ghostly form.
"They mean to destroy your kingdom and us as well. Beware of the one who hears my voice but doesn't obey, beware the one who sees my form but doesn't give way. He has great power, he has great strength, but I have plans for him."

I backed away slowly, "Do you suppose they're talking about Greagoir?" I ask Cuan.

The little rat replied in whisper, "I think they mean you Chief."

The rest of the group was in the center of the clearing, reciting the invitation to the pack. I suddenly felt an urgency to get to them and picked up my feet. I however was too late.

With no warning but the tug in my heart I felt a sudden blow to my head and fell, unconscious.
When I came too I was in a place like I'd never seen before, it was dark and damp and I could barely move.

There was something around my neck and around my feet, cold and heavy and unbreakable.

"What is this?"I asked aloud, expecting no reply.

But there came an answer from out of the darkness where the lion-serpent hid,
"Chains and Shackles to keep you here, you'll be bound in this place until the day you die."

I shuttered and I struggled, there was no escape. I saw no hope, my friends were more than likely gone and I was alone.
My mind turned to Cuan and I wondered where he might be, hoping that somehow he'd gotten away.

"Why am I here? Am I the only one you see as a threat?" I growled.

"You are the key, set in place by your Leader, the Great Dio. You are the one He sees fit to use and I cannot allow it. My hold is too strong, my grasp too tight, you cannot shake me away, I have you now."

I couldn't make sense out of what the creature said. I was a key, set in place by the Leader? He saw me as fit to use in some way? What was it that this beast feared so strongly? I was no match for his power and yet he spoke as if I was a true threat.

"I have no power over you, only the Great Dio is that strong! Let me go, why should one dog worry you?" I barked.

"Because of His plans." And with that I was left in complete solitude.

I had no idea how long I was in that place, weighed down by the chains that held me there. I spoke faintly into the dead air,
"Where are you Cadogan, Fintan, Greagoir? Are you safe somewhere? I hope you are. And where are You, Leader? Will You come for me here, will You break these chains and set me free again?
"Maybe You won't. Maybe I will die here. I'm not so important that Your plans can't go on without me. But if nothing else, I will trust that You won't let me die in vain. The world will be right again, with or without me in it."

A peaceful quiet filled the chamber and there came from somewhere unknown, a voice.

"Lay aside your worries and don't trouble yourself, because He cares and will take care of you.
"The enemy is strong and hungry for your death, so hold onto faith and don't let go, don't be swayed and don't give in. Be strong, though you will suffer. In the end everything will be made right, He will give you grace and will keep you stable until you see the glory of Promeso."

As softly as it came the voice trailed away, but it left a peace inside of me. If I could just hold on, the Leader would save me, if I could just have faith He'd come.

*

Elsewhere, the camp was empty and the Fierma Kero had moved on, the leader of the Sovagxa had told them I was dead and the pack was chased off of the territory.  I was told that Fintan sent out a search party in hopes that I was merely lost, but after three days when there was no trace or trail of my scent, so with heavy hearts they moved on.

Cuan had escaped when I was hit and had since been trying to catch up to the Firma Kero. The little rat evaded both the Sovagxa and the unseen enemy, cleverly running through the trees and streams and anyplace that made his tracks harder to follow.
He raced as fast as his little legs would allow, always on the look out, ever alert.

He pushed on tirelessly for days, resting only for brief moments then returning to the search. His hope was starting to fade when he saw a familiar figure in the distance. With his hope re-ignited and no inhibitions Cuan finished his race by landing in between the white paws Cadogan.

"Sir!" he exclaimed "I was afraid I wouldn't find you, I have news for you all! But, where are the others?"

Cadogan was shocked to see the little rat and it took him a moment to reply as he collected his thoughts,
"I don't know where the others are. I was separated when the Sovagxa came after us. I've never seen so many angry souls." he sighed.

"But they must be somewhere, the Chief needs them!" Cuan squealed.

Cadogan's eyes lit up with hope, "You mean Tor? He's alive then. Where is he?"

"He's a prisoner, being held in a place underground. He's been attached to the floor, sir. I don't know how to get him free."  he replied.

The little dog looked toward the open prairie ahead of him, the Firma Kero was somewhere out there. He looked back behind him into the darkness of the forest, knowing I needed help.

"Don't worry. We can free him, if the Leader is on our side. Now, do you remember the way to where he is?" Cadogan asked.

"I'll never forget it sir. Follow me, I'll lead you around the unseen enemy, they won't know that we're coming." Cuan replied excitedly.

So the two pressed back into the forest, risking their lives to find and free me, proving themselves as heroes and friends with every step in my direction.

*

Meanwhile, I sat in the dark, holding to faith and to hope that the Great Leader would not let me die in this cruel place.

The dark creatures taunted me day and night, telling me that I would die soon, telling me to give up and give in. They offered to let me live if I would vow to stay, to never travel to Promeso. But my answer was always the same, "He's coming for me soon, I'll wait for Him."


And the dogs would come down and tighten my chains, they would bite me and dart out of my reach before I could strike back. They told me that they had destroyed the Firma Kero and I was completely alone. I just held my head up and replied, "I'll keep waiting for my Leader, He's still in control."