Rebirth and Second Chances

Chapter 75: Challenge Issued

Blayney had been correct in how those we met treated us. They saw us; they made no effort to hide that they were assessing our potential as threats to the herd, without acknowledging our presence. Because we had yet to have been welcomed to Herd Lands, we were considered unknowns.

It was interesting to see how they observed without making it appear like we were being watched. The process had almost transformed into an art form, a dance as individuals weaved in and out of our perception. One person happening to cross our paths, just as another was left behind. A constant intertwining of bodies and observers, none stationary, a fluidity to their movement that made their ability to spy on us a convoluted ballet, a production of movement as the in and out of bodies was orchestrated to confuse and disguise intention.

I would have never noticed the coordinated maneuvering in my previous life. But here, my perception was heightened. Things that appeared mundane were filtered through the lens of that perception, and innocuous patterns were identified and analyzed.

The Kelpies were good. But there were too many instances of a form, an individual, I'd seen previously once more passing us by. Perhaps they discounted my ability to discern the different characteristics in coloring, structure, and gait. Or perhaps they didn't care and thought me and mine not much of a threat.

This was to my advantage.

The Kelpies, themselves, were uniformly black in their horse form, but there were a few subtle variations. Shades of black or highlights that allowed one who was perceptive to see the difference. A white marking highlighting the ebony deepness of their black coats.

As we approached an area where several Kelpies had gathered, we finally were acknowledged. A council of Elders was awaiting our arrival in front of what Blayney had identified as Elder Hall. Three women, two men, all in their human shape. As with all Sidhe, age was hard to determine. I'd yet to see anyone that looked much beyond thirty in appearance.

But a few hints, an aura of history and antiquity that influenced insight, a person was able to discern a solidity to an individual that translated to age. That aura and the actions for two of the Elders seemed influenced by timelessness, not so much a sense of age as permanence.

It was in the small gestures and shifts of stance, a subtle nuance of movement and an attitude that indicated these individuals had observed countless millennium. That they had an established history and their psyche had become ingrained with habits that reflected that history. Eras of differing morals and expectations had become so deeply intrinsic in their nature and behavior that they weren't even aware that these subtle undertones in kinesics betrayed their advanced age. Mannerisms and bias that were distinct enough for those with high enough perception to note those influences.

I saw no weapons on any of them, but none were needed. The claws and teeth the Kelpie brandished were well suited for that purpose. Any manufactured weapons would have been redundant. Even in human form, they were not defenseless. The ability to shift between forms was seamless and effortless. They would be able to attain those forms more suited to combat long before any spell or attack we might make could reach them.

These Elders, waiting as we approached, managed to conceal their emotions perfectly. No raised eyebrow, no flash of anger, or sneer to belittle or humiliate Blayney was given or allowed to hint at the response our arrival would foster. They could have been carved from marble, with their indifference. Their lack of emotion gave an additional gravitas to this encounter. They were somber, unyielding, and unapologetic. But they were also wary and uncertain.

Some hidden trigger seemed to animate the guards that had been stationed to protect them, an invisible line that Blayney crossed as we moved into position. His actions somehow foreshadowing his determination. Whatever it was they noticed, they reacted as if it were a threat and moved to bar his path.

This chapter upload first at NovelUsb.Com

Blayney took their reaction in stride. He had been expecting this, his provocation intentional, and he was prepared. Swiftly transfiguring between horse and human he began to address the crowd.

"When Belisama, Goddess of Lakes, crafts, and lights, first saw these waters she thought let the fish and eel prosper," Blayney proclaimed confidently. He was aware, to the exact millimeter, of his position and stopped just short of the guards and the Elders. His voice carried, certain and determined. He would have all those gathered know his intentions.

"She made her home on the shores, spending her days and nights creating great and miraculous tools.

"She tamed the fires of the sun to allow kilns, furnaces, and cooking to ease the life of those that would worship her.

"And She harnessed and tended small hearth-fires to fight back the dark and extend the rule of light into the night.

"But She was alone and had none to share these treasures with. Isolated from the other Gods as each breathed the magics of Divinity into the world.

"She had seen the intransigent behavior of those creatures her fellow Gods had created. And as Sidhe forgot that they were one and gathered together into tribes to make war on one another, to rule over lesser fey, she despaired.

"She wanted better for Danu's children.

"So, She turned Her abilities to craft and tame fire toward a new task. She would create life. Life that was more balanced. She thought to combat the uncompromising and isolation She found anathema in the Sidhe by creating companions that were not so rigid.

"She thought that if those She would imbue with life were capable of experiencing the wonders of this world in form and function more suited to the exegeses of nature, that understanding and empathy for others would allow for a patient and peaceful people.

"And so, She collected clay and waters, enchanted them with abilities to heal and shift, and sculpted three forms.

"Horse, Water Serpent, and Man.

"And She breathed life into them as She melded these forms.

"Three became one. And the first Kelpie was born," he lectured.

"We were created as ambassadors, a unique species capable of fully understanding the nature of land and water. But Nodens, God of hunting and the sea, was jealous of Belisama and those Kelpies She created to ease Her loneliness. He wished to possess Belisama, and would not share Her affections.

"And so, He acted.

"Those first gentle Kelpies were hunted, enslaved, and doomed to become nothing more than beasts of burden.

"Unable and unwilling to fight those that would hunt or enslave them, they prayed to Belisama, crying for release and a return to the Earth, for they knew. This world was not suitable for the gentle nature of those first Kelpies.

"And Belisama hearing their prayers grew angry. And in Her anger acted. For how could the Goddess of craft, not know the secret of weapons, and knowing those secrets, not be familiar with the rules of combat.

"In Her anger, She reached out Her hand to touch those that She had created and crafted Her response. She released her divine will and implemented change. The horse form grew fangs to tear, claws to rend, and manes of serpents to poison. The water-serpent form became longer, stronger, sleeker, with wings that allowed them to travel the air as easily as the water, and their fangs grew and contained poisons. Poisons that would paralyze their victims.

"It was only the man form She left unchanged, gifting them with no way to make Battle. She instead gave that form the gift of voice so that her original intent was not lost. They could broker peace where possible. But declare battle when needed.

"I, Blayney, Kelpie and devoted son of the Goddess Belisama, say to you that challenge is given. That Herd Lord Haygan has engaged in those acts that the Goddess herself found offensive and vile. Using trickery and the gift of voice, he set his trap.

"A trap to rid his herd of those that might challenge him for leadership.

"There were no new lands to develop. No new lakes to establish, no new territories.

"There was only slavery.

"There have been no trades made, no call to gather, no recruitment of sons and daughters from the Kelpie Herds because that was never Lord Haygan's intent.

"His actions were based on jealousy and fear.

"And He conspired with a Seelie noble to enslave the Goddess Belisama's children.

"For that, I cry challenge. Let Belisama witness the perfidy and evil that he has allowed to become entrenched within his heart.

"And for those of his. Those he trusted and conscripted to help with his nefarious plan, I say to you, pray.

"Pray that Belisama forgives you your loathsome actions, for I will not," Blayney concluded.