Moving Ordas

Chapter 43

Karyan’s eyebrows raised and mouth turned into an “o”, "What's going on?”

Nalani took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. “She drank one of Bertold’s herbal potions. She hallucinated, laughed, cried, swore, and then vomited repeatedly. Bertold Can't calm her down, and we’re trying to prevent her from turning into a wolf because that would make things even more chaotic.”

Err Seldam watched the conversation with interest. “Looks Like we have an urgent matter,” he said, stepping aside to let Karyan take the lead.

Karyan did not waste a second. “Show me where she is,” he ordered.

Nalani led the way, her pace quick and firm. When they reached Bertold’s place, the sound of hysterical laughter and Karina’s sobs filled the air.

Bertold stood in the doorway, looking tired and irritated.

“She cannot be persuaded,” Bertold muttered.

Karyan pushed past him, his eyes were fixed on Karina.

Karina looked a mess, her hair messy and her eyes wild. She Stumbled and shaken, her emotions swinging from side to side. “Karina,” Karyan’s voice was firm but gentle. “Look at me.”

Karina’s eyes stared at him, momentarily clear before another wave of hallucinations overcame her. She laughed out loud, then suddenly, tears streamed down her face. “Karyan,” she whined, reaching out to him. “You’re the most heartless wolf.”

Karyan stepped closer. “Listen to me. Control yourself.”

Suddenly Karina screamed and jumped up to attack the alpha.Her sharp fingernails were pointed at Karyan’s face. Karyan Jumped back, his face dumbfounded and bright red, which under other circumstances would have been comical.

He didn't think Karina would dare to attack him. Even though Karina was in a messed up state, still he was her alpha.

“Let me try," said Err Seldam, his voice calm and commanding. He witnessed the scene and stepped forward, drawing everyone’s attention.

Karina’s head snapped up, her eyes fixed on Err. She sniffed the air and growled, “You’re human. Who are you?”

Err Seldam did not flinch. Instead, he slowly extended his hand, palm up, as a gesture of peace. “My name is ErrSeldam,” he said softly. “I am here to help you.”

Karina’s growls grew louder, but Err remained calm. “You don’t want to hurt anyone, Karina. You’re strong, but you're so smart. You can fight this.” Err Seldam repeated the words over and over again, slower and slower. His gaze did not leave Karina’s eyes.

Everyone watching was silent and stunned. The only thing that moved was Karina’s agitated body. The persuasive tone in Err Seldam’s voice echoed in everyone’s head.

Karina growled, showing her teeth, but Err did not back down. He stepped closer, speaking in a soothing tone. “Remember who you are, Karina. Remember your pack. They need you.”

Her body shook violently as the wolf inside her struggled to break free. But Err’s words seemed to reach her. Her growl softened, her breathing regular.

“Look at me,” Err said, his voice a commanding whisper. “You are not alone. You can control this.”

Karina’s eyes flashed, her human form struggling to assert itself. With a last gasping breath, she collapsed into Err’sarms, exhausted but no longer changed.

Everyone released the breath they had been holding. Bertold Quickly moved to check her vital signs, while Karyan stepped forwards.

“Thank you, Err,” he said sincerely.

“You’ve demonstrated your Ruteron abilities today. We’ve long heard Ruteron people have a talent for controlling fire and beasts.”

Err nodded, still holding the unconscious Karina. “That’s what we do,” he replied.

“We don’t live in fortified areas like you, but in tents in the middle of the forest with a campfire to keep us warm. Sometimes our campsites are attacked by hordes of wild animals and beasts or our campfires turn into forest fires.”

After they laid Karina down on the ground with a deerskin sheet, Karyan turned to Err. “You asked to meet with Nalani. I believe you are more than worthy of that request.”

Nalani, who heard her name being called, immediately approached. She was amazed by what the old man was doing.It was an impossible calm. Even Morvena’s best witches had a fear of certain things.

“Greetings, chief Ruteron,” Nalani said. “Thank you for your help.”

Err Seldam nodded and looked at her closely. An understanding flashed across his face. “So you are Nalani,” he said. “I met Zaria, your grandmother, once, long before the attack on your camp. Well, I see you are no longer a Mirean, child. And I want to give you a message.”

“A message for me?”

Err nodded. “Listen, it is important for you to understand your powers and learn to control them.”

Nalani looked confused. “Do you mean my magic? It’s just ordinary magic that won’t even appear when I deliberately summon it.”

Err shook his head. “No, Nalani, you are far from ordinary. You carry a special kind of magic, one that has the potential to change the fate of many. But with great power comes great responsibility. You must be careful and wise in using it.”

Karyan, who was standing nearby, listened intently. “What do you mean, Err? What kind of power does she have?”

Err’s gaze shifted to Karyan, then back to Nalani. “It’s best not to reveal everything now. That knowledge could put Nalani in danger. For now, it is enough to know that she has the potential for powerful magic. She must learn to control it before it controls her.”

Instead of being happy, Nalani felt anxious. “How do I do that? How do I learn to control it?”

Err smiled gently. “Have faith in yourself, and seek guidance from those who can help you. There are those who understand your magic can teach you. But remember, Nalani, the path will not be easy. You must be prepared for your trials.”

Nalani, who was still confused, finally nodded. “Thank you, chief. I will remember it.”

Err Seldam nodded, now turning to Karyan. “I think it’s time we went to see Ordas, Alpha?”

“Of course, chieftain. I will take you to where she is being held.”

Athar and his friends rejoined their chieftain after a good rest. They followed Karyan to the dungeon.
***

The descent into the dungeon was cold and damp, the air thick with the scent of moss.

Torches flickered along the stonewalls, casting shadows. Karyan took the lead, while Err Seldam and his riders followed close behind.

At the end of the long corridor, they came to a strengthened door guarded by two werewolves.

With a nod from Karyan, the guards unlocked the door and stepped aside. The heavy door opened, revealing a cell with a faint glow inside.

Ordas lay on a rough bed, with chains binding her wrists and ankles. Her eyes, once sharp and cunning, were now dull with fatigue. But when Err Seldam entered, they sparkled with a flash of recognition and humiliation.

"Err Seldam," Ordas sneered, her voice hoarse. "What brings the honorable Ruteron chieftain to my pleasant cell?"

Err stepped forward, his presence commanding the room. "I am here to discuss your transfer, Ordas. We already know your intentions towards Nalani."

Ordas laughed bitterly. "Ah, the precious Nalani. Always the center of everyone's attention. Do you think moving me will change anything? My mission is far from over. She will still die at my hands or at the hands of another."

Err's gaze hardened. "Your mission against Nalani will end. In Ruteron, you will be under constant surveillance, your powers will be restrained. You will not be able to use your special talents against her-or anyone else."

Karyan stepped up beside Err. "We've done everything we can to make sure you can't contact her, Ordas. Your tricks don't work here. Transferring you to Ruteron is the best way to keep everyone safe."

Ordas' eyes narrowed. "You think you can hold me off? You underestimate my power."

Err approached with a low voice. "We understand your strength, Ordas. But we also know your weaknesses. On Ruteron, you will have no allies, no way to escape. Your Influence will be lost."

Ordas glared at Err, her chains clanking as she shifted. "You may think you have won, but this is not over. Nalani's fate is sealed, and no prison can change it."

Err straightened and smiled coldly. "We shall see. For now, you will be under our watch. Any attempt to escape or cause harm will have severe consequences."

Karyan signaled the guards. "Prepare her for transport.” He turned to Err Seldam. "I take it you will be leaving this evening as well?"

"Yes," said the chief.

As the guards moved to secure Ordas for the journey and Karyan turned to lead Err and the others out, Ordas called out to their backs. " By the way, how is Karina? She was very confused when she came to see me."
***