8 Birnum

Cassadrei's POV

"BIRNUM".

I have never been this far before. I hardly know this place and now, I will have to follow a guy I hardly know. I looked around trying to find Michael, but he seemed to have disappeared into thin air! Panic struck me, and that's when I heard a rustling sound ahead. It went into those dense woods encircling the bus stop. Michael must have gone that way and without much thought I followed his trail. 

As I entered the woods, I could see a faint trail of footprints along the dusty country road. I quickly followed them and there he was, walking with his head down... immersed in deep thought. I wondered where he was going, there can't be any library nearby. There's hardly any habitation in this part of the country, only a deep stretch of endless woods everywhere. 

Is he going to meet someone? What if it's some girl? My heart sank at the thought and I wondered why I cared. Perhaps I'm just worried that I won't have a chance to talk to him if he meets someone here. However, my mind reminded me that there are better places for meeting than a wild and lonely woods. I continued following him, taking care not to raise any alarms and trying to prevent any rustling of bushes as I made my way towards Michael. 

Soon, we reached a dilapidated church flanked by a small graveyard. To my surprise, Michael went inside. So that's what his big secret is, I thought with a pang of sorrow and guilt, he visits someone's grave every month. I realized that it would be best if I waited outside and allowed him to pay his respects. 

Meanwhile, I took in the surroundings. There wasn't much to look at, apart from the dense forest all around, there's hardly any sign of habitation. I wondered what I would tell Michael once he comes out and 

I finally reveal myself. I haven't given it much of a thought, really…. I was probably waiting for some sort of an inspiration or getting brainstormed by a genius plan. Sofosys had told me to keep it simple and try to talk to him and get to know him better. He hadn't exactly suggested stalking him into forlorn woods. I wondered how he would feel, talking to a creepy stranger who has clearly followed him all the way to his secret ritual.

I won't lie, I feel a bit ashamed. I could have just tried talking to him on the campus, but somehow words always failed me when I approached him. Maybe it was because there's so much crowd here, I thought then. Maybe we could talk where there's less people around, I imagined. Look where it got me now.

I don't know how long I was waiting there, but dusk was falling and it added a gothic aura to the entire surroundings. Finally, I saw Michael coming out, he was headed in my direction. I quickly hid behind the bushes. He seemed to be really absent-minded and as he entered the woods, I again followed him back, working up the courage to strike a conversation. I would have to do it sooner or later, so why not now? With a firm decision, I came out in the open and placed a hand on Michael's shoulders. 

He screamed. It was expected, I sighed. 

It took a while for him to settle and calm down as he realised I wasn't a ghost. He flashed his torchlight on me and frowned. I realised, with a leap of heart, that he recognised me. 

"Just how did you find me. Why do you keep following me and... why do I find it so hard to push you away"? He said, bewildered.

"Cause you are my key" I whispered. I was surprised at my clear honesty. 

"Your what"? He asked and I gave a small smile. It would be so difficult to explain everything. 

"Listen, err... I know you must be thinking I am a crazy wo.." 

Then I heard the sound. The soft rustling of leaves and a hungry growl emanated from somewhere beyond me. I was quickly on my guard and as I looked around, my heart sank. 

There were atleast a dozen red gleaming eyes staring at us through the dark. I retreated slightly, Michael swearing behind me and I saw him flashing his torchlight along their way. 

"Are you crazy?" I hissed, putting his flashlight down, "do you want us to become more conspicuous?"

Michael mumbled something faintly. But it was too late. A dozen wolves were coming out of the bushes and glaring at us. They growled and I saw shiny, white, canines ready to pounce upon us. 

I tried to calm down while Michael was clearly shivering as he clung to me. As the wolves approached, I started to retreat back but I knew it was a futile attempt..my brain racking with a million thoughts, I have tamed wilder beasts than these in my lifetime, but that was when I was in full possession of my powers. My powers!

It hit me with a jolt. If Michael was really a key, can he help me pacify these wolves? It was worth a try as we didn't have any other option now. I shivered ever so slightly, it has been so long since I've spoken to animals...but I steadied myself.

"Hold my hand Michael." I said urgently.

"What? No... I understand we are going to die..but what good would it do for us to die holding our freaking hands!" Michael said with a quivering voice.

"Just do what I say!" I snapped. 

Reluctantly, he held my hand and taking a deep breath, I fixed my gaze upon the wolf infront of me. 

"Listen, calm down.. there's no need to panic" I said carefully, "We really mean no harm...we weren't trespassing, we were just lost. Yes, that's it..we were lost."

The wolves stopped. It had worked! A surge of happiness and relief passed through me as I realised, these beasts can understand what I have just said. 

The wolves looked at each other and a ferocious looking giant wolf came forward. 

"Who are you Human? And how are you speaking our tongue?" He said. 

"I am not a human. I am a Goblin Princess and I can speak with any animal or beast. I am bestowed with the powers to understand your kind. Please do not be afraid of me."  I said and slowly started moving towards the pack. 

I could feel Michael trying to move me away from them but I clutched his hands tightly. I would have plenty of time to explain later.

"We do not trust your Humankind. But you say you are not a human. Your friend seems to be one though." The wolf said.

"Don't mind him. He means no harm. I speak for us both." I replied confidently and moving forward, touched his mane. 

All the ferocity went out of the Wolf's eyes and he turned docile and a little sad. Before I asked anything, The Wolf said-

"You would have been distrustful, had you been in my place. We have suffered greatly at the hands of Humankind, they hunted and preyed upon us relentlessly while we were powerless. They killed our women and took away our children. They slaughtered our families. Now, as I speak, my youngest son lies grievously injured by a hunter's arrow. I don't know if he will make it through the night. Tell me, was it my fault to be hateful?"

The wolf's eyes shone with tears. My heart felt so heavy listening to him, what he said was completely true and beyond denial. 

He continued, "I know it isn't any of your fault...so I'll let you two pass."

I looked at Michael who looked thoroughly stunned, he was clearly confused about my conversation with the wolves. I filled him in and he asked in an incredulous voice, " You can talk to Wolves? How is that even possible?"

"I don't have time to explain all these. I will tell you later. Right now, we need to help them. I..I can't leave them like this. This Wolf's child is dying and I think I can help." I remarked. 

"But...but how? How can you heal a wolf? Do you have some secret healing powers.." His mouth remained wide open as realization dawned on him.

"Ofcourse! I wasn't dreaming or mistaken that day.  You do have secret healing powers, I knew it! On the day of the blast....you secretly healed your wounds!!" Michael was astounded. 

I gave him a tiny smile. He looked completely baffled. 

"Yes. And I can do a lot more." I replied, looking at him hopefully, "but none of those would be possible without you."