Aella (manxman) - ON HOLD - Chapter 34: Chapter 34

I looked at the horizon beyond the sea from above the big tree, his favorite tree. I prayed for the spirits, even Ceri's mother, and I waited for some kind of a sign or revelation, but nothing happened. I didn't know where to head next. Everywhere was still a possibility, even though Alev and some other Aellos were helping in the search.
How could more than five good hunters sweep the area and not find anything, not a single trace?
And that was when it hit me.
Maybe we haven't found him because he was beyond our reach. We were many to look, but there was a whole territory that was forbidden for us. It wasn't as large as the Aello territory, but large enough for hunting......... and hiding
It had to be her. I was more certain now than ever. And even though the mere idea of it terrorized me, it now seemed like the most plausible solution.
I climbed down the huge, thick tree and jumped off it. Then without hesitation, I rushed to the perimeter of our land.
I didn't stop to inform anyone or even try to send a message to Alev. If my assumption was wrong, Alev may get in real trouble since this wouldn't be his first mishap with the Aellas. Who knew what punishment they would deem appropriate to him this time?
No, Alev needed to remain safe. My Ceri needed his father, and I'd never do anything that would wound his innocent heart.
And if Cailyn heard about this, he'd never let me do it. He may even prohibit me by force just to protect the sweet relationship he thinks he managed to establish with the children bearers. The most Cailyn would do, is call a meeting with Leader Sosanbra. And from what Ceri told me, she didn't have the reigns tight on her clan lately. The politeness of our Leaders as they'll try to navigate to a decision will cost me so much precious time.
I couldn't put Alev in harm's way and I couldn't wait for the two lions to negotiate. Especially if my doubts were true. For, in that case, the real culprit will be alarmed, and she might do anything to remain unexposed.
By the time I stepped into the Aella territory, it was past sunset. Instead of making a torch, I preferred moving in the dark. There were certainly Aella hunters surveying somewhere. My guess was that they'd be more focused on guarding their precious mountain. Or more like, the path that Ceri told me about, the only way up to the Aellas' village.
I couldn't search well when the night was darkest. Still, I reached the shore and decided to follow it and go the deepest possible in this unfamiliar territory. I was so determined, that I only noticed how tired I was when my legs almost gave out. I've been running for a day and a half now without any food or water. I knew if I kept acting like this, I'd be unable to pursue my Ceri any longer. So I chose a tall tree and climbed it, and then I rested for an hour. I monitored the area as far as I could see from the top of the tree, looking for any movement, light from a torch or other. But all I saw, was the faint light from a very high spot, which I assumed was where the Aellas lived.
'Don't look so worried, Ithel. If you can't claim me on the next Agape, I will claim you'
I woke up with a jolt when his sweet voice tickled my senses, and a lump formed in my throat when I realized that I was just dreaming.
Not just any dream, it was the memory of his delicious promise. Something that I wished I could see one day, him claiming me. I had wondered if his tender shyness would actually allow him to ask me to be his mate. That would be a sight to cherish.
I looked up to see that the sun still hadn't risen yet, but soon would be. I hurried to climb down the tree. And I took advantage of the slowly growing sunlight to carefully explore this unfamiliar territory.
I climbed countless trees to get a better look at my surroundings. Until now, everything that I saw moving was either an Aella-hunter or an animal. Each time either one was near, I had to wait and make sure they wouldn't find me. From the Aella's movement, I figured the direction to the mountain pass, as they mostly went that way while carrying food.
I stayed as far as possible from them. I didn't have time to be chased by them. And time was the most torturous thing right now because my hope weakened when I realized that my sweet Aella has been missing for more than three days.
Think, Ithel. Think...
Where would your Ceri be?
It was getting late when I came across a small spring of water. It was leaking out of a tiny crack in the side of the mountain, away from the entry and where I saw the few other hunters. It was much farther, on the side of the mountain. Despite my agony, I stopped to eat a fruit and drink the water because I was getting dangerously dehydrated and I needed to keep going. Which made me wonder if he was thirsty
I wanted to yell his name high and ask him to call for me. Tell him that I wasn't far and that he shouldn't lose hope. I wanted to scream and beg for him to be back
Nevertheless, before my desperation led me to expose myself in the land of the Aellas, something happened.
I saw her.
I'd never forget those eyes, with the wicked, controlling aura that I always felt hidden deeply in them. I immediately ducked and hid behind a set of rocks and bushes. I heard her feet thumping in haste as she came closer and then walked past me. I leaned out, enough to see her leave. She was walking in stride, hurrying in the direction of the path that leads to the Aellas.
I started to follow her and tracked her very carefully. She had an acute sense of awareness of her surroundings, so I had to remain far enough in order not to be noticed by her. And it worked for a while. I started plotting to attack her and force her to reveal where she took my Ceri. I wondered how long it would take to get her to talk. It would certainly take much more time than I was willing to waste. I didn't know the Aella hunters well, but this one looked even more experienced and stubborn than the others. Besides that, I was in her territory and she had an advantage. And the more we advanced, the riskier it was to come across others of her kind. I would lose all hope if the other hunters interfered.
All of this was based on my own assumption as I still had no proof that she had anything to do with Ceri's disappearance. Maybe Alev found him already? Heavens, I truly hoped so.
......... And yet my heart insisted that she was the reason behind this mess. I wanted to face her so much, but she wasn't my priority. My priority was a certain blond headed man, sitting alone somewhere, ..................... hopefully still alive
That thought made my stomach ache instantly and I felt like I wanted to vomit. I stopped just in time as I caught up with Drita, only to find that she came across another hunter and they were talking.
I remained still as a rock, trying to listen in on them. I couldn't hear everything, but Drita asserted that they needed to reinforce the surveillance. The hunter looked confused, saying it could be a mistake as the Agape was nearing and the Aellos wouldn't usually try to trespass this time of the year.
Even without hearing everything they said, I was certain they had found my trace somewhere. I was very careful at first, but in my haste, I may have left footprints behind me. And this was confirmed when the other Aella spoke about the traces being hectic and with no specific destination.
They both agreed on sending more hunters to check different areas of their territory. And that was when Drita said that she was taking care of the east-southern region, that she was there the whole day and she noticed nothing suspicious in that area. Then she added that she will go back there soon and keep watch as long as needed.
This was the first piece of evidence I had about his whereabouts. Drita deserved to disappear from the world for what she did, what she was still doing. But she had to wait. Despite the rage and fear that coiled in my insides, I felt some relief.
I retreated silently, careful not to alarm them. As soon as I was far enough, I took off sprinting. Reason would suggest going slower and making sure not to leave any more traces, but time was getting more and more critical and I had a whole area to go through before that wicked woman came back.
Hold on, my mate,
I will find you