Aella (manxman) - ON HOLD - Chapter 42: Chapter 42

The night was too long. I was still tired and yet I couldn't go to sleep. How could I with Ceri thrown in another snare? All alone, beaten, burned and broken...
'Ceri, everything will be ok'
'You'll get out of this'
'You'll go back to Alev, he's so eager to see you'
I kept trying to reassure him, asking him simple questions just to keep him talking. He sounded too tired to talk every time. At least I got him to eat and drink. I believe they didn't usually feed the ones they capture, but that Aella hunter, Trin, decided to feed us. I'm so glad she did because I wasn't sure when was the last time Ceri ate anything.
I couldn't tell how many Aellas were guarding us since they stopped talking to us. The only thing I managed to know, is that Cailyn was asking for an audience with Sosanbra for days now, and they kept denying him. My guess would be the fact that most of them didn't consider her to be their Leader anymore, and they didn't want the Aellos to know that yet.
"Ithel?"
"Yes!"
"............ Just checking"
"I'm here, I' not going anywhere without you, Ceri. Please try to get some sleep, ok?"
"... ok"
He sounded so depressed. Sleeping would do him so much good now. It will help him heal and get him faster through this torturous wait, but...... I hope he doesn't get any nightmares.
I wished I could fall asleep too because every second that went by, I wasn't thinking about how to get out of here. I wasn't pondering on our future. My mind was rather stuck at what the Aella hunter Trin said when she checked him earlier. She said he had scratches on his manhood and belly, and deeper cuts on his lower back
My limbs tingled and my muscles tensed. I started breathing heavily again, feeling my insides burn with anger.
That treacherous beast... she stole him from my own den and then she tortured him!
How far did she go? What did she do exactly... How much did my sweet Aella endure????
And that was how I spent that night as well as the next day, trying but failing to stop imagining all the ways he could've gotten every single injury that my mate suffered.
Today, it was Aella hunter Preeta who guarded us. Such a welcoming growl, she had. She gave us water only once, but didn't feed us. Well, she didn't feed me. I wasn't certain about Ceri and I didn't dare ask if he was hungry. I felt so incompetent! What was I to say to him or do if he said that he was hungry???
I promised to protect him, to feed and clothe him... And yet here he was. Trapped in an animal's snare with clothes half torn, a burnt foot and an empty stomach!
I asked Preeta if they contacted Cailyn, if they could check on Ceri's injuries again, if they could allow his aunt Halina to see him... I was met with no answers, only snarls and 'scary' threats.
As the afternoon progressed though, the Aellas were more restless. Trin hadn't come back yet, I believe she would've checked on me even briefly if she did. But the other Aella hunters were whispering, coming and going. And by the end of the afternoon, an unprecedented thing happened.
I was slowly walking around my snare, trying to watch around us in order to keep track of the Aellas the best I could. And that was when I saw two streams of smoke, traveling side by side and reaching for the sky, one was red, the other black.
I gasped, my eyes fixed on them.
"What happened???" I yelled at whoever was still watching over us.
Not a couple of minutes later did Preeta approach me with a hateful glare, "We should ask you! What's the meaning of this?? Is your Leader declaring war? Was this your plan all along!!"
I frowned. She was furious, but not only that. She was scared. For the first time since I met her, she didn't look like the 'younger inexperienced hunter', as her friends called her. She looked like a mother scared for her children.
"SPEAK!!!", and now she was getting frightened. Another hunter, who I never met before, appeared beside her, holding the same expression.
I sighed. Cailyn, what have you done?
"I have no knowledge of this, but Cailyn must have his reasons to-"
"To call for a war against our clan!!!", Preeta seethed, and the other one ran around my snare, leaving the forest behind her, which only meant that she went to the mountain just behind us.
I turned to Preeta and kept my voice calm.
"I don't believe Cailyn has any intention to start a war. The fire only means that he's calling for his most trusted Aellos."
"IT's not the only one!", the other Aella yelled. A moment later she confirmed, "Seven! They lit seven fires"
Preeta turned to me, as if I knew or was able to do anything while I was thrown into a lion's snare with my hands tied behind my back!
"You dare pretend nothing wrong is happening!!!"
I looked at the fire once again, red and black dancing towards the sky. Then I let my back rest on the wall and I slid down to sit.
"You don't trust me, Aella hunter, but here's what I truly think. Cailyn was looking for Ceri, but when he couldn't find him anywhere, he must've talked to your clan. Aella Trin said so herself. But days passed and Ceri was still missing, so Cailyn reached out for you again. He then learned about the messy situation in your clan since you kept denying him an audience with your Leader. Instability leads to weakness, and in order not to risk you being attacked by some opportunistic and violent Aellos, Cailyn is calling for his reinforcements to take control of the situation."
"Take control? We don't need his help!! More Aellos means more threat to all of us!"
I didn't answer her. It was useless to try to convince her or even explain to her. The most important thing, for now, is that Ceri was still enduring his pain. I just hope we resolve this before my sweet mate gets too weak to live.
I've never witnessed the seven fires being lit before. I only knew that it was a way to gather the Aellos in times of distress. It was indeed alarming that Cailyn decided to call for the Aellos to get back from the neighboring islands and assist him.
Was he really starting a war against the Aellas' clan?? No, he'd never......... What if he heard of what happened to Ceri and decided to intimidate the Aellas for it, or worse, punish them?
As much as I'd revel in Drita being punished severely and torturously, I knew that my clan was never the kind to pack and army against the Aellas just for the honor of one Aello. We were different than the women. While hurting one of them would bring the wrath of all other sisters, hurting an Aello will result in......... well, hurting that Aello. We weren't a pack of wolves, we were lions and tigers. Each for his own since the day they pass their Prueba. If anything, being overpowered by an Aella never gained sympathy for the Aello. On the contrary, the clan would be ashamed of him and even the Leader wouldn't associate himself with the weak.
Our tribe wasn't one of fairness and kindness, it was rather attracted to strength, dominance, and fertility. Cailyn is actually considered to be a soft Leader compared to his father, even though I've seen him fight and beat other Aellos to death on occasions.
How will he react to this... how will he react to everything that happened to Ceri and me?
I sincerely had no idea. All I was certain of, was that Cailyn cherished the peace between the two clans more than anything.
"Ceri?"
"... Yes?"
"Just checking", I said jokingly.
He didn't answer for a moment, so I asked. "How's your foot? Does it still hurt?"
He hummed in response.
"Do you still have a fever?"
"...... I don't think so". He sounded very frail, though. I wanted to ask about every bruise he had, but I didn't want to depress him further. "Ceri, could you gently check your foot for me, please? Is the injury clean? Does it look infected?"
After a moment, he answered with a "No" that relieved me a little. At least, he wasn't getting worse, and I believe I had Aella Trin to thank for that because she was the one who treated his injuries yesterday.
"Ithel?"
"Yes!"
"........."
"I'm here, Ceri"
"How long will we remain here?"
My chest tightened as I tried to answer him the best I could.
...... "Not long, Ceri. Cailyn will know about us if he doesn't already. He'll tell Alev and they'll help us", they'll help you, "So bear with this a little bit longer, ok? Drink all your water if you haven't yet"
He hummed in response.
"Get some sleep, my friend". My mate, my love, my family... "Tomorrow will be better"
I squeezed my eyes shut and tried not to cry. It wouldn't feel in such pain if I was in this alone. I wish the pain was only physical, I wish I didn't sound so helpless! I wish I wasn't this powerless. I wish I took care of my mate the way he deserved! I wish I protected him more!
...... I wish I had him in my arms right now, I'd hug him and keep him warm. I'd make sure he doesn't have any nightmares. I would've given him my bread of yesterday to eat and get stronger
My heart squeezed in my chest again. All I could do was give him empty words. Words of a hope that I couldn't secure. How could I tell him the truth? It was obvious, and he knew it, but how could I say it? I couldn't tell him that we might be killed... I just couldn't
~~~~~~
The next day started the same. Some water, no food. Preeta's 'cheerful presence, a couple of others coming and going, but no trace of Aella Trin. No one agreed to check closer on Ceri for me and tell me how he was. Trin would've probably done so if she was here. Maybe she wasn't in charge anymore. I asked Ceri and he said that was doing alright. But he sounded so frail. Our situation was getting too dangerous. They haven't ordered our death yet, but we were getting closer to it the more they starved us.
It was past mid-day and the red and black fire was still active, meaning that Cailyn was very serious about calling in the Aellos from other islands.
"I should kill you two right now, just to prove that we can be as strong and merciless as your clan!"
I almost rolled my eyes at Preeta's threats. I wasn't impressed in the least. I only hoped she stopped spouting her venom because I was sure she was scaring my mate.
"Or maybe kill just one of you and keep the other to bargain with. In that case, I should start with the younger boy. I doubt the Leader would move a finger to claim him back after what happened to him-"
"You leave him out of this!!"
"Huh, now you get worked up? You like defending the pathetic, don't you?"
"Stop it-"
"HOW DOES IT FEEL, AELLO? How does it feel to be pushed on your back by another?? You think it's unfair? You find that evil? What about the Aellas who get beaten and forced by the likes of you EVEN DURING THEIR AGAPE!!"
I glared back at her. That was no excuse to hurt the innocent. My clan is violent and it clan can be merciless. But my Ceri is pure
He's not cruel or vicious like most Aellos
He doesn't hold grudges like the Aellas
He just wants to live in peace, with me...
"You may find this unfair, Aello. It is indeed. But what happened here is NOTHING compared to the suffering of my clan for ages by your hands. That is why you both deserve death and more!"
"I didn't know the Aellas made you their Leader. I was certain such an important matter needs my approval first."
Preeta raised her weapon and jumped around immediately. She was nicely startled by a very serious looking Cailyn, striding towards her and making her take a few steps back. As soon as I saw him, I breathed in relief.
I wasn't yet sure how this would go, but this was our best chance.
Just a little more, Ceri. Just a bit more.
"How dare you trespass-"
Cailyn scoffed and interrupted her, "Trespass? Maybe you shouldn't hold the position of a hunter if you don't even recognize the Leader of your tribe!"
There was sarcasm in his voice, but as usual, his sarcasm was bathed in threats.
"I know who you are and you're still not allowed into the Aellas' territory!!"
He folded his arms and shifted his weight on one leg, taking a more daring yet relaxed pose.
"Who's going to stop me? ..... You? I'd like to see you try, little girl"
A few chuckles broke and they sounded like men voices. I couldn't see them, but I guessed Cailyn didn't venture in here on his own. Preeta gritted her teeth in anger and took a fighting stance. Yet before she could do anything, Trin's voice made her halt.
"Lower your weapon, Preeta, and don't be foolish."
"..... Trin?? YOU BROUGHT THEM HERE!!!!?"
"I said lower your weapon!"
Preeta looked confused. I almost expected her to attack Trin instead, but the Aella actually did as told and looked at Trin questioningly.
"Trin... what's the meaning of this???"
A few other Aellas gathered behind Preeta, staring at Cailyn and Trin with eyes that held many feelings, anger, fear, confusion, betrayal...
Trin went to speak, but it was Cailyn who had the upper hand now. "I'm taking control of your clan", many started arguing, making Cailyn raise his voice, "FOR NOW. Since I became Leader, I let the Aellas manage their clan and I never interfered more than necessary. But it came to my attention that you're not capable of safeguarding your territory and properly protect the women and children anymore."
"We don't need the Aellos' help to-"
"HUNTERS FROM BOTH CLANS ARE COMING AND GOING AS THEY PLEASE!!!!"
No one dared to breathe after his voice boomed around us angrily. The Aellas frowned guiltily, looking like they have failed despite their numerous efforts.
Aella Emer took a non-threatening step forward and spoke calmly. "We recognize your authority as the Leader of the tribe. We might've had some troubles lately, but we're taking care of it-"
"You ran out of time, Aella. The Aellos know that there's something wrong with your clan and there's even talk from both sides about the Agape not taking place! I will not allow that, nor will most of the men! The Aellas have the right to visit the forest and choose a mate, and the Aellos have the right to see their children and mate as well. The situation is escalating gravely and you cannot solve it on your own anymore!"
"Leader, please understand that your presence here sends a message to all Aellos telling them that it's alright for them to invade us-"
"No one will walk in or out of your territory without my permission anymore. I've secured your border already. More of my trusted men will be here soon and they'll reinforce order until everything goes back to normal. I'm advising all Aellas to stay as close to the mountain as possible for a while"
"You can't imprison us in our own land!!", one of the other hunters argued.
"I can and I will if it will keep this tribe from falling into chaos!"
"The Aellos are the ones causing trouble! If you just keep them away from us-"
"I do that eleven months, Every year!! This is your own fault, so stop throwing blame like children!! When I, the Leader of the tribe, ask for a damn audience, you bring your Leader to me! You can even carry her and drop her to my feet, for all I care. If you have problems inside your clan and you don't trust your Leader to be one anymore, you inform ME! But what you cannot do, is keep me waiting! In just a few days, the Aellos became restless. Talks about the Agape not taking place and you being weaker are spreading and a few tried to sneak their way into your territory. I stopped them, and I'm taking control until I can trust you're safe AND that you'll be making reasonable choices from now on."
"Trin.... You agreed on this?"
"This is the best solution for now", Trin answered. And Cailyn continued, "I still have faith in the Aella hunters the most. I believe all you need is some help until a proper Aella Leader is chosen. Those of you who will comply, will have my protection and the honor of keeping the tribe safe from the turbulence that it will befall us if we don't act now. Those of you who don't, they won't have the privilege of being a hunter anymore. They'll go back to being secluded on the mountain like you Aellas love to be."
"I guess you'll be the one to choose the next Leader of the Aellas?", Emer said.
"Yes. The next Leader needs to be approved by me. But I'll give the Aellas some time to make their choice first. I understand a few names are spoken of, but the Aellas are still very torn about this?"
"Many believe an Aella hunter should command-"
"Definitely not!", Cailyn interrupted Preeta instantly. "Aella hunters are good at what they do. Feed the Aellas and protect the land. What I need, is someone who I can negotiate with. Just choose a new girl who's beautiful and with a sharp tongue like you always do."
Trin didn't approve of Cailyn's words. "Our Leaders are not girls!"
Cailyn rolled his eyes, "You always choose based on youth, fertility, and beauty. Just find someone who most of you agree on. I'll have an audience with her and give you my decision.", and then he pointed his finger at them assertively, "This matter needs to be closed before the Agape"
He looked around him until the Aellas nodded. They didn't seem to like any of this, but having Cailyn right here with his men didn't leave them much of a choice. And that's exactly how Cailyn 'negotiates' with the Aellas. In our clan, anyone who doesn't fall in line, they're beaten into submission by force. That's how the Leader asserts his superiority. The Aellas, however, don't operate like that. I heard Cailyn say that the Aellas need to be overpowered by the mind and not only strength. So he plans in advance, he tests their limit, and he corners them into 'choosing' the option that suits him. Just like he did when he sent Ceri to make the Aellas send a few children to their fathers for a day. Cailyn may do that a bit discreetly and gently, but he doesn't look ready to back down today. The security and peace of the whole tribe are at risk. He's being final in his words and decisions. I just hope that Ceri's safety and mine are part of his plan.
~~~~~~~
The first time Cailyn looked at me, he was tense. He wasn't happy to see me and I understood that. He ordered everyone to give him privacy and the Aellas obeyed reluctantly.
They were already gone, but he still glared down at me. Go ahead, start the scolding and let's get this over with. I'm frankly too hungry and worried about Ceri to care.
"Do you have ANY IDEA how much trouble you've caused? I've always thought you were better than so many Aellos in many ways! I thought you were smarter and wiser, yet here you are! Dropped into a snare like an animal!"
I stared back at him calmly. He was right about some of what he said, mainly the fact that it wasn't very clever to end up where I was. But I didn't show him weakness. My heart was settled and my conscience was clear. And if I had to do it again, I'd do exactly this, jump into the forbidden and get my Aella back.
Nothing could've gotten between me and my resolve. Not fear, not logic, and certainly not the laws of our tribe. For as much as I respected them, some things were just more valuable.
So I listened with calm attention at Cailyn's scolding. And when he finished, or maybe he was just taking a breath, I interjected.
"I will take your punishment, Leader"
He scoffed, "You won't be able to handle my punishments, Ithel!"
I twitched at that. I wasn't less than any of the other Aellos. I was even considered well stronger than average and he knew that. I could take any punishment he decides whether it was beating, starvation, exile or whatever. The punishment might ruin my life, but I will take it happily, with my head held high, simply because I'd be saving him.
"Like I said, I'm ready to-"
"You don't even realize the severity of the situation!"
"If it's my head that you'll claim, then so be it."
"Acting stubborn and indifferent will only anger me more! You've never been so stupid, what is wrong with you!!?"
"I'm not being indifferent, Leader. The law's been broken and I'm ready to pay the price. I'll do whatever it takes, I just ask for one thing"
"You dare ask?"
"Yes, I do. I'm not asking, Leader. I'm demanding justice. Ceri was wronged and tortured by and Aella-"
"I don't want to hear that story!-"
"It's not a story, it's the truth! That hound named Drita came to my den and she took him and brought him here! She tortured him for a week!! Now she roams freely while we're the ones who get punished??"
"That's a pathetic excuse, I don't want to hear it!"
"IT'S THE TRUTH! You're the tribe's Leader, you're supposed to bring justice-"
"I'm supposed to keep the tribe ALIVE!!!", he yelled angrily and I almost gaped at him. He never yelled at me like that before, or more like, I never pushed him to.
When I didn't say anything, he continued, less loudly but not less angrily.
"By coming here, you gave the other Aellos the idea that they can without trouble invade this land and get what they want! A few tried already, and if I haven't acted fast, more will follow and there will be chaos! The men've been deprived of their needs for a year, you think they'll hesitate to turn savage? Especially with the talk about canceling the Agape!"
"The Agape is NOT important!"
"Of course you'd say that. You never cared about the Aellas in the first place. You don't see how important this month is! It's the only hope for the progression of our tribe. Diseases, weather, animals... we have to survive despite all of that!"
He breathed heavily, before shaking his head disappointingly, "I had plans for this Agape... Things were about to change for the better, but now? We're lucky if we prevent a war!!!"
After a moment of silence, I tried with a calm, surrendering tone, hoping that would ease his anger and make him see reason.
"Leader, please... Just look at Aello Ceri. Look at his injuries and you'll see-"
"I don't want to see!"
Heavens, if only he could reassure me of Ceri's health... Also if he saw how much he's suffering, maybe it will convince him to at least take Ceri back with him.
"At least check on him and tell me if he's alright! Leader, please?"
"Check on him? I don't want to look at him!!! He's caused so much damage to this tribe so far!"
I sighed, really exasperated of everyone's behavior. "You don't mean that. He's one of your men. He's been loyal to you and he accomplished more than any of us could. You're just angry-"
"Yes I'm furious and for a good reason!!! He almost got his father killed. AGAIN!!"
"Alev??"
He gritted his teeth and shout-whispered. "As soon as he heard, he walked straight into this territory! If I hadn't already set my men, he would've been caught by the Aellas! He survived breaking the rules with Aella Dilara. Both clans would NEVER let him go alive if he makes another mistake!"
"Is...... is he alright?"
"He beat up three other Aellos. It took a few to take him back to the village. So now I'm keeping my own friend imprisoned!!! THIS IS FAR FROM IDEAL!!"
Ceri... I hope he didn't hear this. I wonder what he'd be feeling right now if he knew...
"Alev is the only reason I am here right now. I promised I'd make sure his son is still alive myself. But I cannot promise I can save you two. There's too much online already-"
"What will you tell Halina?", Ceri suddenly said. His voice so weak, but weirdly enough, he wasn't stuttering. The Leader frowned deeply and looked at his direction, refusing to go meet him.
"What did you say??", Cailyn asked irritably.
"Halina. She will ask about me. About what happened to me. What will you tell her?"
"I'll tell her you were weak and stupid enough to get yourself in trouble!"
"......... She told me to trust you. She said if I needed anything, that I shouldn't hesitate to look for you. She trusted you and she was certain that you'd keep me safe"
"I don't care what she thinks"
"You do care, Leader. You love her so much, just like my father loved my mother. You love her so much, that you're about to challenge the laws and take her as your mate for the fourth year in a row on the next Agape."
Cailyn seemed taken by surprise. "How did you know that??"
"........."
My Aella didn't answer for a long moment. He was breathing heavily and his voice getting weaker. He needed food and attention. He needed help!
"You told me that yourself, Leader. You trusted me and you told me that when you were explaining how you wanted our tribe to progress."
"Whatever. I don't see how any of this is relevant to-"
"Halina, Epona, Vreis. They'll all ask you about how I died. They already know I'm here and in trouble. In a couple of hours, they'll know that you came all this way. They'll know that you chose not to save us. The Aellas always know eventually"
Cailyn looked so angry, yet torn. I couldn't believe that Ceri was threatening the Leader using Halina! She indeed is Cailyn's favorite. He's been using Ceri to change the tribe, sure, but it wasn't just for the tribe's sake. It was for his own.
"Also," Ceri continued, talking slower from exhaustion, "They all know about Drita."
"If I attack an Aella hunter at this sensitive times, it will be a clear call for a war!!"
Ceri didn't answer. He was too tired already. Heavens, I hope he was still alright...
I was so proud of him and I didn't want his efforts to go to vain, so I continued instead, "That Aella trespassed into your territory-"
"No one saw her and there's no proof!"
"Doesn't matter. The Aellas know that already. Aella hunter Trin believes us, and I'm certain others will as well. I don't think the Aellas will believe that Ceri came all the way here on his own without a guide, escaping the eyes of both Aellos and Aellas. So what you have now, is an Aella who's challenged your laws-"
He scoffed, "You're going that far, are you?"
I looked at him with determination, "Leader, you know we're innocent. Please use your strength to save the honor of the clan"
"......... also Halina", a sweet weak voice reminded.
The Leader rolled his eyes. I sincerely feared that he might lash out on Ceri, but he didn't. He actually looked more like his usual self now. The tension lessened in his shoulders and his stance, but the dilemma wasn't over yet.
"You look terrible", he said to me. I smirked and straightened my back. If he saves us, he'll be earning two strong loyal Aellos, and not weak burdens. Cailyn knew I was a good addition to this tribe and so was Alev. And the only way not to lose Alev was to save his son.
Cailyn sighed and ran his hand over his face, "I'll try to save whomever I can. Things are escalating and it will become severe if I don't gain both the Aellas' and the Aellos' confidence. I can't promise you anything, though. I need to negotiate with the Aellas and the priority goes to the tribe. There are priorities, and the peace is more important than any of us"
I nodded. Peace was more important than Ceri and I. That made sense coming from the Leader of the tribe, but I just couldn't believe he might sacrifice Ceri for the wellbeing of others.
"Leader," I whispered, "Please save him"
He gave me a long sympathetic look before he stepped away and disappeared.
From the way he gazed at me, I knew. He was aware of my feelings. I wasn't just intrigued or attracted to Ceri, I wasn't only trying to steal what wasn't mine. I loved him. and I hoped that was enough to make the Leader save my Aella.