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Lexi’s blade was more in alignment with what we were. She had told me its name was Skoldolfr, but she called it Little Wolf most of the time. Even if the word translated more to ‘Protector Wolf.’
I was uncertain how this new talent would work once we got back home. Magic like this bent and changed according to its environment. This was a primitive planet. Which meant the weapons were more like knives and swords. On Earth, technology was much more sophisticated. I wondered if she could do something with the guns and more dangerous weapons we had there.
I shook my head. Only time would tell.
Shanni's scream filled the air, the sound shaking me out of my reverie. I took off in the direction they had gone, with Grulp right on my heels.
The little girl shouted again, this time sounding angry. I couldn't tell what she was saying. Lexi must have been with her, as she was talking to someone. Unfortunately, her voice was so quiet that I couldn’t make out her words.
Bursting into a small clearing, I saw a giant beast standing facing my sister, with the little girl standing behind it. Every time Shanni attempted to rush around it, it shifted its stance, keeping itself in front of her and away from Lexi.
Lexi’s knife was out, and I swore it sang of death. It wanted blood, as did Eri, thrumming in his sheath on my back. I was going to keep my sword there for as long as possible.
Grulp shoved me to one side and stalked into the clearing, spitting his words out at the enormous cat-like beast. I swear it was tall enough for the man to ride, its shoulder standing close to five feet high.
Its mottled yellow and brown coat reminded me of a leopard’s, blending in with the leaves of the forest. But the resemblance ended with that. It had a voluminous mane that surrounded its head and the hair traveled on down its spine, changing texture so that it stood upright like a mohawk. Its tail was more like a horse’s, though, with silky white hairs that flowed down to the ground, sweeping behind it.
I suddenly realized that, with a few sweeps of those hairs, its footsteps would disappear. I studied it as Tamerin moved up next to me.
“That is a lecanifer. They are rare and are not native to this planet. There are a few, though, that live high in the mountains. Why this one traveled down this far is curious. They are more intelligent than most species. Look at its paws. Under all the hair, they have fingers and opposable thumbs, along with claws. They can build and produce tools and shelters. Just because they might look like an animal, don’t make the mistake they are. Their intelligence would rival yours.”
Standing up straighter, my eyes widen in surprise. I didn’t take my eyes from the beast—person?—but I acknowledged what Tamerin had said.
Something poked me inside my mind; the gigantic head swinging around to meet my eyes. When I met its lime green gaze, I was mentally sucked into a strange connection, our minds merging in that moment.
Lexi realized what had happened and tried to listen in via our bond. Even while doing that, she kept her focus on the danger in front of her, her knife still out.
The lecanifer let out a low purr, and her blade’s tone changed, singing in harmony. Eri quieted on my back, letting me know that it felt the danger was gone.
My sister stared down at the weapon in her hand in surprise. The hum changed once more, becoming soothing. Welcoming.
She exhaled, sheathing it when the hum died away to silence.
A series of amused huffs filled my head, which I took as laughter.
“Skol won’t slay this—entity. He is indicating that there is a misunderstanding, but I am not sure what it is.” Lexi stated, resigned. Her weapon had told her it wouldn’t protect her against the beast?
Wait… Her knife was talking to her?
The lecanifer slowly blinked its eyes, the color changing to a darker green. Shanni sat on the ground behind it, quiet for once, gazing around at us, one thumbnail in her mouth.
Grulp knelt in front of it, his head bowed as he mumbled something. A rough growl was the beast’s response. The clan leader replied, somehow understanding the creature.
“Heard—” He started saying before halting, the English words not coming to him. He shook his head in frustration.
The little girl sighed and then spoke for him. “Lecanifer found out about humans. Wanted to meet you. Wants to learn about your—home?” She glanced over at my sister, who nodded, encouraging her to continue. “Heard me coming. Thought I was you, Sorree. Is very sorry to scare us.”
Shanni shrugged, standing up once again, one tiny hand stroking the creature’s hind leg. She said something to it, pointing at her father and the beast lowered its head a little, rumbles emanating from its throat. Shanni scampered over to her father, who pulled her up against his leg.
Wait? Me? Why me?
A voice sounded clear in my mind.
Tell silly father of cub that no harm will come to her. The lecanifer looked back at me, its eyes going back to lime green. Human, you hear me?
I turned to peer behind me. Who? I slowly swung my head back around to stare at the lecanifer. Everyone’s eyes were on me, but I wouldn’t look away from the beast sitting in front of me.
I tapped twice on my chest with one finger in disbelief and he huffed out another laugh.
