The Magical Herd

You turn to run. Stepping from the shadows was none other than Tesret, that creepy black mare of Marek's. But she was quicker than you were and no matter which way you turned she was there. Orma couldn't do much to help, the black mare seemed to be able to anticipate the moves of both of you.

"Stop it!" she commanded, and seeing that it wouldn't help to resist, you comply. You glare at the mare, daring her to take you back to her master when you notice her coat. It wasn't the flat black fur of Tesret, rather it shimmered strangely. The same was true of her mane and tail. This was not the same mare, but that bleeding eye...could there really be two mares like that?

"I am Ziakk. I see you have met my mother Tesret."

You tell her that you refuse to let Marek have you, that you don't want to have anything to do with him, and you certainly didn't have anything that he could possibly want. Ziakk just stared at you, that dead, bleeding eye seemingly staring right through you. You avert your own gaze, her shimmering form was hard for your eyes to grasp, it was as if she were made of black oil and your eyes simply slid right off her body.

"Marek is my father, but I am not loyal to his clan. I follow Vedek now."

You sigh, and mumble something about Vedek being all good and wonderful and would never harm a hair on your head. Ziakk nods, "Though you speak without sincerity, it is the truth. Vedek wishes you no harm. I will not take you by force, but I think that you will eventually go to him willingly. He can help you."

She waits a moment longer, to see if you change your mind, but you didn't want to have anything at all to do with this leagus rivalry and remain silent as well. Her body flowed, as if she had shrugged, then she turned and merged into the shadows of the forest. At least she kept her word, though you didn't doubt that she would be far behind, no matter where you went. Suddenly you just wanted to go home.