Gifts and Sacrifices

Enter Alina

 

By Catherine Angley

AKA Ulisa Barbic

ulisabarbic@angelfire.com

 

Part Two: Red on White

 

Chapter One: Loyalty Breeds Bravery

 

            Sunni and Buddi stood on the bridge of Ursalia, alone. It was early morning. The Glens would have to leave soon. But Buddi and Sunni wanted some time together first. The two sat down by the edge, letting their feet dangle over. Sunni still looked tired but Buddi didn’t. He hadn’t told anyone but after Missy showed up, he hadn’t gone back to sleep. Just laid in the dark, thinking.

            “Buddi?”

            “Yeah?”

            “Are…are you afraid?”

            “Yes.”

            “I thought you Barbics weren’t afraid of anything.”

            “We fear. Just don’t admit it.”

            Sunni smiled and leaned against Buddi. She noted the circles under his eyes.

            “Tired?’

            “No.”

            “You look tired.”

            “You sound like Ursa.”

            Sunni laughed. “No, but you just aren’t as energetic as you usually are.”

            “Who is before the sun’s awake?”

            “Good point. But…you’re usually playing your flute.”

            Buddi growled. “I know. I lost it last night after we got caught.”

            Sunni looked down. “I’m sorry, Buddi. Really. But you looked so curious and I thought it might-“

            “Nah, it’s all right.”

            “Really?”

            “Sure. Ursa forgets that when she takes my music away I have to find something else to do. And that usually involves bugging her.”

            Sunni laughed. “I’m the same way with Gruffi. They don’t keep me grounded for long.”

            Buddi smiled at her. “Guess we both know our way with adults, huh?”

            Sunni nodded. She felt Buddi squeeze her shoulder, comfortingly. Buddi must have been terrified; she’d seen him panic the night before. But that was what made Barbics different. They seemed endless in strength. Sunni smiled to herself. But even now, terrified himself and fighting tears, Buddi had strength he could spare.

            “What time are you guys leaving?”

            Sunni snapped out of her thoughts and said,

            “Oh, Gruffi said right after we eat.”

            “Oh,” His face fell. “I was hoping we could have some fun.”

            Sunni sighed. “It stinks that you live so far away. Calla’s a good friend but…when I’m with you I feel like you really understand me.”

            Buddi stared at her. She was leaning against him, breathing slowly. Her eyes were half closed. He found he missed her already and she hadn’t even left. He felt like…oh, what was wrong with him? He had missed her lately and now she was still here and he was already starting to miss her.

            “So, Sunni? Will I see you again?”

            She sighed, “Don’t know. Gruffi was pretty mad that I left my boots behind. He said that I could have frozen my feet. Doesn’t he know that I know that?”

            Buddi laughed. “Probably. He just likes reminding you.”

            Sunni rolled her eyes. “Well, they said I can’t come here without one of them anymore. And…they don’t like to make a trip like that.”

            Buddi groaned. “And I don’t think I can go to your place alone either.”

            The two said as one, “Adults.”

            “What about them?”

            Sunni had leaned against Buddi’s back as they spoke and at hearing those two voices the two were startled and collapsed to the ground, flat on their backs. As they got up they heard chuckling, one male and one female. They turned and Ursa and Gruffi helped them up.

            Buddi looked directly at Ursa. “How long have you two been listening?”

            She smiled. “Long enough.”

            Buddi crossed his arms and for a brief minute Ursa truly saw his Barbic heritage, in those bright eyes of his. She looked at him with smirk for a moment before mimicking his moves. He seemed surprised a moment, then said, “Oh very funny. Ha ha.”

            The two turned to Gruffi and Sunni. Gruffi was trying to tell her something but she did something that she normally would not do. But for some reason, being with these Barbics made her more daring. She normally would not have done that little adventure last night either but Buddi made her wild side come out.

            She plugged her ears and said what Buddi always had said when he was younger when Ursa came to get him for bed,

            “I can’t h--ea--r you.”

            The, she swiftly ran and darted behind Buddi.

            She hide behind him and then slipped her arms under his and made an x across his chest saying,

            “No! Mercy. I am protected.”

            Buddi looked at her. Gruffi chuckled. “I’m not afraid of you or Buddi, Sunni Gummi.”

            Buddi smiled. “But if need be I’ve got Ursa.”

            With that, he ran and darted with Sunni behind Ursa.

            Ursa laughed. And pulled Buddi and Sunni out from behind her. Gruffi was obviously getting frustrated. He had been frustrated when he had to come out here in the first place. Now this wild Sunni was beginning to bug him. But he was interrupted by light.

            Buddi noted and grabbed Sunni’s hand, tugging her back into the city before Ursa or Gruffi could say a thing.

            Ursa turned to Gruffi with a grin, “I’ve said it before Glen, we Barbics seem to rub off on you.”

            Gruffi rolled his eyes. “We don’t need it. We live fine the way we are thank you. If anyone needs lessons or rubbing off, it’s us on you.”

            Ursa’s eyes flashed. “Believe as you will, Glen Gummi. But Gruffi there are about twenty of us and only seven of you.”

            Gruffi growled. “Because we planned. Some of us escaped to make our generation live on!”

            Ursa rolled her eyes critically,

            “We stuck together for a reason Gruffi.” At that moment, Gruffi’s contempt seemed to fade as Ursa truly seemed like she had a reason, truly seemed like she’d planned and cared, “We Barbics are a unit, Gruffi. Together we stand…divided we fall. We held humans back together and will continue to do so.”

            The two suddenly heard yelling, two different voices about Missy. One was definitely Cubbi and one was a Barbic’s voice, one Gruffi faintly knew. He looked to Ursa. Ursa sighed,

            “Ryo. That Barbic has a temper. But he can’t control it very well.”

            Gruffi almost said something but decided against it. He and Ursa listened a minute.

            Ryo obviously was Barbic and said if anyone had any Barbic blood in them they were Barbic. Cubbi would argue that they should let her choose. Ursa and Gruffi looked at each other. They rolled their eyes but just went in. They’d eat soon and that would temporarily destroy any conflicts.

* * *

            “Where’re you taking me, Buddi?”

            “You’ll see,” was the boy’s answer.

            Sunni looked down and immediately regretted it. Buddi had taken her through the city and to one of the smaller mountains surrounding it.  He was not as good a climber as Ursa or Gritty but he was much better than she was. Her feet hurt but he seemed to be having no trouble. And why should he? His feet were heavily calloused from his lifestyle. He usually went barefoot.

            This mountain did not have much ice or snow so they didn’t need boots. Buddi pulled ahead of Sunni. The light was growing. He’d have to be quick. It took a good ten minutes to get down, although less time to get up. And Ursa’d be looking for him to eat soon.

            Buddi pulled himself up onto an edge and then offered his friend his hand. Sunni took it and clutched tightly. Buddi pulled her up. She stopped a minute and then asked,

            “Now what is it, Buddi?”

            Buddi smiled and turned her face to gaze outward.

            The sunrise spread like a blanket over the city of Ursalia. Sunni’s jaw dropped. She’d seen sunsets but had never seen a sunrise. And she’d never seen such a beautiful sight. The light was smooth and golden like melted gold. She stared, her eyes wide and shining.

            “Wow.”

            Buddi laughed. “I wish I could have shown you a sunrise from Barbic Woods.”

            Sunni looked at him. “You miss it don’t you?”

            He nodded but wiped the sadness from his face swiftly. The two sat and just looked. Buddi had been raised to appreciate life. And this kind of scene always made him glad. He’d use it as influence for his songs. He was thinking now of new music, even if he couldn’t play it.

            “Buddi! Sunni!”

            The voice was faint, but they could hear it. Ursa again.

            Buddi turned to Sunni. “Let’s go.”

            She nodded and the two cubs headed down, Buddi ahead. Sunni leapt down and Buddi caught her under her armpits. She smiled at him. “Thanks.”

            He nodded and he was always ahead, to help her. Sunni jumped down once and nearly knocked him off, landing in his arms. But that wasn’t what bugged them. When Buddi helped her to her feet when their eyes met. In that small moment, Sunni felt her face flush and her hands clam. She dismissed it as a reaction to being so physically close to her best friend.

            Buddi felt something else. Wonder…he didn’t know what this was. But lately, whenever he saw Sunni even if it was in the early hours of the morning, she always looked great. Even with her hair a mess and her clothing all confused. Even now with circles under her own eyes, there was something…. pretty about her. He didn’t know what it was.

            Buddi dismissed it. He was scared and she was his best friend. He was supposed to think highly of her!

            The two cubs got to the ground and then ran out into the city. Directly into Ursa and Gritty.

            Gritty and Ursa stayed on their feet but the cubs fell backward. Ursa and Gritty helped them up. Ursa asked,

            “Where were you?”

            “I-“ Buddi started to say out but Sunni said,

            “On the mountains. The little ones. Buddi wanted to show me the sunrise. He said that…” she paused as if unsure whether to add the second part. “The sunrises in Barbic Woods were something he wished he could show me.”

            Ursa nodded.

            Gritty added as they walked towards the dining room. “The trees were huge. You could climb to the top of the smallest and see for miles. Buddi always went as high as he could get before we yelled at him.”

            Buddi blushed, faintly. Sunni suddenly turned to Buddi and said,

            “Buddi? Why don’t you ever tell me about Barbic Woods?”

            For some reason Ursa and Gritty turned to hear the cub’s answer. He kept his gaze ahead, would not look at her but said,

            “It still hurts.”

            “Oh…. sorry.”

            Buddi shook his head. “It’s alright.”

            Ursa and Gritty decided a quick change of subject was needed.

            “You two up for a big breakfast? Hungry Sunni?”

            Sunni and Buddi said as one,

            “We’re always hungry.”

            “Great, then Grubbi didn’t waste his time.”

            The four walked into the dinning room. Gritty and Ursa did not notice how Buddi and Sunni clutched one another’s hands so desperately.

* * *

            The two cubs walked out of the dining room together. Sunni and Buddi had eaten a lot, but it was worth it. Grubbi’s food was always good and this time Ursa hadn’t been exaggerating. There was a ton of it. Grubbi seemed pleased that they had a better appetite than they’d had last night.

            But Grubbi had out done himself this time.

            Plankins, sweet bread, fresh made juice and freshly gathered milk. Fruit…some of the rare ones that they’d grown in the woods. And loads of fresh cooked meat, drenched in juice. Sunni had made a pig of herself but so had everyone else. Now the cubs were walking around for a while. The Glens would leave soon.

            “Will I see you soon, Buddi?”

            The Barbic child smiled at her and nodded. “Sure,”

            Sunni looked over. The Glen Gummies had started to gather at the gate. She looked at her best friend. He smiled again although it was forced. She hugged him tightly and then slowly parted and walked towards the others. She called to him,

            “I guess I’ll see you around.”

            Buddi nodded. She ran over to Grammi and Gruffi. The two adults ushered her to Zummi and then Grammi called as Buddi was leaving,

            “Buddi?”

            He turned. “Yeah?”

            “Could you see if you could find Cubbi for us?”

            He nodded and called, “Sure.”

            Buddi guessed that the cub was in the courtyard somewhere. He was getting ready to start looking when a voice shouted,

            “Ryo! You believe what you want but you won’t sway em, even if you are a Barbic!”

            Buddi winced. He knew Ryo’s temper. The older Barbic had even struck out at him once but it had just been his bare hand. It still hurt but not too badly. But Barbics DID NOT strike at each other. That was one thing Ursa was very strict on. She did not care what the circumstances were. The Barbics fought only when training. If need be a Barbic would be restrained but striking at one another was unheard of.

            But for some reason, Buddi ran off to try and stay Ryo’s temper.

* * *

            “So, you really think we should up his training hours?”

            Gritty smiled at his younger friend and leader.

            “You heard Missy, Ursa. If that’s true then shouldn’t we ALL be prepared for the worst?”

            Ursa nodded. “But Buddi hates the two hours he has to train as it is.”

            Gritty looked at her. “That boy is impossible.”

            Ursa smiled at him, “Oh he can fight. I’ve seen him. He has potential. But he doesn’t like it.”

            Gritty sighed, “So we’ve got ourselves another ‘reserved’ one?”

            Ursa grinned and nodded. Gritty rolled his eyes but laughed. It was hard to stay mad at Buddi. Even if he wasn’t like the others. Buddi was an expert at getting out of trouble. Even in Barbic Woods. But there were some instances where he was in trouble, plain and simple.

            The two finished walking down the stairs and emerged into the main hall of Ursalia. They were headed outside to bid the Glens goodbye when they heard a cub’s voice, Cubbi’s shout.

            “Ryo! Don’t!”

            That simple name in the same sentence as ‘don’t’ always meant trouble. The two adults ran outside, hoping to catch the fiery tempered Barbic before he hurt someone.

* * *

            Buddi heard the same thing. He felt his heart skip a beat. Ryo had made him say the same thing when he’d struck at him. But as Buddi rounded a corner, he saw something else. In a fit of anger, the Barbic drew his whip, thick as leather. Buddi ran, unsure of what he’d do but knowing he’d have to do something.

            Buddi saw the Barbic flick his wrist…

            The whip flew…

            Buddi leapt in front, took the whip on his arm.

            Cubbi looked up, fearfully. Buddi had leapt in front of him. That had been the crack…Ryo’s whip had been taken on Buddi’s arm in Cubbi’s stead. Cubbi saw the regret on Ryo’s face and the pain in Buddi’s eyes. But Buddi said nothing but,

            “Watch it.”

            “I agree. Watch that temper, Ryo Barbic.”

            The two cubs and adult turned. Ursa and Gritty were standing by the doorway that led out into the courtyard. Ryo and Ursa met eyes. Her eyes were angry. His returned the gesture but Ursa’s glare was something only Buddi knew how to soften and sometimes even he couldn’t do it.

            Ursa merely said, “You’d like to take guard duty for the next three nights?”

            It was a suggestion; it was an order.

            The Barbic nodded and jerked his whip from Buddi’s arm. Red welts were left behind. Buddi rubbed them with his other hand. Cubbi tugged on the cub’s shirt. Buddi turned and Cubbi sighed.

            “Thanks Buddi.”

            Buddi nodded and Cubbi took off to find the others. Buddi watched the child run and then turned as a hand put itself onto his shoulder. Looking up, Buddi saw Gritty and Ursa looking down at him. Ursa gingerly took his arm in hers and pried his fingers off. The welts were large and already a deep red.

            “Ouch,” Buddi protested as Ursa moved his arm around, to get a better look. Ursa smiled.

            “Well, he did you a number, I’ll give him that.”

            Gritty smiled at Buddi. “Quite the noble deed, Buddi.”

            Buddi shrugged, “Cubbi’s my friend. What was I supposed to do?”

            Ursa shrugged. “Very noble Buddi but I’m betting your arms are saying, -“

            “Buddi, you idiot.”

            Ursa laughed. “Exactly my thoughts. I’m proud of you though.”

            “Yeah, great. I’d swap the pride for something to numb the pain.”

            Ursa thumbed his nose.

            “That can be arranged.”

* * *

            “Ow,”

            Gritty rubbed some cream onto the cub’s welts as Ursa walked back in. She took the boy’s arm and wrapped it gently in cloth. Tying it, she told Buddi,

            “That’ll do it. But before you go to sleep, I’ll have to reapply the cream and rewrap it.”

            Buddi nodded. “Okay. What WAS that stuff?”

            Gritty replied as he got up, “Vilan. A mixture of herbs. We use it for burns too. Mostly from the Night of Burning Stars.”

            Buddi nodded. On that night, the Barbics would draw flammable gas from the earth and spread designs in the air. Then, one Barbic would shoot a lighted arrow into it to ignite it. The designs would burn until the gas was extinguished. From about a week to perhaps two. It was a time of fun but the gas had to be spread carefully. It formed a mist like foam but it was also very solid. They combined it with some other herb. Otherwise, it could spread for miles. Despite the precautions, one or two Barbics were usually burnt.

            For some reason as Buddi rose, he got the feeling that he would need the kind of loyalty he’d demonstrated soon.

            In times of crisis, the only thing they could count on was each other.

* * *

            Missy Gummi let out a yelp and sat straight up. Her heart was pounding…that vision.

            Slowly, she whispered,

            “Celina’s gathering strength. She’s the cobra waiting to strike. We’re the mice.”