Chapter 8 Unknown Unknown I have had this group of human borns overlooked since they decided to trespass on my domain. I consider myself unprejudiced; Even when I saw them with their camping bags, I gave them the benefit of the doubt. One could change their mind at any point, yet I judged them the second they set up an artificial dwelling. Human borns have always been known to change their minds quickly. I was sure that the human born named Merna would not stay with the group; she was unlike the rest. Her spirit is that of a traveller! I am sure she has other skills that would make her more valuable. I could easily see her as being one of my favourable assets. Yet, simultaneously I am having conflicting emotions when it comes to Merna. I can still smell the fragrance of field flowers and morning mildew. A strange sensation crept into my body. I shook my head as the thought of capturing Merna bothered me immensely! My thoughts ventured to Pierre. Pierre appears to follow Merna’s directions without questions. This tells me that he has placed her as the alpha of this group though he displays authority. I wonder if, in the physical world, they are mates, sharing the role of leadership. The thought of this caused my anger to rise. Letting out a low growl I was starting to see red. Everyone that was near stopped what they were doing to see what had angered me. Clearing my throat I ordered everyone to continue with their task. The thoughts of those two being together brought forth the beast in me that I hadn't seen in centuries. In my mind, I was ripping Pierre's throat and I had no proof yet that they were mates in the physical world. I inhaled and let out a thick stream of black mist. Regaining my composure I thought of the other skills that Pierre displayed. He started to leave red ribbons on the trees as markers, clever enough for a primitive being. Once they were out of sight, my bond servants took them down. This human born, I have no conflicting thoughts; he will be an excellent tracker, possibly an assassin. The humans named Camile, Emma and Steve are less of an interest to me. They are a waste of skin and bones; they are attractive enough but with no true purpose like Pierre. Markous … this is one human I am going to enjoy toying with, his ignorance filters off of him like shit in the sun. “Master, what would you have us do? They have set up their tents to spend the night!” My little serf asked me. Keeping to the shadows I already knew that my best hunters were in the woods making sure everything went according to plan. “Keep an eye on this group and report to me on their movement!” I tell my minion. I was about to leave when my sight once again landed on my little pet, “What is that woman up to?” I asked out loud as I observed Merna touching the land. A stream of energy came from the surface of the land. I could see how my little pet had her hand flat on the form of the earth. The area around her started to glow as my sister started to communicate with Merna. “Master!” My minion stuttered, “I thought kalappu were extinct?” "Hybrid!" I whispered more to myself. "Extinct no! Though rare to find yes!" for no real reason my temper was starting to build, “there have been reports of their return and there is one on my land. So why did she not listen to the forewarning?” A breeze rushed by me, letting me know that my sister had shown my little pet favour. "I don't care what you do with the others dear brother!" She hissed in my mind. “Merna is a hybrid and not yours to collect!” The voice of my Gaea was clear. The message confirmed my other suspicion, that Merna was indeed a hybrid. The bidding to win Merna’s favour will have begun once my other siblings figured out that there was indeed a hybrid in my presence. I watched Merna for a few more seconds. “Keep an extra close eye on Merna, I am starting to believe that she doesn’t know what she is, nor does she understand what this means. She is young and has just started her journey.” I told my minion. Snapping my fingers, three trackers appeared, “report on the movement of the two human borns that entered the tree line. Do not lose them! Most of all make sure they do not leave!” They bowed, understanding what task I had given them. After taking considerable time planning my next course of action, I whispered in the wind, “Get to the road as a whole before the moon is at high peak.” Things were going to become a bit hectic once my siblings received the news that I had a hybrid. They will demand that a bid be performed to see who my little pet will choose. I could not help myself; a grin spread across my face, which made my serfs flinch. Every time I came across a hybrid in the past I would get rid of it the second they had been captured. Not wishing to deal with the headache that comes with owning a hybrid. My little pet was different! I was going to be the one to win Merna’s favour! The action that I will take will be not of my regular personality. If Gaea has shown this human born, this hybrid, this female ... favour! That can only mean one thing ... My little pet is special and I want her! Bowing, "Master, I do not mean to disturb your silence!" My serf was trying to get my attention. "What is it?" I set my sight on the serf. "What would you like us to do with the human borns animal companion?"Glancing over at the dog, "train the animal to guard my property!" I instructed the serf.