Chapter 740 - Frost Moon Ⅶ (1/2)
With a thick wall of thorns and only a thin opening in the copse, Nadira most pointedly did not fly over the wall of thorns having already learned the hard way that there are traps and painful nets hanging hidden high above in the tree tips to capture any type of beast capable of getting over the thorn wall. She lingers at the entranceway until the centaur arrives with the protector before bursting through to the other side.
Through the carefully hidden entrance, Rowan's eyes widen as they emerge into a clearing completely free of snow. However, that was not what astonished her but rather the still living greenery in the large clearing. The greenery was lush despite the cold of winter.
The air itself was rather warm, warm enough for Rowan to feel slightly overwarm in her heavy fur-lined robes. Large hide tents are set up throughout the very large lush green clearing. The animal hides tents resemble the Native American Tipi's only less vertical and far more open resembling more of the Sámi Lavvu style except that these tents are far larger and grander due to the Centaur's size and stature.
For the first time in Rowan's life, she sees young centaur children laughing innocently as they play and chase each other through the green meadow. The a.d.u.l.ts openly laugh and chat as the youth flirt and tease each other. The mothers with newborns or young children mind them closely, before gently ushering them into the tent to rest for the night. Even newborn centaurs could trot on four legs much like baby horses could after a few hours. For this reason alone, female centaurs fiercely guarded their young lest harm comes to their offspring.
It was also the first time that Rowan had ever seen the centaurs so carefree. In every single instance that she had met the centaurs, they had always been guarded with the exception of Firenze. However, the explanation was rather simple the centaurs did not trust anyone that was not their own kind. But here in their village, they were safe and were able to be themselves, a free-spirited people.
All a sudden the children spot Nadira winding leisurely in the air as the children cry out with excitement. ”The guardian has returned!” The centaurs turn to gaze at the guardian of the land, but their eyes go directly past the beautiful, albino serpent twirling underneath the light of the full moon, but rather to the recognizable figure of the next shaman, Firenze.
The a.d.u.l.ts slowly rise to their feet with caution at seeing that the next shaman, Firenze carried a hooded figure on their back. The two warriors that stood guarded the entry from behind a wooden wall, a few feet away raised their weapons. ”Halt, Firenze!” Warned a young marron-colored centaur nocking an arrow on a taut bowstring; while his companion a thinly bearded centaur with a deadly-looking spear held in hand in a practiced fluid motion twirled it in his hand before pointing at the duo.
The centaur females hastily whistle to their children to return to their homes. The children although curious obey their mother's whistles and gallop hastily back to their homes. Many a time a warning whistle had saved their lives from the attacks of the beasts within that Forbidden Forest that breached the thorny walls of the conclave.
The females and elderly retreat to the safety of their tents while the female warriors and male centaurs reach for their weapons ready to take action if needed. More than once a wizard or witch had attempted to f.o.r.c.i.b.l.y enter their tribe to take possession of that which they rightly believed or claimed was theirs. The humans were not trustworthy and even less those possessing magic.
”Enough!” Loudly echoed the voice of Magorian, chief of the Centaurs. With a proud, high-cheekboned face, and long black hair, the centaur chief made his way forward.
”Guardian,” Magorian humbly greeted the coiling form of Nadira, who slowly relaxed.
Turning to Firenze, he faintly bows his head towards the figure on Firenze's back. ”Child of the Founders, the Shaman has long awaited your coming,” Magorian said giving the guards a pointed look to lower their weapons. ”Please Firenze, if you would lead the way, the Shaman awaits.”
The centaurs whisper in confusion as Firenze moves past the confused centaurs, who peek with curiosity at the hooded figure still astride the next shaman. The centaurs whisper to each other as those who had been present in a hushed tone explain that the one carried on the next shaman's back is the one, who carries the child of the Founders of Hogwarts. And also, the one whom the guardian of Hogwarts, Nadira had elected as protector. (Which technically wasn't true, but well, they didn't know that….)