Tracking Shadows: The Septenary Trilogy, #1

By Caleb Lehman

Alliances are failing. Kel is torn between worlds as war between humans and Corsacs seems inevitible. Then tragedy strikes as he discovers a deadly mystery that threatens to destroy everything and everyone he loves. Something dark has emerged, putting his family in jeopardy. And Kel must face his fears if there is any hope of avoiding war, saving his family, and uncovering the truth.
But deception is all around him. And his life changes forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bradley S. Cobb
• Release date: Dec 31, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201040611

Book preview

Special Thanks

to Bradley Cobb, Kerri Epling, and Karissa Lehman

for their tremendous support and help

with publishing, proofreading, and art.

I couldn't have done this without you.

Chapter 1

Streaks of orange and pink shot through the sky as the sun began to set below the mountains while the battle raged on. The village’s warriors fought bravely against the onslaught of bandits. Swords clashed together, blood was spilled, and no prisoners were taken. Kel deflected a thrust from a bandit, kicking high to his opponent's face, then sweeping low to trip him. He sidestepped a slash and kicked out, knocking down another. In the brief moment of peace he had, Kel glanced quickly around him in fear.

Men were falling everywhere. Several of the bandits towards the back strung arrows on their bows. A warning cry echoed through the battleground. Raise shields!! Take cover!!

Kel ran for a hill to hide behind, his shield having been broken earlier in the battle. The arrows rained down without mercy like angry hornets. Screams echoed throughout the village as more of his friends were cut down. He dodged swords and arrows the best he could, madly dashing for safety. Just before he reached the hill, he felt an arrow pierce his shoulder, followed quickly by another in his ribs. With a pained cry, he collapsed onto the ground. Kel attempted to crawl away, dragging himself across the earth with gritted teeth. He could feel it; he was getting lightheaded. His mind began to grow muddled. The sun seemed to fade as darkness fell and consumed him.

Kel awoke slightly, drifting in and out of consciousness. He could hear his mother, Maie, crying while his father, Kitall, comforted her as they talked to a doctor.

I’m sorry, there’s nothing else I can do. I’m very deeply sorry. I’m afraid his chances aren’t good- the arrow tips were laced with poison. We can only hope he recovers from this. If there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know.

Tessa, Kel’s sister, cried before turning on the doctor. You have to do something! You can’t just let him die!

The doctor wore a sorrowful and heartfelt expression. I wish I could do more...

A door opened and then shut, leaving them alone. Maie wiped away her tears, a new resolve on her face. There’s only one place left to go. No one else can heal him.

Where? Kitall asked.

To Shainia, Maie said firmly.

Kitall placed a hand on his wife’s shoulder. Do you think that’s wise? The Corsacs and Humans have been at odds with one another for a while now; she’s bound to live near other tribes. What will you do if they find you?

What other choice do we have? Maie countered, her eyes shining with tears.

Kel was lifted out of bed and carried outside to a horse by his father. Maie climbed onto the horse first, helping Kitall place Kel in front of her.

Be safe, Maie. We don’t know if or when those bandits will return.

I will, Kitall. I will take our son to Shainia. Only she can save him now. Tessa, be a good girl and help your father, I’ll be back as soon as I can. I love you both.

Maie snapped the reins, and the horse sped into the forest.

Kitall called after her while hugging his tearful daughter with an arm. Be careful!

Beyond the village, the rhythm of the horse’s hooves increased in speed, weaving in and out between trees and navigating the undergrowth. Every so often, Maie would lean forward and whisper, Hang on, Kel. Just a little longer.

The more the moon traveled across the sky, the weaker Kel grew. He started to sweat and moan as the infection spread. The poison from the arrows was coursing through his body quickly.

Maie snapped the reins again, willing the horse to go even faster.

Over the next hill stood a small shack, smoke floating up from the chimney. She rode down to the house and jumped off, securing her horse's reins to a fencepost. She struggled to lift Kel off the horse, shouting towards the house.

Shainia! It’s Maie! Help!! Please!!

Immediately, the door swung open wide, the hinges flying as the wood banged against the house. A tall Corsac stood in the doorway. She had thick dark brown fur and a graying muzzle. The creature ran to her side and took Kel from Maie with ease, feeling his pulse with her clawed hands. Inside! His pulse is growing weaker!

The shack was a simple house. A table large enough for guests stood in the living room. The table was covered with papers and paintings. Shainia shifted Kel to one arm and pushed everything off the table in one swipe, laying him on it. She examined his injuries quickly.

The wounds are severe. The arrow that pierced his shoulder dug deep. I can smell the infection. It’s getting worse. She sniffed again. Is that... Oh, those barbarians. They poisoned him.

Maie started to cry. Can you save him?

Shainia’s eyes twitched back and forth in thought before they met Maie’s. There is a way. I would warn you of its consequences but he may not have enough time. Both of your lives will be forever changed, and once it is done, there is no going back.

Maie’s face hardened. I’ll do anything!

Shainia rushed to a cabinet, pulling out a few blue flowers. She stripped the flowers of their petals and put them in a bowl, taking a couple of different bottles and pouring some of each into it.

This liquid is a healing solution mixed with an antitoxin. The petals have powerful properties for a Corsac ritual.

After stirring the solution and pouring it down Kel’s throat, Shainia picked him up again. The moon is full tonight. You came at the right time.

She carried Kel outside and laid him on the ground in the light of the moon. A few minutes passed as they watched in silence. Maie grabbed Shainia’s wrist, looking desperately at her as she glanced back and forth between her son and her friend.

Suddenly, Kel’s body spasmed as it started to change.

What’s happening?! Maie yelled, afraid.

Watch and see, Shainia comforted.

Kel’s body began to grow bigger. Claws emerged from his fingers, his hands doubling in size. His face shifted, his nose and mouth extending into a snout as whiskers sprouted. Claws on his feet ripped through his shoes. Ears came out the top of his head as his human ears disappeared. Red fur rapidly grew all over his body. After another few minutes, the transformation was complete.

Maie gasped. He’s... He’s a Corsac, she whispered.

Shainia walked over and gently picked up Kel and carried him inside, his mother following her inside. Shainia went into a guest bedroom and tenderly placed him on it. It was the only way to save him. Corsacs have accelerated healing compared to humans. The wounds were too severe for him to recover on his own from mere medicine.

Maie sat down on a chair beside the bed, shocked. He... Kel can’t come back now. The village would try to kill him. The tension between our people...

I know, Maie. I’m so sorry it had to be this way. I wish this choice didn’t have to be forced upon him, Shainia said sadly.

Maie looked over at her son, watching him rest peacefully

What happens to him now? He's only eighteen years old. It’s a big world out there, with so many threats and dangers and evil.

Shainia smiled comfortingly. I will keep him here until he is healed. Once he is ready, I will send him to the pack of Corsacs I used to live with. They will take care of him. They respect me- if they know I sent him, they will accept him as one of their own.

Maie put her head into her hands.

Shainia sighed sorrowfully. I can't imagine how hard this is for you. I wish things were different. You know you can still come by whenever you want, right, Maie? He won’t be fully healed for another few days.

Maie raised her head. Is he going to... Stay this way?

Shainia nodded grimly. Yes, the change is permanent. There is no going back. He will be well again soon, though.

Maie smiled slightly. I know it’s going to be different now, but I’m so thankful he’s going to be okay. I can’t thank you enough. You saved my son’s life.

Shainia glanced over at Kel, his breathing more relaxed now. There is no need. I am only glad you were able to get him to me in time. It’s a shocking and sudden change, but I’m going to help him adjust to his new life and learn about who he is now. It will take time to adapt to his new self, but he will learn. I’m going to redress his wounds, so try and get some rest, Maie. I’ll watch over him.

Chapter 2

Kel groaned, opening his eyes to see an unfamiliar ceiling. He felt strange as his mind began to clear. Something wasn’t right. Kel tried to move his right arm, but then winced and breathed through his teeth at the pain that met such an action. It didn't hurt as bad as before, but the wound was still fresh. That’s when he noticed his arms were covered in red fur. He turned his hand over and saw claws coming out of his fingers and arms double the size they had been. Cautiously, his breath catching in his throat, Kel slowly brought his hands to his face. He felt a snout... and sharp teeth.

Shainia tended to her flowers outside, humming to herself. She felt at peace, taking care of her garden in the warmth of the morning.

AAAAAAAHHHH!!!!

Shainia jumped at the scream, her head and ears flicking back and forth. She rushed inside, dropping her tools on the ground.

Kel?! she called, running to his room. She flung the door open to find him hyperventilating. He turned and yelled again in shock.

Who are you?! Stay away from me!!

Shainia stood where she was, holding up her hands to show she didn’t have any weapons. Take a deep breath, Kel, I’m a friend of your mother’s. It's going to be okay, I'm not going to hurt you.

After this statement, Kel started to calm down, but she could see he was still in shock, as should be expected. Shainia approached his bed slowly with a gentle smile.

May I sit with you? she queried, gesturing at the foot of his bed.

After a few moments, Kel nodded as he swung his legs out of bed to make room for her. He stared at his legs, unsure of how to react to how much longer they were now, or the giant paws with thick claws that had replaced his feet.

She sat down and clasped her hands together, searching his eyes, waiting for him to try to grasp what had transpired and start asking questions.

Wh... What happened to me? he asked in a hushed tone.

Shainia placed her hand on his knee to comfort him.

You were... severely wounded. The doctors couldn’t do anything for you. The only way you would survive is if we used... Unusual methods. I am Shainia, a Corsac. Humans and my people have not had good relations for a while, but your mother and I have been friends for many years longer. My people have a special ritual. It can turn a human into one of us. Not many choose it or want it, but you didn’t have a choice if you were to live.

Kel felt his wounds. How am I not dead?

Corsacs heal faster than humans do. Without turning you into a one... you would be, Shainia explained.

He looked at himself again. Is this? Is this change?...

Shainia bowed her head regretfully before nodding. Yes. The change is irreversible. You will never be human again. I’m so sorry.

Kel stared at her for a moment, her words sinking in as his head fell, burying it in his hands.

Shainia slowly rose from his bed. I... I know you must need some time to process all of this, so I’ll leave you to your thoughts. Please don’t hesitate to call for me if you need anything at all.

She opened the door and gave him one last apologetic glance before closing it behind her.

Kel laid back on the bed, staring out the window. He didn’t know how to process it. Should he cry? Should he be angry? Should he just accept it? There was no going back now; he was sure of that much. He was grateful to be alive, but the magnitude of the situation made his head spin. Kel sat up, wincing. He thought about how only yesterday, he had been human.

Kel looked down at his furry hands. No, he would not mope and wallow in his sorrows. Dwelling on the past would not change it. The future remained a mystery, and the only way he could go was forward.

Getting out of bed, Kel stood up to his full height. He felt... Taller, stronger, faster. His sight, sense of smell, and hearing had heightened dramatically compared to when he was human.

Kel took a step forward, almost falling down. His tail instinctively moved to keep his balance. Kel glanced behind him at his tail. Taking this into account, he stepped forward again, feeling the pressure and the weight of his paw on the floor. Another step, then another. He made his way out of his room and into the hallway, slowly getting used to the new changes.

Shainia stood by the stove, cooking. Her ear twitched, and she turned around. Kel, are you okay? she asked quietly.

He nodded somewhat confidently. Can I go outside?

She smiled. Of course, do whatever you like. Just, don’t strain yourself. Your wounds are still healing, and you don’t want them to reopen. Then it would take even longer for you to return to your full health

I’ll be careful, he replied, heading for the door. As he opened it, the sun glared down on him. He threw his hand up while his eyes adjusted to the bright light. After a few moments, Kel walked out onto the grass, feeling the warmth of the sun. He breathed in, noticing far more scents than he could previously detect, and from farther away as well. His ears twitched, sensitive to sounds all around him, and his eyesight had grown sharper, too.

Kel scanned the forest, looking for a fairly straight route through the trees. He knelt down, placing a hand on the ground, preparing for a sprint. Then, he bolted through the trees, shrugging off the ache of his injuries. Kel’s eyes widened at the speed he was running. He had never run so fast in his life. The wind blowing through his fur felt amazing. The claws on his feet dug into the earth as he ran, giving him traction. Kel wanted to push himself; he needed to see what he was capable of.

Kel executed several sharp turns, much more easily than he could have before. Next, he leapt into the air as high as he could, almost yelling in surprise as he grabbed onto a thick branch of a tree, ten feet off the ground. Kel laughed at his newfound abilities, feeling like he could run forever.

He dropped down, grinning to himself. Maybe this change wouldn’t be so bad after all. Just before he was about to turn back towards the house, something sparkling caught his eye. Kel walked over to find a small pond of clear, fresh water. He leaned over and stared at himself.

His face had completely changed, except for his green eyes. White fur covered most of his chest, the front of his neck and under his chin. Everything else was red. He leaned down and lifted up the skin on the side of his snout. He saw sharp teeth and large canines.

Kel rubbed his hands over his head in a stressed manner, freezing as he rubbed over his new ears. It felt so strange to feel ears on top of his head, and they were much bigger than human ones. Everything seemed much louder and clearer.

After examining his reflection for a few more seconds, he decided to return to the house. Kel walked in with a look of bewilderment, a slight smile on his face.

Shainia watched him come in. How do you feel? she asked, smiling hopefully.

Kel scratched the back of his head, still in disbelief. I can’t believe what I just did! I’m taller, stronger. I can run faster, leap higher, see better, hear more, smell everything. This is what life is like for you all the time?

Shainia winked, handing him a wooden cup of water. Here, I’m sure you’re thirsty.

Kel reached for the cup and grasped it. The cup splintered into several pieces, leaving him to stare, dumbfounded. I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to!

Shainia placed a hand on his shoulder. It’s okay, Kel. Are you alright? I hope you didn’t hurt yourself.

Kel shook his head. Shainia nodded before continuing, satisfied that he wasn’t