Chapter 5 - Stone of fate

787 I.C, December 25, Everwinter: Rastlin's Workshop, Night

I felt about ready to pass out as I pushed the door open and stumbled inside.

Rastlin noticed me in an instant and turned to look at me, "You survived, that's good."

I leaned back and let my weight push the door shut, "I don't feel so good Rastlin."

Rastlin stepped up to me and offered a small cup filled with more of the rejuvenating drink, it smelled of alcohol and glittered with the presence of green crystal.

"Drink," Rastlin ordered.

I stared at the concoction and felt fear, "I saw crystals up there, infesting dead bodies, is that what you're giving me?"

Rastlin raised his brow, "Paranoia can be useful at times but this isn't it. After all, what reason would I have to hurt you?"

I met Rastlin's beady eyes, "I don't know."

Rastlin cocked his head, "The tower has drained you Avery, you need this or your body will suffer."

I looked down stared at the concoction as I felt my legs begin to weaken.

"Fine," I whispered as I took the cup and drained it in one sweep.

The liquid stung as it flowed down my throat and began to radiate with warmth as it settled in my gut.

In mere moments a shiver of warmth ran through my body and made everything with energy.

"Ah..." I sighed as the fog on my mind lifted.

"Feeling better?" Rastlin asked.

I made a weak nod and drew a deep breath as I focused on Rastlin, "Yeah, I do."

"Now tell me, what did you learn?"

"The entire tower is one giant arcane construct made out of obsidian, it was 'cold' and it leeched energy from me, I felt as if I was about to die."

"You would have died if you had stayed there too long," Rastlin answered.

"If I'm that expendable, then why do you invest so much time and energy in me?"

Rastlin made a dismissive wave with his hand, "You would be useless to me if you couldn't handle yourself in a situation like this."

You cold-hearted bastard... I'm just a fucking tool to you like everyone else...

"I'm quite curious what purpose you need me for?" I said.

"That is a discussion for later, now tell me what you learned?"

"There were dead wulfkins... loads of them, they were infested with some kind of crystal and one of them had a large shard jammed inside his head."

"And?" Rastlin asked.

"They were alive... they moved," My voice shifted as I remembered the frozen face of wulfkin.

Rastlin shook his head, "Not alive, possessed, animated, and corrupted."

"So they're dead? Their minds are no more? They're like machines?" I asked.

Rastlin shook his head once more, "I didn't say that."

My eyes widened, "... You told me that there was no kind of magic that could bring the dead back to life."

Rastlin nodded, "I did, and that is true. But what if those you saw upstairs were never given the release of death in the first place?"

I gulped, "What are you saying? They're... They're... No... That shouldn't be possible, brains require energy, blood, oxygen, warmth."

"What is life but a very advanced machine?" Rastlin asked.

I frowned in anger, "That's preposterous! You said life is unique in harnessing the aether!"

"True, and I did not say they were alive either."

"... Then what are you saying?" I asked.

"They are caught in limbo, I doubt that you could communicate with them but I have seen enough to know that something of their old selves live on inside those animated husks."

"Who were they?"

Rastlin shrugged, "I do not know, I'm not allowed to see the ceremonies nor have I ever seen the master myself. All I know is that if you somehow fail the master... then you go missing."

"But you do seem to know a lot, how?"

Rastlin made a pale grin, "I am over a hundred years old, a clue here, another over there."

"I see. So what purpose does the tower serve?"

Rastlin motioned to me, "What do you think?"

"I think it's some kind of gigantic siphon."

"Indeed and its effect reaches all of Everwinter."

"How come I've never felt it before?"

Rastlin raised his brow, "Isn't that obvious? You have never left Everwinter and has therefore never felt the absence of it. It may not turn us into husks but it constantly draws a small amount of energy from us all."

"There are many thousands in Everwinter, what does the master use all that energy for?"

"I have no idea, but the important thing right now is whether or not you realize the implications."

I pondered it for a moment, "Let me guess, the siphon is not only a parasite, but a weapon as well?"

Rastlin made a bemused smile, "Indeed, magic immunity is one thing, but the ability to suck the very life-force out of living beings? That's bad."

"What if we-"

Rastlin interrupted me, "Build a shield for it? It doesn't work, or at least, I have not succeeded."

"The green crystals... are they gifts from the master?" I asked.

"No, they are inspired by it but it is my own invention."

"How are they made?" I asked.

"They are made by implanting special crystals inside living beings and letting them grow, rabbits suffice most of the time but you can gain more powerful crystals by using mages as hosts."

I gulped and stared at the floor with new found fear for the old man, "What is the master?"

Rastlin smirked and motioned to the workshop, "There are many schools of magic throughout the world and ours is reviled and banned throughout it all."

"... I don't understand."

"Everwinter utilizes what is known as the necromantic arts, we use obsidian and the dark metal known as helidyte, we are skilled manipulators of the aether and masters of arcane constructs."

"Necromantic, you mean like... undead?" I asked.

Rastlin spoke with excitement and a huge grin, "Indeed. Everwinter is small yet it is feared by nations far bigger than our own, and it isn't because of some wolves running around in the forest. The master is a necromantic god more ancient than the oldest texts I have ever laid hands on."

I let it all seep in and sighed, "My idea of a rebellion was stupid and naïve... as you said."

Rastlin spoke with an insane glint in his beady eyes, "I have sought the means to destroy the master all my life, I know of secrets that could bring small nations to ruin, yet I am like a speck compared to the thing that dwells in the tower. What chance do you think you have Avery?"

"... None," I answered.

Rastlin nodded, "Correct, none, nothing."

"You're telling me to give up? To resign myself to a life in service of Everwinter, only to enjoy the intrigue of magic and the fantasies my books provide?"

"No, I'm asking you stop acting like a fumbling idiot and realize the situation you're in."

I blinked and realized something, "If Everwinter cannot change... then what choice do I have but to seek a way to escape?"

Rastlin made a mocking chuckle, "The transporters are under the master's control, he acts as the gatekeeper for all travel out of the castle, the moment you step through is the moment you end up in front of him."

"Then I'll simply have to escape some other way."

"There is no escape from Everwinter using conventional means."

"I have spent many days on the castle walls, I don't think it's as hard as you suggest," I said.

"Let's say that you do manage to make your way out of the castle, for example by hiding in one of the caravans or using magic to cloak yourself from the guards. It would be difficult, but not impossible."

"All right?" I said.

"Your absence will be discovered sooner or later and the wulfkins will be sent after you, they will hunt and either capture or tear you to pieces. But again, let's say that you do manage to outrun them."

"Okay?"

"Then the sentinels will be sent after you... and you won't survive those, I guarantee it."

"Fine... I get it, there is no escape from Everwinter."

A dark and sly grin formed on Rastlin's face, "I didn't say that."

This is it... isn't it... what you've been herding me toward all along...

"Just say it instead of toying with me," I said.

"If I could provide the means for your escape, would you accept?" Rastlin asked.

"Why not use it for yourself?" I asked.

Rastlin pointed at himself, "I am old and near death, it would be wasted on me."

"You're not making any sense Rastlin, why would you do this? Out of the goodness of your heart?"

Rastlin shook his head, "Revenge, and amusement."

"I fail to see why my escape would mean so much to you?"

"You will see in time, now what do you say? Do you want your freedom Avery?"

"Yes," I answered.

787 I.C, December 30, Everwinter: Outer Trade District, Midday

New year's eve, a time that ought to be spent inside a den with a cozy fireplace and loads of food. It was difficult not to let the gloom overshadow me as I entered a darkened hallway.

The enchanted doublet given to me by Rastlin was quite sturdy and had survived more than one battle. It left something to be desired though as It was rather small and allowed others to mistake me for a wandering human rather than the seer to be.

Time for a change...

Aether flooded the corridor as I focused on the fabric and sent a pulse of magic, it answered with a ripple of warmth as I nudged and shaped the enchantment.

The top turned into an upturned collar while the rest lengthened and took on the shape of a large coat.

It thickened and grew pitch black while the trim turned into gold. Decorative pockets and buttons formed as it reached down my arms and changed from a decorative shirt into a full-fledged uniform.

Moments later it settled and I stretched to make sure it fit right. My old self would have cringed at the idea of standing out but my title as the next seer was becoming critical to my survival.

I marched out of the darkened hallway and headed toward the trade district. It didn't long to encounter an obstacle as the heavy gate was closed and guarded by two massive wulfkins clad in leather armor.

It only took a few moments for them to glance up and notice me. Their ears perked in an instant and one of them reached for his scabbard while the other one grew a bemused and canine grin.

"Open the doors," I ordered.

The grinning wulfkin had fur like a common gray-wolf and leaned back against the gate, "Why?"

"Rastlin the seer requires materials from the traders, I carry out his orders."

The grin turned into a sly smirk, "The trade district doesn't open until tonight."

Yes... A time when the whole place will be buzzing with troublemakers and wulfkins that are going to make my life a living hell...

"The needs of the seer overrule your own orders, ask your superiors if you will but I need access now."

"We'll ask, but it will probably take until tonight," Both of them now smirked.

I lifted my hand and motioned toward the massive gate, "I could open it myself and crush the two of you in the process."

Their eyes widened in surprise while their smirks turned to anger, "Try that and you've drawn your last breath, human filth."

I raised my head and sniffed the air, "My sense of smell is rather good and your scents are rather unique, unless you want your future pups to end up with pink fur I'd suggest you open the gate in an instant."

The threat seemed to catch their attention as they glanced at each other with a horrified look of wonder if my threat could be genuine or not.

"Do remember who you're talking to!" I warned.

Their nostrils flared in anger as the two of them growled and glared at me, "Your title won't protect you forever."

"I'm well aware! But until that time comes be good dogs and obey, okay?"

Their lips twitched while their tails became tense like poles as they walked up to the gate, unlocked it, removed the crossbars, and then pulled it open with a heavy groan.

It was always the same, wulfkins trying to cause trouble and in turn forcing me to use threats that soured things even further.

I marched through and ignored the wulfkins as I looked out across the vast trading district.

The place was a bustle of activity as traders from around the world were setting up shop in preparation of this year's celebration and the vast amount of ore and money that would exchange hands.

Rastlin had ordered me to gather supplies but I also had another goal in mind, Leonard the mutt.

Five minutes later I found them busy setting up a tent. Leonard looked like his usual self, focused, well dressed for a mutt, and his optimism shone through as his tail moved at a relaxed pace. It was a sweet reminder of our discussions over the years but this time things were different, or rather, I was the same as ever.

Leonard had two companions this year, one rather lanky mutt that I suspected he had picked from the streets as well a rather buff tiger that was busy hammering a spike into the ground. I approached and made a point of taking heavy steps.

"Hello Leonard," I said as Leonard noticed and turned around to face me.

"Avery?" Leonard whispered with a stunned expression as his tail grew slack.

My stomach tightened with a sensation of butterflies and shame as Leonard stared in confusion.

"Not what you expected, right?" I asked.

"You've changed..." Leonard said.

I stared at him in confusion of what he meant, "You mean... I did not change? Right?"

Leonard blinked and seemed to realize, "Yeah, of course."

I motioned to a dark corner along the tent, "Can we talk, in private?"

Leonard looked over at his companions, "Keep working, I'll be back soon."

The companions nodded while I walked toward the darkened corner with Leonard trailing me.

"I thought you..." Leonard whispered.

I glanced back as the two of us entered the darkness, "That I'd be a wulfkin?"

"... Yeah," Leonard answered.

"Didn't happen, turns out my blood isn't pure enough," I answered with a forced smile.

Leonard observed me in silence for a few moments and then made a slight nod, "I'm sorry, I know how much you were looking forward to it."

I feigned pleasantries while clenching my hands, "Thank you for your concern."

Leonard glanced around, "So what's going on?"

I inched closer, "I have a warning for you Leonard, you need to listen well if you value your life and that of your companions."

Leonard gulped, "I'm listening."

"My family... what used to be my family knows that you're something of a friend of mine. Be cautious, if you irritate them, offend them in the slightest, then they will kill all of you just to get at me."

"I don't understand, why would they want to get at you? Just because you didn't transform?"

"I'm the black sheep of the family now, a bastard, a disgrace, taint upon our bloodline. I'm sorry to drag you into trouble but this is the way things are. If you manage to leave here alive, never return to Everwinter, do you understand?"

Leonard gulped once more and seemed visibly shaken as his tail hid, "I will make preparations at once, I'll hide outside with the caravan guard and let someone else take care of business."

It was strange but I felt a sensation of relief, my actions had likely saved a life and spared myself further heartache in the process, "Good luck Leonard."

Leonard nodded, "Thank you, what about you Avery?"

The question took me by surprise and I found myself drawing a blank, "What?"

"What about you? Are you going to be all right?" Leonard asked.

"... I'll be fine Leonard," I answered.

Leonard was silent for a few moments, "All right, I just thought I'd ask."

I turned to leave and then hesitated as I glanced back, "Leonard?"

"Yeah?" Leonard asked as his ears perked a little.

"If I had asked you to help me flee from this place, would you have helped me?"

Leonard seemed uncertain and his ears clamped to his head as he glanced around, "I would have considered it at least."

"Why?" I asked in astonishment.

Leonard looked confused, "Well... you know."

"Know what?" I asked.

"Like you said... we're something akin to friends. I mean, we've been seeing each other for eight years now... you're not a wulfkin and you strike me as a nice guy deep down. I'd have to be a cold hearted bastard not to try at least."

I smiled to myself and made a deep nod, "You don't have to worry about me Leonard, but I appreciate the concern, more than you realize... thank you."

"... You're welcome," Leonard whispered.

"Goodbye Leonard," I said once more as I turned around and walked away.

788 I.C, January 3, Everwinter: Mess hall, Evening

Ben made a cheeky smile and held up his spoon, "... and this guy decides to-"

A large shadow moved over the table and made Ben grow silent. I glanced up to notice a new plate on the table while a large figure sat down beside Ben.

Broad shouldered, claws on his fingertips, gray hair and tufts of fur along his arms and the scruff of his neck, a piercing set of yellow eyes, Titan, also known Zachary by some.

Ben looked shocked and stared at the behemoth of a man as he dropped his spoon in surprise.

"What?" Titan asked with a bemused grin that showed off his canine teeth.

Ben's eyes became like saucers as he leaned back in fright.

"Relax Ben. Good evening Titan, you're looking a lot better," I said.

Titan locked eyes with me and made a pleased smile as he stretched his shoulders and popped a few joints, "Yeah, and I feel a lot better too."

Ben shut his mouth and glanced over at me with an intense glare of wonder.

I ignored Ben at the moment, "So what are you doing in this section?"

Titan shoveled up some food and swallowed it with an appetite, "I decided to leave the foundry, figured I'd try to settle down somewhere else."

I think you're fleeing... They're trying to breed and have you killed...

I motioned to Ben, "This is Ben, my friend and the best source of information and hiding spots around here."

Titan looked over with a big smile and held out a clawed hand, "Nice to meet you Ben."

Ben gulped and took the hand with an awkward smile, "Yeah, nice to meet you too... Titan."

I expected Titan to almost crush Ben's hand, to my surprise he was gentle and kept up his pleasant demeanor as he let go.

"Ben," I said.

Ben looked back at me, "Yes?"

"Titan is a friend of ours, take him on a tour after dinner, okay?"

Ben stared at me for a few moments until things seemed to dawn on him, "Oh, no problem boss."

Titan looked back at me and his expression seemed to slip for a moment as he tensed up with worry, "Thank you, I appreciate it Avery."

"No problem... Just make sure to keep your head down."

"Will do, is there anything that needs doing around here?"

I nodded, "The lower levels need a lot of work, old tunnels, broken equipment, run-down ore haulers, the whole system needs to be replaced long-term."

Titan nodded, "Sounds like you've got your work cut out for you."

I nodded, "Indeed, most of the guys around here don't have much aptitude for magic but they're hard workers and quite loyal as long as you help out and give them some respect."

"Understood," Titan answered.

I looked down at my plate and continued to eat with a new kind of guilt. This place depended on me yet I was planning to follow Rastlin's scheme and the freedom he had promised me.

Am I doing the right thing?

788 I.C, January 14, Everwinter: Corridor, Morning

The beacon was glowing and I could feel its warmth inside my pocket. It made my heart pound with excitement as I rushed up the stairs toward Rastlin's workshop.

Any concern for the others had been thrown out the window as I felt a pure and unadulterated sense of joy in my heart. Finally... to be free of this place, the pain, the hatred, the anguish.

I pushed the door open and looked inside, Rastlin was sitting in a chair and was motioning with his hands as the room seemed to be in the process of being rebuilt.

The center of the room had been cleared while a large circular piece of obsidian floated into the room and took its place. Moments later several large crystal assemblies floated into view and settled around the obsidian in the formation of a star.

I shut the door behind me and spoke up, "Hello Rastlin, you called for me?"

Rastlin glanced over and made a strange if weak smile, "Yes, I did. Are you ready Avery?"

"I think so, or rather, that depends on what you have planned?"

"My plans are my own, you only need to play your role and accept my generosity," Rastlin answered as a huge crystal settled in the roof above the platform in the center.

"I'm... not sure I'm comfortable with that agreement."

"Is that so?" Rastlin asked.

"... Yes," I answered.

Rastlin sighed and glanced over, "Why not?"

"You're using me for something Rastlin, that much is obvious. Explain to me so that I can trust you."

"Do you want to change Everwinter?"

"Yes," I answered.

"Then this is the only way, do as I ask and change will come to Everwinter."

"... That's not helping, how could my escape possibly change Everwinter?"

Rastlin stared in silence, "I ask for a little more time, but I will explain, I promise."

I frowned but relented, "Fine."

Rastlin nodded while focused on his preparations, "Until that time there is something I need you to do."

"Oh?"

"Pack a light bag with the things you treasure most and a bit of food and water. Not too much, we wouldn't want the others to become suspicious."

I stepped closer and focused on the large assembly in the room, it was starting to look an awful lot like a transporter, "I thought transporters were watched over by the master."

Rastlin's bemused grin returned, "This is not an ordinary transporter."

I sighed, "And you can't tell me it's purpose, right?"

"Correct, these preparations will take some time and I doubt you will refuse my offer when the time comes. So make sure to say your goodbyes."

I gritted my teeth in irritation at my own lack of power, "I'll prepare a pack and do as you ask."

Rastlin nodded, "Good, I expect that I will be ready early this evening, do not be late."

"I'll make sure to be here by then."

"Good, oh... and there is one last thing."

"Yes?"

"If you were to choose, would you prefer a bracelet, a necklace, or perhaps even an earring?"

"What?" I said in confusion.

"Or a brooch perhaps?"

"What kind of question is that?"

Rastlin seemed to ponder something for a moment, "You own a star of Antalos, do you not?"

"Yes, it was a trinket I got from the trade district long ago."

Rastlin nodded, "Do you still have it?"

I could not understand Rastlin's reason but reached into my coat as I fetched the star from a pocket.

"Yes, I have it right here," I answered.

Rastlin motioned for me, "Good, give it to me. I will return it, I promise."

I walked up to Rastlin and handed it over with some unease, "Here."

Rastlin took the star and observed it in silence for a few moments, "Yes, this will do just fine."

788 I.C, January 14, Everwinter: Underworks, Midday

My mind bubbled with a strange of excitement and worry as I marched over to my bed and knelt down next to it.

The others will be all right... I have to think about myself... Imagine it... Freedom...

I began to pull out my stuff from underneath the bed and fetched the leather backpack Leonard had given me years ago.

My senses and magic will allow me to hunt... I need valuables... To trade with...

My hands wandered the crannies underneath my bed as I fetched small caches of precious metals, crystals, and gems.

Tools... A knife in case magic isn't an option... Some underwear... My enchanted clothes will make do for everything else...

Doubt crept into my mind but I pushed it aside with the rationalization that I was doomed in Everwinter. After all, it was only a matter of time before the wulfkins would get me or the rot inside me would twist into a carbon copy of Rastlin.

Water... Some food... I'll have to swing by the mess hall... I can't believe I'm considering to bring along mushrooms...

I searched the side of the bed, found a small flap and then reached in as I fetched a small parchment and pulled it out. It was a handmade copy of the map detailing the transporter network across the world. It could be useful one day and I stashed it with the rest before sealing the backpack.

"Avery?" Ben's voice was full of surprise and came from behind me.

I glanced back and found myself staring at Ben's rather flat canine nose, "Oh, hi Ben."

Ben cocked his head, "Going somewhere?"

My mind raced for a moment until I thought of an excuse, "It seems I've made a lot of enemies."

"What do you mean?" Ben asked.

"It's not safe for me to sleep here any longer. You should consider moving as well."

Ben's eyes widened in surprise as he glanced around, "What happened?"

"I err... may have upset someone."

Ben sighed, "Let me guess... You pissed of Doros? Or did Titan do something?"

"Titan is just trying to survive, but yes, Doros is pissed at me," I answered.

"So where are you moving?" Ben asked.

"I think I'll move around until things calm down. Feel free to take the rest of my stuff, I don't need it."

Ben blinked in surprise, "Are you serious?"

"They're just going to throw it in a fire or something anyway, I'd rather see someone make use of it."

Ben sat down on his bed, "Or we could just hide it somewhere you know?"

I made a slight smile, "Yeah."

Ben's smile faded, "You don't think you're going to survive this?"

"I'd never think something like that Ben, but I can't go around thinking I'm invulnerable either."

"I understand, anything I can do to help?"

I nodded, "Keep your head down and keep quiet, I don't think they'd hesitate to use you as bait if they thought it'd work."

Ben smirked, "What do you take me for Avery?"

I raised my brow, "You were willing to manipulate me for food once, remember?"

Ben sighed, "Come on Avery, it was a win-win situation. Besides, I'd have to be an idiot to let myself be used as bait by the wulfkins."

"... I need to ask you something."

"Yeah?" Ben asked.

I focused on Ben as I spoke, "The one who bribed you, was that my father?"

Ben's eyes widened, "You still think of the wulfkins as your parents?"

"Just answer the question Ben," I ordered.

Ben sighed, "I don't know, it's not like he'd say you were his son."

"What did he look like?" I asked.

"Pure gray fur, yellow eyes, really big even among wulfkins."

"Yeah, no doubt about it, that's my father..."

"Why do you keep torturing yourself like that?"

"I don't know, did he... say something? About me?"

Ben glanced away, "Not really."

"Ben... Tell me?"

"It's nothing... he said nothing about you."

"But?" I asked.

Ben looked back and frowned, "It was strange, he was calm and kept asking questions about you."

"Like what?" I asked.

"Like... If you're happy, where you sleep, if you've got friends. Strange for a wulfkin."

My chest tightened, "I see."

"You can't be serious Avery? After everything you've told me. The wulfkins don't care about us."

I smiled and nodded, "I know Ben, how are things going with Titan?"

Ben drew a deep breath, "Sometimes I wonder if he's just playing me for a fool, but the guy doesn't seem that bad. He's got a strange kind of honor and he's got a lot of respect for you."

I nodded, "Try to keep him in check, all right?"

Ben chuckled as he reached down and fetched one of the books from the floor, "Don't worry about us Avery, the lower levels are vast and I've played hide and seek many times over the years."

"I'm glad to hear that."

I'm going to miss you guys...

788 I.C, January 14, Everwinter: Upper Levels, Midday

My steps were light and my nerves tingled with anxiety as I walked through the residential heart of the castle. Evening was just hours away but the children were still at school while the adults were busy working throughout the castle.

To my benefit the scent I exuded was wulfkin enough to pass for what was normal in these areas, to my disadvantage I feared that someone would recognize the scent and start to hunt me.

Walking among the hallways filled me with an eerie sensation as I could remember every wall, corridor, marking, and the tags clinging to every door. It had been nine months since I had last walked these halls and I found myself bombarded by memories. Friends, family, school, all of it mixed in a bag of emotions that made every step a struggle.

I turned a corner and found myself looking down a hallway housing a single door at the end, my home.

My throat and chest felt cramped as I approached the door. It was foolish to set foot here but there was a part of me that would never know peace unless I said goodbye to this place.

I sniffed the air and caught the lingering scents of father and mother, icons of safety and belonging.

My hand touched the door and I leaned against it as I drew a deep breath. Their scents seeped from the solid wood and it made me reminisce as I thought of mother's cooking and playtime with father.

The humans in the lower levels thought that family life among wulfkins was a luxurious but cruel existence. They may have been right regarding the comfortable lifestyle but they were wrong about the rest.

Mother and father may have been though and a bit abrasive at times, but my memories of growing up were ones of love and many nights spent in their warm embrace. It hurt to remember and the memories made my mind boil with a conflicting sensation of longing and hatred.

I sank down on my knees and settled next to the door as my vision blurred.

You're crying? Seriously?

I wiped the tears from my eyes as I noticed something on the wall, carvings with colored outlines.

An old memory rose to the surface as I remembered the source of it, a gift for Raymond and me brought by father from beyond the walls. Colored crayons, it was a gift they had soon regretted as we used it to clutter all over the castle.

It made me smile and chuckle as I remembered it.

Yet they still abandoned you... Trash... Filth... Human... Mage...

"Shut up..." I whispered to myself.

A stain upon the bloodline... Worthless...

"Shut up!" I snapped in anger.

They despise you... You disgust them... They all wish you were dead...

I clutched my head and crouched up in the corner, "I loved you... I would have followed you all to the pits of hell if need be."

They never loved you... They only loved the potential... To please the master...

"You're wrong..." I said.

Ask yourself... Do you really believe that?

A sudden sound from within the door sent shivers down my back as I jumped up. Someone was inside my old home and I could hear the click of claws coming closer.

I had just enough time to step out of reaching distance as the door opened with a creak.

Father was standing by the door and I saw his fur ripple in surprise as he caught sight of me. His yellow eyes stared at me and I felt my heart thump with enough force that it pounded in my ears. He was dressed in a black stylized uniform and I figured he had been called to some meeting that had in turn forced him to return home.

Several seconds ticked by before father seemed to snap out of his shock. In an instant his expression hardened while his hackles rose in anger.

Say something... Acknowledge me...

Father glared but kept his silence as he reached into his pocket and fetched a keyring that jingled.

I am your SON! Say something! Growl at me! Do not dare ignore me!

Father stepped out and pushed the door shut before starting to lock it in silence.

"Javier?" I said as I stepped back in case things became violent.

The door clicked shut and locked before father withdrew the key and placed it in his pocket.

"Javier?" I tried once more.

My whole body quivered with the pound of my heart as father turned around and started walking while refusing to meet my eyes.

I walked backwards and spoke, "I guess you heard, I'll take over as seer when Rastlin moves on."

Father's lips tightened a little as I kept walking backwards, "That's something, right? Even for a weakling like me?"

Father wouldn't look at me, he wouldn't acknowledge me, I was like air. It made me furious and the anger inside my chest reached a fervor I had never felt before.

Heat rose from within and it grew stronger with every thump of my heart, it felt as if I was burning up and it made me gasp for breath as I felt trapped in my own body. The light fixtures along the wall that were powered by magic began to fluctuate while arcs of lightning danced between the couplings.

I stopped walking in defiance and stared father in the eyes, "Father?"

Father stopped and I could see him cringe as his ears folded back, a mere split second later his eyes locked with mine as his lips pulled back to reveal sharp canine teeth.

"I warned you!" Father snapped as his tail grew stiff and bristled.

I clutched my chest as my heart kept pounding, something was wrong, somehow my mind or nerves were failing me at such a critical moment. It made magic leak from my body and I felt the air grow charged with aetheric energy that made the lights brighten.

"Are you going to kill me now father? Slay your own flesh and blood?" I asked.

Father clenched his clawed hands as he gritted his teeth with a low growl, "You are not my son, you're a bastard, a human parasite that infested that human mother of yours."

Something cracked inside my mind as I snickered to myself, "Still wulfkin enough for you to try to have me bred."

"Last warning, get out-of-the-way!" Father barked as he inched forward and glared at me.

My body ached and every beat of my heart renewed the pain like a pulse charging through my nerves.

It made me feel sick and it rattled the aether as the excess was turning into flux. In desperation to control it I reached out with threads of magic and formed a web meant to siphon and reign it in.

"Avery and Raymond, two wise guardians, mother told me you were the one who insisted on our names," I seethed with anger as I glared back.

Father's lips trembled as he raised his clawed hand in a threatening manner.

"What's stopping you father? Is it the fact that your precious master will be angry if I die? Or do you care for me deep down?" I asked.

Father started panting from agitation as his eyes fixated on me with an anger that made his fur bristle.

"You don't get it? Do you? I tried to have you bred so that you would stay the fuck out-of-the-way! Instead we're going to suffer your shame as seer for many decades to come! We're trying to forget that you ever existed!" Father screamed with a snarl in his throat.

You're... trying to forget that I ever existed? You don't even have the decency to suffer in secret?

I wanted him to suffer, I wanted him to never forget. The web of magic that had spread throughout the hallway became my instrument while hatred became the guiding hand. The threads gripped hold of the light-fixtures along the wall and ripped them out with a thunderous crack.

Father was pelted by debris and became distracted as I let the threads seize hold of the metal rods like blunt weapons. Father covered his face in surprise as I swung the heavy rod and slammed into his side.

The heavy impact hurled father into the wall and made him grunt in pain before he fell to the ground with a loud thud. The threads holding the rod frayed from the brief touch and made me cringe in unease as I felt it spread into my own body.

I struggled to retain control and hardened the threads with energy.

Father shook his head and then looked up with a growl in his throat, "You'd better stop fucking around or I'll kill you no matter what anyone says!"

I leaned onto the wall for support as every beat of my heart made pain radiate through my body.

"I believe you father, now that I realize what kind of twisted and abhorrent monstrosity you are."

Father rose on his paws while his brow twitched as if my words upset him, "What are you doing?"

My chest ached as if my heart was trying to break free while my hands began to itch. I ignored it and embraced my anger as I held out my hand and focused my magic.

I'm going to make damn sure that you never forget me...

Pieces of wood and jagged shards of metal lifted from the floor and settled around my hand as I created a make-shift gauntlet bound together by metal wire.

"What are you playing at Avery? Stop now and I will convince the others not to execute you!"

My body felt weird, it burned and my skin tingled and itched as old instincts woke to life.

It made me bare my teeth as I focused on father and let out a growl that made my chest reverberate.

"How kind of you father, you truly warm my heart!" I snarled in fury.

"Enough!" Father snapped as he rushed forward without warning.

I moved one of the metal bars and swung it toward father's head as a distraction. Father underestimated me as expected and ducked while I swung the other one along the ground in an upward strike.

It slammed into father's digitigrade legs and lifted his paws into the air while sending his upper body hurtling toward the stone floor. A loud clap of teeth was heard as father's muzzle hit the ground with a slam.

I focused on one of the metal bars and let loose my magic, the metal groaned and twisted into the form of a horseshoe as I moved it over father's head.

The threads of magic gripped the horseshoe like an iron vice as I hurtled it toward father's neck. The stone floor cracked and splintered as the metal forced its way down and pinned father's head to the ground. A canine yelp mixed with a human cry of fear was heard from father as he tried to pull free but found his head locked into place.

"What are you doing! STOP!" Father screamed and thrashed in anger as he pulled on the metal horseshoe and tried to dislodge it.

I stepped closer and crouched with the sensation of fire rushing through my veins, it made me pant and sweat while my skin itched as if I was beset by irritating wool.

Father strained to look up as I let energy pour into the metal claws of my gauntlet, it made them glow red and yellow as heat radiated from them.

"Avery! STOP! I order you!" Father's yellow eyes became like pinpricks as expression twisted into fear.

"I won't stay in Everwinter for much longer so you won't have to bear my shame, but I'll be damned if I EVER let you forget!" I screamed with feral anger as I raised my gauntlet.

" WAIT!" Father's scream was cut short as I made one powerful swipe toward his head.

The jagged metal hit his forehead and made a powerful hiss as it pierced flesh and burned skin and fur.

I pulled and made sure to avoid his eyes as I felt it scrape against bone and created gaping lacerations in his face. Father's body started writhing while his legs and paws extended in twitching tremors.

Father's scream was like the high pitched whimper of a dog combined with a guttural spasm that made his throat seize up.

His hands batted at the gauntlet but did little other than sear his fingers as I pulled the jagged knives past his muzzle and stepped back.

The smell of burnt fur and cooked flesh mixed with the rich iron scent of blood as father clutched his now scarred face. Crimson blood seeped from the deep wounds and matted his fur before trickling onto the rock floor.

"My name is Avery Winterfang and I have marked you for all to see! Try to forget that! FATHER!"

I released the magic and let the metal fall to the floor with resounding clangs. Father squirmed against the restraints and made throaty noises of pain mixed with something akin to words that I could not comprehend.

I ignored it and walked away...

788 I.C, January 14, Everwinter: Rastlin's Workshop, Evening

The aches had stopped but my heart still pounded as I struggled up the stairs and hurried down corridors. In my anger I had done something unthinkable, it left me trembling as I had only condemned myself to death but I had no doubt wrecked Rastlin's plans as well.

I'm a fool! A bloody idiot!

I gasped for breath as a sudden dizzy spell made me stumble to the side. I hit the wall and leaned on it for a moment's rest.

What's wrong with me?

Angry voice from afar pushed me on as I rushed on and reached Rastlin's workshop. I pushed the door open, entered, and leaned back on the heavy door as I slammed it shut.

Rastlin's irritated voice cut through the air in an instant, "Where were you! I told you be on time!"

I panted and clutched my chest as I looked in front. The room had changed and now hummed with magic energy while the obsidian platform in the center had become a full-fledged transporter.

"What's wrong!?" Rastlin snapped as he focused on me.

I steeled myself and spoke, "My apologies Rastlin, I screwed up."

Rastlin frowned in irritation, "What have you done?"

"Revenge, I hurt my father, they should have discovered him by now. We don't have much time."

Rastlin observed me for a few moments and then seemed to relax, "I see."

"What?" I asked in surprise.

"Did you at least have the sense to pack your bag before you set off on your quest of vengeance?"

I nodded and motioned to the backpack on my back.

Rastlin nodded and motioned for me to get out-of-the-way, "Then everything is fine."

I stepped away from the door and glanced back to notice something strange. Four large obsidian plates fitted with crystals and metal were placed on each corner of the door.

"What is this?" I asked.

The crystal assemblies activated and the air crackled with energy as something akin to Titan's armor formed on the door like an impenetrable wall.

"A precaution, to buy us time," Rastlin commented.

I faced Rastlin once more, "I think it's time you told me what's going on Rastlin."

Rastlin looked at the transporter, "You're not the only one with a burning desire for revenge Avery."

"I figured that much already," I answered.

Rastlin motioned to another set of crystal machinations surrounding the transporter in a circle, "Come, join me in the circle, we have little time."

I approached and stepped into the circle, "What role do I play in your revenge?"

Rastlin glanced at the crystals around the circle, moments later a secondary shield formed like a large bubble around the transporter platform, "You play the most important part of all Avery, if you had any idea how special you are."

"I will and can defend myself," I warned.

Rastlin sighed, "Stupid child, harming you would be the last thing on my mind."

I frowned in irritation, "Stop!"

Rastlin stepped back and motioned to a workbench inside the protective bubble that had formed around us, "I have set in motion events that will shake this world, but there is no need for you to play a hero, you only need to live, safe, far away from this place."

I looked at the workbench and noticed three items, one was a small black tome, laying beside it was a crystal that seemed to glow and shift as if it was alive. The third item was my star of Antalos, it had been fitted with a chain and the red gem in the center pulsed and swirled as if it was filled with some kind of liquid.

"I don't understand," I said in confusion.

Rastlin picked up the black tome and held it out to me, "You will, in time."

"What is it?"

"Something which I hope will be known as one of the great artifacts of our world, the 'Tome of Rastlin'."

"How humble of you," I said as I took the tome in my hand.

The book was enchanted with powerful magic and it hummed in my hands as I opened it up and looked inside. To my surprise the pages were blank.

"These pages are blank? Is this a joke?" I asked.

"Think of something, a spell to make iron rust for example."

I looked down at the blank pages and thought of it, in an instant arcane runes formed and showed a step by process for the aetheric spell.

"Did this book read my mind? What is it?"

"It is an arcane library, filled with a lifetime of knowledge, it contains my guidance, secrets, and it will guide you beyond Everwinter."

"The Tome of Rastlin, I will make sure to call it that if I survive."

Rastlin made a humble nod, "Thank you for respecting my wishes."

"But you still haven't explained," I said.

Rastlin reached out and grabbed the jagged crystal that seemed to glow and shift in the air.

"Do you know what this is?" Rastlin asked as he held it up.

"No?"

"A stone of fate, it is very rare and but a few are found every lifetime."

"A stone of fate? Like in the legends?"

"Yes, like in your books, but without all the silly superstition. The stone of fate is a magical node that pierces the very fabric of the aether. It has the power to bypass the ever watching eye of the master."

"A bypass for the transporter, but where will it take me?" I asked.

"That is where the legends and superstition come in, it will take you somewhere on this planet."

"Like the scorching sands, the pit of a volcano or the vast ocean you mean?"

"That is a possibility."

"Let me guess, those that survive attribute it to legend and fate, those that die are simply not heard from again?"

Rastlin nodded, "That is most likely the origin of these superstitions."

"You're asking me to make a wild jump into who knows where? Are you insane?"

Rastlin offered the crystal to me, "If you stay here you will die, if you use this crystal then you have a chance. A rather big chance in fact as there are few volcanoes and much peaceful land on our world."

"Or I could end up in the castle gardens for all that I know? Maybe that's my fate."

Rastlin smirked, "That is true."

I pocketed the tome in my robe and then took the crystal in my hand, "What is your revenge Rastlin?"

"As long as the master lives, Everwinter will never change, that is fact."

"You want to destroy the master? How will any of this accomplish that?"

Rastlin pulled out a small vial filled with a black liquid and then popped the cork before lifting it to his mouth.

"What are you doing!?" I screamed.

Rastlin tipped the vial and drained every drop before making a gulp as he swallowed, "The master is vengeful, he will raise my body and violate the remains of my mind. In minutes I will be dead and well out of his reach."

I was about to scream in anger as a loud rumble was heard outside the door, "He was here! His scent is all over the place!"

The dark voices of wulfkin could be heard as they started banging on the door, "Rastlin! Open up this instant!"

Rastlin's already ashen face seemed to lose all color as I stepped closer to him and pleaded, "What have you done Rastlin? Tell me!"

"I have tricked you... you are the instrument of my revenge, you have no choice but to obey if you wish to live," Rastlin answered.

"I don't understand."

The aetheric barrier on the wall began to fluctuate and sparked as the wulfkins outside started ramming the door.

"Take the star, it will shield you from the master, hide you from his sight. Leave through the portal without it and they will hunt you to the end of the world."

"You haven't even told me how to use the stone of fate!?" I yelled.

Rastlin leaned onto the worktable and seemed to grow weaker for every moment that passed, "So impatient, power up the transporter and shunt the energy into the crystal, that's all it takes."

"What role does the star play? How am I the instrument of your revenge?"

Rastlin clutched the worktable and slumped to his knees, "You need not concern yourself, just keep the star from Everwinter and everything will be all right. You will be free... That is what you wanted, right?"

The large door to the workshop buckled and groaned as the bolts pinning it to the wall began to give way while the aetheric shield let out a loud bang as one of the crystal assemblies exploded.

"You don't have much time Avery, take the star before it is all too late," Rastlin whispered as he rested his head against the worktable.

I was trapped and I had little choice but to follow Rastlin's scheme as I stepped up to the table and reached out for the star. It had a strange aura around as if it was draining energy from its surroundings.

My hand seized the star and to my surprise I felt little magic presence, as if it was little more than an enchanted trinket.

A sudden rumble akin to an earthquake shook the castle and made dust fall from the roof as every loose object in the workshop began to shake. I gripped the worktable in surprise as I heard glass shatter on the floor while heavy books fell from the bookcases.

'SEIZE THEM - THE STAR - CAPTURE THEM'

A sudden and loud soul piercing shriek tore through everything and made the wulfkins outside the door break out in pained howls and desperate screams.

I cringed in pain and covered my ears to shield myself but it didn't help in the least as the piercing shriek was like a command uttered through the aether itself.

Rastlin smirked and made a dark chuckle, "The master has awoken."

A heavy slam tore into the door and made the aetheric shield shatter with a blast that sent crystals flying the air. The door loosened from its hinges and fell to the ground with a heavy slam as wulfkins burst into the room.

My eyes widened in horror as they rushed toward us and slammed into the aetheric bubble around us.

The shield crackled with energy but held together as the lot of them tore at it with their bare claws. They screamed at the top of their lungs in anger and distorted growls while their eyes were filled with panic.

Survival instinct kicked in as I placed the star around my neck and rushed into the transporter.

Magic flooded the air and I forced it into the buffers while more wulfkin poured into the room and lunged at the crumbling shield. Their fur stood on end and their hackles had risen like feral beasts as they glared at me through the barrier.

It was difficult to make out their words but there was a certain noise that kept repeating over and over again like a chant, " STOP! STOP! STOP!"

I clutched the stone of fate in my hands as the protective bubble began to crack and deform.

My eyes caught on one of the wulfkin clinging to the shield, his eyes were yellow and his fur was pure brown. It was Raymond and he glared at me with a look that could be described as nothing other than unbridled despair.

" AVERY! STOP!" Raymond screamed with a voice that seemed to pierce the noise.

The transporter was ready, the buffers were full, the stone of fate hummed in my hands and glowed with warmth that made my hands tingle.

Something dawned on me as I watched their desperate faces twisted with fear and enough anger that they would not hesitate to rip my head off.

I was happy for their suffering, it soothed my heart with a schadenfreude that made me grin like a maniac. It was perfect, Rastlin had his revenge and I had mine, all of Everwinter feared what we had done.

Finally they understood a shred of the pain that they had incurred on me.

I looked Raymond deep in the eyes as I mouthed the word, "Goodbye."

Raymond's eyes widened as I triggered the buffers and felt energy arc into the crystal like a bolt of lightning. The world flashed white and became an erratic cacophony of sound and color as the world warped around me.