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Dart had never been one to complain; he had never had the luxury. Even as a young swallow-tail Avis, unsporting lessons had taught him the keystone in his survival. For this reason, he had always taken offers for work where others had too much pride or too little motivation. The nomadic tendencies of his people weeded out the weak, old adages of "survival of the fittest" as deeply ingrained as blood or bone. He had believed none of it.

Within the flock, those who could no longer proceed, or who remained behind by choice, often became trade workers or simple laborers - frequently portrayed as 'low folk' by means of job selection or perceived low aspirations. Avis were never politicians or healers or caravan owners, they simply pursued what was necessary to survive. Though it wasn't uncommon for the injured or elderly to seek a permanent residence outside of their peers, it was entirely rare for a hatchling as young as Dart to have been left behind. Had Darris not stumbled upon his starving form, he would not have lived. Survival wasn't always for the fittest - he was convinced it was a collective effort.

It was for this that he was certain the glamour he had received was intended to twist the cruel knife of his past through him - no accident indeed. Cruel memories surged forth each time he interacted with the enshrouded human. But he had made a promise, and intended to follow through.

It would be foolish to believe the Surpor would allow him safe passage; even positive interactions with the serpent are still likely to include dismemberment. Blindly parading through the main roads of Haven with his present company would attract unwanted attention, and he'd likely still be headed off in the myriad alleyways if he attempted to stay hidden from the main roads. No, he had to stay above the streets and below the books if he had any hope of making it through unscathed.

While Harman and James prepared their disguises and props, he ran the plan over in his head once more, if even just to psyche himself up for what was to come. It would not be an easy task, and he would betray the final trust of his few remaining friends - 'My friends, forgive me!' he wailed internally. He could have hardly believed in gods and direct magic and ancient mythology in a past no more distant than 2 cycles of the moon; indeed, he had laughed in Harman's face when the plan was first divulged, thinking it merely the ramblings of a madman. But as time passed and the call to action neared, more of the Lapin's promised warning signs became evident, stirring the kingdom into chaos - if not in belief of gods and powers beyond his imagination, for atonement. But before him now, Harman had delivered on his promise of a god; surely there was still time to redeem himself.

As he found his way back from the maze of his thoughts, he became aware that his present company had grown quiet in anticipation of his next command, staring at him with a mixture of care and expectation. He quietly chirped to himself in affirmation before shedding the scowl of contemplation; walking up to the duo, he carefully passed around them to ensure even the most mundane of details exposed no secrets.

"This raiment is ridiculous!" Harman complained, tugging at loose ribbons in irritation. He had enshrouded himself in an elaborate tunic of emerald, trimmed with fine gold embroidery and dotted with further decorative gold patches. It hung on him as if it were made for a creature of far greater bulk, the comparatively short sleeves concealing even his wrists. Gone were the open sandals he once wore, replaced with laced and studded leather boots; a decorative belt adorned each ankle, complimented by brass heel counters. The collars folder over themselves to expose a sueded interior that touted elegance and comfort for the wearer's every step. A finely-stamped leather belt hung awkwardly from his hips with half a dozen formed pockets lining the exterior, their short ties dangling freely in anticipation of received coin to merit their fastening. Completing the outfit was a three-cornered felt hat that matched the forest green of his attire - and clearly the only thing that appeared to fit him properly.

As he displayed what he perceived as inadequacies in his disguise, James snorted to himself in a kitten's half-purr while he looked the Lapin over. A deceptively tiny voice suddenly rang out, as if to feed his embarrassment, "You look like a Robin-Hood-Batman!" Though it did not show, Harman blushed deeply and slapped his arms to his sides, unable to comprehend the reference.

"Mocked! Even by a kitten I am mocked!"

Dart sighed softly to himself and pulled at the garment's loose ties, lashing them properly against Harman's figure to quickly reveal they were indeed properly designed. After another brief pass over his outfit, Dart nodded smartly. "Does this fit better? It is a traditional garb for traders in your territory, and the colors signify..."

"I am quite aware of this outfit's origins, you featherbrain!" Harman scolded harshly, "And further knowledge boots nothing to reduce my ridicule!" Dart stared at him hotly for a few breaths; soon, the Lapin averted his gaze to study the forest floor while he fumed hotly. Quietly, he muttered something under his breath, but Dart ignored his curses.

Turning his attention now to James, he stepped around him, searching for any flaws or hidden clues to his glamour. It had indeed been a well-made gem - the quality of his movements and figure were flawless; even fine movements of the tail were believable, though the human had none - an unexpected boon. His gaze was met suddenly by the unhappy kitten, sending a pang of guilt and remorse through his gut. He turned abruptly away, trying desperately to convince himself again that it was the only option they had to make it through. After hesitating for a heartbeat, he returned his consideration to him and stated flatly, "The shackles are well-placed. I'll attach the leader chain once we are upon the entrance." The small figure nodded silently in approval and moved to take a seat on a nearby stump while he waited.

The Avis approached Harman expectantly and asked softly if he was ready to continue onward. "I suppose I'll have to be ready," he replied with a sigh. "Waiting here will bring us no greater courage."

The swallow-tail nodded and beckoned him along, approaching the edge of the forest. "We stand nearly 5 kilometers from the entrance. At about half that distance, I'll attach the leader chain and we'll walk outside of the forest's edge for the remainder. Darris should be leading watch on this portion of the wall - we're old friends. He'll be able to sneak us through the wall and underground to avoid most of the trouble we'd otherwise run into. It cost me a small fortune to convince him to shift schedules around with the rest of the watch. Just keep close and let me do the talking."

Harman shrugged in as much approval as he could be bothered to show, while the leopard cub stood silently - no doubt in his committal to silence. Dart swung a wing through the air to signal their departure and began walking through the forest towards their unescapable trial.

~~~~~~~~~~

Walking in somber silence, the party glided through time and distance. When they arrived at their intended distance, Dart connected the leader to the kitten, cursing to himself while once more he appraised his intentions. He would have to contact Darris at the gate. 'Definitely more trouble than it's worth'. He would need to convince him to give the group protection. 'It's going to work,' he promised himself. 'It HAS to work.'

As he came to the end of his thoughts, familiarity began to take hold as the group made their final approach. "Nearly there," he murmured to no one in particular. If Harman or James heard him, they betrayed no notice. Every step brought new dread to him, each signifying fewer remaining before his inevitable betrayal.

In the time between moments, the enormous gate came into view; it was nearly as tall as the wall, its width equal. An entire tree would have been necessary to produce a single beam, and its blackness stood in stark contrast to the cool surrounding granite; scorched by skilled craftsmen, the treatment both hardened and decorated the fine wood. Built to accommodate a large army, or perhaps a swift evacuation, its towering construction could only be fully appreciated by lore-wise giants. They would not be entering through the great gate, however; it was too much fanfare for their needs.

They required subtlety.

Their approach took them to a stone's throw from the wall of wood where he signaled for the company's halt. Even after countless entries from over 30 years of life within the walls, the towering doors remained an awe-inspiring testament to the determination of their independence. After only brief minutes, Harman grew restless.

"How long must we await their notice? Have they neither eyes nor ears?" he barked impatiently. Stamping his leather-clad foot on the ground, he began to fidget with his tunic.

"Patience, friend," Dart replied, pleading silently his unease was not evident. "Darris will greet us when he is able."

"When he is able? Truly I am jovial to have the luxury of his whim while we rest undefended!"

"Undefended indeed!" came a shout from a window in the rock that hadn't existed a moment ago. A slender, panther Grimalkin stood in the opening, as black as the great doors themselves. Standing expectantly, he was clad in old leather armor and armed with a sneer. The confusing opening stood at least 6 meters from the ground, no doubt part of the great wall's mysterious construction. "Wha's yor buin'ness 'ere?" he growled through phlegm and old injuries.

Dart approached as casually as he could manage, eager to begin his proposal. "We seek passage and nothing more," he shouted back, his throat closing like an awkward teenager. Hell, he was nervous - why was he so nervous? "We must speak with Darris! I have with me sensitive merchandise that requires special arrangement."

"Special arrangement, mah furred arse!" the cat snarled back. "Darris in'nt 'ere roight now, love. Yor arrangin' wif me, an I need to know yor buin'ness!"

"Hellfire!" Harman snapped, "Our business is none of yours, you ingrate!" Dart slapped his forehead, mouthing a 'why?' in exasperation; already things were coming undone at the seams.

"Oi! Who ye callin' an ingrate, carrots-fer-brains? If'n ye want in so bad, ye sit toight and let mummy and daddy talk it out like grown-ups, peachy?"

Harman was on the verge of rage, the faceted crystal in his staff glowing faintly; but he held his tongue. 'What a wonderful start' Dart thought to himself. Before matters could make themselves worse, he hopped into the air and spread his wings in quick flight to meet the Watchman at the window. When he had levelled with the window, the panther's face became clear - one he was not familiar with. Due to the lack of constant threat on this end of the wall, it was often used as patrol training for new recruits; at any given time, about half of the volunteers were on their first week. The Grimalkin possessed a set of bold, piercing eyes, as golden as coins. Patched fur rested atop his right cheek, the marred flesh beneath bemoaning the bite of an old fire. His leather armor spoke of age and dry rot where bolsters and buckles had cracked or torn from age; a lengthy history of disuse. But it was protection nonetheless, albeit pennywise.

As he fought to maintain his balance, Dart began speaking to the Watchman, a desperate attempt to salvage what remaining control may exist. "Look here, sport; Darris and I go way back. Big guy, could burn a house down with the heat of his glare - you know the one. So here's the situation: We've been friends since you were probably just a cub mistaking your thumb for your mother's teat, and he and I have an arrangement. Precious cargo, very important; you know the kind." He refused to allow the Grimalkin even a brief respite from his verbal assault. "And I'm very much sure you're familiar with how offended he'll be if such treasured guests as ourselves were being refused at his entrance. Why, I wonder how he'd punish you. Hang you from the water boards for a day, maybe? No, too impersonal; I bet he'd shave that eager little rear of yours and brand you as a concubine. Or maybe..."

"Ah 'ell mate! Ye dun haf'fa spell it out!" The Watchman surveyed the duo below a moment longer before returning his attention to the bird in flight. "Well fook, ye best stay whar ye are then or me boys'll do ye in, savvy?" He continued to mutter curses under his breath while he stepped back from the window. Waves of relief crashed over Dart while he broke his hover. While his feet returned to the earth the window dissolved from view, as though the wall were finally allowed to heal its wounds. When it was fully sealed, it left no discernable seam; even a Stoneright's masterful scrutiny might not observe it.

He nodded in approval while he settled, paraphrasing the exchange. Not a moment after he finished, edges began to form in the granite at the base of the wall in the shape of a large door, slowly melting into itself as though hidden channels were drawing it in as a liquid.

Within a few heartbeats the opening completed its shape and spilled forth a band of various creatures; each sporting the same leather armor in various states of disrepair, each armed with various spears and swords, and perhaps half a wit between them. They quickly formed two lines between the wall and their audience, forming a procession of perhaps a score misfits in total. Not a moment after they arranged their channel an old, haggard Canis stepped out, dressed neatly in a polished brass spangenhelm, whose folds followed his large ears downwards. The oversized, well-polished cuirass and heavy chausses set his rank apart from the riffraff between them, perhaps a testament to his devotion and service at the wall. On his left hip hung an ornately-decorated scabbard hosting a longsword with a gem-encrusted hilt and pommel.

The Canis approached through the procession with determination, his features becoming more apparent with each step. At first glance, he resembled a beagle or blood-hound due to the lengthy snout and excessive ears, but the coarseness of his fur and the deep bronze color was complimented with dark patterns that were reminiscent of a German shepherd. Standing roughly Dart's height, or perhaps half a hand taller, his bulk far outgrew the Avis. The socket of his right eye was unoccupied, a tender scar scaling his forehead leaving no question as to its fate.

An argumentative metronome of heavy steps echoed off of the forest behind the company. A solitary eye pierced its gaze through them, half-red from anger or fatigue. While the forest gently exhaled sighs of disruption, the Canis halted a few paces from Dart while he drew the finely-crafted blade from its home, resting it next to Dart's throat with recrimination. The large, red gem at the tang of the blade glowed harshly, as if to challenge the sun's hold on daylight.

As though his throat were sandpaper and gravel, he barked out, "Are you insane? Have you already forgotten what I said I'd do to you if I ever caught you skulking around here again?" His booming voice rang through the forest, stirring small wildlife from the comfort of their perches.

James did his best to remain still, his shaking knees betraying his efforts. The color drained from under Harman's fur while he stood aghast. Meanwhile, Dart straightened himself and approached the guard, all the while thumbing the top of his sword suggestively.

"Well yes, dear, but I thought what happened in the privacy of your quarters would remain between you and I," he cooed in a silken voice. A few anxious moments passed while Dart pressed his wing against the prominent breastplate, the party and the Watchmen alike staring in dumbfounded confusion at the flagrant display. The mutt tightened his grip on his sword, his arm shaking in anger or anticipation for only a moment before he could no longer contain himself. As if he voiced the earth itself, a volcano or laughter erupted; his raucous bellowing challenged to shake the heavens from the sky. Dart immediately joined, practically doubling over in giddy reprieve while the rest of the guard shifted uncomfortably in their stances. Harman and James exchanged a glance of both terror and glee while the duo hooted on for quite some time.

"Hoo hoo, Dart, I thought I'd lost you for good this time! Dealing with Jhartool, now? Nobody comes back from him!" the great Canis commended. "Surely that is a tale to be told, but perhaps one for another day, yes?" While the Avis recovered, he nodded and patted his good friend on the back.

"Indeed, it's worth the telling, but for now I'm sure you recognize our need for haste?"

Darris shrugged casually and resheathed his sword while he looked over the company. With little evolution his ecstatic laughter halted, his cringing face implicating the company. Cautiously, he leaned into the Avis to confront him, placing a massive arm around the bird's shoulders. "Dart, what on earth have you gotten yourself into? I'll not judge you, given all you've done for me, but for your sake I hope this isn't what it looks like."

Dart sighed deeply, shrinking under the weight of his arm. "It's...complicated. I'll tell you more once we've made it inside, away from prying eyes and curious ears." The Canis nodded sharply and motioned a circle in the air. The procession immediately parted to allow passage of the group. Without a further word, the entire group entered the wall.

~~~~~~~~~~

The wall was far more considerable than Dart remembered; it had been quite a long time since he first ventured out to make the necessary arrangements for the quest to come. But he knew their breadth provided room for dorms and barracks and galleys; its own community lived within the confines of the stone, the blood that pulsed through the halls like life-sustaining cells. Despite the many times he had been invited inside by Darris for odd jobs, the interior was yet relatively foreign to him.

Yellow gems gently lit the corridor from above, as if gently singing of the early-morning sun; their calm magicks seemed cheerful to provide a meaningful service. As the outer surfaces were, the inner paths had no apparently seams or mortar or joints; the entire structure could only have been one solid piece. All sides around him seemed to beg for warmth or fire, the earthly granite possessing none of its own. It was wide enough for the three of them to walk side by side without crowding, and equally tall; echoes could travel unhindered and indefinitely down the paths if they weren't frequently baffled by other linking paths.

Between the turns and the sheer distance they travelled, the interior blended together where only someone intimate with its construction could navigate it.. Stairs wound up several orders of itself, bringing them further toward the top. After what seemed like ages, Darris arrived at a steel-banded wooden door and turned a key in the lock to reveal the cozy study within. Several granite seats were formed into the walls and floor, a semi-circle arrangement to the far end of the room with others on the sides propped up to stone tables and what could be sofas - all lined with generous rugs and cushions of the finest crimson wool. Further amber gems quietly provided their mirth across the walls and ceiling, creating a softness wherever the woolen covers could not. Along the right wall stood what could only be a bar or drink cabinet, certainly stocked with various liqueurs and wines to provide relaxation. Brusquely, Darris motioned his guests inside while waving off the remaining patrol with a weak gesture. A red-tailed Skurren and a larger, golden Canis stood watch at either end of the door while the party proceeded to take in the hospitality. As if it possessed no capacity to make noise, the heavy door closed behind them, a hidden latch setting itself locked.

"Please, you are my guests," he murmured gruffly, "Won't you have a seat?" Without any need to coax them to their seats, the Canis set about the task of preparing drinks. James and Harman settled together on a larger sofa, which by their reaction was more comfortable than it appeared, but Dart paced nervously in the center of the room trying to work up the courage to present his requirements. From behind the heavy counter Darris produced a silver decanter and three silver goblets atop a polished silver tray. Setting them neatly together and lifting the tray to a stone table just in front of their seats, he set them down gently and began pouring a rich, red wine into each cup.

"In here, you have my comforts," he said hoarsely, "and the door is charmed so yet also you have privacy." As he finished pouring the last of the three, he set the decanter down and stood to face the suddenly awkward Avis. "Now I expect a damn good explanation for the shit-show you've set in my lap." While he did not raise his voice, his emphasis implied a yell; Dart winced as though a court had sentenced him for some heinous crime.

"We are in need of...protection," Dart began cautiously. "The little one before you is of great importance to the king, and is to be brought to him unharmed and untouched." He spat out the words as though they were poison. "And I'm just the errand-boy; I know nothing more about him."

The Canis nodded slowly and approached until he was looming over him like a threatening rain cloud. Stretching out his arms, Darris set his paws each on Dart's shoulders and sighed, squeezing as a father might before reprimanding his son. "I think you and I both know that's not even remotely true." Giving one final squeeze, he released Dart and pushed him gently back, reaching for a goblet to present him. Extending his arm, Dart received the silver chalice and sat down in another nearby chair while Darris took his own.

"Dart, I've known you for almost your entire life," he began slowly. "You know I can tell when you're in it deep, and by hell I'm here to help you when you need it, but this?" He motioned vaguely at his company before returning his scrutiny. "I don't even know what this is, let alone where to begin asking. What on earth has happened? You were racing around town madly gathering Bijou, you took a job from Jhartool, and then you disappeared for almost an entire year without as much as a goodbye." Darris took a heavy drink from his grail, emptying it in only a couple of swallows before he began to refill it once more. "We all thought you were dead."

"I may as well have been," he countered. "My whole life I'd been searching for meaning, a greater purpose. Don't get me wrong, I can't even begin to repay for everything you've done for me; but I think I've finally found my purpose." 'My atonement'. Darris lifted an eyebrow and glanced back over at the young Grimalkin boy for a brief moment before Dart realized what he had said. "No, not like that! He is not bound for slavery, though I cannot disclose his purpose; only that within him is a great power."

He sipped on the wine he was offered, giving himself precious moments to plan his speech. "A year ago, I met this Lapin in Brabury who seemed frantic for a resolution to his problems." Harman harrumphed, but otherwise posed no further interruption. "He provided me with a fantasy vision of what the future would hold should his plan come to completion, and I laughed it off - but he persisted, saying I was perfect for the job. If not for his unending harassment, I might have brushed it off. But after everything I've seen helping organize this expedition, I'm embarrassed I ever thought him a fool."

"And?" the Canis probed, "What of this vision for a future paradise?" The question tumbled lifelessly through Dart's ears; 'Of course he was going to ask!' Before he could reply, however, Harman stood and took command of the conversation. "No time for subtleties, Dart." He waved his paws in a shoo-ing motion at the Avis. "We're set to remove a certain mad king from his throne, and we've summoned to our aid one of the gods of old. With jolly King Harrod out to pasture, we may begin anew without such slaughter." He sat back in his seat as abruptly as he had stood and returned to his quiet task of finishing as much wine as he could reasonably hope to.

A heartbeat passed - two - before Darris railed his head back and bellowed out a great laugh. "Oh truly you jest greatly! You usually give a tell, but I've been had this round! Good show!" His laughter continued for a moment until he realized that he was alone in his mirth. When he meant to regain eye contact with the Avis, his gaze was dodged. Soon he had finished his glass of wine and poured another clumsily. "I...see. I've never known you to be a fool for trackless errands, Dart, but surely you must realize this is folly! A god, in the shape of this young boy?" He gestured obliquely without giving the boy any further regard.

"I don't expect you to believe me, just to provide me some esteemed help!" Dart howled in reply "After all we've been through together, I thought it was the least I could count on between friends!" Once the faint echo of his voice died out, silence poured in and filled the remaining space. Sheepishly, as if his own voice had startled him, he regained his chair and heaved in air as though it were precious.

Slumping in his seat, a frown made its home on his face. He had not let anyone know he was leaving the Haven; he hadn't had time, and it didn't seem important to dwell upon. "I'm sorry, friend. Things have been...trying these last few moons." He swallowed hard before continuing, "But even if I'd had the time, I couldn't have told you what I've been up to. I still can't, for that matter."

Harman slammed his empty goblet back onto the table with a dull thud, chiming in himself, "That is sooth by all accounts!" The young leopard sat still and quiet, as if he were merely a detailed statue. The old friends turned to regard the Lapin, but otherwise ignored his outburst.

Inwardly, Dart groaned, trying his best to phrase his excuse in a way that did not sound like a blatant lie, "I may have left out details, but our purpose now is no fiction; we do require a measure of protection around or through the city, and it is imperative this young lad makes it to the king unscathed. But our greatest need is of haste; there are unsavory individuals who pursue us, eager to mount our heads on their mantles."

Darris nodded and grunted in acknowledgement, considering his options before he replied. "Though it saddens me you cannot find trust to disclose your true intent," he glowered at the Lapin momentarily, "I may be able to provide some assistance. Your note and your coin made it to me not one moon after you left that I might meet you here, but I can spare no convoy." Another quick drink and his cup was empty again, but he did not refill it. "I will guide you along the westerly wall interior until we may make way to the watercourse below the city, but you must find your own way from there."

A sigh of relief escaped the Avis; he could only have guessed whether he still retained enough favor with Darris. Abruptly, the Canis stood and paced over in James' direction, eyeing him as if he had cast insults his way. Dart could only barely contain his sudden panic, shifting uncomfortably in his seat, but Darris softened his gaze into a sweet smile as he crouched to meet at the kitten's level.

"Are these men treating you alright?" His voice had become as clean and sweet as honey, displaying great concern for the boy. James nodded furiously to confirm, desperately seeking to avoid eye contact. "Do I scare you?" he offered. James shook his head in an almost comical defiance, perhaps attempting to emulate young belligerence. Darris laughed softly to himself and stood up, wandering back to his seat in amusement. "It would seem he is in good hands, then. You spoke of the necessity for haste; shall we linger any further?"

Dart leapt to his feet and took the Canis' paw in both of his hands. "Thank you, dear friend. In future needs please consider me indebted."

Darris set a paw on his shoulder, "There is no debt to be had. I've missed you sorely, as I would my own son." He flashed a sheepish grin at the Avis, clearly uncomfortable with expressing feelings. Nonetheless, Dart leaned in and hugged him tightly for a brief moment while the rest of the party rose to their feet. "Well come on, lad; let's get a move on."

"Truer words were never spoken," Harman chimed in, gently guiding the young cat along behind him. Darris approached the door and unfixed the latch, leaning out briefly to murmur a command to the entrance watch. When the door opened completely, the company was ready to proceed with Darris leading them out. Whatever command he had given the watch, they had made themselves scarce; likely to provide a measure of privacy to the party as they travelled through the great wall.

Down through the halls and staircases they travelled, passing few rooms of interest; most openings they found were connecting hallways, multiplying their complexity. They had made steady progress upwards from their initial entry, but even the gradual decline of their march now made it apparent they had already passed below ground level. In many places the halls were crowded with other Watch as they made their way to unknown destinations, steady interruptions around every corner. No doubt Dart's companions were as lost as he was, but the steadfast Canis trudged onward, leading like a beacon. In each room and corridor, amber-colored Bijou cast their warm glow to fight away the unrelenting darkness, unaware of anything but magic and radiance.

Soon the walkways became less crowded. Each new turn brought them to a less active area of the wall, and soon there were no others to be seen - much to the Dart's relief. 'Fewer faces means fewer opportunities to be spotted; good call, Darris.' The stone around them had become cooler, greedier for the warmth its inhabitants provided, but it did not take more than what was trod upon it. The air began to proffer the old must and mildew of abandonment, though it seemed equally likely they might be approaching water.

Without transition, Bijou on the ceilings disappeared to leave the company in darkness. In reply to their blindness, Darris grasped the grip of his sword, setting alight the red Bijou in its pommel. Though its illumination was poor, it was illumination nonetheless. It provided its meager benison to outline the edges of walls and the irregular stone floors.

As Dart began to contemplate the change in his surroundings, a new cool breeze provided the answer to his silent ponderings as though it had heard him. Abruptly, the hallway opened up to a large underground chamber, held aloft by several granite pillars dispersed in a neat grid throughout the room. The gently chuckling of water indicated the watercourse was present within, though it faded into darkness in the absence of the amber Bijou. By instinct and necessity, Harman tapped the end of his staff on the hard stone to illuminate the gem within it, casting a sickly green glow toward the further parts of the room that challenged the crimson.

"From here I can be of no further service to you, but I trust you can find your heading." The Canis pointed straight to the back of the sullen room, "This wall is to the south, but the path to the left of that will immediately wrap around to aim you towards the north, as you require." He had become sullen to the point of depression, clearly upset over the party's departure.

Thought he made the attempt, Dart's final goodbye hug was thwarted and instead an extended paw was offered. In both hands, he took the heavy paw and shook once vigorously. "Thank you, old friend. I don't know how I can ever repay you for all you've done."

At his words, the Canis recoiled as though Dart had hurled daggers, but Dart had no time to ponder the strange reaction; his attention was required elsewhere. From the south wall, a red glow had begun to take hold in the artificial night. Several shadowed figures were evident, though not clearly defined in the dim light. A quiet cackling had begun, bellowing from a thin, barely corporeal voice. It sounded to him more like scraping metal than any laugh he could distinguish, but he recognized it nonetheless. 'Jhartool.'

As Dart began to turn towards the entrance, he witnessed the last breath of blue light winking out of the Bijou in Darris' paw; their return had been sealed as though the entryway had never existed.

"Bravo, Darris; you've done well," a thin voice congratulated. A large figure began to approach from the darkness, gliding along the ground as though movement were trivial. A red gleam followed closely behind him, allowing little light to display his features, but his form was obvious all the same. The shape of a large snake slid effortlessly towards the group, gradually taking more permanence as the light cast from the end of Harman's staff. A mask concealed his face, a crudely-painted replica of what might have once been an enormous porcelain doll; its features mangled by conflicting paints and poor patterning. A heavy, silken cloak draped over the form, though its color was indistinct in the virulent light.

As though he may cry, Darris whimpered a rasped apology, "I'm so sorry, Dart. He has my wife. I can't even begin to imagine what you've done, but this will go more smoothly if you just cooperate for once." Completely stunned, Dart's arms fell to his sides; while the irony was not lost on him, he could not begin to fathom such a condign betrayal. Jhartool's remaining company began to approach, but he had no reproach but to fall to his knees in utter failure.

Harman approached him in disgust and anger, the gem of his staff threatening to blind everyone in the watercourse. "Hellfire and damnation, Dart, what have you done?" In his anger, the Lapin was practically convulsing.

The serpent's snide voice cackled with glee, their dire straits ample amusement. "Yes, dear boy; tell them about our agreement!" Abruptly, his voice transitioned from glee to vitriol. "Tell them of what you stole from me!" Spittle and acid dusted his features as the Surpor loomed over him, his shame leaving him without reply. "A year in hiding, and you're foolish enough to not only announce your intent to return, but to expect walk right under my nose? Clearly you have no inkling of the misery I can inflict!"

"That glamour your friend there is wearing," Darris offered cautiously, trying to move the conversation along, "Is that the one?" Internally, Dart wailed; he was unable to reply. 'He had known the whole time.' The band of vagrants had already approached his companions, various weapons drawn to ensure compliance; their random grunts and sniggers celebrating a job well done. The Avis had failed his friends and had been betrayed by his only other; he had come to the end of any purpose or use.

"I've held my end of the bargain, Jhartool; now it's time you held yours." Before he could accuse the serpent of more, he was overwhelmed with emotions he couldn't even begin to name. Without so much as a pause for breath, the serpent cackled, rousing further chuckles from the crude patrol.

"A bargain indeed," he grinned, revealing the daggers in his maw. He called an unintelligible name from the horde and beckoned him to the back wall. With a nod, a rat-tailed Skurren abruptly hurried off into the darkness, only a dim red glow betraying his position. Faint sounds of a struggle briefly echoed from the distant walls before the figure returned with a Canis in tow; she could have been a golden retriever or Labrador, but the landscape of her fur was obscured by heavy dirt and grime. Her once-beautiful evening dress was now a tattered garb, sullied and wrought as though she had merely been dragged through the watercourse by her bindings. Heavy cord was lashed around her in a careless fashion, a thick ball of cloth tied into her muzzle to ensure her silence. Tears carved paths through the filth of her face, terror as sharp as a dagger piercing her features.

Darris felt his heart lift, but only barely; he had still betrayed his best friend. He would never forgive himself for lacking another solution. The serpent nodded his approval and the rat shoved the stumbling woman towards Darris. But as relief began to flood him, a sudden change took over her face - horror, disgust, he could not know. He only knew that the life had begun to fade from her eyes while her blotted summer dress began to darken. Falling to her knees, her life poured out onto the cold stone, muddling itself with the dirt and moss. The Skurren stepped back, wiping clean his dagger; the blood on the steel as black as oil in the gloom. With the gentle push of his tail, Jhartool ensured the Canis defiled her face on the foul stone, her last breath knowing only the scents of must and blood and ash.

Darris crumpled to the floor.

It was too much! He wailed with such great intensity, the disorganized henchmen nearly lost their footing, but it was brief; quickly they returned to the clamor of disorganized armament. He fell upon her toppled, lifeless form and dragged her into his lap, petting over her features in delicate seizures. The only sound he made was the soft mewling of remorse, his feeble state only capable of caressing her profaned features.

"There's your bargain! I promised her return, not her health! Did you really expect I'd forgotten all of the times you've crossed me aboveground? How much I've lost due to your interference?" He slid up to the sobbing Canis and struck him across the face with his tail. " Have you any idea how difficult you've made it for me to work WITH you?" He paused a moment to revel in his accomplishment before pulling away. "No matter, what's done is done. I'm not so heartless as to take your life as well; consider this a valuable lesson in respect."

A spiteful grin pulled the sides of Jhartool's face back around the mask, unable to hide the twisted glee. "Tell your friend there to remove the glamour, and I'll consider giving him a quick death." Dart was unable to comply; he was barely aware of his surroundings. A tail swung out from behind the Surpor, flinging him back into the wall behind him; his despair could only respond in hoarse wheezing.

"Very well, we shall simply have our way with them," he sneered, his irritation growing more plain. "Kill the Lapin, but mind the one with my glamour. Perhaps you could remove his legs?" A cacophony of whistles and laughs broke out among the group as they surrounded his companions. Harman released a pulse of energy at the 2 directly in front of him, but two others simply filled the hole he had created.

The Surpor's tail wrapped around Dart's neck and hoisted him to his feet unceremoniously. "You're going to watch what happens when you cross me, pitiful thing." He could not bear to open his eyes and look at the culmination of his failure. He expected to hear the screams of his friends, the sounds of a one-sided battle - but they never came. In fact, all other sounds had fallen from hearing, only the steady panting of a small multitude overcoming the silence.

"By hell, Dart, what manner of kin is this?" a graveled voice choked out. By degrees, the Avis began to open his eyes; a faint blue glow lit the room more intimately than any other light source. He was dropped suddenly to his knees as his assailant approached to view the spectacle for himself. As he regained the ground below him, Darris lurched past as though he were entranced. "He uses no Bijou to conjure his fire. What sorcery is this?"

His heart sank as realization swept through, but he leaned forwards despite himself to witness it all the same. Standing at Darris' shoulder, he peered over the horde to behold the small cub holding a ball of cerulean light. The orb in his paws danced subtly, casting shadows behind his stunned audience. Hoarsely, he attempted a reply, "He stands to be the last hope for us all; surely you didn't think Haven would protect you forever."

Before Dart could possibly realize anything had happened, the silence was broken by a severe wail; a form in front of him slumped to the ground in agony. Hot streams of wasted life pulsed from its neck as it trembled helplessly on the floor. Darris slid back to make a second pass at their assailants; another fell, beginning a chorus of misery. Abruptly, the room was brightly lit with the fire of his sword; all seven of the Bijou embedded in the hilt and pommel a cynosure of glaring colors. Chaos immediately broke as the horde surrounding them jumped back in surprise. "Run!" the Canis boomed, a command to both his allies and foes. Before Dart could master himself, another pulse of green light sent three others soaring into pillars.

James had already removed the shackles from his feet and began to sprint for the exit Darris had indicated earlier. Harman followed closely behind while Dart attempted to extend courage to his limbs. With his remaining will, he made his attempt.

A bolt of searing pain suddenly rang through Dart's arm, instinctively closing his wing against his body. As he stumbled, he glanced at the source of his misery; an iron-tipped arrow protruding from the thick of his arm. In shock from the injury, he slowed his pace to a shuffle.

Ignoring the scattering of peons and tumult of uncertain weapons, Darris turned himself to face Jhartool. His sword sprouted life and fire like a shout, violating the darkness of the watercourse. With a deadly determination he plodded toward the Surpor, a train gaining steam with frightening inevitability. Now within reach of his target, he loosed a torrent of wet fire from his blade, swinging madly at the serpent with a roar. Streams of scoria found their end in unwitting foes, the wailing of hellfire eager to rend the air from desperate lungs - but they did not find their mark.

A vile green wall shielded against his assault, tainted with streaks of black death; a warding graveyard. While havoc and fire enveloped his cronies Jhartool splayed his hooded throat, selfishly shielding only himself; a small, green Bijou lit each side of him in poisonous light, the display flinging the mask from his broken face. The Surpor was terribly disfigured - unlike anything Darris had seen even in corpses. Tooth and bone gleamed through numerous pits in the skin and scales, as though acid or magma had eaten it greedily. Tendon and sinew flexed nervously in anticipation. Eager fangs bared themselves at the affront.

A violent voice pierced the commotion, "Foolish man, do you now seek your death?"

Dart spun around briefly to see the Surpor engage Darris, but before he could hope to interject, an emerald force enveloped him and dragged him back. He was helpless to do anything but watch as fire and acid traded blunders in their clout. Before long, acrid fangs found their home within the soft, Canis neck. Almost immediately, Darris fell limp; a ragdoll in a snake's jaws.

He had finally broken.

He could no longer atone for his wealth of sins. As the arcane force pulled him further back into the darkness, he could do nothing but watch as his closest companion crumpled uselessly to the floor, nothing more than a lifeless husk - and it was his fault.

"Get after them, you idiots!" Jhartool roared, having barely retracted his fangs. "If any of you pissants lets a single one of them escape, you'll suffer the same fate as this old fool!"

It took no further motivation for the henchmen to regain their zeal; they started after the company in a frenzy of malice. Illuminated by the ghostly glow of Harman's staff, the group attempted their escape. Somewhere along the way Dart realized that he was running under his own power. Their pursuers were closing the gap quickly, far more familiar with the tunnel's intricacies. But despair wasn't his only concern now; a chill like an early winter began to seep into his bones. Though he could not discern its origin, he became acutely aware that some unfamiliar theurgy had begun to possess him. Unable to endure the intensity, he tumbled, completely overwhelmed by intense cold and buzzing insects. The world around him reeled in blue fire before he succumbed to darkness.

Without effort, he fell unconscious.