{"sf1_id":1239321,"sf2_id":"0mvO4yQn","title":"A Tail of Two Peoples - Unexpected Kinship","author":"Kythl Moonpaw","words":3390,"posted_at":"2017-09-19T12:34:00.000Z","tags":["A Tail of Two Peoples","Clean","Family","Fox","Lynx","Ocelot","Otter","Plot Twist","Puma","Reptile","Twins","Wolf"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/1239321-a-tail-of-two-peoples-unexpected-kinship","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/0mvO4yQn","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/6e/3f/6e3fb2bd-a4de-4927-8466-0c21913153f6","description":"#11 of A Tail of Two Peoples\n\nA shorter chapter this time, but one that's essential to the story. Next upload might be a ways away. Stuff is keeping me from writing right now, but this story will not die until IT IS FINISHED!\n...\nAlso, cameos! See if you can spot them, along with a character belonging to a friend of mine. I'm sure you'll pick HIM out.","content":"It wasn't long after they left Wolf territories where Alpha K'injyu broke off from them to return to his own people.\u0026nbsp; He'd come as an escort through Wolf territories so, as he claimed, the lone scouts who were _far_ out of earshot wouldn't attack.\u0026nbsp; And nor did they, though the group saw one or two along their route.\u0026nbsp; Wolfish eyes looking from aloft the treetops.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Once they were free of the Wolf territories, it seemed Kar'na finally relaxed.\u0026nbsp; He led the group onwards, passing through great forests and trees.\u0026nbsp; Everyone seemed awestruck by them.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Why are these trees so big?\" Kytra asked in awe, his eyes roving upwards.\u0026nbsp; \"I mean...they're massive!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"They're old,\" Kar'na shrugged.\u0026nbsp; \"And old trees are big trees.\u0026nbsp; These are not anywhere near the biggest though.\u0026nbsp; You should see some of the trees in Darkwish Forest.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Are they bigger?\" Aryn asked in surprise.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Much,\" Kar'na agreed.\u0026nbsp; \"The trees in Darkwish are _ancient_.\u0026nbsp; Some of the feline tribes make their homes in them.\u0026nbsp; Branches as large as streets.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Impossible,\" Myra shook her head.\u0026nbsp; \"There's no way trees could be that big!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Possible,\" Svara countered with a grin.\u0026nbsp; \"I've seen some of them myself.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I could take you if...\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Kar'na trailed off and stopped, keen wolf nose uplifted and sniffing the air.\u0026nbsp; His ears roved as well, which was a good indicator for the rest of the group to stop as well.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; However, after a while, Kar'na stopped, an annoyed expression on his face.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"What is it, Kar'na?\" Kiri asked, looking at the older wolf.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Nothing,\" Kar'na sighed, bending down and idly picking up a rock.\u0026nbsp; \"Just me getting jumpy I guess.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Fast as thought, he whirled around and whipped the rock into the lower branches of one of the giant trees.\u0026nbsp; With a muffled _oof_, a figure flew off the branch and crashed into a bush below.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Ooh,\" the figure groaned loudly.\u0026nbsp; \"That's going to leave a mark!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Belatedly, the group of slaves realized that Kar'na was no longer with them and had, in fact, leapt into the bush where the figure was.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; There was a brief tussle before Kar'na emerged again, dragging a rough-looking canine behind him.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Hey, paws off wolfy,\" the canine said, struggling.\u0026nbsp; \"At the very least, you gotta buy me dinner first!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Kar'na threw the figure to the ground in front of him and sighed.\u0026nbsp; \"I told you not to come around here anymore!\u0026nbsp; You know how our guild feels about trespassers!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Trespasser?\" the canid demanded, getting to his feet and brushing himself off.\u0026nbsp; It didn't help much, seeing as how dirt seemed to be a part of him.\u0026nbsp; Kiri had a brief image of the canid stepping into a river and dissolving.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The individual was wearing navy blue robes, styled in a manner that suggested ease of movement was a priority.\u0026nbsp; He had large ears, not shaped like a wolf's, with a blotty-coloured coat.\u0026nbsp; If he were clean, Kiri would've thought the pelt beautiful.\u0026nbsp; As it was, it looked like this guy lived in the wild.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Yes, trespasser,\" Kar'na scowled.\u0026nbsp; \"You know you're not allowed to hunt on Assassin's Guild territory.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Ok, first off, you know very well that that was _not_ what I was doing.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Fine, _bandit.\u0026nbsp;_ I was trying to give you an easy way out, where I yell at you here and now, before kicking you out.\u0026nbsp; Now you're going to have to come with us to the guild, where Grandmaster Khej can give you a full punishment.\u0026nbsp; Likely the same thing I would've done here, but Khej-style?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Khej-style?\" the canid asked, eyebrow quirked in what seemed to be genuine amusement.\u0026nbsp; Despite his predicament, the individual seemed to be quite happy and in a good mood.\u0026nbsp; Not what one would expect of a person who'd just been caught by a member of an Assassin's Guild.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Forgive me for asking,\" Kytra said, stepping forwards as the two canids' eyes swung over to him.\u0026nbsp; \"But, who are you?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Who am I?\" the canid asked incredulously.\u0026nbsp; \"Why, I'm Asar!\u0026nbsp; The fiercest ban...I mean, the best hunter in these parts of Arlea!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; He looked over the entire group.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Now, who are all of you?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"We...\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"...are none of your business,\" Kar'na said firmly.\u0026nbsp; \"But, Asar, really.\u0026nbsp; Out of _all_days, you had to pick this day to try and rob us?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Hunting hasn't been good lately,\" Asar admitted.\u0026nbsp; \"The dammed Wolves...no offense, of course...they've secured the best hunting grounds.\u0026nbsp; And you know their dislike of foreigners.\u0026nbsp; At least at the Assassin's Guild, the hunting's better, but prey has been scarce recently.\u0026nbsp; So...yeah.\u0026nbsp; But, Kar'na...\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; He rubbed his chest with a grimace.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"A rock, really?\u0026nbsp; You couldn't just have yelled at me to get down or something?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Well, if it's any consolation, I _did_ consider a throwing knife.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Asar chuckled, but still seemed a tad nervous.\u0026nbsp; Kiri kind of liked this guy.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Such a large group, Kar'na,\" Asar observed.\u0026nbsp; \"Are you sure you can't tell me their story?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"We're escaped slaves,\" Kiri butted in, sure that Kar'na would shut Asar down again.\u0026nbsp; \"We're on our way to the Assassin's Guild.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Slaves?\" Asar asked, expression going wide in surprise, before melting to compassion.\u0026nbsp; \"Ah, my apologies.\u0026nbsp; But...why the Assassin's Guild?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I'm going to see about getting them established in one of the cities,\" Kar'na said, shooting a slight glare at Kiri.\u0026nbsp; \"But for now, the Assassin's Guild is a place to rest.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Rest,\" Asar said the word like he was thinking deeply.\u0026nbsp; \"Does the guild have food?\u0026nbsp; And water?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"We house over a hundred assassins,\" Kar'na said drily.\u0026nbsp; \"Of course we have food and water.\u0026nbsp; I wouldn't be taking these kids there if we didn't.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Has the Assassin Code changed since the last time Khej read it to me?\" Asar asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"No...\" Kar'na said slowly.\u0026nbsp; \"It hasn't.\u0026nbsp; But why in the world does that matter?\u0026nbsp; The Code doesn't apply to you or your situation in any wa-\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Asar caught _everybody_in the area by surprise, when he immediately punched Kar'na square in the jaw.\u0026nbsp; Though the white wolf Ch'kiliil had the fastest reflexes at the guild and the best training, even _he_ could be hit when caught completely by surprise.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Kar'na reeled back, his left hand going reflexively to his snout, as his right drew a dagger.\u0026nbsp; Asar, however, seemed unfazed.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"What in Knjul was _that_?\" Kar'na demanded angrily, lifting his paw off his nose, to see fresh blood in the white fur.\u0026nbsp; \"You realise that striking an Assassin in Guild territory means a month's imprisonment?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Aye,\" Asar nodded.\u0026nbsp; \"That's why I asked about the Code first.\u0026nbsp; I'm hungry, Kar'na.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The white wolf glared daggers at Asar, before his gaze softened.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Fine,\" Kar'na said, sheathing his dagger.\u0026nbsp; \"Ordinarily, I'd tie you up, but I don't have any rope.\u0026nbsp; But in the name of the Assassin's Guild of Arlea, you are under arrest.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Asar nodded.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"As such, you will be taken to Guild headquarters, and locked in our cells for a period of one standard month, or thirty-one days.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I understand.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Then come along.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Asar nodded and reached into the bush, withdrawing a bow and a staff, which Svara promptly took.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"No weapons,\" the fox insisted.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Got it,\" Asar grinned.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The group, at Kar'na's urging, began to move again.\u0026nbsp; Asar jogged forwards, and fell into step beside Kiri.\u0026nbsp; The grey wolf didn't look at him, mostly because he was still in shock over the fact that the painted dog had managed to actually _hit_Kar'na.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"So,\" Asar hedged.\u0026nbsp; \"You the result of one of Kar'na's affairs?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Kiri stopped on the spot and looked at him.\u0026nbsp; \"What?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"The Assassin's Guild isn't as pure as they pretend to be,\" Asar said, as Kiri started walking again.\u0026nbsp; \"And even though I know Kar'na, I'd be willing to bet the wolf has been 'out in the world'.\u0026nbsp; You his?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"No,\" Kiri frowned.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm only...four years?\u0026nbsp; Four years younger than him.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Eesh, Kar'na...\" Asar muttered, chuckling slightly at Kiri's sputtering attempts to correct him.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm joking of course.\u0026nbsp; But seriously, are you related?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Why are you asking that?\" Kiri asked edgily.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"You guys look alike, talk alike...hell, you even _smell_ alike.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Kar'na is just a friend.\u0026nbsp; He saved our lives at a tavern back in Parai.\u0026nbsp; We've been travelling with him since.\u0026nbsp; My mom is dead.\u0026nbsp; She died in the mines.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Asar's smile vanished.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm sorry.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I never really knew her,\" Kiri shrugged off.\u0026nbsp; Though, what Kiri said wasn't entirely true.\u0026nbsp; Though his mom had died when he was really young, he still remembered her cradling him in her arms.\u0026nbsp; The sensation of family, that there was someone who loved him..._that_, more than anything, was what had kept him going, all those years in the mines.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Asar hesitated, before seeming to make up his mind.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I lost my mother too,\" he said.\u0026nbsp; \"She...she was the only one who ever truly cared for me.\u0026nbsp; After she died of an illness, I...I accidentally killed my brother.\u0026nbsp; My...father sent assassin's after me.\u0026nbsp; No love lost there, eh?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; He chuckled ruefully, before perking up.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Hey, did you know that Kar'na was the first assassin sent after me?\u0026nbsp; Also, his first failed mission.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I didn't fail,\" Kar'na called back.\u0026nbsp; \"The contract was for Asar Feldspar.\u0026nbsp; Not for 'Spar' or 'Asar'.\u0026nbsp; These mysterious other people were irrelevant.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Everyone laughed at Kar'na's little quip.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"But seriously,\" Asar said, the smile disappearing.\u0026nbsp; \"Why'd you spare me?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Call it a hunch,\" Kar'na winked.\u0026nbsp; \"I've met Lord Feldspar.\u0026nbsp; You're not like him.\u0026nbsp; Not at all.\u0026nbsp; Not like any of his other children either.\u0026nbsp; I just gave up the contract.\u0026nbsp; Feldspar's a bit of a tyrant anyways.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Asar nodded in silent agreement.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Hold!\" the voice of an unknown male called out.\u0026nbsp; \"This is territory of the Assassin's Guild!\u0026nbsp; What are your words?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"A child of the night sky seeks entry,\" Kar'na said clearly.\u0026nbsp; \"The gold-eyed, white wolf of Winterwrath.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The group had followed the path through the woods a while, before it led, rather abruptly, to a ravine leading through the otherwise unbroken rock of the cliff face.\u0026nbsp; There, Kar'na had urged them through, himself taking the lead.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; At parts, the ravine was so narrow they had to move single-file.\u0026nbsp; Kar'na explained that this was the only path to the guild headquarters for that very reason.\u0026nbsp; Kind of hard to mount an invasion when only one person at a time can go through, eh?\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; They'd travelled a kilometre or so along the ravine before being challenged.\u0026nbsp; The white wolf assassin had warned the group of the challenge, and had urged them to silence at the place.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"And this time I mean it,\" he'd said, gaze locked firmly on Kiri.\u0026nbsp; \"No outbursts of any kind.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; And now, here they were.\u0026nbsp; No one could see where the mysterious voice was coming from, though it sounded like it was from right in front of them.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; A small, scraggly bush shifted and lifted off the ground, and Kiri nearly leapt out of his fur.\u0026nbsp; There, standing before them, was a tall, well-muscled Lynx, twin daggers at his belt.\u0026nbsp; His back was painted grey, blending in perfectly with the grey of the stone.\u0026nbsp; And the bush was nothing more than an elaborate prop stuck on his back.\u0026nbsp; A clever disguise.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Good to see you back, Kar'na,\" the Lynx grinned, stepping forwards and grabbing the white wolf in a strong hug.\u0026nbsp; \"Rumour around the guild said you were dead.\u0026nbsp; Well, at least until Tes'ali returned with the report.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; He looked over the group.\u0026nbsp; \"These are the slaves he mentioned?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Mostly,\" Kar'na agreed.\u0026nbsp; \"With a few friends joining us as well.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Hey Svara,\" the Lynx grinned.\u0026nbsp; \"Glad to see you in one piece after...well, you know...\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Svara inclined his head slightly, ears slightly tilted back.\u0026nbsp; Evidently, he _was_ offended, but keeping himself in control.\u0026nbsp; The Lynx seemed impressed.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"You've matured,\" he noted.\u0026nbsp; \"Good.\u0026nbsp; There is hope for you yet, _assassin_.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Svara seemed surprised at the Lynx referring to the title.\u0026nbsp; He smiled slightly, inclining his head to the Lynx.\u0026nbsp; \"Thanks Tai'naer.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The Lynx, Tai'naer, shook his head.\u0026nbsp; \"My, you have _truly_ matured.\u0026nbsp; And...\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; His gaze darkened slightly.\u0026nbsp; \"Hello Asar.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Hey Lynxy,\" Asar greeted cheerfully.\u0026nbsp; \"Happy to see me?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Hardly the wording I would've used,\" Tai'naer shook his head.\u0026nbsp; \"Kar'na, what in Knjul's name is _he_ doing here?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"He struck a member of the Assassin's Guild,\" Kar'na explained.\u0026nbsp; \"On our turf, no less.\u0026nbsp; So, I'm taking him into custody.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Well then,\" Tai'naer said, rolling his eyes slightly at Asar's smirk.\u0026nbsp; \"He's your problem then.\u0026nbsp; So, is everyone here with you?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Aye.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Then you may proceed,\" Tai'naer grinned, standing back with a flourish.\u0026nbsp; \"Khej is waiting for your...long overdue...report.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Kar'na winced.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm certain he is.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Tai'naer just grinned again, laying back down and shifting slightly.\u0026nbsp; Even though Kiri knew exactly where the Lynx was, he was difficult to spot.\u0026nbsp; That truly was an excellent disguise.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Kiri?\" Kar'na asked, making the young grey wolf jump.\u0026nbsp; \"You coming?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Belatedly, Kiri realized that the others were going on ahead without him.\u0026nbsp; He quickly ran to catch up.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"The Guild's not far,\" Kar'na said, patting Kiri on the back.\u0026nbsp; \"Just up this path and at the top of the hill.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"At the top of the...woah.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; There, before the group, was one of the biggest buildings that the group had ever seen.\u0026nbsp; Its massive storm-grey walls jutted high into the sky, with coloured banners from the sides, billowing in the wind.\u0026nbsp; A few guards patrolled the walls, and one or two manned massive ballistae in the towers.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"By the moons,\" Kiri whispered.\u0026nbsp; \"It's _huge_.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I've seen it from a distance before,\" Asar said, awestruck.\u0026nbsp; \"But...I've never been this close.\u0026nbsp; It's massive.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Kar'na chuckled and gestured for them to come along.\u0026nbsp; They followed, still craning their necks to see the entire structure.\u0026nbsp; Lord Malis's palace had been bigger, if only slightly, but the guild just took the slaves' breaths away.\u0026nbsp; Unlike Malis's palace, this massive building didn't neighbour any other buildings, making it seem that much bigger.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; They approached the structure, and Kar'na opened the door, stepping inside.\u0026nbsp; The room inside was spacious and bright, with massive windows providing ample sunlight to the entirety of it.\u0026nbsp; The slaves would've been content just to stand there the entire day and observe, but Kar'na wasn't slowing.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; They hurried to catch up when, suddenly, a loud, young voice, cried out, \"Kar'na!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The white wolf turned, only to be tackled to the side by a flying figure.\u0026nbsp; He landed on the ground with a grunt, laughing at the same time.\u0026nbsp; Pinning him to the ground was a young cat, with a whitish fur colouration, and a large smile upon his youthful face.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I'm so glad to see you!\" the cat exclaimed, wrapping Kar'na in a strong hug.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Likewise Tai,\" Kar'na laughed, returning the hug.\u0026nbsp; \"It's good to see you!\u0026nbsp; You ready for tonight?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Ugh,\" Tai shook his head.\u0026nbsp; \"I don't know if I'll ever feel ready.\u0026nbsp; I mean, I'm willing to bet on Kyl'e.\u0026nbsp; Despite his missing finger, he's still way better than I am!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Kyl'e was born into this,\" Kar'na grinned, getting to his feet.\u0026nbsp; \"He's also years older.\u0026nbsp; You'll do fine, Tai.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Tai still looked doubtful, but he smiled and bowed slightly.\u0026nbsp; \"Then I'll be seeing you tonight, Master?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Indeed you will,\" Kar'na said, smiling at the cat and rubbing the top of his head.\u0026nbsp; \"Now, go finish your preparations.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Tai bowed, before quickly running off.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"He looks good,\" Svara commented idly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Who was he?\" Kiri asked curiously.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"That was Tai,\" Kar'na said, a small grin grazing his lupine face.\u0026nbsp; \"He's my apprentice.\u0026nbsp; My first, actually.\u0026nbsp; To be an apprentice to a master assassin is considered a huge honour, since there stand only 16 of us.\u0026nbsp; Svara was one, so are Kyl'e and Tai.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I was apprenticed to Master Rak'leare,\" Svara said, his gaze shifting like he was gazing into memories.\u0026nbsp; \"He chose me for my keen intellect and capable martial status.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Kyl'e was apprenticed to Master Jei'orr,\" Kar'na continued from Svara.\u0026nbsp; \"He has a skill with blades and they needed an equivalent teacher.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Why'd you get Tai?\" Kytra asked, thinking back on the slim cat.\u0026nbsp; No one would figure Tai as a warrior, let alone an apprentice to one of the greatest assassins of the age.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I _chose_Tai,\" Kar'na grinned.\u0026nbsp; \"I was the only one who could keep up with him.\u0026nbsp; Tai is...different.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"How so?\" Asar asked curiously.\u0026nbsp; He knew that name from somewhere else...though he couldn't quite place it.\u0026nbsp; He was looking for a tad bit more information on the elusive white cat.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Tai is fast,\" Kar'na said, thinking.\u0026nbsp; \"But he also...isn't.\u0026nbsp; He doesn't move faster than any of us, but it seems like he sees things a split second before the rest of us.\u0026nbsp; Like he can see into the future, just a little bit.\u0026nbsp; It's enough that it makes him difficult to defeat...even for an experienced assassin.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"To record, I believe he's the only apprentice to have ever beaten Kar'na in a one on one duel,\" Svara said, smirking at the white wolf.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"To be fair,\" Kar'na shrugged, apparently neutral about that comment.\u0026nbsp; \"That duel lasted a half hour, and for the oddest reason I had this tremendous headache at the end of it.\u0026nbsp; I could barely see.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Was he responsible for it?\" Asar asks.\u0026nbsp; \"Like...poisoning your tea?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Just to win a duel?\" Kar'na laughed.\u0026nbsp; \"I don't think so.\u0026nbsp; Tai's not like that.\u0026nbsp; He's too...innocent, despite originally growing up a street urchin;\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Asar looked doubtful, but Kar'na seemed to think the matter was settled.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Grandmaster Khej should be in his quarters,\" the wolf said, gesturing towards an oak door at the end of the hall.\u0026nbsp; \"That door leads to general quarters.\u0026nbsp; Svara can lead you, and you can wait until I-\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Kar'na!\" a booming voice cried out.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Dammit,\" Kar'na muttered, turning around slowly.\u0026nbsp; Walking through a path that the assassins had made for him, was a tall, white-grey wolf, with rich brown eyes.\u0026nbsp; Those eyes were locked on Kar'na with a stern rebuke, but a hidden laugh within.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Grandmaster Khej,\" Svara whispered, kneeling.\u0026nbsp; The others followed suit, except Kar'na, who bowed at the waist instead.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Father,\" Kar'na said respectfully.\u0026nbsp; \"Tu wulf'ra danare.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Tu wulf ene hark, Kar'na,\" Khej said, his voice rich.\u0026nbsp; \"Wen bagar tu'wulf ko'staf ene kora, Kar'na, kora ger'ra meg.\u0026nbsp; Feph?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Yeet, Kovlasai,\" Kar'na said, standing straight.\u0026nbsp; \"Nak tu yip'r jodj kora'ari.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; He gestured to the group behind him, and Khej leaned around to look.\u0026nbsp; \"Kora'ari tu shi, deb yaxta'taf.\u0026nbsp; Nen wulf Ari wen kora'e bahue chi'r Kytra.\u0026nbsp; Wen nen-\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Kiri?\" Khej asked, stiffening up and staring wide-eyed at the grey wolf, who wondered just what was happening.\u0026nbsp; The assassin grandmaster looked as though he'd just seen a ghost.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Uhh...\" Kar'na said, apparently just as confused as Kiri and the rest.\u0026nbsp; \"Nen wulf Kiri.\u0026nbsp; Feph?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Khej stepped closer to Kiri and reached out a whitish-grey paw to touch Kiri's face.\u0026nbsp; A smile graced his muzzle.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Kora pol'r'a sheel kora'e,\" he said quietly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Sheel feph, chi'v?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Sheel kora chi's, Kar'na.\u0026nbsp; Kiri!\u0026nbsp; Tarek no'dar!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; So saying, he grabbed Kiri in a fierce hug and began weeping into his shoulder.\u0026nbsp; Kar'na seemed absolutely floored.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Tarek no'dar?\" he asked, stunned.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"What's happening?\" Kytra asked in confusion, echoing the sentiment of the rest of the slaves and their reptilian friends.\u0026nbsp; Asar too, though he wouldn't admit it.\u0026nbsp; He never learned to speak the wolf tribal.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Tar...tarek no'dar,\" Svara echoed, expression seeming like he'd just watched someone jump to their death with no prior warning.\u0026nbsp; \"It...it means...my _son_.\"\n\n  \n  \n\n","series":{"name":"A Tail of Two Peoples","previous":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/1235778-a-tail-of-two-peoples-the-tribals.json","next":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/1247949-a-tail-of-two-peoples-family.json"}}