{"sf1_id":3939,"sf2_id":"XekKqYWe","title":"Light and Darkness","author":"Neiko","words":5361,"posted_at":"2004-11-01T00:03:00.000Z","tags":["Human","No-Yiff","Wolf"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/3939-light-and-darkness","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/XekKqYWe","image_url":"https://www.sofurryfiles.com/std/thumb?page=3939\u0026ext=.jpg","description":"#4 of The Prisoner","content":"\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*  \nWARNING - This chapter contains mild references to homosexuality and  \nlove between a sentient, intelligent wolf-man and a human. Any who  \nwould be insulted by this, or any children under 18 years of age (or 21  \nin certain areas) should NOT read this story, and by reading past this  \npoint, you afirm that you are legally mature and able to handle the  \nsubjects mentioned above. Also, the writer is not responsible for any  \nproblems which arise by not complying with this warning. Thank you for  \nyour patience, and I hope you enjoy.  \n\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*  \n  \nChapter 4 - Light and Darkness  \n  \nCrvesh and I finish our meal in silence, not a word spoken as  \nhe takes large bites out of some kind of meat. It tastes a bit like  \nchicken, but I remember from when we were escaping to his home that  \nit's probably deer meat. As he finishes his, he watches me eat for a  \nwhile. I'm a little unnerved by how closely he seems to be watching  \nme. It's almost as if he's sizing me up. I finish mine shortly after  \nhim, staring at the ground, unsure of what to say. He solves the  \nproblem for me, speaking up after a short while of silence.  \n\"There are many unexplainable occurances in this world. For  \ncertain, this is one of the more complicated puzzles I have had to look  \nat in my time. Yet, I have a theory.  \n\"There is a legend, set long ago, about two of my kind who are  \ntwins, yet separated at birth. They go through life never knowing who  \nthe other is, but each of them feels the pull of the other's existance,  \ndeep in his heart. They eventually learn of their pasts, of each  \nother, and are destined to come together, when tragedy strikes. One  \nnight, one of the twins is travelling through a horrible storm. He was  \nunfortunate to be standing under a tree as it was struck by lightning.  \nNever having a chance to dodge out of the way, he was knocked  \nunconscious by the trunk, and died beneath it's heavy weight.  \n\"His brother, whom had been journeying long and hard, suddenly  \nbecame overcome with grief. He knew, without any doubt, that his twin  \nhad left the world. His last act upon this world was to cast a spell  \nso he and his brother could, in time, meet again, even if they could  \nnot do so in person. He made it so that his soul and that of his  \nbrother could once again be reunited, by two people who's fates are  \nclosely tied.\"  \nHe pauses here, I'm sure in deep thought once again. I finally  \nhave a chance to catch up on his story. A tale of twins? What does  \nthis have to do with me? As the questions run through my head, I  \nwonder what had happened with my magic. Crvesh had said that there  \nwere certain characteristics of magic, and it's users. How had I  \ndefied all that?  \nHe sighs, and begins again, \"I tell you this story because I  \nbelieve that it may have come true. I can not decide if I really  \nbelieve this old tale myself, but...\" He reaches forward, and takes my  \nhand, then holds up his own. I watch in amazement, as he produces four  \nseparate spheres, each of a different element, all at the same time.  \nWhat power he must have! \"...there is no denying that you and I have  \nan affect on the powers that we each possess. I do not think it would  \nbe wise for others in the village to know that you have these powers.  \nIf they realize that the humans can also use magic... it may bring  \nabout chaos.\"  \nI nod to him, holding up my hand and producing a soft, yet  \nconvincing light. I still hold onto his paw with my hand, wondering if  \nthe connection has anything to do with my control as well. I look up  \nat his face to see him concentrating hard on the sphere of water  \nfloating above his paw. He stops, and lets the water dissipate.  \n\"Interesting. Xavier, I want you to try to create a fire like that in  \nmy fireplace, over there in the corner. Do not be afraid, I can  \ncounter-act most anything you can do, if something goes wrong.\"  \nI look to the corner, and focus, in my mind, on a raging  \ninferno blazing in that specific place. All I get is a little flame no  \nlarger than that on a torch. I try to my greatest, but I simply can't  \ndo it. The flame disappears, and I turn back to him. \"That's all I  \ncan get. Why?\"  \nCrvesh looks puzzled. \"We are still greatly limited in our use  \nof elements that do not belong to us.\" He looks to me, seeming very  \nserious. \"Xavier, there is something I must tell you. You must  \nrefrain from thinking of myself any further when focusing on spells.\"  \nMy jaw falls open as he utters the words. Thinking of him? He  \nknows?  \nHe quickly places a paw on my mouth. \"Before you ask anything,  \nlet me clarify things. I know that you were thinking of me because  \nmagic will only act on the object in a person's mind. When I was flung  \nagainst the tree, I knew you had been thinking of me. And the cave, I  \nknew then also. For I could not move for the life of me as the  \nentrance began to open. To hold me to one spot is quite a powerful  \nskill...\"  \nI calm myself a bit, but just the thought that he knows I had  \nbeen thinking about him begins to make me nervous all over again. \"I'm  \nsorry, I...\"  \nHe halts my speech again. \"No, do not apologize. There are  \nothers like you, in our pack, who prefer those of the same sex...\"  \nMy eyes open wide at this. He's telling me that he knows about  \nmy... desires? And that he's ok with it... \"Um... are... you?\"  \nI look at him, at his eyes, and he seems to stare directly past  \nmy own, and into my soul. I'm almost ready to melt when he speaks. \"I  \nam sorry, I cannot answer that.\" He turns and walks away, toward the  \nentrance. \"You must find some other calming thought. The more you  \nthink of me, the more you put me in danger.\"  \nI have to admit, I'm just about ready to cry as he speaks. I  \ndon't remember ever being so saddened in my life. Almost all at once,  \nmy one most powerful wish, above all else, was completely anihilated.  \nI turn toward his bed of animal skins, sitting there and willing myself  \nnot to cry. I know if I do, I'll never be able to stop.  \nStill, I have little control over my tears. They begin to flow  \nfreely, and as I flop down on my side, catching his scent left on the  \nskins, I realize more and more that there will never be anything more  \nthan just that.  \nEven as I lay there in self-pity, I can tell Crvesh never left.  \nI can sense him still here, if sense is even the right word. It's not  \nreally a sense, as much as I just know. Strangely, I can hear him  \nwalking toward me, despite that I've never heard him walk before. I  \nfind it strange that all of a sudden I feel this connection between he  \nand I, even as I know it's never to be anything more. Rather ironic.  \nI feel a shifting in the skins, realizing he's sitting down in  \nfront of me. I turn onto my other side, not really ready to face him  \nyet. The crying has slowed down, but tears still refuse to stop  \ncoming. The feel of a soft paw on my shoulder calms me for a moment,  \nbut I soon tense up and shrug it away, avoiding the Mazuku's sentiments  \nfor the time being. The paw just returns, and I decide to let it stay  \nthere for now. Even in this situation, it's a comfort.  \n\"You must understand my situation. I am the prince of my  \npeople. As such, I cannot love whomever I wish.\" Crvesh stops here,  \nprobably in deep thought, I think to myself. I begin to process his  \nwords, realizing that he really does love me, but his life can't allow  \nit. I sit up, startling him, and look into his eyes. They seem to  \nhave the same tears in them that mine have.  \n\"I know you're an important person, but that doesn't mean you  \ndon't have any choices. Your being with me could help your people to  \nsee mine in a different light.\" I divert my eyes from his, feeling as  \nthough I've said too much. \"I'm sorry. We haven't known each other a  \nweek, and I already assume you are mine alone. Maybe it would be  \nbetter if I left...\" I stand and begin toward the exit, walking slowly  \nin my despair.  \nI hear shuffling behind me, probably Crvesh standing from the  \nskins. \"You need not go. I was hasteful in my judgement, but even  \nwere most of my people to accept you, there would be some who could  \nnot. I must think of ways to unite my people, not to separate them  \nfurther.\"  \nI turn around and look at him, my face contorted with a tinge  \nof anger. \"Your people are not the only ones on this planet. While  \nyou would be unifying your race to forget about me, the rest of the  \nworld would continue to grow in contest of you. You would be pushing  \naway a much larger faction than you would be unifying.\" I turn my back  \nto him again, still angry, just not having the will. \"If you don't  \nwant me around, all you need to do is tell me. I wouldn't want to be a  \nburden upon you and your people.\"  \nI'm surprised by a sudden movement, being forcefully turned  \naround by his strong arms. I gasp, startled, as I see his tears still  \nflowing. \"Why do you make it so hard for me?\" He slows down,  \nbreathing out unsteadily and closing his eyes. \"I do not want you to  \nleave, but I can not decide right now what would be best for me and my  \npeople. I must have time to think.\"  \nIt's sad how easily he seems to calm me, no matter what mood  \nI'm in. \"Fine. I can wait a little while.\" I sigh a bit, heading  \nback over to his skins, and sitting down, having completely forgotten  \nabout the pain in my backside until I hit the skins and yelp in pain.  \nI just let myself fall to my side on the skins, still seeing stars as I  \ntry to block out that horrible pain at the base of my spine. Before I  \nopen my eyes, I know Crvesh is right there next to me, probably worried  \nsick after that loud, painful sound I made.  \nHe leans over as soon as my eyes open, his nose near my cheek.  \nAs I look to him, I feel his breath, and find it increasingly  \ndifficult to hold back my lips, which seem drawn to his. I manage just  \nbarely, as he whispers out, \"Just relax, and rest for a while. I will  \nbe back in two hours to prepare us a meal.\" And with that, the warmth  \nleaves my side, and I hear him walk out of the den.  \nI lay there for a while, thinking to myself, wondering just why  \nit had to happen this way. Why did he have to be a prince? Anyone  \nelse and it wouldn't be a problem. I just had to fall in love with the  \nprince.  \nI realize after a couple minutes how futile that line of  \nthinking is. It's happened, and it's not going to change now. I've  \nalready decided to let him think about his choice on the matter. To  \nhelp ease my thoughts, I settle onto the skins, letting myself relax  \nuntil I feel sleep tugging at my eyelids. I slip into slumber after  \nabout half an hour.  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp; When I awake, I can just feel that something's not right. For  \nsome reason, I can tell someone else is in the room, but that it isn't  \nCrvesh. I lift my head and look around, quickly focusing my tired eyes  \non a form standing in the corner. The male Mazuku moves away from the  \nwall and shows himself to me. Completely white in color... yet his  \neyes are jet black. It's one of the oddest contrasts I've ever seen,  \nbut as I look, I wonder why he's here. I've never seen any of the  \nother Mazuku up close like this before. And it's a little unnerving  \nthat he has, in a way, broken into another's residence, though I'm sure  \nthe rules here are less stringent than they are with my society.  \nHe speaks first, somehow speaking perfect English. It amazes  \nme how much more of it he's mastered than Crvesh. \"Hmmm, so you're the  \nhuman Crvesh brought back with him. I'd wondered why he'd bring a  \nfilthy man here, but you do look rather appealing.\"  \nI'm confused for a moment. The malice in this Mazuku's voice  \nis frightening, but he also seems to be affirming Crvesh's tastes in a  \nmate... I'm partially happy, and totally freaked out. \"What... do you  \nwant?\"  \nHe brings out a small dagger from behind his back, shimmering  \nin the fire light. How had I missed that? \"Nothing more than to rend  \nyour flesh. Crvesh should never have brought a man here.\"  \nHe charges me, and faster than I can react, he's on top of me,  \nthe knife at my throat. I lay back flat against the skins, afraid that  \na simple move might end my life. Of course, it doesn't help much.  \n\"Now you'll die for all of us that had to suffer at your people's  \nwhims!\" He lifts the dagger, and I take a chance. I close my eyes and  \nimagine a large, rather bright light shining right in front of him.  \nTwo seconds later I hear what I wanted to hear.  \nA shrill scream from the Mazuku, as he drops the dagger at my  \nside, and covers his eyes. I crawl out from under him, and back away,  \nmoving quickly as he takes the dagger back in his paw. \"I'll kill you  \nslow and painful for that, filthy human!\" For a moment, I back away,  \nthen, I see nothing! It's as though darkest night has fallen over my  \neyes. I try to create some amount of light in front of me, but nothing  \nseems to help. That's when I realize that this is the Mazuku's doing.  \nI thought Crvesh had said that his kind only controlled the four  \nelements! Now I could use light, and this Mazuku seemed to control  \ndarkness! \"Don't try to run, I'll hear your steps and deliver your  \nfate.\"  \nSomehow, that wasn't comforting. Even if I remain still, he'll  \nfind me soon, and with this darkness in front of my eyes, there's no  \nway I can fight back. A thought comes to me, and I try to imagine a  \nlight shining out of my eyes, an illumination originating from my eyes  \nthemselves. Somehow, the thought is made a reality. I can see again!  \nBut the comfort is short lived. I see him opening his eyes and  \nrubbing them, preparing to charge at me.  \nA sudden, sharp growl to my right startles me, and I jump away  \nfrom it, looking that way. Standing there is the Mazuku I've come to  \nadore... the one I can't have... and he seems far beyond angry.  \nSeveral loud, gutteral growls and sounds are made from his mouth, none  \nof which I recognize as any kind of intelligable speach, but I assume  \nthe other Mazuku understands him perfectly. I assume the message to  \nbe: 'Leave here, or die.' There's little choice in that matter.  \nUnexpectedly, the Mazuku standing in the middle of the room  \nargues back, something in their language of growls and noises I'd never  \ncomprehend, let alone try to reproduce. His voice is full of anger as  \nwell, gesturing to me frequently and gripping his dagger tight. He  \ndefinitely doesn't like my being around.  \nTheir arguing seems to go on for a long time, and I realize  \nthat they must be deliberating on something. What it is, I can't  \nguess. There are a lot of simple gestures toward me, or glances my  \nway, so I assume it affects me in some way. Without warning I see the  \nblade in the white Mazuku's hand being lifted, he's going to throw it  \nat me! I barely even have time to duck before a bright flash of red  \nand orange plays over my eyes. Looking over at the Mazuku, I can see  \nthat the white fur of his hand is pretty severely singed, and the  \ndagger clatters to the ground.  \nThe white Mazuku clutches his arm, a brash roar of pain echoing  \naround the walls of the room. Crvesh moves away from the entrance, and  \nseems to almost scream at the other Mazuku, surprisingly, in my  \nlanguage. \"Leave now, \" which is followed by the utterance of some  \nname... I can't even begin to recreate the noises required to say it,  \nbut I know it must be that Mazuku's name. He picks up the dagger with  \nhis good hand and rushes out.  \nAs I look up at Crvesh, his face is contorted in anger. It's  \nthe most frightening sight I've ever seen, his teeth shown white and  \nmenacing in the bright light of the fire. He seems almost unto a Fury.  \nHis eyes close and his face relaxes once the would be assassin has  \nleft, and to my surprise, he takes me into his arms, and lays me back  \ndown on the skins.  \nI breath deep, still unable to get the sight of those angry jet  \neyes out of my mind. Looking over to Crvesh, I notice he's in deep  \nthought. \"Crvesh, who was that?\"  \nThe wolvish face looks to me, concerned, and almost frightened.  \n\"You may call him Hret. Not long ago, he was one of my closest  \nfriends, almost like a brother to me.\"  \nNow that I think about it, I remember that the same wolf had  \nbeen sitting next to Crvesh during the festival around the campfire  \nlast night. I also remember seeing a rather odd look from that face  \nbefore Crvesh led me off to his home.  \n\"He has always supported my people's reintroduction into the  \nworld of men. In fact, he often encouraged me when times were not so  \ngood. He seemed so hopeful that your people would accept ours now that  \ntime had passed. I have a feeling that when my settlement was  \nattacked, and I captured, it drove him to these thoughts.\"  \nI just lay on the skins, soaking everything in. This Hret is  \ndefinitely not going to let it end at this. He'll come for me again,  \nprobably when I'm asleep. It doesn't seem to matter that Crvesh is  \naround. Not to mention that these two seem to have had some sort of  \ncompanionship in the past. Is it possible that he could convince  \nCrvesh to...  \n\"Xavier, I have something that I must tell you.\"  \nMy eyes look up to his face, noticing the look of pain he seems  \nto be displaying for me. \"My people have said... that they do not  \ntrust you being here. They have said that they wish for you to leave.\"  \nShock is my immediate responce. I can't think, can barely  \nbreath. After all we had gone through to get each other this far, he's  \ntelling me that I have to leave? No, wait... he'd only said his people  \nwish for me to leave. He hasn't abandoned me yet... right? \"Crvesh...  \nwhat do you say to this?\"  \nHe looks into my eyes for a time, seeming to gauge my reaction.  \nI must have acted just as he'd thought I would. \"My people are very  \nafraid of what the humans can do. They feel that, if we allow you to  \nstay here, you may find a way to lead others in.\"  \nI sit up straight, shocked and insulted, \"Crvesh, you know I'd  \nnever do that!\"  \nHe places a paw on my chest, and almost immediately that look  \non his face calms me down. I lay back, and listen to him further.  \n\"Yes, I know. I know you would not betray us to your people. But you  \nmust understand, none other than myself know of your true motives.  \nThey will never accept you.\"  \nI close my eyes, and turn to my side. This conversation is  \nquickly turning the way I'd wished it wouldn't. \"Crvesh, I didn't  \nexpect to find understanding here. But the least you can do is stick  \nup for me. You're the prince of these people, don't you have any say  \nin the matter?\"  \nHe seems to draw away from me, \"I have all the say in this  \ndecision. If I wish for you to stay, then that is the decision.  \nBut... I must think also of my people. None of them feel that your  \nbeing here will help any of us... rather that it could bring down  \neverything we have tried to become. Please understand that I do not  \nagree with them about this, but if my people are distressed by you,  \nthen it is by no means an easy choice.\"  \nI lay there, looking at the patterns created on the ceiling  \nfrom the flickering fire light. So this is it, then? After all I've  \ngone through to save Crvesh, I'm just going to be tossed aside?  \n\"Crvesh, you know I'll be killed if I go back out there. My own people  \nwon't trust me either.\"  \nHis eyes look sad, as I look to his face. I can't tell what  \nhe's thinking of, but it seems to be something bigger than this whole  \nproblem. \"I will try to convince my people of your motives, and to  \nreinterate your situation.\" He stands, and makes his way to the cavern  \nentrance. \"I will be gone one hour, no longer. There will be a  \nprotective rune placed by the door, to bar all who would enter here  \nuntil I return. You will be safe for the time being.\"  \nI look to him as he prepares to leave. \"What about your  \nfriend?\"  \nHe nods, \"Do not worry, he will not be able to get in either.  \nHowever, he appeared to be different than I remember him. Something  \nabout his eyes, though I cannot tell. I will think more of this, but  \nin the mean time, feel free to get yourself a meal, or to sleep. This  \nmust be a trying time for you.\" With that, he leaves me alone, laying  \non the skins.  \nI take the full hour he gives me to think. About where I am,  \nwhat I'm doing, and why I'm doing it here. I come to a decision after  \nthis system of thought. I've found the place I need to be. Somehow,  \nI'll have to find a way to convince the Mazuku that I want to help  \nthem. But I can't do that here.  \nI stand up, stretching out my back and feeling a bit of pain at  \nthe base of my spine, but truly, it doesn't hurt much anymore. I look  \nat my clothing, piled up by the skins, and wonder if I should wear them  \nwhen I go out... but I decide against it. They may see me more as one  \nof them if I can show them that I accept their customs. I walk up the  \nsmall path from the den, and out into the forest.  \nThere's little noise around, and I realize that's probably  \nbecause everyone has met with Crvesh to decide my fate. I want to find  \nthem and gain their trust, but finding them could be difficult, as I  \ndon't know this place. But I wonder... can magic help here? I close  \nmy eyes and focus on finding Crvesh. Almost a kind of magical compass.  \nI see him, in my mind, talking to a collective group of about 20 or so  \nMazuku. The direction seems to be north from here, and so I start off.  \nOn my way, I see many Mazuku. Some stop and look at me, as  \nthough I'm some odd alien being. I suppose, to them, I am. Others  \nignore me, as though I don't even exist. I'm not sure which of those  \ntwo responces I'm more reserved about.  \nIt only takes a short while to come upon the common area, where  \nseveral of the Mazuku are talking together. I can see Crvesh, standing  \nthere. I don't see Hret. I approach cautiously, as I know none of  \nthem are expecting to see me here. But I just have to try and prove to  \nthem that I'm here to help.  \nAll eyes turn to me, as I approach, and I can feel Crvesh's as  \nwell, I know he's surprised to see me, but he quickly calms, and speaks  \nto me, \"Xavier, is anything the matter? We are not finished here.\"  \nI shake my head, \"No, I'm doing fine. I wanted to come here  \nand listen to them. Maybe offer my own views toward my defense.\"  \nCrvesh looks to me, and says, \"Xavier, these are the eldest of  \nmy people. I have been deliberating with them for some time.\"  \nHe looks to the assembled crowd. They all start talking at  \nonce, in their own language, and I see Crvesh anger almost immediately.  \nHe speaks slowly, \"I know you all speak the human's language. While he  \nis here, you are to speak to me only in that tongue. It would be  \ndisrespectful to our guest if you did not.\"  \nThey all appear to be a little upset with that remark, but  \nthere are no arguments against this judgement. One of them begins, a  \nblack Mazuku with brown markings around his eyes. He utters a name  \nthat sounds like 'Crvesh', so I assume that's what he has spoken.  \nCrvesh told me his name was shortened from it's original pronunciation,  \nso I suppose these people wouldn't know that I refer to him otherwise.  \n\"There has never been a human allowed in this village. Who knows what  \nit will cause? The other humans could be lead here by him, how are we  \nto trust one of them?\"  \nFrom the corner of my eye, I see Crvesh glance at me. He must  \nhave assumed that I would respond worse to this. However, I'm quite  \ncalm right now. At least these people don't want to kill me.  \nCrvesh responds, \"This human saved me from that prison I was  \ntaken to. I do not think I need remind any of you of that. He will  \nnot betray us, I am sure of that.\"  \nTheir argument goes on, for quite some time. Some of the elder  \nMazuku seem to have unending doubts about my trustworthiness. The  \ncomments begin to heat up, and I can tell that Crvesh is becoming  \nfrustrated with the comments of his council. I walk in front of him,  \nand look at all the faces. The conversation stops, and they all look  \nat me, as though I'm being quite rude. I guess I am, but someone has  \nto stop this bickering.  \nI look at all of them, at some point, taking in their faces,  \ngauging their opinions of me. Some have been convinced that I'm not  \nreally a threat, but most are still adamant about their reasoning. I  \nstand before them, and say, \"What do I need to do to gain your trust?\"  \nNone of them answer, they seem unable. It's as though someone  \nhas sewn their mouths shut. A sudden warmth touches my shoulder, and I  \nrealize that Crvesh has placed his paw there. \"I have no doubts that  \nXavier is true to his word.\" He rubs my back, in an oddly affectionate  \nway, and despite the situation, I find myself blushing. \"Your  \nquestions are all quite valid, and would be useful, were they able to  \nbe answered. And yet, not even you yourselves could answer to all of  \nthe questions brought up, without it being your word against that of  \nanother. My decision is made. In order to foster hope that our people  \ncan one day return to the outside world, I am ordering that Xavier be  \nallowed to stay here.\"  \nI turn to look at him now, smiling softly as he glances to me,  \nthen to the elders. \"He is to be treated as though he is one of us.  \nAny intolerance or mistrust based on his race will be dealt with by  \nmyself personally.\" With this, he looks to me, and seems to smile,  \nthen says, \"Please go back to your homes. I assure you that if I find  \nany ill actions being taken by Xavier, I will take the proper measures  \nto make sure he is stopped.\" I feel concerned by that last remark, but  \njudging by his eyes, he only said that to appease the elders. They  \nslowly head off, talking to one another, or looking at me as they go.  \nIt's a little unsettling, but at the same time, I'm glad that at least  \nI'm assured safety here.  \nI look up into Crvesh's eyes and smile happily to him,  \n\"Crvesh... thank you for doing that. I was afraid I wouldn't be able  \nto stay...\"  \nCrvesh places a paw on my shoulder and leads me away, back  \ntoward his home. \"I already know that you have nowhere else to go. I  \ncould not let them win, when I knew you would need our help.\" As we  \nreach where I remember his cave to be, I put a hand on his chest to  \nhalt him, and concentrate. When I open my eyes... the entrance still  \nisn't there. I try again, but instead I get a comforting paw on my  \nshoulder. \"Have you forgotten about the rune I placed at my door?  \nNone can get in but me. I hadn't thought that you'd leave.\" He steps  \nforward, and the door opens to him. I follow him quickly inside.  \nInstead of removing the rune from the door, as I thought he'd  \ndo, he leaves it up. I guess he's still nervous that his people won't  \nappreciate my presense here. We walk into his den, and he turns to me,  \nseeming to smile brightly. \"I have something I must show you. I think  \nI have figured out the problem with our magic. It may not work, but I  \nam willing to try. When you hear about it, I will let you decide what  \nwe shall do. In the mean time, let me prepare something for you to  \neat. It has been a long day for you.\"  \nWith that, he heads into his food storage area. I can hear him  \npreparing the meal we will soon have, and I wonder what his solution is  \nto the problem. I'm almost scared that it will be some long, difficult  \nritual. I don't want to die just so I can do a few more parlor tricks!  \nBut I'm sure it won't threaten my life. He seems to be unable to let  \nanything come to harm me. For that, I suppose I should be thankful.  \nI'll let his people decide for themselves what they think of me. At  \nleast I know Crvesh cares about me. That's all I really need.  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp; copyright 2002 - Neiko Mitaki  \nFeel free to e-mail me with any comments you might have, I  \nwould love to hear from anyone at all. Send comments to  \n[[email\u0026nbsp;protected]](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection) Again, comments and criticisms are graciously  \naccepted. Flames will be ignored.  \nWell, that's one more chapter down. They always seem to get  \nlonger and longer. I guess that's just how it is, though I think I'll  \ntry to keep all of the rest of them shorter than this one. In any  \ncase, I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter. I didn't leave quite  \nas big of a cliff-hanger as last time. Figured I'd let everyone sit  \neasy for a change.  \n  \n\n","series":{"name":"The Prisoner","previous":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/3462-education.json","next":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/6870-together.json"}}