Chapter 8 - Daemon of Everwinter

788 I.C, January 19, Everwinter: Central Tower, Night

Amarok is alone as he steps into the heart of the central tower. He has never liked Doros but even his presence would be welcome in this horrid place. The master is nearby and his presence is like a cloud of nothingness hovering in the blue light emitted by the wisp.

• Preserved for all eternity -

A cold shiver runs down Amarok's tail as he hears the words. The master is working on something and he can hear a rasping breath along with the clink of tools and glass.

• Clarity of being -

Amarok begins to circle the master to get a look, he soon regrets it as he stumbles back in horror.

Obsidian has grown from the floor and has created what looks like a torture rack. Raul or at least what used to be Raul is pinned to the rack. A large shard of blue crystal is jammed inside the head and like a disease it has sent tendrils of crystalline growth along the face and upper body.

The eyes glow like ice and all life has faded as the flesh has dried and taken on a gray hue. The chest has been split open like a bursting flower. Intestines litter the floor and the abdominal cavity now contains what looks like layers of obsidian and crystalline growth.

• Perfection -

Amarok gulps and holds his muzzle as he sees something move inside the young wulfkin. The heart is beating and the lungs quiver as they try to draw breath. The flesh is gray yet pulses with a glittering blue glow.

• Obedience -

Crystals, helidyte, and obsidian hover nearby as the master works to perfect his machine. Raul's eyes shift to focus on Amarok while the muzzle gasps as if trying to speak. To Amarok it feels like a dagger to the heart, guilt, shame. But he asks himself what choice he has, if not the young wulfkin then another, or even his own family.

• Soon you will be perfected - A sentinel of Everwinter -

Raul's body shudders as if he can understand the words, but there is no salvation as the heart in his chest keeps beating against his will.

The shadow of the master turns and focuses on Amarok.

• Report -

Amarok tightens his fists until pain radiates from the pressure of his claws, "The heat exchangers have been completely destroyed, there is significant damage in all surrounding areas and the foundry has shut down. The upper castle is structurally intact but the lights are out. It's chaos."

• Irrelevant -

Amarok frowns as he glares at the dark floor while asking himself if the master can't see that things are spiraling out of control.

"We found a few of the humans that worked at the heat exchangers, we've interrogated them and they say that Titan is responsible," Amarok says.

The shadow of the master moves and Amarok can feel the shadow fall on him. It feels like a caress of death dancing across his fur while an icy cold pierces his fur like needles.

- IRRELEVANT -

The sudden shriek in the aether makes Amarok's mind burn like fire. He clutches his head and drops to the ground with a pained whimper. It tears at him as his eyes water while his body trembles.

"The... star..." Amarok stutters.

The pain eases and the shadow withdraws, tears trail from Amarok's eyes but freeze before given a chance to fall.

• Yes? -

"We- We have dispatched teams to Krobia, Karashak, Agron, and the wastes. We've started placing bounties on any information regarding a human with red eyes. Our physical appearance has made progress slow and our operatives cannot be fully trusted."

• Explain -

"Some of the operatives we sent have not returned from their assigned missions."

• Is Amarok Snapjaw no longer capable of performing his duties? -

Amarok shudders as he hears the words, "The star will soon return to you, I swear it."

• Further disturbances will not be tolerated -

"I will make sure to put the humans in their place, master."

Something akin to distant screams approach in the distance, Amarok glances back as two Sentinels float into the room. They are like coffins of pure obsidian holding machinations made out of flesh and metal.

• These will obey your command - Use them -

788 I.C, January 20, Agron: Farm, Morning

"Why didn't you tell me!?" Talwin yelled out.

My mind stirred as I awoke and glanced up in confusion.

"Talwin, please understand," Martha begged from a distance.

I eased myself up in bed and yawned as I realized that they were fighting.

"You told me I couldn't do stuff like this, I could barely light a candle last time I tried. You LIED to me!"

"Talwin! We did it for your own good, the academy can be cruel," George countered.

"That's not what I'm talking about, I'm happy you kept me out of the academy but you lied... to me..." Talwin's voice dropped as if hurt.

"We're sorry... Talwin, we didn't want you to be discovered, that's all," Martha pleaded.

I sighed and reached for my armpit to take care off another itch, I froze as my fingers felt more fuzz. It made me glance down as I saw a shadow of black fur starting to reach for my chest.

The arguing voices were drowned out as I felt along the short but soft mat of budding fur. It sent a rush of emotion and warmth to my head as I found myself smiling.

I held out my arm and flexed, I was slim but trimmed and one could see the budding muscle swell a little. It was difficult to gauge if I was growing stronger but there was a sensation of energy in my blood that I had never felt before. A beat, the thump of a heart that belonged to beast rather than man.

The sensation made me grin as I imagined myself with a big muzzle filled with teeth that would put a bear to shame. A strong and powerful body with fur that could withstand the freezing wind of Everwinter.

To run and hunt with my brothers...

I cringed as the thought brought my fantasy to a grinding halt, I had no brothers... no family... no kin.

It soured the mood and made me sigh as I reached for my clothes.

788 I.C, January 20, Agron: Shed, Midday

I stepped back and looked at my makeshift lab, the sight of it made me cringe as I imagined Rastlin's reaction and cruel voice tinged with disapproval.

A fused pot as a reaction chamber? Water taken from a well? Wine as an alcohol reagent?

It was the best I could do given the circumstances and the refining process seemed to have worked as I was now left with a somewhat transparent liquid in a large vial. All that remained was to test it.

I walked over to a cage and opened it up, the rabbit inside hissed and scrambled around. Aetheric threads shot out and tied it up as it made a writhing squeal.

The rabbit squirmed as I lifted and set it down on a tray. I then grabbed the vial and began to pour it over the fur while working it into the fur with my hands. Its little heart pounded but it eventually calmed as it soaked in the liquid.

I washed my hands, dried them off, and then took a deep breath as I glanced over at the notes in the Tome of Rastlin. The air filled with aetheric energy and started to sing with an inaudible tone.

Moments later the white fur on the rabbit shifted and blossomed into a stark green that made it look like a green if rather furry tomato.

"Well, well, look at you," I said as I picked up the rabbit and looked it over.

A creak by the door brought sunlight into the shed, I squinted and glanced to the side as Talwin peaked inside. He cocked his head in wonder while he blinked in confusion.

"What do you think?" I asked as I held up the now green rabbit.

Talwin's canine eyes widened as he stepped into the shed, "It's... Green?"

I shifted the field once more and the fur became stark red, "Better?"

"Whoa!" Talwin said in amazement.

I made a pleased smile and caught Talwin's eye, "We could do the same to you Talwin, and I could teach you how to hide what you are."

Talwin stepped closer and sniffed the air as he observed the rabbit, moments later he glanced past the rabbit and met my eyes, "I don't want to hide what I am."

Neither do I...

"I can relate with that Talwin, but sometimes we have little choice."

Talwin nodded, "Is this what you've working on all day?"

I set the rabbit in its cage as I answered, "Yeah, it took a while to get everything right and I'm not much of an alchemist to be honest."

Talwin stepped closer and looked at the large table filled with pots, glass, and tools stolen from the kitchen, "Is it dangerous?"

"That's why I'm testing on the rabbit to start with," I said.

Talwin nodded, "Uh huh."

I grabbed another bottle and held it out to him, "Wanna try it?"

Talwin seemed hesitant, "... Are you sure it's safe?"

"Pretty much, but there's only one way to find out. Start by covering your hand in it and we'll see if it itches or anything."

Talwin nodded and took the bottle, "I guess I can try that."

"Something on your mind?" I asked.

"Just thinking," Talwin said as he looked up from the bottle.

"About my offer?" I asked.

Talwin nodded, "Yeah."

"And?"

Talwin made a hesitant smile, "Just thinking that's all. I haven't decided yet."

"Well, tell me when you do," I said as I walked over and fetched a makeshift pipette.

One covered in it... Two more to test oral toxicity...

788 I.C, January 20, Agron: Farm, Evening

I crouched down, opened my backpack, reached in, and found the crystal hidden deep within a small pocket. Little more than a few cubic centimeters remained of the life-crystal Rastlin had given me.

I need more of this... The rabbit should work... But that's a long-term plan...

An aetheric thread sliced a small piece and I dropped it into the mortar before starting to crush it with some wine. I looked to my side and focused on the cages, the rabbits still seemed healthy despite being force-fed doses far above the recommended one.

At least it doesn't seem to be toxic in the short term... Then again... Rabbits are not a proper substitute...

I poured the enhanced wine into a small vial and then prepared a few more with the camouflage potion.

Guess there's only one way to find out...

I brought one of camouflage potions to my mouth and drank, the liquid was sweet like wine but carried a metallic tinge as I emptied it and swallowed. Hopefully such a small dose wouldn't kill me even if it turned out to be toxic.

I pocketed the life crystal potions and then headed back to the house.

A worrying sound caught my attention as I stepped up to the door. It was the wheezing and ragged breath of a man choking to death, the sound of it made me cringe in unease as I opened the door and glimpsed inside.

George seemed to have collapsed in the hallway and Martha was by his side, she stroked his back and spoke with a soothing voice as the old man wheezed and coughed.

A glinting reflection in the hallway made me glance up, Talwin was standing by the far end of the hallway and he looked devastated. His ears clamped to his head as he cowered with an emotional anguish that must have been torture.

My hand clutched around one of the vials in my pocket as I wondered if it would help.

These crystals managed to keep Rastlin alive... A man that looked like a walking corpse...

I stepped into the room as another thought came to mind. George's death would mean that Talwin would be more eager to leave, if George lived then he might want to stay here.

You're thinking about this the wrong way... Ease his pain... Give Talwin an escape route...

George's attack seemed to abate as he was left gasping with drool dripping from his mouth, I approached and crouched next to him as my nose caught something.

Blood...

The light in the house was dim but the drool dripping from his mouth seemed colored. This wasn't rock-lung like in Everwinter where they choked to death, this was something else, a disease.

"Can you stand?" I whispered.

George made a reluctant nod as I helped him up, Martha joined my side as we led him to the bathroom.

The expression on Martha's face was hardened but tense as she cared for her mate. George made a weak smile that hardened without warning as he seemed to notice that I was there.

"What are you doing here?" George asked in surprise.

"Helping you, what does it look like?" I asked.

George pulled his arm away from me, "I can stand on my own."

I leaned in and whispered, "Talwin suffers, I doubt he's willing to leave considering the state you're in."

"I know," George hissed in anger.

I held up the green vial so that he could see, "Drink this, it will help."

George glanced at the vial and then stared at me, "You're asking me to kill myself?"

I cocked my head, "Don't be stupid, it won't cure you but I think it will help with your symptoms. Then you can tell Talwin that you're doing better and allow him a way out of here."

"You're like a daemon Avery," George whispered.

"I make no claim to your soul George and my price is quite modest, wouldn't you say?"

George frowned as he took the vial from my hand, "I accept your bargain."

788 I.C, January 21, Agron: Farm, Morning

Noise stirred me from sleep once more but this time the voices were joyous and relieved. It struck me as strange and I was quick to throw on my clothes on as I got up and stepped outside.

Talwin was standing in the hallway and George stood beside him with a big book in his hands.

George was pointing at the open book with a big smile as he spoke, "Dracwyn is built around a stronghold of stone and iron. Governance of the city is shared by a consortium of guild-masters and a court of aristocrats. It is a metropolis of potential and this is not an opportunity you should squander."

Talwin's tail was wagging as he looked at his father, "Are you all right dad?"

George made a relieved smile, "Today's a good day, Martha and I will be fine Talwin."

Talwin's tail grew slack, "But..."

Martha called out, "George?"

George shoved the book in Talwin's hands as he walked off in surprising haste, "Coming!"

"Good morning Talwin," I said as I walked up to him.

Talwin glanced up from the book, "Morning Avery."

I motioned to his hand, "How's your hand doing?"

Talwin turned his furred hand around, "It's doing good and it doesn't even itch, it smells a bit strange but I can live with that."

I leaned in and sniffed at his hand, it had a subtle hint of fruity wine but also seemed to have wiped out the scent of coyote. It was a surprising benefit that would no doubt serve me as well.

"Do you want to try it?" I asked.

Talwin nodded while I held out my hand, I generated a local field and let sing like a tune. The once vibrant fur on his hand shifted and became pure white.

"That's... The things you could do with this, it's incredible," Talwin whispered.

I smiled and nodded as I let the field dissipate, "Good, because you're going to cover yourself in it from top to bottom."

Talwin made a bemused smile and nodded, "Do you have that much?"

"You'll have to be careful but I've got enough bottles to last us for a month I'd wager."

"I see. Did you do something? To my dad I mean?" Talwin asked.

I nodded, "Something to ease his pain, it won't cure him though."

Talwin made a humbled nod, "Thank you, I haven't seen him this lively in months. Was it the same thing you gave me?"

"Yes, why?"

Talwin's eyes took on a glimmer of greed and desperation as he focused on me, "Do you have more?"

I reached into my pocket and fetched what remained of the green crystal, "Not much, and it's rather difficult to synthesize."

Talwin leaned in to look at the crystal, "But you can make more?"

"Not with the kind of resources we have around here, not even with Bellkeep's underground as help."

Talwin's expression wavered, "Could a bigger city do it? The heart of the underground?"

"Maybe, I need a lab, proper equipment, resources."

"I see," Talwin said as he stared at the book.

"Talwin, do understand that It's not a cure, your father will die, as will we all."

Talwin squeezed the book hard, "I know that, but he won't die wheezing for breath like yesterday, he could have one last go at life and then die in peace."

"Maybe," I said.

Talwin pointed at an illustration of a large city in the book, "This is where we need to go, Dracwyn. It's a harbor city to the north that acts as the heart of the underground. They can give us new identities and they're bound to have everything you could ever need."

I'm not sure I like using this as a carrot... But for now I guess it'll have to do...

I made a warm smile and nodded, "Then we head for Dracwyn."

788 I.C, January 21, Agron: Farm, Night

My sensory web spread throughout the farm and became like an extension of myself. I could feel skittering insects like pinpricks while the mice were like dots scurrying about.

The master bedroom had two life-signs. Martha whose heart beat strong despite her age and then there was George, his presence in the aether had grown stronger but was now muddled with a signature belonging to a life crystal.

Then there was Talwin whose presence was like a chaotic maelstrom, out of control, violent, subject to his whims and emotions. It was a wonder his latent abilities hadn't caused an incident.

They were all sleeping and I made use of it as I gathered my belongings and headed out. The air was cool and the twin moons continued on their eternal chase while bathing the world in a gray glow.

Instinct woke to life and I summoned two orbs of light and let them guide my path as I entered the forest and started running. My heart beat with a strong and steady pace as I felt myself swallowed up by the thing hiding inside me.

It was the essence of a wulfkin, a beast among beasts, it made heat radiate through my blood as the aches returned and I started changing once more. My body itched and my hands cramped as if they were twisting into paws.

I darted between the trees, leaped on old logs and boulders as I sped through the dark forest. Part of me wanted to throw it all away and to become part of the forest. A wild beast knowing no culture or intellect, just pure existence and survival by means of fang and claw.

A sudden sense of exhaustion hit me like a brick wall. It pierced my heart and forced me to slow down as the world began to spin and I found myself stumbling into a tree.

I clutched to it and drew ragged breaths as something from within clamped down on me.

This isn't natural... Something is holding me back...

I sank to the ground and minutes passed before my body started to relax. Something remained though, a sensation of chains clinging to me like a parasite.

What is that?

I closed my eyes and focused on my inner self. Rastlin had taught me the basics but something had changed since the last time I tried it. My inner self felt sharp, defined, clear, and I could see a forest of aetheric threads in my mind's eye.

It was a huge difference compared to the first time I had tried it on a youngster called Raul. It had been muddled, confusing, singing tones that shifted with every beat of the heart. This in comparison was like a structured gallery waiting to be perused, even stranger was that some threads shone like beacons.

I focused on one of glowing threads and noticed that it seemed engineered and structured. It was filled with indecipherable runes and it sang with a presence that my mind thought of as wulfkin.

Is this it? The curse? The gift? The essence of a wulfkin?

It was amazing to look at but it didn't take long to notice that something was odd. A choking vine was wrapped around the thread and it infested it with dark spines that held it at bay.

Is this your doing Rastlin? Are these the shackles that locked me in this form?

A sudden chill ran down my spine as I felt something in the aether. It approached like a writhing serpent moving in for the kill.

I opened my eyes and looked around the dark forest in fear. Moments later I realized that it wasn't coming from the outside, but rather my own self. The entity snatched hold of my heart and I felt a sudden anguish of death.

All color drained from my face as I slumped to the ground and clutched my chest.

THUMP!** THUMP! **** THUMP! ***THUMP!*

My heart struggled and my chest cramped as I tried to draw breath. Moments later the snake eased its grip and I gasped in relief. It became clear that whatever Rastlin had done was also equipped with defenses that did not like me tampering or glimpsing inside my own self.

So what does my transformation mean? Are the restraints failing?

It took me a while to realize that something warm touched my chest. I reached into my doublet and fetched the star, it hummed and had a steady red glow. Something had given me abilities that I should not have and I would bet that the star was responsible.

Is that what you are? A tool to alter and rewrite the aether? For what purpose did the master use you?

The glow faded and while I gained another clue I was still far from being able to see the whole picture.

Running around in the forest was pleasant but the real reason for my exploration was more practical. I found myself a flat section of rock and set my backpack on the ground.

I then opened it up and fetched a few crystals, helidyte and a few other metals to create a proper alloy.

Threads of magic became like diamond cutters as I created a circle in the rock. It was noisy and the rock glowed red but I worked with haste and was done in little more than a minute.

Next I let the threads become like a furnace as I dropped the ingots inside. The helidyte melted with the other metals and created a less efficient but temperature tolerant alloy that wouldn't crack as easily. The next step was to pour it in the circle and join the metal to a core in the center where I had placed crystals.

It was a very simple transporter and it would require a secondary endpoint of considerable sophistication to stabilize it. But it was here, a backup in case everything else failed.

The metal cooled and grew dark as I withdrew and headed back to the farm.

788 I.C, January 22, Agron: Farm, Morning

I gave the others some distance as I watched Talwin and his parents standing by the wagon.

Talwin's ears were folded back and his tail was slack. He was cowering as if scared and his facial expression seemed to reflect his emotional state.

"Are you sure?" Talwin asked with a careful voice.

George put his hand on Talwin's shoulder, "We'll be fine without the wagon and horses. Besides, you'll be less likely to be stopped on the road if you look like roaming merchants."

Talwin made a slight nod as Martha walked up and leaned in as she whispered something in his ear.

I found my attention drawn to the backpack in Talwin's hands. It was the same one I had seen underneath his bed and it looked gray if somewhat worn.

Talwin was still something of a mystery to me and his room had offered little clues. That made the bag interesting but also a potential danger as George or Martha may have given him some secret weapon.

The three joined in a tight hug and Talwin seemed to relax as his ears rose.

I approached when one of the horses glanced back and snorted. The reaction only grew worse as the horse started stomping in agitation and made the wagon shake.

Wulfkin did not use horses for either heavy labor or transportation, they were skittish and dangerous which made me stop out of respect for the rather massive beast. They did taste good though and the wulfkins back home had always been eager to either buy or seize a few of them from the caravans.

Talwin caught their reins and spoke with a calm and pleasant voice, "There... There... Calm down..."

I took the opportunity to walk up to George, "How are you doing George?"

George gave me a rather cautious smile, "I'm doing very well actually."

"Glad to hear it, any last minute tips?" I asked.

"The route you're on isn't the fastest but it's lightly traveled and there's going to be few patrols."

"Are the patrols going to bother us?"

"They shouldn't give you any trouble as long as you play nice, push them and they may start demanding paperwork."

"What do we do then?"

"Bribe them if you can, plead with them, make it a bother to drag you all the way to the nearest city."

Killing them is also an option...

"I see. What about bandits?" I asked.

"That's always a risk but you shouldn't need to be on your guard until you start nearing Dracwyn. Travel during daylight and stay at the taverns during night, if that's not an option then hide in the forest."

"Isn't that a bit extreme?" I asked.

"Agron is full of peaceful and hospitable folk, they will join you for the night if they see you."

I made a slight smile, "Some might call that naïve."

George huffed, "Maybe, but what kind of life is that? Always being on your guard? Never being able to trust your kinfolk?"

"True, it does sound nice. So why the warning about Dracwyn?"

"Dracwyn is a truly amazing place but the size, history, and the underground has made it dangerous. Bandits, foreigners, strange rumors, some parts of the city have been abandoned and you should stay well away from those areas."

"What if bandits attack, what do we do then?"

George motioned to me with one hand, "That's your responsibility, isn't it?"

I leaned closer, "Burn or bury them?"

George lowered his voice, "The contract of Mundus is rather harsh and you'd be in serious trouble even if you used it in defense and they discovered that you're not from around here. The only ones that skirt the contract are mages belonging to the academy or hired mercenaries from another country."

I nodded, "Got it. How does one become a registered mercenary?"

"You'll have no problem joining one of the guilds as long as you've got a writ of citizenship and a valid visa. That's all there is to it."

"I see, any contacts or pass-phrases I should know of?"

"Talwin knows all of that," George answered with a slight smile of his own.

Still don't trust me...

"Avery?" Talwin said.

I looked over and noticed that the horses seemed to have calmed down, "Yes?"

Talwin motioned to one of the front seats of the wagon, "Want to give it another try?"

"One moment," I said as I reached into my pocket.

I held out my hand and offered George what little was left of the life crystal, "Crush a small piece and mix well with alcohol, make it last old man."

George's skeptical glance became a humbled one as I dropped the green crystal in his hand, "I don't know what to say."

I smiled, "How about good luck?"

George pocketed the crystal and made a warm smile as he nodded, "Good luck Avery."

788 I.C, January 22, Country Road, Midday

Blue sky, large swaths of green rolling hills, dirt roads that looked like patterns in the far distance.

The sun warmed my face and it made things so bright that my eyes hurt a little. It was beautiful, peaceful, and the wind was just strong enough to keep me from sweating.

I glanced to the side and saw Talwin staring into nothingness as if re-evaluating his entire life. Talwin glanced back and made a shiver of surprise as he caught me looking at him.

"What are you thinking about?" I asked.

Talwin looked in front and seemed to ponder it as he focused on the horses, "This is insane."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"You arrived inside our kitchen less than a week ago and now I'm leaving what has been my home for almost two decades years. To go with you... It's insane."

"That reminds me, how old are you?" I asked.

Talwin made a slight if embarrassed smile, "I'm 25. You?"

"20," I answered.

Talwin's ears perked, "You look younger than that."

"Oh?"

Talwin motioned to his face, "Most humans grow a mustache or beard, I've never seen you shave yet you don't have a strand on your face."

I made slight huff, "I think something locked my aging process."

Talwin's eyes grew wide, "What? Are you immortal or something?"

I shook my head, "No, it's just that most of my kind don't follow the normal maturation stages that humans go through."

"So what are you?" Talwin asked.

"How about you tell me something about yourself first?" I asked.

Talwin looked surprised and his tail squirmed a little, "Me?"

"Yeah, what do you like Talwin? Hobbies? Books? What's in that backpack of yours?"

Talwin glanced back at the wagon as if to make sure his backpack was still there, "There's not much to say. I'm a street pup that's happy to have roof and warm food on the table."

"There's gotta be more than that Talwin? What do you dream of?"

Talwin seemed a bit annoyed as he looked in front once more, "I don't have dreams."

"Because you don't dare dream in case it never happens? Or because you're simple minded?"

Talwin raised his brow, "Lovely way of both encouraging and insulting at the same time."

I smirked and stretched a little, "Thank you."

"I don't dream because they'd be a waste, I'm a yote living on the expense of others."

I leaned closer and made a big grin as I extended a field of aetheric energy, it sang and hummed as Talwin's fur began to shift hue. His paws and hands grew pitch black while his arms and face became a radiant hue of red.

"And now you're a fox," I mused.

Talwin looked at himself in amazement and even glanced inside his shirt, "Whoa..."

"So, Talwin the Fox, what do you dream of?" I asked.

Talwin stared at his hands and the red fur, "I dream of having a life."

I glanced up and focused on a white cloud in the sky, "You and me both."

"So what are you?" Talwin asked once more.

"I don't want to talk about that, not yet at least."

"So tell me about yourself, do you have a family?"

I nodded, "Yes, I do. A father, mother, and a brother."

"So that was a lie? That you didn't know your parents?"

"Yes, it was."

"What about that master of yours?"

"Let me summarize by saying that my family disowned me and I sought safety in the service of a powerful mage."

"What did you do?" Talwin asked.

I made a bemused smile, "I did nothing, yet I was responsible for the most shameful crime that can be found among my people."

Talwin cocked his head in confusion, "I don't get it, how could they blame you if you did nothing?"

I met Talwin's eyes, "The same way people judge you for being a yote."

"I see. So what was it? Your red eyes?"

I made a humored chuckle, "My red eyes were a sign of great things to come, people used to be jealous about it."

"You're still too cryptic, so what is it that made them reject you?"

"I can't tell you, not yet."

Talwin sighed, "Can you teach me how to make my fur like this?"

"I can try," I answered.

788 I.C, January 22, Forest, Evening

"We should have stopped at that tavern earlier," Talwin said as he tied the horses to a tree.

"It's better that no one sees us until we can properly camouflage ourselves."

Talwin made a big canine yawn as he walked up to me, "Yeah, using magic like this is really draining."

Maintaining a field that could make him look like a fox had proven to be more than he could handle. A single uniform field had been successful though as his fur was now a single brown hue that made him look like some kind of mutt.

"It's good training because the moment you slip is the moment your fur returns to normal," I said.

Talwin scratched his ear and glanced around the forest as the sun set, "Do you get used to it or something? It's like constantly humming a song."

I fetched a blanket from the wagon and set it by a dry patch near one of the trees, "You'll get used to it."

Talwin peeked into the wagon and then glanced back at me, "There's only one blanket."

I glanced back and raised my brow, "So?"

Talwin's ears lowered as he glanced around, "I know I have fur and all but that doesn't mean I want to sleep on the ground."

I couldn't help but smile a little, "For a people that's supposed to be hospitable you sure seem to have strict rules when it comes to personal space."

"What do you mean?" Talwin asked as he walked closer.

I motioned to the blanket, "Settle down and we'll share the warmth and keep each other close."

Talwin's tail snapped into steady wag, "Oh."

I leaned down by the tree and motioned to the blanket, "Come on, it's starting to get cold."

Talwin walked up to the tree and his concentration seemed to slip as his fur returned to its old and rather captivating texture. He then settled down and leaned back against the tree.

I settled between his legs and shifted back until he spooned me, "Does this work?"

"Yeah," Talwin answered as I pulled his hands around my waist while moving the rest of the blanket to cover the two of us.

I leaned back against his chest and felt the fur like a soft pillow, his steady breath caught in my ear as I heard him sniff.

"What?" I asked.

"Nothing."

"I smell weird, right?" I asked.

Talwin nodded, "Yeah, has anyone ever told you that you've got strange hair?"

I couldn't help but make a bemused grin, "It's a bit like fur, isn't it?"

Talwin reached up and touched the fur on my head with two clawed fingers, "Yeah, how strange."

What is this feeling... At peace... Warmth buzzing in my chest... Am I blushing?

Talwin let go and eased his hand into the blanket as he wrapped his arm around my waist once more.

"Good night," I said.

Talwin drew a deep breath and hugged me tight as he whispered, "Good night."

788 I.C, January 23, Forest, Morning

Hunting was too easy with my senses and magic. I could smell the rabbits without a problem and the threads of magic cut them down with ease.

Two seemed to be plenty and I had returned to the campsite. Talwin still hadn't awoken from his exhaustion of using magic and I took the opportunity to make a good meal.

The campfire crackled and the pot above it was starting to bubble as I sliced up the skinned rabbits in small chunks and dumped it inside. Martha had provided plenty of spices and the vegetables we had brought added balance to the stew.

Birds sang and the forest seemed to hum with life as I looked up toward the canopy and saw the blue sky. It was difficult to fathom how I felt, relief, joy, even my instincts were at peace.

I want this to last... Forever...

A sudden sniff made me glance toward Talwin as he woke from his slumber. His hands moved as if searching for me followed by a sudden twitch of surprise as he opened his eyes and looked in front.

"Good morning," I said with a warm smile.

Talwin glanced around as his ears perked in confusion, "What happened? Why didn't I wake up?"

"You're still not used to magic Talwin, it's going to tire you like this."

Talwin removed the blanket and stretched as he stood up, "What's all this?"

"Do you like rabbit stew?" I asked as I motioned to the pot.

"It smells nice... You didn't use the rabbits in the wagon, did you?" Talwin said as he drew closer.

I chuckled and shook my head, "Of course not, I hunted these while you slept."

"You... hunted?" Talwin said as he cocked his head.

I motioned to the discarded pelts nearby, "Yeah."

Talwin settled by the campfire, "You're smiling."

"Is that so odd?" I asked.

"It's just... Why?"

"I'm happy to be free, to be able to get up when I feel like it, to hunt my own dreams, not being shackled, hunted and scared all the time."

Talwin lifted the cover on the pot and glimpsed inside as he sniffed, "I'm still a bit confused, why would someone shackle and hunt you?"

"Lets say that my people are divided into two, one group rules over the other. They believed that I belonged to the ruling class, but they were wrong."

Talwin looked at me as something dawned on him, "Oh, I see... But..."

"But?" I asked.

"Did your family just... abandon you?"

I drew a deep breath and sighed, "My mother treated me like air, I no longer existed to her. My father disowned and pushed me away. My brother tried to kill me but there were circumstances that held him at bay."

Talwin stared at me in disbelief, "But... Why? How could a title could be that powerful."

I'm changing... Sooner or later he's going to notice...

"If I were to tell you that I was something scary, how would you react Talwin?"

Talwin seemed to ponder it, "Yote's are known to be scary. I can only judge you based on what I've seen so far."

"And what's your impression of me so far?" I asked.

Talwin made a slight smile and met my eyes, "You gave my father that crystal."

"You saw that?" I asked in surprise.

Talwin nodded, "Yeah, I did. I think that you're a good guy Avery."

I straightened my legs and then lifted my shirt so that he could see the hints of black fur growing on my abdomen. Talwin's eyes widened and his tail grew slack as he stared.

"I'm not human exactly," I said as I dropped my shirt.

Talwin gulped, "You're a shapeshifter? Like a werewolf or something?"

I shook my head, "Not really, we only shift forms once. We start as human and then turn into something else, the ones who change belong to the privileged class."

Talwin moved closer and then sat down on the ground near me, for some reason he seemed curious and excited rather than scared.

"You turn into 'something else'?" Talwin asked.

I made a slight smile at the favorable outcome, "Wolves... Big ones."

Talwin blinked, "So your family?"

I nodded, "They're really big and furry wolves."

"How much did you change?" Talwin asked.

"I'm still changing actually."

Talwin cocked his head in confusion, "But I thought you said..."

"I think the mage I served stopped my transformation for some reason, but now that I've managed to escape I've started changing again."

"So... You're going to turn into a big... wolf?"

I couldn't help but smirk a little as I scratched my neck, "Yeah, I actually have a small tail already."

Talwin's tail began to wag in the dirt as his eyes widened, "Can I see?"

I leaned back in surprise, "I can't say I expected this kind of reaction."

Talwin's nose flared as he sniffed the air, "I knew you smelled strange. Like a wolf, a beast of the forest."

My heart picked up pace and for some reason felt flattered, "I see."

"So what's going to happen? I mean..."

I forced myself to calm down as I drew a deep breath, "It's going to be slow at first. I'll start to grow bigger, claws, my eyes will change further, the fur will spread, a short muzzle. My appetite has already gone up. Then it's going to hit the threshold and that's when the big changes start. At least, that's how it usually goes."

Talwin listened in silence with his ears perked, "How are we going to deal with this?"

"This is why I'm telling you because it's going to difficult for me to blend in. I'm hoping that I'll be able to hide somewhere when I'm in the middle of the transformation and then use the camouflage potion to hide what I am."

"Just how big are you going to get?" Talwin asked.

I shrugged a little, "Most wulf- of my kind are about half a meter taller and weigh about 200-300 kilos."

Talwin's eyes widened, "You can't be serious."

"I am, unfortunately."

Talwin glanced away and seemed to ponder something, "The only thing bigger than that are bears and I take it your kind don't look like those?"

I shook my head and snickered, "No, we don't."

Talwin's ears perked without warning, "Oh, I remembered something."

"What?"

"I once saw a group of canines in town that claimed to be from another continent, one of them was really big."

"What did they look like?" I asked.

"There were two of them, I remember watching them from the market district. One looked like a really big canine and was clad in fancy metal armor. We thought he was the important one but he turned out to be a bodyguard for a smaller canine that presented herself as a Dhole of the steppes. The big guy didn't speak a lick of common but he guarded her like a hawk."

"What did the big one look like in detail?" I asked.

Talwin motioned to his neck, "The guy had a big bristling mane and a mean face with fur that was mostly gray and black. He didn't seem to like it here but he never left her side."

I grabbed a bowl and opened the pot as I started to pour myself some stew, "I see."

"So does your people have a name? Where are you from?" Talwin asked.

"One secret at a time Talwin, now eat because I've got plenty to teach you."

Talwin grabbed a bowl and settled near the pot as he threw me a glance, "You're not going to eat me or something, when you turn into a big wolf that is?"

I grabbed a spoon and tasted the stew, it was a rich broth full of taste and it made me hum with delight.

"My kind only eat those that do something really stupid," I answered.

Talwin blinked and stared at me like a frozen statue, "You're joking, right?"

I flashed him a toothy grin and chuckled, "Yeah, I am."

788 I.C, January 23, Country Road, Evening

I looked to my side as the wagon passed a sign, 'Dancing Kelpie Tavern'

What caught my eye were a couple of obscure markings carved into the sign itself.

I pointed to them as I spoke up, "Those signs, do they mean something?"

Talwin nodded, "Yeah, they do."

"What?" I asked as I looked over at him.

"The first one that looked like two half moons mean that this place offers pleasures of the night."

"Uh huh, and the other one?"

"The joined dagger and star means that this place is under the protection of the underground and Antalorian temple."

I raised my brow, "I thought that a religion might have had a bit more class?"

Talwin chuckled, "I'm pretty sure they don't agree with the whores, but the temple needs its ears and eyes."

"That temple in Bellkeep looked almost abandoned, do they only use it at night?"

Talwin nodded, "The stars mean everything to the Antalorians, they even use clear glass in the roof so that they can see the sky from within their temples."

"Are they dangerous?" I asked.

"The church does wield a lot power so I'd say yes."

"But they're sworn to the crown, right?"

Talwin looked uncertain, "So far at least, but at times of revolution they tend to stick with the winner."

I made a bemused smile as I nodded, "I see."

Talwin scratched his ear while his tail squirmed a little, "So..."

"What?" I asked.

"Could I have some coin?" Talwin asked.

I raised my brow, "What for?"

Talwin's ears folded back, "You know... It's been a while..."

Moments later it dawned on me, "I see, the horndog needs something to hump."

Talwin glanced over with something of a sheepish if rather pleading smile.

I smirked to myself, "Even your women are strange, exchanging sex for coin."

Talwin cocked his head, "What are your women like?"

I stretched a little, "Proud, strong, we like to play around of course but the path to it is a complex dance of flattery, insults, and even a bit of violence. Both of us have to prove that we're strong and proper mates, not rich ones."

Talwin blinked, "You fight with your women?"

"Yeah? Who would want a mate that couldn't defend the pups?"

Talwin looked toward the tavern, "I guess things are different when you're huge wolves."

I reached into my coat and fetched the coin-purse, "How much would a night cost?"

"Twenty silver should be more than enough," Talwin answered as his tail began to thump against the wagon in excitement.

I placed a square silver coin in his hand and then looked him over, his fur was all brown and the field was steady, "Are you sure that you can exert yourself like that and keep up the field?"

Talwin nodded, "I'm sure, I hardly have to think about it as it is."

"You're a quick learner at least, but make sure not to fall asleep unless you throw them out."

Talwin nodded and seemed to notice something, "Oh, your eyes don't look red any longer."

I made an excited nod, "Yeah, seems the camouflage potion worked wonders."

"What about your hair?" Talwin asked as he pointed to the fur on my head.

"I figured I'd keep it black like this, it hides the fact that it is fur rather well."

Talwin nodded, "Yeah, it does."

A young human emerged from within the tavern and stopped to wait for us as we approached. Talwin seemed to know what he was doing so I kept my mouth shut and watched.

The lanky human was dressed in simple but colorful clothes as he made a courteous nod and smiled, "Welcome to the Dancing Kelpie."

Talwin handed the reins to the young man and slipped him a silver coin, "Many thanks, busy night?"

The young man shook his head, "No sir, plenty of room and services for both your kin."

Talwin grabbed his backpack and I took mine as the young man began to lead the horses and wagon toward a nearby stable.

I joined Talwin's side and leaned in, "What did he mean, both your kin?"

"Most people prefer their own species."

"I see. What about children?" I asked.

Talwin looked confused, "You wouldn't be a good whore if you could get pregnant you know."

I raised my brow, "Your whores are males?"

Talwin looked flabbergasted, "What!? No!"

I raised my brow, "Then what do you mean?"

Talwin sighed, "They're infertile... gods Avery."

"Is that common?"

"You just take a herb, that's all," Talwin answered.

"I see. Do you have much experience with this kind of thing?" I asked.

Talwin's ears folded back, "Well... Maybe not a lot."

Figures, no one would like to sleep with a yote... Not even a whore I guess...

I gave him a friendly nudge, "Virgin?"

Talwin's ears twitched as he mumbled, "No."

The two of us entered the tavern and Talwin's demeanor changed as he marched inside with confidence in his steps.

I followed as he walked up to the main bar, the tavern keeper was a tad shorter than a human and looked like a raccoon of some sort.

"Welcome to the Dancing Kelpie, I'm Hamlin and you're merchants from Bellkeep I take it?" The raccoon said with a welcoming smile as he faced us.

Talwin nodded, "That's right, do you have two rooms to spare for a night?"

"No problem, any specials for the night?"

I glanced around for a moment and let them talk. The tavern had a pleasant smell to it, food, a hint of alcohol, sweet honey, a big fireplace bathing it in a warm glow accompanied by lanterns that seemed powered by magic.

People of all kind were settled in the corners and were chit-chatting while accompanied by women in light if rather suggestive clothing.

There was a gentle tune in the air but it seemed to be coming from the roof. I looked up and noticed that the source seemed to be some kind of wooden box attached to the roof. An aetheric presence emanated from the box.

How creative... Using aetheric crystals as means of generating music...

"Interesting piece of machinery, isn't it?" The tavern keeper asked all of a sudden.

I looked to the bar and nodded, "Indeed, very impressive."

"Shame about the selection though, it's been playing the same tune for years now."

I approached the bar, "Why not have someone fix it then?"

The tavern keeper readied a few glasses, "Mages are expensive to hire and we only use it during the low season. What would you like to drink?"

I glanced to the side and noticed that Talwin had a small glass filled with something that smelled as strong as acid.

"Same," I said as I pointed to Talwin.

"Another round of white lightning coming up," The tavern keeper said as he fetched a bottle.

Talwin drained his own glass and set it next to mine as Hamlin filled the glasses once more. I took the drink and gave it a cautious sniff, it smelt strong, far stronger than Krobian liquor.

Is this just alcohol... Or something else?

Talwin smiled and looked toward the stairs as the sound of female voices approached. I took a sip of the drink and felt it burn my tongue as I swallowed.

Herbs... No... Something purer... Alkaline? I'll have to be careful with this or I'll be knocked on my ass...

While the atmosphere was pleasant I found myself being reminded of the lower levels in Everwinter.

Strong if lousy drinks, losing control, cheap sex with unknown individuals, it was empty and shameful.

It made me long back to yesterday and Talwin's comforting embrace by the tree.

Several women descended the stairs, a human with golden hair, a fox with fur that burned red, a feline lynx in golden white and black markings.

I straightened a little in surprise as something awoke in me. They were elegant as well as beautiful and maybe there was more to this place than met the eye. The two furs took to Talwin in an instant while the human approached me.

Typical...

"Hello there," The female human said with a bright smile as she leaned back on the bar.

I held out my hand, "Good evening fair lady, I'm Ryan, may I ask your name?"

She made something of a surprised if bemused smile, "I can play that game. I'm Melissa pleased to meet you."

I motioned to the bar, "May I buy you a drink?"

788 I.C, January 23, Dancing Kelpie Tavern, Night

Out of control... Stop... You're doing another mistake...

Part of my mind screamed in protest but I couldn't summon up the willpower to stop.

I've been drugged... The world is spinning... This was a gigantic mistake...

Her tongue invaded me and her hands were in my pants as she unbuttoned and slid them down.

The backpack! Keep an eye on the backpack!

I forced myself to break the kiss as I glanced back and caught sight of the backpack thrown into the corner of the room, it was safe.

MATE!

Her hands guided as she leaned back and forced us to fall on the bed. I landed and felt my body blur as I started moving on automatic. Instinct guided me as I slipped out of my clothes and stripped her as best I could.

"Oh... you're quite a man for someone so young," Melissa murmured.

Her words were like a whisper in the back of my mind as began to fear that she would look down and see the changes to my body. A flicker of intellect not muddled by raw need sent threads of magic toward the lights. In moment the lights popped and the room went dark with a spark.

"The lights..." Melissa gasped in surprise.

"Leave it!" I snapped with a growl in my throat.

"All right..." Melissa whispered.

MATE!

It screamed, the beast awoke, I could not stop it. I was a lone wolf caught in a world that held no kin.

Procreate! Multiply! Mate!

My concept of self slipped as my voice was drowned out and replaced by something else...

788 I.C, January 24, Dancing Kelpie Tavern, Morning

It was early morning and I found myself sitting by the window as I looked outside. We were on the second floor and the horizon was starting to brighten as I saw the stable boy tending to his duties outside.

I looked back toward the bed and I could see 'Melissa' sleeping in bed. She looked peaceful as she held onto the blanket wrapped around her ample bosom.

I wonder if she usually stays with her clients like this...

A twinge of worry made my gut tighten as I thought of what had happened. The beast had taken control, feral instinct had ruled my conscious and I had acted on it.

My instincts were at peace now as if I had done my duty but my conscious self felt nothing but shame.

I sniffed the air and caught her scent, she smelled sweet despite the sting of sweat and there wasn't even a hint of fertility. It set my conscience at ease as I wouldn't have to worry about abandoning any potential offspring.

My own scent permeated the room but it was different from what I was used to, it was sharper and it was starting to take on the hint of a wulfkin. For some reason my instincts didn't seem to realize that it had failed to procreate.

The effect of the drinks had started with a gentle buzz but had then slammed me in the head like a sledgehammer. I wanted to blame it but in the end I was the one responsible for my actions and I vowed to never do something like this again.

I wonder if this is what father experienced... The beast took over and he was helpless to stop it...

Father's pained screams echoed in my mind and I had to struggle as I pushed the thought out of my head. I had expected Melissa to stir by now but she seemed to be knocked out cold as I walked up to the bed.

"Melissa?" I asked.

Guess those drinks affected her as well...

I reached into my robe and fetched a gold coin as I thought back to the night. It consisted of fragmented glimpses and sensations but it seemed like a big gap was missing as if I had blacked out.

My scent was all over her and there were scratches by her hips and back. My hands itched a little but I couldn't see claws, still, I must have been quite a beast during the night.

I reached out and eased the gold coin in her hand before stepping back as I headed to the door. A sudden twitch hit my ears as I became aware of a noise coming from the hallway.

It made me stop and listen while I reached up and touched my ear, it felt stretched and the normal curves of a human ear felt a little smoother.

The footsteps outside were light but had a gentle click that made me think of a fur. I opened the door and stepped out as I caught sight of the female fox from yesterday.

"Morning," I said with a courteous nod.

The female fox smiled and nodded as she walked by, "Good morning, did you have a pleasant night?"

I joined her side and nodded as we walked toward the stairs, "Very pleasant, you?"

She gave me a curious look and smirked, "Yes, I would say that."

"I take it he didn't cause any trouble?" I asked as we descended the stairs.

She cocked her head in confusion, "What do you mean?"

"My friend, he went with you last night as I remember?" I said as we entered the lower floor.

Things seemed to dawn on her, "Oh, he settled on the lynx, but he did strike me as cute if a bit nervous."

A twinge of worry rose in my gut as I sniffed the air, she didn't smell like him.

"Morning Ryan, could I interest you in some breakfast?" Hamlin asked from the bar.

Ryan... My false name...

I looked toward the bar and was about to answer as a door was slammed shut followed by the sound of hasty footsteps coming from the floor above. Hamlin and the female fox jumped in surprise as they looked toward the stairs.

Moments later the female lynx came running down the stairs while wrapped in a blanket. She gave me a glare of death as she rushed past and joined Hamlin before hissing in anger.

"It's a fucking yote!" The lynx cursed.

Hamlin looked flabbergasted, "What?"

God damn it Talwin...

My shields hardened in an instant as threads of magic flowed out and began to infest the tavern.

The lynx pointed at me and hissed, "His friend is a fucking YOTE! A marked one!"

I acted surprised and raised my brow, "What the hell are you talking about?"

Hamlin's eyes kept shifting between me and the lynx while the female fox seemed stunned.

The lynx jabbed her finger toward me, "It was a dog last night and I woke up with a marked coyote!"

Marked?

I looked to Hamlin, "What the hell do you serve in those drinks?"

Hamlin frowned in irritation and then focused on the lynx, "Stella, calm down."

Stella hissed as she snapped at him, "I know what I fucking saw Hamlin!"

Things were getting out of hand and I withdrew to the stairs as ascended and left a trail of aetheric threads in my wake. I hurried to the end of the corridor, Talwin's scent and the noise of a ragged if panicked breath made it clear which room he was in.

"Open up Talwin," I ordered as I stepped up to the door.

A click was heard as the door unlocked, I pushed inside and caught sight of Talwin. He was dressed in a loincloth and looked as if he was about to break down crying. Most startling though was his fur which looked like patchwork of glowing colors that flowed like a mosaic.

"I'm sorry! I don't know what went wrong! I fell asleep!" Talwin snapped in desperation as he looked at his hands while a purple tail hid between his legs.

Aetheric energy seeped from his body and made the air taste like flux as he panicked. I shut the door and walked up to him as I grabbed his shoulders.

"Talwin, calm down," I ordered.

"She saw me! I'm sorry!" Talwin snapped as his voice cracked and chest heaved from exertion.

Snap him out of it...

I moved my hand and smacked him on the muzzle, his head rocked to the side while the color drained from his fur. His eyes went wide as he snapped back and stared at me.

"Everything is all right Talwin, so shut up and take a deep breath."

"B- but..." Talwin stuttered.

I glared at him and felt my anger flare as a growl escaped my throat, "Quiet."

Talwin blinked and nodded as his mind settled, moments later he took a deep breath and exhaled.

I made a slight smile, "That's it, calm down and do what I taught you. Think of the tone and hum it in your mind, let it flow from your body like the sun shines."

Talwin's breath calmed as he shut his eyes and focused, brown flowed over the radiant fur and cloaked him once more.

"Good, now keep it like that because we're going to go downstairs and convince them that she was hallucinating. Understand?"

"But..." Talwin whispered.

Don't you get it? We're an inch from being forced to burn this place down...

"Do you understand?" I asked once more.

Talwin gulped and nodded, "Okay, lead the way."

I glanced down and caught sight of the small loincloth and a hint of the furry sheath poking out.

"You're not going anywhere dressed like that," I said.

To my surprise I expected him to reek of sex, but apart from a slight hint he seemed untouched.

Talwin glanced down and made something of a desperate chuckle, "Right... Sorry..."

I stepped back and opened the door, "Hurry up will you."

Talwin made a frantic nod as I stepped out and glanced down the corridor. Some of the other guests were glancing out of their rooms while Hamlin waited by the stairs.

It was fortunate that none of them seemed to be mages, "Go back to bed, someone had a tad too much to drink."

The guests frowned but shut their doors as I approached Hamlin, "Has she calmed down yet?"

Hamlin glared at me, "You've got some explaining to do."

"My friend has one hell of a hangover and he looks like shit but he certainly didn't shift species over the night."

Hamlin seemed uncertain but didn't have to wait long as Talwin emerged from his room, his fur was solid brown and he held his head as he squinted at the light.

I motioned to Talwin in irritation, "See? What the hell did you even expect? A shapeshifter?"

Hamlin sighed, "No, of course not. Just..."

I focused on Hamlin and took the offensive, "Is that your game? Hallucinogenic drugs in your booze?"

Hamlin stumbled back, "What!? No... and keep your bloody voice down."

"I even felt a kick of it myself, what the hell did you mix in it? That 'white lightning' of yours?"

Hamlin stepped back and seemed to grow worried, "Quiet down will you..."

I sighed, "How about we forget all this and you serve us a nice breakfast for free, deal?"

Talwin joined my side as Hamlin made a reluctant nod, "Fine... But then you're out of here and I don't want to see you again."

788 I.C, January 24, Dancing Kelpie Tavern, Midday

Hasty steps approach as the tavern door bursts open. A feline with black and orange fur marches inside as he looks around with the sharp eye of a hunter. The tiger wears studded leather armor and gloves with open tips that hint at white claws. A striped tail follows in his wake and the armor rustles as he approaches the bar.

Hamlin looks up with a glance of worry while the stable boy and maid are quick to leave. The gentle tune played by the music box warps as the tiger steps up and places his hands on the bar with a solid thump.

"A human with red eyes, seen something like that?" The tiger snaps in irritation.

"Red eyes, no, nothing like that," Hamlin answers with a shake of his head.

The tiger's slitted eyes stare like daggers, "Are you sure?"

"Quite sure," Hamlin answers.

"They came through here and I need to know where they went," The tiger says as if stating fact.

Hamlin frowns, "Did you miss the sign on the way here?"

The tiger's lips tighten in irritation and a rattle of coin can be heard followed by a slam as he places a gold coin on the bar, "Speak."

Hamlin glances at the coin but doesn't take it, "I haven't seen anyone with red eyes, do you have something else to go on?"

"Wagon maybe, accompanied by a fur... a coyote."

"Ah..." Hamlin whispers as he starts to reach for the gold coin.

Pearly white claws emerge from the large feline hands, "Don't waste my time barkeep."

Hamlin's hand stops to rest at the gold coin, "Two youngsters with a wagon stopped here late last night, a human and a mutt of some kind. Funny thing is that one of the girls went to bed with the mutt but woke up with a coyote."

"Which direction?" The tiger demands.

"North road, just a few hours ago."

The tiger pushes off the bar and takes off in haste as Hamlin snatches the gold coin. A sudden noise makes him glimpse up as the tiger stumbles on one foot and swears under his breath.

Another slam is heard as the door shuts while Hamlin pockets the gold coin and calls out, "Boy!"

"Yes sir?" The stable boy asks as he appears by the stairs.

"Activate the messenger stone, I need to have a talk with Fletcher."