Chapter 07 - The Gathering

About an hour after sunrise, Snow Spear spotted the High Cleric's wagon coming down the road at an easy pace, so he had Warri contact me using his mind-speak ability. This would be as good as a chance as any to make contact with the High Cleric before he made it to the gathering location, so I told Grimm that I was going to try to meet him using "The Hidden Ways" to reach him quickly. I said a quick goodbye to Red Moon and Dahmietra, and asked Night Song to come along with me. First we went up the hill to meet Snow Spear so that he could show us where he saw the High Cleric's wagon last, and then we made our way to the road some distance ahead of it and shifted back into our existence while still out of sight in the trees. Night Song rubbed her ears and shook her head trying to chase away the effects of the shifting.

"Wow...that is a strange experience, Sire," she said.

"You get used to it eventually," I commented quietly.

When the wagon came into view, I called out in our own language "Ayooo!" The wagon driver looked around nervously as did the two guards who were riding alongside the wagon. The High Cleric was sitting up front near the driver and he bade him to stop. One of the guards rode up from behind the wagon to see what was going on.

"We heard something, sounded like a wolf howling," one of the front guards said pointing ahead.

I called out again, "Ayooo!" and the High Cleric held his hand up.

"I think I may know that particular 'wolf'...if it's who I think it is, we have a little business to attend to."

"Who is it, Your Holiness?" asked the High Cleric's young assistant, Taymak.

"Remember when we were last at the inn in Cedar Grove, brother Taymak, the one who sent you to fetch the village guards?" the High Cleric asked.

"Ah, one of the wolf people from The Great Forest," he replied.

"The same. Guards, signal for him to approach," said the High Cleric.

One of the front guards rode a little further ahead of the wagon and stopped, waving his arm for us to come out into view.

"Well, here goes...keep your eyes and ears open for anything," I said to Night Song.

We slowly walked out from the trees and onto the road holding our hands a little out from our sides showing that they were empty. The lead guard scanned the area quickly and then looked back towards the wagon. The High Cleric waved his hand in an affirmative sign so the guard rode on up to where Night Song and I were standing.

"Good morning to you, I am Sire Mist Runner and this is my friend Night Song...we have some business with the High Cleric," I said in the Common Tongue.

The guard looked at us and nodded his head.

"Come with me," he said as he turned his animal around and rode slowly to the side of us.

His mount was a little nervous after catching our scent; apparently, it thought that we might be a little too close to the four-footed wolves for its liking. As we approached the wagon, the High Cleric told his men that it was okay as we had met before and knew one another.

"Good day to you, Sire Mist Runner. Please, come inside so that we may talk," he said, motioning to the rear of the wagon.

We walked around to the back to find a door that had been opened from the inside by Taymak. Night Song arched an eyebrow and I nodded, letting her go in first. It was rather cramped inside the wagon for us, but apparently it was ample space for the High Cleric and his assistant, and looked well used.

"Forgive me for the accommodations; I know they are a bit small for you. May I offer you something? Taymak, I believe we still have some of those fruit biscuits our cook made this morning and there is still some tea in the jug," the High Cleric said.

"Yes, Your Holiness," Taymak replied, getting the refreshments together.

The High Cleric waited until we had been served before he got down to business.

"The girl, Dahmietra...is she safe?" he asked.

"Yes, she is quite safe and in good health. She is with others of my group not far from the gathering location," I replied. "We have been watching it for a while and waiting for you to arrive. I was hoping that we would have this chance to visit before you made it to the gathering. Khel-Sehk is already there."

The High Cleric paled and nearly choked on his drink.

When he recovered his breath, the High Cleric asked, "You know of him?"

"Yes, Dahmietra told us about him, and we know that he is of the Dark Blood Clan...you know who they are, do you not?" I asked.

"Only whispered rumors, dark stories, and the like," he replied.

I proceeded to tell the history of the Dark Blood Clan and our ancient wars with them, of how Dahmel-Tur was influenced by them through Ahng-Shi and Ma'al-Sekt to take Usantra, the half-blood daughter of Tamzar, as his fifth wife, and how they have been manipulating her line through the generations. After I had finished, I let my words sink in for a bit before continuing. "We believe Khel-Sehk is the one behind the troubles to the west, interfering with the trade route that runs near The Great Forest, and has had his forces disguised as Eastlander warriors roaming around looking for something, possibly for Dahmietra. What they want with her we don't know, but she wants nothing to do with them...or with the rest of your people for that matter. As for Khel-Sehk, we'll deal with him--your kind do not have the skills to; he is very dangerous and can use dark magic to inflict great harm."

The High Cleric thought for a while on what I said.

"He always did make me nervous for some reason...just being in the same room as him is bad enough, but when he speaks...it sends chills through your bones. Some of us have known that Dahmel-Tur was not the person our writings have him made out to be. I can see now how he came to be the way that he was."

"My friend Grimm Tooth and I have met him before, while he was alive," I said as a matter of fact. The High Cleric and his assistant Taymak looked up at me in astonishment. "You remember Grimm; he was at the inn...dark fur, taller than I am. Turns out our encounter with Dahmel-Tur nearly one thousand turns of the seasons ago was the basis of your myth about Sheh'k'tahwa, only things didn't happen exactly as they were later recorded." I told the High Cleric about our encounter with Dahmel-Tur and how his band of warriors were raiding, killing, and looting the settlers just because they didn't understand his language. Taymak could hardly believe his ears and was finding this new information difficult to comprehend.

"But how can all this be? Surly no one could live so long as to have witness events so long ago and still be around to tell about it! It's impossible!"

"Calm yourself, young brother Taymak. Because of Dahmel-Tur's madness, our kind knows very little of Sire Mist Runner's people, or of most of the other beings that exist in our world. His madness has made all of our people who chose to follow him distrustful, arrogant, and worse. For too long of a time, so many have chose to hold Dahmel-Tur as the example by which they are to mold their lives and we as a people have paid a great price because of it...and unfortunately, so have many others along the way, I'm afraid," the High Cleric counseled his young assistant.

"Taymak, I do not lie to you when I say that I am far older than you can imagine, and my own parents are much older still. They are among the very first living beings to walk this world and they have existed since its earliest beginnings. My friend Grimm Tooth, whom you've met at the inn, and I are among their first-born. Even Night Song here, though she is still rather young by our standards, has walked this world since before your own people first appeared. We're immortal, Taymak, and we are not the only race of immortals in this world...there are others, as well as some races who live very long lives. There are also beings we call The People of the Woodlands who have lived in these parts for many thousands of turns of the seasons. Your people call them 'demon animals that walk upright', but they are_not_ demons--they are good people and they could teach your kind many things, if only you would stop trying to kill them just because they are different," I said.

"If anyone could be called 'demons', it would be you Wastelanders. You forced your way into these lands, mindlessly slaughtering anyone in your path, waged war with people just because they are different than you, you make slaves of others, you destroy your surroundings, and you don't even respect yourselves, let alone each other or anyone else for that matter," Night Song added.

I noticed that the High Cleric winced at her words--truth can be difficult to hear, especially when it is plainly spoken.

Taymak looked like a cubling who had just been chastised by his dam for doing something wrong.

"I know that there is good in your people, I have seen it in many during my travels, and that gives me hope. You can accomplish so much more if you just learn how to enjoy life and not worry so much about what might come after--The Great Circle of Life attends to itself in it's own way and time, all you need to do is get out of your own way and take your place within it," I said gently.

Night Song reached out to touch Taymak but he drew back from her reach.

"What are you afraid of, Taymak? I won't bite," Night Song quipped.

"Y-you are a female...," he stammered.

Night Song got a puzzled look on her face and said, "Well, yeah...last time I looked I was. Is that a problem, child?" She eyeballed him suspiciously in a comical way.

"I-I'm not a child!" he replied somewhat indignantly.

"Listen, child, I'm over twenty four thousand turns of the seasons old; to me your entire race is like a newborn cub--you don't even have your eyes and ears open yet, so let's try this again, shall we?" Night Song asked with a grin.

Taymak just stared at her with his mouth open. Night Song again reached out to Taymak and took hold of his hand--this time he didn't pull away.

"Well, imagine that...the world didn't come to an end just because you're holding hands with a female," Night Song said with a playful grin. "Oh, and just because we are holding hands right now doesn't mean that we're going to have a romp in the furs later--just thought I'd make that clear."

Taymak's face turned a shade of red from embarrassment, though the High Cleric got a slight smile on his own face as he began to understand what Night Song was trying to teach his young assistant.

"We tend to touch a lot because it's a way of telling the other person 'I'm here' without having to say anything. Just a light touch on an arm or a back or a shoulder will do. I think that's one thing your kind doesn't do enough of. When we were leaving on this journey, our whole village turned out to see us off with lots of touching, hugs and they even sang a parting song. When we get home, they will all be there to greet us and welcome us back with song and more touching and we'll likely have a big party no matter how this thing turns out. We celebrate life and our place in it," she explained.

"It does indeed seem that we could learn a lot from your people," the High Cleric said. "Ever since this whole issue with the girl came about, I have prayed for guidance as to how best to proceed with it. That night at the inn when we met, you came to the rescue of the Eastlander slave girl and saved her from the ravages of those men from the Dahl-Shan sect. You showed genuine concern for her well-being and then helped brother Alnakh with the tables. I took it as a sign that perhaps you would be the best hope for Dahmietra, so that is why I approached you then, Sire Mist Runner. Later, when we met again at the inn under far different circumstances, I knew then that my faith in you was well placed. You and your friends did a great service to the village of Cedar Knoll--word of what you did has spread and has become the talk of the village. I think many people's attitudes have begun to change for the better towards your kind. I myself have given much thought to your words and deeds, and I have discussed these thoughts with my supporters within both the Dahl-Mahb and Dahl-Shan sects. I believe that there may be willingness for change, though old tribal grudges will be difficult to deal with. Khel-Sehk's interferences have worked to inflame these old grudges to the point where I fear the worst might happen--I pray for a miracle to save us from that path."

Night Song and I exchanged quick glances and I chose my next words very carefully.

"We did what we did not only because Alnakh and his family and I are friends, but because we believe all life is sacred and we respect it. When we hunt to sustain ourselves, we do so with honor and respect for our prey. When we must fight to protect others, our homeland, or ourselves, we do what is necessary. When your people first moved into these lands and attacked us without provocation, after the fighting was over we mourned for those of you who were killed--for the loss of their life, what they may have accomplished if they had lived, and for their family and friends left behind. I do not know if your people ever knew that or not, though when I told this to Dahmietra after we had left the enclave, I think she was surprised to learn of it. As far as Khel-Sehk is concerned, we will deal with him in our own way as I've said before, and it will be very likely that he will reveal his true nature when we do. What we do need to know from you is when will the issue of Dahmietra be brought forth before your assembly and we need a clear way in and out with no others nearby. I do not want to have to walk Dahmietra through a crowd to get her onto the platform," I said. I motioned to the High Cleric to come closer and I lowered my voice to a whisper, "Can you make it so that the area around the south end of the platform will be clear of others all the way to the trees, and wait until evening before she needs to be brought forth?"

He thought for a bit and then nodded his head in agreement.

"It will be done."

"One other thing: we need a signal to know when to appear--doesn't have to be anything showy, a particular gesture will do," I added.

"When we reconvene after our evening meal, I will have Taymak bring me something to drink...when you see me fill my own cup, drink from it and wipe my mouth with a red cloth that will be my signal for you to appear. There are a small set of stairs at the back of the platform; hidden under the first step will be the rest of our agreement for bringing the girl safely to the gathering. What comes after that, I suppose what will happen will happen," the High Cleric said.

"And the items I inquired about at the inn?" I asked.

"They have been delivered," he replied.

"Good. Well, I suppose that we should let you be on your way. I thank you for your hospitality this morning," I said, and then gave the customary parting gesture and words in their language. Both the High Cleric and Taymak were surprised that I knew at least that much of their ways. "Alnakh has been kind enough to teach me some of your language...comes in handy while making trades," I said, grinning.

As Night Song and I got up to leave, the High Cleric thought of something else to say.

"Sire Mist Runner, you have given me much to think on: challenging some notions that I've held and affirming other things that I thought might be true. Someday, perhaps if it might be permitted, I would like to meet your people--officially or otherwise."

I looked thoughtfully at the High Cleric for a moment and then said, "I will pass your request on to our Lore Masters and leave their reply with our mutual acquaintance if I cannot find you right away to give it to you in person."

"That would be most kind of you, thank you," he said.

As Night Song and I walked back towards the spot where we came out of the woods at, she quietly said, "That went well Sire...I think."

"Better than I expected. It seems the High Cleric is actually sincere in his belief that something needs to change for the better with his people. Some of what we said was difficult for them to hear, but I think they needed to hear it," I said.

"What do you think about that last thing he said, Sire? About coming to visit?" Night Song asked.

"Well, I sensed that his intentions were honest, and if he came as the High Cleric of his people I think that could be a good step towards better relations--if all went well and he actually has a lot of support from the other leaders. If he doesn't get the support for an official visit, then he could come as just a person wanting to learn for his own self. Given his position that might still be a good thing...I suppose that he could take some time away from his duties using one reason or another, and then quietly make his way to our lands," I said thoughtfully.

"I guess all we can do is to see what happens after we do what we need to do here," Night Song said.

"Let's hope for the best then," I said.

We made our way back up to where Warri, Snow Spear, and Smoke Fire were watching from their post on the hill overlooking the gathering site and gave them a rundown of our meeting with the High Cleric.

"Seems like a little progress at least, eh Sire?" Snow Spear asked.

"I hope so, though as Night Song said, we'll just have to see what happens. How are things below?" I asked.

"All seems normal enough, Sire...nothing unusual so far," Snow Spear replied.

"Okay then, keep an eye on the area around the back of the platform and on back to the trees--the only person I expect to be back there is this young Taymak fellow leaving something for me under those steps. Definitely keep an eye on that Khel-Sehk--if he so much as pops his head out of that wagon of his, I want to know about it," I said. "Well, Night Song, ready to head back to camp?" I asked.

"Yes Sire...I think I've had enough of this popping in and out for one day," she said with a grin.

As soon as we returned to our camp, I gathered everyone around and told about our meeting with the High Cleric and his assistant. Dahmietra was rather surprised to learn that the High Cleric actually wanted to meet our people in order to learn more about us, as well as his admission of how her people as a whole have suffered because of her ancestor's madness and the apparent support for change by at least some of the leaders of both sects. I told what the signal will be for Dahmietra and me to make our appearance (having also told Warri and the others beforehand), and that the High Cleric will send it after their evening meal. The only other concern was getting Foxfire to the back of the platform so that she could be ready to do what she needed to do when it was time.

"I hope that we can get to the platform without being seen. The High Cleric said that he will make sure that the area behind the platform all the way to the trees will be clear for us, and I don't doubt that he will do as promised...it's the other people and what they might do that I worry about," I said.

"We can be in among the trees and keep an eye out for anyone trying to sneak in for an ambush as well as cover your exit," Lordan offered.

Grimm and I both nodded our approval of that idea.

"Dahmietra, Foxfire, I think we are going to be putting on our little show tonight. If this issue with you Dahmietra is so important, they will likely have that as the first thing on their agenda today once they get started," I said.

"Probably so, though I wish to hurry and get this over with. I want to be done with it and go home," Dahmietra said nervously.

Red Moon put her arms around Dahmietra and said "I know, dear, we all want to be done with this and go back home again. If we get to do this tonight, we will be on our way before you know it."

"Oh, Dahmietra...I was told that the rest of your things were delivered to Alnakh, so we can pick them up along the way," I said.

I kept in mind that I also had to pick up some items of my own that I left in his safekeeping, as well as to see that Nezcha was freed and find out what Salzar had learned. Dahmietra smiled and thanked me for going through the trouble of doing so for her. I assured her that it was no trouble at all.

We spent the rest of the day trying to keep relaxed and rested, though with our objective so close at hand, it was not easy. Everyone was ready to be done with this and head for home as quickly as we could. Lordan and his group would travel as far as to the river with us before they headed home, though I invited them at least to try to meet us in the village of Cedar Knoll so that I could introduce them to Alnakh and my other friends there. If what the High Cleric had said was true, and I have no doubt that it is, then there might be a good chance that the People of the Woodlands might be able to establish a little trade and thereby make friends of their own among the Wastelanders. The people there were already accustomed to seeing me and doing business with me, so it might be easier for them to do so as well. Lordan said that they would think about it and he appreciated the offer of introductions.

From his vantage point on the cliff, Warri watched the High Cleric's wagon roll into the gathering area, and was ushered to its designated spot. When the High Cleric stepped out from the back of the wagon with his assistant, he was met formally by each of the various religious leaders in order of their rank and seniority. Using the spyglass loaned to him by Mist Runner, Warri was able to get a good view of each of the leaders. On a whim, he turned the spyglass on the wagon belonging to Khel-Sehk to see if there was any activity at all. Sure enough, he could see someone peeking out of the wagon, and seemed to be watching the High Cleric. After a few minutes of watching, the person closed the door on the wagon and Warri saw no further activity.

"Sire Snow Spear, the High Cleric has arrived in the encampment and he has been greeted by the other leaders. I also saw someone from Khel-Sehk's wagon watching discretely from the door for a few minutes. I couldn't tell who it was because the door was only open just enough for someone to look through it with one eye, and there hasn't been any other movement since," Warri reported.

"Good job, lad. You'd best try to contact Sire Mist Runner and let him know what you saw," Snow Spear said.

Warri nodded his head and closed his eyes to try to make the mind link. The distance plus not having line-of-sight with his intended contact made the effort more difficult.

"Sire Mist Runner, can you hear me?" Warri sent using his mind-speak ability.

After trying a second time, he got a response, "I hear you Warri, though barely. What is it?" I asked.

"The High Cleric arrived at the gathering and while he was being greeted by the other leaders, I saw someone peek out from Khel-Sehk's wagon for a few minutes. I was unable to get a good look because the door was barely open enough to see through. Sire Snow Spear thought I should let you know," Warri sent in his thoughts.

"Thank you Warri. No doubt he knows the High Cleric is here now. Continue watching and if you see anything the least bit suspicious, let me know right away," I replied. "I certainly will, Sire," he replied. Warri broke off the connection and took a drink from his water skin. "Sire Mist Runner said to continue watching and if we see anything the least bit suspicious that he is to be contacted right away," Warri reported to Snow Spear.

"Then we best keep a close eye on things down there," Snow Spear said. "Smoke Fire, do you think you will have any trouble hitting a target down on that platform from here?" Snow Spear asked.

Smoke Fire moved over next to a tree that was right on the edge of the cliff and looked down at the platform, studying it a few moments and watching for signs of air currents in the grass around it.

"If the wind doesn't pick up this evening, it shouldn't be a problem," he said.

"I know it's a bit of a ways down there, but you might have to hit pretty close to where Sire Mist Runner, Dahmietra, and Foxfire will be standing," Snow Spear observed.

"All I need is a target and a clear shot," Smoke Fire stated with casual certainty.

Warri had never seen Smoke Fire use his bow, though he had heard stories of the speed and accuracy that he could hit something even at a distance. Word had it that Smoke Fire could loose three arrows before the first hit its mark, with the second and third hitting very quickly after and all within the same tight group, and that was at a moving target only twenty five paces away. Warri could not imagine the skill that it would take to do that, though he suspected that it must be a particular magical talent, such as Sire Mist Runner's empathic and healing abilities. The three of them each took turns watching the gathering site from their place on top of the cliff for the rest of the day. After the noon meal was served, the proceedings began with much ceremony, with the assembly being led by the High Cleric. Khel-Sehk remained in his wagon though occasionally someone--whether he or another--would peek out to watch for a few moments. Warri relayed the information as instructed to Mist Runner throughout the afternoon.

"Warri just told me that the Wastelanders have had their noon meal and the council has begun, and someone in Khel-Sehk's wagon has been periodically observing discreetly," I announced. "After they have their evening meal, the High Cleric will give his signal and then we're on, so we might as well get something to eat ourselves," I added.

I sat down with Dahmietra and Red Moon with Grimm, Kurietta, and Foxfire joining us. We ate in silence for a bit until Grimm spoke.

"We've faced tougher odds," he said quietly as he looked at me.

"I suppose so, but this time it's personal," I replied, giving a quick glance towards Dahmietra.

"You'll get us through this, Misty...you always do somehow," Kurietta said with her quirky grin.

Red Moon quietly interpreted for Dahmietra since we were speaking in our own language. Dahmietra hugged me very tightly, working her fingers into my fur.

"You remember what I said when I first spoke with Master Spirit Feather...I still mean that," she said quietly and then looked up at me.

I could feel the strength of her conviction and having given Red Moon a quick glance, I saw the pained look in her eyes as she remembered what Dahmietra had said that first day in our village: "I would rather die among your people than live among mine."

I hugged Dahmietra back, rocking gently, and told her quietly, "I'm not going to let anything happen to you, my cubling."

Dahmietra buried her face in my fur and Red Moon put her hand on my arm and smiled. I knew right then, without any doubt, that I loved Dahmietra as if she was of my own flesh and blood and I shared that feeling with both her and with Red Moon. The three of us had indeed bonded into a family, even if it was by virtue of love alone, and there would be no separating us now. Foxfire, with her sensitivity to the power of love, felt--and could possibly even see--the flow of love around and through the three of us. She smiled her knowing smile and held her brother's hand while her own eyes misted over from the intensity she experienced. She knew in her own heart of being that the bond we felt for one another was true. I glanced over to Foxfire and reached out with my feelings and thus connecting her, Grimm, and to Kurietta who had been holding Grimm's other hand, into our circle of family. Kurietta had never felt the like before, though now she knew in ways that no words could tell that she was once again part of a family and alone in the world no more...even if we are a rather diverse lot.

In the afternoon Grimm, Brown Leaf, Lordan, and I scouted around the edge of the woods near the edge of the clearing, moving as quietly and cautiously as possible. Warri had been keeping me informed as to what was going on with the council session, and through him I kept him and the others updated with what was happening on our end. We had discovered that some kind of light cloth had been set up across the back of the platform, forming a wall of sorts, apparently to provide a backdrop for whoever was speaking. It would serve our purposes well to hide our approach to the platform from those in attendance. The cloth seemed to be hung in panels, which would make it easier for Foxfire to slip in when it was time for her to appear. Lordan picked out the places where his group would station themselves to cover our entrance and exit. There would be at least one of the Skunatii on either side so that if need be, they could use their natural "deterrent" to keep anyone from approaching. When the sun dropped below the treetops, but had not yet set, we took our places near the edge of the woods and waited for the Wastelanders to have their evening meal...and for the signal from the High Cleric.

While they were busy eating, I noticed that Dahmietra was fidgeting with her clothing.

"Nervous?" I whispered.

She looked up at me and said, "Terrified."

I put my arm around her and used my empathic skills to give her a sense of calm and confidence.

"You'll do just fine, dear. I'll be right beside you the whole time," I said gently. "How are you doing, Foxfire?" I asked quietly, reaching out to touch her shoulder.

She looked at me and smiled.

"I'm okay. I really hope those potions work for you two," Foxfire said.

"I guess we'll find out soon enough," I said grinning and sticking my tongue out a little. As it got dark, we saw a person start around the platform lighting torches that were to be used for light. When the person came around towards the back of the platform, I could see that it was Taymak, the High Cleric's assistant. When he got around to the stairs, he fished something out of a pocket, dropped it on the ground, and pushed it with the toe of his shoe under the first step. He kept going on around the platform, lighting the remaining torches as if nothing happened.

I whispered to Dahmietra, "Looks like the High Cleric kept that part of the bargain at least."

Before Dahmietra could say anything, there was a low whistle behind us--it was Lordan letting us know that he was approaching. He quietly came to where we were, barely disturbing as much as a leaf.

"We're all in position and ready. Just wanted to say 'good luck'," he whispered. Lordan stuck his hand out and we clasped arms.

"Thanks. See you back at the camp when we're done," I whispered back.

Lordan left just as quietly as he arrived and headed for his assigned place among the trees. We didn't have to wait too long before Warri contacted me to let us know that the council members were beginning to head for their seats.

"Okay, this is it...they're coming back. As soon as they're all seated, let's make our way up to the platform and we'll wait for the signal from there," I whispered to both Dahmietra and Foxfire.

We drew our cloaks close so that we would be even more difficult to see as we crossed the distance from the trees to the back of the platform.

"Warri, are you still there?" I thought in my mind.

"Yes Sire, I'm still here," he replied.

"Okay, stay with me, we're moving to the back of the platform as soon as they're all seated. Tell the others to stay sharp," I thought to him.

"Will do, Sire."

It wasn't long before the council members had all been seated with the High Cleric being the last. Taymak called the session to order and performed some other formalities before returning to his position by the High Cleric.

"It's time, Sire, go now," Warri said using his thoughts.

"Let's move," I whispered.

Crouching low, we moved stealthily to the back of the platform next to the stairs, keeping out of sight of anyone we could see. Hopefully our movement went unnoticed by anyone we didn't know about. I reached under the stairs and found the leather bag of coin that Taymak had put there and quickly slipped it into my pouch. There was some weight to it, so it was likely a substantial amount. I smiled to myself thinking that Nezcha will be happy when she is finally free of that wretched collar.

As we waited by the stairs, we heard the leaders start their deliberations about Dahmietra. She tried to give us an idea what was being said, and it sounded a lot more as if they were discussing an object than a person with feelings and a mind of her own. The High Cleric motioned for his assistant who brought a tray with a small water vessel and a glass. The High Cleric poured water into the glass and drank from it, blotting his mouth with the red cloth. He announced that perhaps the council should meet the person they were discussing. That caused everyone to hush for a few moments.

"Sire! The signal has been given!" Warri exclaimed using his thoughts.

"Showtime, ladies!" I whispered.

Dahmietra and I got up and quietly went up the few steps to the platform. I looked down at Foxfire and she waved us on. We walked around the edge of the fabric and out into the torchlight. There was uproar among the council members as Dahmietra and I made our appearance--apparently, the other leaders in the council were clearly not expecting one of my people to be with Dahmietra. The High Cleric stood and called forcefully for silence, thumping the bottom of his staff of office on the raised section his chair was located. When everyone finally quieted down, he commanded that they all be seated.

"I have taken an extraordinary measure to ensure the safety of the girl Dahmietra, because I could not trust any of our people enough with all of the plots and counter plots I have been made aware of," he announced with a strong voice.

There were murmurs and grumbling in the assembly at this remark.

"It is well known that The People of the Forests, once they give their word, never go back on it, and since they cannot be bribed or influenced in any way, I personally sought out one to act as protector for the girl. My prayers guided me to the one you see standing before you now. I introduce to you Sire Mist Runner of The People of the Forest."

I took a short step forward and gave the traditional Wastelander greeting, which seemed to surprise most of those in attendance, and then stepped back to be close to Dahmietra.

One of the council members stood up and spoke, "Your Holiness speaks of conspiracies and plots, but surly no one would harm this girl."

Dahmietra interpreted what he said for me.

I spoke firmly in the Common Tongue, "Then why would some of your people torture and kill innocent people to find out who was protecting her and where she was, while others are disguised as Eastlander warriors and roaming the lands at night looking for her as well as disrupting the trade routes, threatening farmers, and anyone else they can? It appears that there are plenty of those who wish some sort of harm to Dahmietra and to those who protect her. I saw the results of the handiwork of two of your kind who killed one person and almost killed another of your people who happens to be a friend of mine."

There were loud murmurs and shocked looks on the faces of many of those in attendance. The High Cleric again stood and thumped his staff calling for silence.

"Sire Mist Runner speaks truly, for I and two others were at the place where his friends caught the murderers before they could do more harm. I also performed the last rites for the deceased after the undertaker made his report...what I saw was horrible indeed! It was the work of those who know how to prolong suffering, and not that of common criminals. It was not an act of random violence, but one of methodical thought. I pray that no others have fell victim to their violence."

The words of the High Cleric stunned most of the council members, though I could sense some anxiety in a few.

"My fears were well founded concerning the safety of the girl, Dahmietra, and my trust well placed in Sire Mist Runner who has, despite great odds and with the help of his friends, kept her safe and brought her before us this evening. We all know her lineage--she is the living descendant of Dahmel-Tur and his fifth wife, Usantra." There were more murmurs rippling through the assembled council members. "For centuries, there have been blood feuds between the five tribes who gave of theirs to Dahmel-Tur, as well as much in the way of myth and prophecy. There are those who seek to claim the girl for their own in order to settle old scores, and they have all haggled, complained, plotted, and jostled their way to be in line to possess her. Yet, no one seems to care enough as to what kind of life she might have...and indeed, there are some who would just as well see her dead for no other purpose than to make sure no one else might have her. Should we not ask her what she wants?" There were louder grumbles and even a few harsh words spoken in response to the question. One of the council members stood and spoke loudly over the rest.

"Your Holiness, this is a mere girl we are discussing; she has no legal standing according to our laws as you well know. She has no right to determine what she may or may not do with her life any more than a dog or a slave has a right to determine who its master will be. She will merely accept what we determine is her fate and that is it."

With that remark there were some cheers among those present--they were making me very angry. I let out a loud and rather vicious snarl that quickly got everyone's attention. I glared at each and every council member and they shrank back from my attention, subconsciously reaching a hand to their throats. Several of the guards who were behind the council members half-heartedly came to the ready, not wanting to get too close.

"Listen to you!" I shouted menacingly. This 'girl' is a living, breathing, thinking, and feeling person with her own mind and thoughts. She is not some trinket to be handed out as a prize in a game of chance! She has a name and it is Dahmietra! She has a will of her own and therefore she can determine the path of her own life. From what I see in front of me, none of you has any right to determine her fate, or the fate of any other person. As for her safety, no time limit was ever placed as a condition of my protection, and since I am immortal, I will continue to be her protector for as long as she lives."

I felt Dahmietra slip her hand into mine and saw her look up at me with a smile.

"Well, isn't that comforting," said a cold voice that was full of malice.

I growled a deep, throaty warning, barring my teeth and raising the fur on my back.

"I thought I smelled the stench of your kind, Khel-Sehk!"

Dahmietra's eyes widened in fear as the solitary cloaked figure slowly climbed the platform and walked towards us, coming to a stop halfway between the council and us. The members of the council sat silent and nervous with the appearance of the newcomer.

"Warri, if you can hear me, Khel-Sehk is right in front of us."

"We see him, Sire," came his reply.

"The girl is mine, wolf-man, I claim her by right of clan according to the law of the desert," Khel-Sehk stated with a hiss.

"And what clan would that be, Khel-Sehk? You are a Dark Blood--you are not of these people and you do not come from the desert, you come from the dark, forgotten places deep under the ground. You had to wait until it got dark enough for you to come out of your wagon because sunlight is harmful to your kind," I said loud enough for all to hear. There were low murmurs rippling through the council members. "Show yourself, Khel-Sehk! Remove your cloak and be seen for what you are!" I commanded.

"Ha! You have no authority over me, wolf-man!" he shouted back.

There were three loud thumps as the High Cleric struck the end of his staff on the floor.

"Do as he says, Khel-Sehk," the High Cleric ordered, "anyone who makes a claim for the girl must show themselves before this council, that is the rule! Remove your cloak!"

Khel-Sehk spun around and glared at the High Cleric a moment, and then said, "As you wish," drawing the last word out into a hiss.

Slowly he unfastened the clasp to his cloak and let it slide off onto the platform. There were a few muffled gasps as the members of the council saw Khel-Sehk clearly for the first time. His hair was a wild-looking fiery red, his skin was a pallid grayish-white, his eyes were red, and his features didn't resemble in the least any who were of the Wastelands. He stood with his arms out and turned around for all to see.

"There! Are you satisfied?" he yelled mockingly. He stopped his turning and faced me directly. "Give me the girl, wolf-man. I will not tell you again. She is mine and there is nothing you can do about it!" he said caustically.

Dahmietra grabbed her knife and raised her hand up, holding the blade in an underhand position.

"I am not yours! You cannot have me! I will die wild and free before I allow myself to be taken by you or anyone else!" she screamed.

Khel-Sehk saw the look of wild determination on Dahmietra's face and his own expression changed from one of smug arrogance to one of sudden apprehension.

"Now, now, let's not be hasty little one...you don't even know what it is that I can offer you. Drop the knife and we can talk about this," he spoke calmly.

"Stay back! If you take another step closer I will end this right here and now!" Dahmietra yelled.

I could feel very strongly her determination and knew that she would do exactly what she said.

"Back away, Khel-Sehk! She aims to do what she says!" I said with a growl.

He paused briefly and then slowly bowed with his arms out to his sides and took a step back.

"As you wish," he said with a slight hiss, not taking his eyes off Dahmietra for a moment. I took a glance over at Dahmietra and saw her relax just a little. The instant that Khel-Sehk saw her lower her knife just a little, he rushed towards her shouting, "You're mine!" Dahmietra quickly brought the knife down towards her midsection and gasped loudly. I hit Khel-Sehk with all that I had with both hands and knocked him backwards across the platform. He lay in a heap, not moving right away so I rushed to Dahmietra and took her up into my arms.

"I missed...," she said weakly.

I looked down and saw blood staining her clothing. Immediately I summoned my healing magic and withdrew the blade. It was covered with her own warm blood and not that which we had in the bladder hidden under her clothing. The wound was not too deep, but it was enough to cause plenty of damage. Dahmietra passed out momentarily from the pain and I howled a long mournful howl. Although I was concentrating on healing Dahmietra's wound, the assembled council members all came silently to their feet and watched as I held Dahmietra. The High Cleric took a few steps forward, the deep concern readily seen on his face. Just as Khel-Sehk moaned slightly, there was a sudden blinding silver-white light coming from directly behind us. The light was so bright that no one could see the figure slipping between the panels of fabric hanging as the backdrop at the rear of the platform. I quickly realized it was Foxfire making her appearance, and none too soon. Dahmietra was starting to come around again, so I fished out the two potions and while I was shielding her body from view of the others, I gave her one of the potions to drink and then took the other one myself. The effects of the potion were soon felt, though it is difficult to describe. It was as if I felt a slight detachment from my senses. I was able to finish healing Dahmietra's wound just as Foxfire stepped before us. I do not know if it was a side effect of the potion, or something of Foxfire's doing, but I could almost swear that I heard a faint musical tinkling sound in her voice that I had never heard before. I made a quick glance around and saw that all of the Wastelanders were on their knees and staring at Foxfire in complete awe.

Foxfire reached out to me and said, "I have heard your plea, my dear, and have come. Arise Dahmietra of the Wastelands, and be reborn as Dahmietra of the Forests!"

I held Dahmietra up, keeping a hold of her old clothing and giving it a tug on the places where Dahmietra had previously instructed to me. As Foxfire took her away from me, Dahmietra's old clothing fell away and she appeared before the council members wearing only the new clothing that was made for her in our village. I could hear the gasps of the council members and the guards as they saw what appeared to them as a transformation. Foxfire sat Dahmietra on her feet and held her closely as I quickly gathered up her old clothing and stuffed it into my bag while my back was still towards everyone else. All the Wastelanders could see of Foxfire was the bright light surrounding her and a vague female form within the light and her bright blue eyes. Khel-Sehk regained consciousness and staggered to his feet, dazed and in much pain. He looked at the light and saw what he thought was Dahmietra. He cried out, "NO!!!" and started to summon his own magic.

"Take him down, NOW!" I yelled in my mind.

Immediately I heard the faint whistle of arrows in flight, getting closer. Thud! The first arrow struck Khel-Sehk in the back, causing him to stagger forward.

"She is mine...!" he said in a hoarse gasp.

He took another step forward towards Dahmietra just as the second arrow struck his neck. Black blood spewed out from where the arrow pierced his neck and he let out a dreadful hissing sound. Just as he was reaching for a pendant around his neck, the third arrow struck him squarely in the back of the head. He collapsed immediately onto the platform, his body finished. However, within a second after he fell, a dark boiling, writhing, menacing cloud rose up out of his body and shrieked hideously in the minds of all. It started to make its way towards Dahmietra when it was struck suddenly by a bolt of light from Foxfire. Immediately it began to burn away, shrieking and hissing in pain and fear.

"You cannot have this one, creature of Darkness; she is ours and forever beyond your reach. Be gone from this world!"

As soon as the dark cloud was completely burned away by the beam of silvery-white light, a second beam burst forth and hit squarely the wagon that had belonged to Khel-Sehk, causing it to disintegrate and leaving only a scorched area where it once stood. For many turns of the seasons later, nothing would ever grow on that spot. Khel-Sehk's body burst into a dark flame and burned away on its own, leaving an oily, sooty silhouette on the platform which seemed to rot and decay at a very quick rate over the next few days. Foxfire turned her attention on the rest of the council and spoke to them.

"The one you know as Dahmel-Tur was touched by the very evil you witnessed this evening when he was a boy-child. Over time, he became mad, and did many terrible things. Those who thought him holy were deluded by the same madness that took him. In the many turns of the seasons which followed, your people who followed his ways caused great harm to many others on down through the generations of your people. He has caused you to remove your selves from the Great Circle of Life, and as a whole, you have suffered for it. For too long you have followed a sad path, which has caused you to forget the true meaning of love and compassion. Listen now as I sing to you a song that you have not heard in far too many generations."

Foxfire began to sing--everyone, regardless of language spoken, understood the song and all wept at the beauty of it and its message. This was truly Foxfire's greatest performance. Streamers of silvery-white light gently reached out and touched everyone: the High Cleric, his assistant Taymak, the other council members, and all of the other people at the site of the gathering, filling them with love, hope, joy, and inspiration. They heard the call of The Great Circle of Life, which beckoned them to once again to take their place within it. When Foxfire ended her song the streamers of light faded, but she had one more thing to say.

"You are given this chance to forgive the wrongs and hurts of the past and heal the old wounds both suffered and inflicted, to embrace Life in all its diversity, and strive to live in balance and harmony. Do not be afraid to seek the advice and wisdom of others. The choice is yours--choose wisely."

Foxfire motioned for me to stand with her; with Dahmietra on one side, and me on the other, I invoked the magic that would shift us to The Hidden Ways...and we winked out of normal existence. Foxfire released the magic she had wielded, it was only by Dahmietra, and I holding her up that prevented Foxfire from collapsing.

"Are you strong enough to walk?" I asked Dahmietra.

"I can make it," she answered with a determined grin.

"Okay, let's go around this fabric, pop back for a moment to pick up our cloaks, and then head for the camp," I instructed.

Foxfire was unconscious so I picked her up and carried her with Dahmietra holding onto my arm. We got around the backdrop so that we were out of sight of the others, not that they would be themselves for a while yet, and briefly came back into our existence just long enough for Dahmietra to grab our cloaks. I shifted us back into The Hidden Ways and we made our exit back to the camp.

As soon as we arrived back at the camp, I shifted us back into normal existence right in the middle, startling everyone. After his initial reaction, Grimm rushed to his little sister's side as I held her. I saw the deep concern on his face as he looked at her and then at me.

"She's out cold, but she is going to need a lot of rest to recover. We need to go before the Wastelanders recover their wits," I said quietly.

Grimm nodded his head and said, "Give her to me."

I carefully handed Foxfire to Grimm and wrapped her cloak around her as best as I could.

"Warri, are you still with me?" I thought in my mind.

"Yes Sire," I heard him say.

"Make best speed back to camp, we leave as soon as possible. See if you can contact Lordan and make sure they are on their way back, too," I said.

Warri replied, "Will do, Sire. We're on our way."

"Warri and the others are on their way, and he's going to try to contact Lordan to make sure they're on their way, too. As soon as they get here, we head for the river at best speed," I told the group.

Grimm gently laid Foxfire on the ground and with Kurietta's help, gathered up all of their belongings. Dahmietra was a little slow in moving, though she tried her best to gather her things.

I knelt down next to her and said, "Maybe I should carry you, like when we left the enclave. We have a ways to go and we're going to be moving fast. Besides, it's dark anyway, so I know you're not going to be able to see."

I grinned and put my arm around her shoulder. Although she could not see me well in the very dim light, she gave me a smile, leaned her head on my arm for a moment, and then nodded her head. I kissed her on the cheek and gave her a quick hug, and then gathered up my own things.

Red Moon crouched down next to me whispered, "How did it go?"

I continued gathering up my things for a moment and then paused.

"About as well as could be expected, I suppose. Foxfire was incredible, but it took so much out of her...more than when she brought Kurietta back," I said, resuming getting my things together.

"And Dahmi?" Red Moon asked.

I stopped what I was doing and looked at my mate.

"I had to heal her...she missed the bladder. Thankfully, she didn't hit anything vital, but she's still a bit weak and sore," I replied.

Red Moon held her hand to her mouth and momentarily flattened her ears.

"It's a good thing you have some of your dam's healing ability," she said after a moment.

I nodded my head and sighed, "She did great, though...she stood up to Khel-Sehk."

"And what of him?" she asked.

"He won't be bothering anyone again," I said flatly.

Red Moon understood my meaning. She gave me a hug and we nuzzled one another.

"I'm glad that it's over and we can head home," Red Moon said quietly.

"Me, too," I said.

It didn't take Warri, Snow Spear, and Smoke Fire long to make it down the hill and back to camp. Lordan and his group arrived nearly the same time as the rest of our people.

"Good job, everyone," I said when they returned.

When Minxie saw Foxfire lying unconscious on the ground, she gasped and asked, "Is she alright?"

I looked over at Foxfire a moment and said, "It took a lot out of her to do what she did...she'll recover with rest and a bit of care."

"I saw you hit the Dark Blood...I don't know how he could have survived a blow like that," Jex said.

"They're tougher than they look," I said, flexing my hands a bit. "Well, now that we're all here, we'd better get going. Grab your gear everyone, let's go!"

Kurietta grabbed Foxfire's belongings, carried them herself, and made sure that Foxfire was covered with her cloak when Grimm picked her up to carry in his arms.

"I'm right with ya, Grimmster," she said placing a hand on his arm. Dahmietra got herself situated on my back and wrapped her legs around my waist, putting one arm over one shoulder and under my other arm. Red Moon handed me my bow and shouldered both her things and Dahmietra's. Night Song insisted on carrying Shilar since he, like Dahmietra, couldn't see in the dark well enough to travel at a fast pace.

"This is no time to get frisky, so just mind where you put your hands," she said with her usual sense of humor.

It was a good thing that it was dark, because Shilar turned a few shades of red in embarrassment. Being taller and longer legged, we kept to a slower pace so that Lordan and his group, along with Kurietta, could keep up.

We arrived back at the ruins of Kurietta's village near midnight and took a good rest break. Brown Leaf found her previous vantage point and climbed up to it to keep and eye out for signs of anyone attempting to follow us.

"Whew! I guess I must be outta shape! That was one heck of a run, Grimmster!" Kurietta exclaimed as she panted for breath.

"You set a tough pace, folks...must be those long legs of yours," Jex said as he panted heavily along with the rest of his group who murmured their agreement.

"We've covered more than half the distance to the river, so as long as no one seems to be following us, we can go the rest of the way at an easier pace," I said. "How does it look from up there, Brown Leaf? See any torchlight or scent anything?" I asked.

"Nothing Sire, I think we're pretty well clear of the Wastelanders for now," she replied.

"Okay, if you see anything, let me know," I said. "Well Grimm, I don't think we should stay here any longer than necessary, so as soon as everyone gets rested a bit we should head out," I told my friend.

"I agree. Would you mind checking on Foxfire to see how she is doing?" Grimm asked.

"Certainly," I said with a smile and patting him on the arm.

Kurietta was sitting by Foxfire and holding her hand as I walked over to check on her.

"Hi, Misty," she greeted me.

I knelt down to check on Foxfire's condition and looked over at Kurietta.

"How are you holding up, Kuri?" I asked.

"Got a bit winded trying to keep up with ya. I haven't run like that in...a long time," she said quietly.

I smiled as I put a hand on Foxfire's forehead and held her other hand for a bit and summoned my healing magic to get a sense of her condition. Kurietta watched intently as I checked Foxfire over carefully.

"Is she gonna be okay, Misty?" Kurietta asked.

"She's in a very deep sleep, and it's going to take some time for her to recover from the tremendous amount of energy she wielded. It took a toll on her, to be sure, though I think she'll be okay in a few days," I said quietly.

I released the magic and stroked Foxfire's fur on her head a few times, and then kissed her gently on the cheek. "Sweet dreams my dear. We'll see each other when you wake up," I whispered in her ear. I felt a very slight squeeze on my hand, and I smiled...perhaps some part of her heard me and tried to respond. "I have someone else I need to check on," I said to Kurietta.

"Sure thing, Misty. I'll be right here," she said as I got up to go check on Dahmietra. Kurietta patted Foxfire's hand and told her quietly, "Ol' Misty's a pretty darn good friend; he's always there when ya need him." Kurietta felt a tiny squeeze on her hand. "Wow, I guess ya heard me! Ya just take it easy, girl, and get yer rest. Looks like he's checking on little Dahmi right now, so I'll sit here with ya and keep ya company."

Kurietta felt another tiny squeeze on her hand.

"How are you doing, Dahmietra?" I asked as I sat down next to her.

She was sitting with Warri who looked like he was tired from the run also.

"I'm okay, I think. Still a bit sore," she replied.

"Well, let me have a look again...I didn't have a lot of time to get you patched up," I said with a grin.

She turned a bit and lifted the bottom of her top a little so that I could get a good view. It was a bit reddish looking, and tender to the touch. I gently placed my hand over the location where the wound had been and again summoned my healing magic. This time I was able to work more slowly and thoroughly, repairing the remaining damage, and soothing the soreness.

"How does that feel?" I asked as I worked.

"Better. Kind of tingles," she replied with a little grin.

"Hitting the rib kept the blade from going too deep, so that was good, but I'm sure it didn't feel very good though," I said light heartedly as I finished up the healing.

"Not something I care to repeat anytime soon," Dahmietra said with a wry look.

"Well, you did a great job standing up to both Khel-Sehk and the council. I think you got your point across," I said.

Dahmietra grimaced at the pun.

"I think next time I need to find a less hazardous way to make such a point," she said with a small grin.

I hugged Dahmietra and kissed her on the top of her head.

"I'm really proud of you," I said quietly as I held her for a bit.

She looked up at me and asked, "Really?"

"Absolutely," I replied with a tender smile. "You did well tonight...even if your aim was a little off," I added with a chuckle and stroking her hair with my hand.

"We'll have to work on that when we get home," she said smiling.

"Count on it," I agreed. "So, how are you doing, Warri? Think you'll be up to making it to the river?"

"I'm not used to this much exercise, Sire...but I'll make it some way or another, I have to," Warri replied.

"Legs bothering you?" I asked. Warri nodded his head. "I'll see if Red Moon has any herbs that can help with muscle cramps, but if it gets real bad let me know right away," I said. I got up, patted Warri on the shoulder, and then went to talk with Red Moon.

"Making your rounds, dear?" she asked as I sat down next to her.

"Just checking to see how everyone's doing," I replied, grinning.

"How's Foxfire?" Red Moon asked.

"She's in a deep sleep, though I think she'll come around in a couple of days. It's going to take her a while to fully recuperate from channeling as much energy as she did," I replied.

"That bad, eh?" Red Moon asked.

"Smoke Fire may have killed Khel-Sehk's body, but she defeated his spirit and destroyed his wagon. On top of that, she reached out to and connected with every person there with streamers of light as she sang--I've never seen the like before. The amount of energy she wielded...it was tremendous. I don't know if she's going to be the same or not after she wakes up. I've done what I can for her, which isn't much, though maybe once we get home if either my dam or hers can do anything for her...," I trailed off, though Red Moon could tell that I was very concerned for her.

"How's Dahmi?" she asked, changing the subject from Foxfire.

"Well, I had to heal her just a little more because she was still sore, but she's as good as new now," I replied. "Warri is having some trouble with his leg muscles, probably from just not being in shape for the amount of running we did. Kurietta also mentioned being out of shape for it, too, as well as Jex and the others. You wouldn't happen to have any herbs in your kit that might help with muscle cramps, would you?" I asked. "I have something that might help, though for that many I'd have to brew it into a tea, and it might not be strong enough to really do the job," she said. "I was hoping not to stay here too long, but maybe we should chance a little fire just long enough to heat some water. I'll feel better when we get to the river," I said.

Red Moon held my hand and gave it a squeeze; I pulled it up to my face and kissed it.

"I'll see about getting you a fire and then I'll check on the others," I said.

Red Moon smiled and shook her head gently.

"When are you going to rest, dear?" she asked quietly.

"When we're all home and you and I are snuggled in the furs together," I said with a grin.

We got a small fire going in a relatively hidden location and got some water heated for Red Moon's remedy. I went around checking on everyone's condition and told those who might need it about the tea Red Moon was making that might help with their legs. As soon as the water was hot enough we put out the fire and covered it up, and gave the tea to Warri, Kurietta, Jex and the others of Lordan's group who wanted it. Lordan was himself accustomed to running since he was a hunter and he said that he was fine. When everyone had a chance to rest up, we struck out for the river.

Kurietta made one last stop with Grimm at where her house used to be. She bent down and picked up a small piece of stone that was a part of her house and slipped it into Grimm's pouch for safekeeping.

"Good-bye everyone, I miss ya all so much...especially ya, ma and da, and lil' Meri," she said very quietly. "I'm off to The Great Forest to be with the Grimmster, so I don't know when I might get to come back this way again. Maybe one of these days after everything settles down a bit. Misty said that maybe we can try to find others of our kind...I know they exist still because three of them are traveling with us for a ways. I really wish ya could be with us when Grimmster and I are joined. I think that's gonna be the hardest part, not having ya guys there." Kurietta knelt down on the ground in the middle of the ruins of her old house and wrapped her arms around herself. She started crying because she missed her family and friends. After a few moments passed, she felt a strange, comforting warmth come over her and imagined that her family was talking to her. "It's okay, hon, we're always with ya. Ya'll be okay my baby girl, ya don't find many like this Grimm Tooth of yers. Hang on to him. Yah sis, he's quite the guy...and yer other friend is still quite a dish, too." Still sniffling and trying to wipe away her tears, Kurietta said, "Thanks, Ma. Don't worry Da; he waited for me all this time so I gotta keep 'im. Look, sis, Misty's taken now so keep yer paws off...ya had yer chance a long time ago. 'Nuff said on that, okay? Well, I guess I'd better get going. I really wish ya were here...I love ya!" Kurietta stayed for a moment longer and then got up. "Come on, Grimmster, we gotta get Foxie home," she said holding out her hand and looking up at Grimm.

We left the ruins of Kurietta's village at a much slower pace than we did when we arrived. The tea that Red Moon made, while perhaps not as strong as it should have been, seemed to help Warri and the others who drank it. We walked through the night, stopping to rest for a few minutes about every hour or so. When we could scent the river, we knew that we were getting close. We had mostly just the starlight to see by until the waning moon finally arose above the horizon. It didn't add a lot more light, but it was enough that we were able to get a better grasp of our bearings, and so that we could make our way to where we left the boats. It didn't take us too long to find our marker and we discovered that the boats were right where we had left them along with the rest of our supplies. We noticed that a dense fog was forming along the river valley, so we decided to make camp because it would likely be until sometime late in the morning before the fog burned off. Kurietta made a soft place to lay Foxfire down at and unrolled her bedroll on it. Grimm gently laid his little sister down and covered her up with her cloak. Snow Spear got a fire going to warm ourselves in the cool, damp air and to heat some water for tea. We got settled in and ate a little and had our tea. Grimm, Snow Spear, and Lordan took the first watch as the rest of us got some rest.

Kurietta lay down next to Foxfire to try and keep her warm. Doing so, she noticed that her mind wasn't getting fuzzy like it had before whenever she got so close to Foxfire.

"I don't know if ya can hear me or not, but I'm right here beside ya. I'm gonna help keep ya warm until yer brother finishes the first watch. If ya need anything, just let me know...well, if ya can. Misty says ya might be snoozing for a couple of days, so I'll be right here with ya. Ya know, I used to have a little sis, too. Her name was Meri and we were always pretty close. She was a couple of turns of the seasons younger than me...well maybe I'd better wait until later to tell ya about her. Ya just keep on sleeping until yer ready to wake up."

Kurietta finally stopped talking and closed her eyes; soon she was sound asleep and didn't even notice when Grimm finished his turn at watch and joined her at keeping Foxfire warm.

Dahmietra was asleep almost as soon as she got herself comfortable between Red Moon and me--it had been a difficult evening for her and she was exhausted. Warri wrote in his journal for a while, detailing the events that took place at the gathering and the beginning of our return trip home. Although he was very tired and sore from making the run from our camp near the gathering to the ruins of Kurietta's village, and the walk from there to the river, he diligently recorded everything that happened as best as he could while it was still fresh in his mind. When he was finished he carefully put away his writing material and put out the small lamp that he had brought with him and placed all back into his traveling bag. He wasn't far from where Red Moon lay, a respectable distance of about two arm's length, though he was able to look over her to see Dahmietra. I had not fallen asleep yet, though I did have one eye open just a little and noticed Warri looking our way. I figured that he was just concerned about Dahmietra, since he was able to witness what took place from his position at the top of the cliff. I don't know if he had heard her in his mind or not as he was keeping in contact with me at the time, though I don't doubt that he had heard most of what was being said since we were shouting and would have been within hearing range for our kind. Apparently satisfied that Dahmietra was sleeping peacefully, Warri yawned and stretched, rubbed his legs a bit, and then got comfortable in his bedroll and was soon asleep. I smiled to myself and thought back to the time when Red Moon and I first met. We were instantly attracted to one another and found every excuse we could find to spend time together while I was accompanying Lore Master Spirit Feather on his trip to the Western Forest Clans. Although Dahmietra's people were so much more different from us than even the Woodland People, it seemed as if Dahmietra and Warri were indeed two kindred spirits that had just happened to be born into two very different bodies. The next few turns of the seasons might be rather interesting concerning these two. I turned my thoughts back to Red Moon and I watched her lie there resting peacefully with an arm over Dahmietra. I thought that Red Moon would make a great mother with the way she's been taking care of Dahmietra, even though she was nearly of age by the standards of her kind and would likely be on her own before long. Still, since Red Moon and I have not yet had any cubs of our own together, perhaps this might be good for us, I thought. With thoughts of family life, I eventually let sleep overcome me and slept soundly until it was time for me to take my turn at watch.

While Lordan and his group were eating before settling in for the remainder of the night, they discussed what to do next.

"Mist Runner invited us to meet him near the Wastelander village of Cedar Knoll and offered to introduce us to his friends there. Apparently, he's been doing business there for some time, making trades as such, and he thinks that we might have a pretty good chance to do the same. I guess the people there might be more tolerant from the way he talks about them," Lordan said. "What do you guys think of it?"

Everyone was quiet for a bit, while thinking about the idea.

"It's been a while since we left home, and aside from getting chased by some of these Wastelanders for a few days and stumbling upon Mist Runner's party and helping them out for a couple of days, we don't have much to show for ourselves when we do go back," Minxie observed.

"Well, at least our home is a lot closer for us than theirs is to them. They still have a long ways to go and those other hostile Wastelanders in the hills way west of here to get by," Fen said.

"Well, I don't think it would be such a bad idea to get to know some friendlier Wastelanders for once. That Dahmietra girl seems plenty nice enough for one, so maybe we should go and check out the other friends of theirs. At least when we do get home, we can hopefully come back in the spring and try making some trades. While we're there we can see what they might be interested in trading for," Dennella suggested.

"Yeah, if we're able to do business in that village, they'll be able to get to know us better and maybe word will spread to others who might want to do some trading, too," Jex added.

Lordan nodded his head and thought a bit. "All pretty good reasons, I suppose. What do you think, Shilar?"

"Well...the Wastelanders caused all of the Woodland People to join together and learn how to live with each other, and have been doing pretty good so far, I reckon. We've been friendly with some of the Eastlander villages and towns for a while and all that seems to be going good. Like Dennella said, maybe it might not hurt to try and get to know some friendlier Wastelanders--surely they can't all be bad. This village Mist Runner spoke of, it's on the river, so maybe if things go right, it might eventually become a big trading center or something that we all can go to. The Eastlanders have such places on rivers and there is usually some road or another going in and out, too. This might end up being a start of something big."

"Gee, Shilar, that's quite a stretch, but that's one of the things I like about you...you're a dreamer," Fen said with a grin.

"Well, 'think big but start small', as our Granddad used to say," Shilar said with a chuckle.

"Okay, then, we'll go see this village with Mist Runner. They don't have enough room in their boats for all of us, so I guess we'll just have to follow the river until we get to where they're going to camp at. They'll be going upstream from here, so maybe we won't be too far behind them," Lordan decided.

Satisfied that they were able to come to a consensus without much trouble, Lordan turned his thoughts to more immediate concerns such as standing first watch and getting some needed rest.

By the time I finished my turn at watch, it was getting light and the fog had become very dense, so I decided to let everyone sleep in. We had kept the fire going all night, and kept some water hot for tea. By the time it should have been sunrise, you couldn't see more than about twelve paces. Grimm, who was usually an early riser, was up before most of the others were. After he took care of necessities, he joined me for some tea.

"Looks like this fog is going to be around for a while this morning," he said looking rather disdainfully.

"I'm afraid so, my friend. I figure it should be burned off by midday, so I guess we'll have to consider trying to travel then or wait until evening," I said.

"As long as the river isn't up, we should be able to reach Cedar Knoll in about two days I'd think. The trees along the banks will give us some cover as they did the last time," Grimm pointed out.

"True and we did make pretty good time getting here, so unless any of the Wastelanders ride hard and fast along the road to the village we should get there before any of them would," I said.

Grimm nodded his head and then asked, "Are we going to stop to make camp at the same place again, on the west side of the village?"

"Well, that was a pretty good spot, though getting Lordan's people to it could prove challenging," I observed.

"Indeed. It's too bad that High Cleric didn't provide some sort of official letter to allow them safe passage," Grimm said.

I sighed and said, "I wish I had thought to ask him that when I had the chance."

"You had too much on your mind at the time to think of every little thing, old friend," Grimm said patting me on the shoulder.

I sighed again and patted his arm, "So have we all," I said, looking back towards Foxfire and Kurietta, who was still lying next to her, as well as to Dahmietra. Grimm understood my meaning without having to see where I was looking.

"Perhaps it would just be easier if we camped on the east side of the village," Grimm suggested after a few moments.

"I suppose it wouldn't make too much of a difference at this point. At least your sister is getting her rest without any bouncing around for the time being," I said.

"True enough," Grimm agreed quietly.

"I think I'll go check on her," I said and got up to go over to where she was lying. Grimm watched me get up and go to his sister's side and then he looked at his drinking bowl for a moment, before getting up himself and joining me.

I knelt down beside Foxfire, held her hand, and placed my other hand on her forehead. I closed my eyes for a moment and summoned my healing magic to get a sense of her health. I could sense her trying to regain consciousness--she still has a strong will, which is good, and I could sense that her body was slowly gaining its strength back, though she would soon be in need of food and water. I leaned closer to her and spoke quietly in her ear, "I'm here, Foxfire, you're doing fine. I can tell that you're trying to wake up and that you are getting your strength back. I felt a hand touch my shoulder lightly,

"Sire, maybe I can reach her."

It was Warri--he had apparently had been lying awake and watched me come to check on Foxfire's condition. I looked up at him, met his eyes, and nodded my head. Kurietta woke up when I started talking to Foxfire and she sat up, rubbing her eyes. Warri knelt down next to me, put his hands on either side of Foxfire's head, and closed his eyes.

"Dam Foxfire? Can you hear me? This is Warri."

After a moment or two of searching, he found the part of her consciousness that was struggling to awaken.

"Oh, hi Warri! Gee, this is nice of you. I feel so tired and heavy, but I want to wake up...just having a hard time of it."

"Sire Mist Runner is here with you, too. He's checking on how well you're doing--he's worried about you, as is everyone else. Your brother and Kurietta slept next to you to keep you warm during the night. It's light now, but too foggy to go anywhere yet so we're letting you get your rest," Warri said using his thoughts.

"I really need to wake up, sweetie, at least for a little while. Can you help me?" Foxfire asked.

"Sire, she's wanting me to help her wake up, says that she needs to at least for a little while. Is it okay for me to try?" Warri asked me.

I looked at Warri and then at Grimm, "Ask Red Moon if she has any more of those herbs she used for that tea she gave your sister after bringing Kurietta back."

Grimm nodded his head once and immediately went to Red Moon to ask. I looked back at Warri and nodded my head for him to try.

"Sire Mist Runner is going to have some of that special tea made for you again, and he gave me the okay to try," he told Foxfire.

"Thanks, sweetie. Oh, this is hard! I feel like I'm under a huge pile of furs!" Foxfire thought with exasperation.

"I'm here...I see you, hold on for a moment," Warri thought to Foxfire as he put one of his hands on my arm and connected with me. "Sire, can you hear me? I think she's going to need both of us helping her."

"I hear you, Warri. What do you need me to do?" I asked.

Warri considered for a moment what to do, "Sire, when I told her that you were here, I felt a desire in her for you...maybe that can be of help. Just a moment and I'll link the three of us."

Warri shifted his mind a bit so that the three of us could all hear each other.

"Foxfire? I'm here with Warri, how are you feeling?" I asked.

"Oh Mist Runner, I'm so glad that you're here! I really need to wake up, but I feel so heavy! Will you help me, please? I can't stay like this!"

The desperation in her thoughts really concerned me.

"Okay dear, Warri and I both will help you, won't we Warri?"

"Certainly, Sire."

I sent as strong of a feeling of encouragement as I could to Foxfire, as well as my desire to have my friend back. Warri said, "Dam Foxfire, you can do it! Reach out to us, even just a little, so that we can pull you back."

In my mind, I could see a small silver-white light wavering in the darkness. As I reached out to it, I saw a bright blue light that seemed to be going away from me and towards the silver-white light. I also saw a gold tinged white light reaching towards it, too. Together the two streamers of light wrapped gently around the silver-white light and began to pull it up from the depths. Closer and closer it came to us, until finally within the silver-white light, I saw a pair of weary blue lupine eyes.

"Almost there, dear, almost there...just a little more. We have you!"

I could see in my mind two pairs of hands reaching out and taking hold of the form within the silver-while light and pull it the rest of the way up.

"Wake up, Foxfire, open those beautiful blue eyes of yours and see your family and friends!" I whispered in her ear.

I saw her eyes twitch a little and felt a light squeeze on my hand. By this time, everyone had gathered around, all hoping to see Foxfire open her eyes. I felt Grimm's large hand on my shoulder and Red Moon was beside me with her hand on Foxfire and a drinking bowl with some of that special tea ready.

Kurietta, who was still beside Foxfire on the other side, said, "Come on, Foxie, ya gotta wake up girl! Ya don't wanna miss out on all the fun now, do ya?"

Foxfire's eyes slowly blinked a few times and then she opened them a little. Grimm reached out his hand and held it against his sister's face.

"Foxfire, time for some tea, and there's also something here for you to eat if you want it," he said gently.

"Oh, hi Grimmie!" she said weakly.

Grimm leaned down and gave Foxfire a kiss on the cheek; with some effort she raised her hand as if she wanted to touch him, so he took her hand and raised it up to his face a pressed it against the side of his face. She stroked his fur a little and smiled. Although Grimm normally kept a blank look on his face, she could see the worry in her brother's eyes and the slight expression of relief on his face.

"You're the best brother a girl could have," Foxfire said quietly to Grimm.

He kissed the palm of her hand and said, "I try," with a grin.

Kurietta hugged Foxfire and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"I'm so happy that yer awake! I was gettin' mighty worried about ya, girl!" she said happily.

Foxfire smiled and slowly put her arm around Kurietta, and then she looked up at Red Moon and me. She quietly said "Hi," and made a kissing gesture. "Gee, I haven't had this much attention...for a long time," she said quietly to everyone in general. Everyone was so happy at seeing Foxfire awake at last that no one noticed Warri very gently stroking Foxfire's fur between her ears...no one but Foxfire that is, who looked up and smiled at him.

"Let's sit you up a bit, dear, before this tea gets cold," Red Moon said.

Warri, Kurietta, and I helped Foxfire to sit and provided support for her. I took the drinking bowl with the tea from Red Moon and held it to Foxfire's mouth so that she could drink. She took a few drinks and leaned back a little for a bit.

"Would you like to try a little something to eat?" I asked.

After a moment, she nodded her head, so Grimm gave her one of Warri's boat ration squares. Foxfire nibbled on it slowly and took some more of the tea to wash it down. Eventually she ate the whole square and finished the tea, and then indicated that she wanted to lie back down again. Kurietta covered Foxfire up and lay beside her under the cover to help keep her warm in the cool, damp air.

"Thanks Kuri, you're so sweet," Foxfire said with a yawn.

"Hey, it's what sisters are for, right?" Kurietta asked with her usual quirky grin.

Foxfire smiled and nodded her head. I noticed that Foxfire's normal aura didn't seem to be active, and hadn't been since she first collapsed. I thought maybe that it might have been because she had expended so much energy that it wasn't able to manifest itself. I made a mental note to myself to see if it would eventually come back on its own as she regained her strength. Dahmietra came and sat with Foxfire a while.

"Thank you for coming to my rescue," Dahmietra said.

"It was...no problem," Foxfire said quietly.

"I guess that potion worked, though it made me feel strange," Dahmietra said.

"That's good, sweetie. Gee, I'm really sleepy...I think I'm going to take a nap now."

"Are you going to be okay?" Dahmietra asked.

Foxfire was quiet for a moment, and then said, "I'll be okay...the worst is over, just have to rest a little."

"Mind if I stay here a while with you?" Dahmietra asked.

"That's awfully nice of you Dahmi...isn't it, Kuri?"

"Yah, we'll be right here if you need anything," Kurietta replied.

Dahmietra slipped herself under the covering and snuggled up against Foxfire. Dahmietra also noticed that Foxfire's aura didn't seem to be present, though she didn't say anything at the time. Foxfire slipped off into normal sleep and slept until midday.

Grimm joined Red Moon, Warri and I as we were discussing Foxfire.

"I'm glad that she woke up, but I wonder why she insisted so much on it," Red Moon said.

"She told me that she felt like she was under a huge pile of furs, and that she felt very heavy," Warri said.

"What do you think that meant?" Grimm asked.

"Well, for many of us who can use the stronger magic, it takes a lot out of us when we have to wield so much energy...like draining a water barrel; it takes time for our own energy to be replaced. Grimm, think back to when we fought in the wars to protect our lands...when you summoned your ability to its fullest and let it loose, you were totally unstoppable. But afterwards, do you remember how you felt?" I asked.

Grimm thought for a bit, recalling those times and trying to remember the after effects.

"I usually don't remember much during those times, it's like part of me goes blank as it takes over. Once it runs its course, it takes a while for me to calm down and become myself again," he explained.

"But how do you usually feel after that?" I asked.

Grimm thought some more on it, exploring his memories.

"Tired," he said after a few moments.

"You have an advantage because you are physically very strong and have great stamina--you may feel tired, but you have enough in you to keep going for a while after. Foxfire, however, doesn't have your physical strength--she's very gentle and tender, like a fresh new shoot coming up out of the ground. However, she does match you on sheer strength of will, only she doesn't show it most of the time. Last night, if you had been there and seen what she did to Khel-Sehk's spirit when it rose up out of his body and attacked with all of its malevolence, when she utterly destroyed his wagon afterwards and then reached out and connected with everyone there, you might have sworn it was your dam instead of your little sister. The drain was nearly too much for her, which is likely why she needed our help to pull her back. I could feel the desperation in her mind to wake up--I think she knew that she had slipped too far to come back on her own. I'm not sure how much she's going to remember of it, or even if she's going to be quite the same again--maybe she will, maybe she won't, I can't tell. When we get back home, I wouldn't doubt that your dam is going to be there waiting for us," I continued.

Grimm glanced over at Foxfire and regarded her with new wonder and awe.

"I had no idea," was all Grimm could say.

"But Dahmietra was also quite remarkable...the way she stood up to the council members and also to Khel-Sehk himself; she's one very determined individual. I'm really proud of both of them, and of Warri here, too. He kept his cool under pressure, and if it wasn't for his particular talent things might have gone a bit differently," I said smiling and giving Warri a pat on the back.

Warri lowered his ears a bit and wagged his tail a little, "Thank you, Sire," was as much as he could say at the moment.

About midday, the fog finally started to lift, though it never completely went away all day. It stayed cool and cloudy, misting on and off the whole day and night. Foxfire woke up from her rest and with Dahmietra's and Kurietta's help, she very shakily got up long enough to take care of a little personal business. When she was finished, they helped her sit down closer to the fire and she had some more tea to drink. Warri caught some more fish from the river with the help of Jex and Fen while Brown Leaf and Red Moon looked around for other things to gather for a meal. We ended up having a fairly nice meal, considering, which helped raise everyone's mood and even Foxfire seemed to perk up a bit more once she had a hot meal in her. After cleaning up from our meal, we got the rest of our gear squared away and got the boats ready to go. We told Lordan and his group that we would make camp on the east side of the village, just far enough away from it that we shouldn't be noticed. I suggested that during the day they should stick to the trees that lined the river for cover, though if they traveled at night they could move more freely if they stayed along the edge of the trees.

"There isn't much between here and the village, so you shouldn't have any problems. We may not get too far ahead you, so if you do happen to run into any trouble we could be there quickly if needed," I said.

We determined what signals to use to stay in contact, and when they were ready Lordan's group struck off to get a head start.

Kurietta got into the larger boat first so that she could hold onto Foxfire and help her get seated, and then Grimm took his seat in the middle so that he could row, and Warri took his place in the front after shoving off. The rest of us took to our boats with Brown Leaf and Night Song in the lead. It was a bit slower going traveling upstream, but thankfully, the current was slow so it wasn't a struggle to make headway. As expected, we didn't get too far ahead of Lordan's group so when we stopped for a rest in the mid-afternoon, they were able to catch up to us and we all took our rest together. We stopped again for evening meal towards what should be sunset--it was still overcast, though the mist had changed to a drizzle. The weather didn't seem to be cooperating with us this time, and we were hoping that it would not rain significantly so as not to cause the river's level to rise and the current increase. We still had at least another day of travel to reach the village. If worse came to worse, and we could make it to the village, Alnakh would certainly be happy to put us up. We discussed the alternatives and decided to try to push on until at least midnight before stopping for the night. We continued on upstream, taking a break about mid-evening, and then pushed on until around midnight. Without at least the stars to see by, it was slow going in the water because it was difficult to watch for rocks and such. Warri said that as long as we could stay towards the deeper water, we should be okay. When we stopped for the night, we constructed a simple lean-to for shelter and were able to find enough dry wood to get a fire going. It proved to be a damp, cool night, though with the fire and the shelter, we kept mostly comfortable. The next morning greeted us with more clouds, drizzle, and a cool wind. We ate the dried rations that we had and had some tea, and then we prepared to leave. After taking down the lean-to and removing the traces of our camp, we struck off once again towards the village of Cedar Knoll. There wasn't much in the way of conversation that day, except for the usual comments about getting home and what the first thing we each would do once we got there. We were all looking forward to a nice, warm bath, a good meal, something to wash it down with and a comfortable pile of furs to sleep on. Warri thought that he could probably sleep for a whole night and all the next day, which got a few chuckles.