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Sir Araed Kappis

“Sir, the horses, they're…drunk." Auka stated, gaze falling to his feet.

“Drunk?" I asked, not quite certain I had heard correctly.

“Y-yes, Sir. The horses we prepared last night for departure on the routine patrol are drunk. At first we thought they had taken ill, or been bewitched by some spell, behaving as they did. Waren sniffed their water trough. Someone's filled the troughs with mead, sir." He explained.

I quickly moved past the guardsman, pushing the large swinging door to the stables aside. Sure enough, the horses were behaving rather oddly, including the large black stallion that Lady Kala had arrived on a few days ago.

Some were slumped down, completely unconscious, others swaying and stumbling as they tried to maintain their footing.

I pulled a ladle off a hook by the door, moving to the nearest trough. Sure enough, a ladle-full confirmed exactly what Auka had told me. Where there should have been water for the horses, there was instead mead.

“Is there other horses that can be prepared?" I asked, glancing around the room.

“Some, but they are far from ready."

Lady Kala's stallion gave a loud whinny that almost sounded like a laugh. Of all the drunken beasts, he seemed the most lucid.

Somebody had clearly sabotaged the horses.

“When I find the man responsible!" I growled, throwing the ladle against the wall, and storming from the stables.

“Sir, what of the patrol?" Auka asked, following behind.

“It must be done. Saddle up the remaining horses. I shall lend my personal horse." I ordered. Auka nodded, setting off at once to see it done.

I stormed back to the barracks, frustrated. Something weird was going on, and it had me uneasy.

Over the last few days, many of the rations in the barracks had been disappearing. Various items like cloaks and helmets had also been going missing, only to turn up in unlikely places, like buried beneath a stack of stones in the barracks courtyard.

Furthermore, men patrolling the refugee encampment had reported seeing odd lights flickering from far off in the Frostbogs.

This hadn't been the first ever report of lights seen in the bogs, but combined with the strange occurrences around the garrison, many seemed to be on edge.

Pushing the main hall open, I turned to see Lady Kala sitting at the large oaken table with Captain Illska, dining on a breakfast of bread, pork, and wine.

My heart quickened seeing her. It was almost as if her skin shown with a light of its own, glowing with a soft creamy silk that called out to be caressed with the gentlest of touch.

I shook my head.

“Sir," I said, approaching the table. “My lady," I added, bowing to her before returning my gaze to the captain. “Someone's filled the horse's water troughs with mead. Those set to go off on patrol this morning are drunk." I braced myself for the captain's usual outburst of rage.

To my surprise, he just rubbed his eyes, giving a low sigh.

“Food stores being raided, drunken horses, and missing helmets. By the Gods!" he roared suddenly, slamming his fist on the table.

“Why am I cursed to a garrison of fools and undisciplined morons!?" he growled.

That was the captain I was used too.

“Sir, I've gathered the remaining horses available for the patrol. Guardsman Auka is prepping them for departure now." I informed him, trying to ignore his ire.

“Who's watch did the stables fall under last night, Kappis?" he demanded.

“Mine, sir. We prepared—“

“Could you explain to me, Sir Kappis, why the horses are drunk? Which undisciplined fool think's it's hilarious to sabotage patrols? To steal food from the larders?" he shouted.

“Perhaps, my lord, if I may. Could the culprit be one of the villagers, or perhaps a soldier under a different knights command?" Lady Kala suggested, her smooth, quiet voice cutting through his rage like a melody drifting on a summer breeze.

I had to remind my heart to start beating.

Captain Illska turned to the woman, rage disappearing as soon as his eyes fell on her.

“O-of course. I'm sorry my lady, for my brutish behavior. Sir Kappis, would you please look into these strange occurrences, and see if you may find the culprit?" he stuttered.

Never before had I seen the captain so quickly soothed.

“Yes, Sir, right away. Who shall relieve me at the Northwest Gate?" I asked.

“Ah, send Sir Brunis." He replied, regaining his seat at the table.

I nodded, turning to Lady Kala.

“My lady." I bowed, which she returned with a slight nod.

Moments later, I found myself at the wall of the refugee encampment, peering around for my friend, Brunis. I was certain he would take the news of his reassignment to the gates as a warm welcome.

I spotted him standing in the encampment, beside some creature that looked like some form of salamander the size of a Halfling.

“Brunis!" I called, making my way through the crowd.

At my call, the salamander thing quickly scurried off, tucking something away in its ragged tunic.

Brunis jumped, turning quickly too me. His cheeks were bright red.

“Uh, h-hello Araed." He said, tucking something into his tabard.

“Is everything alright?" I asked, glancing off in the direction of the creature as it skittered up the side of a large boulder.

“Y-yes. Of course it is, why wouldn't it be?"

My gaze returned to him. He was still scarlet, eyes shifting here and there, avoiding my gaze.

“Something's up. Tell me." I demanded, grinning.

“Nothing's up." He replied. “What do you need?"

“Okay, keep your secrets. Someone replaced the horse's water with mead. Captains ordered me to find the one responsible. You are to take my place at the Northwest Gate."

Instead of the relief and joy I expected, his face immediately changed to one of fear.

“No! I cannot leave my posting here! Who else will keep the peace?" He asked.

“Sir Brunis, there are three other full sworn knights posted at the encampment, as well as their men. I'm certain they'll manage." I stated, eyebrow raised.

“T-they don't care." He almost whined.

“Look, they are under oath. They are sworn to keep the peace here, and that is what they will do. C'mon, yesterday, you complained that you were to be posted at the encampment again. What is this?"

“I-I, it's nothing" he said at length, eyes lowering to the ground. He gave a quick glance over to the humanoid salamander-thing, whom now watched us intently.

“I'll head over immediately." He added at length.

A few minutes later I was back at the stables, pushing aside the door to see Auka tugging on the strap of a saddle on my personal horse.

“Sir, we are finishing up preparations. Patrol will be smaller than normal, I fear. Only six horse could be prepared, verses that of the usual ten." He said as I entered.

“That will suffice, Auka, thank you. Who all is going out?" I asked.

“Saer, Waren, Forwin, Henry, Fenrith, and myself." He replied.

“Could you send Gable instead? I have a task that may require your aid." I ordered.

“Of course, sir." He said.

I helped him finish up saddling the remaining horses, and matching them to a ride, before the patrol was sent on its way.

Turning to the lad, I couldn't help but smile as I caught him eyeing the stablemasters daughter, who was now bringing in fresh hay after having spent the morning refilling the water troughs.

“Lovely lass." I whispered to him. He blushed.

“What is it you wanted my aid with, sir?" he asked, deflecting the topic.

“You were with the last here preparing the horses last night. Do you remember seeing anyone lurking around here?" I asked.

“Save for Idona and her father, no sir." He said, nodding towards the stablemaid. “When we finished with the horses, Saer and myself returned to the barracks.

I nodded, turning to her.

“Idona, do you have a moment?"

Her eyes widened as I addressed her, and she gave a low bow, almost planting herself comically on the ground before me.

“Please, there is no need. I'm only a knight." I said, helping her to her feet.

“I'm sorry, m'lord, I'm just not used to being addressed by folks with titles all." She said, turning scarlet, eyes averted.

“Idona, do you recall anyone here after Auka left?" I asked her.

“No, m'lord. Not after he came back."

I raised an eyebrow, glancing at the lad beside me.

“Came back?" I asked.

Auka looked truly confused.

“I-I never came back here sir. I returned to the barracks, and remained there well into the night.

I could see Idona trying to catch his gaze, while carefully avoiding mine. Her face was bright scarlet.

“Auka, don't you recall, you returned to help me with Fyrsil's stall?" she asked.

“No," he said, panic in his eyes. “I was at the barracks. Ask Saer and Fenrith when they return. I was there for the night."

Idona eyed him strangely, hurt on her face.

“B-but?" she asked, tears forming in her eyes.

“Come, I'm certain there is just a misunderstanding." I said, turning to the lass.

“Thank you, I appreciate your time. I must go." I said.

She nodded, eyes falling once again to her feet.

Turning, I made me way from the stables, Auka following suit.

Something strange was happening. With how awestruck the girl had seemed when I addressed her, I doubted she would be willing to lie to me about Auka returning, however Auka himself claimed he had witnesses placing him at the barracks all night.

Sure, he could slip out late when everyone was gone.

“Sir?" Auka spoke beside me.

“Yes?"

“A-am I in trouble?" he asked. He was clearly terrified.

Likely, he's heard the rumors of how strict Captain Illska punishes insubordination.

“No. At least not yet. I'm going to look into this matter well before I bring any findings to the captain." I told him as we made our way up the dirt road back to the barracks.

Ivaylis

I stood in one of the massive tents beside Riddaris and Hestross, before a gathering of three elderly centaurs.

Vissa, the centaur woman who had been one of the first to greet us, stood between two males.

Despite the male's obvious age, they did not hold the same frailty that Vissa had.

“You'll understand our reluctance to accept your words, Ivaylis Silversun. Our people have a troubled past with outsiders." The male on the right, who I'd been introduced to as Dagrin, stated.

“Elder Dagrin, what Hestross and Riddaris Oakenhoof say is true. We faced the evils of Manir together, and bring word of a darkness rising in the world. The Council of Seasons wishes to extend a hand of friendship in these troubling times." I replied.

“The last time we attempted to embrace outsiders as friends, we were driven from our homes, and forced into the mountains to war against giants and men." The other male, Elder Vanmarr, said.

“We were treated with the utmost respect during our stay. In fact, Elder Vanmarr, we may not have been able to escape if it were not for the elves." Riddaris said.

“Perhaps." Elder Vissa said. “Though I fear any polite treatment may just be a front?" she added.

“Elder Vissa. Long ago, our people held a strong alliance with the wild elves that once roamed this land." Hestross commented.

“So the stories say." Dagrin stated.

“Is there not often truth to most stories? Besides, we could certainly benefit from such a friendship. Manir is in chaos, and the dead walk. I'm afraid the time of isolation is at an end." Riddaris said, eyeing the older centaur.

“Surely, Elder Vissa, you must have seen the signs? The dead have forced us to Jornhoof, and strange abominations are expanding forth from Manir. Sorrow Willows are once again taking root in the world." Hestross spoke.

“Indeed, I cannot deny that I have sensed a foul presence. A lack of balance in the world."

“I do not doubt that there is indeed a foulness rising from the actions of Manir. That is not at question. What I ask is if we can trust the word of Ivaylis Silversun, and her Lords and Ladies of Rainhaven?" Vanmarr said.

“We do not have any motives other than peace. In such times, we seek to build friendship wherever we may, so perhaps we may better combat the rising darkness together." I replied.

The elders whispered to each other for a moment, before coming apart.

“Very well. We ask that you prove your commitment to aiding our people. It seems that in the wake of your assault on Manir, the city has fallen into a chaos. Those who rule now are a brutish hybrid of gnolls and orcs." Vissa said.

“We fear the horrors such creatures could bring upon any with the resources of the city in their control." Dagrin stated.

“What would you have me do?" I asked.

“If the elves were to aid us in capturing the city, and eventually in returning the Island of Manir to its rightful owners, than we would trust in your words of friendship." Vanmarr replied.

“The elves cannot fight an entire war for us!" Hestross barked.

“We hold no such ideas in our mind, Hestross Oakenhoof. We merely seek aid in capturing the city, as our herd cannot hope to do so ourselves." Vissa told him.

“I can pledge myself and the warband that I've arrived with, as they are loyal to me. Unfortunately, one longship and its crew will not be enough to win the city, let alone the island. Allow me to send word back to Rainhaven, and I'm certain they will aid you in this endeavor."

“I feel this is an acceptable offer." Dagrin stated.

“What of the Naettura? I'm certain her aid would prove most invaluable." Vissa asked.

“Lady Aklys travels north, to an ancient gathering site. Her quest is one of great importance, and I fear she is beyond our reach." I replied.

“Sad news. I would have liked to speak with her." She frowned.

“What of this mission you spoke of, the one the Naettura gave you?" Vanmarr asked.

“She wished for me to travel to the ruins of Old Manir, and seek out the Silverfire Rune. She fears it was sundered when the Bloodskin Grimoire was removed from its resting place."

“I feel this is a worthwhile mission. While we await word from the elves in Rainhaven, you should go."

“I would like to accompany her." Hestross blurted suddenly.

“Your sister is close to birth." Vanmarr stated, eyebrow raised.

Hestross frowned next to me.

“While I fear for my sister, and whatever may be growing in her womb, I trust that Riddaris will see she is in good hands." He said.

Riddaris nodded, eyes catching his brothers.

“Very well. I would prefer it that a circle member accompany the elf." The elder nodded.

“That will be all. I would suggest you begin your preparations." Vissa said.

With a bow, I turned to leave, Hestross remaining behind with his brother.

As I left the tent, I couldn't help but feel somewhat relieved.

Sure, I was about to ask the Lords and Ladies of Rainhaven to march to war for an Island far from their lands. To ask men and women to risk their lives to take a city I've grown to despise in my short experience with it.

Furthermore, I was now about to plan a potentially dangerous trip into the mountains of Manir once again to find an old ruin in a territory controlled by giants.

Still, I was surprised at how relatively smooth the negotiations went.

If I hadn't had Riddaris and Hestross there to vouch for me, then I was certain that we would have been cast off to return to Rainhaven empty handed, if not killed on the spot.

Indeed, it seemed like my role as ambassador to the centaurs of Manir was going to be rocky, though It could have gotten off to a worse start.

Tokala

“I'm sorry my lady, but I fear that is not many activities one can busy themselves with to pass the time here at such a remote garrison." Captain Illska said.

I gave a soft smile.

“I'm sure you find ways to pass the time, regardless."

“indeed." He returned my grin.

His face spoke of an attempt at seduction, though I would have to be either a dim wit or a pent up faun to fall for such a pathetic attempt.

Regardless, I flashed my eyes and smiled.

“Captain Illska, If I were not mistaken, I'd say you were attempting to seduce me."

“Of course not, my lady. Just showing the courtesy due to such a lovely maiden."

I rose from the table, quickly tiring of this man's company.

“Well, sir, I appreciate your courtesy, as well as your hospitality. The meal was excellent, as always. I feel like taking a walk. I hope that is okay?"

“Only if you allow myself to accompany you," he said with a bow, “I fear for the safety of such a lovely beauty after all, with monstrosities about."

“While I would enjoy your company, sir, I fear I will be keeping you from important duties." I told him.

He nodded with a frown.

“I suppose you are right. At least take my guardsman here, Hjalmar."

I nodded, seeing the guardsman behind him blushing slightly as he avoided meeting my gaze. He was a younger, though more experienced many be the appearance of him, with a close kept beard and a well-constructed chain hauberk. Likely the son of a wealthy merchant or craftsman.

“Won't you be without protection then, captain?" I asked.

“Oh, I am not defenseless. Don't you worry about me, my lady. Enjoy your walk. Perhaps you can see the market. I'm sure it's not as large as ones you've experienced, though we do on occasion see strange and interesting things traded even here, as we are still a port."

Bidding the captain farewell, I took the guardsman by the arm, allowing the blushing man to lead me from the barracks, and into cool winter morning outside.

The sun had risen high, and the snows from the past weeks had relented. I allowed the soldier to drape my nonexistent red and white fur cloak about my shoulders. The man didn't notice that he had to lower the illusion to a point much lower than the shoulders of the woman he saw, nor that he had to stoop to actually entwine his arm with mine.

I'm fairly certain he didn't notice the furry fox-like arm that interlocked with his.

As we walked, I couldn't help but feel sorry for the man. The way he unknowingly stumbled along at an awkward angle, bending to lead me by the arm, I was certain he would have a terrible ache in his back the next day.

“So, Sir Hjalmar, what sort of interesting things does one see posted in a frontier town such as this?" I asked the man.

“Ah, I-I must apologize, m'lady, but I am not sir. Just a commoner." He stated, cheeks flushed. I was beginning to fear I was overdoing the charm.

“Oh, the apologies are mine. I suppose I should have known better. You just carry yourself with a dignity I've come to see in knights." I said, leaning into his arm.

The man turned bright red.

“I, uh, thank you, m'lady, for the compliment." He said.

We made our way to the small market, where a few shops stood. Most were smithy or carpenter. One shop claimed to peddle magical talismans from distant shores.

I pretended to find myself enamored with a large emerald necklace the man had, which he claimed could ward off any disease.

“The gem even matches yer eyes!" he glowed, holding it up for me to examine.

“Jus' look at the fine construction!" he grinned.

Even a dimwit mage could see this was a mundane necklace made of colored quartz and poorly cast tin.

“It's lovely." I said, placing it back on the table.

“I'm afraid I cannot spare the gold at the moment, however." I told him with a soft, charming smile.

“Please, it's yours, m'lady." He grinned, placing it about my neck.

“I couldn't!" I gasped.

“I insist."

It's amazing how difficult it is to carry things when your belt pouches and money purse is all an illusion. I somehow managed to talk Hjalmar into following behind with an armful of gifts various merchants insisted I take. Certainly, my fey charms had nothing to do with it.

As we walked up the dirt road, past the refugee encampment, I glanced over to see guardsmen drawing swords. Shouts were coming from in the encampment, accompanied by the roar of a lion.

I rushed to the encampment, Hjalmar stumbling behind and calling to me.

I leaped through the gate just as multiple guardsmen pulled it closed.

I could hear Hjalmar shouting on the other side to open it, but I ignored him, seeing the cause of the commotion.

The lion-man I'd seen was surrounded by multiple humans, all having their weapons drawn.

“We need to eat, humans!" he roared.

“Stand down, beast!" one of the humans shouted.

“You cannot hold us here! Daily our numbers dwindle, and disease is rampant!"

“We cannot allow you to roam the land unchecked!"

“I'm guilty of no crime!" he roared.

I rushed forward as the gates opened behind me.

“Everyone, please calm down." I pleaded.

“M'lady, please, this is no place for a woman such as yourself."

I ignored the soldier, stepping past him, and reaching on tip toes to gently push aside his blade.

He reluctantly lowered it from the beast.

“Please, show the creature compassion. Have you never felt the pains of starvation? I'm certain every one of you have come ill at one point in your life. You have the luxury of returning to a bed every night in a fire lit chamber. These creatures are sheltered from winter's cold by nothing more than shoddy wooden structures that do little to keep the winds at bay." I said to the group, calling upon all the fey magic I could.

“I apologize, m'lady." The guardsman nearest me said, lowering his gaze.

“We must keep the peace." Another argued, though it was completely heartless.

I turned to the lion, taking a step forward. He was massive, towering over the guardsmen by at least two heads. If all could see past my illusion, my small fox form would barely make it to the creatures' waist.

I gently reached my hand up to place it on his face. He unknowingly leaned down to allow me to do so.

“Calm, friend. I will see whatever aid I can bring." I whispered to him.

He clearly relaxed some.

“I'm sorry for the hardship that has befallen you."

“Please, consider the hardships of others." I asked, turning to the remaining soldiers, who had lowered their weapons.

“Of course, m'lady." One of the soldiers said.

Hjalmar pulled me from the encampment quickly.

“M'lady, there are foul and unnatural creatures in that encampment. That creature has proven violent and dangerous in the past." Hjalmar stated. I could see he was flushed red and refused to meet my eye.

I was a little light-headed from having to exert so much of my charm, so I clutched to him tightly for support.

“All I saw was a creature afraid and starving." I replied. “Tell me you would not take action if you were in his position."

He didn't answer, leading me towards the barracks quickly.

Suddenly, he pulled me down a small alleyway between the barracks wall and the garrison smithy. The ringing of steel could be heard in the distance.

“M'lady, I-I've never met anyone quite like you before. Your beauty is beyond stunning. Even the fairest of the elves pale in comparison." He said, moving to cup my face, somehow not noticing the fox muzzle.

“You're kind, Hjalmar. I'm afraid, however that this is not appropriate." I told him, moving to pull away.

He back me up to the outer wall of the barracks, pressing himself to me.

It quickly became obvious that with him standing so close to me while I laid on the magical charms, he must have succumbed to it.

Cursing myself, I tried to worm away, but I was dizzy.

“Please, M'lady. I'm suffocating without your touch." He said, lowering to kiss my neck. He was basically kneeling now to reach.

If I were a little less concerned with maintaining my disguise, I'd have likely toyed with him some more, but I had to remind myself why I was here.

“Hjalmar!" I cried pushing him off. “Control yourself!"

He looked confused, eyes fogging over, then clarity.

“You, you whore! You bitch! You seductress!" He roared, drawing his blade. “You dare make me feel this way, and then deny me!"

It was then that I realized I was dealing with a rather unstable sort of fellow. The sort that would choose to blame the victim for looking so damn attractive. I swallowed.

My magic was not exactly at its best, so I doubted I'd be able to use my enchantments to calm him from the situation.

Instead, I drew my trusty dagger.

The look of hatred grew on his face.

He thrust forward with his sword, fully intending to spear me through.

I dodged aside, before stumbling forward to slam my dagger into his thigh before bolting from the alleyway.

My magic may have brought out the worst in the man, but it takes a great deal of directed enchanting work to make someone behave so completely against their nature. Such magic, while possible, is something not done lightly. I have never purposely made someone dangerously violent.

Shaking the spellcasting haze from my mind, I bolted to the barracks main hall, hoping to find some sort of relief from the closet psychopath shouting behind me.

I slide in the slushy snow, catching myself on my knees.

Hjalmar limped to a halt, pointing the sword at my chest.

Suddenly, a thud sounded, and he crumpled to the ground in a limp heap.

The burly smith stood behind him, hammer gripped firmly in hand.

“You alright, m'lady?" he asked, pulling me to my feet.

Gods, now I had to cry to look authentic.

Pulling on whatever reserves of magic I had left, I forced it into the illusion, falling into the man's chest in tears.

“I don't know what came over him!" I “wept" as he led me back to the main hall, heavy arm draped over my tiny shoulders. Walking proved difficult.

“The captain will deal with this fool appropriately." The gruff smith comforted as he sat me down at the table once we were inside.

He sent someone to fetch Captain Illska immediately, not leaving my side until they returned.

Moments later, the captain emerged, followed by a guardsman.

“What is the meaning of this?" he asked, storming in the room. His raged almost disappeared when his eyes fell on me. “Lady Kala, are you alright?"

“Sir, your guardsman, Hjalmar tried to throw himself upon her. When she denied his advances, he grew violent, drawing blade against the woman." The blacksmith told him.

“Is this true my lady?" he asked kneeling before me to take my hand.

I nodded between sobs.

“Surely, there must be some sort of misunderstanding here?" he asked, turning to the smith.

“Weylin, are you certain you witnessed what you did? I trust Hjalmar with my life."

“Yes sir." The burly man replied.

“Where is he now?" the captain asked, eyes never leaving mine.

“Out in the courtyard. Clubbed him with a hammer. Not hard enough to kill, I suspect."

The Illska broke contact with me. “Would you go collect him?" the captain asked one of the guardsmen who watched our exchange.

“My lady, you've been through an ordeal. I will speak with Hjalmar when he awakens. Perhaps learn what thoughts drove him to behave as he did. For now, I ask that you return to your chamber and rest."

I nodded to the captain. Weylin, to my surprise, insisted that he be the one to escort me to my chamber.

I was not quite certain I wanted to deal with a second potential assault, so I tried my hardest to tone down my fey charms. This proved tough since I was exhausted from my overuse of magic from earlier.

Bidding me farewell at my chamber, Weylin insisted that I lock the door after he left me alone. At least he didn't share the same mentality of many of the humans I'd had dealings with.

I sat on the feather mattress, and chuckled. Strange day thus far, and I still hadn't had the opportunity to congratulate Fyrsil on his job with the horses. I decided I would have to pay him a visit that night at the stables.

With a yawn, I laid back on the mattress. This deception was already beginning to grow tiresome. It had been a long time since I've had to maintain an illusion for so long. I could hope the locked door would prove enough to keep any at bay, and drop the illusion for a while.

I felt the strange tingle in my head fade slightly as the illusion fell away. Any onlooker would now see a humanoid male fox lying were once a human maiden was.

I allowed sleep to take me, though it had barely grown to midday.