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"The Gift"

CHAPTER 4

By Lauren Rivers

The room where they were to stay was simple and efficient. There was little in terms of decoration but given they were only going to be there for a few hours it was more than adequate. Ethan had endured far less favorable conditions during his travels. The only furnishings in the space were a pair of beds and a small table just large enough to store some personal items. Lydia had already claimed the bed on the right so Ethan sat opposite with his hands on his thighs.

The Oracle tested the bedding with a couple of exploratory pats before nodding her approval and pulling her legs up to sit with her feet beside her. The crocodile offered Ethan a gentle smile which he returned with an awkward one. "As far as accommodations go, these seem fairly comfortable."

"I suppose," Ethan said.

"It should be sufficient for us to get a few hours of sleep at least before we head out," Lydia replied.

Ethan nodded though his attention was not on the conversation. He looked out into the hallway watching the residents walk back and forth in an attempt to get a feel for their routine. The key to any successful stealthy departure was in knowing as much as possible before making the attempt. With luck they would be able to find their way back out without running into anyone, but it would be a while before the halls were empty enough to make the effort.

Lydia attempted a few more times to make conversation, but once it was clear Ethan had nothing to say she gave up and quickly fell asleep.

Alone with his thoughts he continued to observe the movement in the hallways for a while longer before finally deciding to try to get some sleep. He knew he would need as much rest as possible in the event he needed to fly them out of there. Ethan's head hit the pillow but despite his best efforts sleep appeared to elude him. The hawk remained quiet and still hoping before he knew it that he would drift off, but instead his eyes kept gazing up at the ceiling finding nothing but shadows.

After an hour of this he sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed. Grumbling he turned towards Lydia but his companion was still fast asleep. Ethan listened for sounds of activity though other than the constant glow of a hallway lamp there seemed to be little going on at the moment. Rising to stand, the hawk silently approached the doorway when he caught sight of a shadow moving in the space beyond. Ducking to the side he stared at the ground if only to confirm what he thought he had seen. A moment later a figure moved past the light and it was only when he shifted for a better look that he caught sight of the outline of a weapon in the individual's hand. He could not tell what species without getting closer but all he knew was they were not here with peaceful intentions.

Rather than confront the individual Ethan waited, reaching for his sword. Once he felt the blade's handle in his hand he stepped out into the hall to observe the mysterious figure. They moved furtively down through the living quarters but it was not until he disappeared into one of them that Ethan chose to make his move. The hawk increased his pace hurrying into the room just as the assassin drove a knife down towards the sleeping figure in the bed.

Ethan screeched as loud as he could, startling the intruder who moved to cover his sensitive ears. The would-be victim rolled off of the bed to her feet and it was only then he recognized Elizabeth, who in a fraction of a second had already armed herself and assumed a fighting stance. The squirrel wasted no time striking at her attacker, forcing him off balance with a firm kick to the chest. She advanced and kicked him again, but this time he was ready.

Grasping her ankle with his free paw the wolf jerked it towards him forcing her to the floor. She rolled out of the way of his next attack and met Ethan's glance just as she got to one knee. Moving as if to attack him she drove the black lupine towards the doorway, where Ethan waited.

With a firm backhand he dropped the wolf to the floor before holding his sword at his neck. "If I were you I would consider your next action carefully," he said.

The black wolf simply stared but relinquished his weapon to Elizabeth who offered Ethan a gracious nod. "Thanks for the assist."

"I would have intervened sooner but you seemed to have things well in hand," he said, gesturing towards their mutual captive.

"Nevertheless I do appreciate the help." She looked out into the hall. "What's happening?"

"I don't know," Ethan said. "I saw this one moving in the halls so I thought I'd better investigate."

Elizabeth pointed her own weapon at the black wolf. "Who are you?" she asked. When he did not respond, she motioned for Ethan to step back and placed her blade at his throat. "Answer me."

"You don't frighten me, little girl," he said.

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

The black wolf pressed his neck closer to the blade. "You may as well end me because I will tell you nothing." He laughed. "If I were you it's what I'd do, though I somehow doubt you've got the stones to kill me while I'm at your mercy."

Elizabeth cursed and gestured for Ethan to keep him under control while she turned to grab something from her chest on the far side of the room. She returned a moment later with some thick shackles. "If you won't cooperate, then you can rot here until I have time to deal with you." She placed the restraints on his wrists and ankles before pocketing the key and summoning additional help. When two of her people arrived at the doorway she addressed them both with a nod. "Take him to the holding cells. Keep him there until I come for him."

"You're too late," he said. "What happens now is on you."

Elizabeth looked at Ethan with concern. "What do you think he means?"

"If I had to guess I'd say he's probably not the only one sneaking around in the dark," Ethan replied.

Elizabeth's eyes widened with alarm. "Adrian," she said.

Ethan knew immediately what she meant. They took off at top speed down the hall towards the room where Adrian slept. When they arrived the peacock was already under attack by a large bear and a tiger, both armed with swords. The first thrust towards him but was quickly disarmed by a skillful strike from the avian that with a single fluid maneuver placed the tip of his blade at the neck of the second. With a roguish smile Adrian greeted both his beloved and Ethan as he held his attackers at bay.

"Are you all right?" Ethan asked.

"As you can see, these gentlemen and I were having a rather uncivil disagreement, but it's all in hand now, though I would be quite indebted to you if you'd please disarm them." Adrian waited while Ethan did as instructed, taking the sword from the bear and picking up the tiger's weapon from where it had fallen on the floor. Elizabeth rushed to embrace him, wrapping her arms around his neck.

She kissed him twice before pulling back to look into his eyes. "I'm so relieved you're all right! If something had happened to you I'd never have been able to forgive myself."

Adrian held her for a brief moment before turning to observe his attackers as they were taken into custody by his people. "While I of course appreciate the concern I had things under control, as you can see. Nevertheless I do thank you all for the swift reinforcements."

Ethan nodded. "Absolutely. After all the kindness you've shown us it's the least we can do."

Elizabeth glanced at the men as they were removed from the room. "Do you know who they were?"

"Unfortunately I do, all too well. They work for my father. It's more than likely he grew impatient when you didn't return immediately and sent them to finish the job. If I had to guess I'd wager my father intended for them to kill you and take me back with them by force."

The squirrel gazed into his eyes with a mixture of shock and disbelief. "Surely he wouldn't go that far."

"You don't know my father," Adrian said. "He probably thinks that with you dead there would be no reason for me to stay here." He embraced his beloved again. "It's apparent he believes the only reason I don't come back to him is because of you. I think it's time we disabused him of that notion."

Ethan indicated the spot on the floor where his attacker had been a few moments ago. "Considering that he just tried to kill you are you certain it's such a good idea to go back?"

Adrian looked at him and then Elizabeth. "Perhaps not, but I have no intention of hiding up here forever while my father continues to put my people in danger and threaten the life of the woman I love. He won't harm me, especially if I go to him. Either way this ends."

"You're not going without me," Elizabeth stated flatly.

"I never even considered the possibility." The peacock bowed graciously to his fellow bird. "Ethan, I'd be most grateful if you and your companion would accompany us so we can get you your reward. I see no reason to delay our journey any longer. If my father is so desperate for my attention I see no reason to keep him waiting."

Ethan nodded. "As you wish."

"Elizabeth, put together a team of our best people and have our guests in the holding cells brought out and prepared for transport," he said.

"Right away," she replied, and promptly left the room.

"I hope you know what you're doing," Ethan remarked.

Adrian nodded. "Rest assured, no harm will come to anyone today. My father may be many things but he is a man of his word. For that matter, so am I." He turned to walk towards the door. "I intend to do what I should have done a long time ago. Get your companion ready. We'll leave in a half an hour."

HALLIWELL MANOR

Accompanied by Eldritch Halliwell's men their return was greeted with a wordless acknowledgement by one of his house staff. They were escorted through the main hall and up the grand staircase to an office in the eastern wing of the house where all three of Halliwell's men were presented to him with Adrian at the center. The peacock pushed the men forward never moving his gaze from his father as he stepped closer.

Ethan and Lydia stood with Elizabeth and the rest of the group in the middle of the room. The hawk observed both father and son and had enough experience with upper class individuals that he could recognize their mutual enmity even though neither of them gave any outward sign of their emotions. He glanced towards the doorway where two of Halliwell's personal guard had taken station on either side of the double doors. Quietly Ethan wondered which of the two would be the first to break the standoff between the two avians. Fortunately he did not have to wait long.

"I thought I would return something you lost," Adrian said.

Eldritch regarded his men with a raised eyebrow. "I appreciate your consideration in returning them intact."

"A courtesy they did not intend to extend to me and mine," the younger peacock replied.

Eldritch cast a glance towards the squirrel his son had called his beloved. A look of mutual loathing passed between the two as Ethan continued to watch the exchange. "It was in your best interests, my son. You have to understand that."

"I understand that you put your own legacy and political standing in front of your son's happiness. The fact that you think killing the woman I love would bring me back to you only proves you don't understand me at all." The younger peacock stepped closer to his squirrel lover. "Nothing will ever take me away from my home," he said.

"This is your home!" Eldritch shouted.

"No it's not, and it hasn't been for a long time. Ever since my mother died you've been trying to hold on to a reality that no longer exists," he said. "Now I am only here as a courtesy, to tell you in no uncertain terms that our relationship is finished. From this moment on I will not acknowledge our kinship in any way. Should our paths cross again, you will address me as your equal. You have no right to make decisions on my behalf anymore," Adrian replied.

The elder peacock tensed with fury. It was clear to Ethan he was filled with anger and frustration but he would never show it in any outward display of theatrics. People such as Eldritch Halliwell did not need such things to prove their emotions. They preferred to keep their cards close to their chests. "This is your position?" he asked.

"It is," the younger bird replied.

Eldritch motioned for his captured men to be taken out of the room. No doubt having three of his best men tied up before him reduced some of his clout before the assembled group. Once they were removed he returned his attention to his son. "This woman is beneath your station," he said, again glaring at Elizabeth. "What you see in her I will never understand."

"On that we agree," Adrian replied. "I don't care what you do from now on as long as you leave Elizabeth and me out of it. Come after us again, and I promise you will regret it."

"You're making a mistake," Eldritch said.

Adrian offered a conciliatory gesture. "Nevertheless it is one that is mine to make." He turned away from him for a moment before returning his stare with equal intensity. "Now I want your word."

The peacock fanned his tail feathers and widened his eyes in the first true display of shock Ethan had seen of him since he had met the avian. The bird was rather experienced in controlling his physical reactions, so for this statement to elicit such a visible response clearly showed how taken aback he was by his son's request. Ethan felt Lydia press closer to him in a subtle gesture they should remain silent.

"You can't be serious," Eldritch said.

"I am," Adrian replied. "Before I leave here I will have your solemn vow you will not interfere in my and Elizabeth's lives any further. I will not negotiate on this point."

Eldritch pulsed with anger. It was clear he wanted nothing more than for his son to toe the line and to kick the woman he loved out for being socially unacceptable to his aristocratic sensibilities. The two men continued to stare in a silent contest of wills. Ethan wondered if they might kill each other from the sheer intensity of their focused stares until finally the elder peacock threw his hand up in a dismissive gesture. "Fine." He pointed a talon at his son. "Do this if you must, but know that you will never be allowed in this house again."

The threat was an empty one as everyone present knew Adrian would never walk these halls again, but it was the only weapon the peacock's father had left. He took a step forward and extended his hand. "I accept your terms," he said.

The elder peacock shook his hand but did not make eye contact, keeping his glare at the wall behind him. "Then go."

Adrian nodded once to Ethan as the hawk stepped beside him. "There is one more thing to be addressed before we leave. My friend here is still owed his payment."

"What?" Eldritch asked.

"You promised him something, a scroll, I believe," Adrian replied.

Eldritch almost choked. "You must be mad, to think I would pay this bird when he failed to fulfill the terms of our agreement!"

"Did he?" Adrian asked with a slight grin on his face. "If I understand it correctly he was promised this item in exchange for my return. He has done that. Whether I came of my own free will is not relevant nor is the duration or nature of my stay. He has delivered me so you will provide him his payment. After all, if nothing else you are a bird of your word."

Eldritch looked at his son and for a moment appeared as if he might argue, but then finally sighed and reached into the desk. Pulling out the scroll he presented it to Ethan with a downcast expression. "Take it and go."

"Thank you, sir," Ethan said.

The elder peacock simply nodded and directed them all towards the door. Ethan bowed once before leading the group to the doorway. He held it open for his companions until a voice came from inside.

"Stop," he said.

Adrian turned back once more. "Yes?"

"If we are truly done then you should take this," he said. He handed him a velvet box.

The younger peacock opened it with a look of surprise. "Mother's ring?"

"She would have wanted you to have it. The fact that you and I no longer share a bond does not mean you should not have one with her," he said.

"Thank you," Adrian replied.

With the door closed behind them the quartet descended without incident to the entryway where they stood in a cluster just outside the rather ostentatious home. Surrounded by the meticulously crafted gardens and stonework that made up the rather impressive grounds, Ethan cast a glance back at the window where for a moment he caught a glimpse of the elder peacock. "So that's it?" Ethan asked.

Adrian shrugged. "For now," he said. "My father is a stubborn bird but I've never known him to renege on an agreement and I don't expect him to start now. Nevertheless I've told him my terms should he choose to violate our accord and I intend to keep my side of our arrangement. Whether my father takes this as a permanent solution or not remains to be seen, but at least for the short term the matter is settled."

"I must admit, I hadn't expected him to allow us to leave so easily," Ethan replied.

"Bloodless, perhaps, but not easily. No doubt allowing us to go was rather difficult for him, but we came in good faith and honor demanded we leave on those same terms. To do otherwise would be damaging to my father's reputation," the peacock said.

Ethan nodded. "Do you think he'll come after you again?"

"Not for a while, and if he does my people will be ready. As much power as my father wields he knows he will not take me without significant losses to his own forces so even if he should decide to do so his concern for his men will keep him from doing anything especially rash." He offered both Ethan and Lydia a slight smile. "Not to worry, I know how to handle him."

Lydia extended her hands to them both. "What will you do now?" she asked.

They met each others glances, and Elizabeth smiled. "For now, go home and see to the others. We have a lot of work to do and in any case, it's where we belong." The squirrel embraced Lydia and then Ethan, before Adrian did the same.

"And you?" Adrian asked in return.

Ethan held the scroll in his hands and nodded. "We've got to get back to our companions. No doubt they're probably starting to miss us, and we've been away long enough. Besides, I've got some shopping to do." The hawk bade them farewell as the two of them walked away from Halliwell Manor in the opposite direction back towards the marketplace where Rhodes and Diana waited.

As they made their way to the edge of town, Lydia turned towards Ethan who simply beamed with satisfaction at the fruits of their quest. Unable to contain her curiosity she gestured at the scroll. "You going to tell me what all this was about?" she asked. Ethan leaned over and whispered to her with a happy chirp upon her reaction. "You're kidding."

"You think I'd make that up?" he asked. "Now hurry, we need to pick up some things before the stands close."

Lydia shook her head as Ethan pulled her along with a bounce in his every step.

THE VALADYNE MARKETPLACE

Traveling with Ethan and Rhodes had exposed Diana to her fair share of commerce centers since leaving Aldris and becoming stranded in this world. One thing they all seemed to have in common was that they were a hub for social activity. Indeed, it seemed more than a few of the locals came to the marketplace simply to walk and chat as they traveled among the various merchants perusing their wares. Most seemed not to know exactly what it was they wanted, taking their time to examine the carts that caught their attention the most.

Despite the fact she had been traveling with the boys for some time she had never actually spent an entire day working the cart and seeing what Ethan and Rhodes did to provide for the group. While Ethan and Lydia were off doing who knows what she had been left to help Rhodes who remained with the cart selling the jewelry and clothing they carried from town to town.

Assisting Rhodes with the sales had been rather different from her usual duties of procuring supplies and replacing consumables in town. Between stops she had become responsible for their general security but this was less of an issue in populated areas as they often provided their own guards to ensure the safety of the population. Most of the time she and Lydia would take note of what they needed and take an allotted amount of money to obtain food, medicine, or whatever else they happened to require.

One of the biggest differences between this and her regular routine was getting used to staying put. At first Diana had found it somewhat difficult, but once business started for the day she soon became occupied with other things. The Doberman archer had assumed it would be boring, but she was quickly dissuaded of that notion once customers started to arrive.

Business had been rather good with jewelry from the western region being particularly popular with the locals. Most of that was thanks to Rhodes, who had proven time and time again to be an excellent merchant skilled in his trade. Between his wide knowledge of the jewelry and their method of manufacture and his well dressed appearance, he seemed to have little trouble in convincing interested shoppers to part with their money. In fact, they had burned through a good portion of their stock and would need to get more before they moved on to their next stop.

For her part Diana had helped Rhodes as much as possible by fetching requested items or occasionally offering her opinion to an indecisive customer. After a while she had almost come to enjoy it, eagerly approaching anyone who seemed interested in their cart. Rhodes had taught her the basics before the marketplace opened, and most of the rest she picked up as she went.

Customers had kept the pair so busy Diana had not even had time to think about Aldris and her mother. Though she knew she was a welcome part of the group her distant homeland had been much on her mind as of late. Almost every night for the past week she had spent the evenings staring at her journals, thinking of home and how long it might be before she laid eyes on it again.

Three bells sounded, signaling the close of the marketplace for the day. Diana breathed a sigh of relief as the last of the afternoons customers completed their purchases before heading off for their evening meal. Exhausted, she leaned against the rear of the cart for support. During all of her travels she could not remember ever being quite as tired after a full day of exertion as she was right then. Panting in an effort to recover some of her energy, she looked up as Rhodes approached with a wide smile.

"Quite a day," he said.

"Yes," she replied. "I know I'm no substitute for Ethan, but I hope I did a good job."

Rhodes squeezed her shoulder. "You did just fine. I couldn't have done it without you."

Diana smiled and nodded. "Thank you for being so patient with me."

"Oh, it was easy. You're a fantastic assistant," he said. Rhodes looked over his shoulder as the last of the shoppers walked out of the marketplace. "Well, that's it for now. Do you think you can close up while I count the money?"

"I think I can manage," she said.

Diana had helped Ethan and Rhodes pack up before, which was always the last step at the end of the day. Anything that didn't sell had to be returned to one of the locked containers in the cart until it was needed again. Most of the time Ethan did this by himself but on occasion she would lend him a paw. Each piece needed to be individually accounted for before being stored. She began to gather up the jewelry boxes, logging them as she went, and placed them back in the first container making sure to position them so they would not jostle or otherwise move around as they traveled.

Once she was finished she noticed Rhodes had not come back with the money box. Curious, she closed and locked the stock container and emerged from the rear of the cart. With the crowds gone the marketplace seemed eerily quiet. Only the sounds of a few merchants moving around seemed to fill the air. The Doberman archer jumped down to the ground and looked around for her wayward companion. A quick sniff the air still indicated his scent was quite strong, but it was soon overridden by other familiar scents she had not smelled in a while. Diana continued to examine the surrounding area finally locating Rhodes behind the cart where she was surprised to find Ethan and Lydia returned from their errands.

As she came closer she noticed her companions had set up a fire with some food cooking gently on a pan Ethan moved above the flames. Diana came closer to see what Ethan was doing, stopping a few steps away. "So what's all this?" she asked.

"This, my dear, is dinner," he replied. "It's almost ready."

Rhodes pulled out a stool for her. "Have a seat."

Diana looked around warily suspecting there was something her friends were not telling her, but for the moment she sat down without comment. Ethan added a few more spices before finally nodding his approval and extending his hand outward for a plate. Lydia placed one in his grasp a moment later as he artfully arranged meat, vegetables, and a rather aromatic sauce into a beautiful plate which he then presented to her with a flourish of his hand. "It looks delicious," she said.

Ethan gave her a gracious nod. "I hope you like it."

Diana leaned in for a closer look and inhaled the smells of the wonderfully cooked meal. Instantly she was flooded with memories of her home and her family, recalling all the times her mother had prepared this exact dish. It was one of her favorites, having the ability to draw her to the table from anywhere in the residence once she smelled it being prepared. It was then with a knowing smile from Ethan she realized what she had not suspected until now. "This is an Aldrisian recipe," she said.

"Well, almost. I had to substitute a couple of spices but the core concept is the same. I'm no Aldrisian chef but I do hope I at least managed to get it close enough," he said.

"My mother would approve," she replied, tasting the first bite with a gleeful yip. She ate slowly, letting the flavors mingle in her mouth and savoring every bite recalling how long it had been since she had last eaten this meal.

Ethan touched his hand to his chest and offered a gentle bow. "I can think of no higher compliment."

"Where did you find the recipe?" she asked.

"It wasn't easy," Ethan said. "Though you'd be surprised what you can find if you look hard enough." The hawk extended his hand and took her paw in his for a gentle squeeze. "I know you've been missing home a lot lately, and while I can't bring you to Aldris right now, I thought maybe we could bring a little Aldris to you."

Diana blushed deeply, setting her plate down so she could give Ethan a warm embrace. She squeezed tightly, tears flowing down her cheeks as she licked the side of his face several times. "Thank you so much for this. I hadn't realized how much I missed it until now."

"Well, we have the recipe so any time you want me to make it all you have to do is ask," he said.

Diana smiled, thankful to have such wonderful companions. She ate a few more bites, letting the flavors roll around in her mouth with each delicious mouthful. Of all the meals she had eaten since coming to this world, this one was by far the most wonderful. On the surface perhaps it was a simple meal, but not only was it a piece of her home but she was enjoying it with her closest friends.

A pleasant sigh escaped her muzzle as Ethan extended his hand. "Would you like some more? There's plenty for all of us to have seconds."

"I would be delighted," she replied, handing him her plate.

Diana looked around at her companions, and the weight that had held her down the past few days seemed to weaken and fade away. While Diana had no idea how long it would be before she once again set eyes on her home city of Aldris, it no longer seemed quite so distant. Surrounded by her companions, she could not help but smile as no matter where she went, she was home.