Chapter 6 - Lie of omission

Unknown

It felt like being thrown off a waterfall as the world twisted with a thunderous roar. I tried to move but my body refused while my thoughts seemed like molasses.

A sudden pop shook the world and I was thrown into darkness like blasted from a cannon. A great rumble of shattering glass and wood could be heard but I felt little pain at the moment.

That changed a split second later as my body slammed into something solid. I grimaced in pain and latched onto the mysterious object in panic while the world around me seemed to crumble.

Small pieces of debris pelted my body and I felt myself confused regarding what was up and down.

I forced my eyes to open and caught a glimpse of the world. It was almost pitch black but there was something akin to moonlight that revealed a rectangular room filled with cupboards and counters.

Gravity seemed to shift without warning and I felt myself falling backwards, "WHOA!"

Another heavy crash was heard as I fell to the floor and was pelted with items that seemed to shatter as they hit the ground. It felt wet and it smelled sweet while some kind of fog welled up in the air.

Some of it caught in my mouth and I recognized it as flour.

I'm in a kitchen...

I coughed and reached as I grabbed hold of a kitchen-counter and pulled myself up.

My body tingled and the world seemed to spin as I felt something nearby, a presence, aetheric in nature. I turned to look and noticed that the moonlight now fell on a large creature next to me.

A sudden and blinding pain struck my head and seemed to rip the very thoughts from my head.

I blacked out before even hitting the floor.

Unknown

My mind stirred but instinct told me to play dead. I obeyed and took things easy as I remained in place and didn't move a muscle.

I'm alive... That means that someone spared me... How strange...

My body ached and my head pounded as I listened to my senses and the world around me. There was a murmur in the distance and something akin to wind.

My ass hurts for some reason...

I moved a finger and then a toe, everything seemed to work and I squinted to take a look at the world.

I was laying on my back inside a rectangular room made out of wood and the sun was shining through drapes by a window. There was an open door by the end of the room and I found myself confused how I could have been left by myself like this.

My nose itched all of a sudden and I became aware that the air felt thick with scents. There were hundreds of them, strong and weak mixed into a thick and overpowering soup that reminded me of the wulfkins following an excursion.

The drape by the window fluttered and my eyes widened in wonder how someone could be so foolish to let precious warmth escape.

No... The air is warm... humid even... I'm in some other country...

A sudden wheezing cough caught my attention as I looked toward the room exit.

"I'm telling you dad, it has to be some kind of demon," The voice was male and carried a rough rumble like most beast-races.

"*cough* There's no such thing as a demon Talwin," This time the voice was male but clear in the way that humans spoke.

"It appeared out of nowhere and destroyed half the kitchen, we should have informed the guard hours ago," Talwin said.

A beast referring to a human as a parent? How strange for non-wulfkins...

"I understand your worry Talwin, but he's little more than child and you know what the guard is like."

Child!? I'm twenty years old!

"He smells wrong dad, and he most likely knows how to use magic... we're not safe," Talwin said.

A female voice spoke up, "Talwin, what if we had reasoned like that when we found you?"

There were a few moments of silence until Talwin spoke, "Mom..."

The father spoke up, "What do you mean he smells wrong?"

"He smells... Strange, it gives me the creeps, and those red eyes... He's got scars you know," Talwin said.

"Poor child, must have had a though life," The male human answered.

Talwin made a tired sigh of irritation, "You're not listening to me."

They're naive, but the beast seems to have some sense...

My still pounding head demanded attention and I tried to move my arm, to my surprise it wouldn't budge. I glanced down in wonder and noticed that I had been bound up with rope on both arms and legs.

Even worse was the fact that I wore little more than my shirt and that the star of Antalos was missing.

"You've got your own scars Talwin," The female answered.

Talwin groaned, "Can we at least check his backpack?"

The human male answered, "We're not rooting through someone's belongings until we at least have a hint of who he is."

Threads of magic began to spread from my body and I was about to cut the ropes as I thought of something.

I'm lost in a foreign country... They haven't looked through my backpack yet... Killing them would be quite a waste... What if I could make them trust me?

I eased up on the threads around the bed but infested the room just in case I needed it.

My body itched for some reason and I squirmed a little to ease it as I raised my voice, "Hello?"

The discussion in the other room ended in an instant.

Moments later I heard Talwin speak up, "Let me deal with it... Please dad?"

The human male sighed but seemed to relent, "Fine, but go easy on him."

I raised my head and looked toward the entrance as I saw a canine walk into view. Talwin was taller than a human but had a rather slim build covered by thick fur.

The fur reminded me of a mutt but it wasn't messy enough, instead it looked like a flowing mix of gray, light brown, a tad of white, and a red hint that shone in the morning light. His muzzle reminded me of a fox but the ears were too big and fuzzy.

"Hi?" I said once more.

Talwin made a skeptical frown and stepped into the room, he was dressed in a simple pair of brown breeches and a green shirt with short arms.

"What are you?" Talwin asked as he stared at me with his brown eyes while his nose flared as he sniffed the air.

I blinked and tried to seem surprised, "To be honest... I don't know."

Talwin raised his brow in disbelief, "You... Don't know?"

I pulled a little at my restraints but relaxed, "I'm human obviously, for the most part... but my eyes have always caused me trouble wherever I go."

"Are you a mage of some sort?" Talwin asked.

I bent the truth and drew inspiration from my books, "I know a tad of magic and I've served as a mage's assistant, but I'm no mage."

Talwin's muzzle tightened a little, "You wrecked our kitchen. Where did you come from and how did you transport yourself if you're not a mage?"

I tried to draw on their sympathies, "I don't know where I was being kept but I managed to flee through a transporter, I just didn't expect to be taken prisoner again."

Talwin cocked his head, "Who are you fleeing from?"

"My master was attacked, they killed him and I escaped through a transporter in the very last second."

"I thought transporters needed two endpoints, how do you explain that?"

Seems like the beast has an intellect...

I shrugged, "I don't know, I'm not a mage."

An old human male appeared by the opening and stepped inside with something in his hands. Talwin's ears perked as he glanced back with a frown of irritation.

The old human made a slight smile as he threw Talwin a glance, "Relax Talwin."

Talwin crossed his arms as the old man approached my bed and sat down by the edge of it.

"Hi?" I said in wonder as I noticed that the man held what looked like a sandwich and a glass of water.

The old man had thick wrinkles and was bald but wore a kind smile, "My name is George, this is my farm and I live here with my wife Martha and our adopted son Talwin. I'm sorry about the restraints but you caught us quite by surprise when you arrived last night."

Is this what people outside of Everwinter is like?

I blinked in surprise, "Nice to meet you George, I'm Avery... Sorry about your kitchen."

Dammit... Told them my name...

"If we remove your restraints, what will you do?" George asked.

"That depends on you of course, if you want me to leave then I'll take my things and be out of here in an instant."

Talwin sighed, "Dad, you can't be serious."

George glanced back at Talwin, "Talwin, if he's a mage then the ropes won't do a thing, if he's not and tries to hurt us then you're more than strong enough to take him down."

Talwin's tail lashed back and forth as he grumbled, "Fine..."

George set the glass and sandwich aside before starting to undo the ropes, a minute later I was massaging my aching wrists.

"Thank you," I said as I eased myself up against the wall.

George motioned to the table, "Go ahead, I'm sure you must be hungry."

I took a sip of water and then grabbed the sandwich, the bread was soft and carried a wondrous scent that made my mouth water. Spread on top of it was a layer of butter and a few slices of cheese.

It made me gulp in excitement as I bit in and chewed, the taste of it almost burned my taste buds as I ate with a frenzied appetite.

Gods... It's been so long...

Moments later I swallowed it with a pleased gulp and looked up, to my surprise they were both staring at me.

"You were hungry all right," Talwin whispered.

I made a nervous smile, "My master didn't exactly feed me well."

George made a tired groan as he pushed himself onto two legs and motioned for me to follow, "Come on outside, we can talk more."

I pulled the light blanket off me and leaned over the bed, "Excuse me?"

George and Talwin glanced back, "Yes?"

"My coat and the necklace, could I have them back?"

Talwin's frown returned, "Those things had magic in them, and that empty book of yours."

"The necklace is an important heirloom to me, please? I'd like it back."

George gave me a curious glance, "A star of Antalos... as an heirloom. Where did you get it from?"

I shrugged and lied once more, "I've always had it, I don't know who my parents are but I think they gave it to me."

"Talwin says it's enchanted with something, what does it do?" George asked.

"I don't know but the enchantment is so weak that most people can't even detect it."

George looked over at Talwin who spoke up in turn, "He's speaking the truth, compared to the book and the strange coat it's little more than a child's toy."

"Then I see no harm in returning it, will you fetch it Talwin?" George asked.

Talwin seemed ready to protest but then hesitated as he looked over at me, "One misstep or if you so much as touch my parents-"

I pointed to the still throbbing bump on my head, "Then you'll knock me silly, I get it."

Talwin sighed but relented as he walked out of the room along with George.

I rose from the bed and stretched as I walked up to the exit and saw a large room with several sets of windows overlooking a large field. Tall grass with a rich green color swayed in the wind and the edge of a forest could be seen in the distance.

Most of the fields were overgrown with weeds but a few seemed to be growing all kinds of vegetables.

"Is something wrong?" George asked as he looked back at me.

"It's January, right?" I asked.

"Yes, of course?" George said with a raised brow.

I forced a slight smile as I answered, "It's just... it's been a while since I was... this free."

George's expression grew a bit stunned, "Did your master keep you in a cage or something?"

"Almost, I've spent quite a few years underground."

George nodded, "Yes, you're quite pale. Do be careful in the sun."

I nodded, "I will, do you mind if I ask where we are?"

"The closest town is Bellkeep, it's one of the supply routes leading to the capitol."

"I meant... What country are we in?"

"Oh... You must have traveled far. This is the kingdom of Agron, Krobia is northwest of here and the rest is surrounded by ocean."

"Agron... a major exporter of agricultural goods."

George nodded and motioned to the fields outside, "Yes, we have much fertile land and a stable climate, we're a peaceful kingdom, if a bit isolationist."

"I see," I said.

"So where do you hail from Avery?" George asked.

Once more I lied, "My earliest memories are from a caravan, I think they sold me to my master. I have a vague memory of Krobia, it's quite rocky but very beautiful."

George smiled, "Indeed, it is unfortunate that it is sullied by bandits and their corrupt king."

The wooden front door creaked and Talwin entered the house with the star in hand. I watched and held out my hand as he approached.

Talwin seemed hesitant and looked at the star, "You should be careful showing this thing around, the followers of Antalos would be quite agitated to see someone with this."

I made a mental note to read up on Antalos as I answered, "I'm well aware."

Talwin held it out and I took it in my hands, to my surprise the inside of the star itself was no longer swirling with activity. I placed it around my neck and then lifted my shirt to hide it from sight.

"Thank you, I take it you want restitution for your kitchen?" I asked.

Talwin spoke at once with a determined voice, "Yes."

I focused on Talwin, "Then I'll do my best to repay you, and I promise that I'm no danger to any of you."

Talwin drew a deep breath, "Until another group transports into the kitchen and kills us all you mean?"

"I doubt the raiders that killed my master would have the knowledge or the will to follow me here."

"Uh huh," Talwin said as he crossed his arms and eyed me.

Another set of footsteps approached the room and I turned to look as I saw an old human woman walk into the room. She had big glasses perked on her nose and white hair set in a large bun.

"Are you hungry young man?" Martha asked.

"Uh... Yes, I am," I answered.

Martha nodded, "I'll be starting with the evening meal soon, would you like some?"

The prospect of food made me smile, "Oh, yes please."

788 I.C, January 15, Agron: Farm, Evening

I found myself sitting outside the farm-house on an old log, the sun was setting and the air was beginning to cool. All of it felt unreal, the scents, warm air, the constant and somewhat annoying twitter of birds.

It drained me in a way that left me staring into nothingness while my mind tried to wrap itself around the fact that I was now free and the question of what I was supposed to do with it.

The sensory web that I had spread around the farm triggered and I didn't even need to look back as I recognized Talwin's signature. The guy didn't trust me and while problematic I also found it a familiar trait that made sense to my mind.

I looked back and caught his eyes, he seemed surprised that I had noticed and paused for a moment as his ears folded back. His presence in the aether was noticeable but unfocused, it made it clear that he had potential but no training at all.

"Evening Talwin," I called out.

"Evening," Talwin said as he approached and stopped outside reaching distance.

"Do you mind a question?" I asked.

"Go ahead," Talwin answered.

"What are you?" I asked.

Talwin raised his brow, "Me?"

"Yeah, I've never seen someone with fur like yours before."

Talwin frowned in suspicion, "I thought you came from a caravan."

I smiled, "So you overheard my discussion with George?"

"Yes, now explain yourself," Talwin said as his lips tightened.

"I was but a small child and I remember very little of it. Most of my knowledge of the world came from the library my master owned."

Talwin's expression softened in an instant and his ears folded back, "Oh."

I turned around on the log and faced Talwin, "Want to share your own story?"

Talwin glanced away, "I'm a yote."

"A what now?" I asked.

Talwin looked back, "A coyote, from Karashak. We're known as thieves and trouble makers, people don't like my kind... even in a kingdom so forgiving as Agron."

"I see," I answered.

"Martha found me in Bellkeep when I was younger and I've lived with them since. They've become my family."

"Mighty kind of them to take in someone who's not even kin."

Talwin nodded, "Yeah, it was."

"Listen, I don't want to impose but I want my stuff back before I leave, could you fix that?"

"There's still the issue about the kitchen."

"What if I could trade you something? Or help out around the farm?"

"You don't exactly look like the working type, so what do you have to trade?"

"Give me my stuff and we'll see," I answered.

"You're very eager to get your backpack," Talwin said.

"We're talking about the only stuff I have in this world, and your parents had a point earlier. Either take me prisoner or respect my rights as a person, don't waddle some line in between."

"Or what?" Talwin asked.

"If you try to keep me prisoner or hold my stuff, then what makes you any different from the place I just escaped? Furthermore, why should I treat you any different? Treat me like an enemy and I'll treat you like that in return."

Talwin drew a deep breath and seemed to grow a little bigger, "That's quite a threat."

I held out my hand in an open gesture, "How about this, you get me my backpack and we can go through it together. Will that make you trust me?"

Talwin glanced back toward the house and pondered it, "... Fine, wait here."

The coyote walked off while I sent threads of magic following him. They circled and wrapped around his body like a cage, one command and he'd be dead in an instant.

It felt like toying with a rat but it also filled me with a sense of guilt as I could understand him, after all, he only sought to protect those he cared for. I withdrew the threads and waited patiently until he returned from a small shack with my backpack in hand.

Talwin set the backpack on the dusty ground and looked over at me, "Here."

I pointed to one of the side-pockets on the backpack, "There's a knife in there, feel free to take it out if it'll make you feel safer."

Talwin hesitated for a moment but then crouched by the backpack as he opened up the small pouch. Moments later he pulled out a sheathed knife and looked it over.

I got up from the old log and then settled on the dusty ground as I took the backpack and opened it up.

Talwin set the knife aside and glanced into the main pack that was stocked with books, water, and some 'food' from the mess hall.

"Books?" Talwin asked as he cocked his head.

"You take and treasure whatever you have when you're in a tough situation."

Talwin's ears folded back, "I know... I understand that."

I reached in and fetched the package of mushroom bread, it was almost crushed to mush and was starting to leak through the wrapping paper it was in, "Want some food?"

Talwin covered his nose and recoiled in horror as the stench reached him, "What on earth is that?"

"Cooked cave mushroom baked in an oven, it's about the only thing you can grow in a dark cave."

Talwin's muzzle opened in disgust, "You can't be serious? I ate better when I was on the streets."

"Yeah," I smirked to myself and then threw it deep into the wild grass.

"... You were telling the truth, weren't you?" Talwin asked all of a sudden.

I looked back and nodded, "Yeah, I was."

Talwin lowered his head in shame, "I'm sorry."

I closed my backpack in relief that he hadn't insisted I dig deeper, "You're lucky to have parents that care for you Talwin and I understand your need to protect them."

Talwin looked up and nodded, "Yeah."

"Can I tell you something of a secret?" I asked.

"Yeah?" Talwin asked in curiosity.

"As said, I'm not a mage but I may know a trick or two that could help out around here."

"Oh?" Talwin asked.

I looked toward the edge of the farm and motioned to the broken fence it was surrounded by, "We could fix up the kitchen and I can help build a new fence for you. In return you let me stay here for a few days and get to know this new world I find myself in."

Talwin made a slight chuckle, "You're going to use magic to repair a fence?"

"Why not?" I asked while taking a moment to relieve an itch.

Talwin made a big grin and looked toward a rotten pole in the distance, "Go ahead, try it, we'll see how far you get before fainting."

I looked toward the pole in confusion and couldn't but frown a little, "What are you saying?"

Talwin smirked, "Go on, I'd bet my ass you can't even nudge that thing."

Is he serious? Are people with magic aptitude that rare around here?

I risked damaging the trust that had formed between us, but my curiosity had been perked and I found it an interesting experiment to see how he reacted.

Threads of magic shot out and wandered along the ground until it wrapped around the pole like an iron vice. I then lifted my hand to help focus as I pulled at it.

The pole began to shake and resisted followed by a sudden pop that send dirt flying as it erupted from the ground.

Talwin jumped back in fear and landed on his ass while his eyes became like saucers, "HOLY SHIT!"

I flipped the pole and then eased onto the ground as I turned to look at Talwin, "Relax will you."

Talwin's muzzle hung open as he looked at me in shock and fear, "You said you weren't a mage."

"I'm not, I just pulled a rotten piece of wood out of the ground," I answered.

Talwin gulped, "You shouldn't show that kind of power to others, the academy would capture you in an instant."

I raised my brow, "Academy?"

"The mage academy, you haven't even heard of it?"

"Not really, why would they capture me?"

"Anyone who can do little more than light a candle is automatically conscripted."

"Conscripted, why?" I asked.

Talwin exhaled and seemed to relax a little, "It's for all our sakes, mages need to learn how to control their powers and respect the common folk. There's been far too much bloodshed over the years to do anything else."

I cocked my head in wonder, "Bloodshed?"

"The mage war, you know?" Talwin asked.

"Like I said, I've lived my life inside an underground box."

"There's been a lot of wars but the mage war was the biggest of them, it always ends the same though."

"How's that?" I asked.

"No one wins, everyone suffers."

"You'll have to explain a little better than that."

"Mages are powerful, you can do things most of us can only dream of and that leads to... well... what always happens when there's a big difference in power between people."

"One side tries to dominate the other?" I asked.

"Exactly, but it never lasts, mages may be powerful but they cannot be on their guard all the time, poisoned food, a hidden knife, a lover that strikes when you least expect it. No one wins, everyone suffers."

"So you conscript everyone with an aptitude for magic, and do what?" I asked.

"We do what most other countries do, they're taught how to control their powers and we instill understanding and respect for the contract of Mundus."

"The contract of Mundus?" I asked.

"The contract says that offensive use of magic is limited to the army and a few other services, all other uses are either for defensive or harmless purposes, anyone breaking these rules are executed without exception."

"How does one maintain such a system?" I asked.

"Survival mostly, magic can be so destructive that at some point everyone realized that this is the only solution that can work. Even rogue countries and bandits abide by most of the contract."

"So how do you catch someone who decides to break the rules?"

"Anyone sworn into the academy is honor and duty bound to eliminate those breaking the rules, even criminals with magical aptitude tend not to use their powers because the system is so harsh."

"How come you know so much about this?" I asked.

Talwin held up his clawed hand and made a small gap between two fingertips, "I was this close to being dragged off to the academy."

"What happened?" I asked.

"My folks registered me for adoption and I ended up in the census records, a representative from the academy came by and checked me out. My magic wasn't very strong but I'm a yote so they thought they'd put me through the academy just to be on the safe side. Fortunately my parents managed to convince them otherwise."

Martha's voice called out from the house, "Dinner!"

788 I.C, January 15, Agron: Farm, Night

Rastlin's words echoed in my mind...

Stop acting like a fumbling idiot and realize the situation you're in...

So far I was safe and I had learned a few basics about the new world I found myself in. But many questions remained and as my initial shock waned they grew ever more powerful.

What if the master tracked me while I did not wear the star? Did Rastlin lie?

They learned my name and saw my red eyes... I revealed my powers... I smell weird according to Talwin...

I'm clumsy... I need to leave this place... Learn how to survive... Blend in...

They're a liability... Should I kill them all?

"Avery?" Talwin asked.

I looked up from my bed in surprise, "Yes?"

"Something wrong?" Talwin asked with a cocked head.

I'm considering killing these people... Leonard would be disgusted with me...

I made a slight smile, "I'm trying to adapt to my new surroundings, that's all."

Talwin stepped inside and leaned back against the wall, "I know the feeling."

"Oh?" I asked.

Talwin looked down on the floor and grew a distant if uncomfortable expression, "Most of my early memories are a blur these days, but I still remember the first few days I spent on this farm. Strange people, new surroundings, odd rules, at times I longed back to the streets just to have some familiarity."

"Yeah," I said.

"So how did you end up in service of a mage?" Talwin asked.

For the love of...

I looked up, "You know... I'd really like to forget about all that. I know you're curious but I'm struggling just to keep everything together."

Talwin looked at me in silence for a few moments but then seemed to relent, "All right, past is in the past."

"Thank you Talwin."

"So what are you planning to do now?" Talwin asked.

"Well... If I can I'd like to stay here for a few days. After that... do you ever visit Bellkeep?"

Talwin nodded, "Every week, we sell our wares and try to keep in contact with people."

"Maybe I could hitch a ride? Find a job, start a new life somewhere?"

Talwin nodded, "Maybe."

I pointed to my head and the bruise on my forehead, "Were you the one who knocked me out?"

Talwin's ears folded back, "Err... yeah."

"With what?" I asked.

Talwin made a slight smirk that revealed canine teeth, "Frying pan."

I've got shields to stop fireballs and boulders... but in the end a frying pan gets me...

I chuckled, "I see."

"Sorry about that... You scared the shit out of us all."

I nodded and made a solid fist, "Listen, did you find some kind of crystal in the kitchen, about this big, shifting shape and glowing?"

Talwin raised his brow, "No, I think I would notice if there was something like that."

I guess the stone of fate was absorbed by the aether...

"I see, do you think I could have my robe and book back?"

"What do they do?" Talwin asked.

I made a slight grin and leaned back as I met Talwin's auburn eyes, "Still don't trust me?"

"Not entirely," Talwin answered.

"Bring them to me and I'll show you what they do, it's rather cool but harmless."

"Fine... You've already proven that I'd be no match for you anyway."

I snickered to myself, "Me versus you and a frying pan, I wouldn't know."

Talwin huffed and shook his head as he walked out, a few minutes later he appeared with my robe and the tome in hand.

"These things really hum with magic, show me what they do?" Talwin said as he held them out.

I took the robe and slipped it on, "How does it look?"

"Scary, you look like a necromancer of some sort."

I raised my brow, "A necromancer?"

"I guess you haven't heard about that either, the mage war was quite devastating for the continent. The necromancers raised the dead and used them in their armies. Fortunately they were all wiped out."

"I see, well take a look at this," I said as I activated the command spells for the enchanted robe.

The fabric grew warm and began to thin as I imagined a new and relaxed look, in moments the once heavy garment had changed into a light doublet in green with brown buttons and a black trim.

Talwin leaned back in surprise and clutched the tome of Rastlin in his hands, "Whoa..."

"What do you think?" I asked as I buttoned it up.

"You look like a noble from the city, wish I had clothes like that."

"Think I'd fit in?" I asked.

"Not really, too fancy and those eyes are going to stick out like a sore thumb."

"I see," I answered.

Talwin held out the book, "And what about this?"

I took the book and looked it over, it seemed unharmed, "Do you like magic Talwin?"

"Well... I wouldn't want to end up in the academy but I do find it rather interesting."

"Is the academy that awful?" I asked.

"If you're a mediocre or good mage then the academy is great, you get an education, a steady income, interesting work offers. You're drafted but our nation hasn't been involved in war for many years now."

"Then the problem are the border cases?"

Talwin nodded, "Yeah, you're considered a liability to society but you're not powerful enough to be an asset, it's the worst of two worlds."

I nodded and opened the notebook for him to see, "I see. Anyway, this is little more than a glorified notebook."

"What do you mean?" Talwin asked.

I motioned to an empty page, "You write something down and it's saved for later, you can then bring it back. Like a notebook with limitless pages."

Talwin leaned in and cocked his head, "What do you write in it?"

"It's like a diary, so I hope you won't mind if I don't show you."

Talwin leaned back, "Strange to keep a diary for someone who doesn't like to remember the past."

My heart thumped with a sudden flare of anger that made me want to growl. I repressed it and figured that the guy just didn't know when to stop poking the hornet's nest.

"Fine. It's what I dream of, an outlet of fantasies to escape the real world."

Talwin's ears perked, "Oh, yeah... I can relate to that."

"Good... I'm tired, could we call it a night?" I asked.

Talwin nodded and stepped back, "Sure, try to stay in your room will you."

"No problem Talwin, goodnight."

"Goodnight," Talwin said with a slight smile as he stepped out and shut the door.

I listened in silence as I heard his footsteps disappear down the hallway until things became quiet.

The sudden privacy was like a switch in my mind, it made me relax but sent a flurry of instincts and bottled emotions rushing to the surface. It started like a pinch and blossomed like an itch across my body as I rose and started to scritch every inch of my body.

Grah! I rustled my body as scratched the fur on my head as I stretched like an animal.

My legs grew restless and I felt the need to run as the room began to feel cramped. Heat rose within me as I relieved the annoying itch that had built up during the day.

What's going on with me?

Rastlin's lessons came to mind as I settled on the floor and shut my eyes.

Deep breaths... Calm and collected...

The writhing sensation in the back of my mind calmed as I opened my eyes once more and looked up.

The star has changed... Something happened to my body...

I started by lifting the star from my chest, it tingled a little in my hand but the red core of it was solid and looked like solid glass.

"What are you?" I wondered as I tapped the crystal.

In an instant the core came alive and glowed with a red hue as the inside seemed to liquify and swirl. I jumped in surprise and waited but nothing else happened.

"What are you?" I asked once more, this time the crystal did not react.

"At least you're working... Whatever it is you do," I whispered.

I touched the crystal and figured that I could to sense or reach out to it to somehow. To my disappointment I reached the same conclusion as before, it had a weak field that seemed to structure the aether around it but had no signs... no runes... no pathways in the crystal that I could detect.

It was like a black box that wouldn't let me glimpse inside.

I charged a small pulse in my fingertip and then tapped the surface, the aetheric energy jumped into the crystal and created a small flash of red light.

ZAP!

In an instant a powerful zap hit my finger and ripped through my arm with enough force to make me jump back in pain, "OW!"

The star settled down once more and resumed its steady glow as I shook my arm and groaned in pain.

"Dammit... you certainly don't like being poked... do you?"

The crystal did not answer and I sighed as I let it settle around my chest. I then rose and discarded my doublet before wriggling out of my shirt. The dim light from a candle on the bedside table provided little illumination. Instead I held out my hand and summoned forth light.

The small room brightened and gave me a good look of myself.

That's odd...

My eyes widened as my pleasure trail seemed smudged with coal dust. I touched it with one hand and expected it to rub off, to my surprise it had a prickly sensation to it.

_Dirt? Hair... No... It's... FUR! _

My heart began to race as I eased my pants down and saw it cover my crotch like a prickly dusting of black dots.

Why!? Why now!? I thought...

I reached back and felt along the crack of my buttocks, the same prickly sensation hit me and there was something akin to nub at the base.

Tail... It's a bloody tail... I'm...

The thought caught in my head like a wrench thrown into a delicate machine, everything came to a grinding stop as my world shattered. I eased down on the bed and buried my head in my hands as I stared at the floor.

My heart pounded and I could feel the barriers of my mind begin to crumble as something forbidden and repressed began to surface once more.

I tried to repress it and summoned forth fear and anguish as I tried to imagine the ramifications. It didn't work and the sensation kept building like a pot about to boil over.

A big grin spread on my face as I let my hands move through the hair on my head. I felt joy... Relief... An indescribable feeling as sealed off parts of myself began to reassemble and make me whole once more.

I'm a wulfkin...

788 I.C, January 16, Agron: Farm, Morning

My thoughts were interrupted by a noise through the walls, it sounded like someone getting out of bed.

I took it as a signal that it was okay for me to get up as I started to get dressed. So far I hadn't changed any further and despite a thorough look I had found no hint of claws, sharp teeth, pointed ears or changes to my feet.

It conflicted me as any further changes would make it harder to blend in, at the same time my heart beat with the deep seated longing to embrace my inheritance. I pulled my doublet on and then grabbed my backpack as I walked up to the door and opened it up.

The morning sun shone into the house and the air was cool and damp, it was refreshing and the scents were starting to become less annoying as I got used to them.

I stepped out and heard the floorboards creak. Talwin must have heard as I heard hasty footsteps and the click of claws coming my way.

"Morning Talwin," I said as I faced the hallway and saw Talwin emerge from the hallway.

Talwin was dressed in simple shorts and a baggy shirt, his digitigrade legs looked slim but firm with packed muscle and his arms had the solid definition one would expect from a farm worker.

"Morning Avery, where are you going?"

I made a relaxed smile, "I'm just going for a walk in the forest, I never got a chance to do that yesterday."

"With your backpack?" Talwin asked.

I sighed and removed my backpack before crouching down as I opened it up. My hands dug deep as I found one of the pouches with precious gems.

Talwin tiptoed closer as I dug through it and found an amethyst with a fine cut. It was far from the most precious but it would be more than enough to cover whatever refurnishing the kitchen needed, at least if my impression from the traders back in Everwinter was correct.

I hid the piece my hand and shut the backpack as I rose and faced Talwin. His ears folded back a little as if he had gone scared.

"Relax Talwin, if you're worried about your kitchen then take this as insurance," I said as I held out my hand and revealed the gem.

Talwin's eyes grew wide as he saw it, "Is that a gem?"

"Something I took from my master, it should fetch a nice price on any market."

Talwin reached out with his furry hand but then seemed to hesitate, "Are you serious?"

"Take it Talwin, and then stop worrying about my every step."

"Are you sure?" Talwin asked.

I stepped up to him and caught his hand in my own. The fur was thick but dry and lacked the oily texture most wulfkins had. It felt nice and his pads were smooth like fine leather as I placed the gem in his hand and stepped back.

Talwin stared at the gem, "Thanks..."

I grabbed my backpack once more and placed it on my back as I looked toward the door.

"Wait..." Talwin said.

I glanced back with a tad of irritation, "What?"

Talwin pocketed the gem, "Are you leaving?"

I sighed, "No, I'm going for a walk... as I told you."

"Want some company?" Talwin asked as his tail began to wag.

You're starting to annoy me Talwin... Then again... The forests could hold dangers I'm unaware of...

"Sure," I answered with a nod.

I walked over to the door and pushed it open as I noticed Talwin reaching down to the floor. It made me glance back as I saw him fetch what looked like sturdy sandals made for paws.

"You wear shoes?" I asked in surprise.

Talwin made a slight smile, "Trust me, the forest may look friendly but you don't want to be caught out there without paw-protectors."

I cocked my head in wonder, "Snakes?"

Talwin shook his head, "Most snakes in Agron are harmless, just wait and I'll show you."

We headed outside and took a path to the forest. The forest itself was a weird one compared to the pine and spruce trees around Everwinter. These were big, sprawling, and had large amounts of broad leaves covered with morning dew.

I sniffed the air and scrounged my nose as the scents got a tad too intense for my taste.

Talwin kept looking at me with something akin to a bemused smile, "You're handling yourself pretty well for someone who's hardly ever been outside."

"Yeah," I answered as I moved up to one of the tree and poked at the thick bark.

"Here, this is what I was talking about," Talwin said all of a sudden.

I left the tree and walked over to him as I looked down at the ground. It was covered by some kind of vine with small white flowers.

"Poisonous?" I asked as I crouched down.

Talwin shook his head as he reached out and parted some of the vines, "No, this."

Hidden just beneath vines and small leaves were sets of what looked like sharp caltrops. I reached out and plucked one from the ground, it was made out of plant material but was brown like the dirt and its points were sharp and sturdy.

"Yeah, wouldn't want to step on something like this," I murmured.

"And this isn't the only, some of these vines grow in the trees so you can never trust the ground you walk on."

"How do the animals handle it?" I asked as I gathered a few of the caltrops and placed them in my pocket.

"Most animals around here are hoofed herbivores, the carnivores are stealthy and careful. Fortunately we're not on the menu for most of them."

"I see, a very peaceful land," I said as my eyes caught on something nearby, a small bush with bright blue berries, I shuffled on my feet and moved closer for a look.

"Don't touch those," Talwin warned.

"Poisonous?" I asked as I watched the rather beautiful berries.

"Yeah, they're Edenberries."

I glanced up in wonder, "Strange name for a poisonous plant."

Talwin cringed a little, "Yeah..."

I raised my brow, "Something I should know?"

Talwin made a slight sigh, "It's like a soothing drug and it makes you sleepy, problem is that once you fall asleep you never wake up again. It's called the Edenberry because its victims look so relaxed and peaceful."

"I see, what does it taste like?" I asked.

"It's very bitter fortunately, despite that there are many tragic tales around here involving small children that don't know any better and try to eat it."

"Hmm, and if you manage to stay awake, then what?"

Talwin's ears folded back, "That's how they use it in the city, you mix with a lot of stimulants to keep you awake and then have a good time. As long as no one screws up that is."

"You've tried it?" I asked as I rose on two legs.

Talwin looked away as if ashamed, "Yes, though I haven't touched it for many years now."

"Illegal?" I asked.

Talwin rose up and looked at me, "Well... Yeah, but it's no secret that the upper classes use it."

Seems that even a peaceful land like Agron has its fair share of corruption...

I motioned to the rest of the forest, "Anything else I should know?"

Talwin nodded, "Most red berries tend to be safe while blue and black are the reverse, both of them have exceptions though so don't eat anything unless you're absolutely sure it's safe."

My stomach growled a little and I found myself looking back toward the house, "I see. Want to head back?"

Talwin nodded, "Yeah."

788 I.C, January 16, Agron: Farm, Evening

Working with wood was easy, threads of magic cut through it like paper and with a precision that would take hours with other tools. Even hammering was unnecessary as it took little more than a forceful bump of aether to push nails into place.

I could feel someone stare and glanced to the side as I caught sight of George.

George watched with amazement, "I thought you said you weren't a mage Avery."

"This isn't anything special George, besides, it should be fully legal according to what Talwin's told me."

George nodded, "Still, this is mighty impressive and the kitchen is almost back to normal. All it needs now is a bit of lacquer."

"Thank you, could I ask you not to talk about it with others? I wouldn't want to get caught up with the academy as you call it."

"Hmm..." George mused.

"What?" I asked.

"The academy is going to be a problem unless you can prove citizenship with another nation."

"I don't have anything like that," I answered.

George crossed his arms, "Yes, I realize that."

A bemused but slight chuckle came from the other end of the kitchen, I turned my head and saw Martha stirring a large pot on the stove.

Martha noticed and glanced over as she spoke up, "Go on George, help the young man out."

I glanced back at George, "What is she talking about?"

George seemed to ponder it in silence for a few moments, "I'm an old military man myself and my duties gave me plenty of contact with the Bellkeep underground."

"The Bellkeep underground?" I asked.

George met my eyes, "Don't misunderstand boy, like most of Agron they are something of a civilized sort and deal mostly in information and black market goods. The kingdom keeps a blind eye to their activities as long as they do not stray or threaten the crown."

"I think I understand, they help solve problems and maintain channels that the crown would find embarrassing?"

George made a pleased smile, "Exactly, over the years I built up many contacts and it serves to maintain such relations."

"You think you can help me?" I asked.

George nodded, "I could, but they don't work for free I'm afraid."

Two perked ears appeared by the edge of the room, moments later Talwin glimpsed inside and spoke up, "That's not going to be a problem dad."

George glanced back, "What do you mean?"

Talwin held out his furred hand, "I think we can trust him."

George held out his hand and Talwin dropped the gem I had given him earlier, "Oh my, this is quite the stone."

Talwin made a big canine grin and I could see his tail wag in excitement, "Do you think it's enough?"

George draws a wheezing breath without warning and covers his mouth as he makes a raspy cough, moments later he recovers and nods, "Enough to fake a writ of citizenship at least, perhaps from one of the other continents. It would fit with his red eyes..."

These people are turning out to be quite useful...

"What was that about my eyes?" I asked.

George glanced up from staring at the gem, "I've seen and heard much throughout the years but red eyes are not part of it. People and institutions are going to remark on it wherever you go. The other continents are clouded in mystery and could provide an excuse as the kingdom would be hesitant to lay hands on a guest from afar."

"You're not scared of spies?" I asked.

George smiled, "Our nation plays on neutrality but keeps a strong standing army and navy. The kingdom monitors but doesn't intervene with foreign spies as we are confident they will come to the conclusion that trade is a far better deal than warfare."

"You're proposing that I play the role of a foreign spy?" I asked in amazement.

"At present I don't see what choice you have, you could hide in the middle of nowhere but if you ever plan to stay in the cities or move around then you will be caught sooner or later."

"What if I tried to leave the country?" I asked.

"Smuggling you through the walls would cost more than this gem and be quite risky, and I'm not asking you to play a spy, just informing you that the kingdom might label you as such."

"It seems like the crown has quite the influence over this nation."

George nodded, "Yes, it does and the people are quite happy with the agreement."

"No offense, and know that I am quite grateful, but why would you do such a thing for a stranger?"

George walked over to his wife and gave her shoulder a tender touch, "There comes a time in life when you look back and have to face your regrets. Old sins cannot be forgiven but helping others can ease the pain."

Part of me wanted to shut up but my mind was intrigued, "And what if helping me turns out to be a bad thing?"

George looked back at me, "When I look at you I see a young man hardened into a survivor... It's the way you carry yourself, the stare, the way you look around and keep an eye on the exits, it's the behavior of a predator. You are dangerous and I have no doubt about that."

"So why help me?" I asked.

"So far you have stayed your hand and I'm getting the impression that you will walk your path without bloodshed if you can. I think that helping and opening up a path for you is a safer alternative than forcing you into a corner."

I stared and began to realize once more that in my ignorance I had severely underestimated yet another. This man may not have known what I was, but somehow he had seen through part of my nature from the very start.

Whether it was luck or not the stone of fate had clearly placed me in a spot of fortune.

"I am very grateful for your help, if you ever need something from me then know that I will do my best to return the favor."

788 I.C, January 16, Everwinter: Central Tower, Night

A single blue wisp leads the way, its light banishes the shadows and make the obsidian walls glitter with patterned runes. Three wulfkin follow with heavy steps and the occasional rattle of armor.

First in line is Amarok Snapjaw, commander of the wulfkin forces and chosen speaker of the master.

Second in line is Doros Fangweth, hardened veteran and rising magistrate in service of Everwinter.

Following the two is Raul, a recently matured wulfkin given the master's blessing.

Amarok and Doros keep their eyes locked in front, they ignore the noises hidden in the darkness and focus on the task at hand.

Raul is neither as experienced nor as hardened and his eyes wander into the depths of darkness. His heart thumps and his scent carries the iconic signature of fear. He can see them hiding in the darkness, blue glittering crystal and the outline of ragged fur stretched against bone.

They whisper to the young wulfkin and his ears clamp to his head in an attempt to shut it out.

The hallway widens and the wisp lifts into the air as it brightens into a star that reveals a large dome.

Crystals intertwined with helidyte line the dome and they all focus on a machine in the very center of the room. The machine is made out of delicate obsidian carved with runes so fine that it would require a magnifier to make it out.

Cabling from top to bottom of the central tower converge on this place and turns into a writhing mass coupled with the grand machine. The top of the machine houses a delicate metal structure of spikes pointing to a centerpiece. Most of the spikes are melted and small fragments of red crystal is spread around the room.

The trio enters the large dome and stops in front of the grand device. Amarok's calm begins to fade as he is touched by a shiver that makes his fur stand on end.

A shadow rests in the back of the dome and creates what looks like a gaping hole that even the wisp's light cannot reach. The shadow seems to slither along the ground and gives the grand machine a wide berth as it approaches.

Raul's tail tries to hide as he clenches his hands, he doesn't want to remember, he doesn't want to be here. It makes him want to run but he remains frozen in place as he counts the seconds one by one.

The aether shivers as a command is uttered...

• Report -

Amarok tries to speak but his throat locks up for a moment, he forces himself to swallow as he steels himself, "The mages have repaired the sabotage done to the transporters, they have been unable to track the unauthorized transport. Titan, the new-"

Amarok is interrupted as another command is uttered through the aether, it makes him cringe as it wracks his mind.

• I have sensed the star - It is south -

"S... South?" Amarok stutters as he asks himself if the master truly intends for them to seek all that is south of Everwinter.

The shadow inches closer and flares as it seems to eat and absorb the blue light cast in the room. The temperature drops and the fur of the wulfkins grow white as a dusting of ice crystals form.

• FIND - THE - STAR -

Looking at the shadow becomes difficult as it warps reality around it.

"Yes master," Amarok answers as he lowers his gaze.

• More is required - 20 - Per day -

Amarok's mind rushes with worry at the implications, the humans will notice, rebellion is in the air. He finds it unwise but does not raise his objection, instead he reasons that they will simply have to be discrete.

"As you say master, 20 per day," Amarok answers.

The shadow shifts and a faint outline can be seen by the very edge of it.

A tingle runs down Raul's spine, he can feel it, watching him, it makes it difficult to breathe.

Amarok steps closer, "Master, the seer is-"

Amarok's voice cuts short as something grips his throat in an iron vice, he squirms but cannot even wheeze as he lifts from the floor.

• THE STAR -

Amarok screams in his mind as acknowledgment, he obeys and begs forgiveness. In an instant he is dropped to the ground and stumbles back while clutching his throat. The urge to cough almost overwhelms him but he holds it back in desperation.

• This is the chosen? -

Doros steps out-of-the-way and glances back at Raul, the young wulfkin near panics as he notices that Amarok does the same and nods.

Raul's body begins to shake, "W- What!?"

• Fear not - You are chosen -

Doros locks eyes with the young wulfkin, "Stay here, you will not be harmed."

Raul can barely breath as his mind screams in panic, "You- You can't leave me here."

Amarok turns his back while still clutching his throat, he cannot speak and he is relieved for it.

Doros smiles and steps up to Raul, "Relax Raul, there is no need to fear. The master will make you stronger for all of Everwinter, your parents will be so proud. As will all wulfkin, you are chosen, it is a great honor."

Raul shakes his head over and over again, it is the only thing he can do as his mind crumbles, "Please?"

Doros takes Raul's shoulders in a firm grip, "There is nothing to fear Raul, soon you will be by the side of your pack once more. Trust me, do as you are told and stay."

Raul can no longer speak and his vision blurs as his mind burrows itself in pleasant memories, the den, the pack, mother and father, warmth and joy.

Amarok is already leaving and Doros lets go.

In panic Raul reaches out but feels his hand smacked out-of-the-way as Doros snaps with a feral snarl of anger, " STAY!"

Raul feels himself freeze into place as his mind struggles to cope, Doros is talking the truth, everyone will be proud, the pack will welcome him, everything will be just fine.

The wisp of magic leaves with surprising haste, in mere moments the dome has gone dark and Raul finds himself surrounded by darkness and distant whispers.

Amarok's steps pick up pace, he doesn't want to hear or feel what is about to come, it scares him. Doros lags behind and Amarok looks back in irritation, to his surprise Doros is watching the darkness with interest.

The distant sound of skittering claws can be heard, it pulls and scrapes against the stone floor.

"No... NO! PLEASE!" The whimper is one of fear and anguish.

Amarok looks ahead and his ears clamp to his head in an attempt to block out the noise.

A blue ripple of light runs through the obsidian walls as the cry picks up pitch and turns into a guttural scream of horror. The scream arches in fervor and turns into a canine cry that is ended by a sudden crack like shattering glass.

Amarok stares in front as the walls bloom with a blue glow that illuminate hundreds of looming figures hiding in every cranny of the hallway.

In moments the light fades and cloaks the tower in darkness once more.