Chapter 7 - Margin of safety

788 I.C, January 17, Agron: Farm, Morning

Things were peaceful but my mind would not relax as a creeping sensation grew in my mind. I needed to keep moving, I needed maps, information, I needed to make sure that I was safe and well out of reach from Everwinter.

Talwin's family offered a path that would keep the authorities out of my fur but I found myself edgy at the thought of being bound by them.

It made me sigh as I focused on the Tome of Rastlin in my hands.

'Iron Rust' I thought to myself.

The pages filled with instructions and I felt relief that it worked as intended.

'Cloak' I thought.

The pages grew blank.

'Life Crystal'

The tome hummed with energy as the pages filled once more, the writing was complex and many of the materials were foreign to me. Worse was the sheer amount of preparation needed as I found myself flipping pages packed with instructions.

Something useful... Something that will help me right now...

'Cloak Eyes, Eye Color, Eyes, Illusion' Nothing seemed to work.

I'm doing this the wrong way... I'm using it like a dictionary...

I took a deep breath and asked myself what I wanted, the means to hide my nature.

The pages filled once more and my eyes caught on the title, 'The Art of Transmutation'. What followed were a number of alchemical recipes that were sensitive to aetheric manipulation.

Guess Rastlin used it as a cookbook as well...

One recipe in particular caught my attention, it was a drinkable concoction that could suffuse the body and even spread into hair and fur. An underlined note highlighted its power as even dead flesh could be given a living luster under the right circumstances.

Inspiration struck as I fetched paper and pencil before starting to write down the ingredients. I had no idea if the changes to my body were a sign of things to come or not but it seemed like this concoction could provide a solution that would keep me safe in either case.

Excitement filled my heart as I thought of being in control of my own fate, I was free and the world was now my playground.

Mere moments later there was a knock on the door, I shut the tome, and threw on my shirt, "Yeah?"

"Want breakfast?" Talwin asked from outside the door.

I fetched my doublet, buttoned it up, grabbed the note of ingredients, and stood up as I walked over and opened the door, "Sure."

Talwin stepped back in surprise as his ears perked, "You seem happy?"

I smiled and nodded as I stepped out, "That's because I am."

Talwin made a sheepish smile and motioned toward the dining room, "Any special reason?"

I joined Talwin's side, "My master was quite the alchemist, I'm hoping I might have a solution for my red eyes."

"I see, that's good."

I handed him the note as we walked into the dining room, "Do you know these ingredients?"

George and Martha were already seated and the scent of fresh bread, tea, and marmalade filled the room with a sweet and enticing scent.

"Morning Avery," George said with a curious glance as I got seated.

"Morning George, Martha, may I join in?"

George motioned to the table, "I don't mind, you're a welcome form of excitement here at the farm."

I grabbed a piece of bread and spread some of the sweet marmalade on top as I felt my mouth water.

"Thank you, I know you said you served in the army, but I don't think I fully understood in what role?"

Martha adjusted her glasses and smiled as she looked my way, "My husband served in the intelligence corps, he was well respected in the underground for his cunning if somewhat brash approach to things."

George raised his brow and gave Martha a bemused glance, "Why not share your own story instead of mine?"

Martha chuckled and sipped her cup of tea, "Me? I was but a mere maid, a servant for the noble folk."

George made a short chuckle followed by dull cough that made him cover his mouth, "A mere maid known as the Crimson Rose."

Martha paused for a moment and stared into her cup, "Yes, those were the times."

"Dad?" Talwin asked as he held out the list of ingredients.

George glanced up and took the list, "What's this?"

"List of ingredients, I can't recognize some of them, do you know?" Talwin asked.

George flipped it open and held it to his face as he read, after a few moments he raised his brow in wonder and gave Talwin a sharp glance, "Why would you need something like this?"

Talwin raised his hand and pointed a claw at me, "Not me, Avery."

George looked over at me and tapped a finger on the list, "A couple of these are restricted goods, not to mention expensive."

"Which ones?" I asked.

"Malicyte, a mineral, and this one, Writhseed."

"Any reason why?" I asked.

George shrugged, "No clue, you'd have to ask the academy about that. Why do you want it?"

"My master knew a rather fancy trick, I think I can use it to hide the color of my eyes."

"I see, well it's going to cost you but I think you can find all of this in Bellkeep."

"Seems like Agron has quite the black market."

George made a bemused smile, "There are different types of restricted goods. These are rather harmless as far as I remember and I've turned a blind eye on it numerous times. It also gave us quite a bit of leverage if we needed to pressure someone."

"I see."

"Then there's stuff like helidyte, straight line to the gallows it is."

My heart skipped a beat and I hoped my facial expression didn't betray me as I cocked my head in wonder, "Helidyte?"

"A dark metal from the far north, I'm not sure what it was used for but it's been banned by royal decree for centuries."

"Hmm, can't say I've ever heard of it."

Why would these people be so scared of helidyte? Or maybe it isn't the metal itself... it's what it enables...

George nodded, "That's no surprise, the ban reaches over most of the continent."

"I see, do you think it would be safe to visit Bellkeep?" I asked.

George sipped his tea and nodded, "Yes, as long as you stay in the outer districts. Talwin could take you in a few days and point you in the right direction."

"I appreciate it."

788 I.C, January 17, Agron: Farm, Evening

I cocked my head in curiosity as I watched Talwin trying to shove a rigid wooden bar underneath a large boulder in the field. It was toiling, inefficient and quite annoying to see him struggle.

"You sure you don't want any help?" I asked.

Talwin glanced up, "Once you start relying on magic you go weak, I'm fine."

"Is this about the new fence?" I asked as I looked around at the new fence that surrounded the farm.

It still needed some work but it was a big change compared to the old rotten one.

"No," Talwin muttered.

I sighed and leaned back on the new fence, "Just let me help out? That looks like torture."

"No," Talwin answered as he kept pushing the bar in place.

Stubborn ass...

"When do you think we can go to Bellkeep?" I asked.

"Few days," Talwin murmured.

My lips twitched in irritation, I was bored, irritated, and there was a pressure building inside me.

"Do you know how to use a sword?" I asked.

Talwin's ears perked as he gave me a confused stare, "What? No!"

I raised my brow, "You people amaze me."

"Why?" Talwin asked.

I motioned to the farm, "You live in the middle of nowhere, two geriatrics and a beast. The smallest band of bandits could come here and you wouldn't stand a chance."

"My parents are quite capable," Talwin said with a frown.

"Uh huh, George is ill you know," I said.

Talwin froze and stared at the boulder.

"I see," I said.

Talwin looked up, "What?"

"I had a suspicion when I heard him coughing earlier, it gets pretty bad at times, doesn't it?" I asked.

Talwin gulped, "Yeah, he's got trouble breathing."

I stared at him and saw Talwin in a new light, he was like one of the humans in the lower levels. Capable, but beaten, defeated, and now clinging in desperation to those that had shown him any kindness. The moment they died was the moment Talwin would find himself on the streets again.

"What are you going to do when they die?" I asked.

Talwin's ears folded back while his muzzle hardened as he glared at the boulder, "I don't want to talk about it."

"They're old Talwin, if Martha's lucky she's got another decade and George has rock-lung or something like it. He's not going to live long."

Talwin's lips pulled back with an angered growl, "SHUT UP!"

I crossed my arms and sighed as I looked away.

This isn't my business... They're not kin... Just use them and get out...

"I'll take over the farm, I'll live here," Talwin said after a few moments.

I looked around the farm once more, most of it was run down, the house was old and there were few animals. The fence was new and there were a few fields growing vegetables but that was about it.

"How much money do you get from the vegetables you sell?" I asked.

"A few silvers a week," Talwin answered with a sour tone.

"Is that a lot?" I asked in wonder.

"No," Talwin answered.

"Enough to pay off the taxes for this much land?"

Talwin was silent and kept staring at the ground.

"Let me guess, your parents get to keep this land and receive a bit of money for their service to the crown. But you won't inherit a thing... will you?" I asked.

Talwin's squeezed the wooden bar with so much force that it was dented by his claws, "No."

Something dawned on me as I realized that George and Martha must have seen this from a mile away.

They weren't just helping me out of kindness, they were testing me and on some level they hoped that Talwin would latch onto me and leave the farm.

I'm not sure I like that...

I pushed off the fence and walked up to the large boulder, "Talwin?"

A sudden snarl filled the air as Talwin threw the bar aside and snapped at me in anger, "SHUT UP! You're our guest! How dare you!?"

Talwin glared at me and panted as his hackles rose while his tail snapped back and forth.

Oh... I like you Talwin... You almost remind me of home...

"You've been thinking about this a lot, haven't you?" I asked.

Talwin's lips twitched, "I told you to shut up! You do as told or you get out!"

I felt like hurling the rock out-of-the-way and to teach him a harsh lesson, It almost made me smile as my heart picked up pace in excitement.

Something stopped me though as the plan seemed reckless and his parents might interpret it in the wrong way. Rastlin was right, I needed finesse and to stop blundering around like an idiot.

I stepped back and forced myself to relax, "I'm sorry Talwin, I'll let you cool off for a bit."

Talwin averted his gaze and kept panting as I walked away and left him in the setting sun.

788 I.C, January 17, Agron: Farm, Night

I was sitting inside my room with my eyes shut as I focused on my inner self. There was something inside me, writhing in irritation and frustration, it needed to get out, to run and feed.

The focusing lessons helped me control it but I found myself with a new longing just to let go and follow it. Running in the forest, tracking prey, hunting, the mere thought made my mind tingle.

So what's stopping me?

I shook myself and took a deep breath as I focused on my surroundings. The aether felt different out here, it hummed with an energy that didn't exist in Everwinter and it was far more chaotic than I was used to.

Maybe this is what's driving me wild... Now that I'm no longer in range of the central tower's draining effect...

The lack of blessed wulfkins and obsidian had another effect as well. It allowed me to spread my influence far and wide. It was a tiring experiment but there were now threads of aetheric magic seeping through the house and farm like an infestation.

I could feel movement in the threads and realized that Talwin was getting up from his bed. His aether shifted and pulsed as if he was angry and I imagined that our heated discussion was still on his mind.

Time to get busy...

I rose and let magic seep into my doublet, the cloth changed to envelop me like a black uniform as I tiptoed to the door and leaned in with my ear to listen.

Talwin grumbled under his breath as he pulled on paw-protectors and then left the house. I followed like a silent specter as I let the threads of magic stabilize the floor boards to keep them quiet.

The fresh air had a cool if refreshing effect as I found myself bathed by the gray glow of the twin moons. It helped illuminate the farm and I could see Talwin moving through the fields as he headed toward the tall grass beyond.

I followed in his footsteps and watched as he stopped to look up at the moons.

Is this the right approach?

The wind carried Talwin's scent, It was canine, male, and it carried the signature that I now thought of as 'Coyote'. It was perplexing but I found myself drawn to it as if he was a distant kind of kin.

Talwin still hadn't noticed me as I made my way up to a fence-post and eased myself onto it. I settled on top of it as if I had been there all along while I let my legs sway.

I glanced up and found myself enthralled like Talwin, the night sky was beautiful and filled with a wide band of stars that carried the slightest hue of red and blue.

"Beautiful night, isn't it?" I asked out loud.

A loud rustle in the grass could be heard followed by a yelp of surprise as Talwin jumped in fright.

I looked at him and grew a mischievous smile as I noticed that his fur had bristled like a porcupine.

Talwin clutched his chest while the tail hid, "Holy shit... Avery, how long have you been there?"

"A while," I mused.

"What the hell are you doing out here?" Talwin asked as his tail grew slack.

I motioned to the night sky, "I used to sneak out at times and look at the night sky, I dreamed of freedom and the wide world, things felt pretty hopeless back then."

"Uh huh," Talwin said.

"Still thinking about our argument earlier?" I asked.

Talwin's ears flattened as he looked away and didn't answer.

"The world can be cruel and sometimes it's easier to ignore problems. The problem is that pushing it forwards won't work forever," I said.

Talwin drew a deep breath and faced me, "You're an asshole Avery."

"Maybe, but can you say that I'm wrong?" I asked.

"I know that the world is cruel, I know what's coming, I'm not stupid," Talwin said.

"They lied to you, you know," I said.

"What!?" Talwin snapped in surprise.

"Your aptitude for magic is stronger than you think, and you can do a lot more than light a candle."

Talwin stared, "Why would you say something like that?"

I looked up at the twin moons and could almost see them chase each other, "Because I can feel it, all the way from here, your body beats with the potential to wield aetheric energy."

"I have no intention of joining the academy."

I hopped off the post and fetched a nearby pair of sticks from the ground, "Want to spar a little?"

"Whatever it is you're trying to do Avery, it's not working."

I walked up to Talwin and stopped just out of reach, "Come on? Humor me?"

Talwin sighed in irritation, "Why are you doing this?"

I smiled in delight, "Because I think you need a chance to let off some steam."

"Do you have any idea how to use a sword? Or is that just your overblown ego talking?" Talwin asked.

"Spar with me and we'll see," I said as I threw him a stick.

Talwin made a reluctant growl as he snatched hold of it while I raised my own like a sword.

"How do we start?" Talwin asked.

"Like this," I answered as I moved forward and made an obvious strike from above.

Talwin tensed up in surprise but seemed to have some sense as he raised his stick to block. The two sticks collided with a solid clack that made Talwin step back.

"You all right?" I asked.

"You're a lousy swordsman if that's the best you've got," Talwin muttered.

"Ready yourself," I said as I moved in once more.

Another strike from above, one from the side, a push, a feint, and I found myself with an opening. He had no chance as I made a low swing that struck his leg and made him whimper as he stumbled back.

"Stop!" Talwin cried out.

"Reality will chase up to you Talwin, whether you like it or not," I said.

"Shut up," Talwin snapped in anger.

"You can't protect yourself or your family and when they die the streets will be the only thing left."

Talwin's hackles rose as he took on a more feral pose while a rumbling growl entered his voice, "Don't push any further Avery... I'm not pleasant when I get angry."

This I have to see...

"Come on then, show me what you've got?"

" Avery ," The growl darkened as his lips began to tremble and drip drool in anger.

"You were the underdog even on the streets, weren't you? Yote?" I taunted.

Talwin became like a lit thunderkeg bristling with anger as he roared and leaped at me with the stick in full swing. The two pieces of wood struck once more and crumbled in splinters.

His anger did not fade as he lunged forward in an attempt to snatch hold of me. Old memories and lessons woke to life inside me and prompted another painful reminder of Everwinter. Lessons that had been drilled into my psyche for years.

It was easy to clip his strike and grab hold of his arm as I used his momentum to my advantage. I pulled at him like a slingshot and let one leg kick him off-balance before letting go.

Talwin hurtled forward and slammed into the heavy grass with an oomph of surprise. He groaned and then growled as he looked up with a glaring hatred burning in his eyes.

I motioned for him to try once more, "Come on Talwin."

GRAH! Talwin leaped up and began to swipe at the air like a wild beast trying to claw me.

I jumped back over and over staying just out of reach, it was amusing if a bit cruel.

"GRRASTARD!" Talwin's expression distorted with fury as he made another leap forward.

I smirked but felt something catch on my foot, it tripped me and was enough to make me stumble. Talwin's clawed hands snatched hold of my uniform like hooks and his momentum sent us both falling.

My body slammed into the ground and triggered a flurry of emotion as things went from a teasing game to potential danger. Talwin made something akin to a growling scream that sent spittle flying in my face. The sight of his fangs and open maw was like staring at Raymond and it made something panic inside me. I reached up and caught his shoulders in an attempt to shield myself.

"Not so cocky now! Are you!?" Talwin screamed as he gripped hold of my arms and wrested them to the ground as he pinned me.

The sudden fear and panic that enveloped me made threads of aetheric magic shoot out. It circled Talwyn like knives ready to slice him to pieces. It was only at the last second that my mind snapped into gear and made me realize that I was far away from Everwinter.

Talwin's anger seemed to fade and took on a scared expression, "Are you all right?"

My heart pounded and I found myself in pain as every beat grew stronger and sent a rippling ache coursing through my body. It made me pant while anger flared inside my chest.

"Your eyes... they're glowing..." Talwin whispered as he eased his grip on me.

I took advantage of it and twisted my body as I pulled him to the side. He toppled over and slammed into the ground as we lay side to side.

Time seemed to slow down as the two of us stared at each other.

"What do you say we stop fighting?" I asked while struggling to keep my nerves under control.

"Yeah," Talwin said with a sudden look of worry as his ears folded back.

The anger began to fade and nausea took its place as a drained sensation washed over me. I tried to relax my hands but they clung to Talwin's arms like vices, it took willpower to force them into relaxing as I let go.

Talwin shuffled back a little and held his arms, "You've got the grip of anogre."

I rested my head against the ground and panted as exhaustion began to overwhelm me.

"Talwin?"I whispered.

"What?" Talwin said with a cautious glance.

"I'm sorry about what I said, I'm a ginormous jerk but it wasn't a lie."

Talwin frowned and seemed ready to protest, something shifted in his mind as he answered, "I know."

The two of us just drew breath staring at each other, minutes passed before he spoke up once more.

"Your eyes stopped glowing."

"That's good," I answered.

"What are you?"

I shrugged, "I don't know."

"Has anything you've said been the truth?"

"Yes, most of it in fact," I answered.

Talwin looked at the ground, "I have no idea if you're telling the truth."

"We're alike Talwin, you and I. We're both outcasts, we've both suffered at the hands of others."

"Your point?" Talwin asked as he rolled onto his back and looked up at the sky.

"I could use someone I can trust and understand, we could walk the earth like comrades."

What the hell am I saying?

Talwin chuckled, "You trust me?"

"So far you're the only that makes any sense to me, I trust that."

Talwin shook his head, "Why would I want something like that?"

"Because... That's the only thing you can do."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Talwin asked.

I rolled onto my back and watched the starry sky, "This place makes you happy at the moment but it won't last. It's going to be death of you and George knows it, Martha knows it and you know it deep down."

"I could do a thousand things that doesn't involve traveling with a maniac like you."

"A maniac with gemstones? A will to survive? Someone who can teach you magic and knowledge you can only dream of?"

Talwin was silent.

"Someone who needs you," I said as a final point.

"Someone who needs me?" Talwin whispered.

Part of me felt confused as I watched the stars above. On some level it seemed insane to recruit someone that was neither kin nor experienced.

So why am I doing this?

The answer rose in my mind but I found it a rather pathetic one.

I'm lonely...

The stars glittered in the night sky and for some reason they seemed to brighten. Yellow streaks formed like rushing currents that weaved along the twin moons.

I blinked and the strange visage faded while I spoke up, "We could travel all over the world, Krobia, Karashak, other continents. Perhaps even visit the archive of Alexus?"

"Does that place even exist?" Talwin asked.

I turned my head and looked over at Talwin, "You've read the book?"

"It's a popular one, I think most people have read it."

"So what do you say Talwin? I could teach you a lot, and you could teach me about this world in return."

Talwin blinked as he stared at the night sky, "We were both at each others throats moments ago."

"So? A good fight once in a while helps clear the head, doesn't it?"

Talwin turned his head and gave me an odd look, "Not a lot of humans understand that."

I huffed and relaxed in the tall grass, "I know."

"What are you?" Talwin asked.

"Come with me and I might tell you one day."

788 I.C, January 18, Agron: Farm, Morning

Something tapped my leg and I snapped awake. My eyes flashed open and I found myself looking at a strange scene. Tall green grass surrounded me and there was a blue sky obscured by George's wrinkled face.

"What in the blazes are you doing?" George asked as he loomed over me.

I sat up and rubbed my neck while Talwin rose beside me and made a wide canine yawn.

"Must have fallen asleep," I said as I glanced up at George.

George had a confused if rather concerned look, "Out here? In the field?"

Talwin stayed quiet as I spoke, "It was a beautiful night and I wanted to have a look at the stars. Talwin joined me and I guess we just fell asleep."

George frowned and pointed the cane at Talwin, "And what about all the growling and snarling, why did you do that Talwin?"

Talwin glanced over at me for a moment while his ears folded back, "We were... uh..."

I smiled, "I haven't met a lot of beast-folk to be honest, we were just fooling around and I was curious what sounds he could make."

George raised his brow in disbelief, "Is this true Talwin?"

Talwin made a sheepish smile and glanced up, "Yeah. We were just fooling around."

George sighed and set his cane on the ground, "Children, both of you. Anyway, there's breakfast if you want."

Talwin got up and made an awkward smile as he started walking toward the farmhouse. I got up as well but found my path blocked as George raised his cane in my way.

"Avery?"

"Yes?" I asked as I faced him.

"What are you wearing?" George asked.

I glanced down at the uniform, it was pure black and I realized that my subconscious must have snatched a design straight from Everwinter.

Don't make me kill you old man...

"My clothes are enchanted, I can shape and form them however I want, why?" I asked.

George observed me in silence, the seconds ticked by and even Talwin stopped walking as he glanced back.

"What?" I asked as I focused on the old man.

George seemed troubled but then lowered his cane once more, "We don't call them beast-folk around here. Fur is more pleasant, isn't it?"

I nodded, "Duly noted."

"Talwin will take you to Bellkeep tomorrow if you want."

"That would be wonderful, thank you."

788 I.C, January 18, Agron: Farm, Midday

I glanced out the window and noticed Talwin in the field like yesterday, once more he was working on that damn boulder in the center of the field.

"Avery?" George asked from behind me.

I glanced back and saw him standing by the hallway, he was staring in a way that I didn't like.

Does he know? Has he figured out what I am?

"Yes George?" I said with a pleasant voice.

I had been quick to change my clothes into something simpler, but I feared that the damage may have already been done. George started coughing without warning and almost doubled over as he struggled to breathe.

"Are you all right?" I asked.

George raised his hand as if to stop me and made a strained expression as he kept coughing. Moments later he stopped and glanced at his hand, his eyes widened a little while he closed his fist and held it out of sight.

"I may have something that can help you with that cough, it won't cure you, but it will keep you alive for a while longer," I said.

George stood tall and gave me a determined stare that almost made him look intimidating, "I may have misjudged you."

I cocked my head, "Maybe, does this mean you won't help me?"

George stepped closer, "What are you?"

"I don't know."

"Bullshit," George said.

"Like you said George, I'm dangerous. Don't dig too deep."

"Are you a danger to Talwin as well?"

I stepped closer and eyed the old man, "Your 'son' has magical aptitude, more than most people I'd wager. Why did you keep him out of the academy?"

"He wouldn't have survived there, Talwin was a violent and troubled young fur. We've shaped him into what he is today, it was a labor but well worth it."

"You've done a good job, and I'm not patronizing you."

"Are you a danger to Talwin?" George asked once more.

"You planned for me to take him under my wing, didn't you? And now you're wondering if you were wrong."

George's expression hardened with a frown, "Don't get too cocky mage. Even us common folk have weapons that can kill you."

"Oh? Like what?" I asked.

"Like a bomb under your feet, or a crossbow with a bolt of crystal that can pierce shields."

So that's how it is...

Threads of magic emerged from me and began to creep through the floorboards as I began searching.

"I'm not willing to test your bluff so I'll be as honest as possible. I'm not a danger to Talwin, if anything I'm the only one that can protect and teach him what he really is."

George bit his lip, "Talwin is our son, he is the most important thing we have."

The threads searched underneath the floorboards like a writhing mass, there was nothing there, he was lying.

"I know you have no reason to trust me. But your gut instinct was right George, give me a path that doesn't involve bloodshed and I'll take it. I'll even take Talwin under my protection."

"Why would you do that?" George asked.

"Because I need and like Talwin, he reminds me of home."

"You're from the north aren't you? You're from Eve-"

I raised a finger as I interrupted him, "Not another word old man, I can kill the lot of you and I know for a fact that there is no bomb underneath these floorboards. My magic infests this house."

Martha stepped into the room without warning and raised a crossbow, "But there is a crossbow."

I glanced to face her and saw that she wore something akin to a delighted grin as she held a loaded crossbow in her arms. The loaded bolt was a dull blue and seemed made out of crystal.

Threads emerged from the floor-boards and began to examine Martha's crossbow as I spoke, "Do you want your son to die on the streets of Bellkeep as an Edenberry druggie? Or do you want him to have a chance to make his own decisions?"

George grew red in his face as he stepped closer, "I may not know what you are exactly but I have been to the north and they did not strike me as kind or caring to others."

The threads that neared the crystal bolt began to fray, somehow this material was like concentrated flux. I ignored and instead began to manipulate the firing mechanism of the crossbow itself.

"I know that very well, and you should also know that they have a certain honor up north," I said.

"You've lied ever since you appeared here," George countered.

"I may have twisted the truth a bit but I haven't told many outright lies."

"Oh?" George said.

"I escaped from my master and now I find myself in a strange and foreign world, I'm not here to harm anyone. This is my new home, help me and I'll help you in return," I said.

The threads seized around the triggering mechanism and fused it, the crossbow was now useless.

Martha stepped closer, "Why should we believe anything you say? For all we know you could be a spy scouting our lands."

I faced Martha and began to march toward her.

"STOP!" Martha exclaimed in surprise.

I didn't stop and a useless click was heard as she tried to fire the crossbow. Her eyes widened in shock as I walked up and tore the heavy weapon from her arms.

"Because I haven't slaughtered you idiots yet and that should say plenty!" I snapped as I stepped back.

Martha seemed stunned and then looked over at George who now looked tense as a harp.

I examined the crossbow for a moment and eased the crystal bolt out, it had a strange and rather disturbing aura around it, "Now, what shall it be? Make your choice."

George pondered it for a few moments and sighed, "You're clearly out of our league."

I set the crossbow on the ground and pocketed the bolt, "I'm sorry that I crashed into your life, I didn't intend to. But please do not force me to kill any of you, I will protect myself and the secret I hold."

"Talwin is all that matters to us," Martha said.

I focused on Martha, "If you're not willing to trust me, then consider this. I'll take Talwin hostage and as long as you keep my secret he'll be safe and under my protection. Deal?"

"That's..." George whispered.

"A solution that appeases both sides. It's not pretty and I wish I had played my charade better but here we are," I added.

Martha spoke up, "What are you going to do when you leave?"

I shrugged, "This world is a mystery to me."

"Talwin might not want to leave with you," George added.

"Let me worry about that," I said as I faced the farm and walked out.

Talwin was in the process of lifting the boulder step by step while shoving planks underneath it as I approached.

"How's it going?" I asked.

"Good," Talwin answered with a mutter.

"Listen, I know you don't want me helping. But what if I could teach you a better way?"

Talwin glanced over, "I'm not a mage."

I smirked, "Wanna bet?"

788 I.C, January 18, Agron: Farm, Evening

Talwin was on all four and glared at the large boulder with an intensity that almost made his eyes bulge. He was panting and frothing as he made a low growl of anger and dug his claws into the dirt.

"I can't!" Talwin snapped.

"You almost had it the last time Talwin, try once more, give it all you have."

"I..."

"You're too whiny Talwin, grow a pair will you?"

Talwin's head snapped to the side as he stared daggers at me, "Are you trying to make me mad or something?"

I made an evil smirk, "Is it working?"

"I'm going to kick your ass later."

I chuckled and nodded, "Once you lift that boulder, now try once more."

Talwin looked back at the boulder and drew ragged breaths as his chest heaved.

Not only was it interesting to see his progress, but it was also turning out to be quite an interesting experiment of my own. Talwin didn't realize it but I had created a rather large aetheric construct that surrounded him. It fed on the vast amounts of flux and kept him from being poisoned while recycling some of it to provide more energy.

I glanced up and saw the sun setting, "You'd better hurry up Talwin, it's getting dark."

"Do you want me to do this or not?"

"Yes, I do."

"Then shut the hell up!" Talwin snapped.

I leaned back on the fence with a bemused grin as I kept tinkering with the aetheric construct while Talwin gritted his teeth and tried once more.

Wisps of magic began to flicker in and out of the visible spectrum as the primitive threads of magic lashed and pulled at the boulder like a frenzied wulfkin. Dirt spattered from the hole as the boulder began to shake and climb.

GRAH!"DAMMIT!" Talwin screamed.

The boulder kept shifting up and down but little progress was made as his body began to shudder from exertion. His presence in the aether was waning and I flooded the area with energy in response, the effect was clear as he subconsciously absorbed it.

The boulder began to climb out of the hole and started to tip, it must have spurred him on as his face twisted with feral fury.

Something seemed to click in his mind as the threads began to latch onto the rock rather than just slam into it. It was the edge he needed as the boulder lifted, toppled, and then slammed into the ground with a boom that made dry dirt puff up like a cloud.

Talwin gasped for breath as his body trembled, "I... I did it!"

I approached and reached into my pocket as I fetched a tiny vial filled with alcohol and a bit of life-crystal, "You did well Talwin, you've made a lot of progress."

Talwin slumped to the ground and kept gasping for air while his canine tongue dangled outside his muzzle, "I did it."

I leaned down next to him and touched his back, his fur radiated warmth, "Here, drink this."

"What *gasp* is it?" Talwin asked as he glanced at the vial.

"Just something to recharge your reserves, if you don't drink it you'll be asleep for days."

"I..." Talwin tried to wave it out-of-the-way as he shut his eyes.

I nudged his muzzle and shook him awake, "Hey, no time to fall asleep."

"W- What?" Talwin murmured.

I pulled at him and forced him to sit up while popping the cork, "Drink this."

"W- Why?"

I held it up to his muzzle, "Stop whining and just drink it Talwin."

Talwin gave in and stopped resisting as I tipped the vial and let it flow, it emptied and he made little more than a gulp as he swallowed.

"Alcohol?" Talwin whispered in surprise.

"Just wait," I mused as I sat back on the ground.

It only took moments for his eyes to shoot wide as a rustle moved through his fur, "Oh... Damn..."

"Feeling better?" I asked.

Talwin blinked and drew a deep breath as he rustled his body, "Yeah... Wait... What did you just..."

"What?" I asked.

Talwin's expression hardened without warning as he bared his teeth and glared, "Did you... Did you just... You fucking..."

I leaned back in surprise, "What?"

"You gave me DRUGS!"Talwin cried out.

Shit...

I raised my hand in an attempt to calm him, "Talwin, it's not what y-"

Talwin reacted like an angered snake and I barely noticed as he swung his fist.

BAM!

My head rocked to the side with enough force that I toppled over to my side.

"I was clean for years! You FUCKING ASS!" Talwin's growl seethed with hatred as he rose up.

I raised my hand and clutched my aching jaw as I tried to speak, "It's not a drug Talwin! Let me explain!"

Talwin shivered from anger as he loomed over me like a beast about to eat me alive, something kept him at bay though as he glared at me.

"Do you feel high?" I asked as my jaw stung from pain while the taste of blood filled my mouth.

Talwin drew ragged breaths and blinked as if trying to sense how he felt, "... No."

"It's not a drug, it's a bit of crystal charged with aetheric energy, nothing more."

Talwin's expression eased and his bristled tail seemed to relax as it dropped, "You... It wasn't..."

I sat up and threw him an irritated glare, "It's not a drug Talwin! It's not addictive, that rush you felt hardly lasted a second and was nothing more than your body waking up. It wasn't a drug."

Talwin's shoulders dropped as his ears folded back, "I... I'm sorry... I thought..."

"You thought wrong and I keep messing up," I said as I pushed myself onto two legs.

Talwin cowered a little as he inched closer, "Are you all right?"

I felt my lip, it had split and dripped blood, "I'll be fine."

"I'm sorry, it's a sensitive subject for me," Talwin whispered.

"Enough Talwin, I'm fine. Your energy won't last though and you should get to bed before you fall asleep."

Talwin was about to speak but was interrupted as he made a big yawn, "... You're right, I do feel pretty exhausted."

I motioned to the house and started walking as I fetched a napkin and held it to my lip.

788 I.C, January 18, Agron: Farm, Night

I glanced into Talwin's room and saw him laying on his bed. He looked as if he'd been knocked out cold as his shirt still clung to his arm while he snored.

Since when did I become a damn nanny...

The room was simple, almost empty apart from the bed and some clothes hanging on the wall. There was something underneath the bed, a bag or something.

A creak made me glance back and I caught sight of George standing in the hallway.

"Hello George," I said.

"Did you have another fight?" George asked.

I cracked a slight smile that made me wince as it stretched my split lip, "Something like that."

"You were willing to take a fist to the face, thank you for not killing him."

I sighed, "Why would I kill someone because of a misunderstanding?"

George shrugged, "I'm not sure what I'm dealing with any longer."

"Do you have a stiff drink to share?" I asked.

George made something of a bemused smile, "Krobian wine?"

Oh gods yes...

"That would be supreme, please, lead the way," I said.

I followed George through the house as he fetched a bottle from the cellar followed by a visit to the kitchen. A few minutes later we found ourselves by the dinner table with two glasses of warm wine.

The taste of it was like an ambrosia of memories and it numbed my throat as I drank.

George sipped the wine and looked out the window, "I remember my visit to Everwinter as if it was yesterday, there was something very wrong about that place."

"Uh huh, so what gave me away? Was it the uniform?" I asked.

George shook his head, "That helped I guess, but it was a feeling that did it."

"A feeling?" I asked.

"I posed as a trader when I visited, I remember the scouts they used. Wulfkin children that looked like humans, they made my skin crawl with unease in the way they skulked around while playing mischief and threatening to eat others."

"Your point?"

"There were signs, the way you referred to Talwin as beast folk, the predatory aura you have, knowing nothing about the world, a mysterious master, it clicked this morning when I saw you in that uniform. Like a smaller version of those huge beasts... without all the fur, claws and all that of course."

"Of course," I said with another sip.

George looked over, "So what are you? One of those children?"

"I'm an outcast, a child that never transformed. A stain upon the bloodlines."

George looked at me with something akin to pity, "That must have been difficult."

My lips trembled with budding anger and irritation, "This is not a discussion I want to have, drop it."

George emptied his glass and swallowed with a gulp, "Are they coming here? Your master?"

I shrugged, "I don't know. My use of the transporter should have been untraceable."

George sighed, "If they follow you they'll come here."

"Sorry about dragging you into this."

"So how is Talwin doing?"

"He's got magical aptitude, not very strong but it's there."

"I see."

I reached into my pocket and fetched the blue bolt they had threatened me with earlier, "What is this?"

George shrugged, "Rare, expensive, pierces magic, I know nothing else about it."

"Do you have any more of them?" I asked.

"No."

I pocketed it once more, "I'll be keeping this."

"It's not like I can stop you."

I drained the last of my glass, "I could leave tonight, you'd never see me again. I'm sure I'd survive somehow, do you want me to?"

George eyed me in silence for a few moments, "That's what I'mpondering."

"Just how serious is the discrimination against coyotes?"

"The discrimination exists because of a reason, they 'are'troublemakers and thieves. Theysneak into Agron and then prey on defenseless caravans and farms. It's not like they have a monopoly for evilbut somehow they've become the scapegoatfor everything to be abhorred and hated."

"I could teach him to camouflage himself using magic and alchemy, both of us could get new identities, if you help us that is,"I said.

George looked down at the table, "You make a compelling offer."

"So what's the damn problem?" I asked.

"Nothing. Please take Talwin under your protection, he's a smart chap with good wits on the street."

I nodded, "Tell me more about the underground?"

"All right," George said as he drew a deep breath and started to talk.

788 I.C, January 19, Agron: Country Road, Morning

I was leaning back on what felt like two sacks of potatoes as I tried to settle in, the road was bumpy and I found myself annoyed. An itch made me reach underneath my shirt, a good scritch helped but I found myself a bit worried as the fur was starting to cover my abdomen.

How much longer before I can't hide it?

Talwin made a wide and tired yawn, I glanced back and spoke, "How are you doing?"

"Tired as hell... Your 'medicine' didn't help."

"Oh it helped, you wouldn't have woken up for days otherwise."

"Magic is hardly worth it if I'm going to spend days sleeping."

"That's only because you don't have any technique or familiarity with magic, control over the aether takes time."

"Uh huh," Talwin answered with another yawn.

"Are you sure you can get the legal ingredients from the market?"

Talwin nodded and glanced back, "Yeah, no problem. How's your lip?"

I made a slight smile as the busted lip had sealed but not fully healed yet. Talwin looked surprised and even I found myself a bit impressed as I had never healed this quickly before.

"Did you use some sort of healing magic?" Talwin asked.

"Something like that," I answered as I settled in once more.

Minutes later the wagon turned all of a sudden and the bumpy road smoothed out. I turned around and noticed that the forest cleared and revealed the town called Bellkeep. It was far bigger than I had expected and it looked like a fortress with a city built around it.

I leaned onto the wagon and rose on my knees as Talwin glanced back with a smirk, "You look like you've seen a ghost."

The keep itself was perked on top of a large hill, it had tall walls and towers that surrounded it, in the very center of it was what looked like an enormous clock tower equipped with a large bell.

A thick mass of colorful buildings grew from the keep and ended with another wall surrounded by a large moat. Extending beyond the outer wall was a large sprawl of smaller buildings that surrounded the city proper.

"This place is huge... How many live here?" I asked.

"20-30 thousand I think," Talwin answered.

My mouth dropped open, it was several times the size of Everwinter and I shuddered to think of the infrastructure needed just to take care of all the waste the city must have created.

I raised my nose and drew a deep breath, the scent of the forest was fading and in its place was an entrenched scent that screamed of humanity.

"Talwin?" I asked.

"Yeah?"

"I never asked, but are beast-folk common in Agron?"

"... Beast-folk?" Talwin asked.

"Furs I mean."

Talwin made something of a shrug, "It varies but I'd say furs are rather common, the crown is all human though."

"The royal bloodline is pure human?" I asked.

"Ever since the last revolution at least."

"I see," I said as I focused on the city once more.

Talwin pointed toward an area in the outer city bustling with activity, "That's one of the main streets leading to the gates. You should be able to see an Antalorian temple from there, if you walk up to the front of it and take right you'll come to a tavern called The Priest's Alehouse. There's an underground passage by the back that will lead you to the bazaar belonging to the underground."

"The Priest's Alehouse?" I asked.

Talwin smirked, "The temple and the underground likes to poke fun at each other but the agreement between the two is quite amiable."

"You seem to be familiar with the underground just like your parents?" I asked.

Talwin made a slight if solemn smile, "T'is the life of a street-pup, and I've run many errands' throughout my life."

I decided not to poke further, "I take it you'll be busy selling these vegetables?"

Talwin nodded and I figured it might be best to explore on my own. I moved to the side, jumped off the wagon and gave him a friendly nod before setting my sights on the main road.

The murmur of the city seemed to grow and I soon found myself surrounded by tall houses, most of them seemed to serve many purposes, lodging, storage, business. I stayed close to the walls and shadows while trying to keep my gaze hidden from others as I watched the growing bustle of activity.

The people were quite varied and I saw many sorts of canines, felines, and all manner of other mammals and even a few reptiles. Despite the large variety though there was a considerable amount of humans mulling about.

Most of the fur-less wore more elaborate clothes and fine shoes as well as trinkets such as watches and jewelry on their hands. The beast-races seemed to prefer looser clothing and many walked on their bare paws while decorating themselves with necklaces, bracelets of various kinds.

Color was abundant in all forms as even the peasants wore clothes in vivid hues.

It was fascinating yet scary as my instincts began to flare, I felt exposed and alien to this world and there was a gut feeling that I needed to flee. I bit together and forced it back as I moved into a darkened alleyway for a breather.

My heart pounded and my breath picked up pace, to my frustration it made me rather homesick as I found myself longing for the familiarity of Everwinter. I shook my head and forced the thought out of my head as I focused once more.

A stall close to a windowed store caught my attention. It had a large sampling of spices and it seemed to be rather popular as the owner packaged orders and accepted coin at a frantic pace.

This could be a good opportunity to learn the value of things...

I crossed the street as I joined in the large gathering surrounding the stall. Most of them were furs and thus a tad taller, it helped keep me hidden as my gaze focused on their hands as they exchanged coin and wares.

The coins had a rather decorative flair but the base metal and color made them easy to differentiate.

They seemed to call the main three types copper, silver, and gold, 100 copper for one silver, 100 silver for one gold. Their measurements also seemed to use the same standardized system as Everwinter.

A few of the coins were square rather than round and seemed to signify a larger amount of coin, 1 square copper equaled 1/5 of a silver, 1 square silver equaled 1/5 of a gold.

Simple and efficient, something to be expected of a nation and town focused on export and trade.

A sudden sniff caught my attention as one of the canines started to look around as if searching for something. I took it as a sign to move on and left the stall.

My experience of spices and alcohol from Everwinter helped as I wandered the street and gained a rough understanding of what the coins were worth in material goods.

It didn't take long for me to understand that a few silvers were not worth much more than a week's supply of food. It made Talwin's trading operation seem rather worthless as they would almost be better off eating their own goods.

Having grown wiser I set my sights on the temple of Antalos in the distance. The structure itself looked like a large stone house that had been refurnished with a layer of white granite to make it stand out.

I stopped for a moment to observe it, the windows were dark and I suspected that one could only look through them from inside. Further was a rather apparent obsession with a star shaped pattern that dominated the doors, windows and front entrance.

No one in the town seemed to care about its presence and it made the building look desolate.

Stars... Maybe they worship during the night?

I ignored it and turned right, it didn't take long for me to catch sight of a large wooden sign attached to a building, 'The Priest's Alehouse'.

The door to the tavern stood open and I heard chatter as I walked past and circled the building. By the back was a set of stone stairs leading to what looked like a cellar.

I descended and opened the door, a strange smoky smell hit my nose accompanied by a cacophony of noise that made the place seem more hectic than the trade district in Everwinter.

At least it'll be easy to blend in...

788 I.C, January 19, Agron: Bellkeep Underground, Midday

While the bazaar resided below earth it was nothing like Everwinter. The air was thick like soup and I could taste the smoky fog that permeated the area. It was warm and the scents made my nose buzz as it was rendered useless.

I followed a rather tight pathway and then emerged inside what looked like a large open space filled with tents as far as I could see. The noise was almost deafening and there was a steady stream of people moving along the tents.

It made me cringe in unease as my instincts pleaded with me to get out. I ignored it yet again and joined with the moving crowd. George had made it clear that no regular merchant would deal with gems directly, instead I had to find a smithy or gem merchant with the coin necessary to exchange it.

It didn't take long for the pushing and choking atmosphere to start gnawing on my nerves, it made my heart pick up pace as I started to pant while warmth built inside me.

I don't belong here...

My frustration eased a little as my ears caught the grinding noise of a cutter, it led me to a corner of the bazaar filled with crystals, rock, and a great furnace that bathed it all in yellow light.

Several humans occupied the workshop but the one who caught my eye was seated by a large workbench. The human male reminded me of a bear and was surrounded by lenses, crystals, and a large microscope.

I approached and set my hands on the workbench, "Hello."

The human had a thick brown beard and looked up as he adjusted a thick pair of glasses, "Yes?"

I opened my hand to reveal a deep red ruby about the size of a walnut, "I'm looking to sell this, have I come to the right place?"

The man leaned closer, "Maybe, let me have a look at it."

I moved my hand closer and set the gem on the workbench, the man took the gem and placed it under a microscope.

"Hmm... ah... huh..." The man murmured to himself before looking up.

"What?" I asked.

"Where did you get this from?"

"Does it matter?" I asked.

"Yes, it does. Others will ask the same thing and this gem is quite... uncommon."

"How so?" I asked.

The burly man leaned back in his chair, "Shouldn't you know?"

"I provided services of an aetheric nature and I got this as payment, that's all I know," I lied.

The man observed me in silence and seemed to hesitate as he stroked his beard.

"I'll take this gem off your hands for... 3 Pieces of gold?"

I raised my brow, "Are you joking?"

The man huffed, "I'm doing you a favor kid, a gem of this nature and quality isn't worth much."

I made a quick headcount based on what a merchant in Everwinter was willing to trade and compared it with the value of coin I had seen so far, "This gem is worth at least 10 times that."

The man raised his brow, "Sorry kid, but your client tricked your ass."

A slight growl escaped my throat as I reached out and snatched the gem. The man jumped a little in surprise as I turned around and began to march out.

"Wait!" The man yelled out, the workshop seemed to go silent as the other workers paused to look.

"15 Gold, last offer," The man said out loud.

I huffed and resumed walking.

"25!" The man snapped in desperation.

I glanced back, "25 gold, if you tell me everything you know about the gem."

The man sighed and motioned for me to approach, "Damn kid, you're bleeding me dry."

I stepped up to the workbench and looked him in the eyes, "Yeah, right."

"25 Gold, how do you want it?" The man asked.

"20 gold pieces, the rest in silver," I answered.

The man looked to one of his companions and nodded before focusing on me as he leaned closer, "It's from the north of the continent, Everwinter to be precise."

"Everwinter?" I asked in feigned surprise.

The man nodded, "Monstrous almost feral beasts live there and serve a master that resides in an enormous castle known as Everwinter."

"Monsters?" I asked.

The man nodded, "Smelly wolf-beasts that are meters tall with fangs big as scissors, they eat people and bow only to their master."

"What kind of being could control monsters like that?"

"They say it's a survivor from the mage wars, a necromancer who bids his time for an opportunity to take over the world."

"A necro- what?" I asked.

The man made an excited smile and glanced around, "It's to be expected, the academy doesn't like talking about it. Necromancy was a magical art that was used to create dark machinery and undead armies."

"How come you know so much about it?"

The man made a big grin, "I've been there kid, even kicked one's furry ass. The stupid beasts have the intellect of peanuts and would freeze to death without our know-how."

I smiled a little and felt warmth rush through my veins as I felt insulted on some level, "Really?"

One of the companions approached and placed a leather pouch of rattling coin on the table.

"Yeah, and here's the real kicker. The beasts are immune to magic!" The man said as he opened the bag and began to pile up the coin.

I raised my brow, "I find that hard to believe."

The man counted twenty gold coins and 25 square silvers, "Don't believe me? Go there yourself."

I placed the ruby in his hand and began to fill the leather pouch with coin, "How?"

"Go north to the harbor town of Dracwyn, there are many caravan companies there. Even some that offer discrete trips to Everwinter, if one is willing to risk it that is."

I made a slight smile and placed the hefty leather pouch within my doublet, "I'm not one for adventure, but it was an interesting tale none the less, thank you."

The man nodded, "Thank you, and do come back if you come across any more of those gems."

"Will do," I answered as I stepped back and returned to the crowd.

Once more I found myself trapped in a trench of people with my patience wearing thin. Worst though was the damned heat that was starting to make me sweat. The heat seemed localized to my chest and it made realize something.

The star...

I felt my chest and the star hiding underneath the doublet with one hand, it was so hot it almost burned. My mind flashed with worry and I considered leaving when I caught sight of something.

A large striped tent filled with tables propped full by plant material. I made my way out of the crowd and entered the tent as I looked around. The customers were different from the normal rabble, most wore fine robes and seemed a bit odd as they sniffed and poked at the plants.

Settled in the center of the tent was a reptile with green scales and slitted eyes. His tongue shifted by the dry mouth and seemed to taste the air as he glanced around and kept an eye on the customers.

It only took moments for the reptile to look my way as he stared with a stoic expression.

I approached and made a slight nod as I spoke up, "Hello."

The reptile licked at the air in interest but didn't react much, "What do you need?"

"Malicyte and Writhseed," I answered.

A slight grin grew on the reptile's face as he revealed fine-combed and rather sharp teeth, "I was betting you were a mage."

"300 grams of Malicyte and 150 grams of Writhseed, can you supply that?"

The slitted eyes widened for a moment, "Yes, provided you have the coin."

"Can you give me an estimate?" I asked.

The reptile frowned while some of the scales along the neck seemed to flash red, "You come here asking for our entire stock, and you don't even know the price?"

Wrong approach...

I smiled, "I meant, could you offer a rebate on such a large purchase?"

The reptile squinted as he stared at me, "You smell odd..."

And you'd do well as a pair of boots!

"Just a few herbs that's all, wouldn't want to be recognized."

The reptile leaned closer, "Your camouflage is lousy, red eye."

I patted my chest and let the coin rattle, "Are you interested or not?"

"One moment," The reptile said as the scales shifted color once more and turned into a bright orange.

The reptile crouched and unlocked something hidden from view, moments later he stood up and brought up a load of small pouches.

"Six 50 gram packs of finely ground Malicyte, five 20 gram packs of Writhseed."

"I asked for 150 grams," I said.

The scales shifted and turned blue as the reptile cringed a little, "Apologies, this is all I have."

"How much for it all?" I asked.

The reptile leaned in as the scales turned green once more, "For what reason would you need this amount?"

"I thought the underground would have more sense than to ask a question like that?"

"Curiosity is all, from one alchemist to another."

"An experiment at the moment, I'm not willing to say more."

The reptile grew a slight smile as an excited glimmer formed in the slitted eyes, "I can procure more if you wish."

"That depends, among other on the quality of this merchandise."

The scales flashed red as the reptile frowned, "I am T'Set, do you question my wares and honor?"

Annoying snake...

"It was not my intent to insult your honor, my apologies."

The red hue calmed on T'Set's scales, "Five gold, I can have more in a month."

I fetched the pouch, reached in and then placed five gold coins on the counter, "Here you go."

T'Set used his long claws to pull the coins into his embrace, "Pleasure doing business, red eye."

I pocketed the small bags in my doublet and then withdrew into the crowd once more. The heat coming from the star on my chest made me almost squirm as I hurried toward the exit.

A sudden spark hit my side and triggered a slight shimmer in the air as one of my subconscious shields protected me. Someone had just done the aetheric equivalent of poking me with a stick, something that would have been considered rude even in Everwinter.

Others in the crowd veered out-of-the-way and threw me weird glances as I followed the wall and turned left down the passageway that would lead me to the surface. Threads of magic flowed from my body as I bound them along the passageway and created a sensory web.

I glanced back and watched as the opening to the rest of the bazaar was obscured with smoky haze, mere moments later I felt a presence in the web as the hunter followed just out of sight.

My lips pulled back with a low growl as old memories and instincts awoke, it was shameful to be prey.

Intellect made me swallow my pride as I reached into my pocket and fetched the caltrops from the forest outside the farm. I dropped them on the ground and hoped that lady luck would shine on me as I marched on.

The exit came into sight as a sudden yowl filled the corridor. It was the low and deep hiss of a larger feline combined with a muffled string of curses.

I grinned in delight and pushed the door open while sending threads of magic flying outward. Like whiskers they felt around the area above while I rushed the stairs. The coast was clear and I felt sunlight warm my face as I emerged on the topside.

The heat from the star on my chest seemed to fade as I took a moment to look underneath the doublet. It was glowing and hummed with energy but seemed to fade the further I got from the bazaar.

What did it react to? The people? The hunter? An agent from Everwinter?

I had no idea but spared no time as I clung to the alleyways and disappeared into the outskirts.

788 I.C, January 19, Everwinter: Bloodchambers, Midday

The bloodchambers are in disarray and the atmosphere filling the room is so tense that one could almost carve through it. Spatters of blood cover the floor and even a few teeth can be found in the corners.

Titan is standing in the center of the room, he is unhurt but his blood boils with an anger and frustration that he thought himself too disciplined to experience.

"LET GO OF ME!" A human screams from the hallway.

"SHUT UP!" A wulfkin snaps in anger and a pained yell can be heard from the human in response.

Moments later a trio of wulfkins walk up to the bloodchamber with the human in tow. The human has the fresh mark of a fist to his face and a split lip to accompany it. Two of the wulfkins stop by the entrance while the third marches up to Titan with the human in his grip.

"Stand here and don't say a fucking thing or we'll have you for dinner tonight, GET IT!?" The wulfkin snaps.

The human makes a frantic nod and cowers as the wulfkin lets go and steps back.

Titan draws a deep breath and holds out his hand toward the human, he tries to sense something but the aether is so disturbed that he only gets noise in return.

"Well?" The wulfkin asks.

Titan looks up, he tries not to glare but he can't help as he bites together, "You'll have to wait until the aether settles."

The ears of the wulfkin twitch, "You're supposed to be the fucking seer and you can't even tell if he's magical? How fucking useless are you?"

Titan feels his brow twitch in irritation, he's never been one for technical details but the sheer ignorance of the wulfkin feels like the blabbering of an annoying child.

"Well?" The wulfkin asks once more.

"If you didn't touch or beat them bloody then we wouldn't have this problem, so just shut up will you."

The hackles rise on the wulfkin as his whole body twitches in anger, "Watch it mage."

Titan looks back at the human while his thoughts kept rushing. The wulfkins are angrier than usual and they seem upset as if hunted by a blowtorch.

"What's going on?" The human whispers with a pleading expression.

Titan glares at the human as he takes note that this one has no visible signs of wulfkin blood, just like all the others he's seen this day, "Nothing is going on so shut up."

The human cringes but doesn't react any further as Titan holds out his hand and tries once more.

This time the aether is clear and it becomes apparent that the human has next to no magical aptitude. It fills Titan with unease as he would have no problem killing anyone that threatened him, he enjoyed a good fight and it made him feel alive. But this role as a gatekeeper determining whether people were taken downstairs or marched straight to the central tower sickened him.

"Well!?" The wulfkin snaps once more.

Titan considers sparing the human but he knows deep down that another will take his place and the choice will have to be made once more.

"No magical aptitude, no physical indicators of wulfkin inheritance," Titan answers.

The wulfkin marches up and snatches hold of the human who now squeals in fear, "What are you doing!? Where are you taking me!?"

Titan looks away as he asks himself how many there have been today, 20? 30?

The wulfkins make something of a resenting sneer as they start leaving with the human, "You'll see soon, human."

Something clicks in Titan's mind as he tires of it and snaps. A delicious plan forms in his mind as he thinks of a suitable revenge that might even live up to whatever Avery had done.

"Hey!" Titan exclaims as he looks toward the lead wulfkin.

The wulfkin glances back with an annoyed frown, "What?"

"We're done for today," Titan says.

The wulfkin bares his teeth, "We're done when I fucking say so."

Titan makes a dismissive huff as he focuses on the wulfkin, "I'm tired and I can't do my job if I'm drained. So you either let me get some sleep, or you get to explain why you're missing a seer, again."

The wulfkin stares back as if frozen, "If you're trying to slack off, then I'm going march you up the tower myself."

"Titan, slacking? I don't do that," Titan answers in amusement.

"... How long do you need?" The wulfkin asks.

"An hour, two maybe, just to get some shuteye. Besides, how many people can you need for whatever it is that's going on in the tower?"

The wulfkin draws a deep breath, "You're going to be back here in two hours, or there's going to be hell for you Titan, I promise you that."

"Got it, see you in two hours," Titan says as he walks out.

Titan is quick to descend the castle but his goal is not the sleeping areas, instead he marches deep into the industrial heart of the castle.

788 I.C, January 19, Everwinter: Heat Exchanger, Evening

A heavy clunk is heard as the transport elevator comes to a stop. The workers inside the heat exchange complex look up while some approach to deal with the unexpected arrival.

Their steps come to a sudden halt as the elevator door opens. Titan is standing inside and there are several large metal containers beside him. The workers stumble back in fright, not because of Titan, but because they've caught sight of the mark emblazoned on the containers.

It looks like a series of purple bubbles with a background akin to an explosion, it is the mark of a substance that would scare even the most experienced foundry worker. Titan steps out and the containers follow in his wake, some of the workers are stunned while others start running.

One of the workers and an old friend of Titan walks up.

Titan smiles in response, "Hey Mark, long time no see!"

Mark gulps, "Hey Titan, what are you doing?"

An insane smile of delight spreads on Titan's face as he reveals canine teeth, "I'm going to blow this place sky high, what does it look like?"

Mark's throat tightens as he figures that Titan has finally gone off the deep end, "Do you know what's inside those containers?"

Titan starts walking and the containers follow as he speaks, "Of course, wonderful compound. A salt created from the purification of helidyte."

The news spread with an alarming haste and the noise drops as the complex grows desolate. Part of Mark feels compelled to follow suit but a simple if rather insane curiosity makes him linger.

"They're going to kill you for this Titan," Mark says.

"They can try, Titan doesn't go down so easily."

"Right, why are you doing this?" Mark asks.

Titan begins to settle the containers in the very center of the complex as he answers, "Haven't you noticed yet?"

"Noticed what?" Mark asks.

Titan makes a disappointed sigh and shakes his head, "The ones with little wulfkin blood and magic aptitude are running out, soon they'll be here to harvest you as well."

"They're just doing repairs upstairs," Mark says.

Titan smirks, "Right, so why is no one coming back down again?"

"I... uh... I guess they're busy."

Titan brought out crystals, obsidian and wiring as he begins to set up his contraption, "You've always been a mouthbreather Mark, but this takes the price."

Mark frowns in irritation but doesn't voice it, "Fine, I've heard, we've all heard, what are we supposed to do about it?"

"Avery did something to rile them all, the wulfkins are shitting their pants."

"You mean back when the whole castle shook?"

"That would be my guess."

"So why the heat exchangers of all places?" Mark asks.

Titan glances over with a raised brow, "Are you playing stupid again?"

Mark swallows his pride, "What I mean is... If you want to hurt the wulfkins, why not do this upstairs?"

Titan smirks as he makes a dark chuckle, "It's going to be a nightmare for them to get anything done. The helidyte couplings and all the pipes are going to freeze. No water of any kind, no heating, no power, no lights anywhere in the upper castle."

"Which is just going to piss them off, not kill them," Mark says.

"It's about time we had a rebellion around here."

"You're insane Titan," Mark says.

Titan makes a feral grin, "Are you going to try to stop me?"

Mark makes a huff as he steps back, "I'm not that stupid."

Titan looks back at his contraption as he begins to power it up, "You should run, this is going to shake the castle just like Avery did."

Mark starts running as a surge of power strikes the device. A large bubble of aetheric armor forms around it as the crystals start ticking.

Tick! Tock! Tick! Tock!

Titan chuckles to himself in excitement as he turns around and starts running.

Minutes pass as the bomb keeps ticking along, moments later a rush of paws approach. Five wulfkins run into the complex with their swords drawn, more follow but they slow to a stop as they notice that something is amiss.

"Where the hell are they?" One of them asks.

Another points to the glowing bubble in the center of the heat exchangers, "There's something over there."

"We need to call the mages," Another says.

Tick! Tock! Tick! Tock!

"Is something ticking?"

Another walks closer and his eyes catch on the deadly warning sign, "We need to get out of here."

Tick! Tock! DING!

The entire complex bursts into hellfire powered by an explosion that tears rock apart while melting metal like butter. The intense heat vaporizes the water held by the heat exchangers and adds to the building pressure wave.

Pressure seeks to relieve itself but the rather small passageways and elevator shafts connecting the heat exchangers do little to satiate it. The mountain itself becomes the relief valve as solid rock gives way. The mountainside beside castle Everwinter starts to bulge like a blister.

The bubble pops and an earth-shattering boom erupts from the mountainside, all of Everwinter is shaken by the blast. Old towers collapse while the western wall is torn apart as the blast ripples outward.

Avalanches trigger far and wide while the forest shudders and discards layers of snow.

Debris and heavy rock is thrown high into the air and begins to drop like a barrage on a city under siege. The central tower begins to glow like a beacon as a protective bubble envelops the city.

A thousand ton of rock rains onto the shield but does not penetrate while a grand mushroom cloud rises and paints the once white landscape in an eerie red color.