Chapter 35 - Mote of Light

788 I.C, March 12, The Pierced Veil: Tower, Morning

I stood in one end of the tower and held out my hand to aim at the other end. Threads of magic flowed from my hand and spread to form a sensory web. It relayed physical touch, the state of the aether, and more. This kind of sensing focused on common tones of magic, naturally used by any mage. Transporter magic functioned in the higher tones and required crystals to catch a glimpse of it.

At the moment I aimed for neither of them, instead the focus lay on the subtle lower levels. Rastlin had taught me it as the means for subverting the magic of others and to infest my environment. The goal was to sense something even subtler: Small rifts forming at random, like Cyrus had said.

It only took moments for me to sigh in defeat. The natural ebb and flow of the aether sounded like a thunderstorm and the surrounding city made it even worse. It was effectively impossible to find what Cyrus had spoken of by using the method I knew at heart.

"It won't work, I promise you," Cyrus whispered.

I looked toward the windows and focused on Cyrus who was sitting by a window, "Just making sure."

Cyrus slowly nodded, "Uh huh, now try the spell I showed you?"

I drew a deep breath, closed my eyes, and focused. One by one I started the components of the spell, linked them together, and linked it with the sensory grid. As it worked the noise that polluted the aether began to fade. Keeping track of the spell was difficult, and while physical constructs would help it'd just ruin turn it into another immobile transporter platform.

Step by step it filtered the aether until the world grew silent. For a moment it made me wonder if the spell had been too aggressive, but within a few seconds I caught a gentle pop. Moments later it happened once more, in another place.

As I opened my eyes I could roughly sense where it occurred in the room. Once near the bed, another by the window. I charged a transporter spell, readied it, and rather than focusing it on a crystal I tried to direct it toward one of these rifts. A split second later one of them occurred, and I triggered the spell. Magic surged in the area but faltered as it faded into a puff of flux.

Once more...

I drew a deep breath, prepared myself, and the when the next rift appeared I latched onto it with a vengeance. A small flash of energy could be seen as the spell latched on and the rift was forced opened.

"See? What did I tell you?" Cyrus mused with bemused grin that made his tail flick back and forth.

I sighed, took a moment to relax, and then linked the now open rift with the transporter platform in the room. Once done I fetched a small crystal, threw it toward the transporter, and watched as it disappeared. A split second it clattered onto the floor as it was launched from the open rift at the other side of the room.

"This isn't going to work over long distances, not to mention that you need line of sight," I said.

Cyrus huffed, "It's still very useful if you need to get past obstacles."

I glanced back at Cyrus, "Like warded doors and prison cells?"

Cyrus leaned back in his chair, and smirked, "Perhaps."

"And this is safe for living creatures?" I asked and motioned to the transporter.

"It's no different from a regular transporter and I've used it plenty of times. Just use the regular wards to shield yourself and the things lurking in the aether won't get at you," Cyrus said and stretched his arms.

I walked closer and kept my focus on Cyrus, "I've heard tales of what happens to people that transport without wards, but I've never seen it myself. What actually happens?"

Cyrus leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms, "Something within the aether catches a ride. Fortunately it dies after entering our reality, but that's of no relief to the poor sod that dies with it."

"And what happens to the 'poor sod' exactly?" I asked.

Cyrus whiskers tensed up and he grew a rather pained expression, "I've only seen it once, but imagine a human coated in black tar with a taste for flesh."

"Oh?"

Cyrus looked toward the window and spoke as if reliving it, "Poor guy managed to take three steps out of the transporter before falling to the ground. Moments later he started falling into pieces while the thing clinging to him screamed in the aether like a stung pig as it withered..."

I wonder if the Master... Or the thing inside me could be this tar?

Perhaps it somehow found a way to survive in this place...

"Does the same happen if you transport a rabbit without wards?" I asked.

Cyrus looked back at me in wonder and raised one brow, "You've never tried it?"

"I've watched others do it, but that was back in Everwinter," I said.

"Oh, and what was the result?" Cyrus asked and rose from his chair.

"A bunch of pones, picked clean. Thrown out across the room," I answered.

Cyrus eagerly nodded, "Same thing happens in the rest of the world. It's quite fascinating."

Sapient beings carry more magic and if the aether craves magic... Life energy to be specific...

Then a mage could provide such an enticing meal that something grabs hold and doesn't let go...

"Indeed," I murmured.

"So, are you satisfied?" Cyrus asked with a sly grin that bared sharp fangs.

"With what?" I asked.

"My help, of course?" Cyrus answered with a raised brow.

"You've been very helpful, Cyrus. But if you think you're going to be rewarded for it then you're wrong."

"That's not necessarily what I was thinking," Cyrus murmured.

I glanced at him, "Think of it as one step in the process of thanking me for saving your life, and repentance in general."

Cyrus huffed in response, "I guess I do owe you for that."

I raised my hand once more and focused on the room, "Now be quiet."

With Cyrus silent I focused on a transporter crystal within my jacket. It eased the process of opening a rift on my end while I waited for another to appear in the room. Moments later I felt a hint of something forming near the bed. I latched onto it in an instant, and triggered the crystal in my jacket. A rift was forced upon where I stood, and a sudden blast of energy pulled me into the aether.

A split second later I felt my paws hit the ground and I stumbled forward in confusion. I blinked, looked around, and realized that I now stood on the other end of the room.

Cyrus clapped his hands, "You master it quickly."

My heart still pounded as I exhaled and turned around to face Cyrus, "It's one thing to do it here, it's another to attempt it on the field of battle."

Cyrus tipped his head, "I would prefer if you were subtle with its use, people will notice."

"Yes, yes," I murmured and got the spell running once more.

Once ready I listened for another rift, and felt one appearing near one of the workbenches. I latched onto it like before, and let the energy surge. Reality shifted with another jolt, but this time my nerves screamed in panic as something went wrong.

It felt like missing a step while descending stairs. One moment you expect to hit the ground, and in the next you're walking on air. My paws clenched in an attempt to grip at anything, my arms lashed out, yet I found nothing.

To my horror I could only see the bright blue sky and morning sunlight peeking over the horizon.

I'M OUTSIDE THE TOWER!

I was falling, and the ground surged closer. I felt the wind whip at my clothes while I gritted my teeth in panic. My mind reached for the only spell in my mind and I focused my senses on the aether below me.

A rift was forming closer to the ground, and I clenched my eyes with a focus driven by sheer survival.

My surroundings crackled with another boom of energy, and I expected to land harmlessly on the ground. Instead I felt as if hit by a horse's carriage while something wet splattered around me. My side screamed in pain, but as I opened my eyes the world seemed to calm around me once more.

I was laying in what looked like a muddy pile at the back of the guild. Thick mud flowed into the inside of my jacket, seeped through my pants, and the cold numbed the pain of impact. A growl of pain and frustration escaped as I tested my limbs.

Lesson number one... Transporting closer to the ground does not solve the problem of momentum...

"Avery!?" Cyrus voice boomed from above.

Don't scream my name in public, idiot!

I raised my gaze, looked up at the tower, and saw Cyrus looking out of a window.

"Avery!? Where are you!?"

I eased myself up from the mud, clutched my aching arm, and felt mud drip from the side of my muzzle.

"Avery!"

As Cyrus screamed I flicked my hand with a gust of magic, and watched the window slam shut with enough force to throw Cyrus back inside.

Lovely morning...

788 I.C, March 12, The Pierced Veil: Dining Hall, Midday

I stabbed a piece of chicken, brought it to my muzzle, and snapped it up.

C __rispy on the outside... Yet not dry... W_ ell spiced..._ Eating like this on a daily basis... I'm getting spoiled...

Remember the mushrooms... No, don't think of the mushrooms... Idiot...

I felt observed and glanced up to see Leonard looking at me with a gentle but confused smile.

"What?" I asked.

Leonard threw a glance at Clyde, looked over at Talwin, and then focused on me once more, "Is there something I should know?"

"No... Maybe? How so?" I asked.

Leonard scratched his muzzle with a claw, "Oh... No reason. Clyde's been weird all day, you walked in here draped in mud, and Talwin can't stop smirking."

I looked over at Talwin and saw him staring at his plate while his lips trembled as if holding back laughter, "Talwin?"

Talwin grabbed his glass, raised it to hide a growing smirk, and whispered, "Yes?"

I felt my ears droop, "... Cyrus told you, didn't he?"

A stifled snicker was followed by a cough as Talwin choked on the liquid, "About trying to fly like a bird? No... Not at all."

"The spell isn't very precise," I whispered.

Talwin glanced over, and mused, "I'm sure it isn't. But try to experiment closer to the ground, next time. All right?"

I then looked over at Clyde, and leaned back in surprise as he was already staring at me. As our eyes met he started smiling like a lovestruck goose with big fangs and perked ears.

I sighed, looked over at Cyrus, and raised my voice, "Cyrus."

Cyrus short ears perked as he looked up from the chicken on his plate, "... Yes?"

"Find a way to discretely fetch Fletcher from whatever hole he's hiding in. I need to know if he can be of use, and what Dracwyn itself is planning to do."

Cyrus glanced at his chicken to make sure it was still there, and then seemed to ponder the question, "I can arrange that."

That's quick...

"How?" I asked.

"I happened to leave several miniature transporters around the hideout, one of them is in Fletcher's office. You could easily pop in there, grab Fletcher, and leave before Amari gets hold of you."

"You just happened to leave one in his office?" I asked with a raised brow.

"Of course," Cyrus answered with another devious grin.

"I see, and I take it Amari is still rather aggressive?" I asked.

Cyrus nodded and sipped his drink, "If she saw me she'd knock me out first and ask questions later. If she saw you... well I'm not sure what she'd do. Wulfkins are a sore spot for her."

"I already beat her once, she ought to have learned her lesson," I said.

Cyrus shook his head repeatedly, "The only person that could make her stand down is Fletcher, and he won't be keen on giving that order if you're trying to capture him."

"Well we can't approach their hideout in the open because of the surveillance, and transporting in there and then explaining why we're there seems fraught with danger."

Cyrus nodded once more, "Fletcher usually locks himself in his office during the evenings, so I suggest doing it then."

I looked over at Leonard, "Do you think we could use one of your warehouses for this? I'd rather use the guild as a point of retreat rather than a staging ground."

Leonard pondered it and drew a deep breath, "Isn't there a more peaceful solution to this? What if I contacted the Underground and-"

I interrupted him, "It'll take too much time, Leonard. The Academy has fallen and the forces have gathered, they'll move on Dracwyn next."

An uneasy silence spread around the room while Leonard lowered his gaze, "They've sighted undead in the hills and forests. Whatever army the Master has been growing is on the move."

"All we can do is our best, and if that's not enough then we run," I said.

Archer leaned over his plate, and fixated on me while his whiskers perked a little, "Run? Where? All of Agron is under siege and the other nations are treating us like a literal plague."

I looked over at Cyrus, "You ought to have the codes for a few hideouts around the continent, right?"

Cyrus looked around while his ears folded back, "I do, but I doubt any of them still work."

"Why not?" I asked.

Cyrus idly chewed some chicken as he answered, "Leyland was many things but he wasn't stupid. When it dawned on me that i'd outlived my purpose he had already ordered my hideouts destroyed."

"All of them?" I asked.

"Perhaps, perhaps not. But he destroyed enough and trapped others to the point where I could no longer trust any of them. In the worst case scenario you could try them, but some of them might very well dump you into aspike trap."

788 I.C, March 12, Dracwyn: Merchant District, Evening

Clyde glanced up and let his gaze wander along the stacked crates, "I never realized the guild had this much stuff."

"Fortunately most of it is low value ore," Talwin said and motioned to the warehouse at large.

Clyde raised his brow, "Fortunately? Also, where are the guards?"

Cyrus rolled his eyes and sighed, "The city has been isolated ever since the undead menace got started. Low value ore is too heavy to ship by boat, and the smelters are busy with other stuff as per orders by the Dracwyn council. Trust me, if there had been food or regular goods in these warehouses then they'd have been looted long ago."

Talwin nodded and glanced over at me, "Which is why all the goodies are in the guild itself."

I glanced back to make sure the doors were still tightly shut, and then turned to face the others, "Let's focus on the task at hand. We're about to kidnap Fletcher, and you guys need to be ready if things go haywire."

Clyde smiled to himself and spoke, "Grab the closest human and disarm. I can do that."

I nodded, "Unfortunately, you're not coming."

Clyde's eyes widened, "Huh?"

"He is," I said and pointed a claw at Cyrus.

Cyrus leaned back in an instant, "Me? But I'm... I won't be of any use to you."

I inched closer, "That's where you're wrong, for multiple reasons."

Cyrus openly frowned and stared back, "And those would be?"

"One, I'm not going to transport to some weird place provided by you. Thus if you lead me into a trap you'll be caught in it. Two, while the others might be angry at you I don't think they'd be as eager to kill you as you say. Thus you're a distraction if they see you. Three, well... Those are the only reasons I could come up with."

"You really don't trust me..." Cyrus whispered and crossed his arms.

"Can you blame us?" I asked.

Cyrus glanced around the room, while his ears folded back, "Not really. Fine, let's go then."

Talwin raised his hand, "Just the two of you?"

"Fletcher's office is supposed to be rather small, I'd prefer room to maneuver," I said.

Talwin nodded, "All right, I'll stay here and keep the rift open for your return."

Clyde's nose wiggled as he focused on me, "And me?"

"You can play the mean wulfkin if Fletcher decides to be bothersome," I mused.

Clyde tipped his head a little and made a slight nod, "I can live with that."

I looked over at Cyrus, "Any last minute thoughts?"

Cyrus closed his eyes for a moment, "When the beacon receives the code you might hear a few pulses. The amount of pulses is how many aetheric presences it can detect within a few meters distance."

"Oh? That's handy to know. Would you have told me if you weren't coming?" I asked.

Cyrus threw me a quick glare, "Yes, I would have."

"Good," I answered, reached for a nearby crate, and picked up a heavy glove.

"What's the glove for?" Clyde asked.

I started pulling it on as I answered, "Fletcher carries a weapon with magic bullets. I'm not keen on touching it and leather has proven to be a good insulator, so this is what I'll use."

"If he doesn't put a bullet in you, you mean?" Clyde said.

I smiled to myself, "I can be quite quick when I have time to prepare."

"Yeah... Good hunting, Avery," Clyde answered with a nod.

I focused on Cyrus and motioned to the ground, "Stand next to me."

Cyrus stepped over, and pressed up against my side, "Satisfied?"

"Plenty," I said and closed my eyes to focus.

A bubble of aetheric energy formed around us and I summoned a web of threads to stand at the ready. Most of them wrapped around us like aetheric armor, and the rest were waiting to either attack or restrain whoever they were directed at. Once done I turned my focus to the crystals in my jacket and charged them. They helped tear the aether open and I glimpsed into the deeper levels of the aether which opened up around me.

From Everwinter this view of the aether had looked like a night sky filled with stars to represent points of aetheric energy. Within the city itself it was like watching a lake reflecting sunlight, glittering entities all over the place, constantly shifting with a murmur of activity. Some were stronger than others and behind me loomed an enormous pillar of energy with a radiance like the sun. I watched it carefully and figured that it was the heart of Dracwyn and its seat of power: Castle Dracwyn.

For a moment I tried to reach out to it, yet as I felt my way through the aether I only found dead ends or locked transporter platforms.

Another time...

I turned around once more, focused on the distance, and the district Cyrus had told me of. The area was devoid of any strong markers which made it easy to listen to. I then focused on the code Cyrus had given me, and let the symbols echo across the area like the sound of a bell. Within moments a new but rather dim light rose into being. I focused on it in an instant, snatched hold of it, and made a connection. The light flared once with a bright tone, and then grew steady.

One pulse... I guess that means Cyrus little helper only detected one person... Just as planned...

I pulled the mental switch to trigger the transport and felt energy surge into the crystals of my jacket. Reality twisted around us, and a familiar tickle brushed against my fur.

"Here we go," I whispered.

A shudder of sound and movement threw us somewhere new and I snapped my eyes open. My vision may have blurred from the transport but the threads that surrounded me surged outward to do their task. To my surprise there was a lot of energy in the room, and it grew with haste.

It made little sense but as I stumbled forward I could see a figure standing by what looked like a desk. I lunged forward, and caught the figure in my hands. A sudden blood curling scream tore through the room while magic surged in panic.

My own threads wrapped around whatever it was that I had caught, disrupted spells, and burrowed deep to lock down what was obviously a mage. My vision began to clear as my hands told me I had caught fur, while my nose informed me it smelled like a vixen.

Bright white fur, slitted eyes, and the face of a female fox twisted by terror. Her blunt claws dug into my arms as it dawned on me that I had grabbed Amari, not Fletcher.

"Amari!" The distant call sounded like Fletcher's voice and it was followed by rushed footsteps from behind.

"Avery, you... Uh," Cyrus murmured from the background.

I glanced down to see if Amari had any weapons, but to my surprise I saw little more than a swaying nightgown.

For fucks sake...

The surge of energy from her body ebbed as my threads gripped her like a vice. It was a relief but more trouble waited as I looked back and saw an open door leading to a small corridor. The corridor led to a large window with a split hallway.

I sent threads flowing down the hallway and I focused on the approaching presence. To my fright I detected a concentrated ball of flux, toxic to anything magic that would touch it.

He's got his gun... This is bad...

I pulled Amari toward me, wrapped one arm around her waist, and grabbed her throat with the other. Cyrus moved behind me as the rushing footsteps came closer and Fletcher rushed around the corner. The male human wore little more than pants and a shirt while brandishing a heavy pistol in his hand.

Panic quickly turned to anger as he lifted the gun to point at us.

"Do that, and she dies!" I screamed.

Fletcher froze, and his eyes dilated while his maw dropped open.

Night gown... Fletcher's office... She's either spying on him... Or they've got something going...

I eyed Fletcher carefully while keeping Amari as a shield in front of me, "Fletcher."

"Who are you!? What do you want!?" Fletcher snapped and moved his aim toward my head.

I moved my head behind Amari and whispered, "Cyrus, say something."

Cyrus leaned into view while holding onto my back, "Don't shoot!"

The anger on Fletcher's face twisted in surprise and was followed by a grim scowl of disgust, "You!"

Cyrus pointed a claw at me, "This is Red Eye, he was human but turned wulfkin, just like you suspected. Also, he's wearing camouflage."

Fletcher's brow twitched a few times, and was followed by a growing look of what could only be described as confusion. In a few moments he merely stared while his mouth hung open in wonder, "What the hell is going on here?"

I tipped my head to the side and glanced at Fletcher from the viewpoint of Amari's neck, "The plan was to capture you in your office, instead we found this feisty lady."

Fletcher focused on me, and his shoulders slumped a little, "But... Why?"

"It's complicated, but I'll make it simple. Put your gun to the ground, step over here, and I'll transport us all to a place where we can all talk in private."

Fletcher's grip hardened on the gun while he aimed it toward Amari's chest, "You think I'm going to hand over the only protection I have, and the only insurance that you won't kill her?"

I sighed and let my camouflage drop. It tingled across my body as black fur returned and my eyes grew crimson, "How much material do you think one of those bullets can pass through, Fletcher?"

Fletcher leaned back a little and straightened his aim, "What do you mean?"

"In an instant I can close the door to this office and rip out the walls, alternatively I can make the roof cave in on you. In the worst case scenario you manage to kill me while ending your own lives in the process, thus dooming Agron to certain death. In the best case scenario you merely kill yourself, and become a footnote in future history books. That, or you can do as I say, and we can talk freely... No secrets, and you have my word that none of you will come to any harm."

"You're asking me to trust the word of a wulfkin? I'm familiar with your customs. Promises mean nothing if they're not made with kin," Fletcher whispered with a burning focus.

I tipped my head a little, "I'm surprised, but I won't argue what you say. That's indeed what Everwinter teaches, fortunately I'm no longer part of them, and my actions thus far should prove it."

Cyrus spoke up behind me, "He's telling the truth, Fletcher. You should-"

Fletcher hissed with anger, "And you think I'm going to take your word!? You treacherous piece of shit!"

Cyrus remained silent, and discretely disappeared behind my back.

"Fletcher, I know that you visited Talwin's parents, and I also know that you manipulated them into telling you about me. But tell me, based on the story they told you: A lost human with red eyes cast into a world not his own, and what I've done since. Whose side do you think I'm on?"

Fletcher considered it for a moment, "I don't know, but you don't seem to be in league with Everwinter at least."

I nodded, "As the enemy of your enemy, will you trust me?"

Fletcher drew a deep breath, "You want me to believe you're a good guy? Then show me an act of good faith, and let go of Amari."

I glanced at Amari while holding her tight, "Leaving Everwinter did not make me an idiot, Fletcher. If I let her go she'll become like a flaming inferno and try to fight me off, and I don't trust you not to do anything stupid. You'll do as I command, and you will both listen very carefully to what I and others have to say. Once that is done I'll let you decide whether to join us, or die fighting the undead that will soon pile into the streets of Dracwyn."

"But-"

I interrupted him and bared my teeth, "Make your choice, now."

Fletcher stared, discretely gulped, and the gun in his hand wavered. Moments later his eyes shifted to focus on Amari.

Seconds passed before he lowered both his gaze and the gun, "All right, I'll do as you ask."

"Put the gun on the floor," I ordered.

Amari visibly struggled and murmured in protest while Fletcher crouched, and put the gun on the floor. In an instant the toxic presence left Fletcher and the threads I had sent out touched his body.

"Now come here, the others are waiting for us," I said.

Fletcher raised his gaze with caution and began to walk, "Others?"

"I know that you know, Fletcher. Only reason you haven't sold us out is that you don't trust the upper echelons of Dracwyn," I said.

Fletcher stepped up next to me, glanced at Amari for a moment, and then took to glare at Cyrus, "I'm here, let's go."

Cyrus grabbed hold of me, and reached out toward Fletcher, "We need physical contact for the transport to work correctly."

Fletcher gritted his teeth, "Would a fist to the face work?"

Cyrus cringed and then put one hand against Fletcher's shoulder, "Please don't."

I eased my grip on Amari's throat and whispered, "Would you prefer to be left here?"

Amari turned her head to glare at me with her teeth bared, "No."

"Your clothes-"

Amari interrupted me, "I don't care."

"All right," I whispered and turned my focus to the spells lingering in the back of my mind.

The connection to the warehouse was still intact so it was a simple matter of conjuring the energy to encompass all four of us. It only took moments before the aether stirred around us and reality warped once more.

788 I.C, March 12, Dracwyn: Merchant District, Night

Silence filled the warehouse as I said the last word to summarize our adventure thus far. Fletcher was leaning against a nearby crate with his arms crossed while staring at the packed dirt ground. Seated on a chair next to him was Amari, still held in place by threads of magic. She seemed like a statue, frozen in place while focused on me with an unmoving stare.

"Any thoughts?" I asked.

Clyde idly poked at a stray rock on the ground while Talwin watched Fletcher as if trying to peer into the man's mind.

Cyrus inched closer to Fletcher, and whispered, "You're the one who always says this is bigger than all of us. It should be obvious what needs to be done."

Cyrus tries... But I wonder whether the trust he has burned can be regained...

Fletcher ignored Cyrus and looked over at me, "This artifact you got your hands on, this 'Star'. It's the Master's means of keeping him alive in the long term, and without it his magic roams the land... Turning everyone it touches into the walking dead."

"... As far as I know," I answered.

Fletcher's expression hardened, "In other words, you're to blame for all the suffering on this continent?"

Is that how it is? Really? Blame me for this? Ignore the suffering of everyone in Everwinter?

The rampant corruption across the continent? Is it that simple? I'm the great evil around here?

"The Master was only biding his time. You may have had years, decades even, but he would have come eventually, and at a time of his choosing. When the rest of you were at their weakest."

Fletcher drew a deep breath but kept his focus on me, "I'm sure the people of this nation appreciates that reasoning."

I felt my claws pinch my pads as I struggled to remain calm, "I received the Star under false pretense and I had no idea of what it would cause. But this is where we are, and this is the situation we find ourselves in. If I handed the Star back, do you think the Master would just crawl back into his castle and let things be?"

Fletcher bit his lip and sighed, "No, I don't."

"You don't trust Dracwyn's leadership, why?" I asked.

Fletcher idly shook his head, "They're aristocrats without any notions such as honor or patriotism. Some of them discretely left the continent when trouble first stirred, and more have left since. The ones that remain are playing a wager and they're counting on reaping the rewards."

"Rewards?" I asked.

"When the joined army levels Everwinter and Agron is purged of the undead we're going to be left with a major power vacuum. Everwinter is full of precious ore, and Agron is this continent's breadbasket. The one who controls them both will be capable of projecting a lot of influence."

"If this nation doesn't burn, you mean?"

Fletcher's shoulders slumped, "You speak like a naïve child... War is merely another form of diplomacy and the ones pulling the strings rarely face the bloody consequences. This time the consequences might be worse, but it's just another game to be played."

"What are you saying? That everything is screwed even if the Master is defeated?"

Fletcher raised his brow, "Of course not. Listen... The 'game' never ends, it only takes on different forms, and even in times of peace there's always a war waged in the shadows. The Master's defeat will cause the face of this continent to change, but on a scale of nations it won't be any worse, or better, than it already was."

"I'm not so sure about that. But lets go for something more basic. What makes you so sure that you'll win?" I asked.

Fletcher lifted his gaze to look upon the stacks of crates, "I'm not sure of anything. It's just that for a long time now I've been unable to act, and I couldn't just assume we'd all die. Could I?"

I stepped closer, "That can change, Fletcher. I can unshackle you. Help me, and we might be in a position to act when the time comes."

Fletcher eyed me carefully and seemed to ponder it, "Handing you over to Dracwyn would do little. They even struggled with the spells you provided, and they'd have no idea what to with necromantic artifacts like the one you have, or a bunch of wulfkins."

I tipped my head in wonder, "Go on?"

"What do you want out of all this?" Fletcher asked.

I blinked a few times, "My goals are modest, to survive... To end this constant hunt for my life."

Fletcher stared as if not believing me, "That's all?"

"That's all. Besides, what position of power do you think a wulfkin would be able to hold in Agron? In any nation at that?" I asked.

Fletcher scratched his head, "I've seen your camouflage... But given your size and appearance it won't be able to trick people for long. To be honest I have little reason to mistrust your motives, other than the stigma of your species."

"How honest of you," I mused.

Fletcher leaned back against the crate and stuffed his hands in his pockets, "And what do you want from me, wulfkin?"

"Information. What is Dracwyn up to? Will they be able to resist whatever it is the Master has cooked up? Or will they just roll over?"

"That request makes you sound like a spy, you know?" Fletcher asked.

I nodded, "I know. But my research is ongoing, and I need to know whether Dracwyn is a stronghold to be counted on, or whether we should take the nearest boat and pray we don't sink in the ocean."

Fletcher took another deep breath and closed his eyes, "I can see your point. I may be able to help in that regard, and we might even be able to dig up some support from the less self-absorbed aristocrats."

I tipped my head once more, "Why not seek their support until now?"

Fletcher threw me a surprised glance and raised his brow, "Because the only thing of value that I had was your location, something the others would just grab for themselves. With your support and the information you've shared I suddenly find myself in a position of power."

"I see," I whispered.

Fletcher looked over at Amari who still glared at me, "You can release her now. Amari might have a temper but old fashioned logic proves wonder."

Amari's ears perked and she threw Fletcher an annoyed glance.

"Amari?" I said and watched as her attention returned to me, "If I let you go, will you behave?"

Amari's nose twitched with a muffled growl, but was followed by a slow nod as she calmed.

I raised my hand, focused, and urged the threads to unravel. Within moments they began to withdraw, and her energy returned like a spark of fire in dry grass. To my relief she remained in place and only stretched a little while straightening the gown still on her body.

"If you ever touch me again, truce or not, I will kill you," Amari said as a matter of fact.

"Duly noted," I answered with a nod.

Amari raised her gaze, focused on me, and stifled a growl, "I wish to talk with you later, in private."

My ears perked in surprise, "Oh?"

Her lips twitched a little while she glanced over at Fletcher, "It's not a trap, I promise. It's just... personal."

Fletcher looked at her in confusion, "I won't object... As long as you're serious."

"When have I ever not been serious?" Amari asked with a stoic stare.

I focused on Fletcher, "I guess I'll return you to your office?"

Fletcher looked around one last time, "I guess that's prudent. They've stepped down their surveillance of the building we were assigned, but they'd think it weird if we disappeared."

I stepped up to Fletcher and extended a field to encompass him, "Anything before you go?"

Fletcher's eyes widened with a sudden realization and he reached into a pocket, "Yes. I have a Messenger Stone you can use, it's linked to another one that Amari..."

Fletcher glanced at Amari, focused on the gown, and cleared his throat, "It's... It's at the office."

"I understand. Until next time, Fletcher," I said raised my hand.

Fletcher nodded while I let the energy surge, and watched as his image warped in the light. A moment later there was a pop and in his wake were a few lingering specks of magic.

I then turned to Talwin, Clyde, and Cyrus, "You're next."

Talwin glanced at Amari, and then focused on me, "Be careful."

"I will," I answered and raised my hand.

Moments later they were gone as well, and the silence of the warehouse returned once more. A few seconds passed as I turned to look at Amari once more. The white fox now stood in the center of the warehouse, staring into the surrounding shadows cast by the tall crates. A gentle draft by the wind made her gown sway while her bright fur stood in stark contrast to the moody warehouse.

"You wished to speak with me in private?" I asked.

Amari wouldn't look at me as she spoke, "The other one. The one with white fur, and blue eyes. That's another wulfkin... I could smell it on you both... That revolting scent... Rank... Rotten... Beasts."

I tipped my head and crossed my arms, "Feisty, and such a rich vocabulary to boot. I can see why Fletcher likes you."

Amari knit one fist, gritted her teeth, and turned to glare at me once more.

"What? If you hurl insults you'd better expect something back," I said.

Amari drew several deep breaths while her knit hand shook ever so slightly, "Your kin... Wulfkins. They've been used for centuries to set terror into the hearts of people. The things you've done... I swore to myself that I'd kill each and everyone of you. The idea of standing in front of one... Forming a truce with one... It's... You have no idea what that takes..."

"I understand pain better than you might think, and the concept of revenge at that. But I am not the evil your mind tells you I am, Amari."

Amari walked closer, but stopped well outside of reaching distance, "I have questions, and you will answer them... Truthfully, or this truce be damned."

"I don't think Fletcher would approve of that," I said.

Amari raised one hand, and pointed a claw at the anger etched into her face, "Do you think I care?"

"By the looks of it, no. But if the knowledge I hold can make sure this truce holds, then ask your questions," I said.

Amari walked up to the edge of reaching distance and bared her teeth, "Krobia, old ruins with a tall tower that seemed abandoned at first glance. A group of wulfkins led by a giant with black fur and yellow eyes. He spoke with a dark voice and had a taste for making others suffer just for the sake of it. Who was it?"

I scratched my head, "Black fur and yellow eyes are common, so you basically described one fifth of all wulfkins. Anything else you can tell me?"

"The others murmured a name... or a title... Doorus, or something."

"Doros," I corrected.

Amari's eyes widened, "Yes! That's it, with that voice... Your accent... Doros."

I motioned with my hands, "How long ago did this 'event' occur?"

Amari ignored my question and inched closer, "Where can I find this Doros?"

I exhaled and thought back, "Last I heard he served under Commander Amarok himself. But Doros always liked being on the field... So..."

Amari leaned closer, "Yes?"

"If there are wulfkins present in the impending attack on this city, then you'll probably find him at the sidelines, doing something important but discrete."

"Do you know him?" Amari asked and with an intensity that made her look crazed.

I shook my head, "I suffered as his plaything for a while, when I was still human, mind you. But as a wulfkin I've never met him."

Amari opened her muzzle to speak, but hesitated for a moment as her expression softened, "His plaything?"

"I told you the basics earlier. I was expected to mature into a wulfkin, but didn't. That placed me in a very awkward position when it comes to Everwinter's hierarchy. Doros naturally made the most of it and I've spent many a night tending wounds inflicted by the ones that obey his call. I'm surprised you survived an encounter with him?"

Amari forcibly gulped, "I did, my family didn't."

"I'm-"

"I do not want your pity, or sympathy, wulfkin," Amari spat the words as her expression hardened once more.

I felt my ears fold back as the glare burned at me, "Anything else I can help with?"

"If you meet him, what will you do, wulfkin?" Amari asked.

"... If you had asked me that half a year ago I'd have done anything to make him suffer. Now I'm going to do my best to keep him from others, and then make him suffer."

Amari leaned back, and exhaled as if decompressing a load of steam, "If you see him... Then I want to be there. Promise me my revenge, and I'll... cooperate."

Fueled by vengeance and hatred... Like a mirror image of myself... Yet I have no words to soothe it...

"If I can, I'll grant you your revenge, Amari."

Amari stepped back, straightened herself, and made a quick nod, "Then you have yourself a deal... Avery."

788 I.C, March 12, Aetherius, Night

Robert reached out toward the glowing interface in front of him and stopped midway. He hesitated and for a moment he forced himself to clear his head.

"What are you waiting for?" Raymond snapped with his gruff voice.

Robert ignored it, lifted his gaze, and looked at the supply room they had come from. Enough rocks had been cleared to create a small passage they had crawled through, and now there was a trail of aetheric conduits littering the way. It had taken longer than expected to work the magic and they had now run out of food.

For a moment his mind drifted as if cloaked by a haze. It took a shake of his head to clear the sensation and focus senses once more. The cave system they found themselves in had come alive, the tremors were constant, and the distant screams had grown to become a discordant noise of something... alien.

What if this is a trap? What if the Master is waiting for something? For me to open a path to Dracwyn?

What if...

"Hey, fox?" Raymond asked.

Robert turned his head to look at Raymond. The emaciated wulfkin was looming outside of reaching distance. He stared with yellow eyes, and the unruly fur made him look like a wild beast.

"What are you waiting for?" Raymond asked once more.

If I'm right... I'm dead, and so is Dracwyn... If I'm wrong... I'm dead...

Robert looked over at the transporter and gazed upon it. It consisted of black rock warped into a jagged dome like structure. A makeshift connection of bundled wire connected to the conduits in the ceiling, which in turn led into the transporter. The structure now glowed with energy as wisps of magic danced around it and the socketed crystals glimmered with the presence of aetheric runes.

"What are you doing!?" Raymond snapped in frustration.

Robert closed his eyes, "Wulfkins can't interact with magic, what makes you think a transporter can?"

Raymond drew a deep breath and sighed, "Transporters do work on wulfkins, you just need really good focusing crystals so that they can 'latch' onto our presence."

"And this one can do that?" Robert asked.

Raymond looked over at the transporter, "Crystals age with use, not time. I can't sense them and I was never good at judging them by appearance. But, I'd find it hard to believe that a supply transporter would use bad crystals."

"I see," Robert murmured.

Raymond looked back with another frown, "So what are you waiting for?"

Another rumble shook the cave and trails of dust trickled from the cracks in the roof. Robert shielded his eyes while he looked back toward the exit and noticed a strange blue glow in the distance.

"What if your 'Master' was aware the second I was brought here? What if he's just waiting for me to open a portal to Dracwyn? A ploy, using a crippled wulfkin to pull at my heartstrings, and just enough material to put all of this together?" Robert asked and turned his head to look at Raymond who observed in silence.

Robert tipped his head, "I never asked, and it's probably a useless question... But can the Master directly control wulfkins?"

Raymond stared, and slowly reached up to feel his chest, "I can feel the cold... The lack of the aether, and I heard the Master's scream... But I can't... I can't..."

Robert tipped his head a little, "Can't?"

Raymond put a tentative hand on his temple, and whispered, "Father told me that he could hear whispers in the darkness of his mind. Something that would come in time as I grew... I can't hear it yet, the whispers."

"These whispers are important?" Robert asked.

Raymond glanced back, "Father said it was like a presence in the back of your mind, as if the Master was always there, watching, observing. I don't know if it can be used to control people."

Robert looked back at the interface, and then let his gaze drift to the cable supplying power to it.

"... Robert?" Raymond asked.

"Yeah?" Robert asked without averting his gaze.

"I've already seen the code you entered, and if what you say is true, then the Master already has it."

Robert froze as dread trickled down his spine and made his tail twitch, "Then... I guess there's no reason not to do this."

"If this is a trap, then I'm sorry," Raymond whispered.

"... I know," Robert answered and extended his hand.

A buzzing arc danced across his pad as he made contact. A click followed and a sudden burst of light flooded the conduit reaching into the transporter. The room trembled and the crystals of the transporter grew brighter. Moments later the light faded once more, the conduit calmed, and a single rune was shown on the interface.

Robert withdrew his trembling hand, "What just happened?"

"That's a rune signaling failure, it didn't work," Raymond whispered.

That one led to the king's hideout in Dracwyn... If it didn't work... Dracwyn must have dismantled it...

Think... They've obviously changed the codes within the castle itself...

"Fox," Raymond said as if uttering a command.

"Yes, Raymond?" Robert asked.

"If you've got any other smart plans then you'd better hurry up," Raymond answered with a voice that faded into a whisper.

Robert looked up, found Raymond staring at the exit, and turned his head around to look. In the distance he could see the blue glow moving closer. Something had found its way into the library.

The power surge... The Master must have noticed... Think... Quickly!

"Robert... Hurry... Please?" Raymond whispered.

Is this another trick? The first one didn't work... So they're looking for another way in?

The blue light faded for a moment, and then began to reflect on the corridor leading to the supply room.

Raymond's breath picked up pace, "No... Not again. Not one of those creatures..."

Robert was about to speak when something caught his attention. There was a glow near the console and as he turned to look something had appeared. It looked like a floating speck of magic, constantly shifting in structure while glimmering like a rainbow.

Raymond noticed it as well, and whispered, "What's that? What are you doing?"

"I'm not doing anything," Robert whispered and watched the small mote move.

The small mote touched the interface, melded with it, and arcane runes began to stream across the surface. After a few moments the display brightened, and the conduits flared to life once more.

Energy surged into the transporter, the crystals flared, and a visible rift tore open in the very center of it. It swirled like a cloud and a sudden draft filled the room as air was drawn toward it.

Something heavy snapped hold of Robert and he felt himself jerked off the ground. Robert snapped back in panic and saw Raymond dragging him toward the transporter, "Wait!"

"Come on!" Raymond snapped, and marched toward the transporter without hesitation.

Robert grabbed hold of Raymond's arm, and dug his paws into the ground, "The books!"

Raymond pulled once and a pained yelp followed as Robert was jerked forward. Despite the obvious pain Robert pushed back once more, and bared his teeth, "Let go, Raymond!"

"You're insane," Raymond paused, and stared in disbelief while his muzzle hung open in confusion.

Robert lifted his gaze, and stared into the yellow eyes, "The books are important. They were schematics of whatever it is we saw in the cavern. Let me go, now. I order you."

Raymond blinked once, drew a deep breath, and sighed, "I'll get the books."

"Wha-"

As Robert protested he felt himself jerked forward once more. In mere moments Raymond lifted him, and hurled him toward the center of the transporter. With a loud crackle the transporter reacted to Robert's presence, and with a thump of air he disappeared.

Raymond then turned around, stepped off the transporter platform, and searched the room in haste.

The blue glow now illuminated the small passage cut through the collapsed hallway and the smell of something new had entered the air. Blood, and magic, like a tinge of burned chemicals like an experiment gone wrong.

It made Raymond's heart thump harder while his eyes caught on something in the corner, a lumpy sack with the shape of stacked books.

Risking my life for books... Why am I doing this?

Raymond approached the sack with careful steps, stopped, and reached down. As his hand clasped the sack something came loose next to him. A rock from the previously collapsed passage tumbled from its pile, picked up speed, and hit the ground with a resounding thump while skittering along the floor.

Why am I doing this?

He watched the rock as it came to rest next to him, and then lifted his gaze to look at the passage.

Because I want to die?

Something was moving through the passage and it made the sound of ragged breaths. The blue glow danced at the edges, and something appeared. A snake like appendage, twisting, and probing. Its hide was black but interspersed with a pattern of blue crystal that glowed.

It was something the fox said... What if?

More tendrils emerged, and a heavy paw stretched forward before coming to rest on a big rock. Tufts of fur still clung to a paw which now looked like a bunch of claws bound together by crystal and stringy flesh.

What if? What if I could find happiness once more?

Raymond tightened his grip on the sack and lifted it ever so slightly. A moment later the strange beast moved further, and its head peered around the corner. Time seemed to slow as he felt his own maw drop open. He'd seen the Master's parasites making short work of people, but this was not it, nor was it a wulfkin any longer.

I want what I used to have... But I need something...

The creature's muzzle and part of its skull had been violently cracked open. The jaw had split in two, the lips had ripped open, and the flesh had toughened into a sinewy structure of black and blue. Tufts of matted fur and broken bone clung to it like remains of a hide being shed.

Something to prove that I have worth...

In the center of its new maw was a massive tube of flesh surrounded by tendrils that flicked at the air like a snake's tongue. The fleshy tube had warped the beast's chest, and had torn open the throat it once had. The eyes of this new creature had taken on an icy hue of iridescent crystal.

If I have worth... If I do a good deed...

The creature moved closer on all four, and revealed its bulging back while the eyes focused on Raymond like pinpricks. From the creature's back were what looked like shards of crystal that crackled with arcs of aetheric energy.

Then perhaps I can find forgiveness...

Without warning the creature's maw shifted, and like the petals of a flower it opened up. Blue slime trickled from each petal of flesh, and trickled onto the floor with a spatter of noise. The inside of each petal glistened like shards of glass and the beast's body tensed in preparation to attack.

A split second later, and with the sound of claws raking across rock, the beast lunged forward.

Raymond gripped the sack hard, and swung it with his own body as leverage. The heavy sack groaned as the fabric stretched, and turned in a heavy arc. As the beast moved forward the rocks that supported it began to roll, and its balance wavered. One heavy paw slipped, and the beast's focus shifted to the now swinging sack. The two collided violently and a spatter of blue drool trailed through the air. A ripping noise was heard and books tumbled to the floor along with the beast that slammed into the ground.

Raymond tumbled to the side while the sack hit the ground. In panic he reached down, gripped the sack as best he can, and held it to his chest along with the books that remained.

• RAYMOND -

The Master's voice boomed in his head, and a sudden pain struck his heart.

-I WARNED YOU-

Raymond set his aim on the transporter, and stumbled forward. The pain grew worse, something deep inside of him faltered. It squeezed his heart, and he felt a chill of cold ripple through his body. His steps slowed, and the sack grew heavier in his arms. His fingers began to tingle, pain arced from his chest, up his neck, and down his arms. He could barely breathe, and stars began to dance in his vision.

The beast on the floor shook its warped head, and began to rise once more.

-GIVE UP-

For every second that passed the sensation grew worse. His limbs numbed, thoughts grew hazy, and all he could see was the swirling center of the transporter in front of him.

-GIVE UP- I ORDER YOU-

Raymond's paw hit something hard, and he toppled forward. In his panic to remain standing he reached out and his hand hit one of the transporter's support pillars. He leaned onto it and it took a moment for his dimming mind to realize what had just happened.

He had touched a magic construct, yet nothing happened. If anything the pillar's touch eased the pain and his vision began to clear once more. Warmth flooded through his warm, and a warm buzz flushed his cheeks. Warmth, silence, magic.

-DIE!-

The beast rose on all four, and a scream tore through the aether as its paws sought footing once more.

Renewed strength flowed through Raymond as he forced his legs to carry him another step, and pulled at the pillar to throw himself forward. The transporter roared with magic, reality warped, and it pulled Raymond into it with a blast of energy.