Of Marbles and String…

Sanguinar

The frozen grass of the courtyard crunched as he stepped. His breath formed visible clouds and his fingers were tight with cold. Jenna felt a phantom chill from the dreamscape and shivered.

“You’re smiling quite a lot lately boy. Are you so pleased with your progress that you are finding it hard to contain?” Selene asked sarcastically.

“No mistress. That’s not it.”

“No? What then?”

Devon’s mind rushed to find possible answers but came up with nothing.

“Ok. Well maybe.” Was all he could manage.

“Fine. Show me.”

Selene closed on him in a blink. He shifted his stance, barely avoiding a cut with her kukri. Her elbow however struck hard into his abdomen. He staggered back a step but kept his balance and his feet. “Your form is good boy, but you must get faster.” The barrage of attacks came even more quickly with Devon anticipating Selene’s steps and managing to deflect more than he was struck with. “Focus!. The trials will test not only your physical skills but mental acuity and fortitude as well.” Selene’s movements increased in pace, her strength forcing him off step and out of place. He tilted, losing his balance. The edge of Selene’s blade ran across his inner thigh opening a hole in his pants but not his flesh. He fell backward only to be caught before he hit the ground by his mistress who leveled him back on his feet. 

“Practice more, smile less.” She scoffed. “Though I am not entirely displeased with your improvement.”

“Thank you mistress.” He bowed, panting. His throat felt like it was on fire from the rapid influx of frigid air. His chest cramped and his lungs ached as if they were about to burst.

“So tell me. How was the Yule Festival?”

The frost resting in the back of his throat shot down his spine. Terror gripped his heart so tightly it seemed to almost stop. “The what?” He stammered and gasped. 

“The Yule Festival boy. Magister Crowley said the town was in full celebration. I’d almost forgotten it was that time already.”

“Well I, uh. The tower and…”

“You’re making no sense boy. Has the weather frozen your brain? I understand you might be upset at being unable to attend in person but Crowley informed me she did allow for some treats to be delivered to the tower. A fair compromise if you ask me.”

“Oh. Yes.” He forced out, catching his breath. “That was very kind of her. She even decorated the common room.”

“She’s a good woman Devon. A fine mentor. I’m happy to see our little arrangement is working.”

“As am I Mistress.” Devon said truthfully.

She reached out and he handed her the weapon he’d been practicing with. 

“When you pass the trials you will have earned the right to wear your own. A slayer’s kukri is a sacred thing. It never leaves our body and no one may force us to relinquish it. Such is the law of Sanguinar.” Selene sheathed it as well as her own on her belt. “You must be getting cold. We’ll continue the lesson inside.”

The scene faded to black. When Jenna’s vision returned she found they were in the ballroom where most of his dancing lessons took place. “You’ve become a passable combatant. I believe it’s time we work on some more stealth oriented skills. You know, the ones you were so predispositioned to when I discovered you.”

Devon had a look of bewilderment about him. “You want me to become a better thief?”

“Are your ears still frozen? Did I mention thievery?”

“No mistress.”

She walked across the room and found a chair to sit in. “Dance.”

Devon did as he was told and began practicing the form that Selene had taught him.

Selene closed her eyes and drew a slingshot from her belt pouch along with a marble. She listened carefully for the sound of his steps. His boot brushed against the wooden floor and she fired the marble directly at the spot where the noise originated striking him hard in the ankle. Devon yelped in pain only to have a second marble impact his shoulder. “Every sound I hear will be met with more of the same.” A heavy breath caused a third to punch into his chest. “Pray I don’t hear you blink.”

Devon focused all his attention on remaining silent. He controlled his breathing, measured his steps, observed his surroundings all in an effort not to be heard. Even so, Selene would sling marbles at him, never missing, always at the point of sound. Dozens of welts and bruises later she finally said. “That’s enough.”

“Why have you run out of marbles?” Devon mistakenly said aloud. 

The back of his right hand made a popping sound as a marble bounced off of it.

“Say again boy?”

“I’m sorry Mistress.” Devon apologized. “I forgot myself. It won’t happen again.”

“See that it doesn’t.” She walked over and handed him a cloth bag. “37.”

“37 Mistress?”

“Yes. That’s how many marbles I expect you to recover from the floor.”

“Yes Mistress.”

Selene returned to her chair, watching him go about the task she set for him. “Remember boy, it doesn’t matter how well you hide yourself if you can be heard.”

“I will Mistress.” He said somewhat dejected.

“And Devon…You were actually better at that than I expected. There are still 13 marbles in the bag.”

“Thank you Mistress.” Devon said as he gathered the glass beads. “Though I feel like there is plenty of room to improve.”

Selene held back a laugh but allowed a smile to slip. “It’s good that you recognize that.”

He handed her the bag. “Mistress, may I ask a question?”

“Go on.”

“Did all of you have to go through the same training?”

“Everyone taught by the Pale Lady did. Why do you ask?”

“How many marbles did you collect the first time out?”

She looked into his eyes, measuring him for a moment. “37.” She smirked as the smile returned to Devon’s face.

Once again the images faded only to be reborn at dusk. They were outside again but this time they were in the town proper. Jenna recognized the cafe from Devon’s earlier memory, Rosalie’s. The proprietor placed a cup of hot tea in front of him. “Something to keep you warm on a frigid eve?”

“Thank you Miss Rosalie.”

“You’re welcome Devon. It still amazes me to see how much you’ve grown in… what is it? Three years?”

“Four since he’s been here.” Selene offered. He kept to the manor his first, that is until…”

“Oh I remember.” She smiled a little uncomfortably. “Won’t soon forget that night.”

Devon sipped his tea. “Neither will I.”

The Nightmistress smirked. “Well thank you for the hospitality my friend but this unfortunately is not a recreational visit for the boy. He has a bit of work to do.”

Devon looked puzzled. “In town?”

Selene nodded. “Yes we’re going to test how well you keep to the shadows and how close you can get to a person without detection. Charissa, Dawne and I will be somewhere about the night markets. Each one of us will have a string laced into our belts. Your job is to recover all three strings without being seen by us or anyone else.”

“How is that even possible? The three of you can see in the dark. How will shadows help?”

“It’s more than just hiding in the dark boy. You’ll need to learn to camouflage yourself. Remember, darkvision is black and white. Try to blend with your surroundings to go unnoticed.”

“What happens if I get caught?” he said, rubbing a welt on his hand, a memento left behind by a marble.”

“Don’t get caught.” Selene said evenly. “And it won’t matter.”

Devon looked mournfully down into his mug.

Selene stood to leave. “Finish your tea and then come find us. Good luck boy.”

“Thank you mistress.” Devon replied as she left.

“Good luck is right Devon. There are no more skilled slayers in town.” Rosalie said, shaking her head. “Not an easy task I’m afraid.”

“I know… But what would I learn if it were?” He asked.

“Good answer.” She said. “Go on now. Off with you.” She smiled.

Devon stepped out into the cobblestone path. “Well that was stupid. Walking into a well lit street will certainly get me caught.” He said to himself as he retreated to the edge of the cafe where the street lamps cast shadows against the walls. He walked a few buildings down searching the crowd of pedestrians for any of the three slayers. A few more paces down and he spotted Dawne strolling toward Lillie’s Haven. He kept to the opposite side of the walkway matching her pace. He watched as she stopped and scanned the area herself. He recoiled against a rain barrel then as her head moved away he crossed over avoiding her sightline. A few steps closer he noticed a golden twist of yarn hanging from the back of her belt. Dawne had stopped a few yards further to converse with a man he was sure he recognized. He had dark auburn hair that was cut short but with a slight curl to it and he wore facial hair that matched. As Devon edged closer the man sniffed at the air and smiled. 

“Damn it. A wolf shifter.” He thought to himself. “He must smell me.”

Devon was too close to abandon his task so he moved with a crowd that had exited a nearby pub. As he passed Dawne he reached out and pulled the yarn free. He was elated with excitement until he heard her voice. 

“A good effort Devon.” 

He froze in his tracks waiting for the inevitable.

She walked over and placed her arm around his shoulder. “You did well. I lost you a few times. Unfortunately Dyson smelled you right away. You have to remember there are all kinds of ways to be detected. Just because you aren’t seen and aren’t heard doesn’t mean you aren’t noticed.”

“I understand Mistress Dawne.” He bowed his head. “Good evening Lord Dyson.”

“Sorry young one.” He apologized.

“Are you going to punish me?” The young rogue asked.

“I’m afraid so.” The kindly vampyr answered.

He squinted bracing himself. 

She reached into a pouch on her belt and pulled out a parchment. “Here’s a list of errands you are going to run for me.”

“That’s it?” He asked, surprised. 

“Why? Do you require more physical discipline? Weren’t the marbles painful enough?”

“Yes mistress. Thank you.” 

“Go on now. Find Charissa. She’ll be near the glassblower.”

Devon bowed and hurried off. The blonde vampyr was standing exactly where Dawne said she would be. She had her back turned to him as she stared into the shop examining the offerings in the window. She appeared particularly interested in a crystal music box. Unfortunately, the light foot traffic made concealing himself among the pedestrians all the more difficult. What made matters worse was there was no yarn that he could see from his vantage point. He was going to have to move closer. He approached carefully, waiting for the light breeze to push the firelight in the street lamps and shift the shadows so he could move unseen. He was barely ten feet away when he saw it, an orange string looped through her belt. He crouched low so that his head was no higher than her waist and snuck up behind her. He was an arms length away reaching for his prize when he noticed he could see his face in the polished glass. He tugged at the string hoping she hadn’t noticed and backed away. She clapped her hands and turned with a smile. 

“So close Devon. I’m rather impressed. You were quiet and careful… only… You didn’t account for the window did you? Be aware of your surroundings and things that can give you away. Polished glass, puddles and even the eyes of people near your mark can be used as reflective surfaces.”

“I’ll remember that Mistress.”

“See that you do. Were you successful with Dawne?”

“No Mistress.”

“Did she discipline you?”

“She gave me a list of chores.”

Charissa smiled. “Well then. Here’s another. You’re going to be a busy young man this week.”

“Thank you mistress.” Devon bowed.

“Now listen carefully. Selene knows you’re coming and is not one who likes to lose at anything. I wouldn’t expect her to be as gentle with your discipline either should you fail. So with that in mind, be careful.” She smiled reassuringly.

Devon smiled back and began his search for Selene. He searched the walkways of the night markets for what was certainly a couple of hours with no sign of the Nightmistress. He thought about her instructions…somewhere in the night markets. But she wasn’t anywhere to be found outside. “Wait a minute.” He came to sudden realization. “If I can find her outside that means…She must be inside. But where.” He thought about what Charissa said. “She won’t make it easy…” He walked as he thought. Where could she go that would be impossible for him to sneak in unnoticed. “Lillie’s Haven.” He guessed as his stomach sank. Not only was it always crowded, not only was it fairly well lit but it was the one location that the human surrogate from Westport was actually well known and certain to be recognized. He was all but resigned to defeat. “No. I have to try.” He knew the outcome if he didn’t, certain failure and definite disappointment in Selene’s eyes. If he was going down in defeat he’d at least be able to say he tried. He used the glamer he had practiced for the Yule Festival to alter his appearance, hopefully keeping himself from being recognized, then he cast the darkvision spell Selene had taught him to better see in the dim light of the perimeter. He waited for the door to be opened by a patron entering and slid in behind him. Sure enough Selene was sitting at the bar flanked by Dawne and Charissa. The wolf shifter Dyson was also in their company. He remembered what Dawne had said and cast a prestidigitation spell to cause a rather foul odor to rise from the tankard on  the counter in front of him. He edged closer looking for his target but didn’t see anything…

“No. That can’t be.” 

He saw a tiny black thread hanging from her belt that was almost imperceptible. Devon knew he was going to have to get real close. He cast a second prestidigitation creating a haze over the mirror behind the bar hoping to obscure his approach. Slowly, carefully, quietly he inched his way toward his mistress. Hand shaking he reached for the thread… Then his whole world shifted on end.

Jenna had the impression he was on his back. As Devon looked up toward the ceiling grasping his twisted wrist and grimacing in pain, she caught sight of Selene’s glowing blue eyes but instead of her signature emotionless expression, she wore a wry grin. “So close boy. So close. Up with you.” 

He felt hands helping him to his feet. 

“You did well.” Charissa whispered as she lifted him.

“Are you hurt?” Dawne asked, assisting him to his feet.

“He’s fine.” Selene narrowed her gaze. “Sit boy.”

Devon moved to a stool and Lillie brought him a warm spiced cider.

“Thank you Mistress Lillie.”

The bright eyed innkeeper nodded pleasantly.

“How many successes boy?” Selene demanded.

“One.” Dawne answered before he could speak.

“Two. Charissa corrected.”

“None Mistress.” he said honestly as he placed the three pieces of string on the bar.

“I warned you not to fail didn’t I?”

“Yes Mistress.”

“Selene…” Dawne began protectively.

An icy glare stopped the vampyr mid sentence. The Nightmistress reached into her belt pouch and pulled out a piece of parchment. “Here.” She held it out to him.

Devon took it but didn’t open it. 

“Add that to your list of chores. I can assume you two went soft on him as well?”

Both ladies blushed. And looked away.

“Not a word to the Pale Lady. She expects discipline to be meted out harshly in line with the law. Each failure should be met with pain sufficient to cause you to remember your mistakes and avoid them. However, based on what I saw you did just that…So lesson learned.”

Devon nodded. “Thank you Mistress.”

“Oh don’t thank me boy. You’ll repeat the exercise each week until you get it right.”

Devon’s stomach sank again. 

“I ended up doing chores for months.” Devon whispered to the gold dragon watching in his mind as the scene faded away to blackness. 

“What types of chores uncle?”

Devon smirked, everything and anything that needed doing. I’d maintain weapons and armor, handle shopping lists, clean living quarters, help prepare meals and hand wash laundry.”

“Sounds like work that could have been performed by servants if you ask me.”

“Yes but there were lessons even in such menial tasks. I learned life skills, how to talk to people, respect for everyone and humility. Vampyr observe a very rigid caste but at the same time do not mistreat their lessors. I was accepted into a noble house and needed to understand and observe the social etiquette expected of me.”

“It never occurred to me…” Jenna said reflecting thoughtfully on her own behaviors.

“And now it will.”

“Thank you uncle.” She kissed him on the cheek before laying her head on his shoulder. 

Aliyeah walked into the parlor scraping the back of his head with her fingernails as she made her away around the couch and sat on his other side. “Don’t you two look comfortable.” She said with a smile.

Devon returned the pleasantry. “Indeed my queen. Just finished our lesson for the day.”

“Hello auntie.” Jenna greeted. “May I ask a question?”

“Of course Jenna.”

“Does Devon own a slingshot and marbles?”

“He does in fact. Why?”

“No reason.” She smirked as she absentmindedly rubbed the back of her hand. 

Devon chuckled as the Gold Queen shook her head in curious confusion.

“Inside joke I’ll assume.”

“Something like that my love.” Devon replied as she laid her head on his other shoulder and grinned.

Kasha, The White Wolf…

Sanguinar:

“You can’t do that!” Devon yelled. “It’s not fair! I followed all your stupid rules. Why?!”

“Mind your tone boy before I lose my patience.” Selene warned.

Devon glared at her angrily. Resentment welled within him. Jenna could feel it.

“I don’t believe I care for that expression or the uncontrolled outburst either. I expect…”

“I expect to not be treated like a child.” He interrupted.

“Then stop acting like one. The trials will be here before you realize and I need you to remain focused. Distractions will only get you hurt or worse. I didn’t spend my time and effort on you to sit idly by and watch while you throw your life away on some ridiculous infatuation with a girl.”

There it was. She knew.

“What?…” He said in a low growl.

“The looks you two exchange are easy to read for anyone who cares to see it. I don’t doubt Magister Crowley may have her own suspicions but I suspect she still sees the two of you as brother and sister. If I’m right, and judging by your reaction I believe I am, I would venture to guess the two of you have engaged in activities most siblings do not.”

“No.” He pouted and looked away.

“I’m not saying never Devon. Just not now. It’s not a good time for it.” Selene spoke calmly, Jenna took notice. Much more so than the gold dragon would have imagined considering her uncle’s disrespectful attitude.

“What about my arcane lessons?” He asked, hoping to still convince her to allow him to continue visiting Westport.

“I’ll be responsible for your education. Now why not go for a walk. Come back with a clear head so that we can put this unpleasantness behind us and focus on what’s really important.”

“Fine!” He stormed away. Jenna could feel his heart racing as he flew down the stairs, rushed through the parlor and out the door without a word to anyone he passed. It was late morning and the town was fast asleep. He knew there would only be a few businesses open in the inner ward so he made for the trade district where most of the out of town commerce took place. It held a smaller merchant square with buildings erected around it in the shape of a horseshoe. He came upon the building he had scaled some four years prior when he had tried to escape the vampyr. He stopped, running his fingers over a barrel, perhaps the one he had used to hop on top of the roof to elude Baraek. He stared mindlessly out toward the black gate and the graveyard beyond. His anger had given way to sadness and disbelief. He never imagined Selene would stop his visits to Westport. Everything had been going so well. He thought that just maybe, in a few more years he might be free to marry, that he and Holly would be able to live their lives together. Now that dream seemed an impossibility. His mind began to consider running away again. It was an idea that hadn’t surfaced in his head for years. It was daytime and despite the chill of a waning winter, the trade road was open. Perhaps he could make it through without the guardian spirits molesting him. 

“You there. Where’s your master?” A richly dressed woman with blue grey hair called out. She had a warm fur coat, gloves and hat protecting her from the cold.

Devon looked around to see who she was talking to.

“Slave boy. You with the collar.” Her tone was rising. “Are you smart enough to speak?”

“Me?” Devon pointed to himself, obviously confused.

“Yes you. Where is your master? I thought perhaps I could rent you for a while to help with some crates. Work hard and I may even consider purchasing you… take you away from this dreadful place.”

Devon gave the woman an incredulous look. He was about to respond when the storekeeper intervened. 

“The boy is no slave, my lady. He belongs to a great noble house. He’s not for sale.” The man said with some disgust.

“Well why have him wear a slave collar then? Honestly I find you vampires very confusing.”

“They’re not vampires you old hag.” Devon shot back, his anger returning. “And it’s not a slave collar.”

“Slave collar, dog collar, beast collar…call it what you will it’s still a collar.” She said smugly. “Someone put it on you to show ownership.”

Devon scowled and took a step forward only to be stopped by the merchant’s hand on his shoulder. 

“Ne popadaysya v bedu, molodoy chelovek. Ona togo ne stoit.” (Don’t get yourself in trouble young man. She’s not worth it.) He said gently.

“Da ser.” (Yes sir) He bowed respectfully and skulked off. 

Jenna could hear his inner monologue fighting with itself. 

“What are you going to do now Devon? Head back and apologise to Selene?” 

He walked a few more steps. 

“Why should I? It’s all her fault. It’s not fair.” 

Another few steps. 

“Has anything been fair? I thought you liked it here. She’s been good to you.” 

More steps. 

“Yeah in an I’m going to toss you around all day and torture you for your own good sort of way. I don’t need this anymore. I just want to see Holly.” 

He stopped at the edge of the Wolfwood. 

“So what are you going to do then?” 

He looked out into the darkened forest. 

“Run.”

Devon sprinted into the wood heading toward the river or so he hoped. “I can follow the river line all the way back to Westport and avoid the cemetery.” At least that’s what he thought. It took some hours of wandering aimlessly for him to realize he was lost. “Where the hells am I?” He asked himself as he fought to find his bearings. The canopy of trees was fairly thick and he was only able to catch sight of the sun intermittently. He knew it set in the west and if he tracked it right it should lead him out in the direction of his former hometown. Jenna could feel his anxiety swell. The longer he spent in the woods the more it worsened. What would happen if he encountered a mutt… or any other dangerous creature for that matter. He wasn’t wearing any armor and his only weapon was the small knife Selene had gifted him. “Selene.” He thought. “She’s probably begun to worry that I’ve been gone too long. Maybe I should just sit down and wait for her to find me.” His anger roused again. “Why, so she can punish you for running away again and keep you from Holly? Keep moving.”

He could see his breath now. It grew colder as the sky darkened. Afternoon quickly gave way to evening. His legs hurt from walking all day. He was getting hungry and thirsty too. He also grew concerned with how long he’d actually still be able to see. Part of him began to regret his hasty decision to run. With the sun falling from sight he worried he’d lose his sense of direction again. He pressed forward and as luck would have it caught sight of a flicker of light off in the distance.

“Campfire.” He decided. Devon wasn’t certain if the encampment was friend or foe so he retreated into the shadows, approaching as silently as he could. There were three rather large men sitting about the fire taking in its warmth and talking. They had horses and a wagon loaded with a cage mostly covered in burlap.

“…incredibly rare. She’ll fetch a tidy sum from the carnival.” One of the men said. “A king’s ransom.” 

“Yeah, just be sure you keep her drugged and sedated. Can’t have her turning into a wolf and ripping our throats out.”

“How’d you hear about her again?” The third asked.

“One of her own people believe it or not, a wolf named Carrava. He traffics in black market goods, selling his own kind as oddities and moving Yin Fen. He tipped me off that she’d be running in these woods and for a few thousand gold led us past the graveyard to lay in wait for her. It cost me several thousand more for the tincture but it’ll be worth every copper once we get clear of the town and sell her off to Doyle to display at the Dark Carnival.”

“Shouldn’t we keep moving then?” A fourth man asked as he joined the group.

“Absolutely not. The graveyard is protected by guardian spirits. We’d be dead before we got a quarter way through.”

“Can’t we go around it?”

“Nope. The whole settlement is surrounded by the cemetery. Pretty macabre if you ask me.”

Devon crept away from the edge of the clearing and circled toward the wagon. He carefully approached keeping to the deep shadows. Nearly none of the light cast from the flickering campfire made it to the cage. He reached out lifting the burlap covering and peaked underneath. Inside he found a copper skinned woman with platinum blonde hair, nearly white. She had an athletic shape for her small frame. She was nearly naked and laid curled up in a fetal position. Even in the dark he recognized her.

“Kasha?” He whispered softly.

The woman drowsily flicked her eyes, the soft hazel color fighting to focus on the young rogue. 

“Selene?” She mouthed.

Devon shook his head no.

“Run pup. You’re in danger.” She said softly.

He shook his head again then slipped under the wagon as the sound of footsteps grew near.

“What do ya think Wes. She looks pretty out of it. Should I give her a go while I still can?”

“Eww. She’s a wolf Tivat. You might catch rabies or something worse.”

“I don’t know… She’s something beautiful. May not get this chance again.”

“Yeah well you can risk it if you want. Just wait til Jorisk is asleep. He’ll have your head if he catches you despoiling his prize bounty.”

“Hehehe. Yeah. You’re right about that. See ya later sweet thing.” He grunted and blew her a kiss.

Devon watched the boots fade from sight before sliding back out. 

He found a padlock on the door to the cage and began to work it with a loose nail he pulled from the wagon. It took a bit of coaxing but the hasp fell free. He slowly opened the gate and reached in after the wolf shifter. She found it hard to move, her muscles seemed stiff and she had a disoriented look about her. He eased her out and to the ground before closing the gate and securing the lock.

“Can you walk my lady?”

She slowly shook her head.

He bent low wrapping her arm around his shoulder and lifted the she wolf onto her feet. He shuffled her away moving as quickly and quietly as he could.  

“There pup. Through that bush.” She whispered into his ear. “Now down the slope and over to that fallen tree.”

“What did they do to you Kasha?” He asked as he struggled to carry her along.

“Poison.” She managed. “Tincture of wolfsbane laced with truesilver.”

She was shivering from the cold. Devon paused, sitting her down for just a few moments to catch his breath. When he did, he took off his doublet and drew it over her naked form trying to keep her warm. She smiled weakly.

“Help me through that thicket of bearberry bushes, the ones with the red fruit over there.” She pointed with her head. Her platinum blonde hair fell across her face. “Just beyond the shrubs is a tight opening leading into a small cave. Wolves sometimes use it to ambush prey. You’ll have to drag me inside. It’s sized for a wolf to crawl in on all fours… not suitable for you to carry me in.”

“I’m not sure…”

“It’s the safest place for us right now. We’re too far from town for you to carry me all the way there and we’d both probably freeze to death before we reached any help.”

“Yeah. I was kinda thinking that myself. Ok.” He cast a spell granting him darkvision so he’d be able to see then pushed through the bushes and found the opening. “It’s going to be tight and I don’t feel right about dragging you over rocks and dirt.” He whispered while pausing to think. “Forgive me my lady, but if you’ll allow, I’ll lay you on top of me and slide us in. It’ll be safer and easier.”

Kasha nodded and curled her lip in a half smile. 

Devon eased them both to the ground and rolled her on top of him. Her soft hair brushed against his face and he could make out the scent of wildflowers and sandalwood. As her head fell into his shoulder he could smell the faint odor of violets and mint on her breath, the tell tale signs of the poison she described. He cradled her with his left arm, using his right and his legs to shimmy them inside. The alcove wasn’t very big but had room enough for the two of them to move around some and a ceiling tall enough to stand. 

“They’ll discover you’re gone soon, but we should be pretty safe til the morning.” 

Kasha was shivering uncontrollably. “So cold. Can’t get warm. Can’t shift.”

“I’m not sure it’s safe to start a fire. If they are out looking it could give us away. We’re not so far from the camp. What can I do?” 

She had curled up into a ball again. “Hold me. Share your warmth. We’ll both be better for it.”

Devon was uncomfortable with the idea. Jenna could feel a sense of betrayal in her uncle as practicality fought with his feelings for Holly. He knew Kasha wasn’t wrong and agreed they stood a better chance of not freezing through the night if they huddled together.

He pensively approached. Kasha could read the hesitance in his body language. Her teeth were chattering as she asked, “Does the idea embracing a wolf offend you so, vampyr?”

“No. Of course not. And I’m not… It’s just…”

“I’d find your shyness adorable if I wasn’t worried about freezing to death.”

Devon laid down beside her and she instinctively pushed herself tight against him and pulled his arm over her chest, pressing it tightly to her breast. Her body was still shivering.

“If you’ll allow me Kasha, perhaps I can warm you a bit more with some magic.”

She released his hand. “I’ll be wanting that back when you’re done.” She said through her shuddering jaw. Devon knew he could warm the cloth of the doublet with a prestidigitation incantation so he cast it on the garment he had given her. The cloth heated and she immediately grabbed for his hand pulling it across her as a cover again. “Thanks.” She smiled and seemed to shake a little less.

In the quiet of the cave, Devon listened intently to all the sounds around him. The chirping of insects, the hoot of an owl, even the erratic breaths Kasha took as her body fought to stay warm were crisp and clear to his ears. There were no footsteps. No words to be heard in the wind. His magic faded but their close contact kept their body heat trapped for a time. He knew he’d only be able to cast it once more so he waited for the chill to creep between them before he did. He wasn’t sure how much longer it would be before dawn but the lack of any illumination in the mouth of the cave led him to believe it was probably some time off.

“Will you be able to shift by dawn?” He asked.

“I’m not sure.” She answered back.

“Maybe we can wait them out.”

“They’re hunters. I’m sure the only thing keeping them from finding us now is the dark. They dare not illuminate the wood. It would attract all manner of creature, possibly even some of my scouts. Once they have daylight to track us by we’ll be found straight away. I’m hoping to be free of the toxins before then…otherwise…” 

Devon didn’t say anything but the answer was clear to him… Otherwise he would fight and likely die. “I swear I’ll not let them take you again Kasha.”

She looked over her shoulder for a moment and smiled then closed her eyes and tried to sleep.

He wasn’t sure how long he had laid there for. He had dozed off himself for a time but the sound of breaking brush roused him from his slumber. A few sharp rays of sunlight piercing the mouth of the tunnel leading to the cave informed him dawn had arrived. “Kasha.” He whispered into her ear after brushing away some stray locks of hair from her face. “The hunters.”

She rolled off him to the floor, clumsily landing on all fours. She had a determined look in her hazel eyes. “Almost. She hissed. Just need a little more time.”

“Stay here. I’ll draw them away.” He said crawling toward the entry.

“Devon no!” She whispered forcefully but he ignored her.

He peered out into the wood.

“Looks like it was only one who dragged her away.” One of the men suggested. “They stopped here but the ground is so cold there are hardly any tracks.” 

“Well they couldn’t have gotten far. Fan out. Search the brush. Look for hollow logs or hidden alcoves.”

Devon eased his way out from the opening sliding behind the bearberry bush flanking one of the hunters. He creeped quietly behind him. Just before the man turned he plunged the truesilver blade into his side. The surprised hunter screamed as he fell to a knee. Devon ran it’s razor sharp edge across his throat and the man slumped to the ground. 

“There!” Another screamed. “That kid killed Wes!”

An arrow flew past him, cutting across his arm. Devon tucked his blade away, turned and ran. He shifted his feet just in time to avoid a second arrow. He dove over a fallen tree as a third arrow clipped his thigh. He tumbled to the ground and quickly found his feet.”

“Damned boy runs like a jackrabbit.” One of the hunters yelled.

Another volley of arrows sent him breaking hard left. The wound in his thigh was beginning to ache and cramp. His arm had begun to burn too. “Poison.” He spit, ducking away from another onslaught of projectiles that forced him to change direction again. His leg gave out on the pivot and he rolled to the ground. He was far slower to his feet this time allowing his pursuers to draw near. He backed away looking for a pathway out but his leg had tightened with spasms.

“Where is she, boy?” A large bearded man asked. He had shouldered his bow and drawn a club. “Now… we both know I’m going to kill you for what ya did to ol’ Wes back there but you can have it clean and quick if you tell me.”

He heard a howl off in the distance. “Gone.” He smiled.

He danced out of the way of the first swing but the second caught him square in the ribs doubling him over. His injured leg had sadly betrayed him. 

The man swung again but Devon was ready. He drew his blade and slashed at the man’s wrist sending blood spitting from the wound and the club spinning into the brush. 

“Bastard.” The man cursed, punching him in the side of the head, dropping the young rogue hard to the dirt. “Slow and painful then. Fine by me boy.” He sneered. Devon recoiled against a tree surrounded by a thicket of ferns. His vision was blurry and his eyes had teared up. The bearded man grabbed him by the throat and lifted him off his feet. Devon swung wildly with his blade but the brute caught his wrist. The hunter slammed him hard against the tree, opening a deep gash that left his hair wet with blood. He tossed the nearly limp teen to the ground. “Last chance boy. Tell me where she is or I tie ya to this trunk till ya bleed out… if the critters don’t eat ya alive first.”

Devon forced himself to sit. “Piss off.” He spit a mouth full of blood at the man.

The enraged hunter went to reach for him just as a pair of ghostly hazel eyes appeared in the bush just over the boy’s shoulder. He heard a sinister growl as an arctic white wolf stepped out, muzzle flashing teeth, it’s expression cold with terrifying anger. Jorisk withdrew quickly…though not quickly enough. The wolf lunged at him tearing at his throat, ripping it open and staining her winter white fur red with blood. The man gurgled until the second bite decapitated him.

“Oh shit!” The other two hunters panicked reaching for their swords. She was on the second in a flash. His fate ended no better than the first. The third turned to run only the find himself surrounded by a pack of snarling wolves. Pale with fright he panicked, dropping his sword.

Kasha padded over to where Devon sat, his head hanging low, his breathing heavy. She tapped his jaw up with her snout and he lifted his head to meet her gaze. He had never seen her in her wolf form. She licked the side of his face causing him to grin as he squirmed. A moment later the wolf was gone, replaced by the woman with copper skin. She was still wearing his doublet as a cover but nothing more. 

“Guess it worked.” He smiled.

“It did pup.” She beamed at him. “Very well too. Though perhaps I should stop calling you pup.”

“It’s ok my lady. I’ve been called worse.”

She looked at the last hunter. “Tivad correct?”

The remaining hunter nodded his head.

“What do you think Tivad? Want to give me a go while you still can?”

He shook his head terrified and wet himself.

“You won’t get this chance again. No? Shame, My guards then. See ya later sweet thing.” She smirked.

The pack pounced, tearing the man to pieces.

“Can you walk Devon?” She asked, reaching toward the cut on his thigh. 

He grabbed her hand and said, “Poison.” through gritted teeth. “Truesilver and wolfsbane. I can smell violets and mint.”

“I know. I smell it too. Impressive. You do your mistress proud.” She whispered some words in a tongue he had never heard before made up of growls and barks. Devon felt a fizzing in his arm and leg as the poison dissipated from the wounds. Some more wolf-like sounds and his wounds closed too.

“Thank you Kasha.” He bowed respectfully.

She grinned. “You are far too polite for a wolf Devon. You’ve a touch of the wild in you now. Hopefully not too much though or Selene will have words for me. Welcome to the pack.”

“But I’m human. I can’t…”

“I’m the alpha. I decide who can and can’t. You’re no shifter pup, but you’re pack all the same. Dyson, help him up.”

A grey colored wolf with streaks of black and white stepped over changing into a man as he did. He grabbed Devon by the forearm and pulled him to his feet. “You did good, kid.”

“Thank you Lord Dyson.”

Kasha took him by the hand. “You can’t shift so we’ll have to walk back. Come along.”

The wolves knew the woods well and by noon they had returned to the lycan encampment. Kasha led him to her cabin and sat him on the bed of her private sanctum. 

“Where were you running off to Devon?”

“I wasn’t. What makes you think I…”

“You’re pack now pup. It’s a great crime to lie to your alpha.”

Devon hesitated then finally answered. “Westport. At least that’s what I had planned. Selene and I had a disagreement.”

“About the girl?”

“The who?”

Kasha smiled. “Why else would an apprentice as respectful as yourself defy your mistress and run except for a girl.”

He sighed. “I know she wants what’s best for me. But when do I get to decide what’s best for me.”

“That time will come. Until then be dutiful to your mistress. She is a good person.”

“She’s going to be so angry. I can’t imagine the trouble I’m in.”

“Let me handle that. It’s the least I can do.” She reached into a wooden box and drew out a silver earclasp. It was carved with runes and beaded with a strange hazel colored stone threaded with platinum blonde string the color of Kasha’s hair. There were also tufts of snow white fur braided into it. “This is for you. It’s called the fetish of the white wolf. It marks you as a member of my pack and is enchanted to allow you to take a wolf’s form.” She clasped it into the edge of his left ear. It pinched for a second then felt cool. She pushed the beads behind his ear and smiled. 

“I…” He stammered. “I don’t know what to say. I don’t deserve it. Thank you my… alpha?”

The white wolf smirked. “How about I get to call you pup and you may continue to address me as Kasha?”

Devon smiled brightly. “Fair enough.”

Kasha sniffed the air. “Your mistress has arrived. Here, it’s probably best if you’re wearing this and not me.” She removed the doublet he had given her leaving her exposed. Devon blushed and turned his head. “I was right. Your shyness is adorable. You don’t have to turn away. My body is nothing you haven’t already seen.” She leaned in and kissed his cheek. “Wait here.” She put on small clothes and a floral silk robe before walking out to her audience room.

“Where is he Kasha?”

“Selene. So good of you to visit. May I offer you something to drink?”

Devon crept over to the edge of the doorway. Through his eyes Jenna could see the vampyr glaring at the wolf shifter.

“I found his trail in the Wolfwood. And his blood. There were also four fresh corpses, three with their throats torn out, if you include the one ripped to pieces that is. If he has been harmed…”

“The pup is fine, old friend. Please sit.”

“I’ll stand thank you. Return him to me.”

“May I ask if you intend to punish him?”

“What? You can’t be serious.” Selene asked incredulously.

Several of the wolves in the room became agitated, their hair bristling behind their necks.

“I am quite familiar with the ways of the vampyr. If you intend to discipline the boy I’m afraid I must intervene.”

“The laws of Sanguinar are harsh. It’s not your place Kasha.” Selene warned.

“He’s my pack.” The wolf announced.

Selene tilted her head. “He’s my blood. What have you done?” Her eyes flashed brilliant blue and even from where he stood, Devon could feel the unnatural chill.

“Nothing that should anger you. Do you mistrust me so much that you believe I’d turn him without your approval? He wears your collar doesn’t he?”

Selene seemed to calm. “Then give me back my child.”

“He’s hardly a child anymore Selene. Your young man should be praised, rewarded, not disciplined. He saved my life. As such I have decreed he be recognized as an honorary member of the pack.”

“Is that so?” She asked as she began to approach the lycan.

The wolves bared teeth and growled. Kasha raised her hand and silenced them. “The pack protects their own. I only ask for your assurance that the boy will suffer no punishment and you may leave with him in peace. Consider it a favor old friend.”

“Selene.” Dyson interjected. “Your apprentice did save her life. Whatever insult you feel about his disappearance surely can not outweigh the honor he has brought you and your house.”

Seraphyne stared at the Nightmistress. “Your move.”

“Wait!” Devon shouted, running from behind the doorway.

Selene took a step toward him and a pair of wolves closed in on his sides growling through exposed teeth.

Kasha sighed. “I told you to remain inside pup.”

“I know… but I won’t let any of your people get hurt because of me. I ran. That’s on me. My mistress has every right to be angry. I defied her and disappointed her.”

“The pack protects its own young pup.”

“I heard. You said I’m part of the pack now. Did you mean it?”

“Of course.” Kasha answered.

“Then I must protect the pack. I can not allow harm to befall you or any of the others.” He looked to Selene. “Mistress please. Do not be angry with Kasha.” He stepped beyond the protection of the two wolves flanking him. “If you require penance then I offer my throat.” He walked toward Selene and knelt.

“Devon no.” Kasha implored.

“The offer is made, my alpha.” Dyson said softly. “You know the law.”

Selene took a few steps forward as the sound of growling wolves grew louder. She looked at his torn clothes and examined the blood stained areas for wounds. “Are you injured, child?”

“No mistress. Not anymore. Kasha healed me.” 

Her fingers brushed against the cuff in his ear. “Your fetish?” She asked as her blue eyes met the hazel gaze of the white wolf. 

Kasha nodded. “If you care to hear the tale old friend, my offer of drink still stands.”

Selene knelt in front of the boy and pressed her forehead to his. “You could have been killed, Devon. Promise me. No matter how angry you may be, you will not do something so reckless again.”

“Yes mistress, you have my word.”

Selene stood. “Very well. Up then boy. I do not need your throat.”

Dyson exhaled in relief.

“Carrava.” Kasha called to one of the wolves who immediately morphed into a human. “Could you bring some wine?”

“What did you call him?” Devon asked.

“His name is Carrava pup. Why do you ask?”

Devon glared at the man. “It was him. He was the one who betrayed you to the hunters. I heard them say his name.” 

“Are you certain?” Kasha asked.

Devon knelt. “It is a great crime to lie to my alpha. I am quite certain. They said he deals in black market things, selling other wolves and dealing in Yin Fen? Though I don’t know what that is.”

“Lies!” he growled.”You’ll not be taking the words of a human over your own kind will you?”

Kasha looked at him with revulsion, a cold expression on her face. “You are not my kind. You are not my pack. You are nothing.”

Carrava growled and shifted back into a wolf throwing himself at the defenseless teen.

The Nightmistress shoved Devon to the floor. There was a sound of metal cutting air as Selene’s kukri sliced the wolf’s throat separating him from his head. She flicked the blade then sheathed it.

“Get that refuse out of my home.” Kasha ordered. She walked over to Devon and looked at Selene who nodded. She lifted him from the wood planks and onto his feet. She kissed his other cheek. “That’s twice in a day’s time you have done me a great service. Thank you pup.” 

Devon bowed.

They sat around the fire sharing the story of the previous night. Devon sat between Selene and Kasha while they spun the tale. Devon was grateful Kasha omitted the part where he helped her overcome the poison, though the wink she gave when she mentioned the cold cave was probably indication enough. After hearing the whole of it Selene even apologised for her earlier behavior.

“It’s ok old friend.” Kasha said pleasantly. “Were he mine, I’d be just as protective.”

The Nightmistress nodded. “It’ll be dark soon. It’s best we return and get you cleaned up. The Pale Lady was not pleased to find us absent at dinner and your overprotective sisters are worried sick.

“Yes mistress.”

Selene stood. “Thank you for the hospitality and for looking after my apprentice Kasha.”

“Thank you for training him so well. It likely saved both our lives.” The two hugged.

“Come here pup.” Kasha smiled. She wrapped her arms around him and Devon could once again smell the scent of wildflowers and sandalwood as she squeezed him tight. “You’ve a touch of the wild in you now. Go easy on her.” She whispered. She broke away and said, “The next time you feel the need to run, do so with your pack so your mistress will know you are protected and shall safely return to her.” 

Devon smirked. “Yes ma’am.”

They departed the encampment and followed the path back to the town proper. “You stink of wet fur and wolf musk.” She grinned. “You are to bathe and change before dinner.”

“Yes mistress.” 

“And as for your punishment.”

Devon’s shoulders sunk in defeat.

“You’ll be learning worgen now. If you intend to spend time among the lycans then I require you to speak their language.”

“Don’t they speak Sanguinari?”

“Of course.  But worgen is the tongue of wolves. I know what that fetish does. You’ll need to speak worgen to communicate while in that form. You should be honored. That’s Kasha’s fur in the totem. She does not gift it lightly.”

Devon smiled with pride. 

The scene blackened. 

Jenna stared at him with an expression of shock on her face. Her fingers were drawn to the cuff still pierced into his ear. The white fur was soft to the touch and the wolf’s eye agates were shiny as the stones in his memory. “I’m beginning to wonder how you managed to live as long as you have, uncle.”

Devon laughed. “Sometimes I do as well, princess.”