Sometimes... just sometimes... the little things like that make the biggest difference...
Something so small can make or break an entire city, empire, or even the universe...
Let's just be grateful it only affects us, just this once. That we can make the decision to bring an end to this or let the world crumble.
“Shame it's not that cayenian looking one.” One of the imperials pointed at Skyr.
Ah, so being shirtless does have an advantage. The imperial captain advanced towards Skyr, his hand on his sword while the others picked up Dek by the back of his neck, holding him above the ground as he whimpered and yelped in pain. Leave him alone! The moment Skyr turned fiercely towards to the other imperials to aid; a spiked fist was implanted in the gut. Skyr's world reeled, and he collided with the ground with a grunt.
“Took care of that one,” The imperial captain said, admiring the blood on his glove. “I love these spikes, I really do. Is he the one?” The captain asked, nodding towards the struggling Dek.
“He most certainly is, Captain. How about we shut him up? His yelping is hurtin' my ears.” The captain nodded at the guard holding Dek and advanced, Dek's noise dulling to a whimper as the captain approached.
Arkin could only watch, nose still pouring blood, encrusting and staining his fur. Horror over took him as the captain clamped his hand around Dek's snout. With a vicious twist and a terrifying crack, Dek's maw was rendered broken and useless, tears pouring down the lupenian's face.
“I think that'll take care of it,” the captain said softly. “Oh, you poor lupenian. I could only imagine the fear and pain you must be feeling.” He chuckled, looking intently at the lupenian through his helmet. “Don't worry. The pain won't last for much longer. I promise.” The captain beckoned his guards out of the building, Dek unceremoniously dragged along the ground in their wake. Dek's eyes were closed as they passed Arkin, two of the guards shutting the door to the school as they left, not a single word spoken.
Arkin quickly got to his feet, shaking where he stood from lack of blood. Tearing off a piece of his shirt, he held it to his nose as he made his way to the unconscious Skyr. “Wake up,” said thickly. Skyr's stomach was oozing blood, but not at an alarming rate. “Wake up, don't you die on me.” Did the captain hit something vital? Arkin's worry postponed itself with the feeling of a sudden, cold breeze. Looking up, surprise took him as dark storm clouds began to billow over the city. “That's... abnormal.” A bright, sunny day without a cloud in a sky was suddenly overtaken. It was beyond Arkin's experience.
Within seconds, rain drops began to fall, slow yet steady. A few splashed against Skyr's face, causing his whiskers to twitch. Arkin was still gazing upward when another drop hit Skyr, causing him to blink. A slight moan emitted, he began to raise himself onto his elbows. His gut felt like lead and vomiting was next on the agenda. Turning to his side, he spewed out his breakfast mixed with blood onto the grass. I should have seen that coming... Skyr felt Arkin's hand on his shoulder, there was no way that the imperials left Dek. “Where is he?” Rasped Skyr, clutching his bleeding stomach. Turning unto his back, he let the increasing rain splash into his throat, eyes closed.
“Took him; don't know where.” Arkin replied, voice muffled from the bloodied cloth. “I think they plan to kill him.”
The rain became a torrential downpour. Where did this storm come from? Skyr struggled to his knees, trying to fight the stomach pain. “I'm getting him.”
“You can't be serious.” Arkin's voice was clearer now, he held his maw pointed at the sky to reduce the blood flow, and he cleaned his rag in the rain. Their fur was water-logged within seconds. “You'll only get yourself killed.”
Skyr managed to get to his feet next, and he looked at Arkin with squinted eyes. Since when was any of this your business? “You know where my place is?”
“I know where all of the students reside.” The cloth was back against his nose. “Skyr, they broke his jaw. They don't mean for him to live.”
Many challenges await you on the road ahead. If you are to succeed, you must find allies. There is more then one force in the world who will try to stop you. Be weary. One can only be stopped by the one of Elaneys’s descent, queen of Migaria. Only she can stop her sister... The other is a growing threat, one which seeks to wipe out your kind. There is one who can instill the spirit of rebellion against this other foe, but avoid this one, for death surrounds him.
Marek watched as his own bedroom door shut, and with a sigh of his own, he left his house, locking the door behind him, just in case. He took his time leaving the village, stopping to say hello to a few fellow fur-folk, and even a human or two. Not all humans were bad, in his opinion.
It took a few minutes getting up the hill; not because of his age of sixty years, but to admire the beauty in the area. Nature was such a peaceful place, and he loved collecting herbs from the fields. In human terms, sixty years was beginning to get a little old. Not for fur-folk, however. Fur-folk typically lived to be around two hundred to two hundred and fifty years old. A much longer lifespan that couldn’t be explained existed for them. Even so, there were still more humans than fur-folk. Fur-folk delighted in intimacy, but females could only become pregnant when they were in their yearly heat, unlike humans who could become pregnant at any time. Most fur-folk had only one child and used spells to prevent pregnancy while in heat. Humans simply weren’t as smart as fur-folk. That’s how Marek saw it, anyways. His graying fur was merely a sign of stress, and Neera had a terrible habit of telling others he was getting old, simply because he wouldn’t tell her the cause of this stress.
Neera was in her normal spot among the grass and trees, the gap in the two towering pines leaving a beautiful view of the land sprawling out in front of them. Marek sat in the grass, falling backwards to stare up at the sky. “Nightmares again?”
“Nightmares,” Neera said simply, a dazed expression on her voice. “Nightmares of a little girl, alone, crying for her mother with her sister, while armored men take over where you’ve lived. Then when you see your mother dead, and know no one is coming.” Her voice quivered. “And then the armored men come for you…”
“You never mentioned seeing your mother,” Marek said quietly, his low voice almost impossible to hear when he did this. “When did you see this?”
“Last night. I know it’s because of Kiff. I know it.” Neera said, a tear running down her face. “The question is, is the nightmare real? If it is, then I don’t know why I’m,” she stopped to choke back a sob. “Why I’m here.”
Marek propped himself up on his elbows, his head tilted. “What did your mother look like?”
“She looked almost identical to Elaney.”
This last comment left Marek momentarily speechless. “I don’t see how that’s possible. I saw your mother, dying as she left you in my arms, shortly after…” He couldn’t bring himself to finish this statement.
Neera looked over at Marek, teary eyed, but said nothing. If he didn’t say it, he wouldn’t say it. “It’s just hard; the nightmares have become more frequent of late, more real. I find myself waking up in the late hours of the night, crying.”
“And since Kiff has arrived, there is additions to the nightmares you haven’t seen before,” Marek continued her thought, looking up at the sky once more. “I seem to be failing at writing the nightmares and Kiff’s appearance as coincidence. I can’t help but feel that they are connected in some way.”
“If not Kiff, then at least the crystal around his neck,” Neera finished. “I never pondered leaving Kohsli until now. I feel drawn to him, as if following him and helping him discover what he was doing might hold answers for me.”
“I’ve always liked adventures,” Marek said happily, a bird swooping down to land on his finger. He smiled at it toothily, as was custom for fur-folk, as the bird sang its song loud for all to hear. “Settling down to take care of you wasn’t exactly easy, but,”
“You had other things motivating your decision. I know.” Neera couldn’t help but laugh as the bird took off back towards the trees, flying around the two for a few moments in some strange sort of dance. “What are you saying?”
“That I’m tempted to go with Kiff, as you seem to be too,” Marek said. “I’ve been in training here, collecting herbs, honing my magical capabilities.”
“Once a mage, always a mage, hmm?” Neera said, shaking her head. “I’m glad I ended up with you. My mother could have left me with some Empire loving human.” Marek had leaded her mind away from her nightmares once again.
“I couldn’t have that, now can I?” Marek asked with a chuckle. “Only problem is, we can’t just go with Kiff blindly into the sunset. Before we even think about going, we need a general idea of where to go. With the empire controlling map regulations, it’s quite possible we need to head somewhere that is no longer on the map.”
“You really are serious about going, aren’t you? I only hope Kiff will be pleased that he has companions to help him out. He seems to be quite the moody fellow.”
“He has every right to be, don’t you think? I sure wouldn’t be happy if I was in his shoes.” Marek sat upright, scratching his chest. “Bah, I need give myself a good brushing. I can tell through my shirt that I have a knot in my fur.”
Neera pulled out her brush, waving it in front of him. “Take that shirt of. I’ll fix your fur before we head back. Perhaps Kiff will be asleep before then.”
Marek did as he was told and leaned back into the grass once again, Neera sitting next to him and getting to work with her brush. “He needs it, that’s for sure. Tomorrow, when we’re all fresh and awake, we need to prod his mind just a little. Or at least look him over. I may have missed something that could clue us in.”
“Agreed.” The two sat in silence as Neera worked, both pondering their own thoughts. Kiff was asleep, dreamless. There would be no clues for him this night.
If you find you can’t remember something on your own, don’t worry so much about it. It is through friends that you will find most of what you need. Take the help that comes to you and obey the commands of others that look out for you. You are most important; if you should manage to die, all others will too. It will only be a matter of time.
Continue to listen to the words I speak… they can only be heard when the mind is shut from the outside world. You won’t remember hearing them, but my words will be installed upon your heart. Listen, Kiff, and maybe, just maybe, you can complete the task you were originally sent out to accomplish.
A sudden yelp brought Skyr partially to his senses, causing him to look up and see Zef laying on the ground, eyes clenched tight, an arrow protruded from his left leg. Zef! Wearily, Skyr rose onto one knee, still inside the sphere, shivering, hand upon his staff.
His eyes fell upon a girl with fiery red hair and deep green eyes. Clad in armor, she held no bow, no weapon of any kind. Glancing briefly at Zef, Skyr could swear he saw a shimmering aura around the arrow, but decided to dismiss it to his constant shaking. “Who- who are you?” Skyr stammered through chattering teeth. Despite the rain, she was not wet.
“It really isn’t my name that is important right now. The only thing of importance is you,” she said, wagging her finger at Skyr. “Tsk, you look pathetic. I expected more but alas, it seems I’m always stuck going after the seemingly least capable.” She ran a hand through her hair, taking a few steps forward.
A quick lunge, Zef dove forward with a vicious growl, ignoring the searing pain through his leg, only to find himself cast aside with a lazy flick of her hand. Slamming into the ground next to Skyr, mud and blood splattered everywhere. Zef lay limp.
Skyr winced, quickly looking at Zef to check for breathing. Relieved, he returned his attention to this... female. “Leave him alone!”
The female laughed at Skyr’s pathetic attempt to snarl, a painful whine laced within it. “Do you have the strength to stop me from doing whatever I want to do to him?” Silence. “Then I suggest you keep your mouth shut before I decide to kill him.” She chuckled, a grin crossing her face. “I hate killing, I really do, but it seems to be so necessary of late.”
“You’re sick,” Skyr murmured as she stooped in front of him, leveling her face with his.
“I’m sick, boohoo.” She slapped him, a sharp cry coming from his maw. “Grow up, you’re making this too much fun for me.” Grabbing Skyr’s snout, she clamped it shut and forced him to look at her. “My name is Ahotasu. You do would well to remember it.”
All Skyr could do was whine. Let go of my mouth, witch! Still shaking, he put the name into his unclear mind. I’ll remember it, trust me.
She let go, thrusting Skyr backwards onto his seat. “You’re so easy to toss around.”
A memory flickered into Skyr’s mind, one he didn’t like seeing. Please don’t make me go through this again.
“I want to give you a warning. A simple warning, that’s all.” Ahotasu rose to her feet, brushing her hands together. “This warning will influence what you are about to do here in the near future.” She pointed at his chest, a sly smile crossing her face. “You are part cayenian. The empire seeks you out to kill you, because you can use tech magic.”
How do you know this?
“Do not go through what you originally have set out to do with the coming of the new imperial law. Doing so will result in certain death.” The smile grew wider “Go into hiding, lie low, and live your life in solitude; enjoy the years of your life. Do not, and I will have the unfortunate pleasure of ending your life. Do not think the empire is your greatest threat. It is I.”
Skyr stared at her, his head tilting slightly. There’s no way I could hide the rest of my life. I’m one of the empire’s most wanted; they’ll hunt me down until I die. But, the real question is-
His thought was cut off as Ahotasu caught an arrow heading straight for her head. Looking to her right, her displeasure was made known by a sinister sneer. “Asala, fancy seeing you here.”
Skyr had not seen this purple haired female enter the scene, his mouth dropping open. “What?” Her armor was very similar to Ahotasu’s in style, purple to match the hair that fell to her waste. A bow stayed at the ready in her hands.
“Leave him, Ahotasu,” Asala said in a soft voice. “I am not afraid to fight you.”
“You couldn’t defeat me if you wanted to.” Ahotasu crossed her arms, crushing the arrow shaft in her fist. “You know what power I possess.”
“That is all the more reason to keep you away from him.” Asala prepared another arrow, taking aim. “This one will hurt.”
Eyebrows raised, Ahotasu shook her head. “There is no magic that you would possess that could possibly do me harm.” Ahotasu turned to Skyr once more, a wink issued. “My warning has been declared. I can only hope he takes the path that gives him life. Before I depart, Skyr, I have something for you...”
The road to recovery has begun to be tread across; the planet feels your footsteps and waits for you to come and save it. You have already discovered one of the most crucial aspects of your memories, more will come now that one has been found. What you do from here on out will affect those that you care for. Do not be shy; there is no need for such things. Embrace love. You are of the same age now.
Conversation was limited between the trio that was now Kiff, Neera, and Marek. Neera and Marek had pointed out that they were heading to Bitheia, a city relatively close to Thoredril. Personally, Kiff hated the idea of getting close to the imperial heart. Kiff wanted to avoid all encounters with imperial guards whatsoever, but he knew he wouldn’t be that lucky.
They had traveled for some time before Marek stopped the group in a clearing, his ears perked. He held up a hand, Neera and Kiff stopping sharply. Kiff stared around for a moment, eyeing the trees, wondering what had caused Marek to halt the group. Speech had not followed, and Neera’s eyes scanned the area too.
Kiff saw it then, the glint of steel. Muscles tensing, he glanced at Marek, then back at the steel. That was an arrow, an arrow trained right at them. An ambush had been placed, but for what reason was beyond Kiff. The most logical explanation would be bandits. Kiff couldn’t see the imperials doing anything without confronting others first. His hand slowly moving down to his side, his fingers found the hilt of his blade. Grasping it, he searched his mind for some sort of spell that would work well in this kind of situation. Not surprisingly, he found none. His memory failed in more ways than one these days.
Neera’s gaze had stopped upon something as well, and she too, tensed. What were they waiting for? At any moment, those arrows would rain death upon the trio. Kiff wasn’t ready to die.
“Shield, Neera.” Marek muttered, raising his stand an inch or so off the ground. “On my mark.”
Kiff had a sudden, dreadful feeling that he was the only true fighter in the group. He really had no interest in parrying more than one person at a time, seeing as Neera didn’t wield a weapon.
“Now!”
Kiff blinked, staring in disbelief has a myriad of arrows seemed to suddenly hover around him and the others. A grin crossed Neera’s face, pleased with the spell, but to Kiff’s dismay, she didn’t hold it. The arrows dropped, and she began to ready another spell.
A series of fireballs exploded from Marek’s staff, flying in various directions. Cries were heard from the woods, several human bandits came forward, swords and daggers drawn, itching for a fight.
“Three,” Kiff muttered to himself. “And how many archers do we still have waiting?” Kiff slowly moved forward in front of Neera and Marek, who both seemed preoccupied with flinging spells into the trees after potential archers, leaving him to take care of the approaching bandits. Feet moving swiftly, a quick spin forced one to stagger backwards. A fierce stab forced another to leap back in surprise. A spell from Marek slammed into the third’s face, throwing him violently into a nearby tree. “I could have handled him,” Kiff cried out in dismay. “Give me some practice!”
“You’ll have it,” Neera said sharply, watching as more bandits came at them from the woods. A shimmering, magical sword appeared in her hand and she held it at the ready. “I’ve never thought killing people could be so much fun.”
“It’s always fun when your own life is at stake.” Marek smashed his staff into a bandit’s skull, directing another fire spell into another. “You can’t help but try and enjoy what could be your last few moments on the planet.”
A spell came into Kiff’s mind, and he was eager to put it to use. Memory recovery through insane combat is always nice. “Shtayen!” With the blade thrust forward, energy spiraled from its tip, tearing into a nearby bandit. “Excellent!” Kiff parried a blow and slashed the blade through the man’s flesh, kicking him down into the ground.
Sharp pain pierced Kiff’s side. A gasp and a whine escaped his maw as he fell to one knee, shocked to see an arrow protruding from his body.
“Kiff, hang on!” Fear crossed Marek’s eyes as he flung a spell into the woods, one that exploded upon impact of its target. At this point, few bandits remained, Neera being preoccupied with two, one closing upon Kiff, and another one beginning to throw spells at the trio, cackling like some insane maniac. Not wanting to become victim of singed fur, Kiff gripped the arrow and pulled it out of his side with a fierce cry of pain. Thrusting it towards the ground, he brought his sword upward at the bandit after him, catching the human off guard. Grabbing the man’s throat, Kiff swung the man just in time to take an incoming spell in the back. Implanting the sword in the man’s gut, Kiff used his foot to slide the man of his sword. He felt dizzy, blood gushing from his side. Thank goodness it seemed like just one’s average flesh wound, and that it did not strike anything vital.
Marek struck down his attacker, pointing his hand at the spell caster, he cried, “Litafa!” A bolt of lightning struck the man, killing him where he stood. Neera dispatched one of the bandits with a spell of unknown origin, no words being spoken. She drove her blade into the other, blasting his body off of the end with another choice spell. With that, the battle ended, Kiff falling to one knee, his sword in the ground for support as he panted and clutched his side.
“I thought we got all of the archers.” Marek swiftly moved to Kiff’s side, moving Kiff’s hand and putting his own over the wound, a soft, blue light spreading. “Ayefen…”
Kiff grimaced in pain. If only healing spells that were painless were more prominent in the healing field. Unfortunately, they required too much energy from the healer and were used sparingly. The panting continued, Neera stooping in front of him and put a hand on Kiff’s shoulder. “You did well, having not fought for so long.”
“Thanks,” Kiff muttered, a whine emitting as the pain grew worse. He couldn’t help but cry out at one point, the pain was so terrible.
“Hang in there, Kiff,” Marek said, “The arrow went deep.” His brow was furrowed in concentration, his ears folded back at Kiff’s cries.
“Can you take care of it without putting too much strain on yourself? Or will we need to stop here for the night?” Neera began surveying the area again, eyeing the dead bodies.
“They might be part of a larger group; we’ll need to keep moving. I should be well enough for travel. Let us hope no others are on the road…”
Pain is inevitable, be it physical or emotional. Do not grow too attached to friends, for it is inevitable you will lose them. Do not resign yourself to a fact; it is inevitable that it will change.
Destiny is inevitable.
The forest was upon them now, the thick, coniferous trees seeking to swallow Skyr and Zef and never let go. Skyr’s ears were perked, his eyes attentive to the movements of the woods. Zef had grown strangely quiet and withdrawn, affirming Skyr’s belief that Zef belonged here. Skyr was working hard on making sure that he really didn’t think; he didn’t want Zef to get an inkling of what he was up to.
The question that was the most pressing was where to turn off the path? All the woods looked the same and at this point, the map was utterly useless until they got out of the forests. Skyr waited, a multitude of long, excruciating amount of minutes marched by.
Finally, he heard something, off to his left, something far off. A distant howl sounded, some howls raised in reply. The distance prevented Skyr from discerning it, but he had heard all he needed. “Come on, Zef.” Skyr made his way north, not even bothering to see if Zef would follow.
“Where do you think you’re going, Skyr? It’s dangerous up there! The Caefares will kill you!”
I’m not worried. There is little we can’t handle together.
“Then you really don’t know what you’re going up against!”
Skyr continued pressing forward through the brush and trees. What else are you afraid of?
“I’m not afraid of anything up there, Skyr, except for your life when the Caefares find you.”
You mean find us? If you’re not behind me, I’m unsummoning you. You’ll be unable to help me if that’s the case. Skyr’s heart and mind were set in this matter.
“Damn you, Skyr! If you get yourself killed-”
It won’t happen, Great Wolf. You’d think your kind would have a better name other then, ‘Great Wolves’, but it is fitting, isn’t it?
“You know?”
Skyr heard Zef fighting to catch up. Yes, I know. You used magic to try and keep me warm before we encountered Ahotasu, remember? IT just so happened, while you were unconscious, Ahotasu gave me a vision to try and dissuade me from continue my quest: a vision of you. I was lucky, and managed to decipher it as being a vision of the past and not the future. She showed me how you died. I don’t think this vision was too long ago. You had a pack, a family. I’ll be damned if I don’t try and reunite you with your loved ones. If it hasn’t been too long yet, the pack may still be in need of you.
Zef finally reached Skyr’s side, but he had fallen silent.
Zef, I want you to be by my side. I really do. Skyr didn’t want Zef to leave, and he had a feeling Zef could feel that emotion resonating inside of Skyr. You are needed elsewhere, though.
“You don’t need to do this. My pack will move on.”
Don’t you DARE talk about abandoning your family. Skyr growled loud and low, tears coming to his eyes. You had a family, have a family. You don’t know what it’s like, not having a family, having no one that truly cares for you. Family is supposed to be there when friends cannot be. I lack this.
“Skyr…” Zef looked up at him now. “You are part of my family. It may not seem like it, but you are.”
This is nothing more than a great friendship, Zef, one that really didn’t have time to grow further than it has. Tears slid down Skyr’s fur, mind flooded with images of abuse, how his own family had mistreated him and hated him. I’m not a wolf; I’m a half-breed that the empire is hunting to extinction. Half-breeds are frowned upon even by fur-folk in general.
“Skyr,” Zef whined now, staring up at him. “Things are not always as they seem.”
What is that supposed to- oh… Skyr found himself staring down the snout of a really big, black furred, large toothed wolf with glowing, red eyes.
“Where there is one, many are hiding.” A low growl issued from Zef’s throat. “They could tear off a limp with one bite. I’ve seen it happen. We need to run! If we get close enough into Great Wolf territory, enchantments will protect us! RUN!” Skyr took off around the Caefare, not even bothering to look at the snarling monster as it turned tail to pursue him. Zef was by his side, glancing in all directions as they ran further north. “There are three on us at least, more up ahead! Stick close and follow me!”
Right behind you! Skyr leapt over a log, his hand snatching onto his mini-staff, just in case. The snarling and barking of their pursuers grew louder as more joined the procession. Zef shot a quick glance behind him, letting out a small yip.
“They’re so close!”
I really didn’t need to know that! Skyr was panting, rolling under another log that was too high to climb. How far?
“We’re close! We’re almost within range!”
Not close enough. Skyr didn’t see those eyes before it was too late, waiting hungrily in a side brush to lash out and nab its prey. ZEF! Skyr yelped in sheer terror as powerful jaws gripped Skyr’s leg, crashing him into the ground. The monster immediately began digging its teeth into Skyr’s flesh, Skyr’s leg being torn apart before his very eyes. Zef, where are you! Skyr’s staff extended, smacking into the Caefare’s head and causing it to let go of Skyr’s leg temporarily. Unfortunately, four other Caefares moved in surrounding Skyr.
Zef… The Caefares moved in, drooling hungrily, ready to feast. Skyr’s whining intensified out of fear and pain.
“BACK OFF!” Another black furred figure leapt into the middle of the Caefares next to Skyr. The newcomer was of the same size and build, but the teeth seemed scaled back, and the eyes were not glowing. A half-breed? It suddenly occurred to Skyr that he was pondering this newcomer’s background when he could very easily be dead in the next minute. It struck Skyr as oddly amusing, and he blamed that on sheer fear of death. “Harm another hair on his head and you’re next!” The newcomer continued, the fur on the back of his neck raised, snarling, tail held straight.
Skyr stared as the Caefares looked at each other, apparently talking in some strange, barbaric language. This didn’t last long, the Caefares beginning to advance once more, one eyeing Skyr hungrily. “Lunge onto my back,” the newcomer said, lowering himself ever so slightly. “And hang on. I apologize in advance if I cause further injury to your leg. Zef is readying the enchantment, do it now!”
Skyr lunged forward, gripping onto the newcomer’s fur, and hanging on for dear life as the wolf sharply turned about face and took off in the direction Skyr had initially been running. Skyr grunted and whined, the movement jarring his bum leg and causing considerable pain.
“We’re just about there, friend. Zef, do it now!” The newcomer must have crossed some invisible line, known only to those of the Great Wolves. A howl shot through the air, a signal. One by one, howls took to the wind, the fur on Skyr’s neck standing on end. It was a song, the melody falling and rising as the pitches of the howl’s changed. Chancing a look behind, the Caefares had stopped, ears pressed against their heads, shaking, growling, snarling. The song continued past the Caefares retreat, echoing through the forest. The wolf stopped in a clearing, allowing Skyr to slide of his back with a grunt as the wolf raised his voice amongst the others.
Skyr, still chilled by the song, took a moment to examine his wrecked and bleeding leg. It would be a miracle if it wasn’t broken and Skyr was sure it was adrenaline keeping the pain somewhat at bay. The song ended, the last notes resonating in the trees, and in less than a minute, Zef came crashing through the trees.
“Skyr,” Zef shouted, “You’re alive! I was afraid, I couldn’t go back or you would have, if Gaede hadn’t been nearby…”
So Gaede is the one who was crazy enough to jump amidst the Caefares. Skyr nodded to Gaede, who was obviously pleased with himself, his fur poofed out and making him appear even larger then he was. That fur, he’s just a pup. But… he’s huge! Words were not forthcoming, his breathing growing increasingly labored as the pain flooded over him.
“ZEF, oh my, Zef! You’re alive!” Several wolves had come into the clearing now, most staying around its edges. One however, rushed forward to Zef, full of joy.
“Mia!” The two basically collided, nuzzles being extended, caressing each other.
“I waited for you. I saw you die, but I couldn’t help but feel you would return. The pack was so wonderful, so understanding, they were hoping I was right and I was! I can’t believe it! You’re alive!”
“I’m alive as a druid’s companion, Mia.” Zef said quietly. “It’s the only reason I’m still alive and its only because of Skyr here that I came back. I don’t know if I can stay.”
Mia fell quiet, her amber eyes falling upon Skyr. “You’re wounded…” She turned to some of the nearby wolves and barked, “We must get him to the well-spring and take care of him. Zef and I need to talk.” She turned to Gaede next. “Will you help transport our guest once more, Gaede?”
“Of course,” Gaede cried happily, which sounded odd to Skyr’s ears with Gaede’s gruff voice.
Skyr was trying his best to keep his mind off of the sheer pain and focus on the happenings around him, but he was quick to pull himself back onto Gaede’s back. If they Great Wolves could help heal his leg, he would take all the help he could. Perhaps he could learn more before setting Zef free from the druid bonds that held him.
