Chapter 22 - Veil of Ignorance

788 I.C, February 24, Dracwyn: Cromwell's guild, Morning

I pulled on the backpack, adjusted the fastening clips, crouched, and inspected the boots protecting my paws. Everything was in place, the tower was secure, the transporter was waiting, and soon we'd be on our way to Talwin's parents. I stood up, turned to face Talwin, and noticed that he was frozen in place once more. He was staring at the wall with an unmoving gaze, ears hanging low, locked in some kind of deep thought.

"Ready?" I asked.

Talwin twitched in surprise, glanced up, and stared at me in confusion, "Huh?"

"Ready to go?" I asked.

Talwin blinked, faked a smile, and made a meager nod, "Yeah."

"You're worried about them?" I asked.

Talwin's tail slackened and his hands tightened into fists, "Do you think they're still alive?"

With the wulfkin raids... Ailing health... I don't know...

"It's just been a few months, Talwin, and they knew how to keep a low profile," I said.

Talwin looked at me and for a moment his eyes brimmed with panic, "What if we're too late? What if my father died days after we left? What if the wulfkins-"

I interrupted him and raised my voice a notch, "Talwin."

Talwin shook as if a jolt ran through his body, "Yes?"

I stepped closer and touched his knit fist, within moments he relaxed and I gave him a gentle smile, "There's no need to assume the worst."

Talwin remained silent for a few moments and then made a slow nod, "I know that you're not on good terms with your family, or Everwinter as a whole. But do you ever... worry about your family?"

I tipped my head, "My family not only threw me out like thrash, they wanted me dead for the shame I brought on the bloodline. At times I wish them fates that are worse than death."

Talwin averted his eyes, "That's cold, even for you."

"Maybe, and I guess that's the anger still lingering inside me. To be honest, I just want to put it all behind me. But it's difficult because..."

"Because?" Talwin asked.

I sighed, "Strong bonds, once formed, aren't easily broken."

Talwin made an understanding nod, "That's true-"

DUNK! TUNK! DUNK! DUNK!

The sudden sound hammering made us look toward the tower's window in surprise. We then walked over, glanced out, and saw ladders propped up against the building. Casey was the only one in sight and was busy hammering something on the building.

"What are they doing?" Talwin asked.

"Dunno. Shall we take a look?" I asked.

Talwin stepped back with a nod, "I'm sure we can spend a couple of minutes."

We descended the stairs, walked up to the door, opened it, and stepped out. Leonard stood near the guild gates and while Casey and Archer were manning the ladders.

"They're setting up a new sign," Talwin said.

"Casey, just a little lower!" Leonard yelled.

I joined Leonard's side, faced the building, and looked up at the new sign. Compared to the old, rather lengthy sign, this one had a single word made out of giant white letters, 'The Pierced Veil'.

I raised my brow and glanced over at Leonard, "The Pierced Veil?"

Leonard held up his hands and seemed to measure the sign with the outline of his fingers, "Simple, memorable, and a tad odd. People may laugh at it, but as long as you wedge yourself in their mind, the goal is accomplished."

I looked back at the giant sign and watched Casey and Archer start hammering once more, "So what kind of work does 'The Pierced Veil' does exactly?"

Leonard shrugged, "Since the roads are dangerous we can't invest in any caravans, not to mention that it's a tough market with little reward unless you're willing to smuggle."

"So what are we supposed to do?" I asked.

Leonard threw me a sly smile, "I'm all ears if you have any good ideas."

"... The Pierced Veil, how about we stay true to the name?" I asked.

"What do you mean?" Leonard asked.

"The blacksmith who made my spears, he has an apprentice named Matthew. If Matthew inherited his master's skill and knowledge, then he'd be a valuable source to bring under our wing. Then there's me, I have access to unique magic and I know some alchemy. Then there's the rest of you, all with your own skills."

"Your point?" Leonard asked.

I flashed him a wolfish grin, "We could become a guild that solves those odd but difficult problems. A guild of mystique."

Leonard's sly grin grew into amusement and his tail started to wag, "I like the sound of that. Let's-"

There was a sudden grinding noise from the gate behind us. I turned around to look, saw three humans stepping inside, and focused on the aether.

Two aetheric presences... Mages no doubt... And the third is... Familiar?

They had stylish vests, polished shoes, padded shoulders, and decorative napkins barely hidden by the edge of colorful dress-shirts. The middle human took the front and marched toward us with a dark glare that was glued on Leonard. Instinct sprung into action and I felt the aether quiver as I moved forward to block their path. To my surprise Leonard reached out and eased me back while meeting the human's stare.

"Cromwell," Leonard said in a respectable but short tone.

Cromwell? The previous owner of the guild... The one that intended to use the others as scapegoats...

"Leonard," Cromwell said and stopped at the edge of reaching distance while the others joined his side as bodyguards.

Despite being human the burning intensity of Cromwell's eyes and wrinkles of his brow made him seem like a vengeful god about to crush an insect. Leonard didn't seem bothered though and waited patiently.

After a few moments Cromwell snapped, "What the hell are you doing!?"

Leonard crossed his arms, and spoke with a determined, yet gentle tone of voice, "Whatever do you mean, Cromwell?"

Cromwell's neck strained, his lips tightened, and the white of his eyes grew a shade redder. He then raised his hand and jabbed toward the new sign, "This is my guildhall!"

"You sold your rights to it, remember? The papers are in the city hall archives if you doubt it," Leonard answered while his tail hinted an amused wag.

Cromwell turned his head, locked eyes with me, and hissed with the pompous tone of a lord dismissing a servant, "Leave us."

I made a warm smile and answered, "No."

The nearest bodyguard reacted in an instant and moved against me.

Midway Leonard acted once more and eased in front of me, "This is my business associate, and one of the owners of the guild. Anything you have to tell me, you can also tell him."

The bodyguard stopped and glanced back at Cromwell who nodded in response. It made the bodyguard huff while Cromwell focused on me with a skeptical glance and a renewed scowl, "You are neither that sniveling runt or that cocky cat Leonard bought for himself. Who are you, and what could compel you to invest in what was obviously a giant trap?"

"I had my reasons," I answered simply.

Cromwell's expression softened for a moment and turned into genuine confusion, "Are you aware of what, and who, you're dealing with?"

I returned a toothy grin, "Do you?"

Cromwell's expression hardened once more, "Fine, then let me tell you this, *mutt*. This guild belongs to me, and you'd do well to back out of the contract you signed, or else."

"Or else?" I asked.

Cromwell started to back off and grew the gleeful grin of a demon, "Or you'll spend the rest of your life in a rotting dungeon, just like the rest of them."

I waited in silence until Cromwell disappeared beyond the gates and then turned to face Leonard, "May I kill him?"

Leonard snapped to attention and looked at me, "No!"

"Please? I'll make sure to be discrete," I pleaded with a gentle smile.

Leonard reached up and scratched his temple with a sigh, "As much as I'd like to see him dead, I can't condone murder, Avery."

I chuckled in response, inched closer, and lowered my voice, "Cromwell doesn't seem like the person who'd make that kind of threat without something to back him up."

Leonard's gaze drifted to the gate as he answered, "Yeah."

"Is there something you're not telling me?" I asked.

Leonard blinked and remained silent for a few moments, "No. At least I don't think so."

I angled my head, moved into his field of vision, and caught his eyes, "Why does he want the guild so badly?"

"It's not so much that he wants the guild, it's rather the fact that we have it," Leonard answered with a sigh.

"Yes?" I asked in wonder.

Leonard's ears perked as he focused on me, "Cromwell is a rather jealous person who delights in his own machinations. Foiling his trap surely annoyed him, but not to a point where he'd become irrational. Taking possession of the guild was something else, we challenged him on his own turf, and made a mockery of his plans."

I whispered in Leonard's ear, "Thus, he means to destroy us. How does he do that?"

Leonard's ears folded back, "I... don't know."

Talwin walked up beside us, "Not to interrupt, but we really need to get going."

I stepped back and spoke, "We'll only be gone for a couple of days at most, will you and the others manage until then?"

Leonard smiled back and nodded, "Yeah, we will. Besides, whatever Cromwell has planned won't happen for a while."

"What makes you say that?" I asked.

"Cromwell might have a temper, but he's not stupid and wouldn't be seen near one of the places he's planning to strike. At least not until a week or two has passed," Leonard answered.

I nodded and joined Talwin's side, "In case something does happen, seek shelter in the tower. I've rigged it with enough defenses to thwart a small army."

Leonard raised his hand with a nervous chuckle, "I'll... remember that."

788 I.C, February 24, Agron: Forest, Midday

Talwin had become increasingly silent the closer we came to the farm. At this point his gait had become grown rushed and his expression carried a stoic focus. Without warning he picked up pace and broke into a sprint. I followed when he rushed up a nearby hill and started climbing. Talwin reached the hill's top, stood up, looked into the distance, and stopped dead in his tracks.

Within moments I joined his side, and looked up to be met with a gust of wind.

Blackness, scorched earth, ash and death...

The farm was long gone and in its stead were torched buildings and fields that been reduced to ashen husks. Not even the new fence we had helped build was left untouched. I looked toward Talwin and reached out. Before I could reach he was already darting down the hill, sprinting toward the devastated farm.

I told him not to worry...

I followed in his wake and focused on my senses, to my relief the aether seemed untouched.

This either happened a long time ago, or it wasn't done by wulfkins...

Talwin ran through the broken fence, darted through the burned fields, and stopped in front of the farmhouse. I watched him stumble, side to side, reaching into the air as if entertaining an idea that there was something still left to save.

I stepped up beside him, and watched his eyes while reality dawned on him. Apart from a few charred logs that once belonged to the foundation, there was nothing left. Talwin's expression wavered, his lips quivered, and his hands kept gripping the air.

"Talwin," I pleaded and reached out.

Talwin jumped at the sound of my voice and turned to look at me as if asking, 'Who are you?'

I inched closer, "Talwin, I-"

Talwin clutched his head, stumbled back with a pained grimace, and snapped, "Leave me alone!"

Why? I thought...

Talwin's struggled to breathe as guttural sounds invaded his throat, "I... I'm sorry. I need some time."

I stepped back, with a strange ache in my chest, "All right."

Focus... There must be clues around here...

The farm smelled of ash, but the lack of any smoke or embers indicated that it must have happened a while ago. I started circling the farm and stopped by the edge of burned ground. Contrary to what I had expected, the muddied ground wasn't filled with pawprints, instead there were distinct markings hooves.

Horses... Lots of them...

I followed the tracks circling the area and came upon tracks of something else. Armored boots, shaped to fit that of human feet.

Watchmen? Maybe, but they're still on the people's side. The army? Controlled by the undead king?

The tracks diverted at one point and entered the road that led to Bellkeep. I surveyed the road, and took care to examine the edges, where someone who might want to hide would have walked. After a while I found what I sought. Tracks of regular shoes, two pairs in fact, hobbled close to each other. One strong, leading another who shuffled along.

They must have known somehow, maybe even set fire to their own farm, and fled to Bellkeep...

I turned around and marched back toward the farmhouse, "Talwin!"

Talwin had dropped to his knees in front of the burnt house and didn't react as I screamed.

"Talwin!" I snapped and marched closer.

This time Talwin turned his head and looked at me with a soulless expression that made him look like a hollow shadow of his old self. It angered me, to see him like this, a crumbling husk that had given up hope.

"Talwin, they might still be-"

Talwin interrupted me with a tired stare and a dry voice, "They're dead! Don't try to-"

Whimpering runt!

I opened my hand, leaned down, and let my hand smack his muzzle. Talwin's words cut short and he jumped in surprise while his eyes flared like saucers.

"The entire farm is surrounded hoof prints and signs of armored boots. Wulfkins didn't do this and there are other tracks near the main road. Human, holding onto each other, one far more energetic than the other," I snapped.

Talwin blinked in confusion but didn't answer.

I snapped once more and pointed at the road, "They fled to Bellkeep! So pull yourself together and get a fucking move on!"

Either from shock or obedience, Talwin got up in an instant and started walking.

788 I.C, February 24, Aetherius, Evening

Robert gave the leathery pad of his finger a quick lick, and flipped a page. On the new one was a cut-through image of the gigantic obelisk housed in the cave. It was littered with notes, signs, and small markers.

The problem was that the signs meant little to him, nor did the text carry any meaning since they were just another form of runic language. With a sigh he closed the book, placed it in the pile of books to be spared, and then fetched another from the nearby stack.

Whatever the Obelisk was it was reasonable to assume it wasn't good for the rest of the world. Thus, any books detailing its function was important to smuggle out, while the rest were useless. Robert opened the second book, flipped it through, but the only images within were depictions of various plants.

Another one for the fire...

Robert got up from the desk, stepped over to the campfire, and began to rip the book apart while throwing the pieces on the fire.

If the mages saw me now... They'd have me trialed for heresy...

While working Robert glanced past the fire. The chained wulfkin was leaning on the wall while busy cleaning himself. The wulfkin had been at it for hours and the process remained the same: Dip his hand in a small bucket with water, spread the fur in one spot, work through it, rinse and repeat. So far it had made quite a difference, and the once grimy hide was starting to look like actual fur.

It did little to mend his injuries though, and his appearance stood out in a way that made Robert's instincts crawl. No fur could be seen on the wulfkin's sides and the exposed skin looked like thick leather riddled with scar tissue.

The waist was too slim for comfort, and the ribcage stood out to a point where the fur sank in between the ribs. Legs and arms were also affected and looked like sticks wrapped in sinew. Even the wulfkin's head reflected the starved state, thin, strained, and the brown fur had grown hints of gray.

Wulfkins are supposed to be things of nightmares... Not a pathetic wretch like this...

"What's your name?" Robert asked.

The wulfkin stopped for a moment and the remnants of one ear perked up.

"Still not willing to talk?" Robert asked.

The wulfkin made something akin to a huff and resumed his grooming.

"This place is called Aetherius, did you know that?" Robert asked.

The still functional ear swiveled a little but the wulfkin's focus remained on the grooming.

Curious... But doesn't want to acknowledge me... I wonder what their society is like...

"There are plenty of robed mages working on the obelisk. All of them are human, to one degree or another," Robert said.

The wulfkin stopped, glanced to the side, and met Robert's gaze as if to say, 'Yes?'

Robert held up what little remained of the book and pointed at some text, "Do you think they know how to read this?"

The wulfkin glanced at the book for a moment and raised his brow.

Robert couldn't help but chuckle, "Stupid question I guess. Given the effect you have on magic you've probably never interacted with the mages. You probably have no idea what this even is."

The wulfkin blinked in confusion and then made a sharp and rather incredulous expression.

That's curious... I wonder...

Robert pointed at some rows of text, "You see, this is a book. These are written words, it's for-"

The wulfkin made fists and his lips twitched with a low growl, "I know what a fucking book is, you idiot!"

Robert feigned surprise and stood tall, "Oh. Does that mean... You know how to read?"

The wulfkin snapped with surprising haste and pointed a claw at Robert, "Can you!? Staring at images! Burning history books! Rastlin would have incinerated your fucking ass if he saw you!"

That's it...

"Actually, I can't," Robert answered.

The wulfkin gritted his teeth and groaned in irritation, "At least burn the useless ones first!"

Robert forced his ears to fold back and then showed off the book's front, "What does this one say?"

The wulfkin sighed and threw the book a glance, "It is- was a handbook of poisonous and injurious plants."

Robert stepped back to the table, discarded the book, and fetched the one with a cut-through image of the obelisk, "And this one?"

The wulfkin leaned forward a little, stared at the book, and remained silent.

"I thought you knew how to read?" Robert asked.

"I do! It's just..." The wulfkin murmured with an annoyed glance.

Robert inched closer, "Just?"

The wulfkin huffed and averted his gaze, "I don't know the context..."

Words that require context? Must be a very technical book... Or...

"The context?" Robert asked.

The wulfkin made another groan, "It's important, just pick some other book."

Robert put the book under his arm, "I'm surprised that you care about the books."

"I don't, it's just..." The wulfkin's voice trailed off and his eyes wandered as if reliving memories, "Books shouldn't be burned."

Robert nodded, "True, they shouldn't. It's one of the few ways we can make sure our legacy lives on. Any civilized society realizes that."

The wulfkin looked up and met Robert's gaze with a curious yet rather skeptical look, "Yes."

Seems brighter than I expected...

Robert pointed at himself, "I'm Robert, and you are?"

"Why do you want to know? Or care for that matter?" The wulfkin asked with a sharp stare.

Robert answered with a simple smile, "It's easier than just calling you wulfkin."

And it creates a bond... Whether you intend to or not...

The wulfkin looked down at the polished rock floor, scratched his neck, and murmured, "I don't understand..."

"Understand?" Robert asked in wonder.

The wulfkin's shoulders slumped, "I have no purpose in life, no future."

"Because you were cast out of the hierarchy?" Robert asked.

The wulfkin shrugged, "Many reasons."

Robert inched closer and stood by the edge of reach, "I'm not familiar with your society and customs. But can't you just find new purpose in life?"

The wulfkin's lips pulled back and a hearty chuckle escaped, "No."

"Why not?" Robert asked.

"Like you said. You can't understand, fox," The wulfkin said and looked up with a piercing yellow stare.

Robert retorted, "I said I'm not familiar, not that I can't understand. Try me, wulfkin?"

The wulfkin leaned back on the wall, and made a sour expression which made his ear fold back, "My bloodline is considered cursed, our mating rights have been stripped, and we would have been executed already if-"

Robert tipped his head in wonder, "If?"

The wulfkin seemed to chew his thoughts and growled under his breath, "We can't escape, and even if we managed to escape, then the rest of the world would hunt us. So you see... I have no future."

"How about setting things right then? Rebel? Revenge even?" Robert asked.

The wulfkin made a low chuckle and flashed a wolfish grin, "Hah, and go against the Master?"

Let's assume Red Eye is a rebel...

"Red Eye seems to be doing all right," Robert answered with a gentle smile.

The huge grin on the wulfkin died down in an instant and the eyes bulged, "What did you just say?"

Play it safe? Or gamble? Gamble it is...

Robert stood tall and raised his voice, "Every mercenary on the continent was out for him. Those few that managed to track him died by his hand. From what I last heard he was doing quite well, now that he's working for us."

The wulfkin's angry demeanor dropped and he seemed to sink into the wall, "He's working for your kin. Have you- Have you met him?"

Robert nodded, "Briefly."

The wulfkin's hands drew closer to his chest, and he cowered, "Did- did he say anything?"

"About what?" Robert asked.

The wulfkin's gaze dropped to the ground and the voice became a whisper, "His family."

His family? Why would you... Oh, that's why! You're related to Red Eye, aren't you?

The wulfkin gulped and looked up, "Well, did he?"

What are you, his father? No, too young. Brother? Most likely...

Robert shook his head, "No, he didn't. Are you looking for him? Do you want to meet him?"

The wulfkin fervently shook his head, "No! No... No, I don't."

"... Because?" Robert asked.

Whatever thoughts the question stirred seemed to grow in the wulfkin's mind. It made shake and cower while he curled up and clutched his head. The wulfkin whimpered and the claws raked against his skull as if the thoughts burned.

"He'd kill me... and I'd deserve it!" The wulfkin snapped.

788 I.C, February 24, Agron: Forest, Night

The sun had settled, the weather had grown cold, and the wind had taken on a jagged edge. The moon provided enough light to navigate the road but it would have been preferable to wait until morning. I doubted Talwin would have accepted that as I watched him pant while marching on.

Besides, it was already too late.

"Talwin," I said.

Talwin glanced over, "What?"

"Forget about your parents for a moment and focus on the forest. What do you sense?" I asked.

Talwin's ears perked and he looked toward the forest in an instant, moments later he whispered, "Oh."

"Tell me, what do you sense?" I asked once more.

Talwin began to slow down, "It's faint. But there are others watching us in the distance. There are several hotspots, mages that either don't care to hide themselves, or can't."

"Any wulfkins?" I asked.

Talwin shook his head, "No. I felt their presence in Birchtooth forest, this isn't the same."

"Good," I said.

Talwin looked back at me with his ears folded back, "Are we in danger?"

I inched closer and lowered my voice as we walked, "From the ones we can sense? No. From the potential mages capable of hiding themselves? Very much so."

Talwin nodded, "How do you want me to act?"

"Stick close to me, stay within the barrier. If things go badly, I'll transport us out of here."

"But if we do that..." Talwin whispered.

I nodded, "It'll be a major setback, but would you rather be dead?"

Talwin cowered, "Of course not."

I reached out and eased us to a stop, "Let's wait here and let them come to us."

The presence that watched us split into four groups, circled us, and then began their approach. It didn't take long before we could hear their approach through the forest.

"Here they come," I whispered and started to channel my own powers.

The noise grew and groups came so close that I could see their shifting shadows moving along the trees. Some of them had bushy behinds, indicating tails.

"Are furs common in the Agron army?" I asked.

Talwin whispered, "That depends. Local army forces are a mix of everything, while the main army tends to favor the same species as the royal bloodline."

The four groups stopped, sought shelter behind the trees, and then raised weapons that glinted in the dull moonlight.

Crossbows? We're dead if they have access to the kind of magic piercing bolts that Martha had...

A gruff voice yelled out, "Stop where you are!"

Without warning a bolt of aetheric energy struck one of my shields. It created an energetic ripple of light and sparks that illuminated the forest for a moment.

"They're mages!" Someone within the forest screamed.

"Use your magic, and you're dead!" The same gruff voice from earlier screamed.

I reached through the aether and began seize hold of whatever logs, branches, and vegetation I could reach. That way I'd be able to create a physical wall to shield us.

"Who are you?" I yelled out.

The gruff voice called out, "We represent the Bellkeep guard! A neutral city that no longer bows to the wickedness of King Conrad! You are trespassing on our sovereign land, either identify yourselves, leave, or die where you stand!"

Three choices... How generous...

Talwin gripped my arm and whispered, "I recognize his voice, Avery. I think I know him."

I whispered, "They still haven't seen us. You could drop your camouflage and introduce yourself."

Talwin nodded and I felt a shift in the aether as Talwin assumed his natural appearance. Moments later he drew a deep breath and called out, "Dunlan? Is that you?"

After a few moment's silence the gruff voice returned with a softened tone, "... Who is that?"

"It's me, Talwin!"

"Talwin? But you're..." The voice trailed off.

"Friends I hope?" I whispered.

"Family friend, he's the trader I visited while you were in Bellkeep underground," Talwin answered.

One of the figures in the forest emerged from the woodwork and stepped onto the road. My eyes widened a little in surprise when I found myself looking at a rather rotund bear with a massive crossbow in his arms.

"Talwin? Let me see you?" The bear asked.

"Stay within the shield," I whispered.

Talwin nodded and then left my side as he stepped forward.

The giant bear grew a grin that glinted in the moonlight, "Damn coyote, always knew you were a survivor!"

Talwin stifled a chuckle, "Same to you, damn oaf."

The bear glanced back and roared with the gruff voice from earlier, "Stand down! They're friends!"

I joined Talwin's side once more while the bear faced us, "I don't understand, you weren't supposed to arrive for a while."

Supposed to arrive? What's going on?

Talwin was silent for a moment and then answered, "... Change of plans."

The bear lowered his crossbow and focused on me stepping closer, "My thanks for escorting the little yote, but we'll take it from here."

I have no idea what's going on... Guess I'll have to improvise...

"Job's not done yet," I answered.

Dunlan made a loud huff, "You don't trust us to bring him to Bellkeep?"

I drew a deep breath, "It's not a matter of trust, it's a matter of principle."

"Well what do you know, a mercenary with principles," Dunlan sneered, "Suit yourself."

Talwin spoke up, "Dunlan, my parents?"

Dunlan's voice softened, "They're safe, we had a close call a few weeks ago when the army attacked but we managed to repel it."

"... Bellkeep's under attack?" Talwin asked in surprise.

Dunlan motioned to the road and started walking, "You hadn't heard?"

Talwin shook his head, "News are hard to come by, and we've on the road for a while."

Dunlan made an understanding nod, "I knew most of the messenger stone have stopped working, but I didn't think it was this bad. It started a few weeks ago, your parents came to the city and warned us that something bad was going on. Their contacts had been dropping off the grid and they decided to abandon the farm."

Dunlan drew a deep breath, "A day later the army showed up by the gates and declared that the Underground was now a rogue faction. Not only that, but Dracwyn had rebelled against the kingdom."

"Then what?" Talwin asked.

Dunlan made a grinning smile, "We greeted them with, 'oh, yes, sir, of course sir,' and kissed asses until we could figure out what was really going on. The underground hid of course, and the Academy mages with them."

Talwin nodded, "So what happened once the army were in Bellkeep?"

Dunlan looked ahead and sighed, "Strange things began to happen. Some people disappeared in the night, there were strange lights, while others began to change."

"Change?" I asked.

Dunlan looked at Talwin with an expression that burned of anger, "It started with amnesia, then they started complaining about voices in their heads. Whispers that changed how they think. I saw it with my own eyes, old friends who could barely recognize me after a few days."

"Undead?" Talwin asked.

Dunlan growled under his breath, "They used some sort of spell to cloak their condition, so that we couldn't see the gray skin and blue blood. Fortunately whatever magic they used didn't work well on furs. They started to lose their fur, the voice grew hoarse, insanity gripped them. We noticed and captured a few of them to experiment on. Once we realized what we were dealing with... undead, necromancers, that's when we made plans to root them out."

I decided to speak up, "How did you identify the undead humans?"

Dunlan looked back and held up one of his claws, "Simple, you make a small nick on their skin, and then you watch the color of their blood as it drips onto the floor. Whatever spell they use loses effect once the blood leaves their body. Red is living, blue is undead."

Talwin gave Dunlan a curious glance, "You asked everyone to cut themselves?"

Dunlan scratched his neck, "We dragged one of the undead into the market square. Screamed far and wide about what we had discovered, and cut his throat. As it stumbled around, refusing to die, everyone realized. There was no need to force people, they were more than willing to step onto the street and prove to their fellow kin that they were alive. At that point the undead realized that there was no point in hiding and fighting broke out all over the city."

"And that's that?" Talwin asked.

Dunlan shook his head, "We caught the undead before they could build their numbers, but we weren't prepared for the counterattack. Undead are hardy, but because they are effectively 'dead' they also lack magic, or at least, that's what we thought."

Magic requires life energy... Something that apparently isn't possible with this form of undead...

"Black obelisks?" Talwin asked.

Dunlan raised his brow in wonder, "Black obelisks?"

Talwin shook his head, "Never mind. So what happened?"

Dunlan pointed to his forehead, "A new type of undead appeared, and they had big blue crystals jammed into their forehead. They floated through the city, killing every living thing they encountered, and they..."

"They?" Talwin asked.

"They radiated an immense cold, puddles on the ground froze, frost grew on the walls. It's the first time I have ever seen snow in Bellkeep," Dunlan answered.

"How did you stop them?" I asked.

Dunlan glanced back, "We tried to overwhelm them, and it worked to some degree, but the losses were heavy. The mages managed to take care of a few, but things were looking increasingly hopeless."

Talwin gulped, "But you're here, so how did you win?"

Dunlan looked toward the road ahead, "Time, we won because of time."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

Dunlan shrugged, "As they used their powers they began to disintegrate. The flesh frayed away, bone turned to dust. After a few days they were little more than floating husks riddled with crystal, a few organs, and a beating gray heart. Sooner or later the heart would stop beating, and the creature would just... crumble."

"I'm sorry," Talwin whispered.

Dunlan made a slow nod, "Bellkeep will never be the same again, thousands are dead."

"No sign of wulfkins?" I asked.

Dunlan shook his head and glanced back, "No. We received a few stray reports of wulfkins attacking distant farms. But since then we haven't heard or seen any. Why?"

"Just curious. They've effectively surrounded Dracwyn and are blocking trade," I answered.

Dunlan focused on me with an understanding nod, "Dracwyn will crumble under its own weight without functioning trade routes. What are they doing to stop it?"

I shrugged, "I don't know."

Dunlan's expression twisted into a sneer, "Typical mercenary, don't give a shit as long as you're paid."

He's already made up his mind... Let's play into it and avoid argument...

It made me smile back, "Such an approach has its benefits."

Dunlan's expression twisted in disgust, "I bet it does."

788 I.C, February 25, Bellkeep, Morning

I could recall my memories of Bellkeep with clarity. It was the first time I had seen a city and the impression had become a lasting one. Proud walls, buildings of wood rather stone, vibrant vegetation, flowers in every window, and a vibrant market buzzing with more life than I had ever seen in Everwinter.

Things had changed since then. The once proud gates were no longer, instead there was now a water filled crater with a makeshift bridge built over it. Towers and buildings had collapsed. The main street had been reduced to rubble, and there were rows upon of dead lining the streets.

Even in the middle of night they still struggled to carry the dead and burn them on great pyres. The air itself smelled of burnt flesh, a sickening scent when considering the source.

Talwin stared into the depths of the city with a hollow expression. I tried to inch closer, to offer support simply through my presence, but for some reason I seemed invisible.

Instead I walked up beside Dunlan, "Where are his parents holed up?"

Dunlan glanced at me, "You've delivered him to the city, I can take care of the rest."

"Job's not done until I see them reunited," I said.

Dunlan sighed, "They're in the cellar of an old alchemist, it used to be a hideout for the Underground."

"You were hiding them?" I asked.

Dunlan nodded, "The army asked for them when they arrived. I don't know why, but we weren't about to hand over someone with intricate knowledge of the Underground."

"I see," I answered.

We followed Dunlan until my eyes caught on another battlefield. There was another crater and the surrounding edge was littered with corpses. The crater itself was untouched and in the very center was a skeletal figure covered in rags that fluttered in the wind.

I pointed at creature, "Dunlan, is that one of those floating undead you spoke of?"

"Yes, the others are hesitant to touch it, scared it might wake up once more," Dunlan answered.

"Could I take a look?" I asked.

"I'd rather you didn't," Dunlan answered with a sharp glance.

"It's important," I said and walked away from them.

I opened my mind to the aether, descended the crater, stepped up to the corpse, and crouched down.

Nothing... No aetheric presence... Completely inert...

Whatever power that had once inhabited the creature was now gone, but the results of it were plain. The skeleton was human in nature but was missing its lower body and arms. Within the chest was little more than a few shriveled organs. A large crystal jutted from the forehead and crystalline growths had spread to encompass most of the skull, spine, and ribcage. It gave the creature a menacing gaze highlighted by eyes that looked like frozen marbles.

Living creatures are good conduits... Especially ones attuned to the aether...

But if you force too much magical energy through a conduit... It burns up...

The host can't handle it and this is the result...

I reached out, grabbed hold of the crystal jutting from the skull, and gently pulled. It snapped off with surprising ease, and the crystal almost crumbled at my touch.

The crystal is like its host... Fried... Cracked... Worn down by far too much magical energy...

I pocketed the crystal, stood up, and walked back while Dunlan stared daggers at me.

"In order to defeat your enemy, you must understand it," I said.

Dunlan frowned, "Only thing worse than a mercenary, is a mercenary mage."

Shortsighted imbecile...

The streets grew smaller as Dunlan led us into the depths of Bellkeep. After a while we turned a corner, headed down an alley, and Dunlan motioned toward a wooden wall. He then stepped up to the wall, grabbed hold of a plank, and pushed it until a click was heard. Within moments the wall opened to reveal a passage.

"Impressive," I said.

Dunlan nodded and stepped into the passage, "The underground has its secrets."

The wall shut behind us and Dunlan led us to a room blocked by a curtain. He then knocked on the wall and spoke up, "Martha, I've brought Talwin."

There was silence, followed by a gentle creak and careful steps. Moments later the curtain was pulled back and Martha glanced out. The old woman clutched a crimson scarf around her neck and her eyes locked on Talwin with disbelief.

Slowly her eyes widened and she stepped out while reaching for him, "Talwin... You're here?"

Talwin opened his muzzle to speak but was interrupted as she lunged forward and embraced him with a tight hug, "You're here, safe and sound, just like Fletcher promised."

Fletcher!?

I felt a throbbing in my skull as a rush of adrenaline surge through my body.

I was wrong! They knew! And... you...

Dunlan faced me, "Your job is done, mercenary."

Martha eased back from Talwin, reached up, and cupped his muzzle with her hands, "Are you alright? They told us that they had found you, but they couldn't get you out, not yet."

Dunlan moved toward me and threw him a glance while bending the aether to my will. In an instant threads of aetheric surged along the floor, coiled around his body, and forced him to freeze in place with little more than a surprised whimper. Dunlan's eyes widened like saucers and his nostrils flared with exertion, yet he could neither move nor speak.

Martha didn't seem to notice while she gazed upon Talwin in confusion, "What's wrong, Talwin? Say something?"

Talwin looked at her in confusion, "What did you do, mom?"

Martha blinked, "What do you mean? You're here now, surely you must know? Did they drug you? Transport you here? What has happened? Why are you upset?"

Talwin whispered and his gaze dropped, "Did you..."

Martha clutched his head in desperation, "Talwin!?"

"Hello, Martha," I said.

Martha stopped, froze in place, and turned to look at me, "Who are you?"

I tipped my head a little, "Didn't Fletcher tell you all of what he discovered?"

Martha blinked, and then her eyes grew wide, while her hands let go of Talwin, "You... were not sent here by Fletcher."

I let my camouflage drop and felt my eyes itch as they took on their natural hue. It made Martha stumble back while she held her scarf.

"Do you need another clue, Martha? Or did you figure it out?" I asked.

Martha's eyes darted between me and Talwin for a few moments, followed by a dropping gaze as she looked to the floor, "You're Avery, you are here without Fletcher's knowledge. We made a mistake."

I stepped closer and motioned to her, "Start from the beginning, Martha. Before I assume that you betrayed me and your son's trust without good reason."

Martha looked up and fixed me with a dark glare, "We would never do something to hurt Talwin."

"Then talk," I ordered.

Martha frowned and raised her hand to point at me, "You accuse us when you were the one that lied and has brought near ruin to us all. You said you sought to escape Everwinter."

"That's the truth, at least what I knew to be true at the time," I answered.

Martha's voice darkened, "You said you wouldn't change, yet here you stand, a wulfkin in the flesh."

I drew a deep breath, "I was tricked by others, at the time I didn't believe I'd change, at least not like this."

"You expect me to believe that? After wulfkins terrorize our lands, the capitol has been infested, and an undead army seeks to spread its disease all over Agron?" Martha asked.

I sighed, "These events were puppeteered by a man who sought to end the Master and Everwinter. You blame me but the Master would have come sooner or later. If anything this disrupted his plans and forced him out of hiding before things were too late."

Martha shook her head in disbelief, "You expect me to look upon what has happened as a good thing? Thousands are dead because of your actions."

I pointed to myself, "Do you think everything would return to normal if I turned myself in? Do you think the Master would stop now that he has been forced to make his move?"

Martha hesitated, "... What did you do? Why is Everwinter willing to enrage the entire continent?"

"I can't tell you," I answered.

Martha made a dark chuckle, "And you're surprised that we sought to bring Talwin home?"

I gritted my teeth in response, "Did you tell Fletcher and his team about us?"

"Us? We told them about you, and I made them promise to bring Talwin home," Martha answered.

Talwin whispered, "Fletcher almost got us all killed."

Martha looked over at Talwin, "What?"

I raised my voice, "You care about Talwin, I'm not questioning that. But Fletcher has bigger targets in mind, he's thinking of Agron's safety. Do you think a coyote matters?"

Martha gave me another glare that softened into stunned realization. After all, when you were dealing with the fate of nations, then a single individual meant little.

"You entrusted Talwin to me, and I vowed to keep him safe. I understand your doubt, why you did what you did, but you should have trusted us. Not to mention that you should have respected Talwin's right to decide his own fate."

Martha bit her lip and squeezed the crimson scarf around her neck, "You could have held him against his will."

"True, but that did not happen, nor will it ever happen," I said.

Martha gulped and focused on Talwin, "We made a mistake, we never sought to put you in danger. But why are you involved in all of this, Talwin?"

Talwin glanced up from having stared at the floor, "Because..."

Martha inched closer, reached out, and placed her hands on his arms, "George and I always knew that you wanted the power to change things. But you have to realize that you're not a mage, and there's no need to play a hero."

Talwin froze in place and stared at her hands in silence.

"You're here now, stay with us, where it's safe," Martha whispered.

Talwin looked up and met her gaze, "Where's dad?"

Martha looked back and focused on the closed curtain, "He's not well."

Talwin let go of her, stepped up to the curtain, and looked inside. Moments later he entered and disappeared from sight.

I stepped closer and spoke, "You may think me your enemy, but I am not. That doesn't mean I won't hurt you if you try any funny business, understand?"

Martha threw me another glance, "I'll behave, for Talwin's sake."

I pushed the curtain open, stepped inside, and saw Talwin kneeling next to a bed in the corner. Resting in the bed was George, Talwin's father. George's condition had worsened since I last saw him. He was pale, had lost weight to the point that his face looked withered, and his chest barely moved when he wheezed for breath.

Talwin felt his father's hand and whispered, "Dad, it's me, Talwin."

Martha walked up beside the bed, "Your father... He..."

I sensed the aether and focused on the old man. Where there had once been a steady but troubled presence in the aether was now a bare whisper clinging to life. Even worse was that the man's subconscious shield was failing, and what little energy remained was leaking out by the second.

"Dad?" Talwin tried once more.

Martha crouched next to the bed, "He hasn't woken for days."

Talwin turned around and looked at me with an expression pleading for help, 'Save him?'

"Martha, do you have any alcohol here?" I asked.

Martha focused on me with a skeptical expression, "What do you need it for?"

I reached into my pocket, fetched the three life crystals, and held them up, "For this, I need to dissolve them."

Martha opened her mouth, stopped, and then rose before walking over to a desk. She then opened a drawer, reached in, and fetched a small bottle with a liquid that was bright orange.

"Will this suffice?" Martha asked and held it out.

I took the bottle and nodded, "Give me some time."

Martha joined Talwin's side while I moved over to the desk and fetched a small bowl. I then placed the crystals inside the bowl, crushed them into a fine dust, poured the alcohol inside, and started stirring.

A few minutes later the crystals had dissolved and the liquid shone with an intense green color. I then took the bowl and walked up to the bed.

To my surprise Martha blocked my path and held out her hand, "I'll do it."

As you wish...

I handed over the bowl, and stepped back to watch. Talwin eased George up while Martha lifted the bowl to his mouth and gently poured. George sputtered at times, but managed to swallow even while unconscious. Once done Martha put the bowl aside and Talwin eased him into bed once more.

The life energy radiated with intensity and almost drowned out George's presence in the aether. Some of it even started to leak out of the unconscious barrier that maintained his life.

He can barely maintain a barrier on his own... Without it the energy will run right through him...

After a few minutes Talwin whispered, "Is it... working?"

I don't know...

"Give it some more time," I answered.

Minutes ticked by and to my relief something finally started to happen. The pale hue in his face brightened, a healthy pink hue was restored, and he drew a deep breath.

"Dad?" Talwin said.

George's eyes fluttered, his hands trembled, and his lips moved as if trying to speak.

"George?" Martha tried once.

George opened his eyes and looked around the room in confusion. After a few moments his gaze came to rest on Talwin.

"Talwin?" George whispered.

Talwin smiled and squeezed his hand, "I'm here dad."

George's lips stretched into a warm smile, "You're alive."

Talwin's voice became a strained whimper for a moment, "Yeah, and..."

"Yes?" George whispered as if he had all the time in the world to listen.

"I finally did it, dad. I found what I wanted what I always wanted, and more," Talwin answered.

George blinked and his brow lifted in surprise, "Oh?"

Talwin nodded, "I've had the most wondrous adventures. I've fought for my life and that of others. I've grown stronger, learned so much, and I have seen beauty and ugliness intertwined in ways I had never imagined."

No words were needed as George smiled and listened.

"I've been scared as well, more frightened than I have ever been before. Hiding in the darkness, listening to the sounds of monsters, feeling the shake in the earth and the tremors of my own heart."

George's expression grew into an amused grin, "Exciting, isn't it?"

Talwin nodded and chuckled, "Yes, it was, though I'm not eager to do it again."

"Tell me more?" George asked.

Something bothered me as I observed them. What had been a gentle trickle of energy through George's body became a rushing torrent. It poured out of him, trickled onto the floor and evaporated around us. The life crystals may have bought him a moment of wakefulness, but it had also torn what remained into pieces.

I pulled Martha aside and leaned in, "No amount of life energy will save him, we came too late. He has minutes, at most."

Martha slipped from my grip and she knelt next to George while Talwin kept speaking.

"I found something else as well, dad," Talwin whispered.

"Hmm?" George hummed.

Talwin drew a deep breath, "I found love."

George's eyes widened, "Oh, really?"

Talwin nodded, "I did. Someone I want to grow old with, someone I love more than my own life. Just like you and mom. I'm really happy about it, because I never thought..."

George chuckled, "A charming and well raised fellow like yourself, of course there was someone out there for you."

Talwin nodded, "Yes."

"Tell me about her?" George asked.

Talwin was silent for a moment, "... How can I describe it. It's someone who struggled to overcome horrible beginnings, and not only emerged stronger, but with so much compassion and strength that it leaves me in awe."

"A coyote?" George asked.

Talwin shook his head, "No, but similar. Misunderstood by the world, seeking to set things right. Willing to take on a huge burden and face the anger of both kin and the world."

George's eyes fluttered for a moment and the bright hue in his face began to fade, "That's..."

"Dad?" Talwin asked.

George opened his eyes once more and made a trembling smile, "I'm happy for you, Talwin. I wish..."

Talwin leaned closer, "Yes?"

George shifted his gaze to Martha, "A moment with your mother, a chance to say farewell."

Talwin moved out-of-the-way while Martha took his place. George then motioned for her to come closer, and closer, until he could whisper in her ear. The whisper was so soft that I couldn't even hear a hint, something odd happened though. As she listened and George whispered, his gaze moved above her and came to focus on me.

I don't have my camouflage... Did he realize? Does he...

"But," Martha whispered.

George whispered something inaudible and Martha made a reluctant nod, "Yes, my love."

Martha leaned back and George drew a deep breath, followed by a long sigh as he relaxed. The last of the life energy clinging to him rushed out as if let loose, and the room became silent.

Talwin gulped, "Dad?"

George did not react and Martha shook her head.

"Bye," Talwin whispered.

Martha rose up, discretely wiped her ears, and then turned around to face us, "Talwin..."

Talwin shook his head, "I'm not staying. I'm going to..."

Martha's eyes came to rest on me, "Hurt him, and I shall hunt you down, wulfkin."

I inched closer to Talwin, reached out, and this time he let me touch him. Relief filled me as I wrapped my arm around his shoulder and whispered, "Shall we leave?"

Talwin nodded in silence.