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The White Party

Chapter 55

The next morning, the group prepared to split off and go their separate ways. Aside from Kesuk, Etienne chose two more guards to accompany him back to Wychowl, and the third - Crawley - was forced on him by Charles, who took Etienne aside and explained that he didn't want to suffer the headache of listening to Crawley argue with Myles, Shackley, and Porter. And he was also afraid Myles and Crawley would come to blows, which could easily end in the death of one or the other, as Crawley had not hesitated to hit on Hadly. Etienne assured Charles that he didn't mind bringing Crawley along, who seemed docile enough toward his prince.

Crawley was only too happy to accompany Etienne and seemed eager to go to Wychowl anyway. Etienne thought he would have been too embarrassed to face the other mastiffs, some of which had attended academy with him and had even witnessed him flunk out of the school. But Crawley was determined to come along with Etienne, and it was almost as if the big mastiff had something to prove. Etienne rolled his eyes: loud, rude males like Crawley_always_ had something to prove.

The fluffy sleigh dog Kesuk was still willing to come and Etienne was still willing to have him. In fact, he was relieved to have someone cool and levelheaded like Kesuk around. His full name was Suluk Kesuk, and he hailed from one of the many clans of dogs who lived in the cold tundra of the artic north. It was said the dogs there lived side by side with artic foxes, in peace and harmony, even marrying across breeds and inviting them to live with their clans. They rode their sleighs across the snow banks and hunted the caribou and shared everything they hunted with other dog clans and foxes alike. It was considered by most an ideal society, and so it was hardly surprising that someone like Kesuk, who came from said society, would show mercy to a fox. Sometimes Etienne looked at Kesuk and wished the rest of the world could get along the way dogs and foxes did in the north. The northern breeds gave him hope that dogs and foxes could get along. If only both sides were willing to bend.

The two guards Etienne chose were a tan pit bull named Harrison Reed and a gray Pointer named Albert Connell.

Reed was a big pit bull with small angry eyes who had been one of Charles' most loyal guards at Howlester for several years, and the duke recommended him to Etienne with a proud nod. Reed was very bitter about everything that had happened at Howlester Manor, as he had been burned across half his face by one of the foxes. The burns were not severe enough that he lost his eye, but he lost the side of his brown mane and one ear, and that was enough to fill him with resentment, anger, and hatred. After having witnessed the foxes killing his brothers in arms and sustaining such injuries from them, he hated them with a passion and constantly mocked Judith for worshipping one of their gods. Unfortunately, Etienne didn't know about Reed's hatred of the foxes until after he chose him as an escort. Etienne had chosen Reed because he was huge and intimidating, and the prince believed he could easily keep big Crawley in line should he choose to cause trouble.

Albert Connell was an old veteran with drooping cheeks and calm, tiny eyes. He was very easygoing and laidback, but serious when the moment called for it. Unlike young Reed, he had seen many battles and knew better than to let them shape his perception of the world. He was generally cordial and courteous to Judith, though he wasted no time flirting shamelessly with her once she announced to Etienne that she was coming with him.

Etienne couldn't understand why Judith wanted to come, especially when it was going to be such a dangerous journey. Before they even reached Wychowl, they would have to cross through the forests surrounding Thalsin - while praying no foxes attacked them -- then pass through Thalsin itself for the castle. And for all Etienne knew, Donica had written up some scheme to chop off his head so she could rule on as queen, and Judith wanted to come with him?

Hadly told Judith she was being foolish, and Brooke complained that if Judith was allowed to follow Etienne, she should be allowed to as well.

"No," Etienne said firmly and squeezed Brooke's little paws. "I want you to be safe. And you won't be safe with me, Brooke. Trust me."

Brooke peered into Etienne's eyes, on the verge of weeping and protesting. But she saw the worry in his blue gaze, that he cared for her and wanted her to be safe, and she nodded sadly. Etienne sighed, relieved.

"But will I ever see you again?" Brooke wondered, staring sadly at Etienne as he went back to rolling up his bedroll.

"Just forget about me, Brooke," Etienne said wearily. Azrian's pretty good at that. Maybe she can give you pointers . . .

Brooke shook her head. "I don't want to forget you."

Etienne glanced up to find she was smiling. He smiled back, tying his bedroll atop his pack.

Hadly drew closer and stood beside Brooke, fingers fiddling as she observed Etienne. She had her cloak tied on and her pack on her back. Behind her, Myles was helping Charles and Milly clear the fire, while Shackley, Porter, and the other guards stood close, talking in low voices of the journey to come.

"You take care of yourself," Hadly said to Etienne. "I don't want to open a newspaper and read that the prince of Varimore was found dead in a ditch somewhere."

Etienne laughed lightly as he got to his feet, and Judith helped him pull on his pack over his cloak. He had taken it back from Mogethis and was wearing it, though not without the burning sensation of guilt. The cloak reminded him of her every time the wind lifted. She was dead. And he could have stopped it. He was the prince of Varimore, after all. He could have announced that the foxes were coming with him to Wychowl, and that would have been the end of it. But he sat and said nothing as they voted for Mogethis and her brother to die. He blinked the thought away and smiled at Hadly.

"And you take care of Myles," the prince said, jerking his head at the Dalmatian. "He's a good male. I hope he makes you happy."

Hadly smiled and graciously inclined her head. "Thank you, your majesty."

Etienne almost laughed. So she had chosen Myles, and now she was all formal and polite, when back in the tunnel, she had chewed him out and had almost bitten his head off to boot. He grinned.

Myles called to Hadly and Brooke. The females glanced back at the Dalmatian, then they bounced up on tiptoe and both pecked Etienne on his cheeks. Smiling at the prince a last time, they went to join Myles and the guards who would be escorting them to Athley Manor. Etienne was left alone with Judith, who stood clutching the strap of the messenger bag she always wore across her shoulders, her long black mane tumbling smooth to cover her eyes and splitting over her muzzle.

"So . . . why do you want to come with me again?" Etienne wondered, not looking at Judith but at Charles as he approached.

"I am coming because it is my wish to serve Great Ti'uu," Judith replied calmly. "It is in Great Ti'uu's interest that you should return to Wychowl. I'm here to make certain that happens."

Etienne snorted. "No offense but . . . you? Really? You're more likely to get killed."

Judith smiled. "And that may come to pass. But I can read the tongue of the foxes. I can understand it. And I can speak it. You will be crossing through hostile fox territory. Without me, you will die."

"So . . . you're an ambassador for Ti'uu?" Etienne joked.

Judith smiled. "In a manner of speaking. I carry his blessing. And those who honor him will recognize that. But those foxes that are against him . . ."

Etienne looked at her, waiting.

Judith drew her finger across her neck and made a slicing nose.

"Ah," said Etienne, looking away. "Well, let's hope the foxes outside Thalsin aren't against Ti'uu then."

Charles came to a stop before Etienne and smiled at him. He glanced at Judith. "Judith, if you would please? I'd like a moment alone --"

"Of course, my lord," Judith said and turned away. They watched as she went to stand with the four guards who would be accompanying her and Etienne through the portal. Etienne grinned when Albert Connell started flirting with her almost at once.

Charles clapped Etienne on the shoulder. "It's taken every fiber in my being," he said, "not to go back on everything I said and beg you to come with me."

Etienne looked down at his uncle, surprised. "I thought you wanted me to go to Wychowl. That it was the only way to beat Donica at her own game . . . etcetera . . ."

"I did. But I'm afraid for you as well. Richard and I tried so hard to keep Jonathan out of politics. After what it did to our family . . . to Evelyn . . ." Charles sighed unhappily, then his gentle eyes lifted to Etienne's face and frowned. "I just couldn't live with myself if I let anything happen to you. And by letting you go to Wychowl . . . I'm letting it happen. I almost want to go with you. In fact, perhaps once Richard and I are reunited . . ."

"Uncle," Etienne said and laughed. But he felt truly touched by the duke's worrying. Charles was so fussy. Etienne wasn't used to being fussed over and worried after. Donica never worried, never coddled, because she believed she had full control of everything. Bastian worried but didn't express it or show it, preferring to bottle it all up and pretend everything was alright when everything was really hell. Corene had been the same way, pretending things were fine when Etienne knew Donica had just chewed her out in the other room. Charles was just . . . honest. Honest in his tears. Honest in his smiles. Etienne suddenly found it damn refreshing, to not be surrounded by dogs who were faking their lives.

Charles sniffed, staring up at Etienne mistily. He touched his golden mane. "I'm sorry."

"You know," Etienne said with another laugh, "I'm going to miss you fussing over me."

Charles laughed sadly. "I'm going to miss you. When you were a pup, I wanted to take you from Wychowl. I wanted to steal you and never look back. You were so small and helpless . . . screaming in my arms . . . because you knew your mother was dead. And you needed me. I kept you for about three days. They couldn't take you from me . . ."

Etienne frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I stayed in the tower with you. I refused to leave. Richard tried to make me come home with him. I couldn't leave you . . . I couldn't . . ." The duke's eyes filled with sudden tears.

Etienne frowned and took him in his arms. "It's alright, Uncle," he whispered, as Charles wept. "It's alright . . ."

"I have to protect you now. She'd want me to."

"No, Uncle. You have to look after yourself. I'll be fine. You go to Athley, then make the journey to Rorchester and find Cousin Richard. Maybe I can do something about Jonathan too . . . maybe send him to you . . ." Etienne frowned. He knew Jonathan was long on his way to Curith. If he took the throne and deposed Donica, he could demand Jonathan given over to him. Varimore was the seat of King Antony, and therefore, the seat of the High King. King Louis would have to listen to Etienne or risk political strife.

"Don't you worry about Jonathan," Charles said and pulled back to look at Etienne. "You just worry about saving your kingdom. And your Azrian."

Etienne's eyes clouded. "Provided she still wants saving."

Charles frowned and took Etienne tightly by the arms. "Listen to me," he said, peering intently into the prince's eyes. "You are not your father and Azrian is not your mother. For all you know, Azrian still loves you very deeply. And Evelyn may not have loved Bastian, but she loved you. And that's all that matters." Charles lifted his brows.

Etienne smiled. "Thank you, Uncle."

Etienne was sad to see the others go. But they left, disappearing through the trees and in the direction of the road to town. Etienne and his group likewise disappeared, in the opposite direction, deeper into the forest. He led the way, silent as he listened, silent as he felt for the magic hum of the nearby shrine.

They passed many ruins as daylight faded. Reed expressed a desire to go around them, but Judith explained that going through was the quickest way to the shrine. When Reed didn't believe her, she pulled one of her father's old journals from her bag and showed him a map Dr. Bell had scribbled of the forest in which they were traveling. Etienne also glanced at the journal and saw that they were in OwsleyForest, a forest that hugged a very long road. The road was known as the King's Road because if followed, it would eventually lead to Wychowl, as well as any king's castle in the major capitals across the nine kingdoms. If there hadn't been a portal nearby, Etienne would have taken the King's Road, and perhaps he would have arrived in Wychowl a few weeks later.

They passed through the large ruins of what was once a city, now overgrown with vines and weeds and sinking slowly into the earth. The place was still and silent as the grave, the empty windows of its little houses seeming to peer at them like lidless eyes. A temple was at the heart of the ruined city, and Judith remarked that it belonged to Kutre, the goddess of compassion. Reed sneered and muttered under his breath at Judith's enthusiasm and awe, while Connell smiled at her back, Kesuk remained serious and silent, and Crawley chewed indifferently on a bit of dried meat.

By nightfall, they were walking in dense forest, moving silent to the sounds of creatures growling and scurrying, of crickets chirping and night birds singing. The ruins were long behind them, and Etienne could feel the vibrations of the nearby shrine trembling under his boots. He felt the pull and let it tug him, holding a ball of white energy on his paw to guide them in the darkness.

"So let me get this straight," Reed said when they had been walking in silence half an hour, "if some foxes jump out of the bush and stab us . . . you're going to talk to them? And that will save us?" He was speaking, of course, to Judith.

"Lay off her, boy," Connell drawled from the back of the group. The old Pointer's voice was lazy, but there was the hint of a threat behind it.

Judith sniffed, her nose wrinkling as it poked from the veil of her mane. She was walking up front beside Etienne, her paw on the strap of her bag. Reed and Crawley were just behind her.

"No, Albert, it's alright," Judith said calmly. "If the foxes were hostile," she said to Reed, "I assume you'd kill them, naturally."

"Naturally," agreed Reed darkly.

"But if they weren't hostile," went on Judith, "I would try for communication. They would understand that we were just passing through. And they would let us by."

Reed snorted. "They won't be anything but hostile."

"Calm down a bit, Reed," Crawley said, chewing slowly on a long blade of grass. "Just be glad our darling captain isn't here. She'd want us to sing the things a lullaby and tuck them in with quilts."

Reed glowered. "Captain Shackley is worth ten of you, Crawley. You shut your mouth about her."

"I will not," Crawley said indignantly. "Don't tell me you actually _like_that cunt --"

"Alright." Etienne halted, and the others followed suit. He stepped close to Crawley, until they were nose to nose, and glared into his face. "I will have none of that language. Especially in the presence of a lady. As I understand it, Captain Shackley saved your miserable life at Howlester. You will apologize. Then you will fall to the back of this procession. And you will shut the hell up."

Crawley swallowed humbly, and behind him, Etienne could see Kesuk nodding darkly and Connell smirking. Reed also looked very satisfied to see the air sucked out of Crawley's puffed chest. Judith, however, looked indifferent as ever.

Crawley dropped his eyes. "Forgive me, my prince." He darted his lowered eyes at Judith. "And my lady. I'm sorry. I didn't think."

"That will do," Etienne approved. "Now fall back."

"Yes, your majesty." Crawley obediently fell to the back of the procession with his ears flat, and Etienne thought he looked sincerely ashamed of himself. Good.

They reached the shrine an hour later, and it was very much like Ti'uu's shrine and the shrine of Maret: nine statues of the nine gods standing in a half-circle, with the shrine's owner being the largest statue of all and standing over the altar. This time, the giant statue erected over the altar was that of a female bird, with giant white diamonds for eyes. She stood with her wings spread as if to embrace, her beak tipped down as she peered with a soft expression at the altar at her taloned feet.

"My god," whispered Crawley, who was staring with greedy eyes up at the diamonds. "Do foxes have diamonds like that in them holes of theirs?"

"The savages probably use them to level tables or something," Reed muttered.

Etienne climbed the dais, Judith at his side. The deactivated portal's archway stood directly across from the altar, flanked by statues of two vixens with wings. The vixens were naked and lovely, holding their arms out as if to present the portal. Their manes were curly and thick, their slender legs long, their wings spread, and their tails fluffy and curled at the tip. Etienne looked at them and thought of Azrian. Demigods?

"The god-children of Kutre," Judith said, coming to a stop beside Etienne. "This is her shrine."

"And it can take us to the shrine outside Thalsin, right?" Etienne asked. His eyes found a stone panel of symbols standing beside the deactivated portal. The panel was not unlike the one at Maret's shrine and had all the same symbols. He recognized Ti'uu's swirling symbol of the sun, for it was the one Asres had activated when sending Etienne back to Varimore.

Apparently, the gods had multiple shrines across the nine kingdoms, and to specify which was which, each symbol had a small mark beneath it. There were at least four symbols for each of Ti'uu's shrines, each with a small mark indicating Varimore or another kingdom.

Etienne knew all he had to do to activate the portal near Thalsin was to touch the right symbol. His magic would awaken it, and then they could be on their way. But he didn't know which symbol to activate, though he could easily see which symbols belonged to which gods. One symbol consisted of three red diagonal lines. Fire. Ayni's symbol. Which meant activating her portal could possibly take him to Curith. Another symbol consisted of two black lines at angles: black wings. Maret's symbol. Her portals would take him back to Idria. But there were still some symbols Etienne did not recognize. Such as the white triangle with the swirl. He frowned.

"That is Kutre's symbol," Judith said, following Etienne's gaze. She pointed at the space beneath white triangle with the swirl. "And this mark down here indicates that touching it will take us to Thalsin's shrine. Though the foxes call Thalsin . . . Ah-nah._The shrine in _Setgimi - that's the forest - outside Ah-nah - that's Thalsin."

"Yeah, fascinating," said Reed impatiently. "Can we get going? Before foxes leap from the trees and kill us?"

"Or maybe eat us," Connell joked.

Reed glared at him.

Etienne touched Kutre's symbol, secretly glad he'd brought Judith after all. Though she could have just given him her father's notes. It was the last she had of Dr. Bell and taking those notes was a lot to ask, but it was better than her facing direct danger . . .

The portal activated at once, its archway swirling with white light. Etienne took a breath and stepped through the archway. He immediately found himself in a forest, beneath the moon, standing on yet another stone dais. But he halted at what he saw and didn't move when the others stepped out of the portal behind him. Judith walked directly into his back and took a mouthful of his golden mane, while the four guards slammed into her in turn, and all of them fell in the heap before the portal, the light of which whirled shut behind them.

Etienne pushed Kesuk's leg from his ear and lifted his face to stare.

About two dozen white foxes - frozen in the act of fucking - stared back.