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"... I don't like it, the whole thing stinks"

"Of course it does it's political after all. Our lord was mated with the oldest ai Sherri daughter and since the ai Sherri are gone he have the right of the house to claim the land. Naturally if he had a cub with lady Seira, the land would automatically become his domain but since milady never came back we have to go through all this crap..."

"You think he'll make the claim? A tidbit such as Frozen Lakes... Who wouldn't want to claim it?"

"Well, he should and considering the situation, the King would probably concede him those lands but i don't think he'll make the claim, he's falling apart. The truth is, this place is going only thanks to the Governor, she's the one pulling all the strings now, without her we'd be homeless in a week..."

"So it really is as bad as they say?"

"Dunno, the girls say he spends every single day sitting in her room, waiting for her. He won't even sleep without making someone wait there for her... They say he's been crying lately"

"Sorry thing..."

"Hey you two! Stop babbling and get working, this place must be ready for the evening party!"

"Sorry boss! ...Anyway whose brightest idea was to make a party here?"

"Don't ask me... It's all because of that ai Tassid big fish visiting our lord, he probably gonna force him to relinquish his rights of the Frozen Lakes..."

"Don't even mention that fucking, fat ass bastard..."

"I heard that..."

"Sorry boss!"

"...He was making advances towards Krira all day! MY Krira!"

"Sick bastard... If i had something to say about it i would kick him out of our borders or... or shove a torch up his fat ass and set it on fire!"

"Start working already or I'm gonna put your butts on fire!"

"Sorry boss!"

***

"Is this really necessary? Can't you take care of it?"

"I'm afraid it's impossible sire..."

"Lyeis stop sire-ing me, we both know you're the one makeing decisions here..." He took off his ring and throw it her.

"Here, take my seal and do what you want I... I don't have strength for it, not any more"

"I am grateful of the thrust you put into me my Lord but this is something i can not handle myself, they requested your presence Raynn"

She came closer and put the ring back on his paw.

"Please come with me..."

He just sat motionless on the chair looking through the window.

"Dammit Raynn! I can't take it anymore! Don't waste your life! I can't watch it anymore! You know she's gone! Just let go of it..."

"I can't... i promised her I'll wait and i will until she returns... or until someone shows me a prof that my waiting is pointless, then..."

"Dammit then do it for her! She definitely wouldn't want you to sit here and mop around!"

He looked at her there was no life in his eyes.

"Oh gods! Raynn, move your butt and come listen what they want from you then answer them and i promise i won't bother you ever again, I'll let your ass rot in here!"

"Charming, Governor charming..." He barred his fangs.

"I think i shall cooperate..."

***

"A... So this is the famous moon walk theater? Peculiar name... But what is so famous in it? I can't see anything interesting here"

"arrogant Goof ..."

"You've been saying something governor?"

"A, yes the name. It comes from the spectacular way in which the moon is reflected in the lake, it looks as if..."

"Never mind that... Where do i sit? I've been told that there's going to be a party this evening?"

"Yes, please come this way..."

Lyeis clenched her jaws trying not to add something she would regret later. Her clan already had troubles and she didn't want to add ai Tassids atop of them. Only if Raynn would become himself again... It's been six years, six long terrible years since Lady Seira went to the woods and never came back... Raynn had never gotten over it, he just waited for her, he seemed unable to do anything else and the whole responsibility for the clan fell onto her shoulders. For the first two years Lyies was completely terrified, she was no politician, she was a simple soldier who barely could read and write, she lacked Raynn knowledge and experience, he had proper education and knew how to act in every situation while she... she had to learn etiquette from maids to be able to represent their clan on the gatherings. All decisions she made were mostly based on pure assumption and lucky guesses, and this was something that unquestionably won't work forever. She sighed, all this because of a dress...

Lady Seira was going to attend a party in the capital and Raynn couldn't come with her he forced her to take a bodyguard so... She had chosen Lyeis, She made her wear one of her dresses and attend party with her.

"The Governor Lyeis"

She introduced her and that name sticked to her... At first it was only used as a joke, a sobriquet she was ashamed of but soon it took another effect on her, she became very close to the house and even master Raynn sometimes used her as a 'Governor' on many meetings when he needed company. Her role was of course limited to smiling and listening to what others had to say, sometimes answering questions in a way Raynn instructed her although her real role was carrying a sword under her dress...

But then Lady Seira disappeared and everything turned upside down, Raynn stopped caring about the clan and since everyone known her as The Governor, they suddenly started relaying on her, asking her to make decisions that were way above her... Gods only knew how she proved worthy of the title.

Six years under her clumsy leadership... Six hard years those been, and now when the clan was regaining balance the ai Tassid came.

"Here is your place..."

"A, sweetheart now be so kind and fetch Raynn he was supposed to meet me here"

"Master Raynn will join us shortly, he had an important matter to attend, please enjoy the performance until he arrives..."

He probably didn't even hear her since the dancers entered the empty space between the tables and begun their performance. Fat bastard... Hope Raynn gonna get rid of him.

"Raynn... where the fuck are you?"

"Standing behind you"

She jumped, her fur stood up.

"My lord I ..."

He shook his arm and silenced her.

"Cut that crap... Where's our guest I'm supposed to entertain?"

She lead him to the table.

"Lord Raynn ai Suris this is Frult ai Tassid..."

They exchanged polite nods.

"Please forgive me my delay mister Tassid, i had an urgent business to attend"

"I hope it went well" He looked at Lyeis.

"You can leave us now sweetheart... We have an important matter to discuss"

Raynn stopped her with his hand.

"Lyeis is my right hand and my personal advisor if you really wish to discuss any important matter considering my clan she will stay" His eyes were cold as ice.

"An advisor you say? Very well then..." He seemed a bit taken of guard by his reaction, Raynn was told to be unable to decide on anything.

The performance ended and servants begun preparing tables for the main dish.

"About time..." One of the maids offered them some strong ale. Frult emptied his glass with one swig.

"Now since our throats are ready, let us talk..."

A Sudden scream interrupted him, one of the maids dropped the tray and was pointing at the water.

"My gods what in the name of Dia is THAT!"

**Part 5

Tales of the Broken fang, blue feather and silver moon - Night of painted darkness.**

Taking a deep breath I let go of the wood and dived. Opening my eyes underwater ( a thing Shern got me used to) I swam to the shore. I was almost out of my breath when i finally saw the stone steps starting under water, with one final push i reached them. Surpassing the urge to breath i slowly erected from the water, climbing the steps, trying not to gasp for air, making my pace and breathing as slow and normal as possible.

Someone probably noticed me as a scream came from the above. I ignored it and continued to climbed the stairs until i reached the top. There, in front of me, in the middle of the table sat he, the ai Tassid pig. Yet i was still too far from them, i can't afford to miss, i began walking even closer, my feet leaving wet trail behind me.

The music stopped, everybody went silent, i could hear the drops of water falling from my wet muzzle, let the show begin...

"...murderer..." I said, my voice not much different from a growl.

"...What?" A handsome fea'ehn sitting near him asked, so this must be Raynn then?

"...Murderer of The Ai Sherri!" I said loud enough for everybody to hear me.

"You destroyed my clan, my mother, father, brother, my sister, her son and... me" last word i added in a low hiss so only the closest ones could hear it.

"HOW DARE YOU! WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE TO ACUSED ME..."

Frult ai Tassid got up suddenly, foam was forming in his mouth, the perfect occasion... I moved my hand to draw my dagger but suddenly i stopped. A candle stood on the table, exactly between us, i felt as if Shern was whispering one of his crazy ideas into my ear, instead of dagger i draw my sister's necklace and throw it to the table before Raynn, he recognized it in an instant then looked at me with terrified eyes.

"...who are you?!" His voice was trembling.

"I am..." I paused as if trying to remember. I studied my claws pretending to be distracted. Let their minds wonder, the time for a play has come...

"A..." I grinned at ai Tassid, barring my fangs "You know who I am..."

"I am the blood you spill, I am the will of those you kill, I am the nightmare of your kind, I am the fear that strangle you every night. Your hands are bathed in my cursed blood, your clan feasted upon my cursed flesh. I am the doom upon your house..." Slowly I walked to the table.

"You know my voice... Didn't it aroused you when I screamed begging for mercy as they raped my flesh?" another hiss.

"Does it not arouse you anymore?"

The crowd was paralyzed, with eyes wide open Frult stared at me unable to move.

"Do you not remember my name, the one who came to claim my land?" His eyes got even bigger, his pupils fully opened.

"I am..."

Frult mouth was opening and closing as he gasped for air trying to speak.

"...Sia ai Sherri" As I spoke I let my clan name end with a growl. He shock his head as to protest...

"...I've returned" a terrified murmur went through the crowd.

"returned? From... where?" Raynn was shocked, his voice was barely audible, I looked into his eyes, his gaze... the one of a cub that guided by a teacher finally understands something. Suddenly a gust of could wind came from the lake and hit everyone, people begun screaming.

I grabbed a nearby glass full of strong ale and lifted it high enough so everybody could see the seal of ai Sherri on my paw.

"Raynn ai Suris..." I focused my gaze on Ai Tassid. "I drink for the memory of your son, let his essence return to balance..."

"GUARDS!! SIZE HER!"

Those were the last words of Frult ai Tassid as i took a deep breath, then with one sip gathered the whole contest of the glass in my mouth, leaned closer to the candle and blow with all might of my lungs, seconds later a ball of fire surrounded him, his fur quickly catching on fire, changing him into living torch. In that single moment people begun running away in terror, blocking the guards from reaching me, i turned around, sprinted to the balustrade, jumped over it and dived into the water.

***

"Obaa! Obaa!" A group of youngsters from the caravan gathered around the fire.

"Obaa, may you please tell us a story?" A small hooded figure slowly raised its head, reviling a muzzle covered with snow white fur and peaceful eyes of hunched, elderly woman.

"A story you say? What kind of story do you want me to tell?" Her voice was strong and clear, sounding almost aristocratic.

"A story of a great hero going through many fascinating adventures!" Shouted a boy with pointy hairs and fluffy white tail.

"A romantic story of two lovers having to endure hardship!" Asked a girl with spotty fur.

"A scary story with magic and brave warriors..." There was no end to the requests.

"Very well then, I shall tell you a story..."

"In the name of the Surris clan, nobody moves!"

"Drop your weapons and stay where you are!"

Soldiers came from everywhere surrounding the caravan.

"What is the meaning of this!?" The leader of the caravan came out and was instantly encircled with warriors pointing spears at his chest. He paused for a moment, pulling out a scroll from his robe, lifted it high in the air and repeated even louder.

"What is the meaning of this!? I am Arshwall ai Gurandu, the leader of this caravan! I carry the seal of the Rayn ai Surris, his word guard my path, I demand some explanation, where is your leader?!"

Black, muscular fae'ehn came closer and took off his helmet.

"I am captain Fadirr ai Nesra" He took the scroll out of his hand and read it.

"The word of ai Surris shall protect your path Arshwall ai Gurandu" He gave the scroll back.

"Forgive me my intrusion but I must search through your caravan, there's been a crime committed, restrain your men and do not resist, we do not want to use unnecessary force"

"Do as he says..." Arshwall waved at his people.

" Are those all the people traveling with you?"

"Apart from the guards that stood on their post all my people are gathered here, also there's a woman resting in one of the wagons she..."

"Which one is it?"

"That one but she..."

"Silence!"

"Get ready"

Using gestures Fadirr ordered his mens, they surrounded the wagon. One approached the door silently, opened it and carefully slipped inside with his sword ready. Suddenly a high pithed womans scream came from the inside and almost instantly changed into angry roar, accompanied by terrified screams of someone being slaughtered. Few seconds later the soldier was head first, kicked outside.

Various objects started flowing out of the wagon in random direction to the sounds of heavy swearing, treating everybody nearby.

"Close the door!"

The poor one who went inside was crying in pain on the ground, his head, chest, arms and back were covered in deep claw marks and the smell, that heavy odor... Fradirr peeked inside the wagon to confirm it, thrown sword missed his head by an inch, he quickly closed the door.

"captain what in the name of Dia are you doing?!"

"Is... Is she?" He could feel the pressure gathering in his groin.

"Yes, I've been trying to tell you that..."

"Since... since when?"

"Three days ago and I assure you captain that for at least a week she won't be able to go unnoticed anywhere outside this wagon... What on earth caused all this trouble?"

"There's been a murder, the ai Tassid representative was killed by an outsider, we must check everyone near the city"

"By the gods who could do such thing?"

"The assassin claimed to be the Sia ai Sherri..." A dead silence fell upon the wagoners, scared, they were looking at each other, only the Obaa burst with laughter.

"In that case you're wasting your time captain... "

"What do you mean old one? Do you..."

"You're wasting your time chasing ghosts captain, Sia ai Sherri Is dead... " She paused " although in this particular case I think the ghosts are chasing after the ai Tassids..."

***

Sarder ai Safr was full of anger standing in the old library, watching Raynn pour a glass of wine for himself.

"... That is not enough! I demand!"

"YOU DEMAND!?" Raynn was boiling with furry.

"Who do you think you are to give orders in my house!?" Storming straight at the captain of the ai Tassid escort Raynn pushed away from his path the heavy oak desk nearly smashing it against the wall.

"You come to my house and abuse my hospitality..."

Sarder made one final mistake as he reached for his sword

"I lowered myself to talking with the kind of low life you represent and you dare to raise a sword at me IN MY HOUSE!?" He grabbed Sarder's wrist twisting it, making him drop his weapon while his other hand squeezed his neck as he pinned him to the wall.

"Get out of my sight! If I ever find you within my lands let gods protect you..." He throw him out of the door.

"You think my clan will tolerate this insult!? You shall..."

Raynn came closer barring his fangs.

"Are you threatening me?" He hissed.

Without saying anything Sarder got up and left as quick as possible.

"My, my, my... so it's true, you finally came to your senses... although I though you're gonna throw him out of the window..." A fea'ehn with an eye patch stood by the fireplace, emptying a glass of ale.

They clasped each other

"Zanir my friend, how long have you been there?"

"long enough... now tell me what's going on? The poor girl was so mortified her fur was falling out in patches"

"nothing much I just need someone I trust run few errands for me..."

"errands my ass, don't you even try to tell me you pulled me out of my little crap hole where you tucked me six years ago so I could drink my self to death just to do some runner's boy stuff?... Stop crapping me, are we at war? All hell got lose?"

"no my friend... it's worse..." He took a deep breath " Seira's dead"

"I'm leaving now..."

"Stop you don't understand..."

"Oh I understand well enough, It's been six years since she hasn't returned from the forest and I don't want to repeat myself ..."

"Just shut up and..."

"no you shut your tail hole and let me be, i'm going back... I just fell sorry for Lyeis, she had to put up with you all time..."

"SIT!" Raynn banged his fist against the desk.

"Seira hasn't just died, she's been murdered" He throw him the necklace "Look, she was wearing this the day she disappeared"

"My gods... where did you got this!? We searched through that forest for months without finding a hair, naught, but this!.."

"Yes, this and... how much did Lyeis told you?"

"Not much, that there's been some disturbance, that you got your sanity back, which I'm not so sure about..."he added in a low voice" ...and that the clan is in need of my services... though there was something she couldn't force out of herself ... What's exactly going on?"

"Yesterday we had a guest. Frult ai Tassid, does that name rings a bell for you?"

"Some big fat ass, making more sound around himself then he's worth, his clan's not very popular... what 'bout him?"

"He was killed by a daemon yesterday during a party in the Moon walk theater..."

Zanir looked into his ale and sniffed it.

"Did I heard you saying 'daemon'? My Belle always told me this thing gonna burn out my brain but... "

"Call it whatever you want the facts are that the assassin came directly from the lake, from under the water. She claimed to be the Sia ai Sherri and that the ai Tassids were responsible for her clan's death. She said they tortured and killed her..."

"Nyaaa... that's some thick stuff..."

"She brought the necklace you're holding..."

"And what she just bang! Killed him? "

"No... She burned him"

"She what!?"

"She breathed fire at him and burned him"

"That's impossible!"

"Zanir, I've been there! I've seen it with my own eyes" Raynn sat on the couch and massaged his forehead "Frult ai Tassid died in a ball of fire that came from her muzzle..."

Suddenly Zanir carefully put down the necklace and moved away a bit from it.

"Also there's one more thing... she said I had a son..."

"And you... do you believe in all this?"

"I... I don't know... Zanir I could have had a cub I never even saw... Someone had taken them from me and... if it's really true that someone's gonna pay..."

"What do you intend to do now?"

"I want to find out the truth. Contact The Guild, tell them I request for services. Also, go around the town and ask about, just keep yourself from too much attention, maybe there's someone with a tongue long enough to pull it..."

***

"Here are the documents you requested sir"

"Thank you Lyeis, just put them down" Raynn finished writing a letter, signed it and sprinkled it with sand to dry out the ink, then after carefully folding it he put it in into the envelope and sealed it with his seal.

"Good day birdies!" Lyeis jumped as Zanir marched into the room, her fur stood up, her tali wagging madly.

"Have you lost your manners while playing cards you... you..."

"Hush hush, pretty, I never bet with something I don't want to lose"

"Like you actually ever had them!"

"Enough you two, this isn't the time for that. Zanir what have you learned?"

"Nothing in particular, most people I met repeated exactly what you told me, enriching the story here and there" He sat himself at the couch across the room

" Some went on and on about courses, fate, daemons, gods and other similar staff... crap mostly " he put one of his paws into his ear and started digging for something

" yet there's been one thing that caught my eye, I've been drinking with one of the guards that went searching for the assassin that night. Poor guy, they meet up with some caravan and searched through it as the caravan leader stated they're came from the north and they've been through Frozen Lakes and what more they've been traveling with an outsider..." He pull out his paw from his ear and studied something that sticked to his claw

" naturally they checked it, he went inside the wagon she was supposed to be resting and... got maimed by some howling high born in heat" He cleaned his paw against the couch

" but that's not the point, when they said they were looking for Sia ai Sherri, bang! He thought they all gonna piss themselves in fear. Something happened in the Frozen Lakes and I think it was something big..."

"What happened? Did they investigated it?"

"Nah.. the wagoners didn't what to talk at all, they're a closed clan, nothing goes out... I send a trusted men to Frozen Lakes, he shall bring us some news soon"

"Good, what about the outsider?"

"Funny you ask, I checked it too... she send me to the... well can't say exactly where I didn't grasped the name though that part about ripping my fur out and shoving it up my arse sounded quite convincing so I let her be. Maybe you'll have more luck, she spasmed something about making a complaint to my superior... Nyah, a gorgeous one, tall, nicely built, golden haired goddess with velvet black fur splashed with silky white... I tell you a real novelty and she priced herself high... you should see the poor slob, all in claw marks and the smell, the aroma..."

"Spare us... What about The Guild? Have you requested services?"

"Yes, they should send someone as soon..." A knock on the door silenced him.

"Come in" A small figure tightly warped in black cape went inside, from the distorted shape Raynn couldn't make if it was male or female it's scent said nothing either.

"Have you summoned Raynn ai Surris?" Cold female voice filled the air from behind the mask. There was no mistake, a silent warrior stood before them.

"Yes I did"

"What is your interest in The Guild?" The same basic formula repeated over and over for thousand times always sounded creepy.

"The Guild has skills I require" he pulled out a sack full of precious jewels and put it on the desk.

"What skills do you require?" She came closer and took the sack, checking it's contests.

"A finding of what is lost and a safer patch..."

"The matter of finding you shall discuss with a tracker. Whose path shall I guard?" She hid the sack under her cape.

"By the new moon Governor Lyeis shall travel to the capital to discus a mater of great importance. She will be entrusted with documents that must either reach the King in person or shall be destroyed. I request a full escort for both during the journey and equally safe return"

"a full escort... is there a meaning to this request?"

"If what I suspect shall come true... I'm afraid a lone warrior won't stand a chance"

"I see..." She pulled out the sack and put it back on the desk.

"I shall inform The Guild of the request, the payment will be collected accordingly" She turned around and left the room.

"Now that was... something. So going off broad Lyeis? Lyeeis? Uh-uu? Hello, sweetspot? " Lyeis stood there staring bluntly into space, Zannir waved his hand in front of her muzzle. Suddenly something clicked inside her.

"Raynn what the fuck were you talking about!?"

"Haven't I spoke clear enough? Pack some dresses, you're going to see the King..."

"I refuse! I don't have..."

"That's an order, also... "he got up from behind the desk and walked over to her " ...kneel. On your knees, now!" He shouted into her face. Her knees just bend beneath her, she fell to the floor.

"Sire, I.."

"Silence!" She felt his hand grope her neck, his claws digging into her throat.

"Lyeis ai Marren daughter of Ghorn and Harki ai Marren, servant of the ai Surris clan, I dismiss you! You'll no longer serve me..." Her eyes were full of tears, after so many years of loyal service she was... dismissed?!

"...we're no longer bond by law" he paused" I Raynn ai Surris in front of my ancestors recognize you woman as bone of my house, as blood of my kind, as voice of my own, equal. Sister do you accept?"

Lyeis froze, she felt as is someone suddenly punched the air out of her, speechless she stared into Raynn's eyes.

"...She does" Zanir pat her head few times.

"So then Lyeis ai Surris stand up and never again kneel in front of anyone unless you're dead..." Picking her up Raynn pull out a ring and put it on her paw, the seal of ai Surris. Identical one shined on his paw.

"Now then... Clarie!"

"You called master?"

"Yes. Lyeis, this is Clarie, she shall serve you from now on and help you with everything, go with her and prepare for the journey. And one more thing... for gods sake behave yourself! Now you belong to the ai Surris house, you can not talk like a drunken fisherman!" Held by Clarie, on wobbly legs Lyeis left the room.

"Hmmm She actually looks sexy with that speechless expression on her muzzle but I do think you should spare her or you gonna finally kill her with all this excitement, she already has enough weight on her shoulders after those six years..."

"Anyway, what da ya plan on doin now? You just made yourself a great enemy, ai Tassids wont forgive you what just happened and the Clan had changed. Lyeis ain't you, She tried as hard as she could to keep everyone happy but She's no politician she made some mistakes, some bad other worse..."

"And what do you expect me to do? Turn back time? Do you know how many times I begged gods for it so I could protect Seira? I should thank them for Lyeis and what she did, true the Clan has fallen but that's my own fault... Thankfully there's still nothing she did that cannot be undone and you gonna help me with that"

"I'm all ears..."He made himself comfortable on the couch.

"First find Grrarder, Urhorn, Serdvin, Jarness..."

"Jarness's dead"

"Dead? How?"

"In a fire, he went into burning warehouse to save some cubs trapped there. He died two days later because of burns... most of his body was turned charcoal"

"Shame... Send my regards to his family"

"Lyeis already did... three years ago. She's also sending them some gold regularly, without this support they would starve to death"

"Seems those three would have to do. Find them and bring here... use all means necessary"

"Also summon all blood sworn, give them half a moon to gather... ah I would forgot, do you still happen to visit Samele? We could make some use of her long tongue..." Zanir's legs suddenly joined as if trying to protect something precious.

"A, Samele... I hate that bitch... ya'know she's ain't cheep this days..."

"She never was, you just waste too much gold on ale. Go take a bathe and visit her" Raynn thrown him a small, fat sack full of gold " She like when those jingle, humor her..." Zanir murmured something, gritting his fangs.

"Aren't you a bit desperate? " Zanir's voice changed a bit "Seeking help from Samele is like asking a poisonous snake to bite your neck... What am I supposed to tell her?"

"Nothing, she's smart enough to learn what I want from her, just don't make her angry I do not want to lose any more generals I might need..."

Zanir sputtered the wine he was drinking.

"Ge-generals! I a general?! Holy mother of all essence, You are dead serious... are you?!"

"Like I never have been? Now leave, I have much to do, I must make up for six lost years and I have no time to lose..."

Zanir finished his wine and left the room, his mind overtaken by a simple thought.

'In deep shit we are my friend... in deep shit we are...'

***

My heart was pounding in my chest trying to break free, so scared I was. Oh gods... have I really done it? My lips were still sore from the fire. So it worked, I rubbed my muzzle, probing for any burned fur, thankfully none I found.

"There's been a murder, the ai Tassid representative was killed by..." their voices slowly faded as they walked away from the wagon, I peeked through the curtain, two soldiers were helping out their colleague from the ground.

Another close one... My wagon was far from the other ones and the sentries were sent far from it so they wouldn't be affected but it was a miracle I made it before the guards, seems like fortune has been gentle with me so far. I opened another vial sprinkling some of its contents allover the wagon while the rest, fighting with disgust, I brushed into my fur. This should keep them away for a while, especially after what they seen. I sniffed myself... my own urine... oh gods... maybe this wasn't so smart after all, I stank like a... Shern, how did he managed to put up with this smell? Every time I was... every time we... sigh, his nose really must be useless. I buried myself beneath the blankets focusing on every noise I could hear, finally tiredness took the best of me and drove me away from reality.

I woke up next day after a restless night full of tormenting nightmares. Have I screamed? I do not know, if so, people of the caravan must had written it off the account of my heat and the events of the previous night since I could see no change in their behavior through the small hole in the curtains. It seemed I was safe for now, but for how long? From the bits of informations I overheard from the outside I assumed the city went into lock down right after the... assassination (whenever I thought of it uneasy I felt). The chef of the caravan decided to wait few days until the city will open again or at least my heat shall be over before they continue their journey. With that knowledge I found myself trapped within my wagon, the prison of my own choice, scared... No, I was not scared of being captured, rather I was scared of myself and of what have I done. So easy it was... Frult ai Tassid, he was no more.

Again and again I touched my muzzle looking for any burned fur, the trick had worked, worked even better than I hoped for. I thought it will barely burn his fur scaring him, making him wet himself, maybe leaving few minor burns or scars but killing him? True that flame was able to harm but kill? Weird, I planned everything with dagger in mind instead, pushed by a sudden thought I... Gods... What is happening to me? I can't even say that word without trembling. I was trained to fight and kill, that was the part of my schooling, I hunted with spear and claws, I was thought the ways of war as each of my clan was, yet I never... my paws... why do they tremble? Why does my body shake?

I had memories of Shern fighting and killing others though he killed only if he was forced to, self defense... but I... Sick of myself I vomited, the stench of my own body did not made it easier.

Several days past by with me balancing at the borders of sanity, do not ask if I have won or have I fallen since none could be seen in my further actions neither can I clearly say what pushed me to do things I have done later.

Though the time flown peacefully, slowly dulling me, an unwelcome addition was made to my self proclaimed prison. A female guard. I did not approve of her company, nor she was happy to guard me. She stood few steps away from my wagon, from time to time circling it, changing her post. Although she was not affected I could clearly guess why she tried to face the wind at all times...

On the fifth day I opened the last vial and spill it's contents. I was hungry and tired, my body itched awfully. Never in my life have I felt the need to clean myself so strong. Counting time as it slowly crawl near the evening I waited for the night and a chance to slip out of my wagon. I took all the utensils I needed, few silk towels and a long robe then warped tightly in a sheet, unseen, I walked to the forest.

It took me an hour to reach a stream which lead me earlier onto the lake and up to the moonwalk theater. Making sure no one followed me, I dived into it's cold waters leaving everything on the shore. It felt as if the coldness pulled me out of some kind of weird dream, made me think clear again.

I rubbed and scrubbed myself till I finally got rid of that stench... soo good and fresh I felt. I shook off the water from my fur and stood still watching the moon lazily climb the midnight sky. It's time. I looked at my own reflection in the water, my snow white hairs glowed in the moonlight, my charcoal black fur only magnified that strange glow. Back then when I was still a cub mom joked that I got those bright hairs so my dark fur wouldn't melt with a moonless night making me disappear completely. I gathered them and tied behind my head, so long they were, they touched the base of my tail.

I took a brush and carefully groomed my fur then mixed the reagents and begun applying dyes, slowly transforming myself into someone new, someone who could walk where Sia ai Sherri no longer could.

Never in my life I thought of my self as of 'very attractive', nor could I be classified as ugly either, I think, as much as it was possible my body was placed at the 'normal' shell of all creation. My body was healthy, fit and well rounded in places where a lady should be, but nothing more then that, nothing which would make me stand out of the crowd. Ordinary I was.

The funniest thing about being an ordinary person is that you actually can become anyone you want. Believe me or not, but when you're 'ordinary' people tend to ignore much of your characteristics, you fade away into the background and only the most eye poking traits of your's will be registered. Hard way I learned it. Once when I was younger I dyed my hairs... Most of my friends reacted like "who are you?" when I talked to them, until my scent finally convinced their nose. Back then people couldn't recognize me when I dyed my white hairs but now... I stared into the glassy surface of the lazy water, it took me a while to realize I was looking at my own reflection.

It's dawning... I made one final inspection of my work then warped in white robe I started back to the camp. My arrival seemed to put off a lot of weight from the shoulders of my troubled guardian. With a sight of relief she came closer.

"Miss is everything alright..."

"You there! Notify yourz mazter I wizh to zpeak with zim. Ze Immediately! "

"I shall..." She started walking away, murmuring something.

***

"Boss! Hey boss!"

"I'm here, What is it Lendia? Weren't you supposed to guard our guest?"

"yada, yada... that old hag wishes to see You _ ze immediately.. _. feh!"

"Is she?"

"Done... Finally! One more day of that stench and I would..."

"Now, now, calm down Lendia, she's our guest, we're bound by contract, we agreed on taking her to Green Fields so hush, hush and go mind your own business and I'll go tend to our guest..."

Arshwall watched her leave then straightened his robe, brushed his beard with his claws and after he made sure his mane was in perfect order he strolled to the wagon parked far away from the others.

" Ze Incompetent foolz! I toldz you to unload my ztaff not to dumpz itz on ze ground! If you broke any of ze..."

"Is there a problem Miss?" Arshwall stepped in between his workers and the infuriated female.

"Of courze zhere IZ! Thoze..." Arshwall ears switched into the filtering mode as he ignored most of venomous epithets spattered by his client. Over the years he learned to catch out the point of any conversation with his constantly angry, shouting clients without paying too much attention to the details. Not that there was much fault on his side. The rule was simple the richer the client was the louder and more ridiculous his demands were...

"I see... My greatest apology miss, I shall make sure there will be no more mistakes... Is there anything more I can do for you miss?"

"Ah... Ze, my carriage..."

"Yes?"

"Burnz itz"

"Pardon me miss..."

"You heardz me, burnz itz! Itz doez not fulfillz my requirementz, I demandz ze new onez"

"I'm afraid miss..."

"I zo not care zat you're afraid of, get me ze new carriage or elze I'm gonna claim ze Guild zat your unable to fulfillz your contractz"

A muscle twitched on Arshwall's back, some of his fur stood up, he forced himself with all his will power not to bare his fangs at her, to be registered by The Guild as 'unable to fulfill contracts' was a merchant's death, think of the profit... he told himself.

"As you wish miss, a new carriage shall be arranged soon... of course an additional fee is required as our previous contract did not cover such demands"

"Of courze..." With a smirk on her face, She unlocked one of her chests, fished out a small pouch, weighted it in her paws then throw it at him.

"Ze inzidez muzt be padded wizh leatherz and furz, alzo don't ze forget about ze zilk, torquize curtainz..."

As improbable as this might seem, finally came an end to the demands as she suddenly moved her attention from Arshwall to Lendia.

"You! Come ze here! Take ziz and come wizh me" She pointed the chest full of dresses and other apparel. Soon they both disappeared in the nearest bushes, Lendia toothing the chest.

"Hey boss... " Malenirk came from behind caring a burning torch "Can we burn her with the wagon? Ya know we'd say a lightning bolt hit her or something..."

The Arshwall cold eyes suggested he might reject the tempting offer.

"I said nothin boss... I'm on ma'way..."

Another voice pulled Arshwall out of his thoughts.

"Hey Boss! There's some bloke asking around bout 'stuff' what should we do?"

"What kind of stuff? Is he... from the Guild?"

"Nope, don't think so, he's wearing the ai Surris insignia 'sides he's too obvious"

"Where is he?"

"The one with an eyepatch, he's talking with Farrine, seems she pointed him here, he's coming"

Arshwall sighed, this was one hell of a morning...

"So You must be Mr. Arshwall ai Gurandu?"

"Indeed I am, how may I help you mister...?"

"Zanir, Zanir ai Herit. I am the captain of the northern garrison"

"So how may I help you captain... Is this an official visit?"

"Should it be?"

Arshwall studied the man who stood in front of him, a feeling told him there might be something more then dangerous beneath the thin covering of an alcoholic fool. This man should be taken seriously.

"I dunno captain, if I may... what is the reason of your visit?"

"curiosity"

"curiosity?"

"A, yes... curiosity indeed. A man from my garrison was injured by a client of your's caravan while others reported hearing of quite disturbing things considering the current situation..."

"disturbing things? I'm afraid I do not understand..."

"Daemons hunting for ai Tassids?"

"Ah... That... Poor Obaa must have lost her mind completely. She's old, she lives from telling stories, entertaining kids. It seems she might have lost the grip on the border between her own stories and the reality... Also please take my greatest apologies about the incident, your man was very lucky he came out alive, irritated females in heat can be quite dangerous, though it was their own foul as they ignored my warning"

"So there was nothing worth noticing going on in the land of Frozen Lakes?" As the name of Frozen Lakes was mentioned Arswall's men's suddenly froze behind Zanir's back.

"Should there be? And even if so, a wise man does not poke his nose in places where it might get cut off... Local land lords affairs are not my concern, they do not bring profit" with a giant hammer, twice as big as his arms, Malenirk behind Zanir's back gestured about his intentions, he raised his hammer... Arswall discreetly shook his head, sending him back to work.

"Oh, I'm sure a wise man such as yourself can make profit out of anything and anyone... it reminds me, your guest seems to be quite a profitable one? Who is she?"

"Vezza, an artist..." Hass pulled out the used sheet from the wagon and buried his muzzle in it sniffing it, his ears stood up, his tail wagged madly... With his nose hidden in the curves of the sheet, rubbing his groin with another part of it, he disappeared from the view, few others following him...

"A musician?"

"No, a painter and quite a good one, her paintings were complemented by the Gattardi himself, some even say she may challenge Dafernigo or Wirge..."

"The Gattardi of the Salty River?"

"The same one, I see you're a man of art captain"

"No, not really. It's just my job to keep an eye on those screaming for attention... Which bothers me, I have never heard of..."

"Vezza"

"A, yes Vezza... new name she is. If she's as good as you claim maybe I should buy some of her works? A new famous name in the city? People say investing in art do brings profit. Mind if I take a peak at some of her works?"

"I'm afraid it's impossible captain, all the works are packed and sealed within Vezza's private luggage... " Arshwall bite his lips as he saw his boys grabbed a huge chest from the top of the wagon and dumped it on the ground making an awful racket.

"Shame, shame... seems like I'd have to try again..." Some rather suspicious scream came from the bushes, Zanir's hand instinctively moved to the hilt of his sword.

"What in the name of Dia was that?!"

"That, I presume, was miss Vezza..." Arshwall lowered his head, praying Lendia haven't done what he thought she would have done. A good child she was... with one little flaw... not much of a patience she had.

"Lady in distress... duty calls! "

"Captain I really don't... think that is a good idea" He finished his sentence talking into an empty space, watching Zanir unsheathed his sword and charge into the bushes. Arshwall counted silently. 3... 2... 1...

"AZZ!! WAZ IZ ZE MEANINGZ OF ZIZ?!"

What came next was a complicated mixture of highly articulated curses and... ow my, Arshwall felt as if his ears suddenly tried to push themselves deep, into his skull in desperate escape from Vezza's voice, this was something.

Arshwall spend most of his young years living in slums near docks in Kalatis, this weren't the most happiest days of his life though he earn there something none could learn in any school, experience. Lots of experience but most of all he thought he have heard all of the curses that were ever invented, he was wrong. He stood paralyzed, listening in ave while Vezza erupted with heavy cannonade of swearing which would turn even the worst, most toughest scums into trembling, whining, pipsqueaks.

Suddenly Zanir emerged out of the bushes, running as if his tail was on fire. Covering his head with his arms he zigzagged through the field trying to avoid various objects viciously thrown at him. Arshwall wondered as he observed Vezza skip the field with one hand holding a towel warped round her in the other wielding a heavy ax she grabbed on the way. The towel fluttered in the wind, her short fur did not cover much, Arshwall smiled at the pinkness of the view. The ax deadly hissed through the air, Zanir dived between the trees of the forest, the ax brushed fur on his skull then ram deep into the rind of an old oak.

Arshwall forced himself to turn away, his mind was still overtaken by Vezza's wagging tail, slashing against her slender legs and...

"Good day to you too captain..."

***

Raynn worked in his office, Lyeis was already gone and if everything goes well she should reach the capital in a week or so then the King himself should take some steps... Will he? What he had written in those letters was...

"My lord" A guard opened the door.

"What is it?"

"They arrived, sir"

"Let them in"

Let them in? Fatani wandered about it, from the three guests he announced only one was able to march into the room and not very content he was as he did.

"General Serdvin" Raynn greeted his guest.

"Sir..." A young fea'ehn saluted, his expression carrying no mark of happiness.

"Please take a seat, we'll wait for the rest..."

The rest? Fatani scratched his head while he moved away letting the others pass. The famous five, the ai Surris warlords... Once feared by all clans now... It seemed there was no one left who would voice their names with proper respect. Grrarder ai Yenu, Urhorn ai Farrg, Serdvin ai Horry, Jarness ai Saza and Zanir... Fatani let a sigh escape his mouth, Zanir the slob. Not even a general, jut a stinking lousy drank. It's a shame what happened to them and this clan.

Fatani watched his colleagues carry in a snoring man on the stretchers, the overpowering fumes of cheep ale were oozing from his giant body, his silver mane and the lack of one ear were well known among all barracks dwellers, Urhorn ai Farrg. The giant among many fea'ehns, war hero who smashed the gates of Kardachia with his own bare paws! Now... dead drunk lying on a stretcher.

Though Fatani was given no time to contemplate the past of his former general since the bouncing chest carried by six guards made him back away even further. Whatever evil was locked within this chain enforced chest, struggled hard for freedom making it sway, bounce and shudder in the uneasy hands of the guardsmen.

"Serdvin, Urhorn and..." the chest was set near the stretchers "that I presume must be Grrarder" Raynn paused studding the chest, it rattled madly at the floor.

"I must admit Zanir has quite unique ways for bringing old friends together"

"Indeed he has..." Serdvin's voice was far from pleasant "But friends I would not dare to call us"

"You came by free will..."

"As a paid mercenary would come, so did I"

"That was to be expected... How much did Zanir paid you?"

Serdvin eyed he's two old colleagues.

"Judging by the company and what I might hear... not enough"