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Chapter 2

I don't know that I've ever dropped anything as quickly as I dropped Sir Roderick's paw upon hearing his name.

"What's wrong," he said with a bemused expression, stepping back slightly, "Do you have a quarrel with me?"

I sighed lightly and pulled the note I found in the cave from my bag, "Were you the one who left this note in the cockatrice den?"

I held up the small parchment so he could read the script. Seeing the note, Sir Roderick's eyes lit up and his ears returned forward.

"Ah so you were hunting that one," he mused, "Well that would explain it. I actually killed it last night. My camp is nearby if you'd like to see the trophy."

Something about Sir Roderick made it difficult to know if he was being glib, or if he was genuinely a halfwit. He seemed sincere enough though, so I found it difficult to keep the promise I'd made to myself to hit him across the face. He did just pull me out of that hole, so I figured that I could forgive him.

"Yes, I think I'd like to see it," I replied, "if you don't mind?"

"Not at all, good Sir," he said turning away, "I'd be glad for the company actually. I'm not usually one for traveling alone, but there weren't any other knights around when I was given this mission. Here, just follow me."

Sir Roderick started off toward his camp, and I followed after him. Now that I could see his back, I noticed that the shield strapped to it had a polished mirrored surface.

"That's quite the lovely shield you have there," I said, catching up next to him.

He turned to look at me briefly before looking forward again, "Thank you, but it's not mine. I checked it out of the King's armory. One of the privileges of knighthood." He said, looking at me with a sidelong glance and a smirk.

"I'm sure it's wonderful," I said lightly, my eyes scanning the woods around me.

"It's not just for looks though," he said knowingly, "You can actually kill a cockatrice outright if you can get the beast to look at its own reflection in the shield. That's just a little trick I learned from a hunter's guide I found in King Marrin's library."

I, of course, already knew the ideal method employed to kill a cockatrice, but lacked the resources to buy expensive and specialized gear. It made sense now, that there weren't any clear signs of a struggle in the beast's den. The knight must've walked into that cave with his mirrored shield raised in front of him, catching the beast by surprise. I have to admit that I felt a small bit of jealousy. Sir Roderick seemed like the kind of wolf who was raised in an affluent home. He could be noble, I thought. The way he held himself, and the eager glint in his eye seemed to suggest it.

We walked in silence for a few minutes, and I allowed myself to drop behind Sir Roderick a few steps. Even though I didn't expect any trouble, I had still just met him. I thought it better to seem a little rude, than to get myself ambushed when we get to wherever we were going. We eventually came upon what looked like a makeshift camp in a small clearing. I noticed some charred wood, leftover from the campfire he must've used to keep warm during the brisk night. Not far from the fire pit was a tarp of some kind that had been propped up (poorly) to make a shelter.

"And here were are, my good tiger," said the wolf grandly, turning around with arms spread wide, "Welcome to my camp,"

"Yes, it's quite something," I agreed, suppressing a smile.

I started to get the sense that this could be his first foray into the wilds by himself, and so he had something of a childlike excitement about it. I just got the feeling he was inexperienced.

"I expect you'll be wanting to see the head now?" He gestured to one of the trees near the edge of the clearing, "It's up there in the tree. I strung it up before I went out into the forest earlier."

I looked to where he was pointing, and saw that he'd used a rope to suspend a burlap sack in the tree branches. I could see blood soaking though the bottom of the bag.

"Here, let me get it down." He drew his sword and cut the rope, sending the burlap sack crashing to the forest floor with a sickly wet thud.

I approached the sack and knelt down to get a look at it. Sir Roderick hurried over, dropping his sword on the ground to kneel down with me.

"Have a look at this," he said proudly, "Though be warned: The sight of this might scare the stripes out of your fur."

"You know, I think my fur will be fine," I gave him a quick look, "but I might die of anticipation if you don't get on with it."

"Oh all right, all right," he said pulling open the bag, "I like to keep things light, you know."

As the bag fell away to reveal the cockatrice head, my nose crinkled in response to the smell emanating from it. It was as one would expect it to look: more or less like a giant chicken's head with some scales. The eyes were a cloudy green color, and a forked tongue protruded from the creature's beak.

"It's quite something," I said looking Sir Roderick in his brown eyes, "I only wish I'd been the one to kill it."

"Well," he said as he tied the sack back up, "I really wish we'd run into each other before. Forgive me for saying, but you look like you could use the coin."

"You're not wrong." I said, a little more bitterly than I meant to.

"You know, I don't actually get any of the bounty from this kill," he went on, "I was tasked to do this by the Knight Commander, and so any bounty goes into the Order's treasury."

I got back on my feet and looked around uncomfortably, "Well that is unfortunate, isn't it?" I said in a tired voice.

The wolf also stood, picking up his sword to sheathe it.

"Even though I wouldn't receive any of the reward," he said deliberately, "I would be required to split the bounty with any hunting partners, so long as they aren't also knights."

I turned back to look at him, and saw a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"You don't mean?"

"Well I would usually have to get permission first, but I don't think the commander will be too upset. There weren't any knights to come with me, and the Order doesn't need the coin."

I laughed as I felt the relief wash over me, "Thank you so much," I placed a paw on his shoulder, "That's twice you've saved me today."

"You're very welcome," He replied, "But first we have to get back into the city. Just let me get my tarp."

Mistvale was roughly five hours away from the camp, at a walking pace. I did my best to make conversation with Calvin (Sir Roderick's first name; He insisted that friends use first names) on the way back. He turned out to be a very talkative wolf, and he seemed interested in getting to know me.

"Are you from Mistvale, Argent?" He asked me at one point.

"No, I'm actually from a small village near the mountains," I said wistfully, "but, I moved myself there to find a hunter to apprentice under."

"I was born and raised in Mistvale," Calvin offered, "I couldn't imagine living in a small village. I love the people and busy markets of the capitol city.

"To each his own, I suppose." I said.

From our conversation on the way back, I learned that Calvin had indeed been raised in an affluent home. His father was a decorated Soldier in the King's army, though he was killed in action when Calvin was a young cub. His mother was the heiress to a fortune earned in the banking trade. She had only just passed away three years ago, "I was sad, but I knew it was coming. She had me when she was older, and she was frequently ill" Calvin told me.

I told him a bit about my childhood in return. I never knew my parents, and I was raised in an orphanage. The village was incredibly small, and offered few opportunities aside from farming. I remember a summer during my adolescence, when a beast hunter came through town in pursuit of some creature or another. Most of the village turned out to see him when he stayed a night at the local tavern. It wasn't often that a hunter came around to our quaint little village, so it was exciting. I remember how I felt when I saw him having a drink at the bar, surrounded by some of the village men. He embodied everything I wanted to be. He was skilled in combat, and directed by a singular purpose: to protect his fellow subjects by finding and eliminating the mighty beasts that plagued the land. I left my village as soon as I was able and travelled to Mistvale, the Capitol city, to learn the art of hunting.

It began to rain heavily after a few hours of walking, and we had no choice but to let ourselves become drenched.

"Ugh, let's pick up the pace," I groaned, "We're going to be miserable if we have to walk through the woods soaking wet."

We eventually came across a large clearing, which I remembered crossing through on my way out.

"I think we're--"

"Wait," Calvin stopped beside me, "I think I smell someone."

I stopped and sniffed the air, although I didn't expect to smell anything with the rain pouring down.

"Are you sure," I questioned him in a low tone, "It might just be an old scent."

"Is someone there?" Calvin called. He stepped into the learning from the wood line, hand resting on the pommel of his sword. No one responded, and I was skeptical. I stepped into the clearing beside him, and looked around. After a moment, I heard the faint rustling of leaves saw movement on the other side near the trees.

"I guess you were right," I gave Calvin a pat on the back, "I guess that's why they always say to trust a wolf's nose."

From the trees emerged a small red fox, wearing a traveller's cloak with a hood.

The short fox took a few steps and paused, removing the hood to reveal a female face.

"Oh, it's just a little vixen," I whispered to my companion.

Calvin seemed to relax a bit, "Who goes there?" He called to her.

"You will suffer for your defilement, wretches!" the fox shrieked.

She raised her paws and a stunningly bright orb of light formed above her head.

My eyes grew wide, "I've never seen magic like that!" I growled.

Calvin drew his sword and ran to engage her. I left my sword in it's scabbard, best to fight magic with magic, I thought. I raised my right arm and let some of the Power within me flow into my paw, forming a spear of lightning. I let the spear fly with all my strength, giving a savage roar as I threw it. My lighting spear closed with the vixen quite a lot faster than Calvin could, though it was in vain. Just as the bolt touched her body the orb of light exploded in a flash brighter than anything I'd ever seen, and with a sound louder than anything I'd ever heard. The force of the explosion hit my body a moment after I was blinded, and I felt myself be thrown with violent force.

I opened my eyes and saw nothing but blackness. I panicked and tried to get to my feet, but my paws has been tied behind my back. My paws were tied behind my back, however, so it was difficult. Working myself into a kneeling position, I paused to make sense of the situation. My armor had been removed so I was wearing only my undergarments, the rope binding my hands, and what I assumed was a prisoner's collar. I could feel the voidstone in the collar hungrily draining me of my Power.

"Are you there, Calvin?" I called into the darkness. I heard no response, but the echo of my voice told me the room I was in was small. getting to my feet I nearly fell over as a wave of nausea came over me, and pain emanated from every part of my body. One by one I wiggled my fingers and toes, and flexed my muscles starting in my feet and working up my body. After giving my tail a wag back and forth, I felt some relief as I determined that no bones were broken.

After I was done examining my body, I took a small step backward and bumped into the wall. I leaned back against it and contemplated my situation, "I can't believe this is happening." I hissed, thrashing my tail back and forth. Whatever magic that vixen used was shockingly powerful. it wasn't fire, lightning, or wind, so I couldn't understand what had happened. Hunger gnawed at my stomach angrily. I hadn't eaten anything since I'd fallen into that pit, and I felt it. I sat in misery for what must've been hours before I heard a noise. The sound of grating metal hit my ears, and I jumped to my feet. Opposite from where I was sitting a metal door opened and a ferret holding a torch appeared in the doorway. I looked away as my eyes adjusted painfully to the light of the fire.

"Let's go," he said in a gruff voice, "Hurry up."

"Where am I?" I said, my voice cracking as I spoke.

"Not in a position to ask questions, that's for sure," said the ferret angrily, "Now move before I make you."

I was quite a lot larger and more muscular than the ferret was, so I doubted he could make me do anything. I followed him out of the cell anyway since my hands were tied, and I knew I couldn't stay in that cell forever. There was also the possibility that he possessed a power similar to the vixen in the woods, which was something I didn't want to risk experiencing again. My cell was located at the end of a long hallway which was lined with dozens of other cell doors. There was only one direction to go, so I walked down the hallway with my jailer behind me. I could see no light other than that which was coming from the ferret's torch. When I reached the other end of the hall, I started up a stone staircase that wound it's way upward. A moment later I saw a light and emerged into a large room containing some wooden shelving and a desk. The room was well lit with sconces lining the walls. Seated at the desk was a cougar wearing robes similar, if not identical, to the vixen in the woods. Upon entering the room, the cougar got to his feet and moved to meet us.

"How are you feeling, Argent?" He asked as he walked over.

"Where am I?" I asked him warily, my ears flat against my head.

"Do not worry about that now," He purred in a soothing voice, "First let's get you fixed up before we discuss everything."

He moved over to one of the shelves, and searched through some of the clothing that covered them. The cougar was roughly my height, but slighter in frame. His fur was extremely well groomed, and he possessed an air of glorious regality. He held up a shirt and looked at me, presumably to check for sizing, "No, no," he muttered to himself. Eventually, he pieced together a whole outfit and brought it over to me. Noticing that my hand were tied, he turned angrily to the ferret, "By the Gods man, untie him!"

"Of course, my lord." He grunted, and drew a small dagger.

I felt a tugging, and the ropes binding my paws fell to the floor.

I stretched my arms out and rubbed my wrists, thankful to have them freed.

"Who are you?" I asked him.

The cougar came close and held out the clothing for me to take, "All in good time, my friend." He said softly. I reached out and took the garb from his paws, my golden eyes meeting his crystal blue ones as I did.

"I don't suppose you could remove the collar as well?" I asked hopefully.

"I apologize, but I cannot risk that," he sounded genuinely sad, "I know that you have a powerful affinity for lightning, and I must keep you restrained for a while longer."

He gestured to a wooden door near the shelving, "There's a bath in that room there. Please, take your time and get yourself dressed. I could not bear to keep you in this state a moment longer."

Feeling a great amount of confusion, I decided that it was in my best interest to comply for the moment. I entered the room he pointed to, closing the door behind me. The room was had stone walls and flooring, just like the previous one but smaller. It was brightly lit with candles, and in the middle of the room was a fine rug with a bath tub placed upon it. I looked to my right and saw a wardrobe and a full length mirror. Placing the clothing on the wardrobe, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. The tiger who looked back at me was a sorry sight to behold, with matted fur caked in mud and blood. Giving a heavy sigh, I stripped the filthy undergarments from myself and dropped them to the floor. The carpet felt wonderfully soft beneath my sore feet as I approached the tub. Steam lightly rose from the scented water, which made me realize how truly awful I actually smelled in comparison. The water felt amazing as I lowered myself into it, and I could feel the warmth soothing my soreness.

If I weren't wearing the prisoner's collar, I might've forgotten that I wasn't there of my own free will.

"Well, I might as well get cleaned up," I said to myself, "So long as they're offering free baths." After I scrubbed and rinsed my fur thoroughly, I stepped out of the bath and found a towel folded neatly beside the tub. As I dried myself off, I wondered what would happen to me when I left the room. Once I was completely dried off, I picked up the clothes that the cougar had chosen for me. The undergarments were made of a luxurious fabric, which felt nice against my fur. The outer pants and the coat were both a subdued blue color, with intricate golden embroidery. Seeing myself in the mirror made me uncomfortable. My reflection looked like someone else.

"I have to get out of here," I said to myself softly, "And I need to find Calvin."

I emerged from the room with the bath and looked around, not seeing anyone. Neither the cougar nor the ferret were still there, as far as I could tell. Thinking I might have a chance to escape, I stepped quietly to the other door and slinked through. The moment I stepped through the doorway I nearly collided with the cougar, who didn't seemed surprised even though I was startled to see him.

"There you are," He said in his smooth voice, "I am glad to you cleaned up. Come, you need to something to eat, I expect."

The cougar turned and started down the hallway, and I followed him.

"I'd still like to know where I am," I said in a flat tone, "And who you are, and what's going on here."

"My name is Solis, Prince of Allant."

"Prince?" I said, very confused "King Marrin is a stag, and so are his sons. What are you saying?"

"Argent, there is something you should know," He replied, "This is Castle Allant. I am taking you to my chambers, so let's discuss it when we get there."

I stayed silent after that and just followed him through the various rooms and halls he led me through. The decor of the rooms changed after a point, and I assumed we had left the dungeons and entered the castle proper.

We eventually came to a large set of double doors with an armored guard on each side. As we approached the doors, one of the guards (a red fox) opened the door for us.

"Your Majesty." He greeted Solis as we entered.

The door closed behind us and I looked around the the room. Is was a well furnished sitting room, with a small two person dining set near a window on the other side of the couches. I could see a full moon hanging in a clear night sky through the open curtains. Solis brought me over to the small dining table, "Take a seat, please."

A small mouse approached and set a silver tray down on the table, and lifted the cover to reveal a plate with a large steak and seasoned vegetables.

I didn't realize exactly how hungry I was until I tasted the steak, so I ate the food as quickly as I could. Solis indicated that he didn't want to have a serious discussion until I'd finished eating, and he busied himself with a glass of red wine while I ate. Afterward, the cougar handed me a glass of wine and moved over to one of the luxurious couches. I sat on the one opposite him, and gave him an inpatient look.

"Well I suppose we should get started," he said after taking a sip of the wine.

"What's going on?" I demanded, "How did I even get here?"

"You were brought in by my acolytes after the incident in the woods," He curled his tail up onto his lap, "Although they planned on torturing you once you got here. Certainly not what's happening now, wouldn't you say?"

"Are you saying you know the vixen?" I asked, my tone hardening, "And where is Sir Roderick? He was with me when we were attacked."

Solid sipped more of the wine, and seemed to think about his response, "He is alive, though not as comfortable as you I daresay. That vixen you killed in the woods was a loyal servant of mine, Argent." His tone seemed to get colder.

I began to look around me for something I might use as a weapon. The prisoner's collar and the voidstone embedded in it was still secured to me, so I had no Power to use any magic with.

Solis seemed to know why I was looking around, "Relax, Argent. It is fortunate for you that you killed her, actually. It is the reason I took you from that cell. Rest assured that you would still be there otherwise."

Solis held his right paw in front him with pads up, and a flicker of light appeared to dance on it. It reminded me of the orb of light the vixen in the woods cast, which is probably what Solis intended.

"This is light magic, Argent," He held continued to hold his paw out, "It is different than ordinary magic. It is not fueled by the Power within oneself, as fire, lightning, and wind magic are. It is granted by a god, and the power of it is dependent on the god's love for you."

The light vanished and Solis put his paw on his lap, running his claws through the fur on his tail.

His veiled threat was not lost on me. I leaned back into the couch, and took a large sip of the wine I still had.

"You said you were the prince of Allant?" I prompted him after a moment.

"Ah yes, so I did. Argent, you were in that cell for nearly a month. I used my magic to place you in a state of hibernation while I completed my task in Mistvale." He took a large sip of his wine, finishing it. "King Marrin and his court are all dead, and Mistvale taken by my acolytes."

I nearly dropped the glass I was holding in my paw, as a wave of terror washed over me.

"You, but how, " I could barely speak, "How did you overpower the Kings army? His knights?"

Placing his empty glass on a end table, he folded his paws in his lap, "You saw the power of light," he said, "It was enough to overpower most of the Soldiers.

"You are a beast hunter, Argent," He flicked an ear as if the idea were distasteful, "Have you ever seen a dragon?"

"I killed a minor dragon," I answered grudgingly.

"A shame," Solis said in a disappointed tone, "They are glorious creatures."

I didn't say anything in response, because he seemed to restraining some anger and I thought it best to keep quiet.

"Something has happened, my dear hunter," He said in a quickening pace, "A great dragon has come to our land from beyond the great mountains, far to the north. My acolytes and I are servants of the dragon. He is our god and our king, who granted us the power of light in exchange for our faith."

After Solis was finished speaking, I sat in silence for a moment. What his plans for me were, I couldn't guess. The cougar was staring at me intently, I suppose he was waiting for me to say something.

"I don't know what to say," I said quietly, "Am I here because I killed your servant? She attacked me first."

Solis looked away briefly before meeting my gaze again, "She was going to kill you for what you and the wolf did to the cockatrice. The great beasts of this land are sacred, and you have sinned innumerably."

"So you still intend to kill me?" I said, my ears flat against my head.

"Do not fear, Argent" Solis said smiling, "You can still be absolved of your crimes." He rose from his seat and stretched his arm out wide.

"Come now, Argent," He said, "I believe it is time for you to present yourself to our new king."