Author's Notes~

Yo~! Yes, I know it's been ages, and this chapter is incredibly short. In fact, this chapter is merely a teaser. ;) I want to assure everyone this story is still going, so here is a little preview of what is to come.

I want to sincerely thank all my reviewers. You're being so patient and I dearly appreciate it. For you guys, I want to do my best to have Chapter Twelve up as soon as possible. I'm sorry I haven't the time to do any specific review replies, but I am looking forward to more of your support, critisizm, and enjoyment!

Enjoy the teaser~ :)

Dance of the Crimson Knives

Chapter Eleven - Teaser

There was no sunshine nor was there any darkness. There was no sound of singing birds or the buzzing of bees, only the steady rhythm of the waves splashing against the soft white sands of the beach. Pale, colorless clouds cloaked the sky giving the atmosphere a gray tone. Looming over the beach was a stone cliff, its rugged ridges dampened by the ocean.

Its hooves pounding against the sand, a barrel horse galloped briskly along the windless stretch of land towards the towering cliff, atop of if was a rider with a familiar splotched cloak streaming weakly behind. Against the pale backdrop, the small figure was only a zipping speck.

The shaggy horse came to a slow stop at the base of the cliff, its rider sliding off and tightly holding onto the reins. He guided the horse around into the cave tucked inside the cliff, walking along the edge of the darkening waters. He felt a chill run down his spine and he shuddered slightly, pulling his cloak more tightly around his shoulders. However, he refused to allow any discomfort show; he was an Alpha, and he would not let himself be intimidated by...this superior.

Temporary superior.

Inside the shadowed cave, the Alpha could make out the outline of sales mounted on an elegant mast of a carefully designed slim ship. Even in the darkness, the Alpha could make out the fresh condition of what must be a new ship; not like he was surprised.

"About time!"

The Alpha's wolf-golden eyes suddenly narrowed upon the Arridi warrior who had addressed him. There was no distinguished emotion on the Ranger's face, only that of a stern and unamused expression that caused the Arridi warrior to falter slightly. "This way, then. Emrikir Aatu has been waiting."

The Ranger did not even nod, he only followed the Arridi up to the still ship and guided him on board. Now, the Ranger could get a good view of the ship up close. He was aware that Aatu had been constructing a new fleet, but this was knowledge beyond what he thought Aatu had. While the Skandians possessed ships that were rugged yet effective, this one was of pure, slim elegance.

He was lead up the stairs to the top deck where double doors greeted them. There, the Arridi warrior stopped, opened the door, and gestured for the guest to enter. With no acknowledgment of the Arridian, the Ranger stepped inside the dreary room, clad in gold, black, and red.

There was no preamble. "Your work is failing, Faustus."

Faustus stiffened at the familiar voice of the Arridi Emrikir. "Several Rangers have been slain through my efforts."

"And yet many still roam in awareness. I thought Rangers were supposed to be sly and clever?" There was no desk in Aatu's cabin. Instead, there was only one chair located by the draped window in the back. That was were Aatu sat, staring out at the view. He turned his head slightly towards the Ranger. "I wanted to take Araluen out from the inside, I wanted them to be in confusion. However, you have fed them clues and you allowed them to regroup. My spies have been delivering to me the most unpleasant reports."

"You had your spies on my tail?" Faustus questioned with range tainted in his voice. "Your own ally?"

Aatu didn't seem bothered by the accusation. "You are my ally, but I never said that I trusted you. You're a pawn, and a pawn with his own gains and goals. Why should I trust someone like that? Your personal interests are in the way. Why are those Rangers not dead? Especially the ones you described to me more animatedly? Who had set foot on my lands some years past?"

"I had more intentions-"

"I don't care what intentions you had!" Aatu snapped, cutting Faustus abruptly off. "I wanted the Rangers dead! Not toys to your own revenge." He paused and leaned back in his chair. "I'm beginning to question your...usefulness."

"You know as well as I do that I'm the best man for the inside," Faustus argued, remaining calm despite his growing fury. "You need a Ranger to take out a Ranger. Your Arridi warriors will all be dead if not for me."

Aatu raised a questioning eyebrow at Faustus. "You've never been on the inside. You were careless and allowed everyone to figure out quickly who it was responsible for the murders. Since then, you've been on the outside."

Faustus forced his hands to relax, to refrain from putting an arrow through Aatu's heart. "You will have Araluen," Faustus promised. "And I will make sure of it! Everything is in place. Don't you see? The Rangers are now gathered in one place. It takes only one blow for them all to be wiped out. The others at back at Castle Macindaw will be there, I've slain two of their friends, they will not hesitate to join everyone else against me. At Castle Araluen, every last Ranger will be killed and Castle Araluen will be yours."

The Emrikir rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his eyes distant as he listened and mulled over what Faustus said. Then his eyes gleamed and he gave Faustus a sly grin. "Very well, Faustus. I will grant you this last chance. My fleet will be ready at the shore to draw everyone out. At that point, I expect you will have the Rangers at the tip of your arrow."

Faustus gave a low bow, his sharp yellow eyes glowing from under his cowl. "With a bloodstained point, Emrikir."