The Chronicles of the Disreputable Dog

Disclaimer: I own only those that sound unfamiliar, the rest belong to Garth Nix and his brilliant mind.

Notes: If this is the first time you have read this fic, this chapter may not appeal to you, or make that much sense. I started this fic without a clue as to how I was going to end it, or where it was going. The first and second chapters are not the best chapters in the world, I'm sure we've all read better but they are still readable. -Lily

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Part One: Seven Meetings

Chapter One: Kibeth of The Great Sickle Wood and the 'Bad News'

It had been exactly two hundred years. Two hundred years it took to weave the Charter. Making every sign, every symbol, for every single thing. They were lucky they had even finished it. They had only a few intrusions during the time but that only made the process of lacing the Charter harder and again longer.

But that was two hundred years ago; thank the Charter it was over. The lady thought. The woman had been in the great beech for some time now. A few passing by travelers barely even noticed her she had sat so still but every now and then a curious passerby stopped and asked for a direction or perhaps an even 'What are you doing up there?' remark. The lady would give a warm smile and would simply reply 'No reason' or a 'I'm in the process of figuring it out.' Then she would resume her stare at the clouds. The travelers called her the Forest Guardian; people believed she was a spirit of some sort that's why she never left the trees. Some even called her crazy, but most people called her Kibeth, the Gazer.

She liked that name, Kibeth. So, that was the beginning of it all.

Kibeth had very long, silky, black hair. Her skin was tan shade and it went equally well with her dark eyes. She always wore a green tunic with brown leggings and was found with a bow and a quiver of arrows. But she was a pleasant maiden and anybody who's anybody thought her presence in the wood was comforting.

It just so happened that one day a familiar face walked into the Great Sickle Wood. He was very tall, clothed in black and red. His head was hooded and he walked in great strides. Which, to any common person seemed quite eerie. The villagers who inhabited a town very close to the Great Sickle Wood labeled him 'bad news'.

The 'bad news' man approached Kibeth's beech tree one day and called from below.

"I had a feeling you would return here." His voice was musical yet powerful.

Kibeth looked down from her gaze and was quite curious.

"Who are you? And what is your name Stranger?" Kibeth spoke to him.

"You loved adding the Charter here, I heard. I had a hunch you would return, once completed." He continued.

She blinked a couple of times and the corner of her lips curled up.

"Why my dear Belgaer! I knew you'd find me."

"I did," He pulled down his hood and revealed a face of a young man. His eyes were blue and his long hair dark was flowing behind him. "And I am thankful for it." He admitted, his voice was almost a whisper but Kibeth heard his every word.

And for the first time in many months, Kibeth jumped from the haven of her perch and joined Belgaer by his side.

"Though I did not come for just a happy reunion," He paused for a moment and spoke with uncertainty. "Friend."

Kibeth looked upon him and their eyes locked, but Belgaer turned and continued.

"In Saraneth's house across the river from the Long Cliffs have been swarming with dead hands and the like. He told me that strange things were going to happen. New people that used to live on the Ratterlin migrated further North towards the glaciers, Mosrael's people. They're using the Charter for warmth and guidance." He paused and turned towards her once more. His icy eyes were intent and they carried a great burden. "They have a strange power about them, I'm not entirely sure. Though it's very similar to Mosrael's gift…" Belgaer hesitated, searching for the correct words as he changed the subject.

"Four people were found dead close to the Red Lake. Their bodies were massacred and obliterated. It was horrible and there was nothing there to lead on to who or what did it."

"Was it perhaps a Free Magic creature?" Kibeth suggested gravely. This, indeed, was not her idea of a fine reunion.

"Possibly, but I don't think it's over," He looked nervous now. "Kibeth, will you come with me?"

Kibeth looked at Belgaer. His blue eyes were pleading as much as the man before her. She smiled warmly.

"Of course," She looked him and her voice weakened. "Friend."

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a/n Right, how was that? I swear if there's plenty of reviews, I update extremely fast, that's not a lie!

My first attempt with a Sabriel or Lirael or Abhorsen or pick one. Besides the fact I have a million plot bunnies at hand…::lazy Lily, lazy Lily::