The Vermillion Harvest III: Sacrifice and Redemption

by SomeCrazyDude1113

Jurgen de Buhr has vanished taking Lawrence with him. Weary but determined, Holo and Ranger form a pack willing to go to any length to topple Jurgen's empire, save Lawrence and bring the tyrant to justice; to the ends of the earth if they must. No one knows how this will end, but one thing is sure, it will all come to an end. (Haven't read any of them? Read the authors notes)

2. Wolf and One Last Hope

Chapter 1

Wolf and One Last Hope

In the deepest north there was a land of serene beauty that had much to show but had been seen by few. She was filled with mountains that scraped the heavens and descended into spacious valleys which were homes to great rivers flowing their essence into the heart of the motherland which was painted with immense trees towering like giants above the sod. A land that had short summers and long winters, a land of scenery so majestic it could sap the breathe from the lungs of man. The land of known as Yoites.

If the words of men could be spoken by these mountains they would reveal tales of unfathomable grandeur that would fill the possessor of the human spirit with wonder and amazement. The most famous they would tell, that is to say, the most recent in their memory, were those of the great wolves who during the age of animal spirits proudly dwelt upon these earthen thrones. And there were many tales of their prowess, their doings, their love of nature and even their contentions among other life. But the saddest memory these mountains had was the day a great enemy descended upon their land.

A titan of the living waged war against the animal spirits who was known in the breathe of legend as The Moon Hunting Bear. When she invaded the land of Yoites, many were killed, many had fled and the mountains suffered great wounds by her account. It was a swift and terrible crusade that had all but ended the days of glory for Yoites.

Yet there was another tale following the former that these old mountains would shudder to speak of. For the mountains soon learned that there are those far more capable of horrendous deeds in the form of man than of giant bear. Sitting on a pad of white by the banks where the Siakluk river flourish around the Ketchiwa mountain was a dilapidated mansion that appeared like a dark stain wresting the purity of innocence.

As to the nature of this habiliment it remained a mystery even to the great wolves, for those who know do not speak and those who speak do not know; and these mountains do not speak.

But we are not destined to remain ignorant on the matter for this evil place was being ransacked by four individuals who, for reasons of their own accord, had taken a savage interest to it.

First and foremost was the long departed native, Holo the Wise Wolf who recently made a return under most unfavorable circumstances. Then there were the recently acquainted mountaineers, Nikiski and his fiercely devoted second-in-command Agatha Mcdubland. Lastly, there was Holo's current companion; a man whom she entrusted her life to. The morbid, masked emissary of justice, The Ranger.

Each individual had his and her own interest in this mansion that, as is the way with partnership, is what united them. We will learn through their exchanges hereafter the finite details regarding the conditions of these two were united for the reader already familiar with Holo's story will most undoubtedly be wondering where was her love, Kraft Lawrence? Let us observe and discover.

Holo sat upon the bottom step of the grand stair case in the main hall and stared through the open door into the vast whiteness of her homeland. Her body trembled, her fingers digging into her own palms and her eyes glimmered with a tinge of red. She, despite her beauty and long life, appeared very miserable.

Agatha rounded the balcony, perceived the she wolf's state of woe and descended along the banister to console her. Coming to, she said in a voice intwined with the accent of sailors, "We still be looking lass, anything I can do for ye?"

Shaking her head then resting it against her hand she could only say, "Tell me where they have taken Lawrence and I shall be the first rescue him."

Sitting beside the grieving wolf, Agatha brushed her back with her hand, "I know it be hard lass, but ye needs faith that everything that can be done is gettin' done."

Holo raised her eyes up letting fall a few tears careen down her cheeks, "I have never felt so hopelessly tempted to give up in my whole life."

Agatha soothed her, "No, no, no, never give up, all is not lost. Ye know what Nikiski had been telling me while we searched?" Holo shook her head. "He said that Jurgen would have left us a body. Seeing how there is none it can only mean yer mate is alive and well."

Looking down at her hands that rested between her thighs, Holo huffed, "It is that all feels lost!"

Touching her knee the mountaineer went on, "But tis' not. There is still hope for a lead to get us our heading.' then pointing to Holo's stomach, 'and ye still got a wee one needin' her mother to be strong."

Holo placed a hand on her still flat stomach and sniffed up her sorrow, "Such a shame for this wise wolf to be comforted by humans.' then voiced a wondering inquiry, 'what makes you think it will be a girl?"

Agatha arose then presented to Holo her hand, "Call it intuition. I was mother once too ye know."

Holo took the hand and lifted with a pained expression. Agatha recounted that tale to her. She was referring to a babe she bore when forced to appease the appetites of men for money at a young age. Who shortly after the delivery had her baby taken away and her loins mutilated to prevent another conception. It was Nikiski who rescued her from that awful station those ten years ago and she was inseparable from him ever since. But what became of her child? She never knew.

Lifting herself up Holo asked with great respect on the topic, "Do you think of what became of your baby boy often?"

Agatha relinquished a slight gruff, "There has never been a single day I haven't wondered what become of him.' as they ascended the stairs Agatha stopped suddenly to turn and face Holo, 'I may be wonderin'part of the time, but I be worryin' all of the time. T'was not a fair port town he was birthed in."

Wishing to say no more they continued up the stairs to where the other two men afore mentioned tasked themselves with the uncovering of evidence. The first room they passed by they spotted a seasoned man with a long beard of black and pepper, a dark nit cap adorning his crown and sword secured about his waist. Agatha addressed him first, "Have ye found anything Nikiski?"

He somberly shook his head. The weight of Holo's depression could be felt by all in the room but she held her peace. Agatha looked around and wondered aloud, "So this is where Jurgen made port?"

Much could be said about a man by the contents of his lodgings and to Holo it both surprised and satisfied her anticipations at once. By the finely decorated room, countless albums, neatly arranged tea set and velvet drapes impeding the windows she could conclude beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jurgen De Buhr was an evil genius and elegant tyrant. And he could cover his tracks exceptionally well.

"It appears that way." answered Holo.

Agatha looked to Nikiski, who rarely spoke, interoperated his thoughts which she learned to decipher over the years and encouraged, "Keep looking, there must be something here."

Holo lingered a bit more, clung on to the decor of the abode then quitted like the silent wolf she was. She proceed down the hallway alone to unite with our final character yet to make his introduction. Sensing his presence in the next room over, which was the final one nearing the end of the hallway, she stepped into the frame but withheld entering fully.

Sitting in a chair he had pulled up in the middle of the office, with a book shelf to the left, fire place in front and desk to the right, was The Ranger. His true name was unknown due to his unrelenting discretion and his face was a mystery too on account of the mask and hood he was never seen without.

His back faced her but she could identify that his posture upheld his chin by his fist that was supported atop his knee. She could feel the steaming animosity boiling within his chest and knew all to well why.

She slowly approached him and though he did not move, she knew her presence was acknowledged. Looking around she noticed two identical busts on either end of fire mantle then asked with delicate implication, "So this was his office, was it not?"

The influx in her voice telegraphed the respect and sympathy she desired to brandish which Ranger responded with a near invisible nod of the head. His hardened eyes were locked on the hearth before him and he spoke with enough quietness to stay out of ear shot but with enough rage to rattle the demons of hell, "This is where he had been this entire time. And he has fled my reach, yet again."

Holo erected her posture, nodded then walked away from the furnace of his emnity. As she crossed the under arch of the door frame she lightly collided with Agatha who wished to be updated on Ranger's progress.

"Let him be for a moment. He is in no mood to be seen by anyone." warned Holo.

Agatha peered in then inquired, "What be his deal?"

Holo shushed her abruptly then reprimanded, "The man who serves as Jurgen's body guard goes by the name Cyrus Aswadi."

The sailor woman raised an eyebrow near humorously, "Friend of yours?"

"Nay, but there is a history between them both." responded Holo.

Agatha began to assume the bad blood that was being implied and delved further into it, "Can ye say much? After all I think it be best if we know what we're up against."

Out of respect for the delicate history she had been made aware of, Holo gave this brief accounting, "Cyrus and the Alpha hailed from the same country in the far east. They both alleged to a clan of warrior with the most sacred tenants and brutal regiments. In fact Cyrus and he were considered adopted brothers. After many years of dissent a civil war tore their clan in two, Cyrus went one way he went the other."

Then pointing a finger towards Ranger she said with sternest, "He did not chose the winning side. He was brutally punished by Cyrus and a few others he once called brothers. They even went as far as brutalizing and killing his family in front of him as part of his torture. In the end he was the soul survivor of their treachery and made it his mission to bring every traitor to his country to justice."

Agatha appeared petrified, "I had no idea what he had tucked away in his heart."

Holo followed up, "This may have been the closest he has ever gotten to killing Cyrus for what he had done. And now he has vanished without a trace. And I believe he is exhausting every faucet of his discipline to remain in control of his emotions."

At this point Nikiski manifested himself behind them and, when they set their attention upon him, his head shook signifying nothing of note was uncovered. His eyes leaned over to the next room of which Holo opposed but ultimately was overruled and they entered upon Ranger who made no reply.

As they gathered around they hopelessly attempted to uncover any jot or lead they could use to mark the start of a trail. At this time Holo leaned against the book shelf, closed her eyes and gave herself up to complete and total darkness.

Suddenly her ears perked up and her eyes popped wide open. Her attention rapidly transfixed upon the book shelf she leaned against. 'Could it be?' she thought to herself.

A spark of hope erupted from her throat, "I found something!"

Everyone turned rapidly towards Holo save Ranger who did so in a distilled manner. Putting her face closer to the shelves she sniffed, stepped away and set a finger on the middle mantle piece while declaring, "I smell dank air passing through there!"

Ranger bolted from his seat as if moved upon by a spring and began knocking against the various back panels until a hollow coo could be heard. He began flinging books from their foundations as a man possessed until alas coming across one that would not vacate by force. He attempted to pull away but it remained firmly seated in place.

"What is it?" asked Holo.

Ranger was quick to reply, "This is but a door knob, the lock is still in place."

Holo devised a plan, "Knock as you had done before."

Ranger obeyed and Holo listened. Her finger acted as guide as she trailed it along the wall with the wrapping while proclaiming, "I can hear where it is behind the wall."

Soon she graphed the invisible mechanism to it's exact release point to one of the busts upon the mantle. Ranger aggressively turned it one way then the next of which it shifted creating a loud thunk in the room.

Ranger pushed past everyone and returned to the stubborn book. He gave it a tug which lifted out on a hinge. The bookshelf eerily swung open revealing a dark and dreary chasm on the other end.

"Well I'll be damned…" mused Agatha.

They all stood before it as though it were a passageway to the underworld who all telepathically dared one another to see who would be the first to enter. Then without warning, Holo gasped and fled into the jaws of darkness. Ranger went in after her followed by the other two.

As soon as Ranger closed distance he reached out and grabbed her arm.

Holo nearly yelled in protest, "Lawrence may be down here!"

Cupping her mouth he pushed her against the wall to have her quickly silenced. Then putting a finger to his own mouth he said, "It may also be a trap."

He then drew his sword, a single edged and curved after the eastern make with a purple tassel dangling off the end pommel, held it at the ready and proceeded ahead taking the lead. They went only a half league further in, relying on Holo's night vision to accumulate their surroundings. She began to complain greatly of the stenches festering her nostrils shortly after.

Agatha followed up with a lantern she had recently lit. The further in they went the worse the smell became. Holo finally lamented, "What on earth is that scent?"

There was a pause that made her hairs stand on end as the other three knew the foul fragrance but became reluctant to educate her. Holding an arm to her nose she cast her gaze round about expecting someone to answer, "Anyone?"

Nikiski spoke for the first time that hour in a voice that was raspy and painful to operate, "A burned body…" then gave a few coughs that jolted his shoulders.

Agatha immediately went to console Holo who appeared as though her sanity was falling from her head and down her shoulders.

"That doesn't mean nothing." said she.

Angered and pained Holo moaned, "Let us just press on."

Further into the closet of skeletons they went.

Then, to both their dismay and curiosity, the first door kept away in the darkness had developed by the light. Agatha attempted to unlatch it but discovered it required a key to open.

Turning to Nikiski she asked, "Have ye a pick or something of the like?"

Ranger, overflowing with impatience, marched up to it, "Move." then thrusted his boot so hard into it it broke open sending busted fragments of wood and metal shooting through the air. Once the way was admissible the lantern shown in. The circle of light extended in and developed a blackened circle of charcoal on the stoney floor with a burned body strapped to a chair in the middle.

Holo threw her eyes away, "Please…no…"

Ranger stepped in to have a better look at the charred corpse then went back to Holo and almost demanded, "Holo, can you tell if this is Lawrence?"

Shaking her head away she withdrew from him in terror, "Please do not make me see it!"

He was about to enforce his will but Agatha intervened to allow the grieving wolf depart towards solitude then motioned that she would work with her. She found Holo on her knees leaning against a neighboring door that was not too far away.

"It cannot be him…!" she cried.

"If it helps, I don't think it is either, but ye know it's inevitable we'll have to find out." replied Agatha in hopes she could sway her to cooperate.

Holo's head fell between her shoulders, the strands of her luscious hair falling down to her lap like a waterfall, "Even if this solves the mystery of Lawrence, what of the man in need of justice? That I may never have."

Agatha folded her arms and leaned against the cold, hard wall, "I wish there was more for me to say other than we will do what we can to enact it."

Suddenly Holo shot her finger up and bade for a moment to listen, "Do you hear that?"

Putting her head to the door of which Holo rested Agatha replied, "I hear nothing."

"I can hear what sounds like breathing on the other side of this door." said Holo who immediately stood to face it, "Someone is here."

Agatha was about to call upon Ranger to knock it off it's hinges but Holo rolled up her sleeve, partook a few grains of wheat and held her fist opposite the door.

"What are ye playing at?"

"Stand clear." said Holo with beads of perspiration forming around her concentrated brow.

Her arm rapidly transformed into a massive wolf paw shooting forth destroying the door and providing an appropriate entryway. Agatha jumped, shielded her face and covered her ears in a single motion. Ranger and Nikiski ejected themselves from the other room to investigate the cause of the clatter.

Once the calamity had subsided and the dust was clearing Agatha beheld the ridiculous sight of this dainty girl attached to a monstrous animal appendage and said in total amazement, "I didn't know ye animal types could pick and chose which parts ye want to carry over."

Retracting the paw back to match her human body Holo replied while cracking her wrist, "Rarely we do, only when the occasion calls for it."

The two heroines proceeded inwards and Holo nearly collapsed from the foul stench of the room that housed all the odors of each inhabitant cruelly denied appropriate evacuation of their bowels. She would have made greater complaint against the stench that assaulted her brain if not for a rattle of metal invoked by scurrying figure in the corner.

Agatha raised her crossbow mechanically at the perpetrator out of the alarm but Holo, able to perceive the pathetic figure in full darkness, placed her hand atop the crossbow which lowered while exclaiming, "Wait, he is a prisoner!"

Agatha bade Holo to investigate of which she pulled from her side and confronted the individual who cried, covered his face and wept for mercy. Holo went to her knees and presented her hands up in a passive manner while reassuring, "No one here means you harm. Please do not be afraid."

The petrified individual, governed by dread, lowered his hands. Once his face was free from his hands covering it, Holo's became desperately still and devoid of every emotion save surprise and desperate hope.

"I…I know you…" said she with a whisper so full of weight it nearly shattered the foundations.

Agatha peered past Holo's shoulder and beheld a young boy of ten and six years of age to be the subject of this inhumane shackling. Despite the profundity of this situation the chemistry these two shared was remarkable enough to not go unnoticed.

The young man appeared to have an equal dither in thought upon seeing Holo of which Agatha alas broke her silence and asked with a pressing desire to be informed, "How is it ye two know each other?"

Without every breaking her line of sight from the boy's face Holo accounted their acquaintance, "The day we were first attacked by Jurgen's men, the same day I encountered the Alpha, we were followed by another troupe on our way to our inn. Under his direction we detoured to an ally to where he could dissolve the threat in secret. This boy was the last one standing of which he was spared and taken away by the city guard."

Agatha approached as an interrogator, "And apparently they didn't keep a good hold on him if he be here.' then addressed him directly, 'What's yer name boy?"

With a voice even too fearful for a confessional the lad whimpered, "Emilio."

Holo touched his shoulder, "Emilio why were you locked away?"

Sniffling away he replied, "I helped him…"

"Helped who?" pressed Holo, her voice straining.

"…Lawrence…"

Holo leapt forth seizing him by both shoulders of which the boy withdrew and pressed himself into the wall as a reactionary procedure to preserve himself.

"What has happened to him? Is he still alive? Emilio tell me!"

Agatha muscled her back while coaching, "His mind be too delicate for roughness. Let the lad have his room."

Holo obeyed but with excited reluctance she began all over again, "Emilio, tell me what has happened to Lawrence. Please I beg of you."

Emilio wiped away a few tears careering down his cheeks and said, "He was kept here…I would bring food and water to him and Matthias. We would have talks with one another and I told him too much information. Information he used to make an exchange."

"What kind of exchange?"

He straightened his neck while casting his gaze upwards, "Jurgen owes a debt to the tribunal; a debt that, if unpaid, will be paid with his blood. Lawrence offered to help him reclaim his fortune in exchange for his freedom and that of Matthias as well."

Agatha interjected when per chance came, "This tribunal ye speak of. Is it the guild he cast lots with?"

The boy nodded, "He is also their elected leader. When they discover what has happened they will pay every mercenary, bounty hunter and assassin their money can afford to hunt him down to satisfy the demands of failure."

"That is,' Holo's voice cut in, 'unless he can pay them back?"

"Exactly, that is why he has taken Lawrence with him so he can."

Agatha crooked her head, "Ye think this mate of yer's would actually help the bastard?"

Emilio answered for Holo for he had the greatest insight on the matter, "He will have no choice for Jurgen's most trusted enforcer will make sure of it."

"Cyrus Aswadi." said Holo with a loathing passion greater than a thousand burning suns.

Agatha then went on to ask, "So how's it ye were confined to this lil' pit o hell?"

Emilio answered but with greater indignation, "In order for Lawrence to succeed he needed access to Jurgen's black ledgers."

"Details to his illegitimate dealings I assume?"

The boy nodded and continued, "Jurgen was reluctant at first but he had an idea. He wanted Lawrence's help but he also wanted to punish the one who fed him the information regarding his status in the first place."

"I don't like where this be headin'." came the uneasy tone of Agatha.

Emilio creased his eyebrows and set them on the corner, "Another exchange was made. My freedom for the black ledgers. Jurgen knew Lawrence would be of no use unless he had access to them, so he proposed another trade one that ultimately had me locked up in here while he now has full access to all of Jurgen's dealings."

Holo came out of her silent hysteria and asked with unsettling sternest, "I see you are shackled and bolted to the wall. I can only assume the horrors of this asylum we stand in. However you also have stated that Lawrence was once here as well, so tell me; how was he treated? Was he tortured?"

He looked away then back then opened his mouth to answer but Holo quickly corrected any deceitful attempt, "My ears can detect lies so do not dare!"

With the anger subsided Emilio could only hold himself low while looking into her eyes and chokingly said, "I'm sorry…"

Holo's eyes and ears widened in tandem with her blood flushing from her face who then arose, gazed down upon him then turned and exited without saying a word.

Agatha let the spirit lingering after Holo's departure dissipate on it's own due time then kneeled beside Emilio while producing a lock pick.

"Ye won't try anything foolish if I turn ye loose will ye?" she asked.

While she listened for the pins clicking he said, "No Will you try anything once I'm free?"

Agatha unfastened his irons and let the cuffs fall from his wrists then assisted hoisting him up, "Hush now young one,' she reassured, 'I don't think any of our crew be seekin' ye harm."

As they proceeded to exit Agatha asked regarding the burned body, "So that poor soul burnt to a crisp, he ain't Lawrence then?"

"No his name was Eduardo, a leader of the mercenary group who failed Lord De Buhr; Las Manos Negros."

Agatha sighed with immense concern, "I take it Jurgen is not one for second chances."

"No…" he moaned then took the corner and was soon met with a nasty sight the nearly destroyed all established trust.

He came face to face with Ranger who, once he saw the boy, angled his eyes furiously, drew his sword and advanced upon him, "You!"

Emilio's strength surged throughout all limbs in self preservation who broke free from Agatha and retreated at a faltering pace. Nikiski attempted to seize Ranger by the cuff but failed while Agatha provided herself as a barrier between the two but was ultimately outdone.

"Whoa there! Slow your row!" begged Agatha following ore.

Ranger nearly had the boy in his clutches, "What did I say if I saw you again? And you would not heed my warning!"

Emilio began pleading for his life while he scrunched into the wall, "You said no one would seek me harm and yet you're with him!?"

A ferocious growl overpowered the hostile air as Holo suddenly bolted between the two and warned of her intentions with her fangs. Had it not been her who intervened, Ranger would not of stilled his fury.

"Foolish man!' she bellowed, 'We have spent hours rummaging this place for a lead and now that we have found one you seek to destroy it?!"

Had anyone else stood in his way, even possessing greater stature than she, Ranger would have exercised force to remove them from his path. But pray tell, the worthiness he found within her prevented him from making any recourse.

Keeping her hands squared against him Holo said with agitation but with great sympathy to his motive, "I understand the subversions of our expectations after so much toil and bloodshed that has left us all very testy! However this boy, despite him being in league with our enemy, is the last one to have seen Lawrence alive. Therefore this makes him all we have."

Ranger straightened his posture diminishing the one born out of hostility and said coolly, "Be wary that in the heating of your enemies you do not cool your allies." then retreated enough steps to bring Emilio's heart at ease.

Holo gave a simple huff and issued a warning in the like, "Be wary that in the slaying of your enemies your allies go unwounded."

She faced Emilio while assisting him up then demanded the way be cleared for him to be escorted upstairs under the safety of her supervision. Once situated in the office of Cyrus, Holo entrusted him upon a chair then drew up another so she may sit opposite.

"Now tell me.' said she, 'Do you know where Lawrence is?"

Emilio slumped his head, "All I know is that they departed by boat last night but this river has many veins and branches. To the exact location I don't know, I was locked up before that could be divulged."

Holo pondered while avoiding the allowance of her emotions to best the conflict, "Where and when did you see him last?"

Emilio stood and admitted the way with an extension of his hand, "It was this room over here two days ago."

They exited the office and soon abided in a modest study of no extreme significance for it belonged neither to the master or the enforcer. Holo stood in the middle casting her eyes about the monotonous room while ultimately feeling compelled to remain, "What was he doing in here?"

"This is where he was brought to study Jurgen's finances,' then with a pang of fear he said, 'and it was here he decided, my life for the black ledgers."

The boy then caught a subtle flex of her ears, "Why would Jurgen leave you alive in the dungeon and not have you killed before he fled?"

Rubbing the back of his neck he responded with inquisitive guesses at best, "I cannot say perhaps he either forgot or wanted me to suffer the pains of starvation, isolation and madness before I died."

"Well whatever the reason,' resounded Holo, 'this mistake will ultimately lead to his undoing."

She then pointed to a lounge chair near a book shelf and asked, "Did Lawrence sit here oft?"

Emilio rattled his head, "He usually sat at the desk but he did relax there a few times."

Holo picked up a couch pillow, gave it a deep sniff and moaned, "His scent, his precious scent, I can smell it on here. Oh how I wish to have my head nestled upon the bosom that produces it again!"

Emilio drooped his head from the forbearance of melancholy but said nothing.

Hugging the pillow deeply into her breasts she closed her eyes and swayed in place as if imagining to dance with her other half. Emilio noticed her brows crease in a way unnatural to the mood she strove for. Her eyes opened and set them on the book shelf, "Odd. I can smell his musk coming from over here as well."

Putting her petite snout along the ledges that upheld the countless books and albums she sniffed around until stopping where the odor was at it's strongest. Pulling the target album free by the spine she said to herself, "He could not have possibly…"

Emilio, standing idle for the season, inquired, "What is it exactly you are smelling?"

Realizing his human ignorance she informed, "You see what I smell on the pillow is a casual scent which is caused by a simple lounging around. But here it is much more poignant as if he lathered something in his pits and tucked it away."

"Maybe he wanted you to find it."

Lightning struck Holo's brain who spared not single moment longer in idleness and rummaged through the pages until coming across a scrap held by the crease of the binding. As soon as she identified it she plucked it up and began examining.

Confused, all she could say in it's regards was this, "It is definitely his hand writing but all it says is S-W 206."

Emilio enclosed her space to see it then said aloud once he deciphered it's meaning, "I think he is referring to the encyclopedia and page numbers in those sections."

Holo dropped the book and encroached upon him, "Where is it!"

Stepping back with his hands shielding himself from her irate fury he looked at the top shelf and found the said encyclopedia in pristine order. He ran his finger along stopping only on S and W withdrawing each on both accounts. Holo plucked one and feverishly flipped over to page 206. From there all she found were multiple underscores under assorted letters that appeared random. Holo became excessively confused in her frantic mind and said aloud, "I do not understand. They are underlined letters in every other paragraph."

Emilio examined it then said with refined ingenuity, "It's a message.' then turned, took up a quill and laid before him a sheet of parchment and sat the desk. He then instructed of her, 'Read each letter to me in the order in which they appear. I think those untouched paragraphs marks the end of a word."

Holo scanned and began reading off letter by letter.

Eventually, after much recitation, the script revealed Lawrence's secret message as this.

Evgeny Ovetchkin - Nabakov Trading of Cross Iron

Gustav Bihari- Starboard Emporium of Dehlmare

Ruslan Ybarra - Debau Company of Lesko

Paavali Rajinak- Eastern connection and company of Talhari

Stephano Aldereci - Quatrini Loans and Services of Lenos

Father Benedetto Michilini- Church of Lamtra ext. of Ruvenhaigen.

Holo peered over and exclaimed before the last dot of ink could dry, "I recognize one of these names! Evgeny Ovetchkin of Cross Iron. The Ranger and I brought him to ruin when there."

Emilio nodded with some disdain, "Yes I heard, and the master was not happy."

Holo, realizing that a victory on her account was defeat on his quickly appropriated her tone, "Yes forgive us, anyway, these men are close associates to your master Jurgen yes?"

Emilio leaned back, folded his arms and appeared as though stricken with fear, "It is the names and associations of every man a part of the tribunal. They are cunning, powerful and dangerous. They are the only force on earth to have caused Jurgen to flee."

"Where could he have gone for refuge in the meantime?"

The boy drooped his shoulders in despair, "There are things he would not even let his closest servants know. I don't even think Cyrus is aware of his contingency plans."

Holo gave a hopeless nod then re examined the note left behind by her fleeted spouse, "SW, perhaps it means southwest?"

She fanned it against her cheek then noticed there was additional script on the backside.

"I and H, 982."

They betook the albums of the declared signature and found an identical code which was deciphered in the same manner that read, "Pyrite crash." said Emilio out loud, "What could that mean?"

Holo took the list of the tribunal then down at the other script held her mouth and said, "He wants us crash their market!"

Emilio shifted in his chair, "I don't follow."

Holo quickly recounted, "Five years ago when Lawrence and I were still courting we stopped in the town called Kumersun. There we met a young merchant named Amarti who sought my hand in marriage and offered to pay the debt I owed Lawrence at the time. During the festival there was an unusual buzz surrounding a stone called pyrite which soon exploded into a commodity of high demand. Both Lawrence and Amarti saw it as a means to make profit. Lawrence had an idea and that was to convince Amarti to buy large amounts of it on credit using almost all his net worth and then sell it at a precise moment to make the profit."

Emilio dinted his brows and appeared stunned, "He spent his net worth on a product using credit? Doesn't he know how dangerous that is; especially if the market of said product crashes before he sells?"

Holo smiled and waived her finger towards him, "Exactly. Lawrence and I bought up as much pyrite as we could and once the market could not get any higher we both sold bringing it down in a fell swoop."

"And leaving this Amarti fellow bankrupt." said Emilio being rather enthralled by the deviousness of the ordeal.

Holo gave off a devilish grin, "It was a great victory to see that whelp pay what he owed us and be left with nothing to show for it."

Emilio took note of how she portrayed herself, "It sounds there is more chemistry to this story than a duel among merchants."

Holo waived him down, "There is and perhaps I shall tell you one day but for now I believe I know…nay I definitely know to what Lawrence is alluring to here. Lawrence is suggesting we bring the tribunal to ruin."

Emilio leapt from his seat, "Are you insane? But how?"

"Find what each of these men and their establishments hold a market in then destroy it leaving them with nothing as we did Amarti."

"Have you any idea how powerful the tribunal is?"

Holo folded her arms and erected herself in the boost of cunning confidence, "Aye, but I am Holo the Wise Wolf and am powerful as well,' then motioning her head over, 'and so is the masked man I travel with."

"He is but one swordsman." mewled the lad, "You make it sound he could stand down an army."

Holo remained eerily expressionless.

The boy attuned his rationale to her attitude, "You compose yourself as if he is on parr with the gods."

Holo did not forfeit her demeanor.

"That is impossible." said Emilio reinforcing his opinion on the man.

Holo alas broke her peace, "How long have you lived here in Yoites?"

"Most my life. I became an apprentice of Jurgen's at a very young age."

Nodding Holo went on to inquire, "Are you familiar with the old legends of the Sawatii and Kahotoe tribes who live up here?"

"Yes, I have heard many."

With complete petrifying stillness she lowered her voice and asked, "Have you heard of the legend of Chugiak the Shadow Demon?"

Emilio attempted to laugh it off, "You can't be serious. A dark warrior with red eyes possessing strength capable enough to slay the gods of old?"

Holo's stillness affirmed all that he questioned.

"No,' backed away the frightened lad, 'no, he's just a myth."

"Some myths are real."
"How is that possible, where did he come from, how old is he?"

Holo tilted her head some, "To his knowledge he has walked the earth for over a thousand years and has come from an ancient land to the far east. There were many like him at one point but a vile civil dispute had all but eradicated their numbers. As far as I know, only two dwell upon this land, him, and Jurgen's second in command."

"Master Cyrus?" exacerbated the boy, "Master Cyrus is of the same clan?"

"Does that surprise you?"

Pacing about and waiving his hands as if to stave off madness the boy eventually took sit upon the sofa and relinquished his denial, "In many ways I suppose not. His training methods in combat were far from modern."

"But know this,' said Holo, the boy's eyes lifted, 'you are the child of our mortal enemies. You are a disciple of the moon hunting bear, the bane of my homeland, and an underling of the Ranger's most longtime rival, Cyrus Aswadi. Your life has been spared by us, and aid us you can, but know that the scrutiny you will face in this party shall be no more accommodating then the prison of which you were liberated. Do you understand?"

Emilio nodded and withheld further questions. Flaunting the notes Holo said, "Let us reunite with the others and tell them what we have found."

II

Simple incompétence or cunning genius?

Within the city of Nyohirra, not too afar off from the rubbled remains of The Spice and Wolf Inn and Bathhouse, say two blocks, was a modest hostelry. Sitting at the tables outside was one man already well mellowed in the wine as it were. Upon consuming every last drop of the bottle set before him he desired to court another, therefore he called for another rather rudely.

When the waiter presented a new one he wisely attempted to only fill his cup and depart with it but the drunk, identifying the waiter's plan after one sip, slammed his goblet down and demanded, "Leave the bottle!" The server left it at the behest of the patron, returned to the cantina while wishing never to step outside again so long as he was there.

Yet approaching from the distance was a high ranking official seeking an audience with the drunkard who, once standing near enough to the table, dropped a leather bound envelope upon the mantle and called with a tone as cold as ice, "Lieutenant Dorian."

Casting his glazed eyes upward upon the man who called upon him he replied with the same tone of rudeness he took no care to conceal, "It's just Lucas Dorian now, since the bastards demoted me."

Taking sit before him the stranger replied with equal callous, "Oh don't take it so harshly, besides you were only placed on administrative leave…without pay."

Wincing his eyes while struggling to keep his head stable the former lieutenant asked, "I'm sorry, but who in the nine hells are you?"

The officiate, a bald man with a cleft chin, introduced himself with the finality of his calling, "Stephen Ziccardi,' then producing a parchment from his tunic, opened and presented it said, 'I am with the city guard's internal affairs and have been assigned by Chief Reinhart to investigate a few incidents that had occurred last week."

Ziccardi procured from his breast pocket a document and presented it to Lucas. It was an official order from the chief to investigate a series of misconducts towards a sergeant under his command and a the death of a subordinate, all finalized by the official seal of the city guard.

Dorian remained laxative and unfazed, "Doesn't ring a bell." then burned his gullet with the dregs of strong wine.

Unimpressed though hardly surprised at his lack of cooperation, Ziccardi recounted the details with perfect clarity, "You mean you cannot recall that last week: One Sergeant Philip Bourgeois was at the helm of an investigation involving multiple accounts of murder, two inn keepers suspected to be targets of foul play, attempted murder of these inn keepers by means of arson which claimed their inn by which Bourgeois had them placed under protective custody (an order you reversed mind you) then the disappearances of these two residents. There's also the allegations that; two of our finest were moles for a crime syndicate, a dead private and lastly,' he leaned forward, 'a charge of attempted murder of your sergeant against, who is now missing and presumed dead."

Dorian remained cool but his agitation was seen surfacing through his eyes. He then rubbed his lips and grunted.

"Does any of that ring a bell?" furtively asked Ziccardi.

"Well now that you put it that way, I might know a thing or too." replied Lucas with a shrugging droop of the head while chuckling to himself.

Loathing the idea of letting Lucas see his display of carelessness test the nerves of his interrogator Ziccardi remained professionally composed and started with, "Let's start at least with the beginning of it all. Bourgeois began doubling, and at times tripling, the patrols of those under his command. Why was this?"

"How should I know? He was deranged." said Dorian with an almost a musical tune then laughed to himself.

"Reports say he was suspicious of murderous activity happening outside the city that was getting closer so he doubled the guard to prevent if not apprehend the culprits responsible."

Whistling and not giving a toss, Dorian replied as he swayed in his seat, "Sure that is why in his mind, but like I said, 'deranged.'"

"Really? So you had no reason to believe this activity outside the city warranted some reinforcement of the guard?" Lucas nodded and smiled

"Even when a dead body was discovered outside the apartments?" Ziccardi challenged.

Some foul charm fell from his face, "Well…perhaps not completely deranged."

Moving right along the internal affairs officer said, "Now, there was reason to believe that the two owners of the inn that had burned down, Kraft Lawrence and his wife Holo Lawrence, were the targets of the orchestrators of these viscous murders."

"Don't know why my sergeant would draw that connection."

"Maybe it was because the dead body I mentioned had a torn invitation on him, one that was for the inn's grand opening and surprise baby shower."

"Oh yeah…" Dorian muttered whilst raising his goblet to his lips.

"Now reports indicated that there were two factions at play, The Safeguard Association and Wolf Trading, what can you tell me about these groups?"

"Not much, I'm a man of law, not of trade."

"So when at least ten members of Wolf Trading were found slaughtered in the warehouse by the docks and there was confirmation that they were rivals of The Safeguard Association and said assets of this Association were reported to have been within the city and you were on scene of were this slaughter that took place, you can't tell me more than this?"

Rocking away his care the drunken wretch scoffed, "Sounds like you've done all the heavy lifting for me."

"I'm only reciting the case notes as issued by others. I came in good faith that the lieutenant in command would have delved deeper into this, but that faith was misplaced it seems."

Rolling his wrist to move things along Dorian inquired with a hatred to the scrutiny he was being subjected to, "Have you anything else for me?"

Looking further down his study Ziccardi mentioned, "Don't worry I'll be getting to the real reason I'm questioning you."

"Maybe there is a God in heaven." sighed Dorian in ill natured relief.

Refusing to satisfy his rudeness the official said, "The night the Spice and Wolf inn burned down, witnesses stated they saw the arson wearing a tunic of the city guard indicating a malefactor within our own ranks. Can you account for all of your men that night?"

"No sir I can't."
"Can you at least account for yourself that night?"

Leaning back and for the first time appearing genuinely offended Dorian said, "What, you think I did it?"

Ziccardi pushed out his lower lip, "Well, I'm shaking every tree to see what falls out."

In a fit of rage the drunkard sat forward with his finger aggressively aimed upon his interrogator, "Listen, why don't you ask Bogey! He's the deranged fool who sent the inn keepers off with the so called Safeguard Association so they wouldn't taste the axe and he attacked me in my own quarters when his delusions of grander all went to hell!"

The closest thing resembling a smile crossed the lips of Ziccardi, "I'm glad you brought that up because that leads me right into the next topic. So obviously there was an attempt being made on the lives of Holo and Kraft who-"

Dorian interjected, "He goes by Lawrence for business."

"So you do know them?"

Dorian seemed to be biting his tongue.

"As I was saying; earlier reports indicated they were wanted dead for their inn and bathhouse but according to a multiple statements, apparently this Holo is a Kenrou?" then lifted his eyes towards Lucas to validate his silence.

Dorian shrugged as if to state he knew nothing of the phenomenon.

"The great wolves of the north,' encouraged an unconvinced Ziccardi, 'worshipped as gods by the pagans. Mythos says they can take the form of humans with the exceptions of their ears and tail which many townsfolk claimed to have seen Mrs. Lawrence having that night the inn burned before they disappeared."

"Hmph, she wore too many clothes for me to see ears and tail if she had them,' said Dorian who made a lecherous remark as he lifted his cup, 'I would have preferred her to be wearing nothing personally."

Ziccardi hardened a scowl that adorned his brow, "Yes Lucas, I'm more than aware of your personal interests. Both on and off the clock."

Slamming his mug on the table making the brew to pop up and back he declared, "Then you know I'm a man with little patience!"

"Can you tell me why Bourgeois attacked you in your quarters that night?"

"He was ranting about the death of Pvt. Abruzzio who apparently either committed suicide or was slain by his deranged sergeant. I would have cut my own throat too if I had to serve under him."

Ziccardi was beginning to wane his professionalism, "Abruzzio was confronted by Bourgeois that night because he suspected him to be one of the moles."

A pshaw escaped his lips, "Who's there be a mole for in this neck of the woods?"

"Does the name Jurgen de Buhr mean anything to you?"

"Should it?"

"Apparently this man has been running a crime syndicate that leaks information and money from a plethora of sources, including our own. It appears he has it in for the pagan gods of old and has put a hit on Holo's head for it. Abruzzio was one of his men who aided in the attempts against the inn keepers and eventually his guilty conscience drove him to madness when confronted by Bourgeois and it ended in blood that night in the church."

Throwing his hands up in the epitome of frustration Dorian yelled, "You're theories are just as delusional as Bogey's! What are these reports you keep laying on my ear?"

Ziccardi slammed his palms on the table, "They're not theories they're sworn statements from Corporals Kovalsky and Lydford and Private Samson and at least a dozen private citizens. Finally we have the testimony of one Sister Fridrika, a nun who was in the church that night and heard Abruzzio confess his loyalties to this Jurgen and his motives before he died! And at the center of it all is you, the laziest and most irresponsible man to have ever worn the uniform and even less deserving of his rank, who let this all slip under his nose. Or perhaps insured this Jurgen got his way maybe?"

Dorian shook his head, "What are you getting at?"

"Well I do in fact have a theory. I think you intentionally stalled further investigations because you wanted Holo dead as much as Jurgen. I think you were the one who burned the inn down that night because I think you are Jurgen's other agent in the city guard and this nonchalant attitude is just a front to keep suspicions of foul play low. And this is why your sergeant was on to you and you almost killed him to keep him quiet."

Dorian seemed to find this all rather dull and said, "It's a fascinating tale you've constructed there constable, but you seem be lacking proof! All you have are theories and nothing concrete to suggest me as suspect. Bourgeois disappeared after I defended myself from his attempt on my life and your precious corporals Kovalsky and Lydford, along with Samson are trying to track him down and have been gone for a week which means you have no witnesses! Just hearsay!" then to make a grand antic of things waived his hands with bravado which in turn cast his wine bottle off with a single swipe.

Frowning at the shattered vessel that now interred wine with stone he accused pitifully, "Now look, you've made me lose my lunch."

He looked further down the street and found two harlots making their rounds and changed appetites. Seeing him ready to leave Ziccardi asked pressingly, "I hope you're planning to stay in town, sure would hate to have to track you down too."

Acknowledging the women as he arose he said, "I'm sure I can find a thing or two worth my time to convince me to linger a little while longer."

He strode past Ziccardi, approached and gave salutations to the working girls and departed with his arms draped over their shoulders.

"Fear not ladies, I am just drunk enough to not have to remember your names." he said aloud.

They giggled and cooed ever while the knives of Ziccardi's gaze pierced Dorian's back.

III

A few more recruits

The post noon sun descended upon the Kahotoe village that was still in the very early stages of recovery. The dead had yet to be completely buried and the means to repair their damaged structures was scarcely under way. Overseeing the activities were the people's most decorated citizens, Captain Naluk, who had just finished laying his father to rest and the last of the greate wolves living in Yoites, Nazani the god of healing, who was given the painful task of parting with his son, Talkeetna who was mourned greatly by his twin sister Soldatna.

Both Naluk and Nazani were the first to spot the oncoming of Holo's wolf form barreling through the valley and coming to rest at the foot of the village. She went prone so that Nikiski and Agatha could disembark from off her back followed by Ranger who only agreed to take Emilio on the condition he was bound and under his supervision at all times.

The first to approach them were the eye patch dawning Jethro and the two medical personnel of the doomed expedition, Doc and his assistant Ottis. As Holo was reverting back to human form Jethro approached Agatha absolutely bewildered, "What happened, is this boy Lawrence?"

The woman he questioned motioned for him to quiet down, "Shh, shhh. Gather what remains of the expedition and we will explain everything."

Shortly after, the twenty or so who survived the expedition of the far north and the great battle between the Kahotoe and Sawatii tribes the day prior had amassed together in a single hut and from there Agatha had explained what occurred in the mansion.

The most who seemed the most dejected of the group were Jethro, Doc and Ottis. But through it all the only question was, "So what happens now?"

Nikiski stood by and gave a specific look to Agatha who interoperated on his behalf, "Well gents. After this battle between these native tribes there will be no more expeditions to keep yer lands safe. Nikiski and I will move on and suggest ye do the same."

There was a disapproving complaint among the masses with one voice saying above all the chatter, "What about work, who will hire mercenaries up here now?" and another said after a cheer in support of that inquiry, "Are we getting paid for this though?"

A lot of aggressive voices flooded the chasm shortly after. Agatha motioned their silence down a few decibels, "Yes you will be gettin' a fancy dabloon for yer efforts seeing how many of yer fellow cohorts have died meaning extra shares get divvied out equally. But this is good-bye. We be fixin' on a new horizon."

"Can he do that?" came a loud whisper.

Jethro answered aloud, "He's a bounty hunter by trade, when the job's done he can come and go as he pleases."

Agatha put her hands upon her hips and twerked her head towards the silent man they questioned, "And I stay with him."

The rumble of scornful lips filled the air like a cloud above their heads which at this point she and Nikiski quitted the hut together. As they were walking down the muddy and snowy pathways past the native people a familiar voice called out specifically for Agatha who turned to find Jethro quickly chasing after them.

"What more can we do ye for Mr. McKinley?"

"I'd like to come with you."

Chortling slightly while shaking her head she said, "Don't be daft. Go and live yer life."

Advancing close enough towards them they stopped on his behalf, "I don't have a life beyond this. My wife and children are dead, what's there to go back to?"

Agatha put a hand on his shoulder, "I don't want ye to think ye are obligated to tag along cause ye have nothing else to lose."

Jethro looked around as though trying to find some intelligible way to explain his motive without resorting to grief, but alas it overpowered him and with a gasp and a tear he explained, "Please, I failed my family. With helping you two…helping Holo…please let me have this opportunity to do something good."

Agatha let out a small cough of disbelief then looked to the idling Nikiski, who lifted his eyebrows encouragingly.

Agatha replied knowing exactly what he implied, "Yes I know an extra blade won't hurt but…' she mulled a moment and pondered another then finally yielded, 'Fine come along then, but I suppose ye be knowing just what on earth is going on."

The three then obliged themselves to another yurt where Emilio was held captive by Ranger who was standing in the darkest corner with his arms folded and Holo who stood before the boy. The atmosphere of which they entered upon was heavy, as if an argument had ensued then gone deathly quiet upon their arrival.

Holo noticed the extra addition to the troupe and inquired with a voice shaking to stay calm, "Jethro…you will come with us?"

"Indeed I am, so what's our next move then?"

Anxiously threading her fingers through her hair Holo said, "Well, Emilio, myself and my partner here have been having a discussion on many things. Such as possible options along the way to Jurgen."

"And these options are?"

Holo looked to Emilio who then began to speak, "Well we have…"

Ranger stepped forth, "Quiet.' he growled under his breath then took over, "Lawrence left behind a coded message of members of the tribunal, the names of their establishments and the towns from which they operate. It was also his suggestion we dismantle them along the way by whatever means necessary."

Holo quickly took her stand, "Jurgen is simply one head of many, remove him and another qualified shall take his place."

"Mind you, we will be having a child of the enemy along with us should we pursue this course." arrogated Ranger in reference to Emilio.

"Who can also be a tremendous asset." Holo defended.

"Or a tool of your undoing." the masked man argued back.

Emilio looked as though where about to speak but durst not.

Agatha stopped them both for Nikiski had already a plan established, "The first place we be dropping anchor is where the Raven has gone to roost."

Both Holo and Ranger respectably broke off their engagement and brought themselves on the same plane. Only Jethro and Emilio needed to be informed upon the matter.

"I'm sorry but who?" asked McKinley.

Agatha quickly explained, "Yer boss here was once a member of secret guild called the rangers of which this masked one works for. Back in the day Nikiski and two others tried to kill the scalawag Jurgen but one was killed, Nikiski was injured to where he lost his voice and the other left and pursued his own course. The trio Nikiski was apart were called the warbirds each being named after a bird the feather, the late leader Eagle, the crippled Hawk…"

"And the vanished Raven." said Jethro concluding this tale.

"But not vanished,' said Agatha turning to Nikiski, 'he seems to know where he be."

"But where could he have gone during these years?"

Nikiski spoke but only with a hoarse rasp of a voice, "Southeast." then covered his mouth as he began to cough.

Ranger leaned in on the conversation with a hint of offense to his own talent, "Exactly what is the value of this one man aside from knowing where one coward has gone to hide?"

Nikiski wanted to answer but was overcome with irritation in his throat and obligated the task to Agatha, "Because no one knows the tribunal better than Raven. He'd be the best man in helping all of us bring this ivory tower down, savvy?"

"You think he could really better our chances?" came Ranger's condescending inquiry with a dash of ridicule.

"It is not a game of chance,' said Holo to reaffirm the reality of their odds, "tis a game of strategy. And if we can recruit a man who can provide us the best strategy then we must take it. What other choice is there?"

Emilio spoke up quickly, "I can help."

The best way to describe Ranger's response to his outburst was akin to a child with matches near an explosive substance. He quickly turned around and repeated the last word spoken to him, "Quiet!"

Holo intervened, "He has helped so far!"

Ranger raised his finger towards her but suddenly stopped, put his hand behind his back then addressed her, "This boy worships the creature that destroyed your kind and is a member of the cult dedicated to finishing off your kind in these latter days."

"Yes but I am Holo the Wise Wolf and an excellent judge of character. I feel he owes some debt to the ones who just saved him from an awful fate."

"Very well but he will not go, do or say anything without my being there."

"Very well."

Holo seemed strangely compliant which slightly astonished him inwardly.

Jethro alas voiced a complaint that immediately became the primary concern, "What shall we do for food and transport? We have no horses, no wagons and no money. Aside from this we will need some kind of alibi, for this tribunal will surely be made wary of armed travelers creeping their way towards them."

"And I can only carry so many of you on my back and that is not including supplies." threw in Holo.

Agatha tapped her chin then said, "Let's have a word with Naluk, I'm sure the Kahotoe people might have something we can use."

"But what of money?" asked Jethro.

Holo again opted to cover that front, "I have been married to and known a merchant for a long time and have already put the skills acquired from him to good use already. I can handle the finances, make the investments and ultimately ensure we are well funded. We could also use this as front to pose as a merchant band traveling thus lowering suspicion from onlookers."

The plan seemed agreeable and Agatha stated, "We can return to Trapper's Loop with the others and collect on the bounty we fulfilled here. But I fear it may not be enough to support us all lass."

"We can trade wares." encouraged Holo.

"We can steal from bandits and frauds." said Ranger rather darkly which upset the mood entirely.

Addressing that vociferation Jethro said, "You would suggest becoming the same lowlife as our enemies?"

"I suggest we return the same justice upon their heads as they do upon the innocent." returned Ranger with a hatred to what he had inadvertently been compared to.

"Let's worry about it later,' Interrupted Agatha, 'for now, time be not on our side. Dally less act more I say."

"Agreed." said Holo.

Suddenly there was knock at the door with entrance of two people before permission was granted. It was Doc and Ottis which caught each of them by surprise.

"What be your reasoning to intrude upon this meeting?" asked Agatha with an interrogative air.

"Well we came to talk, then overheard everything just outside and figured you might need some qualified gentlemen to stitch you up should you come apart along the way." said Doc.

Nikiski lifted and rolled his eyes with a sigh while Agatha translated, "Might as well, I suppose."

"Hmm.' seethed Ranger, 'More souls to look after?"

Agatha pointed to Emilio then said to the culprit of that remark, "How 'bout ye concern yourself with being the boy's warden, eh?"

Ranger tightened his fist making a few knuckles crack but said nothing.

They all adjourned from there and began funneling out the hut but Holo stayed behind and encouraged Ranger to do the same. Once they were alone she asked, "Is everything alright? You seem very bitter." Ranger gave her a slight look of disbelief which caused her to make an addendum, "More than usual."

His eyes appeared stymied, looking for an explanation but the most he could muster to say was, "All this has been difficult and unfavorable leaving me exhausted and…' he paused then finished, '…weary."

Holo nodded very understandingly and replied, "I know how difficult this has been. Both of us have been robbed of something very valuable and have been played something terribly,' then touching the hem of the garment concealing his arm she pled, 'but I need you to be the one with the cool head. I need the man who looked after me when all seemed lost."

Only his eyes informed her of his devotion to her request. She had to be content with it regardless of the level they professed. Smiling sympathetically, for she too shared a department of grief of which he belonged, Holo turned around and left.

He then said when in solitude, "It may be the last thing I will ever do." then departed shortly after.

Once reunited with the troupe he beheld them communicating with Naluk who said, "We do have a means of which our people use to traverse the snow at great speeds, allow me to show you."

As they proceeded to follow him Nazani quietly stood behind Ranger and said with a tone low enough for only him to hear, "Before you leave, presumably for the last time, is there anything I can do for you?"

Ranger lowered his head and answered, "There is one favor I might ask, but can we go to your sick room and discuss it?"

Nazani slowly erected his posture then guided the way towards his infirmary.

Holo and the rest were soon introduced to the method of commute Naluk had mentioned, a long sled with small harnesses. Agatha recognized it and nudged Holo, "That'll work but I don't think ye'd like it lass."

"Why's that?"

Naluk answered, "It is pulled by a team of dogs."

"Oh!' resumed Holo curiously then asked in good faith, 'have you a team to spare?"

There was nothing but silence with all eyes resting on Holo, "…ah…I see." she said begrudgingly.

Naluk commented, "I will see if some of the villagers are able to fasten harnesses large enough for you to wear great one."

Turning a little red she said under her breath, "The humiliations this wise wolf must endure."

As Naluk was electing to the task he fore described Holo was returning to the village looking for Ranger. Her keen nose depicted a trail to the hut of Nazani. She proceeded up, knocked, was answered, then entered. Upon opening the door she found the wolf shaman, who was loading vials of blue elixir into a case and Ranger sitting upon a chair both hands resting against his knees.

Immediately she could tell something was amiss.

"I am not interrupting anything am I?" she inquired with prudent precaution.

Nazani looked to Ranger then back to her and said as he began reloading the case, "Oh, he just wanted to be sure he did not need any additional recuperation from his last bout. And also,' closing the case, 'requested a generous supply of this to help you along your way."

Holo's ear flexed, it was not the total truth.

Upon finding his usefulness exceeded he opted to depart. Once gone Holo delved further into this meeting, "Is everything alright?"

"It is well enough." he answered shortly.

Holo nodded but appeared sad that she was not worthy to feel compassion for him and was about to leave when he suddenly called out, "I am not as spry as I once was. I needed all ailments healed and my body made as whole as possible for this next venture."

"So are you saying you are feeling more worn down than usual?"

"I cannot let my strength fail me…not now."

Holo frowned, "Perhaps you need some emotional support, yes?"

Ranger leaned back, "It will not be necessary."

She giggled and waived him off, "Oh no, not from me. I know just the thing to cheer your spirits, allow me to return!"

She departed before he could respond leaving him to wait.

After a few minutes the door reopened and in walked his most faithful companion, Kaytaff. A large black and gold shepherd dog who, as soon as he saw him, panted happily, wagged his tail, ran up and lifted himself onto his master's lap.

Ranger held him, gave him a pat and let the hound lick his face.

Closer towards the end of the afternoon the mountaineers had endeavored to leave with an escort of the Kahotoe braves along with Soldatna, Nazani's surviving daughter. Holo was in beast form stiffly allowing herself to be harnessed to the sled. When all straps and synchs were exacted the party loaded up. She turned her head to see Ranger and Kaytaff coming over the small mound in the horizon which wagged her tail a little.

His step was strong and his stride powerful. He moved as a man with purpose. Stopping at the head he said to Holo, "One last venture."

Nodding she pulsed heavy steam out her nose, "May success be our favor."

Ranger assented and said with enthusiasm, "Success favors he who is most prepared. Let us send for this Raven and recruit him to our cause."

Holo leapt a little in place, "Climb aboard!"

Ranger sat in behind Emilio who became rigid at the thought of it and Kayaff curled in a ball up front. Holo pawed the ground, stretched her back legs then her front. Ranger leaned forward and warned the boy, "You had better lean back." then faded away.

"What do…" he suddenly whipped back with a yelp as Holo shot forth and darted through the tundra with ungovernable haste leaving Emilio near yelling for his life.