Part Two
Reflections
Chapter I
Mirage was roused from her sleep by a gentle knocking at the door. The lamp must have been low on oil, because everything was dark now, and she had trouble seeing any farther than past her nose. The door opened a crack, letting in some light from the main room, and the silhouette of a fox popped its head in.
"Mirage, are you awake?" It was Argent. "My...it's a little dark in here, no?"
She entered with a lamp from the main room and re-lit the main lamp. A dim yellow light filled the room, and Mirage smiled tiredly at Argent.
"The wick was low and must have burned out over night. It just needed to be lit again." Argent made her way to the bed. "Well, we've got some work to do, and I'd like to have it done before sunrise. That is pretty much the only time we will be safe from Drek."
Mirage nodded slowly and sighed sadly at the mention of the murderous fox. Argent smiled softly and sat down on the bed, placing a paw on the ferret's shoulder.
"Listen, I know it's hard, but you will get through this. I know it won't be the easiest thing to do...I've had my share of sorrows because of him, but that's why I'm here. Mikael and I were talking last night, and both of us want to see you through this. Alright?"
Mirage nodded and rubbed her eyes wearily. "Where's Mikael?"
"He's getting ready to go. Kass has a breakfast waiting for us, too, some hot biscuits with blueberries. He really is a wonder with foods..." Argent frowned and gave Mirage's shoulder a squeeze. "Listen, go ahead and get yourself ready to go. Mikael and I will be waiting at the table."
Mirage whispered a soft 'thank you' and watched Argent leave the room. Once the door had closed, she slid out of the covers and washed her face in the basin. She noticed, for the first time, a mirror hanging over the basin, and she spent a moment staring at the reflection, remembering what Argent had told her the night before.
"I am going to teach you to see more..." The necklace with the eagle still hung about her neck, and she studied it in the mirror for a moment. "What more is there to see?"
She dried her face and got dressed, not caring that she was now wearing the same thing for the third day in a row, and looked about the room again. Her father's daggers were lying on the stand near the door, where one of the two lamps stood. Taking them both, she slid them into her belt and threw her robe on. Then, giving herself one last look in the mirror, she walked out of the room.
Mikael and Argent were already eating, and talking to each other, and when Mirage stepped into the room, they both stopped and smiled her way. Instantly, Mirage recalled the night before, when she had met Mikael for the first time. Mirage politely returned the smile and walked over to a seat that had a plate of biscuits in front of it.
"Good morning, m'lady."
"Good morning, Mikael." Mirage smiled again as she picked up one of the biscuits.
"I trust you slept well?"
Mirage nodded and took a bite from the biscuit, immediately taking a liking to it. She finished it in a few bites and picked up a second. "I slept well, Mikael. Thank you for asking." She bit into the new biscuit and grinned. "These are good."
Mikael smiled in his soft-natured way. "Well, Kass is a very skilled cook. We would probably go hungry without him."
Argent gave him a shove. "Oh, what's wrong with Shara's cooking?"
"I never said anything was wrong with it, dear. I simply commented on Kass' extraordinary skill."
Mirage chewed on the biscuit slowly. Had she just heard Mikael call Argent 'dear?' She shrugged it aside and swallowed. "So, how soon are we leaving?"
Argent shot Mikael a quick glance and grinned at Mirage. "As soon as you're ready."
Mirage finished the last biscuit on her plate and stood. "Then let's get going."
Mikael grinned. "Ah, one who is not afraid to take action. I like that." He stood and gave Argent a quick shove. "Don't you?"
Argent pointed a finger at him sternly. "Now lets get something straight here, alright? I may not be as hasty as some, but I'm good in a fix."
Mikael rolled his eyes and started walking towards the door, pulling a black cape over his shoulders. "Come along, Argent. You are slowing us up."
Argent narrowed her eyes and threw a wadded up serviette at him. "Don't tell me what I'm doing." She stood and hurried to catch up to him. "I know exactly what I'm doing."
Mikael let Mirage ahead of him and opened the door to the main entrance. "Sure you do, Argent, and my name is Ginger."
"If you insist," Argent shoved him into the passageway. "Now move your big hide before I start prodding you with the point of my rapier."
"Tsk, tsk...such violence."
Mirage chuckled at the two. "Come on...both of you are loud enough to bring every warlord from here to Noonevale on us. Didn't you learn anything about stealth?"
Mikael grinned. "She did it again. I am telling you, she is one who takes action when needed."
Both Argent and Mirage whirled on him and shushed him simultaneously. Mikael just grinned and carried on up the passage.
Chapter II
Wait for dawn.
That was probably the most overused and underrated order to ever befall the world, and Drek was annoyed to the point of near anger by just the mere mention of it. He was sitting in his room, a bandage covering the spot where Shadow had struck him with the stick. Pacing in front of him was another fox, who, in appearance, was just like him, save for a little scrawnier.
"Please stop pacing, you are giving me a headache worse than what that miserable ferret gave me."
The fox stopped and bit his lip. "Are you sure you want to go out like that?"
Drek narrowed his eyes and glared at the fox. "You listen to me good like, alright? I am not afraid of my own troops, and if they think that a little headache makes me unworthy of being their leader, then they can fight me for it one by one. Now then, that said, I am not afraid of Argent and her little band of impudent rebels, nor that little snipe of a ferret that got away." He grabbed the other fox by the collar and pulled him down so that they were both eye-level. "I fear no one, and all should fear me. Their time will come. Argent, those rebels, that ferret, will all die in due time, and I will help bring that time about by hunting them down. Now get out of my face."
The fox bowed and made for the door. He gripped the handle and was about to turn it when Drek called him again.
"Caelus, listen to me good, alright?"
The fox turned and nodded.
"Good. I want all of the generals to meet here, now, and I want you here as well. Seeing how you are my advisor, I think it is only suitable that you be here."
Caelus nodded and turned to leave.
"Oh, and Caelus, I don't think I want to wait for dawn."
Caelus bowed and walked out, leaving Drek on his own. A few minutes passed, in which Drek busied himself with sorting and organising ideas and plans to put into motion. Then Caelus returned with two others behind him. The other two were clearly brothers, and seemed to fall just short of Drek's own stature. Drek grinned and nodded to them both as they entered and took their seats.
"Comrades, how have you been?"
One of the two answered for the both of them. "Just fine, sir."
Drek grinned. "Tell me, Seaver, have either of you an idea of why you are hear?"
The fox that had spoken earlier shook his head. "Another planning session?"
Drek chuckled. "There are a few things I think need tending to. Argent has finally made her true intentions known by leaving us and joining that worthless group of rebels. Seaver, I will let you handle that."
Seaver nodded.
"Now then, my ever thoughtful Reb. What I have for you is going to require all of your skills in hunting."
The silent fox nodded.
"A ferret, named Mirage, escaped the attack at the rabbit's den. I know I killed the other two, but I am not sure I want her running around. Get your best, hunt her down, and kill her. You might want to consider her house before wandering through the forest, though. Get started, and don't fail me."
Reb nodded and stood to his feet. Without a word, he left the room.
"He's wonderfully silent, Seaver. You are lucky."
Seaver eyed Drek. "How so?"
"It must be nice to never argue with your brother." Drek chuckled.
"Hardly. It is one thing to be born without a voice, and another to have it killed by a dagger." Seaver stood. "Now, if you don't mind, sir, I'm going to get my crew together."
Drek nodded and dismissed Seaver with a wave of his paw. "Of course." He watched the other fox leave and then turned to face Caelus. "Caelus, what to do with you..." He idly pawed one of the dagger blades sheathed at his side. "Come, I have much to discuss with you."
Caelus grinned and followed Drek into the private back room. There was nothing to talk about, and Caelus knew it. The two of them were going to break open a keg or two and enjoy a good drink. That was the one advantage of working as Drek's advisor, there was plenty to drink.
Chapter III
Mirage stared at the empty house, which appeared long abandoned and forlorn in the pre-dawn darkness. To her, it was still home, but somehow felt different, almost distant from her. As she walked up the three front steps to the door, she did not feel she was coming home, but rather visiting a part of her past. There was no one to greet her, no one to open the door, no one to offer a kind word, just an empty shell that had stood throughout her life, as far as she knew it. Joys, sorrows, tears, all had been shed within the walls, but now there was nothing.
"Are you alright?"
Mirage glanced back at Argent and nodded solemnly. "It'll pass." She drew one of her father's daggers and slid it into the lock.
"What're you doing now?"
"The key was lost in the fire," Mirage turned the blade and the lock clicked open. She opened the door and walked in. "Welcome to my home, Argent, Mikael. Whatever you need, take. I won't be using it."
Argent watched her walk up the stairs to the second floor and vanish around a corner. She sighed and turned to Mikael. "It's going to be a long road with her."
"Yes, it will." Mikael shook his head and looked around the empty room. "They lived simply here." He walked into the next room, the dining room, and ran a paw over the table. "I wonder what will happen to this place once Drek is through with it."
Argent sighed and came up alongside him. "I don't know...but it won't be good. This place is getting to me."
Mikael put an arm around her shoulders and gave her a comforting, one-armed hug. "Things always have a way of getting better later on. You just need to learn to give it time."
Argent nodded. "We should probably check the kitchen; see if there is anything Kass could use."
She smiled and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before exiting into the kitchen. Mikael waited for a moment, running a paw over the table again and feeling the few days' worth of dust that had gathered. It was too bad things had turned out the way they did for Mirage, and he could not help but wonder where her path would take her in the future.
"Mirage...thus is life...all a mirage. Pleasant to the eye...but could be the death of you in a desert of sorrows." He frowned and tapped a claw on the wooden surface before walking to the kitchen to join Argent.
Mirage was in her room, pulling out things to take back with her. It was all mainly clothing; she had never bothered with collections or a library of sorts. Once she had finished, she sat down on her bed and looked about the empty room. It amazed her how different everything looked and felt. The house was empty, and as far as she could tell, it would remain that way for a long time. The silence and oppressing aura of her room gripped her, and she walked out.
She made her way down the hall, past the study, and to her parents' room. Again, the silence was deafening, and things ceased to feel like home. She made her way around the room, looking over things that she normally would not have bothered to notice. The usual tidiness of everything, now coated with a fine layer of dust, or the way the bed was made, untouched, unused. As was the tall armoire standing in the corner of the room.
Mirage stared at it for a moment before walking over and opening one of the doors. It swung open without a sound, and in spite of the organised state of everything, two items caught her eye immediately. Resting, more leaning against one side of the armoire, was a timeworn logbook. The other, was a pair of old daggers, both with an ornate 'G' on the base of their handles. She pulled the logbook out and looked at the cover. Engraved in Loamscript were the initials 'EW', and when she opened the book, she saw Ghost's name written in a heavy yet fluid script. She closed the logbook and slid it into her robe's pocket, turning her attention to the daggers.
The blades were well cared for, and old. She quickly guessed that they belonged to Ghost and had been passed down through the generations that followed. She studied them for a moment and began to sort through the rest of the armoire's contents until she found what she was looking for, the belt and sheaths. She assembled the gear, strapped the belt on under her robe, and closed the armoire.
Giving the room one last look, she left and headed back to her room to fetch her belongings. Mikael was there waiting. He tossed the pack to her and started for the door.
"I am sorry if I interrupted anything, but I think there is trouble about. Argent is looking into it now, but we must leave."
Mirage stared at her pack and nodded slowly. "I have what I need. Let's go."
Mikael walked past her into the hall and looked either way to make sure everything was fine. Mirage noticed for the first time that he had his sword drawn and was holding it, the blade tip a scant hair's breadth from the floor.
"Mikael, what's going on?"
Mikael shook his head and motioned for her to be silent, his mismatched eyes glinting slightly as though to offer a reassuring grin. He then vanished down the hallway.
Mirage waited for a moment, just long enough to sling the pack over her shoulders and draw the two daggers she had found. She tested their grip and was amazed at how well they seemed to fit her grasp, and how natural their feel felt. Silently, following Mikael's example, she stepped into the hallway and started for the stairs.
Mikael was back near her parents' room, half in the door and half in the hallway. She glanced around, making sure she was not being stalked, and walked over to him, reaching a dagger tip out to tap his shoulder.
Chapter IV
Reb spun around in a whirlwind manoeuvre as he felt something touch his shoulder, bringing his heavy-bladed cutlass around with him. It was the ferret's quick reflexes alone that saved her. Metal struck metal as she raised a pair of daggers up in her defence and was thrown against the wall from the force of the blow. Reb held her at bay, pushing against the locked blades and keeping her pinned against the wall. A thing grin spread across his face as he realised who the ferret was, and he reached a paw down for his dagger.
"Bloody...Mirage, duck!"
Something flashed and Reb felt a sharp tingle in his right cheek. He retreated wisely and brought his blade up to face the new threat.
"Well, Reb, I am honoured." Mikael held up his rapier and grinned past it at the fox. "I am willing to guess that this is an important matter, if Drek bothered to send his hunter out."
Reb nodded and brought his cutlass up.
"I accept your challenge. Mirage, get downstairs, Argent is in the kitchen. I will meet you back home later, once I finish with this small matter."
Mirage turned to leave and Reb brought his cutlass around to strike at her. Steel met steel as Mikael interceded with his rapier, and the two foxes were soon staring each other down past locked blades. Mirage hesitated and stood, staring at the two.
"Mirage, go get Argent and leave. I will be fine, I promise."
Reb grinned darkly and seemed to laugh through his eyes. Mirage turned and ran.
Argent spun, blade in paw, as Mirage ploughed into the kitchen door, and relaxed as she recognised the ferret.
"Thank goodness you're alright." Her face creased with worry. "Where's Mikael?"
"Some fox named Reb was up there...I thought it was him, but Mikael came and he's fighting now."
Argent tried to calm Mirage down by placing both paws on her shoulders and looking her straight in the eye.
"Mirage, listen to me carefully, alright? We need to get out of here, and fast. I know Reb won't be alone for long, so we need to get before the rest arrive."
Mirage nodded.
"Is there a back door?"
"It leads to the garden, through here."
Mirage ran to the back of the kitchen and into a small room which appeared to be given over to the garden. She vaguely recalled watching Storm carefully transferring plants from pot to pot, or sorting through the vegetables she would bring in fresh from the garden. She unlatched the back door and pushed it open.
"Good girl, now let's get back home." Argent motioned for Mirage to follow. "Keep up, I'm moving fast."
Like a dart, the vixen took off into the woods. Mirage wasted no time in running after her, hoping that if she lost track of her, she would be able to remember the way back on her own.
Reb snarled in a silent growl as Mikael neatly avoided the cutlass once more. The two had yet to deal a noteworthy blow, and the only injuries thus far were the thin gash on Reb's cheek, and a small stab wound on Mikael's left arm. The rest of the blows had been to test the other and search out weaknesses.
Mikael was confident in his abilities. His rapier and mind were fast, and lethal, but Reb's cutlass carried a heavier blow, and if timed wrong, a parry would leave a rapier blade in two pieces. So, Mikael had to resort to swift strikes, followed by a quick fall back. Hit and run.
Reb knew he had power advantage, but also knew that in a close-quarters fight, speed held another advantage. The rapier was lighter, faster, and more workable in the confines of the hall. He narrowed his eyes and assessed the situation. All he needed to do, if he wished to defeat the other fox, was deliver one blow. The only problem was in getting the right position for that blow.
"Well, Reb, what are you thinking?" Mikael grinned and taunted the other fox. "No answer? That is just too bad. Come on...attack, I dare you to."
Reb swung the cutlass and Mikael stepped back, batting the blade down with his rapier. Reb drew his dagger and lunged at Mikael, who was caught off guard and open. The two fell to the ground struggling.
Argent looked over her shoulder and urged Mirage on. "Almost there...you know where you are now." She ushered Mirage into the entrance of the safe house and glanced over her shoulder before going in after.
"Argent, what's goin' on?"
"Attack. Reb showed up at the house and attacked us."
"Where's Mikael?"
"I don't know, Slick...hopefully on his way." Argent sighed and bit her lip. "If he shows up, let me know. Tell him to report to me immediately."
Slick nodded, even though neither could see the gesture in the dark tunnel. "I'll let 'im know."
Argent made her way down into the main room and looked about. Shara was sitting at the table eating breakfast; Kass and Mirage were nowhere to be seen.
"Where's Mirage?"
Shara pointed to Mirage's door. "In there. Kass is in the kitchen. Where's Mikael?"
Argent started for the door and did not speak until she had reached it. "He's...coming. He'll be here soon."
Shara nodded slowly and returned to her breakfast in silence. Argent waited a moment, drew in a deep breath, and opened the door.
Mirage was sitting on her bed, both paws covering her face as she wept silently. Argent closed the door gently and walked over to her.
"You alright?"
"Mikael..."
"Will be fine, dear." Argent sat down on the bed. "I've yet to see any beast equal him in swordplay. He'll be fine."
"And if he's not?"
The question caught Argent off guard and there was a long, awkward silence before Argent answered.
"He will be. I know Mikael, and he will be fine."
Chapter V
Drek sat in silence, paws pressed together, and a pensive expression on his face. There was little going on around him that he was aware of, and his focus was on only one thing. In front of him, stretched out on a cot, was Reb. The fox looked as if he had seen better days, and his condition spoke nothing but coming death. Aside from a score of light wounds, there was a deep gash, caused by a dagger, which ran across Reb's gut. Somehow, the fox had managed to make it back to base alive, but it was obvious that he was only holding on by a mere thread.
"So, Mirage is with our old friends?"
Reb nodded slowly.
"And the one who attacked you is dead?"
Reb swallowed but did not answer.
"He is either dead or alive. Did you wound him?"
Reb nodded.
"Like he did you?"
Reb shook his head and pointed to his stomach, indicating nothing more than a stab wound.
"Was it deep?"
It took a while, but Reb managed a nod.
"I would be amazed if he lives to see tomorrow." Drek chuckled. "Do you need anything?"
Reb shook his head and breathed out heavily.
"I'll go get your brother." Drek stood and walked out of the room. "Seaver, come here."
Seaver was leaning against the wall in silence, arms crossed over his chest. He brought his gaze up slowly to meet the other fox's before pushing off the wall and walking to the door.
"He's dying...no need to tell me that, Drek." Seaver pushed past Drek and closed the door behind him.
Drek scratched his chin, looking at the closed door thoughtfully. "Well, Seaver, he's lucky." He started walking down the hall. "His problems are over. Caelus!"
Caelus appeared alongside his leader.
"Caelus, when Seaver is finished, inform him that a new development has come along concerning his mission. The ferret has joined Argent's group, and that they are responsible for Reb's death. Give it to him in a way that makes him seek nothing but revenge."
Caelus bowed slightly. "I will do just that."
"Then, kindly inform him that I wish to speak to him. If all goes well, we will have a killer." Drek chuckled and pushed the door to his quarters open. "And with a killer like Seaver, all he needs to do is pick up Argent's scent, and the thorn will be removed from our side for good."
Caelus grinned and turned to walk back down the hallway. "I will go wait for Seaver, then."
"You do that, Caelus, and when he comes here, escort him in." Drek closed his door and walked to his desk. "Seaver, you were just handed a lemon...it is time to make some wounds and pour the juice on them."
He sat down at his desk and waited for Seaver to arrive, preparing all he would say in his mind.
Chapter VI
Time had passed, too much for Argent to bear. She was pacing in the main room, unable to hide her anxiousness at Mikael's not returning. Seated at the table, watching with just as much anxiety as the vixen, was Mirage. Every now and then, the two would make eye contact, and silently they would hope that at any moment, Mikael would show.
"If you just keep pacing 'round th' room, you'll just make yourself more nervous." Kass closed the kitchen door behind him as he walked in with a small plate of sandwiches. "And here, get something in that neglected stomach."
Argent politely declined with a weak smile and shake of her head. "No thanks, Kass."
Kass frowned and set the plate on the table. "Well, it's there if you want it."
"What about Shara and Slick?"
"I've got another plate for them, an' I'm taking it up now." He walked back to the kitchen door and looked back at Argent. "He'll show up, don't worry none."
Argent sighed as he vanished into the kitchen. "Right, don't worry none." She walked over to the table and sat down in one of the chairs. "I swear, he shows up, I'll kill him for making us worry."
Mirage sighed and looked down at the table. "I think he'll be alright, he should, at least. You said he was a good fighter."
"Right, I did," Argent looked up at her. "But did I also say he is never gone this long?"
"More than once." Mirage frowned and stood. "Well, if none of you are, then I am."
"If none of us are what?"
Mirage checked her daggers; she was now wearing the ones that had belonged to Ghost. "I'm going to look for him." She started walking towards the entrance.
"You're crazy! What'll you do if Drek finds you...or Reb catches you going back?"
Mirage shrugged. "I'll see when I get there. If my line is that of a warrior, then I'll just have to rely on instinct."
Argent grabbed the ferret by the shoulder and held her in place. "You can't go...it's not...I don't want you dead too."
Mirage patted Argent's paw and offered a grin. "I'll be careful. You said that my parents were guardians, and now that they are gone, it falls on me. I'm just doing my job. Besides, what's the worst that can happen?"
Argent sank to her knees and seemed to be on the verge of tears. "I find out Mikael's dead."
There was a long, deafening silence as Argent's words struck Mirage with their full impact and meaning. Mirage smiled weakly and gave the vixen a pat on the shoulder, unable to think of words to say. Without a further sound between them, the ferret turned and left the room, leaving Argent on her knees on the floor.
Reflections
Chapter I
Mirage was roused from her sleep by a gentle knocking at the door. The lamp must have been low on oil, because everything was dark now, and she had trouble seeing any farther than past her nose. The door opened a crack, letting in some light from the main room, and the silhouette of a fox popped its head in.
"Mirage, are you awake?" It was Argent. "My...it's a little dark in here, no?"
She entered with a lamp from the main room and re-lit the main lamp. A dim yellow light filled the room, and Mirage smiled tiredly at Argent.
"The wick was low and must have burned out over night. It just needed to be lit again." Argent made her way to the bed. "Well, we've got some work to do, and I'd like to have it done before sunrise. That is pretty much the only time we will be safe from Drek."
Mirage nodded slowly and sighed sadly at the mention of the murderous fox. Argent smiled softly and sat down on the bed, placing a paw on the ferret's shoulder.
"Listen, I know it's hard, but you will get through this. I know it won't be the easiest thing to do...I've had my share of sorrows because of him, but that's why I'm here. Mikael and I were talking last night, and both of us want to see you through this. Alright?"
Mirage nodded and rubbed her eyes wearily. "Where's Mikael?"
"He's getting ready to go. Kass has a breakfast waiting for us, too, some hot biscuits with blueberries. He really is a wonder with foods..." Argent frowned and gave Mirage's shoulder a squeeze. "Listen, go ahead and get yourself ready to go. Mikael and I will be waiting at the table."
Mirage whispered a soft 'thank you' and watched Argent leave the room. Once the door had closed, she slid out of the covers and washed her face in the basin. She noticed, for the first time, a mirror hanging over the basin, and she spent a moment staring at the reflection, remembering what Argent had told her the night before.
"I am going to teach you to see more..." The necklace with the eagle still hung about her neck, and she studied it in the mirror for a moment. "What more is there to see?"
She dried her face and got dressed, not caring that she was now wearing the same thing for the third day in a row, and looked about the room again. Her father's daggers were lying on the stand near the door, where one of the two lamps stood. Taking them both, she slid them into her belt and threw her robe on. Then, giving herself one last look in the mirror, she walked out of the room.
Mikael and Argent were already eating, and talking to each other, and when Mirage stepped into the room, they both stopped and smiled her way. Instantly, Mirage recalled the night before, when she had met Mikael for the first time. Mirage politely returned the smile and walked over to a seat that had a plate of biscuits in front of it.
"Good morning, m'lady."
"Good morning, Mikael." Mirage smiled again as she picked up one of the biscuits.
"I trust you slept well?"
Mirage nodded and took a bite from the biscuit, immediately taking a liking to it. She finished it in a few bites and picked up a second. "I slept well, Mikael. Thank you for asking." She bit into the new biscuit and grinned. "These are good."
Mikael smiled in his soft-natured way. "Well, Kass is a very skilled cook. We would probably go hungry without him."
Argent gave him a shove. "Oh, what's wrong with Shara's cooking?"
"I never said anything was wrong with it, dear. I simply commented on Kass' extraordinary skill."
Mirage chewed on the biscuit slowly. Had she just heard Mikael call Argent 'dear?' She shrugged it aside and swallowed. "So, how soon are we leaving?"
Argent shot Mikael a quick glance and grinned at Mirage. "As soon as you're ready."
Mirage finished the last biscuit on her plate and stood. "Then let's get going."
Mikael grinned. "Ah, one who is not afraid to take action. I like that." He stood and gave Argent a quick shove. "Don't you?"
Argent pointed a finger at him sternly. "Now lets get something straight here, alright? I may not be as hasty as some, but I'm good in a fix."
Mikael rolled his eyes and started walking towards the door, pulling a black cape over his shoulders. "Come along, Argent. You are slowing us up."
Argent narrowed her eyes and threw a wadded up serviette at him. "Don't tell me what I'm doing." She stood and hurried to catch up to him. "I know exactly what I'm doing."
Mikael let Mirage ahead of him and opened the door to the main entrance. "Sure you do, Argent, and my name is Ginger."
"If you insist," Argent shoved him into the passageway. "Now move your big hide before I start prodding you with the point of my rapier."
"Tsk, tsk...such violence."
Mirage chuckled at the two. "Come on...both of you are loud enough to bring every warlord from here to Noonevale on us. Didn't you learn anything about stealth?"
Mikael grinned. "She did it again. I am telling you, she is one who takes action when needed."
Both Argent and Mirage whirled on him and shushed him simultaneously. Mikael just grinned and carried on up the passage.
Chapter II
Wait for dawn.
That was probably the most overused and underrated order to ever befall the world, and Drek was annoyed to the point of near anger by just the mere mention of it. He was sitting in his room, a bandage covering the spot where Shadow had struck him with the stick. Pacing in front of him was another fox, who, in appearance, was just like him, save for a little scrawnier.
"Please stop pacing, you are giving me a headache worse than what that miserable ferret gave me."
The fox stopped and bit his lip. "Are you sure you want to go out like that?"
Drek narrowed his eyes and glared at the fox. "You listen to me good like, alright? I am not afraid of my own troops, and if they think that a little headache makes me unworthy of being their leader, then they can fight me for it one by one. Now then, that said, I am not afraid of Argent and her little band of impudent rebels, nor that little snipe of a ferret that got away." He grabbed the other fox by the collar and pulled him down so that they were both eye-level. "I fear no one, and all should fear me. Their time will come. Argent, those rebels, that ferret, will all die in due time, and I will help bring that time about by hunting them down. Now get out of my face."
The fox bowed and made for the door. He gripped the handle and was about to turn it when Drek called him again.
"Caelus, listen to me good, alright?"
The fox turned and nodded.
"Good. I want all of the generals to meet here, now, and I want you here as well. Seeing how you are my advisor, I think it is only suitable that you be here."
Caelus nodded and turned to leave.
"Oh, and Caelus, I don't think I want to wait for dawn."
Caelus bowed and walked out, leaving Drek on his own. A few minutes passed, in which Drek busied himself with sorting and organising ideas and plans to put into motion. Then Caelus returned with two others behind him. The other two were clearly brothers, and seemed to fall just short of Drek's own stature. Drek grinned and nodded to them both as they entered and took their seats.
"Comrades, how have you been?"
One of the two answered for the both of them. "Just fine, sir."
Drek grinned. "Tell me, Seaver, have either of you an idea of why you are hear?"
The fox that had spoken earlier shook his head. "Another planning session?"
Drek chuckled. "There are a few things I think need tending to. Argent has finally made her true intentions known by leaving us and joining that worthless group of rebels. Seaver, I will let you handle that."
Seaver nodded.
"Now then, my ever thoughtful Reb. What I have for you is going to require all of your skills in hunting."
The silent fox nodded.
"A ferret, named Mirage, escaped the attack at the rabbit's den. I know I killed the other two, but I am not sure I want her running around. Get your best, hunt her down, and kill her. You might want to consider her house before wandering through the forest, though. Get started, and don't fail me."
Reb nodded and stood to his feet. Without a word, he left the room.
"He's wonderfully silent, Seaver. You are lucky."
Seaver eyed Drek. "How so?"
"It must be nice to never argue with your brother." Drek chuckled.
"Hardly. It is one thing to be born without a voice, and another to have it killed by a dagger." Seaver stood. "Now, if you don't mind, sir, I'm going to get my crew together."
Drek nodded and dismissed Seaver with a wave of his paw. "Of course." He watched the other fox leave and then turned to face Caelus. "Caelus, what to do with you..." He idly pawed one of the dagger blades sheathed at his side. "Come, I have much to discuss with you."
Caelus grinned and followed Drek into the private back room. There was nothing to talk about, and Caelus knew it. The two of them were going to break open a keg or two and enjoy a good drink. That was the one advantage of working as Drek's advisor, there was plenty to drink.
Chapter III
Mirage stared at the empty house, which appeared long abandoned and forlorn in the pre-dawn darkness. To her, it was still home, but somehow felt different, almost distant from her. As she walked up the three front steps to the door, she did not feel she was coming home, but rather visiting a part of her past. There was no one to greet her, no one to open the door, no one to offer a kind word, just an empty shell that had stood throughout her life, as far as she knew it. Joys, sorrows, tears, all had been shed within the walls, but now there was nothing.
"Are you alright?"
Mirage glanced back at Argent and nodded solemnly. "It'll pass." She drew one of her father's daggers and slid it into the lock.
"What're you doing now?"
"The key was lost in the fire," Mirage turned the blade and the lock clicked open. She opened the door and walked in. "Welcome to my home, Argent, Mikael. Whatever you need, take. I won't be using it."
Argent watched her walk up the stairs to the second floor and vanish around a corner. She sighed and turned to Mikael. "It's going to be a long road with her."
"Yes, it will." Mikael shook his head and looked around the empty room. "They lived simply here." He walked into the next room, the dining room, and ran a paw over the table. "I wonder what will happen to this place once Drek is through with it."
Argent sighed and came up alongside him. "I don't know...but it won't be good. This place is getting to me."
Mikael put an arm around her shoulders and gave her a comforting, one-armed hug. "Things always have a way of getting better later on. You just need to learn to give it time."
Argent nodded. "We should probably check the kitchen; see if there is anything Kass could use."
She smiled and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before exiting into the kitchen. Mikael waited for a moment, running a paw over the table again and feeling the few days' worth of dust that had gathered. It was too bad things had turned out the way they did for Mirage, and he could not help but wonder where her path would take her in the future.
"Mirage...thus is life...all a mirage. Pleasant to the eye...but could be the death of you in a desert of sorrows." He frowned and tapped a claw on the wooden surface before walking to the kitchen to join Argent.
Mirage was in her room, pulling out things to take back with her. It was all mainly clothing; she had never bothered with collections or a library of sorts. Once she had finished, she sat down on her bed and looked about the empty room. It amazed her how different everything looked and felt. The house was empty, and as far as she could tell, it would remain that way for a long time. The silence and oppressing aura of her room gripped her, and she walked out.
She made her way down the hall, past the study, and to her parents' room. Again, the silence was deafening, and things ceased to feel like home. She made her way around the room, looking over things that she normally would not have bothered to notice. The usual tidiness of everything, now coated with a fine layer of dust, or the way the bed was made, untouched, unused. As was the tall armoire standing in the corner of the room.
Mirage stared at it for a moment before walking over and opening one of the doors. It swung open without a sound, and in spite of the organised state of everything, two items caught her eye immediately. Resting, more leaning against one side of the armoire, was a timeworn logbook. The other, was a pair of old daggers, both with an ornate 'G' on the base of their handles. She pulled the logbook out and looked at the cover. Engraved in Loamscript were the initials 'EW', and when she opened the book, she saw Ghost's name written in a heavy yet fluid script. She closed the logbook and slid it into her robe's pocket, turning her attention to the daggers.
The blades were well cared for, and old. She quickly guessed that they belonged to Ghost and had been passed down through the generations that followed. She studied them for a moment and began to sort through the rest of the armoire's contents until she found what she was looking for, the belt and sheaths. She assembled the gear, strapped the belt on under her robe, and closed the armoire.
Giving the room one last look, she left and headed back to her room to fetch her belongings. Mikael was there waiting. He tossed the pack to her and started for the door.
"I am sorry if I interrupted anything, but I think there is trouble about. Argent is looking into it now, but we must leave."
Mirage stared at her pack and nodded slowly. "I have what I need. Let's go."
Mikael walked past her into the hall and looked either way to make sure everything was fine. Mirage noticed for the first time that he had his sword drawn and was holding it, the blade tip a scant hair's breadth from the floor.
"Mikael, what's going on?"
Mikael shook his head and motioned for her to be silent, his mismatched eyes glinting slightly as though to offer a reassuring grin. He then vanished down the hallway.
Mirage waited for a moment, just long enough to sling the pack over her shoulders and draw the two daggers she had found. She tested their grip and was amazed at how well they seemed to fit her grasp, and how natural their feel felt. Silently, following Mikael's example, she stepped into the hallway and started for the stairs.
Mikael was back near her parents' room, half in the door and half in the hallway. She glanced around, making sure she was not being stalked, and walked over to him, reaching a dagger tip out to tap his shoulder.
Chapter IV
Reb spun around in a whirlwind manoeuvre as he felt something touch his shoulder, bringing his heavy-bladed cutlass around with him. It was the ferret's quick reflexes alone that saved her. Metal struck metal as she raised a pair of daggers up in her defence and was thrown against the wall from the force of the blow. Reb held her at bay, pushing against the locked blades and keeping her pinned against the wall. A thing grin spread across his face as he realised who the ferret was, and he reached a paw down for his dagger.
"Bloody...Mirage, duck!"
Something flashed and Reb felt a sharp tingle in his right cheek. He retreated wisely and brought his blade up to face the new threat.
"Well, Reb, I am honoured." Mikael held up his rapier and grinned past it at the fox. "I am willing to guess that this is an important matter, if Drek bothered to send his hunter out."
Reb nodded and brought his cutlass up.
"I accept your challenge. Mirage, get downstairs, Argent is in the kitchen. I will meet you back home later, once I finish with this small matter."
Mirage turned to leave and Reb brought his cutlass around to strike at her. Steel met steel as Mikael interceded with his rapier, and the two foxes were soon staring each other down past locked blades. Mirage hesitated and stood, staring at the two.
"Mirage, go get Argent and leave. I will be fine, I promise."
Reb grinned darkly and seemed to laugh through his eyes. Mirage turned and ran.
Argent spun, blade in paw, as Mirage ploughed into the kitchen door, and relaxed as she recognised the ferret.
"Thank goodness you're alright." Her face creased with worry. "Where's Mikael?"
"Some fox named Reb was up there...I thought it was him, but Mikael came and he's fighting now."
Argent tried to calm Mirage down by placing both paws on her shoulders and looking her straight in the eye.
"Mirage, listen to me carefully, alright? We need to get out of here, and fast. I know Reb won't be alone for long, so we need to get before the rest arrive."
Mirage nodded.
"Is there a back door?"
"It leads to the garden, through here."
Mirage ran to the back of the kitchen and into a small room which appeared to be given over to the garden. She vaguely recalled watching Storm carefully transferring plants from pot to pot, or sorting through the vegetables she would bring in fresh from the garden. She unlatched the back door and pushed it open.
"Good girl, now let's get back home." Argent motioned for Mirage to follow. "Keep up, I'm moving fast."
Like a dart, the vixen took off into the woods. Mirage wasted no time in running after her, hoping that if she lost track of her, she would be able to remember the way back on her own.
Reb snarled in a silent growl as Mikael neatly avoided the cutlass once more. The two had yet to deal a noteworthy blow, and the only injuries thus far were the thin gash on Reb's cheek, and a small stab wound on Mikael's left arm. The rest of the blows had been to test the other and search out weaknesses.
Mikael was confident in his abilities. His rapier and mind were fast, and lethal, but Reb's cutlass carried a heavier blow, and if timed wrong, a parry would leave a rapier blade in two pieces. So, Mikael had to resort to swift strikes, followed by a quick fall back. Hit and run.
Reb knew he had power advantage, but also knew that in a close-quarters fight, speed held another advantage. The rapier was lighter, faster, and more workable in the confines of the hall. He narrowed his eyes and assessed the situation. All he needed to do, if he wished to defeat the other fox, was deliver one blow. The only problem was in getting the right position for that blow.
"Well, Reb, what are you thinking?" Mikael grinned and taunted the other fox. "No answer? That is just too bad. Come on...attack, I dare you to."
Reb swung the cutlass and Mikael stepped back, batting the blade down with his rapier. Reb drew his dagger and lunged at Mikael, who was caught off guard and open. The two fell to the ground struggling.
Argent looked over her shoulder and urged Mirage on. "Almost there...you know where you are now." She ushered Mirage into the entrance of the safe house and glanced over her shoulder before going in after.
"Argent, what's goin' on?"
"Attack. Reb showed up at the house and attacked us."
"Where's Mikael?"
"I don't know, Slick...hopefully on his way." Argent sighed and bit her lip. "If he shows up, let me know. Tell him to report to me immediately."
Slick nodded, even though neither could see the gesture in the dark tunnel. "I'll let 'im know."
Argent made her way down into the main room and looked about. Shara was sitting at the table eating breakfast; Kass and Mirage were nowhere to be seen.
"Where's Mirage?"
Shara pointed to Mirage's door. "In there. Kass is in the kitchen. Where's Mikael?"
Argent started for the door and did not speak until she had reached it. "He's...coming. He'll be here soon."
Shara nodded slowly and returned to her breakfast in silence. Argent waited a moment, drew in a deep breath, and opened the door.
Mirage was sitting on her bed, both paws covering her face as she wept silently. Argent closed the door gently and walked over to her.
"You alright?"
"Mikael..."
"Will be fine, dear." Argent sat down on the bed. "I've yet to see any beast equal him in swordplay. He'll be fine."
"And if he's not?"
The question caught Argent off guard and there was a long, awkward silence before Argent answered.
"He will be. I know Mikael, and he will be fine."
Chapter V
Drek sat in silence, paws pressed together, and a pensive expression on his face. There was little going on around him that he was aware of, and his focus was on only one thing. In front of him, stretched out on a cot, was Reb. The fox looked as if he had seen better days, and his condition spoke nothing but coming death. Aside from a score of light wounds, there was a deep gash, caused by a dagger, which ran across Reb's gut. Somehow, the fox had managed to make it back to base alive, but it was obvious that he was only holding on by a mere thread.
"So, Mirage is with our old friends?"
Reb nodded slowly.
"And the one who attacked you is dead?"
Reb swallowed but did not answer.
"He is either dead or alive. Did you wound him?"
Reb nodded.
"Like he did you?"
Reb shook his head and pointed to his stomach, indicating nothing more than a stab wound.
"Was it deep?"
It took a while, but Reb managed a nod.
"I would be amazed if he lives to see tomorrow." Drek chuckled. "Do you need anything?"
Reb shook his head and breathed out heavily.
"I'll go get your brother." Drek stood and walked out of the room. "Seaver, come here."
Seaver was leaning against the wall in silence, arms crossed over his chest. He brought his gaze up slowly to meet the other fox's before pushing off the wall and walking to the door.
"He's dying...no need to tell me that, Drek." Seaver pushed past Drek and closed the door behind him.
Drek scratched his chin, looking at the closed door thoughtfully. "Well, Seaver, he's lucky." He started walking down the hall. "His problems are over. Caelus!"
Caelus appeared alongside his leader.
"Caelus, when Seaver is finished, inform him that a new development has come along concerning his mission. The ferret has joined Argent's group, and that they are responsible for Reb's death. Give it to him in a way that makes him seek nothing but revenge."
Caelus bowed slightly. "I will do just that."
"Then, kindly inform him that I wish to speak to him. If all goes well, we will have a killer." Drek chuckled and pushed the door to his quarters open. "And with a killer like Seaver, all he needs to do is pick up Argent's scent, and the thorn will be removed from our side for good."
Caelus grinned and turned to walk back down the hallway. "I will go wait for Seaver, then."
"You do that, Caelus, and when he comes here, escort him in." Drek closed his door and walked to his desk. "Seaver, you were just handed a lemon...it is time to make some wounds and pour the juice on them."
He sat down at his desk and waited for Seaver to arrive, preparing all he would say in his mind.
Chapter VI
Time had passed, too much for Argent to bear. She was pacing in the main room, unable to hide her anxiousness at Mikael's not returning. Seated at the table, watching with just as much anxiety as the vixen, was Mirage. Every now and then, the two would make eye contact, and silently they would hope that at any moment, Mikael would show.
"If you just keep pacing 'round th' room, you'll just make yourself more nervous." Kass closed the kitchen door behind him as he walked in with a small plate of sandwiches. "And here, get something in that neglected stomach."
Argent politely declined with a weak smile and shake of her head. "No thanks, Kass."
Kass frowned and set the plate on the table. "Well, it's there if you want it."
"What about Shara and Slick?"
"I've got another plate for them, an' I'm taking it up now." He walked back to the kitchen door and looked back at Argent. "He'll show up, don't worry none."
Argent sighed as he vanished into the kitchen. "Right, don't worry none." She walked over to the table and sat down in one of the chairs. "I swear, he shows up, I'll kill him for making us worry."
Mirage sighed and looked down at the table. "I think he'll be alright, he should, at least. You said he was a good fighter."
"Right, I did," Argent looked up at her. "But did I also say he is never gone this long?"
"More than once." Mirage frowned and stood. "Well, if none of you are, then I am."
"If none of us are what?"
Mirage checked her daggers; she was now wearing the ones that had belonged to Ghost. "I'm going to look for him." She started walking towards the entrance.
"You're crazy! What'll you do if Drek finds you...or Reb catches you going back?"
Mirage shrugged. "I'll see when I get there. If my line is that of a warrior, then I'll just have to rely on instinct."
Argent grabbed the ferret by the shoulder and held her in place. "You can't go...it's not...I don't want you dead too."
Mirage patted Argent's paw and offered a grin. "I'll be careful. You said that my parents were guardians, and now that they are gone, it falls on me. I'm just doing my job. Besides, what's the worst that can happen?"
Argent sank to her knees and seemed to be on the verge of tears. "I find out Mikael's dead."
There was a long, deafening silence as Argent's words struck Mirage with their full impact and meaning. Mirage smiled weakly and gave the vixen a pat on the shoulder, unable to think of words to say. Without a further sound between them, the ferret turned and left the room, leaving Argent on her knees on the floor.