Part Three
Visions
Chapter I
I don't want to be much of a bore, or an emotional wreck once done writing this, so I will keep it short.
Put simply, I am frightened, and yet oddly tranquil about this...mess. Granted, I think I will never recover from the sight of my parents' murder, and I am not sure I'll...now I've made myself cry just thinking about it and I'll probably smear the ink. Like I was saying, I am not sure I'll be able to do what I believe I am being called to do in my dream.
I guess now is as good a time as any to write this down, concerning last night's dream. Argent told me about Ghost, so either that triggered something, or I really saw this...vision.
Ghost was in my dream; at least that is who he told me he was. One other was with him, but I never knew who she was. He had the same robe I wear now, the dark green with the eagle, but not the daggers that I now wear on my belt. He told me things, I am certain he did, and though I remember being told many things, I only recall a few.
What I remember was this:
I was on a beach, and off in the distance I could see a dark plume of smoke rising on the southern horizon. I know it was the southern, because I watched the sun rise in the east. I was walking north when I came across a young ferret, like myself, sitting crouched in the sands and crying. I was going to ask him what was wrong when another came up to me.
"What is wrong with him?" I asked.
"He is living through tough times and has recently made a choice that will impact his life forever," the second ferret said.
The more I looked at him, the more I knew that it was Ghost. I have never heard what he looked like, but something told me it was he.
"What do you want?"
Ghost pointed at the crying ferret. "You are like him, only you are coming to a crossroad, and you will need to choose your path."
I asked him what he meant and he looked up at me.
"Things only become more clear in time. All that you know now will not be all you know then. Time will open new memories, and unlock the doors that are now closed."
Then an odd thing happened. I looked down at the crying ferret and then back to Ghost, but Ghost was gone. In my mind, though, I heard his voice echoing to me.
"Remember, time unlocks all doors, and soon you shall know all I say."
I cannot recall the rest, as it is a haze, but I know there was more to the dream, and that something happened to the crying ferret. The only problem is that now I find I am unable to remember it.
Perhaps time will reveal more.
~Mirage
Mirage sighed and closed the small journal she had brought from her home. It had gone unused -the only entry being from her parents- until now, and now a desire to record things had seized her.
She had gone most of the way back to her home, not yet finding any sign of Mikael, or of Drek's Foxtribe. The further on she went, the more uncertain she was. Having seen no sign of anyone meant that either she was safe, or that they were preparing an ambush further on, and no sign of Mikael meant he was safe at the house, had somehow passed her, or was injured or dead. The thoughts worried her so much she had to force herself not to think them.
Sliding the journal into the pocket of her robe, she continued towards the house. It was not too far off, and she probably had no more than half an hour, if she paused for another break, and if she continued at a decent pace, then no more than fifteen to twenty minutes.
The house was anything but welcoming. Foreboding, desolate, haunting yes, but welcoming was the last thing that crossed Myriad's mind as she approached the front steps. Off in the distance, a bird of some sort whistled out a shrill cry, perhaps having found a potential meal. Myriad glanced about nervously at the sound, something inside of her telling her she was being watched. She saw nothing. Gathering her nerves, she turned the handle to the front door and stepped inside.
Everything was silent and still, the only signs that there had been any visitors was the dark stains of blood splotched along the floor and leading to the front door. She gulped and closed the door behind her, quickly walking past the fresh stains. Her retreat was halted abruptly, however, by the cool sensation of metal against her throat. Someone pulled the hood of her robe back, and once it had fallen free of her head, the sword lowered.
"Thank goodness it is you."
Myriad turned slowly and found herself facing Mikael. The fox was a little on the pale side, and was hunched over, one paw pressed against a crimson bandage around his gut. "Mikael, are you alright?"
"I shall live, it does take more than a small dagger to kill me." Mikael grinned as he walked over to the door. "Have you got the key?"
Myriad shook her head. "It was ruined in a fire, remember?"
"Ah...yes, I remember now." He pointed to the kitchen. "Try to lock the door, I will be back soon."
Myriad nodded and swiftly locked the door with her dagger. Mikael returned a short while later with a knife, which he shoved forcefully into the lock and then snapped with a quick jerk.
"There, that should keep them from unlocking the door."
"You mean they're still out there?"
Mikael nodded. "You heard that bird as you approached the door, right? That was the scout who was left to watch the house. Now that you are here, I fear they will return in force."
Myriad sighed and looked about the house. "I guess we should get the windows covered too, then."
Mikael nodded. "I have already done that. Are there any doors I might not be aware of?"
"Did you get the one in the kitchen?"
Mikael nodded.
"Then there is one, something Ghost put in and never used. It's a floor panel in the downstairs closet. It leads to a storm cellar, and then to an exit in the forest."
"We will save that one for our escape, then." Mikael grinned and set his rapier down. "Until they come, there is nothing left to do but wait."
Chapter II
Shara and Argent occupied the central room of the fox den, neither one sitting still for very long. It was all too obvious that they were worried, and the topic of their worry could be guessed with a fair degree of certainty. Argent was pacing nervously, not in any particular order, but rather wherever there was empty space in the room. Shara, however, contented herself with sitting at the table, trying to console her friend in vain.
"Argent, I know the both of them, they'll be fine. I'd be willing to bet that they'll walk in here any moment now."
Argent stopped her pacing and stared at the floor, biting her lip nervously.
"What're you thinking, dear?"
'That you're right."
The two shared a quick glance and Shara frowned.
"Listen, you've nothing to worry about." She made her way over to Argent and freed the lip from her teeth. "Look, you made yourself bleed. Now listen to me good. Mikael's a fighter, the best in our group here, and arguably the best in these parts. If he were dead, and Mirage with him, then Drek would be celebrating. I don't hear any wild parties, nor do I hear him bragging and swaggering about, so I'm assuming that Mikael's perfectly fine." She pointed a finger at Argent. "And I want you to do the same."
Suddenly, the sound of voices coming from the hall caught their attention, and both immediately turned their attention on the door. It opened, and Slick nodded to them, turning around to hold the door open. Mirage entered the room; her robe betraying the troubles they had encountered with a new crimson stain. Leaning on her shoulder, and more out of exhaustion than from the wound in his side, was Mikael.
Argent was the first of the two to move, darting over and taking Mikael from Mirage. As she led him to the table, Slick and Shara moved to help the wounded ferret. Mirage had sunk to her knees upon being relieved of Mikael, both of the freed paws moving to apply pressure to the gash on her stomach. Argent's focus was so much on Mikael, that she failed to notice her tow comrades lead Mirage to her room, nor did she notice when only Slick returned.
"Mikael, are you alright?"
"Oh, I am fine. Mirage is who you should be worried about. She took a bloody rake across the gut in a fight. I was impressed by her skills, and were it not for her, I would not be here."
Argent went pale at the mention of Mirage being wounded. She turned quickly, facing Slick. "Where is she? She's fine, right?"
"Uh, fine...yes...not bad, at least. She'll pull through, we just need to take care of her in the mean time." Slick shook his head. "Just be glad it wasn't any deeper."
Mikael sighed. "And she still managed to carry me back? I owe her a very good gift." He noticed Argent's expression, frozen in worry and anxiety. "Now listen, dear, now is hardly the time to start worrying. I am not certain, but there is the risk that Mirage and I were followed back. Slick, get back on post and sound the alarm should anything arise. Oh, and before you do, I have one favour."
"Anything, pal. You name it."
Mikael grinned. "Get Kass to make something warm, Mirage needs a good meal to keep her energy up."
Slick nodded and barged through the door to the kitchen, leaving Mikael and Argent alone in the room. Argent was still staring at Mirage's closed door.
"Argent, are you alright?" When he received no answer, Mikael reached a paw out and clasped it on her shoulder. "Argent? Well, if you are listening, then that is all that matters. We are doing well -you are doing well- and we will see the end of this. For now, though, I am fine and Mirage is fine. Get up and relax for a while; the worst thus far is over, and we have more to look forward to."
"I can't."
Mikael frowned. "Hmm?"
"I can't, Mikael. There's too much in the past grabbing my attention, and I can't see anything worth looking forward to."
There was a prolonged silence, during which Slick emerged from the kitchen and immediately went through the room to the hall, back to his post as sentry. Mikael watched him leave in silence, saving his words for Argent's ears only.
"There is me to look forward to. Us, Argent."
"You almost died, Mikael. The end of you would be the end of me."
Mikael sighed. "Argent, I am not dead yet, and neither are you. Act like you are living, and you shall live. Act like you are dead, and you shall die."
"Just don't die, Mikael."
"I guarantee that I will live, Argent. I still have a debt to pay with Mirage, and I despise unpaid debts." He smiled and leaned down, ignoring the protesting pain in his side. Giving her a quick kiss on the cheek, he stood and started for his room. "Now, tell Kass I am looking forward to a very nice supper, and I do not feel like being disappointed."
Argent nodded. "I'll do that. Get some rest until then."
"I'll do that." Mikael smiled and closed the door behind him.
Chapter III
"I wounded her, and I can assure you it was more than just a minor wound."
Drek narrowed his eyes slightly, pressing his paws together as he listened to Seaver's report. The tribe leader was seated at his desk, the ever-present Caelus not far from his side. Both had the same question on their minds; it was Drek who addressed it first.
"And will she die?"
Seaver shook his head. "No. I have been in the trade of hunting for a long time, and I can say that she will live."
There was a deafening silence, which fell upon the three like a shroud of death. Death took the form of Drek, who leaned forward and rested both paws on his desk as he glared daggers at Seaver.
"Seaver, listen to me good here, alright? I despise failure with a passion. I liken it to my worst enemy. There are no limits to what I would do to see my enemy dead."
Seaver gulped and nodded. "Aye, sire. I'll do what I can."
"No." Drek produced a dagger from his desk and slid it across to Seaver. "Do more. Whatever it takes...at all costs, even your life."
Seaver took the dagger without hesitation and left the room in a rush. Caelus frowned and glanced sidelong at Drek.
"That was brutal, m'lord."
"So it was," Drek replied dryly, "but necessary. I cannot have subordination occurring amongst my tribe, and to insure that it doesn't, we need high moral. High moral comes from success, not failure." He grinned slightly and stood. "Caelus, when the scout returns, send him and Seaver to me."
"Might I enquire why, m'lord?"
"I have a plan, Caelus. You will hear it in due time. Now catch Seaver and send him to his quarters while I fine tune the plan, then keep watch for the scout. Who did we send this time?"
"Ekelles, m'lord."
"Then he should be back soon. He always was our fastest runner."
Caelus bowed as he left. "Of course, m'lord. I will send him as soon as he arrives."
Seaver sighed heavily as he collapsed into his own chair, a part of him grateful that the suicide mission had been called off. Things, it seemed, had been working against him lately. There was the untimely death of his brother, and then the loss of three at the lethal daggers of the ferret, and Drek's sudden disapproval of his own stature and skill. So much of it could have been directly attributed to fate, but so much of him wanted to pass it off as a stroke of bad luck. The only thing more unnerving than everything happening all at once, was Drek's reaction to it all.
True, Drek was not one to show much emotion or offer condolences, but he seemed to pass of Reb's death with as much cruelty as one might the death of an enemy. Reb had been a master at his trade, and Seaver had little hope of fully replacing him, and he was more than certain Drek would have, or should have, understood a partially successful first mission in the field. The only problem was in that he needed a little more time to refine his skills. The next mission would go over better, of that he had little doubt. Now he only wondered if there would be another mission, or would he become the first to die for failure.
"Seaver,"
Seaver jumped to his feet, startled by the voice suddenly breaking his train of thought. It was only Caelus, Drek's runabout. "What can I do for you?"
Caelus kept himself calm and neutral, not showing any emotion whatsoever. "Drek wishes to meet with you, immediately."
"I thought I was dismissed. Why should I go now?"
Caelus grinned slightly. "Because if you fail to show, he will kill you."
There was a moment of silence during which Seaver afforded himself a cold grin. "Well, that would just be too bad, wouldn't it."
"Just come with me," Caelus said, frowning.
"As you wish, Caelus." Seaver chuckled darkly as he followed the other fox out.
Chapter IV
Things had quieted down in the fox den, and it was just as well, none of the foxes had much they wanted to say. Slick had returned to his post, and Kass retired to the kitchen, busying himself for the evening's dinner. Mikael was sleeping in his room, catching up on the hours lost during his stay in Mirage's house. Mirage was, in contrast, awake, kept from sleep by the pain of her wound alone. Shara had yet to leave her side, being very much the healer that she was and taking care of Mirage as only she thought best. Argent was the only one not occupied with any task in particular, and contented herself with sitting at the empty table, her mind dredging up memories of the Foxtribe, and how things were before Drek's horrid appearance into the Tribe's life. Everything after that, save for a few selected memories, she refused to think about.
Another matter that grabbed her mind, one that demanded more attention, yet showed little signs of reward, was the future. It was true that they had lived thus far, but how much longer depended on nothing more than simple fate. As with any hideaway, the concealed lair would be found out, and as with any pest, Drek would do away with them as he saw fit. Grossly outnumbered, there was next to nothing that her small band could do. Then her thoughts turned to Mirage.
It was true that the ferret was a born fighter, a fact that had grown more evident in just the past day, and a part of Argent wanted to believe that something could be done to stop Drek in his tracks. However, while a part of her thought that, another argued that one fighter alone would not make a world of difference, and it was still only a matter of time before Drek had his victory.
The idea brought a sort of guilt, and Argent started to condemn herself for bringing Mirage, Mikael, and all the others into the mess they were in now. She had demanded them to follow her into the spider's web, and they had all loyally followed. Now, it seemed their only reward would be death. Argent sighed and rested her head on the table.
A sudden loud bang followed by a shout caused her to jump, and she whirled around to face where the noise had come from. Behind the main door, leading out into the dark corridor, she could hear Slick's muffled voice giving orders to somebeast, and guessing by the tone he carried, Argent knew it was a very unwanted guest. A lump formed in her throat and her heart skipped a beat as she realised that their hideaway had finally been discovered. The door slammed open, and she gasped as Seaver stumbled in, goaded onward by Slick's rapier.
"Hey Argent, look what I've caught. He was tryin' t' enter, so I let 'im know there was a watcher."
"Argent, I swear I wasn't trying to do aught...you've got to believe me."
Slick growled and shook his head. "He had this on him,"
He tossed Drek's dagger to Argent, who in turn let it fall to the floor. She glared at Seaver, but remained fixed in her spot near the table.
"Seaver, you had a dagger on you, and you somehow found us out. I know you and your brother, both hunters who seek our blood. You expect me to believe that you did not come to kill us?"
Seaver fell to his knees, ignoring the rapier point in his back as he pleaded to Argent. "My brother's dead. I failed Drek when Mikael and the ferret lived, and he's not keen on that. He's got nothing for me worth dying for, and I know that'll happen sooner or later."
There was silence as Argent stared down at him. "Part of me wants to believe you, but I have trouble listening to that small voice. You're a killer. I don't trust killers."
"Open your eyes, Argent. You're a killer too, lest you've forgotten."
"I kill to survive, Seaver."
"As do I!"
There was a long pause as the two glared at each other. It was Seaver who broke it.
"If I don't kill, I die. You and I both know Drek's no supporter of failures. He called me in today and threatened me. Told me I had only one more chance to do something right, or I'd join Reb. The brute's got no heart. I watched my brother die, and all he could say was that Reb was no longer another variable to worry about in his plan. He's cold...too cold for my likings."
"Well, Seaver, I have a question for you, and you better answer me well. How did you find the den?"
"One of our scouts, Ekelles, followed the ferret and Mikael. He said she left a trail of blood that a mole would have no troubles tracking."
"So Drek knows, then?" Argent sighed and sank back into her chair. "Then it's only a matter of time,"
"You have more time than you think. I was sent here to do the job, finish you off, but I deserted instead. He doesn't know yet...and I was told to do it at my own pace, so until he gets suspicious, he won't think about attacking."
"Oh, come on Seaver. Drek deserves a little more credit than that." Argent gave Slick a nod, dismissing him, and then offered a chair to Seaver. "You and I both know that he does nothing without a backup plan. He'll wait until he's tired of waiting, and he's impatient, so that won't be long."
The two lapsed into silence and watched Slick leave the room. As if on impulse, Argent then stooped down and took Seaver's dagger up in her paws.
"How's the group," she asked, studying the blade.
"Well, Reb's dead. Correl is his usual self, as are Jade and Deaken. Gammond misses your company...we all do."
"Well, I'm not going back. If they miss me, then let them come here and join me. Drek's a tyrant with nothing but lust for power on his mind." Argent's eyes narrowed as she turned the dagger over. "Drek gave you this, didn't he."
Seaver nodded slowly. "How did you know?"
"Read the inscription. He wanted me to get it." She ran a paw over the blade. "Here...I'll read it. 'Lady Argent Silverblade, she whom has pierced my heart like a dagger.'" She slid the dagger across the table to Seaver. "Take a look for yourself. I trust you know the story between Drek and myself?"
"Of course...we all do." Seaver picked the dagger up and studied the blade without interest. "Argent, I want to join your group."
"You are aware that two of my friends, Mikael and Mirage, or as you say, the ferret, are both in their rooms, one wounded by Reb, the other by yourself? If you do join, do not expect a hero's welcome."
"I am not expecting anything of the sort, Argent," he grinned slightly, "comrade."
Chapter V
Mirage awoke the following day with a raging headache. While she remembered most of the previous day's events, she had trouble recalling the exact details of how she managed to make it back to the fox den, and soon concluded that it had been accomplished by adrenaline alone. Now, she did little but welcome Shara's kind treatments and conversation. From what information she could glean together, Mikael was fine, and save for some emotional stress, nothing had happened while she had been searching for him. The only shocking news, and slightly frightening, was that Seaver had arrived. Knowing that a hunter was nearby, and that the hideout was no longer hidden, sleep was soon forgotten.
"I don't care what he says, he's not here to help us."
Mirage was now sitting up in her bed, watching Shara clean some rags and bandages in the washbasin. The vixen shook her head at Mirage's words as she wrung one of the rags.
"If I could only get a silver coin every time I heard that said in this group." She chuckled. "It was said when Kass joined, and then when Mikael joined, and even when I joined." She turned away from her cleaning for a moment to face Mirage. "The thing is, we need all the help we can get. That puts us in a bit of a spot. None of us want to trust one of Drek's kind, fox or no, but we want to know that we have one more team member. It's a tough game, one I hate playing, but in the end, all we can do is hope he's worth the trust."
Mirage nodded. "I understand that, and I know what it's like to not trust someone, but know you need to at the same time." She paused for a moment. Had that just come from her? "The truth is, I didn't think I could trust any of you until not too long ago. Now, I consider you all my family."
Shara smiled and returned to her cleaning. "Well, I'm honoured to know that you feel that way."
There was a peaceful silence, during which both felt no urge to speak. However, Mirage was soon struck by a thought and decided to play on it.
"Shara, where is Seaver?"
"He is in the main room, probably with Argent and Mikael."
Mirage nodded, even though Shara could not see her. With a soft grunt, and ignoring the pain in her bandaged gut, she slid off the bed and began walking to the door. Shara heard this and turned, her nurse-like manner instantly kicking in.
"And where do you think you're going?"
Mirage grinned wryly. "Oh, nowhere. I'm just going to talk to Argent and Mikael."
Shara grinned and nodded. "Go right ahead, I was just kiddin' with ya."
Everything was ominously quiet at the dining table, with Argent and Mikael whispering to themselves on one side and Seaver idly studying the wooden surface on the other. Mirage offered a polite smile to her friends, but saw they were too immersed in their conversation to acknowledge her arrival. She then made her way over to Seaver and slid into the chair next to him. He looked up from the table and, upon seeing who it was, hastily returned to his task.
"You don't need to look away, I'm game for conversation."
Seaver nodded, but kept his gaze focused on the table. "I'm not here to kill you, and I swear that's the truth."
"Why are you here?"
"I have nothing left with Drek, and he'll kill me the first chance he gets. He thinks I'm here on a mission, but I'm really here to join your friends." He looked up and smiled in a way that surprised Mirage. "Hopefully we can win this."
Mirage took in his words silently before carrying on the conversation. "Well, win or lose, we'll put up a fight. You know that already, though." She patted where the bandages circled her gut and grinned.
Seaver chuckled softly and nodded. "Aye, that I do. You surprised me. I didn't think you could fight like that."
"Thank you," she smiled. "I just hope it's enough to help my friends, and if it is, then I am happy."
"Mirage, good to see you on your feet again." It was Argent.
Mirage glanced across the table. "It's good to know I can still walk. Hello Mikael, how are you feeling?"
"Hopefully, I feel better than you. You took a rather nasty blow," he grinned, "welcome to the club."
"So, what's for dinner?"
"Ask Kass, he would know better than any of us." Argent stood and started for the door to her room. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have something that needs doing before dinner."
Mikael nodded and stood, walking over and taking the seat next to Mirage. "So, what are you two talking about?"
"Oh, nothing really, just his reasons for being here."
Mikael nodded and gave Seaver a pat on the back. "Yes, well, I only hope he is being truthful. I would hate to find out he was a liar, especially to Argent and myself." He stood and made his way to the kitchen. "I am going to check on Kass, I should be right back." He winked and vanished through the door.
The two remained silent for a moment as they found themselves left in the room alone. For Mirage, she felt a slight fear, though also awkwardness. She had never been left alone in a room with somebeast who, not more than a day ago, had tried to kill her and wounded her in the process. Then again, she had to admit to herself that a lot had changed in her life during the past few days.
"So, I guess now I should apologise for giving you that scratch."
Mirage chuckled and shook her head. "I'll live, and if I live, then I don't really care about much else."
"True," Seaver said. "All the same, I'm sorry."
"Well, I forgive you then, but only on one condition."
"What's that?"
"Look me in the eyes and tell me that you're here for honest reasons, and you truly intend to join our side of the fight."
Seaver nodded slowly and looked up at the ferret, locking his eyes on hers. "I, Seaver Darkblood, have come to this refuge to join in the fight, to die, if necessary, fighting the warlord Drek."
Mirage nodded and offered a grin. "Well, you've got my trust. Welcome aboard."
Seaver grinned slightly. "Thank you." He looked around silently, unsure of what to say next. "So...what do you do when you're not terrorising Drek?"
Mirage considered the question for a moment before answering. "We survive."
Visions
Chapter I
I don't want to be much of a bore, or an emotional wreck once done writing this, so I will keep it short.
Put simply, I am frightened, and yet oddly tranquil about this...mess. Granted, I think I will never recover from the sight of my parents' murder, and I am not sure I'll...now I've made myself cry just thinking about it and I'll probably smear the ink. Like I was saying, I am not sure I'll be able to do what I believe I am being called to do in my dream.
I guess now is as good a time as any to write this down, concerning last night's dream. Argent told me about Ghost, so either that triggered something, or I really saw this...vision.
Ghost was in my dream; at least that is who he told me he was. One other was with him, but I never knew who she was. He had the same robe I wear now, the dark green with the eagle, but not the daggers that I now wear on my belt. He told me things, I am certain he did, and though I remember being told many things, I only recall a few.
What I remember was this:
I was on a beach, and off in the distance I could see a dark plume of smoke rising on the southern horizon. I know it was the southern, because I watched the sun rise in the east. I was walking north when I came across a young ferret, like myself, sitting crouched in the sands and crying. I was going to ask him what was wrong when another came up to me.
"What is wrong with him?" I asked.
"He is living through tough times and has recently made a choice that will impact his life forever," the second ferret said.
The more I looked at him, the more I knew that it was Ghost. I have never heard what he looked like, but something told me it was he.
"What do you want?"
Ghost pointed at the crying ferret. "You are like him, only you are coming to a crossroad, and you will need to choose your path."
I asked him what he meant and he looked up at me.
"Things only become more clear in time. All that you know now will not be all you know then. Time will open new memories, and unlock the doors that are now closed."
Then an odd thing happened. I looked down at the crying ferret and then back to Ghost, but Ghost was gone. In my mind, though, I heard his voice echoing to me.
"Remember, time unlocks all doors, and soon you shall know all I say."
I cannot recall the rest, as it is a haze, but I know there was more to the dream, and that something happened to the crying ferret. The only problem is that now I find I am unable to remember it.
Perhaps time will reveal more.
~Mirage
Mirage sighed and closed the small journal she had brought from her home. It had gone unused -the only entry being from her parents- until now, and now a desire to record things had seized her.
She had gone most of the way back to her home, not yet finding any sign of Mikael, or of Drek's Foxtribe. The further on she went, the more uncertain she was. Having seen no sign of anyone meant that either she was safe, or that they were preparing an ambush further on, and no sign of Mikael meant he was safe at the house, had somehow passed her, or was injured or dead. The thoughts worried her so much she had to force herself not to think them.
Sliding the journal into the pocket of her robe, she continued towards the house. It was not too far off, and she probably had no more than half an hour, if she paused for another break, and if she continued at a decent pace, then no more than fifteen to twenty minutes.
The house was anything but welcoming. Foreboding, desolate, haunting yes, but welcoming was the last thing that crossed Myriad's mind as she approached the front steps. Off in the distance, a bird of some sort whistled out a shrill cry, perhaps having found a potential meal. Myriad glanced about nervously at the sound, something inside of her telling her she was being watched. She saw nothing. Gathering her nerves, she turned the handle to the front door and stepped inside.
Everything was silent and still, the only signs that there had been any visitors was the dark stains of blood splotched along the floor and leading to the front door. She gulped and closed the door behind her, quickly walking past the fresh stains. Her retreat was halted abruptly, however, by the cool sensation of metal against her throat. Someone pulled the hood of her robe back, and once it had fallen free of her head, the sword lowered.
"Thank goodness it is you."
Myriad turned slowly and found herself facing Mikael. The fox was a little on the pale side, and was hunched over, one paw pressed against a crimson bandage around his gut. "Mikael, are you alright?"
"I shall live, it does take more than a small dagger to kill me." Mikael grinned as he walked over to the door. "Have you got the key?"
Myriad shook her head. "It was ruined in a fire, remember?"
"Ah...yes, I remember now." He pointed to the kitchen. "Try to lock the door, I will be back soon."
Myriad nodded and swiftly locked the door with her dagger. Mikael returned a short while later with a knife, which he shoved forcefully into the lock and then snapped with a quick jerk.
"There, that should keep them from unlocking the door."
"You mean they're still out there?"
Mikael nodded. "You heard that bird as you approached the door, right? That was the scout who was left to watch the house. Now that you are here, I fear they will return in force."
Myriad sighed and looked about the house. "I guess we should get the windows covered too, then."
Mikael nodded. "I have already done that. Are there any doors I might not be aware of?"
"Did you get the one in the kitchen?"
Mikael nodded.
"Then there is one, something Ghost put in and never used. It's a floor panel in the downstairs closet. It leads to a storm cellar, and then to an exit in the forest."
"We will save that one for our escape, then." Mikael grinned and set his rapier down. "Until they come, there is nothing left to do but wait."
Chapter II
Shara and Argent occupied the central room of the fox den, neither one sitting still for very long. It was all too obvious that they were worried, and the topic of their worry could be guessed with a fair degree of certainty. Argent was pacing nervously, not in any particular order, but rather wherever there was empty space in the room. Shara, however, contented herself with sitting at the table, trying to console her friend in vain.
"Argent, I know the both of them, they'll be fine. I'd be willing to bet that they'll walk in here any moment now."
Argent stopped her pacing and stared at the floor, biting her lip nervously.
"What're you thinking, dear?"
'That you're right."
The two shared a quick glance and Shara frowned.
"Listen, you've nothing to worry about." She made her way over to Argent and freed the lip from her teeth. "Look, you made yourself bleed. Now listen to me good. Mikael's a fighter, the best in our group here, and arguably the best in these parts. If he were dead, and Mirage with him, then Drek would be celebrating. I don't hear any wild parties, nor do I hear him bragging and swaggering about, so I'm assuming that Mikael's perfectly fine." She pointed a finger at Argent. "And I want you to do the same."
Suddenly, the sound of voices coming from the hall caught their attention, and both immediately turned their attention on the door. It opened, and Slick nodded to them, turning around to hold the door open. Mirage entered the room; her robe betraying the troubles they had encountered with a new crimson stain. Leaning on her shoulder, and more out of exhaustion than from the wound in his side, was Mikael.
Argent was the first of the two to move, darting over and taking Mikael from Mirage. As she led him to the table, Slick and Shara moved to help the wounded ferret. Mirage had sunk to her knees upon being relieved of Mikael, both of the freed paws moving to apply pressure to the gash on her stomach. Argent's focus was so much on Mikael, that she failed to notice her tow comrades lead Mirage to her room, nor did she notice when only Slick returned.
"Mikael, are you alright?"
"Oh, I am fine. Mirage is who you should be worried about. She took a bloody rake across the gut in a fight. I was impressed by her skills, and were it not for her, I would not be here."
Argent went pale at the mention of Mirage being wounded. She turned quickly, facing Slick. "Where is she? She's fine, right?"
"Uh, fine...yes...not bad, at least. She'll pull through, we just need to take care of her in the mean time." Slick shook his head. "Just be glad it wasn't any deeper."
Mikael sighed. "And she still managed to carry me back? I owe her a very good gift." He noticed Argent's expression, frozen in worry and anxiety. "Now listen, dear, now is hardly the time to start worrying. I am not certain, but there is the risk that Mirage and I were followed back. Slick, get back on post and sound the alarm should anything arise. Oh, and before you do, I have one favour."
"Anything, pal. You name it."
Mikael grinned. "Get Kass to make something warm, Mirage needs a good meal to keep her energy up."
Slick nodded and barged through the door to the kitchen, leaving Mikael and Argent alone in the room. Argent was still staring at Mirage's closed door.
"Argent, are you alright?" When he received no answer, Mikael reached a paw out and clasped it on her shoulder. "Argent? Well, if you are listening, then that is all that matters. We are doing well -you are doing well- and we will see the end of this. For now, though, I am fine and Mirage is fine. Get up and relax for a while; the worst thus far is over, and we have more to look forward to."
"I can't."
Mikael frowned. "Hmm?"
"I can't, Mikael. There's too much in the past grabbing my attention, and I can't see anything worth looking forward to."
There was a prolonged silence, during which Slick emerged from the kitchen and immediately went through the room to the hall, back to his post as sentry. Mikael watched him leave in silence, saving his words for Argent's ears only.
"There is me to look forward to. Us, Argent."
"You almost died, Mikael. The end of you would be the end of me."
Mikael sighed. "Argent, I am not dead yet, and neither are you. Act like you are living, and you shall live. Act like you are dead, and you shall die."
"Just don't die, Mikael."
"I guarantee that I will live, Argent. I still have a debt to pay with Mirage, and I despise unpaid debts." He smiled and leaned down, ignoring the protesting pain in his side. Giving her a quick kiss on the cheek, he stood and started for his room. "Now, tell Kass I am looking forward to a very nice supper, and I do not feel like being disappointed."
Argent nodded. "I'll do that. Get some rest until then."
"I'll do that." Mikael smiled and closed the door behind him.
Chapter III
"I wounded her, and I can assure you it was more than just a minor wound."
Drek narrowed his eyes slightly, pressing his paws together as he listened to Seaver's report. The tribe leader was seated at his desk, the ever-present Caelus not far from his side. Both had the same question on their minds; it was Drek who addressed it first.
"And will she die?"
Seaver shook his head. "No. I have been in the trade of hunting for a long time, and I can say that she will live."
There was a deafening silence, which fell upon the three like a shroud of death. Death took the form of Drek, who leaned forward and rested both paws on his desk as he glared daggers at Seaver.
"Seaver, listen to me good here, alright? I despise failure with a passion. I liken it to my worst enemy. There are no limits to what I would do to see my enemy dead."
Seaver gulped and nodded. "Aye, sire. I'll do what I can."
"No." Drek produced a dagger from his desk and slid it across to Seaver. "Do more. Whatever it takes...at all costs, even your life."
Seaver took the dagger without hesitation and left the room in a rush. Caelus frowned and glanced sidelong at Drek.
"That was brutal, m'lord."
"So it was," Drek replied dryly, "but necessary. I cannot have subordination occurring amongst my tribe, and to insure that it doesn't, we need high moral. High moral comes from success, not failure." He grinned slightly and stood. "Caelus, when the scout returns, send him and Seaver to me."
"Might I enquire why, m'lord?"
"I have a plan, Caelus. You will hear it in due time. Now catch Seaver and send him to his quarters while I fine tune the plan, then keep watch for the scout. Who did we send this time?"
"Ekelles, m'lord."
"Then he should be back soon. He always was our fastest runner."
Caelus bowed as he left. "Of course, m'lord. I will send him as soon as he arrives."
Seaver sighed heavily as he collapsed into his own chair, a part of him grateful that the suicide mission had been called off. Things, it seemed, had been working against him lately. There was the untimely death of his brother, and then the loss of three at the lethal daggers of the ferret, and Drek's sudden disapproval of his own stature and skill. So much of it could have been directly attributed to fate, but so much of him wanted to pass it off as a stroke of bad luck. The only thing more unnerving than everything happening all at once, was Drek's reaction to it all.
True, Drek was not one to show much emotion or offer condolences, but he seemed to pass of Reb's death with as much cruelty as one might the death of an enemy. Reb had been a master at his trade, and Seaver had little hope of fully replacing him, and he was more than certain Drek would have, or should have, understood a partially successful first mission in the field. The only problem was in that he needed a little more time to refine his skills. The next mission would go over better, of that he had little doubt. Now he only wondered if there would be another mission, or would he become the first to die for failure.
"Seaver,"
Seaver jumped to his feet, startled by the voice suddenly breaking his train of thought. It was only Caelus, Drek's runabout. "What can I do for you?"
Caelus kept himself calm and neutral, not showing any emotion whatsoever. "Drek wishes to meet with you, immediately."
"I thought I was dismissed. Why should I go now?"
Caelus grinned slightly. "Because if you fail to show, he will kill you."
There was a moment of silence during which Seaver afforded himself a cold grin. "Well, that would just be too bad, wouldn't it."
"Just come with me," Caelus said, frowning.
"As you wish, Caelus." Seaver chuckled darkly as he followed the other fox out.
Chapter IV
Things had quieted down in the fox den, and it was just as well, none of the foxes had much they wanted to say. Slick had returned to his post, and Kass retired to the kitchen, busying himself for the evening's dinner. Mikael was sleeping in his room, catching up on the hours lost during his stay in Mirage's house. Mirage was, in contrast, awake, kept from sleep by the pain of her wound alone. Shara had yet to leave her side, being very much the healer that she was and taking care of Mirage as only she thought best. Argent was the only one not occupied with any task in particular, and contented herself with sitting at the empty table, her mind dredging up memories of the Foxtribe, and how things were before Drek's horrid appearance into the Tribe's life. Everything after that, save for a few selected memories, she refused to think about.
Another matter that grabbed her mind, one that demanded more attention, yet showed little signs of reward, was the future. It was true that they had lived thus far, but how much longer depended on nothing more than simple fate. As with any hideaway, the concealed lair would be found out, and as with any pest, Drek would do away with them as he saw fit. Grossly outnumbered, there was next to nothing that her small band could do. Then her thoughts turned to Mirage.
It was true that the ferret was a born fighter, a fact that had grown more evident in just the past day, and a part of Argent wanted to believe that something could be done to stop Drek in his tracks. However, while a part of her thought that, another argued that one fighter alone would not make a world of difference, and it was still only a matter of time before Drek had his victory.
The idea brought a sort of guilt, and Argent started to condemn herself for bringing Mirage, Mikael, and all the others into the mess they were in now. She had demanded them to follow her into the spider's web, and they had all loyally followed. Now, it seemed their only reward would be death. Argent sighed and rested her head on the table.
A sudden loud bang followed by a shout caused her to jump, and she whirled around to face where the noise had come from. Behind the main door, leading out into the dark corridor, she could hear Slick's muffled voice giving orders to somebeast, and guessing by the tone he carried, Argent knew it was a very unwanted guest. A lump formed in her throat and her heart skipped a beat as she realised that their hideaway had finally been discovered. The door slammed open, and she gasped as Seaver stumbled in, goaded onward by Slick's rapier.
"Hey Argent, look what I've caught. He was tryin' t' enter, so I let 'im know there was a watcher."
"Argent, I swear I wasn't trying to do aught...you've got to believe me."
Slick growled and shook his head. "He had this on him,"
He tossed Drek's dagger to Argent, who in turn let it fall to the floor. She glared at Seaver, but remained fixed in her spot near the table.
"Seaver, you had a dagger on you, and you somehow found us out. I know you and your brother, both hunters who seek our blood. You expect me to believe that you did not come to kill us?"
Seaver fell to his knees, ignoring the rapier point in his back as he pleaded to Argent. "My brother's dead. I failed Drek when Mikael and the ferret lived, and he's not keen on that. He's got nothing for me worth dying for, and I know that'll happen sooner or later."
There was silence as Argent stared down at him. "Part of me wants to believe you, but I have trouble listening to that small voice. You're a killer. I don't trust killers."
"Open your eyes, Argent. You're a killer too, lest you've forgotten."
"I kill to survive, Seaver."
"As do I!"
There was a long pause as the two glared at each other. It was Seaver who broke it.
"If I don't kill, I die. You and I both know Drek's no supporter of failures. He called me in today and threatened me. Told me I had only one more chance to do something right, or I'd join Reb. The brute's got no heart. I watched my brother die, and all he could say was that Reb was no longer another variable to worry about in his plan. He's cold...too cold for my likings."
"Well, Seaver, I have a question for you, and you better answer me well. How did you find the den?"
"One of our scouts, Ekelles, followed the ferret and Mikael. He said she left a trail of blood that a mole would have no troubles tracking."
"So Drek knows, then?" Argent sighed and sank back into her chair. "Then it's only a matter of time,"
"You have more time than you think. I was sent here to do the job, finish you off, but I deserted instead. He doesn't know yet...and I was told to do it at my own pace, so until he gets suspicious, he won't think about attacking."
"Oh, come on Seaver. Drek deserves a little more credit than that." Argent gave Slick a nod, dismissing him, and then offered a chair to Seaver. "You and I both know that he does nothing without a backup plan. He'll wait until he's tired of waiting, and he's impatient, so that won't be long."
The two lapsed into silence and watched Slick leave the room. As if on impulse, Argent then stooped down and took Seaver's dagger up in her paws.
"How's the group," she asked, studying the blade.
"Well, Reb's dead. Correl is his usual self, as are Jade and Deaken. Gammond misses your company...we all do."
"Well, I'm not going back. If they miss me, then let them come here and join me. Drek's a tyrant with nothing but lust for power on his mind." Argent's eyes narrowed as she turned the dagger over. "Drek gave you this, didn't he."
Seaver nodded slowly. "How did you know?"
"Read the inscription. He wanted me to get it." She ran a paw over the blade. "Here...I'll read it. 'Lady Argent Silverblade, she whom has pierced my heart like a dagger.'" She slid the dagger across the table to Seaver. "Take a look for yourself. I trust you know the story between Drek and myself?"
"Of course...we all do." Seaver picked the dagger up and studied the blade without interest. "Argent, I want to join your group."
"You are aware that two of my friends, Mikael and Mirage, or as you say, the ferret, are both in their rooms, one wounded by Reb, the other by yourself? If you do join, do not expect a hero's welcome."
"I am not expecting anything of the sort, Argent," he grinned slightly, "comrade."
Chapter V
Mirage awoke the following day with a raging headache. While she remembered most of the previous day's events, she had trouble recalling the exact details of how she managed to make it back to the fox den, and soon concluded that it had been accomplished by adrenaline alone. Now, she did little but welcome Shara's kind treatments and conversation. From what information she could glean together, Mikael was fine, and save for some emotional stress, nothing had happened while she had been searching for him. The only shocking news, and slightly frightening, was that Seaver had arrived. Knowing that a hunter was nearby, and that the hideout was no longer hidden, sleep was soon forgotten.
"I don't care what he says, he's not here to help us."
Mirage was now sitting up in her bed, watching Shara clean some rags and bandages in the washbasin. The vixen shook her head at Mirage's words as she wrung one of the rags.
"If I could only get a silver coin every time I heard that said in this group." She chuckled. "It was said when Kass joined, and then when Mikael joined, and even when I joined." She turned away from her cleaning for a moment to face Mirage. "The thing is, we need all the help we can get. That puts us in a bit of a spot. None of us want to trust one of Drek's kind, fox or no, but we want to know that we have one more team member. It's a tough game, one I hate playing, but in the end, all we can do is hope he's worth the trust."
Mirage nodded. "I understand that, and I know what it's like to not trust someone, but know you need to at the same time." She paused for a moment. Had that just come from her? "The truth is, I didn't think I could trust any of you until not too long ago. Now, I consider you all my family."
Shara smiled and returned to her cleaning. "Well, I'm honoured to know that you feel that way."
There was a peaceful silence, during which both felt no urge to speak. However, Mirage was soon struck by a thought and decided to play on it.
"Shara, where is Seaver?"
"He is in the main room, probably with Argent and Mikael."
Mirage nodded, even though Shara could not see her. With a soft grunt, and ignoring the pain in her bandaged gut, she slid off the bed and began walking to the door. Shara heard this and turned, her nurse-like manner instantly kicking in.
"And where do you think you're going?"
Mirage grinned wryly. "Oh, nowhere. I'm just going to talk to Argent and Mikael."
Shara grinned and nodded. "Go right ahead, I was just kiddin' with ya."
Everything was ominously quiet at the dining table, with Argent and Mikael whispering to themselves on one side and Seaver idly studying the wooden surface on the other. Mirage offered a polite smile to her friends, but saw they were too immersed in their conversation to acknowledge her arrival. She then made her way over to Seaver and slid into the chair next to him. He looked up from the table and, upon seeing who it was, hastily returned to his task.
"You don't need to look away, I'm game for conversation."
Seaver nodded, but kept his gaze focused on the table. "I'm not here to kill you, and I swear that's the truth."
"Why are you here?"
"I have nothing left with Drek, and he'll kill me the first chance he gets. He thinks I'm here on a mission, but I'm really here to join your friends." He looked up and smiled in a way that surprised Mirage. "Hopefully we can win this."
Mirage took in his words silently before carrying on the conversation. "Well, win or lose, we'll put up a fight. You know that already, though." She patted where the bandages circled her gut and grinned.
Seaver chuckled softly and nodded. "Aye, that I do. You surprised me. I didn't think you could fight like that."
"Thank you," she smiled. "I just hope it's enough to help my friends, and if it is, then I am happy."
"Mirage, good to see you on your feet again." It was Argent.
Mirage glanced across the table. "It's good to know I can still walk. Hello Mikael, how are you feeling?"
"Hopefully, I feel better than you. You took a rather nasty blow," he grinned, "welcome to the club."
"So, what's for dinner?"
"Ask Kass, he would know better than any of us." Argent stood and started for the door to her room. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have something that needs doing before dinner."
Mikael nodded and stood, walking over and taking the seat next to Mirage. "So, what are you two talking about?"
"Oh, nothing really, just his reasons for being here."
Mikael nodded and gave Seaver a pat on the back. "Yes, well, I only hope he is being truthful. I would hate to find out he was a liar, especially to Argent and myself." He stood and made his way to the kitchen. "I am going to check on Kass, I should be right back." He winked and vanished through the door.
The two remained silent for a moment as they found themselves left in the room alone. For Mirage, she felt a slight fear, though also awkwardness. She had never been left alone in a room with somebeast who, not more than a day ago, had tried to kill her and wounded her in the process. Then again, she had to admit to herself that a lot had changed in her life during the past few days.
"So, I guess now I should apologise for giving you that scratch."
Mirage chuckled and shook her head. "I'll live, and if I live, then I don't really care about much else."
"True," Seaver said. "All the same, I'm sorry."
"Well, I forgive you then, but only on one condition."
"What's that?"
"Look me in the eyes and tell me that you're here for honest reasons, and you truly intend to join our side of the fight."
Seaver nodded slowly and looked up at the ferret, locking his eyes on hers. "I, Seaver Darkblood, have come to this refuge to join in the fight, to die, if necessary, fighting the warlord Drek."
Mirage nodded and offered a grin. "Well, you've got my trust. Welcome aboard."
Seaver grinned slightly. "Thank you." He looked around silently, unsure of what to say next. "So...what do you do when you're not terrorising Drek?"
Mirage considered the question for a moment before answering. "We survive."