Afterlife
By Otakuprincess
Chapter 9
The disreputable dog pranced through the halls, leaning close to each door to listen for the sound of purring.
"Damn..."
The dog had been searching for hours, but still hadn't found Mogget. Usually he was in Sabriel's room, curled up on the rug by the fireplace, or in the kitchen searching for fish in the supply room. The Dog was annoyed enough without Mogget's obnoxious living habits. If she was lucky at all, Mogget had died in the night. His being a Free Magic creature, she knew this was highly unlikely.
"Mogget, get out here. The game's up."
As the Dog changed into her human form, something suddenly reached out and grabbed her waist from behind. Kibeth, startled, tried to attack the lurker, but a cold hand came over her mouth.
"Shh, Kibeth. You did ask for me, didn't you? No need to bite."
As Yrael let go, Kibeth turned around, her hair flying in rage.
"Yrael, I've been looking all over for you, curse the charter..."
"Well, I wasn't far away. Lirael's room isn't far to walk, even for you."
"Lirael's room!" Kibeth cursed. "What in the charter were you doing there? My mistress is gone, and you decide that you have the authority to trespass?"
"I'm Abhorsen's servant," Yrael replied bluntly. "Her room may as well be mine."
"You only wish you had that much power." Kibeth walked forward in one step and slapped Yrael across his pale face. A huge red welt, striking in contrast with his white skin and hair, sprung up immediately.
"Well thank you for that discreet warning," Yrael drawled.
"You are a fool, Yrael," Kibeth said calmly. "Do not try me. Astarael did you a favor that dark day in the cellar. I'm doing you a favor, even now. If you want to exist forever here, forever servant to the Abhorsen, be my guest. If you want to do something useful, shut your mouth."
"You always have to bring that up, don't you," Yrael commented. "Why would a reject like me want to make up with the Charter, anyway? I never asked for that favor."
"I actually believe in the charter, and I also believe it would be most stable if this was resolved," Kibeth answered. "I know what you seek...it is the same thing the Clayr have forseen..."
Yrael growled and turned away. "Fine. Forget it. You were looking for me, I recall?"
"Yes. Kirel's father has returned. We need him now for the task at hand."
"You see too many false signs, Kibeth. Sam would never return here. Leave him be, and stop hoping against reason."
"Ah, but my hope is this kingdom's reality. And I am not wrong this time." Kibeth flashed Yrael a quick smile, then ran down the hall to Lirael's room to see if her mistress was there.
Author's Note: Sorry it took so long to update! Hope people will still come back and review And thank you to everyone who has read my fics so far!