The Book of Athanasius

Chapter 6

"First Impressions"

"In the days that followed Sunder's death I was introduced to many things I would have never thought possible, things like having a full stomach and a warm bed with restful nights…things that most beasts might take for granted. The complete and utter contentment I felt all but destroyed the memories of that filthy and worthless life I once had, and who could blame me? Pain, fear, and hunger were no longer things I had to deal with on a daily basis and it was all thanks to Dagrurt. He gave me everything I needed… It's funny, all I did was kill his brother.

In my eyes, Dagrurt had become my savior. No one had ever given me anything, let alone a life of luxury. With a childish ignorance I secretly wished for the chance to serve him and show that his generosity was not only appreciated, but worth giving back. As it turns out Dagrurt had the exact same idea…

Wert threw open the flaps of Athanasius's tent and quickly made his way towards the sleeping rat. Shaking Athanasius awake, Wert waited impatiently for his full attention. "Get yorself dressed and follow me outside," he said, "It is time for you to earn yor keep."

Dagrurt's hospitality had given Athanasius an unquestionable sense of loyalty and he followed Wert's orders without hesitation. Hurriedly he put on one of the many silk tunics he had been given during his stay. Slipping a belt around his waist, he then followed Wert out of the tent.

Dawn had just begun to break over the land with most of the vermin camp still asleep. The days and nights of excessive celebration for their new warlord were requiring much more then a simple night's rest for recovery. The camp looked practically deserted, save for the wildcat that waited for Wert and Athanasius.

He looked to be the same age as Athanasius but was dressed in a manner that announced he was much more then a simple child. Everything, from his golden yellow fur and silver embroidered shirt to his bold red cape, presented a picture of regal elegance. Having lived a life where needs are often fulfilled, the overwhelming feeling of boredom that came with the simple task of waiting caused the young wildcat to seek out ways to entertain himself. He pulled out a small sword, crafted in such a style as to match his wardrobe, and began a duel with some imaginary foe. A sadistic grin appeared on his face as he viciously cut down his opponent, and soon all the beasts his mind could conjure were falling before him. Even though he was a lord of all that is in his mind, he knew all this power would pale in comparison to the true feeling of thrusting his sword deep into the flesh of a living beast. Oh how he yearned for the chance. He was practically on verge of drooling when Wert came up to him. After giving a bow, Wert took Athanasius by the hand and presented him. "Young master Silus, this is Athanasius."

With a grin on his face and the sword still in his hand, Silus advanced towards them. Athanasius grew uncomfortably tense. The idea of somebeast still wanting revenge for Sunder's death had not entered his mind till now. Athanasius's immediate idea was to run, but his hand was still being held firmly by Wert. He clenched the fist in his free hand and waited for Silus to make the first move. To the good fortune of both youngsters, Silus sheathed his sword at the last minute and merely took a closer look at him. He was clearly disappointed in what he saw. "This is my uncle's killer? I had expected a beast of skill, strength, and at least of sporting age. This is just some poor rat's burden."

He hung his head in an exaggerated display of woe. "Oh fates! A shameful day it is when the mighty wildcat can be killed by a simple rat child."

Even though he was supposed to be feeling insulted, Athanasius couldn't help but be amused Silus's odd way of speaking. The words were much older then the voice that carried them. To Athanasius it was like a rock trying too hard to be a flower.

Angry that his insults had no effect on Athanasius, Silus shouted at Wert. "What are we doing here Wert? We could be halfway to Vain's camp by now but instead you're wasting my time here with this!"

Athanasius noticed the fear in Wert's voice as he apologized to Silus. "I'm v-very sorry y-young master, but…well…yor father, Lord Dagrurt, has ordered that Athanasius here will also be placed in the care of Vain as a…second pupil."

Silus was shocked. "M-My father gave this rat the same privilege as me? Hah! And I suppose after that my father will then hand over leadership to him and not me?" He placed his hand on his chin in an expression of thought. "Well, I have heard that madness comes with old age…and I suppose my father had seen enough seasons come and go. Wouldn't you say so Wert?"

Silus's question made Wert very uncomfortable. The fear of wrath from either the father or the son fought each other for dominance. His mind stumbled as he searched for the right answer. He then remembered that what Dagrurt could think up as punishment was much more painful then a simple scolding from his son. "Well yor father's orders are yor father's orders, young master Silus. So the sooner we carry them out the better."

Not waiting for a response, Wert hurriedly made his way to the two small sacks by Athanasius's tent. "I'm sure Vain will do his best to provide you with wot you need, but jus in case I've packed some clothes and supplies."

Athanasius went and lifted one of the sacks onto his back. He was able to manage the weight with little effort. As he was getting steady he noticed Silus made no attempt to grab his own. Silus merely gave a look to Wert, who then lifted up the sack and began to carry it himself. "Well, let's be on our way," he said, "We still have half a day's walk to Vain's camp and I think it's best if we meet him when there's still daylight."

The two young beasts followed him out of the campgrounds. "Yes, the more daylight the less chance of him killing us," thought Wert.

They had made good time crossing the rolling plains that surrounded Dagrurt's camp but when they entered the forest where Vain lived, Silus and Wert immediately began to have problems. Wert was not used to such physical labor and the weight of Silus's sack made him stop every couple feet to catch his breath. Silus, while doing better then Wert physically, was being done in by his own clothes. Wherever the was an excess of cloth there was a branch or bush more then willing to grab hold of it. Athanasius was the only one enjoying himself. This was partly due to Wert's and Silus's troubles making a rather easy going path for him to follow.

Athanasius took in the sight of the forest around him. Having never left the vermin camp he was filled with excitement at the sudden change in the world around him. The shouts and screams of soldiers, the rancid smells of both the living and the dead, and everything else he had learned to live with was absent in this place. Athansius found himself strangely satisfied. His satisfaction left him though as he thought about the reason why he now traveled through such a place.

After first hearing of Vain, Athanasius's curiosity had been demanding to know more of him. He occasionally thought about asking his two traveling 'companions', but each time his desire to avoid their attention overpowered his wanting for knowledge. Luckily for him, Silus found his own reason to ask. After a valiant struggle, a stubborn thorn bush had claimed Silus's red cloak. That was last straw for the young wildcat. "This is ridiculous!" he shouted, "Why does this Vain have to live in the middle of such an ugly and disgusting place? I had never heard of him till a few days ago, yet it is us who have to travel and not him! Who is he to demand such action from me?"

Wert was relieved to have an excuse to stop and gladly answered Silus's question, in between gasps for air. "gasp Vain gasp lives in such a place gasp because his seasons of loyalty and service to yor family gasp has given him such a right to do so."

Silus was not satisfied with Wert's answer. "And what service is that? Exactly what am I to learn from him?"

Wert took a moment to catch his breath before answering. "Simply put young master…Vain…is a vicious killer. Hundreds, maybe even thousands, have had their lives cut short by him. When he was very young he happened to cross swords with yor grandfather. Yor grandfather was so impressed with a young beast having such incredible skill that he convinced Vain to join him in his conquest of the land. From that point on he became the family's personal assassin. Competing warlords, kings, village elders, and rebel leaders have all met their end at the hands of Vain…But it was strange, though he brought victory for our army he never wanted the glory or fame that came with such a feat. Only yor grandfather truly knew wot motivated Vain to do the things he did."

Wert's own thoughts brought a shiver down his spine. He had only met Vain once, but the image of the young black cloaked ferret, and the dry penetrating look he gave with his eyes, never left him. Shaking away the memory he continued. "Regardless of his reasons, his skill is unmatched and yor father feels there is no better beast to teach you the ways of combat."

This answer seemed to be enough for Silus. He stared ahead with eyes that practically glimmered with excitement. "Well…I suppose if my father believes he is the one to teach me, then we'd best hurry. The sooner this Vain makes me as good a killer as him the sooner I can take what is rightfully mine. Lead the way Wert."

With every muscle screaming a complaint Wert managed to stand. While readjusting the haversack on his back he caught sight of Athanasius. He had almost completely forgotten that the young rat was with them and that he was also to receive the same lessons. Wert still didn't quite understand why his master allowed such a pitiful child to accompany Silus or why he was given such an unusual name.

Some distant memory briefly flashed in Wert's mind, but was too quick to grasp a hold of. He tried desperately to bring the memory back but all he was able to resurface was Athanasius's name. Deciding it was nothing important, he continued on to Vain's camp.

When they reached the camp the sun had just started its slow decent into the horizon. Wert halted near the edge of a small clearing, motioning Silus and Athanasius to stop. Both of them noticed that Wert had grown increasingly nervous. Silus decided to ignore it, seeing his fear as a disgusting display of weakness from a 'lesser' beast then himself. Athanasius wondered how a servant of the most powerful family in the land could become so fearful. Wert had shown nothing but distaste for him because of his 'inferior' standing, yet Wert himself did nothing but grovel and cower like a worm. Either way, they were both relieved to soon be rid of him.

Convinced it was safe enough, Wert slowly stepped into the clearing. Silus and Athanasius cautiously followed from behind.

It wasn't a particularly large camp. Judging from the burnt ground and tree stumps that looked too large to uproot, most of the space in the clearing was hand made. In the center stood a tent of modest size, big enough to easily accommodate a single beast but not too big or flashy as to draw the wrong kind of attention. A cooking fire lightly burned and crackled to the right.

Though everything suggested this was a home to some living creature there was still no sign of its owner. Silus let out a sigh of boredom as his patience started to leave him. Athanasius set his sack on the ground and looked to the other side of the tent. Strangely enough there was a large pile of what looked like every type of weapon ever made. Knives, spears, maces, hammers, swords, axes, and pretty much any other tool of death were all stacked together. Athanasius was awestruck. The idea of somebeast knowing a use for each and every weapon made him both fearful and excited. Feeling a hand on his shoulder, he turned to Wert. When they had first entered the clearing, Wert's eyes were always darting from one point to the next in a nervous fit. Now, they were firmly fixed on the covered entrance to the tent. Wert placed his other hand on Silus's shoulder and made both him and Athanasius face forward.

With a large intake of breath, Wert addressed the opening. "Vain! Blade of Warlord Tyrus! I am Wert, servant to the new warlord Dagrurt, and I have brought those who will learn from you the art of death!"

Several moments of silence passed. Not a sound came from within the tent nor were there any signs of movement. Wert was at a loss for what to do next. Realizing the silence merely made him more uncomfortable he decided to repeat his address. "Vain! Blade of Wa!"

"Oh fer fates sakes," yelled a voice from within the tent, "Quit yer wailin' ah heard ya the first time!"

With a loud crash, something large fell inside the tent. Various curses could be heard as the voice's owner made its way outside. The tent flaps were thrown open and a light brown ferret in its middle seasons half stood and half hung in the entrance. The ferret held a sheathed sword in one hand and an uncorked jug was in the other. Swaying back and forth, it clumsily secured the sword around its waist while taking a large swig from the jug. The ferret wasn't very successful at keeping the jug's contents in its mouth. Large portions of brown liquid spilled onto the mangled and already stained shirt the ferret wore, causing it to cling to the ferret's body. Silus was the first to notice the ferret's defined form. "A female?" he said in disgust, "Wert! Who is this? Where is Vain?"

Wert's fear still had him on edge. He waited until the ferret finished her drink before asking her. "Ferret…Where is yor master, the one who goes by the name of Vain?"

The ferret gave a rather loud belch and tossed the jug onto the cooking fire. Whatever liquid was still left caused the fire to flare up. "Ah have no master," she said, "An' as fer the one called Vain, well yer lookin' at her."

All three of them starred at her in disbelief. She looked to the ground and chuckled. "Heh…Ah realize ah'm not very well known," She pointed a finger to Wert and glared at him, "but you, Wert, should at least be able ta remember me. Ah sure as hell remember you…ya pot bellied rat! Ya were tryin' ta pass yerself off as some sort of educated beast wit that talk of yers."

Vain staggered over to Wert. Silus and Athanasius slowly backed away from the 'pot bellied' rat. "Of course," she said in a rather sharp tone, "Maybe ya were too distracted wit all that cat tail ya was kissin'."

She was now face to face with Wert. The sleepy, or possibly drunken, haze disappeared from her eyes. Wert nearly swallowed his tongue as the stare that haunted his thoughts was now being given right in front of him. "I-I-I seem to r-r-remember now." His voice quivered with absolute terror. "Yes, y-yor Vain. N-N-No doubt about it."

Vain's hand came up and firmly rested itself on Wert's shoulder. "Good!" Her words slipped through clenched teeth. "Now that that's settled ya can clear up somethin' fer me." Vain motioned her head towards Silus. "Ah figure that the kitten is Dagrurt's little bastard but…" She looked down to Athanasius. "Would ya mind tellin' me who the other small fry is?"

Wert grabbed Athanasius and pulled him in front of Vain. "This is A-A-Athanasius. Dagrurt has o-ordered that he too will rec-c-ceive yor lessons."

Vain circled Athanasius, taking a good look at him as she did so. "Not much ta look at are ya?" She poked at his black fur. "More like a dressed up piece of coal then a rat."

Wert was always eager to please and quickly jumped at the chance to turn the situation in his favor. "I told Lord Dagrurt that he wasn't worthy of such an opportunity. If you'd like, I'll just take him back with me."

Vain still looked to Athanasius. Her eyes penetrated deeply into Athanasius' own. She didn't show it, but she was surprised in what she saw. Buried in the young rat's eyes was something very familiar to her, but had no place in the eyes of someone as young as Athanasius. "Athanasius huh," she thought to herself, "That's very clever of you Dagrurt."

Vain's silence was nearly killing Wert with worry. So much so he almost fainted when she finally spoke. "Wert…Yer job was ta bring these two ta me correct?" Wert started to give a lengthy answer but Vain's stare forced him into a simple nod. "Well then," she continued, "Yer duty is done an' ah suggest you get that large body of yers back ta yer master." She put her hand on the hilt of her sword. "Now!"

Wert didn't need any more motivation. Fear reduced his goodbye to bubbling gibberish as he dropped Silus's sack on the ground and practically dove back into the forest. Both youngsters had a hard time trying to hold back their laughter with Vain standing next to them. Oddly enough, it was Vain who started to snicker at the rat's ungraceful exit. "Hah! Bet you two never thought somethin' that big could move that fast eh?"

Vain went and lifted up both Silus's and Athanasius's sacks, setting them down by the fire. She knelt down and searched through them, putting what food they had aside and tossing the rest to the flames. The speed in which she did this left Silus little time to voice his objection. "W-What do you think you're doing?" he shouted, "Stop that!"

Standing up, Vain showed Silus one of his shirts. It was one of his favorites, with jewel encrusted buttons and frilly lace at the ends of its sleeves. "Ah'm not exactly sure wot ya call this or wot ya got on right now, but ah'm not havin' little clowns stayin' here at ma camp. Also, ah had fergotten ta chop some firewood." Vain tossed the garment over her shoulder. It fell onto the fire where it burned up rather quickly.

Silus ignored what reputation Vain had and shouted at her like he would any other troublesome servant. "You foolish ferret! Now what am I supposed to wear? You say those clothes looked like they belonged on a clown, but at least they were clean! I assure you, in a few days the stench you will have to bear from my current ensemble will be no one's fault but your own!"

Vain did her best to look apologetic, but the sarcasm in her voice did little to help her act. "Ah'm sorry yer highness. Yer right, that would be a dreadful shame. Don't worry yer groomed little tail off though. Ah have plenty of clothes that are more then worthy of such a beast as yerself." She ducked into her tent, emerging moments later with a small pile of clothes. "Here ya go!"

They were dropped unceremoniously at Silus's feet. Athanasius came closer to examine the pile with him. At first they appeared to be brown rags, but the familiar shapes revealed that these were once shirts at one point in time. Silus picked one up with two fingers. His whole body was revolted at the idea of it covering his fur and he immediately dropped it. Silus was now completely fed up with Vain and was prepared to put her in her place. "I've had just about enough!" He stormed over to where Vain stood. "Do you have any idea who I am ferret? I am Silus, son of Dagrurt and future ruler of these lands! I've heard your story. You pledged your service and loyalty to my family and in turn you owe your allegiance and servitude to me. Continue treating me as common dirt and I'll see to it my father separates your head from your neck, understand?"

Silus waited for Vain's answer and apology. What he got instead was her fist planted firmly in his stomach and the wind knocked clean out of him. The young wildcat crumbled to the ground, gasping for air. Vain pushed him onto his back with her foot, making sure he was paying attention when she spoke. "Ah owe you nothing cat an' if ya had heard ma true story you'd know this. As fer yer title, ya might as well jus' claim ta be the sun in the sky cause ah don't care." She kneeled down close to him. "Listen closely. The reason ah treat ya like dirt is cause right now that's exactly wot yer life is worth. Why else do think yer father jus' handed ya over ta me? It's Dagrurt himself who's letting me do with you as ah please. Ah could kill ya right now an' ah guarantee he wouldn't shed a single tear or lay a hand on me. Yer life is mine, understand?"

She left Silus to choke out his answer and made her way to Athanasius. "As fer you…Ah know that silence is golden but with you it's startin' ta get on ma nerves. Are ya mute or do ya know how ta speak?" Athanasius gave a nod. "That's good, cause the next time ah see ya give a nod this season ah'll make ya scream so loud the whole forest'll be deaf, got it?"

He was about to nod again but quickly stopped himself. Clearing his throat, he gave his answer. "Yes Miss Vain. Ah got it."

Vain's moods seemed to come and go rather quickly. "Hah! Ah'm flattered by yer manners, but there's no need ta be formal. You'll be callin' me much worse in the days ta come ah assure you. Heheheh!"

She strolled back over to Silus who had managed to get back up on his feet. His tears fell from rage filled eyes. "Ah take it that was the first time someone's put ya on yer back like that," Vain said coldly, "Well it won't be the last if ya keep carryin' on like ya were a moment ago. Now git back over there an' put on somethin' more respectable." She turned her head to Athansius. "You too, ah wanna see ya both ready by the time ah get back."

Silus hobbled over and started to undress. Athanasius did the same, making sure to avoid eye contact. He would've laughed at the young wildcat for getting what was coming to him, but beasts that are given shame and humiliation tend to find a way to give it to someone else. Athanasius had no desire to be that someone else. The two youngsters dressed in complete silence. They were both lucky enough to find shirts with fewer holes then they had fingers. Athanasius once again felt the familiar touch of worn out and drafty cloth against his fur. Though still young, he was embraced with a slight moment of nostalgia. Silus, however, was not taking it very well. His once regal appearance was shattered by the vagrant's outfit he now wore. In a futile attempt he tried to regain some of his dignity by standing firmly at attention.

Vain had disappeared behind the tent. The sounds of shifting metal were heard as she rummaged through her pile of weapons. She soon returned with two small swords in her hands. She stopped to admire the two newly clothed youngsters. "Heh, now ya two look like beasts ah can relate to. Here," she tossed a sword to each of them, "You'll be usin' these fer sparrin'. Ah know they ain't much ta look at, but they're good, reliable, an' they'll help ya get used ta havin' the weight of some real steel in yer hands"

Vain was right. They certainly weren't the sharpest blades in the land. Seasons of use had worn the edges down to the point where they could hardly be considered lethal or even dangerous. Silus let the sword drop from his hands and unsheathed his own. He was still defiant, but his words no longer carried the same command they once had. "I already have a sword," he said plainly.

Vain eyed the sword. "That is rather pretty lookin'. Mind if ah take a look at it?"

Silus didn't really have a choice and handed the blade over to Vain. She gave it a quick look over. "Nice design," she commented, "Beautiful hilt…Very shiny…Jus' one problem though…"

Silus never got the chance to ask what the problem was. Vain drove the small sword into the ground and, while still holding onto it, gave the flat side of the blade a swift kick. The sword snapped at the hilt, breaking into two pieces. "Swords aren't meant ta shine or impress." She handed the broken pieces back to Silus. "If ya still want ta fight wit it, be my guest."

The broken pieces fell from Silus's hand. There were no more words as Silus lifted the other sword from off the ground. Vain took a couple steps back, creating some distance between herself and them. "Now that all that nonsense is done an' buried we can git started. Listen up! Near the end of each day we're gonna have ourselves a little fight. You'll be usin' the weapons yer holdin' now while ah'll be usin' my own sword here." She patted the sword at her waist. "Yer blades may be dull but mine is not, so ya best fight wit all ya got durin' these little tussles else you'll be walkin' away a lesser beast then when ya came in…If yer lucky that is. Now before ya bury me under a pile of stupid questions, ya should know that ah ain't gonna teach ya a bloody thing on how ta use a sword. Ah don't have the time or the patience ta explain wot ya should already know. If ya don't know, then ah suggest ya pay good attention ta wot ah say an' do cause anythin' ya learn here, ya'll learn it on yer own. Got it?"

They both replied with a timid yes. Vain made a glance to the setting sun. It was just about cut it in half by the horizon. "Looks like yer in luck boys. We still got some daylight left…Shall we make the best of it?" She drew her sword, performing a couple practice swings with it as she readied herself. "Come on. Let's see wot ya can do!"

Silus and Athanasius raised their swords, but neither of them made a move. They stood frozen like statues. Irritated with their lack of courage, Vain decided to give them some motivation and encouragement. "Ya make me sick," she shouted angrily, "I thought ya came here ready ta be true killers but yer still nothin' more then scarred babes!" She pointed her sword at Silus. "Especially you, ya worthless little kitten! Tell me, how do ya expect ta lead an army when yer too much of a coward ta swing yer sword? Was the beatin' ah gave ya earlier too much fer ya? If so, then maybe ya should do us all a favor an' run that sword through yerself!"

There came a scream from Silus that nearly made Athanasius jump. The young wildcat held his sword high and ran madly towards Vain. She gave a satisfied smile as she easily sidestepped out of the way. Silus's sword cleaved nothing but open air. Undaunted, he shifted his weight and swung his sword to the side in a wide arc. Once again, a simple step took Vain out of harm's way. She was amused by Silus's first attempts at trying to silence her and brought her hand to her mouth to muffle the laughter. Athanasius could barely hear it, but that mocking sound rang so loud in Silus's ears it was deafening. Fueled by anger, Silus began to relentlessly attack her. His swings were wild and off balanced. Vain had an easy time dodging them, though there was the occasional clang of metal when she parried one she didn't feel like avoiding.

Athanasius watched Vain lead Silus in several small circles around the camp. After observing for several moments, he started to notice the reason behind Vain's cold words. Whether they were intended to be hateful or not, they clearly had an enormous effect on the way Silus was now fighting. Athanasius saw it plain as day. Silus let his emotions get the better of him and now every swing was not only reckless, but also had his full strength put into it. Vain didn't really have to do anything as Silus would tire himself out to the point where he would no longer be able to defend. Athanasius was impressed by her tactics. She had him beat the moment he raised his sword in anger and now it was completely up to her as to when this duel will end.

It took longer then Athanasius expected, but Silus finally started to show signs of fatigue. Vain let him give two more swings before a swift motion of her hands knocked the blade from his own. Silus's had exhausted himself and didn't have any strength left to try and recover his weapon. He shed no tears or cried for help, simply closed his eyes and waited for Vain to finish him off. As if she had read his mind, Vain reassured the young wildcat. "Don't worry, ya ain't gonna die jus' yet…But ya are givin' up to early. After all, who said these fights were wit swords only?"

Silus opened his eyes just in time to witness Vain's foot come into contact with his face. Blood sprayed from his nose as he fell hard onto his back. For the first time he could remember, Silus cried out in pain. He clutched his bleeding nose and curled up into a ball. Sobbing like an infant, Silus admitted defeat and begged Vain to stop. "Yer lucky ah'm willin' ta grant ya mercy on yer first day," she said and accepted his surrender with a firm kick to the youngster's back.

Silus buried his face in his arms as he cried out once again. Vain had one last disgusted look at him, then turned her attention to Athanasius. "And wot the hell did you think ya were doin' jus' standin' there watchin'?" she shouted as she advanced towards him, "Tell me, did ya think ya can take me on all by yerself?"

Athanasius spoke but the rest of his body remained frozen still. "No…ah didn't, ah…"

"Then why did ya leave Silus ta face me alone?" Vain continued to move closer. "Did ya want ta see me crush him like ah did or were ya jus' too stupid ta realize how important he was ta you? Wasn't he the only help ya had against me? Wot will ya do now that he's finished?"

She fired off her questions one after another. He had no idea that what she had done previously to Silus she was now doing to him. Flustered, his mind was kept busy trying to find his answers while she moved in for the kill. Athanasius was within her sword's reach when she ceased her questions and went deathly silent. The time it took for her to grasp her sword in both hands and move it to strike was only a second, but for the right mind a second is all it takes. The threatening image of Vain with her sword snapped Athanasius out of his stupor. He raised his sword to block her strike, but the power of her swing knocked him to the ground. Scrambling to his feet he faced Vain just in time to parry another attack. This time he had braced himself and was able to remain standing after the blow struck. Athanasius readied himself once again, but what Vain did next caught the young rat off guard. With her sword lowered and a face booming with pride, she congratulated him. "That was very good Athanasius! Ya handle a sword very well fer one so young." Kind words were something very foreign to Athanasius but his heart was moved by their sound nonetheless. She gave an honest smile which he gladly returned.

Vain's sword lashed out in a silver blur. The sheer speed left Athanasius with no time to scream. Dropping his sword, he starred at the large wound Vain had cut into the backside of his paw. The sudden surge of pain had thrown him into shock. He fell to his knees and watched in horrified silence as blood began to flow out.

Vain had no intention of being merciful this time. She positioned her self to strike down Athanasius, but the sound of light footsteps quickly stayed her hand. Spinning around she kicked upped a cloud of dirt into the face of her would-be back stabber. Silus's charge was halted as the dirt cloud struck him. Coughing violently he staggered back. Vain took a moment to decide how she would deal him. A moment was all she got. With a blood stained nose and half closed eyes, Silus charged once again. Vain thought about doing the same dance she did earlier, but a firm and focused thrust of Silus's sword eliminated that chance. Vain now found herself parrying every blow Silus dished out. This was not the same 'kitten' she had fought earlier.

The sounds of their clashing swords pulled Athanasius attention away from his personal horror. He watched Silus and Vain fight, only this time he saw it differently. Summoning up what strength he had left, he lifted his sword with his good paw and joined Silus in combat.

Though she scolded him for not doing it, Vain never expected the wounded Athanasius to start attacking her as well. They coordinated their attacks and struck out at the same time, hoping one blow would land. She was able to catch both strikes with her sword. Pushing off with her sword, she sent them stumbling back. When they regained their balance, Vain saw she was now finally facing two beasts determined to win.

They were very fierce looking. Sadly their bodies did not match their determination. Both of them were now at their limit, barely able to stand let alone fight. As Silus and Athanasius tried to find the strength to continue, the sun disappeared into the horizon in one last flare of light. And just like that…it was over. Vain sheathed her sword and commended them on their skill, though "Ya managed ta survive…Fer today," was all she said. The two youngsters let their exhaustion overtake them and collapsed to the ground.

It was surprising how Vain quickly changed from torturer to caretaker. In mere moments she had begun bandaging Athanasius's wounded paw. She gave Silus a mixture of herbs to ease the pain of his bruises and a small wet cloth to clean the dried blood from his nose.

Not a single word passed between them as she did this. Even when they gorged themselves on the dinner she made, they did it in complete silence.

When Silus and Athanasius finished, Vain handed them two blankets to be used as bedding. "Ya can sleep where ya like, jus' not in ma tent," she instructed, "You boys git a good night's rest. An' don't be surprised if yer nightmares turn out ta be real in the mornin'." She then retired to her tent.

Athanasius half expected a complaint from Silus but, whether it was from exhaustion or maybe something deeper, the young wildcat uttered no such words. He went and laid his blanket out by the fire and was already fast asleep by the time Athanasius set his down on the other side.

Sleep didn't seem to come to Athanasius as quickly as it did with Silus. The fire slowly died out as he lay on his side, starring at his bandaged paw. What had happened in the span of that one day was a lot for one young mind to take in. He thought about the ferret that had both given and helped to heal the wound he was now starring at. She had shown many things about herself, but he wondered which of those words and emotions were true and which ones were merely ploys?

Athanasius wasn't sure why he did it, but the sound of Vain coming out of her tent made him shut his eyes tightly and pretend to be asleep. He listened as her footsteps came to a stop near him. She kneeled down and whispered softly in his ear words that made his blood run cold. "Ah know yer awake so listen up. Ah'm gonna let ya in on a little secret. Ah lied when ah told the kitten that ah might kill him. Whether he learns ta fight or not he will go back to his father very much alive. You…however…are a different story. Ah now fer a fact there's no one left alive that cares fer ya anymore, that yer completely alone…an' unwanted. Ah mean look at ya…wouldn't even make a decent meal let alone a warrior. Ah'm begginin' ta think Dagrurt jus sent ya here ta waste ma time an' git a good laugh at ma expense. Ah don't like bein' messed wit an' should ya do anythin' ta prove me right…"

Athanasius's eyes shot open as Vain drove a dagger into the ground several inches from his head. She reached out and grabbed his injured paw, squeezing it hard. Athanasius writhed in pain, but somehow had the will to not cry out. After several moments of agony, Vain let go. "Remember that feelin'," she said, "Cause the last moments of yer life will be much worse." Vain stood up and returned to her tent.

Faced with troubling and horrific events a child is allowed an outburst of emotion to ease its pain. There would've been no shame in crying for Athanasius, but the young rat kept his silence nonetheless. Turning onto his back, he reached over to pull out the dagger Vain had left behind. He held it close and closed his eyes, ready for the day to finally come to an end. Sleep came to him quickly now, with his nightmares waiting patiently for him to wake.

Never again. I made that promise to myself. Never again would I be so helpless and weak.

I'm sure your probably wondering why I just didn't run away. Staying would almost certainly guarantee more suffering and quite possibly my death. Well I ask you…was the rest of the world any safer? Who's to say that if I left I wouldn't just find myself at the mercy of someone else's cruelty? That night, I realized this wasn't the first time my fate was being decided by someone other then myself. Whether by the sword, by strength, or by promise, my life was at the whim of others. That kind of life was not one I intended to live. In order to end this I needed the strength and skill to be able to decide the fate of others. And I knew Vain was the only one who could give me that kind of power. Though I swore, if she ever tried to harm me like that again… then she'll be the one walking away a lesser beast.