Disclaimer: Lost Girl belongs to Showcase or SYFY and I am only playing in their universe.

A/N: Meanwhile back on the farm…

Bo and Lauren disappeared from sight as they headed across the farm towards the canyon and Bryan's rock road. Kenzi was the last to move away from the spot the others had moved to so they could say good-bye and watch them go. Kenzi hated to be in this position, but found herself here more often than not. It was the one where the druid watched others riding off to do the dirty work while she was left behind. But things were different this time, Kenzi wasn't left behind because she couldn't help, it was exactly the opposite. The druid was left behind because she was more of a help at home.

As the group moved back towards the farm house, Bryan stopped them. He had been looking uneasy for a while, and finally told the others that he needed to spend some time in the canyons. "I need to double-check that the rock road remains secure. I did all my work from the other end, if the ladies need to come back in a hurry I want to make sure everything will hold. The roads are not meant to stand for long periods of time without maintenance." The dwarf was grumbling and looking very serious. It had been tough for him watching the women ride away knowing he was a big part of what had caused of their problems. He wanted to join them as far as the gate but felt that they didn't quite trust him yet and things were stressed enough before they left. "I'll be back in a day or two, if that is okay with you."

Kenzi smiled and placed a hand on the dwarf's beefy arm, "Bryan you don't have to ask us for permission, especially if it a task to help out. Take the last horse and do what you need to do." Tamsin and Dyson agreed as the dwarf had been nothing but helpful.

"Thank you, your trust in me is appreciated. I will be back soon." He peeled off as soon as they got back towards the barn. He whistled three short bursts and the last of the big horses came on the run. He checked the bags and filled a couple of skins with water. Mounting up he then waved to the others and road out towards the canyons.

Dyson watched him go. "We do trust him, right?" the wolf asked. Bo could handle Bryan if there was the need, but deep down the wolf didn't see the dwarf as a threat.

Tamsin who had moved to sit on the porch, replied, "We've both been in his place. The victim of the orders we followed that turned out to be something we would rather not be involved in. He is trying to make up for an outcome that was not his fault. Let him do his dwarf thing and he should settle down after that. Besides we have bigger problems." She motioned for Dyson to join her and they began to talk.

As the twosome fell into deep conversation, Kenzi watched and had the feeling that the valkyrie was delivering bad news. There also was the beginnings of that all too familiar tingle of unease down her back along her tattoo. It was too much to think Tamsin had just showed up to halfheartedly offer herself as Bo's chi snack for the rescue attempt.

As strange as it was, Vex and Tamsin seemed devoted to each other and as much as Bo denied it giving chi to the succubus came with a definite side benefit, pleasure and a lot of it. No person in a serious relationship would risk the addictive effects of a succubus's attentions without a worry of the problems it would create.

With a sigh Kenzi decided to leave it for now and check on Bruce. Making her way up the stairs she went to the far bedroom and found the big man wrapped up in clean sheets and still unconscious. The puffiness around his face was gone but he was pale and covered with red splotches and bruises. He did seem to be breathing easier than before but still not as smoothing as she would have liked. Marking Lauren's words Kenzi told herself she would begin work on something to help boost his respiration as soon as she finished her time with him. Taking a seat on the bed beside her friend, Kenzi grabbed Bruce's big hand and held it.

"So Papa, Bo and Lauren are off to find Hilde and bring her back to you." she said quietly as she rubbed her thumb on the back of the man's hand. "In no time your honey and your baby will be back safe and sound. So you need to get better, okay? You need to wake up soon." Looking hopefully at the ogre's still features there was no sign of movement. "That's okay, we have a little time." The druid said as she leaned over and kissed his forehead. "You just get well." Sitting back Kenzi settled in to spend a little time just being close.

xxxxXXXXxxxx

"Do you have any proof of this?" said Dyson. There was anger in his voice but it was not directed at Tamsin, instead it was his reaction to the news she was sharing. Kenzi had given him a quick look but then moved by the duo to tend to Bruce. The wolf was grateful that the woman he loved did not hear the blunt delivery of this news straight from the valkyrie.

"Vex has his ways, if he says people are after Kenzi then they are." said Tamsin. "During a meeting with the members of the dark fae leadership a major player let some information slip." The valkyrie knew that Vex's mesmer powers had played a part in retrieving the formation. The Morgan of the Dark had been in the middle of an interrogation to discover information about a possible threat against his rule when the interesting tidbit was mentioned. Having received word that a group of fae were asking questions around the dark fae businesses, the Morgan took quick action to find out what was going on.

"Mr. Morgan sir, it is not your place of power they are asking about. Their questions were about another," squealed the Herdsman. He was a pimp of sort, working with underfae for hire, sex or muscle, whatever was needed. Vex assumed he had a real name but no one ever called the man by anything but his nickname.

"So they are after the Ash are they, well the little guy is a friend of mine," Vex snarled as he tightened his grip and the small fae thrashed with pain. "Course better him than me but still I have to stand up for him. I'm sort of his role model, see. He's a bit of a stuffed shirt, I'm good for him, broaden his horizons so to speak. If there is a threat against him I will…"

"God no…. It's not the Ash of the Light either." The voice was now a hissing spit-filled whisper.

With a barking laugh, Vex said, "Wrong answer, the places of power are ruled by one of us and …"

"The royal and mutant…" the man gasped and started to lose conciseness. Upon hearing this Vex lowered his arm and released his phantom grip dropping the fae to the ground. The solid smack with the harsh surface of the floor caused the Herdsman to groan but kept him alert. Reaching up to rub his throat, he rasped out a quick, "Thank you Morgan," but did not attempt standing just yet.

Eyeing the man with suspicion, Vex asked, "What about the royal and the mutant? They don't even live near the city. Why would anyone be snooping around here for information and making problems for my people if it involves them?"

Seeing that his information was valuable the Herdsman started to spill everything he had heard. "It is a small group led by three druids. At first they were just asking questions about a companion of the succubus, a human who signed a contract with a druid for training. The bastard's name was Massimo and he hasn't been seen for over a year. His family has announced that he is dead which opens his belongings to family. There is a relative among the group that wants to act on his contract rights to the girl. " He saw the fire light in Vex's eyes before the Morgan of the Dark could hide it. Misunderstand the interest of his ruler the man said casually, "She is a hot little thing by the name of Kenzi. I would be after her as well if I had a chance to make her my slave." The next thing the Herdsman felt was his face smashing into the hard stone floor.

"I don't need your opinion on anything." Snarled Vex as he flipped his wrist and the man was now standing with blood running down his face from his damaged nose. "What does this have to do with the royal or the mutant?"

With more than a hint of desperation in his voice the Herdsman stammered, "By talking to several fae they learned that she has a connection to the new realm the royal is forming. She is the human pet of the succubus called Bo who is the champion and lover of the mutant." Vex raised his eyebrows at the thought of what Kenzi would do to this guy if she heard him call her anyone's pet. He motioned for the man to continue, "If they can claim rights to the girl they have a bargaining chip to work with. If this new place of power is as wonderful as everyone says then they want to take advantage of the situation fast.

Seeing Vex's confused expression, "They are druids and the hunting in such a land would be excellent. Their type is always after something to enhance the tonics they create and the other items they make. Several species of underfae have started to establish colonies in the land the rumors say. The Ash and now you have… discouraged hunting in your domains." It was well documented that the new Morgan did not take kindly to anyone under his rule being used for parts. It was a change in policy, Evony, the old Morgan, could have cared less who was cut up for parts as long as she got her part of the profits. Vex had set his underlings straight with a very public and bloody example that no one was soon to forget that he felt differently about such things.

"Like they would ever be allowed hunting rights," scoffed Vex more to himself than his victim. He dropped the man to the ground again. Druids could be split into two classes, healers and charm makers. Only the very rare ones would master both skills. He had never used one and did not really given their kind a second thought. In general the group of human magicians, as technically druids were not really fae but no one ever bothered to make the distinction any more, hung around the dark fae as they were less judgmental and more in tune with the old ways of doing things. If a druid was powerful then the knowledge they had could stretch back eons. Most of the older dark fae would use remedies before they ever set foot in the fae hospitals. Dark fae were also less picky about certain ingredients. Truth be told the light fae were no different but they just hid it better and forced their transactions with the less reputable druids to be more covert.

Vex turned his steely black eyes towards the man before him. The Herdsman was twitching under the hard stare, "What is it? Is there more I need to know?"

"There are others looking for information on the new realm too." The man gasp as Vex flexed and tightened his grip for an instant then released, "Mr. Morgan, they are travelers, none of my people recognized them, but they did talk to the druids. Two of my girls were working nearby and heard the start of the conversation. Both sides were sharing information on the women, the royal, the mutant and the girl. They mentioned how you defended the mutant at her trial with the help of the Ash. They all agreed it would be best to avoid both of you. There was also something about their actions guaranteeing that you and the Ash couldn't get involved." The man dropped his head, "That is all I have sir."

Vex curled his lip and then tossed the man to the side. "You hear anything else, you bring it straight to me. Remember I didn't take your life today but you hold back and I will find you. Understand?" The man was scrambling towards the door nodding as he moved towards safety. Vex waited until the Herdsman was right at the exit then with a flip of his wrist he knocked the man out the door.

"Was that truly necessary?" said Tamsin as she moved out from the shadows.

"Yes Pumpkin," Said Vex with a concerned look, "I believe it was." He turned to focus on his beautiful companion and said, "Come and give us a kiss before Daddy has to call Trick and play politics." Vex grinned and held his arms out as Tamsin stepped close.

The valkyrie cleared her throat and fought off the all too pleasant memory. "So, as I said before looks like we are in for a bit of company."

"Kenzi is safe from the druid contract, Hilde made sure of that." growled Dyson.

Tamsin sat back and looked out into the darkening sky, "That just may be a way for them to justify their presence on the property. They get here and feel the power in the balance of this place and they will not be ready to leave any time soon. You can bet on that."

"We will just have to make things uncomfortable for them." Said Dyson flatly. "So why are you really here? I take it a complication has come up with Vex and Trick or the group would be… taken care of already." The wolf knew that neither Trick nor Vex would hold back their protection on an open threat to Lauren or Hilde. Kenzi was a human and her status was trickier in a purely political view but being Bo's friend made her Trick's responsibility in a way and Vex loved Kenzi and would let nothing happen to her if he could help it.

"They presented both sides with a passage notice." Said Tamsin.

Groaning Dyson snarled, "World's oldest loophole."

The valkyrie had to agree. A passage notice was a very old school tool in fae politics. The spell activated when leaders signed an agreement of safe passage. The notice ensured that an army moving through a realm on the way to battle in a nearby location would do no harm. In turn the army itself would not be attacked as it passed by. Breaking the agreement on either side brought a curse down on the offending party and their people.

Over the years the use of the notice became distorted to the point it was a declaration of war if a leader didn't agree to accept a notice when it was offered. Soon instead of armies the spell was twisted to fit small groups and powerful individuals too. Modern day uses of a notice were more like shady ways for fae to move through an area without fear of interference. As much trouble as they could cause, leaders could still use the passage spells to their advantage from time to time so no one was eager to get rid of it.

"Why did they agree to it?" ask Dyson. "The group is small right?"

"Trick did some research and this is not a group you want hanging around your area. Bad news follows them where ever they go and spend enough time to establish a base of operation. Massimo held the city as his territory for many years and as slimy as he was, he was a known evil, these guys not so much. If they make an offer to move through you take it. There is also the fact that Trick tweaked the agreement so it barred them from ever returning to the city. Both Trick and Vex had to think of their people. It was the right thing to do." said Tamsin. "No matter how much Vex wanted just to kill them."

"You are here because Vex wants the job finished out of his territory." The wolf said carefully. Tamsin nodded. Dyson continued, "And he didn't think I could do it alone. With Lauren, Bo and Hilde gone he was worried?" The current Morgan and Dyson were only civil to one another as a courtesy to the others. It made it easier on their friends if they were not fighting all the time.

"Let's just say you have too many rules when it comes to such things." Smiled Tamsin. "Your wolf nature brings with it lots of codes of conduct. Evil fae do not have codes Dyson, you know that. Being on the side of the light for so long might make you hesitate when you should be striking. Druids are an interesting lot to say the least. Vex has left it up to me to judge how best to assist you and when to step in." It was one of the few times when Tamsin did not sound independent but instead a true warrior of the dark fae. Dyson did not like it but this was no time to refuse help from any source.

"I would agree with that. The part about druids being interesting." Kenzi stepped out onto the porch. The two fae looked at her in surprise as she had caught them off guard. Seeing the looks on their faces she said, "Bruce is the same by the way. No changes." Kenzi moved to sit on the table between the two warriors. "Are you going to tell me what is going on or what? My back is starting to go crazy by the way. We have about two hours before we have visitors." At that news there was a surge in adrenaline that the druid could sense in the others. "I'm not going to like this am I?" With no answer Dyson had her by the hand and they all were heading into the house for a rapid planning session to defend against an attack that was coming much too fast.

xxxxXXXXxxxx

The sleek black sedan drove up with the lights on. If the visitors were trying to sneak up on the farm they were doing a terrible job of it. Kenzi was seated on the porch alone as she watched the car come to a stop and then three individuals step out. The smell of aftershave drifted on the night air and she fought the wave a nausea that hit her like a hammer. Did all male druids buy the same crappy smelling brand?

It had been more than a year since she had been freed by Lauren and Hilde but the memory of that scent lingered and brought back the fear of her time with Massimo. The three men were dressed in black fatigues and heavy boots. As dark as it was none of them had a hard time seeing their prey on the swinging bench. They smiled and Kenzi shivered. She then fought to get ahold of herself and get on with her part of the plan.

"I think you boys might be lost." Kenzi said hiding the shake in her voice. "The highway is back about seven miles and then town is another ten going east."

"Well thank you kindly, little lady." The man tipped his imaginary hat and barked a single laugh. The small group stopped four or five steps from the porch and all of them did a slow look around the immediate area. "This is a nice place you have here." The lead man breathed in and his body almost shuddered with happiness.

He was already counting the ways he could tear this place apart and use it. The location spells he had ordered were indicating everything from sprites to ogres on the property. Hell even the dirt in this place could be used for something. The little slave was quite something too. He was willing to bet that Massimo hadn't even broke her in yet. He resisted the urge to adjust his pants as he thought of the fun he was going to have with that sexy little thing.

Clearing his throat and the greed and lust from his mind the man quickly changed tactics looking to pounce fast. "We are looking for you my dear. I think you know that." Firmly establishing his place in front of the other two, the older man said with authority, "We are here to finish your education. You are to be my student until your druid's contract is fulfilled." In a flash of light he had a piece of paper in his hand. Kenzi fought not to roll her eyes at the cheap theatrics. Maybe she could teach him a thing or two.

Acting like he was looking over the contract in his hand the man said, "My dear cousin, Massimo was his name." The man fought not to respond to the look of concern on the woman's face. "He left me, Marcus is my name by the way," he flashed her a devastating smile and then waited for Kenzi to respond in some way dazzled by his obvious charm. She didn't move. He continued rather stiffly, "Yes, well Cousin Massimo left me with the burden of looking after his charges upon his death. You signed a contract with him that promised you, and I quote, "the knowledge of a master druid."

"Are you saying Massimo was not a master druid?" Kenzi asked.

"Why no my dear," He tutted at her like she was a child that had asked a stupid question. "We were trained by the same druid master and achieved our master ranks at the same time. I assure you my dear he was more than capable of training you as am I. The family has come to the conclusion that he is no longer alive and I should …"

"I have Massimo's knowledge with me, so the contract is fulfilled." Kenzi said coolly cutting the man off fast and then with a quick motion of her fingers the paper in his hand flashed and disappeared. The small amount of snap trap powder doing its thing. "You can go now and don't come back." Kenzi had too many years living on the street to be cowed by this type of 'I'm better than you' bullshit. Marcus had made his druid training sound like going to college when really Kenzi guessed he had been a slave just like her until he and Massimo had overpowered their master. This was all for show, the real test was to come and she readied herself for it.

To the gentleman's credit he only showed his anger for a moment before he buried it under a false smile. "Aw I see he at least got to the basics with you before he passed away." He snapped his fingers and the contract reappeared. "A trick, nothing more than a simple sleight of hand."

"And with my hand was all the way over here. Go figure." said Kenzi. "We are done now and I asked you to leave."

"Perhaps we can sit down and talk a little longer. My associates would like to ask you some questions. It takes two outside the contract words to pass judgment on such matters. A single passed test does not earn one the rank of master. There is so much more about being a druid that you need to learn. You can't possible have had time for my cousin to pass on all he knew. No, much more extensive tests of your knowledge are required." The man nodded to his companions and they moved forward in mass.

Leaning to rest her elbows on her knees, Kenzi said firmly, "I wouldn't do that." As she had expected they ignored her. "I warned you." Sitting back to watch the show, the minute the first man's foot hit the step there was the faintest hint of pizza in the air. With startled yelps the three men were tossed backwards to land hard on the ground. The ends of their hair had been singed and well as the cuffs of their shirts and the bottom hem of their trousers. If you looked hard enough there was small wisps of smoke that drifted off various areas of each men. The barrier spell was meant to have a punch and it was working very well.

No longer trying to cover their anger or intentions, all three men opened up with attacks on the barrier. The most the various spell and charms did was bounce off in puffs of ash. One of Kenzi's first acts as a druid was to form a protective charm. Flying by the seat of her pants and the feel of her tattoo, she had protected the shack in the city from an attack of fire balls being launched in her direction. After that she worked with Hilde to enhance her basic design and she had pretty much perfected it now. Kenzi had spent most of her time working on healing techniques, but she did like the charms and spells part to break up her studies. They were good for stress relief. The men seemed to be slowing down their attack or they just ran out of ammo, Kenzi couldn't be sure. "You done now?" she asked.

Holding up a hand to stop the two men standing behind him. Marcus rolled his shoulders and sniffed the air. "Your power smells like… pizza. My how childish?" Kenzi stuck your tongue out at him and laughed as his already red face turned scarlet. With a snap to his voice he said, "This proves nothing…"

"Oh, I think it does." said a rumbling voice. Dyson stepped out from around the edge of the house. The wolf held just below the surface making itself known even as the man retained his human form. "Three druids just tried to break a single druid's defenses and she stopped you without breaking a sweat. I would call that an ass whooping myself. Test over, passed with flying colors."

"Your little test was also witnessed," said Tamsin as she rounded the other side of the house. She was all leather and lace, beauty and danger rolled up into one. She was swinging her throwing blade in her hand and looked to be more than ready to kill each and every one of them. "I believe your kind requires two outside the contract words to verify an agreement fulfilled."

"You masked the presence of your friends. Very clever." Snarled Marcus. The rumor was that a powerful attack had left this little realm unprotected. There was not the presence of a royal here for sure, but the two fae that had just appeared looked far from weak. "I find myself at a loss. Perhaps you do have the knowledge of a master." He held his hands out. "It takes a master druid to mask the presence of others." A grin appeared across his face.

Kenzi's back felt like a thousand spiders were crawling on it. "Get back! Run!" she yelled at Tamsin and Dyson. In the next second four fae appeared next to the cars, a mix of Redcaps and Trolls. The two druids by Marcus pulled out spells and tossed them at the Kenzi's defenders. Dyson had heeded the warning and moved quickly. The charm in his direction hit the ground right where the wolf had been but with the Kenzi's yell of warning missed the mark. Everyone watched as he shifted to his full wolf, with a snarl the great beast avoided the powder on the ground and began to pace with indecision, as half the attacking fae slowly started to inch towards his position, he was caught between running and staying to protect.

Tamsin had stepped forward to attack ignoring Kenzi's words of caution. Her forward motion was met with a blast of powder. Enraged the valkyrie started struggle as her body began to be encased in stone. With a fast motion she threw her blade and took out a Troll, just barely missing Marcus. He laughed, "Deadly and beautiful," He kicked the body of the dead Troll to the side, "To bad your talents will soon be gone. Over course the skills of a true master druid could save you or will she try to help the wolf? My, my, what a dilemma.

"Marcus," called a Redcap. The druid turned in time to catch a large crossbow. Bowing to Kenzi he said, "Madam Druid, I welcome you to our ranks." He fired a bolt at the barrier and laughed as it burned against her strong defense. "There is more to being a druid than the knowhow little one. We are a ruthless lot by nature, best you learn that now." Dyson snarled as the group was getting close to him. Tamsin let out a small groan as the stone was approaching her knee and the spell was beginning to cause her pain. "So what will your choice be?" Marcus asked with a deep laugh.

"Run Dyson," screamed Kenzi and she threw out two spark traps that covered the Redcaps nearest to the wolf. With what sounded like a whine he turned and ran for cover.

"Leave them," snarled Marcus as two of his number jumped at the snaps of light that surrounded their bodies, "When she leaves the barrier to try to save her friend they will end her." He pulled a bolt from a quiver he had been given and loaded the crossbow. "I believe it is time to go on a wolf hunt. He is a big boy, we kill him before he is back to human and his butchered wolf parts can be sold off in no time. My dear a wish you luck with your lovely friend." He tipped his imaginary hat again and then laughed as they ran off to follow Dyson.

"Crapballs," muttered Kenzi as she bolted into the house. Holding her hands out towards the cupboard she fought to calm her mind and find something to help Tamsin. There was nothing, her supplies gone from the sacking of the house. She needed to get to the Hilde's cellar. Switching focus she concentrated on knocking out the Redcaps. Nothing. She had hit them with snap traps. The little pops of electricity were nothing but annoying to the big guys. If she could somehow make the traps she had already activated worse. What made electricity worse? Slapping her forehead she ran to her workspace and looked for it. There, she smiled at the one bag left, it hadn't fit in Lauren's bag so she kept it.

Sprinting out the door, she saw Tamsin fighting the stone as it now was approaching her waist. The valkyrie was paler than normal and beads of sweat were forming on her brow. "Hold on," yelled Kenzi as she leapt from the porch. The Redcaps ran at her snapping brightly in the night. Spinning fast the little druid hit the men with her last bag of what she call drips. The water started to pour from their bodies. It was not pull water out of the men themselves but instead it was causing water to run down the surface of their clothes. It result was perfect. With one step the snaps that hit ran with water and intensified the energy pop to extreme levels.

"Damn it," Wailed the one closest to her after taking another step he verified the intense blast of electricity was not a one-time shot. Kenzi did not stop to watch, she was around the house and into the underground treasure-trove in a flash. "No stone, charm blocker, no stone, charm blocker," she said was almost running down the dirt floor aisles. At first Kenzi was afraid that her concern for Dyson wouldn't let her find anything to help. She forced herself to concentrate and there it was. Kenzi grabbed for the things she needed then dashed up stairs. It would have been comical as she heard the muttered grunts of the Redcaps as they tried to dive for her. In theory it was a good idea but in reality the amount of water that had gathered around the feet of the men enhanced the electricity stream and the Redcaps fell to the ground in spasms as the violent shocks.

Tasmin was gritting her teeth as she fought to breathe. The vise like feel of the stone was crushing her to death. Kenzi was doing her best but when she disappeared from sight for the second time the valkyrie feared the worse. The loud sizzling pop caught her attention as she just caught sight of the Redcaps making some type of lunge forward. "Tamsin, Close your eyes and keep your mouth shut." Yelled Kenzi as she came up from the back. A slimy concoction was dumped over her head and then down the valkyrie's back. Tamsin fought not to call out in disgust as the clammy ooze then dripped over her shoulders and down her chest seeming to grow in volume as it moved.

Not pausing to double check her work, Kenzi moved to the charm that had missed Dyson. She dumped a small amount of the same goo over the contaminated spot on the ground. Jumping over the mess she whirled as another set of pops sounded behind her. The Redcaps had moved again but this time at the end of the harsh flashes of energy there was a fizzing sound and Kenzi realized that her snap spell had just run out. The extra power that the water had pulled from the snaps had drained the length of the charm. "Good to know," thought Kenzi, "But terrible timing."

As if picking up on the change the attackers stood up and realizing there was no more pain with their motion. They looked at each other and then grinned as they focused on the little druid that had trapped then and wanted to get their revenge. Kenzi was backing back towards the security of the barrier charm but her last jump had taken her a way form the porch. Even if she ran at the perfect angle she was going to get caught.

The dull thud surprised its victim, the Redcap nearest Kenzi fell to the ground with a shocked look on his face. His partner swung around and let out a bit of a yelp. Tamsin, who looked to be covered in a mix of maple syrup and cooked oatmeal dripped ominously behind him. In the commotion, she had gone unnoticed. The gooey charm breaker had done it's job and the stone had turned to mush that she was able to break free immediately. She had moved to the Troll she had taken down and retrieved her throwing blade unnoticed. "You move and I kill you too." Both the Redcap and Kenzi froze. The sticky valkyrie was anything but happy. With a grunt of impatience Tamsin said, "Not you Kenzi." Between clinched teeth. The distinct smell of menthol was wafting through the air now as more goo dripped off the blonde beauty.

"You sure?" the druid said cautiously. There was murder in the dark fae's eyes.

"No." said Tamsin in all seriousness. "But get in the barrier anyway." The normally sexy blonde looked almost a miserable as when she was caught in the stone trap. Without another comment Kenzi moved to stand on the porch, protected once again. There was a squishing sound as Tamsin turned to face the Redcap. He turned to meet her and took in her situation. The valkyrie had only her back up knife in her hand. He watched her and slowly reached over his shoulder and pulled out a short sword.

Eyes flashing ready for a fight, Tamsin leaned forward and moved her knife into position. A large sloppy plop of the oatmeal like substance hit the ground with a splat destroying all semblance of coolness and danger the blonde warrior had been going for. The Redcap than made the last mistake of his life, he laughed.

It was over in seconds, Tamsin in all her oozy glory stood over the body of her opponent, breathing hard and wiping muck out of her eyes. The fight was over so fast that Kenzi had not really had time to turn away. "Where is Dyson?" Tamsin asked and in answer to her question she heard a strong howl in breaking the night.

"Well he is alive," said Kenzi tightly. "Come on," She motioned to Tamsin, "Let's get you rinsed off." The valkyrie took a few steps towards the house. "Oh no, we do this outside." Ignoring the mumbled curses of the blonde, Kenzi jumped off the porch and grabbed the hose. The frigid water did nothing to improve the mood of the Valkyrie but at least she was dripping with water and not something lumpier. Tossing Tamsin a towel, Kenzi said, "Now you can shower."

"Good," said the valkyrie, "I need to get rid of this smell."

Biting her thumbnail for a moment Kenzi said carefully as she followed the blonde inside, "About that…"

xxxxXXXXxxxx

Dyson's wolf was huge and that was a good and a bad thing when it came to a fight. It was almost impossible for him not to leave some type of trail as he ran. In a straight out escape attempt his pursuers were always going to be able to track him until he was able to put some space between himself and them. The good news was that if they got too close he could turn and fight, and even a troll or Redcap were no match for his strength. Problem was he was being chased by more than just one troll or Redcap. He had three druids joining in on the fun and the group was armed with crossbows.

Marcus fired fast and the bolt just missed it's target as Dyson made an unanticipated move that caused the shot to go off target. "Wolf," the lead druid yelled, "You could just give up. Your friend and the little druid have to be dead by now. That leaves you in charge of this place. You're a predator, join us in a mass hunt of this place and then give it back to the humans. Fae have no place here. I offer you a bit of profit and then we all go back to the city and move on with our lives. What do you say?"

Dyson made a sudden movement out of the brush for better cover and a barrage of crossbow bolts followed his progress only narrowly missing him. Diving into deep cover, he heard Marcus shouting out, "Of course you keep going against us and we will finally take you down. We will charm you to keep you in wolf form and then slice you up and use you for parts. It's a highly illegal practice but it brings top dollar. Stupid thing about it is that like all big predator remedies they never really work, but what the customer wants the customer gets."

The wolf eyes of Dyson did not miss the three druids gathering together as the Redcaps moved left and the Trolls moved right. Shifting to his man wolf form he carefully climbed a nearby tree. He moved to the edge of a thick branch and then silently stepped over to the next tree, he continued that till he had almost moved behind the group. "Why don't people ever look up?" he wondered as he made his silence maneuvers.

"Wolf, come now boy, we need an answer." Dyson watched as Marcus made a motion and then spells and bolts were shot into the area the wolf would have been in. "Damn it," rumbled the lead druid as he heard Dyson hit the ground behind them and start running.

There was the thunder of the footfalls as the Trolls and Redcaps raced after him but Dyson had a good lead on them. His senses picked up on something else. Enfield was suddenly running beside Dyson's wolf. The foxlike creature was keeping easy pace with the sprinting form of Dyson. "Show off," growled Dyson and if he didn't know better he would have thought that the fox laughed. With a nip to Dyson's side the fox gained his attention, it was a not so subtle request for the wolf to follow.

Taking a hard left through the trees and underbrush the two canines could not miss the crunching of foliage that followed. With a burst of speed the Enfield took the lead, after about a hundred paces he hit an old log and jumped over a set of thick bushes. Dyson followed and noticed the smell of blackberries as he cleared the shrubs. The Enfield paused in a small clearing just large enough for the two animal bodies. Dyson watched as the Enfield dropped down and doggie crawled under a small opening. Knowing he would never fit in wolf form he shifted to human and followed, fighting back curses as the thorns of the thick blackberry bushes bit at his skin.

Watching the thick red and white tail of the Enfield he was surprised as it suddenly just dropped out of sight. The sounds of the Trolls and Redcaps cursing as they hit the blackberries spurred him on and he grinned when he hit a rocky slope. He slid down the smooth rock and found himself in the Enfield's den. A narrow depression that had been padded with all sorts of treasures including what he was sure was one of Bo's old shirts. As he rolled over and turned he found himself eye to eye with two large rabbits with small riders. The pixies had wide grins and then motioned their rides forward leaving the two larger creatures behind.

There was quick set of bird calls from the two small warriors. The bushes and all plants in the surrounding area erupted with motion. Rabbits running in everywhere, some with riders but most without. Small birds shot like rockets out of the trees, their wings creating a horrible racket. Animals of all shapes and sizes called into the night. It was like the surroundings burst with life. The startled shouts and curses of Dyson's pursuers were clear as the onslaught of the moving masses traveled by them. Marcus could be heard yelling orders about killing anything in sight. Others were shouting about the location of the wolf. Had any one seen him? The trick had the area so disrupted any sign of Dyson was lost to the trackers.

Shifting back to his wolf form Dyson lay quietly listening to the others. They stomped around for a while, the big strong fae and the powerful druids not willing to admit that song birds, rabbits and blackberry bushes had lost them their prey. "There is no sign of the wolf, Marcus. There is also no reply from our people at the house. What are your orders?"

Almost spitting out his words, the druid replied, "If anything this shows us how ripe this area is for the picking. The wolf is a concern but if the girl is alive then she is trapped in her own home. I say we set up camp and prepare for a week or two of fine hunting. When we are finished we will burn the whole place out to get to the girl. Let's go grab our gear." There was footsteps but Dyson's wolf nose was not fooled. A half hour later there was a mumbled command, "We join the others." Only then then did the scent of the enemy leave.

The Enfield was stretched out next to Dyson. Switching to man-wolf form he growled at the little fox. "Go warn the others and thank them for their help." With a yip the red furred creature was gone. Dyson stood and howled to let the others know that he was alive.

A/N: More Bo and Lauren next time…hope for a much faster post... thanks again for reading!