Keeper of Fire Ch. 12-13

Dragon Mountains

Kyai rolled her shoulders and sighed in relief at the sight of lights ahead. They had been traveling for the last two days and it was taking a toll on her. She was sad though that her time alone with Hunter was drawing to a close, at least for a short period of time. Hunter pulled them to a stop and slid off of his horse; Kyai slid off of hers into his arms.

“I’m going to go ahead and see if I can get us a room. Wait here please?” he asked gently. Kyai nodded reluctantly, they had been attacked by several people and creatures alike and Hunter being over protective as he was didn’t like to put her in unnecessary danger. Hunter butterfly kissed her mouth then moved off to change into a wolf so he wouldn’t spook the horses.

Kyai watched Hunter run across the field, wishing she could run with him. She shook her head mournfully and turned her attention back to the horses. Kyai stared up at the moon and sighed; it wasn’t fair sometimes. A twig snapped and Kyai tensed, she continued to pull out the burrs in the horse’s mane and gripped the short sword that Karol had given her right before they had left. A little face appeared in front of her and Kyai yelped; the little face laughed and then spoke,

“You see how far she jumped, Reo?!”

“Yeah! I saw Wren! Should we take her money?” Kyai around, a little boyish creature sat on the horse looking at her, amused.

“You are funny lady! What are you anyway?” the creature asked, another one appeared beside it and laughed,

“You are so stupid, Reo! She is one of those long legged stork people!” Wren stated angrily. Kyai stood, brushing herself off; she folded her arms and looked at the two creatures that stood bickering with each other.

Reo shouted at Wren that she was wrong; Wren brought up its hand and hit Reo across the head. Kyai couldn’t help it, she laughed; both of the creatures turned to look at her then they smiled,

“You are funny! What is your name?”

“My name is Kyai. What are you?” Kyai asked and they laughed,

“We are Faeries. What are you?” they asked together. Kyai smiled and shook her head,

“I am a human and…” She began but was interrupted when the horse screamed.

***

Hunter lifted his nose up to smell the air; different smells attacked him. First the woodsy smell of the pine trees followed by the smell of a fire and a wolf and… wait wolf? That came from up wind. Hunter turned his head slightly; a horse screamed and it was followed by a woman’s scream. He felt pain explode in his shoulder and Hunter howled; he began to sprint towards where Kyai was.

As he arrived he found Kyai unconscious and surrounded by big creatures. One of them nipped her wrist and Hunter growled; one of the black creatures leapt back. He stalked forward and nudged Kyai; Kyai moaned but she didn’t move. Hunter turned to look at the four huge wolves and barred his teeth; one of them growled in response.

A mind link began to open up as Hunter sent a mind flare,

What are you doing? One of the wolves asked, Hunter snorted.

A better question is what do you want? We haven’t been here long. He told them flatly, the wolves exchanged looks.

Indeed you haven’t been here long; you must have permission to cross this land. Since you haven’t asked we must eliminate you. Hunter tensed as caught the scent of another shape-shifter but in human form. He turned to look at the shape-shifter; it was a young man long dark hair and gold eyes,

“Come now let us talk like men shall we? I feel we should talk like this so that you may take care of her.” The man nudged Kyai with his boot toe. Hunter growled angrily, Call your mutts off and I’ll change. The man laughed as the other wolves growled at the insult; he then shouted to them to back off into the woods a ways.

Hunter checked around him to make sure they were away before changing; he felt the uncomfortably sting of the night air on his skin and the unpleasant sense of his sense’s changing back to human levels. Hunter looked down at Kyai and then up at the man who stood watching him; the man smiled and sank down onto the ground slowly.

“Well were shall we start? I know! My name is Zeal of the Wolf clan.” His hand reached out to finger Kyai’s hair. Hunter growled deep in his throat and Zeal laughed, “A bit touchy are we about this human?”

“You are lucky that I have some patience or I would have ripped your throat out.” Hunter threatened. Zeal laughed again,

“So tell me stranger… what is your business? What is your name?” he asked casually.

“We are going to travel through the Dragon Mountains. We where only planning on being here for a day or two.” Hunter told him stiffly, Zeal smirked.

“I’ve heard that one before… but for some reason I’m inclined to believe you. I’ll make you a deal. You come and stay with me for a few days then I will escort you across the Mountains.”

“What is the catch?” Hunter asked suspiciously.

“You allow to come with you after we are through the Mountains. Also you teach me how to control you shape-shifting.” Zeal stated simply, Hunter looked down at Kyai; he knew he had no choice. If he refused, Zeal would set his wolves on him and put Kyai in mortal danger. If he accepted then… well a lot of things could happen and some where to gruesome to think of.

“Very well. I accept your terms, however I want a blood oath that you will not betray us in anyway or abandon us.” Zeal nodded then added,

“You must make the same oath then.” He pulled out a dagger and slit his palm open; he then offered the knife to Hunter. Hunter slit his own palm and then slid it into Zeal’s hand; he felt the wound become hot then is fizzed before becoming normal again.

Hunter laid Kyai down on the blankets; she mumbled something in her sleep and rolled to snuggle into his chest. He ruffled her hair gently then moved away from her warm body; she made a noise and frowned. Hunter placed a kiss on her forehead then left the tent to go and speak with Zeal.

Kyai slowly became aware of voices that where talking above her head,

“… You are wrong Reo!! She is very pretty and we should leave her stuff alone!!” Wren shouted, Kyai pushed herself up and grinned,

“I see that I’ve been followed. Where are we?”

“Your shape-shifter brought you here. But there are women here in the camp that would gladly slit your throat to be able to marry him.” Kyai shifted uncomfortably then shook her head.

“What are you doing here?” Reo laughed mischievously,

“We like you. You have pretty stuff.” He stated smugly. Kyai shook her head again,

“Kyai? Are you awake?” Hunter entered into the tent and asked, “Who where you talking to?” he yelped as a small knife pricked his hand.

“Hunter this is Wren and Reo. I met them while you where out,” she told him, Hunter stuck his finger in his mouth and sucked on it.

“Well, well it seems that you have fairies for friends now. Can you skedaddle for a while, Reo and Wren. I would like time with my wife.” The fairies looked at each other then nodded and they were gone.

Time never reveals her secrets

Evan looked over the sea of roofs; Jaguar had finally found him in the town and had requested to see him. Evan had been just as foolish as to except the offer as Jaguar was to extend it. He climbed down the wall and began to stroll towards an inn; laughter and singing drifted towards him as he pushed his way into the commons area. He ordered a pint of ale and took a seat at a vacant table that had a good view of the door.

“Hello Evan.” Jaguar said as he sank down next to him, Evan acknowledged him with a tilt of his head. “You’re looking well. I’ve heard that you are interested in knowing the location of your sister.”

“And what of it Jaguar?” Evan asked icily,

“Temper, temper, she is in fact here in this very city.” Evan didn’t look at Jaguar, “Unfortunately she has become involved in… how do I say it… a certain vampire’s affairs. Although she has assured me that she knows what she is doing, we are not so confident. I had warned her of him before she came here…” Jaguar smiled into the golden liquid in his cup. “It seems that she has a trait that I’ve found in you as well, just like you she ignores my advice and found Shardow soon after she came.” Evan leaned back in his chair,

“You are just mad because she slipped from you grasp before you could use her to control me. Shardow won’t harm her, for now at least.” Evan stood and rolled a coin onto the table, “Until next time, Jaguar.”

***