Part 10
Metamor Keep: Keeper's Return
By Charles Matthias
Feb 12, 708 CR
It was
well past midnight when Murikeer finally left his rooms to see his
mentor. He could hear the faint snoring of Kozaithy in the
adjoining room but even the sound of the white skunks breath was not
enough to quiet the alarm in his heart. He needed to see Rickkter
and learn how he fared for himself.
His spell
to let him know when Kayla had left had triggered several hours past, but
he had been more exhausted than hed realized from his journey and had
been unable to stir himself for many hours. Now that he was awake,
hed been careful about attiring himself so as not to wake Kozi. It
was so strange that hed return to Metamor to find the very woman hed
met suffering from a degenerating illness that would soon claim her life
to whom hed suggested the curses of Metamor as a cure transformed by
them into a skunk like himself. Few were the days since then that
hed not spent in her pleasant and vivacious company. But there
were still some things that he had to tend to on his own.
This was
one of them.
The halls
of Metamor were mostly empty at that late hour, but there were a few
Keepers stumbling about after having too much to drink. Murikeer
kept out of their way. Including one cloaked individual who was
having to use the wall just to keep them self upright.
"You
know, I had expected to find you in your quarters, not wandering the
halls."
Muri
quickly turned back, gazing in surprise at the figure across the hall,
who was now leaning heavily against the wall. "Rickkter? What are
you doing out here?"
"Looking for you, actually," he said, pushing back the cowl
over his face and letting a small witchlight flare into existence between
them. Rickkter's eyes glowed like the animal he was, but that was all
about him that appeared healthy. His fur had lost its lustre and his face
had a gaunt, almost starved appearance to it. "She's been gone
several hours, but it's taken me all that time to gather the strength
needed to get out here. I need your help, Muri." His head dropped
and he looked off into the darkness. "And I need to sit
down."
Nodding,
Muri crossed the hall and offered his mentor a hand. Much to his
surprise, Rickkter took it. "Let's go back to your rooms, they're
probably closer," he said, omitting how Kozaithy was sleeping in
his.
Kyia must
have been on their side as the trip was thankfully short. Rickkter was
almost out of breath by the time they reached the rooms and staggered to
his bed before practically falling into it. Muri stood by and let him
recover, letting his eyes drift over the entwining wards and traps of the
room. The bedroom smelled of skunk and raccoon that, to the someone not
familiar with Metamor, would have been overwhelming but to Murikeers
nose was merely a background musk. More noticeable was the aroma of
a heady broth that made Murikeers nose twitch with appetite when he
realized that he had not thought to eat since leaving Glen Avery that
morning. His stomach growled in protest. The air was warm as
if from a fire with no hint of wintry chill but Rickkter was still
bundled heavily in quilts. The southerner had always preferred the
heat. While nothing appeared out of the ordinary magic wise Murikeer
still felt unsettled.
"I
heard you... when you came by... this afternoon, the exhausted racoon
panted, No one.. comes to my door... without me being alerted. But I
thought you said... you were going back to the Glen." He could
only get a few words out between panting breaths and clutched at his
chest with one hand that shook with infirmity.
"I
did. Kimberly is a dear friend to me, and her husband is also a
friend. But Ive come back to see you. Kayla wouldnt let me
in earlier. Murikeer heated the lukewarm broth with a minor bit of
magic and stirred the settled stock before pouring it into a bowl.
It was... most unlike her." He held the bowl out to Rickkter
but the raccoon lifted his lip in a moue of disgust and waved it
away.
Rickkter
had forced himself up onto his elbows and was struggling to sit all the
way up. With a grimace and quick burst of magic he managed it. "
Somethings very wrong, Muri. Very wrong. He heaved a breath and
sagged forward a bit to lean his hands upon his knees. With Kayla.
Murikeer
raised his brow at the exertion of magic to accomplish such a simple
seeming task. He set the bowl down and frowned at his once
overwhelmingly powerful mentor, amazed at the sudden drastic downturn to
his recovery. What have you seen?
Nothing. Most of the time it seems like her. It's just...
Rickkter grunted and winced, one paw lifting to his chest to still some
pain. The moment passed and his paw fell back into his lap. It's
just ever since shes returned, Ive gotten weaker and weaker.
Every time she touches me I feel my strength leave me. I tried to
fight her at first, but I cant. He tried to spit the word, hating his
own inadequacy, but he only sent himself into a coughing fit.
After
Murikeer steadied him and he regained his breath the raccoon continued.
Before she came back I was doing better. I could walk, I could
stand. I spent two years dying before I came to Metamor, and on
all but my worst days it wasn't this bad." He paused a minute for
breath. "There's something else. She keeps taking the swords
back. At first she said it was just habit. It seemed
reasonable at the time. But she did it again. And
again. And this last time, she told me it was right for her to do
so. Said I was too weak and the dragons wanted to be with somebody
strong. Rickkter glowered, eyes fierce with their old vitality. And
today, once when she leaned over to push me back into bed, I swear I saw
a black dragon in her place.
Murikeer
pressed his tongue against the back of his teeth and sucked hard. A
black dragon? That cannot be good. Do you think it has
something to do with Marzac?
You heard
the story about Lindsey. She did say that there was a black thing
growing in her pouch before she ripped it out -- he now I suppose. Still,
if it could get to one of them, it could get to all of them.
She cant
be doing this herself, Murikeer said, feeling a painful memory welling
up inside him. She cant be. Shed never do such a thing.
She loves you too much.
Aye,
Rickkter whispered, lowering his head and looking away again. But I
cant do anything for her. Physically, I can't get out of bed without the
help of her or my own magic. That's why I need you.
Murikeer
pondered for a moment, pushing back the awful memories that clamoured for
attention, until he finally knew there was only one option. We have to
capture Kayla and remove whatever magic geas shes under. It sounds
as if it is connected to the dragon swords."
"The
swords... certainly seem part of it. But first, I need you to find out
exactly what it is she's been doing to me."
Extending
a few magical probes, Murikeer drew closer and peered deeply into the
magic surrounding his mentor. The Curse, by its very nature, created a
tangled weave of magic around a person. Rickkter had layers of his own
ensorcellments and wards on top of those from his years as a battlemage.
Muri took his time, slowly teasing past them, looking for any signs of
Marzac's influences.
Rick, I
need you to--
Closing
his eyes, Rickkter dropped the last defences.
When the
task was finally finished, Muri withdrew, making a slow hissing sound as
he drew air in through his teeth. He flexed his fingers several times as
if to alleviate pain from them."Yes, there is damage. Its very deep
and very direct. At best, Id describe it as... punctures, in your main
life force. It also appears to be recent.
So we
were right, Rickkter muttered, his gaze fixed on the floor.
And were
going to help her. First Im going to put reinforce the spells on your
bedroom door to keep anyone from coming in here. Then Im going to
speak with George. Im going to need soldiers and scouts to help
corner her long enough for me to use magic.
I just
got her back, Rickkter said weakly. Two months in agony, waiting, and I
just got her back. He turned and looked up at Muri, his eyes glistening
with wetness in the candlelight of the room. Dont hurt her Just save
her.
Murikeer
nodded and stood, I will do what I can. He laid a hand upon his
mentors shoulder, And everything I will do will be to save her, and
protect her from whatever this malaise is.
----------
The sun
had yet to rise, but they had torches and Kimberly offered a witchlight
to help. The Longs and the Glenners cleared some of the snow out
around the wagons, while Sir Saulius and the other rats tended to the
dozen horses to make sure their harnesses were secure and that their legs
were warm enough. Guernef flew on ahead, his white plumage
disappearing in the still falling snow above. Abafouq and Andares
used pyrocks to melt the ice from the wagons. Charles, Kimberly,
Baerle, and James saw to the children, making sure they were wrapped snug
and warm before venturing out onto the road to Metamor. Mrs. Levins
the hedgehog supplied them with warm pastries.
Once the
wagons were cleaned off and their supplies stowed, Julian opened a
compartment in the side of the first wagon, and with Elliots assistance,
took out a long metal ski and set it on the ground. Whats that for?
James asked.
Julian
smiled, his red eyes the only thing of his countenance different than the
snow around. Our wagons all come equipped with skis. We will
convert them, with your aid, into sleighs. This will save us a few
hours on the trip back. With snow as thick as this the wheels would
become stuck ere we left the woods. But with skis well glide right
over.
Lindsey
nodded in approval. My folk did the same back in Arabarb. Winters
are even crueler there.
The skis
attached to the side of the wagons, and once both were down, Julian
invited Charles to turn a crank. This drove screws in the framework
that with each twist lifted the wagon higher off the ground. Six
inches and twice as many turns of the crank and the skis pushed the
wheels out of the snow. The Longs and the Glenners all admired
Julian, Elliot, and Goldmarks craftiness while they did the same for the
other two wagons.
Charles
laughed after raising the last wagon. You must have been preparing these
for a while. What are you going to use them for?
Julian put
one finger to his muzzle and smiled. Its a secret. But well be
unveiling them in a few days. Wed love to have you there when we
do, Charles. And you as well Misha. If it is possible of
course.
The fox
rubbed one paw beneath his chin, glancing over the skis and admiring the
mechanical apparatus that lifted the wagons. Ill try. But I
really want to know how you managed to build these in secret! Not
many at Metamor would know how to fashion these cranks and screws.
Bryan was
of inestimable help, Elliot replied with a lop-sided grin. That cobra
really knows his way around mechanics. We told him what we wanted,
and he drew up some designs and even recommended a few folks to build
this for us.
Misha
laughed and wagged his tail. I should visit him more often. I
would if he didnt look like he wanted to eat me all the time!
Were
rats! Goldmark objected with a firm chortle. He practically salivates
when he sees us!
Well,
thats all of them, Julian said as he wiped his paws on his breeches and
twitched the snow from his ears. More snow fell to replace the
scattered flakes. Now lets get started. Its going to be a long
road to Metamor sleigh or no! With that, he hoisted himself atop
the wagon and took the reins.
The Longs
scrambled into the last two wagons, while the travelling companions took
the first with Charless family. Sir Saulius sat with Julian to aid
him with the horses. All of them took heavy blankets lined with fur
and huddled beneath for warmth. The many Glenners whod come to see
them off waved to them, many carrying torches, others huddling in woolen
cloaks dusted white from a few minutes snowfall. Another two hands
of snow had fallen overnight which kept many of the shorter Glenners
indoors. It would be a few days before theyd dug themselves out
again.
But now
the wagons-turned-sleighs had to prove their mettle. Julian gave
the reins a firm snap and the quartet of horses pushed against the snow,
heavy hooves digging into the banks and driving against hard packed
slush. The skis groaned as they were dragged forward half an inch,
and then an inch, and then three inches. And then the sleigh jumped
forward, and the horses started a steady trot. The children
squeaked in delight, each of them trying to lean over the sides of the
wagon to watch. Behind them the other wagons got started one after
another. With a tug on the reins, Julian turned the horses down the
southward road from the Glen and the sleigh followed, riding along the
snow almost as smoothly as if it were gliding.
Julian
laughed in delight as the sleighs took the road through the twilight
white that cloaked hill, tree, and sky at a brisk pace. Charles
hugged Kimberly close who chittered eager for warmth, her witchlight
bobbing a few feet above her ears. To the south hidden behind the
haze of snowfall waited Metamor.
----------
The
Patrolmaster had been up late the previous night seeing to both his and
Mishas jobs in light of the stronger than expected snowfall.
Patrol routes would have to be changed and civil crews sent out to clear
the roads through Keeptowne and Euper. While the latter were not
under his authority, given the assault Nasoj launched the previous winter
during a blizzard, scouts and soldiers had to be sent now to protect
those crews. It wasnt until after midnight that hed finished
seeing to the new orders and could finally sleep for a few hours when it
would all begin again.
So he was
irate when woken by Murikeer after only having two uneasy hours of rest.
Muri, if you havent brought a beautiful woman with you, Im going to
skewer you with my sword once I find it.
The skunk
blinked his one eye but otherwise ignored the jackals surly growl. Im
sorry for waking you, George, but Misha is gone and I need your help
now. Kayla, that is, some force controlling Kayla may be killing
Rickkter. We have to capture her and destroy whatever it is thats
doing this.
The jackal
narrowed his eyes, grunted, and waved Murikeer back. Get out of my
bedroom and let me get dressed. Wait by my desk and Ill be there
in a moment. I have some whiskey in the bottom drawer. Pour
me a small glass will you.
Thank
you, Murikeer said and left.
Ten
minutes later, George was dressed, had half-finished his whiskey, and had
listened to Murikeers tale. Ten seconds later, the jackal downed
the rest of his whiskey and shook his head. A dragon? Why would a
dragon want to kill Rickkter? And why it would it possess
Kayla?
Murikeer
shook his head. I dont know. But we believe it has something to
do with Marzac.
George
grunted and licked his nose. I thought Kayla, Charles, and the rest
destroyed that place.
And I
believe they did, Muri replied. That wall of magic that swept through
Metamor seven weeks ago can have no other explanation. Nor would
they lie about these things. You heard what Lindsey suffered.
This may be similar. A last gasp of Marzacs power. Why they
want Rickkter dead I do not know. Perhaps they dont want him dead
after all, as they surely could have killed him with ease if that is what
they truly wished. He cannot defend himself. Maybe that is
what they want.
The skunk
sighed but the tension did not leave him. We have to capture Kayla if we
are to learn what Marzac is trying to do through her, and if we are to
rescue her and Rickkter. I should be able to counter any magic she
possesses, but I need help to capture her. Can you supply the
men?
George
frowned and spread his master copy of the duty orders on the desk. This
is a bad time. Almost none of the Long Scouts are still at Metamor,
and those who are were sent out last night to help defend the road
clearing crews. But we do have a number of soldiers who can
help. And there may be a mage or two I can rope into the search at
this hour.
We dont
have to search for her, Murikeer said. Shes going to come back to
Rickkters room with the dawn. We can capture her there.
If she
goes back, George added with a sour _expression_. Ill send a message to
Andwyn. He can have his spies keep an eye on her and find out where
she goes. He at least wont have to be woken up.
Do we
have to involve him? Murikeer asked. He did not know the bat very
well, but none of his friends had evinced any trust in him.
Kayla
works for him. Itd be impossible not to. George tapped his thumbs
to his chin. Ill see who I can find to help.
Tell him
to make sure he uses new people. As you said, Kayla worked for
him. We dont want our hand tipped because she recognizes someone
watching her.
George
nodded in accord. Good idea. Ill meet you at Rickkters
quarters in an hour to prepare Kaylas welcoming party.
Murikeer
took a deep breath but did not bother trying to smile. Thank you,
George. I will return there now to keep watch on my friend.
The skunk turned to leave, but stopped and looked back over his shoulder.
One thing, George. Kayla is not to be hurt unless there is no
other choice. If she suffers any harm, you will have not just
Rickkter to answer to. She isnt responsible for her actions.
Like
Llyn?
Murikeer
nodded, fighting back the swell of memory.
The jackal
nodded and licked his nose again. I understand. Now get out so I
can do my job. Murikeer left without a word.
----------
Kayla woke
with a renewed sense of purpose. She leapt from her bed feeling
energized and hopeful. Donning her warm travelling gear, she
buckled the dragon swords at her sides and pet the hilts. She
almost felt them tremble beneath her. Her long tail lashed back and
forth, and she spared it a few minutes to brush out knots and make it
presentable. But the knowledge of what she would do this day gave
her focus and impetus today she would restore all strength to the man
she loved.
But first
she would get him something to eat. He liked the broth, so ventured
down to the Keeps kitchens to ask for some more. It was so
wonderful being back in Metamor. She loved the variety of scents
and the warmth that came to her even through the wintry chill. And
none were more scrumptious than those that arose from the kitchens.
The day
began early in the Keeps kitchens, and she found that same lady
alligator overseeing the preparation for the days meals. She
smiled and waved from the entrance. Miriam! Good morning!
The
alligator, dressed in heavy woolen breeches, shirt and apron, dropped her
jaw in a reptilian approximation of a smile and waved her in. Kayla
stepped into the mess of pots, pans, fires, brick ovens, and scents
everywhere. Keepers seeming children, grown men and women, and
beats all mingled together to prepare food for the Duke and his many
staff as well as those who would come to purchase some morsel.
Normally Thalberg oversaw the Kitchens with religious fervour, but
apparently hed delegated that task to Miriam for now.
Good
morning, Kayla, Miriam said with a drawling lisp. How is your Rick
doing?
Hes
still weak, but Im confidant hell rebound today. Kayla wanted to share
her great secret, but knew it was better not to mention such things in
case they didnt come to pass. I was wondering if I might have some more
of that delicious soup you made yesterday. If there is any.
Miriam
gave a short crisp nod and gestured with a long green, scaled arm toward
a pair of stoves against the wall to her left. Large pots sat atop
cast iron stoves and churned merrily. Kayla felt the heat from
those stoves grind into her fur.
Bernadette, would you spoon out a bowl of the pork broth for Kayla
here? Miriam called in a booming voice. She sounded almost exactly
like Thalberg. And despite how alien she appeared, there was no
mistaking her for a man, let alone the irascible Steward!
Kayla
beamed. Oh thank you! She went over to the mouse who stood on a stool
to fill an earthenware bowl with the delicious soup. Right after
Rickkter had eaten, Kayla would do as Vissarion instructed. This
would be the last time shed ever see him weak. She could barely
even wait for the soup bowl to be handed to her before darting off to his
chambers.
----------
Murikeer
paced back and forth doing his best at wearing a rut in the floor as the
minutes trickled past. But after an hour, George did arrive as
promised. With him came a dozen soldiers dressed in mail with
various weapons. Rickkter nodded in approval at the bolas two human
women carried, while the rest were a mix of swords, spears, and one large
net. Murikeer didnt recognize any of the soldiers, but they were a
mix of adult humans and beasts.
The
smallest amongst the group was a mouse not dressed in armour.
Murikeer recognized the late Prime Ministers apprentice immediately and
nodded courteously. Kindle. Im surprised to see you here.
The mouse
stood as tall as he could and replied with a sharp defensiveness. I have
been a mage in the field for the last year and a half. I have
learned much in that time. I know I am not at your or Master
Rickkters calibre, but I can help.
George
nodded. Ive seen Kindle in action, Muri. Hell be able to
help.
Murikeer
bore a faint moue but accepted it. Ive cast a few spells in the
corridor outside that should help us. Illusion magics to conceal
soldiers standing in the alcoves on either end of the hall. You can
put one or two in each. I dont know how much her ability to sense magic
has grown, or how much Marzac is giving her, if indeed it is Marzac, but
with luck she wont notice them until its too late.
George
gestured at the two bola wielding woman and a cat and dog. Patri, Belin,
take the alcove to the left. Laird, Brica, take the alcove on the
right. The rest of you wait here with us. And remember, the
skunk is not to be hurt. He then turned to Murikeer and said, I
heard from Andwyn just before we got here. She went to the Kitchens
to get some food. Shell be hear any moment now.
Good,
said Rickkter, from the doorway to his room. He was leaning heavily
against the frame and Muri could clearly make out the web of spells he
was using to keep himself standing. Pushing off from that, he
limped into the middle of the main room. Make sure your men know to
avoid the swords as well. If she chooses to use them in an
offensive manner, theres nothing you have that would stand against
them.
Rickkter,
what are you doing? Muri said, striding up and putting his paw on the
raccoons chest. He could feel the bones beneath the thin robe and
fur there. Get back to bed. Youre not well, and we can handle
this.
Rickkter
glared back at him in return. No. This ends now. She wont
want to hurt me, and if she uses the swords, they wont want to hurt
their true master. Thats not true for any of the rest of
you.
Fine
then. Murikeer steeled himself, pondering the various trap spells he
knew and which might be the most effective. Then close the door, blow
out the lanterns, and wait.
----------
Kayla
hummed a little tune to herself as she swiftly made her way to Rickkters
quarters. She carried the bowl of soup in one paw, feeling its
warmth and the warmth of Vissarions presence within her. With her
other paw, she turned the handle to Rickkters door and stepped
through. She stopped, Vissarion and she startled to see that not
only was he out of bed but that he was surrounded by soldiers.
Rick! What are you doing out of bed! she snapped sharply as her
eyes darted among those surrounding him. They looked back with flat
eyes stares that said they were not here to visit. What is the meaning
of this? Murikeer stepped from among the crowd to stand beside Rickkter.
Muri! This is your doing, isnt it!
This is
no ones doing, love, Rickkter called out to her, his voice thin and
reedy but firm despite his weakness. You have a problem and we need to
help you.
The
soldiers were all advancing toward her. She could feel her tail
standing up and brushing out in fright. Murikeer, at their
head, bore a grave _expression_. Please dont fight us, Kayla.
Were trying to help. His normally dark eye had a strange deep
gleam to it; an internal luminescence that even Kayla could see was magic
of some diabolical sort.
Theyre
here to stop you! Run!
Kayla
threw the bowl of soup in the face of the nearest soldier, a human man,
who swore and fumbled at his armour as the broth ran down his
undershirt. She jumped back and felt bands of force wrapping around
her from behind. The skunk and a small mouse fellow were drawing
strands in the air against her. The other soldiers moved in, their
weapons drawn, but reaching for her with their free hands.
Vissarions voice guided her true. Use your swords to cut the
magical bonds!
Kayla
swept the dragon blades from their scabbards and twisted them in an arc
behind her. The mouse fell backward with a startled cry as his
magical bindings were cut. Murikeer only took a precautionary step
back. He released his own magic before the attack could backlash
against him. His healthy eye was filled with a sick dread twisted
into hate.
The bonds
severed, Kayla leapt backward and yanked the door shut. She turned
to her left and began running down the hall, when through the wall
stepped a woman and a cat. The woman spun a bola over her head, and
the cat stood ready with a large net. They were hunting her like a
wild beast! What had come over them? What madness had
descended on Metamor?
Behind
you!
Kayla
turned just in time to hear the whip of a bola ripping through the air
toward her legs. She jumped, driving Clymaethera beneath her.
The bola sprang apart, the trio of heavy balls clattering across the
hall.
The door
burst open, and Murikeer was the first out. He threw his paws
forward, but Kayla lifted the swords between her and the spell. She
could see it all clearly now, his own net of strands of magic, each laced
with a soporific agent. She knew that Vissarion was helping her to
see more clearly the magic worked against her and she was grateful for
it. With a slash of her dragon swords, the net and its sleep spell
were torn to shreds.
A whine in
the air and she jumped to the side, letting the bola pass her by this
time. The woman before her had aimed it for her thighs, so it sped
past and tangled Murikeer and one of the other soldiers. Both fell
with a crash. She saw Rickkter come staggering out of his room,
having to catch the door to keep from crashing down on the hall floor.
Kayla, no! Dont run from them!
But Kayla
turned away from him and shoved aside the cat who tried to block her way
with her elbow as she ran from the corridor. Tears streamed from
her eyes, weeping for her Rickkter who now wouldnt receive Vissarion and
all his strength. Why had Murikeer betrayed her love and his mentor
like that?
She could
hear the sound of pursuit behind her already. Kayla knew she
couldnt run forever. Murikeer and the soldiers of Metamor would
capture her inevitably. If even Murikeer had betrayed her, had
forced Rickkter to work against her, then there was no one she could
trust. Oh Vissarion, help me! she cried as she fought back the tears of
anguish.
I
will.
----------
Murikeer
struggled to his feet, while the bull hed collapsed with removed the
bola from around his legs. Are you all right, Andhun? Muri asked.
The bull
nodded and kicked the bola away. Im fine. You?
Not at
all. He turned to George who was right behind him, scimitar in paw.
George, she has been touched by Marzac. I saw it on her. I
saw it!
What did
you see? the jackal asked.
The same
magical taint I saw at Patriarch Akabaieths camp. And the same one
when I faced Agathe in pass of Askaaren in the Sathmore mountains last
year. His voice was raw, and he could barely hold the agony back.
Agathe had nearly destroyed him and it was only extreme good fortune that
hed survived the encounter. Now a dear friend had been infected.
It isnt as strong as I saw on Agathe, but its there.
George
frowned. Now what?
Now we
hunt her down, Murikeer replied, steeling himself for what had to be
done.
Muri!
Rickkter called out to him from where he hung onto the door. Alive,
Muri! And if it comes down to her or the swords... I want
her.
Murikeer
nodded. He turned to the mouse who was shaking his head.
Kindle, you stay behind and keep watch here. Warn me if she comes
back. George, leave a few men behind with Kindle and then follow
me. So saying, Murikeer raced after the fleeing skunk, her trail easy to
follow. For none left a more abrasive scent than a skunk in
fear. George and eight other soldiers were quick on his tail.
Murikeer
glanced at the walls around him and softly said, Kyia, please help me
find Kayla before she accidentally hurts anyone. She is... walking
through darkness.
The walls
remained still, but Murikeer knew the spirit of the Keep had
heard.
Kindle
shook his head once more as he watched the pursuers take off down the
hall. Turning, he made his way over to Rickkter. The raccoon took his
offer of assistance a little too seriously, almost falling atop the mouse
as Kindle put his arm across his shoulders.
You know,
if what shes trying to do doesnt kill you, Im pretty sure youre going
to end up doing it yourself.
Just get
me back to bed, Rick replied between laboured breaths, his lips drawn
back in a snarl. I have my own plans to make.
----------
Snowflakes
rushed past them, both those descending from the sky and those kicked up
by the horses and the skis. Charles brushed several clinging to
Kimberlys whiskers free. She wriggled her snout but smiled in
thanks.
Were
making very good time, he observed, noting the way the forest opened out
more and more frequently into clearings and small villages.
Julian
nodded and gestured to a shadowy darkness in the distance. You see that
outline?
Charles
and Kimberly peered at it, but through the haze of snow it only seemed a
dark smear beginning to take on shape. What is it? Kimberly asked.
Thats
Metamor Keep! Julian smiled even as more snow became lost in his white
fur. Another hour and well be there.
The news
was greeted with a chorus of delighted squeaks.
----------
May He bless you and keep you in His grace and love,
Charles Matthias
!DSPAM:4b9987fb138982366718218!
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