Chapter One
The sound of the axes awoke him. He stirred in bed, still sleepy, wondering what was going on. He got up out of bed and stood, shivering in the still cold springtime air. He bent to pick up his black silk pants and slipped them on, followed by a black silk shirt with green flame embroidered as trim, Black knee-high leather boots, a black leather belt, and black leather gloves. He walked to the door to retrieve his forest green overcoat from it and put it on. He picked up his rapier from his bedside and examined it. The blade was shiny, he made sure of that, the mysterious badger runes showing quite clearly on the golden basket hilt. He kept it in good condition, it was his tool of death, survival too. Some might think the two were the same; He didn’t. He walked up to the window and threw aside the wooden shutters. The old wildcat smiled out at the sunny day.
* * * * * *
As the old grey wildcat strode out the door, a huge weasel with two scimitars came up from nearby, halting him. “Cap’n, have you heard what they’re doin’ in yon forest?” he asked. The old wildcat smiled “Don’t worry Crakknose, I’m just on my way to investigate.” The weasel smiled, reassured. As the wildcat entered the forest he saw stumps all around, and beasts with axes, cutting more trees down. He went up to one, saying “Now then, what’s all this?” The rat smiled hesitantly, not wishing to anger the venerable Captain, but knowing how he must answer. “It’s the Emperor’s orders Cap’n. It’s true! Just ask him yerself!” The old wildcat looked into the rat’s eyes, trying to detect truth, or if it was lacking. He found truth, and a great deal of fear, both in the rat’s eyes and in his own heart. What was the Emperor DOING?
* * * * * *
He knelt before the throne in the dark room, right knee pressed on the red carpet, left hand on sword-hilt, eyes to the floor. The heavy velvet curtains were drawn over the windows, blocking out light and fresh air. A hand gestured from the shadows by the big oaken throne. “Rise,” a voice said from the shadows “What brings you here my friend?” The old grey wildcat rose, still looking at the ground, anything but the mad eyes, glaring from their place in the darkness. “I wish to ask you what the crews are doing with the forest.” He said “Did you authorize it? And for what purpose?” The voice of shadows laughed softly “You ask too many questions Captain Swanswone. My wishes are for the good of the Empire, the Glory of the Realm. That should be enough for you.” The wildcat nodded. His was not to openly question, but to obey. “I authorized them to cut down the forest” the soft voice continued “And I will tell you my plans. You always were my faithful subject. I am moving the wood from the forest into the castle courtyard. The other Captains are not as loyal as you, my friend. They get too greedy, from now on they will have to pay for their wood.” The old wildcat quietly raised his voice in the dark, hot, smothering silence “But you will kill the forest...” The shadows exploded in a dark blaze of fury, driving him to his knee in the hot, stale room. “SILENCE,” it shouted “You DARE question the Will of the Emperor? All I do is for the Glory of the Realm! Do you also serve the Empire captain? Or are you now in the service of something else?” The wildcat felt the mad eyes boring into his head and, in the blood red darkness, he answered in a voice that was stronger than he expected, “I will Always serve the Empire. I always have worked for the Glory of the Realm. I always will do so. This I swear, my service will always be foremost to Sampetra.”
* * * * * *
He sat on the edge of the dock, staring into the water. He tossed a stone into the crystal depths, watching it stir up muddy sand at the bottom. He was looking at anything but the forest, what was left of it. He remembered the autumnal leaves, bright red. He remembered the summer green, lush, a place to escape, run into the cool depths. He remembered the winter dreamland, shining white snow everywhere. He thought the Emperor was insane. He had thought so for a while but, now he knew. He didn’t know what to do, he had always served the Emperor, but now... he wondered. He felt the dock creak and, not looking up, felt the strong presence beside him. He turned to look at the ferret. They both had seen their years but, the ferret’s showed less. He was breathing heavily and sweating, probably from sparring. The ferret grunted as he sat down, nodding to the wildcat. The wildcat nodded back, and they sat in silence. Presently, neither one meeting the eyes of the other, the ferret spoke “How’d it go?” the wildcat chucked another pebble into the water “He doesn’t trust the other captains. He’s cutting down all the wood and he’s going to make them pay for it.” The ferret snorted in disgust “He’s insane.” The wildcat nodded sadly “I know. But we must follow him.” The ferret stood, a slight fire in his voice “That’s what I don’t understand about you LoMinang, you could be doing so much else, why do you stick around here, serving a crazy ruler?” The wildcat smiled bitterly “That’s the way it has to be Rakesi. I serve the Realm, I always have.” The ferret gestured opelessly, pleading a case lost long ago “But, think of what we could do if We ruled! Haven’t you ever thought about rebellion?” Seeing the lack of response from the wildcat he played his last card “Look at the forest LoMinang, see what he’s doing to the forest?” The wildcat raised his head, met the ferret’s eyes “I know, my friend. I know. But why do you need Me?” The ferret gestured angrily up at the dark stone castle “You’re the only one he trusts enough!” The wildcat whispered, almost unheard “And you ask me to betray that trust?” The ferret let out a snort of frustration “You’re Hopeless!” he said as he walked away. The wildcat turned his eyes back to the water, to the sea.
Chapter 2
He sat in the table in the corner of the Rusty Raven’s common room, Alone. He let the noise of the people talking, the warmth of the fires, the smell of ale, wash over him. He immersed himself in it, losing himself. He saw the black vixen approaching, two mugs in her hands, and he knew she was coming to him. She pulled up a chair and plopped one glass down in front of him, holding the other. “You need to socialize more.” She said with a grin “You can’t live your life alone in a corner y’know!” He took the mug and put it to his lips, letting the fire seep down into his bones. He raised his haunted eyes from the glass and stared into hers, detecting worry there. “Do you think Kez is right?” he asked. “Lo... I...” she began but he silenced her with a wave of his hand, voice pleading “Please NightClaw, tell me.” She took a deep breath “Yes,” she said “Ublaz has to go. He’s poisoning us Lo! Just look at how much this vast Empire has fallen! We need you.” The wildcat sat silently, thinking. The vixen laughed “C’Mon Lo, cheer up! Let’s get you some fresh air!” She hauled him up and dragged him out of the tavern, winking cheerfully at the ferret behind his back. The ferret sitting at a table nodded his head and smiled.
* * * * * *
The night was dark, crystal clear. It was still cold, but with the promise of warmth and day. He and the vixen sat on a cliff, overlooking the harbor, backs to the stumps of the trees. He still couldn’t bring himself to look at them. The vixen laughed as she lay in the grass, looking at the stars. At least the grass was still there, it wouldn’t live through summer’s heat without the trees to shade it. She broke the silence “So Lo, why won’t you join us? Kez has a good chance of winning if you can help him to kill Ublaz.” He sighed “Listen NightClaw. Ublaz has placed a lot of trust in me. I’ll Never betray that trust.” The vixen would give up. “Look at them!” she gestured to a mother and a child walking along the shore. “Won’t you do it for their future? So that that child has a future?” the wildcat smiled sadly “That’s the very reason I’m Not doing this. What would Sampetra be torn apart by war? Who would assume the throne, Rakesi? I know of several others who want it, would fight for it.” She leaned over, put a hand on his shoulder, asking “Will you at least not tell him until we’re ready?” he nodded “I will not tell, but after it has begun, don’t look to me for as much.” And he left.
* * * * * *
He awoke to a quiet knocking on the door. He opened it and recognized the Monitor Tuber, Ashy’s friend. The Monitor gave him a salute that he returned tiredly. “Sir, Cpt. Ashglen and her crew are leaving today sir.” The wildcat nodded “Yes, I’m aware of that.” The Monitor continued “Well sir, she was wondering if you would meet her for breakfast in the Golden Shine?” The wildcat nodded as he closed the door, “Tell her I’ll be right over.” He got dressed and strapped on his rapier, lately that had been essential. He opened the door and walked down the stairs to the common room of the Rusty Raven. He nodded to Mrs. Deathblade, the proprietor, and walked out the door. The air was still chilly, the dusty roads packed with creatures searching for a fireplace. Right now he was just searching for a friend, he wondered if he’d find one. He found the Golden Shine, recognized by the supposedly golden shield above the door, and entered. Here was a drastic change from the nautical atmosphere of the Raven. It was well lit and heated by four fireplaces and was decorated with weapons and shields. He saw a young vixen wave to him from a corner table, odd, she usually liked to sit in the middle of things. He strode over and sat down. The bartender came over and inquired what the Captains would like. Ashy ordered a fruity sort of drink, that was their specialty here. He wished they had something stronger like the Raven, he needed it, but he ordered a chilled white wine. As he waited for their drinks to arrive he watched Ashglen searching her pockets for coins. She was young, the youngest Captain ever. She had always been motivated though, pushed on by some force he lacked. When their drinks arrived she paid the bartender and glanced over at him. She leaned over the table, eyes sparkling with a mischeviousness of a prank well played. “I’m leaving in a few hours, you know.” She said. He nodded. “Actually I’m Glad to be out of here for a while, what with the storm brewing.” He raised an eyebrow “You don’t favor Kez?” She smiled “Well, if he can win, sure, but I don’t want to get caught up in it all.” He nodded “I wish I could do that. I’m the only one His Majesty trusts though. I can’t leave him alone.” She took a sip of her drink “Aye, I know how you feel but, wouldn’t it be better to betray trust this once and have a new Sampetra, than to keep your word and let it die?” He shook his head vehemently “No. If I was to break my word, I would never be able to promise anyone anything again. I live by my word, my honor. Without it, I couldn’t live.” She nodded and, rising, downed her drink “Well Captain, I have to go get ready.” He nodded “I’ll see you later Captain. She smiled and her eyes twinkled “Yes, maybe sometime. Later.”
* * * * * *
When he entered the Raven, Kez was talking. He went to his usual corner table and sat down, ordering something strong. He listened. “The Empire is Corrupt! Ublaz has All the power and gives None of it to us! Now he has taken the trees so that we need to go to Him to repair our ships! He can’t be allowed to rule any longer! Not only is he killing the island, he’s killing US by making Captains go with cheap driftwood for repairs rather than pay his extravagant prices!” Rakesi sure had a way with words, the audience was enthralled. The ferret looked like he believed it too. A vixen was walking around, handing out some sort of papers to anyone who looked interested. She came over to his table and put one down. He raised an eyebrow at her “So Zeniva, you’re into this whole thing?” she nodded and sat down “Aye Captain. What Rakesi says is good, Ublaz is going insane. Do you not also support us?” He smiled at her and took a long sip of his fiery drink “No. I remain loyal to the crown, no matter the condition of the head underneath.” She looked shocked “You think that Ublaz is fit to rule us?” He shook his head “His Majesty is insane, I’ve know that for a long time. I serve him because I would not want to see the chaos that follows rebellion.” She shook her head at him “Lo, you don’t know What you’re getting into. Lots of beasts here would Kill anyone who supports Mad Eyes. And you might very well be the only one who Does stand by him.” He nodded “Then let them come. Let them come and I’ll go down in service of the Empire, Not myself!” She stood and left, going to other tables. He didn’t even look at the paper when he stuffed it in his pocket.
Chapter 3
It was night. He was alone. He sat on that familiar cliffside, gazing on the star’s reflection on the waves. He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up to see a small black vixen, about half his height gazing down at him. He winked with a cheeriness he didn’t have “You almost scared me there Gris.” She grinned at him and plopped down beside him. He raised an eyebrow “Did Kez send you too to try to convince me?” She smiled “Nah. I just thought you could use some cheering up! So... Are you cheerful now?” He laughed “Aye, alittle more.” He looked up at the stars, seeking their familiar shape. She was quiet. He looked over at her “What is it?” She sighed. “I know I came here to cheer you up but... I promised her.” He looked puzzled. She wouldn’t meet his eyes “Well... you know how Ashy left this morning?” “Yeah?” she met his eyes, grave “She’s not coming back.” He was shocked, why hadn’t he seen it? “Why didn’t she tell me?” he asked, hurt. She put a hand on his shoulder “She was afraid you would try to stop her. She didn’t want to get caught up in this struggle. She and Tuber said that they were going east, to see what was there, maybe go further if nothing is to their liking there.” He sighed and turned to her “Right. Can you leave me alone for a moment?” She nodded and left, understanding. He put his hands to his eyes, not letting the tears pass. The stars were shining.
* * * * * *
It was late when he arrived back at the Rusty Raven. He entered the dim, comfortable atmosphere and he saw only a tall black vixen there. He nodded to her and she came over to him. She sat down and handed him some warm wine. He took a sip of it, smiling “Thanks NightClaw.” She nodded, unsmiling. “There’s a rally going on tomorrow. Kez is going to try to incite the people.” He said nothing and she shrugged. “I just thought you would like to know.” He nodded “Thanks.” As she got up he sighed. He downed the wine, using it to steel himself, for what he had to do. Then he got up and walked out the door.
* * * * * *
If it had been dark and airless in the day, it was even more so at night. There was no more red glow provided by drawn curtains, now it was just dark. He knelt there. A voice spoke out of the dark corner, somehow darker than the black surrounding it “Yes Captain? Do you have news?” He nodded “Yes. He is giving a speech tomorrow. It is his attempt to incite great numbers.” The voice sounded amused “So all of his followers will be there?” he nodded “Yes. Shall I order a squad to arrest them all?” the voice mused “No, no. Just arrest Rakesi. We need the others.” The hand in the shadows waved boredly. The wildcat nodded and stood bowing. Then he turned his back on the insanity in the dark corner, the creature that never left the shadows, the evil monster. The one who he served.
Chapter 4
He awoke in the morning, head still groggy. His neck hurt, he had been sleeping in a chair in the Raven’s common room. He got up, smoothing out his wrinkled clothing. He put a hand to his aching head and rubbed his eyes. He blinked then remembered what was happening today. He glanced at the clock, he had a half hour before Rakesi’s talk. He had better get busy. He hurried out the door.
* * * * * *
He found her on a hillside, playing her lyre. She was a brown vixen with various patches of fur dyed colors. He walked up to the stone on which she sat and she turned and smiled at him. “Well, Good Morning Captain!” he nodded tiredly “Yes. Lunata? I need you do something.” Her eyes sparkled “Ask and I’ll do it Captain! What is it you want done?” He nodded “I need you to go gather twenty trident-beasts and ten monitors. We have an arrest to make.” She sprang up and saluted, smiling “Yes Sir! Who’s the unlucky one?” he sighed “Rakesi.” The smile fell from her face “Is he in big trouble this time?” he nodded “He’s giving a speech in a half hour meant to incite the people into open rebellion. We’re going to get only him, then leave.” She nodded “Sure. Where is it?” he thought “I don’t know, probably in the forest clearing.” She nodded “I’ll have the squad there in a half hour.” She saluted “For the Glory of the Realm!” He saluted back as she turned back whispering “Yes, for the Glory of the Realm.” He hated himself.
* * * * * *
He stood under the big, old oak. The air was warm. It was evident that not only was spring here but summer was coming along quite well. He liked the warm air, not the sharp bite of the cold or the smothering heat. It was a soft warmth, comfortable. He wished he was that comfortable. He leaned against the old tree, letting the rough bark console him, letting the shadows hide his guilt. The ferret was on a rock in the middle of the clearing, surrounded by creatures of all descriptions. The wildcat watched from afar. Rakesi was talking, “We need to rise up!” he shouted “We need to throw off this Emperor who controls us so wickedly! The people should rule themselves, not be ruled! We need to show Ublaz that he can’t boss us around, we need Power!” The wildcat tuned it out, he had heard it all before. Rakesi was too hot blooded for his own good. He watched and waited, listening past the angry speaker, his friend. He heard the birds singing happily in their nests and flitting among the foliage. He saw the amber light streaming through the tree tops, making patterns on his blade. He heard the sounds of approaching footsteps, he knew who was coming. He lounged against the tree, he saw her. She was waiting solemnly by the edge of the clearing, the crowd had not yet noticed the soldiers with her. She looked at him, he nodded. The kiss of death. She signaled the soldiers and they began pushing their way through the crowd, the crowd noticed them now. The crowd shouted as they were pushed away by Monitors, they knew what was happening. They roiled like angry waves, furious. Lunata pushed her way through them, followed by her squad. They reached the ferret, exchanged a few words, he couldn’t hear over the crowd but he knew what they were saying. As they tied the Rakesi’s hands behind his back his eyes were searching the crowd, looking for the person he knew to be there. Their eyes met, the ferret’s eyes said it all, over the great distance. ‘It’s over then?’ they asked. The wildcat nodded slightly, his eyes answering ‘Yes, it’s over my friend.’ Then he turned from under the tree and walked away, the ferret’s eyes boring into his back, not hateful, just sad.
* * * * * *
He knelt in the chamber, he knew what he had come to do. The scarlet light lit the room just enough to make out the smile on the face of the thing in the corner. It was an insane smile. The wildcat shuddered. He was there to do something he hadn’t done in years, something he would do for Rakesi. He started to plead. “Milord,” he said “I do not think it wise to kill Rakesi.” He expected an explosion but, as always, the insane do the unexpected. The creature smiled wider “And why is that, Captain?” it asked. He swallowed “It would not be to our advantage to turn him into a martyr, milord. It will only drive the people closer to him. I think that if we hold him for a few days, humiliate him maybe, he will come to his senses.” The thing laughed, a raspy, sickening sound. “Always the thinker, weren’t you Captain? Well, the plans remain the same, Rakesi dies tomorrow at noon.” The wildcat begged “But sir...” he was cut off by the wave of the hand and a breif, humorless, chuckle “Oh, I know, I know Captain. He will be thought of as a hero. Well, we will make a fine martyr out of Rakesi. A fine martyr indeed.” The wildcat bowed in the stifling room “Yes milord.” He said, and he left. His peice was over.
* * * * * *
He rushed into his room and sank onto the bed, deep in thought. At least, he was alone again. Or was it still? He had always been a bit of a loner, sure he socialized but, he had always kept that essential part of him to himself. His emotions. He had liked the ferret, they had been good friends over the years. However, his loyalties had always run, not in favor of friends, but in favor of masters. He served his masters until they released him, it was his code of honor. Others thought it shouldn’t apply in certain situations. What was the use, he wondered, of a moral code, if it bent, or even broke, under certain circumstances. He did what was required of him and tried not to think about it. If it came to times and circumstances such as these, he did what he was told but tried to help in any way possible. In a way he was being loyal to his friends in preserving the Empire. Ublaz wouldn’t live forever and, when he died, he’d get all that he deserved. He had never really wondered if he was right, up until now. He had always been sure, up until now. Now, now was different. Now he doubted.
Chapter 5
It was time. He knew it. He had been awake all night and most of the day, just sitting in his room, wondering, doubting. Now the light filtered in through his wooden shutters, making his room striped with light and dark. He knew it was time, but he didn’t move. It was almost as if he knew what was about to happen and thought that if he just stayed here, it wouldn’t. Like it would go away if he just closed his eyes. He knew it wouldn’t, he had played the cards he had been dealt. He could have played them played differently but, he had chosen. It was time to pay the bank and fold. He rose silently, slowly, as if a wraith in a dream. He made his way to the door, cloths wrinkled and slept in, not caring. He opened the door just as slowly, just as silently. He glid down the stairs, not saying a word to the person behind the bar, her eyes following him on his way out, staring. He entered the streets, empty now. He knew where everyone was. He walked the streets, alone. The sun shone ironically, mockingly. The air was mystically sweet, adding to the feel of the dream. He seemed to be floating, gliding down the street. All the market stalls were empty, even the shops were closed for today. It was time. The whole city was empty, he floated alone, wishing, waiting for someone to pop the bubble of silence around him. He willed himself to wake up, knowing that he wasn’t asleep. His feet didn’t kick up any dust on the dirty roads, they didn’t rustle the blades of grass as he glided through them after leaving the tavern area. The meadows were soft and glowed with peace. He floated over the grassy knolls, he didn’t know where he was going, only where he didn’t want to be. He gazed towards the castle, he saw the gallows erected there. He saw a small figure up there, standing strong despite his bound arms. The crowd moved with his strengh, the guards barely subduing them. Then he saw the crowd surge forward, as if on a signal, and suddenly they all had weapons. The guards flowed from the castle, they had been waiting for this. They formed a line in front of the prisioner, letting none through. Then he saw one vixen break through the line, her cloak flowing, her once royal rags showing at event his distance. Zeniva. The sun glinted off of what she held, Rakesi’s weapon. She weilded it like a club, taking down Monitors and tridet beasts alike. They surged over her, covering her like ants on honey. He saw the bladed staff fly from her hands as she fell. Rakesi sprang into action. His guards had joined the fight below so he grabbed the weapon, slicing through his bonds. He held it high and shouted something the wildcat couldn’t hear. The crowd rose again, overpowering the guards by sheer strength of rage. Then more soldiers rushed from the castle and Rakesi gestured off towards the meadows and remainder of the forest. The crowd ran that way, Rakesi running at the head. As they passed the wildcat, a few yards away, the ferret looked at him, coldly. The wildcat stood still as the crowd rushed by. Then he turned to the soldiers running so far behind. He spoke to them, quietly, dreamily. “Leave them.” He said. “Nothing should be done rashly. They cannot hide on the island forever.” He would hunt the ferret down.
* * * * * *
The darkess exploded repungen tly. He left the waves of anger roll over him as the thing in the dark, dark corner yelled. “You let him go?!? He was right in front of you and you let him go?” The wildcat spoke, quietly, “I thought it better not to act rashly, milord.” The thing sneered “Yes, you’re Always thinking, aren’t you Captain? Always the one with the ideas, the ideals.” The wildcat shrugged, “He cannot hide.” The thing glared at his coolness “See that he does not Captain! The day you find him shall be his last! Now GO!” the thing flung a hand towards the door and the wildcat walked away, silently.
* * * * * *
He saw her smiling, uncertain, at the doorway. He nodded “Come in.” She came in, looking both ways, trying to see if any soldiers lurked in his corners. He smiled, trying to show emotion he didn’t feel. “What brings you here Gris?” he asked. They both knew what. Her eyes looked angry, angry at him. He wished he felt anger, or anything for that matter. “Enough with the pleasentries LoMinang!” she growled “You betrayed him!” he looked into her eyes, saw her shiver, did he really look that far gone? She tried again “Don’t say you had no choice! You had a choice to help him!” He nodded “I know. I had my choices, I chose.” She looked confused, her anger turning into worry. “What’s wrong Lo? I’ve never seen you this bad.” He met her eyes, empty green touching worried blue. “Nothing is wrong. I’m leaving in one hour. Lunata is assembling the squad. I will do my duty.” She frowned at him, searching him for emotions, he wished he could show her some. “You don’t care then?” he didn’t answer “You’re like a machine! You would just hunt him down? He was your friend!” He stood and walked to the doorway “IS, Gris. He IS my friend. I will do everything in my power to save his life.” He wondered if his power would be enough.
Chapter 6
He stood in front of the troops lined up. He scanned the Monitors, most of the trident rats had left. That was good, the Monitors didn’t have friends among the rebels. He wished he didn’t. He spoke, breaking the silence. “You will be going into battle presently. You will be fighting rebels, those not loyal to the crown. We have tracked the rebels to a secluded part of the forest, it is likely that the battle will take place there. They will have the advantage of suprise so be ready. Now, March!” They marched after him, spread out so that they wouldn’t miss the rebels. There were no birds in the forest, they had left long ago. There were still many trees but, they had somehow sensed that they were temporary. It was still dreamlike, soft and somehow unmarred by the Monitor’s stomping footsteps. They were centering in on the place where the rebels were thought to be. The soft whisper of wet leaves beneath his boots was calming, at least more than silence. Suddenly there were shouts from the forward scouts. “Regroup!” he shouted and the Monitors grouped into a square formation. The scouts’ screams had died down, now there was silence. He and the Monitors stood still, waiting for them to make the first move. He heard boots whispering on the leaves, coming from in front of them. “Steady!” he called out to his troops, they could not afford to charge until they saw the numbers. He saw the line, advanceing between the trees. The solid line of creatures, holding their weapons solidly, determination in their eyes. They came closer and closer. “Steady!” he called out. They got within two yards and still the Monitors reamained still, waiting for his command. Then a young rat rushed from the line towards a Monitor. There was a whoosh of the Monitor’s axeblade in the air then the wet sound of the rat’s body falling on the wet leaves. “Go.” He said quietly. They all heard him and rushed the last yard, wet leaves growing wetter with something that was not water. Then he saw the other three lines. They were advancing from all sides, surrounding them. “Stay tight!” he yelled over the screams. “GO!” he shouted and all the Monitors in the middle of the square pulled back their bows, loosing hundreds of arrows at the advancing lines. He saw many rebels fall to the arrows, still advancing. “FIRE!” he yelled. More fell, more trod on. “FIRE!” he yelled again and then the rebels ran.
* * * * * *
It was quiet. The rebels had left, chased by the Monitor troops. He had been knocked down in the rush and was sitting leaned up against a tree, stunned. He heard the whisper of the leaves, he felt the other’s presence. “You didn’t run?” he asked. “Neither did you” the ferret responded, walking into veiw from between the trees. The ferret looked strong, hardly tierd, despite the slashes on his clothing and the blood on the blades of his weapon. “I didn’t really think it would come to this,” he said, “I didn’t think we’d meet face to face again.” The ferret smiled and walked alittle closer “I knew. The villan and the hero always meet in the end. Just like in the stories, my friend. Just like in the ballads.” He nodded, “But which of us is the villan? Which is the hero? Are you the hero Rakesi? Am I then the villan?” the ferret nodded “Aye, your stubborn refusal to see reason was understandable. Your betrayal was villany.” He smiled “We play the roles we are forced into Rakesi, we really do.” The ferret laughed harshly “I don’t belive in Fate.” He nodded “Neither do I. You have many choices but, sometimes you can only choose one way. Villan or Hero? I don’t know, all I know is that I played my cards and I took my role.” The ferret took his weapon and put the point to the wildcat’s neck. “The hero always kills the villan.” The ferret whispered. And he nodded. “Do it then. I don’t know how much longer I’d live anyways, I’d rather die uncertain of my villany than live to discover it true.” The ferret pressed harder. “You are not afraid of your death?” he shook his head “I am ready.” The ferret drew back his weapon, ready to plunge. He watched the blade, fascinated by the power it held in it. The power to change. The ferret began to shove it downward. A voice rang out of the trees “Stop Rakesi!” the ferret turned. A thing stood in the trees, cloaked with the shadows that seemed drawn to it. It spoke “He is not the one you wish to kill Rakesi. The hero must kill the villan in the end. Shall we see which is which?” the thing drew a long silver dirk and pointed it, shining, from the shadows. The ferret smiled a feral grin and get into fighting position “Aye, the time has come for the final dance. Only the hero will leave alive.” They met, blades ringing. The thing fought will an insane skill, remembered from older days, made fearsome by insanity. The ferret was a fell warrior though, his staff spun around the thing, always hiting the blade though. It was a silent battle, the thing smiled from the darkness that seemed to follow it. The ferret grunted with exertion, teeth bared in defiance. The ferret swept his staff low. The thing didn’t apear to jump, the darkness just seemed to condense as a shadowed hand reached out to grab hold of the staff. The ferret strained against the insane might of the thing. A tendril of the darkness reached out and caressed the ferret’s cheek. The ferret shivered and the weapon flew out of his hands. The ferret knelt there as the dark mist played over his body, shivering. The thing knelt, looked into his eyes. It put the dirk to the ferret’s throat. “Are you the hero, Rakesi?” it asked. The ferret gritted his teeth and growled “Yes, I am.” The thing laughed, loud, long and hard. “I beg to differ. You see Rakesi, the hero always wins.” The thing slew the ferret with one thrust. It smiled as the corpse slipped from the blade. It strode off, darkness trailing behind It like a cloak. It gestured to the wildcat who lay on the ground. “Come. Follow me.” He rose shakily and walked after the monster he served. He followed, every step, every breath, every glance of the emerald eyes, in service of the Realm.