Chapter 8

Kael glanced up at the woman again and couldn't help but grin at the look on her face. He appeared to ponder something.

After a moment, he tapped his cheek several times and then pointed at her. "Hrila?"

His tone went up half an octave as he finished the word. To Anya, it sounded as if he were asking her something. She shrugged apologetically and shook her head, indicating that she didn't understand.

Kael drew in a breath and pursed his lips; wishing, not for the first time, that he was able to communicate with the females like Kirik could. Perhaps his brother would lend him his ring for a bit; when he was done being pissed at him, of course. Kael wasn't overly concerned, however; Kirik was pretty much always angry with him.

He made another attempt; this time tapping his his cheek and then pointing at the stairs. "Hrila," he said again.

This time, comprehension crept over her features. He was asking where her sister was. Was he going to give Andi her puppy back? Her surprised turned to astonishment and she wondered about the sudden change of heart.

"Do you mean, Andi?" She asked, gesturing to her cheek where here sister's freckles would be.

"Aaandiii," she said slowly, wondering if he'd also repeat her name.

Kael shook his head. He knew what the girl was called, but that was not his name for her. "Hrila," he said firmly.

Anya pointed upstairs, brought her palms together, and rested her cheek on the top of one of her hands, miming sleep.

"Hmpf," he muttered, nodding.

He walked up to her and shoved the puppy into her arms. He flapped his hand towards the staircase and gestured to the dog with the other before turning on his heel and striding out the front door again. Kael figured he'd better go and make peace with Kirik before the elder began to brood too much on what had just occurred.

Anya cradled the squirming puppy in her arms. Taters was beside himself with joy and proceeded to cover her face with excited licks. "I didn't think I'd ever see you again, little guy," she murmured, smiling genuinely for the first time in days. "Andi is going to be so happy to have you back."

"What have we here?" The wizard had returned and was inspecting the duo through his eye piece.

"My sister's puppy. He ... he must have followed us. The younger ... ah ... Feylak just came in with him."

"He looks half-starved," Horace said.

Anya blinked, "oh! You're right! You poor little thing." She set the puppy down and began digging around in her pack for the jerky she had brought.

The puppy was able to smell it before she found it and began whimpering plantively, licking his chops desperately. Finally successful, she offered him several of the long, tough strips. Taters wagged his tail and began to tear into the pieces of meat with obvious relish. Anya smiled and gave the old man a glance.

"Do you have a bowl I could borrow? I imagine he's thirsty as well."

Horace nodded silently and waved a hand towards a small cupboard in the kitchen nook. He observed the soft-spoken woman as she cared for the small dog and seemed to come to some sort of silent conclusion. He nodded to himself and cleared his throat, gaining her attention.

"I can train you, you know," he said.

"I'm sorry?" She gave him a puzzled glance.

"I can help you hone your power. Build your strength. Show you how to cast spells. You could be quite a force to reckon with."

Anya stared at him with distrust. "Why would you do that? You've already made it obvious whose side you're on," she said bitterly, nodding towards the front entrance.

"Child, I am on no side save my own. I offer you my teachings because I am willing and able to do so. If I wasn't, I would not. You think about it. You may come to realize that it might be a handy talent to have on hand should the need ever arise." He also gave the door a meaningful glance.

Anya didn't know if she should accept the offer or not. The thought of actually being a practicing witch frightened her a little. But at the same time, she was just the tiniest bit curious. Could she really be powerful one day?

Horace could see her inner turmoil and decided not to press the matter. "You think about it, young lady. I believe we have plenty of time for you to make a decision. We're going to be traveling together for quite some time, after all."

Anya and the wizard locked gazes for a long time. Neither spoke.

"Taters?!"

The cry came from above them and they both turned to look at the same time, the spell broken. Andi was perched on the top step with a hand plastered over her mouth. Her blue eyes were wide, unbelieving and brimming with tears as she stared down at the puppy.

The little dog had just finished lapping up the last drops of water when he heard his Girl's voice calling his name. His head snapped up, twisted around and spotted her. Uttering one joyous bark, he charged up the steps and flung himself at her. Andi caught him and hugged him to her chest, breathing in his familiar scent. After quite awhile, she began descending the rest of the stairs, still hugging her dog.

Anya noticed that she was moving a bit stiffly, like she was in pain. "Are you feeling all right, Sweet?"

"Where did he come from, Anya?" Andi asked, her voice cracking slightly.

The older sister furrowed her brow, studying her a bit more closely. "The younger brother just brought him in from outside a few moments ago. He must have tracked our scent."

"All the way over the mountain? What a smart doggy you are, Tots!" Andi cried, obviously proud. "But he's so skinny! Oh, Anya! We have to feed him!"

"He only just ate his fill of jerky. And we've plenty. I brought the entire huge bag that we had," she replied, relieved that Andi was acting a bit more like herself again. "Are you ill, Sweet? You look like you're feeling a bit off."

Andi sighed and offered Anya a wan but unconvincing smile, "I'm tired and hungry and terrified and sore and unhappy is all. Don't worry about me. I'm fine," she quipped, squeezing the puppy again. "Now, anyway."

Horace observed this exchange with bright interest, and he also peered a bit more closely at the younger girl. She seemed to have lost some of her vigor overnight. A musing expression fell over his features at her vague response, but he didn't comment.

He'd suddenly remembered the longish absence of the juvenile Feylak the previous evening, and how the young male had acted so possessive of her when the group had first appeared on his doorstep. The wizard hadn't thought much of it at the time, however, but he now had an inkling of what may be troubling the younger sister.

Fascinating. I wonder how THIS is going to play out, he thought.

Kael glanced around and then caught sight of Kirik standing off to the side, staring out over the horizon with his arms folded across his chest. The juvenile hung back, recognizing that his elder needed another moment or two alone. He was very familiar with Kirik's mannerisms by now; he'd been raised by him from boyhood, after all.

Kael often wondered about this. Among his people, it was an unusual thing for a lone male to take in a youngster that wasn't his own; or even one that was. Usually, the child-rearing was left completely up to the females.

Even odder was the fact that they were so close. Feylak society was vicious and unforgiving; the weak were quickly weeded out and disposed of. Siblings were normally extremely competitive with one another; deaths among children by children were common. Parents and offspring didn't usually share a close relationship either; living in such a harsh environment left no room for coddling.

Yet, Kirik had not only cared for and provided for the boy, he'd also transformed his younger sibling into a very effective warrior. The youngest to graduate as top pupil, actually. Kael's ego was well-founded as was Kirik's pride in the boy.

At times, Kael pondered what might have happened to him had his elder never shown up that day. It'd occurred to the youngster many times over that Kirik had probably saved his life. As he watched his older brother ruminating, he couldn't help but grin. He knew that deep down, Kirik cared for him; regardless of his callous nature. A fact which had saved his hide on numerous occasions. The youngster leaned back against the lighthouse, respectfully waiting for his elder to acknowledge him.

The older sibling knew the boy was there; he'd heard the door open. However, he wasn't ready to confront him just yet. Kirik was furious with him, and to look upon Kael's face right now would be entirely unwise. Unbeknownst to them both, they were sharing a brief mental connection; he was also remembering the day he'd found Kael. Time and time again he'd wondered why he had made such a decision. His mind began to wander further, returning to that day, all those decades ago...

There had been no answer. Kirik debated briefly before deciding to just go ahead and enter. After all, it'd once been his home as well. Many, many years ago.

The interior was cold and silent. There was no indication of anyone being home, presently. In fact, it seemed that no one had been around for several days. A slight dusting of frost had formed on various objects gathered on the table-tops. No servants bustled about, either.

He tilted his head, expression puzzled. Had she gone?

Kirik was undecided on what to do next. He really wasn't certain why he'd come at all. It wasn't as if he shared any sort of special relationship with the woman. In fact, he'd always assumed that she'd hated him. Why else would she have sent him awa-

His sharp ears picked up a soft rustling from down below. It was so slight, he would've easily missed it had there been any other sound in the dwelling at all. Was she in the basement? Why would she be down there? Was she hiding from him? It could be. He was well-known now. And they hadn't parted on the best of terms.

Kirik strode purposefully -and loudly- down the carved ice steps; his features set and determined. He half-expected his mother to be cowering in the corner, but there was no one. Only a few assorted crates and shelves that held forgotten possessions. He stood there, frowning. Had he imagined it? He wasn't usually given to an over-active imagination.

After a moment more of silent speculation, he turned to head back upstairs. It was the opening the boy had been waiting for. He'd seen the large War Master enter his home and had retreated to the basement to hide. Kael knew who he was and he also knew that he was severely outmatched. But, if the man did not know he was there, it might give him the slight chance he needed to defend his home.

After all, she'd left him. This was HIS place now.

Kael held the dagger awkwardly in his small hands and rushed out to bury it deep in the man's back. In a blink, however, the elder male turned and took hold of one of the boy's wrists, twisting it savagely. Kael let out a cry of pain but refused to let go of the blade. He pushed forward relentlessly, still desperately trying to plunge it into the adult.

Kirik was surprised at the level of ferocity of the attack. The child couldn't have been more than fifty or sixty years old at the very most. He glanced at the boy's eyes and saw murderous intent smoldering in their green depths.

Figuring he ought to end this little game, Kirik snatched the child's other wrist and flipped him easily, sending him crashing into the nearest wall.

Kael let out an agonized cry as his head struck the corner of a crate. His hands came up to press against the wound, finally relinquishing their grip on the knife. He rolled over to shoot the elder male a fierce glare, eyes brimming with white-hot hatred.

Kirik narrowed his eyes and curled a corner of his upper lip into a sneer at this. He strode over, kicking the dagger out of the boy's reach. "You're outclassed, waif. Why are you trespassing in my home?"

"This is MY home, elder! YOU'RE the intruder!" Kael snarled at him, outraged at the accusation.

Kirik arched a brow in surprise. "YOUR home? Where is your dam?"

A multitude of emotions flitted across the lad's face at this query; uncertainty, sadness, anger and confusion.

"Answer me, boy. Or I shall have to assume you're a street-urchin and dispose of you."

Kael glowered and reluctantly muttered a response. "She's been gone for days. But I don't care if she EVER comes back!"

This last was shouted in defiance; but Kirik saw deep hurt in the lad's eyes. A small suspicion began to form in his mind as he knelt in front of the young child. Kael tried to scoot back away, but he was already pushed up against the icy wall. He eyed the adult with apprehension, wondering if he was about to die.

"What was your dam's name, boy?" He asked.

Kael swallowed painfully and wondered why the War Master would even bother to ask such a thing. After a long hesitation he finally blurted out a name, "Milaena."

Kirik widened his eyes slightly and began to inspect the child a bit more closely. The boy's features resembled his own and the elder felt an odd twinge in his chest.

After another long pause, he said softly; "we share the same mother."

Kael raised his eyebrows in disbelief. Then, with dim hope, "do ... do you know where she is?"

"I do not."

The child's entire posture drooped in defeat. "She left me all alone days ago. She didn't even tell me she was leaving. And now there is no food left."

Kirik felt that strange tightening in his chest grow a bit more pronounced at these words. His dam had sent him away at a very young age himself; too young, really. He'd also felt abandoned. His expression was appraising as he mulled something over. Finally, he seemed to come to some sort of decision and he rose.

Kael flinched back again, preparing for the worst. The War Master's reputation was a harsh one. Kirik made no threatening moves toward him, though. Merely narrowed his eyes and drew himself up to his full height, taking on his instructing persona.

"Tell me your name, boy," he commanded imperiously.

The child somehow managed to shrink back even more, completely intimidated all over again.

"K-Kael."

"A slight name for a slight whelp, very fitting. Gather what possessions you may have, if any, and come with me. You need ample training, boy. Your defense is pitiful, at best. You should be ashamed of yourself."

Kael's shock couldn't be any more apparent. He wasn't even sure if he'd heard the man correctly. When he didn't move, Kirik fixed him with a forbidding glare.

"Last chance to get moving, or I shall leave you here to starve."

The lad needed no further encouragement. He leaped to his feet and bounded up the stairs to his small bedroom; the War Master following closely behind...

Slowly, Kirik emerged from his reverie. "I'm very angry with you, boy."

Kael shrugged, relieved that Kirik had finally deigned to speak to him. This was usually a sure sign that he'd be forgiven soon. "I can see that."

"What are you thinking?"

The juvenile shrugged again, appearing unconcerned, "I don't see the harm."

"You are deliberately undermining me."

"You're being an ass. And it's a condition that's beginning to worsen as of late. I am starting to worry about you, brother."

Kirik finally turned to glower at his sibling, "this is not an outing. This is a mission. You seem to have the two confused. Now you want a pet? What next? An evening of theatre and drink?"

Kael offered a rude gesture with one of his fingers and smiled blithely, "sounds good to me. You're paying, though."

The elder Feylak swept his arm out towards the sea, "I should have drowned you long ago. Isn't that what is usually done with the runt of the litter?"

"I'm much larger now. Almost as big as you. Moreover, you'd miss me eventually. I know you would."

"I'd miss you like I'd miss a healed wound."

Kael's grin widened. Banter. Excellent. Kirik was thawing nicely.

Kirik glared at his sibling for a long moment; then one corner of his mouth twitched up ever so slightly.

The juvenile's relief was complete, "I apologize for my previous insolence, elder." He touched three fingers to his chest.

"Accepted. Keep that beast away from me if you know what's good for you."

Kael nodded, "I will."

Kirik nodded, "we leave now. Remember what I've said about your pets. BOTH of them."

"I will."

The elder turned back to gaze out over the sea, "good. Go gather them and get out of my sight."

"Thank you, elder." Kael said, bowing slightly.

Anya nodded towards the pack, "I've washed your things, why don't you go change?"

Andi still clutched Taters and appeared reluctant to put him down. Then, with a slight grimace, she remembered that strange, sticky goo that undoubtedly still tainted her skin. Suddenly anxious to be clean, she quickly set the puppy down and snatched the bag. Anya frowned again and began to inspect her sister once more.

"Are you SURE you're feeling well, Sweet?"

Andi paused in the doorway of the washroom. She turned and offered her sister another one of those peculiar, false smiles and nodded. "Yes, Anya. As well as can be expected, anyhow."

Anya nodded, clearly not convinced, but said nothing further. Andi quickly ducked into the bathroom and closed the door firmly. She undressed carefully and inspected herself in the mirror for damage.

The bite-mark on her shoulder was the most obvious wound against her otherwise unmarred skin. It was also the most painful.

There were eight puncture wounds in all; each opposite the other. These resided in the middle of a large, spreading, purple-black bruise. She touched one of these marks with her fingertip and winced. A flashback of the previous night materialized in her mind's eye; specifically, when she'd first woken and had found him doing ... THAT ... to her.

His mouth felt wonderful, didn't it? The head-voice suddenly chimed in.

She turned on the water and tried to ignore it.

He's going to do it again, you know. The voice sounded absolutely delighted at the prospect, issuing a dark, bubbling giggle.

Andi trembled slightly and began to give herself a quick sponge-bath using her night-shirt. As she got to her thighs, she noticed more bruising and dried blood on the insides of them. Cleaning this away as well, she flinched as the cold water stung a bit of torn flesh between her thighs.

Seemed he'd really worked her over. Her entire body ached, her legs especially. She examined them; still smooth from when she'd last used Anya's sticky wax. Andi regretted this; perhaps if she'd been hairy and unappealing, he'd have left her alone.

You know, he was actually rather considerate. I wager it could have been much more unpleasant.

"Shut-up," Andi muttered, wiping the last traces of his filth away.

Instead of quieting, however, the voice seemed to grow a bit more pronounced.

I'm afraid not. I believe we're going to be good pals, you and I.

She wrung out her wet shirt and swiftly pulled on a clean sweater and pants. Andi refused to answer. Talking back to voices in your head was something a crazy person would do, and she was NOT crazy.

Angrily, she yanked her hiking boots on and laced them tightly; only having to loosen them a moment later when her feet began to grow numb and tingly. In passing, she also noticed that she'd put her shirt on backwards.

"DAMN it," she hissed, eyes filling with tears of frustration. She heaved a sigh and it came out as a broken sob.

You need to pull it together, love. Quickly. There is no time for hysterics. Take a deep breath, and release it gradually. The voice said in a brisk, business-like tone.

Andi inhaled deeply, held it, and then let it out slowly. Indeed, she felt a tiny bit better. She set about correcting her mistakes and ran the brush through her hair, wondering why she was even bothering.

Why would she want to look nice when that would most likely only encourage him to-

Because you WANT him again. Isn't it obvious? You want his hands on you; caressing every inch of your skin. You want to feel him deep inside-

She bit her bottom lip and squeezed her eyes shut, attempting to block out the mental chatter. Slowly, the voice faded and there was quiet once more. Relief flowed through her and she quickly finished freshening up. Dimly, she heard the front door open and close again.

The puppy cocked an ear and glanced over to see who'd entered. He considered barking, but this place wasn't his home and he felt no real instinct to defend it. Taters, now feeling much perkier with a full belly, began to prance around in delight when he saw his new friend coming towards him and his found-again family.

Kael arched a brow when the creature jumped up on him with both front paws on his leg, but felt no urge to kick the animal away. Instead, he leveled a look over at Kirik's dark-haired witch and the sorcerer. The juvenile jerked a thumb towards the front door and waved them over with his other hand. Apparently, it was time to go.

Anya pointed at the bathroom door and then tapped her cheek. "I have to wait for-"

Kael snarled a single word out at her and pointed at the door again. Horace smiled slightly and cleared his throat. "Best go out. It doesn't appear he's in the mood for objections."

"But-"

"She'll be fine. Go on, these sort are not the type one should argue with."

Shooting an unhappy glance towards the washroom, Anya slowly started towards the door. "Andi!" She called out. "We'll be waiting outside for you."

"Alright, Anya," Andi responded, her voice muffled.

Kael remained, and Anya shot a suspicious glance at him. He caught this and glowered at her, his upper lip lifting in a slight snarl. She hurried out.

Horace hung back for a moment longer, inspecting the younger Feylak through his monocle. Another strange gleam sparked in his eyes, then faded. After a pause, the wizard made a show of shining his eye-piece and stowing it away in a breast pocket.

"You're a bit more talented at spell casting than your relation out there, aren't you? Yes, quite a bit more indeed. I wonder if he knows. Tricky, tricky, tricky young man."

Kael lifted his chin towards the door, glare deepening. He did not like this old human.

Horace chuckled under his breath. "You're really not much older than blondie in there, are you? Mentally, I mean. You lot age differently than humans do, that much I can recall."

Another snort of laughter. "I feel for your elder; dealing with a teenaged Feylak must be excruciating."

The juvenile tilted his head, puzzled, but the wizard said no more. He glanced at Kael one last time before striding out the front entrance. The puppy stayed put, sitting at the younger brother's feet. He'd no intention of going anywhere without his Girl. Kael felt much the same way. He stared at the washroom door, wondering what was taking her so long.

Andi was gazing at her side of the door much as the juvenile was. She was trying to will herself to go through it and follow the others outside, but her feet seemed to be glued to the spot. Hefting the pack over her shoulder, she made another attempt. This time, her feet cooperated and she pulled the latch, slowly easing the door open.

Kael stood there, smiling arrogantly as she appeared. "Hrrrrilaaaa," he purred, delighted.

She avoided his eyes and shifted uncomfortably, not wanting to walk past him. He beckoned to her, his grin almost kind. Still, she hesitated. Kael chuckled, took her arm, and began pulling her towards the door. Andi wrenched out of his grasp and shot him a resentful glare.

He seemed rather surprised for a moment but quickly masked it. Instead, his expression faded into one of disinterest and he merely pointed at the door. Andi glowered at him for a moment longer before stalking out with her nose held highly in the air; Taters hot on her heels.

"We're all together again! I just love reunions!" Horace crowed as the trio finally emerged from his residence.

Kirik observed the younger girl curiously. She appeared no worse for the wear. It seemed that Kael had been telling the truth when he said he'd not harmed her. In fact, she had reverted to her haughty little rebellion; her posture indicating silent resistance once again. Kael did not seem pleased with this.

Anya, however, felt better. Perhaps Andi had just been tired and that would account for her odd behavior. She certainly looked like her normal self.

Andi offered Anya the pack then tilted her head, "did you want me to carry it for awhile?"

Anya accepted the bag and shook her head, "nah, Sweet. I can manage."

"If you'd like, I can put it with the rest of my belongings," Horace offered, gesturing to his satchel.

Andi tossed him a sardonic glance, "how would you do that?"

"Well, it's simple really. All I'd need to do is-"

"Silence," Kirik snapped. "Lead the way, old man. Where shall we go from here?"

Horace appeared insulted at the interruption and didn't reply. When Kirik began to snarl at him, he shook his head in exasperation. "Well, which do you want, then? Silence or an explanation? Make up your bloody mind!"

The elder managed to keep himself from wrapping his hands around the old man's throat and squeezing.

Barely.

The wizard relented. "We must charter a boat to take us to Wyvern Rock. It lies way out on open water. Seeing as their skins are quite valuable -I understand their scales make excellent armour- I imagine we can find a willing enough captain at Scoundrel's Harbor. We'll only need a few scales for the brew and perhaps we can offer another hide or two in trade for the service."

Andi brightened and appeared interested in spite of herself, "I've heard of that place! Daddy used to tell us stories about it. Remember the pirate stories, Anya?"

Anya nodded carefully but seemed less enthusiastic about it. "Father always told us that place is teeming with the wicked."

Horace nodded, "indeed. Hence the name." He glanced at the brothers, "I've a feeling we'll fit right in."

Kirik arched a brow, "our presence will not be met with alarm?"

The wizard shook his head, "it is a place that festers with many brutes of many species. I hardly think we'll be noticed because of you. The women, on the other hand, may draw unwanted attention."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning, if you want your little plan to be successful, I'd keep a close watch on your prized possession. Scoundrel's Harbor isn't usually an ideal place for young women to tour." He considered, "unless they're a whore. Then, by all means!"

Anya's mood darkened, "sounds utterly charming."

"We're going to sail on a pirate ship? And go fight Wyverns? I didn't even know they were really real." Andi's curiosity was sparked, her recent trauma pushed into the back of her mind for the moment.

Kael frowned and inclined his head at Kirik, eyes questioning. Kirik recounted the conversation to his brother. The juvenile tilted his head curiously, "we're going to go by ship? Sounds interesting."

"We shall see about that," Kirik replied.

Is it far?" Anya asked.

"It's a bit of a heel and toe, I will admit. Albeit, not so far as you've already come, but you're used to traveling by now, correct? I imagine it'll go quickly. Incidentally, you two are looking a bit peaked, here."

He rummaged in his purse and produced several small, dense-looking cakes. "These are traveling wafers. They're quite filling and packed with nutrients. Go on! They're rather tasty, and they will sustain you nicely."

Horace offered a couple to the brothers but they waved him off. "We can do for ourselves when hungry, " Kirik replied.

Andi peered doubtfully at hers for a moment. Finally she shrugged, crammed a piece into her mouth, and chewed with a cautious, appraising look on her face. After a moment, she brightened, "it's good! Eat it, Anya." She took another bite and threw a smallish chunk to Taters.

The puppy snapped his head up and caught the morsel neatly in his jaws. He wagged his tail happily. His Girl was back to giving him treats, just like old times. Anya observed this with a small smile on her face before beginning to nibble at her own wafer.

"This way, folks! Let's get this show on the road!" Horace announced in a cheery voice. He began to walk down the beach with a little spring in his step.

The sisters gave him a bemused glance, then started to follow; trailed closely by the Feylak brothers, with Taters bringing up the rear.

Several hours passed without incident. Horace jabbered on and on, pointing out the various sea-birds flying above and naming them.

"That there is a Crone's Pelican, observe the waddles under its beak - just like that of an old woman, is it not? And when they argue with one another, they sound like one as well."

Tots was busily sniffing around at all the interesting new smells when he caught sight of a large, beached creature that had washed up on shore. Instantly, the fur on the scruff of his neck bristled and he charged it, beginning to bark and snarl as ferociously as he could. The puppy pranced and circled the dead animal, bouncing back several paces when he'd gotten too close.