*****

Chapter Three

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Rivimiralous stood before the check-in desk of The Worldstrider at last. After countless hours spent wrenching his shoulders and standing in the freezing cold, the cheetah had finally reached not only warmth, but the ship’s concierge. For a few beautiful, exciting moments, Rivi knew the joyful exhilaration of a hard day’s end, at last. He smiled, stood tall, introduced himself, and handed the concierge his ticket and attestation. And then, Rivi waited as patiently as he could as the man scanned his information.

“Soon, Rivi,” the cheetah said, muttering to himself. “Soon, this will all be over, and we can relax in our room.”

And then, once again, everything fell apart all around him.

“Sir, I’m sorry, but…” The human looked up, his face set in worried lines. “This cabin is not available.”

Rivi’s empty belly plummeted into his boots. “What?”

The man turned the ticket around, pointing to the cabin number. “Your reservation was for cabin 1151.” He tapped the paper. “On the Bridgehead.”

“Well, yes…” Rivi wrung his hands, ice trickling into his fingers. “But I have an attestation that-”

“The Bridgehead departed nearly a month ago, sir.” The man set the ticket down. “This is a different ship. The cabin assignments are different. And they’re all-”

“But you have more of them, right?” Rivi braced his arms against the counter, trying to lean across it to see if he could catch a glimpse of the schematics papers laid out before the concierge. “It doesn’t have to be in the same location.”

“Sir…” The human held up a hand. “You let to listen, and let me finish. While we do have significantly more cabin space than The Bridgehead, in case you haven’t noticed…” He waved towards the crowd. “We’re also dealing with significantly more passengers. Every cabin is already booked, Sir. In fact, they were all booked weeks, if not months ago. Long before we ever reached port, and long before the captain decided to accept an influx of refugees on top of our already full bookings. I simply do not have cabin space to spare for you.”

Rivi’s ears would have drooped, if he’d taken his hat off. “But…” He picked up the attestation, trying anew to offer it to the human in trembling hands. “I have a signed attestation, from your company. I went to the local Black Star Intercontinental offices to explain my situation. My porter abandoned me! I didn’t know where to go, or how to get there, and…” Rivi’s breath came in stuttering pants. His heart accelerated. Knots tied themselves around his bowels. “It’s honestly a miracle from the Divine Weavers I even made it here in time for this ship.”

The human held his hands up again, his voice firm, but calm. “Sir, I understand and sympathize with your hardship. But I do not have a cabin available for you.”

“But…” Rivi whimpered, the document shaking in his hands. “The attestation…”

The concierge gently took the paperwork from Rivi’s hands, and set it back down. “It promises your reservation will be accepted, I know. But I physically do not have the space to offer you. All our cabins are booked, and most of them are now double, and triple booked. I can offer you space in steerage, along with the other refugees. But that’s-”

Rivi sucked in a breath. “But I’m not a refugee! I have a cabin reservation, paid in full, by the Church of the Divine Weaver.”

“No, you had a cabin reserved.” The man sharpened his tone, ever so slightly. “On a different ship. While I understand your hardships, it is not our fault you missed your scheduled departure. Nor is it our responsibility to ensure you are provided matching accommodation on a later vessel. Now…” He gestured at Rivi’s reservation information. “If we had space available, I would happily book you into a different cabin. But the simple fact is, we have no more space.” He leaned forward, looking at all the people in line. “Everyone here either has a cabin already booked on this flight, or have made arrangements to stay with someone who does. Or, they’re going to be housed in steerage.”

Rivi rubbed his muzzle with both hands. “This is a nightmare, Rivi. Why can’t we just wake up?” He took a deep breath, trying to calm his pacing heart. “Are there at least private bunks in steerage?”

The human’s flat face scrunched up. “Unfortunately, sir, most, if not all of the private bunks and sleeping cots in steerage have already been spoken for. We’ll be struggling just to scrounge up enough pillows and blankets for people stuck sleeping on the floor.”

Rivi gasped, his eyes widening, fur bristling. “The floor? In steerage?” Then he leaned in closer, whispering. “Isn’t that where the criminals go?” He glanced towards his luggage, his tail flicking swiftly in an agitated, off time rhythm. “I have very expensive equipment with me. I’m undertaking the Scholar’s Pilgrimage, you know.”

“Sir…” The human beckoned for Rivi to lean in close, then whispered to him. “Under ordinary circumstances, I make take umbrage at your assertion that those who can only afford steerage are criminals.”

Rivi blinked when he realized how he sounded. He gave a little whimper. “Oh, I didn’t mean it like that. Anyone can fall on hard times, I realize that, it’s just-”

The man held up a finger, silencing the cheetah. “Under the current circumstances, given the plethora of unsavory individuals out there trying to take advantage of the desperate, I’d advise you to keep your voice down when speaking about the value of your belongings. I only just saw a pickpocket taken away a few minutes prior to your arrival.”

The cheetah wrung his hands again, whining. He turned towards his cart, looking his belongings over. He had thousands worth of equipment, clothing, and other possessions with him. “Do you at least have a secure safe I could store things in?”

The concierge gave a very long, put upon sigh. “Not that’s available, no. We’re looking into alternate arrangements, but you may as well operate under the assumption that you will be responsible for looking after your own belongings.”

“But…but…steerage?” Rivi’s voice rose to a frightened squeak. “What if ruffians accost me, and steal my photography equipment? No!” The feline paced back and forth before the wraparound desk, hissing to himself. “No, no, no, Rivi! We have a responsibility to the Church! Even if I’m relegated to steerage, my belongings cannot be! The Church placed their trust in us, Rivi! We have a responsibility. We cannot let them down!”

“Sir…” The human’s voice remained even, if not exactly gentle. “Try to calm down, Sir. Take a few breaths.”

Rivi spun towards him, his tail flicking faster still. “There has to be somewhere I can store my things safely. Or…or…” He licked his nose, grasping for answers like a drowning cat reaching for a lifeline. “Or perhaps you could arrange for me to stay in someone else’s cabin. I can even pay them!”

The human’s face twisted up. “As I explained previously, many of our cabins are already at least double booked. Those that aren’t-”

“If it’s a question of finances, then it’s no question at all!” Rivi stepped up to the desk again, opening his jacket. He retrieved his documents pouch, and unbuttoned it. “I’ve been provided with extensive monetary grants.” He pulled free a stack of bills held together with a clip, then set it on the counter. Then he removed a set of banking slips that allowed him to sign over funds from a specific Church account accessible to worldwide institutions. “In fact, they prepared me for situations like this. You see, the Church has authorized as much payment as is required.”

The concierge looked at the money, and then pushed it back towards Rivi. “Again, Mister Rivimiralous, it’s not specifically a matter of payment, but a matter of space. While we’re still waiting to make contact with several of our suite holders, there’s already a waiting list for any extra space that becomes available.” He scowled, gazing at the doors. “If I may be blunt, Sir? You should be thankful you made it here in time to be admitted to steerage. There are hundreds of people out there, thousands perhaps, who will not be so lucky. There are families out there, children.” He swallowed, sighing. “Who will not be let aboard, because we’ll be out of room. As much as we’d like to take everyone fleeing this catastrophe, we simply cannot. There is, after all, a firm limit to how much weight we can take aboard and still fly. We’ll likely be rationing water supplies as it is. I know this situation is far from ideal, Sir. But be glad you were in line early enough to make it onto the ship at all.”

Rivi’s shoulders slumped. He fell silent, staring at his own reservation ticket. That was it, then, he thought. It was steerage or nothing. Months spent in a cramped, overcrowded crawlspace, sleeping on a dirty floor, struggling to protect his belongings. Probably sharing a latrine and a shower with half the ship. Hoping he wasn’t knifed for his photography equipment in his uncomfortable slumber. He took a whimpering breath, then managed a weak nod.

“Alright. If that’s the only option…” Rivi steeled himself for the worst. “Then steerage it is. I’m sorry to be such a bother.”

The human offered him a smile. Rivi wasn’t sure, but he thought he saw genuine regret in the human’s eyes. “You’re not a bother, sir. Like I said, I understand how difficult this is. I wish there was more I could do.” He scribbled down some information. “Now, I will put you on the wait list, just in case.” He glanced at Rivi’s goods. “Steerage does not usually have porter service, but in your case-”

“Excuse me a moment.” A tall, dark-furred wolf sidled up to the counter. “If I might have a word with my feline friend here?”

Rivi turned towards the newcomer. The wolf was at least a head taller than him, and a great deal heavier, as well. Between the long, dark duster he wore, and the stylish, pointed hat that perched between his ears, Rivi thought the wolf looked like the hero right out of an old novel, or a gunslinger radio drama. He managed a smile, peering up at the taller lupine.

“Hello,” Rivi said. “Do I know you?”

“Well, not yet.” The wolf’s voice was smooth as melted butter. “But you will. You say, I couldn’t help, as they say…” The wolf leaned against the counter, offering the cheetah an easy going smile. “Overhearing. It sounds to me like you’ve got a housing problem.”

Rivi scowled, fidgeting with the sleeves of his coat. “I have a reservation, but it was for the previous ship. They say they don’t have any room left.”

“My, but that is a problem.” The wolf tilted his head, glancing at all the money on the counter. “I hope that’s money you’re being refunded, at least.”

The cheetah shook his head. “Afraid not. I thought perhaps I could pay for someone else’s room, in return for sharing it with them, but…” He trailed off, sighing.

“But they’re already booked up, right?” The wolf gave a bark of laughter. “Well, my feline friend, this might be your lucky day. You see, I was on my way up here to add my reservation to the list available for an extra booking.” He held up his ticket, idly shaking it. “I don’t mind sharing a room, y’see, and I could use the extra money.”

“Oh…” Rivi blinked, then sucked in a breath. “Oh!” He quickly scooped up his bank notes and payment slips, and returned them to his pouch. “How much is your room? I could easily split it with you, I’m certain. Hell, at this point, I’d be happy to cover the whole thing, just to be done with this mess.” He tucked his pouch into his coat pocket, then glanced at the human. “How much is his room?”

The human gave the wolf an odd, and not entirely friendly look. At least, Rivi thought it wasn’t entirely friendly. He still wasn’t used to reading their flat-faced expressions. But something about the way he watched the wolf through narrowed eyes read like suspicion, from any of the world’s peoples. The human held a hand out. “May I see your reservation sir?”

“Don’t trouble yourself, good sir.” The wolf put the slip back into his pocket, turning away from the concierge. “Let me hash out the details with this fine feline here, and we’ll be back to make it official.” He swept an arm towards the other side of the room. “Whaddya say, cat? There’s a little alcove bar near here we can go and have a seat. Maybe a drink, or a smoke. Whatever your poison is.”

Rivi licked his nose. “I don’t smoke, and I shouldn’t consume alcohol on an empty stomach, but-”

“Empty stomach?” The wolf gave a whimpering, sympathetic coo. “Well, we can’t have that. Change of plans. I’ll buy your meal, and we’ll figure out the fairest way to split the cost of a room together. How’s that sound?”

“Practically miraculous, after all I’ve been through lately.” Rivi moved to join the wolf, then paused, glancing back at his belongings. He didn’t really want to drag them all the way to a café and back. “What do you suppose I should do with my luggage?”

“Oh, I’m certain our friend here behind the desk will keep a good eye on it, for you.” He ushered Rivi forward, into the crowd. “Hell, I can fetch for you myself later.”

“That would be ever so kind of you!” Rivi smiled up at the taller wolf, walking along at his side. He rolled one of his arms, his shoulder aching. “My shoulders are so terribly sore as it is.”

The human leaned across the counter behind him. “Mister Rivimiralous! I cannot advise that you-”

“Don’t worry about my new friend, here.” The wolf draped his arm around Rivi’s shoulders, guiding him along. “I’ll take real good care of him.”

Rivi followed the wolf through the teeming crowd. He wasn’t entirely comfortable with having the wolf’s arm around him, though it seemed like a friendly enough gesture. It was just that among Rivi’s people, physical contact with strangers was highly unusual. Hugs and such were fine among friends and family, but it was rare for those who didn’t know each other well to intentionally touch one another so casually and intimately. Being jostled in lines and crowds was one thing, but draping an arm around someone unknown was something else entirely.

The cheetah wasn’t sure he liked it. The wolf was holding him a little too tightly. Something about it left Rivi’s skin feeling odd and prickly beneath his fur, but he brushed the unpleasantness aside. After all, Rivi told himself, this was not his homeland, and these were not his people. He was on this journey to see the world beyond his borders, to experience life as they experienced it. And if this was how the locals displayed their friendliness, then who he was to shrug off the wolf’s arm? Then again, given how firmly the lupine was grasping him, Rivi wasn’t sure he could have wriggled free even if he wanted too.

“You could relax your grip a little, if you like.” Rivi glanced up at the taller wolf. “It’s not as if I’m going to wander off, or anything.”

“Oh, sorry about that, friend.” The wolf relaxed his grasp slightly, but his arm remained heavy and vaguely constraining against the cheetah’s shoulders. “I just don’t want you to get jostled about by this big, unfriendly crowd. They see a little cat like you, all by himself, and they might think to take advantage.” The wolf made a show of pushing someone out of Rivi’s way, then ushering him through the resulting space. “Did I hear right, that your name’s Rivi?”

Rivi smiled at the wolf, nodding. “That’s correct.” He glanced up over all the people. Signage hung above adjoining corridors, illuminated by electric lights. Black lettering and arrows on white backgrounds pointed the way to lifts, lounges, offices, cabin berths, shops, and cafes. Rivi’s head swam just trying to imagine the sheer amount of things to see on the ship. He’d been through towns on his travels that were leagues smaller than this vessel. “Where is it we’re going for this meal again?” He tried to twist around to look back at his belongings, but already the crowds had closed in behind him. There were too many people milling about for him to even catch a glimpse of his things. “And do you really think it’s wise for me to leave my-”

“You worry too much, friend.” The wolf nudged a few more people aside, making for a corridor with signs pointing towards an eatery, among other things. “Like I said, the clerk’ll watch your stuff, and I’ll get it for you later.” He glanced at a colorful poster plastered upon the wall, depicting an immense, fried meat sandwich. “That’s where we’re headed. Colvo’s Cutlets. You ever had a sandwich like that, cat? What kinda meat you like? I bet they got it all.”

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

Rivi licked his muzzle, staring at the poster as they walked past it. “That does look good. And, all kinds, I suppose. Back home, we eat a lot of fish, and fowl. But the other day, I had roasted goat, and it was delicious!” His belly rumbled, as ominous as it was uncomfortable. “Honestly at this point, I’ll happily devour whatever they have.”

“There ya go.” The wolf guided him into a long corridor.

Rivi gazed around as they walked a little deeper into the ship. The hallway was paneled with dark wood. Benches with red cushions sat at even intervals. Overhead lights buzzed faintly, shading their blue-white light. Decorative plants in ornate planters sat at intersections. A few paintings hung on the walls, alongside additional advertisements for the ship’s many eateries and shops. The crowds were thinner here, and the further they went, the less people there were around them.

“See, it’s getting nice and quiet, now.” The wolf chuckled. “That’ll make it easier to discuss our deal, for the room. Now, I believe I overheard you say you had some kind of authorization for payment, from your church?”

Rivi nodded, looking as they walked. “That’s correct. I’m undertaking the Scholar’s Pilgrimage, you see.”

“Oh, are you then?” The wolf smiled down at him, his pointed ears perked around his hat. “That sounds like it must be an expensive journey. They must have given you all kinds of money, for that.”

The cheetah pulled his head off his head. His ears sprung up, finally free from their warm but uncomfortable confines. “They did, yes. And I have access to a special account, that allows me to withdraw and transfer as much money as is required, for emergency situations.” He rubbed his ears with his free hand. “Well, so long as they participate in one of the major, intercontinental banking systems.”

“Uh huh.” The wolf pulled him closer again as they walked past a pair of kobolds in porter uniforms. “That’s good to know. And, those just need your signature, right?”

Rivi wrung his hand between his hands. “Well, yes. I also have a signet stamp to imprint upon them.”

“I see!” The wolf murmured to himself in thought. He turned down a smaller hall, guiding Rivi along. “You know, now that I think about it, it might easiest to have you sign and stamp one of them slips over to me. You can keep your bank notes, and I can run out real quick, and make the transfer before we depart. I do believe there’s a banking institution right outside the port.”

The cheetah flattened his ears, his face scrunched. “I suppose that’s one way to do it. But wouldn’t you risk missing our departure? There’s still an enormous crowd out there.”

“Oh, don’t you worry about that.” The wolf took another turn, following the signs that pointed towards Colvo’s Cutlets. “I already got my cabin, remember? I’ll just have the concierge stamp my paperwork so that I can skip the line and get right back onto the ship, as soon as I’ve got the money transferred.”

“I suppose that would work.” Rivi twisted his hat. “It seems like it would be easier to give my bank notes for now, and I could just withdraw more for myself later, as needed. I’m sure the ship has some kind of monetary access system.”

The wolf pulled Rivi along. “Well, if you wanted, you could give me your cash first. As a deposit. That way, if there’s trouble with the banking slip, you’ll still have already paid me. And if all goes as planned, I can give you your cash back, after I’ve got mine.” He clucked his tongue, a smile curling across his muzzle. “Yeah, that sounds like the most sensible thing. Then, once I’m back, I’ll add you to the room, and get your belongings sent right up.”

Rivi scowled, his ears still back. “That sounds like an awful lot of extra work.”

The wolf shrugged. “Up to you, my friend. But legally speaking, they won’t let me add your name to the room, until payment’s been made. If you only give me the banking slip, and there’s a delay? It’ll be that much longer before you get to flop down in a warm bed, or sink into a hot bath. But if you give my your cash too, then worst case, you’ll already be paid up.”

Rivi blinked, trying to follow the wolf’s logic. “That sounds like an awfully unusual law.”

“And a frustrating one, too. But like I said, the choice is yours. I’m just trying to make your life easier.” The wolf stopped before a set of crimson-painted doors, set with several diamond shaped windows. A sign nearby indicated that there were eateries inside. “Well, here we are I believe. You ready for the best sandwich of your life?”

Rivi smiled, his ears perked. “Oh, absolutely so. I haven’t eaten since before dawn!” Excitement bubbled up inside him. At long last, things were finally going Rivi’s way. The hardest part of his journey was over, he wasn’t going to have to stay in steerage, he’d made a helpful new friend, and he was about to eat a good meal. “I’m so lucky I ran into you!”

“That you are, my friend, that you are.” The wolf pushed the doors open, and walked inside, pulling Rivi with him.

They entered a seating area with a few dozen simple tables. Several brass light fixtures hung from the ceiling, their blue-white bulbs glowing. Wooden fans whirred above them, stirring the air. At the far end of the room, a long countertop was located beneath a wooden menu board. Pots, pans, knives, cutting boards, and other cooking equipment hung on the far wall. But the food preparation area beneath them was dark. Instead of cooks behind the counter, there were only stacks of unopened crates. A half-open door lead to a darkened, empty kitchen. Another door led Chairs were piled atop each other alongside each table.

Rivi’s heart sank. “They’re not open yet.”

“No, it appears they are not.” The wolf gazed around, his thick tail swishing. It bumped against Rivi. “That’s disappointing. But I tell you what, friend.” The wolf gestured towards an empty table. “Why don’t we go ahead and sort out this room business, so at least you’ve got that off your mind? Then when I run out to the bank, you can find yourself something to eat. Once you’ve got your name on my cabin, you can charge to our room.”

Rivi’s shoulders slumped, and his ears drooped with them. “Oh, very well.” He trudged to the nearest table. “How much is it going to be?”

“Well, now I’m afraid I don’t know that, exactly.” The wolf finally released him, only to pull a chair from the stack. He set it before Rivi, smiling. “Have a seat, friend. Take a load of those aching feet.”

Rivi sank into the chair, and gave a low groan of satisfaction. Even without filling his belly, simply sitting down was an immense relief. After standing all day long, the stiff chair and its thinly padded cushion may as well have been a luxury recliner. Only as he settled in did Rivi truly realize just how much his feet ached, and his back hurt, and his shoulders throbbed. He tossed his hat onto the table, then stretched out, splayed his gloved hands up over his head.

“Oh, by the Divines, that’s better.” The cheetah slowly relaxed, sitting half limp in his chair. “Did you know, I haven’t even been able to unsheathe my toe claws, in these boots!” He tapped a foot against the floor. “Not that I need too, but they’re just so…confining!” Rivi weakly gestured with a hand. “We cheetahs are not meant for the cold.”

“Lucky for you, then, you got a nice warm room waiting.” The wolf pulled free a chair for himself, though he did not yet settle into it. Instead, he loomed over Rivi, offering him a constantly, toothy smile. “So why don’t we go ahead and get you set up? If you sign a banking slip over to me, I can go by the concierge, and discuss exactly what the cost is going to be, on your end.” He slapped the table. “In fact, if you give me the cash as well, I can pay your portion while I’m visiting the clerk. Then you can go ahead and get settled into our room, while I make that run to the bank.”

Rivi blinked. He wasn’t entirely sure what, but something didn’t sit right with him. The cheetah straightened up a moment, one ear splayed in thought. “Wait. If I pay my portion in cash, directly to the concierge, why do you also need to go to the bank?”

The wolf’s left ear twitched, ever so slightly. “Oh, you wouldn’t believe the crazy, backwards laws they got around here.” Unseen gears turned behind his eyes. “Legally, you’re required to pay up front when you check in. I’ve already done so. You haven’t. So, technically speaking, your payment goes to the ship, not to me. Now…” He held up a hand, tail swishing. “Due to the current situation, the ship is not offering any kind of refund. Which means, for me to get my half of the payment, I gotta get it from you. So, we use your cash, to get you registered to the cabin, then while you settle in, I head down to the bank to get my portion of the fund.” The wolf flashed him another smiles. “Makes perfect sense that way, right?”

“Well…” Rivi rubbed his head. “Not really? Doesn’t that mean I’ll be paying twice?”

The wolf gave a put upon sigh, sadly shaking his head. “I’m afraid that’s the situation that the ship’s put you in. That’s why I wanted to come somewhere quiet, and explain it to you in person.” He waved his hand. “Didn’t that that smarmy concierge to try and lie to you, or shift the blame. The thing of it is, they’re taking advantage of everyone. Now, I suppose…” He straightened up, crossing his arms. “We could just pay your fees with cash, and I’ll forget the banking slip. But…” He scowled, staring down at his own boots. “Then I’d be out all the fees I paid to secure a suite all to myself. And I’d be paying double, and you’d only be paying half. Doesn’t really seem fair, but…well, you’re the one in need, so I suppose I oughta just be glad I’m able to help.”

Rivi sighed, and reached into his coat. “No, that wouldn’t be fair to you.” The wolf’s logic still didn’t fully add up to Rivi, but the cheetah was too exhausted to puzzle his way through it. “If the easiest, fairest thing to do is to give you cash, and a banking slip, that’s what I’ll do.” He pulled out his documents pouch and set it on the table. “I’m going to need a receipt, though.”

“Of course, my friend, of course.” The wolf loomed over him again. “Don’t you worry about the costs, either. As soon as you get that slip signed and stamped, I’ll run it down to the concierge, determine the fees, and head out to the bank. You can just relax, and find yourself a nice meal.”

Rivi pulled out a banking slip, and set it on the table. He retrieved a pen, then hesitated. “Shouldn’t I at least come with you, to the concierge? I’m sure they have things I need to sign, as well. And how will I know where my room is, otherwise?”

His new friend waved at the withdrawal papers. “I’ll just show him this, give him your name. They already had your old reservations on file, right? Don’t trouble yourself, you’ve earned a break. Once I’m back, I’ll come find you in whatever restaurant or lounge you may be in, and take to the room. Now, why don’t you go ahead and sign right there?” He tapped the paperwork.

Just as Rivi put pen to paper, the lights in the kitchen area flickered to buzzing life. He paused, looking up. A solitary figure stood silhouetted in the kitchen doorway, like a watchful shadow come to life.

Rivi slowly lifted his hand, waving to whoever it was. “H-hello…” When the figure did not respond, he lowered his arm. “Are you here to open the kitchen?”

“I don’t think he’s here to make you a sandwich, Cat.” The wolf put a hand on Rivi’s shoulder, squeezing a little too hard. “Greetings, friend. Now, whatever purpose you have in here, hiding out in some empty kitchen? Well, that ain’t mine to question. But my cheetah friend here and I are just finishing up a little business.” Some of the friendliness dropped out of the wolf’s voice, replaced with something darker. “Private business. So, whatever you were plannin’ to do in here, all by your lonesome? I’m happy to let you do it, so long as you give us our privacy, first.” The wolf pointed through the kitchen door with his friend. “Right back in that kitchen’d be just fine. Maybe crawl back into whatever servant’s corridor you wriggled out of. You ain’t seen your face yet, you ain’t seen mine. We understand each other?”

Rivi swallowed, glancing from the wolf to the shadowed figure. “Wh-what does that mean?”

“Hold on a minute, friend.” The wolf tightened his grip on Rivi’s shoulder. “Just let me take care of-”

“Step away from the cat.” The voice was cold, even, and commanding.

“I ain’t planning to do that.” A growl crept into the wolf’s voice. His fingers dug into Rivi’s shoulder until the cheetah hissed in pain.

“And I ain’t asking.” The silhouetted form stepped out of the doorway. Light cascaded across him, revealing the slender muzzle and sharply pointed ears of a coyote. The coyote strode forward with slow, measured steps. His eyes were fixed upon the wolf. As he walked, he flicked open the buttons of the beautiful maroon and gold waistcoat he wore across his gray shirt. Straps crisscrossed his chest beneath it. Pistols were holstered beneath his arms. “Step. Away. From the cat.”

Rivi gasped, shooting up out of his seat, despite the wolf’s grip. “He has guns.” His heart leapt into his throat, his belly clenched. “He has guns!” Panic squeezed everything inside him.

“Yes, he does.” The wolf barred Rivi’s chest with arm, pushing him back. “I reckon he’s here for all the money he heard you talking about.” The wolf gave a low, menacing snarl. “But I ain’t lettin’ you rob this poor feline, you no-good scavenger! He’s under my protection now, you hear? You best be warned, you ain’t the only one here who brought a couple noisy friends aboard.” The wolf slowly eased his duster back, flashing the pearl-handled revolver buckled at his own waist.

The coyote continued his calm, steady advance. “You lay one finger on that thing, and you’re gonna lose the use of that arm.”

The wolf’s ear twitched again. His hand hovered near the grip of his revolver. “Get behind me cheetah. I’ll keep you safe from this criminal scum.”

Rivi scrambled around behind the larger wolf, peeking out around him. “S-stay back! I’ll call for security!”

“I am security, Cat!” The coyote’s eyes never left the wolf as he drew near him. “And I ain’t playin’ these games. That wolf ain’t your friend, you’re his mark. And I don’t care if you believe me or not, so long as-”

“That’s quite the accusation there, little coyote.” The wolf clucked his tongue, shaking his head. “And I don’t think I like it. In fact, I think maybe oughta-”

“You can leave here under your own power,” the coyote said, coming to a sudden stop just before the wolf. “Or you can leave here on a stretcher.” He flourished his waistcoat, holding the left side open. Something caught the light, some kind of badge of shining silver and deepest black. When the wolf glanced down at it, the coyote repeated the wolf’s earlier words in a mocking accent. “Do we understand each other?”

The wolf stared down at the unusual emblem. “You’re…” His breath caught in his throat. “You’re a ghost?”

“Seems that way, don’t it.” The coyote let his waistcoat fall closed again. “You know where the exit is. I suggest you find it in the next five minutes. I don’t wanna see you on this ship, again.”

The wolf swallowed audibly. He stepped back, easing away from Rivi. Then he tipped his hat to the cheetah. “You have a nice day, sir.” Then the wolf turned, and walked away. He already was out the doors before Rivi even knew what was happening.

When the wolf was gone, the coyote buttoned his waistcoat back up. “You alright, cat?”

“I…um…” Rivi backed away from the coyote, his eyes darting around. If not for the fact he’d left his documents pouch upon the table, he might have turned and ran as well. “I’m not sure. Are…” He swallowed, easing closer to the table. Maybe if he quick enough, he thought, he could grab his stuff and run. “Are you going to rob me?”

“Nah, cat, I ain’t gonna rob you.” The coyote gestured to the bag. “Put your stuff away. Let’s get you back to the check in area, figure out what’s going on.”

Rivi shuffled back to the table, his mind whirling. Between the sudden turn of frightening events, and the heavy pall of fatigue slowly smothering him, he struggled to process things. He put his banking slips and pen away, and then stuffed the pouch back into the deep pocket inside his overcoat. Suddenly, the coat felt unbearably hot. His skin flushed beneath his fur. His ears burned. Rivi slowly turned towards the doors, where the wolf had so swiftly fled. If the coyote was telling the truth, then that meant…

“Was…” Rivi stared at the red painted doors, as his sleep deprived, half-frozen brain slowly caught up with the reality. “Was…he going to rob me?”

“Yes, Cheetah.” The coyote folded his arms, irritability creeping into his voice. “That’s exactly what he was going to do. Why the hell else do you think he’d go so far out of his way to sneak you away from the guards, and take you all the way to an empty restaurant? This place doesn’t even open till tomorrow.” The coyote glanced at the doors. “Those were supposed to be locked. Fucker probably broke in earlier, then went to find a mark.” The coyote snorted. “Hell, you’d have been lucky if all he did was rob you.”

Rivi picked up his purple hat. He clutched it to his chest as if clutching a life buoy while adrift in a cold, unforgiving sea. “I…I was?” His hands shook.

“You’re damn right, you’d have been lucky.” The coyote looked around the empty café. “Hell, for all I know, he mighta been planning to bend you over that table, and fuck you, too. Or kill you, after you signed that paper for him. Or one, then the other!”

Rivi gasped, squeezing his hat in trembling hands. “Oh, oh Rivi…we…we were almost…”

“At the very least,” the coyote said, walking closer. “He woulda taken every last bit of money you’ve got, and drained that special account you were braggin’ about for all it’s worth. Assuming he didn’t leave your body locked up in a meat freezer, you’d have never seen him again. You’d be high and dry on this ship without a single monetary asset left to your name. Fuckin’ lucky for you, I read that fucker from the start. Once he took you down that hall, I figured he was coming here…”

The coyote continued talking, but Rivi scarcely heard him. Rising horror and humiliation left his ears ringing. His knees wobbled. When the coyote laid it out all, it was far too obvious. He’d been so desperate for a helping hand that he’d walked willingly into the wolf’s trap. The Church had warned him that outside its borders, the world was cruel, unscrupulous place. Rivi thought he’d listened, thought he’d prepared himself. And yet, so eager was he to believe in another’s golden heart that he’d allowed himself to be lured away from safety, and into the den of wickedness.

“Oh, Rivi…” He flopped back onto the chair, whimpering.

“How could we be so stupid?” Rivi’s burning throat tightened. “How could we be so naive? Stupid, stupid, Rivi!” Tears brimmed in the cheetah’s eyes. Rivi struggled against his emotions, but they were a dark, rising tide that could not be stopped. The more the realization sunk in, the harder the cold waves of horror crashed over him. “He was going to kill you!” Rivi grabbed at his ears, a single, pained sob escaping him. “We’re so stupid, Rivi! We could have died!” A few wet streaks ran down the fur of his face.

“Hey, Cat…” The coyote’s hand gently brushed his shoulder. His voice was different, now, softened ever so slightly with concern. “It’s alright. Just take a breath.”

Somehow, that only deepened Rivi’s regret. He must have looked like such a fool. A poor, pitiful, naïve, lonely fool. Far from home, all alone, and with no real idea how to survive in the world beyond the Church’s laws. That he’d made it this far after being abandoned was a minor miracle all on its own. And yet, he’d been so close to going no further. To having his pilgrimage end in a violent, terrifying death, in a meat locker. And now, the person who’d saved him from that fate was watching him break down and cry.

In that moment, a cold, humiliating loneliness smothered Rivi. He wanted to stand up, to put on a brave face, and shake the coyote’s hand. To thank him for saving his foolish life. But Rivi lacked the strength even to stand. No smile would break through the pain etched upon his face. And no courage could erase the embarrassment of being such a… a…

“A waste of space.” Rivi hissed at himself, squeezing his own ears. “We’re a waste of space, Rivi! Why would they ever entrust us with the pilgrimage?”

“Hey, now.” The coyote pulled up a chair alongside the cheetah. He gently set a hand against Rivi’s back, his voice softer still. “You’re safe, and that’s what matters. Everyone gets played for a fool, eventually. You’ll learn from it, right? It ain’t worth all that hardship, Cat.”

How Rivi wished he could simply take the coyote’s words to heart, and move on. How he wished he could dry his eyes, and offer the coyote a thankful smile. How he wished he wasn’t an anxious wreck left wondering just how he’d ever complete this journey alone. But he wasn’t, was he? Not if he couldn’t even tell a genuine friend from a cold-hearted killer. Not if he was willing to hand everything over to a stranger, for nothing more than a smile and a promise. By the Divine Weavers, he was a fool.

“We’re…” Rivi put his head in his hands, another sob breaking free. In that moment, it was all too much for Rivi. He was abandoned in a foreign land. He was helplessly naïve. He was sobbing in front of his savior. He was on a ship, about to depart for a months long voyage, with nowhere to sleep, and no one to turn to. All at once, Rivi had never felt so completely alone. “We’re never going to complete the Pilgrimage, Rivi. Never!”

“Easy, now.” The coyote slowly rubbed Rivi’s back. “It’ll be alright, Cat. It’ll be alright.”

That a complete stranger would not only save his life, but seek to comfort him in his moment of weakness only made Rivi feel worse. Rivi could scarcely imagine how pathetic he must have looked, cowering and sobbing. But he couldn’t stop it, now.

Rivimiralous buried his head in his arms, and cried.