The carriage was rolling along the path at full speed when the door swung open and the blue-haired elf leapt inside. He didn’t seem out of breath and showed no sign of weariness, even his clothes were still impeccably clean. Katri couldn’t see the slightest mark from the trail, which frustrated her because after a full day’s ride, she was surely looking the worse for wear.
“How much farther?” she asked.
“Not long, Mistress. We’ll be at the site within the hour,” said Brother Jaspon. He smiled at Riffy and dropped a small chestnut onto the cushion the small squirrel lay upon. “Sorry if I woke you, little one.”
“No,” Riffy lied, still blinking blearily. “I wasn’t asleep. I’m ready for the adventure.”
Riffy had been sneaking out at night and the lack of sleep was catching up to him. He couldn’t let Mistress Katri know or she would forbid him from coming on the adventure, so he was carefully pretending to be completely awake.
“You were snoring,” said Katri before turning back to the elf. “When we arrive, you will accompany myself and Brother Lecter as we survey the temple. The All-Mother gifted me with a vision of the dungeon below. The entrance is well-hidden, but I have foreseen all that will be required.”
“As you say, Mistress.” Jaspon bowed without rising from his seat.
“Your accomplices will remain behind to guard the carriage with Squiffy.”
“I want to come to the dungeon,” Riffy muttered.
Katri continued as though there had been no interruption. “There are a number of cultists inside they temple. They are followers of an unorthodox sect, but if Sister Franki is correct, they are still faithful to the All-Mother. I would prefer to have as little dealing with them as possible. Inform your accomplices to keep well away.”
“You said I could I come on the adventure,” Riffy whined.
“And you have,” said Katri. “You are a member of this party and will receive XP like the rest of us. Isn’t that so, Brother Jaspon?”
“That’s right.” He grinned at Riffy. “You’ll be levelling up in no time. As will you, Mistress. There’s no need to put yourself in harm’s way.”
“I have no intention of endangering myself any more than necessary.” Katri turned to stare out the window. “Once you have successfully cleared the dungeon of any hazards, I will claim the artefact held within. This is what the All-Mother wishes for me. It shall be so.”
“I trust that your accomplices understand how much of an opportunity this is for them to prove themselves?” Katri asked.
“They do,” said Jaspon. “They are very grateful, Sister. We are all eager to prove our worth to the All-Mother’s Chosen.”
Katri nodded, a dismissal. “Tell Brother Lecter, I wish to speak with him.”
Brother Jaspon bowed before once again opening the carriage door and slipping out with an ease that disguised the difficulty required to leap from a horse-drawn carriage travelling at full sprint on the bumpy trail.
A few moments later, Brother Lecter clambered down from above the carriage. He frowned through the embarrassment at his lack of grace compared to the elf.
“You wanted to speak with me, Mistress?”
“Brother Jaspon tells me we will be arriving soon.”
“If he says so, it’s probably true. He’s been running ahead of the horses all day,” said Lecter. “He has some spell that lets him run on the wind, I reckon. He’s not so fast coming back.”
“You have been analysing him?”
“I have, Mistress. Him and his fellows. They have a casual air about them. Not what I would expect to see if they were planning something untoward. He’s the real threat within the group. The others are just followers.”
“And if something were to go wrong, you are confident you could handle them?”
Lecter tried to hide the tension in his jaw that rose from the impulse to lie. He adjusted his response to something more truthful. “I could handle the followers, no problem.”
“And what about Jaspon?”
“Magic can be tricksy. I haven’t seen all he can do. It’s hard to say.” He avoided her gaze.
“I had intended to have you remain with me and Squiffy while I sent them below to clear out the dangers. Perhaps, it would be wise for you join them.”
Lecter nodded enthusiastically. “I could witness him in action. And the rest of them, too. That would be very wise, Mistress.”
“But you will not be partaking in any of the fighting that may arise within,” she said.
“I understand. I’ll simply be there to observe.”
Riffy dozed lightly on his cushion. He had concluded that the discussion was very boring. He wanted to go inside the dungeon, but Mistress Katri was going to make him wait with her outside. That was no fun at all. A hero doesn’t wait outside. Best friend Null would charge straight into the battle even if he was outnumbered and unprepared. Riffy would have to sneak away when Mistress wasn’t looking. Once he saved the day, everyone would know he was a true hero. Then, they would help him find best friend Null. Null should have come to find Riffy by now. Something bad must have happened to him. Null needed Riffy’s help and Mistress would be able to help find him with the Up-Mother’s gifts. Riffy had it all figured out.
His tail curled up in front of his nose and he let out a soft snore.
----------
“Of course,” said the aged monk. “We are happy for you to go wherever you please. The entire grounds are open to you, but I assure you, dear Sister, there is no dungeon beneath the walls of this temple.”
“You doubt the vision of the All-Mother’s Chosen?” asked Brother Lecter. He stepped close, glowering down at the old man.
“Not at all. Not at all.”
“We do not need your permission,” said Katri. “Your presence here is tolerated largely due to the temple’s remoteness. Your unusual teachings and lack of hospitality may lead me to suggest that the management of this temple be reconsidered more closely.”
“There’s no need to trouble the cardinal,” said the monk. “Please, take your time. Perhaps there are refreshments I can find for your men.” He dipped his head and ran back towards the doors of the temple where he engaged in a hushed, but animated conversation with his peers.
“This way,” said Katri.
She led them to a crumbling section of the wall surrounding the temple gardens. Against the wall, there grew an old, gnarled tree.
Heavy boughs leaning on ancient grey stone, the tree had shed pink and orange leaves on this hollowed ground for centuries. Unseen and untouched by the outside world, this tree knew only of life within the temple walls. Long had he enjoyed the soft kiss of sunlight from on high, while the wall kept him safe from battering winds.
The tree had been sheltered, but never lonely. There were many other plants in the garden, and all of them sung gently on the deep root network. Birds had nested in the top branches for half a dozen generations. Their morning songs had ushered in the golden sunlight that bathed him in its life-giving force without asking for so much as a pittance in return. But the tree could never be considered ungrateful, for as much as he had taken, he had also given back.
The tree’s roots provided nutrients for the damp and dark loving mushrooms and its nuts provided sustenance for many small critters that roamed in the gardens and up in the wooded hills beyond. Never had the tree hoarded his age-old wisdom, for he had gladly passed songs and knowledge onto all who cared to listen. And always the tree, was eager to give more.
He felt the soft tread of mortal feet on the loamy ground above his roots long before he saw them with the close sense in his bark. They were strangers, beautiful strangers, come no doubt to explore his verdant garden.
“Cut it down,” said Katri. “It must be torn out by the roots. What we seek lies below.”
The tree had never learned Common. That was one of his great regrets, to never learn the songs of the featherless bipeds. But, he thought as the soft chatter of the gorgeous female washed over his bark, it is never too late to learn. He watched as a sky-haired elf stepped forward and held its arms up in a most intriguing way. There was a flash of orange light, and a miraculous sight unlike anything the tree had ever seen before came rushing towards him. It was like the life-giving sun itself had come down to the garden to finally listen closely to the songs the tree had praised to the heavens.
Then came the pain, a great and terrible pain. A scorching, angry, raking pain, it seeped into him. Tearing at his bark and scorning his inner peace. He felt himself retreat from the terrible light, but soon he had nowhere left to hide. The pain was all over him, becoming him. And finally, after many centuries, he fled to the final resting place, the darkness that precedes and succeeds us all. Perhaps, he thought, there will be flowers. I do love the songs of flowers.
----------
Riffy couldn’t believe what he was seeing. The old tree, the deep heart of this place, burned. How could they hurt him like that?
“You mustn’t,” he cried. “No, no no. You mustn’t.”
“Be quiet,” said Katri. “You wanted to come on the adventure. This is the only entrance.”
While the old tree screamed in pain, Riffy covered his eyes with his tail and wept. Maybe he wasn’t cut out to be an adventuring hero after all.
Once the larger section of roots had been dug up, a stone passage way was revealed beneath the soil.
Brother Lecter, Jaspon, and the younger elves dropped into the dark tunnel and waved goodbye.
Katri carried Riffy up to the temple and sat in wooden deck chairs on the paved stone courtyard under an old wooden umbrella.
A young female monk approached carrying a tray of tea. She placed the tray on a table and bowed low to Katri, then half-bowed to Riffy before running back to join her fellows.
Katri watched with the faintest curl of a smile while the group of monks hovered nervously by the entrance to the temple. Their hushed, panicked whispers fell silent whenever she turned to stare at them. These people really were so easy to train, she considered. Perhaps, she could find some use for them in her future.
She raised a hand in summon and the elder monk leapt through the door in a rush to speak with her.
“Chosen Sister, is there anything we can provide?” he asked.
“I was admiring the garden you have here,” said Katri. “It is well cultivated.”
The monk nodded with a strained smile, his eyes carefully avoided the uprooted tree in the corner. “Thank you, Sister. We practice the art of Bloom daily as part of our duties here in Saluke, but the true beauty of any garden is what the All-Mother gifts.”
“Your arts have not gone to waste. I am a practitioner of Bloom myself. As is young Squiffy here. I wonder if you would be so kind as to guide him through his meditations today? I would be interested in seeing how the training differs from what we practice back in Pentamorel.”
“I would be honoured,” said the monk. “Come young master, let us find a quiet spot in the garden where we may be undisturbed.”
Right here will suffice,” said Katri.
The monk’s eyebrows shot up. “On the stone, Sister? It is our understanding that the shortest path to the All-Mother’s warmth is in commune with nature.”
“I wish to see you for myself,” said Katri. “Is inflexibility an aspect of your training or are you willing to accommodate?”
“I…” he bowed. “Of course, Chosen Sister. Here will do fine.”
The old monk sat cross legged on the paved stone courtyard and waved over his associates. “Today, we will demonstrate the Saluke meditations of gratitude and oneness with nature for our honoured guests. We are joined by the Chosen Sister Katri and her young friend.”
“I’m Riffy,” said Riffy. “Thank you for assisting me in my training. I will try my best.”
The crowd of monks grew excited at the sound of Riffy’s soft, squeaky voice. A few of the younger monks giggled and hurried to sit close to him as they formed a circle on the stone.
“It’s a pleasure to have you here with us, Riffy. We would be delighted if you would begin the meditation with the opening prayer.”
Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.
Riffy had never been asked to speak the opening prayer before. His tail twitched excitedly, but he was nervous too. What if he said it wrong? This was an important moment. Bloom wasn’t his favourite thing in the world. In fact, he often found it quite boring, but he did take his training to become a hero seriously. If the powers of Bloom could help him save people, then he would take the meditations as seriously as he took the important skills in life, like zooming around and climbing. He gathered his thoughts and tried to remember how the opening prayer began.
“I think not,” said Katri. “I am interested in seeing whether your chants are standard as per the Grand Matriarch’s specifications for prayer. As I understand it, the cardinal has allowed certain embellishments to persist in this and other temples in the region. I am curious to see how far you have strayed.”
“As you say, Sister,” said the old monk, his throat becoming dry. “Sister Paulo, would you begin the prayer?”
“Yes, Brother,” the young monk said quietly.
Sister Katri watched the cross-legged monks from her seat above them. Despite their unorthodox dressings and paradoxical hierarchy, the monks performed their Bloom meditations admirably. She had been hoping for something more outlandish and provocative, but she could be satisfied that the All-Mother’s will was being held in good faith. In fact, some of the traditions that had fallen out of favour in Pentamorel were still held sacred here. Katri was not a stickler for tradition, but she was willing to adhere to it when it served the All-Mother’s purpose.
Recent trends in Pentamorel were suffering from a lack of faith in the the traditional Standard blessing. Katri was beginning to hope that this rural sect had conserved the old ways, but something caught her eye that dashed any hope in that regard. One of the monks was wearing a hood that covered her hair, but as she turned her face up to the sky during the sun praise, Katri spotted small horns poking out above the girls ears.
A sprite in a temple of The Devout. In the old traditions, such a thing would be outright blasphemous. When the All-Mother gifted life to the Standard Common races, she did not decree stewardship to the mundane beasts, magical creatures, the fae, or the monstrous. Yet somehow, the faith had been infiltrated by these outsiders. The freaks had crept inside the holy gates and now The Devout were being overrun from within.
Katri herself had nearly been led astray by the most deceitful of creatures. Had that monster Hesta not fallen afoul of that corrupted soul in the woods, Katri might have been lured from the All-Mother’s path. Her will might have been perverted. In reality, thought Katri, her will would never have been diverted from the All-Mother’s plan, but it was still worth considering what might have been had she not seen the true face of Sister Hest during the battle in the woods.
No doubt, the All-Mother had intended to provide a lesson for Katri to grow and learn from. That lesson had not gone to waste. Katri had seen the true nature of the Non-Standard Races and it was not a pretty sight. She would not be fooled again.
Her eyes remained fixed on the horned head of the young monk throughout the remainder of the meditations. A cold sneer forming in the curl of her upper lip. Her disappointment was immense. That she would find a freak, here among such a small, rural temple of The Devout was a sign of just how far the perversion had spread. Something must be done. By the All-Mother’s will, faith shall be restored.
The long shadow of Brother Lecter’s silhouette ended her reverie.
“I must speak with my Champion alone,” she said.
The disturbed monks looked up at her with expressions of disbelief, then they turned to their leader for guidance. Never before had their meditations been interrupted by such trifling matters. With a quiver of shame in his brow, the old monk rose to his feet and walked back to the temple.
In silence, his associates followed.
Riffy was well aware that he was meant to stay, but he wanted to see the temple and run through the grass with the smiling big-lumps.
He joined the monks as they shuffled back inside.
Once the courtyard had emptied of all but himself and his mistress, Brother Lecter spoke. “The dungeon is clear. We think it’s safe for you to enter now, Sister.”
“Excellent. And what have you witnessed of Brother Jaspon?”
“I have learned much,” said Lecter. “He is formidable. There is no denying that. A significant portion of his power comes from the boots he wears. From what I understand, they were inherited from their father. They are all siblings, Mistress.”
“All of them?” asked Katri. “Now that is surprising. Why do you think he kept that from us?”
“I suppose it was to appear more professional.”
“Or to hide the fact that their could be no mixed loyalties among them. He may have a mind for strategy.” Katri looked Brother Lecter up and down. “That reminds me, did you read that book yet?”
“Not all of it,” said Lecter. “Sorry, Sister. Reading might not be in my nature, it seems.”
Katri frowned at the tall, scarred man until he looked away in shame. “Tell me about the boots.”
“They’re a family heirloom. The siblings consider them to be a shared possession between the lot of them. I think Jaspon considers them rightfully his. The boots are what allow him to move the way he does. His true focus is on Magic, Mind, and Perception, but the boots make it seem as though he is a master of Dexterity. It’s a dangerous combination and he uses it well. His spells are interesting. You saw what he did to the tree. That was some kind of fire attack, but other than that, I haven’t been able to narrow down exactly what his other options are. He’s aware that I’m watching him.”
“I’m impressed,” said Katri. “You can be quite the scout, Lecter. When it interests you.”
“All in service of the All-Mother, and in defending you of course, Mistress.”
Katri rose to her feet, and held her arm out. “Lead the way, my loyal defender. I’m excited to see my prize.”
With an expression of awe painted on his face, Lecter gently linked his arm through Katri’s and marched, stiff-backed and proud towards the dungeon.
Katri smiled to herself. People really are very easy to lead, she thought. Once you understand what motivates a person, whether it be a gentle stroke or a frightful whip, consistency and directness is key. I shall sprinkle a reward, now and then, to encourage loyalty, but always I must be strict and certain. When chaos reigns, the weak look to the strong for guidance. Above all else, my will shall triumph.
----------
Riffy had levelled up during the meditation. He had been surprised, but he knew better than to say anything aloud during the Bloom training. You can get in big, big, big trouble for getting distracted during the prayers. He had improved his Bloom a little bit recently, but that wasn’t what caused his level up.
The level came with the words: Dungeon Boss Defeated.
Riffy understood what it meant. The party had defeated a big scary monster and he was sharing the special adventurer powers. He didn’t feel very heroic though. He risked peaking at Mistress Katri and regretted it instantly. She looked scary!
Riffy had wondered if she realised she was glaring at the young monk girl sitting beside him. He supposed she was thinking about her own level up. Sister Katri was much higher level than Riffy. She was strong like Lecter and Jaspon.
After the meditation, he had followed the nice monk with the horns to the room full of leaves inside the big stone house. This room had big windows and lots of wetness in the air. Riffy liked it, even if it did make his tail feel heavy.
Merina giggled at him. “You look tiny when you're wet.”
Riffy tried to shake the wetness out and felt his fur go all fluffy.
“Aww,” said Merina. “Won’t you stay with us, Master Riffy. We would love to have you?”
“I have to go on an adventure to find my best friend Null. He’s waiting for me. He’s ready, ready, ready!”
“Are you sure about that?” asked Merina. “You know sometimes people say things that aren’t completely true. They don’t mean to hurt you, it’s just… easier that way sometimes.”
“No, no, no,” said Riffy. “Null said we would travel together. It’s a big promise.”
“Well you are always welcome here,” said Merina. “If for some reason you didn’t want to travel with the Chosen Sister anymore, we would be glad to have you.”
“Sister Katri is very special,” said Riffy. “She was chosen by the Up-Mother.”
Merina laughed. “What did you call her? The Up-Mother? I like that. Blessed be the Up-Mother.”
Riffy wiggled his tail happily.
“Did you choose your new perks? It’s been ages since I levelled up.” Merina leaned back on the window ledge. “It must be fun to travel with a party, even with… well anyway, it must be fun. I haven’t left the temple since I was a child. It’s not always safe for people like me.”
“It’s not safe to be a big-lump?” Riffy asked.
“What?” Merina laughed again, then sighed. “No, Riffy. It’s not safe because of these.”
She pointed to the horns above her ears. “I’m a Sprite. I can make myself look like a human, but I can never lose the horns.”
“They don’t look dangerous,” said Riffy. “I’ve seen much bigger horns than them ones. Pachader, the stag in Widdlestump has bigger horns than those.”
“I think those are called antlers actually.” Merina smiled. Her hand twitched as she considered stroking Riffy’s tail, but she wasn’t sure if that might be rude. “The horns themselves aren’t the problem. It’s the people’s reaction to the horns that creates a problem. Some folk in these parts don’t take kindly to... well, anything different from themselves.”
Riffy’s eyes went wide with understanding. “You are hiding a secret!”
“I suppose you could say that,” said Merina.
“Riffy has a secret too,” he whispered. “Riffy has the best secret. Best, best, best.”
“What’s your secret, Riffy?” Merina leaned in conspiratorially, her cheeks blushing pink.
Riffy looked around to check that they were alone. He jumped down from the stool and moved to close the door. “It’s a big secret. You mustn’t tell anyone. Even Mistress Katri!”
“Don’t worry about that. I wouldn’t tell her anything.” Merina’s expression soured at the mention of Sister Katri. She hadn’t like the way the young woman spoke to Brother Denia. The old man had tended the shrine for nearly seventy years. He was due some respect, especially from outsiders who burst in to their sanctuary and tore down the ancient Yari Blossom tree. It was unimaginably cruel. Still, Merina didn’t blame Riffy for any of it. He was innocent in all of this. But Katri… she deserved to pay.
Riffy shut the door and turned to her. His eyes were glinting with excitement. “You mustn’t tell anyone.”
Merina’s eyes widened and rose from the ground up as they followed his transformation.
----------
“Where’s Squiffy?” Katri yelled. “Someone has stolen my familiar!”
She strode into the temple with her protectors at her heels.
“I’m sure we’ll find him around here somewhere,” said Lecter.
Katri turned a withering eye on him and he shrunk back.
In her new shining armour, Sister Katri looked formidable. The white and gold breastplate had replaced her cleric’s robe and the graded equipment shone with the promise of unexplored enchantments. Over her chest, was a pink crest in the shape of a heart with a cross of forking stripes. Around her waist, hung a rose fauld and white tasset. This armoured skirt wasn’t graded like the breastplate, but it was still invaluable by Lecter’s estimation.
His mistress's power had risen substantially and unlike with the Longshanks he had desired, she had no qualms in putting it to use. He tried not to feel bitter. She was a good leader. He had been growing very fond of her. Most nights, he found himself laying awake thinking of her before he could finally will himself to sleep. Her beauty was unrivalled and now, in this armour, she was the most magnificent thing he had ever seen.
In his heart, he felt burdened. She had been grateful and proud of the work her men had completed, but the vast majority of praise had been reserved for Brother Jaspon. The conceited elf had bowed like some courtier and groveled like a shit-licker. Mistress had been pleased. Then she had turned to Lecter with a frown and confessed her disappointment that she hadn’t reached level five. Like it was his fault.
Now she was storming through the temple, no doubt blaming the rat’s disappearance on Lecter as well. Lecter couldn’t help but notice the elf was suspiciously quiet.
The old monk stepped forward to block their path.
In his anger, Lecter reached out and grabbed the old fool by the scruff of his frock and lifted him into the air. A moment later, he felt a wave of regret, but when he glanced at Mistress Katri for guidance, she looked elated.
“Where have you taken, my Mistress's familiar?”
“I… I have no idea where the young Master could be,” the old monk’s voice was frail. “I believe he was talking with some of the girls. Evalia, did you see where the Sister’s familiar went?”
“Last I saw him, he was following Merina below,” said a middle-aged woman.
“Down the stairs at the end of the hall,” the old monk spluttered between coughs. “Merina tends to the apothiary. First door on the left.”
Katri nodded at Lecter, so he hurled the old monk into the wall and stormed towards the stairs. His heart soaring at the opportunity to prove his worth.
At the bottom of the steps, he kicked open the wooden door and was greeted with a wave of humid air. Riffy was sitting in the lap of the young sprite while she stroked his tail. They looked to have been laughing, but both turned to Lecter with shock as the door banged open.
“Squiffy,” said Katri. “Come here this instant.”
Riffy turned his head to the side in confusion, but didn’t move.
Merina spoke up, “Well, it was nice meeting you, Riffy. I hope to see you again some day.”
Lecter marched forward and snatched up the squirrel from the young monk’s lap.
Katri had stepped inside the room and was waving aside the vapours.
“Brother Jaspon,” she said. “Take my familiar to the carriage and see that he is secure and protected. There are thieves about.”
The elf looked confused, but did as commanded. He accepted the bundled Riffy from Lecter and carried him back up the stairs.
Merina looked frightened. She lifted her hood up to cover her horns and shifted nervously in her seat. “It was an honour meeting you, Chosen Sister Katri. You’re new attire suits you perfectly.”
“The All-Mother has seen fit to reward my faithful service,” said Katri. “I will continue to follow the path she reveals to me. Tell me, horned one, what was your intention when you took my familiar?”
“I’m sorry, Sister,” said Merina. “I had no intentions whatsoever. Riffy asked to see the temple.”
“The temple you say,” Katri leered at the small room. “And to what purpose have you infiltrated this sanctuary?”
“Infiltrated?” Tears sprung up in Merina’s eyes. “I don’t understand, Sister.”
Lecter shifted uncomfortably. The girl didn’t seem to be much of a threat. She was confused and frightened. She’s not up to anything, Lecter thought. Then, he corrected himself. I shouldn’t doubt the All-Mother’s Chosen. Mistress knows exactly what she is doing.
He couldn’t allow his senses to betray him. If the girl was convincing him not to suspect her, then perhaps her powers were already working on him. He stepped protectively in front of Katri. “Be careful, Mistress. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if harm were to come to you.”
The sprite blanched. A confused frown formed over her eyes and her mouth fell open, speechless.
Lecter felt embarrassed. He turned to Katri. She smiled at him. Her beautiful, glowing eyes encouraging and filling him with purpose.
“Perhaps,” she said. “We might yet achieve all of our goals for today, after all.”
It took a moment for Lecter to realise what she meant. Mistress was hoping to reach level five today. It’s a very important level. Her excitement was palpable. Lecter was excited for her. To be able to serve such an important role in his mistress’s ascension was an honour. Then, the full implication of her words reached him and his demeanour darkened.
The girl sitting before him was defenceless. This was not the kind of killing that interested him. There was no glory in it.
That’s the old way of thinking, he remembered. Personal glory is a fool’s game. I live for a higher ideal. Service to the All-Mother is my purpose now. Service to Mistress, that is my glory.
A warm sense of compassion rose in his chest. He swelled with adoration for his beautiful Katri.
“I am a tool in your hand, Mistress,” he whispered softly as the chain burst from his arm.
Riffy looked back to the stairs as a strangled cry echoed up the stone corridor. Someone was in danger. As a hero, he needed to save them.
He squirmed from Brother Japson’s grip and darted for the stairs, but then he felt himself go light. He was floating above the ground, unable to find purchase.
“Now, now,” said Jaspon. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I have orders to follow. Come on, little one. I’ll keep you company.”
Riffy was caught inside a small blue translucent ball being pulled back towards Brother Jaspon.
“Let me go,” he said.
“I will,” said Jaspon. “Of course, I will. As soon as I get the order from Mistress Katri. I don’t want to get on her bad side, you see. She’s going places. That gift she’s got, it’s special. There’s nothing quite like it. So, sorry little one, but I have orders.”
----------