2

Seeing Red

Small birds silently flitted through the gray sky hanging over the moving wagon. The clopping of horse hooves and Draeon’s jangling armor were the only sounds to be heard on the worn forest path. Crisp air stung Aviana’s lungs but the cold didn’t bite as much today. Orsik claimed the weather should improve over the next few days now that half of Alacia had passed by them. Aviana sure hoped he was right. She’d resorted to taking on a wolf shape to keep herself warm. And when she didn’t have the energy to do that, she was wrapped up tight in her cloak. She’d even had to wrap her feet where her sandals were left exposed, though it had been Galinndan that had made the suggestion. According to him, if your limbs were exposed for too long in the cold, they fall off.

It was such a startling claim she didn’t want to believe it. But Orsik confirmed the old man’s words and she was sure to wrap up every inch of herself, and make sure Temperance did the same. The first thing I do when we make it to this Ashbourne place, is get some better clothes.

She didn’t care there was only two weeks left of Alacia’s moon cycle. She’d rather spend the money for warmer clothes and go back to her usual wear when the weather improved. I wonder what styles of clothes they have. Whatever it would be, Aviana anticipated it wouldn’t be made of anything flexible like her starcloth. That may prove troublesome for her, especially when it came to armor. She relied on that ease of movement, anything bulky or heavy would prove a disadvantage. But with her missing a scimitar, it might be her best option for protection until a replacement could be had.

Temperance gasped, and pointed at the sky over Orsik’s head from the driving seat. “What’s that?”

Aviana glanced up to see something small and white float down. And then another caught her vision. And then another.

“You’ve never seen snow before?” Galinndan asked from his position on his donkey, Tyrone, as he plotted alongside the wagon.

Temperance shook her head, her red hair bouncing around. “No. I’ve seen it on the top of the mountains near Starglade, but never went up there.” She looked to Aviana. “Avi, have you seen snow before?”

“No, this would be the first time for me as well.” Aviana gazed at the sky as more of these tiny bits of snow fell. “There wasn’t any of this even in the Karidar Pass while we passed through it.”

“Aye, we traveled too low for it tae touch tha mountain pass we traversed,” Orsik said. He then shrugged. “At least, that’s what tha wagon driver told me when I inquired one day.”

“Huh…” That made a bit of sense. The mountains of the Karidar pass reached higher than the clouds in many areas, much like the mountains around Starglade. Aviana assumed that’s where snow formed. Until now that was.

Aviana reached out and touched a ball of falling snow. A sensation of cold jolted her finger and then it disappeared. She blinked and looked for the cold object, but she couldn’t find it.

Temperance squealed. “It keeps disappearing!”

Aviana’s eyes floated over to her sister to see the young woman trying to catch the bizarre balls. But every time she’d catch one, she’d open her hand and it wouldn’t be within her grasp. It took Temperance a few more tries for Aviana to notice what was happening, by spotting the water collecting on her sister’s hand. “No, it’s melting.”

Her younger sister cocked her head. “What?”

Aviana tried to grab one herself, only to obtain the same result as her sister. “Is snow a type of ice?”

Orsik smiled at her. “Aye, that it be, lass.”

In the warm tropical climate of the Karma Wild, there wasn’t any ice, but Aviana could create it with spells. And she’d heard of it existing in other places naturally. White dragons also had an affinity with the element. But she never thought snow and ice were ever the same.

“Is snow normal here?” Temperance asked, still trying to catch the white stuff.”

The dwarf shook his head. “Nae. It be quite unusual fer anywhere in Alaria tae have snow unless it’s on tha tall mountains. Cold rain, some fallin’ ice rain on occasions, but nae snow.”

Temperance cocked her head. “But what about Issera?” Temperance asked. “My books said that place is all ice.”

Galinndan grunted. “Nothing natural, I can assure you.”

“Isn’t that all caused by white dragons?” Draeon asked. The dracarthian hadn’t said a word all day. Aviana would have forgotten he still traveled with them if he wasn’t a heavy walker. “I don’t travel this far west often, so I’ve only heard rumors in taverns.”

Galinndan nodded. “Yes. So many of them live there, their presence has altered the natural state into a tundra. And it gets worse over the years. The ice now spreads over the ocean onto the mainland. There’s a rumor that it’s because of some of the older dragons fighting for more territory control. I’ve heard there are even a few old enough to fall into the ancient classification.”

The back of Aviana’s neck tightened. She hoped that rumor was wrong. Dragons, even at a young adult age, like Xalanath, were powerful beings. But as they aged to the years of her father and Siverath, they became a nearly unstoppable force on their own. For more than one dragon of that ancient status to fight for dominance, it could spell trouble for Alaria if they chose to spread their territory past Issera and the rest of the Ice Vale islands. I wonder what Siverath plans to do with that information.

Aviana didn’t doubt for a moment if Galinndan knew of this potential situation, Siverath did as well. And with Siverath’s zealous sense of justice, and his poor opinion of white dragons with no room to understand and accept there were good ones out there, Aviana could see him amassing an attack to quell their potential threat.

Aviana tapped her knee. So, why hasn’t he?

The memory of the brief glimpse of a crumbling city flashed through her mind. Had that prophecy those moons ago really been Natamere like she feared? Could it be in trouble and that’s why Siverath had remained in the city for so long? Or was she mistaken and just paranoid given all the bad luck she’d had during her travels thus far?

Temperance’s giggling drew Aviana out of her thoughts. Her sister snapped her teeth at the falling snow, giggling every time she missed. Galinndan roared with laughter. “No, stick your tongue out to catch them.”

Aviana’s brow rose. What had she missed.

“Like this?” the young woman stuck her tongue out and tried to chase the falling flakes, making strange noises in the process.

Galinndan’s amusement increased and even Orsik chuckled. Draeon snorted but from the corner of Aviana’s eye she thought she caught a small uptick to the corn of his mouth for a moment. Did I really just see— She shook her head. She couldn’t have possibly seen the overly serious dracarthian smile. She was positive that man couldn’t do anything but scowl and be hypercritical about everything and everyone but himself.

The sooner he goes on his way, the better I think. As much as he proved to be a capable and useful fighter, she wasn’t sure if him staying with them until they found Gimor was a good idea. He didn’t work well with the rest of them. Even Galinndan was easier to deal with, even with his annoying lecherous attempts toward her, and on the occasion Temperance, which went over the naïve woman’s head. We’ll have to see what he plans to do once we arrive in Ashbourne and are paid for the delivery.

Rustling in the back of the wagon caught Aviana’s sensitive ears. Her head whirled around and her eyes pinned on Asher who moved about under his cloaks. She slipped away from the others to check on him. It wasn’t uncommon for him to fidget but this sounded different.

She reached his side and rested a soft hand on his forehead. He didn’t feel feverish, which was a blessing. It’d taken him tree whole days to fight the last one off.

Asher mumbled incoherent words and then his eyes fluttered. Aviana’s eyes widened. “Asher?”

The young man’s mouth moved wordlessly. His eyes continued to flutter as he came to.

“What be goin’ on back there, lass?” Orsik shouted.

“Asher is waking up.” She fussed, checking him over. Temperance jumped to the back and peered over Aviana’s shoulder just as Asher’s eyes focused.

“A–Aviana?” His voice came out hoarse. “T–Temp…erance?”

Aviana hushed him and placed a hand on his chest when he tried to sit up. “Take it easy. You’re safe now.” She glanced at her sister. “Temperance, get me a waterskin.”

The young woman nodded and scrambled over to the supplies, mumbling to Kyanite he needed to help her search.

Asher turned his head in a few directions to get a feel for his surroundings, wincing as he did. “What… happened?”

Temperance returned and Aviana gratefully accepted the waterskin she held in her hand. She then forced Asher to calm himself and rested his head on her lap. “I told you to take it easy.”

“But…” He flinched some more.

“Here, have some water.”

Aviana helped him drink, Asher taking in more than she was expecting his first time since waking. I shouldn’t be surprised, given how long he’s been out.

Asher gasped for air once he was done consuming a camel’s amount of water. “What happened? Last I remembered was a cave… and Gimor shouting… and goblins—”

His eyes constricted and he flailed his head around, pushing through his pain. “Where is Gimor?”

Aviana yet again hushed and did her best to calm him. She did her best not to let her frustration with him rise. She understood he was confused and his mind would be trying to process everything he experienced the best it could. “Asher, please calm. I’ll explain everything as long as you do.”

The young man gazed up at her, his eyes tight. “He’s not with us, is he?”

She sighed, her shoulders slumping, and she brushed a curl of hair out of his face. She then told him the events leading up to their escape of the cave. Asher slumped in her lap when she finished her tale, his face flickering with all manner of emotions.

“Asher, we’re going to find him,” Aviana promised. “We know where they took him. We just have to find the place.”

“I know where it is.” He winced as he thought. “At least, I think I do. I’m struggling to remember…”

Aviana pressed two fingers against his forehead, placing just enough pressure to force him to relax. “Rest. The more you do, the more likely you are to remember when you’re better.”

“But we need to save him!” Asher shouted, regretting doing so immediately after.

Aviana sighed, frustrated the forehead technique wasn’t working on him. That spot was sensitive, as well as thought to be powerful—the place where visions and thoughts beyond one’s body came from. Lusaria, the goddess of arcane and clairvoyance prior to her fall, had a gemstone in that exact place. It was why the Shikala used it in their marking ritual. And why they used the pressure technique to calm others.

He must be too worked up. Aviana ran her fingers through his hair, the action receiving the reaction she’d wanted. That’s better. “I know you want to help, but you’re in no condition right now. When you’re better, you can. Rest your mind.”

Asher sighed and averted his gaze, his eyes drifting down to the cloaks covering him. It took a moment for him to speak again. “Will I be able to help? I remember what those goblins did to me before everything went dark.”

Aviana continued to run her fingers through his dark curls. “That all depends on how well you recover.”

The young man let out a reluctant sigh and finally gave into her coaxing. It didn’t take long for him to fall back into a slumber, though Aviana waited a little longer before easing him off her lap. Temperance opened her mouth to say something but Aviana pressed a finger to her own lips and then pointed to the front of the wagon. They didn’t need to wake him.

“Sleepin’ now?” Orsik asked when she climbed up behind him. Aviana nodded. “Good. Lad needs all tha recovery time he can get.”

“Avi, will Mister Asher be able to fight again?” Temperance asked. “That is what he was trying to ask you, wasn’t it?”

Aviana nodded. “Yes, it is, though I don’t know that answer. He has a long recovery ahead of him, and then there’s the matter of adapting to his missing fingers.”

“Lad is lucky he only lost three,” Orsik said. “And not all on the same hand.”

“May have trouble wielding a sword, but at least he’ll be able to find honest work,” Galinndan said.

Aviana pursed her lips. “Don’t be so quick to dismiss his combat chances. I’ve met men able to fight like bulls with a missing arm.”

Draeon grunted. “A small man like that will never be like those warriors you speak of. Galinndan is right. Asher will be better off giving up the sword.”

Aviana shook her head, disagreeing with him, though chose not to argue. In the end, Asher’s path would be up to him after his recovery.

Temperance leaned on Orsik’s shoulders and pointed farther up the road with Kyanite. “Look!”

All eyes followed her gesture, seeing a lone building standing just off the worn road. It was of simple wooden design with a fieldstone foundation. While it wasn’t an architecture style Aviana was familiar with, she could tell it was a house of sorts.

As they drew closer the state of the building became more apparent—run down and abandoned. Aviana couldn’t take her eyes off the sad sight, wondering how long and why it’d been abandoned.

Not long after the wagon passed the home, more buildings, and even a dilapidated windmill sprung up along the landscape, sprawling out in what could have been assumed to be a small settlement. But just like the building before, all these homes were also abandoned. The falling snow blanketed the area adding to the sad, oppressive sensation clinging to the air, sending a chill down Aviana’s spine.

“Orsik, is this Ashbourne?” Temperance asked, her voice pitched higher than normal as she clutched Kyanite close to her chest.

“Nae, lass.” The dwarf shook his head. “I dun know the name of this place. But it wasn’t like this when I came through last.”

What could have happened? From the looks of the discarded carts and opened doors, Aviana guessed the inhabitants left in a hurry.

“How far out is Ashbourne?” Galinndan inquired.

Orsik pointed ahead. “Not far. Past those trees a bit.”

“Let’s hope they didn’t meet the same fate as these folks,” the old paladin said.

Aviana settled in the back of the wagon, keeping an eye out. While possibly abandoned moons ago, such a place attracted unsavory types looking to prey on unsuspecting travelers. Or whatever caused the villagers to evacuate could still be lurking around.

Her back straightened, and her hand instinctively went to the one sword strapped to her hip when Draeon let out a low warning growl. She waited, expecting him and Galinndan to call out or run for a defense, but it didn’t come. Instead, Aviana’s eyes spotted a man leaning against one of the homes, as they passed. His clothes were tattered and it didn’t appear as if he’d bathed in a few weeks. The man didn’t try to hide the rusted weapon at his side. He’s no threat to us. But that didn’t mean Aviana allowed her eyes to leave him until the abandoned town was out of sight.

Time passed before Orsik called out, “We’re here.”

Aviana left her post and slipped back up front. Half of Temperance’s body hung out of the moving wagon as she looked around, wide eyed and eager to take the new place in, showing Kyanite everything.

Much like the abandoned settlement, they passed a few log and fieldstone home, this time clearly occupied by the smoke billowing out of their chimneys. Chickens clicked and scurried about, nearly missing behind trampled by the slow moving vehicle. A few homes had fencing with livestock corralled. The animals huddled together for warmth under any cover they could find.

No people could be seen, not even children, piquing Aviana’s interest. She expected at least some activity. Maybe they’re inside, or even further in town.

As they continued on, the distance between homes lessened until they found themselves in a densely clustered town. People milled about here, most human from what Aviana could see. All in a hurry to get out of the cold. From her observation, this was the town’s area of commerce.

The wagon’s presence draws some attention, but it quickly waned. No, that’s not it. Aviana watched how quickly these townsfolk were avoiding contact with the newcomers. It’s as if—

“These people are frightened,” Draeon murmured, his attention intent on their reaction as well.

Orsik nodded. “Aye. It’s not uncommon fer them tae be leery o’outsiders, but this… this is different than tha last time I was here.”

“Maybe whatever happened to that last town as made them fearful,” Galinndan suggested.

Aviana wouldn’t discount it as a possibility. But something nagged at her that it wasn’t the only issue here.

“I don’t like this place,” Temperance said, shrinking back with a frown on her lips. “No one is happy here.”

Aviana focused closer on the humans and noticed her sister was right. It wasn’t just their group that was the problem. These people had haunted expressions. Something was indeed wrong.

A piercing scream of a woman hit Aviana’s ears. Orsik pulled the reins to halt the wagon and Aviana whipped her neck around trying to pin where the cry originated from.

Draeon pointed ahead to their right. “There.”

She followed his gesture, seeing people scurrying away from three men. Two of them accosted a mid-aged woman and a younger woman, while the last one held a man, threatening him with a cutlass to the throat.

“Please, please let them go,” the man begged, his eyes wide with fear.

“Shut up,” the man holding him snarled, pressing the sword to his skin more.

“Anyone else recognize those marks on their face?” Galinndan growled.

It was the same paint as Kel’esh and the other bandits Galinndan and Orsik had run into. Aviana didn’t care about that detail in the moment though. The two snickering men had her full attention as they assaulted the poor women. The muscles in her neck tightened, and rage flared in her chest as the man holding onto the young woman grabbed her breast. Filthy— “Let them go!”

She jumped off the wagon and stalked toward them as they looked in her direction.

The unsavory man threatening the helpless man chuckled. “What do we have here? A brave little elf whore?”

The corner of Aviana’s eye twitched. She expected a nasty name, but the one they chose really showed their character.

Draeon’s feet crunched in the snow behind her, the sound of him removing his glaive from his back catching Aviana’s sensitive ears. She heard Galinndan jump from his equine’s back, his chainmaille gangling from the movement.

“I told you to let them go,” Aviana said, her eyes burning into the man who insulted her. “I won’t tell you again.”

His mouth twisted into a crooked grin. “Or what, Whore? Show me some saggy tits?”

His buddies laughed, one of them continuing his assault of the younger woman. Aviana bared her teeth. The insults meant nothing. But their actions—

A soft swishing sound cut through the air, and before Aviana could react, a dagger punctured the lead ruffian’s eye. An agonizing scream tore through him as he shoved away his captive and held his face. He thrashed around, the thin throwing weapon protruding from his socket.

Shocked, it took Aviana a moment to realize what just happened. When she found herself able to move, she slowly turned back to look at her sister, her mouth agape. Temperance stood poised in her throwing position still, her focus firm on her victim. A dark shadow glossed her cerulean eyes, no traces of her usual carefree and childish behavior to be seen. Aviana had never seen such a look in her sister before. Is this an effect of her exposure to so much violence lately? Or is something else at work?

“That was one hell of a throw,” Galinndan mumbled next to her.

“If there was one thing she was good at back home, it was throwing those things,” Aviana said.

“You bitch!” the injured man roared. “Kill the filth!”

His comrades shoved away the captive women and drew the short swords strapped to their sides. Oh no you don’t! She was going to make them regret their actions today.

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“Gal, given your better equipped to, I want you to protect those two women,” Aviana commanded.

He nodded. “I have no qualm with that.” The ball of his flail swung freely as he gave it a quick practice swing. “Anyone hurts the ladies, and Galinndin Venfiel will exact vengeance.”

Aviana resisted the urge to roll her eyes and glanced Draeon’s way. The dracarthian had discarded his cloak and his muscles flexed, ready to spring forth at both advancing men. “You take one I take the other?”

Draeon grunted. “This blade could easily take out them both, but if you insist on attempting to help, be my guest.”

Aviana took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Oh, I’ll do more than just help. She summoned energy within her and allowed her connection with nature to call out to the spirits. One in particular interested her though it would be difficult to maintain the shape if it accepted. Not only was she so far from home, the complexity of the creature made it hard for anyone to take the spirit into themselves. And that was after proving you were worthy to try at all.

The familiar arcane distorted cry of an owlcat returned her call. She didn’t have much time to react, as power coursed through her and her entire body tingled and warped. The owlcat’s spirit latched onto her hatred of these unsavory filth, hastening her transformation.

Her body twisted, hands and arms turning into bird-like legs and talons, black fur and black and white feathers sprouting across her now elongating tiger-like body that stood as tall as a horse; white fur striping across her shape in a unique pattern. A bobbed tail grew from her back end, and feathered wings sprung forth from her back. She let out a roar, an arcane mix of a tiger and owl. The attackers halted, their eyes going wide at the sight of her new imposing form that stood at a horse’s height at the shoulders. One man’s knees visibly trembled.

Aviana set her eyes on the man she loathed the most. He’d regret touching that young woman. She pounced, her talons grabbing hold of her unsuspecting victim and pinning him to the ground, sinking deep through his leather armor and into his fleshy body. He screamed as she went for his throat.

Her teeth sunk into his flesh, the warm metallic taste of his blood filling her mouth. The man’s agony overpowered the other injured man as he clawed at her grip with a futile effort. She purposely made this slow for him. In this form she could easily snap his neck or even crush his skull. But he’d suffer for what he’d done.

Aviana yanked up, tearing out all the flesh in her mouth. His wailing quickly gurgled out as blood sprayed out all over the snow. Aviana watched as his life faded before her eyes. The owlcat’s spirited urged for more carnage, feeding off her negative energy. She found herself unable to resist due to her mental state, and she bit into his neck, breaking it and the lower half of his skull. Her victim went limp, blood pooling around his lifeless form staining the snow crimson.

Vengeance now partially sated, Aviana swiveled her large head around to take in the scene. Galinndan had gotten the three accosted townsfolk away from the carnage, holding his shield up and flail at the ready in case. Draeon engaged with the other ruffian, his large size proving to be a disadvantage this time as he struggled to land a decisive hit on the smaller man.

The owlcat spirit pulled to sink its teeth into the man, but Aviana didn’t want to jump in yet. Draeon could handle himself, and there was still one painted man to deal with. She scanned the area for him, finding the man struggling to stand as he tried to slink away from the skirmish. It appeared Temperance’s dagger had sunk deep from his mobility issues. Aviana knew he wouldn’t live to see another day if she let him be, but he needed to pay for his insolence.

The owlcat’s spirit growled. It wanted his blood. However, before Aviana could move a muscle to go after the man, another dagger sailed through the air toward him. It bounced off a wall and clattered to the ground, her positioning no ideal for the narrow passage.

“Dragon’s teeth, I missed,” Temperance grumbled.

Aviana lowered herself and tensed her muscles to pounce the man, when Galinndan called out a warning to her. She jumped back in time to dodge a swinging blade. The ruffian Draeon engaged with appeared to have slipped away to target her. Aviana slashed at her attacker in reflex, her talons slicing through his leather bracers and soft skin. The man howled in pain, dropping his short sword and stumbling back. Blood dripped from his wound.

His eyes darted about, gauging the situation. One comrade dead, and the other fleeing, he knew his odds and took off into the alley after the other human filth. “You’ll regret this!”

“Should we stop them?” Galinndan asked.

Aviana wanted to, knowing full well if they got away it would pose a problem later if this group had a settlement nearby. But the agitated owlcat spirit had other ideas. Displeased with her hestitation, it refused her, pushing Aviana back into her own form. The sudden ejection sent her stumbling on two legs but she managed to catch her footing.

“I’ll take that as a no,” the old lecher remarked.

Aviana took a deep breath, her head spinning a little, and fixed her disheveled appearance. A sudden shift of that nature never resulted in a clean transformation. “Sorry. The spirit rejected me. I did want to go after them.” She glanced down the alley, the two men now out of sight. “But it seems even in their state they’re quick, and I don’t think it’s wise to chase after them in an unknown place.”

Draeon growled, strapping his weapon to his back. “I hate to admit it, but you’re right. And from the way these building cluster, it’ll be a tight fit if we do find ourselves in a skirmish.”

Aviana nodded and looked to the frightened townsfolk the ruffians had accosted. They still huddled together, their eyes wide with terror. “Besides, we have other pressing matters.”

She approached the three humans, putting on her kindest smile. “Are you three alright?”

“We’re sorry,” the man said.

“We didn’t mean to involve you,” the older woman whimpered. “We’re so sorry.”

Aviana furrowed her brow and pursed her lips. She didn’t understand this reaction. “You don’t have to apologize. We chose to get involved.”

The clanking of Orsik falling from the wagon caught everyone’s attention. The clumsy dwarf picked himself up off the ground, and hurried over to the three human, a smile on his face as if the tumble hadn’t happened. “Aye, the lass be right. They had it comin’. Now, dae any of ye need healin’?”

“No, no.” The man mumbled as he collected the two ladies off the ground. “We’ve bothered you enough. Let’s go.”

The older woman was easy to scurry away with him, but the young woman didn’t move as quickly, forcing her father to haul her off. As he did, she looked back and mouthed a “thank you” to them. Townsfolk around them watched on, but Aviana noticed how wary they were to come near. Even those trying to move past them in the street gave a wide birth. Are they afraid of us? Or is it merely the fact we got involved? For a moment Aviana worried they’d done the wrong thing.

But she soon shook it from her mind. To ignore the disgusting behavior, would have been the same as condoning it.

“That was the strangest expression of gratitude I’ve seen,” Galinndan said, stroking his beard as he watched the odd trio disappear into the crowd of people.

Aviana grunted, glancing down at the short elf. “Then you’ve obviously never met a katalara.”

They were an interesting race, some could even be called eccentric. But of all their quirks, she never got used to their outlandish gestures of gratitude.

Draeon grunted. “Or an avaria. Unless you like regurgitated food dropped in your lap.”

Aviana grimaced. She’d always wanted to meet the elusive race of bird-like humanoids. However, that was not a gift she ever wanted.

Her nose twitched when the scent of blood caught her senses. Aviana may not have the strong sense of smell of her full dragon kin, but she could pick some things up better than any elf.

She looked over herself, concerned that one thug had in fact harmed her and the owlcat spirit hadn’t taken the hit for her. But she soon found she was fine. Galinndan hadn’t engaged and neither had Orsik. Temperance was still with the horses, keeping watch from the way she scanned the area. That left Draeon.

The dracarthian had wandered off when she glanced his way. In his clawed hands he dragged the man Aviana had killed, blood staining the fresh snow red. Her gut clenched, regret clawing up at her. Had she done the right thing, killing him? Sometimes killing was necessary, but was this one of those situations? Could this have been resolved without anyone dying? Doubtful. If they were the same band Galinndan and Orsik crossed paths with months ago, and in league with Kel’esh, they were not ones to be left to their own devices.

Her eyes scanned the town, watching as people kept their heads low. What should be a lively town, held nothing but an air of hopelessness. These lowlifes already have too much power here. How could their leadership allow this? She may not know how these kept their laws in place, but whoever ran this town needed to get their act together. This was no way for them to live.

A firm grip on her ass drew her out of her thought. Her eyes snapped down to Galinndan who grinned up at her. Aviana’s cheeks grew hot and rage boiled within her chest. “You lecherous, old—”

Before she could finish, or physically lash out at him, a scaled foot slammed into the diminutive elf. The old man crashed to the ground, unprepared for the sneak attack, and lay splayed out on his back looking up with bewildered eyes. Aviana glanced up at Draeon with a curious eye. She had not expected such a reaction from the dracarthian.

He scowled at Galinndan, his lips curling enough for his razor teeth to gleam with just enough menace. “Learn to show some respect.”

“I was merely trying to get her attention.” Galinndan gave an unconvincing innocent look. “She was too lost in her thoughts to hear any of us”—he grinned—“and actions speak louder than words in my experience.”

“She’s refused on several accounts to be your play thing,” Draeon snarled. “You do that again without her consent and I’ll cut your hands off.”

Aviana’s brow spiked. This was certainly a new side of the lizard-man. With the way he’d acted through their journey, she would have never guessed he had any kind of moral code. At least, not where it concerned any of them.

Temperance grunted. “I would aim lower.”

Her sister’s words drew Aviana’s attention, making her aware Orsik had gone and fetched the wagon. Had I really been in my thoughts that long? Even that deep was a concern. She hadn’t been aware of her surroundings at all, making her a prime target—case in point with Galinndan.

Draeon chuckled, his eyes temporarily flicking to the short redheaded woman. “Hands are quick and remove his ability to be useful to most. Castration is its own torture, better served slower.”

Galinndan swallowed and jumped to his feet, taking a few steps away from the imposing dark scaled lizard-man. “No need to get hasty. I’ll keep my hands off her posterior unless she asks otherwise.” His eyes darted to Aviana, gleaming. “I will say though, you’ve done well keeping that nice and firm. I can only imagine how well you’ve taken care of the rest of you. So don’t let that foul mouthed lowlife’s insults get to you.”

Aviana’s brow twisted. What’s with his speech? Did Draeon hit him too hard or something?

Before she could respond Orsik chuckled. “Yer foolin’ no one, lad. That won’t smooth things over in tha least.” That explains it. “And a confident lass like Aviana wouldn’t blink at that ruffian’s crass words.”

She held her head high, eating up the praise and agreeing with him. She’d had far worse thrown at her over the years. And her breasts weren’t the least bit saggy.

“Now,” she started, placing her attention on Draeon, “with the old lecher put in his place, let’s take a look at your wound.”

The black scaled dracarthian’s eyes narrowed a bit. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Orsik’s back straightened. “Who be wounded?”

“No one,” Draeon claimed.

Aviana pointed to the stained snow by his feet. “I don’t believe that belongs to anyone else.”

The tall lizard-man snarled and looked away. “Why do you care?”

She lifted her shoulders for a moment. “I don’t.”

He flicked his gaze back at her, perplexed. “Then why want to see?”

“Because whether you like it or not, until we’re paid or you leave, we’re working together. So you can give us all the attitude you want, but if you’re injured you risk dragging the rest of us down with you. Even minor wounds can turn into big problems if not tended to properly.”

Draeon held her gaze for a moment, and then to her surprise resigned with a sigh. “Very well, if you insist. But first you need to get out the snow. Without appropriate footwear, they’re going to be damaged with all the snow if they’re exposed for much longer.”

Aviana looked down at her wrapped feet. The cloth used to keep them warm now soaked all the way through. “I forgot about that…”

“Then they’re probably numb. Get in the cart. Someone get her a cloak to warm them.”

Aviana went to ask Temperance for one only to find she wasn’t on the wagon anymore. Orsik pointed in the direction of the alley Draeon disposed the body in, finding her sister scurrying through the snow toward them. Aviana’s brow spiked. “Where did you go?”

“I had to get my dagger.” The young woman jumped up into the wagon with ease before a slight pout formed on her lips. “That meanie ran off with one of them.”

Aviana chuckled and climbed onto the wagon. “Well, from what I could see, he’ll either die from that lucky throw, or at least lose the eye.”

Her sister’s nose scrunched. “It wasn’t luck. It was skill!”

“Yeah, okay.”

“Avi!” Temperance whined.

Aviana laughed. She couldn’t help tease the younger woman. It was too tempting as her older sister. “Alright, fine, it was skill. Can you get me a cloak? I need to warm up my feet.”

Her sister pursed her lips, her nose scrunching as she thought and then jumped under the bonnet to heed the request. Orsik received her blessing to continue on so they weren’t clogging up the road anymore. She could heal on the move, and Draeon didn’t seem to mind either.

While Temperance fetched the cloak, Aviana unwrapped her feet, finding them red and numb to the touch, and swelling in areas around her cloth sandals. “I’ll be happy when warm days come back. I’m not a fan of this weather.”

Draeon grunted. “I agree with you there. Stark contrast from home.”

Aviana gazed at him as she tucked her feet in under her cloak and rubbed then to warm help with the warm up process. “You’re from the northeast deserts, right?”

The dracarthian hesitated and then nodded. “Kylyum Desert.”

As I suspected. That made him one of the few dracarthians native to Alaria. Only black scales came from that region, and no one knew when they’d first immigrated to the continent.

“Karma Wilds doesn’t get nearly that hot, but is far more comfortable in the winter than here,” she shared. Aviana felt it best to keep this slightly open communication two ways. Even if he wasn’t the best traveling companion, she didn’t like them always being at odds. She’d much rather have a layer of mutual respect, even if only enough to tolerate each other and watch their backs when it counted.

“Sounds as though I should continue my plan to visit that area sometime,” he remarked. “Though I have to ask, is it true dragons fly the skies out there?”

Her eyes flicked up at him for a moment before she worked on her feet some more. “Perhaps.”

“Coming from a Shikala, I’ll take that as a yes.”

She eyed him again. “Sounds like you’ve met Shikala before.”

The corner of his lips twitched up as if he were amused. “Perhaps.”

Aviana couldn’t help but chuckle. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

“Dae ma ears deceive me?” Orsik said. “Are tha two o’ ye getting’ along fer once?”

“Perhaps,” the two responded in unison. They glanced at each other and chuckled.

“That’s it, the hells have invaded the celestial plane!” Galinndan cried. “None of us could have predicted this.”

Aviana rolled her eyes. So dramatic. It was an unusual situation, but it wasn’t that big of a deal she and Draeon were getting along for the moment. And it didn’t guarantee it’d stay this way.

“What colors fly those skies?” Draeon asked, tugging on the lacing of his left bracer.

Aviana hesitated with the answer, ultimately deciding it wouldn’t hurt to answer. “I’ve seen blue and bronze.”

Temperance gasped behind and then flopped down next to her, cloak in hand and eye wide. “Avi, you didn’t tell me you saw a blue dragon!”

Before Aviana could think of a way to defend herself, Temperance pulled out Kyanite. “Kyanite, Avi is keeping secrets from me!”

There was a pause and Temperance frowned. “What do you mean, of course she is. Are you saying she’s keeping more secrets from me?”

Draeon’s made a perturbed expression, still not quite sure how to handle the young woman’s odd quirks.

“What? No I’m not keeping secrets! Only she is, and it’s rude.”

Aviana rolled her eyes and focused on wrapping her feet with the temporary measure. After dropping off Asher and getting paid, she was going to find a shoe maker of some sort. It was dangerous enough for her to not have clothes appropriate for this climate. Not even some of her more conservative outfits she’d packed in case her usual attire caused her too much issue in Natamere were enough to add extra protection.

Draeon offered his arm, exposing the gash on the underside of his arm. “The weasel got a lucky slash before slipping away to attack you.”

That explained why the ruffian was on her all of a sudden. She abandoned her foot rubbing to inspect the wound. It wasn’t too deep, his bracer taking most of the strike. Much like dragons, with their weaker points in their scales, his underarm wasn’t nearly as protected as the rest of him, offering little resistance against the blade once the bracer failed. “This will be an easy heal. Give me a few moments.”

She summoned the proper amount of life energy she’d need for the healing spell, and her hands glowed a green-white color. The energy enveloped his arm and clung to his wound.

“I wasn’t aware the Karma Wilds had arid land,” he said suddenly.

Aviana’s brow spiked. “Huh?”

“You mentioned blue dragons. They only live in arid places,” he clarified.

“That’s not exactly correct,” she replied, able to easily hold focus on the healing. “Blue dragons are the most adaptive of their kind. They may have preferences where they hold territory, but you’ll generally find them anywhere. Except someplace cold. None but a white or silver would ever take up that climate.”

Temperance tilted her head back looking at her older sister upside-down. “Avi, I read in a book that blue dragons can change their scale color, is that true?”

Aviana nodded. “That’s true in a way. Blues are unique, and can change the shade of their scale color depending on how much sun exposure they have at any given moment.”

“Wow, that’s so cool!”

“Speakin’ of unique, lass, what type o’ creature did ye take tha form o’ back there?” Orsik asked, glancing back at her. “Ne’er seen it before.”

“That was an owlcat!” Temperance beamed. “Wasn’t she pretty?”

“I, uh, suppose, though terrifyin’ would be more like it.”

Aviana chuckled. “Trust me, they’re not a creature to tread lightly with.”

Temperance laid her head on her older sister’s shoulder. “She’d know, she raises them.”

Orsik’s eyes bulged. “Ye raise those things, lass? Yer crazier than I took ye fer.”

A half grin slipped up Aviana’s face. “It’s an honor to raise such a magnificent creature. And to have one’s loyalty is to have a protector for life.”

“They’re intelligent then?”

She nodded. “Some are even capable of casting spells.”

The dwarf let out a low whistle. “That’s impressive.”

“What are they exactly?” Galinndan asked. “That roar of yours was bizarre.”

“They’re a feline,” she said. “But a unique kind that has been affected by the nature of the Karma Wilds. The land there is teeming with plants and animals you’ll never find anywhere else.”

“Why haven’t you taken the form before?” Draeon asked, surprising her. His more pleasant behavior today was refreshing as much as it was perplexing.

Aviana chewed her lower lip, focusing harder on healing his wound while she figured out how to word herself. “Mastering a creature’s form requires a great deal of study into the animal’s nature. But even if you understand that, the spirit needs to accept you. The unusual nature of owlcats makes them exceptionally difficult to understand for shapeshifting purposes. And they’re selective.”

Draeon’s wound finished closing, and she checked his arm over for any other openings to be sure. “It’s not uncommon for many human generations to pass before the owlcats accept a natural magic user. I’m the first in some time, and it’s difficult to maintain the form. Not only does the spirit struggles against my will, I believe I’m missing something important in the physiology to properly maintain the form for extended periods of time.”

“Am I the only one lost here?” Galinndan asked. “None of that made any sense.”

“Makes perfect sense to me!” Temperance shot her hands into the air to emphasize her excitement. She liked feeling smart.

Draeon nodded. “I understood it for the most part.”

“Aye, same,” Orsik agreed.

Galinndan grumbled to himself.

Draeon crossed his arms when Aviana released him and tapped a clawed finger on his scales. “What I don’t understand is why you used human lives for measurement. Seems unusual for an elf… half-elf. I’m still not sure what you are.”

Aviana chuckled. The racial confusion she received from those who did understand the differences amused her more than those who didn’t understand. “Unlike elves, human lives are short and fairly predictable for a range. It makes it an easier universal measurement anyone could follow.”

“An’ the humans where yer from be okay with this?” Orsik clarified. “They can be rather sensitive sometimes.”

“We don’t gots humans in Starglade,” Temperance blurted out. Aviana resisted an eye twitch. There she went, making things harder for them without realizing it.

“Then how can you two be half-elves?” Galinndan asked.

The young woman shrugged. “I don’t know. Momma says I’m not a full elf like Avi isn’t. Right?”

Aviana went back to warming her feet. “That’s right, and we will not be elaborating on the matter either.”

“Is it really that big a deal?” the old elf questioned.

Draeon uncrossed his arms and fitted his bracer to his forearm. “Leave it be. If they don’t want to talk about it they don’t have to.”

Aviana glanced at the dracarthian briefly. No really, what has gotten into him today?

He however was now looking away from all of them, a scowl spreading across his face. “How many does that one make, four?”

“Six by my count,” Galinndan said, his attention also moved.

Aviana’s brow spiked. “Are you seeing more of those insufferable lowlifes?”

Draeon nodded. “All of them have painted faces. It seems this place has an infestation.”

“Perfect,” Aviana muttered. Even though this could prove useful in finding Gimor, it could potentially cause issues as well.

“There are that many visible in the street?” a familiar voice in the wagon croaked.

Aviana’s head snapped back to see Asher attempting to sit up. “You’re awake!”

He rested his forehead on his hand and nodded. “Have been for a while. About the time I heard you all taking care of a few in the town center.”

“So you know where we are then.”

“Took me a moment, but yeah, I know I’m home.”

Aviana crawled into the back to check him. He refused to lie back down, so she draped a cloak over him to ensure he stayed warm. “Do you know anything about this group?”

She explained how they appeared and he frowned. “I’m afraid when Gimor and I left, there wasn’t much on them. A few came into town to cause trouble and the local guards dealt with them. I assumed that was the last of them and never thought to learn more. Seems I was wrong to do so.”

Aviana looked back to the others, concerned. “Have any of you seen any guards?”

She received a unanimous shake of heads “no.” An uneasy feeling settled into the pit of her stomach. The more they learned, the less she liked this situation, and the more she felt compelled to do something about it.

Asher clenched a fist, his eyes firmly set on his missing digits. “If only I’d been more careful. I’d be able to do something to help now.”

Aviana rested a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t talk like that. You’ll get better. We’re bringing you to the chapel for extra healing.” She pressed on him gently to encourage him to lie back down. “But you won’t get better unless you rest.”

He held her gaze, refusing to comply. “How can I rest knowing these thugs run rampant through the streets and Gimor is somewhere, maybe alive, maybe dead?”

Her lips pressed into a thin line. She sympathizing with his position but that didn’t mean she’d let him run off and play hero when he wasn’t ready. “If you don’t rest then you’re condition is going to get worse. You could even die if you’re too reckless. Then what? Would dying that way really be worth it? Think about how Gimor would react when we had to deliver that news to him once we find him.”

Asher’s shoulders rolled down as her words sunk in, though his eyes remained determined and stubborn. Aviana sighed internally. She wasn’t sure what else she could say. She’d learned how to read people for her own protection. She’d paid attention to all kinds of quirks and behaviors from various races to better slip by unnoticed—for her protection. She knew when to smile, be alluring, or when to make herself appear less threatening… for her protection. But that hadn’t trained her how to handle these kinds of situations. Ones where you needed to truly connect with a stranger.

She struggled to find a way to connect in the way Orsik did with people. If he were back here instead of driving the wagon, Asher would already be resting. Orsik made others comfortable with so much ease, Aviana was admittedly jealous. Not only about that, but with the amount of joy helping others brought him. Aviana could do nice things for others, but it usually came with some benefit to her. I try to be good, but I’m not sure it’s fair to call me that.

Asher shivered, though Aviana noticed him trying to hide it. She’d found her new path in this battle.

“You’re getting cold sitting up.” Aviana tried to coax him on his back again, this time tugging on some cloaks to cover him better. “Lay down to stay warm. You’re more than capable of thinking out a strategy on your back.”

When he hesitated, she decided to try an unconventional approach for this situation. She cocked her head to the side, tilting her head down just enough to allow her to look up at him, and put on her best alluring smile. “Unless I read you wrong a few days ago.”

Color not related to the biting air spread over his face. He opened his mouth to say something, then promptly shut it, swallowing hard and immediately laying down. That worked? Aviana couldn’t deny her surprise. Though, from the way he averted his gaze, Aviana wasn’t sure if it was her actions or something else on his mind that cause the sudden compliance. Either way, she wasn’t taking it for granted.

Aviana adjusted the cloaks, checked his condition one last time, and then slipped back to the front. Orsik glanced at her and she gave him a brief update on Asher’s condition. He nodded, thankful for her diligence, and let her know they were almost there.

A few moments later, and around a bend in the road, they came to a clearing with a moderately sized stone building with a steeple. While it didn’t look like the architecture of the Karma Wild town holy buildings, Aviana had read enough in books to surmise this was one.

Orsik pulled the wagon up to the wooden front door, and Aviana slipped into the back once again to read Asher for the transfer while Galinndan rushed inside to explain their situation, Temperance volunteering to go with him to “make sure he told the story right.” When Aviana made it to Asher’s side, he’d drifted back off to sleep and she had to suppress a chuckle. If he weren’t so stubborn, he’d be better off.

This did pose an issue for her however. She wasn’t strong enough to carry him, but rest was something he needed. Aviana decided to consult their dwarven cleric, whispering, “Orsik, he fell asleep again. Should I wake him?”

The man’s brow twisted a moment. “Nae, let him sleep. Draeon, can ye help tha lass?”

The dracarthian’s feet crunched in the snow and he appeared at the back. Aviana uncovered Asher and Draeon lifted the human into his arms, doing his best to be careful. The care he placed in this task surprised Aviana. She expected a much rougher approach from the hardened mercenary.

Asher shivered in his exposed state and his eyes fluttered open. Seems he wasn’t as asleep as I thought. The human looked around, his eyes groggy and confused.

“It’s okay, Asher,” she said in a soft tone. “We made it to the chapel. We’re just moving you.”

He sucked in a tight breath and squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, as if trying to wake up. “I’ll walk.”

“Unless you can fight me, then you’re out of luck,” Draeon said, stepping away from the wagon. “I’m not in the mood to deal with your moody caretaker and her assistant.”

Aviana’s brow spiked. “Moody? Coming from the over-sized lizard who would have rather seen me drown in a river yesterday and now has no qualm holding casual conversation with her.”

“Aye, and I did more than assist,” Orsik called out, before falling off the wagon. Lucky for him, the snow softened his landing.

Draeon grunted and set for the chapel, though not before Aviana caught a bemused expression briefly cross the dracarthian’s lips. She moved to help Orsik, dusting bits of snow off him, keeping an eye on Draeon still and ignoring the biting cold on her unprotected feet.

“If I dinnae know any better, I’d say the lad was switched,” the dwarf said. “Maybe by one o’ them changelin’ fae.”

Aviana snickered. “If he weren’t an adult, I’d struggle to disagree.”

As far as she knew, the agreement made with the fae back in the second era still stood: under no circumstance were children to be swapped with changelings without the express knowledge and approval of their parents. No tricks.

Of courses, that didn’t stop claims popping up here and there children had been swapped and whisked away to the Everlasting Plane. Aviana also didn’t believe for a second that they were all false claims. The fae were tricky folk, and knew how to twist rules in their favor, circumventing their oath binding magic laws.

The door of the chapel swung open again, Temperance bolting out with a portly man in basic robes following close behind. The man opened his mouth to speak, but when he spotted Draeon with Asher he nodded. “You, there. Follow me. We’re preparing a bed for him as we speak.”

Draeon nodded and followed. The tall lizard-man had to duck quite a bit to get through the much smaller doorway, but somehow managed. Aviana helped Orsik secure the wagon while Temperance waited for them at the door.

When they met her there, she looked up at Aviana with big eyes. “Avi, Mister Asher is going to be okay now that he’s here, right?”

She reached out and rubbed her younger sister’s head. “That’s right. He’ll get the proper care he needs to make a full recovery.”

A wide smile spread across Temperance’s face. “Good, cause I like him.” She held her toy dragon up. “Kyanite says he’s happy too.”

Aviana smiled and the three of them headed inside the warm building.