Merryn stretched, stood and rubbed an eye. I slept too late it feels like the afternoon. The hard ground wasn't the best of beds. These woods were far bigger than they seemed, but this was the best way to get to the next town without having to go over the Archer Mountains. She focused and removed the spell of hidden; it faded away a moment later. She took out a sun shard from her pouch, holding it in her palm. The shard turned an orange-yellow. That's good It's still morning I hope the elders are alight. One step at a time, they will make it, they have to. Find a ship any ship and get back home. Her thoughts turned back to the human man, he seemed somewhat prideful but kind, never a bad trait. So, he couldn't be one of Maxwell's funkys.

A bush off to the left shook, and something glinted in it. She Jumped. Wait a moment. Bushes don't glint. It moved again. Daggers in hand, she padded toward it. The tangled thing thrashed about, flashes of red and black. Her dagger jiggled as she poked it.

The creature straightened before it jumped out all fur and paws. It reminded her a bit of a fox, a fat one. It brushed off a leaf and scampered off. She leaned forward. It's just silly acting this way. I would never be able to live this down, why acting as such way is a disgrace! Have fought and sealed away more fighting spirits then to be rattled by a mere animal. She huffed. Oh, how grandma would laugh at this. Her stomach gurgled.

Light footsteps almost too soft to hear. Her ears twitched. A louder crack.

Maxwell, came prowling out of the woods on the other side of the field, a long sword on his hip tied in a loose makeshift looped sheath from a thick rope. A dragon claw staff hovered by his side, the blue and white liquid inside swirled around within. Sliding his hood black his ringlets tumbled out to a halo around his grim face. He caught up again, he always was persistent even back then.

She pulled on an earlobe. Don't get distracted. Think!

He was not alone. The men that followed were all that what was left of the king's guards from the lost city of Lumor. They fanned out from the woods and stood, silent.

She dug a heel into the ground. Dealing with him again so soon was a test of patience.

The corner of his mouth twitched. He slipped a thumb easy like under his belt.

Running now would mean a sure death, his anger is still high.

A large Nekhawk followed Maxwell landed on a held out arm. Where a bird's head should have been a gray squid face of tentacles withered about; in the middle of this mass was a long silver beak. Its lower half was that of a black hawk. On the side of the squid's face were its eyes; they were large as a hen's egg and dark. The Nekhawk leaned forward with its tentacles squiggling.

These were supposed to have been obliterated after the war as an act of trust! He truly hates me, to unleash it on this world. I don't blame him, but I refuse to fail at this mission, so much hangs on it. Even if I have to burn my soul away, I will complete this. Nothing else matters.

It opened its beak.

A slow fizzy gurgling turned into a screech.

Pressure built up in her ears when she clamped her jaw to avoid crying out. She covered them and shaking so hard she stumbled. "No-oo!"

Maxwell crossed the distance and stopped a few feet away. "Do you like my pet? It's one of the few that survived The War of the Fifty." His bass voice snapped through the clearing.

The creature continued its assault. She backed away. It was hard to think let alone move. Trying to sit up didn't work in fact, nothing worked. Arrg! She fell to her knees shaking her head. Stop! Stop!

The Nekhawk hopped onto his shoulder and preened its greasy feathers. He stroked the creature's feathers. He glanced sideways at her for a second.

The sharp buzzing in her ears made it hard to concentrate and started a dull headache.

With stiff movements she stood. The screech it still hurt but not as bad before. She tried to talk and mostly grunted.

"Not in the mood for chit-cht? That works." He crossed the distance and drew out a short sword, but stopped short of taking her head off holding the blade under her chin. The Nekhawk wriggled closer its tentacles moving up the blade and touched her face.

Her brow twitched as she fought an urge to slap them away.

The hawk's screech lowered.

He glared for far, far too long. "I'll cage my rage for now. It's too soon. For I know things you do not..." His hand quivered shaking the blade then steadied again.

Knowing him, it was best not to test things. She held a breath.

"Awfully quiet." Maxwell's nose wrinkled.

He held her arms down as a guard walked over. Then started to take the daggers off her hip. She swatted his hand away. "I warn you leave what's mine alone!"

The guard hesitated, before coming again and snagged them both with more force. How can my speed be this reduced. What is it doing to me now?

Should have left me alone. She waited but the spirit said nothing more.

"I'll take that, woman." He huffed and went back to the other soldiers.

"Toss them behind that stump near the path," Maxwell said. He hadn't moved in the slightest still holding the blasted sword.

Unable to move she swore a string of curses.

With the blade pressed against her neck it started to sting even more. She pulled in small puffs through her nose. Perhaps taking the wound and then calling a spirit to heal? It's pretty risky if the spirit didn't come fast enough...

Her heart pounded far too hard practically leaping into her mouth. "Let me go. Whatever it is you think I'm doing, you have no idea. I have to—"

He moved the blade away, his grip tightened while he shook her. "Giving orders? You annoy me greatly." Maxwell snarled.

Warm blood trickled down her throat and pooled into her collarbone. Heat seared her cheeks. In all the games we've played, he'd not caught me, not once. "How are you able to even-" A tremor started in her hands, then took over the rest of her body.

Right then, the Nekhawk stopped its damn screech and took off into the sky circling above. Thank you Elaema, please, make it go away. Not that she would but it couldn't hurt to ask. She clasped her hands. Come on, calm down.

"It easy enough, I know your weakness, remember?" He paused. "I know who you really are." His hot breath blasted over her face; presently he picked at her shoulder armor. "This is what they made you wear?" He laughed. "Quite restricting compared to robes. Amazingly, you can move in this stiff junk."

She stomped on his foot.

He pursed his lips glaring at her. "Naaarg!" He tossed the sword behind him. "I thought I could do it, be free of you. But, no!" He spun around like an enraged toddler waving his fists to the sky.

"I'm not like them, we have moved past, such ways. Even so, they gave everything they had, the people are safe because of their sacrifice." She squirmed under his grip.

"Delusional," Maxwell said.

"You're crazy. let me go!" She cleaved the air with a hand. Not caring if the sword cut again. It's better to take the risk after all. If only the blasted man's attention would lapse. Besides he no right to say anything, not any more.

"You have no right to impose your ways on what we do!"

"When it it concerns my fiancée it most definitely does!" He wagged a finger in her face. "But, yes, I see, we are at an impasse." His hands twitched as he hooked his fingers though her armor, followed by a hard yank against his chest.

"That was your idea, I never said yes." Now am even more glad I didn't.

"We worked for years together, how could you do this to me? To my king?" Tears welled up in his eyes. "I should end this now and take care of the fall out myself. Do you tire of this world?"

Her throat burned. Perhaps he did care for his friend after all? Please don't make me think about that. "I have to complete my mission. Let me finish this." She pulled in a breath through her nose as her body shook. Don't lose it now. Hold it back. "I tire of many things, but am also enlivened by many more things."

"I can end this for us, to quit this dance before our path crumbles further, pulling us even further apart." Did his voice crackle?

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

She made her face of granite. "I decline."

He sucked in a quick rapid breath, but didn't let go. "Infernal creature!" He shook her until she thought her brains would bounce out of her skull.

She sputtered. "Let. Go." Forcing back a wave of vomit wasn't easy. She squeezed the burning stuff away.

He cursed with the ruggedness of a sailor while pulling his arm back into such a large fist, and pushed it up to her nose, making her eyes cross.

Nevermind, it's still all an act. He cares about nothing! She turned her head and fought an urge to squeeze her eyes shut. Stay aware. Don't think. Don't breathe. He loves me? No! I don't know anything anymore.

The other guards drew closer to Maxwell, the carpet of leaves crunching underfoot. "Orders sir?"

She edged away, her ears ringing less every second. He's completely lost it, maybe if I sneak away...

Maxwell shook his head, without breaking eye contact. "Head out. Now."

The guard nodded and motioned to the rest to follow soon they disappeared back into the woods.

Maxwell closed the distance, leaned in close, his breath on her nose.

Blast it.

"You have a week. I only do this in honor of our time together as comrades. Nothing else." His voice now flat and low, he lowered his arm, and with his other brought her close breathed in and closed his eyes. "You still smell of pine and roses." They snapped open again. He shoved her away then quieted the Neckhawk with a hand command before silently slipping back into the forest vanishing.

Her whole body still trembled and she collapsed onto the grass, and held her head in hands. This day stretched out as if it was a week. Goddess help me! A week, I only have a week. Have to find a city or town a ship and go back home. Knew I should have take the portal scroll with.

After a time her body stilled. I know it’s here, but where? Searching around she pushed aside the grass in until it’s distinct hit appeared. Praises be, it’s not lost! She dusted off her armor and retied tied her pouch. She hugged herself, then pulled out the map. Over yonder a long shadow from the distant westward Archer Mountains stretched forward like a grim bony hand as it swallowed the small grove of trees in the lower valley. The steep slopes tapered together in the middle where a long river extended past the horizon.

She went over to the ridge nearby and followed it north around a lake. Then headed down another road as it curved in a valley with snowy peaks of mountains surrounding it partway. The City of Belllain was just a pinpoint of flickering lights. A cool breeze flowed over her neck and with it a sweet smell of the valley's wildflowers that came off as a touch too strong.

The ground rumbled.

A herd of wild Graluv's ambled by their calves ran back and forth between the long triad of furry-shaped legs. One of the young turned its head close enough that her face reflected in its eyes as it passed by.

She continued down into the valley as soon as the wildlife passed over the road. A wind picked up as night fell, dismal dark clouds rolled overhead. A rain fell sparse at first before increasing into a downpour. Irritating hair stuck to her back and the sides of her face. Ah, another wonderful dusty road you'd think by now I'd have a horse. Far too much running, far too many people acting horrible! Maxwell promised so much, what happened? Bah! Who needs a knight in shining armor? They're all tarnished anyways.

Tomorrow would be counted as the second day. Five days to find a ship. Five days to fix this. Whining now won't do anything. She covered her face in her hands. "No, no, no!"

Quit with the self pity. Get going. Pathetic. The spirit spoke in her mind again.

"What do you care, evil spirit. Shouldn't you be happy?"

Never happier. Now move your legs or, I’ll make this day look like a joyful festival party.

####

Merryn staggered down the old uneven wooden road the sharp cold drilled into her. Several hours had passed; the shadows stretched from under the few trees on the road. An unseen wolfren cried its distinctive song ending in a howl ushering in the night. The stars were few and dim, the moon a faded glow. Clouds passed over, blocking the light. This cold was unusual for this time of year. All the warmth of the past few days gone. A warm bed looked better and better. Fall would be coming soon, and the waters freezing any ships to bays and docks.

Soon the shadow of the city showed in the distance less obscure then before. A sign on the right said: City of Belllain. So tired of walking, why are there never any horses about? Coming into the city the first building was a freshly painted little white church, with large stained glass windows of scenes, exactly what they were was hard to see yet. The church was shaded by two trees on both sides like two thin guardians standing vigil.

Merryn shivered and hugged herself. Hair stuck to her forehead slid down and landed over her eyes, she brushed it away. She wiped away a strand of hair plastered on an eye. Her knees threatened to buckle and she locked them to prevent falling. "Just for tonight, I can pay you for your troubles or perhaps help out." If I don't pass out first. Another few minutes and the dirt streets will be a bed. She swallowed back an embarrassing whine.

"What is it?" His ears lay flat against his head.

"I seek shelter, kind sir." She took a step and almost lost her footing.

His glasses slid down the bridge of his nose, stopping at the end; he pushed them back up. "Does this look like an inn?" He peered over the frames of glasses with an intense look.

His whiskers quivered, and he studied his paws. "I suppose. Stay out of things and mind your own self." He pulled on the door's ring pull and stepped out of the way.

Bless this man, goddess. I hate putting others out like this. She stepped inside, a drop of sweat dripped off her face splashing to the floor.

"Thank you." He's a bit grumpy, but anyone would be with an unexpected guest.

She rubbed her wrist while looking around. The church had a short hallway. The wall stretched on with several colorful nature scenes dotted at its length. Its hallway widened into the main room of the church, filled with long benches. A wall on the left side had a tall stained glass window of the god Olenus. The mural showed the god's sacrifice that he'd made for all Gaxmina. His tears flooding half the world from the loss of his human wife, Ruika, who the dark gods had imprisoned. As to how and why nobody knows, as the scrolls left were tattered with pieces missing, the few ruins left were forbidden of entry by most.

"Follow me into the back room; there is an old bed you can lay on." Han paused before closing the door. "I have no interest in women but my own kind, so fear not." He held out a paw with a furry brow raised.

What thing to say! And, good to know, I’d hate to have to stuff him into a chest. I jest. “Of course.” Fumbling about in the pouch she pulled out ten silver and handed them to him.

"Next time find an inn or it's five gold." He grumbled and closed the door.

Five gold! Wait, that means he doesn’t really mind that much? He’s a grumpy cuss. She stood stretching by the doorway. It’d be too soon to lay down just yet but a headache started to build up, she laid on the bed. Just a short nap.

She woke and rubbed her eyes. What time is it? There's never any clocks in these little towns. Ouch! Sleeping in full armor with weapons on hurt. She stretched and yawned trying to ease the stiffness away. She explored the room, but couldn't find a washbasin or pitcher. Aee, my soul for a soapstone and water!

A light sweet scent came through the door. She went over and cracked the door looking through a sliver of an opening. A clanking of dishes and scraping sounds along with the sizzling of frying meat. Her mouth watered. I hope a bowl of it doesn't cost too much.

She straightened and dusted off her armor. Really need to buy some oil to rub into it, the waist area was uneven. She froze.

The god's thin dark shadow sparkled with stars, as he extended from the necklace pendant expanding to the door, it took on the shape of a human. A fine elegant cut of a face, a round-nose, and rumpled straight brown long hair cascaded down to his shoulders. He learned forward with an intense gaze flashing a cock-sure grin. "I never imagined again an Elvin would be so helpful."

She startled. "What?" She held her breath and resisted clutching her heart. Showing weakness wouldn't be wise not with him. There was no denying he'd gotten stronger. Her damn heart slammed in her chest, and she shuttered. She clasped her hands together. Don't panic. Relax. Honestly, this had to be a dream. Or a nightmare.

A strange look flowed over his face, before he burst out laughing.

Heat rushed over her face and down her neck. "You mock me." Yes, a nightmare.

His brow twitched, and a grin returned more awry then the last. "I would never, not to my little hero." He made a circular motion with his hands appeared a plain small key. "I'm starting to be myself again, here take this." He cocked his head.

She blinked. This had to be a trick.

He frowned. Wordlessly he came over. His fingers gingerly pried opened her hands then he dropped the key in the palm of her hand. "Do not rest, do not stop. Find my body." His form shimmered becoming faint and of shadow again sluggishly it went into the necklace.

Won't happen. I'll seal or destroy you first before letting you free. I’m to do as you say? Pure arrogance! I’ll, I’ll, I’ll toss this into the sea!

He snorted, and his thoughts flooding her mind. Don't bother giving threats, as fate has plans even I can't see. Now then. The key has no keyhole, yet can be turned if the right way is found. He became silent again.

His presence in the pendent was stronger now, but didn’t hurt as much as before, it still drained, like a small hole in a barrel; her energy lowered every hour. Even with the nights rest she took her time getting up.

Outside of the room, she made her way into a little kitchen area not much bigger than a couple of arm's lengths wide and high.

The cat man brought over a wooden bowl filled with some portage and fig chunks and a carved spoon. "Here eat." He stared a little and also sniffed.

"I can heal you for a large opal." He put it down and went over to the door and fiddled with the door pull, pulled out a rag, and started polishing it without looking at her.

"An opal? I don't have that much. A few coins." No. She wasn't sure what was going on. "I'll pass on that." She stretched again.

He shrugged, and went back to work, when he reached the door, he pulled it open. His tail shifted between his legs with his head lowered watching an ant crawl across the floor.

She opened her pouch, rummaged through it, went over, and handed him a few silver. She coughed lightly.

"Thank you." He whispered, took the coin then closed the door after she left.

That didn’t sit right. Well, best not to press things. Once outside she stretched, careful not to strain anything still sore. Such a lovely flower shop building right behind the church. The flowers took over the walls, hung at the entrance and a multitude of pots ready to sell. Some roses, day-golds, blue-bees, and kiss-me-nots were in nice bouquets. The shop owner wearing a long grey tunic pined on the shoulder with a golden ornamental clasp. She swept faster as Merryn neared.

"Good day, do you know where the inn is?" Merryn said.

The woman stood still. "Follow the south street down and take a left. The Star-Crossed End."

"Thanks."—Before she could leave, the woman touched her arm.—"You should leave here." Her voice unsteady. She looked around before heading back into the building closing the door behind her.