Koda let out a long sigh as he stretched out his toes by the cozy fireplace. The bearskin rug that he relaxed on was as soft as his wolf's tummy. He combed his fingers in the rug's smooth fur. He had never seen a grizzly bear outside of his books and studies, but he could only imagine what it took to hunt one. The rug's size stretched out across the room and its long claws brushed up against the red parlor chairs that Wildeye and Nora sat in.

“I could get used to royal life,” Raine said as she rolled on her back, alongside Koda on the rug.

The harekin princess nibbled on a moist carrot cake in one hand and sipped on a cup of mint tea in the other. Wildeye read a book that she found on the small round table next to her. The book was not as thick as the ones she found in the Lost Dawn's massive library, but it was just long enough to serve as a novella. Elucard leaned against the window sill staring vigilantly at the many roofs and steeples.

Koda scooted around so that his back could feel the warmth and looked up to Wildeye. "What do you have there, girl?"

Wildeye raised her brow. "Hm? Oh, the book!"

Koda and Nora giggled at Wildeye’s absentmindedness

Wildeye turned the cover to read it aloud. "Angels of the Abyss." she said. "It is about strange sightings of angels within the waters of Dragon Realm Abyss. Perhaps mermaids, but the book notes witnesses finding them within lakes as well."

Nora tilted her head. "Angels? Still on Draak'Terra?"

"That is very strange indeed," said Koda.

"Well it may just be fictional. I really haven't been taking it all too seriously," Wildeye remarked.

"I've encountered my share of strangeness out in the world," Elucard said from the side of his mouth. He didn’t bother to break his concentration. "I would dare say a wolf that talks— that isn't a kanis— wouldn't be too common."

Raine nodded. "True. And to be honest I thought your friend here was one!"

"Forgive me Raine," Wildeye chuckled. "We haven't decided on how to let people know of my true nature yet."

"She is my familiar… She just… hm." Koda rubbed his forehead..

"You see? For now treat me as you would a kanis." Wildeye smiled.

Raine scratched her chin and gave a short laugh.

A sharp rap at the parlor door interrupted any further conversation.

"Enter!" Nora chirped. All eyes went to a harekin servant clad in a black tuxedo. A white wash towel draped over his arm and he gave a deep bow so that his ears slapped the ground.

"My lordship, two guests have arrived to speak with the Dawnedge King," the servant said.

"Are we expecting anyone?” Wildeye whispered to Koda.

"No, not that I know of," Koda responded. Aemor Greyblade may have sent his own personal bodyguards to protect Koda after two botched assassination attempts. Afterall, two in just three days since setting foot in Southtail! Was Aemor’s security truly this abysmal?

Perhaps I just have rotten luck with traveling? Koda thought.

Nora's expression turned serious. "I will meet them in the throne room. Make sure that Koda's guard as well as mine are present. I will have no more attempts on the king's life!"

Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

***

Inle rubbed the tiny amethyst that made up his glamor charm. He had been preparing for this mission to take shape for the last six months. Was he nervous? He had not dealt with Koda in years, especially not directly. When he served as a Black Rabbit he made an attempt on the young king's life. Another time he was sent to humiliate him. Even then he could have easily ended his miserable, young life. Now as a member of Dead of Winter, he was to recruit the king.

He chuckled to himself. Koda as a member of the organization. An ally to Inle—standing shoulder to shoulder with him? Ha!

But he couldn't deny Wraslyn’s master plan. After all, who was he to stand in the way of a vampire? The Silent Master, that's who. I should be the one giving commands, instead I am but just another servant. Another cog in the clock. Another pawn on the board.

"Cade," hissed Strife. "They approach."

Inle threw his hands behind the small of his back and spread his legs into a parade rest.

A set of double doors swung open and a line of Southtail and Long Whisper guards marched along the walls of the room completely surrounding Inle and Strife with shields and spears. Finally Nora Greyblade, Koda Dawnedge, and their companions entered the room. Nora took her seat at the throne and offered Koda the advisor’s seat. The three others stood on either side of Nora and Koda. A blue furred kanis, an elven purple mage, and a vernal shroud with familiar eyes.

Inle peered closely at the elemental shroud. He wore black armor underneath a set of short green robes that served more as a coat. Over his head he wore a hood and a breathable mask covered his mouth and nose. Much like the masks worn by the Black Rabbits. It was the shroud's magenta eyes that caught Inle's real attention. They were hollow like an assassin that had seen better days. Days before bloodshed and death. Days of love, but days of loss as well. The eyes of Alanna's Rabbits. The eyes of Elucard Freewind.

Inle's heart skipped a beat. Elucard… how I've missed you. How I wish I can say that I still love you, that I wish… I wish...

"Speak," commanded the Greyblade harekin.

I wish I could tell you that I am sorry, Elucard. Sorry that I betrayed you. Sorry that I took Jetta away from you...

Strife stepped forward. "I am Master Stryneth Squall. A blue mage headmaster of Water City Jhoone." he gestured to Inle. "This is my hydro shroud, Cade Stargazer."

Inle bowed.

Koda lifted his chin. "Why are you here, Master Stryneth?" he asked.

"I represent Duke Alfinster Fen and his collection of mages that show much aptitude and potential."

Koda looked at Raine. "Have you ever heard of this collection?"

Raine shook her head. "I am not aware of any collection of mages, although I know of the seven mage prodigies." She turned to Strife. "Is this about the prodigies?"

Strife laughed. "No, my dear. We are a secretive bunch, hoping to further sharpen our skills so that our mages can do some good in the world. Either as exceptional teachers or perhaps as defenders of peace— like our dear Dawnegde king."

"I don't trust them, Koda. I sense… darkness dwelling within them," whispered Wildeye.

Koda rubbed his chin, now intrigued. "They can't be all that bad, girl. Perhaps, they have good.. intentions..." Koda trailed off.

"Koda?" Wildeye prodded him with a claw, but found that Koda stood silent.

"Koda!" Wildeye called out, again.

Inle slid his eyes from Koda to the slightly pleased blue mage.

"Yes, I am here," Koda whispered back. He rose from his seat. "Master Stryneth, I intend to gain my six other colors. Would you be willing to assist me on my journey before I join your ranks?"

Strife performed a gracious bow. "But of course, my king. You may have my advice and teachings. I’d also like to offer extra security from my shroud."

Raine gave Koda a pleading look.

Koda grinned. "What about my friend? I have already promised Raine that she could join me."

Strife hid a frown. He bit his lip and then smiled. "She may also receive my tutelage. The more the merrier, yes?"

Koda stepped down to meet his new teacher. He motioned for Elucard to follow. The king offered his hand to Strife. "To a fruitful quest!"

Strife flashed a toothy grin as he gripped Koda's forearm. "May we share our triumphs!"

Inle walked up to Elucard and he offered his hand. "Shroud brother, I am Cade. I suppose we will be working with one another."

Elucard narrowed his eyes, but grasped Inle's forearm all the same. "I suppose so. You can call me Elucard."