Aodh awoke later than usual, though he’d certainly drank more than usual with his Brothers so it was not a surprise. Groaning, he attempted to roll himself out of bed. Instead he found himself rolling on the bare ground. Apparently he’d not made it to his former bedchambers last night. Holding his head gingerly in his hands he turned to look around him. The bed was right beside him, so he was quite unsure how or why he’d not chosen to lie in it. Opposite there were two more beds, both similarly unslept in.
As he slowly awakened Aodh picked up the sound of snoring. Turning to his side he was surprised to see Pandred lying under his bed, an empty bottle and his pipe accompanying him.
Frowning, Aodh lifted himself up onto the bed and looked to the other side where he found Janear sleeping. Again not in his own bed but on the bare floor.
Aodh did not remember finishing and retiring for the night, but flashes came to him. He got impressions of an argument they’d had. Something about being weak maybe? Someone had claimed that they “Didn’t need a bed.” Janear maybe? Pandred had said the same, and Aodh recalled being adamant that if they didn’t need one he certainly didn’t. As he rubbed his back, he felt exactly like one who had spent the night on a stone floor, the stiffness and tightness of his muscles pulled on him. He wished his ego had not been so brash.
Aodh stumbled over to the window. Taking a deep breath he closed his eyes and tried to steady himself.
Looking out from here he could see the lake just beyond the manor walls, large, wide and beautiful. A dip in its icy waters seemed the only manner of waking him now.
He was grateful to find a beaker of water left by Pandred’s bed. Drinking deeply he wiped his mouth clean before making his way to Janear. Pouring just a trickle down on him he waited for the first signs of a reaction before helping his Brother awake with a firm but gentle kick. He left Janear groaning to wakefulness and launched a similar kick at Pandred. His first two were ignored, the third, a proper strike, took him in the chest and instantly got him spluttering awake.
“Good, I was hoping you would wake soon. I think we need a dip in the waters, yes? A bit of ice and then a hot tea will set us right.”
“More sleep might do just the same.”
Pandred turned over again.
“It might. Or a few more kicks.”
Pandred lifted his head slightly at that. Aodh got up and feigned another kick. Twisting away the feint was enough to get Pandred up.
It was a slow walk to the lake. There were already a few of their Foxling brothers and sisters up and about. Mostly though it was the human servants and cublings ambling about. What fully fledged Foxlings were at the Manor came to relax and recuperate after contracts and Kills. Unless they were retired and now operated as Desra’s instructors for the next generations. Those few Foxlings they did come across acknowledged them with nods and greeted Aodh with a few stares. Thankfully none stopped to talk, Aodh was in the mood for catch ups now less than ever.
The walk was a familiar one. Since they were first born it was a rite of passage for all Foxling to bathe in the waters of the lake. Cold even in Summer, in Winter it was an icy hell.
‘A test of character. A frozen challenge to start one’s day.’ So was the mantra of Desra, and thus the mantra of the Foxling dynasty.
After so many years the discomfort was almost a comfort to Aodh. Even on the road, where and when he could, he did, bathing in cold always reaffirming his past training and trials. There were precious few things he agreed with their Leader on, the lake was perhaps one of those rare ones he did.
“I hate this part,” Janear said, “the part before getting in.”
“Well shut up and get in then,” cried Pandred, his voice starting off strong but breaking slightly as he splashed into the water after Aodh.
Still half asleep before, by the time they had dipped their heads under Lake Rua’s waters for ten minutes any drowsiness had been rather fiercely shaken from them. As Aodh dried himself by its edge he felt almost himself again. Unlike the humans, who he’d seen suffer tremendously after a night of drinking, for Foxlings it was a great deal easier to get rid of. For the most part in any case.
“Ah, there really is nothing like it is there?” Janear stated happily as he wrapped his cloaks about him once again. “I almost feel ready for another drink.”
“Good Gods Janear.” Aodh cast him a pleading look, “Give it a day at least. We are not Bearlings Brother.”
They had just packed up to return to the Manor when a group emerged from the Gates heading directly for them. There were four in all. Aodh knew only one of them, for that one had been his teacher during his fledgling years. Vesar. Accompanying him were three he had not seen before, all fledgelings by the looks of them, foxlings in training. Vesar walked out in front, fourth son of Desra he walked with the gait of one that knew he was in full control. Aodh sighed as he saw him.
Vear himself was now almost 110, and had become a mainstay of the Manor in the past decades. Though he had never been amongst the greatest or most powerful, even in his prime, as a direct first generation offspring of Desra he commanded respect. Though not near as much as he would have wished.
“Greetings Foxlings.” Vesar looked to both Pandred and Janear but did not glance in Aodh’s direction at all.
“It is good to see you returned from your units safe and well. Both of you deserve your rest, you have performed just as Foxlings should.”
Pandred and Janear both gave slight bows. In the Manor there was no tolerance for insubordination. Those who were elder were respected. Such was always the way. From Desra down. Though it did not stop the mumblings and murmurs of dissent clandestinely.
“I am glad you did not acknowledge my words young Aodh. For they were not meant for you. For how could they be? You, who choose the life of an outcast.”
A few of Vesar’s lackeys were greatly amused by their mentor’s words it seemed. Aodh ignored them and kept his gaze only on Vesar.
“Not an outcast, a traveller. I complete contracts the same as any Foxling. On behalf of the Manor, and on behalf of Desra. He who gave me lead to pursue such a path. You do not agree?”
Vesar ignored the bait.
“Well be that as it may, whatever you wish to name yourself, you are still a Foxling. But one that is not assigned to a unit. Which means that technically you are nothing more than a fledgeling. Therefore you are still eligible for rota drills. Or cleaning if you prefer. Could put you on breakfast duty if you like? Your time with the barbarians of the outer lands no doubt makes you think yourself a warrior yes? I assure you, whatever enemies you faced are insignificant. The Outer Lands are home to all manners of recluses, those unable or unwilling to make it in the real world. I doubt even now that you could complete the Hells Path. You will be rusty I’m sure of it.”
Hells Path was a final test of a Fledgelings training. A last deadly circuit where he would prove their ability to perform to the levels expected from those within the Manor. If they couldn’t they would be forced to train a year more. That was, if they survived, some didn’t.
“If you doubt me so perhaps you would wish to personally test me yourself Commander? Or one of your novices perhaps? It would surely be the greatest indicator of how I have spent my time as an outcast. Any one of your students would do? If you do not wish to do it yourself?”
“Have a care for what you say, fool. You understand nothing and act as if you know all. Do not think I do not see through you. I and a great deal others along with me. Your strange and odd behaviours were an diverting sideshow when you were younger, now however they only cause shame. On all of us. And on you too were you wise enough to realise it. You are certainly of your Father’s ilk.”
Aodh baulked at Vesar’s words, he had not expected to be welcomed, knew he wouldn’t in fact. But Vesar’s words along with the faces on those behind him made him realise just how deep that dislike went. The mention of his Father was too much, no one, not even a direct son of Desra should have spoken it.
“I have a mind of my own. I will not apologise for that. Least of all to you. Remind me what was your most memorable kill again Mentor Vesar?” Aodh pushed, Vesar had gone too far, but he would now gladly follow. “It seems I have forgotten, but I believe it was the assassination of some human chief, yes? A human chief,” Aodh whistled, he wasn’t even sure if he was remembering correctly, but he was almost certain he’d oft jested about the topic in his fledgling years. Though then it was never to Vesar’s face.
“Please enlighten me on that glorious triumph of yours once again.”
Though they worked in teams, a kill was something only one could claim. By the look on Vesar’s face Aodh guessed he’d been right. His lack of pedigree was something which had always stood against the elder Foxling.
Time spent secretly laughing about the fact came back to him.
He smiled at the old mentor’s face. “I hope one day I too can kill a human chief.”
One of the fledgelings behind couldn’t hold in a snort. Though they'd recovered by the time Vesar turned, the damage was done.
Vesar glared at Aodh. For a few moments he said nothing, before his face slowly broke out into a grin.
“You always were the Joker, weren’t you.” Vesar smiled, “Always on the outside. Enjoy your few days rest here Aodh, you will need them for what comes next. I’ll remember you as you are now, come what may it might be the last I see of you.”
Aodh frowned, he didn’t like how Vesar looked at him. Something in his expression gave the impression that he believed what he said. That this would be one of the last times he saw him. Though that made little sense.
He was about to enquire into the meaning when another Fledgeling appeared from the manor. Alone he hurried down to them to stand before them. He bowed quickly at Vesar before turning to Aodh.
“Dynast Desra has requested your presence. Immediately.”
The fledgeling motioned slightly back to the manor. Aodh followed his gaze to the main tower. There at its zenith and highest quarters he saw a figure looking down at him from the balustrades.
“Go on, do not keep the Founder waiting.” Vesar stepped aside, “To have summoned you must surely mean the matter is a pressing one.”
Aodh ignored the same troublingly smug look on Vesar’s face and quickly embraced Janear and Pandred.
“We will speak after Brothers.”
Both nodded in response.
Aodh urged the messenger to lead on and followed him back to the manor, Vesar’s words ringing in his ears. He’d expected Desra to ignore him, as he had done the previous occasion he’d returned to the Manor. That had annoyed him then, yet now he wished for the same. It was never comfortable speaking with the Founder. Despite the fact that he had allowed Aodh more freedom than most any other, he himself never got the feeling that their leader had any love for him. That his freedom was merely a means of keeping him away from what he deemed important. Perhaps it was not surprising given what had happened. And yet, it has not stopped Janear from joining the Elects? Aodh thought on it a moment. No, there is something else happening.
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The Fledgeling walked with him all the way to the Tower’s top before leaving him. Aodh took one final breath to steady himself before knocking hard on the door.
“Enter.” Came a voice from within.
Aodh shoved in the heavy oak door. Desra stood still gazing out over the balcony with his back turned to him.
Now a grand age of one hundred and ninety two years his once striking red hair had begun turning to grey in most parts. Yet it seemed to take nothing from him, only serving to add further layers of power and wisdom to the old foxling. According to Maegist Alacrand’s own writings he believed it possible a Foxling could live somewhere between 200 and 250 years. Looking at Desra now Aodh did not doubt their leader would come closer to the latter.
He was surprised to find him in his half form. Generally exclusively used for duels and in battles it was odd to see a Foxling in the form so casually.
“Try not to look so surprised. I prefer this form, I do not feel so old in it. Might stay in it for the end…..though I have work to do yet.”
Aodh stood a little awkwardly, he wasn’t sure what to say really.
“Well then, go on, tell me. How are the Outer Lands? Have you found what you were looking for amidst the exiles and forgotten of the world?”
Aodh shrugged, “I was kept busy. There is much work available for those with skills such as ours. The gold is not quite so prominent, and there are difficulties-”
“Difficulties? What do you know of them? How old are you now, boy?”
Aodh raised his brow at boy. “Forty two.”
“Forty two. Do you know what I was when I was forty two? A slave. Imprisoned by humans who deemed me too smart and independent. Only at the end did I gain my freedom, when they were desperate and turned back to Alacrand even after all he had done to his own people. When the humans were already busy with retreat. You and your Brothers and Sisters live and call home a Manor fit for any King. My home was a cell. Where I stayed locked up like a mindless animal until my human masters had need of me. So stop walking around like a sullen child of torture. You are not one. What?”
Desra raised a brow at Aodh’s frown, “You think you have suffered? You don’t know real struggle. Not yet. But perhaps you will learn.”
Desra sighed and took a seat by his desk. Aodh remained where he stood, rather stunned into silence.
“So,” Desra finally began after a long pause, his voice once more returned to its usual firm tone. “You are content to continue working alone? Away from your kin. You know we are better in a group.”
“You worked alone.”
“I did. Though not by choice. That was by necessity. Do you mean to copy everything I did?”
“I mean to copy no one. I wish to make my own path.”
Desra scoffed, “Your own path. Words such as those would only sound impressive to one of your age. Then you would return to the Outer Lands? Leaving behind the Family and the manor once more?”
“I would, there is much yet to explore in those lands.”
“No. No there isn’t. Take the Dwaelven towns away and you have nothing remaining but bands of primitive human clans. A Foxling is above such low kind. No, I have other plans for you Aodh.”
Desra leaned back in his chair and tilted his head. Aodh struggled to maintain eye contact, he willed himself not to blink under the scrutiny, intense as it might have been.
“You insist on being different. Then be different. I have a contract, one that would take you beyond the continent, to lands even I have not been. I think that would be different enough to suffice even for you.”
Aodh lost all focus at the old Foxling’s words. He blinked and wiped a hand across his face.
“Beyond the continent. To the Dragon lands?”
“Yes, to the Dragon Lands. The Vampirii Lords have contacted us. They wish to speak to one of us, there is a particular contract they want fulfilled, one which involves a great deal of travelling. To lands new and dangerous. One that must be undertaken by a single being. I suppose then it would interest you?”
Aodh wished he had not drunk so much last night.
The Dragon Lands? Beyond the Continent, his mind whirred.
He was not sure before if he would be permitted to continue as a lone Foxling, in the Outer Lands or elsewhere. He believed it might likely that he would have been forced into a unit. But now this. A new land, a contract with the Vampirii, if ever there was a different path then this was it.
“Yes. It would interest me. But why me? And why would the Vampirii require one of us for such a task?”
Desra shrugged, “Those questions you will have to ask them yourself. From mine own conversations with them I gather that they need information, such that can not be obtained by any of their kind, for the DragonLords would detect them long before they could ever come close.”
“So I am to go to Tralor?”
“Yes to Tralor first. There the Vampirii shall enlighten you further.”
Aodh unconsciously took a step before pulling out a chair for himself. In the presence of the Founder it might have been considered rude, and worthy of reproach. But Desra said nothing.
“Tralor,” Aodh repeated.
He’d always wanted to visit the city. Desra was one of only a handful of non Vampirii who had ever been inside its walls. Now it seemed he would be another.
He shook his head again, it was all so sudden. So unexpected. Surely it is a sign. This was made for me…..but why me?
“If the Vampirii have asked for your aid, then it must certainly be of great importance to them. Which means it must be of great importance to us.”
Aodh let his words hang in the air. Desra read his meaning instantly.
“You are right. It is of great importance. So why then would I choose you? Still so young and inexperienced. Why?” Desra sighed and closed his eyes. “You were not the first I considered. Nor the second or third for that matter. In fact it took me a significant amount of time to even contemplate you. Now however, I am sure. You, and only you seem made for such a mission. You seem to thrive and enjoy being in solitude, well for this contract you will need to be alone. Alone and isolated. You are inexperienced, yes, but then what good will experience do when travelling over the Forbidden Seas, to a land none of us have ever seen?”
“You offering this to me, I am grateful Founder.” Aodh spoke only with sincerity, out of all of the Foxlings he knew many would never have chosen him to carry out such a mission as this. And yet Desra had.
“Do not be so quick to thank me boy. There are more reasons than that for me selecting you amongst so many others. Reasons which I will not hide from you. You might be surprised to learn that you have garnered interest, from those even beyond our Manor. The solitary Foxling, so unlike all of his kin in manner and goals. Educated people know who you are. A result of that incident with the half blood perhaps.”
Aodh tried to hide his embarrassment but Desra continued seemingly unperturbed, “All of which is why you are a fine choice for this task. Should you fail, should you bring down the wrath of some Dragon Lord down on us, then it will be no difficult thing for us to claim you as an outcast. A renegade operating without my knowledge with the Vampirii. Such an arrangement suits us as it suits them. It is best no one knows that we work together. Besides this contract already seems like one which involves a large amount of risk and danger. It is likely then that you will die in your goals, or worse still, fail in them. We Foxlings do not fail. Therefore should you fail then you will be formally declared an exile, a Foxling too bound to the animal gene. I hope you understand all of this. You are, in a word, disposable. For above all else stands the dignity and prestige of the whole. Of the Dynasty. Of my Dynasty. I have worked too hard for anything to bring me down now.”
As Aodh listened he could not help feeling if perhaps Desra had intended for him to look like a lone rogue Foxling for this exact contract. It would explain why he’d been permitted to be alone for so long. Which would mean that such a contract was years in the making.
Desra turned to look out the window, “For all that, I hope you do not fail Aodh. Should you succeed then it would be a great step in our development.”
“In our development?”
Desra waved a hand, “It does not concern you. Not now. Just know that for such an arduous task as this the reward of it will be properly adjusted to account for that difficulty.”
Aodh said nothing. The rewards for any large contracts were always decided by Desra. It was only after when it was shared out amongst the Foxlings who’d completed the contract that the contents of the reward would be revealed. He knew better than to question Desra on it, even for such a seemingly grand and unique job as this.
“Tralor is a over a month’s journey from here. You will rest here three days, on that third day you will set off at first light. Once in the city you will receive further details of what is expected of you. I will maintain contact with you as best I can, though it may prove impossible to keep it. You will go then with my blessing. And my leave to act as you see best. Should anyone question you, make sure to emphasise your lack of connection to the Manor. You are a lone Foxling, now more than ever. Keep to that.”
Desra got back to his feet, “Now then, are there questions?”
Aodh was sure he had half a million questions to ask, in that moment, however, he only shook his head. He could not think clearly. No one question came to mind, and clearly Desra believed their conversation through.
“Good, then here,” From his desk the old Foxling took out a small book.
“Take this. In it contains all I know of the Vampirii and Tralor. For one, you will be able to recognise their writing, if not altogether comprehend it. It is not much, maybe not enough. But perhaps you may find something of use in it. You will know the names and Heads of the Houses at least. They have likely not changed all that much, change happens slowly in Tralor. I wrote it upon my exit from the city, what information it contains should still be of relevance to you. Now go, rest. You have a busy time ahead of you Aodh. Soon you begin a journey that will define you. For better or worse.”
Desra patted his chest, “Ah yes. One final thing. Take this letter with you. Guard it. It is for the Vampirii Prince Arval Azareel only. Give it to him personally. Let no one see its contents but him. Not even you are to read it. Is that understood?”
Aodh nodded slowly as he took the letter. Getting back to his feet, with a final bow he made his exit. Desra didn’t see it, he had already turned to stand gazing once more out of his window.
Once the door was closed behind him he took several deep breaths as he leaned back against the door. It felt like he’d been holding it in for the entire conversation with Desra.
A new contract, complete with Vampirii, DragonLords and new continents, he reflected, A real, true purpose.
Aodh finally gathered himself and headed back down the steps.
It is finally here. A journey that will define me. For better or worse.
Aodh spent the rest of his three days with Janear and Pandred, he had no interest in speaking to any of the others at the Manor.
He didn’t speak about his contract, nor anything about his meeting with Desra. It was an unwritten but strictly adhered to rule that no Foxling discuss their contracts until they had succeeded in its completion. They didn’t ask and he didn’t tell. Though he wished he could have. He felt overwhelmed by it all, it might have been good then to discuss the details with them. He knew he couldn’t though. All he could tell them was that he would be departing early on the third morning.
It meant a great deal to him then that both Pandred and Janear were up and waiting for him as he headed to the main Gate.
The sun had not yet managed to break through the night’s consuming shade, and a heavy mist covered the surrounding forest in a gloomy blanket.
“Farewell Brother.” Pandred was the first to embrace him.
“Whatever it is you do, we wish you well.” Janear added.
Aodh smiled, “You did not have to rise so early.”
“And yet we did, and here we are.” Pandred sighed, “We understand you do not feel at home here Aodh. But know this, so long as we are here you will always find those who support you. Come what may you’ll always have us.”
“More or less,” Janear shrugged, smiling, “though it would be better if you could try and keep your eccentricities to a minimum at times Brother.”
Aodh laughed and hugged both a final time, “I will try. Though I make no promises. Now go, get back to bed. It is no use all of us having to wander about in this foggy shroud. We will speak on my return. On my contract and yours. Farewell Brothers. Farewell and good luck.”
“And to you, Brother.” Pandred gave Aodh a playful shove off.
“Farewell lone Foxling, do not forget us.” Janear added.
Aodh went away smiling, whatever happened he was glad that two amongst his kin had love for him. The others did not seem to matter so much on realising that. Just two was enough.
He was almost out of sight of the manor and its walls when he finally turned to look back at it. Whether he ever looked on it again he was not sure, but one thing was certain, it would definitely be some time before his eyes could take in its battlements once more.
He scanned all along its walls before glancing around at its towers. He fell on the main one last. He almost missed the outline of a figure at its top. Desra.
Though he could make out the silhouette only, he knew it was him. Aodh was too far away now to make out any features. Yet he felt the Founder’s eyes on him all the same. The sensation was both a comforting and disturbing one. He nodded back at the tower. Though he was certain even Desra’s keen eyes could make him out so far away the gesture felt right.
He didn’t look back after that.