He was back within sight of the town walls within the hour. Taking care not to be seen Aodh transformed back into his human configuration before emerging back onto the road and blending in with the last of those people returning to the safety of the settlement. He wrapped his cloak tighter about him, though it was not cold he preferred not to have his armour on show. It was far finer than any elf or dwarven soldier, and worth a large townhouse on its own. Pulling up his hood against a soft rain he ambled forward to the Gate guards.
“Name?”
“Aodh Rua.”
The guard looked up from his clipboard.
He coughed slightly, “Ah yes Aodh. Aodh the Foxling.”
Aodh raised his hood a little. “The Foxling? What is your name?” He asked the man who was now looking at him open mouthed.
“My...name?”
“Yes. You have one don’t you.”
“Ah yes, I do. It’s Freand.”
“Freand. Are you Freand the human then.”
The man frowned, scratching the back of his neck.
“No, no I suppose not. Although ... .no, no I wouldn’t be.”
“Then I am not Aodh the Foxling. Aodh Rua.”
“Right yes, well then Aodh the…ah no…..Aodh Rua. The Lord is expecting you. I’ll send some of the boys to escort you to him.”
Aodh bobbed his head and waited for his escort to come down before following them towards the town’s Inner Keep.
The town was a relatively new one. For the elves and dwarves at least. Before the Land Wars it had been a human settlement, quite a large one. Now it served more as a final outpost for the Elves and Dwarves before one was deep into the outer lands. The last piece of civilization before the tribelands. It was beyond, in the mountainous wastes where most of what remained of humanity struggled to eke out whatever quality of life they could. Bar a wealthy few, the majority of their kind were now located either here deep in the far north where the snow fell thick, or deep in the south where the sand scorched. The two places nobody else wanted.
The Inner Keep was the most impressive part of the town, the castle stood tall above everything else and dominated the skyline.
Evidently it was built with defence in mind, and quite clearly of human design, the stout walls and moat around it did not look pretty. But that hardly mattered so far north. High society types were not likely to be visiting the town anytime soon.
Aodh was led inside the castle and directly to the old throne room. Once the sole home of a human King, now it was residence to a Council of six. Three elves and three dwarves, as was the norm for all of their settlements since their Grand Alliance.
There were only two of them awaiting him now however, one elf and one dwarf. Aodh strode up quickly to stand before them, leaving his escort behind and not bothering with any announcements. The herald seemed rather disappointed by the fact as Aodh brushed roughly past him.
“You are back.” The dwarf Trevon stated peering down at him. “Well that seems a good sign. You were successful then I take it?”
Aodh took out the hippo tusk and waved it in front of him.
“I was.”
The elf, named Arisan squinted at the tusk, “No head? I thought it was common for your kind to bring back the head of your fallen cousins?”
Aodh bristled at the mention of your kind, a term always spoken with obvious distaste, just as it was now.
“How do you propose I bring back a head weighing almost half a ton? The body is to the south western corner of the swamp if you desire to see it. Though I would think the tusk would be enough. Do you know many who have ripped one from a Hippoling that was still alive? I don't.”
The dwarf snorted in laughter, even more so when Arisan glanced at him angrily.
“Ahh he’s got you there Arisan. And as for checking out the body I doubt we’ll be able to do anything of the kind. The humans are not a picky lot, might be they use the body for food. They’ll use it for something anyhow. They don’t let much go to waste.”
“We agreed on a hundred pieces.” Aodh declared. “In full.”
“That we did. And that we have.” Trevon pulled out a pouch of gold from his coat. He tossed it down to him.
Aodh snatched it. He felt its weight. It seemed right. Dwarves were many things, but dishonest was generally not one of them.
Bowing lightly, if a little sarcastically, he would have made his exit then but a clamour by the door stopped him. He was forced to step aside as a messenger rushed into the room and headed straight to where the throne had once been and to the ear of Arisan. Two more guards came rushing in behind him.
Aodh tried to make his exit amidst the noise.
“AH FOXLING, a moment if you please. There is something we would ask you.”
Aodh forced a smile and turned slowly. He took a few steps back to where the elf and dwarf Lords sat.
“A moment then.”
“We have just received word from the highway. Apparently a baggage train of ours was attacked. No survivors.”
Aodh continued to stare at Arisan, he said nothing.
“You would have passed back by the highway would you not?” Trevon finally interjected. “You did not see anything amiss as you made your way to the town?”
Aodh shrugged, “I saw nothing of interest. I had my task. One I completed. That is all.”
“You are sure? There were no survivors, the food lay untouched. Only some trinkets and gold was all that was stolen from us. Had the human raiders been successful they would have taken much more.”
“You wish to imply something?” Aodh did not take his eyes off Arisan.
“Careful Foxling. Have a care that your words do not veer any closer to insolence. I merely enquire once more, are you entirely sure you saw nothing? Were we to check your person we would find no trace of your presence at the site?”
“None of you will be checking my person. You have no cause to do so. I have told you. I did not see anything of what occurred.”
“And if we insist?” Trevon leaned back in his Council chair, “What then? What if we were to arrest you.”
“You might try, though I am not sure you could.” He glanced around idly. There were eight others in the room with them, including the herald who was unarmed. He was confident he could at least escape any attempt to apprehend him.
“Besides, what would my Family think?”
The Elf and dwarf shared a look, whatever hesitancy they had to make a move against him alone, he knew they would dare not do anything to offend the Foxling dynasty. Few risked the wrath of Desra’s kin.
The mention of his family seemed enough to allay their suspicions, Aodh knew he was safe.
For once he was glad of his family connections. Should anything happen to him there would be over a 100 of his Foxling brothers and sisters for the elves and dwarves to deal with. The Family Manor was not so far, five day’s ride at most. Some reinforcements would likely be sent out to aid Chairn against any attack. But they would be slow arriving, and besides a Foxling’s first profession was assassination. No matter how well guarded, who they wanted to, they killed. Humans, elves, dwarves, Beastlings, even Vampirii had been killed at their hands. A few simple Border Town guards would hold precious little hope of survival then.
“If that is all…” Aodh did not make even a cursory bow this time before turning away. No one stopped him as he left.
He had a room booked at an Inn not far from the Castle, heading directly there he only stopped a moment to order food and drink from the Innkeeper's wife before making his way upstairs. Though he did not want to, he knew it was best to leave the city while he still could. He did not believe the Dwaelves would move against him now, but neither was he certain. It was best to avoid risks at such moments. That he had learned from twenty two hard years on the roads.
As soon as he’d finished his meal and drink he gathered what few things he had and made his way out through the window. It would be better that no one see him leaving the Inn or town.
The moon was high and bright, but Aodh was glad of the cloudy cover which shielded most of its light. It made getting up and onto the walls all the more easier for him.
There were guards posted all along it, but none were overly attentive, certainly not to what was happening behind them. Aodh could hardly blame them, whatever human raiders lived anywhere close would never attempt an actual attack on the town itself. And the Dwaelves had brokered an alliance with the Vampirii long ago. No wonder its guards were sleepy then.
Atop the wall there was a 20ft drop down to the ground, but such a jump was not difficult for him. Leaping down he rushed to find cover in the shadows of the trees nearby. There amidst the undergrowth and leafy blanket he settled down. Close enough to the town to prevent any attackers, but far enough outside its walls so as to not to be easily captured if the Council members had a change of mind.
There under the shrouded light of the moon he slept. When the trees and the birds that called them home awoke him the next morning he was glad to find himself still alone bar their songs.
Dusting himself down he yawned and stretched. He had a five day journey ahead of him, he would be glad for it to be finished. He felt now was as good a time as any. He’d avoided it long enough.
It was time to go home.
The journey home proved thankfully uneventful. Still Aodh was glad when the three towers of the Family manor rose up before him, almost as if from out of the forest itself. Once the private home of Maegist Alacrand now it was home to the Foxling Dynasty. It was a manor in name, but almost a fortress in practicality. Surrounded by thick walls on all sides it was safely hidden within the depths of Fahrir forest. None knew of its location, the former owner’s focus on secrecy had been passed on to its current owner, Desra. Huge and ominous it was home to all Foxlings, and when not out on contracts it was here most stayed. Along with those too old or too young, or otherwise injured.
Aodh had grown up within its walls, yet he struggled to call it home. Were it that then he would not have needed to brace himself so as he entered underneath its Gatehouse.
He had been sighted well before, the gates already lay open, and he saw two of his Brothers waiting for him. Of the 192 of his own Brothers and sisters he was happy to see it was Pandred and Janear that awaited him. He had sent word ahead that he would be arriving home soon, though he wasn’t sure they would have received it in time. They were likely the only two who would not be disappointed to see him arrive back safe, well and wealthy. Both were the only two he had been in contact with since leaving the Manor years, aside from Desra naturally. They had all three been born from the same blood Mother and Father. Though it wasn’t supposed to matter, it did to Aodh. His Father had risked his life to reveal the fact, and he would not forget it.
“You aren’t dead?” Pandred asked as they embraced.
“I don’t believe so.” Aodh answered, “And neither it seems, are you.”
“Well that’s to be expected,” Janear probed Aodh’s stomach and pursed his lips, “You are fit at least.”
“You’ve aged fierce. How old are you now? 70? 80?”
“Hmmm Funny. I am the same age as you Brother, and you should not talk. Everytime your mouth moves, so do the lake of wrinkles on your head.”
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
Pandred winked, “One for every kill.”
“You must be tired?” Janear asked.
“I am fine Brother. Sleep can wait, I want to know what you two have been up to.”
“Agreed,” Janear nodded, “Come, we’ll head to the halls, I imagine you are hungry, and we definitely need a drink after what….five years?”
“A little over, and that is exactly what we need.”
It was late in the manor, Aodh was happy of the fact for there was little activity within. A few servants wandered about, the humans kept their gaze down and only bowed in polite subservience to them as they passed.
What few Brothers and sisters they did pass grunted or nodded in welcome, that was as far as they were willing to go. In the world of Foxlings competition was as relevant to everyday life as eating. It was hard then for any to forge strong connections in such an environment. Aodh felt fortunate to have two he could rely on.
“So,” Pandred began once they were seated, he and Janear had only cups for the Uisce Beatha with them, Aodh alone ate.
“You have been about, what can you tell us about the great wide world Brother. About the wild outer lands.”
Aodh shrugged, “That it is not always so great. I started out in the Northern Lands, by the Vampirii border. Humans reside there in the space left between the two territories, by the mountain peaks of Serha. And where there are humans….”
“There are contracts,” Janear finished as he gulped down a cup.
“Exactly. There I was sent out to deal with some troublesome barons, nothing specially difficult. A few raider clans that had become a little too skilled in caravan jumping. However,” Aodh paused and drank, “it was there I had my first dealings with our cousins. There was a small clan, maybe 50 strong of Bearlings.”
“They were refined genes?” Pandred asked.
“Yes, they had a society, primitive but evident. And almost all were capable of speech, bar the few base among them. Their leader was even one of the advanced. I spoke with him. A great deal in fact.”
“So they are not just rumours.” Janear shook his head, “I thought the humans hunted all the clans down after the Wars. Seeing as they had little else to be doing.”
“Not all apparently, especially in the outer lands. They were not the only clan I came across either, there were more than one, and of more than one Beastling. I saw both Crocling and Wolfling clans, and heard of many more. They are out there, believe me. We are not the only Beastlings seeking a place in this World, not by a long way. Though none could say to be doing half so well as we are,” Aodh waved his hands about him.
“Speaking of us, what have you been up to all these years?”
“Well, I am with the Eastern Front Company now, “Pandred replied, “We have two full barracks established in both Fridan and Shuinthorne. We’ve been conducting contracts for the Dwaelven Councils and even some of the wealthier human Merchant Leaders up there. Though I’d rather work for the elves and dwarves than for any humans. Gold is gold though. And a contract is a contract. I’m here for the winter before heading back in Spring, same as most of the rest of the garrison.”
“You like it there?”
“The elves are nice, their women pretty. And it is good to be surrounded by such beauty. Fridan has been one of their cities since the beginning, now it is a colossus of design and industry. Almost on a par with Vies Diem. It is worth seeing Brother, you shall have to visit.”
“If I am not assigned there.”
Pandred laughed, “There would be worse places I assure you.”
“And you Janear?”
“I just got moved up to the Elects.”
Aodh stopped with his cup halfway to his lips, “The Elects? Already?”
Janear shrugged, “As of now I am only accompanying them on contracts, I have only taken part in some minor dealings thus far. Though I plan on seeing real action soon enough.”
Aodh raised his brows and dropped his mouth, though youngest, of their litter Janear had always been the most naturally gifted of them, his abrupt rise came as little shock then, even given his age. The Elects were the best of the Foxling operators, they took on those contracts deemed of great importance to the Foxling dynasty, and more besides. They were the only unit which Desra would personally send out on his own undertakings.
“You’ve both been busy then. Though I know your skill better than most. It is no surprise.” Aodh raised his cup in toast.
“And what is the latest news of the world anyhow? Sleeping in taverns and ditches in the outer lands means a great deal of that which happens goes by without me ever learning about it.”
“A lot can happen in five years Brother, you must be more specific, what is it you want to know?”
Pandred had brought his pipe out and didn’t look up as he spoke, too preoccupied getting the leaves ready. He’d always been fond of its taste, though Aodh had taken some time to grow used to it, he too had started to enjoy its taste in recent years, its taste and its calming effect. It was something he rarely had the opportunity to indulge in upon the road, where there was not much place for idle relaxation. Now back at the manor however, he supposed it was rather timely to do so.
“Very well then, the Treaty, both sides keep to it? The fighting has ceased?”
Janear yawned, “More or less, the elves and dwarves may not have many cities, but those they do have are nigh on impenetrable, even for the Vampirii. Each city has survived a thousand sieges and seen a thousand more armies break themselves upon its walls. The Vampirii could defeat them I’m sure, given time. But it would cost them a great deal, and far more thralls than I imagine they are willing to give up. Besides they are always too busy competing amongst themselves to bother with the few Dwaelven strongholds.”
“Exactly,” Pandred waved his pipe about him as he got it lit, “the risk reward is too low for the nightfolk. That and it's good for trade to have others to do so with. They can hardly do it with the Dragonkind now can they?”
“The Dragonkind? They’re here?”
Pandred pressed his hands against his eyelids, “Good God Brother, you really were in the outer lands. You know nothing of the Ignis Fields?”
Aodh shook his head but did take the pipe offered to him.
Pandred glanced at Janear and shook his head. “I thought that’d be big news even out there. Yes, they’re here. And in fact have been for about five years. Though they only made their presence known before Summer start. They have an outpost, one they created in secret way up high on the cliffs of Mohier. So well hidden there is not even a single path leading to its Inner keep. What burned men they have up there with them have to be brought up by dragonback. Though in truth, it is more a landing pad than an outpost for them, a place of refuge after the treacherous crossing. Safe even from the Vampirii lookouts. Its been hidden for good reason though, it’s small.”
“From what we’ve heard barely room enough for more than three of their kind to be gathered there at once. In their true form at least.”
“Yet they chose to reveal themselves? Why?” Aodh coughed as the smoke hit him, it had been a long time since he’d had the redstone, he would have to be mindful of that fact.
“Pandred already said it,” Janear poured them out another cup each. “It’s no true outpost, and certainly not enough for them to gain any place of prominence over here. So, at the start of Summer they made a move to find that place of prominence. That place being Orbran.”
Aodh squinted and puffed his cheeks, he handed the pipe over to Janear. “Orbran? The old ruins?”
“The same. The Vampirii maintained a small garrison there.” Janear took a puff, though he didn’t cough as he inhaled Aodh couldn’t help but notice. “Mostly made up of half breeds and distant kin to the Princes. Nothing significant. When the Dragonkin launched an attack they easily took over what few buildings still stood. A few hundred of their burned men were then sent in to fortify the place. You have heard what one Dragon can do, well they had five of them.”
Janear took another large inhale before passing it back to Pandred. Janear gestured towards Pandred as he handed over the pipe, “He was there, Desra sent out about ten of us just to go and meet with the Dragons. You know, as a sign of respect or what not. A wise move when it comes to Dragons.”
“You met one of them?” Aodh was stunned by the fact.
Pandred took a puff himself before answering.
“Aye, I met one, more than one in fact. Three of the leaders granted us an audience, seemed to find us all rather intriguing. There were nine of us altogether. We were the three closest units to Orbran when the attack happened. Desra wanted us to go there before the Vampirii had time to warn him against such an action. He intended to keep good with both.”
“And? What were they like?”
Pandred scratched his jaw and whistled, “Pretty feckin terrifying now to be brutally honest. Never met a Vampirii Prince but I imagine something the same. They were in their diplomatic forms when they met with us, but I seen one of the others patrolling the skies while we were there. Must have been almost 500 ft in length all told. Monstrous things.”
“Diplomatic form? So it’s true then? What they say.”
“Yes, seems so. Though I only saw the two forms I don’t doubt they can change into most any one they like. There was a…” Pandred swirled the pipe around him, causing the smoke to do the same, “An aura about them, magical I mean. Almost oppressive, I couldn't wait to get out of there and I wasn’t even the one speaking to them.”
“And they aren’t there now?” Aodh took back the pipe. He waited to ask his question before taking another gust.
“No. Not now. Those we met were the ones previously housed at Mohier. With such little room they were sent out to attack to give others from across the sea space to recuperate on the cliffs. Those who’d managed the crossing were then to move on to Orbran to help with its rebuilding and defence. Evidently they intended for it to be a launchpad for something big. A centre of operation, somewhere they could establish themselves.”
“They told you that?”
Pancred and Janear both laughed at that, “No,” Pandred shook his head, “They told us nothing, we were just curiosities to them, I don’t think they cared anything for what we said.”
“Desra had propositions for them?”
“Desra has propositions for everyone,” Janear spoke the words casually but immediately sat up on saying them and glanced around him. Away to the left an older Foxling nursed his own cup.
Pandred sniffled and leaned over his drink, “Careful Brother.”
“Anyhow none of it matters, Orbran is a ruin again, worse than before in fact. The Vampirii razed it to the ground.”
Aodh sat back, “How did they manage that?”
Janear whistled and Pandred motioned with his hands to imply something big.
“The Vampirii were not messing about. The garrison might have been caught napping at Orbran but the Princes weren’t. Soon as they heard of the Dragon attack they marched. All their rivalries and infighting put aside they attacked Orbran with an army 8,000 strong, 2,000 half bloods and 6,000 thralls. Along with every Vampirii Prince of fighting age.”
“Every one?”
“Every single one.” Pandred continued, “A force that strong has not been seen since the Land Wars. I don’t think the Dragons were expecting such a rapid and brutal response. Not so promptly anyhow. The first of their reinforcements had only barely arrived before they were besieged. They managed to hold out a day before they retreated. Only two dragons were said to have made their way back to the safety of Mohier, while every last one of their Burned men were killed. Like I said Brother, the Vampirii were not messing about.”
“Apparently more Dragonkin were supposed to arrive, but the journey over the Endless Seas is no easy one, even for them. It might have been they were simply delayed, or maybe they did not make it at all.” Janear finished the last of his cup, “That no one seems to know.”
“Actually,” Pandred beat a fist against his chest a few times after a particularly large inhale, “All of this is likely another reason why the Vampirii won’t be moving against the Dwaelven anytime soon. They have far bigger threats to worry about.”
“Far bigger,” Janear agreed.
Aodh leaned back in his seat and placed his hands behind his head, “I knew a lot would have happened, but never so much as this. It is interesting.”
Janear raised a brow, “Interesting enough to stay awhile? You know you are the only Foxling that is out there alone, Aodh. Even you must admit it’s a little strange.”
“Strange is bad?”
“Bad no, but it makes you stand out.” Janear looked to Pandred, but he only stared ahead, clearly ignoring the look, “Many of them are quite aggrieved at the fact you are permitted to work and travel alone. The despise that Desra had given you lead to act outside our established methods. Some of the others say that you do not have the best interests of the Dynasty in your mind. That you are too independent. That your ego makes you think yourself above the rest of us, above even Desra. You not being back here for years doesn’t exactly help that. Especially after everything with Father.”
A silence fell over them.
Aodh sat up straight, “And you? What do you believe about me?”
“That you are nothing of the sort.” Pandred stated confidently, “But it is not us that you should worry about. It’s others. Others more powerful and influential that think of you that way.”
Aodh shrugged, “I care little for them. Desra’s underlyings mean nothing to me. If I have your trust then let the rest think as they will.”
“And Desra himself?” Janear asked.
Aodh closed his eyes and sighed, “Yes, well him I suppose I will have to worry about.”
A fresh silence settled around the table.
Aodh was the one to break it as he pushed himself from it.
“But that worrying will wait until tomorrow. Tonight I feel like more wine.”
Aodh got to his feet before spinning around dramatically, “What say ye? Mine blood and kin, will you partake in a few bottles with me?”
Pandred gave an elaborate salute and Janear raised his hands in prayer.
“We shall Brother,” Pandred declared.
“With both pleasure and spirit,” Janear added, placing a hand on his chest.
Aodh smiled as he went to get another bottle. He was glad to be home. For the moment at least. Tomorrow would likely change that. But it did not seem to matter much for the moment. All that mattered now was another bottle. Maybe even two.