Skitter.

Shuffle.

Scrape.

Rain dripped from a tree, Merryn startled and jumped forward walking faster along the path. Was it a demon? Too silly. She focused harder the shadows parting and all in view became crystal clear. This was one gift that wasn't a curse to have.

Skitter.

What is it this time?

Parcival stopped in front of her, his eyebrows raised damn near to his hairline. Before she could say anything he held her by her shoulders and spun her around.

Disgusting. A large wriggling mass of Nug-worms took over the path.

The jade-green cat stepped out of the forest shadows, cackling.

The cat twisted, bending into odd angles that no animal in nature ever should form from the paws up. Its skeletal structure and fur transformed to a humanoid shape, its paws changed to feet and dark brown leather boots flowed over them.

A creature no longer; a man stood in black pants, and a buttoned red vest decorated with gold etching, only his outfit changed. Maxwell's hardened face still framed by black ringlets and piercing eyes. The clawed staff hummed behind him. Raising his arms, he shouted an incantation. A huge swirling portal opened pulling in Parcival and Han.

The portal grew and swirled faster pulling her toward it, she fell on her stomach clawing at the ground. No, not again!

On the other side, the grasses dotted with wildflowers were annoying it was like everything was a mockery of the pain of these past days, and the bird's incessant chirping was a spike in an already growing headache. “Stupid birds.” Maxwell loved it here he was always a nature freak. Parcival and Han fell face-first in the grass. Han rolled over and spat out a mouthful.

Parcival stood then made an exasperated had gesture flopping them on his sides and shook his fist at the sky. “Just how hard is it to get you to my home? Let's add a portal. And throw in a wild man that drags us all over Galamia. And how about—”

“I've been here before.” The mansion was still there off to the East. Good, he tended to move it around at will, it was enough to drive a person crazy.

Stopping he raised an eyebrow. “Then?”

“We worked together in the past. Let's go.”

It didn't take long to reach the place, not like that first time. “I'm going in, there should still be a portal scroll unused in his library.”

“He's not going to let you walk in and simply take it.”

She raised a pointer finger. “You can't catch what you can't see.” Yes, should be rested enough now.

“Feared Kage, pull the shadows and wrap them tight, with a kiss of the night.”

From inside Parcival's shadow, Kage came more translucent than before.

“Again, you accept the cost?”

“I do.”

He tapped her elbow, and the coolness flowed over again. She leaped to the door and opened it, it was unlocked. Why would he bother? He brought us here after all.

“Merryn?”

“This is my fault, stay there.” She closed the door, then pulled out the thief tools and locked it. That should keep them safe for a while.

On entering the house Maxwell blew off his palm a white powder at her. A fine-lined smile parted his lips.

Talc! Standing she dusted it off before releasing the spell. He'll have no joy from this.

He said, “This way if you will,” then pushed aside the portière door hanging waiting.

She walked straight through without a word, head held high.

His snotty smile vanished. He ran his hands through his hair, before sitting on a small padded bench. “Such a sour look, it doesn't become you.”

She glared. “Let's get on with it already.”

“I never imagined you'd fail so horribly.” His face convoluted before smoothing again.

“I will deal with this onus.” She willed her hand to stop shaking and folded them on her lap.

“You think so huh?” Maxwell said.

Her chest tightened a little. The words tumbled forth before she could stop. “I miss the old you.” She played with a dagger handle. Something was up. With a glance, she scanned the room. Were the scrolls? He always had scrolls, but not this time all shelves were empty, as were the baskets by the window.

“He died when you took this mission.” He hung his head clenching his jaw. His hair covered his face with just the brights of his eyes showing. He started off at nothing for several beats.

“Then so be it.” A clenching sensation gripped her chest, and she sucked in a small breath. Finished.

It's not over yet, you still owe me. Find a way out.

He leaned forward, stopping an inch away.

On reflex, she leaned back.

“I'll be there for your last breath.” His face lowered into darkness, that drew out any last drop of goodwill left, if there ever was. And, placed his hands on the arm of the chair, gripping it until the wood cracked and splintered. Straightening quickly he pushed the chair back, and it slid across the floor hitting the wall. Bang!

She held her breath for a moment.

I can save you if you choose.

She stiffened. You lie.

Then bring me back to your beloved city and you'll see the truth.

He motioned with his hands. “Every time I land a mortal blow, you recover. Why is that? Yet you are gaunt and pale.” He gestured for her to come over. “Well?”

Unable to answer she jumped up and ran to the portière, or rather where the portière had been.

He was right there and pushed her against the wall a hand on her shoulder. “I was thinking of having a nice chat with that Parcival fellow.” He squeezed her shoulder whispering an incantation, a coldness crept into her shoulder that grew in intensity becoming a fire.

Shaking she breathed harsh breaths from her nose. “No—oo!”

Maxwell let go and sat back at the table drumming his fingers. “Now isn't the time.”

Maxwell chuckled. “I take it, it didn't like that?” He went over to where the exit had been and rapped it with a knuckle. “Go. They'll be a portal waiting outside.”

She moved towards the entrance.

He gave a stopping movement with his hands. “When you do you are mine.” He empathized the last word with a deeper tone, then moved over squeezing her arms and drawing her in close. She moved her head away. Would he spit? He said not a word a mixture of emotions playing across his face, this settled again on stone.

He let go and pushed her out the entrance. “Fail this and, I will find some way to stop it. If you die then it is a justified bonus.”

He had to be lying. A cold clamminess stole the warmth from her hands, rubbing them didn't change this. Whatever lay ahead in the city at least it was easy to get there and watch out for anything odd.

Outside a portal opened to a wavering image of the Falboia Woods. She walked over to it.

“Hey! Are you going to tell us what happened?” Parcival yelled this.

“Calm down. Like I said we've worked together before.” She rubbed the still aching shoulder, warming it and her fingers.

“I doubt that.” He snorted then jerked his arms above his head and down again.

She tensed. “Let's go.” She walked through. On the other side, Parcival hesitated then a moment later came through with Han following. It closed with a flash behind them.