The battle was over.

Siúliór and his companions had been successful in their rescue attempt. But it had not been without price.

One of the warriors was injured badly, and Fío was doing the best she could to administer first aid. He had offered her the use of his First Aid Kit, of course, but she had refused politely.

She felt more comfortable with whatever was produced from the pouches on her belt.

Vials and ointments were forced upon the injured. He did manage to convince her to at least use the dressings and bandages, as they were cleaner than any she had.

He had tried repeatedly to conjure up some more medicine, but there were no flashes of light from within the polyester bag and no new First Aid Kits.

Was there some trick he had to use? Some incantation or magical gesture?

He tried to remember the times the satchel had produced something from, presumably, whatever place he came from, but his efforts proved fruitless.

He couldn’t think of anything special he had done at either times.

So, for now, the satchel remained only as the container it was intended to be.

His gaze wandered, just as his mind did, and he saw Enda breaking the lock of the carriage.

The cage door opened wide and the occupants hurriedly scampered out.

There were mostly children among them and only a few older fox people.

The kids were crying loudly and Enda was desperately trying to calm them down. She failed miserably at first, but her ‘older sister sense,’ cultivated by caring for her siblings, won out in the end. With the help of two of the female prisoners, she managed to gather the children further south.

Away from the carriage.

Away from the battlefield.

And away from the scene of carnage.

The pungent smell of death and decay followed however.

Siúliór couldn’t stop himself from looking at the remains of the fallen Guithre.

Even if he spent little time with him, Guithre tried to be friendly. He actually felt relieved at that, even if the quick trek left him little opportunity to respond.

As he wondered if the sister was part of the rescued group, one of the female foxes whined out loudly while running towards the corpse.

The female scout, tears in her eyes, stopped the approaching mourner before she could reach the corpse.

Maybe the scout wanted to spare Guithre’s sister the sight of her bisected brother?

They exchanged words before the ‘sister’ fell to her knees, openly weeping. The scout was crying as well, but supportingly embraced the other mourner.

Life was short, huh? He almost would have been dead as well.

He looked towards Enda, and found her staring back at him. There was something in her eyes he couldn’t quite place. Regret, maybe? A tinge of despair? A hint of guilty relief?

An annoyed tinkle of wind chimes before his vision filled with white.

Small hands pushed his cheeks together, and the wind fairy was looking at him with her own puffed angrily.

Her standard expressions somehow.

He smiled wryly, before forcing the corner of his lips down. This wasn’t the time for smiles, even if they rescued part of the skulk.

Two carriages were still missing, and they had no real clues of their destination. If only any of the Cŵn were still alive or the Reptilian hadn’t made off with the injured one. They could have interrogated the prisoner. Or they could have found out something about the origin of the Reptilians.

He had asked Enda and Fío, of course, but neither of them had any ideas what these creatures were or from where they came from.

Fío had heard the merchant mention the lizard tribes far to the south, but he came by only twice a month to buy fur and spider silk, and it was difficult to distinguish truth from tall tale.

Should he not have believed the old vixen when she offered him the path to answers?

Would there actually be a tower filled with wizards that could help him?

Didn’t matter, not like he had any other clues. He had to trust her on this one.

Besides, the only way to find the rest of the people was to keep moving forward. And the only answers he could hope to appeared to lay in the same direction.

Might as well join them on the journey.

* * *

Enda watched Siúliór from afar, stealing glances while he was deep in thought. He seemed dejected, she could tell. A mind reading beast he was surely not.

Probably.

She became intrigued with the ‘Wanderer’ who did not know himself. His mentality seemed too weak for this world. How could he survive here, if he hesitated striking down his enemies.

Such skills! And yet … was it because it was a female? She noticed the smell of the female.

There was fear in there. And a tinge of excitement. Was it maybe his? Did he hesitate because of that? Some foolish code about not hurting females? They weren’t any less of warriors or hunters than the men. The skulk knew that. Luchta knew that.

Besides he didn’t hesitate knocking her down before.

The injured warrior, all patched up by Fíodoir using the strange dressings and bandages used on Ciaráh’s arms, had made his way to the ‘Wanderer.’ He handed something to the stranger ..

His hunting mask?

This was a sign of great respect! Giving someone your own hunting mask meant that the warrior, once a hunter himself, handed his responsibilities over to the new owner.

Siúliór had managed to earn his respect at least.

Enda continued to watch him.

* * *

Fío found her thoughts circling around the ‘Wanderer’ as well.

He was a riddle wrapped inside an enigma to her.

Where had he come from? How had he gotten here?

The circle was clearly the work of powerful magic, but none of the elders had managed to sense. Didn’t even know it existed. Was it perhaps a recent carving? Was it created when the ‘Wanderer’ appeared? Granted, they all were preoccupied with the attack at the time, but still to not have noticed anything? Some of the runes seemed familiar, but so many were unknown. And ancient, if she would have to guess.

Maybe even from the time of the War of the Gods.

Her mind drifted back to the ‘Dreamwalk.’ It started normally enough. Just a simple walk through the memories of the participants. But not only were there only recent ones, but they all belonged to the ‘Wanderer,’ overshadowing all others.

And don’t even get her started on the fairy. They must have powerful Astral body, sure, as they mainly exist as Mana given form, but the discrepancy between the size within the ‘Dreamwalk’ and her actual size.

And since when could they take on visible form?

Spirit Kings and Queens in tales of old, maybe. But she didn’t appear to be royalty. Not that Fíodóir would have been able to tell.

The fairy simply lacked what Fío expected of regal behavior.

So, where had that excess Mana come from, if not from him?

Excess Mana …

She had sensed it during the trance as well. She managed to siphon some of it. As much as her limited spirit sense allowed.

And it had granted her this form.

She had her suspicions, especially after she that giant spirit. That could have been a Queen. Maybe even … No, that would be preposterous. But then, that crystal? And why would she …

Fíodóir had a shuddering premonition. And not because of fear.

She had to make sure of her suspicions.

Had to make sure that she wasn’t just imagining it.

Truly a riddle. Wrapped in an enigma. Locked inside a magic box.

She would enjoy finding the key.

Would enjoy unwinding the enigmatic knot.

Finding out the mystery hidden behind him.

And everything she could about this new body of hers.

And she would surely enjoy finding out everything about his.

Licking her lips hungrily, she felt an unexpected warm sensation between her thighs.

This was going to be the most fun she had in ages …

* * *

Shanahz was looking back towards the road.

Her eyes were searching for a male figure.

Hoping she could spy that strange form again.

Who was that stranger that bested two of her guards so easily.

What was that creature?

She had traveled far from the deserts of her tribe.

She had seen a myriad of races.

Fishfolk at the ports, dripping water from their scales.

Elves so old, their bark was covering most of their bodies.

Avians covered in feathers, their wings wider than a merchant’s tent.

Dragons switching forms between hulking giants and the size of one of her guards.

Wizards, many of differing races, studying their craft in that accursed academy of theirs.

Even these brutish hounds, stalking the decrepit ruins they called home, weren’t all that strange.

These fox people, though prized beasts for their lack of fur or scales, weren’t as interesting as that never-before seen stranger.

How much would he be worth, if these fox people could bring her so much coin?

No, she wouldn’t share him!

The thought surprised her.

Only a little bit.

When he stood before her, she was genuinely afraid.

She was busy casting her spell, rooted to the spot, forcing Mana into her hand.

But she watched him.

As he sped towards her.

Past the failures she had to take as guards.

The ease with which he had disposed of the two was breathtaking.

Almost artistic even.

Almost like the sword dancers of the greatest of sheiks.

He had stayed his hand as he locked gazes with her.

Maybe he felt the same thing she did.

Her stomach tightened as she remembered her feelings when that male, even taller than herself, stood before her.

Blade in hand, ready to bring certain death to whatever enemy stood in his way.

And then, like an assassin in one of the stories she loved, their eyes looked deep into each other, and no thoughts of slaughter, only ...

Her heart rate sped up and the knot in her stomach moved downwards.

He would become her bandit knight and she his princess.

And they would share a passionate night together … her first ...

She felt a dampness between her thighs and her long split tongue snaked across her lips.

After a long and arduous journey, he would bring her home and present her with the throne. Not just leadership of her tribe, but her own kingdom.

And they would … again and again ...

Now wasn’t the time for this ...

Her sight moved back to the large brute that was supposed to become her mate, Mueez.

He was strong, sure, but his hulking body did not arouse her.

The opposite actual, the effect she need right now, lest she embarrassed herself in front of her guards.

She squirmed a little on the drake, suddenly feeling uncomfortable.

That pressure wasn’t helping.

Luckily she could ride one by herself and Mueez was too far away and far too occupied with keeping the injured guard on the drake’s back.

They had to get to the port. Where the other carriages were heading. If she could not sell some of the slaves there, maybe she could find a captain willing to work on the principal of debt. Somewhere farther south, she could surely find a trader that would pay good coin for these beasts.

And, the great serpent willing, maybe she would meet that stranger again.

And then he would fulfill that unspoken promise, even if he had never made it.

Didn’t have to make.

Shanahz was sure it was destiny.

Just like in her stories.

* * *

Unaware to the dangers to both his freedom and his chastity, Siúliór was busy trying to distract himself from the memories of the battlefield.

He needed to avoid seeing the pile of bodies thrown on top of another.

It made sense, in a twisted way. They couldn’t just leave a pile of bodies rotting in the woods. Well, maybe they could, but it would attract predators, and most likely lead to problems down the line.

He couldn’t be sure what kind of other predators stalked these woods, and maybe the corpses could even turn into Undead.

No, he needed to keep his mind occupied with other things.

Maybe thinking of names for his little fairy friend could help. She had earned at least that much for saving him.

Only what name should he giver her?

Yōsei? Right, and the next frog he meets would be ‘Froggie’

Kazeko? Sure, and if he meets a fire fairy, he could name her ‘Hazeko.’ That sure wouldn’t get confusing fast.

Navi? Hey, listen … maybe not. Even if the name didn’t irritate him that much.

Sylphie, maybe? It also meant wind … and it rolled easy off the tongue …

Aira? Aura? Aeo? He couldn’t make up his mind … surely somewhere in this empty noggin of his should be a good name?

While Siúliór was wondering about a name, Enda was in deep discussion with the other warriors.

She was eager to set off after the fleeing Reptilians, while the warriors wished to lead the rescued back to the village. Fío wasn’t being very helpful, preferring to study the corpse of the dead Reptilian. Prodding it with her spidery legs coming out of her lower back.

Not being able to think of a name for the fairy, Siúliór decided to get involved in the discussion. The answer was quite simple, really. The scouts would continue on with Enda while the warriors would lead the others back to the village. Enda’s eyes opened wide with surprise at the simple solution … had she really not considered the possibility?

And the other warriors?

He began fearing for the future for the fox people if most of them did not possess the attribute the species was known for, cunning.

“If you’re so smart, you should probably know where to look for the rest of d’e skulk?”

Enda asked, her arms crossed, looking at him angrily.

He started stroking his chin, turning his attention inwards.

Where would they go? They needed to stay on the dirt road with the carriages, didn’t they?

It made it easier for the carriages, as the trees would be in the way otherwise, and they wouldn’t risk running into something that could potentially scare the horses… drakes.

But would they try to unload the captives here? Would someone even buy them, or are the fox people so integrated into society that buying one as a slave would be strange, unnatural even?

Wait … would they even care?

“Where’s the nearest village?” he asked tentatively.

“About half a days journey northward ...” Enda answered. “But t’ey wouldn’t buy ...”

She stopped herself, unsure of her supposition.

So the villagers might … Still, they had two more carriages, that meant at least 30 more prisoners. They couldn’t hope to sell all of them at the same place. How many people could even afford a slave. His lack of knowledge of this world began to irritate him.

“What’s the average Income per … nevermind.” Enda tilted her cutely, and although he felt like scratching her behind the ears, he had something else to do.

“Are there any ports around here?”

“Ports?” Enda asked confused.

Finally Fío decided to join in.

“Not the next village, I believe. There should be a larger one, three days from here, at a large river. We’d need to pass the closer one in either case.”

“Oh, for boats and t’ings … I’ve never seen a boat ...” Enda muttered that last part under her breath.

“So in conclusion: the most likely scenario is: they will move to the closest village with a port, sell some of the captured, to pay off the mercenaries, possibly pay for a ship, and travel towards a larger town where they can sell off the rest of the villagers ...”

“Then we must hurry!” Enda’s tone betrayed her agitation. Her people weren’t livestock!

“Won’t they cut straight to the river? Don’t you think they might already have a ship ready for transport?” Fío interrupted

“Possible … are these ‘hounds’ known to have seafaring skills?”

Fío shook her head no. As expected. Something told him that the ‘hounds’ had little to no sea-legs.

He had to admit, the theory had holes. But at least with this one, they had more time. He just had to hope that the kidnappers needed time to reach the port city. Needed time to prepare an auction. Needed time to find someone with the resources and/ or capital they required.

Gave them time to reach the others.

The warriors were now more anxious than ever to leave.

Their grisly work complete, they only needed to set fire to the pile, and then, lead the rescued home. The scouts had already left, searching for any clues they could find.

They would most likely arrive at the port town long before Siúliór and his group.

Any intel they could uncover before his group arrived would surely prove useful.

Looking back one last time, the others were getting ready to move out as well.

Time to take next step.

Time to get started on this journey.

* * *

Earlier that day, just after dawn.

A hill was shaking. A hil made out of blankets.

Peeking out from beneath, two tired eyes were looking at a colored window.

They blinked, several times, blinded by the morning sun shining through.

A muffled yawn escaped the pile.

It took a few moments for the person underneath to even attempt to leave the warm sanctuary.

First, long white fingers snaked their way out from under the depths.

Then two ivory arms followed reluctantly.

Wavy white hair emerged, then shook suddenly.

The exposure to the freezing room sent a cold shiver down the head of wavy hair.

The pile of blankets were quickly thrown to the floor, a figure rising up abruptly, before staggering on top of the bed. The ‘jumping in the cold water’ approach.

Shoulder length wavy white hair fell past two long elven ears, ending on top thin straps of the female’s white nightie. The white cotton cloth flowed past the ample bosom, so out of place on the teenage body, past the buttocks, barely covering the ivory thighs before ending just shy of her knees.

The cool temperature of the room helped wake up her sleepy body, quickly turning pink due to the chill, but still, she could only make her way groggily to a desk.

Flopping down heavily, sleep still desperately clawing at her consciousness, the girl looked at a small mirror, the last memento that remained from her mother.

A small wooden brush was quickly put to use, as the girl was fighting against her curly hair, unsuccessfully. She was already dreading having to fetch water from the well, the temperature outside surely being lower than in this room.

It looked to be a typical morning for the teenage girl, until, suddenly, pain assaulted her right eye, and with it, a pressure in her head appeared. She knew that feeling, but never with such intensity.

She turned her head towards wall opposite the door, her eyes fixating on the single window. But she was looking past the murky colored glass, past the village houses and past the forests to south east.

There, in a distance her eyes should not be able to cover, a vortex of light appeared in the air, snaking its way to the ground. Something within was moving downwards, falling to the forest floor.

Then it was gone, just as quickly as it appeared, only vaporous remnants of Mana remaining.

The girl had seen Mana before, but never in such quantity or with such turbulence.

Something warm was making its way down her cheek.

She turned towards the mirror again, staring at her reflection.

Her emerald green left eye was normal, no tears flowing from it.

Her right eye however proved to be a different story. Against a black eyeball, the iris glowed an eerie ruby red. A tear of blood was oozing out, flowing down the cheeks, just past her full lips.

Something was happening, she was sure. She just hoped it had nothing to do with her.

Or her heritage.

End of Introductory Volume

Up next:

Still in pursuit of the captured Fox people, Siúliór and his three companions stumble upon an attempted crime in the forest. They rescue the victim and bring her to her home. A monastery near the village that was supposed to be a mere stopover.

But something dark is haunting the village.

And the girl they rescued has secrets of her own.

Secrets that our heroes will be forced to confront, if they wish to continue on their journey.

Or will they fall, during:

The Tale of the Half-Blood Miko.

- title is subject to possible change -

Author's Note

Hope you enjoyed the first installment of my original story.

As I am an amateur author, and this is my first original story that I actually went to the trouble of writing, I am aware of the myriad of errors in spelling and grammar and the potentially problematic pacing of the story.

I do hope that you, the readers, will use the comment section as well as the Reader Participation Thread to inform me of any such problems, and hopefully, help me with any constructive criticism you can provide.

I am open to suggestions from your side, and if I find something worthwhile, I will attempt to incorporate it into the story. And of course if you enjoy certain scene, e.g. battle scenes, I will attempt to include more of them in future chapters.

At the Reader Participation Thread, you will also find a Poll for the Fairy's name. I intend to use the most popular one for her, but if you should wish to add your own ideas, feel free to do so, and just vote "other."

Everyone has three votes, so you do not have to choose a singular option.

I will also post a thread, with a poll, in which you can rate the story, and hopefully add you insights in comments.

The idea of the next installment is to make it more of an fantasy mystery,

with action, romance and even magic playing an important role.

While I’ll attempt a ‘Who-dunnit’-style, I am afraid my hints might be a little too obvious and too on the nose. As such I hope to get lots of feedback from you after I post the first and consequent chapters.

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