User blog:SaynaSLuke/Dream Seekers



By Sayna

Echoes will ring, echoes will fly,

Sixclawed though he be.

A hated one will answer this cry,

What hides will set us free.

Concealed the truth of his past,

His father's fire within.

The truth he may find at last,

The echoes on the wind.

Editors Note
Guess what .. it's Dream Seekers! Yay! I'm at the halfway point, almost. Yay! :D And while my hotspot was broken, I now have much better internet! :D

So I'm very happy, and it's time for dedications!

I dedicate this book to all my wiki friends and readers, especially to Lus, Reep, Astar, Salem, and Spirea. But it's to everyone who reads, whether they comment or not. Thank you, everybody ^^

And of course to my mother. She and I RPG all the time .. orally anyway. Thank her for helping me work some kinks out. XP

Lastly this goes to my father, who fixes my hotspot problems and is a great encouragement. :)

Oh yea, and it's a sub-book. No prologue. It starts at chapter fourteen where ASC left off. I suggest you read that first ;)

Chapter 14 City of Woe
The echoes of a shadow filled corridor bounced oddly about the ancient stone passage way. A shadow darker than the rest swept through it, causing the sounds.

Swartt was not in so bad a humor as last night, but he hadn't slept much. The dank, dripping echoes of his throne room had kept him awake .. that and plotting.

Yes, he had ignored his young offspring for the five seasons since his birth. Was it too late? Swartt was inclined to tell himself not so. After all, that little brat had barely seen him. Yes, he wouldn't know the difference. It would be simple, and the rewards would be great.

The thought of another six clawed warlord after him was enough to drive him on, and so he decided to pay his son a visit at an unearthly hour of the morning.

Swarrt hadn't set eyes on the child, Bluefen, or that mouse thing that he'd allowed to stay .. as a slave under Bluefen, of course .. for a good while. He was busy with his conquest, and he really had no need to visit .. it wasn't like he cared.

Now he cared, and he wasn't expecting much resistance. After all, Bluefen was timid and cowardly .. she hadn't even resisted when he'd forced her to take care of his illegitimate half-breed son.

Half-breed. That term, coupled with his offspring, made him cringe a little. Still, he had what he had, and he would have to make do with it. No .. make the best of it.

With thoughts of his wearet son becoming a mighty conquer, Swarrt yanked open the curtain that separated his wife's allotted corridors from the rest of the catacombs. He about ran into her.

Bluefen scrambled back in shock and fear, as if she hadn't been expecting him. Well, of course she hadn't. But Swartt was still disgruntled. "What are you doing up this time of morning, wench? And why do you look so fearful?"

Bluefen collected herself quickly, her answer timid as ever. "Milord .. I could not sleep. What ... do you .. want, might I ask?"

Swartt huffed. "Yes, as cowardly as ever. Look, get me my son, and be quick about it!"

The gray ferret tensed, stammering, "But milord .."

Swartt was disgusted. "I trust he's in good health? You had better of taken care of him .. you're life hangs on his, understand?"

Bluefen ducked her head. "The child is fine milord. But it is ever so early, and he may not awaken easily .. would you come back later to see him?"

Swartt was not in the mood for delays, he was in the mood for action. "Wench, bring him to me or I'll get him myself!"

Bluefen held up her paws. "Please milord .. yes, I'll get him. Wait if you would, I'll bring him."

She hurried off into the twisting passages. The mouse creature appeared in a alcove for a second, only to disappear again as soon as he saw Swartt. The warlord was disgusted with this .. did these creatures all try to avoid him? "You! Get out here where I can see you, understand?"

This was directed to the corridor, and the mouse creature. He reluctantly came out, fear in his strange violet eyes. Swartt crossed his arms. "Good. Look here. You've got no reason to be afraid unless you've broken my laws. Understand?"

The creature didn't look up, but nodded. Swartt looked around, patience growing thin. "Where is the wench? She should be back by now."

The mouse creature was slowly trying to slink away, but Swartt noticed. "Stop running off! A beast would think you were guilty of something!"

The sooty black beast froze, standing still with eyes lowered. Bluefen appeared in the cut rock doorway, stating, "Milord, wait please. He is not in bed .. he must have wandered out to play in some other room. I'll find him for you."

"It's your life if he doesn't appear wench, got that!" Was Swartt's irritable reply.

><><

Bluefen hurried off, heart pounding. Why would Swartt want the child .. now? There was only one reason, he wanted to train him .. make him into as much of a monster as he had made ..

The gray ferret choked down a ragged sob as a tear coursed down her cheek. No. No .. he could not do this!

She drew back the musty curtain that concealed her old storeroom, calling, "Esmund."

The cream wearet poked his head from behind some old barrels. "Mommy .. is he gone?"

Bluefen drew the innocent to her, hugging him with a heavy sigh. "No. And .. he's not going .. he wants you."

Esmund drew away, crying, "No! I don't have to, and I don't want to!"

Bluefen clapped a paw to his mouth. "Hush .. I'm sorry Esmund, you do have to. If you don't, he'll kill me .. Byron, and take you by force. Do you understand?"

The little cream wearet blinked back a tear. "But .. I hate him! He's so cruel whenever he sees us!"

Bluefen nodded. "I know, I know .. believe me, if I could, I wouldn't let him walk the earth. But I can't .. yet."

She put a paw beneath Esmund's chin, looking into his sparkling violet eyes. "Listen Esmund. Your name means 'divine protection'. Perhaps ... perhaps you will have some .. I named you in hope that you would. He won't leave without you, and if you are not with me when I return, he'll break my neck as soon as look at me. You are the only real reason I live, that and Swartt's negligence. If you love me my son .. please."

Esmund looked down, before looking sadly up. "Alright mother .. will he hurt me?"

Bluefen lead the child out, stating, "No Esmund, I don't think so. He wants .. to train you to be as him."

Esmund recoiled. "But I can't be like him .. he's ... awful!"

Bluefen sighed brokenly. "I know son .. but you must learn tact .. to play his game and turn it to your favor .. Oh .. but what am I saying. You are so young .. and it is his plan .. all his plan. Is there no hope left?"

She stopped at the door leading into the room where Swartt was, and took a deep breath. "Just ...."

She paused, realizing there really wasn't anything for her to say. "Be brave."

><><

Swartt was waiting with the greatest impatience, but as he heard the scuffling of pawsteps in the adjoining corridor, he attempted to mask his disgust. After all, the key to getting a child to play along, was to be agreeable.

Bluefen reappeared, leading none other than his son. Swartt hadn't had time to be bothered with the creature for months, and he'd grown into a sturdy little beast. The ferret warlord shot Bluefen a look. "At least you haven't been starving him out of spite, I will say that."

The child in question looked confused and frightened, and Swartt decided he would play his cards gently for once. He knelt, beckoning to the creature. "Come on son, I'd like to talk to you. Beast to beast, like adults, alright .. "

The warlord suddenly realized he could not remember what his idiot of a wife had named this child. Bluefen stood there, as stupid as ever, and didn't offer a bit of help. Of course, she wasn't half that intelligent. Swartt was tactful in his approach. "I'm sorry son, I've forgotten your name with all the things I have to keep track of. What is it boy?"

The child's voice was small and frightened in the silence. "It's .. Esmund."

Swartt was irritated. The wimpy names Bluefen came up with. However the ferret warlord didn't have time to be bothered with it, and right now getting this child on his side was his greatest concern. "Alright Esmund, how would you like to learn many amazing and wonderful things? I can teach you."

There was a note of bitter fear in Esmund's voice. "To be like .. you?"

Swartt wasn't sure where the child was headed, so he decided to play craftily. "Well my boy, that depends. I could make you far greater than I .. to carry the name sixclaw on forever. We could rule together as you grow, as a father and a son .. a mighty king and prince. Wouldn't you like to be a prince? I would train you as a mighty knight .. and someday son .. you will take my place as king."

"And I would be like you." Esmund seemed to have a one track mind.

Swartt sighed in longsuffering. He hated talking to children .. they understood nothing. "You could say that, if you like. More or less."

Esmund backed up, stammering, "But .. you hate me! You've never been nice to me! And what about mother and Byron?"

Swartt felt a flare of anger, mostly because this was not going according to plan. His voice was a little lower than he'd intended. "You know nothing boy, I don't hate you. And as for your mother and her slave, they will live as I have need of them. After all, you're a growing lad .. you needn't hang onto mother's apron strings any longer. It's time for you to take the mantel of what you were born to be .. a mighty warlord."

Swartt honestly thought there would be no more arguments, after all, when the Lord of the Underworld spoke as such, who dared disobey? However the innocence of the child's youth and repulsion to what he'd been taught to hate prevailed.

Esmund yanked away, crying, "No! I will not leave Byron and mother! You are a nasty, wicked creature, just like Byron said!"

Too young to understand the terrible betrayal he had committed, Esmund bolted away into the corridors he called home.

Swartt wheeled around to face the gangly, half rat .. thing, snarling, "Oh he did, did he?"

The ferret's voice was a terrible snarl, and Byron backed away, whimpering, "Please sir .. sire .. I only .."

Swartt slammed the youthful creature against one of the rock walls with ruthless strength, growling, "You thought you'd turn my son against me, fool!"

Byron yelped as the breath was knocked from his lungs, but that didn't stop Swartt from tearing his steal-enforced sixclaw across the creatures white chest and shoulder, staining it red.

If Swartt hadn't been so enraged, he might have drawn his cutlass and finished this rotten traitor off then and there. But at this point the ferret was almost past rational thought, all he wanted was to make the beast who had spoiled his plan pay .. and painfully.

"I'll send you to Hellgates, you useless half-breed!"

Byron tried to wriggle away, but there was no escaping Swartt's merciless judgment. He yelped in pain as the ferret lashed out with his six claws, tearing them into the half rat's back once .. twice .. three times. In blind terror and agony, Byron kicked out, catching Swartt in the shins. The warlord dropped him, but before the creature could drag himself away, his master kicked him in the side with brutal strength, sending him reeling into the rock wall like a limp rag.

There was no fight left in the poor young creature, and what kept Swartt from killing him was hard to say. Perhaps it was Bluefen's small cry of horror.

Swartt wheeled to face his hated wife, to see she was kneeling brokenly on the floor, face in her black paws. She looked up slowly, and Swartt paused. He needed his son's cooperation .. slaying one of his friends might not be the best way.

The ferret snarled. "You be careful wench .. take that as a warning. What happened to him could happen to you!"

Swartt spun on his heel, stalking away to think of another approach. He didn't bother to look back upon the destruction he had wrought.

><><

Scound woke slowly to realize his leg was almost numb, yet still tingling with pain. Next he realized he was laying on something hard and uncomfortable.

The weasel blinked his eyes open, to be confronted by dark shadows and a few weak lanterns. He groaned, trying to sit up and recall what had happened to bring him to this state.

It all came flooding back in a painful wave. That black rabbit with the gorgeous sword .. their duel .. her strange behavior and mastery .. the fire of agony in his leg .. Swartt's fury .. and now this.

Where was he?

"I'd not move too much if I was ya. Course I ain't. But it's just my advice as yer 'ealer."

Scound turned his head, blinking in the gloom. A dark furred cat stood nearby, mixing something. She wasn't looking at him as she spoke, and her curly black hair spilled into her face, hiding it from her patient.

Scound didn't spend his time around the Shadow Fighter apprentices, yet he knew this creature. She was pretty unforgettable though, with her jingling jewelry and gauzy outfit, as well as being one of the only cats in the horde. "Skadu, ain't it?"

She set about feeling his sore leg, remarking, "Ya. Wull you ain't gonna loose the leg, and while it'll be sore fer a liddle, I think you could walk on it now if you was careful. There was a lot of blood, but the injury is most on the surface. Ya can be happy about that."

Scound clapped a paw to his head with a groan. Skadu snorted. "I don't see what'cher moanin' about. I'd say ya was lucky."

"Lucky!" Scound's voice was desperate. "I got demoted over a liddle surface wound an' a rabbit with a purty sword? That liar Sixclaw!"

The weasel looked up as he realized what he had said, but Skadu was looking at him oddly. "Then ya hate him too?"

Scound paused. "Are ya sayin' .."

Skadu shrugged. "Hey, just cause I was bought a slave an' shoved inta bein' a Shadow Fighter don't mean I gotta want to. Kinta! Can ya git me some more water?"

The frail looking silver rat maid hurried off as a raven's wing black fox hobbled up, leaning heavily on a gnarled wooden staff. Scound raised an eyebrow. "That all of ya? I ain't never seen ya before."

This was directed to the black vixen with shockingly red headfur and paws. Her flat green eyes never changed. "Not many do, sir."

Scound nodded. "Ya I can tell. Are ya all against Sixclaw?"

The vixen spoke again, dully. "Swartt, Shroud, Nightshade .. what does it matter? None of them care for us. None would flinch at slaying us if we prove ourselves unworthy of the life they grant us."

Scound was surveying these creatures in a new light now. They weren't just thin, they were scrawny. They had haunted shadows in their adorned eyes, and they seemed half dead .. at least in spirit. Despite their beauty and jewels, they were miserable .. they were desperate. They were trapped.

The weasel sat up, stating, "Wull you three are a sorry crew .. what say I make ya a liddle deal eh? Bring a smile ta those pretty faces?"

The rat set the bowl of water on the table, asking, "And what might that be?"

Scound winked at her, starting to feel his old self again. "Ya want out don't ya? Wull so do I. I can't do it meself, you can't do it yerselfs neither. Ain't that askin' fer a deal? If it ain't I donno what is."

The fox and the rat looked at each other, as Skadu, who seemed to be the spokesbeast, answered. "How can we trust ya? Ya was the captain! Why'd ya want ta get out eh?"

Scound crossed his arms. "Look 'ere miss, I've been in this horde since before you was born. I fought fer Sixclaw, Aye, an fer Lotor the Great before him! I coulda left seasons 'for I ever came ta Southsward, but I didn't. I didn't an' I'll regret it forever. But Sixclaw lied ta me see? He's lied one too many times now .. fer sure! I ain't gonna stay fer him ta use me fer the dangerous missions, I work fer petty reward an' put me life on the line over an over see? Wull I'm done. An' I'll help ya get out too, how's that?"

Skadu crossed her arms in turn. "Aye, it sounds understand'ble. But here's my question. Why?"

Scound was a little irritated. The ridiculous, prying questions beasts could ask. "Look, does it matter? But I'll tell ya this. Yer young enough ta be me daughter .. ya all are. An' maybe I got a soft spot fer underdogs like ya .. I was one once. I am again. That good enough?"

Skadu looked over at her two companions, who shrugged, before whispering to each other. Skadu slowly reached out, shaking Scound's offered paw. "But if'n ya dare play us false, I'll kill ya myself see? That or my ghost'll haunt ya after Nightshade kills me."

Scound shook her paw, sighing, "Look, what's in it fer me ta play ya false? Now listen ta me .. there's a couple a things I gotta find out. And then I might just 'ave a plan."

><><

The darkened corridors Bluefen resided in held an air of oppression and fear, far more so than usual.

The gray ferret did her best to care for the wounds Swartt had bestowed upon her slave, though she wasn't sure how much she could really do.

Her slave. Swartt had given Byron the title .. but he was not. He was almost like her son.

Bluefen sighed, laying a paw on his head. He had no fever .. yet. But he was badly knocked about .. Bluefen was almost certain he had a few broken ribs where Swartt had kicked him. Esmund was sitting beside her, and his voice was worried. "Mother .. is Byron going to be .. ok?"

Bluefen looked away. "I .. don't know."

Esmund said no more, and Bluefen did the same. She stroked Byron's black headfur, sighing, "Kesha .. told me you'd do great things. I can only trust her."

Byron groaned, blinking dull violet eyes open. Bluefen picked up his head, giving him a little water. The half-rat drank it, slowly mumbling, "Is .. he gone?"

Bluefen made him drink some more, nodding. "For .. now. Hush though .. rest. He hurt you badly."

Byron coughed, moaning, "Yea .. I .. can tell .. I'm sorry Bluefen .."

The ferret stroked her young ward's forehead. "No, no .. it wasn't your fault. Don't think that. Swartt is a madbeast, I've said before. Just rest. Rest and perhaps he will not come for a few days. His fury should have cooled by then."

Byron's voice was painfully raspy, but he spoke anyway. "How long .. have I been like .. this?"

Bluefen got him to drink a little more water. "Hush .. rest. Will you not do as I say? But it has been several hours. Now sleep child .. that's what you need most."

Byron closed his eyes in pained exhaustion, coughing a little. Bluefen shook her head. The half-bred creature had always been surprisingly strong for his gangly appearance, but now he was helpless. She hoped Swartt would not come. She doubted he would .. right away. He would be back .. in a few days. At least that was her prayer.

But Bluefen hadn't truly prayed in seasons. If Kesha's words about how Ignasa loved vermin like woodlanders were true ... she must be an exception.

As if to prove her point, the thump of boots rang from the outer corridor!

Bluefen froze, struggling to stand as Esmund bolted away with a tiny squeak of fright. The curtain was flung away to reveal none other than the one who she pleaded to fate would not come. But he had.

Swartt was done playing, Bluefen could tell by the demonic glitter in his dark eyes. "Where is he wench? I'll find him one way or other ..."

The ferret warlord paused as Byron moaned slightly. "What? He's still here?"

Swartt sounded positively disgusted, as if he'd forgotten Byron's existence until now, and wasn't happy about remembering. Bluefen didn't look up. "Milord, I will heal him .. he will have use as a slave again!"

Swartt glared at the rat-like beast laying half-conscious on a few ragged blankets, and curled his lip. "Not fast enough. And who said you even get a slave under you? I've been too lenient with you wench."

The ferret reached for Byron, and Bluefen couldn't contain her cry. "Wait .. but what are you doing with him?"

Swartt grabbed the beast in question none too gently, sneering, "What do you think? He's a slave, and I'll sell him like one. After all, he's no use to me like this, and he's a traitor. He's lucky I don't kill him."

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The rising sun glittered over the golden desert sands, and the trail of assorted foot prints. Mystiquestar was enjoying herself the most; after a certain amount of time the horse had decided she liked the desert. She was certainly a lot thinner than when the adventure had begun.

Veil watched her lope ahead, come back, run a few circles around them, and bolt away again. He wished he'd been able to acclimate to the desert as well as she.

Fripple's voice came from behind him. "I'll be glad when we reach the city .. I am tired of the desert."

Veil nodded in silence. The sweltering heat they'd been living with was exhausting, and Veil imagined they were all due for a bath. He knew he was.

Catkin caught up with Fripple, exclaiming, "Oh I want to get to the city too .. I bet it will be ever so exciting! Do you .. Fripple .. do you think they'll have water? You know .. enough water to swim in?"

Aubretia pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose. "According to my calculations, a city of any good size would have to at least have a river feeding into it."

Catkin was excited. "A river!"

Cedric sounded a little sarcastic from his place in front of them. "A river? Sunshine, there's an ocean."

Catkin stopped walking for a second, ecstatic. "An ocean!"

Esther seemed nervous and unusually quiet from her place on the other side of Fripple, but now she spoke .. to Cedric. "You're sure this city .. isn't .. well .. there's nothing .. wrong .. with it, is there?"

Cedric was getting some of his normal bluster back after the incident with the jackals. "Now Swipe, you just trust me. There's nothing to worry about. Nothing your guide can't take care of."

Veil felt a little irritated with Cedric's behavior, even if he'd seen it before. But the mouse's cocky pride was telling on them all, and while Veil hadn't meant to say a thing, something came out. "How long do you really think to stay with us?"

Cedric looked a little surprised. "You didn't actually think I'd just leave you guys, did you your highness? These ladies need some protection .. from somebeast who knows what they're doing."

Fripple had remained silent until this point, but now she looked up. "I can take care of myself, thank you."

Cedric waggled a paw at her. "Oh not here you can't, Princess. You've got no clue how Southsward works .. you need someone like me to help you. And besides, you look tired .. you can't do it yourself this time."

Fripple looked insulted. "I've done just fine so far, and I can do it again! And I am tired .. of you especially."

Cedric snorted. "Oh come on Princess, what'd I do this time?"

Fripple was frustrated. "It's not 'this time'. It's every time! I could almost like you if it weren't for your ... oh .. your demeanor! Don't you get that? I've tried to be patient .. as patient as I can be .. but you just never stop! You're just so .. proud!"

Cedric rolled his eyes. "If I'm proud, what are you?"

Veil tensed at this, expecting an explosion, but there was stunned silence. Fripple stared at Cedric in amazement for a few seconds, before sputtering, "Alright .. fine! Yes, I am proud. But at least I'm not proud of what I look like! At least I'm not vain."

Catkin shoved between the two mice, exclaiming, "This isn't making anybeast happy!"

Ivan's droll voice rang from behind them. "The day those two make each other happy is the day I'll eat my hat."

Catkin disagreed. "But it can be done. Now you two just need to apologize."

Fripple snarled. "He'd better do it first!"

Cedric crossed his arms. "Look Princess, I've tried to be friendly! What do you have against me?"

Fripple paused again, finally blurting, "I just .. the way you act .. and .. I don't know! Can't you leave me alone? I don't know!"

Catkin, ever hopeful, spoke out. "Then this has promise, if you don't know."

Mystiquestar's hoof beats interrupted the argument, and the horse was panting and very excited. "You guys .. come on .. you've got to see this .. come on!"

She wheeled around, loping off, and Fripple followed, glad of any distraction. Veil reached the dune they'd bolted to in a few seconds, and he knew their initial journey was over.

Like a massive fortress, the city sprawled across the landscape, almost hiding the restless indigo sea that served as its backdrop. A wide river wove from the south, turning it's banks relatively green. Houses and farms were built outside the massive stone walls, and a few ships were moored at the ocean's edge, in what would have to be a bay.

The cry of gulls mixed oddly with the desert, and yet it was a constant, faint noise here. The way was clear now, Veil could even see some horse drawn carts traveling along well worn roads.

Cedric was still irritated by Fripple's behavior, and he was a little demanding. "I got you here ... do I get paid?"

Fripple looked at Veil, who nodded with a sigh. "Yes, he does."

Fripple rolled her eyes, but she complied, digging in her satchel and counting out the money. It took her a few minutes, before she dropped the coins in Cedric's waiting paw. "Seventy sheckles, as we agreed."

Cedric counted the money carefully before pocketing it. "Alright, now .. where are you going?"

Ivan raised his eyebrow. "If you take us, how much do we have to pay you this time?"

Veil crossed his arms, stopping halfway with a wince. "We don't really have the money to pay you more .. do we Fripple?"

This was a question, and the mouse maid nodded firmly. "You aren't going to cheat us out of more money .. the city's right there. We can see it .. why don't you leave and squander your pay on whatever you plan on wasting it with?"

Cedric snorted. "Princess, let me tell you, you're gonna need me far more than money."

Fripple rolled her eyes. "Why? Cause you're hot?"

Cedric couldn't resist a little jab. "Well I am that, quite perceptive of you to finally admit it."

Fripple's glare intensified. "Look, just get out of here. Take your stupid arrogance elsewhere!"

Cedric appealed to Veil and Ivan. "Can you hear her? Come on you two, surely you realize you need a guide who knows their way around? After all you don't."

Veil couldn't help himself .. Cedric was telling on his normally understanding demeanor. "Look, this isn't working. You got us across the desert, and I thank you for that. But we can't get along .. just .. leave us. Why would you stay anyway? You have what you want."

Cedric was honestly shocked, and he reacted too fast for him to put much thought into his reply. "How would you know what I want? Why would I stay with you this long if I didn't ..."

He instantly stopped, as Fripple broke in. "You wanted your pay, it's that simple. Well you've got it. Now get lost!"

Cedric's yellow green eyes glittered with an odd mix of emotions, and he finally snapped, "You know .. fine! Have it your way Princess, but don't you ever say I didn't warn you! I don't know why I've risked my life for you .. obviously you couldn't care one way or other! So go, do it your own! I'd almost like to see you try, but I ..."

He looked bitterly remorseful for a second, before blurting, "But I wouldn't like to see you afterwards. You are a Princess .. made of ice. So go .. see if they care as much as I did!"

The mouse leapt over the dune they stood on, tail whisking behind him as he ran stiffly off, refusing to look back.

><><

Cedric's paws knew these roads, they were the places he had played in as a child. They were the roads he'd driven chariots on, rode horse's on, and walked upon as he did now. He'd entered the city with a small crowd of commoners .. nobeast had noticed him.

They once had. But he didn't matter now. His rag-bound paws led him to a small, disused alley .. a place that had offered him solace many a time. The mouse sat down wearily on some fallen rumble, before he slowly unwound the strips of fabric that had served him as shoes in the desert.

He cast them aside in a rather bad temper, before whipping the cloth off his head and shoulders, tossing it moodily away. The mouse spoke to a small sand gecko perched on a nearby cracked stone .. his only companion. "She thinks she's so brave. She doesn't know anything, and she won't let me tell her!"

The little lizard blinked emotionless eyes at him, and Cedric huffed. "It's not fair. You know I risked my life for her?"

The mouse answered for his silent listener. "Oh, why? You wonder why? Huh. Me too. I wouldn't have done that much for the ones who idolized me .. and then there's Princess. She couldn't care less, so why should I? But I do! And I don't know why!"

The gecko flicked it's tongue at Cedric in the most unsympathetic manner. The mouse snorted. "What, go after her? What are you, my Uncle Mizzah?"

The accused one slithered to a sunnier spot on its crumbling rock, and Cedric rolled his eyes. "You and Ivan would make a droll pair, wouldn't you? I can't go after her, it's not like a fairytale, let me tell you. Course .. I always thought fairy-stories were silly anyway .. but .. this is ridiculous!"

The lizard was fond of his tongue gesture. Cedric buried his head in his paws. "Oh .. you're no help! The slavers will get her .. get all of them! And .. it won't be my fault .."

He looked up, sulkily arguing with relatively no one. "No, it'll be their fault, ok? Yea .. yea .. fine. Alright, I'll go after them, get myself chewed out .. and you just don't stick your tongue out at me anymore."

The gecko did the opposite of what he was bid. Cedric looked hurt, before asking, "You think Princess will ever like me?"

His audience of one repeated his favorite gesture. Cedric rolled his eyes. "Yea, that's what I thought. Even you understand the obvious. How come I had to fall for a beast who will never feel the same? But fine. Fine, I'll try again. What good it'll do, I've got no clue. She'd rather die alone than she'd ever die with me ..."

He broke off for a second, amending his statement. "That is, live with me. But maybe I will end up dead. Maybe she might have enough humanity to feel remotely sorry."

He watched the lizard, bored with his complaints, skitter away. "I suppose there's only one way to find out isn't there? Sheesh. The messes I get myself into."

Chapter 15 Ghost of the Past
Shroud watched Swartt with an air of mocking disbelief. "You want me to try and sell that? Sixclaw, I didn't know you were that hard up for funds."

Swartt threw Byron at Shroud's feet, watching without remorse as the creature cried out in pain, sprawling to the ground. "Just get rid of it."

Shroud motioned to a nearby guard, a stoat. "Take this thing out of my sight. See if you can sell it with the other used slaves .. though if Sixclaw had one spark of humanity in him, he'd put it out of it's misery."

The fox slaver sneered as he dropped a well worn sheckle in Swartt's paw. "Of course he doesn't. And when even one sheckle is involved .. neither do I."

Byron groaned as the stoat pulled him onto his paws, dragging him roughly away. Shroud's white fangs glittered in a hateful smile as he stated, "So, Sixclaw. I heard you're going to train that half-bred son of yours."

Swartt snarled as he pocketed the sheckle, and Shroud jabbed again. "Ramon's going to run the chariot race again .. and win it. He always wins."

Swartt sneered. "He always cheats."

Shroud shrugged. "He does what we all do. At least he's my son and a full-blooded fox. Oh yes .. and his mother didn't leave him with me and vanish, either."

Swartt snarled. "Oh leave Aisha out of it .. I have suspicions as to where she vanished to."

Shroud smiled smugly. "Really?"

His ferret nemesis sneered. "I think you had a lot to do with that. But it doesn't really matter. I have the child, and one day he will be far greater than your whiny brat."

Swartt turned on his heel, but Shroud's final jab didn't escape him. "Indeed .. we will all bow to the sixclawed wearet warlords."

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Never in his life had Veil seen so many beasts, heard so many hooves pound dirt and cobblestone, or found so many strange cultures in one place. Southsward seemed the time worn capital of ancient ideas and customs, a fathomless pool of morphing practices and dress.

A lot of beasts wore the same sort of clothing Cedric had, sparse and white, with a splash of color in a draping belt or gauzy cape-like shawl. However some wore exotically colored outfits of origins Veil could only guess, with jewel pinned turbans or sweeping headscarves. Some wore a strange mix of the two.

Gold and silver jewelry was prevalent, even among males. Chariots seemed the ideal transportation, and their drivers paid little attention to pedestrians. Veil and his friends learned the apparent rule was for any beasts on foot to jump out of the way, about three minutes after they entered the city gates.

They were walking along in total wonderment, staring at the pillared, box-like buildings around them, when Veil heard an ominous thundering from behind. He wheeled around to see a chariot come through the gates, drawn by a chestnut. For one second Veil didn't move, thinking the charioteer would go around them, but a few moments later, that seemed highly unlikely. Veil grabbed Esther, walking in the chariot's pathway, and jumped aside, knocking Fripple and Aubretia over in the process.

Star seized Catkin's shirt in her teeth, bowling Ivan over as she leapt out of the way. The chariot driver didn't seem to even notice the beasts he could have killed, and carried on with his breakneck pace.

Fripple stood, dusting herself off and muttering, "Maniac."

Aubretia's glasses had been knocked off, and she squinted around for them. "My glasses .. where are they? Oohh .. they'd better be here!"

Fripple picked up her cousin's missing possession from where they lay bent on the ground. She attempted to bend them back into shape before setting them on Aubretia's nose. "Sorry .. they're a little bent."

Aubretia fiddled with them remorsefully. "A little!"

Catkin was attempting to fix her cape-like dress. "He didn't make us very happy."

"He wasn't intending to." Was Ivan's droll reply.

Veil had landed on his side, and Esther had landed on top of him. She picked herself up, offering Veil her paw. "Are you ok? Is your arm alright?"

Veil got to his feet, realizing he'd fallen on his injury. It didn't feel wonderful, yet not as bad as it could have. "I'll be alright. Let's keep going though."

He started off again, and Esther caught up with him, asking, "Where are we going though? I mean .. we got to Southsward .. so .. now what? Do we have something to do? You know .. like a quest?"

Veil sighed. His dream was growing blurry now, it had been weeks since he'd had it. "I've .. got to find .. some sort of secret. And my past, whatever that is."

Esther contemplated this a moment, before stating, "Veil .. I remember the day you came to Redwall. You weren't like you are now."

The ferret turned his head toward her, slowly asking, "What was I like? I know we haven't spoke of it, but I understand enough to know I can't really be a Greeneyes. However all I can remember is Redwall .. beyond that .. everything is vague .. it's just .. gone. I wish I could remember .. but I can't."

Ivan shrugged. "I remember when Lady Redfarl and Lord Arvid brought you .. that was during the war with Lotor."

Fripple spoke up. "You were very shy and timid .. afraid of almost anything at first."

Aubretia interrupted. "But I don't remember!"

Esther laughed. "You weren't born .. or maybe you were a baby. But I can still remember when Veil came .. he was a season or so older then me, and far more nervous."

Veil shook his head. "I can almost remember that part. But beyond that! That's the question."

Star cocked one ear sideways. "Well we can't tell you that."

Veil nodded. "I know. But I think that's part of what I've got to find."

Catkin was hopeful. "Maybe you have a family! Maybe we can help you find them .. wouldn't that be wonderful? I love family reunions!"

Fripple was skeptical. "I'm not so sure. Who knows what Veil's real family is like?"

Catkin paused, before countering. "I like to think they will be very nice."

Veil couldn't say he felt as hopeful as Catkin, for some reason. "Yea .. well .. I guess we'll find out won't we? If they're still alive .. or here."

Star paused at the corner they had come to, exclaiming, "Oh, look at this!"

Veil caught up with her, to see a good sized market place, filled with bustle and life .. a crowd of endless movement. He paused, stating, "Don't you think we should find an inn? We're filthy and tired .. if we had a place to rest for a while, we could get clean again and have time to discuss our next move .. whatever that might be."

Fripple nodded. "That sounds good to me."

Star started across the busy market square, calling, "Well come on! What are we waiting for .. I'm hungry!"

Veil did as the horse suggested, and the others followed suit. Aubretia paused at a little stall selling an assortment of writing materials. "Oh, ink! Fripple, I need some ink, mine dried up remember?"

Fripple groaned, falling back and stopping by the stall her cousin was entranced by. "Look, we need to keep up with the others."

Catkin and Esther had stopped to see what Aubretia had stopped for. The seller, a scruffy old shrew-like animal, looked quite hopeful at the prospect of so many buyers. "Is there anythin' you're seekin' in particular?"

Aubretia picked up a few inkwells. "Oh these .. these are perfect. Please Fripple?"

With four pairs of eyes on her .. the shop keeper's especially .. Fripple gave in. "How much?"

The shrew was pleased. "A sheckle miss."

Fripple handed over the money, sighing, "Here .. thank you sir. Come on Aubretia .. all of you Where's Veil, Ivan, and Star?"

Catkin scanned the crowd, stammering, "Oh dear .. well ... they've got to be here somewhere. They were here just a minute ago!"

Fripple crossed her arms. "Yea .. good job you guys. There are probably hundreds of beasts in this market alone! Now how will we find Veil and Ivan in that? I hope they're with Star!"

At that minute, Star shoved her way through the crowd, exclaiming, "Hey, are Veil and Ivan with you? They were right behind me, but when I looked around, you guys were all gone! Sheesh you scared me. So .. where are they?"

Fripple clapped a paw to her head. "Oh brilliant you three .. and you Library. Don't your calculations say we need to stay together in a place this thickly populated?"

Aubretia thought for a minute. "Yes, I believe they would."

Esther was worried. "Well come on! We've got to find them!"

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Veil and Ivan had been behind Star, when a cart driver had pulled his load out in front of them. When the way was clear again, the roan filly had disappeared into the masses.

Veil looked at his wildcat friend, who shrugged. The ferret turned around to ask Fripple what she thought the next best move was, only to see Fripple was not there. In fact none of his friends were there.

"Oh great." Veil's voice was a sigh. "Where'd they go Ivan?"

Ivan shrugged.

Veil was upset. "We've got to find them Ivan, who knows what could happen to them here?"

Ivan nodded in silent agreement. Veil leaned against a nearby stall, asking, "Where do you think they went?"

"There's plenty of things to distract them. Think about what they might like." Was Ivan's sound advice.

Veil was thinking on this, and he suddenly shuddered. "I hope Esther didn't steal anything."

Ivan wasn't comforting. "Nothing is more probable."

Veil was giving his adopted brother a look, when there was the scuff of a paw behind him. The ferret wheeled around to see a weasel, spear held up, but backwards. Without stopping to think on how odd this was, Veil drew his rapier. "Get away .. what do you want?"

They were at the edge of the market's activity, and nobeast seemed to notice the confrontation. The weasel said nothing, and Veil advanced til his sword blade was nearly touching the creature's nose. "I asked. What do you want with me?"

The weasel held his spear up, almost defensively, even though the blade was still pointing the wrong way, and some sixth sense made Veil try to spin around .. but it was too late. There was a flood of pain as something hit him over the head.

Veil fell to the paving stones, feeling a little wetness trickle down the back of his neck. He tried to struggle back onto his paws, but his head spun.

Where was Ivan? What had happened?

The ferret could vaguely feel somebeast dragging him away, coupled by a fuzzy, yet angry sounding voice. But his head hurt so ...

Veil tried to struggle, but it must have been a weak attempt at best. The strain of moving proved too much, and Veil felt himself descend into a pit of darkness.

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Fripple was in a fix, and she knew it. Veil and Ivan seemed to have dropped off the face of the earth.

The mouse maid was trying to keep her friends from panicking, while she did the same. It wasn't an easy job. Aubretia was calculating what could have happened to the two, coming up with all sorts of horrible ideas.

"According to my calculations, they might have been run over. In fact the statistics point to a sixty-four percent chance they could have."

Esther stared at the mouse. "Don't say things like that!"

Aubretia added in attempt to be comforting, "Of course, there is then a forty-six percent chance they might not have .."

Esther was decidedly un-comforted. "Don't say things like that!"

Fripple interrupted. "You guys, stop it please? I'm trying to think! What would Veil do right now? You know, if we were gone?"

Star broke in. "Well .. he might set up base camp at an inn .. and eat something!"

Esther glared at the horse. "You added that part!"

Star rolled her eyes. "Ok, so I'm hungry."

Fripple was at the back of the group, Star at the front. They were traveling through a shadowed alley, and Fripple paused suddenly, staring back into the darkened passageway.

She felt a shiver crawl up her spine. Why did it feel like something was watching from the shadows? The mouse maid wheeled around, hurrying to catch up with the others. There was nothing there .. it was just her stupid phobias and the loss of the two boys playing with her mind.

Part of her really wanted to believe that lie.

She bolted out into the blinding sunlight, reaching her friends just as Catkin shivered. "Oh .. this place doesn't make me happy!"

Fripple took a moment to look around, to be met by a disturbing sight .. probably the worst she had ever laid eyes on. The place they had come to was filled with dull eyed, hopeless looking creatures of every species. Some were in cages, others chained to the rock walls of houses.

The air smelled .. filthy, and stains of dried .. and fresh blood decorated the surroundings. As they walked by, Fripple found herself meeting many a gaze, some empty, some pleading, some hateful .. but all broken. All listless and waiting for death. Some of the scrawniest and bloodiest beasts didn't even look up.

The mouse maid could imagine she had a look of horror on her face, but she didn't really care. What was this place? But she knew. She had heard her father tell enough tales of his young life as a galley beast to know .. this must be a place where slaves were bought and sold.

Fripple felt a fire of anger growing within her as she saw these pathetic creatures .. some old enough to be her grandparent, some as young as her little brothers.

She paused as she heard a sniffle beside her. Catkin addressed her, with emotion. "Oh Fripple .. they all look so sad! Nobeast could be happy here!"

Esther's voice was disgusted. "I bet the slavers are .. they make money off this."

Catkin gasped. "You mean they sell creatures like they have no soul? Like they are things?"

Fripple's lip was curling in anger toward the slavers as she answered. "That's what a slave yard is, Catkin. That's what slavery is."

Catkin was mortified. "Oh .. that's awful!"

She turned to Fripple, asking, "Fripple .. I know! We can buy them all, and make them all happy!"

Fripple stared at the otter. "Don't be ridiculous Catkin, I can't buy them all! I don't have that much money! It would be better to overthrow the slavers and liberate them."

Catkin was eager. "Oh I knew you'd have a plan! How do we do that?"

Fripple shook her head. "No, not now. I meant .. oh .. forget it. There's nothing we can do."

Esther broke in. "Wait .. maybe I could steal them!"

Fripple turned on her. "No! No, we don't need that! Who knows what would happen if we were caught? We might end up getting sold here next!"

Aubretia took some calculations. "We don't need that occurrence."

Star shuddered. "They all look so hungry! This is making me .. more .... hungry ..."

She broke off at the looks her friends were giving her. "Oh .. well .. it does!"

Fripple rolled her eyes. "Look. Let's just get out of here. Who knows the way out?"

Esther pointed at Fripple. "You're supposed to be leading!"

Fripple groaned, looking for the alley they had come through. "Umm .."

Star broke her concentration. "What's going on over there?"

Fripple followed her friend's gaze, and was not comforted by what she saw. Over there was a sort of wooden platform, a crowd .. and an auctioneer. The mouse took a step forward, entranced by this living nightmare .. this terribly cruel reality.

She'd grown up in Mossflower .. slavery was not accepted there. But here .. the remorselessness, the depravity, the pure wickedness .. it was so real. It was horrible. Fripple watched as two slaves, a squirrel and a hedgehog, were shoved onto the platform, and the bidding began. The two beasts didn't bother to get up, or even resist as they were dragged away by a guard and given to their new owner.

The whole spectacle was over in a few moments, and the auctioneer motioned for the next unfortunates. When they stumbled into view, Fripple stared in pity and shock. These two were far worse off then the first pair. One was a scrawny, filthy looking creature .. his rudder-like tail and small ears betrayed him as an otter, but that was the only thing.

The other was small, young, and mouse-like. He fell on his face on the platform, laying in a miserable heap of bloody black fur. Catkin gasped from beside Fripple. "Oh .. oh .. these two are ever so much worse looking than the others .. they must be so .. sad!"

Fripple bit her lip. Esther's voice was grim at the jeers of the crowd. "Fripple .. what if they don't sell them?"

Fripple meet the ermine's earnest green eyes, before shaking her head. "They'll kill them .. they can't want much for them."

Catkin's voice was almost a wail. "Kill them? Oh Fripple .. do something!"

Aubretia broke in. "Fripple, they can't be very expensive. Maybe .. we should buy them. To save them!"

Fripple hesitated as the auctioneer yelled, "Well come on, make a bid, somebeast!"

Catkin pleaded, while crying. "Oh please Fripple, please? I'll make them ever so happy!"

The auctioneer's cry broke Fripple from her hesitation. "I can't keep em here all day .. one last chance!"

Fripple could stand it no more, and she heard her voice split the silence. "Wait!"

The crowd turned to look at her with a rustling, and she swallowed hard in the presence of so many eyes. The auctioneer addressed her. "Well here's a taker .. five sheckles miss! I'll start you at five!"

Fripple glared at him, feeling rage against the way these creatures had been treated. "Three!"

The auctioneer snorted. "That won't pay me to stand up here missy! Four!"

Fripple snarled back. "You aren't bidding! I'm bidding! Three and a half!"

"Four!"

"Three and three quarters!"

"Four!"

Fripple glared at him. "How do I know if I say yes to four, that you won't make it five?"

The auctioneer was obstinate. "Four!"

Fripple huffed. "Alright fine. Four."

Pleased with this victory, the auctioneer continued. "Five!" Fripple stamped a paw. "You did it again! Four and a half!"

The crowd was laughing by now, snickering, pointing .. obviously Fripple wasn't bidding like a normal beast.

The auctioneer didn't give up. "Five!"

"Four and a half!"

The auctioneer paused, looked at the beasts in question, and finally nodded. "Done!"

Catkin hugged Fripple. "Oh thank you Fripple, thank you!"

Fripple got loose from her friend's vise-like hug to pay the auctioneer, who had his paw out. A guard shoved the two off the platform, and the black mouse creature collapsed again, with a whimper of pain. Esther told the guard what she thought. "You don't shove them around! We bought them! They're hurt, can't you see that?"

The crowd roared with laughter. Fripple closed her satchel, stating, "Let's get out of here .. and get them out of here."

The auctioneer's voice rang out again. "Next!"

Fripple ignored him, and Catkin addressed the male otter. "Hi, I'm Catkin! What's your name?"

The creature looked dully at her with a expression of total confusion. Esther offered him her paw. "Here, can you walk? Catkin and I will help you."

The otter blinked at them, and when he spoke, his voice was raspy. "What? I'm .. a slave."

Catkin threw his left arm over her shoulders, consoling him as Esther did the same with his other arm. "Oh, you're not a slave anymore. We'll get you a bath and some new clothes and something to eat, and that will make you very happy. Oooh do you like hotroot? And what's your name? You haven't told us yet."

The otter stumblingly got his feet beneath him, mumbling, "I haven't had a name in seasons .. but once .. I was called .. Vinwyte."

Fripple was struggling to lift the mouse like beast, who seemed almost incoherent. She pulled him onto a kneeling Star's back, panting, "Good .. grief he's .. heavy .. what's his name?"

This was addressed to Vinwyte, who gazed dully back, rasping, "How should I know? I've never seen him in my life ... I'm an oar slave .. or was. I was paired with him .. that's all I know."

Fripple sighed. "Oh. Well .. where do we go now?"

Aubretia had the answer. "We must go to an inn, to take care of them."

Fripple groaned. "Yes Library .. but where?"

Aubretia shrugged. "Oh. Well I don't know that. Let me calculate which direction would be most likely."

A familiar voice came from behind them, laced in a little smugness, but a little disgust too. "Why don't you ask somebeast who knows their way around, eh Princess?'

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Veil awoke to a slow dripping, like that of something underground. He winced, blinking his eyes open carefully.

It was dark here, lit by a few flickering and ornate lanterns. Veil looked slowly around, realizing that the place he was in was well decorated .. like a prince's quarters. He was lying on a comfortable couch-like piece of furniture, draped with a soft green blanket.

The ferret frowned. Wait. Somebeast had knocked him out and dragged him away .. so why wasn't he in a gloomy cell somewhere? Wasn't that the normal place for a prisoner?

But the place he was in was no cell, it was cool and well decorated. Veil carefully felt the back of his head, starting as he felt the damp cloth pressed to it. Further inspection showed the jackal bite was also cleaned and bandaged.

What was going on?

Soft foot steps made him lay back down, only to stare as a thin chocolate furred cat maiden in gauzy clothing came in, setting something on a table. Veil started at how raspy his voice was. "Where am I? Who are you?"

She bowed, much to his shock. "I am Skadu, yer highness. Are yer wounds feeling better?"

Veil stared at her. "Why are you calling me 'highness'?"

Skadu kept her eyes respectively averted. "You are Lord Sixclaw's son, prince. What else would I call ya? Yer father ordered that you have healing, a bath, new clothes, and food and drink before ya see him. I'm ta see ta all of that."

Veil shook his head, suddenly wincing. "Ahh .. who on earth is 'Lord Sixclaw'?"

Skadu looked up in surprise, before lowering her gaze again. "Yer father sire."

Veil sat up, stating, "Look, I think you've made a mistake .. my father is in Mossflower! Well .. my adopted father."

Skadu shrugged, asking, "Show me yer right paw ... if you would, yer highness."

Veil rolled his eyes as he did as he was bid. "Stop cringing, would you miss .. Skadu? One would think I would hurt you. And call me Veil. Please stop calling me 'highness', I'm no prince."

The cat examined the paw, before holding it up for his inspection, pointing out the extra claw. "I knew ya was ol ... erm .. Lord Sixclaw's son .. you've got six claws. And all da children a Sixclaw got six claws, lemme tell ya. I should know, I ...."

A weasel appeared in the doorway, ordering, "Stop chatterin'. Go get his highness food while he takes his bath. Come on wench, move! Before I report you ta Nightshade."

The weasel raised a paw to strike the unfortunate, but Veil reached out and seized his arm before he could touch the cat maiden. "Stop! She's not doing anything wrong, sir. I was asking her questions .. leave her alone."

He expected the weasel to lash out at this, but instead he bowed low, although he had an odd expression on. "Uhh .. yes sire, a course if'n ya say so."

Skadu looked grateful, and she almost knelt as she backed away, amber eyes averted once more. "I'll get ya some vittles yer highness. Thank ye .. sire."

Veil stared after her in confusion as the weasel stood straight again, introducing himself. "I am your Highness's general, Muggra. If'n there's anythin' you need, I'll see if I can get it for you."

Veil was staring at him, and recognition suddenly dawned. "You .. you're the weasel from the market! Look, why did you knock me out .. and why am I being healed and waited on hand and foot?"

Muggra bowed. "You are Milord's son. I only carry out Lord Sixclaw's orders my prince."

Veil crossed his arms. "And his orders were to knock me out .. take me captive?"

Muggra shrugged. "I'll let his Lordship explain his reasons. Who am I to understand the heart of the Lord of the Underworld? Now it is high time your highness had a bath and new clothes."

Veil stood, as Muggra motioned to an odd pool built into the rock in the room's corner. The ferret was unsure. "Look .. I don't understand .. wait! Where is Ivan?"

Muggra raised an eyebrow, as Veil explained. "My friend .. the cat."

Muggra nodded. "Ah yes, he is receiving the same treatment as you. Why would your father wish to harm one of your friends? That is not they way he would treat his long lost son."

Veil sat at the pool's edge, pulling off his boots as he asked, "Where is my sword?"

Muggra bowed. "Your father has it, and will return it when you see him."

Veil dipped his paws in the water, asking, "And when might that be?"

The weasel almost smiled. "Whenever your highness is ready. I will see you have changes of clothing."

Veil stepped into the pool, pulling his dusty leather vest off and laying it on the ground. He watched Muggra leave, and he shook his head. This was probably the strangest thing that had ever happened to him. From wanted criminal, to outcast wanderer, to prince .. in a few weeks.

Still, no matter how well he was being treated, he couldn't help being nervous. Who was this Lord Sixclaw ... his father .. something unpleasant stirred in his memory, as he yanked of his stained, torn blue tunic and let the cool water sooth his injuries, both old an new.

What was it about the name Sixclaw?

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Fripple stared at Cedric in amazement .. how had he gotten .. here? The mouse crossed his arms. "You go sightseeing in about the worst places, I gotta tell you that."

Fripple stammered. "We .. got lost."

Cedric nodded. "Oh yes .. seems I wasn't the one who got lost, despite your orders."

Fripple was a little irritated. "Look .. what are you doing here?"

Cedric snorted. "I could ask you the same Princess."

His eyes darkened a little. "So you dump me .. a perfectly good looking guy .. and replace me with two near-dead slaves? Princess .. that's just .. insulting."

Fripple stared at him incredulously. "What? Replace you? I wasn't replacing you, they needed help. They would have killed them without us! And beyond that, Catkin would have cried all night!"

Cedric paused, suddenly asking, "Sunshine? She can do that?"

Catkin looked very happy, with Vinwyte leaning against her. "Oh yes! I could have, but I'm every so happy now, and I will make them happy too!"

Cedric slowly nodded. "Riiigght ... and how do you plan to do that?"

"That!" Esther began, before pausing. "I don't really know."

Cedric smiled smugly. "Well, that means you need me again, don't you? Say, where's Mute and His Majesty?"

Esther was a little upset. "They just .. vanished! Do you know where they are?"

Cedric looked slightly less smug. "Oh. No, I've not seen them. I must of picked up your trail after they got separated, I guess. And Sunshine. You ought to keep your pearls in your hair better."

He dropped a string of them into her paw, stating, "Well now that you've got these .. creatures .. where are you going to take them?"

Aubretia spoke up. "According to our previous discussion, we decided we need to get to an inn."

Star broke in. "Yes, I'm hungry!"

Esther glared at the horse. "But we don't know where to go. Could you .. well .. show us the way? Maybe?"

Cedric turned to Fripple with an air of total smug victory. "Well, what does Princess say?"

Fripple glared back. "And how much do we have to pay you this time?"

Cedric pretended to think a moment, before grinning. "Tell you what. This time's on the house."

Fripple first looked surprised, then rather suspicious. "An why would you do that?"

Cedric offered her his paw. "Cause I want to."

Fripple paused, finally shaking the paw. "Fine. But don't think I trust you .. you've got something up your sleeve."

Aubretia broke in. "Fripple. He doesn't have any sleeves!"

Cedric started off, motioning they follow him. "Nah Bookworm, no sleeves makes a beast hotter."

Aubretia caught up, stating, "According to my calculations, the effect would actually be the opposite. Less clothes would make you cooler."

Fripple rolled her eyes as Cedric answered, "However you look at it Bookworm. Princess!"

Fripple's voice was a sigh. "Yes, what is it now?"

Cedric pointed at Esther and Catkin, trying to help Vinwyte walk. "And how long do you think they can keep that up?"

Fripple followed his gaze, shaking her head. "Not that long. How far away is this inn? There are tons of them, aren't there?"

Cedric shrugged. "Sure, but you want a relatively nice one, don't you? So you're going to have to hire a chariot."

Star was walking carefully, trying not to jostle the limp creature draped across her back. "That sounds good ... I have to go so slow for him. And I'm still .. hungry."

Fripple rolled her eyes. "Fine. Where can we get one?"

Cedric winked at her. "Well it's a good thing you've got me, isn't it? Come on Princess, this way."

Chapter 16 Hatred Reborn
Veil stared at himself in the ornate mirror .. for he hadn't looked this well off since the last mid-winter feast. He had on a new, spotless white tunic with blue trim. The V-neck laced part way up, topped by a neckband of gold. Two golden armbands and gold trimmed lacing sandals completed the outfit.

The ferret truly looked a prince of some ancient kingdom .. his rapier would have made him feel almost .. complete.

Skadu smiled at him, for she'd grown far less nervous as she learned of his kind demeanor. "Ya look right swell sire, if'n ya don't mind me sayin'."

Veil shook his head, half dazed. "No .. I suppose not."

He'd dressed and eaten, and was feeling none the worse for his ordeal. Skadu looked around, saying suddenly, "Sire?"

Veil had given up trying to get her to call him by name. "Yes?"

The cat lowered her voice. "Sire, ya seem right decent fer a Sixclaw. Be .. careful milord .. I'd love ta have ya as king."

Veil frowned. "What do you mean?"

Skadu smiled. "Ya saved me a beatin' sire .. maybe worse. Who knows what Nightshade'a done if'n Muggra told her? Ain't that the right sorta warlord ta serve? Fact it's more like a woodland king .. less of a warlord."

Veil looked confused. "Well .. I couldn't be a warlord miss."

Skadu frowned. "Not be a warlord? Yer a Sixclaw. The Sixclaws is all warlords, an always will be. Fates made em that."

Veil was not feeling good about this at all. "Skadu .. tell me what you mean by warlord. I'm not a horde leader .. a murderer .. or a vermin king, and I won't be one. I serve .... another Lord."

Skadu was even more confused. "What do ya mean .. another Lord? Yer father an Shroud is the only Lords. Yer sayin' ya serve Shroud?"

Veil didn't have time to ask who Shroud was, as Muggra appeared in the doorway. "Your father wishes to see you, highness."

The weasel vanished again, and Veil turned to follow, but a soft paw on his arm made him pause. Skadu's amber eyes were earnest. "I don't know who ya serve, but you must be servin' somebeast worth servin .. and it ain't Lord Shroud. I'm glad I could meet ya .. you've made me feel warmer than I've ever felt. Somehow I donno if'n I'll see ya again .. but how ya came from Sixclaw I've got no clue. Just ... don't let him turn ya cruel."

"My Prince!"

Muggra's call made Veil break away from Skadu's gaze before he could ask her what she meant. No matter the case, he felt a sense of foreboding grow within him as he followed Muggra away.

Don't let him turn ya cruel.

Those words made him prepare for the worst.

><><

Cedric knew his way around Southsward, Fripple did have to admit. Even still, it took them fifteen minutes or so to reach a main street. As they went along, Fripple helped Star keep the unconscious mouse-like creature on her back .. but she also had a chance to observe the beasts around her.

Beyond their flamboyant dress and exotic jewelry .. there was something else. Something sinister.

Some beasts walked about in an odd daze .. like they weren't even one with reality.

Also, Fripple was starting to see something familiar in the strange place .. something that made her skin crawl.

Monocles.

At first she had thought they were simply to aid the vision of those who needed it, but as she saw more and more .. she was inclined to believe differently.

What was going on? As Esther walked by, Fripple grabbed her arm. "Esther .. wait. Look around ... do you see what I do?"

The ermine paused, complying to Fripple's wish. Her eyes slowly widened, and she whispered, "Why ... yes! But .. where did those come from? I thought Bryony found the ones at Redwall in an old tree."

Fripple shook her head. "I know. But I'm not sure I believe it anymore. Bryony may have known nothing ... she may have been set up. But something evil is going on, I swear!"

Esther frowned. "You might be right .. but who would do that?"

Fripple sighed. "I don't know. Yet."

Cedric broke their conversation. "Alright, here we are .. I say, could one of you give us a hand?"

He had addressed three horses standing by the roadside, each hitched to a chariot. The one that answered him was a tall liver chestnut with blonde feathering on his fetlocks. "I suppose. Where to, and how many?"

Fripple spoke up, motioning to the slaves. "We need to get these two to an inn ... they can ride, we will walk."

The horse cocked his head, before yawning. "Whatever. Your business isn't mine. Where to though?"

Cedric nodded. "To the Shaded Waters. You know the place?"

The horse nodded. "Yea. I'll say if you're going to get a room, you better do it. Pretty soon you won't be able to."

Fripple raised an eyebrow, and Cedric answered. "The race .. it's a big deal Princess."

Catkin helped Vinwyte sit down in the chariot as Star gently placed the unconscious mouse-creature beside him. Cedric ran his paw over the sleek, polished wood, remarking, "This is a beauty .. looks like a racer's chariot."

The horse stiffened, before answering softly. "It is. It was my brother's .. but I inherited it upon his death."

He looked away, sighing, "Starflash loved racing. He shouldn't have had to die doing it."

Cedric started. "Starflash! Say .. I knew you looked familiar! You're his brother? Eveningstar, isn't it?"

The horse flicked an ear. "How do you know that?"

Cedric paused. "I .. drove for Starflash once. We were .. friends."

Eveningstar snorted. "You do look familiar, now that I think on it."

They were walking along the roadside, and Mystiquestar broke in. "What's this race?"

Cedric answered before Eveningstar could. "It's a Southswardian icon .. has been for time imemorial."

Star was satisfied. "Oh, ok! I'm Mystiquestar, by the way."

This was addressed to Eveningstar, who raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Then where's your mark?"

Star cocked her head. "My what?"

Eveningstar tossed his blonde mane, revealing a white star-like patch on his chocolate coat. "In Southsward it's tradition to put 'star' in a foal's name only when they are blessed with the mark of the heavens."

Catkin interrupted. "Oh well yours in on your cheek, Star. Haven't you noticed?"

The filly thought for a moment, before laughing. "Oh yea, that! I forgot about that."

She flicked her draping black mane away, showing the splotch of raying white on her gray cheek.

Eveningstar smiled softly. "It is said, those with the star mark are destined to do great things. What I will do, I have no idea."

Catkin loved any conversation. "Well .. what do you do already?"

Eveningstar snorted in amusement. "I pull a chariot. Isn't that obvious?"

He shook his mane, stating, "And you may as well call me Star while you're at it .. nobeast calls me Eveningstar."

Esther raised an eyebrow. "That's confusing .. your name is Star .. her name is Star .."

Eveningstar cocked an ear. "I suppose you could call me Evening, if that works better."

He paused. "Oh, here. This would be it."

They'd turned onto a pleasant little side street, and stood before a well worn but well cared for building, with pillars holding up a balcony that overlooked the outside. It seemed fairly quiet, and a faded sign hung outside, adorned by odd symbols.

The liver chestnut looked at Fripple, who was staring at the building. "Say miss, that'll be two sheckles."

Fripple shook herself, digging out the money and holding it out. The horse skillfully used his muzzle to flip open the satchel he wore around his neck, and Fripple dropped the money in.

Eveningstar waited as Catkin pulled Vinwyte onto his paws, and Esther had to nearly pick the mouse up.

The horse dipped his head. "It was .. certainly interesting to meet you. I'll see you around? Are you here for the race?"

Cedric shrugged. "Nah .. they know better then me."

Esther added, "And if you see a golden ferret and a gray cat .. our age .. tell them where we are? They're our friends, but we got separated."

Eveningstar looked a little reluctant, but he nodded. "Of course .... if I see them."

He turned, doing a little crow hop, and trotted back toward the main thoroughfare.

Cedric nodded. "Well, let's get a room or two, shall we?"

><><

Veil followed Muggra through echoing corridors, not one of which boasted the light of day. While the faint dripping of water could occasionally be heard, Veil was sure this was not a cave .. it was made from cut rock.

The ferret didn't bother asking Muggra anymore questions, the weasel always came back to telling him his father would answer his inquiries.

Veil decided to wait until he met this supposed 'father' of his.

After a bit of walking, Muggra lifted a gauzy green curtain leading into another room. The weasel stood straight, announcing, "His Highness, Prince of the Underworld, and son of his Lordship Swartt Sixclaw!"

Veil slowly stepped into the room, trying to recall where he had heard the name Swartt Sixclaw before. Why did that seem so familiar?

This room was richly decorated with tapestries and draperies, lanterns and torches. All beasts in attendance bowed instantly as Veil passed .. all except a tall figure in a shining silver breastplate, who sat on a gilded chair, ornate enough to be called a throne.

This beast stood, revealing a flowing green cape was about his shoulders. Veil felt his heart beat faster .. for he knew this beast. In the farthest recesses of his memory .. memory he'd forgotten .. was a creature like this.

The beast smiled at him, though somehow Veil felt it was more conniving than truly friendly. "My son, it is good to see you again."

Veil could not make the memories come together properly. They were there .. but he just couldn't quite make them connect to form a clear picture. However the blurry one he was seeing wasn't comforting him. "You're my .. father?"

Swartt raised an eyebrow, though his smile never faded. "Of course I am boy, surely you remember me?"

Veil couldn't rightly say yes, yet he couldn't rightly say no. The picture in his mind was growing ever clearer, brightening in his vision. He did remember this creature .. but with the memory of light golden fur and brown eyes, came fear. The longing to run. The fire of anger toward something that could not be named. The terror of something unknown.

And yet among it was comfort, though not from the creature he was now faced with. From somebeast caring and gentle .. somebeast who's shadow had haunted Veil all his life.

"I take it you do not?"

Veil looked slowly up. "I .. do. And yet I do not. It is .. hard to recall, but I do remember."

Swartt drew himself to his full height .. a little taller than Veil. "Well I see we will have to make a new start. I must say you've grown son .. a fine young ferret, indeed."

Veil subtly wondered at why his father emphasized the word 'ferret'. He frowned suddenly, asking, "Look ... why did you capture me? If you wanted to talk, why didn't you just ask?"

Swartt looked sad. "I am sorry for that son, but Southsward is a dangerous place. I had to get you before somebeast else did. And I do think, once you've heard my proposition, you'll quite forgive me .. even thank me."

Veil did not feel so sure. He thought briefly of Esther, Fripple, and the others, but decided to leave them out. "What about Ivan, my friend? Where is he?"

Swartt smiled again. "Oh the cat? Never fear son, he is simply getting clean and resting."

Veil was not convinced. "He'd want to see me."

Swartt looked remotely irritated, but shrugged it off. "You'll have plenty of time to talk with him, once you accept my offer."

Veil was feeling rebellious. "What if I don't?"

Swartt had an answer. "Why ever would you do that? I can give you everything you could possibly want .. just listen. I think you'll find this quite interesting."

Veil crossed his arms. "Well .. tell me then. What do you want?"

Swartt smiled. "I can give you power .. wealth .. revenge .. even justice to wrongs? What is it you desire? Think it over boy .. you could rule the world. Nobeast could tell you what to do .. who to care for .. who to obey. You'd serve no one .. everybeast would serve you. Nobeast would dare accuse you of anything, and anyone who had harmed you .. their fate would be in your paws. Would that not be wonderful?"

Veil stared at him, slowly processing his words. The first inclination was to recoil, but as the understanding of what Swartt meant soaked in .. something else did too. Something Veil wished he could erase from ever having thought.

For he was tempted.

''Revenge .. they would be in your paws. They would have killed you. They would have killed you with no right. You could make them pay for that .. cause face it. They'll never pardon you. What's better .. to be an outcast forever, or to be king of the world?''

Veil looked slowly up, feeling like the most wretched beast alive to even consider these horrible things. Swartt's smirking smile widened as his son asked slowly, "And .. what would that entail?"

The pictures in his mind were growing together now, and they finally revealed the lost memory of this creature, as Swartt's sickeningly patronizing voice rang out. "A true Sixclaw at heart, my son. All you would have to do is swear allegiance to me."

He held out his gauntleted sixclaw. "Is it a deal boy?"

Veil could see it all now, the times this beast had yelled at him, struck him, struck his mother ... his mother! The young ferret's eyes widened as he saw her in his mind's vision once again .. clearer this time. He looked up, asking softly, "My mother ... where is she?"

Swartt paused, finally asking, "What?"

Veil felt anger grow in him as he repeated tightly, "My mother. I have a mother. Where is she?"

Swartt seemed undecided, before waving this off. "Why would that matter to you? Who cares about her? I'll give you power boy .. what's better?"

Veil wouldn't let it drop. "What happened to her? Tell me!"

Swartt looked disgusted, before stating, "Agree to my deal, and I'll tell you."

Veil felt his anger against this creature grow, as a voice rang in his heart.

"Do not play with serpents, my son. Heed me, and me alone."

Veil looked up, blue eyes sparkling as he growled, "What Lord do you serve? Malimore, or Ignasa?"

The room seemed to freeze as Swartt's eyes hardened, and he asked testily, "Maybe I should ask you the same."

Veil felt an unknown strength surge through him, as he stood straight. "I serve Ignasa."

A terrible silence had fallen, so thick one could feel it. Swartt's nostrils flared, and Veil had the feeling he could barely keep himself from lashing out. "Oh really? Well how do you know this 'Ignasa' as you call him is really real? Have you ever seen him? How do you know he is nothing more than a silly legend?"

If Veil had been unsure of his father's loyalties, he was no longer. "Because I have seen him. He has spoken to me in dreams, I have felt him, and he has given me direction. No legend could ever be that powerful."

Swartt had turned away, and as he wheeled around, Veil saw his brown eyes had turned almost black. The ferret warlord made a sweeping motion with his paw, and a nearby lantern was flung against the wall by seemingly nothing. Veil took a step back as it splintered into a thousand pieces. "You're a ... Shadow Fighter!"

Swartt sneered. "Yes I am. Which would put you and I on opposite sides, wouldn't it boy?"

Veil was slowly realizing the terrible situation he was in. "Yes .. it would."

He suddenly snapped, "But where is Ivan? Where is my mother? Tell me!"

Swartt snorted. "Why would I tell a Prophet anything?"

Veil felt his fury solidifying into hate. "Tell me!"

Swartt suddenly seemed to think of something, and he smiled with demonic cruelty. "You really want to know about your mother? Some things are better left alone you know, Prophet."

Veil felt cold fear wash over him, but he snarled, "I don't care .. tell me!"

><><

The soft footfalls in a twisting corridor went unnoticed, and this was fine by their owner. Bluefen hurried up a flight of steps, holding up her skirt as she ran.

She had to get back .. with Byron gone, nobeast was there to protect Esmund!

Bluefen couldn't bring herself to stay confined to her quarters though, for she had been exploring the farthest reaches of the catacombs, the untouched passages and long forgotten tunnels .. all in hope of finding a way out.

However she couldn't be gone as long as before. With Swartt's looming shadow hanging over her heart, Bluefen ran silently through the empty hallways, gray-streaked black hair flying behind her.

She was in the catacomb's second story, and she slowed as she reached the place she knew the openings to Swartt's throne room would be. Once a place used for final ceremonies before burial, the ferret warlord made his home there.

Bluefen paused at an opening in the rock, leading to a fifteen foot drop into this regal chamber. She breathed softly, slowly peering around as she heard angry voices. She felt herself freeze in amazed shock .. for another golden ferret stood before Swartt.

Young, tall, and princely, with fur like shining gold and dark points .. Bluefen choked back a cry of wonder.

Her Veil .. could this be her Veil? The little, scrawny child she had raised? Was this him?

''No. He's dead .. you know he's dead!''

But reason could not blot out hope, or reality. However Swartt's voice made her gasp softly.

"You really want to know about your mother? Some things are better left alone you know, Prophet."

The beast who had to be Veil snarled back, hatred glittering in his eyes. "I don't care .. tell me!"

Bluefen felt her blood grow cold. They were talking about her.

Swartt's next words made her softly snarl in absolute hatred. "Well, it's no great mystery she loved you, pathetic, sentimental thing. And when you were lost at Salamandastron .. well .. she never recovered. She died of a broken heart."

Veil looked stunned, and his instant reply reached a very lively Bluefen's ears. "No!"

Swartt was mocking. "Oh yes little boy .. yes. And really, it was your fault."

Veil didn't exactly reply, and Swartt motioned to Muggra. "General. Take our prince to the cells. He might think he's a Prophet, but I'm not done with him yet!"

Bluefen heard her claws scrape against the rock wall behind her, and she curled her lips in a loathing snarl. That liar Swartt would never harm her Veil ... she would sooner die!

><><

Bluefen was not the only unknown .. and unwanted watcher to Veil's ordeal, for another pair of eyes watched. Normal, muddy brown eyes that glittered with bright interest.

Scound was not necessarily totally sympathetic toward either side, though he was for anyone over Swartt. And he was quite interested in the fact Veil had openly proclaimed he was a follower of Ignasa.

Scound had met these followers of Ignasa before, seasons ago. The cream-furred squirrel prince .. his snowy father .. the young red dog-fox he'd served as guard with .. all these echoes from more than eleven long seasons ago.

Scound had grown numb. He was touched by Veil's courage and refusal to fall to the temptations his father had taunted him with. Once again, the weasel felt something stir in his heart .. something that he thought was long dead.

Was it nobility? Courage? Honor? Was it simply the longing to have these qualities? Was it the call of some greater purpose .. a better life than this slavery he was chained in?

Was it the voice of this unknown lord .. this Lord Ignasa?

Was it the mockery to not having listened the first time?

Scound watched as Muggra roughly escorted Veil away, toward the cells even lower down in the catacombs. The weasel scratched his chin. This should be useful to him .. if Swartt had a son on the side of Lord Ignasa.

Scound thought for a moment, before he followed Muggra and Veil down deeper into the darkened chambers of a kingdom that never saw the sun.

The demoted weasel watched with narrowed eyes as Muggra shoved the golden ferret into one of the first cells, slamming the door shut with a clank. He then looked around in disgust, probably for the missing guard. There weren't many prisoners, but Scound felt Muggra would have a new beast on guard duty soon. So if he was going to make his move, it was now or never.

As Muggra stalked off, Scound slipped to the iron bars Veil now sat behind. "Hey, kid. Over here .. look I ain't against ya."

Veil glared at him with dull suspicion, and Scound insisted. "Look, I .. know about Lord Ignasa. An' I think his way sounds better'n Swartt's. I can help ya kid, anythin' to get a jab at ol' Sixclaw."

The ferret seemed to comprehend his urgency, and didn't waste time. "How?"

Scound looked around, listening carefully for a second. "Is there anybeast ya know who's outside? Who Swartt don't got his paws on?"

Veil blinked slowly, seemingly contemplative, and stated at length, "If you bring them to harm ... I swear I'll ..."

Scound shook his head. "Kid, if they're in Southsward, Swartt or Shroud'll get 'em sooner or later. Might as well let me warn 'em .. that way they'll 'ave a chance."

Veil looked around, closed his eyes, before snapping them open and finally nodding. "Alright, if you put it that way. Yes, I've got five friends who came with me .. don't underestimate them though. Esther's an ermine, white with red points, and a deadeye with the bow. Star's the horse, she's blue roan pinto. Catkin's a brown otter maid, Aubretia's a young mouse with golden fur, braids and glasses. Fripple .. well .. call her fierce. She's a gold mouse with a long tail, and a long, dark brown braid ... you'll know her by her weapons."

Scound nodded, and Veil suddenly reached through the bars, grabbing the weasel's tunic collar. "Now swear by Ignasa you're not a spy, or you won't be leaving. My friends will not fall into this monster's claws, see?"

Scound understood his fear, and held out a paw. "Kid, I swear it."

Veil stared him down, before letting him go. "Fine. You'd best be telling the truth."

Scound looked around. "I am. Now kid, I'll try and come back. But I've got to get out of here, before somebeast comes .. they'll post a guard soon."

The weasel bolted away, looking back to see sapphire eyes digging into him with intensity. Scound swept around the corner, and didn't breath easy until he'd gotten a good ways from the prison.

However he'd gained something. This could be turning in his favor.

Chapter 17 A Thousand Lights
Fripple ran one of Esther's brushes through her ratted hair with a sigh. She'd had a much needed bath, and she scrubbed out her ragged clothes while she was at it. They were still torn though, and sort of .. gray.

And besides, now they were damp. She twisted the hair into a careless braid, examining it in the mirror for a second. It would have to do.

She flipped it over her shoulder, pulling on her dusty, hot boots, and buckled on her belt with it's four knives and saber.

The mouse thought for a minute, before setting her sling and stones on the bed in favor of her dusty satchel.

Fripple sighed, slipped out the door, and stepped into the next room. She started in surprise at Vinwyte, for he was clean now ... his fur was snow white. Pale scars laced their way across his shoulders and chest, and a dark crimson mark like twin curling waves adorned his right cheek.

The otter was eating a bowl of something as Fripple came in, and the black mouse was in the nearby bed .. still asleep. Aubretia walked up to her cousin, stating, "Fripple, I've been taking some calculations. We need more food .. new clothes, some more bandages. In short, somebeast must go to a market and buy some new things."

Fripple was blank at first. "Who?"

Aubretia scratched something down, before stating, "Well .. Esther might steal something, Catkin might feed somebeast hotroot, Star will just eat it, whatever it is .. and I think I'm too small. I might get run over. Statistically, that leaves you."

Fripple sighed. "I hate shopping. Fine, I will .. but where is the nearest market? I don't have a clue."

Cedric appeared in the doorway, apparently having been listening. "Well if you need a guide Princess, I've been one long enough I'm rather used to it. Oh yes. And you needn't pay me."

Fripple raised an eyebrow. "Aha .. you and I. Just .. us."

Cedric shrugged. "Unless you want to take Bookworm?"

Fripple thought for a moment, before shaking her head. "No, that will take longer .. fine, I'll go with you."

Cedric bowed in a joking manner. "After you your majesty."

Fripple sighed, turning to Aubretia. "Just ... keep an eye on things while I'm gone .. you too Esther!"

She followed Cedric out, shutting the door behind her. "Alright, let's make this fast. We need food, some clothes, and some healing supplies. I think we can get this done in less than an hour .. don't you?"

Cedric walked across the inn's first floor, observing, "You aren't a shopper, are you Princess? Sounds like you shop about like a boy."

Fripple shook her head as she followed him out the door. "Yea, I do. And you're a boy ... help me out here."

She paused, looking suspicious. "Unless you shop like a girl."

Cedric looked a little hurt. "Me? Nah, course not Princess. Tell me though. Have you ever been in a city like Southsward?"

Fripple raised an eyebrow. "I grew up in Mossflower .. in Brockhall. No, I've never seen such a place as this."

Cedric grinned. "Oh really? Maybe I can show you a corner of it. But first .. if you don't mind me saying .. you need some new clothes."

Fripple cast a glance at her ragged attire. "I suppose. There are more important things ..."

Cedric shook his head. "Nope. I'm leading this expedition, and I say you need to blend in with the crowd. Who knows what attention you could attract, looking like this?"

Fripple thought for a moment, before sighing, "Yea, ok .. you've got a point."

Cedric grinned in some triumph. "Yes I do, glad you finally admitted it Princess."

Fripple thought about telling him to quit being so .. irritating, but with Veil gone, her morale was shattered. She sighed, for some reason not wanting to start a fight. Really, she just wanted to be left alone, but she couldn't see that happening.

"Why so quiet Princess? Aren't you going to tell me to quit gloating like an arrogant idiot?" Cedric sounded curious.

"Don't feel like it. But if you really want it, I'll give it to you." Was Fripple's mumbled answer.

Cedric raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong?"

Fripple felt something snap, but she didn't fly at the mouse in a fit of temper, just muttered hopelessly. "My two best friends in the world vanish, and you expect me to be happy? Who knows where they might be now! And I can't do anything, I can't .... can't save them. I don't even know where to look."

TBC~ So uth  sw ar d    Cit y o f a t hou sand    LIGHTS  17:49, August 10, 2015 (UTC)