Untamed Gift (Book One of the Items Trilogy)

by H. Lee Morgan, Jr

Chapter 21

  Furion, what is a Furion? Alex began searching through all of his memories for anything he’s ever come across related to that one single word. Everyone quieted down in the room even more as he leaned back into the chair to think. I’ve never heard nor read the word before, but the meaning feels almost terrifyingly right. He thought to himself.

  It sounded like he was some kind of wild barbarian. It sounded so angry, primal and dangerous, but the earlier reactions associated the word perfectly to him. His fury for Lily being raped had undoubtedly triggered something within him. Furion sounded like the fury his body was thundering to unleash moments ago. Was my clan somehow related to the Fury itself? He wondered absently. It was an original name, hot and untamed. I am a Furion. He declared inside his thoughts. His strangeness had a name now. He was classified for the first time in nineteen years. But what does it all mean?

  “Allahandra, what exactly is a Furion. What are we supposed to be?”

  She leaned to the side and rested her arm on the armrest. “That is difficult to explain because there is so little written about what you are, your capabilities or your people. Very few know the word Furion, even amongst nobles. But from my rare sections of gathered text I’ve pieced together over the years, they were seen as incorruptible and worthy of the truest honor. Their skills in battle and fairness were unparalleled by any other peoples.”

  Allahandra then crossed her legs as Alex mindlessly continued translating for Shade, without even realizing it. She seemed unnaturally accustomed and relaxed to his animalistic sounds despite how some people become anxious when he communicated with Shade. Alex’s focus was only on the queen as she continued her explanation.

  “I can only tell you what I know, but it isn’t much. Furion are highly secretive in who and what they are. There is very little text on them because they teach mainly by word of mouth. Even Takka could only find thirty two related pages in his specialist’s item that weren’t in my enclave. That is how secretive the Furion clan is. And even those documents we gathered are mostly hearsay, but I shall tell you the few truths I’ve uncovered about them. And what I say from now on doesn’t leave this room.” Alex nodded automatically, uncaring of what the others said at the moment as the queen looked to each of them. “Furions that live today are instantly recognized in two profound ways. Firstly they are born without an item of any kind and secondly they can speak with fiends and other such creatures. Like I’ve just witnessed again, they are excessively stronger than anyone else.” She gestured to the splintered wood. “They are blindingly fast, smart and unpredictable. When I was given the report from Rakkian’s little brother, Takka, about a man who Angie couldn’t see and had punched a hole through solid stone with his bare fist; it made me curious.”

  “Wait, you are Takka’s older brother? Honesty?” Marlin asked and started laughing in his seat. “You two are polar opposites. He’s so relaxed and you are so uptight. That is quite humorous.”

  The queen cleared her throat and Marlin understood her rebuke and said “Sorry.” with all honesty.

  She nodded and continued. “You see, Furions are more powerful than any item I’ve ever witnessed, well beyond any level five, but they are also exceedingly rare. Unlike most humans, Furions are linked by blood and thus always are never born with an item. Like a normal newborn babe, their item comes into existence by chance, and the powers the items use are pure luck, it is destiny who decides the item from the Ancients gifts, not their parents. For instance; two weapon’s class parents can have a strong bodied child, but the child’s item can be anything, any classification. Parents do not choose their young’s item. But Furion parents are different in that they always have Furion offspring. And as of this moment I know of only three living Furions, Alex. You are included in those three. That is as much as I’ve been able to gather. Like I said, they are very secretive and elusive.”

  Only three? And here I thought there were many more because she seemed so excited. Alex grumbled in silence. He thought there might be hundreds, but his assumptions were completely crushed. But at least he knew he’s not alone, there are others like himself. There is someone else out there like me and they might be able to explain things to me like none other ever could. He surmised with a thrill. They might even know what is happening to me, whatever is going on with my body that is. Wait a minute…

  Alex leaned forward. “So there are two others like myself? Who are they and will I ever get to meet them?”

  Something like worry or pain crossed her expression before she covered it up in a calm mask. Whatever it was caused much inner turmoil. During the expression she glanced at the picture of her parents, behind her throne for only a moment before meeting Alex’s gaze directly. Her expression became passive and her voice was even. “Undoubtedly, you will meet one of them one day soon I imagine, but you will not like what I’m about to tell you. Though this pains me to my core, you must pay heed to this.”

  It was then that her sudden expression, that she covered up made sense. It was a flash of terror from her past, a horror she witnessed firsthand. Alex hoped he was way off in his assessments, but the hope felt vain. “What did one of them have to do with your parents?”

  Allahandra’s eyes widened and she gasped at his observation.

  Lily touched his shoulder hesitantly, seeing if his temperature had cooled and when he leaned back to look at her she asked in a tense whisper “Alex, what are you doing, asking something like that?”

  Her eyes widened as Alex smiled calmly and patted her tender hand. “Just trust me. This needs to be taken off her chest.” He turned back to the queen as she was trying to compose herself, it proved to be too difficult so his voice rose to her aid. “You can tell me clearly, your majesty, and I will help with your heavy burden that you’ve carried alone for so many years.”

  General Rakkian was looking between this Furion and his queen with unadulterated confusion just like Marlin and Lily were doing. Shade was being patient, silent and studying everything. He had heard all of the translated conversations. This was the first time he has ever been so silent and Alex wondered what in the world he was thinking, but Shade remained still and eerily silent. It took another minute for Allahandra to steady herself, then she began saying “Before I explain…” There were three loud raps on the door. Allahandra sighed at the interruption then exclaimed “Who’s there?”

  Behind the door a voice announced with calm clarity “It is I, Allahandra. Your meals are here.”

  “Please, come in, Mistress!”

  The double doors opened and the older woman entered the room, carrying a single covered tray. It had a wide circular base and a domed covering. It fit just over the palm of her hand. Behind her, the two young ladies from earlier followed silently. One of the girls held six circular trays under her arms and they were empty. The other girl carried a small basket of polished silver utensils. They proceeded to walk around the table and walked around Rakkian’s side.

  “I hope things are going well.” The mistress said while eyeing Rakkian’s items that sat before him. She stopped by Rakkian and the little girls proceeded to give each person at the round table a tray along with a fork and knife. “Before I give you your meal little Rakkian, I’d like to know what you’ve been sentenced for. Tell me.”

  “Absolutely nothing, Marge” He stated evenly, looking up to her. “I was given a second chance and I’ll not try it again.”

  “You do that.” she then looked at each of them. “I hope you are hungry.”

  She walked between Rakkian and Allahandra and sat her covered tray on the table and pushed it as far away as she could, towards the center of the table. The Pack wondered what she was doing and Alex was the first to realize that the covered dish was an item. She grabbed the handle on the top and lifted. As she lifted the tray’s dome, the bottom plate began expanding across the table, into almost impossible proportions. And on the growing plate was expanding and growing food. Not only had the plate shrunk, so was all of t
he food, but now it grew back to its original size. It was difficult to believe how useful the mistress’s item was for carrying a large amount of food, or anything else it was capable of. On the dish was a fully cooked buck, five thick slices of beef, six large buttered biscuits, a bowl of berries and other chopped fruits, a large bowl of water and five mugs of mead in crystal glasses.

  Mistress Marge looked at Alex expectantly. “Young man, please ask Shade to give me a hand. I am not strong enough to carry his meal.”

  He explained it to Shade and he grinned. “Gladly,” When he got off his haunches Alex stood up as well. The remaining woodchips on his lap fell to the floor with a raining sound. The mistress eyed the boy more suspiciously.

  Allahandra said she would have someone clean it up and repair the damage he caused. Her tone was like she knew something like this might have happened.

  The headless and fully cooked deer was on its own platter so Alex dragged the mass towards the edge and lifted it up off the counter to set the platter on the marble flooring. Marge took the large water bowl and sat it beside the venison.

  Shade then had Alex translate his gratitude before he tore into the meat with mildly subdued vigor. Alex was told to sit back down as Shade consumed the flank of his meal. Then, with the girls help, the mistress brought each of their meals to the waiting guests.

  Once everyone gave their gratitude to the head mistress, she shrunk her item and silently left the room with a smile on her lips.

  They all then ate in silence, but it wasn’t eerie. The silence was broken as Shade began crunching the bones of his meal, in his powerful jaws. They were famished so silence continued its reign until they each finished their meal. The food was the best any of them ever had, and before any of them knew it, their plates and drinks were barren. Shade came back to where he sat before, by the queen’s side, and began licking his paws clean. He was enjoying the taste that still clung to his paws and teeth. They all smiled at him.

  Alex collected everyone’s tray and other things and stacked it over on the end of the table, closest to the double doors.

  Once he sat down again Allahandra cleared her throat and wiped the corners of her mouth with a napkin. Then she calmly looked him in the eye.

  “You asked about the correlation between my parents and a Furion. You are correct about there being a connection and it is indeed a painful memory. None, but Mistress Marge, know of this exact story in its entirety. It involves the untimely demise of my parents about seventeen years ago when I turned sixteen years of age.

  “My father was a wise and powerful man and my mother was the very essence of beauty and compassion. Together they ruled this land with a soft guiding hand. Another land had sought to destroy us and they could have if they so wished, but my parents had decided to negotiate a truce with the leader of the powerful land. They had come up with a peaceful bargain to save many lives with but a single condition. I would be wed to him.

  “I had loved my people and didn’t want any to be hurt in a senseless war so I decided to be betrothed. My betrothed was to a Furion.” She then looked away from him for some reason as her bottom lip quivered. “He was a handsome man and I was instantly mesmerized by him like any young love-struck girl my age, but I was blind to the teeth he barred behind such a pleasant facade. It was to be a private wedding between our families as it was only my parents, myself and my betrothed. The overseer of our union was from his land. And just as our wedding started, his teeth were finally revealed to me. They wanted only to fight and control everything that there could be. By then it was too late.

  “Before I had time to blink he had grabbed both of my parents by the throats and lifted them into the air like they were nothing but newborn babes. He flicked his thumbs effortlessly and snapped their necks like a dry twig. For the first time in my life I felt loss, fear and it soon became replaced with anger and a need for justice.” She wiped a tear that escaped from her cheek. “He allowed me to leave unharmed and he told me to make him a challenge he wouldn’t forget and I did. I found the rebel group Freelan and offered them my complete support. The group had been fighting for years and now they had my home to call their own. We soon began to protect each other as a family. Soon the leaders of Freelan chose me as their leader and I accepted the burden. I think of everyone in this great land as my family. As such I’d do anything to keep them safe, but times are difficult.”

  Allahandra finally looked back at him and rested her hands on her lap. “The Furion I was to be wedded to was none other than King Runkamon himself. It was two years before he fully seized control of all of Ra’van, but by then his power was solidified and he’s only gotten stronger since.”

  Alex’s heart seemed to cease as did everything inside him. Everyone was completely silent at the sound of this unforeseen and terrifying news. His throat clamped shut and Shade wondered why his translation was cut short. King Runkamon is also a Furion. He is like me, but what is the connection. He was the ruler I was wanting to help usurp, so the lands could be free of tyranny. Alex’s thoughts grew like wildfire. He’s always wondered how Runkamon could rule like he has, but this was entirely unexpected. Alex wondered what kind of item he was born with to take control over all lands, but couldn’t ponder that he was also itemless. Alex has seen what he can do personally, but couldn’t imagine what Runkamon was capable of if he could dominate over anyone who dared defy him and his ridiculous law.

  What was worse is that Alex knew they were somehow related. If Runkamon was truly a Furion and the traits were passed along by blood, but then he could be Alex’s cousin, brother or worse… Somehow he managed to swallow a growing lump in his throat and his heart seemed to stop beating. “You think he’s …my…father don’t you…?”

  He didn’t mean to say it aloud, but it came out of its own accord. He felt instantly sick to his stomach from this realization, and revelation, his meal felt like it was coming back up, but somehow he kept it from escaping. His heart starting beating sporadically, but it strengthened him somewhat. His head started feeling light and bumps rose all over his body, despite the heat rolling off of him he felt cold, inside and out. I had to get away from all of this. I needed time alone to think about this, he contemplated. And Alex felt his other state surge again.

  It was impossible to look at a single person in the room as he made a decision and jumped from his chair and ran to the doors, harnessing the feeling that pounded in his body again. He opened one door and told the guards to relax before he blurred away down the hall, not that they had a chance to stop him. He descended down the spiral staircase, like a speeding ghost, and there were people on the stairs, but by the time they glanced, he was already gone.

  Alex made it to the hall and sprinted to the front of the castle.

  Once outside he slowed himself while descending the steps. He moved over to the edge of the stairs and sat alone on the lowest step. Placing his face in his hands, he tried to stop the violent spasms. This time the shakes weren’t only from struggling with his body’s sudden crash. It was also fear that knowing he was related to a man who destroys lives for fun and pleasure. It sickened him to know they had some bond of relation. Would he turn out like that tyrant as well? He felt that people entering and exiting the castle were looking at him, trembling like a frightened child who’d lost his parents in a large crowd. It didn’t concern him at the moment as what he thought of himself mattered more. How could he look at anyone again after hearing this recent turn of events? How could anyone ever be with me? How would I ever be able to face…?

  “Alex?” A soft and deep voice rumbled behind him. “Look at me, big brother.” Shade said compassionately.

  A large and wet nose pushed against his shaking head with the gentlest nudge. Alex managed to finally take his head out of his hands to look up at his younger sibling. His large golden eyes were soft and compassionate against his dimly glistening black fur. The sunlight was just beginning to fall for the coming night so Shade’s features were striking.


  He moved down the steps to stand directly in front of Alex, consuming his vision to focus only on him. Shade then sat on his haunches and looked down upon him. A soothing rumble emanated from his chest and seemed to bathe Alex in comfort. His tone was soft and comforting. “I made sure the others would stay up there while I came down to check on you. They all tried following after you, but I wouldn’t let them even try. I didn’t know what was said at the end, but I can guess that it wasn’t all that great if you left us in the way you did. Tell me what happened and why you look so…lifeless and defeated, big brother.”

  Shade waited patiently as he summoned up the courage to explain. Alex began telling him the end of Allahandra’s story, about the king. His eyes narrowed as Alex began explaining his reasoning for his bursting exit. He could tell Shade didn’t like this news, but remained patient and didn’t speak until he heard it all.

  Finally Shade said “Who cares if he is your parent?” Shade brought Alex up short for an answer. “Come on, the only thing you could get from him would be your body. You have more of your uncle in you than anyone I know. Unlike the king, you strive to save life and see it set free, like all living creatures do. That is the only distinction I need to see and respect. Your mind and your deeds are your own and if anyone tells you different; I’ll eat them.” He grinned menacingly, but it shattered all of the tension Alex’s body accumulated and replaced it with laughter. Shade couldn’t look dangerous right now if he tried, and he was.

  The elder sibling stood up and wrapped his still shaking arms around his brother’s neck. Shade leaned in and it was exactly what they both needed. He was the one person who always kept my back. He was my brother and family watch out for each other.

  Once Alex pulled away, after the tremors ceased, he patted Shade’s thick shoulders in appreciation. “They are probably still worried about us. We should go back up and finish up what we need to.” Shade agreed.

  Together they made it up to the top floor, and the worry that clutched Alex’s heart had slowly subsided during their ascent. He actually felt clearer minded after all was said. The guards were confused to see them again, but they didn’t stop them or speak this time. Opening the double doors, everyone was waiting close to the front of the table. Rakkian had attired his items again and stood at attention beside the queen. Marlin and Lily still looked worriedly at Alex.

  They were quiet as Alex raised his hand to let him be the first to speak. For the rudeness and departure he bowed to the queen. “I beg your forgiveness, your majesty. I needed some time alone and the outside air helped.”

  “The problems lay’s with me, ya. I didn’t foresee how quickly you would piece the information together.” Allahandra admitted. “I had misread the situation and forgotten how intelligent a Furion is at linking together the simplest of clues. Please may we continue? There is still more that you must hear.”

  Alex raised himself up after translating for his partner. Once Shade entered, the doors shut behind him again. Alex then walked back to his chair from earlier, in silent shame. He noticed that the woodchips below his seat had already been removed and the splintered table had been shaped and smoothed. His Xeal staff remained where he left it.

  Before the queen sat in her throne again, there was a strange sensation on Alex’s thigh. Looking down, Lily was gently rubbing his leg in a comforting way. Her hand was no longer red from touching his fire hot shoulder during one of his intense episodes. This was the first time she had honestly tried comforting him. He looked into her smile and then she realized what she was doing and jerked her hand back. She didn’t realize what she as doing until he gave her a moment to think. Alex wanted her to put it back, but shame still filled his thoughts.

  “Alex,” Allahandra started and brought his attention back to her. For some reason her item case was on the table now. Rakkian was also sitting closer to the queen. He was sitting directly to her right. “I do not know if your father is Runkamon or not, but there is a high possibility that he is. Now when Freelan intergraded with my own military forces two years ago we became a strong force against Ra’van. Now it is time to explain about the other Furion I’ve met.

  “It was about ten years ago, when he appeared here in my castle. Somehow he easily bypassed my best sentries and most powerful guards, without raising a single alarm or harming anyone. I was in my room for the night when he appeared like an apparition. I couldn’t even get a good look at him because of the darkness, but he spoke kindly. You are the very first person I’ve ever told this too. After he explained that he was a comrade and not a threat, did he enlighten me. ‘Should any Furion ever come here seeking to overthrow Runkamon, you must send for me. I shall be training until the day I am summoned to see the new Furion personally. When you need to summon me, use this. It will contact one of my servants.’ He then gave me this and explained how to activate it.” She stood and opened her case on the table for each of them to see. Behind her ornate dagger, in her item case, she pulled out a circular mirror from a special sleeve hidden inside. She held it easily in her palm and it made a slight reflection on the roof. It didn’t look too special until Alex realized it was an item.

  She held it out for all to see as she sat down again. “Alex, with your arrival I can finally get to use this after all these years. I would really like to know what this other secretive Furion has been up to for the past decade. With your permission, I would like to try and understand the situation.”

  Shade nodded once Alex finished translating as did Marlin and Lily. They all hoped whoever he was would be a force for good, rather than like the king.

  “You have my permission, Allahandra.”

  They were each intently watching her every move as she began tracing around the edge of the mirror with the tip of her index finger. Then she began making a circling spiral towards the center of the item. She held her finger in the center for a moment and then pulled the finger back. Suddenly the mirror began to instantly vibrate in the palm of her hand. Then just as quickly as it started, it became lifeless. There was nothing to be seen except ones reflection.

  Was that all? Is this some twisted joke?

  Then the mirror exploded into a fine dust. Allahandra jumped back in surprise, like the rest of them did. There remained a fine powder in her hand so she tossed it onto the table. Then the queen began talking to herself. “What is going on here? I was never told that something like this would happen… Why would an item just disintegrate like this? It’s unheard of, even from explosive items…”

  They needn’t wait much longer for the answer to the disintegration. The mirror dust began swirling and coming together again, but it wasn’t returning to its original state. Watching with much silent amazement all witnessed the item’s power. First feet were formed from the mirror dust and then legs, torso, arms and then a head appeared. Before their eyes stood a miniature man of perfect human proportions, made from the dust of the former mirror item. He stood only four inches high but there was remarkable detail to the figure. The image was that of an older gentleman wearing expensively tailored clothing. Then the figure’s head turned and seemed to be looking right at them. The item was animated, alive. Then the head stopped upon Allahandra.

  “Who are you and how did you get a hold of my item, let alone know how to activate it?” The little man’s voice seemed to rumble in the room.

  The queen sat erect as a sign of good etiquette. “My name is Queen Allahandra of Alluan and you are inside my castle. I was given the mirror from a man who called himself Master. He taught me how to use it once I found a certain person. I have recently met him. His name is Alex and he is a Furion.” The small face looked doubtful at best. “This Master said to contact him when or if another Furion should ever reveal himself.”

  “Who is this Furion then?” The man gruffly asked.

  “I guess that it would be me.” The figures head jerked to the sound of Alex’s voice, but then he gasped. Suddenly he composed himself again.

  “What kind of p
roof do you have to your claim?” It still used the same tone.

  Alex turned to his right and looked up. “Shade, raise your right paw on the table and bark at the tiny man.”

  Shade eyed the figure and grinned. He lifted his paw up and then barked and Shade began barking another laugh in glee.

  The man’s eyes seemed to widen, but it was difficult to tell because of the small figure. He then began scratching his jaw while studying the two of them. “Well I’ll be… Aye… you are indeed an actual Furion. Please excuse me I must deliver the glorious news to my lord. We have waited so long…”

  Then the figure crumpled into a pile of dust, but just before he was hopeful.

  Each person glanced at each other without saying a word. Everyone was trying to process just what was happening. They didn’t have any way to proceed because at this point they were all completely blind. They didn’t know what was happening behind the curtain.

  Five minutes later the dust swirled into the man once again. His tone seemed lighter and more expecting. He then bowed to the queen and then for some reason he bowed even more deeply to Alex. “Please forgive my skepticism Lady Allahandra and Lord Alex. My name is Janken. I wasn’t informed of my lord’s plans until now. He had explained that if I was captured sometime throughout these past years that I couldn’t inform anyone of his grandest of plans. My lord is excited about meeting a new prospect and he is preparing for his departure this very moment. He wanted me to inform you, Lord Alex, that he will personally be there within the month. He has asked me and to plead if it is required that you will stay inside Alluan’s boarders for your own protection. Now if you don’t have further need of me I have other orders that need attending immediately.”

  “Thank you, Janken.” Allahandra said.

  Suddenly the fragments began flying of their own accord, without any wind drafts in the still room, and drifted towards the roof and they watched as the dust completely disappeared.

  Wait a month? But what would we do meanwhile? Who was this mysterious lord, Janken spoke of and what glorious plans were in the works? What was happening behind the scenes that wanted to see Alex so seriously? Why did this lord want to see him so badly that he would drop whatever he was doing to come see Alex so vehemently? Could this lord also be a Furion like himself? Could they be related too?

  “That was interesting.” Marlin mentioned with mirth.

  “Now that everything is in order I have my own arrangements to make.” Allahandra stated while standing. She left her case open on the table as she turned to look at Alex especially. “Oh, Alex? I have a request to make if you would but consider it.” Her sudden change in tone piqued his curiosity. He gestured for her to elaborate on what she had on her mind. Whatever it was she became serious. “I know you wished to join Freelan, but you are no common soldier. I saw earlier that you have a strong sense for justice and feel protective of those who are close to you. Those qualities are what we need to succeed in this difficult venture. Instead of placing you within the common ranks of the military, I have a proposition.” During this whole speech Alex translated for Shade, quietly . “Swear fealty to me as your liege lord, and in return for being my vassal, you will not have to defer to a higher authority other than my own. You will keep your autonomy and be able to do as you wish, but respect me if I give you an order. I would also place you by my side as one of my advisors in time of crisis. Being a Furion, a different mind would be invaluable to my considerations and plans. And as a special consideration, I would even grant you freedom to form a small, but special, group of members from Freelan who volunteer to follow you as their leader. In that sense they will have you to guide them in however you deem necessary.” Then she said “But if you do swear fealty, your accomplishment will reflect on me just as surely as your failures. If you don’t wish to become my vassal then you’ll be treated like all others and be ordered by the higher officers to do as they wished with you.” She clasped her hands together in a waiting response.

  Why would she wish thing so grand of him to offer so much so easily with only speaking this one day; he knew not, but she was staking her reputation on this. She wanted Alex to remain by her side for reasons that were hers alone, but he wouldn’t make this decision lightly.

  Looking for other opinions he looked to his left and Marlin was grinning like a proud fool. He said to his friend “Alex, do it. If you do than our merry little pack can stay together. The other captains and generals wouldn’t be able to separate us if we take the queen up on her offer.”

  Lily simply nodded, her penetrating amethyst irises focused upon him.

  Then Shade gained his sibling’s attention. As he spoke he looked only at Allahandra, calmly standing. “Alex, she is afraid of us… She doesn’t want the military commanders to get a hold of any of us because we are too strong willed. If we didn’t obey their orders we would be made examples, but that would hurt her standing among the people. If we were under her we’d only have to speak to her and decide upon a solution that would work. We wouldn’t need to worry about blindingly following orders. And if you become her vassal and she orders you to do something that will be kin to suicide I’ll steal you away and your bond to her will remain intact. She wouldn’t be able to punish you for something you had no control over and none may control me, save you.” Then he turned his head and looked Alex straight in the eye. “It is your choice, but it would be beneficial to only have her issuing orders than getting orders like we were only common foot soldiers.”

  Everyone had a solid point and the choice was clear.

  Standing up and grabbing his staff, Alex walked around Shade and directly up to the queen. Though she was slender and her green and gold dress simple, she didn’t shy away from him. Her dark eyes studied him and in them he saw a strong and cunning warrior. Though she was a healer, she wasn’t afraid to fight to the death if the need arose.

  With her gaze following his movement, Alex knelt on one knee before her, planting the butt of the staff between them. Speaking clearly he gave a solemn vow. “Queen Allahandra, I Alex son of none, Fang slayer and Furion humbly pledge my fealty to you. Please use me as you will and may my skills be of service.” He then bowed his head respectfully.

  Looking at the marble flooring his hearing registered the sound of a blade being drawn. Looking up, Allahandra had already reached into her case and held her non-item dagger. She was drawing the polished blade from its ornate sheathe as a deadly growl reverberated from behind him, the queen stopped mid-draw. Without looking, Alex told Shade it was alright. Reminding him of the books he’s read, he ceased growling knowing what she was doing was simply finalizing the oath. Giving the queen the gesture to continue, she pulled the blade from its home. Touching each shoulder with the tip of the dagger she withdrew and said “Rise my vassal.” Alex did and towered over her again. “Now that our vow is sealed you may do as you wish.”

  She then pulled her case close, replaced the ceremonial and protective blade inside, closed it and brought it firmly in her right hand she looked at her highest ranking general. “Rakkian, I would like for you to call the other generals and commanders to the hall to explain the little change. I will leave it up to you how to decide what to tell them, but do not mention the seriousness of certain topics you’ve heard in this counsel today. Many know Runkamon killed my parents, but if they found out Alex might be his son they might do something regretful.”

  “Ma’am!” He threw a fist to his heart and began turning around.

  After Rakkian left the room Allahandra turned to look at The Pack, Lily informed her that was what Shade has dubbed for the group’s name again. “Your rooms have already been prepared for your stay. Please rest until the morning. We have had an overly dramatic day. Meet me here in the morning and we can discuss what to do for your stay. All of the accommodations of my castle are at your disposal. Rest well.” She turned and quickly walked through the double doors.

  What Alex has just accomplished was truly a stroke of pure luck.
He kept a large semblance of his freedom, his friends by his side and even gained the queen’s favor. Marlin was excited while Lily appeared silently pleased. Shade was grateful for the events as well, despite how strained the morning started.

  Once they all stood and placed the chairs back properly around the large table Alex grasped the Xeal staff and turned around to see Marlin and Lily staring intently at him. It was now time to apologize for his actions earlier had put them through. Though they could remain together from now on and not be separated by orders, they needed to speak for themselves. Alex smiled, but they could easily see it was false and strained. He lightened the tone of his voice, but it didn’t ease the tightness in his chest. “So what did I miss after my little parental epiphany? Anything fun happen?”

  Marlin brightened and a playful side kicked in. “Of course, after you ran away like a simpering little girl, the…” the wind was suddenly knocked out of his lungs. Lily struck his gut with deadly accuracy, using her elbow. Alex smiled tightly. She smiled, but only weakly. “What fish-boy here is trying to say is after Shade forced us to stay put, a cleaning crew fixed the table and prepared the guest rooms for our stay. Plus, they also brought in our things from the barracks. Here let me show you.”

  Lily grasped his large hand and drew him towards the opposite back door that she came out of after her bath. Their touch was electric again. She released his hand as she opened the thick wooden door. For a moment Alex saw her blush for some reason, like she felt it too. The room opened into a deep hallway.

  The hallway was long and wide enough for each of them to walk shoulder to shoulder. There were mirrors that lit the tunnel and also held what looked like oil lamps on shelves, but it was still light enough to show the way so the wicks remained unlit. Off to the left side were large doors that were for important guests and emissaries. Ten rooms lined the left wall, but none remained in the right. Down the hall the corridor turned right. Another solitary guard was standing in the corner’s shadow. If not for his keen night vision, the guard would have remained unseen. He asked what that was about and Lily said that the Queen’s room is down there and no one, but she is allowed down that hall, without her accompanying the person. Any who try will have to get past multiple guards that even she couldn’t see in the shadows.

  At the fifth door Lily stopped and announced “Alex, this is yours and Shade’s room. I’ve got the next room down and Marlin is beside me.” She smiled in a very girly way. It was the first time he’s ever seen her show such an expression. She must have liked what she saw, but he loved seeing what he did.

  He forced himself to look to the new door to his room. It was twice as tall and wide as the door to enter the hallway. He opened it and could see why Lily was acting this way.

  This single room was four times the size of his old home. It was more of a small hall than a person’s bedroom. The floor was still made of white marble and the walls were painted a light green, calming color. There was a large clear window on the wall behind the bed, along with four oil lamps on each corner of the squared room. To the back wall was an enormous four-poster bed that reached half the height of the room. The bed was raised off the ground to reach a person’s kneecaps. There was a green cover on the bed as well as six pillows. Because of the beds enormous size, there could be four of Shade and still be enough room for Alex to sleep in absolute comfort. On the right wall was a large recess filled with still clear water, more than large enough for Shade to immerse himself completely. Around the edge was a small cabinet probably filled with bathing supplies. Off to the left wall was a large cedar closet and also right, beside the pool of water was a desk and beside it hung a full length mirror on the wall.

  Shade pushed Alex over so he could peek inside for himself. Suddenly his tone became excited. “I’m calling the right side, mine!”

  Suddenly the enormous and hyperactive sibling easily jumped over Alex’s head with grace and agility to land inside the room remarkably silent. He trotted to the bed, smelled it and then easily walked on it. He carefully walked on the green sheeted bed so as his sharp claws didn’t shred the fabric and a very comfortable spot was soon found. He made a half circle and laid down. A dramatic moan, deep in his chest rumbled, as he lay on his side while using two pillows to comfort his head. “Oh…Alex this fells sooo…gooooood…” He stretched out his long legs while straining his paws and then he finally let them drop onto the bed. “I’ve never felt such nice bedding in a den before.”

  Alex laughed as did Lily and Marlin.

  “Listen, we’ve all had a long day. I will see you both in the morning.”

  Lily looked at Alex compassionately and Marlin responded with “We understand. You have much to think about, but at least you have found out why you have been born the way you were and we get to remain together.” He looked up and said in awe “Wow I know a Furion, but what in the world does it mean being one?” He then came back to reality. “Oh sorry, Good night, Alex,”

  If Marlin thought he was confused, try being one.

  They said their farewells and Alex closed the door to their room. Using a piece of flint and steel he lit one of the oil lamps before retiring.

  Once Shade and Alex were alone he walked over to check out the closet. Inside the closet hung a wide array tunics and pants of a multitude of colors and which were all of his size. On the floor of the closet were several styles of shoes, but he’d never wear them. Alex then saw his deer-skin leather pack hanging on a hook on the closet door.

  Deciding that a change would be good for now he changed into a new dark green and black tunic with sleeves that reached only to his biceps. It wasn’t tight, but it clung to his chest. The pants were a dark brown and were very comfortable, plus they didn’t hinder his range of motion. He stuffed the rest of his old clothes inside his bag.

  Alex’s body was remarkably tired and weary from all that had been explained. He sat the staff on the floor at the side of the bed and lifted the sheets. He realized, despite Shade’s playful antics a few minutes ago he was also tired. He lay dead to the world with his deep breathing.

  Shade was also right. The bed was the best Alex ever laid on in his life too.

  Being so drained Alex went so sleep not long after. He was thankful that he didn’t dream. It was just a blank and empty darkness. His mind and body finally could recuperate without nightmares about the king being his father.

  A strange noise in the middle of the night brought Alex out of a deep sleep. Shade was snoring and growling every now and then, but the strange noise wasn’t from him. It sounded again and he sat up. Alex slowly recognized the sound to be a soft rasp on the door to his room.

  His sigh couldn’t be stopped as he slid out of the bed. Silently he crossed the distance and walked to the door. He cracked the door and asked silently so as to be courteous to his brother “Who is it?”

  “I’m sorry, Alex, but I cannot sleep. Can we talk for a few minutes? I’m so sorry for waking you.”

  His head was still foggy, but it was Lily’s voice. She sounded too awake and concerned about something. He opened the door wider and said “Come on in. Let me just turn up the lighting for you.”

  He turned and walked to the still lit lamp without glancing at her. There was a stick and he used the flame to light the end of it. He walked to each corner of the room and lit each wick. The room filled with a soft orange light that made subtle flickers. He blew out the stick and sat it beside the last lamp. When he turned around his mind went absolutely blank.

  Lily stood in the middle of the room wearing a dress. He had never seen her wear something so feminine before. The dress was made of a silver silk which shimmered brilliantly in the lamp light. It hung from two straps on her shoulders and the dress itself was more like a sheath. It seemed to contour to every bend and curve her voluptuous and solid body had to offer. She looked like the moon goddess rather than a cunning warrior. Lily was beautiful and all he could do was stare at the raw magnificence before him. White hair compliment
ed the sensual dress, and her eyes were looking at the ground. Her arms hung uneasily at her side as she just stood there, waiting for something. A small shimmer of her item reflected the candlelight as it moved at the V of her cleavage.

  “Aren’t you going to say anything?”

  “Beautiful.” The word escaped his lips even before he could think again.

  Her face went crimson, even in this dim lighting. Alex wondered how easily she could see him though. She then cleared her throat and looked at his face in a searching method. He knew she couldn’t see nearly as clearly. “Enough of that for now, I needed to talk with you. May I sit on the bed?”

  He sat first and decided to pat a spot beside him. She sat where he patted, uneasily. She locked her hands together and rested them on her lap. Lily then went completely silent as she burned a hole in the wall with her eyes. He just sat there and watched her, unsure of what to do or where to begin.

  “Why do I have such a beautiful guest tonight?”

  She finally sighed and spooked when Shade growled in his sleep. Alex smiled knowing he was chasing something. Wait until she hears when he catches something in his sleep. She would usually laugh if she saw Shade jerking in his sleep. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have bothered you.”

  She tried standing, but Alex placed a hand on her exposed shoulder. There wasn’t anything to be said about the suppressive gesture.

  “If you want to know, I wondered what you think about after hearing what was done to me as a girl. Do I disgust you or do you pity me?” She finally started getting to the point of the matter.

  “Neither.” He said in complete honesty. Once Lily recognized his word she turned to look for an answer in his expression and all she saw was an honest smile. “I see you as I always have. Strong and proud, but most of all you’re beautiful.” He didn’t know why he was expressing himself so suddenly, but things just felt right. “The only one I pity is the master who did those terrible things to you. I just wish you could have been spared that torture and been shown what it was like to have made love the true way. The way it was meant to be.”

  She looked at her shoulder and he forgot to let go. When he did she quickly caught his hand with hers. She had actually wanted to hold his hand, but he didn’t know in what way so he just let her hold it. He could barely feel the subtle warmth of her calloused hands and she could feel his.

  There was silence between them and the only sound was from Shade’s heavy breathing. Nothing short of an explosion could wake him right now.

  “Tell me something,” She looked at his face with calm purple eyes, once he had broken the silence, but she continued holding his hand. “Back on Kallel’s Farm when I was working shirtless.” He said to bring the past memory they shared forth for her. “You said that I reminded you of someone. Could it be that I look like Runkamon?”

  It was difficult to ask such a question, but the thought had been triggered during his sleep and it needed to be asked. What felt odd was that his body didn’t react, and he realized that Lily was keeping him grounded. Just her simple touch kept him calm and sure. It was a growing bond that they shared from their contact with each other and having her near was keeping him from falling apart at the moment. If she wasn’t holding his hand, who knows what would happen.

  She listened to his question and he saw recognition hit her eyes. It was almost too easy to look away from her eyes right then. He sighed himself and felt his jaw muscles straining to keep a scream from ripping through him.

  “Alex, like you said. You are who you are. I won’t deny that there are some similarities in your build, but he is cold and heartless. You on the other hand are warm and compassionate. Normally you feel slightly feverish, like you’re feeling at the moment, but earlier I couldn’t touch you before my hand felt like it was ablaze.” She startled him as she took their joined hands and brushed his knuckles against her soft cheek. “Just a simple thing as your warmth lets me know that there is more to life than pain, suffering and endless fighting. You have shown me that in so many different ways and I want others who were like my old self to understand such simple yet satisfying pleasures. It’s the small things that I enjoy now, not the blood and conquest anymore.”

  She then released their hands and stood up. Alex watched as her dress shimmered behind her. She turned and their eyes met again. Her eyes meant every word. “I am sorry for waking you, but I’m glad we spoke like this. Now I think that we can both move on from our haunting pasts. I’ve come and got what I needed off my chest. I will see you in the morning.”

  Without another word she turned, left the room and shut the door behind herself. Things then became too quiet.

  As he turned his head Shade’s large golden eyes were staring directly at him. He had been listening without understanding their words, but wasn’t ignorant enough on how to read the atmosphere between Lily and Alex. What Alex did not want to know was how long he’s been spying on them. “How many times do I have to spill it out for you? If you are going to be mates with Lily, you need to do more than just simply touch with your paws.”

  “If we ever do become mates, you will not be around to see us in the act.” He shot back, but then added “I cannot even honesty tell if we will. She is difficult to understand, but I want her to be happy. If she finds someone other than me I’ll be jealous of the guy, but I will be happy for her.”

  “You mean that don’t you.” He said as an astounded statement. “I can understand why you say that, but don’t give up. You need to find a mate too.”

  “What about you? When will you find yourself a she-wolf?”

  He took the question as a joke and a rumbling sound began in his chest. “I’ll wait until a female finds this supreme Alpha.” He grinned at Alex after emphasizing himself, placing a paw over his chest. “We will most likely have a long day, in a few hours, so we should get some more sleep. Goodnight, Alex.”

  He then dropped the side of his head back on the pillows while making sure to not destroy them with his sabers. Alex joined his sleeping rhythm soon after.