CatFantastic

  Quite all right, Cat said. I don't care to hear it twice. You'd best find yourself a good hiding place to rest. You look terrible. I'll go up now. Follow when you can.

  Cat stalked off, grumbling to himself. He did not even know if she found the track or saw the leaf-ear. She could have told him that much. He avoided the feet of people coming down the stairs as he made his way up. People tended to become very angry when they clumsily stepped on an innocent cat moving on the stairs.

  Outside the tower room, Cat waited until the mistress was no longer there before he nosed open the door.

  White Cat was sitting on the work table, lapping at a bowl of mush. As Cat leaped onto the table, she moved over and indicated he was to share with her. She sat back and washed while he finished the bowl. It was better than he usually had, cream had been added and something to sweeten it. White Cat waited patiently until he finished eating and had time to groom himself.

  Did the hound return? she asked.

  She did, muddy and covered with burrs. She must have gone a long way because she was too tired to climb the stairs.

  Did she find the beast?

  She did not want to tell it twice, Cat said primly.

  White Cat licked her paw and washed her ears. She could have told you something. Unfeeling. Just like a dog.

  I suppose she can't help that. Did the woman tell you anything about her vision? Cat asked.

  Nothing useful. She did seem frightened by the red crystal. White Cat sniffed the white leather bag. I didn't see anything unusual about it other than the color.

  Do you ever see the visions?

  I don't think so. Not the same thing she sees.

  Cat looked at the white leather bag. He wished he could see the red crystal for himself; it had made such frightening flashes of red light in the firelight. Perhaps it was wise to leave it covered.

  They heard the slow click of toenails on the stairs and Yellow Eyes slipped into the room. She looked better. The mud had dried and had been shaken off. Some of the burrs had been picked from her coat and there was a slight bulge in her lean belly which told Cat she had found something to eat.

  Both cats jumped down from the table and made themselves comfortable on a braided rug facing Yellow Eyes.

  Well? Cat said again.

  Did you find the leaf-ear? White Cat asked.

  Yellow Eyes stretched out on her belly, paws before her neatly, facing the cats. It was not easy. I found the track, but the rain had washed away more of the scent than I thought it would. She licked her paws alternately. The leaf-ear makes one step to my ten. I followed up the mountain and down into the next valley. In a small swale with a heavy canopy of trees, I saw a faint light, a fire. When I crept close, I saw a master and the beast. Strange, though. It was a leaf-ear all right. It smelled like a leaf-ear, but it did not quite look like the ones from my home. It is smaller, its horns are shorter, and its ears are smaller. It is friendly with the human and that is unlike the leaf-ears I know.

  White Cat was less interested in descriptions than in facts. Could you communicate with it? Where did it come from? How did it get here? You did ask, didn't you?

  Better. The human called to me and invited me to share their fire. It is the first human I have known to communicate directly with me. Understand me, that is.

  Cat hummed to himself. He remembered one such but did not want to interrupt Yellow Eyes' story so he stayed silent.

  He is from a far eastern country sent here to seek a jewel of great price. It was stolen from his homeland and traded and sold many times before he traced it to this land. He has a green stone which is the companion to the red one which was stolen. The green stone glows when it is near its companion and he showed it to me. It is glowing now in its leather sack.

  A white leather sack? White Cat asked.

  Yellow Eyes looked at her in surprise. How did you know?

  White Cat looked at Cat and closed her eyes. I have my ways, she said.

  Cat looked away to hide his smile.

  Does he think it is in the castle? White Cat asked.

  He asked if I had seen or heard of such a stone. I have not, of course.

  Of course, murmured White Cat.

  When he learns where it is, how will he get it back? Cat asked.

  He did not tell me, but he is weary of searching, and he has strong magic. I think he could take it by magic or, perhaps, he will use the leaf-ear to tear down the gates and come in and get it. It could, you know. Yellow Eyes stretched her eyes to make them rounder and nodded her head wisely. She had seen the leafears in action. She believed it could breach the castle walls easily. Certainly, it could crash the gate.

  Suppose he got it back. What would he do to the who have it now? Cat asked. Would he reward them or punish them?

  He didn't say. He did tell me that he understood my longing to see my homeland again. He feels the same way and would like to go home. I suspect he would take the stone and go.

  How would he go? White Cat asked.

  I don't know how he got here. I suspect magic. I suppose he would go home the same way he came.

  A sensible answer to a needless question, Cat thought. He said, Friend, be not offended. White Cat and I need to discuss something outside your hearing. Rest yourself here until we return. He stood up and nudged White Cat.

  She glared at him, but after an appropriate wait she stood and followed him into a small anteroom where, speaking softly, they could not be heard by the hound.

  The mistress' new crystal is the red jewel the Easterner seeks, is it not? Cat asked.

  I feel sure it is. What will happen if he does not get it back?

  Cat nibbled his back toes and looked thoughtful. There is only one man and one leaf-ear. I tend to think our castle can defend itself. But we have seen powerful magic, you and I. If he works magic against us, there is no way to guess how much harm can befall the castle and all its inhabitants, including us.

  You are becoming most wise, Cat. I agree with you. Perhaps we should return the jewel to this man. First, I would want to be sure it was truly his. How can we know?

  Cat spat out a burr. Yellow Eyes seems sure there is a red jewel. We only suspect this is the same one. I see no way except to go to the Easterner and talk with him. We could carry the jewel with us but hide it before we reach his camp. If we are convinced it is his and he will leave peacefully if he has it, we could give it to him. I think it a small price to pay for peace.

  It isn't your stone, White Cat said. And I am not going outside the castle. The way she emphasized the I, Cat knew she meant it. She had never been outside the castle walls and had no wish to go now.

  What will the Mistress say when her new crystal disappears?

  Explain that to the Easterner. He may offer a solution. Good thinking. Let's tell Yellow Eyes and see what she thinks.

  She thought the journey was too far to make again so soon, the stone was probably not the right one, the master would beat her severely if he found her gone too long, there was less danger from the Easterner than from the master. In all, Cat got the feeling she did not want to go again.

  Would it make a difference if I go with you? Cat said finally, tired of the arguments.

  Yellow Eyes thought for a bit. It would be a good thing to have it settled. I cannot believe there is danger to the castle, but if I am wrong… She left the question open. All right. But not before tonight.

  The two cats agreed that it would be a good idea to go after the evening meal had been served. The master was not as likely to look for his hounds then. They were fortunate he had not left the castle this day.

  Cat remained with White Cat most of the day, leaving only after he had shared the evening meal she was served.

  Yellow Eyes was waiting at the cat door. It's about time.

  Cat, who had hauled the white pouch with its crystal contents down the stairs in his mouth, stepped under a wide table and sat down in its shadow. I got this thing down the stairs, but I cannot carry it
through the forest. It's hard enough for me to travel by myself such long distances. Can you carry it?

  The hound moved under the table with Cat and picked the pouch up in his mouth. It would be awkward. Look. It has long strings on it tied with a knot. Could you pull them up over my head if I can get my nose into the loop?

  Good idea. Here, I can hold the knot up while you get your nose through ones …

  Yellow Eyes worked with Cat until the loop was over her head. Careful. Don't pull my ears off. There. It's a bit tight, but not uncomfortable. I don't think we can get it off though. Is it noticeable?

  Cat agreed that it was, indeed, noticeable. His whiskers flattened against his cheeks and his eyes sparkled. Wait here until you hear a commotion in the great hall. Then slip outside and out of the gate. I will meet you there shortly.

  Yellow Eyes watched Cat swagger toward the great hall with his tail held high. In moments, he heard a dog yelp. A great uproar of dogs barking, chasing, fighting each other sent the kitchen help rushing to the hall to see what caused the ruckus. She slipped out the door as Cat had instructed and made her way through the shadows to the gate and out through the narrow slots at its base.

  Cat arrived a few moments later, out of breath and all of his fur still on end. You know the black male who thinks he is king of the pack? I slashed his tail end and hid under a table. He jumped the nearest dog. They fought all around the hall and the humans were running around and trying to quiet things down. Food spilled. Wine went all over the floor. It was a fine brawl.

  It sounded so. I can't stand that arrogant beast. Come. We'd best be off. It's a long way, but I'll go slowly.

  Quite all right, Cat said. Go at your own pace. I'll keep up.

  After quite a long way at a hard run, Cat had to call out to Yellow Eyes. Ho. You are right. My legs are not as long as yours. Please slow down.

  The hound stopped and allowed Cat to catch up and rest. Sorry. It is a long way.

  Yellow Eyes slowed and allowed Cat to set the pace. It was full dark and the moon was high in the sky when she said, Shush, now. Just beyond this brook is where they were camped last night. Perhaps they have remained there because of the rain. I'll stay back in the shadows with the crystal while you go into the camp. I think he will greet you kindly.

  Does the leaf-ear like cats? Cat asked.

  It did not seem to notice me. I doubt it will notice you either.

  Good! Cat muttered. I'm not sure I want to meet a creature as large as a castle gate.

  They saw the fire as they came up from the bed of the brook and made their way quietly into the brush nearby. They could see the man stirring a pot, which hung over the fire.

  I wish it was a pot of fat field mice, Cat said.

  I EAT NO MEAT. The man had caught Cat's remark, and he looked at the brush where they hid. I WILL SHARE WHAT I HAVE WITH YOU. COME TO ME.

  Cat stepped out into the firelight with his tail held upright in a friendly gesture. He walked over to the man and sat down facing him. How is it you understand me and can speak directly to my mind? Few humans can do that.

  IN MY CULTURE THERE ARE MANY WHO HAVE THE ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE WITH OUR FELLOW CREATURES.

  The man held out a bowl, which he had filled from the pot over the fire. Light curls of steam rose from the stew and its fragrance was inviting.

  Cat smelled it politely and felt his mouth water. Thank you. Let it cool a bit. Where is this miraculous place where humans have some respect for us?

  DO YOU KNOW THE OCEANS?

  What are "oceans?" Are they the great waters my friend the hound crossed to come to this place? Did you come on a "boat?"

  IF YOU DO NOT KNOW THE OCEANS, IT IS HARD TO DESCRIBE WHERE MY COUNTRY IS. DOES IT HELP TO SAY IT IS BEYOND WHERE THE SUN ARISES?

  Cat curled his tail around his front paws. The fire felt very good on his back. That tells me that it lies to the East and is very far away. Can the leaf-ear ride on a boat?

  MY COMPANION AND I CAME SOMETIMES BY BOAT AND SOMETIMES BY MORE MIRACULOUS MEANS. THE DOG TELLS ME THAT THERE IS MUCH MAGIC IN THIS LAND. COULD SHE NOT COME BACK?

  His eyes fixed on the copse of brush where Yellow Eyes lay as he spoke and Cat suspected that he knew she was there. Yes. She led me here. She will come in later. A Wise One has told me to ask you about the jewel you seek.

  I TOLD THE HOUND. IT IS A STONE OF POWER. SISTER TO THIS ONE. He took a white pouch from his pocket exactly like the one Yellow Eyes carried, spilling the green stone into his hand. It began at once to glow as if it had fire within. THEY CAME FROM A TEMPLE, A PLACE OF WORSHIP, IN MY HOMELAND. THE PRIESTS USED THEM TO CONTROL THE WEATHER CONDITIONS THERE. WITHOUT BOTH STONES, THEIR MAGIC IS EMPTY. OUR CROPS DIE FROM LACK OF RAIN. THE PEOPLE GO HUNGRY. I WAS SENT TO SEEK THE LOST STONE AND RETURN IT TO ITS PROPER PLACE. CAN YOU HELP?

  At what cost?

  COST?

  You are not here to punish those who took the stone?

  I HAVE ALREADY DONE THAT. BUT THE STONE HAD BEEN PASSED INTO HANDS INNOCENT OF ITS THEFT. I FOLLOW TO TAKE IT BACK AND RESTORE IT.

  I sense that you do magic.

  YOU ARE PERCEPTIVE.

  Cat lifted his right paw and licked the pads. Of course. Why did you not take the stone by magic?

  IF YOU KNOW MAGIC, YOU KNOW THAT YOU CANNOT USE MAGIC AGAINST A STONE OF POWER WITHOUT DANGER OF LOSING ITS POWER ENTIRELY. I CANNOT RISK THAT. I MUST TAKE THE STONE BY HUMAN MEANS. TRADE, PERHAPS.

  You mean no harm to the castle or its inhabitants?

  NONE.

  I believe you, Cat said. We brought the stone. We have heard that our master traded a horse for it at the fair. Our mistress has much magic. She took the stone out last night and it flashed light like blood around the room. She knows it is a power stone but does not know the use of it yet. She is going to be very angry when she finds it is missing. If we give it to you, we will displease our mistress.

  MAY I SUGGEST A SOLUTION?

  Please do. We would be glad to hear it. Cat called to Yellow Eyes who came out of the brush, tongue hanging, tail wagging. They sat down side by side. The man made no move to take the stone though the pouch hung in plain sight.

  He reached back and pulled a large bag forward, rummaged in its contents and brought out a pouch that looked much like the other two except that it was brocaded in silver. He poured its contents into his hand, another large red stone. This one lay glistening in the reflected firelight, but no flashes of crimson light lashed the area about them.

  THIS STONE HAS POWER OF ITS OWN, BUT IT IS NOT A SISTER STONE TO THE EMERALD. IT IS CUT MUCH LIKE THE OTHER AND WEIGHTS ALMOST AS MUCH. DO YOU THINK SHE WOULD NOTICE THE DIFFERENCE?

  The two animals looked at each other. Cat widened his eyes slightly. Looks the same to me. She has only seen it a couple of times. I think it could pass. How about you? He looked at Yellow Eyes.

  I think so, too. I'm willing to trade. She stood and allowed him to take the pouch from around her neck.

  He patted her kindly. I AM NOT HERE TO PUNISH, BUT I WILL REWARD MOST GENEROUSLY.

  He took the stone from its pouch and the green and red fires from both stones made both Cat and Yellow Eyes lie down and cover their eyes. He put the stones back in pouches, but he put his stone into the brocaded pouch and the stone he was going to give them into the pouch the dog had carried. Before he slipped it back over her neck, he lengthened the strings so she could pull back out of them easily when they arrived home.

  I HOPE THIS WILL BE ALL RIGHT. I WOULD NOT LIKE FOR YOU TO SUFFER ON MY ACCOUNT. HOW MAY I REWARD YOU?

  Cat switched his tail. A cat needs nothing but a good meal every day, a dry place to sleep and a little respect. I have all of these already. You could reward me with a ride back to the castle on your beast. It is a long walk.

  A SIMPLE REQUEST WHICH WILL BE GRANTED. HOUND, WHAT MAY I DO FOR YOU?

  Yellow Eyes looked at Cat sadly. I hate to leave you, Cat. You are a good friend and I think we would have good times together, but
I miss my home. I would like to go home more than any other thing.

  The man smiled. I KNOW THE FEELING. CAT, IF I TAKE BOTH OF YOU ON THE BACK OF MY BEAST AND RIDE YOU TO THE CASTLE, CAN YOU CARRY THE STONE BACK TO WHERE IT BELONGS?

  Of course, Cat said.

  THEN LET US GO. I AM AS ANXIOUS TO BE HOME AS THE HOUND IS. SO IS MY BEAST. REST HERE. EAT. I WILL PACK AND MAKE READY.

  Cat would never forget the journey back through the woods to the castle. Small trees crashed down before them and every once in awhile the great beast lifted her long nose and blew a trumpet call that threatened to shatter his eardrums. They rode in a little house trimmed in fine silks and cushoned in golden brocades. The beast moved in a swaying motion, making Cat dig in his claws to hold his place. The man held Yellow Eyes before him to keep her from falling. Cat was beginning to wish he had not helped the dog finish the bowl of stew the man had given him as they reached the edge of the woods in sight of the castle.

  There is something I would like to ask for, but I don't know if it is possible, Cat said as they stopped within the woods.

  ASK, the man said.

  The master has said the game is gone from our forest. Is there something you could do to bring it back so we do not go hungry?

  I DO NOT EAT MEAT, the man repeated, BUT , IF THAT IS WHAT YOU WISH, IT IS DONE. I HAVE TIED THE POUCH AROUND YOUR NECK. CAN YOU MAKE YOUR WAY FROM HERE?

  Easily, Cat said. He leaped and landed on all four paws. He looked around to say good-bye and saw only the forest. Cat felt a chill go through him and his hair stood on end. He could see plainly the tracks of the leaf-ear, but there was no trace of the beast anywhere. Rat's Eyes, he said to himself, I have never seen magic like that.

  The dawn was beginning to show on the eastern horizon as he slipped through the gate and into the cat door. The kitchen was busy, but on the stairs, few feet stirred. He made his way unseen to the tower room. The door stood partly open as it usually did. The mistress was walking about as she dressed, looking in drawers and under things, muttering to herself.

  "I know I left it on the table. Now, where has it gone?"

  Cat waited until her back was turned before he raced silently for the safety of the bed. White Cat saw him and, when she could, jumped off the bed and came under. Did you do it? Was it his stone? Is he going to harm the castle?