"Touched"

[The Fox Tamer]

Two sisters, with knowledge of a terrible secret, have run away from home. Months ago, their father vanished and then their older brother died suddenly. Their stepfather is hiding something big. For Zafira and Kalin, their only choice is to run and hide. The sisters must face many struggles and stop his plans before everything that they know is destroyed.

Set in medieval times in a small kingdom.

Major Characters

Zafira (older sister)
Kalin (younger sister)

Cedric (Stepfather)

 

[The Fox Tamer]

Zafira burst into the room that she shared with her sister Kalin, shut the door behind her and leaned against it for a moment. She glanced over at her sister's bed and was relieved that she wasn't in the room for the moment. She didn't have time to explain anything and couldn't stay too long. If Cedric ever knew what she had found out, he would no doubt have her mysteriously disappear or killed.

"She must be helping mother with the garden."

She moved over to her bed and gathered any supplies that she would need. Once her bag was packed, Zafira tied her dagger to her waist and left the room for the cooking area. She gathered some food and slipped the parcels into her bag as well. Once she made sure that she had everything, Zafira made her way over to the stable, glancing around to make sure that no one saw her.

Zafira set her bag down by the first stall and opened the door.

"Hey Quinlan." She gently stroked her horse's strong black neck. "I just found out something terrible and I have to get out of here. Cedric is not who he says he is." She moved over to the saddle and lifted it up. Then she placed it on the horse's back and started fastening the straps. She felt Quinlan nudge her and turned to wrap her arms around her head.

"Quinlan, I'm placing my trust in you. I need to you gallop as fast as your legs will carry you. We have to get away."

The Muse of Vixens

 

[The Muse of Vixens]

Kalin was indeed helping mother in the garden. The small girl had been hiding amongst the largest blooms of the great glass gardens for several hours, avoiding the anger of her step father, the lord Cedric. She rather thought he hated her, and the thought made her sad. Hoping the magic of the blooms would help her feel better, Kalin had sought out her mother, and been relegated to one of the farther corners.

She worked transplanting bulbs from one pot to another, her hands methodically working through the soil. When she'd finished her third row, she switched to a different kind of flower, and began planting seeds between the bulbs, knowing the rioting cascade of color would please her mother. She didn't know why she knew, but she knew.

A small bird's whistle caught her attention, and Kalin found herself searching out the culprit. "Flittlewiston..." she murmured, wondering what he was trying to warn her about. When the small but colorful bird whistled again, more insistently she dusted off her hands, wiping them on a work rag she carried in a bucket. Taking her skirts in one hand, Kalin walked as gracefully as she may toward the garden's entrance.

Spotting the open stable door, she lifted her skirts, peeking around to make sure she went unseen, before running to the stables. Hurrying inside, she froze when she saw her sister. Concern clouded her face and her voice nearly broke as she spoke. "What happened?"  

[The Fox Tamer]

Zafira gently stroked Quinlan's neck as she tried to calm the feelings in her stomach. She closed her eye, burying her head deeper into the horse's fur. She was overwhelmed with the weight of the secret she had learned and didn't know what her next move should be. The only thing that she knew was that she had to leave so she could protect her mother and her sister.

Zafira looked up from Quinlan's mane when she heard footsteps in the stable. Initially fearing Cedric, she was visibly relieved to see her younger sister. She slid her arms down to her side and shook her head.

"I can't tell you. I won't risk your life."

Zafira walked over to her bag and picked it up. She brought it over to the saddle and tied it on. Then she walked over to grab the bridle. Once she had Quinlan ready, Zafira knelt down to adjust her boots. Then she adjusted the leather ties of her tunic before turning and walking to her sister. She enveloped Kalin in a hug.

"Forget that you saw me here. He won't hurt you if he doesn't think you know anything. You have to be careful around him. Promise me that." Zafira knew that Kalin would know who she was referring to, since they had spent many a hour talking about their step-father. "I love you."

The Muse of Vixens

 

[The Muse of Vixens]

The Fox Tamer

Kalin shook her head, not understanding why her sister would think it necessary she leave. She took a moment to clear her throat, before walking to the stable door. She peeked around the stable yard and the inner-bailey beyond, making sure they were unnoticed, before she closed the stable door and latched it. Walking to the farthest stall, she dug up a little of the straw that littered the ground, searching for something. Abruptly there was a soft whirring and a click, and the door swung free, revealing a hidden compartment in the wood.

The stable master had taught her the secret to the wooden cog lock so if she ever needed a private place to keep her precious items, they'd be safe for her. Inside though, she'd stashed away clothing and items for a journey, always hoping one day to be able to travel the world, and bring kindness to others. From within the dark compartment she withdrew a large canvas sack, full to bulging with items she thought necessary. Two heavy cloaks, one black wool with a pretty white fleece trim, the other a dark heavy silk and velvet, done in midnight blue and palest sea-foam. She'd spent hours working the material and sewing it. Each were sturdy winter cloaks, meant to weather the elements, and she knew they'd keep it's wearer warm even in the heaviest snows.

On the hood's edge of the heavy wool, done in the finest silver embroidery, she'd stitched the old traveler's blessing and prayer, with her sister's initials. She'd done the same on the other, but with her own. "You can't leave... Not without me. Besides... I've been saving..." she murmured, hoping she'd be able to convince her. Laying the two cloaks carefully to the side, she began pulling out the other items hidden within the compartment. Another canvas sack full of provisions. She'd begun cycling stuff out every week, so that it was always kept fresh, but she always made sure it was food stuffs that would last. Everything was also double and triple wrapped in canvas cloth, so that they could help keep it from spoiling.

There was enough food for a month's worth of travels, if they rationed it carefully, she figured. There were two large water flasks, as well as the two hip flasks she'd filled just that morning. She had her pouches of seeds in her skirts, but she didn't think they'd need those for a while. In another bag, she had two slings, along with stuff for repairing them, a fishing net along with line and hook. Her fingers stroked over the bag of bandages and healing herbs she'd put together. She wondered if she forgot anything. Grabbing everything up into her arms, kicking her heavy skirts out of the way, she drug out one final bag of clothing and other surprises before she kicked the door closed and began sweeping the straw over it with one foot, hiding it once more.

Crossing to the door, Kalin laid the bags across it, before opening it and moving to another stall. Within rested her large white stallion, Wanderer. He stood from where he laid as soon as he saw her through the crack in his door. With a happy whicker he headbutted her shoulder, tossing his head and prancing. With a soft whisper she pulled him close, stroking his muzzle. He'd been small when the old mare had foaled him, no one thinking he'd last the cold winter night. She'd sat over him and watched him, and he'd been hers since. Not for lack of Cedric's grasping clutches. "Why don't you explain from the beginning dear sister? We've little time before we'll have to be on our way..." She was already busily working on saddling and bridling Wanderer, hating the restrictions she put on him.

She'd always ridden bare backed with her free spirited friend, but she had great need of the large saddlebags the stable master had prepared for her long ago. As she worked, she began taking her pile of belongings, glad to know she'd stitched the last of her valuables into the linings of her clothes long ago. Her eyes paused to look down at herself and she shook her head. A fine ladies dress and slippers, even soil streaked as they were from her escapades in the garden, were not proper travel attire, but she wasn't letting her sister leave without her. Her eyes went to the door when she heard a noise, and fear abruptly filled her, along with an elated sense of excitement.

They would escape, and Cedric would be furious. But they'd be free. When at last she was packed, she led Wanderer out of his stall, letting him prance for the pretty mare as he always did, before moving to place her cloak about her shoulders. When the midnight blue enveloped her, hiding her pale green and dark blue gown from sight, she walked shyly to her sister, and held out the cloak she'd made for her. She didn't know how to convince her, but she couldn't be left behind. She just couldn't.  

[The Fox Tamer]

Zafira lowered her arms as her sister moved away and watched her sister as she moved around the stable with curiosity.

'What is she doing?'

When Kalin spoke, her words cut into Zafira's heart. She didn't want Kalin in danger, but she also didn't want to leave her here to be at Cedric's mercy. She walked over to the last stall to see what Kalin was doing. She saw the supplies and muttered to herself.

"You've prepared so much? It's almost as if you were expecting something to happen."

Zafira sighed in defeat "I guess I can't really stop you, can I?."

Zafira watched as Kalin prepared her horse. She walked over to a stool that was in the stable. Sitting down, she let out a breath and said, "You know that I've never trusted Cedric. When Father disappeared, Cedric claimed that he only wanted to take care of his friend's family. Out of everything that Father and I talked about, he never once mentioned that Cedric was ever his friend, so that made me suspicious from the start. I knew that there had to be some other motive that he had.

Then, I think that our brother began to get suspicious of him as well. I think that Aiden found out what Cedric's plan was and Cedric got rid of him before Aiden could figure out what to do.

Then, whenever Cedric would go to the King's city to perform his Knight's duties, I would sometimes have to run errands there for him. I overheard a conversation the other day. I couldn't hear all of it, but it didn't sound good. When I came home yesterday, I decided to do some investigating, but since I got home so late, I waited until this morning. When I went into the room where he keeps most of his things, I found some papers, describing plans. Evil plans."

Zafira fell silent for a moment, wondering if she should tell Kalin anything else. She finally decided to finish.

"Cedric is planning to try and overthrow the king. I don't know how far along his plans are and there is no way that I can prove any of it. That's why I have to leave. Unless I can figure out some way that the king will believe me over one of his knights, Cedric will kill me. Since he returns today, I don't have much more time."

Zafira stood up. She watched Kalin put on the cloak and said,

"Don't put that on just yet. You should go change into something more appropriate."

Looking at the stable door, she said,

"Go to Mother. Tell her that you have decided to go for a ride. That will let you change without raising suspicions. I will wait for you a mile down the road. I won't leave you. I promise. It's not like I really want to do this alone, even if it is the best way."

When Kalin handed her the cloak, she was amazed. It was beautiful. She knew that her sister had worked very hard on it. Fingering the initials, she smiled. She slipped it on.

"Don't let anyone see you leave." She walked over to Kalin's horse and took the saddle off. "Just in case. Anyone would find it strange that you have a saddle on Wanderer for a nice ride. You can put the saddle back on when we meet up. I will go on ahead. Don't tell Mother about any of this. I don't think I could leave her here at his mercy if she knew what was going on."

She lashed the other saddle to Quinlan, praying that it wouldn't be too much for the short distance. She went to the stable door and led him out. Before she mounted, she looked back at her sister.

"Be careful."

The Muse of Vixens

 

[The Muse of Vixens]

The Fox Tamer

Kalin smiled softly, her eyes full of a gentle amusement. Of course she wouldn't let her sister leave her behind. They'd always been there for each other, why would she ever wish for that to change? How could she ever allow it to change. No, she'd be there and help her sister as best she could, and whoever else came around. Her heart was heavy at the thought of leaving their mother, but she was as oblivious to Cedric's cruelty as anyone could be. It had taken Kalin herself a long time to come to terms with it. Her mother would be fine.

"I prepared for an adventure, and I always knew we'd go together. Its just how its supposed to be." she murmured, smiling as she checked the saddles once more, feeling sorry for poor Quin. She nodded assent to her sister's comments before throwing her arms around her in a gentle hug. Putting the cloak beside the stable door, she finally unlatched the wooden doors. Her eyes searched the inner-bailey for any signs of life. There was nothing. The eery quiet gave her a feeling of foreboding.

Picking up her skirts, she kicked up her heels and ran as quickly as she could across the yard. Once inside the castle's great door, she closed it, slowing to a proper lady's pace. Her eyes searched, and spotted servants on about their daily tasks. A couple of Cedric's flea bitten hounds were chasing each other over an old bone. Her trek went unnoticed as she went upstairs. Coming upon the door to her mother's chamber though, Kalin hesitated, worry filling her for a moment. Shaking it away, she put on her brightest smile and knocked on the door.

Stepping inside, she paused to see one of Cedric's men in attendance upon her mother. He was dressed for travel, and looked tired and surly. A forerunner of Cedric's party it seemed. She dropped into a curtsy, her head bowing meekly. When he cleared his throat she stood and turned eyes, bright with concern upon her mother. She was looking pale, but was attired in a fine plain gown of midnight blue. Seeing the color made her want to grab her mothers hand and pull her from her lady's perch, but she would not. She could not. Best she stay oblivious.

"Mother, Wanderer has been kicking the stable boys again. I do believe I've neglected him too long in keeping him in the stables. Cedric won't be able to stud him out anymore if he kills the next mare he's to mount from sheer restlessness. I'm going to go riding, do give Cedric my apologies for not being here to greet him upon his arrival, but I think he'll appreciate me taking such a care with one of his favorite sources of income." She flinched when her mother gasped at her boldness. The man turned toward her, cold fury written on his face for a moment, before it disappeared into blank nonchalance. Cedric would hear of her insolence later. She'd only been referring to how often Cedric studded him out. It was a fantastic source of revenue for their stables.

Then again, poor Kalin didn't know that some of Cedric's 'studding' of Wanderer, had also been back market races. Had she known, she'd have better understood the reactions of the two in the room before her. While the man simply mentally noted it, and thought it odd that the sweet little mouse was smarter than she looked. He'd have expected it from the sister, but not from Kalin. Her mother on the other hand, had recently become aware of Cedric's erratic addicted behaviors of late. The illegal horse racing being one of many problems they'd recently fought over. She hadn't thought it fair her daughter's horse was being put into such dangerous situations without her knowledge.

Thinking she'd offended her mother by implying something else, she dropped into a curtsy again, her posture and face pleading. "Mother I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to imply anything I oughtn't. I was simply saying I should take better care with Wanderer, as Cedric prizes him so much... I'm sorry, forgive me. I'll... I'll attend upon you later... I hope all goes well with Cedric, and that he arrives to your loving embrace in safety." Deciding that the best idea for her at the moment was retreat, Kalin gave another soft sigh and kissed her mother's hand gently. Pausing, hesitating, she took a moment to look at her mother. She was so beautiful. She was so frail looking too. Then again Kalin herself was frail, and delicate of frame and body. She took greatly after her mother.

Unable to stop herself, she brought her mother's hand to her cheek before kissing the palm. Bending she kissed her forehead, before turning and dropping a final curtsy to the man, and fleeing. Dashing to her chambers in another wing, she dug through her chest full of possessions. She pulled on the heavy fur-lined leggings she'd sewn when she'd thought about taking up hunting. They fit her legs like a glove, and were very soft. She changed into a riding gown, in colors that closely matched her cloak. She looked down before adding a laced bodice, where she hid two daggers and another pouch of healing herbs.

The boots she fastened to her feet were sturdy, but supple. The insides soft and warm. Her hair, she had to braid in small sections, and weave together into a longer braid that hung heavy down her back. She tied it with colored ribbons, and stored a few more clothing items in the bag for later, along with the apples and buttered bread she'd planned for lunch. Grabbing at last, her last jeweled comb, she slipped it into the crown of her head, and watched it sparkle in a window's reflection. She was as ready as an adventurer could be.

Running back through the back halls, down the servant's way, she went unnoticed, and escaped to the stables easily. Grabbing her cloak she spun it about her shoulders, fastening it surely even as she vaulted onto Wanderer's sturdy back. He pranced in mild irritation, not sure about how light of a weight was on his back. When she put her heels to him though, he took a happy leap and flew through the yard and over the drawbridge. She had to talk him down to a steady trot, else she was sure he'd have winded himself in his joy. She really had been neglecting him.  

[The Fox Tamer]

Zafira hugged her sister back and watched her glide across the courtyard. Once she was sure that Kalin was safely inside, Zafira turned and entered Quinlan's stall one more time. She moved aside some straw and smiled to find her bow and quiver of arrows untouched. She slipped them onto her back before grabbing Quinlan's reigns and leading him out of the stall. She approached the door and peeked outside to make sure that no one was out. Luckily, the chilly autumn weather had many staying indoors. She turned to Quinlan

"Just be patient with the weight. I promise that once we are a little ways away from here, I will take off Kalin's saddle."

Almost as if he understood, Quinlan butted her shoulder gently with his head. She ran her hand down his long face and turned toward the door again. After one last peek, she finally led him out of the stable, shutting the door behind her.

Zafira mounted him in one fluid motion, landing with a slight bit of discomfort due to the extra saddle. She nudged him forward and started for the meeting point. She constantly looked around to make sure that no one had seen her. Usually, she had absolutely no trouble slipping in and out without being seen, but the knowledge that she had and the supplies on the horse worried her a bit.

It wasn't until home was out of her sight that Zafira finally was able to relax for a moment. She turned Quinlan toward the edge of the forest. Once she was near the tree line, she quickly dismounted and took both of the saddles off of Quinlan's back. Looking at the bridle, she decided to take the bit out at least. She gently ran her hands over his body.

"Thank you Quinlan for bearing with it. I'm proud of you. I just wish that the future wasn't so uncertain. I have a feeling that there will be a lot more work for the both of us."

Quinlan enjoyed her strokes for a bit before lowering his head to eat the green grass below. Zafira smiled at him and then knelt down by her saddle to make one last check of everything. Once she was satisfied, Zafira sat down, careful to not let her cloak touch the grass, and fingered the fabric of her cloak. She didn't want it dirty so soon after receiving the beautiful gift. She couldn't help but grin at the amazing work her sister had done.

Kalin had always been better than Zafira at homemaking tasks such as sewing and cooking, while Zafira had taken after her father with a love of more outdoor skills. She remembered the day that her father had taught her how to shoot. Her mother had not been happy about it, claiming that Zafira would never be able to become a proper lady if she was always riding or shooting. Her father had just chuckled and told her that he wanted at least one child to pass on his skills and knowledge to, since Aiden had always been more of a scholar and artist. Their mother then just shook her head and went inside, but Zafira caught the slight smile that had been on her face.

She could never be called a 'proper' lady, but Zafira wasn't concerned about being a lady. She could clean up well, but never enjoyed it like her sister seemed to. It had been one of the things that turned Cedric purple in the face, but Zafira was too spirited for his words to deter her. His sword was another matter.

Shaking her head to get rid of the thoughts, she turned to face the direction of home, watching for her sister. She could only pray that Kalin would be able to get out safely and unnoticed. The minutes seemed to slow as she waited, fear a constant companion deep in her belly.

The Muse of Vixens

 

[The Muse of Vixens]

The Fox Tamer

Kalin couldn't help looking back as she and Wanderer dashed down the road. Though she'd pulled him down to a steady trot, he kept trying to go faster, as if he too knew they had need to escape. Her eyes scanned the ramparts, searching for any sign of movement or pursuit. Nothing but she and Wanderer moved this early morning. Turning forward, she urged the eager horse to a canter, her eyes scanning the side of the road for any signs of her sister. The hoof prints from an earlier rider were faint, but easy to follow. She paused to judge to pace, and urged Wanderer to match it, lining up their path so that they overlapped perfectly.

No one would suspect her sister's departure if they only saw one set. They'd have until dark before anyone began to wonder now. Grateful for the little she'd been allowed to study about tracking and survival, she kept her eye out for signs of the path deviating. Suddenly she spot it, and carefully maneuvered Wanderer to follow the broken path to the tree line. When she spotted movement, she smiled in relief, before turning to scan the path she'd left behind her. Wanderer had stepped precisely where she'd directed, leaving only one set of footprints. The only difference, was that the path through the long grass and brambles was slightly off. Broken in two instead of one, where the horse's bellies had brushed against the brush at their varied heights.

Would anyone notice it? She was almost certain an experienced hunter or tracker would. They'd have to be more careful from now on. She turned round once more on Wanderer's back and kept her eyes on her sister and Quinlan until she herself broke through. She pulled him gently to a halt before swinging her legs to slide off his back. She rushed to her sister and hugged her fiercely. "I don't think anyone suspects, least of all mother. She'll stay innocent in this. One of Cedric's outriders has returned ahead of schedule, to herald his return..." she moved quickly to grab up her saddle and bags, before moving back to wanderer. The footprints would be different now, with the added weight. Hopefully not too noticeable, but Kalin couldn't help but worry anyway. Not just about them, but about their mother. She was a gentle woman, not equipped to really deal with the man Cedric was turning out to be. She could only hope that the frail woman she knew as mother, wouldn't be subjected to his wrath.

"I led Wanderer through your prints, so it will look only like one of us has left for a while. We should have until dark before anyone begins to suspect, but once we left the road, the brush gives us away." Her eyes scanned the forest around her, and she picked out a path that would be easy, but would conceal them well. She quickly saddled her horse, stroking him and cooing to him when he protested the restriction of it. She knew he didn't like it, but they needed the extra saddle bags. When they stopped in a town somewhere, they could buy a packhorse.... She was almost sure they could buy one. Her thoughts drifted while she checked everything again.

Her pulse raced almost as fast as her thoughts, but her breath was calm and even. Was this normal for the beginning of an adventure, or was it because they were escaping, she wondered. She couldn't know until she'd had another she supposed, but would she want to go on another adventure when this one seemed to have started off so abruptly? Were all adventures abrupt? Probably, but she was still excited. She turned her head to look at her sister and smiled, glad that they went together. She knew she'd never have been able to face leaving by herself. "All is ready... We should keep to the forest I think... it will hide us better. There are hunting and game paths heading every direction, We just need to choose a destination... Zafira.... where do we go from here?" Climbing into the saddle, she moved to her sister and handed her one of the apples she'd grabbed, keeping another for herself. The others she put into her pack for later.  

[The Fox Tamer]

Zafira heard the sound of hooves coming from the direction of home and felt her heart split with two emotions. Fear was first. She prayed that it would be her sister, but there was a fear that it would not be her. The other emotion was relief. If the hooves did belong to Wanderer, it meant that her sister had in fact gotten away safely and was coming to the meeting point.

She stood as she waited for the sound to get closer. She was relieved when she saw that it was indeed Kalin riding toward her. Zafira waited until Kalin was off of Wanderer to approach and hugged her back with the same fierceness.

"I'm so glad that you got away safely."

Upon hearing that one of the outriders had come sent a shiver down her spine.

"That means that Cedric is not far behind. We need to get far away from the road as soon as possible."

When she heard what Kalin had done, Zafira smiled. Her sister may have had more homemaking skills that she did, but it made her proud that her sister had also picked up on some of the things that their father had wanted to teach all of his children. The thought of her father gave her a twinge of sadness and then anger. With all that had happened, she figured that Cedric had possibly been the one that caused their father to disappear. Looking up at her sister, the anger disappeared. She let out a breath and approached. She went to Wanderer and gave him a couple strokes,

"Thank you for bearing with the load. I know that she doesn’t usually put that on you, so this means a lot."

Turning to her sister, she said

"I agree. The forest will give us cover. Most people stick to the road anyway, so once he and his party get home, it will have covered any trace of ours on the road. When he goes back to try and find us, all he’ll see is the hooves of many. "

Hearing Kalin’s question, Zafira frowned.

“I don’t know, Kalin. I haven’t had much time to think this morning. I was in too much of a hurry to get away from home before I even considered where to go. If we are careful, we can at least make it to the nearby town and figure out where to go from there. We have to figure out what to do about all of this.”

Zafira walked over to Quinlan and swung up into the saddle. Facing Kalin, she said,

"This could be a hard journey. We may not make it back. Last chance to go home and forget that you ever saw me in the stable. "

The Muse of Vixens

 

[The Muse of Vixens]

The Fox Tamer

Kalin tried, and failed, to keep an even temper while she listened and bit into her apple. A pink flush warmed her pale cheeks as she glared indignantly at her sister. "What exactly do you take me for? I'm not the ninny brained idiot Cedric believes me to be, nor the pretty little lady mother is convinced I am. I knew father just as well as you did my darling sister. Not just that... We've never not taken care of each other. And if you think I'm letting you run off without me to take care of you, you're the ninny brain!" she said with half a laugh before gently putting heels into Wanderer's sides.

"I can't tell you how I know, but I'll be able to tell you which way we should go by the time we reach the town. Race you there!" Her voice was a soft call on the wind, left behind in the stallions eager haste. His wish to run had already taken them at a breakneck pace through half a league of forest before she'd finally reined him in to a steady and lasting pace. He was too eager to run, and she couldn't blame him. Truth be told all she wanted to do was ride until they ran the stars down, but reality was a hard thing to bear sometimes. While her imagination ran wild, her practical mind whirred with the problems they might face on the journey ahead. They needed to find a way to petition for an audience with the king. But for that audience to have any effect, they needed the king to trust them. She could think of nothing to gain them that trust.

A feeling pushed at her, as she instinctively guided Wanderer through the forest toward the town in a pattern that would be hard to track. She pushed the memory away but it nagged at her. The smell of wood smoke filled her nostrils, as gentle but hard hands held her firm. A familiar voice murmured a name she didn't know. She'd seen all this, felt all this, in a dream long ago. The man pawed at the woman's meaty breast and Kalin felt her own chest reacting, even as she felt her arm push up in a sudden stabbing motion. She saw the man's initial shock fade into a cold and hard hatred at the sudden betrayal. He'd made short work of disarming the woman Kalin was... remembering was the only way Kalin had ever been able to describe the odd dreams as.

Just as she had felt everything the man had done to the woman, both in pleasure and in anger, she knew the woman still lived. That she lived and regret ate at her like a rabid wolf in a sheep pen. She also knew that the man still lived. From the borrowed memory, Kalin knew his name, and knew where they'd find the king's trust. She slowed Wanderer down. While she'd been caught in the strange woman's memory, he'd taken them farther than she'd hoped. She walked him around in circles a few times to cool him down a bit, and wait for a way to explain to Zafira came to mind.

"Sister... have you ever met Thomas Drake, the King's b*****d brother?" She asked softly, wondering why she didn't want to go there. She felt, and knew they must, but something urged her away. Going to meet him, was going to change things. But how, she didn't know. She studied Zafira, and was glad she'd never allowed Cedric or mother to marry either of them off. It had been a worry more and more of late.  

[The Fox Tamer]

Zafira waited until her sister had finished before speaking.

"I take you for my younger sister, who I swore to protect."

She paused for a moment and sighed,

"But, you're right. There has never been a time that we haven't been there to care for one another."

When Wanderer took off, Zafira just chuckled and nudged for Quinlan to follow after. Zafira knew that in terms of speed, Wanderer would always outrun Quinlan, but that didn't keep Quinlan from trying to at least catch up. However, Zafira loved Quinlan for how easy it was to maneuver in the forest. He swerved through the trees and flew over any roots that got in the way. When they were together, it was almost as if they moved as one.

After the horses had gone a fair distance, she eased Quinlan back, figuring that Kalin would slow down soon. Zafira loved being able to see her sister as free as the wind. Zafira felt her heart clench as she remembered what was sending them on this journey. She swore to herself that no matter what it took, Zafira would stop Cedric's plans. Especially the ones she still held secret on her heart.

Finally catching up with her sister, Zafira saw Kalin and Wanderer as they paced in circles, and wondered what was wrong. She pulled Quinlan to a halt and watched her sister.

"Are you alright? Did something happen?"

At her sister's question, Zafira shook her head,

"No, I have never met him. I've heard stories and rumors about him and seen him around the palace on occasion. I did almost run into the King's son, Ronin, the other day though. He was heading out for some kind of training. What on earth made you bring up Thomas Drake? "

Zafira frowned as she tried to figure out her sister's thoughts.

“Even if I had met him, it wouldn't do us much good. He has no reason to believe anything that either of us says. Even if he might believe us, we have no idea where he is. Drake is notorious for never staying in one place longer than maybe a month.”

The Muse of Vixens