Wolf’s Cub

Chapter 11

Scrying was a difficult art.  The glass took you where it would – past, present or future – and it required skill to discern which time frame one was seeing.  It took even more to be able to direct the glass to show what the scryer wanted to view.  Now, for example, when Colin wanted desperately to see where Melli and Rafe had been taken, the glass instead showed him views from their early days on the island, which at the time, had seemed just as perilous, yet looking back now, seemed idyllic by comparison.

The truth was undoubtedly somewhere in the middle. Life on the island had been extremely difficult in the beginning but the struggle had been a blessing in disguise. It kept Michael too busy to grieve overmuch or dwell on his losses. Even the twins, who were old enough to miss their mother, were so enraptured with the colorful new world around them that they soon settled down. Before long, they stopped asking after their Uncle Adam and no longer cried for their Mama when hurt. Colin proved a satisfactory substitute, and being young, they adapted easily. They were loved and cared for and that was enough.

Mellisande, dear child, had been uprooted so many times in her young life that upheaval and change were the norm.  Indeed, Colin had worried at how easily she had adjusted to losing her whole world all over again. Michael had suggested that if Colin needed worries that much, he should worry more about the twins surviving death by misadventure, a far more likely event than that Melli had been traumatized by a murderous attack she did not witness.

It had turned out that Michael was more right than he knew. The scene the glass showed Colin now, during this current crisis, was of the first crisis they had faced on the island, which was also when they had learned that tiny Melli, little more than an infant then, was already very empathic. While they never learned exactly how much she experienced of that last deadly battle in Adam’s Court in the First Kingdom, they suspected that she might well have absorbed a great deal as it was not long after they had settled into their new home that her powers manifested significantly – and well that they did, as the twins’ adventurous nature did almost lead to their deaths.  

The scrying glass brought it all back to Colin – he saw again the afternoon that he came upon Melli, crying in the middle of her small bed, screaming loudly enough to be heard from the outside, which is where Colin had been, working in the garden.  Her bed was a work of art, crafted by Michael who had learned from the Island’s finest woodworkers, men who were skilled in carving shapes pleasing to the eye, as well as in fashioning sturdy furniture. The bed had sides to prevent the young queen from tumbling onto her royal nose, and those sides were decorated with panels depicting cheery scenes of animals at play to keep the royal mind entertained.

But not today. On this day, Mellisande was screaming without cease, her usual enchantment with the pretty bed forgotten. Colin rushed to her, sweeping her up into his strong arms immediately , his trained eyes seeking for some clue to explain her unusual distress even as he crooned to calm her.

“Sweet Melli, darling girl, what is wrong? Tell me where you hurt, child,” he urged as he scanned her anxiously for an injury.

Melli wrapped her arms around his neck tightly.  She didn’t stop crying but her cries fell silent once she had her arms around him, the tears falling down her rosy cheeks, her blue eyes wide and sightless as they remained fixed on something only she could see. Colin hadn’t known what to do, but then he felt her mind touch his – and a picture formed of the twins lying close together on a small piece of wood that formed a raft of sorts; they were floating out with the tide.  He could see the island girl who watched over them sleeping on the beach with her lover. 

“Dear goddess,” Colin had whispered, and then he had run to the door of the room, Melli still in his arms as he had called, “Michael!”

The boys had been rescued, no harm done to them. They had been very proud of the raft they’d made until they had discovered they were unable to control it. Then they had sense enough to remain very still so they did not fall off into the frighteningly deep water. The young babysitter had been saved from Michael’s wrath, but her own parents’ punishment had been every bit as harsh as Michael could have wished. They were ashamed that her negligence put the young boys at risk, and the fact that she was dallying with a young man at the time added to their shame. Michael found himself pacifying the father who was ready to cast off his daughter for her action. It had been some time before the two Telepaths had the chance to sit down and talk about the incident.

The scrying glass took Colin to that scene as well, showing the two men sitting on their porch, Melli asleep on a blanket in a swinging cradle, Michael holding the two curly headed toddlers in his arms.

“Did you calm down the Kannatens?” Colin had asked Michael, reaching out his arms to take the boys so that Michael could eat his evening meal.  Watching the scene, Colin could see how Michael hesitated, which he remembered again – poor Michael had been so frightened by the incident. At the time, he too had been terrified but he treated it lightly to help Michael calm down.  Seeing his younger self raise an eyebrow and smile, he marveled at how he had managed it. Yet, it was the right thing to do, he reflected, seeing how Michael smiled sheepishly and gave the two boys over to him, though not without a kiss to each curly head. 

“Life is so fragile,” Colin had softly said as he too kissed the twins after settling them comfortably in his lap The boys had been so alike yet even then he could tell them apart instantly, knowing them as well as he knew Mellisande. Dominic had a brighter, warmer aura, while Rafael’s was a deeper, richer shade of the same color.  

“You should eat, Michael.  You will waste away if you fast every time the twins give you a scare. You know how you burn so much fuel with your powers – it is harder being a Telepath parent!”

Michael laughed shortly. “I was just thinking that I was glad I was a Telepath!  Can you imagine trying to raise children without the extra powers and skills we have?  The poor Kannatens!”  

Colin had laughed. “That is one way to look at it, I suppose.” Michael’s expression had quickly grown serious as he knelt by the cradle and caressed the sleeping girl child.

“Mellisande saved them, Colin.  She somehow knew they were in danger and knew to alert you. At any age, that is incredible, at her age, that is beyond anything I’ve ever heard of.  Have you....”

“Never,” Colin had answered him flatly. “And before you ask, no, I do not know what it portends. Whether it is a sign of a unique bond between Mellisande and the twins or a sign that she has power beyond any seer of this age or any age before us – I simply do not know.  For now, she is a little girl who needs us to take care of her and keep her safe. There is time enough to consider the rest when she is older. Do you disagree?”

“I don’t disagree...but I am grateful for her help with these two, seer or sister.”  Michael had smiled tiredly.  “For now, you are right, as you always are, sister is enough...although she is a most gifted sister.  The goddess must have decided these two need her, and I thank Melli and the goddess.”

Looking at the two sleeping boys in his arms, Colin had added his thanks.

As his scrying glass went dark, Colin covered it with its cloth and then packed it; he and Michael were leaving the island in search of Melli and Rafael and he would need its guidance.  He prayed that the goddess was still watching over their children.

****************

Michael was already by the Circle, talking to Niall, when Colin walked up, his heavily loaded pack on his back. Michael looked at him and frowned.

“Do you need all of that?  We may have to travel by foot once we reach the mainland.”

Colin flushed. He felt like Nic, being chastised by Lycan.  “I would not be bringing anything unless I felt that I needed it,” he answered Michael stiffly. Nodding briskly, Michael called over to Fen.

“Fen, see what you can take of Colin’s items into your pack.”

“Fen doesn’t need to carry my belongings!” Colin protested.

Michael raised an eyebrow. Colin bit back further words – he and Michael might now be lovers but that obviously did not change the chain of command, he thought ruefully.

Did you think it would?  The question took him by surprise, but not as much as the undercurrent of hurt. Michael with hurt feelings? It made Colin stop nursing his own feelings of being mistreated – and really, did they not have far more important things to think about than his ego – and look at his love. Michael’s face was drawn with anxiety, the shadows deep underneath his eyes. Colin wished he could have back the last five minutes to redo. He realized that Michael must have been up for hours getting ready for their journey while he slept.

I am sorry, Michael. On a mission, of course you must be obeyed implicitly. I cannot think where my mind was. Forgive me.

There is no question of forgiving between us, Colin, we are one now. Michael’s simple words healed any lingering feelings of inadequacy Colin felt, and he wanted nothing more than to envelop Michael in his arms. His further words made him love him all the more as Colin was reassured that Michael had not changed except in good ways, as the old Michael rarely explained himself or apologized.

I too am sorry as I should not have questioned your judgment regarding what you need to bring, I was simply concerned that you were over-estimating your strength – but Fen is very strong and he can carry some of your provisions as well as his. I wish to leave very soon – as soon as I’ve arranged for the rest of the children to be evacuated from this island.

You think that is necessary?

Benra knows this island. He’s not going to get the chance to take any more of our children. I will be setting traps should he try to teleport back. Only our three and Lycan will be able to safely return by way of our Circle.

Magda was leading the children down to the Circle, but they were not going to be traveling that way, Colin learned. Michael had arranged for them to be taken to Kelway. He had very strong protections in place to keep that island from being found by other Telepaths, and he trusted to the islanders to protect it from other threats. Magda was going to remain with the smaller children. She was a strong weather mage, and could be relied upon to send a storm to sink any Authority ships that made it as far as the island. Colin might question the ethics of charging a young girl with the task of killing shipfuls of men – Michael had no such qualms, which is why he had left Colin out of his planning. In the early morning hours while Colin slept, Michael had been up, meeting with the island men and with their wards, deciding which ones would join in their quest and which ones would stay behind. Now was Colin’s chance to comfort and say farewell to those who would remain behind. As cold as he seemed, and as much as he longed to be on his way after Rafe and Melli, Michael knew that both Colin and the children needed this time.

Magda agreed to stay?

She is a truly noble young woman, Michael answered briefly.  What he did not share with Colin was the tearful scene he had undergone with the young woman, who had long cherished a hopeless love for Rafael.  Michael knew that she loved his younger son, and although he counseled her to try to find another subject worthy of her affection, his intuition told him that hers was a heart that loved only once. To give her something to devote her loving heart to, he had encouraged her caring for the youngest of the children they had brought to the island. Along with Fianne Adajeune, Magda had become like a second, more practical mother to them.  Now, while she longed to go to Rafe’s aid, she let Michael convince her that duty required her to stay with the other Telepaths – especially in the absence of any of the other older ones.

“I am counting on you, Magda, to teach them and guide them, in our absence. I do not know how long we will be gone. But you must carry on for us – and be a welcoming face for whomever it is who makes it back first. Promise me that.” Unspoken was the thought that not everyone would be making it back, but Magda knew it was a very real possibility. To her credit, Michael sensed no wish against Melli – the young girl was praying with her whole heart that all three of her friends, Nic, Rafe and Melli would rejoin her, along with the rest of the young Telepaths.

Tears had filled Magda’s hazel eyes when Michael had given her his blessing as a father to a daughter. While he wished to himself that life could have been easier for this big-hearted girl, that she could have been the one to whom he could have given his son to bond, as his intuition told him that Rafe’s life was going to be a rocky one, he would have been surprised to know that she was wishing not for romance but that he had indeed been the father the goddess had granted her. She vowed to be worthy of the trust he placed in her.

Once the children were sent on their way with Magda and the Adajeunes, Michael and Colin were ready to teleport to the mainland with the half dozen of the older Telepaths they were taking with them. Fen was their leader in the absence of the twins. Five other teens were with them, two girls and three boys. Colin was surprised to see that Michael had included in their number Keir, the newest boy. Before he had a chance to form the question in his mind, however, Michael’s answer was there.

I would rather have him where I can keep an eye on him, than leave him behind to be Magda’s worry. And he is a strong Telepath, I will grant him that.  If we need some bales of hay thrown at Benra, I will expect him to take the lead.

So much for Michael’s giving the boy a chance, Colin thought. Along with Keir, a tow-headed boy with innocent looking blue eyes who was big for his thirteen years and looked like the farm boy he had been, they had Donal, who looked his opposite. He was small and dark, with straight black hair and eyes of such dark brown they looked almost black. He was almost seventeen but looked no more than thirteen due to his slight size. Fianne told Colin that Donal’s father had given him little to eat on purpose in order to keep him small; he had used the boy to clean chimneys in the Authority’s Council House.  It was a good paying job, and a large child would soon be unemployable.

Donal barely escaped with his life when an upstairs maid caught him using telekinesis to clean the higher chimneys rather than risking a broken limb by climbing up to do it by hand. He was fortunate that Michael had been alerted by Colin of his existence; the Assassin arrived just as a trio of heavily armed guards had the small chimney sweep cornered. Michael, disliking on principle men who would terrorize a small child, took the time to thoroughly thrash the guards before effecting the rescue, thereby earning Donal’s loyalty forever. Donal was quiet and spent most of his time with Niall, learning the craft of shipbuilding. He studied with Colin and Michael, and was skilled at telekinesis, but preferred not using it unless he had to do so. At Michael’s request, he agreed to come along on this mission, but Colin wondered if he was a wise choice, given his dislike for the gifts that set them apart. He hoped that Donal’s love for Michael was enough to see him through what might be some rough moments.

The girls were Cena and Cera, sisters from the Second Kingdom.  They were fifteen and sixteen, respectively, and skilled at the telekinesis that was the traditional power of their Kingdom. They had trained with Nic and Rafe until they were also very good at illusions.  They were able to communicate with each other easily, with the others to a lesser extent, and they could blend powers as well as the twins could, which greatly enhanced their abilities.

Eamon was the third boy in the group. Eamon was just fifteen, but he had been with them on the island for seven years already, having manifested his powers early, in a family that was well connected socially, so that his powers should not have been a complete shock to his parents. Indeed, his social status made it all the more inexplicable to Michael and Colin that the family rejected their son when his powers manifested, despite their knowledge that his gifts were a result of their royal bloodline. Eamon’s father had no mercy; he and his family wanted the boy taken to the Authority to be put down like a rabid dog. It was Eamon’s mother who secretly took the boy away to her old grandmother, and begged her to hide him from the Authority – and his father. The old woman accepted the boy, and sent the young mother away with bloody clothes to claim, ironically, Michael felt, that a wild dog had killed the child. Then the old woman went to the standing stones at Breslin every night until finally Michael came, sent by Colin, who saw a vision of the child in his scrying. The old woman led her great-grandson over to him and fell to her knees in supplication.

“I prayed to the goddess that she would bring you to us in our hour of need. May she bless and keep your family and bring you once again to the throne. Please, I beg you, My Lord, will you take my great-grandson Eamon to foster?”

“Yes.” Michael saw no need to say more to the old woman, but kneeling down to the boy, he raised him up in his arms, and said, “you will have new fathers now Eamon, fathers who will never abandon you, new brothers, who will always protect you, and a new family that will always be by your side, Eamon. Is that acceptable to you?”

The small boy had nodded, his eyes wide, his small chin trembling as he looked at the stern face that was partly in shadow, partly in light. But as he had felt strong arms wrap around him, he had known that he was indeed part of something bigger than himself, that he belonged somewhere.  And for seven years, Eamon had never again felt alone or unloved.

Now, a young man of fifteen, standing as tall as his foster father, his brown hair brushing his shoulders, Eamon looked around the circle, at his foster brothers and sisters, at Colin, and lastly, at Michael, the man who had taken each of them away from a world of uncertainty and fear, given them a family and love, and he knew that there was nothing that he, or any of them, wouldn’t do to bring their brother and sister back safely again.

For Michael.

****************

Dominic looked around the half circle of large, snarling bears and wished that he had Michael’s way of intimidating just by staring a certain way.  Or Colin’s calm way of diffusing a tense situation – that would be good too. He could think of a half dozen other people who might be better in his current predicament that he was but none of them were likely to show up.  He wondered how long it would be before Lycan returned from wherever it was that he had gone.

Where had Lycan gone?  Nic really wished he were here, with him. And all these hungry looking bears, whom he could only hope were really Metamorphs. How to tell?

Nic glanced toward the river, and saw that the footprints in the damp earth close to the water’s edge were those of men – large men to be sure – but men all the same. No paw prints. Well, may the goddess smack him. He slowly exhaled, then looked up and beamed a brilliant smile at the most fiercely growling bear, who was also the largest.

“Do I have the pleasure of greeting the great Beren?  I hope you will excuse my being taken aback at first. You present quite a fearsome sight with your men! Do you practice making those faces in the water’s reflection? It makes quite a first impression.”

The largest bear paused in its growling, and made as though to rush at Dominic who held perfectly still, keeping a brightly interested expression on his face despite his inner turmoil. Lycan had come up just as Nic had finished speaking and was relieved to see that his mate had seen through Beren’s little test – it was not easy for a non-metamorph to recognize a Metamorph once they had transitioned; Nic had done well to see through the snarling beasts to the men they were beneath. Or was he merely bluffing? Lycan decided to wait and see, trusting that Beren would not truly harm his mate.

And indeed, seeing that Dominic stood firm, Beren morphed back into his human form, shaking with his laughter. He stepped forward and clapped Dominic on the back. One by one, his men also changed, transforming into a loud, boisterous group, who were almost as intimidating as men, Nic thought, as they had been as bears. He almost staggered from the force of Beren’s friendly swat on the back and was relieved to feel Lycan’s steadying arm around his waist.

“Now you show up,” he murmured.

“Now is when you need me,” Lycan told him, bending to nip at his ear.  Nic made a noise under his breath.

“Beren, my friend!  I see you have met my mate, Dominic Emory. We are headed to the old speaking ground. But we wished to meet with you first. I hoped that Ran would have told you of our wish to see you so that you would be on the lookout for us and it would have saved you the effort of playing at scary bears in the woods.”

Lycan raised an eyebrow at his old friend who laughed heartily again, not at all abashed at being caught out in his prank. Beren was old enough to be Lycan’s father and indeed, the older Metamorph had helped him guide his pack through many a harsh winter as there was little that Beren did not know about survival – or about men. Lycan thought he was close to fifty winters but it was difficult to tell the age of most Metamorphs. Their unique physical gifts made them resistant to many diseases and blessed them with strength and natural longevity, but their lifestyle exposed them to risks and hardships that shortened their lives despite those gifts. And that was without the efforts of the Authority adding to their risks of early mortality, Lycan thought.

“I congratulate you on your choice of mate and the goddess bless you both on your bonding, Lycan, Dominic, may she also bless you with long life and good hunting all your days. A brave young man, your mate, Lycan. My men did their best to frighten him with their fearsome bear faces and what does he do? He applauds us! I like him, Lycan, I do!”

Saying that, Beren pounded on Nic’s back a few more times, which would have sent him staggering had Lycan not lifted him away swiftly, so that only the first blow landed full on his back, the others just grazing him.

“Beren, Beren, pound on my back,” Lycan complained lightly. “I can take your good humor, as I am almost the size of one of your men, but take note of Nic’s size. He is large in valor, but slight in size. Your good will is enough to leave dark bruising on him – you know what Ran has to say about your back pounding.”

Beren slapped his large fist to his forehead. “Ah, I always forget. Though how anyone can forget Master Ran’s sharp tongue is a mystery! He is worse than any magpie!” Beren laughed heartily again. “Sorry, lad. I forget that you regular folks are not as sturdy as our people.”  Lycan knew that was nonsense, Beren was far from the dull-witted big man he pretended to be, but he did not say anything more; Beren would not be as rough with Dominic again. While Beren was busy giving his men orders to hunt for food for all of them, Lycan took the opportunity to look at Nic’s back beneath his tunic.  It was already turning dark purple.  He frowned but Nic shook his head.

I am fine, Wolf. He must see me as a leader, not as your Cub. Let it rest. You can sooth my back later.

You can count on that.

It was after a delicious dinner of river trout, cooked to perfection over a stone fire, that the conversation turned to Dominic’s quest. Beren leaned back against a large rock and took a packet of leaves from a bag one of his men brought to him. Once they had returned to their human forms, Beren and his men had retrieved packs from behind some rocks, withdrawing loose trousers and tunics from them, along with cooking utensils and other supplies. Now Beren withdrew a wellworn pipe and sighed with satisfaction when he took his first puff.

Nic watched, fascinated. He’d heard that some of the island men smoked herbs and recognized the device, but he had never before seen anyone actually use a pipe. Beren’s eyes twinkled when he saw Nic’s interested gaze.

“Would you like to try a puff, Dominic? It helps to focus one’s thoughts, I find.”

Lycan snorted.  Nic questioned him privately, while smiling at Beren, as though considering his offer. You do not recommend I accept his offer I take it. Smoking herbs will not ‘focus’ my mind?

The opposite is what it tends to do to most. I advise that you stay away from it, Cub.

I think I could have figured that out on my own but thank you for confirming my own guess. It will not offend him if I decline?

Not at all, more for him.

Nic declined the pipe but then waited until Beren had taken several long puffs before speaking about anything serious. While he normally gave little information to outsiders, it had been agreed by Michael and Colin that he needed to give his lineage and their history to the men from whom he sought allegiance.

“Beren, I thank you for your hospitality. I am emboldened by your warm welcome to ask for more. Lycan told you my name is Emory. In truth, I am the oldest son of the Royal Assassin Michael, and the designated heir to King Adam, who was murdered in his Palace while he fought to defend my mother, Queen Suzanne, from a team of assassins. My father vanquished the attackers, then, before more could be sent, he escaped with my twin brother and me, along with the Advisor from the Third Kingdom, and Queen Mellisande, heir to the throne of the Third Kingdom. We have lived in seclusion until the time came for us to claim our rightful thrones. The Alliance, which has pretended to safeguard our thrones, has in truth sought our lives these many years – our lives and the lives of all Telepaths.”

“Aye, the lives of Metamorphs too. You have a willing ally in me and my sleuth, boy. I can promise you the aid of every bear sleuth in the First Kingdom. We have no love for the Alliance. I remember King Adam, a good man. And I remember your mother – you have her eyes.”  He nodded genially at Nic, who was taken by surprise at the sudden pang of sorrow that washed over him as he realized that he did not remember his mother or his uncle. His prepared speech left him.  Beren smiled and offered his pipe again. He glanced at Lycan.

“A few pulls on the pipe will not harm your Pup, Lycan, and there are times when it is good to relax. Let us pass the pipe and remember those who died too young, the beautiful Queen Suzanne and brave King Adam, as well as my friends Merek, Nealen, and Jerem, good men who were slaughtered like beasts. May the goddess bless our vengeance.”

“You will fight then,” Nic said. It was a statement more than a question, although part of him could not quite take in that this hurdle had been so easily overcome. He waited until he and Lycan were lying together under the bright moon, Beren’s men near but not too near, to raise his concerns.

“Is Beren really committing to joining our cause based on his favorable impression of my nerve – and because I have my mother’s eyes?”

Lycan tightened his arms around Nic. They did not share intimacies due to the proximity of Beren and his men. But just the closeness of their bodies seemed to strengthen him and he could tell from the warm glow of Dominic’s magic that his mate was affected as favorably. He rarely initiated their “mind speech” but he tried to do so now, knowing it pleased Nic.

Beren is a good judge of men and you passed his test, which was of more than your nerve.

Lycan could feel the pleasure that coursed through Nic and felt a sense of accomplishment as he knew it was not what he said but the manner in which he said it that pleased his Cub so much. He  nuzzled the soft skin of Nic’s neck, pushing aside the long dark hair.

Ah, do not get me excited! We cannot pleasure each other with your friends so close...especially friends with such strong senses! How I wish we were alone. But let me concentrate on politics for now, Wolf. Beren set me a test? Was it to not pass out from fear? And let me praise you – you are very good at conveying your thoughts to me now. You could be a Telepath!

Lycan laughed softly. You motivate me, Cub. Lycan ran his hands soothingly over Nic’s bruised back, causing him to murmur contentedly.

That feels good, don’t stop. I am glad you stopped him from pounding on my back. I do not think I could have taken many more of his friendly back slaps. But tell me before your massage makes me so content I fall asleep – what was my test? I cannot think of what it was.

Lycan dropped a kiss on the dark curls.  This was a conversation that was beyond his ability to “speak” telepathically so he spoke in a low voice into Nic’s ear. “It is in your favor that you do not even see the test. Beren was testing you to see if you could see past the fearsome bears to the men – which you did. He knew from Ran that you had powers to call upon to fight them, and even if you did not, you could have fled. Instead, you faced them and confronted their humanity.” 

Nic nodded thoughtfully.  “I saw their footprints and there were only men’s feet near the river, but bear prints coming away from it, but until I saw that, I was considering both of the other options. They were terrifying looking. Although, thinking about it now, I should have realized it would be odd for a half dozen bears to all stand in a group and growl in concert.”

Lycan laughed loudly at that, Nic’s dry tone striking him as hilarious. Beren growled about some people trying to sleep and Nic called an apology over to him before resuming his discussion with Lycan telepathically.

I can understand that the terrible murders of his men would make Beren especially not trust anyone who could not see the difference between a Metamorph and his animal counterpart. But, and I am sorry if this is an insensitive question, but are you not close to your animal forms? Don’t some Metamorphs spend a great deal of time in their animal state?”

Lycan was quiet for a moment and Nic wondered whether he should apologize and withdraw the question. But then he felt the answer appearing in his mind and realized that Lycan had only been trying to formulate the answer.

We are close, and many are closer than others, to the point that they are almost indistinguishable as men, and have ceased to live as Metamorphs but choose to live as their animal forms completely. It is not talked about...much...but it is becoming more and more common as the Authority makes our lives more difficult.

It will become better, Nic promised his lover, before settling down on the broad chest to sleep. Holding him close, Lycan concentrated on adding his strength to the core of warmth that Michael had taught him was Dominic’s magic. Nic would bring better days for all of them. Lycan trusted in that implicitly; he knew also that the way would be hard and it would be his job to take care of the slender boy King on whose shoulders the destiny of both their people rested. He marveled at how much strength Dominic’s smaller body could muster – he felt so slender in his arms, lighter than many a female wolf Metamorph, and yet Lycan knew that aside from his telepathic powers, Dominic was surprisingly strong physically.

The night before, taking advantage of their remaining night of solitude before rejoining his pack, Lycan had invited Nic to take the dominant role in their joining. He had done so out of a sense of obligation – he had taken an oath that he would allow Dominic an equal role on their partnership and he knew that his Cub’s sire had meant in all ways when he had demanded the oath. Yet his own nature had rebelled at the idea of being submissive to another male, even to this mate who meant so much to him, but he thought to try it once, away from his pack, and hopefully Dominic would concede that the better order of things was with Lycan as the dominant partner.

Instead, it had been Lycan who had been surprised by their role reversal. Dominic had assumed the part of dominant partner naturally, but he did so in a way that did not compromise Lycan’s view of his own masculinity. Nic led him to a peak of intense pleasure again and again until Lycan found himself growling at his mate to mount him, pushing back against him impatiently. When Nic finally did join their bodies, the experience was...indescribable...their minds joining as closely as their bodies. Lycan felt as though he had never understood what joining could be until he felt Dominic’s body within his, touching everything that made him Lycan and marking him as Dominic’s completely and forever. The release of Nic’s seed within him triggered his own release, and Lycan swore that he felt stronger, more powerful afterward. 

Thinking of it now, Lycan could only shake his head in wonder and tighten his hold on his mate. He had thought he was being so magnanimous, giving a concession to his mate, only to find that he gained so much more himself. Nic had told him it was his lucky night when he met the violet eyed young man in the tavern; he now believed that the goddess had blessed him indeed when she brought Dominic into his life, handing no less than his destiny to him that night.

Lycan’s reverie was interrupted by a harsh whisper from Beren’s watch, a man named Faron.

“Arise, Wolf Leader, trouble approaches. Beren says we must be ready to fight or flee. A large clutter of mountain cat Metamorphs – they are stealthy but not enough to defeat Beren’s nose.” 

“I cannot imagine anything could be,” Lycan commented, getting up. Nic was already standing, instantly awake and alert, his father’s training standing him in good stead. He was buckling on his sword but Lycan reached out his hand.

“You may wear your sword but this will be my battle, Dominic.”

Nic looked at Lycan steadily. Are we sure that this will be a battle?

No, but if it is, you will leave with Beren should it be necessary.

You once called me a coward for fleeing, Nic reminded him.

I once was a fool. Lycan’s expression showed none of the humor that Nic’s did at the memory of their first fight. It had been a tumultuous night, but all had ended well was how Nic viewed it. Lycan saw it differently, as he had come too close to almost killing his soulmate in his anger over the misunderstanding that had occurred between them. He thanked the goddess that all had resolved well but it had been far closer to tragedy than Nic had realized. Recalling that, he pulled Nic close in a passionate kiss, uncaring of the amused presence of Beren’s man.

Well, since you make your point so cogently, Nic teased. Lycan’s stern expression told him the time for levity was past. It was almost like having Rafe back. How he wished Rafe were there too – life would be perfect, Nic thought, as he followed Lycan’s tall form. Once more, he tried to reach his brother’s mind just for luck – but found only a void. Troubled, he pushed the concern aside until this problem was dealt with, then he would contact his father, he told himself. If Rafael were sulking, he was doing it for too long. If he were ill, someone should have alerted Nic, quest or no quest. They had never gone this long without some contact. They were to be more independent but not strangers!

Nic watched closely as Beren’s men formed a tight circle around Beren, Lycan and him. His sharp eyes noted that two men were positioned high in opposite trees. They were armed with slingshots, which Lycan had told him the Bear Metamorphs were proficient in using. Almost before he knew it, they were joined by a good two dozen large mountain cats, sleek black animals that were almost the size of wolves, smaller across the shoulders and flanks, yet every line of their bodies bespeaking power. Watching as they slipped from the shadows into the light from the fire, Nic was forcibly reminded of Michael; these Metamorphs had the same graceful strength.

The Cat Metamorphs formed their own half circle, a step inside the light cast by the camp’s fire. One of them morphed into his human form, presenting as a dark complexioned man with deep green eyes and black hair that looked almost blue in the moonlight. If it were not for his body, which was far hairier than his own, Nic would think they were related. The Cat Leader bore an undeniable resemblance to Michael, although his features were more triangular, less handsome in a masculine way, although attractive in an exotic fashion, Nic supposed, his eyes just as large and the same deep green, though more feline in shape. Even in his man form he retained facial hair, with a beard and mustache covering the lower part of his face, giving his eyes even more dominance in the triangular face. His entire torso was covered in black hair, as were his strongly muscled legs.

As closely as Nic was examining him, the Cat Leader was trying to inspect Nic, his expression amused as he studied him as best he could with the large forms of Lycan and Beren obscuring him. As the Cat Leader made a show of craning his head to see past them, Lycan broke the silence.

“It is Selin, is it not? Do you come in friendship, so late at night and without a greeting, Cat Leader? Or do you come in enmity?”

The Metamorph smiled, a cold expression but not one without humor; his band of followers at least were amused as there was a lifting of tails and bumping of shoulders among them. The Cat Leader glanced over his shoulder and they instantly stilled.

“I come in...curiosity, Wolf.  Our besetting sin, some say. One hates to be clichéd but there it is. Are you and the Bear hiding the boy? I simply want a better look at him but you are an effective barrier. Or is he that small and insignificant?”

Nic deemed it time to make himself known, he would allow Lycan his role as protector but he would do his own talking. He took a step forward, bringing him level with Lycan and Beren.  He spoke coldly.

“I am Dominic Emory. It is the custom of my people to greet courtesy with courtesy, and thus far I have found it to be a practice among Metamorphs as well. Are the Cat Metamorphs an exception, choosing to return rudeness where they have been offered courtesy?” He raised a slim dark brow and waited to see how the arrogant Cat Leader would respond. He could not quite read the man telepathically but was getting some emotions from him – much more than he had from Beren. Curiosity was his predominant emotion, and an odd sense of...wistfulness?  Nic wished that Melli were present as she was best at interpreting emotions.  Once more he spent a moment to send a prayer to the goddess for both his brother and Melli; he hoped they were missing him as much as he missed them. He sensed that something was wrong and was eager for this encounter to be over so he could pursue that thought.

Nic turned his attention back to the Cat Leader.  His instincts told him that this man had no intention of joining their cause – he was looking only to see what type of man Nic was. Perhaps his concern for Rafe made him less patient, but his temper sparked and he spoke harshly.

“Is your purpose merely to wake us up and stare rudely? I suggest you be on your way as we have much to accomplish and no desire to entertain uninvited guests in the middle of the night.” Beren’s men murmured their agreement, some of them growling encouragement. Lycan’s thought came to Nic, Steady, Cub. It is good to be strong...if you are ready to face the consequences.

Beren said much the same as Nic had been thinking, murmuring in a low growl for Nic’s ears only, “That’s telling him lad. Friends don’t come visiting in the middle of the night. Question is what he does intend.”

Selin had pulled himself to his full height as his men hissed angrily. “You are foolish to anger me, young Emory,” he warned. He looked at Lycan. “Are you going to apologize for your mate, Wolf?”

Lycan crossed his arms over his chest. “I see nothing to apologize for, Cat. You have not shown him the respect he deserves – so he is right to dismiss you from our camp.”

Selin looked to Beren. “I have no quarrel with you, Bear. Are you aligned with this foolish boy and his Wolf?”

Beren’s answer was to raise a hand. Rocks from the slingshots struck the ground directly in front of Selin’s feet simultaneously from opposite sides of the camp, causing him to jump back. Beren’s men, who were standing behind Nic, eager to fight, laughed.  Selin narrowed his green eyes. 

“I do not mind a fight, Bear, Wolf, but it is a waste of lives when we both have a harsh winter to see our people through. I issue a challenge where it belongs, to your boy King. Let the Telepath fight me, his sword against my claws. Fair enough, Lord Dominic Emory? I am Selin, Leader of the Mountain Cats, and I challenge you to a battle to the death!”

Before Dominic could answer, Lycan stepped forward, his large golden body bathed in the moon’s light, the hard muscles gleaming from the fire’s glow. He was quite a sight, Nic thought, thankful that he at least had trousers on and could hide the effect his mate had on him. His beauty aside, his power was intimidating. How could this Selin think he had a chance against Lycan? Frankly, Nic felt he could take the Cat Leader easily, but Lycan could no doubt do it without breaking a sweat. He wondered if it would be politic to show the ass mercy? He considered the question as Lycan made his speech as Champion.

“I am the Protector for my Mate, my Ruler, and I accept any and all challenges issued to him,” Lycan announced in his deep voice. To Nic’s surprise, Selin smiled at that. His humor was soon explained, when from the clutter of cats came an extraordinarily large cat, who transformed as he moved to his leader’s side, into a huge man.

“This is Ragnaut. My Champion. He will fight for me,” Selin informed Lycan, smirking as though he had produced a fifth ace, Nic thought, wondering why Selin looked so confident. If anything, the fight would simply be well-matched, assuming Ragnaut was as skilled a fighter as he was big, which was not often true as it was in Lycan’s case. 

Selin continued, his voice syrupy sweet, “Let it be noted that it is not I who wishes to pit Metamorph against Metamorph – the battle of our Kingdom is between Telepaths. I say we let them sort out their own battles. Lycan, I give you the chance to withdraw from the challenge.”

Lycan remained silent.

“The battle is between the Authority and all whom they deem different from them,” Nic told Selin when he turned his attention back to him, holding his hands out as though to ask him to be reasonable. Nic’s words were clipped, his tone sharp. “If you were curious about more than my appearance and truly wished to learn about me and my goal, you would have an open mind and not seek only to insult.”

“And if you were the leader you believe yourself to be, you would not allow yourself to be so easily led down a path that defeats your goal and puts your mate at risk,” Selin mocked him softly. The words stung all the more because Nic knew the criticism to be valid. It was what Michael would say if he were here, Nic feared, but he saw no way to honorably withdraw from the challenge.

Too late to stop the fight, child. But hold your head high, your Champion might yet win the day for you and if he does, I will listen to your words.

Nic stared in shock at the Cat Leader – he was a Telepath as well as a Metamorph?  His mocking smile held no clue to the mystery he’d just uncovered but Nic had no time to devote to it, the challenge was about to begin.

Beren kept his hands on Nic’s shoulders, no doubt worried that he might interfere; Beren was, forgetting that Nic did not need freedom of movement to disrupt the fight. Lycan did remember, and he shot a warning look at his young mate before taking his place opposite the Cat Champion, who was every bit as large as he was.

No matter what, my Cub...Dominic... you must not interfere. It would rob us both of all honor. You promise me?

Of course I promise! But do not give me cause to regret that promise, my Wolf! My Lycan.

I will give you no cause for regret.

The words came through with full confidence. Nic sent back all the warmth and affection he felt for his mate. Since Selin had issued the initial challenge, Lycan had the choice of fighting as a man or as a wolf. Thinking to spare Nic the sight of him killing as a man and also believing his wolf form far superior to any cat, mountain or other, he chose the Wolf. He had not seen Ragnaut in his cat form, as Nic had, nor had he consulted Nic, who would have assured him that he was not at all squeamish about death. Michael had trained that out of his sons early.

Ragnaut was not only larger than any mountain cat had a right to be, Nic thought as he watched the wolf and cat circle each other, but his claws looked like knives when he extended them to claw at Lycan’s face.

Ragnaut drew first blood, making a long gash across Lycan’s chest. The Wolf reared back, howling angrily. With difficulty, Nic refrained from sending calming thoughts to his mate, but that made him wonder – was Selin being as restrained? He did not know how strong a Telepath the Cat Leader was but there was a strong chance that he was able to communicate with his men, to some degree, even if they were not Telepaths.  Just as a Telepath could manipulate the mind of any human, and related Telepaths could communicate more easily, and Metamorphs had a limited ability to connect, a Telepathic Metamorph should have an enhanced ability to control the thoughts of other Metamorphs, who were resistant to most Telepaths.

Seeing Lycan fight more recklessly than he would expect him to, and the Cat champion take advantage of every opening Lycan gave him, Nic was sure that Selin was influencing the fight. But he had promised Lycan that he would not interfere! He clenched his fists impotently as Lycan took yet another injury. Only his incredible strength and stamina was keeping him going and he would not last much longer if he kept fighting like a reckless fool.

“Beren,” Nic whispered to the frowning Bear Leader, “is this the Lycan you know?”

“He is bewitched!” Beren grumbled. “I do not know what has gotten into him. If this is love, it will be the death of him, lad.”

“I think Selin is the one doing the bewitching. I can stop him, but I want to let you know so there is no cry of foul play. I have to take Selin out of the fight.”

Beren looked down at Nic. “This is a serious matter if what you say is true. For one leader to wrong another during a challenge! Quickly, tell me what you intend to do so I can speak in your defense if needed.”

“I am going to construct a telepathic bubble around Selin. He will be shut off from all, but only him and only telepathically. I will do it for two minutes. If he is directing the fighters, we will know by the change.”

“Hurry then, Lycan cannot last much longer.”

Nic turned toward Selin and focused. First he concentrated on getting the box ready, then, when it was formed, he nodded to Beren, before dropping it around the Cat Leader. Michael excelled at this but Nic had learned to perform the trick well. It was a useful tool against another Telepath – Michael had developed it in response to the challenges presented in raising two increasingly powerful and rebellious Telepaths. It was not long before the twins were using it against each other.

The effect on the fighters was instantaneous. Lycan pulled back from a rush that he had started that would have exposed him to yet another attack. He turned it into a feint, and when Ragnaut stumbled forward, unable to halt his slashing move, Lycan made his counter-move, pinning the large Cat beneath his powerful upper body, then biting down on the exposed throat. Ragnaut had not been doing any of his own thinking in the fight so something as simple as keeping his neck defended was beyond him. The blood from the severed jugular spouted forth like a fountain.

Nic let the box dissolve, and Selin sprang forward, furious.

“Your Telepath interfered in the fight – his life is forfeit,” he screamed, his mouth foaming in his fury.

Beren placed himself in front of Nic but Nic was too angry to allow anyone else to fight this battle. He moved around the large Metamorph.

“No, let me speak, Beren. Hold right there, Cat.” Nic pinned Selin in place with his telekinesis, which caused the angrily murmuring Metamorphs to still their words. As one, Cats and Bears changed back into men.  Slightly dazed from loss of blood, but ready to rip out the throat of anyone who ventured too near his mate, Lycan staggered to his feet and moved next to Dominic, who stood with his sword out, his deep violet eyes flashing as he looked over the group of Metamorphs.

“I was not the one who interfered in the Challenge but there was one who did and by doing so, he caused his Champion’s death. Ragnaut could not fight once his master’s voice was removed from his mind. Due to his disorientation at losing his master’s voice in his mind, he was like a puppet with the strings cut!  Selin was both instructing Ragnaut, and confusing Lycan – I did nothing more than block Selin from interfering. As soon as I did, Lycan was returned to his normal self and the fight ended quickly. Lycan did not have the chance to show mercy to Ragnaut, something I know he would have done to any brave fighter, because the battle was too unbalanced by Selin. If a life is to be forfeit for interfering, I demand satisfaction against Selin. It is he who tried to murder Lycan instead of allowing a fair challenge between two champions in the way of your people.”

“That is nonsense!” Selin answered, his temper regained. “You all know who is the Telepath here. Clever of him to do it in a way that implicates me, even to the point of injuring his own mate almost to death. But that is what we’ve come to expect from Telepaths, isn’t it? No respect for our kind.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Nic saw another man come to stand on the edge of the Cat Metamorphs; he wondered if he had been with them all along or if he had joined them some time after the fighting had commenced. He was dressed, unlike the others, wearing a dark cloak and trousers. Curious, he sent a feeler out, and sensed that indeed, there was telepathic power there. How much, he could not tell. But was the man a Metamorph then?

“I know that Dominic was not interfering in the challenge,” Lycan spoke softly, but the warning in his voice was clear. “Beren, do you have anything to say?”

“I believe Dominic,” Beren said simply. “Selin, you play too many games. Ragnaut was a good man. He did not deserve to die like this. You should have let him fight a true fight.”

“I agree. If a fight needed to be fought at all.” The new man moved forward; as he came into the light from the fire, Dominic could see that he was older than he had seemed. Silver shot through the black hair and lines creased his eyes, but for the most part, his age was difficult to judge. He spoke sharply to the gathered Cat Metamorphs in a foreign tongue. Several moved forward and picked up Ragnaut’s body.  Selin stood still, head down, while the others all melted away into the night. The older man extended his arms to Dominic.

“Young Emory, I greet you in the name of the Mountain Cats. My name is Pelien, and it is I who lead the clans of the Second and First Kingdoms, not my impulsive and ill-mannered great-nephew, whom you have had the ill-fortune to meet this night. I apologize to you and to the noble leaders of the Wolf and Bear peoples.”

Pelien solemnly clasped arms, palms up, with Dominic, and then with Beren and Lycan.

This is the real leader?  Nic sent the thought to Lycan, who was maintaining a solemn expression, Beren’s face, however, was an open book, which in this case, was shouting astonishment.

If this is indeed Pelien, he is essentially the Father of all Cat Metamorphs. He looks good for his age, was Lycan’s explanation. Nic thought he shared Beren’s reaction but tried to duplicate Lycan’s calm exterior.

“I am honored by your greeting, Pelien, even as I am grieved that my introduction to your people has begun with the unnecessary loss of a brave fighter and serious injury to my Protector.” Dominic decided honesty was the best way to handle this situation, especially since the regal looking Metamorph did not seem pleased with his relative.

“I join in your grief and extend my deepest apologies for the injuries to Lycan, which were not honorably inflicted. There are reasons for Selin’s actions. Reasons I cannot go into now. But they are not, in my view, good reasons, and I apologize for my great-nephew’s actions and his lack of honor, as well as his lack of judgment. I trust that your mate will make a quick recovery with your aid?”

“I can assist in healing him, yes.”  Nic was not completely pleased with Pelien’s reticence but he sensed he was not going to get any more out of the Metamorph. Indeed, a slight smile passed over Pelien’s face and Nic had the sense that the older man read his thoughts. He resolved to guard more closely – he had neglected that lesson of Michael’s, always to assume that other Telepaths could be around.

“It would please me if I could tell you more, young Emory, but it is not yet the time,” Pelien said, confirming Nic’s suspicion.. “There are many stories at play, not just your own. When you have recovered the Emory throne, which you will do without the aid of the Mountain Cats, there will come a time when our stories will cross. Then we will meet again. Let it be enough for now that we will not be aiding your enemy – much to his dismay.”

“What do you know of my enemy?” Nic asked, feeling more confused than ever.

“He is closer than you realize. But that is often the way of enemies.  He can wear your own face. The Mountain Cats will wish you well – until we meet again. For now – I recommend the leaves of the redwillow tree for those scratches, otherwise they will become infected. You may leave Selin’s punishment to me, he will not trouble you again.”

Pelien disappeared into the shadows, taking the cowed Selin with him. Nic turned to Lycan and was just in time to catch him.  Beren ordered two of his men to hunt for some redwillow leaves, and sent others for water to boil. Still others were told to get clean bandages.

“What else can we do?” Beren asked Nic worriedly. Lycan had lost a great deal of blood.

“Carry him to our furs and please build up our fire. I’ll need warmth. And food for after.”

“After what?” Beren looked confused.

Nic smiled faintly as he followed the large Metamorph who carried Lycan carefully. “After I heal my mate.”

The Bear Leader watched in wonder as King Dominic did exactly that. While he had wanted to follow Dominic for Lycan’s sake, and because there was no other leader appearing to challenge the evil Authority, he had been concerned when he saw just how young Dominic was. After seeing him confront the legendary Pelien as an equal, and then turn to healing his mate without pause – Beren had to concede that there was much more to this young man than a winning smile and pretty eyes. King Adam had chosen his heir wisely. Leaving Nic sleeping peacefully while Lycan ate heartily, no sign of injury on him, Beren sat down with his favorite pipe and thought long and hard.

When he was done, Beren called a meeting with his men, who were his elite guard, and informed them that the Bear Metamorphs were going to join King Dominic in his battle for the peoples of the First Kingdom – Metamorph, Telepath and Men alike. Lycan smiled as he heard the loud cheers. The Mountain Cats might be sitting this battle out but the rest of the Metamorphs were lining up behind his King.

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