The Dance (Closed for moonlightlilly and I)

[Moonlightlilly]

Mouse returned from taking a rabbit and some vegies to the girls running the Golden Tusk Tavern. He loved going to visit them and always took a barrow full of supplies with him. He took some to Cassandra as well. After all, she was the one who placed the cold spell on their cellar making it possible to store so much food. He saw them as his family and would not see them go hungry. Nor would Izzy. They had plenty and could share some with those they cared for. The cold cellar they had dug out have been enlarged twice and was stocked to the top. Rabbit and fish were the bulk of the meat, along with the ham and bacon they had traded the butcher for, along with a large variety of large vegetables, bags of flour, rice, oats, salt and sugar. Compared to many, they were eating like royalty.

Lock had brought in enough rabbits that all the women and the youngest children now slept on fur instead of the timber floor. During the night many of the children found their way onto Mouses story rug and slept comfortably. There was no more room in the cellar for more rabbits, and even though Lock had brought home so many of them, there was no fear of them becoming scarce. Out in the grasslands they were still breading and replenishing their numbers faster than Lock hunt them.

As winter began to sink its teeth into the land, many families found themselves in grave danger of starvation. This winter had already been particularly harsh, and it was a long way from being over yet. Everyone wanted to help. Lock brought in rabbits and the fur was used in Haven. The meat, along with an assortment of vegetables, was placed in bags and left on the doorstep of some of the worst affected homes once a week. It was enough to ensure they would make it through until the snow melted, and the world was warm again.

………………………………………………………….

As it turned out, Kim was a wonder when it came to needle and thread. She pulled apart the clothing Izzy had brough back from her marks and cut them to make clothing to fit children. The leftover bits, she put together to make quilts. The first quilt she made was for her baby, which wasn’t far away, then she made one for herself. For a backing she used a white sheet soaked in beet juice, turning the cloth a lovely shade of lavender. When she was sewing, she was in a world of her own. She started teaching some of the girls how to draft a pattern and put the pieces together in such a way as the stitches can’t be seen. She was a very patient teacher; Izzy was thrilled that the girls were learning a skill normally taught by their mothers. These children should not be disadvantaged because they were orphans.

One morning, just before dawn when Izzy was preparing to get the morning bread, the was a loud banging on the front door. When she went to investigate, she found a basket with a note. “Please care for my baby, I can’t. Her name is Eden. Tell her I am sorry, and I will always love her”. Izzy pulled back the covers to reveal a baby no more than a few hours old. She was wrapped and warm but still covered in the blood and fluids from birth. Izzy looked up and down the street but saw no one. How sad it was that a woman would have her baby and give it up because society saw unwed mothers as something depraved. She took the basket inside and went to where Francis had just finished feeding her baby boy. Setting the basket before Frances, revealing the baby and showed her the note. Frances fell in love right away, lifting her out of the basket and putting her to her breast. The little one suckled hungrily. “Don’t you worry about this one Miss Izzy; I’ll love her like she was my own”. Izzy hoped that a some point the child’s mother would return for her, but deep down, she knew she never would.

 

[Moonlightlilly]

Izzy’s pregnancy was beginning to show, and Mouse was being overly attentive, always rubbing her belly and putting his head there, talking to the baby. Izzy found it hard having someone in her personal space so much but and she was doing her best to be patient with him. He built a lovely crib and lined it with rabbit fur. He even carved a heart into the ends and curved legs so it could rock. Izzy didn’t know a man could be so excited about becoming a farther. She, of cause, never knew hers.

As winter dragged on, people became more and more desperate. Haven helped as many as they could with food, but fuel was getting dangerously low, even at Haven Orphanage. On a day when the weather was mild, they took the cart and went back to the mine, collecting as much coal as they could, ensuring they had time to get home before dark. They shared what they could.

Izzy spent many hours drawing on some of sheets of paper. She’d make a mark then brush it off and make another. It had to be just right. Then she set out to find the master builder of the town. She showed him her drawings, explaining she wanted plans drawn up for two buildings and a barn, giving him the dimensions she required. He looked them over and promised to have them ready by spring. She then went to the town Councillor who had been filling in since the disappearance of Cassius and told him she wanted to buy the abandoned Walker farm. It hadn’t been used in years. Over farming had left the ground baron and useless. The Councillor was glad to be rid of it and asked for much less than Izzy had been prepared to pay. The property next to it was owned by an elderly couple who had lived there their whole lives. They had a few fruit trees and farm animals but were too old to work the land anymore. Izzy thanked him for the information and left. She planned to take a barrow of food when visiting them.

Next was the blacksmith. Haven had been giving him food to help him through the winter and when Izzy turned up, he was delighted to see her.

He asked her if she had considered his offer of free work in exchanged for the right to make her fishing hook invention. She explained that the hooks were not her creation. She had seen them used in a fishing town far from there and thought them a wonderful idea. She had no claim on whether or not he made them.

She produced another sheet of paper with drawings of items she wanted made. They were part of a larger device and needed to be very strong if they were to do their job. He studied the drawings for a moment, asking her questions and adding notes. He could do it and have it ready by spring. He had very little work to do at the moment anyway, so it was good timing. He refused payment because of all the food she sent his way, but she insisted she pay for the materials. He relented and agreed. Her plans for the future were coming along nicely. All she needed now was a reply to the package she sent East and come spring, things were going to change.

When she returned to Haven there was quite a commotion going on. A pregnant cat had found her way inside during the night and given birth to five fluffy kittens. Alice was preventing them From picking them up, in case their mother rejected them. The children understood, knowing how it felt to be rejected, but thought there was no harm in just looking at them. Izzy couldn’t help but smile. Seems this place really does accept orphans of all kinds, and single mothers needing a safe place to have their babies. Their family just increased by six.

Their numbers increased still further when a family of four came to the door. They had everything they owned in a hand cart after being evicted from their house. They could not pay the rent and so they were tossed into the street. They had with them two nanny goats they used for milking and wondered if Izzy was interested in buying them. They needed money to try and get some solid food, and maybe a bed for the night.

They were invited in and welcomed immediately, given a section of the left platform to put their belongings and set up their beds. Alice was first over with a bowl of thick meaty stew and bread. Soon all the widows were fussing over them, making sure they had all they needed.

They were also informed that things around Haven were often out of the ordinary and many of the children were gifted, sometimes surprising. The new family, Dan and Penny Mason and their two sons, told them they were not strangers to children having powers, the family that lived beside them had a gifted child as well.

Izzy was guarded when it came to the newcomers, just as she was with all strangers, but they showed no shadows, and she heard no whispers, so for now, they could stay.

 

[Moonlightlilly]

The goats were a welcome addition. Some of the youngest of the children would benefit greatly from the milk. They still had the chicken Mouse had brought them when they were first starting out, but she was a pet and never showed any sign of laying an egg. One day Alice was watching the children with the hen, Miss Clucky, and gave Maddy a curious look. “Have you ever seen that chicken walk?” Maddy gave her a questioning gaze. “I mean, I have never actually seen that chicken walk. It gets carried everywhere. They take turns carrying it. They even sleep with the darn thing”. “Come to think of it, no, I aint never seen it on the ground. A very strange thing for a chicken, not to be scratching around looking for worms, very strange indeed”. The women gave it no more thought and went back their chores. It was a very strange chicken indeed.

Using a fishing trip as an excuse to get out of the building for a while, Izzy, Mouse and a few of the children pushed their barrows down to the jetty. Not much trading was done during the winter so very few boats were moored there. Come spring there would be boats lined up, waiting for their turn to unload their cargo and transport it to the city. When that happened the population of the town almost doubled. There was a time when this region was well known for its quality and quantity of crops and livestock. A serious drought and over farming destroyed the industry and it never recovered.

When a town had no work, the people had no jobs, which meant no money to by food, but even if they had money, there was no food to buy, creating a viscous circle. It was Izzy’s dream to beak that cycle and get the land, and its people, working again.

As they dangled their lines in the water, catching fish that would be given to hungry neighbours, a ship came into view making its way into the harbour. It’s design with different to the normal ships that docked here with a large figurehead of a dragon on the bow of the vessel and a longer slenderer hull. It was built for speed, not for carrying freight.

Stan landed another fish and Izzy reminded him of the rule. You caught it; you clean it. Stan was going to argue the point, since he was doing all the work landing the fish in the first place, but he could see she was distracted and picked up the knife to clean his catch.

The ship docked on the opposite side of the jetty to where they were fishing, and Izzy watched them closely. There was a small crew, maybe a dozen men, and some of them were clearly elven. Amongst them there was a man who stood out amongst the others. The captain, tall, well built, handsome, perhaps to handsome. Izzy shifted her gaze and saw him in another light. His outward appearance was a guise. Underneath he was something quite startling. He was a dragon.

Izzy had read books telling of the mystical dragons that could transform into the bodies of people, just as she did with Lock, but never envisaged meeting one herself. She wondered what he could possibly be doing here? Then decided it was none of her business and turned her attention back to the children and the fishing. All the barrows were full to capacity. How long had she been distracted by the ship? She wondered. Nevertheless, the wind was picking up and the afternoon chill was settling in. It was time to go home. She looked over her shoulder for one last look at the ship and its captain. To her surprise, he seemed to be doing the same to her.

She didn’t mention the dragon to Mouse, or anyone else. She reasoned that if the dragon wanted his presence know, he would make it so himself. The fact that she knew he was here, and could keep an eye on his activities, was enough for her right now.

The captain and the crew found their way to the Golden Tusk seeking a hot meal and a drink. The Tusk was a tavern after all and the ladies who now ran it were happy for the patronage. Even the harlots were excited to see them. They were a reasonably well ordered lot of men with none getting drunk or making an ass of himself, rather they sat and enjoyed their meals, engaging the harlots in pleasant conversation. When they were finished, they returned to their ship to bunk down for the night. Before leaving, the captain asked one of the ladies, “That meat, it was rabbit, wasn’t it?” she told him yes, a local delicacy. “I thought they were almost impossible to catch” It was a statement as much as a question. “Well sir, someone catched em, or we wouldn’t be eatin em”. He seemed to be considering her answer as he left.

The following evening the meal at the Tusk was fish, and it didn’t take him long to work out where the food was coming from. He watched as Izzy made the journey back and forward to the bake house each day with the aid of a red headed boy and a wheelbarrow. Seemed he was just as interested in Izzy as she was in him. Probably more so. Izzy decided to discover why.

Dragon or not, this was her home and she wanted to know his intentions.

 

[Moonlightlilly]

Slipping down to the dock, she waited for him to return from dinner. “Why are you here?” she didn’t see the point of small talk and speaking to him vocally posed no risk to him.

“Just taking in the view, replenishing supplies, nothing insidious I can assure you”.

“Why do I not believe you?”

He tried to turn on his charm, but it was lost on Izzy. “Now why would a lady, in your current condition, be concerned about the business of a simple sailor like myself?”

“Because, simple sailor, there are no views to be seen here, and no supplies to be had, so you have no reason to stay. The next high tide is within the hour, why not make the most of it?”

He stepped forward and tried to touch her hair, a move that very nearly caused him an injury. “I disagree. I think the view is very nice indeed”. If his smile was meant to entice her, she was immune.

“This is a small town, and the people are suffering enough. Anything you take, you take from the mouths of their children. They have no need of you and your kind, there is nothing here for you”. She wanted him gone, NOW!

“And yet they dine on rabbit, fish and fresh vegetables. You are doing well to feed so many, especially in your condition, Dancer”. He was expecting his recognition of what she was to unsettle her, but it did not.

“I do what I can for those I can. It’s of little consequence, and no business of yours, Dragon”.

He seemed surprised that she had seen him for what he is. Not many could do that, and he had never heard of a dancer doing it. But then he had never heard of a dancer taking care of a community before either let alone running an orphanage. This dancer was different though, and he was curious to know just how different.

“It seems we have met at an impasse, temporarily. Perhaps we could talk more in a warmer location, I am sure you will like me once you get to know me”. The dragon’s powers of seduction had no effect on her. If anything, his over confidence was annoying. “I have not even introduced myself. Lady Dancer, my name is Lord Draven and that is my ship, the Wave Dancer. Seems we have something in common”.

“Seriously? Your ego is larger than that ridiculous head on the front of your boat”. She had no desire to talk to him further, he obviously didn’t grasp the notion that his dragon charm had to effect on her, and she wanted him to leave. He must have had a reason to stay, and she was now determined to discover what it is. Right now though, she had better ting to do than this verbal sparing match with an over grown lizard. She turned her back and headed for Haven.

“It’s not a boat, it’s a ship, and a very fine one at that”. He seemed offended by her statement, “And the dragon head symbolizes strength”.

By that time she was mercifully out of ear shot. That lizard certainly liked the sound of his own voice. It was time to talk to Cassie

 

[Ravenloft]

Just as Izzy approached Cassandra's shop, she was closing up, a good four hours early, looking quite shaken herself. "Of all the... Now of all times... Honestly... It had to be NOW?!" Cassandra turned, practically colliding with Izabelle. "Oh! Thank the Goddess! I was just going to come look for you! We have a real problem... There's a dragon in town! I think he's here for payment... for his... Piss... And I am the only one left to foot the bill! Unless... But no, I don't think you even want to hear another word from me... Well, shit... How do I even begin to explain... What a mess... What an absolute mess..." Cassandra looked as though she was at the end of her rope and was wringing her hands in worry. For a woman who usually shown with such dour calm, the sight of her in such desperation and worry was very unsettling to see.

She turned and began unlocking her shop door. "We need to talk." She said with a sigh, something between exasperation and resignation. "I need your help... Again..." Once inside, she set some water to boil for tea, in the vain hope that it would settle her nerves. "A dragon... It had to be a dragon... Now?! That fool of a lich... Sometimes, I think it would be better if we had never..." She turned to face Izabelle. "I suppose you would agree, all the shit he's caused you and poor Mouse... I have much to answer for, I know... It is a heavy burden, to be sure... What can I do to make amends, Dancer? You must know how horrible I feel for all that has happened... and all that continues to happen... I don't have all the answers, but I will do whatever it takes to regain your trust."

 

[Moonlightlilly]

Izzy placed her hand on Cassies shoulder to calm her down. “Relax. If he wanted money from you, he would have already been here. I very much doubt Cassius got his supply without paying in advance. He has another reason for being here. I will trust you until you show you can't be trusted. I will grant you one chance, and one only. That cocky lizard is somrtihng i need to know more about”.

Cassie looked at her for a moment. “You have spoken with him?”

“We had a conversation of sorts. He has a very high opinion of himself. He’s after something, but I don’t think it’s money, not to bother coming all this way. And why here? I suppose we will find out soon enough. How much do you know about dragons?”

Cassie shrugged, “Never met one in person before, but from what I have read about them, they can get nasty. I don’t want to be on the wrong side of one, that’s for sure”.

Most of what Izzy knew about dragons came from books as well as folk law and stories. She wondered if there was anything in the hunter’s book about them. “Well, until we know what he is up to, let’s not antagonize him”.

She left Cassie sipping her cup of tea and muttering something about damn dragons and Cassius.

She wasn’t going to say anything to Mouse about the dragon until she needed to, but now that Cassandra knew, Mouse would be made aware in no time at all.

When she told him she made it seem like no big thing. Not many would even know this man was a dragon, and she was sure he’d be gone in a few days. Nothing to worry about.

The following morning was wet and cold, but her business could not wait. She and Stan pushed a barrow full of food, some hot stew and coal and headed out to the farm beside the one she now owned. The elderly couple were suffering in the cold and had no family to assist. When she knocked on the door, the old man opened it, wrapped in everything he owned. The house look as though it would blow over in a strong wind, and the cold filtered through the cracks in the walls and roof.

Izzy sat down the pot of stew and started their fire while Stan did the introductions.

“Good morning to you both. This is Lady Isabelle, and I am her trusted interpreter, Stan. Lady Isabelle would like to help you. She has purchased the old Walker farm next door, and would very much like to purchase your farm as well.”

The elderly couple looked at each other in bewilderment. “We can’t sell the farm lad, we been ere our whole lives. We gots nowhere to go”. They expected to be thrown out on the street and their lands confiscated. That’s what would have happened normally.

Stan interceded, “Oh no, she doesn’t want you to move. In fact, she is offering to fix up the house, and make sure you have plenty of food and fuel to live here until the end of your days. She is also prepared to give you one hundred gold bits, and she would be very happy if you stayed”.

The old man looked very confused, “I don’t know why you would want this place. Noting grows much, it’s no good for anything really”.

Izzy took his old frail hand in hers. He was so cold.

“She wants to restore the land, grow food again, make jobs, build a better life here. Whatta ya say? It’s a pretty good deal if you ask me. You can retire and live a good life. Everything taken care of for ya”. Stan was really trying to sell it.

The old man looked at all the food in the barrow, the warmth of the fire already warming the room. His wife was happily spooning the stew into her mouth, oblivious of the proceedings, and he saw the situation for what it was. A blessing.

“My name is Harold, Harold Noonan, and this is my beloved wife, Esme. What you offer is a dream come true. Just this very morning I was praying for help, but I never expected it. You have saved us when anyone else would have let us die then taken the land. I am happy to accept you offer”.

Izzy shook his hand, and the deal was struck. She would come back tomorrow with more supplies and a bill of sale.

When they left the house with the empty barrows, Stan gave Izzy a curious look. “Wot you really gonna use the land for?”

“Just what I said I was going to use it for. I want to build things”.

He thought about it for a moment, “Fair enough, you don’t have to tell me if you don’t wanna. None of my business”. And with that he ran ahead with the barrow in front of him, meeting up with some other children keep for a barrow ride. She didn’t understand why he thought she was lying.

“Well, hello pretty dancer, fancy meeting you here”. It was the dragon. He must have been waiting for her.

“I didn’t think lizards liked the cold?”

“I’m not a lizard, I’m a dragon, and we have our own internal heating, so to speak. I don’t mind the cold at all”.

She knew he was lying but didn’t care. “What do you want?”

“Why must I want something to enjoy a stroll with a lovely lady?”

“Because this lovely lady isn’t falling for your tricks”.

“Fair enough. Then I shall get to the point shall I?”

She glared at him, “Please do”.

“I have need of a dancer. I have travelled over great distances and it seems your kind are very aloof. I need your help”.

She stopped walking and look at him. “I’m not interested”.

“But you haven’t even heard what I am asking yet, or how much I am prepared to pay”. He was sure the offer of payment would get her attention, but it did not. She continued walking.

“I need you to kill a king. He’s a very bad king, and a very bad man, and I need your help to rid the world of him and save his people. There, you have it”.

“Kill him yourself. You are a dragon, just set him on fire or something”. It sounded reasonable to her.

“I can’t. When he was crowned, I pledged myself to his service, I can’t harm him, my oath won’t let me, otherwise I would have done it long ago, believe me”.

“Well, that was pretty stupid. Get someone else to kill him then”.

“Tried that. He got wind and slaughtered an entire village. He thought that the possible assassin lived there. Which he didn’t. then he interrogated half his own guards. No one will risk trying. He’s paranoid to the extreme and completely insane. The only hope we have is a dancers magic”

“You’re the one who is insane if you think I am going to abandon my family, in the middle of winter, five months pregnant, just to help a people that are none of my concern?”

This wasn’t her problem. She had enough to deal with, and plans set in motion, she couldn’t go anywhere even if she had good cause.

“Please consider what I ask. I can tell you of all atrocities this madman has committed for they are endless. You are our only hope”.

Izzy gave no answer as she headed for home. She didn’t want to even consider what he was asking, but the whispers told her otherwise.

 

[Moonlightlilly]

Izzy sat by the fire, contemplating everything Draven had told her. Dragons by nature, were rather arrogant and selfish, but he had gone to great lengths to find her, and he would not have done so without good cause.

She had to be in Hallowgrave come spring. On that she would not compromise. She shook her head. What was she even thinking? She was pregnant. Did she have to power to take on a magic protected king? She had no doubt that the security around him would be tight, and had she not been with child she would have enjoyed the challenge, but now? Why now?

Mouse came to sit beside her. “You look like you have a lot on your mind. Can I help?”

She sighed and turned to face him. “The dragon I told you about has asked me to help the people of his land. It’s why he is here. He has been looking for me. He means no harm, but I am conflicted by his request”.

Mouse was concerned. He had never seen her so indecisive. She knew what she wanted to do and did it. “What does he want you to do?”

“Kill a king”.

“A king? That’s all? No big deal. We’ll just bundle you up with only a few months before you are too due to have my baby, go to another land, and kill the king there. What could be easier?”

She frowned. His sarcasm wasn’t appreciated. “If only it were that simple. Noting is ever simple. This king is an evil man, and I have been asked to stop him. For one of my order, such a request is very difficult to turn down. My own mother served justice to an army of sixty men when heavy with me. The child is not affected by the magic, but if I die, so does the child”.

That was enough for Mouse. “Then you can’t go, not if you and the baby will be at risk. The dragon will have to find another dance to kill his king”.

“It took him a long time to find me. Seems my kind are becoming…rare. I will give tis more thought. Thankyou Mouse”. She lifted her veil and kissed him hard. A kiss that lingered on the lips long after they parted.

She slept very little that night and the following morning when she went to get the bread, Draven was waiting for once again.

“Good morning pretty lady. It’s a lovely day, don’t you think?”

She gave him a sideways glance but said nothing.

“Did you give any thought to my request? If we leave now, we could be there and back before spring, and you can have you babe here”.

Izzy entered the bakers shop to collect the bread. She filled her basket and a sack, as per usual, but this time she handed him the sack.

“You need to see what you are asking me to risk”.

Back at Haven he followed her to the kitchen with the sack of bread. Activity was stirring all around them as children came from their bed, washing their hands and faces before breakfast.

Draven clearly did not expect so many. “When you said you had a family, I didn’t expect it to be so…. Big”.

“These people look to me for their survival. What you are asking of me, effects them”.

He sat on a stool at the end of the table “ I can see why you are hesitant but the number I seek to save is a great deal more than this. I know I am asking a lot, but you are my, and my people’s, last hope”.

She looked around at the people she cared for, her family, and could not help to think of the families in the village that this king burned, down to the last woman and child. “I will give you an answer tomorrow”.

“Fair enough, I will wait one more day. I pray you make the right decision”.

Izzy went to seek out Mouse, “My dearest heart, I need you to do something for me. I need a meeting with Lady Tusk and Cassandra as soon as possible. Can you organize it for me?”

 

[Ravenloft]

Mouse couldn't speak, ever since her kiss, he had fallen mute. People were noticing, and it made him panic more than a little. He had never known this kind of fear in his life. All he could do was nod and hide the desperate tears in his eyes and turn away to run to the two other women in his life that he loved with all his heart. He was not upset or mad, he knew what was to come, and he knew it had to be.

It was hard to speak to even them, but he squeaked out what he had to say before he fell into open tears in front of each of them in turn, and they did their best to comfort him, which he appreciated. It was enough to help him do what he knew he had to do. The meeting was set and he sequestered himself alone at Lady Tusk's estate until the appointed date, he needed time to work up the soul to give Izabelle the one gift he had always known he would give to her, ever since that night she let open his heart to her, that night she allowed him to bathe her.

He left Lady Tusk little notes, requesting several things. A musician of great skill, a meal that could not be out done, subtle and sophisticated lighting and decoration, nothing garish, just what would be tasteful and right for the night that was to come. He locked himself away and worked on something that he would not allow anyone else to know what he was up to.

Until, he invited Damiana and Cassandra, separately to his room to bare witness to what he was up to and extracted their promises that they would NOT let Izzy know what he was doing. It had to be a secret. Only Damiana had guessed what he was up to, in part, Cassandra had guessed the second part of his plan, and he made them swear that they would not reveal it to each other or to Izzy, especially Izzy.

He needed their support, if he was do to what he had to do. On both counts. In fact, it was the simplest part of his plan that he was the most afraid of doing, that was the more painful and difficult part of the plan... The second half, that would be Izzy's burden to bare, he had already made up his mind about that and he would NOT take no for an answer on that part! Even if he had to enact it after she had left, even if she tried to make him promise not to do it. He was going to make her aware of it, in no uncertain terms, but he had a promise and a compromise prepared for her, Cassandra had helped him with that part, Damiana didn't even know, she only knew about the harder part of the plan, the more painful and difficult part, and she supported him in that in a way no one else ever could!

"Okay! I am ready!" Mouse said as he stood in Damiana Tusks elegant and stately decorated dining room, just as he had asked. "Thank you for this, Mamma!" Damiana smiled and shook her head. "Oh you little imp!" She teased, only a few weeks behind Izabelle, herself, regarding her state of motherhood. Mouse squinted one eye at her and pointed at her round belly. "I'm an elf, not an imp, if anyone is going to be a mischievous little devil, its Devon Tusk, not me! But don't worry, I'll keep him out of the worst trouble, he's bound to get into! That is my oath and my bond! And we elves, we take oaths veeeeery seriously, Mamma!"

Damiana waved her hands at him, laughing so hard and heartily that she had to brace herself on the dining table. Just as she was in the midst of her laughter, Cassandra was lead in and presented by her loyal butler. "Presenting Lady Cree..." Cassandra pushed past the butler, Quinton, in a bit of a panic, thinking Damiana was having extremely premature contractions, rather than noting Mouse simply being in the room.

Mouse was stifling his own laughter, so that he could call out to his friend. "Calm! I just made her laugh a bit too hard!" Cassandra turned on her heels and put her hand over her heart and wagged her finger, this time, she was the mute one!

"Okay... I'm ready... How long befo..." Before he could finish, the bell rang at the front door again and they all assumed it was Izabelle.

However... It was Lord Draven! He pushed his way in and invited himself to the private diner. "How in the hell..." All three of them muttered under their breaths as he was presented by the suddenly, much more meek seeming, Quinton.

"Well, hello, my lovelies! I trust I am not LATE for this event? Clearly, as Izabelle is not present, good! You must be the witch? And you must be Mamma? And you... You must be her little mouse... Aren't you... Cute?"

Cassandra had to hold Damiana still and Mouse... He stood, trembling, somewhere between rage and despair, once again, mute.

"Oh, stop, all of you, I don't intend to stay... I just came to say, thank you. For all your efforts. I appreciate what you are doing... For me." And with that, he turned and left, just in time to miss Izabelle's arival.

The three of them stood in silence, simply staring at each other blankly until Quinton went and brought Izzy in and presented her to them, as was his duty.

Cassandra sat in her spot, Damiana rushed to hug Izzy and welcome her with enthusiasm and excitement, while Mouse struggled not to vomit or run away in terror.

Niceties were shared and Mouse doted, first on Izzy, then upon their unborn child, for as long as Izzy allowed him to. They had come to an understanding of their limits upon that in private, several weeks ago and Mouse thanked her profusely for finally alerting him to his overindulgences, simply asking her to let him know when enough was enough, already.

The three of them had agreed, in silence to hide, or ignore the fact that Draven had showed up, they all understood that if they did, Mouse could not follow through with what he had to do.

"So... Mouse has something he has to say..." Damiana said aloud. "Two things, actually..." Cassandra added, softly.

All eyes turned to Mouse and he swallowed hard, lowering his eyes, his cheeks burning red.

Damiana reached out to him. "Go on luv, you can do it... You've done it before..."

Casssandra smiled softly. "Twice now."

Damiana snapped her fingers and not just one, but three musicians of great skill entered the room and stood far back from Mouse and looked to him for his signal.

Mouse looked more than just a little embarrassed, but also full of an uncommon strength of resolve. He gave them one nod and they began to play for him and he looked very nervous, but there was that resolve in his eyes.

With expert accompaniment, he began to sing, something he had never done so publicly, not even for Izzy, before.

His voice shook with emotion, but one look to Cassandra and Damiana, and he focused his gaze on Izabelle and the shake in his voice dissipated.

"I hear your voice on the wind
And I hear you call out my name

"Listen, my child," you say to me
"I am the voice of your history
Be not afraid, come follow me
Answer my call, and I'll set you free"

I am the voice in the wind and the pouring rain
I am the voice of your hunger and pain
I am the voice that always is calling you
I am the voice, I will remain

I am the voice in the fields when the summer's gone
The dance of the leaves when the autumn winds blow
Ne'er do I sleep throughout all the cold winter long
I am the force that in springtime will grow

I am the voice of the past that will always be
Filled with my sorrow and blood in my fields
I am the voice of the future, bring me your peace
Bring me your peace, and my wounds, they will heal

I am the voice in the wind and the pouring rain
I am the voice of your hunger and pain
I am the voice that always is calling you
I am the voice

I am the voice of the past that will always be
I am the voice of your hunger and pain
I am the voice of the future
I am the voice, I am the voice
I am the voice, I am the voice"

 

[Moonlightlilly]

When Izzy arrived at Lady Tusks home, she could feel an air of trepidation. She knew the dragon had been there recently, she could smell him, but wasn’t surprised. No doubt he liked to think he was in control of the situation. What Izzy wasn’t prepared for was the greeting she received.

Mouse, for all his kindness and big warmheartedness, began to sing, backed by musicians in a well-orchestrated performance. She was more then a little perplexed. Apart from the occasional ditty for the sake of amusement, she had never heard him sing a serious chorus.

Izzy was a being of rationality and logic, rarely prone to emotions others took for granted. She understood the song was for her, and that Mouse had put his heart into it, but the meaning was lost to her. She did feel a little sadness for that. There were times when she wondered what it was like to feel so deeply, and times when she was glad she didn’t.

 

[Ravenloft]

Seeing Izzy's confusion, Cassandra spoke up. "Oh, Izabelle, don't you see? You are the voice!" And as Quinton pulled out a seat at the table for her, Damiana added. "And you are calling to him, to all of us." Mouse turned red with embarrassment and struggled not to flee the room, he gave the players a subtle nod. The musicians behind him took a step back and politely removed themselves from the room, so that the meeting and dinner could begin.

Lady Tusk began. "So! You wanted to discuss this evil king? The dragon? Us? Haven? Anything else to add to that list of issues?"

Cassandra shot her a look. "Too bold, love!" But she grinned and turned her attention to Izabelle. "This is something you must do, and we all know it. I want to aid you in every way I can, but I know that there must be a trust built between us before I can join you. However, any magical assistance I have to offer is yours at no charge. Potions, wards, charms, even a protective amulet or ring if you ask, but I would ask that I have such items back upon your return, as they are worth a fortune."

Lady Tusk smirked back and her cheeks pinked just a little, but she held firm to her boldness. "You already have my heart and soul, quite literally, but I have more to offer you." She nodded to Quinton and he brought in a leather pouch and presented it to Izzy. Opening it, she found, inside were a few smooth stones about the size of her palm, and could easily be concealed in her closed hand. "I found them in the basement, at first I thought they were just some silly rock collection, but Cassius is no child, so I had them sent to Cassandra and she discovered that they are portal stones. If you strike them against yourself or someone or something else, they will trigger a teleportation back to... A secret room, here, in the basement. I thought that if you needed a quick escape, once you had done the deed and killed this bastard of a king, you would have one, or... Five. Cassandra has figured out how to make more by consuming the few more that I have found, but that takes time and polished stones of the appropriate kind. That is all that is left to us at the moment. Apart from that, I have set aside a significant portion of my fortune for you, it is at your disposal, use it for whatever else you might need to kill the fucker and come back to us as soon as possible. We will remain here and maintain your dream, Cassandra, me and the Harlots will all make sure things keep running smoothly."

Mouse collected himself and cleared his throat. "I am coming with you. To watch out for you. I will make sure you don't die. Make sure no one figures you out. I will remain distant, don't worry, I won't talk, like I do. I know you worry about that, but that is here, at home, where its safe. There? Hells no! I know better than that and you need to allow me to prove it." Mouse was firm in his words until Izzy's eyes fell upon him and his boldness began to wane. "Please?" He whispered, so as not to hear his own voice crack. "I will follow any instructions you give me, as long as they don't conflict with your wellbeing. So no telling me to let you go off and die heroically for my silly ass!" He got some of his fire back by making light of the situation.

Food was brought out, and it smelled divine, Lady Tusk tried to keep her poise but she was clearly eager to dig in. Cassandra found the presentation quite lovely and took her time to enjoy the entire experience. Mouse was waiting on baited breath for Izzy to finally have her chance to speak and was laser focused on her and her reply to even think about touching his food yet.

No longer able to wait, Lady Tusk spoke up. "Well? May we dig in? We can talk while we eat!" Mouse nodded, still looking to Izabelle and Cassandra bowed her head slowly with a pleased smile. "It looks and smells divine." She gave Izzy her chance to make beginning unanimous.

 

[Moonlightlilly]

Izzy could see they were waiting for her to begin eating so she took a few bites. She really had no desire to eat, there was to much on her mind, but she ate a little out of courtesy.

They were also waiting for her to begin the conversation. “The dragon has told me of a king in another land who is a cruel and evil man. The people are living in fear and poverty, he surrounds himself with potent magic, and is slowly sucking the land dry of life. It’s only a matter of time before he runs out of life where he is and seeks other lands to feed on. I have never heard of this man, this King Alfred, because his land is far from here, but I can not ignore the call for aid. I am loath to leave Haven in the middle of winter”

“It is my intention to leave with the dragon on the tide morning after tomorrow. I ask that you watch over Haven for me, over my children, my family, and see to their safety while I am gone. I should be no longer than two months. This is my home, and I will give birth here. If you can swear to me that this will be done, I will owe you a great debt”. The women were nodding their heads, their mouths full of food, but Mouse was still chewing the first bite. “Mouse, I ask a great favor of you. Will you accompany me on the voyage? I will feel so very alone without you”.

Mouse’s face lit up wit a huge smile. “Truly? You want me to go with you? I thought…never mind what I thought. Yes, yes I will gladly come with you”.

Izzy had to wonder just how long he’s been holding his breath. “Of cause you will have to sing for much of the trip”. She teased and the other women chuckled.

She looked to Lady Tusk. “These stones, do they have rules?”

Lady Tusk shook her head. “All we know is they work as a transport amulet. They only work once, and only transport one soul, one way. The user will be transferred to a small room in the basement that will be kept empty for this use alone”.

“As for Haven, I swear to you on the head of my own child that I will do everything in my power to see they are safe and well until you return, on this you have my word”.

Cassandra repeated the oath, promising to give her own life if necessary to ensure the occupants of Haven were safe.

Izzy was happy with this.

They continued the meal with Izzy filling the women in on different aspects of the occupants of Haven, and what their needs might be. It was unlikely that Alice and the other ladies would need help, but Izzy felt better knowing there were safeguards in place.

On the walk back to haven Izzy dug Mouse in the ribs. “So, you can sing. I think you have been holding out on me”.

“Oh that wasn’t singing, that was me screeching out some words in nervous terror. When I really sing, you will know”. They laughed and joke about him screeching out such lovely lyrics all the way back to Haven where they curled up in each other’s arms and slept.

 

[Moonlightlilly]

Izzy woke with the sun as she always did and went to collect the bread. She didn’t take Stan this time, fully expecting to be met before reaching her destination. She was not wrong.

“Fair morning to you pretty lady. Did you sleep well?”

Izzy was beginning to wonder if she would regret agreeing to this endeavour purely because she would have to be in this self-entitled gonad for two months.

“Well enough”.

“And did you give any further thought to my request?”

Izzy kept walking but sighed. This game was getting tedious. “As you well know, because you were there, and don’t say you weren’t, I could smell you a mile away, you know full well that we leave on the morning tide”. She loaded up the bread and handed him the sack full. “If you need to get provisions, I suggest you do so, mouse will deliver his and my own belongings this afternoon”.

“AH, so the little mouse is coming”.

Izzy paused for a moment and looked him in the eyes, “He might be called Mouse, but take my word for it, if he had to, that mouse could move mountains”.

Draven chuckled. “I’m not sure I ever want to see that”.

“Lets hope we never have to”.

After delivering the bread Izzy went to find the blacksmith. She had an urgent request. A box, mad entirely of lead and large enough to hold the blades of heart and soul. She was taking them with her but needed to reduce the connection to Mouse as much as possible.

Then came the hardest part, telling the children.

 

[Moonlightlilly]

It was hours before the dawn when they made ready to sail. Draven’s ship, long and sleek, was quick to gather the wind in its sails and propel them towards their destination. Draven had said it had taken almost a month to cross the ocean and find her, but Izzy assured him the return journey would not take so long.

The first day at sea held a number of new experiences. Dolphins appeared to play in the bow waves of the ship, jumping and splashing in the man-made waves. Izzy marvelled at their speed and fearlessness. What must it be like to be such a wonderful creature? Away from the stress, drama and darkness of men.

They also came across a pod of whales, whom Draven informed her, were hunted and killed for their fat. Izzy was not surprised by the barbarity of men and thought it a great criminality that such killing was consented to. The world of men and it’s likes thought nothing of stripping nature of its beauty for personal gain. But that it seemed, was just life. She watched as their giant bodies breached the surface of the water only to drop back again with a great splash. Such a simple and innocent creature, butchered for oil and perfume.

Mouse was having a few difficulties with the ocean and it’s constant tossing and turning, vomiting the contents of his stomach over the ships railing more than once. Draven assured him it would pass in time but for Mouse, it could not pass soon enough. He did find some respite standing beside Izzy on the deck, watching the wonders the ocean had on display. One of the sailors told them that such sights were gone from the waters around their homeland. The darkness had chased all such life away. Even fish didn’t go there anymore.

The further they went from home the colder the world became, as if a sheet of gloom had spread over the ocean. The passed islands, their foreshore as dark and bleak as the land they were destined to reach, not even the customary bird life was present. There was no fish, no food, no life. Draven told her how the king had been using magic to draw all the warmth, life and love from the world around them to fuel his own magical ends.

It was on one such day they woke to find themselves immersed in a thick blanket of fog. It was impossible to choose a direction as the sun was blocked from view and the ships compass sped in circles. They came upon a stricken vessel floating listlessly in the heavy morning fog. Only it was not a morning fog. It was a blanket of sorrow and melancholy from which few escaped.

Izzy asked if they were going to check on the crew of the stricken vessel, perhaps they needed help.

“I can tell you without a doubt pretty lady, there are none on that vessel that can be helped. Their souls were lost the moment the fog caught them. Our souls may well be lost the same way”. The sailor who told her this had a far away look in his eyes. He had seen this fog before and had no fond memories of it.

The fog settled a few feet from the surface of the water in a rancid blanket. But it wasn’t the smell of death hanging in the air that most worried the sailors, it was the stillness. This was how the fog trapped and devoured life, by becalming the vessel and keeping it there until the crew went mad or died of starvation, or both.

Izzy looked at the sails of their ship. Not even the smallest ripples movement. “Why do the elves in the crew not compel the wind to fill the sales?” Izzy asked Draven.

“Even Elf magic can’t penetrate this. I had been a fool to think we would have time to go around it, but it seems it has grown so much larger since we passed this way a year ago. The darkness is spreading faster. I am sorry that I have brought you to such an end my Lady. I fear we are lost”.

Was this part of the darkness that was carried on the air? Leaving those trapped within feeling so defeated that they didn’t have the strength to fight for survival? It seemed even Draven was drained of his spirit, not unwilling to let his dragon fly and pull the ship to safety. “There’s no point, we’re all going to die right here”.

She turned to Mouse. Her sweet ever positive Mouse, but even he was stricken with the melancholy. “I am so sorry Izzy, I can’t protect you, not even from some bloody fog. What use am I? All the love I have, and I can’t keep you safe. I have failed you”. Izzy felt suddenly alone in the middle of an ocean she knew nothing about.

Izzy knew she had to do something. Anything. She sat where she could see the sails in their entirety and focused on them. Softening her vision, moving her thoughts, feeling for the smallest glimpse of movement. Compelling the wind to blow. At first there was a ripple, “Ah” Izzy thought, “I see you now” she pulled upon the ripple and created another, and another, building in size and intensity as she went. Pushing the ripples of air into the lifeless sails, filling them a little, and then a lot, the ship began to move.

 

[Moonlightlilly]

She found it difficult, maintaining the force that now propelled the ship forward through the fog. She was also aware that anything in their path, lurking in the fog before them, a coral reef, a stricken vessel, an island, would be hidden from view until they were upon it. Still, plowing blindly ahead towards possible escape seemed better then sitting adrift in madness waiting for death.

When finally, they breached the far wall of the fog, Izzy let go of the magic, leaving herself completely exhausted. Natural winds filled the sails and fresh air filled their lungs. Free of the influence of the darkness, the crew began to recover, returning to themselves, as did Draven and Mouse.

“Oh you sweet, wonderful, beautiful Lady. How did you save us? I was so sure we were lost”.

“I think that is the true power of the fog. It’s not to hold ships in place, but to render the crew so paralyzed with defeat that they have no longer desire to move. You’re Elvin crew could have raised a wind to sail you out of there, but they felt too depressed to act. It seems I am immune to such feelings of helplessness”. She wondered at it herself. Unaware that such magic was within her until she needed it. Lending her to wonder what else she could do if pushed to the limit. She didn’t think for long though as sleep called to her and would not be ignored. Settling into the warm embrace of her darling Mouse, she drifted off to sleep.

As she slept, she heard a calling. It was a familiar sound, something from time past. It became clearer, closer, and more familiar. With sudden realization, she knew who it was. “Mother. Where are you? I hear you but I can’t see you”.

“I am right here my beautiful child”.

Izzy turned about to find her mother standing behind her. She was in her prime, radiant and lovely, her golden hair resting on her shoulders, her green eyes, just like Izzy’s, shone bright with clarity. Except for the years between them, they would have easily passed for sisters. She held out her arms to her daughter and they embraced so tightly Izzy would always remember the feel of it.

“Mother. How is it you are here? I have missed you so much”.

Her mother, Dianna, a woman of strength and vitality in this glorious dream, brushed a tear from her daughters’ cheek. “I have always been with you sweet girl. Watching over you. The bond between a mother and her daughter can never be broken. No mother could be prouder. How magnificent you have become. I always knew you would be the one to bring change”.

“I don’t understand”.

“You will, in time”. She placed her hand on Izzy’s pregnant belly. “The next generation of dancers will hold a much different place in the world, thanks to you”.

Izzy was still confused. “How is it I can see you now, when I haven’t before? Even in times when I needed you most?”

“Life and death are not so simple sweet girl, even for us. I could watch you, but I could not have interfered as much as I wished I could. I would have given anything to save you the pain you have endured. When you broke through the mist, you reached into magic dancers have never touched before, and broke down walls built to restrain and limit your abilities. There is so much more you can do now, but be warned my sweet girl, it can be a trap as well. Power is a seductive beast. Go to deep, and it can be very difficult to find your way back. You have a great destiny before you, and I will watch on with wonder as you make that journey”.

This was a lot for Izzy to take in. she had so many unanswered questions. “Will you help me Mother? Will you guide me?”

“No my love. Your journey is yours alone and is one of great importance, but you will never be alone. You have so many who love you”.

As her mother’s image began to fade, she called out, “Mother don’t go, don’t leave me. Will I see you again? I miss you so”.

“Sweet Isabelle, you are my dearest heart. I will come to you when I can, and I will always be nearby. Have faith in yourself, and in those who love you, you are the future”. And with those final words, she was gone.

Izzy felt the grief of loosing her all over again. Inwardly she wept, hearing Lock speaking to her, soothing her. “Why do you grieve? She is not gone. Like me, she is a part of you. You will never truly be separated. Now rest, tomorrow is a new day and there will be much to do”.

She felt herself drift into a deeper, dreamless sleep. Tomorrow would be soon enough to find her thoughts, now her body needed to rest.

 

[Ravenloft]

Once Mouse was over the worst of his sea sickness and they had pushed through that unnatural fog that robbed them of their will, he was out and about, learning everything he could from the sailors. Especially their songs. He had a song of his own forming in his heart and by the third night of sailing, he knew he would burst if he didn't get everyone together to hear what had been filling his mind and soul these past few days.

"I have a song to sing and I want you all to hear it, I think it will hearten us all, somehow."

He got up on a wooden crate so that he was a foot taller and motioned for any stragglers to come forth and listen.

Now you all know
The bards and their songs
When hours have gone by
I'll close my eyes
In a world far away
We may meet again
But now hear my song
About the dawn of the night
Let's sing the bards' song

Tomorrow will take us away
Far from home
No one will ever know our names
But the bards' songs will remain
Tomorrow will take it away
The fear of today
It will be gone
Due to our magic songs

There's only one song
Left in my mind
Tales of a brave man
Who lived far from here
Now the bard songs are over
And it's time to leave
No one should ask you for the name
Of the one
Who tells the story

Tomorrow will take us away
Far from home
No one will ever know our names
But the bards' songs will remain
Tomorrow all will be known
And you're not alone
So don't be afraid
In the dark and cold
'Cause the bards' songs will remain
They all will remain

In my thoughts and in my dreams
They're always in my mind
These songs of halflings, dwarfs and men
And elves
Come close your eyes
You can see them too

When Mouse finished, he felt untethered, as if he might float away, it was a strange sensation. Was it just in his head? He couldn't tell. No one else seemed to be magically effected, but they all appeared to have had their spirits lifted and went off to do their work in earnest.

He went to Izzy. "I feel odd..." He began and slipped his arms around her, the next thing he knew, they were sort of levitating a few inches off the deck. "Um... Are you doing that?" He asked, looking down, feeling his feet leave the floor.

 

[Moonlightlilly]

Izzy did indeed feel lifted by Mouses song. It seemed that now he had found his voice, and shared it with others, something within him changed, grew, and evolved.

Wrapped in his arms, they levitated off the deck just a few inches. “Did you do that?” he asked her.

“No, my sweet, this is all you. You found your voice, and your magic”. She removed her veil and kissed him tenderly. Her mouse was becoming a man and she was honored to witness such a transformation.

In the days that followed on their journey to the kingdom of Vasel, Izzy and Mouse explored their new magical abilities together, finding ways to access and control the magic. Working together was empowering and some of the results of their exploration had them rolling on the deck with laughter.

Mouse tried to levitate again and resulted with this rear end firmly planted on the deck, but his hair standing on end like a terrified skunk. Izzy’s attempt to control the wind again almost blew Mouse off the deck. It was then they decided, with tears of laughter running down their cheeks, that they should wait until they were on dry land before trying anything else. They did manage to achieve one amazing thing though, something very unexpected, they could talk to one another with their minds, just as Izzy once did with her mother.

Izzy got to her feet and brushed off her skirts. “It feels so good to laugh. There seems so few occasions for it of late”.

Mouse looked at her in shock. “Izzy you just spoke”.

She gave him a look that said he was crazy “You know very well that I can’t speal aloud; I would hurt you. I think you hit your head”.

“There, you did it again. You said that I hit my head. I heard it clear as day. Izzy I can hear you speak. Wait, your lips didn’t move. How is that possible? Let me think. We were doing magic, and you almost blew me off the ship. Maybe I did hit my head. Or maybe…”

“Mouse, calm yourself. I was able to talk with my mother this way. It’s a link between minds, talking with thoughts. I didn’t know it was possible to have such a link again, but somehow, we did it. I can talk to you”. Tears of happiness welled in her eyes. At last, she could talk to him the way she had always wanted to.

“Oh Izzy, your voice is amazing, like listening to a chorus of angels singing. Speak again. Say anything. I just want to hear you”.

Izzy laughed aloud, something that was also new to her. “I am no bard, but I have a tune I like”. It was a song she had heard in a land far away on her travels. She loved to sing, and now she could share it with someone she loved. If only she could dance with him as well.

Sing me a song of a lass that is gone
Say, could that lass, be I?
Merry of soul, she sailed on a day
Over the sea to Skye

Billow and breeze, island and seas
Mountains of rain and sun
All that was good, all that was fair
All that was me is gone.

Sing me a song of a lass that is gone
Say, could that lass, be I?
Merry of soul, she sailed on a day
Over the sea to Skye

Mouse’s face was agape with amazement. Izzy reached over and lifted his chin to close his mouth. “Leave it open like that and you’ll catch flies” she teased.

“Oh, by the gods, this is a miracle I only dreamed of happening”. He wrapped her in his arms and spun her around, only pausing to see if their feet were still on the deck or above it. “I did not think it possible, but somehow, I love you even more” their lips met again in a kiss that united them. Lifting her into his arms, breaking their kiss for just a moment, “I think we need to take this to our cabin” his voice husky with passion.

“I couldn’t agree more”.

 

[Moonlightlilly]

The kingdom of Vasel was once a thriving metropolis that depended heavily on fishing and agriculture to feed the populace. The city was well placed above sea level to reduce the risk of flooding, the streets were set out in an organized grid with houses being built primarily from stone and clay brick. Many of the city’s older buildings, some aged well over a thousand years, were constructed further inland and on much higher ground. The palace was amongst them. Built in a time when it was necessary to consider defenses and strategic positioning, the palace and the surrounding grounds were a fortress.

Within the city itself, the once thriving marketplace was reduced to what little people could grow or hunt, and there wasn’t much of either. Cold, hunger and the loss of hope left people to die in the streets, no one caring enough to give them a proper burial. King Alfred had fed on them the way a vampire would drain its victims, leaving them as little more than husks of what they were before.

As the ship, the Wave Dancer, sailed into port, there was no one to meet them. The dock workers had little interest in assisting the Dragons ship, he was a servant of the king after all.

Izzy could feel the city and its people, and it was horrifying. The darkness here was of the same magic as the fog they encountered on their voyage, but with a slightly different tone. Here the people moved, worked, ate and slept, but did so with no joy or care. They had become mindless drones in the service of a mad man.

Mouse leaned over the ships railing, “Wow look at this place. Have you ever seen anything like this Izzy? It’s so beautiful. And that building on the hillside must be the palace. I can’t wait to see inside the city. I bet they have a store for everything a man could want.”

Izzy looked at Draven in confusion for this is not what she was seeing. “It’s a muse placed over the city and surrounding lands. To all who look upon it, they see what once was, not what is, with the exception of a few, of cause”. Indicating her. “Very few travelers come here anymore, but those who do, see what Mouse is seeing”.

The look of wonder and adventure in Mouses eyes made Izzy envious. She wish that she could see what he was seeing, because what she was seeing, was depressing.

Draven, Izzy and Mouse had formed a plan before docking in Vasel, one that relied heavily on the king’s vanity and paranoia. Unfortunately, it would take time. Dressed like royalty herself, Izzy wrapped her cloak tightly around herself and left the ship. Draven called for a carriage to take them to the palace, instructing another carriage to follow with their belongings. They had arranged to meet Mouse the following day to compare information. Izzy could talk to him telepathically but as yet, they had no idea if they could talk over a distance.

Passing through the city, looking at its people, Izzy could tell all the color had gone from their world. Draven was right, the king had almost depleted these lands of life and would soon be seeking richer feeding grounds. She thought of such a fate befalling her home and her family, a shiver ran down her spine. She would die before she let such a fate befall them.

The palace and its compound loomed over the surrounding landscape like a stone giant. At some point in its history, this building would have looked magnificent. Huge iron gates bearing the royal emblem blocked the road into the keep. The king’s paranoia ensured the guards were overly cautious in the duties. Many had seen what became of those who had not. The king did not believe in second chances.

The palace itself was originally built using stones so white they sparkled in the sunlight. That was the palace Mouse and other travellers saw. Izzy would have liked to see that palace, not this one. Now it held no luster or light, coated with moss and time, its majesty shrouded beneath layers of darkness. Draven took Izzy’s hand and led her up the stairs into the palace foyer where he announced he had returned, with his new bride. The king would be informed of his return, but it could be days or even weeks before they were summoned.

Izzy knew that what she saw, was not what others could see, her magic affording her the sight of truth, not the muse put before her. Just as she was unaffected by the fog, so she was not touched by the illusions here.

 

[Moonlightlilly]

To Izzy the interior of the palace was a pale remnant of what it once was. Grand tapestries hung tattered and unkept on the walls, paintings of past royals had been removed leaving large blemishes on the polished timber walls. Window depicting scenes of long-ago battles were thick with dust and carpets were rank with the smell of time. How she wished she could see it in all it’s splendor as everyone else did. To be deceived by magic and oblivious of the rot that surrounded them.

Draven escorted Izzy to his chambers. To her surprise it was tastefully furnished and surprisingly clean. “This is my room, but I will have the adjoining room cleaned and made ready for you” then he spoke to her using signs. “Everything we say in this room will probably be heard, so we must be careful and not raise suspicion”

From the window she could see out over the city and the harbor. How lovely this must have looked when it was green and alive. Draven came to stand beside her “My Darling, let me give you a tour of the palace. There are so many wonderful things here”.

Out in the hallway he pointed out things that were no longer there and she pretended to see them and be amazed. This tour though was nothing to do with seeing the sights, and everything to do with becoming familiar with the layout. There were so many rooms, floors and balconies, it would be easy to become lost. Even the cellar had two levels, and the dungeons, deep below the palace keep, had dozens of chambers and passageways.

A few hours in, one of the maids came to inform Draven that his wife’s room was ready for her. Izzy felt she could use a break from this performance, and she wanted a chance to try and talk to Mouse.

“Lord Draven, you have returned to us. It’s wonderful to see you back safely. I am told you bring a bride with you”.

“Your Highness” Draven bowed low so Izzy followed suite. “Yes, it is wonderful to be home. May I introduce my wife, Lady Isabella”. Inwardly Izzy mused “And so it begins”

“Lady Isabella. How lovely”. He reached for her hand, kissing it and touching her fingers with his tongue. She was totally repulsed but managed to give no indication. “Tell me, how did you come to be with this impotent lizard?”

Izzy looked to Draven. He hadn’t missed the insult, but there was no point defending your honour to someone who had none.

“Your Highness, I must apologize, my lovely wife does not speak. She talks with her hands. I am happy to translate for you”.

“A woman who can’t speak? How lucky are you”. He slapped Draven on the back and burst into laughter. “You will both join me for dinner tonight” he turned and continued down the hallway still laughing to himself.

Izzy looked around the room that had been allocated for her to use. Just like Draven’s chambers, it was tastefully decorated but with a woman’s touch. The bedding was clean, the fireplace ready to be lit and the floors had been swept. The wardrobe contained over a dozed dresses in a variety of colors and fabrics. She couldn’t help but wonder what became of the room’s previous occupant. Draven had told her that getting an audience with the king so soon was unheard of and could only assume had everything to do with him bringing home a wife. A wife he had obtained without permission.

A young woman appeared mid afternoon to help Izzy dress for dinner, on request of the king. She kept insisting that Izzy should not wear her veil over her face, but Izzy refused. She would not leave the room without it. And after what seemed like hours, Izzy was ready to go for round two with the king.

The dinning room was decorated to excess, and everything shone brightly from regular polishing. It was a stark contrast to the rest of the palace, but then, he rarely used the rest of the palace. Izzy had been seated near the king with Draven on her other side. It was obvious that he had no interest in Draven, but a great deal of interest in Izzy. This is exactly what they had hoped for.

King Alfred entered the dinning room with all the flamboyance of a circus clown. His robes covered in ruffles and bows, his cologne all to familiar, dragons’ urine, a huge white wig propped on his head, and his cheeks painted with bright red makeup. The only one who thought he looked magnificent, was himself. His greeting was as loud and obnoxious as he was.

He took his place at the head of the table and reached for Izzy’s hand once again. This time she had to pull it free from his sweaty grasp. “Tell me sweet lady, why do you cover your face? I would very much like to see your face”.

Izzy looked to Draven to answer. “I’m sorry my King, But my lady wife only removes her veil in the privacy of her room. It is an affront to her religion to show her face in public. She means no offense my lord”.

“Ah I see. Well, it is an affront to me to have your face covered at my table. Take it off”.

She looked to Draven with pleading eyes, “Please don’t make me remove my veil”. They had known the king would insist and they would make a big deal out of it.

“Oh, very well, I am too hungry for an argument, keep your veil, for now”.

“Thank you, my King,”

It was only a few minutes later that the king’s hand found it’s way under the table and onto her thigh. She looked at him in sock and moved her leg away, the king chuckling to himself at his own boldness. “So, tell me, where did you find this vision of loveliness? I assume she is lovely as I can’t judge without seeing her face but doubt you would bring home a troll”.

“She is indeed lovely my King. I was visiting a land far to the East of here where I came across a nomadic people living in the mountains. The chieftain offered me one of his daughters, but of cause I declined, until I saw Isabella. Our eyes met and I knew she was the only woman I would ever love. We were wed that very day”.

“Ah how romantic. Tell me Lord Draven, is she a good fuck?”

Draven almost spat a mouthful of food across the table. “Pardon my Lord? Um, well, she was still pure when we wed, but she has been a quick study”.

King Alfred seemed to be enjoying their apparent discomfort immensely. “Well then, my lady, should you get the urge to feel a real man between your legs, just let me know. I’ll be happy to teach you a thing or two”.

Draven joined the king in his laughter, pretending the king had made some wonderful joke. For Izzy, every breath that came out of that mans mouth made her want to end him all the more. “Be patient” she told herself, “Play your part. This will end soon, and so will he”.

Izzy excused herself from the table, stating she had a headache and needed to rest. For her part, she couldn’t get away from the table fast enough.

Back in her room she lay on the bed, closed her eyes and reached out to Mouse, desperately hoping the distance between them would not stop them connecting.

 

[Ravenloft]

Mouse had spent the day going from shop to shop, at first the glamour that masked the true nature of the kingdom of Vasel held strong, the further into the city he got, the more things began to seem a little... Off. "That's odd..." Mouse muttered the first time he had noticed a seedy alleyway full of shit and refuse. "I must have just entered the bad part of town... I wonder if there is a place around her like the Tusk..." He began searching for just such a place, and got turned around, and found himself heading back toward the docks. But nothing seemed familiar now, not even the streets. "Wh-what's going on?" He whispered to himself, sure that he had walked down this thoroughfare before, but now it was stripped of its beauty. "Did I just enter another dimension?" He thought, in utter confusion, the muse lifted from his mind.

Just as he finished that thought, he swore he could hear Izzy's voice on the wind. "Izz? Is that you?" He began to say allowed, blushing and laughing to himself. If it was, she was using their new found connection to reach him, not anywhere near by him an actually talking to him. "Hi!" He thought, loudly. "Is everything alright where you're at? Cause things just got pretty freaking weird here... I just started walking back from the center of town, I thought I got all turned around, but I'm sure I'm on the same stretch of road I started on and well... Nothing looks the same! This town looks like shit! But I swear it was really beautiful when we got here! Did Draven do something to us, trick us? If so, I will totally kick him in the balls before he eats me! I hope I give him indigestion too! Dumb dragons! First their pee seduces Mamma, now this?" Mouse's thoughts came out in an torrential rush and remained as loud as ever. It took Izzy mind shouting for him to "Hold on a second!" for him to stop for even a moment. "What?! Geeze! You don't have to shout! Honestly!" He had no idea he was being just as loud in her head as she was in his.

It took a few minutes of mutual trial and error for them both to get their sending's to an acceptable level for both of them. It was just a matter of clearing their heads and focusing on each other's voices in an appropriate manner. It didn't take long at all, really, for a completely unknown and unfamiliar magical bond to take shape. Mouse listened to Izabelle's explanation and stood there, on a street corner, looking off into space, nodding his head. He was too busy listening to her to notice if anyone was looking at him funny, which they were. "Okay, so you're saying what I saw before was fake, a magical glamour, and now I'm seeing that is really real? Well... Poop... That sucks! I liked it the other way, this is pretty crappy... I wouldn't want to live here! How long do you think its really going to take to take this guy out? He's awful, right? No sign of any sort of redemption? I hope his shadow is black as silt... Cause I don't even want to be here anymore... Ugh! So lame! I need a drink... I'm going to look for my kind of people here! See if I can learn anything from some kindred spirits, if you know what I mean? Hey, what if, after we ice this bastard, we look into using what we loot here to establish both a Tusk and a Haven two here and leave a little light of hope for these people before we go home?" Mouse mused as he walked around, looking for a place he could sit down with some like minded folks for a drink and a meal. "I mean, it couldn't hurt, could it? And as pompous as this Draven guy is, he seems to have his heart in the right place, I mean, you don't see a darkness in HIS soul, do you? He's just arrogant, it seems... Maybe he could take care of such places and really build something good here, based on our designs? I'm sure he'd drink in all the hero worship and acclaim he'd be sure to have thrown at his feet, because you and I... We don't want or need that kind of recognition, seems like a win win situation to me! A real, best of both worlds sort of deal, don't you think?"

Once he had finally found a place to sit down for a drink and a bite to eat, it was beginning to grow dusky outside. "Shit, I need to find a place to bed down tonight... Where were we supposed to meet again? Hey, this new thing we can do with our minds, its really neat! Any idea why we can suddenly do it? Is it some sort of Dancer gift? Cause I'm pretty sure its not an elven thing... At least I've never learned anything about it being something Mom, I mean my birth mother, nothing she was ever able to do... And clearly its nothing to do with my human side. Shit... I wonder how mother is doing... Um, I may be a little drunk, my mind is starting to wander... Which reminds me, um... We have to talk about something... I think... I think I figured something out, but this is NOT the time for that. I need to wait until I am sober and we can be in each others arms again before I say anything more. I'm going to... Going to shut up now, I know I've been thinking way to much, way to fast, welcome to my mind, sweet, beautiful Dancer! It never stops... Okay, NOW, its your turn... Wait! One more thought before I stop thinking! Oh gosh... Well, um, how do I say this? No, um, how do I THINK this? Oh wow... Um... Here goes nothing! I know that you dwell in your logical heart more than your emotional heart, I can feel it in my whole heart, but I want you to know that I love you with my entire being and I know that sometimes confuses you, or scares you, maybe both. But know that I understand you, and accept you as you are, fully and completely, I am more aware of things than you can tell, and, that's all I really wanted to say, for now, the rest can wait until we are together again, in person. I love you, and I know you love me, so we are good, right? I don't have anything to worry about? Not Draven, not the king, not any dark souls you send on to their makers? Its you and me, two torches burning in the darkness, right? Keeping each other burning? Don't answer that! Okay, its your turn, think away, pretty lady!"

And with that, Mouse had to quite literally bite his own tongue, using the sharp pain of it to distract his mind enough to give Izzy room to send a mental reply of her own. The only interruptions were quick little "Ow, ow, ow, ow" sending's every few minutes to every few seconds, but they were more or less, background thoughts than full on messages, so easily put aside by both or their minds.

 

[Moonlightlilly]

It was hard for Izzy being away from Mouse, even for a day. He had become her rock, her stable place when everything around her seemed to be falling apart, he just didn’t know it. Nor did she until they were apart. She tried her best to reassure him, but he seemed reluctant to believe her. Something she would have to deal with at a later date. He just needed to trust her. As their minds touched, Mouse began to talk so fast and loud that Izzy began to feel overwhelmed. “What do I have to do to convince you that I love you and only you? Please have faith in me. I know we must talk about some things, but they can wait until this assignment is over. Be patient and trust me”. She broke the connection between them and took a deep breath. She needed to relax a little.

After dinner with King Alfred, she wanted to let loose with all the power she possessed and bring him down, but Draven convinced her it was not the way to go. He was to well protected. Their plan was working, she just had to keep it together a while longer.

The following morning Izzy and Draven went down to breakfast, doing their best at playing happy newlyweds. He had assured her that the king never got out of bed before midday and never ate breakfast. Today however, the king, and several of his councilmen, were already eating when they arrived.

Izzy gave Draven a questioning stare. He just shrugged. This wasn’t normal. King Alfred had saved a seat for Izzy beside him, and one for Draven further along the table. “So, it’s time for round three” thought Izzy. This time she moved her chair just far enough to the side that his wandering hands could not reach her.

Throughout breakfast the king discussed several matters that needed Draven’s urgent attention and offered to take the Lady Isabella for a stroll around the gardens while he was busy. Draven of cause tactfully declined stating that he had promised to take her to the marketplace for some shopping.

As the men talked with the king, who seemed to love the sound of his own voice, Izzy observed the other men. They all had shadows, but none darker than the average man. They did what they did not for the enjoyment of it, but because they had to, to survive. If any one of them spoke out, they, and every person in their bloodline, would die horrible deaths. They weren’t bad men. They just wanted to live. Izzy could not hold that against them. It was only the king that had to die.

Draven ran the risk of getting his head removed from his body for refusing the kings request, but that to, was part of the plan. Izzy was relieved he didn’t give in to the king’s advances easily. She really needed to see Mouse.

The marketplace was a damp and putrid place. Chamber pot were emptied into the streets, horse dung lay in steaming piles, and people urinated where they stood. This once proud and beautiful place had turned into a cesspool.

It took longer than expected to reach the tavern where they had arranged to meet mouse. Draven was quick to spot the man following them and it took time to lose him. Pretending to purchase items that didn’t exist from venders that weren’t there was a time-consuming business.

In the corner of the tavern, sitting alone at a table with the hood of his cloak covering his face, was the man she was looking for. Her Mouse. She rushed to him, “Are you ok? Have you eaten? Where are you sleeping?”

 

[Ravenloft]

Mouse stood up excitedly just as Izzy rushed into his arms. "I'm fantastic! I had some delicious stew last night, there's some for you. Ah, here's the thing... Don't freak out now... But someone found me last night just after you 'left' my thoughts... A young woman, she knew why we are here, she knows about you and I and that a dragon would bring us, it was strange, but she is no threat!" Mouse wrapped his arms around Izzy, squeezing her tightly as he could, enjoying the physical contact. He was really missing her more an more every time they were apart. "Okay, so, she took me to this secret place, where her and a few other women hide, they explained that they are devotees the 'the goddess' and that they all foresaw our arrival before the kind stripped away all the magic from this land for his own gluttonous purposes... They want to meet you, they... Are kind of... Wierd... I think they think we are gods or something... I mean, they kind of... Um... Pampered me a little bit last night... Er... It was a bit disconcerting, but... I ate well and, um... Had to decline a few... Offers? Yeah... That was a bit strange... I think I might have hurt a few feelings, maybe? I didn't want to, but just no, I've got you and, I think they understood? I'm overthinking things again, aren't I? Well, that's just how I am! Okay, so they really want to meet you and talk to you, but they know we are all being watched. I don't think we are in danger here, unless you've been followed? But there is a secret passage down to their, for lack of a better word, coven, here in this very tavern. But we kind of have to wait for them to come and invite us down into their abode? They seem to take ritual very seriously, and they are probably going to faun all over you, if the way they treated me last night is any indication. So, be prepared for that. Don't hurt their feelings if you can help it, please, they seem like sweet young women with fragile hearts to me. It would be a shame if us 'gods' ruined the image of their Goddess by being jerks, right?

Mouse continued to hold Izzy in his arms and his hands began running up and down her back, enjoying the feel of her in his hands, until he sensed the edge of her tolerance for such touch begin to prickle up. It was like petting a wild cat, luxurious and easy to lose yourself in the moment, but the wise knew when it was time to stop so that they didn't get bit or scratched for pushing things too far. Mouse was learning. He disengaged and sat down, inviting Izzy to sit with him just as another one of the young pagan girls came up from the trap door that lead to their domain below the city She was a cute, freckled red head with a button nose, but the intensity in her eyes as she rushed over to them told of the fiery spirit hidden within her.

She nodded politely to Mouse and then poured all of her focus upon Izabelle, remaining as calm as a supplicant could while standing before the avatar of the Goddess. "By the Goddess! You are real!" She gasped, clearly about to throw herself down at Izzy's feet. Mouse gave Izzy a look as if to say. "See? Be careful what you say, don't break their hearts..." It wasn't exactly like he was asking his lover to pretend to be a god, but, at least don't destroy their belief in that Goddess. He hoped he was getting his intentions across to her. Oh wait! They could talk without words, that's right! "Play it cool, subtlety is key here, I think, hun..." He send to her quickly with a soft smile. He relaxed in his seat and trusted Izzy to handle this new situation, and the revelation that they had something big to fight for under the city now. They might even have a force to be reckoned with on their side as long as they remained gentle with these gentle souls. "If we kill the bastard, than magic can return to this land and these women might just be the perfect people to replace his twisted rule!" Mouse sent before going silent to see what was said next, going into full observation mode so that he could tell this story one day in the future. He truly had become a bard, his intuition had always been his guide, but now, there was an instinct for the right moment to shut up and listen coming forth as well! It made him happy.

 

[Moonlightlilly]

Izzy listened while Mouse told her about the religious order of women who had found a place beneath the city where their magic still existed. It was there they worshiped the goddess and had visions of Izzy and Mouse coming to set the kingdom free from the evil that suppressed all magic and enslaved the people.

She could see the joy in the young woman’s eyes “You are real”.

She sighed heavily. The last thing they needed right now was to draw attention to themselves. She motioned for the woman to sit across from the table so they could talk more discreetly.

Izzy had heard of the order of the Blessed Goddess before. An order of women that worshiped the old ways and the old gods but was pure in its intent. If indeed this woman and others had a place where magic still prevailed, then it was very likely that had foreseen their coming. The one thing they offered the world in this time of darkness was hope.

“I am no goddess sweet child, I am justice, I am truth, I am death. We have come to restore the balance and bring light back to this land. Listen to what my friend Mouse has to say, for he can tell you the truth. The light is coming back, be ready. May the goddess bless and guide you”.

She turned back to Mouse and raised an eyebrow. “It seems you have become quite popular. You do have the effect on people. The trap is set for the king, it’s should only be a few more days. I have to wait for him to drop his guard and become vulnerable. Then we can go home”. She got to her feet and hugged him tight. “We must go. We can’t risk being seen. When the king is dead, I will let you know so you can spread the word. Be safe my love”.

 

[Moonlightlilly]

Back at the palace, Draven went to see what important matters the king insisted he do, and Izzy went to explore the lesser used portions of the castle. She preferred to be where the king could not find her until it was time, and if discovered she could simply say she got lost. It would be easy enough to do in these empty halls.

The place that interested her the most lay beneath the palace in the dungeons and tunnels. There was something of importance down there, she could feel it. Her eyes adjusted easily to the darkness with help from Lock, and she was sure footed by nature so finding her way into the cold damp passageway was easy enough. If she thought the marketplace smelled bad, this place was so much worse. Several of the chambers she checked were used as storage space for dead servants and councilmen, the king not even affording them a burial. Thrown away like garbage. One chamber contained three women and a dog. Izzy assumed she had just found the previous occupant of her room and owner of the gowns. Once the king was gone, all of this would be set right.

Somewhere in the darkness she heard a sound. A soft beating that held a steady rhythm. She followed it, turning down one passageway after another until the sound grew louder. She came to a chamber with a heavy timber door and a large bolt locking it in place. She listened more closely. It wasn’t just a beating sound; it was the sound of a heartbeat. Someone was on the other side of the door. She slid the bolt across and pushed hard against the door. It was slow to open and took all her strength, but she managed to open it just enough to squeeze inside.

A boy, no, a man, no more then two feet tall, was crouched in the corner shaking in fear. He was naked except for a scrap of rotting cloth wrapped around his hips and he looked as though he hadn’t bathed in a very long time. His arms and legs were curled around him in a foetal position and a length of chain attached to an iron collar was fastened around his neck and fastened to the wall.

Izzy kneeled in front of him and held out her hand. She wanted to speak to him, tell him that she would help him, but she couldn’t risk speaking aloud in case he did him harm. She knew what she had to do. Remembering the way she had come, she returned to her room and collected what food she could find along with water, a rug and one of Draven’s shirts, then retraced her steps back to the tunnels. She might be able to speak to him vocally, but some languages transcended sound.

Back in the chamber she offered the little man the food and water first. He reached out and took it cautiously, waiting for it to be snatched away, or some other cruel joke played upon him. When that didn’t happen, he devoured it thankfully. Next, she held out the shirt and dressed himself. His arms and legs were so thin from hunger and lack of exercise that the shirt covered most of his body. Next, she gave him the rug to help keep him warm and off the cold dirt. She could feel his gratitude for her kindness and wanted to tell him that soon she would set him free, but he would know soon enough. In the meantime, she would help him as much as she could. Before she closed the door again, she cast her eyes over him a little closer. He was a being of magic, ancient magic, but had been drained to the point of death. This was a crime that would not go unpunished, just like so many others.

Back in her room she realized the had mud all over her boots and the hem of her skirts. She had to cover her tracks quickly. She hurried to the gardens, the grim reminder of how all beauty had been sucked out of everything and pretended to pick some flowers. A gentle rain began to fall covering the path with shallow pools of water, drenching her and her skirts. She would be more careful next time she went to the caverns.

Wet from the rain she presented herself to Draven and the other members of the council, knocking lightly on the door to get his attention. “If you will excuse me gentleman, I think my Wife is requesting my attention”.

Taking her arm, he walked her out into the hall.

“Did you find something of interest?”

“I certainly did, but I will fill you in later”

 

[Moonlightlilly]

On their way back from their rooms they had to pass through the ballroom. It was the perfect opportunity to provoke the king once more. Sweeping Izzy into his arms he whirled her around the dance floor, humming the melody as they went. Izzy had never done any dance other than her own and her feet continually tripped over his. Each time she did, he caught her in his arms and set her back on her feet. “Ok, lets try again. Right, left, back, left, forward, right, that’s it. You learn fast”. Soon they were spinning and gliding around the floor. For a moment Izzy forgot all else, enjoying the dance that held no power other than enjoyment.

From the doorway to the ballroom came the sound of clapping. The king had been watching them as they knew he would be.

“Lovely, lovely. So sweet to see love in action”. He held out his hand to Izzy. “Now let me show you how a real man dances”.

He pulled her hard against him, his hand firmly placed on her ass, her hip pulled against his groin. He pressed his face against her neck and breathed in deeply, devouring the scent of her, the tip of his tongue touching her flesh. She shivered in disgust. Slowly he began to move, dragging her around the floor, an unwilling participant to his gaudy display of power. She pushed herself away from his sweaty bulk, but he pulled her in again. Thinking fast she tripped on the hem of her skirts and pretend to hurt her ancle, falling to the floor. Draven raced to her side, fussing over her injury.

“If you please my king, I will take my wife to rest. She is such a clumsy thing”.

The king wiped the drool from his chin, lust pumping through his veins. “Yes, of cause. I will check in on you later. Draven, come to me when she is settled, I have some errands I need you to run for me. Oh, and Draven, don’t keep me waiting”. Then he turned and left the room.

Draven helped Izzy to her feet and swept her up into his arms. “We must continue to keep up appearances”.

As soon as they were back in their rooms, Izzy sent Draven to gather more food while she changed into her old boots. She knew she didn’t have long but she had to return to the caverns and set the small man free. Draven agreed to give her some time before going to see what the king wanted. They both knew this would be the final round but there was something she had to do this first.

Gathering up the food, some candles and flint, and another flask of water, she headed for the tunnels and the little man in the cell. This time he greeted her when she pushed the door open and gratefully accepted the food. Looking at him, he seemed somewhat recovered from the food she brought him earlier. One more thing to do. She reached around the back of his neck and unlocked the collar that kept him chained to the wall. This time when she left him, she left the door open.

She made it back to her room without being spotted and Draven left quickly to see the king. “Be ready” he warned her. “He will come”.

She was counting on it.

She changed into her long pants and blouse, it was far to hard to fight in skirts, then wrapped a wide sash around her waist. It was the perfect place to hide the twin blades, the intended instruments of the king’s doom. She didn’t have to wait long.

The door burst open and King Alfred barged his way in, locking the door behind him. “Ok little lady, it’s time you showed me what you hide behind the scrap of fabric”. He lunged for her, grabbing her around her waist, oblivious to her pregnancy. Reaching for her veil and pulling it free, his voice thick with lust and power “Ah there you are. So pretty. Wasted on a slimy reptile. You need a man. I am that man, and I will have you”.

She looked him squarely in the eyes, her hands reaching behind her, “You are not a man, you are a monster, and I will see justice done”.

Pulling the blades from her sash, she plunged them into the king’s chest. He stumbled backwards, looking at the blades protruding from his chest. He started to laugh. “No mortal blade can hurt me you stupid bitch”. But the laughter began to fade as he realized they were not mortal blades. His heart, what little there was of it, trickled into the blade of hearts. His soul however fought back, the blade of souls fought harder, Cassius pulled harder. He wanted this soul, he wanted to feed, and this soul was delicious. Like a black slug, Alfred’s soul was sucked into the void within, right into the waiting jaws of Cassius. As soon as it was done, she pulled the blades free and returned them to the lead box, sealing it shut for all time. Cassius and Alfred would have each other’s company for eternity.

Draven raced into the room like a madman, screaming that the king was dead, plunging his own blades into the holes already in Alfred’s chest. “The king is dead, he was going to rape my wife and I killed him. The king is dead”.

Guards and councilmen came from every direction. “Can it be true? Is he really dead? It could be a trap. You really killed him? Can he come back?”

 

[Moonlightlilly]

Then came the confusion. “What do we do now? Who will lead us? It should be Lord Draven, it was he that killed the tyrant. Yes, Draven for king”.

“I cannot be a king, I just killed a king. I am not worthy to be a king”.

From behind him he heard a voice he would never forget.

“You didn’t kill a king; you killed the usurper to the throne and saved your people. You are a hero”.

Turing around, Draven fell to his knees. “Father? “

The small man Izzy had set free in the cellar was King Pollard, Draven’s father and the rightful ruler of Vasel.

“Father, I thought you were dead. I looked for you for so long. I am so sorry I couldn’t find you. Where have you been?”.

“It’s ok my son. You were never meant to find me, she was”.

All eyes turned to Izzy. “I came because Draven told me of the troubles here and asked for my help. I knew nothing of rescuing the real king”.

“And help you did. You found me and brought me food and warmth when you had no idea who I was. You set me free. For this I owe you a great debt. Ask and it shall be yours”.

“I only want the payment promised and a ride home for myself and my companion”.

King Pollard moved closer to her, and she knelled before him. He places his small hand on the base of her throat. “Allow me to give you a gift as thanks for your kindness”. Warmth spread through her neck and into her chest. A feeling like having a tight band suddenly released. “Now you have a voice. Speak aloud and none shall come to harm. Speak”.

“I can speak and not hurt anyone?” she whispered to him.

“Yes. Your voice is free”.