Chapter 3:What issues may come.
A city has a subtle din as it comes to life. Carts rattle down the street. Criers start telling the days events. Draius falls in the wrong window after a night of city viewing.
A scream is heard from down the hall. An older woman screams yelling get out why are you in my room again. Guards, guards where are you, get this man out of my room. A voice can be heard over the womans. It’s a voice well known to Airister, its Rodman trying to calm the woman down. Ma’am , Ma’am… MADAM please hush for a moment. My ward here drinks far to much and often finds his way in to the wrong room. Draius doing his best to act the drunk. Issue was he was not acting he was so drunk he could not stand, He lay in the room mumble something about fires and large women.
Kas hops out of bed and grabs her robe, knowing full well her father would be there soon. Airister laid in bed not moving. Kas, If your father tosses him in jail at least we would know where to find him till he sobers up. The Gray could be heard also trying to calm the woman. Dem yelling about how could he do something like this.
Kas looks at her bed mate, Get up and go save your lost dog. Why do I have to do it, the others are doing a great job at it.
Out side Airister hears Kas’s father approach. It just got real. He was in no mood. Something about a break in at the tower, some missing maps and why was the duchess’s carriage out at this hour.
Gabbing 5 pills and the mug of mead from the child he started his day. Funny no hangover, he slept, Was in a good mood and was humming.
Oh Master Stuberman, You look put out. Kas hung her head it was going to be a ruff day. She tried to get back to the room before her father, to late. KASIDAY what in the nine hells are you doing here at this hour.
Airister finishes his mead, and with the might of a frost giant smashes it against the far wall. The smashes echoes in the empty grand hall. A quiet is heard. Morning Gray, Dem, Paladin(looking down at Draius) and just shrugs. Ok how much, How much to make every one to shut up. Madam, I’m sorry. You see the young lad, Is confused you remind him of his lost mother. That’s why he has wondered it to your room. Gray would you help the lad into the Water closet and gently help him to recover. The Gray smiles, I would love to, let me help the poor lad. Dem will you grab his bag and we will take him to the Water tub. Dem not at all amused, Moving close to his ear she mumbles, This better be good. Draius waves his hand unseen by all but the 4 others.
Paladin, Can you take the guards down to the 5th room on this floor. There is a guard posted there. You will find I’m guessing the Duchess in there. With a nod he takes the City guard to the room. The Paladin moving the sleeping guard out of the way, gently tossing him to the floor and stepping on him.
Now Madam allow me to pay for your morning meal, for the lads transgressions. The older woman with a tear in her eye looks up. No no. Its alright, I lost my son in the last war. Its quite all right. please see that the boy stops back to my room later.
Saberman is fuming at this point. he Steps close to Airister, Kas fearing that Airister looking for a fight dresses fast.
Airister leaning close to Saberman. Whispers in his ear your daughter is a very interesting young lady. Now I don’t think the master of the City watch would like the family secret out in the open. The color washes from Saberman’s face, YOU WOULD NOT DARE. He says through tight jaw in hush tones.
Saberman, all is quiet, every person is accounted for. Your daughter is safer with me than under your watch. I proved this 6 years ago. Go and protect the peace I will protect your prized treasure.
With a Sigh of resignation he nods. Kas, walking up to the two man. My dearest daughter I will send over some clothes for you. With a kiss on her cheek he starts off.
Airister catches the man on the shoulder, and turns him around. His hand extended. Saberman looking at the hand, shakes it. With a nod of his head, takes off to his day ahead.
Screams can be heard, coming from a male voice. Gray Mumble mumble gasp stop, Mumble mumble , I’m mumble mumble not Mumble mumble Drunk any more. laughing Jamend seams not to care and continues dunking his head in and out of a bucket of water.
Dem looking through the sack Draius has come back with. She seams shocked at what she is reading. Seams the King of Kitrn’a was not really in need of help. He was in need of fighters. His City was soon to be under siege and wanted fighters there to help.
The Gray and Draius looking on as she reads. water dripping from the thief’s hair. Jamend’s hand still on his neck. The Paladin enters with a story of his own. The Duchess was looking for an escort back to Kitrn’a. Three sets of eyes look at Draius, What was the Duchess doing in your room. Well you see, Draius proceeds to regale the three of them about last nights events. How Airister’s hiring the Duchess as a bed mate for him. Three loud sighs could be heard.
The Gray says ok, lets all dress for morning meal. I will go tell Airister what has happened and meet you at morning meal.
A knock at the door, The child opens the door looking up sees the Gray Ranger. Ruffing the boys hair, Gray asks, horses done? Yes M’lord. Did you Shine and check the Armor. No Sir. And why not young man. Well Sir you and Dem where sleeping. The man of god was mad I was there as he was doing words with the statue. And well I was told not to enter Airisters room, EVER. With a nod The Gray under stood. Drops a silver piece in the child’s hand. Can you do me a favor for a 2nd silver piece. yes Sir. Good boy, go see if any other sell swords are in the town. OH that’s easy sir. there are about 50 or so. The little boy holding out his hand.
A laugh can be heard, it was a laugh the Gray had not heard in many a year. Pushing his way in, he looks at the Hunter. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO HIM KASIDAY! In a booming voice.
Easy Gray I’m well, the child is a fast learner. A look crosses the Grays face. Shadowhawk? (Its what the Gray called Airister in privet moments.) You are in a good mood. Yes, Yes I seam to be.
At that moment the image crystal glows, a Good Morning Dragon Is heard, the mirth leaves Airister. The mood thickens, a rage starts to grow in the assassin. The Gray hands the child 5 gold coins. Go child, pay for the seven meals. also change your clothes, you will eat with us. With fear in his eyes as he see’s the change take over Airister. He leaves the room.
Why do you keep that thing if it angers you so much. The Gray reaches for the crystal, a short sword appears between him and the crystal. leave it Gray, lets not start the day with a fight please. The Gray nods and backs away. In truth the two had never come to blows before. The Gray knowing Airister’s killing skills and Airister never wanting to test his brothers metal to see the answer.
Kas, Tell the child to come back in the room. She heads for the door. He is long gone, says The Gray . Kas opens the door, Draius and the child fall into the room. A look of annoyance and amusement crosses the Grays face. How did you know, Shadow. It was easy, The child is a street urchin, Draius is a thief he forgot how to knock years ago.
Child what is your name? The boy looks down and sways. Child I asked you a question, tapping her foot. Airister touches Kasidays arm. The boy has no name, do you child. Wards of the church don’t get names. There just mouths to feed, free labor or worse. this was the way of the world they lived in. Airister looks down and thinks. What should we call him. Draius starts to speak, he is quickly talked over. Do shut up, You have nothing to add, so just don’t speak. The Gray had little use for the sound of Draius’s voice.
Kasiday says Ray. That is his name. Ray, For he is a Ray of hope. The Gray was slightly put out, that she had named the child. Its Fine Gray. All will be explained at meal, Shadow says with an even tone. The Gray nods and lets it go.
Ray go to the Desk, Have the small dining room set for us please. Gray give him 10 more gold. WHY? its your request. I took care of the mess this morning. You pay for the meal. The Gray nods seeing the point and hands twelve more to the child. Ray leaves the room. Airister looks over to the Gray. Jamend? Yes Shadow. I know you can count, you gave him twelve. Did I? oh I must be tired. That was a lie. He never miss counted and was far to giving to the needy.
In the small dining room the table was set. Dishes, cloth rags for the hands. Airister tells the serving wench the cheap eating wear. knowing well Draius was eating with them. Wench if you have wood eating tools that would be great was heard from a voice.
Rays eyes went wide with the food left on the table. Chicken, duck, and turkey eggs cooked in many ways. A hunk of meat and watered wine and mead. A hot drink made with beans from the hill side of the forest Elves. Ray Trying to hide a hunk of bread in his shirt.
Airister thunks him on the head with a eating tool. Ray you need not steal food or hide it. The boy looks sad and places it back on his plate. Dem looks at the child. Ray do you have a pouch to carry items. No Miss, was all Ray could say. Well he needs one she says. M’Lady Kasiday? Yes Man of God what is it. Would you take me to the Finest Armor here in the city I need his work. A look of fear crosses her face.
Airister, looks over the table and nods to the Gray. The Gray nods in understanding. The Gray points to the door, with out a word Draius is at the main entrance. Ray? Yes Sir Gray. Hanging his head with a sigh. Ray you can call me, Jamend , Ranger, Gray, NOT Sir or M’Lord under stand? yes Sir he answers. A giggle can be heard. A thump on his head again. yes Si… Yes I under stand, the boy whispers. See the Serving door. yes he says. Good lad. lay on the floor and watch for people walking in on us ok. Yes Si…… I under stand.
Kas, could you give us some quiet please. She Looks at Airister, Confused. Please my dear just do it. With a sigh she stands and finds the middle of the room. Lifts her hands, chants some words, her hands flash, with a clap of her hands. A tomb again. They all look up at Kasiday. Shadow, stands. My new traveling partner has a few tricks. Six eyes widen, never before had Airister ever done this before.
Paladin, Kasiday is a Demon. Looking over at her lover. Really like that is how you tell every one. You will pay tonight in the room. Witch hush please. She shoots Shadow a glare. The Paladin laughs out loud. My Dark brother you may want to sleep in a different room. Paladin, when I need advice of the heart I will ask Dem. I need to drink I will look up Draius. I need to be healed I will see you, my Brother of Light, till then Shut up. Kas, was still uneasy with the group knowing her secret.
Dem looks over. Kas. Yes M’Lady Demaras. is heard with a squeaky voice. Kas, I’m Of Elvin and Dragon kin. I keep the Elvin form because its how I am at ease.
Dem looks over to the Gray. Kasiday? Yes Ranger of the Gray Mountains. all look at her. No one ever used the Gray’s full name. Steal could be heard being drawn. Worst of all It was her lovers blade in her ribs that bugged her the most. How do you know his title Kas, Airister was starting to grow and change as the anger grew. Looking down. I knew you all where coming. I have been watching you for years Shadow. He reached for the chain on his neck. Her hand touches his. I have always watched over you. The voice you hear when people are sneaking up on you is mine. Standing 8 feet tall and a tail 6 feet long stands the form of a Dragon kin. Airister had changed with out thinking from the anger he was feeling. From the other Side of the room Jamen also has changed. Standing as tall as his brother in a blue that was so deep, little except for gems of rare value could match his color.
At the door a large Lycan, with a silver coat. Canine teeth four inches long, claws, razor sharp, eyes like coal.
The Paladin stands, holding his robe in front of him. Grows to so tall he has to stoop in the room. Covering his male parts says I’m part Giant and berserker. I was raised by the church I know no parents, I have no family but them in this room.
Kasiday dropping her dress. changes. The silver strip in her hair the wings and the Black skin and fangs, talons, and a tail. With fear in her eyes she looks over to Shadow who still had his knife in her ribs. My lover, would you mind greatly removing your knife please.
The Paladin speaks, for it was always a vote if some one stayed or not. Lady of the lower plains. I will fight beside you for only one reason. You take the dreams, the pain and the anger from my Brother. I pledge to protect you as he would. a nod comes from the others at the table. A whimper is heard from the corner of the room. all eyes turn to see Ray in fear of the Monsters about the room.
Draius walks over, sniffs the child, returns to the door and Changes back. It was always pain full and with a hangover it was worse. Reaching in to Airister’s pouch takes out some pill’s. A snarl is heard from both sides. teeth shown, then both stop. Draius looks up, Shadow nods. Draius takes four, places the bottle back in the pouch.
Kas looks over at the two not understanding. the Gray speaks. There father and son in a manor. Airister’s First wife was a lycan. She nods. The Gray continues, Draius is the best at tracking, finding hidden things, and locating information.
Demaras, walks over to the child. Kisses his head don’t be afraid little one. There is not a being in this room that will hurt you. The Assassin coughs. The boy is scared his body seams to sparkle. Little horns appear. he try’s to hide them. Airister laughs, deep and with out fear. the child is of Satyr kin. What a group are we. Smiles crosses all there faces.
Man of god? Yes M’lady Of dark, how can I help you. I will take you to the Elvin-Dwarf later. As in one voice they all say, what. The Smithy is of Elvin and Dwarven dissent. None in all the realm make weapons of his quality. Airister Looks over to the normal sized Paladin, maybe he can make you an armor that will change as you do. Do you know the Cost of that, Dark Hunter. With a Sigh, yes I do. We will figure it out later. Now tell me all the Dog has found out last night. They all eat as if they had not just eaten moments before. Changing had a way of working up a hunger.
Kas? yes Dragon. We need to talk in the room. a slight pain in her heart. He was not happy and the chat would not be a joyous one
With the Meal done, even Ray was full. The Gray speaks. Ok we need to get supplies. Maybe we can also get some information about this new employer. Shadow looks over at Draious. The old woman would like you to stop in. He hangs his head, I said I was sorry. No, No. I said that she reminds you of your mother, that has passed on, She started to cry because you remind her of the son she lost in the war. Draius nods and understands, he would go make the older woman smile and maybe even return some of the items he stole.
Gray, what’s the plan. Airisters looking around as if trying to find something. ShadowHawk, what are you looking for? The Gray asks worried that the spell of silence is breaking. I need some air is all, Sorry please go on. Jamend continues, We will need four more days. two for information, One to supply. Ok that’s three, what are we doing with the forth. Today we Rest. All eyes look at The Gray. Look, Airister has laughed for the first time in a year, he slept last night, I think we all could use a day or so to remember how to enjoy life. Kas, slides her hand into Airister’s. She smiles up at him he does not return the smile and removes his hand.
Gray we done? Yes you nasty bastard, why. Grabbing a bottle of mead he storms out. Kas hangs her head. Kas? Yes Draius. My Father is a nasty man, but he is fair. Talk to him, his last wife did not. He is hurting and well he does have a kind side we all know it. Don’t give up hope. She gets up to leave. She is stopped at the door. Kas? She turns around with a slight anger. What, she snarls.
Why did you give him the scring charm. Lowering her head, she inhales. I fell in love with him. I wanted to be with him. He would not have it, with me being only 18 winter’s. So I gave him the charm, so I could feel like I was. I never looked in when he was at his home. Never looked in on them and their home life. I just wanted to be with the man that saved me. Is that so wrong.
The Paladin moves close to Kas and hugs her. It was wrong yes but it was done with no malice and no ill intent. It was a woman infatuated with her hero. I will meet you after Mid-day meal and we will shop. I’m going to pray and Sleep. With shock they all look at the Man of God. What? you said a day off and there is a soft bed. I may be a man of god, but a soft bed and a free day I will enjoy both.
The Gray smiles. Yes time off is what is needed. Dem looks over at Ray. Ray come here please. The child sadly looks at the floor. Good you have hidden your horns, come we are shopping. She waves to the Gray I will be back. There is a little boy in need of a horse, saddle and travel gear. The little boy looks up.
You all are keeping me. Dem stops, with hands on hips speaks in a tone that of a Mother/sister/teacher all in one. Ray you are not property, you will travel with us yes, but only if you want to. Now would you like to travel with us? But be warned there are dangers and hardships. We face death all the time and there will be swearing, drinking and brotherly fights. Now again, would you like to travel with us? The boy looking up nods, Yes Lady Dem I would like that. A spark is seen as he claps his hands together. The child has magic about him, he has quick hands, Maybe he could be of use thinks The Gray.
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