Mother of Wolves (Evalyce Worldshaper Book 1) (8 page)

“Enslaved?”

“You cannot tell me that being a magister is not a form of enslavement, Aleister, even if it did spare your life. If Inari granted you that form, it means that you were born with it,” she said softly.

“I don't consider it being enslaved. I consider it an honor. And I was born Arkaddian. I know nothing of the fox spirits,” Aleister protested. The mage shook her head sadly.

“In this lifetime you are Arkaddian, but your soul has lived many lifetimes. You began your very existence in this world as one of Inari's children,” Kalla said softly. Aleister shook his head.

“I don't buy into all of that past life stuff. I was born Arkaddian and I will-”

“And you will die as more than Arkaddian, Sky Fox.” Kalla gave a bitter laugh. “Your name is even more appropriate than you know.

“Sky Fox, if I could free you I would, but only death can sever the bond between mage and magister. Even the greatest of those at the Kanlon cannot undo it.”

“But… but I don't want it undone. Unless you really do regret the choice…” His voice trailed off unhappily. Aleister had thought she would like the Fox King's changes. He hadn't counted on this reaction.

“No, I don't regret my choices at that time, but I do regret that I now have one of the fox kin bound to me. By now you should realize the regard in which we hold
kitsune,
” Kalla said.

“I thought it would make you proud to be guarded by one, not make you dislike me,” the magister replied.

“Oh, Aleister, I don't dislike you. I guess I just…” Whatever she was about to say was lost as growling filled the air. All around them bone blades ignited and wolves poured into the clearing. The vykr screamed as the sabre wolves tore into them and Aleister's alarm filled the link as the mage tried to process what was happening. There was no way they could fight the wolves and no way they could find their way out of the Forest alone. In a desperate attempt to save both their lives Kalla grabbed a handful of Aleister's shirt and willed herself back to the
Stymphalian.
Even the nearest town was incredibly far away. Teleporting to the airship would be no more dangerous than attempting the nearest town. Either could get them just as dead for the trying. Kalla's world went dark as she slammed into the pavement. Before she lost all consciousness she heard Amaterasu's alarmed roar and knew she had at least succeeded in getting them back to the ship.

In the dark depths of the Deep Forest, the young man collapsed to the ground, shaking with sobs, horror-stricken at what he'd done. The cold voice had been right. The Forest Lord had fallen easily when attacked by the dark magick that it had placed within him. The magick had petrified Gasta, turning the regal guardian to ivory. Even as the magick had overcome him, the Forest Lord had forgiven the man and it was that, perhaps, that hurt the worst.

As the guardian's transformation was complete, the young man had felt the geis on the creatures of the Forest lift. The sabre-wolves and other creatures were now free of Gasta's influence. Blades ignited as wolves gathered in the forest around him. He waited patiently, resigned to his fate. As the wolves closed in, the cold voice returned. It was pleased. He had done well. The voice slithered through his mind, telling him how to focus his own power in order to teleport to safety. It was dangerous still, but perhaps he would survive. After all, he was still useful at the moment.

The voice also gave him new instructions, harder than even the last. He was to return to his Master and await the arrival of Kalla kyl'Solidor and her little fox and dispose of them, for they were becoming troublesome. His Master would bring them to him. The man tried to refuse, for he knew the mage and she had once, long ago, done him a great kindness. The cool voice expressed its disapproval. He would be the one to take care of the mage or he would pay the price. There would be no argument. He acquiesced, once more channeling his fear and unhappiness into more sustaining anger and bitterness. An omega wolf had no choice but to bow to those stronger.

The first thing Kalla became aware of was Aleister's gnawing anxiety. She heard his footsteps on the stairs as he realized she was awake. Relief flooded his face when he saw her.

“I didn't think you were going to wake up. You've been unconscious for three days. Of course, I was asleep for two of those as well,” he said.

“… three days…” Kalla cringed at how weak her voice sounded. She struggled to sit up and found she was too weak to do even that. Giving up, Kalla sank back into the hammock. Aleister disappeared, returning with a welcome glass of water. She took the cup gratefully, savoring the coolness of it.

“Milady, why did the wolves attack us?”

“It means that Gasta no longer protects the Forest,” the Mage murmured faintly.

“No longer protects the Forest?” the Magister asked.

“He is gone. The Keeper is dead…” Kalla's voice was soft, sad.

“I don't understand, milady. How can the Keeper be dead? What can kill such a being?”

“Gasta and Inari are spirits of place. They are demi-deities in their own right, but even they can be brought down, just like Al'dhumarna. As to exactly how, I have no idea…” The mage's voice trailed off as her strength faltered. Her eyes fluttered shut and she fell back into a more natural sleep.

Aleister watched her for a moment more before going back outside, where he was assaulted by an impatient wyvern. He assured Amaterasu that the mage was doing well, then went in search of the Outpost's Commander. Someone should know what Kalla had said regarding the Keeper. He didn't know if the wolves would keep to the Forest without Gasta.

Night-time found Aleister draped in the gunner's chair, rolling a small crystal orb across his knuckles. The orb had appeared the night before, when he was fretting over the Mage's condition. He wasn't completely sure, but he thought the orb was his 'fox-ball'. All
kitsune
had them, so he had learned from the Argosian soldiers. He hadn't told them he was one, not after Kalla's reaction. Just inquired into legends surrounding them. Part of a
kitsune's
soul were stored in the orbs. Aleister wished he could stuff all of his unhappiness and uncertainty into his, but it didn't seem to work that way. Right now he wasn't sure exactly what part of himself resided in his fox-ball. The orb itself gave off a multi-hued light. As with the armor and the fox form, he could now summon the orb whenever he wished, which was often. He found it relaxing. The magister had also been exploring other abilities he had gained, using insights drawn from the Argosian legends. So far he had managed to conjure green fox-fire and to craft simple illusions, more tricks in a
kitsune's
arsenal.

* * *

“
Kalla.
”

“
Kalla kyl'Solidor
”

“
Kalla kyl'Solidor!
”

Kalla groaned at the insistent mental call. “What?” she replied in a groggy voice.

“
Kalla kyl'Solidor!
”

Her eyes snapped open as she recognized the voice in her mind as that of Grosso tem'Solidor, Master of House Solidor. The Masters of the Houses, due to their position, had the ability to mindspeak with any member of their House, no matter the distance.

“Yes, Master tem'Solidor?” Kalla asked in a subdued voice. There was a mental grunt as if the unseen speaker were satisfied that she was now listening properly.

“
You have done as you were bid? You have found a magister?
”

“Yes, Master tem'Solidor. I found a worthy magister on Sevfahl,” she replied.

“
If you found your magister on Sevfahl, why are you on Argoth? Were you not ordered to return home to begin your training once a magister was chosen?
” The voice was stern and disapproving.

“Yes, Master tem'Solidor, but events at the Inferno made a trip to Argoth necessary.” She went on to explain all that had happened.

“
I see. No matter. You will report to Cryshal Kanlon. I expect you home in two days, Kalla kyl'Solidor. Do not disappoint me.
”

Grosso's gruff voice vanished as the connection broke. Kalla grimaced. She had no wish to return to Cryshal when there was so much that needed to be done. Grosso had sounded disbelieving of her story, that much had been plain.

The mage rose on shaky legs and made her way into the small bathroom. She turned on the shower and stepped inside, sighing as the hot water sluiced four days of sleep from her skin as she pondered Grosso's order. While she knew she would be better served by learning how to work more efficiently with Aleister, she chafed at the thought of doing nothing to stop the Nagali during the who knew how many weeks of training. Neither had she come to grips with the fact that her magister was
kitsune.

Recalling his hurt look at her reaction made her feel terrible. It wasn't his fault and truly, what better magister for an Argosian?

She finished her shower and wandered to the front of the ship, wondering where said magister might be and finding him sound asleep in the captain's chair. Kalla wandered back to the kitchen area to fix something to eat. Now that she was up and moving around her tummy was rumbling angrily for lack of food during her four day fast.

The smell of breakfast was enough of a lure to rouse the Sky Fox and lure him back to the living quarters. He hesitated in the doorway, unsure of what welcome he might find there. Kalla turned around, favoring him with a grin and a plate of Argosian spiced potatoes, eggs, sausage and brown bread. He took the plate with a murmur of thanks and wedged himself in a space at the tiny table. Kalla had already eaten and she turned back to cleaning up the dishes. When she was finished, she came to sit at the table with him.

“We need to talk, Aleister. First, I want to apologize for my reaction. Please, don't think I dislike you. That's not the case and I've realized that Inari would not have made such a change if he disapproved of your being a magister. I am not one to override the Fox King's wishes,” she said gently. He felt wary of her words, mentally tensed for a 'but' statement that never came.

“Thank you, milady. I hope I can still live up to your expectations,” he said, his lilting voice soft and uncertain. Kalla sighed.

“You are doing just fine. Please, forgive me for upsetting you. I told you before, I felt I had chosen right and I still do.”

“I forgive you.” He gave her a sad smile. “And what is the second thing?”

“Second thing…? Oh, yes.” She made a sour face. “We've been summoned to the Kanlon. Master tem'Solidor expects us in two days at the latest. We'll need to leave soon in order to make that deadline.” Clearly the Mage was not happy with her new orders.

“Well, the ship is fully stocked and fueled. If we leave now we can reach Skycity Zinlin by nightfall and from there cover the rest of the distance to Cryshal tomorrow,” Aleister said.

“That sounds like a good plan,” Kalla replied. She stood and stretched, scooping up the empty plate. A brief thought and it was sparkling clean. From her magister she still got feelings of unhappiness and beneath that the lingering odd emotion that she still couldn't place. He ducked out of the kitchen area and made his way to the doors, Kalla right behind. When the mage stepped out of the ship, she was immediately enveloped in a red haze as Amaterasu pounced, using her wings to draw the Mage close.

You are well, Lady Mage?
The wyvern's smoky breath washed over her. Kalla reached out and returned the wyvern's hug.

“I am well, my friend. How have they treated you? Good, I trust.”

Oh, quite well, Lady Mage. They have let me hunt. I have watched the metal bird and kept it safe for you.

“Thank you, Amaterasu,” Kalla said. The wyvern unfurled her wings and Kalla could see Aleister across the paddocks, speaking to the soldiers, most likely seeking permission to leave. He started back to the ship, with a wave to the soldiers behind.

“We have permission to leave now, if it please you, milady. A small escort will led us back to the boundary,” he said. Kalla nodded, turning back to the wyvern.

“We might as well get going then. Amaterasu, we must go to Cryshal for some time. We must be trained to work well together, Aleister and I. Will you come with us?” she asked. A fierce orange eye regarded her.

If I will be allowed at Cryshal, then I will follow.

“The Kanlon should have no objections. They know now that a wyvern travels in my company,” the mage replied.

Then I will go. You will learn and then we can go seek the feather.

“Very well, let's get going.” Kalla followed Aleister back up the stairs and into the cabin. She expected him to take the captain's chair, but he turned to her instead.

“This chair is rightfully yours,” he said quietly. She gave him a look and let her puzzlement filter through.

“The
Stymphalian
belongs to you, Aleister. You are her captain,” she replied. He shook his head and gestured again for her to take the chair, refusing to meet her gaze. “Aleister, what's wrong?”

The Sky Fox stared out the cockpit window. “No. The
Kruetzet
belongs to you… Kalla Melaricsdottr.” Shock flooded his mind. Behind him he heard Kalla sink into the gunner's chair with a shaky sob.

“How… how… you… Are you saying the Argosian you took up with was my father…?”

“Melaric Wolffsson, yes.” Aleister turn to face her, slipping a small, leather wrapped package from one of his pouches. “This also rightly belongs to you.”

Kalla took the package from him and gently unwrapped it. Within was a photograph of her father and her when they were much younger. Kalla remembered when the picture had been taken. Ventaal had been the one to take it. Tears welled up in her eyes and she angrily tried to fight them away as she shook out the other object in the pouch. It was a ring on a thick gold chain; the ring worn by Argosian captains, a gold band set with a brilliant ruby that was engraved with the Trinity Claw of the Argosian Empire.

It was the sight of the ring that opened the floodgates. All of the pent up emotions surrounding her father's death came crashing back and she lost the battle with her tears. Kalla clutched the ring, her father's ring, in her hand and cried all the tears she had kept inside all these many years. Aleister knelt beside the chair, putting his arm around her, murmuring softly. She buried her face against his shoulder, grieving until the tears came no longer and she finally felt that she had properly sent her father's spirit on. The mage didn't move, but spoke to the magister from where her head was buried against his shoulder.

“How. How did you put those pieces together?” she murmured. Aleister gently drew away from her, standing as he did.

“I… Inari showed me many images. Most I have no idea what they were to mean. He said I would understand in time. He also showed me scenes from your life and from mine. So you see, the ship is yours by right,” he said softly. The mage was silent for a moment.

“Thank you. Thank you for sharing this with me.” She wrapped the ring and picture back up, tucking them in a hidden pocket. “However, I know he'd want you to have the ship. The
Stymphalian
will remain in your very capable hands.”

“You are not angry, milady?”

“No, why should I be?” she asked, puzzlement filtering through the bond. He sighed with relief.

“I don't know. I figured you might be, especially after you got so upset at my being
kitsune.
”

“I am angry over neither,” she replied.

“I know that now. You don't feel angry. You did at first, but not today. I just wish to make sure.” His lilting voice gained confidence now that the situation had been weathered and the mage realized just how worried he'd been over her reaction. She reached out and gave his hand a comforting squeeze.

“You're not getting rid of me that easy. We're in this together. No regrets. Over any of it,” she laughed. Aleister returned the squeeze.

“No regrets.”