The Keeper of the Orbs

[blackmoondagger]

Author: blackmoondagger

Sumarry: Sala is the daughter of a human and a Draegan. She is the only woman to be found with the powers of a Traekavin, a Song Enchantress. When her grandfather reveals that her that the people of her mother's village are going to die off completely because someone has released the Spirits of the Elements.

Copyrighted by Shandi Lemoine. This is for private viewing only. Do NOT copy and paste this. If you try to steal this it'll be your ass! Understand?!

Chapter One
Plight of the Draegans

Sala stood in the middle of a dilapidated village. The wind whipped her hair around her face, her short midnight blue hair lashing at her flesh. She could smell blood, rotting flesh, waterlogged flesh, and burning flesh. The young woman turned around in a full circle. How could flesh smell waterlogged and burned at the same time? Sala felt water rush around her ankles and the heat of flames flash up around her. Under her feet, the earth trembled like the Hunter had grabbed it up and was shaking it in his hands.

A scream passed her lips as she fell to her knees in the swirling water. Orange flames pressed themselves against her, but didn’t burn her skin. The earth rose up around her, forming a solid brown wall of soil, rock, and bones long since forgotten. Gusting wind still managed to find its way to her in her earthen prison. Water rose higher and higher, but still the fire burned on.

Elements didn’t work as one like they were now to kill someone. The weather could conjure up storms that no mortal could survive, but when water didn’t cancel out a flame’s life something wasn’t right with the world.

Something dark and foreboding silhouette covered the opening in Sala’s prison. Crimson eyes filled the hole with blood-red light. Sala screamed, staggering back and falling into the fowl water churning around her. A silvery-white arrow shot through the beast and embedded itself in her heart. Sala fell back into the murky water, her blood coloring the water scarlet.

Sala woke with a start, her breath coming in gasps. The sky was painted a blood red as the sun rose higher over the eastern horizon and above the Orbian Range. A young woman of eighteen rose to her feet from among the tall grass growing in the meadow outside of the village of Orbian. The cool breeze blowing in from the east made her short tunic flap in the breeze and found passage in the holes in her trousers. Gooseflesh popped up on her skin as the cool wind touched her nut brown flesh. Early spring was just as cool as late winter in this part of Ravik. Lynx Moon had only been underway for two weeks.

Her short midnight blue hair joined the wind in its joyful dance of yet another peaceful morning on the continent of Ravik. Clear silver eyes took in every flower bud and cloud floating across the sky. Ears that were slightly pointed at the tops took in every bird call and every baby’s cry coming from the village. The young woman whirled away from the painting the gods graced the mortals of Ravik with each morning and looked back at the village where she had been born and raised. It was so peaceful, so tranquil. Men and women were waking their children now. Some were heading off to work and some were heading to the market to purchase food and other wares.

A slight smile graced her full-lipped mouth as she inhaled the scent of wildflowers and baking breads and cooking meats. An undercurrent on the fresh air made her snort. Sniffing once more, the girl smiled broader. She ran with abandon through the tall grasses and blooming wildflowers. Her bare feet left indentions in the soft earth as she reached the threshold of the city. The dirt was soon replaced by cobblestones and the empty streets soon filled with an ocean of bodies.

The girl shoved people out of her way with no concern for manners. She ran past the stalls cluttering the market place and down a less crowded street where her father’s shop rested. Bounding up the steps and into the open door, the young woman came to a halt on the threshold of her family’s dinning room. Her mother looked at her with deep blue eyes, brushing a lock of her blue-black hair out of her face. An old man turned around in his chair to look at the young woman who had just burst into the house like a feral animal.

He had a long snow white beard and long white hair that was hidden away by his grey, weather-stained cloak. His beady, brown eyes twinkled with delight when he laid eyes on the girl. He held his arms out to her, motioning for her to come closer to him.

“Grandfather!” she shouted.

She rushed forward, launching herself at the old man. He laughed, falling back into his chair and nearly falling on the floor. The girl’s mother rose to her feet, looking worriedly at her elderly father. Both old man and young woman laughed happily as they hugged one another in the too-small chair.

“Sala!” her mother shouted. “Contain yourself! Your grandfather is not as strong as he used to be.”

“Gemma, my girl.” the old man said, laughing and releasing his granddaughter. “You truly underestimate the sturdiness of the Draegans.”

“I did not mean it that way father and you know it.” Gemma said, glaring at her father and her daughter.

“Grandfather what are you doing here?” Sala asked breathlessly. “You rarely come to Orbian.”

“Sala!” her mother shouted, abashed by her daughter’s rude question. “Do not speak to your grandfather that way.”

Sala pulled away from her grandfather, looking at the floor in embarrassment. She knew that she was no longer a pup and should not have asked such a direct question to an elder, especially a man. Her grandfather laughed lightly, waving away Gemma’s harsh words. Sala looked at the old Wolf Mage with renewed hope. He had never been very strict with her about Draegan upbringing since she was half-human.

“Gemma, the girl is no longer a child and she is half-human after all.” the old man said. “You cannot really expect her to be as discreet as a true Draegan child should be.”

“Sala is no longer a child, Sathin and I would appreciate it if you would stop treating her as one.” her father said, coming out of his workshop with a bag of instruments slung over his shoulder. “She made eighteen-years-old this past winter and by human’s standards she is an adult.”

Sathin’s brow furrowed as he gazed at his human son-in-law. “By Draegan laws Sala is still a child and will be treated like one until she comes to age in another six years.”

“Father, Talvin.” Gemma said, her hands clenching the table now. “Please do not do this right now.”

Sathin’s expression became a blank one and he turned his attention away from the human standing in the doorway. His brown eyes locked with the clear silver ones of his daughter’s child. The old Wolf Mage saw a flash of rebellion light in Sala’s eyes when she looked at her father and then it was gone. Gemma sat in her chair once more, her hands now clasped together. Talvin crossed the dining room and held the sack he had slug over his shoulder out to his only child.

“Your uncle Vanina is at the stall waiting for these to be brought to him.” he said. “Bring them to him and then come straight home. I need some help on the guitars for the Merchants Wagon when it leaves a fortnight from now. Do you understand me Sala?”

“Yes, Father.” the half-breed girl replied.

She tossed a final look to her grandfather and then vanished out of the open door as quickly as she had come. Talvin walked to the door and pushed it closed behind the young woman. When the latch clicked shut, he turned back to his Wolf Mage father-in-law and his ordinary Draegan wife. Gemma was sitting stock still, wringing her hands in nervousness. She knew that her father had something he wanted. The elderly Draegan never visited without some ulterior motive each time he visited.

“What do you want, Sathin?” Talvin asked, stepping up behind Gemma and resting his hands on the back of her chair.

The old Wolf Mage chuckled softly, pulling lightly at his beard. “How did you know I wanted something, Talvin?” he asked.

“You always want something when you visit.” the human replied, his usually kind gaze turning to stone as he locked eyes with the Draegan. “Now tell us what it is.”

“I want your daughter.” he said simply.

“What?” Gemma gasped, rising slightly out of her seat before her husband pushed her back down.

“What use could Sala be to you, old man?” Talvin demanded.

Sathin closed his eyes for a long moment, inhaled a deep breath, and exhaled it slowly before he opened his beady eyes once more. “A fortnight ago the Orb of Light was broken and the Four Orbs shattered. The spirits now roam free and are wrecking havoc on Ravik.” he said.

“What in the seven hells does that have to do with our daughter?” Talvin demanded.

“She has a lot to do with them.” Sathin said, his eyes growing hard as he gazed at the human standing behind his daughter. “Your daughter is the Traekavin of Draegan legend.”

“The Song Enchantress!” Gemma gasped, wringing her hands once more. “How can this be? I have no magic in me other than the magic that all Draegans are born with. How can my half-breed daughter have the power that no Draegan village has seen in over two hundred years?”

Sathin looked at his daughter. “I don’t know, Shining Light.” He said. “I don’t know and you know that I am not one to question the will of the gods.”

“I know.” Gemma said softly.

Talvin moved his hands from the back of the hair to his wife’s slender shoulders. “And what significance do these Orbs have with your village and our daughter?” he asked, growing testy with the old man and his knack for talking in circles.

“She has everything to do with it, Talvin.” Sathin replied.

“Well for goddess’s sake tell us, Sathin!” Talvin shouted, his eyes growing wild with anger.

Sathin sighed in exasperation as if Talvin were the one avoiding giving a straight answer. “The Traekavin is the only one who can bind the Four Orbs as One if it happens to be broken.” he said. “If the Four Orbs are not returned to the form of One Orb then the village that holds it will die out.”

“The Draegan race will still live, will it not?” Talvin asked.

“Of course they will live on.” Sathin replied, disgusted by such a question. “We are not as
weak as you humans.”

“Enough!” Gemma shouted, forcing Talvin to release her so she could stand. “Sala will not leave Orbian to save a race who never wanted her!”

Sathin also rose in anger. “The Draegan are a noble race and should not be left to die out just because they shunned one half-breed!” he growled.

“I have another child, Sala’s twin sister!” Gemma shouted, tears shouted down her face. “Go find her!”

Sathin slammed his fists down onto the table. “I do not want your other daughter!” he shouted. “Sala is the older and she is the Traekavin that the Elder spoke of in her vision.”

“You will not have Sala and that is final!” Gemma shouted. “Now get out of my house!”

Sathin whirled around, his cloak swirling around him. He jerked the door open and stopped on the threshold. When he glanced back at his only child, he was disgusted to see her in the arms of the human that she had abandoned her family and her own people for. In another swirl of grey cloak, he was gone.

[blackmoondagger]

Chapter Two
Song of Awakening

Sala stopped at the foot of the steps long enough to watch her father close the door. Once the latch fell into place, the half-breed turned her attention to the crowded streets of Orbian Village. Hefting the bag of instruments into a more comfortable position on her shoulder, Sala made her way through the ocean of bodies. She could smell the scent of sweat, sweet breads, meat freshly carved off of animal carcasses, and blood all mixed together into one sickening stew of aroma. If she had not trained herself to ignore such a powerful stench, Sala might have thrown up in the middle of the street.

When she was ten, she had thrown up her breakfast on such a trip. Boys had stopped to laugh at the freakish girl with the nose of a dog. Girls had merely looked at her as if she were nothing more than a pregnant pregnant dog with mange. After that incident, Sala forced herself to drink deeply of such foul stenches until she could completely ignore them. The laughs and taunts of the human children and adolescents of her village were too much for her to train herself to endure.

Quite a few boys ended up with broken bones growing up with Sala as their prey. More than once, the half-breed had caught the stronger boys late at night in the darker alleyways of the village and beat them until they begged for mercy. At eighteen Sala was the most feared woman in Orbian Village. She didn’t mind being feared by the humans of the village, but there was always the sinking feeling that she, too, was human. Even being half-human gave her a disadvantage against other Draegans.

If mother would ever let me meet more of my own kind I might know what kind of advantages they have over me. Sala thought bitterly, hoisting the slipping sack back onto her shoulder more. I don’t see the big deal with keeping me from them.

The instrument stand came into sight and Sala sighed deeply. She didn’t mind bringing the instruments for her father. It was dealing with her smart-mouth cousin and her ungrateful uncle that irked her. Sala stopped at the counter of the stand and flung the large bag at her cousin. The scrawny red haired boy barely had enough time to catch the bag before it hit the ground. Sala gave him a mock salute and disappeared into the teaming mass of people before her uncle had time to say anything about her carelessness with her father’s creations.

Sala was once more on the outskirts of Orbian Village just as the sun touched the peaks of the Orbian Range. She closed her eyes, inhaling the sweet scent of dew on newly budded flowers. A faint smile touched her lush lips as she stood on the dirt path again. She let the breath out slowly and imagined a blue wolf with a single silver mark right above her left eye.

Her bones began to crack and conform to the form of the wolf she envisioned in her mind’s eye. The scream that escaped her lips just as they formed a muzzle covered with blue fur turned into an angry growl. Sala moved her hands in front of her face and she watched midnight blue fur spout on them and her fingers shrink in to form a wolf’s large paws. She dropped down to the ground, a cloud of dust puffing up around her. Her ribs cracked and reformed themselves. Her legs became shorter, covered in coarse blue fur. Her clear silver eyes moved farther apart and her ears became far more pointed and moved to the top of her head.

Sala rose to her feet, now in the form worthy of a Draegan. She turned back to the village teeming with life and snorted in disgust. She might be a half-blood, but none of them possessed the skill to transform into the mighty wolf as the Draegans could. In this village, Sala was the superior and these feeble humans her prey. Turning her attention away from the village, Sala loped through the meadow.

Scents and sounds were sharper to her wolf ears and nose and texture of plants and the dirt under her paws was much clearer to her wolf eyes. The sound of a twig snapping to the left of her made the half-blood turn her attention away from the unmarked path before her and look to the right. Out of the tall grass and flowers came a grey wolf with beady brown eyes. A wolfish smile crossed the grey wolf’s mouth as he joined the blue wolf in her loping pace through the meadow.

The two wolves broke out of the meadow grasses and into the forest beyond. Sala skidded to a stop at the edge of the Silver River that flowed through the Orbian Forest. The grey wolf had dropped down from his loping run to a slow trot long before they had entered the clearing. Now he sat back on his haunches, watching the young wolf as she gazed down into the silvery waters of the river. Her blue fur seemed to sparkle in the dappled sunlight escaping through the thick boughs of the oak trees that ringed the clearing.

Is something wrong? The grey wolf asked, his voice ringing in Sala’s head.

Why won’t Mom and Papa ever let me go back to Draga Village with you, Grandfather? Sala asked. It’s just not fair to keep me from the other side of my heritage.

Some things are never easy to accept Pup. Sathin replied. Your mother has her reasons for keeping you away from our village.

Sala looked at him over her shoulder, her bones cracking and conforming to her human form once more. Once human she stood before the grey wolf, sadness clouding her silver eyes. Sathin’s bones cracked and conformed and in moments he, too, was human once more. The old Wolf Mage moved to his granddaughter’s side. He knew that the only part of her that bore testimony to her mixed heritage were her pointed ears. All half-breeds had pointed ears. If she kept those hidden, no one would even know that she was a half-breed.

“How do you know about Zanaka?” the old man asked.

“I heard Mother praying to the One Mother that her other child stay safe.” Sala said. “I knew that the other child had to be a pure blooded Draegan for her not to be here in Orbian village with me and Mother.”

“Gods preserve us.” Sathin breathed. “I never meant for you to learn of your twin that way Sala.”

“I know, Grandfather.” Sala said, gazing up at him.

Sathin kissed her on her forehead and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “Do you know who named you, Salakanic?” he asked, pulling his face far enough away so he could gaze down into those strange silver eyes.

“You did, Grandfather.” she replied, smiling at the mention of her full name.

“Yes, I did.” he said, nodding. “Do you know what your name means, child?”

Sala nodded. “Yes, Grandfather.” she replied. “Mother told me.”

“Tell me what it is Salakanic.” Sathin said, sitting down beside her.

“It means Woman of Song.” Sala replied.

Sathin nodded, smiling. “That is your Common Name, Sala.” he said. “Do you remember your True Name?”

Sala nodded. “Singer of the Night and Day Who Brings Life with One Word of Song from Her Voice.” she recited.

“Do you know why I named you that?” the old man asked.

“Is it because all of the shorter names were taken?” she asked, smiling wickedly at the old man.

Sathin laughed. “No, Pup.” he said. “It is because you have a very special magic inside of you.”

“All Draegans have magic in them Grandfather.” Sala said.

“No,” he said. “They do not.”

“I know Mother doesn’t have any but she told me it was because she chose a Human as her husband and not a Draegan.” Sala said. “The Hunter saw it fitting for her magic to be stripped from her for committing such a sin.”

Sathin nodded. “That is correct.” he said. “However, your mother’s choice of a husband has nothing to do with what I am about to tell you.”

Sala nodded, looking back at the Silver River’s slowly flowing water.

“Sala, daughter of Gemma, you are the Traekavin of Draga Village.” Sathin said.

The young woman looked at her grandfather, eyes wide with surprise. “A Traekavin?” she breathed. “I am a Song Enchantress?”

“The Song Enchantress, Sala.” Sathin corrected. “You are the Keeper of the Orbs that Draga Village was charged with keeping safe.”

“Orbs?” Sala asked. “I thought the Four Orbs were One now.”

“They were.” the old Wolf Mage said. “However, someone in Draga Village has gone rogue and broken the Orb of Light.”

“How could they do that?” Sala asked. “Only a Traekavin could break the Orb of Light.”

Sathin shook his head. “Not so.” he said. “Another could break the Orb of Light.”

“Who?” Sala asked.

“The Elder of Draga Village.” Sathin replied, his expression growing dark.

“Elder Nanikana broke the Orb?” Sala gasped, recoiling from her grandfather. “But I thought to break the Orb of Light meant to break the lives of the Draegans of Draga Village.”

“It does.” Sathin said.

“Why would Elder Nanikana want to wipe out her own people?” Sala asked.

“I do not know, Pup.”

Sala closed her eyes. “Then what does that mean for me, Grandfather?” she asked.

“You have to come with me to Draga Village and I will show you what is happening to our people. If you wish to help them, then you will be undertaking the task of finding the Guarding Spirits of each of the Four Orbs and recapturing them.”

“Our people?” Sala breathed, opening her eyes slowly.

“Yes,” Sathin said. “Our people, Sala.”

“How can you be so sure that I am the Traekavin that you seek?” Sala asked.

Sathin smiled. “I thought you would never ask.” he said, rising to his feet.

The old Wolf Mage began to chant in Draegan and a tiny flame appeared at his feet. Sala bent down close to it, her eyes widening in surprise. Sathin’s chanting grew louder and the tiny flame grew bigger. The heat burned Sala’s face and she yelped in fear. Like all Draegans, she had an enormous fear of fire. The flames swept through the green grass as if it were as dead as if winter had turned it brown and brittle.

Sala screamed and covered her face. She watched in horror as the flames engulfed the mighty oak trees and burned them to a blackened mass. Sathin lifted his arms above his head, brought them down in a slashing gesture and the flames vanished from existence. The young woman’s hand fell from her face and tears welled up in her eyes. She was shaking uncontrollably as she gazed at the dead clearing. Her grandfather had killed a great deal of the Orbian Forest. No Draegan would hurt the earth if he or she could help it.

“Sing, Salakanic.” Sathin said, gazing down at his trembling granddaughter. “Sing and it will live once more.”

Sala inhaled deeply and began to sing.

Live again
Bring your beauty
Back to this cold
And empty world

Live again
And show us
How strong you are

Bring meaning
Back to my
Cold and empty existence
Show me that I can be strong

Live for my living
Come back to this world
And grace these mortal eyes
With your splendid beauty once more

All around the Wolf Mage and half-breed girl, lush green plant life bloomed once more. Flowers grew back just as tall as they were before Sathin’s fire had swept through the clearing. The mighty oak trees grew back taller than they had been and their green leaves burst to life on the branches once more. Tears streamed down Sala’s face as she watched life come back to Orbian Forest at the sound of her voice.

As her voice floated from her mouth, the wind picked up and carried the song through out Orbian Forest and all of Ravik.

***To the North***

Far to the north, a young man stood over a dead boar, his spear embedded in its small eyeball. Blood covered his tunic and the wind carried the scent of the pig’s blood to the nose of the tiny grey man hiding behind a young birch sapling. The once-white cloth was now crimson with the blood of a young boar. A sick, sinister smile twisted his handsome face as he gazed down at his magnificent kill.

His long brown locks clung to his sweaty brow and face. Deep green eyes danced with satisfied delight as he reveled in his kill. The grey-skinned man hovering behind the slim trunk of the birch tree had short blond hair, pale grey eyes, and was very slim. He was a Giggat and the man’s servant.

The soft breeze shifted from northeast to southwest and carried the most beautiful song the man had ever heard to his ears.

Live again
Bring your beauty
Back to this cold
And empty world

Live again
And show us
How strong you are

Bring meaning
Back to my
Cold and empty existence
Show me that I can be strong

Live for my living
Come back to this world
And grace these mortal eyes
With your splendid beauty once more

He whirled towards the sound. The melodious voice surrounded him and wrapped around his brain. His ghastly servant sighed happily and slid down the trunk of the tree he stood behind. Both men became lost in the angelic sound.

"Who...? What...? How...can anyone...make such a lovely sound and be of this world?" he asked the blue sky. "I must know who that is."

***To the South***

In the deepest cavern in the southern region of Ravik a large beast slept. His large ears moved as the sound of a young woman's singing as the wind brought it to him. Muscles, long since used, began to quiver. The beast could feel the power in the song and the power which the song awoke.

It moved to its fore legs. A large, triangular head came up from the bone littered floor of its stone prison. Large eyelids moved to reveal crimson eyes. Black scales covered it’s under belly while black fur covered the rest of the body. The monstrous creature was on his feet now. It swiveled its great head around to the opening of its cavern. It was time for the Franiat, King Baeriv, to claim his place as King of Ravik once and for all.

"And you will help me do it, Traekavin." it growled lowly in its throat, causing the cavern walls to tremble.

[blackmoondagger]

Chapter Three
Death and Destruction Call Her Away

Sala stared in awe when her song faded away. The burnt forest was now just as lush and green as it had been before her grandfather had set it aflame. Sathin smiled smugly, sitting down on the gnarled root of a nearby oak tree. He pulled a pipe out of his robes, called a little flame to his fingertip, and lit the tobacco. His granddaughter was kneeling in front of a bunch of irises, running her fingers softly over the delicate petals.

“Grandfather,” Sala said. “Why didn’t you get Zanaka to help you retrieve the Orbs?”

Sathin inhaled deeply and blew a large ring of smoke into the air. “She is not a Traekavin, Sala.” he said simply. “Zanaka is simply another Draegan woman as far as I know.”

“She has no special power?” Sala asked, looking from the iris to her grandfather.

“That’s right.” the old Wolf Mage replied.

The half-breed looked away from her grandfather. How was it that she had the powers of the legendary Traekavin and her twin sister got nothing? Didn’t full blooded Draegans have a better chance at having rare gifts than were half-breeds like her? Sala sighed heavily. Things were all mixed up. Rising to her feet, Sala dusted off her dirty pants and looked up at the sky.

Its cornflower blue coloring was marred by a smudge of grey. Sathin sniffed the air and leapt to his feet. Sala sniffed the air and gagged. The wind had shifted and blew the scents from the village to the Wolf Mage and his half-blooded granddaughter. Smoke and blood assaulted their nostrils. Sala’s head reeled as she stood in the forest clearing. Her grandfather made no move towards the village.

Sala looked at him and then in the direction of the growing black cloud. Sathin shook his head and sat back down on the root. The young woman whirled on him, anger twisting her features. Why wasn’t her grandfather going help them? The villagers must be is some sort of danger and if they were in danger then so were her parents. Sala growled lowly in her throat and took off at a breakneck speed towards the village. As she tore through the forest and the meadow beyond, Sala’s heart pounded in her ears.

An orange smudge painted the clear blue of the sky and more smoke filled the air. Sala staggered and hit her knees. She retched in the grass, the foul smell of stomach acid filling her nose just as smoke floated to her. Screams filled her ears as she knelt beside the pile of vomit. A hand rested on her shoulder then and Sala looked up into her grandfather’s beady eyes. He shook his head and looked towards the flaming village.

A loud roar filled the sky and Sala caught sight of a large black Dragon. Her mouth fell agape as it spread its large wings and spit flames onto another home. Tears blurred the young woman’s vision as they sprang to her eyes. Sala forced herself to her feet and ran toward the village once more.

Right before she reached the outskirts of Orbian Village, Sala’s body went rigid and she fell to the ground once more. Sathin came to stand above her, his eyes hard with anger. The half-breed woman glared at her grandfather, tears rolling down her cheeks. Her silver eyes seemed to glow now that they were bloodshot from her crying. Screams filled their ears and the smell of death filled their nostrils.

The Dragon screamed in triumph once everything in the village was burnt and flew off towards the South. Sathin released his holding spell and Sala climbed to her feet. She staggered through the burnt remains of her home and tripped over debris. Her knees were skinned on the stones of fallen houses and shops. Sala made her way through the charred village. When she reached her family’s shop, her heart seemed to stop. Her mother and father lay trapped under a beam, their hands reaching out for aid.

Their flesh was black from the hot Dragon fire. Their hair was nonexistent and their eyeballs had vanished in the heat of the flames. Sala’s stomach gave another threatening lurch, but she forced the bile back down into her stomach. She fell to her knees, wincing as her bare skin touched the hot coals that littered the ground. Sala reached out for her parents’ hands but a firm hand on her shoulder stopped her.

“They are dead Salakanic.” Sathin said. “Let us be on our way.”

Sala turned her head just enough so she could gaze up at the old Wolf Mage. “What do you mean?” she asked, tears streaking her filthy face.

“I mean that you are coming with me to Draga Village and I am going to prepare you for your journey to retrieve the Orbs.” Sathin replied.

“How can you expect me to make such a journey now that my parents are dead?” the young woman shouted, her anger growing at such a heartless suggestion.

“Do you not seek revenge against the ones who have done this to your mother and father?” Sathin asked.

Sala looked back at the burnt remains of her mother and father. “Yes.” she whispered.

“Then find the Orbs, bind them, and destroy those who have caused you pain, my child.” Sathin said, squeezing her shoulder.

Sala’s face twisted into an expression of hate and anger. “You’re right, Grandfather.” she said. “I have to kill the ones who have murdered my mother and father. It is all I can do.”

“That’s a good girl.” the old man said. “Now come and accept the destiny that the One Mother and her Hunter have bestowed upon you and you alone.” Sathin said, lifting his hand from her shoulder and holding it out to her.

Sala took his hand and rose to her feet. The Wolf Mage smiled at his granddaughter. He reached his free hand into his robes and pulled out a set of multiple pipes. Sala gazed down at the seaweed bound pipes and smiled. They were the very first set of pipes that she had made when she was eight-years-old. Sathin held them out to her and she took them.

“Why do you have these?” she asked.

“This is the key to your power.” Sathin replied. “With this pipe you will be able to trap the Spirits of the Orbs and then your voice will beckon them back into their glass prisons once again.”

The half-breed girl nodded her understanding. Sathin kissed her forehead and turned his back on the scorched ruins of his daughter. Sala gave her parents one more look, sent a quick prayer to the One Mother and the Hunter for the safe return to her parents’ souls to their keeping, and followed her grandfather through Orbian Village once more.

At the outskirts of the village the two Draegans transformed into their wolf forms. Sathin stood beside Sala for a moment once he was a wolf and took off at a run towards the East. The young wolf woman looked back towards her home. A sorrowful howl tore its way up her throat and past her lips. When the howl died away, Sala took off after her grandfather.

The old, grey wolf awaited her at the Eastern end of the meadow. Once she had joined him, the two of them left the remains of Orbian Village and started their fortnight journey to Draga Village. Sala’s heart was heavy with grief and loss as she followed behind her grandfather. In one day she had lost her home and family. In one day she had been handed her destiny. In one day Sala had made more enemies than she ever had in Orbian Village in all of her eighteen years of living.

Ahead of her, Sathin basked in the glory of his victory of having his granddaughter following the path that he, and not her parents, had set before her. His own daughter hadn’t realized the potential of the half-breed following behind him. He thanked the Hunter for not stripping his granddaughter of her powers as he had her mother when she married the worthless human man. He had his Traekavin and he had his way of reclaiming the lost Orbs. All that was left to do was wait for her to find them, capture them, and rebind them into the Orb of Light.

[blackmoondagger]

Chapter Four
Tales to Tell

For a fortnight they traveled through wild lands. They shifted from human to wolf as the lights of day shifted from light to dark. They slept from dawn to midday and hunted along the way. Sala’s sleeping hours were spent lost in dreams of fire, death, and screams. At night they traveled the animal trails that no human eye could see. Finally, on the evening of the twelfth day they came to Draga Village.

Sathin gave his granddaughter the signal to transform into a human. The sound of cracking bones filled the air already heavy with screams of pain and wails of sorrow. Once human, Sala nearly fainted. The smell of rotting flesh and burnt corpses reminded her of her final day in Orbian. The last day she had seen her mother and father. The last day of her naïve childhood had been destroyed by fire. Her people were being killed by a disease. They were suffering far more than the mortal humans could have ever suffered even if the dragon had eaten them, leaving the upper half of their body’s to bake in the warm spring sun.

Draegans aged slower than humans. At forty-five they would look as young as they had at twenty-five. They were not exactly immortal like the Elves of Tana Continent, but they were close enough to it. A Draegan would live far beyond the life expectancy of a human. This was a double-edged sword for the wolf people. The Draegan species was sure to live on, but if they fell ill or came into the path of torture they would suffer so much more and longer than any human could ever dream of.

Sala gazed at the huts spread out before her. Most of them were in shambles. Only a few, her grandfather’s small house included, still stood whole. Two fairly healthy Draegan men were piling the corpses of children into a pile. Another young man with long black hair, piercing blue eyes, and a tattoo of a black crescent moon covering the right side of his neck held a ball of dancing black flame in his palm. Sathin put his arm out in front of Sala to stop her.

“Watch what we have come to.” he said.

The young men who were tossing corpses upon the pile backed away and the other young man holding the black flame in his hand tossed it upon the heap. The sound of fire singeing hair and decaying skin filled Sala’s ears more than any of the screams could have. Sala could feel the heat of the fire on her face even though she wasn’t even close enough to it. She heard the roar of the black Dragon, heard the screams of the villagers. The smell of burning flesh filled her nose and vile tasting mucus filled her throat.

Her parents’ reaching hands flashed through her mind’s eye and Sala wailed in agonizing heartache. Flames surrounded her and she threw her hands up in front of her face to protect herself from them. Another scream tore itself from her lips. Sala fell backwards and into the burning orange flames.

Strong arms grabbed her just before she hit the ground and Sala opened her eyes. The orange flames disappeared to be replaced by two glowing sapphires set in a round face. Black locks hung to his shoulders and a crescent moon tattoo covered the right side of his neck. His skin was the color of moonlight on a smooth black lake’s surface in the middle of a dense forest. Sala gazed up into those vivid blue eyes and thought that she would drown in the pools of endless sapphire.

“Can you walk?” he asked.

His voice was smooth and rich. No human man that she had ever met had such a voice. Sala nodded slightly and the young man helped her stand. When his arms moved away from her, the half-breed fell backwards into their security once more. The young man laughed softly, lifted her into his arms, and jerked his head in the direction of Sathin’s hut. Sathin lead the way to his small house and pushed the door open for the Draegan man.

“Sit her up in a chair Kale and give her some wine.” Sathin said and snapped his fingers.

A clay pitcher and a clay goblet appeared on the table. Kale sat Sala down in the chair before pitcher and goblet. He reached out for them and poured wine into the goblet. When it reached the brim, Kale handed it to her. Sala’s hands shook as she held the clay chalice. A bit of the red wine sloshed out of the cup and dripped onto her filthy clothes. Kale reached out to take it, but the half-breed glared at him.

“I’m not helpless.” she growled.

“Is that so, Lady?” Kale asked, leaning closer to her. “You’re the one who fainted at the sight of dead bodies burning.”

Sala gripped the goblet tightly and flung the contents onto the arrogant man before her. He jerked away from her, cursing loudly. Kale pulled his hand back, poised to slap the ungrateful half-breed. Sathin cleared his throat and Kale looked over at him. The aged Wolf Mage jerked his head to the door. Kale growled at Sala and she smirked at him. Kale turned on his heel and stormed out of the house.

When the door closed behind the fuming young wolf man, Sathin turned a stern glare on his granddaughter. She poured herself more wine, took a small sip, and nodded in approval. Sathin crossed the room and sat down in the chair in front of Sala. He inhaled deeply the scent of drying herbs, exhaled slowly, trying to organize his thoughts into a coherent order.

The old man snapped his fingers and a plate of roasted venison with steaming rice and gravy, a bowl of baked apples in syrup and cinnamon, and a tiny glass of water appeared before her. Sala looked at the food for a long moment, picked up the fork that had appeared with the meal and speared a piece of meat. She shoved it into her mouth, savoring the taste. The young woman devoured the venison and started on the baked apples before her grandfather finally spoke.

“Sala, now that we are here and you have had a bit of food and wine in you I can tell you the tale of the Orbs.” Sathin said.

“Okay.” Sala said, taking a long pull from her goblet and refilling it. “I’m listening, Grandfather.”

Sathin withdrew his pipe and a packet of tobacco from his robe, shoved a bit of the dried leaves into the pipe, called a tiny bit of fire to his finger tip, lit the pipe, and began to smoke. “Where to begin?” he mused out loud, his pipe clenched between his teeth.
Sala swallowed the baked apple she had been chewing and took a sip of wine. “How about the beginning, Grandfather?” she asked, spearing another apple and eating it.

The old man nodded, smiling slightly. “Yes,” he said. “That sounds like as good a place as any.”

He took a long pull of his pipe, sent a smoke ring gliding through the air, and held the pipe away from him. “Long ago there was a man named Daxiv. He was one of the most powerful Wizards to ever be born in Ravik. In those times the elements were left untamed and unchecked. They caused mayhem in this part of the land.

"Daxiv devised a way to capture them." he continued, taking another pull on his pipe. "He would thus rid his people of the menacing beasts. However, the catch to his plan was that he couldn't do it alone. To lure the creatures into their glass prisons he had to enlist the help of a young woman, a half-Draegan, named Zarad."

Sathin conjured up another goblet, poured himself some wine, and took a long pull from the goblet. He puffed on his pipe for a few moments, gazing into the distance. Clearing his throat, the old man continued. "Zarad had the loveliest voice ever. Not only was she an amazing songstress, but she was also a very powerful enchantress. A Traekavin. With her help, Daxiv was able to trap the element in the Orbs. In exchange for her help, Daxiv allowed Zarad to keep the four Orbs. Well, Lady Zarad had a very unique and unknown power.

"When she sang on the night of a new moon, the four Orbs became one and formed a new Orb." Sathin continued. "The Orb of Light."

Sala ate the last baked apple and pushed the empty bowl away from her. “That’s all well and good.” she said. “However, what in the seven hells does that have to do with me and how I stop this disease from spreading?”

Sathin laid his pipe down. “You are an impatient pup.” he said. “It seems that I didn’t get that far before you chose to interrupt me. When Daxiv found out that she had created the Orb of Light, he told her that if she ever lost the Orb and allowed it to be broken and the elements able to wreck havoc on Ravik again, then she and her people would pay with their lives. To end this death, you must find the orbs, recapture the elements by singing, and once you have them all in your grasp, sing the same song that Lady Zarad did over 200 years ago to form the Orb of Light once more."

“Sounds like fun.” Sala said sarcastically.

“Salakanic,” Sathin growled. “Now is not the time to be you!”

Sala waved away his comment with her hand. “I understand that the lives of the people of Draga Village rest in my hands, Grandfather.” she said. “I’ll leave in the morning.”

Sathin nodded. “I have enlisted the help of another Draegan to make the journey a little less trying on you.”

“Who?” Sala asked.

The door swung open, threatening to break off of its ancient hinges. The fading light of day made it hard for the half-breed to make out the face of the silhouetted figure. The flickering candle light flashed across the right side of his neck and Sala caught sight of a black crescent moon tattoo.

[blackmoondagger]

Chapter Five
Companion of the Songstress

Sala whirled to glare at her grandfather. Sathin smiled slightly at his half-breed granddaughter and puffed on his pipe. Kale crossed the threshold, smirking at the young woman. Sala rose to her feet, crossing her arms. She swayed slightly and shook her head to clear it of the drunken fog that was slowly moving in.

“Traekavin,” Kale whispered, quickly closing the distance between them and wrapping his arm around Sala’s waist.

“My name is Sala.” she growled, pushing against his chest.

Kale chuckled softly. “Your Common Name is Sala?” he asked. “Very cute.”

Sala shoved him away, staggering back, and plopping back down into her chair. Kale looked at Sathin and smiled. The old man rose slowly to his feet, pipe still clenched between his teeth. He moved towards a door to the left of the room and pushed it open. Sala looked back at him, desperation full on her face.

“Kale is going with you whether you like it or not, Salakanic.” Sathin said. “I’m going to bed and you two should do the same.”

“Grandfather, please.” Sala pleaded. “Isn’t there anyone else?”

“No.” Sathin said coldly. “Everyone else has already contracted the disease. Kale at least has more time than the rest of us.”

Sathin disappeared into the dark room, closing the door behind him. Sala stared at the closed door for a long moment before turning to look back at Kale. He still had a smug smirk smeared across his handsome face and his arms crossed over his well-muscled chest. Sala had never had much trouble with men, but she could tell that he was going to be a problem for her. Rising to her feet, Sala refilled her goblet and shoved past Kale. The young man barely moved when she slammed her slender shoulder into his chest.

When Sala walked past him, she caught a whiff of the wine that she had flung in his face only moments before. A small smile played at her lips as she walked out of the hut and into the night air. The smell of death was like a heavy perfume that clung to the skin. Sala’s stomach, full of food and wine, gave a threatening lurch and she swayed. The goblet of wine fell from her hand, painting the brown dirt black. Kale’s arm was around her waist as soon as she leaned a little too much to the left.

His body was pressed against hers and Sala felt something low in her body tighten. She looked up into his vivid blue eyes, feeling her heart skip a beat. The half-breed shoved away from him and staggered through the debris littered streets of Draga Village. When they reached the outskirts, Kale hovered over Sala’s shoulder more than he had in the deserted streets.

Sala whirled around, her head spinning. “What are you hovering over me for?” she demanded. “I’m not a child!”

“In this world you are!” Kale growled. “Women don’t reach womanhood until they’re twenty-four in human years.”

“In the ‘human’ world I am no longer a child and I will not allow you or my grandfather to treat me as one!” she hissed, putting her face inches from his.

Kale could smell the wine on her breath. The scent was so strong it was almost tangible. He stared into her clear silver eyes and watched a lock of midnight blue hair fall on her cheek. He reached out despite himself and brushed it aside. Sala slapped his hand away, turning on her heel and storming off in a huff. Kale rolled his eyes and followed behind her. He now saw why Sathin needed him to go with her.

“Sala!” Kale shouted. “Sala, get back here right now! You don’t know this land!”

The half-breed girl didn’t hear him. She topped the crest of a hill and fell face down into the bright green grass. The moon was crawling slowly upward, bathing the hill and the rowan tree in pale moonlight. Kale sighed in exasperation and followed her up the hill. When he stood over her, the Draegan man saw her body shaking violently. He squatted down beside her and touched her shoulder.

Sala swung at him, but missed. “Leave me be, you son of a pregnant dog!” she growled, her voice cracking.

“Are you crying?” Kale asked.

The young woman rose into a sitting position, tears sparkling on her cheeks in the soft moonlight. “No,” she sniffled. “I’m laughing and the tears are just raindrops.”

“You are a sarcastic little wench, you know that?” Kale asked, catching a tear on his finger tip just as it fell from her lovely eyes.

He brought the salty droplet to his mouth and licked it off. Sala thingyed an eyebrow at him, looking slightly disgusted at his show of affection. If licking someone’s tear off of your finger could be called affection. Kale laughed at the look and looked up at the moon.

“What are you crying for, Singer of Day and Night?” Kale asked.

Sala looked at him in confusion. “How do you know my True Name?” she asked.

“Your grandfather told me a long time ago.” Kale replied, plucking a blade of grass from the ground and pressing it to his lips.

A shrill whistling filled the silent night and the half-breed winced. “Why would my grandfather tell you about me?” she asked.

“He told me that you were the Traekavin and that if our village should ever need you that he had chosen me to be your companion.” Kale said. “Not a bad choice if you ask me.”

Sala turned her attention away from him and to the boughs above her that danced with the wind. “I didn’t ask you.” she said.

“I know.” Kale said, smiling brightly.

Sala glanced at him, frowning. His canine teeth were pointed like all full-blooded Draegans and as white as the snow atop the Orbian Mountains. Her own teeth were only slightly pointed like human canines. In everyway she was less than the Draegans and only a tiny bit more than the humans she had grown up among. It was no wonder her mother had chosen to raise her among the latter. If she had chosen to raise her half-breed daughter among the Draegans, Sala might have died at an early age.

Kale saw her expression darken and rose to his feet. “We had better get some sleep, Sala.” he said.

“I’m not tired.” she lied.

“You might not be tired now, but you will be tomorrow around midday if you don’t sleep now.” Kale said.

He held his hand out to her and she stared at it warily. Kale let his hand fall back to his side when she didn’t take it. He turned on his heel, making his way down the hill. Sala rose to her feet when he stopped at the bottom and stared at her. She walked carefully down the slightly sloping mound. Just before she reached Kale, her legs became weak from all the alcohol she had consumed during dinner with her grandfather. Kale reached out and caught her once more before she could slam into the ground.

The young man hoisted her into his arms and carried her towards the village. He walked through the dismal streets of Draga Village with Sala cradled against his chest. When he entered Sathin’s house he went straight to the door that the old Wolf Mage had disappeared into earlier. A bed was in the far right corner of the room and a small bedside table and a tiny stool sat beside it. Another bed was in the far left corner and Sathin’s sleeping form lay huddled under the blankets.

Kale set her down upon the soft, fur-lined, rush-filled mattress and knelt beside the bed. Sala’s breathing was slow and shallow, the rhythm of sleep. As Kale gazed down at her lovely, peaceful face, Sathin watched him in his dark corner. Sala’s eyes shot open and she looked up into Kale’s deep blue eyes. She held her arms out to him and he hesitated.

“Stay with me.” she whispered.

Kale looked back at Sathin, listening to his slow breathing. He looked down at the drunken half-breed and crawled into the bed. Sala wrapped her arms around him and sobbed quietly into his tunic. Kale returned her embrace, unsure of what she was crying over. He stroked her hair, hoping that it would offer her some comfort. After a while, Sala fell asleep and Kale’s heart ached.

Sathin chuckled softly and Kale turned his head just enough so he could look at the old man.

“Peace, Kalenaciv.” the old man said. “Peace this night.”

“I shouldn’t be here.” he said to the shadowy silhouette. “She’s going to go ballistic when she wakes up.”

“Be that as it may,” Sathin said. “Let her be at peace this night. The loss she has suffered makes her reach out to you, Kale. Sala has never had anyone to hold her at night. Most girls her age have already had a lover or two. My granddaughter has only known the love of her father and grandfather. Be good to her, boy.”

“I’m not what she needs, Sathin.” Kale said, turning back to Sala and watching her sleep.

“You are what she needs, Spawn of the Black Moon.” Sathin said. “Just as she is what you need. Now sleep well.”

Kale tensed when Sala snuggled more into his chest and fell farther into her liquor induced sleep. What loss could make this half-breed reach out to a full-blooded Draegan man she knew nothing about? He closed his eyes and allowed his subconscious to take him on black wings into a world of twisted dreams.

[blackmoondagger]

Chapter Six
The Song the Captivates

Frax pushed aside a lock of his long brown hair as it fell in front of his deep green eyes. The little grey Giggat pushed aside the dense foliage that had grown over the forgotten road. For a fortnight the young man had searched for the source of the voice that had worked its way into his murderous mind. He knew that it was a fruitless search since he had no idea what the woman looked like. He would only have to hear her sing once more and he will have found her.

“M-m-master are you sure that we will find the woman by looking in a forest?” the Giggat asked.

“I heard it in the forest Yent.” Frax said. “She must have been somewhere nearby for me to hear it.”

“But M-m-master I have heard in l-l-legend of women who can enchant the very elements with the sound of the voices.” Yent said, holding a branch aside for Frax.

Frax scoffed. “Of all the ridicules things to believe in.” he said. “Aren’t you a bit old to believe in fairytales, servant?”

“It is not just a fairytale, Master.” Yent said, letting go of the branch and making his way in front of his master once more to clear his path. “There is a race of people who call themselves Draegans and according to their history a full-blooded Draegan man and a half-blooded Draegan woman are the ones who calmed the Spirits of the Elements two hundred years ago.”

The young man scoffed again. “Honestly, Yent.” he said. “You believe anything that you hear.”

“Not so, my lord.” he said. “I did not believe it when they said that the horses in Linoh City were the best and they were not.”

Frax reached out and grabbed the little grey man by the back of his dingy white tunic. “Are you talking back to me, servant?” he growled, his eyes aflame with rage.

“N-n-no, my l-l-lord.” Yent stammered. “I would n-n-never dream of d-d-doing such a thing.”

Frax threw him to the ground and snorted in disgust. “I didn’t think so.” he said. “Now let’s go.”

“Where are we going, my l-l-lord?” Yent asked, straightening his clothes.

“How in the seven hells am I suppose to know that, Yent?” Frax asked, whirling on the Giggat.

“You will know because I am going to tell you.” a raspy voice said from the shadows of an ancient oak.

Yent yelped in fear and Frax unsheathed the sword he carried at his side. “Show yourself, scum!” Frax ordered.

The man clicked his tongue. “Where are your manners, lad?” the man asked. “If you wish to know which way the mysterious singer went you will sheath your blade and listen like a good human should.”

Frax did as the man said. “Now tell me where I can find her!” he ordered.

“She will reach Dasic in four days.” the man said. “It is only two days journey for you and your Giggat. Await her there.”

Frax reached into the purse at his side and tossed the man in the shadows a few gold coins. “Thank you, old man.” he said. “I am in your debt.”

The man picked up the gold and in a clap of smoke he was gone.

Frax and Yent stood there for a long moment before continuing on their way through the dense forest. The man had been very strange, but Frax had never been a man to deny someone the privilege of helping him. He knew where to find his singer and that was all that mattered to him.

***Draga Village***

A grey fog clouded her mind as Sala rejoined the waking world. Her eyes were heavy and her limbs felt as if someone had tied them down with bricks of lead. When she realized that an arm was what pinned her to the bed her grandfather had made up for her, Sala stiffened. She looked down the arm and at her tunic. A sigh of relief escaped her lips and she shoved the unwanted arm away from her. Sala looked down at the man sleeping next to her and gasped when she caught sight of the black crescent moon tattoo on the right side of his neck.

“What in the seventh hell are you doing here, you son of a pregnant dog!” Sala growled, leaping over him and landing on the floor.

Kale rolled over to face her, his eyes still clouded with sleep. “What?” he asked.

“Why are you in my bed?” she demanded.

“You asked me to stay with you last night.” Kale said, sitting up slowly.

Sala waved away his comment. “Why would I do such a ridiculous thing?” she demanded.

“Drunken moment?” Kale offered, smiling. “Or you’re already harboring some deep sexual attraction for me.”

Sala glared at him. “I know it had to have been the former.” she said. “I would never be attracted to such an egotistical bastard like you.”

Kale swung his legs so that they hung over the side of the bed. “I guess humans are more your thing.” he said. “I mean you are a half-breed after all.”

Sala screamed in rage and lunged at Kale. She had her hand balled up into a fist and was poised to slam it into his face. Kale caught her by the wrist, flung her onto the mattress, and climbed on top of her. He grabbed her other wrist when she tried to take a second swing at him and slammed her arms onto the mattress. He moved his face inches away from hers and stared down at her. Sala lay frozen for a long moment. When she bucked to get him off of her, Kale moved his face a little closer and their lips met for a brief moment.

Kale jumped off of her and chuckled softly. “I think that you are attracted to me, half-breed.” he said, winking at her.

“Go to the seventh hell!” Sala growled, wiping her lips with the back of her hand.

“I’ll go so long as you go with me, pet.” Kale said, puckering up his lips and making a loud kissing noise.

Sala clenched her teeth and dug her nails into the sheets of the bed.

The door to the room burst open and Sathin stood on the threshold holding a package. “Here, Sala.” he said, tossing it to her.

The young woman caught the package deftly and looked from it to her grandfather. Sathin smiled and left the room as suddenly as he had come. Kale moved to the door and shut it.

Sala glared at him. “What are you doing?” she demanded.

“I’m only making sure that no one interrupts us.” he said, smiling.

“Get out!” Sala screamed.

Kale pulled the door open and disappeared. His laugh grated on Sala’s nerves as she tore the brown paper that covered the package. She pulled out a brand new midnight blue tunic and a pair of brown britches. Her grandfather had remembered her disdain for boots and hadn’t gotten any. The young woman smiled. Her grandfather had done well with picking out the clothing but Sala had to make a few alterations to the clothing. She pulled the dagger that she kept hidden at her ankle and sliced holes in the pants. The tunic was cut so that when she put it on it covered only her small breasts. Sala stripped off her old clothes and put on her new ones.

When she stepped out of the bedroom her grandfather shook his head. “Why couldn’t you just leave them as they were?” he asked, setting a plate of porridge and a platter of biscuits in front of the chair that Sala plopped herself down in.

“They’re more comfortable this way.” Sala said, sthingying up some porridge.

“Hurry up and eat, girl.” Kale said, scooping up the last of his porridge. “We need to get going.”

Sala dropped the sthingy back into the bowl and turned to Kale. “Will you get off my back?” she asked.

“If I were on your back, you would certainly know it.” he said, smiling and shoving the bit of porridge into his mouth.

Sala screamed in anger and slammed her fist onto the table. “I hate you!” she growled. “d**n you to the fourth hell!”

He swallowed his food and smiled at Sala. “You’re d**ning the hottest Draegan in Draga Village to the hottest of the seven hells.” Kale said. “That is so very kind of you, Sala.”

The young woman inhaled sharply, exhaled slowly, and began to sing softly.

No one will ever know
The hate that burns
In my hollow heart
Now that you are gone

I have been left
In an unforgiving world
With no one to shield me
From the bitter cold
It throws my way

“Sala!” Sathin shouted, rushing around the table to shake Kale.

The young woman looked at the arrogant man across from her and saw the vacant expression that had entered his eyes. Sathin slapped him across the face and he snapped back to reality. Sala smirked at Kale when he looked at her with wonder and a touch of fear in his face. The old Wolf Mage sat in the chair beside Kale and glared at his granddaughter.

“Sala, I forbid you from doing that again!” Sathin growled.

“Why?” Sala asked, eating her porridge.

“Because your voice can bewitch man and animal.” her grandfather said, his voice growing hard. “Since we are both man and animal your voice has an even greater power over one of our kind if he is not careful.”

Sala looked over at Kale and started to hum. A vacant look filled his eyes and Sathin slammed his fist on the table. Sala stopped singing and Kale came back to himself. The rest of the meal passed in absolute silence.

Her song captivates me and I am totally powerless against it. Kale thought. I wonder how Daxiv felt when he was with Lady Zarad. It couldn’t have been easy for him to stay sane in the former Keeper of the Orbs’ presence. I’ll have to be more careful now.

He looked at Sala and she grinned wickedly at him.

I’m going to have to be a whole hell of a lot more careful if I’m going to keep her from bewitching me. he thought.

[blackmoondagger]

Chapter Seven
Haunting Pasts and the Windy Spirit

The sun hung high in the sky, burning like the Orb of Fire. It had been nearly two days since they had left Draga Village and they were still two day’s journey from Dasic City. Kale wiped the beads of sweat forming on his brow, looking up at the clear cornflower blue sky. Spring would be blooming into summer in three more months. If they could make it to the Kraken Range by Horse Moon they would escape the worst of the heat. Kale snorted in disgust, there was no way they would make it there in five months.

Kale turned his attention to Sala and watched her walking a few paces ahead of him, fiddling with each empty Orb that she wore. One was around her neck, one hung from each ear and another had been put into a ring that she wore on her right fore finger. Sathin had made the glass spheres to look like jewelry so that no Draegan that they might meet would guess who Sala really was and what the four orbs really meant.

Sala pushed aside a branch, sighing. “Why is it so hot here?” she asked.

“Dasic City is four days journey from Draga Village and it is in the middle of a desert.” Kale replied catching the branch before it hit him in the face. “Didn’t you ever look at maps?”

“I rarely left Orbian Village.” Sala replied. “My father thought it best if I stay in the village where the people knew me.”

Kale snorted. “They hated you.” he said flatly. “What would it matter if you went some place where people might accept you?”

“No one accepts me.” Sala said.

“Your grandfather does.” Kale said, stopping to pull his tunic over his head.

Sala turned to tell him that her grandfather had to accept her because he was her family, but the
words died in her throat at the sight of the scars covering his body. Deep gashes ran in all direction over his perfectly moonlight silver skin. Kale held his tunic in his hand, watching the half-breed stare at him.

“What’s wrong?” he asked. “Never seen scars before?”

“Yes.” Sala said, finding her voice again. “I just haven’t seen so many on one person.”

Kale smirked at her. “I didn’t have such an easy childhood myself, half-breed.” he said.

“You’re a full-blooded Draegan.” Sala said. “Why would you have a hard childhood?”

The young man started walking once more and Sala matched his pace so she could walk beside him. She looked at him for a long moment before he turned his face towards her to set those deep blue eyes upon her clear silver ones. A faint smile touched his lips and he turned his attention on the road before them.

“My mother was of Draga Village.” he said. “When she was seventeen, she went to Anak Village in the North. She met my father and they fell madly in love. They lived in a wealthy part of village with many servants. When she became pregnant with me, my mother convinced my father to return to Draga Village with her. I was born on a rainy night during the Black Moon during Wolf Moon.

“When my father saw that the One Mother had graced him with a son, he decided it was time to tell my mother what his trade was.” he continued. “My father was an assassin and he now had a son that had been born under the Black Moon. He knew that it was a sign of his child’s ferocity and ruthlessness. As I grew up, my father trained me in the art of killing. When his old clients heard that he now had a son to carry on his dark work, my task as his son began. From that moment on I was an assassin for the wealthy at the age to seven.”

“Where are you parents now?” she asked.

“They’re both dead.” Kale said. “My mother died a few weeks ago from the plague and my father was killed by a human four years ago.”

“I’m sorry.” Sala said.

Kale shrugged. “I’m not.” he said. “My father used me to kill and my mother didn’t even try to stop it.”

Sala was taken aback by this show of distain. She had loved her parents and they had been stolen from her. Kale had clearly hated both of his and didn’t even care that he was now alone in the world. She averted her face from him, slowing her pace. Her grandfather couldn’t have known about his past.

“Your grandfather knew about my past long before I did, Sala.” Kale said. “That is why he chose me to come along with you on this quest.”

Sala looked at him suddenly. “I just can’t believe that my grandfather would allow me to travel with a trained killer.” she said.

Kale whirled on her, grabbing her wrist. “That is the exact reason that he’s put me in charge of you half-breed.” he said. The anger in his voice was as cold as steel.

“How could he be so sure that you wouldn’t kill me?” Sala asked.

Kale pulled her so that their bodies nearly touched. “I could have killed you many times over the past four years.” he said.

“What?” Sala demanded, her own anger rising.

“That’s right, half-breed.” Kale said. “I’ve been watching you for some time now. When your grandfather told me about you, I just had to see you from myself. There didn’t seem to be anything special about you as far as I could see, but I respected Sathin and I wasn’t about to question such a wise man’s words. For four years I have kept an eye on Sathin’s pretty little half-breed granddaughter.”

Sala tried to pull free of his grasp, but he held her fast.

“I watched you fight the humans of your village. I watched you sleep. I watched you bath in the Silver River.” he said.

Kale leaned closer to Sala and his voice was barely a whisper when he added, “I even watched when that human raped you.”

Sala’s eyes widened. “You bastard!” she shouted and swung at him with her free hand.

The young man grabbed her other hand and pulled her against his body. Sala’s face was pressed against his scarred chest and she listened to his heartbeat. Kale laid his chin on top of her head and sighed heavily. They stood under the scorching sun like that for a long moment.

“I killed him, Sala.” Kale said.

“What?” Sala asked, pulling away from him just enough to look up at him.

“I killed the man after he raped you.” he repeated.

Sala looked away from him and her eyes met the scars on his muscular chest. Kale had killed the human for raping a half-breed. She looked back up at him and he was smiling softly. Sala’s eyes widened when he leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers. He pulled away from her slowly and let his arms fall away from her body.

“I couldn’t let some human get away with raping Sathin’s pretty little granddaughter, now could I?” he asked.

He walked away from her, leaving Sala standing alone under the warm sun. Sala shook her head to clear it of the cobwebs that Kale’s soft kiss had put in her mind and followed him down the road. For the remainder of the day, the two of them traveled in silence.

Sunset found them in a clearing near the Dasic River. Sala made a fire and Kale left her to go hunting. When his silver pelted hide disappeared into the dark forest, Sala went to the river to bathe. The young woman stripped off her clothing, set them down in a heap, and leapt into the cool water. She gasped when the cold water splashed against her warm, naked body.

Sala dove under the clear surface and swam past a small school of fish. When she resurfaced, she was near a boulder that had fallen into the river years before Sala was born. The half-breed looked up at the large boulder and yelped in fright at the sight of the young woman sitting atop the smooth rock. The girl had long golden hair, pale yellow skin, and amber eyes. Her dress was made of shimmering, golden gauze and clung to her voluptuous body.

“Hello, Song Enchantress.” the woman said.

She turned those lovely golden eyes upon Sala and the half-breed nearly jumped out of her skin. The strange woman smiled at her and held her hand out to Sala. Sala looked towards the forest, praying to the Hunter that Kale would return soon. She lifted her glistening hand to the golden woman and she hoisted the naked girl upon the boulder beside her.

“How do you know who I am?” Sala asked.

The woman turned to Sala, a faint smiled touching her glowing golden lips. “I am the Spirit of the Orb of Wind.” she said softly.

[blackmoondagger]

Chapter Eight
Sala’s Fight

Sala’s mouth fell agape. “You’re the Spirit of the Orb of Wind?” she asked.

The lovely woman smiled. “I do believe that is what I have just said.” the woman said.

“Why are you coming to me so soon?” Sala asked. “I thought that you Spirits would be harder to find than this.”

The Wind Spirit chuckled, moving closer to Sala. “Oh my dear child, I am here to test your strength.” she said. “If you cannot defeat me then you are not worthy to be the Keeper to the Orbs.”

Sala tried to back away from the golden woman and nearly fell off of the boulder. The Wind Spirit grabbed her wrist, pulling her to her. Sala’s face was inches from hers and her golden lips hovered dangerously close to Sala’s. The half-breed pushed the woman away from her, knocking her off of the boulder’s surface. The woman hovered near the boulder, smiling wickedly at Sala.

“I’m trying to play nice, half-breed.” the Wind Spirit said. “Now you will face the true power of Aylak, Spirit of the Wind Orb!”

Sala rose to her feet, nearly losing her balance on the smooth surface of the rock’s face. “I’m not afraid of you!” she shouted.

Aylak’s hair began to whip around her face and the gauze dress threatened to rip in half as the wind began to blast. Sala screamed as the gusting wind sent leaves and pebbles flying at her naked body, cutting small slices into her tanned flesh. Aylak’s lovely, bell-like laughter filled Sala’s ears as she was thrown from the boulder and into the churning waters of the Dasic River.

Sala surfaced, coughing and sputtering. Aylak floated down until she was hovering right beside Sala above the choppy surface of the water. Mud was being stirred up and the once-clear water was turning brown. The Wind Spirit reached out to Sala, grabbed her soaked blue hair, and pulled her out of the roiling waters. Sala brought her hands up to Aylak’s, trying to free herself.

“Are you afraid yet, little half-breed?” Aylak asked.

“You’ll never scare me, wench.” Sala growled.

Aylak’s expression became one of mock sadness. “I was truly hoping you would lie.” she said.

Sala snapped at the woman, her canines becoming fangs. Aylak laughed and threw her onto the bank. The half-breed cried out in pain, but scrambled quickly to her feet. Aylak glided towards her and stopped right before the naked girl. She reached out a delicate-looking hand to Sala and stroked her face. Sala snarled and snapped at the Spirit. Aylak yelped in pain, jerking her hand away. Blood blossomed from the small teeth marks.

“pregnant dog!” Aylak growled, clasping her other hand over the wound.

Sala smirked. “Why can’t people think of something else to call me?” she asked. “I’m really getting tired of being called the same thing every time I make someone mad.”

Aylak glared at her, the wind picking up even more. Sala fell back onto her buttocks, gasping as she sat down on a twig. The Spirit of the Wind moved closer to Sala, placing her face a few inches from the half-breed. Sala gulped down the fear entering her and started to crawl backwards. Aylak stayed where she was, watching the young woman futilely trying to escape her.

Sala reached behind her and felt her clothing touch her hand. She pushed her shirt back and felt the cold steel the blade of her dagger touch her fingertips. Sala wrapped her fingers around the hilt and smiled wickedly up at the Spirit of the Wind Orb. Aylak thingyed a yellow eyebrow at the half-breed. Sala leapt gracefully to her feet and threw the dagger at the woman.

Aylak smirked and moved aside easily. “You little fool.” she hissed. “How could anyone believe that you are the Traekavin that could calm the evil souls of the Spirits of the Elements?”

“I am Lady Zarad’s heir!” Sala shouted.

“You are not even of her blood-line!” Aylak shot back. “You are nothing more than a mongrel!”

Sala smiled at the Wind Spirit as she crouched down by her clothing. Her fingers found the multi-pipe that her grandfather had given her the day her parents had died. Sala rose slowly to her feet, pipes in hand. Aylak watched the girl carefully, waiting to see what trick she attempt to pull next. Sala pulled the pipes from behind her back and began to play. Aylak shriek as if the tune burned her golden flesh.

The Orb around Sala’s neck rose away from her chest and pulled towards the Wind Spirit. Aylak hissed at Sala, spittle sprinkling her chin. She lunged at the half-breed and knocked the pipes out of Sala’s hands. The young woman grabbed the Spirit’s wrist and jerked her against her naked body. Aylak let out an even shriller scream as the Orb around Sala’s neck touched her golden skin.

“Lady Zarad was no better than me, Aylak!” Sala shouted above the roar of the wind. “You obeyed her orders and you will obey mine! Return to the Orb to which you were banished!”

Aylak cried out in agony and her body began to disappear into the Orb. When she was gone, Sala fell to the ground. Her breath came out in short gasps and her heart pounded in her ears. She lifted the Orb in front of her eyes and watched as Aylak swirled within the glass orb. Sala smiled and blew the golden woman a mock kiss. Sala let the Orb of Wind fall against her chest, gathered up her clothing and staggered back to the campsite.

When she entered the clearing, Kale looked up from the roasting rabbit and his mouth fell agape at the sight of Sala naked and bleeding. His eyes went to the Orb around her neck and a smile flicked across his face. He rose to his feet, scooped Sala into his arms and set her down on the ground beside the crackling fire. The half-breed smiled up at him and pulled her britches on.

“I’m very proud of you, half-breed.” he said, kissing her forehead. “You have proven that you are worthy to be named the Keeper of the Orbs.”

Sala smiled at him as she pulled on her tunic. “Thank you, Kale.” she said. “Is dinner almost done?”

Kale nodded and returned to the fire. He pulled the spitted rabbit away from the flames and handed a chunk of hot roasted meat to Sala. She shoved it into her mouth, ignoring the scorching heat of the tasty meat. They ate in silence. When the meal was finished, Kale transformed into his wolf form and lay down beside Sala. She smiled to herself as she wrapped her arm around him. Sala slept easily that night as the Orb around her neck glowed with a faint golden light.

[blackmoondagger]

Chapter Nine
A Wolf’s Territory Is His Own

The hustle and bustle of Dasic City made Sala sick. She hated humans more than she should have, but she knew that for this one night she would have to tolerate them. She looked towards the western horizon. The sun was hovering just above it and she feared if they didn’t hurry to the Water Nymph Inn they would end up sleeping in the stables. Being half Draegan, she didn’t so much mind sleeping outside as much as a human might, but she still liked the comfort of a warm bed and a nice bath at the end of the day.

“There’s the inn.” Kale said.

A shiver crawled up her spine as his warm breath caressed her earlobe. Kale chuckled softly, pulling his mouth away from her ear. Sala shook her body as if she had just taken a dive into a cold river and was trying to get all the water out of her fur. The two of them pushed their way through the crowded street and entered the Water Nymph Inn.

Patrons had already started filling up tables and drinking ale after a hard day’s work. A few old men were sitting at a table near the hearth playing a card game. Kale grabbed Sala’s arm and steered her towards a table in the farthest left corner of the tavern. When they sat down, the Draegan whistled sharply and a man with a balding crown and a line of salt and pepper colored hair around the back of his head walked over to their table.

He was a short, round man with beady brown eyes and a bulbous nose. Sala looked up at him and smiled slightly. Kale kept his expression blank. If he were to smile the man would catch sight of his fangs. The man nodded his head by way of greeting to the two travelers.

“Can I interest you two in some food? Ale? Anything?” he asked.

“We need a room for the night, dinner for two and a bath sent up to the room once we retire.” Sala said.

The man bowed stiffly. “As the lady wishes.” he said. “Stew and bread will do?”

“Yes.” Sala replied. “We also need two mugs of ale, my good man.”

He gave them another bow and disappeared among the patrons sitting at their tables. Kale looked over at Sala, mild surprise on his face. Sala was gazing around the tavern, unknowing of the Draegan’s stares. When she turned her attention back to him, Kale flashed a smile at her.

“What?” she asked.

“I didn’t know that you were such a people person.” he answered.

Sala snorted. “I’m not.” she said. “My father taught me manners in the human sense. My mother taught me manners in the Draegan sense.”

Kale nodded his understanding. “I see.” he said.

A young woman made her way to the table with tankards of ale in each hand and balancing bowls of stew on each arm. She handed each of them a mug and a bowl of stew and walked away without a word. Sala had seen the look of disgust in woman’s face when she’d looked down at Sala. She must have seen the half-breed’s ears. That would have been the only explanation for such a prejudice look.

Sala turned her attention back to the stew. Kale had already begun to eat. She took a bit in her sthingy and ate slowly. The stew was thick and spices exploded in her mouth. It was good, but nothing was better than her mother could make. Sala’s sthingy hit her bowl and she covered her face with her hands. She would never see her mother again. She would never smell her lavender scented skin or fell her soft skin against her cheek when her mother embraced her. She would never hear her father sing while he worked into the long hours of the night.

“Sala?” Kale whispered, reaching out to her.

“I’m fine, Kale.” she said. “I was just thinking about… my parents.”

“I’m sorry you lost them, Sala.” Kale said, covering one of her hands with his own. “You can’t let every little thing get to you though. You’re the only member of your family left and you have to be strong.”

“I know.” Sala said, her voice trembling. “I just miss them right now, Kale. I’m always going to miss them.”

In the far corner of the room, a group of men began to play a saucy tune and Sala let her hands slid away from her face. She looked over at the men and her mouth fell agape. Her father had taught her that song when she’d been nine years old. Sala rose slowly towards the men and they bowed their heads to her. Sala smiled slightly at them and began to sing in a very soft voice.

Oh my lovely sea
You call me away again
Taking my upon your
Heaving bosom and away
From the own who loves me

She’ll wait for me
This I’m sure of
But it will not lessen my want
Of having her near me

The sea is our mistress
Calling us away to partake of her bounty
And I leave my faithful girl
To drink in the salty offerings of her

The men shouted and applauded Sala’s singing. Kale was on his feet, lifting his glass to the half-breed. Most of the men were shouting for an encore, but Sala shook her head. She sat back at her table with Kale, smiling slightly. Sala sthingyed up more stew. A shadow fell across the table and Kale leapt to feet, a dagger in his hand. He grabbed the human by the front his tunic and threw him onto the table, spilling ale and tipping over Sala’s bowl of stew.

“Kale!” Sala shouted. “Stop this! He meant no harm.”

Patrons had turned to gaze at them, frowns darkening their faces. Sala placed her hand on Kale’s, pulling the dagger out of his hand. She shoved him back into his chair and looked down at the human. Long brown locks hid his face from view and his deep green eyes gazed up at her. A small tugging on her tunic hem made Sala look away from those compelling green eyes and down at a small grey man.

“My m-m-master just wanted to meet the young lady who has captured his heart with her singing.” he said. “Please forgive him.”

Sala nodded. “All right.” she said. “We will let it pass this one time.”

She turned back to the man and offered him her hand. He accepted her hand and she helped him up. Kale glared up at the human, digging his fingernails into the seat of his chair. This human was making a move of Sala and there was nothing he could do because she wasn’t his woman. Kale knew their law. Whatever man slept with was her mate for life. He didn’t like the law but that was how most humans thought.

Not all Draegan’s followed the law and for that most of them had their magic stripped away from them by the One Mother or her Hunter. Sathin had told him that was how Gemma, Sala’s mother. The young man was talking to Sala and the grey man had gotten him a platter of food. The young woman had even brought fresh ale and stew for Sala.

“I’m from the North.” the young man said.

“What town, Frax?” Sala asked.

“Anaka City.” Frax replied. “You’ll have to go one day.”

Sala smiled slightly. “I will.” she agreed.

Kale watched the man all through the conversation, grinding his teeth and digging his nails into the seat of his chair. When Sala finally decided it was time for her and Kale to retire, the Draegan smirked at the human. Frax grabbed Sala’s hand in his and kissed it lightly.

“Sleep well, my lady.” he said, stroking her hand with his fore finger.

“Thank you, Frax.” Sala said, smiling slightly.

Kale placed his hands on her shoulders and pushed her towards the stairs at the back of the tavern. Sala looked back at Frax and then young man waved to her. She smiled at him, turning her attention back in front of her. Kale looked back at the human, and bared his fangs. Frax flinched, averting his face from the strange man.

When they were in their room, Sala whirled on Kale. “What was that all about?” she demanded.

“He’s a human.” Kale said.

“So am I!” she growled.

Kale closed the distance between them. “You’re half-human.” he said. “You’re half-Draegan, too!”

Sala shoved him away, moving towards the window at the back of the room. “Just leave me be, Kale.” she said.

The young man moved up behind her, resting his hands on her shoulders. “I’m sorry, Sala.” he said. “I just can’t stand to see you with a human.”

“I’m half-human, Kale.” she whispered. “What would you want with a half-breed? What would a human want with a half-breed?”

“A family.” Kale replied softly, turning her around to face him. “A relationship with love and passion like nothing he’s ever known.”

Sala gazed up into his eyes, moving her lips closer to his.

Kale kissed her on the cheek. “You’ll find the right man and you’ll both be happy.” he said. “Now let’s go to be so we can get an early start in the morning.”

The Draegan moved towards the bed, shift his shape and leapt up into the bed. Sala looked towards the silver furred wolf and smiled. She stripped off her clothing and crawled under the sheets. Kale laid his head on her stomach and closed his eyes. Sala lay her hand on top of his head and fell asleep.

[blackmoondagger]

Chapter Ten
An Unwanted Companion

Sala woke to the sound of Kale’s bones cracking as he transformed into his human form. She opened her eyes a, gazing up at his glorious body. She wanted to run her fingertips through the groves of the scars marring his silver-white skin. Sala shook her head, disturbed by her thoughts. No man had ever made her think of such a thing. Sitting up slowly, Sala let the last of sleep’s grey fog clear from the edge of her mind. Kale turned to face her, smiling slightly.

“Sleep well?” he asked.

“Yes.” she replied.

Kale’s eyes ran down the line of her body and his stomach tightened. In that moment he knew that he could take her right there and it wouldn’t matter to him what happened. Kale tore his eyes away from her, swallowing hard. Sala averted her face even though he had turned away from her. She flung the sheets away from her body and grabbed up her clothes. Dressing quickly, Sala remembered that the man hadn’t sent a bath up for her last night.

Kale gasped in pain and bent over double. Sala rushed towards him, laying her hands on his shoulders. A light sheen of sweat glistened on his pale face and his eyes showed the deep pain he felt.

“It is starting.” he said through clenched teeth.

“What is?” Sala asked, fear clenching her stomach.

“The disease.” Kale replied, dropping to his knees.

His stomach clenched as if someone held it in their hand and was slowly closing it into a fist. Kale gave an involuntary scream, tears coming to his eyes. Sala began to tremble with fear as she watched the Draegan’s face twist in pain. As abruptly as the pains had come, the left Kale. His breath came in ragged gasps as he knelt down before Sala.

“It’s all right now.” he said. “It passed.”

Sala’s eyes were still wide with fear but she rose to her feet. Kale rose to his feet as well, wiping the sweat off of his brow. He had noticed the disease started out as only a sudden pain that died away just as rapid as it came. His stomach would ache badly and then his muscles would fail him more often than should have ever been possible for a Draegan his age. Next his head would feel like it was being slammed into a brick wall and his heart would feel as if was going to give out.

“Let’s go.” he said, his voice trembling despite himself.

Sala nodded. “All right.” she said.

The half-breed and her companion left their room and walked into the near-empty tavern. Sala offered the man behind the bar a smile and walked over to him. The man was wiping out a glass, glaring at the two strangers.

“How much do we owe you for the room and food?” Sala asked.

“Three gold pieces.” the man replied.

Sala smiled at him. “Are you kidding me?” she asked.

The man shook his head. “No.” he replied. “That’s how much you two hooligans owe me for the room, food and bath. Not to mention the fact that you caused such a scene in my bar.”

“Well, since you mentioned the bar episode,” Kale said. “It’s only fair to tell you that we’re not paying for the bath because you didn’t even send one up.”

“Pay me my three gold pieces and get out of my inn, you animals!” the man shouted, slamming the glass on the bar.

Sala glanced to her right when she heard someone lay coins down on the bar.

“There’s enough here for my food and room theirs as well.” Frax said. “There’s a little extra for the scene caused last night.”

Kale glared at the human, but refrained from saying anything just yet. Sala smiled at Frax and looked down at the little grey man standing next to him. Neither of the Draegans had heard Frax mention the little man’s name. Kale stepped up beside Sala, encircling her waist with his arm. He pulled her closer to him and frowned at Frax.

“My mate and I would like to thank you for paying for our room.” Kale said. “However, we must be off. We have very important business to attend to.”

Frax smiled at Kale. “Your mate?” he asked. “You make it sound as if you are a pair of animal.”

Kale smiled wickedly and leaned closer to Frax so that only he heard him. “We are.” he whispered.

The Draegan pulled away from the human and turned Sala towards the door. They stepped out into the warm morning sun, making their way through the bustling streets. Sala still didn’t understand how a city in the middle of a small stretch of desert could be so populated. She heard the door to the Water Nymph Inn open and slam shut. Frax jogged after then, walking in step with Sala and Kale. His little grey companion ran to catch up to his master.

“What do you mean that you are animals?” Frax asked. “You look as human as me.”

Sala looked at him. “We are Draegans.” she said. “Well, I’m half-Draegan. Kale is full-blooded.”

“I told you that they were real, M-m-master!” the little grey man said, smiling up at Sala.

“What is your name?” Sala asked. “Frax didn’t take the time to tell us last night.”

A slight blush colored the man’s cheeks. “I am Yent, my lady.” he said.

“Yent?” she repeated. “I like that. I am Sala.”

“I heard last night, my lady.” Yent said.

Sala smiled. “I only felt it fair to introduce myself to you in the same manner that you did to me, Yent.” she said. “Oh and you really don’t have to call me, ‘my lady.’ Call me Sala.”

“Yes, my- I mean Sala.” he said, his face coloring even more.

Kale looked down at Yent. “She has that affect on a lot of men, Yent.” he said. “Don’t worry about it.”

Yent looked up at Kale. “Yes, my lord.” he said.

“Call me Kale.” the Draegan said. “I don’t need to be given a title.”

“As you wish it, Kale.” Yent said.

“We would like to join you, Lady Sala.” Frax said. “I have longed for adventure.”

Kale looked at him. “What makes you think that we could offer you adventure?” he asked.

“My servant tells me that your mate is the Traekavin of legend.” Frax replied. “I must admit that I didn’t even believe that such as you existed.”

Sala looked down at Yent. “How would you know who I am?” she asked him.

“I saw the Orb around your neck and your song enchanted the men in the tavern last night. The Traekavin of legend could do such as that. It was said that Lady Zarad and Lord Daxiv of the Draegan race at the ones who calmed the Spirits of the Elements two-hundred years ago. You are the Lady’s heir, are you not?”

Kale smiled. “You studied you history.” he said. “Good for you, Master Yent.”

Sala glanced up at Frax. “If you and Yent wish to join us then I am not responsible for what may happen to you.” she said. “I will not have more lives on my hands than are necessary.”

Frax smiled at her. “Yes, my lady.” he said.

Yent nodded his understanding. “We are not your responsibility, Lady Traekavin.” he said.

“Just so we’re clear on that.” Sala said.

Kale wanted to protest. He didn’t want this human with them. They didn’t need another life at stake while they were hunting for the Spirits of the Orbs! He shot an icy glare to Frax, but remained silent. What good would it do to argue when Sala had already accepted them? Kale pulled Sala closer to him, continuing to glare at Frax over the top of her head.

Yent watched as Kale glared at his master. The little grey man looked down at the ground, watching his feet. He had never been treated with such respect by anyone. Let alone a lovely woman like Sala and an honorable man like Kale. He liked them already. He looked up at his master, frowning slightly. There was no way into the seven hells that he could let his master hurt Lady Sala and Lord Kale. No matter what punishment befell him, Yent would protect Sala from Frax.

A tall man with long black hair watched as the Traekavin and her companions as they made their way through the crowds of Dasic City. They would be entering the Dasic Range by night fall. He snapped his fingers and disappeared in a puff of smoke.

***To the South***

Franiat lay among the piles of bones that littered his fire blackened cave. His large eyes danced with malicious intent. A man with long black hair appeared in his cave in a puff of smoke. He bowed lowly and smiled up at his master.

“All is going as planned, my lord.” the man said. “They are headed for Dasic Range as we speak.”

“Good.” Franiat rumbled. “Send out the flock of Creka.”

“As you wish, my lord.” the man said.

[blackmoondagger]

Chapter Eleven
The Assassins of The Enemy

The Dasic Range rose up before them and Dasic City stood proud miles behind them in the barren wasteland that surrounded it. The Dasic River flowed down from the mighty mountains to the right of them and near the great city they had left earlier that day. Lush grass grew near the river and the foot of the magnificent mountains. Sala plopped down on the ground, stretching out in the thriving vegetation.

Kale stood over her, his blue eyes dancing with silent laughter. The spawn of the Black Moon knew that his happiness was a false feeling. It was written that one such as he would never know happiness, love, or peace. If such things ever presented themselves to spawn of the Black Moon, it would be torn viciously from them. As he gazed down at Sala, a vision of her dead body in his arms filled his mind’s eye.

He staggered back, startled by the vision. Shaking his head, Kale cleared the haze from his mind. He knew that he could never have Sala and he was thinking of her lying dead in his arms to prove to himself that she wouldn’t meet a happy end with him. Frax and Yent sat some distance away from them, watching Sala.

“We’ll travel the mountain path.” Sala said, gazing up at the darkening sky. “That’ll be about a three week journey. Right, Kale?”

“Yes.” he said, forcing himself to look at her. “That’s about right. Kana Town will be at the foot of the range when we get out of here.”

Frax rose to his feet, walking over to the Draegan and the half-breed woman. “What will we find there?” he asked.

Kale looked over at the human, disgust clouding his eyes. “We don’t know what we’ll find, human.” he said. “That’s why it’s called a ‘quest’.”

Yent smiled up at the Draegan, but said nothing. It was very clear that the two men hated one another. It was a quiet war, but it was a war nonetheless. The Giggat looked over at Sala and she smiled slightly at him. Yent smiled back, blushing slightly.

“Does anyone want fish for dinner tonight?” Sala asked, tilting her head back so she could look at Kale.

“Sounds good to me.” he said.

Frax thingyed an eyebrow at the young woman. “How are we going to cook it?” he asked.

“We eat our food raw.” Kale said.

“Kale!” Sala hissed. “Make the fire!”

The Draegan inhaled sharply, letting the breath slid through his clenched teeth in a hiss. He held his palm in front of his mouth and blew a quick burst of air into it. A small black flame appeared in his empty hand and he touched the ebony flame on the ground. It danced along the green grass for a moment before it caught. Soon, a roaring fire sat in the middle of them. Kale looked at Frax, smiling wickedly.

“I’ll get dinner.” he said, walking off towards the stream.

Frax jogged after him. “No,” he said. “I’ll do it.”

Sala shook her head. “Why don’t you bother get dinner?” she asked.

Both men looked at her as if she suggested they kiss one another. Sala smiled slightly and motioned them towards the river. The two of them looked at her a moment longer, then at one another, and then back at her. She motioned them towards it once more, frowning at them. They walked away then, their bodies tense. It looked as if they were going to see who could drown the other first once they were out of Sala’s sight.

“Yent,” Sala said, lying back down. “Could you go keep an eye on them?”

The little grey man leapt to his feet. “Yes, Lady Sala.” he said and scurried after Kale and his master.

Once Sala was alone, she sat up and withdrew the Orb of Wind from under her tunic. She gazed down at it for a long moment. Alkali had her golden face pressed against the glass, anger twisting her lovely features. Sala smiled at the Wind Spirit, tucking the Orb back under her tunic. It was still a little hard to believe that she already had her first Spirit. It had only been five days since she had left Draga Village and nearly three weeks since she’s lost her parents and the safety of the world around her crashed down around her.

The half-breed looked up at the sky, inhaling the sweet scent of the green grass around her. The slight sound of wind stirring made Sala whirl around. In the darkness beyond the flickering flame’s light crouched five very strange creatures. Fur covered its slender body and a pair of leathery, black wings protruded from each shoulder blade. Curved talons as sharp as daggers reached for her as the creatures watched her. Beady crimson eyes stared at the Traekavin as she sat in the wavering firelight.

“Little half-breed,” one of them said, its voice raspy. “We are here to drink your blood.”

“It won’t taste very good.” she said. “I’m half-human.”

The creature opened his mouth and ran his tongue along glistening fangs. “Sounds delicious.” he said. “I want your heart.”

Sala laughed. “I have no heart.” she said. “Someone stole that long ago.”

Another creature laughed evilly. “We shall see what makes your blood pump through those lovely veins of yours then.” it said.

The Traekavin knew that the one who had spoken first was male and the one who had just spoken was female. Both spoke with very raspy voices, but she could still tell the difference. Sala sat stock still, watching at the three who had not spoken yet fanned out to block her escape. The male creature shuffled closer to her, his mouth wide open, saliva rolling down his lolling tongue.

Sala’s hand traveled down her leg until she found the dagger at her ankle. She wrapped her hand around the hilt, her eyes staying on her enemy. The female creature stayed where she was, watching the male move closer and closer to the half-breed. Sala watched the creature leap into the air and waited until his body was nearly covering her before she jerked the dagger out of its sheath, shoving it into his ribs.

A shriek of pain filled the air and the creature rolled away from Sala. She leapt to her feet, her bones cracking and conforming. The female creature leapt at her and a streak of silver flew in front of Sala. Her eyes were filled with the sight of Kale’s silver body entangled in the black furred body of the creature. As she shifted shape, Sala kept her eyes on Kale. When he rolled away from the creature, Sala noticed a patch of black fur in the shape of a perfect crescent moon on the right side of his neck.

When she was fully transformed, Sala turned her attention back to the writhing creature that had her dagger embedded in his rib cage. She bared her own glistening fangs at him and leapt at him. The creature tried to flap his leathery wings but Sala clamped her teeth down on the edge of his wing and pulled down. The sound of ripping skin fill the night and two furry bodies and leather wings covered her. Sala’s fangs found the male’s throat and she tore the flesh. Blood filled her mouth as she tried to shake the other creatures off of her.

A howl tore through the night hair and Kale joined the fray. Sala heard Frax and Yent rush onto the scene and stop just short. The wolves and creatures were a mass of fur, wings, claws and fangs. Sala heard one of the creatures cry out as death grasped it. She caught sight of a dagger hilt protruding from its left eye and looked towards Frax. The human was still poised in a throwing position and growled her thanks to him.

Another creature gave a dying shriek and Kale stood atop his second kill. Sala whirled on the final creature, fastened her fangs on his face and bit down. Blood spurted into her mouth and she savored the taste. The creature’s body went limp and Sala released it. The silver wolf stood before her, his silver pelt black with blood. Frax stood off to the right and Yent was huddled behind him. Sala and Kale transformed into their human forms and stood before the human and Giggat.

“That was only the beginning.” Sala breathed. “Someone is after us.”

“Let them come.” Kale whispered.

Frax nodded sharply. “They will all meet their deaths.” he growled.

“It’s now assassin verses assassin.” Kale said, his eyes shinning with the dark promises to come.

[blackmoondagger]

Chapter Twelve
Unsaid Things

The rocky path underfoot made Sala wince. She had gone barefoot for as long as she could remember, but rocks still hurt her feet. A sharp breath hissed through her clenched teeth when a small, sharp rock found its way into the sole of her foot. Kale walked past her, smiling down at her.

“You should wear shoes, half-breed.” he whispered, his lips so close to her ear.

Sala suppressed a shiver. “Mind you business, mongrel.” she growled.

Kale smiled wider. “You’re the one with mixed blood.” he shot back and walked past her.

Frax and Yent also walked past her, each man looking at her in his own way. The human was frowning at the Draegan’s strange conversation. Most men and women who were married called each other ‘love’ or some other silly nickname. Could Draegan’s be different? Yent’s eyes locked with Sala’s and the two of the smiled slightly. Frax looked down at his servant and his frown deepened. Lady Sala seemed to have a smile for Yent and Kale, but none for him.

“What is it that you know about her that I’m over looking Yent?” Frax whispered.

“You mean other than the fact that she and Kale are infatuated with one another?” Yent asked, smiling broader.

Frax snorted in disgust. “He’s very rude to her.” the human said.

“From what Kale has told me, he ‘watched over’ Sala for four years prior to this little adventure.” Yent said. “He watched her sleep, bathe, and fight the humans of the village. He even watched a human man rape her and then killed the same human.”

“He…killed…a human?” Frax asked.

Yent nodded, unaffected by the tale. “Yes, my lord.” he said. “Kale is what assassins call ‘Spawn of the Black Moon’. When a child is born under the Black Moon it represents their ferocity and empty heart. It is said that a Spawn of the Black Moon would never know happiness, love, or peace. If any such emotion presents itself to a Spawn, the think will be stolen from it.”

“Tell everyone Yent.” Kale said.

Yent let out a yelp of fright. “I am sorry, my lord.” he said, dropping to his knees and cowering before Kale. “Please forgive me. I had no idea that you did not wish for me to tell my master of your past.”

Sala knelt down beside Yent, resting her hand on top of his head. “It’s all right Yent.” she said. “I think that it is only fair for both you and Frax to know what kind of people you are traveling with.”

Yent lifted his face from the ground and grabbed Sala’s hand in his. “You are truly forgiving, my lady.” he said. “I thank you for such kindness to this lowly servant.”

“Stop talking like that.” Kale said. “You are not a servant when you are with us. Do you understand me?”

The Giggat smiled at Kale. “Yes,” he said. “I understand, Kale.”

“Now let’s go half-breed.” Kale said, stretching his arms above his head. “We need to cover more distance if we hope to reach Kana Town before Cougar Moon comes around.”

“Oh do shut up, you filthy son of a pregnant dog. It’s only one week into Coyote Moon” Sala growled, smiling slightly.

Kale grabbed her hand in his and enlaced his fingers around hers. Sala looked up at him, a ghost of a smile playing at her lips. Frax walked behind them, glaring at the back of Kale’s head. He hated the Draegan, grinding his teeth in anger. Sala should have been his! He didn’t treat her like some kind of rodent from the lowest corner of Aniva City. Why was she in love with the worthless dog of a man?

“Frax,” Sala said. “Are you all right?”

The young man snapped out of his enraged trance. “Yes,” he lied. “I am fine, Lady Sala.”

Sala smiled at him. “Okay.” she said. “We’ll stop at sun set.”

Frax nodded. “All right.” he said, his voice barely audible.

The half-breed turned her attention back to the rocky path. Kale gazed down at her, a faint smile playing at his lips. He could smell the rage of the human and he was enjoying it. Sala might have been just a half-breed, but he could stand the sight of Sala being with a human. The thought made his blood boil. Kale looked back at Frax, baring his fangs at the human. Frax glared at the Draegan, baring his own dull teeth at the feral man.

“Kale,” Sala said. “Is anything wrong?”

The young man brought his eyes back to Sala. “No.” he lied. “Everything is fine.”

Yent snorted in amusement. The war for Sala’s heart was a silent one and very entertaining to watch. He sighed happily. Yent could already guess who had the half-breed’s heart in the palm of his hands. It was so wonderful to see his master flop around like a fish out of water.

[blackmoondagger]

Chapter Thirteen
The Flame Consumes All

As the sun kissed the horizon with its crimson lips, Sala caught sight of town at the foot of the Dasic Range. The smell of roasting meats and freshly baked bread made Sala’s stomach roil with hunger. She licked her lips, her eyes shining with delight over the prospect of a real meal and a warm bed. Kale walked up beside her, resting his chin on her shoulder. Sala shrugged him away, smiling up at him. Frax ground his teeth and clenched his fists at his side.

“Is something wrong with you, human?” Kale asked, smirking at Frax.

“No,” Frax growled. “Let’s just get into Kana Town before the sun sets completely and we are left to the mercy of the night prowling creatures.”

“Afraid?” Kale asked.

Frax tore his sword from its sheath, charging Kale. The Draegan dodged the swinging blade and clamped his hand around Frax’s throat. The sword fell to the ground with a clatter. Sala and Yent stood very still. Frax’s eyes were wide with fright as Kale’s hand tightened around his throat. Sala rushed forward, resting her hand on Kale’s. The Draegan’s eyes were changing from a vivid midnight blue eyes began to turn to a moonless sky black. His wolf side was taking over him.

“Kale, stop this!” she ordered. “Kale let him go!”

Kale snarled at Frax, tightening his grip on the human’s throat. He could feel Frax’s pulse hammering against his hand as he choked the life from him. Sala’s voice rang is his head, but his beast was taking over. He could feel his teeth elongating and his fingernails becoming claws. Yent yelped in fright when Kale lunged for Frax’s neck. Frax closed his eyes, waiting for the death that never came.

When he opened his eyes, Sala’s forearm as in Kale’s mouth, his fangs embedded in her tanned flesh. Her eyes were shut and her face was twisted into a mask of pain. Kale’s eyes bleed back to their normal haunting blue color. He pulled away from Sala, and cry of pain escaping her tightly closed lips. Frax scrambled to his feet, gazing down at Sala and Kale.

“What in the seven hells came over him?” Frax asked.

Sala cradled her wounded arm, looking up at the human. “Kale is sick.” she said. “All of my mother’s people are dying because someone in their village released the Spirits of the Orbs.”

“I don’t understand.” Frax said.

Kale groaned, clutching his stomach. “How could a pathetic human understand the troubles of Draegans?” he growled. “You sorry excuses for prey have been nothing but a nuisance for our people. It is because of the humans that the Elements were as chaotic as they were. They couldn’t control them. If it had not been for Lady Zarad and Lord Daxiv, the Spirits of the Elements would still have control over this world and the human race would be no more. Only the strong could survive the torture that the Elements subjected them to back then. That is why it took a Draegan to contain their power.”

“Your Lady Zarad was a half-breed.” Frax said. “She was half-human as well as half-monster. It was her human blood that enabled her to soothe the Spirits.”

Sala rose to her feet, blood running down her arm. “Stop it both of you!” she shouted. “I am Zarad’s heir! I am not half-monster Frax.”

She whirled on Kale, wiping the smirk off of his face. “Humans are strong!” she shouted at him. “Just because you are a full-blooded Draegan does not make you better than me or any human! The One Mother and the Hunter could take you as easily as they could take Frax or me! Both of you arrogant and know nothing of strength or courage!”

Sala stormed off down the mountain path then, the men following silently in her wake. They entered Kana Town just as the sun sank down behind the horizon. The moon was just gracing the eastern horizon with its lovely silver face when the group reached the Yellow Rose Inn. When they entered, the patrons turned to look at them.

The half-breed woman ignored their inquiring stares at her pointed ears and her torn and tattered clothing. Kale and Frax returned the stares with angry glares. Yent kept his eyes downcast. He had no desire to cause trouble for himself or his companions. Sala walked up to the innkeeper. She was a very short, very skinny, white haired, elderly lady. The human woman gazed up at Sala, a frown making more wrinkles crease her face.

“We need to rooms.” Sala said.

The woman looked her up and down. “Four gold for each room.” she said in a raspy voice.

“That’s robbery!” Sala shouted, outraged.

“And three gold for each meal for each person.” the innkeeper said, smirking at Sala.

“We’ll take it Grandmother.” Frax said, producing a pouch of gold.

He counted out the desired amount and handed it to the old crone. The woman weighed the coins in her hands and smiled up at Sala. Sala growled lowly in her throat.

“Your rooms are on the second floor, the second to last and last doors on the right end. I’ll have one of my ladies bring you your dinner.” she said sweetly. “Enjoy your night at the Yellow Rose.”

She walked off then. Kale grabbed Sala’s forearm and pulled her to a nearby table. He shoved her down into the wooden chair, sitting down next to her. A silence so heavy that it could be cut with a knife stretched between them. A young woman walked up to them and set down platters with roasted venison, loaves of crusty bread, slabs of cheese to spread on the bread, and large goblets of red wine.

Yent grabbed up a knife and spread cheese on a piece of bread. “Aren’t you going to eat Sala?” he asked, biting into the bread. “It’s good.”

Sala gazed down at her plate. “I’m not very hungry, Yent.” she said. “I’m going to bed.”

She rose to her feet, walked through the crowd, and up the stairs. All three men watched the door close behind her as she entered the room. Kale sighed heavily, spearing a piece of venison onto his fork. Their meal passed on in silence, each man lost in his own thoughts. Yent looked up at Kale. The Draegan was staring at the door that Sala had disappeared through.

“I’m going for a walk.” he said.

“Alright,” Yent said. “Be careful.”

Kale nodded and made his way to the door. When he stepped outside, the cool night air swept against his skin. The young man inhaled the scent of autumn crisp in the air. Crossing his hands behind his head, Kale started his trek down the street of the quiet Kana City. Candle light danced off the walls of houses as families sat down for their dinner. His vivid blue eyes swept along the empty streets, taking in all he could.

A cloaked figure swept past him and Kale turned to watch it move away from him. Its body swayed like a woman’s as it walked towards the Yellow Rose Inn. Kale caught a whiff of burning flesh and pine wood. One of the orbs that he kept in his pocket began to burn. Kale pulled it out and stared at it for a long moment. A crimson color began to seep from the inside of the orb to the outside to the glass sphere.

“What the hell?” he wondered, continuing to stare at the orb.

Some one screamed in fright from within the inn. Kale’s eyes shot to the inn. Smoke billowed out of the windows.

“Sala!” he screamed, taking off at a run towards the Yellow Rose Inn.

The Draegan burst through the door, flames flaring up before him. Kale cried out in pain as the fire caressed his bare forearm. The cloaked figure laughed at him, holding a red fireball in its palm. Kale fell back onto his buttocks, his eyes wide with fear. Like all other Draegans, he feared fire. The tattoo on his neck began to burn as his fear and anger rose up inside of him.

“Kale!” Sala shouted, standing against the stair railing. “Get everyone out of here!”

“Traekavin.” the cloaked figure growled. “I will have your heart burning in the palm of my hand.

“Sala!” Frax shouted, shielding his face with his forearm. “What are you doing?”

“Get out of here you fools!” the half-breed shouted.

The cloaked figure threw back its hood, revealing a pale skinned woman with crimson hair, orange eyes, and a rose on fire on the back of her neck. “I am Firixa!” she said. “I am the Spirit of Fire!”

“Yeah?” Sala asked. “Well, I’m Sala, Traekavin from Draga Village.”

Firixa leapt into the air, flames trailing in her wake. Humans screamed, scrambling for the door. Sala ran to her room, slamming the door behind her. Kale, Frax, and Yent stood in the burning dinning room of the inn.

“My inn!” the elderly lady shrieked. “It’s ruined!”

“Get out of here, old woman!” Kale shouted.

“My home!” she shouted, falling to her knees.

A beam overhead gave a loud crack, embers raining down on them. Kale growled in exasperation and leapt at the woman. The flaming beam hit the floor when the woman had been only moments before. Kale winced in pain as the old woman’s frail body landed on his scored forearm. Frax lifted the old woman into his arms and the three men ran out of the burning inn.

Sala leaned against the door, listening to the woman shrieking over the loss of her home. The door began to heat up against her skin as she leaned against it. Sala cried out when a flaming hand touched her, Sala let out a cry of pain. Her tunic was aflame. The half-breed tore her shirt away from her body and threw it to the floor. Fire had begun to worm its way from the first floor to the second.

Firixa ripped the burning door off of its hinges and it crashed into the wall. Fire surrounded her as Sala stood before the Spirit of Fire. Fear gripped her heart as she took step after careful step over the burning floor. The floor under foot creaked threateningly and Sala cried out as her leg passed through the blazing floor.

Sala closed her eyes, waiting for the impact with the flaming floor. The impact she got was not what she expected. Strong arms held her two feet above the burning floor. Sala looked up into impossible blue eyes. Firixa stood at the edge of the hole, glaring at Kale and Sala.

The Draegan holding her in his arms began to choke on the smoke as he stood among the flames. He put his head down and ran towards the door. Once outside, Kale stumbled, sending Sala flying out of his arms and into the dust. Her chest was badly burned, her midnight blue hair scorched. Tears streamed down her face as she lay in the dust.

“Sala,” Yent and Frax said in unison.

“Are you okay?” Frax asked, leaning over her face.

Yent looked closely at the burns, inhaling a sharp breath through his clenched teeth. There would be a scar. There was no doubt about it and no point in denying it. Kale forced himself to his feet and staggered towards the wondered girl. All around them, humans watched the Yellow Rose Inn while flames engulfed it.

Sala turned her head towards the flaming building. There, in the doorway and surrounded by dancing fire, was Firixa the Spirit of Fire. The last thing Sala saw before her world went black was a cloud of smoke and the fire flaring up as if someone had added more fuel to the already-raging flames.

[blackmoondagger]

Chapter Fourteen
Fiery Passions

She was standing in the meadow outside of Orbian Village once more. Beyond the dancing grasses and heavy-headed flowers, Sala watched flames engulf her home. She ran towards it, tears blurring her vision as she ran. Screams filled her ears and the smell of rotting flesh battered her nostrils as if it were a physical blow. Embers scored her bare feet as she ran through the blackened streets of the once-peaceful village. Houses collapsed around her as she ran towards her family’s house and shop.

When she reached her home, her mother and father were pinned under a flaming beam. Firixa stood over them and turned her crimson hair danced around her face as if a breeze were snaking its fingers through the flames to get to her. Glowing orange eyes glared at Sala through the dancing flames. The half-breed rushed towards her mother and father, but the flames flared up in an angry wave of heat.

“Watch them die, Traekavin!” Firixa shouted, her wicked laughter rang like a bell in Sala’s brain.

“NO!” she screamed, hitting her knees.

Flames flared out from the house and surrounded her. The smell of burning flesh and singed hair filled Sala’s nostrils as she knelt in the embers. Sala covered her face with her hands and wept for the loss of everything she held dear. She was dying. A scream of anguish, desperation, hatred, and anger passed her lips as the flames consumed her body and soul.

Sala woke with a start, screaming at the top of her lungs. The oversized tunic she wore was twisted around her body and she pulled at it angrily until it straightened out. A blanket was tangled around her legs as she struggled to a sitting position. Strong hands pushed her down onto the bed and a soft voice whisper soothing words into her ear. Sala looked up into bottomless blue eyes as she lay on her back once more.

“Everything is alright.” Kale said. “You were hurt, but you’ve healed like any Draegan would.”

“What happened to me?” she asked, lying back down on the bed. “Where are we?”

Kale inhaled deeply, sitting back down on a stool that sat beside the bed. “We’re in the Singing Lark Inn in Hanoun City.” he said. “You were wounded by Firixa, the Spirit of Fire.”

Sala closed her eyes and the memory of her parents burning flashed in her mind’s eye. Her eyes shot open once more and she gasped for breath. If she saw her parents’ corpses every time she closed her eyes, she would never sleep again. The half-breed calmed her unsteady breathing, looking up at the ceiling.

“How long have I been sleeping?” she asked.

Kale looked away from her then.

“Kale, how long have I been sleeping?” she asked again, her voice full of anger.

“You’ve been in a coma for the past three weeks. It wasn’t until a week ago that you came out of it. You have been in and out of consciousness for the past two weeks. ” Yent said, stepping into Sala’s line of sight. “It was two weeks Coyote Moon when we reached Kana City. It is now three week into Boar Moon.”

“Summer has begun to grace the land with her bounty, Lady Sala.” Frax said. “You’ve been out for two months. The wounds were not that bad, but the Healer said that your mind was tired. He said that you needed this rest to recuperate, Lady Sala.”

“Two months!” she shouted. “You let me lay here for two months?”

“We had no choice, Sala.” Kale said. “Why can’t you understand that?”

“That pregnant dog is out there burning down cities and I’m lying in bed regaining strength!” Sala shouted, forcing herself into a sitting position. “How could you all let me go this long without doing anything?”

Kale glared at her. “We had no choice.” he said, trying to stay calm. “We still have five months before Dragon Moon.”

“Winter has will come to the North faster.” Frax said. “If we must go north then we only have three months.”

Kale glared at him. “I wasn’t taking into account the differences between us and the North.” he growled. “I doubt we will be going as far north as Azila City.”

“The Spirits will not take the weather into account, Kale.” Frax shouted. “You know that just as well as the rest of us.”

“Shut up both of you!” Sala shouted. “Get out! All of you get out!”

Kale and Frax looked at her in shock. “You shouldn’t be alone.” they said in unison.

“I don’t give a d**n!” she shouted. “Get out right now!”

All three men moved towards the door. Kale stopped, glancing back at Sala. The half-breed jabbed her finger at the door. Yent opened the door and all three of them left. When the door closed behind Kale, Sala fell back onto her bed. She couldn’t get over the fact that she had been laying in bed for nearly two months. How could she let this happen? Kale looked horrible. The disease was getting to him.

How many people had already died because her body and mind had needed time to recuperate? Kale had suffered so much while she was sleeping. She could see it in his eyes, could feel it in his touch. Sala closed her eyes and felt the air move around her. The door to her room opened, but there was no sound of anyone entering. Only a Draegan could enter a room and make no noise.

“What are you doing in here Kale?” she demanded, opening her eyes.

“I wanted to make sure you were alright.” he said.

“I’m fine!” she said. “Now go.”

Kale moved closer to her bed. “Why can’t you just let me take care of you?” he asked.

“You’re not my mate!” she growled.

“Maybe I want to be!” he shouted back.

Sala stared at him for a long moment, her mouth falling agape. “What did you say?” she asked.

“I want you to be mine.” he said. “The night I killed the human that raped you, I knew then that I wanted you to be mine. I was acting like you were my mate. I didn’t want another man touching you. My jealousy consumed me and I killed him for taking you. From that day on I considered you mine. If any man looked at you wrong or if they touched you in a way I saw unfit, I made sure that they felt pain.”

“Kale,” she breathed. “What are you saying?”

“I’m saying that I treated you like a man treats his mate.” Kale replied.

Sala continued to look at him. “Why?” she asked.

The Draegan moved closer to the girl. “Sala,” he whispered. “Will you have me as your mate?”

Sala sat there for a long moment, unsure of what to say. Kale had been her self-proclaimed guardian. He’d killed a man for raping her. He’d protected her for four years without her even knowing it. He was the only person who didn’t treat her like some kind of mutt. Well, at least not anymore.

“Sala?” he whispered. “Are you alright?”

“Yes.” she said. “I’m alright.”

Kale moved closer to the bed, fear dancing in his eyes. He was afraid she would reject him? It was true that Kale had been a killer once. He was one of the best assassins to ever grace Ravik. He was the Spawn of the Black Moon. Sala scooted to the edge of the bed and gazed up at Kale. A slight smiled played at her lips as she looked up into his deep blue eyes. She rose to her feet, the scar tissue on her chest pulling uncomfortably when she raised her arms to wrap them around his neck.

He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her body tighter against his. Sala winced when she tightened her hold his neck. His lips brushed hers and he walked her backwards to towards the bed. They fell back onto the bed, Sala gasped in pain as his body jarred hers. The wounds were healed, but the burns still felt raw. The burns might never heal since they had come from the Fire Spirit herself.

“Sala, are you okay?” Kale asked. The feeling of his lips near her ear sent a shiver down her spine.

“I’m fine.” she replied. “My burns hurt just a little bit.

Kale smiled down at her, propping himself up on his elbows. “Are you sure that’s all?” he asked.

“Yes.” she replied.

Kale kissed her once more. Sala pulled him closer to her, ignoring the pain in her chest. The Draegan broke this kiss, his lips hovering over hers. He moved his hands under the oversized tunic she wore. His calloused hands brushed her smooth thighs, worked their way up her waist, and caressed her stomach. Sala squirmed under his delicate touch. Kale pulled the tunic off gently, dropping it to the floor.

His eyes took in the scars that marred her perfect breasts. He bent forward, kissing the scars. Sala gasped as his smooth lips moved over her ruined flesh. Kale smiled against her skin, his mouth moving towards her nipple. His tongue brushed against it, bringing another gasp to her lips. He closed his eyes, moving down her chest and towards her stomach.

Her hands tangled in his long brown hair, pulling him up towards her face. His lips found hers once more. He broke the kiss reluctantly, rose into a sitting position, pulling his tunic off and dropping it to the floor beside hers. Kale hovered over her, gazing down at her body. Sala wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him back towards her.

He kissed her again, his tongue parting her lips and exploring the inside of her mouth. She ran her tongue along the roof of his mouth. He moaned deep in his throat, kissing her passionately. Sala ran her fingertips along his back, feeling deep scars cutting deep rivers in his pale skin. Kale moved his hands moved up her stomach and cupped her scarred beasts. Sala moaned when he pressed his lower body against hers. He was hard and ready against her.

Sala pulled away from him. “Kale,” she gasped.

“What?” he asked. His breath was hot against her face, his voice husky with need.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” she asked. “If we do then I’m yours until the day I die.”

Kale looked down at her. “I know.” he said. “I want you to be.”

Sala nodded. “All right.” she breathed.

Kale crawled off of the bed, removing his belt and letting his pants fall to the floor. Sala stared at him for a long moment. The One Mother had been very kind to him. Kale gazed down into her face. There was no fear in her eyes. Just trust and love. He moved back onto the bed, pressing his body against hers. Kale slid into her slowly, watching her face for signs of pain. When he was sheathed inside of her, Kale began to move slowly back and forth inside of her.

Sala closed her eyes, rising to meet him. The two Draegans moved as one, their breath coming out in gasps. Sala wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist, pulling his body closer to her own. Kale buried his face into her short midnight blue hair, listening to her unsteady breathing and her quick heartbeat. Sala dug her nails into his back, the smell of his blood filling her nostrils. Kale opened his mouth, baring his fangs and bit into her neck. The half-breed moaned, inhaling sharply through her nose.

Sala cried out as she climaxed, digger her nails into his back even more. Kale bit down harder on her neck, gasping as he climaxed. They lay there for a long moment, listening to one another’s heartbeats and gasping breathing. Kale closed his eyes, a spasm of pain shooting through his body. A small scream tore through the silence and he fell limply against Sala.

“Kale, are you alright?” Sala asked, lying very still beneath him. “Kale?”

His breathing was shallow, but he was alive. At least that much Sala was sure of. She lay there, listening to his breathing. If she didn’t hurry and imprison the Spirits once more, Kale would die. Sala closed her eyes, falling asleep listening to the sound of her mate’s breathing.