TORMANAR CARTH

(Serpent's Fang)

Copyright (c) 2001 Acheron. Do not distribute. If you think someone would like to see it, send them here.

Except one.

That one was an adolescent male, his fur the colour of cut pine save for white on his front and tipping his limbs, wearing knee-long blue trousers secured by a black leather belt, a long ebony-and-beech harpoon leaning against the rail beside him. He sat some distance apart from the others, on a bridge leading to the broad, open central platform. He was watching a pair of slightly older Ae-Tsan, male and female, at one side of that platform. Both were nude, cuddling very close together. Other Ae-Tsan, noticing them, either looked curiously for a few moments(if they were young) or just smiled and nodded(if they were adults or older adolescents) before going on their way.

Except that one.

Xander Kaldryke, Chieftain's son, couldn't stop watching.

He was confused. He knew males mated with females, and now and again had a kit as a result. So he should be experimenting with his female friends, each learning about each other's body and their own. Eventually he should sire a child.

So why, instead of lingering on the female's figure, taking in the swell of her breasts and the opening of her sex, were his eyes drawn to the male's sleek, tapered body, to the flow of his toned muscles, to the pink that slowly pushed out from his swollen sheath?

For whatever reason, though, it was happening, and as he watched, Xander felt a tightness in his shorts. He didn't at all want the female any closer than a friend\x85 but watching Arryn, seeing the nineteen-year-old hunter's body twitch and tremble as his partner's claws lightly touched his flesh, Xander longed, even ached to be in her place, to feel the hunter's muscle answer his touch, to feel the heat of his sex\x85

A paw landed on his shoulder. "Xander," a soft voice murmured.

Xander opened his eyes with a gasp, and looked up. Guiltily he slid his paw out of his shorts.

Arel Kaldryke, Chieftain of Caertsan, his father, smiled down at him. "There will be time for that later, son," he said, "but Shiel wishes to speak with you now. Be prompt, and he'll likely not keep you long." He bent down and kissed Xander's ear. "I'm nothing but proud of you, Xander. You're growing up into a fine young man\x85 in all respects, it seems."

Awkwardly Xander stood, shifting his trousers a little to make himself more comfortable. "What does the shaman\x97" He bit it off. "I will go to him now, father."

Another kiss, this time on the cheek, which Xander returned; and the Chieftain continued on his way. Xander glanced back at the couple, saw Arryn working his maleness under his mate's tail, thought I'd like that, then turned and dove over the railing before he got distracted again.

The shaman's hut had no doors above water; the only way inside was to swim under the surface, navigate a small ebony-walled maze, and come up through a hole in the floor. The maze's purpose was not to confuse; even the youngest child could get through it. It just kept intruders away who couldn't stay underwater long enough to get through it. The nursery was built the same way.

Xander paused on the rope ladder, letting the water slide off his fur, before he climbed up into the wide room. The many shelves were stocked full of a wide variety of things, but the room itself was neat, all the cots unoccupied.

Shiel swung down from his own hammock and stood. The shaman was a curious sight to look upon. Instead of the brown sides and back and creamy front that most Ae-Tsan bore, his fur was gleaming white, with black glyphs dyed into it here and there. His pale eyes gleamed red in the soft candlelight as he smiled at the youth. "Good morning, Xander. You are well?"

"Yes, shaman," Xander said, inclining his head. "My father said you wished to see me."

A nod. "Sit down, Xander."

Xander felt a sudden chill in his guts as he complied. The shaman's tone was gentle, but some undercurrent to it suggested that this was anything but a simple conversation. As Xander hadn't done much recently that was worthy enough of praise to warrant this interview, that left the other direction, and with a sick certainty the youth knew what this was about\x85

"You're growing into a fine young man," Shiel told him, standing behind him, his webbed paws gently kneading Xander's shoulders. "Mind, body, and heart are all maturing quite nicely\x85 but I and a few others have noticed something about you\x85 specifically, about how you look at people\x85"

Xander swallowed. There was no point in trying to lie his way through it. "Yes, shaman," he whispered. "I\x85 I find other males\x85 attractive."

The shaman's paws squeezed on his shoulders. "This is not Nature's way, young one. We are given these urges so that we will have young ones and further our race, and only a male and a female can conceive."

"I know," he whimpered. "I\x85 I've tried. Tried to get myself to look at women and not men. I just can't\x85"

Shiel gave him a pat between the shoulders. "Perhaps you need some time to yourself, Xander. Go out into the untamed lands on your own, and sort out your thoughts. Return when you know your mind. If you still need help to sort this out, at least you'll be better for having more experience."

Xander twisted around to look up at the older Ae-Tsar. "My father\x85?"

"Does not know," Shiel confirmed. "This is your business, young one. Let him be proud of you without having to worry about you any more than he must as you are gone."

Xander nodded. "Then I will say my farewells, and leave today."

The shaman cupped a paw under his pupil's chin. "You're a good lad \x96 honest with everyone, even yourself. That will take you far."

It was nice to be out of the village; away from its temptations and condemnations, free to contemplate his life and the world in general. Going downstream, he could just drift, letting the currents of the river carry him as did the currents of time.

Night fell, and after cooking a meal over a small fire, he ate by its light and thought. Was it really so wrong? He'd been made this way; why was the onus on him to change?

His sleep was uneasy, plagued by shadowy dreams. Morning came all too soon. He packed his few possessions, slung his harpoon over his back, and slid into the water.

The Cliath River was wider here, and slower. It meandered this way and that, the thick vegetation making it hard to see more than ten lengths. Many incautious people had lost their lives around here. Gripping his harpoon firmly, Xander paddled along, scanning the shores as his slender body eeled through the water.

Thus he saw the dark figure on the inner bank of a curve an instant before the wolf saw him.

Both of them froze, staring. The large black being was a harrkahn, with a bushy tail, long pointed snout, short whiskers, large ears, in short, a wolf-like humanoid. This particular harrkahn was pitch black, with not one pale fur on his body.

Not one stitch of clothing, either. A loincloth lay discarded beside him, and in its place was only one broad paw.

Holding as still as he could, which wasn't very, Xander sank a bit further into the water. Part of him, terrified, sought only to flee as fast as he could swim; another was spellbound by the vista of masculinity before him.

Oh, gods \x96 I was supposed to get away from this sort of temptation\x85

A smile spread across the lupine muzzle, a gentle smile, not showing teeth. "Good morning, little friend," he rumbled in a deep bass. "Come closer, share the sun; I will not harm you."

Xander stayed where he was, trembling.

The harrkahn's expression was distant, his amber eyes seeming to see right through the much smaller ae-tsar. "There are great times ahead of you, young one," he intoned. "Come sit with me. I may be able to counsel you."

Gradually Xander shifted into a standing position, the water lapping at his chest. "Are you a\x85?"

"I am a seer," the other declared. "My name is Marak, and I run with the Akhelon tribe. You, young sir\x85 you have the look of a Kaldryke about you. Am I right?"

Xander felt exposed, utterly defenceless. One of his hands lost its grip on his harpoon; the other was so tight, the carvings in the ebony seemed etched into his palm. All he could do was nod.

With a rumbling chuckle, Marak waved him over. "There's a certain quality to the fur of your family, lad. Come; I saw you looking at me. Look closer \x96 there's no harm in it."

The ae-tsar took a careful step toward the shore before guilt seized him "But \x96 but the shaman said\x97"

"Never mind that," the harrkahn crooned. "What do you think? Does it feel right to you?"

More and more, Xander's gaze was drawn down the great, powerful body. "Y-y-yes?"

"Come here, young Kaldryke\x85"

Trembling, Xander stepped out of the water. His breath caught when he saw just what the huge paw was resting on.

The other paw reached forward and closed around one of Xander's, thick fingers kneading the ae-tsar's palm. "What is your name, my friend, and how many winters have you seen?"

"Xander. I'm\x85 I'm seventeen\x85"

"A confusing age indeed. I remember it well, being just a year past it myself. But I was taught to listen to my body, for it will tell me what is natural." He lifted Xander's paw and touched it to his cool, damp nose. "What does your body tell you, Xander?"

Just a year older, but so much more confident\x85 so large, so strong, so wise\x85 even with his eyes closed, Xander could see every detail of that sculpted body.

His thoughts ran in crazy circles\x85

Thank the gods. Someone who understands!

And he's absolutely beautiful!

Xander opened his eyes. Marak was still there, and the smile on his dark face warmed Xander's heart as a sunrise would his body. The last feeble protests died away.

What I want\x85 is this.

His harpoon fell unheeded to the soft loam. He reached forward with the paw thus freed, conscious of the golden eyes watching its progress. His fingers brushed across the damp fur of Marak's chest, which quivered with the harrkahn's sharp intake of breath. His own lungs inflating with a disbelieving gasp, Xander worked his fingers under the soft fur and touched the hard muscle beneath.

This couldn't be happening. And yet \x96 it was. It was most definitely happening. That was another man's arm that was curling around his shoulders, gently but eagerly pulling him close. It was another man's deep voice that rumbled in his ear.

"Heart," Marak breathed. "Mind. Body. When they are in balance, you will achieve Harmony\x85 Passion, Wisdom, and Power working together will not steer you wrong." His teeth pricked at Xander's ear, sending shivers through the ae-tsar's body that had nothing to do with pain.

"They must grow together," Marak went on. "The body by doing, the mind by learning, the heart by feeling. The last will be hardest for you \x96 what makes you feel good will be at odds with the standards of your people. But there will be someone near you with whom to share it." His warm tongue caressed Xander's ear. "For this time, I am yours, Xander. Do, learn, and feel with me as you will."

Closing his eyes, Xander concentrated on feeling the Harrkahn's strong body, the taut skin over firm, hot muscle. His webbing bound on Marak's firm nipple, evoking a long, growling moan. Then his touch strayed down to the flat belly, and there it lingered.

It was enough. Just being close to him was enough\x85 just being understood, and welcome. Xander settled himself in Marak's lap. His breath caught at the hardness he felt against his leg. "Oh. I\x85 I interrupted\x85"

"I'm glad you did. Just having someone against me is much, much better than anything I could do on my own."

All the same, Xander couldn't help but feel just a bit guilty. It was curiosity, though, that made him reach out and touch the bare skin.

A soft, desirous whine escaped Marak's throat. "Xander\x85"

He pulled his hand away. I can't\x85 can't be his lover. I'll find that person he told me about, the one who can understand. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't\x85" What was the best word\x85? "Tease your body."

Sighing a little, but smiling as he did, the tip of his tail swaying, Marak kissed Xander's ear, wrapping his strong arms around the ae-tsar's thin body. "You will be a fine lover for a fine man," he murmured. "I have seen this, and you have doubly confirmed it. But know this. The Fates have decreed that great change is coming, and you will play an important role in their great game. The winds will carry you far \x96 but you will not be alone. Friends and allies will ever be with you \x96 and love. I see true, strong love in your future. You\x85" His lips brushed at Xander's ear as he whispered, "You have learned to listen to yourself. Do so, and you will know who is the right person for you. But take care not to hear what others want you to. You, and you alone, know what is right for you."

The low murmur was compelling, almost hypnotic, softly flowing over his mind like water. By the time Marak's speech was finished, Xander was barely awake.

Rocking Xander in his arm, Marak reached over with his other hand and draped something over Xander's neck. The youth roused enough to look at it. A bronze pendant lay on his chest, hanging from a leather thong, the polished surface inscribed with a complex, seemingly random pattern of lines. At the heart of that pattern was a single emerald.

"When you can understand the meaning of this," Marak told him, "you will have learned much. But you have had a long, full day. Rest now\x85 rest until morning, and wake refreshed\x85"

But Xander was already asleep, curled in the harrkahn's sheltering embrace.

"You've changed, Xander."

The youth set down his harpoon and whetstone, and looked up. "I learned about myself, shaman."

Shiel nodded and touched Xander's shoulders. "You have gained much confidence, I see\x85 enough that you don't jump up to your feet just because I happen to be here. Good. Anything else?"

Firmly, he said, "I know what nature intends for me, shaman."

The white ae-tsar beamed. "Then you have done well. I knew you had it in you, lad." They kissed each other's cheeks, and the shaman went about his business.

Xander continued to sharpen his spear. I'm lucky he didn't ask what that is, he reflected. It wouldn't feel good, having to lie to him. But however well he sees, he only sees in one direction.

He packed his whetstone, stood, and went home. Nobody else was around; his mother was overseeing the building of a new set of huts, his father attending children in the nursery, his brothers and sisters all playing or learning. Given this rare moment of privacy, he reached into his pouch and took out the amulet he had been given.

If it was supposed to have a meaning, he couldn't see it. But the pattern was pleasing, and looking at it helped to calm his thoughts, so that he could sort them out.

He couldn't change himself. But he could be more discreet. Nobody here held more than a mild attraction in his eyes; nothing like the Harrkani seer had described. Perhaps that person was yet to come. At any rate, it wouldn't be too hard for him to keep his desires to himself.

Carefully packing the amulet away, Xander slept, and dreamt his forbidden dreams.

A year passed more-or-less uneventfully. Xander wasn't the fastest hunter in the village, nor was he the strongest. But he was among the smartest. He struck rarely, but always to great effect.

The pendant still didn't mean anything to him, but contemplating it did help him to keep calm when times were rough. Nobody else in the village knew he had it, and if anyone noticed that he was still looking at men, he never heard about it.

One mild autumn night, while away from the village on a somewhat-unsuccessful hunting trip, he sat considering that pattern, letting himself be drawn deeper and deeper into it\x85 and suddenly shivered. The world about him seemed somehow... sharper, every movement plain to him, every detail revealed in dazzling colour. The gem at the pendant's centre seemed to flare and pulse with inner light.

What's going on?

The design still looked much the same to him\x85 except, as he looked at it, the lines seemed to naturally flow to the jewel.

Motion caught his eye. Before he knew what he was doing, he had picked up his harpoon and flung it into the screen of brush. There was an animal scream, quickly cut off.

Puzzled, he stood and walked over to the brush. Sure enough, his throw had dealt quite handily with the rabbit he found there, slicing along its throat and lodging in a tree just beyond.

This was strange. That would have been an almost impossible throw even if the rabbit had been standing still in plain sight. As it was\x85

Maybe there's something to this pendant after all.

Added to the rest of the fish and small game he had, this plump buck rabbit would be enough for one trip. He bundled the lot into a net and started home.

The next morning he sat on the riverbank, idly gazing upstream as he sharpened his harpoon, and suddenly frowned.

He saw movement on the river. That in and of itself was nothing unusual, but\x85 this was approaching fast.

A few moments later, he could make out the details. It was an ae-tsan river boat, bearing three figures \x96 one of them frantically poling along \x96 and a small pile of luggage. The two other figures were standing at the stern, one of them wearing a cloak and wielding a bow, the other white-furred and wielding a short sword.

Seconds later, the poling figure \x96 visibly an ae-tsar, though with the darker fur that marked him as a coast-dweller \x96 called out, "There's a shade following us!"

A shade. Such a simple word \x96 but it chilled Xander's heart.

He shouted an alarm. Instantly the village was a flurry of activity, children rushing for their homes, hunters and warriors arming themselves and rushing to defensive positions, bridges being unpinned from their shore supports and pulled out into the water.

Xander moved back and joined the throng of hunters on the beach. The boat moved out into the open water, safe \x96 shades, fortunately, couldn't swim. After a few moments, Xander realised that the sword-wielder was on the river bank immediately beside him. He was substantially shorter than Xander, as was typical of the mouse-like Tamaxos, but about the same age, at the upper end of adolescence. His slender frame sported more muscle, especially on his limbs, than was typical of ae-tsan, and he looked very confident with the blade in his hand. He wore only loose trousers, and the fur in a number of places about his body was cut short and dyed in intricate markings.

He looked over to Xander, raising his sword; Xander met his gaze, shifting his grip on his harpoon. They both turned to watch up the river.

It came from the trees, a bounding, leaping thing, a barely-visible shadow of fur and claw. Almost impossible to look at directly, it seemed to be in more than one place at a time. The effect was very disorienting \x96 and that was its strength.

Harpoons were thrown, but none of them met its mark. The vaguely canine beast came ever closer.

The hunters did the one thing they could do. They charged in, weapons flashing, trying to surround it and confuse it. But though they strove mightily, they could never hit the thing. Shadows were flitting all about, and it was almost impossible to tell which one was which.

Almost was evidently the key word, though. The Tamaxos held back for a while, considering, before striking. He didn't hit the thing, but his attack did cause it to hiss and dodge out of the way, toward the river.

This wasn't working, though. Sooner or later, the shade would get a little bolder, and strike for effect. They needed a way to hit it before that happened.

Xander watched the play of shadows. Maybe there was a pattern of some sort to it.

Just as there was to the amulet Marak had given him\x85

Those twisting lines hovered before his eyes now, seeming almost alive, writhing in his mind's eye\x85 their shifting getting ever closer to that of the shadows he saw.

Suddenly it made sense. A wave of vertigo washed over him, followed by a sense of complete grounding, total awareness of where he stood in the world, and how it lay around him. No blade of grass stirred save that he was aware of it.

Now the distinction between the flittering phantasms and the hulking beast itself was as clear to him as that between black and white.

Somehow it seemed to be aware of this, for it turned to face him, baring teeth in a snarl. Then it was rushing toward him.

Xander swallowed. I will not fear, he thought. If fear holds me I am lost\x85

He raised his harpoon, taking aim.

Death was coming to one of them.

On the heels of that thought came a strange feeling of detachment, as though this was naught but a dream, subject to the whims of his own mind.

Then there was a wrenching sensation, a sense of being drained of some vital energy.

Light seemed to flow from his body along his arm and into the harpoon, which launched itself out of his hand, screaming through the air. The shade yowled and tried to avoid it, but the bronze-tipped shaft flew straight and true, lancing into the beast's black chest. The force of the blow was such that the shade was knocked howling into the water.

His bone knife slipping from its arm sheath and into his waiting hand, Xander followed.

What possessed him, he could not say. But the shade was at its clumsiest now, whereas he was in his element. In seconds he was on the thing's back, one arm wrapped tight around its neck, too close to it for its flailing claws to reach; and from that vantage point he buried his knife to the hilt in its throat.

With a gurgling howl, it flung him off to slam heavily into the riverbed, stunned; but his strike had done its work. The shade's flailing lessened, became more spastic, until at last it stilled.

Xander let himself rise to the surface and stared at the giant corpse.

What just happened?

Whatever it was, it brought him a great deal of attention. Every hunter and warrior in the village kept coming up to him and asking how he'd done it, and all he could do was tell them the honest answer that he didn't know. With all that happening, it wasn't until after he'd skinned the shade and set its hide to tan that he managed to meet any of the newcomers.

Kirian Aerclan, the ae-tsar who'd brought them downstream, seemed to be quite a sociable fellow. More of a listener than a talker, and as it turned out, a bit slow on the uptake, but well-meaning, clear-thinking, and quite attractive to boot. The local females certainly seemed to agree with Xander's assessment of that last\x85 they didn't behave any differently than normal, but he overheard them saying so, causing the ocean-dweller's ears to flush a little. That, of course, only made him seem cuter.

Mateo Corman, the cloaked figure with the longbow, turned out to be human; a healer from the distant land of Callantar, and a fair bit shorter than any grown ae-tsar, though tall for his kind. Xander didn't hear much about his business, but it seemed to be fairly urgent \x96 not so much so, however, that he was averse to lingering for a few days.

And finally, there was Korel.

Korel di Cahalin, son of a tamaxos warlord. Even before learning his name, as he'd been preparing the hide for tanning, Xander hadn't been able to get the Tamaxos out of his head. In some ways, he looked quite a bit like some of the ae-tsan warriors. But in others, he was totally, irrefutably different. Stronger, faster, softer-furred. And those big, round ears\x85 he just wanted to sit and stroke them\x85

When Korel glanced over and caught him looking, Xander's heart leaped into his throat.

Then the tamaxos gave him a small, knowing smile.

Better. Much, much better.

Smiling to himself and feeling more than a little warm, Xander went back to his business.

Sunny days followed, during which Mateo spent a great deal of time speaking with the village elders. Though Xander's father was heavily involved in these discussions, he himself didn't hear any details. On one hand, he really didn't need to; he wasn't in charge of anything around here, after all. But still, ae-tsan were by and large a curious people, and his curiosity was piqued.

It was the third night by the time he managed to actually sit down and talk with one of them. By absolutely no coincidence, the one he had managed to gravitate toward was Korel, on one of the platforms at the western edge of the city, overlooking the lake. The tamaxos looked up from sharpening his sword, set his things to the side, and smiled. "Finally found a free moment, I see."

Xander nodded, sitting on the planks beside him, legs hanging over the edge. "I wanted to be at the welcome banquet, but I had to take care of that hide right away."

"True, you can't let it spoil." Korel nodded, then half-turned toward Xander, extending one arm, palm-up. "I don't think we've been formally introduced. I am Korel di Cahalin."

Vaguely familiar with Tamaxos customs, Xander put his own arm over Korel's, gripping his wrist, his own getting a squeeze in return. "Xander Kaldryke."

"Ah, yes\x85 the chieftain's eldest, am I right?" Xander nodded. "I'm my father's youngest, myself," Korel went on. "Still, it seems like we both have a few things in common. Both living in our fathers' shadows, both expected to live up to their names\x85 neither of us given any special treatment to balance this extra responsibility." He smiled. "It does have its advantages, though. Right alongside being expected to travel is the fact that when we do, we can meet all sorts of interesting people." A lazy wink.

Xander's breath caught. Was he suggesting\x85?

Korel shuffled a bit closer, looking out over the lake at the rising moon. "One nice thing about you ae-tsan," he observed, "is that individual deeds tend to have less of an effect on your public regard. Where I come from, if I did what you did and faced down that shade, I'd have every female in the tribe pawing at me. Here that wouldn't happen any more than usual." A pause. "Do you get much of that?"

Xander blushed, grateful for the darkness that hid the flush in his ears. "Some," he admitted.

Korel smiled and laid a hand on Xander's leg. "It's easy to see why\x85 you're tall, sleek, smart\x85 and brave! There aren't many who could stare down a shade's throat as you did, Xander, even with the finest enchanted arsenal in their possession. And you did so with a javelin and knife! I must say, Xander," and he leaned close, murmuring into his ear, "that was very impressive." Squeezing the ae-tsar's thigh, Korel straightened. "How did you do that, though? That shade was thrice your weight or more \x96 a simple throw shouldn't have been able to knock it that far back."

"I don't know," Xander admitted. "People have been asking me that constantly\x85 I just don't know. I didn't even throw it. It went by itself."

Korel blinked, and his brow furrowed for a moment in thought. Then he looked up. "Well, following after was quite brave of you as well, and that was all your own skill. Nevertheless\x85 maybe you have hidden talents, hm?" He flashed Xander another heart-warming smile. "Maybe you should consult with the tuatha; they are wise in magical ways. We'll be going that way ourselves, in the morning. It would be nice to have a bit more company."

Xander reached for and found Korel's hand. "Really?" Their fingers intertwined, and he leaned forward.

"Certes," was the soft reply.

Finally Xander let himself return the smile. "If there's no more room on that boat of yours, I'm pretty good with a clipper\x85" The triangular face was a fair bit closer now, grey eyes shining in the moonlight.

"Either way," Korel murmured. Further conversation was forestalled as his lips brushed against Xander's, his breath warm on the ae-tsar's cheek. Just for a moment they touched; but after a moment, the two of them answered some mutual urge and pulled closer together, mouths joining.

"Xander?"

The sudden, nearby holler made his heart skip a beat. Judging by the look on Korel's face, the tamaxos was equally aware of the local sentiments. The two of them hurried to disentangle themselves\x85

"Xander!"

\x85but not quickly enough.

Shiel's face, as he paced over to the pair, was\x85 blank. That was enough to confirm Xander's worst fears. Swallowing, he stood.

Accusations\x85 always the accusations. Hauled before the entire Council of Elders in the middle of the night, enduring more ill-will in the course of an hour than they usually gave out in a year\x85 and his father. The look on Arel Kaldryke's face, both devastated and devastating.

The Elders, for the most part, were disappointed. It was the shaman who was angry. His notion of natural hadn't changed in the past year. To him, "following one's nature" was not quite the absolute he sometimes said it was.

And so Xander was taken to an as-yet-unused hut on the edge of the village, supposedly to meditate and "see the error of his ways." Locked in, "for his own good."

Nothing was ever locked in this village. But here he was, penned like some dangerous animal.

This just isn't fair! His fists thudded against the bare wall, and he slowly slid down to the floor.

Korel, of course, was not an ae-tsar and thus couldn't speak before the Council of Elders on an ae-tsan affair. In fact, many of the accusations had centred around approaching an honoured guest "inappropriately." They felt certain Korel's father would be angered and come to punish them for Xander's misdeeds.

Of course, there was never mention of finding out what Korel thought would happen\x85

Korel. That was the main thing.

During just that little ill-fated conversation, Xander had come to like him. A lot. Like him, and then some. He could put up with all of this and more \x96 except for the fact that once the trio left in the morning, he'd probably never see the tamaxos again. That, more than anything, hurt.

But they couldn't keep him in here forever. And when they let him go, there was nobody in the village who could catch him, none who had ranged as far as him. Even if he never saw Korel again, he would be away from this hypocrisy, away for good.

On this resolve came the strength to sleep \x96 and sleep he did.

For perhaps an hour, until the door swung open and nudged his foot.

A dark-furred head poked in out of the night; Kirian, dripping wet. "This isn't right," he was muttering. "Just for being himself\x85 Oh!" He'd caught sight of Xander beside him.

Xander caught his arm, silencing him with a hand under his chin. "Just answer me. Are you getting me out of here?" He cautiously let go.

Kirian nodded. "We'll head out now, before it gets light out."

Somehow Xander doubted this was solely Kirian's idea. As for Mateo, he and the human hadn't even spoken two words to each other.

I've got a lot to thank Korel for\x85 last night, and now this. So long as I'll have the chance to do so, that'll be more than enough.

All he needed was to collect a few things and get gone. "Let's go," he said softly.

Nobody on the walk. So far so good. But though Kirian had evidently got here by swimming, a splash could attract unwanted attention. Best to walk there \x96 and along the outside of the village, where running into someone was less likely.

However, Arryn Coulan was right around the corner, harpoon in hand.

"Where are you going?" he exclaimed, making Xander wince at the volume. "The Elders said you were supposed to\x97"

He didn't see the figure behind him until a hand was laid on the back of his neck. He started to whirl around \x96 but never got there, collapsing even as he spun, falling right into the shorter figure's arms.

Mateo set the limp body gently on the planks, then stood and looked Xander over. He himself was presently dressed in loose trousers and a short-sleeved shirt, both of which stuck to his body wherever they touched it. Long, raven-black hair fell past his shoulders, currently wet. Moonlight glinted off his smooth dusky skin, and his intensely blue eyes gleamed.

"We should get moving," he said, and turned.

"What about Arryn?" Xander hissed, moving up beside the human. The young hunter had just been doing his job, he hadn't deserved to be hurt because of it.

A chuckle. "He's just asleep. He'll wake up and not remember any of this." He spoke the ae-tsan language fluently enough, but his accent was very\x85 sharp, not so smooth as a native. Not all that distinct; but the feel of it was quite different than most.

Fortunately Xander kept his things in the foyer of his home; he was able to grab them without anyone being the wiser. There was just one thing left, and that was on the mainland.

There was no need to hide his pendant now; his tooth-trophy went onto that same leather thong, and that in turn went around his neck. They arrived at the docks to find Korel tying things down by the light of the setting moon. The instant he saw Xander, he gave the rope one final tug and jumped off the deck. "All done," he said to Mateo as he passed by, to take Xander's hands in his own.

They just stood there for a few seconds, looking at each other and grinning like fools. Xander was first to break that stillness, bending down to touch his nose to the side of Korel's neck. "Thank you," he whispered.

Korel stroked the back of his head. "Mateo was first to suggest letting you go," he admitted, "but only by a few heartbeats. Do you have everything you need?"

"Almost. I might as well take my clipper\x85 and there's something I want on the shore. I'll go get it, and meet you\x85 where?"

"This clipper, can it hold two? I've never seen one up close before\x85"

Xander nodded. "For a little bit, anyway, though not with much in the way of cargo."

Korel pulled Xander closer. "Leave your things on our cutter. I'll come with you." Xander opened his mouth to reply, but the tamaxos cut him off. "I know we've hardly more than met each other, but I want to make sure we get the chance for more. The last time we got separated was very nearly permanent. I don't want to take unnecessary risks of that happening again."

Dear gods, he knew exactly what to say\x85 Xander very much didn't want that, either. His pack joined the rest on the cutter. "That way," he said, pointing.

"We'll meet you at the lake outlet," Korel said to Mateo, "or sooner." The human nodded, gave them a knowing smile, and hopped onto the deck with Kirian, the two of them starting to cast off.

In contrast to the two-sailed, fair-sized cutter, an ae-tsan clipper was a tiny little affair, consisting of a central hull joined to two side pontoons. That main hull had two compartments: one for the pilot, the other in front of it, normally for baggage but also capable of seating a passenger. Korel got in front with the ease of long practise; Xander took up his paddle, untied the painter, and settled behind him.

The lake was eerily still. Every sound he made seemed ten times louder than usual, and he kept looking over his shoulder to see if he'd attracted any attention. But if anyone saw them, they dismissed it as nothing unusual and raised no fuss.

At last the bow nudged into the muck of the shore.

Xander hopped out and waded onto dry land; Korel gingerly tread along the hull and jumped the little distance to the grass. Their destination was a barely-visible silhouette hulking before them.

Korel recognised it, despite the lack of light. "That can't be ready yet. A hide that size takes weeks to tan properly\x85" But he went up and touched the black fur. "Sweet gods. I knew your tanners were good, but this\x85"

Xander smiled as he started taking the shade's hide off the rack. "The shaman helped, I think." He bundled it up in the very cords that had stretched it out in the sun. "Now, let's get out of here before false dawn."

Korel was all too glad to comply.

The tamaxos held onto the fur for the trip, leaving Xander free to paddle along. About half way across the lake, he let the clipper drift along and turned for a moment to look back at the only home he had ever known.

Then, resolute, he turned his gaze forward. They had denied him; his future now was with the ones who had welcomed him.

They met the other two at the end of the lake; Korel gingerly hopped over to the clipper and tied the fur with the rest of Xander's things, then lent the other two a very welcome hand. Xander reached over and opened a compartment in the right pontoon, taking out and setting up the pieces of his own mast, then into the left for the sail. A breeze was picking up, and they all wanted to make the most of it.

The wind and the current carried them swiftly downstream, until the sun came up and the river took a bend westward. Mateo declared that they'd stop here, where the river was wide and slow, and catch up on the sleep they'd all missed during the night.

After hauling his little craft onto the bank and furling the sail, Xander took a small net and went fishing. It was only fair, as he observed to Mateo; they'd set him free quite some time earlier than he could have managed on his own, so to start repaying that he'd see to the meal, supplementing their rations with something fresh.

A few fish were easy enough to catch, and soon he was heating them up with the rations.

"So." Mateo delivered a bundle of fuel, and sat beside him. "I never heard the details of why you were being held, Xander. Would you care to tell me, or would you rather it stayed silent?"

Xander poked at the coals. "But I thought getting me out was your idea\x85"

"You were being punished for harming no one," Mateo said. "That is all I was able to determine \x96 you had caused nobody harm, nor even inconvenience, but you were not permitted to leave that small space. 'tis wrong, to restrain someone so, and Kargon's code demanded that I take action."

Silence.

Slowly Xander leaned back from the fire and looked over. "What \x96 what is an Acolyte of Kargon doing here?" He swallowed. One of that holy order would only be so far from home if there was serious trouble brewing\x85

Mateo chuckled. "It's true, our Order has become cloistered\x85 but our abbot is sending us out in the world to reverse that trend. I'm here to do as the Brethren ought; travel the land, see to it that life is going as it should."

"Is it?"

The human took a breath.

\x85And the cookpot abruptly sizzled, water boiling over. Xander rushed to tend to it.

The meal was a fairly simple affair, sort of a stew combining the preserved rations with the fish and a few local herbs. It was much better-tasting than the little bit of rations Xander had sampled before starting, but different from the fish that was so much the staple of an ae-tsar's life. For something improvised on the spot, it wasn't too bad.

Xander cleaned up the dishes afterward, thinking. Mateo hadn't answered his question\x85 well, to be fair, Xander hadn't answered his, either, and he was quite a bit more comfortable that way.

Everything was packed. Now\x85 he hadn't had more than a quick little swim in the past few days. He'd give himself a good scrubbing, then get to bed. Down to the river he went.

Picking out a navigable spot down the steep bank, he started undoing his belt. It had been far too long since he last felt water all around him\x85 it would be good to be clean, really clean. He stepped out of his trousers and folded them carefully on the ground; then, hands warily held behind him, he slithered down the bank and into the water.

A sharp intake of breath to one side told him he'd made something of a mistake.

Korel was mostly submerged, and his head \x96 the only part of him above the surface \x96 was quite wet. The water was slightly murky from Xander's rough entry, but not enough so that Xander couldn't see the young warrior's body quite clearly \x96 more so than usual, now that the storm-grey fur was slicked down against his body. The paler, natural fur was rendered almost transparent, letting Xander see a hint of the pink flesh underneath, and the raised, slightly darker bumps of his nipples. The black-dyed markings stood out in vivid contrast, winding all over his body.

Following that pattern, Xander suddenly noticed a place that didn't have any fur on it at all\x85

Swallowing, he turned his gaze forward. His ears were flushing; he ducked his head under the water to conceal that. "Sorry," he said when he lifted his face back out of the water, trying not to think too hard of the wiry body a few feet away from him.

After a moment's pause, Korel started splashing around a bit, presumably working the water under his fur. "You're very cool about this," he observed, a worried note in his voice.

Xander rubbed at his arms, parting the oily guard hairs so the water could get in underneath. "I'm an ae-tsar," he pointed out. "Unless everyone in the village was being careful because of their guests \x97"

"Believe you me, they were not."

The fervour of that remark brought a smile to Xander's face. The typical ae-tsan lack of inhibition was probably why Korel was in that state anyway. "It's your business," he went on, "and you should get your privacy even if we're right beside each other." Which, unfortunately, they weren't, not quite.

Not that he'd mind the tamaxos watching him, anyway\x85 but he was special.

"Still\x85 I can't possibly believe that doesn't take some time to get used to."

Xander grimaced. "It's the only option I've had. Even then I had to be careful not to look at anyone while I was doing it\x85"

A sigh; then Korel shifted about in the water. "Xander\x85 what would you do if someone were to watch you as you bathe?" After a moment's pause, he added, "Not merely chancing to see you\x85 actively trying to do so. It's something that I found somewhat troubling in Caertsan."

Don't get your hopes up. We still don't know each other.

"That depends on the person who's looking," Xander replied. "And even if I don't like it\x85 I'm used to it. People have seen me bathe, and more than bathe, my whole life." Now or never. Go. "Actually\x85 right now I think I'd like it."

After a moment's pause Korel said, "I think I might like that as well."

They both looked over, and their eyes met. They smiled. Then they started to look down.

Xander felt his breath catch as he took in the short, muscular body. And not just the body, but everything about him; the way he spoke, the gleam in his eyes, his ready smile\x85

The sudden touch of cool water on his loins brought him back to the present. The tip of his maleness was poking out of his sheath and into the water. Ears flushed and hot, he started to put his hand over the offending flesh.

And paused.

Why not? he thought, his hand returning to his chest. Why in the Three Oceans not?

"I think our bodies are trying to tell us something," Korel murmured, his voice a little breathier than usual.

Xander shook his head \x96 not in denial, but confusion. "This feels so strange. My whole life I've been told that this isn't the way of things\x85"

"Not so strong, for me\x85 but my father is disappointed, I think. He feels I should be continuing the bloodline, though the gods know I have brothers and sisters enough for that\x85"

"For a moment," Xander went on, "I almost believed the shaman. I tried to look only at the females; I failed. But even if I'd been able to do that\x85" He swallowed. "I don't think I could help myself now."

Korel's breath hissed into his lungs. "Xander, I\x85 I'm flattered. Amazed that such a one in yourself, beautiful in mind and body, would be silenced by his own people\x85 and seeing how your body responds to mine\x85" A heavy sigh. "Too fast. This is too fast. We've not had nearly enough time to learn about each other\x85"

Xander glanced at the other's hips, then down to his own stiff member. "But we shouldn't go back to the campsite like this."

Korel grimaced. "Probably not. There is no need for them to speculate on what may never happen. Still\x85 the only way I know of removing the body's desire\x85 is to sate it. Somehow."

"I\x85" He started to get up to his feet. "I'll go around the bend, if my being so close makes you uncomfortable\x97"

"No!" The sudden vehemence caught Xander off-guard; he sank back into the river with a definite splash. "No," Korel repeated, "you need not. I\x85 would like to see you, if that is well with you. And I would like you to see me."

A warm, warm smile spread across Xander's face. This might work out very well indeed\x85

He pushed himself over to the river's other bank, directly across from Korel. A few feet separated them, but the water was clear and they could see each other quite well.

Korel made no move to begin.

He's not accustomed to doing this around another, Xander recalled. Maybe if I start first\x85

Just the idea of being near Korel while he touched himself was enough to make Xander's heart pound. Still, maybe Korel, despite his words, wasn't so pleased with the notion. Subjecting him to it would be unfair\x85 "Korel, are you sure\x97"

"Yes, Xander," Korel breathed, his voice soft but vibrant with intensity. His trembling hand came up to rest on the base of his maleness. "Please. I\x85 am very attracted to you. It seems too soon to be\x85 closer, yet, but I would very much like to see your pleasure\x85 perhaps being involved with it."

"You will be," Xander promised, giving a squeeze to his throbbing shaft. Trying to watch every inch of Korel's body at once, he shifted about, leaning against a smooth rock that propped him up in a nice position to watch. And watch he did, rapt, as Korel's fingers slowly slid around his member and started to slide up to the tip. Xander's hand was already at work, gliding up and down his entire hard length.

They couldn't take their eyes off of each other. The reality of another man \x96 another very attractive man \x96 giving himself pleasure right before his eyes was compelling to each; the knowledge that his own body and actions were responsible for heightening that pleasure, even more so. There was nothing subtle about their actions. They squeezed and pumped their aching, needy members, harder and faster with each passing moment, Xander in silence but writhing under the water, thrusting his hips as though into a lover, Korel's body tense and still save for his so-active hand, pants and whimpers and moans escaping his parted jaws.

It was so different, their bodies reacting in almost opposite ways to the stimulation, the other's lust an almost palpable thing, that Xander felt his pleasure running deeper and deeper, already more intense than anything he had known before. His climax came suddenly, unexpectedly, crashing like a wave over his slender frame. His throat locked shut and his body arched, his maleness coming clear of the water just in time to send its first white jet onto his belly. But he ignored it, staring past it, at the look of pure ecstasy on Korel's groaning face, the shivers running through his lithe body, the ropes of thick semen curling and twisting in the water as he squeezed them out of his jerking shaft.

It only lasted for a precious few moments, before they slumped in the water; Xander hardly moving, sinking down until only his snout was exposed, Korel panting and trembling, chest heaving. A few more moments went by, and things started to return to normal. But they would never be the same; their lives had taken a turn for the better, and they would both treasure this moment as a sign of that fact.

"Thank you," Korel sighed, contentment in every line of his body. "Thank you so much, Xander, for sharing this with me. I needed this so much\x85 and it was incredible."

For a few moments Xander could only nod, and continue his interrupted body-rub. "It was," he said at last. "All the men in Caertsan would be sick if they knew I was looking at them like that\x85 to find someone who likes it, and looks at me the same way\x85 Thank you so much."

Korel smiled a foolish little smile, and leaned forward. "I don't think you brought a tent with you, but mine is large enough for two people\x85"

Xander smiled back. "I'd like that," he understated, rubbing water into his tail. "So long as you don't mind me being wet\x85 it'll take a long time for my undercoat to dry out."

Korel's smile widened into a toothy grin. "I love how you people look when you're wet. And smell. As soon as you're done, let's get some overdue rest; our day has been quite long."

Xander stood up right away.

There was plenty of room in the little tent for both of them to unroll their bedrolls and crawl inside. They weren't in actual, physical contact with each other \x96 but as they drifted off to sleep, the last thing each saw was the other's smiling face.

The sun was high when Mateo shook Xander awake. His brain didn't want to work at first. He'd slept soundly, true, but he hadn't slept very long, and the past several days had been hectic. Still, he managed to confirm that he was, indeed, awake and would be out shortly. The human was content with that, so there must not have been any special urgency.

Korel wasn't in the tent, and his bedding was rolled up. No doubt he'd left to stand watch. His absence made it a bit easier for Xander to pull on a fresh pair of trousers and strap his knife in place. After all, with him outside, there was no reason for Xander to linger here\x85

Still, that thought gave him pause.

Am I that smitten?

Young and tired though Xander was, he was usually a clear thinker, and it was the work of a moment to figure out one reason why he might be rushing things\x85 Korel was, after all, the first person he'd met, aside from that encounter with Marak, who tolerated Xander's preference for males, even welcomed it. So naturally Xander clutched at him like the last rock before a waterfall.

But he seems fairly comfortable with it. Surprised that the Elders disapproved. Kirian knew about it \x96 he had to, I saw him at the Council \x96 but he seems to accept it, too.

There must be more people like that out there.

Of course, none of that meant he shouldn't get involved with Korel. Not only was the tamaxos beautiful to look upon, his personality \x96 his very presence \x96 was refreshing, like a cool stream.

There will be time to think about this later. He pulled a leather thong over his head, one of the shade's massive fangs coming to rest on his chest.

Xander wasn't the only one who was tired, he saw when he clambered out of the tent. Kirian drooped as he tended the boat, Mateo squinted as though the sun was too bright even through its veil of cloud, and Korel's movements were slower, more cautious, than was usual as he tended the cookpot.

"We won't go far today," Mateo informed them when they were all sitting around the fire. "Travelling at night is one thing, but continuing through the tricky shadows of twilight is another matter entirely. The setting sun should find us on the edge of Harrkani territory, the confluence of the Cliath and Koldun Rivers. We will camp there until morning, and continue better refreshed. Gods willing, the weather will not impede us; the harrkani should not, so long as we speed on our way."

"That depends on the harrkani," Korel grumbled. "Some of their tribes can be very belligerent, and as a whole they tend to be taciturn at best, and quite territorial."

"Do you know anything of the tribes in this area?"

A breath. "No," Korel sighed. "I do not."

The human's gaze continued to sweep around. Xander had only been told that the safest approach was to avoid the harrkani; he shook his head.

Kirian shrugged. "They've never bothered me."

"Perhaps not," Mateo sighed, "but by and large, the harrkani don't like the tamaxos."

"Often they attack on sight," Korel muttered.

"Only on their territory," Kirian protested. "The river's ours."

"But you don't enforce that, so they might not see it that way."

"Enough." Mateo straightened. "We are not a tamaxos scouting party, and we are keeping to the river, which is traditionally shared with the ae-tsan by all who travel upon it. I do not think the harrkani would care to incur the wrath of the Brotherhood on those grounds."

There was a tense, silent stillness.

Kirian was the one to break it, rising and going over to the boat, checking the sides. Mateo produced a rapier from somewhere and started honing it. Xander sat beside Korel as the tamaxos checked on the cookpot. He said nothing \x96 Korel was plainly deep in thought, and that was the sort of thing Xander tried not to interrupt. If the enmity between tamaxos and harrkani was that strong, he certainly had a lot to think about.

Nor was Xander without concerns of his own. Despite Mateo's words about visibility for the Brotherhood, he couldn't shake the feeling that something unusual was going on. Everything was just happening too quickly.

Brunch was a silent affair, and immediately after that, they broke camp and packed up.

The river was unusually swift, making Xander's small clipper very valuable, dodging back and forth across the river and searching for hazards. They made very good time, though, so midway through the afternoon, they hove to and dug out supplies for a quick snack break.

Suddenly Mateo lifted his head, eyes flashing. "Something is wrong," he hissed. "This place is too still\x85"

Korel sniffed, whiskers twitching. His head whirled over at the sound of a soft clink. "To the water," he growled. "Nothing can move very fast in these woods \x97 "

There was a deep, resonant howl from very close by. The sound sank into Xander's spine, freezing him in place. His bone knife had fallen into his hand and the carvings were digging into his palm, but he could not lift it.

Mateo had his rapier at the ready in his left hand, a shorter, thicker blade in his right. Korel held a slim dagger poised to throw. Kirian held a long, thick-shafted harpoon. But there was movement all around them.

"Hells," Korel spat, pressing back against Xander and Mateo as a number of dark figures leapt out of the brush between them and the boats. Cut off, just like that\x85 and others, huge canine figures clad in sturdy plate and chain, were emerging all around them. The echoes of that first howl had faded, but their collective growling was like thunder.

One of them stepped forward from the rest, clad below the neck in full plate and wielding a massive greatsword, the ponderous blade more than six feet long.

In one hand. There was another just like it slung across his back.

His dark face might have been cast in stone, with emeralds for eyes, for all the expression he showed as he gestured at their weapons.

"Drop them," Mateo ordered.

"Are you insane?" Korel hissed back. "If we don't have weapons to put up a fight \x96 "

"If they wanted to kill us we'd be dead already. Do it!"

After a few moments, Korel reluctantly let his weapon fall. The others followed suit.

The one in full-plate advanced, flanked by a pair of equally massive brown-furred harrkani in chain-mail. His chill gaze swept over the group, not one muscle on his face shifting.

Another stepped forward, this one wearing only leathers, and spoke a brief utterance \x96 it sounded like a query \x96 in their rumbling tongue. The armoured juggernaut sounded almost distant as he replied. He brought the chamfered tip of his sword up to Xander's chin \x96 the flat side, but the ae-tsar could all too clearly feel the sharpness of the tip. He lifted his chin until the pressure eased, trying to still his trembling body.

Meanwhile, one of the pair in chain bent down to retrieve Xander's fallen knife. He was about to discard it when the one in plate uttered a sharp bark. Chastised, the one with the knife balanced it in his palms and touched it to his forehead, and carefully put it through his belt.

The sword was brought away, and the armoured figure turned to the one in leather. There was a quick interchange between them. There seemed to be consternation on the part of the one in leather, while the one in armour was resolute. He somehow sounded like a staid rule-follower, even though Xander had no clue what he was saying.

The harrkani party collected the dropped weapons and formed up around the smaller group. At a few words from the armoured commander, a trio split off to stay by the boats. The others ushered the human, tamaxos, and ae-tsan south through the trees.

Their captors set a brisk pace, but not a cruel one. They kept weapons drawn but did not otherwise threaten. If one of them stumbled \x96 usually one of the two ae-tsan \x96 the harrkani waited, evidently patiently, for him to get back up and resume the pace.

"Do you know their markings?" Mateo asked of Korel \x96 quietly, but not secretively.

"All too well," the tamaxos sighed. "The Akhelon tribe. Well-equipped, well-trained, and very determined. A very bad group to have as enemies."

The harrkani did not protest that small interchange, but none of them had any more to say.

The trees became quickly thinner, yielding to rolling, grassy plains in short order. It was getting closer to the evening when they passed through a stout palisade atop one of the larger hills and started wending their way through the wood-and-stone structures.

A voice called out. The harrkahn commander raised his free paw in an unmistakable gesture to halt. There was another quick exchange, then a very large, very strong harrkahn with elaborate beaded ornaments pushed through the ring. Looking down on the small group, he turned to Mateo. "Who are you?" he growled in accented but comprehensible Common. "What are you doing on our territory?"

"I am Mateo Corman," he replied proudly, "Healer and sworn to the service of Kargon. I and my companions were travelling the river on an errand of great import, and had no intention of trespassing on your land."

"Is this so?" He turned to Xander. "What is this errand of which he speaks?"

Xander swallowed.

"Well? Speak, ae-tsar!"

"I\x97"

"Hold, Kurrik," a new voice called \x96 new, but strangely familiar. Eyes turned to the muscular black figure, wearing only a loincloth and a silver pendant. A pendant much like the bronze one that rested on Xander's own chest, which he bent to lift up and examine. His eyes met Xander's, sparkling with recognition.

"I think I know this one," Marak said.

Things went much more smoothly after that. The party had their weapons returned to them, though the leather-clad one needed some insistence from the chieftain Kurrik before she handed Korel's over. Mateo, Kurrik, and Marak went into the chieftain's massive home. Shortly afterward, one of the smaller harrkani \x96 only about nine feet high \x96 informed Xander that the chieftain was insisting on his presence. Puzzled, he pushed in through the oaken door.

"Be welcome, brave youth," Kurrik rumbled, gesturing at a stool. "Come, sit and take drink with us." After nudging the stool away from the table, he pivoted on his own, to look across at Mateo. "Will my offer suffice to make amends for your trouble, Acolyte?"

Mateo nodded, flashing Xander a reassuring smile as he approached. "Easily. The poor ae-tsan could do with the lightened load; they won't complain, but I know just how hard the walk was on their bodies."

Xander pulled himself up on the tall stool, feeling more than a little out of place. Mateo's words had called attention to the complaints of his feet, though, and the awkwardness was worth the chance to give them a rest.

As soon as he was in place, Kurrik reached over, lifting the tooth up from Xander's chest and turning it in his big fingers. "There are not many," he said at last, "who can rightly claim one of these."

"It was quite impressive," Mateo agreed.

Kurrik let the tooth fall. "And I am told you brought it down on your own?"

Xander looked up. The grey-furred harrkahn's eyes were curious, appraising, but strangely tender\x85 He nodded.

The chieftain leaned back a little, both hands coming to rest on the table. "Who is this before me, who can bring down a grown shade unaided?"

"I am\x85 Xander." He swallowed and lowered his gaze. Would his father still consider Xander family, with all that had happened? He wasn't sure.

Neither of the harrkani let that omission slip by unnoticed. Kurrik frowned, and Marak inhaled sharply, leaning forward a bit. Mateo looked between them, puzzled.

"In all my years," Kurrik breathed, "I have never heard of an ae-tsar who did not include his family's name with his own\x85 sometimes before. Yet by all reports you are pleasant enough, and hardly lacking in ability."

"I\x85 I defied the shaman."

It was Kurrik's turn to be puzzled. "What merit is there in letting another do all your thinking? Should you not stand for yourself and be proud?"

"Some of the upriver ae-tsan feel that affection should always lead to a fertile union," Marak growled. "They can be much more hidebound than their cousins along the Tamur itself."

"Well, such a stalwart defender of his people shall always be welcome among the Akhelon. Facing down a beast many times your size, and winning, should earn you enough glory to like whomever you wish. How did you slay the beast, Xander?"

Xander shook his head, confused on that point himself. "I struck it with my harpoon, sending it into the river \x96 "

"Where they are much clumsier," Kurrik breathed, and nodded.

"Then I followed with my knife."

The harrkahn reached out and touched that bone implement where it was strapped to Xander's arm. "Drole was right, then, to honour this blade. But I am puzzled. I do not doubt that it happened as you say, for the ae-tsan have ever been honest with us. Still, a beast of such size would not be shaken by such force as your body could bring to bear."

"It wasn't just his body," Mateo supplied. "It was his mind. He didn't throw the harpoon \x96 it flew under another sort of guidance. I was hoping to consult with the Tuatha, perhaps find him a tutor among them if he wishes."

"Ah," Kurrik rumbled. "Yes, that would give the advantage needed\x85 not only to strike with force, but to see the accursed thing properly. Still, it must have been a feat of some courage to follow it into the water." He bent down and touched his cool, damp nose to Xander's forehead. "Should you ever need a home, my door shall be open to you."

It was far from uncomfortable, so Xander made no effort to pull away, but he was puzzled. Did the ability to kill mean so much to them? There were, after all, so many other things that defined a person\x85 If fighting was what the harrkani based their lives around, it was no wonder that the usual ae-tsan lesson was to avoid them.

But he might need that offer of a home, and it was always better to make a friend than an enemy. Rather than risking offence with a poor reaction, Xander accepted the words with silence and stillness.

"So." Kurrik straightened, and went on just as softly as that first word, "What brings your unlikely band this way?"

"Information," Mateo replied, "or rather, its lack. Have you heard of the group calling itself the Order of the Serpent?"

Marak looked somewhat puzzled; Kurrik, however, nodded. "Some word has come down the river," he said. "They are evidently quite busy to the north, in shi-ruhn territory. It might help to explain why the shi-ruhn have been so very active\x85 many of them are crossing the plains, far more than usual."

Mateo nodded. "Most of the Order's activity is farther north, in the mountains around the North Tamur. However, travel there being as difficult as it is, I came here instead in the hopes of finding some clues."

A soft growl. "Bands of armed humans have been causing some difficulty to the near north. We have not ventured out in force to keep from intruding on the Tuatha, so we do not know if they are of the Order. Perhaps the Tuatha can tell you more."

"So much depends on them," Mateo sighed. "Knowledge of both the Order and the shi-ruhn\x85 now these groups you mention\x85 and the perspective of their sorcerers. If they do not offer their aid, there will be little I alone can do in the Vale."

"If it is in their interest," Marak spoke up, "they will aid. They are suspicious, but not stupid, and will not treat strangers with undue force." After a just-noticeable pause, he added, "They do not need to."

"True\x85" The human rubbed his chin. "Tomorrow, then, we'll be on our way."

Kurrik held up his hand. "If you remain here for the day, we can move your boats and your equipment directly to the Koldahn River. You will be able to set out on the river the next morning, rather than making the journey to your vessel and then sailing to the confluence."

"You will gain the benefit of a day's rest," Marak pointed out, "and also, the weather promises to turn foul for a time tomorrow. It should be clear again by the day after."

After a moment, Mateo nodded. "I thank you for your hospitality, then."

"'tis only fair," Kurrik murmured, ears folding back somewhat, "after your poor reception\x85"

"You've given me reason enough for that; let it pass."

The chieftain stood. "I will inform my people that you are to be our honoured guests. Quarters shall be arranged for you, and food provided. Please be welcome." Inclining his head, he turned and departed. Marak excused himself and followed.

Silence.

Feeling strangely anxious, Xander reached for the long-ignored wooden cup in front of him and sniffed. Water; he took a grateful sip.

More silence. Mateo seemed not to have his mind on the here and now. Reminiscing, or planning? Or just wondering what was going on elsewhere? It could have been any for all Xander knew, or all three.

When he took a breath, though, he had the human's attention quickly enough\x85 Good. He made use of it. "I didn't tell you why I was in trouble," he said, "and you'd just asked me the night after leaving Caertsan." Not that he really minded Mateo knowing, since it was obvious he didn't censure Xander for it, either\x85 it was just a little bit odd.

"True." Mateo took a pull of his own drink. "Kirian told me. Well, perhaps he didn't tell me so much as let it slip; I doubt it was deliberate. He was quite perplexed by the situation, as, I must admit, am I. Have you ever been to Moraltsan or Keritsan, Xander?"

Puzzled, Xander shook his head. "No, why?"

Mateo took a breath. "Hard to explain, easy to see if you happen to visit. I don't know if our path will take us to either place; for the most part we'd be staying on the South Tamur or its tributaries, rather than going to the Sea of Pearls or through Lake Moraltur. Still, even the villages along the Tamur itself show a difference you might find refreshing."

"They don't have my family," Xander pointed out, feeling somewhat bitter \x96 but somewhat intrigued as well.

Mateo's empty cup hit the table with a loud thunk. "This is true."

More silence.

"You know why I'm here now," Xander pointed out. "So why are you here? What is this Order of the Serpent?"

The human spread his hands. "We don't know much. What we do know is the base tenet of their philosophy \x96 they believe that history moves in cycles, with a golden age rising from the ashes of the civilisation before, and gradually decaying until the destruction repeats itself and the cycle begins again. Whatever their purpose in spreading that thought, they've attracted quite a few people, and their armed force is substantial. So is their magical and engineering cadre. My Brotherhood wants to know what they intend."

A few moments of thought\x85 Fighting, machines, and magic\x85 "They can't mean to cause that destruction?"

Mateo's face was indecipherable, his voice cold. "That is exactly what my brethren fear."

"Keryn's Tears, will they never stop fighting?"

Korel took a few more strokes with his whetstone before sheathing his knife and looking out at the gathered harrkani. "Fighting is their life," he observed to Xander. "If they're not fighting someone else, they're fighting each other in an attempt to become better fighters." He turned his head and spat. "For all the good it does them. Those behemoths are so easy to dance around\x85"

"But if they land one hit, you're in trouble," Xander pointed out. "Especially with those swords."

Korel was about to reply to that when he suddenly stiffened. "Hist, someone approaches\x85"

A light-grey female harrkahn plodded up the hill toward them, bearing a large black bundle. Xander frowned. Was that\x85?

It was, in fact, his tanned hide that she set down before him. "Drole thought this of too much value to leave untended," she declared, "and thus I deliver it into your custody once more." She bowed and started to withdraw.

Xander considered. If they were here for the day anyway\x85 "If I may\x85"

She turned around. "Yes, ae-tsar?"

"Where might I find tools for working with fur?"

She considered. "I will bring you some presently," she replied, and departed.

Xander blinked. So did Korel.

"They're very trusting, once we're allowed among them," Korel observed. "Quite odd, considering our greeting\x85"

Xander shrugged. This was more what he was accustomed to, actually; ready sharing. The earlier suspicion had been totally unfamiliar to him, and he was glad for its absence. This place almost could be a home to him. The only problem was the fighting\x85 that was even more alien to him than the distrust. Ae-tsan hunted, yes, but never fought each other.

The harrkahn brought the tools as promised, informing Xander that she would speak with him before he left, to see whether he still needed them. Without any further word, she departed once more.

Korel watched Xander's work with interest. "In a way, it was fortunate that such a fell creature pursued us," he observed. "I can think of few other beasts that could so neatly make a cloak for you \x96 and none of them are predators."

Xander smiled. It was always nice to consider the good side, however small that was. "It comes cheaply, too. None of my kind were even scratched. I think Turel got bruised a little, but that was when he stumbled after dodging the thing, not after being struck."

Korel nodded. "The tail must make it somewhat difficult to keep balanced on land," he mused. "It cannot always be used as a prop\x85 But the difference when in water was quite astonishing. Many tamaxos would trade all their horses for such freedom of movement\x85" He smiled at Xander. "Even in those straits, I found the motions somewhat compelling. I would like the chance, sometime, to observe on a less harried occasion. I confess to not have been watching that, those few days."

Xander smiled again, thinking. "If we ever get a few moment\x85" He sobered. "It looks like we'll be busy, though."

A sigh. "Truth. Well, this cannot be the case forever. We will see what time holds in store, yes?"

Xander nodded. "That we will," he murmured.

The sun set, and as its last rays faded, the sounds of combat finally came to an end. Torches were lit along the buildings, and a number of bonfires sprang up, around which the harrkani gathered. Xander and Korel, atop a hill some distance away, had an excellent view of it, and there was enough moonlight that Xander could still work on turning the fur into a cloak while they discussed life among their respective races. The discussion was, while not one-sided, heavily slanted; Korel already knew a fair amount about the ae-tsan, whereas Xander, while able to recognise tamaxos on sight, knew almost nothing else of them.

Their conversation was interrupted when Kirian came into view. "Mateo and the Chieftain asked to see you," he said, and looked back and forth between them. "Both of you."

Korel's whiskers twitched. "Are you certain?"

Kirian nodded. "He asked for you by name."

The tamaxos flipped us to his feet. "A harrkahn, seeking the company of a tamaxos? This I must see for myself."

Korel was making more of the enmity between the two races than any harrkahn here\x85 Xander collected his things and followed.

In addition to Kurrik and Mateo, two more harrkani were present at the small fire: a very large, very strong male with a dignified bearing, and a more relaxed-looking female, small and lithe as the race went, still wearing leather armour \x96 not the one who had been in the force that apprehended them. They were studying a map by the flickering firelight.

"We may have to change our route," Mateo announced when they drew near. "Heavily armed patrols from the Order have been thick around the northern Koldahn, skirting the edge of tuatha territory. Were we going downstream, we could trust to the current; as it is, moving forward at all will be a struggle, and attempting to outrun an armed band would be much worse."

"They can't have people there at all hours of the day; a stationary party would be meat for the tuatha," Korel pointed out.

"We will still be taking the Koldahn," the human agreed. "They are not that busy. However, we will have to be cautious, and time our journey to evade their patrols. Fortunately, they seem to be quite regular."

"Rather than needlessly waste our strength," Kurrik picked up, "and attract undue attention to ourselves from the tuatha, our northern scouts have been observing the movements of these bands from afar. It seems that they operate on a schedule that repeats after three days, giving their patrol teams ample time to go where they must. Drole," and turning to the burly harrkahn warrior, Kurrik went on in their own tongue. The larger one answered, and Xander recognised his voice as that of the leader of the group that apprehended them.

After a short interchange, Kurrik nodded and turned back to Mateo. "Leaving the day after tomorrow, as planned, will suit very nicely to move past the gaps in their patrols. Any you come near encountering should be small units with minimal armed force, or perhaps entirely unarmed." He said the last with tangible disdain.

"Some of those parties have shi-ruhn among their ranks," the female warned. "Even if unarmed they can be deadly."

Kurrik pondered that, and slowly nodded. "This is true\x85 do not let them come near enough to touch. That mistake could prove dire."

There was a long pause.

"Kira knows the territory, and is familiar with the schedule." The chieftain indicated the waiting female, who inclined her head. "She will guide you past them."

"Why?" Korel hissed, tail lashing about. "If you know the schedule, just show it to us and we can be on our way without an extra person." After that first "why" his voice had calmed down, but there was no mistaking the fact that he was livid.

Drole and Kira exchanged a significant glance; Kurrik was left to do the talking. He wasted no time doing so. "I would expect one marked and armed as a scout to be more familiar with the notion that experience is a far better teacher than words on paper." When Korel faltered, surprised, the chieftain pressed on. "Stamina, endurance, less need for food, clarity of sight\x85 these are given to a ranger, not a warrior, and above all a ranger must be intelligent. Enough so to be aware that an entire volume cannot prepare someone to walk the land so much as spending time upon it, any more than I became familiar with your language only from my instructor."

Korel shut his mouth, deflated.

Even in words, Kurrik was still a fighter. His attack had been just as merciless as the harrkani were famed for being on the battlefield, despite being solely spoken. Well, perhaps not solely; the cold contempt in those gold eyes could be devastating if one wasn't prepared.

Whatever. The harrkani were fearsome enemies and could no doubt be very valuable as friends, but Xander wouldn't want to live among them any longer than necessary. Life shouldn't need to be a battle like it was around here.

"I eat light," Kira assured Mateo, "and can hunt for myself at need. That should not be a concern for several days, and so should not interfere with your travels."

The human seemed lost in heavy thoughts, considering a number of alternatives, none of which pleased him. Only at length did he look up. "I am loathe to invite such friction," he admitted, "even for a few days. But what must be, must be. We must have a guide."

Kira made a small huffing sound. "I will try to be civil," she promised.

Mateo nodded. "You shouldn't need to deal with provocation," said he, and gave Korel a significant look. The tamaxos glared back, but weakly.

Drole sighed at Kurrik's quiet translation, and rumbled something in his own tongue. The chieftain blinked. "Drole regrets that this could not have gone more smoothly," he translated, "as he feels this matter is important to all our races." He asked a question; the answer was quite brief. "So his instincts tell him."

"Thank you for your concern," Mateo said directly to the huge warrior, trusting one of the other harrkani to translate. "But smooth or no, this is the path we must walk."

Drole bowed his head in a mute gesture of respectful agreement.

Mateo looked back to Kurrik. "Is that all for tonight? It's been an eventful day and we are short on sleep."

Kurrik nodded. "Rest, then. Rest long. It may be a tiring time, trying to enter tuatha lands."

Everyone started to get up. Korel, for his part, looked all too eager to get away. Xander started to follow him when he heard his name.

"Drole seeks a moment of your time," Kira informed him. "As he knows no tongue but our own, I would be his voice."

Xander considered. Korel would be out of reach soon\x85 "A moment?" The harrkahn inclined her head and withdrew.

Korel turned at Xander's hurried pursuit, lifting his head. In that moment, he looked more exhausted than the ae-tsar had ever seen someone\x85 but this was something he needed to know. Xander came within easy reach, though he didn't try to take hold himself. "What's wrong, Korel?" he asked. "What is it about these people that so irritates you? They're not trying to hide the fact that they don't like your people, but ever since we were set free they've been polite. Or am I just not watching at the right times?" That would take a lot of nerve, to put on a good face whenever someone else was around, and abandon all pretence of civility whenever Korel was alone \x96

"That is a long tale," Korel sighed, not meeting Xander's gaze. "No, these here have not done me wrong yet. Those I have met in the past\x85" Another sigh. "As I said, it would be a long time telling."

"Tell me some time?" Slowly, he reached forward to clasp one of Korel's hands in both of his.

A nod. "I should, if we are going to spend a good deal of time together." He pulled Xander close, and lightly nosed at his cheek. "Thank you. I will seek my rest."

"I should be along soon." Xander gave his hand one last squeeze before letting go.

The pair of harrkani were still waiting by the fire, talking to each other, though Kurrik had since departed. Drole grinned up at him, toothily, though he pulled it back to a smile after a moment, and waved him to take a seat. Gingerly, he complied.

There was a brief discussion, then Kira turned to him. "Drole bids you good evening. He wishes to know how you fare." Though she didn't go into more detail, there was some evident concern in the male harrkahn's warm gaze. Evidently he knew more than he was letting on\x85

How to answer that? He wasn't even sure what exactly the harrkani were getting at. Eventually he decided on a noncommittal "I'm surviving."

It was a few seconds before Drole replied to that. When he did, his words were slow and measured. Xander could almost decipher the meaning before Kira provided it: "We wish you to know that not all of our kind see fighting as the only worthy goal in life. It is sometimes a thing which must be done, but not to be wished. Some of us remember that true strength comes from other people."

Two sets of warm, golden eyes waited for his response. The sincerity was a palpable thing.

All he could do was nod, slowly, and reflect that maybe life among the harrkani would be bearable after all.

The next day did, indeed, dawn on a foul note, the rain already drizzling down. By midmorning it was a downpour. Mateo was doing business somewhere, and Kirian\x85 well, perhaps he was off enjoying the rain. Xander stayed with Korel in the small but warm and dry hut they had been provided, working some more on his now-recognisable cloak. They didn't talk much; they did, however, sit side by side, each feeling the heat of the other's body.

Around noon, Xander put the tools down and bundled the scraps together, standing. Looking somewhat eager, Korel stood with him, stepping back a few paces to watch.

The fur was dense and heavy, and felt slick against his hands; it was almost hard to keep hold of the thing. But it was his; he had earned it. He would keep it. Taking a breath, he threw it around his shoulders.

He permitted himself a moment of pride that he'd cut it just right. The hooded cloak fell to his ankles, and could, at need, be curled snugly around him, without being tight. The fur had been well-preserved and shone like freshly-spilled ink.

Korel's whiskers twitched. "You wear it well," he said. "It is doubly to be proud of, now \x96 that you brought the beast down, and that you crafted this from its hide. It is quite fine."

Xander shifted his shoulders and brought a hand up to feel the sharp tooth hanging against his chest. The weight was quite easy to bear, this way, and strangely reassuring. "Thank you," he replied. He wanted to say more, but didn't know what more there was to be said.

A glance outside revealed an excuse to break the uncomfortable silence. "It looks like the rain has stopped for now; we could get outside," he suggested.

Korel peered at him. "Would you mind that even if it was still raining?"

"Not really."

A smile. "Nor would I. Regardless, yours is a good idea."

The air still bore a good deal of moisture and the pleasant smell of damp earth. Activities were more moderate today, possibly out of deference to the slipperiness of wet ground. Most of the fighting was restricted to a series of wooden stages, and more restrained than the melees of the previous day. Most of them, as far as he could tell, were lacking in even practise weapons.

On one of them, bare flesh caught Xander's eye.

Is that\x96? He moved closer.

It was, indeed, Mateo who was mounting the stage, shirtless and going through a few last-minute stretches. His opponent was a burly female harrkahn who utterly dwarfed him. The mismatch was almost painful to look at.

Rather than move right in among the press of people, Xander found a rock to lean against and sat down in the wet grass, watching. It was close enough that all the details could be seen and some of the harrkani conversation could be heard, senseless as it was to him. Korel, who had followed his gaze and was watching curiously, hopped onto the rock.

As it turned out, it wasn't such a mismatch at all. The harrkahn was immensely strong, but Mateo was no weakling himself, and he was much more nimble. His quick, dancing movements rarely gave him the opportunity to deliver a good blow, but when he did, his opponent felt it, and he was receiving blows even less. Which in turn was good for him, because the few times one of the harrkahn's massive fists landed, he was knocked reeling and barely managed to recover in time to dodge the next.

It was an even match, surprisingly enough, but eventually the human, knocked some eight feet back and down to the ground, was forced to tap out. The referee barked an obvious order to halt the combat; the victorious harrkahn straightened into a normal stance.

She then proceeded to walk over, crouch down, and help Mateo to his feet, steadying him as he left the ring.

Xander was puzzled. He always thought of fighting as a last resort, a way for enemies to settle something they couldn't talk out for some reason. But this was not the behaviour of an enemy. "These are strange people," he observed.

"They fight to train," Korel said. "At least amongst themselves. Otherwise, they fight for glory. But they also have a preoccupation with honour."

Xander twisted around to look at him. "That's not a bad thing."

Korel smiled and touched Xander's cheek. "Not usually, at any rate."

That touch felt so very, very nice\x85 He closed his eyes and turned his head to nuzzle at Korel's arm, inhaling the scent of him, of fur that was slightly damp from after-rain mist. A sigh reached his ears, followed quickly by a finger stroking along one of them. It tickled a little, but at the same time was quite soothing\x85

Some unknown amount of time later, Korel slid down off the rock. The grass was tall enough to conceal them and hide the world from their eyes as they lay down together, each wanting nothing more than to be close to the other, to feel that touch as the hours went by.

The next day dawned bright and clear. Everyone was well rested and fed. Mateo, who had been somewhat bruised at dinner, now looked completely well; one of the benefits of being a healer, no doubt. Kira had put together a pack and was discussing with Mateo; Korel still seemed uncomfortable at her presence, but was managing to be civil with not only her, but the other harrkani as well. For their part, they were being civil right back; those few who had shown great animosity for him before were simply absent.

After returning the things he'd used to make his cloak, he spent a few moments with Marak, who in a wise one's usual cryptic fashion told him to trust his instincts alongside his conscious mind. After that, with the sun just clear of the horizon and a group of harrkani scouts lugging their belongings, they headed out over the hills.

The journey to the confluence of the Cliath and Koldahn took about an hour, and the harrkani escort set a relaxed enough pace that even the ae-tsan, unsuited to travel on land as they were, had no real difficulty keeping up. Once there, the harrkani set the party's things down and slid the boats into the water. Kira gave the cutter a doubtful look, and kept her pack; the others stowed their things.

From the side pontoon of his tiny clipper, Xander extracted a number of wooden pieces, and assembled them into a long, double-ended paddle. There would be no sailing today; the wind was very slight, and blew crosswise to the river. It would not be enough to move them against the current.

When all the others were on board, Kira remained on the bank; she declared that she could keep up easily, that if the others tried to outrun her they would likely encounter a patrol. That decided, with one last salute from the band of harrkani, they were off.

It was tougher going than before, but now they had the benefit of a good deal of rest, and if the current became especially difficult \x96 as it did, sometimes, when the river narrowed \x96 Kira was quite able to take the cutter's painter and pull from the shore. Her massive strength saved a great deal of time, and Korel started to look at her with more respect.

Hours went by. Lunch was a quick bite of trail rations as they moved; Xander found time for it when the larger vessel was struggling through a narrows, Kira had no need to eat as of yet, and the others traded off. A few times they stopped and stayed low at the harrkahn's warning; when she reported the area safe again, they went on. The trees lightened in their cover and gave way to shrubs. Eventually they reached a bend in the river, and Kira declared that they should stop there for the night, or they would risk being too far north.

Xander cooked once again, over a tiny, discreet fire that Korel helped him build. When he had finished cleaning up after the meal, he found the tamaxos carefully trimming the markings in his fur, keeping them distinct, touching up the black dye. Kurrik's mention of the marks came to mind, and, sitting down, he asked what their purpose was.

"My shaman put them on me," was the reply. "Their design and the special dye serve as an invocation. They enhance my abilities, help me function better as a scout than I would on my natural abilities alone. The components are expensive and difficult to find, but for a worthy cause that is a small sacrifice."

"And this search of Mateo's is a worthy cause?"

"Certes. An intrusion on these lands is of great concern to my people."

Xander considered that, and nodded. "I just wish I knew more of what was going on."

"So do we all," Korel sighed, taking up his tiny brush.

The plains were more still than the dense woods around Xander's home, and even though he didn't have watch, it was hard for him to sleep. Korel, on the other hand, was sleeping more soundly than usual; this was evidently his element. Freshly-trimmed, the marks in his fur were quite vivid, and to Xander's eye, almost compelling. He wondered how Korel would react if he were to touch them, trace them\x85 Would he wake? If not, would the contact make his sleep less restful? If he did wake, would he be irritated? All in all, it seemed like a bad idea, however much Xander liked the feel of Korel's fur. So much softer, lighter than an ae-tsar's\x85

Stop that.

Sighing, Xander curled up in his bedroll.

He did eventually sleep, and when he did, it was dreamless and restful; he woke without stiffness or discomfort. Breakfast was quiet but not strained. All in all, the day began rather nicely.

They hadn't been travelling half an hour, though, when Kira stopped, shifted her ears, and growled. "We are followed," she warned. "Be wary." And then she proceeded on her way.

Puzzling reaction\x85 but as Xander poled along, he realised she had the right of it. She had her weapons close to hand, so the best thing to do about someone following would be to keep moving. Perhaps, at their brisk pace, the pursuers would be unable to keep up. Even if not, it wouldn't do them any good to spend so much time looking back over their shoulders that they didn't see what was in front of them.

His knife was on his arm and in easy reach, and his harpoon was clipped to the hull; it would take only a few seconds to free. Best to keep going and not worry overmuch.

Nerves were on edge and all conversation had died, but nevertheless they made good time before noon. Then, however, looking forward and back, Kira came to a halt. "If we press on, we will be coming perilously near one of the patrols."

"If we tarry," Korel replied, "whoever pursues us will be upon us shortly. They still follow, do they not?"

A heavy sigh. "They do."

"How close are they?" Mateo asked.

Kira shrugged. "I have heard sign of them several times, but sound travels far over water."

"This is true." Korel spat a curse. "'tis hard to be sure. They could be an hour behind, or just around the bend."

"How many?"

Shrugs.

"Then how strong are the patrols?"

"Each is of three to six people, lightly armed and armoured. However, if one fails to report, that will no doubt cause suspicion."

The human thought. "It'd not be for several days, however. Still, if we can avoid them entirely, that would be best. Take us as far as possible."

"We are there," Kira replied. "If we round the bend, the terrain will be more open, and expose us to the patrol. They might be gone by now, but they might not pass for another half hour or more."

A curse. "Then we wait until they should be past, or as close to it as we can. Heave to."

Anxious minutes passed by. Everyone was on edge, listening carefully.

"Anything?" Mateo hissed.

"Some ways behind us yet," was Kira's terse reply. Her ears were scanning all about, rather than just keeping to that one direction; nothing was getting close easily while\x96

Something moved behind him. He barely had enough time to yell before strong arms seized him.

All he could think, as a vicelike grip tightened around him and a knife was laid at his throat, was the irreverent Why are the people with sharp edges singling me out? It was odd. Some part of him knew he should be terrified, yet it was all he could do to keep from laughing.

"Don't move," a gruff voice said from by his ear. "One step and he dies." A group of humans in chain mail crested the hill behind the others and moved closer.

Korel and Kira fumed; Kirian looked decidedly worried. Mateo, on the other hand, was utterly emotionless. Turning frigid eyes to Xander's captor, he said, quite simply, "What do you want with us?"

"You're going to put your weapons down \x96 slowly," the man declared. "And then there's someone who wants to have a talk with y\x96"

There was a sharp whistling noise. From nowhere came a whirling metal blade, which passed so close to Xander's ear that he could feel the wind of its passage \x96 just before it buried itself in the man's throat. He convulsed, his knife making a shallow cut in Xander's neck before falling away. It registered as a dull pain, a nuisance, nothing more.

Korel and Kira had weapons drawn in a flash; Mateo was not far behind. Xander pulled his knife as soon as the grip around him had loosened.

A small form leaped out of concealment near the cutter. "There are twelve over the hill," a breathy voice said. "Haste would be advised."

Xander had never seen a ruhn before, but there was no mistaking the slender wing-hands, the mouse-like face, and the triangular ears, nor the hand-crossbow attached to one wrist. About two-thirds of Xander's height and tawny-furred, the slender creature was liberally strung with wiry muscle.

"What of yourself?" Mateo called out, hurriedly leaping onto the cutter. "Can you outrun them?"

"Likely not, but I can hide, and I can kill."

Mateo looked over to Kira, who shrugged; to Korel, who frowned, and spread his hands. He then turned to the newcomer. "You could tag along with us," he suggested, "for the moment."

"There's some room with me," Xander offered, pushing into the water, "and I owe you."

A moment's thought. "Very well. My thanks." He hopped on behind Xander, his weight doing very little to shift the balance.

The armed band was closing fast. The three who had first come over the hill were disturbingly close.

Xander paddled and poled with all his might; Korel and Kirian did likewise. Mateo's bow sang, followed by a heavy thud. Immediately behind Xander there was a clack and a small twang, a rattle of moving parts, and another clack and twang.

Fortunately, the river was broad and slow at this point. It was easier to make headway than it might be otherwise. Nevertheless it was a very hard trip, speeding along as fast as they could, heedless of whatever patrols might be out there.

Fast though she was, Kira was having some difficulty keeping up on the sometimes-unsteady terrain. Xander hoped that was a good sign that their pursuers would be unable to keep up, and kept going. Never in his life had his arms worked so hard and so long as then.

After a while, Mateo called a halt. "We must catch our breath," he wheezed, "before continuing at a more sedate pace." He had taken over the paddling from Korel, who was flat on his back and gasping for air. Kirian was visibly shaking as he gratefully guided the cutter over to the shore. Now that some of the urgency had passed, it was all Xander could do to beach his clipper and get out, lying half-submerged on the bank. Cool water had never felt so good.

The ruhn gingerly climbed to shore. "I thank you for bringing me this far," he murmured, "and consider any debt to me paid. I regret being unable to lend my strength."

Mateo bent over Korel, concentrating. "Who are you?" he asked of their unexpected companion. "I am quite grateful that you threw your lot in with us back there, but why?"

The ruhn seemed to fold partly into himself. "I am Darus, late of Drakkenstooth. Those filth were of the same breed that has subjugated my people."

"Subjugated!" Mateo's exclamation was backed by a hiss from Kira.

"I do not know the how, but the Lord of Four Winds is under their control. His word is law; so, through him, is theirs. Some few of us have seen this travesty; I have sworn to do as much harm to them as I can until my people are free."

"All alone?" The human swung down to shore and started walking Xander's way. "It may be worth your while to pool knowledge and resources. Whoever these people are, the Brotherhood will not stand for the actions you describe."

A snort. "What need would you have for an assassin, or I of you?"

"For the first, one never knows. As for the latter\x85" One finger touched Xander's neck, bringing with it a wash of icy heat.

A few moments later, Mateo wiped the blood away. It wasn't even sore.

"You can't stay awake for ever," Mateo continued, "especially if you get hurt. You tell me how a healer could be of use."

Cold eyes looked the group over; after a few moments, Darus nodded. "Very well; we shall see how well this works."

Korel was up again, checking their belongings. He turned his head at this latest exchange. "We are losing the advantage of small numbers," he observed. "Especially since it would be unwise to head south with the patrols evidently much-reinforced."

Kira sighed. "This is true. A truce, then, tamaxos?"

Korel nodded. "A truce, harrkahn."

"If that's settled," Mateo cut in, "we had best get moving again. The sooner we can reach the tuatha, the safer we will be."

"We are beyond my knowledge," Kira observed at dinner.

Mateo gave a nod to Kira. "Noted. We will proceed as we have, then."

"No," a soft, but oddly resonant voice cut in. "You will not."

Everyone leaped up, whirling around. Five caped feline figures stood on the ridge, not thirty feet away. Slender, slightly taller than a human, they were not physically imposing, but they radiated danger and threat. Golden, black-spotted coats stirred slightly in the breeze, and long tails waved behind them as they took one step forward. The one in the lead looked into Xander's eyes.

The world fell away. Nothing was, save for those burning emeralds. They pierced his soul, driving down into the core of his very being, cutting out his will and leaving him only with terror. His knife fell from nerveless fingers. Time ceased to be.

The eternal moment passed. The band of tuatha had moved much closer, and looked relaxed; the rest of Mateo's party were putting away their weapons. The tuath leader reached out and clasped Xander's shoulder, still meeting his gaze, but with simple concern in his eyes rather than that terrifying power. "My apologies, ae-tsar," he murmured, "but these are perilous times, and we are driven to caution."

Mateo snorted. "He's probably the least likely of us all to cause harm."

"But he could cause the most damage," the tuath purred, his tail waving lazily behind him. "There is a power in him\x85 though now I sense it is raw and untrained."

"That," the human said, "is part of what brings us here."

"We have been observing this human Order for some time," the tuath leader, Taumannar, said at the fire after the sun set. "They do not seem to be the sort who would do as the ruhn describes, nor do they bear the emblem he has shown us. However, there is a key similarity between the two symbols \x96 both feature a golden snake. The ones with which we are familiar use one twisted into a sign of infinity and biting its tail, rather than coiled about a spear."

Mateo nodded. "Puzzling."

"It is possible," put in the sole female of the tuatha band, "that they are different elements of the same larger group. It would not be the first time such happens, whether it be due to a schism or something more clandestine. The Order might find it quite advantageous to remove those who speak against them, and the skill of shi-ruhn assassins is legendary." She inclined her head briefly in Darus's direction.

"I find it more likely," Taumannar put in, "that the group in shi-ruhn territory wishes to supplant the more visible band. Though they are somewhat intrusive at times, the Order's actions seem benign and in many cases quite helpful. Agents in some cities tell us that they have been quick to indict those who attempt to remove competition by underhanded means."

"But this is speculation," the female pointed out. "The Order has been quite busy shipping goods along the North Tamur. We know not how far south these goods travel, but you could do worse than to inquire with the harbourmaster in Moraltsan."

Mateo sighed. "We seem to be cut off from the waterways."

"They would be a waste of time," Taumannar replied. "The Tamur is actually quite close to the Koldahn at this point; you would be better served to cross overland, then head up the river, rather than going south to the true confluence \x96 which is far distant."

"As we ourselves would learn more of this Order," another of them put in, "we could assist you in crossing the divide."

"Or rather," the female said, "we could give some quick instruction to the one who can." She gave Xander a significant look.

He blinked. "Me? But I can't\x96" He stopped at Taumannar's raised hand.

"It is not the province of our kind to impart motion to solid objects. However, those few ae-tsan with arcane talents tend to be very good at just that. There are some who cannot, who affect only the forces of magic itself \x96 but you have already imparted motion to an object, have you not?"

The harpoon. Right. He nodded.

"Well, then. Once you have reached the Tamur River, we must continue on our way. Ilaryn, however, has no such engagements; she is also the finest among us for instruction." The female inclined her head. "She will accompany you, both as a tutor and as an observer for our people."

Korel slid a knife firmly into its sheath. "And thus the parade gets larger," he quipped.

"Necessity makes strange bedfellows," was Mateo's reply. "There is plainly a serious matter to be dealt with here. If that was ever in doubt, the situation with the shi-ruhn would prove it so." Darus shifted, but did not comment. "The more varied talents we can assemble, the better."

"It would be best not to attempt anything drastic until morning," Taumannar noted. "Meanwhile, however\x85"

Xander knew when he was wanted. With a mixture of trepidation and eagerness, he stood.

"The future will be soon enough for the theory. You are progressing quite well for one with no prior instruction," Ilaryn praised.

Xander couldn't quite muster a reply. It was about noon, and he was beat. This business had sapped his strength as nothing else before \x96 his muscles were not sore, but he had all the strength of a young kit.

Progress, however, had been made. The cutter, with his clipper lashed to the deck, rested on the ground beyond the divide; from here it was downhill. So it was said, anyway.

"Even if we remain here for the rest of the day," Mateo was saying, "we would still be ahead by a large margin."

"We can be of some help\x85" Taumannar padded over and laid one exquisitely soft-furred hand on Xander's forehead. "It is not unknown, when one has abilities another does not, to give power to that one. Sleep for a short while, Xander. It should prove much more restful than you think\x85"

By the end of his sentence, the world had been reduced to fog. Whether it was fatigue or something more that brought it about, blessed oblivion came quite quickly indeed.

When he woke, it seemed to be a few hours later, judging by the sun, but it felt more like he'd been sleeping for a full day. Beside him was one of the two tuatha who hadn't been introduced except to note that he spoke only his own tongue. He flashed Xander a toothy grin and stood.

Ilaryn crouched down in his place. "You appear to be in much better condition," she observed.

"I am." He looked at the sky again. "Do you really think I was getting better, there?"

"But of course. Not only were we able to move faster, I could sense much less wasted energy. Oh, do not blame yourself overmuch for that; there is always a lack of focus in someone just beginning. Always."

She did know her business, for sure\x85 "Then maybe we could get to the Tamur by nightfall?"

"It is possible, I suppose, though I would certainly not be disappointed if we did not."

"Well, talking won't get anywhere." Xander pulled himself up.

Everyone got ready to move again. Korel gave him a smile and squeezed his arm before donning his pack; then Xander faced the way they had to go.

Concentrate. Clear your mind.

Think of what is. Feel what must be.

Imagination became perception, and perception became reality.

The cutter shifted, wobbled, and rose about a foot off the ground.

It still felt like some of the weight was pressing down on him, but it was better than before\x85 They started moving.

Xander saw very little of the passing terrain; the concentration he needed was just too intense. Several times he had to be steered around some obstacle or other. Sometime toward evening, someone \x96 probably Kira \x96 just picked him up and carried him.

He was feeling very weak, but it had to be just a bit further.

Just a bit more\x85

Water. He could smell it.

There.

"One day," someone said. "One single day. I am impressed."

"There still may be enough time to get to Moraltsan. Rest on the way, Xander, you've earned it."

"Xander?"

He dimly felt someone prodding him, but lacked the energy to open his eyes and see who.

"Overstrained. This is bad\x85"

So very\x85 very\x85 tired.

He woke to the muted chatter of many voices. Judging by the stiffness he felt, quite some time had passed. He seemed to be in a true cot, rather than a bedroll, and the air was very warm.

It was dark, but not black; after a few moments he could make out the overall shape of the room. In addition to several more cots, there were a few tables and chairs, and shelves. Many shelves, covering all the walls and full of various oddments. It looked so much like the shaman's hut in Caertsan, if writ large, that a sudden pang of homesickness seized his throat.

"Ah, awake I see," a voice said from by his head, an ae-tsar, female. "The human's promises aside, I was somewhat worried for a time. But your body has been healthy for some time, so I was nearly becoming impatient. You must be thirsty; here is water." The figure moved close and pressed a bowl into his hands.

Pure, clean water, lacking any taste of leather\x85 it was delicious. The bowl was empty in short order, not a drop wasted.

A soft, burbling chuckle. "There is more if you wish it," she told him, "and at the table there is food. How do you feel?"

Xander turned to get a look at her. She seemed to be about his age, with a serious mien. Her fur was somewhat darker than his, like hickory, though not so dark as Kirian's mahogany pelt. She wore a plain leather jerkin and several pieces of shell jewellery, ranging from the simple earring to the elaborate collar. Dark eyes shone with concern, but some wisdom sparkled in them, as well.

"Hungry, but healthy," Xander said. His balance seemed to be quite intact, and save for the fact that he'd been lying in one place for too long, he didn't have any noticeable aches.

"Then come and eat." She put out a hand to assist. "I am a daughter of Samarr; my name is Myrin, and I am the shaman's eldest student here."

Xander took her hand and pulled himself out of the cot. It took only the briefest of moments to steady himself. "I'm just Xander." Her expression filled with puzzled, anxious concern; he forged onward. "Where is 'here'?"

She blinked, and ushered him over to the table, upon which rested a few covered platters. "Moraltsan," she answered. "Your companions brought you here some days ago, and I have tended you since."

"My thanks," he murmured, and reached out to investigate one of the platters.

Wait a moment. "Days?"

A nod. "Though not ill nor injured, your body was perilously weak. The healer who brought you here said that you very nearly died. But," and she lifted a cover to reveal some unfamiliar sort of fish, "you did not, which is what matters."

Whatever it was, it was delicious, with a sharper taste than he was used to, nicely enhanced by a variety of herbs and spices.

"That comes upriver from Keritsan," Myrin informed him. "Once a year it comes upriver to spawn, but now is not that time, so it must be fished from the ocean. Here, try this; more substantial."

"This" was, he assumed, local game; indeed it was much denser than any fish he knew. More subtly flavoured; good, he supposed, for an extended meal.

He didn't eat as much as he was expecting himself to, though, after several days without. He did have time to savour the taste rather than shoving it down, so that was likely a good thing. When he was done, though, urgency struck. Where are the others? "Where is Mateo?" he asked. "I've been enough of a delay already\x96"

"Peace," she murmured, and touched his hand. "He did not wait, but went on to the north. He would have tended you but for a message he received, which he needed to go quickly to answer."

Oh.

Well, in a way he was glad to not have been a delay\x85

"They should return in a few days more," she offered.

They should. So he hadn't gone alone, either. Drat. But at least they'd be coming back.

"Now that you are recovered," Myrin went on, "I shall be your guide through the city. There is a sleeping-place held for you, and your belongings have been put there; I thought I might show you there first."

That was as good an idea as any, and he said so.

The exit was as he expected: underwater. Once out of the simple little maze, Xander started to get an idea of the size of Moraltsan, and it was vast. Stilts and pilings stretched on for a great distance, and very little of the area under the buildings was sunlit.

The shaman's hut was central to the city, as it was in Caertsan, and Myrin was leading him out to the north end, toward the open lake. They surfaced every minute or two for air, and kept going for a good ten minutes. The water started to open up ahead of them.

Finally Myrin pulled herself out of the water and onto the boardwalk.

Emerging after her and looking around, Xander was stunned. The buildings were in a similar style to Caertsan, but not only were there many more of them, they were taller and more sturdily built. Most of them had at least two levels; some of them, three or even four. No wonder not much light got through.

As for the sheer number of people\x85 Xander had never needed the word "thousand" before, but now began to appreciate it. There had to be several thousand living here.

Turning to the other side, he was faced with an open view of Lake Moraltur \x96 so vast that even on this clear day, the far shore was much too far to see. Boats of various sizes dotted the view, and a number of ae-tsan were at play in the open water.

"Xander!"

He started to turn. Was that\x96?

He barely had time to register something approaching before Korel seized both his arms, leaning in close and nuzzling against his chest. "Ah, my friend, 'tis so good to see you hale and whole."

Feeling stunned, awkward, but very happy, Xander reached around and hugged him close. "When I heard that Mateo had gone on, I didn't think I'd find you here."

"Certes. Where else? Only Darus and Kirian went with; more would have been a hindrance to speed."

Oh.

"Does he know when he'll be back?"

"Perhaps a few days; perhaps a week; perhaps he will simply send a message."

Hmm. "So\x85 if he doesn't know when he'll want to meet up with us\x85"

Korel grinned. "He expects us to stay here, and thus has not tried to think of some task for us to accomplish, save for you to heal."

And that was done. They were free to relax, for a little while.

Myrin was watching this little interchange with a small smile. "I believe he can direct you from here, Xander. I would like to make sure your recovery is complete, so please do come see me over the next few days; I live on my own, there." She pointed at one of the buildings. "Second level."

"I'll do that," Xander promised; she nodded and withdrew. Giving his full attention to Korel, he inquired, "What's been happening while I was out?"

Korel spread his hands. "The locals have been very curious about us; you arrived just as I found some time alone. Apart from that, naught of note." He absently combed out one of his dyed marks. "If I may say so\x85 you might have found life much easier if you had lived it here, Xander."

He blinked. "How so?"

Korel simply nodded over the rail. His attention, Xander now noticed, was fixed well above the water.

So he glanced over.

Oh.

"Two males together, Shiel would think an abomination," he said slowly. "But thirty\x85"

The cavorting group of ae-tsan males, ranging throughout their teens, was a match for the entire adult population of Caertsan. There could be absolutely no question that at least some of them were lovers, as that was exactly what they were doing.

If he'd been born here, he would never have needed to hide who he was. But the Elders' bigotry \x96 no, Shiel's; he was the force behind Caertsan's elders \x96 had kept from him such pleasant distractions as ae-tsan five years his junior usually had many times over.

"If I could bring Shiel here," he growled, "it would be worth all the pain just to see him choke on his own spite."

"I can see that you like it here," Myrin observed, carefully feeling his pulse. "And you certainly seem to be quite vigorous; your body has no problem with the environment, and has had no difficulty healing. Yet you also seem puzzled. Can I help you in that, possibly?"

Xander shook his head. "I just need time, I think, to adjust. So many people\x85"

She didn't pry, but somehow she seemed to know there was more. Ah well\x85 she was here and listening, he might as well keep talking.

"But somehow\x85" She looked up at his voice; encouraged, he went on. "Somehow, I seem to have more space, despite there being less room. There are many more people, but they aren't trying to seduce me like in Caertsan."

She cocked her head. "The people of Caertsan," she declared in a droll voice of authority, "have good taste."

He couldn't help but laugh. "It's just different. People still express interest here, and they're affectionate, but they don't combine the two."

"They do, but only if they're especially interested and their advances have been accepted," Myrin explained. "There are simply too many people here to hope to be a lover to them all."

"True, but\x96"

He was interrupted by the sudden arrival of a male ae-tsar, a few years older than him, with a more visible, wiry tone than was usual; a hard worker, him. "Good day, Myrin. So this is your patient. Looking much better than before; knowing you, I'm not surprised."

Myrin chuckled a little before turning to Xander to explain. "Kender Sonn is an old friend of mine, and helped me move you to the house of healing. He's one of our shipwrights."

"Which is why I'm here," Kender said, sliding behind Xander and nosing his cheek. "I heard that clipper that was brought in with you is, in fact, yours?"

Xander nodded, leaning back to reach around the older man's shoulders. "Has been since I made it." Kender felt even stronger than he looked, but quite tense, too\x85

He stiffened a bit more, pressing a finger against Xander's chest. "You made that beautiful thing yourself?"

Xander nodded, feeling a small swell of pride. "I found the wood myself, and did everything that comes after."

Kender's laugh could convince flowers to bloom in winter. "We can never have too many people who are both attractive and skilled, and with such distinctive colouring, too. Please, will you show me sometime how you varnished the hull so wonderfully? I've never seen the like with the local construction."

Feeling a bit strange, Xander nevertheless promised to do so.

"Just tell me how I can thank you," he purred, nuzzling at Xander's neck. "Though aside from the skills of my trade that you've done so much better at, the only thing I've received much praise for is as a lover."

Myrin laughed. "Probably because you spend more time at that than you do building ships, you insatiable creature."

"I do not," he complained. "You just don't watch me so much at the shipyard, because there are so many more interesting things to see. But if that is something you'd like," he said to Xander, "I'd be glad to oblige. I haven't seen or heard of anything about you that I don't like."

As if the glowing praise wasn't embarrassing enough\x85 "As I was saying, Myrin \x96 I'm getting almost as many offers from males as from females."

"You say that like it's surprising," Kender murmured, reaching back to stroke Xander's arm softly.

"Well," he swallowed, "it is. Back in Caertsan, any mating that wasn't potentially fertile was seen as an offence to nature."

Silence. Against him, Kender became quite still.

"Sweet tears of the Kurilar," Myrin breathed. "Is that why you do not use your family name? For something so simple as mating with a male?"

"For looking at males," Xander corrected. "I\x85 never had the chance to get that far."

"And for that he was imprisoned," Korel put in, startling them. He'd been so quiet, they had forgotten about his presence.

"Mercy." Kender reached around and hugged Xander up against him. "I can understand them wishing you, especially, to sire a child, but to go that far\x85"

"Xander!" There was no mistaking Ilaryn's crisp accent.

"Here," he called out, and presently the tuath emerged from around the corner.

"Ah, good. I had heard that you had recovered, and am glad to see it so." She smiled, tail curling around her legs. "While we are here for some days, I thought the restful time would be a prime chance to give you some more formal instruction. I'm sure you, especially, would understand that we do not want you to overstrain yourself that way again."

"Yes, indeed. I'm quartered there." He pointed at the appropriate building.

"I will call on you in the morning, then." She bowed and withdrew.

Two sets of dark eyes stared at him.

"You," Kender ventured, "are taking lessons from a tuath? For sorcery?"

Xander nodded.

"Xander." Myrin moved in close, all levity gone from her expression. "I had thought before that you would make an excellent mate and sire, and if you lived here, I would recommend you to any good, strong, intelligent female who asked for my advice on the matter. Now I beg of you \x96 even if your attraction is to other males, please, for the sake of our race, at least try to find a mate and contribute to the next generation." She traced a finger along his arm. "You are intelligent, strong, attractive, and your appearance is unique enough to catch attention \x96 there are many indeed who would be willing, even eager. But I know of not one other living here who has talents in sorcery. One such as you is precious beyond telling. Please, please consider doing this."

Kender, still clinging tightly to Xander, nodded his mute agreement.

"I know some who might be well-suited, if you wish the advice of a local. Some with senses beyond normal, some who are strong in ways that either match or complement you; a few who are both. Of course, the final decision is yours on whether or not you will do this at all\x85"

Korel let out a soft whistle. "You ae-tsan are nothing if not thorough, hm?" There was a restrained chuckle under his words.

Xander looked at Myrin. Really looked, seeing even the small details. The set of her jaw, the width of her pupils, the tilt of her whiskers\x85 all the things that made up her expression. He could see, then, something she'd never said outright \x96 she, too, wanted him, as a lover or as a sire to her child, or both. And yet she was oddly resigned about it.

She could've tried to play this to her advantage, but she didn't. She meant what she said, she wasn't using it as a ploy to get close to him\x85 how could anyone think she was, when she didn't even name herself?

A slight glance in Korel's direction\x85 Ah. She feared to come between him and his interest\x85 or perhaps, between Korel and his interest. That was only fair; Xander himself had been holding back for Korel's sake, careful not to alienate him with what was, among the ae-tsan, so natural it happened without thought.

Right. Korel.

He couldn't decide something like this on his own\x85 well, not whether it would happen at all; the matter of who would be far simpler to decide.

He took a breath. "I need time to think about it." Not quite true, perhaps, but near enough.

"That is fair." She straightened with a sigh. "There are duties I must tend to. Be well." She dove off the boardwalk and vanished into the water.

Kender moved around the bench and sat beside him, laying a hand on his thigh. The older ae-tsar was puzzled; he knew there was more to Xander's hesitation than the matter of whom, but he had no idea what it could be. Few ae-tsan would; Xander in their place would be just as lost. But now he was trying to reconcile two very different cultures, neither of which had raised him.

His musings were interrupted by a sudden flurry of activity: a mature female rushed out of the building beside them with two kits in her arms, one of them mewling piteously. Seeing them there, she lost some of her harried expression.

"Please," she said to Xander, "I must bring this young one to the shaman's attention, and can go more quickly if I don't carry the other; would you tend him for a while?"

Xander could hardly believe it. He was being entrusted with a kit? "Gladly," he exclaimed, reaching out.

She churfed happily and shifted the quiet kit into his waiting arms. "My thanks. I shouldn't be long." She shushed at the kit she still held, who subsided with a soft whimper, and then she dashed along the walk.

Kender looked at the youngling with a wistful smile. "She knows me," he murmured, "and gives the child to you\x85"

"There is some irony in the timing," Korel observed. "Had she emerged but moments before\x85"

"No." Xander shook his head. "Myrin told me she only tends to the grown, not the young. They have their special concerns\x85" A soft meeping sound, small hands clutching at his chest-fur, reminded him of one of those concerns. Automatically he shifted the kit into the right place, cradling him against his chest. The firm suckling was a new sensation for him, but within a few seconds he had decided that he liked it very much indeed. He let out a soft, contented sigh.

Korel blinked. "Is he, ah, gaining sustenance?"

"Why wouldn't he?" Xander asked in return. "I'm old enough."

The tamaxos had a strange, almost reverent look on his face as he watched. "Among my kind, and others too, only a new mother can give suck to a child\x85" He smiled. "Mayhap this is why yours is a race of such peace."

Xander couldn't answer that. He just held the hungry kit to him and did his part.

"He likes you."

Xander smiled at Korel, shifting the sleeping kit in his arms. The sun was setting and that female still hadn't returned, but he didn't really mind. "I guess he likes my taste."

Korel laughed. "Certes, but I spoke of the one who was with you earlier, the shipwright. Kender, was it?"

"Oh. I suppose he does\x85"

Korel sat down beside him and touched his cheek. "Come now. I saw you smile at his name; you enjoy something about his company, at least. No need to conceal it." His fingers slowly moved down to Xander's neck. "You do not need to resist your way of life on my count, Xander."

"What?"

"We have spoken no vows, nor would I want you to be other than an ae-tsar if something deeper does develop between us." He smiled and touched his nose to Xander's. "I may not be indulging myself, but if someone intrigues you in that way \x96 or if you feel you ought to sire a child \x96 I would be only happy for you." The emphasis on that if made it clear that he was not assuming it to be true.

"On the other hand," Korel finished, "if you were to give pause for that reason, I would be most flattered. It is needless, but flattering nonetheless." He touched his nose to Xander's cheek and walked off into the city.

Well, that was random.

Xander smiled. Korel wouldn't have any difficulty fitting among the ae-tsan, then.

Minutes passed, Looking out to the northwest, watching the sky dim with approaching twilight, he gently combed out the sleeping youngling's fur.

"Oh, many thanks to you!" The female who had handed him that kit was peering up from the edge of the boardwalk. She pulled herself out of the water and padded over. "I am so sorry for taking so long, but Kender told me you and Allin were getting along so well, while Merryl raised such a fuss when I started to leave\x85" The girl-kit was dozing in her arm now.

Xander shook his head and smiled at her, saying, "I enjoyed the time, actually. I never had the opportunity, back home. Thank you."

She took the kit back from him and gently touched her nose to his forehead. "Such a shame. One so good with kits is to be cherished." She straightened. "Especially one so healthy. Will you return to Moraltsan sometime?"

"I don't know," Xander admitted. "But if I can, I'd like to live here."

"Ah, that would be quite fine." She kissed his nose. "I am Maerna Cour; this is Merryl, and the one you tended is Allin."

Xander took a breath. The shaman might disapprove, but the shaman was not his father. "Xander Kaldryke."

Her eyes widened a little. "A proud line, that. Well, Xander, my thanks again. Good evening." She went back inside, her tail rubbing against his leg as she passed.

"I would not expect a Kaldryke," Myrin observed, walking up to him, "of all families, to reject their own for being different. Diversity has always been their strength." Instead of her jerkin, she was now wearing a dark green tunic and trousers, cut close to permit easy swimming, and a string of bronze plaques about midway down her tail, joined by fine braided chains.

Something slid into place in his mind. He straightened, now filled with resolve. If he was going to do a duty, he might as well do it on his own terms, and enjoy it. "I don't think we've had shamans in my branch of the family for quite a while\x85"

Whatever she'd been about to say evaporated from her lips. All that emerged was a stunned "What?"

He stood and crossed over to her. "You told me that sorcery is rare, that I should breed. Well, perhaps shamans aren't quite as rare, but they're not common, either. Should you perhaps follow your own advice?"

"I\x85 probably should, yes." Some of her equilibrium was returning, but she was still off guard.

"I may not know you that well," he admitted, "but I do know you better than anyone else here, and what I know, I like. You seem to have good blood, as well\x85 and," he swallowed. Go. Keep going or you'll never start again. "I find you quite attractive. That's something none of the other females I've met could achieve. If the notion suits you, we could both follow your advice. Together." His hands reached toward hers.

Her fingers twined with his, and she leaned against him, tucking her snout under his chin. "That suits me better than I can say, Whitefoot\x85"

He chuckled. Though he hadn't thought of it before, he hadn't seen anyone else here with light points like he had, so it was rather distinctive. Of course, the way she said it, "rock" could have been distinctive and endearing. "And the timing? How is that?" If she was not in her fertile phase, that might have had an effect on her decision not to pursue him, to leave him for those who could conceive right then. Even if she was not quite at her fertile peak, he could understand, but that wasn't an absolute. It would just mean that she might not conceive so readily and they'd have to try again.

The prospect wasn't exactly upsetting.

"The timing couldn't be better," she murmured, licking the side of his neck. Her touch was delightfully warm.

"Calar shui," he whispered into her ear. Seize the present. That was the ae-tsan way. He looked out toward the open lake.

She straightened to look at him and followed his gaze. "Sunset over the lake is truly a fine thing. I've been meaning to share it with a lover\x85"

He drew back a pace, stretching muscles that had been unused for hours. "If you know a good spot, lead the way."

She smiled, doing a few quick stretches of her own. "I prefer the open lake. There's nothing hard-to-find about it."

"Delightful," he breathed, and dove into the warm water. A heartbeat later, the slight shock of her entry stirred his whiskers.

She darted past him, sliding against her body. Her tail slid off his chin and beckoned him onward, away from the bustling city. One quick undulation and he was at a speed with her, close enough that he could, and did, stretch forward and nibble on the very tip of her tail.

She turned over and splayed out suddenly, slowing down; her hands ran over his body as he passed, following every curve until they slid off his toes. When he spread his limbs to stop too, she took off again, slipping between his legs, rubbing against her thighs, her tail working higher as it slid along until the tip of it nudged directly upward, sending a heart-pounding shiver through his body.

They chased each other like that out into the deep water, never losing contact for more than one beat of their racing, eager hearts, until at length they needed to come up for air. Xander was quivering with nervous anticipation as his head broke the surface, and his shorts were starting to be an uncomfortable restraint.

"There." She slid behind him and hugged him back against her, turning to face west. The sun was halfway below the horizon, turning the lake into a smooth expanse of liquid gold. Her hand slid down his chest and she licked his jaw. "Isn't it beautiful?"

It was indeed beautiful, so beautiful it made his breath catch. The feel of her against him, of her hands on his chest and belly, made the sight somehow more immediate, more special.

Twisting his upper body around, he could see that same light shining in her eyes.

"So very beautiful," she murmured, "that wonder in your eyes\x85 Many don't realise how precious that wonder is until it's gone forever." Her hands slid apart, the fingertips of one touching his cheek, those of the other sliding over his shorts.

The contact in both places was light and the sensation it brought a subtle one, but the reality of someone else doing it to him boggled the mind. He was completely helpless in her arms.

"Xander, what's wrong?"

"Nothing. I\x96" He stammered for a bit, shut his mouth, and swallowed. The next try was more successful. "I've never done this before," he admitted.

"You're doing fine so far." She traced her fingers along his snout, her other hand sliding up and down. His member strained against her fingers. Never had it and he wanted so desperately to be free\x85

"Should've left the shorts behind," he moaned, wriggling about in an effort to nestle closer against her. His tail brushed against her leg, and he curled it into a helix, holding her close for a moment.

"A rock at the bottom will work, if we don't go far away." She let him go, freeing her leg and pulling away slightly. "Deep breath\x85"

A lungful was time enough for plenty, and better by far than going back at this point. He filled his lungs and dove.

Even here, a long way from the centre, Lake Moraltur was deeper by far than any water he had known. The water became pitch dark long before he felt the bottom approaching and pulled up. A few moments of scrabbling found a suitable rock, large enough to stay in place but small enough to lift for a time. He slid out of his shorts in one smooth motion and wedged them under a corner of the rock. Some short distance to one side, he could sense Myrin moving about, probably doing the same.

They found each other by feel, and by feel they explored each other's bodies, hands roaming over every inch from the snout down to the hips; flipping head to toe, they started the same thing from the feet. Xander's heart was no longer racing with surprise; now it had settled into the slow, hard beat of excitement and arousal.

She pulled away from him, one hand on his chest telling him to be still; with the other on the base of his tail, holding close to him, she slid her claws down through his thick fur. Spots of chill moved down his front where her claws pierced the protection of his fur and let a little bit of water into the undercoat.

Her fingers skirted the base of his shaft where it emerged from his body, and ran over the tight pouch beneath. Then up, kneading the flesh around that opening, and finally she touched his maleness directly \x96 not with her fingers but with her smooth nose-pad.

He writhed about, aching, needing to feel her more fully against him; but she stayed where she was. Now her lips touched the base of his shaft in a tender kiss, and opened. Her tongue moulded itself against his flesh, warm, strong, and both soft and rough at the same time. He could distinctly feel every tiny bump against his skin as that muscular organ slid up his length. The spike of sensation when it flicked over his tip was unbelievably intense. It swamped his mind and for several seconds, all he could feel was its lingering memory.

She moved up against him, then, her legs twisting around his, curve meeting curve everywhere except where his maleness pressed against her hip. Then, keeping her hips against his, she wound her body around, clutching at his shoulders, nuzzling and nibbling at his spine. The prick of her teeth made his back arch, his hips rolling forward, his maleness sliding down against her; the friction of his fur against his sensitive tip, so intensely pleasurable it ached, made him curl even more, until his tip slipped into and lodged in the folds of her sex.

On that instant she shifted her hips down a little, taking a little bit of his slick shaft into her. She squeezed him with her sex, the warm, slippery walls of her passage holding him tight. Even the very slight movements of his anxious trembling were enough to make him writhe in almost painful ecstasy.

He reached down with a shaking hand, massaging her groin just above where his body entered hers, kneading and rubbing. She shivered and tightened around his body and his malehood, clutching at his chest with one hand, reaching down to stroke the exposed length of his straining shaft with the other. Her snout slid up his back-curled spine, resting for a moment between each pair of vertebrae, until she could nibble at his folded ear. His arm on that side reached around her, found the base of her tail and stroked it. Still his fingers pressed and slid on her fleshy mound, now and then sliding down a bit further, dividing to stroke the lips that tightly gripped his tip and kept him in her.

Time was meaningless. All that mattered was each other's presence, the odd euphoria of their waning breath mingling with mounting pleasure.

Suddenly she tensed and arched up against him, shivering, biting down on the side of his neck. Her sex squeezed hard on his tip and released, in time with the powerful shudders running through her body. So intense were the feelings that his climax caught him unaware, banishing all thought from his mind as his seed pulsed into her sex, his jaws parted in a silent, breathless yowl of ecstasy. They writhed and rubbed against each other, caught up in the delicious thrill of the moment.

Eventually his pulsing member stilled. He became aware of both her shivering against him and his mounting need to breathe. Carefully, keeping himself in her tight sex, he turned his nose downward and paddled toward the lake bottom. With one arm stroking her trembling body, the other hand searched about, found one piece of cloth and extricated it from under its rock; a bit of searching revealed another, and it, too, he clutched tight in his hand. He then made for the surface as quickly as he dared.

The rapid lessening of pressure made his pleasure surge up again, very strongly and very quickly. Just as he breached the surface, it peaked once more, a few more jets of his hot semen rushing out of him. It was many, many times less intense than the orgasm they had just shared, but after he took a long, fresh breath, the afterglow still had him whimpering like a hungry kit.

She shifted, untwisting from around him, lifting off his spent member with palpable reluctance; tilting her head, she kissed him deeply, her breath slowly filling his lungs. "You're so full of life, Xander," she whispered when their lips finally parted. "I've felt a great deal of enthusiasm from males, before; great eagerness. But never so much raw passion\x85" Giggling, she kissed his nose. "Making up for lost time, hmm?"

Xander had no answer for that, save to hug her close and rub his nose against hers. "How long," he asked, "before you know?"

"By morning, I will know if I have quickened. Though with as much seed as you gave," she chuckled, "and with myself at my fertile peak, I don't see how I would not."

He shrugged. "If not, there will be time to try again\x85"

She laughed. "You don't need that excuse, Xander, if you want it. You're a fine man and a fine lover, and I do hope you come to live in Moraltsan someday."

He hugged her close. "I may do that. My father, at least, might be mollified if I return with a kit\x85 but I feel so much less restrained here, even if I do end up welcome back in Caertsan. Besides," he grinned, "there are so many more people here. So many opportunities."

She pulled close and kissed him quickly. "You'd make many people happy with that statement alone. Follow through, and you'd give some of them utter bliss."

"Passing it along," he murmured, stroking her ears. "Happiness isn't like water; give it away and you have more, not less. That lesson you've managed to teach me far better than old Shiel, and in far less time."

She smiled through this little speech, and silenced him with a firm kiss.