The Prince's Dog #1

From the edge of the forest, I watch as the battle wore on. Swords clashed and men screamed.
Many fell dead or wounded to the ground. These fight's had been going on for what seemed like forever.
Villages were burned, children stolen and the men were killing each other.
The once peaceful planet was turned into utter chaos. And it  had all started when the Bifrost was destroyed, by Thor, if I might add.
I was starting to think that he should have let Loki destroy Jotunheim. One world of monsters would be gone and all this bloodshed would have never happened.
It is not that I do not like fighting, but this constant slaughter was sickening.
As I was watching the men hack at each other and thinking about how this was all Thor's fault, the prince of thunder himself appears.
Leading many men, all Asgardian warriors, he charged into the mist of the warring tribesmen. After I saw several men fall dead to the ground, I had had enough.
I quickly transformed from a young girl, with wavy brown hair and brown eyes, and wearing a dark blue, long sleeve shirt and a black skirt and pants, to a coyote.
It is hard to explain how I can change shape, but I do.
I raced towards Thor on all four paws, dodging fighting men as I ran.
With a snarl, I launched myself at Thor and sank my fangs into his hand.
I could see the surprise on his face as he shook me off.
He was very strong, I will give him that.
I leaped for his throat, but before I could reach him, he swung his hammer.
His strange weapon knocked the wind out of me and sent me flying through the air.
That was the last thing I remembered before everything turned black.

Land of the wolves: Prologue

Gasping for breath, the grey wolf raced through the trees.
His mate ran alongside him with a tiny pup dangling from her jaws and her yearling son on her heels.
Their pursuiters crashed through the underbrush behind them, gaining ground with each step.
“Keep going!” he barked to his small pack.
Without warning, two wolves stood before them, teeth bared.
As they came to a sudden stop, half a dozen wolves emerged from the forest.
They were quickly surrounded on all sides.
“What do you want from us?” the grey wolf growled, fur rising along his back.
Beside him, his mate laid her ears back in fear.
One wolf, slightly larger then the others, stepped forward.
“I am Armstrong, beta of the Everen Pack.” he snarled.
“Now, come with us,”
As he lowered his head, the other wolves drew closer.
“Or die.”
Not far away, hidden in the shadows of the forest, a black wolf, with blue eyes that resembled chips of ice, silently watched the scene unfold.

The Guardian of Zamari #7 Crossing the River

Rippler's fear increased as they entered the weasel's camp.
Besides the three that were with him and the wounded one who limped behind, at least six other weasels lay asleep around a large fire. "Aser, we found this one here sleeping and thought we should bring him back with us since he tried to kill Whalen."
With a growl, a very big weasel arose and looked Rippler up and down with cold eyes.
 "I-I didn't mean to." the young otter stammered. "They just startled me."
 "Quite!" Aser shouted.
Then he turned to the other weasels. "What did you bring him here for? What if his tribe fallows you? Ever think of that?"
Whalen limped forward, trying to hide his injury. "We're not afraid  to fight, Aser." he said quietly.
"No? You're fools, all of you. Remember the squirrels? Did you forget them already? Who's idea was it to use their daughter for target practice? Who got half my gang killed? You, you and you!"
By now, all of the weasels were awake and an uncomfortable silents fallowed Aser's words.
 With a snarl, he returned to his place by the fire.
"Er, what should we do with the otter?" One of the weasels asked.
"Just tie him up and I'll deal with him in the mourning. Can't you see that I'm trying to sleep?" Aser growled.

It was a cool and foggy morning as the six creatures walked along the riverbank.
"We have to hurry." Ozzy said, breaking the silents. "We have been gone far too long for my liking. It could already be too late. Maybe--"
"Look, a boat!" Barwick shouted, pointing excitedly across the river.
Lexi peered through the haze. She could barely make out the shape of a small boat in the distance. "We would get there quicker if we had a boat."
"A lot quicker." Cedric agreed, with a thoughtful look on his face. "And we might just be able to get it."
"Yall've must have lost your minds. I ain't swimming in that frigid water." Archie argued. "You won't have to. Come on."
The father down the bank they went, the narrower the river grew, until they came to a giant oak tree. It's branches almost reached across the river. There was only a small space separating one of it's larger branches and that of a pine tree on the other side.
"I ain't climbing that either." Archie said.
"Then stay behind." Cedric growled. "You should not have come if you can't keep up." "Stay with him, Barwick." Lexi said when she noticed that the mouse seemed hesitant about crossing.
"Okay,"  he answered happy. "But don't forget to come and get me."
"We won't." she promised.
They left their packs and food behind and continued on with only their weapons.
Ozzy was the first to cross. He climbed the tree and quickly ran along the branch with surprising balance, before jumping up to catch the other limb. He swung down from the pine and landed softly on the ground.
I can do better then that, Lexi thought.
Aldah was next.
Since she was not very accurate with the bow, she had chosen to leave it behind with the packs. She did not cross as fast as Ozzy had, but it was not long before she too was on the other side.
As soon the rat touched the ground, Lexi started up the tree. She had climbed numerous trees before, some many times taller then this one. Before her village was destroyed, when she and the other young creatures would climb the nearby trees to watch their parents working in the orchards, she had often fell asleep in the crooks of the branches, only to be awaken by her mother's call for dinner.
Now, as she walked along the overhanging branch, she paused to look down at the swirling water below. Something caught her eye and she peered closer as several fins broke the water's surface.
Fascinated, she watched them.
Lexi suddenly found herself unbalanced and teetered for a moment on the branch, before she lost her footing and plummeted down towards the dark water.
At the last moment, she reached out and caught the edge of the branch with one hand. Below, the river swirled as a fish leaped.
It was fallowed by several others as they snapped at the dangling vixen while she hung just out of their reach.
She looked up to see Cedric starring down at her.
"Need help?" he asked.
"No." she growled as she hulled herself back onto the branch and continued on, more hastily then before.
She jumped up, catching the pine branch and setting her feet on the branch below, then swung down to the ground, where Ozzy and Aldah stood waiting.

Lexi quietly crept closer to the boat.
It was a mid-size rowing craft with three oars on each side and it seemed to be perfect for them.
Lexi could see no guard and motioned for the others to join her.
"It's ours for the taking." Aldah whispered.
"Come on, then." Ozzy said.
The opossum led them to the tree where the boat was tied as it drifted about a meter out.
He and Cedric hulled on the rope and slowly pulled the boat up to the bank.
Lexi glance down into the boat and starred with surprise at a weasel, who lay fast asleep.
She motion to the others to be quite.
Suddenly, the weasel's eyes flickered open.
Upon seeing them, he staggered to his feet and jumped out of the boat, then disappeared into the forest.
"Stop him!" Ozzy shouted.
But there was no need, as Aldah was already racing after him.
Lexi quickly fallowed.
She could see Aldah up ahead, crashing through the bushes.
Stealth was not the rat's greatest skill. Suddenly, Aldah stopped.
As soon as she saw the weasels, Lexi slowed and ducked behind a bush.
When she peered out through the leaves, Aldah was surrounded.

The Guardian of Zamari #6: Danger in the Darkness

The Guardian of Zamari chapter 6
Darkness was falling when Lexi heard the sound of rushing water.
The thick forest had thinned to mostly shrubs and small trees and soon they were walking along a steep bank. Below, the river swirled and splashed.
The cattails and assortment of other plants that grew along the water's edge were rocked by it's small waves. Crickets chirped loudly from the safety of the bushes and off in the distance a owl hooted.
"We'd better stop for the night." Cedric said. The others were happy to agree.
A short distance from the river they found a sheltered place to sleep.
Lexi and Barwick volunteered to gather wood for a fire.
As she searched along the bank, Lexi smelled smoke. She could see flames flickering through the trees on the other side of the river. Apparently they were not alone.
She quickly gathered her sticks and carried them back to the camp.
Ozzy had a small fire going and was slowly feeding it twigs.
"This is just great weather for building a fire, you know. You can't beat these clear, cool nights for camping either. " The opossum was saying to Aldah, who was laying out her sleeping blanket.
The rat's ears twitch but she said nothing. "Someone else is camping across the river." Lexi said.
 "That so? Then I'd better go check it out." Cedric answered. "It can't hurt to be careful." Lexi watched as he silently disappeared into the darkness.

Cedric returned several minutes later.
"We should be find. I doubt they'll try crossing the river at night, but we should keep a watch, just in case." he said.
"That's fine. I'll take the first watch." Lexi answered as she unpacked the bread and dried fruit that would be her dinner. The others had similar meals and after they had eaten, they laid there blankets as close as possible around the blazing fire.
"Hey, Lexi." Cedric called as she was heading towards the oak tree. "I'll take the second watch. Wake me in about two hours."
She waved her hand in acknowledgement and sat down with her back against the tree.
As the minutes ticked by she watched the fire burn lower and lower.

Rippler awoke with a start.
He lay still and listened, but although all seemed quite in the darkness, he knew that something had awakened him. Slowly, he reached for his sword which lay beside him, concealed in it's scabbard.
As silently as possible, he drew the blade.
A twig snapped somewhere behind him.
Now, he knew that he was not alone. He resisted the urge to look behind him and lay very still, hoping that the creature had not noticed him, but knowing somehow that it had. And it was coming closer.
He shivered.
Leaves crunched a few feet  from his head and he could hear footsteps behind him as a large weasel stepped from the bushes in front of him. Rippler griped the hilt of his sword tighter as they came closer.
He waited until they were almost upon him, then sprung to his feet.

Lexi paused as she heard someone scream in the distance. She could not tell which direction it had come from, but it seemed to be too far away to be any dander to them.
Noticing that the fire had burned down, she threw some more wood on it. The others had obviously not heard the scream as they were still fast asleep.
For a moment, she watched the flames hungrily devour the logs, then she stood and continued her pacing, which kept her somewhat warm and awake.

Rippler tried not to let his fear show as the three weasels closed in.
He held his sword steady, and after their companion had fallen wounded to the ground, the weasels were careful to stay out of his reach.
Moonlight glinted off their weapons and the young otter know that it was only time before he went down.
"Guys, I'm just passing through. I had no way of knowing that this was your land and I will leave right now." he said, slowly lowering his sword to show them that he meant no harm.
Then they attacked.
He was able to deflect the first blow, but failed to see another's sword until it cut deep into his shoulder.
With a cry of pain, he dropped his sword and clutched his bleeding arm.
He was knocked to the ground by one of the weasel and held still as his hands were tied behind him.
He struggled against the weasels, but they were much stronger and easily overpowered him.
As they ruffly hulled him to his feet, he kicked out at them, which only earned him a painful blow to his head.
With anger burning inside him, he was hurried led though the woods.

Lexi warmed her hands over the fire as she watched the flickering flames of orange, yellow and blue spread over the logs.
Fire had always been a mystery to her and she never understood how it could feed on wood and then turn it to ashes.
But she figured that it did not matter muck anyway, as long as it kept her warm. Soon she felt herself growing tired, and judging the time by the moon, she decided that the two hours were probably up and she went to wake up Cedric. Not wanting to bother the others, she quietly approached him. She noticed that while he slept, he tightly griped the hilt of a dagger. She gently shook him until his eyes opened. "My turn?" he asked.
"Yep." she answered quietly.
"What is it for?"
"What?" he asked somewhat confused, as he rose to his feet.
"The knife." she answered.
He sheathed his dagger and moved closer to the fire and looked back at her. "Just in case." he said solemnly.
"In case of what?" she questioned, but the silver-furred fox kept silent.
With a sigh, Lexi lay down on her blanket and quickly fell asleep.

The Guardian of Zamari #5: "I'm coming with you."

After hanging her saturated cloak above the fire to dry, Lexi sat beside the boarded window. Looking out through a small crack in the wood, she could see lighting rip across the darkening sky, causing everything around her to rattle. When the thunder died down, she glanced at Aldah. The rat stood beside the hearth, carelessly watching the fire, while Barwick sat in a chair across from the ancient stoat, who appeared to be asleep. The sound of rain and the warmth from the fire had the same effect on Lexi. She could feel her eyelids drooping as she struggled to stay awake. 

But the events of the day had left her weary and it was not long before she fell asleep.

Sometime later Lexi awoke to the smell of food. She raised her head to see Barwick enter the room carrying a steaming pot, which he set on the table. 

The stoat fallowed him with sevrel bowls. 

They then left, only to return a moment later dragging wooden chairs behind them. 

After a few more trips into the other room, the table was set.

Lexi pushed her empty bowl aside and leaned back in her chair. 

Around the table, the others were also finishing their dinner. 

Thunder rumbled again, louder then it had in some time. 

"We'll need to stay here for the night, if you don't mind." she said to the old stoat. 

He fixed her with a scowl. "And if I do?" he challenged. 

She shrugged. "Maybe we'll stay anyway." she answered.  

The stoat rose abruptly and gathered the empty dishes. "You all can sleep in the back room if you're quite. But at the first peep... out. Got it?" he asked gruffly.

 "Of course." Lexi answered smoothly as she pushed her chair backwards and rose to her feet. 

"Wait." The silver-furred fox said, with a glance at the opossum. "There's something I need to say." 

Lexi sat back down. 

Sitting across from her, Aldah rolled her eyes. The silver fox stood at the head of the table and cleared his throat. 

"I am Cedric of Zamari, and this is my friend, Ozzy Nolandsander." he said, gesturing towards the opossum.

 "Our kingdom will soon be at war with the outlaw, Mirrikh, and his army. My father sent us to appeal to King Raja for help, but the wildcat has refused. As did every merchant warrior we have come across. Now, I noticed that you two carry bows, which are very useful in battle. If you will help us, my father will pay in gold." Aldah's eyes lit up greedily. "How much gold?" she asked. 

"I don't know the numbers, but I can assure you it will be more then a handful." 

"Deal." Lexi and Aldah said together. 

Cedric and Ozzy exchanged glances, relief clearly evident on their faces. 

Barwick looked confused. 

"But we're--" He started to say but Lext quickly shook her head. 

"If that's all that needs to be said, then make yourself useful and help clean the table." the ancient stoat ordered. 

The young creatures were happy to oblige.

The sun had not yet risen over the tree tops as they prepared to leave. 

Lexi checked her bow string and Aldah adjusted her hat. "Thank you for letting us stay the night." Barwick was saying the to stoat. "Don't munshen it. It was the least I could do. After all, I'm sure you will be able to help me sometime in the future." he answered kindly. 

"I don't know." Barwick said. "I'd love to come back and visit, but I'm not sure--" 

"That won't be a problem, because I'm coming with you." 

Everyone stopped what they were doing to stare at the stoat. 

"Oh, no you're not." Aldah said quickly. "It is bad enough that Barwick is here. We don't need anymore dead weight." 

"No offence." Barwick tried to explain. "But the middle of a battlefields is not exactly the kind of place someone of your age wants to be." 

The stoat scowled angrily as he hefted a heavy staff over his shoulder and rounded on them, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "My age, eh? Either of you two want to see what someone of my age is capable of?" he challenged. "Come on. I dare you." 

Ozzy wisely backed away, holding his hands up defenselessly . "No need, sir. We all believe you." 

"We'll I don't." Aldah said, drawing her knife from beneath her cloak and stepping forward. "And I'm not afraid to fight an old guy. Just say the word." 

The stoat bared his teeth as he brandished the staff and Aldah responded in like manor.

 Lexi was aware that once a fight started, only one would make it out alive. Aldah was not one to take prisoners and frequently criticized Lexi's habit of leaving them alive. 

As she often said, they can't harm you if they can't draw breath. 

But, to Lexi, the ancient stoat appeared to be no threat and it would be a shame to wound him. 

Cedric looked at her, as if waiting for her to stop them. 

The vixen turned to Aldah, who was preparing to rush forward. 

"Aldah, cut it out! We've got to go." Lexi commanded sharply. 

The rat kept her eyes fixed on the stoat as she answered. "Don't worry. This will only take minute." 

The sun was rising slowly, sending it's golden rays across the meadow. The light shone off the polished wood of the stoat's staff. 

Although she was surprised that he could lift it, she knew that one hit could break bones.

 "I mean it, Aldah! We haven't time for this." Lexi snapped. 

With a disappointed sigh, Aldah backed away and sheathed her dagger. "Be careful, old one. And make sure you don't slow us down because I'll be watching you." she hissed. 

The stoat snickered. 

Aldah brushed past them.

 "Come on. We haven't go all day." She called over her shoulder. 

Lexi hurried to catch up with the rat. "You're suppose to respect your elders, you know." Lexi said.

 Aldah smirked. "I couldn't agree more." she answered. 

Lexi shivered as the cool morning air bit through her cloak and shirt underneath. 

It would be winter soon, she knew, which would make traveling much more difficult.

 As the six creatures journeyed on in silents, she found her thoughts drifting back in time. But she pushed them away. 

Now was not the time to dwell on the past. Instead, she focused on their three new traveling companions. 

The stoat, who's name was Archie, walked along with a surprisingly quick pace and still carried the staff. 

Aldah kept to the other side of the path, her eyes fixed ahead. 

Ozzy and Barwick chattered quietly together, Cedric often commenting. 

Although they appeared to be who they said they were, and Lexi had no reason to think otherwise, her life as a thief taught her to trust on one. 

She studied the fox and the opossum closely. Both were strong and fit, and appeared to be able to hold their own in a fight. 

Cedric carried a sword, while Ozzy had a long rapier. 

They both wore grey cloaks, brown jerkins and breeches. 

They seemed friendly enough, but she was always wary of strangers. 

Ozzy looked back and offered her a smile. "Ever been to the Great Divide?" he asked. "No, but I've heard of it." she answered, quickening her pace until she caught up with them. "What's it like there?" she asked. 

The Guardian of Zamari #4: Through the Storm

"You'll live." Lexi stated as she helped Barwick to his feet. 

Apart from a small scratch, the mouse seemed to be unharmed. 

With wide eyes, he starred at the three unconscious weasels as Aldah and the silver-furred fox bound their hands and feet. Only a few curious onlookers hung around as most of them had already withdrew. 

Lexi watched as a odd creature appeared from behind a tent and headed their way. As he neared, she could see the grey grizzled fur and long bare tail of an opossum. 

It was very rare to see one.They were known to be solitary, usually living deep in the mountains, far away from any other living creatures. 

He stopped to speak quietly with the silver fox.

"Come on." Lexi said as she lead Barwick closer to the unconscious weasels. "Your enemies have fallen." 

The mouse hesitantly stepped forward. "D-d-did you kill them?" he asked, his voice shaky. 

"Not quite." Aldah said with a grin as she rose to her feet and dusted off her hands. "By the time they wake up and untie themselves, we should be long gone." 

Hastily, Barwick backed up as if expecting them to arise any moment. "Can we go now?" he asked. 

Feeling a light breeze, Lexi glanced up at the sky. 

Although the sun shone brightly, dark clouds gathered in the distance.

 "Might as well." she answered. "We still got a long way to go." 

Quickly, she collected her bow and quiver and gave Barwick the garments. 

The strange fox and opossum were still talking together as the three travelers moved away.

Aldah took the lead as they left the Market Square behind and entered a dark alleyway. On ether side, tall buildings loomed above them.

 Lexi fell into step beside Barwick, who had been usually quite since the fight. 

He now looked as if he was about to dart as he jumped at every sound and weary watch the shadows. 

"Something wrong?" Lexi asked.

 "What? No, no, I'm fine." he said distractedly. 

Lexi was not convened.

"Not used to the sight of blood?" Aldah teased, glancing back at them. 

With a shake of his head, the young mouse shuddered. "They almost got me back there." he stated. 

Something rattled up ahead and Barwick shrank back.

 "Don't worry, you're with us now." Lexi declared as they reached the street that lead out of the city. 

The two story stone buildings gradually transformed into small weather-worn shacks as they ventured on in silents. 

Soon, even they disappeared.

The trees on ether side of the path swayed in the breeze, causing yellow leaves to flutter to the ground as dark clouds gathered in the sky.

"How far to the nearest town?" Barwick inquired, pulling his cloak tighter. "That storm's getting closer."

"No idea." Lexi answered as she looked back at the forbidding sky. 

The mouse gave her an appalling glance. "Do you even know where were going?" he asked. Lexi shook her head. "Aldah does. She grew up not far from the castle." 

"Why are we going to Zamari anyway? It will most likely be conquered by the time we get there." the young mouse said. 

Thunder rumbled overhead and rain started to splatter onto the ground.

 "We need to find shelter." Lexi said, ignoring Bawick's question. "Aldah, how far until the next town?" 

The rat was a few paces ahead and had pulled her hood down to shield her face from the rain. " 'bout a hour, I'd guess." she answered.

 Lexi glanced over her shoulder. She was surprised to see two figures behind them and quickly gaining ground.

 "We're being fallowed." she said, just loud enough for Aldah to hear. 

The rat halted and watched as the two came closer. "Let them explain themselves." She growled.

 Lexi felt the rain soaking through her cloak as they waited. 

Lightning flashed in the distance, fallowed by a clap of thunder. 

"We mean you no harm." One of the strangers called in a slightly accented voice as they reached the three travelers. 

It was the silver fox and opossum. 

"What do you want?" Aldah asked. 

"It appears we're going the same way." The silver fox said with a glance at Lexi. "Mind if we join you for a while?"

 "Not at all." Lexi answered. "We--"

"Not unless you know of someplace to get out of this miserable rain." Aldah said, cutting Lexi off. 

"Of course. Not far a head there's an old farm house. It should be dry enough there." 

Aldah scowled as she gestured ahead, saying, "Lead on, then." 

The opossum took the lead, with Aldah and Barwick behind. 

The silver fox fell in line beside Lexi. She regarded him curiously. He was wearing a dark grey cloak, now saturated with rain. The hood was pulled up over his head and hid most of his face. 

"I saw you take down the weasel. Do you work for King Raja?" he questioned. 

She shook her head slightly. "I work for no one." she answered. 

"Why's that?" he asked. 

"Never had a reason too. Me and Aldah rarely stay in the same place for long." She said as the opossum led them off the path onto an overgrown trail through the forest. 

The thunder grew louder and the rain increased as they walked on. 

It was not long before the woods opened up into a small clearing. 

A stone house stood on the far side, barely visible through the pouring rain. 

Lightning flashed nearby, causing a tree erupted into shower of sparks, which were quickly doused by the rain. 

The sky lit up several times before the five creatures reached the house. 

Aldah was the first one there and rapped repeatedly on the door. 

The thin stream of smoke rising from the chimney was the only indication that the house was not abandoned, as no sounds came from within. 

The windows were boarded up and leafy vines had run up the walls. 

After what seamed like forever, the door creaked open. 

An ancient face peered out, but only for a moment. The door slammed shut, fallowed by the sound of a bolt being slid into place. 

"Now what?" Aldah asked the silver fox icily.

 He shrugged. 

With a hiss of annoyance, she continued to bang on the door. After a few minutes, Barwick joined in. The door shook and rattled, it's rusty hinges threatening to break. 

Barwick stopped to rub his hands. "Isn't there another way in?" he asked. 

Aldah fixed him with a glare. "You're welcome to look for--" 

The door opened a crack. "Go away." rasped a voice from within. "This is no place for bandits." Warily, Barwick backed away, protesting. "We're not--" 

Go away and don't come back." The voice answered. 

The silver-furred fox stepped forward, "Open up, in the king's name." he ordered.

 "You can't fool me, sonny. The king ain't here." The silver fox threw back his cowl and removed a silver medallion from around his neck. "See this? It was given to me by a king. A king who will not deal kindly with anyone who refuses to give refuge to us." 

"The king, you say?" The creature said as it opened the door wider and looked out. It narrowed it's small, black eyes as it glanced doubtfully at the medallion.

 "Never seen one, but if you say so." 

The creature stepped aside and opened the door with a creak. 

Lexi was the first in, the others quickly fallowed. Inside, a fire burned in the hearth, casting it's flickering light through out the room. 

The room itself was quite small, with a table at one end and a bookshelf at the other. Behind the table was another door. 

The creature, which appeared to be an ancient stoat, sank down into one of the chairs beside the hearth and watched them with squinted eyes. "I'll be keeping my eyes on you all, so don't try anything funny." he rasped.

The Guardian of Zamari #3: The Weasels Return

With his traveling pack slung over his shoulder and his sword hanging by his side, the young otter headed towards a small cottage that stood at the edge of the forest. He paused for a moment to breathe in the fresh morning air. As he reached the door, it opened and a black otter stepped out, closing it behind him.

 "Rippler." he said. "Something has come up and I will not be able to take the trip with you." Imeadiantly, the young otter looked crestfallen, but something in the black otter's blue eyes made him worried.

 "What's wrong?" he asked quickly. 

"It's Kelley." he answered. "She seems to be coming down with some sort of virus. Nothing serious, I'm sure, but I want to be here just in case." 

"I understand. Is she here now?" Rippler asked. 

The black otter shook his head. "Her and Randi went down to Spring Hill for a picnic. She said she sends her love with you. Now," he said briskly. "Do you have everything you'll need?"

"I checked the list twice." Rippler replied, indicating the pack.

The black otter nodded his head. "Well, you had best be off, then. Remember what I told you and be careful. Don't take any unnecessary risks." 

"Don't worry about me, I'll be fine." he said with a cheerful wave. "Bye Damon." 

 Balancing a tray laden with food, Barwick opened the door. 

Lexi looked up from where she sat on the edge of the bed as she sharpened her dagger. "Any sign of the weasel brothers?" she asked, running a stone along the blade.

The young mouse shook his head as he set the tray on the table. "Not a trace." he answered. 

After dragging a chair over to the table, Aldah reached for a muffin. "Better keep an eye out for them anyway." she said as she took a bite.

Lexi was inclined to agree. The weasels would not give up the search easily.

After they had eaten, Lexi and Aldah gathered up their belongings."

The vixen turned her head to see Barwick watching them uncertainly. "Aldah has agreed with me that you can come with us if you can keep up. We're headed to Zamari." 

The rat muttered something under her breath and Lexi shot her a look.

"Thank you!" the mouse exclaimed. "I won't be any trouble."

Lexi wasn't so sure. She had a feeling that the weasels would be back. She buckled on her dagger and put on her blue mottled cloak. When they were ready to leave, she glanced thoughtfully at Barwick.

"We'll stop by the market on the way. We can't have you looking like you just crawled out of the ditch, now can we?"

With a grin, the mouse shook his head.

After they had left the room, Aldah lead the way down the stairs. 

As they headed towards the door, Lexi could feel Serug's eyes following them.

The market square was a busy place. Scores of tents were set up, selling anything from pies and bread to axes and clubs. The smells of newly baked food hung in the air, causing Lexi to lick her lips.

Barwick looked around with wide eyes. 

"Never been to a place like this?" Lexi asked, quit amused.

The mouse shook his head.

"Okay, we'll have to get you some descent clothes and a weapon of some sort. What are you best with?" the vixen asked.

"I don't know." the young mouse answered doubtfully. "Servants don't usually fight."

Behind them, Aldah muttered something that Lexi could not make out.

"That's fine." the vixen said cheerfully as she scanned the tents.

One with a sign indicating two crossed swords caught her eye. Motioning for the others to follow, she entered. Rows of swords and knives lay on a table, gleaming from the sunlight that shone thew the thin canvas of the tent. After a quick conversation with the blacksmith, a middle-aged mouse with a scar across his cheek who went by the name of Twist, Lexi and Aldah left Barwick to choose a weapon as they went to find some new apparel for the runaway servant.

Lexi raised her head as a lould crashing sounded outside the tent, followed by a scream and raised voices. 

"Take this." she said, flinging a handful of silver coins at the seller and snatching up the new garments. Without a backwards glance, she raced away, Aldah a few steps behinds.

She could not see what was causing the chaos.

Travelers and merchants alike were milling around in the street. Some were running, others hiding and a few drawing their swords.

Lexi pushed her way past them to gaze into the tent.

The table lay on it's side and the weapons littered the ground where the blacksmith, Twist, lay unconscious. But there was no sign of Barwick.

Lexi spun back around and made her way quickly through the street.

"Lexi! Wait a minute." Aldah called as she struggled to catch up.

The fox paused until Aldah stood beside her, the rat's red hat at a odd angle.

"What are you doing?" Aldah hissed. "It's one thing to let this mouse tag along with us. But it's another to risk our necks because of him."

"I could do with a good fight." Lexi answered impatiently.

"That's not the point. What has he done for you? Nothing!"

"What does that matter?" Lexi snapped. "I have gotten him into this mess and I will get him back out."

With that said, the vixen turned away and raced off, scanning the surroundings as she went.

The clashing of swords met her ears, causing a wave of apprehension to run through her. 

Rounding the corner, she came to an abrupt halt.

A weasel, whom she recognized as one of Javan's sons, staggered backwards as blood streamed down his arm. The other two weasels charged at a silver-furred fox as their brother fell to the ground and lay till.

Although he was cornered between two tents, the fox was a formidable opponent and held his attackers off with ease. 

Incapable of helping himself, Barwick hid his face in his hands as he huddled behind the fox.

Lexi could hear him whimpering in fear.

She stood transfixed, watching the light play across the silver fox's sword as he lunged and parried. 

"What you waiting for?" Aldah inquired as the rat caught her breath.

"Nothing." the vixen answered as she laid her bow and quiver, along with the new cloak, on the ground and drew her dagger.

Feeling the familiar weight in her hand, she rushed forward. 

One of the weasels stepped aside to meet her charge. She assumed because of his stance that he was unaccustomed to real fighting.

Legs too far apart. Sword held too close to the chest. Arms too tight. No problem.

Slowing down, Lexi veered to the side, ducking from a clumsy swing as she went. She stayed just out of reach of his blade as she slowly circled him, forcing the weasel to turn to keep her in sight.

As with all her opponents, she watched his eyes.

She saw anger, which would cause him to use more force them necessary behind his blows and to not be very precise in his movements. This made him increasingly dangerous but also easier to avoid.

Lexi lunged at him, her dagger coming within a inch from his neck, and leaped backwards before he could counter it.

His sword flashed past her, meeting only air.

After circling him again, she repeated the tactic.

The weasel swung his sword blindly, slashing at the fox.

She rapidly ducked behind him and brought the hilt of her dagger down on his head.

He stumbled as his sword fell from his grasp.

Again, Lexi slammed the hilt onto his skull before stepping back.

This time the weasel collapsed to the ground and lay in a unmoving heap.

The Guardian of Zamari #2: Barwick

The sun slowly seeped over the tree tops, casting it’s golden rays across the blue sky. Dew glistening the grass along the path’s edge as Lexi and Aldah walked on in silence, enjoying the beautiful spring morning. The fox wore her blue mottled cloak and carried her bow slung over her shoulder, as did Aldah, who wore  a brown tunic and a darker brown jacket. Once again, Lexi glanced back as the small town that they had lived in for short time disappear from view. 

“I’m sure going to miss that nice little place.” Aldah remarked, breaking the silence. 

“They won’t miss us.” Lexi grinned. 

“The innkeeper might. Who else pays that much to sleep in a smelly loft?” The rat asked, pausing to adjust her ridiculously large hat. 

Annoyed, the fox looked away. “It’s time we moved on anyway. I think some of them were starting to get suspicious. We’re not exactly maids or serving girls.” she said. 

Ahead, a hedgehog family was making it’s way down the path towards them. “Good day to you.” Aldah called out as they neared. The largest one, apparently the father, returned the greeting before passing by. Soon they stopped for lunch under the shade of a ancient oak tree. 

After a short time the two friends continued on. 

Dusk had fallen by the time Lexi and Aldah reached the outskirts of Midar, a well-known city on the border of the kingdom of  Gildan. 

Creatures came from all around as it was a common resting place for travelers. 

Even now, the streets were far from deserted. 

The fox and the rat searched for a place to spend the night. 

A lively-looking inn caught Lexi’s eye and she pushed the door open. 

A loud buzz greeted her. 

Motioning to Aldah to follow, she entered the brightly lit room. Glasses clanked, dishes rattled, and animals chattered and laughed all around. 

Finding an empty table, the two travelers sat down and waited to be served. Lexi glanced around. Raccoons, squirrels, mice and many other creatures were eating cheerfully. 

Most were eating cheerfully. 

She spotted three rats squabbling angrily over their meal. 

Before she had time to move, a squirrel maid appeared at her table and inquired about what she and Aldah would prefer to eat. When they settled on potato soup, the maid scurried away. Returning a few minutes later with two steaming bowls, she carefully set them on the table and collected the money before hurrying away again. 

After finishing their dinner, Lexi and Aldah stood at the counter, paying for a room. 

The owner of the inn, a large hedgehog known as Serug, watched the two with a steady eye as they counted out their money. 

Shouts erupted behind them and the door slammed shut. Lexi turned to see a young mouse racing around tables and chairs, hastening towards them. She recognized him as Javan’s servant that she had questioned the night before. 

Out of breath, he stopped in front of the surprised fox. “Help.” he panted. “They’re after me.” Lexi looked down at him. “Who are?” she asked. 

He glanced back at the door as it burst open and three weasels entered. 

The mouse quickly ducked behind Lexi. “Javan’s sons.” he whispered. “They think I stole the --” “Quite!” Lexi hissed. 

The weasels seemed to be certain that the mouse was hiding under the tables, because they were checking every one. 

Raised voices and shouts from the creatures, angry at the weasels for being rudely disturbed, filled the inn. 

Serug left the counter. “What’s this all about?” he demanded, marching up to the weasels. 

“Come on.” Lexi said. 

Together, the fox, rat and mouse dashed past the counter and up the stairs. Taking two at a time, Lexi reached the top first, Aldah and the mouse not far behind. They turned down a dark hallway with doors lining both sides. 

“Room 9.” Aldah said, passing the fox and opening one of the doors. The three animals quickly entered. Aldah closed the door behind them. 

They were breathing heavily as they listened for any sound that someone was following them. Lexi, her eyes accustom to the darkness, moved away and lit an oil lamp that was setting on a table. “Guess they didn’t see us.” she remarked. 

Other then the table, there was also a bed and two chairs. 

“They would’ve been up here by now.” Aldah stated, sitting down in one of the chairs, Lexi took the other. She regarded the mouse, who was standing by the door and watching them uneasily. 

“You have a lot of explaining to do.” she said gravely. 

He hung his head as he answered. “Javan thinks that I stole the jewels and he sent his sons after me. I was looking for a place to hide.” 

“But why come to us?” Aldah interrupted.

 “I was not aware that you were here until I spotted her cloak.” he insisted. “I had no choice. They were planning to hang me.”

 “Which is also what they will do to anyone who helps a thief to escape.” Lexi said slowly. 

“I’m not a thief!” he exclaimed. 

“You are to Javan. It’s the same for you, really.” 

“Yes, it is.” the mouse whispered. 

“Well, it’s time for bed. We got to get an early start in the morning.” Lexi stood and crossed the room, leaning her bow against the wall and placing her quiver on the table. “You can stay here tonight, if you want.” she said to the mouse, who brightened up immediately. “By the way, you never told us your name.” 

“Barwick. And you?” he asked cheerfully. “Lexi and this is Aldah.” she said before dousing the lamp and climbing into the bed. 

With Aldah guarding the door and Barwick dozing in a chair, Lexi fell into a fitful sleep. 

The large rat loomed above her, his sword raised. 

Lighting flashed, revealing a ghastly scar that stretched across his face. 

When he spoke, his voice was as hard and unfeeling as steel. 

"No one fights Aviso and lives t' fight again." 

She lay where she had fallen, the rain coming down around her. She reached for her dagger, but with a flick of his sword, the rat sent it spinning away. 

“You killed them. You killed them all.” she sobbed as the last screams of the villagers faded away. 

"What a tragedy." he snickered.

A loud cracking, fallowed by a crash and the breaking of branches, averted his attention for a moment. 

It was long enough. She sprang up and grabbed her dagger, then dashed off into the rain. 

“You’ll die for this, rat! I swear on my life!” she yelled. 

His crazed laughter was the only reply. 

Lexi jerked awake, her heart pounding. She sat up and blinked her eyes several times. 

But she would never forget that terrible night, her dreams would not allow it. 

The Guardian of Zamari #1: The Vixen Thief

A shadowy figure silently brushed the silken curtains aside as she slipped through the open window and stepped into the dark chamber. Passing a small table and a bed, the fox quickly headed towards a cabinet that stood against the far wall. 

Beaded necklaces hung above a oval mirror that was set in the center. Her eyes rested on a miniature strongbox half hidden behind the mirror. 

Paying no heed to the deafening clatter coming from the oblivious guest downstairs, she skillfully picked the tiny lock and raised the lid. It was hard to tell what was what in the darkness, so she emptied it into a sack, before replacing the strongbox on top of the cabinet. 

Suddenly, the door burst open and two mice entered, dressed in servants’ clothing. 

Lexi crouched in the shadows, pulling the hood of her blue mottled cloak over her head with one hand, the other resting on the hilt of her dagger. 

The light from the mice’s lanterns cast a soft glow about the room as they sat at the table, chattering in lively tones. The minutes slipped away, but they appeared to be in no hurry to leave. Lexi felt herself growing stiff and shifted slightly. And still the mice talked on, about everything from the winter weather to good old Willa’s pies. Who Willa was, Lexi had no idea. 

Gradually, they lowered their voices, from time to time glancing around them.  

The fox became increasingly curious. She understood a word here and there, but the subject of the conversation remained a mystery. 

Then she heard a word, the name. 

The world seemed to spin as she sprung up and crossed the room to stand between the servants and the door. 

They let out a cry and staggered to their feet in shock at her sudden appearance. 

“Now,” she said, her voice low. “What is it that you were saying?”

 “N-nothing.” the older mouse stammered. 

The fox took a step forward, her eyes locked on his face. “You sure about that, are you?” she asked. 

He nodded hurriedly. 

Turning to the younger mouse, she inquired, “What’s the news about Mirrikh?” 

Fear flickered across his face. “What is it to you, thief?” he said, looking to the other mouse for help. 

“That should not matter to you in the least. I’m not playing games, as you know, I am between you and your only way out. Now, tell me everything you know.” Lexi said. 

The young mouse glanced to the older one for help before beginning. “Mirrikh and his army were seen departing from Mount Everen and word is that they are marching toward Zamari. Hundreds of solders, I have heard. All of the simple folk are leaving now. The king and his warriors are going to stay, but they have no chance of winning.”

 “You can say.” she muttered. 

“That’s all I know.” he promised quietly. 

The older mouse stepped forward. “Now you tell me what you’re doing here, in the dead of night, lurking around in Sir Javan and Lady Salone’s bedchamber?” he said angrily. 

“Just surviving.” she said, brushing past them. Reaching the window, she looked over her shoulder at the mice who were watching her every move. 

“You will be hung.” The older mouse said. 

“We’ll see.” Lexi answered before disappearing out the open window. 

Lexi made her way briskly through the nearly deserted alleyways. At midnight, most creatures were asleep in their homes; the few that were roaming the streets were most likely up to no good. The fox kept to the shadows, staying  out of sight from any bypassers. 

Soon she stood at the entrance of the Dancing Lilly, a small inn built at the end of Wind Street. Circling around to the back, she paused and let out three short whistles. 

A moment latter, a knotted rope descended from the small attic window.  She hasty climbed, the rope swaying  beneath her, until she was able to haul herself through the window and into the loft. Aldah, a young rat, was coiling the rope with a questing look on her face. “So, how was it?” she asked. 

Lexi walked past the old tables, chairs, and wooden crates that littered the attic floor. She opened a crate to reveal a small pile of  weapons, clothes, and a few other things , which was all that belonged to the fox. 

“I’m leaving for Zamari tonight. You can leave the rope hanging.” she responded, not looking up. “Tonight?” Aldah exclaimed, maneuvering around a broken table to stand beside the fox. “Lexi, it takes a good week to get to Zamari. Why go now?” the rat asked. 

Lexi laid a folded map alongside a quiver of arrows on the table. “Because,” she answered. “Mirrikh will be there.” 

Aldah eyes widened. “Mirrikh the wildcat? King Raja’s brother?” she asked. 

“The very same.” Lexi answered, drawing the bow and adjusting the string. 

“Then we should stay as far away as possible. Unless you’re thinking of joining his army.” Aldah stated. When Lexi didn’t answered, she asked, “You’re not, are you?” 

The fox glanced up from her work. “No, I’m looking for someone, he should be there.” 

“But do we have to leave now? Lets wait until the morning, that way it will be less noticeable.” she persisted. 

“I don’t remember asking you to come along.” Lexi said, laying the bow on the table.

 “You didn’t have to.” the rat said. “That’s what friends do.” 

Lexi smiled. “Ok. We will wait ‘till morning, no later.” she said as she gathered the rest of the stuff that she would be taking with her. She spotted a red hat that was laying under a chair. 

“Where did this come from?” she asked, picking up the strange-looking hat. It was decorated with dried flowers of many colors and a large black feather in the center. 

Aldah quickly snatched the hat from Lexi and delicately set it on her head. “How does it look?” the rat asked, stepping back. “Found it in the back ally. Someone must’ve dropped it.” 

“Well…it’s… it’s different.” Lexi managed to say. 

Aldah took it off. “I’m glad you liked it.” she huffed. 

“That reminds me. Here’s what I got from Javan’s place.”  Lexi said, reaching under her cloak for the sack. The rat watched as she poured it onto the table. The many-colored jewels sparkled in the candle light. “I told you!” Aldah gasped, reaching for a ruby ring. 

“We’re keeping all of these.” Lexi said. 

They had a rule that anything they did not need would be given away to someone less  fortunate

 then themselves. Now, with a long journey ahead, the fox was not willing risk any delays. At last, after two long years, she had a lead. A lead to the one who had killed her family and ruined her life. 

If he was in Mirrikh’s army - if he was still alive - she would find him. 

She had to. On that stormy night long ago, she had sworn to destroy him. 

The one-eyed rat would pay. 

“I am coming, Aviso.” she whispered into the night. 

Black Iron the Assassin #12: The Winning Price

“Ragen is dead!” Damon yelled above the noise. 

Instantly, the fighting creased and the vermin looked around is shock and fear. 

When their eyes rested on their fallen leader, they begun to back away, fleeing in all directions. 

“Damon!” Kelley rushed toward him. “Damon, we won!” she cried. 

Damon dropped the broken sword.

 “You did it!” she said, hugging him. 

“It ain't o'er yet.” growled a voice from behind him.

 “No!” Kelley gasped. 

He turned to see Aviso, saber dripping with blood, standing over Mika’s unmoving body. 

Damon reached for Ragen’s sword and charged towards the rat. 

Aviso raised his saber just in time, sending a shock threw Damon’s arm. 

Everything save for his enemy faded from the black otter’s view as he slashed at him. 

But the rat was able to black most of Damon’s blows easily. 

Damon could feel his strength leaving him and knew he must end the fight quickly. 

He aimed at Aviso’s knees, and as the rat prepared to block it, Damon raised his sword, slashing across the rat’s face. 

With a howl, Aviso dropped his saber and held his hand to his eye. 

Blood splattered onto the leaves as he fled threw the forest. 

Damon, determined not to lose him, chased after his former guard. 

But although he dodged around the trees and leaped over bushes to keep the rat in sight, he failed to notice a half rotten stump until it was too late. 

He lay facedown in the dirt, the wind knocked out of him. 

“'Tis nah o'er, Black Iron! Ne'er forget that. In yer weakest time me shall come fer ye. Me shall make ye regret that ye had ever heard o' me!” He heard Aviso call. 

Damon rose to his feet but the rat had vanished. “Coward!” he shouted.

Damon watched absent-mindedly as Garfin carefully carved letters into a large stone. 

“Rest in Peace, Mika Sharpshooter.” he read. 

“It’s me turn!” Mickley said, trying to pull the knife from his brother’s hand. 

“You ain’t getting a turn.” Garfin growled as he snatched it back. 

The knife’s point raked across the stone, leaving a long gash under the name. 

Mickley let go and shamefully reverted his eyes to the ground. 

“Now look what ya did.” Garfin complained. 

Mickley studied it, running his finger up and down the mark thoughtfully. “I can fix it.” he announced. 

“Prove it.” Garfin challenged, tossing him the knife.

 “I will.” Mickley promised. 

With a sigh, Damon walked over to where Athaliah, Sinwell, Redlark and a few otters stood, talking quietly. 

They all had sighs of the battle, ranging from bandaged arms to scratches. 

“How were they able to capture you?” Damon interrupted. 

Redlark did not answer exactly. “They slew most of the Wave Warriors including Garcon and Eban and burnt everything that they didn’t steal.” he answered. 

“The Wave Warriors are no more.” Athaliah said sadly.

 “We shall sail north to the Kingdom of Nythan where Garcon’s brother rules.” the mouse warrior told him.  

Damon helped the two shrews role the stone onto Mika’s grave. 

“She would of liked that.” he said, referring to the scratch that Mickley fixed to look like an arrow. 

“Damon, us leave!” Swuro called, standing at the edge of the cliff. 

Damon glanced one last time at the smoldering ruins of the slave compound and headed down the path leading to the shore below. 

Kelley and Rippler were waiting when he climbed aboard the ship, watching as the shrews bickered on the deck.

“I’m captain!” Mickley exclaimed, standing beside the will. 

“No ye ain’t.” Garfin said, poking his brother in the chest. 

“Help, mutiny!” he cried. 

Redlark cracked a whip inches above their heads. “Below deck, both of you.” he growled. 

“Aye, aye, captain.” They saluted before bounding off. 

Damon walked over to the railing and starred out at the sparkling blue water. 

“How long ‘till we get to the kingdom?” Rippler asked, his eyes shining.

“Depends on how fast the wind blows.” Damon answered.  

THE END

Black Iron the Assassin #11: The Battle

With one last glance at Kelley and Swuro, Damon was led out of the dungeon. 

I have to win. He thought, shielding his eyes agents the dazzling sunlight.

The vermin, a collection of stoats, ferret, weasels, rats, and the occasional fox, surrounded him on all sides, trying to catch sight of the stranger who would dare to challenge their fearsome leader. Damon fixed his eyes strait ahead, trying not to think of his death which could be very soon. 

A stoat, dressed in a red tunic, fringed with gold lace on the sleeves and around the neck, emerged from the crowd. 

Thin and agile, his green eyes glowed dangerously and his sharp sword glittered in the sunlight. Damon knew at once that this was Captain Ragen. 

He’s a little young to be a captain. The otter noticed.

Judging from the look of him, he could not be that much older them Damon. 

But while the otter had been training with wooden swords agents kind teachers, Ragen had been fighting for his very survival and had the scars to prove it.

“Release him.” the stoat commanded coldly. 

Aviso stepped back as the chains clattered noisily to the ground. 

With a humorless grin, he handed the black otter a sword. 

Damon ran his hand down the blade. “It’s dull.” he said.

 “Tough.” Aviso sneered as he, along with the rest of the vermin, backed away. 

I don’t expect any better from these cowards.

Damon took a beep breath as Ragen charged towards him. 

He raised the sword in time to deflect the blow and slashed at the stoat, who easily stepped out of reach. 

The swords met with a loud clang, which jarred both animals’ arms. 

Damon stepped backwards to recover his balance as Ragen circled around him. 

He looked up as a commotion came from the onlookers, who were starred in the direction of the slave compound. 

Ragen’s strike came unexpected. 

Damon nearly lost his grip on the sword and blood streamed down his arm. 

Blinded by pain and rage, the otter rushed forward, bringing the sword down upon the stoat’s shoulder. 

Ragen winced slightly, but continued to block Damon as the otter slowly tired. 

He was now fighting for his life. 

Mika, her back to the forest, sent arrow after arrow spinning off into melee. 

The slaves were losing, some had dropped their weapons and a few had frozen in terror, but not all. A beautiful yet fierce young squirrel, a short sword in each hand, spun like a deadly whirlwind. Mika was unable to shoot anywhere near the squirrel for fear of hitting her. 

Sinwell and his brothers needed no help and Kelley had disappeared. 

Rats were closing in on two shrews, which had been cornered agents the wall. 

Mika’s arrows took one out, then another. 

That’s better. She said to herself as the shrews chased the rats around to the other side. 

She glanced back to Damon and was horrified at what she saw. 

The black otter lay on his back, Ragen stood over him. 

Damon held half of the sword; the rest was embedded in the dungeon door. 

Mika could tell that he was wounded badly. 

Notching an arrow to her bow, she aimed at the stoat.

“Ye die.” 

Her bow crashed uselessly to the ground, spilt in half by the very saber that was now pressed agents her throat. 

Aviso grinned wickedly.

“Ye die.” he repeated.

Damon struggled to his feet.

 “Look what ye have done.” Growled Ragen, gesturing around. 

“You and your guards can always give in.” Damon gasped.

“Never! Ye will pay fro this.” Ragen lunged forward. 

At the last moment, Damon stepped to the side and droved the broken sword deep into the stoat’s chest. 

Ragen dropped lifeless to the ground.

Black Iron the Assassin #10: Archer's Plan

Mika lat on a low branch of a giant oak tree, gazing around at the partly lit forest. 

The full moon shone overhead. 

I hope this works. Mika thought before taking a deep breath. 

She let out a bloodcurdling scream. 

Her voice echoed.

It was not long before she picked up the sound of branches braking and leaves crunching underfoot. 

The rat stumbled noisily toward her. 

Muttering to himself, he looked fearfully at the trees and bushes. 

An arrow flew beside his head, burring itself deep into a nearby tree. 

The rat shrieked and started to run away. 

Mika’s voice sliced threw the air. “Move another step, rat, and me next arrow goes between ye eyes.” 

The terrified skidded to a halt and sank down, burying his face in his hands. 

Mika quickly climbed down the tree and stood over the rat. 

“Do nah hurt me. me didn' do anythin'.” he whimpered.

 “Look at me.” The raccoon said sharply. The art turned his eyes on her. 

“Do nah hurt me.” he repeated. 

Mika bared her teeth menacingly, causing the rat to cringe. 

“Where is my friend?” she growled.

 “Me dunno--” 

She shook him roughly. “Damon, a black otter. Where is he?” 

“In th' dungeon. But me didn' 'ave anythin' t' do wit'. Aviso did it.” he wined. 

“Is he all by himself? Answer me!” She demanded. 

“No, no. He be wit' a otter slave 'n a fox.” he answered, shaking his head. 

Mika paused to consider that for a moment before turning back to the rat. “You take the message to Damon, and swear to delver it into his hands, and only him, I will allow ye to live. If he does not get it or Ragen ends up with it, then me arrows will find you. You will not escape from me. Have I made myself clear?” she growled.

 “Me give it t' otter only. Me promise.” he said.

 “You better.” she handed him the paper. 

“Go!” she ordered. 

The rat disappeared into the darkness and Mika returned to the safety of the cave. 

Damon scanned the paper that had been slid threw a crack in the wall.

 “Mika and your father will free the slaves during the duel and arm those who wish to fight.” he said slowly.

 “That help.” said Swuro, from where he sat in the corner. 

Kelley turned to Damon. “You and your friend have done so much for my family.” she said gratefully. 

Damon ripped the paper into strips. “And without you I’d have starved.” he answered. “How much food is left?” 

“Only a little.” she sighed. 

“Save it for tomorrow. We’ll need all are strength.” he said, dividing the paper among himself, Kelley and Swuro.

“Eat this.” he ordered. They took it without complaining and quickly swallowed it.  

“Now, how do we win this battle? You know the guards, Swuro. Any ideas?”

Black Iron the Assassin #9: Swuro

“Wha' be this?” Damon was awakened by the harsh voice of his guard. 

Startled, he jumped to his feet to see the rat peering threw the dungeon bars, an angry look on his face. That was no surprised; Aviso was always angry. 

Beside Damon, Kelley stood up, blinking her eyes sleepily. “Damon, why--” With a gasp, she staggered backwards, leaning agents the wall.

“Where’d she come from?” Aviso demanded. 

“You should know that. It was your guard watching the door.” Damon answered. 

Aviso’s cold eyes glittered dangerously as he left, slamming the door behind him. A moment later a scream split the air, causing Damon to cringe. 

He wiped his head around. “Give me the daggers.” He said quickly, knowing the rat would return. Kelley dashed to where she had buried the sack and stared digging, sending dirt flying in every direction. 

The door opened again and Aviso entered, this time with three rats and a fox behind him.

 “Hurry!” Damon whispered to Kelley, his heart pounding as he noticed the blood glistening on Aviso’s saber. 

The fox opened the iron-bared door, stepping toward the otter maiden as she tried to untie the sack. “Throw it here!” Damon said. 

She tossed the bag. Seeing this, the fox turned, slowing walking in his direction. 

Damon tried to grab it, but it was just out of reach. 

The manacles dug into his wrist, causing blood to stream down his arms.

 “Kelley, help.” he gasped. 

He looked up at an “oof” from the fox, who staggered back a few feet. 

Kelley picked up the sack and held out one of the daggers, a fierce light shinning in her eyes. “Thanks.” Damon said, taking the dagger and pointing it at the fox, who lingered uncertainly by the door. 

“Stay back.” Damon warned. 

But Aviso pushed him forward, saying “Hurry 'n get th' lass.” 

The fox snarled in a low, heavily accented voice, “No push Swuro.” 

Damon tightened his grip on the dagger as the fox came toward him. “Stop.” he warned before the blade whizzed by the fox’s head, sticking into the wall behind him. 

The fox retreated back to the door. “Me not be killed by otter. Me done with this.” he said, shaking his head. 

Damon watched as Aviso brought the flat of his saber down on the fox’s head with a smack. Swuro crumpled to the ground. 

Sniggering, the rats left, locking the doors behind them. 

After a moment of stunned silent Kelley rushed over to the unconscious fox. 

Damon waited as she put her head to his chest. “He’s alive.” she said. “But his head is bleeding badly.” 

“Do what you can for him.” Damon decided. “He might be of use to us later.” 

It was midday when the fox awoke. 

After sitting up, he looked intently at Damon. “You Black Iron?” he asked. 

“Yes.” the otter answered, surprised that the fox knew his name.

 “Friends of ye outside.” Swuro said. 

“Who?” Damon asked curiosity. 

“Shrew brothers, squirrel, mouse, all warriors.” Swuro answered. 

“The Wave Warriors are here?” Damon asked, rising to his feet “They were supposed to arrive after to take down the vermin after I have killed Ragen, not before”. 

The fox nodded. “Slaves.” 

Damon’s hope faded instantly and he sat back down. 

“There are more slaves then?” Kelley asked.

 Swuro nodded again. 

“They can‘t be. No one can capture them.” Damon said quietly.

The fax shrugged his shoulders.

“How many guards are on the island?” Kelley asked.

“Thirty, more on ships.” the fox answered. 

Kelley asked, “Who’s side are you on anyway, Swuro?”

“Me fight agents Aviso. Me kill rats.” the fox growled. 

Kelley turned to Damon. “He fights with us.” she said triumphantly. 

“Three vs. Thirty.” Damon said. “This will go down in history.” 

“Only if someone alive tell it.” Swuro added grimly.