Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Puppeteer ❯ The Journey begins ( Chapter 8 )

Hello everybody!

 

Today's my birthday and the older you get the more common it becomes to give something (spend a beer to your friends, go out for dinner with your family,…) instead of receiving gifts. But virtual food and beer is not that tasty and satisfying so I give you something to read instead. I hope you like it; it's a long chapter! I dedicate that chapter to my beta Cassie, who totally made me grin by sending me some really nice (and hot!) surprises, and to my reviewers who always make me smile with their comments. Cheers to all of you!

 

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The Journey begins

 

I went straight to bed, to my own room this time. Sorr'an knew his way around enough to find the examination room we slept in the last night and he sure was a big boy so he could sleep alone. I needed to hold my distance, to keep my thoughts and feelings in check. Tomorrow we would leave and a good night's sleep was what I needed now. Who knows when I would have a good, soft bed the next time?

 

My dreams were strange, one incoherent scene after another. Sometimes I was half asleep with these strange impressions still on my mind, making them seem more real. There was my mother; in flames, approaching me to hug me. Dreams of Arias paying Kip to poison my beer, Belathia holding up that semen-sucking worm that was bigger and the teeth even sharper. I dreamt of Sorr'an smiling at me and then slowly stabbing my eyes with two beautiful daggers that turned into wooden knives, splinters boring into my skin and orbs. A strong, black-skinned hand reached for my face, so big my head easily fit into it, closing around it…

 

I sat up, blinking into the first sunrays. The dreams faded, only fragments tickling the edge of my mind. I felt well-rested although I remembered that the night was full of uneasy dreams. Anyway, time to rise and get ready for the day, the start of our journey.

 

I got up and washed my body and face thoroughly with the cold water, then dressed in simple, functional travel clothing, shouldered my backpack and left for the library to meet Arias. I reached the bibliotheca and there was a notice attached to the door that read `Cellar lab' so I went downstairs into the basement and pounded against a thick steel door. It opened with a creaking sound and a warm wind that held strange odors blew into my face. Seconds later I could hear a screeching sound followed by something that sounded like an explosion, just without the rattling noise that normally accompanied it. I cautiously went into the room. I knew Arias would meet me because no one was allowed to wander around the cellar lab on their own. There were areas I never saw and I only once gave into my curiosity and tried to explore them on my own. The result was that I got beaten by Arias - and it was the only time he ever raised his hand against me - after getting healed by him and Gerald from several severe injuries. Gerald was also offered the possibility to beat me but declined. Instead I was the personal stable boy of Arjunoor for a year - I had wished he had given me a beating.

 

I set aside my backpack and I waited for about five minutes before Arias arrived, bags under his eyes showing he had worked the whole night.

 

“Good morning, Niven. It's good you're awake!”

 

“Good morning to you, too. It would have been good if you had gotten some sleep.”

 

Arias waved the comment aside. “I have everything ready for you and Gerald should be done with the preparation for your food.” He opened up a big package and gave me its contents piece by piece, explaining what they were. Glittering powder, a great distraction in fight if your enemy doesn't reckon with it. A disinfecting herb, medium effectiveness but without the narcotic side effects stronger medicine has. Pain killer, styptics and other dried herbs that went into the pouches at my belt and a few, especially valuable ones, into my vest. Then Arias surprised me by presenting a small rack with twelve phials in it. “Okay, now listen. I know, you know, what is what, but again. This purple liquid is an antidote to most poisons. After opening the phial, apply or drink it within five minutes or it will become a very strong poison that kills you within thirty heartbeats. The pale yellow ones are to oppress the symptoms of illnesses so that your body can heal and fight it. You remember how to apply it, right? Drink it pure to fight illnesses without fever, mix your blood in it if the illness comes with a fever. You can also use it to keep your body warm, but only for half a day. And don't waste it for its other effect!” He stared at me warningly and I rolled my eyes but nodded. “Good. The last, the deep green ones are concentrated healing potions. One should suffice to heal several deep cuts, close huge wounds or let bones and sinew grow together again. Never apply it directly in its pure concentration or the shock of the forced healing could kill you. Use blood as a thinner or saliva, but blood is much better. You got it?”

 

“Yes Arias. Thank you that will be helpful.” I bowed my head in thanks when he laid a waxed binder and a small box that was pitch-black on the table. I looked up and he smiled at me.

 

“That's a map of Suenarie, with all the discoveries I made when I was young, completed with your discoveries. It has different layers for different information.” He pushed the binder into my hand and I opened it and unfolded a map that was extremely detailed. Streets, forests, lakes, towns and cities were marked and when I touched a symbol at the upper right corner the view changed and I could see the heights of the landscape. Touching another icon and I gasped as blue, silver and golden lines shimmered on the surface, even some black and violet ones among them.

 

“Magic concentration lines?” I asked in amazement.

 

“Yeah. And here,” he pointed to a small pen-shaped metal piece that was plugged in a loop at the bottom, “you can make your own additions. Either into the existing maps or,” pushing another emblem and the marking on the maps vanished except for orientation points like mountains, rivers and huge cities, “on a completely new one. When you come back I will take over your additions.”

 

“That's great! Thanks a lot!”

 

“Here, you know what this is, right?” Arias slid the small, black box over to me. I opened it and smiled.

 

“A magic compass!”

 

Arias nodded. “Here, this needle points to north. This one points to Arrandar and this one is a magic detector. Drib a drop of your blood on it so that it won't point at you. And these two are for you and Sorr'an. Again a droplet of your blood on one and one of Sorr'an on the other.” Arias gave me a needle and I pricked the fingertip of my thumb, dribbling my blood on the magic needle and then on one of the black ones, that took a deep purple after a moment. “Good and now this.” Arias held up three items, a big bottle with a clear fluid in it, a medium sized one with blue gel and another phial with a red liquid.

 

My eyes budged, I blushed and stammered: “The hell?! I… You…” Taking a calming breath I gritted out: “I have no use for these, Arias. Thank you, but no.”

 

Arias grinned. “Oh come on!”

 

“No! What for? I don't have much space left in my vest pocket, so no!”

 

But the Dhuran mage just kept grinning. “Oh yes. It doesn't hurt to take it with you and I'm sure you will be grateful to me.” The grin disappeared from his face and he presented another phial to me. This one was much smaller, containing a black liquid, golden threads dancing in it. I stopped breathing for a moment, eyes going wide and when I mouthed `Is it real?' Arias nodded and added sternly: “Yeah. Take care of it! It's more worth than everything else together. Protect it with your life and only use it when it's absolutely necessary. Be careful though, it can have… Unwanted and hefty secondary effects. If you spill it or break the phial I will come and kill you. I mean it!”

 

I took the small phial with shaky hands and hid it in the safest place in the time-space pocket of my vest. After a pointed look from Arias I grudgingly also put the remaining three bottles into it. Then I furrowed my eyebrows. “I appreciate all this excellent help, but it's so much… Do you think I will need all of this?”

 

Arias sighed. “I hope not, but…”

 

I frowned at my mentor. “You had a vision?”

 

The Dhuran mage rubbed his palm over his face and looked old and tired for a moment, an expression I only saw once and it ended in big trouble for everyone. “No vision, no precognition. More a foreshadowing. Everything was blurred but I had a feeling of unshirkable doom the whole time. Niven,” his eyes bored into mine, “they are after Sorr'an. And after you. Be careful!”

 

When he looked away I shook my head to get my thoughts in order. “They?” I asked.

 

“I don't know. I didn't see faces, didn't hear voices or names. Some were human, some were not. But they all meant great threat!”

 

I blinked then smirked. “Yeah, but you misunderstood that. I will be the great threat for them. I came out of every shit that stood in my way, so don't worry about me and the kitten. I take care of him and come back. Prepare a statue of me, a beautiful girl in one arm and a handsome guy in my other, one foot on the head of a demon whose tongue hangs out of his mouth. Oh and make the girl and boy naked, I would like that!”

 

Arias snorted but then grinned. “Perhaps I make a statue of you and Sorr'an, have you kneel in front of him and propose to him.”

 

I made a face but then hugged my mentor. “I will come back. Take care of your old bones and don't worry!”

 

Hugging me back Arias replied: “Yeah, just be cautious Niven.” Increasing the pressure a little he added: “And take your chances!”

 

I rolled my eyes when I retreated but said nothing, shouldered my backpack and waved my goodbye at Arias then left for the kitchen.

 

In the kitchen Gerald and Elise had prepared a solid meal, fried meat and bacon, scrambled eggs with onions in them, bread, butter and fruits. Sorr'an sat on a chair in the corner where the table stood and munched on a strip of bacon. I nodded my good morning to all three and took a place, digging in. “It's delicious, Gerald, Elise!” I said between bites but otherwise the meal was spent in silence and not a very comfortable one.

 

When I was done, I stood up and looked at Sorr'an. “Have you packed your backpack?” The catboy nodded and before he could say anything I added. “I need a droplet of blood for this magic compass. This way the needle will always point in your direction and if we are divided I can find you. This one,” I pointed at the deep violet digit, “shows my position.”

 

Sorr'an nodded, took a small knife and held his thumb over the remaining black needle. The moment he cut his finger Elise dropped a heavy iron pan, the clattering sound startling the catboy and me and he smeared his blood all over the compass.

 

“I'm sorry, I hope I didn't ruin anything…” Elise stammered out.

 

“Nah, it's okay.” I calmed her and washed the compass in a nearby bowl of water. When all blood was washed away I could see the black needle turned blue at the base that turned into a crimson red towards the tip. “It worked, so everything is fine.” I regarded Gerald. “Have you prepared something for the first days of our journey?”

 

Gerald nodded. “Of course Master Niven.” He offered both Sorr'an and me a bundle. “Smoked sausages, beef jerky, salt meat, dried fruits and zwieback. And for the next few days I also added salted fish and for today fresh fish,” he looked at Sorr'an, “and fresh fruits.” He looked at me. Then the servant laid a small package on each of the bundles. “Flints, white iron pyrite and waterproof packed spunk. I even got each of you a pack of matches.” When I started to protest Gerald held up his hand. “I know Master Niven, you insist that you don't need them but they may come in handy. And here are your waterskins.” He handed me a big one that could be attached to the backpack and a smaller one for the belt. He gave Sorr'an a smaller one, too, and then, while handing him the taller one, added: “In this one is milk. Elise cooked it so it should be stable for a few days.” A big grin appeared on the catboy's face and he took the tube and hugged first the medium who looked a little surprised then Elise who blushed a little. Gerald showed me three small pouches. “Here, this is Elise's spice mix, mine and this is the concentrated salt mix that you can use to corn meat underway.” He tied the three bags together with a leather cord and offered me them. I took them with a handshake and thank you, smiling at Elise whose blush intensified some. I saw some motion out of the corner of my eyes but when I turned my head I could only see the impassive face of Gerald and Sorr'an sniggered softly away.

 

I shook my head and said my goodbye then left to the last place I needed to visit before we could leave. Sorr'an silently followed me, the backpack we bought yesterday for him on his shoulders. When I reached my room I pressed my hands against a panel, concentrated for a moment and then the tile slid soundlessly back. In the small alcove hung weapons at the wall and I glided my hand over them. I then took a two-edged poniard and slid it in a scabbard of my right bootleg, an overlong stiletto with a dark green marbled blade into my left sheathe and a jet-black katzbalger in the right sheathe at my belt. A scabbard for six throwing knives was attached to me right rear and one for four to my left rear. At the end I hid a dirk and a hunting knife behind my vest. I secured all weapons with leather strap so that they couldn't clatter against each other. I then looked at Sorr'an who had watched me getting armed. “Hey Sorr'an, do you know how to fight with weapons?”

 

Sorr'an nodded. “I know. But I only use these.” With this he protracted his talons; his fingernails getting longer, stronger, thicker and pointier; the edges seemingly very sharp. I thought for a moment - there were two weapons in the alcove I never had used but I kept them because of their beauty and mysterious power they held which I wasn't able to decipher so far. I took them out of their holder, showing them to Sorr'an. They were two katars with a leather harness but instead of a blade that pointed straight forward it stuck out in a right angle and then were crooked backwards till they paralleled to the forearms like a bent back claw. Sorr'an breathed in sharply and then took a tentative step towards me. “N'rrors! Where did you get these?”

 

“I can't remember.” I lied nonchalantly. Sorr'an didn't seem to notice because he lifted his arms like he was in trance. “Do you know what they are?”

 

“Yes. They are N'rrors. The claws of a Katze king. These weapons were used when all Katze tribes had a leader, hundreds of big wheels of the moon ago.” Centimeters before his fingers touched the blade he looked in my eyes. “Can I touch them?”

 

I shrugged and turned them over and he buckled them on. They fitted well. “Do you know how to use them?”

 

Sorr'an shook his head and stepped back, swung his arms testing around. Unfastening them he presented them back to me hesitantly. “Here…”

 

“Take them. I tried them but they don't really suit my fighting style.”

 

“Really?” Sorr'an looked at me disbelieving.

 

“Sure. I rather have a good armed comrade at my side.”

 

“Wow, thank you!” The catboy took a step towards and opened his arms as if he wanted to hug me but then faltered and let them drop. “Erm… Thank you.”

 

“You're welcome. But keep them in your backpack for the time being.” I turned and reached for a jewel box that stood at the bottom of the alcove. Opening it I took out four small pouches and let one slip into the bootleg of my left boot, pressed against a hidden mechanism with the tip of one dagger and hid another bag in the case that jumped out of the boot heel. The third went into an inside pocket of my vest and I threw the fourth to Sorr'an who was still inspecting the… N'rrors. Damn, this language is damn hard to pronounce. He caught it. “Good reflexes. This pouch contains money, enough to get you down to Driamor, the city we think your tribe isn't far away from. If we ever get separated you can use it to purchase things. Watch me use the money and I will teach you what to do with it but whatever you do, never lose the pouch. Keep it hidden till I think you're good enough to use it on your own. And don't let some cut-purse steal the money, so wear it close to your body. Understood?” Sorr'an nodded.

“Okay, I see you have hidden your tail, that's good. You should also always wear the hood attached to your shirt on your head while we're underway, because we don't want you recognized as a Katze.” Sorr'an put on his hood that his cat ears quite well. “Good, then let's get going. If we hurry we might reach an inn to stay the night.”

 

We reached the inn at dusk, a small house at a crossing. Farmers from the surrounding areas met here to drink and for travelers it was the last roadhouse before Arrandar - or the first one behind the city. We entered the dining area, the air heavy with the mixture of tobacco and grass that the farmers smoked and the smell of alcohol, sweat and food.

 

“Okay Sorr'an, take a place while I get us some food and a pitcher of beer.” The catboy nodded, slid his backpack from his shoulder and took a seat at a small table in a corner. I went to the counter and greeted the barkeeper. “Good evening. What's for dinner tonight?”

 

The barman, a thin man with small eyes that darted nervously around and straggly, greasy dark hair, pointed over his shoulder. “We slaughtered a lamb. So lamb roast with mashed potatoes.”

 

“Good, two servings and a pitcher of beer and two mugs. Do you serve?”

 

The barkeeper snorted. “No. Wait a minute.” He went to the grill and cut two portions of lamb roast then added what looked like yellow mucus to the plates and set it down in front of me. He took a pitcher, dipped it into a big barrel and filled it with beer. Two wooden beakers completed my order. “Four copper coins.”

 

“I want a room with two beds.”

 

“Okay, we have one free. Seven copper coins then.” He placed a key on the counter.

 

I counted the money on the table, taking the money not from one of my pouches but from my trouser pockets where I kept a small amount of coins. I took the key, plates and mugs, turned and saw Sorr'an watching me. Good, that was his first lecture on money. I put the plates and beakers down on the table and took a seat. Before I could say a thing a man stepped to our table. He was tall, slim and had wavy white hair but was young. An aquiline nose dominated his face and contrasted his noble facial feature. He wore a long, blue robe, no ornaments or embroideries decorating it.

 

“Good evening gentlemen. I saw you walking down the street. You're leaving the city, right?” He didn't let me answer. “I think it would be much safer to travel at a party of three, don't you think. The chance that some highwayman will try anything is much smaller. I would like to accompany you - I will be of help, no question about it!”

 

I scrutinized him for a moment. No tattoos but he didn't show much skin so perhaps he was an adept or young mage. I thought for a moment before replying. “No thank you Sir, we prefer it to travel alone. But thank you for your offer.”

 

It seemed he wanted to say something but kept quiet, tipped his forehead with his index finger and left. We dug in, I with cutlery and Sorr'an with his fingers. `Okay, we have to work on that but for now it's okay.' The catboy didn't touch the mashed potatoes but only ate the roast. I couldn't blame him because from close range the slime looked even more disgusting though it thankfully was tasteless. The roast on the other hand was quite delicious. We ate in silence, washed down the food with the beer, then got up and went to our room through a narrow floor.

 

As soon as we entered the room Sorr'an shrugged the backpack from his shoulder and arched his back. “It's heavy!” he complained.

 

“You don't wear backpacks in your tribe?”

 

“We do, but not the hunters and warriors. They only hinder us!”

 

“Well, we have a long journey ahead of us and I won't carry your stuff!”

 

Sorr'an only nodded and plopped down on the bed. I put my own rucksack down, got rid of my vest, leather trousers and boots and sat down on my bunk. After some moments Sorr'an asked: “What happens when we get attacked? The seconds it takes to put down the bag…”

 

Before he could continue I walked to my backpack and took out two buckles. I kneeled down in front of Sorr'an's knapsack and waved him beside me. “Watch me.” I unwound the straps and then threaded each of them through a buckle. “Okay, put it on.” The Katze sighed but did as I told him. “Okay, now push at the buckles like that.” I showed him the motions and Sorr'an imitated them and the rucksack fell to the ground, the straps loose around his feet. “The straps and buckles will hold the backpack but release them if you lift them the right way.”

 

The catboy blinked then grinned at me. “Great! Show me again how to thread them!” I did and it only took two attempts till he figured it out. He tried it twice more and then was satisfied with the results.

 

Sitting on the edge of his bed he rolled his shoulders and groaned. I massaged my temples for a moment and then decided to help him out. It wouldn't help us if he would be all stiff the next morning. I sat behind him and gently laid my hands on his shoulders. When he turned his head and looked puzzled at me said to him: “Okay, just a short massage to loosen up your muscles so that you're not sore tomorrow. You get used to wearing a backpack soon but till then…” I started to knead his shoulder, my thumbs easing tensed muscles. Soon I was captivated with the warmth that seeped through his shirt, the feeling of the soft and strong flesh under it. Sorr'an leaned back and started to purr. I unconsciously doubled my efforts and then Sorr'an rested his head against my shoulder, his smell invading my nostrils. I blinked and retreated up my hands. `No, not again.' I cleared my throat. “I think I loosened up enough… I mean, I loosened you up enough. Time for bed, we should get moving in the early morning hours!” With this I went to my bed, not caring to undress further. I just hoped to fall asleep soon.

 

I woke up an hour before dawn and got up. I wanted to get start as early as possible because it was a four days march to the next city and there were no towns or inns on the road from now. So the earlier we get going the faster we would arrive at Dal Beron. I lighted a candle and while dressing softly called out Sorr'an's name. The catboy lifted his head and looked a little sleepily at me. “Come on, get dressed and we will get moving.”

 

Mumbling something unintelligible Sorr'an pushed back the duvet and sat up. He was naked! I looked away instantly before I realized that I behaved completely stupidly. Sorr'an was a very good looking young man who didn't seem to have problems when someone saw his body, so why not enjoy the view? I looked back and saw how he pulled up his underwear and covered his butt. Damn, now I missed the best part. I enjoyed watching Sorr'an getting dressed - graceful motions, almost no sounds. He always moved like that I realized. When he was done he looked over his shoulder and asked: “You ready?”

 

I shook my head and pulled on my boots and vest and then we took our backpacks and left the room. The kitchen was already quite busy, the landlady and two younger maidens preparing the breakfast. We got sliced roast - leftovers from the previous evening - cheese, bread and water as a cold breakfast for two coins, refilled our waterskins and then we left the inn and walked down the road.

 

It was an hour before dusk when we looked for a place to set up a camp for the night, the right time before it went too dark to do so. We had walked the whole day in silence; I tried to sort out my thoughts and dreams, Arias' warning in the back of my mind. I had caught Sorr'an once or twice as he had looked at me but I guessed he was just trying to figure out his travel companion.

 

We found a small clearing that was a little offside the road and had a small dinner with bread, fruits and fish which Sorr'an generously shared with me. I didn't want to set up a fire because of robberies that happened the last weeks between Arrandar and Dal Beron. It was a little after dusk, we had finished our meal a few minutes ago, when I heard a rustling followed by the sound of breaking branches. A quick glance to Sorr'an showed me that he had heard it, too. I held up my hand and signaled to a tree and the catboy hid behind it. I took a tree close to his and we waited for a moment and then we heard a curse. A moment later there was a flickering light and then it brightened, indicating that someone set up a fire. I looked around the tree and saw the silhouette of a person standing against the fire, their back to me. They looked into the flames and that was their mistake because that made them blind towards everything that was in the darkness around them.

 

After a small hand sign Sorr'an slid behind a bush that was a few meters to the person's left and I silently approached the figure; my right hand at my short sword, my left at my throwing knives. When I was five meters away the person spun around, calling into the darkness.

 

“Who's there?”

 

I drew my katzbalger and took a quick step to the right and two towards them, ready to attack when I recognized them. It was the guy from last night who wanted to travel with us. I lowered my weapon and took another step forward. “You shouldn't start a fire and stare into it, you know? There are bandits around.”

 

A relieved smile appeared on the man's face. “Oh, it's you. What a coincidence. Where's your companion?”

 

I lifted a brow. “Turn around. But I would do so cautiously.”

 

The man turned and froze. Sorr'an stood about half a meter away from him, slightly crouching in an attacking stance. The guy hissed. “Call him back!”

 

“What, you think I'm his master or what? But okay. Sorr'an, it's okay. I don't think he's a threat.” Sorr'an scrutinized the guy and then relaxed slightly, rounding the man till he stood at my side. “You should extinguish the fire or else you are an easy target for robbers.”

 

Smiling the guy brought out a simple stone that had a rune imprinted on it and threw it beside the fire. A second later I couldn't see the fire anymore and after the man took two steps he was also out of sight but the crackling sound from fire could still be heard. I took Sorr'an's hand and pulled him with me behind the guy and suddenly the fire was back in sight, blinding me momentarily.

 

“So you are a mage. I thought so. A Lichtbeuger, nice. But you know the fire is still audible and can be smelt.

 

The guy waved my objection aside. “The light would have betrayed me but robbers normally don't listen carefully and as long as we don't cook meat and keep the fire alive without smoke I don't think they can smell us.”

 

I thought about his arguments. He was arrogant but most likely right. “Well okay, but if you don't want to use the fire for cooking, what do you need it for then?”

 

“It's cold without one, don't you think? I also like it's cozy atmosphere.” I blinked. Cold? It was late summer and still warm enough to sleep under the sky without a blanket! “But why don't we sit down? I invite you to my fire, so we can talk. I like company and perhaps we can travel tomorrow together? If there are robbers it would be much safer. My name is Welf. Welf el'Aman nat'Murna. But Welf will be sufficient.”

 

I looked at Sorr'an who shrugged. “Well, thank you for the offer. We will take it. My name is Niven and this is Sorr'an. We will fetch our backpacks and then join you.” Welf nodded and we turned and went to our first campsite.

 

“How did he make the fire disappear?” Sorr'an wanted to know.

 

“He used a Lichtbeuger, a stone that contains a spell that deflects the light so that you can't see what's happening in a circle where the Lichtbeuger works.” Sorr'an nodded and kept his face straight. “It's magic.” I added.

 

“Yeah, I understood that. You think it will work?”

 

“Well, it tricked you, right?”

 

Sorr'an snorted and picked up his backpack then returned to the campfire and I followed him with my rucksack in hands. Welf had set up a tripod, a water-filled kettle dangled from it over the fire. He looked up when we sat down. “Ah, you're back. Excuse me for a moment, I have to attend to personal needs.” With this he stood up and vanished into the dark.

 

I looked at Sorr'an. “What do you think about him?” I asked quietly.

 

“I don't know. He's a little weird, smells weird. But he tries to hide it.”

 

“Well, he's a magician. Be careful around him, okay?”

 

Some moments later Welf returned and took three cups out of his knapsack. He filled them with hot, steaming water and then gave one to each of us. He opened a pouch that dangled at the rope that was slung around his waist, took some red-looking leafs out of it and added them to the water in our mugs. “These are southern cherry leafs, they have a mild aroma and help to relax.” he explained. I looked warily at the cup in my hands but when Welf added the same leafs from the same pouch to his own water and took a sip I tasted it, too. It was a little bitter with hints of cherry and actually tasted quite well.

 

“It's good. May I ask where you learned and what kind of magician you are?”

 

“I was taught by a mage that lived alone in a desert far south from here. He taught me the art of seeing in a magic way, to observe my surrounding with magic eyes.”

 

“Which university took your test and initiated you?”

 

Welf blushed a little and scratched his cheek, avoiding my gaze. “I didn't get initiated yet. That's why I'm traveling over the continent, from university to university.”

 

“Who tested you at Arrandar?”

 

“Lady Nad'Norna.”

 

“Belathia? But she's the First Magicae Communicatia of the West. Why would she test an unknown scholar from another special field?”

 

“Lord Warko wasn't available and he took his whole staff with him on an expedition. The First Magicae looked at all scholars and then decided to test me.” Well, Lord Warko was famous that he almost never was at the university but taking one expedition after another. That Belathia chose this boy to test him was no wonder - he was quite attractive and that small blush on his cheek gave him an innocent note that made him even more appealing.

 

“She… tested you, hmm? I wonder why you haven't passed; young, healthy men are her favorite… test-objects.”

 

Welf blushed more and coughed. “I couldn't help her with what she wanted because I'm not interested in that way.”

 

I grinned and nodded. “I see and she let you fail. Sounds like her.”

 

Looking at Sorr'an Welf commented: “He's not very talkative, is he?”

 

“No, he likes to keep to himself.”

 

Welf nodded and we talked for a little longer and then decided to go to sleep, so I rested my head on my backpack and fell asleep. I knew if Welf would try anything I would wake up and Sorr'an didn't seem to have a deep sleep, too. Besides Welf was an adept of magic seeing and that didn't pose a big threat.

 

The next day we traveled in a group of three. Welf was nice company. A little chatty but it was endurable. His Lichtbeuger was a good thing so we could set up a fire at night. While I sparked the campfire that evening Sorr'an let his backpack slide down to the ground and groaned, rolling his shoulders.

 

Welf looked at him. “Well Sorr'an, are you stiff? These backpacks can be a pain in the ass, right?” The catboy nodded. “I can give massages. If you want, I would relax your muscles a little. Sit down.”

 

Sorr'an did as he was told and Welf kneeled behind him, starting to run his hands over the little guy's back. I squinted my eyes when the scholar slipped his hands under Sorr'an's shirt and kneaded the shoulders. The catboy started to purr in a low voice and then leaned back, pressing into the touches.

 

“I'll go and get some firewood; perhaps you two can make yourselves useful and boil some water.” I snapped at them and then left the clearing. I fumed - massages could be done later, it was time to set up the camp! I hit my fist against a tree when the images of Sorr'an leaning purring back into other hands flashed through my minds. Anyway, firewood.

 

When I returned to the camp Welf flashed me a smirk but I ignored it, took my meal and then laid down immediately - if they want to exchange massages I wasn't needed.

 

The next day's travel was uncomfortable. Welf was talkative as ever but I didn't want to listen, didn't want to hear that bugging voice.

 

When we struck a camp this evening Welf offered Sorr'an another massage and I left to get firewood. `One has to take care of the chores!' When I was back they had started a fire with the few branches that were scattered over the clearance and a steamy cup waited on my place. Sorr'an looked sleepy, his eyes drooping. `Pfft, massages wear you out…'

 

I took a seat and drank the hot, flavored water. “Go to sleep Sorr'an, if you're tired. We need to get up early tomorrow and perhaps we can reach Dal Beron by nightfall.”

 

Sorr'an didn't react. “Hey, did you hear me? Sorr'an?”

 

It was Welf who answered. “I think he's a little indisposed.” He walked around me and presented me his bare forearm, holding it in front of my face while kneeling behind me. I could see a black-inked tattoo; a circle made out of words I couldn't decipher, snakes winded around them, a heptagram in the ring, double-lined and in its center a claw that looked like it reached out of it. Before I could react he drew back his arm and then closed my eyelids with his fingers. I tried to open them again but I couldn't. I panicked and tried to stand up but my body disobeyed my order.

 

Welf's voice sounded. “Don't try to move, you won't be able to do so. And now that your eyes are closed you won't be able to use your powers, demoneyes!” I mentally cringed with the words. “You were too careless, Puppeteer. Did you think I didn't recognize what you are? Oh, perhaps you thought that I, a small scholar of magic seeing who learned in a secluded desert, wouldn't know of your kind. But maybe you know the tattoo that is inked on my forearm?”

 

His voice took a proud and arrogant tinge. “The Black University of Udwayon. We have the best demonologists in whole Suenarie. So of course I know about cursed demons in human forms like you.”

 

I could feel his breath against my ear when he leaned forward. “But your companion, the reason you're so jealous, is even more interesting. A Katze. Did you think I wouldn't notice? When we meet at the clearing that evening? His claws were prolonged. And his name, such a nice Katze name.” Welf chuckled. “His name. You revealed his true name to me. How delicious. All I had to do was to beshrew the leafs of the demon cherry with a Morkran'ol curse and direct it to him.”

 

Welf's voice now sounded farther away. “I don't think a low being like you knows anything about this curse, this poison. Morkran'ols are demons that fulfils your desire; the desire of lust and flesh. But they make you addicted; you cannot find pleasure and satisfaction anymore in what humans can offer. You crave for their service till they devour you and make you their slave.

Their curse is not that harsh but heat will fill your veins. First you fall asleep, like that Katze here did, but when you wake up, you seek, no, you need release again and again. You will fall for the one that gives it to you first, become their slave and obey their wishes even if they destroy you.”

 

Welf was silent for a moment and then his breath fell in my face when he spoke again. “I will give this Katze his first release after letting him suffer for as long as possible. Did you know that the longer the release is denied the worse the pain and heat become? But if it is given then, the devotion of the slave to his master is even bigger!

I don't like man despite all my flirting - oh how funny you acted - so the Katze won't enjoy the release but that's not important. I have thought about what I will do with him once he's my slave. I could sell him to an immensely rich merchant. The transfer of my control over the Katze to a new owner is exhausting but for enough money it's doable.

Or I will whore him out - do you know that only the richest merchants, magicians and politicians can afford a Katze slave? They are rare these days. I heard that Katzes make great pleasure slaves once they are tamed. So when I whore him out I will do society a favor, don't you think. Spreading joy and fun among so many people…

And when he's broken and decrepit I will give him to people who pay to torture him beyond repair, to death if they want. Did you know there are people who love it to agonize and torment someone till they die a long, painful death? I once saw it - it's not a nice view, but they pay very much money and I think they will pay even more for a Katze.

Then I can sell his tail, slice per slice. His tail alone is worth a fortune! I think I will keep some slices for me. I've heard the effect is incredible.

What do you think demoneyes? Does it sound like a good plan to you?”

 

The demonologist took my chin roughly in his hands and nodded my head harshly. “Thought so. It's only a pity that I met you two together. I can't cast a curse for two people at once and you have to admit a Katze is worth more money - who would pay to have sex with you? Perhaps some magicians would want you because of your eyes, but not nearly as much as I will earn with the Katze.

Still, a Puppeteer to my every beck and call, it was tempting. But don't fear, your death won't be without profit for me. I will take your treasures, your eyes. Maybe I can learn something from them? Or my master will be thankful to get such nice study objects.”

 

I could feel a sharp blade pressed against my eyelids. After a moment it wandered down to my throat. “I'm not a cruel man, Puppeteer. I will kill you before I cut out these gates to hell. You should be grateful.”

 

The pressure against my skin rose, nicked it and Welf hissed: “Now die, demoneyes!”

 

 

<<<----------------------------------------------->&g t;>

 

That's it for now. I hope you enjoyed the chapter - I did enjoy writing it!

I guess not everyone knows what the weapons Niven wears looks like, so here are some links with description, picture and stuff:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katzbalger

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poniard

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stilletto

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirk