Phase Shifting

By T.M. Nielsen

Kyrin finds herself in uncharted territory when a shift out of a routine mission turns badly. She has to overcome her independence and enlist the help of Sithias to figure things out, but the turmoil that ensues may be more than she can handle. The gods of the dimensions are forced to make drastic decisions about a key member of their order when he oversteps his authority and pulls every dimension into chaos.

Kyrin can no longer tell what is real and what isn’t. Those around her try to help, but they are unaware of what is truly going on in the vast universe of the dimensions. Only Kyrin, with the help of dimension gods, can right what has been wronged, but at a high price.

• Language: English
• Publisher: T.M. Nielsen
• Release date: Apr 15, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370389759

T.M. Nielsen

T.M. Nielsen doesn't necessarily consider herself an author. She's an every-day woman who had a story to tell. Never intending to let anyone else read it, she decided to put it all down on paper. What she ended up with is a fascinating tale filling books full of drama, adventure, action, romance, and excitement.When asked why she decided to publish, she stated, "I want for others to be able to forget about problems in life and to lose themselves in my world... the world of the heku. While I write, I laugh, cry, grin, gasp, and my heart races. I want others to experience that too."T.M. Nielsen is a computer tech by trade and lives with her husband and two beautiful daughters. She's the author of Amazon.com's bestselling series The Heku Series and the Dimensions Saga, along with a Heku Series spin-off book called Return of the Encala. She's been listed numerous times on Apple's Breakout Books and on Amazon.com's top 20 in Fantasy.**** From TM ****I updated my books all the time! Check back often for new, cleaner versions. I can't afford an editor, but any time I hear of an error, I fix it immediately.

Book preview

Phase Shifting

Book 10 of the Dimensions Saga

By T.M. Nielsen

Published by T.M. Nielsen at Smashwords

Find us at

http://www.dimensionssaga.com

Copyright © 2017 by T.M. Nielsen

Digital Edition, License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Chapter 1

Kyrin walked along the long line of knights. They each held one of her custom made crossbows. Targets stood down the grassy area from them, and Ryche shouted out instructions and tips for shooting the powerful weapon. She hated how the same weapon was once used to kill her, but it was the perfect weapon for protecting the Valharans from the unrelenting attacks of the Qualsax, which were growing in strength and frequency over the last year.

Okay, Ryche shouted out. Start practicing. When you’ve expended your fifty bolts, wait until everyone is done and then retrieve them and do it again.

The knights began shooting. It didn’t take them long to become proficient with the weapon, because the crossbows were built for ease of use. The accuracy was astounding, and coupled with sheer power, they were a deadly weapon never before seen in Paragoy Dimension.

When Kyrin first saw the specialized crossbows while in the Shadowmere’s compound, she instantly knew it would give the Valharans an advantage over any enemy that ever dared to attack it. It took weeks, but she was able to sketch out the exact specifications of the crossbow, which allowed the Valharan weaponsmith to replicate it.

So? Kyrin asked when Ryche approached her. He was outfitted in shiny Valharan armor that bore the cross of Sithias on his chest. Ryche was now an inch taller than Alric and was solidly built and muscular, which helped him when he was forced to melee an enemy.

It’ll give them a huge advantage when the Qualsax attack. Now, we can avoid some hand-to-hand and take them out as they approach.

Kyrin just nodded. They need more than 50 bolts a piece.

The blacksmiths are working on making a lot more of them, along with integrating the poison you gave them.

She noticed some disdain in his voice. It’s not a shadow elf poison, and it will render them unconscious within ten seconds and death within 20. It’s fairly painless.

So I’ve heard.

I liked the exploding bolts better.

Knights were shooting too close to themselves and getting in the blast.

It’s not my fault if they can’t stay back.

I’m honestly surprised that Lord Sithias allowed this poison.

He knows what’s best.

Ryche forced back a smile and watched his knights. He’d become a strong leader that the knights greatly respected.

What? Kyrin asked, glancing at him suspiciously.

Nothing

I know why you’re about to smile.

He finally smiled broadly.

Stop it.

Just go.

I don’t want to.

It’s been two days.

Right, and I was there for the birth. Why do I have to go visit now?

Mom, it’s your granddaughter, Ryche reminded her.

I’m well aware of that.

Sedomer has another twelve days off before he has to return to the temple. Why not go visit the baby while he’s there?

You just don’t want me to be alone with Zarrah.

That’s not why, and you know it.

I’m also very busy.

You do scare her.

Kyrin shrugged.

I guess I could go with you.

You’re busy.

Anders can watch the knights.

Drop it, Ryche.

He nodded and smiled while watching his knights practice. Since Kyrin had killed the knight’s captain while under demonic influence, Anders had taken over as their captain and was doing a remarkable job in rebuilding the knights lost in the battle in Carathis when Kyrin was about to turn into a demi-god.

And stop with the smiling thing, Kyrin said, irritated.

You’re afraid of a baby.

I am not! I’ve fought and killed the most feared men in the dimensions. I’m not afraid of an infant.

Yes, you are. The only reason you won’t go see Zarrah and Myla is because you are afraid of having to hold the baby.

Shut up, Ryche.

It’s just funny. Branwyn is there with them right now. She’ll make sure you don’t have to hold the baby.

I’m not afraid of Myla.

Then go see her.

Will you shut up if I do?

Sure, Ryche told her. No one but Kyrin was allowed to speak to a Holy Knight like that. Saying ‘shut up’ was rude and not tolerated, especially when told to a high ranking member of Sithias’ fold.

Kyrin sighed and then walked off without another word. She checked her flail and headed for where Sedomer and Zarrah were living. Several of the Valharans came out to wave at her, so she simply smiled slightly and walked on. She figured she’d never be comfortable with how many of the Valharans revered her. She had hoped after having the part of Daemionis’ soul removed from hers that she would learn to fit in better and accept how the people treated her, but it still felt foreign, and she continued to consider herself almost an outsider.

She’d complained to Alric that she felt no difference at all once Daemionis was fully taken out of her life. He assured her that things would calm down, and she would feel more comfortable, but she’d expected a more drastic change.

Once outside of Sedomer’s house, Kyrin hesitated and again checked her weapon. She saw Branwyn’s face appear at the window, seconds before the door opened.

Mom, come on in, Branwyn said, smiling. She still had a pronounced limp from the fall from her horse, but it was getting better slowly. It infuriated Kyrin when she saw it, so she was still striving to forgive Rodrick.

Kyrin bit her bottom lip and finally walked up the stairs. She could hear the baby crying from inside the house, which made her insides turn. Even with four children of her own, she hated crying babies and didn’t fully know how to handle them.

Branwyn put her hand out, but then drew it back and her smile widened when Kyrin didn’t take it. Branwyn was well aware that her mother was uncomfortable around children, and even more so around infants.

Mom, welcome, Sedomer said when she walked in. He had been reading but put his book down and stood to join her. While off duty, he didn’t wear the customary purple robes of a Valharan priest, so he looked different to Kyrin. It wasn’t often that she saw him looking casual and laid back. Sedomer and Ryche didn’t look alike, even though they were twins. Sedomer was thinner than and not as tall as Ryche, but both of them had had qualities that often reminded Kyrin of Alric.

She nodded.

Do you want to see Myla? Sedomer asked her.

No, I came to see how you are doing.

I didn’t just have a baby, so I’m fine. Sedomer reminded himself to ask Ryche how he’d gotten Kyrin to come visit. He hadn’t expected her to come over once the baby arrived.

Oh, well. She looked uncomfortably around his unpretentious home. Alric was in the process of building them a stately manor, but until it was finished, they were staying in a small house in the city.

I can bring the baby out here.

I know you can, but I’m fine.

Is it because she’s fussy?

No

Sedomer headed into the small kitchen. Can I get you anything to drink?

Kyrin simply sat down and looked around the house.

Branwyn disappeared into the bedroom and came back out, tenderly cradling her newborn niece in her arms.

Kyrin inwardly winced.

She’s so beautiful, Branwyn said, and kissed Myla’s forehead lightly.

Sedomer glanced over at his little sister and smiled. That she is.

Kyrin wanted desperately to leave. She’d rather be out helping Ryche with the knights than sitting here watching a baby whom she was afraid she was going to get wrangled into holding at some point.

Emerisa came by earlier, Branwyn said, and she began to rock the baby slowly.

Oh? What did she need?

She just came to bring the baby some clothing.

Sedomer started to say something but realized that Kyrin was gone. Did she walk out?

Nope, Branwyn told him, and then went to return Myla to her mother.

Mom hates when Lord Sithias shifts her out suddenly like that, Sedomer whispered, mostly to himself.

Yes, she does, Branwyn answered when she walked out. She said she prefers when he asks her before plucking her out of the dimension.

It must have been an emergency.

Probably, which means Ryche may be gone also.

Why don’t you go tell Dad, just in case? Sedomer suggested, and he grabbed his book and sat back down to finish it.

Branwyn nodded and ran off toward the castle.

***

Kyrin stumbled slightly. She was getting used to being ported into another dimension with no warning. She hated it, but Sithias felt that as her god, he could do it whenever he wanted and without asking. She started to yell at him for it, but she saw Ryche and Rodrick appear beside her. She tried not to scream at Sithias when his followers were present.

Ryche put his hand on his sword and looked around the dimension. Its orange sky was cloudless, and the glowing blue sun was high above them. An entire city was abandoned before them. Brick houses were still standing, but those made out of wood had burned down long ago.

Where are we now? Rodrick asked. He and Ryche were also used to being shifted out of Paragoy, though they didn’t mind it nearly as much as Kyrin did. In fact, they both loved going out into the dimensions. Their shifter blood pulled them to leave Paragoy, so when it happened, they felt at ease.

This used to be Bock’s outpost, Kyrin said, studying around them. Last I heard, it was abandoned and avoided due to the diseases that wiped out most of its population.

Rodrick instinctively put his robe’s cuff over his mouth and nose.

Diseases? Ryche asked her.

She smiled at Rodrick. I don’t know if it’s true. That’s just what I heard. I was here years and years ago, and it was a major trading hub between Kyrstalis and Windolfo Dimensions. I was later told some illness hit and wiped out the entire population.

You have no idea which illness?

No

Sepethies maybe?

Not here, Kyrin said, still looking around them.

I wonder why we’re here.

Sithias didn’t tell you?

No, he did not, Sithias said from behind them.

They all spun and dropped to one knee.

Stand, my young followers.

They all did as they were told. Because Kyrin hadn’t drawn her weapon, Ryche didn’t draw his, but he kept his hand near it.

Sithias was having fun with Kyrin’s anger at him. Kyrin, did you have something to say to me?

No, she said through clenched teeth.

You’re certain? He fully expected to be berated for not only porting her without permission but for allowing Rodrick and Ryche outside of their home dimension.

Kyrin just nodded.

My Lord? Ryche asked, trying to break up the uncomfortable exchange between his god and his mother.

Sithias kept his eyes locked on Kyrin’s. Do you know this dimension well?

I know it, but I wouldn’t say well, she said bluntly.

Do you know anything about the caves beneath the old rectory?

Yes

I need you to go into those caves and find the treasure located at its far end.

You want the gold of the Bock’s Rogues? Kyrin asked, frowning.

I do. I also want whatever else you may find on your travels.

Why? You don’t need gold.

Kyrin, Ryche said, interrupting her. It’s my duty as Holy Knight to inform you that we do as we’re asked by our god, yet we don’t question why we are doing it.

Kyrin silenced him with a glare.

Just get it for me, Sithias told her. I will send someone to take you home when you are finished.

Someone? You’re sending Erianah?

No, it won’t be Erianah.

Zatasia?

You won’t know them. They will give you proof that I sent them though, Sithias said before shimmering away.

Great, Kyrin sighed, and looked toward the town ruins. It made her nervous walking into a town that had been wiped out by a rumored disease. The last thing they needed was to carry some exotic disease into Paragoy.

Stop asking him reasons behind things, Rodrick said to his mother. He’s a good god, and he won’t send us somewhere without just cause. He also expects loyalty out of his followers.

I want to know why a god needs gold, Kyrin said.

We don’t ask. We just do it.

I want to know why though. There’s no telling what we’re going to find in those caves.

There’s only one way to find out, Ryche said, and hoisted his backpack up. He already knew what was in the pack. Sithias had sent them out on numerous missions, and each time, he included a backpack for each of them with food, water, and provisions that would keep them safe in the foreign lands.

Fine, Kyrin sighed, and then checked on her flail before heading toward the city. It just seems odd how often Sithias sends me on emergency missions, yet before I came along, he didn’t even have a shifter at his disposal. Why all of these sudden, urgent missions now?

We don’t ask.

Right

It irritated her that Ryche and Rodrick looked excited. She knew they liked the dimensions because they’d never had to travel across them while trying to survive, but she didn’t think it was worth getting excited about.

Kyrin led them silently through the town to the former rectory of the priests of Sabithia. The building was mostly rubble.

There are caves beneath this building? Rodrick asked when he moved forward to look at the rubble.

Yes, somewhere, she answered, and then carefully began to maneuver through the broken down building. Watch your step. There are lots of sharp rocks and splintered wood that would hurt you.

We know, Ryche said from behind her.

Rodrick stumbled and almost fell against spikes that’d been built into the wall, but Ryche reached out and grabbed him before he was impaled. Rodrick regained his footing and studied the blood stains on the spikes.

I told you to watch out for dangers, Kyrin said, not looking back.

Ryche just smiled at Rodrick and then they followed Kyrin. They all stopped at a metal hatch in the floor.

That’s it, Kyrin said, and tried to open it. It’s locked.

Let me see, Ryche said, bending down to inspect it.

I can try magic.

So can I, Rodrick reminded her.

Kyrin looked at him angrily and whispered, Do not speak of your magic out here! You are with us for healing, nothing more. We don’t need the dimensions to know about you.

I’m sorry, Rodrick said, and lightly bit his lower lip. He had been told that before, but he hated not being able to use his magic out in the dimensions.

Try it, Ryche said, standing back. I’m not sure we can get in without magic.

Kyrin nodded and started to rub her hands together. Hold onto something.

We don’t need anything that powerful, Ryche said. Just something small to knock the lock off.

Kyrin smiled and whispered a word that neither boy had heard before. They didn’t see anything fly out of her hands, and her hands didn’t start to glow, but the door flew off in a loud explosion and shot into the air. They all ducked when it fell back toward them and clanged to the ground at Ryche’s feet.

Got it open, Kyrin said, starting down the old, rickety stairway into the darkness.

Wait, Ryche said. Let me go first.

Just follow me. Kyrin disappeared into the black ground, so Ryche followed before Rodrick joined them. The ladder seemed to go on forever. The darkness around them was cold and damp, and it felt like they were descending down a narrow tube.

Bottom, Kyrin said finally. They could hear her step down off the ladder before she whispered a spell that caused her hands to emit a bright light.

Ryche got to the bottom and looked around. He drew his sword, just in case something attacked them. Rodrick stepped down reluctantly and touched the cross around his neck before looking at the vast caves around them. Nothing seemed extraordinary about these caves. The ladder was in a medium sized room with numerous corridors going off in every direction. There was no sign of life and even the smallest sound was amplified.

How do we know which way to go? Ryche asked, and then jumped slightly when his words echoed off the walls around him.

I have no idea, Kyrin said. I’ve just heard of the caves. I haven’t actually been in them. Before Lord Bock got sick, he was very secretive about these caves. Once he died, the rest of the outpost died too, and the city was deemed a hazard.

Pick a direction then.

Kyrin looked over the cave walls and then shrugged and headed straight away from the ladder, followed by her sons. They saw nothing interesting in the caves, so after an hour, Ryche sheathed his sword to make walking easier. They were all getting cold because of the dampness of the caves, but they hadn’t seen anything other than stalactites and stalagmites. When it became late and they were tired of walking, they found a level spot on the cave ground and decided to settle in for the night.

Kyrin was asleep first, while Ryche kept watch. Rodrick tossed and turned on the hard ground but wasn’t able to get comfortable enough to sleep, so he joined his brother on sentry duty. They each ate a small amount of the food given to them and took a sip of water. They had learned during their many outings into the dimensions that water was too precious to waste.

When Kyrin woke up, she joined her sons, so Ryche decided to try and get some sleep.

How does he do it? Rodrick asked, looking back at his sleeping brother.

Kyrin glanced at her sleeping son. It’s not that difficult.

It is for me. Do you want something to eat?

No, I’m fine, Kyrin said, and rubbed her cold arms to try and warm up.

There’s a light draft, doesn’t that mean we can light a fire to get warmth? Rodrick asked her.

I don’t think there’s enough of a draft. We can’t risk it.

Finn said you once summoned a warm orb.

I did, on the way up to Nolta before you were born.

Do that now.

I can’t remember the spell.

Rodrick smiled and pulled his hands into his robe to keep warm.

I know. I know, Kyrin said, irritated.

I didn’t say anything.

You didn’t have to. I realize that if I’d learn to read and write that I could keep track of the spells I use.

I still didn’t say it.

You’re too much like your dad.

Rodrick just nodded and tried not to smile again. He always thought it was funny how Kyrin refused to conform to the normal ways of Valhara. Rodrick loved that about her, but he knew that the others didn’t understand why she fought it. He knew why, and he completely understood that she was trying to keep her identity, and that conforming to the ways of Valhara would lessen that. He’d tried to explain it to his father and brothers, but they didn’t see her as Rodrick did. Rodrick and Kyrin were kindred spirits, and he more easily saw the reasoning behind her actions.

It was almost an hour later when Rodrick finally broke the silence. I like coming on these missions with you.

Kyrin looked at him. You do?

Yes, I do. They are fun.

The dimensions are never fun.

Not the dimensions, no. What’s fun is getting out into new locations and learning from everything you do. We get to see things no one from Valhara has ever seen or will probably ever see.

I’m glad you enjoy it.

You don’t?

Finally, a smile formed on Kyrin’s lips. I do miss it.

You miss living out here?

Gods no! Kyrin said. I hated living out here. I do like shifting and seeing new places. It worries me having my sons out here though.

Do you still feel trapped in Paragoy?

Sometimes, but not as badly as I used to.

Maybe it’s because I’m a shifter, but I like the adventure. I like getting out of the temple. Running through strange dimensions feels natural.

That is the shifter in you, Kyrin said, almost proudly.

I feel bad that Sedomer can’t ever come.

I’d like to say I’m sorry, but if I had a choice, none of my children would ever come out here.

You don’t like our help? Rodrick asked, hurt.

That’s not what I said. I love our time out here. It just makes me afraid for you. If I die, you two would be alone here, and I don’t think you’re equipped enough to handle it.

We can always call for Lord Sithias. He’s told us numerous times that all we have to do is call for him, and he’ll pull us out of the dimensions instantly.

Yeah, I guess.

If you two are going to talk loudly enough that I can’t sleep, Ryche said, sitting up, we might as well get moving.

Sorry. We can be quiet, Kyrin told him.

Ryche stood up and stretched. Let’s find this treasure and get out of here. I have a training in a week that I have to be at.

You do realize that a week could have already passed in Paragoy.

Right, the time difference thing. I still want to at least try to get back for it though.

Then let’s go, Kyrin said. Within minutes, they were walking through the seemingly endless expanse of caves with Kyrin’s magic their only light source.

The sounds in the cave changed as they neared a massive chasm in the cave floor. It was too dark to see across it, and they couldn’t tell from looking down how deep it was. Ryche tossed a large stone into the darkness, but they never heard it hit the bottom.

Now what? Ryche asked, sighing.

Kyrin shrugged and moved along the edge. There has to be a way across. Sithias said the treasure was at the end.

We could have taken the wrong passageway.

There’s no way to be sure which one to take.

Maybe this is the end, and we just need to look for it, Rodrick suggested.

No, this isn’t the end.

I hear water dripping, Ryche said, and looked harder into the blackness in front of them. It sounds like it’s landing just ahead of us.

Kyrin walked back and studied the nothingness. I hear it too. There’s falling water.

If we hear water dripping, then there has to be a surface.

Kyrin nodded and then cast another spell. She threw her hand forward, and a flaming ball flew out of it and streamed into the darkness, lighting the area around it.

There, Ryche said, pointing.

Kyrin frowned and watched a drip of water fall from the cave’s ceiling and splash against a surface that wasn’t there. That’s very odd.

Something’s out there for it to land on. Ryche said, watching another drip fall and splash into a small puddle forming out in the middle of the chasm at what appeared to be ground level, if there had been ground.

I don’t see anything.

Rodrick picked up another stone and tossed it over toward where the water was dripping. It landed with a dull thud, bounced twice, and then froze, mid-air.

Give me a rope, Kyrin said, and kept looking at the rock hanging in the middle of the air above the chasm.

Rodrick handed her the longest rope he had in his pack.

Kyrin began to tie it around her waist.

What are you doing? Ryche asked her.

I’m going across.

How? Nothing’s there!

I suspect there’s an invisible walkway.

You suspect? What if there’s not?

Then I’ll be glad that I have strong sons who have the rope I’m tied to.

Let me go, Ryche said, and stopped her from knotting the rope.

No, I need you to hang on and not let me fall.

Then let me go, Rodrick suggested.

I’m lighter than you are. It makes more sense if I go, and you two hold the rope, Kyrin said, and finished tying the rope.

Dad’s not going to like it if you splatter against the ground thousands of feet down.

Then don’t let me fall, Kyrin said with a slight smile. Ready?

Ryche hesitated, took a deep breath, and then tied the rope to his waist and wound it around his gauntleted arm. Rodrick took the tail end of the rope and braced himself.

Just be careful, Ryche said.

Kyrin nodded and walked up to the edge of the crevasse. She felt around with her toe until it landed on a solid surface, albeit an invisible one. She took a timid step forward until it looked like she was floating in mid-air.

Ryche tightened the slack in the rope and watched her carefully while she inched forward. She tested each step with her foot before stepping forward. It took almost twenty minutes for her to get far enough across that she’d disappeared into the darkness. Ryche just kept waiting to feel the rope tighten suddenly when Kyrin fell, but it hadn’t happened yet.

Ryche? Kyrin called out at long last.

I’m here, he yelled back.

I made it. That invisible bridge goes all the way across.

Ryche began to withdraw the rope when it fell into the chasm. I wish you would warn me when you drop the rope. I kept waiting to hear you scream.

Kyrin was laughing now. I told you I made it.

Still…

Ryche pulled up the length of rope and then handed it to Rodrick. Your turn.

Great, Rodrick whispered, and started to tie the rope around his waist. When I get across, we’ll secure the rope and you tie it to you and head across.

Ryche nodded and braced himself. Rodrick outweighed Kyrin by almost thirty pounds, so it would be harder to hold him if he plummeted off the walkway.

It was almost an hour later that Ryche and Rodrick made it across. All of them were sweating with exertion and fear that someone would fall to their death, but they’d all made it safely and decided to take a quick rest while their nerves calmed.

The sound of hooves approaching brought them all to their feet. Ryche and Kyrin had their weapons drawn, and Rodrick took up his position behind them to heal them if they had to fight. Kyrin relaxed first when a horse-like creature appeared. It radiated a warm glow, and they felt comforted in its presence.

It’s a unicorn, Ryche whispered. The magnificent being was shimmery gold with soft pink undertones. It had sleek, shiny fur and a long flowing white mane and tail.

A pegasus unicorn, Rodrick added when the majestic creature’s wings came into view.

Kyrin rolled her eyes. Pegasus unicorn? Really?

Well, what do you call it? Ryche asked. He was digging into his pack to get an apple for it to eat.

It’s an alicorn.

Alicorn? Are you making things up? he asked. He started to walk slowly toward the creature with the apple held out to it.

No, I’m not making it up. It’s an alicorn.

It looks like a unicorn with wings, Rodrick said, watching Ryche feed it.

First of all, Creteloc killed the last unicorn, Kyrin reminded them. Secondly, unicorn don’t have wings.

Okay, so it’s an alicorn. How’d it get in here?

There must be a natural cave entrance somewhere.

He’s beautiful, Ryche said, petting his mane. The horse had warmed up to him once it tasted the apple.

Yeah, I guess, Kyrin said, and moved away from it slightly.

Do you not like it? Rodrick asked her.

No, I don’t. It radiates pure good.

So do we.

Kyrin shook her head. Not like an alicorn. It’s uncomfortable.

I like it, Ryche said, and ran his hands along the sleek white hair of the beast.

Of course you do. You’re inherently good.

Dad thinks you are too.

I’m not. Let it go and let’s keep going. I see an opening in the rock wall ahead of us.

Can we keep it with us?

No, no pets. Let’s go, Kyrin said. She skirted around the alicorn. When she neared it, it reared slightly and whinnied loudly at her presence. Once she passed it, it calmed down, so she kept moving.

Ryche and Rodrick both pet it and then ran after Kyrin. They thought it was funny how the purely good creature reacted to Kyrin, and they wanted to tell Alric all about it. Kyrin shivered