War of the Malkin: War of the Malkin series

By Virginia Ripple

When demons threaten humanity, a shy cat will rise up.

3 novellas. 350+ pages of magic and adventure. Save nearly 50% when you buy the box set!

In a world full of magical talking cats, Nadine was just another hard-working feline until an attack on her life gave her abilities she never dreamed existed. With the sudden understanding of what is really behind the war between humans and cats, Nadine must learn to use her new powers or watch her friends, and the rest of humanity, burn.

* * *

Secrets of the Malkin (War of the Malkin Novella #1)

In a world of magical talking cats, Nadine was just another feline social worker…

…until she learns a secret that can save the world... and get her killed.

After a narrow escape from orphaned teenagers determined to use her for target practice, Nadine, a feline social worker, is left terrified and wonder if there's a way humans and felines can live together in peace in this post-plague world. She finds the answer in a story about a magical cat called the Baruhk Sh'Toole. Unfortunately, she disappeared years ago, taking her secrets with her. With only a map of the queen's last known location and a vague story to go on, the she-cat leaves for an adventure to the Outer Reaches, a place where trappers will skin a cat alive and then consider killing it. There she must befriend a priest and hope he knows where to find the cat who can heal the world, but doesn't want to be found. Can a naive young social worker uncover the secrets of the Baruhk Sh'Toole and heal the widening rift between humans and cats or is Nadine doomed to be one more victim in the war?

* * *

Huntress of the Malkin (War of the Malkin Novella #2)

Nadine thinks she has found her calling as a healer to both cats and humans…

…until a demon foretells the end of the world.

An accomplished healer of both cats and humans, Nadine finds herself whiskers to fangs with a demon while making what should have been a routine house call. Defeated, the demon soars away, but not before warning her that the world is about to be ripped from existence. Nadine casts the idea aside as the rantings of evil until she returns to her temple home to discover it in flames and her mentor vanished. When a visiting monk named Eli says her friend was taken by a religious extremist group looking for a book that can erase existence, Nadine realizes she must take the demon's warning seriously and go after them. Despite her misgivings about Eli, she takes him with her on what promises to be a fur-raising adventure. Can Nadine keep the book from falling into the wrong hands and save her friend or will she doom all of creation to certain annihilation?

* * *

Clash of the Malkin (War of the Malkin Novella #3)

Her world in peril... His need to stop a killer…

…Which will she use her magic for?

Nadine's powers are growing, and so is her enemy's desire to see her dead. She thought she'd thwarted his plans to use the Book of Knowledge to end creation, but the cunning demon managed to snatch the Book from under her whiskers. Hot on his trail, Nadine meets up with an old friend who needs her help to stop a power-hungry master cat determined to enslave humanity. Now she must decide: finish her mission and save creation or help her friend defeat his enemy and stop a war.

Grab your copy now. Save nearly 50% over buying each book separately. Scroll up and buy it today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Virginia Ripple
• Release date: May 31, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386798774

Book preview

Free book offer

The war has just begun…

For a limited time, you can get a FREE copy of Journeyman Cat: Malkins & Mages Book 2 direct from my subscription page. Just go to https://www.subscribepage.com/freejcbook to get started.

War of the Malkin

Volume 1

Secrets of the Malkin

War of the Malkin Book 1

Chapter 1

The woman clasped her white knuckled hands in her lap and crossed her ankles beneath her tattered skirt. She wasn’t sure which was more irritating, her woolen stockings rubbing against her legs or the old preacher nattering on about vagrant children going missing. Why did he have to take so long? And the Elders, they must see this man’s problem wasn’t that big of a deal. Street urchins went missing all the time. Everyone knew they hitched a ride south for warmer pockets to pick. She had some real news, something that would affect the entire village.

Squeezing her knees together and chewing on her lower lip, she tried not to fidget. She was the last petitioner of the day. The few villagers left in the cave-like meeting house wasn’t the audience she desired. She glanced back toward the benches, noting the apothecary was still there. That made her smile. Keb wouldn’t be able to hide his incompetence this time. She would have him cornered, outing his secret.

She looked back toward the Elders sitting behind a large wooden table. The old man was still trying to sway them to his argument. The woman looked at her hands in her lap to hide her grimace. It wouldn’t do to seem irritable or impatient now. She took a deep breath and exhaled it, doing her best not to make a sound, then turned her attention back to the proceedings. At last the Elders told the old man they’d check into it and he took his seat. The woman scooted to the edge of the bench.

The Elders recognize Elsa Goodwife.

Elsa jumped from her seat and strode toward the panel of elected officials, two men and a woman. The oldest man, sitting in the center, shuffled his papers, then looked up at her.

Please state your complaint.

The woman gripped her hands at her side, straightened her back and jutted out her chin.

There are cats living in the valley just beyond the village. I want to know what you’re going to do about it.

The oldest of the officials shoulders sagged. He looked to the man on his right, who was rubbing his forehead as if he had a headache. The Elder turned his gaze on the woman at his left, who shook her head and threw her hands up in a helpless gesture. The man looked back at the woman who stood in front of them, chin raised and hands on hips.

Elsa, we’ve been over this before.

But —

Elsa, dear, interrupted the woman, holding her hand out and leaning forward, you know where we stand on this issue.

You can’t believe that leaving them alone insures our safety. If that were true then my Henry and little Eva would still be here.

Henry was a good man and your little girl will be missed, too, but we cannot go out into the wilderness to hunt for some wild cats.

But I have news about them.

What news? asked the older man.

Elsa raised her chin a little higher. They’ve been seen stealing.

The younger man slammed his hand on the table, making the defiant woman jump.

By the One, you know as well as we do that cats steal. So what? asked the younger elder.

Elsa shifted forward onto her toes, glaring at him. She wanted to grin. Not only was she going to throw open the healer’s dirty secret, she was going to put that fool constable in his place for allowing the theft to happen. He should never have been elected to Elder, she thought.

Fish, yes, but from the apothecary? She whirled around and jabbed her finger in the healer’s direction, then turned to glare at the Elders.

Ask him. Ask him what they stole.

There was an audible gasp from behind her, thrilling the woman. For once, she wasn’t the last to know what was going on in the village and it felt good. She reveled in the mumbling going on behind her. The older Elder’s eyebrows rose as he looked toward the apothecary.

You never mentioned that someone stole anything from your store.

The thin healer half-way stood, looking apologetic. I didn’t mention it because it wasn’t anything that would harm anyone. Just some stomach soothing herbs and catmint.

No willow bark?

The healer shook his head. More muttering, this time accompanied by a few relieved chuckles. Her cheeks burned, but she kept her eyes on the Elders. Let the rest of them cocoon themselves in ignorance. Those cats wouldn’t deceive her. The older man dipped his head toward the apothecary.

Thank you, Keb.

The apothecary waved his hand in dismissal and sat back down. The Elders turned dark stares onto the woman. She returned their stares with her own black gaze.

You see? They’re plotting something.

We all heard Keb. What they took couldn’t be made into a weapon.

The woman whirled toward the few assembled village folk, bending at the waist and throwing her arms wide. She stared into their complacent faces, hoping her next words would stir them into considering their fate if the cats were ignored.

Isn’t that what we thought about willow bark? And yet that is what they used against us. How do we know these beasts haven’t concocted a new way to kill us with our own medicines?

Elsa was satisfied to see a few nervous glances and hear muttering. She turned back to the front, fighting a smile. The younger of the Elders jumped to his feet and leaned against the table.

That is enough, woman. If you continue using these scare tactics to try to get your way, I’ll whip you in the square myself.

The oldest official reached a hand toward the younger man, keeping his eyes on the woman.

Elsa, this must cease. You know as well as the rest of us that the cat responsible for the plague was captured and that he died from his own misdeeds.

Oh yes. That’s what we’ve been told, but what about what we’ve all heard?

She turned toward the villagers seated on the hard benches, waving her hand to include them all. The grumbling increased and several nodded.

What do you mean, dear? asked the woman.

He was working with someone, another cat, she said, turning back to the Elders. That demon didn’t just die because he accidentally took his own poison. His partner killed him. What about that cat? Are we safe from him?

Those are rumors, woman, and you know it. We cannot base our lives on hearsay.

If it’s nothing but gossip, then why did the High Council create the Office of Kingdom Guardianship? They aren’t investigating fluffy bunnies.

They created OKG to make sure nothing like this ever happens again. Nothing more. Nothing less, said the older man, laying one hand on top of the other.

Then you admit that there could be a danger lurking out there.

The young elder dropped back into his chair, shaking his head. He turned toward the other officials, gesturing toward Elsa with his palm raised toward the ceiling.

There’s no reasoning with her.

The female elder looked from one man to the other. She does have a point.

Not you, too.

The woman shook her head. No. What I mean to say is that the OKG wouldn’t have been created if the High Council didn’t think there would ever be another threat.

What do you suggest, my friend?

Perhaps it would behoove us to contact someone there to find out if there is anything we need be watchful for.

The older man nodded. You may be right. Being in the Outer Reaches has its disadvantages. If there’s news to be had, we’re usually last to hear it.

He looked at the younger man who shrugged.

If it’ll keep the peace, I’m for it. I have enough on my hands with real bandits and our local pranksters. I don’t need the rest of the village getting panicky.

Elsa’s mouth curved into a small smile and she clasped her hands together under her chin. The oldest of the Elders frowned at her.

You are persistent, Elsa, I’ll give you that. For that reason, and because you have given us cause to believe there may be more information that we need to know, we hereby decree that we will make an official inquiry to the OKG.

The woman’s hands dropped to her sides as her mouth fell open. It took a moment for her mind to comprehend what the Elder had said, then a moment more to find her voice. She squinted her eyes as she stared at them, trying to understand how they came to that an inane idea.

An official inquiry? That’s all? They could be laying a trap for us right now.

That’s enough, Elsa. Our verdict is made. This session is dismissed.

She watched the three Elders stand and walk toward the side door, hearing the shuffle of feet and scrape of benches behind her. It couldn’t be over. Not yet. She had to make them understand that waiting would doom them all. She felt a large hand on her shoulder. Turning, she looked up into the face of her deceased husband’s best friend.

I’m sorry, Elsa. Ya tried. That’s more ‘n most folks around here are doin.

The woman stepped away, turning her back on the man. She stared out the lone window, blinking hard.

It’s not enough, Bert. How many more have to die before they see the truth?

Maybe there won’t be no more death.

Elsa whirled on her friend, clenching her fists at her side. That’s a fairytale and you know it. We won’t be safe until they’re all dead.

We can’t know that. For all’s we know them cats are as scared of us as we are of them. You know that’s what Henry woulda said.

And look where it got him. He’s gone, Bert. He’s gone and so’s my little Eva. It’s not right. She stepped closer to him, laying her hands on his chest and staring into his eyes.

It’s up to us, now. The Elders are blind to the truth, but we’re not. We have to keep our village safe.

Ain’t that the constable’s job?

Elsa let her hands drop and turned toward the Elders’ empty table. The muscles in her jaw tightened as she recalled the younger man’s words.

You heard him. He has his hands full with brigands and pranksters. He hasn’t got time to do the extra leg work it’ll take to bring that clutch of demons to justice.

She focused her attention back on Bert. I have a plan, but I can’t do it alone.

What kind of plan?

The kind that can save our village. Can I count on you?

The man looked down at his hands, rubbing them together. When he looked back at Elsa they shined with unshed tears.

Martha was a good woman. Always made me wash my hands afore sittin down to supper.

Elsa took a step toward her friend and clasped his hands in hers, noting the rough callouses as they scraped against her own work-worn hands. For a moment she wondered at how their lives had changed so much from when they were children. She’d married Henry soon after becoming a woman, but Bert had married late in life. At least she’d had little Eva and Henry for over four years before they had joined the One. Bert and his beloved wife were still newlyweds when the plague hit. She understood the unshed tears.

She would’ve made a wonderful mother, too, she said, squeezing his hands in sympathy.

The big man nodded, a single tear escaping down his worn cheek. He rubbed it away with the back of his hand and frowned down at Elsa.

This plan of yours would save the village?

Elsa nodded. No more lost dreams. No more burying loved ones.

What do I gotta do?

***

Nadine smelled the queen’s fear-scent before the door opened. Not that it mattered much. The scent already permeated the walls and carpet of her tiny office. Several months of hopeless cats coming and going through the agency would do that, Nadine supposed. So far, being a social caseworker wasn’t turning out to be what she expected. She wondered if this would be one of the rare times she would be able to help the cat beyond her door. She held her breath as the door swung open. Several bundles of fur tumbled in, followed by a weary-looking queen.

The she-cat’s heart sank. If it had been a single feline, she might have been able to help, but a family? She looked down at the pile of papers on her desk. What did this make, fifty today? The black and white cat looked back up at the rail-thin queen and pasted on a false smile.

Good afternoon. What can I do for you today?

Someone told me you could help me get a job and someplace safe to live.

Nadine forced her whiskers to stay splayed into her fake smile.

We can certainly see if we have anything available. First I just need to get some information from you.

One of the kittens squealed as another bit its tail. The queen hissed and batted at the two balls of fluff, who looked up at her with shocked expressions.

Quiet, both of you. Go sit over there by the door.

But, Mama —

Now, the queen growled. The kittens hung their heads as they dragged their paws toward the floor space their mother had indicated. The queen ducked her head at Nadine.

I’m sorry about them. They’re usually good kits, but right now…

Nadine swallowed the lump in her throat, feeling like she was trying to swallow a sharp stone. She looked down at the papers on her desk again. She had a fair idea that all the notes and the filled out forms would find its way into the furnace by week’s end. What was one less paper in the heap? She sighed and allowed her shoulders to sag as she looked between the young mother and her kittens.

There’s no easy way to say this, so I’ll just tell you now. We don’t have enough funds to help you, nor do we have any resources willing to take in a single mother and her family.

The queen’s eyes widened. But I thought —

It’s what everyone thinks when they come here. This was your last resort, wasn’t it?

The queen nodded. She glanced at her kittens who had begun wrestling again. Nadine watched the balls of fur tumble around the room. They had no idea what lay ahead. The fact was, Nadine wasn’t sure what they would have to endure before things got better. If they ever did. She looked back at the queen.

I know it seems hopeless right now, but I’m sure things will get better soon. The agency has put in a request for more funding, so we’ll be able to help more cats before long.

The queen bristled. What help does that bring us now? What are we supposed to do now?

Nadine shivered and turned her gaze back on the little balls of fur racing across the room. The queen was right. They needed help now, not a year from now. The problem was that, with the temples closing and fewer humans hiring felines, there weren’t a lot of places cats could go. She’d been told of cats going feral, but she knew a well-fed cat was better at catching prey than a starving cat. To go feral was to choose a slow death. That seemed the only choice open to this family now. She swallowed again, a small mew escaping between her clenched teeth. No. I won’t do that. I have to help. She looked back at the thin queen.

Do you know where Old Rowan Wood Home is?

Out past the old prison, isn’t it?

Nadine nodded. A bundle of fluff bounced off its mother, who cuffed the tom’s ears. She hissed at the kit.

Be still. Looking back at the black and white cat, the queen said, What about Old Rowan?

The kitten’s eyes widened. He looked between Nadine and his mother.

We’re not going there, are we? The old witch lives there.

And it’s haunted, squeaked the little she-cat kit.

The queen scowled at her offspring. Nadine chuckled. She walked past the decrepit two-story wooden house every day on her way to and from work. Once in a while she would stop to talk to the sprightly old mage who lived there as the woman spun a growing spell over her garden. Her garden was rather unorthodox, but she grew the best mouse-flavored popcorn balls.

Miss Mazey is pretty nice, actually, and her house isn’t haunted. At least I’ve never seen a ghost when I visited her.

The kittens’ eyes widened further. Nadine wondered at the ability of kits to appear so amazed.

You’ve been there?

The black and white cat nodded, then looked from left to right as if making sure no one else was listening before leaning over her desk toward the kittens.

I sure have. And you know the best thing?

What?

She grows tuna flavored tomatoes and serves them with cat mint tea.

Wow! The kittens turned to their mother. Can we go there? Please?

The queen smiled down at her offspring and then turned toward Nadine.

Are you sure she’ll want us intruding on her home?

The black and white cat smiled. She knew Miss Mazey would take them in, though they might rue the experience. The old mage’s partner had died long ago and she had never looked at another cat, but the woman’s heart was good. It was her mind that was sometimes fuzzy.

Tell her Nadine asked her to look after you for a while. Just until you can get back on your feet. She’ll understand.

The queen nodded and turned to herd her children out. Nadine called after her.

Things will get better.

Maybe, said the young mother, turning to look over her shoulder at the black and white cat, but when you’re in the dark of winter, it’s hard to imagine the warmth of the summer sun.

***

The black and white cat walked toward her supervisor’s office, her feet like weighted bricks. Thankfully the young queen and her kits had been her last case of the day. Now all that remained between her, a warm bowl of milk and her nest was the end of day report. She sat outside Eris’s office, talking herself into scratching the door. She squared her shoulders and gave the worn oak door two smart scratches.

Enter, bellowed a voice from inside the office.

Nadine twitched her tail and the door opened. She trotted to the woman’s desk and hopped onto a stool. The she-cat watched her supervisor paw through the files on her desk with sausage-sized fingers as she waited for Eris to acknowledge her. The woman glanced at her with piggish eyes, then went back to shuffling the papers.

Speak.

I saw fifty-one cases today, most of them single mother families.

Damn queens, snarled the woman, Can’t keep their tails down. Oughta all be neutered. Go on.

The black and white she-cat swallowed her anger. Of the queens who had gone through the interviews, only a couple had never had a monogamous relationship. The rest had told heart-breaking stories of their mates disappearing or being murdered in the wake of the plague. But that wouldn’t matter to the likes of Eris. She was all about what would cost the least. Nadine schooled her expression, maintaining a relaxed posture.

Of those individuals, I was able to place two toms and a she-cat. I sent three others home with financial aid forms to fill out.

Doubt they’ll qualify.

They might. From what I understood about their situations they meet the qualifications and if the High Council plans to release the funds they’ve promised soon, then we’ll be able to help them within a month.

Eris looked up from her papers, staring at her from under a mop of curly yellow hair, her small eyes almost disappearing in her doughy face. The frown lines creasing either side of her mouth deepened.

You honestly believe we’re getting more money?

Nadine cocked her head to the side. Aren’t we?

Her supervisor laid the papers she’d been holding on her desk with exaggerated care, leaning on one arm as she did.

Nadine, do you have any idea why you’re here?

I was hired because I’m one of the brightest loners to come out of the King’s Academy of Mages and my specialty was in social welfare.

Eris’s lips curved in a sneer. She tapped her desk with a pudgy forefinger.

They hired you so we had a feline face on this bleeding heart organization. You’re here because we needed good PR. That’s all. We expect you to help a few token cats, though, in my opinion, we should be spending all our money on the orphans.

The young she-cat’s eyes widened and her ears flattened. She shook her head as Eris settled back in her chair, a satisfied expression spreading across her face.

Go home, little cat. Go home and think about where you really belong in this post-plague world your kind created.

***

The evening air was heavy, sticky with humidity. Nadine thought it fitting considering what she had just learned. Was it true? Did the High Council think cats deserved to be left out of the general welfare of society? But how could that be? What about the feline partners to the mages on the council? Surely they didn’t agree.

The world had fallen apart when Chivato had released his plague upon civilization. When they found him dead in his prison cell, most cats had believed the nightmare would soon end. They’d been wrong. The death toll shrank faster than anyone predicted, but the hatred it left behind swelled and festered. Nadine remembered locking herself in her room at the academy on several nights with nothing more than the head masters and a few teachers standing between the students and an angry mob. Had the High Council lapsed into chaos, too? She hadn’t thought so at the time. It was the one thought that had kept her studying long into the night, driving herself to become a feline who would make a difference for those left behind.

She shook her head and continued walking home. All that hard work was for nothing. She’d landed a good job right after graduation, a social worker in a new government organization. At first she assumed she would be working with both humans and felines, but a few weeks in she realized none of her cases involved humans. At least she wasn’t dealing with them in any face-to-face way. She had wondered, but chose not to worry about it, believing there were perhaps more cats in need than humans. Now she knew better.

The black and white she-cat trotted down the narrow street, watching the lamp lighters as they set the street torches alight. Shadows stretched away in the areas they had yet to reach. They never bothered her until tonight but, after what Eris had said, she felt like every shadow strained a menacing hand toward her. She paused at a darkened doorway, peering into its recess. Empty. She shook her head until her ears popped. Get a grip. Humans aren’t waiting to grab you at every turn. Don’t be so paranoid.

Nadine trotted further on, wanting to run home, but determined to act like an adult. As she rounded a corner, she saw two teenage boys loitering across the street. She picked up her pace, still trying not to appear as scared as she felt.

Hey, kitty, what’s your hurry? called one of the boys.

Nadine ignored him. She heard their footsteps behind her.

Aw, look. The poor wittle kitty is scared of us, said the other.

Her fur felt hot and prickly and her paws tingled. Her field of vision narrowed to the tree a block away. With a burst of speed she raced toward it, hearing nothing but the blood pumping in her ears. A single leap brought her to the lowest branch. She clawed her way further up, away from the grasping hands of the boys.

They were leaping toward her, shaking the tree and yelling. She held on with fierce claws, her breath coming in shallow gasps. She stared down at them. They seemed enormous. In the seconds it had taken her to run to the tree they looked like they had grown ten feet.

Then she noticed their clothes, hanging like old skin against bony shoulders. Their bony fingers stretched toward her, the skin stretched tight against adolescent knuckles, fingernails filthy with black grime. Suddenly she saw the faces of the young queen’s kits super-imposed on the teens’ faces. These weren’t monsters. They were scared children. Perhaps their parents had been victims in the plague. Whatever had turned them into cat-haters, it wasn’t something that should make her angry. Her terror dissipated as she stared down at the grinning boys. One of them grabbed a rock from the ground, aiming at her. Nadine shook her head. You don’t want to do that. It’s not what your mother would have wanted. The expression on the boy’s face faltered, the sneer turning into a look of confusion. His friend poked him in the arm, gesturing toward the she-cat.

What’s the matter? Throw it.

The boy shook his head, dropping the rock.

Nah. It ain’t worth it. She probably belongs to someone anyway. I can’t afford to get in any more trouble or they’ll toss me outta the shelter.

Well, I ain’t gotta worry about that, the other boy said, grabbing the rock from the ground. He stood up and aimed it at Nadine. Waves of anger from the boy crashed against her. She dug her claws deeper into the tree, squinching her eyes closed.

What about your uncle? Ain’t he on the guard now?

Yeah so?

If you’re caught roughin’ up a cat that belonged to one of them mages, he’d get in big trouble wouldn’t he?

So what?

Think about it, man. He gets in hot water over somethin’ you do, what do you suppose he’ll do to you later?

Nadine’s skin prickled for a moment, then the sensation disappeared as the sound of the stone hitting the ground reached her ears.

You’re right. Nailing some mangy cat ain’t worth the trouble. Too bad, though. Could have been fun.

The she-cat opened her eyes a slit and stared down at the two humans. The first boy clapped his friend on the back, nudging him toward the street. They both walked away, the first boy turning one last confused stare on her before he started a shoving game with his friend. Nadine sighed when they walked around the corner. Her fur stood up straight and her paws trembled so much it was difficult to claw her way down the trunk. She wasn’t sure what had happened, but she was relieved it was over. All she wanted to do now was get home.

***

The night’s terror made the walk home seem endless. Nadine jumped at every sound, peered into every bush and dark doorway, waiting for another outraged human to attack. She longed for a sense of peace, wished for understanding, anything to turn time back to the way it was before the plague. She drifted toward her home, glancing at the old prison in the distance. Its barred windows and gated doors grinned at her as if beckoning her to step inside for a glimpse of the twisted truth. A shudder ran the length of her spine.

She glanced toward Miss Mazey’s home where a light burned in an upstairs window. Framed in the window was one of the young queen’s kits, snuggled into a ball of fluff. He’s safe for now, but for how long? Nadine felt like she was trying to swallow a sharp stone. Such a tiny ball of fur and already it had endured more than it should have. She should have been able to help the little family, done more than just find them shelter with an old mage for a short time. She lifted her burning eyes to the sky, searching out the familiar patterns. A shooting star blazed its trail across the dark, a comet heading east. An image of the small temple she attended every First Day flashed into her mind. Maybe she could go there for a little while. Sit and think.

Before she had decided, her feet turned her toward the little chapel outside the city. She trotted the first few blocks, then ran the rest, the exercise giving her mind the space it needed to ease into a meditative state. She twitched her tail at the temple door, opening it just wide enough to squeeze through, and eased into the quiet building. Nadine listened to the wood beams softly creak as they settled and the muted clop of horse hooves from outside as the occasional traveler passed along the street. The musky smell of incense caressed her nose as she paced toward the front of the chapel and her favorite pew. She always loved how her fur smelled after Temple Day Services. It was as if she was carrying the blessings of the One throughout the rest of the day every time she moved. She wondered if she would feel that way tonight.

A portrait of the Beloved in the clouds hung behind the scarred altar, its brass candlesticks tarnished and the single chalice showing years of fingerprints left by previous priests. How long had it been since the priest and his companion had offered the congregation communion? A year? Two? Nadine blinked and moved her gaze back up to the Beloved. The picture had always given her a sense of peace. Tonight, as she watched the shadows flicker across the human’s face, she found it odd. The Beloved was human. Why was she, a cat, drawn to this painting of a human? As she sat and thought, she began to wonder if what the humans were saying wasn’t a good idea. What would be the harm in humans and cats living separate lives? Wouldn’t it be better for everyone? The humans no longer trusted them anyway, so it would be safer for cat-kind to leave. Perhaps the One was telling them it was time to move on, to live as a cat rather than as one-half of a couple.

That made her whiskers splay. A loner was never half of a partnering. A loner was just that, a loner. She’d never known what it meant to be partnered with a human. All her friends were feline, as well. Why had she thought for even a moment that she could help a human with their problems? It was ridiculous. Perhaps Eris hadn’t been trying to be cruel. Perhaps she had just found the first opportunity to tell Nadine the blunt truth. Maybe I need to grow up and figure out just what I’m supposed to do — be a cat and leave the humans alone. After all, that’s what they seem to want.

The young black and white cat nodded her head and turned to hop down from the pew. A fluffy gray tom looking up at her from the floor, startled her. Although she didn’t recognize him as one of the regular chaplains, the soft, wise expression in his green eyes made her trust him.

Forgive my intrusion, daughter, but you seem upset. May I help you?

No, thank you, Father. I think I’ve got it all figured out now.

The gray tom nodded and glanced toward the portrait.

You sought the Beloved’s counsel, but now you wonder if a human could possibly understand what you’re going through, am I right?

Nadine sat back on her haunches, blinking. The gray tom nodded again and hopped up beside her.

That’s what I thought. Want to tell me about it?

The black and white cat stared at the tom, then looked back at the portrait of the Beloved. She had to let it out. She began with her fears from when the plague hit to the letdown that she was just a feline face on a broken system. Last of all she told him about her concerns over the rift between the races. By the time she reached the story of the young queen and her kits, she was mewing like a