Kate Haggis & the Stone Hunters: Pocketful of Existence Series: Book 3

By Cat Anders

Snowfell, a pocketful of existence, within Earth's own. Where Kate Haggis, a simple bard, is telling the tale. Whilst working to gain enough coinage up to buy a passage to a far off place, where there is an enchantress, who might get Kate back to Earth.

However Kate's plans are about to go awry.

For Leafeldur the magic user is hunting her down, to bring her back to him. Add to the fact, there is a sinister organization that is conspiring and is trying to win Kate over to their dark cause.

Unwittingly Kate is once again thrust into unwanted attention and being hunted.

Kate comes up against both new and old enemies. Thrown into a chaotic battle, with even worse dangers than before.

Forced to accept the inevitable, that sometimes, you have no choice with how life is going to be...

Assassins, sentient stones, and the stage is set; for terror and a little intuitive detective work from the bard. As Kate battles her own morals, in this latest tale, weaving her way through new perils.

Will Kate find a way out?
Or will she be lost to her friends?
Can Kate escape her destiny in this new madness?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 14, 2016
• ISBN: 9781514479698

Book preview

Kate Haggis & the

Stone Hunters

Pocketful of Existence Series: Book 3

Cat Anders

Copyright © 2016 by Cat Anders.

ISBN:      Softcover      978-1-5144-7970-4

      eBook         978-1-5144-7969-8

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 04/14/2016

Xlibris

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Contents

Chapter One

Searchers

Chapter Two

Persuasion

Chapter Three

Engagements

Chapter Four

Responsibilities

Chapter Five

Keepers

Chapter Six

Insults

Chapter Seven

Hunters

Chapter Eight

The Rtynels

Chapter Nine

Forsaken

Chapter Ten

Cursed

Chapter Eleven

Coronets

Chapter Twelve

Arguments

Chapter Thirteen

Legacy

Chapter Fourteen

Barter

Chapter Fifteen

Paladins

Chapter Sixteen

Neithan’s Weave

Chapter Seventeen

Boundaries

Chapter Eighteen

Trapped

Chapter Nineteen

Battling Stones

Chapter Twenty

Retreat

Chapter Twenty-One

Healing Waters

I would like to dedicate this book to the following people, the staff at T.C. Thompson, Childrens Hospital, Erlanger, Chattanooga, - thank you all for your hard work, and wonderful hearts of strength, courage and compassion, towards the care of my son.

Also a big thanks goes out to both friends, family and of course the fans, to the series; for pushing me to sorting out this third one in the series.

Thank you!

Cat.

CHAPTER ONE

Searchers

So he was yelling at me, what else was new? His face a deep purple as he shouted, at the top of his lungs and I stood there. Resolutely unmoved by his barrage of insidious words. That despite stinging me to the core, made me feel all the more indifferent and numb, to the current situation. I was not even listening to him anymore.

In fact my mind had lost all cause to the conversation, some ten minutes ago. Leaving on its own tangent of thinking about, how much more of the book of Calonaris’ I still had to translate, before I could understand it more fully.

Yet there was Robert Trellawny. His scar a perfect burgundy angry line. Jaggedly marking his sullen, furious features. Standing in front of me, screaming obscenities. Accusing me of being stupid. Accusing me, of deserting everyone. I simply arched my left brow in a cool motion and waited out the storm of speech. The lecturing he was giving me.

Do not mistake what I am saying here people. I do not believe I was entirely, faultless in this. Neither do I state that I was entirely blameless, of what happened on the road not more than five months previously. But the healer of all people should have, understood my reasoning behind my actions.

Now this? I had been in the city for no more than two and a half months and was being subjected to the third degree, of interrogations. By none other, than the man in greens himself!

You see, I had managed to gain a cart ride half way into Irasidhe which is currently where I had found myself a small job. That is right, I had used the work word. I was currently a barmaid who occasionally sang for the locals, in one of the most, seediest taverns in the whole of the northwest area of Irasidhe.

But as the landlord had noticed on my first evening there, having gotten into a complicated situation with one of the many cut throat, thieving types that dwelt in the community, I could well handle my own and therefore would be most excellent at such working conditions as this place offered. Alright, so there was no retirement plan, a good funeral plan (apparently they paid if you got killed by ‘accidental stabbing or similar’) and I had food and board. What more could I have needed to set up a base of operations till I decided what I really wanted to do with my life?

Unexpectedly, Leafeldur had obviously come to the conclusion he was going to send out ‘searchers’ to recover those lost from the caravan. Even more unfortunately though was the matter of the two rangers I had held company with for a couple of days, they had reported to him that I was injured but heading stalwartly towards Irasidhe.

Therefore it had been, the magic user in all his so called infinite wisdom had sent out a small party to search for me in this direction. Feeding him several reports of sightings etcetera.

But I had for the most part remained rather elusive from their localized hunts because none of them had balls enough to come into this side of the town. This was perhaps the roughest neighborhood you have ever seen. It made a war zone look like a pleasant springtime family picnic in the park! People were stabbed openly in the narrow alleyways. Even in the daylight. I rarely went outside anyway. For some strange reason though I was sort of ignored. Maybe because I kept alert and always had a hand on either my short sword hilt or my hunting dagger.

But one person from the old group who did have the balls for such a place, and undoubtedly had probably spent many a long hours in seedy joints or bars was that of one master Robert Trellawny.

The healer, the man in greens himself who was often, a dark horse and therefore it was of no surprise one evening as I tended to five arguing locals, serving them their ale in huge flagons.

Getting my fat arse pinched or slapped into the bargain, of which I might add I hit back, the same asaid healer walked into the bar room soaked with the torrential springtime rain. His hood running off water onto the floor. His boots sodden with mud and water themselves.

Moridhe was closely nipping at his heels. Bedraggled and just as wet as if he had been dunked into a river and dragged it all with him. The man in greens unclasped his cloak before I had spotted him, as he pulled his hood off and shook his long leather cloth away from anyone nearby and said something to the ranger by his side.

My ‘customers’ whom I had been serving went from rowdy to subtly quiet as they eyed up the ‘fresh meat’ which had just entered in. Which is when I spotted them both. My jaw dropped. My first thoughts apart from being along the lines of, What the hell were they doing here? came as, Holy shit! Better hide!

I dipped my head down and hurried to the bar. Yes, I was in a stupid skirt. Yes, I was wearing a busty little number - but I was still carrying my ruddy sword! What shocked me further was as I dashed behind the counter, in a hurry to get a flagon of warmed spiced mead for one of my more, regular customers who had arrived in, shortly behind the pair, Robert marched straight up to the counter, nodding to a few odd sorts as he went.

Who in turn acknowledged him as, he spoke to my boss behind the bar. Then Robert actually, slumped himself down onto a nearby stool. Cool as a cucumber as if this was an everyday event of him being here!

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What can I get you Trellawny? he asked in a gruff way. That always sounded like, he was extremely unhappy with everything going on.

Something hot would be good Tam. Oh this here, is my mate Mori. He and I have been sent to find someone. he explained as Moridhe nervously, though smiling as always, sat close beside Robert and viewed the occupants with severe suspicion. His bright sky blue wolfin eyes darting about alertly.

Spiced rum or your usual? And what about the lad? asked Tam.

As he half drooled down one side of his thick, husky beard. Tam was the kind of man who stank. Literally. As if he had not seen the inside of a bathhouse, or a bar of soap - since the day he was born. He hated rain. Hated water and was never caught, doing dishes or cleaning the drink ware.

Unless it was in the traditional manner, of a literal spit and polish. His short, fat, stubby, thick, muscular frame, was reflected in the fact his beard hid the truth, that he held no neck - only several chins. He made me look, like a lightweight champion.

Despite his gruff mannerism, he was also fair and the locals had not tried, to assassinate him once. Unlike the other landlords, who had previously owned the tavern known as The Rotten Grape. Tam had a commanding air, of respect and fear. He was also known, to kill those who disagreed with him anyway, or so the rumor had it. But he was strong. And appeared to be, about Robert’s age. He was half elven, half draconian. Which probably accounted for his undeniable strength.

I had only once seen him wield a sword and it scared the crap out of me. He had a double handed battleaxe that he kept behind the counter. Along with several pre-loaded crossbows, in case of trouble and tolerated no nonsense, in his tavern whatsoever. I actually liked the man.

Most people deemed him as just some old fat git who ran a bar and nothing more. But I had talked to him on a few occasions. Finding him to be rather a cheery individual, who was actually very, intelligent. He had even loaned me a book which belonged to his own, small provincial bookcase that was in the back store room.

He trusted my decisions and most of all, the man listened. He had told me his eyes were too bad to do extensive, reading anymore and welcomed the fact that I held such an interest to learning. His book was all about elfstones in general. I had been curious.

Granted I was allowed anywhere, unlike the other two girls whom I worked with. In the short span of time I had been working for Tam, he had taken quite a shine to me and had even given me a raise and once.

He had also left me in charge, allowed me to run the bar so he could have a night off! It had inspired me to responsibilities and I had risen to the occasion, with gusto and enthusiasm. Though by the end of that short six hour evening, I had wished he had been there.

Taking out some of the customers was like bagging wild living trash. You had to beat them into submission before you put them on the curb outside! Still the money had tallied well, we had not been short in sales, nor in tips for that evening. And both the girls had apparently, enjoyed the change of pace to the work too.

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Now though Trellawny had been given his drink along with Mori. Khelndi, who had asked for whatever the healer was having. I kept my distance. Leaving them to discuss whatever, with Tam. As yet, they had not noticed nor seen me. Though how the dark haired rangers, bright alert keen vision, had not seen me, the stars and trees only knew!

Maybe he had not recognized me in my working girl outfit, who knew? I walked, grateful to have my back to them both, as I approached the regular who always sat at the same, dark shadowy, corner table. To the far end of the pillar posts in the main room of the tavern.

He was wearing his usual black garb. Always with the long, black, hooded cloak of the finest, thinly sculpted, high quality, leather. His dark, black, chain mail sleeve, visible on his arm as he reached out, for his mead. His chin, was a pale tan. Admittedly I had never seen his full face, all I knew was he was a regular and he always, ordered spiced mead which had to be heated properly and honey added.

His lips were a pale rich, apple blossom pinkish red. Not quite disproportionate, to the rest of him. He gave me a soft smile. His black leather, gloved hand held the same, strangely designed two silver rings with insignias on as always. His tall form sat uprightly, against the back of the large oak chair, legs stretched out beneath, the small stained brown table.

I set down his cup, then the tray. With the medium sized jug, of spiced heated mead. I turned to leave but suddenly, his hand snatched my wrist and he leaned forward a little. Expectantly, I held my breath as for the first time ever, I heard his voice. Lilting softly, in a delicate well enunciated voice of manicured, polite humbleness he said, Careful there girl, I would hate to be rescuing anyone tonight.

I frowned. What on earth could he have meant by that? He released my wrist just as I replied stoically back, Will there be anything else sir?

He shook his head, but I could see his amused smile. Heh, I wondered what he did for a living anyway? He was probably a very good assassin. Judging by the way he dressed and the amount of weapons he carried, on himself at all times.

He was a walking artillery of blades, bolts, darts and a variety of other questionable, ‘things’. Not to mention the fact he wore, chain mail armor all the time.

He moved stealthily and as we all know, that was either the trade mark of an elf or an assassin, occasionally a thief. He was graceful with it, and from what I gathered from the other two working girls, very eloquent in his speech when the local whores, came a wenching or looking for customers. There was something about him, which intrigued me. I could not quite, place what it was.

But he was mysterious and I guess that is what triggered, my fascination with him. Also he had specifically asked Tam, that I served him, whenever he came in. Though as to why that was, I had no clue. I reached the bar, having picked up some empty mugs and a tray. Carrying them high into the kitchen, where Solure was on duty washing everything.

Solure who was married to Tam’s middle son, she was very industrial. Always busy and specifically loving to wash things. Not just dishes and bed linen of some of our guests, but also including, our so called uniform. Her beautiful rich brown hair was short and tied back by a simple piece of cotton.

Her cornflower, blue eyes sparkled as she turned to face me, with her bright smile and spoke in her coarse accent, More? Can hardly keep up as is. She gave a bright twinkling laugh.

Then she rubbed her swollen belly, which reminded me of Moridhe and Joanne for a moment. I felt panged with guilt. Wanting to go talk or at least say hi to them both. Yet deep down I knew this was not practical, I could not exactly just leave here – what about my plans?

Angelus is back! declared Marianna excitedly. As she came skipping into the kitchen, with another bunch load of empty dishes.

Marianna had been serving a dinner in the private room, Oh and my table wants more of that mutton stew, and tatter surprise of yours Solure. she added.

Then she looked at me and tilted her head in a rather arrogant way. Snatching up a couple more jugs of ale and walked back out. Her obviously, curvaceous hips, wiggled as she walked.

Don’ mind her. She’d ne’er be able to ‘andle Angelus if ‘e wanted ‘er. giggled Solure impetuously. Beginning to scrub clean the plates, which had just been dumped in the first sink. I bet ‘e likes you though. ‘e did ask for you righ’?

Yes. I grinned, my cheeks flushing a little, And I served him as per usual. I wonder where he has been the last three days?

We were of course discussing, the regular customer whom I had just served. There was something, as I had previously aforementioned, about him that intrigued me. There was also this tiny fraction, of a childish crush of excitement.

That I also could not contain, when we talked about him, or other customers who were likable. Angelus De Ath was his full name. Which was kind of a strangely normal, name for a person who appeared so, ‘super’ normal. But my day dreams of what he could possibly ask her, were cut short miserably.

For suddenly Tam came storming unexpectedly, into the kitchen and grabbed me harshly by my left arm. Dragging me out with the grim, growling words of, Why did you not tell me you were on the bleedin’ run from a lord’s household, girl?

I am not on the run Tam - I swear to you! I protested as he dragged me down the short hall past the private dining room. (Which yes, several seedy guilds occupied, for a variety of private dinner functions.) Taking me straight into the side room that I occupied on my days off.

There before me was none other than Robert, looking fit to burst. His scar deep and dark with anger and Moridhe glancing about nervously, with a shrug of apology!

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So now let us forward wind to the lecturing. I stood there as Tam left closing the door quietly behind him. Firmly he nodded to the two awaiting occupiers, and then healers verbal shit hit the proverbial fan and spread quicker, than any manure could, from a well distributing machine, on a large field. He half crossed the room towards me, small as it was.

But I did not back away. Why should I be afraid of the likes of him? Seeing the defiance in my eyes as I calmly stood there. After all, there was no use being panicked.

Robert began to rant and rave about all the trouble, I was getting other, people into and whether or not, I realized that I should not be out and about on my own.

Considering my past record, was anything other, than snow white from getting into trouble. Somewhere along those minutes that passed. The words he shouted, yelled, growled began to sound as if he was really saying, Blah, blah, blah, you, blah, blah, blah-blah, treacherous. Blah, blah something, or other blah. Blah and blah some more. You silly blah, blah, blah.

Till finally I could not even here the ‘blah’s’ anymore. Just watched his lips moving. Him pacing the room impatiently, infuriated by me!

My mind began to wander on what customers, were due in tonight. And whether or not Solure would serve the deer pot roast, I had prepared earlier, to anyone at all. I continued to watch, hypnotically staring into space. Despite the fact my vision followed the green shark, around the enclosure of the chamber.

Suddenly he came to an abrupt halt in front of me. I was still gazing absentmindedly into space elsewhere. Face cold, as it was stoic.

He grabbed me roughly and shook me, very hard indeed and shouted, ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO ME KATE?!

"I am sorry, did you say something, that was, actually, important? I asked sarcastically and coolly just as I added, Because in all truth and honesty, I got lost in the barrage of blah, blah, blah at some point. Saw your lips moving, just did not hear, a damn word of it. So no. Not really Rob, would you mind repeating that last part of your blah’s? And I will try and understand, what the hell you are raving about?"

I did not see his fist ball up so tight, his knuckles bled a vivid white, against the tanned weathered complexion of his hands. He flexed and what happened next, was unprecedented. Moridhe had to step in. For the healer lifted his hand and went to shoot me, a stinging slap across the jaw. Fortunately, he stopped just before contact, I could feel the air rush. Yes, I flinched. Then looking horrified, to his own actions the man in greens, took several steps backwards. Staring regretfully, at his offending hand and offering an apology.

As emotionless as Hope herself, (I am sure she would have been proud ;) I said calmly with a cold flat tone to my voice, "If you have finished with belittling me, if you feel better now that is out of your system, you had better go. I have work to attend to. I am not leaving here, till I know for myself where I am heading.

I am washing my hands with you all. You can go back and inform Leafeldur, that I have no intention, of being subjugated, to being no more than, a learned slave in his home. If I cannot be recognized or acknowledged, at least for myself as I am.

Then there is no point to me, even being there at all. As for his Royal Highness Sagrisyn, he can go and kiss, my ruddy lily whites!" With a swish of my skirts, I whisked myself around and walked towards the door.

Pulling it wide open and with finality added firmly, "I do not take very kindly at all, to the labels you have placed upon me, master Trellawny. And I positively refuse, to be treated in such a fashion.

How would you like it if someone came into the peace you had made with your life, and belittle everything you have ever done, or criticize your every move? I am not to be held accountable, for every little miss-endeavor.

Or indeed every problem that has become, so much more noticeable. I am my own person. I belong to no one and nothing. Do I make myself clear? There that said, you will be so good, as to kindly excuse me. I have customers to tend to."

I walked out, not awaiting to hear any further comments. I was not prepared to have my life dictated to, or disrupted due to the whims and disputes of others. So what, if I was thought to be an ungrateful little bitch, who acted in a disloyal manner? Heh that was the least of my problems right there and then.

I smiled softly to myself and walked casually, business as usual. Back into the main bar room where Tam eyed me up suspiciously, as I swished my way to the counter and asked for a jug of ale to go top up my regular customers. The place had quite a few new people in here, since I had departed some half an hour ago.

Did you sort it all out, with Trellawny? asked Tam in a low growling whisper.

Aye. All sorted and dealt with. Can you pass me some stuff, to go tend to the thieves guild members, who are sat by the fire? I asked nicely with a polite firm smile. I pulled a tray towards me and piled five cups onto it. Tam, grumbled something under his breath. His grey edged, brown twinkling eyes watching me studiously. As he moved and lifted a large jug of ale, within my reach. He then patted my hand and gave me an approving nod.

I wove my way through the tables and came up to the one, where five rather, dirty, looking low lives sat. Raucously laughing and gambling, with an old deck of cards out. Money lay scattered on the table, in various clumps of glittering coins. One of the older more, nastier, looking individuals grinned. Half his teeth rotted or yellowed with age, as he grabbed my arse. When I leaned over to set the jug down. The cups had already been set out by then, I turned and swiped him. Hitting him hard on the side of the face, with the metal tray. Causing all the others to laugh, even more openly at him.

I scowled and before he could draw his dagger from the pouch, that hung at his side, my sword was unsheathed and I leaned in a loud enough whipping of my tongue, to give him a warning, Do not even think it, or I will stick my sword somewhere so far up your ass, that when you smile it will glint with your tonsils… comprehend?

He visibly gulped and it was sheathed really quickly and I edged away from the table. I hated dealing with these people.

But customers were what paid my wages, at the end of the day. I made my way around four other tables, checking on the locals and collecting money. Afore eventually I wound my way back, to where Angelus sat carefully sipping at his spiced mead. The figure was almost out of his drink. I had come to collect his money, more than anything else. He slipped me a piece of paper.

Which is normally how he ordered anything. He rarely spoke ever. Even when the ladies of the night, came in to do business. I read it, he was asking for more mead and what was on the dinner menu. No hardship there.

I spoke softly and clearly to him, in common elvish stating, Well there is a deer pot roast, if you wish to try it. Bread, cheese and the usual fair of porridge. There is potato and leek soup. And of course the usual mutton stew. If, you would like that sir?

Perhaps that was one of the finer points, which the locals liked about me? For despite their demeanors or indeed positions and stations in life, I was always polite. Unless mitigating circumstances pushed me, to be otherwise. I respected everyone and never referred to any of them, by first or last name. Around here that meant attachment and ties.

Attachment and ties were a dangerous thing in this neighborhood. Affiliations was almost certain, to get you in with the wrong types. Or place you in a pigeon hole, you did not wish to be set in. There was a lot of rivalry around here. If not that then perhaps you may go to bed and never wake up, in the morning.

More of my usual and this, deer pot roast you speak of, who made it? inquired Angelus quietly in dulcet golden tones. In pure common elvish, a soft lilting wavered in his musical voice.

I did. No point to lying, Did you wish to risk trying it? Or would you just keep, to the normal repertoire of food that is available?

I will have a normal portion, of this deer pot roast and some bread, to accompany it. He replied in the same, melodic tones and inflections. He pushed four gold taros towards me, in payment and I hurriedly stuffed them into my pocket. Before scurrying to the bar to hand in his order to Tam. So that Solure could get it ready.

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Meanwhile I worked the tables, filing drinks, taking orders and money and handing everything, back at Tam. It was pretty busy in here tonight. Which was unusual. It was not more than, the middle of the month. Robert and Moridhe were now occupying two bar stools. In the corner of the bar near the wall and watching me. Conversing over something or another. Tam tended them personally.

I watched as the guild, who had hired the back room, left. Carrying a large sack cloth wrapped item between four of them, which uncannily resembled a body. No way was I going to question that outright!

I got lost in my work and ignored the two elves, who had been sent to search for me to their own devices. The evening wore on. The hours ticked by and it was close to eleven in the evening, when in walked the sophisticated whores. In their gay apparel. Busty and revealing. Faces made up like peacocks.

They strutted their wares and visibly, caught some of the customers into their tally. They were as per usual, accompanied by the matron, of the girls. These particular working girls all lived at the local brothel. That was actually, a very beautifully, well-kept house. Which had its own garden and fencing around it.

About two blocks up the street, from the tavern itself. It seemed that The Rotten Grape and Madam Gale’s house of entertainment, often worked in conjunction with each other.

I had been personally sent up there twice, with messages and a few bottles of fine wine, out of the cellar by Tam. Having had the chance to view the inside of the lower part, to the three story townhouse. It was quite something else let me tell you.

These girls wanted for nothing, to say the least. Madam Gale always accompanied her girls, and when she was busy with the more elite members of this locale, this short woman with rich red and silver streaked hair called, Gale would make them pair up for safety sakes.

Gale had bright blue eyes, with hints of hazel in them that twinkled with the kind of mischief that reminded me, of the Irish back home. She was more slender than her girls or her second in command, counterpart but when she came in, you can bank your books, there was going to be no trouble at all.

Tonight, both Gale and Valise, (her ebony skinned second in command,) came strutting in behind the girls. There was only about nine women that worked this place. That was all Tam would ever allow.

I gave a half smile, absentmindedly wondering what it must be like, to be all dressed up in such rich finery of silks and be able to hold your own? My daydream was quickly dismissed as I was nudged by Miss Gale, walking over to the bar and knocking into me a little - as she headed straight to Tam. Gale was perhaps the shortest tempered of madams. She was also the most feared, as well as the most loved. She had asked my landlord several times, about whether I could work her place too, for Marianna did already. But heh, I had politely declined the offer, even though more money was involved and it would have probably helped me, with my own issues.

I just thought it was too much. It is not that I believed this would be a lowering of my personal standards. Just that I was not wanting, to get involved in a profession, which served to entrap another. Besides the risks, as Miss Gale had explained several times - was growing. The year previously she had personally called upon Tam, to help her go take out a few of the men in the local area.

For gang raping and slicing up, one of her favorite girls. Now the girl stayed in the house. Dealing with other things rather than clients. It had cost the matron, quite a bit of money in healer’s bills and the likes to fix her up enough, so she could work even a little. The girl had been reduced from a beauty to a cleaner in the splitting of a few hours. All because those who had got hold of her, whilst she had been out at market had not paid, for the services rendered.

They had also refused, to take no, for an answer. Doing more than a few no no’s; to the young woman apparently. Miss Gale gave me one of her pale tight lipped smiles, What you up to girl? she demanded in a growl that was her way of being polite.

Whatever you need, within reason Miss Gale, how goes it tonight? I answered calmly back. As I picked up another two flagons of spiced rum. Getting ready to serve some really dodgy types that had just entered who were also regular customers. Already the girls had found clients and were allowing themselves shamelessly to be touched and molested.

"Business has been slow this week. But maybe tonight we may get a few extra coins. I wish that Angelus would give into to some pampering. Been working on that man for a few years but he never stacks up anything other than paying for the company.

He is probably a eunuch, cause from what I hear the girls never even get their clothes off, neither does he. He much prefers to be read to and be snuggled up to. sighed Gale, But he pays well enough for just that. Glad he is back in town makes me feel a little better. Tell me has he tipped you this evening yet?"

Nope, just paid for everything else. He spoke to me earlier though. I answered as she followed me to the table, where I slammed down the two flagons of spiced rum. However that was as far as our conversation went.

For Miss Gale began to slip her skillful hands, about one of the older gentleman’s shoulders and playfully, whispered in his ear. As she noticed his large coin purse. This was received gratefully and before I knew it, she was sitting on his lap and plying herself well. I afforded myself a quiet little chuckle.

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Then came the creeping feeling that eyes were set upon me. This was accompanied by the slow motion of everything suddenly coming to a halt in the room. As though I was the only one breathing and moving, in perfect normal time and everyone else had froze. Everyone that is, except three other occupants, Robert, Tam and Angelus.

Robert moved, though not as swiftly as I was able to. Though I chose not to, I stood where I was, tray in hand, pretending to be as motionless, as the rest in the chamber. Caught as a picture postcard. Tam was the same way, his movements were not completely at a standstill but he was not, as fast as a normal pace dictated.

Angelus on the other hand, was a completely different matter. It was all over in less than a few seconds. It all happened so quickly, that I barely had time to compute in my own brain, as to what I was witnessing exactly. He rose up, normal time everyone else has as aforementioned, had come to a complete standstill - except for Rob and Tam. I held my breath, eyes widened in terror.

As De Ath swiftly got to his feet, drawing a long sword from nowhere! Then sliced, through a man. His long cloak transforming. Transmuting in that brief moment, to a terrible apparition that glowed. A glaring bright, unholy, black aura which spread and radiated out from his form.

Yet no blood was spilt. His weapon passing, right through the man in question. A grim smile upon his face that was masked, with something akin to satisfaction, he paused briefly.

Time was standing immobilized still. Then he strolled casually across the room, past all the unaware statues of people in various poses, of the tavern life and came straight to the bar.

He glanced at me. His hooded head turned in my direction, as he pulled out four silver unusual, designed coins and placed them in front of old Tam. Lifting the man’s gnarly, thick stumpy hand, to cover it with a note.

Then faced me head on. Well assured that I had been, watching them. He closed in on me, no longer froze to the spot. I side stepped to back away, but his hand quickly snatched at my wrist, that went for the hilt to my sword and he leaned in. His voice awash with calm tones of darkness and midnight skies filled, with no light.

My heart was pounding, as I looked at his lips and exposed chin, which showed from beneath his hood, masking his face in even darker shadow and listened, terrified, as he said softly, Ah, I was right about you. Good. Well you may as well know, Kate Haggis, that your time here - is limited. I would prefer you were not, to be collected by my fellow colleagues, or indeed by myself. But you are nearly up with your tenure, to your freedom.

Promptly as if to seal this into being, he lightly kissed my cheek with a mild chuckle of grave amusement, to my discomfiture. Releasing my wrist and muttering as he turned away.

In a swirl of huge black wings, across the room and slicing his strange sword through three, other random, people in the room. Calling with bitter amusement as he did so, They brought forth a girl after all! The damn sneaky bastards!

He laughed coldly again. Then his wings moved, melted and swathed his form, turning back again into a cloak that draped, hung and clung - to his slender masculine form. So elegantly, as though nothing had happened.

Once he sat down, time snapped as a rubber band. Back into the here and now if indeed, it had even stepped out, of its frame at all. My heart was still trying, to escape my ribcage. Then still standing stunned, I watched a fight break out, unexpectedly.

Hence why Tam had by now grabbed, his double handed battleaxe that he kept under the bar and was storming his way around to the opening. From between the bar and the kitchen, at a hell of a marching pace. Robert had drawn both his sword and dagger. The healer was standing protectively between Moridhe, and those in the middle of the brawl.

I watched as the brawl spread across the room. From the thieves table, whom I had been serving for most of the night - to the table across the far side of the room. Where Miss Gale, had just taken a client away from.

Tam hit my arm, Come on girl! Don’t just stand there! Give me a hand to break this shit up! he was pocketing the note and the coins I realized. I drew my sword, hoisted up my skirts to tuck them into my belt.

As with Tam close to my side, we split to deal with various people, pulling out weapons. I narrowly missed, two crossbow bolts. That came flying in my direction and pitted themselves, into one of the four main wooden beams, which held the lower ceiling up.

Annoyed that anyone could be that, lousy of a shot I yelled as I waded into them. Knocking and pulling people apart. A few times receiving the odd well aimed blow, yet managing to avoid being sliced or stabbed in the process.

This was crappy way, to be spending my time. I got thumped hard in the back and went sprawling. Forwards I went, sword flying from my hand as, I pulled free my dagger.

A dark shadow crept over the group, who were now nothing more to my vision, than a heavy weight of someone landing on me. Knocking the wind out of my lungs.

It was a pile up as hands, fists, legs and teeth came into view. A strong hand grasped my lower good arm and I, was hauled to my feet bodily in that one swoop. There stood Angelus, his features grim and stern. He had no time to say anything.

There was no utterance of any words. He just quickly shoved me behind him, and his sword appeared out of nowhere, only this time I saw, the blood being drawn. He moved like a professional martial artist and allowed none, to get so close as to reach him, with a single blow.

He moved like lightening as I lay pressed. Between him and the wall behind me. He had separated and killed at least four before, one more came at him.

Robert meanwhile along with a slightly, tipsy ranger, were engaged further down the bar. Protecting Marianna and a working girl. Fighting off each of those, who wanted to rumble and thoroughly in their element it seemed.

For despite the fact Khelndi was exceptionally more, drunk, than I had ever seen him be before, he was a whiz with his blades. Defensively parrying and ultimately, working in perfect unison and just as much honed agility, and dexterous grace as Robert by his side.

The pair had the girls behind them in a corner and now, two more of the working girls from Miss Gale’s horde, had now cringed and gathered behind them.

Tam on the other hand, had broken up several of those in the midst of fighting. Splitting one person’s skull, as a water melon on a chopping block! When he arced his axe to go crashing down upon his attacker.

Who had foolishly drawn his crossbow, (already loaded,) and shot him! Superficially it mattered not, Tam went into a berserker like rage and beat the living crap, out of the big burly man. The tavern emptied out quickly after that.

However the ladies of the evening, had stayed behind to help pick up the mess, which Tam paid Miss Gale for generously and, a little extra. It made me wish to giggle sometimes the way old Tam conducted his business, with this particularly little short and fierce looking, lady of the night entertainment profession. Still she was good natured.

Finally after an hour and a half, of everyone pitching in as best as could be done, we managed to clean up all the mess, that had been made. Due to the destructive nature, of the previously brawling occupants.

This included hauling out a few bodies in cheap nasty linens and throwing them on a cart, for the local militia to pick up in the morning.

Angelus had left the building or at least, it was either that, or to go and chase down a remaining few or he had retired, to the chamber especially, kept aside for him. Either way, there was no sign of the tall dark stranger. All thoughts of the ‘time’ scene playing out had by then, long slipped my mind.

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Once everything had been squared away, with damages inventoried, etcetera. Trellawny sat down and pulled me over, to his table along with Mori. The ranger who was now sporting, a bandaged left wrist. (I was half tempted, to make some crude joke as to the reasoning it was really, wrapped but thought better of it.) I sat down albeit reluctantly so.

But there was a sweet air of truce, about the whole situation now. As though the healer had got whatever, anger out of his system. During that brief brawl, in the bar room.

Still the silence that remained, was somewhat impassive as well as, sharply edged in its short glory. Whilst the three of us sat around the small, oaken table. Sipping at some mead offered up by Tam. Solure briefly announced, she was heading home and we, hugged before she departed.

So, began the older man in greens, just as my inner voice piped up, Oh-oh here we go, wait for it…wait for it! He is about to do the ‘guilt trip’ speech routine!

Robert peered into his mug then slowly, raised his watery grey orbs. To match mine thoughtfully. His facial features remaining stern and plausibly, in denial as he continued slowly. Deliberately.

Taking care, over which way to word his next sentence, I guess you are adamant, then are you, Kate? Sure that you really, have no desire, no wish whatsoever, to come back with us - to the DorDinen compound? You realize the king is to be chosen soon. And crowned before the summer is done past? This very year, as we speak, right?

Aye, I know. And no. I do not have any more desire or wish, to return back to the DorDinen household. Than a dead wet fish, has to live in a desert, of sand dunes! I replied somewhat caustically and sarcastically back.

Not taking my eyes off him, for one second. I could almost smell, let alone taste the requisite of manipulation. The scent of deceit and entrapment that was being laid.

The baiting was awful, but Trellawny pushed further and ignored my sarcastic wit. He merely gave a short lived wry smile. Nodding quietly, once more pondering to himself. Next he said in a low keyed voice, You are absolutely sure, that you feel, you would be far better off, in your home realm? Compared to this, beautiful, magnificent, one? He gestured outwardly with a casual air to his arm for emphasis. His orbs continuing their pensive study of my features.

Positive. The brief synoptic answer, seemed to fluster the man in greens, into wariness. He was perhaps not quite used, to hearing me speak in one worded answers.

But had obviously, heard from others, how it usually meant, they were either on my shit list, or similar when I did so. As far as I was concerned the subject, was already finished with. I was not about to get into this again with him.

Shame that. said Moridhe completely out of the blue.

Giving a soft clicking tut with his tongue as he, sucked in a sharp breath and shook his head sadly. Serving to perplex me further. What the heck was going on I had to wonder? I frowned and looked at Moridhe and scowled, was he playing some kind of a game with me too?

But no sooner had I thought this when Robert violently elbowed the ranger in the ribs and kicked him under the table with a very menacing growl of warning, Told you to keep your mouth shut laddie! Not another word Khelndi or else!

Excuse me Mori? What do you mean, by ‘that is such a shame?’ I asked firmly, still frowning deeply at his response to me.

Okay, so admittedly he had sparked my interest, with his such blatantly sly comment. I sighed deeply and impatiently awaiting his answer. Even daring to lean a little closer across the table, to hear whatever it was, he might have to say.

Because of Lady Maighlen, coming to court Leafy, by the end of the month. Answered the ranger guiltily.

I told you to SHUT your mouth lad! snarled the healer his scar that ran down the left side of his face becoming a livid burgundy mottled hue, of anger.

Yet the dark haired elf continued hurriedly with, I did not want to tell you! We were told not to. But the truth is, I am not sure that Sagrisyn, knows what he is about to do, making Leafeldur at least court ladies - that he picks for him. I mean most of them, would not know a sword, from a butter knife! he declared haphazardly, in a rush of words full of anxiety.

Khelndi! snapped Trellawny furiously as he glared at him. So much hatred in that narrowed gaze.

Who and what? I asked fiercely, as I was incredulously filled with disbelief.

Sagrisyn, began Robert slightly more calmly, as he raised a hand at Mori to silence his younger counterpart, "Has decided that perhaps, he should tie-up your magi - with another lady. Thus he has had it arranged prior, that a lady Maighlen from Tolstarr actually, should arrive. By the end of this month, to court him. He has stated that, it would do his cousin good, to find a true companion.

Perhaps one who will help, take his mind off, of you. To be more precise, my dear Kate. Perhaps, he has a valid point? And perhaps, with you being so insistent, on staying here, it may be for the best? After all, it would be easier for Leafeldur to repair his, crushed, broken heart, with you, well out of the picture, right?"

Sagrisyn’s idea? And you let him do this? You are such, a son of a fu… came my angered grumble, but I was well interrupted by the ranger.

Who jumped in on the healers defense stating, It is not our fault! We couldn’t stop him! I do not know what Sagrisyn done! It’s like Leafy is under some kind of weird shitty spell, or something! Sagrisyn showed him a picture of this lady person. And next we know he is all about it…

Yet I knew not why, I felt even more infuriated, than ever before. My own face held a foul countenance, with my mouth, twisting up in a half snarl.

The man in greens arched a subtle brow, his orbs almost smirking. As though the piece of news just delivered, had the profound effect, he had hoped it would. I was fuming to say the least. Despite the fact right there and then, I would never have admitted this, my face still must have said it all!

So Robert then asked, more quietly and cautiously than before, So, are you still sure, you want to stay here? Or would you be wanting, to come back and aid an old friend and I, at breaking, whatever it is - that has a hold over Leafeldur?

But my inner voice won over, as I snapped back the retort, "If Leafeldur is stupid enough, to allow himself, to be caught up in this farce, of dating a woman he has never met! Then I am so sorry Rob, I have no sympathy at all!

Furthermore, if he is going to be so stupid, as well as blatant about it, enough so, to allow Sagrisyn, to rule his life on this matter, and make all these silly, decisions about who he is going to be partnered up with - it has no bearing upon me! If he wants to forget me, then fine! See if I bloody well care!

But let me, tell you this! No matter what he does. No matter who he is with. No matter where he goes - I will be there! Maybe only in spirit, maybe only as a distant memory! But I AM Kate Haggis, and I AM, the dream that haunts his mind!

Whether he will admit to it, or no! He loves me. And no amount of a female, plying her wares - is going to change that!" My anger inflected in my tones. With a dose of cold, icy, carefree acidity. That showed I was telling the truth. Well at least, according to my mind’s eye. My inner voice began to viciously curse Leafeldur out.

The real truth was, I was not exactly sure, how the lord of the DorDinen felt about me. Nor indeed whether, he would continue to put up with someone, who was always apparently, running from him and getting their being, into trouble. Of which he constantly, had to fish me out of.

Having said all of this though, and not to place any mitigating blame, where it was not needed. I too had served my part to scoop him out, of previously, troubling moments. I frowned. The edge to my bubbling cauldron of anger residing, for a brief second or two, whilst I contemplated this.

Shame, I was rather hoping you, would talk to him or knock some sense into him, just something Kate. I do not think he is really keen on this idea. But is just, making the most of it. explained Moridhe rather sadly in a meaningful moan of despairing design

Again in a flurry of anxiety my mind raced. Mixed with something, a kin to fear filled my heart, as Moridhe Khelndi continued on with, "Because I know that if any one, can talk sense into him, and make him see the light of day - it would be you Kate. You could break whatever influence, has been placed over him.

It was you after all, who helped the shadoin be allowed back in the lands, and canceled, out the exodus. Please? Come back with us? Please? I am begging you! Besides, Joanne is missing you. And you are missing my son growing up too. He will need a brave, intelligent and excellent, tutor such as, yourself. I will pay you myself! Double the amount you make here, if it helps?"

Good Lord! Moridhe Khelndi, I do not want your money. I answered flatly back somewhat exasperated. My inner voice was groaning with the aggravation this conversation and the ranger’s pleas, were causing. My head felt like it was growing a heavy ache in the temples already...

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The following morning was fresh and breezy. All forms of the night’s before conversation, having slipped my mind. I was out at the well. Hauling water up, with the bucket. Very primitive, very, physical. Very demanding of my attention.

My long skirts tucked up at my waist, to form a short, baggy, oversized, pair of shorts. My soft ankle, boot slippers on my feet, readily visible. Along with naked, lily white calves. The sky was clear and birds were twittering nearby, in the trees and up on the house roof tops. Spring had definitely, sprung.

The water in the bucket that I drew up, sloshed and splashed as it tried to tip over. Whilst I pulled it to the edge, of the short crudely constructed stone wall. Lifting it carefully, with both hands.

I was so busy in a world of my own, my mind going over what needed to be done for the day, that I was unaware of the presence of a figure, suddenly standing behind me.

All I recall was a dark shadow, that swept its way over my form and I felt the chill of air, come with it. Sending me shivering suddenly, to ward off the cold. Then the smooth deep words, barely a whisper greeted my ears of, Hello again, little lady.

Which startled me even further. So that I nearly dropped the bucket and its contents, back into the open hole in the ground - such was my jump as I held it.

Angelus! I gave a little alarmed cry of displeasure, at having been caught off my guard. Spinning around to face him. After having steadied the bucket and pouring the water, into two large clay jugs at my feet.

What are you doing out here, at this early hour? I displaced my startled frightened look, for a more friendly and benign one.

Smiling at him as I turned my back to concentrate, on filling up the water jugs properly. Lowering the bucket back down the well, on the thick cord of rope. Before pulling it up once more and filling the jugs nearby. This time, not spilling a drop. Watching it sparkle in the sunshine.

Enjoying the spring, sunshine and yourself? Would have been a perfectly normal and acceptable answer, had it not have been for two things.

First off the words, were coming from a person, a being who could halt time, to go around slicing others - without them being aware of it!

Secondly, it was Angelus and that, said it all. It was unnerving to think that he moved, with all the grace of the nightly shadows. Full of elegance, fluidity and stealthy silence. (He also gave me this weird uneasy feeling, as if he was constantly occupying two spaces simultaneously.)

He smiled broadly as I peered up at him, his face, half encapsulated in the hood. Of his usual long, black leathery cloak that swept to the ground. His shirt like mantle, of leather that matched, yet was belted, as part of his tunic.

His dark black chain mail sleeves, glinted in the warming sunlight. As he casually lifted a hand up, to his hooded features. Throwing his hood back, to reveal his finely, chiseled features and smiled even more. His orbs were piercingly bright. A strange, livid silvery, lilac in color.

His skin the warmth of golden corn and earth. His face was intriguing and hypnotizing to me.

Without realizing it I was staring, for a few seconds further. Studying his face, his demeanor as much as I was entranced by him. As he stood there, all relaxed yet imperious, at the same moment.

Again, as though he occupied the same place, in time in two, different aspects. Yet perfectly synchronized. A small breeze caught and whipped a few loose strands of my hair, across my face and cheeks. Now he moved ever so quickly.

I did not even see him do it, was not even aware, that it had been done. He had removed the gloves, from his hands. Lightly with a genteel, un-gloved hand he moved the wavering strands, back behind my ears with a feather light touch. A touch that sent shivers, down my spine in thrilled, strange expectation – that was not pleasant.

I had not even noticed that he, had taken two or three more steps closer, at this point. You are very beautiful, in the sunlight, Miss Kate. He cooed with a smile. His voice deep and mellow, as it was soft and purring, in that mere whisper, of the words. His own orbs tracing lightly, across the lines of my eyes, my cheeks.

Searching every part to my soul, it felt. For a moment, time stood briefly suspended on a precipice, as did I. His soft warm fingertips, still lightly brushed against my cheek, in frozen motion. My head arched gently at the neck. I gazed into his silvery lilac orbs. His own lowered to grace mine and flickering shots, towards my lips. My heart was racing.

Pounding loudly with anticipation but I did not understand why, it was exactly. After all, despite the intrigue I had for him, he was certainly, not, my type.

The breeze went into slow motion as his head tilted slightly to the side, ever so lightly. As his hand lightly held my cheek, then slipped to the back of my neck, by my hair line. Causing my heart to race even more, than ever before. He whispered so tenderly, that I could barely make out what was said at first.

But it was plainly clear, No matter where you go, I will find you. Even if, it takes another four thousand years, Kate. As both of us stood there perfectly poised. His lids began to close as did my own. I could feel his head bowing, his warm breath that smelt sweet, as our lips broached to meet with each other.

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Yet here again, comes that perfect timing that Moridhe, seemed to have. For suddenly the ranger called loud and clear, in his usual bright cheery tones, Hey Kate, Rob says he needs to talk to you for a moment. Would you mind, coming in a second? He said it was important this time, and promises not to try and slap you.

Snapped out of the temporary enchantment, that a possible kiss sometimes holds over a person, I opened my eyes. The sun streamed into them and Angelus, was not there. Absentmindedly and stunned, I lifted a hand to my cheek. Where his hand had been but a splitting, of a second before the call. Lightly touching the side where his fingertips, had caressed my skin and sighed deeply.

Moridhe, was marching his way across the yard, towards where I stood by the well alone. He appeared puzzled as he asked, What on earth are you doing? Are you finished getting the water, from the well for Tam? My oh, my Kate, you look as pale as a ghost. He observed in a soft mutter. A brief frown as he paused.

Er, nothing Mori, it was nothing. And yes, I am done. I replied in a stutter of bewildered daze.

"Well come on then Kate. Let me help you