Kate Haggis and Khenvairc Drakes: Pocketful of Existence Series,

By Cat Anders

Kate Haggis is a bard, at least in title. But she is left behind in Leafeldur DorDinen's compound, along with Tagolan Greenleaf, to run his household smoothly whilst he selfishly goes to rebuild another town in his fiefdom, wanting back the former glory days of his clan. But whilst both the mage and his ranger friend are out doing this work, Kate is paid an unusual visit by a paladin, who informs her that Robert Trellawny, her adoptive father, is currently being held captive by a renegade group of terrorists under the leadership of a vile man called Shaolgris in a different pocketful of existence known as Khenvairc. Kate agrees to go rescue the old healer, whom she is very fond of. She takes off with the paladin and finds herself trapped by his lies. He doesn't want her help but plans something much more nefarious for her personage. In Khenvairc, she crosses the path of the race previously thought of as extinct, along with drakes, and inadvertently starts off a war between Shaolgris and those who are hot in pursuit of the bard. As she races against time and all the odds, can she make it to rescue Robert in time before he is executed? And if she can, what price might she have to pay as a result on her humanity? Drakes, monsters unique to that dark realm of shadows, and a title that has not been claimed in several hundreds of years, along with a power-mad dictator and evil magics beyond imagination! How will Kate ever survive it all? Again mixed up in a deadly enchantment that threatens to delete her usual existence permanently! Can the bard make it out alive? Or will the darkness of the deed engulf her soul?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 12, 2021
• ISBN: 9781662431005

Book preview

Chapter One

An Indiscretion

I was currently in Nairn, when all the trouble started. I had been under the household of the High Prince Regent, one, Neithan Elonathesei. Staying in the family quarters to the Trellawny-Snowfell household, seeing as I had been adopted by the same asaid family a short while back.

Leafeldur DorDinen, a rather moody, miserable tyrant of a magic user, had broken his bargain with Neithan—to whatever that arrangement had been. Trying to pick me up earlier than Tol’ynfai as had been part to the agreement for some stupid scrolls of spell-craft, which he had wanted so badly.

As a result, he had not only managed to piss off his cousin, Tagolan, but also affront the regent. Who had then sent out a summons to King Sagrisyn of Snowfell City. Informing him point blank that he had to come personally—if he wanted the mage, who was his heir apparent, back. Oh yes, that was not going to go down lightly, let me assure you.

This had all happened, on my adoptive parents pairing anniversary. (Or chern’viath, an anniversary that celebrates the pairing ceremony, with soul sealing rites involved. This is one of the oldest forms of elven equivalents to getting married for life. It is rare. (Classified as very old school.)

It is rarely used by elves. Those who have used it, are usually older than Snowfell itself and from one of the other realms, such as, Penwyre, Khenvairc and some other more obscure realms, like Arydacia and Cinderishei.)

Anyway, I believe I was explaining what happened. Ah yes, so Leafeldur, had been imprisoned for an indiscretion and treachery, by the high prince regent himself, personally overseeing his care. The mage, had brought with him a small contingency of armed soldiers as well as a letter from his cousin, Lethaluin Sagrisyn Greenleaf, to state that he could override the matter of arrangement, and bring me back early, from the time allotted.

After three months previously, having given permission for me to stay as long as I wanted, well, until my studies were finished that is. But, that is beside the point. I was recovering from being crushed in an avalanche, killing a wraith in the process, and dealing with the head of the grim reapers, Death himself.

Who, if you ask me, was a rather lecherous old git! Enjoying his job a little too, much! So yes, there I was in Nairn City, at the Elonathesei compound, which was big as a city in itself. So let me forward wind a few weeks…

* * * * *

Morning breakfast time, and for the first time in ages, I found myself pleasantly sat at the high prince regent’s table. Robert Trellawny, my adoptive parent, the man in greens himself, was currently still asleep, having got himself drunk the night before, and I had covered him up, where I had found him laid out in the chair at the family quarters.

Leaving a small note to purvey where I was headed to. Lady Hope, a formidable paladin, and currently my other, parental unit, was out with my adopted older brother Kennet and on their way to Lios Alfreon.

Tagolan, was already sat at the table when I arrived, in my warm brown and fawn earth toned wear. My tabard was a simple beige sand color and matched the outfit rather nicely. I was humming and hawing over the fact that my only pair of reading glasses, (prescription ones too, I might add,) had been broken that very morning, by myself. That was going to cause a lot of problems in itself.

I had been working in the Gold Library two hours previously and now was quite satisfied with how my research was going on the Khemoy circlet. An artifact, which I had vague interests in. Neithan came in from his private area and gave me an arched brow of inquiry, as the valet settled my chair underneath me, on the other side of his throne chair. The empty seat to my other side, indicative of another as yet to join us.

I take it, your tachre, will be along, shortly? came his smooth deep eloquent tones seductively, as he took up his seat.

Sorry milord, apparently not this morning. He was, still asleep when I left. came my quiet response.

I see. was his only response to this, along with a subtle nod and a very strange contemplative look on his features. His hazel amber liquid colored orbs, hinting a little more green in them as he tilted his head to the side, and summoned the valet to him, with a single motion of his hand, whispered something as he nodded towards the chair. The placement was quickly removed by the same asaid person.

The first bell had already tolled, and now the secondary gave out its solemn discourse through the air. Two large shadoin knights came in, escorting Leafeldur DorDinen to the table. He was sat between Neithan and Tagolan much to my fearful, trembling disposition. He did not look too happy. He was dressed simply in pale off white lemon robes and tabard. Which just made his ghostly pale albino complexion, seem more haunting than usual.

His dark brown orbs flickered with malice and shame as he was sat down. I could have sworn that Neithan almost smirked at the younger magic user’s discomfiture upon seeing me. My heart was pummeling my chest in rapid succession of apprehension. I noted he was sporting two small armband cuffs, which seemed to fit his wrists entirely. As he placed them in front of himself.

The high regent gave the signal and courtiers and servants alike, started to fill plates, cups and goblets with the morning meal. I was too scared to speak at all. Hanging my head with depression due to knowing I would have to deal with the volatile DorDinen at some point in time.

About half way through the meal, Robert came waltzing in, looking refreshed and none the worse for wear. A placement was reset on my other side. I have never felt so much relief as I did then. I could even smell a soapy scent germinating from him, and he looked clean and pristine. As if he had taken a bath and put all new livery on of patchwork greens.

He smiled broadly at me, as he passed by the others of the table to take his place, he greeted each one fairly civilly. Save for perhaps Leafeldur. Because the greeting that came out of Rob’s mouth sounded more like a warning growl than anything else. His scar darkened a little and his orbs narrowed pensively.

He gave my cheek a brief peck before parking his butt and whispered quietly, I am guessing, that was you lassie, that put the blanket on me right? and he grinned full of mischief.

Yes sir, it was. came my small mutter back, in between eating some buttered hot thoria. (I was becoming quite the glutton over that stuff, lick-lick, nummy, nummy,—is all I can say to that!) Dabbing a napkin carefully to the corners of my mouth, trying to catch the dribble of butter, which was attempting to escape as I took another bite. Smiling brightly as my relief eased my fears away slowly but surely.

I think, we are expecting some guests this morning. whispered the healer rather conspiratorially. As he leaned over and grabbed the plate with some form of beef bacon on it, pulling it closer as he reached.

Nervously I gave a quick glance to Neithan, keeping my shields up. But he was busy in discourse with Tagolan on the other side of the silent, pensive, mage. Leaning slightly towards my tachre and asking, What do you mean tachre? I have heard of nothing about maichre or lainachre coming in.

No lassie. Try that dimwit, from Snowfell City. he hinted with a subtle smirking grin as he waited for a servant to bring him some hot honeyed water. Pulling out a small vial from one of the depths of his jerkin pockets.

The other unusual thing about his appearance, I happened to note was that he was carrying his sword and dagger on him today. Normally, it was not something that he presented himself to doing, unless he expected some sort of trouble.

You mean Sagrisyn? I was confused, sitting back a moment to consider this, as he nodded briefly. What the hell would that twerp want with coming here? At that present moment in time of course, I held no knowledge that he had been summoned by the head of the Elonathesei clan to come pick up Leafeldur. So I whispered back, behind my napkin succinctly, What by the stars and trees, would bring that idiot here?

There was a deep resonating chuckle by the opposite side of me. The high regent said smoothly, Now, now, my dearest lady Kate, your manners seem to drop, at the mention of the king of Snowfell’s name. I would beg that you cause of no further incidents, and act cordially. He should be up here, very shortly. In a few more moments to be precise.

And then he went on to explain that he had summoned him to collect his cousin, who had acted with grave insubordination and treason towards both the treaty signed, as well as the agreement that had been sealed and enacted upon.

Despite the fact I did not understand all that the agreement was set upon, I understood why Neithan Elonathesei was aggrieved to the breaking of it all, as well as the effrontery to his own household.

Finally he finished up with the words, …but of course my dearest lady, you will not be held accountable, for another’s actions in this matter. You must attend your lessons today, as are set out for you, young prince Tagolan, will be taking you with him, to attend a small matter of diplomacy, in the city here, on mine behalf. he lifted my left hand and kissed it softly, tenderly.

Sending shivers and trills of succulent pleasurable energy, to course up my arm, to deposit in areas of my physical self that did not need any encouragement. He literally melted me to the core. After which, I believe, your tachre and self, will be going to eat out, then head onto the smithy, for whatever reason, he has to do that. He gave Robert a raised brow look as he spoke.

Oh aye. Forgot to tell you Kate. came Trellawny without missing a beat, I thought you and I could do with some new well, sturdy crafted, lock boxes, plus get you fitted for a new crossbow set. Seeing as you had problems lifting the one, in the family chambers. Hope’s idea, for the latter, and suggested something more, portable. he added casually before stuffing some hot butter toast into his mouth and gulping down the coffee like mixture that he had made up with the honeyed water and his herbal remedy in the vial.

Right. Sounds like, erm, a plan. I tried to sound cheerful about that, but it came out a little disappointed. Although perhaps having my own crossbow, would not be such a bad thing? Especially one that was custom made, plus the lock box thing, would be handy for keeping prying eyes, out of my personal stuff.

Stuff that I would rather keep secret anyway. Because I had my reasons, though admittedly they all spiraled from my birth world and the insecurity that those ‘things’ made me feel when others knew about it. Okay, so I was not average.

Just as the meal finished, I watched a messenger come in, announcing the king of Snowfell’s arrival. At which point, the high regent along with Leafeldur, and the two guards who had escorted him in originally left. I frowned, chewing my lip on the inside, there was something about this, that I knew, was only going to cause further headaches in the long run. Just knew it!

Didn’t need no damn crystal ball, nor to be a stupid seer or magic user, or a psychic, to see that in the future!

* * * * *

I left the main breakfasting hall, with Tagolan and Robert both in tow. Though we split up at one point, as Tags and I headed to the stables in the south-east quarter. Readying ourselves to head into the city. All the while, wondering how bad it was going to get, with the so called ‘negotiations’ over this latest incident with DorDinen.

As I was aided in mounting my palfrey, I glanced sorrowfully up at the stark bleak windows that twinkled in the warm sunlight, and thought about how grateful I was, not to be in on that matter. Greenleaf, mounted up, along with a dozen or so of Neithan’s finest knights who were to accompany us on the small diplomacy matter.

Robert had informed me, when we had parted that he would catch me at the shadoin eatery at lunch time. Explaining, that he was expected to sit in, on the talks. Talks my arse! If Leafeldur lost it, then it would be an all-out knock-down, screaming match complete with fireballs!

Something inside me though, told me, that perhaps he may be a little better behaved this time around, and that if anyone should watch their backs, it would be Tagolan’s horrible half-brother, Lethaluin. Heh.

Amusingly, I wondered if Neithan would finish the ruddy self-righteous prick off? I wondered too, as to whether Sagrisyn was stupid enough to perform an indiscretion that would piss the high regent off, and thereby ending his own life? Happily as we rode out of the gateway, I smiled as my imagination pictured all the different ways, that Sagrisyn being bumped off, might be made a preferable reality. After all, I was completely mad at him for several reasons. Primarily because he would not relinquish the throne and give it to the rightful successor, my friend, Tagolan.

* * * * *

It was approximately three days afterwards, that I watched from an upstairs window, to observe the albino lord leaving with the large group from Snowfell City. It was raining heavily when he rode out. His own soldiers and knights, were still being held imprisoned. I guess the negotiations had not worked out for their release.

Relieved I continued to observe them leaving the compound in a long trail. Both Sagrisyn and himself, looking detestably enraged as they were chagrined. My inner voice squealed delightedly the memorable words of, That’s right bitches! Go back to where you belong! That’s what you get, for messing with Neithan! Hahaha!

It took a few minutes to stop myself from smirking with satisfaction at this outcome. I was never told what was said during that time of the discussions but I did not care. All I had been informed was that I had been entitled, to stay one more year. Woohoo! Go me! I was so psyched! I had fallen in love here.

With Nairn City and the people that made it revolve around. I had fallen in love with the culture, the rich tapestry of life that was woven on a daily basis. Pity they didn’t have a tourist t-shirt with the words, I love Nairn. or I would have been buying them up. If only so that when I did get back to the compound of DorDinen, I could wear one every day, just to piss the moody magic user off! A year went by quickly though. My lessons progressed and became more intense with various tutors including the prince regent himself. But just as much as that went well, and uneventful, so did my research.

Finally a week before the end of that term, it was announced by the high regent that Tagolan was to be made over-seer and diplomatic King of Penwyre. It broke my heart the day he left with Neithan to go for his crowning. For just like that, I had come to value, love and cherish him, in even higher regard than the magic user Leafeldur DorDinen.

Yes, just like that, it dawned on me that night he made the announcement, I had, unintentionally fallen in love with Levrein’s eldest born son. Again, I had found myself staring miserably out of a window, crying as he left. I had been unable to go with due to catching some form of dastardly cold that would not clear up, despite Robert’s tender administering.

Then of course a week later, I myself left, to head back south-west towards the DorDinen compound. It was late autumn by then and the weather was bitterly cold and as miserable as I felt. Bringing with me, two new wagons of books, scrolls and stuff for my own personal use, and for Leafeldur DorDinen’s library, which I had been informed had been reformed and moved, as well as his compound having new fortifications built.

The person who had supplied me that information, had not lied. Holy snap, I recall after the three week travel into Elengar, a whole contingency from both Leafeldur’s household and a few of the Snowfell king’s elite guards, meeting with us there. And taking over the procession into the DorDinen compound.

The place was still undergoing renovations from what I witnessed as we came to a halt via the north gate courtyard. There on the top of the white steps of cold stone stood the magic user, wearing golden brown colored robes and a pale cream tabard. Arms crossed defensively over his chest. Face stern and unforgiving. Dark orbs, which appeared black from where I stood far below in the courtyard. Making me gulp, a couple of lumps in fear, down. His thin lips pursed so tightly, you could almost make out his muscles twitching in his clenched jaw. His face held a dullness to it. He appeared aged, gaunter than I had recalled seeing him before. But upon seeing me, a small tiny spark of light, glimmered marginally for a moment to soften his harsh features.

His rudimentary white marble colored cheeks, filled with a little warmth, as a tiny fraction of a smile played on his lips. I hauled my weary self up the steep steps. Dreading to what he was going to say or do when I reached the top. My inner voices were betting on a slap. I was hoping for just a screaming obscenity or two. I got neither.

What I did receive was a large crushing hug, as he lay his head down onto the top of my own. Startled, and perplexedly frightened by this reaction, my own arms still holding and clutching the research material to my chest, I was unable to return his endearingly scary greeting of such warmth.

He murmured how grateful he was that I was back in one piece. How he had missed me for so long, and could not wait, till he showed me all the new things, that had been done to improve the fortitude of his household.

Wow, I was in deep shit, I could just sense it. Yet for the next few months, well into the following spring in fact, things went surprisingly smoothly.

* * * * *

Now I was back, in another pocketful of existence, and had been for a few months in fact, sat dutifully as always in the DorDinen library, at my desk. The DorDinen compound library had held many changes over the last year or so, since I had been gone.

However, on this particular evening, as the cold damp, misty air, chilled the corridors and hallways of the complex, I sat comfortably at the fireside. Cozy and warmed in a satisfyingly, pleasant manner.

At least that was until Leafeldur, the lord and master of the household, came storming in, and was now currently barraging me with his latest complaints. My mind as always, tried so hard to focus on what, he was going on about. But alas, my attention span, was just not, in full working order.

I had been attempting to do two things at once, for the most part of the day. The tall pale, almost fully, albino lord storming in here to whine at me for other people’s misadventures, in their tasks was not helping. Especially seeing as he expected me to hold some answers, or at the very least he wanted to add to my work load. Which in all honesty was ridiculous.

I preferred much to work at my own pace, with no master. But having said all of that, I was under his roof. So as the saying goes, when under someone else’s roof, you abide by their rules and biding. Hence why my peace, had been destroyed. All focus had gone out the nearest window and literally, I felt my lovely day, going up in smoke. It had been so peaceful till his nasty entrance.

His dark brown orbs were glowering with fury, as he paced quickly back and forth across the rug by the fireside. And still his ranting went on in a low growl, of pure unadulterated anger. Cascading out of his mouth. I am not entirely sure, why he was bringing this, to my, attention. After all he was supposed, to be the alpha male here. Not like I could change anything or, that any would listen to me.

I am telling you Kate this matter had better resolve itself, and rather quickly, or there will be a few more than that thief and rapist, hitting the gallows on this Merhndi! he declared hotly, swinging his head briefly, to give me another tight lipped, infuriated glare, to make sure I was paying attention. (Merhndi, in other words, a Thursday by my reckoning.) I swear by all that is sacred of the stars and trees, Moridhe is going to get my boot, inserted, up his backside, yet!! That ruddy dragon pet of his needs to be roasted! Ah, yes, good old Moridhe Khelndi. Leafeldur’s lifelong friend and a ranger.

Personally I loved Mori, he was cool with me and I had no quarrel with his ambition, to train the dragonet that he had rescued, quite a while back as an egg. In fact I even believed it to be a rather noble, humanitarian effort. Taking on such a daunting task, as taming and training a wild living creature. I was all for it. Provided of course it did not burn anything, belonging to me that is!

The latest was that it, had set fire to Leafeldur’s personal study. Then later in the same day when the hay was being made, had burnt down several of the stacks, which would have been used for horse fodder late in the season. Not cool, not smart and certainly, not the way to make friends with the mage.

Now the magic user stopped pacing abruptly. His fists balled up causing his pale white flesh, to glisten an eerie silver-white at the knuckles, before he slammed them both into the wall by the fireplace. Grimacing as he did so with such powerful force behind the punches, that it even made me cringe. Pulling them back towards his chest and hiding them, under his tabard. Undoubtedly to hide any damage and probably nurse them, without appearing, like the true wimp, he sometimes was.

You better not have made a mark, to your body lord! Seriously, Leafeldur DorDinen! I do declare, if you do not calm yourself down… I began somewhat aggravated by how this, one sided conversation was going, though I tried to keep a calm edge to my voice, …you will put yourself in an early grave. Now please, just be quiet! I have ran out of potion, for my headaches. I highly doubt you will do yourself any favors to the situation if, you are to be healed again by anyone! Now calm yourself down please, I am trying to work here.

Or someone will help you do it. I could shut that mouth permanently for you, if you so wish…hehehheheh. Let me knock his block off, just the once… snickered my inner voice viciously. Stating what I could not do so openly. Oh how I so wanted to hit him over the head with, the nearest blunt object—just to shut him up! My eyes darted in narrowed stance to the poker and shovel, by the fireside. I only had one nerve left and he was seriously grating it.

He had been whining on, about this subject for nearly an hour now—unbelievable! I had not managed to translate one single sentence, with his incessant yelling! He seriously needed to take a chill pill. Or get the shite knocked out of him, which ever came first. Another flickered glance to the fireside implements and, my lips pursed tightly in annoyance as much as, temptation.

WELL, WHAT, would you, do? he only lowered his voice a fraction, so he was not yelling entirely as he now spun to face me head on, with continued annoyance. Then marched with one gifted of a long stride, right over to my desk. Leaning over with both his hands on the edge. His face within inches of my own as he growled softly, "I mean seriously, this…this, thing—is costing me beyond anything comparable! Or indeed bearable!" Came his final, snapping barked remark.

Before he straightened himself up to his full height of seven foot two and sighed heavily. His head lowered. His brow pensively furrowed, in deep wrinkles as he contemplated the situation, which had riled him so badly.

Have you tried talking to Mori about it? The problem with Moridhe’s pet, the dragonet, is, it follows Khelndi everywhere and he does not exactly, have the appropriate facilities, in which to train it Leafy. You have to give him some kudos, for trying, to tame the ruddy thing, at least? I reasoned on the ranger’s behalf. Brogue in full kilter now, as the stress gained another foothold on me. Some days, acting as the peace keeper was significantly, wearing on my sanity. No wonder I had inner voices!

Coo what?

Kudos. I answered with a humph, You know, erm. Points if you like, good marks for something. It’s a word from my world, am sorry I even used it. came my added mutter.

Briefly his lips moved silently, as he stood afore my desk. His face scrunched up. Undoubtedly he was mulling over this new word. Then a quick shake of his head as he brushed it aside, before stating stoically, I tried talking to him over dinner, about the problem this noontide just gone.

And? What did he say? I am sure he understands it is not convenient, to be training a fire breathing wild, creature indoors—right? came my tentative questions tremulously. Whilst my brain ran along the lines of, Surely to goodness, Mori cannot be that dense?

Another inner voice snickered in, Yes. Great now I had two inner selves to contend with! Bloody fantastic! It was now official, my sanity was all gone and my personality had securely split, into non-recognizable factions! Wow, would Freud have a field day with my brain! It did not help that the response I received, was hardly what I expected.

He never got round, to replying to me about it! snapped the elven lord evenly. He flippantly disregarded anything, I had to say on the matter. He was too wrapped up in stuffing his mouth and chatting with that, damnable niece—of Trellawny’s!

That does not sound, like the Mori I know. I frowned. Something did not make sense here. I tried to put the pieces of the puzzle together, but it was like my brain, all disjointed. Finally I could help it no longer, when the silence had reigned for nearly five minutes jaggedly, What do you mean, he did not reply to you, upon the matter? Did you actually talk to him in person, or send one of your ruddy letters again, like you did with me, last week? Leafy? Lord Leafeldur DorDinen!

I used his name in a stern warning. It had its desired effect. He glanced up nervously at me as I arched a brow imperiously, awaiting him to speak. Then somewhat agitated, at having been caught out perhaps, he answered a little fearfully, Er, well, I was not exactly at breakfast, to speak with him in person. Nor was I there at noontide. I sort of sent him word, via a messenger.

Well no wonder, you are still, having problems! I exclaimed totally exasperated, just as my inner voice chimed in with vivid accuracy, "You stupid dumbarse! You need to talk to him…duh!"

You think I should speak with him, in person, then? he inquired softer, more calmly. His brow still furrowed thoughtfully, as his dark eyes, piercingly watched me gauging my reaction.

"Of course I think you should talk to him, in bloody person! Sheesh, I told you that last week, and the one afore that. No good you coming to me to bitch, and gripe like a lemon orchard got shoved up your arse, if you do not listen to some freaking, common sense!

By the stars and trees I declare, I could soo, hit you right now! Don’t send him word, via a ruddy messenger. Talk to him. You want to whine and complain about the situation, then do it to his face. Not behind his back. And certainly, not to me! Now if you are quite bloody well finished, my brogue came in thicker due to frustration, I need to get my work done! Bugger off, and go find him for yourself. Moridhe is a very reasonable fellow, I am sure if you just discuss it like a normal person would, and then Khelndi will do something about the matter."

I ducked my head back down. Pushing my glasses back up my nose, preparing to go back to the manuscript I had been working on. It was in a very old form of Lios Alfreon, which I was not fully fluent in reading as yet. It was a historical on loan to me, from Neithan himself. The subject was on the race called the Khemoy.

I was just beginning another attempt, to translating a sentence when, I became aware that the magic user was still hovering, to the side of me. Lingering like a bad smell of rotten eggs. With a deep exasperated exhalation, I gave him an icy stare and snipped, Why are you still standing here? Don’t you have other things, to be attending to?

Well, I was wondering… he began a little fretful. Placing a hand up to rub the back of his neck awkwardly. His face scrunched momentarily. Well, I was wondering…if you would talk to him for me? I kind of have a lot of things, I have to be getting on with. And well, seeing as I am going to be busy sorting out affairs of the state, for the next few days…plus, you are better at this sort of thing…

Oh, you got to be kidding me?! It was just not, going to be my day! So this interaction had proven several things to me at once. a) My peace was always to be short lived. b) The magic user was now going back to his old bad moody habits. c) This was not going to look good. But at least he was not shouting at me, about me. d) I was going to have to convey a message to one of the most oblivious people I know, which meant being exceptionally blunt, with a touch of kindness. Something which I had felt I did not possess anymore.

* * * * *

Moridhe was sat outside. Currently whittling a new toy for his child. The baby was fast asleep. Nestled safely in a carrier made of reeds. Lined with the softest pale bluish colored silken wool. The little child moved momentarily and the ranger froze in the midst of his work. His bright piercing sky blue eyes suspiciously glancing at the babe afore him. Transfixed upon small Colwyn. But his son did not make further his fussing and therefore Moridhe, set back to carving the piece of cedar wood in his hands.

Less than a few feet from the ranger, sat nearby smoking his long clay pipe and sighing deeply in repose, was Robert himself. He had been writing a letter to someone and had now quit. For whatever reason. Having tucked the parchment away safely, somewhere in the depths of his patchwork green leather jerkin.

Lady Meredith Trellawny on the other hand, was busy relaxing. Sprawled out on the grassy hillock, close to her charge-son (Colwyn). Her eyes closed as she listened to birds singing in the trees. A faint strain of music could be heard drifting on the genteel breeze every now and then, for nearby Moridhe had the tape cassette player going.

A soft smile flickered on Meredith’s plump lips. Making her face seem even fuller, than it already was. This is then, where I found them all as I came strolling through the outskirts of the grand gardens. Underneath the summer leaves of the trees. Basking in the wonderful brilliance, of another fine summer’s day. Insects thrummed in the air and a familiarity of peace and tranquility seemed set about them all.

I hardly had the heart to go and impart the news I had been sent to converse with the ranger about. I knew for starters that Meredith had become rather protective of her charge, young Colwyn and had taken quite a fancy to Moridhe.

Although the latter, seemed oblivious to this. More than once she and I had got into it about Colwyn’s care. Resulting in I avidly, reminding her that she was not, his real mom. Just his ‘charge-keeper’ whilst his father was performing other duties that were required.

Yet, it had become increasingly obvious she thought more of her position of trust. For she would not hear any word said against Moridhe or any of his family and acted in a lot of ways, like Joanne would have in various situations. But, my tongue could be just as sharp, I reminded myself. Then braced in preparation for what I believed would be the proverbial storm in a teacup, I approached my fellow companions with an air of confidence. Weary confidence, but confidence nonetheless.

Trudging as quietly as I could, in the marvelous heated and humid air so as not to be overly disturbing, towards young Colwyn. Whom I swear always seemed to wake up from a dead sleep, every time I approached.

Heaving a deep breath too I came to a halt in front of Moridhe Khelndi. Glancing warily about to see if I could spot, his infernal dragonet. That creature had a bad habit of pouncing me, at every chance it got. Having almost set my hair on fire during several encounters already.

No sign. It was all clear. I silently mused of where it might be lurking. Only brushing the thoughts away as the dark locks of the ranger, slowly raised and gave way to his bright eyes wide and staring at me enquiringly.

"I bring a message from his lordship." came my waspish tones as I viewed Meredith now rising up and turning off, the cassette player to look at me with malcontent. Even the healer was now paying attention. Trellawny arched a tentative brow.

What does Leafy want this time? came the cheerful notes of Mori casually as he gave me one of his bright, boyish smiles that made his sky blue orbs dance with eerie starlight of mischief.

Apparently, he is somewhat, peeved Mori. I explained benignly. Then watched as he moved over on his cloak and offered me, a seat beside him. Meredith glared hotly at me. Daring me to take a seat so close to his side. Sometimes I think I did stuff out of spite, this would be one of those moments. For, how could I, resist such wonderful manners or appreciation? Sometimes I wished Leafeldur would do things like that…You know, be nice to me. I sat down close by his side.

What got his goat this time, lassie? asked Robert, casually taking another long inhalation of his pipe. The bluish gray aromatic smoke, rising in a soft plume into the air.

It’s the dragonet. There that had not been so hard to say. What had I been so worried about?

My dragonet? What of her? the ranger looked genuinely, confused with my statement. Whereas the man in greens rolled his eyes and made a sucking face. Afore promptly getting up from where he sat with the words, Aye, knew it would be just a matter of time, afore he found fault with another one’s dreams. I think this is where I make to move lass. He smiled fondly at the ranger, patting him casually on the shoulder as he took his leave.

Briefly stopping by his niece and commanding politely, And if you have any sense at all Meredith my dearest, you would be leaving also, bringing the wee one in afore he needs, awakes hungry. The child is so like his father, always ruddy eating.

For a tense moment Trellawny’s niece gave me a reprimanding gaze. Her lips pursed tightly, but strangely enough she obediently nodded. Packed up her stuff with the help of the healer and picked up Colwyn. Slowly they departed, but not before I caught some comment from Moridhe’s nursemaid to Colwyn, of how I had better not upset or hurt the ranger, or she would deal with me personally.

Heh, if I was not afraid of the magic user, and he had cast bolts at me before, then what made her think I would be scared of her? It was days like this, that I wished Joanne was here instead. Regrettably I missed her presence. Feeling guilty about it too. Reminded of how she always needed to pee, whenever our group got into a scuffle. When her bladder acted, as an intuitive alarm system. That caused me to smile a little warmly in remembrance.

But scared? Of Meredith? Shit, she had probably never been anywhere near a fight in the whole of her long life span! Save at a tournament! Give me a break! There is just no telling to how some people’s minds work on that level. Especially those who always, want to be the alpha and feel threatened by anyone, who might actually be, one.

Now I took the opportunity to sit more comfortably, shuffling a little and I waited till Moridhe had put down his tools, as well as the object he was carving. Waiting till I had his fullest attention I began to explain what, had made the mage so mad. That he needed to go talk to Leafeldur and sort it out.

Apart from this I also pointedly, in a rather diplomatic way, reminded him that the lord of the household was feeling rather put out. Seeing as the ranger had barely spoken two words to him since he had returned. Hardly surprising though since the encounter, with a long forgotten race of beings, who nearly had me killed in a land which was supposed to be the direst realm of all.

* * * * *

Chapter Two

Intellectual Hell

Well dear friends, I bet you are confused now too huh? Not to worry, allow me to explain the lead of events, up to this moment and maybe some of it will make sense…for the truth is stranger than fiction…and this realm of Khenvairc I had to go into? Was stranger than that. Stranger and darker by far than any other thing, I have ever happened upon. Well maybe that is not, exactly true.

Perhaps even more nefariously, darker than the Taur Na Sidhe Empire? Question you might be asking is how, did this come about then? Well it all started a few months ago.

In a pocketful of existence, a realm in which I sadly, knew only too well. A realm called Snowfell. However, what cannot be failed to be mentioned here is that, we had no idea that when we were sent on our little reconnaissance mission to go gather some shite, (apparently the shadoin did it all the time, but this stuff was more specific,) from back home and grab as much of supplies, as I might need in order to fulfill my role, that things would go a little more than awry.

Because little was it even suspected that the Khemoy, a race previously believed to be extinct, here in Snowfell, would raise their ugly little heads and involve us, in such a hideous plan of destruction to the small family household I was part of. A plot of destruction that was destined to overwhelm me like a tornado, through a trailer park.

But I still state that, the mere fact Robert Trellawny, our so called healer extraordinaire, jack-of-all-trades (and supposed, master of none,)—if he had not have been for him, and his tender warm-heartedness, then perhaps none of this, would have transpired in the first place? So, from the beginning, here we go—a few things first, that you should know.

* * * * *

It had started something, like this: just another typical day, under the tyrant known as Lord Leafeldur DorDinen. The almost pure albino elfin lord was sat at his main desk, yelling and barking out orders to all, and any, who came in with something he needed to oversee, with estates.

Particularly myself, because I was sat close by with a mountainous load of paperwork, trying to sift through it and make sense of household expenditures.

No, I am not an accountant.

No, I do not get any form of ‘payment’ for this kind, of work—other than room, board and food. That is, if you discount, all the books I could possibly want to read or transcribe, plus my small garden area, which was being neglected this autumn due to his royal bossiness!

My back between my shoulder blades was killing me. Both my arms and wrists ached painfully. Couple that with the fact I had been holding in a piss break for the last ten to twenty minutes and his lordship, bellowing at me to hurry up with the facts and figures, then yes. It is hardly surprising I was not in a good mood.

Now to top it all off I had a migraine trying to etch its existence, into my prized grey cells—and doing a great job about it. I kept squinting, rubbing my eyes and my forehead but nothing was working to ease it off.

Finally when he yelled at me again, for the umpteenth time, I lost all self-control. Standing up, with a crackling of my joints I announced firmly, Alright. Enough of this crap—I AM taking a damn break from this shite. Brogue fully inflamed as I stormed towards the door.

Not right now you are not! GET yourself back here! THIS INSTANCE! He literally screamed, as he came swiftly from out of his own chair and around the large oak desk, halting me, by grasping my arm harshly.

LISTEN YOU! He declared violently full of the most foul inklings ever, YOU will get back, to sorting out, those household expenses! You will be done—WHEN I SAY, you are done!

Abruptly I swung my left hand at him, catching him surprisingly in a stinging slap. Scowling fiercely back up into his dark brown fiery, temper laden orbs stating back, as I yanked my arm free, "No. I am done as of now! For your information, I am NOT, your personal PEON! I am going to relieve myself, then sit and clear my head.

Maybe go see my tachre, for a migraine remedy—which I wouldn’t have to do, if you had not’ve shouted at me and all a sundry, today! Let me inform you, milord, that I have been working my lily whites off, for OVER four days now! Non-stop, with practically no sleep, and less than a jug of water with a bowl of freaking fruit, to keep me going! I will not tolerate you, talking down to me in such a demanding fashion! I will, IF I feel up to it, talk with you later upon this matter!"

With that I faced the door again. Pulled the latch and walked out. Leaving him to nurse his stung cheek and bruised prideful, ego. Why was I having to put up with all his bullshit again? There were days like this, when I wished I had never left Neithan Elonathesei’s place up in Nairn. I had been given the offer.

I was beginning to see the error to my ways for refusing it! At least up there I wasn’t put down, ordered around like a serf! Growling, scowling, infuriated I began to march down the long cool corridor.

Behind me I heard the call of, YOU BETTER GET BACK HERE WITHIN A COUPLE OF HOURS KATE HAGGIS! OR THE STARS AND TREES PRESERVE ME, I WILL PERSONALLY TAKE IT OUT OF YOUR HIDE LADY!!

My response was to lift a hand and flip him off. Not that the elf understood what it meant to stick your ‘v’s or a middle finger up at someone. Not that he would have understood it, if I had laboriously explained, either. I just kept going. Passing Moridhe Khelndi as I came to the top of the broad winding stairs that led down to the privies.

Bloody elves! I felt like I just wanted to shoot the bloody lot of them! If only I knew how to make a bomb! I would blow up the DorDinen compound and put an end to doing the book keepers’ job. That would solve any household expenditure budgeting crap—because there would be no household left to need it! What I needed was some triple strength, firefly powder! The elven answer to gunpowder only a lot stronger! A lot more powerful!

Moridhe’s cheerful nature came fluently through with his greeting of, Hey Kate! How’s it…? I cut him off abruptly. My whole countenance a snarl of discontent as I spat, Don’t even ask! Shooting a quick maddened, narrowed glance back over my shoulder I stated, Good luck with dealing, with the royal arsehole today Mori. He is being a bitch! Before descending into the cooler depths of the stairs.

All I had heard from behind me, as the ranger’s response was, Oh dear…not again! And if he’s been fighting with Kate, I will never hear the end of it. Is it really going to be, another one of those days? This is three weeks ongoing and beginning to drive me nuts! No wonder the old tosser, Trellawny went on a holiday! Dealing with Leafeldur is enough to put a gray-age on anyone that is for sure!

"Yeah you are right, ranger boy! Luckily for me, I am not going to let him age me afore my time! Bloody control freak that he is! He needs to go see the elven equivalent to a damn proctologist, to see if his head can be removed from his cousin’s arse!

Gods how I wish Tags or Rob were here—I wish I was anywhere but under Leafeldur’s roof right now—ruddy bastard that he is! How I hate him!" came the aggrieved tones of one of