Legend of Ahya: Figure of Prophecy

By Matthew Colvath

After loss and devastation, Taylor Renee Wolford has disappeared from the world - hoping to escape the Script and the negative influence she has on others through it. However prophecy is a fickle thing and events churn around Taylor as her brothers discover the horrible truth of the Arbiter's experiments, forcing them to entreat the help of the avians. But affecting change can be difficult when those very allies have no love for mammals and the Script thwarts them at every turn.

All the while, dark agents from Taylor's past return and take her beyond the borders of her homeland to the reptile empire of Talkar, filled with the political machinations of the powerful rich and elite. With the dubious guiding hand of Ari, the Arbiter's daughter, Taylor learns of her unique role in prophecy - a mysterious force that if handled wrongly could plunge the world into war and doom everyone she holds dear.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Matthew Colvath
• Release date: Jun 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9781954751064

Matthew Colvath

Matthew Colvath was born in California in 1982 and has always had a love for the fantasy and high-swinging sci-fi action drama. Having grown up in the era of Star Wars and exciting group dynamics and story-telling of Dungeons'N'Dragons, Matthew was always making up his own grand stories and adventures. Receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications in 2005, Matthew went on to commission as an officer in the United States Air Force. He further refined his self-taught craft of writing on the side while serving his country from 2006 to 2017, culminating in developing the six book series arc for Legend of Ahya with the first book manuscript finished in 2020. In 2019, he moved to Germany with his wife and two boys, where he continued work for the US Government while writing the rest of Taylor's series.

Book preview

Legend of Ahya

Figure of Prophecy

Matthew Colvath

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Darkflamewolf Media, LLC.

Published by Darkflamewolf Media, LLC.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or, if real, are used fictitiously.

Text copyright © 2023 by Matthew Colvath and Darkflamewolf Media, LLC. Cover art copyright © 2023 by Rowena Milwain and Darkflamewolf Media, LLC. Illustrations copyright © 2023 by KAM1 and Darkflamewolf Media, LLC. Map Images Copyright © 2023 by Julius Billeter and Darkflamewolf Media, LLC.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in an information retrieval system in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, taping, and recording, without prior written permission from the publisher.

Purchase only authorized editions. For information Address: Darkflamewolf Media, LLC. CMR 469, Box 1093 APO, AE 09227 First Edition, 2023

ISBN-13-978-1-954751-07-1 {hardback} ISBN-13-978-1-954751-08-8 {paperback}

If you purchased this book without a cover, you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as unsold and destroyed to the publisher, and neither the author nor the publisher received any payment for this stripped book.

This third book is dedicated to

My brother

For introducing me to fantasy, elves and spicy comics that inspired my imagination to get to this point!

Also By

Matthew Colvath

Legend of Ahya Series

Target of Interest

As Above, So Below

Figure of Prophecy

Contents

1. Change

2. Alone

3. Prophecy

4. Coercion

5. Funeral

6. Legacy

7. Empathy

8. Al-Talkar

9. Focus

10. Senate

11. Eagle

12. Learning

13. Terrorists

14. Knowing

15. Father

16. Banquet

17. Deception

18. Priorities

19. Mercy

20. Conspiracy

21. Escape

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C

Appendix D

Appendix E

About Matthew Colvath

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Chapter 1

Change

W ell…here we go. Taylor took a deep breath.

She hated going on these supply runs, but she knew Liam was far too busy at the homestead to be continuously going out to get what they needed to survive and fortify their house. True to his word, he’d taken her back out west beyond the Grune Mountain Range and back into Balkar. They settled in along the ocean southwest of what was once the location of Palaveve—now just a crater of compacted sand—just short of the Livarnu border. Living out here was quite like disappearing from the world, which was Taylor’s intent.

The town she made frequent runs to was a small hamlet named Dulai. It was a few miles inland from the coast of the Balkrain Sea. On a good day, when the weather was clear, they could see the outline of the Isle of Malnya on the turbulent waters. Strong currents not far out from the coastline deterred most ships from venturing far off the beach, and most likely provided a natural barrier for any shipborne threats coming up from the southern reptile country of Talkar. A place Taylor had only heard of, but never seen.

With the recent obliteration of Palaveve just the year prior, new trade routes had to be forged, and several had needed to travel through the narrow streets of the sleepy town of Dulai—though calling it a town was a bit of a disservice. There were only three main roads that comprised the place, with a couple residential homes on either side of the main drag where the businesses set up shop.

The adobe-encrusted structures, bleached from the sun’s rays and mixed in with the boarded-up fronts comprised of nothing but wood and stone, looked like an odd amalgamation of an old western town she had seen in movies past when she was younger. Except it was reality for her now. This was the place they had chosen to escape to after the disaster at Zabökar.

That all seemed like a distant memory.

The skyline of this town wasn’t much to look at, but it had the necessities, and that’s what mattered. She drove in with purpose on her motorcycle. Parking it in front of the general goods store, she flipped the kickstand out with a hindpaw before taking a few parcels out of her saddlebags on the back end of her seat. They were going to need more fruit and cheese, though space was a bit limited in those bare bags. She would need to be frugal with how much she got.

Taylor pulled the hood of her cloak closer around her red bangs, ensuring Ahya was nicely concealed under the folds. The last thing she needed was her crimson fur to be visible to outsiders and traders not living in the area; she was trying to lay low. She entered through the squeaky door, briefly looking in the embedded window to see the shopkeeper, then waved at him.

Hello, Jarvis. She flashed her prettiest smile at the aging bandicoot, perched up on a rolling ladder putting away jars of unknown contents back onto the shelves.

Turning around carefully on the small steps, he beamed at her. Taylor! Good to see you again! Back so soon? He worked his way down the ladder before leaping up to the stool at the counter’s edge to face her directly.

Just a few things we discovered that we’re missing that I didn’t pick up yesterday. That’s all. She returned the smile, already moving around the store to pick up the required items from the various barrels or cartons.

"Come on, Taylor! Ahya whined in her head. Jarvis already knows about me now. Can’t I just slip out and take a few nibbles or two on the food in here? Liam has the money to pay for it all anyway!"

Taylor willed her tail to keep still and beneath her robes. You will not. I’m not going to make things any more difficult on Liam than they already are. He’s doing good work for this town with his devices to secure us income. The last thing he needs is us blowing it all away on a spontaneous splurge from you, she hissed.

Jarvis’s ears were sharp as he perked up over the register, now fully standing on his own counter. You fighting with your tail again, Taylor? he asked, amused.

Taylor was embarrassed. Her tail was quite unique with it having a fanged maw that could open up at its tip. It also happened to be her sister fused to her at birth—something she discovered the previous year from a message given to her by their late mother, Murana. Ahya’s mere nature caused trouble for Taylor, but now knowing they were siblings, it was hard to stay completely mad at her, especially now that they could communicate.

Unfortunately. I am very sorry for what happened last week with her. I didn’t mean to knock over that entire barrel of apples, she sheepishly apologized.

Jarvis waved a paw at her. Nonsense. It was but a trifle. You are literally my best customer, and what with the new payment options Liam had you deliver me? Things couldn’t be simpler.

Taylor had just finished putting the last articles into her carry bags as she stepped up to the counter. I’m just happy the local bank was willing to work with us on establishing a wifi network here to bring you guys up to speed. She let Jarvis inspect the bags to see what she was buying.

The bandicoot chuckled, scratching his auburn ear. Pulling out a small, square tablet, he plugged it into the register port and turned it on. Taylor handed him a card and he slipped it in as it read the chip on it. This is truly remarkable. Jarvis marveled. You only heard about these sorts of things back when Palaveve was the center of trade. This sort of technology was like fantasy, or something only reserved for folks living in or near Zabökar.

With Balkar being little else but desert for the bulk of its landmass, technology was a bit slower in diffusing out through the smaller towns and villages. Before Palaveve, there was a complete dearth of technology in the region. Once trade routes got established through the country, funneling through Palaveve in the recent centuries, more of that advanced progress began to filter down to these border towns. With Palaveve gone now, however, that advancement had either stalled completely or escalated, depending on where the new trade routes relocated to.

Taylor just smiled. I don’t ask Liam where he gets his knowledge from. He just seems to have a knack for creating this stuff.

Think you two have enough parts to maintain this demand? He looked out the dirty windows to the main street, its concrete caked with sand in its myriad of potholes. Our landfill outside of town isn’t getting any bigger these days. Most folk are leaving to live in larger, more fortified cities. Those behemoths out there aren’t doing much to help our economy.

Taylor’s expression fell. Yeah, I know what you mean. She tried to recapture a glimmer of her former mirth. We’ll still make it. There are still many businesses left in Dulai that haven’t crossed over into the digital age. We can still outfit you all yet!

The tablet beeped and he returned the card to her. Amazing. He still was in awe that funds were now in his account. You said this sort of thing was common in Zabökar?

When it was still there… Yeah. The memories continued to haunt her of all she had lost in that doomed city. They had a lot of things that I hadn’t seen elsewhere.

Jarvis just sighed, putting away the tablet beneath the counter. It’s a shame. We were just beginning to reap the benefits of its existence and technology in recent years before it got destroyed.

It seemed weird talking about it now, not even a full year later. It was like something she had read from a book of fiction or television show. She lost one of her best friends, Nina, there. Her mother’s body was once buried there as well. With no living family to speak of nearby, her brothers’ whereabouts unknown, Taylor chose to simply disappear with Liam—the one person who stalwartly remained at her side for reasons she couldn’t fathom. It seemed the safest option for her, considering how many people were vying for possession over her and what she could do.

Things don’t last forever, she said despondently, her eyes looking down at her bags.

Jarvis studied her a moment before sounding chipper. Cheer up, Taylor! None of those monstrous things are anywhere near here! We’re such a small blip on the map, we’re no use to anyone! He subtly grabbed a few taffy candies from a nearby bowl and dropped them into the bag.

Taylor’s mouth fell open. I can’t accept these.

He waved a paw at her. Nonsense! They are my treat! Figured you could use a little something to brighten your spirits. He winked.

Pocketing the payment card, she nodded at the bandicoot. Thanks for the pep talk, at least…and the candy. I’ll see you soon, Jarvis.

"I’m going to enjoy these little morsels later when you’re not looking!" Taylor scowled at her tail, her sister’s cackling echoing in her mind.

Hooking an arm through the bag loops, she began heading out when Jarvis suddenly remembered something and called out to her to turn back. Actually, Taylor, there was a couple that had come in here asking about you.

A jolt of adrenaline surged through her at the news. A couple? Did they say who they were?

Jarvis rubbed his chin, deep in thought. One of them did, I think. His name was Jake. A rabbit he was. With him was a red panda, but I didn’t catch her name. An odd pair they were. Jake said he had been looking for you for a long while now, and heard rumors of a red-haired wolf living here.

"Oh, Jake! Ahya sounded excited. I remember him. He sounded cute."

Taylor’s heart beat fast in her chest. She had left Jake back at Samantha’s family ranch when Zabökar was destroyed. He and several other rabbits were to live and work there from the safety of the countryside. Taylor had decided it best to not interfere with Jake’s life any further than she already had. Having unknowingly saved his life and pulling him off the Script, he was in danger around her. Why in the world did he travel this far just to find them?

Did he say why they were looking for me? She was more alarmed at how word of her existence got back to Jake, having been so far away when he started.

Mentioned they were old friends of yours. Is that true? He gave her a searching glance. She knew Jarvis well enough that if she rejected their claims, he’d cover for her. He was very protective like that.

It is. She answered haltingly. But it would probably be best they steer clear of me. I don’t think I’d be much good for them.

If that’s what you wish, I’ll be sure to let them know you aren’t here. He seemed saddened at her response, but knew better than to force the issue. He stood on the counter watching her leave the store.

"Why are you going to just ditch Jake like that? Ahya was insistent, fighting Taylor to try and get out from under the cloak. He came all this way just to see us. If you won’t see him, let me at least see and enjoy him! You’ve got Liam anyhow!"

Yeah, whom you also enjoy as well! Taylor fired back, stuffing the food into the saddlebags alongside her motorcycle. You’re just being greedy now. Besides, he’s a rabbit, and you know how I feel about how they’re treated. As cute as Jake is, there wasn’t anything really between us. Just one big misunderstanding was all it was.

"That’s not what your body was telling me back then!"

Taylor sighed, flipping the straps closed and buttoning the locks on them. I don’t know what I was feeling at the time. It all happened very fast and I learned so much about his kind in a short time, but I firmly believe Jake was just a temporary infatuation caused by opportunity back then. I think I would have felt guilty for exploiting him if we had gone through with anything.

"Well, it seems clear to me that there’s something there for him to come traveling across many kilometers to see you!" Taylor could sense the laughter in Ahya’s voice.

You don’t know anything. She sighed, looking down the dusty road. I’m more worried if anyone else could find us if Jake could.

"I think you’re being paranoid."

Maybe… Maybe not. She absently petted her sister. Besides, we got Liam now. I’d rather not ruin this good thing we got going with him.

"Yeah, what is up with Liam anyway? I never did understand why he became our sugar daddy so willingly."

Taylor rolled her eyes. He’s not our sugar daddy! He just saw someone in need of help and he helped us. We wouldn’t be alive today if it weren’t for him.

She could feel Ahya’s bobbing beneath her robes as if chuckling. "Helping us escape Zabökar not once, but twice, and gladly guiding us out to the middle of bumcrap nowhere? Paying for all our expenses and providing a room over our heads? Oh, and let’s not forget banging the two of us weekly now! If that isn’t some sort of sugar daddy, I don’t know what is!"

She looked down at the bulge of a tail beneath her clothes. I don’t even know where you even learned that term, Ahya. And don’t tell me you don’t enjoy him doing that to us. I see you rolling about on the bed, helpless like a little baby when he works me.

"Hey, I never said I didn’t like it! I wouldn’t let him do it if I wasn’t into it!" Taylor could hear the chortle in her brain.

Taylor just shook her head. These sorts of conversations would have seemed so surreal a year ago when she first began to hear Ahya’s voice in her mind. It wasn’t until a dingo sliced off her tail and friends put it back in place with the help of Ahya’s healing saliva that she began to understand her sister’s silent communication. However it happened, that reconnection somehow bridged some gap that allowed them to speak to each other at last.

It was both a blessing and a curse. Although seemingly just as smart and educated as Taylor was, Ahya’s lack of etiquette and social common sense was appalling. She simply didn’t see the world the same way Taylor did, and societal norms didn’t make much sense to Ahya. These sorts of talks about their sexual escapades with Liam were such an awkward topic starting off. However, since she couldn’t escape the tail that was attached to her butt, she had no choice but to grow accustomed to such things.

Ahya began to nudge her calf. "Hey, sis. I can’t understand you if you don’t speak up! Did something happen? Are you staring at someone?"

No. I’m just thinking about stuff, she responded.

Taylor figured out quickly that although she could hear Ahya just fine in her mind, the reverse wasn’t true. Ahya needed the sound waves of Taylor’s speech to hit her to interpret them since the mindreading didn’t go both ways. It had the unfortunate side effect of making it look like she was talking to herself, casting a rather pitiful view of a person who had lost their mind. It didn’t bother Taylor too much since it caused most people to avoid them, which suited her just fine.

"Speaking of Liam, didn’t he give us some fun money to waste while in town?"

Taylor reached into a side pocket on one of the saddle bags and pulled out a few hundred picuns. Yeah, but I was hoping to save my money for something better.

Ahya sounded offended. "Saving it for what? It’s our birthday today! We’re twenty years old! He meant for us to get something nice while we were here!"

Or keep us away from the house so he could have time to prepare something to surprise us tonight.

"So what? Let him do what he wants! Let’s just enjoy ourselves!"

You just want to get out from under these clothes. She smirked, putting a fist to her waist.

"Dear gods, yes! You’ve no idea!" She sounded like she was in mock agony.

Fine. Stop whining, you big baby.

Taylor strapped a wire through the loops of the bags and clasped them together at the front around the handlebars of the motorcycle. She flipped a lever with a key and it began to hum. Anyone tampering with her stuff would get a nasty shock. Satisfied that her belongings would be protected, she took the money Liam gave her and walked down the row of businesses. Each one was outfitted with a defensive system both she and Liam provided within the first month they arrived to better fortify the town. An act that got them immediately on the townspeople’s good sides.

She found the saloon and entered. The dual-leveled establishment wasn’t much to look at with a music stage on bottom that had not seen use in ages. Multiple wooden tables and chairs were strewn about the place without much rhyme or reason. Patrons were scattered about them in much the same manner. It seemed to be a sleepy Sashlag.

The caribou proprietor looked up from the glasses he was cleaning and nodded at her. She was a regular there, as was Liam. Most folks indigenous to Dulai were already aware of Taylor’s unique tailmaw. There were even two people who were aware of who she was in the band Bad Luck, when Zabökar was still in existence—neither of which were in the bar today. She breathed a sigh of relief. She did not want to engage in groupie fan talk. She was only here for a minor birthday celebration and then home.

Glancing around the room to see if there were any strangers present, she relaxed and pulled back her hood. Ahya gleefully burst through from beneath her cloak and stretched out around the table, hogging up the rest of the chairs Taylor wasn’t occupying.

She was thankful the people in this town had such a blasé faire attitude towards Ahya. Her presence was more than tolerated provided she caused no trouble.

The caribou walked on over to her table, not paying Ahya much mind. Your usual Tallup, ma’am?

She nodded. Yeah, and a large Grinder bowl for her. She pointed at Ahya.

"Oh ho ho! Ahya crowed. We’re getting so wasted today!"

Thank you, Harold. She smiled at the bartender as he went to go make their drinks. She looked over at the lounging tail, her tongue drooping out in glee at finally being free. Might as well give Liam a bit more extra time to prepare whatever he thinks sufficient for my birthday.

"I wonder what it’s going to be? I hope it is a big rack of meat, cooked over an open flame for hours!" Ahya’s tongue was drooling onto the floor.

Taylor scrunched her snout. I sincerely hope not. I’d prefer a nice candlelit dinner of maybe some nice salad under the stars.

"Blech, keep your greens. I want delicious hunks of meat between my teeth!"

Liam provides that plenty for you already. She heard Ahya’s snicker at this. Taylor just smirked.

Harold came back to deposit their alcoholic beverages. She passed him the necessary picuns for the transaction and took a sip from her drink. Liam had introduced her to the variety of alcoholic beverages during their stay here in Dulai. She preferred the slight tang of the Tallup, but it was expensive. The weightier Grinder bowl was sweeter, but cheaper. She liked both flavors.

Gods, slow down, Ahya! Taylor admonished. Her tail was lapping up the liquid in the bowl like a hungry pup dying of dehydration. I’m going to get drunk faster than I’d like!

Taylor? Is that you? A small, yet familiar voice caused her to freeze. She looked straight up to the banister above. There, peeking over the railing on the second floor, was Jake, his bunny ears drooping down due to gravity. It is you! Please, stay right there! She could hear the voice of Samantha with him.

How the heck did she miss them? She had scoured the entire bar upon entry. Were they just cowered up in a corner table somewhere along the wall up there? Granted, their small size probably lent themselves to be less conspicuous to those who weren’t looking for them specifically. It was too late to pack up and leave. She had been spotted. She simply continued to sit in her chair, pushing a lock of her hair back behind her ear, as she watched the rabbit and red panda skip down the steps and head her way.

Both Jake and Samantha were wearing traveling clothes that would blend in well with the tans of the desert. The beige scarfs that would normally be wrapped around their head to stave off the sun were now encircled around their necks. It had been a long time since she last saw either of them. They were smaller than she remembered; Jake’s head just cleared the top of the tables. He had the determined look of someone who at last had found his prize as he marched over to her, a beaming smile on his face.

It’s so good to see you again, Taylor! He didn’t wait for her to respond and rushed into her arms, giving her a warm hug.

You…too, Jake. She was a bit shocked at the reception. Last they had parted, although not on unfriendly terms, there didn’t seem to be much there to continue a friendship on. He had only tailed her and looked over her due to a promise he made to her mother years ago. Why are you even here? I thought you were back near Zabökar bedding down with Samantha? She looked over at the panda, whose expression dropped at this comment.

Bedding down? He drew back from the hug and regarded Samantha. Oh, no… nothing like that! He flushed slightly. We actually came to an agreement on the treatment of us rabbits after you left. Only those still willing to perform their services for other mammals can do so. The rest are free to their own bodies and their kin.

Jake has never serviced me since we escaped Zabökar. Only one rabbit at the ranch still wanted to service me after being asked, Samantha pitched in. She didn’t seem happy about this fact. A lot has changed for rabbits since you went missing.

You were okay with this? Surprising. Taylor raised a brow at Samantha. Suddenly thinking herself rude, she brought Ahya back off the chairs. Please, sit down. Tell me what’s been going on. She was actually curious now, given how invested she was in their plight and how they were treated.

Ah! Ahya! Jake jumped as Ahya’s tongue fondled past his rump as he attempted to sit in the proffered chair.

"Finally! Ahya cooed. As tasty as expected."

I swear to gods, I will finish the job that dingo started! Guess you like the taste of dirt since that was on his clothes! Taylor smacked the top of Ahya’s head as she slinked down behind Taylor in the chair. I’m so sorry, Jake. Sometimes she does things like that so fast that I can’t react.

He nodded. I remember Tony. He looked at the tail with something akin to regret. I’ve forgiven you a long time ago over it, Taylor, but I don’t think I’ve quite forgiven Ahya.

"I said I was sorry!" She poked up over the edge of the table at him, pain evident on her maw.

Yeah, except he can’t hear you. Taylor sighed, pinching her nose. Shooing her away with a paw, gesturing back to him. She says she is sorry.

Why did you eat Tony, Ahya? Jake focused on her tail exclusively.

Taylor followed his gaze and watched as Ahya continued to shrink down to the floor. I’m curious about that too. Why did you? And don’t try to disappear. You’re stuck to me and can’t go anywhere.

"And that’s what I dislike right now. She sounded peeved. Fine, fine. It wasn’t like I was gunning for Tony specifically, but I recall two things quite clearly that day. One was that we were both starving and I wanted to eat something. Anything. Two was that he smelled familiar to you. He smelled like that cheetah that tried to eat us, remember?"

Taylor relayed the message to Jake, surprised herself that Ahya could tap into her sense of smell like that. Samantha seemed entranced at the proceedings—how Taylor was talking to her tail, seemingly listening and then responding. This cheetah person. I was told later it was some High Council member. Does Sabrina Fahpar ring a bell to you? Taylor asked Jake.

Jake scratched his chin. Cheetah? Not terribly, but I remember Tony being excited about being sponsored that day. He mentioned her being a cheetah and her name was Sabrina. Could be one and the same.

"Exactly! Ahya was triumphant. So I figured he was with her and was an enemy as well. So eating him was no big loss to anybody because he was just as bad as she was!"

Except he wasn’t. Taylor folded her arms glaring at Ahya. So basically, Tony’s death was all a misunderstanding because Ahya thought he was with her and was just as complicit in her actions towards us. She did tried to kill us.

That makes sense, Samantha agreed.

Still doesn’t make it any easier. Jake leaned forward, chin resting on his paws. At least I can understand why what happened…happened, even if the excuse sucks. Ahya frowned at him.

So, what’s going on back at the ranch? What’s going on with the rabbits? Taylor attempted to steer the conversation away from the currently volatile one.

Well, what you did at the concert in Zabökar, it went viral. Samantha seemed strangely excited about Taylor’s influence. I overheard it has reached their ears all the way out west to Livarnu. People look at rabbits differently. They act differently around them. They no longer outright order them for services. Taylor looked stunned, the Tallup halfway to her mouth.

Jake put a finger down on the table. You showed that rabbits have a voice when they band together, and that there are more of them than there are of anyone else.

So, that’s it? Rabbits are free? Taylor was confused as to what the end result was of her actions.

Jake shook his head. Not entirely. There are still places and establishments like the Java Rabbit that still service those needs, but now it’s different. Rabbits realize they have the power to refuse if asked or even demand money for such services now. He grimaced a little. Some entrepreneur rabbits have even made it a profitable business to band together and service a large mammal clientele in exchange for money, where before it was simply required to be done without pay by the law. It’s definitely changed, but I’m not entirely sure if it’s for the better.

So the law is abolished? Taylor was still wrapping her mind around all that was happening.

Not really, no. Samantha brought her scarf down a bit, having bunched up around her mouth. The law was never repealed. However, with the High Council mobile and discredited and other governing organizations missing from both Balkar and Galaria, there isn’t much enforcement happening. All the countries are fractured and in disarray because of this. You’ve changed things.

Palaveve and Howlgrav… Taylor whispered to herself.

Their destruction most likely wiped out the central governing bodies of law in those regions. Sure, the smaller cities could employ law enforcement, but without a superior court to adhere to, most were operating independently and could be skirted easily by the mass number of rabbits residing in all areas.

Jake had to chuckle. I almost believed it was your intent to escape your newfound fame, although I know you left us for other reasons. You’re famous, Taylor. You are a celebrity in the eyes of all rabbits out there.

"Holy crap! Even Ahya was shocked. I didn’t know my drumming talent was so amazing!"

What? Taylor sputtered, setting down her drink lest she gag. How the hell am I famous? I got no less than three cities destroyed because I meddled with Scripted events and had dozens of people eaten by my tail! Wouldn’t Stepan be the figurehead for this rabbit rebellion?

Jake looked happily flustered to reveal this to her. Not in the slightest! He’s nowhere to be found, and you were the one who proved to everyone that the people in power enforcing this law were corrupt. Which led many to believe that the law itself was corrupt from the start, and unnecessarily imposed on rabbits everywhere to prevent us from rising up and taking over. Everyone is looking for you.

Taylor squirmed in her chair, suddenly feeling very weirded out. Then why haven’t they risen up? What’s stopping them from taking everything over?

Jake flung up two fingers. Two reasons. It’s far more profitable to now exploit the system for monetary gain. Some rabbits don’t mind being sponsored or using their bodies for financial assets, where before we couldn’t. Others now have opportunities to work within the system to get better jobs for themselves now that we have the clout and numbers to use as leverage. Why break a system down that can be worked into?

He dropped one finger. Those behemoths are now all over the north, hanging outside major cities and towns. None have attacked so far, but given the news that was released finally about the fall of all three major cities, everyone decided it was best not to make ourselves weaker by tearing ourselves apart. You can’t say us rabbits aren’t smart. He winked.

So, is that why you’re here? To find me and bring me back into the spotlight? She shook her head. Taylor was getting upset. I disappeared for a reason, Jake. I didn’t want to be found. I’m happy you’re safe and well, but you wasted your time coming to find me.

No… That’s not why I came… Jake’s expression faltered and grew sad.

One of the rabbits on the ranch died in an accident, Samantha bluntly blurted out.

It was all my fault. Jake looked away out the window.

Samantha put a consoling arm on his shoulder. He did little to stop her. Ahya tried to stretch out a comforting tongue, but he drew back from that. You couldn’t have done anything, Jake. Samantha said. We checked his Script. He was fated to die under that tractor that day. There was nothing any of us could have done.

Except I could have and I didn’t. He stewed. I’m off the Script now thanks to Taylor and…I chickened out. I watched him get run over. I watched his body get mangled to bloody chunks and I sat there doing nothing.

Taylor’s heart felt a chill as she heard his misery. What happened, Jake? All thoughts of her birthday and celebration were gone now.

He turned his eyes to her. I saw it happening before he did. I could have leaped up onto that runaway tractor that the Curing kids had turned on during their play when nobody was watching and saved him. But the moment I hopped onto that seat and began to mess with the controls, I felt a deathly chill grip my heart and a swift wind pick up. Then I remembered what Mikhail told us, what Fey relayed to him before his death.

He sniffled before continuing, his eyes no longer meeting hers. So I just sat there. He had his headphones on and was blissfully ignorant of the tractor bearing down on him as he harvested the grain. I felt his body jolt the tractor as I let it run him over. Just like that, the feeling of despair left me and the Authority passed over. It didn’t find me—all because I let his Scripted death happen that I could have stopped. I was so scared for my own life that I let someone else die in my stead. His paws clenched on the table.

I’m… I’m so sorry, Jake. Taylor didn’t know what else to say.

"Wow… That’s rough." Even Ahya seemed stunned at the news.

Taylor’s heart went out to Jake. She understood that very terror he experienced. They both had felt it in Zabökar when she saved him from his Scripted death. She had escaped society altogether for this very reason: to not interfere with the magic that governed everyone’s lives, because it brought upon a force nobody could explain that exacted a death so horrific it was hard to forget. She shivered at the memory of it, watching Stepan’s wife melt before her eyes.

Unfortunately, the other ranch hands saw Jake do this and declared him a murderer. Samantha looked to be in tears alongside him. He escaped and only came back to tell me about his innocence. I recall what you had said to me and everything that happened. It was hard, but I believed him.

How long ago was this? Taylor asked.

Four months ago, she answered. We’ve left together to come find you.

Why me? What could I possibly do to help you? She looked back and forth between them.

Samantha pointed at Ahya. Your tail. If the Authority comes for him, I want to protect him inside of her. I care for Jake a lot, even if… She glanced at him briefly. Even if we’re not to be together, I still wish for him to live. You convinced me to think outside of myself and help rabbits. So I chose to help Jake and do what he wants, just like you said I should. And he wanted to find you.

My tail? Taylor was getting anxious. She didn’t understand how it happened, but twice now, people who were inside her tail couldn’t be found by the Authority. For whatever reason, Ahya was a perfect shield to hide behind that she couldn’t explain. You’re coming to me for protection? Who told you about Ahya doing that?

"I mean, I like having people inside my mouth like any predator would, but even I have to admit that’s kind of weird to use me like that," Ahya admitted.

Mikhail. Samantha let out a breath. He came back from his search north for Steven and Max. He hadn’t found them. We got to talking about you and he let slip that he heard about Ahya’s unique properties from Ari. He later left to go south to some placed called Hordos to continue his search for your brothers.

I’m not trying to sound like a leech or anything. Jake finally returned his gaze onto her. But I would be lying if I wasn’t scared of dying to this Authority thing. I’m afraid of doing anything that might cause an upset in someone’s Script which might bring that…thing back onto me. I figured the safest place for me to be is at your side. That way, I still honor your mother’s last wish to watch over you and keep you safe, and you make sure I don’t die in case I do something stupid Script-wise.

"I mean, I’ve no issues with it. The more chances I can get to taste him, the better. I promise I won’t eat him like Tony!" Ahya sounded too eager.

Ahya, please, not now. Taylor was exasperated. Her mind was reeling from all this new information. Jake, it’s not like I’m not sympathetic to your situation. I want to help. I don’t want you to die either, but you have to understand how it sounds coming to me for protection inside Ahya and only finding me because you need something from me. It’s a lot to take in.

I’m sorry. This was very presumptuous of me. His ears dropped. I realize how this must all sound, like I’m just using you to save my own life. However, I figured that since you saved my life and gave me purpose instead of me just ending it all, that it would be a waste to lose it when I’ve just found meaning for myself. I felt proud to have delivered your mother’s final message and to look after you. I felt like I was needed for something important for once. Even if my reasons now are a bit selfish, I still feel like I’d have some sort of purpose being at your side and defending you.

In exchange for protecting you in case the Authority shows up. Taylor filled in the obvious blank. I still feel like that’s contracting you for your services, but of a different kind.

Not really. Samantha tried to remain cheerful, drawing a glare from Taylor. Just think of it as a mutually beneficial arrangement. You have another person on your side who isn’t after you, will protect you, and won’t ask anything bad of you. In return you keep Jake living.

Taylor downed the rest of her Tallup. It’s dangerous to be around me. No matter where I go, there are people who are going to be looking for me. Even if you did disappear with me, when these people finally find me, you two will be in danger. I can’t have that on my head. I don’t think I could bear it. You don’t deserve that, Jake. You should disappear too.

And where would I go? He flapped his paw toward the saloon doors. I’m declared a murderer in several counties and am no doubt in the police registrar as such. You know how the court systems are for us rabbits. Just because the service law is unenforceable right now doesn’t mean the rest isn’t! I feel the safest place for me is with you. To disappear alongside you and be forgotten. Anyone who comes after you is a risk and a danger I’m willing to accept.

"Wow, he’s dedicated. What did mother say to him to get him so devoted?"

Taylor put a paw on Ahya’s head as she hovered beside her. That is a wonderful sentiment. It just comes at a bad time. I would need to discuss this with Liam before bringing anyone home with me. He’s very secretive about where we live and prefers nobody knows where we are. I don’t think he’d take kindly to me bringing you two home unannounced, even if he does know you and likes you, Jake.

Can’t you just phone ahead and let him know we’re coming? Samantha looked like she felt it was the most obvious solution in the world.

That’s another thing. He wanted radio silence on all communication methods while I’m out on my supply runs. He knows I can take care of myself and he keeps tabs on me through his own methods. She pushed up the upper left chest cloth on her cloak to show a songbird lapel pin the two hadn’t noticed earlier. He’s worried about—and I agree—unfriendly ears intercepting our comms and tracing me back to where we live. I wanted to disappear, and he’s making sure that’s just what happened. The fact you found me at all will upset him.

Why would that upset him? Does he not like me? Jake’s ears dropped.

No. It’s more like others then could find me too if you could so easily.

I wouldn’t say it was easy…but I understand. I know this must seem all so sudden and weird. It’s weird for me to even ask this of you. He sighed, tapping the table a few moments. How are things with you and Liam? He treating you well?

Of course. Taylor finally smiled again. He’s provided so much for me since we got here. We have a house out in the desert that we built together. We do a lot of business in town in exchange for free access to their junkyard to make more goods for them. Their trash becomes our income. He really is good with his paws. She spied a look from Samantha. Taylor narrowed her own eyes. Good at tinkering. He’s very much a wizard when it comes to creating tech out of nothing, she clarified.

I said nothing. Samantha looked innocent. Is it just you two out there alone?

Taylor nodded. It’s safer that way. At first he came into town to gather scrap for our home business, but demand for his work grew so much, so creating things for people has taken up a lot of his time. He couldn’t afford to come to gather what he needed, so it fell to me to pick up the slack. Taylor reminisced. It was scary at first being out among people again after months alone with him, but the folks here in Dulai are nice and welcoming. They understood my plight, and I think agree that me hiding away is probably best for everyone.

So basically, you each look the other way when it comes to Ahya and who you are. Jake tried to make sense of her current situation.

Basically, Taylor affirmed.

She had already stopped Ahya from finishing off her Grinder bowl a few minutes before during their conversation—an internal request she amazingly complied with. Taylor did not need to be buzzed driving home. Jake and Samantha showing up put a damper on what was to be a relaxing afternoon in the bar, enjoying some drinks. Now it became awkward, and the sooner she went home to address this new development to Liam, the better.

I think I’m going to have to go. She got up to head out. How long were you planning on staying in town?

Now that we’ve found you? Jake looked up at her, still sitting. As long as it takes until we come to some form of agreement. I already said I’ve honestly got nowhere else to go.

Promise me you’ll lay low and not cause trouble here while I go back to Liam and talk this over with him? She regarded the two of them.

We have been so far. Samantha smiled. We know how to not draw attention to ourselves. Jake nodded in agreement.

"Well, they do sound small. I barely can detect their footsteps when they walk."

Okay, did you two want anything? She pointed at the bar. My treat. I have a bit of extra spending cash, and it is my birthday.

Happy birthday! Samantha was pleased to congratulate.

Wow, has it really been that long? Jake was lost in thought.

Taylor bowed her head. About eleven months since Zabökar. She put a paw on the table with the money to direct his attention back to her. Don’t worry about the cost. It was what I was going to spend on myself anyway before you showed up. If you’re not heading anywhere tonight, just celebrate my birthday for me, ok?

Ok! Samantha seemed excited and was already walking off to order her drink from the bartender.

Taylor looked back to Jake, shaking her head at the plucky red panda. You two make quite a pair, Jake. I’m happy you two are together.

We’re not together in that sense. Remember? We’re just friends. Like Samantha said, I’ve never serviced her beyond those times I did in Zabökar.

Taylor silent admonished herself for forgetting so quickly. Right. Still, it seems like she has changed a bit since I last saw her.

Whatever you said to her seemed to really strike home. He chuckled watching the red panda order. Not to say she doesn’t want it. That much is obvious, but I’m just not into her like that. She is trying hard to do better though when it comes to us rabbits. I’m honestly surprised she’s here with me.

She followed his gaze. Yeah, she just left her entire family and secure home to run away with you to find me. I’d imagine it doesn’t look good for her image, being with a supposed murderer.

He looked put out. She really likes me, I know. And I couldn’t possibly pay her back for all she’s done for me. I feel like in some way, she’s hoping this journey will somehow endear herself to me and we can become a thing. I just don’t see it though. Call it professional distancing or whatever, but because of our previous interactions, I can’t really see past that and feel anything for her. He sighed. To put it bluntly, she did use me as a rabbit. She wanted to sponsor me like the others too. Sure, she’s changed recently because of you, but that still doesn’t bridge that divide for me in my head of her. I just don’t have it in my heart to break it to her myself.

Maybe one day you should, Jake. Taylor finally put a paw on his shoulder. He seemed to almost lean into it, like he missed having someone touch him without ulterior motive behind it. She at least deserves that truth.

You’re probably right. Jake graciously accepted the drink Samantha had ordered for him as she returned to the table, her critical eyes on the swiftly retreating paw of Taylor. How will we get in contact with you again? he asked.

Don’t worry about that. I’ll find you. She shared a grin and tapped her nose. Her expression then turned serious. I do want to make it clear for both of you. Don’t follow me. I mean it. This is for my safety and yours. I’ll let you know by tomorrow what Liam says. If I know him like I think I do, I don’t think he’ll have a problem.

She turned around to regard Ahya, who was now resting herself on the table, staring dreamily at Jake. "Ahh, I can’t wait to have him take refuge in me anytime he likes."

Taylor pushed Ahya off the table, drawing a flash of teeth from her. Don’t tell me you’re already okay with the entire idea. Ugh, just get back under my cloak and don’t make this any weirder than it already is!

What did she say? Jake was curious, watching the tail curl back up underneath the robe.

She’s eager to hear what Liam says too, Taylor half lied. I’m serious though. Keep a small profile until I return. I promise I will. I owe you that much since you helped me regain something of my mother. Her paws went to the pine tree necklace, invisible beneath her clothes.

It was a pleasure, Taylor. And happy birthday. Jake saluted her with his drink before taking a sip.

Thank you. Nice to see you both. Just wish it was under better circumstances. She gathered herself and headed out the saloon doors.

See you tomorrow, Taylor! Samantha called out, causing Taylor to cringe as she drew the hood back over her vibrant, red hair.

Taylor’s mind was a swirl of thoughts as she undid the wire protecting her motorcycle. Nobody had tampered with it; most knew better. Saddling the seat, flipping the kickstand up, she started the engine and slowly let up on the clutch as it moved forward. She remembered initially learning how to ride one of these things when she was traveling with Ari and Trevor back to Zabökar. Liam had trained her the rest of the way, and now she was fairly proficient at riding one.

She released the clutch and applied some throttle, then zoomed down the main road and out of town. She knew she would have to double back a few times in certain bushy areas to throw off people on her tail, and probably dive into a small, rocky gulch she knew about where she’d make no tracks to follow. Liam had taught her well. She never really did question how he knew so much since he mostly kept to himself on such topics, but she was grateful for all of it.

"So, you’re a celebrity?" Ahya asked, her bulk resting on her back beneath the robes.

And Jake’s perceived as a murderer. Her eyes fixated on the road.

"No worse than us."

And now he’s found us again, bringing all of the world to us. Taylor was not comfortable at having been found so easily. She loathed to come home and tell Liam this. We’re probably going to have to move again.

"At least Jake will be with us when we do." Ahya sounded hopeful.

Maybe. Taylor wasn’t so sure. Liam seemed very strict on privacy and anonymity. It was why he picked Dulai out to begin with, due to his prior experience with the people there.

"I have a feeling things are going to change."

That’s what I’m afraid of. Taylor’s view shifted northward as she spotted a large, but distant shape of a behemoth wandering the desert. I’m afraid we can’t ignore the world forever.

Taylor could sense the sigh in Ahya’s voice. "But it was good while it lasted."

They both kept driving on in trepidation of the future.

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Chapter 2

Alone

Mikhail frowned as he pulled into the sprawling seaside town of Hordos, named after the peninsula it resided on, which was also named after the war that spawned it. It seemed like a slap in the face of all who lived here to have their isolated nation away from their own named after something so negative that they weren’t directly part of. Still, despite not wanting to come here in the first place, it was the last place to check in the country of Zabökar for Steven and Max before moving further westward.

He had traveled far, from beyond the Zabökar site—ground zero of the devastating blasts that leveled one of the biggest metropolises in the northern nations. He promised Taylor nearly a year ago that he’d find her brothers for her, the two of them leaving the city mere hours before its destruction. It was unfortunate and frustrating that he had traveled the width and breadth of the Zabökar peninsula with no trace of the two, his search taking longer than it should have due to him being so damn thorough. His remaining funds were drying up quick.

There was little choice but to head west, but there was one last place he needed to check, and it was Hordos. This small community of reptiles, sympathizers in the war centuries past, had grown and expanded beyond all expectation. Although strictly regulated to just the Hordos region by the Zabökar government, it was a peace offering to those few reptiles that assisted the mammals in their victory over their brethren to the south. Still, it wasn’t much of one since they were stringently discriminated against across the north, and those few who journeyed around eventually came back to settle in Hordos since it was the only place truly accepting of them.

This sentiment of bitterness about how their lot turned out for joining sides with the mammals was evident in the atmosphere of the place. He slowly hovered his new car down the narrow streets filled with crates, netting, cargo stacks, and metal pylons. Most paid him no mind, but the few that did notice he was a mammal gave him distrustful stares. The mood was heavy, and it was obvious he wasn’t welcome here. However, since Zabökar and Hordos weren’t at war, he was confident he wouldn’t get attacked, at least not out in the open.

The city was a rambling place, seemingly expanded upon as needs arose over the years. There looked to be no rhyme or reasoning to its design, and instead was just spread out across the descending slopes of the Grunnesh. One could tell the period each section of town was built in based on its makeup. The lower regions nearest the water were like a shantytown with sheet metal roofing, while further up the ridge were the more sophisticated buildings built of metal, stone, and steel. The city also got darker down towards the water, as the majority of the neon lights were up by the newer sections of the city.

The parking situation was appalling; many of the available spots were already being taken up by other vehicles, and the few that were open were sandwiched between other cars so badly Mikhail’s own car could barely fit, let alone leave enough space to get out of it. Grumbling, he proceeded further down to the docks where the lights were dimmer and the only bright ones shown through the open windows of the less privileged as they watched their television shows filled with, of course, nothing but mammal actors, since that was all they had access to.

Pulling into a questionable lot behind a scallop joint, he shut off the engines and gently lowered the car down to the pavement. Mikhail, as he got out and stretched, was acutely aware he was a tiger, awash in a sea of reptiles for miles around. Thankfully, he did not feel as much fear being where he was. As a former TALOS operative, he was well trained to handle any combat situation and escape alive without worry. A few minor thugs in an alleyway wouldn’t be much of an issue for him. Being off the Script now, he needed to be mindful not to kill anyone, but he could still knock some heads together.

Locking the doors with his beeper, he stepped out onto the main boardwalk traveling down the cramped spaces between shacks. He spied at least one iguana worker who was unwrapping a pallet filled with parcels. Excuse me, sir. Do you happen to know the nearest hotel I could stay at? he asked politely.

The iguana looked at him with his piercing, brown eyes. He waved off up the hill of housing. Only place mammals are welcome to stay at, up there.

Mikhail frowned at the less-than-stellar response. Looking around, he did have to admit that any hotels of even the one-star caliber would probably not find much room to be built in this dense squalor. After memorizing the location of his car in the growing darkness, he walked up the wooden steps to the next level of wooded boardwalks that were perched and built on top of the homes below.

The entire ground shook as a trolley rumbled past in front of him, guided by the built-in rails below and the wired lines above that were attached to whatever structures they could find. The entire public transportation system was clearly built out of a necessity, and not with any formal safety planning or zoning for the city. The reptiles around didn’t seem to pay its sudden appearance much mind and continued about their usual routines, only a few noticing Mikhail.

It was insane how much Hordos reminded him of Zabökar. It was like a cheap knock-off version of it in the upper sections, although with far less glamour and refinement—like they attempted the impossible with cheap booze and spare parts. Feeling the rattle of another trolley on a higher level, he spotted what he assumed was a hotel, complete with fizzled-out fluorescent lights that made the full name spell out something obscene. He was quite unclear if some pranksters made that happen on purpose.

He surveyed the lobby as he sifted through the rotating doors at the entrance. It had a closed breakfast area that seemed to have been added as an afterthought, its small section bunched up alongside the front foyer waiting area with couches that clearly needed reupholstering. The check-in counter was a plain wooden semi-circle situated next to a fake stove acting like a fireplace. There wasn’t any heat coming off of the device, its power cord long since cut through and visibly frayed on the floor.

The sleepy lacertid clambered out of the small backroom and stepped up to the counter, his eyes blinking to re-moisturize. How may I help you? He seemed all too eager to get back to whatever nap he was having.

Mikhail noted his nametag. Hello, Mr. Serchell. I’m checking in for the night. Are there any rooms available?

Serchell flopped open a thick tome of dust and paper. He fingered his claw down the list of names and rooms. How long will you be staying? He said without inflection.

That actually depends. The reptile looked up at him curiously. I’m actually looking for two friends of mine. Two mammals, small ones—a skunk and a raccoon. Have you seen anyone like that?

Serchell licked his lips distastefully, giving Mikhail an unreadable look. Can’t say that I have. We don’t get many of your kind here. Most don’t step foot within leagues of our city, preferring the pleasures of that big city up north.

You mean Zabökar, the one that was destroyed?

Serchell didn’t miss a beat. That’s the one. Shame too. Guess not all things last forever. He turned his eyes back down to his paperwork. How long?

Mikhail sighed. I guess three nights. That should give me enough time to do my search here. In fact, it was probably more