Original Fiction The tale of fire

[foolswriter]

well here i am trying to write a fic this is pretty much a rewrite of a fic i posted on other forums like SV I looked it over I then had a Christ what was 15 year old me thinking when i wrote that it had no pacing what so ever an the Mc was a total Mary Sue anyway I'm posting this so i can improve my writing so please constructive criticism tell me why its bad so I can learn that's why I came here. note updates will be infrequent without further ado here we go

 

[foolswriter]

Shale village great hall


Within the small village of Shales great hall a large fire burned within the centre of the hall illuminating the stone floor benches adorned with bearskins that allowed for more comfy seating for the judges. Behind them stood a crowd of villages that were awaiting the verdict of a dark-haired blue-eyed man who had had his back turned to the hearth. Before him and the other judges stood a struggling silver-haired woman who was being held by two men.

“It has been a long and arduous process my friends but finally we have a verdict”. There was a pause then the man continued with a slight smile
“We find Xeranus, daughter of Molcoth, guilty of witchcraft and deviance from what is proper and natural ”.
There was an air of glee from the crowd as the preordained judgement had come now they were free of this thing. A sharp angry cry cut across the room from the condemned woman .

“How dare you, you pig lover, you murderer you whoreson? Do you think me having silver hair is enough? For being unwelcome in the village is enough for me being a witch not after what you did to farther You can’t do this to me Menlek, you’re not a lawgiver!” screamed a silver-haired young woman with an angry passion.

“Guards, silence her!” Barked Menlek.

There was a dull THUD as a farmhand, drafted in to act as a guard, whacked Xeranus over the head with a wooden club. Xeranus groaned as she slumped slowly to her knees. She was barely conscious as two men hoisted her upright and held her there between them by her arms.

“I have my hereditary right as a descendent of the village chiefs as you well know, and my place as head of the village council. Lord Wengen has also sent a representative and an escort, and I speak for everyone in this village! Menlek bristled indignantly. He leaned forward and, with a mean stare, continued. “What matters here is I have authority over you, witch!”

“The Chiefs are long gone, their laws are long gone. Times have changed Menlek, this isn’t lawful and i will make you pat!” The girl managed to slur.

Menlek snorted at the witches rambling

“You have been found guilty of witchcraft, and otherness you have been sentenced under the ancient law of Snowland. You are to be taken to the Cursed Range where, in accordance with tradition, you will be tied to a stake and left for the shrikes. You will be eaten alive so the world may be cleansed of your wicked tainted!”
‘I Curse you Menlek, for what you did to my father and…’ She slurred, still dazed.
She never got to finish her sentence as the guard on her right hit her over the head causing her to lose consciousness.
‘Muzzle her so she can’t spit her lies and her foul craft!’ ordered Menlek cold satisfaction emanating from him.
A guard went over to a table at the side of the Great Hall and picked up what appeared to be an iron mask that covered the lower half of the face. The guard walked over to Xeranus and with a little effort placed the mask on her.
‘Take her to the horses and escort her to her fate’. Ordered a smiling Menlek as she was dragged unconscious from the hall.

 

[foolswriter]

Xeranus woke up with a splitting headache. She groaned and slowly raised her head and sluggishly looked around. She could see she was slung over a horse that was being led by one of the executioner guards by a rope. Behind her there were five other guards on horseback, escape would be impossible. The next thing she noted was a leather gag resting uncountably in her
'They’re not taking any chances, are they?' thought Xeranus. She was suddenly brought from her reverie by the lead guard.

“So, our passenger has decided to wake up. About time, I thought you were going to sleep the whole way.” His tone was heavy as if this was not pleasant for him either.

Xeranus glared at him, muzzle still in place she was unable to speak but hoped the muffed grunts she and glares made her point for her.
“Now there is no need to get angry at me, darling I’m not the evil one here. I changed your metal mask for that gag, that’s a kindness that won’t get me into trouble. I’m just doing my job, I have no choice in the matter.”

There was a long pause before he spoke again.
“You know, it’s a pity that you are being executed. A beautiful woman like yourself, what a waste. You’d be quite a catch for any suitor if you weren’t going to be dead soon and different...” He spoke glancing around towards her with an impish smile to look at her.

uggg this man has no tact, thought Xeranus rolling her eyes. Why is he trying to charm a dead woman

"I think I will call you moon hair after all your hair is as bright as the moon," he said chuckling to himself

She gave him an icy glare for it and thought “Does he give all his captives nicknames especially a pariah like me?”

completely ignoring her glare and began to talk about the tavern in his home and how others could not compare to it.

He then preceded to talk about everything and nothing for the rest of the day. Xeranus in her efforts to block out thoughts of her imminent, horrific death, forced herself to listen to the stories of his childhood adventures. She couldn’t believe that she had a man who was soon about to tie her to a post and leave her to be eaten alive by a twenty-metre-long winged demon was talking to her like an old friend.
Hours later the sun dipped to its lowest point. the fool halted his horse, surveyed the area and nodded.
“We’ll make camp here, get her down. Gently!”
“Aren’t you being too friendly with her?” asked one of the guards.

“We could keep riding to the next site, it doesn’t get dark until late.”
the man sighed and snapped “I don’t want to be so close to shrike territory at dusk, do you?” Besides, this one hasn’t had time to grasp her situation and make peace and I was just helping her stave off the fear.”

“As you say, sir.” Was the reply, the mention of being near shrikes was enough to agree to make camp here.

The guards walked over to Xeranus’ horse and firmly but gently lifted her down. The fool then untied her hands, which were behind her back and fashioned a noose around her neck from a long rope.
“You may go for the call of nature and do what you need to do in the woods, obviously I’ll need to keep hold of you.” He explained, lifting the rope in his hand almost apologetically.
Xeranus appreciated the gesture despite this mans past behaver but didn’t feel like speaking.

When She came back from the woods and was escorted towards the centre of the camp. the fool loosely tied her hands again then laid her down next to a well-used firepit where wood was being piled for a fire.
Xeranus watched as the men gathered wood, laid on her side slightly propped up on the uneven ground.
“I’ll get some wartroot brew on if you like?” She piped up, wartoot was something she was fond off but then, the taste of leather of the gag made her frown as the gag would make drinking the wartroot impossible.

“Oh… Silly me, you’ll have the gage removed first. does Anyone want wartroot brew? Anyone?”

Everyone simply ignored him and carried on, with their food but he simply chuckled at it as he walked over to her placing a metal bowl with a steaming brown liquid. Within reach of her before moving the gag to allow her to drink the wartroot as she did. Xeranus was amazed at herself for being like this, being sentenced to death should probably be a more serious time not drink a calming brew of wartroot before the day of her death. She had herd somewhere that extreme stress or guilt could send people mad. That must be it, maybe it was a coping strategy for this fool for all those he had condemned to wait for their deaths.

Once the fire was built and lit she was given a basic meal with more Wartroot she could not help but reflect on her situation and how to avoid it. It was impossible of course, she was constantly going back to thoughts of trying to escape. Seducing a guard was an option if only there was more time. She’d had a good feel of her ropes, it would take longer than an evening to get those off if at all, tatty though they were it would take a sharp edge for her to get herself loose. There was no convenient jagged rock or an easy to pilfer blade anywhere.

Thoughts of all of the guards dying horribly in ever crazier scenarios ran through her desperate mind. As if reading her mind, a guard walked came and ensured her bonds were tight. It was dark, food and drink had been had and they all seemed to be settling down for the night.
“Don’t bother trying to escape?” said one of the guards. “We will hunt you down and we won’t be as gentle as we have been.”
“What a charmer you are.” Xeranus cooed sarcastically. “Nighty night soldier.” She wiggled her fingers in an attempt to wave coyly, despite the bindings on her wrists then blew him a mocking kiss. the solder opened his mouth to speak then changed his mind and turned away muttering to himself.
She heard the fool snigger from a few feet behind her then call out, “Don’t you go confusing my men, it’ll take forever for them to get over it!” Goodnight, moon hair.” he said jokingly
She glowered. at this mans antics before lying down for her last night

It was late at night and Xeranus couldn’t sleep so she rolled onto her back and looked at the sky as it changed from green to purple to red in the eternal dance of the spirts. How can the sky be so dazzlingly beautiful yet the world had been so cruel and ugly to her so this was my life then Xeranus thought sadly? As the sky continued to explode into an eruption of exquisite colour she couldn’t help but remember her past. With the greatest clarity of her life, from the first moment, she could remember, she had been bullied and ostracized because of her hair. Her father, although she knew that somewhere in his heart he loved her, ignored her most of the time. Apart from mealtimes, sometimes.

Her days were spent isolated from the rest of the village, gathering food in the forest, cooking and reading from the collection of books her family had collected over the generations either in the forest or the meadow. It had been that way as long as she could remember since her mother died she believed but she couldn’t remember that far back very well as she only five years old at the time. All he did was drink and stare into space. They talked and hugged occasionally and she cherished those moments but there was rarely a bona fide conversation. Xeranus had, as she grew older and wiser, believed it was grief that had sent him to that place and continued to love him all the same. Until he passed in the fire.
She shook her head slightly to dispel the memories and looked up at the beautiful sky. ‘Great spirt Arcas, what did I do wrong?’ Tears slowly slid from her eyes. ‘I don’t want to die I want to live. Live a happy life!’ she thought as she silently cried herself to sleep under the shining sky and a new moon.
……………………………………..

That morning when Xeranus woke up there was a heavy atmosphere hanging over the camp like a fog. It was no surprise that she wouldn’t be feeling great right now but she thought the guards would be used to this. It wasn’t uncommon in small villages in Snowland for those that didn’t fit in to be accused of witchcraft, given a farce of a trial and hauled off to their death. Well out of sight of the accusers, she noted. Arcas forbid they are made to feel guilty for what they have instigated. The sombre mood continued while they ate breakfast. the fool had gone over to his horse and taken out some red honey bread and Agway fruit for her. This was a surprisingly kind gesture, theologically the bread represented the body and the fruit the soul. The belief was eating these before facing death (whether definite or possible), would cleanse the soul in preparation for the afterlife. It was a traditional last meal for those condemned to death, the fool must’ve known this was not the case for those found guilty of witchcraft. it certainly raised Xeranus option of him despite his past interactions with her

Little was said as they struck camp, not surprising. the fool was blatantly avoiding her until she had been lifted onto her horse. For the rest of the journey, the fool grew more and more sombre and less talkative. Xeranus knew why this was and was dreading it as well. “All good things must come to an end, hey. It’s a pity I would have liked to kiss her”, he said, barely within earshot of her to another of his men. “Why in Arca’s name would I kiss you?”. Thought Xeranus annoyed, ‘but on the other hand he’s been nice to me,’ she thought, ‘and he did prepare me for death.’
They rode for a while before cresting a hill.
‘Here we are, we have arrived’ said the fool solemnly.

Xeranus looked up from where she was at the site of the crucifixion. All around there were bleached bones strewn everywhere. If she was to look around she could see mangled skeletons in various conditions bound to rocks with rotting ropes and rusting chains. She shuddered; knowing what was in store for her.
‘Let’s get this over with,’ said the man. ‘He looks sad,’ thought Xeranus. If only she could speak to him and tell him she was not some pretty thing as he thought and deceived a smack however Xernus was happy she was to find someone that cared somewhat. She cursed the ironfor what seemed to be the eightieth time.


As the guards lifted her from her horse she turned her head and looked up the fool as he sat on his horse wondering whether, if they had met under different circumstances, could have been friends she wondered. As if he knew she was looking at him, he turned to her and smiled sadly. He looks sad,’ thought Xeranus. If only she could speak to him and tell him she was not some pretty thing as he thought and how grateful she was to find someone that cared somewhat. She cursed the fact that they had gagged her again.
As the guards lifted her from her horse she turned her head and looked up at the fool as he sat on his horse wondering whether, if they had met under different circumstances, could have been friends she wondered. As if he knew she was looking at him, he turned to her and smiled sadly. He then looked to the sky and began to speak in a commanding tone,
“Great spirt Arcas, hear my plea to deliver this child to…”
“Stop it! Do you want the Shrikes to hear?” interrupted a plump, unkempt guard with ill-fitting armour.
“Let’s get this done and get out of here quickly,” whispered another eye darting around behind his shaggy ginger fringe, clearly on edge.

“Last rites are important!” the fool hissed angrily. He continued quietly under his breath, all the while looking to the sky.
“You have been trying to give those out every time we bring a prisoner!” exclaimed another guard.
They walked Xeranus over to a large rock and placed her back to it. As they were tying her to the rock one of the guards stopped what he was doing and said, “What’s that noise? Thunder?”

The other guards stopped still liaising tensely for the distinct whip-crack of a Shrikes wing beats. Then after a few tense moments, Xeranus could hear a distant but distinct and rhythmic crack boom that permeated the air. The sound was growing closer with every moment and her guards were now running to their horses. The closest ones were already mounting up as well as the fool who gave her a backwards glance before riding off with the rest of his men leaving her to wait and listen to the sound of her doom approaching.

 

[foolswriter]

A child was walking home through the forest carrying two rabbits wrapped in a cloth tightly to her chest, she knew if she was caught she was going to be whipped brutally possibly to death but they hadn’t caught her yet. Shaking off the thought of the consequences of stealing from the village’s snares, she carried on her way. She had no choice, her father and she was pretty much outcasts at this point anyway. Seeing a light, she walked towards it gingerly, it paid to not let down her guard. Remembering father’s words, ‘the most dangerous moments comes after victory.’

‘He has moments of wisdom, does Father, even though he is a drunken old fool’! She thought to herself. She opened the door and was met with an overpowering stench of ale, “Father!” She exclaimed, but not entirely without humour, “Have you been drinking that powerful stuff again? You’ll void yourself like last time!”

“So, what, little huntress, you know this helps me forget!”
“I don’t want to be the one who has to bury you” Xeranus snapped, but not too unkindly. She walked to her father. Somehow, he had managed to get himself stuck between the wall and the table, she took the jar of ale from him, “Hey, I’m drinking that!” He grunted.

“If you’ve managed to get yourself stuck in a table, I’ll dread to think what would happen if you continue! You might become a ceiling decoration before the night is over!” She placed the rabbits on the table, “Get yourself out of that table or do I have to get the axe?” She smiled and helped him to free himself.
“I see you’ve brought us two rabbits girl, Menlek will not be happy about this, that the so-called ‘changeling’ has been stealing from him again.”

“I’m surprised you can count two, father, you’ve had that much to drink!”
“Less of your cheek girl,” He came towards her, his hand raised to give her clout but Xeranus sidestepped quickly, causing her father to stumble and fall. “For Arcas’ sake girl, you’re as light-footed and silver-tongued as your mother. It’s a pity that those thrice-cursed a lot drove us out all because your hair is silver, but then again your mother would have not let that happen… rest her soul, your hair is the least of my worries… strange things but useful things always happened around her, such as my bathwater being the perfect temperature every time!” He chuckled to himself, with a nostalgic look he said “I just don’t know why she suddenly disappeared. Her father became more mesocolic this was most he had talked about mother in a long time. The silence extended for a while before her father began to speak again

I’ll tell you Xeranus, nothing is impossible. You’ve stolen two rabbits when I didn’t think you could even catch one, and you look after your drunken old dad even after we were driven from our home. Nothing is impossible if someone says it is then they haven’t tried, or at least haven’t tried hard enough. The thing is, people always want the easy route – opportunity is wrapped in hard work!”
Xeranus felt a sudden rush of affection for the old man, “I’ll remember that Father.”

“You do so my little moon you do so”









When Xeranus became aware she was kneeling in a pool of semi congealed blood with a large lump of raw fatty shrike meat grasped in her hand, mid-bite she threw away the lump of meat and stood up and observed the primal carnage. the shrike’s entrails were scattered across the area while the carcass had been hollowed out.

The smell was so terrible that Xeranus barely contained the urge to be sick. But under that vile smell, there were other scents like old bones, the scent of water and moss hit of a few flowers. And on and on it went the scents the sounds from the faint sound of the smallest footstep to the constant Crack boom of so many Shikes it was too much so she fled south as fast as she could and if Xeranus was paying attention she would have noticed that her speed was greater than most humans not that she cared all she wanted to do was escape from it all.


Finally, after running through the rest of the day Xeranus collapsed by a small babbling brook panting heavily Xeranus rolled onto her back to stare at the fading twilight. As she lay there she could feel her new appendages and ears twitch reaching up to one of the ears to confirm that they existed Xeranus touched the left ear only for her to feel it move and move away sending shivers down her scalp. Letting her left arm flop to the ground allowing her mind to blank out the events of the past few days and just enjoy the calming noise of the brook letting time pass.

She lay there watching the sky turn pink then red before the sun rose. Xeranus Just let the world pass her by simply observing and listening to the land as she had always in the meadow done when her father had been at his worst and needed space. Only this time she could hear every blade of grass bend in the whispering breeze and the sound and the scent of thousands of living animals inhabiting the general area. it's strangely peaceful, more so than usual Xeranus thought to herself, closing her eyes to relax further.

Only for her to sit up sharply for a mouse had met a very untimely and painful end at the jaws of a snake. As thanks to her new senses, it made it seem to be happening next to her.

“ why was I afflicted with these things” she hissed hand over the offending ear ignoring the surreal sensation from touching it. Feeling thirsty all of a sudden she crawled over the slight distance to the brook cupping her hand she drew water from the brook and drank. However, the more she drank the greater her thirst was, soon she was reduced to drinking directly from the brook lapping up the water like an animal. Finally, her thirst was sated, she pulled back from the water with an involuntary sigh of satisfaction. Only for her to stop sharply at her reflection as golden yellow eyes pupils steered back with the face that was hers yet sharper.

Xeranus also noted that from the reflection that she was covered in dry gore most importantly her hair needed cleaning and her meagre leather clothes if her father had seen her he would… her lip quivered at the thought and tears began to well.

No thought Xeranus gritting her teeth clamping down on the emotions that threaten to overwhelm her. I will not break down again like a little girl. I'm a woman now even after what has happened. I must be strong enough to make Menlek pay. And for why I am like this. The mysterious woman in that strange place she did say till we meet again so I will be getting answers to my predicament and I will be giving her a piece of my mind. But first, she thought as she dragged off her jerkin leaving only a measure of tied fabric to cover her ample bosom and tossing it aside. I need to clean myself off.



“Stupid things” Xeranus muttered to herself as she sat on the bank of the brook as she squeezed water from one of the tails thick silver fur after both had absorbed water forcing Xeranus to acknowledge their existence by being too heavily waterlogged and when she had stood on one painfully when leaving. Now she was squeezing out water from the second tail before grooming it as best she could which Xeranus reluctantly admitted was soothing to her. Still, she had caught herself from licking one of them like a dog. Sighing as she squeezed more water out of the tail before combing her fingers through the fur to straighten it out

. As Xeranus did this she allowed her mind to wander to the future. As of now, she had no goals aside from avenging her father who died at Menlek’s hand. The thought of that man-made her hands clenched tightly into silver fur her breathing grew ragged and she could feel the heat hear the screams smell the dance of fire. It was so hot and close oh so close and growing and growing and growing oh, spirits she could smell the burning it was like charred hair. An abrupt pain shot up her spine breaking her out of her fay mood as the tail pulled away with two scorch marks that married them.

Xeranus did not fail to notice two things, one that sparks were showering from her fingers second she felt tied all of a sudden it was an exhaustion that no words she knew of and the ground was rushing up to meet her just before. Just as she dropped over the precipice Xeranus could hear the damn Mysterious women's giggling.



Once again Xeranus was standing in the fog-smoke enshrouded room buts this time everything's outlines were sharper more distinct but of the mystery woman before her, the mist had thinned enough for the eyebrows and forehead to be seen the rest of the woman's face was shrouded as previously. After this woman revealed her change to her and the being unhelpful, Xeranus was the first to break the silence.

“I want answers, I do not want to be led in circles by a woman with a big forehead” she started glaring at the woman daring her otherwise. There was a moment's silence then a clatter of something being dropped she heard an odd strangled sound from the woman that turned to giggling swiftly turned to laughter. Soon the Mysteries woman was doubled over in raucous mirth that echoed like birdsong and bell chimes. Under this laughter there was a faint swishing sound like multiple brooms were lightly sweeping the floor.

Unable to process Xeranus just stood there unable to process what was happening as the woman's laughter petered into a coughing fit. Eventually, the woman composed herself coughing a few times breathing heavily before letting out a long sigh before speaking.

“ aaaaah child I have not had laughed so hard in a while you caught me off guard your far more defiant then I expected you are certainly not like some others I have met,” she said picking up her pipe and taking a long drag before breathing out a large cloud of smoke that obscured her entirely. Xeranus felt herself growing frustrated and was about to force the issue before she could voice her displeasure the woman spoke again.

“You will get your answers, ask them, child,” said the enigma of a woman Xeranus swore that she could feel the smile behind those words.


“ Just what has happened to why I have fox ears and tails?” she said, indicating to the two annoyances dancing behind her “ and what do you mean I have awakened to my heritage,” she asked hopefully at the prospect of a resolution to her situation.

“You have gone through the process known as Apotheosis you should be happy nearly all who can never do,” said the woman almost sounded disinterested if not for the undercurrent of mischief.


“What is Apotheosis why did I go thought it,” said Xeranus curiosity piped


“ Weellll Child it quite hard to explain but it simply comes from your blood and the past does that answer your question child” replied with such smug glee that it seemed to permanent the mists themselves.


Xeranus felt her right eyebrow twitch and her body began to tremble, holding back the urge to lunge forward and choke this woman she had a feeling that trying to ask would result in the same answer so she tried another question that had been on her mind.

“So would you tell me why sparks flew from my fingers and why only one of the tails that I gained from the bloody past is now scorched” Xeranus demanded sarcastically at the woman the room was silent for a few moments then the woman spoke again this time it was different.


“Xeranus why did you not tell me that you were hurt and you used magic before you gained your third tail” echoed the woman's voice laced with concern
Xeranus eyes widened “How do you know my name,” she asked confusion raining within her mind

“I have known your name for a long time,” said the woman from behind her making her attempt to whirl round only to meet space.

“Please don't, I need you still” chided firmly the woman, strangely enough, Xeranus felt the need to comply and let the woman begin to examine the tail. Still, she was not about to do nothing but fill the silence that had descended.

“So finally you are taking me seriously” Xeranus muttered to her who was applying something cold but soothing to the burns.

“Indeed I am taking you seriously,” the enigma giggled, the strange authority was gone, leaving Xeranus to think about the questions that she wanted to pile like magic, the comment about getting a third tail and how this stranger knows her.

“You are not to answer me plainly are you “ sighed Xeranus tired resignation leaking into voice

“No I'm not going to child, it's too much fun for me you're adorable when you are angry” the woman replied in a singsong voice then a titter as she continued to apply whatever it was. Xeranus huffed in annoyance as that was the only clear answer she was going to get.

“Xeranus child speaking of asking questions may I ask you if you do I may be franker with you,” said the woman as she stopped what she was doing and released the tail. Xeranus narrowed her eyes in suspension before taking a moment before answering.

“Only if you tell me how you know my name and knowing your name is at least the courtesy you owe me for leading me in circles despite what is asked” not noticing how sulky she sounded

Instead of an answer, Xeranus heard the woman move then saw her appear within her peripheral vision before turning to look at her. This time when Xeranus turned to look at her she did not disappear but there was still a blur over some parts of her the long dress was visible but the fog still shrouded her face apart from those eyebrows and that large forehead.

“You certainly have a way with words why I think you were family” giggled the woman taking a drag off her pipe before continuing “but you are right I will tell you my name is Ara.”

“ So your name means bringer of rain,” said Xeranus with surprised at the fact that Ara had told her name.

“Yes it does but I only gave part of my name and does not Xeranus mean the child of the moon” replied Ara with an amused tone.
“A straight answer is impossible from you” groaned Xeranus rhetorically rubbing her face as the tails seemed to twitch in response to her annoyance while trying not to blush from the embarrassment of someone knowing the meaning behind her name.

“I would not be me if I did not child” giggled Ara glancing to the side as to look at something before glancing back to Xeranus before continuing. “But I must ask my question as the day grows long and you will need to leave before some ruffians find you but we some time left” Ara growled softly but full of shackled menace taking another drag off her pipe before letting go a cloud of black smoke that seemed to convey anger that was not directed at Xeranus.

“Ask then,” she said Xeranus shivering slightly and felt slight worry growing in at the mention of ruffians Snowland was not a stable contrary and the local baron's soldiers skirmished often and there was no king the country was on the brink of civil war and lawlessness was now rife but such thought could wait and Xeranus waited for the question.

“What are you planning for the future child? From what I can see through the smoke you don't have many options”. Asked Ara whos eyebrows had lowered as if she was intently studying her as if she could but then being able to see events through the smoke she might know about the night her father burned.

Feeling strangely nervous and choosing her words carefully Xeranus gave her replay “I-I intend to avenge my father and kill Menlek but should you know that thanks to that smoke you can see through you must know how father died. She explained trying not to think about that night it was still raw even now more so after her change.

Child, I am not omniscient or a voyeur I have only known of you for the last month as by chance I heard about a silver-haired wild girl witch from a different village by a merchant talking how he listened in the village tavern they were planning to hunt you down for the good village “ Ara snorted at the last bit “but I think child that your life lacks purpose for even if you kill this man then what”?

There was a tense silence then Xeranus snapped after all the dancing of words then this bitch was now questioning her right for revenge

“Shut up you won't understand what I have lost that man took everything from me is death is how I will start again” shouted Xeranus while ignoring the sensation of both tails thrashing in agitation and the fact that her ears had flattened the sound of growling permeated the air. However, Ara calmly stood smoke wafting thickly from her pipe waiting for a moment before speaking in an even and calm voice.

“ you carry a great wound Xeranus I could say many words but I think you are not going to listen to me yet but we are out of time those ruffians have found you” And with that, the smoke surrounded Xeranus causing her to blackout. But like before she thought she could see the golden eyes that seemed to convey pity at her as well she swore she heard Ara mutter something to herself

“She is like me in so many ways when I was younger”

 

[foolswriter]

Xeranus awoke sharply to the sound of multiple men arguing quietly to themselves however due to her new form it was like they were shouting which was not helping her mood after Ara dismissed her with those words. What did she know about her past? She was just some stranger that was only interested in her due to her change Now if those bandits would shut up and let her think and plan on her revenge that would be just fine.

“ no skeex I don't want to go near that spirit she will curse us”

“I will be fine Keith don't you want you to know lord Wengen is looking for a spirit that could lead him to something we could be rich”

Xeranus grit her teeth at their prattling and got up ignoring the alarm from the bandits who then made up their minds to approach her all at once. She could tell that she had been surrounded by their odour and the noise they made. She could tell at least one was very interested in her body by how he kept muttering to himself. It also gave her the unwelcome knowledge of what lust smelled like.

Xeranus glowered while she glanced around all of them were armed with clubs and two swords clearly not the most successful band but very dangerous to her however she needed to escape fortunately she could see that they had spread out to surround her if she could send one sprawling. Not even bothering to let their leader Skeex open his mouth Xeranus jumped right at the weakest looking man with her fist pulled back.

However, she did not account for the fact that she was much faster than she discovered much too late as she slammed into the man. Leading them to tumble over into a tangle of limbs struggling to get up Xeranus was grabbed on her right arm by the man she had run into. Quickly responding with a punch to the jaw to make him let go instead the man's jaw was shattered and he screamed in pain letting go. However, she had been delayed long enough for the rest of the bandits to arrive.

The struggle with the man distracted her enough that she did not notice until one of the bandits grabbed her from behind dragging her around to face one of his comrades who swung at her head with a club and received a kick to the stomach doubling him over. But a club stuck her head making her see stars. Then one man grabbed her right leg and flailed wildly. She managed to scratch something. elating a hiss of pain but he did not let go. Hearing the air being displaced Xeranus hearing allowed her to hear the sound of the club being swung again. Unfortunately, the man holding her was doing a very good job at holding her in place and with another man grabbing her left leg she could not move. So with painful thwack darkness took her.

……………………………………..


When she awoke the surroundings she could see were blurry but from what she could smell and hear made it likely a wood of some kind her head throbbed from pain groaning she tried to move but could not move a muscle. She could hear arguing but trying to focus on what was being said made her head swim. And whoever was dabbing something wet on her forehead was starting to annoy her.

“Stop that now” she hissed angrily before winching at the spiking pain in her head but the dabbing wetness stopped sharply than a voice that sounded timid.

“S-s-sorry M-m-miss spirt I was trying to help with your wounds the others brought you in and tied you up” mumbled the boy nervously which helped her identify part the scent he was giving the other bits she had no reference to. Then that made he stop she remembered the bandits who had mobbed her and then knocked her out one part of her wondered why she had not appeared before Ara but most of her felt a cold dread as she remembered the man who she learned what lust smelled like could one of the bandits…

“My purity she,” said in horror, ignoring the pain in her head despite its lessening as well as he vision was becoming much clear enough to see the one who was tending to her. He was young, looking tall if a bit lanky with brown matted hair, blue squinting eyes and a slightly brown freckled face. But Xeranus was to the big possibility of her being raped.

“No M-miss spirit you have not had a finger laid on you if that's what you think” interrupted the panicking young man barely her age waving his hands desperately. But Xeranus was having non of it and let this bandit know her feelings known.

“What guarantee” she hissed “Do I have from an inbred low browed privy drinking sheep fucking bandit that they have not raped me while I was out cold,” she said stinging tears starting to form in the corner of her eyes as she glared hatefully at the boy who looked quite shocked at the tirade. But surprisingly despite his limited interaction with her the boy had a spine and seemed to take it within stride.

“T-t-that was rude m-m-miss spirit o-o-one did try when the boss was not looking to but I decked him,” said the boy proudly “ T-t-t b-b-boss of this lot had told the rest you are not to be touched and I'm not part of the bandit they d-d-dragged me from my village to treat you”

Xeranus did not know what to say and just let the silence drag onwards if true then she owned this boy heavily even if he was a bandit or not she owed him and father told her often enough to repay what she owed and could discern no lies from him but she did not know his name.

“What is your name my name is Xeranus ”

“V-v-vreel m-m-miss X-x-xeranus your name is very pretty as you a-are” Xeranus flushed at the first heartfelt compliment she had received about her appearance and name ignoring the fact Vreel ment brown mouse she felt like preening her hair only she trusted up in a sheet-like a sausage wrapped in bacon as well as her tails that were twitching like mad but they were also tied together.

‘Cough’ “what part of me do you find pretty?” Xeranus asked, trying to keep her voice level, wondering if this was some trick to hurt her but she dared to hope.

“I-I-I Don't know where to begin y-your hair is lovely if a bit… unkempt. Vreel said keeping his eyes down not meeting her gaze he seems sincere and being complimented instead of being called a witch its... Nice, she thought before replying. However, no matter how nice Vreel was she had to get away from these bandits fortunately she had a possible way through Vreel to escape so she had to gain his trust that seemed not hard from how he was acting.

“Well if your friends had not tied me so I would not have unkempt heir if you untied me I could sort that out” she whispered pleasantly as she could Xeranus felt a bit of guilt for doing this she hated manipulating people and like most people, the boy had his food knife on him.

Vreel looked around nervously before speaking I-i-i am n-not supposed to t-they w-will beat me T-they want to give you to Baron W-wengen for a lot of coin h-he looking for something A-and he thinks a S-spirt like you Miss X-xeranus will lead him to it they are arguing about the price n-now with one of h-his servants” replied Vreel with a tone that Xeranus ears could make it abundantly clear that he was not exactly happy about ether her predicament

taking note of the boy's tone and deminer Xeranus took a chance pressed further “ Look Vreel I know you are scared of the others but consider this your fellows are bandits and they are trying to get money by selling me to Wengon correct”

“Y-yes m-miss X-xeranus you are correct”


“Well then Vreel if you take the fact that bandits are trying to make a deal with a baron no less and the fact that his servant is already discussing a price for me means he has confirmed that I'm genuine,” she said looking at Vreel who was intently listening she certainly had his intrust.

She continued “Then what is to stop Wengon simply killing you all and taking me because Vreel I can see no real disadvantages in not double-crossing this band of outlaws' 'Vreel now looked very pale as Anybody in Snowland knew Baron Wengan was a man who was rumoured for being ruthless cunning and will happily betray you if he could get away with it.

Just then Xeranus heard a scream of pain and shouting making Vreel looked in the direction of the and his eyes widened then he quickly turned back to Xeranus panic on his “T-t-the Servant killed him a-a-and soldiers are coming from the trees” he said looking stunned if Xeranus did not do something quickly he would freeze up and their fate would be sealed.

“Cut me loose quickly I can lead you through the wilds you will be killed merely by being associated with these bandits” she shouted startling Vreel who quickly scrambled for his dagger shivering slightly. He drew the dagger knelt and began to look at one of the ropes near her chest, likely thinking that by freeing her torso that she could slide out of the sheet.

After a minute Vreel was on his third rope and Xeranus testing the rope concluded that it would take a few more ropes when she heard the clink of chainmail from roughly were he head was and then the sound of a bow being drawn then a twang of the arrow being loosed.

“Vreel duck” She yelled and he did but not quickly enough and the arrow sped towards his head time seemed to slow for her and the arrow gleamed wickedly an inch from Vreels temple if he is going to die if he dies I won't be able to repay him and I will have to live with the shame of an unpaid debt Xeranus thought panicking I have to protect… the moment Xeranus conceived the word something inside her belly started to feel like a jug of energy was being poured into a wooden bowl that she somehow knew she could use it.

But she did not wonder what this was all she wanted was for Vreel to live for him to be pulled out the way of the arrow or the arrow to break or something. Then as if she had gained she felt within her move to carry out her intentions. Two things happened at the same moment something grabbed Vreel by his clothing and pulled him sharply to the ground while the arrow was battered away from its trajectory breaking it. Xeranus felt suddenly tired and half the bowl of energy had vanished. A trickle of energy still filled the bowl but it would take hours to fill it up. Another thing was that the base of her spine where her other tails were was throbbing with a dull pain that was slowly getting worse.

A few more arrows landed about them before a shout arose from the where the archer was about damaging lord Wengons property. Which was good as it allowed Vreel to cut through the ropes unimpeded it took another minute for the last rope on Xeranus to be cut and it was fortuitous as the sound of fighting had died away.

Wriggling out of the sheet Xeranus stood up dragging Vreel with her into a run. Shouts For them to stop and when they did not they ran after them but the two of them managed to plunge into the woods and out of sight.