Naurakka and I are relatively uncomplicated. I saved her life as a kitten when her mother was killed, and she hasn’t left my side for long since. Our first trip out on our own on assignment for Rosa was a disaster. I left on a horse with packs and full gear and returned with just the clothes on my back and the item I was sent to retrieve. Who knew trolls loved horseflesh so much? Ever since then, it’s just been easier to use my shape-changing abilities to mimic another Jag’uri and travel as a big cat. The downside is an all meat diet, raw and steamy at that. Periodically, I feel the desire to walk on two feet again and eat human food that doesn’t try to bite back or escape, which is exactly why I’m sitting in this seedy bar right now.
For a moment, I pondered the wonder of it all; six years ago I was a librarian working in the dark elf capital. I had no real friends, a job I enjoyed, but which would never allow me to be anything more in life; pretty much a non-entity. That was before Alex, Maya and the Druid girls, Lin and Julia, rode into town. Since then…well, life has changed a lot and for the better. Now I have friends, an exciting career, and a real purpose. The proper dark elf in me still nags incessantly in the back of my mind that I need to return to my roots someday; the deep forbidding forests that my people call home, find a mate, and settle down. But, I reflected with a slight grin, I’ve never been a proper dark elf. Still, wandering around the world alone is pretty radical stuff by my people’s standards.
I would never be able to do this without the aid of Rosa’s scarf enchantment because dark elves are, at best, still viewed with suspicion, and in most locales, downright hostility. To everyone in this bar, I look like whatever they expect to see, probably a rather plain local girl in unremarkable clothes and speaking in a local dialect. I’m not sure what enchantments Rosa used, but the scarf has not failed me thus far. It was capable of a few other disguises as well, but those I have to concentrate on to make happen. Generally, I find it best to just let it work its magic without my guidance.
Sopping up the last bit of flavorful gravy with a chunk of fresh bread, I directed my mind to consider my next course of action. Thus far, my trip was an abject and dismal failure and that is not a credible option in my opinion, especially with what is at stake. Not only that, but it rankles my professional pride and ego to go back empty-handed. I took a swig of hard cider and a long, trilling puma growl erupted harshly under my breath. I glanced around nervously, unsure if anyone had heard my outburst. Yeah, I have definitely been spending too much time as a Jag’uri.
Roughly six weeks ago now, Naurakka and I were just crossing the river bridge in front of Sky Raven and feeling pretty darn good about it. Within its two-hundred-foot high white stone walls would be a welcoming hot bath, clean clothes, and a chance to catch up with good friends. I smiled thinking how much I had let this place get under my skin; it was truly home for us both.
I rubbernecked a bit at the tent city that had somehow sprung up on the far banks since I left. It appeared that the number of travelers and wagon trains making the circuit between the dwarf capital, Sky Raven, and the port was picking up nicely. Tearing myself away from gawking, I considered the completion of my mission. In my pack were charcoal rubbings detailing all the carvings on a mysterious plinth that stuck up in the middle of the eastern Javano desert. I knew Rosa would be immediately pleased and then forget all about it when she spotted the equivalent of a mental bright shiny object or another project caught her fancy. That was the peril of working for a half-crazed old elf. Gratefully removing the enchanted scarf, I tucked it into my pouch, assured that I now looked like my real self, a modest dark elf woman. It felt good not to have to hide my true nature anymore. I tossed back my silver and yellow hair, and put on my best smile. A few good-natured catcalls and shouts of recognition rang out from the human guards manning the barbican above the main gates. The doors were open as usual during core daylight hours. A dozen steps into the main courtyard, I took a deep happy breath and nearly collided with an enormous white wall of horseflesh. Blocking my entry and view, Somnus eyed me and nickered, tossing his monstrous head up and down and then quieted.
Shaking my head, I consented to scratch his forehead between his big ears and running my hands through the icy flames that constituted his mane. “Hey buddy, how’s Somnus today, huh?…fun loving as ever?” I cooed. For whatever reason, the past few trips, Somnus had taken to greeting me and sending me off personally. I wasn’t sure how he knew when I was arriving and when I was leaving, but he was always there, and no one in their right mind was going to try and stop him. After taking a few large inhalations of scent from around me and accepting a little more attention, the great horse finally snorted and stalked away stiff legged with an air of regal indifference. “Ok…well, I hope that was as good for you as it was for me, then…” I called after him with a grin.
“You know he doesn’t greet anyone else here like that,” a voice spoke from behind me. I turned to see Guard Commander Ebony walking up with a big smile on her face. The Helios was, of course, her usual radiant gold color, decked out in full armor, sans helm, with a long sword slung across her back. “Welcome home!” she said, clapping an armored hand on my shoulder. “Adventuring agrees with you; you have become more confident and radiant with every trip. Soon you will be rivaling our Queen in beauty.”
“Not likely,” I returned with a snort, finally looking around. The main courtyard had a number of travelers, merchants, and warrior types in it. At the moment, however, most of them were pressed up against the walls, unmoving. They watched in horrified fascination as Naurakka sat calmly down next to me and proceeded to lick one of her massive paws primly. I leaned into Ebony and whispered. “What? They should be used to seeing dark elves by now.”
“Most of these people arrived just this morning with that caravan outside, they’ve seen dark elves going about their business here all day. No, I think it’s Naurakka they are surprised to see.” The guardswoman smirked and then raised her voice to the crowd. “Relax people, the giant cat is friendly…unless it’s hungry…go on with your business.”
Their reaction was interrupted by a loud buzzing sound that heralded the arrival of a super pixie on a serious mission. Nia made a short velocity-shedding loop and ended up hovering just inches from my face.
“By the stars, Ryliss! We expected you a week ago!”
“You try and run with cholla spines in your paws, Nia! Besides, no one said anything about a time limit; I got the darn rubbings,” I said somewhat crossly. I mean, really…some decent food and drink, plus a hot bath would be nice before the serious debriefings began.
Nia just looked at me blankly as she processed what I had said. “No, Ryliss, this is an emergency! Alex and Maya need to see you right away. They’re in their room, so c’mon, let’s fly!”
Crap! I patted my puma on the head and directed her to wait in our quarters, watching her amble archly off. She made a special point of veering close to some of the merchants on the way and I’m pretty sure was the direct cause of some mysterious puddles appearing on the cobblestone street. Ducking out of sight behind a tack shed, I started the mental vision process and willed myself to become a black bird. My clothes morphed into feathers, as I shrunk, nose and mouth became a beak, and long elf legs shortened to mere stubs of bone and claw. Change complete, I took off after Nia. Pixies are slow flyers over long distances, and I caught up to her before we were even halfway up to the magnificent keep lording over the back of Sky Raven. Landing on the stone balcony which led to the Royal rooms, I ducked down so that I was mostly shielded from sight by the ornate railings and changed back. Smoothing my hair down as best I could and hoping my appearance wasn’t too outlandish for royalty, I reached out, and tapped politely on the glass.
A few seconds later, Queen Maya herself opened the door and immediately enveloped me in a strong wordless hug and kiss on the cheek. The king stood just inside the door and mustered a weak grin. Whatever was bothering them had to be intensely personal as concern was etched on both
their faces. Mentally, I took note that as usual, neither of them were dressed in royal fashions. Alex was wearing his standard Enchanter robe, and Maya a serviceable leather doublet over thick leggings and high boots. Honestly, they looked like people you would see on the street in any decent-sized town of this world.
King Alex was holding Belle, their little girl, seated on his massive arm with her arms possessively around his neck. She was a little over four years of age now and born with her mother’s exquisite beauty and her father’s magic. Alex stepped closer and Belle stretched out to give me a sweet kiss, did I mention she was also a charmer?
I’m pretty sure my face turned a few shades darker in embarrassment. Getting so much attention from your King, Queen, and Princess while you still have the dust and stink of the trail on your body was just wrong in my book. I bowed and went to one knee, trying to maintain decorum, just as Nia flew in and silently perched on Alex’s shoulder.
“Pardon my appearance, your majesties, but Nia said it was urgent.”
“Ryliss, you are a true sister to me.” Maya smiled, a small relieved tear running down her cheek and pulled me to my feet. “Why is it every time you come back from a mission you are so formal? It takes me a week or better to get you back to just calling me Maya, and then you leave again.”
I grinned and took an over-excited Belle from Alex, cuddling her in my arms and rocking her gently back and forth. The curly-haired little Enchanter put a hand alongside my face and giggled. “Auntie Ryliss, I lost two teeth while you were gone…see?” She displayed her most horrifying grin, complete with vacancies. “At this rate, I’ll be rich enough to buy a pony soon.”
“Rich?” I said aghast, looking at Maya for support. “Has someone been filling your head with that ‘tooth fairy’ nonsense again? Every dark elf knows that it is the Black Squirrel of Falworth that steals the teeth of children at night.”
“And what does the Squirrel do with the teeth, then?” Belle said wide-eyed.
“He puts them into a magical knothole in the biggest oak of the forest, and when he has them all, he waits and waits. When the child is older, a spirit animal, be it wolf, snake, bear or even Jag’uri, answers the call of the child’s soul. But since it is a spirit, it has no teeth in the real world, so it must go to the Squirrel to be judged. If the child and the spirit animal are worthy, the spirit animal gets its teeth and becomes much more powerful…so powerful that even if it is just a spirit, it can still reach out and devour delicious little girls like this!” I flipped her over in my arms and buried my face in her stomach, gnawing painlessly and growling, while Belle shrieked and struggled hysterically. Finally, I stopped to let her catch her breath and flipped her back upright.
Tears of laughter still streaming down her face, she reached up and grasped both of my ears firmly, looking me steadily in the eye. “If it’s all the same to you, Auntie Ryliss, I’ll take the silver that Nia puts under my pillow instead. Besides, my spirit animal is going to be a Vakha like Daddy and they don’t need sharp teeth.”
“Nia!” I protested, “You’re the tooth fairy?”
“Strictly part time.” She blushed, sitting casually on Alex’s shoulder.
“Belle, why don’t you run along now. I’m pretty sure you have some lessons to finish for your teacher,” Alex intoned with what I recognized as his official voice, as I placed her gently on her own feet.
“I suppose…” Belle said begrudgingly, as she headed for the door. She stopped and turned to smile at me. “But Ryliss, I’ll still want to hear a story about your trip later…please!”
“I will do my best, most exalted and beautiful Princess of the Realm,” I said with a deep bow. Belle did her best to portray a squinty-eyed glare of imperial disdain at my mocking tone and then burst into wild laughter and slipped through the door, closing it behind her.
Straightening up, I asked, “So what then is the emergency? Did Rosa lose a book or something?”
Alex’s face darkened with concern. “Actually, we lost something quite a bit bigger; two of them, in fact...the twins are missing!”
“Huh, what?” How do you lose a pair of forty-foot dragons?
“No one has seen them for ten days now, not even Higs. They haven’t been doing their handmaiden duties, and most worrisome of all, they haven’t shown up for bacon! We’ve been deliberately wafting it all over Sky Raven and no sign of them.” Maya added in a very worried tone.
“And they said nothing, and no one saw them leave?”
Alex shook his head. “We’ve searched the entire keep including the catacombs. I think they have a secret lair somewhere in the mountain, but even I can’t seem to find it. Reggie might be able to figure it out if he were here, but Lin and Jules are still out on one of their quests. They’ve been gone longer than Dusk and Dawn. We’ve had Hons out to search as well but he says if the place exists its shielded from magical detection somehow. Dragons being dragons and all.”
“Umm, Alex, you remember that I can’t move rock or summon earth elementals, right?”
“But you are a Druid, and I was hoping you could change form into something that could find their nest. Nia has looked, but she doesn’t have the nose for it. We desperately need to know they are alright,” he said firmly, and Maya wrapped her hands around his bicep and nodded in agreement.
“Ok,” I breathed out, “that sounds like a kingly command to me. Do you have any clues at all where it might be? Places where you see them frequently, that kind of thing?” I tilted my head, shifting into delver mode.
“I see them up by the back wall where we did pixie flight school all the time,” Nia piped in. “It’s pretty much sheer walls and straight down from there.”
“And that’s the farthest part of the fortress away from the magma flows, so it would be the coldest,” Alex added, and Maya seemed to concur. “That’s where I would start if I were you.”
“Right, I’ll need something from their rooms with their scent on it.”
“I’ll grab something,” Alex said, hurriedly disappearing from the room, obviously pleased to be doing something to contribute to the effort, while Maya cocked her head and grinned weakly.
“Don’t you remember what they smell like, Ryliss?” she chuckled. “Snakeskin with a side of bacon dressing?” I could tell that my Queen, sister, and friend was worried sick about what I might find.
“I remember what they smell like as a dark elf…but you don’t need a dark elf,” I deadpanned and watched as King Alex returned with an entire pile of bedding from the twin’s human beds. A little overkill, but it would do nicely.
“Anything else you need?”
“Well, if you had a fresh mug of that hot drink that tastes like dirt with chocolate in it…”
Maya just shook her head. Oh well, I began visualizing the animal’s form and function in my mind. I felt my arms stretch out stiffly of their own accord and my hands splayed out. Next, my clothes melted from my body to be replaced by short brown fur. While this was happening, I also lost a lot of body mass and height. Suddenly, I was only a foot tall and teetering on very unstable feet. Extended, my leathery wings helped hold me upright, but just barely. My long snout twitched as I took in the smells around me; first the sheets, then what the Royals had for breakfast. Ooh, was that a plate of grapes up on the nightstand?
“A weird bat of some kind?” Alex boomed out, now towering above me like a giant.
“She’s a fruit bat,” Nia supplied. “Some people call them flying foxes.”
“But aren’t they blind? How will this help us find the twins?”
Nia spotted where my eyes were fixated and flitted up to the nightstand. She picked up a juicy green grape, flew back, and dropped it over my head. I deftly snapped it out of the air - delicious! - and licked my thin little tongue over my lips to encourage another. “As you can see, they aren’t blind. In fact, they have excellent vision and their sense of smell is acute too…hold on, Polly wants another cracker.” Nia dropped another grape toward
my head, which I appreciated far more than the snide comment. I would have glared at her, but it’s tough when you don’t have the facial muscles to squint menacingly.
Snack time over, I waddled over to the balcony edge, slipped through the railing and flung myself awkwardly into the air. Bat wings really don’t give you much of the coasting abilities of birds, so you have to flap continuously.
I started along the cliffs at the back of the keep, flying a grid pattern near the rocky walls. After an hour or more of “fruitless searching”...Wow! Flying makes you hungry and is a recipe for bad puns to boot...I finally caught a faint whiff of my quarry.
Near a folded back outcropping in the sheer rock face, I traced their scent. Flapping around the fold, I struggled to stay airborne. Fruit bats have the worst feet for grasping perches; it’s hard enough to snag a tree branch when you need one, but a stone outcropping just wasn’t going to happen. Low under the rock fold, I spotted a narrow dark cleft and dived for it, crashing inelegantly into the maw of a small fissure. I have to hand it to Dawn and Dusk, if this is their lair, it’s almost impossible to find. Only a shapeshifter, or a pixie-sized critter, would be able to get in. Of course, it wouldn’t be a problem for either dragon, as they are even better at changing forms than Druids.
The tunnel that faced me was barely big enough for a marmot, but the scent of the silvers was very strong here. It was pitch dark and flying foxes don’t have echo location nor the legs to go dungeon delving. Ok, marmot it is, then! The change wasn’t as dramatic as the previous one; both animals are roughly the same size, so it went quickly. Now I had four feet, buck teeth, attitude and an urge to steal bright shiny objects.
Fireclaws - Search for the Golden Page 2
