Cassandra Pendragon
Guard duty was boring, truly and utterly boring. Even the glittering spiral of the stars above me and the sounds of the the city had become monotone after a few hours, never kid no king the last, drying pieces of blood out of my fur. In the beginning, I had passed the time studying the occasional drunk, swaying figure, gallivanting along the street. Some of them were headed home or for the next tavern, others were proudly parading around their catch of the evening, whether it had been their coin or their charm who had lured the beauties of the night into their arms, I couldn't say, they all seemed pretty much the same to me.
Humans were stocky, loud and smelly, not to mention hairy, at least the males. I couldn't help but feel slightly disgusted whenever one of them wandered down my street, stale sweat and alcohol clinging to them, like a cloak. I usually wouldn't have minded except… instead of a fluffy vixen to snuggle up to, I had to make do with a hard, wooden chair and the longer I sat there, the more difficult it became to not dwell on the last, bloody exploit we had been a part of. Also, the smells that came from the devastated tavern behind me, mixed with the unappetising scent of Free Land and the pedestrians, were starting to give me a headache. That, and I was getting tired. I was in dire need of a chance to process what had happened to us, yet again. My body didn't need sleep anymore, but I was becoming cranky and my mind tended to wander. Just as it did now…
My family and friends had made their way back to the ships, no one had been interested in spending the night in an underground lair filled with the remains of burned vampires and the Damocles' sword of another attack looming above our heads. Unfortunately we couldn't all go. Alassara had to get fresh blood for her kin and while she was away, someone had to make sure her children wouldn't leave and that our newfound, religious friends wouldn't return in the meantime to finish what they had started. Especially since we still held two of them hostage.
The thankless task was, of course, delegated to me. Ahri had even buttered me up to ensure I'd cooperate, hinting that I'd most likely have the easiest time to deal with any kind of divine magic we might encounter. Not that I blamed her. Plus, she had promised to watch over Viyara for me until the dragoness woke up. I was decently convinced she would wake up and be fine, our link had started working again after I had pushed my energies through our connection and flushed her system with silvery light, but she hadn't come to, yet. And also… even while asleep, she had wrapped her scaly body around Aurelia, as if she had been intend on protecting the vampiric progenitor like a mother would protect her young. No idea what that meant, but the two hadn't been separable and it had taken quite a bit of ingenuity to lug an elephant sized dragon, curled up around a tiny human, from the depth of Alassara's home. Another thing that had been left to me. The others simply didn't have the strength and they had organised a large, reinforced wagon while I had struggle to move several tons of flesh and bone through awkwardly narrow corridors.
And now, now I was sitting on the porch of the tavern, a coarse, blotchy blanket slung around my body to hide my figure and tails, a black, woollen scarf wrapped around my head, while I waited for Alassara to return with, what I expected would be, a string of slaves. It didn't sit well with me that she made use of the markets, but the ones she was going to buy were actually lucky. They were headed for either freedom or a comfortable life, and it'd only cost them a pint of blood.
Lost in thought, I reached out and focused on the images I received from my bracelet. The two girls had made it home, a small but tidy flat a few streets away. They were cuddled up together, sleeping. A small smiled tugged on the corners of my mouth when I saw them taking comfort in the presence of the other, the nightmare they had lived through held at bay by the warmth of a friend. If I had the time, I'd visit them tomorrow. They didn't deserve what had happened to them and if I got the chance, I'd make sure they had everything they needed. Since Mephisto had enchanted a chest for us, we weren't nearly as badly pressed for gold as we had been the day before and while it wouldn't make much of a difference to us, a few coins might turn their lives around. Also, helping someone without slaughter and bloodshed would do wonders for my self esteem. I could still vividly remember how those soldiers had looked at me, shortly before the end and helping those two would go a long way towards convincing myself that I hadn't earned their stares. A bit superficial, sure, and it didn't exactly scream confidence, but I'd take my appreciation wherever I could get it.
Sighing, I watched them for a few more minutes until I realised that it mainly made me feel lonely. I hadn't been separated from Ahri for more than a couple of hours, but I already missed her. I knew it hadn't been practically for her to stay with me, if I had to remain here, I'd feel better knowing that another angel was watching over my family any day of the week, but it still sucked. Being left behind, that is and the only thing I had to look forward to was feeding the vampires and interrogating our prisoners. By the Great Fox, hopefully this night would be over soon.
"Excuse me," a slightly slurred, deep voice brought me out of my reverie. "Would you mind if stayed here for a bit? Or maybe even inside?" When I looked up, I saw a burly, ginger man with blue eyes, somewhere in his twenties, already pushing past me. He was intoxicated and his clothing had seen better days, but he seemed healthy and didn't smell as bad as most of the others who had stumbled though my little street. Quick like a snake, I shot to my feet and grabbed the backside of his threadbare, dark blue coat.
"Actually, I do. You're welcome to stay with me for a while but you won't go through that door. As you can see, some drunkard broke our windows and I'm making sure the boys aren't disturbed while they try to make repairs." It was a lame excuse, but the best I could come up with on the spot. Apparently my new found friend agreed.
"Repairs? Listen here, boyo, 's nobody moving in there and," he sniffed, "it sure as all hells doesn't smell like spilled beer. I don't care what happened, but I need a place to lie low for a few hours. Why can't I just make myself invisible in one of the spare rooms?"
"Because I say so," I replied resolutely. Why did every single drunk always think they were entitled to everything their gaze fell upon?
He chuckled crudely. "And you're going to stop me? Good luck. There's nobody inside who can back you up and you're much to slim to… wait a second, you don't even sound like a man. Are you a girl?" I rolled my eyes beneath my scarf.
"No, I'm just pretending. In reality I'm a monster who wants to lure the fools and idiots closer and into my lair so I can sup on their blood. Still think going inside is a good idea?" I hadn't let go of his coat, but he wasn't trying to simply brush past me, yet.
He stared at me for a second, before a deep belly laugh erupted from him. "That's perfect," he wheezed between resounding fits of mirth, "in that case, Madame Monster, would you kindly offer me your protection? You see, I'm in a bit of a pickle, a few rascals are on my tail and I either have to hide or find someone willing to keep them off me. Could I somehow persuade you to take me under your wing?" He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. "I'd even make it worth your time."
"That won't be necessary," I smiled. The man was likeable enough, maybe he could help me while away the hours until Alassara's return. "But if you want to stay with me, I won't object, provided you know a few stories. The one where you end up running from thugs would be a good start. If it's convincing, I might even be able to find you a tankard of beer, somewhere."
"Now, that's a word. But conversing with a shadow doesn't hold that much appeal. Could you at least show me your face since I'm going to spend my evening entertaining you?"
"You must be absurdly brave. I already told you, I'm a monster. My face could haunt your dreams for years to come. Are you sure you want to take the risk?"
"Ah, I think I'll be fine. If it's in any way similar to your voice, it can't be that bad. So, how about it? I'll tell you why I'm here and if you want me to, even my life's story but in return I get to peek behind the curtain. And if you were to throw in that beer you mentioned, I can even spin you some sailor's yarn, exciting enough to even keep a princess entertained." I smirked beneath my veil.
"I'll be the judge of that. But if I like your story, I'll get your beer. And concerning my face… why not? But I swear, if you try to make a pass at me, I'm going to punch you senseless."
"Not that ugly, then," he chuckled. "Sure, you have yourself a deal, lass. Provided you really are strong enough to knock me unconscious. Otherwise this might yet become very unpleasant." He raised his arms placatingly when he felt my fingers tighten around the fistful of cloth. "Not because of me, but you do remember what I said, don't you? I'm being followed and a slim figure in a blanket isn't going to put them off, unless they're taught some respect. Now, where can I sit?"
"On the porch. Once you've earned your keep, I'll think about getting you a chair."
"Fine. Go on then, show us your face. Or are you shy?"
"How about a name, first? My mother always told me I shouldn't trust strangers."
"A wise woman, that one," he readily agreed. "I'm William, or Will, for short. What's yours and can you finally let go of me? I'm not going to do anything my new best friend doesn't want. Promise."
I obliged and when he turned around to face me, I offered my hand. "Cassandra, Cassandra Pendragon." His eyes seemed to light up for the fraction of a second when he heard my name, but it was over much too quickly and it was much too dark to be sure. Still, I took notice. My paranoia reared its head and I could help but wonder if this meeting wasn't as circumstantial, as it appeared. Shrugging, I shoved the thought away. Whoever he was, if he meant to cause trouble, I'd make sure I wouldn't be the one drowning in it. Slowly, I disentangled the scarf from around my ears and allowed the thick cloth to fall away, revealing my eyes and face. I was curious how he'd react, if he already knew who I was, I was confident I'd be able to tell.
Unfortunately, he was either a really good actor, or he was genuinely surprised. His mouth went wide in a silent exclamation and his gaze roamed over my features freely, taking in every detail. I was already staring to feel uncomfortable, even though I had somewhat known what I was getting myself into, when he finally spoke up:
"Goodness gracious, I didn't expect that. Your face might really haunt my dreams for weeks to come, even though they might be of a different kind than you insinuated. No wonder you hide your appearance, that can't be safe, now, can it?" I granted him a lopsided smile.
"Remember what I told you before? You're tiptoeing the line, my friend."
"I'm not hitting on you, I just call them as I see them. Can I ask what tribe you're from? I've seen plenty of best kin in my time, but non like yourself."
"Really now? I find that hard to believe. Aren't you from around here?" He eyed me curiously.
"I am, actually. But I'm not quite sure I catch your drift. Whom are you referring to?"
"Seriously? Somewhere in your twenties, flawless merchant tongue, just so happens to stumble through this street at night, on the run from a mysterious pursuer? I don't mind secrets, I have quite a few myself, but do you honestly believe I'm going to buy that? You're either a full blown idiot, and you don't strike me as one, or you're much better connected than you make yourself out to be." I was fishing. I didn't know, of course, but something had been nagging at the back of my mind and now I had managed to put my finger on it. It'd make no sense for anyone to come through here, if they were on the run. There were a million better places to stay low, unless he was simply trying to get away, but then, he wouldn't have asked if he could hide in the tavern. The longer we talked, the less likely it seemed to me that he had met me on chance alone.
Sure, he might also have been running blindly and simply approached the first figure he had seen. But that didn't quite match his more or less calm demeanour and his attitude, especially the questions he had asked. He was sniffing around, at least I thought so. And that meant he was somehow connected to the Captains, otherwise there'd be no reason for him to be here. Or I was overthinking the whole thing to an almost embarrassing degree.
His eyes sparkled when he studied me again, more calculating this time. "I do have quite a few friends around here," he replied, "but I can honestly say that I've never before met someone like you. But if you don't want to say, that's fine as well." With a deep sigh he slumped down on the porch and seemed to relax, his shoulders sagging while he fumbled in the depths of his coat to produce a worn and grimy pipe. A moment later a cloud of bluish smoke and a smell similar to wildflowers wafted around my nose. I hadn't seen a match, though.
"That's better," he continued. "Now, you wanted to know why I suddenly came running through this cozy, secluded alley? I…" he paused, his head swivelling from left to right like a dog's, searching for a scent. I already knew what had gotten his attention. A group of people, four of them, had made their way from the main road into our small street. Even from afar I could hear the quiet, rustling sound of chainmail and the heavy thuds of studded boots. To my surprise, I also smelled a faint hint of perfume, something like lavender but sweeter. It wasn't a scent I'd associate with a man and when I sent a trickle of power to my eyes, I spotted a figure, slightly smaller than the others, which was walking with a decidedly feminine sway in her hips.
Their faces were hidden, the hoods of well fabricated cloaks covering their features. Leather and iron covered most of their bodies and the weapons they had hanging from their belts looked serious and well cared for. Two of them carried swords, one a spear and the one I thought to be a woman had a fancy looking quarterstaff strapped to her back, covered in runes, but they were only for show. I couldn't detect even the faintest whiff of energy. All in all they appeared like the epitome of a group of adventurers or mercenaries to me, judging from their equipment, one of the more successful ones. Either that or they had someone with deep pockets footing the bill. Another thing that struck me as odd was the decided lack of an alcoholic smell. Their movements were coordinated and sharp and I'd have been prepared to bet that they were entirely sober. A bit unusual, considering their profession and the lateness of the hour.
"These your friends," I inquired calmly while I gestured down the narrow lane.
William squinted his eyes against the dim light and shrugged helplessly. "You must have far better eyes than me, all I see are blurry outlines. If there are four of them, one of them a gal, it'll be them. Have they seen us already?" I shook my head.
"No, it seems like they're searching. They're moving slowly and the girl is keeping her eyes on something in her hand. A compass, maybe, but I could be wrong. So… how bad is this going to be? Do they want your head or can we actually talk it out." Up until they had shown, I hadn't even been convinced that he was actually being followed. Maybe I had been wrong.
"Maybe… we had a… misunderstanding. But they shouldn't be out for blood, at least I hope so. It's only been a bit of gold… they'll want to beat me up, but I don't think they want to kill me."