<html> <body> Part 11 Metamor Keep: Keeper's Return By Charles Matthias <x-tab>        </x-tab>After escaping Murikeer’s trap, Kayla ran through the endless halls of Metamor looking for some place she could hide.  But her particular species left an unmistakable odour behind; she could smell it every time she slowed.  Rickkter’s amulet, gifted to her so long ago to mask her natural potent musk, had weakened as much as the mage himself had.  Simply by following that scent she knew it was inevitable that they would capture her. <x-tab>        </x-tab>So she did the only thing that made sense; she ran down to the dark and mouldy cellars where it stank even more than she.  Her nose revolted at the putrid scent of mildew and decay festering for untold ages amidst slime, oil, and water so foul that nothing could live in it.  She was careful of her paws that she did not leave a trail visible to the eyes in lieu of one to the nose and thought of nothing deeper, further, darker, more pungently foul places where she could hide hoping that the mage of the Keep would heed her.  But even as she ran through those dank passages ever fearful that the Keep would redirect her right back around into the waiting arms of her pursuers she felt some measure of relief. <x-tab>        </x-tab>For the first time since the waking nightmare began she couldn’t hear anyone behind her. <x-tab>        </x-tab>“I can’t stay down here forever,” Kayla whispered in that soft voice Charles had taught her on their long journey together.  Only somebody standing next to her would have heard her, even with the ears of a beast to aid them.  But her voice did little to comfort her.  Still, from all her experience in Intelligence, she’d long learned that before a winning strategy could be devised all of the obstacles had to be identified. <x-tab>        </x-tab>Kayla kept walking.  The hallway was long with several branches all of the stones stained dark with soot from the unevenly spaced flambeaux that brought the only light they’d ever born.  It was enough to show her the floor and the safe places she could walk amidst turgid puddles and rancid growths.  She briefly wondered who lit the torches this far into the unused depths of the Keep but brushed the curiosity aside as a distraction from her purpose.  Even so deep as this, it was still part of Kyia, and she could provide whatever she wished. <x-tab>        </x-tab>And she had provided for Kayla; she’d given the skunk a way to escape her pursuers and gain time to plan.  Her objective was simple enough — she had to reach Rickkter and place Vissarion within him to restore his strength.  Once done, all would understand what she was attempting and together they could set all to rights. <x-tab>        </x-tab>But Murikeer was between her and Rickkter.  He had also recruited George and members of the Watch and probably the Longs to the chase.  She couldn’t hurt any of them; they were her fellow Keepers; they were her friends.  She had to outsmart them if she was to reach her love.  They were all tough soldiers and the Keep was their home; it wouldn’t be easy.  And there was a second mage that she saw, Kindle.  The mouse may not be as formidable a foe as Murikeer, but he was still more capable than Kayla on her best of days. <x-tab>        </x-tab>What advantages did she have?  She had the dragon swords but she dare only use those for defence.  A slight smile creased her snout as she recalled the way she’d felled Zagrosek when he’d threatened to kill her love.  If absolutely necessary she could use her spray.  The thought had a pleasing sort of irony.  Even Murikeer, a skunk himself, would not be immune to that. <x-tab>        </x-tab>But her greatest strength was as always her own mind.  It had brought her to the cellars.  But how to get back to Rickkter? <x-tab>        </x-tab>There is a way. <x-tab>        </x-tab>Her tail lashed and nearly brushed against the foul mucus coating the wall. “What is it, Vissarion?” <x-tab>        </x-tab> Rickkter’s quarters have windows. <x-tab>        </x-tab>Kayla reached an intersection and cautiously glanced down either side.  She saw nothing but more guttering torches and ancient refuse. “But I could never climb the outer walls!  They are slick with snow and ice.  I’d fall to my death.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Yes, thou would.  But I would not. <x-tab>        </x-tab>“I don’t understand.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Find me a window and I will tell thee on the way what I can do for thee. <x-tab>        </x-tab>Kayla breathed a sigh of relief.  Vissarion would help her.  She felt intensely grateful to have him with her. ---------- <x-tab>        </x-tab>At first it had been easy to follow Kayla’s trail.  Not only did she leave an olfactory path in the air that even the humans could detect, but Murikeer knew her magical signature so well that he could see the way the conduits of magic had altered in her passage.  She did not drip taint like was done at Akabaieth’s camp or in the Askaaren pass, but even the way in which it disquieted the Keep’s magic was visible to him. <x-tab>        </x-tab>But as her path headed lower and lower within the bowels of Metamor, her scent trail was overwhelmed by other stenches that none of them ventured to name.  Only desperation could have driven her through these passages, Murikeer knew, because the foul miasma curdled his stomach and filled him with an ever present nausea.  It took all of his self-composure not to vomit.  Belin the dog was not so capable and added to sickness draping the walls. <x-tab>        </x-tab>Still they pressed on for a few minutes more as Murikeer could still see the magical trail.  After reaching an intersection with another passage Murikeer stopped and stared for several seconds in each direction before growling under his breath. <x-tab>        </x-tab>“What is it?” George asked.  The jackal was doing his best to pretend like he couldn’t smell anything. <x-tab>        </x-tab>“I can’t see her trail anymore,” Muri admitted with a sharp churr. “It’s just gone!  I don’t know which way she went!” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“Let’s get out of here,” Andhun the bull suggested in a strained voice against the stench. “She can’t be staying down here.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Murikeer snapped. “No, we have to find her!  Before she hurts somebody.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Patri shook her head, nose hidden beneath her collar.  The human woman looked pale green. “She’s not going to find anybody down here.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“She’s right about that, Muri,” George replied, putting one paw on the skunk’s shoulder. “Let’s double back.  Kayla won’t stay down here forever.” The old warrior, of them all, seemed the least discomfited by the overwhelming reek of the place.  To him was hardly a comparison to fighting a battle on fields strewn with the fallen left to rot for days or weeks. <x-tab>        </x-tab>Murikeer ground his teeth in frustration. “Give me a few minutes.  I might still find something.” He touched every cord of magic around him, reaching down them to feel everything he could.  He tried to remember all he had seen in that terrible day last year when Agathe had been revealed to be the power behind Bishop Hockmann’s invasion from Breckaris.  Murikeer shuddered at the memory of his attempt to contend with her.  Never had he seen somebody able to draw so much power.  It had taken all his skill just to survive and even that thin victory had come by the aid of other brave souls.  As it was she had nearly emasculated him. <x-tab>        </x-tab>And now an evil power moved a woman for whom he had deep affection.  His paws trembled at the memory of a dark sword that had driven somebody else he’d cared for to commit atrocities.  It would not happen again! <x-tab>        </x-tab>But try as he might, he saw nothing in any of the strands of magic.  Murikeer growled but relented. “There’s nothing here.  Let’s head back up a few levels.  George, we need more soldiers to patrol all the exits from Metamor.  If we keep her in the Keep, Kyia may yet lead us to her.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>George shook his head and waved for the others to turn about. “I doubt that will be necessary, but I will spread the order. She’ll most likely circle about and try to get at Rickkter again to continue whatever plan she has.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>The soldiers retreated gladly.  Murikeer lingered one moment more before dropping the cords of magic and following them.  He shook his head and with a bitter laugh whispered to himself, “She may have lost us down here but this stench is going to cling to her just as much as it is us.  Wherever you are Kayla, I’m going to save you.” ---------- <x-tab>        </x-tab>“I can’t believe we’re already here!” Charles said with a bright laugh as the city walls of Metamor loomed ahead.  Beyond the pale shadow of the Keep towered, brooding like a giant mountain as the snow kept falling. <x-tab>        </x-tab>“I’ve ridden in sleighs before,” Lindsey murmured thoughtfully, “but none have moved as fast as this.  Yours have a wind behind them, Master Julian.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>The white rat nodded, red eyes wide as if he himself couldn’t believe it. “I’m very pleased with how well they’ve performed.  I hope you can give us your perspective when we unveil them.  I’m sure many will be interested to hear of their speed and smoothness. <x-tab>        </x-tab>“Most likely,” Abafouq said with admiration. “I am wishing I had something smaller for when I travel the mountains again.  But I doubt Guernef will let me attach a harness to his back.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>This led to guffaws from the Nauh-kaee’s friends. “Speaking of Guernef,” Charles asked, “where is he?” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Abafouq gestured to the snow white sky above. “Somewhere up in that I fear.  He’ll join us when he joins us.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>And that was something else they were all accustomed to. <x-tab>        </x-tab>The road to the city gates were chocked with snow and few travellers.  What few there pondered leaving the Keep, saw the huge piles of snow and the futile efforts of the Keepers to clear the roads and promptly changed their minds.  So they reached the guards at the gate without delay.  A quartet of guards bade them stop for inspection.  All of them were animal men well suited to the winter weather. <x-tab>        </x-tab>The foremost was a polar bear dressed in iron breastplate whom Charles recognized as Cassius.  A fellow Follower, they’d sometimes commiserated after Mass about the content of Father Hough’s homilies, but rarely had occasion for much else.  His eyes found Charles immediately and they brightened. <x-tab>        </x-tab>Cassius smiled faintly and looked the sleighs up and down. “Charles!  We were told to expect you but I didn’t think you’d actually attempt to come home in this.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>This news gave the rat pause. “Who told you to expect us, Cassius?” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“Message from Andwyn,” Cassius replied. “He says you, your friends, and the Longs are to head to Master Rickkter’s quarters immediately.  There’s something wrong with Kayla but the message didn’t say what.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Lindsey tensed and leaned forward. “Something’s wrong with Kayla?  Then let us through now!” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Cassius grabbed one side of the sleigh and hauled himself over the edge.  His large body landed with a whump on the snowy hay bales. “Keep going then.  I’ll wave us through the other gates.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Lindsey turned to Julian and in a dark command shouted. “Move us now!” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Julian nodded to Sir Saulius who cracked the whips fiercely.  Even as the gates of Metamor groaned open the sleighs rushed through in heedless abandon.  What had only moments before been excitement had turned to worry.  Even Charles’s children kept hushed like their father, eyes wide with questions.  Kimberly held them tight, an old and familiar worry returning like an unwelcome guest.  Charles was going to have to risk his life again.  She didn’t know why, but she knew it was coming. <x-tab>        </x-tab>The spires of Metamor blotting out the northern sky grew closer. ---------- <x-tab>        </x-tab>It took far longer than she wished but Kayla did find a small window looking out upon the fields north of the castle.  The grounds were covered in undisturbed snow and more snow continued to fall.  The window was squat and she knew it would be impossible for her to squeeze out unless she were a normal sized skunk and only after breaking the solid pane of glass that stood between her and the winter outside. <x-tab>        </x-tab>Neither of these obstacles bothered Vissarion. <x-tab>        </x-tab>I can express myself in thee long enough to reach Rickkter’s window.  Do thee know which way it faces? <x-tab>        </x-tab>“To the southeast,” Kayla replied. “He likes to see the sunrise.  It also points toward his homeland something he doesn’t want to forget.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>I will help thee find it.  Put thy paw on the pane of glass. <x-tab>        </x-tab>Kayla did as instructed.  She splayed her fingers until her thumb touched the stone above and her pinky the stone below.  She felt a hot strength reach down her arm and press where her fingers pressed. Her fur nearly sizzled as the glass brightened around her fingers, turning a brilliant yellow like the sun.  She felt the heat as of a forge wash over her face.  Ice and snow on the other side melted and ran.  Yet her hand felt nothing but the melting glass.  As if sensing some impulse from the black dragon within her, she pushed the glass and her paw sank through it.  A few more brushes of her fingers and the pane was completely dislodged from the window. <x-tab>        </x-tab>Kayla drew back her paw and smiled. “Thank you, Vissarion.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Now thee must let me touch every part of thy body.  It may hurt for a moment, but I will do what I can to minimize thy discomfort.  This is the only way we can reach Rickkter’s side in time. <x-tab>        </x-tab>“Go ahead.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>That indomitable strength, something she had witnessed in the breathtaking cavern in her dreams, now suffused every part of her body.  From her hind paws and the tip of her long tail all the way to her head and her arms she felt the warm power course through her.  It struggled briefly as it passed through the bracer on her left wrist that Rickkter had given her so long ago, but the moment of hesitation was short. <x-tab>        </x-tab>And with the strength radiating from her heart, she felt a tightening grip pull and crush her chest.  She gasped for breath but could not find one.  Her skin stretched beneath her fur as her torso lengthened like a serpent, bright black scales revealed between patches of fur.  Her little claws grew wicked and long, fingers thinner and glistening with reptilian sheen.  From the tip of her tail grew a broad flat spade like she saw in her dreams.  From behind her ears and down the ridge of her back she felt horns and spines sprout.  No wings came from her, but she could almost imagine their presence and felt diminished by their lack. <x-tab>        </x-tab>And then the discomfort passed as Vissarion had promised.  She still appeared a skunk but now blended with the dragon so mighty and powerful.  Though she could not see them, she knew her eyes were slit as were his, glowing a brilliant gold flecked with violent and emerald and now the deep sapphire of her own eye colour.  She breathed deep and with her exhalation, steam and smoke curled from her nostrils. <x-tab>        </x-tab>“I am here now,” Vissarion spoke in her voice. “This too will be a gift to Rickkter.  Perhaps one day we will even be able to fly.  But Marzac took much of our strength.  Thanks to thee, Kayla, I will one day have it back; now to share with he whom thee loves.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Thank you, Vissarion! <x-tab>        </x-tab>Kayla was somewhat surprised to learn she had no power over her tongue anymore, but not alarmed.  Vissarion the Wise would see her to the side of Rickkter.  She only needed his strength to save her raccoon.  Until then, it was best to let the dragon do as he must. <x-tab>        </x-tab>Vissarion slithered through the open window and emerged only ten yards or so from the snow-covered ground.  Their body, now slinky and serpentine, was narrow enough to fit through that small aperture.  The cool air touched them but did not chill them.  Vissarion’s claws tightly gripped the ice-covered stones as they began scaling the outer walls of the Keep.  Their long tail waved back and forth as they slunk higher and higher. <x-tab>        </x-tab>The walls of the Keep were jutted with numerous balustrades, balconies, and battlements.  Kayla saw that they were in the eastern half of the Keep, the one that brooded like a hunching dwarf festooned with misshapen towers and donjons.  The mighty spires to the west in which the bells hang and in which Duke Thomas held court watched them with silent assent.  Through this labyrinth Vissarion led them with unerring direction.  Always he turned toward the left, inexorably leading them around to the east. <x-tab>        </x-tab>The spires fell beyond the horizon of the Keep, and Kayla contented herself with watching the walls ahead.  Snowflakes turned aside as they neared their joined body, repelled by some understanding that they would surely melt if they came too close to the draconic skunk.  Claws gouged into the ice and stone beneath as they dragged their way like a vast salamander up the bark of a tree.  Purpose filled her and a hunger she couldn’t explain. <x-tab>        </x-tab>Soon the city of Metamor came around the walls of the Keep, shrouded by the storm, it nevertheless brought her joy to see it.  One day soon Rickkter and her would walk its streets again.  That was how things should be.  And with Vissarion’s aid, she would set the wrongs of Rickkter’s wounding aright. <x-tab>        </x-tab> There.  I think that’s the one. <x-tab>        </x-tab> Vissarion nodded at Kayla’s thought and guided their body to the shuttered window.  He pressed a golden eye at its base and through the narrow slats they saw the familiar mouse mage and four other soldiers keeping a close watch on the door.  Around them were the familiar instruments of Rickkter’s magical inquiry left wisely undisturbed. <x-tab>        </x-tab>Reaching out one foreleg, Vissarion drew a line down the middle of the casement which briefly glowed a pale red.  He then circled above the window, coiling their massive serpentine body just over the casement.  Their fur shuddered in anticipation.  She hoped that they didn’t have to hurt any of them. <x-tab>        </x-tab>“I will be quick,” Vissarion assured her in a sibilant whisper. <x-tab>        </x-tab>With a single impulse of will the window cracked in the middle.  Vissarion leaped, flinging them inside the room where they landed with a tangle of coils and shouts of alarm.  The long tail smacked Kindle in the chest before he could even lift his arms.  The mouse slammed against the wall and sagged there.  The four soldiers, men and beasts, rushed for their shape, but Vissarion rose to their hind legs and drew criss-crossing sigils of scarlet in the air.  They flashed onto the foreheads of the soldiers and each of them collapsed into slumber. <x-tab>        </x-tab>“As promised, they are unhurt.  The mage will have a bruise on his chest and head, but no more.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Thank you, Vissarion! <x-tab>        </x-tab>“And now to aid Rickkter.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Vissarion lowered to all fours again and crawled to the door of Rickkter’s bedroom.  They shoved it open with their snout.  They found Rickkter sitting in the centre of his bed, wrapped in quilts and propped upright on pillows.  The quilts he’d not removed to keep himself warm were marred by chalk lines representing circles of protection.  They glowed a sombre green as of Summer grass beneath the shade of trees.  Vissarion came to their edge and snorted. <x-tab>        </x-tab>The raccoon gasped at the sight of the monstrosity creeping into his room, eyes widening in horror. “Kayla!  What has it done to you?” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“Kayla is here unharmed.  We have come to thy aid, Rickkter.” Vissarion’s deep basso voice was sublime and sure. <x-tab>        </x-tab>Rickkter snarled, actual spittle dripping from his snout. “Marzac beast!  Get out of her! <x-tab>        </x-tab>“I intend to,” Vissarion replied.  Extending one half reptilian, half furred arm toward Rickkter the dragon raked his claws across the linens, scratching other runes over the fabric that ate away at the raccoon’s protective circle like mice at cheese. “Kayla has asked me to help give thee thy strength back.  I will enter thee and do that.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“I’ve had my soul ripped form my body once already.  You will not do it again.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“I would never do such a thing.  Thou will be gifted with the power of a dragon, Rickkter.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“A power that will consume me!  As its consuming my love!  Get out of her!  Kayla!  If you can hear me in there, fight him!  He’s devouring you!” Rickkter pushed away from the dragon’s runes as they chewed at his defensive wards. “Look what he has turned you into!” <x-tab>        </x-tab> Vissarion’s rebuttal was quick and, it seemed, a trifle hurt. “No, Kayla.  I would never do such a thing.  I’m here to help thee.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Kayla felt greater anguish at seeing Rickkter despise them than she had at Murikeer’s betrayal.  Let me talk to him.  He’ll believe it if it comes from me. <x-tab>        </x-tab>But Vissarion rebuffed her. “There is no time.  The others are coming.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>She felt horrified at his words, but even she could hear the frenzied sound of footsteps both human and beast approaching.  She sighed and consented to him.  His spells tore at Rickkter’s circle.  A few moments more and it would snap.  Vissarion could give his strength to Rickkter then.  Kayla hoped it came soon. ---------- May He bless you and keep you in His grace and love, Charles Matthias !DSPAM:4b998805139031226415657! 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