<font color='black' size='2' face='arial'><br> <br> <font size="2"> This takes place right after Stealth's Scenic Route!<br> <br> <br> Chris<br> The Lurking Fox<br> <br> <br> </font><br>  <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif" lang="EN-AU"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:center" align="center"><u><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif" lang="EN-AU">A Clean Getaway</span></u></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:center" align="center"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif" lang="EN-AU">by Stealthcat and Christian O'Kane</span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif" lang="EN-AU"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"NO!" Finbar shouted as he paced Misha's office. "I didn't like it then and I still don't !"</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"He is your brother," Misha countered. "Whether you like it or not!"</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Half brother," Finbar snarled. "Half! The bad half!"</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Oh Finbar," Caroline softly. "Don't think like that."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"It's true, lutins have done nothing but kill, pillage and rape," Finbar said and shook his head.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Not all of them," Misha said. "You've seen some of the things the lutins have made, buildings they have built."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Weapons," Finbar countered. Swords and spears. And the only buildings they've built are castles. Killing things. That's all they know. And Khelrag is no different. He wants to conquer the Giantdowns. Just like Nasoj."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Probably," Misha commented. "But unlike all the other conquerors this one wants to be friends with Metamor instead of trying to take it."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"It's just a trick," Finbar snarled.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"How do you know that?" Caroline responded.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"It can't be true," Finbar countered. "Lutins only lie, steal, kill and destroy."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Perhaps he is lying,"<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Misha said slowly. "But there is only one way to find out. Everyone deserves a chance. If I didn't give people a chance you wouldn't be a Long Scout."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Finbar didn't speak but just scowled.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Suddenly the door burst open and a figure rushed in. The person was covered with mud, dirt and the ragged remains of clothes and bandages. He barely recognized it as Stealth. The figure staggered over to the desk. He slammed a metal cylinder onto it with a load thump that sent everything on it dancing. “Someone... did not want you to get this," he said in a hoarse whisper. Then Stealth turned to leave. The feline moved away from the desk, staggering a few steps.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif" lang="EN-AU"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They watched him for a moment until Finbar grabbed him by the arms and Stealth gradually slumped down until the ferret bore all his weight and had to ease him onto the floor. “I killed him.” Finbar exclaimed.</span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif" lang="EN-AU"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif" lang="EN-AU"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Medic!” The fox cried out. "Get a healer in here fast!"</span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif" lang="EN-AU"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif" lang="EN-AU"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Misha dropped to his knees onto the floor next to feline. He could see the crudely bandaged wounds. Thinking quickly he tore a piece off of his shirt and used the clothe to make a crude bandage.</span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif" lang="EN-AU"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif" lang="EN-AU"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jotham stormed into the room with a satchel in hand. Who's . . " He started to ask. Then he spotted Stealth stretched out on the floor. Without a word the Long scout knelt down next to the cheetah and set to work.</span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif" lang="EN-AU"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif" lang="EN-AU"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"What happened?" Jotham asked as he pulled bandages, swabs and a bottle of antiseptic from his satchel.</span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif" lang="EN-AU"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif" lang="EN-AU"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"I don't know yet," the fox responded. "He stumbled into my office, dropped something onto my desk and collapsed. How is he?"</span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif" lang="EN-AU"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif" lang="EN-AU"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Blood loss and exhaustion mostly. We need to get him to the infirmary," the healer announced without stopping his work.</span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif" lang="EN-AU"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif" lang="EN-AU"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Allart appeared in the door with a stretcher and in a few moment it was placed on the floor. Then Stealth was gently placed onto it. Allart took one end of<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>stretcher and Jotham the other.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Quickly but efficiently they bore the stretcher out of the room. </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif" lang="EN-AU"> </span></b></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif" lang="EN-AU"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Misha paused at the door and spotted the cylinder still laying on his desk. He swiftly picked it up and looked at it a moment. The fox recognised a small seal on one end as belonging to Nestorius. Misha turned and saw the Longs hustling his friend to the infirmary. His instincts told him to race after them and help his friend. But Stealth was in the care of experts, all he could do would be to stand and watch. The fox sat down at his desk with the cylinder in front of him. Whatever was inside someone considered it important enough to try and kill Stealth.</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Long scout opened the cylinder and found it contained several sheets of paper all tightly bound in cord. There was also a single paper left separate. That paper bore the seal and emblem of Nestorius. Misha opened it and found a note from the lion.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"We need to take care of these people Misha. Quickly. I was able to intercept some of their communications and I am forwarding them to you. They are enclosed and will explain why."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Nestorius."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He untied the string holding the papers and examined each of the sheets inside. Misha found several maps and a list of people's names. Misha noted Thomas's was at the top. Another paper held a letter between the conspirators. The fox carefully read each line. His anger growing with each word read.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"No. I believe that before Thomas can be removed we need to deal with the Long Scouts first and finish the job the lutins started! Then we can move in and get rid of all those mangy animals grubbing around in the dirt. When they are gone then the others will strike."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The letter was signed Althrick Alfington.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"ANIMALS!": Misha snarled. Misha grabbed the sheets in both papers. It took all the self control to not rip the papers up. He carefully placed the papers onto his desk taking the time to smooth out one wrinkled corner. Then he turned and walked to the wall where there was a door leading to a closet.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"ANIMALS ARE WE!" He shrieked and punched the closet door with all his might. CRACK! Splinter flew in all directions. "Why can't those idiots just accept us." CRACK! He punched the door again.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Misha walked to the door of his office and threw it open. He found Finbar and Caroline standing there. "What?"</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"You were making a lot of noise dear," Caroline said softly.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"I guess so," He said softly. "How is Stealth?"</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Good," Caroline answered. "Coe is working on him now."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"I'm glad to hear that." He turned to Finbar. "Gather all the Longs together. Everyone is to meet here when I get back."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Where are you going?" Finbar asked.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"To see Thomas," Misha snapped. "We need to plan to kill some people."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">**********</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The room was silent as Thomas read the documents. The only sound to be heard was the occasional rustle of paper. Finally the Duke placed the documents down onto the table.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Well?" Misha asked in a cold tone.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"I never realized the threat was so serious." The Duke tapped the sheaf of documents with one finger. "Can this plan succeed?"</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"No," George answered flatly with a shake of the head.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Agreed," Andwyn added. "But it could cause some serious trouble. Something we do not need at this time."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Thomas dropped the papers onto the table in front of him. "What of this Althrick Alfington? What is he like? I only know of him from formal visits. I remember him as cool and distant."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"He has been cold and distant," Andwyn commented. "I believe he's been involved with smuggling. I was aware that he was unsatisfied and greedy for power. But he's petty and vindictive. That's limited him to a nuisance till now."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"He's stopped being a nuisance," George responded. "And needs to be killed."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Where did Nestorius get this information?" The stallion asked as he pointed to the papers.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"It seems the conspirators made the mistake of trying to recruit him," Misha answered. "And the lion took his own measures to deal with the problem."I've tried contracting him but all I got was a message that he was busy dealing with an issue."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Which means he is dealing with other conspirators right now," George commented. "I've sent a team to Hareford but the lion is probably in no danger."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"It would have been better if he had come to us earlier," Andwyn snapped. "Instead of being so secretive."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Nest is a person of secrets," George said. "He loves secrets. Any secrets. ALL secrets. He probably keeps his shoe size a secret from the cobbler."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"When can you deal with this?" Thomas asked ignoring the canine's joke.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"He must be aware that we know about his plans," Misha answered. "So we need to strike fast, before he can escape."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"I want them alive Misha," The Duke ordered.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Misha laid his ears flat and his tail switched back and forth swiftly. "Thomas! They deserve only death."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"No discussions on this," the duke ordered. "I will have them stand judgment."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"That's more than they would give you or me," Misha commented harshly.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Thomas nodded in agreement. "I know but we will not descend to their level of barbarity."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Yes Lord Thomas," the fox answered briskly. "I will do it. It does make things more complicated."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">********************</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Caroline was dressed in full armor. The heavy chainmail shirt that nestled snuggly against her body showed heavy use but was as tough and sturdy as ever. Resting on the floor at her feet was a bow and arrows. Dangling from her belt was a short sword. She was sitting in a chair a short distance from where Stealth rested in his bed. Aside from the chair the otter was sitting on there was the bed the cheetah was on. A nice bouquet of flowers sat on the night stand adding a splash of color to the otherwise drab room. Through the open doorway came the voices of other patients talking and the antiseptic smell that seemed to pervade every corner of the infirmary.<span style="text-transform:uppercase"></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Do you need anything?" Caroline asked trying to sound pleasant and not bored.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stealth was sitting up in bed, propped up y some pillows behind him. He had one hand bandaged and another one covered most of his chest. Even through his fur it was easy to see all the bruises. His ears drooped and he looked down at the bed. "No," Stealth answered softly</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"What happened out there?" The otter asked. "You're pretty bruised and battered."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"I was ambushed and fell down an embankment." Stealth answered, "Then they got me again so I ditched my armor and snuck away. I spent all night hiding and sneaking through the woods."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She nodded and gave a chirp of laughter. "You had an exciting trip. Who was after you?"</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"I never saw his face." the feline answered bluntly. He lightly touched his right shoulder which was swelled up from the punishment it had taken. Stealth winced as the pain lanced through him. "I could see someone out there but no more."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"An expert scout, no doubt," Caroline said. "But he failed to stop you from delivering the package. You were better than he was."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"And yet here I am..." Stealth patted the bed with one hand, trying to ignore the pain that raced up his arm and shoulder.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"You survived," the Long Scout said bluntly with a wave of the hand. ":And delivered the package. He failed on both counts."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stealth didn't answer but simply looked out the window. A silence descended on the room that lasted for several minutes.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Caroline also looked out the window and sighed deeply. "I wish I was with the Longs."<br style="mso-special-character:line-break"> <br style="mso-special-character:line-break"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The cheetahs ears perked up. "They're doing something big?"<br style="mso-special-character:line-break"> <br style="mso-special-character:line-break"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"A very important mission." Caroline sighed. "All the Longs are out on it and I'm stuck here."<br> <br> Stealth cocked his head to one side. "Miss out on all the excitement?" The feline asked.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She stood up and walked to the window. "Yes. Misha wouldn't let me go on this mission. I think he's protecting me."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> <br> "Well, you are his fiancé," Stealth commented. "He's bound to want to see you protected."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> <br> <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The otter paced back and forth as her tail whipped back and forth. "I'm not a little girl anymore. I'm an adult and an experienced scout. I should be out there with them!"</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"I'm sorry, Caroline," Stealth's ears drooped.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The otter stopped, turned and looked at him. "Why? It's not your fault. Someone had to keep an eye on you in case your assassin makes another try."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The feline cringed and looked away. "Caroline, what was in that parcel? What's going on?"</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"It was a map and notes on an attempt to kill Duke Thomas." she explained and started pacing again. "It gave all the details. And after today you won't have to worry about any assassin."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stealth looked at her. "But that's not why you're here."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The otter morph sat down next to Stealth. "No . . . I . ." she paused for a moment. "I don't know."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She felt a hand on hers. Caroline took hold of Stealth's hand and squeezed it lightly</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">********************</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The troops guarding the town had been lax to the point of ludicrousness. The Longs had simply walked past the guards at the gate. No one had stopped them or bothered them in any way. After taking a long circuitous route through the town the group finally arrived at a small brick building located on a back street. A sign over the entrance had the image of a dragon holding a large gold flagon that had ale sloshing over the top.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Walking through the door underneath the sign took the group into a room. At this early hour the many tables and chairs in the common room were mostly empty and the large fireplace had only a low fire in it.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Misha looked far different from his usual appearance. A painstakingly complete dye job and makeup and the attachment of a remarkably real looking ear had disguised Misha. Now he looked like a gray fox with no scar on his face and still possessing both ears.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A young woman came out of a door and raced across the room. "Welcome to the Dragon and Flagon Inn," she said with a broad smile on her face.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Misha bowed to the woman. "My name is Ulric Witherslee. I believe you have a room for me?"</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The smile vanished from the woman's face and there was surprise there. But just as suddenly it vanished, replaced by the smiling facade. "Of course! If you'll follow me I'll take you there myself."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The room was a good sized one. It contained a half dozen beds and a large table. "This will do fine. Thank you," Misha said and handed the young girl a silver coin. "If you need something please ask." Without another word she turned and left, closing the door behind her. Finbar opened the door and checked to be sure the girl had left and no one was there. Georgette and Danielle searched the room thoroughly checking under the bed and even opening the window. Only when all three had finished and silently hand signed to Misha the all clear did the fox start to speak. "All right, we need to move fast on this. I need a complete exam of the castle and its defenses. We need to know if the target is still there. One final thing. No killing," Misha ordered coldly.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><br> <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"No? That's not fair!" Finbar snarled. "It puts us all at risk."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Misha shook his head. "No arguments on this. That order comes from the Duke himself. These people are the enemy but they are still subjects of the duke. We have to work carefully on this. No dead bodies and as little damage as possible."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"You're joking right?" Meredith said, shaking his head.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"No," the scout leader responded. "Thomas was very clear on that. We cannot leave a trail of dead bodies. If we do it could result in the very political chaos we're trying to avoid."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"I hate politics!" Jotham muttered.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">***************</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A day of surveillance, four hours of careful and a long stealthy approach had gotten them close to the fortress. So far the security was terrible. The patrols in the street never bothered them and the scouts simply walked about at will. There should have been people walking along the outer edge of the moat but there wasn't. The moat although wide was dry and not deep and in the darkness they easily climbed down one side and walked across its flat bottom. This brought them to the base of the walls that surrounded the castle. Overhead he could hear several guards talking to each other. The noble leader had posted one every two paces along the battlements. Security was very high at the castle. There were so many soldiers stationed at the castle's only gate that Misha didn't bother trying to enter there. But there was more than one way to enter a fortress even if the castles occupants didn't know it.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The fox looked down the wall and at its base was a festering pile of waste. The most foul odor assaulted his sensitive vulpine nose. It was the stench of new and old human waste, dung and urine that had fallen there from the toilet located far above. The smell was over powering and it took all his might to keep from throwing up.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Misha stared up the wall and spotted the large opening about twenty feet up. "Oh crap."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"There has to be a different way," Finbar signed silently with his hands.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">Misha opened his backpack and took out two pair of thick, wool coveralls. "No," the fox answered silently. "We've been through this before. I wish there was another way but this is the only way in not guarded."<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The fox handed one pair to Finbar and started putting his own on.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Finbar didn't move, but just shook his head slowly from side to side.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Misha paused and looked at the ferret. "Let's go!"</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"I know it stinks but come on!" Misha signed but all he get was a slow shake of the head from Finbar.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"No," the ferret signed in response. "I am not crawling through crap."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Fine, you do what you want. I'm going up," The fox signed. Then he turned to the wall. The wall itself was of large, roughly cut stone blocks set with mortar. This left plenty of hand holds for the scout to exploit. The fox started climbing the wall placing each hand and foot carefully. He tried not to think about the nasty crud that was encrusted on the stones he was gripping. Slowly he moved upwards and soon the ground was lost below in the darkness. Looking down Misha could see the barely visible form of Finbar climbing the wall beneath him.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Above him the fox heard the sound of wood slamming and a momentary flash of light.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Oh no!" The scout squeezed himself against the wall and tried to protect himself against what he knew was coming. He heard a grunting noise and heard and felt something dropping towards and then past him.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Splat! His sensitive ears picked up the sound below him and he realized that Finbar had taken a direct hit by the organic missile. A powerful smell overwhelmed the fox and Misha realized that he had taken a hit too.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In spite over the overpowering stench Misha could detect subtleties in the fecal smell. He could pick out the smell of carrots and an underlying smell of beef with a mix of herbs and spices.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Oh lord, Misha said silently. "Who had the beef stew!"</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Finally the outline of the stone chute become visible above him a s square shaped that was slightly lighter in shade then the darkness of the night. He had to resist the urge to move faster. It was hard enough climbing this wall in the dark without adding haste into it. One slip could send him tumbling to the ground far below.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Misha came to the stone chute and slipped upward ignoring the powerful stench that now clogged his nose. He clamped his muzzle shut tightly to avoid throwing up and deeply regretted putting something over his nose to cover up the stench. Reaching the top of the chute he could see the<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>wooden seat and the lid over it. Misha paused there for a moment listening to see if anyone<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>above him. He suddenly had the image of someone sitting down on that seat and him sticking the poor occupant in the butt with a dagger. but luckily for some castle occupant the room was empty.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Thankful for the gloves his was wearing Misha pushed up on the lid. He had to squint as a soft light streamed through the hole and blinded him for a moment. The fox grabbed old of the edge of the seat with both hands and pulled himself up out of the chute and into the room above.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He was standing in a small room, with only the single seat toilet. There was only a single wooden door and no windows. Hanging on the wall opposite the seat was a small painting of a bouquet of bright, yellow flowers. Dangling from a hook below the picture was a small string bag filled with<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>an assortment of scrap papers and leaves. Next to the door was a candle in a brass holder. It's small flame casting a wane light onto the room.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The vulpine moved to the door and listened for a moment. Then he cracked the door open slightly and peered out. He saw a long hallway running off to the left and right. The floor was covered with a carpet colored a deep blue and paintings lined the wall. For all the decorations in it the hallway was devoid of any people. Misha closed the door and locked it.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Misha stripped out of the coverall and dropped the smelly apparel onto the floor with all due haste. Soon the gloves and shoes joined them. From his pack he took out a large canteen.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Finbar's head and shoulders popped up through the toilet and With a soft grunt the ferret pulled himself completely into the small room. Misha noticed that the ferret had a large brown stain down his right shoulder and back.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The fox made some gestures with his hands using the silent hand signals that proved so useful. "All clear," he gestured.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The ferret gave a short nod of his head. Then he set to stripping out of the coveralls he was wearing.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Misha looked at his axe, which he had placed next to the window.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"What?" He snarled. "Don't give me that attitude. I didn't have any choice."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He turned to find Finbar standing there looking at him through squinted eyes.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"She's not happy about and being dragged through a latrine chute," the fox explained.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"I'm not happy about it either," Finbar answered with a snarl. Then he took hold of Misha's tail and casually wiped the filth from his ears and face with it.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Misha pulled his tail out of the ferrets hands and bared his teeth in a silent snarl. Without a hesitation Finbar stuck out his tongue and made a rude hand gesture. It seems he was still upset about the whole trip.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The vulpine took a wet cloth and quickly wiped off the filth that had been deposited his tail. He picked up the massive weapon and with a water and a fresh clothe cleaned the deadly weapon of even the slightest trace of grim. "That's better!"</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Misha opened the door a small way and peeked out into the corridor. It was as still and empty as the last time he had looked.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He stepped out into the hallway and slowly walked down it with his powerful axe at the ready.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Misha moved stealthily with his axe at the ready listening and looking for any sign of trouble. Behind him Finbar moved just as silently with a wickedly sharp dagger in each hand.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The hallway was lined with paintings and in spite of the danger Misha couldn't help but glance at each one as he passed. One caught his attention and paused for a moment. It showed a group of dogs seated at a round table playing cards. What really caught Misha's attention was that it was painted not on canvas but on velvet. He shook his head. It was the type of thing one might find for sale in the cheapest of markets.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The fox paused and looked at another painting on the wall. The picture was of a portly man in ill fitting armor that was covered with all manner of garish ornamentation. On his face was a look of arrogant, smug pride. Behind him a large pillar of smoke and flame billowed up from a burning city. Misha could just make out tiny figures looting and pillaging the still burning city. A conqueror proudly standing in front of his conquest. Misha had to resist the impulse to rip the picture apart.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Quickly he moved down the hallways trying to put the bad art behind him. They found a set of stairs that spiraled upwards and downwards into darkness. The two paused for a moment to be sure the stairway was empty before heading downwards. They stepped slowly following the bending stairway till it ended in a doorway.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The two Long Scouts found themselves in another corridor, as empty as the previous one. At this late hour no one was moving down the hallway but themselves. Finbar spotted another set of stairs and he and Misha made their over to it. This stairs seemed no different from the previous set and they went down it slowly, taking each step carefully. That care paid off when the sounds of two voices in conversation wafted up to their ears.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Misha stopped and Finbar halted next to him. A flurry of hand signals passed back and forth between the two scouts. Reluctantly Misha slung his powerful axe across his back. From his belt he took out a small leather covered club less than a foot long. He gave the blackjack a few swings to be sure it felt all right.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The two scouts took the last few steps quietly and moved quickly through the doorway. They found themselves in a small room with a quartet of guards. Each of the four men was dressed in armor and carrying a long spear. All four turned and looked at the new arrivals in surprise. </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The scouts reacted faster than the surprised guards. The fox charged straight at them throwing his left shoulder into the first one. The man was sent tumbling backwards into a second and both smashed into a table before the entire mess crashed to the floor. Finbar leapt into the air and flew into another guard, both feet smashing into the man's chest. The guard flew across the room and slammed into a wall before sliding to the floor. Misha charged the two he had attacked and with two sharp slaps of the blackjack both guards slumped to the floor unconscious. He turned to find Finbar tying up both of the two remaining soldiers.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Misha didn't waste any time but moved to the large door set into one wall. He drew back the massive bolts that kept the door locked and pulled open the door. To his great relief the first sight to greet him was the worried expression of Danielle. The rest of the Long Scouts hustled into the room. The large door was shut quickly behind them.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"It went well," Misha said. "Disgusting but easy."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Let's get this done," Finbar snapped. "And get out of here quickly.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Our target should be to the east and two floors up," Misha explained and pointed in that direction.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"We have to be out of town before dawn," Finbar added. "They are sure to discover their leader is gone then."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Or sooner if they find those four guards," Jotham commented.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Then let's stop chatting and get moving," Misha ordered. "I'll go first and Jotham you take the rear and guard our tails."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The scouts made their way down a hallway and turned down another before coming to an intersection. Misha came to a halt just short of the intersecting corridor. To the right was a short hallway that ended at a door. Standing in front of the door was a pair of guards. The small group quietly backed away.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Our target is beyond that door," Misha signed silently. "At least according to Andwyn."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"He must be in there," Finbar commented with his hands. "It's the only guarded door we've found inside. Lot's outside but only these two inside."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"We need them removed quietly and unharmed," Misha responded. He pointed to Danielle. "Your turn. Do it quickly, before they can call out."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The female pine marten morph was standing quietly next to Finbar. She was wearing a simple, blue and brown dress that made her look more like a servant then an intruder. Which was her intention. Danielle took a small pinch of sand from the pouch on her belt. Danielle spoke softly and quickly as she moved her hands in a series of complex gestures. At the last moment the female stepped into the corridor and tossed the pinch of sand at the guards.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The two sentries had a moment of surprise as they looked at the marten. One lifted his spear and opened his mouth to speak before both of them slumped to the floor, unconscious. Misha and Finbar sprinted the short distance down the corridor and up to the two sleeping soldiers. The fox and the ferret confirmed that both guards were asleep and then quickly removed all their weapons.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Misha nodded as his tail swished back and forth in delight. His hands moved in silent communication. "Neat and quickly done," he said. "Well done."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Finbar wrapped one arm around Danielle and licked her on the muzzle. She snuggled close to him for a moment.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Misha walked up to the door ran his hand along the wood and metal as he examined it. The door was made of dark, hard wood and bound with steel straps, hinges and lock. It was solid enough that it would probably withstand repeated pounding by a battering ram.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Can't smash this down," Jotham signed silently. "It would take too long."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"And make too much noise," Georgette added using hand signals as well.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Can we pick the lock?" Misha asked. "Without making too much noise?"</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"It will take too long!" Jotham responded. "Magic?"</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Too messy. We could go up a floor and climb down to an outside window," Misha suggested.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"That won't work!" Finbar muttered out loud, breaking the silence.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Misha turned to find Finbar and Danielle huddled together and the midst of a quiet debate that involved much arm waving.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The pine martin morph shook her head ever so gently. "Why not?"</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Finbar opened his mouth to speak but Danielle touched one furred finger to his nose quieting him. And much to everyone's surprise Finbar remained quiet.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Danielle turned and walked up to the massive door and before anyone could stop her she knocked three times on it. Each rap echoed loudly in the room beyond.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Who is it?" Came a muffled voice from behind the door.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"I've come with you refreshments my lord," Danielle said in a sweet and innocent sounding voice.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Good," the voice said. After a moment they heard the round of a bolt being pulled back and the click of the lock.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The door opened revealing the gray and black furred face of a male wolf who was wearing a long, blue silk robe.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Hi!" Misha said cheerfully. "Thomas says hello!" And he punched the wolf dead square on the muzzle.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">****************</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The wolf responded faster than Misha expected. He stumbled backward a few steps but then lashed out with a kick as the Longs rushed him. Misha twisted hard but the wolf's powerful kick connected with his chest sending the vulpine stumbling backward.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Misha shook off the blow but by that time the other scouts had swarmed over the wolf and had him pinned to the floor. Finbar was tying the nobles hands as Danielle pulled off his belt with the dagger attached.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The fox roughly pulled the wolf up into a standing position. "How dare you attack me. My people will kill you for this," the nobleman snarled.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Finbar pulled out a dagger with a wickedly sharp, pointed blade and waved it a hairs breadth from the nobleman's nose. "You're people will do nothing or I'll slit your throat myself."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Who are you?" The captive asked.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Don't recognize me?" Misha asked sarcastically. "Not with this fake ear." Misha reached up and pulled off the bit of plaster and wood. This revealing that all that remained of his left ear was a ragged stump.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"You're Thomas' pet scout. I'm not surprised he sent you. You and your people are always butchering someone for him. You're nothing but a slayer and your clocks are rubbish!" The captive snapped and pointed to a table.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Misha looked in the direction he had pointed <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>and saw an ornate clock resting on the table.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>From a distance it looked like a well made piece of work made of fine wood and covered with gold leaf. It looked like one of his own Fadger clocks. But a closer look showed it was cheap wood covered with lots of paint, varnish and gold paint. It wasn't a Fadger clock it was one of those fakes that had plagued him for far too long. He picked up the clock in both hands. "You mean this one? It isn't one of my clocks." Misha flexed his muscles and crushed it with a loud crunch.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One small piece of metal bounced off a Misha's nose and he snatched it out of the air with an almost reflexive move. It was a small rectangle of brass. On it was the all too familiar figure of a fox with only three legs. "Fudger," he said in a tone that made it sound like the most foul curse.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Why can't I get rid of you," Misha muttered softly. He was tempted to just smash it but instead he tucked the little metal fox into a small pocket for safe keeping.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Now to get you out of here alive," Jotham says.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Misha points to a wall which was covered with a large tapestry decorated with the image of a rearing unicorn. "Take that down it'll do nicely."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">*****************</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The castle was still quiet at this early hour of the morning. The only people moving about were a few servants and the occasional soldier. A small group of people dressed like servants made their way openly through the hallways and corridors of castle Alington. The large tapestry they were carrying had been carefully rolled up but was still over ten feet long and an awkward burden.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A pair of sleepy guards at the gate were more interested in breakfast and paid them little mind. Merely waving them through without even examining the large carpet. Nor did they notice that it seemed to wiggle once in a while on its own.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A short journey into town took them to a quiet alley where a group of horses awaited. The carpet was unwound revealing the captive noble alive and well but still bound and gagged. He was then wrapped in a large canvas sheet which was kept loose enough so that he could still breath. Then the canvas object was slung over the saddle of a pack horse.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>By the time they were passing through the town gates the castle was in an uproar and the excitement was spreading to the town as well. Soldiers and servants were racing about like ants whose anthill had been knocked over. The keepers with the carpet ignored the confusion and hustled through the gates and into the farmlands beyond. Once out of arrow range of the town walls they broke into a gallop and quickly left the town and castle far behind.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">******************</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The infirmary was quiet, the only sounds was from a handful of healers and patients moving about. Misha easily made his way through the place weaving around the<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>people till he came to a doorway. Peering inside he saw Stealth resting on a bed and Caroline seated next to it. Both looked up at the fox. </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Misha rushed up to Caroline and gave her a big hug. "How was it here?"</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The otter wrapped her arms around her betrothed. "Quiet. Nothing happened. Just Stealth and me talking. How was the mission?"</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Good, We got Athington and did not get anyone killed on either side." He responded and kissed her again. "Thank you for watching over Stealth. It means a lot to me."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"I'm glad you came back unhurt. Is it all over?" She asked.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Yes," Misha answered. "We snatched the leader and with him in a cell the rest of the plot seems to have fallen apart. So you're officially released from duty for today."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Thank you." Caroline wrinkled her nose. "Do you have any orders for us to carry out while you take a bath?"</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Tell the cook, no beef or pasta for the next few weeks."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b>She looked at him a moment and looked as if she was about to speak but then hugged him again.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Caroline walked over to the bed and gave Stealth a big hug. "You rest and recover."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stealth returned the hug gently. "Thanks," he said and purred quietly.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She gave Stealth a little pat on the back and then turned and left the room.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Misha walked over and sat down next to Stealth. "How are you feeling?"</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"I'm stiff and sore all over from crawling around in the mud and snow," the feline answered.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"The stiff and sore muscles will fade with time," Misha said and patted the feline on the shoulder gently.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"You Longs crawl about without any trouble before breakfast," Stealth said as he rubbed his left side gently.<br> <br> <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"And it's just as cold and wet for us too!" The fox responded with a wag of his tail. "You did real well Stealth. You showed considerable skill and courage."<br> <br> <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"I survived, that's what I did," Stealth said flatly and shook his head.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"You not only survived but you accomplished your mission," Misha countered.<br> <br> <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stealth didn't speak but just looked down at the floor.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Misha wrapped an arm around Stealth's shoulders. "You saved a lot of lives my friend. You stopped the plotters from killing a lot of people.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"What will happen to them?" The feline asked.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"For the moment they are in cells in the dungeon," Misha replied. "They'll be put on trial and a judge will decide their fate. Probably the Duke himself will decide."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"What about the assassin who tried to kill me?" Stealth asked.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"I have a team out looking," the fox answered. "We haven't found anything yet. But they did recover your armor and other possessions. I'll have it cleaned for you by the time you're ready to leave the infirmary."</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Thank you!" The feline exclaimed.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">****************</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Misha closed the door to the toilet and started to pull down his pants but he stopped. He buckled his belt and drew his dagger. Carefully and slowly he opened the lid and peered down into the toilet. Only after a good long inspection did he finally sit to relive himself. But he kept hold of the dagger anyway.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">***************</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The tired vulpine emptied his pockets onto his desk and discovered the metal plate with its all too familiar three legged fox. Misha searched thru a desk drawer and pulled out a small scribing device. With a few short, deft strokes he fixed the foxes' leg. He looked at his handwork for a moment then pulled open a small drawer. In it was a cord necklace with a decoration of a score or more of dried,<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>shriveled colored objects. He stared at that necklace for a moment. Each ear was from someone he had killed, mostly lutins. At one time he had been proud of this collection as it represented someone he had defeated and killed. Proud that he had won and they lost. But now they seemed to represent a life cut short and a time when he was little more than a wild animal. It was a time Misha would rather forget. Caroline hated the necklace and wanted to destroy it but the fox couldn't for reasons he just didn't understand. </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Misha hastily slid that drawer closed and opened another one. "Here you go guys! I brought a litter mate for you to play with." In the drawer rested a dozen other metal plates all bearing the same, mended image. He gently placed the metal fox in the drawer with the others and slid it shut.</div>  </font>