Dark Travelers Ch. 07

"Not at all. It's all here." the old man replied, smiling easily.

"Curious," Kirik said, wondering how the man had managed to fit it all in that tiny bag.

"Isn't it? I must say that this bottomless bag was one of the more useful items I have acquired over the years."

Anya tilted her head in puzzlement, "you are coming with us?"

Horace nodded in affirmation. "Of course. As I've said; this is the most interesting thing that has happened to me in years. And I suppose it's high time that I ventured out to mingle with the general public. Tell me, do you think I ought to bring some sort of insect repellent? I debated and decided against it."

Anya stared at the strange little man, mouth slightly ajar. Horace was still looking at her expectantly so she shrugged and said, "it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it."

The sorcerer beamed and nodded. "Quite right. You should listen to this one, Feylak. She has a capable head on her shoulders. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go find my bug spray."

Horace dashed out, leaving Anya and Kirik alone to consider one another again. The woman shifted her weight back and forth to each foot nervously, uncomfortable with the heavy silence.

Finally, "instead of staring at me, you should go pack your clothing and wake your kin, woman."

Anya blushed and nodded, ducking into the washroom quickly. Their garments were still slightly damp, but much cleaner than they had been previously. She set about folding them neatly and had just about finished when she heard the front door open and close. A moment later, angry voices began to start up.

Then she heard a very familiar bark.

Her eyes widened and she hurried out, certain that her ears had deceived her. Anya stopped short when she saw the two brothers locked in a heated argument; Kirik was gesturing angrily to a small bundle in Kael's arms. The juvenile appeared furious and was shaking his head obstinately, jabbering back at Kirik emphatically. After several more minutes of cross conversation; Kirik threw his hands up in the air and stalked out the front door, slamming it behind him much as Kael had previously.

Kael grinned triumphantly and turned, catching sight of the elder sister. His smile faded again as he glanced behind her but still did not see the yellow-haired girl anywhere.

Anya stared in disbelief; Taters was cradled in his arms, looking very thin but otherwise quite happy. The puppy caught her scent and began to wiggle excitedly. He gave her a welcoming yip and wagged his tail even harder. It was not his Girl, but he knew this woman and liked her almost as much.

"Taters?" She whispered.

Kael cocked his head and glanced down at the creature he held. "Tayterz?" He questioned.

The word wasn't exact and his accent was quite thick, yet it was entirely obvious that he was trying to pronounce the puppy's name. Anya's surprise couldn't be anymore apparent; the most she could do was nod at the youngster. The juvenile inclined his head in reply and smirked.

"Tayterz," he said again; this time with more conviction.

In another situation, it could almost have been amusing.

22.

Kael glanced up at the woman again and couldn't help but grin at the look on her face. He appeared to ponder something.

After a moment, he tapped his cheek several times and then pointed at her. "Hrila?"

His tone went up half an octave as he finished the word. To Anya, it sounded as if he were asking her something. She shrugged apologetically and shook her head, indicating that she didn't understand.

Kael drew in a breath and pursed his lips; wishing, not for the first time, that he was able to communicate with the females like Kirik could. Perhaps his brother would lend him his ring for a bit; when he was done being pissed at him, of course. Kael wasn't overly concerned, however; Kirik was pretty much always angry with him.

He made another attempt; this time tapping his his cheek and then pointing at the stairs. "Hrila," he said again.

This time, comprehension crept over her features. He was asking where her sister was. Was he going to give Andi her puppy back? Her surprised turned to astonishment and she wondered about the sudden change of heart.

"Do you mean, Andi?" She asked, gesturing to her cheek where here sister's freckles would be.

"Aaandiii," she said slowly, wondering if he'd also repeat her name.

Kael shook his head. He knew what the girl was called, but that was not his name for her. "Hrila," he said firmly.

Anya pointed upstairs, brought her palms together, and rested her cheek on the top of one of her hands, miming sleep.

"Hmpf," he muttered, nodding.

He walked up to her and shoved the puppy into her arms. He flapped his hand towards the staircase and gestured to the dog with the other before turning on his heel and striding out the front door again. Kael figured he'd better go and make peace with Kirik before the elder began to brood too much on what had just occurred.

Anya cradled the squirming puppy in her arms. Taters was beside himself with joy and proceeded to cover her face with excited licks. "I didn't think I'd ever see you again, little guy," she murmured, smiling genuinely for the first time in days. "Andi is going to be so happy to have you back."

"What have we here?" The wizard had returned and was inspecting the duo through his eye piece.

"My sister's puppy. He...he must have followed us. The younger...ah...Feylak just came in with him."

"He looks half-starved," Horace said.

Anya blinked, "oh! You're right! You poor little thing." She set the puppy down and began digging around in her pack for the jerky she had brought.

The puppy was able to smell it before she found it and began whimpering plantively, licking his chops desperately. Finally successful, she offered him several of the long, tough strips. Taters wagged his tail and began to tear into the pieces of meat with obvious relish. Anya smiled and gave the old man a glance.

"Do you have a bowl I could borrow? I imagine he's thirsty as well."

Horace nodded silently and waved a hand towards a small cupboard in the kitchen nook. He observed the soft-spoken woman as she cared for the small dog and seemed to come to some sort of silent conclusion. He nodded to himself and cleared his throat, gaining her attention.

"I can train you, you know," he said.

"I'm sorry?" She gave him a puzzled glance.

"I can help you hone your power. Build your strength. Show you how to cast spells. You could be quite a force to reckon with."

Anya stared at him with distrust. "Why would you do that? You've already made it obvious whose side you're on," she said bitterly, nodding towards the front entrance.

"Child, I am on no side save my own. I offer you my teachings because I am willing and able to do so. If I wasn't, I would not. You think about it. You may come to realize that it might be a handy talent to have on hand should the need ever arise." He also gave the door a meaningful glance.

Anya didn't know if she should accept the offer or not. The thought of actually being a practicing witch frightened her a little. But at the same time, she was just the tiniest bit curious. Could she really be powerful one day?

Horace could see her inner turmoil and decided not to press the matter. "You think about it, young lady. I believe we have plenty of time for you to make a decision. We're going to be traveling together for quite some time, after all."

Anya and the wizard locked gazes for a long time. Neither spoke.

"Taters?!"

The cry came from above them and they both turned to look at the same time, the spell broken. Andi was perched on the top step with a hand plastered over her mouth. Her blue eyes were wide, unbelieving and brimming with tears as she stared down at the puppy.

The little dog had just finished lapping up the last drops of water when he heard his Girl's voice calling his name. His head snapped up, twisted around and spotted her. Uttering one joyous bark, he charged up the steps and flung himself at her. Andi caught him and hugged him to her chest, breathing in his familiar scent. After quite awhile, she began descending the rest of the stairs, still hugging her dog.

Anya noticed that she was moving a bit stiffly, like she was in pain. "Are you feeling all right, Sweet?"

"Where did he come from, Anya?" Andi asked, her voice cracking slightly.

The older sister furrowed her brow, studying her a bit more closely. "The younger brother just brought him in from outside a few moments ago. He must have tracked our scent."

"All the way over the mountain? What a smart doggy you are, Tots!" Andi cried, obviously proud. "But he's so skinny! Oh, Anya! We have to feed him!"

"He only just ate his fill of jerky. And we've plenty. I brought the entire huge bag that we had," she replied, relieved that Andi was acting a bit more like herself again. "Are you ill, Sweet? You look like you're feeling a bit off."

Andi sighed and offered Anya a wan but unconvincing smile, "I'm tired and hungry and terrified and sore and unhappy is all. Don't worry about me. I'm fine," she quipped, squeezing the puppy again. "Now, anyway."

Horace observed this exchange with bright interest, and he also peered a bit more closely at the younger girl. She seemed to have lost some of her vigor overnight. A musing expression fell over his features at her vague response, but he didn't comment.

He'd suddenly remembered the longish absence of the juvenile Feylak the previous evening, and how the young male had acted so possessive of her when the group had first appeared on his doorstep. The wizard hadn't thought much of it at the time, however, but he now had an inkling of what may be troubling the younger sister.

Fascinating. I wonder how THIS is going to play out, he thought.

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Translations:

Vrilit lurlvaz, Hrila. Ozt orla vrat, ril zan. -- Dress yourself, Brat. We are done, for now.