The Whimsical Wanderers
By Kathryn K Williams
Chapter Four
Trish's mind trudged through her memories. It might have only been a couple of hours before, but it felt more like an eternity to her. Her eye never left Wendy's sleeping form as she recalled those last moments at the Blacksmiths. She wished she could have just blurted out her feelings to the girl right then and there, however she knew that if she did it would only complicate things and she wanted Wendy to be on at her best if she is to pass this test. She shook her feelings free of their binds and forced them away when she heard the snap of a twig behind her.
Swiftly she unsheathed her sword and held it before her, awaiting whomever or whatever could be approaching. Her eyes darted about the dark trees in search of any sign of what could be lingering in the shadows. A pair of eyes caught in the fire light and flickered briefly. Her palms began to sweat and she could feel her arms slightly tremble. She had fought most of the monsters in this forest, but that was during the light of day and she had heard tales of creatures that only ventured out on the light of the moon, those stories alone frightened her dearly. Unsure if she should awaken Wendy, and prepare to flee, she kept her eyes upon the creatures and awaited its move.
"You can lower your arms, Trish." A guttural voice stated from beyond the darkness.
"M... Malcuse, is that you?" Trish inquired curiously, trying hard to hid her panic.
"Of course it is me." A large wolf stepped into the campfire's light, its immense, muscular, body covered in coarse grey fur that was so hard that it could break the finest of daggers, "What brings you to these parts at such an hour?" He inquired curiously.
Trish returned her blade to her side and sat back down next to the fire, "Her." She stated with a nod to the young mage.
The wolf circled around the camp to Wendy and sniffed at the girl, then gazed up at Trish, "Is she the one you spoke of?" He inquired in a whisper that only Trish's cat ears could hear.
Trish rubbed at her forehead and nodded in defeat.
Malcuse moved over to Trish's side and sat beside her, "So what is the deal?"
Trish glanced at Wendy then to the wolf, "I'm accompanying her to Wesmoors City on a quest for the Arch Mage." She mumbled into her hand.
Malcuse eyed the girl, "You do realize what you are getting yourself into right?"
Trish let out a deep sigh, "Yeah..."
The wolf observed Wendy, "Does she?" He said with a nod to the girl.
Trish shook her head, "She is too innocent to understand." She gazed at the wolf, "This can't be what we are thinking, can it? I mean it could just be a simple quest. Defeat a golblie gock or some other nasty critter and return home. No harm done."
The wolf shook his head in disappointment, "It is never that easy and you know it. The Arch Mage is very strict when it comes to matters involving Mages like your friend there. For now it will be a simple test, but expect much worse down the road. There is no avoiding it."
Trish ruffled her hair in frustration then stood to her feet and started to pace, "Why can't we be wrong?"
"You felt it didn't you?" Malcuse inquired, "You told me you felt it and I can smell it on her."
"And what if I refuse?" She stated coldly, "What if I keep her safe from harm?"
The wolf lowered its head, "You could not save her the world and you know it. Right now it is just the Arch Mage, but if words gets out about her then you will have to deal with every country looking for her."
Trish dropped to the ground, her legs and arms crossed in a huff, then her eyes set upon Wendy and she felt a need to turn away, "I know... but you can't blame me for wanting to try."
Malcuse moved over to Trish's side and set a paw on her knee, "I know how you feel about the girl. I can see it in your eyes every time you talked to me about her." The wolf took a deep breath and let it out, then smiled a toothy grin that only a canine could do, "Maybe I am wrong after all." He tried to assure the girl.
Trish stared at the large book in the girl's arms, "No... no... you are right. You warned me that this would happen and I kept ignoring it and yet here we are." She shook her head in disbelief, "I am so stupid."
"You are not stupid." The wolf insisted, "Most of the Village knew that this would happen and they kept it a secret from her. Hoping that if they did then they would not have to face the reality before them. You did the right thing by staying at her side when no one else would and I'm proud of you."
"Thank." Trish mumbled, "But for some reason that doesn't make me feel much better."
"Why don't you get some sleep while I keep watch." Malcuse offered, "You look like you need a good nights rest."
"Thank my friend." Trish hugged the wolf around the neck, "Will you be here for breakfast? I know Wendy would love to meet you."
"Probably not." Malcuse stated unhappily, "I have business elsewhere, but I will be sure to wake you before dawn breaks."
"I'd appreciate it." Trish patted Malcuse on the back, "Wish me luck."
"Luck..." He said half heartedly as he watched Trish pull out a blanket from her pack and curl up on the earthen floor. He stretched out beside the fire and watched the two girl's sleep, "I pray you are correct my friend, and I am just a paranoid old fool, but if I am right you will need more then just luck over the next while and I wish I knew how to protect the two of you." He muttered softly, "May the sprits of Shalras watch over the two of you."
*****
To be Continued . . .
*****
This story is copyright of Kathryn K Williams. All characters and settings are her creation and should not be used by any others. If you wish visit my site and see some of the art based on this series at http://www.shoujoai.ca
Also if you spot any typos or other errors please contact me at Kathryn@KatAndNekoManga.ca
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