Story: Predators (chapter 27)

Authors: Chimera Bloom

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Chapter 27

PREDATORS pt27 by Chimera Bloom

PREDATORS
by Chimera Bloom

Part 27

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"Hey, come on. Say something to me. Please?" Zeranna rambled as she unsuccessfully tried to lodge the heron from her silent mental musings.

Elila had been nothing but unresponsive since the wolf had pulled her away from Narlene's dead body. Narlene... The name meant nothing to Zeranna. But the wolf told her that Elila had identified the fallen and bloody jungle cat.

"Here, get her to drink some of this." The sudden voice of a stranger called out.

Zeranna turned to find one of the casually dressed members of the wait staff standing behind her. This tavern that they had both been led into was not the sort of place that the shark would normally choose to frequent. But it was were the gators had led her to. And it was where the wolf had left Elila.

The tilted and hanging sign above the door read "Storm Harbor." And its neon lettering seemed to welcome everyone in sight. The small wooden tavern was littered with what had to be every single hybrid in a fifty-mile radius.

The tavern itself was built high atop what appeared to be a wobbly pair of unstable wooden stilts. Zeranna imagined the frame was designed to protect the establishment and its patrons should the surrounding swamp water level suddenly rise. But the inside of the place, was just as colorless as its exterior surface.

Everything in site was a drab shade of faded wood. The tables and chairs were all broken and coming apart. There was an old-fashioned electronic arcade machine flashing in the distant background. But none of it was of any interest to Zeranna.

Elila wasn't speaking to anyone. And the shark could only assume that it had everything to do with the shock and fury of recent events. But beyond the heron's quiet and unsettling manner, Zeranna had all the other unpleasant qualities of the small tavern's environment to deal with.

She was the only shark hybrid in the place. And though that wasn't a realization that she found particularly noteworthy, it did explain why she seemed to be the only one woefully displeased by the massive amounts of sensory input. There were other hybrids and changelings standing about that had equally potent senses of vision or hearing. She knew for a fact that the wolf hybrid standing over in the distant corner must be having an equally intolerable time with the sound level of the pounding music.

But despite the varied presence of hybrids, Zeranna was well aware of the fact that she was the only one in the tavern with all five of her senses heightened and in many ways hyper acute. The pounding rhythmic music was both dark and technotronic. And its chords were filled with unusual patterns but its rhythm was steady.

In the center of the small wooden floor, the shark watched as many hybrids danced to the raging music. All though, Zeranna realized that 'dance' was a term that could really only be loosely applied. They were all flailing their legs and arms about without rhyme or apparent reason.

But Zeranna did notice one thing, the couples that graced the floor were still finding some way to manage a steady grinding motion against the wet heat of each other's body's. And they were all wet. The rain had seen to that.

And it wasn't just couples that Zeranna saw. There were groups of hybrids and changelings locked together in what could only be described as some sort of rhythmic orgy. It was the heat, it had to be.

Even though the rain continued to pour down all around them the interior temperature was unbearable. It was making everyone in sight act wild and unrestrained. Everywhere, hybrids were ripping off vital pieces of clothing like they were shedding little more then a pair of shoes. When in essence, Zeranna was catching lurid eyefuls of naked flesh in every different direction. Apparently, the action of bearing ones breasts in public was considered wholly acceptable to these marsh-lively folks.

And as much as it pained her to admit it, Zeranna found her own body responding to the movements of so many others. These people had no inhibitions or care for modesty. They were primal and heated to a frenzy. And between the sweat, wet heat, and pounding blood the shark found her mind switching to a more instinctual state of thought. With the beat of so many different hearts surrounding her own humid flesh, Zeranna found her bloodlust quickening with every rhythmic pound.

"What is it?" Zeranna asked as she took a steaming mug of fluid from the waitress standing at her side.

She noticed that this particular server was still clothed despite the fact that many of her co-workers had already stripped down. The shark was momentarily grateful for small miracles. She didn't think she could handle such intimate proximity to the nakedness of forbidden flesh.

"Well, java juice for her and rollen juice for you." The waitress explained as she took a tall frothy glass of rollen juice off her tray as well.

"Thanks, but we didn't order this. If there's a fee to remain inside this place just let me know what it is, I'll pay it." Zeranna answered as she quickly removed her credit slip from her pants' pocket.

The waitress didn't say anything at first. She just stood there staring at the shark with clear insult written all over her features. And Zeranna could only guess at what her offense had been. She hadn't meant any harm but clearly, something had been misconstrued.

"This isn't about any fee. There's a storm raging outside. We'd have to be heartless to send anyone out in that weather. You can stay in here, if you buy anything or not.

This is about you and your friend. In case you haven't noticed she's not looking so good. She needs something warm to wake her up.

And you have been sitting here eying every piece of young nubile talent in the place. We don't get many of your kind around here. But I've heard the rumors. I know what you sharks are capable of once you get all hopped up.

From the looks of your unblinking eyes and swollen lips, I'd say you're ready to sample some of the local goods. We'll these people aren't used to the bite of your kind. Sure we get gators, wolves, even the occasional water moccasin... But not sharks... You could do some real damage if you're not careful. And this... this is to help you take the edge off before you cause a problem." The waitress explained in a soft voice that made Zeranna instantly sorry that she had questioned this young woman's motives.

The server picked up the rollen juice and carefully placed it in the shark's hand. Zeranna knew that this young woman was right. She was in a bad way and maybe a nice tall glass of sweet rollen juice was exactly what she needed.

After all, it's not like this problem was going to suddenly go away. As far as she could tell she and Elila were trapped in the Storm Harbor for the time being. And as the night progressed, the shark suspected that the abject nudity and public displays of sexuality would only advance as well.

Her blouse certainly wasn't going to become any looser. Her breasts were already amply filling the synthetic material. Even her pants were uncomfortably tight and thoroughly wet. Although the shark couldn't be absolutely certain that the dampness was a sole result of the torrid rainfall....

"Thank you...I'm sorry." Zeranna mumbled but to no apparent avail.

The waitress only turned around and left as quickly as she came. And the shark was left with a rather strange problem unfolding before her. Numbly, she passed the steaming cup to Elila hoping that heron might respond just enough to drink from it.

And as if to rouse from an unconscious like stupor, Elila reached down and blindly grabbed at the cup. Zeranna watched on as the heron rapidly downed the steaming fluid that had gone out of fashion so long ago. As far as she knew the swamp was the only place around that still sold java juice. A bitter tasting beverage that had gone out of style with the rest of humanity had no market in a global village of hybrids. Java juice was chalked full of addicting stimulants.

Though the dark-colored drink had little in the way of lasting effect on the humans that drank it; with the hybrids, it was another story entirely. Most changelings experienced an immediate change in their respective levels of speed and strength. And though the change was always positive, creating an enhanced state of being that may otherwise not be felt, it was the withdrawal that hybrids couldn't tolerate. Coming down from a java high was something akin to sheer torture for many of the hybrids that sampled its bitter bounty.

Predators however, suffered a more drastic change in their physiology when under the influence of the java bean. Of course, it was nothing as drastic as jolari root. Or Zeranna doubted that even a swamp establishment would sell it out in the unhindered open.

But still, ingesting large quantities of java could induce even the most stoic and peace minded predator to enter a blood frenzy that many didn't posses the strength to return from. Zeranna had heard that it had even happened in her tribe once. Some young ones wanted to find out just how strong and fast they could become when under the influence of the dark bean. Yet in the end, the resulting blood frenzy drove them insane.

She geared up her mind and readied her voice to issue her concerns to Elila. Zeranna inwardly confessed that while she didn't know much of anything about heron physiology she doubted that Elila's jungle cat side would respond well to such a large and sudden consumption of java juice. But even though she had all the best of intentions in the world, Zeranna never got to finish her strain of concerned thoughts.

Before she could say one single word, the wolf hybrid returned. But this time she had a rather familiar form tagging along at her side. Zeranna looked up more then a little shocked to find Carielle here in this strange and dangerous place.

"It's a small world these days, Elila..." Carielle muttered as she placed her hands on the heron's stiff and quivering shoulders.

Zeranna had no idea what was going on but frankly, she didn't care. She was simply relieved to see Carielle because right now, the normally loyal shark didn't trust her own judgment. At the moment, Zeranna's bloodlust was rising to painfully high altitudes and the shark had no idea how to relieve her sudden sweltering tension.

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In the swamp the rain could pour for days. It would come down in thick penetrating sheets of angry wet fury. The thunder would roll and the lightning would flash. Then the waters would rise creating a veritable liquid playground for the swamp's native inhabitants.

Carielle found the whole thing quite frightening, disconcerting to say the least. It made her feel small and insignificant. Like she was nothing more then a piece of sand to be washed away in the roar of the swamp.

Slowly, she entered the heron's temporary place of lodging. Elila had booked them all into this stilted building that was apparently the only true hotel in Glider's Hollow. Carielle was truly grateful to have crossed paths with the heron and Zeranna. She was feeling horribly out of place when it was announced to the village that the storm center had set and they all needed to become quite comfortable with one another. In fact, she had had no idea how to even cope with the prospect of being trapped in this small village for several lengthy days.

"I spoke with Yamina. She told me that they've arrested Kellis." Elila called out to the shadowy form of her intruder.

She didn't need to turn around to know that it was Carielle. For days now the shark had been hovering rather closely. At first, Elila had assumed that Carielle was worried about her emotional state. And even though she was relatively certain that the tall alpha shark had a strong and caring spirit, she doubted strongly that Carielle would play at being nursemaid. No, the heron was beginning to feel that something else entirely was transpiring all around her.

"I heard the same thing..." Carielle answered as she lurked in the doorway of Elila's private room. The heron was seated on the balcony looking out at the approaching storm. There were few moments of calm in this particularly grueling storm. And Elila had every intention of enjoying this soft moment of respite.

"You've spoken with Pedryn then?" Elila asked thinking that the shark had surely discussed this latest development with her cousin.

"No." Carielle answered always the warrior of little words when it came to matters of importance.

"You should call her. She probably knows more then Yamina. She's a bit higher up on the tribal social ladder." Elila stated with a mild scold to her voice.

But Carielle didn't answer. She only stared at the breaking lightning off in the distance. Ice had urged her to do the very same thing. The Queen's agents had informed them of Kellis' arrest.

Yet, Carielle knew that both of her friends were right. Pedryn would surely know more intimate details about the current situation. Carielle just couldn't bear to call her cousin. She didn't want to lie to her. She couldn't lie to her. She had promised Pedryn that she would never dishonor their relationship by spilling deceit between them.

But now, she was in service to the Queen and under royal mandate not to disclose the details of the arrangement. She couldn't disobey Queen Welaria. And the conflict between her duty and her morals was leaving the young shark in quite the predicament.

"You should come inside. You'll get wet if you stay out any longer." Carielle muttered as she walked into the relative warmth of the rented room.

Eventually, Elila followed her in. But not before the heron had managed to soften her features with the silky shine of a hot humid rain. Elila looked terribly lurid in her gauzy white dress. In this native state where her dark features were common and expected, Carielle suddenly found the heron strangely alluring. For the first time the shark fully understand why Pedryn was so thoroughlycaptivated with her.

"Here's the number. You call her. I can't." Carielle stated as she handed Elila her hand-held communicator.

"Why?" Elila softly asked as she took the shiny piece of technology and fingered the private number of Pedryn's secure line.

She stared down at the digits briefly and then demurely returned her gaze to the shark standing before her. She didn't want Carielle to know how quickly she had memorized the number. Elila couldn't be certain of course, but she suspected that this was exactly the type of information that might be useful at some point in time.

"It doesn't matter Elila. But you're right. Someone should talk to her. Someone should find out what she knows." Carielle answered as she crossed the room in a slow easy gait.

Being around these swamp folk had taught her a few things. And one was the benefit of an easy stealth. The hybrids here could move just as fast as any other tribe in the kingdom. But their advantage was surprise. The gators here had a way of making prey think that they were safe and sound.

That was the rhythm of things here. The music of the hunt was slow and steady. It lulled and soothed unsuspecting hybrids. And before the victim even knew that they had in fact found the very jaws of death, it was too late. The whole thing could be over in a heartbeat. And the shark in Carielle avidly admired their ways.

"This has to do with you working for the Queen, doesn't it?" Elila innocently asked as she watched the shark spin around in a rather uncharacteristic manner of alarm.

"That is why you're suddenly best friends with a wolf, isn't it?" Elila added as she sat down at the end of her bed and waited for the shark's response. But it was clear that Carielle had nothing to say. She only stood there stupefied and tongue-tied.

"Oh, don't look so shocked everyone here knows. The gators in the bar, they said that you smelled of snow. And not just any snow, the pure kind. The kind that only falls on the Changing Grounds...

And if I remember correctly it wasn't more then a few days ago that Pedryn was asking me where you had gone off to. You disappear from the Gallion Village and show up in Glider's Hollow with a wolf-hybrid. I may not be a detective but even I can put these pieces together.

Besides, we swamp folk are no stranger to the fine upstanding citizens of the Royal Kingdom. They come here. The Queen's most trusted servants... They come here to sample our, how should I put it...sensual and criminal ingenuity.

The very second you two set foot on this boggy marsh your rather crisp aroma of fine royalty was well detected by the surrounding populace. But don't worry; no one here is a real threat to your identity. After all, I've heard that the Specter herself has been here on more then one occasion." Elila explained as she toyed with the mechanical trappings of the shark's shiny communicator.

For a few long moments, Carielle didn't answer. She couldn't, she was too overwhelmed. She had always heard that here in the swamp, information traveled like wildfire. In fact, that's what had brought them in the first place. They were starting here. They had come in search of their rogue predator.

"The question is why would Queen Welaria enlist your services? And why come here? With a wolf no less... I must confess Carielle, I find the whole thing terribly intriguing." Elila stated as she leaned back onto her bed fanning her long raven hair across the surface of the mattress.

"I can't discuss it." Carielle answered given the paten response she was so used to giving her tribe mates.

"Mmmm... that's too bad. I thought that perhaps you had been summoned to help track down that predator. You know, the one that killed all those hybrids in the Outlands." Elila stated clearly teasing the shark with her knowledge. The heron had spent the day swapping stories and trading information with the local barflies. And now, Carielle knew that the Queen's most guarded secret was slowly becoming public knowledge.

"HOW DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THAT???" Carielle demanded unwittingly giving into the rising anger of her native shark blood. But thankfully, the heron didn't seem frightened or concerned by her display. If anything, Elila seemed downright amused.

"Nothing...And I mean nothing goes on anywhere in the Animal Kingdom without the swamp knowing about it." Elila answered as she watched the shark pace the floor in an angry fury of bewilderment and rage.

"Oh, don't get all worked up. I mean, that is why you came here isn't it? You need the tracking know how in order to hunt down this beast. And we meager swamp folk happen to be able to point you in the right direction. That is, if you ask nicely." Elila added as she sat up on her bed clearly enjoying the delicious fact that for once she knew something that the shark didn't.

"You know something." Carielle stated in a soft whisper as she managed to get her shocked anger under control. She approached the heron in only the most demure manner and very softly beseeched the girl with her eyes.

"Whatever you know Elila, you have to tell me. This is serious. Please?" Carielle asked hoping that the heron wouldn't attempt to barter for the one piece of information that she simply couldn't give up.

"I'll play nice. If you do something for me... There's something I want to know. See that's how things work here. I believe the ancient humans called it quid pro quo. I tell you mine if you tell me yours." Elila explained as she kneeled up on her bed clearly excited by the small bit of factual exchange.

She couldn't help it. She was in her native land, surrounded by her tribe mates and doing the only thing that came naturally to her people. Even after Narlene's death, the heron was finding herself growing rather cozy in her familiar stomping ground.

"Alright Elila, what do you want to know?" The shark asked feeling the walls of her very heart hammer and shake.

She summoned her every bit of strength and courage to desperately hope that Elila wouldn't ask about that night with Pedryn. She just couldn't handle having to relive that event right now. And besides, she had already explained to the heron what would happen if she were forced to break her silence.

"It's simple really. You tell me exactly why you've virtually joined to my hip. And don't say it's just because you're worried. It's something more then that. You know something. This has to do with Narlene. I know the locals let you and Ice tour the crime scene. So I want to know what's going on. What did you find and what does it have to do with me? So, you spill your secrets and I'll tell you all about this strange place called Bloodless and how the people there actually spoke with your hidden beast." Elila explained as she stared directly into the shark's eyes.

Carielle took a deep slow breath, grateful that Elila had no desire to discuss that fateful night on the water. But she coiled at the mention of Bloodless. She heard that name spoken in only the most hushed of whispers.

Unlike Elila though, the local swamp folk had a way of growing eerily silent whenever she was around. She had no idea what this Bloodless was but she had a gnawing suspicion that soon, she would find herself there with Elila and Ice right at her side. Because it was slowly becoming clear that if she was going to navigate the rather subtle and dangerous nuances of the swamp's information network, she would need Elila to come along as a seasoned guide.

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The odor was overwhelming. It was like being held hostage by an army of foul smelling dirt, grime, and the lowliest of scum. It was cheap, horrific, and repugnantly violent. And Kellis couldn't help but know that on a deeply inherent level, she was above it all. She had been a guest of the local Gallion Village criminal justice detainment center for the better part of twelve long hours. And the stale monotony was threatening to break her already rather frazzled defenses.

She hadn't been allowed any visitors or even the assistance of counsel, as was the usual custom of the Gallion Village. Here in the nexus of the Animal Kingdom the local government was no stranger to the frequent criminal activities of whores, thieves, and of course the often gory violence of tribal conflict. This particular brand of justice was like no other. Their means were thorough, notoriously fair, but always painfully slow and decisively cautious.

The Gallion Village banked its entire economy on tourism and the yearly parade of events that it alone hosted. Tribes traveled from every corner of the globe to attend the Vestiva, the Sacred Core, and of course the time of the Gallion. The inherent well being and livelihood of the Gallion's native dwellers depended on a strong influx of tourists and highly populated events. That's why in the Gallion, no crime ever went unpunished. Its tourists, shopkeepers, and tavern owners had to feel safe. Even if it meant an innocent young Fasara warrior had to suffer through the rather lengthy pains of the Gallion justice system.

And Kellis knew that she was innocent, even if she couldn't remember the details of the night in question. She would never murder anyone. In battle, fighting for the land of her people, other warriors had fallen before her. But not murder, she wasn't capable of something so cold-blooded and despicable.

Certainly, she would never have harmed Narlene. The young aristocrat had been her friend and a casual bit of love play. She would never have attacked and murdered her; it just wasn't even a remote possibility.

The authorities had to be mistaken. Kellis didn't know who had accompanied Narlene to the Claw, but she knew without a doubt that it couldn't have been her. All she had to do was be patient and they would let her go.

Since her arrest, the detention officer had only spoken with her briefly. On some level it annoyed the prime golden warrior that she was being judged and investigated by a mere eagle changeling. But Kellis supposed that it would have to do for now, at least until Thash arrived.

She had no doubt that at this very moment her own tribal alpha was raising a furious ruckus on behalf of her innocence. That was the one principal of Gallion law that she could abide by. If any arrest occurred the tribal alpha was notified immediately.

She looked around at the assorted variety of criminals and lowlifes that surrounded her. In a way, she couldn't help but feel sorry for them. They were all alone in the world without a single friend to their name. They weren't lucky. They weren't important. And obviously, they weren't the premier warriors of their tribes.

But Kellis was different from all of them. She had many friends. And many of them were powerful influential people. In fact, at this very moment she suspected that Melaryn was personally notifying every single socially powerful hybrid that she had ever known and pleading her innocence. Enough people owed her favors. She was a warrior after all. It was her job to protect and help those in need. Now, it was her turn to receive a little assistance.

And besides, Kellis was hardly worried. Why turn to friends when she had the support of Thash? Her tribal alpha had a notorious temper. She also was infamous for her tribal loyalty, power, and high-ranking kingdom connections. There was nothing for her to worry about. As soon as Thash arrived, she would be on her way back to the Fasara Village.

And then, they could start to work out this huge ordeal. She imagined that Elila was back already. The heron had surely heard by now of Narlene's tragedy and her own unfortunate imprisonment.

Even if Elila had run away to the swamp, which is what Kellis assumed to be the case, there was no question in her mind that the heron would make a speedy return.
Though there was certainly no love loss between Elila and Narlene, the golden warrior firmly believed in the loyalty of tribal lines. The heron would return for the upcoming death rituals. She was the only daughter of the tribal alpha. To not return would show grave disrespect to both Thash and Narlene's family. Elila was nothing if not courteous and dutiful. She would be there and play her part as perfectly as always.

Even further motivation to return was of course her mistaken incarceration. She suspected that the heron would be waiting with open and comforting arms for her as soon as she was released. But she knew that Elila wouldn't be the only voluptuous hybrid waiting patiently for her return. She was certain that Zelsi would be around, waiting to comfort her. And there would be others too, nameless faces of woman that had kept her warm for the span of long cooling nights.

It was strange though, given the relative uncertainty of their relationship. There was no one she was looking forward to seeing more then Elila. Even though she had only been locked away for one long and torturous day, Kellis found herself deliriously excited to see the familiar form of the heron.

Recently, she had begun to feel like perhaps she wasn't spending enough time with Elila. The time of the Gallion was such a magic and romantic event. And yet, she couldn't even remember the last time that she and Elila had sat down and shared a meal. Oh, they had technically broken mutual bread at the award ceremony. But that hardly counted. They weren't alone. They hadn't spoken. And Kellis found herself filling with the pangs of unanswered questions.

Twice in recent days the heron had gone missing. The first time she had returned to the tribal fold on the arm of a shark warrior. And this time, her whereabouts were still technically unknown. Although Kellis assumed that Elila would only return to the swamp. No other place on the globe would hold any fascination for the young heron.

Thinking about the heron though made her remember the last night that they had spent together. Elila had woken up kicking and screaming from a nightmare that had obviously terrified her. The heron had left then and wandered away to parts unknown.

Kellis knew then that something was bothering the heron. But she could only assume that to a warrior, it would be inconsequential. She had asked both Thash and Tezara about Elila's strange moods and behavior. And both of her parents had repeatedly told her not to worry. They assured her that nothing was wrong.

They claimed that Elila was only suffering the anxieties womanhood. Eventually she would calm down and right herself. She simply needed to find a life mate and fruitfully bear offspring.

But now, in the aftermath of all that had transpired Kellis couldn't help but wonder if something more was actually going on. Elila didn't just run off to the swamp without good reason. The last time she had left Thash had nearly murdered her upon return. Kellis couldn't imagine that the heron would risk her alpha's anger like that for no good reason.

And then, there was the strange connection to the Midali tribe. Elila had seemed rather cozy with one of their strongest warriors. Then there was the unsettling familiarity with Pedryn. The alpha shark had very clearly played hostess to their heron. And Kellis couldn't even begin to guess as to why. The sharks weren't exactly known for their hospitality.

No, things where Elila was concerned were certainly not adding up. And it was time to take a closer look at the heron and all her most recent of actions. And that's precisely what Kellis intended to do, just as soon as they released her from this diminutive and revolting prison.

And as the seconds ticked by in an all too slow and painful manner, Kellis felt herself growing restless and agitated. The authorities had quickly placed her in the general detention holding area. It was a large cell comprised of tall steel bars.

But those at the Gallion were no stranger to the many skills and abilities of a stronger changeling. Surrounding the large steel cage was a perimeter of blinding electrical beams. Kellis imagined that these hybrid made volts of lethal energy were even more potent then the famed and notoriously lethal swamp lightning.

She wasn't afraid of the cage that they had placed here in. As long as she stayed quiet and cordial like a good hybrid Kellis knew that she was quite safe from the searing voltage. It was the noise that had begun to wear on her nerves. The beams created this unceasing hum that seemed to penetrate her skin and make her very bones vibrate.

The whole thing wouldn't be so bad if they would at least provide the prisoners with a window to look out or an entertainment console to watch. Instead, they were trapped in the basement of what had to be the oldest building in the entire Gallion Village. The place smelled of disease and death. And for a moment, Kellis had to wonder if this place was actually a throw back to the times when humans actually walked the planet.

But the worst part of the whole experience had to be the company that now she was forced to keep. The cell was filled to its maximum. And since it was the time of the Gallion, Kellis found herself quite unsurprised by the fact.

All in all, she considered herself lucky that she had somehow managed to find a small space of vacant bench to rest upon. She was still recovering from the effects of the jolari overdose. And in a time like this, she would hate to have to defend herself.

And since the young warrior had no doubt that she was surrounded by thieves, whores, and only the most unscrupulous of murders Kellis knew that she might be forced to fight. Slowly, she looked around at her surrounding company careful not to make eye contact with anyone. In a place like this, a mere visual gaze would of course be seen as an unqualified challenge.

But as she scanned her new acquaintances Kellis found herself focusing on the form of one very scantily clad hybrid. Even from the back, Kellis instantly recognized her. Immediately Kellis wished that she could dig her way right through the very cement found at her feet. That woman knew her...she knew her well. And if the authorities questioned her Kellis had no doubt that she would find herself a permanent guest of the Gallion prison.

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Darkness had faded long ago. And now, the sunlight danced across the snow making it seem as if lengthy fields of pure white diamonds surrounded the entire village. It was a startling effect. And one that wasn't lost on the secluded ruler of the land.

On day as bright and beautiful as this one, the ice flows could be seen from miles away. Even the air was a special flavor of crisp as it whispered it pureness all across the wintry continent. But the Queen only wished that she could move beyond her castle walls long enough to take one long deep breath.

The holiday season was rapidly approaching. The normally busy streets and throughways of the Changing Grounds were packed full of hybrids and changelings as they wandered about their business. They all seemed so happy and content. Their world was safe and peaceful. Truly, they have much to be grateful for.

And how she longed to be amongst them, if only for a day. She wanted to walk with her people. She wanted to talk with them. For just one day she wanted to be ordinary.

But she was the Queen and as such, she received no such break from her royal duties. Besides a trip amongst the general populace was nothing short of completely impossible. Everyone knew the form and feature of Queen Welaria. Surely, she couldn't move beyond the castle wall without suffering the attention of a thronging mob.

Yet, she knew that it was the price of her birthright. And sometimes when she lay alone listening to the sound of the ice melt and the snow crunch, the young Queen wondered if perhaps the price hadn't been a bit too high. It's not like she was ever asked to lead the Animal Kingdom. She was simply told, molded, and educated to be the ruler of her people. There would be no reprieve from the demands of a predetermined fate.

"The holidays are upon us again." The Queen idled as she stared at her kingdom from the lofty tower of her official throne room.

The Specter had been quite disturbed by having to meet her Queen in such a public manner. But upon arrival, she was gratified to see that the Queen had dismissed all of her attending servants. They were very much alone in this huge monstrosity of a room.

The Specter didn't spend much time in the more official areas of the castle. She much preferred the more intimate setting of the Queen's unofficial private domain. But this would have to do for now. And she would have to make the best of things.

But it was hard to put herself at ease when the powerful and imposing silhouette of the Queen's jewel ensconced throne beckoned from the distance. As tradition dictated the throne was set high above on a platform constructed of carved white marble. There was even a long red velvet carpet leading up to the Queen's royal chair.

There were flat marbles pews on the distant side of the room. And the Specter had attended enough royal functions to know that those were the seats that housed the staff and plebeians as they waited for their business to be attended. Overhead was the largest and most ornate chandelier in all the land. It had been designed specifically for the Queen's throne room by the white owl tribe of the northern plane. It served to remind of tribal loyalty.

And to the Specter, it helped remind her that the Queen was a hybrid. She wasn't omniscient or divine. She was one of them. She too came from a tribe. She too had a distant home with a family and friends. It was far too easy to forget about Welaria and her more normal attributes. At times, the Specter became so overwhelmed by the woman's genius that she found herself convinced that this small owl was surely born of the gods.

Today though, there was no need to illuminate the giant chandelier. The bright light of day was surely enough to guide their movements. And with the Queen's tower solely encased by glass, the Specter found herself nearly blinded by the light. The shimmering effect from the snowdrifts below was harsh on her changeling eyes. And for the hundredth time the Specter gave serious wonder as to how anybody enjoyed life on this icy continent.

Slowly, the Specter moved towards her Queen. She could only see Welaria's glowing silhouette as she kept her back to her faithful servant. She was dressed in the more traditional flowing white silk robes of her station. And her hand was braced firmly against her scepter for support.

Today though, her servants had truly outdone themselves. Her brilliant red hair had been piled high atop her head and then intricately braided into the cut and structure of her crown. And as her mistress finally turned to face her, the Specter couldn't help but think that surely Welaria was the very perfect picture of what it means to be the royal snow queen.

"They seem happy, don't they?" The Queen asked as her speech sounded particularly crisp and cordial.

The Specter studied her ruler knowing full well that the Queen's symptoms progressed as the day wore on. Being midday, the Queen was still rested and peaceful. It was a nice change and one that didn't go by unappreciated by the Specter. Though she firmly believed that even during times of exhausted shakes and inappropriate motor function the Queen was the most beautiful woman in all the land. It was hard for anyone to hold a candle to Welaria. The Queen radiated a light of pure love and incandescent wisdom. And time and time again, the Specter found herself responding like a shark to the water.

"Yes my lady. The Winter Festival brings out the best in everyone." The Specter commented knowing that now was the time for the kingdom to focus on matters of charity, gratitude, and celebration.

"I only wish the Fasara would get in the spirit of things. Then perhaps I too could feel the ease that my people are sharing in." The Queen idled as she watched a small hybrid jump into the arms of her waiting mother.

They were all so blindly content. If only they knew what was really going on the Queen suspected that no one would sleep again. If anyone found out about the predator the results would be disastrous.

Hunting parties would form all across the globe. The populace wouldn't be stopped, not until the draw of blood. And as soon as the spark of violence was lit it wouldn't extinguish until the tribes ended it with war.

And the Queen was determined to go to any length to prevent another tribal conflict. She would unify the tribes in a way that her predecessor had never been able to accomplish. She would bring universal peace to the earth once and for all. But first, she had to find some way to deal with Thash and the bloodthirsty jungle cats.

"The Fasara? I hear that things are digressing on that front." The Specter commented realizing that she wasn't quite as informed as she should be. Searching for this rogue predator was her first and foremost concern. The usual conflict of tribal lines would have to wait until she had once again restored safety to the Outlands.

"Digressing... Try falling apart. You've heard that Kellis was arrested?" The Queen asked as she braced one gloved hand against the frosty window glass for support.

The Specter watched on having to resist her every urge to offer the Queen the support of her own two hands. Why didn't her lady ever turn to her for assistance? She would gladly do anything to provide comfort to Welaria. She could only wish that one day the Queen would see that her feelings ran far beyond the dutiful diligence of a simple servant.

"I have been informed of that. Do you believe she killed that girl? Narlene was it?" The Specter asked having little in the way of knowledge on the character and personality of the Fasara's premier warrior.

"No, I don't believe that. But someone killed her. And now the entire jungle village is in crisis." The Queen snapped as her usually calm eyes betrayed an anger that burned with the fuel of an old and tired conflict.

"Crisis? I don't understand." The Specter asked as she patiently folded her black-gloved hands before her.

She had to do something with them. The urge to reach out for her Queen was nearly more then she could tolerate. She has served Welaria since she was a mere child. Their relationship had been a long and fulfilling one. But she was the Queen's servant, nothing more. It was just so hard to accept that at times, especially when they were standing so very close.

"Thash was counting on Kellis as an heir. She was to marry Elila and secure the throne. But now, if the true murderer isn't found Thash will have to name a new premier warrior.

And Thash's rule will be in complete jeopardy. It will only be a matter of time before the new warrior challenges Thash. When that happens the tribal council will have no choice but to demand the removal of Thash, Tezara, and Elila. And I don't think that I have to remind you of what happened the last time a Fasara tribal alpha was removed from power? The cycle of revenge and vengeance still hasn't stopped." The Queen explained as she gripped the handle of her scepter with an even tighter clutch.

"Who will it be? Who will replace Kellis?" The Specter asked curious as to the politics motivating the actions taking place all around the Gallion Village.

"Truly, Melaryn is next in line. Thash will have a difficult time maneuvering her out of the way again. And if Melaryn ascends to the position of golden warrior I can promise you that war will be imminent. Melaryn is happily married with two children. Her ability to secure the throne is immediate. Thash won't allow that to happen. She'll start a conflict first." Welaria explained as she leaned her entire body flush against the window for support.

She exhausted so easily these days. And discussing the jungle cats filled her with nothing but sadness. Dealing with Thash could ruin even the healthiest of persons.

"But what can Thash really do? Unless she intends to clear Kellis' name and track down Narlene's murderer herself I can't imagine that there's anything she can do to stop Melaryn from ultimately seizing power of the tribe." The Specter asked bewildered by the shrewd politics the Queen had to deal with on a daily basis.

The Specter had no mind for such things. She preferred much simpler tasks that had beginnings and ends. That's why she much preferred the hunt.

"We both know that Thash is capable of a great many despicable things. And I suspect that she is already making her move. To be perfectly honest with you, I'm afraid that once her back is up against a wall she'll have no choice but to contact the other." The Queen explained as she released a tortured sigh that could only categorized as defeated.

"Well, that changes everything doesn't it?" The Specter asked as she pulled her long black cloak even tighter around her form.

"Yes, yes it certainly does." The Queen answered as she allowed her mind to conceive of a possible union in the jungle.

Things were slowly progressing towards a war that couldn't be stopped. There was only thing left to do and one card left to play. She had to find a way to bring Elila and Pedryn together. With Kellis out of the picture the heron was the only one left who could stop the bloodshed that Thash had started so very long ago.

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"But I suspect that you didn't come all this way to discuss tribal relations with me." The Queen commented as she managed to hobble past the Specter.

She clutched the scepter with a steely fist as she maneuvered herself towards the pews where only the commoners were to sit. The Specter was ready to vehemently protest, especially since the Queen's own thrown was not more then a few feet away. But the Queen's exhaustion was visibly palpable and the Specter had no such desire to upset her.

"No, my lady. I have word of the predator." The Specter said hoping that her voice didn't sound as ominous as she suspected. Truly, she didn't want to worry her majesty but the hunt was not going well. And if something didn't change soon she was certain that they would not be able to keep their secret for much longer.

"Tell me then." The Queen prodded knowing her servant well enough to pick up on the sign that clearly, things were not going as expected.

"We have found the remains of a facility near the Precipice Fall. I had a team secure the area." The Specter began knowing that this information would surely worry her queen.

"And?" The Queen answered finding it positively infuriating every time her subordinates attempted to coddle her or shield her from the truth. She had been created solely to rule the kingdom. It was her business to know the unpleasantness of day-to-day life.

"It would appear that we have found something." The Specter added as she walked forward to kneel before her mistress. This news would not be easy to take. But hopefully, the queen's wisdom would guide them. Because without it, the Specter firmly believed that the safety of the entire kingdom would vanish.

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"How can you just sit there??? We have to do something." Neisha stammered as her spouse stiffly refused to move away from the large desk she was currently occupying.

"I'm not just sitting here. And in case you haven't noticed, I now have a tribe to care for." Melaryn answered as she shuffled expense reports and medical files from one side of her desk to the other.

It wasn't really her desk. The Lodge had provided it and this entire office for the personal use of Kellis. But since the warrior was currently residing inside of a penal facility, Melaryn felt quite certain that she had every right to take the space over for herself.

"I know you have a lot to do. And I'm not belittling that. This is hard for you. But Thash will be here by nightfall. She's the Alpha. Let her handle this.

Kellis is your best friend. She's your protege. And right now she needs you." Neisha pleaded as she sufficiently calmed down to appeal to her spouses more rational train of thought.

"What do you want me to do? Go to the jail and hold her hand? What good would that do? She's gotten herself into this mess. Let her find her own way out. I'm through rescuing her." Melaryn snapped as she remembered all the many times that Kellis had managed to get herself out of one mess or another.

She had helped the young jungle cat far too much. Kellis had grown cocky and careless, nearly convinced that she was invincible and irreplaceable. But neither was true in the Fasara Village. And Melaryn knew first hand just how easy it was to have a prized position stolen right from under you.

"I know that Kellis has made some mistakes." Neisha began trying desperately to plead the young warrior's case.

"SOME MISTAKES???" Melaryn screamed in a rather uncharacteristic fit of anger.

"She's accused of murder. I think that's a definite step above simple mistake." Melaryn continued as she rounded the desk to put more distance between her body and the form of her mate.

"You can't actually believe that? You can't believe that she did this? Not to Narlene..." Neisha continued as she stormed across the room to confront her spouse more physically.

"No of course not." Melaryn admitted as she finally turned to face her wife.

Carefully, she took her wife's softer hands in her own. She looked gently into her golden eyes and silently pleaded with Neisha to drop this. But she knew that her spouse wouldn't. Neisha was loyal to a fault. She would stand beside Kellis, even if no one else would.

"I've spoken to Thash. You know that she will arrive soon?" Melaryn asked gently hoping to stave off another sparking of her wife's temper.

"Yes, of course. What did she say? What does she want us to do?" Neisha answered wondering at the plan of action the Alpha devised to rescue her favored warrior.

"Nothing..." Melaryn admitted as she pulled her wife just a bit closer. It was as if she was hoping that the heat of her body could somehow melt away the ice that was sure to form upon her wife's tender heart.

"Nothing? I don't understand. She had to have said something?" Neisha answered knowing that surely Thash would have clued Melaryn in on her intentions and actions.

"Darling, that's just it. Thash wants us to do nothing. In fact, she gave very strict instructions on the matter. She doesn't want any of the warriors to go within a cool mile of the lock-up facility." Melaryn explained as she wondered if her wife would finally understand what this would ultimately mean for Kellis.

"Okay. I guess that makes sense. It's a public relations thing, right? We are talking about a murder. And we haven't exactly been popular in the kingdom since our last war with the Midali. But what about counsel? Surely, Thash is acquiring representation for Kellis?" Neisha asked certain that at least they could be instrumental in this area of the warrior's defense.

But Melaryn didn't answer. She only shook her head and averted her gaze. Clearly, on some level the answer embarrassed her and she didn't want her wife to rub salt in this forming wound.

"No darling, I'm afraid that the Alpha intends to leave Kellis very much on her own. And she intends to severe all connection between her and the rest of the tribe." Melaryn answered knowing that her wife was sure to rally to Kellis' defense.

"No! That's not fair. This is a mistake. Surely, Thash can see that?" Neisha screamed not entirely convinced that her wife had done everything in her power to plead the golden warrior's case.

"Actually, Neisha I think that she believes Kellis is somehow involved. Everyone saw Kellis and Narlene leave the banquet together. Everyone. Even you can't contest that. You have to understand that even if Kellis wasn't the one who murdered Narlene, somehow, she played a part.

And with something like that hanging overhead it would be improper for her to continue on as premier warrior. She can't lead the tribe when everyone knows that she's ultimately responsible for the death of one of our own. And now, Thash can't even consider leaving her throne. " Melaryn explained knowing that her wife was going to take the news rather poorly.

Even to her, they sounded harsh and unfeeling. But she hadn't protested when Thash had first spoken them to her. She hadn't fought for Kellis because in a way, she believed that Thash was right. Even if Kellis' turned out to be absolved of all charges, even this hint of criminal intent would follow her for all eternity. In the span of a short day and long night Kellis' entire career appeared to have ended on a tortured, violent and ultimately succinct note.

The tribe needed a leader, not a criminal. And as a warrior Melaryn knew that it was her duty to only think in the best interest of the entire Fasara community. Even if it did conflict with the interest of her best friend.

"Melaryn, just tell me exactly what is going on." Neisha stammered as she crossed her arms firmly across her chest.

Her platinum locks were tucked neatly behind her ears and her body was stylishly dressed in all the tribal colors. Even when her wife was shooting silent daggers at her Melaryn was always taken aback by her beauty. Neisha was truly a sight to behold, even when suffering the pangs of infuriating anger.

"There's talk of formal shunning." Melaryn stated, knowing that that traditional and somewhat barbaric custom hadn't been employed since Thash usurped the last tribal Alpha.

There was a moment of silence that seemed to fill the air with anger and poison. Neisha was obviously annoyed and angry. The woman could be violently protective of people at times, especially when she believed that they needed her help. But then she walked over to her warrior wife and stared Melaryn directly into her eyes. Neisha wanted her spouse to know that she meant every single word she was about to say, without hesitation or qualm.

"So you'll take her place then. How convenient for you." Neisha snapped before she stormed away.

She didn't stop for one moment to listen to her wife's protests. And she certainly didn't heed Melaryn's warnings when her spouse demanded that she stay away from Kellis. She had a friend to help.

Kellis was about to lose her career, her social position, her friends, and her very home. And Neisha wasn't about to just sit by and do nothing. She would find out who killed Narlene, even if it meant disobeying her very stubborn wife.

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CONTINUED...

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