Dragon Aster: Book I (Preview)

Chapter Six: To Hunt a Deathmare

“I blame my current discomfort on you asking that Awl to take off his mask.”

“Do you ever stop complaining?” Hain asked Kas as he followed in step a few meters from the Priest’s side. “You don’t honestly believe the superstition that one removing their mask leads to the sight of the afterlife, I hope? That is nothing but a fairy tale for cubs. And speaking of cubs—what were you thinking challenging the White Death like that?”

“And you are not one of these fairy tales?” Kas said, changing the subject back to Hain.

“It’s a miracle that brute didn’t remember me, or we be pulp right now.”

“Fortunately you were able to get his memory Threads under control while I distracted him.”

“Let me guess, my kid opened his mouth?”

Kas stopped abruptly. “Kenshe has told me a lot of things. But the most important question is why is his mother still on this Continent?”

“That’s none of your business.”

“Kenshe is my business because he is one of my Custos and my friend. Though how he ever came from the loins of you and a daoran may be something I never understand.” Kas had about all he could take of water and Hain as his paws stopped in yet another muddy pool. Miles away from the beach, the marsh was unjustified. As he looked for his reflection in the water, it only had the effect of making him more uneasy when it was not matched with Hain’s own.

“You’re thinking it again.”

“No, I am not.”

Hain only set his red eyes back on him, that now glowed a pale orange to match his words. “You still don’t trust me.”

“That is not true.”

“And now you’re lying. I had a feeling this would turn out bad.”

“I trust you, okay?” Kas insisted.

“No, you still hate me. I can feel it. You have yet to learn that there is a difference between those who would pointlessly seek answers all their life, and those who are content with just dealing with what’s there.”

“Is that what you thought of my mother? That she was wrong in seeking that which is better, where you then abandoned her? Or Kenshe’s mother, for that matter?”

Hain let out an angry snap of teeth at him, with a speed that sent Kas’ black fur instantly on end. “One day you will grow up and learn that you can’t save the whole world. No matter how much you forecast the future with clear skies, and pretty lights. So shut up on telling me what to do until you survive that long, okay?”

Kas shook the threat out of him, deciding not to discuss it further. The phelan Awl had a darker past that he had only revealed to a few. It was clear this wasn’t the right place for it to be told.

Hain looked away from him as the water rippled under their feet. The Threads moved to indicate that someone had just emerged from the Keol. “Let’s just focus on this mess right now.” He set all his senses on the ground and his nose before it as the heat of the Keol gave scent to what could have only been a few dozen phelan. “And now we stepped in it...”

They only gave one glance at each other before unsomning and unsheathing their swords with their backs to each other, as several Rifts opened on the water around them. A low, warning howl went out as a Pack of tattered-looking phelan emerged. Their bodies were deeply scarred. Their eyes glowed, and their whiskers vibrated to match their intentions. The True were as tall as a house; while the somnus of the Pack were slightly smaller.