The Defector

Desperado: Finale

Ever since I gained a new name, I've been spending as much time as I could helping the nearby village.

Karl was playing with Averiel and other fox children and they were all being watched by the older foxes who weren't too busy.

I had just finished helping to install a window when I saw her.

Despite being a fox, she reminded me of Averiel's mother.

My late wife had passed away from a horrible illness that caused her to slip into insanity before eventually dying.

Donovan said that it sounded similar to the symptoms of brain cancer.

Because of the population in his universe, it was more frequent an occurrence, even though it was still considered rare.

To finally have closure put me at ease.

I introduced myself to the woman and she seemed pleased that I spoke to her.

"You were the human king, Hasseth, right?" She asked.

"Yes. My name is Khalil." I said smiling.

"My name is Thalia.

So. You're the friend of Donovan Lazaret.

He's told us that you've reformed from your ways.

Is that true?" She asked.

I nodded.

"That's great!

Your new look suits you, very well.

A blue eyed gold and white fox." She seemed to stiffen a little as if nervous at running out of things to talk about.

"Would you like to go eat with me?" I asked.

"Yes! I'd be happy to get to know you better. Can you come to the house next to the elder's?

That is where I live and I'll have food made." She said.

"What time?" I asked.

"Four hours!" She said, running off.

Donovan let me know that she had no ulterior motives and she was genuinely interested in me.

"Just let her be curious. It's in her nature. If she wants to pursue a relationship, don't reject her advances unless you don't want the same." He said

To be accepted, in spite of who I was?

That is outside of the realm of human capacity.

I sorely mistreated so many of these beautiful and peaceful people.

The War Clan only came about because a new clan was forming and their fear of my kingdom altered them into a fighting response to the threat posed against them.

If my kingdom had been peaceful,  there would never have been a War Clan of fox people at all.

I went home feeling somewhat elated.

I told Karl and Averiel that I was going to be out late, tonight, and asked them if they wanted to stay here or go somewhere else.

They asked me if they could stay at Donovan's house.

I asked him and he was happy to have them over.

I went to the house that the woman told me and her's was the only door open.

I smelled food and saw her inside.

Walking toward the open door, she quickly turned to face me.

Her mood seemed to erupt with glee as she welcomed me inside.