The Last Mage

Chapter 24: Unseen Companions

The ghost cat didn't bother following them through the muddy streets. He had stayed with the horses since Jefferey led the girls upstairs and the horses had gotten used to him and knew he meant them no harm. So when the packhorse was led out of the stable he had jumped aboard. The girls mounted their horses after Jefferey and they had commenced in leaving the city. He found the feel of the horse's gait comforting. It had been a while since he had ridden and even in his cat form he found it easy. The supplies were tied down smartly and his seat didn't shift too badly. The awkward looking packhorse was built for durability and strength. Derrel figured his few extra pounds wouldn't bother the beast.

Redrick had asked him to follow the girls as he couldn't. He'd held out the medallion with one of those smiles of his. Derrel would have rather walked back to the city to inform the old man of their progress and all the way back to the girls than put that thing on. But Redrick could rarely be talked out of anything and Derrel was beginning to accept the shackles of magic in his life.

So the cumbersome itchy medallion nestled in the fur around his neck. But darned if he were going to walk as well. The bustle of the gate came and went and they were on the trail headed back east. If he and Redrick had been a little slower they might have met them on the road. Except if it hadn't been for meeting them the girls would have been in warm beds tonight after a fun day on the town. He settled his head on his paws aiming to nap with the warm sun on his fur and the sturdy beast under him.

The day wore on and on. Finally Jefferey led them off the road for a quick break and a meal. Derrel had to leave his comfortable seat as the man dug through the bags for food. He found he was hungry and there was no chance to hunt. He thought of trying to steal food from the bags but Jefferey laced them back up tight handing the girls little packs of dried fruit and meat. He sniffed at the meat, getting close to Eryn's legs. He was almost kicked when she shifted. It was lamb though. His mouth watered. Riding all day seemed to have made him hungrier than walking ever did. Time to change tactics.

He moved silently behind the log they were sitting on. He let himself become visible and then crept along behind them rustling as many leaves as he could. The girls turned as expected and he looked up at them licking his lips. Amber was the first to toss a piece of meat as he had expected. He took his time chewing it as the girls giggled. He got a piece from Eryn next then Requel tossed one before Amber held one out. He moved closer and gently took the small offering, knowing Requel was reaching tentative fingers toward his fur. He didn't particularly enjoy being pet but they were small pieces of meat.

The shout and the stomping feet racing back from the horses made him spin about fur on end. Jefferey was readying rocks and Derrel jumped up between Amber and Requel their hands gently running across both his sides. Jefferey couldn't throw his rocks but Derrel wasn't waiting around to be kicked. He left the girls dashing into the bushes. He disappeared immediately and crept back out. Jefferey stopped out of breath in front of the scowling girls.

"What are you thinking?! That thing could have torn your throats out!" Requel crossed her arms. "You always think the worst of everything. All it wanted was a bite to eat!"

"Yes, probably your fingers as soon as you had touched it! That's a wild animal! You don't feed wild animals and especially not our supplies." His anger- or fear- had drained somewhat.

"He wasn't wild." Before he could speak Eryn continued. "He had a collar. I saw collared dogs in town with their owners. The cat was wearing a collar so he must have an owner." She had meant to ease the last of his fear but it only seemed to increase his weariness. He glanced about at the bushes and sparse trees, motioning them to the horses. Derrel waited till Jefferey mounted before leaping easily onto the packhorse. He thought the man was much too taught. One could hardly be ready to act in the event of real danger if one tired themselves out jumping at shadows. Then again if one didn't pay attention to the shadows, one could very well become the end of you. He sighed settling into the horse's rhythm. Perhaps when the old man joined them he'd give the lad a few pointers.

An uncomfortable thought. He hoped the old man remembered food this time.