Peddler and Wolf : The West

Once Upon A Time

Edwin shot up from his cot. The boy quickly scanned his room for anything out of the ordinary, but only saw his book-infested desk in the dimly lit room. He sighed with relief, but something else caught his attention. He swore he heard a knock at the shop's door. He shook off the thought, thinking it nearly impossible someone would trek down to the shop so late at night. The sun would not be up for a few hours, and no one dared come close to the shop at night. Not after his last mistake. Then it came again, another light rapping at the wooden door.
Everything about the situation told Edwin to go back to sleep, but curiosity got the better of him. Armed with a cloth robe and a broom, Edwin stealthily snuck out from his room, down the stairs and into the old shop. It was hard to make out much in the rickety old shack, as the waxing moon barely shed any light through the stained glass window. Aside from display of glowing powders behind the business counter, all Edwin could make out was the door, which shook a bit as the knocking continued. The boy took a deep breath and pushed his curly black hair from his face before opening the door. "G-Good Evening," he called out.
"T'is a fine evening indeed, Mr. Candlewick. Might I come in?" a woman wearing an ornate white gown said. She was tall, slender and had ashy brown skin. Her eyes were a rich wine red, but were sunken as if she hasn't slept in many years.
Edwin grimaced, he couldn't pick up a scent from the woman. "U-uh..."
    "It isn't becoming of a young man to leave a woman out in the cold so late at night. She could be attacked by robbers, or worse," she said, gently caressing Edwin's cheek with a cold hand. The boy flinched, and tried to avert his gaze but he couldn't help meeting eye beautiful eyes. He gazed into them deeply and slowly opened the door, allowing her entrance.
    "P-please, I'll make us a cup of tea," he said in a somewhat dazed voice. The woman smirked and adjusted herself before walking in.
    Edwin shut the door behind them and grabbed a glowing yellow jar from the display case. He walked to the center of the room and sprinkled some on the ground.
    "What are you doing?" the woman asked. Edwin pointed to the chandelier overhead, which suddenly became lit with flames. The woman looked up in awe, then spun around as the other candles within the room took light.
    "Sands of the sun, a powder my father made to light candles faster. One of our best sellers," the boy smiled. "But now I must ask, what is your business here? You certainly look like you're not after any hand outs."
    The woman ignored the boy's question and looked around. "Where... is your father, if I may ask?"
    "He's asleep. Shall I fetch him?"
    "Actually, I think I wouldn't mind just talking with y-"
    "I will be right back with my father," Edwin interrupted and hurried back upstairs to retrieve his father.
    "No!- eh... no, I don't need to talk to him, really! J-just you are fine my sweet!" she blurted, grabbing onto Edwin's arm. He snatched away and glared at her.
    "Don't," he growled and continued up the stairs. The woman stepped back and looked towards the door. She had to leave. As she bolted towards the door she was met with a wall of flames. She fell back onto the floor and noticed the dust was before her.
    "Sands of  the sun. Lights all candles within its radius as well as keeps undead from escaping. Many peasants enjoy it but my sales are mostly from Holy Knights," A deep voice called from above her. The woman's eyes filled with fear as she slowly turned to see a rather petite elven figure with fiery orange hair. It's dark skin was riddled with black stripes, and its cold red eyes appeared to mock her. The beast descended down the stairs with such authority one would assume the tiny creature were royalty. Behind him was Edwin whose hand was wrapped around the creature's long,monkey-like tail.
    "It's been many years, hasn't it Kamala?" the creature asked as he stood before the woman, a wry smile on his face. Kamala tried to compose herself, but she knew it was too late.
    "I must admit... I have missed you Canicus," she responded as she dusted herself off. Canicus bowed, offering her a clawed hand. Kamala grabbed it and the beast lifted her to her feet then kissed her hand.
    "I wish I could say the same to you, my sweet venomous flower," he said in a sickeningly sweet voice, almost as if to woo her.
    Edwin watched the two interact, his heart racing. He knew his father dealt with all sorts of people but something about this was odd.
    "Eddie, darling," Canicus called to the boy. "Loosen your grip or you won't have a tail to hold anymore."
    "S-sorry, Pa'Can," Edwin peeped and let go, putting his arms behind his back. The beast let out a relieved sigh and turned his attention back to the woman in white. "So Kamala, one does not simply disappear from a man's life for fifty years then return in the middle of the night. Nor do they look they exact same."
    Kamala smiled, revealing a pair of fangs. "You do not live in the streets of Chatanyeu without becoming as dark as they are. You should know that, Cat man. But I did not come here tonight to discuss my changes. I was sent here by Lord Answar-"
    "And suddenly, my interest has been lost," interrupted Canicus and crossed his arms. "I much rather hear about your pearly yellows than have that man's named uttered in my home ever again."
    Kamala appeared hurt, but continued anyway. "Canicus, my love, please listen. If not for you for your boy. For everyone like us."
    Canicus' expression softened despite feeling's Edwin's tight grip around his tail again. "...What does your business here have to do with the Shadowedblood ?"
    "It would likely be best if we did not speak of it in front of him. He appears skittish enough as it is," she said as she looked over the boy, vainly trying to cower behind Canicus' small frame. Canicus shook his head.
    "Whatever you need to tell me, he must know as well. He's old enough to handle whatever it is, I'm certain," he sighed. Kamala nodded and with a deep breath looked down at her feet.
    "I... I was sent here to kidnap your son, so in exchange you would speak to the High Lord. He wishes for this to be a Human nation. He wishes us dead." Her voice trembled at the last word, and she dropped her head into her hands. Canicus turned around to see Edwin's tanned face had gone pale, and his yellow eyes were wide in shock. With a deep sigh he turned back towards Kamala.
    "Who sent you, and why Hell's name would they want to kidnap an easily startled wolf cub?" Canicus droned out. Kamala looked up, taken aback by Canicus' lack of response. "T-the High King himself sent me."