S.A.S. - Book one: Secrets (Rewriting)

Chapter Eleven: The Letter

Once everyone had gotten into a rhythm, the work was seemingly easier, lighter. Red worked hard to keep the camp warm, but many still were freezing cold. Winters on Teothari were ruthless, as the only warmth was from the planet, and each season it went through a cold phase as it pulsed with heat. These cold phases had almost no warmth, and until previously, they had to use special heaters in their homes just to be able to thaw the frost from the door. Since they didn't have heaters, however, they now had to use the next best thing: the heat of the Dragon Flame.

As the winter went on, the traders that normally come to Dragoria from far away places - the Wolvenar more often than others - came as usual, but instead of finding the great castle and the beautiful village, they found the ash-heap and rubble. Red and a group of FoxCraft he was traveling with found them just as they were about to turn away and led them to the camp. After explaining what had happened, the traders began to distribute food and supplies among the FoxCraft there.

"How did you know that we would need this stuff?" Red asked them. They all looked at each other, then the middle one spoke up. "Well, a friend we have over in the Wolvenar city told us it would be a good idea to bring an excess of food and warm clothing." Red asked them a couple more questions, but they couldn't answer them. Giving up, he turned away and let them give out the food and thermal blankets.

Red watched from a distance, thinking. A friend in the Wolvenar city... If they could rebuild their town, then they might be able to warn the Wolvenar of the threat hanging above them, call allies. The Wolvenar would be a powerful ally against Danny. A messenger came up to him, interrupting his thoughts.

"The ones at the quarry require more fire." He looked at the merchants. "Trading? At this time? But we have nothing to give!"

Red put a hand on the messenger's shoulder. "We can use all the help we can get. These traders are from our allies in the Wolvenar cities." The messenger nodded. "Go, tell the ones at the quarry I will be with them shortly."

Red turned to the business in the camp once again. The FoxCraft were gratefully taking the food and resources. The mothers turned to hungry children, finally giving something to the poor souls. 

"See what happens when you trust?" Red turned at the voice, his blades already formed. A white FoxCraft stood there, wearing a light jacket. His eyes were a honey-amber, staring at Red with such intensity, one might think he was staring into his soul.

"Who are you?" Red's voice was calm, level. "Why, I thought you might not recognize me." The white FoxCraft stepped further into the light. Red immediately recognized him. "Shezia!" He let his blades down, dissipating them. "So good to see you old friend!'

"Well, I heard about what happened here. I had to come and help." Shezia smiled. Now that Red could see him better, he could see Shezia had not aged a bit. "Time has been kind to you."

"No, rather the stars have been kind." Shezia took off his bag, opening it up. Red tried to peek inside as he pulled out a small letter. "From a friend... I do not know him well,  but he said you might know of his struggle..."

Red took the letter, reading it over.

          "I believe that you are familiar with this 'Shadow' that has been terrorizing the lands. I also understand that you have come across ancient power that could prove useful in our fight against him. Come meet me in the Wolvenar Capital, and I will tell you what I know of this creature.                                                                                                                                Tell no one-                                                                                                                                                                                                The FoxCraft #325"