Ailouros Tails book 3: Rangers Trials

Chapter 2~ A Visitor Most Welcome

I felt someone stroking my hair gently. Then a small rough tongue licked my cheek.

I managed to open my eyes and saw Karken holding a tabby. He was only about four months old.

"Hi, I'm Jasper!" The tabby meowed as he curled up in my arms.

"Hello, Jasper. I'm Ailouros." I managed to meow.

"I know you need to save your strength so I'll do everything I can to help until then." The little kitten vowed.

"So its true you can talk to cats," Karken said smiling.

I nodded too tired and pained to speak too much. "How long have you been here?"

"Two or three hours. Here is your saltwater." Karken said handing me a glass.

I took it and sipped it slowly. I wasn't going to rush the water even though it was tempting. The water helped improve my strength slightly.

"Your friend Amaterasu warned me that today shes going to rescue you," Karken said sadness in his voice.

"We will keep in touch," I replied, trying to comfort him.

"I know and I hope you understand that I like you as a friend. Nothing more than that." Karken said shifting his feet awkwardly.

"That's perfectly fine with me," I replied relieved that I wouldn't have to turn him down too.

"Get some more sleep for your 'escape.'" Karken said heading to leave.

Tiredly I nodded then went to sleep. I curled around Jasper partly instinctive, partly from the pain.

***

It was about noon when Karken came and gently woke me up. "Ailouros your friends Halt and Amaterasu are here and asking to see you."

I pulled myself up from the bed and onto my feet. Karken helped me stay standing and into the courtyard. I kept my cloak on and pulled the hood up before walking out.

In the courtyard, Amaterasu and Halt stood waiting for us. Amaterasu looked at me and probably figured Karken was just leading me. Halt didn't look so convinced.

Karken and I stopped by Scourge. I was leaning into Karken who helped make it look like I was standing on my own.

"Ailouros are you okay?" Halt asked taking a step forward. When I didn't answer he came right up to me. He lifted my hood and looked at me. He murmured as he looked, "Exhausted, pale, weakened, probably dehydrated too." He put his hand against my forehead. "Slight fever." He turned to Scourge. "Do you know how much trouble you will get in fro what you have done to this ranger?" He growled.

"Apprentice," Feral said looking me over. Halt moved fast and was right in Feral's face within a few seconds.

"She may be an apprentice but she is under My Protection. You know how I will guard my rangers Feral." Halt snarled. He was frightening. "This action against the Ranger Corps could be seen as treason."

Scourge spoke suddenly, "My son Karken was missing and out of worry for him, I gave her the wolfsbane. Don't punish Feral for my actions."

Halt looked at me concern in his eyes. "Exactly how much did you give her?"

Scourge stepped back from Halt's unwavering gaze. "I-I don't know." He stammered.

Halt turned to Karken. "Go get Will and Gilan they are waiting outside."

Karken kept ahold of me. When Feral offered to hold me I leaned away slightly but Karken felt it. "I know." He whispered. Then shook his head at Feral. "Sorry, brother, she doesn't trust you."