The Wandering Path

[kinok]

"Oh yeah, I like that" KiNok said in a dreamy voice. Opening his eyes he was greeted by the wet tongue of a sheep dog lavishing its affections upon him. "OFF WITH YOU!" The young man barked as he pushed the dogs head away. Standing up in the makeshift camp he had just off a road he stretched. At that moment he noticed a folded parchment that had fallen off his chest. Picking it up he looked at the dog and petted its head. "Away with you, go mind your sheep"

Turning the folded parchment over he examined the wax seal in the symbol of the gedwëy ignasia. Scratching his head in sleepy state KiNok next examined the words on it. Du Vrangr Gata. He repeated the words in confusion. It was nothing he could make heads or tails of. But someone had put it on his chest while he slept in the night so KiNok decided to keep it for now and put it in the massive pocket of his rawhide trench coat.

Kicking dirt over the dying embers of his fire pit KiNok put on his sachel and pulled the hood of his coat over his head to shield his eyes from the bright morning sun. The young magician had no plans other then to follow the road to whatever destination it lead him. Still tired he had neglected to hide the striped dragon like tail dragging in the dirt behind him. "Morning!" He chirped with a happy voice to others traveling on the road. Each time they gave him looks and spoke in hushed voices.

"Ok...." KiNok muttered each time in turn as people avoided him on the countryside road. "Whats with everyone today?" He thought. With that he raised his arm and smelled. Pulling his head away realization hit him. "Oh... That's why"

Along the way KiNok discovered the real reason why everyone was avoiding him like the plague. But away from the cities he felt comfortable enough not to hide his tail. Sometime along the way the road he walked upon linked up with the heavily traveled high roads of the land that linked all the major settlements. Deciding it was a good place as any he started to perform with his magic in an attempt to earn some coin.

"The gods favor a charitable soul" Kai said to someone that looked like a noble riding a horse. Easy enough to identify as horses were only limited to the rich and nobility. In some lands it was even punishable by death to be caught riding a horse otherwise. The nicely dressed man with snow white hair literally lifted up a nose at KiNok and his open hands. "Look at this my lord!" KiNok exclaimed as he jumped in front of the horse.

Using his magic to create balls of fire he started to juggle them like some common court jester. This seemed to amuse the lord and he tossed some money to KiNok. This begging for money continued for some time and as the half starved young magician was counting out the coin while sitting on the roadside cross-legged he noticed a pair of boots in front of him.

"So your what passes for a magician these days" A dark and foreboding voice said. Kinok looked up to see a cloaked figure with a face obscured by shadow as if the entity behind it controlled the shadows itself. "On your feet!" The stranger barked and grabbed KiNok by the scruff of the coat around his neck. Lifting KiNok with unnatural strength onto his feet the stranger added. "Show some dignity. To beg like a commoner. Its disgusting. If anything you should kill them and take what is yours by birthright."

"WHAT!?" KiNok managed to exclaim at the statement. The shadow faced robed stranger put a heavy hand onto his shoulder. "We are gods among the common race of men. These fools lacking all magic ability that think themselves our betters. I am on my way to join the shade army. Come with me and together we will bring about a new world were we are worshiped as gods! As it should be."

[Trinn]

A ways down the road, behind a cart pulled by two laboring oxen, another rider rode on an elegant horse. The rider was dressed in split riding skirts, a rich silk cloak the color of the sea draped over her head and shoulders. A brunette braid slipped out of the shadow of the cowl. She had been watching the novice magician for some time now, seeing how skilled he was, what he was all about. Meera found him to be a pleasant lad, good humored, a little down on his luck but filled with the joy of adventure. If she had been a young woman, single, then she might have even tried kissing him. As it were, Daemon probably wouldn't like that. A smirk touched her lips at the thought of her husband. "Come on, then." she said to her pinto mare, and edge her heels into the horse.

Before she was able to reach the lad herself, another figure appeared to loom over him. Meera pulled up sharp to slow her steed down. The dark figure oozed sin the way a festering wound oozed pus. There were a few things that came to mind when looking at him. Shade was one, dark mage another. Deciding to wait no longer, Meera kicked her heels into her horse and trotted over to the pair. With expert maneuvering, she turned her horse in just a manner that it's rear end knocked into the foul man. "I'm sorry, sir," she sighed in feigned ignorance. "I have a hard time controlling these beaties. Anyway, I've found my apprentice now." Meera looked down at the lad. Giving him a wink only he could see, she said, "Take the reigns of this wild horse, boy, and let us be on the way." In truth, Meera was an excellent horseman. She had won many riding competitions when she had been a young woman. And when her touch couldn't work on a horse, the ancient language served just as well.

[kinok]

The whole situation was a bit overwhelming for KiNok. All his life he wanted to meet another like him. The feelings he felt around this dark mage were not what he expected. It felt dark, oppressive, like a heavy hand pressing hard on his chest, as if all the joy in the world had gone. Mercifully a horses flank came out of nowhere knocking the dark mage aside and acted as a wall between him and KiNok. The stranger just hissed at the rider and turned to leave.

Turning his head to his rescuer KiNok recognized the women from somewhere, but he could not place his finger on it. She was a lady of wealth and high social standing that much was clear. But unlike the first mage KiNok had met in his life. This one radiated energy both warm and pleasing. KiNok could not immediately tell her age. She was fair to look at, but something told him he was just a whelp, a pup when compared. KiNok did not respond right away at his rescuers request. It took a few seconds to actually click before he exclaimed. "OH! Right away my lady."

Reaching up with a gloved hand KiNok took the reigns attached to the bridle. He was no stranger to servant duty. He had been a page once for a noble lords wife. But that ended badly when he was caught in the noble daughters bed chamber. A story he did not let his thoughts linger on. Pulling his tail up from between  his legs with the other hand to prevent the horse stepping on it, he led the horse away.

"Thank you so much for helping me there" Kinok said. "I don't know what I would have done had you not come. The whole world has gone mad with talk of war, shades, and dark magicians." Not able to resist himself he looked up to the rider. "Your just like me arnt you?" He asked with a smile that glowed. It quickly went sheepish at his next words. "Well not like me since your a lady" Shaking the tail in his hands he added. "And lacking this. But you know what I mean. You can use magic cant you?"

"Can you teach me more?" Kinok asked with enthusiastic youth. I have learned a lot naturally by instinct. But I want to learn more!"

[Trinn]

The young lads energy and enthusiasm brought a smile to Meera's face. To let him see it, she swept the hood away from her head. It floated like a feather onto her shoulders, a pile of silk. "You're a clever boy, methinks." she said, and winked at him. "I will tell you more about myself and my goal when we reach the village up ahead. The road is dusty and I am thirsty. A strong cup of mead and a good conversation would sit nicely." Meera looked him up and down, then let her gaze linger on the tail that he had tucked away. "I have my fair share of questions for you as well, young magician. And look, I can see the village up ahead now." Taking the reigns from the boys hands, Meera put her heels into the horses flanks, spurring it forward. "Meet me at The Cracked Egg!" she shouted over her shoulder, her blue cloak streaming out behind her. She would have fun with this one, she would.
~~~

The Cracked Egg was a dusty establishment. The walls were peeling, and the patrons were old and grizzled. Villagers all. So when Meera entered the tavern they all looked over at her, and then didn't look away. Apparently strangers weren't common here. Attention never bothered her though. She gave them all rapturous smiles as she moved to a cozy corner table, and it was only then that they seemed to realize they were staring and hurried to look away. "Two mugs of mead, please," She called to the innkeep at the bar. The man hastened to obey. When he delivered her drink, she slapped coin into his hand and thanked him with a wink. Meera found pleasure in making even old men blush. Though she had aged, she had not lost her spirit or her wiles. Smiling to herself, she sipped at her mead and waited for her young guest.

[kinok]

KiNok could not help but blush at the lady's compliment about how clever he was. He was curious at first about what the lady meant when she said something about goals. But at the mention of drink he forgot all about it. KiNok loved to drink when he could afford it. As much fun as he was having the air around KiNok changed as her eyes lingered on him. "Its not what you think. I can explain that" He said lowly and handed control of the horse back over to the rider. He did not get the chance to explain. But after hearing the rider call back to him KiNok imagined he would get a chance to answer question later.

"Cracked Egg?" He thought. "Seriously? Cracked Egg? Who names a tavern that?" Following steps to the village he recalled places in his travels. "Dead Mans Rest, Basilisk run, Surly Joes, The flinching Lizard. Now those were great names." As he entered the village KiNok could not shake the uneasy feeling of dozens of eyes upon him. "I must of cracked my head to even stay in this place" He continued to think as he gave a forced smile at a sour faced villager. "These people would sooner lynch my lizard arse in the nearest tree"

This place took his thoughts back to a time when he had to flee a village much like this one when he was younger. Never mind the fact he went to the bathroom in the village drinking well and deserved the pitchfork and torch mob. Small villages with angry faces made him nervous. KiNok found the Cracked Egg well enough and entered through the doorway into the building. The first thing he noticed was it was full of pipe smoke and the heavy musky smell of to many men cramped into a small room.

Finely roasted meats and old sour ale also filled the air and assaulted the young mages senses. This kind of environment he was use to. KiNok felt quite at home in this place. Finally relaxing he blended in pretty well with the drunks. Passing by them and grunting with nods to acknowledge there existence. KiNok spotted the highborn dressed lady he had met on the road easy enough in the rabble. She stuck out in this place.

Going over he stopped a few feet away and raised his shoulders up close to his head and gave a shy wave of a gloved hand. Pulling out a chair KiNok sat slow and carefully. "I did not expect a wench like you to like a place like this!" KiNok said with a happy smile as he looked around. Flinching after a second he gave a nervous laugh. "Sorry, I'm getting to comfortable here. I meant to say I am surprised a highborn lady of your stature enjoys this kind of company"

[Trinn]

Meera took no offense to the term wench. Most lowborn men took to using foul language, and she was not about to start lecturing on manners. The lad was apologetic enough without her needing to say anything. "No matter." She told him, and scooted the second mug of mead towards him. The rough surface of the table made a few precious drops jump out. Meera waited patiently, sipping her own mead, until the boy was seated and comfortable. The townsfolk still stared, but it worried her not. They would never hear what she was about to discuss with this boy named KiNok. Her wards would make sure of that.

"Now then, let me begin." She said, wasting no more time. "My name is Meera. I am a senior member of Du Vrangr Gata. I would have been the leader by now but that Trianna is still clinging to the title." Trianna! The woman was still as self centered as ever, but had become more reasonable with time. One might even say wise. "My faction heard about you a while ago. A youth jaunting around Alagaesia, performing 'magic', and otherwise getting into mischief. We like mischief though, so it's alright. Only recently did we decide to find you and see if you were worth our time. If it had been up to me, you might already by studying with us." Meera sighed reluctantly. "Anyways, we've found you now, and almost too late!" She tsked and took a surprisingly large gulp of mead that any man would be proud of. Setting the mug down, Meera wiped her lips and immediately grew more somber. Any sign of humor was gone from her eyes. It was business now.

"There is a war KiNok. Anyone can tell you that. But now the time has come to chose a side. You look young. I'm sure you don't remember the war between the Varden and the Empire. It was savage and brutal. Lives were lost. Too many to count! But each life made some small impact in that war. Your life is about to impact ours now. KiNok, I cordially invite you to join Du Vrangr Gata. With us you will actually be able to learn magic. Real magic. However, know that by joining us, you are joining the Dragon Riders, who fight against the shade uprising. Make your choice now, boy. We haven't much time."

[kinok]

KiNok opened up a gloved hand to stop the sliding Mug and nodded in thanks as he took a small gulp. The boy was not really surprised Meera was a senior member of the Du Vrangr Gata. After reading the letter he got during the day it hardly seemed coincidence. He would have thought she even put it on his chest while he slept. Only some things in the letter contradicted what Meera said. KiNok listened intently to what Meera had to say and could not help but rub the back of his neck at the mention of him getting into trouble. "I try" He said jokingly and remained silent again to listen.

KiNok fancied himself a drinker, but he now suddenly felt quite ashamed as this women had already finished her drink while he was just halfway through. A little ashamed, but far more inpressed. "Whoa" He said lowly as he mug came back to the surface of the wooden table loudly. He was about to say something smart but held his tongue as Meera's eyes took on a more serious look. KiNok's face changed as well as he listened to Meera speak. Lines of joy turned to lines of worry.

KiNok choked on the last bit of drink in his mug. Putting it down he waved at a passing bar wench for another drink and called out with a distraught voice. "Something strong!"  Looking down at the his fidgety gloved hands KiNok ended his silence. "I don't know. This is all very overwhelming. You want me to fight in war? I have never killed anything in my life! I'm not sure I would be of much help" KiNok dropped the money on the table as the bar wench returned and set another mug in front of him. This time the young man drank it all down without taking a breath of air. Slamming he mug down the boys nervous feelings became more obvious. "I love magic and all but..... why cant it wait? Why must I make a choice right now?"

The boy might have appeared craven. But being untrained as he was it was a whole lot better then being bloodthirsty. Ordering another strong drink he quickly put it down. With the help of liquid courage KiNok sighed. "If I can become a better mage, I...I... will fight" He said lowly. "But I will not enjoy it." KiNok was not sure if the answer he gave was the one she expected. But he hoped it would suffice.

Still in thought he asked. "I know the story's of the war. So much horror during the evil kings rule. All brought on by magic. And then this war, once again more suffering and evil because of magic. Its all pretty damning. Do you think after this war ends our kind will be hunted down and exterminated because of the power our body's hold?" It was a sad truth. Magic users were the source of a lot of the worlds troubles. And each one had the ability of being forced into a shade.

"I have heard nasty things from people on the roads. A lot of them say the riders will kill us all when this war ends to make sure it never happens again. Must we fight and damage our already bad public image?"

[Trinn]

"Slow down, KiNok." Meera said, smirking at him. "You have said a lot just now and I would like to address a few of your concerns." She help up one slender finger. "The first thing is your concern with killing. Of course when one thinks of war, one associates it with death and murder. And that is true. War is ultimately a battle of survival. However, I never said you had to kill. Magic has so many purposes. You could feed the hungry, create refuge for those made homeless. You could even forge armor and weapons. There is quite a bit magic can do besides murder. Weren't you flinging fireballs around earlier? Nobody died from that did they?" Meera paused and caught the attention of a passing barmaid.

"What he's having, please." The moused haired barmaid nodded and scurried off. Meera returned her keen gaze to KiNok. "Two." And she held up a second slender finger.

"You must make a choice right now because, as a man capable of wielding magic, you are highly sought after. The shades are ever hungry for more of their own kind. It would be a simple thing to capture you and turn you into a beast that desires only to kill. You haven't killed anything yet, but as a shade, your murders would be endless. Do you realize what almost happened to you out on the road?" She paused with her mouth open as the barmaid returned and set down another mug. Meera pushed a coin into her hand and thanked her. The girl scurried away again once more. Raising the mug to her parted lips, Meera took a long drought to quench her throat, and then continued. "That man was about to drag you off to Katriana's army whether you wanted it or no. Your time as a carefree dabbler in magic is up. Someone is going to claim you. That's why I'm offering you a life with me and Du Vrangr Gata. We won't force you to kill anyone. But we will at least be able to make sure you aren't a shade killing all of us off." She sighed then, feeling suddenly tired. War was such a stupid, silly thing to her. There was always someone who wanted more power, and therefore more war.

Meera raised her mug again, nodded to KiNok, and drained the strong liquid down. A warmth spread through her body and her head felt pleasantly light. "And third." Up went another finger. "If the riders wish to rid the world of magic, then they had best kill themselves off as well. KiNok, I promise you, the dragon riders will never turn against magicians. If they did, they would be turning against themselves. There are certain people who do wish to see magic eradicated, but they are powerless to do anything about it. For now, that is. You won't have to worry about such things until after this current war is said and done. At which point, I might add, you will be strong enough to defend yourself against anyone who might wish to murder you because of what you are. And imagine if we didn't fight. Then people would be in an uproar because of that! I tell you, KiNok, you just can't please everyone. Another drink?"

[kinok]

"Sorry" Kinok said with a sheepish face. "I kind of talk a lot when I drink" He always found it hard to not talk a lot when drinking. But he would try now. The young mages body once tense now relaxed at hearing he would not be expected to fight on the front lines. Kinok like many others heard the glorious songs of bards in taverns. But he also had wandered across the aftermath of a two day old battlefield. The smell of the sun bloated bodies and sight of the ravens feeding on the dead stuck in his head like a bad memory. He never wanted to be like them. The songs of bards were false. There was nothing glorious or beautiful about war.

When a break occurred the boy raised a hand at the passing bar maid and ordered bread and cheese. Listening to the woman across from him again KiNok was surprised at just how close he had come to being forced into the conflict. In truth it scared him. "I, I never knew that was how things worked." He said lowly as the bar maid set a wooden plate of bread and cheese in front of him. He in turn also dropped payment into her open hand and continued to listen to Meera. "So my options are to either be with you and others like me, or be a mindless killing shade" Shaking his head KiNok took a bite from his bread and cheese. While still chewing his food he replied with a smile. "Is that suppose to be a trick question?"

Though he had relaxed a lot now he still felt the whole topic of the conversation was still depressing. His humor was a means of trying to dull it all down. As he continued to listen KiNok was pleased to find out all he had heard on the roads from travelers was just rumor and talk. He had suspected as much. But it was still good to hear the truth from a reliable source. "I thought as much" The boy replied with a weak smile. "But its better to actually hear the truth." At the mention of a drink he rapped his gloved knuckles on the table. "I dunno, do priests pray?"

At that notion KiNok closed his eyes and put the pointer and index finger of his left hand to his temple. "Eldunai" He said lowly and then opened in eyes. "Wow, I cant believe he found me" With the drink in him KiNok overlooked the fact Meera would have no idea who Eldunai was. "He is kind of like my father ya know?" He said to his lady friend. "I really hope he is not in the town. If you think I look like a freak' With that he banged a fist into the table. "Wait till you get a look at him!" Laughing he went quiet. "No I don't mean that, he is not a freak, just different ya know?"

"Hey lady!" KiNok called out with a raised arm holding his mug. "I'm dry over ear!" As the barmaid came over KiNok let out a growl from his mouth that was not quit human but more predatory and smacked her on the rump and in turn received a smack across his face that not only took the taste from it. But sent his scrawny body falling off the chair. OW! You witch!" Why would you hit my beautiful face!" At first it seemed as if KiNok was being dead serious in his anger. But with a chuckle he got back in his chair. "Its my only good redeeming feature. I'm sorry I got fresh with you. I respect a woman that puts a man in his place"

Whether this apology would be good enough to let it end hear was yet to be seen.

[Tismri]

Serena entered the tavern and found a seat with hardly a glance up to see where she was going. Her eyes were fixed intently upon the text Draco-Elven War. It was an account written by a Rider around two hundred years after they were formed, and it was a special tome in that it clearly detailed both sides of the conflict. Since dragons lacked the ability to write, their side of the story was rarely told, only passed from generation to generation of dragons through their minds, and from thence told to any Riders that may be bonded. As with any oral account, it tended to vary and change as time passed. That made this book one of the most valuable in the Empire, after perhaps Domia abr Wyrda. This was her third time reading it.

She absently ordered mead while she continued reading. Truthfully, she likely wouldn't even touch it, as she wanted her mind clear while she read to prevent distorting her envisioning. Also, the few times she tried a strong drink, the result would often cause her uneasy nightmares while she slept.

The tavern had the normal, droning noise of a busy room that was easy for her to ignore, but one man yelling obnoxiously loudly finally tore her eyes away from the pages. She spotted a boy a couple of years older than her making his way from the floor back to his chair, while a furious barmaid gave a loud "Hrmph!" and stormed away. He would probably be lucky to get any more service that night. She glanced at his table-mate and nearly dropped her book in surprise, and stood to make her way over to them.

"Mother!" she called out, delighted but still surprised. She was on her way home after a short study trip to Aberon, and had expected that both her parents would be there. "I had thought you would be at home."

[kinok]

KiNok had long since rested his face on his arms on the table. But after hearing someone call out loudly he sat back upright. "Mother?" He repeated in a question more directed to himself. Looking to the woman first he could see a resemblance. Well as much as one could considering his intoxicated state. Looking to his master he said with slurred words. "Wow, The All Mother has treated you well. Most mothers I know kind of lose there figure after popping out a few bobbins but you still look great" Laughing he continued. "Now I know where you get your looks.... no.... wait. Where your daughter gets her looks" Slapping a gloved on his face KiNok stood up sharply. "Ah hell I'm sorry. To much drink"

Waving with a gloved hand KiNok pulled out his chair from the table. "Please don't mind me. Take my chair. I'll leave you two girls alone to talk about girl things I guess." Not even waiting he left, or rather staggered of balance towards the door outside to get fresh air.

[Trinn]

Meera glanced up sharply as she heard a familiar voice call out to her. Immediately she recognized her beautiful, precious, perfect daughter. "My Lovely!" She exclaimed, standing and holding her arms out to her child for a hug. "Come here child and let me hold you!" At the point the whole tavern was watching them, but Meera cared little. With a drunk and two beautiful women, it was hard not to stare. Then the drunk spoke up and Meera's smile twisted into a bitter frown. For all this lout new she had only given birth to one child! "Yes, go outside you dastard and rethink those words. I think a pig tail would have fitted you a bit better!" she called out after him as he hastened out the door. As Kinok and his tail slipped outside, Meera put her smile back on. "Ignore that imp for a moment dear daughter and hug me already!"

[Tismri]

Serena eyed her mother's tablemate for a few moments as he slurred out his statements. He seemed an unusual character, and she couldn't help but wonder what they were doing together there. While he was stumbling out, she caught sight of her mother's downturned lips and felt a small shudder pass through her. The last time she saw that disapproving face was when she'd fallen asleep in the library back home, and her parents had spent hours searching for her. Although she knew neither of them would stay angry at her for long; both of them seemed to adore her beyond the reaches of the sky.

She met her mother's embrace, holding on to her tightly for a minute or so. It felt so good to have those secure arms around her again. Though she was no longer a child to be coddled, she still secretly felt happiest and safest in the reassuring arms of her parents. "I'm so glad to see you, Mother," she said sincerely as she leaned back and smiled at the woman, "but really, what brings you out here? Is father all right?"

[kinok]

Now outside and away from the embarrassment he brought on himself Kinok made a mental note to stop drinking. Something he had done many times but to date, has failed to follow through with. Being a social creature he took quick notice of the unusually quiet night. Outside there was not a soul to be seen. Even the chatter of insects was absent. Feeling a bit nervous he reached down to pull his striped lizard tail up between his legs and hugged it close to his chest. Stepping down the stair he paused to look at the deathly quiet village. "Um...." He muttered and said into the darkness.

"Hello" He got no reply and took a few steps. Feeling a chill run down his spine and tail he started to stroke it in his gloved hands very much as a scared child would a stuffed toy. It might look unusual. But it always brought him a feeling of comfort. Hearing a dog bark in the village he was alarmed to hear it cry out in pain and go silent. "Oh boy...." He said and started to backup towards the building. Hearing a crash of glass a small light grew in the village until it became clear a house was on fire. Again it seemed as no life at all in the village. He had heard enough stories to know what was going on.

Running up the stairs he barged through the wooden doors loudly and hardly graceful. Fumbling with the metal locking mechanism he finally managed to lock the door and turned around to see many faces looking at him. Still holding his tail close to his chest with one hand KiNok started to frantically point with the other. He was so flustered all he could do was stutter. Not paying any mind to voices calling him a drunk fool he finally managed to say what he wanted to after a window exploded inwards from a stone. "Slavers are here!"

[Trinn]

"Your father is fine and dandy." Meera said, peering after Kinok while stroking Serena's hair. "As to what brought me out here... Unfortunately, that tailed oaf of a man." As if speaking of him had summoned him, Kinok suddenly flung himself back inside. Meera would have laughed at his comical antics if she had not felt a dark energy outside. Her hand paused on Serena's head while the other grasped her daughters arm tightly. "Slavers!? Kinok, come over here and explain yourself. Slavery has been banned, Alagesia has not seen slaves in sixteen years!" It was while she was speaking that the windows of the inn brust inward, flinging glass forcefully toward the patrons. Chunks and shards sprung towards Meera and her daughter. Before they could reach them, they struck the wards that Meera had quickly erected and fell to the ground harmlessly. Kinok and the rest of the patrons she had spared from the glass as well. "Those are not slavers!" she shouted, and pulled Serena behind her. Rolling up her sleeves, Meera turned and faced the door, squaring her shoulders. What stood outside of the tavern doors was something far more sinister. "Serena." She said quietly to her daughter. "Prepare yourself for a fight. The shade's minions are here."