CHAPTER 5


The group halted at the last rise overlooking Hawk's Peak. It was just past dawn. The last few days of travel had been stressful. They had run into two separate groups of men looking for Tera. With her hair length and color changed, the scar on her left cheek from the incident with the tree and wearing nondescript clothing they had managed to pass her off as just another traveler. One group went on their way; the other wanted to play a little which they had taken offence too. Panter hadn't been with them at the moment or so Tera had thought. She had realized how wrong she had been when the man reaching to grab her had been knocked off his horse ending up on the ground with an outraged Panter on top of him. Of course all that the man saw was a large black cat and fangs flashing in his face. He had screamed and passed out in fear. All the others had immediately halted their rush toward the other women. They had ended up being trussed up to trees and left. What happened to them was for other travelers to decide. A note had been pinned to the leaders chest detailing why they were in this position. The women had roared with laughter as they rode off.

Smiling and shaking her head in amusement at the memory, Tera turned in her saddle to meet Panters eyes. Panter had regained her human form soon after the incident causing Alesia to slap her hand over her eyes so quickly she almost punched herself in the face. Tera had snorted in laughter and handed Panter her clothing. Pulling them on Panter walked over and smacked Alesia on the back.

" Don't worry Alesia, I'm sure it's nothing you haven't seen before"

Alesia cautiously removed her hand. Seeing Panter was dressed she punched her in the arm. "Maybe, but I'm not taking a chance Tera wouldn't kill me"

Tera said nothing to the charge just smiled and walked back to her horse.

A jingling noise pulled Tera's attention back to the present.

They were on the main trade road into Hawk's Peak. A line of trade wagons were approaching their position. They guided the horses to the side so the wagons
could pass. It seemed that business was good, at least from what they could see.

Panter leaned over " It seems pretty busy"

" I forgot that it was the summer festival, but it should have ended already"

A passing merchant overheard Tera and beckoned her over.

Tera guided her horse nearer to the wagon " Can I help you?"

The man spoke guiding the team of horses pulling the wagon as he did " I heard the festival almost didn't happen, it seems the lord of Hawk's Peak didn't want any strange people in town in such a large group, so it ended up starting this week"

Tera was shocked " But Hawk's Peak survives on trade and travelers doesn't it?"
She asked playing dumb. She knew it did as a fact. It was its lifeblood.

The man nodded " Sure does, man has to be real nervous about someone to put their holdings in that much trouble, you think?"

Tera hoped her face didn't show how pleased she was on hearing that news.
" He sure does, thank you for the news."

The merchant smiled " Have a good festival"

" You also" Tera answered.

Tera joined the others on the roadside.

She told them of what she had learned.

" Sounds like the man's a little nervous about something" Panter remarked drolly.
" Wonder what that could be?"

The others shot her a look and burst out laughing.

" I wouldn't know" Tera replied.

They eased back into the flow of wagons making for the main gate into Hawk's Peak. As they got nearer the progression slowed to a stop. Being closer to the edge of the group Tera leaned farther out to see what was holding them up. Guards were speaking to each merchant and checking a parchment, she watched as words were exchanged. One merchant gestured about and his face turning red with anger as he shouted. The guard talking to him pointed at him, said something and then pointed away from gate. The merchants' shoulders slumped as he replied. His hand moved to his waist, an exchange was made and the guard stepped back and waved him on.

Tera moved back " That was interesting"

Alesia shot her a glance " What's up?"

Tera's brow furrowed " Looks like a check is being made of who enters Hawk's Peak"

" A check!" Panter barked, " Should we leave the line and enter another way?"

Tera shook her head " No, it's not a problem, don't worry, I made arrangements if this was going to happen."

Panter met Tera's eyes questionably. Tera smiled back reassuringly " It's fine"

Panter looked over at Alesia and the others. Messages were passed back and forth wordlessly. The women reached down and made sure their weapons were in easy reach, just in case.

In a few moments they were next.

"Reason for coming to Hawk's Peak" asked the guard as he approached.

Tera spoke before the others could " Festival and visitation"

" Name please" As the guard flipped to a new piece of parchment Tera caught a glimpse of a sketch of her face with the words apprehend for questioning blazoned across the top. Tera held her breath as the guard scrutinized her; she released it as his gaze moved on to the others. The changes had worked! .
The guards' gaze returned to her as he waited for the information.

" Amara of Blazon Falls late of Hawk's Peak" she offered.

She caught the brief look of puzzlement cross her friends face but it disappeared before the guard could see it.

" Name of people being visited" he responded.

" Zeva of Hawk's Peak, owner of Ravens Claw, second cousin" she replied

The guard noted it then extended his hand " Papers please"

Tera reached into her hip pouch and withdrew a many-folded paper. Handing it over she waited patiently as he looked it over. The official seal attached seemed to satisfy him and he returned it. He marked his list.

" You may pass, are these others with you?"

" Yes"

He turned to the others " Names please"

" Alesia of Forest Glade" Alesia announced.

" Helia of Harbor Cove". He turned his gaze to the next woman " Eurayle of the Kalor Clan" He stared at the next one. He hadn't seen anyone so dark before. He cleared his throat as he noticed the look he was receiving from her.

" Name …p.. please" he stuttered.

"Panter of the Vestran" she stated.

The guard shook his head " Never heard of it"

The woman smiled " Not many have, it's across the waters to the north"
He nodded and wrote her name down under visitation

He returned to the first woman " That will be four coppers please"

" Four coppers, we have to pay to enter?"
The guard waggled his fingers impatiently. " New tax, pay or leave your choice"

Tera reached into her money purse and handed over the money with out any more fuss. She just wanted to get away from the guards. The longer they were here the bigger the chance something might happen. The money was of little consequence.

He pocketed the money. " Thank you, you all may pass, Happy Festival"

They offered the same back and calmly proceeded on even though they all wanted to take off to get out of sight. Questions were on the tip of Panters tongue but she restrained them till they got to a safer place.

As they moved through the streets they had to slow their progress down to a crawl, as people were rushing about to get ready for festival. From what information they heard it didn't officially start until mid-day of the next day but much had to be done before then. From the people thronging the streets it was going to be a big one this year. More people equaled more profits.

After a small span of time Tera led them to a side street just off the main thoroughfare. She halted in front of a medium sized building. Panter saw a tabard sign swinging overhead announcing it as Ravens Claw. So that part really existed she mused. This should be something to see. Two stable hands ran up and relieved them of the horses promising to brush down and feed them. They removed their saddlebags and weapons allowing the boys to take them.

Tera turned to the others " Here I am known as Amara except to a very few who I trust, please be careful of using my real name here o.k.?"

The others made no comments indicating their understanding. They followed Tera into the dim room. It had a faint dingy appearance but seemed that it was kept as clean as possible. A slight overcast of smoke clung to the broad beams that crisscrossed the ceiling. Directly across from the entrance stairs to the left of a large bar area allowed access to sleeping areas above. A door behind the bar seemed to lead to the cooking area. A wide mantled stone fireplace dominated the eating space on the right hand side. Long rough-hewn tables and benches were scattered aimlessly about. It looked to be able to hold at least thirty people on a good day. A door closing caused them to look over at the bar. A woman about middling height with light coloring had come from the back. An expression of surprise crossed her features when she looked up and saw them standing there.

"May I be of service?" she inquired.

Tera moved to the bar " I'm looking for lodgings for five please, do you have any rooms still available"

The woman chewed on her lip as she thought " I'm not sure let me look, this close to festival we're almost always full up". Reaching under the bar she pulled out a ledger and paged through it. A smile formed on her lips. " We do have two small rooms left, real plain, they normally don't rent out much will that be o.k. We can give you a good deal for them."

" They're fine, we don't need anything fancy"

" How long will you all be staying?"

"Till the end of Festival at least, will that be a problem?"

"Not at all, are you going to require meals also, the cooking here is pretty good. I should know since I have to eat it." She grinned at the laughter.

"Yes please, I'm not sure how many will be required but we will eat here most of the time I'm sure" Tera held back another smile. The woman hadn't recognized her. They had been friends of hers for years, her and her bond mate. That convinced Tera that her looks had changed enough to prevent most of their troubles for now.

" How does three silver eagles sound, for lodging and meals for a week"

" For five people, sounds like your not charging enough" Tera protested.

" No that's a good deal" the woman responded.

" More like a good steal" Tera handed over the money. Now for the tricky part of the situation. " Is Zeva around?" She felt her stomach clench as she asked.

Puzzlement appeared on the woman's face " Yes, do you have business with her?"

" Of a type, could you get her please?" Tera was getting a little nervous. A movement behind her eased the concerns a little. Panter was standing close. She wanted to get this done before someone else came in.

The woman went into the back. Tera turned briefly to face her friends. They seemed a little on edge but that kept them aware of everything around them.
Noises from behind caused her to turn. A tall woman followed the other into the room. Blue eyes sought her out. They narrowed slightly when she wasn't recognized. Tera moved to meet her across the bar top. Resting her hands on it she leaned on it a bit.

" You wanted to speak with me?"

" In a way, I just wanted to know how Falises aunt was"

A hand landed on hers and squeezed. " Falise has no aunt, who are you?"

As Tera let out a small gasp of pain, a large hand engulfed Zeva's wrist.
" Let her go or lose it" was growled ominously.

Zeva winced as her wrist bones ground together. Gods, what a grip. She met the
eyes of the dark woman towering behind Tera. She flinched inwardly at the deadly stare she was receiving.

" Let her go" was growled again and the pain increased. With a cry she let go of the other woman's hand. Zeva grabbed her arm to try to relieve some of the pain. Her bond mate took her hand and gently looked it over during which she shot angry looks at the dark woman.

" Look, I don't know you, so maybe you need to go now" was all she said

Tera pulled her right sleeve of her tunic up exposing a small tattoo. It was of a bird's claw grasping a hawk feather. " You might know me now"

A gasp escaped the woman and she pulled her right sleeve up revealing a tattoo that matched. She started to reach over and grasp Tera's chin but a look over her head stopped that move. She decided to move the meeting to someplace a little less public. She beckoned the others to follow and lead them through the back door that opened onto a corridor. The smells indicated the kitchen was off to the right side. Farther down the hall branched off and three doors stood closed.
Opening the first one they entered a small office. When everyone was in Zeva closed the door and leaned back on it. A happy smile spread on her face.

" Tera, we've missed you"

Tera moved forward and embraced Zeva. " I've missed both of you too"
" Sorry about your hand, is it o.k. Panter can be very protective sometimes"

Zeva flexed her hand. Already the pain was receding. " It's fine, I can't complain about someone who has your best interests in mind." " I would have done the same" She inclined her head as she met Panter's gaze. Panter returned the salute.

The other woman hugged Tera too placing a kiss on her cheek. Tera gave returned it. " Saleris it's great to see you, have you kept Zeva out of anymore trouble?"

Saleris grinned "As if anyone can, so whose your friends?"

Tera introduced everyone, filling her friends in on what had happened so far. Well almost everything. She certainly didn't say anything about Panter's other self. That might be a little much right now, besides that was Panter's secret to tell not hers.

Zeva stretched " Well, how about you all check out your rooms and then meet us in the kitchen. We have to get stuff ready for Festival."

" Sounds good, see you in a bit" Tera led the others back out to the front and up the stairs to their rooms. It was decided before she opened her mouth that she and Panter could take one and the others would share.

" You don't have to do that"

" No problem, Zeva going to send up an extra sleeping mat so no one will be sleeping on the floor. Besides you two need some privacy together." Alesia winked at Tera when she finished. Helia and Eurayle held in a laugh at the look on Tera's face.

Tera flushed pink. Being teased was new to her, but she didn't mind. Having friends who could feel safe doing that was nice. When she had lived here, as Tera Regent Heir of Hawk's Peak no one had felt safe doing that. It was nice to be just a normal person sometimes.

Panter opened their door and gestured for Tera to precede her inside. The room was small just as Saleris had said. Any other time Tera had stayed here she had stayed down in a room close to her friends. She had rarely been a paying guest.
Tera set her saddlebag on the bed that dominated the room. Clean bedclothes covered it, they were a little worn but serviceable. A small table holding a washbasin and jug resided to the left of the door in a corner. A window to the right of the bed opened onto the street allowing the early morning light in. Panter stashed their weapons in the corner. The knives they wore would be enough.

Tera sat on the bed looking around " Well, it is small I can say that"

Panter smirked " Feeling a little unsure Tera, I can sleep on the floor if you want?"

" No that's not what I meant at all, just that there won't be much room. After all we can't say you are of diminutive stature can we?" Tera held back a smile at Panter's expression at her comment.

" Are you complaining that I'm too tall?" Panter pounced on Tera causing them to roll around in the bed as she tried to tickle her. Shrieks of laughter alerted her that she had succeeded in her task.

" Stop, I can't take it anymore" Tera managed to gasp out in-between laughing fits.

Seeing her red faced Panter backed off allowing her to catch her breath. She loved it that they could play this way together. It was a way of being able to get closer to Tera. She still couldn't believe that they were a couple. She knew Tera hadn't taken her nature into consideration. They needed to have a talk about it very soon, before it went on to the next stage. If they continued and then Tera decided it wasn't what she wanted, it could mean problems of the worst sort for Panter.

Tera shoved Panter " Come on we better get back downstairs"

Panter sighed to herself disappointed that their play had to end so soon. Tera got up extending a hand and making a big show of trying to pull her up off the bed. Rising, Panter shook her head in amusement as she followed her out the door.

Entering the kitchen Tera saw that the others had beaten them down and been put to work. Helia and Eurayle were sitting over a large pot peeling roots and potatoes. Alesia was at the table cutting up vegetables. Definitely not something they expected when volunteering to help Tera, but they were taking it in good humor.

" About time you got down here" Zeva stated grinning at the flush of pink that covered Tera's face at the needle. She snorted in laughter when Tera stuck out her tongue and plopped down on the bench at the table. Panter joined her, a bit more gracefully.

" Tera, child it's been far to long"

Tera turned to see an older woman moving toward her. Kindly gray eyes sparkled in a soft round face. A blue wrap enclosed her slightly plump body. She was a woman that children loved to cuddle up too. She had known her for many seasons.

" Alma" Tera jumped up and rushed to hug her. She was enclosed in a cinnamon scented embrace. She still smelled as she always had. Like she had just finished baking. " I've missed you"

Alma released her, pulling back to have a closer look at her. " You look so different. Then again it's not like you can walk in how you normally look anyway, can you"

Tera smiled " No, it's not"

Alma patted her on the back " I've met your other friends. So who's this beautiful woman your keeping company with?"

" This is Panter of the Vestran." Tera introduced proudly.

Panter inclined her head to Alma respectfully " I am glad to meet you"

Alma clapped her hands in delight " So respectful, you have a good one here child"

" I like to think so"

" Well I must get back to the morning bread. It won't finish itself for noon meal"
Alma hugged Tera once more then moved off to complete her duties. Half way across she stopped " Oh remember you promised to go riding with Zeva and Saleris's little one when you were back" After receiving Tera's agreement she continued on.

Saleris chuckled " Wait till Falise hears that. After all fifteen seasons' is no longer a child as she says."

They all roared in laughter.

Tera turned her attention back to Zeva. " Fill me in on what's been happening around here. What's with the new taxes?"

Zeva smiled died away " You mean what has your worthless, no good, slimy, greedy little bastard of a cousin done now?"

Tera's flinched at the venom in her friends' voice. She closed her eyes and sighed shaking her head. " What has Doran done?"

Zeva ticked off each point forcefully on her fingers. "Offered a reward so every no good scum around would be hunting you. Has a troop of mercenary's that are at his beck and call, if they want it they take it. Paying for it never crosses their mind"

She paused for a breath and continued.

" Raised taxes on imported items. Most merchants detour around us now so it's harder to get supplies in; when we do they cost more. Anything that can be squeezed to make more money is regardless of how it harms other people."

As Zeva drew another breath to continue Saleris stepped in.

" It's been bad enough that there have been rumors of rebellion. The people want you back. He took what was yours. You have always been known as a fair minded person and the people love you"

" Rumors or fact" Everyone turned to Panter. Her comment wasn't expected.

Zeva had the grace to look a little guilty. She fidgeted rubbing the side of her nose. Tera remembered she did that when she didn't want to admit something.

" Zeva, spill it" Tera said firmly. Her tone indicated that she had best speak up.

" It's not necessarily a rumor" She snuck a glance at Tera.
" A Revolt has been planned for quite a while. Not long after you left really."

Tera rubbed her face briskly " You know I don't want that. I want to regain regency myself; I don't want people to get hurt if I fail"

" People think the risk is worth it"

" I don't, when is this supposed to happen?"

Zeva started to speak but was interrupted. " At the end of Festival"

Zeva stared at Panter in shock " How did you know that?"

Panter shrugged " When's the best and easiest time to gather that many people in one place without it being suspicious…. Festival" She fixed a look on Zeva then turned to Tera " Your friend there" she pointed behind her with her thumb " Is one of the leaders"

Tera jerked around. Zeva's jaw had dropped and she was speechless. That's all the confirmation Tera needed.

Continued...