Chapter 8

Darkness enveloped the figure that moved untiring among the twisting streets. Eyes glinted with the thrill of the hunt. With most of the city anticipating Festival starting the next day, many had already retired to their homes or lodgings. Freedom from watching eyes allowed talents to be used, abet carefully. Chasing down Akil's path was proving to be more difficult then expected. Overlaying scents had obliterated the trail more then once. Time was wasted as she backtracked and found it again. Finally the scents thinned out to a handful, so it was no trouble to pick up speed. It ended up leading to a row of buildings that were situated just inside the inner protective wall surrounding the personal quarters of the regent. Stilling herself she listened carefully. Faint voices alerted her to guards standing nearby. Moving away from the voices she halted when she could no longer hear them. With her hearing that meant she was far enough away not to draw attention. The walls away from the main gate were unfinished creating a surface that was easily scaled. Once over Panter made her way to the nearest structure. Moonlight glinting off something on the ground caused her to freeze in mid step. Panic surged in Panter's veins till she found that it was an object not a person. A small grouping of trees nearby gave her a handy place to look over the area.

What she saw gave her pause. Someone had enveloped the building with some type of traps. It looked like they wanted to know when they had company. That wasn't enough to deter her. Determined Panter climbed higher into the tree, the amount of space between it and the roof was large. A normal person had no hope of spanning that distance. Luckily for her she was not a normal person. Half-shifting she crouched then leapt. For a brief moment Panter hung suspended above the earth then the roof rushed up to meet her. She landed with a faint thud. Moving to the edge of the roof Panter dug in her claws, she lowered herself to the open window below. Murmurs of conversation wafted out. Peering in, she glimpsed Akil standing among a small group of guards gesturing as he spoke. Listening, she gathered that these were part of Tera's personal guard. Satisfied, but on full alert in case things didn't go as planned Panter moved back to the rooftop. Shifting back she crept to the other end.


Akil listened as his fellows spoke among themselves. They were excited about Tera's return. The past two years had been difficult. As former personal guards they had been under suspicion by the new Regent. He was unable to disband the Hawk's wing for he was sure that they would immediately join Tera. He decided to let them remain but assigned them to be used as common guards, splitting them up to make it easier to keep an eye on them. The only time they were all together was upon returning to their barracks; even then they were kept under watch. Luckily for them after two years of nothing to see the guards had gotten lax, giving them windows of opportunity to leave and not get spotted. That was how he had gotten to the meeting earlier.

" Akil, you mentioned that Tera had someone with her?"

Akil turned his attention to the speaker. Narna had been with the wing for almost as long as he had. They had both joined the guards at an early age, her about fifteen summers, him about seventeen. About three years into service they had caught the young Tera's eye and had been drafted into her Personal guard. That had been twelve summers ago.

" Yes, I had never seen her before"

"Are you sure you just don't remember her?"

Akil gave Narna a sarcastic look. " Believe me, I would have to be blind not too"

"Why do you say that?"

The rest of the group listened intently. For Akil not to know was unheard of. It seemed that he knew everything that was going on. Also who was doing it.

" She was 6 feet tall or more, golden eyes and skin the color of ebony. I think I would remember someone like that"

Narna's jaw dropped. She had never in her life seen anyone with that description. Most people around this area were dark from sun exposure at the most. There were some that were almost as dark but not many. But at Festival there would be more then usual so it wouldn't be too blatant.

" I believe you would to"

A voice coming out from the darkness made them all jump. No noises had warned them of anyone's approach. They had set up ways of being alerted to intruders. Even the outrage of other guards blundering into them was no deterrent enough to stop them from using them. A shape dropped down from the roof overhang. It straightened from it's crouch and moved toward them coming into the light. Gasps arose as they realized what Akil said had been true.

Akil snapped out of it quicker then the others. After all he had already seen her.

"Why didn't we hear you?"

Panter gave them a cocky smile. " You mean all your little traps." She pointed up at the ceiling. " You don't set them off when you travel above the ground"

"But the nearest tree is more then twelve feet away from this building"

Panter shrugged in an offhand manner " Not so great a distance. Anyway, I didn't come here to talk about that"

"Then what are you here for?"

"I wanted to see the Hawk's wing for myself. If Tera's life also depends
on you I wanted to make sure that you all could handle it."

Anger and outrage poured through Akil in response to the statement. "Who are you to question our worth?" he queried through gritted teeth. He had to restrain himself from accompanying it with action.

Panter paused she hadn't meant to cause such a reaction. " I apologize that was worded incorrectly, I wanted to be sure that you were ready for what was to come. I mean no disrespect to The Hawk's Wing"

"We have always been ready at the first sign from Regent Tera that she was returning. Who are you to judge?" Akil was still angry but listening.

"She's my beloved" Panter admitted a smile gracing her features.

Shock settled over the group. For Tera to join with someone in her position meant a life long commitment. Unlike many of her family, she did not barter lives as monetary goods or use them as political ploys. So joining with someone signified a deep love. Akil wondered if this woman knew of that.

Akil calmed fully down. " Then I understand, you may reassure Tera that we stand at the ready"

Panter stretched out an arm. Akil swiftly followed suit. Clasping forearms they accepted each other's commitment to Tera's safety. Swiftly, Panter moved out the doorway. She abruptly halted; she had almost forgotten something, turning back to Akil she reached into her hip pouch. Withdrawing a small roll of Parchment she tossed it to him. Akil hastily caught it before it hit the floor.

" Tera wanted me to give that to you" Panter said hurriedly she needed to get back to the inn before anyone noticed she had left.

Akil nodded and watched her leave. Leaping upward, they heard her land with a faint thud and then nothing. Opening the note Akil read then turned to the others.

"Tera wants to speak to me again tomorrow at eve meal. Narna, you will accompany me, she's asked for you also"

Narna smiled. " Alright. I'll be ready"

Voices rose in excitement as they discussed what had just occurred.
They talked till late then finally turned in for what sleep they could manage.


A shadow moved across the roofline. Faint scratching could be heard as a form leaned over the peak and lightly dropped to the lower roof. Moving noiselessly to a shuttered window it reached up, opening the shutter outward it froze as it squeaked. Waiting it listened for movement from within, hearing nothing it resumed. The form then pulled itself up and flowed over the windowsill, carefully closing the shutters behind it.

" Are you finished sneaking around?" A flint sparked, lighting a wick. Soft light enveloped the room highlighting a bemused Panter.

" I didn't want to disturb you"

" So sneaking in someone's window won't disturb them?"

" All right, I didn't want anyone else to know I was out"

Tera smirked " That's what I thought" She pulled back the covers " Now it's late come to bed"

Panter started pulling off clothing " You don't want to talk about what happened?"

"Did you give Akil my note?"

"Yes"

" Then later, now come, get in bed."

Panter slid in next to Tera sighing as warm skin melded into hers.

" Now sleep" Soft lips touched hers briefly then with a faint breath the light was extinguished and a soft body cuddled into hers. Panter purred in pleasure as warmth enfolded them. They drifted into sleep.


The clatter of dishes filled the kitchen as the workers prepared for the noon meal to be served in a few hours. Raven's Claw only served morning meals to lodgers not the general public. It cut down on the amount of work needed giving them the time to prepare for the busy day. The day had dawned crisp and clear but already was warming up. A perfect start to Festival. In a short time the streets would be filled with travelers and entertainers of all kinds.

Tera made her way through the busy kitchen. Voices from outside drew her into the courtyard. She found Solaris, her daughter Falises and the others watching Panter and Zeva with her first sparring match. She joined them. Rena with her group lounged in a far corner. They whispered, laughing among themselves as they shot glances toward the activity. Tera beckoned Helia over as a sudden idea bloomed. She whispered in her ear. Helia nodded then left. Panter and Zeva spoke for a brief moment then squared off.

The staffs they both held were made of ash, just over eight feet long. They stood about four feet apart, staffs in their right hands, held between the forefinger and thumb, elbow slightly bent with the point to the ground and in line with the toe of their right foot. They bent their left knee till they were centered over their instep. The right knee bent and pressed well back, the body ending up perpendicular. They brought their staffs across their bodies seizing them with their left hands. The back of their hands to the front as high as their left shoulders. The back of the hand upward. Panter nodded in satisfaction when Zeva showed that she knew the engage stance. You certainly didn't use it in battle but it was important to know the correct positions of staff fighting. Stepping out and raising her lower hand as high as her chin Panter suddenly struck with the upper end of her staff to the right side of Zeva's head. She heard the gasps the flurry of movement caused from the watching group. Zeva moved her upper hand quickly to the right bringing her staff up and just clear of her shoulder to receive the blow on the upper part of her staff.

"Good, that's it, don't try to think too much, it gets in the way. React to it. Remember, your body still knows what it learned. You just haven't used it for a while." Panter encouraged.

Panter struck at Zeva legs. With a clack her stroke was deflected sending it off at an angle. Zeva returned it in kind, pressing in hard and increasing speed. Her stroke headed for Panter's legs. Panter took the easy way out by leaping up causing the staff to pass beneath her feet. Most people didn't do that; it was tricky to do and the timing was critical. One misstep and a solid blow could cause some serious damage. Panter grinned at the look on Zeva's face as she landed out of harms way. Bouncing on the balls of her feet with excess energy she twirled the staff in her left hand.

" Hey, that's not fair. Most people don't do stuff like that" Zeva protested.

" Always expect the unexpected. That way your never surprised" Panter retorted.

They continued the lesson, halting every so often for Panter to correct some small mistake that had been made. Soon Zeva was able to keep up a steady exchange of blows. Now that things were coming back to her she was gaining in confidence. The few near tags on Panter got her cocky. As a series of moves caused Panter to briefly turn her back, Zeva took the advantage presented to her. The whistle of the moving staff alerted Panter to the danger. Dropping flat with her weight resting on her palms and toes she allowed the staff to pass harmlessly overhead. Pushing off the ground Panter flipped back onto her feet, reaching out she caught the staff on the back swing yanking it out of Zeva's grasp. The sudden anger of her face made Zeva tense. Panter forced herself to calm down. It wasn't Zeva's fault that she had followed what she had said. To the letter, ironically.

" While in combat that would be a good move, please try to remember that I'm on your side" Panter smiled to remove the sting of the words.

" I'm sorry, I got carried away"

" Luckily we have time to work on that, I think now would be a good time to stop, don't you?"

Zeva took back the staff Panter offered her. " Yes, I think your right"
She hurried to join her mate on the sidelines. She took a seat beside her to catch her breath. She hadn't had this much exercise for some time. She had the sense that it wouldn't stay like that for long. She settled back to see what Tera had planned for Panter. She had seen Helia depart after a whispered conference with Tera.

"Anybody else want to spar while I'm warmed up?"

A large snort of laughter rose from the group huddled together in the corner. Tera glanced over an incensed look on her face. The group immediately went silent in response.

" I think you all need to find something more beneficial to do with your time, don't you?" Panter declared.

Tera intervened quickly as Rena red-faced with anger was about to respond. " Why don't you all go out, find something to do. It's a nice day."

Still fuming with anger at the imagined slight, Rena lead her friends back into the inn. She smiled as she pondered on ways to get back at Panter. Things would soon be getting more interesting.

Tera rose joining Panter in the middle of the courtyard. She took the staff out of Panter's hand twirling it a few times to get the balance. She studied Panter with a glimmer in her eye.

Panter moved back a little to give her more room. " Do you want to spar with me too?" In the time that they had known each other she hadn't been able to see Tera fight. The last time they were in a fight together Panter had been in a midst of a large group and Tera had been on the outer fringe.

" With a staff no, that's not my weapon of choice" Tera waved Helia over; exchanging the staff for the scabbards she offered the largest to Panter. "This is" She unsheathed the weapon. The long sword that emerged was finely honed. The etchings on the blade teased the eye, the longer you looked the clearer it became. A hawk frozen in mid dive graced its face. It was a beautiful weapon.

Panter drew her own weapon, its own beauty a thing to behold. She spun the sword one handed to loosen up and regain the feel of its balance.
Resting the blade on one shoulder she look over at Tera " Are you sure amare?"

" Quite sure love, I know you will take care. But I want a challenge, you got me" Tera pointed at Panter, knowing by the look on her face she had been caught thinking of going easy on her.

" I got you"

They circled slowly, each waiting for the other to make the first move. Getting tired of waiting, Tera went on the attack. She lunged forward bringing her blade down aiming for Panter's mid section. With a twist of her wrist Panter hit Tera's sword to the side, reversing her swing she struck at Tera's right arm. Blocking it, Tera back stepped then assumed a waiting stance watching for Panters next move. Panters decided to tempt Tera by just watching her and not making an offensive move. She circled Tera causing her to follow to keep her in line of sight. After a moment Tera stepped forward, Panter copied her. As Tera swung Panter struck at her wrists careful to pull it at the last moment tapping her lightly. Time passed as they sparred.

Blades clashed; each moment Tera was sure she had Panter she evaded her, leaving a tap from her sword as a memento. Arm, leg then side all felt the mark. Panter smiled, Tera was really good, most people would have gotten hit more then she had. Tera pushed herself, speeding her movements up. She caught the look of surprise on Panter's face. Tera managed to get past her defenses scoring a fair number of hits in retaliation. Slowing as her energy waned her blade was deflected more and more easily. Panter saw the disgruntled look that passed over Tera's face. She stopped the practice.

" What's wrong?"

" It's the moves you use, I have never seen most of them before, so it's difficult to defend against, even offensive moves are a problem."

" I know but it gives me an edge that most likely will help us. There is not enough time to teach you "

Tera sighed in regret. Panter was right. " But you will teach me?"

Walking over Panter encircled Tera's shoulders with her arm. " Yes, you are very good, most people wouldn't have lasted as long as you did" Panter squeezed her in a brief hug. " Or have tagged me either."

Tera flushed, she didn't want to admit how much Panter's opinion mattered. " Thanks" She needed to change the subject. " I'm hungry, would you join me for a small snack?"

Panter took the change of subject without comment. " Sure, I could use a bit of something" She picked up the sheaths handing Tera hers. She sheathed her sword. " Let's go get something to eat"


Panter passed off the drink she had prepared. The hum of conversation flowed around the room. It was still full from the eve meal. Business remained brisk; the word of mouth about the Raven's Claw was still being passed on to newcomers. Any fights about to be brought to life quickly stalled when it gained her attention. The ones causing it found themselves out in the streets in mere moments. As more people came in, Panter found that a good number of them had injuries of some kind. On the verge of asking one of them how they had been injured she was interrupted when Tera joined her.

" Hey, how are you doing out here?"

" It's been pretty calm, how did the meeting go?" Panter had been disappointed that she wouldn't be able to be with Tera as she met with Rena and the other warriors from the village to relay the plans they had decided on.

" Fine I think, they're getting a little antsy so I gave them permission to enjoy the festival but to keep their eyes and ears open" Tera looked around the room spotting the multiple injured in little time. " What's with all the bandages?"

" I'm not sure, I was about to ask one of them what happened when you showed up"

Tera laughed " You better let me, you might intimidate them to much"

Panter shook her head as she watch Tera saunter over to a group of people gathered around the latest injuries that had just walked through the door. They glanced up at her greeting with welcoming smiles. She was pulled into the conversation, emerging after long moments immersed in discussion. Panter watched her laugh as she bid them good day, returning to the bar. A sober expression settled over Tera's face when her back was turned to the group. Rejoining Panter she pondered what she had just been told. Tera knew if she told Panter what she had learned that she would want to do something about it. But honesty was the most important thing a couple could have. Drawing a deep breath Tera readied herself.

" So what did they say?" Panter asked fighting impatience at the long moment of quiet that had enveloped Tera. It must be serious for her to not want to tell her. Panter braced herself for the news.

" It seems that a fighting arena has been set up. A pair of gauntlets are being offered as the prize plus fifty drogons of gold. They told me that the man they have to beat is huge, almost as tall as you, thickly muscled. Basically a walking mountain. In the three years they've been coming to festival no one has beaten him."

Panter frowned. It looked like too many people had been hurt to just be an innocent contest, something was wrong. " Why are so many hurt?"

" This is the part that so bad; it seems he likes to hurt anyone who dares to fight him"

" What weapons are used?'

" None, it's hand to hand, to make it more fair they say. A lot of people don't know how to use them"

Tera could see Panter making the decision as she watched. " You want to fight him, don't you?"

Panter was almost surprised Tera picked up on that. But then she had always been able to read her. " I want to stop him yes"

Tera hesitated then just admitted it "Panter, I would rather you didn't get involved"

Panter's brow knit. " Why not, he needs to be stopped. He's hurting people."

" True, but they were willing participants. They knew that it was a risk, but did it anyway"

Scowling Panter had to concede to Tera's point " Your right, but if he had hurt you or our friends like that, I wouldn't hesitate to stop him"

Hugging her close Tera didn't respond. She was conscious of Panter's protective streak. Not that it was in anyway bad, just highly sensitive.


Akil made his way over to a just freed up table. Settling in his chair he signaled for food and drink for two as Narna claimed the chair across from him. They chose not to speak as they waited for their meals. Akil noticed Narna's eyes widen at something just past him. He had a feeling he knew what she had seen.

" What's wrong Narna?"

" Our late night visitor just came in from the back with a dark haired woman."

Akil turned to look. " I see" he watched as Panter stopped at the bar to talk to a man that seemed to be stationed there as he scanned the room for trouble. Tera saw him, smiled, and then headed his way. He turned back to face Narna. This was going to be good.

" May I join you?"

Narna glanced up, not recognizing the form over her she replied rudely.
" Go away, we're expecting important company" she looked the woman up and down " Your not it".

Akil stifled a smile at Tera's raised eyebrow. That was something new.
Remembering Panter's habit of doing that made it difficult for him not to laugh aloud.

Narna watched askance as the woman settled in to one of the free chairs. She shot Akil a questioning look. He just shrugged back seemingly unconcerned. As she studied the woman comfortably reclined in the chair something nagged at her. She had seen this woman before but where wouldn't come to her.

" Akil, it's nice to see you again"

Akil beamed back. Happy to have his friend back " It's been too long"

Narna was confused. Akil certainly seemed to know her. The chair being pulled back next to her snagged her attention. The dark woman… Panter was it… was joining them. She slid a drink to the other woman then settled into the chair.

Akil decided to take pity on Narna. " Is it safe to talk here?"

" Yes, Panter has arranged privacy to be guaranteed"

A grunt accompanied the ironic look Panter shot the dark haired woman.
Now Narna was really confused. What was going on?

" Good" Akil turned to Narna. " Narna, under all this dye and short hair and with a very nice tan if I may say, is Tera."

Narna's jaw dropped. "Tera?" she squeaked. She cleared her throat. Looking closer she saw it really was her. " I'm sorry for the attitude, I was getting a little anxious"

" That wasn't the way to deal with it"

" I know, your right, it won't happen again"

Nothing was said as the food was delivered. Panter had also arranged for food for herself and Tera. Conversation was suspended as they all ate. After the dishes were cleared they all got down to business. Reaching into her pouch Tera withdrew a roll of parchment. Unrolling it revealed a set of detailed drawings of Hawk's Peak and surrounding areas. Red marks dotted the surface. One of the marks was situated over the area where the festival was being held. Well, where the booths were anyway.

"The marks represent areas we want to draw attention from the men working for my cousin. We need to thin them out as much as possible"

Akil looked over the drawing noting the placement of the marked areas. It was very well thought out. They were scattered all throughout the city. The men would be unable to keep clear communication with one another. It would be an easy task to crush any resistance.

" So it would be a total of five different areas they would need to respond to, correct?"
"Yes, that's right"

Tera pointed at the area describing what she, with Panter's help had planned. " In a staggered sequence our people placed in these positions will start trouble. At first it will only be two, the others concealing themselves about the area. When Doran's people respond, they will sweep in from all sides and take care of them. Simple but effective." She looked up catching their gaze. " Our people will be trying to disable them. I will be having them carrying restraints to use. I want them taken care of but not killed unless there is no other choice" The look on her face made it crystal clear that she meant ever word she had just uttered.

Akil nodded, grasping her point but still pleased by the plan. " The Hawk's wing would like to assist you in this"

Tera was concerned. " How would we tell you apart from the others. I know you all but the others don't. I'm afraid that one of you might get hurt".

Akil tried to keep a serious expression on his face " I don't think that will be a problem"

Everyone looked at him, except Narna who knew what he was about to say. She looked on watching to see what Tera's reaction would be. She had no idea that it had been done.

Tera studied Akil, noting the smile playing across his features.
" What are you talking about Akil?"

Akil pushed up his sleeve baring his upper left arm. Tera gasped then slowly reached out, tracing the tattoo that was revealed with a finger. It was a hawk frozen in mid-flight its wings wrapping around his bicep.

"When?" her voice broke as tears hovered in her eyes, on the brink of falling.

" We decided to after you were forced to leave, it was a show of solidarity among the accipiter ala. A way of saying no matter who we were forced to serve we are first and always yours."

Tera showed her gratitude to her friends by enclosing them in a brief embrace. " I have no words to adequately say what I feel right now"

Silence hovered for a minute as Tera gathered herself together.
Turning to face the others she caught the warm look Panter directed toward her. She returned it then regarded the others.

"While that helps on one hand, what about the others that aren't in my guard, how do we tell them apart from the rest?"

The others stayed silent each trying to think of a way to solve their problem. Panter waited for a minute to see if anyone would come up with anything. When nothing was forthcoming she spoke up.

" Why don't you do a version of the same thing?"

A puzzled look turned into one of understanding. Akil was quick to speak up." A lot of people would never want to have a tattoo it's too permanent"

" True, but it could always be temporary"

Akil was bemused. " How?"

" Use henna, it doesn't last long but is very visible to others"

Akil smiled " Great idea, we could use a impression of a hawks head to show allegiance to Regent Tera" Everyone laughed at Tera's expression of resignation knowing that to protest it wouldn't go anywhere.

Falises panting up to the table intruded into the discussion. " Tera, Panter, you need to go back to the office something's happened." She exclaimed.

Rising to her feet as Falises pulled at her arm, Tera's concern grew. Falises would never act like this unless something really was wrong. " All right, I'm coming!" She followed the young girl into the back, Panter close behind. The others were following at their heels.

Shoving the door open Tera halted abruptly upon seeing the bloody forms sprawled on the couch. Rena glanced up at the sound of the opening door. Blood trailed down her face bisecting the bruise forming on her right cheek. Cuts dotted her arms; she cradled her left one close to her body, any slight movement causing her to softly whimper in pain.

Blood appeared as generously on the other two women. Zeva was in the process of strapping a wrist on one as Solaris cleaned a long cut on the arm of the second.

" What happened to all of you?" Tera moved over to let Panter in.

" We all decided to try to win those gauntlets at the Festival. Rena was the first to go." The dark haired one stated.

" You tried to win the gauntlets?" Tera echoed in disbelief.

" Yeah, Rena was doing real good till he tripped her. He put his foot against her shoulder then twisted her arm. She managed to signal her forfeit of the match but he was going to keep after her." She lifted her chin proudly " So we jumped in to help, it took a bit but we got her out of there. We came straight back here"

Tera glanced over at Panter. No expression appeared on her set face.

After taking in all the activity Panter moved to kneel next to Rena. Stretching out a hand to her she halted as Rena tried to shift away freezing as pain flared. Eyes met, a silent battle surging between them. After a small moment Rena glanced to the side allowing Panter to examine her shoulder.

" It's dislocated" Gentle fingers prodded searching out the angle it had been forced out of joint. " I can fix it but it will hurt like Hades when I do"

" Do it" Rena stated bracing herself against the pain.

Before Rena had a chance to change her mind Panter slid her left arm behind her shoulder, grasping her other arm she jerked it, slightly twisting it at the same time. A cry of pain accompanied the loud pop of the joint sliding back in place. Panter caught Rena as she passed out. She laid her gingerly back down on the couch, rising to her feet Panter fixed a look on the watching Tera " I think that lines been crossed"

Panter stalked out the door, Tera close behind knowing that there was no way to stop her.

Continued...