Fall

Piper

Micah and Finch were silent on the trek to the edge of Trene. Finch because of their earlier argument, and Micah because of…

Because of what? Loy’s death, still? Piper wondered.

Perhaps, Reine said. She was also subdued, with her ears pricked forward and her tail moving slowly from side to side.

The trees whispered around them, clutching their leaves fiercely as they fought the autumn wind. The faint taste of smoke was in the air, most likely from the forest community behind them.

Piper decided to break the uncomfortable quiet. “When will we be there?”

“We should be at the border in a few minutes.” Micah shaded his eyes. “Biscay isn’t too far from us.”

In Piper’s exodus, the band had traveled halfway through the Western forest before being reeled to the heart of it by Loy. Going in a straight line to Biscay would be significantly faster.

I think it’s time for my second breakfast, Reine mused. Prey is practically calling my name.

How long will it take you? We’re almost out of the forest, Piper said.

Hmm… Reine swiped her tongue over her muzzle. Not long at all.

Piper gave her fera permission to go, and watched her slip away as a shadow of speed and stealth.

Finch mumbled something beside her.

“What?” Piper asked.

“She’s a beautiful fera,” Finch said.

“Oh. Thanks.” Piper was unsure how to respond to his compliment. Was it a peace offering?

Make him beg for your forgiveness. Reine was hot on the trail of her quarry. Make him pay for his insolence.

I will not make him pay, Piper argued.

You cannot let him get away with your previous quarrel.

But neither will I hang onto it, Piper thought of a comparison the leopard would appreciate, like rotted meat.

Reine flattened her ears, appalled at the thought.

In the distance, the tree line could be seen. Micah cleared his throat. “We’re almost there.”

Reine… Piper warned.

I’m coming! The fera had caught up to her prey, a small rabbit, and jumped upon it with a growl. It scuttled a hairsbreadth from her claws, and disappeared into the surrounding brush.

Reine was reproachful as she returned to Piper. I could have made that kill if you hadn’t forced my paw.

You lost that catch out of your own lack of practice. Elbe has made you soft, Piper teased. There are no ice boxes full of choice steak here, and Thea will not make your meals.

I know that, Reine snapped. But there was no venom behind her words.

Micah, Finch, and Piper gathered by the edge of the woods. The gate to the walled town of Biscay was just a patch of grassland away. Such a thin barrier between rugged wilderness and cultured civilization.

With fera, that barrier is impossible, Reine thought. We are all wild inside.

A thin smile grew on Piper’s lips. I don’t think that’s such a bad thing.

Finch tilted his head to the side, towards Biscay. “Are you ready?”

Piper tapped her foot, then hugged Micah. “Thanks for saving us from Nell.”

Micah gingerly clapped her on the back. “Yeah. I didn’t want her to kill you before you had a chance to defend yourselves.”

Piper stepped back, and nodded. “You did the right thing.”

But we may be biased, Reine added with a purr.

“I know. It’s what Loy would have wanted.” Micah forced a grin. “Right?”

Piper nodded again. “Take care of Floyd.”

“Let’s see if Eliza lets me.” This time true mirth was on Micah’s face. “Goodbye, Piper and Reine Amur.”

“And me,” Finch said.

“You too, Finch.” Micah picked up Monty from the ground, and watched them exit the forest. By the time Piper looked back at the gates of Biscay, he was gone.

Kane

No. No, no, no, no! Kane was back on the front porch in an instant.

His mother grabbed his shoulder. “You’re not going out there again.”

“I have to tell someone. How long—when did this happen?” Flint had to assist Kane in his rising panic.

“I found the coin on the table a half-hour ago.” Thea rubbed her forehead. “I had been in my room, reading, when Sadie heard something in the kitchen.”

“Where was Kit?” Kane asked.

“She went on a quick walk, looking for you. You never sent a message to the house.”

Kane paced the porch. What would my father do?

We need to tell the guards, Flint said.

I can’t leave the house. Kane stopped pacing.

Then I will go.

You can’t tell them, Kane said.

Flint sighed, and nosed the satchel on his back. You can send a letter.

When Kane relayed his plan, Thea rushed inside the house and returned with a hurriedly-scribbled note. The paper was folded and put into Flint’s satchel.

Kane stared into the night. What if they’re watching us now?

Then these intruders will feel the tips of my antlers. Flint bowed his head, and walked out onto the lawn. He continued this offensive for what seemed to be an eternity. Kane closed his eyes to see through his fera.

Finally, the murky silhouette of a guard could be made out. He was leaning against a pony fera. Homer.

Flint startled the guard. “Prince?”

Homer was guided to the satchel on Flint’s back. He cautiously reached inside, and took out the note. He held it close, then far from his face. Homer pocketed the note abruptly. “You would like me to tell the king now?”

Flint bobbed his head dramatically. How I wish my words could reach human ears.

My wish is the same, Kane said. If only we knew what other fera thought… So many barriers would be broken.

Flint made his way back to them, a great deal more confident. Then your mother would stop eating venison?

Don’t say that, Kane laughed. We all stopped as soon as you came into the family.

Mhm… Except for the travelers. What do you think the dried meat is made of?

You have a sick sense of humor, Kane said.

Reaching the front porch, Flint gave a little shake of his pelt to fight the autumn chill. I blame you.

Thea’s worried face returned Kane to reality. “Are they on their way?”

Kane’s restless fear settled into his bones. How can I joke at a time like this? “Yes. King Asher will know soon.”

Sadie pressed again Thea, and she bent down to pet the golden retriever. “I wish Atlas were here.”

Kane paused. “I do too.”