"The Tiger and the Hare" -- Act I

This batch of The Children of Gods stories has, thus far, been the most challenging to organize. This week I meant to start posting the epic "Tournament at the Peony". Then I realized a lot of other things need happen before that tale be told. As a result, you'll not be reading "Tournament" yet, but instead you'll be reading "The Tiger and the Hare" over the next few weeks.

Apologies for any confusion.

Enjoy "The Tiger and the Hare"!

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"The Tiger and the Hare" copyright 2009 by Charles Shaver. All rights reserved.

ACT I

CHAMPIONS OF DEATH: Wherein Katakasee Becomes Elkhorn the Vile; Ketsueki Sato Enters a Home; Elkhorn is Recruited by the Eternal Empress; An Old Winged Fiend Returns; Ketsueki Sato and Elkhorn Meet

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PART 1

In cliffs bordering the oceans, high above the waves with the songbirds and seabirds that made there nests there, lived the people of Pazi. They were an industrious people if not a struggling people. They had not yet learned agriculture, least of ways not in the sense of planting vast fields. They instead grew ridges and rows of lichen along the cliffs overlooking the sea outside the caves they carved of stone and molded of clay for themselves as homes. Once they had been nomads, outcast from tribes and sent without their yurts to fend for themselves. The purpose of their outcast had been lost with the passing of elders, but many whispered of murder and cannibalism. The younger generations, however, could not believe such rumors.

They harvested seaweed, traded stones unique to their cliffs with traveling merchants or made jewelry with the stones to be traded for food and goods. They were a thin people, though not starving. They were a decent people, though without clean hands. They were a peaceful people, though suspicious of every outsider, even those they knew well and called friends.

Came to these people a child named Yaxtzel, a beautiful girl born into their midst from true love. She grew into a beautiful woman, a peaceful woman. So great was her beauty that some spoke of her beauty as to rival that of the Eternal Empress, though many disagreed. And like the Eternal Empress, though beautiful, her heart grew empty with ugliness.

After she had lived and graced the cliffs for sixteen years, Yaxtzel met and fell in love with a traveling merchant named Abaddon. He was young, though older than she and foolish as a man. He drank heavily, caroused greatly with women on his travels, gambled, cursed, spat and fouled everything that he did. He soon became known as Abaddon the Foolish or, more often, Abaddon the Reckless. He took to sneaking about the cliffs at night when all the Pazi people were asleep so that he may visit with Yaxtzel. There were together many nights like this and, without their knowledge, sowed the seed of life within Yaxtzel's womb.

One such night, after Abaddon had quaffed many drinks and had made love to Yaxtzel, he stumbled out of her cavernous home, slipped upon a bed of bedewed lichen and fell into the sea to crack his skull open against a jagged stone, making him slip from unconsciousness and drown as he floated atop the sea.

Yaxtzel cried out his name, watching her love fall to the sea, unable to help him.

Many of the Pazi tried to help Abaddon, but he was already dead.

They gave him a proper burial with their people.

Yaxtzel cried for many days until she realized Abaddon had given her a gift of child. She was happy once more, but then - realizing her son would never know his father - cried for many days more.

She brought a son into the world. A strong son. His shoulders were so wide he broke her pelvic bone passing through her. He was born with a few scant hairs on his chest and shoulders, his eyebrows already heavy and thick. His hands and feet were, to the surprise of many, of slightly darker tone than his body. He was a powerful boy and, some whispered, an ugly boy despite his mother's beauty. His face was a perpetual grimace.

Yaxtzel lost much blood during birth. She remained alive a few day only, long enough to hold her child once and to give him the name Katakasee.

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PART 2

Katakasee grew into a strong man. As both his parents were dead, he had no family to tend him. All of the Pazi tried to care for him, but so rebellious was he that he was a difficult child. He had been born with his father's hardness and recklessness and little from his mother. He caroused with passing merchant, played pranks on the harvesters of seaweed, tied knots in the ropes of others so it took all day for the ropes to be unraveled. As he grew, his pranks grew more thoroughly wicked. He would often catch the seabirds nesting nearby, breaking their necks and leaving them at outside the caves of people he did not like. He liked the warning jest, liked the power of fear it invoked. He was a cantankerous, mean young man. And at the age of fifteen he left Pazi, hiding beneath the carriage of a traveling merchant.

When he was discovered a day's journey from his home, the merchant thought him a thief and challenged him at the point of a short sword.

"Come out!" cried the merchant.

Katakasee crawled from under the carriage, smiling. "It was all in jest," he explained.

"Is this why my food's disappeared today?" demanded the merchant. "Have you been sneaking off with it?"

Katakasee rubbed the back of his head. He nodded, "Sure, I suppose I've been eating your food."

"Crook!" cried the merchant. "Thief! Well, you'll not have my coffers!"

"I don't want your coffers!"

"We are much too far from any city for there to be law here, so I must be the law," explained the merchant. "And I find you guilty of theft! I must protect my goods from your vile hands! And, besides, who would miss such an arrogant, ugly boy as you? Your body would not be found for days!"

The merchant lunged with his short sword.

Katakasee, though scared, stepped sideways but left his right foot sticking out so as to trip the merchant.

The merchant fell upon his own blade. He rolled over to his back, his eyes wide and staring at Katakasee. "Please!" he begged. "Help me! Run for help!"

Katakasee shook his head. He drew the sword from the fallen merchant's body. The merchant gasped in pain. Katakasse said, "I'll not lend you aid when you've accused me falsely. Oh, with my apologies, you've not accused me falsely. I have taken your food, as you have accused. I, a child, was hungry and I apologize for my hunger. I apologize for living!"

"Please! I need an alchemist!" begged the merchant.

"What you need is the law. But way out here, I am the law," Katakasee circled round the dying merchant as a hawk hovers, circling its earthbound prey. "And I find you guilty of your own ugliness!"

The merchant cried out as Katakasee brought the short sword down upon his neck, separating his head from his body.

Silence fell upon the land all around. A dark, powerful silence. Only the merchant's horse at the fore of the carriage could be heard breathing. But soon a new breath came to his ears. He looked about, spying an elk watching from some distance before bolting in horror.

"Run! Coward!" Katakasee called after the elk. "Run or I will behead you next! I'll snap your neck like that of a seabird!"

Katakasee then considered his handiwork, picking up the merchant's head. He wondered at the fragility of the neck. Once this head had been the lama of a man's body-temple. Now, separate, both were useless.

Katakasee threw the head into a nearby bush. He rested the short sword on his shoulder, spat on the beheaded body lying in the road. He mounted the carriage, took up the reigns and traveled onward.

He became a merchant, and a successful one, over the next few years. But curiosity of the mortality of men infected him. He became ill with obsession until one night, on a drunken rampage, he murdered a whore at an inn. He had beaten her, strangled her. He eyed her lying dead atop a bed. he ran to his carriage to retrieve his sword, intent on her beheading. But their fight had been so loud, so raucous that others raised alarm and he had to saddle his horse quickly before running through the night without his carriage, without his clothes.

Katakasee rode for many days. He stole clothes drying out in the sun, a bow and a quiver full of arrows from a hunter sleeping in the shade. He taught himself to hunt. He starved. He ran. And at last he claimed with the bow a great and might elk. He ate from it for many days, cut from off its head the antlers.

He rode into a town one day and there met with a blacksmith that took interest in his antlers.

"Where did you get those?" asked the blacksmith.

"I hunted the beast myself," explained Katakasee.

"I can make them into a fine helmet of leather or fur or steel."

"Would you? Could you?" Katakasee enjoyed this prospect.

"For a price," explained the blacksmith.

"No price is too great for I am the son of wealthy merchants, traveling as a journeyman," Katakasee lied.

The blacksmith welcomed Katakasee into his home for the few days it would take to make the helmet, introduced him to his family and asked, "What is your name?"

Katakasee hesitated. He feared his name be known for the death of the whore. He said, "I call myself Elkhorn."

"A fitting name!" said the blacksmith. "Welcome to my home."

Over the next few days, Katakasee-now-Elkhorn became as an uncle to teh blacksmith's children, as a brother to the smith's wife. And on the third day when the helmet was done, the blacksmith brought it to Elkhorn after they had eaten supper.

The antlers had been mounted on steel, the bases of which were surrounded by soft rabbit fur. The inside of the helmet was lined with soft leather that descended into two straps to be used to secure the helmet to the head. Upon the front the smith had etched the image of an elk.

"It is beautiful," said Elkhorn the Ugly as he gazed upon it. "As beautiful as my mother might have been."

"Might have been?" asked the blacksmith. "I assumed your mother was yet living?"

Elkhorn scowled. With furious movement, he plucked from the table a sharp knife he had used for his supper and plunged it into the chest of the blacksmith.

The blacksmith's eyes grew wide. His mouth worked, but no words came forth.

The wife and children screamed.

Elkhorn dawned his new helmet, tying it at the chin. He stared at the family. He said to the wife, "Take your children into the room. Make no sound."

Afraid, hoping to at least save her children, she ushered them into a separate room where her and her husband had once slept.

When they were gone, Elkhorn removed himself from their home to retrieve his short sword. When he returned, he beheaded the blacksmith, completing his death. He then went into the room with the children and wife. As he stared at them, the blacksmith's head yet in his hand and dripping blood onto the floor, he said, "This is your last night of living. Pray to whatever gods you may have."

The wife screamed out in terror for her children.

Elkhorn cut her down.

The children clasped to their mother's headless body.

Elkhorn turned his blade onto their innocence. He then gathered supplied from the cupboards and ran from the home. He ran through the night. He ran from the murders he had done.

And he was not stopped until, after many murders terrorizing a small town in the land of Bizo, he was surrounded inside a home he had filled with trinkets of his sport - ears and heads mostly.

The Eternal Empress' imperial guard surrounded the home.

Elkhorn emerged, wearing his helmet.

"Who are you?" asked one guard.

"I am your death, come to collect payment," said Elkhorn.

The guards lunged. Elkhorn defended himself, though only briefly, before he was overwhelmed by the number of guards and pushed to the ground where he was bound, taken into custody and transported to a jail near the Empress' palace. He had a trial, or something like it. The trial had been rushed and much evidence was given, despite its validity. The people of Bizo wanted justice from the mass murderer.

When asked of his innocence, Elkhorn spoke thusly, "I am no more innocent than those of you that preside over this trial. But if you ask me whether I've killed these people or not, I must acclaim that I have. And I enjoyed it. I've enjoyed beheading you softened fools! I've enjoyed mocking your mortality! I've enjoyed the sport of hunting your trust, gaining it and then betraying it! I've enjoyed your blood flowing over my flesh! I've enjoyed killing you all! From the merchant in the woods to the blacksmith's family to you damned fools here in Bizo, I've enjoyed it all! And if you do not put me down, I swear to the gods of the Many Heavens and the demons of the Many Hells, I will continue to revel in it until I am put down!"

And so Elkhorn was found guilty of the crimes he confessed to. He was placed into a holding cell, stripped of his helmet and weapons, given a last meal. He was sentenced to die at dawn as Etain flew over the far horizon. Katakasee, Elkhorn would finally be put down. One thing and one thing only could save his life: the Eternal Empress could grant a pardon. But no one suspected she would.

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PART 3

A horse rode into Bizo and atop the horse rode one of the Empress' soldiers, a soldier that had been wounded in the foot. He was granted passageway to the Empress herself. He limped to her side, his foot infected and needing attention. He knelt before her, in pain but determined to do his duty.

"What is your name?" she asked, eying the foot whose wound broke open once more, trickling blood onto the golden honey-white marble floors of her palace.

"I am called Tu, My Empress," he winced as his foot bled.

"I am told you have news for me."

"Yes, My Empress. I was a member of the Imperial Guard you sent forth after your daughter."

"Have you returned with her?"

Nervous, hesitant, his head remaining bowed and looking at the floor, he said reluctantly, "No, My Empress. She has made friends with gods. We fought them in a village and they slaughtered everyone but me." He lied, not wanting to admit a few of her men were too frightened to fight.

"And why would they leave you alive?" asked the Empress as she got up from her grand pillows upon which she lounged.

"To bring to you this message: -" the soldier faltered, his body shaking nervously.

"Why do you hesitate?" asked the Empress as she drew near him.

"For the message I am to deliver will offend My Empress! I care not to offend her!"

"Dear one, you already offend me as your foot now bleeds across my floor, staining it with your impure and unworthy blood."

The soldier gasped. "My Empress! With apologies!"

The Empress gestured to have a rapier brought forth to her. One of her guards did so and she drew it from its scabbard. She placed the tip of the blade beneath Tu's chin and raised his head with it. He looked at her briefly, then lunged forward, prostrating in respect and fear.

"Tell me this message and have no fear," commanded the Empress.

Tu's voice shook as he spoke. "I was told to say this: that Alecto is now under the care of Comet Fox; that I witnessed our defeat at their hands and weapons, that Comet Fox travels with three others, including another fox-god; th-that," Tu's body shook.

"Go on," urged the Empress.

Tu breathed deep. "That if you continue your hunt, Comet Fox will do to you what he did to your captain!"

"And what was done to my captain?"

"He is dead, My Empress!"

The Eternal Empress drew deeply a breath. She slid the rapier in between Tu's armor, the blade slipped through ribs and by bones, piercing through to the heart. She pulled the blade free and threw the sword to the ground, but not before blood dappled her fine silk turquoise and white dress. More blood came from teh foot, reaching out to clasped at the foot of her long dress.

Tu's body remained in prostration, frozen in service.

The Eternal Empress stood near death, her visage stained by blood. She eyed her guard, ordered them strip her naked and bathed right then and there, order them to clean the floor and replace the marble that had been stained, ordered her wisest councillors to her side.

When she was freshly dressed in a light gown of deep reds and embroidered golds, she lay one more upon her lounging pillows and she was joined by her staff.

"My daughter has seen fit to league herself with gods," she informed. "This is not an unwise course of action. We must assume she will only find more to join with her. We must assume she is attempting to build an army to challenge my authority here in Bizo and, in that, we must assume we are now at war with my daughter."

This unsettled all around her. They murmured a moment, then fell silent.

"First and foremost, we must replace the captain of my Imperial Guard and send the new captain forth to find her once more. But this time, we must find a vicious warrior, one not so unused to death and killing, one that not only knows of killing, but revels in it. We must find one who will gain all payment simply in the act of killing. We must find such a foul man quite swiftly lest we raise our own army's alarm against that of my daughter's."

"My Empress," stepped forth an elderly man that had long been in her council. "There is just such a man in Bizo and, dare I admit, he might be willing to help for the mere chance to kill once more. Though his suggestion may cause my name be labeled with madness, he is such the man you speak of."

"Who is this man? This killer?"

"He sits in your cells now. His trial recently garnered mass attention. His name is Elkhorn and he is mad with the lust for death."

The Eternal Empress considered this. She said, "This is the wisest choice. Take me to this Elkhorn, I've a matter to discuss with him."

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PART 4

The cell smelled of filth and manure and rotted hay. It was late in the night when a team of Imperial Guards carried the Eternal Empress on a lounging pillow into the jail and set her before the cell Elkhorn was kept in.

One of the guards banged on the cell's iron door. He called out, "Hey! Ugly! Wake up! The Empress comes to see you!"

Elkhorn, asleep on a bed of filthy hay, his back to the door, said, "Shut up. I'm sleeping. Can't a dying man rest?"

"You dare insult the Eternal Empress? Get up or I'll come in there and get you up!"

"I'd enjoy it if you came in here," said Elkhorn, smiling to himself.

The Empress placed a gentle hand onto her guard's arm, calming him. She spoke in soft tones, tones of pure mystic wind. She said, "Elkhorn, I am Sulia Laree the Eternal Empress and I am ruler here in Bizo, the land you are now a captive of."

"Oh? Is that so? Well then, that's good for you."

"Please," said the Empress. "Don't be a brute. I've come to offer you your freedom."

"My freedom?" at this Elkhorn turned round and sat up to face the Empress. He eyed her a moment before saying, "You must be the Empress, your so clean! And the tales of your beauty do you no justice."

Sulia Laree blushed. "You do me great kindness to say such things. How can you be a murderer of the kind they claim you to be?"

"They do not claim it. It is true and I admit to it. I enjoy killing. It rouses in me a power like no other thing can. And I enjoy it. It's true. I am truly a madman."

The Eternal Empress smiled sweetly. "How would you like to kill again?"

"If I were immortal like you, I would spend every day for all eternity killing."

"Then kill for me. Commit yourself as my servant and I'll give you the job of killing once more."

"Oh? And who would you have me kill?"

"My daughter for one."

"That's quite the request, killing a daughter for a mother. It is foul and twisted in its thinking. I like it. It's a tale to be told in a traveling opera. Who else? I cannot kill merely one person. If you set me free for one murder alone, I'd rather not do it at all. Give me more to kill or end my life now."

"What about a god?"

"Kill a god?" this intrigued Elkhorn. "I would love to do so, but a mortal cannot kill a god nor a Blessed One such as yourself."

"They can with the proper weapon."

"And you'll give me such a weapon?"

"I'll find one."

"Which god would you have me kill?"

"The god that travels with my daughter. He is called Comet Fox. Have you heard of him?"

"Perhaps, I care not for the affairs of the gods, however, so I generally do not pay them much attention. They have eternal life whereas we mortals are made to suffer and die. To the Many Hells with the gods. But I would like killing one. And if Comet Fox needs killing, then I shall be the one to kill him."

"There may be others for you to kill, as well. But that all depends on how well my daughter amasses others around her."

"More gods?"

"Gods, Blessed Ones and mortals."

"Then you will have my service," promised Elkhorn.

"Then I hereby pardon you of your crimes, Elkhorn, and install you as captain of my Imperial Guard," said the Eternal Empress. She then commanded of her guards, "Set him free."

Elkhorn was freed. He stood, his massive shoulders and frame towering over the Eternal Empress. He smiled and said, "Thank you, My Empress."

His short sword and bow was returned to him. He was given a fine quarterhorse and the golden armor of the Imperial Guard and ten soldiers to ride with him. He immediately thought of killing them, one by one, as they rode from Bizo, but thought better of it. All his life he had enjoyed killing and now was given death as his task. He would not risk losing that.

He and his ten men rode through the lands, heading south, following the dying path of Alecto and Comet Fox. On rode Elkhorn, murder on his mind.

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PART 5

South of Bizo, in a quiet farming community, at a farm far from any other home, cries of terror lifted into the air. Three children screamed in fear as a wooden demon entered their home. A lone father challenged the fiend with a hot fire poker. A mother corralled her children in a far corner of the home and held them fast.

"What are you, demon?" demanded the father.

"I am just that," spoke Ketsueki Sato. "I am truly a demon."

"Why have you come here? Stay back! leave our children alone!"

Ketsueki smiled a wooden smile. "I've come to proffer unto you a chance at winning a game."

"A game? Whatever game you bring into our home, we refuse it! Leave this house! By the gods, leave this house!"

Ketsueki grimaced. One of his long roots smacked the poker from the father's hand as he grumbled, "Do not mention any of the gods in my presence!"

"This is my home and I'll do as I please! May the gods curse you!"

"They already have!" Ketsueki raged as he closed near the father, towering over his mortal frame, his wooden, thorny head scraping at the roof of the home. One of his roots wrapped about the father's throat. Fear filled the father and this soothed Ketsueki as he knew he controlled the home.

His voice was softer now, "My game is a simple lottery. There are no losers. All will be winners. let me look at this handsome family," Ketsueki dragged the father to the corner where his family cowered in fear. "How many of you have we here? Three children, a mother and a father. That five in all, yes?"

The father nodded, afraid.

"Then here is how the lottery works: you good people will choose which of you three will die, leaving two to remain. I assume the parents will give their lives for their children and perhaps even the eldest will follow suit, but then you leave the two youngest as witnesses to the horrors I will commit here tonight. Now ask yourselves, would you like them to live out their lives with such memories? Or will you instead choose to spare your children such spiritual injury and request they be killed, leaving the parents to suffer the rest of their lives with their choice? Which shall it be?"

"We cannot make such a choice!" cried the mother.

"And we will refuse to make the choice!" defied the father.

Ketsueki considered this. His roots reached out to caress the youngest, a girl. She squealed as he gently touched her.

"Keep your filth from her!" cried the father as he batted away the roots.

Ketsueki knelt low, smiling his demonic, toothy, wooden smile and asking softly, amiably, "How old are you, darling?"

The girl answered him with only shrieks of terror and tears.

"How old are you?" he growled, yelling loudly, grabbing at her with his roots.

"She is five!" cried the father as the mother batted at the roots.

"Five?" asked Ketsueki as he stood, his roots retreating. "Five years is hardly enough time to know life. She should not be allowed to die this night. Conversely, if you do not choose, she definitely will be the first to die tonight."

"Don't you touch her," demanded the father. "If you touch her, by the gods, I will do everything in my power to banish you to whichever Hell you come from."

Ketsueki laughed, amused. "You would banish me? A mortal would banish a demon? How droll, dear man, how very droll." Ketsueki brought his face close to the father's. The father could smell dry, aged wood and dust on the demon's breath as Ketsueki spoke.

"Once I came from the Many Hells. Once I plotted all the Hells rulership, but I was slaughtered by your precious gods. Now I am," he backed away and held out his arms for the family to see him in full, "I am this weak thing you see before you. I am but filth crawling across this land."

"All demons are filth!" spat the father.

Ketsueki smiled. He disregarded the comment. He instead said, "Your youngest's life or three others."

"We'll have none of it!" cried the father.

Ketsueki's roots whipped out at blinding speed. They cut through the air, parting flesh from bone as they sank into the youngest girl's body. He pulled her away. Four rooty tentacles latched themselves onto her, into her, each pulling in separate directions until she was pulled apart in bits. Ketsueki drew those bits close to him, letting ripping blood fall into his mouth.

He discarded the pieces of flesh and demanded, "Two more, you must choose two more as my victims."

Shocked by the horror of what was happening, the family could not speak. They cried out. At last, the father gathered himself to say, "Me! If you must kill another, kill me!"

Ketsueki's roots lashed out. Once again flesh was torn from flesh, limbs fell away, blood spattered throughout the home and Ketsueki drank deeply. He grew with each swallow so that he now had to lean a little to fit in the home. His limbs grew more supple, more allow, more wet with life.

"One more," said Ketsueki. "Just one more."

The mother hugged her children. She then stepped out before the demon and said, "I will be your third and last."

And Ketsueki killed and drank of the mother's blood, as well.

He eyed the two remaining children. He crouched. He said, "How old are the two of you?"

The eldest stepped forward, a girl, and pushed her brother behind her. "I am fourteen... almost."

"And your brother?"

"He is ten and a half."

"And do you know why I have done what I have done here tonight?"

The girl shook her head.

"Because I am a demon and demons make deals with other creatures, especially with mortals. It is our task in life. We demons see life for what it is and refuse to ignore the suffering in the world. Hear me now, child: demons themselves suffer and demons are suffering. To ignore suffering is to ignore life. To run from suffering is to ignore us." Ketsueki's face turned into grimacing ugliness. The home seemed to fill with darkness as he yelled his next words. "And we demons refuse to be ignored!"

He smiled once more. The home lightened and the girl thought she might smell sweet jasmine flowers on the air. Ketsueki asked, "Do you understand now?"

The girl nodded, not truly understanding but hoping her understanding would cause the demon to leave.

Ketsueki lowered himself to sit cross-legged before the girl. "Now, I've a problem," he said, "I have to decide whether or not to keep my bargain with your family and let you live or to kill you and your brother anyways."

"There is no reason to kill us," the girl found herself saying.

"Perhaps," said the demon, "I suspect, however, you will grow up resenting me and living this night. That would encourage you to some day hunt me down and I'd only have to kill you then. So the true question for me to ponder is this: do I wish to kill you now or at some time in the future after you've suffered many years of loss and loneliness?"

The girl thought of another possibility and spoke it thusly, "Or someone could kill you before then."

Ketsueki frowned. He stood and said, "Thank me for another few years of life, mortals," before leaving the home.

He stepped outside into the night.

It is well known as illness breeds illness within a home, so ill deeds attract evil.

In far lands, the smells of fresh blood came to an old foe, an old creature of evil. Ketsueki's murders came to the attention of Neboshazaar and the winged beast lifted into the air, following the scent until he came to fly circle over the demon stretching his back outside the farmers' home. Uncertain of the wooden demon, Neboshazaar remained circling a moment before descending into the night to land near Ketsueki Sato.

Ketsueki eyed the bird-creature. He squinted with memory and said, "Once I knew you."

Neboshazaar squawked. he smelled the wood demon, smelled the blood within, recognizing the taint of the Ruby Bug that once filled the demon-dog Yaska Selith. The bird-beast hopped closer to his old friend.

Ketsueki put out a hand to pet him. He thought a moment and said, "I think, perhaps, I could use you as a mount. Would you allow this?"

Neboshazaar looked at him nervously.

Ketsueki stroked the bird's bald, black neck. he then pulled himself up onto the burd. Neboshazaar could hold him easily enough, but found it rather awkward to take off and fly. Once in the air, however, Neboshazaar spread out his wings and screeched so loudly the lands below trembled with the fear of fates worse than death.

Ketsueki laughed at his new and old friend, joyously riding on the air.

The two soon caught sight of a cloud of dust pricking up on the dark horizon of night, kicking up under horses' hooves. Ketsueki wondered if anyone had heard the cries of the family and were now coming to their rescue. He decided to remain hidden behind a nearby cloud, watching.

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PART 6

Elkhorn and his ten men rode on, drawing nearer the farmer's home Ketsueki had just left. As they slowed, they heard a great shriek from the sky and looked to find a horrible bird-beast flying down at them and a demon of wood laughing maniacally as they passed by overhead. When Neboshazaar landed, Ketsueki called out, "You'll not be able to help the farmers there! I've killed them all and now I will kill you!"

"What matter are farmers to me?" challenged Elkhorn. "I could care less about such worthless people. I ride with these men to kill Comet Fox."

"Comet Fox!" Ketsueki cried, almost as if in fear of the name.

"If I am to judge your reaction, I would say you know the fox-god. Are you in league with him?"

"Bah!" spat Ketsueki. "Hardly! He is mine own enemy! Once he ousted me from my chamber in the Many Hells. Now I hunt him and his friends Wu Chan Chu and Xiao-tep."

"I know not these other two. be they gods?"

"Xiao-tep is," informed Ketsueki. "Wu Chan Chu is his demi-goddess sister. Tell me, mortal, why do you hunt Comet Fox?"

"He is in league with Alecto, the Eternal Empress' daughter and the Empress herself would have me kill them both."

"I have been told of this Empress once before," Ketsueki said as he thoght back to his conversations with Loki after he had been resurrected. "I was told perhaps I should seek her out."

"It is no matter to me. I am to kill Comet Fox and Alecto and whichever other god or mortal rides with them."

Ketsueki smiled at this. "Then I would help you."

"Who are you, creature? You mentioned a chamber in the Many Hells. Am I to believe you a demon?"

"I am," Ketsueki's chest swelled with pride as he sat straighter, taller on Neboshazaar's back. "I am Ketsueki Sato, once the master of the Cottonwood Chamber, and I wish to help you, but first I feel I must seek out your Empress."

"I am called Elkhorn. If you must see then Empress, then go to her. Her palace is half the night's journey from here by horseback and cannot be mistaken, though I suspect you would make the trip in half that time upon your winged beast. If she should have you join me, then fly after me."

Ketsueki smiled. He desperately wanted to go with Elkhorn then, but knew he should find the Empress. He said, "A good hunt to you, then, Elkhorn. If you and your Empress would have me, I'll be at your side as swiftly as my friend here can carry me."

The two parted ways. Elkhorn rode with his men to the south. The demon Ketsueki Sato rode Neboshazaar to the north. And from out of the farmer's home peeked tiny, wondering, fearful eyes.

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Well, that's it for Act I of "The Tiger and the Hare"! I hope you enjoyed, dear readers! Check back next week for Act II!!!

"Broken Steel" -- Act V

So, I'm a liar. I thought last week was the finale of "Broken Steel". I was wrong. I realized that many elements of the next tale could be far more easily dealt with as another act in "Broken Steel".

Here now, then, is the FIFTH and final act of "Broken Steel"!

Enjoy!

~ Charles

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"Broken Steel" copyright 2009 by Charles Shaver. All rights reserved.

ACT V

RUNNING ON THE WIND: Wherein Jupkishi and the Butterflies Enter Taleisin; Comet Fox Seeks out Xiao-tep; Xiao-tep Shares with Comet Fox his Tale of the Broken Spear of Sorrows; A Band of Dark Hearts is Formed

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PART 1

Came to Taleisin in large droves clouds of butterflies of every kind, of every color. Came they to Taleisin on winds of rumors of demons. Came they to seek council with the passing Zingtai. Came they to carry to the world word of what they saw.

Xiao-tep flowed down the mountain to the vast plains flowing gold and purple, blue and white, bright orange and grays with the flickings, flutterings of thousands upon thousands of butterflies. He drew near one that flew higher than all the rest, saying, "Welcome, friends. Welcome to Taleisin. Have you come here for some great purpose? Or is this a simple visit? I can make tea. I'll mow down grass or nuture flowers into bloom as you wish. Welcome, welcome to Taleisin."

"Thank you, friend," spoke the butterfly. "By the glory of your colors, by your kindness, may I guess you are the one called Xiao-tep?"

"I am indeed," answered Xiao-tep.

"I am Jupkishi, Elder Butterfly of All the World. I am Zingtai's great-great-grandfather and have lead my people here for her council and, perhaps, for yours."

"What can I do for you, Jupkishi?" offered Xiao-tep.

"There comes to me word of a mighty demon crossing the face of all the many lands. With him follows death like a stallion running wild upon a plain. Everything the demon touches does not merely die, it withers first in agony and pain, is tortured and then is mercilessly left so life may bleed out. Many of my people, we that live upon the lands like no other, suffer because of this. Flowers wilt and dry. Branches are too weak to hold even the smallest of our cocoons. We are desperate and though I dare not admit it to my people, I had to grant them the wisdom that I am lost at the moment. I know not how to purge the world of the demon or reclaim our lands. Many of my people have already died, withering as I have said, their bodies turning to dust like that which graces the underside of our wings.

"I seek council, friend Xiao-tep. I seek your aide."

Xiao-tep's heart grew heavy for the butterflies. He said, "I will help you the best I can. Until you find the answers you seek, you may remain here on Taleisin as my guests. You are most safe here."

"Thank you, friend Xiao-tep."

That night Jupkishi flew near his great-great-granddaughter and told her his tale of desperation, of woe, of death, of the demon. Xiao-tep flew with them. So horrible was the news Jupkishi shared, Zingtai could not help but cry.

"What is the name of the demon?" asked Xiao-tep.

"He has many names and has been called many foul things, all of which I will not share but I would not argue with, either. The name I've most often heard, however, is Ketsueki Sato. He is a demon of wood resembling a demon of the Many Hells."

"Ketsueki Sato?" cried out Xiao-tep. "Are you certain of this name? Think with every wit, Jupkishi, is this demon truly named Ketsueki Sato?"

Confused by Xiao-tep's reaction, Jupkishi cautiously put forth, "It is as I have said. His name is Ketsueki Sato."

"What's the matter, Xiao-tep?" asked Zingtai.

"I know this demon."

"Do you?" asked Zingtai.

Xiao-tep nodded. His eyes grew wet with the distance of memory. As stars glimmered overhead, he remembered the Cottonwood Chamber, his fights with Wu Chan Chu and Comet Fox, the battle for their freedom. He nodded again and said, "I have fought him once before."

"Did you defeat him?" asked Jupkishi.

"I did, with the aid of my sister and many friends."

"Bless the gods!" exclaimed Jupkishi. "Then we are saved! You can go forth and defeat him once more!"

Xiao-tep was once more awash with memory. Tears formed in his eyes. He shook his head violently, shaped his fins into clenched fists and said, "I cannot! And you cannot ask me to do this thing! I shall never fight again!"

At this Xiao-tep broke from their side and returned to Taleisin.

"What has happened?" asked Juokishi. "I meant no offense."

"You did not offend him, Great-Great-Grandfather," explained Zingtai. "You simply must not have heard that our dear Xiao-tep recently killed another fish like himself. So wracked was he with sorrow he has sworn off fighting for good. He has destroyed his famous Spear of Sorrows."

"I did not know," was all Jupkishi said.

Jupkishi returned to his people. He lead them in prayer to the gods, asking they rid the world of the demon. He then silently asked for help with Xiao-tep. He begged the gods for him to find peace and, if it be within his character to do so, to convince him to fight once more, just once more.

The butterflies slept upon the plains of Taleisin.

Xiao-tep spent the rest of the night perched near the edge of the mountain, his fins dangling over the edge as he gazed upon the sleeping world. Otti the Firefly came to him, saying, "It is not safe to be so close to the edge. Please remember the tale of Momoki's Fall."

"I know the tale well," answered Xiao-tep.

Otti landed on a blade of grass nearby and spent the night with Xiao-tep.

Xiao-tep mulled over many things in his mind. He realized how much fear, how much sorrow had plagued him for so long. And though much of it was well-suited to him as much of his sorrow was not brought on by his own actions, he realized the sorrow and fear remained with him because he allowed it. Xiao-tep closed his eyes for meditation. He controlled his breathing. He breathed in, then out, then in and held his breath, then out and held his breath and repeated this pattern until he could feel the beat of his heart. Slowly, slowly, silently Xiao-tep released the sorrows, released the pain, released the hatred for his father and fear of having to fight again.

Etain's head rose over the far horizon. The new day touched Xiao-tep's face with fingers of light. His scales glimmered brilliantly. His eyes opened. He rose from the edge of the mountain to greet the new day. He looked down upon the world; gazed upon the handiwork of the Cosmos; witnessed the clouds of the world and knew of Aowe, a boy, a mortal child and his wish for flight; he gazed upon Etain, turned to look over his shoulder at the tails of Kalavata and Zingtai. Every bit of this world he lived in, every bit of his world was alive and connected and each minute thing served its purpose. He felt the world as one, he felt all the interconnectedness of every living thing - he felt everything. He gazed into the distance and saw at the farthest reaches of all existence the Misty Hands of the Cosmos. He felt the world moving far below Taleisin, he felt Taleisin breathing and smiling at the butterflies, he heard songs in the wind, laughter in the air, life living everywhere.

His white scales grew shiny, more pearlescent. They glowed of themselves. The violet ankh upon his forehead shifted into gold and shone with a light of its own, shone like a jewel from Zingtai's wings.

He did not hate, he understood. He did not fear, he accepted death and failure. More than anything, he loved. Xiao-tep saw all things at once and, with his new understanding, he loved. Should death ever come for him, he would die. Should hatred ever mock him, he would laugh. Should anyone ever cast him out, he would hold them near.

Xiao-tep found his path, his purpose. He would not fight, could not fight, would never raise a hand or weapon again in anger or emotion or with logic. He would not allow the illness sorrow to infect him again, he would make himself too busy chasing smiles like a child chasing butterflies across an open plain.

The Heavens on high were moved, the many gods took notice.

All of Taleisin gazed upon Xiao-tep as he turned to gaze upon them. Not a single creature spoke, except little Otti who said, "By the gods, he's beautiful."

In the distance Xiao-tep saw the familiar form of Comet Fox break from a cloud, flying towards Taleisin. He went about preparing to receive his old friend.

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PART 2

Comet Fox came to Taleisin on swift wind and sparkling white light of a comet's tail. He flew hurriedly, eying the Mountain That Lives in the Sky, seeking out Xiao-tep. When he found his old friend, he landed softly near him.

"It is good to see you once more, old friend," said Xiao-tep.

Comet Fox cocked his head sideways with wonder. He studied Xiao-tep a moment, questioning his newly golden ankh, his whitened scales.

"A change has come to you," said Comet Fox, the quickly added, "I'm sorry, Xiao-tep. I forgot my greetings. It is good to see you once more, as well."

The two embraced as brothers might after years apart.

"Would you have tea with me?" asked Xiao-tep.

"I would, but I cannot stall too long," Comet Fox looked about at the mass of collected butterflies. "There are so many butterflies here. Is it always this way on Taleisin? I think I could get dizzy with all their flutterings."

"They seek the refuge of Taleisin," said Xiao-tep as he sat upon a stone and pour hot tea for first Comet Fox, then himself.

Comet Fox took the tea and nodded a thanks to Xiao-tep. "Refuge from what?"

"From the demon Ketsueki Sato," Xiao-tep explained.

Comet Fox ceased sipping at his tea. He set the cup down on the ground. He asked, "What do you mean by this? We killed Ketsueki Sato long ago."

"That I do not know, but these butterflies are here for that very reason. They seek refuge from Ketsueki Sato."

"Could he have been resurrected?" asked Comet Fox. "Could we have failed in putting him down before we fled the Cottonwood Chamber?"

"Perhaps, but anything I tell you would be speculation. I just learned of this myself the day before today."

They sat in silence a moment. At last Comet Fox said, "Those were dark days for me. I was sick with drunkenness at every hour and the demon's willing pawn as long as he fed me him enchanted fruits and wines."

"It was dark times for me, as well. I had just learned of my father's hatred and hatred filled me," Xiao-tep let memories flash across his mind. "It seems an age ago now, the day we met."

"The day we fought," added Comet Fox.

Xiao-tep smiled. "I am glad you became a friend instead of remaining an enemy."

"I am glad for it, also. And I come to you to ask for your aid, friend."

"What is it?" asked Xiao-tep. "You may ask anything of me."

"As we speak, the Eternal Empress is committing dastardly acts. She hunts her own daughter, murder is the intent. Alecto has come of age and the Eternal Empress will not have another challenge her throne, even her own daughter, though Alecto has yet to formally challenge it."

"The Eternal Empress' actions, it would seem, are destined to be foul."

"Indeed."

"How can I aid in this?"

"I have taken Alecto as my charge, I am her guardian. But the Empress' men are many. We have defeated them once, but I am uncertain if it can be done again and again. Our flight takes it toll on the mortal Alecto and her handmaiden. Truly, it takes it toll on us all. If I can but have you at her side, when the fight comes once more, I would rest well in the knowledge you are there with your Spear of Sorrows."

Xiao-tep eyed Comet Fox. He stood, asking, "Would you follow me a ways?"

Comet Fox agreed to do so. They crossed the plain of Taleisin, the massed butterflies fluttering madly and parting before them, taking flight around them, speaking to one another on how blessed they were to have gods walking amongst them.

"I think we should have put down the Eternal Empress long ago," said Comet Fox as they walked.

"Perhaps," was all that Xiao-tep gave.

When they came beneath a cherry tree, Xiao-tep looked down, gracefully waved a hand at the thirteen pieces of the Spear of Sorrows laying amidst the grass.

Comet Fox looked on. He bent low, asking, "Is it truly the Spear of Sorrows?"

"It is," confirmed Xiao-tep. "It was last used to kill Fei Li Mi when he came here with rage in his heart. His was such a sad tale. I could not let his passing go without being felt. He was, after all, as my darker self. Ii ripped from my waist my willow branch and felt the full effect of his demise, every bit of it. SO horrible was it that I determined to never fight again and thus broke the spear in its current thirteen pieces against this cherry blossom. Aleis was freed by this and I have left the pieces. I cannot bring myself to pick them up yet."

Comet Fox reached out to touch the legendary spear. One of its four blades pricked his fingertip and he bled. "Though broken," he said, "it is as sharp as ever."

Comet Fox stood. He eyed Xiao-tep. "Does this explain your change in appearance?"

"To a degree. They are all symptoms of a far greater change."

Comet Fox looked at the broken spear once more, then to Xiao-tep, saying, "You won't help me, will you?"

Xiao-tep sighed. "If I were to aid you in your present task, I would most certainly be placed into situations where I would be forced to fight." His eyes leveled and he peered into Comet Fox's eyes. "I will never fight again, dear friend."

"The Little Empress needs you, I need you. Great injustices will occur unto her if something is not done."

"I understand the possibilities in all things, in every choice. I wish to help you, but I cannot."

"Then at least let me bring her here, to Taleisin."

Xiao-tep shook his head, "I cannot allow that, either."

"But this land is pure and safe and you've always kept Taleisin's borders open for refugees! You've thousands of them flitting about currently! Why not Alecto?"

"For I intend to keep this land pure and safe. If you were to bring her here, her mother, I know, would chase after her. Armies of wicked men would find ways to climb to and conquer Taleisin."

"Perhaps I'll bring her here despite you," Comet Fox growled.

Xiao-tep sighed. "I will not stop you, though it would displease me."

Comet Fox was angry with his friend, but felt Xiao-tep was on some new path he simply could not yet understand. He knew Xiao-tep to be good and wise and caring. He also knew Xiao-tep would not dissuade him from doing anything unless he truly felt it the right thing to do.

"I trust in you," said Comet Fox, "though I do not understand you."

"Thank you, Comet Fox."

"I suppose I should be leaving. I'll need to return to Alecto's side as swiftly as I can."

"Can you wait a moment longer so that I may prepare for you a satchel of supplies?"

Comet Fox thought it over. "We could certainly use a few supplies," he agreed.

Xiao-tep called upon all the creatures of Taleisin to gather items for Comet Fox. Bark was peeled from trees and stamped down into cloth to make the satchel. Vines were dried and braided to make rope to tie the satchel and for other various uses. Foods were brought forth. Xiao-tep harvest many teas and vegetables. When the satchel was made and filled, Xiao-tep handed it to Comet Fox.

"I love you, Comet Fox. You are as a brother to me," said Xiao-tep as Comet Fox took the satchel.

These words surprised and confused Comet Fox, though he felt they were spoken with truth. He searched within himself and there found words and feelings to express to Xiao-tep, "Whatever my words may be worth, I love you as a brother, as well, Xiao-tep."

They embraced.

"Be careful, Comet Fox."

Comet Fox nodded and said his thanks to everyone. He then added, "Momoki once said we should stick to our paths. I urge that to you now. I know not what happens with you, Xiao-tep, but whatever it may be, may it be peaceful and good."

"Thank you," Xiao-tep bow low at the waist.

Comet Fox pulled the satchel on over his shoulder. He lifted to the sky and flew away. All of Taleisin watched him go and waved goodbye, wishing him luck and blessings.

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PART 3

Comet Fox had left Alecto and the others under Stavros' watchful near a small, flowing stream. Yele Prin Prin and Alecto sat in the stream, the water caressing their legs as Yele braided the young lady's hair. Gullnir drank deeply from the stream as Faryad and Snow Fox both lounged in the sun, enjoying the warmth of the day. Stavros sat in the shade of a large oak, Eloqua nearby. She eyed the rat, wondering. He caught her watching him and said, "What is it? I've had people stare at me many times before, I know when someone wants something from me."

Eloqua was startled by Stavros' accurate read of her. She said, "It is your sword. It's quite the deadly-looking weapon. Has it killed before?"

"Many times before," he said, then warning, "And it will again if I continue to be pestered."

Eloqua ignored the threat. She said, "Have you taught others to fight?"

This questions surprised Stavros for it was not a thing he had ever been asked. "No, I haven't."

"Would you?"

"Why do you ask this? Are you interested in learning how to fight?"

Eloqua moved closer so that she could speak without being heard by anyone but Stavros. She said, "Every day for more than a week now we have been on the run from Alecto's mother. The other day these good people that now surround us, along with your friend Comet Fox, had to fight the Empress' men. On that occasion Alecto and I were fortunate enough to have been hidden prior to the fight, but I fear more fights to come and there may be a time when we cannot hide. I feel I must learn how to fight for the sake of Alecto. If I do not and should be surrounded, if I do not and we should be challenged, then doom will wash over us. To learn to fight would give us a greater chance at surviving the Eternal Empress' wrath."

"And you would have me teach you?"

Eloqua nodded. "The others have many great tales of battles they've had and won. But Comet Fox, the one I trust most, trusts you most. He said your sword and friendship can be trusted. If that be so, then I wish to learn to fight from you."

Stavros breathed deep. He considered the handmaiden before him.

Snow Fox eyed the sky overhead. He was the first to see the streaking tail of his brother. "Here comes Comet Fox!" he heralded.

Everyone stood, waiting, as Comet Fox landed near them, a new satchel of supplies about his form.

"Well?" advanced Eloqua. "Will the fish-god Xiao-tep help us? What news do you bring?"

Comet Fox sighed. He said, "I bring supplies and nothing more."

"What? Where is Xiao-tep?" asked Stavros.

Comet Fox stored the satchel across Gullnir's back, thanking him for carrying the heavy loads without complaint. He then turned to Stavros and explained, "He will not come. He cannot help us."

"Why? What reason has he given you for turning his back on a helpless girl?" demanded Stavros.

"He says he can no longer fight and he knows our task will force him to do so."

"He is a coward, our Xiao-tep? After the blades I've seen lashing out upon his spear, creating lightning in the sky, fighting like no other, our friend is a coward?" Stavros was angry by the possibility.

"No, Stavros," Comet Fox soothed. "Xiao-tep is many things, but he is no coward. What he does, what he needs to do now, is a righteous thing, I feel. But cowardice, fear, lethargy have nothing to do with this. He simply cannot help us at this time."

Stavros spat. "To the Many Hells with him! When you brought him forth, I was going to let you run off with him and return to my village. But if he will not, then I will stand in his spot."

"I thank you, Stavros. We could use your sword and your company, but I say again: Xiao-tep is no coward."

"If the fish-god will not help," questioned Eloqua, "then who will? Where do we go to from here?"

"Balori!" cried out Alecto as she rose from the stream. "I have said from the very beginning that he would help us. We must seek him out."

"I agree, Little Empress, that Balori would be a strong ally, but he is as yet far off. After the Battle for the Plain of Adoration, he remained with Xiao-tep a time before leaving for Ife and Ife is yet too far," Comet Fox did his best to calm the young lady.

"Then what do we do?" cried out Eloqua. "Woe, mercy upon us!"

Comet Fox turned to Stavros. He judged his thoughts against his friend. "We will be fighting once more. It is safe to assume the Empress will soon dispatch a new band of men after us and these new men, perhaps, will be far more fierce, far hungrier for death than the first."

Stavros nodded in agreement. "She will find a man so hungry for battle he will lay to waste all that he touches from her land of Bizo to us."

"He would be a wicked man," added Eloqua. "A man with a wickedness to match her own."

This made Comet Fox think upon Xiao-tep's mention of Ketsueki Sato. "And what's more, Xiao-tep has told me of a demon that has entered the world, a demon he and I fought once before. Thought we he to be dead."

"Let us pray the demon is not the one the Empress recruits to hunt us," said Eloqua as she grasped Alecto and hugged her closely.

Comet Fox shook his head. "I doubt that to happen. I know this demon and Ketsueki Sato is not one to enter into the service of another," he let his thoughts wander on the matter a bit before adding, "Though I would not be surprised by a union between the two, himself and the Eternal Empress."

"Comet Fox," Snow Fox approached to stand by his brother.

"Yes, little brother?"

"What will we do then? We've traveled this far to find Stavros and then Xiao-tep. Now that we've done so and Xiao-tep will not help us, where do we go from here?"

"I still say we must go to Balori," spoke out Alecto.

"Quiet, girl," scolded Eloqua. "We know your feelings on the matter."

Again Comet Fox looked to Stavros, to have him confirm the validity of his thoughts as he spoke them, "It would be wise to assume we will be fighting again, perhaps many more times. We did well against the Empress' firs group of men, but as we've determines she will most likely send fiercer fighters after us. Our options, then, as I see them are thus: we disband and I carry on with the Little Empress to some safe hiding place while the rest of you remain behind to deter the oncoming fighters. Or, alternatively, we can remain together, but not only remain together, but grow our numbers with fighters of our own."

"We could build our own small army," said Stavros, "we did once before against the demon-dog Yaska Selith, we can do so against the Eternal Empress."

Comet Fox nodded in agreement.

The small group gathered closer, each thinking over the options, each remaining silent for a brief moment.

It was Snow Fox that spoke first. "I, for one, would not leave. I've come this far to see my brother, I would enjoy more time with him, even if in that time we are under duress. Perhaps that is selfish of me, but as long as my brother is dedicated to the life of our Alecto here, then so is my life dedicated to her."

Alecto smiled, looked at her feet. She said, "Thank you, Snow Fox."

Faryad and Yele looked to one another. Faryad then said, "We would like to right the injustice being done here. We will stay with you, if you'll have us."

"I suppose that means I'll have to be going along, as well," grumbled Sarut.

"And you already know you've my sword," said Stavros.

Comet Fox nodded. "Then we will remain together and find others to help us."

"But who?" asked Alecto.

"There is another and, the last I heard, she is closer. She is perhaps a day's ride from here. She is quite possibly the best fighter in all the world and will most likely be sitting upon the throne of championship at the Peony Teahouse.

"She is Wu Chan Chu the Frog Demi-goddess, sister to Xiao-tep. And we will go to her."

All were in agreement on this. They stalled not another moment longer. Eloqua and Alecto mounted Gullnir, the others gathered their things. Soon they were heading north towards the Peony Teahouse.

Stavros came to walk beside Gullnir. He said, "Eloqua, if you still wish to be trained, I will teach you all that I can."

Eloqua thanked him.

On they went, across plains and farmers' fields, over hills and through both day and night. They rested where they could, begged for food at many homes. They were met with much kindness. And as they went across the world, as they traveled, they quietly feared the coming of the Eternal Empress, they each were secretly dismayed by the presence of Ketsueki Sato in the world.

On went Faryad and Yele Prin Prin, both hunted by Sharif.

On went Sarut, ladybug without a home or family.

On went Stavros, leaving behind once more his beloved village.

On went Comet Fox and Snow Fox, brothers desperately trying to enjoy their brotherhood.

On went Eloqua and Gullnir, afraid for Alecto's life.

On went Alecto, hunted by her own mother.

And as they went; as they begged for food and were met with kindness; as people greeted them, spoke with them, learned of their harrowing trials, people spoke of them to one another. People spoke of their lives, of their curses, of their frantic flight. People watched for them, wishing to help. And as the small group traveled across the world the people called them Dark Hearts, for here was a band that knew sorrow, that knew betrayal, that was fighting against great and desperate odds for justice, righteousness.

To the east, an empress chose a murderous madman for her general.

To the south, a demon entered the home of a family to terrorize and slay them all, drinking their blood to grow stronger.

And on ran the band of Dark Hearts.

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All right, folks! There was your fifth and final act of "Broken Steel"! I hope you enjoyed it. Check back next week for Act I of "Tournament at the Peony"!

"Broken Steel" -- Act IV

Here is the fourth and final act of "Broken Steel". I'll be taking next week off from writing this latest The Children of Gods novel, but an all new story will be started right here on my blog on July 17th.

Enjoy this week's installment.

~ Charles

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"Broken Steel" copyright 2009 by Charles Shaver. All rights reserved.

ACT IV

OLD WINDS BLOW HARSHLY: Wherein Aowe Makes a Kite; Sharif Hunts Faryad; Comet Fox Faces the Imperial Soldiers; Stavros Emerges from Yuki Once More

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PART 1

Long before Comet Fox came into the lands, when the Misty Hands of the Cosmos made the world, as Momoki the Marmoset yet sat as ruler and caretaker for Taleisin, there lived a small boy named Aowe. Aowe was a gentle child. He did not like to roughhouse as other boys his age did, but was not a fearful child, either. He was the son of two textile makers and learned a love for cloth.

Once, when Aowe was helping his mother hang her newly dyed cloth, he feel in love with the way the wind was caught beneath the cloth and lifted into the air. He desired to fly, to soar above the plains his family lived upon, to capture the wind like a gull and float gently upon its currents above his home, above the world, to visit Taleisin.

But he was a mere mortal child.

Then came a time when Aowe's mother had done a particularly poor job of dyeing her fabrics. She was using a dye she had not yet ever used before and was not proficient with it enough. She practiced with a new dye on a small bit of cloth and when it came out poor, she threw the cloth aside.

"What is this, mother?" asked Aowe of the discarded cloth.

"That cloth? It is trash to be buried or used to wrap fish. I am not yet used to this new dye and it turned out poorly."

"May I have it?" Aowe asked.

His mother thought nothing of the cloth and saw no reason the boy should not have it. "Take it if you wish," she said.

So Aowe found himself the possessor of a new bit of cloth. Though unwanted, he thought it was beautiful. He would spend hours with his cloth, running through the open plains of his homeland, lifting the cloth above his head like wings and listening to the cloth flap, flowing behind him. He smiled and laughed and giggled and played with the cloth.

At one particular moment, Aowe nearly lost his cloth when a strong wind plucked it from his hands and blew it away from him so that he had to chase it down. Aowe ran frantically. Luckily, a tender sapling Aowe often sat under while resting from a day's work helping his parents or after a day filled with playing with his cloth reached out with its thin branches and grasped the cloth. Aowe was very thankful for this and he began thinking on the matter. He decided to tether the cloth to himself with a think bit of string.

He went to his father and asked, "Father, have you any bits of string I can have?"

As the father was masterful at making strings and attaching them to cloth as ties for clothing, he had much string he had made himself. "How long of a string would you like?" Aowe's father asked of him.

Aowe said, "Long enough to reach into the Heavens!"

His father smiled. "Do we plan on capturing a god?"

"No," replied Aowe. "Merely the wind."

SO Aowe was granted a long, strong bit of string. Aowe tied it to his cloth and wrapped the other end round his hand. Soon he was running across the plains again, dragging his cloth on string behind him. But it wasn't the same as holding the cloth fast in his hands.

"The cloth flaps like a wing when i stretch it out," said Aowe. "I must stretch out this cloth."

So Aowe set about figuring a way to stretch out the cloth as a wing. He soon found himself approaching the young sapling he so loved and asking, "Dear friend, may I take a few of your thin branches from you? I need them to stretch out my cloth."

The sapling simply bowed, offering its branches.

Aowe smiled and took two long branches. He cut these two in two so that he had four pieces in all. He fastened the cloth to them securely and tied the string to the wooden frame he had made.

Soon Aowe was running across the plains once again. Behind him, towed by him, the first kite the world had ever seen lifted into the air and flew gracefully, chasing playfully after him.

Once more Aowe smiled and laughed and giggled and played. Aowe had finally figured a way to fly.

Then one night came a great fire to the plains. It burned nearly everything on the plains, including the dirt of the plains itself. Homes and many lives were lost. When the fire came swiftly to little Aowe's home, carried by wicked winds, it consumed his home swiftly. His mother and father trapped, dying, Aowe could think of nothing to do but save himself and his kite. He ran from his home, afraid, sorrow filling him for his dying parents. Flames lit the night as the sun in the day. Heat scorched the vegetation of the land, causing Aowe's beloved sapling to curled, dry and die under its weight. Flames jumped in every direction, burning everywhere, cutting off every path of escape for little Aowe.

The child, afraid, in pain from flames and the death of his parents, lay down with his kite and was overrun by the fire. Smoke lifted from his body, from his kite and intermingled as one, forming, shaping, becoming thick. The smoke lifted. So angry was Aowe that even in death his will caused the smoke to float high overhead and cry as he would have cried with tears from his eyes.

Aowe's tears fell from smoke as the world's first rain. So fierce was the crying it put out the hungry fire. And so strong was Aowe's will that the smoke remained, becoming pure white like the cotton his mother sometimes worked with or sometimes black as smoke and filled with tears that fell upon the land, expanding to make new smoke, becoming the clouds of the world.

Aowe was at last able to soar above the world and visit Taleisin. And when sorrow filled the land, people were often heard speaking Aowe's name as expression.

******************************

PART 2

Rains fell harshly upon Comet Fox and his companions as they continued their flight at night.

"Aowe," said Comet Fox as he stopped Gullnir from the day's long, hard ride. lecto was asleep on the horse' back and Eloqua struggling to remain awake.

"Each day we lose ground before the pursuing guards," said Comet Fox.

"Our little one needs her rest," explained Eloqua.

"And food. I fear we may not be able to keep up this pace much longer."

"But we must. What would happen to her if she is caught? I can only guess and my mind is not as foul as her mothers, nor as creative. We cannot let her be captured."

"I know," nodded Comet Fox. "We must allow her capture. But we must find food and supplies. And if we continue losing ground, I fear a fight comes."

"With the guards?"

"Of course."

This sent a shock of nerves through Eloqua that chased away her exhaustion. "I do not know how to fight."

"I didn't say you would fight," replied Comet Fox. "But if I'm to fight, I'll need rest and food, as well."

Eloqua eyed him. "You look well. Were it not for my knowledge of your mutual exhaustion, I would guess you're fit for anything."

Comet Fox yawned. He twisted his long, tail-like mustache with his fingers as he thought.

"Oh, to have the strength of a god," pined Eloqua.

"If I could grant it, you and our Little Empress would have mine. I have decided, we will need to sneak into the next town we come across and find some food."

The four of them rested all night as Aowe cried. By the morning, the rains were gone and the day was bright. Everyone had rested a little and they soon set off once more.

They traveled all day through groves of trees, afraid of being seen. Tension and worry was their way of life an had been for many days. When at last they spied the outline of the town of Gortys nearby it was devised Eloqua would go into the town as a woman on pilgrimage and she would beg for food. Eloqua did so and returned to her companions' side in the early evening with many foods. They ate, regained their strength and despite themselves further rested.

Much to Comet Fox's suspicions, the Empress' guards drew nearer, as did Snow Fox and his companions.

Unbeknownst to Faryad, Sharif had followed him to the mainland, had discovered he had been in the village of Tokerau and was now chasing after him. He then came to Li and discovered Faryad had picked up a companion in a wicked little, evil fox-god -- or so said the prefec t Silver Wind. By chance Sharif happened upon the soldiers of the Empress. Sharif stood in a beaten path he suspected Faryad had taken.

"Out of our way, fool!" cried one of the soldiers clad in golden armor. "We seek a fox-god and will not allow you our hindrance. Stand aside or you will taste our steel!"

"With apologies," said Sharif. "Am I to understand you seek a fox-god?"

"This is what I have already said!"

"I seek his companion, a murderer, ad must bring this foul person to justice."

"A companion, eh? A murderous companion?" smiled the soldier. He thought of Eloqua, wondered what the woman had done and did not understand Sharif was seeking a different fox-god and a different companion. "A murderous companion? Perhaps we can mutually aide one another. We could use a fresh mind."

The soldier turned around to eye his men. He chose the one he thought was most weak from their travels. The soldier drew his sword and cut down the weak man who fell from his horse, dead.

The soldier turned back round. "I'll give you a moment to don the armor and mount the steed. You will now ride with us."

Sharif, not wanting to become a soldier with this league of men yet afraid to refuse, did as he was instructed. He donned the armor and mounted the horse.

"Follow me in every respect or I will cut you in half," warned the soldier.

They rode off together, Sharif and the soldiers seeking two different fox-gods, two different companions.

******************************

PART 3

A cloud made of dust lifted into the air in the east. Comet Fox stood as the day ended, straining to see the cloud at dusk.

Eloqua came to his side. She looked where he was looking and asked, "What is it?"

"Dust kicked up by horses," he turned to her and said, "They've come for us."

Alecto drew near. She was dirty and tired, looking nothing like a young inheritor to a throne. "What shall we do?" she asked.

"We can run no longer, I fear," said Comet Fox. "We must find shelter and hide you in the town."

"What of you? Will you also hide with us?" asked Alecto.

"I will hide. They know of me and will hunt for me, as well. But I will hide elsewhere in the town, separate from you in case they find me. I can then fight them off."

From the east, Comet Fox and his companions entered the town of Gortys. They left Gullnir tied to a tree in a grove of trees, fearing such a fine horse would be too recognizable and too difficult to hide.

From the south, Snow Fox and his companions entered the town of Gortys, unaware of Comet Fox's proximity.

On the horizon came a roiling cloud of dust. With it came a band of soldiers.

The gold-clad warriors entered the town in a fury, kicking up dust and startling livestock and children. They grabbed at a nearby townsman and lifted him from the ground by his arm, asking, "Where is the fox-god? Have you seen him?"

"I'm right here," came a voice. But it was not Comet Fox's. Standing center of the main road in the town was little Snow Fox, his fur ruddy and browning. His hands worked knives. Behind him stood Faryad, his guitar strapped to his back and his fists clenching, and Yele Prin Prin, her violin tied at her waist and her talons ticking against one another nervously.

"Who seeks me?" asked Snow Fox.

The lead soldier approached on horseback. He leaned out, eying Snow Fox. "Are you the one known as Comet Fox?"

"No," answered Snow Fox. He craned his neck to look up at the soldier. He feared telling him Comet Fox was his brother.

He said nothing further.

"Then there are two fox-gods?" the soldier asked, shocked.

Comet Fox had stowed Alecto and Eloqua away with a family in their underground cellar. He was seeking a hiding place of his own when he bore witness to the exchange occurring in the middle of town.

"Who are you?" demanded the soldier.

"I am Snow Fox, son of Nyavatalii the Frost Giantess and Coyote!"

Comet Fox pricked up his ears at this.

"Bah! This is not the one we seek!" said the soldier to the others.

Sharif drew near, removed his helmet and pointed at Faryad, "Perhaps not, but he is the one I seek!"

"Sharif!" Faryad gasped.

"It would seem we are companions without reason," said the lead soldier.

"Or, perhaps with reason," Sharif then quoted a common curse, "'How wicked the ways of the Cosmos.'"

"How wicked, indeed," came Comet Fox. He stepped out into the center of town to stand before the soldiers.

"Brother!" cried Snow Fox.

"Are you truly my brother?"

"My father is Coyote. I have heard of you often and came to find you, to meet you!"

"You are a fox as am I, therefore your claim makes sense. If you be my brother: well met, young one."

"A family reunion!" the lead soldier mocked. "How adorable!"

"Shut you mouth, foul one!" demanded Comet Fox. "I know why you're here and I'll not hand her over!"

The soldiers, including Sharif, dismounted. They each gathered up their weapon of choice. The lead soldier carried an am arbir. Sharif had been outfitted with a machete with a long, curved blade looking like a fat belly.

"Do not run, Faryad," Sharif warned. "Come with me. Return to Ayiti and you will have a fair trial."

"I killed Bleddyn! You let us go once before, why have you come for me now?"

"I know of Bleddyn's ways, of his tyranny and treachery. I could not abide by it. But I still have a job and I have been tasked by our warlord to find you. If I did not come for you, I would have lost my head. I did not wish to find you, truly, but knew I must try nonetheless. If nothing more, I have granted you a few more days of living. Be grateful for that and, I beg of you, come with me."

"We'll not return to Aytit," said Yele, "perhaps ever."

"Come to me, Comet Fox," called the soldiers, their leader stepping slowly closer towards the fox-god. "Do not fight. Let us have the girl and you may go. You've no charge in this, no benefit is to be gained for you. Come to us and tell us where the girl is at."

Snow Fox stepped to Comet Fox's side. "I'll not let you further advance on my brother!"

The lead soldier lunged, his spear biting air, streaking out at Snow Fox.

Snow Fox leaped backward and threw one of his knives in one motion. The knife struck, deflected by the thick golden armor.

The soldier laughed.

Comet Fox drew his ulus from out of the sash at his waist.

The soldier arced the spear wide, bring it round at Comet Fox.

Comet Fox lifted off the ground, flying high over the spear.

Snow Fox threw another another. Once again it was deflected by the heavy armor. He eyed the soldier, searching for weaknesses in his armor.

Comet Fox flew down at the soldier.

Snow Fox saw the soldier's boots were mere black leather. He threw a third knife. The blade dug into the boot and split open the soldier's big toe.

The soldier cried out in pain.

Comet Fox struck, arcing his arm around to bring his fist up under the soldier's chin, an ulu passing under his helmet, the blade cutting deep and wide the throat of the soldier.

Comet Fox landed to one side.

Blood spewed from the soldier's wound, blood raining down on the small Snow Fox until he was more crimson than any other color.

The soldier fell dead to the ground.

Comet Fox eyed his and said, "I know of one other like you, one that enjoys bathing in blood."

"I didn't much enjoy this," admitted Snow Fox. "In fact, it's rather foul."

Sharif approached Faryad.

"You know what I can do with my fists," warned Faryad.

"I also know you're no killer. You won't attack me unless I press you. I won't press you, but urge you once more to come with me."

Three soldiers surrounded Comet Fox and Snow Fox. Three more knives were flung out by the smaller fox-god, three more feet were wounded until the soldiers were sent howling away.

One soldier, a young and ambitious soldier, made a final charge at Comet Fox with a spear of his own. Comet Fox let him slip close in his mad rush, sidestepping the spear. he merely held out his ulu at the right height. The young soldier's own momentum, own weight pressed his neck into the sharp moon-like blade until he was spewing blood as his leader once had until he fell to the ground, writhing until he was dead.

The rest of the soldiers ran in terror, except one. This one had been wounded by one of Snow Fox's blades. Snow Fox wriggled the knife free from the soldier's foot and the soldier cried out in agony.

Snow Fox went about picking up his knives except for the two that remained in the feet of soldiers now running away.

Comet Fox neared the soldier with the wounded foot. He knelt low, put his arms around the soldier and lifted him up onto a horse. He spoke softly to the mounted soldier.

"Ride. Ride fiercely to the east. Ride into the rising day, staring only at Etain's belly. Do not look back here lest you find my chasing after you. Ride until you have returned to your beloved Empress' side and deliver unto her this message: tell her Alecto is now under the care of Comet Fox; tell what you witnessed here today, telling her every detail; tell her if she continues her hunt, I will do to her what I did to her captain. Deliver this message, understand?"

The soldier shook his head nervously.

Comet Fox nipped at the horse, forcing the animal to ride wildly into the east where the soldiers had come from.

Sharif was still slowly advancing on Faryad. Faryad's fists were raised, trembling. Neither had seen the soldiers leave. Both were concentrating only on one another.

"Faryad," whispered little Sarut.

"Not now," said Faryad.

"But you must look! We have the advantage."

Faryad looked about to find only Sharif and the fallen remained. He straightened, lowering his fists.

"I think you'll be wanting to let us go," he told Sharif.

Sharif looked, saw Comet Fox slowly approaching, saw Snow Fox tending to his knives. He, too, straightened and lowered his sword. He looked upon Faryad and Yele. He spoke, "I suppose now would be my demise."

"If you attack us it would be," said Yele.

"Yet if I return to Ayiti, that too would be my demise."

"Then what say you?" asked Faryad. "Have you further words for us? Further hostilities? How would this day end? It is of your choosing."

Sharif sighed. "I'll do nothing more to you at this time. But know this, wherever you may go, I'll be fast on your trail."

Yele thought it over a moment. As Sharif turned to walk away, she called to him. "Sharif! Why not join us?"

Sharif looked back over his shoulder at her. "And become an outlaw? A criminal? There is such a thing as justice and I'll have it until my end days. I will be smart about it, but I'll have it."

"And what of the wars on Ayiti?" called Faryad. "They choke and starve the people. They long for a better life. How is that not injustice?"

"You are correct, there is no justice in our warlords, including the one I currently serve. That is the purpose behind my station as a hand of justice on Ayiti, to make certain justice exists in at least some small way amongst the ugliness of all that war."

"And your hunt for us is just? I was right to kill Bleddyn!" defended Faryad.

"Indeed you were, as I will be in the right to kill you. Bleddyn's death was just. He was a tyrant that needed to be put down, hot steel that needed tempering. You did that, but to the extant of murder. You have become despicable. Now justice must be meted out."

Faryad eyed Sharif. He had never heard the man speak so deeply on the matter of his station.

"Be warned, Faryad, though you are a good man, justice will come for you."

"You mean to say you will continue your chase for me."

"That I will, but whether justice comes for you at my hands, from the tip of my blade or if it comes from another remains for the Cosmos to shape. Until then, I bid you fare well. And I give you fair warning: wherever you roam across this world, the eyes you feel resting upon your back, the eyes that raise the hairs of your neck, shall be my eyes."

Sharif turned back round and left the town of Gortys.

"What now, brother?" asked Snow Fox of Comet Fox.

Comet Fox looked down on him. "I do not know for the likes of you and your friends, but I've an Empress-to-be to protect. I must take my leave. Under other circumstances, I would have spent time with you. But I was happy to have you here for this fight. I thank you."

"You're leaving me behind? But we just met! Please allow me to come with you?" begged Snow Fox.

Comet Fox shook his head. "I know not a thing about you, though I feel I can trust your identity as my little brother. I've an incredible task at hand now and must see it through to the end. When I've delivered the Little Empress to safety, then I will return to you."

"You said yourself just now you trust I am your brother. And you know I can fight. If there's more fighting to be done, perhaps you'll need me? Please, allow me to accompany you!"

Snow Fox knelt to the ground, his arms outstretched and his hands clasped together in pleading.

Faryad watched this all from a short distance. At last he said, "This little fox has been through much and has served as friend to Yele and I. And, truth be told, if I'm to have Sharif after me, though I would not wish to burden you with my woes, your company would ease my mind. Perhaps we can do the same in return?"

Comet Fox considered all things. He knew it foolish to trust so quickly, knew more people would mean slower and less conspicuous travel, knew the benefits of having others for posted watches. And, he quietly admitted, Snow Fox was good with his throwing blades and that could be useful. And, once more he admitted to himself, he wished to know more about this little one claiming to be his brother.

Comet Fox breathed deep. He said at last, "Wait here, then. I'll return in a moment with my charge, then we'll go to the grove to retrieve a horse."

Snow Fox leaped from his knees in joy.

Yele and Faryad smiled.

Sarut grumbled incoherently.

Comet Fox introduced and explained who Alecto was and why they were currently on the run as they retrieve Gullnir.

"And those soldiers were your mothers?" asked Yele.

"Yes, indeed."

"You poor girl."

Alecto immediately loved Yele Prin Prin for her beauty and kindness and, other than her own mother and Eloqua and the occasional child commanded to play with her, Yele was the first woman she had ever met.

"I love your wings. They're so beautiful!"

Yele blushed. "Thank you."

They traveled through the night, gazing at stars and chatting. Comet Fox listened to all the tales his little brother had to tell, laughed when he heard about the little fox stumbling over himself trying to use an axe, how he came into the rest of the world. He enjoyed most knowing someone else shared with him his father.

Comet Fox then in turn told Snow Fox, and indeed all of them, about his escaping the Cottonwood Chamber, the Battle for the Plain of Adoration, about Balori -- Alecto's favorite tales involved Balor -- and Xiao-tep and Wu Chan Chu.

"We should find this Xiao-tep," suggested Snow Fox. "He sounds as though he may help."

"I would, but we draw near another dear friend's home. He is well trusted, perhaps my most trusted friend in all the world besides Xiao-tep."

"Who is this that you speak of?" asked Snow Fox, wishing some day Comet Fox would speak of him that same way.

"Stavros the Red."

"How far is he?"

"Not far at all now, I believe. In fact, you could probably rest here while I fly to his village and seek him out."

"Oh, please don't leave!" cried Alecto.

Comet Fox grabbed the young lady's hand. He sighed. "As I've promise, I'll not leave. But what of Snow Fox and Faryad? How would it be if I sent them?"

This was agreed upon.

"How will we know him?" asked Faryad.

"You'll know him," said Comet Fox. "I believe he told me the village is beyond that crest of hills there. Follow due north and I'm certain you'll find it."

Faryad nodded.

Snow Fox checked his knives one last time.

Sarut flew to Faryad and climbed into his pocket.

"Ready for another adventure, Sarut?" asked Faryad.

"Adventure I can handle. I need rest and, well, I trust you to let me sleep in here."

Faryad smiled. "Thank you for trusting me, Sarut."

The three set off for the hills.

******************************

PART 4

It was a joyous night in Yuki village. Several of the younger villagers played musical instruments they had made themselves or, a few, had traded for. A great meal had been prepared all day. Now, at night, food filled bellies, alcohol infected minds and music filled the air.

It was Elsa's twenty-fourth birthday.

Young Petru danced near Stavros and Elsa who lounged together near a blazing bonfire, singing drunkenly at the night sky with the music that played. Stavros was fat now in the belly and a little slower than he once had been.

Stavros smiled at the boy not yet seven years old. He sat up and called to Petru, who came to his side at once.

"Are you enjoying the festivities?" asked Stavros.

Petru nodded frantically, smiling wide. "Oh, do I!"

"Good, good. Would you like to hear more of my tales of battle?"

"Always!" cried Petru.

So Stavros told of his fight against the Brothers Jackyl and soon a small crowd gathered round him to listen in. Elsa listened attentively, too, though she had heard the tale many times before.

The story complete, those gathered clapped happily at Stavros.

Petru looked up at him and asked, "Can I have my own adventures?"

Stavros laughed. "Maybe one day."

"I want to fight with swords like you, Stavros!"

Again Stavros laughed. He said, "Go forth, child, and find me two strong pieces of fallen poplar."

As Petru did this, Stavros asked Elsa to retrieve for him his sword from their hut. Her family was dead now. Only she and Stavros remained in the hut.

Both brought to him the things he had requested.

Stavros quaffed another swallow of tzuika he had taught himself to make. As he did so, he thought briefly on Comet Fox, his old friend, and wished that he was with him this night.

Stavros used his sword to carve and whittle the two pieces of poplar. He then sent Petru forth to find him some twine and when he returned with it, Stavros fastened the two small pieces of wood together with the twine to make a wooden sword big enough for Petru to play with.

"Thanks, Stavros!"

"Now for your first quest, young man: go forth and patrol the perimeter of the village. Make certain no one comes or goes without your seeing them first."

Petru saluted like a soldier and ran off to patrol the outside of the village.

Stavros laughed uproariously at this. Elsa leaned near him and placed a gentle kiss upon his maw. He nuzzled his muzzle into her neck, saying, "I love you, dear Elsa."

"And this whole village loves you, dear Stavros. We are so much happier now that you've returned to us."

On the outskirts of the village, Petru patrolled. The nighttime sky twickled down on him with stars. he had never known a world without stars and for that the villagers were happy and thanked Stavros constantly for his part in returning the stars to the Heavens above.

Petru marched along until he spied movement, two figures drawing nearer. Petru froze. He had not truly expected to find anyone, yet here came two figures -- a man and some creature. He thought about what to do. Stavros had told him not to let anyone pass without speaking to him first, so he determined to do just that.

The little mock soldier stepped forward before Faryad and Snow Fox, thrusting out his small wooden sword menacingly and saying, "Halt! Who wishes passage to Yuki village?"

Stunned, Snow Fox and Faryad stared at the small child a moment. Then Faryad said, "We've come looking for one called Stavros the Red. Is this Yuki village? Would he be here?"

"Yes, he would be here," said Petru. "And who might want to know?"

The weight of the dense poplar made the boy's sword falter.

"I am called Faryad the Exploding Sword. My companion is Snow Fox."

Petru stood in silence a moment. Stavros hadn't told him what to do beyond finding out who came or wen from the village. He thought it over and decided he should escort them to Stavros as prisoners.

"Come with me!" he commanded. "And I'll not tolerate any foul play!"

Faryad shook his head and put his hands up in a gesture to signify he meant no harm.

"Of course not," smiled Faryad.

Petru lead them towards the village. He continued to think matters over and slowed his pace when he came to a realization.

"You've come to take Stavros away, haven't you?"

"We don't want to take him away so much as we'd like him to accompany us," explained Snow Fox.

"Will it be dangerous?"

Snow Fox nodded.

Petru frowned. "Stavros told us of how he left the village once before. The people were so unhappy then. But when he returned he taught the people to sing and play music and make wines and enjoy their lives. They say if he's taken away again, he may never come back."

Petru stopped. "I don't want him to go."

Snow Fox cocked his head, pricked his ears. "I understand. If it were not a most dire situation, I would turn back now and let you keep him."

Petru sighed. "I suppose all I can do is lead you to him."

"Thank you,: said Snow Fox.

Petru lead the two through the celebrating village. As they went, people stopped to stare at Snow Fox. Many whispered of horrible things, of Stavros leaving them once more. Others spoke of gods and men, of Blessed one and demons and the Brothers Jackyl.

"Sir!" said Petru as he came before Stavros. "I've brought these two before you, sir! They came to our village looking for you."

Stavros stood, his crooked back making him small next to Faryad, yet still far larger than Snow Fox.

Petru looked up at Stavros with wide, sad eyes and said, "Please don't go, Stavros."

Stavros eyed both the newcomers, especially Snow Fox. He told Petru, "Go retrieve some tzuika for me and our guests."

Petru ran off.

Stavros invited the two into him hut. Elsa watched them go. When Petru had come with the tzuika and left again, they sat at a table while Stavros poured them cups of the wine and asked, "What brings you here?"

"My brother Comet Fox sent me here," said Snow Fox.

"Brother?" Stavros said, then nodded. "You share a father, then?"

"Indeed. I am Snow Fox. This is Faryad the Exploding Sword."

Stavros smiled. "What trouble has that drunkard gotten himself into?"

Faryad and Snow Fox looked to one another. Snow Fox said, "He lends aid to a young empress-to-be whose mother hunts her. He would like your help in delivering her to a safe place."

"And what safe place would that be?"

"She seems to want to go to Ife," said Faryad. "But he desires to reason out a way to get her to Taleisin."

Stavros nodded. "Balori or Xiao-tep. It's a difficult decision. I would think Comet Fox could fly to Xiao-tep quicker, but then I'm not one for flight. But, how does he need my help?"

"He asks you come see him. He awaits some ways outside the village."

"Comet Fox is here?" this excited Stavros. "Why does he not merely come here?"

"We have fought off several soldiers this night," said Snow Fox, "but he fears more will be on the way. He did not want to lead them into your village."

"It's a kind gesture."

"Come with us. Speak with him," urged Snow Fox. "He speaks of you as a brother."

Stavros considered matters. He looked out the door of his hut and watched the now quieted village. He looked back at Snow Fox and said, "No. I cannot. I have given up fighting and the skills he calls upon me to use. I am fat now, I can lift my sword, but cannot swing it with any ferocity."

Snow Fox and Faryad were shocked to hear Stavros turn them away.

"But he needs your help," said Faryad. "He desperately needs your help."

"And I am truly sorry I cannot give it to him," said Stavros. "Please, leave. If you would like I'll have a few supplies packed and sent with you."

Snow Fox spat. "We need nothing from you."

Snow Fox and Faryad left the hut. Stavros stood in the doorway, watching them leave. Elsa came to his side.

"What did they want?" she asked.

"Nothing," he lied.

"Tell me, Stavros. Tell me the truth."

Stavros sighed. He did not desire to lie to his beloved. He said, "Have I ever told you of Comet Fox?"

Elsa Smiled. "Yes, many times. Is he coming?"

Stavros shook his head. "No. He wanted me to come to him."

Stavros turned and entered the hut.

Elsa followed after him. She asked, "Is he near?"

Stavros nodded. He took his sword she had retrieved for him and put it away under a pile of linens.

"Why didn't he come here? I thought you extended an invitation to him. You did invite him, didn't you?"

Yes, but he needs my help now. I would have to leave Yuki. And I refuse to leave Yuki anymore."

Elsa sighed. She sat on the edge of their bed. She asked, "Why do you refuse?"

He eyed her with confusion. "This is my home now, my life. I've grown older and softer. What he needs me for is my sword, but I'll not aband-" Stavros caught himself in a moment of passionate fury. He calmed himself and said, "I'll not leave Yuki ever again."

A long silence hung between them. It was shared by those gathered outside that waited to hear news from Stavros about the visitors.

"You want to go, though," Elsa said at last.

"Of course I do. Comet Fox is like a brother to me. I can truly say I love that fox-god."

Elsa stood. She walked to Stavros' side and said, "Then go."

"What? I cannot go! I won't go!"

Stavros walked out of the hut and demanded, "Play music! Celebrate! It's Elsa's birthday!"

The people of Yuki simply stared at him.

Elsa stepped out of the hut. She said softly, "Stavros, this is who you are. This is what you are. When the world needs you, it calls upon you and you must leave our little village. It is how it must be."

"Lies! It doesn't have to be that way!"

Stavros' rage scared a few of the villagers.

"Tell me, what will you do then? As I age and die, what will you do? Remain in Yuki and watch me slip from you? Everyone here but you will come and go."

Stavros hung his head. "That's why I must stay. I want as much time with you as the Cosmos will allow, Elsa."

Elsa stepped to him and embraced him. "And I thank you for that. But now the Cosmos will not have you here. You are needed elsewhere. Live your life, live the destiny that has been chosen for you."

Stavros, tears in his eyes, looked at Elsa. "And what destiny might that be?"

"I cannot say," she shook her head. "Only you can find it."

Stavros sighed. He hung his head. He stood in silence a long time.

Quietly, Elsa said, "Would you have me get your sword?"

Stavros did not look up, did not speak. He merely nodded.

Elsa retrieved his sword once more.

A few of the villages began to pack a bag of supplies for Stavros. His accordion was brought to him as were his gourds freshly filled with tzuika. When he was prepared, the villagers gathered round him and prayed for him.

Elsa gave him a final kiss and said, "Yuki is proud to have you as their son. Return as swiftly as you can."

"I will," Stavros nodded.

He turned and ran from the village, calling out for Snow Fox and Faryad who heard him and stopped to wait for him.

As the three walked together, Stavros spied a fourth member of their group. He spied Sarut peeking from Faryad's pocket at him.

"A ruby bug?" asked Stavros.

"I wish he were ruby! He is Sarut, a friend."

"Hello, little Sarut."

"Well met," called Sarut.

Then Stavros spied a fifth member of the group. He stopped, stared into teh shadows of a tree and called out, "Petru?"

Petru stepped from the shadows and said, "I'm coming with you."

Stavros smiled. He knelt to Petru. "I cannot have you come along."

"Why not? I have a weapon! You made it yourself so it must be in good order."

"I know, but the villagers need you while I'm gone. If we're both gone, who's to protect Yuki?"

Petru gasped. "I almost fouled up Yuki's chances for survival!"

Stavros chuckled. "Indeed you did. Here are your orders: Every night I want you patrol the village as you did this night. And every night I want you to keep a small fire kindled for me so I can find my way home. Understood, little soldier?"

"Understood, sir!" Petru saluted.

Stavros kissed the boy's forehead and sent him off, back towards the village.

Stavros eyed his new companions. He looked to Snow Fox, "You're Comet Fox's little brother, eh? You poor bastard!"

"What's that supposed to mean?" asked Snow Fox.

Stavros laughed.

The three left Yuki village far behind.

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That's it for "Broken Steel"!!! Thanks for reading!!!