The woman, still wearing her hood and stooping so as to look shorter than her actual height, brought them to the mouth of one of the alleys. “This way,” she said, pointing ahead. “My home is not far.”
Minx and Kaleb passed by at least a dozen doorways, some open, others boarded up with thick wood, and she couldn't help regarding the gritty succession of homes with something like disgust. Compared to Pan, the city of the Fae, this place seemed too filthy and rundown to Minx, and the leering characters in some of the windows made her ill at ease. I thought this was supposed to be the greatest of human cities. Seems they aren't capable of building a proper civilization like us Fae. I'd be ashamed if this was all my people had to offer.
When they had arrived at a locked door nearly a quarter of a mile into the complex of buildings, the woman lowered her hood, giving the pair another look at her strange, semi-reptilian features, and hastily opened it with a long, brittle key. She sped inside, and the moment both Kaleb and Minx had joined her in an ill-lit entry chamber, she shut the door with her shoulder and engaged not one, but three meaty locks. This move, in particular, threw Minx for a loop. Why so many locks? Is she trying to keep people out, or to keep us in?
Finally, the woman's tense shoulders relaxed and she set out across the small room, putting on a number of simple lamps which lent the space a low, eerie glow. She ventured deeper into the abode with soft, almost imperceptible steps on the dusty stone floors, and continued this work further in. There did not appear to be any windows in the place; the habitation's only light came from these staggered lamps, many of them with cracked housings. Just beyond the entryway was a larger room, which boasted an unlit hearth, a bed and some plain wooden furnishings. “Please,” said the woman, motioning to a table and chairs in the corner, “make yourselves comfortable.” As they took their seats, the hostess walked to a small well beside the hearth. Removing the wooden cover, she drew up a pail of water, the contents of which she carefully portioned in three ceramic vessels. She handed two to her speechless guests and then settled down on the edge of the bed, slurping hers down with relish. “Welcome,” she said in the low light, sparing them a tusked smile.
“Thanks,” said Kaleb, peering suspiciously into the cup before chancing a sip. “That was quite an entrance you made back there. Could've gotten yourself hurt, interrupting our fight like that. You must have something important to tell us if you went to all that trouble.”
Minx had no time for refreshments or pleasantries. “Where's Mau? Where's my Faelyr? You know, don't you?”
The tusked woman seemed more interested in relaxing just then, and stretched out a bit. “Is this your first time here? In Karn, I mean?”
“I've been here once or twice, but this would be a first for my friend,” said Kaleb, answering for them both. He glanced at Minx with a faint smile. “She doesn't venture out of her realm much. She's very respectful of borders, you know?” He spared the Fae huntress a little wink, then continued, “It's quite the city, always bustling. Though, sitting here, you wouldn't know there was a big city just outside these walls. It's nice and quiet.”
“Most of the time,” replied the woman. “Keeping a low profile helps.” She cleared her throat, motioning to herself. “Anyway, my name is Vevne. And you are?”
“Kaleb,” said the dragon shifter with a little nod. “And this is Minx.” He hiked a thumb at the Fae huntress.
Squirming with impatience, Minx leaned forward in her seat. “Right, it's really great to meet you, Vevne, but why did you bring us here? We didn't come here to sightsee. We're on a mission.”
“Oh, a mission?” asked Vevne, teasing one of her tusks with a clawed finger. “It's funny, I was merely passing through when I heard the commotion at the auction house. I stopped to see what was going on and saw the two of you. I heard you mention the Faelyr and thought I could help. Now, what sort of mission are you on? Is it merely to rescue your companion?”
Where to begin? Minx grit her teeth as the laundry list of crises and responsibilities sprang to mind. “I need to find my friend Mau and hurry back home to Pandling Grounds. An army, led by the Wuff, seized my mother and other Fae leaders. They're being held hostage until I deliver a dragon's hide, and there isn't much time.”
At mention of the army, Vevne sat upright. “An army, you say? Led by Wuffs?”
“That's right,” replied Minx. “It's led by Valry, of the Wuffs. There are Plurn and Krah involved, too. They marched into the Pandling Grounds Trade Center and made off with several hostages. They plan to kill the captives if we don't comply with their demands.” She chuckled impatiently. “So, you know, if we could hurry things along, I'd really appreciate it.”
“Maybe our meeting is not so coincidental after all...” The tusked woman meditated on this for a moment, nodding to herself and running a scaly hand against her bare head. “Tell me...” she began softly, eyes narrowing, “are either of you seers?”
“Seers?” asked Kaleb, glancing at
