Something Darker; Chapter 2

Closing the door, I whisper a charm over it sealing it with magic. Satisfied I walk farther into the room. I drop the saddlebag at the base of the bed and walk to the window. Throwing it open, I look around. "Zanthus?" Whisper into the darkness. When he doesn't respond, I reach out with my mind. Darting into my mind's reach, he lands on the sill. I look at him.

He stretches his wings impatiently. That certainly took you long enough.

I glare at him. That was the first time I've done that alone, I protest.

Then perhaps you should pay more attention during your lessons. He throws his wings out and takes off.

I'm forced to duck to avoid being hit. Glaring over my shoulder into the room, I close the window. Returning to the saddlebag, I let the charm around me drop. I can't see them, but I know my eyes have gone from blue to gold. I hate my gold eyes, but there is no point in holding the charm up longer than necessary.

I pull the gloves off my hands and stare at the swirling black lines, rising from my wrists, to blossom out in my palms. Like my eyes, they're a silent testimony to that which I'm vehemently denying.

Pulling the Chaser out, I allow it to dangle from its chain. The many faces on its spherical form reflect the light of the candle, making the light dance around the room.

Zanthus pads up, now in cat form. You should hide that until we leave.

I sigh. I know. But maybe. . .

Reaching out with my free hand I gently cradled the chaser. Immediately, I pull my hand away, cursing, shaking it in pain.

Zanthus hiss-laughs before jumping on the bed and laying down. Idiot, he comments.

I glare at him. Then an idea strikes me. How about you wear it?

His head shoots up and he hisses. You want me to wear that infernal thing?

Yes. Unlike me, it won't burn you.

Zanthus eyes the chain. And if I wish to become a mouse? What then? Am I to remain in one form as to watch something of yours? I think not.

I can enchant the chain so it will always fit your neck, Zanthus. Please?

Raising his chin, he feigns an air of indifference. Fine. I will watch the Chaser for you.

Smiling, I raise my free hand once more. As Zanthus taught me, I think of what I want. I can feel the power tugging. As usual, it supplies the spell, a simple one. Reciting the words in my mind, I bend the power to my will.

The air shimmers and Zanthus tilts his head. Not bad. You didn't destroy anything this time.

I shrug. It was just a simple spell. Nothing much.

Standing, Zanthus leaps from the bed. Purring, he rubs against my leg. I scratch his head. Do not lose hope. There may yet be a chance. Zanthus looks at me with his big cat eyes.

I lean over and rest my head against his soft fur. Thank you Zanthus.

I sit back up and find Zanthus holding out his head. I slid the chain over his neck and watch as it shrinks to fit perfectly. It looks good on you.

Zanthus sits up straighter. Liar. A bell outside tolls eleven. Zanthus head-buts my leg. You should get some sleep. It will do you good. Have no worries, I shall keep guard.