"Don't... what?" Sa'vere asked, blinking, her hand touching the book's leathery cover.

"Don't open that book!" Pure fright reflected on Azder's face.

"Why, what's in it?" Her hands remained frozen on the cover at the sight of fear on his face.

"I....can't say, just please don't open it!" He pleads knowing if she opens it he would be discovered.

Slowly she withdrew her hand from the book and drew it back to the bed where she sat, remaining silent

Relief flooded his face until he realized she would want answers and he may have given a small clue to her about who he was.

"Why are you acting so strangely over a book?" Sa'vere asked softly.

"I..you don't know what the book is it could be dark magic." Azder said trying to recover.

Sa'vere shrugged, "I wonder who lived here... and why the door was made of steel..." She said thoughtfully.

Azder allowed himself to relax and pretend interest though it pained him deeply to be here.

"I'd never have thought that such an old place could be preserved so well..."

"D...don't you feel the magic?"

"Well... there is a strange feel to the air, but why preserve only this room so well?"

Azder looked around. *Why did they come here? Did Kahtale know this was his old home? Did he want Sa'vere to find out?* These fears and questions whirled around in his mind as he tried to keep an unreadable expression on his face.

"You should sit down, you don't look so good," Sa'vere said, worry in her tone.

Nods and sinks into a chair cradling his face in his hands. "Damn! Why do we have to be here?!" Said before he could stop himself or bite back his words.

"Do you know this place then?"

"No....I...no!"

"...?" She looked at him questioningly.

"I said no." He mutters not meeting her eyes.

She sighed and stood, turning to the door, "Fine, I won't question you further. I'm going to see the rest of the house." She said simply.
Nods and waits till she leaves before he pockets the journal.
He sits down and begins to cry.
He fell asleep after awhile. Laying on the bed.

She walked into the room after he'd fallen asleep, and when she saw him she walked over and eased the folded blanket at the foot of the bed over his form, noting that the book was gone. "Why won't you ever answer my questions?" She asked softly, kneeling with her arms and chin on the bed.

After a few hours he wakes up. His eyes widen as he sees Sa'vere. "Morning." Says trying to appear cheery though his face was tear streaked.

She had somehow fallen asleep in that position, and when he spoke she merely sighed, mumbling a, "morning," in return, her eyes still closed.

He carefully got out of the bed and put her in it so she could sleep in comfort.

Kehtale stretched in the other room and stood, finding his way to them, "The danger has passed for now." He said, "They have combed this area, and were doing so all night but now they are satisfied that we are not around."

Nods not wanting to look at him, unsure as to how much he knew.

"I really despise such a distrustful look," Kehtale said bluntly, shifting forms into a tharashile again. I feel more comfortable going out like this, they can't sense my presence as well...

"I really despise you. Kehtale."

Why do you despise me?

"You know why." *You have knowledge about me*

But is that really a reason to despise me? Have I wrongfully used that information in some way?

*It's only a matter of time. Only one person before has not betrayed me.*

I will not betray you or this girl. She is the hope of revitalizing this world.

*If you do betray her I will kill you.*

I give you that right, Kehtale laid down in the doorway, his massive head resting on his paws.

Sighs and watches Sa'vere sleep trying to ignore kahtale's presence, and woundering what his father would do if he found out where he was.

One day you will know my honesty. Kehtale sighed and stood up, padding out of the room.

*Why must my life be this way?*

Sa'vere sat up suddenly, "You can't do that!" She shouted, still dreaming and swinging her fist at him accidentally.

He quickly intercepts it but just barely. "What is it?"

"Huh?" She blinked awake and rubbed the back of her head, "I guess I was dreaming..."

"It's all right now."

"I'm sorry I swung at you..." She realized that her fist was still in the air and lowered it.

"What did you dream?"

"I can't remember... woke up too quick for it to stick..."

"I see."

Sa'vere stood up and stretched, looking around the room, "How'd I end up in the bed, anyway?"

"You feel asleep against the bed so I ....moved you."

"Oh..." She felt her face grow slightly warm, "I didn't mean to... it just sort of happened after I covered you up..."

"It's all right we both were tired." Looks a little pink.

"How about a little sparring before breakfast?"

"Magic or staff?" Azder asks glad no questions were asked.

"It doesn't matter, you pick."

"Weapon." Azder replied not wanting to experience her thoughts in his mind, and the knowledge that she was able to read his thoughts.

"Alright then, weapons it is." Sa'vere said, picking her staff up once they'd entered the main room again.

Azder resumed a defensive position. "Your turn to attack." He told her. He wanted this position for two reasons, one to train her on attack and two he could feel his wound open once more and did not want to worry her.

Sa'vere nodded, moving forward quickly and swiped at him with the staff from the side.

He blocked but grimaced, feeling the wound open more.

"I-is something wrong?" She faltered in her next attack.

Nods still not wanting to scare her.

"What is it, are you injured?"

"Let's resume." *Can't show weakness, I mustn't show weakness, that is what I have been taught.* He thought forcing himself to look unharmed.

"Don't try and change your reaction now. Where's the injury?" She asked, leaning on her staff.

"I did not say I had one." He said trying to look convincing but he could feel his blood starting to flow.

"Show me right now!" Sa'vere said, glaring at him.

"I said I don't......" Azder falls to the ground the blood seeping through his shirt.

"You see now, if you'd have only taken better care of yourself you wouldn't have fallen, now show me your wound."

"Left....side..." He gasped out afraid she would see the large
bite where he was bitten by a demon.

"Well, take off your shirt then. It needs treated now. Honestly, I don't know why you let it go." Sa'vere said, turning and rummaging through her pack for her medical kit.

He did as she asked grimacing in pain. the wound was worse then even he had thought and part of his rib was exposed, it was a wounder he was alive let alone concious.

Sa'vere didn't so much as grimace when she moved back to his side to check the wound, "I'll have to boil some water..." She said, setting her medical kit down and racing back to her pack for her store of water. Silently she built up a fire and placed an old pot over it's surface, pouring in the water and waiting for it to boil before quickly returning to his side with plenty of rags, a disinfectant, a needle and some thread, as well as some bandages. She began to work on his wound.

He hissed in pain but did not cry out. *How is it she is so strong? But that is what adds to her attraction.* He thought but as he fought down the sickening pain he realized another thing: *What if this makes her ask questions?* He was unsure if he could deny her answers much longer.

"I'm almost done," Sa'vere said, stitching up the last of the large wound and beginning to smear a salve over it, "This is one of my ma's specialties, it helps to take the pain away pretty quickly."

Nods to sick to talk.

"Now you're going to have to rest- probably for the next few days. I don't want that wound to open up again." Sa'vere said as she deftly pulled bandaging over it.

"But..who will train you?" *I hate being useless!*

"It's fine, I could practice on my own for a while, I've got the basics down."

Struggles to get up and head to his parents old room, bracing himself against the wall. *Damn! I hate being weak!*

Sa'vere sighed softly and moved over to him, helping to balance him.

"I am sorry..." He said heading to the bed.

"You shouldn't apologize," Sa'vere said, helping him into the bed, "Now, I'm going to see about making something to eat." She turned and left the room.

*Why must I be so weak?* He thought to himself in disgust.

She rummaged through her bags for several minutes before Kehtale approached her. I have food that you can cook. He said, throwing a rather plump animal at her feet. She gave a small smile of thanks and worked on cooking it.

Azder fell asleep and drempt of the past. *"Mother what are you doing here?" He demanded his armor shining in the sun. "You must listen to me!Your father is doing something evil!"
The sounds of men approaching could be heard.* Azder awoke with a start. "NOOOOO!" He found himself yelling.

Sa'vere ran into the room, panting heavily, cooking spatula still in hand and steaming, "What's wrong?!"

Sweat ran down his face and he was panting deeply. "I...bad dream."

"Oh... whew, you gave me a scare..."

Azder rolled over to face the wall ashamed at his weakness, and wondering why the memories had resurfaced.

"Azder... maybe you shouldn't hold so much in," Sa'vere said softly, "It's not good for you, you know."

"W....what do you mean?" Azder asked as he stiffened.

"Your eyes reveal your emotions." She said, turning to go back to her cooking, "Just do not keep it to yourself for too long..."

"But I don't know what else to do, who else to trust..." Azder whispered.

After a few more minutes the smell of roasting meat moved into the room, and eventually Sa'vere reappeared with a plate of steaming meat.

Azder's mouth watered as he smelled the food.

"Careful, it's hot," Sa'vere warned, "I hope it's good." She smiled and handed him the plate.

Azder accepted it and for the first time did not fear that it was poisoned, he soon began to eat realizing he had eaten little the past few days. "It is very good!"

"Ah, I'm glad, it's only my second attempt with real cooking," Sa'vere said in relief.

"You have this down. It is delicious." He really did like the food, but he also hoped it would make her forget of the things that had transpired.

"After you finish get some rest, okay?" Sa'vere asked, "It's good for your body to get lots of rest..."

Azder nodded. "I haven't truly rested since...." He feel asleep mid sentence. It was then that Sa'vere spotted the book which had fallen out of his pocket.

She stepped across the room and leaned over the book silently. I know he doesn't want me looking at it, and that I don't know why, but it's pretty difficult to resist... She lifted up the book and stared hard at it's cover before lifting it open to the first page for only a peek.

This is what she saw: A picture of the humans being slaughtered by the demons under the picture was a blood line with her master (The King) at the top that named off the branches, as she read the bloodline she saw that Azderias was named the prince and son of her master.

"Azderias... it's almost like-" She shook her head and closed the book, "I really shouldn't read this, he asked me not too..."

Azder mumbled something in his sleep that sounded like a plea.

"I wish you could trust me enough to tell me about yourself..." Sa'vere said, placing the book on the stand, "But... if you really feel me to be so untrustworthy, I will wait until the day that I can prove myself to you..."

Azder woke later on feeling an unease around him. "Who is there?!" He demanded afraid he had been hunted down.

Is something wrong? Kehtale asked, padding over to his bedside. His crystaline blue eyes were flecked with green.

Azder shook with fear and fever from his wound not even seeing Kahtale. "Who is there?!" He demanded once more drawing out his dagger.

"Azder?" Sa'vere stepped up to Kehtale's side, who glanced up at her through the corners of his eyes for only a brief moment.

Suddenly Azder struck out with his dagger barely missing the others. Tears formed in his eyes as he saw only what he could see.

"Azder!" Sa'vere grabbed the dagger and threw it across the room, inadvertently burying it into the closet door as she enfolded him in her arms, singing a comforting song that her ma used to sing to her when she had night terrors.

Slowly Ader's eyes came back into focus, and he began to cry.For the first time in years he allowed himself to release the hurt that had built for years.

"I told you you know," She murmured softly, "but it's alright... just... just let it out."

"Y...you shouldn't trust me..." He sobbed not wanting to let go.

"Don't say that," She murmured as Kehtale padded around the bed silently, his white fur glistening in the lighting of the room.

"Don't you get it? They aren't just after you...." He said trying to pull away.

"It's alright, really. I don't care what you did or who you were in the past, Azder." She loosened her arms slightly, if he wanted to pull away, he could.

"I...want to tell you." He whispered still in her arms, as he realized the comfort they offered. Silently he held out the book.

"I thought... you didn't want me to look at it?" She asked, grasping it lightly in one hand.

"It...will tell you....I don't want to say it....."He replied knowing she could well hate him after she read the truth.

She nodded numbly, "Alright... I'll read it then." She said softly.

The book went in depth on the events that destroyed the Godess as she read she saw Azderias show up in many places as well as one who helped conquer the humans. As she read she realized by the pictures that Azderias and Azder were one in the same.

"Are you this Azderias person?" She asked aloud, tone uncertain.

Azder hid his face in shame. "Yes." He said barely understandable.

"But you're not the same as you were then, or at least that's the impression I've gotten..." She continued.

"My.....father wants me to be." He said in bitterness.

"But you don't."

"The Bastard killed my mother!" Azder said struggling against his rage.

"You know I won't hate you, even after reading this, right?" Sa'vere asked, closing the book and holding it out to him silently.

"But....why?...everyone else has." He looked up his eyes looked miserable.

"Because I can't." She said simply.

"You could, if you wanted. All have hate in them." Azder argued.

"I don't want to hate you."

"But......I killed so many people....I helped them take over!"

"You've heard my response." Sa'vere said firmly.

"What about you....Kehtale? You must think me wretched."

I've already known your history.

*All of it?*

Yes. I was your father's top guard back then.

Fear clouded Azder's face as he continued to speak through his mind. *You.....helped him kill her! You helped him kill my mother!* He suddenly launched himself toward Kahtale fury all over his face.

Well, damn... He thought.

There came a roar from the other room, and another white figure burst through the door, draggin various chains and spears that were buried in his thick hide. Get away from them you bastard! He growled at Kehtale.

Sa'vere blinked, "Who are you?" she demanded.

I am Kehtale, this bastard ambushed me outside and took my place!

Azder looked from one to the other in fear and confusion, which cost him when the imposter struck him in the side.

"Hey! Don't you dare touch Azder!" Sa'vere growled, tackling the large beast angrily, though it didn't do too much. Kehtale grabbed the beast by it's scruff and dragged it from the room, ignoring it's angered howls and curses.

Azder struggled to his feet growling in anger eyes glowing red.

"Azder, you're in no condition to fight!" Sa'vere said worriedly as several crashes were heard in the next room.

"They....know we are here!" He argued as he struggled not to fall.

"But you'll only get yourself killed if you go out there as you are!"

"What....should we do then?!"

"We'll have to trust Kehtale with the task." Sa'vere said.

Azder sinks onto the bed looking unsure.

Sa'vere sat near him and waited. After a few minutes Kehtale staggered into the room, panting, "He is dead." He said, turning his head and knawing at one of the spears that was in his side.

"How do we know if you are really Kahtale?" Azder demanded.

"Wait- that imposter had green flecks in his eyes." Sa'vere said, his don't."

Nods still not convinced.

"This one has the spears in his back, and chains embedded in his fur." Sa'vere said.

I don't know how much longer we'll be able to stay here- a few days or so before they realize their comrade is missing and come in search of him. Kehtale said.

"All right." Tries to get up to help Kehtale but his strength gives, and he falls back on the bed, and gasps in pain.

Rest while you can... you have a severe wound that needs to heal. Kehtale said, flopping tiredly down onto his paws as Sa'vere quickly moved to pull the weapons and chains from his body.

*I hate being useless!*

After a few minutes Kehtale was able to lay his muzzle tiredly on the floor. I'm sorry that he got in here. His voice was a mere whisper.

Azder lays back in exhaustion.

"We have no choice but to stay until both of you can at least walk without being in pain." Sa'vere said.

Azder nods to tired to speak.

"Good, now get some more rest- both of you." Kehtale merely sighed, closing his eyes tiredly.

Soon Azder drifted off to sleep and for the first time since his mother's death he was able to sleep.

Sa'vere stood in the other room for several hours practicing with her staff and trying out new moves, stopping only when her muscles began to cramp. Tiredly she collapsed near the dying fire, panting as she slipped into a light sleep.

Azder was not troubled by any of his nightmares either.

Kehtale lifted his head after a while, looking around drowsily before standing and stretching, wincing inwardly as his newly stitched wounds stretched slightly.

Azder rolled over in his sleep as he tried to get warmer.

Sa'vere curled up near the dying flames as she slowly drifted deeper into sleep. Kehtale padded near to her, pulling a small blanket across the room with his teeth and draping it over her before moving to the doorway and laying down there, protective of the occupants in the house.

Azder mumbles in his sleep but does not seem to be troubled.

~The next morning~

Azder opened his eyes rested for the first time in as long as he could remember. He sat up wincing as his wound throbbed.

Sa'vere awoke slowly, her muscles aching from the excessive training that she'd put them through the night before. Slowly she sat up.

"Morning." Azder called out.

"Morning!~" She called back, yawning.

Azder got up bracing his wight against the wall still a little weak as he went into the room Sa'vere was in.

She stretched, standing up from the floor, "How are you feeling today?"

"Better." He replied.

"That's good," She said, smiling.

"Thank you for...."Azder broke off not sure how to finish.

"There's really no need to thank me," She said, shaking her head slightly.

"Is there anything to eat?" He asked instead.

There're some leftovers from yesterday..." Sa'vere paused, before speaking again, "Anyway, I'm going to go on a short walk- check the perimeters you could say... I'll be back soon, I promise!" Before either of them could say anything she'd hefted the staff over her shoulder and run outside.
Azder cursed and ran to find her.

WiD- Chapter 3