Had I known the day I had given Sabriel instructions and directions to Spirane that he was only going to use them to hurt Micteca, well, I would have given him completely fall directions. Maybe the sort that led him right off the edge of a cliff. I didn’t know Micteca all that well, I’d really only seen her a few times after all- but she was family, Heyel had still chosen her and cared for her and accepted her as he had so many over the years. I heard a lot of things about Heyel, both good and bad and some of the things I believed, on both sides- he had the capacity to be cruel and I was sure of that- but didn’t everyone? Well- maybe not Isola but she was an entirely different type of strong. It’s easier to hate, I’m not even two and I know it’s easier to hate. To forgive like she did, over and over? That’s a strength that so precious few ever have and so, so much harder then simply hating. As for Heyel, well, like I said- some love him, some hate him but most were in awe of him either way and I think, even for all the bad he might have done, well, he did a lot of good as well. Maybe they cancel each other- I truly don’t know. Maybe I will ask him about that. I suppose it was just luck really, that I didn’t know about Micteca and Sabriel, my attention far more focused on assuring myself that this tiny little wolf really was Micteca, the one Heyel chose and that she really was the keeper of doctrine and law. After all, for what I had in mind, well, I was going to need to know those laws up and down and back to front. I needed to…modernise our order a little, things needed to change and while what Heyel did with it was exceptional, and take nothing away from him for it, I have a different set of ideas, different plans but to make them meaningful I need to understand the past. Maybe I am a little rash and hot-headed- but I don’t apologise for that. Someone has to get things done.

“You have been attacked? Who attacked you?”

This was news to myself, violet eyes narrowing slightly. I was too young, really, to go about chasing down other wolves, but if she had a name- well, that was a start. When we all met again it would be one more name I could bring to them, one more name to add to our list. Maybe I have known Micteca for only three minutes, but she does not appear the type to go about starting trouble. I could be wrong of course, but I don’t think I am. I am rarely wrong after all. I’ve decided to make a habit of being right you see. It’s ever so much more rewarding. I waited then, for her to confirm my words before offering my own introduction. If she did not know my parents, perhaps then she would know of grandmother Zen and know Heyel was my grandsire in this. The way of the assassin was hard, she said, her form seeming to relax at last in my presence as I kept myself seated before her in an effort of politeness and respect for the older female- her willingness to help me, us, bringing a simper of sorts to my lips as my head nodded.

“I desire to learn everything you have to teach, I need to know all of it. I….I have a plan but to make it work I need to know how it worked before. When we met next, my group and I, I will tell you where the meeting will be, I will invite you and you can come to teach all of us, if you want but- I there anything maybe, you could teach me know? Anything at all? Heyel taught me some things, so I am not totally new but he gave me your name, he believed in you- so I do too and thank you, for helping us.”



h y r u l e
The Heroes Shade