By the Skin of His
© 1997 Arref Mak

Tandleslip thought about the events that were revolving now around his son. He knew his wife thought their youngest was spoiled because he was a prodigy. Because he was the only son. Because he was the youngest. She was more right than not, he supposed. Something special would come of the boy. This unfortunate incident must not be allowed to marr his future. The Council would make a decision just as soon as the holidays were over. At that point, nothing that his parents could do would mean much.

Who could have known that the little dynamo could fight? And who would have thought he would need to against a youth almost twice his age? Well, it was done now. No matter who was in the wrong, or who was sorry, Tandleslip knew the law. Maiming the son of a Dreamspeaker was reason enough to exile Bishop. Without someone to speak on his behalf, his son was soon an outlaw. He had not been able to find a single Representative who would take his son's case before the Council.

His wife entered the room in haste. "Tan, your friend is here. He just arrived. Do you think...."

Tandleslip rose and came around his reading desk, "Show him in, Bree, we have little time."

"Can he..." concern loomed large in her eyes.

"Clycinedes is the best man I know, Bree. He owes me a favor. I will work this out, trust me. " he brushed his mind against hers gently.

"You know I do. But Bish is so young. He's not eight years old yet. They couldn't hold him responsible......" her voice trailed off as she looked into Tandleslip's eyes.

The only answer they had come up with was going to hurt his dearest, and he tried to let her see that he knew, "Send in Clycinedes, Bree. Bishop can't be exiled if he isn't here."

Her tears began again. "I'll send him to you directly."

"And get Meera's help putting Bishop's things together. He leaves as soon as I have agreement from Clycinedes."

* * *

"To friendship!" Tandleslip raised up his glass of nimblewine.

The old man smiled and raised his own tiny glass, "Indeed, to friendship, Tan." He studied his old friend. "Tan, you are looking more fit than the last time I saw you. And better than the time before that." He shook his head in mock seriousness, "What is your secret? Be a friend and let me in on it."

Tandleslip smiled, "My secret is your poor vision and excellent diplomacy, my friend." Tan stretched and watched the man, "I won't make you guess, Clycinedes, I am in trouble and I desperately need your help."

"Trouble, Tan? You? It hardly seems that any of our old exploits would catch up with you at this late date. I..."

"It's my son. Bishop." he interrupted, "He has fought with the young son of a Dreamspeaker. The young man has the speaker's talent, and is protected by our laws. It is an offense against our people to damage or deliberately take away the ability of a Dreamspeaker. In the heat of the battle, my son scored the eye of the young man. They have already tried to save the eye and failed." Tandleslip solemnly watched his friend.

"Hmmmm. I hope you are not thinking I've gotten anywhere with my grand plans for a practical healing magic?" The old man wrinkled his face with transparent concern.

"No. I didn't. My thoughts were more immediate and less arcane. I want you to take my son as your apprentice."

Clycinedes set down his wine glass. "It's not possible, Tan."

Tandleslip leaned forward, "It is. It must be."

"I'm not teaching. Haven't for decades. You used to laugh at the way I tried to take on apprentices. You told me yourself I was an awful teacher. Well. I gave it up. Never had kids. Never found anyone who would stick around and learn."

"You must help me, my friend. I am going to lose my son to permanent banishment. I did not call you lightly, in fact, you are literally my last hope of avoiding a judgement against my son."

Clycinedes pursed his mouth and remained thoughtful.

"This matter has the feel of disaster. Every Representative has turned down my plea. Without someone to speak for him in council, he will have to accept the judgement. There is no alternative."

Clycinedes sighed. "Was he in the wrong? Why won't they take up his case?"

"Elder, my son does not have a mature personality. He has nine sisters, all much older, who make sport of him when they do not spoil him, ignore him when they do not encourage him to make a fool of himself. He loves them. He hates them. This Dreamspeaker's son was flirting with our young Kiger and pulled her tail. Bishop saw this. Kiger apparently screamed with suprise more than outrage."

Tandleslip shrugged his shoulders and curled his own tail for emphasis. "What do you suppose I might have done were I his age? What can his father say except it should not have happened?"

Clycinedes sat as if made of stone. "It's not possible, Tan. How old is this son of yours?"

"He's just seven. Smart. The Guild thinks he could be a revival of my line's power over Shadow."

The old man shook his head sadly, "Does he walk thru Shadow then? How do I hold onto him? I'm a court wizard these days. I don't travel anymore, except when I must. Or when an old friend calls." He studied Tandleslip. The sleek head and wise eyes. The coat deep and black as coal. While Tandleslip looked no more extraordinary than a large purebred cat, the old man's eyes knew the differences. Knew the proud and arcane ancestry of the Kit.

And he owed this Kit his freedom. His very soul's worth.

"Hy don' need help. Hy din' do nothing wrong." A very young Kit sat in the rectangular doorway twitching his tail in agitation.

His mother arrived in a rush, "I have him Tan. He got away from me."

"Never mind that, Bree. Come here, Bishop." his father motioned the youngster into the room.

Clycinedes studied the little fellow. Speaking, and only seven years old. He looked a lot like his father had so many many years ago. Salt and pepper fur. Kits were born white and acquired their color as they matured. Some patterns were common. Some not. It looked as though this youngster might be midnight colored like his father eventually.

But it couldn't be done. He would never be able to train a Kit in its heritage. He remembered all too well how independant his old friend was when they were both younger. The things they used to get into. And how to keep the Kit from harm? And yet be there to let it explore Shadow?

"Bishop, this is the Wizard Clycinedes. Loremaster of Duiduin. Protector of Caer Sandby. The smartest man I know. Say hello, and don't be impolite."

"Hyo, Eld Lorem'ster." the little fellow ducked his head and the old mage caught his mother's eye. They were in a tight spot. He recognized that the decision had already been made, he knew he was going to say yes.

"In your traditions, Tan," he started, "a young man, er... Kit, who braves the Flux of the Paths Beyond with no training or Guild support is honored in the Tradition, as the ancient Navigators who first explored Shadow, am I right?"

Tan nodded and smiled, "You catch on fast, as always, Clycinedes. Yes. I was thinking that my son would take to the Shadows, on his own, before any judgement could be levied. Preposterous for a seven year old but......."

"But with me along for the ride, he might make it, eh?"

"Yes."

"Please, Eld Wizard." Bree whispered. "My son was just protecting his sister."

"Kick'd hss assss, fat ratcatcher!" hissed Bishop with glaring eyes.

Instantly transformed, his mother slapped him across his ears from behind. "Don't you dare speak that trash in this house, Bishop!"

"Hy don' wan' go wi' hmm!" protested the youngling scrunching down under the padded blow.

Clycinedes smothered a groan behind his hand.

Tan saw it all. "Say yes, old friend. I trust you with my only son."

Clycinedes saw that not only was he not a parent type, and only a fair teacher, but this little tyke was obviously going to be a handful. This unschooled small one would be more trouble than the spitfire, Bhangbadea, had ever been.

Spitfire. Small troubles. The veils parted on his inspiration. He saw in his mind's eye once again, the small redhead with the huge passion for life. Her unique abilities would solve this situation nicely. "I will do it, Tan." Excitement seized the room, except for the young scoundrel. "On one condition."

"Yes?" Tan and Bree echoed as one.

"He's too young." Clycinedes stated with absolute authority. "He needs a caretaker and a comforter as much as a teacher and protector. If I am allowed to enlist a female, as a governess of sorts, then I will take him on as my ward."

Bree burst, "How thoughtful!" But Tan hesitated, "I know of no female who would assist you with the duty......"

"Not a concern, Tan. I will find the female. And it need not be one of your own species. I have a few ideas."

"Then we agree!" Bree said and looked to her mate for confirmation. He nodded.

Bishop was so upset, he resorted to his own tongue in long protest. He continued at some volume as well.

Kiger ran into the family room with wide eyes and stiff tail. "Riversmoke is coming here to issue a formal challenge on Bishop!! Kinny just ran ahead to tell me!"

"What a fool!" hissed Bree. "A challenge on a Kit half his age!"

Tan and Clycinedes exchanged glances. Timing, as they knew from their old days, was everything. Kiger continued to relate to her Mother that Riversmoke was sure that exile was not sufficient justice for the loss of half of his abilities. He was going to have satisfaction in a fair challenge. Bree had vocal thoughts as to what Riversmoke knew about 'fair'.

Bishop had been watching his father and the Eld communicate with their eyes. Clycinedes wasted no time in acquiring some of the small possessions of his new charge. They all fit in one pocket of his robes. The youngster stared while the old man sorted through a large pile of things his sister Meera had collected from his room and uncannily extracted just Bishop's personal treasures and transferred them to his right pocket. The center of so much action, he sat wondering if the Eld would explain how he had done that. Another part of his mind assessed how long he would last in a fight with Riversmoke. Not long.

Tandleslip stepped nearer his son, "You are leaving now, Bishop." Caught in a maze of personal thoughts, Bishop was startled to realize he would rather fight the challenge and die than leave his family. It wasn't fair. He didn't have to go if he took the personal challenge. He could die with glory.

"Hy'm not goin', Fath'r. Hy can fight!"

For just a second, Tandleslip was shocked at his son's youthful plan. He recovered in a blink, "Really? Well, I don't have time to explain just how wrong you are! Say goodbye to your Mother before I tie your tail in a knot!"

Bishop swallowed his surprise. He opened his mouth to protest this embarassing treatment and saw a frightening light in his Father's eyes. Suddenly, he felt seven years old and about to cry. He hung his head. He couldn't think of anything to say.

The family gathered and said goodbye to the chastened young man. The sisters all gave their farewells. Holding back tears, so did his parents. Clycinedes was not particularly good at farewells himself, so when he thought the moment arrived, he smiled to Tan and reached down and picked up Bishop gently and slid him into his other pocket. He ignored the muffled exclamation when the youngster went in head first.

"Have no fear. Once I am committed to a thing. I see it through, Tan. You know me. I will get you news as the situation permits."

A struggle of limbs inside the pocket did not result in Bishop getting his head to any position where he could see anything at all. He cursed softly. He refused to go anywhere if he was not able to see where he was going. He flexed his claws into the heavy fabric of the pocket and widened his eyes as they slid along the material, refusing to catch.

The old man opened the Paths Beyond with a word. He turned back to them for just a moment and smiled. Waving once, he vanished from their sight with his young charge.

In light of all that was to come. It was an auspicious beginning.