Fireclaws - Search for the Golden Read Free

And that’s where I fell into her trap.
    Fortunately, I passed all her tests and always returned with the goods and mostly unharmed. Of course, having a traveling companion twelve feet long, fangs to tail, with four-inch sickle claws, had a lot to do with the unharmed part. Naurakka, or “Fireclaws” in my native tongue, is fully grown now, the embodiment of sleek, black, death on four feet - a Jag’uri Puma. Next to dragons, a Jag’uri is the one creature sure to drive fear into the hearts of dark elves, and my people do not fear much in this world. Having never seen one, elves in most localities speak of Jag’uri sightings around campfires like ghost stories to frighten small children. Most humans in the settled lands naively consider them a fanciful myth.
    Naurakka and I are relatively uncomplicated. I saved her life as a kitten when her mother was killed, and she hasn’t left my side for long since. Our first trip out on our own on assignment for Rosa was a disaster. I left on a horse with packs and full gear and returned with just the clothes on my back and the item I was sent to retrieve. Who knew trolls loved horseflesh so much? Ever since then, it’s just been easier to use my shape-changing abilities to mimic another Jag’uri and travel as a big cat. The downside is an all meat diet, raw and steamy at that. Periodically, I feel the desire to walk on two feet again and eat human food that doesn’t try to bite back or escape, which is exactly why I’m sitting in this seedy bar right now.
    For a moment, I pondered the wonder of it all; six years ago I was a librarian working in the dark elf capital. I had no real friends, a job I enjoyed, but which would never allow me to be anything more in life; pretty much a non-entity. That was before Alex, Maya and the Druid girls, Lin and Julia, rode into town. Since then…well, life has changed a lot and for the better. Now I have friends, an exciting career, and a real purpose. The proper dark elf in me still nags incessantly in the back of my mind that I need to return to my roots someday; the deep forbidding forests that my people call home, find a mate, and settle down. But, I reflected with a slight grin, I’ve never been a proper dark elf. Still, wandering around the world alone is pretty radical stuff by my people’s standards.
    I would never be able to do this without the aid of Rosa’s scarf enchantment because dark elves are, at best, still viewed with suspicion, and in most locales, downright hostility. To everyone in this bar, I look like whatever they expect to see, probably a rather plain local girl in unremarkable clothes and speaking in a local dialect. I’m not sure what enchantments Rosa used, but the scarf has not failed me thus far. It was capable of a few other disguises as well, but those I have to concentrate on to make happen. Generally, I find it best to just let it work its magic without my guidance.
    Sopping up the last bit of flavorful gravy with a chunk of fresh bread, I directed my mind to consider my next course of action. Thus far, my trip was an abject and dismal failure and that is not a credible option in my opinion, especially with what is at stake. Not only that, but it rankles my professional pride and ego to go back empty-handed. I took a swig of hard cider and a long, trilling puma growl erupted harshly under my breath. I glanced around nervously, unsure if anyone had heard my outburst. Yeah, I have definitely been spending too much time as a Jag’uri.
    Roughly six weeks ago now, Naurakka and I were just crossing the river bridge in front of Sky Raven and feeling pretty darn good about it. Within its two-hundred-foot high white stone walls would be a welcoming hot bath, clean clothes, and a chance to catch up with good friends. I smiled thinking how much I had let this place get under my skin; it was truly home for us both.
    I rubbernecked a bit at the tent city that had somehow sprung up on the far banks since I left. It