297 Listen Part 4

Clovis and the guards held their breath while Kyera just watched him. Her eyes were the only thing Talis could pay attention to. His focus on those golden pools decoded her with the certainty and accuracy of a boy who grew up with this particular code.

The long pause was mostly because what he saw there wasn't what he expected. Her eyes weren't begging or desperate like she was afraid he would decline. Instead they were full of confidence and trust that he would make the right choice. He glanced at the man standing at the Tigress' side. He was their enemy, and the one that held her captive… why would she bring him here?

"Talis, it is your choice to make. He knows the Forest Shadow's Secrets. The law will sanction hus arrival but, in the end it is up to you." Kyera added, carefully removing a worry from the table. Perhaps unaware of the consequences of such a statement. His eyes widened as he looked at him.

Clovis looked back at the tiger before him. His young orange coat was striking compared to the snow and moonlight tigress he was use to. The anger and accusation in his eyes was clear. "This creature can't even respect your right to the law. Why should I let him enter rather than shred him where he stands?" a instinctual step toward his prey was met by three behind Clovis' back.

"For one thing, Talis, you aren't strong enough. You just endured a brutal battle and judging by how your moving your body can't take another so soon. Especially with another student of mine." Lazren spoke up, his voice chillingly cold. Kyera looked back at him with enough force to silence his challenge.

"The last thing we want here is a river of blood. No more need to die… if i need to wait elsewhere for your counsel to talk, I will. Don't allow me to turn brother against brother." Clovis spoke up at that point. Seeing where this all was heading. He didn't want to cause Kyera the anguish of fighting her kin.

"Young Prince, there won't be blood spilt. Though Talis speaks from a place of protection and hate, he isn't the clan leader. Not in truth." a wolfish voice offered as the old black wolf padded into the room. Several young children gathered round his feet. Most looked tired and several were still in bloody clothes. Suddenly Clovis realized he had walked into a refugee camp where children were left afraid.

"Daxin, thank the shadows your alive." Kyera spoke from her heart as she saw her dear friend yet again. She had been worried since he had headed back into the woods after they last spoke. The elder nodded at him.

"Talis, you once trusted Kyera wholeheartedly. She is the forest's princess." He reminded the youth yet again.

"Let us not forget whose hide she saved from that very mark." Daxin reminded him like a parent reminding a child to say thank you. It was clear that Talis was feeling guilt for her pain.

"He allows it to exist on her skin. His people put it there." Talis tried to argue and Kyera stepped forward drawing his attention back to her golden eyes. He found those naturally warm eyes cooler in color than before.

"If you wish to attack to protect our people then make a move. If instead it is guilt that drives your actions, stand aside." she ordered, the tone was unmistakable. Talos hesitated his eyes flicking between her and him. "Talis, I ask you once more, are you willing to listen?" Kyera asked again. Her tone was gentler as she voiced the question.

Talis made his decision and walked forward. As he did the Guard became more tense, but Kyera did not. She showed the same trusting nature he had once prayed she would offer him. He turned to the human Prince standing beside his Princess and raised his lip a touch.