Exton

There's no warning, not even a hint of a hint. Suddenly Inari just steps out of the shadows without a sound. I'd swallow my gum if I had any, and it might have been as well if I did, because my mouth is suddenly dry. If Inari can creep up on us like that, who else might be doing the same?

K'thyri steps forward. "What's going on?" Her voice is so faint, I have to strain to hear it. Inari's response comes back just as faintly.

"I'm not sure. Lots of message traffic back and forth, but no sign of Bloodmane. There are so many places she could step into this world, just briefly, then back out again - I worry we don't have them sufficiently covered."

She turns to me. "Go to the Tavern. Warn those there that Morgan or her creatures may try for one or more of the children tonight. Tell them to be ready, then come back here."

Her eyes are at once soft with concern and cold with determination. "Take care, my friend. We will wait as long as we can, but if Bloodmane shows, we follow. The Goddess go with you this night. Now go."

I run. I can't hope to move as swiftly or as silently as Inari, nor K'thyri, yet I make good time. I'm only a little winded when I get to the Tavern. I step inside and note with approval that Jeb has assumed something of his transitional form - not yet a wolf, but not quite a man, either. I step up to him and speak from the corner of my mouth like an old gangster movie.

"Without calling attention to yourself, find Raina and tell her to come outside. Be ready. Morgan may try something tonight."

He nods, not a flicker of expression, then sets off in search of Raina.

When she arrives, Raina's leathers are enough to make me wish Morgan to the Nine Hells. Dammit, I'm old enough to have better control than this! If it's not Raina getting me all hot and bothered, it's Ky; and if it's not Ky, it's Nick; and if it's not Nick, it's Raina again. Dammit!

Focus, Gareth…. Morgan first, playtime later.

"Inari's overheard something that makes her think that Morgan may try for one or more of the children tonight. We need to warn everyone, but quietly, so she doesn't suspect anything if she shows."