Page 8 of Rogue Hunter

“Arrow?” Tuck asked, drawing my attention.

“Tuck, how are you?” I stepped toward him, and he swept me up into a hug I wasn’t expecting.

“Thank the Maiden.” He boomed, spinning me around. “I thought you’d left us. We were all so worried.”

“I know and I’m sorry to have worried you. All of you.” I patted his arm and he put me down promptly.

“I told them you’d find your way eventually. Trauma of that sort takes time.” Epione interjected, stepping in front of me and wrapping me in a warm embrace.

“Thank you. Did you find everything you need?” I asked her, noticing her disheveled state.

“Yes, but we ran into some trouble trying to catch up with you.” She said turning to Tuck and Little John.

“Signs of pursuit were evident. They aren’t even trying to hide it but our efforts of hiding our passage have paid off. They weren't sure where we’d go but we saw Rekker amongst the trackers.” Tuck revealed and Einri cursed.

“How are you hiding our passage?” I asked Einri. I knew how to track and hide my passage but that’s just one person.

“I have men retrace our steps in wolf form. Your new friend is a rogue that was alerted to us and since he’s been following you his pack has also helped to muddy our trail.”

“Glad Ruby could help.” I sniffed, inwardly tickled that her being around was a good thing.

“Rogue?” Tuck asked, looking from Einri to me concerned.

“Arrow has…befriended a rogue.” Einri answered, then looked at me with his eyebrows raised.

“Ruby is a rogue wolf who befriended me.” I revealed, lifting my chin.

“A rogue?” Little John queried.

“A rogue is a werewolf like us but instead of keeping their humanity they give in fully to the beast. They are ruled by instinct and cannot reason like men.” Tuck explained.

“Ruby can.” I cut in drawing everyone’s attention. “Ruby listens to me then does or doesn’t do what I want.”

“Rogues are mindless.” Tuck argued, and for the first time since I met him, I wanted to smack him.

“I saw it. The rogue listened and then did what she asked.” Einri said with a nonchalant shrug.

“That’s not possible.” Tuck shook his head back and forth.

“Actually,we went a couple rounds before I came to grips with some things,but it seems after I touched Ruby [VD10] she was able to understand.” I thought back to the fight and how her mannerisms had changed after I punched her.

“It’s touch.” Epione interrupted, snapping her fingers. “One of the teachings from the Moon Maiden is touch. That’s how new maidens are activated, through the touch of another. Arrow, did Asena touch you?”

“No, but she said something about her magic touching me.” I recalled, looking at Einri who’s eyes widened in surprise.

“While Asena is a Moon Maiden old enough to see us all live and die tenfold, she is at her base, human. I think it’s time that Arrow starts exploring that side of herself.” Epione said with a smile but all I felt was dread.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” I asked in a panic.

“If it’s true that you gave a rogue back its reasoning then yes it’s a good idea.” Tuck said, heatedly. “Think about the good you could do, Arrow. All the rogues who can be reunited with their families.”

“A rogue being able to reason and understand is a far cry from being able to return to their family.” I frowned, seeing his point but also unsure how I could do it.

“Stop pressuring her.” Epione clapped her hands in Tuck’s direction stopping him from saying anything further. “Arrow dear, we’ll start slow. You’ve got lots to learn in a short amount of time. I’m not a Moon Maiden so my teachings aren’t at Asena’s level, but something is better than nothing.”

“I think it’s a good idea.” Einri spoke up.

“You do?” I asked him, surprised.

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