Nervous Rambling

Murph sat in the back of a cab, holding tightly to Levity's hand. They were going to her place, which was some kind of shared housing situation. And the person in charge was a healer. "Will she cure me?"

"You're not sick, Murph."

"You're taking this too lightly, Levity."

"I've got you." She gave his hand a squeeze. "Now hush."

With a guilty glance at the driver, who could be anyone, Murph squirmed and winced. Stuffing one's tail down one's pant leg had been a unique experience. Sitting down with it there was something akin to torture.

Mercifully, the ride ended, and Levity steered him through one of the tiny parks that dotted the city. Up a stairway on the other side, they took a sidewalk that climbed through a neighborhood with steep driveways and posh cars and people in designer sportswear walking purebreds. It was a place caught somewhere between old money and young executives.

Rounding a final curve, Murph was distracted by the vista that opened up. You could see half the city from here, with downtown glittering against the backdrop of the bay.

"This is us," Levity said, calling his attention to the house.

It was all brick and stone and climbing vines. A four-story mansion from a bygone era of lumber barons. Past the gate, the lawn was wide and partially shaded by huge trees. There was a carriage house and a solarium, and he caught a whiff of woodsmoke, which drew his gaze to the house's several chimneys. And the animals watching them from atop a gable.

He jerked to a halt. "Are those rats ?"

"They're children." Levity raised her voice a trifle. "Children who should know better than to be seen."

The sleek gray rodents scuttled away.

Murph whispered, "They're big as dogs ."

Levity didn't look the least bit disconcerted at having sighted two rodents of unusual size. "Shep's our dog. Much bigger than the twins." She took his arm, half-dragging him the rest of the way up the walk. "It's all right, Murph. These are friends. This is a safe place."

Moments later, his hand was enfolded between those of someone who introduced herself as Reya Blazelock.

He was jittery, and so the first thing out of his mouth was, "Blaze, from blesi in Old Norse, or possibly from blas , an early Germanic prefix meaning shining or white. Referring to a splash of white on an animal's face."

"Murph?" ventured Levity.

"A portmanteau, combined with lock, which is suggestive of forelock." He knew he was rambling. Clearing his throat, he lamely added, "The tugging of one's forelock was once a sign of respect to someone with a higher social standing."

"Murph," Levity sighed.

But the lady holding his hands didn't take insult. "My mother's mother, from whom our clan takes its name, does indeed have a white blaze in truest form." Her voice was soft and dreamy when she added, "Human. Yes, quite human. And such a beautiful soul. I can see why he's charmed you, Levity."

"He tastes human."

Murph's face burned. "I'm the farthest thing from charming."

"Not so far to be too far. I wonder how many generations it's been." The healer searched his face. "Sorting you out will be simple enough, but we must get you to lower your hackles, Mr. Murphy."

"It's Murph." And unsure how formal he needed to be, he added, "Murphy Koogan."

"Irish?"

"Originally. I was orphaned, then adopted. My new father was American, and he moved us here."

Mare Blazelock asked, "Is Koogan the surname of your adoptive parents?"

"No. Well, yes. In part. Koogan is the name on my birth certificate, but my new mum was also a Koogan. A second cousin or something. The orphanage did their best to place me with family, and she and dad were living in Ireland at the time."

"Are you still in contact with them?" asked Levity.

"They've since passed." They'd been older. Kind souls. Generous to the end. Murph was glad they wouldn't be dragged into this mess.

Whispers and giggles caught his ear, and he glanced around. A boy and girl were peering at him from between the rails on a stairway. They looked enough alike to be twins. And they had gray hair. He didn't like the illogical leap this suggested.

"A hot drink to calm you," declared Mare Blazelock. "Then a brief exam, if you'll permit."

Murph cringed inwardly. "Is that entirely necessary?"

"No." Her smile was kind. "We can wait for trust to build. And I believe Levity can help with that. You're willing, aren't you, dear?"

Levity caught his eye and angled her head. Her gaze held challenge when she said, "You've had a taste of me. Want to see the truth of me?"