Boots by Angel Martinez Page B

quicker we act, the more likely we will be to dislodge your unwanted houseguest. What he suggests is that you let him lead the assault. Give him just a few minutes to contain the monster, and then you and your family come along a pre-agreed route at a pre-arranged time. If all goes well, you'll be there in time to help him destroy it. If something goes wrong, we'll know where you are if he needs help."
    Natt gazed at the woods with a determined frown, and then she nodded. "So Ettie, Morgen and I--"
    "Teddy, too."
    "Teddy?"
    "Yes. We can't risk leaving him alone at your house, unprotected if things do go wrong and the ogre wants to harm your family. I take it he lacks the natural magical abilities the three of you have?"
    "He does, poor boy." Natt sighed. "The men in our family have never been magically strong. We can ward him, but you're right. If he's alone, he's vulnerable. How does your Willem plan on containing the ogre?"
    "He doesn't share such things with me, ma'am. I can only ask you to let us try."
    She sat so still, he thought she might have turned to stone. When she suddenly turned toward him, he twitched in surprise.
    "Let's go in. If Ettie and Morgen agree to it, we'll set up time and route."
    Kasha would have liked to believe his charming personality won them over, but he suspected it had more to do with their assumption regarding Willem's prowess as a wizard. In their estimation, he had snatched a kasha from the winds of fate to serve him; therefore, his magical strength must be prodigious. Regardless of the reason, he had their agreement and the details worked out within half an hour.
    Now for Willem...
    He hated to deceive them, most of all Willem, but he certainly couldn't tell his heki-sama that the nice ladies across the mountain expected him to battle an ogre, nor did he want Willem anywhere near the monster.
    The ogre he would take care of himself. Though no clear plan occurred to him yet, he was certain something would strike him at the right moment. He hoped.

    * * * *
    "You want to do what?" Willem laughed.
    "I honestly don't see what's so funny. It's a lovely day." Kasha sulked by the fireplace, obviously offended.
    "Sorry, hon. I just never thought... I mean dogs ask to go for walks."
    That got him a low growl. Not the right thing to say, either.
    "It's not that I don't want to." Willem forced the laughter from his voice and expression. "You just took me by surprise. I haven't had any lover ask if I wanted to go for a walk in... well, maybe never."
    That at least got him a glare over the shoulder.
    "C'mon, sweetheart, tell me I'm forgiven, grab your hat, and let's go."
    Kasha shook his ears, took his time cleaning a paw, and finally rose to his hind legs. "Fine. I forgive you on one condition."
    "Which is?"
    "No more dog comments."
    Willem held up both hands in surrender. "Never again."
    Standing, even with the little cowboy hat on, cat-Kasha only came up to his waist. The weird factor in this relationship just kept going up a notch every time he blinked. He had to suppress the urge to scoop Kasha up and carry him, probably not a good idea since he was in such a prickly mood.
    Sun stippled the leaves and created puddles of vibrant yellow and red on the forest floor. Despite the odd situation, Willem felt his heart lift. He actually whistled as he walked. Kasha had been right, as he was about most things. Better to be out here than to brood inside over where he should go apply for a job.
    "Willem... "
    He glanced down, but Kasha still stared straight ahead. "Yeah?"
    "If we become... separated for some reason, if I'm no longer with you--"
    "What are you saying, Kash? Are you leaving me?"
    Now Kasha looked up, green eyes huge with some emotion. "No, no, my dear boy. Not intentionally. But things occur. Accidents happen. If by some chance you find yourself alone, I'd like you to go to the Englestads. They don't live too far from here. Can you remember that name?"
    "Englestad? Sure. I think I know the