"So, you know about the Foul Clouds."

Zayn nodded and sat down on the sofa, clasping his hands together. Vael sighed and moved to start the logs in the small fireplace.

"So, before the Blighting, the world was heavily populated. Rich men ran everythin', owned everythin', and paid soldiers to keep the people under control.

"Soon, soldiers turned on their rich masters, joined the people, and fought for freedom. The few rich couldn't hold against the angry many and they holed up in fortified compounds to try to escape what was comin'. When it became clear they wouldn't win, they decided to destroy it all, and start again with a handful of loyalists.

"To regain control of the people, they unleashed a weapon that brought the Blighting. It caused worldwide death and suffering, but those that died fast were lucky. They didn't have to face the Foul Clouds."

Vael sat back, watching small flames lick along the logs before turning to face Zayn.

"Soldiers knew people were sufferin' and dyin' in the Clouds. They went in to save who they could, and summa those never made it back. Summa the ones what did was changed, angry, and even savage for no reason. Their eyes went light, and they were more animal than man eventually. That was the First Wave of Mad Dogs.

"Summa the soldiers fought the rage, and mastered it, they went away from people or ended themselves before they caused harm. The soldiers that beat the anger stayed together and continued to try to save people from the Foul Cloud and the savage soldiers.

"It ended well, sometimes, but no matter what, it was always tragic. Even the ones they saved were injured and damaged in their mind and body. Some seemed all right at first, but most went down fast.

"It was worse if they were under pressure. Any distress brought out a madness. They would claw and tear at anyone around them no matter how dear. The worst, though, were the babies.

"Women carrying young found themselves birthin' monsters, all covered in fur with sharp teeth and claws. The few mothers that survived the births lost their minds. That was the Second Wave of Mad Dogs, and a lot of them were killed at birth.

"The ones that escaped were hunted and slaughtered when they were found. Only a handful remained free, but it was enough. They banded together and roamed the lands adding to their numbers. Those they attacked either died or turned. Death was the best outcome, many thought. There was no stopping them. There was no way to stand against them.

"The upright soldiers of the First Wave found and fostered those from the Second Wave that proved to be more people than animals, just malformed. They gathered others like them, forming bands that scoured the Blight and hunted the more savage dogs. They called themselves Roamers and swore to protect the people from their savage cousins.

"So, each Clan of Roamers came from those first waves of mad dogs born from the Foul Clouds. We all have some of it in us, the Taint we call it. For some, it's more savage than for others, harder to keep themselves civil, to stay men. Sometimes, if we're distressed or angered, you can see some of the dog in our eyes.

"Some have fought it so long their eyes don't stay dark at all. And their nails are more like claws. For them, it's just a matter of time before the Dog takes them, and their brothers have to put them down.

"It's what awaits all of us if we Roam long enough. Eventually, the Taint takes us, and it's a blessing to die before it does. None of us wants to lose what we are to the Taint, so we go balls to the wall on every run, on every trail, in every fight. If we can die on our feet as men, we never worry about losin' it all to the Taint, of turning Dog and killing our brethren or mates.

"When we can't fight it, we go to reap the Blight. We'd rather die out there doin' our duty than harm anyone.

"Losin' our humanity to the dog, harming, killing those dear to us, this is the only thing Roamers truly fear. It terrifies us. All of us."

Zayn took a deep breath and watched Vael settle on the floor, legs crossed. With the fire behind him, all he could see of the Roamer were his eyes and a dim golden gleam in the depths.

"So," he said slowly, "is Titus going dog?"

"Nah, prolly not just yet," Vael sighed. "He don't really have the strong Roamer stock to make it bad for him at his age. He's just mad as hell and feelin' savage. He's holdin' on to the anger, and it's gettin' to him."

"What about you?"

"Fear and anger feed the Taint," Vael said. "I don't often feel either. Pop brought me up knowing I got a double dose of the Taint, with him and my mama both Roamers. So, he taught me how to be calm, and to face fear, not run from it, or leave it to fester.

"I fear goin' dog, but I know it's years off for me, so I keep it at the back of my mind. I can't stop it once it starts, and I can't keep it from happening forever, so I don't dwell on it.

"If you see the dog in my eyes, it's dormant, not ragin' like Titus is now. I'm no danger to you, Zayn," he insisted. "If I ever felt any different, I'd go far away to reap the Blight, and never let you see me again. I'd never harm you, I swear it on the stars."

"I'm not afraid of you," Zayn told him quietly, knowing Vael needed to hear it. "Is there nothing to stop the Taint?"

"I hear tell of serums and pills, and such," Vael shrugged. "Don't know if any of it works for sure. I do know there're times Quyn's eyes are pure dog, but he stands and speaks like a man, so there's no tellin' from just looks."

"Is that why he wears the tinted goggles?"

"Him and Holis both, yeah sure. Even though they ain't savage, there's them that'd call 'em out for lookin' it."

"So, Holis wears them to protect Quyn?" he slipped down to the floor to sit near the Roamer.

"Some such, yeah," Vael nodded, relaxing, and showing a ghost of a smile. "Holis would eat glass for Quyn. He wears his Sweetlock."

Zayn blinked in surprise. The Sweetlock was a token of commitment a Roamer gave to a Sweetheart. It was significant and binding by both Stead and Roamer law. Any Steader wearing a Roamer Sweetlock had a claim to their income and properties, even more so if children were involved.

That Quyn felt deeply enough for Holis to present him a Sweetlock spoke to the mutual affection between the two.

"So, do you know what Quyn does to keep the Taint at bay?"

Vael shook his head. "Some days he's short with us, others he's more mellow. I would reckon he's doin' somethin', and Holis has to be aware of it. They spend every moment spare together, even on the rig."

"He's devoted to him, then."

"Completely," Vael nodded. "You're really not scared, knowing I've some dog in me?"

Zayn gazed into Vael's glowing eyes and smiled. "No, I'm not. You're kind and thoughtful. Too smart for your own good, I'll say."

Vael laughed and was still chuckling when Zayn got up to answer the knock at the door.

"Mini!"

"Zay!"

Vael climbed to his feet while the Windemeres happily embraced.