(This is the original short story that my novel "Killing Elves" was loosely based on. It is ONLY available to members of my mailing list and is not available anywhere else.)

Lyan has been putting "impures" out of their misery for longer than he can remember. Certainly longer than any human can remember.

But this one is different. This is one of Garnell's brood. For the love of the Grove, how could someone like Garnell have turned? 

That doesn't matter, now. The fact is, Garnell is just another runner. And he, better than anyone, knows what little his future holds.

And the woman? What of her? A complication. One that Lyan is not looking forward to dealing with. But he will. He always does. 

Why should this time be any different?

"Outwatcher"

by Dan Redwater