Kal hummed a wordless tune as she slowly stirred the morning soup. The morning sun struck the wafting steam along with a truly pleasant smell, a mixture of fresh meat and potatoes, a good hearty meal to start a cold day. As it was a particularly cold morning Kal wore her heavy fur clothes. The wolf pelt reached down to her toes and kept her nice and warm, even while wearing light clothes beneath. It had been some time since she had killed and skinned something like a wolf or a deer. Far too long. It was always done out of necessity at first but it was something she wanted to practice and even teach her future children. Like a family tradition, so her children would know how to look after themselves should the worst happen.
“And how many am I…” Kal groaned as she shifted on her feet, bare claws gripped onto the floor. “By Tethra, I’m sore.”
She rubbed her crotch and legs. After raiding a Seocurian mine and securing a fortune in both precious gemstones and freed Oni’s, Longinious had only sweetened the deal by giving Anton the go-ahead to bed them. Apparently it was just a precaution… yet it had only been a few nights at most. And Anton had been… Aggressive. Very aggressive. She didn’t mind him being more forceful but the other changes to his physique were a bit more of an issue. Particularly his endless stamina and the enhanced appendage swaying between his legs. She had asked Longinious about it before but the fish woman was evasive as only a fish could be.
“Not that it’s a bad thing.” Kal moved to get a small punnet of spices and groaned again. “Couldn’t imagine it if it was just Verona and myself. We’d definitely be broken by now…”
A pair of hands slid around her waist and held her tight. They were scaled, like a lizards, but gentle. One held her stomach, the other cupped one of her breasts.
“What’s just you and Verona?” Anton asked. He hugged her tight from behind, gently squeezing her body and kissing her neck.
Kal sighed and allowed him to continue fondling her. The other hand quickly moved to her other breast and squeezed tight. Though she wore heavy furs the tips of his claws almost pushed through. Those sharp claws of his had never scratched her even in the most tumultuous of circumstances. Which she could not claim.
“You’re almost as big as she was.”
Kal sighed once again. Anton was not immune to the male obsession with breasts, but he wasn’t lying. They had continued to swell and were actually larger than Verona’s had been originally. The gentle massage was needed, as they were not just heavy but ached every morning. Some stretch marks had even poked through her skin but they were always removed with her morning healing.
“Not that.” She gently slapped his hand. “You. You are the issue.”
“Me?”
“Yes.” Kal tried to move but Anton did not let her go. “Could you please get me that bottle? I need it for breakfast.”
After a final squeeze Anton let her go. Kal wrapped her tail around his arm. Anton took the bottle and took a quick sniff at the spices within.
“Haven’t smelt this before. Something from Frindal, it smells like.”
“Zuhura suggested it.” Kal pulled him back, wrapping an arm around his. “But we did get it from Bebbezzar. She has quite a list of good additions for food.”
“That she does.” Anton nodded. “Very smart too.”
“Quite the fat pair of tits on her.” Kal chuckled. “If Verona knew she’d be insanely jealous.”
“Verona’s jealous of you, Marion, Rasha, Ulyaa andLerato. At first there wasn’t any competition. And now Zuhura’s been thrown into the mix. I know you probably didn’t see it, but she was fuming when she saw them all together.”
“Now that I can believe.” Kal patted his hand as she sampled the soup. “Definitely needs those spices.” Kal took a pinch and sprinkled it over the meat. Immediately the color changed, as did the smell of the room. “Just make sure that you’re gentle with her. At least to start with. She doesn’t seem like someone who likes it rough.”
“I haven’t given it much thought.”
Kal gripped his foot with her own, pinning his dragonoid toes with her own claws. “Don’t you lie to me. That thing down there doesn’t lie.”
“It’s kind of hard not to notice when she’s leaning back, or bending over. That shawl doesn’t do a good job of hiding anything.”
“So?”
Anton paused. “Of course she’s beautiful. And willing to go with me on my stupid little excursions. But this is something we would all need to discuss. Our bed is getting a little small, after all.”
Kal kissed him again. “So long as she understands The Rules, then it’s fine. And having someone that knows fashion would be fantastic. Cetina doesn’t count. That garish yellow, blue and red mixture that she always fancies hurts my senses. And neither does Verona’s bright colors and feathers… Besides, you’ve already shown that you’re more than capable of taking care of us all. In every manner.”
Anton began to gently rub her stomach. Marion, at least early on, had asked repeatedly about her relationship with Anton, and the fact he bedded multiple women. It had never bothered her. And of late she was starting to understand the excitement Verona felt. When flushed faces begged for his touch. Too weak to resist and even begging for her own. Which she was more than happy to give and receive. How far she had fallen. And so quickly too.
“By the way…”
“Hmm?”
“Why aren’t you wearing a shirt?”
Anton, shirtless and disappointingly not pantless, shrugged. “It’s not really that cold for me. I can tell it’s cold, but it just really doesn’t affect me anymore.”
Kal lazily dragged her hand across his chest, enjoying the way his muscles tensed. “Did you actually ask Longinious for this? All this muscle… You sure?”
“That wasn’t a full sentence.” Anton kissed her deeply. It wasn’t as devouring as last night but still very aggressive. Even though she could taste that he had only just tumbled with Mezot and Rasha, he was more than capable of taking her right there and then. If she wasn’t cooking breakfast she would let him.
“And you’ve been at Rasha and Mezot since I left.” Kal parted and continued to stir the soup. “Rasha’s milk has a distinctive smell, as does Mezot.”
Anton merely smiled as he held her from behind. “I’m surprised you didn’t hear Rasha. She can be quite loud at times.”
Kal dug at her ear. “Not as bad as Cetina. That damned girl still hasn’t learned to be quiet.”
“She’s getting better.” Anton playfully moved her back and forth, his hands had returned to her breasts. “Right?”
“No she’s not.” Kal found herself smiling. “She’s only gotten worse.”
“Maybe a little bit.”
“And Mezot can be a little intense too.” Kal idly said. “Did she really try and kill her ex-husband in front of the entire leadership of the Graterious Empire?”
“If she was a Glyph Mage she would have been executed for killing a man during the Prince’s engagement party.”
“That bad…” Kal sighed. “She’s had it rough.”
“In her own way. What’s going on in her head certainly didn’t help, but it sounds like he didn’t try much either.” Anton kissed her neck. “But you should have seen her when Verona started to rip his new wife apart. Verbally, of course. Turns out he was even more distracted by big breasts than even me.”
“You are… Hey. You can’t get away with it by pretending that you’re the one being sorry.” Kal playfully swatted his hand again. “Since I’m not sure what you had planned for us after breakfast, Ihave something to do. My job, the one that you gave me, if you recall.”
“How could I forget?” Anton sounded rather serious. “You’re the only one that I could trust with something so critical. Not to mention…” He kissed her neck again. “I want to see you in a suit, crushing someone underneath your foot while sneering at them.”
Kal could barely hold back her laughter, a mixture of awkwardness and genuine surprise. “You don’t need to have made me in charge of Atros’s Internal Security to do that. You could have just asked…”
“It’s just not the same when I know it’s not true.”
Kal slapped his stomach. “Hush, you. You’re giving me ideas I’ll need to enact.” She tapped the handle of the soup. “Finally it’s done.”
Anton helped her prepare the bowls. “So your plan? I wish to see the Sivu pens and the Tower Blocks. See how those are progressing, since I haven’t heard too much. Last thing I heard the Dwarves had stolen everything they could from the Dwarven Isles and begun making the Chelium into metal beams. But that was it. Also the Sovereign Palace. Somewhere where we can live in true peace and safety.”
Kal sighed. “I just wish Verona hadn’t ordered it so big. But those idiots that we captured. They’re still in the new Police Station. I’ve already managed to get a few people to keep an eye on things. But… But I need to know how they think. The ones that were actually planning to attack us.”
“Like what they were saying? How they could try and convince others to join them, and not immediately tattle to us.” Anton nodded. His head twitched towards the entrance, Kal heard the footsteps as well. Verona’s, judging by the weight and gait. “I think that’s a good idea. But I don’t like the idea of you going alone.”
“I may be pregnant, but I can take care of myself.” Kal kissed his bearded cheek. “But I think I’ll take Rasha with me. She’s got the bulk to make them scared. Not something a pregnant woman can really do.”
Anton placed the bowls onto the table as Verona stepped into the kitchen. She wore thick clothes but her disheveled beautiful silver hair was a mess with her eyes were barely open. A hand idly scratched her large stomach as she yawned.
“Hey… What do we have?”
“One of Kal’s lovely soups.” Anton pulled out the chair for Verona. It took her a moment to register and take her seat. “So eat up. There’s a lot to go around.”
Kal’s ear pricked up, more people were leaving the bedroom. Everyone.
“How can you two be so chipper?” Verona cracked her knuckles. “After last night? And this morning?” Verona smiled after slapping her cheeks. “You’re going to have to go easier on us, Anton.”
“I have a job to do.” Kal gave Verona’s head a gentle pat as she passed by to lay out Rasha’s food, all vegetables and cheese. “Unlike some of us.”
“I have a job.” Verona pouted. “Just not as important as yours.”
“Sure.” Kal smiled. “Sure.”
The others entered. Cetina wore heavy furs, Rasha light clothes that left her toned stomach exposed while Mezot was barely visible above layers of wolf furs, one hand sticking out and holding her staff and Charm. They looked a little better than Verona but were clearly still tired and exhausted from the previous night. Perhaps Kal’s race gave her some advantage for recovery. That was a warming thought.
“Take your seats, everyone.” Anton said. “We’ve got more than enough of Kal’s soup to go around. So let’s dig in.”
Kal smiled and shook her head. It was a little odd how energetic they both were, but right now that was the last thing on her mind. She barely tasted the food, so distracted by the thoughts of the task ahead.
---[]---
With Anton checking on the Sivu pens, Mezot continuing her magical studies along with Longinious and Verona doing something, she and Rasha walked Atros's streets to their destination.
The new Police Station quickly came into view. It was just as Longinious had designed, a harsh looking building built in the new style that she and Anton were pioneering. So many harsh angles and being built only stone would take some getting used to but it was better than the shack that once house the Dark Elf leadership. Outside, sheltered from the snow and icy wind, sat four Police Deputies, trying to fight back the cold with flaming braziers. Their new uniform did look rather impressive and made them stand out. Rasha looked relieved. She had noticed that during their reveal their clothes were essentially stitched together and feared what would happen if they were to fall apart. These were properly made and looked quite warm. Just not warm enough to fight off the bite of the winter wind.
“Sorry, Lady Kal.” One of the Deputies nervously offered their shelter. “But not too many people arrive so early in the morning. Is there something we can help you with?”
“The prisoners.” Kal noted all of the Deputies were Human, one a woman. “Brought in for planning an attack on the Beast-kin. Where are they?”
“Holding cells. We haven’t received orders for what’s to be done with them. I heard there was supposed to be a Council meeting in the next couple of days to decide that.”
“Heard it was supposed to be the mines,” Another Deputy added. “But it was too cold for them to do anything as prisoners. Maybe they were going to get sent to Jaka and help clear that place out. For those Seocurian Refugees.”
The first nodded. “You know, before they get themselves killed.”
“Why would that be happening?” Kal asked, though she had a very good idea why.
The Deputies clearly held the same thought but hesitated to speak it, shifting uncomfortably and not looking either in the eye.
“B-Because they’re Seocurians. They’re not bad, like those from the Empire, but for a Beast-kin that’s just been rescued from Seocuria to see them walking about… Well, I can understand it.”
“Poor bastards.” Another Deputy said. The others solemnly nodded. Though they disagreed with it, there was little they could do. Even with their current position. “Bad enough for the Dark Elves. They have to show their ears even in all this cold. Heard one nearly got stabbed the other night.”
“Regardless, the prisoners?”
“If you talk to the Sheriff they’ll guide you right to the cells. The Deputies guarding them have been told not to let anyone approach them. No one’s tried to break in…” The Deputy smiled as he nodded towards the high stone walls. Flat, smooth and without any adornment, they held an imposing presence. “But you can’t be too careful, no?”
Kal gave a curt, polite nod and entered the Station. Inside she was greeted with a wave of warm air, so much warmth that she almost wanted to remove her cloak. The interior was very sparse, only a few simple chairs and tables and a large desk behind which a single woman stood, patiently waiting for them. Two Deputies sat either side of the desk, with a large crossbow resting at their side.
More than just a heavy stick…
“I need to see the prisoners.” Kal said as she approached. “The Beast-kin prisoners.”
“Of course, Lady Kal.”
I’m never going to get used to people knowing me when I don’t know them.
“Let me get Sheriff Dennis. He will be able to guide you better.”
Dennis, Dana’s brother, was the first Sheriff of Atros. A man determined to help his wounded sister and keep Atros safe. Kal had not given much thought as to whether he was a good fit but it was now a part of her job. A job she intended to fulfill properly.
Dennis emerged from a side room, wearing a finely tailored Police Uniform with a Sheriff badge emblazoned over his heart. He blinked at Kal for a moment, his otherwise blank face quickly turning to a smile.
“Kal. Sorry, Lady Kal. It has been too long since I last saw you.” He offered a thickly gloved hand. “You must convey my gratitude to Anton. These uniforms are of incredible quality. You never feel cold, no matter the weather.”
Kal shook his hand, a gentle yet firm shake. “I shall. I take it that you’ve only just moved in? The plan for the Police Station is very new.”
“It is.” Dennis nodded. “The Dwarves worked on this day and night. I’ve never seen those short bearded people with bags under their eyes, but they really, really wanted to build this.”
Kal smiled. “They are extremely excited whenever they’re given some freedom.”
Dennis glanced at Rasha and gave a quick nod. Rasha returned it, visibly relaxing.
“So how can we help you today?”
Kal took a shallow breath. For a moment she wished to gauge his reaction, to determine how he would react to Beast-kin planning to assault others, but there was a much easier and quicker method.
“Two questions.”
Kal motioned for Dennis to hold out his hand and Kal chanted a Truth Prayer. Rasha held the handle of her dagger tight, a dagger for her but a sword for anyone else, just in case. Dennis was rather confused as he answered her basic questions without being able to resist. Kal asked the pertinent question. Dennis did not have any prejudice towards the Beast-kin.
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“I see.” Dennis rubbed his hand when Kal let it go. “Anton said there was a way to compel anyone to talk, but I was thinking it would be less… Well, less gentle.”
“Something like torture or an aggressive interrogation would only give poor results.”
“Perhaps.” Dennis slowly nodded. “But we’d need someone like you here all the time. And there’s less than a dozen people that can use Tethra’s abilities, right?”
“We’re hoping there will be more soon. Once the Temple is built. But today I’m here to speak with the Beast-kin prisoners. The ones that were planning to attack… Well, us.”
“Yes. They’ve been quite vocal. At least in the beginning.” Dennis smiled. “Saying that it was wrong they were being imprisoned, that we Humans were just as bad as the Seocurian’s. Sorry, the Seocurian Empire, there’s nothing wrong with the Seocurians themselves. Stuff like that.”
“Unsurprising.”
Dennis motioned for them to follow. “Oh. They kept asking for your husband. Saying that he would set them free, since they’re Beast-kin and he likes Beast-kin. Even the men. Which is a little confusing.”
“But he’s a Human.” Rasha frowned. “Bedding a Half-Breed and a Mixed. And our children will be Half-Breeds at the very least.”
Dennis smiled. “I didn’t say it was smart. Only repeating what they said.”
Dennis led them through a side door and into the cells. Immediately Kal felt a chill. Fresh air was allowed to seep into each cell through a small barred window. It was designed to make the prisoners stay incredibly uncomfortable, which was the point. Several furred and scaled arms rested over the metal bars, swaying lifelessly. They pulled back when they heard footsteps approaching.
Each of the Beast-kin prisoners were assigned to a single cell. Inside lay a bed, with decent fur covers, a table and chair and a drop toilet. To be honest they were furnished quite well. Considering their crimes.
“So here they are.” Dennis said, raising his hand towards the closest prisoner, an average Feline man. Kal could have been like this, if her father wasn’t a Human. A specific Human at that. “They’ve been a bit quieter after we put them out here.”
“It’s cold.” The Feline said, his voice rasped from being dehydrated. “And we need something to drink.”
“Drink the snow.” Dennis shrugged. “You’re lucky that you’ve got anything. I’m sure the Seocurian’s would treat you so much better. No?”
The Feline looked away. The other Beast-kin did not try to meet his gaze.
“So, Kal. What do you want with them?”
If I just take one, then they’re going to know just who talked. So… This is going to be annoying.
“I need to speak with each of them. In turn. Do we have somewhere we can speak in private?”
Kal placed a hand behind her back and signaled for Rasha to step forward. She stepped forward, loudly striking her hoof against the stone ground and folding her arms. A simple display of strength but it was more than enough to cower the prisoners slightly.
“Of course.” Dennis smiled. “We have the perfect place.”
---[]---
Kal sighed as the second last Beast-kin was taken away. She, a young Reptile, was completely overwhelmed by her imprisonment and had spilled everything she knew the moment she was dragged in. Rasha, standing just to her side, remained silent throughout. Her job was simply to look imposing and that she was but a word away from pummeling the prisoner to death. She didn’t particularly like her role, but played it all the same.
“I’ve never seen someone blab so quickly.” Kal stretched her arms over her head, feeling her joints click. She had been working out even though she had been in Atros for a long time but there was nothing quite like a good stretch. “I’m sure the Seocurian Empire could learn from us.”
“You’re not serious?”
“Of course not.” Kal patted Rasha’s side. She barely moved, her legs thicker than Kal’s hips. “But there’s something different about the cold. With the sun you become delirious and sweat. The cold forces you to shiver and fold inwards.”
“Thank Tethra they didn’t have that… Except near the border.”
Kal did not venture near the border with the Deweth Clansmen often. Apart from the cold there was far more security, the Seocurian Empire was rightfully nervous about having rapacious raiders on their border. It was a fraught and unsteady relationship.
One we should exploit… For mountains of gold from our recent plundering.
“True. But let’s get them to bring in the last one. Might as well see what else they have to say.”
Rasha nodded and opened the door. Dennis peered his head through, gave a quick nod and ushered the last Beast-kin through. It was the male Feline, who was trying his best to put on a brave face. When Rasha grabbed his arms and forcefully placed him into the chair it had all but evaporated.
How do you not get bored asking the same thing, over and over?
“You know who I am.” Kal placed her hands onto the table. “And I know why you are in prison. And you know why you are in prison. We’re not here to play that game. So I just wanted to have a little chat with you. About your future.” She leant forwards slightly. “You do want a future?”
“I have nothing to say to you.” The Feline folded his arms. A shiver ran through his body.
“Well that’s fine.”
Because I already know enough from your friends.
“The rest of your friends have already told me that you were the one trying to organize the attacks.”
“We…” The Feline realized he had been agitated. “We did nothing of the sort.”
“Then why are you here?” Kal leant forward. “Are you honestly suggesting that you weren’t arrested along with nearly a dozen Beast-kin planning to assault or kill people like me? People, not a Half-Breed or a Mixed. A person?”
The Feline looked away. Shame and guilt. It was the same with every one of them.
“Well.” Kal shuffled some of the papers before her. They were filled with scribbled notes. Not that the illiterate Feline knew that. An unintended advantage. “I suppose then there really is nothing for you to say then? And you’ll be spending the rest of your life working in a mine. Smashing big rocks into little rocks.”
Kal leant back into her chair. “Must be a special type of hell. Knowing what freedom is, just to go right back into chains.”
“You can’t-”
“Why the fuck not?!” Kal slammed her fist onto the table. Rasha’s ears flicked back in surprise. “You wanted to kill me. Didn’t you? I was on one of your little lists. We did search the house and I know my name. It’s not that long.”
Kal threw off her glove and held her arm out towards him. “All because this furred part isn’t the same as this skin. Right? Or is it my ears? Because they’re not the same as a Humans?”
She retrieved her glove. It was still quite cold in the little room.
“All because you couldn’t stand that? You threw it away… Oh well. There’s a lot more Beast-kin that aren’t going to be so stupid.” Kal nodded to Rasha. “Last night we saved hundreds of Oni’s. A few we need to keep an eye on but the rest will fit in just fine.”
“You’re going to put me in chains?” He asked. “Like the Seocurians?”
Kal slowly nodded. “The Seocurian Empire, but yes. You’re a prisoner. And it’s not like you can just be left to go free. No. You’re going to spend the rest of your life in a mine somewhere, watching Atros grow and thrive. Knowing full well that because you couldn’t stand this.” Kal tugged at the base of her ear. “You will never taste freedom again. Perhaps that is the worst punishment we can give.”
The Feline cast his eyes down. Kal looked at Rasha and received a shrug. Most had tried to blab, to shift blame or beg for mercy. They had not completely stopped. But there was still a chance.
“However…” Kal waited until the Feline looked her in the eye. “Though I am thoroughly disgusted by you, my husband has other ideas.”
The Feline’s eyes narrowed. “Anton?”
Kal’s became little more than slits. “I wouldn’t use his name so flippantly in your position. But he loves Beast-kin. Both of us.”
Kal suppressed the smile as the Feline glanced at Rasha. Rasha smiled, then nodded back to Kal.
“Both?”
“Among others.” Kal shuffled the papers again. “He believes, and I don’t know how right he is, that people deserve a second chance. Not prejudiced or bigoted Puritans. Are you a person? Or a Puritan?”
The obvious hook of hope was more than enough for the Feline. Desperation made him claw at it and shed any pride he may have had in his beliefs. Tiny tears welled in the corner of his reddened eyes.
“I… I am. Not a puritan.”
“That has yet to be seen.” Kal said softly. She played with the large green broach near her neck. It was not a known symbol amongst Atros, but it would be soon enough. “But he is willing to give you that chance. If, and only if, you work with us.”
The Feline slowly nodded. “What… What would I have to do?”
“You’re going to go be a very, very good boy. And keep your head down. But there are going to be Beast-kin that know you were here and why. Because we’re going to tell them. And when they talk to you-”
“You want me to tell them to stop?”
“No.” Kal smiled. “You’re to give us their names. And go along with what they’re doing. Not hurting anyone, of course, but going to all their meetings. Getting their names and faces. Those sort of things.”
“But… But they’d kill me.” The Feline shuffled his chair closer. “They think you’re just like the Seocurian Empire. The Puritans, I mean.”
“I’ve been called far worse. And this is your only option.”
The Feline still hesitated.
“Of course we won’t send you in there without any compensation.”
Kal reached beside her chair and brought out a small neatly wrapped package. She took her time to unwrap it, letting the suspense build. The Feline was shocked to see a large Razor Pig sandwich, still warm and dripping with juices. He practically salivated at the sight.
“You will be provided with extra rations. As well as this.” Kal pushed it across. “I know that you haven’t eaten well in prison. But that’s far, far better than what you had planned for me, no?”
The Feline’s guilt was not strong enough to overcome his hunger.
“So you can have this, if you agree to help us.”
To a Human, and their dulled senses, it smelt delicious. To a Beast-kin it was almost overpowering.
“I’ll do what I can.” The Feline whispered before tearing into the food. Rasha smiled. He moaned at the first bite, juices dripping down his face and mixing with his short fur. “But what about everyone else? Have they been-”
“Of course they’ve been questioned. But I’m not going to tell you what they said. But I can say they did not leave here hungry.”
The Feline continued to eat, albeit at a slower pace.
“So when you are done, you will be sent back to your cell for the rest of the day. Tomorrow, you will be set free. And make sure you keep your word.” Kal marked something on the paper. “I’ll be keeping an eye on you. All of you.”
The Feline silently wept until he was halfway through his food. He gently placed it down, refusing to look up.
“You remind us of Humans.”
“Seocurians or the others?” Kal asked softly. This was the point where they had to speak their guilt, in whatever form it took.
“Both. But the Seocurians most of all.” The Feline shook his head. “I can’t stop feeling… Angry when I see that skin. You know what they did to us.”
“But I’m not one of them.”
“No…”
“Okay. So I remind you of the Seocurian Empire. But your discomfort it enough to plan to kill me? And any Beast-kin and Human couple. Which, I might add, are consensual and far more common than you would like to admit.”
Kal sighed. “Is it because Half-Breeds are killed when they are born? So you’re trying… I don’t know, trying to spare others like me from that? If that is your answer then I don’t think you’re going to be much use for me.”
“I lived most of my life in the plantations away from the cities. But there were some pregnancies that didn’t…”
Just from hearsay. How typical.
“Easy to keep you controlled then. Not many Half-Breeds survive, yet they’re the eternal enemy. But always a good excuse to make yourself feel better. In such a terrible place.”
The Feline did not respond.
“And Rasha? She’s part Blue Oni and Minotaur. Now there’s no Human there, right?”
The Feline looked up, now eating the last of his food. “No. But… There’s the Cobra’s. They were an accident-”
“I heard they were created on purpose…” Kal trailed off. How could the Seocurian Empire transform creatures so quickly? Unless they had whatever created the Hamtaro’s from Frindal. But only that? To get rid of the food intensive Lamia’s and replace it with Cobra’s like Eider? Still sounded quite ridiculous. “How?”
“I don’t know. Heard it from an older Turtle Beast-kin. Really, really old. Said it was from a coupling. And they were better than the Lamias. So… They got rid of the old ones.”
“That’s ridiculous.” Rasha’s anger was clear in her voice, even as she kept her body still. “I didn’t ask to be born like this. But I’m not doing anything wrong. All you’re doing is keeping the Seocurian Empire’s… Thing of keeping us as separate species so they can use us like tools. Right?” She stomped her hoof. “That’s all it is! It’s all it’s ever been!”
Rasha took a deep breath to calm herself. Kal knew there was a limit to what they could say to convince someone against their long held views. Anton had often talked about some of the vilest people of his world killing and slaughtering others over religion and race, being proud of their kills even as they faced their own death and never having a realreason.
Some people just need a rope and a tree.
“Your food is finished. So we are done.” Kal signaled for Rasha to get Dennis. “And don’t forget that you work for us now. When Atros has a functioning economy, we will pay you a generous amount to keep an eye on goings on in Atros. But that’s for another time.”
“R-Right.” The Feline waited until the door opened and Sheriff Dennis and two of his Deputies entered to take him away. He did not resist and willingly followed.
Dennis waited until he was well and truly gone before entering the room. “You still using Tethra’s magic?”
He took the seat opposite Kal. Kal flicked Rasha a glance, to remain on alert. Rasha stood a pace back. More than close enough to strike with a fist larger than his head.
“They always look kind of broken.”
“It’s hard for them to actually look me in the eye and explain why they wanted to hurt people like me.” Kal shrugged. “I was expecting one to start lashing out. But they didn’t.”
“Not true believers.” Dennis mockingly wiggled his head. “But they will come. So, tell me Kal. Do you want us to hang them when they’re brought in?”
Casually, he looked over his shoulder and pointed towards the cells. “Seems that fish lady designed a few cells deeper into this place. You could scream for hours and no one would hear a thing. Not that we’ve have to use it, of course.”
“Not on your own. We will use Tethra’s magic to determine the truth, and then… We’ll make sure it’s quick and painless.”
Dennis slowly nodded. “Some of my Deputies can be a little zealous in dealing with criminals. But I’m glad you’re not. Calm heads are what’s needed around here.”
He dug around his hip and produced a small metal flask. “A gift from some of the Dark Elves. Wanted me to make sure that we responded to any of their problems very quickly.”
He offered the flask to Kal. To drink, not to take. Kal shook her head.
“I should not be drinking alcohol while pregnant.”
Rasha refused the drink as well.
“Well, it was worth a try.” Dennis took a swig, his eyes scrunched tight as the powerful alcohol washed down his throat. “Dwarven ale. Distilled and pure. I’m sure you could treat wounds with this.”
Reminds me, I should look into what happened to those dried herbs. Oh, and Eiders venom. Perhaps inside a bullet? A poison bullet? I’m sure Anton would love that. And where are my exploding arrows? Haven’t seen those in an age.
“Anything special you’d like for us to do? Before you go?”
Kal wasn’t sure if she was being urged to leave but it certainly felt like it.
“Free them tomorrow. And make sure your Deputies keep an eye on them.” Kal stood up, a hand immediately covering her stomach. “Otherwise, you have done extremely well. I’m sure Anton will be pleased to hear it.”
“It has been quite a while since I’ve seen him.” Dennis produced another metal flask with far more fine ornaments and etchings than the previous. “He’s done quite a lot for myself and my sister, who is doing very well. And since I can’t see him whenever I so choose…”
Kal had never been offered a bribe before. That was certainly a little harsh, more like a thoughtful gift, but there was something behind it. Or was there? Was it just trying to show gratitude for helping him and Dana? She could use Tethra’s ability to learn the truth but that would break any and all trust between them.
“I will pass it on to him and explain how grateful you truly are.” Kal took the flask. “He needs something good for his adventures beyond Atros. And I think this will do nicely.”
Dennis nodded. “Thank you. Now…” He somewhat awkwardly motioned towards the door. He did not wish to ruin what he had accomplished by misplaced words.
“Stay warm, Dennis.” Kal smiled. “And make sure the rest of your Deputies do too.”
With a final smile shared between them Kal left the room, hopeful that the prisoners would serve Atros better as informants rather than a warning. Only time would tell.
---[]---
Kal, still with Rasha walking at her side, reached the construction site of the Tower Block. The great Chelium beams rose high above the wooden buildings of Atros, blue lines against the gray sky and the dull gray concrete cladding.
“I hope it has a bit more color.” Rasha mused. “Can’t always be gray. Right?”
“I think it can.” Kal smiled. “But let’s give Anton a little kick in his fat little butt if he thinks he can ignore his wives.”
She found Anton at the entrance, with Cetina, Longinious and Mezot. They were discussing something with Umikgruid. The Dwarf, with his always immaculately maintained and groomed beard, was clearly not happy.
Cetina saw them first. The Bebbezzarian woman waved them over. She was almost glad to see them.
I wonder if I should give Anton the flask now. Would it calm this argument? It doesn’t look that bad yet.
“-It’s just a large expense.” Umikgruid continued talking, with Kal only able to discern his voice once close enough due to the sound of ongoing construction. “Far more than I would be willing to pay. Even if I had all those beautiful gemstones you found the other night."
"And stealing would just get you into trouble." Anton replied. "And cause a lot of problems for you and us."
Umikgruid shrugged. "We've stolen so much from them already. What's a few pieces of paper?"
"Nothing to do with the Tower Block?" Kal gave Anton a deep kiss. She subtly waved Rasha forward to do the same, though she had to lean down and hold her helmet. “I was a little worried that you might start fighting here.”
“Us? No.” Anton sighed, giving Kal’s stomach a gentle rub. He rubbed it like it was a good luck charm. Which it was. “Umikgruid is continuing to push his luck.”
Rasha held a hand to her brow and looked at the construction. Some Dwarves worked perilously close to a sheer drop. They waddled their waddle without a care. It must have been so mundane for them they simply didn’t notice it.
Umikgruid raised his hand again. “I’m just stating that you worked rather hard to get all that money. So there’s no reason to spend it all when stealing is so much easier.”
“I feel that we’re missing something.” Kal said dryly.
“I want to get a hold of the schematics of the Dwarven Tank.” Anton said. “Though it did not work well there’s a lot to be gained from it. The main structure was fine, just having each wheel powered by a different magical engine certainly isn’t.”
“I remember something like that.” Kal smiled at Mezot. To her surprise she was actually focused on the conversation. “You needed a Wyrm heart, or something, for your magic.”
Cetina nodded. “You never did explain how it helped you.”
Mezot, gripping her staff tight in her hand, turned upwards to the Bebbezzarian soldier. “I… I do not think I could adequately explain what or how it helped, other than that it did. I was a Lecturer of Graterious Royal Academy. Before my daughter and I had to flee.”
She tensed, throwing Anton a worried and apologetic look. “Not that I’m upset about it. I have something far better now. A warm. I just… Do miss it sometimes.”
But now you’ve got a family that loves and understands you. Not to mention you’re easily the second most powerful person in Atros. Couldn’t say that in Graterious.
“Summer, and we’ll head back. Things will undoubtedly have calmed, though…” Anton clicked his tongue. “I can’t guarantee that you’ll be safe.”
Mezot looked happy with his response.
“But, that was our argument, Kal. Nothing serious, but it was getting a bit heated.”
“Why don’t we let her decide?” Umikgruid raised a bushy brow. “She’s a smart one. So, should we steal or buy the schematics for the Tank?”
“Putting me on the spot a little bit.” Kal playfully kicked at the snow as she smiled. “How easy would it be to steal? And what sort of security does it have?”
“A few guards, nothing too serious. No one would want to steal it. Since…” Umikgruid shook his head. “It’s all forbidden technology anyway. No Dwarf’s career could survive being seen trying to build something like that. But who cares about that in Atros?”
“And if you’re caught? How much damage would it do to the rest of the Dragon Guard Dwarves still in the Dwarven Isles?”
“Well…” Umikgruid stroked his beard. “Not good. They’d just throw whoever got caught in prison for a few days. But I suppose they’d ask why we want it.” He looked at Anton. “Just like paying someone would.”
“But so long as you pay the person on the inside well enough they won’t say a word.”
Umikgruid folded his arms. “Until they want more.”
“In that case we kill them.” Anton nonchalantly shrugged, much to Umikgruid’s surprise. “We have a pair of invisible assassins. They could be here right now.”
“Unlikely.” Longinious’s voice crackled like a distant thunderstorm. “I’ve made sure they are locked in an extremely secure safe. I have Kal to thank for Tethra’s magical seal. I still cannot do something similar.”
Despite Kal not having an entirely good read on Longinious she was always thankful for any help given. Even if it was begrudgingly when it came to Glyph Magic.
“Just buy it. Less exciting than a robbery, that’s for sure, but… Do you think Calo and Sheso would be willing to do it?”
“They’d definitely want something in return.” Anton said. “But that’s fair. It’s incredibly dangerous. And I don’t want to know what Dwarves do to thieves.”
Kal knew Anton had quite a soft spot for the Twins. They were quite fun to have around, and were very pleasing on the eyes. And Dark Elves didn’t have much concern with dressing very lightly. And the twins were very athletic.
“Drowning, most likely.” Umikgruid said softly. “Especially for a non-Dwarf. Since we’re surrounded by water…”
“We’ll pay. I’m not going to lose those two.” Anton received a nod from Cetina and Longinious. “So whatever needs to be paid in order to keep people quiet.”
“Fine. Fine.” Umikgruid threw his hands up in submission. “I just thought it would be easier. Besides, the damned thing didn’t work, so it would just be a waste of money to try and buy a copy.”
“We’ll just steal some more. I don’t think Zuhura is a big fan of it.”
Umikgruid gently shook his head and turned to Kal. “The Tower Block is going well. See those Oni’s? They’re a great help to us.”
“I’m glad they’re behaving themselves.” Rasha quietly murmured. What happened in the Seocurian Mine she had not said, but something about it still irked her. Even after the tumultuous night it was still at the forefront of her thoughts.
Amongst the Dwarves were Red and Blue Oni’s. They moved quickly, carrying giant beams that would require a team of Humans or normal Beast-kin. There was something about their movements, a sort of arrogance, which was being thoroughly eroded as they had to follow the Dwarves directions. Rasha’s concern slowly faded away.
“Otherwise, everything’s normal. Which is what we want.” Umikgruid smiled. “You’ll be happy to know. That’s it. Everything’s going well.”
“Fantastic.” Kal exhaled loudly. “A lovely day to relax.”
She stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her tail around his throat. “You know what that means. Right?”
“Nothing until tomorrow.” Anton nodded seriously. “I know that. But everything went well with you?”
Kal smiled. “Of course. Nothing’s going to go wrong with Rasha with me.”
Anton gave her a quick kiss and looked out towards the continuing construction. Kal was just happy to be next to her husband, to let the warmth his body provided wash away all the threats and talking she had to just endure. And she was not going to let anyone stop it.