Past the portcullis of the inner wall, a specially designed cloister acts as a playground for the Beast-Men which they get to exercise in at random intervals. The bipedal Beast-Men can climb up the columns of the garden, although Rabbit has some troubles, and the quadrupedal Beast-Men run around the outside of the columns. Fifteen armed knights patrol the perimeter with bows and sedative soaked arrows which they are told to use as a last resort.

Something stops the exercise today, though. Each of the Beast-Men stop to watch the white tunic, cape and trousers of Doctor Worchester stroll into the middle of the cloister and stand with four finely dressed lords.

“Gather around my Beast-Men.”

The Beast-Men slid over to Doctor Worchester and slumped in front of the man.

“Properly,” said Doctor Worchester, impatiently snapping his fingers.

Reluctantly, the Beast-Men bowed. They weren’t used to Doctor Worchester meeting them like this. In fact, the doctor rarely left his keep. His skin was ghost white from staying inside so long, and he wasn’t even that old, he was likely in his late thirties. However, he always stood up straight with a strong figure and demanded attention.

“We have a showing with some of the lords who communicate directly with the king. I’m sorry I didn’t get to tell you earlier.” Worchester eyed each of the Beast-Men individually and continued, “Follow me.”

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In a brisk movement Worchester spun around and began striding towards the keep. As the Beast-Men moved the guards fell in behind and took position boxing the Beast-Men in while still marching. They moved straight through the courtyard and into the keep. Upon entering the main entrance there was a great hall, brilliantly lit, which the Beast-Men rarely ever got to see. The four brightly dressed lords walked alongside Worchester and the five together had positioned themselves near the base of the keep’s full staircase.

“Line up.” Worchester demanded.

The Beast-Men formed a line and the lords immediately started observing them closer. The lords got up close and poked and prodded the Beast-Men. They moved the Beast-Men around telling them to do move here and there. Finally, they pushed the Beast-Men. They barely budged of course, so the lords got angry.

“Move you stupid beasts.” One yelled.

“What a worthless bunch of rabble.” The other cursed.

“We are more than stupid beasts.” Bear snarled.

Rabbit, Horse, and Stag looked around nervously, while Wolf seemed to smile and step closer to Bear. Those two didn’t even consider who these men were, that could force the man they’ve always been enslaved to, to make a special exemption from his work and step outside, although it was very possible Bear would talk to Worchester like that as well.

“Oh really,” The lord said, placing his hand on his pommel.

Bear widened his stance and stretched out his arms to show his overwhelming size.

“You are nothing but an artless brute.” The lord drew his sword and held it at the ready.

“That’s enough.” Another lord said, “We have everything we need here. We will speak to Doctor Worchester alone.”

The Beast-Men remained with the guards as the lords ascended the great staircase with Doctor Worchester, talking discreetly.