LINKS - CHAPTER 26 - Solstice

“Here we are my beautiful little lady friend, a cup of Lady Blue, no milk, and one lump of sugar, just as you requested."

Azee's nose and ears twitched a little as Shinra delicately set a steaming porcelain cup down on the low table in front of her. The scent of the tea filled her nostrils, delicate citrusy notes mixed with the subtlest hints of vanilla flower, bringing back memories of many a breakfast shared with Luke in the Windhill Manor's kitchen.

“Thank you," Azee mumbled, nodding at the handsome chiropine.

“You are most welcome." Shinra smiled at Azee as he sat back, draping himself across several large, fluffy pillows.

Politely taking a sip of tea, Azee turned to Eloise. “So… how do you two know each other."

“Oh we've been friends as long as I have been alive," Shinra replied. “In fact, Eloise may well have been the first woman to see me naked. A truly auspicious day for me."

Azee promptly choked on her tea.

“What he means is that I was there when he was born," Eloise said quickly, shooting a disappointed look at Shinra.

“Indeed, as I emerged from my mother, she took me in her arms and smacked my bottom. It's part of what made me who I am today."

“An overly sexual cretin who thinks he's a dashing rogue?" Eloise suggested, unable to prevent herself from smiling fondly at the grinning bat. “Almost ten years since I last saw you and you haven't changed."

“Not one bit." Turning to Azee, Shinra laughed. “Did you know, Eloise may well have been the first human woman I ever had an infatuation for?"

Azee turned bright red as Shinra casually waved one of his hands. “Oh how I begged her to take me into her bed, to teach me the ways of love and passion. Many times I fantasised over her, pining after her. Alas, her interests lay elsewhere."

“He's full of shit, by the way," Eloise remarked, taking a sip of her tea.

Again Azee nearly choked on her tea. She hastily looked up at Eloise, who had a rakish smile playing at her lips.

As Shinra relaxed, a canine male approached, bearing a strange-looking metal instrument. The male wore only an array of delicate silver chains that ran across his dark fur and accentuated the more risque elements of his anatomy.

“You say you aren't running a pleasure house-" Azee muttered, trying to keep her gaze from being drawn to the canine's lap, “- but it sure seems like one."

Shinra chuckled merrily. “I can understand your confusion. This is a house of pleasure, but it is not a 'pleasure house'."

“And what's the difference?"

“There is no love, no genuine pleasure to be found in a so-called 'pleasure house', just misery and pain. Men and women go there for simple carnal pleasure, forced upon poor wretches who have no choice in the matter. It is… a perversion of love."

Azee couldn't help but flinch as she thought back to Sinda and the tales he had told of his experiences as a slave in such a place.

“But here?" Shinra spread his arms, his wings unfurling proudly. “Here you will find that no one is acting against their own will.

Shinra smiled up at the canine as he set the metal device on the table. “Thank you Bruun."

The device was made from exotically shaped hammered brass and copper, decorated with coloured glass and intricately carved markings. With a spark rune, the canine lit the tip of a thumb-sized cone of a sweet-smelling brown material. Placing the smouldering cone at the top of the metal instrument, the canine bowed and retreated, but not before giving Azee a long glance, a low, sensual rumble in his throat.

The smoke from the cone began curling its way down the metal instrument, pouring like water through the various channels and spouts.

“It's called a dalahood," Shinra explained as Azee watched the smoke drift and coil down towards a bowl of black glass pebbles at the bottom of the instrument. “It is said that God speaks to us in the patterns of the smoke, through the paths and channels it chooses to take."

“God? What's that?" Azee asked, trying to resist the urge to sneeze as she leaned in and examined the smoke more closely. Her whiskers twitched as she watched, entranced.

Eloise took a sip of her tea, watching with a smile as Shinra and Azee spoke.

Shinra laughed out loud, startling Azee and shifting the smoke into a frantic dance. “That is a good question, little one, one that our religious scholars have tried to find an answer to for thousands of years."

“Why does everyone keep calling me that?" Azee muttered, resting her muzzle on the table, watching as the smoke resumed its calm descent. “I'm fully grown."

“Really? But you are so small, and your lovely voice is so soft and innocent." Shinra chuckled as Eloise shot him a look. “Oh very well. What would you like to be called then, honoured guest?"

“Azee."

“Very well, Azee." Shinra stroked his chin as Bruum returned and sat down beside him. He let out a soft purr as Bruun began gently massaging his long winged fingers.

“What is God… well, something powerful, something willful and benevolent, with purpose dedicated towards a great cause. We believe that our God commands us to follow her design, to be noble, to turn to her in times of need, and to be true to ourselves and our people. God is… the ultimate power of this plane and all others, everywhere and everything, the driving force of the world and all of us within."

“Sounds like Luke's mother when she talked about the Lord." Azee replied, watching as the first tendrils of smoke reached the black glass pebbles.

“Mmmm, many in Halcyon do see the Lord as a god, though unlike our God, the lord has a body, she lived upon this plane, rather than in the heavens."

“Have you ever seen your god?"

“No, but I speak with her."

“Through this… dakahood?"

“Dalahood young-" Shinra paused, correcting himself." My apologies, dalahood, Azee, dalahood. And sometimes yes, but most often in my heart and mind."

Azee tilted her head ever so slightly, her eyes transfixed on the smoke as it covered the glass pebbles like a layer of water. “Yes but… have you ever seen your god?"

“Only in the currents and tides of the world, the strands of her great purpose." Shinra sighed. “It can be hard to see her shadow, but it is there."

“Then how do you know what her purpose is?"

“No one knows; only God, in her divine wisdom and brilliance truly knows."

“Does god have a name? Other than god, I mean."

“Mmmm, a few, but none we share with outsiders I am afraid."

“But… how do you know she's real?"

Shinra chuckled, kissing Bruun on the cheek as he continued to massage his wing fingers. “You ask a great many questions."

Azee's ears immediately drooped. “I'm sorry."

“No no no! I like it. So many souls that come in here are broken, looking only for a few hours of care, before returning to the hell that exists outside."

“Hell is another word for damnation," Eloise remarked before Azee could ask.

“Mmmhmm, and it's nice to have someone with an inquisitive mind come here, someone I can actually talk with."

“Oh uh… Th-thank you."

“After all, that's how equals are supposed to talk to each other."

Before Azee could ask another question, her stomach let out a low rumble. As if on cue, a pair of pelt felines arrived, each carrying a large silver platter, covered in plates piled high with food.

Azee's eyes grew very wide, her mouth starting to water as the felines set about setting the plates down on the table. An especially wonderful scent drew her attention to one of the nearer dishes.

“Chicken…" She moaned softly, staring longingly at the steaming plate.

“Please, enjoy," Shinra said with a smile, nodding in thanks at the two felines as they departed.

Without a moment's hesitation, Azee grabbed one of the pieces of chicken and set to work.

“So, how long will you be staying?" Shinra asked. “If I could tempt you into staying the night I have several friends who I am certain would relish the chance to get to know you, aunt Eloise."

“No, thank you, we already have a room. I wanted to bring Azee here" Eloise nodded at Azee as she ferociously tore into her second piece of chicken. “It's been a long journey, and I thought my friend here could use some rest and enjoyment."

“Then rest and enjoyment you shall have." Shinra smiled. “All that is mine is yours. Bruun, my love, would you mind getting some oil warmed up in one of the steam rooms? I am sure Azee will enjoy your particular care."

“Of course." Bruun smiled, kissing Shinra lightly before getting to his feet and striding out of the room.

“So, how has business been?" Eloise asked, picking up a stuffed leaf. To her surprise, Shinra's smile faltered.

“It's been… stable." He replied after a few moments. “The odd hiccup, of course, being one of my kind in this place can be risky, but it has its rewards."

“I see."

Shinra's gaze met Eloise's for a moment. “And you, how is your business?"

“Full of hiccups."

Azee paused for a moment, the tension in the air noticeable even through her feasting

Breaking the silence, Shinra clapped his hands. “Well, enough chit-chat for now, let's enjoy this wonderful meal, shall we?"

***

It was a mercifully cool day out in the fields at the Windhill Ranch. Thick grey clouds hung low and carried with them the unmistakable scent of imminent rain. With the indigo harvest complete, and the cotton fields emptied, most of the slaves were milling about, doing basic chores on the property, or, if they were lucky, grabbing some much-needed rest.

But Syn had no intention of relaxing. This was her chance, her first chance in weeks, and she was going to take it.

“There she is." Syn grumbled, watching as Vali, the lutrine fore, separated herself from the group of slaves she was supervising and headed towards the barrel of drinking water in the shade of a nearby shed.

Nori shivered slightly as she gripped Syn's arm. “Are you… certain about this… If you're wrong..."

“I'm not wrong," Syn replied, her eyes narrowed as she watched Vali. “Everyone I've asked says Vali and Chara used to be friends."

“But friends… doesn't mean co…. cocon… coconsprites?"

“Coconspirators." Syn corrected. “And you're right…but she's the only one who makes sense, the only one with enough pull with the others, and trust from the overseers."

“Please be careful," Nori whispered, reluctantly letting go as Syn started marching towards Vali.

But Syn paid no attention to Nori. Her focus was squarely on her target. The sound of blood rushing filled her ears, her heart thudding painfully. If she was wrong, the day could very well end with her being hanged.

“Syn." Vali nodded as the feline approached. “What are you doing? If you're not busy, go and help Keeli in the front garden with the weeding."

Taking a breath, Syn spoke as calmly and firmly as she could. “I know Chara was planning a rebellion here, I know she was going to join Raid, and I know you were her fore ally."

Syn's words, so confidently spoken, were such a surprise, that Vali dropped her water cup. She stood, eyes wide and muscles frozen, as if she were caught in the glare of a predator.

'I was right!' A thrill shot through Syn as she crossed her arms, a confident smile on her face.

Finally able to speak, Vali hissed back “Wh-what in damnation are you talking about?"

“You know exactly what I am talking about. I've been watching you and the others for weeks." Syn's eyes narrowed as some of the other slaves noticed the conversation and started moving closer. “You're the only one that Chara would have trusted."

“You're insane." Vali snarled, drawing her club from her belt. “Get out of here, or I'll give you a bruise you won't forget!"

“What was the deal?" Syn pressed, stepping forward, ignoring Vali's threat. “Were you going to stay and fight, or were you going to flee the moment there was actual danger."

“What's going on?" Another girl, Gris, asked as she and several other slaves drew close enough to hear. “Wh-what danger?"

“The grey wolf, Chara, the one Windhill sold a few seasons back, was planning a rebellion," Syn replied, keeping her gaze locked on Vali. “And she was in on it."

Vali bared her teeth, stepping up to Syn and drawing herself up, her powerful tail slapping the ground. “That's nonsense and you know it."

Ignoring Vali, Syn looked around at the other slaves. “The revolt, in Lillyvale, the group that did that was the same one Chara spoke with."

“B-but that group was wiped out!" one of the other slaves, a timid looking vulpine, said hesitantly, glancing around to make certain no one else was listening in on the conversation.

“No, they weren't, I've talked to them, just as Chara did." Syn looked around at the other slaves. “They have the equipment, fighters, and weapons, including rifles. They plan to take all of Flinton valley for our kind. And they told me that Chara had a fore ally here at the ranch."

Vali was quiet, glaring back at Syn, her fingers twitching as calculated her next move.

“You all deserve to know, there are warriors out there, willing to fight." Syn continued. “And most of all, they have the support of the Federation!"

“The Federation?" A pregnant slave asked, tilting her head.

“The United Federation of Nations, in the north." Syn's gaze turned to Vali, a defiant smile on her face. “Halcyon's enemies. They've promised to give us the entire valley if we help them fight Halcyon from the inside."

“Chara and the Federation made a deal with a rebel cell outside of Lillyvale." Vali retorted. “Those rebels were completely destroyed not long ago. It was foolishness regardless, no rebellion in Halcyon has ever been successful. Stop this nonsense now, that's an order."

Syn's teeth showed as she growled back at Vali. “Maybe they were betrayed, sold out by a collaborator more interested in their own safety than the future of our people!"

A loud crack rang out as Vali's club slammed into the side of Syn's head. Syn gasped in agony, falling hard to the ground.

“Shut your mouth!" Vali snarled, placing a foot on Syn's chest and pressing down hard. “You don't know what you are talking about. You'll get everyone here killed!"

“Leave her alone!"

Vali looked up just in time to see Nori flying at her, arms and claws extended. Vali swung her club again but missed Nori by a hair. The two collided with a powerful whump. Vali's club flew out of her hand as she hit the ground hard, with a thrashing and hissing Nori on her chest.

Syn shook her head and sat up as the crowd of slaves rushed forward to pull Nori and Vali apart. As she struggled to get to her feet, Syn grabbed hold of Vali's dropped club and gripped it tightly.

With an angry grunt, Vali managed to kick Nori off of her, but before she could get back to her feet, Syn slammed her foot into Vali's stomach. As Vali coughed and tried to catch her breath, Syn stood over her.

“You filthy traitor," Syn snarled, her claws digging into the wood as she raised the club over her head.

“Stop!"

A loud squeal of pain rang out as Keeli dove on top of Vali to protect her, Syn's blow crashing into the small of her back.

The moment Keeli hit the ground, a ferocious roar thundered across the yard.

Before Syn could react, a powerful hand grabbed the scruff of her neck and pulled her backward. Then, in a blur, a pair of hands wrapped around her neck and lifted her off the ground.

“Have you lost your mind!" Fray snarled, squeezing Syn's throat. “Do you know what would happen if you used a weapon to strike a fore? Do you think you'd be the only one hanged?"

Syn clawed at her neck and frantically kicked her feet. In desperation she racked her claws across Fray's face, only for Fray to squeeze tighter, cutting off her air completely.

Blood dripped down Fray's chin as she held the struggling feline. “You've been putting everyone else in danger since the day you arrived!" Her eyes narrowed, her voice little more than a dark growl. “I know you think you don't care if you die, but I'm not going to let you get everyone here killed."

Syn's eyes bulged as Fray's grip tightened. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't loosen Fray's fingers. She thrashed about desperately, her lungs fighting vainly for air, but Fray simply stared into her eyes, her expression cold as ice.

“There's no helping you, is there?" Fray growled as Syn beat against her hands with her fists. “Just close your eyes and it'll be over soon."

“Let her go!" Vali commanded, clamouring back to her feet as two other women grabbed hold of Nori and held her down. “Fray, that's an order, let her go!"

“She's too dangerous," Fray replied, no emotion in her voice as she glared at Syn. “This is the only way to keep everyone safe."

White spots filled Syn's vision as her lungs burned. She tried to scratch Fray's face again, but her arms simply fell to her side. Her muscles were failing her, her mind spinning with panic. With a last, desperate burst of strength, she tried to kick Fray with both feet, but her legs were little more than limp noodles.

Her mouth opened in silent begging as her vision began to fade. 'No! I can't die here! Not like this! Not like this! Anywhere but here!' Tears rolled down her cheeks as her struggling turned to little more than weak shudders. 'Mama… help me.'

All of a sudden, Syn felt Fray's grip loosen and she dropped to the ground. Frantically she drew in gulp after gulp of precious air, coughing and heaving as she tried to breathe.

Fray snarled as she dropped to one knee, clutching her left arm.

“I told you to drop her!" Vali stood over Fray, blood dripping from the metal spike on her club. “I warned you, Fray!"

Syn shakily tried to stand up, but a blow from Vali's club sent her sprawling. “You stay down, or I'll bash your skull in here and now!" Vali started to reach for her whip, but a pair of slaves stepped between her and Syn.

“Leave her." One of them snapped, her voice steady despite obvious nervousness.

“Is it true?" One of the females holding Nori down asked, looking up at Vali. “Is it true that Chara had a rebellion planned?"

Vali paused, her eyes darting across the group of women around her, many of whom were glaring, not at Syn, but at her.

“Now listen, I-"

“Tell us!" Another demanded, stepping forward. “Is it true?"

“I don't want my babies growing up as slaves!" A third growled, her hands protectively stroking her pregnant belly. “If there is even a chance of freedom…"

As Vali and the other slaves argued, Fray stepped over to Keeli, who was still lying on the ground. An ugly welt was forming on her right shoulder, surrounded by a dark purple bruise.

“Keeli, are you alright?"

Forcing back tears, Keeli nodded. “I… I think so…"

Ignoring the pain in her own arm, Fray reached out and gently picked up the trembling lapine. “Shhhh, it's okay."

“I'm sorry…"

“Why?" Fray smiled and stroked Keeli's face before planting a kiss on her forehead. “You did the right thing. You were very brave."

“Enough!" Vali's voice rang out like the crack of a whip. “There will be no more talk of this, got it."

With help from another slave, Syn managed to get back to her feet, glaring at Vali. “You… don't get to make… that call. So you can… kill all of us… or we can do it properly."

Vali was outnumbered and she knew it. As it stood, if she started swinging her weapons around she'd probably find herself taken down in short order. She could try calling for help, but that would only lead to everyone around her being culled.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

“You want to discuss this? Fine." Vali said at last. “But after that, if we all make a decision, you drop it, understood?"

Syn wanted to snap back in defiance, to say that she would rather die. After a few seconds of thought, she slowly nodded her head. “Fine."

As Syn, Nori, and the other females moved off, Fray returned to her feet and approached Vali.

“I'm sorry I had to hurt you." Vali said, unable to meet Fray's gaze. “But I couldn't let you kill her. Please forgive me."

Fray sighed and shook her head, pulling Vali into a hug. “It's fine... I understand. You did the right thing."

“By the Tyrant, what about Keeli?!"

“I'm okay," Keeli replied, wiping away her tears as she approached nervously.

Vali stepped away as Fray released her and put her hand on Keeli's cheek. “I'm sorry you got hurt, sweetie. What you did was very brave, thank you."

“It's fine, really." Keeli managed a smile as Vali stroked her.

Glancing back at Syn, Vali's gaze darkened. “She is a problem."

“We can't let her talk to the rest about rebellion, can we?" Keeli asked, shivering as she spoke. “I… I don't wanna be a slave anymore… but if we fight we all die."

“We'll let her say her peace, then we say ours," Fray replied, gently pulling Keeli close. “Don't worry, everything will be okay."

***

“By the Tyrant… oh yes…" Azee moaned. Her toes curled and despite her best efforts her tail wagged as a beautiful feline ran a soft bristled brush through her hair, while two large and handsome canines massaged her. One was focused on kneading her back while the other worked on her legs.

Never in her life had Azee felt so utterly pleasured. She was more relaxed than she had ever been, her body putty in the hands of the masseurs as they worked.

Bruun smiled as he dug his fingers into Azee's back a little harder, massaging between her shoulders. “That feels good?"

“Yeah…" Azee purred, unable to hold her head up as her tongue lolled out the side of her mouth. “Better than sex…"

“Mmm, then someone has been doing it wrong," Bruun murmured, moving his hands lower toward Azee's waist. “Still, I appreciate the compliment. You want me to go lower?"

“Sure… just a little lower…"

“I can go as low as you want," Bruun replied, cracking his knuckles and applying some more sweet-smelling oil to his hands.

“Mmmm… yeah… th-thank you…" Suddenly Azee's head and ears shot up. “EEEEP!"

“Too low?"

“Uh… y-yes."

“Apologies." Brunn smiled, his hands returning to Azee's waist. “Normally I wouldn't go that low, but Master Shinra said I should extend you every courtesy."

“So you… offer all 'services'."

“Whatever you want," Bruun replied, chuckling at the flush of embarrassment that ran through Azee. “Say the word and I will gladly service all of you."

“I… thought you and Shinra…"

Bruun shrugged. “Oh we're lovers, sure, but it's not like Master Shinra keeps me all for himself."

“So he is your master?"

“In name only,'" the feline brushing Azee's hair purred. “It's illegal for pelts like us to be free in Halcyon. But Master Shinra never treats us like slaves, he feeds us, clothes us, rewards us, and protects us."

“But… he's a pelt. How is he…"

“Allowed to own us?"

“Yes…"

“Because the chiropine are allied with Halcyon, according to the Order they aren't technically 'pelts'," Bruun explained, his fingers dancing up and down Azee's spine. “They chose the 'lord's light' so they aren't technically 'nonhuman' anymore." He chuckled as Azee moaned again, “It's all rather silly."

The feline gently played with a lock of Azee's hair. “Because of Shinra, my daughter has never felt the sting of a whip, or chains so tight they tear her flesh. Is she a slave, yes, but Master Shinra has never treated her as one."

“I… suppose." A vision from years past flitted unbidden across Azee's mind, a vision of her playing with a young pup, Luke looking on with a smile. She thought about shaking her head to clear the vision… but instead found she couldn't.

“What about your master," the feline asked.

“My master…" Azee sighed heavily, her ears drooping. “I don't know… I think he tried to be kind… but he still owns me."

“And you care for him, don't you." The feline purred softly as she ran her fingers over Azee's scalp. “You poor thing."

“I'm not a thing… and I don't want to be pitied," Azee grumbled.

“I'm sorry, I didn't mean-"

“It's alright." Azee let a long sad sigh through her nose. “You're not wrong."

With a smile, Bruun began massaging Azee's shoulders, prompting fresh groans of pleasure. “Why don't you let the worries of the outside world stay outside. For now, let us make you feel good, hmmm?"

“Ooo Okaaaay." Azee moaned, her eyes rolling back as she relaxed into a puddle upon the massage table.

***

“I can see why you like her," Shinra commented, taking a sip from a tall glass of wine as he watched from a balcony as Bruun and the others continued to work on Azee."

“I will admit, she's grown on me more than I expected," Eloise replied, dropping into a chair and folding her fingers in front of her. “In the beginning, I was curious about her for purely scientific reasons. But now…"

“Now?" Shinra's hand drifted to a piece of catalyst crystal embedded in the wooden railing. As he pressed it, the noise from the rest of the spa went silent.

“I find myself somewhat attached to her, despite my best efforts."

“Your experiment is taking a turn you didn't expect. That's odd for you."

“She overpowered a serenity rune, a damn good one." Eloise leaned back in her chair. “Of course, I had to investigate."

“And you're sure it didn't just… fail on its own?"

“No. It was fully powered and functioning. That, and I saw her shrug off a full power bolt from a Crimson Gift stun rod."

Shinra whistled through his teeth. “Now that is noteworthy. I once saw a pelt's head literally split open from that sort of thing."

“Indeed, while Azee was up and walking within minutes."

Shinra dropped down onto an arrangement of pillows on the floor, folding his arms behind his head and staring up at the ceiling.

“Look, I'm not one to begrudge someone their indulgences, I mean just look at this place."

“Indulgent is a word for this place, yes," Eloise remarked.

“And yet you are the one traipsing around with Luke-fucking-Windhill on a leash, and dragging a clueless pelt behind you who is as helpless as they come."

Eloise paused, surprised by the sudden change in Shinra's voice. “She's not…" Eloise sighed heavily as she took a gulp of her wine. “She does have a few things to learn, that is true."

“Your pet is very cute and all, and I can see you want to help her, but if I were you I would draw the line at potentially invoking the wrath of both the Order and Legacy Runeworks. Especially when it comes to someone in your position."

“Your mother didn't draw that line."

The moment the words left Eloise's mouth, the room went cold.

Cursing herself, Eloise set aside her wine glass and leaned forwards. “Shinra, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that."

“No… no you do have a point." Shinra's teeth ground as the wine glass creaked beneath his claws. “You're right, she didn't draw that line. And where did it get her? A bullet in her back and a life of suffering and pain that ended with her giving birth in a pigsty."

“She was trying to help me."

“She died for you, and left her son stuck in this filthy country."

“I'm sorry-"

The wine glass shattered in Shinra's hand. Eloise leaped up, but a hand gesture from Shinra stopped her. He stared down at his blood mixing with wine and dripping down onto his lap.

“I don't blame you, or her, for the decision she made," Shinra said quietly, wincing as he plucked a shard of glass from his hand and tossed it aside. “What she did was right, no matter what it cost."

With a sad smile, Eloise got to her feet and knelt down in front of Shinra. From one of her pockets, she withdrew a fragment of red crystal.

“No… it's fine-"

“Shut up." Eloise murmured as she gently pressed the crystal against Shinra's skin. A rune lit up on the tip of her finger, and moments later the torn skin and muscle knitted back together.

“I owe you and your mother more than I can ever repay."

“Eloise…"

“I'm not going to make her mistake," Eloise said softly, wiping the blood off Shinra's hand with a handkerchief. “I'm not going to leave you alone."

Shinra sighed, his ears drooping as he stared down at his hand. “I'm sorry."

“You have nothing to be sorry about." Eloise reached out and placed a hand on Shinra's cheek.

Shinra smiled back, rubbing his cheek against Eloise's palm.

“So, is this the moment we go to my chambers and make love, the way I always dreamed?"

Eloise chuckled and patted Shinra's cheek before getting back to her feet. “Afraid not, old friend."

“Pity, I was rather hoping that this time I'd get you between the sheets."

“And I was hoping you would find a way to think with something other than your dick."

Shinra laughed out loud. “No chance. However… It was while I was thinking with my dick that I heard a rather tasty piece of information from one of our Order friends."

“Oh?"

“She was talking about some sort of effort underway with the Iron games. An effort that, apparently included, and I quote, 'some strange white-haired freak'."

Immediately Eloise froze, her eyes going wide. “White hair?"

“Mhmm, and apparently it was especially odd, owing to the fact that she was young."

“Was she a survivor of the cascade? Did she get a name?"

“I don't know."

Eloise let out a disgusted sigh and leaned back in her chair. “So, white hair is all we have to go on?"

“Well that, and apparently she was an expert on runes."

“An expert?"

“A 'know-it-all-bitch' I believe was the exact term. That, and she had a seraphim guarding her."

Eloise's eye twitched. “You should have led with that."

Shinra shrugged. “But I so enjoy our conversations, and they come about so very rarely."

“Shinra!"

“You're going to go after her?"

Eloise was quiet for a moment, before nodding. “I had a conversation with someone… a strange Shiyan who seemed to feel that something wasn't quite right with Halcyon."

“You don't say…"

“In a way that goes far beyond Whilhemina's insanity. I can't say why, but I think she might be right." Eloise raised her hand, staring at her fingertips. “I can feel it… something is deeply wrong. Maybe that's why I couldn't turn the pup away… I felt… restless."

“Everyone feels restless from time to time. What you are talking about is going to war with the Order and Legacy Runeworks again… And this time there may not be someone like my mother there to save you. What if you pull one thread too many and they realise you are… well, you?"

Instead of answering, Eloise reached up and pulled a loose hair from her bun. As she stared at it, a flutter of red energy ran up the hair, burning away the dark dye and leaving only a strand of pure white behind.

“If Legacy is working with Halcyon, I need to know it," Eloise said at last, tossing aside the hair an instant before it vanished into a puff of smoke. “I cannot allow another cascade, not again, not after the last time."

Before Shinra could answer, there was a quiet knock on the door.

Both Eloise and Shinra started,. Eloise slid one of her guns into her hand, while Shinra pulled back one of the cushions to reveal the curved hilt of a sword.

Shinra exchanged a glance with Eloise before calling out. “Come!"

The door opened and a small feline stepped inside, carrying a paper-wrapped package in her hands.

“Master Shinra? The item you sent me to retrieve?"

“Ah yes, of course." Shinra smiled warmly, hiding the hilt of the sword and getting to his feet. “Thank you Fisch, much appreciated."

The feline purred as Shinra reached out and scratched her between the ears before taking the package.

“Isn't she a little young?" Eloise asked, raising an eyebrow at Shinra as the feline departed.

“You know, I said the exact same thing to the pleasure house where I bought her?" Shinra turned back to Eloise and tossed the package to her. “Don't worry, she's strictly off limits. Anyone touches her and I'll cut their hands off."

“Fair enough. Now, how much do I owe you?" Eloise asked, digging into her pockets.

“Oh, nonsense." Shinra waved his hand as he stepped over to a nearby table and picked up a delicate glass pitcher filled with ruby red wine. “It's on the house for old friends. All I ask in repayment is this…" Shinra dropped back down onto the pillows and looked up at Eloise, resting his head on his hand. “Please… don't make me mourn you as well"

Eloise smiled up at Shinra as he refilled her glass. “I won't. Thank you, old friend."

***

The evening sun hung low in the west, filling the sky above the Windhill ranch with a wide hue of pinks and purples. Thick bands of clouds stretched across the horizon, glowing like fiery coals. The last of the slaves were making their way to the barns as the evening air rang with the buzzing and chirping of frogs and night insects.

Behind a massive willow, Snyder stood with his back to the rest of the ranch. His trousers lay around his ankles, and kneeling in front of him was Kessel. Snyder's hands ran through Kessel's long hair as the canine's head bobbed up and down, each motion making Snyder let out a low grunting gasp.

Snyder let out a long moan, gripping Kessel tightly for a moment, followed by a satisfied sigh of pleasure. Releasing his grip on Kessel, Snyder pulled up his trousers and leaned back against the tree at his back.

“Thank you…" he said softly, reaching into his pocket and withdrawing a cigarette. “I needed that."

Licking his lips, Kessel got to his feet and leaned close to Snyder. Playfully he took Snyder's hat and placed it on his own head. “You're welcome, it is my pleasure to serve."

Snyder smiled and placed a kiss on Kessels' nose, taking back his hat. “And you 'serve' very well."

“So, what's got you so tense?" Kessel asked, sitting down next to Snyder. “This is the ninth time I've served you in ten days. It's not like you to seek me out this often."

“It's Comb" Snyder grumbled, lighting his cigarette and taking a long drag. “He's convinced something's wrong with Master Windhill."

“He has been gone for a while."

“Not even half a season! Besides, even if that were the case, he's talking about-" Snyder paused.

“About what?" Kessel asked.

“Never mind," Snyder grumbled, taking another long puff. “I shouldn't be discussing this with a slave."

Kessel looked up at Snyder. “Is that all I am?"

“Did you think you were more?" Snyder looked down at Kessel. “I reward you for your service, what more do you want?"

Kessel was quiet, turning his gaze back to the dirt. “Just… to be with you."

“You are with me. What, did you think I'd take you home with me? I have a family there. Would you have me introduce you as the pelt who occasionally sucks my dick to my wife? To my daughter?"

“I didn't mean that," Kessel said, shrinking back from Snyder. “I'm sorry master. I… I just want to help you."

“Well just…" Snyder's anger faded as he saw the frightened look on Kessel's face.

“I know you are trying to help me, but this isn't your concern. Just… keep your head down, follow orders, and make sure the others do the same, that's the best thing you can do for now." Snyder took his cigarette from his mouth and offered it to Kessel.

“Is this to be my reward then?" Kessel asked, glancing at the cigarette and then at Snyder.

“You-" Snyder sighed and shook his head. “No, of course not."

Hesitantly, Kessel took the cigarette and put it to his lips.

Taking a fresh cigarette from his coat, Snyder looked up into the shifting branches of the tree. “Just forget I said that. I'm not angry with you, I'm angry with Comb."

“I understand, Master."

With another sigh, Snyder put a hand on Kessel's head. “I promise, so long as I am here, I'll look after you."

“Thank you." Kessel's tail wagged as he leaned against Snyder's leg.

“Now you should get to the barn. It's supposed to rain tomorrow, so we're gonna have lots to do." With a frustrated growl, Snyder dropped his cigarette and crushed it with his boot. “And I should go make sure Comb isn't doing something stupid."

Kessel got to his feet. “Yes sir."

“Hey." Snyder reached out and cupped Kessel's face. “I'm sorry that this is how things are. I'd free you if I could."

With a smile, Kessel pushed his nose against Snyders. “Freedom isn't what I want. I just want to be with you."

***

The interior of the male barn fell into darkness as the door slid shut behind Kessel. Careful not to step on anyone, he made his way past the rows of resting and sleeping males. As he reached the rear of the barn, he climbed up the small ladder to the fore's loft.

A dozen fores lay in a row, half of them already sleeping softly. There was no need for them to be chained to a bar with their privileged position.

Kessel's face split into a happy smile as one of the fores sat up.

“Kessel?"

“It's me," he replied, making his way over to the lapine.

Salt, a large Lapine with dark grey fur, extended his arms as Kessel drew closer. The two hugged one another tightly, each burying their muzzles in the neck of the other.

Salt's nose twitched and he pulled back, gripping Kessel's shoulders. “You were smoking?"

“He gave me one, so I didn't have much choice."

“I hate that you even have to touch those foul things…" Salt growled, running his fingers through Kessels' hair.

“It's just part of getting him to trust me. Besides, it helps get his taste out of my mouth, so there is that."

“So, did you learn anything?" Salt asked.

Kessel sighed and pulled himself closer to Salt, a smile crossing his face as the lapine wrapped his powerful arms around him.

“Not yet, but I'm getting close. There's definitely something going on with Comb running his mouth."

“Not much new there."

“Mmm, but this might be different." Kessel looked up at Salt. “That Syn girl might be right, Comb may be trying to take over the ranch."

“Comb… that filthy smooth skin," Salt snarled, touching a scar on his chest, a long-since healed burn mark.

“If Comb is really trying to take over, then we don't have any choice." One of the other fores whispered. “Can you imagine the horror if he were to be in charge?"

“The other overseers would never let it happen," Salt replied. “Comb is hated by most everyone."

“Hated yes, but also feared," another fore whispered. “He's dangerous."

“We should consider killing him."

Kessel shook his head,“We've tried to kill him before and it didn't work. Remember Wind? They burned him alive for that."

“There is no need to panic." Salt said, holding Kessel against him and glancing around at the other fores. “Everyone calm."

The various whispers faded quickly.

“We'll wait and see what the females do. If the feline can get them in line, then we can act." Salt's eyes narrowed as he protectively stroked Kessel's back. “On my life, we'll burn this place to the ground before we let Comb… or Snyder, take command."

END OF CHAPTER 26