Antoth knocked back the rest of his tea as the sound of a horn reverberated through the late morning air. He gave Winters and Veera a sad smile. “I appreciate this peaceful morning more than words can say, you two. Veera, the tea was delightful and your mate prepares a fine breakfast. I may even try some of those techniques for Ratha one morning…though I won’t be telling her where I picked them up if it’s all the same to you.”
Winters laughed loudly and clapped the Cauthan on the shoulder. “I’m sure she’d throw it out without tasting it. It’s not a problem, Antoth. You’re ready?”
“Seil doesn’t wait, human.”
“I suppose not. Do you want this?” Winters asked supportively as Veera collected their cups and plates.
“Thank you, Veera. To answer your question Winters, no. I would have been most content to serve Uthos for the rest of my days.”
‘Then you shall make an excellent king, Antoth,’ Io declared, surveying the guard captain with a favorable and approving look.
“I will be no king, spirit Io. The others can and surely will overrule me at times. Besides, I may still get lucky.”
“No one will challenge you, Antoth. And even if they do they will not succeed,” Veera insisted, setting aside the other dirty dishes. They would have to be attended to later. “I don’t think it will be so bad though, Antoth. Vash may have enjoyed the confines of his temple but I think we will all appreciate a priest of Seil who wanders frequently amongst his people. What’s the word for that again?” She joked, smiling as Io waved her hand in the air and hopped up and down.
‘Oh, oh, I know! It’s patrolling!’ She replied gleefully, a genuine smile on her face as Antoth lowered his head and shook it back and forth, hiding an amused look from them all.
“You are too kind. I must be off,” he declared, grabbing his helmet and bowing to them. “Thank you very much for the meal, Veera. May Meylith bless your house.”
“Thank you Antoth. We will see you soon,” she replied, watching the doorway as the leather flap fell back into place. “I feel sorry for him.”
“That’s the last thing he’d want to hear from you, or from anyone I’m sure. Not sure why I didn’t get credit for the cooking though,” Winters opined, enveloping her in a hug from behind and kissing her cheek. “Something tells me we shouldn’t miss what’s about to happen. Ready to go?”
“I’ll grab the little one.”
“And I’ll grab Io. I believe this ceremony will call for armor.”
‘Cauthan succession…how exciting!’ The AI declared, dressing in her best impression of a late twentieth century field anthropologist, complete with shorts and a khaki vest. ‘I can’t wait to publish my findings!’
-----
The scene in the town square was one of excited and polite chaos, as pretty much every villager responded to the summons thanks to the fair weather and an influx of a significant number of ursae-fur cloaks. Upon arrival it was clear to all why they’d assembled, and the occasion was given its due reverence. As Winters surveyed the scene from within the Aegis he was pleased to see that most interactions between villagers seemed constructive, no doubt thanks to full bellies and warm bodies. He hoped those without new cloaks would understand that having roofs over their heads and their families whole probably outweighed a winter garment, no matter how effective. He saw that one of the larger platforms from the harvest festival had reappeared near the still ruined temple of Seil and that Gentia, Thantis, Ratha, Antoth, Zolta’s master, and a dirty blonde-furred Cauthan he wasn’t personally acquainted with stood nearby. It didn’t take him long to deduce that she had to be the priestess of the Twins. He reached out with his left hand in an attempt to take Veera’s; a passive movement that had him bumping gently into her hip instead. Both of her arms were engaged with Fenrir, trying to keep the pup soothed in the face of all the activity around him. He remained silent as Veera ran her claws gently over his scalp.
“Sorry, love.” Veera looked an apology at her mate. He nodded.
“Don’t be. How do you think this will all go down?”
She smiled back at him. “It will be over quickly if you ask me. They’d be insane suggesting anyone else.” Both of them turned their heads forward as the crowd fell silent around them, seeing that the high priests had ascended to the platform. Gentia had her arms spread wide in a call for calm. When the square had settled down sufficiently she stepped back and allowed Zolta’s master to come forward. His booming voice soon filled the square, making it apparent why he had been chosen to address them instead of one of the elder priests.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we who serve the gods thank you for gathering with us today on this most important and solemn occasion. Our home has been tested greatly this winter. Catastrophe crashed against our walls and claimed many lives; friends, family, protectors…and our leader, Vash.” The smith paused as a clamoring of voices rose from the crowd, with many uttering prayers or thoughts for the dead with raised hands. After allowing them time he continued. “Long has it been since we were tested so, but by the grace of the gods, the sacrifice of our guards, the labor of our hunters…and the intervention of the human, we survived.” Yet another wave of noise rose amongst the gathered Cauthan as they gave thanks to their protectors. A few waved at Antoth and Ratha while others turned to look at Winters. A couple who stood next to him even reached out to touch his armor, leaving Io looking about with a most superior expression on her face. He tentatively raised a hand to acknowledge them but said nothing, hearing plenty of murmurings and questions as to why he was being included in such a discussion at all. Io’s face fell but he just shrugged, understanding that he was still an outsider in many respects and would likely always be. Finally the crowd quieted enough for the priest to continue.
“But survive we have! Unlike our enemies we will live to see the snows melt! And now my good people, with the crisis behind us and the task of rebuilding ahead the time has come to select our next priest of Seil, the one who will serve the giver of life and light!” A cheer went up from the crowd in reply, prompting Veera to lean down and nuzzle Fenrir. He’d been quite startled by the sudden jubilation. “Last evening we who serve conferred among ourselves and selected one of us, one best suited to leading us on the path of continued prosperity in Seil’s light.” At those words Ratha slapped Antoth hard on the back, forcing the captain to stumble forward. Around the square many of the guards began shouting and whistling, easily identified by their armor and torches.
“Antoth!”
“Way to go, Captain!”
“I knew it would be him!”
“You think we’ll have lighter training schedules now?”
“Shut it, he’s going to be the priest of Seil!”
Winters and Veera chuckled together as many clapped and cheered for Antoth. Even Io shouted her congratulations, waving a small, black pennant with Uthos’ symbol on it. ‘I know you didn’t want it but as far as unwanted things go it couldn’t have happened to a better man…or Cauthan. Irrelevant! Yay Antoth!’
But praise was not universal for the midnight-furred Cauthan. A few voices made themselves known above the din. “I challenge this nomination! He did nothing to rebuild the temple! Vash has a living son. He should hold the position!”
“Yes, let Tarn take up his father’s mantle. Allow Antoth to continue to serve Uthos!” Another cried. Winters felt his face morph into a contemplative frown as he shrugged, figuring that was a much nicer way of wording the same protest. Though Antoth’s detractors were not a majority, there were more than enough to make themselves known and for Zolta’s master to call for peace.
“Yes yes, we hear you good people! As our traditions dictate…Tarn, you have been chosen by your people to serve Seil. Step forward,” he commanded. The young guard did as he was told, walking forward and stepping hesitantly onto the platform next to Antoth. The captain looked down at his pupil.
“Wipe that nervous look off your face, Tarn. You should be proud of your nomination.”
“You know as well as I do I’m only here because of my father,” the guard countered, looking uneasily at the crowd before them.
“Doesn’t matter. Say your piece,” Antoth ordered as the crowd again fell silent. Tarn cleared his throat.
“Thank you for-”
“Louder, Tarn.” Antoth growled, clapping him on the shoulder. Tarn could feel the blood surge to his feathers and scales in embarrassment as he tried again.
“Thank you for the faith you’ve placed in me, good people. I am honored to stand here where my own father once stood. However I cannot follow in his footsteps…not yet,” Tarn declared, causing quite the commotion among those assembled. “Please! I have learned much this winter, and I still have much to learn. Antoth is wise and just. As one of his charges I know this better than most. If you trust me to lead you, trust me when I say Antoth should lead us now. I hope one day I may be wise enough to succeed him but today is not that day. I must refuse this nomination.” With that Tarn descended from the platform and rejoined a small group of guards in the crowd. They nodded to him and bumped forearms, throwing nasty looks at the few townsfolk who saw fit to accost the young Cauthan for his decision. Back atop the platform Antoth turned and looked at Ratha. To his great shock she was smiling at him.
“You raised him well, scarface. I’m glad a bit of you rubbed off on him. Couldn’t stand his pompous ass of a father.”
“Do you ever think before you speak?”
“You have bigger problems, scarface,” Ratha informed him with no shortage of satisfaction.
Another surge of noise had taken over the crowd as an even more unorthodox proposition was raised by the people.
“What about the human? Without him we’d still be starving or dead! Let Antoth continue to serve the Sentinel!” Someone yelled, prompting a roar of noise, protest, and debate that left Fenrir cowering as Veera drew her cloak around him and looked up at her mate. Within his helmet Winters was conferring with Io.
“Are they insane?” He asked with exasperation. She had a finger over her lips in consideration.
‘I can understand those who wish to see Antoth remain in his current position as protector, but you? Yes I believe the cold might be getting to them.’
“I thought you’d revel in the idea of leading a village full of primitives,” he joked.
‘They nominated you, not me. But yes, sir, I would gladly shepherd them forward with my divine talents as spirit Io,’ she declared, seating herself upon a throne carved of dark wood inlaid with gold foil. Ursae and hyrven furs adorned her body and a crown of metal rested atop her head. Winters regarded her intently.
“Joking?”
‘Joking. Can I keep the furs?’
“You look quite regal, do as you like.”
‘Thank you, sir. For the winter at least I may hang onto this outfit. Now I suggest you do something about all this. To them you look like you’ve been standing here in shock,’ Io insisted, pointing to the crowd around them that had all turned to face him.
“You already know what I’m going to do, Io,” he replied easily, raising his hand in the air.
‘Do I?’
“You have access to most of the written accounts of human history. Who are the best rulers in your opinion?” He asked. Io nodded sagely and gave him a thin smile.
‘The ones who don’t want to be.’
“Exactly.” The noise of the crowd swelled to a dull roar as Winters extended his arm and pointed to Antoth. Veera joined him as a show of support for her mate, thrown into a difficult position by a populace left without a leader.
“That’s the spirit, Veera!” The booming voice of Staroth just reached them above the crowd as the veteran guard raised his hand and pointed in support of his captain. One by one each of Antoth’s charges, Tarn included, joined in. Even young Xan, standing with Zolta and Asha, pointed his cane and cheered for the captain. Soon Antoth’s name was on the lips of most every Cauthan in attendance, his career of service in Uthos’ name propelling him to the highest position of authority among his people. As Winters began to chant the Cauthan’s name as well he couldn’t help but look over the other priests on the dais with him. Gentia and Thantis wore looks on their faces that made it clear they’d expected this outcome all along. More surprising though was the look on one particular auburn-furred huntress’ face as she looked up at him. Winters wasn’t sure he’d ever seen her look genuinely happy before.
“I suppose there’s a first time for everything,” he muttered, causing Io and Veera to look curiously at him as Antoth finally raised his hands for calm.
“There are no other challenges?” He demanded. When the crowd remained silent he took a deep breath and steeled himself, looking to the sky as his shoulders dropped. “Then I accept.”
The loudest cry yet rose from the square, rumbling through the alleys and streets of the village as the other priests bowed their heads to the newest priest of Seil. All assembled soon followed. Some bowed more enthusiastically than others, but all showed Antoth his due respect. Winters and Veera did so too, raising their heads as a particularly boisterous guard swam through the crowd towards them.
“Did you see the look on his face? Poor bloke. Ah well, all great things must come to an end, eh Veera? Here’s to new beginnings,” he proclaimed, looked over at Winters as he joined them. “Hey there little guy, how’s things?” Staroth asked Fenrir, reaching over to give him a pat.
“You Staroth?” Winters asked in a neutral voice. The guard looked up at him and smiled.
“I am indeed! You know me?”
“Veera mentioned you have wandering eyes,” Winters said smoothly, enjoying the stunned look on Staroth’s face.
“Thankfully it was just his eyes. Old man has enough sense to keep his hands to himself,” Veera joined in, pressing herself against Winters’ side. “A good choice on your part, Staroth.”
“Indeed, Veera. I have no doubt I’d not last long against him. So, what do you think about-”
“Staroth!” Antoth’s voice boomed across the crowd as the guard in question froze mid-sentence. Veera regarded him with ill-concealed mirth as Io and Winters shared a private smile.
“Do you hear that, Staroth? I do believe that’s the sound of Seil’s judgment,” Veera sang, pushing Staroth forward as he swallowed heavily. While he made his way to the front of the crowd Antoth continued to address the assembled villagers.
“While we renew our focus on rebuilding our village we must remain ever vigilant. Though I will do my best to ensure our safety, the fact remains that I cannot serve both Uthos and Seil as both deserve. Therefore my first act as priest of Seil shall be to nominate the next priest of Uthos. Staroth is a seasoned warrior who fought in battles before I even joined the guard force. He knows this village, its people, and its protectors well. I believe he will serve us all well as the next Guardian.” Winters couldn’t help but burst into laughter as he watched Antoth pull Staroth up onto the platform.
Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
“Is it that funny, darling?” Veera asked kindly, offering the new priest of Uthos a cheer of her own.
Winters filled her in. “The look on Antoth’s face? Absolutely. If he’s going down he’s taking Staroth with him. Seems they’ve known each other a while.” Veera nodded in agreement as Antoth threw his arm around his fellow and presented him to the village.
“Now then, as my second act I’d like you all to know that due to…logistical complications…I’ll be requisitioning my old office back from Staroth for the time being, until the temple and our homes are rebuilt. Please find me at the barracks should the need arise,” Antoth advised, causing some laughter among the crowd as he made light of the sorry state of his new temple. Staroth just shook his head in acceptance, clapping Antoth on the shoulder and moving to stand between Gentia and Alyra. The priestess of Meylith gave him a congratulatory smile as Antoth held his hands up one last time.
“I apologize for keeping you all here but there is one final matter that must be attended to,” he solemnly informed them. “I have never been known for fine words so you will have to forgive me for being blunt. We lost many good men this winter. That so many of us remain is a testament to their strength and bravery. But our village cannot survive on the heroic deeds of the departed. There will come a time when the mourning has past and we must think of our future. As high priest of…Seil…” he remarked with discomfort. “It is my duty to lead us along this path.”
Antoth’s hesitant and roundabout phrasing had spawned quite a bit of whispering among his people as everyone tried to figure out what he was alluding to. There was one amongst them who seemed to know exactly what was going on, however.
‘Sir, he’s talking about what I think he’s talking about, isn’t he?’ Io asked Winters with a look of abject dread on her face. The human actually smiled at her.
“To quote you just after we landed, Io, I cannot read your mind.”
‘What do you…how long have you been waiting to do that?!’ Io demanded, nevertheless looking impressed at his recall.
“Long enough. What’s the deal?” Winters asked, noticing that Ratha had stepped forward and grabbed Antoth by the arm. She did not look happy.
‘He intends to be bound to Ratha…right now!’ Io shrieked. ‘I don’t know if I should dress in red for blood, green for new beginnings, or black for mourning!’ It was clear that Io had looped Veera in as well, as the striped Cauthan’s mouth dropped open and she snuggled Fenrir tightly to her. Winters could only shrug, powerless to affect the outcome, as he refocused on the front of the square where Ratha and Antoth were arguing in hushed tones.
“Have you gone insane, scarface?!” Ratha hissed violently, panic creeping into her voice. “We can’t do this! I’m not ready!”
“You think that I am? You think I wanted any of this? I told you before, Ratha. If you want to remain beholden to Valta and your fellows, and only them, then we…we can’t be together,” Antoth replied sadly, feeling real fear that his duty might yet again leave him alone.
“I don’t see how what you and I do within my walls has anything to do with them!” She protested, gesturing at the now agitated crowd.
“It has everything to do with them, Ratha. If you only want the disciples of Valta to be your people, then fine. I have been called upon to serve more than just my temple. You are a violent, heated, female who is quick to judge and quicker to anger.”
“Do you want to test those words?” Ratha whispered furiously.
“But you’re also fiercely loyal, protective, and honorable. You are a leader whether you believe you are or not. And I know this, Ratha. You are not a coward. You want to prove you don’t care what they think? You want to prove you and I are above it all? Then stand with me now…when I need you the most,” Antoth finished with a whisper that only she could hear. Ratha just stared at him, dumbstruck. Somehow her silence and stillness seemed to radiate throughout the assembled villagers and they quieted anew, curious as to what had just transpired. With shaking hands Ratha slowly reached up and removed the skull she used as a helm, moving it to rest under one arm before finally meeting Antoth’s gray eyes with her own. The Huntress took a deep breath as her tail quivered and feathers shook, feeling greater fear than she ever had while tracking a hyrven. Antoth barely moved a muscle, watching as the female he’d grown close to raised the feathers of her crown. He reached for her free hand and took it gently in his before turning back to their people, his mouth pulled into the widest smile she’d ever seen on him. It gave her courage.
“In the endeavor to ensure our collective flame is not extinguished, and in the hopes that from the ashes bonds may be reforged among us…” Antoth looked to his left at the auburn tips of Ratha’s ears and her brown feathers that waved gently in the wind. “I intend to bind myself to Ratha, with Meylith and all of you as witness.”
Winters had thought the noise of the crowd had been grand when he’d defeated Vash’s guards unarmed. He’d thought the people of the village quite noisy when he’d finished ahead of Antoth in the test of strength. He’d considered the Cauthan a fairly emotive species as they cheered and roared when he’d fought a sun guard one on one. In the light of Antoth’s announcement he was forced to re-evaluate all of his preconceived notions as to how loud a crowd of Cauthan could be when they put their minds to it. Fenrir cowered and whimpered, struggling mightily against Veera’s hold as a swelling of noise unlike anything he’d ever heard poured over them as the newest priest of Seil declared his intention to violate standard mating custom not ten minutes into his reign. The reaction actually seemed to embolden Ratha, who gazed out over them all with smug satisfaction written all over her face. Io finally settled on a strapless green dress with golden trim fashioned in a solar motif.
“Hope wins out?” Winters asked with an honest smile on his face, unable to let his rivalry with Ratha overcome his comradeship with Antoth. It was clear enough that for all their faults the two Cauthan saw something in one another. Io nodded and wiped a tear from her eye.
‘It’s all I can do now, sir. Oh look at him, our guard captain is all grown up. First he’s leading the village and now he’s taming the local wildlife…’
“Io!” Winters and Veera chorused with barely concealed glee, watching as a path formed down the center of the square at Gentia’s behest.
‘Oh can you blame me? I’m happy for him!’ Io insisted. ‘I just happen to think his choice of mate is…inspired.’
-----
After a brief pause in the action, during which time Gentia had sent two of her disciples sprinting to the temple for the requisite vestments, Antoth found himself draped in a second black cloak, facing Ratha who was begrudgingly sporting the pure white of Meylith. Marshalling his courage, the former guard captain took the lead, drawing his sword and presenting it to Ratha. The action drew more than his share of disapproval from Gentia, who muttered something about ‘soldiers and their tokens’.
“Ratha, this sword is a token of my love for you, given in sight of the Goddess. With it I pledge to you my life and my love,” Antoth declared loudly for all to hear before dropping his voice to address Ratha more personally. “You are the most confounding female I’ve ever known, but you gave me a second chance. I will not waste it.” Ratha’s feathers rippled and swayed as she accepted the blade.
“By Valta this thing is heavy, scarface!” She laughed as Gentia cleared her throat. “Oh please, Gentia. You think Valta and Uthos aren’t up there right now having themselves a fine meal together and laughing themselves hoarse over their supposed servants on Mara? Don’t worry; I’ll give Meylith her due. Who am I to defy our brave new lord? Anyway,” Ratha conceded, grabbing the sword by the hilt and using her free hand to draw her knife. She flipped the smaller blade expertly between her fingers before snatching the flat and presenting Antoth with the handle. “Antoth, this knife is a token of my…love…for you, given in sight of the Goddess. With it I pledge to you my life and my love.” Ratha had stated her vow every bit as boldly as Antoth, not wanting to be seen as anything less than his equal. Scattered throughout the square, the Cauthan who thought they knew her best were looking on with ill-concealed shock, many of them looking to Antoth’s former comrades for support or, at a minimum, explanation. There would be plenty of time for rivalries later. Even so they cheered at her vows, to say nothing of her choice of token, which Antoth accepted humbly as Ratha made to continue.
“You don’t need to,” her mate whispered.
“I know, scarface, but I want to. You deserve that much, I think. You more than anyone probably knows why I haven’t been the same since…since that hunt. I’ve never felt like this place is where I belong but now, with you, sometimes I feel that changing. Just don’t…make me regret this,” she implored. Antoth nodded solemnly.
“I think your spirit and at least one god would haunt my soul if I were to betray you, Ratha. Fear not.” As Antoth turned the blade away from her he offered his hand. Ratha took it, prompting Gentia to step forward and rest her own hands atop theirs.
“In the Goddess’ name, may the two of you be bound together until the end of your days.” At her advanced age Gentia could not project the way that the other priests had, but the crowd had been patient and polite. Those in front heard her official proclamation and spread the word, cheering and shouting as Antoth and Ratha looked at one another. They could both feel a stirring sense of relief, releasing their chests from the coiling doubt and hesitation that had been with them since their first night together. Ratha chuckled under her breath, holding up Antoth’s sword.
“How in Valta’s name am I supposed to kill hyrven with this thing?” She demanded playfully. Antoth regarded her dagger.
“You know, I’m not sure wearing this at my hip would have the same impact when I’m on patrol,” he remarked knowingly, grinning as Ratha thrust the hilt of his sword back into his hands.
“Someone very important gave that to me, scarface. Don’t you dare let that blade go dull or get nicked,” she warned good-humoredly, accepting her dagger in return.
“Someone very important gave me that knife, Ratha. Don’t you dare lose it.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” With that, the Huntress took his hand and leapt from the stage, dragging him with her and down the line of mostly congratulatory villagers. For the briefest of moments Ratha allowed herself to enjoy the attentions of her people and one tall, armored alien as she was tapped on the shoulder and Antoth received more than one slap to the back. “So, other than binding yourself to the most beautiful female in the village what’s your plan, priest of Seil?” Ratha teased as they neared the edge of the square and made to continue along the main road for a time. Antoth returned her question with a look that made her believe he agreed in her self-evaluation. It set her heart fluttering in spite of herself.
“I think for one night we can afford a real celebration. A ceremony won’t fill bellies or warm cold paws,” Antoth proposed.
“Sounds good to me, scarface. I guess that human’s good for something, isn’t he?”
“Anyone else hearing you say that might think the world was coming to an end.”
“Us getting bound together wasn’t enough of a hint?” Ratha chuckled, allowing herself the untested luxury of simply resting against his side as they walked, joined by many fellow villagers who were similarly retreating to warmer locations throughout the village. At the very least the two of them could content themselves with the fact that there seemed to be no open protests regarding Antoth’s appointment or subsequent decisions.
“I suppose that’s fair,” Antoth admitted, squeezing her paw tightly in his. “Thank you, Ratha. I wasn’t ready to do this on my own.” Though Ratha made every effort to maintain her outward composure, she felt well enough inside what Antoth’s bold, honest words were doing to her. Feelings from a simpler time were slowly blooming anew, feelings she’d sworn to Valta she’d never experience again after the shame of losing the object of her affections to some nomad. Ratha looked up at the male who had chosen to take her as a mate in spite of it all.
“End of the world indeed, scarface. May as well have a bit of a festival for it.”
“Glad you agree. Would it kill you to look happy about all this?” He asked lightly. She knew there wasn’t an expectation but answered him anyway.
“Sorry, Antoth. Maybe not just yet,” she whispered, feeling more at ease as they turned for the barracks. Antoth seemed content to take the long way.
“I…am sorry to press you. Saying I put you on the spot today would be quite the understatement,” he acknowledged. She grabbed his shoulders and slammed him into the nearest wall, demanding entry to his mouth as she stood on tiptoe. He growled deep in his chest as he indulged her, holding her trim waist tight to his body. When they finally parted, lips and tongues sparking with the pleasure of a kiss and breath mingling in the winter air, Ratha fixed him with a serious look.
“So long as we’re alone right now…” she began nervously, glancing to either side before holding her mate’s gaze anew. “I can tell you that one day when your…when our cub is growing in my belly that I’ll be able to look back on today and remember it as one of the happiest of my life.” Antoth found himself unable to reply, so taken aback by Ratha’s unabashedly domestic proclamation. That, at least, seemed to fill her with immediate pleasure. “What’s wrong, stud? Hyrven got your tongue?” She teased, tilting her head up to nip at his lip again.
“Yeah, you could say that,” he murmured, looking down at her nervously. “At the risk of a knife to the ribs, you’re sure you’re feeling alright?”
“The priest of Seil just made me his mate. I’m the second most powerful person in this village and by far and away the most powerful female. I don’t care how anti-social of a huntress one can be, scarface, that means something. Now let’s get back to your precious barracks and make the preparations to placate the masses tonight. I think I really might shank you if you keep me here in this alley saying these things to you where anyone could hear,” she chided him with a knowing smirk, gasping as he pressed her lower body forcefully into his own.
“So when we’re alone…at night…” he whispered, feeling his body flood with the same nerves and chemicals that he experienced right before battle. She seemed to sense the change and went in for the kill, knowing they were both playing around the edges of broken taboo and the culmination of their species’ romantic efforts.
“If you’re good maybe the mighty Huntress will scream your name and beg for your cubs…or maybe you’ll scream mine.” Ratha’s honeyed words slammed his brain against his cranium, leaving the imposing guard and newly minted priest of the sun breathless and stunned as she waltzed back onto the main road. She knew he would follow.
-----
“Are you sure this is alright, Xan? We can come back tomorrow with him,” Veera suggested apologetically as Fenrir strained at his leash, thrilled to be outside the walls and away from the crowds. The young hyrven was running every which way he could as Xan managed to retain his hold on the leash, his other hand resting heavily on his new cane. They had just exited the village via the east gate along with Winters.
“It’s fine, Veera. He’s not too strong yet; I can handle him. Besides, if I take it slow it doesn’t matter how far I walk,” Xan reassured her, not wanting to seem weak and incapable of even handling a tiny hyrven. Veera swished her tail happily.
“Alright, Xan. Thank you for coming out with us. We were planning on remaining within the walls today but the gathering was just too much for him. We want to give him some time out here,” Veera explained as Winters began laughing at her side. “Russell, it is not funny!”
“Veera, it’s a little bit funny,” Winters countered confidently.
‘I must concur with the Lieutenant in this case. I believe it was a textbook case of humor, though perhaps juvenile humor,’ Io added. Xan naturally pressed the issue.
“What? What happened with Fenrir?”
“Nothing!” Veera insisted quickly, feeling her feathers quiver as her response only spurred Xan’s insistence.
“C’mon Winters! What happened?”
“Russell,” Veera moaned. He took her hand and rubbed his thumb over her fur to calm her.
“It’s nothing you did, Veera. No need to be defensive about it. Besides, occasions like this are the reason we made you a spare,” Winters consoled her. When she heaved a heavy sigh of concession he continued his explanation. “I’m sure you’ve noticed by now, Xan, but Fenrir doesn’t like crowds too much yet. He prefers the wilds.”
“Of course, that makes sense,” Xan agreed as they all slowly made their way to the trees.
“Indeed. We didn’t feel comfortable leaving him alone at home during the ceremony today so Veera had him with her the whole time. He was scared but he did well through most of Antoth’s nomination and confirmation. But that didn’t really last.”
“Well what do you expect? Antoth taking Ratha for a mate right then and there? I still don’t believe it.” Xan shook his head in amazement. “It’s not like I don’t understand the logic it’s just…damn…him and Ratha?! If they have a cub remind me to never get on its bad side,” Xan chuckled. Winters and Veera shared a smile as they recalled the reaction to the news.
“I think most everyone feels about the same,” Veera agreed. “I just hope the few dissenters don’t make too much trouble over it. Antoth is right. A lot of females will be working the fields alone this year. He was very brave to take the lead like that. I don’t think anyone would have even considered bonding and mating with someone who’d lost a partner if Antoth hadn’t taken that step. Even so…”
“Let’s just say the sheer volume of the reaction was a bit too much for poor Fenrir,” Winters continued, smiling as he watched the little ball of fur halt his progress before crouching down and pouncing on a unsuspecting snow drift. “He had a bit of an accident on Veera’s dress.”
Xan threw his head back in laughter, enjoying the tale as only a teenaged male could. Veera smiled at her mate in resignation before leaning against his arm as they walked, eventually informing Winters of the repercussions of his actions while Xan slowly led Fenrir to a tree where the little hyrven decided to do his business in a manner that produced far less dirty laundry. “I think you’ll be in charge of washing my dress then, since you seem to be so keen on retelling that tale.”
‘Mmm, I don’t believe you’ve got a way out of this one,’ Io postulated, looking most proud of her conclusion. Winters heaved an exaggerated sigh.
“Someone should start a calendar, domestic HEL Jumpers,” he quipped. Veera cocked her head, though Io was quick with an explanation.
‘What Russell is trying to do is joke about the appeal of the manliest of men doing mundane household chores while scantily dressed to the average human female, especially those who might find themselves past their prime of beauty.’
“I’d say the appeal goes a bit farther than human females, Io. Tell you what, Russell. You clean my dress without a shirt and I’ll see what I can do about preparing a meal for us after…misplacing my spare. I’m sure the fire will be plenty warm,” Veera purred, swishing her tail back and forth against the back of his armor and looking at him with predatory and playful eyes. His helmet nodded quickly.
“Done and done.”
‘Hmm, let it never be said that you’re an unreasonable female, Veera.’
“I thought so too, Io. All set, Xan?” Veera asked as the young one rejoined them, needing a few tugs of the leash to get Fenrir to scurry off in a direction that would take him back towards the palisade.
“Good to go!” The apprentice confirmed. He gestured to his cane. “Thank you both for this, by the way. Thantis explained the meaning of the inscription. I like it a lot. Certainly helped with my side of the debate over Kel’s nature!”
“You’re very welcome, Xan. Was no problem at all,” Winters replied. He found no small amount of satisfaction in how Xan had conducted himself in public that day, making no move to hide or play down his limp. He’d even received a couple of compliments from his former brothers in the guard force, something for which he and Veera were both grateful. “So, with that out of the way what do you make of Ratha and Antoth? Near as I can tell we’re all getting a bit of a celebration tonight in their honor.”
“Yours too,” Xan pointed out. Winters shook his head.
“I wish you would all stop praising me for killing shit.”
“But you’re so good at it! And watch your language,” Veera admonished him blithely with a swat of his chest. “Enough with your obsession over the lives you took. Tonight you’ll focus instead on the lives you saved, mine included.”
“And mine!” Xan called happily before throwing them both a devious smirk. “Oh, not to mention any cubs Ratha has in the future. How do you think she feels about that?”
‘And now we’re all considering what Ratha would look like eleven months pregnant. Thank you, Xan,’ Io commented drolly.
“My pleasure! Who do you think has it rougher? Me or Antoth?” Xan followed up jovially. They all glanced at one another before answering in unison.
“Antoth!”