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Peace... At Last.. Maybe..

I will not say how the peace between the Lupions and Charkans came about - only that the sudden death of their King was a pivotal event. The details were never published - only that the body was in a distressed state - which so terrified the court - that they applied for peace..

Both negotiating parties were hard at work. I was involved as the Guild's representative, so I stood in my black robe, hood up, observing everything. War had destroyed so much and so many people that a chance of peace was welcomed. Fortunately in my years in the Guild I had become respected - known for my fairness, and knowledge.

Two senior Warriors from both sides were hashing out some minor details on whether a length of pointy wood is a spear, or a pike. I could have stepped in and given them a detailed history of the weapon but I let them be. Their arguing was actually fostering more collaboration than angst. Each had their own aide who noted, scribbled, and found the information when needed. One aide was a young Lupion Warrior working with his counterpart - a young Charkan Warrior. The Lupion seemed fascinated by the swinging tail and slitted eyes, and the Charkan seemed to be equally fascinated by the Lupions muzzle and build. I could see that I would need to keep an eye on these two incase their common interests led to more.. intimate experimentation.

Afterwards I noticed them walking away chatting casually, then parting with a handshake - The Charkan heading to his camp, and the Lupion to ours.

It was later afternoon that I saw the Lupion again. He had dressed down to loin cloth and kilt - and was exercising with bars and lifts.. then he casually started to jog away down to the river. This in itself was not suspicious - but my instincts were telling me to follow.

Carefully trailing the Lupion I watched as he jogged along the river bank.. Myself I find tree's far more easier to transverse due to my lighter build and strength. Soon he came to a ruined mill and sipped between the walls.

Soon after a male Charkan jogged from the other side and swam across. Definitely some un-official negotiation going on.

I crept in to the rafters to watch. Both were fine specimens and as I had had a Charkan lover before his form or body did not surprise me. I will not go in to the clumsy fumbles and experimentations they went though working out what fitted.. and didn't. And I waited until both parties were separated and able to stand again.

That was when I made my presence knowns. Dropping down to the floor I stood - presenting my Medallion I called "Spy Master Lud here.. I need to speak with you both."

The reaction was of shock and horror - I had to force myself not to smile at their fright. I was not cruel and although their act was.. In the Churches view point.. heretical - my real concern was the possibility of sensitive information being exchanged.. and/or Blackmail.

The young Lupion stood in front of the Charkan "Spy Master.. You have no jurisdiction over Yrnnt.. Let him go and I will answer for my crimes.." Yrnnt moved to stand alongside the Lupion "I stand with Warrior Nikur here.. We will answer together."

I was just about to explain my presence when I heard a muffle cry above.. "Prrt.. PRRT.. Heathens.. Heretics.." and the sounds of a body sliding down the tiles.

Quickly I turned to the two warriors "Nikur.. Yrnnt.. Make yourselves presentable and report back to the camps. I will speak with you there.. Do Nothing Rash!!!" I commanded and then leapt up to follow the other.

It was easy to follow the grey cloaked figure - he ran like an arrow.. or as straight as he could through the thick brush - Using the tree's I quickly outpaced him and then with a weighted leather tripped and bound his legs. As he struggled I grabbed his shoulder, spun him around, and then sat on him - my knee's pinning his arms.

"Prrt.. PRRTs.. " he tried to scream hoarsely - but being far to far from the camps his shouts would be unheard.

"Scream like that again and you loose your tongue" I snarled and pulled back his hood to reveal.. A male Lupion. He was young - mid twenties, and had the most handsome face I had seen. The cheekbones, perk of the ears, glaring green eyes, shapely muzzle complete with his fur patterns made my catch breath. He would be in my estimation perfect except for a wicked scar marring his muzzle. Around his neck I could see the medallion of the Church - with a markings also denoting he was an investigator.

He tried to flip me but I was too strong "What are you doing.." he snarled "You are interfering with a matter of the Church so release me or I will charge you with Heresy."

"And what Church matter is that?" I asked.

"They.. They are PRRT's " he spat the word "They are to be arrested, taken back to the Church, and punished - by fire - if that what is necessary to clean their Souls"

"Well - I was there, and I was chatting with two warriors. Do you want to pit your legal weight against that of a full Spy Master.. Your just a mere Investigator. A nothing. And even from my viewpoint it could be you who approached then for sexual favors"

That brought a fresh set of struggles from the priest.. "No.. Falsehoods.. LIES.. I know their type. They force themselves on the unwilling, youngsters, spreading their foul ways and corrupting others with their LUST!!" The last was almost a scream.

My patience was waning so I slapped his muzzle sharply "No.. You are wrong. Prrt's I know never force others, and Youngsters - never. All of the ones I have known - including MYSELF - are honorable people who just love.. AND I Mean LOVE - a other of the same sex. That is all!"

He looked at me in fear "Your.. YOU'RE A.."

"YES" I hissed "And before I was Spy Master I was a Help in a Warrior dormitory. I Was In Charge. I had over 30 young, handsome, sexually charged, adolescent Males and Females and do you WANT to know how many I dragged back to my quarters and FUCKED???"

He eyes were wide with horror at my statement...

I leaned down to his quivering ear "NONE!!!!.. you hear that None. I loved them as a parent and if someone had forced themselves on my charges I would have KILLED them."

At that the fight seem to go out of him. Shaking his head from side to side he muttered. "But.. But.. I have to stop them.. I Have to STOP them..."

His phrasing seemed off so I leaned down "Stop Who... Tell Me"

"In the Order.. The ones who.. who take our innocence.."

"Tell your Superiors then, use the Confessionals.."

"No.. Can't.. They will know, hurt my family.."

This young troubled Lupion was seeming less and less like an deranged bigot, but more like someone who was trapped in an impossible situation. He was deeply troubled and sounded like he needed someone to talk to, someone who he could trust. But if those he trusted Were suspect then...

An idea came to mind. A piece of ancient history of our order and the Church. Thanks goodness I read so many dusty tomes but it might.. Would work.

Pulling out a sachet from a pocket I showed it to him. "This is Vermnt - you know what it is.."

He nodded shakily - still making gasping sobs.

"I will give this to you.. And we will talk - I think there are things that need to be said. As Spy Master I promise you I will do you no harm."

I moved the sachet to him and he opened his jaws - tasting the sweet but calming herb..

He now seemed a little calmer though whether it was from the herb, or the emotional exhaustion I was not sure, so I released him from my bindings.

I propped him up against a tree and sat looking at this troubled young man. "What do you really know about the History of our Guild" I asked calmly. He looked back at me strangely and muttered "Apart from you lot being spys and murderers"

I shook my head and took off my medallion, then cleared an area of the ground. "You know of Saint Quillt?" I asked. "Of course - patron Saint of Confessors- The one who argued and fought for the right of the confession - that when in the presence of a confessor a man can speak whatever truth they need - and it will be kept.. Should be kept." He replied - a little curiously.

So I took a stick and started to trace our emblem in to the ground. Explaining each group of symbols until I was ready for This.. "850 Years ago when Father Quillt was being hunted by the Inquisition - he took refuge in one of our buildings. By all rights we should have turned him over for whatever punishment and crime that he was accused of.. But we did not. We listened to his pleas, what he was accused of, and protected him until he could gain the information to fight his cause. In return he allowed us to use this.." and I deftly made 3 marks.. "Recognize them?" I asked.

"Those.. those are the symbols of a Confessor - or one who will listen without judgement." A little wonder in his voice - though still shaky. I then drew the final circle around all of our symbols but stopped - just before closing it. "Young Man.. I feel that you have a need to confess your heart. I Spy Master Lud - In the capacity of a Confessor - vow that I will listen without judgement OR action." I intoned.. Then looked up smiling. "That is.. if you wish it.."

He looked down at what I have drawn "But you have not closed the circle?" he asked. "The circle is closed After the confession - to seal the words and my lips together." I tilted my head "Did you not know that?"

I watched as a flurry of emotions flooded over his face.. fear.. wonder.. even hope.. then he began.

He was named Tiru - youngest son of a family of drovers. In his youth he loved to travel on the carts, and as his family were devote believers, visited many of the great churches through the land. Since being the youngest also meant that he would never inherit anything from his family, not having the coin to become a Warrior or a Doctor - he joined the Church. He entered as a boy and over the years grew to be a youth. As he grew it was noticed just how handsome he was becoming. Although NOT vain he tried to ignore it, however it also attracted a different kind of admiration, a most unwelcome one. Late one evening whilst he was at his vespers he was called to the chambers of a senior priest. Open eyed at the honor of meeting such an esteemed member of the Church he went. ( I watched as the horror played across his muzzle) He took sacrament and wine which made him sleepy, and remembered this priest stripping to reveal his erect maleness. Then Tiru's own robes were removed. A maleness was pressed against his muzzle - forcing his jaws open. Foul fluid spilled on his tongue. Then he was forced on to the bed and.. and.. violated. To his greatest shame the sensation of the maleness inside of him caused him to spill HIS own seed - and so breaking his vow of chastity. Not waiting for the tie to go down the older priest pulled back - forcing the release. As the Tiru lay there in shock the older priest berated him for his looks, berated him for being handsome and to have tempted the sin of Prrt. Bleeding, in agony Tiru was casted from the chambers to dress and make his way back to his quarters.

Later that week he was selected to go down to the cells to observe a Confessional and Cleansing. A male - about his own age - was strapped down and was being tortured.. horribly. Knives, heated brands, glowing pointed implements that seared delicate flesh were all used to extract who this male had had Prrt with.. to reveal the name of a Duke's son. Before the final thrust of a dagger occurred, Tiru saw the muzzle of the chief executioner - it was the very Lupion who had violated him. And the executioner looked directly in to Tiru's eyes before the door was slammed in his face - muffling the final agonized scream.

Multiple times the Tiru was summoned to the priest's room, and others who likewise abused him and cursed his beauty. Finally in desperation Tiru took a burning brand and marred his own muzzle to ruin his looks. And even then the same priest ordered that he not be kept in the dormitory but have his own room to heal in. That night the priest visited on the prefix of taking confession from the troubled young man, and when in the privacy of the room - tore the dressings from the bleeding burns and forced both oral and anal rape on him. When finished the priest cursed him for ruining 'his god Given Beauty' and that if he ever mentioned what had transpired - Tiru.. and Tiru's family would be arrested for heresy and killed in the cells...

In all of this Tiru never mentioned the name of priest or the rest of the priests who did this until now - Cardinal Wurer - the loudest and most vocal of all Church against Prrt.

As so - Tiru vowed to root out all participants of Prrt and turn them over to the Inquisition for Death.. to protect young males and females from their predation.. The same predation that so ruined him.

When he finished - his head was bowed, tears feel freely from his closed eyes, and deep gasping breaths wracked his frame.

Putting my hand on his shoulder I used my other hand to lift his scarred muzzle. We looked in to each other's eyes and I intoned "I have heard your confession.. Father Tiru - By the power invested in me by Saint Quillt - I absolve you of your sins.. All of them..", then in a softer voice I said "Also know - that that you are not to blame for the actions of others.."

I could see the look of relief spread through his features as I reached down and with a claw - Sealed the circle and my lips.

Smiling I pulled the male in to a hug - he resisted at first and collapsed after the emotional out letting - arms around me, claws digging in to my back he wept freely - maybe the first time in years..

We also talked.. Myself explaining that what had happened to him was NOT Prrt. But something far.. far.. more vile. And that those who practices Prrt did so willingly, without coercion to each other, and cared for who they were with. They were not evil regardless of what some religious books claimed - but were males and female who found that their.. love, and attraction were to the same.

I also chuckled that in truth - you could pass any male in the street and never know if he loves females.. or males.

Taking him to the stream I helped him wash up and make himself presentable, then returned to the camp. As it was late and supper was being served - we ate. And in doing so I saw Nikur and Ynnrt watching me warily. I looked at them and nodded - then taking the lead I grabbed Tiru and insisted that we sit together and eat.

It was a stammering start - all deeply embarrassed by their first meeting - but by gentle prodding and questioning I got them all to open up. Stories were shared, similarities found, and even tentative respect was gained.

I in turn found that Tiru had wanted to be a healer - and studied to be one in the priest hood before he started his crusade. Nikur and Ynnrt were both males of honor - originally fighting on opposite sides but willing to put aside past differences so to foster peace and the safety of each of their respective peoples.

Later that night I had other business to attend to and went to Nikur's tent.

"Spy Master Lud.. I was wondering when you would visit" Nikkur said - drawing his sword and laying it on the table, and then his rank insignia and placing them down as well. This was a male who was awaiting the worst.

"I have behaved foolishly and possibly threatened this Peace.. And I accept the full consequences of my Actions - I await your judgement." He said quietly.

I stood there looking at him - his slumped shoulders, muzzle down in shame. Then I took out a small packet of powder and placed the contents on my palm. It was fast and powerful Truth Serum - but only lasted a few minutes.

"Warrior Nikku - Please inhale this.. I need to ask you some questions"

He inhaled.. snorting at the acrid scents.. then staggered. I helped him down and looked into his eyes - noting the dilation of the pupils. "I want you to Tell me Warrior Nikku. I Order you to say You Hate the King and our Country.."

His eyes widened - even under the influence of our truth serum he struggled. "I. Do Not Hate My King.. or Country..."

"Have you ever told Warrior Ynnrt anything that will hurt our people.."

"NNoooo..."

"Has Warrior Ynnrt asked for any information that may be used against us..."

"Noooo. Nothing.. He.. Is Honourble.."

"Do you consider yourself Honorable.. And accept My Judgement"

The serum was wearing off now.. with more control he closed his eyes tightly and nodded - expecting my judgement to be a swift sword, or needle.. But he felt the click and the familiar weigh of his rank being placed on his shoulders. He opened his eyes to see me standing there - holding his sword out to him. "Warrior Nikku - I find your actions to be.. a little foolish, however I do understand young love and an honest curiosity about those.. unlike us. However I find nothing that diminishes your standing as a Warrior. Thank you for serving us well. This matter is closed and needs no further report."

He gratefully took back his sword and sheathed it - looking at me. He was a handsome warrior..

"Thank you Spy Master Lud.. for your Judgement." He stammered.

I nodded and turned- hesitating - and spoke "I generally find that soaps scented with Gynnt herbs to be excellent at hiding the scents of sexual.. indiscretions. And - if you have not yet found it - Charkans are VERY sensitive to pressure just above their tails.. Good Night Warrior"

And left leaving a very puzzled and grateful warrior.

I kept a loose track on all of them Nikur and Ynnrt were assigned by both sides to work together - helping organize dual activities for warriors - so to foster respect between ex-enemies.

Tiru had returned to the capital to try and learn more about the healing skills - his Crusade for Sin now blunted with reason and compassion.

Myself - I had a troubling problem - I had heard rumors of what went inside the church walls. But the Guilds jurisdiction was very limited. Certain individuals went 'missing' - though same happened in our Guild but not as frequently. I have strong views on this - torture never gets the real answers you want - only what you ask for. But I digress..

I was in a bind.. I could not use much of the information that Tiru had told me - now bound by the confessional oath - but my sense of honor and justice demanded some action be taken. In the end I decided.. My Honour and Soul be Damded I was going to break one of my most sacred oaths. I also need to do this without the knowledge OR backing of the Guild, if I was discovered then everything would be lost. So remembering Charan's work with the more vile poisons I prepared.. something.

Getting in to the Citidel was easy. With many robed figures entered and leaving it's vast arches - a lone but simple pilgrim went unnoticed.. A slight old Lupion with the accent of the southern plains - totally bedazzled by the splendor of it all - wandered lost deeper and deeper into the corridors as evening fell. Stepping in to a doorway he disappeared, and a taller more youthful acolyte re-emerged.

Borrowing the robe of an acolyte I paced the halls with more authority - moving unquestioned from one level to the next - just being a simple priest performing his duties. As I had read the various sermons and books I could give the expected sayings and hand signals in greeting or benediction. Security was fairly lapse when compared to the Kings palace. The various power groups here had long cemented and silenced any opposition and were.. feeling Safe. Finally I was in the corridor I needed. Holding a stack of papers I went to the guards there "This lowly acolyte seeks audience with Cardinal Wurer" I said in a higher - almost boyish voice. The guards let me though with a knowing grin.

As it was late - the Cardinal has already retired to his bed so I knocked and entered. "You called for me Cardinal" I chimed. He looked up "No.. However come closer young Lupion so I can see you better."

I closed and locked the door then ventured to his bed and stood there. His hands eagerly grasped my robes to remove them - as he reached for my hood my gloved hand moved fast and I clamped it over his mouth.. He struggled but the sedative quickly overpowered him. The paralytic stopping his thrashing and his muffled cries.

He look at me - fury in his eyes as he strained against his weaken state.

"Cardinal Wuran - I have listened to one who as spoken of great crimes against you. Not just the crimes of Prrt - but that of rape, torture, and betraying of your most Holy vows. For this I sentence you to Death..."

"Guild.. No.. Juristiction..." he hissed - having recognized me, seeing me at several official functions.

I smiled and showed my neck - my medallion absent "No.. the Guild is not involved here. I seek the justice for another. Do you remember a young male you raped.. who in trying to escape from your influence so scarred his muzzle to make himself unattractive to you.?"

He thought.. long and hard, but no answer came. As he lay there watching I took the goblet from his dresser - one covered with gold and rubies.. and mixed the potion with water.

He eyes widened as I approached - frantically trying to command his body's voluntary muscles to flee - but to no avail so I placed the cup to his muzzle, tilted, and poured it in. He gargled - trying to spit it out - but enough of the liquid went down his throat. He coughed.. choked, moaned, and heaved. I put the goblet in his limp hands and headed to the window. He was thrashing .. moaning cries escaped him, then he arched his back and vomited blood - the bright red liquid spurting into the air. Hesitating I waited till I heard him scream and soiled his bedding with more blood...

By now the guards were pounding at the door - so I left. From outside and down a level I could hear the shouts of shock from the guards, and the final wailing incoherent cries of Wuran. Moving from window to window I found the next room - the occupant asleep. As I had no personal quarrel with this male - a quick prick of a needle.. a shuddering sigh.. and then silence. And the same twice more. Finally I dropped down a privy to make my way far elsewhere.

The fall out was instant. The Guild was called before the King and charged - but under oath they could truthfully claim no knowledge of the deaths. Plus although Extremely convenient - three of the deaths still looked like natural causes. The main one was finally attributed to Cardinal Wuran taking his own life - though not Why..

Then the infighting began in the Church. Wuran's faction - now seriously diminished was forced out, and a far more moderate faction came in to power. Changes were done - but there was still a little more needed to reassure me..

Cardinal Therry knelt praying. His room almost spartan compared to his predecessor. At his desks were papers to be signed, scrolls to be read, and documents to be studied. Still he prayed - a simple note had been delivered.. he knew not how.. but it said that he was to have a visitation.. and not to alert the guards.

I entered via a secret passageway that was lost to history and made my way over to him.. I coughed quietly.

"Am I to be judged and found wanting as per my predecessor?" he asked - not turning around.

"Your history has not yet been told Cardinal Therry - I only hope that when the pages are written they speak well of you, your compassion, and kindness to both males and females - regardless of who they love." I replied

"I did not think the Guild took jurisdiction in those matters?" he queried.

I walked around in front of him and knelt. "Not the Guild.. Nor the King... Just a common Lupion who has seen too much hatred for so little reason. Good people killed, murdered.. for the simple reason that they Love."

He looked at me - deep into my eyes - judging, weighing. "I know you.. Lud.. am correct? "

I nodded "Yes.. that is my name. And now you know it - you can have me arrested and charged. I will not resist. "

The Cardinal was quiet and then said "No.. I do not think that will be necessary. I hope that with my guidance the Church find it's conscience from within, rather than from without." He struggled to stand and so I gripped his arm - helping the frail old Lupion to his feet.

"So you came in from there?" he asked - nodding to a panel that opened to darkness.

"Yes - it was installed 500 years ago during the reformation. I'd advise sealing it so no other unwelcome intruders can come in."

He looked at me again - "I would not call your presence here unwelcome Lud. But I ask - if you find our methods.. wanting.. I would be willing to hear of your concerns. Go in Peace my Son."

I bowed and replied "And you too Cardinal" and left.

Dressing as an old woman - with a badly bandaged hand - I made my way to the Church Hospice. Seeing a familiar scarred muzzle I approached "Please Father - I have injured my hand - can you help me"

Father Tiru kindly helped me over to a consultation room and settled me down. Then turned to get his instruments. But when he turned back a very different individual stood there.

"You.. YOU.. What are You DOING HERE" he cried.. I almost had to reach over and grab his muzzle. "Calm yourself Tiru - I was just checking on how you are going.."

He looked at me in fear "Was it you?" he hissed "Was it you who killed them"

I sighed "Yes.. Sometimes where there is no other choice - like an infection - it needs to be cut out. Three quietly in their sleep. The fourth answered for his crimes.. Not just against you.. but so so many others. Our records contain lists of hundreds who have disappeared never to be found. Families still look for them.. Plus the blackmails - common folk who have paid their lives savings so to stay safe.." I shook my head sadly.

"Now what" he asked.

"How are you going - I see your healing again. Is it helping instead of hunting down.." I left the last unspoken.

"Yes - but my knowledge is too little. I can bandage, use a poultice for a fever.. But I see so much pain. And - I'm sorry - my faith has gone. Even though the Church IS changing - I can no longer kneel and believe." He looked despondently though a window at the line of the sick and needy.

"I might have a solution" I said - causing him to look at me quickly "NO.. No more deaths - but a chance for you with a new life. Meet me outside tomorrow afternoon in common clothes as we can talk."

Then stooping down and removing the bandage the fail old woman tottered out of the room "Thank your Father for your help and blessings." she quavered.

The next day I met Tiru as planned and explained my idea. I knew of a doctor. An older man who had healed my injuries on many occasions. He was brilliant but had decided always to remain as a simple healer to be there for the masses - and rarely took coin for his work. Sadly he and his wife.. were barren and through my chats with them he often lamented that he had no willing apprentice to share his love of healing, nor to follow on when he was too old. I saw Tiru as the perfect candidate.

I reached the simple but well lit establishment and waited till the doctor had finished with a patient. Then he saw me. "Lud.. LUD.. How are you my boy.. What have you done This time."

I chuckled "Nothing but a good meal would not fix. Is your good wife Rosie here?"

As I spoke a cheerful red furred Lupion bustled out "I though I heard you Lud.. I keep telling you You need more food on your bones.." Turning to Tiru who she did not know she cheerfully stated "This Lad get himself in to more mischief than any other I know.. I am Rosie - pleased to meet you."

Tiru - a little taken back by the force of nature (I had given her that title years ago) Introduced himself "I am Tiru.. Pleased to meet you too."

Whilst Rosie was occupied I had taken off my pack, unloading fresh vegetables, dried meats, mead, bandages, and handfuls of dried medicinal herbs.

"Oh My Goodness - what a Feast" Rosie exclaimed and turned "I'd better start getting cooking."

I helped Rosie chop the vegetables and prepare the meal, whilst Alect (the doctor) and Tiru discussed medicine and its application. But the time meal was ended and all were more relaxed as I proposed my solution.

"Tiru is a young Lupion with some medical knowledge, and in need of training. He is a good person who.. I Trust. Alect - I think he could be a good apprentice if you so wish it."

Alect turned and looked at Tiru "Well. Would you be interested. I cannot pay much coin as I never ask from those who need it. We have a spare room that that lout" and he looked pointed at me "Sometimes uses, and Rosie will cook meals for you. I've.. already enjoyed chatting with you. Are you interested?"

Tiru looked around - warm open faces welcomed him "Yes - As for coin - I never had any - but if you can each me and let me heal others then that is all I ask."

And as they were talking happily - getting to know each other I slipped out.. quietly. Alect was used to my coming and goings.

Tiru eventually married and had three children. His kindness and medical skills helped many in need. Alect and Rosie retired - but stayed active doing the things they loved - together with new grand children till their last days.