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A Hunting We Will Go!

Chapter 3

"Jenkins," Sir DeLancy said, "I'll take Bodkins around to the lean-to and get him and the others some feed, and Gertrude, you show Jenkins what you want to take along."

"Hey," Gertrude said, "what about me, I'm hungry too!"

"I'll see if there's some oats, and bring you a feedbag." Sir DeLancy replied as he walked out the door.

"Hmph," Gertrude snorted, "Bodkins will probably eat them all! He was more expensive to feed as a horse, then a man!"

"Well, come on," Jenkins said, "show me what you want to take, and I'll get it packed."

As the donkey pointed out various items to take; some of which Jenkins recognized, but most he didn't, he couldn't help but think about the most recent 'developments' in his, and his friends, lives. They were rather unsettling, and unusual, to say the least.

His intense joy at finally finding a 'girlfriend'; who had done a reasonably good job of fucking his brains out; after solving the embarrassing problem of his virginity in a most delightful way, was tempered somewhat by the fact she'd tried to turn him into a donkey, but her attempt had backfired and SHE'D ended up as the donkey. Or, more correctly, it hadn't failed entirely; he too had picked up a few recognizable equine features in rather embarrassing locations. Such as a donkey's tail and sexual organs, said organs hanging heavily between his legs and being quite impossible to ignore. He'd tried to put on his pants, but it was a no go, the huge floppy penis and equally huge balls, just couldn't be contained by pants designed for 'normal' men. So for now it would appear he was limited to wearing a monk's robes to conceal his predicament and just having to let the damn thing flop around however it wanted. But still, it did beat the alternative. Finally, looking at the small donkey who had once been his 'girlfriend', he couldn't hold back, and asked,

"Gertrude, why'd you want to turn me into a donkey? I mean, I thought you liked me."

Gertrude paused in her snuffling about in an old basket, and said, "I DO like you Jenkins, but when you said you'd be leaving, I just couldn't let you go. I've been alone for so long, and when I finally find someone who can satisfy me, who's not some drooling pervert and has the same 'deformity' I do, I just couldn't stand to let you go. I'd have changed you back later, honestly. What...what you said earlier; about...loving me. Is that the truth?"

Jenkins scratched the smooth spot on top of the donkey's large head, and replied, "I...I'm not sure exactly how I feel. Last night was...wonderful, but what you tried to do to me was...horrifying. But still, yes, I think I do. But regardless, I won't let you stay like that; we'll find some way to turn you back. I promise."

Gertrude lowered her head, snuffling sadly. Boy, she thought, did I ever blow it. I can be such a stupid bitch sometimes. She'd had other men tell her they 'loved' her, but Jenkins was the only one that MEANT it. And somehow Jenkins kneeling down and hugging her around her neck just made her feel worse. She gave a soft sad bray; such a stupid BITCH!

About that time Sir DeLancy returned; Bodkins sticking his head through the window as the Knight entered the hut, and Sir DeLancy said,

"You two ready yet? I've got the others saddled, and found some saddlebags in the lean-to we can use on Gertrude. I also have a feedbag full of oats for Gertrude, and some carrots I found."

"What do you mean by saddlebags?" Gertrude asked as she snuffled eagerly at the feedbag. Who'd have thought oats could smell so good??

"For your belongings," Sir DeLancy said, "Suzie is already fully packed, so you'll have to carry you own weight, as it were. After all, you are a donkey now, so you'll be expected to act like one."

"Well," Gertrude said, "I've almost got everything, just a couple of more things to go. Jenkins, see that case on the shelf under the larder? The black box, no, the other black box, the SMALL one. That's the one, get that for me, would you."

Jenkins pulled the small case out of its hiding place, and the unlatched lid fell open revealing several small vials nestled in soft padding; securely held in place by straps. Curious, he picked one up and looked at it. The small glass vial was mostly full of some sort of thick yellowish liquid, and had 'Goat' written on a small neatly hand lettered label. He looked at another one, and it had 'Boar' written on it, and all the vials had similar labels. Some were full, some almost empty. The contents all looked fairly similar, just varying a little in color and thickness.

"What is this stuff?" He asked Gertrude, who paused from stuffing her muzzle with oats, and answered.

"Those are the most important ingredients for my transformation potions." The donkey replied, "be careful, they're hard to get!" Then she went back to shoving oats into her mouth with her tongue.

"What ARE they?" Jenkins asked, removing a cork and sniffing the contents of one of the vials. .

"Sperm and semen." Gertrude said, through a mouth full of oats.

"What! Ugh!!" Jenkins said, sticking the cork back in the vial with a revolted expression on his face.

"A transformation spell requires part of the animal the person is to be transformed into," Gertrude explained; spitting partially chewed oats everywhere, "And their seed is the most potent, and insures the best results. That's where other witches make their mistake and come up with faulty potions, or ones not strong enough. The potion has to be just right, or, well, you see what happened when you got just a few drops on you."

"How on earth did you manage to get those kind of, er, special ingredients?" Sir DeLancy asked, being careful to stay out of donkey spitting range.

"Very carefully, and in person," Gertrude replied, "which is why I want you to be careful, I don't want to have to do it again. Getting some of them was...well, rather difficult."

"But how did you...I mean...?" Jenkins asked in confusion.

"Think about it." Gertrude replied.

"Ewwwww!" Jenkins, Sir DeLancy, and Bodkins all said at the same time.

"T-That's disgusting!" Sir DeLancy said.

"That's why most of it's so hard to get!" Gertrude snorted, "So be careful, I don't want to have to do it again!"

Jenkins was only too happy to carefully pad the small case in a thick scarf and stow it in one of the saddlebags. He didn't ever want to see those vials again! He was tempted to ask Gertrude how she's managed to get sperm from a duck, or for that matter a skunk, but figured the answer would be, well, more then he wanted to know.

Finally, at the last, Gertrude told Jenkins to come over to the fireplace, and told him, "See that corner flagstone, the one that's a little darker than the others? Lift it up."

With a grunt Jenkins lifted the heavy stone and set to one side, and a compartment with a small lockbox in it was revealed; a rather standard example of a peasant's idea of a safety deposit box as only village idiots trusted a bank. With another grunt he heaved the heavy iron box out of its hiding place, and Gertrude said,

"The key is under the candlestick on the mantle."

Jenkins retrieved the key, and after unlocking the box set the contents on the table. There wasn't very much, just a small; but thick book, and two leather bags, one with gold coins and some jewelry, the other with silver and lesser coins. Overall it was a fair amount of cash, but not a fortune.

"That's my spellbook," Gertrude said, "and those are my life savings. I'm afraid being a witch isn't very profitable. And I know exactly how much there is, so none of it had better go missing!"

"Madam," Sir DeLancy said icily, "my squire and I are NOT thieves!"

"Sorry," Gertrude said, "force of habit. Most folks I know would knock you on the head for the clothes on your back."

"Jenkins," Sir DeLancy said, "give me the spellbook, I'll keep an eye on it for now."

"Still don't trust me?" Gertrude asked.

"Would you?" Sir DeLancy replied as he tucked the little book inside his shirt.

"No,' Gertrude snorted, "can't say that I blame you."

Jenkins fussed with the saddlebags for awhile, they'd been designed for a horse and he had to modify them a little bit, such as poke more holes in the straps for Gertrude's smaller body, and as he was fitting them he ran hands under her, and with a yelp yanked his hand back.

"Oh my...!" Jenkins said.

"What?" Sir DeLancy asked, "Did she bite you or something?"

"Wouldn't be surprised." Bodkins said.

"No, she, I mean, she has...nipples!" Jenkins stuttered.

"Well, she IS female." Sir DeLancy said, "But why were you feeling around back there?"

"I wasn't!" Jenkins said, "They're in the front, where a, uh, woman's would be!"

"Oh dear," Gertrude snorted, "I guess I'm not entirely 100% a donkey after all, not quite enough of the potion got on me I guess, but I think that's all there is. Everything else feels, well, pretty much donkey like."

"Ugh," Bodkins said, "Human nipples on a donkey, that's just wrong!"

"Well," Sir DeLancy said, "they aren't really obvious, furs too thick; good thing they're not full sized breasts. I think we'll be OK, I doubt anyone will notice them."

"Unless they cop a feel." Bodkins said.

"I was NOT coping a feel!" Jenkins said.

"Then how did you find out she has nipples! Hah!" Bodkins snorted.

"Bodkins, shut up." Sir DeLancy said wearily.

"Er, sorry, I, um, I mean, I didn't meant to, er..." Jenkins stammered as he started working on the saddlebags again, much more carefully this time.

"You're sweet." Gertrude said, and turning her head gave Jenkins a big sloppy equine kiss, much to his embarrassment, and Sir DeLancy's and Bodkin's amusement.

The next small problem was; some sort of 'support halter' for Jenkins, he couldn't just let his new maleness dangle, it would make him walk funny, and it would be hard for him to ride without squishing something, which was to be avoided. So with some trial and error; mostly error, he finally managed to make a kind of loincloth to support his balls; his penis wasn't of as much a problem as long as it remained mostly in its sheath, and with the help of the support he was able to be fairly comfortable, all things considered. And with the monks robe on there was really no indication of his impressive genitalia to be seen, the robe being a little too large and baggy.

So, as ready as they'd ever be, they set out. Gertrude paused to give her home a final look, then trotted to catch up with Sir DeLancy and Bodkins as she was to be their guide.

"Hey!" Gertrude huffed after awhile, "Go a little slower! My legs are shorter than yours!"

"Tough!" Bodkins snorted, but Sir DeLancy reined him in a bit and slowed the pace, no since in leaving their 'guide' gasping in their dust.

"Wait a minute," Sir DeLancy said a couple of miles later, "I recognize that burned farmhouse, we've been this way before!"

"You're right!" Jenkins said, and they all turned and looked at Gertrude.

"What?" She snorted.

"We've been here before!" Sir DeLancy said, "You've been leading us in circles!"

"I most certainly have NOT!" Gertrude snorted, "You said you wanted to go to the Dragon's lair, and this IS the way TO the Dragon's lair!"

"Um, you know," Bodkins said, "I hate to admit it, but she might be telling the truth, there's no telling how far we got off the track in that fog. We could have ended up going back south. And if I'm not mistaken, Megan's house is just another mile down the road."

"You know," Gertrude said, "I was kind of wondering about that, when you said you'd visited her recently, since her house is closer to the lair then my hut."

"Oh bother!" Sir DeLancy said, "She's right, we HAVE been riding around in bloody circles!"

"Hah!" Gertrude said, "Not my fault if you don't know any better then to ride around in the fog!"

"Gertrude, shut up!" Sir DeLancy said.

"Well, we WILL get to see Megan again." Jenkins pointed out as Sir DeLancy fumed at the time they'd wasted playing tag in the fog.

"Well, yes, quite!" Sir DeLancy said in happier tone of voice, "Guess we can stay for lunch!"

"And other entertainment." Jenkins said quietly. Bodkins sharp ears heard him though, and the stallion nickered in amusement as Sir DeLancy gave him a gentle kick to speed up their pace a bit, Gertrude trotting to keep up.

A short distance further down the road Jenkins reined in Brunhilda, and said, "Milord...!"

"Yes, I see it!" Sir DeLancy said; as they had ridden out of the cover of the woods they could a column of smoke drifting up into the still warm air in the direction of Megan's house.

"To arms!" Sir DeLancy cried, pulling his sword, and Jenkins pulled a longbow out of its protective case, and then strung it with practiced ease. Reaching into another case he pulled out a quiver full of black fletched war-arrows, and slung it over his shoulder.

"We'll move off the road and into the cover of the trees just before we reach the last bend before her house," Sir DeLancy said, "then we'll move in for a closer look and appraise the situation. At a trot, forward!"

Moving quickly, but keeping alert, they headed down the road, Gertrude galloping to keep up the larger horses and mules.

"You stay behind!" Sir DeLancy shouted at Gertrude.

"Not on your life!" Gertrude responded with a wheezing bray.

"Very well, but be quiet!" Sir DeLancy said.

As they neared the house they moved into the trees, being careful to keep back from the edge of the woods until they could figure out what was going on.

"Brigands!" Sir DeLancy said quietly, "I see five!"

"Two more around the back, Milord!" Jenkins said, equally quietly.

"Do you see Megan?" Sir DeLancy asked.

"No, Milord." Jenkins replied, and Bodkins shook his head.

The farmhouse was burning, but from the looks of it the brigands hadn't gained access yet as a couple were still vainly throwing themselves against the door, others rubbing their shoulders as they waited their own turns.

"Come on, love!" One shouted, "Open up, we just want to have some fun!"

"Fuck off and drop dead you bastards!" came the answer, the Brigands hooting in amusement.

"Yep, she's still in the house." Jenkins said.

"Jenkins," Sir DeLancy said, "see if you can drop the two behind the house without the others noticing. Can you hit them from here?"

Jenkins dismounted, and drawing an arrow he fitted it to the bowstring, and squinting his eyes he looked at the brigands, and said, "No breeze, no problem Milord." Then he carefully pulled back the string to full pull, adjusted the angle a little bit, and let fly. Then in a motion almost too fast to follow he let fly with a second arrow. Both brigands staggered, and then went down, neither moving again.

"Nice." Sir DeLancy said, "Now take out as many of the others as you can. Gertrude, you stay here with Suzie, and follow when it's safe." Then he gave Bodkins a kick, and bending low over the saddle galloped towards the remaining brigands. Behind him Jenkins quickly mounted Brunhilda, and followed at a slower pace, bow ready.

The Brigands first noticed something was wrong when one of their number suddenly sprouted a black fletched arrow from an eye socket, and as they looked around for the source they spied the lone horsemen charging them. Bodkins was moving so fast he'd already covered half the distance to them before they noticed, and they didn't have much time to get ready. As they milled in confusion another went down with a scream, an arrow through his thigh. Then Bodkins hit them like a ton of bricks.

Bodkins literally rode one down; not shying like most normal horses would have, he simply trampled the brigand and kept on going. Sir DeLancy's first sword swipe took off another brigand's head in a shower of blood, and the last one turned to run; which was a mistake. He got about twenty feet before his head joined his companions in rolling across the ground. The last bandit fell to an arrow when he came out of the barn; where he'd been shagging a friendly old goat, to see what all the screaming was about. As Sir DeLancy dismounted to deal with the wounded brigand it turned out it wasn't necessary, the arrow had nicked a major vein and he'd bled to death in a minute.

Sir DeLancy ran to the door of the burning building, and yelled, "Megan, it's us, Sir DeLancy and Jenkins! The brigands are dead, it's safe; you can come out now!!"

The door opened and Megan staggered our choking in a cloud of smoke, and grabbed onto Sir DeLancy, and gasping, said, "Oh, thank God!! I couldn't have held out much longer! I tried scaring them off, but I guess they were so hard up even a 'little old lady' was better than nothing, and there were too many for my magic to have much effect. Bastards!" Then she saw the sprawled bodies; Jenkins carefully pulling his arrow out of one's face, and added, "Oh...my!"

"Pip, where's Pip!?!" Jenkins asked, worried, eyeing the burning house.

"She's off in the forest somewhere," Megan replied, "I'm glad she wasn't here, she'd have tried to take them all on; she doesn't know her limits."

Jenkins was relieved too, he really liked the little fairy Dragon.

Suddenly they all heard high pitched screams from behind the barn, and drawing his sword Sir DeLancy ran in that direction, followed by the others, Jenkins fitting another arrow to his bow. It would seem they'd missed a brigand. However, they need not have bothered.

As they rounded the corner of the barn they saw the brigand dancing around in the corral, wreathed in flames as he burned, a small screeching shape darting back and forth around him, breathing out streams of flame every time it passed the living torch. Evidently he'd tried to escape, but hadn't gotten very far.

"Good God." Sir DeLancy gasped, "It would appear Pip has entered the fray after all, and from the look has things well in hand."

With a final gurgling scream the burning man collapsed, twitched a little, and then was silent except for the crackle of flames.

"Pip!" Megan yelled, "Come here, baby!" With a final screech the little dragon did a victory roll over her opponent, and then gracefully glided over to Megan, and with a flick of her gossamer wings she landed on Megan's shoulder, and; hissing softly, started worriedly nibbling at her ear. "What a brave little dragon, yes you are!" Megan said, giving Pip a kiss on the end of her snout.

"Brave indeed." Sir DeLancy said as he sheathed his sword, Jenkins nodding in agreement.

"The house, my things!" Megan suddenly shrieked, and turning ran back towards the now engulfed house.

"Jenkins!" Sir DeLancy said, "Stop her!"

Jenkins moved to intercept Megan, but it wasn't necessary. She stopped as the roof collapsed in a roar of flames, and sank to her knees, Pip wailing as she'd lost her home too. Jenkins walked up to her and put a hand on her shoulder, and said,

"I'm really sorry Megan; I wish we'd gotten here sooner."

"It's not your fault," Megan said as she watched her home burn, "if you two hadn't shown up, well, I'm sure I'd have been gang raped by now, and worse. I'm afraid my light show isn't as impressive in the daylight."

"Are you hurt?" Sir DeLancy asked, seeing blood on her dress.

"Oh, no," Megan said, "it's not mine; one of them stuck his arm through one of the windows. I dissuaded him from that course of action; he left a couple of fingers behind."

"Remind me never to stick my arm through a window when she's in a bad mood." Jenkins muttered, Bodkins snorting in agreement.

They watched the house burn for awhile longer, there was no point in trying to save anything inside, the heat was intense.

"My herbs, my clothes, my belongings, my home, everything, gone!" Megan mourned, leaning against Sir DeLancy's chest, his arm around her shoulders. Pip had changed perches and was perched on Bodkins saddle horn hissing sadly, she'd miss her nice little nest in the rafters, it had been so cozy, but her friend had lost much more.

Jenkins; in the meantime, had been going through the brigand's belongings, and was overall quite disappointed. Three decent quality swords, one very good quality war axe, a few trinkets, and five gold pieces, fourteen silver, and a mix of copper and bronze coins, of various denominations and from various countries of origin. No wonder they'd attacked the farmhouse, they had nothing to lose, and everything to gain. At least until a certain knight and his squire showed up; not to forget a certain horse and a miniature dragoness that had done their bit. As he returned to the main party with his 'plunder' Pip gave a happy squeak, and flew over and landed on his shoulder, and then gave his ear a little nip. She was hungry and wanted some jerky.

"Well," Sir DeLancy said, giving Bodkins an affectionate pat on the neck, "that was impressive. You make a first rate warhorse. I'll have to give you a nice rub down later, you certainly worked up a lather."

"What happened to, 'I don't like to fight'?" Jenkins asked.

"Well," Bodkins said, "I don't like to fight! I'm a lover, not a fighter, but it's different when my friends are being threatened. I don't like that at all!"

"Well, you did well." Sir DeLancy said giving the large horse another pat.

"Hmph," Bodkins snorted, embarrassed, "Jenkins got five of them; I only squished one."

"That's right," Jenkins said, "Bodkins stomped one of them into mush."

"Did he now? What a brave fellow." Megan said as she stroked Bodkins nose as he nuzzled her gently, enjoying all the attention.

"And I only got two," Sir DeLancy said.

"Well, Milord," Jenkins said, "Killing men with arrows is not the same as killing them with a sword."

"Balderdash!" Sir DeLancy said, "That was first rate bow work, I'd have had a hot time of it if you two hadn't evened out the odds a bit, and yonder wee dragoness brought down the straggler. Not that this lot were much in the way of a challenge, pretty poor excuses for brigands, almost wasn't worth the effort."

"You're right about that," Jenkins said, "they didn't have much in the way of valuables at all. A few paltry coins, some salvageable weapons, and that's about it. And I wouldn't give the clothes their wearing to a beggar."

"Say, what about Suzie and the stupid donkey?" Bodkins asked worriedly.

"Zounds, we forgot about them in all the excitement!" Jenkins said, "They must think we've been chopped!"

Bodkins threw his head back and gave a loud whinny, which was answered a second later by equally loud brays.

"What," Sir DeLancy said, "was that all about?"

"Just letting them know its safe." Bodkins replied.

A minute later Gertrude and Suzie came trotting into the yard, snorting welcomes at Bodkins & Brunhilda, Suzie shying a little at the sight and scent of blood.

"Ohhh," Megan said, "What an adorable little donkey, where in the world did you find her!?"

"Hey, watch the ears!" Gertrude snorted as Megan gave her a little hug.

"YIKES!" Megan yelped, and jumped back in shock. "What in the...!"

"Hi Megan," Gertrude said, "how you been lately?"

"You can TALK??" Megan stammered.

"Hmph," Bodkins snorted, "you'd think she'd be used to talking animals by now, but nooo!"

"Bodkins, shut up." Sir DeLancy said.

"H-How do you know my name?" Megan asked the little donkey.

"You want to tell her, or should I?" Sir DeLancy asked Jenkins, but Gertrude beat them to it.

"Don't blame you for not recognizing me," Gertrude said, "I must admit it is a bit of a lifestyle change. It's me, Gertrude, your friendly neighbor from back in the woods."

"Gertrude???" Megan gasped, "W-What...?"

"She tried to turn Jenkins into a donkey," Sir DeLancy said, "But as you can see it didn't turn out quite the way she'd planned."

"Yeah, she blew it!" Bodkins snorted.

"Well, not exactly." Jenkins muttered, adjusting his stance, the harness had some loose during the excitement.

"Gertrude, how COULD you!?!" Megan said in a shocked voice.

"I know," Gertrude sighed, "It's a bad habit, but I just couldn't let him get away; you'd understand if you'd been there. What he can do in bed, oh, heavenly! You wouldn't believe how many times we did it!"

"Gertrude!" Jenkins stammered in shock, face turning beet red, then even redder as Bodkins snorted in amusement and Sir DeLancy made muffled choking sounds behind a fist.

"Well," Megan giggled, "it was still wrong, you promised you'd only do that to someone who deserved it!"

"Let me get this straight, you two KNOW each other?" Sir DeLancy asked.

"Oh, certainly," Megan said, "after all she's my nearest neighbor, and another witch. We have to stick together, you know. We get together sometime for dinner, and swap trade secrets too."

"Well," Jenkins said, "you might have warned us that a transformation potion using witch was in the neighborhood!"

"I thought you were going north," Megan said, "I had no idea you planned on paying her a visit, and besides, you didn't ask!"

"Yeah!" Gertrude snorted, 'It's not our fault you got lost in the fog!"

"They've got a point, Milord." Jenkins said.

"Jenkins, shut up." Sir DeLancy said.

As they waited for the fire to die down Jenkins put Suzie and Brunhilda in the barn for a rest and some feed, and to get them out of the hot sun. Bodkins and Gertrude just stood in the shade of the barn, talking with Megan and Sir DeLancy. As he exited the barn he overheard,

"His WHAT was changed!?" Megan giggled.

"And he has a tail." Bodkins said.

"NO!" Megan shrieked in amusement, Pip flying around her head chirping.

"Oh yes," Gertrude said, "a very nice one, he's quite the Jack now! And you wouldn't believe how BIG he is now!"

"Um, er, hurmph!" Sir DeLancy grunted, spying Jenkins standing in the barn door.

Seeing the mortified look on his face, they all tried to apologize at the same time, but finally Sir DeLancy made 'quiet!' motions, and said, "Well, we had to tell her, you know."

"Well, you didn't have to make it sound quite so FUNNY!" Jenkins moped, "It's not you know, it's serious! How'd you like to be like this?? And what if I can't be changed back!?"

As if in agreement Pip flew over and landed on Jenkins shoulder, and chirruping worriedly rubbed her head against his cheek, and he scratched her under her chin, and said, "At least someone sympathizes with me!"

"I'm sorry old chap," Sir DeLancy said, 'but it is a little bit funny. I mean, it could have been much worse."

"Don't see how." Gertrude groused, "you think HE'S in bad shape!.

"Oh, poo!" Megan said, "shame on you Gertrude, would you really rather him be the donkey?"

"Well, no," Gertrude replied, 'at least not now."

Look, it's going to be quite some time before that fire burns down, and since it's so late in the day, and I don't know about you but I'm bushed," Sir DeLancy said, "so what say we all get some rest, and we can figure out what to do in the morning."

By general consensus; everyone agreeing it was a capital idea; except for the brigands who were getting plenty of rest already, they moved to the barn and once the animals; including enchanted ones, had been taken care of Jenkins cooked a dinner of left over stew and waybread, and then exhausted by the days 'activities' they all quickly fell asleep. During the night some scavengers paid a visit; delighted by the smorgasbord of dead humans, but ignored the well built barn. Besides, if a dead dinner was available, why mess with a still living one that might have YOU for dinner?

__________

When they finally begin stirring the next morning Sir DeLancy was uncharacteristically solemn; not his usual irritatingly cheerful self at all. When he left the barn to get some water from the well Bodkins asked Jenkins,

"What's his problem? Usually by now he's dancing and singing, annoying the Hell out of everybody, and talking about something either incredibly boring, or incredibly scary."

"He's never killed anyone before," Jenkins said, "well, humans that is. And for that matter neither have I. It's sobering."

"Oh my," Megan said, "From the way he did it I thought he must be a seasoned warrior, it looked so...easy."

"Oh, he's a warrior all right, a real knight," Jenkins said, "he's been training for this all his life, he's just never been in 'real' combat before. He just did what he's practiced hundreds of times."

"Well, you certainly did your part too." Megan said.

"Believe me, killing with arrows is a lot different from doing it up close and in person." Jenkins said, "Any hunter who can bring down a running deer can easily drop a man."

"How do you feel about it?" Megan asked, "Killing those men, I mean."

Jenkins paused from slicing the bacon, and after thinking for a few seconds, said, "I try not to. I mean, they were going to kill you, or worse, and no telling how many other poor innocents they've robbed or killed. So the way I figure it, they got what was coming to them."

"Well, I'm glad you did, if that helps any." Megan said.

"A little," Jenkins said, "at least it was for a good cause. We're supposed to protect the innocent you know, not that many other Knights take that very seriously, but Sir DeLancy does. His heroes are the Knights of old, King Arthur and his Knights of the Roundtable. Did you know he's directly descended from Sir Bors the younger? Now I'd better go check on him, he's been gone an awfully long time."

"Maybe he fell in the well?" Bodkins said.

"Bodkins, shut up." Megan and Jenkins said at the same time, Gertrude snorting in agreement.

Jenkins left the barn, and then paused. Sir DeLancy was leaning on one of the hitching rails staring at nothing, so after a minute he went back in the barn.

"Well?" Megan asked.

"He's busy, just give him some time." Jenkins replied, and then went back to fixing breakfast. When Sir DeLancy came back into the barn with a bucket of water a few minutes later he was back to his usual irritating self; whistling cheerfully, much to the disgust of Jenkins and two certain equines.

"Not much left." Jenkins said as they picked through the remains of Megan's house. It had burned almost completely, only one wall remaining partially upright, and it was leaning dangerously. The fire had been so hot even metal items had partially melted.

"Here, help me here." Megan said, digging at the base of the stone fireplace. "See if you can lift that corner slab of the hearth."

"What is it with peasants anyway," Jenkins said, "that they almost always hide their valuables under the hearth? I mean, that's the first place thieves and brigands usually look. You think they'd try something more original."

"First off," Megan retorted, "I'm not a peasant, and I just used it because it was already there! Besides, it's the only place something might survive if there's a fire."

"Good point." Sir DeLancy said as he heaved a partially burnt beam out of the way. Now, see if you can get a grip on the slab Jenkins."

Jenkins could, and with a grunt he flipped the heavy stone out of the way, to reveal a small lockbox. However this one didn't have a lock, just a hinged clasp, and Megan opened it slowly, and then gave a sigh of relief.

"Oh, thank the powers, my spellbook survived!" She said as she carefully unwrapped a small book.

"Another spellbook!" Sir DeLancy said, with a distinct lack of enthusiasm, "Just what we need."

"What do you mean by that?" Megan snapped.

"It's just that spells and other evil doings give me the shivers." Sir DeLancy said.

"Spells are only as evil as the person who wields them!" Megan said, "It's not the spell that casts itself, it's the person!"

"You tell him, sister!" Gertrude snorted.

"Gertrude, shut up!" Sir DeLancy said; getting rude noise in response.

In addition to her spellbook Megan also had a small bag of coins and other small valuables, but not much. Still, it was much better then nothing. By the local standards she was quite well off.

"Well," Megan said, "all my herbs, plants, and other ingredients were burned with the house. I guess I'll have to collect replacements along the way, at least the more common ones will be in bloom."

"On the way where?" Sir DeLancy asked.

"Why, to the Dragon's lair." Megan answered.

"Oh NO, not on your life!" Sir DeLancy said, "You AND Gertrude are staying here since you can look out for her. You'll be safe in the barn."

"We are NOT!" Megan yelled, and Gertrude gave a loud bray in what was obviously agreement. "Jenkins!?"

"Uh-uh," Jenkins said, "don't look at me! I'm just the squire; the knight makes all the decisions."

"Coward!" Megan hissed.

"Nope, I just know better then to get involved." Jenkins quipped. "Me and Bodkins both." He added, and Bodkins snorted in agreement. Then sidestepped as Gertrude tried to kick him.

"Look," Megan said, "what makes you think the barn will be any safer then the house was!? A three year old could break down the door! And where did those brigands come from? What if there are more of them? They'll rape me, kill me, and probably eat Gertrude!"

"After raping her too, everybody knows brigands love donkeys." Bodkins said. Gertrude gave a squeal of fear.

"Bodkins, shut up!" Sir DeLancy said.

"Milord," Jenkins said, "they do have a point. Besides, how will we find the lair? Only Gertrude knows the way; and if we take her we have to take Megan."

"Not you too!" Sir DeLancy said, exasperated.

"Makes sense." Bodkins said.

"Bodkins, shut UP!" Sir DeLancy said.

"Please!" Gertrude begged, "I don't want to get raped and eaten!"

"Oh, for the love of..., very well then!" Sir DeLancy shouted, "But don't blame me if you all end up in the Dragon's belly!"

"Well, realistically it would probably just eat one of us right off, and save the rest for later." Bodkins said.

"Well, technically you would be to blame," Megan said, "if we get eaten I mean, since it would mean you failed to kill the Dragon."

"AUUUUGGGHHHH!" Sir DeLancy yelled as he ran from the barn.

"Good Heavens!" Bodkins snorted.

"What's his problem?" Gertrude snorted.

"I think we may have pushed it just a bit." Megan said.

"Just a bit, but don't worry, he'll calm down in a few minutes." Jenkins said, and then started packing the animals.

As predicted Sir DeLancy did calm down fairly soon; at least some, it helping that certain individuals and livestock had the good sense to keep their mouths shut for awhile. Their last act as they left the scene of carnage was for Jenkins and Sir DeLancy to toss the bodies of the brigands into the barn, and then set it on fire. Then they set out to resume their quest to find the Dragon's lair, and hopefully live to tell about it. At least that's what Jenkins and Bodkin's fervently hoped. It can safely be assumed that Megan and Gertrude felt the same way.

Sir DeLancy of course rode Bodkins, and Megan rode double with Jenkins; much to Jenkins delight, since they needed Suzie to pack their gear, and Gertrude carried her own stuff. Pip tried out various perches until settling on Jenkins shoulders as the coarse brown robe gave her a better grip and she could get under the hood if she got cold or wet, and would ride with her head peaking out. Jenkins didn't mind in the least.

"How far is it to the beast's lair?" Sir DeLancy asked Gertrude rather brusquely, still a little miffed about being 'outvoted' and 'ganged up on', as he saw it.

"Oh, about two days from here," Gertrude replied, not bothered by the knights surly tone at all. If he wanted to be a jerk, fine with her. "We should reach the general vicinity sometime late tomorrow afternoon or evening."

"There's an old millhouse at the river crossing," Megan said, "roof's gone, but it will be a good place to spend the night. Walls are good and thick, they'll keep the wind off and wild animals at bay."

"Very well," Sir DeLancy said, "we'll camp at the old mill tonight, or do I get any say in the matter?"

"NO!" Gertrude, Bodkins, Jenkins, and Megan said at the same time, Pips hissing excitedly, and Sir DeLancy's mood got even fouler, at least for awhile.

When they reached the Mill about an hour before nightfall Sir DeLancy's mood had improved, and even he had to admit it would be an excellent place to spend the night. It was really more of a fortified compound, having four large walls around the mill and other buildings. The mill's roof had collapsed, but those on the stable and what appeared to be the workers quarters had survived. They quickly got sorted out, and after getting the livestock fed and set up in comfortable stalls in the stable the humans made their way to the partially ruined barracks and took a look around. The kitchen was usable; the fireplace in good shape, so as Jenkins and Megan prepared dinner Sir DeLancy had a look around. He soon returned to report that several upstairs and downstairs rooms were in good shape, and some even had bunks in them. One even had a bed; though the frame had collapsed, but the mattress was still good with no signs of any rodents in occupancy. He claimed that room for himself; and of course Megan as that was a foregone conclusion, so Jenkins had his pick of the others. Jenkins didn't mind at all; besides, Sir DeLancy snored.

As they ate their dinner Jenkins stared morosely into the fire, and even Sir DeLancy was rather quiet for a change, the usual fireside banter absent. Jenkins figured he was probably thinking about what had happened back at the farm, and also what might happen on the morrow if they found the goal of their quest. Jenkins still wasn't too keen on the idea of showing up at the lair of some huge monster and picking a fight, but where his Master went, so would he. He doubted his arrows would have much effect, but he might get lucky and hit an eye. Almost as if reading his mind, Megan said,

"I really wish you wouldn't, can't you just leave the beast alone. He's been quiet lately, what's the use of stirring him up? I mean; heaven forbid, if you fail he'll just go on a rampage and lay waste to the countryside."

Sir DeLancy sighed, and said, "We've already been over this my dear, I'm a knight, and it's my sworn duty to seek out and destroy anything that's been terrorizing the countryside, human OR creature. I mean, if I just picked only weak and easily defeated foes, then I wouldn't be much of a knight now, would I?"

"Well, at least you'd be alive." Megan said quietly.

"Oh, I have no plans on dying anytime soon." Sir DeLancy said.

"I doubt the Dragon does either." Megan replied, and he didn't really have an answer to that.

"Well, guess it's time for bed." Sir DeLancy said after a few more uncomfortably quiet minutes had passed, "We need to get an early start so we can reach the lair before dark. Be easier to fight the beast in daylight."

There was no dissent, so Jenkins banked the fire as Sir DeLancy and Megan went up the stairs to their room, and a short while later he went to the room he'd chosen for himself. Slipping off his robe he carefully undid his 'loincloth', and holding his unnaturally large balls he carefully got into the bunk. He did not want to accidently lie down on one; he'd done it before and it hadn't felt very good. Fortunately he wasn't much for rolling around in his sleep, so should make it through the night with no 'incidents'.

As luck; or bad luck, would have it, it turned out he had picked a room directly under the one Sir DeLancy and Megan were sharing. And as the inevitable noises started he lay and stared at the ceiling as the moans and groans of rising passion were quite audible. He tired to ignore it at first, but when the floorboards began shaking and dust trickled down that became pretty much impossible, and much to his dismay his huge equine penis came slithering out its sheath and began to harden, its thick heavy weight lying on his chest. In the short period of time since he'd been 'inconvenienced' he'd managed to avoid that experience, and so with a grunt he got up and slipped his robe on, put on his shoes, and decided to go for a walk.

It was fairly cool outside, and a light misty rain was falling, so his 'condition' faded fairly quickly, much to his relief. If he did become aroused there would be no way to conceal that fact, not even in a robe. After a quick look around he decided to check on the animals, and see how Gertrude and Bodkins were doing. The stable was quite large, having been made to house not only animals but large grain wagons, and as he entered he heard the sounds first, grunting and snorting, and sure enough Bodkins was energetically humping Suzie, both oblivious to his presence as the stallion lunged into the jenny with deep grunts of equine pleasure.

Figures, Jenkins thought, damn horse is insatiable. He knew he should leave, but couldn't help but watch for awhile, the deep grunts and squeals of equine lust strangely arousing, and felt himself began to respond. Oh, damn it, he thought, as his penis slid from its sheath again, and began to swell. Afer a final look, he turned to leave. Making his way back to the other end of the stable; since that door was closest to the barracks, he was startled with a shadow moved in one of the wagon bays.

"Don't be worried, it's just me." Gertrude said.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Jenkins said, "didn't mean to wake you."

"Hmph, not like I was getting any sleep," Gertrude snorted, "not with all that ruckus going on."

Jenkins snorted too, "I know what you mean; Sir DeLancy and Megan are almost as loud, I thought they were going to fall through the floor."

Gertrude gave another snort of amusement, then raised her head and looked at Jenkins, her wet eyes glistening a little in the dim lighting.

"W-Would you like to," I mean, "there's no way we'll get much sleep anyway, and it would be...nice."

Jenkins knew what she meant right away, and to his surprise he could smell her need in the close quarters of the barn, and felt his penis throb and grow some more. But...

"I-I...it-it wouldn't be right." He stammered. "I mean, you're an...an..."

"Animal?" Gertrude snorted softly, "Yes, my body is, but I'm still me inside. And you're partially an animal as well, the parts that count. And I've wanted you ever since that first night, it was...incredible."

With a soft moan Jenkins looked at the now very noticeable bulge in the front of his robe. Good Lord, he thought, it must be two feet long! And it was throbbing steadily now, pulsing.

"I-I...," he groaned.

"Please!" Gertrude said, "You don't know what it's like! The potion included an ingredient for permanent partial arousal, so I'm in partial heat all the time! And listening to them; and smelling them, its torture! It's not the same as a human; I need a stallion or Jack to service me! It's...agonizing! Please, don't leave me like this! It just gets worse the longer I'm like this!! It's not...human, and I can't fight it!"

"I...what about Bodkins?" Jenkins mumbled, "I'm sure he knows about your, um, need."

"He hasn't shown any interest," Gertrude said, "maybe he just doesn't want me, not after what I...did to him." Moving a little closer she rubbed her head against Jenkins leg, and he trembled from the touch and her strong scent. "Please, Jenkins, I need you! You don't know what it's like! Being like this, being in heat! It's...agonizing. P-Please..."

But Jenkins did in fact have some idea; as his arousal peaked he'd never felt such intense lust before, it bordered on the painful. He could see a wet spot glistening on his robe where the large flared head of his member was pressing against it, and with a gasp he started taking is robe off, unable to resist his own need any longer. God, he wanted her more as a donkey then he had as a man! He let his robe fall to the ground, and stood and stared at himself in horrified disbelief. It was HUGE! The massive shaft jutted straight out; more or less on an even level due to its weight. It was a mottled grey, black, and dark pink color where it emerged from its black sheath; and a slow flow of thick pre dribbled constantly from the hole on the large flared mushroom like head, veins visibly pulsing on its slick surface. And it throbbed with inhuman need. As he stared at what was jutting out from between his legs he almost forgot about Gertrude, but she hadn't forgotten about him.

Gertrude gave a groan of lust at the sight; and scent, of Jenkins huge member as it was revealed in all its glory, and stepping forward she wrapped her long tongue around the slick flesh and began licking and tonguing it, eagerly running her tongue up and down the length of the rampant cock. It was...magnificent!

As Gertrude's tongue found his cock Jenkins closed his eyes and groaned, knees weak, as she slid her tongue up and down his shaft as she slurped and licked at it. Then his eyes snapped open as she began to...swallow him.

Gertrude guided the head of the huge cock into her mouth with her tongue, and as she kept tonguing it she began to swallow, looking up at Jenkins as he looked down at her, his face flush with pleasure, body trembling. She was enjoying herself too, immensely. Do to what she was now she had no real problem swallowing most of the massive equine erection, and when she got close enough she began to lick his balls, using her long thick tongue to maximum effect, his thick pre sweet and salty.

Jenkins moaned in pleasure as he gently gripped Gertrude's ears, the donkey loudly sucking and licking his aching cock with lewd wet slurping sounds that only made it even more enjoyable. The feel of her slick warm throat lining rubbing against the sensitive flesh of his huge penis while her tongue caressed his equally huge balls was...indescribable. His knees felt weak, and he hoped he wouldn't lose his balance and fall down.

Finally; despite the extreme and arousing enjoyment of what she was doing, Gertrude could wait no longer. She backed away from Jenkins, his cock slowly sliding from her mouth, and as it slid free she quickly turned around, and lifting her tail, said,

"Ha-haaaw, snort, p-please, I-I need you!! Haaw!"

At the sight of the slick wet lips of her equine sex; pursing and quivering in need; her outer lips black, but her lining dark pink, Jenkins lost any remaining inhibitions he might have had. Taking his cock in one hand he guided the head to her eager lips, and seating it he leaned forward and gripped her in front of her hind legs, and with a grunt of pleasure began to push into her, and as her slick rubbery lips flared, parted, and slid over the head of his cock as he penetrated her he gave a deep groan of pleasure, and Gertrude squealed in ecstasy.

Oh, oh God!! Gertrude thought, what was he doing to her!?! She'd never felt anything like this before!! She could feel her sex swallowing him as he mounted her, but he went in, and in!! As he started lunging the soft velvety smooth muscles of her pussy eagerly welcomed and caressed the hardness filling it, pushing in deeper and deeper with each lunge, and she locked and braced her legs.

Even by donkey standards Jenkins was very well endowed; perhaps a reflection of his own human size, and it took some time to fully penetrate Gertrude despite her eager wet sex. The first foot slid in fairly easily, but the rest took awhile and he really had to work at it. He lunged again and again, her sex slowly stretching to accommodate him, Gertrude squealing and trembling as his penetration continued. Lunge, another inch, lunge, a little more, and it felt absolutely incredible! It wasn't...human, not really, though there was an element of at least human lust and desire mixed in with the more feral equine rut. Finally; after a last powerful lunge, his thighs slapped against her furry rump as he hilted, her tail rubbing against his stomach and side. He paused for a few seconds as he took deep breaths, and then he began fucking her with a slow powerful rhythm, pulling about ten inches out before slamming back in to full hilt with every thrust.

Gertrude hung her head, mouth open as she groaned and grunted in pleasure, the hugeness filling her sliding back and forth as Jenkins serviced her. It was more pleasure then she'd ever thought possible! She'd never felt; had, a penis so deep inside of her before! As he stroked into her again; her pussy eagerly sucking and caressing his huge penis, she thought, I might not mind staying like this after all, not since the sex is so unbelievable! Maybe a nice stall to retire too, with a couple of young Jacks to keep her 'company'! Slowly she felt something building inside of her bestial sex, an incredible growing pressure as the waves of pleasure kept increasing with each thrust of the huge cock buried inside her, her vaginal muscles desperately clenching and sucking at the member giving her so much pleasure, and it grew and grew, inhuman in its building intensity, its sheer power. Suddenly she felt it throb and pulse, and as torrents of hot cum blasted into her she threw her head back and brayed in ecstasy, her human mind temporarily overwhelmed by the needs of her animal body as she became nothing but a donkey as the waves of sexual euphoria washed over her.

Oh, oh God! Jenkins thought as he fucked Gertrude, he'd never imagined pleasure this intense was possible! It had taken so long to achieve full penetration, and with each stroke he pulled out much of his length before thrusting back into her, her sex sucking and gripping his cock in a way it hadn't before. Finally he hilted deep in her tight, slick, sex, and as he serviced her he was very aware of his huge balls swinging back and forth in rhythm with his desperate thrusts, and could feel the aching need in the pulsing black orbs. When his orgasm came it almost took him by surprise, and as his balls clenched and strained, his cock pumping, he almost passed out from the sheer sexual euphoria as he experienced something meant for an animal several times his size. But he didn't, and managed to keep lunging as he exploded inside of her, and his own scream of release was almost as loud as hers. And as he climaxed he didn't feel it as a dusting of dark grey hairs washed over his back and down his legs, white hair sprouting on his chest as he underwent a spurt of more changes triggered by his sexual release. He paused for a minute, and then with a deep grunt of pleasure began thrusting again, Gertrude bawling in pleasure.

Bodkins paused for a second as the sounds of human and equine pleasure rang through the barn, then with a grunt of amusement and pleasure he began lunging into Suzie again. About time, he thought. Hearing an eager snort he looked over at Brunhilda in the next stall, and thought, this is going to be a long night! Not that he was complaining.

For once Sir DeLancy wasn't up before dawn, but he did get up at the crack of dawn, which wasn't much of an improvement as far as his assorted companions were concerned. Even Megan tried to get him to sleep in a little longer, or maybe do...other things? But even with that amazingly enticing offer he was bound and determined to get as early a start as possible. If he was anything he was dedicated. It could be argued that refusing that obvious offer was pretty stupid though.

"Jenkins!" Sir DeLancy yelled when he found out his squire was not in any of the downstairs rooms.

"I heard you!" Jenkins said as he stumbled through the kitchen door, his robe spotted with hay, still half asleep.

"What'd you do? Spend the night in the barn?" Sir DeLancy asked, more in jest then for any other reason.

"If you must know, yes!" Jenkins replied, "It was quieter!" Not that I got that much sleep, he thought, a smile on his face. Gertrude was even more demanding as a donkey, but he hadn't had any problems keeping up with her demands. Nope, not at all. In fact the longer it went on, the better he'd 'performed'! It had been amazing! His smile got even wider as his penis gave a hopeful stir in its sheath. Later, he promised.

Sir DeLancy eyed his squire's back as he began making breakfast, and thought, I wonder if...? But, no, he wouldn't! Would he? He started to ask another question a couple of times, but finally decided to leave it alone. It wasn't any of his business after all, and they did love one another. But still..., nope, none of his business.

A short time later Megan came wandering in and took over the breakfast fixings so Jenkins could take care of the animals. Sir DeLancy occupied himself with oiling and polishing his mail shirt, which was a constant chore as otherwise it took an amazingly short period to time for it to get rusty, and a knight in rusty armor was less...imposing. Appearance was part of the creed.

"Well?" Bodkins asked as Jenkins filled a hay rick for him and the other 'livestock'.

"Well, what?" Jenkins replied.

"Come on, you know!" Bodkins snorted in amusement, "Was being a stallion as...enjoyable as I said it was?"

"Even more so." Jenkins replied as he filled a feedbag for Gertrude, and left to take it to her.

"Well, I'm glad for you both, and thank you." Bodkins said.

"What do you mean?" Jenkins asked.

"I don't know how much longer I would have been able to resist her need," Bodkins said, "You don't know how hard it was, with her being like that. I AM an animal you know, and sooner or later we'd have had no choice and nature would have taken its course. When it comes to being in season, well, the human part has to take a back seat."

"I'm glad it was me too," Jenkins said, "and not you. I guess maybe its good I'm like...this, at least until we find a way to change back. Bodkins didn't reply, just gave a snort of agreement.

When Jenkins entered Gertrude's stall she was lying on her stomach resting, but gave an eager snort when she saw the feedbag. She was starving! Being serviced half the night by a...stallion, had made her ravenous.

"About last night," Jenkins said, "I don't regret it, not at all."

"It wasn't just bestial rutting, you know." Gertrude replied, "I'm really glad it was you, and not Bodkins. Oh, don't get me wrong, he's a nice enough fellow, at least as a horse. But I don't...love him. If it had been him, that's all it would have been, animals rutting."

Jenkins sat down next to Gertrude, and taking her head in his hands he gave her a kiss on the top of her nose, and said, "I love you, and we'll find a way to get us both back to normal, I promise."

"Even if we don't," Gertrude said, "I'd still be happy, as long as you want me."

"Then you'll be happy for a very long time." Jenkins said, giving her muzzle another kiss.

As Gertrude nuzzled Jenkins she gave soft groan of affection, his strong male scent was...comforting, and what they had done last night. She shivered; she wanted more of that strange intense pleasure! She took a deeper breath of his scent, and felt a chill run down her spine. Oh, NO!

"Jenkins," Gertrude said, "take off your robe!"

"What?" Jenkins said, "I really don't think we have the time."

"No, not for that!" Gertrude snorted, "Just take it off!"

With shrug, Jenkins did as she asked, and since he hadn't had time to put on his 'harness' yet that left him naked except for his shoes.

"Oh, Hells Bells!" Gertrude snorted in horror.

What? Jenkins thought, why was she so upset, she'd seen him before! It wasn't like they were strangers anymore. Then he looked down at himself, and passed out.

"Wake up!" Gertrude said, gently licking Jenkins face. "Wake up!"

With a moan Jenkins sat up, and looked down at himself again. There was no doubt about it, he'd changed some more! There was a line of dirty white fur running up from his crotch to a tuft on his chest, and the slick black coloring of his equine sex had spread, his sheath even more developed.

"Stand up!" Gertrude said, and as Jenkins got unsteadily to his feet she circled around him, and said, "Damnation, its worse on your back and rear!"

By turning his head Jenkins was horrified to see much of his back was covered in dark gray fur, and his rump had gray and white fur over it, the fur thickest just above his tail.

"Gertrude!" Jenkins moaned, "W-What happened!! You didn't...!?!"

"No," Gertrude said, "of course not! I can't make a potion like this anyway. It was the sex! I should have known! Since we were both transformed by the same potion, when we mated it renewed the potions potency! So you changed some more, and...!! Quick, see if my human nipples are still there!!"

Jenkins crouched next to Gertrude, and running his fingers through the fur on her upper chest he found only smooth skin. "Nothing!" He said.

"Oh DAMN!" Gertrude snorted, "I've finished changing all the way! And my...my heat, it's worse! Oh...SHIT!"

And Jenkins realized she was right, her scent was much more powerful, and he felt his penis stirring in its sheath. God how he wanted her again!

"W-What are we going to do!?" Jenkins said, panic in his voice.

"We...we can't mate anymore!" Gertrude said, "It won't affect me anymore, at least physically, but my human mind will start to degrade all the way into an animals, and you'll keep changing physically. We'll...fuck ourselves into animals for good, no human memories left!"

"Oh no," Jenkins said, "I...I don't know if I can resist! M-My need, it's even stronger then before last night! Y-Your scent!"

"I'll give myself to Bodkins," Gertrude said, "he won't have any choice, not now, I'm in full blown estrus. But you'll need to find some other way; the potion won't be activated if you were to...to service Brunhilda or Suzie."

"But I...I...they're animals!" Jenkins said.

"And you will be TOO if you don't!" Gertrude said, "If you come to me again, damn it, I won't be able to resist! I want you so badly, I LOVE you! But we CAN'T! Do you understand that? It's the worst possible thing we could do!"

"Yes." Jenkins said, nodding his head morosely. It was so...so unfair! Now they couldn't even show their love for one another without suffering a horrible fate!

"Look," Gertrude said as she gently nuzzled Jenkins face, "It's only until I can make the antidote, then we'll be free to make love to one another as often as we want. I can wait, if you can."

"Very well, I think I can do it." Jenkins said. "But what do we tell the others?"

"We tell them nothing, it would just worry them." Gertrude replied, "With your robe on your new changes aren't noticeable at all. Bodkins might figure it out, but I can have a word with him about the new...development."

"I already know." Bodkins said.

Jenkins jumped about five feet in the air, and yelped, "Damn you Bodkins; don't DO that!" Gertrude gave an angry snort.

"Sorry," Bodkins said, "but I pretty much couldn't help overhearing your little chat." And he flicked his ears to make his point. "I could hear you all the way over at the other end of the barn. Didn't mean to eavesdrop."

"Can we trust you to keep silent about this?" Gertrude asked.

"Just because I'm a horse, it doesn't mean I can't keep a secret!" Bodkins said in a hurt sounding voice, "Don't worry, I won't tell anybody."

"Thanks," Gertrude said, and gave the large stallion a nibble on his own muzzle, much to his delight.

"Me too," Jenkins said, "you're a good friend."

Bodkins backed up a little as Jenkins approached him, and said, "You're not going to kiss me too, are you?"

Jenkins just chuckled as he stroked the horse's neck, and said, "Don't worry, you're not my type." Gertrude snorted in amusement.

Megan looked up as Jenkins entered the kitchen, and said, "Good, I was beginning to think you'd been carried off by the Dragon! Watch the bacon for me; I need to fetch something from one of the saddlebags in the barn. Thanks."

Megan entered the barn, and after poking around finally found Gertrude in one of the wagon stalls, happily munching a bag of oats.

"What are you doing here?" Meagan asked, "I thought you were in a stall next to the others."

"Mmff," Gertrude snorted, "Quieter and more, um, private."

"You and Jenkins, you...didn't! Did you?" Megan asked.

"So what if we did?" Gertrude retorted, "He certainly has the right equipment! Besides, it's none of your damn business!"

"Oh, no, it's not that," Megan said, "I'm glad for both of you, I think you both really, um, needed it."

"And how," Gertrude said, "it's like nothing I can even begin to describe."

"Well, please don't then," Megan said, "I'm NOT that curious about the details, thank you."

"Hmph," Gertrude said with a snort, "You don't know what you're missing."

"Well, my own stallion is quite enough for me, I have no complaints." Megan replied, and Gertrude gave a squeal of amusement.

"But, seriously," Megan said, "I didn't come here to compare the, um, capabilities of our lovers, we need to tell them!"

"What, no way!" Gertrude snorted.

"They need to know, we owe them at least that much!" Megan insisted.

"Tell them what, exactly?" Gertrude said, "That we know the Dragon, that he's a FRIEND of ours? Do you think that would make any difference? He's a KNIGHT, and you know how they are! They're not happy unless they're chopping something up into smaller pieces!"

"Or saving fair maidens?" Megan said quietly.

"Yes, OK," Gertrude said, "granted, he's a NICE Knight, not an arrogant prick like most of them, but he IS a knight! How do you think he'll react when he finds out about our unusual 'friend'? Probably burn us at the stake!"

"And you know what will happen if he still insists on this stupid quest." Megan said, "And what about Jenkins? You know he'll be in the thick of it, and if Brian goes down, so will he!"

"Brian?" Gertrude asked.

"It's Sir DeLancy's first name," Megan said, "We're on a first name basis now."

"Oh-ho," Gertrude said, "So it's that serious, is it? Well, can't say that I blame you, he is a hunk."

"It's more than just sex," Megan said, "he's...he's different from the other males I've known. He doesn't treat me like a anim...piece of property."

"Hah, you meant like an animal?" Gertrude snorted, "Well, he does treat me like an animal."

"Gertrude," Megan pointed out, "You ARE an animal."

"You're right," Gertrude said, "And I didn't mean it like that, it's just that, well, this...sucks. Now that I've been one I'll never turn another person into an animal again."

"Not even if they deserve it?" Megan replied.

"Well, it would on the circumstances," Gertrude said, "But I'll never forgive myself for trying to do it to Jenkins, I'm glad it happened to me, and not him. I don't know, maybe I deserve to be like this the rest of my life, however long a donkey lives."

"Don't be stupid," Megan said, stroking the donkey's muzzle, "We'll find a way to get you restored. I'll study your spellbook, maybe if I practice I can do it. With you to tell me what to do I should be able to get the potion right."

"Well, thanks." Gertrude said, "You're a good friend, you know that? Only real one I've ever had. No one's ever cared about me before."

"Well," Megan said, "you have more people who care about you now. Now, what do we tell them?"

"Look, I agree, we do need to tell them," Gertrude said, "But let's wait until later in the day."

"Very well," Megan agreed, "but not too much later. I'll send Pip ahead with a message for our...friend, so at least he'll be expecting us. You know he doesn't like unexpected surprises."

Jenkins and Sir DeLancy looked up as Megan entered the kitchen, and Sir DeLancy said,

"Megan, where have you been? We've finished eating, and your breakfast is getting cold."

"I can heat it up for you, if you want." Jenkins said.

"Oh, no, that's all right," Megan said, "Suzie picked up a stone in one of her hooves, so I had to take care of that. Otherwise they're ready to move out."

"Well, that's good, glad you noticed," Sir DeLancy said, "a lame animal would be a major problem. Jenkins, I'm surprised you didn't notice it."

"Could have sworn I checked," Jenkins said, "but I have to admit I was pretty exhausted last night."

"Well, yes, I don't think any of us got much sleep." Sir DeLancy said, "But, regardless, we need to be getting on our way. Megan, you put out the fire while Jenkins and I get the animals ready."

Fording the shallow river they soon entered rather dense woods, and as they rode along the gloomy road; which showed no signs of recent use, they kept pretty quiet and Sir DeLancy rode with his hand on the hilt of his sword. But there was no sign of any other life except for the occasional bird or squirrel, said squirrels taking objection to their presence and bouncing acorns off their heads with uncanny accuracy.

"I don't think I much care for this place." Bodkins muttered after awhile, speaking for all of them.

"Where's Pip?" Jenkins asked, craning his neck as he looked for the smallest member of their company.

"Oh," Megan said, "probably off in the woods visiting relatives, there are several flights of fairy dragons in these woods; they prefer the older growths you know. They live in small caves or large hollow trees.

"Flights?" Jenkins asked, curious.

"That's what you call a family of fairy dragons," Megan told him, "there is usually a dominant mated couple, then an extended family of their children and relatives. They're pretty territorial, each flight has its own territory, and if another flight enters it uninvited there's usually a fight. But there are loners as well, unmated adults or older young like Pip. She'll find a mate someday, and leave to be with him."

"How do you know so much about fairy dragons?" Sir DeLancy asked.

"Um, well," Megan stammered, "Having one living with me made me curious about their habits, so I did a little research. Fascinating little creatures. They're quite intelligent you know."

"Well, I'm sure Pip is at least smarter than Bodkins." Jenkins said.

"Hey! Not nice!" Bodkins snorted.

"So true." Gertrude said.

"Milord!" Bodkins snorted.

"Jenkins, Gertrude, shut up." Sir DeLancy said; a big smile on his face. Things were pretty much getting back to normal.

At least the woods were fairly cool after the hot sun, but on the down side were gloomy as well, and by the time they reached a large clearing everyone was on edge, convinced a whole army of brigands, or a half a dozen assorted monsters, were lurking behind every tree and bush waiting to pounce. Truthfully, only a few squirrels and one rather old and decrepit raccoon had paid them any attention at all.

As they crossed the clearing they noticed the road branched ahead, and drew up when they also saw the road signs. The signs were fairly old and weathered, but the lettering on them was fairly clear. They read,

Sign #1, 'Here There Be Monsters, Sign #2, 'Dragon', with an arrow pointing to the left branch in the road. Sign #3, 'Dragon, really big mean ugly one.', with an arrow pointing to the right branch in the road.

"Good Heavens!" Bodkins snorted.

"No one said anything about TWO Dragons!" Sir DeLancy blurted incredulously.

"Well, this is certainly ominous and foreboding." Jenkins said.

"I vote we go back to the mill to think this over." Bodkins said.

"Yes," Jenkins said, "I agree, we really need to think about this for a day or two."

"Or at least a week." Bodkins said.

"Yes, and in the meantime we can build a giant crossbow." Jenkins said

"Bodkins, Jenkins, SHUT UP!" Sir DeLancy said quietly. "This in no way changes the objective of our quest, the only question now is, which Dragon do we kill first?"

"I KNEW he was going to say that!" Jenkins said.

The End

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