Treasure Seeker: The Desert Fox
Treasure Seeker Chapter 5: The Desert
Hello again everybody! Well, I decided to get up off my butt and write another chapter. I really like how this story is turning out in regards to the characters and the plot. Now on to the bit in front of every story: I know you guys are busy and stuff, but please take the time to comment and rate. It is frustrating to spend hours and get very few comments. However, to those who do comment, THANK YOU!!! As I have aspirations to be a professional writer, I need the feedback, so give it to me PLEASE!
A special thanks to those who offered to proof read my work. However, due to issues of idea theft in the past, I am very VERY careful about whom I trust. Thanks for your offer though, much appreciated.
Isaiah is locked in the claws of a power hungry maniac. Despite his death, Hamman Shreer's presence is still felt in Isaiah. His soldiers continue his reign of terror and the Desert Fox, Cratus, is nowhere to be seen. Can life and love continue to exist in a climate that seems so intent on destroying both. Two armies, two leaders, a dozen hearts, all will need to exist as one to stop the coming tide.
Night fell heavily on the city of Isaiah, a warm, wet wind blowing though the city as heavy clouds swept across the sky. In the city square, torches lit the area around the gallows, bathing the area in a flickering light. As always, a crowd had gathered to watch the hangings. The crowd was smaller than any other night, many of the onlookers dressed in cloaks covering their faces against the rain that was heavy in the air. There were always a few onlookers but many were afraid and did not wanting to be a target of anger when the stress level in the city finally broke and turned into revolt.
Rassa winced and turned his head as yet again the trap door opened and an unfortunate thief, a teenage weasel, dropped about half a meter before the rope around his neck caught him. There was the sound of rope tightening and of the prisoner's last breath. For a few moments, the thief's legs kicked, trying desperately to find sure footing. The executioner never used a hood, ensuring that the crowd could witness the suffering of the condemned before they finally died. There was a low murmur of excitement from the crowd as the thief's kicking became more frantic, his struggle for footing more desperate, his body straining against his bonds as the rope slowly spun him around.
Rassa looked away from the struggles of the doomed weasel and looked at the chains around his wrists and the collar on his neck. Ahead of him were only three other people, standing in a line awaiting their deaths. He stood at the foot of the gallows,a few meters away from the stairs that led up onto the platform. The gallows had two sets of stairs and two executioners. Each one would be responsible for their own line of convicts.
The weasel's desperate struggles ceased and he flopped forward, giving up the struggle for his life. Below the gallows, a pair of rats put up a ladder and hoisted the body down, tossing it onto a cart with a dozen or so other bodies to be hauled away and buried in the desert.
On the rooftop of a nearby building a guard stood quietly, observing the executions. His foot tapped up and down on the ground and the guard yawned, relieved that his shift would be over soon. Suddenly, he felt sharp steel against his throat. Before he could even move, the guard was dragged backwards and hit hard in the side of the head with a stone. There was a nasty cracking sound and the smell of blood permeated the air.
Drayder crept to the edge of the roof, a legion of archers with him. They were all dressed in black and had hoods covering their faces, their faces also covered by black masks. However, Drayder knew that beneath every mask was a face, a face itching for revenge. The archer took their positions at the edge of the roof, each aiming at a soldier down in the square.
"Hold fire boys." Drayder whispered, "Wait until the general is in place."
Rassa's breath quickened as the line shuffled forwards and the prisoner closest to the stairs was taken off the chain and dragged up the stairs. He felt terror but refused to let it grip him, focusing instead on the hope that Zenn would be alright. Rassa knew that Zenn would more than likely be okay; she wasn't a criminal and she was pregnant. Rassa doubted that even the cruelest executioner would sacrifice an innocent life that had yet to even be born. "At the very least." Rassa thought, "Zenn will have another six months before she gives birth, more than enough time for her to escape or for someone to save her."
Rassa's thoughts were so focussed on Zenn that he barely noticed when the line moved forward again. Now only one person, a young stoat, was between Rassa and the gallows. The movement brought Rassa back to his senses and he looked up at the gallows. His jaw dropped open as he saw Zenn being dragged up the stairs on the other side of the platform. As the executioner slipped the rope around Zenn's neck Rassa began screaming.
"ZENN! ZENN! YOU BASTARDS YOU CAN'T DO THIS! YOU EVIL SCUM SUCKING BASTARDS! ZZZEEEENNNNN!!!!"
The executioner looked over at Rassa and then at Zenn and sighed in annoyance. "Shut him up." he called to the soldiers "Don't let him interfere."
As the soldiers moved forward, Rassa continued to scream, "ZENN!, ZENN!!!"
Zenn's head turned toward Rassa and she gasped, "Rassa!"
Drayder was looking over the city through a spy glass, searching for Cratsu's signal when he heard Rassa's frantic screaming coming from down in the square. His ears pricked up at the sound of Zenn's name and his spy glass immediately turned towards the gallows. "Name's Zenn, female, otter, around the right age." he muttered. He noticed the rope around her neck and swore, "Oh DAMN!" he turned to one of his archers, "Your bow NOW!"
The archer quickly handed over his bow and arrows, "Yes Sir!"
As soon as the bow was in his hand, Drayder notched an arrow and drew the string back as far as he could. Closing one eye he took careful aim at the gallows. His aim was steady but his heart was racing as he saw the guards beat down the screaming otter in the line opposite his target. The executioner began to reach for the lever that would drop the girl and Drayder pulled the arrow back just a little farther. "Please don't miss." he whispered as he loosed the shaft from his bow.
The executioner stepped forward and extended a paw forward, reaching for the trap door lever. Before she could grab the lever, an arrow came out of nowhere and slammed into her paw with such force that it knocked her hand away and pinned it to the deck of the gallows. The executioner stared in fascination at the arrow sticking through her paw. As the original shock wore off and her blood began dripping onto the platform, the executioner howled in pain.
Zenn was so shocked at the turn of events that she almost didn't notice the arrow that came arching in at her and slammed into the rope around her neck, cutting it cleanly about a meter away from her head. Before the rope even dropped, Zenn was moving like a streak. The second executioner, who had gone to help his partner, was knocked clean off the platform by a ferocious kick to his throat. As Zenn made for the stairway, the burly otter who had tried to rape her came striding up onto the platform, sword out and a shield raised in the direction from which the arrows had come.
He grinned, "Fancy bit of luck that." he licked the blade, "But not enough to save you. My buddies will take care of anybody who is standing against us, so we won't be disturbed . You should have taken up my offer and enjoyed my company while you still had the chance. Now I gotta face a court to explain myself. I'm gonna carve you up, little bit-" His words were cut off as a hatchet came sailing through the air and with a 'thunk' buried itself in his brain. The otter blinked once in surprise, a line of blood crossing his face, before he crashed forward, stone dead before he even hit the ground.
A great cry rose up from the streets all around as soldiers came pouring out of alleyways and buildings. All throughout the crowd around the gallows, beasts threw off their cloaks and pulled out swords and axes and brutally attacking the soldiers nearby. Arrows rained down from the rooftops, killing scores upon scores of Shreer's soldiers.
Coming from one of the main streets, marching proudly, came Isaiah's main force, nearly eight hundred soldiers. Cratus himself, at the back of the army, pulled out his sword and shouted, "CHARGE!!!" In a thunderous wave of noise, the main army pulled out their weapons and charged, breaking up into smaller groups and spreading throughout the city like a swarm of deadly ants.
"I'm sorry Shreer." Cratus thought as he pressed the attack, "I had promised myself that I would absolve your soldiers by putting them through the same excruciating punishments as you put my people through... but I simply can't. They will have to settle for quick deaths and find atonement in the afterlife."
The battle lasted only a few moments while the battle for the entire city lasted for only a few hours. After the first hour the people of Isaiah had risen up, energized by the news of the Desert Fox's return. Shreer's soldiers were driven to the shores of the ocean before being forced out into the water. The ones who were fighting on the docks drowned as their armour dragged them down to the bottom. The few soldiers who survived the initial attack and surrendered where given over to the people of Isaiah.
As soon as Zenn's chains were removed she dashed out into the crowd to find Rassa. Rassa was lying on the ground, blood coming out of his nose and his eyes squeezed shut in pain. The soldiers had beaten him badly before they had been cut down. However, at the sound of Zenn's voice, Rassa's eyes slid open a little. He looked up at Zenn and smiled, "You're safe... I am... so... glad."
Zenn reached forwards and pulled Rassa up into her arms, crying into his shoulder. Rassa smiled and lifted his arms as well, holding Zenn in as tight a hug as his body could handle. The pain still throbbed through his body, but for the first time in months, Rassa truly felt calm.
***
The sun was just beginning so show in the eastern horizon as the battle for Isaiah came to a close. The last of Shreer's soldiers were either dead or shivering naked in the deepest dungeon of the city. The executioners had both been literally ripped apart by the angry mob that had swarmed through the city. Now, Cratus stood on the gallows platform, his armour off and his sword held by one of his soldiers. Before him stood the entire city population, waiting to hear what Cratus had to say. Behind him., lying on the floor of the gallow platform, the captain of Shreer's guard, the remaining executioners and some of Shreer's top lieutenants lay tied up, bound and gagged so they couldn't move.
"My people." Cratus called out, "You and my forces together have completely crushed the last remnants of Shreer and his reign of terror" The crowd stayed silent as Cratus continued, "However, I can't deny that your suffering was the result of my weakness. I will not beg for your forgiveness. I have given you all your freedom, now use it as you will."
Cratus walked forward and jumped off of the platform onto the ground. Grabbing a torch, he tossed the flame onto a pile of oil soaked rags beneath the gallows. With a roar, the structure was engulfed in flames and Cratus walked slowly forward, the crowd opening for him. Drayder came up behind him and placed a paw on Cratus's shoulder, "You highness, are you sure you want to do this?"
Cratus nodded, "Yes, I am sorry Drayder, but stay here. If I die, you are in command." Slowly striding forward Cratus called out, "My people, I am a general of the military, a destroyer and a creator. That fact has left me opportunities in the past, opportunities which I know pass on to each and every one of you. I offer you no explanation for your hell, no explanation for my weakness, instead I offer you myself. If there is one person, anyone of you, who wishes to end my life because of what has happened, do so now. The one who does so will be granted full protection by my military and my assurances that you will not be harmed."
Cratus walked calmly through the crowd, his head held high and his body relaxed. All around him, the people looked at each other and murmured, their voices rising and falling as Cratus passed. He had only taken a few steps when a rat leapt out of the crowd, a sword in his hand. Cratus froze and the Rat walked slowly forward.
"Twenty of my family members, the Hanuka clan, were killed and both my daughters raped by Shreer's soldiers." The rat raised his sword, "These are crime for which there must be a price." With a quick motion the rat moved the point of his sword to indicate the burning gallows. "That price has just been paid, paid by those responsible, those who are now being burned to ash. My lord, my clan and the empire have never seen eye to eye, we have even fought battle, spilled each others blood."
In a lightning fast motion, the rat stabbed the sword into the ground and knelt down on one knee, "But you my lord, you guide through actions and conscience. You have my support and my thanks."
Cratus smiled, "Thank you." He continued to walk forward, "Your support is very much appreciated. We will discuss this in greater detail later."
Cratus continued his slow walk through the crowd of Isaiah. About halfway through the crowd, Cratus began coughing, by he stayed upright, is arms at his side. A little blood leaked out of the corner of his mouth. He waved his hand behind him as he heard his soldiers coming to his aid, continuing his walk slowly and deliberately, his eyes squeezed shut from pain. When he reached the end of the square, Cratus turned and opened his eyes. The entire city of Isaiah was bowing down to him, everyone down on one knee.
"You will all follow me." Cratus asked, his voice choked.
"YES, YOUR MAJESTY!" roared the crowd in unison.
Cratus simply stood and stared as the city bowed before him. Slowly at first, and then with increasing intensity, rain started to pour from the clouds onto the city and the desert around. Within minutes the populace was jumping up and down, celebrating at the sign of fortune raining from the sky. Cratus simply watched and Drayder walked up along side him, "Sir, I have some good news."
Cratus turned, "What is it?"
"The Otter you mentioned, the one named Zenn." Drayder whispered into Cratus's ear, "I believe that we have found her sir."
"That is why you attacked early?"
"Yes sir."
Cratus nodded, "I see... find her and inform me of her location. I will go and pay her a visit myself, it is time to find out just what this war is all about." Suddenly Cratus went into another coughing fit and collapsed to the ground. His body shook as the coughing fit subsided, leaving a few blood splatters on the ground. His breathing was heavy but calmed as the attack subsided.
"I will go sir." Drayder knelt down beside Cratus, "Your body needs to recuperate, you'll die if you don't rest."
"Don't patronize me." Cratus groaned, "I should be able to accomplish at least-" Cratus stopped as another coughing fit racked his body.
"I'll go sir." Drayder said firmly, "You rest."
***
In the bedroom his apartment Rassa groaned in pain as Kassari finished stitching up a cut on his forehead. Zenn sat beside Rassa's bed, holding Rassa's paw and gently rubbing a salve on a nasty bruise on his chest. The soldiers had been brutal in their attack, beating Rassa to within an inch of his life.
"Stop moaning." Kassair said in a joking tone, pulling another stitch closed, "You wouldn't believe how many times I've had this done to me." She very gently looped the thread around and tied a quick knot, cutting the thread with a small knife. She quickly ran her finger along the stitch to make sure it was satisfactory before sitting back and rubbing her hands off on a damp towel.
Rassa groaned lightly against and gasped, "Yeah but... I'm not military."
Kassari chuckled as she stepped back, "And it shows, you big baby. You are fine Rassa, just a few bumps and bruises, maybe a few cuts." she looked over at Zenn, "I don't think I need to check you over, you seem okay. You didn't scream like a maniac and get yourself beaten to a pulp."
Zenn nodded and looked down at Rassa, nuzzling her head against Rassa's chest. "Now we both have some scars." she said softly, reaching up with her hand and softly stroking Rassa's cheek.
"Now, you two will have to ease off on the 'personal time'." Kassari said with a smile, "Rassa's body is in no condition to deal with undo stress."
Zagain, Kassari's mate, stepped into Rassa's apartment and walked forward. In a low voice he said, "The last remnants of Shreer's forces are gone, either dead or in captivity. The Desert Fox is now completely back in control of the city."
"And not a moment to soon." Kassari said softly, "Zenn and Rassa nearly were executed last night. I wasn't to far off and niether were you Zagain." She said softly, going up to her husband and giving him a hug. Zagain tenderly wrapped his arms around Kassari and pulled her into a encompassing embrace, his huge arms easily wrapping around Kassari's smaller body.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you." he said softly, pulling away and looking into Kassari's eyes. "I wasn't there when you needed me."
Kassari smiled and hugged Zagain tighter, her arms barely reaching around Zagain's body, "Silly, that's okay. Just promise me that the next time I'm in danger, don't put yourself in a bad spot okay?"
Zagain shook his head, "I have already promised myself, I will kill anyone who tries to hurt you."
Kassari leaned up and gave Zagain a deep kiss. After pulling away she smiled, "That's just one more reason why I picked you."
A knock sounded at the door, causing Rassa, Zenn, Zagain and Kassair to look over. The sound had not been flesh on wood, but rather metal on wood. Zagain looked at Kassari and Zenn before slowly turning and walking forward. He pulled open the door, sizing himself up as much as possible, his size intimidating.
Outside the door, stood a skunk dressed in black clothing and armour along with three other soldiers. He instinctively took a step back as Zagain took a step forward and asked, "What do you want here?"
Drayder cleared his throat, his eyes never leaving the fists of the Wolverine before him, "My name is Colonel Drayder, I am with General Cratus's elite guard. I am looking for a female Otter who goes by the name Zenn. Does she live here."
"Why are you looking for this person." Zagain said, his voice masking a threat, "What business do you have with her."
"It is okay Zagain." Kassari said, sliding past her husband to stand before Drayder, "This one is a friend." She put her hands on her hips, "Been a while boys."
"Kassari?" Drayder asked in surprise, "Captain Kassair Fi, of the imperial guard!? What are you doing here?"
"That's what I want to know from you." Kassari said sharply, "And don't lie, you know how well I can read you. I want to know why you are here and why you have brought soldiers with you."
Drayder nodded, "Very well, you deserve at least some respect. It is clear from your words that this otter is familiar to you. But I wonder, do you know everything about her."
Before Kassari could say anything, Zenn stepped out around Zagain and walked forwards. 'It's okay Kassari, Zagain, I will deal with this."
"You are Zenn?" Drayder asked, recognition registering in his brain as he looked the otter up and down. "This is her, I am sure of it." he thought.
"Yes," Zenn said, walking forward slowly, her muscles tensed and her heart racing,, "I am Zenn Jamisil. What do you want with me?"
"The General wants to speak with you." Drayder answered cautiously, noting the readied stance that Zenn had taken. He raised a paw, "He offers you his undying word that you will not be harmed in any way, he just wants to talk. He is curious about you, about who you are."
With a nod, Zenn stepped forward. "I will go, I accept your assurances that nothing will happen to me or anyone else here.."
***
Sallis eyes slid open and he sat bolt upright in his bed. His breathing came in gasps as he felt a burning pain from his torso. He looked down and stared at the bandage wrapped around his stomach, the place where he had driven his sword a few nights ago. Sallis had simply not been able to kill Rayle or Yulan, settling instead for the only escape open to a soldier who could not disobey orders.
There was a rustling from the darkest corner of the tent. Out of the darkness, Rayle stepped forward. Sallis could see a look of anger in Rayles eyes as he stepped slowly forward. "Why Sallis?" Rayle asked, his tone bitter, "Why now, and why do it at all?
Sallis sighed, "Because that is the only route that I, as a soldier, could use to escape from my duty. My orders were to kill you and Yulan as you slept, but I simply could not go through with it."
"And who charged you with this duty Sallis?" Rayle said, his approach complete as he came to stand beside Sallis's bed.
"Your father, the king of Avalon."
Rayle gulped down his surprise and nodded, "Please continue."
"Your father ordered me to end your life if you didn't proceed in a violent and vengeful manner. He also ordered me to end Yulan's life if the two of you joined together. It was he who allowed her to join the army in the first place. It was also his assassins that attacked her some nights ago. He also told me that you have a twin brother, one who will take your place if you fail to destroy Isaiah." Sallis's gaze shifted lower, "That, and your father ordered me to tell you that Zenn Jamisil was alive."
"So she is dead?" Rayle asked.
Sallis nodded, "She is nothing but bone by now, buried along with her comrades under these very sands."
Rayle nodded slowly, forcing himself to take the information in slowly. His own father had ordered one of Rayle's most trusted advisors and friends to kill his own son. For some reason, the thought did not send panic through Rayle, only a burning hatred. It was no secret to Rayle that his father was devious and sly, sometimes even cruel.
"However," Rayle ground his teeth furiously, "This has gone to far." With a wirling of his cloak, Rayle turned away from sallis and strode out of the tent, pausing only to say, "Sallis, you are now under my command, that is an order from the future ruler of Avalon, its rightful heir."
"Where are you going now my lord?" Sallis asked.
Rayle paused for a moment, "This war.... is over. I need to go and speak with the Desert Fox about how to settle all of this. After that... we're heading home."
Sallis nodded, "Then I shall come along."
"But you're wounded."
"I would never," Sallis said proudly, drawing himself up to his full hieght, "allow something like this prevent me from doing my duty, of protecting you sir."
***
Cratus stood and bowed as Zenn, led by Drayder, entered his personal chambers. Cratus was dressed in a light brown tunic with silver trimming. His appearance was an odd combination of regal bearing and suffering illness. As Drayder moved to close the door behind him, Cratus raised a hand, "It's okay Drayder, you can go. I think I have a few things to discuss in private."
"As you command sir." Drayder said, bowing and making an exit. His eyes flicked over to Zenn as if to warn her, before turning and leaving the room.
As the door clicked shut, Cratus walked forward, extending a paw towards an elaborate couch, "Please take a seat, we have a lot to talk about."
Zenn cautiously sat down,her muscles tensed and ready to attack or be attacked. Cratus took a seat opposite Zenn, his eyes never leaving hers. Zenn felt as if his gaze was burrowing into her and it was making her nervous. As she sat, Cratus commented, "You move and sit as one who has had royal training, your movements are graceful but full of purpose."
Zenn shrugged, "I wouldn't know about that."
Cratus leaned forward, his tone intense, "You have some very good friends. One of them, Prince Rayle Avalon, commands an army of thousands, and that army is right outside of this desert. Their leader came to me, believing that I was holding you hostage as part of political plot. Because of this he is at the edge of the desert waiting to attack with over seventeen thousand soldiers. Now, I want you to explain why this might be."
Zenn sighed, her reluctance obvious, "I... that is..."
Cratus reached forward and grabbed one of Zenn's paws, holding it gently, "Listen, I promise that no harm will befall you. I just need to know what is going on so that I can defuse the situation. Stalling only makes this situation more dangerous and put the city at risk."
"My name is Zenn Jamisil. " Zenn answered softly, Cratus's reassurances boosting her confidence, "I am the daughter of duke Jamisil of the Federation of Rebel Allies. Our family was disgraced because of the war so it was up to me to regain our family honour. I joined the army and became a Hadron Knight. My comrades were defeated in the battle last year, all of them died except for me. I was rescued by Rassa."
"I am assuming that he was the one that Drayder told me about, the one who was screaming at you last night."
Zenn nodded, "Yes, he saved me and healed me after finding me on the battlefield. We... we have chosen each other as mates since then."
Cratus smiled, "He saved your life you know. If he hadn't been screaming like that then Drayder wouldn't have launched his attack before he was supposed too." His smile faltered and Cratus narrowed his eyes, "Now tell me truthfully, are you a spy of any kind? Passing information to the Rebellion? Sabotage?"
"No." Zenn shook her head fiercely, "i was never trained like that. I also... couldn't stand the idea of putting Rassa's city in danger, of putting my child's life in danger."
With a nod, Cratus stood and scratched his chin thoughtfully, "This is probably the best case scenario. Since the prince of Avalon finds out that you are alive and you can confirm my denials of any kind of political plot." Cratus sighed, "But still, how did he know that you were alive. All of my commanders have come to believe that the Rebel's defeat here left no survivors, a total victory." His eyes widened and he looked back at Zenn, "I am sorry, I forgot myself, I am talking about your comrades after all."
"No," Zenn said with a slow shake of her head, "They are dead, dead and gone. I have a life here in Isaiah now. My past is just as dead as my friends."
Cratus was about to say something when the door to his personal chambers opened and a messenger walked in. The messenger bowed and then raised her head, "General sir, the prince of Avalon is requesting an audience."
"Very good." Cratus nodded, "I will meet with him when he arrives."
The messenger saluted crisply "He is here sir."
Cratus raised his eyebrows "I see." he looked over at Zenn, "It would seem that this is a rather fortunate co-incidence."
***
Rayle's eyes widened in shock as Cratus entered the meeting room with Zenn by his side. A paralyzing shock ran up his body. "Was Sallis lying?" he thought to himself, his gaze shifting over to the Badger sitting beside him. One look was enough to tell Rayle that Sallis was just as surprised, his mouth slightly open and his eyes wide.
Cratus bowed, "Prince of Avalon, the fact that you are here with such a small party beotrays your trust in me, despite the fact that I am your enemy. However," Cratus smiled and walked towards on of the large high back chairs in the square room "I appreciate that trust. You are safe here."
"What treachery is this?" Rayle said, pointing over at Zenn, "She... she can't be here. She is dead, dead and buried under the sand!"
"But here she is." Cratus said lightly. "She is either a ghost or the real one."
"Or a plot, a plot concocted to throw me off!" Rayle said, jumping to his feet. "I don't know what you are planning Desert Fox" he spat the name like a curse "but it will not succeed."
"You are Rayle?" Zenn siad softly, "I am the one who was to marry you. I am the daughter of Duke Jamisil, the Silver Demon from the Alberecht wars."
"Fake!" Rayle shouted, "A fake!" His mind raced, the voices of all those who had told him that she was dead. "She's a bloody fake!"
"Your highness!" Sallis said, getting to his feet and grabbing the prince's shoulders. He grimaced in pain in his gut at the motion. He had had to try very hard to fight off the pain so that he could accompany Rayle. Shoving the pain aside, Sallis gripped Rayle shoulders, "Sire, we have no proof!"
Cratus also stood, his voice calm and controlled "I have no reason to trick you, prince of Avalon."
"Shut up!" Rayle's gaze and expression turned to one of pure venom, "Everyone is lying to me. My father, Sallis, the enemy." He turned to stalk out of the room, "My army will attack Isaiah and destroy it. We will then reverse course and head back for Avalon after resupplying at the city."
"You will not!" Cratus said, stepping in front of Rayle and spreading his arms out, "I am not lying to you. This is it! There is no reason to fight any more! You are no rebel leader, but a young person, like me. We have both been thrust into a war we don't want to fight! Your chess skills, they aren't good enough to beat me!"
"You are trying to trick me!" Rayle said fiercely, "I take offense to that." He raised a paw and pointed in Zenn's direction "That... that..." he looked over at Zenn, "That bitch over their will not fool me."
"Stop this!" Cratus grabbed at Rayles arm as he tried to storm out of the room. Cratus's grip was strong and held Rayle in place, "We can still save our soldiers lives! We don't have to fight this time!"
Rayle growled loudly and tried to shake Cratus off, "Let go." Sallis came up behind Rayle and grabbed his arm, preventing him from striking Cratus across the face. Rayle growled loudly and pulled his arm out of Sallis's grip. Rayle's arm sailed back and slammed into Cratus's chest, knocking him flat onto the floor with a yelp. Eyes narrowed and face etched with anger, Rayle stalked out of the room, Sallis and his body guards trailing behind.
As Rayle left, Drayder re-entered the room and ran up to Cratus still lying on the floor. His voice was panicked, "Sir, sir are you alright? Sir!"
Cratus was curled up on the ground, his body twitching and his eyes squeezed shut. His breathing came in gasps and blood ran out of the corner of his mouth, matting his brown fur. The pain was so intense that his feet pedalled on the ground as if he was trying to escape. His paws clutched tightly at the spot where Rayle had hit him, now a growing bloodstain on his uniform.
Drayder saw all of this and tenderly took Cratus into his arms. He turned to the guards standing around. His voice was like a dangerous poison as he spat, "Get the prince of Avalon. Find him and kill him."
"No!" Cratus said quickly, his voice choked by blood in his throat "Leave him be, no point in all hope dying here."
***
Cratus lay in the medical ward of his castle. His top lieutenants were just filing out, having just paid their last respects to their dying general. On the face of every last one of them glistened tears of grief and sorrow. Inside of the medical ward, Drayder was kneeling beside Cratus's bed, listening to his last commands.
"So," Cratus said, his voice weak and strained, "When Rayle's army attacks, abandon this castle. Move all forces to the interior of Isaiah and protect as many people as possible. Start evacuation by boat of the citizens to the imperial mainland. If you have to, destroy the city before Rayle gets his hands on it."
"Yes your highness." Drayder nodded, "It will be done as you command."
Cratus smiled, "Then that is all there is. Until my replacement arrives from Imperial headquarters, you are in command of my troops. You made a fantastic chess player. I am sure..." Cratus sighed deeply, "that you will checkmate our enemy."
Drayder nodded and stood. He placed one hand over his heart and the other he snapped into a salute, "I understand sir."
"One more thing..." Cratus said softly, "Don't kill the Prince of Avalon. He has a great deal to learn, but it is not beyond his capabilities. Besides... it would be so unfortunate to have such a chess player of such potential disappear."
"Yes sir."
"Then Drayder," a small smile crossed Cratus's face, "As commander of the city of Isaiah and the Issalis desert region, I declare that you, Vice General Drayder, are now in command of this area. All of my troops and assets now fall under your name. You may now take command."
"Thank you sir." Drayder saluted again, "I will not fail the empire. And..." for the first time tears leaked out of Drayder's eyes and ran down his cheeks, "i will not fail you, Damocles Cratus, my general, my friend."
"You never have."
One last time, Drayder bowed deeply. When he straightened he saluted and said loudly, "I, vice General Maquis Drayder, will now take command of the Issalis area. Sire, your presence has... has been... the brightest period in the history of this entire area. The people love you deeply, as do I sire."
Cratus found it hard to move his head as he nodded slowly, fatigue sweeping over him. A nurse came striding over to Drayder, "I am afraid I must ask you to leave. If he rests well, then maybe... there is a chance..."
Drayder nodded slowly, turned, and walked out of the room. He paused at the entranceway and looked back at Cratus one more time before disappearing around the corner.
Moving slowly, Cratus turned to the nurse, "Hey, Maiya, why did you lie to Drayder? Rest..." Cratus sighed and looked up at the ceiling "Rest isn't going to help me."
Maiya was a reverse coloured ferret, with silver furn on her back, arms and legs and brown fur on her belly that was visible coming up out of the collar of her nursing outfit. Her movements were slender and graceful usually, but today her movements where jerky and her attitude distressed.
For years Maiya had been a prisoner in an Imperial POW camp. She had been a nurse in a rebel army that had been forced to retreat, leaving the wounded and the medical camp in the dust. Maiya had lived in the camp for two years, waiting for rescue that never came, that is, until Cratus arrived. The doctors and their nurses were needed to help with a massive epidemic of fever that had been sweeping the Issalis area.
Maiya had fallen in love with Cratus's compassion and gentleness. After the epidemic had ended, he offered all of the doctors and nurses freedom in the empire. Those who refused were sent home, escorted by Imperial troops. Some, including Maiya had chosen to stay. Maiya had nearly worked her tail off to become one of Cratus's nursing staff. The two of them had become fast friends, both sharing their passion for saving people and for protecting those in need.
Maiya turned to Cratus, "Because I didn't want the last thing you thought about to be the army."
"You are a truly great person." Cratus said softly.
"Sleep." Maiya said, running her paw softly over Cratus's forehead. She smiled as Cratus's eyes slowly slid closed and he drifted into a peaceful sleep.
***
Later that night, Cratus was awakened by movement in the medical ward. He looked up and saw Maiya walking slowly forward. Her fur glistened in the moonlight streaming in through the window. She wore only a small white dressing gown that shone in the moonlight. As she approached Cratus's bed, she pulled off the night gown, leaving her body naked before Cratus's widening eyes.
Maiya noticed that Cratus was awake and quickly turned away, covering herself with her paws. However, after a few seconds she turned back, nervously dropping her paws to her sides. Her fur was silky and smooth, its reverse colouring adding an air of mysticallity to her appearance. Her breasts were a modest size and, with a delicate upturned quality. Her nether region was shadowed by the darkness, her legs modestly pressed together.
"What... what are you doing?" Cratus asked softly as Maiya walked forward and lifted the covers of his bed. Cratus couldn't help but blush a little as he felt himself becoming more and more aroused by Maiya's presence.
Maiya finished slipping under the covers and slid her arms around Cratus. She could feel the bandage around his chest where he had been struck by Rayle. She gasped a little in surprise as Cratus pulled her close. She could feel his warmth, his life as she touched every part of his body with hers. His warmth blended with hers and she felt totally contented to be wrapped in Cratus's embrace.
"Why are you here Maiya?" Cratus asked softly, nuzzling his nose into Maiya's neck fur.
Maiya sighed heavily, "You were always sick and there never seemed to be a good time to tell you..." she pulled away and looked directly into Cratus's eyes, "how I feel about you. Not Cratus the General, but Damocles the Fox."
Cratus smiled at Maiya and leaned in to kiss her. Just before his lips touched hers, Cratus whispered, "The same with me."
As they kissed, Cratus and Maiya slipped into an almost dreamlike trance. Their paws went up and down each other's bodies, slowly and delicately touching and feeling. Cratus's paws traced up and down Maiya's sides, every once in a while pausing to fondle her breast or to intertwine his fingers with his. Their heat blended together as they clutched softly at each other, neither rushing, both trying to draw the moment out for as long as possible.
Their joining was delicate and filled with warmth and love. As Cratus slipped inside of Maiya's heat, the two of the exhaled deeply before nuzzling each other. The two of them felt immense pleasure, both from the feeling generated by their physical coupling and by their joy at becoming one. For a moment, it felt as if the only two heartbeats in the entire world belonged to the two of them, two heartbeats in perfect synch.
Both Maiya and Cratus began moving slowly against each other. They both groaned and panted as their bodies filled with the fire and pleasure of love. Both their embrace and their movements were loving as they found pleasure from each other. Locked in a kiss, they continued to mate, both lying on their sides.
Wary of Cratus's weakness, Maiya rolled over so that she was on top. With Cratus buried inside of her up to his hilt she began moving her hips. Cratus groaned softly as he felt his member squeezed and massaged deep with in the warm wetness of Maiya. Maiya also felt a rush as pleasure washed over her, causing her to shiver and shake. She continued to sway her hips, raising herself up and down once in a while, pulling herself off of Cratus's member before dropping back down.
Cratus felt a buildup within him. He was approaching completion and from the sounds of it, so was Maiya. Cratus felt his knot swell and he groaned as it slipped into Maiya, tying his body even more tightly to hers.
Maiya felt the entrance of Cratus's knot into her and inhaled deeply. She could feel a well of feeling building up inside of her, just waiting to be let out. Her movements became faster and faster as she neared completion. Finally, a shudder racked her body as her orgasm hit. She groaned loudly as her orgasm hit her, sending bolts of pleasure throughout her entire body.
Below Maiya, Cratus also groaned. His own orgasm hit him at the same time as Miaya hit hers. Deep inside of her, Cratus's cock twitched and sent jets of sticky white cum into her receptive womb. The inside of her womb was coated with fox seed as Cratus emptied himself into Maiya. The feeling sent a wash of fulfillment and pleasure shooting through Cratus.
Exhausted, Maiya rolled over onto her side, Cratus rolling with her. Maiya could feel a burning warmth spreading throughout her lower regions. She sighed concentrating on the feeling and on Cratus beside her. His breathing was fast and his heart was beating rapidly but there was a satisfied look on his face. The two of them where tied together as they lay side by side, stroking each others faces tenderly.
After what seemed like an eternity, Cratus slipped out of Maiya and rolled onto his back. Maiya, disappointed by Cratus's movement, snuggled against his chest, her paws gripping his fur tightly. She felt his chest rising and falling and his heart beating. Unbidden tears came to Maiya's eyes as she remembered that soon, that heart would beat no more.
"Maiya." Cratus said softly, "Thank you."
Maiya sniffed and snuggled her face in Cratus's chest, "I couldn't bear to think that the last thing on your mind would be thoughts of war."
Cratus smiled softly, his eyes slowly beginning to close, "Thank you Maiya. I wish that..." his sentence stopped as he drifted off to sleep.
Maiya watched him for a while before climbing quietly out of the bed and walking over to where she had dropped her nightgown. She turned back, looking at the peaceful fox lying still in the bed. Pulling her night gown on she turned and walked back to the bed. She smiled and leaned in to give Cratus a kiss.
As soon as her lips touched Cratus's, Maiya pulled back. She quickly put a paw against Cratus's neck. After only a few seconds, her arm dropped to her sides and she sat down on the bed next to Cratus and ran her fingers through his fur gently. Tears ran down her face as she looked over the body of Damocles Cratus laying before her. His face was peaceful and calm, an small smile still on his face.
The next morning, the bells of Isaiah tolled well into the afternoon. People flooded the streets, openly grieving for their dead leader and friend. Even those who had fought against Cratus each bowed their heads in turn as his body was carried through the city to the place where he was to be buried, a small graveyard in the Eastern corner of the city where the first stones of Isaiah had been laid.
For days, the citizens of Isaiah could think of nothing but Cratus and all that he had done for them. However, a dust cloud on the horizon quickly pulled the people back into harsh reality. The army from Avalon was coming, war was once again coming to Isaiah. As the army scrambled to prepare the city for battle, a single question lay heavily over the land, without the desert fow, how could the army hope to survive?
I know that this chapter focussed rather heavily on General Cratus and company. I feel it is important to get to know all the characters well in an intricate storyline. Still... I liked him *sniff* it is always sad when I have to kill off a character, especially one with as much epic win as Cratus.
General Damocles Cratus (the Desert Fox)
Age: 25
Gender: Male
Height: 5 ' 9
Weight: 120 lbs
Birth date: June 5th, 1450 (Imperial Calendar)
Died: August 7th , 1475
Species: Fox
Fur Colour: Light Brown
Eye Colour: Orange
Hobby: Chess
Theme Song: "Freedom" by Micheal W Smith