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Ch. 3 Rescue of the Snow King

Light through the trees was just beginning to filter through the forest. A wisp of smoke rising from the dying embers of last night's fire. Nothing stirring from its occupants. Even old Baylor was fast asleep in the thick tall grass of a nearby oak.

Eyes still closed, he knew he had changed back. Back in the beginning the change brought with it thoughts of anger, fright and depression. Now, it was like putting on an old coat. Familiar, comfortable but most of all a feeling that this is who he truly was.

Turning his head he opened his eyes to look down at the form that was sharing his bed. Back in anthro form the dragon looks so small and delicate. Taking in a deep breath he smelled the heavy order of sweat and cum. Slowly pulling himself out of Nathan's embrace he stood. Pulling and squeezing his massive frame, working out the kinks and knots in his muscles. He stepped over to grab a towel and his clothes and walked evenly to the river's edge.

Nathan woke up and he slowly followed Aramis while silently staying hidden from view so as not to startle the paladin.

The anthro stopped and pulled out a bar of soap. Stepping into the cold water he felt just a pang of discomfort. A coat of fur and years of living outside toughened his reaction to such things. Dunking under the water he again stood rubbing the soap over his thick hard body. Reaching back in ran it down his black ass and pucker ending at his taint. Moving his hand to the front his began to clean out his sheath. Soaped hooved fingers delving inside to clean the folds and the piss slit of his flared head.

He turned and bent over, his fulsome ass and flagged tail out for all the world to see. He began to clean his feet, then ankles and moved up to his massive thighs. By the now the sun had crested over the mountains and the sun felt good on his naked body.

The dragon kept on watching the stallion as he felt his own cock start to grow hard at the mere sight of this magnificent creature before him. "I wish he could mate me in that form too," he thought softly.

Aramis's ear twitched from a noise near the riverbank. He turned quickly. He couldn't see anyone but the scent was overwhelmingly male. He sniffed the air again. "Odd," he said. "It smells of me". A smile began to cross his face. He reached into the water and pulled out a palm sized stone. Throwing it with pin point accuracy he let out a loud 'yelp' as he threw it at a nearby tree.

"Ouch!" came a voice from behind a tree. "Alright, I'm going," muttered the dragon as he walked back to camp. When he returned, he dressed and Two Fang was awake meowing for breakfast. Nathan offered some salmon and the screecat cub ate the first hole fish he was given.

Loud laughter filled the forest air. Aramis finished up his bath, dressed and returned to camp. Everyone was up and getting ready to continue their journey. He looked over at Nathan and the cub. He had to admit they did make for a cute pair. He wasn't completely sold on the idea of Nathan keeping the animal but at the moment he had more important things to worry about.

Grabbing the water skins he walked over to Nathan. "Would you please fill these?" As he turned he pinched his butt and said, "Did you enjoy the view?" before walking away.

Nathan blushed as he took the skins. "Can you watch over Two Fang for me please?" he asked before getting up and the cub hopped out of Nathan's arms and ran over to the anthro horse. He purred as he rubbed against Aramis' legs.

"I think he likes you," said a voice from behind. Turning, seeing the smiling face of his brother. "Umph" as he picked the cub up. "Here, you keep an eye on the furball. I've got to get Baylor fed, watered and saddled." Aramis could feel the howl coming from his brother as he walked away.

But Baylor pinned his ears back as Aramis approached him. The big horse trotted around Aramis and leaned over to Two Fang where the two had become good friends with each other much to the paladin's disbelief. "I'm back," called Nathan with full water skins and he smiled at seeing Baylor nuzzle Two Fang. "Oh, this is too precious," he said, feeling touched.

"Oh for Carn's sake. Baylor, we don't have time for this. We need to get on the road if we're to get to Hog's Pit by noon." The paladin stood with a look of exacerbation. "Don't worry big brother, we'll make it there with plenty of time to spare". He watched as his little brother moved through camp barking out orders to the other three. Suddenly everything fell into place. Even Nathan seemed to enjoy being ordered about. Before the dust had settled, Baylor had been fed and saddled. Nathan was dressed. Finn had even made a rope of leather and festooned a collar and leash so the dragon could keep the cub in check. A large piece of dry meat was thrust into his hand. "Well master knight, are you ready to resume the journey?" Aramis stood with his mouth slightly agape.

Nathan chuckled at how Finn kept Aramis in check and he kissed the top of Two Fang's head while the cub tried pawing at the collar he was wearing.

"All right you indolent prigs" Let's move out or Aramis will have all of our hides." Standing there watching his brother he realized how much he had grown into a fine man and knight. Thoughts drifted back to a time when he was so wrapped up in his misery he didn't take the time to be the brother he should have.

After years of pushing him away and ignoring him it was a wonder that he still wanted him to be part of his life. As the others faded into the horizon a strong clear voice rang out, "Hey flea bag, you coming." Brought back to reality, he cleared his voice. "Coming." The knight took to a brisk walk as he went to catch up with them.

Not far from the road a purple mire of mist filled the air. Leaves on the surrounding trees began to turn black and wither. A dark form stood. Langwidawn watched with intense interest as the others disappeared from sight.

The vain prince was wearing a leopard head as he watched from his mirror lair and he smirked. "It won't be long now until they pay a visit to me," he thought with a smirk.

The day was bright and dry. Anyone traveling the road that day would have found this association an odd one. An anthro and human knight, a blue skinned dragon walking a screecat cub and finally a massive feral horse certainly made for unusual company. For Aramis it was a relief to be able to really enjoy the day without clouding his mind with so much strife and darkness. He watched as Nate and his brother played with the cub by throwing sticks for it to fetch. Even Baylor pranced a bit in response to the joyful antics.

Two Fang mewed and purred as he played with Nathan and Finn. He rolled over on his back and kicked his hind leg whenever he had his belly scratched.

The cadre were making good time. Reading the position of the shadows Finn spoke, "I think we'll make it to the next village before dark." Aramis nods in agreement. "Do you think it was a mistake to allow Nathan to keep the cub?" His brother didn't answer right away. He allowed his thoughts to form before answering. Finn stopped. Turning to his brother to say, "Not exactly. I understand your reluctance in allowing him to keep it. But maybe this is the type of thing that Nathan needs right now. Consider what his life has been up to now, this just might be the closest to a family he's ever had." He tried to read his brother's expression. "You may be right Finn." The anthro's face was marred with a serious expression. The human smiled and let out a slight laugh. "Besides, would a big, strong knight as yourself be afraid of a little bitty fluff of fur." Finn began to walk away from his brother. "Besides, you have your brave brother to protect you from any dangers that might come along." The sound of laughter filled the air. Aramis stood there with a perplexed look on his face. Finally saying, "Come back here you slimy bellyfish. I'll show you who's afraid of danger." The knight trotted to catch up with his sibling, his own laughter joining his brothers.

"I think this calls for a snowball fight," said Nathan as he created three forts. One for Aramis, one for Finn, and the other for Baylor, Two Fang, and Nathan. He had given the two brothers plenty of ammunition but Nathan's real fire power came from his hands one ball per second.

"Come on Ari, let's show this welp what two palidan's of the realm can do." The human pulled his bow from his shoulder strap. Grabbing a snowball, he placed it on the string, pulling it back, he let it go with deadly accuracy. It hit the tip of the dragon's wall and took with it a part of his fort. Before he could place the second sphere to his bow, two objects whizzed past him. Both scoring a direct hit, a crack began to appear on the ice walls surface.

Secretly, Nathan sent Two Fang and Baylor to sneak up on the two paladin. Baylor crept up behind Finn and pushed the human into the wall causing him to be targeted by multiple snowballs. Two Fang crept up behind Aramis and pounced onto his tail. He mewed and tried to chase the swishing hairs.

"Hey!" the human cried out. As the draft pushed him into the low wall of ice. This put him into the position to be pelted by a barrage of snow. Aramis stood there laughing at his brother's predicament. That is, until he felt something tugging on his tail. He turned to find the cub had snuck up on him and was swiping at his tail. "So my little welp, did you come to use a sneak attack on your enemies. That gave him an idea. He swooped up the kitten and held him in his arms. In a low voice he whispered, "Let's see if we can use you to our advantage." He stooped to pick up a snowball from his pile. With deadly aim, he threw it directly at Nathan. Meanwhile, Two Fang was enjoying being held by the horse. He bumped and rubbed his head under the anthro's chin. Chuckling, Aramis spoke, "You my little furball will be my new ally." The cub purred in response.

Nathan gasped and he chuckled. "Oh dear!" he said in a playful dramatic tone, "Outnumbered two to one. Whatever shall I do?"

A devilish smile fell across the paladin's face. picking up three globes of snow he tossed them in the air as he uttered the incantation. The snow balls hovered in the air for a moment before hurtling towards its target. He turned to his brother, seeing him being pinned down by Baylor he spoke another spell. Several juicy red apples floated in the air. "Bay." The horse turned his neck.

Seeing the fruit he began to move towards them. When he was about to bite into the first one they moved away, forcing the horse to follow.

Nathan gulped and had to duck as the horse flew down over him.

The cub yowled at what he was seeing. Enjoying being in the thick of things. Finn recovered from his momentary prison. He too returned to hailing balls at their mutual adversary. Aramis held up another snowball but this time he laid it in the front fore paws of the cat. "Ready TF?" The cub meowed. The knight spoke yet another spell. Letting go of the feline as it floated in the air. With a woosh the cub flew through the air towards his owner. "Now TF" shouted out Aramis. As if understanding the horse he let go of the orb.

But before the snowball could hit Nathan, the dragon held up his hand and the snowball stopped in mid air. He picked up Two Fang and cradled him in his arms. Then he looked at Aramis spinning his finger around and around making the snowball spin too making it grow bigger and bigger. Then he snapped his fingers as the big snowball, now the size of a watermelon, hurtled at Aramis hitting the paladin square in the face.

Aramis stood there with snow dripping down his face and body. The sound of laughter coming from Finn. He turned, giving his brother the look of death. "So you think it's funny do you?" Pulling his massive sword from its sheath, he hurled at the trunk of a nearby tree. The hilt hit the bark with a large 'twack'. A mass of snow from its branches rained down on the human burying almost to his waist. "Now that is funny" Aramis yelled out. As for you my fine fellow, for the next week you will be on firewood patrol. And I expect enough wood to build a nice warm fire." Grinning as he said it. "Now, let's clean up and get back on the road. We'll all be tired and I want to feel a nice soft bed on my backside tonight."

Nathan smiled and he petted Baylor's nose when the horse landed. "Good boy," he said kissing the horse's nose. He walked over to Aramis and kissed the paladin on the cheek. "Thank you for being nice to Two Fang," he said, "I think he likes you."

The knight blushes under his coat. "Well, yes. Ok everyone. Onward we go. The party continues towards their destination.

The hours rolled by as the clouds and sun push through the sky. They make a stop to allow Baylor to take water and for everyone to rest. As the two brothers sit and watch Nathan play with the cub Finn turns to his sibling and in a low voice, "Did you feel them?" Looking down at the ground Aramis responds, "I did. I'm thinking maybe three or four of them? Finn says, "I give them credit. They're doing a good job staying hidden." Do you think they'll attack before we get to the inn?" The anthro pretends to adjust his belt and the coin sac hanging from it. "I don't think so. I'm thinking they're keeping an eye on us. If they were going to attack they would have done so by now. But let's be extra careful anyway." Aramis's brother nods in agreement.

Two Fang sniffed the air and he growled in the direction of the bushes. "Two Fang?" asked the dragon looking around, "What is it?" Just then, something jumped out at them scaring the poor dragon and cub out of their wits. The creature had a court jester's hat, and human face. But instead of arms, legs and feet, he has a coil spring for a body with one shoe at the bottom. "Run in fear," it said, "The Bouncers are here!"

Both brothers leapt to their feet, bow and sword drawn. Baylor came up behind them braying and snorting with annoyance. The three of them stood there surveying the situation. Finn finally spoke, "Oh for Terra's sake! The human put his bow away as he walked towards the strange creatures. They all stood about five feet high, had a face of a human while wearing brightly colored hats. In place of a body was one large metal spring. The head attached at the top and one large leather shoe at the bottom. Aramis watched as he brother walked up to one of them. Grabbing it by the neck and one swift movement detached the head from its body. He watched as the headless spring bounced around for a bit before falling over in the dirt. The head screamed like a wounded animal as the other creatures took off into the forest. "What are those things" Aramis gasped.

"They're called 'Bouncers'. They were created by the evil Lord's henchman to spy for him, but mostly they go around scaring little kids and being a major pain in the backside.

The one bouncer that lost its head had its body pick it up and screw it back on before bouncing away from the group in fright. Nathan was holding Two Fang close feeling greatly terrified by that ordeal. The cub nuzzled the dragon to try and calm him but the young feline looked to Aramis for help.

"It's not surprising that old Langwidawn is keeping an eye on us. I'm sure he knows by now that we're on the way to the Azure city. Why he's so interested in us is not clear yet. Looking at Nathan his thoughts about the dragon and his reasons for going to the city ran through his head. "Nathan, you alright?"

"That moment... It reminded me of the day when I lost my mom," he said with tears in his eyes, "It wasn't as bad now with the bouncers... but with the real thing... I'm terrified."

Aramis pulled him close to him. "Not to worry, we'll make sure you make it to the city without a scratch." "Yeah Nathan, nothing to worry about" Finn retorted. Even old Baylor let out a hearty whinny.

"Nathan, I think it would be wise to have you and TF ride with Baylor till we get to the Inn, ok?" Looking at his brother, "Finn, you can take the lead while I take to the rear." His brother nodded his head and took point in front of the group. As they continued on Aramis turned to look down the road from which they came. A serious frown crossed his face.

Two Fang mewed and purred as he curled up in Nathan's arms. "Thanks, Two Fang," he said, "And here I thought I was looking after you."

The group continued on they trek. Baylor picked up on the mood of the two brothers. The fact that Aramis had Nathan and the cub ride atop him told him that he to needed to be wary as well. The two knights kept a sharp eye out for anything unusual. A bit later they came to a fork in the road. One sign read, 'Wolftooth Inn Five Miles'. "Look alive everyone. We're almost to the village." said Aramis. He was sorely looking for a hot meal, a bath and a soft bed to sleep in tonight. He looked at Nathan as a slight smile crossed his lips.

Nathan looked back at Aramis with a warm smile as well and he looked down at Two Fang kissing the cub's forehead gently.

The sun was past its zenith when the group arrived at the Inn. It was a large stone building with a heavy thatched roof that sat back from the road surrounded by a cope of large elm trees. At the moment four or five horses stood tied up to the black iron hitching rings attached to a low stone wall. Several wooden water troughs sat beneath them. Beyond the wall a sign that hung from a post. It depicted the face of a snarling wolf. Next to it was a large green door. Finn, I'll go on inside and make arrangements for our meals and lodging. Take Baylor to the stables. Nathan, you go with him to help." Finn nodded his head. "Ok Nathan, let's go see the Hostler and get Baylor squared away."

The dragon nodded and he looked down at the screecat cub. "And you stay close to me," he said softly, as he wrapped the fur ball in a small blanket.

Aramis strode to the door of the inn. Pushing the door open he entered. All banter and conversations froze. The patrons in the pub turned their eyes to the massive equine knight standing in the doorway. Unfazed at the attention, he calmly walked to the bar. A handsome elk buck stood behind the counter. Eyeing the knight warily as he filled a couple of wooden steins with ale from a barrelled tap behind the counter.

Placing them on the counter a buxom female cat grabbed them, giving the paladin a sly smile while she moved out into the bar to service her patrons.

The noise of talking and banter picked up again as Aramis leaned his muscular body against the bar rail. Speaking, "You still running this pigsty of an inn, even after all these years?" The buck responded, "Better than living out in the wild like some animal and eating things that I would squash under my heel." The two eyed each other for a few more moments. "Drake! So good to see you my friend." The horse leaned in and the two clasped each other's arm and pulled in to bump chests. "Brother, so good to see you. What has it been, two years since the last time you visited? What brings you too this piss water excuse of the town?" The knight spoke in a hushed tone, "Drake, I need to favor from you. A big one."

Nathan stayed close as he while trying to keep Two Fang hidden from view which was very difficult considering that the cub wanted to move around and play.

Finn strode quickly with Baylor in tow. Entering the stable he spied the Hostler brushing down a Dunn mare. "Boy, I have in need of your services." The human looked up to see an unusual cite. A human, a massive draft stallion, a blue dragon with a screecat cradled in his arms. Momentarily stunned, he recovered, then walked over to where the strangers were standing. "Yyyes ssir, what may I offer you." I'll need to have my friend here bathed, fed and watered and a nice soft stall for him to sleep in." Baylor whinnied. Finn added, "Include a few apples as well." He smiled without looking at the draft. "That will be six crowns m'lord. Will the dragon also be staying here as well?" The knight looked the boy with disdain.

Nathan looked up at Finn with concern and then at the cub in his arms. "Better pay him extra for some milk for Two Fang. He'll need to feed soon," he whispered.

"Certainly not! The man removed the coins from his purse, tossing them on the floor at the feet of the groom. "There's eight crowns there, make sure you give Baylor a good brush out and extra molasses in his meal. You won't need to tether him. He knows what needs to be done, right Bay?" The horse let a hearty wuffle and snort in response. "Come on Nate, let's go and see what my brother is up to". He turned and left the stables for the inn.

"Thanks for sticking up for us," said Nathan softly as he gave the human a small peck on the cheek before they entered the inn.

"Damn provincial prigg! Looking down at someone just because they think their better than you. Keep TF close to you and on his lease. Don't say or do anything. I'll handle any problems that may arise while we're in there, do you understand?"

Nathan nodded and Two Fang mewed in reply. The dragon caressed the cub and they both slowly entered inside. Some of the patrons looked in at the two visitors and the dragon thought he heard a few of them doing cat calls at him as well as some wolf whistles.

"Stay calm and stay close" said the human." Finn spied his brother at the bar talking to the barkeep. Eyes never wavering he walked towards them.

But then, someone grabbed Nathan's tail and the dragon gasped. He turned sharply toward the hand and it immediately turned to ice. "Want anything else put on the rocks?" growled the dragon at a couple of rats who shook their heads nervously. The dragon huffed and the ice melted away making the rats silently retreat out the door.

Aramis turned to watch his brother cross the room. He saw the encounter with the rats and smiled at how Nathan handled them. "He's coming along just fine" he thought. "Brother, Baylor's been taking care of and we came to see about dinner".

Nathan came up and looked up at Aramis. "Well, do we have rooms?" he asked softly.

The cervine spoke up, "So this is the special guest you said would be staying with us." The stag reached over the counter, sticking out his muscled arm. "Nice to meet you Sir Nathan. My name is Drake and I am the owner of this fine establishment. I hope you find our food and lodging to your liking."

"I hope so... it'll be my first time in a bed," said Nathan, "When I was at the orphanage, I was always made to sleep on the floor. Also, do you have any milk for Two Fang here?" He carefully showed the cute Screecat cub and Drake's heart melted at the sight of the little tike.

"Well, in all my days. Isn't he a sight to behold. Aramis, you sure do surprise me every time I see you." Looking at Finn, "And who is this handsome lad?" Before Aramis could say anything Finn spoke up, "Finn's the name, I served under Captain Bronte back in the Pyrenees campaign." He looked at his brother and winked. He enjoyed seeing him flush with embarrassment. "We're traveled to the Azure City on business."

"Are you now. Your friend here didn't mention it." Drake yelled out. "Daria, get your shapely behind over here and take care of my friends here." The striped anthro cat with the cute ass and tits sauntered over. "Friends of Drake did you say? Well, let's put you at our best table and make sure you're served only the best cuts of meat and mincemeat pie." She looked at the blue dragon. Reaching out she placed her hand under Nathan's chin. "Now aren't you cute enough to eat" showing her sharp fangs as she smiled at him.

Nathan backed away at the sight of the fangs. It reminded him of his nightmares with the black snake with open mouth and fangs lunging at him. "Sorry... Just a little shy," he said softly.

The cat was purring with joy. "Oh now aren't you sweet" She sashayed her pert little ass while her tail swished back and forth. Finn leaned into Nathan's ear. "I think someone has found an admirer."

Nathan blushed. "That's nice... but I think my heart belongs to someone else," whispered Nathan as he looked back at Aramis with a sigh, "I just wish he'd open up a little more."

Looking at the dragon he thought. "Don't worry about old high horse over there. If he didn't like you he'd have never taken the time to assist you with your quest". The three sat down in a booth that looked out over the tavern. "Darlin, my blue skinned and I will have your finest steaks and a couple a mugs of beer. And bring some warm milk for our feline friend here."

Two Fang mewed but then something caught his nose. He sniffed. There was beef in the air and it smelled delicious. "Two Fang," said Nathan in a scolding manner, "I know what you're thinking and I know how you feel. But you mustn't go into the kitchen." The cub was disappointed but he stayed where he was.

The cub's reaction didn't go unnoticed by Finn. "Don't worry Nathan, we'll share ours with the kitten. So, what do you think of your time in a tavern and inn?"

"Well, aside from that stinky rat, I'd say the staff here are friendly," said Nathan as food was delivered to the table.

Finn's face turned serious. "Listen Nathan, there are a lot of mean people out there. The secret is to not allow them to annoy and make you sad. Most of them are stupid and lack any intelligence. I myself like to rise above them by poking fun at them without them knowing you're even doing it. And if that doesn't work, I just kick the balls out of them." The human patted him on his shoulder to reassure him.

"Well, I did show that rat a thing or two that he'd never forget," said Nathan smirking, "What he doesn't know is that I already froze his privates without his notice." It was then everyone heard an earsplitting screech of horror from the same rat. "Oops. Too late," chuckled Nathan.

The knight let out a loud bellow. "Remind me not to ever get on your bad side" as he continue to laugh and hold his stomach.

Meanwhile, Aramis and Drake were discussing the situation concerning the dragon. "Are you sure the rumors are true Drake? I've heard about them but never dreamed they might be real." Trust me, they're real alright. One of our scouts we have planted at Exortos stronghold said they saw the mirror in one of the rooms where that headless cretin keeps his heads."

Two Fang eyed the food hungrily but Nathan told him to drink his milk first and then they'd see to getting him his first meal of solid meat.

Even after Daria had brought them there food and drink he continued to watch his brother. He could tell that whatever the two we're talking about it must of been serious. He'll have a talk with him later after they eat and get settled in their rooms. Looking at the two on the other side of the table, he smiled watching the dragon admonish the cub's table manners. It brought back memories of when he was a young man and how Aramis would try and keep him in line.

After their meal was done and Two Fang was feeling tired, Drake led them to the best rooms of the inn.

Our merry and very tired group climb the stairs to their rooms. Three rooms awaited our friends. One for Arimas, one for Finn and one for Nathan and his charge.

Aramis's brother spoke up. "Did you eat tonight?" His brother replied, "Drake is bringing me my meal to my room later. I wanted to take this time to catch up on old times." Finn continued to look at his brother's face. He wasn't buying the 'catching up on old times' bit. But he know the paladin well enough to not press the point. "You three get some sleep. It will be an early day tomorrow and I don't need anyone complaining about being too tired. Now off with you".

Nathan sighed. He had high hopes of sleeping with Aramis that evening, but Two Fang was proving to be more than enough as the cub scampered into the room. There was a window over looking a garden and leading into the garden was the kitchen door where a pot-bellied pig cook was picking vegetables.

Aramis stood in the middle of room, deep in thought. The past few days had been a revelation. For so long he had lived his life as a lone wolf. Not allowing anyone or anything to get too close to him. Even his brother didn't know everything about all the horrors that he suffered. And now he was dangerously close to allowing Nathan to be a part of his personal life. A knock at the door woke him from his milaise. "Come in" said the equine. Expecting it to be the elk, instead his brother stood there with a concerned look on his face. "We need to talk." The equine sighed deeply.

Two Fang was yawning and Nathan had asked for a hot bath which he cleaned his scales and made his clothes fresh and clean thanks to his magic. Then he and the cub snuggled with each other in bed. "Sweet dreams, Two Fang," whispered Nathan to the cub before drifting to sleep.

"Not now Finn. I'm tired and I need to get some sleep." "Is that why your friend Drake is coming up here under the pretense of bringing you your supper?" Just at that moment a knock on the door. Opening and striding through was the cervine with a covered tray. "Is someone talking about me? My ears are burning."

Nathan tried to sleep but he could hear the voices on the other side of the wall perfectly. He pressed his ear against the wall to listen.

The three spoke about the discovery that the Snow King was alive, how they were going to rescue him and finding a way to return him to the real world. Aramis and Drake did most of the talking while Finn intently listened. These new revelations meant they would be staying a few days longer than planned. Aramis spoke, "Once we're able to bring the others into our plan, we'll need to make sure everything goes off without any complications. We'll meet at the cottage in the woods Drake spoke about and continue to work out the details dealing with the rescue." With that Drake left to go downstairs and Finn returned to his room. Leaving the horse with a lot of things to think about. One of them being Nathan.

"My father... is alive?" thought Nathan as he sat against the wall, "My father is alive... and nobody told me?" He wrapped his arms around his legs and buried his face in his arms. Two Fang saw that his papa was unhappy and he came over to nuzzle him hoping to make Nathan feel better.

The knight rapped lightly on the door. "Nathan, are you up?"

Nathan looked up and he sniffled as he replied, "Come in." He tried his best to wipe away his tears but the paladin had already seen that the poor dragon's eyes were wet from crying.

"Listen, plans have changed. We're going to stay here a few days. I have some important business to attend to.". Looking at the dragon. "Hey, you ok?"

"I heard what you said in there... is my father really alive?" he asked, "And why didn't he come for me? Why did I have to grow up in that awful orphanage?" He was so sad that Two Fang came up and lay his head on the dragon's lap.

The horse walked over and sat down next to him. Shocked to realize he knew about their plan. "Listen. We will do all we can to rescue him, but nothing is certain at this point." Pulling the dragon close to give him a big hug.

Nathan hugged Aramis as he curled up onto his lap like a frightened child during a thunderstorm. His big wings draped around the big stallion like a blanket as the young dragon whimpered, "Please stay with me... I don't want to be alone." Two Fang mewed as he came up in between. Nathan just had to smile as he kissed the top of Two Fang's head.

Aramis, surprised by Nathan's plea pulled him closer. "Nathan" he said . Leaning in he kissed the male. Deeply and passionately.

The screecat cub knew what would be happening. So he scampered out the door and into Finn's room where he curled up at the foot of the human's bed. Nathan moaned into the kiss and he cupped Aramis' cheek before he slowly pulled away to look the paladin in the eyes. "Aramis... how do you feel about me as just myself? I want to know what your true feelings for me are," he said.

"Nathan.... it's. It's complicated. I've lived my life the way I've wanted for a long time. It's a life filled with constant danger and hardship. It's not the kind of life for you. Once you're reunited with your grandfather you'll see."

"Well, the Snow Prince might disagree," said Nathan kissing Aramis deeply, "I love you. I have for a while now... I just didn't know how to say it before."

Aramis surprised by Nathan's admission of love had a look of shock. "Do you know what you're saying? This is not something you should take lightly". I'm not an easy person to be around."

"Trust me, I've been around worse," said Nathan as he looked at the scars from the orphanage that he had on his back.

It did pain Aramis to see the marks on the back of the dragon's back. "Come along, you and the cub can sleep in my room tonight. The knight stood up. Taking the dragon by the hand they went to his room. The equine's room was designed for larger anthros so the bed was huge. The equine pulled back the covers and got into bed. Sliding over to the other side he looked at Nathan standing there. "Well come on then.

Nathan was happy that Aramis was opening up to him and he slowly slid in. Two Fang poked his head in and playfully jumped on the foot of the bed mewing innocently.

The knight pulled the covers over the dragon. "Good night little one" he said as he wrapped his meaty arm around him, pulling him close to him. Moments later the sound of light snoring could be heard in the room.

Two Fang tried to sleep but he couldn't. So he decided to walk around the room for a more comfortable spot but he kept coming back and finally buried his head under the covers.

Early morning light filtered into the room. Not a sound could be heard except the muffled chirping of birds outside the closed window. Suddenly the door opened wide. A male voice spoke, "Get up sleepy head, we've a busy day ahead of us".

Nathan groaned as he tried to snuggle closer to Aramis' embrace. The window was open that Two Fang could reach. He hopped out of the window and scurried away to the kitchen. He peaked through and, oh, what a selection! There were eggs, bacon, bread, sausages, potatoes, beef, milk, and fruit. "Mmmm... I'm sure they won't notice if I snagged some bacon," he said as he carefully crept into the kitchen making sure no one was around. Seeing that the entire kitchen was empty, he jumped onto the table and munched away at a piece of bacon. Then, who should come in but the cook! The cook was just coming out of the chicken coop with a basket of eggs, but when he saw Two Fang, he grabbed a carving knife calling out, "STOP THIEF!" The cub was so frightened that he couldn't remember how to get back to the room Aramis and Nathan were in. He ran into the garden running back and forth with the cook chasing him. Two Fang ran into the tool shed out back. He had to hide! He jumped into a bucket. It would have been a beautiful place to hide in... if it hadn't had so much water in it. Two Fang felt wet and cold. He shivered and then he sneezed. "Achoo!" sneezed the cub, and then he sneezed again, "Achoo!" The cook heard the sneeze. He ran into the tool shed, but Two Fang heard him coming. Now the tool shed had a little window and the cub wriggled through that window just in time. The cook couldn't get through the window. The window was too small. Finally, the cook went back to the kitchen. Two Fang panted and then he saw the window where he came out of and he hurried back inside and fell to the floor exhausted.

Finn looked a the two figures in the bed. It was unlike his brother to not be the first one up. He must have really been exhausted by the previous days activities. He walked over to the open window. 'Funny' he thought. Brother usually doesn't sleep with the window opened. He's always afraid of someone coming into his room unannounced. He looked at the image of the massive equine with the smaller dragon cuddled within the crook of his shoulder. They looked so peaceful together that he didn't want to disturb them. Well, almost. "Hey you two lovebirds" he shouted out. "You better both get up if you plan on having any breakfast."

Feeling something wet against his pants, he looked down to see a drenched cat rubbing up against him. "Egads, what happened to you?"

Nathan groaned awake and gasped at seeing a soaking wet screecat cub. "Two Fang, what've you been doing?" he asked as he got a piece of cloth to dry him off. He looked out the window and saw the cook walking around in the garden. "You little rascal," chuckled Nathan, "Have you been sneaking into the kitchen?" The cub looked down feeling ashamed. Nathan tried to be stern, but seeing how wet, cold and sorry Two Fang looked, he just couldn't stay mad.

A deep voice calls out, "What's with all the noise? Can't a person get some sleep?"

"Oops!" gasped Nathan looking around, "Who said that?" He held Two Fang close for the cub was afraid that the cook might be after him. So, the little fluff ball hid himself in the dragon's arms for safety.

"Finn! Take those two downstairs and get them fed. When you're done, bring me something to eat." The horse turned over to get some additional sleep.

Nathan chuckled softly. Before he followed Finn downstairs, he leaned over and kissed Aramis on the cheek. "Sweet extra dreams," he whispered softly and he hurried after Finn with Two Fang in his arms.

Eyes closed, as a smile crosses his face. Meanwhile, downstairs. Finn and Nathan sat at a table while Two Fang sat under it knawing on a meat bone. As they ate their meal Finn was deep in thought. "Could this dragon actually be Jack's son?" He and his brother and countless others were about to risk their lives to rescue the man. "Nathan. How much do you know about your heritage?"

"Well, to be honest, I don't remember much," said Nathan thinking back when an anthro stallion came up to them. "Hey," he asked giving a friendly smile. What Nathan didn't know was that the anthro was wearing a golden key around his right wrist. "Is this spot taken?" he asked. "Um... help your self." The anthro sat down and he whispered, "Couldn't help overhearing but are you looking for Jack Frost?" Nathan didn't answer. He was unsure about this person. "I know where he is," continued the anthro as he gave one flick of his hand and Finn became frozen stiff. The human couldn't move. The anthro had cast a spell to keep him in place. "Where?" asked Nathan. "I'll take you there," said the anthro as he stood up and led the dragon out the door.

They walked on and on till they arrived at a mansion. All along the courtyard, Nathan saw many stone male statues, each a different species but the strangest thing of all was that each statue was missing a head.

They walked upstairs and entered a chamber that had mirrors covering the floor, walls and ceiling. "I think I'll change into something a little more... appropriate," said the stallion as he led Nathan through a pair of doors and the dragon had the shock of his life when he saw a large cabinet with 30 heads behind its separate glass door. The stallion pulled out a golden key and unlocked an empty cupboard as he said, "I thinkg No. 2 will do for this afternoon." Nathan looked around the room and saw a cupboard with a "2" above it. Inside, was the head of a panther. He heard a click and the dragon gasped as he saw the stallion take off his head and put it inside the cabinet.

The body locked it shut and it walked over to No. 2. It lifted the key to the slot, opened it, and the body held up the panther's head. "What do you think?" he asked. "I... I think you're handsome," stammered Nathan. "I should hope so," remarked the panther head.

When Finn didn't return with his meal he quickly dressed and went downstairs. He found Finn sitting at the bar. He had a wool blanket wrapped around him, his body badly shaking. "Finn, what's going on? Where's Nathan." His brother recounted what happen. Aramis went crazy with anger. " "Daria, get Drake out here. We need to gather everyone together. We'll have push up the timeline to lay siege to Langwidawn's castle."

Just then, Two Fang, who had followed Nathan to the manor, scampered in and was mewing frantically at Aramis.

Meanwhile, Nathan watched at the body placed the panther head into place. "So, what happened to my father?" asked the dragon. The panther purred. "The Black Serpent placed him under my charge and the only way to free him is for the Snow King's heir to slay the Serpent and restore Jack Frost into this world." Just then, he waved his hands and Nathan's hands were clasped in golden cuffs. He tried to freeze them off but he screamed in pain as the cuffs turned red hot and burned his wrists terribly. "Guards! Take this dragon to the tower!" said Langwidawn as two orcs came in and carried the poor dragon up a flight of stairs and threw him in a cell.

Aramis looked surprised at the cat's appearance. Reaching down and picking up the cub.

Scratching the cat's chin as the other knights and fighters began to assemble. "Gentleman, we'll have to move our attack up. Langwidawn has kidnapped the Snow King's son. Start getting your fighters together. Finn, get Baylor ready. He needs to be ready to go as quickly as possible."

Two Fang mewed wanting Aramis to notice him but he just couldn't. He wanted to help save Nathan after the dragon had saved him from starvation. Meanwhile, Nathan tried hard to get the cuffs off but it was no use. He curled up into a ball and cried. Outside, Langwidawn sent the bouncers out to patrol the grounds to make sure he wasn't disturbed.

The look on Aramis's face was fierce. He was shifting into his battle mode. Not only was this a fight to free the Snow Prince but to save his mate from pure evil. 'Mate'. He never thought he would ever say such a thing.

Langwidawn started chanting a spell while playing a mandolin and at once, the manor was encased within a shield but it took some time before it would surround the entire manor.

A few hours later, a group of over 100 humans, anthros, ferels and mythics had gathered in the empty field next to the tavern. Even a feral dragon named Boris stood behind where Aramis was standing on a large tree stump. Trying to get the crowd to settle down the dragon let out a tremendous roar. In his deep booming voice he said, "QUIET! All of you." The sound of his voice shook everyone to their core. Once everyone had Aramis's attention the knight spoke.

The knight looked out at the group that had assembled. "I am humbled that all of you have come to assist me in this quest. The time as come to finally end the reign of Exortos and his minions. We have it on good authority that Langiwidawn has been keeping Jack Frost prisoner in his castle." Murmurs and low talking spread through the crowd. "In addition we have discovered his son is also alive. Only just today he was kidnapped by his lacky's and are holding him as well.

"I cannot demand that any of you accompany me to that hell hole. It will be the most dangerous quest you will have ever been a part of."

"How do we know this isn't some sort of trick?" asked the stable boy, "For all we know you're just trying to get our hopes up. Everybody knows that the Dracos were killed all those years ago. And why should we believe in a myth like the Snow Prince's survival?" He knew he saw the dragon last night but he wanted to get back at them for making him look like a fool and for not paying him extra.

A bit of dissent riffled through the crowd. "I'm not asking you to believe me or not believe me. What I am asking you is to help me end this reign of terror, now is the time to end it once and for all. We leave in the morning at first light. Those who are with me I'll see you then. Those who choose to stay I will not think poorly of you." The knight stepped down and turned to the massive dragon and his mount. "Boris, have you spread the news to your kin?" The green dragon looked down at the anthro. "Yes my liege, it has been done." The dragon lowered his head until was at eye level with Aramis. He stepped up to put his arms around Boris. "Thank you my friend. I will forever be in your debt."

The stable boy was fuming but in the end, he gave up. "Well, I'm not helping," he huffed, "If you want to face off Exortos' army of monsters, that's your problem."

Aramis walked up to the boy, giving him a look of total disdain. The human backed up a few feet almost tripping over himself. The equine said, "Have my horse fed, watered and saddled by the first light of dawn." The tone was read as a demand, not a request. Aramis turned and walked away.

"Oh, I'll have him ready," sneered the boy and that night, he secretly put a sleeping draft in the horse's water as he fed Baylor. "Just who does that jackass paladin think he is?" scoffed the stable boy, "Gah! I hate this job."

Later that evening. Finn and Aramis stood together down by the river watching the last rays of light leave the sky. Finn spoke. "Are you thinking about the dragon?" "Yeah. Listen Finn. Tomorrow will be filled with incredible danger. I want to know that you have my back." His brother put his hand on the equines shoulder. "Of course. Someone has to be around to clean up your messes. The two brothers let out hearty laughs.

Meanwhile back at the stables Baylor was finishing up his meal and brush down. As he dug into his bag of oats and molasses he spied a white object. Smelling it he knew it wasn't food. Realizing what it was he used his pliable lips to grab it. He looked over at the table where the groomer had his ale and dinner laid out. He moved his massive body and with a simple 'plop' dropped in the mug.

The stable boy grumbled as he sat down for his evening meal. He took a drink but before he could eat anything, he froze and then fell over to his side. He was asleep in a matter of seconds. Two Fang came into the barn mewing for company until he found Baylor. The screecat looked sad and lonely without Nathan there to cuddle and rock him to sleep.

Baylor let out a satisfied nicker when he saw the human fall over onto the straw covered floor. Just then the little cat cub walked in, meowing and looking very unhappy. The little guy rubbed up against the thick legs of the horse. Stretching his neck he wuffled his lips over the cat's head. Stepping over to lay down in a bed of hay the cub followed him and did a few turns before laying up against the horse's belly.

Two Fang purred feeling loved and accepted by a new friend. Meanwhile, Langwidawn's enchanted barrier was still building while he was playing his mandolin. He looked over to the side to see a blurry white human figure going along the inside of the mirrored walls. "Jack Frost. It's like I told you before," he said with a smug grin, "Nobody's going to help you because nobody knows where you are... and soon, there'll be no memory of who you are." Nathan was looking out the window of his cell feeling sad still. "Aramis... I wish you were here," he whimpered as a tear rolled down his cheek.

Early morning. Multiple figures are moving through the mist. As if by magic, the fog parts as a massive figure on horseback steps into view. The first rays of sun flashed across his armor. Aramis sitting atop Baylor looked across the meadow where his army had assembled.

"My friends, I'm humbled by the response to my call to battle. For too long Langwidawn has been allowed to spread his fear and terror throughout the realms. This will not be an easy quest. Are you ready to lay siege to the cur's lair? The sound of yells and whoops filled the air. "Let's go Baylor" as the knight moved forward down the road. His eyes narrowed. "Hang on Nathan, we're on our way."

In his bed, Langwidawn's body was awakened by a ruckus outside. He rushed to his cabinet and went to No. 31, which contained his original head. The cabinet door opened to reveal a human head with a wrinkled face but one could hardly think it was human because the skin was of a parchment yellow with a scar going over his right eye. Some skin missing on his left cheek to reveal jagged, moldy, yet razor sharp teeth. He had two warts on his nose and two on his chin. His right eye was black with a white pupil and his left eye had that of a serpent's slitted pupils. His hair, which barely had any, was gray and stringy.

"They dare march on me?" he growled, "GUARDS! Eliminate the intruders!" Langwidawn's captain saluted and sent an army of monsters out to kill Aramis and his group.

The march to Langwidawn's castle was at best three days. Along the way he took the time to meet and speak with every single member of his army. It was a diverse group to be sure. Humans that ranged from simple farmers to battle hardened soldiers. Orcs, mystics of both human and anthro persuasion. Anthros all almost every species. The one thing that bound them together was that the evil they were about to face had caused them the loss of a friend or family member.

Langwidawn watched from the window hoping that his own army would stop the intruders. Just then, some bouncers hopped up. "Alright then," growled Langwidawn, "What news? Where's that army?" "They're coming for the prince," said a bouncer feeling exhausted from the long journey. Langwidawn thought about this. He was the first line of defense and he knew Exortos had ordered him to guard Jack Frost. But if he failed, then it would mean trouble for the serpent. "We have to warn him about the rebellion," he said as he wrote a letter and threw it to the bouncers. "Take that note to the Black Serpent, you stupid idiots!" he growled. The bouncers whimpered and hopped away to carry the message to Exortos.

It was the early evening of the night before the battle. The sun was about to set. Clouds of smoke spread across the sky from the multiple fires. You could feel the anticipation and tension in the air. Aramis, now dressed in a simple cotton shirt and wool pants, his sword strapped to his belt. He walked through the encampment giving words of encouragement to his followers. Suddenly voices began yelling out in warning. He turned. Looking at the eastern sky black objects began to fill the sky.

Night had fallen and the sky was filled with the flapping of wings and several bats began to swarm around the soldiers and some took the form of anthros and humans, but these people hissed with extra large canine teeth. "VAMPIRES!" cried a soldier before one vampiric bull bit into his throat.

The camp was in total uproar as the horde of winged vampires alighted from the sky. Aramis began to bark out orders. The half dozen feral dragons took to the sky and within moments began dispatching those who had not grounded. Teeth laden jaws and taloned tipped feet ripped into the interlopers like tissue paper. Followed by a rain of spears and arrows. The few who had fallen were already being attended by the mystics. Healing their injuries, making sure they didn't turn to vampires themselves.

Those that found purchase on the earth were being brought down by a multiple of swords, hammers, pitchforks and knives. Aramis and Finn standing back to back as they began to yell out the number of beasts they were dispatching. "One"....."Four"...."Nine". It almost looked like a sibling rivalry if not for how deadly the subject was.

And just around 10:00 in the evening, all the vampires had either been destroyed or most of them fled in retreat. But the damage had been done and Aramis' army had suffered terribly.

As he stood there with his brother, surrounded by the carnage, the realization of just how much they would be up against became clear to him. He stood there in mute silence. His name being said brought him from his trance. "Lord Aramis, come quick" It was one of the bull anthros. He followed him through the camp. A crowd had gathered in a circle. They parted to allow their leader to enter the circle. Large wings staked to the ground was a massive human vampire bat. His size rivaled the bull and equine anthros in muscle size. On his knees, his wrists bound behind his back, ankles staked to the ground. Even in this impervious state he still did everything he could to free himself. His semi bat face snarling, spittle spreading out over the ground in front of him. Muscles and tendons drawn tight by exertion. "Let me go you piece of Parellious trash" Words devolving into high pitched screams.

Aramis walked up, standing a few feet from the beast. Red eyes filled with hatred looked at him. A sly smirk crossed its face. "So, the little pony has come to save the day". The bat spat out a mouth of saliva followed by a cackle laugh. "I knew a day would come when you would foolishly try to defeat my master." Aramis gave a look of puzzlement. "How do you know me beast?" The vampire's gaze never wavered. "What, you've forgotten your old friend Harrod?" The knight felt his knees go weak as the realization that this foul thing had been his best friend from the academy. "I'm not the puny human you knew hey Ari." As the vampire moved his body his thick turgid cock flopped about, yellowish pre flinging to the dirt. "Looks like I'm more than a match for you know, eh horse".

It had been five years since his friend had disappeared on a routine patrol. He assumed he had been killed by foes. Now he understood. He had been captured and transformed into a vampire. He looked at his former friend, "Harrod, what about the others"? The bat chuckled. There here as well. Some you killed, others you captured." The rush of realization was almost too much for the horse. His thoughts ran wild through his head. "Finn, bring me our best mages and mystics." His brother bowed slightly and disappeared. Minutes later three robed figures appeared. One human, one a deer anthro and the other a lion anthro.

Aramis confirmed with the three about this issue at hand. Yes, they had the magic and skill to save a freshly bit human or anthro from turning but to reverse the effects to someone who had been a vampire for years. "So you're saying it's not impossible?" The human mage responded, "Yes m'lord, but what I'm concerned about is how to reverse the turning could result in killing the victim." The knight stood there, deep in thought. He looked back at his former friend. A deep "ahem" made him look up. The green dragon stood looking down at the group. "May I interject into the conversation my Lord." "Of course Drake, speak your mind" "We feral dragons are the oldest race to exist in this world. The master dragons knew more about the physical and mystical world long before humans and anthros walked it. I think I have the solution to your problem." With his massive taloned hand he reached up under his wing. Plucking one of his scales he reached out to give it to the equine. "Take this scale, grind it into powder and add it to your potion. It will be the answer to your problem."

Handing it to the trio, "Make haste, I want this cure ready within the hour." They all bowed to the knight as they left. "Drake, take the other dragons and do a reconnaissance of the area. I need to know if there are any other vampires still in the area, capture them and bring them to me. Finn, how many are still alive here in camp?" His brother responded, "Six or seven." "Bring them and Harrod to my tent. I want all that we find alive and ready to have the drug administered to them at once."

A few hours later, almost twenty of the foul beasts were lined up in two rows. Magic had been used to sedate them so as to make it easier to parcel out the cure. A group of humans, anthros and ferals stood in a semi circle to watch the event. They started with Harrod first. The purple syrup was forced down his throat like a mother feeding her child. The silence was so thick you could have heard a pin drop. At first nothing happened. Aramis was worried the cure had no effect.

But slowly the beast's head lolled from side to side. His eyes flashed open, his mouth agape. Black drool began to leak from his mouth. It slid and dripped down his chin, then to the dirt. Wherever it fell, it bubbled and steamed. the man bat's body began to shake and quiver. The red in his eyes began to fade, replaced by a soft green which grew with intensity until they were like a shimmering emerald. His slack jawed face began to soften. The rays of reason replaced what was once a mindless empty husk. Harrod's eyes fluttered for a few moments, trying to focus on his surroundings. Moving his face left and right until he directed them to Aramis. "Ari? Is that you? Wh..wher...where am I? Who are all these people and where in Luna's light am I? A grateful smile spread across the equine's face as he rushed forward to embrace his long lost friend. With tears rolling down his cheeks, he spoke into his pointed ear, "Your home my friend, you're home."

Two Fang came up to Aramis mewing softly at the now cured Harrod but he hid behind the equine just in case. He was still cautious, but over all, his curiosity got the better of him.

He pulled back from his friend. Yelling out, "Someone get this man some clothes." Harrod, still dazed from his return to the living, was taking the moment to look over his changed body. His returned semblance of human modesty found him covering his rather generous endowments. The other man bats were feeling similar emotions. Forked tails twitched, wings expanded and stretched, hands roaming over foreign skin and changed appendages.

Harrod held his clawed hands to his head, "It's been like living in a nightmare. The part of me that was still human felt trapped inside my head. Like I was a passenger to my own self. Ari, how can I thank you for what you did for me and my friends. An Orc walked up and handed the equine some clothes. "First, let's get you properly attired, then something to eat and drink. After some rest we can talk about the future and the role you'll play in it. Sounds good?" His friend nodded in response. Aramis looked down at the cub. "Don't be afraid TF, he's going to be one of the good guys that's going to help save Nathan." The cat meowed and began to rub his body around the bat's legs. Harrod reached down to scratch at the back of his ear. "Be of good cheer my little friend. I will lay down my life if needed to bring your master home. This I swear."

Meanwhile, Nathan heard Langwidawn shouting at his soldiers. "What do you mean the vampires failed?" he roared angrily, "Why must there always be someone to interfere? And you say they're being led by some stallion? Captain... summon the werewolves. They're going to have an early supper tonight." Nathan gasped. Using all of his strength, and despite the burning on his hands, he conjured up a snowball that took the form of a pigeon. He ripped a piece of his shirt to write down the warning about the werewolf attack by using an icicle dipped in dirt. He gave it to the snow pigeon and it flew out the window to Aramis.

Finn was put in charge of gathering all the saved man bats into a cohesive unit. Aramis met with the various humans and anthro's he put in charge of various fighting groups. Boris became the leader of the other dragons. Watching his brother and his friend Drake bark out orders, getting everyone ready for the impending battle was impressive. "He's not a little boy anymore," he said to himself. Just then an odd sight appeared in the sky moving directly towards him.

When it got closer, Finn could see that it was a pigeon, but he had never seen a pigeon look so white before until it turned to snow and from it was a piece of cloth. On it there was some writing. "Werewolves coming tonight! Nathan".

The equine's eyes went wide with surprise. "Nathan" he blurted out. Clutching the cloth he moved through the camp yellow out the news to his forces. The mages began to construct a barrier wall around the camp. Too tall to get over but opened at the top so that the dragons and the 'Winged' Could fly over it.

The army of werewolves were swarming in but they soon stopped for now they had no way of getting at the intruders. Nathan's trick had worked.

"I hope this works." Aramis purses his lips. "Gods, I hope this works." he yells to the dragons. "Boris! have your team use the boulders in the field as projectiles." He watched as the ferals took to the skies. "Stay safe Nathan, we're coming."

Nathan watched from his window. He could see the giant dragons dropping big rocks on the werewolves. He smiled knowing that they were ready for the attack. "Aramis... I love you," he whispered softly into the night.

The wolves scattered as the rocks hit the soft earth with a muted thud. Due to their quick reflexes only a few were crushed under the weight of the granite. Pairs of Golden eyes watched from the treeline. Not all wolves were under the control of Exortos's minions. A dozen or so had pledged themselves to Aramis. Both males and females alike had made homes and lives living among the humans and other anthros. In harmony with the natural world. Their leader, a huge male by the name of Protos waited for signal from within the walled camp. They were small in number but trained to be a cohesive fighting cadre. Armed with wolfbane tipped knives, swords and spears, they were a deadly killing machine. A ram's horn bleated out the signal. "For Prince Frost" Protos yelled out. From out of their shaded hiding place they ran towards their destiny.

The demonic werewolves looked up and snarled at this new sight and the alpha howled to the troops to attack this new foe.

The clash between the two factions was swift and deadly. Even though the smaller group was outnumbered five to one their superior fighting technique and tactical skills more than made up for it. One by one the enemy's numbers diminished until just a few were left. That portion of the barrier was raised. Knights of both human and anthro persuasion swarmed over the remaining wolves, subduing them and taking them away and imprisoned. "My friends. Regroup as quickly as possible. We march on the castle now." Aramis felt the air stir behind him.

"Harrod, have you and your men recovered sufficiently to carry out our plan?" "We have my friend. We will fly back and report that we roundly defeated you. It will give you time to arrive undetected. Meanwhile, Finn, Baylor and I will rescue the prince."

But then, there came an ear splitting shriek as the feline barmaid from Drake's inn was seen running for dear life. Behind her was a figure on horseback. He had a sword in one hand and a head in the other. But the most noticeable thing of all was that the rider had no head on shoulders. But there was an eerie cackling that echoed from the figure and Finn thought he could see a golden key around the rider's right wrist.

"What was that?" turning into the direction of the noise. "Harrod, have everyone come with me instead. Finn, Baylor, Boris. Follow me" as the knight dashed towards the screams. The group arrived at the far side of the meadow closest to the inn. Daria practically fell into Finn's arm.

Behind her a site that many would never see in their lives and hope to erase from their memories. Sitting astride a raven black steed was a headless rider. Tucked under one of his arms was a head that would be hard to describe as human. Grasped in his other arm was a huge saber.

Without missing a beat Boris lifted into the air and began to dive towards the abomination spitting out trails of fire. Harrod and his group picked up large limbs and other items scattered on the ground and dropped them on top of the nightmare. Finn pulled and released arrow after arrow into the beast and it's rider. "Aramis, Finn" called out Harrod. "That is our master Langwidawn. The golden key on his wrist is the source of his power. Remove it and you remove the threat to us all."

Though many arrows were fired at Langwidawn, they just bounced off his horse and his body. The head just laughed as it was set upon the saddle. Suddenly, he reached behind him and pulled out a flaming pumpkin and through it at Boris blinding the poor dragon.

Aramis, sword drawn, watched as his friends fought the enemy. He had to do something. An idea came to him. He rushed to one of the tents. pulling a woolen blanket from a cot he rushed outside. He ran up to the specter dodging the sharp hooves of the demon horse. He slid under the mount's belly slicing the saddle's billet straps causing it and the rider to fall away from the horse. Landing on the ground with a 'thud' Langwidawn sprung from the ground. He and Aramis stood face to face in the rising dust. "You have something I need, swine" the horse knight announced.

Langwidawn growled as he held his sword at the ready and placed his head back where it goes. "Well, then I shall have to take your head because yours has true potential for being handsome," sneered the prince as he swung his sword at Aramis with the greatest of skill for he was a greatly feared swordsman.

Sparks flew from the swords as they made contact with each other. Aramis grunted. He had fought many foes in his life but this one was indeed the most formidable. The dark lord met him step for step. It was almost as if he knew exactly where he was going to put his feet, the arc of where his sword would take. Minutes passed and both continued to fight to an impasse. It became clear if he was to defeat his opponent he would need help.

Suddenly, an arrow whizzed by and the golden key broke in half falling to the ground. Langwidawn gasped as he fell to his knees and searched through the leafs trying to find the missing pieces. “My key! I'll lose my powers forever if I don't find it!" He cried as he kept on searching until he felt something grab him and he found himself face to face with Aramis.

The massive equine lifted him up until his feet were dangling off the ground. Behind him, others were gathering. "You foul creature. You dare take my friend and then send your lackey's to hurt others that I care about. I should kill you here and now."

"You can't! I'm the only one who knows where the prince and Jack Frost are," said Langwidawn trying to look for a way of escape.

By now Boris the feral dragon had recovered from his attack. He now stood behind Aramis. Smoke drifting from his nostrils. "I'd be glad to turn him into a black speck of cinder for you m'lord. Finn standing next to him slapped him on his chest and said, "Now I'd like to see that." Harrod standing next to the knight, "He's bluffing my friend. Whatever charms or magic he had has now faded. My men are almost to his castle. They will have control of it within the hour." The man bat turned and spat in the face of the defeated Lord. "You would be wise not to further ire my friend here. He may be a knight of the realm but take it from someone who knows. When provoked, his anger knows no bounds."

"And what about Jack Frost? Only Exortos or Frost's true heir can free the Snow King," said Langwidawn, "All I wanted was to relax and admire my beautiful heads."

Aramis, disgusted by the sight of the defeated foe, threw him onto the ground. "Harrod, Boris, take a few of your fellow winged and dragons and deliver this piece of Kattis trash to Azure City. The emperor will know what to do with him. Finn, gather the troops. We march on the castle to free Nathan and release his father." As his brother and friends went about their duties Aramis stood, looking across the valley. He uttered under his breath, "We're coming Nathan."

Meanwhile, within his castle up in the mountains, Exortos looked through his mirror and growled. "You have failed me, Langwidawn!" he roared, "That boy leads a charmed life! Well no more. Next time, I shall handle his demise personally."

The Next Day:

His army assembled, the equine knight looked out over the assortment of humans, anthros and ferals. Aramis closed his eyes and took in a deep breath.

“My friends and comrades. It is a monumental moment in all our lives. You have all played a part in defeating the dark Lord Langwidawn. As we speak he is being delivered to the emperor in Azure City. But all is not finished. We have another quest that needs all of your bravery and skill."

Looking over at his brother and his companion Baylor, he continued. "It has come to my attention that Jack Frost still lives." Murmurs and cries waved over the crowd. "We now must march to the castle and free not only the Snow King but his son as well. Both are the key to bringing the reign of terror that the dark serpent Exortos has inflicted on so many and for far too long. I ask you all. Are you with me!" A roar of voices filled the air. Finn put his hand on his brother's shoulder while Baylor bumped the back of the knight's head.

Inside his cell, Nathan was asleep until he heard a distant shouting growing closer and closer. He got up and looked out the window. He thought he could see Aramis. He tried shouting but from the lack of food, all he could muster was a weak call. He felt dizzy from the burns on his hands and lack of food and water. At that moment, he heard footsteps coming and some looking in and shouted, "We found him!"

Several hands grabbed the cell door and with much effort was ripped from its frame. Multiple faces and voices surrounded the young dragon. Finally one that Nathan recognized came into view. His friendly smiling face shining down at him. "Well, you sure caused a lot of worry for a lot of people." The knight reached down and enveloped the dragon within his strong arms. Pulling him up and close to his chest he softly said, "Let's go free your father" as he carried him out of the cell.

"What happened to Langwidawn?" asked Nathan as he was carried to the room of mirrors. He looked around till he faced a mirrored wall where he saw his reflection shimmer and there stood a tall, handsome human with white robes and a crystal crown. His eyes were a sapphire blue and his skin was literally white as snow. Nathan stood up when Aramis set him upon the ground. The human followed Nathan's slow footsteps until they were both at the wall's surface. "Dad?" asked the young dragon amazed. The human smiled and nodded. "Help me step through the glass, Nathan," he said as both he and Nathan placed their hands upon the wall.

Just then, the human's fingers came through the mirror and the mirror's surface rippled like a still pond that just had a stone dropped into it. Slowly but surely, the white human stepped through the glass. Jack Frost was free at last.

The knight stood there in utter awe as the Snow King took Nathan's hand and stepped out of the mirror. He had had his reservations about him being the young dragon's father but now it was true. The equine bent down and on one knee he kneeled while bowing his head. The others in the room followed suit.

"Rise my friends," said Jack Frost, "There will be time for titles later. For now, my son needs food and as for those cuffs, you won't be needing them." He snapped his fingers and the anti magic cuffs fell off the dragon's wrists. But the damage had been done because his wrists were red and sore from the burns. "Aramis, I put my son in your care and you both have my blessing," he said to the paladin, "Make sure he makes it to his grandfather in Azure City."

"I will guard him with my life, my King. My army is at your command. Any command you issue will be carried out without question."

Jack Frost smiled and looked at his son. "I made a promise to his mother that we'd be together in Azure City," he said as he ran a hand through Nathan's hair and the dragon sighed as he finally felt the loving touch of his father. "The love for my son is all I have left to remember her by," said Jack as a tear ran down his cheek, "Now, it falls to you to get him there. Take Nathan to his grandfather, the emperor. I must go and join the other seasons. They're awaiting me even now." He was about to leave when he turned back and kissed his son's forehead. "You look so much like your mother," he whispered. Then, a whirlwind of snow, he vanished and the snow went out the door. At once, who should come bounding in but Baylor with Two Fang on his back. The screecat cub mewed happily as he sprang into the dragon's arms. "I missed you too," chuckled Nathan as he stroked the purring fluff ball.

Aramis looked into the blue eyes of the dragon. Holding him in his arms he leaned in and kissed him passionately. "You will never know strife or loneliness ever again." Looking up at his friends and family who, by this time, had gathered around the two, his green eyes glistening. "Thank you all for bringing us together and for uniting this dragon with his father. We have defeated one foe but know the real fight begins. Exortos will do everything in his power to stop this crusade. Even now I can feel his evil tendrils crawling across these lands. Perverting and destroying anything decent and good that gets in his way."

"We must deliver this dragon to his grandfather as quickly and as safely as possible. What say you all?" A few moments of silence before a roar of cheers and whistles fill the room. Aramis yelled out, "For the Snow King, for the Emperor, for the Prince!"

They all cheered and Nathan rested against Aramis' chest when he found himself being hefted onto Baylor's back.

"Finn, we'll set up camp outside the castle and prepare to leave in the morning for Azure City. Would you handle getting everyone settled in for the night?" His brother nodded and with the other members of the party left to handle his request.

Things were quiet as the knight led his horse and dragon out of the castle. They walked across the drawbridge to the other side stopping at the barbican. Looking up at the dragon he said, "Are you feeling alright? When we get to camp, I'll tend to your wounds."

Nathan held onto Aramis and he looked up at the paladin. "I missed you so much and I felt so lost," he said softly when they reached an empty tent, "And the whole time I was there... All I wanted was to be by your side."

"Shhhhhh. I know. It must have been terrifying to have what happened to you." The paladin pulled him from the horse. Carrying him to the tent. Stepping in he carefully placed him on a bed filled with pine needles. I'll be right back. I need to fetch my satchel of medicinal cures." He pushed Nathan's lock of hair aside and kissed him on the forehead.

The dragon lay on the bed and waited for Aramis. The lips that touched his forehead felt soft and warm and it left a feeling that made his heart jump, but he lay there still as he watched his knight walk out of the tent.

Baylor was being attended to by a page. His saddle bags hung from a hook on a post. His horse was eating from a feed bag while the boy brushed his coat. Not wanting to disturb the animal he reached in and pulled a woolen bag with ties from the leather pouch. Quietly he returned to his tent. He entered the tent and put down the bag next to the bed. Standing over the male he began to remove his leather jerkins and breast plate. He then undid his thigh and shin guards followed by his shoes. dressed only in his linen shirt and long pants. He pulled a glass bottle out of the bag. It contained a purple liquid. Pouring some water into a small pan he began to soak some cotton squares. Once done, he squeezed out the excess water and begin to soak the cloth with the balm.

"So... the winged... where did they come from?" asked Nathan while the balm was being prepared, "And how do you know that Harrod person?"

With gentleness that belied his size, Aramiss slowly wiped and dabbed the medicine onto the wrist wounds of the dragon. As he worked he spoke, "Harrod and I were both pages with the same knight guild. We became knights together and spent many patrols and conflicts together. Then one day while out on an errand he disappeared along with the members of his group." Only now did I realized what had happened. He and his fellow nights were captured by Exortos and transformed into the beast's you see now. He has a penchant in turning anthros and humans into purveyors of evil. Living only to serve their twisted master."

"How awful," said Nathan, "To have that happen to someone you know when you think the worse has happened to them... I can't even imagine what that's like." He winced when he felt the balm on his wrists but he kept still so Aramis could help him get better and for the medicine to take affect.

"But in a way, you had a hand in changing all that. If you had not been kidnapped and if Langwidawn had not sent his forces against us then Harrod and the others would not have been saved."

"Yes... and you did get my snow pigeon, didn't you? About the werewolves?" asked Nathan cheering up a bit.

The equine smiled back, "I did. And that was very resourceful of you. Thanks to you, many lives were saved today." Finished with cleaning Nathan's wounds he put the stopper back on the bottle and put everything back in the cloth bag. Turning back to look at the dragon. In the torch light he looked both innocent and desirable. Lying on his back, his wings stretched out, their tips touching both side of the tent.

"But I think the best part of all was that I finally got to meet my father after all this time... Even if it was for a brief moment," said Nathan, "But something tells me that we'll be seeing him again. Don't you?"

The knight let out a soft chuckle. "Even though he's your father Nathan, he's also a 'season'. Who knows why they do the things they do. I've had many encounters when them and still they confound me to no end." He reached up and tousled his hair with his hoofed hand.

"I think it's their way of helping out... or they just want to spread joy and laughter as they go," said Nathan, "And I know how I feel when it starts snowing... I mean when I make it snow." He blushed a little bit as he breathed onto Aramis' face and some snow appeared on the knight's nose. Nathan giggled at this and the sight of a snowy knight was so funny to him.

"Hey now, cut that out!" said the equine as he wiped the snow from his face. They both laughed until Aramis leaned in and kissed the dragon forcefully. Reaching down with one of his hands he slipped it under Nathan's britches. Wrapping it around his penis, sliding his thumb and forefinger over it, feeling it harden in his hand.

Nathan yelped at the pull to the equine but he found himself wrapping his arms around Aramis' neck and he moaned when he felt his cock being touched and it aroused him greatly.

The horse pull away from their kiss. Smiling as he reached down with his other hand and began to pull Nathan's pants down his legs. Aramis slid his whole palm over the expanding cock in his hand. Oh so slowly, began stroking the shaft to its full potential. Reaching up with his other hand, he slid his thick hoofed index finger into his mouth. Lathering it with his equine tongue before removing it from his mouth.

The sight of Aramis licking his fingers could only mean one thing: a mating. Nathan smiled and kissed Aramis the moment he stopped sucking on his fingers. "If only you knew how much I longed to be with you like this again," he whispered softly before moaning when he felt something stick inside his tail hole.

"Umhum" was all the horse said. Reaching around and under his tail he slowly pushed his digit deep into the dragon's hole. While releasing his grip on Nathan's prick and replacing it with his muzzle. Sliding and slathering it with his warm wet tongue.

Nathan took a sharp intake of air as he felt his cock being sucked by that stallion's hot, wet mouth. He could feel the suction and the tongue swirling around it.

Aramis began sliding his finger in and out of the dragons rectum. Pushing deeper and deeper in search of his prostate. Meanwhile, he continued to suck and lick Nathan's cock. Thick blunt teeth sliding up against his veined skin until he pulls off the shaft. His hand returning to hand fuck the dragon's prick while his mouth envelopes his tight round balls. Rolling them around inside his wet mouth, sucking and licking them both raw.

Having both his balls sucked at the same time was making Nathan's cock stiffen even more as well as leak precum from the tip to along the sides of his cock.

All this stimulation Aramis was giving the dragon caused his own cock to begin slipping out of its sheath. He could feel the dragon cock in his hand flex. He knew the time was drawing near. He matched each thrust of his finger and hand in rhythmic time pushing his lover closer to the edge of orgasm.

The dragon tried his best to hold it in but the pleasure was so over powering and his will power to save his cum was dwindling fast. "Ara... Aramis," stammered Nathan looking down at the equine.

With one last thrust he pushed his finger against Nathan's prostate. The dragon cock in his hand expanded as the semen laden balls inside his mouth seized up. He could feel the vibration as heavy shots of cream exploded from the tip of the dragon's slit.

Nathan cried out as he came from the immense pleasure and that fingering triggered his climax. "Hey... How come you haven't came yet?" he panted looking down at the horse.

Long ropes of cum covered the dragons face and torso. Spurts continued until the horse's hand was bathed in the white cream. Aramis brought his hand up to the dragon's mouth. "Lick it" he said.

The dragon sniffed it at first but then he licked it and started sucking on its essence with his forked tongue going in between Aramis' fingers.

Aramis pulled his finger slowly out of Nathan's anus. Bringing it to his nose he breathed in the heady smell. Sliding his immense body closer to him. In a quiet voice he uttered. "This was all about your pleasure tonight, not mine." The horse began to lick the pools of cum that had pooled in the crevices of his abdominals. Then moving down to clean his softening cock of any remnants of their lovemaking.

"Wait," said Nathan before Aramis could finish. He passed a hand over the cum on his body and it turned frozen. "Try licking it up," he said with a smirk.

The horse nickered with surprise. Lapping at the frozen cum was indeed a pleasant task. It melted quickly from the heat of his sensuous tongue and lips until any trace of it was gone. Aramis slid his arms around the dragon's torso and pulled him to his chest. Lying on his back he could feel Nathan's heartbeat as they lied there, chest to chest. The rhythmic breathing of the two was the only noise in the tent.

"I love you," sighed Nathan softly as he drifted off to sleep in the stallion's arms.