# World of Chaos: Book Two: Chapter Ten

Author: HowlingNightWolf
Tags: Action, Adult, Adult Content, Adventure, Anger, Anthro, Anthropomorphic, Arctic Wolf, Authority, Bestiality, Bisexual, Boy, Canine, Captivity, Character Development, City, Claws, Compassion, Corruption, Couple, Curse, Cursed, Cute, Dark, Depressing, Depression, Desperation, Dire Wolf, Discipline, Dishonesty, Drama, Dread, Druid, Elf, Emotion, Emotional, Enchanter, Epic, Evil, Fantasy, Fear, Feline, Female, Feral, Fey, Flirtation, Forest, Fox, Friendship, Gay Relationships, Girl, Gnoll, Halfling, Heartbreak, Horns, Horse, Human, Humor, Huntsman, Hybrid, Knight, Love, Lust, Magic, Male, Mammal, Mature, Medieval, Mild Romance, Multiple Species, Mystic, Mythological Creature, No-Yiff, Non-Anthro, Orc, Pain, Passion, Personal Redemption, Plot Development, Punishment, Quadruped, Red Fox, Relationships, Romance, Sad, Satyr, Seduction, Seductive, Series, Shapeshifting, Sorrow, Stag, Story, Story Progression, Story Series, Straight, Suspense, Tail, Teasing, Teen, Temptation, Tragedy, Transformation, Tribal, Various Species, Violence (Not In Yiff), War, Warrior, Weapon, White Wolf, Winter, Winter Wolf, Wolf, Young, Young Love, Young Romance, hunter, spirit

As always, this series contains scenes of graphic violence and sexual relationships, sometimes between characters of different species. If this offends you, or you are not the legal age to view such content, than please do not read this story. Otherwise, let me know what you think!

**_Sir Araed Kappis_**

I gripped my sword, holding it at the ready as I followed Kala down the corridor.

I could tell she was fighting back tears. I found that strange, as she had never found it necessary to do so before. She shed tears for Hjalmar, a man who attacked and tried to force himself upon her. Now, however, she seemed unwilling to do so for herself.

The silence of the corridor was unnerving, the sound of our footsteps reverberated off the walls and empty halls.

I was surprised when she spoke.

“You cannot possibly believe you can maintain order when Illska's commands are given."

Damn her soft, lyrical voice. Even muffled with the strain of sorrow, her words seemed like a song.

“I'm sorry, my lady. I am oathbound to serve the crown of Eastwald, and any officers appointed above me." I replied.

“You broke that oath when you let Sir Brunis go."

I halted immediately, causing her to turn around.

“How do you know of that?!" I demanded, brandishing my sword.

She frowned, eyes falling on my weapon. The look of pain upon her delicate face hurt me more than I would like to admit.

Even after everything I knew about this woman, or the greater deal of things I didn't, I couldn't stand seeing sorrow on her face.

I lowered my weapon, frowning.

“You have a kind heart, Araed. I know it. Please, don't carry out his orders."

I shook my head.

“I am just one of several knights under Captain Illska. Beyond that, I am the newest knight at this garrison. I do not command the loyalty of enough men here to prevent genocide. I will be strung up beside the rest of you as a traitor!"

She turned back forward.

“Think of the greater numbers of refugees in the compound. They are malnourished, sure, yet there are many among them more than capable of cutting through your men with claw and fang. The men-at-arms are not highly trained knights, raised from childhood with a sword in their hands. They are the sons of farmers and thatcher's."

I knew she was right, of course. As soon as the order was given, an all-out battle would ensue. I had grown to question Captain Illska's sanity since I had arrived in Mireshadow. His allowance of slavers to openly use the port for their trade, as well as his violent seizure of the refugees arriving from the chaos of the Nordeik Islands. It seemed a madness drove his actions.

Still, I was bound by honor to uphold my oath.

We arrived at her chambers, the dim torchlight cast dancing shadows in the dark corridor outside her door.

“Those refugees are not responsible for my actions. Do not allow them to suffer for it. Their birth into this world was as willing as yours or mine. They are guilty of no crime other than existing."

“How would you know what crimes they are guilty of?" I demanded.

“You cannot possibly know ones history just by gazing upon them." She replied.

“And what of your history? Who are you, really?" I asked.

“I'm not certain you want to know, Sir Kappis. The lie would be more appealing than the truth for you, I fear."

“I weary of games, Kala. You speak on the behalf of half breeds and abominations, supposedly created by witchcraft and magic. I hear talk of magic and witches, yet I've never witnessed any such nonsense. You speak with an educated mind, carry yourself with dignity and grace, and yet, you are dishonest about your past. All I want is the truth."

She frowned as she turned to open the door.

“And if you knew the truth, what then? You may very well run me through with that sword of yours now. Though, I suppose it would spare me from the heat of the fire." She gave a slight chuckle, though it was free of any mirth.

“So you would have me believe are a witch, then?" I asked, taking a step back.

 “A witch to your definition, perhaps, though not mine. You were born in a land void of magic. Even the simplest spells were so rare that magic became a myth. I was born of magic. Raised among it. How can I help that magic flows so strongly in my blood?" She moved into the chamber, turning to face me again.

My orders were to remain with her until guardsman arrived, but now I wasn't so certain I wanted to enter that chamber.

“I-I've never seen any such nonsense to suggest magic was real…" I stated.

“Even with everything you've witnessed here?" she asked.

“Coincidences and breeding monstrosities do not mean fairy tales." I replied, despite the uncertainty that gripped me.

“Perhaps this will convince you." She said, raising her hand up. “Perhaps you will indeed spare me the trouble of the flames once you see my great secret…"

With a snap of her delicate fingers, the room…blinked.

That's the only way to describe it. Not a bright flash or theatrical show of wonder. Just a sudden shift.

In place of the human woman I had been tasked with guarding now stood a much shorter creature. One coated from head to toe in red fur.

 The beautiful flowing emerald gown she had been wearing was replaced with a finely embroidered jerkin of the same color, and her soft pale face was replaced with the shrewd face of a fox. A large tail fell from behind the creature.

His—it was obviously a male—ears were lying flat, not out of aggression, but obvious apprehension, due to the look of fear in his eyes.

I blinked several times, trying to summon the woman back. Shaking my head, I stumbled backwards, brandishing my sword at the small beast.

“Do you wish for the lie now?" the creature asked, its voice masculine, though still lyrical and flowing.

I pulled the door to the chamber shut, backing still until I felt my back brush up against the opposite wall in the corridor, eyes never leaving the oaken door.

**_Ciara O'Connor_**

“This way, m'lady." The stablemaid said, holding the door open for me.

“He's in a stall?" I asked, barely capable of keeping irritation from my voice.

“I was afraid he would chase the chickens." She replied, lowering her gaze.

“He may be a hunting hound, but he knows the difference between livestock and prey." I stated.

“Of course, m'lady. I'm sorry."

“It's nothing, no worries." I replied. “I can collect him from here. Thank you for seeing to his needs while I was away."

“Of course m'lady." She replied, before turning to leave me be.

I hurried down the aisle of stalls, glancing about to make sure we were not overheard.

“Aatu?" I asked, gazing at the large wolfhound in the stall as I approached.

“Ciara! What did you learn?" He asked, leaping up and rushing to the gate. I moved to climb up the gate to unlatch stall gate.

“So, this is your companion, eh?" the midnight black horse in the stall next to us asked.

I startled, falling from the stall gate.

“What in Ryze?" I asked, gazing at the horse.

“This is Fy—“Aatu began, but was cut off by the horse.

“My name is Fyrsil, my lovely lady." He stated, bowing his head.

I gazed from the wolf to the horse, confusion on my face.

“He is an ally of the fox." Aatu answered my unspoken question.

“I wonder how many beasts I've encountered that were more than they appeared." I wondered aloud.

Naettura, winter wolves, and now whatever this creature was. I was beginning to fear the world was full of talking animals. I would never discuss secrets in front of animals ever again.

“I imagine a great deal more than you would know." The horse laughed. “You couldn't even begin to imagine how freely the soldiers speak around me when they don't think a superior is near."

“Fyrsil? You say you are an ally of the fox?" I asked.

“Ally, brother, occasional love interest, sure?"

Trying to ignore the implications of his words, I realized an unfortunate task fell on me.

“You're ally has been taken prisoner by the captain. Illska intends to burn her—er, him—alive, as well as execute the prisoners here."

All the merriment and cheer instantly disappeared from the animals face. A look of anger and fear replaced it.

“Are you certain of this?" Aatu asked.

I had managed to climb back up the gate to finish unlatching it.

“Positive. I witnessed the arrest myself, just now. A pyre is being constructed in the courtyard as we speak."

I leaped from the gate, allowing it to swing open behind me. The wolf came trotting out of the stall.

He glanced back at the horse.

“Fyrsil?" the wolf asked.

I looked back to where the horse had been.

In its place stood a furry looking humanoid creature, with ram horns and long rabbit ears. Its fur was a dark black, though soft and fluffy compared to his former coarse horse coat.

He had a small deer tail, and tiny clawed hands and feet. He stood about four inches shorter than myself, and his mouth sat beneath his glowing red eyes, filled with sharp-jagged teeth.

“A-Aatu. I know you have no cause to trust me. I understand our meeting was under peculiar circumstances. Please. I ask for your help. I cannot see my friend die."

I glanced at the wolf.

“I'm not certain I understand what is really going on in this village." I stated.

“Look, I can walk you right up to the Troll Witches hut, if you so desire. I'd highly suggest you don't go looking for her, but I will do this, if only you help me rescue my brother."

The wolf locked eyes with me. I could see an odd look on his face. A battle waging in his mind.

At last he spoke.

“Ciara, I think we should aid him."

I looked back to the furry rabbit-goblin-goat. If I hadn't known better, I would have believed someone had slipped me some very strong mead.

“Ah, if you say so, Aatu." I replied. “Though, I do hope someone will explain what is going on?"

“The encampment we passed by the barracks serves as a prison camp for hybrids from Manir. As an early escaped experiment himself, the fox, Tokala, felt a kinship to the prisoners, and therefore used magic, perhaps foolishly, to ingratiate himself among the humans here, to help provide for the prisoners, and disrupt the operations of the garrison." The wolf explained.

He glanced at the small creature beside us.

“This is a phooka, a type of fey."

Direct and to the point. I was surprised how willing the wolf seemed to be in helping others. It reminded me of how we had first met.

I was not exactly in a good situation myself, and the wolf came to my rescue. For some reason, he saw something in me then that he deemed worthy to risk his own life to protect. It seemed he now saw something in this strange fey.

“Alright. I'm in. If Aatu trusts you, than that is good enough for me." I stated.

“How do we infiltrate the barracks, and find the fox?" Aatu asked.

“I'm not certain the three of us can manage an all-out assault." I pointed out.

The phooka gave a slight grin.

“You forget, miss. You are in the presence of two rather handsome and daring shapeshifters. I'm sure we can figure something."

I looked to Aatu, who rolled his eyes.

“What I don't understand, however, is why the captain would risk starting a riot. The refugees outnumber soldiers four to one, and they are not defenseless." Fyrsil stated.

“Nothing here makes sense. How is it that refugees are being held to begin with, if such is the case?" Aatu asked.

“You suspect something great at work?" I asked the canine.

“Everyone here seems to be under some form of enchantment. From what Fyrsil described, much of that can be attributed to the fox, however I have difficulties believing him strong enough to maintain as many charms and compulsions as I saw, as well as his personal illusions. His magic may be potent, but I cannot believe him capable of affecting this many people without losing control of his spells." Aatu explained.

“You underestimate Tokala." Fyrsil replied.

“Perhaps. Though I fear we waste time discussing the why instead of the how. As in how are we going to rescue Kala?"

“Tokala." Fyrsil corrected.

“We cannot likely succeed in an open assault of the barracks, even with my magic." Aatu pointed out.

“I think you are due more credit than that, Aatu. I've seen you face a darkness stronger than anything that lies in Mireshadow." I reminded him.

The large hound gave me a strange toothy grin. I was beginning to miss his natural form, which was far more handsome and majestic than the disguise he wore now.

“Aww, see, now I knew the wolf had a lady-friend. Assumed it was of the four-legged variety, but, hey, who am I to judge?" Fyrsil grinned.

I felt blood rushing to my cheeks, and I quickly glanced at Aatu from the corner of my eye.

“Enough. If you wish to get your friend back safely, I would suggest you focus on the task at hand." He growled to the fey.

“Of course. I'm sorry." The tiny furry goblin looked downtrodden. I couldn't tell how sincere he was.

“So, if not a full assault, then what?" I asked, trying to ignore the remark.

“What about the refugees? You mentioned their superior numbers before. Could they not help us?" Aatu asked.

“Well, I mean, many are starving, cold, and near death. The ones that aren't are that way because they ate the other ones. They are not exactly a friendly bunch, ya know?" Fyrsil replied.

“But if Illska means to put the entire compound to the sword, a revolt will start anyways. Perhaps it is not so wrong to give them a fighting chance? Would serve as a reasonable distraction to enter the barracks and find Tokala." I offered.

“You would have possibly dangerous creatures roam the countryside?" Fyrsil asked.

“The elves of Rainhaven already have freed hybrids in their care. As guests, not prisoners. They have proven to be a varied people. Some, of course, have more violent tendencies than others, but so to do humans, elves, and halflings." I pointed out.

“Well, Tokala will like you, lass." Fyrsil grinned, “Though I'm afraid an assault on the gates of the compound is not much better than an assault on the barracks itself. The guards have random shift changes, and the gate itself is highly guarded."

“What about executions?" I asked. “When Aatu and I watched the execution of that man before, it seemed like nearly the entire town showed up."

“Well, of course it will be lessened then. However, it doesn't much help us if the one we are trying to rescue is already on fire when our plans begin."

“What of me? I can stop flames from doing harm, and I doubt any would suspect the raven perched on the wall. I can hold off until enough of a commotion is caused to make the execution seem a little less significant."

“That takes you out of our assault on the gates of the compound." I pointed out.

“Have you ever played a prank, my sweet halfling?" Fyrsil asked.

“On my brother, I guess, why?" I asked.

“You'll find that humans are easy to prank. Sparkle a bit of magic at them, and they fall all over themselves awestruck."

“I'm not sure I like this plan. There is too much that can go wrong." I said.

“Any suggestions then?" Fyrsil asked.

“I'm not certain I like it, either, but I'm not seeing any other options." Aatu commented.

“Well…I suppose it will have to do, then." I sighed.

Just then, a horn blast cut the silence of the morning.

It seemed we had run out of time for planning.

**_Vailadriel_**

Avaltiss reach was perhaps the most geographically isolated wilderness on the mainland, with the Sutvald Mountains to the southwest and the Frostbogs to the southeast. Jutting out into the northern channel that separated the continental Ryze from the Northern expanse, it was known as the Reach of Avaltiss, or Avaltiss Reach, in reference to an old elvish myth.

It was impossible for me to find solace, despite this apparent isolation, however. It seemed everywhere I retreated, I would stumble upon a satyr or dryad or nymph, often times in various stages of sexual coupling.

Once, I even entered a grove to find one of the goat-like humanoids linked to the privates of a doe. When he had seen me stumbling back in shock, he simply asked if I would like to join.

 It seemed Skempta was not exaggerating when she described the fey as a promiscuous people. In fact, many would claim promiscuity would be an understatement.

This morning, I found myself sitting on a large boulder under the shade of an old oak tree, sheltered from the light snow that had once again begun to fall. My thoughts were on our initial meeting with the fabled Oddvar.

Intimidating was an understatement. The fey-lord stood nearly eight feet tall, clad in a hauberk coat of fur and mithril, he and almost resembled a giant, complete with powerful beard and ancient-style spectacled helm.

His helmet was designed to accommodate a massive set of antlers, each lined with many sharp points, and on his back was a quiver of spear-like arrows and a massive longbow. Upon his hip he wore a large single-edged axe which I suspected he could use to fell a tree with a single chop.

His flesh was a greyish-green, though a not quite as green as my orc companions. From what I could tell of his face, he held no orcish features, but resembled a large human.

I had been too intimidated at the time to speak much, and didn't try to stop him or the orc when they moved off to talk in private.

Since then, I had waited in various locations, each time being chased away by some fey who offered to “entertain" me while I waited.

The boulder I sat on now was on the edge of a large pool which had not yet succumbed to the cold of the snows and frozen over. I suspected that it was due largely to the shelter the surrounding vegetation provided, though it was difficult to tell.

Ever since I had entered the forest here in the Reach, I had a strange suspicion that something had been following me. Watching me. I kept seeing a blur of silver, though no-one else, including one confused phooka I had asked, had seen anything. No tracks were found when I would investigate. Nothing.

And there was an aura of magic in the air, one that not even the palace of Rainhaven could compare with. A calming presence, especially here in this grove.

I inhaled deeply, gazing into the crystal blue water of the pool that reflected the world above like a mirror. I could see the skeletal branches of the oak as they clawed ominously overhead.

Calm, yet tense. That is the sense I felt here. As if I could drift away into a deep slumber at any time, but also feared some unknown horror lurking from beyond the wood line. The lack of rest one feels when they awaken from a sleep ridden with nightmares and sleepwalking.

It had been the only place I had managed to find isolation.

I gazed into my own reflection as it peered up from the rocks watery doppelganger. I could see the lines of tears on my face that had washed away frost and dirt. I hadn't even realized I had been crying.

I shook my head, turning away. Closing my eyes, I fought back thoughts of sorrow, trying to focus on the gnolls face.

I was weary of tears. Exhausted from always feeling like my heart was being crushed by black claws.

“You have found the Fey Grove." A voice sounded behind me. It crackled with all of the power of a thunderstorm.

I startled, leaping up from the rock to get a look at the newcomer to the grove. I hadn't even heard footsteps.

Oddvar towered above me, peering down at me with a gaze that looked right through me.

“I-I'm sorry. I d-didn't mean to intrude." I stuttered, taking a step backwards.

“No harm was done, child. The groves are a place of peace. All are welcome as long as they agree to these terms." He spoke, slowly walking around me to gaze into the pool.

“G-Groves?" I asked.

I remembered Aklys had spoken of an ancient site far to the north. It was were her and that halfling, Camden, travelled to now.

“Aye. There were three groves once, long ago. One was destroyed when the Lord of the Shadowlands marched on Ryze. The other is located far to the north, in the wild lands your people call the Northern Expanse." He explained.

His words confirmed my suspicions.

“Where did they come from?" I asked.

“They were created by ancient druids, who worshipped the Naettura and the Fey. It was once believed that we were one and the same."

I didn't reply. I just gazed back into the water.

“My daughter speaks highly of you. Which is surprising, as I feared her mother had instilled in her a distrust of the elvenfolk." He stated.

“Skempta and I have seen much together." I commented.

“As she says. Still, I have never known my daughter to give compliments freely." He replied.

Again, I didn't speak. I didn't know what to say.

“You wish to know who placed the ring upon your desk?" he asked.

I turned to him abruptly.

“You know who is responsible?" I demanded.

“Aye. I do. But it is not my place. There is someone who wishes to speak with you. The only spirt to ever escape the clutches of Malmyrkris.

I could have sworn my heart paused. I wanted to feel excited. If any soul could figure out a way to escape the land of shadows, it was Rekkdyr.

“It's not the gnoll." Oddvar stated, as if he had read my mind. “I'm sorry, child."

He turned to leave.

“I wish I could be greater help, but not even I have the power to change fate."

I turned to watch him leave, but a blur of silver caught my eye.

I turned back to see a massive wolf with a coat of silver moonlight standing at the opposite side of the small pool.

Instinctually, I stumbled backwards, falling onto the boulder.

“Easy, child. I am a friend." A soothing melodic female voice drifted from the wolfs' muzzle.

“Who are you?" I asked.

“My name is Eluniss. It was I that placed the ring in your chambers." She said.

“You. You're Aatu's mother. I stood at your pyre…" I trailed off.

“My spirit wandered the shadowlands, claimed by Malmyrkris. Defeat gripped me, until I discovered the light of hope." She stated.

“So you know how to return there?" I asked, excited.

“I no longer have a physical form. I can move freely between the worlds, as I have broken the Shadow Lords bonds. I fear such passage is not available to you."

My heart sank. I didn't want to hear that my quest had been for naught.

“Do not despair, for hope yet remains." The melody of her voice was lost to my depression.

“What hope?" I snapped. “The world falls into chaos about us, and my truest friend is lost."

There was a sadness in the she-wolf's silver eyes.

“Hope is what drove you to follow the orc out of Rainhaven. It is what led you to this grove. It's why that bit if metal is about your wrist."

I glanced down at the silver ring.

“This was in Rekkdyr's possession when he fell…" I stated.

“Indeed. And it was I that returned it to you."

“How? Why?" I asked returning my gaze to the silver wolf.

“Rekkdyr wished it. He believed in your strength. He knew that if anyone could save him, it would be you."

I inhaled deeply, closing my eyes.

“I wish to show you him, now, if you are willing to look. Know only that you will not like what you see." She stated.

“Show me him?! Where is he?"

She gazed into the water now.

“You must prepare yourself, Vailadriel, for the worst."

She then spoke a whispered spell into the water's surface, causing a wave of silver to flow throughout the pool, disrupting the surface for only a moment, before a blurry image formed, quickly becoming clearer and clearer.

No longer did the skeletal branches of the overhead oak reflect back from the water's depths. 

Source: https://sofurry.com/s/ZmMdg2We
Part of the series World of Chaos Book Two
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