FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Part 3

He was one of the first warlocks, a new tradition forged from the ways of the druids and firedrakes.

His armor lay spread out before him and his sword rested in its scabbard. Naked he sat high on his tail. His arms, his legs, his whole body moved in one fluent exercise, the light of the full moon shining on his fur.

Allard tried to calm his mind; tried to let go, to escape the torrent of gruesome thoughts. Under the canopy of the bright nighttime firmament, he continued until each part of his body was moving in harmony. Allard did not feel the cold. He felt nothing.

Descending from his tail he stood in silence, breathing deep and slow. 'I shed my desire,' he recited in thoughts, before reaching for his breastplate.

'I don my armor.' One by one he picked up the pieces, fastened straps and ensured their proper fit.

'I give my word.' Allard breathed in deep and placed his fist on his heart.

'To be the shield'. He exhaled and reached for his sword. He held the scabbard before him and slowly drew the blade, the light of the moon reflecting of the polished metal. 'To be the blade'

He extended the sword, closed his eyes and touched it to his forehead. 'that protects with excellence.'

He opened his eyes. 'Let me see clearly.'

He drew breath and remembered the faces of those he loved. 'Let me be worthy... of my name... of your faith'

"In the name of the holy tree, I am a warlock," he whispered and felt a reassuring strength he drew from his young, yet proud tradition.

It was done.

Allard stepped over to the fireplace and sat down, keeping an eye on Corwin. After a few minutes of quiet thought, he rummaged through his backpack, digging out a small inkwell and a humbly decorated leather case. He carefully opened the inkwell and put the lid aside. Unzipping the case revealed a small set of brushes and quills.

He took a smaller brush made of metal and dipped it into the inkwell. After brushing off the excess fluid, he held his brush close to the glowing embers. There was a puff and the ink caught fire, burning low without scorching the bristles. With skilled strokes he painted bluish burning runes onto the blade, whispering their names. A flick of his hand extinguished the brush and he rose, sword in hand.

Allard circled Corwin, dragging the tip of the burning blade over the ground as he went. Scrawling runes at the cardinal points, he whispered, "Dispelled be all that is evil. Holy tree, guide my hand. Misericordia I ask of thee, stand behind me. Merciful spirits to my left and right. To ward off misfortune and foul deed I stand ready to fight."

When ends met, the banishing circle was done. He extended the sword, letting it wander. "Show me where disaster lingers, where vigilance is vital." He pointed the sword over the river, let it move across its length. The flames cast a cold light over the grass. He gazed along the blade, watchful for any sign, but so far there was nothing. Allard focused his mind, determined to find the danger, the cause of his vision.

The sword moved on, past the river bank and their campsite, the forest and the path, but the flames remained calm. Allard frowned before reaching out one more time. Nothing. He spat in contempt and swung the sword to put out the flames. The ink left silver trails on the blade, the runes still visible in the moonlight.

'So, my abilities fail me...' He scowled at the runes. 'I just don't know what to believe in anymore. What is my magic worth, when I cannot count on it...' Allard looked up at the stars, out of ideas as a gust of wind pulled at his fur. His heart was heavy and never before had he felt so alone, so small.

Allard sighed and sat down to watch over Corwin for the rest of the night, his sword ready on his lap. He smiled. Corwin was lying on his side, a relaxed smile on his face. Allard admired the curve of his lips, the tan stripes on the back of his ears and the light fur around his eyes.

He gazed out over the river. The night could have been perfect. The river filled the air with its gentle sound and the wind caressed the treetops while the moon cast a silvery light upon the world.

His attempts to solve the mystery of what lay beyond had failed and the night's beauty was lost to him.

Allard's thoughts began to wander. Images of long lost days floating by he saw Corwin together with Chani and Vayle, lying in the grass on a beautiful summer day. Then his thoughts carried him further to Vayle's home, when they were even younger, playing with toys Aldreda made for them. No matter how far back he saw, Corwin was always there.

'It is so strange. We have known each other for so many years, but I never knew to express how I felt... until today. And now, I am running out of time.' He looked down for a second. 'Why didn't I open up to you sooner? I feel like it is too late. I want to stay with you...' He choked back a sob and his grasp tightened around the handle of his sword. His gaze fell on the blade and a tempting thought brushed his mind. When he realized what he was thinking, his eyes widened and his jaw dropped. He clenched his teeth and squeezed his eyes shut. 'No! I must not follow you... that is not what you would want.'

He looked up at the moon, trails of tears sparkling on his cheeks in the cold light before falling onto his sword. 'It has not happened yet... maybe nothing will happen.'Allard slowly shook his head and took a deep breath. He sighed. 'Stay calm, Allard. Stay calm. Don't lose control.'

Allard frowned. He felt so alone, so small and now he feared to lose Corwin. A lucid dream he had buried away long ago came to him.

It was an unusually warm and sunny day for early spring, and the cherry trees along the path beside Vayle's home were in full blossom. Walking past their garden gate, he heard laughter and the joyful sounds of many people. Drawn by curiosity, he opened the gate and walked along the short path through the garden. He first noticed Chani and Corwin, then Aldreda, Carvel and Lilita in front of the house. They had set up a table, chairs and a charcoal brazier. Aldreda was making lemonade, while Carvel prepared meat and vegetables.

Chani saw Allard and waved at him, shouting 'Oi! There you are! Have been wondering when you would finally show up.'

They had all greeted him warmly. 'Allard, good to see you!' Corwin patted him on the back. Carvel gestured him to come join them, then tousled his hair. 'Grab a plate. You are just in time.'

Allard was speechless. Chani gave him a tight hug and Aldreda smiled, brushing over his ear with the back of her hand. There was only joy, laughter and kindheartedness, but suddenly he felt weird, as if something was pulling at him. Following the strange urge, he wandered away from the others along the house. When he turned around the corner, he froze. His hands began to shake and he dropped the plate onto the grass. The laughter and joy of moments before had faded away like a distant memory.

There, on a bench in the shade sat Vayle, smiling up at him.

Allard choked on his words. He wanted to feel joy, but could not. Instead, a wave of grief drowned out all the pleasure from just moments ago. Allard sunk to his knees. 'Vayle...'

He just smiled at Allard and embraced him. 'I am glad you came, Allard.'

'But you are...'. Allard's voice broke.

'I know.' Vayle squeezed him, then looked into his eyes 'I am sorry it hurts, but remember, I am waiting just around the corner. You will be fine.'

Allard wanted to hold tight to Vayle, but in that moment he woke and the dream died away. All that was left to him was an overwhelming emptiness and he cried long into the morning.

When the memory was over he blinked and shook himself. He gazed at his love and just was quiet for a moment. "Corwin... please do not become another ghost I cannot take back with me..."

***

Allard was awake for hours. With every sound from the forest, his ears turned and he tightened his grasp around his sword's handle, his leather glove creaking. All night he watched over his beloved. The fire had burned down long ago, his fur and armor damp with morning dew. His eyes felt sore and dry from lack of sleep.

Corwin woke and stretched, yawning out loud. He fumbled around in the sleeping bag, and when he noticed the empty spot beside him, he jerked up. He looked about, relaxing only slightly when he saw Allard. "Allard?" When he saw the sword and realised Allard was in full armor his eyebrows tensed up again and his mouth curled into a frown. He looked about and saw the banishing circle.

"What's going on? Hell, what's the meaning of this?! The runes on your sword... You look like you wanted to fight devil himself!"

Allard sighed and tears build up in his eyes. "If I must...", he choked on his words.

Corwin blinked and got out of bed; reached to hug Allard around the neck. Allard jerked back, but Corwin was persistent and pulled him into a tight embrace. It took a moment for Allard to relax. How he caressed Allard's cheek and neck calmed him somewhat. Corwin's naked figure felt so fragile in Allard's arms as he returned the embrace.

Corwin looked into his eyes. "Now, tell me what this is about."

Allard clenched his eyes and a tear rolled down his cheek. He had to force himself to answer. "I received a death omen. A warning that you are going to die."

"Wha..." Corwin stopped short, then sighed. "What did you see?"

"I saw Alacor... the fucking three eyed raven. There were two trees and one was dead..."

Corwin tried to smile and tilted his head. "Are you sure it was him? I did not dream of Alacor. I may not be as skilled as you in these matters, but I..."

"He never shows himself to those who will die! Only to those who have to bear the loss!" Allard interjected.

Corwin sighed and nodded before squeezing Allard. He drew him in closer till Allard sunk to his knees and he could hold him fully. The sword fell to the ground with a dull thud. "You really think it was a warning that I will die?"

Allard sobbed and his voice was weak. "Who else would it be? There is no other soul around within days of travelling and it was me who saw him. He is a death omen! Soon after he visits you, somebody you love..." Allard could not finish the sentence.

Corwin's eyebrows rose. He looked at Allard and stroked his cheek. "Allard, you can't fight him. He is only a messenger. The dreaded message might be the most feared reason he shows, but you know he is not a simple omen."

Allard's throat was sore and his voice powerless. "But I have to try. I will not let him take you away that easy."

"He is not the one taking me and... we all have to die one day, but at least I am free now. I feel your love and all chains are gone." Corwin gave him a soft kiss. "Look, Allard, it has not happened yet. Maybe it won't even happen, but until the day I have to leave, I would like to spend the rest of my life with you... I want to know that you would live on happily, with a fond memory of me. Were you the one to go first, I know that after the pain my memories of you would carry me over all of life's troubles. You are the most beautiful and bright light in my life and that would not change."

Allard looked into Corwin's emerald eyes, and could not help but smile at his words. They would not quench the troubling thoughts for good, but Corwin's words touched his heart. Allard gave in and joined him in a tighter, more intimate embrace. Slowly the weight eased and he remembered Aldreda's training... He knew Corwin was right and all he could do was make the best of the time they had left, no matter how long... or short it may be.

"It would never be the same without you..."

"It already will never be the same again. You changed my world."

Allard kissed him and the flame in his chest burned away the fear. There was a strength in Corwin that calmed him. Today, he was his shoulder to lean on. Losing himself in the kiss, Allard escaped the events of the night. He could not help but feel aroused by the naked male pressing against his armor. He removed his gloves and reached down between them, feeling at his Corwin. His eyes widened as he felt around and gasped. "I remember you bigger from last night!"

"That is because it is fucking cold you nutjob! Rather than fondling my freezing balls get a fire ready while I finally get dressed." Corwin broke the kiss and half laughed, half grumbled.

Allard could not help but to laugh and did as he was asked.

Corwin rushed to dress himself as he vigorously rubbed his fur to warm up, tiptoeing around.

Soon Allard had a crackling fire going and the smell of strong, hot tea filled the air. They spent the morning having a meal of leftover fish from the previous evening. They told stories and shared memories as they watched the rising sun paint the sky in warm colors and chase away the last remnants of night's fog.

Corwin kept Allard's thoughts away from troublesome topics and it almost was a normal morning, but all good times must come to an end, as they say. Soon everything was packed up.

"Ready for the journey home?" Corwin asked.

Allard sighed and nodded. "Yeah... let's leave this place for good." He picked up his backpack and took the lead.

They made their way up the slope, beside the cliff from the valley floor. Rays of sunlight fought their way through tree tops and the breeze carried a heavy scent past the trunks. Up, past the ledge where they first came out of the forest, they paused. Putting down their packs, they looked over the place where they had camped for a last time.

"Still feel you don't know what she could not teach us?" Corwin asked.

Allard shook his head. "I think I do and I have found all I could ever want." He smiled and squeezed Corwin's hand. For a bit longer they looked over the landscape, holding hands and savoring the moment.

Allard's ears turned about. "Strange..."

"What's the matter?"

"I don't hear any birds. The forest is too silent."

"Buggers will still be in their nests, warming their feathered asses. Doesn't matter really, we will be gone soon."

Allard looked left and right with suspicion, his hand wandering to his sword. "Yeah, fuck it. The sooner we leave this place behind the better. Just do me a favor and be on guard."

Corwin patted him on the shoulder, turned around and picked up his backpack.

"So then, in a few days we will be in Sorg Skogur. What is the first thing you will do back home?" Corwin asked.

Allard smiled. "Tell my parents about us!"

"Umm, you... think they will be fine with us... you know?".

"Of course. Mom and dad are great and they always liked you. Do you worry about your parents?"

"No... no, you are right. Jeez, it just never occurred to me. I guess life will be even more interesting from now on." Corwin chuckled.

Allard joined him in the laughter, but when he bowed down to pick up his backpack, he froze in horror. He could see his own breath. He quickly turned around and saw Corwin smiling back at him, standing sideways to the heavy brush they came through a day ago. Alacor was hovering over Corwin, ragged wings and claws extended like a bird of prey striking down, three eyes glaring.

"Corwin! Duck!" He screamed and drew his sword. Time slowed down to a crawl as he yelled out. Allard threw his sword with all his rage and fury at Alacor's heart; sent it flying to slay the dreaded raven.

Corwin threw off his backpack and fell to the ground. The sword flew over his head and right through Alacor. It vanished into the brush and the raven disappeared. Corwin scrambled backwards, staring at the spot where Alacor had vanished.

Allard rushed past him, standing over his mate. His eyes darted about and his heart pounded in his ears as he searched for the threat. A split second later Alacor reappeared.

Allard cried out, "Stay away! If you want him you have to take us both!" He shouted at the raven and spread out his arms, weaving a protective barrier in his mind.

Alacor tilted his head to one side.

Suddenly there was rustling in the brush and with a loud thump a bear fell out of the green and to the ground. It was the one Corwin beat up the day before. The sword was stuck in its skull to the hilt. Blood oozed from the wound and its eyes pointed grotesquely in different directions. Slightly twitching, it exhaled its last breath.

Allard looked in disbelief back and forth between the dead bear and Alacor. "That... that bear... it would have killed Corwin..."

The raven hovered, motionless.

"And... you... I threw my sword... You are not here to take Corwin with you?

Alacor shook his head.

"But that means... you... you made me save him!"

Alacor nodded slowly. A strange and calming warmth radiated from his hazy appearance.

Allard began to laugh even as tears blurred his vision. He sank to his knees. "Oh Alacor, you creepy ass son of a bitch, thank you, thank you so much! By the tree... fuck. Whatever I owe you, it is yours."

Alacor only shook his head and Allard heard a warm and deep raven's voice in his mind say, 'There is no price left to pay.'

The three eyed raven took flight and vanished in the light of the sun. A clear image of two trees in full bloom, branches intertwined, flashed up in Allard's mind. He jerked when Corwin embraced him from behind and exhaled in relief. Both took some time to catch breath and calm down.

"Allard..." Corwin stroked over his chest.

He grasped Corwin's hands and kissed them, then held them close to his heart.

"Allard, I could see and hear Alacor, too."

Allard gasped and exhaled. His body shook with laughter of joy and relief while Corwin just held him. They leaned back against a tree and Allard turned around to rest his head on Corwin's chest, listening to his heartbeat. Corwin so very fondly caressed his cheek and neck.

"You good, buddy?" He kissed him on the temple.

"A... Aye. Just bear with me." He laughed hoarse. "Bear with me." He laughed on and Corwin joined him.

Rays of sunlight warmed their fur and peace found its way into their hearts. The danger was over. Allard felt like falling asleep on the spot. His eyes began to shut, now that everything was fine.

Corwin whispered in a very warm voice. "Shall we go back and stay here for a little longer? You can have all the fish in the river."

Allard smiled wide with closed eyes. "I would eat grass all day as long as I can spend the rest of my life with you."

He heard Corwin chuckle before he felt his soft kiss on his lips.

"You know, I come to think size matters after all... and you are huge."

"Huh?" Allard replied drowsy.

He felt how Corwin placed a hand on his heart.

"Here... size matters."