The child had been thrust into her bloodied hands, the parents’ trust in her driven by the knowledge that before long they too would fall. If nothing else, save him. P_lease._Words spoken in desperation resounded in her thoughts. The child’s parents had died, of that she was sure. It was the only explanation for the memory forcing its way through her mind.

Her pack was skilled and had fought well, but the difference in numbers was far too great. If the humans had any fighters, or even those who could stand with sword and shield, it may have been different. As it was, they broke at the onset and her people were honor bound to protect them.

A handful of the humans and even less of her own pack had made it beyond the tree line. If those of the forest had any intention of sending aid, they would have acted long before now. Perhaps it was the hatred of her kind that kept them away, or maybe human lives mattered little in their way of thinking. Either way, the hope of any assistance had faded even before they made it through the trees.

She spared a glance at her charge. It had been given to her swaddled tightly, a fact which had probably saved its life thus far in that it hadn’t wiggled free. The child was beyond terror, it’s screams having stopped altogether some time ago. It had come far too late, but the parents of this little one had shown some measure of courage in their final actions. Standing against their foe with little more than a dagger and the hope they’d be able to at least slow the advance was commendable.

She held the youngster tightly against her side and turned. The open field would give her opponents an opportunity to regroup and attack as one. Her best chance of saving the child was to kill as many of their foe as possible before falling herself, simple and straight forward. She had managed well enough in thinning their numbers to this point, her own injuries were numerous but shallow and not all of her pack had fallen. She bared her fangs in a defiant laugh before rushing the closest foe.

Those of the Light

The heavy wooden desk was the gathering place for nearly all paperwork which passed through the fort. Ferad sighed as the page brought yet another parcel to add to the load, depositing it neatly on the one free corner before making a short bow and heading back to whatever young lord he’d been assigned to. He examined the new packet briefly, it’d been sealed with the insignia of some minor house or another, before putting it on a stack with fairly similar bundles.

In the four years after Mahozarm’s defeat, he’d made a home for himself here. Yes, he’d been given a small bit of land and house in Husinbiu, the farming village just to the south, but Ferad lived within the fort’s walls for all intent and purposes. This was his true home, and frankly, he preferred it that way.

A small knock pulled his gaze from the stack. Lieutenant Braxton poked his head around door, a slightly distressed look covering the younger man’s features, “Commander Rem, a moment?”

And miss the chance to read pointless missives for hours on end? In spite of his misgivings about the paperwork, the Lieutenant’s reddened face, creased brows and uncombed blond hair told Ferad something was indeed awry. Aside from being a competent soldier, Braxton was notorious for his immaculate appearance. He must’ve sprinted from whatever bed he’d been occupying at the time. “Well, spit it out.”

“It’s word from Summar.” Braxton stepped through the door, the hastily buttoned shirt had been off by one, giving the Lieutenant’s uniform a rather lopsided appearance as he stepped through the doorway completely. “Their Speaker just reported scouts seeing two bands of raiders passing through the southern tip of the forest chasing humans on foot. Gnolls, sir.”

Shit. Of all the rotten… “Fix your damned buttons then get Shield here. I want all sergeants and above and two training platoons ready to ride in five minutes at the most. The rest of the troops are armed and manning all defenses as of now.”

Braxton gave the briefest of salutes then ran back through the door barking orders to those standing guard down the hall. The poor bastard had only just caught his breath, though given the Speaker from the Summar Forest was a rather fetching girl, no doubt he’d already spent much of the night breathless anyway.

There’d be nothing left of the souls caught save half eaten corpses for the crows to pick apart. After fighting that brood for nearly four years straight, he knew exactly what chances travelers stood in making it out alive. The best he could do was to dispatch the raiders without anyone else getting caught in their path. Alarm bells sounded as Ferad reached for his well used helm.

* * *

In the capital, the streets never fully quieted down. Business and national affairs gave little care for small things such as normal sleeping hours or any sort of scheduled down time. Husinbiu, however, was as far removed from the capital as possible, though it did play host to dignitaries and nobles from time to time. Even still, the majority of folk here were decent and hard working farmers that adhered to a decent schedule. The commander laughed to himself as he charged down the main street leading fifty four soldiers and their mounts thundering right through the middle of the village in the dead of night. It’d be the talk of the town for weeks, so long as he was able to intercept their foes. His gamble was that they’d smell the village and charge towards it rather than circle around from another side.

Several miles past the village Sub-commander Shield pulled up beside his mount, matching her mare’s strides with his own. Her brown hair was pulled back, the pony tail fluttering in the wind behind as they charged onward. She wore padded leather, as steel plating tended to interfere with her ability to sense those of the Darkness. “Sir, they’ve stopped moving. For a while now.” The rare gift of Murtaqua could manifest itself in any number of ways, but in all cases it’s use came at the cost of forgoing ferrous metals of any significant quantity.

Ferad glanced sideways noting the concern in her voice, “How long?”She fought beside him against the Cult since it first appeared eight years ago, and rode with him in the final charge against its leader, Mahozarm. Her abilities were second to none by human standards, honed over four long years of fighting and countless skirmishes.

“Since before we caught sight of the village gates. I thought they were eating their fill, but it’s been too long. We’ll be on them in another ten minutes at this pace.” Shield kept her gaze on the road ahead, though her mind was reaching far beyond what physical senses alone could detect.

The Scourge destroyed, devoured, then moved on to their next set of victims, they didn’t linger long with a potential target nearby. Only after everything within a good ten or so mile radius was wiped off the map would they make camp, as much as they made camp anyway. “Braxton!” Ferad waited just long enough for his subordinate to get within normal earshot. “Take half the troops and circle back to the town, something’s not right here. Have runners at the ready. If you see anything at all, send word back to the fort and to me.”

Shield waited as the Lieutenant pulled back. Once Braxton was shouting orders at both the trainees and sergeants, she turned back to Ferad. “There’s blood in the air. Expect it to be bad.”

He nodded, slowing his horse’s pace and signaling with his hand for the rest of the troops to do the same. If they charged head-long into an ambush, it’d be catastrophic. Shield would know exactly where the beasts hid, but bandits or the like were something altogether different. The Cult had been made of all sorts, it wasn’t what anyone would deem selective membership. If the gnolls had allies, human ones, they had the makings of a near perfect trap.

A shrill cry pierced the night, making more than a few of the soldiers start along with their mounts.Most of his force were still in training, playing at being a soldier rather than actually being one, and their lack of experience showed in that moment. The wailing of a child, human at that, filled the relative silence, though it came from beyond the road side opposite the trees.There were few things the beasts wouldn’t do, though this was the first time they used live bait as such. “Shields at the ready.” The trap could be sprung from either the treeline or a concealed force hidden in the grasses beyond. “Close ranks.” Clever hunters indeed.

It wasn’t long before the acrid rank of blood and innards reached his nose. Shield was right, this was bad, far beyond anything he expected from two raiding bands and people on foot. Bodies lay strung clear from the Forest edge to the road and even a few yards beyond that. Thick red droplets covered the grass stalks which weren’t trampled or otherwise covered in entrails. Pieces lay scattered to the point that telling human remains from gnoll was next to impossible unless hide was visible. “By the Gods...” The child’s lament drowned out his own misgivings.

Details of the fighting were visible as he surveyed the scene, committing every bit he could to memory. The fray had erupted through the forest, that much was clear. Toward the end, the fighters consisted entirely of gnolls. Here the bodies were more or less in tact save for the horrific wounds which severed whatever souls these things possessed from their mortal form. Ferad scanned the treeline, and dismounted, taking his spear from the saddle.

The child’s cries sounded from near a large shape farther from the road than the rest of the carnage. A toddler of no more than two years wriggled free, escaping the furred arms and cloth which had concealed it.The poor kid was terrified and covered in blood as it stood wailing. The child appeared unscathed, its lungs certainly worked well enough, and he could see no sign of physical injury.

_Of all the…_He advanced swiftly, scanning for any movement apart from the child.“Shield!” In moments his second in command was there, whispering soft words of comfort and swiftly taking the youngster up in her arms. Ferad’s spear point was trained on the base of the gnoll’s throat, just above where spots gave way to a uniform tan.In all his years he’d never witnessed anything such as this and anything new always required the utmost caution.

“Rem, just what happened?” If she had time to ask, it meant there weren’t any beasts within miles which posed a threat.

The commander kept his weapon trained, though the possibilities of this being a trap were rapidly diminishing.Pack fought pack here and humans were somehow involved in it. Wounds covered the massive creature, blood oozing from torn flesh and hide. The gnoll’s simple cloth and rod armor lay broken and in tatters, unable to withstand the vicious attacks from its own kind. Judging by the gore on the snout and claws, it had given as good as it received. What caught Ferad’s attention above all else was the faint but rhythmic motions of the grass near the hyena like nose and maw. By the work of the oddest of fates, it seemed two had survived the hellish fight.

* * *

The village mayor was beside himself, a somewhat portly fellow who was jovial in most times and generally well liked. In spite of Ferad’s house being on the edge of the town, the man had taken it upon himself to personally inquire about the disturbances. The mayor’s name was dragged from memory just as another verbal tirade was beginning. “And another thing. If you think for one moment we’re...”

“Mayor Samin, are you done?” Ferad pulled himself to his full height, towering over the mayor. If needed, he could be a rather imposing figure. “We rode to protect this town from threats reported by the Summar. Loud or not, I really don’t give a damn. As to your second issue, We’ve got no way of knowing exactly what happened without getting some answers. Unless you plan on questioning the kid, let me use this empty house as needed, it is mine anyway, and my troops will keep everyone else away.” He’d already had to knock a few of the less disciplined trainees around, something he couldn’t do in this case. Balking at one of his orders. S_ir, we should kill it!_ Replaying the memory of the twit was only angering him. He wasn’t going to watch as their only link to the truth bled out in the grass, beast or otherwise.

“No, I don’t think...” Samin was still dressed in an off-white sleeping shirt, the little bobbled hat punctuating each angry little movement with a swaying roll.

“Exactly.” Politics was never his strength, it required far too much diplomacy. The thin mustache which adorned Samin’s round face quivered in indignant outrage at being interrupted. “Now that we agree on that much, let me make something perfectly clear. If you have more experience fighting these things than I do, by all means, explain what the hell’s going on because right now, I don’t know.” He paused only long enough to see the man’s face reddening. “And by your silence, you don’t either.”

Ferad pulled his spear off the round table, it’s plain brown handle and unassuming looks belied the power it contained. If one looked close enough, they’d see the fine etchings worked into the broad flat spearhead and weighted end. What functions the glyphs performed were beyond the Commander’s knowledge, but it had been his partner for the six years since it was gifted to him and right now it pointed directly at the front door. “Now then, you’re going to go outside, give a nice little speech telling the curious townsfolk that roused themselves out of bed at this forsaken hour that they need to stay inside their homes and keep their doors barred till midday. By then I should know more. And since this matter involves the beasts, my word carries the weight of the King.” That little tidbit made the mayor’s eyes widen. This was the first time he’d invoked the authority in the village, but perhaps this would be enough to quell any remaining arguments. It’s not that he disliked the mayor, he just didn’t have the time to spare. Maybe a drink or two at the tavern would smooth things over later.

Samin’s shoulders sank slightly, doing anything but exactly what he was told was equivalent to treason against the realm. “As you wish, Commander.” The words were spoken through pursed lips before the mayor turned and exited. Make it four drinks, and probably from his personal stash.

Braxton sidestepped neatly as the rather squat fellow made his way from the house. Once the mayor was out of earshot the Lieutenant shook his head, taking a seat at the table. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen that man that angry before.” The Lieutenant had been with him nearly as long as Shield. So long as they were alone, formalities were unnecessary.

“I have a gift.” The response was nearly automatic, proof of it’s use many times in the past over similar situations.

“Heh, so you’ve said. But what to do about that?” Braxton nodded toward the gnoll which had been bound in a sitting position against the center post of the house. The fact that it hadn’t yet woken in a snarling rage was testament to how close to death it had come. Throughout the entirety of their conversation, the mayor resolutely refused to look in the beast’s direction. Most people held an instinctual fear of them, and rightfully so. The ferocity with which they fought went well beyond what an animal would be capable of. There was a twisted intelligence behind their brutal methods, anyone who did escape physical harm would be scarred mentally and descriptions of what they saw would seed fear into any that heard the tale.

“That depends...” Ferad strode to within a few feet of the creature, squatting down on his haunches in front of the blood stained face but keeping far enough away to prevent any kind of contact. He held his spear in front, balanced across his knees. During the hour it took to triage the thing’s wounds, he’d made two discoveries. First that the gnoll was, in fact, a she. Both male and female fought equally in their ranks, though the females wrapped their chest in tight bindings to facilitate their armor’s close fit. More for the humans’ sensibilities rather than anything the gnoll would worry about, the torn binding was replaced by fresh bandages. Second, it had fought primarily with teeth and one hand only. The child must’ve been carried in the paw like hand which held neither blood nor weapon. It was the only part of it’s hide not covered in cuts and open gashes, this area alone had been spared from direct attacks. “It depends on what you have to say.”

The answering snarl told him what he’d already expected, the gnoll had been conscious for a little while now, probably sitting quietly and observing once it realized escape wasn’t possible. Cold eyes focused on him, black orbs of barely contained fury. Fair enough, if he was going to stare at her, she could stare back. Only the first few rows of teeth were exposed from under the upturned lip, a warning to stay at distance, as was the tenseness in the gnoll’s limbs. The ropes creaked audibly at the increased strain.

“Nothing then?” Ferad stood, pointedly turning his back but not moving beyond this. The insult hadn’t gone unnoticed, as the snarl descended into a throaty growl. No doubt nearly all its teeth were exposed and the rounded ears flattened back against its skull. Braxton seemed unmoved by the display on either side in this war of wills, nodding briefly as Shield appeared through the doorway, yet another enemy for the creature to focus on. Ferad turned his head slightly, letting the gnoll fall into his peripheral vision. He’d managed to get the hackles along her neck raised as well.“Oh, it nearly slipped my mind, but the kid’s safe.”

The growl wavered and the ears shifted ever so slightly. It wasn’t much in the way of a reaction, but it was still there. Shield gave a minute nod, her senses having picked up on the change as well. “Alright Braxton, let’s leave Rem to his work.” Daybreak was at most half an hour away, and there’d been little time to fully organize things. They were needed out in the town with the troops, not here. Braxton stood, smothering a barely formed yawn, and gave a brief salute to the Commander and a nod toward the bound gnoll before following Shield outside.

Ferad turned back to face the captive, tapping the butt of his spear against the wooden floor. “So, first things first, I’m Commander Ferad Rem, You can call me Commander Rem or just Commander as you choose.” Now for the dangerous part. He squatted down beside the gnoll inches from the black muzzle and deadly sharp teeth all the while ignoring the heightened pitch of the snarl. “I want to know what one of the Scourge is doing defending the life of an infant Aldalein.”

Though interlaced with the snarl, words finally came forth from between the gritted teeth, “Call me that and you die, Eaqualnu.” This one chose her words nearly as carefully as he had. He’d used the proper common name for the gnoll packs, and had chosen to use the derogatory term for anyone which followed the path of Light when mentioning the child. The gnoll, in kind, had used the proper term for those born within the Light’s guidance and refused to mention the packs at all.

“Finally, she speaks.” Whatever progress he’d made in opening a dialog threatened to evaporate by his one moment of gloating, but this too was a test. The gnoll knew she’d been goaded into breaking her silence without his pointing it out. For now, reactions mattered. Thus far she had warned and blustered, but most importantly, she had the opportunity to gravely injure, maybe even kill him outright, but held.“Alright then, what should I call you?”

“Packless. Now end this.” The dish shaped ears went fully back again as she eyed the spear. At least she was still talking, though now she was asking for death rather than conversing.

Ferad sighed, sitting back and giving the gnoll her space once again. “No.” One of the brutalities of the packs was taking pleasure in the dismantling of a live captive. He wasn’t sure what she knew of humans, but when packs fought other packs, unless a successful retreat was assured, it was to the death for good reason. This at least explained the carnage. Perhaps she expected a long drawn out session. “I didn’t bother getting you patched up just to kill you here.”

“I am packless and hunted. Do as I say!” She nearly barked the last, pushing her ears forward and mustering as much of a commanding presence as possible. Defiant, gruff and only mildly smelling of blood. The growl returned as he chuckled mostly to himself at the comparison. No doubt the gnoll found the situation far less humorous than he did.

“Again, no.” Ferad locked eyes with his captive, “If not Scourge, then perhaps you’re one of the Light Touched?” Even as he said it, he realized many of the facts slid into place nicely if true. The gnoll’s ears shooting back also lent credence to his guess. Living next to humans provided access to trade goods and services, so long as both sides could come to some sort of understanding. This required time and building relationships. Many packs roaming the wildlands since the Northern Wars worked with humans as slavers or bandits, giving both reason and cruelty equal attention. Much fewer than these were individuals or packs which turned against their creator’s will. These became known as the Light Touched, though the term applied to any creature of Darkness which sought the Light’s guidance. Feared by most humans on sight and hated by their own kin, it wasn’t an easy life.

If his guess did hold, then this obstinate behavior and posturing wasn’t just show, it was keeping more humans away from dangers they wouldn’t know about. Anyone hunted by the packs faced an exceptionally dangerous, and usually short, life. Someone helping a Light Touched would be hunted the same. Her people were probably hired on as travel guides, and by sheer bad luck came across another pack. Gnoll or not, she’d defended a child to the last of her strength.

Even he felt like an ass for the word game he was about to play, “Fine, have it your way then.” Ferad stood, ramming the spear’s weight against the floor for added effect. Gnolls may be cunning, ruthless killers, but by an odd quirk, also truthful. Perhaps it was due to their demonic blood, or perhaps having to lie was seen as a sign of weakness. Whatever the case, Light Touched or not, lies were intolerable. “If you’re packless now, then there’s no harm in telling me what pack you were from. Do that and you’ll have your wish. I’ll end this.”

The growling continued, though her ears at least returned to a somewhat normal posture. Perhaps she thought this crazy human had finally come to its senses. “Kestra.”

“Alright. Stay put for a moment.” Ferad turned and walked briskly from the house. Gods, the gnoll was mad enough she was shouting, growling and barking all at the same time.

* * *

Shield looked up from her glass. “We heard the thing all the way to the front gates. Just what did you do?” The village tavern was a fairly small establishment, a few tables inside and just four rooms to rent. It had been a farm house originally, and according the local histories, it was owned by the first family to settle in the area.

“Nothing you or I would raise much fuss over, but when I do let her go, I’ll probably be in for it.” Braxton would be about an hour more in his errand. Since he was on good terms with the Speaker for the Summar Forest, his questions would be relayed fairly quickly and word brought back from the towns across the western border far faster than a rider could obtain. The magic workings of the Forest Folk were wondrous indeed, and included in these was speaking over long distances.

“Probably, knowing you.” Shield downed the remainder of her drink, setting the small glass on the table and reaching for the bottle to pour another. “I thought we’d put those days behind us.” The scene had bothered her, and rightfully so. She’d gotten married during the Mahozarm conflict and in the years since had one child, a girl not much older than the toddler. It was a stark reminder to the importance of, and dangers associated with, their profession. The troops had gathered what personal effects they could find at the scene and burned the remains after separating out what could be safely identified as human. It was a gruesome task, but the articles would be delivered to the neighboring kingdom and hopefully find their way to the kin of the deceased.

“True enough.” Ferad waved to the tavern owner, “I know it’s not the normal time, but I’ll need two plates of your best food, heavy on the meats, one little more than seared. Have them ready in an hour.” By now word would’ve spread about his authority to represent the Realm. Regardless of how odd the request, it’d be filled promptly. Of course he’d pay for whatever he obtained, probably a bit over what it’d normally cost, but this kept him in the town’s good graces too. A few coins smoothed over quite a bit of personality flaws.

Shield downed another shot before looking back at the Commander. “Rem, after you get your answers, I’m spending the next two days at home. George said he’d keep track of the kid, but I don’t want to leave him with both and no one to help.” While stationed at the fort, her family had taken residence in the village. “I’ve got a bad feeling, not about anything you’re doing now mind you, but there’s things in motion I can’t see.”

* * *

It’d been nearly two hours since he exited the house, by now the gnoll should’ve settled down, but those ears probably heard him stepping onto the gravel pathway leading to the front door. The growling and cursing began anew. The sergeants which had stood guard seemed to have a hard time deciding if his return brought relief or fresh stress to the situation. They gave a brief salute, then one held the door open as he entered and shut it immediately once he was inside. The curses echoed off the walls.

Ferad set his load of two baskets on the table. One held two full plates, with glasses, and a bottle of wine. The other held the gnoll’s packs and armor, freshly mended of course, and a contract. Notably absent was his spear. The chances of this going anywhere near where he hoped were slim and none, so the less opportunities for her to challenge him the better. In spite of the racket, he carefully unpacked each of the baskets before turning to face the captive. “Sorry it took so long.”

While the gnoll had been enraged before, she was several steps beyond furious at the nonchalant apology, and his brief smile didn’t help matters either. The sounds she made were impossible for a human to replicate.

The one weapon he did have was a small but very sharp dagger strapped to his hip which he drew as he knelt down directly in front of her feet. “I’ll have you out of these in a moment, don’t move though. The ropes are tight and you’ve already been cut enough.” In contrast to his demeanor just moments ago, he was being absolutely sincere. Very carefully, he cut through the ropes which held her feet together, then turned his attention to the ropes which held her tightly against the post. Finally he moved behind her, cutting the last of the bonds which held her wrists together.

The moment the last of the ropes were loose the gnoll sprang up, turning on the commander. A human would’ve stretched or rubbed where the bonds had held tight, but she wasn’t human, and he realized his mistake too late to do anything about it. He was grabbed by the right shoulder and pinned against the wall in a single swift motion, claws piercing his flesh as he made contact with the wooden planks. Her teeth snapped at his face, missing by only the smallest of margins.

Ferad kept himself focused on her eyes. As it was, he’d nearly lashed out with the dagger in his left hand. Cunning indeed. Even with the pain involved, his reply was the same as before, “I’ve already said no to killing you and I mean it.” If looks could kill he’d have died on the spot and three times again in the afterlife. “But I did keep my word. As soon as I could, I ended you being a captive.” Add another four times to the count.

The gnoll’s rounded ears shifted as she thought about the truth of the matter, followed by an angry grunt which indicated her acceptance of his words. As she released him from the grip of her left hand, she punched him directly in the middle of the stomach with the right, lifting him off the ground and forcing the air from his lungs. “You deserve worse.” The words were snarled into his ear, he’d pushed his luck way too far.

Ferad forced himself to remain standing, showing weakness now would serve no purpose and may make things even more difficult. It took a few moments, but he managed to force air back into his lungs as the gnoll was gathering her belongings. “And you deserve better.” It was raspy, but he had managed to get it out.

She turned back, staring incredulously at him, but resolute in her determination to not be dragged into any more word games. She probably saw him as just barely above an oath-breaker.

Ferad took a deep breath, no small feat given the pain involved, and walked over to the table. It may be a human courtesy, but he pulled the chair closest out from the table. “Sit and talk. From one of the Light to another.”

“I am touched by, not of the Light. Remember that.” She attached the mended pouch to her waist belt. All of her belongings held the symbol of the Kestra, a downward facing paw print with a triangle above it. Braxton had returned with ample information to confirm her identity, the pack’s insignia included. She eyed the chair with something approaching suspicion.

“Fair enough. Then from one who follows the Light to another.” At least breathing and talking were getting easier. The fact that she wasn’t growling anymore was also encouraging. “It’s a normal chair and it’ll hold just fine.”

She took hold of the chair back and pulled it just beyond his reach, then flung it across the room without taking her eyes off him. Ferad watched, wincing slightly, as it splintered into little more than loose sticks and cloth against the wall. She then took the plate with the rare meat, dumped the contents mostly into her mouth, though the vegetables fell to the floor, and threw it discus style through the small front window leaving a trail of gravy splatters across the room. Thankfully, the shutters were open so it landed somewhere out in the yard.

“Good aim.” Though he did actually mean it, his comment brought both the glare and growl back as she took the remainder of her belongings. He knew better, by the Gods he knew better… He shrugged with his head tilted slightly, “So, I guess that’s a no?”

The gnoll said nothing else, just stalked angrily to the door, slamming it shut as she left. Ferad watched as the top hinge came loose leaving the door leaning haphazardly to one side and half open. Braxton was coming up the pathway and nodded to her with a polite “Miss” by way of greeting. Without losing stride the gnoll stalked past keeping her silence, save for a low rumbling growl.

* * *

It was late afternoon by the time the trio set out. Smoothing matters over with the mayor had taken more time than Ferad expected, and before that was the matter of assuring the citizens angry hordes weren’t going to come rampaging through the village in spite of the ruckus that had been raised. The troops had already set up a camp just outside the eastern gates since they’d be here for a few days time at least.

“You’re sure of this?” Shield was worried, and rightfully so. Their former captive had made it abundantly clear that she didn’t want any further involvement with humans, him especially.This made his self-appointed task difficult, though not impossible. There were other issues to consider, but her cooperation was the immediate concern.

Ferad nodded as the horses plodded along the road. He’d already given the matter considerable thought and no matter how he looked at it, he came back to the same conclusion. If they did as the gnoll wished, they’d be sentencing her to an end far worse than spear or dagger could provide. A swift death in battle would be a blessing, one which she’d try to force no doubt, though the packs would hunt with a far more prolonged outcome in mind. That alone didn’t sit well with him, but his decision was based on more than just moral grounds. His years in the service had taught him to recognize a valuable asset when he saw it, Braxton was proof enough of this in spite of warnings from more than a few that he was beyond reform.

“Good.” His second probably felt much the same way he did, given the brief nod of approval. “Head east of here to where the stream widens out.” The three pulled their horses to a stop, Braxton taking the horse’s reigns as Shield pointed the way. “We have the horses.”

“Just don’t end up like your chair, Sir.” Leave it to the Lieutenant to keep things positive. “We’ll be waiting here.”

Ferad knew the route well enough. The path to the stream wasn’t exactly well used, but travelers from time to time would stop to gather water for their horses or for other reasons. The gnoll had followed the road south, retracing the way past where the carnage had happened and leaving a fresh trail away from the village. By normal gnoll standards, she hadn’t gone particularly far, only a few miles before veering off the road. But this was someone who was near death the night before. Regardless of species, she would need to rest for a few days to recover her stamina.

A small treeline followed the stream’s path, what hadn’t been cut away by human hands grew thick and full from the extra water. Ferad made his way along the narrow trail, pushing some of the smaller growths out of the way while ducking around the larger branches. While he wasn’t overly loud, he wasn’t trying to conceal his presence either. Approaching too quietly could be mistaken for an ambush, but too loudly would be seen as antagonistic. Just ahead, the stream widened out into something approaching a pond before meandering off further to the southeast.

“Leave.” The word trailed off into a low rumble, it was more exasperation than anything else by this point.

Ferad made his way closer to the pond before finally catching sight of the gnoll near the bank rather than just hearing the low growl of her displeasure. He hadn’t kept track of the number of wounds they’d stitched shut trying to stem the blood loss. She looked almost like a demented patchwork doll, the upside was that fur growing in would cover most of the scars, save for the deepest or those areas with very little fur to begin with. The base of her coat was light tan and, except for her throat, was accented by dark black spots which faded into solid black fur along her extremities and tail. She remained stretched out in the grass, her armor and gear piled neatly beside, not bothering to move in spite of his arrival.

“Fine, but only after you hear me out.” Right now would be his best chance at achieving his aim. There wasn’t any tension in her posture, whether this was due to exhaustion, or the totality of the past day’s events was beside the point.

In answer, she turned her back to him without uttering a word. It was a mirror of his earlier antics though this lacked any energy behind it. Whatever her actual intent, he took it as grudging acceptance that he would talk regardless. He walked over to where her gear was, depositing his own next to it, spear included, then sat heavily down beside her. The grass was soft, if a bit damp. She must’ve washed near here, as most of the blood was gone from her fur. “Speak, then leave.” She didn’t bother looking at him.

“Alright, but what do I call you?” Her ears went back at the question, it was a sticking point from their previous encounter, but now it was important that he get at least that much. “I can’t very well call you packless.” In his few interactions with gnolls which didn’t involve direct fighting, he knew them to be overly assertive, aggressive even, in their deal making. By comparison, negotiations with just about any other species was a far more delicate affair.

He half expected her to balk again as her initial response was a deep, drawn out breath. “Skeks.” She was clearly agitated by his even being here, both her tail fur and hackles were beginning to rise. Right now she probably just wanted him gone above all else.

“Good.” He finally had his foot in the door, now to push things wide open. “Humans generally have both a given and family name. In your case, your pack will become your family name.” The basic rule for these dealings was simple: Things will be as you say they will. Besides that, the negotiating tactic fit with his personality, Ferad just hoped the rule applied for the Light Touched as well.

She turned herself, sitting upright with a slight grunt to face him, “I am no human, why...”

“For the forms,” He looked right at her, giving his answer as if it was the natural order of things in the world.

Her eyes narrowed, the rising ire causing some measure of energy to return to her features, “What forms?” Each word was emphasized as if forced out individually. There was a snarl forming at the end of her question, teeth just barely visible.

Ferad sat for a moment, matching her hostility with equal composure and an all to sure of himself air before answering. “Paperwork. Let’s see, equipment requisition, housing, pay,” he counted off each item on his fingers before leaving the thought and shrugging, “There’s quite a bit, not to mention letters and other notices.” He did a fine impression of the paper pushing bastards at the capital. It confounded him the first few times he encountered it too.

“For what?” Now there was a hint of confusion in the question.

“For you joining my command.” He acted as if the matter was settled and done with, stating a matter of fact that she should’ve known.

Skeks stared at him, slightly open mouthed at the audacity on display. The events of the past few days finally reached a breaking point as she reared her head back in the deranged laughter only gnolls and hyenas made. Gods that sound haunted him, it took everything he had to retain his proper bastard facade. “You jest.” The laughter ended abruptly with those words. It was a way out for him without his head rolling across the ground.

This broke the facade instantly, leaving a just as serious Commander Ferad Rem facing the Light Touched Skeks. “Not in the slightest.”

This time the laughter was slow as Skeks rose from her sitting position. When drawn to her full height, she topped seven feet by a few inches. Imposing, angry, and pushed beyond normal measure. “Why should I submit to you?”

Ferad rose as well, taking his spear in hand. If me messed up here, he’d need it. “That’s where you’ve got the wrong idea.” He held her gaze, taking neither an aggressive nor defensive stance, just at the ready. “What we do is similar to guide work, though a bit longer term. Give it six months.” Now just reign it in a bit. “True, I give orders when we’re on the field, so it’s not as fluid as working in a proper pack, and we don’t challenge each other for leadership.” He waited to gauge her reaction, but so far she betrayed no sign of her thoughts beyond anger. “Outside of work, you’re free to do as you wish, so long as you stay within the rules of the land. You have questions, ask me or Shield. It’s not a bad offer, and if you want to stay beyond the six months, you’ll have that option too.”

It was fair, at least as far as he was concerned. It gave her a pack, albeit a mostly human one, and work which earned good pay. He was also sticking his neck out in this case as he’d be running fairly loose with his authority and what it granted. There were cases where non-human species were in the ranks, elves and the occasional sprite or the like, but no precedent for one which originated from the Darkness.

Ferad stood, eyes locked with his would-be recruit. In the few moments since he’d finished, Skeks showed no sign of reaction, just a constant, intent glaring at him. When she did move, it was fast, almost to the point that he wasn’t able to block the strike. Each successive attack rang off the steel shaft of his spear as the unmoving tower became a flurry of teeth and claws.

Muscle memory took over in an instant, any thoughts of a peaceful end to this were immediately forgotten. Within the confines of the stream bank and trees, his effectiveness with the spear was greatly reduced. Each time an opportunity presented itself, he moved back, yielding ground to the onslaught but getting closer to the end of the tree line and open space. Branches and saplings were fodder to the gnoll’s attacks as he ducked and parried.

Ferad jumped backwards, leaving the last of the trees and preparing for his counter attack. Shield and Braxton were out here somewhere, but in the moment he had no room for any lapse in concentration. Just as Skeks burst through the trees after, he brought the weighted end of his spear whipping around. The gnoll blocked this, snarling as the shaft rebounded off her right forearm and countered with a strike from her left.

Each attack and each counter, each inch given and taken brought the chances of serious injury closer. Twice now, he’d caught himself bringing the spear tip to the front and twice he’d changed attacks mid stroke. Her own attacks drew closer each time as well which escalated the situation further. Ferad jumped back once again, giving them just a few feet of separation, “Enough!”

Skeks staggered briefly, choosing to sit at the sudden break rather than topple over altogether. Her tongue rolled off to the side, chest heaving in rapid breaths as she panted from the exertion. She was completely spent, how she managed to fight this long was entirely beyond him. He hadn’t expected shouting to actually work, but Gods was he glad that it did.

Braxton whistled from the roadside, “Hell of a show, sir.” Ferad couldn’t help but look back, the Lieutenant was wearing that damned goofy-assed grin that women seemed to like for some unknown reason. The comment was comical at best, but it helped break any remaining tension. Shield just shook her head, though she too seemed relieved that the situation had come to an end.

Now that he’d had a chance to catch his breath, he looked back at Skeks. Her own breathing was back to a regular cadence, if a bit fast, but she seemed in a truly relaxed state. “Alright, mind telling me what brought all that on?” If he’d done something wrong, he at least wanted to know what his offense was.

Skeks looked at him for a moment before bearing her teeth in high pitched laughter. “What you said.”

Ferad blinked, well sure it was something he said but that didn’t answer anything specifically. “Right, but I wasn’t trying to make you angry...”

“Now you have it wrong.” Was that actually mirth in her voice? “Your rules say no challenges if I accept your offer, so I challenged before accepting.” Somehow she wore nearly the same inane grin Braxton did. Even Shield had to turn away to keep from snickering.

He could feel his brows knitting together in consternation. “Of all the damned…”