FSE

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Well, there it is," Tallian muttered softly as he and Zu crested a hill. Before them lay the most impressive castle on the border of the Da'Zal kingdom; the lion's home. Or more accurately there lay what was left of the fort. The siege had been long and brutal. The lion king's army had been pushed back. Tallian, as prince and captain, had served with the army. At the time he had hoped the fort might hold out long enough for his father's armies to rest and rally. "Glamis, such as it is."

Behind him, Tallian's new husband rode up. The rabbit paused and his eyes looked sadly on the ruins, "Yes, it was a tough fight. Twelve days to break the walls and another two to best the men inside." They both could see the pyres, or what had been pyres. Scores of soldiers, lion and rabbit, all dead long before their time. Now nothing remained of them but ashes and black burn marks in the turf. For the glory of the king, or the defence of their home. Somehow it didn't seem to matter.

"You fought here?" Tallian asked he wasn't surprised to hear it. Zu was an accomplished warrior, the two had crossed swords once during the war. Both had escaped without injury, but it had been a close fight.

"Yes, I fought here," the rabbit replied softly but added no more. Tallian did not need to ask for more. As a soldier, he had seen more than his share of action. Enough to know that this was a battle that had taken a toll on all those involved. Zu looked around behind them, silently a young scrawny bull had crept up. "We should probably avoid the town. It's filled with our soldiers and prisoners of war. Adding ourselves and our new charge into the mix seems likely to be volatile."

"A good suggestion, my husband," Tallian replied spurring his horse, Fyon, on. The fat old nag had been the last insult of Zu's father. The price for peace had been high, and Tallian had paid the lion's share. However, like the marriage he had been forced into, he was finding the old horse strangely more comfortable and less shameful than he had assumed. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Zu wince slightly. "Something vexes thee, my husband?"

Giving a small shrug the rabbit smiled, slightly embarrassed, "it is just a small matter. One that can, and probably should wait." The black-furred lapine replied as the two horses trotted side by side.

"Maybe," Replied Tallian. "However, if we are to be together for life, I would have you feel free to speak your mind. For my part, I will not be able to stop myself from speaking mine."

"So I can see," Zu replied with a chuckle. "Well, if you must know I was wondering how long it will take... before you use my name."

Tallian brown furrowed in honest confusion, his eyes glanced back to Bar. The bull had stopped a respectful distance back. "Your name?"

"Zu, we have been introduced and then some," chuckled the rabbit, a slight sparkle of mischief and humour in his eye. "If we are truly to be together for life, I would rather hear my name on your lips, than to be called 'my husband.'"

"I... did not wish to show disrespect," Tallian replied, pulling Fyon to a halt. Zu halted his horse in kind. "It is custom, with my people, a wife does not use her husband's name. Certainly not when others are present. Nor would a husband call his wife by name. Strangers may think they were not wed. It is not done, in the royal court."

Waving his hands slightly at the grassland and the ruined fort, "we are not in the royal court. I like my name, and I would like to hear it from the lips of my husband more." The rabbit spurred his horse on, trotting passed the stunned lion he added in a low voice, "I promise to make you scream it out loud if thou gives to my request."

The lion's jaw dropped and he stared after his husband. Two nights they had lain together and both of them had been wonderful and yet not what he had expected. For a moment he wondered if Zu truly meant something so lewd, however, the look on the rabbit's face had been as clear as a summer's day. He felt something stirring, but the coarse hempen garment he was wearing made that an uncomfortable and short-lived prospect.

Shaking off his shock he spurred his horse on, trotting quickly after his husband. While behind them Bar trotted quickly trying to keep up. His long golden fur bouncing with each step. The bull had a shaggy mane of his own, a trademark of his highland kin, forever hiding his eyes from view. Bar had barely spoken a word since the two had accepted him, his mouth had opened only for the food he had consumed.

Catching up to Zu, Tallian trotted side by side. Then looked back, "we should slow our pace, our young... cohort may not be able to match it for long." He said, his voice low to save Bar any dishonour or embarrassment from the kind gesture.

Zu did not reply immediately, but the two slowed their horses to a walk. Then the rabbit spotted a tall stone standing alone in a field. "A border stone." He observed.

"Yes," Tallian replied simply. Yet he pulled Fyon to a halt once more. Then he turned in the saddle, his eyes wandering over the green hills and the distant forests. His home lay behind him and he wondered if he would ever return. It seemed doubtful. To return as the wife of a lesser prince, at least in the eyes of the court, it would be a great shame. The lords of the realm would have little time for the prince turned princess. In his heart, he wished he had a chance to go back, just one last time. To see his home, to say goodbye to his servants. A chance to ride his horses once more and give his hunting hounds a decent run and then a fine feast. One last hurrah, to say a proper goodbye.

Long he stared and Zu said nothing. There was little he could say. Only hope that in time the lion would come to love his new home and life. Bar caught up to them both, he looked confused but stayed silent. At last Tallian turned back and spurred Fyon onwards, passing the border stone without a word and yet with a tear in his eye. The other two followed him in silence. The proud warrior took a deep breath and looked forward, he knew it was all he could do. Slowing Fyon he let Zu catch up.

Trotting silently for an hour or more the small group passed into the green lands of the Starholt Kingdom, "we should make good time today." Zu observed. "The roads should be clear, for now. With the truce, in a day or two, they will be packed with thousands of men returning home."

"A good thing," Tallian agreed, thinking back to his men, or his former men. "These roads may be packed, but there will be too few travelling home. Too few on the roads home in my homeland too."

"There is nothing to be done about that now, save whatever we can to maintain the peace and heal the injuries of our kingdoms," Zu replied, ever the pragmatist. Tallian liked that about the rabbit. He had taken his own dishonour with far more stoicism and nobility than Tallian. Something Tallian regretted now he looked back.

"Indeed, much work will need to be done. At least the men should be home long before winter." the lion observed as they trotted slowly down the path. Behind them, Bar was still walking in silence. His eyes glancing around now and then. "With good fortune, they will be home in time before the autumn harvests."

"T'was a small grace from the gods that the war ended so soon," Zu responded after a moment or two. Then added with a smile. "In our home, it will soon be time to harvest the grapes. There is a small festival in Steel every year to celebrate the harvests. Much wine, food, song and dance."

"What are the expectations of me, as your husband?" Tallian asked. He had been to many feasts and celebrations. As a prince, and heir apparent, there was always a speech to give, a title to award or some other duty to perform.

"None, save for to enjoy my company," chuckled the rabbit, adding after a moment, "I know that might be hard. However, I am sure you have endured far worse hardships, my husband."

"One or two, I slew a dread wyrm once. I suspect that was slightly more painful," the words came out dryly, and it was only the slight glint in his eye that gave away the mirth of his intent.

"You wound me, Sir," Zu replied clutching his heart and twisting his face, as if in pain.

"Not yet, however, I suspect I might if we have to dance together. I only know how to lead," this was true, as a Prince, he was well versed in many formal dances. However, he had never danced with another man and he suspected Zu was not the sort to let another person take the lead. Neither, of course, was he.

"If we can't dance, we will just have to eat, drink and sing a little more to make up for it. Although, I am sure some of the local ladies may ask for a turn around the dancefloor." Zu saw his husband squirming a little. Guessing that Tallian might not know how to deal with the more forward advances of the females of his species Zu resolved to make sure he protected him from such. He also looked to change the subject slightly. Glancing at Bar he added, "they may also wish to dance with our young squire here. Thought I certainly doubt he can dance."

Tallian resisted the urge to look back at Bar, not wanting the bull to think they were discussing him, "I suppose he could be taught the steps."

"Of that, I have little doubt," replied Zu. "Indeed, we will have much to teach him. My home cannot afford a mouth which does not earn his keep. We will need to see what trade he might turn his paw. At least he will be a well-trained hunter, his people pride themselves on their hunting skills. Often they will look to trade animal hides at the towns along our borders."

"He is my responsibility," Tallian insisted. It had been his choice to name the young bull. A decision made on the spur of the moment. To spare his life and take him on as a charge; rather than kill the poor young bovine. "Poor boy, to be cast out of his homeland."

Zu said nothing, though he saw Tallian's eyes. They weren't looking at the bull, but at his homeland which was growing every distant as they moved. "He will find a new home and people who love him for who he is. It will be a good life for him. Trust me, my husband."

Sighing, Tallian gave a nod, "I do trust you, Zu." The rabbit did not respond, but a small smile spread across his face.

The three journeyed onward as the sun passed its zenith. Pausing for a meal when the road dipped down. Zu chose the location, claiming that soon the road would rise again and that this lower land would keep the stiff breeze off them while they ate. However, the rabbit also knew it would block the view of the distant fort and his husband's homeland.

For the first time that day their young charge actually joined them. Saying little and taking only the food that was given to him. It was Tallian who chose to break the silence, "Bar,... "at the mention of his name the young male's ears twitched up and his entire body stiffened. " when we reach our new home there will be much to learn. For me and for you."

"I will not fail you, father," Bar's reply came fast and with such earnestness that Tallian had no doubt of his intent.

"Of that, I have no fear," the lion replied kindly. "However, there will be choices to make. On what you might wish to commit your life to. Farming, the sword, I believe there is a mine and possibly other opportunities. Is there anything you would wish to learn?"

A confused look washed over the bull's face. His eyes glanced from Tallian to Zu and back again as if looking for some answers in their expressions. "I... will do anything you wish of me, father." He replied carefully.

"What if I wish of you to speak the desires of your heart?" Tallian shot back with barely a pause.

"My heart desires... to go home, father," the bull replied, each word drawn slowly from his lips. "That I can never do, so I will do as my father asks. As any good warrior of Tao would."

"Your heart is not so different to mine, Bar," Tallian said, lowering his voice and glancing at Zu. He could see a slight discomfort on the rabbit's race. It was clear there was some wound there from his new spouse's sadness at moving to his home. "However, our new home brings a new life. Should your heart desires change, your father will support whatever you desire. Be it go home, or learn new skills to become a new man. We are warriors, we will not weep for that which lies behind us. We will meet what lays ahead and turn it to our advantage. That is what I command of you."

The young bull's face lite up at his father's words. Bar bowed so low his unbroken horn touched the ground. "I will not fail you, father." Feeling a new bond of kinship with the young bull, Tallian reached out, placing his mighty paw on the young male's bowed head. For a moment they sat in silence.

Then, Tallian's paw was pulled back and he got to his feet, "now we must move on. We have much distance to cover before we make camp for the night." Bar leapt to his feet and was already walking on the path forward while the two princes resaddled their horses. There was something different about Bar. He was stooping much less and there was a glint of new hope in his eye.

"Now I know why you were able to convince your men to stand so long on that hill at Tarna," Zu muttered softly, but with a smile.

Tallian's brow furrowed in slight confusion, "I just spoke the truth of my heart. Nothing more."

Stepping closer Zu reached out and placed his paw on the lion's broad chest, "It is a good truth, and a good heart, Tallian. What better for a young man to follow?"

Reaching up Tallian placed his own paw over Zu's, clasping it slightly. Their eyes met and that gaze was held long. A broad smile growing on both their faces. Tallian felt the desire to kiss Zu growing, his head began to dip. Zu lifted up to meet him, yet their lips were never destined to meet. For the sound of running feet thundering on the path broke the spell between them.

Looking up they saw Bar, he was running at them, his face a mask of fear, "we are being hunted!" He gasped as he reached the couple.

Grasping his sword Tallian cast his eyes around. Yet he could see nothing, hear nothing, but the birds singing merrily in the trees. "Are you sure?"

"I feel it!" Bar insisted.

"Have you seen anyone?" Zu asked, his voice and expression showed no small measure of doubt.

"No, no-one," replied the bull with a shake of the head. "I feel it, father!"

Finding himself caught between the logic of his husband of a few days and the feelings of his new charge. Tallian took a breath and said, "we have a place to go. We will be careful, Bar. However, I will not run because someone hunts me. Though I will teach any hunters the folly of choosing such a dangerous prey."

With that he mounted Fyon, Zu followed his lead. Though they both loosened their swords in their scabbards. Tallian cursed his hemp shirt once more. With a potential threat, he felt more naked than ever, without his plate armour. As they travelled Bar trotted behind them. Unlike the morning the bull's eyes were no longer on his leader but on the lands and trees around them. His eyes were quivering and he kept his knife in hand. The only weapon he had left. His bow having been taken from him when he failed his rite of ascension.

"It's probably just in his head," Zu muttered softly to Tallian. "He failed his challenge, was kicked out by his tribe. Spent weeks alone wandering the wilderness. It's only normal for someone to become a little paranoid."

"Perhaps," Tallian replied just as softly. Glancing back. "When the Dread wyrm was attacking Canlon, I lead a contingent of men against it. On our way, we met an old sooth-sayer. My friend Barrow, he was ever one with time for such nonsense. For a silver shilling, she told his future. That he would not die to the Dread Wyrm, and that the beast would be slain. Other men offered her a shilling to give their future. Each time she took their coin, she returned it a moment later refusing to tell them what lay ahead."

The lion shuddered to think back on the battle, "The next day we engaged the wyrm. I lead one-hundred men against that beast. By the time I stood victorious over its corpse, I had but one soldier left. Barrow. There is more to this world than that which our eyes behold."

"The last soothsayer to take a coin from me told me I would fall madly in love and marry a beautiful woman. Who would give birth to many fine strong sons," the rabbit replied with a shrug. "Sometimes we need to acknowledge the truth before our eyes, lest we miss out on something worthwhile that is right before us."

"I... have spoken too much about what is behind me," the lion replied feeling strangely guilty. "I swear I am still committed to what is before me, my husband."

"I do not doubt your commitment, nor expect you to leave behind everything you have known without a word, or tear." the rabbit replied. "However, Tallian, the house and family that lays before you, maybe not be the one you know. Yet, it is your house and your family. As much as it is mine."

"It is, and I am grateful that you will be a part of it, Zu," Tallian affirmed with a smile. "I will feel better once we arrive. The last reminders of my old home are behind me, and that is for the best. From today my lot improves, as does my mood. I do not want my new husband to think he has married some dour man, old before his years. Who does nothing but grumble about the path behind him and shares not the joy in the road before."

With a click of his reins, Zu pulled his horse up close to Tallian. Reaching out he stroked the lion's cheek and the two leant close for a tender, yet awkward kiss. While their two horses trotted side by side. "I have no doubts on the quality of the man I have married. Now, the sun is shining and the path home is fair. If I may say so, the company is pleasant and handsome."

Tallian flushed with the heat of a blush as he heard his husband call him handsome," mayhap I could entertain you with a song. Or a story. My life has not been all swords and meetings."

"A story would be good, something with good humour and no death. I have had my fill of that," Zu replied with a laugh and a smile.

"Very well, perhaps the tale of my encounter with the Prince of the Kadzu Kingdom, have you ever met one of the dragonic lords?" As Tallian talked, Zu listened and laughed. The two didn't notice when Bar slipped away into the forest that grew ever closer to the path. Both were too busy howling with laughter to notice the path becoming narrow until they were surrounded on all sides.

"So what did you do?" Zu asked as Tallian's reached the climax of his story.

"There was nothing I could do. I pulled myself up to my full height, gave a salute and said, "My apologies Father I seem to have misplaced my undergarments." Then I turned and walked through the royal court, in nought but my fur and oh the ladies did swoon and the men glower." Laughed the lion, ducking under a low hanging branch as the two trotted side by side.

"Of that, I have no doubt," Zu agreed. "Did you ever get vengeance on the Prince?"

"Oh, that, my husband is another story," chuckled Tallian.

"Well, there is little but time ahead of us. So tell it my husband, and I will make you happy for it later," offered the rabbit with a wink.

"Gentlemen, I would suggest you save that tale for another time," the deep voice came from behind them. Both Zu and Tallian spun in their saddles to see a being standing behind their horses. He was tall, and with no fur much like a human or dwarf. Yet his skin was green. He was dressed in simple leather armour, of low quality and armed with a crossbow. It was pointed very clearly at them.

"A thief!" Tallian snarled, his paw grabbing his sword. "I'll have your head for this you filth wretch!"

"Gentlemen, we are not thieves. We are ransomers," the man replied with a smirk and his eyes glanced to the left and right. Tallian's eyes stayed on the man, but Zu couldn't help but look.

"I'll not be waylaid by some low vermin," the lion bellowed and as he prepared to make a lunge, a risky endeavour against a man armed with a crossbow, he was stopped by Zu grabbing his wrist.

"He's not alone, look!" The rabbit said urgently, and Tallian looked all around. There were dozens of new eyes looking back. It seemed like behind every tree a new creature emerged. Orcs, unlike the man in the road they were purebred. Taller than human's and with more muscle than almost any other species. Many of them were armed, dozens of crossbows were aimed in their direction. Tallian knew that their leader was neither orc, nor man. However, some hybrid of the two, a half-orc.

"Please, your royal highnesses, you cannot win. You cannot escape. Your only hope is to submit. I give you my word you will be well treated until your fathers pay the coin I ask for your release," announced the man. He was smiling, but his tone was grim. Tallian growled, he knew the logic of the situation. That he should yield and look for a chance to escape. Yet, every instinct in his body told him to attack, to kill the impudent challenger. Lion's do not react well to those who challenge their authority.

"How do you know who we are?" Zu asked carefully as he kept his paw firmly attached to the wrist of his husband.

The half-orc man gave a smile, "peace has been declared. That means your people won the war. Good, the arrogant pussys needed a good kick in the teeth. However, I am not ignorant of your ways, nor your families. Indeed the bloodlines of kings are known to most people. You arrogant curs do like to brag about who your sire and grandsires are," snorted the half-orc as he stepped a little closer. "A lion and rabbit of royal birth travelling together through the Starholt Kingdom right after peace was declared. That could mean only one thing." The half-orc's grin grew wider as he nodded to the lion, "was he gentle or did you not want him to be? Did you beg for it? Or did you just lay there and take it, all stoic and noble, as the son of the man who beat you took his pleasure in your ass? Stupid lions, all bravado and bluster on the battlefield, yet little kittens once their pants are down."

Around them, the forest erupted in laughter and Tallian felt his blood boiling as some low born hybrid mocked him. Right before his husband as well. "All mouth, no fucking trousers. That's you kittens. Sure, I know who you both are. Riding around without a bodyguard, I assume to save your new wife from the embarrassment of all the men hearing her squeal when you stick it to her of a night."

Stepping closer the half-orc lowered his crossbow. " We came here to raid your payroll, only for the two of you to fall right into our laps. What was I supposed to do, turn down a gift from Par'du?"

"I am the least son of my father. While he is a man to live forever in disgrace, his lands and titles gone. We are not worth a single coin to our fathers," Zu replied firmly. His paw still on the wrist of his husband.

"Horseshit," snorted the orc. "The two men whose marriage represents the peace between your kingdoms? You are worth a lot more than you think, or maybe you think I'm stupid. You wouldn't be the first to underestimate me or my kin...

"Half kin," Tallian cut across with a growl, spitting the words out with all the bile he held.

"As you say, half kin. Though it's funny how both my human and orc brethren see only the orc in me," the look on the half orc's face softened. "If you surrender peacefully I give you my word, you will come to no harm. You will be our guests until your ransom is paid and then you will be free to go. No beatings, and if you give me your word not to run or escape I will even let you wander free about our camp. No bindings, no manacles. It is a good offer and a wise man would take it."

"I will not give my word to a hybrid who ambushes good men and I certainly will not take the word from such as you. It is meaningless," Tallian spat and Zu remained silent.

"If that is your wish. Bound and gagged it is boys!" The half-orc shouted, and as a cheer went up with the orcs, Tallian made his move. Spotting the tactical mistake the half-orc had made. With a flick of his reins, he made Fyon kick. The half-orc behind him took her full fury right to the face. Tallian roared and spurred her into a charge, but before he could reach even one of their assailants he felt something strike his head and the world went black around him.

<<<<>>>>>

"Can you see anything yet?" Barrow bellowed from the base of a huge tree. He stood in full plate armour, the dents and stains of the last battle he was in still showing. Including the blood, he had spiled. It was a brown rust stain. His cloak and tabard had been too badly stained to wear and none of the clothing Paal owned was even close to being big enough to wear. Faced with a choice between wearing his armour or walking home nude the soldier had chosen his armour. For many reasons, not least of which he claimed was the price. Good steel armour was expensive and his father could ill afford to replace his son's if he lost it.

"Not yet!" Paal bellowed from his tenuous position two-thirds of the way up the tree. All around him the canopy of the forest was blocking his vision. They had chosen what seemed to be a large tree on a small rise, with the hopes of being able to get to the top and spy out the land.

"Is it much further?" The golden-maned lion called up. His mane was flowing wild in the breeze, having lost his helmet on the battlefield.

"I don't know!" Shouted the rabbit slightly exasperated. He had never much cared for heights and far less for depths. "This isn't exactly easy, if you think you could go any faster please feel free to try." There was no risk of that, it would take Barrow an hour or more to remove his armour. It had taken an entire morning of the two working together to put it on in the first place.

"No, you are doing well. Far better than I could," that much was probably true. Even without the armour, Barrow was a huge male, and he would probably struggle to find branches to support his weight especially at height. Paal estimated he was a full hundred foot from the ground. Though he tried not to look down, it was a direction he longed to travel, but at a safe and controlled speed.

Paal grabbed another branch and pulled himself, using his thick thighs to work his way higher. Reaching up with his other arm he pulled, only for it to snap. For a moment Paal Felt himself falling. He cried out in pain as he took all his weight on one arm. However, it held firm, given the strength of steel by fear alone.

"Are you ok? Did you fall?" The lion called up, pacing and trying to find a better vantage point to see the red-furred rabbit.

"No, trust me if I fall I will make one big splash, you won't be able to miss it," growled the rabbit as he recovered his balance and began to climb once more, with his arm aching. "I cannot believe I am travelling with a man who cannot tell north from south."

"I'm sorry. I thought moss only grows on the Northside of..."

"Moss grows on every side of a tree in a forest, cause the light is low." Spat the rabbit angrily. A mixture of fear and pain giving him the nerve to speak so brusquely to a noble. For almost an entire day he had let the lion lead him through the forest. Until Barrow led him past the same fallen tree for the third time.

Pulling himself up a few more branches the rabbit finally pushed his head through the canopy and out into the dusty light. A quick look at the sun and he had some barings. Ducking his head back under he looked down to find the lion.

The dusty green light still reflected off the lion's armour to make him an easy mark to find. "You are standing on the south side of this tree. We are not far off track if we don't lose our way I'd guess four or fives days to the border." That was both good and bad news. Good news because they now knew where to go, bad news because fives days travel was more than they had rations for, by about five days.

"Excellent, you have both my thanks and my apologies," Barrow bellowed back up at the rabbit. "I will find a way to revisit your kindness upon you." Paal smiled to himself as he heard that. There were ways he would like the lion to revisit that kindness. Just two nights before they had lain together in carnal bliss. The power the lion had given him in that night had been unlike any he'd ever taken. Yet it wasn't the magic he had been filled with that he was thinking of. Never in his life had he been so intimate, so vulnerable and so protected with another male. For years sex had been the means to an end, with Barrow it had started thusly, yet by the end Paal... he wasn't thinking of the need for energy to heal. All his thoughts had been of the lion.

Shaking his head, he scattered those thoughts. They would do him no good. Barrow was a noble and he a peasant. Moreover, the lion had told him it could happen only once. Someday soon Barrow's father would choose for him a wife and Barrow was an honest and honourable man. So Paal knew that night would be a once in a lifetime experience. The rabbit knew he would find other lovers. In his years wandering the country as a healer finding someone to share a bed had never been troublesome.

Paal sighed softly and resolved to do what he must. He would follow Barrow back to his home and become a servant. At least he would be surrounded by others like the lion. Maybe he would find someone who could match the closeness he had felt with Barrow that one night. While Barrow would marry some female his father chose. The lion had told him that "Love is the one luxury that only the poor can afford". It seemed like as poor as he was, Paal might not be able to afford that one luxury.

The rabbit was so deep in thought he only paid half his attention to climbing. He was still far up in the tree when he stepped down hard on a damaged branch. Paal heard the crack, as he felt it under his foot. There was no time to brace himself and his fingers scrabbled as they tried to grip onto the tree's trunk. His efforts were in vain and with a squeal of pure terror the rabbit plunged towards the ground.

Time seemed to slow for Paal, he knew this was it. His end, the fall was too great. His hands and feet reached out, clawing at branches but finding no purchase. While below him the forest's dark floor was rising up to meet him. He could see a terrified look on Barrow's face, his mouth open mid-shout. A branch caught Paal on the stomach and for a second he stopped, the wind knocked utterly out of him. However, before he could find his senses the branch cracked too and his journey to the ground continued apace.

Each heartbeat saw the ground hurtling up to meet him. Paal knew his next heartbeat would be his last as the ground grew closer. Then he stopped, suddenly and yet not as suddenly as expected or indeed as low down. The rabbit floated four foot from the forest floor, panting and gasping. While Barrow ran over, strong arms slipped under him and Paal gave a relieved gasp. A moment later it seemed that the world had noticed the rabbit had not completed his journey and his full weight hit Barrow's arms.

The plate armour was uncomfortable and yet so much better than the alternative. Instinctively he wrapped his arms around the lion's strong neck in a hug born out of terror. "You... you're ok." Barrow's voice seemed distant and Paal couldn't focus on those words. "I've got you."

Paal buried his muzzle in the lion's mane and closed his eyes. His entire body was trembling, the adrenaline shock running through every fibre. The rabbit's fight or flight response screaming at him to run, to hide. He wasn't able to speak or move. "I've got you." Barrow's voice was reassuring and Paal took a deep breath, steadying his nerves. Pulling back a little, his eyes looked up into Barrow's face.

The lion's expression was a mask of concern. However, it was his golden eyes that calmed Paal. Barrow stared back into the rabbit's green eyes, and Paal felt the lion's hands lightly squeezing him. His heart still beating fast the rabbit felt himself begin to lift up and Barrow's wild golden-maned head lowered. They stayed lost in each others' eyes. Moment by moment their lips drew closer. Paal's arms tightened their grip around the lion's broad steel covered shoulders.

Just as their lips were mere inches apart, there was a loud snap from above. They both looked up to see the branch that had broken under Paal finally give way and hurtle towards them. Barrow reacted with the instincts of both a feline and a soldier throwing Paal clear with his first movement and then with a diving roll, he cleared harms way a second before the large branch thumped into the ground.

The lion was already back on his feet, his armour covered in dirt, grass and moss from the forest floor. "That could have given someone a bad clout on the noggin," Barrow muttered, suddenly unable to look the rabbit in the face. He held out a strong paw to Paal.

Taking the offered paw the rabbit gasped as he was pulled to his feet like he weighed less than a leaf. "Yes, the bloody tree seems to have it in for me." Grumbled the rabbit as he got back to his senses. "However, at least now we know the right way to go."

"Indeed..." Barrow paused in his reply as his stomach decided to enter the conversation with some complaints of its own. The sound was not muffled but seemed to be amplified, by the metal armour the lion was wearing.

"Mayhap we should forage for some supplies with the remaining light and start out fresh tomorrow," Paal said trying not to smile at the embarrassed look on the lion's face.

"My stomach would seem to agree with you," the lion mumbled. "I... must admit without a bow I have little to offer when it comes to gathering food."

Paal nodded understandingly. He hadn't expected the noble-born lion to be familiar with searching the wilds in the desperation to find anything to put on the table. "I am sure we will be able to find something. Luckily at the end of summer, there should be much fruit, mushrooms and possibly even some nuts ready to harvest."

The rabbit l led Barrow off into the forest. It did not take long before he found some brambles laden with ripe fruit. The pair used Barrow's shield as a basket piling up the sticky black fruits. While Barrow mumbled about never getting the smell or stain out of the leather or the fur on his fingers. Paal gave a soft sigh, "I am sorry, Sir. I cannot magic up food. Those who wander learn to eat what they find and be grateful that their bellies have stopped grumbling."

"I apologise. Do not think I lack gratitude. Your graciousness and valour in the last few days are something I will never forget." Barrow said with absolute sincerity, placing a strong, but stained and sticky paw on Paal's robe; leaving some purple stains on the cloth. "However, it's a soldier's right to complain when he gets a meal. Tis something of a routine for those on the march. No matter how good or ill your provisions, you grumble and think of how things could be better. Keeps your mind on things other than the battles that might lay ahead."

Accepting the apology with a nod, Paal smiled as his nose caught a familiar scent. "I think we have enough berries and my nose tells me there is better fare nearby." Turning around he sniffed the air carefully, his nose catching a soft nutty scent he took a few steps towards a tree. There on the other side, he found the source of the aroma,

"A mushroom?" Barrow asked, his face showing his doubt and disappointment.

"A Poffo!" Exclaimed the rabbit. "When I was young my brothers and I would hunt the woods near our home hoping to find one." He said as he hunkered down next to the huge fungus. It was a foot tall and just as wide. A near-perfect sphere of grey flesh. The rabbit pulled a small knife out of his belt.

"For a mushroom?" The lion asked again, his voice still filled with doubt. Mushrooms were something that was served with meat and in Barrow's opinion were only to be eaten if the meat ran out before his hunger.

"A poffo is not just a mushroom." Insisted Paal as he cleared the soil away from the base of the ball and reached under carefully to cut the stalk lifting the huge mushroom up triumphantly. "They make superb soup, my mother would cook it for us, a hearty meal for a growing boy. However, it was... " Paal stopped and his eyes sparkled with a little mischief. "There is more to this ball than what befalls your eyes."

"Much like you," the lion replied gallantly and with a warming smile. "Though I hope its secrets do not take me any further from home."

"No, no further from home," Paal replied softly. His eyes looked at the ball in his paws as he thought about the last time he had found one. It had been over a decade and yet the nutty scent brought back the memories so strong it felt like yesterday. Sitting around the table, laughing with his brothers and his sister. While they waited for their meal. Their small cottage filling up with the scent of the rare delicacy. Paal's father coming home from a day of labour on a nearby farm, a smile bursting onto his face as he recognised the surprise of a delicious meal.

"Do you think this is enough, for tonight anyway?" Barrow's question broke the rabbit away from his nostalgic reminiscing.

"I see a hazel tree over there. We should gather some nuts and dry them by the fire for breakfast." the rabbit mumbled, and as Barrow looked he quickly wiped away a tear that had been forming in his eyes.

A few minutes later they returned to the tree which Paal had climbed. Where Paal had marked in the soil the way towards Barrow's homeland. Lest they forget overnight, he had no wish to climb another tree. Wood was gathered and Barrow set about trying to light a fire. Grumbling a little as the kindling refused to catch fire as he scratched a flint over and over to create sparks. "I don't suppose a little fireball is out of the question?" The lion asked half in exasperation and half in jest.

"I... don't know," Paal replied honestly. "I have never done anything like that before." Looking at his paws the rabbit found himself wondering if it was possible. Somehow healing just came natural, maybe because of his training as a leach. The power was still there, he knew it and he still couldn't believe it. It had never stayed more than an hour after sex, nearly two days was unheard of.

Reaching out his paws he closed his eyes. Unsure what to do he defaulted to what he did while healing. Breathing slowly he focused the energy into his paws. In the small dusky and dimly lit area of the forest, the slight glow seemed incredibly bright.

Unsure what to do next Paal faltered, the glow starting to fade. "I... don't know what to do."

"Think of fire," Barrow replied simply.

Fire! Paal tried to imagine flames a small ball of fire in his paw. Nothing happened, the glow faded away even more. A chill wind blew across suddenly, he felt it stir his fur, the coldness biting slightly warning that summer was fading and colder times were not far behind. "I think the flint might be more reliable."

Barrow gave him a smile, "that's alright. A soldier has a right to ask for the easy way, but he is always prepared to do things the hard way." The lion started sparking the flint again as he spoke. "I thought your magic only lasted hours, it has been almost two days since we... since we..." the huge male suddenly focused entirely on the flint as his face burned with embarrassment.

"It seems to still be here, I don't know why. It has never stayed this long. Maybe...maybe it was because we... did so much." The rabbit replied slowly. He had never spoken about his gift before, in fact, he had done everything he could to hide it. Plus Barrow had told him how important it was to stay chaste. He would no doubt be uncomfortable to hear the rabbit had usually just blown or fucked guys for the sole purpose of getting enough magic to heal someone.

With Barrow, it had been different. He needed to heal himself for one thing. However, it wasn't about the injuries. Paal had fucked and sucked dozens of men. Two nights ago, for the first time for both their first times, he had made love. It had been so very different and yet... Barrow had said it was a one-time thing. The lion was a noble and a lion. Species rarely cross married and the idea of a noble marrying a peasant, such as Paal, was beyond insanity. It wasn't done and would never be accepted.

Barrow's attempt to light a fire suddenly bore fruit. It was as if the gods had sensed the awkwardness and decided to send them a distraction. The two scrambled to feed the infant flame more tinder, growing the fire slowly until they had a decent blaze going.

While the fire burned, Paal lay out the nuts they had harvested around it, "by morning they will hopefully be dry enough to serve as breakfast." He explained, knowing that the noble lion would have little idea how such food was prepared. Then he picked up a stone he had found and placed it in the heart of the growing fire, to heat up.

Demonstrating a feline's ability to lounge in luxuriant comfort anywhere and anywhen, Barrow sprawled out between two great tree roots. He helped himself to a huge pawful of berries and began to eat them one by one, his eyes watching the rabbit curiously. "It's a pity I did not have a bow, I am sure I could have hunted us something better than nuts to break our fast."

"I am sorry that I could not forage up something worthy, Sir," Paal muttered with a hint of bitterness.

"No, it is I who should apologise. You have healed me, helped me escape and shared something... Something very personal with me." The lion said, putting the remaining berries back on his shield. "You have risked your life to protect mine. Now you are saddled with my presence and you find food to keep us moving and I... I have been a useless lump. I got us lost and then I quibble over food that I know is not easy to come by. I am sorry, I am not used to being so useless and it irks me, so I have not acted as my best self. I offer you my sincere apologies if you will accept them." As the lion spoke he had gotten to his feet and then sank down onto one knee, bowing his huge maned head low.

Taken back, Paal stammered, "I... accept your apology, sir."

Reaching out Barrow placed a huge paw on Paal's shoulder and looked deep into his eyes, "my friend, there is no need for such formality. Please, call me by my name and I will do the same if you will forgive my impertinence. At least, while it is just the two of us."

Paal gulped softly, placing his paw over Barrow's, "very well Lord Barrow."

A soft laugh escaped the lion's lips, "Actually, my father is a Duke and as his heir, my title would be Earl. The Earl of Durbain. Barrow is my name, no lords, no sirs, just Barrow. In the presence of others, it would be... inappropriate for you to be so familiar, or for me to be familiar with someone of... your birth." Paal noted how the lion skirted the issue of calling him a peasant directly. He sensed Barrow was trying to be tactful, rather than insulting. "However, we are leagues from the border and if you are to join me at my home I would enjoy being familiar with you, when it is appropriate, Paal."

Taking a deep breath, Paal ran through what was being offered. He knew enough about the lion culture to know that they rarely addressed one another by name. With a stranger, you used their title, with someone more familiar they called them my friend. It was an offer he doubted any other noble would have offered. "Thank you, Barrow." He said softly, and he felt Barrow's paw clasp down on his shoulder. Then he looked into those golden eyes and saw only warmth and kindness there. "You are... not like any noble I have ever met."

Barrow gave another soft laugh, "maybe, my family is known for being strange. There is a story behind it if you would care to hear." The lion said, letting go of the shoulder and returning to his lounging.

Sitting down beside the fire, Paal noted the stone in the middle was surrounded by embers and likely quite hot. "We seem to have the time, and if I am to return with you, it would be good to know the history of your family." Paal knew that nobles valued their history greatly, often they cared more for who their ancestors did than what they themselves achieved. Carefully, he picked up the poffo and reached out over the flames to place it on the stone. A soft hiss escaped from the mushroom.

"I am not a great storyteller, so please forgive my shortcomings," Barrow said as he popped a few berries into his mouth. "It beings with my great grandsire. That alone makes my family something of a curiosity. I know of no other noble family with such short a lineage. I was named for him and my father insists I have his look. Unlike me, he was born a peasant, a fisherman of all things. One of a long line of fishermen.

My father says that sailing is in our blood. Indeed, he was a captain in his day. Afore he completed his duty to the crown and retired from command to raise his most troublesome child." Barrow gave a soft chuckle and then a shrug. "He wished for me to follow in his footsteps, or rather his wake and join the navy. However, I wanted to be a soldier, I wanted this armour, this shield. To stand and fight, for king, for country, for glory and honour. So now you know, I was born a bloody-minded fool."

Paal gave a soft laugh at that, he could imagine Barrow a few years younger, definitely learning to ride a horse. While his father trying to coax him onto a vessel. The lion continued his tale, " I wanted to stand firmly and fight. That's hard to do when the ground beneath your feet is bucking of its own accord. However, I digress. My great-grandsire fisherman Barrow, he never joined the navy, nor the army. He felt no call of honour, no desire to raise a weapon to any creature that did not have gills and scales.

Eventually, his father succumbed to his age and my great-grandsire inherited his vessel. He fell in love married and had a child, my grandsire. It was around this time that a war broke out between our people and the Ameras Kingdom. They had invaded some of the islands not far from our coast, claiming them as their own. Our people went to war, and unliked when we battled you, we beat the humans.

However, it was during the war that things were to change for my great grandsire. He had resisted the urge to sign up, preferring instead to do his part by ensuring the soldiers were well fed. His crew, however, many of them were young men and they felt the call of their king and they took up arms. Leaving my great-grandsire alone to man his vessel.

One day while out at sea, he spied smoke coming from the water. Thinking it may be a vessel in trouble he set sail, leaving his nets which was a sore blow for a fisherman. It did indeed turn out to be a vessel in trouble. Not only a vessel, it was the Kestrel, our flagship. She was ablaze and alone. Later he found out that she had fought a heavy battle with two human galleons. The Kestrel had given a good accounting of herself and sank her adversaries, but not before they inflicted heavy damage. She was on fire and taking on water, sure to sink within hours.

My grandsire steered his vessel close, he could see that her launch had gone, the crew had abandoned ship. Only, he saw a man, leaning over the railing by the bridge. He was moving, not just by the waves. With a life on the line my grandsire pulled his vessel up to the stricken Kestrel he climbed his way onto that burning ship and somehow he carried the injured man down to his own fishing vessel.

The man was gravely wounded, he had taken a sabre cut to his belly. My great-grandsire treated his wounds using the methods he had learned from his father. Fishing is not a safe business and fishermen are quite apt at treating wounds, they must do so far from land or any leach or medicine. Tending to the man and sailing the vessel by himself my great-grandsire returned to shore."

Barrow paused and offered Paal the shield of berries, "that man turned out to be Admiral Hallion, commander of the fleet and brother of the king himself. Thanks to my great-grandsire he lived and in gratitude the king knighted him and granted him the title of Duke giving him the lordship of his home city of Canlon and the lands around it. So there you have it. The great history of my family."

"It was a good story, and you told it well," Paal replied with a smile. "I think... " A soft hiss cut through Paal's thoughts and they remained unspoken as his eyes turned to the fire and the poffo. "Ah, tis time. You will want to watch this, Sir... Barrow."

Both their eyes turned to the football-shaped fungus surrounded by flames. It had shrunk a little at the base, where the grey flesh was turning black. However, to Barrow's eyes, the top seemed to be swelling. Soon a very noticeable bulge grew from the top and was getting bigger. Then, without warning, the bulge popped. There was a sudden hiss and a puff of grey dust. The dust swirled into the fire and suddenly became a little rainbow as if thousands of tiny fireflies, each burning a unique colour swarmed all around them and then flew off into the night.

It lasted but a moment yet drew a deep gasp of appreciation from the feline. From inside the mushroom, a thick black goo emerged, running down all sides. A thick sickly sweet scent filled the air, and the goo stopped flowing. "I stand amazed, such a wondrous thing, from a simple plant." Gasped the feline. He could understand why Paal and his siblings had hunted to find poffos, such a spectacle, it was almost magical.

"The best is yet to come," chuckled the rabbit as he reached out carefully with his small knife, pulling the heated mushroom clear of the fire. "Tis hot, just a moment," he muttered as he placed the fungus down on a small rock to cool. It took but a few moments and then he reached out to the lines of black. The goo having been solidified and in fact crystalised by the flames. It broke off in his paw, a long black hard which he offered to the lion.

Barrow's expression was one heavy with doubt. The rainbow display had been wonderful, however, black goo from a mushroom. That was something far less inviting or, in Barrow's opinion, edible. "Is.. is it safe?"

"Trust me," Paal replied holding the black shard out. Taking a deep breath Barrow took the shard. It was surprisingly smooth, almost like glass. He sniffed at it, there was almost no scent beyond the smoke of the fire. Putting his faith in the rabbit he gingerly licked at it. His eyes went wide and in one motion he shoved the entire black shard into his mouth and began to crunch, while the rabbit laughed.

"Poffo candy, one of the greatest treats a young farmer could hope to find in the forest," the rabbit chuckled as he broke off a chunk of the black stuff for himself and started to suck on it, savouring the sweet smokey flavours. It was near pure sugar, much like honey only with the smokey taste of the fire and a slightly nutty taste from the mushroom itself.

Crawling closer the lion reached out and broke off another piece, enjoying the crunch along with the sweetness, "how have I never heard of this before?"

Paal shrugged," poffos are rare. A gift from the goddess Sta'rherik, who made my people. They grow throughout the forests of our land. I know not if they grow elsewhere. I have never heard of any man learning to grow or farm them. They are ripe for only a day or two before they burst and if they burst on their own, the magic is lost, and even fire cannot turn their liquid hearts to candy. It is considered a great blessing to find one intact."

Picking another piece of the black candy Paal stared at it, looking at the fire dancing through the black glassy candy. "My father... he found one on the day I was born. The local priest claimed it was a great sign that I was a gift from the goddess herself. That's what my name means; Paal in the old tongue, the gift of the goddess. I remember my mother telling me that when I was young, her 'little gift' she called me."

In the light of the fire, Barrow could see the tears being the rabbit's eyes trying to force their way out. Mages were evil, a blight upon the world. The last time they had been left unchecked a great war had swallowed all eight races and kingdoms. Magic users were to be put to death on sight, it was the law. A law he was breaking. It was hard to look at the rabbit weeping at the thought of a loving mother he would never see again and assign the word evil to him. Without a word he placed an arm around Paal, hoping that his armour would not dispel the comfort of his actions.

Eventually, Paal placed the candy in his mouth and sucked on its sweetness, as he endured the bittersweet memories that it brought him. Once all the candy had been eaten the rabbit cut up the flesh of the mushroom. It proved to be far more savoury, though still pleasant. Barrow thought back to what Paal had said about his mother making a soup from the flesh, he could imagine it making a good nourishing meal. The two fell asleep in the heart of the forest as their small fire turned to ash.

<<<<>>>>

With an unceremonious thump, far less dignified than something befitting his station, Tallian was dumped onto the ground. It had been a very uncomfortable ride for the lion and with both, his hands and feet bound, tied face down across the back of one of the orc's wargs. The lion had seen the beasts before, on diplomatic visits to the Ameras Kingdom. However, most humans used horses, the same as his people.

Wargs, wolves giant enough for a man to ride, had ever been the mount of choice for the orc people. Stronger willed than even the most stubborn horse, it took a certain mind to control one of the beasts. The huge black beast had stank, almost as much as the orc riding it. However, none of that had been as bad as the taste of the gag they had tied to his head to stop him speaking. Tallian was loath to think of what the cloth's task had been before they shoved it into his mouth.

Shaking his head a little, he tried to come back to his senses. Hours of bouncing left his body aching, as a trained warrior he set his mind once more to ignore the screaming in his muscles. Unable to speak, or fight, he glared defiantly at his captors. He may be beaten, but he was far from broken and none of them would be male enough to break his will. A second later another of the huge orcs appeared, he was carrying Zu, also bound hand and foot. Though Tallian noted with a little bit of anger, his husband had not been gagged as he had.

The two were leaning against a tree stump in the middle of a small forest clearing. Around them, the orcs camp was abuzz with activity. Dozens of tents, that Zu noted bitterly had been stolen from his people. The half-orc had spoken about hitting payroll, apparently, they had helped themselves to more than just coin from his people's army. The two exchanged glances, and Zu bumped forward, leaning close and using his teeth he pulled to bitter rag down and free from Tallian's mouth.

"T... thank you, my husband," Tallian panted smacking his lips as he tried to get his saliva to flow and wash some of the bitter flavours away.

"When I planned to demonstrate my exceptional oral skills to my new husband, this was not what I had in mind," Zu replied, his eyes still twinkling with wit and just as much defiance as the lion. "Know you much of our green-skinned hosts?"

"Other than their complete lack of manners, and they rather lazy bathing habits, very little." The lion replied with a smile. Somehow talking to Zu even for a moment made him feel better. "Do you think Bar is ok? I didn't see him amongst our captors."

"I think he slipped away, I don't think they had any interest in him, nor our horses," Zu noted bitterly. "I tried to fight on after that orc hit you from above, but I didn't even get my sword drawn before one of them jumped on me. I saw them go through our saddlebags, they took everything of value."

"My ring!" The lion suddenly exclaimed. "They took my ring!" The last symbol of his birthright, his one remaining possession. It remained no longer. "I will cut out their black hearts and..."

"No, you will sit there and be quiet!" A voice cut across them both and they turned to see their captor standing over them. His face was smoother than his kin, his skin a much lighter green and his muscles far less pronounced. Although he also had a huge black bruise in the shape of a horse hoof over his left eye. He was dressed in leather armour, that Zu recognised as plundered from his people's, it even still had his father's royal insignia on the breast.

"I know nothing of your people, save that you are faithless." The rabbit cut in, struggling with his legs for a moment. Tallian thought the rabbit might have been trying to escape, however, he realised a moment later he was using the strength of his rabbit hips to work himself back against the stump pushing him up to his feet.

"Faithless? You mean the war? That was eight hundred years ago!" Spat the half-orc. He was flanked by two orcs, both in nothing but loincloths and scraps of hide. However, they had swords of lapine design and one had a shield that was of lion make. The one on the right stood out more, being over seven foot tall and unique among his brethren by virtue of his blue skin. Between them, they blotted out the dim morning sun. "Nobody still lives who's great-great-great grandsire was alive during that time. Who are you to call us faithless?"

"The two men who never offered you any harm, who you waylaid without just cause," the rabbit shot back quickly meeting the orc's gaze. "Who's people you have apparently been thieving off of."

"Well, ok. You have me there," admitted the orc with a wry smile. "Tis not by choice that we are in your land. The war was too good an opportunity..."

"To steal!" Tallian cut in, struggling to his feet beside his husband.

"Well, yes." Admitted their captor once more. "I feel we have gotten off to a bad start..."

"I wonder why," snorted Zu derisively.

"Ok, I may have captured you, brought you at least ten leagues tied to our mount, and yes I may technically have used Grunk's old loincloth as a gag," Tallian's ears and stomach twitched at this revelation. To some men, this knowledge would have been a reason to vomit, or feel humiliated beyond belief. However, Tallian was of the highest born, the very top of society. That allowed him to do something that no other class of person could do, believe with all his heart that was not the truth. Princes do not have that sort of thing happen, he was a prince, ergo that did not happen to him. "However, I'm not utterly without ruth."

Zu and Tallian were silent, at least they made no sounds. Their faces, however, were screaming with everything they could use that they would not believe this if a god had taken mortal form before their eyes and told them it was the truth.

"My name is Eriac, I am the leader of this band of soldiers..."

"Thieves!" Snarled Tallian and he could see more than a couple of orcs glare at him. Their tusked mouths snarling back.

"Technically, yes. However, does a man who steals a loaf of bread to feed his starving family deserve the title of 'thief'?" Asked the orc, even while he stood among a camp that contained so many stolen items that Zu had not been able to count them all yet.

"The sum of your pilfering is far in excess of a loaf of bread," observed the rabbit.

"I have a big family," Eriac shot back with a grin. "I am truly sorry for the inconvenience of being our guests until your ransom is paid. However, I make no apologies for what we have done. We may be thieves, but we are not without morals. Think of all the towns we have passed, all those places a band such as ours could have plundered and looted. All those places you left defenceless while you fought your war. Yet we didn't. We may have robbed from your military caravans, but that is all."

"So you are moral thieves, who only helped my enemy during the war?" Asked Zu with another derisive snort. While Tallian felt a slight pang from hearing Zu call him his enemy. It had been true less than a week ago, yet to hear it spoken aloud was strangely uncomfortable.

Eriac shrugged, "we do what we have to. When I heard of the war I knew there would be opportunities. Armies need equipment, weapons armour, and paying. It was a chance and a risk, one we had to take."

"Why are you telling us this?" Tallian asked with a scowl. "If you look for absolution, do not seek it from those you are still inflicting your injustice on. We care little that you are not a murderer of the defenceless, merely a thief and a blaggard. You are still a criminal and I have nothing but disgust for what you are, hybrid."

"A thief, and a half-breed one at that," Eriac replied softly. "Guilty on all charges, and as I see we are being honest with one another. I have killed men, many of which you would consider innocent. I do not wish to kill you, either of you. However, I will; to protect my own. What I hoped to gain from this, was some understanding, maybe a little civility. You will be with us for some time. Keeping you bound hand and foot would be unpleasant for you and for my men. Having to feed you, bathe you and help you relieve yourselves. I want to unbind your hands and feet. Let your stay be as comfortable as is within our means to grant."

The orc gave a nod to his companions and they left, returning to their wargs to unload some bags. "We have ridden all night and most of the morning. We are deep in these forests, a long way from any help. My men are tired, and so am I. If you do not wish to be civil, then you may remain here, bound and if you make too much noise I shall arrange for some more gags. Along with a guard to watch over you." With that Eriac turned and strode off towards one of the tents.

Within a few moments, the orc camp was cleared and silent. A few moments later it was filled with the noise of several dozen orcs snoring, it was a peaceful as the average bacanal. While Zu and Tallian sat back down leaning against their tree stump. The only orc who did not retire to his tent was the blue orc. He said nothing, but sat down not too far away, placing his sword across his bare knees, his eyes fixed on the two captives.

"Know you much of orcs?" Zu asked quietly. "I have never met one before today."

"Not much," admitted Tallian." A few years back the third son of the Ameras King did visit our court on some diplomatic errand. With him, he had an orc among his many servants. However, I never spoke with it, nor discussed it with the prince. I know little about them, save for the war of the Four Kingdoms. My people, the humans of the Ameras Kingdom and The Dwarves of the Karuzah Delvings did join forces to best the armies of the orc Warlock Kazok."

"My education was rather empty on the details, but I am aware of that war. Though as our host said, it was eight centuries ago. Seems a rather long time to hold a grudge," observed the rabbit. Zu was unable to take his eyes off the orc sitting silently just a few meters from them. Their voices were kept low, lest their guard decided to follow through on his leader's threat to gag them.

Tallian shrugged, "my education was rather comprehensive on world affairs, as heir apparent it was important that I be aware of the world and who I might have to face across the negotiating table, or battlefield."

"Your education seems to have been somewhat deficient when it comes to my people," observed the rabbit with a wry smile.

"I counselled against the war. Told my father he was a fool to think your people were soft or ripe for conquest," the lion shot back meaningfully. "Moreover, I told him that to go to war against a neighbour who has been at peace with you for two centuries was an act unworthy of a king. He ignored my counsel."

For a few moments, there was silence between them. Eventually, Zu broke it, "until the war broke out my father had never asked for my counsel. Once it did, he finally had a use for the least of his sons. Gave me the rank of general and pushed me out to fight with the men. To show that the royal family was standing with them."

"As someone who faced you on the field, I can say you did both yourself and your father proud," Tallian replied as he leaned back against the tree stump.

"Thank you," the rabbit replied quietly. "However, I am forced to ask myself if my father would pay for the return of his most troublesome child and the son of a man who has caused his people such harm. The answer will no doubt bring much consternation to our less than gentile host."

"I must concur, the peace is secured." Agreed Tallian, adding, "my father does not wish to return to a war he cannot win. Plus, when I learned of my fate, I was none too kind to him. Your father has gained much in the peace negotiations. Our marriage may have been needed to seal the peace, but that peace is now sealed."

"I wonder what will happen when our host gets that reply, possibly along with a battalion of armed veterans to hunt them down?" The rabbit pondered aloud, his eyes were still on the blue orc. He hadn't moved a single muscle in minutes.

"I do not know, I hope they decide to cut us free and make a run for it," Tallian replied. "However, I think it is time for me to introduce myself to our guard, with the same amount of charm and eloquence I used at our first meeting." Leaning forward Tallian stared the orc right in the eyes and scowled, "I need to shit!".

Zu couldn't help but laugh out loud. Those had been the first words his husband had given him on their meeting. "Delicate and tactful, as always, Tallian."

For his part, the orc gave a look that said he did not care, and that he was not stopping the lion from defecating where he sat. The lion shrugged, "I give you my word that, if you untie me and allow me to go relieve myself I will not try to escape, or look for any means to escape. I will return and let you rebind my hands and feet with no resistance."

Taking a deep breath the orc gave a nod of his head and pulled himself up to his feet. The ropes that bound Tallian were removed and the lion gave deep moans at the removal of that pressure. He could feel the bruises on his wrist from where he had struggled and where the constant bouncing on the ride had forced his arms to press against the tight bindings. "Thank you, my dear fellow. Now, where may I perform my ablutions?"

With a wave of his hand, the orc pointed at the forest around them, Tallian understood. There was a forest floor and leaves aplenty, all he need do was pick a direction. As he turned to leave a huge blue fist landed on his shoulder, "if you break your word..."

"I am a Prince, I keep my word no matter who I give it to, the lowest of the low or the gods themselves." Tallian cut in angrily. "You can rest assured that the only way I will not return is if I were to somehow die on my way. You may also rest assured that I would never die on the way to or from the latrine. The sheer embarrassment of such an end would force me to live on even with a sword stuck right through my heart."

The orc gave a grunt of laughter, "very well. I will take your word, your Highness."

"I... need to go next," piped up Zu holding up his bound hands with a hopeful grin. "I also give my word, am a prince and I would also refuse to die on the way to or from the latrine! Though there have been nights after too much ale that I have wished to die in one."

That gained a deep rumbling laugh from the orc, "very well. When he returns you may go."

Left alone with the orc, Zu decided to try and speak with his captor, "so... have you been with Eriac and this group long?"

The orc nodded and then turned around, Zu felt a shudder as he got a good look at the orc's back. It was laced with scars there was not a single patch of smooth unbroken skin. The rabbit recognised the kinds of scars and was pretty sure he could name what had made them. They were the from the tails of a cat. How many lashes it would have taken to cause them he could not guess. "Since the day after my master had this done to me."

Zu had only a few servants and his small valley had little crime. As lord and magistrate, he dispensed what passed for justice. "What cause did your master have for such a punishment?"

Turning around the orc crouched down and began to unbind the rabbit's paws. "I pulled his daughter out of the way of a runaway horse."

"That does not appear to be a crime," observed the rabbit carefully, rubbing his wrists as his bonds were removed.

"It is the law, an orc cannot lay hands on his betters. Of course, had I let that child be trampled by the beast I would have been put to death. Though to let a girl of barely ten years be trampled to death, I would not have argued with that as a just punishment," replied the orc, not pausing in his work to untie the rabbit's feet. "It was the law I was raised with, and I knew what my punishment would be."

"It was justice, but was it just?" muttered Zu as he rubbed his sore ankles. "Something my brother used to ask when our servants were punished."

"What did you answer?" enquired the orc.

"That depended on the punishment and the crime," Zu replied. "However, to this day I ask it of myself every time I pass judgement on the people of my lands. I will not lie and tell you I am always content with my answer. I am but a man, I do what I think is best and hope it is right."

"That is all any man can do, be he lord or peasant," agreed the orc, signalling that the rabbit could stand, but not leave as they awaited the return of Tallian.

"Considering what you have done in my lands, and what you are doing to me; what would your answer be on your actions?" the rabbit shot back quickly. A small hope springing forth that he might actually talk his way to freedom.

"It is not just, nor justice. However, it is necessary. For eight centuries our people have lived under the heel of our human masters. "Answered the orc, his eyes flashing with anger and crushing the small seedling of hope inside the rabbit's chest. "They tell us where to live, where to work, give us permission for when we can mate. Rebellions may be built on hope and desperation, but they make terrible weapons and armour. Swords, shields and coin are needed. With these, we have a chance to strike up at the heel that is crushing us."

Tallian's return put an end to their conversation. Zu left to find his own spot in the woods and Tallian offered up his paws to be bound again. When he sat down and put his feet together the orc shook his head, "your legs can remain unbound, for now. With your hands tied, I do not fear either of you could outrun me. Nor do I think you are foolish enough to try, not after the headache I gave you yesterday."

"You have my thanks, though I give you fair warning I consider my word honoured and myself at liberty to take advantage should I see a chance," the lion replied stiffly, feeling a little bit of anger to hear this was the beast who had cut short his attempt at escape. "I must say, for a gang of roving thieves you are at least well-mannered."

"Well, just because we are roving thieves is no reason to be rude," the reply did not come from the blue orc. It came from behind and Tallian turned to see Eriac emerged from his tent. The lion wondered if he had been unable to sleep, possibly because of the strange sleeping chorus of his fellow orcs snoring. For it had been little more than an hour since he had retired to bed.

"Indeed, may I ask if you have changed your mind about ransoming us?" Talian asked, knowing it was a fool's hope that Eriac had such a change of heart. " I warn you, our fathers are unlikely to pay and are more likely to kill whoever it is is sent with the message, and then make a spirited attempt to kill you all."

"They wouldn't be the first king to try to kill me and my men," Eriac had a certain swagger in his step as he said that. "Since the moment I was born, there have been people trying to kill me. Half breeds are not allowed. I was still in my mother's belly when I started running from soldiers trying to kill me. I have gotten pretty good at it by now."

"A lifelong criminal," observed the lion.

"When existing is a crime, one has little choice but to be a criminal," Eriac replied with a shrug of his shoulders. "Truth be told, I think the humans hate people like me more than orcs, cause I remind them that we are not so different."

At that moment Zu returned and the blue orc rebound his hands. "It's going to rain soon." He announced with a meaningful look at Eriac.

The half-orc smiled, "you always were a soft touch, Gor. If you wish you may move them to your tent. However, they are never to be left alone. I want someone with them awake and alert at all times. They are worth too much to let them escape."

"Worth of men should not be measured in coin," Gor shot back with a meaningful look.

For a moment, Eriac's jaw hung loose in shock at his friend's response. Leaning close he lowered his voice and replied in a whisper, "I known friend, but this is not the same. A little discomfort for them, a few weeks of their life, that's all. We have a good haul here, but what we could get for these two princes, sons of kings, might double it. Think of what that would mean when we get back. The life this would bring to our rebellion. I could arm three maybe four hundred of our kin. Think of it, an army not just a band of thieves, we could look to carve a place in the world. Force the humans to deal with us as equals, not as vermin to be stepped on. Surely that is worth a little moral discomfort."

With a large exhale the blue orc nodded his agreement, "where you lead, I will follow, my friend."

"We do not have to enjoy the journey. However, it is worth enduring to reach our destination," replied the half-orc with a nod and a smile. "I like this just as little as you, and I have tried to be as kind as I can be. Don't forget, for eight centuries their people have done nothing to help ours."

Once more the blue orc nodded, this time with a little more certainty. "Aye, you're right. Go, sleep. I will watch our guests."

Eriac smacked his friend on the shoulder and then gave an overly theatrical bow to Zu and Tallian, "rest well, dear guests. I will arrange food for you once my men have properly rested and I have sent some messengers to start the process of your fathers buying you back."

Gor waved his hand at them, "come, my tent is this way."

As they struggled to their feet, Tallian whispered, "did you hear that; I caught some but their voices were too low for my ears."

"I did, looks like our blue friend here isn't too happy with his leader's decision to ransom us. With luck maybe some of his brethren have similar opinions," Zu whispered back quickly. "We must keep our eyes and ears open." Tallian nodded his agreement and the two followed the blue orc into a small tent. They were guided to some soft furs, which was much more comfortable than the tree stump they had been sitting upon.

<<<<<>>>>>

Barrow awoke not to the call of the lark or any other songbird, but to a far more urgent call of nature. The lion could feel the weight of Paal, pressed against him. It had been a cold night and once the fire had burned low the two had naturally moved closer. He was not sure when they had embraced, but it was not an unwelcome start to the morning.

However, he had no time to bask on that thought, the sun was already high. The two had slept in far later than he would have liked. His paws immediately began to search. First his belt, only to find nothing, "ah! Paal, wake up please. Have you seen my wrench?!"

Yawning and sitting up the rabbit blinked away the sleep in his eyes and tried to force his brain to make sense of the world. It wasn't until Barrow repeated his question that he realised what the urgency was about. "I have it here in my purse, remember, for safekeeping as it's our only one." The rabbit replied pulling it out.

"Oh, thank the gods. I owe you once more my friend. Please pass it over, my need is great and I have no desire for an unpleasantly wet leg and full boot!" Barrow said as he got to his feet, his body dancing around a little. So much that the rabbit couldn't help but chuckle. Lion knights, so resplendent in their armour, so noble and brave, strong and true. Paal had never realised how many of them were probably desperate to go to the latrine. From the stories, Barrow had told him he knew many a feline knight had been caught short during a battle.

"Do you need any help?" The rabbit asked, already knowing the answer. Unbolting a codpiece was difficult to do on yourself, and when the need was urgent doubly so.

"You are an absolute blessing and a half," the lion responded as the rabbit began to work on the three bolts that held his codpiece in place.

"Front and back?" Paal asked, feeling slightly strange at asking that question.

"Just front, but if you could hurry I would be so much more grateful," Barrow's voice held a hint of a whine that was unusual for the strong and proud warrior.

Paal blushed thinking of how he wished Barrow would show his gratitude. As he pulled the crotch plate off he had a tiny glimpse of golden fur and a fat sheath. It was but a fleeting glance, as the lion dashed off into the woods. Storing the bolts carefully inside the curved and very musky metal plate Paal turned his attention to the pile of nuts he had set by the fire to dry out. Using a stone he started to crack them open, smiling as he heard a deep bellowed moan of relief coming from behind a tree not too far away.

By the time Barrow returned he had a small handful of shelled hazelnuts. Which he handed to the lion, allowing himself a second glance at Barrow's exposed crotch. Without realising it the lion rewarded him in full for his morning assistance be sitting down with his legs spread, his plump sheath and golden furry orbs dangling free. Paal guessed the lion might be enjoying some air circulating down there. While he felt a distinct rush of blood downwards. Fortunately, his robes covered any signs of his enjoyment.

The two ate their meagre breakfast and discussed the plans for the day. Paal was in favour of gathering some more supplies, while Barrow was eager to move on, arguing that they would probably be able to find food later on and that as soon as they reached a town in the lion's homelands they would be able to get a good meal and some horses.

Deferring to the will of a noble was second nature to Paal and most of his kin. So it wasn't long before the two were back walking. However, the sun had barely hit its zenith before the two ran into something they had not expected. A pair of horses, they had full saddles and bridles, both recognised the leatherwork as of a lapine design.

"Their owners can't have gone far," Barrow muttered looking around. "Given the war, they are unlikely to be friendly to someone such as myself."

"News of the peace will take time to reach everyone," agreed Paal. "we should move on. I doubt they will leave their horses unattended for long. At least this means we are not too far from the road."

The two turned to leave, only to find they were no longer alone. Behind them stood a young bull, with fur almost a match to Barrow's and a broken horn. The bull's eyes were fixed on Barrow, "you... are of my father's people."

Barrow frowned a little, his hand twitched for lack of a sword. Although the male did not seem too threatening. "I don't think so dear fellow, I've never met one of your kind before." Barrow took a step forward looking to move around the bull. Only for the young bovine to step in front of him again.

"No, you are of my father's people," he insisted. "My father needs help, green-skin men have him."

"Green-skin men have your father?" Barrow asked in confusion. "Look, you have my sympathies, my good fellow. However, I am not sure we can help. Maybe your own people could help."

"They can't," cut in Paal. "His broken horn marks him as an outcast, he's failed his rite of passage. I've seen his kind before. By father he isn't talking about the man who sired him, it means the one who gave him a name. It's more like a chief or lord." The rabbit stepped closer and looked Bar right in the eye. "Is your father, a lion, like my friend? Know you his name?"

Bar nodded an affirmative but offered no more detail. Paal glanced back at the horses, two horses with rabbit livery on the leather. "Do these belong to your father?"

Once more the bull nodded his head but no more information was forthcoming.

Paal looked at Barrow, " a lion riding the horses of our people. Possibly another prisoner or escapee?"

"My father was no prisoner!" Bar snapped defensively.

"Well, he is now," replied Barrow with a shrug of his shoulders. "Can you tell us anything about who took him or where they took him? Was he alone?"

As the lion rattled off questions, Paal leant in and whispered, "there's just the three of us and aside for my small herb knife we have no weapons."

"Can't hurt to find out as much as we can, we don't want to walk into these green-skin fellows." Replied Barrow quickly and quietly, then added louder. "I assume he means orcs, I think they are the only one of the nine species who have green skin."

Paal said nothing, as a child of a farmer he had been taught very little. If called upon he could write his name, though it would be an odd situation indeed where that might save them from a gang of orcs or any species.

The bull pointed, "that way they have a camp. I followed them. I was going to wait until night and try a rescue."

"Why not ride to the nearest town for help?" Barrow asked. "I'm sure there must be a local lord who could lend a hand."

"The local lord would be one of my people, and he is more likely to have a bull incarcerated than listen to his pleas. Or of myself." Paal answered for Bar, shaking his head he admitted. "Maybe for you, a fellow lord. However, unlikely. We may be at peace, but you are still very much considered the enemy. If we were to ride to your forces could they..."

"Send a troop of heavily armed soldiers into the land we just invaded without provocation and risk reigniting a war we can't win for the sake of one man?" Barrow asked and then took a deep breath. "I'm afraid our options are... limited. How many of them did you say there was?"

Bar looked awkward and replied, "lots."

"His people don't have numbers, he certainly won't know them in the common tongue. He must be from one of the tribes near our borders to know common at all," Paal whispered in Barrow's ear.

"Ah, so lots of green-skins and one hostage," the lion confirmed. "Have you any weapons? A sword would be very useful right now."

The bull pulled out a small knife, it's blade was six inches long. While it looked sharp, it was no match for a good sword. "Not one hostage, my father's husband is with him."

At that Paal's ears shot up, Barrow just looked confused. "Your father has... a husband? I am beginning to think you are playing with me, good sir. Men have wives, not husbands. I mean whoever heard of such a thing?"

"I have," Paal answered quickly. Catching the bull's eyes he gave him a serious look. "I know your people, at least reasonably well. My teacher used to gather rare herbs in the lands of your people. So I know it is considered a high insult to give the name of another without permission. However, in this instance, I do not think your father would mind."

Bar looked from Paal to Barrow, staring at each of their faces as if searching for some sign of ill intent. At last, he lowered his head in defeat and muttered, "father's husband is Zu."

"Prince Zu?" Gasped Paal, his suspicions confirmed he turned to Barrow. "My people have a tradition for the securing of peace. The youngest son of the victor must marry the eldest daughter of the defeated."

"That's not possible, King Zaal has no daughters," the lion replied with a confused look. "Seems slightly barbaric."

"It may be," Paal replied, biting back on the thoughts he had regarding the similarity with a duke marrying of his son to make himself more wealthy. "However, if the defeated has no daughters, his eldest son must serve in place of a wife."

"Eldest son!" Shouted the lion in shock, the penny finally dropped in his mind and it landed with a thunderous effect. Turning on Bar the lion grabbed the bull by both shoulders and shook him as he asked. "Your father, is his name Tallian?"

Startled the bull tried to pull away. However, Barrow's grip was vicelike and the young male was no match. He looked to Paal for help. The red-furred rabbit placed a paw on Barrow's wrist, "please, Barrow, ease up. You won't get information by terrifying him." Reluctantly Barrow let his grip ease and Bar fell backwards landing with a thump on the floor, rubbing his shoulders.

Kneeling down, Paal looked him in the face," If your father is Tallian, then he is a friend of... ours," that was a stretch Paal knew he had never met the man. However, he also knew that the bulls considered that names have power. They believed someone with strong magic who had your name could bring your destruction from afar. Loyalty would demand he not reveal the name of his father even upon pain of death. "If we already know his name then you are not betraying him by confirming that is the man. If it is not him, then you can just say so."

"My father is him," Bar whispered softly, still unwilling to speak his father's name aloud to strangers.

"We must rescue him!" Barrow said and he was halfway to the nearest horse before Paal managed to grab hold of his hand.

"How? There's just three of us, lots of them and we have two small knives between us," he said his eyes wide with fear. He was no soldier, the bull was a boy and Barrow was far too noble for his own good. Charging into a camp of orcs and just hoping they could somehow find and rescue their hostages, seemed like a very bad idea.

Then Barrow said the four words Paal dreaded more than any other, "I have a plan!"

<<<<<>>>>>

The day had passed by quickly. After a night of being tied to a warg both Tallian and Zu had found themselves unable to stay awake. The sun was starting to dip when Tallian woke with a snort. Blinking he sat up, leaving the warm form of his husband and the furs.

Tallian looked around and found Gor sitting patiently in the exact spot he had been when the three of them settled down. The blue orc's eyes were open, Tallian could see the fatigue in them. However, he respected the orc's fortitude and dedication. It had not been long since he had stood vigil over the peace talks, unwilling to move even for his own comfort. That spoke volumes about the orc's strength of will and body.

"How long was I asleep?" Tallian asked, willing to be conversational with the orc who had at least shown discomfort at the orders to hold the two princes captive.

"Many hours," the orc replied and Tallian noted a hint of longing in his voice. From outside the tent, he could hear voices; some talking, others laughing, all muffled by the heavy canvas.

A soft moan came from the black rabbit beside him, " I've had bed, do we get breakfast?"

Gor looked unsure for a moment then he nodded, "I will fetch something for you both." For a moment hope of escape sprang forth in Tallian's mind. Left alone with only their hands tied, the two of them could use that. However, those hopes were dashed cruelly by Gor shouting out and instructing a young orc to sit in with them.

The new orc was fresh-faced. His body far skinnier than the others, almost no body-hair and his face was clean. To Tallian's eyes, he looked like he was not yet fully grown, perhaps in his late teens. However, he was armed and smart enough to sit at the far end of the tent. Taking him by surprise without him being able to call for help was likely to be difficult, especially without killing him. Tallian had no qualms about killing a man, but a boy, even a mostly fully grown one? That was not something his code of honour would allow.

Tallian instead focussed on the good news, breakfast. It had been over a full day since their last meal and their stomachs were protesting the long fast. With slight glances, the two captives exchanged some ideas for potential escape. Gor was obviously tired and would no doubt look to rest after food. His replacement was both physically and mentally half the orc he was. With the young guy watching over them that night, there might be a chance.

Before there was any sign of Gor returning there was the sound of hooves and a voice shouting out, "oh thank the gods! I say, chaps, does any of you have an armour wrench? I escaped those blasted rabbits but I cannot escape my own bloody armour!"

The young orc stood up, as more shouting continued outside. Tallian could see his desire to investigate. Both he and Zu were lifting up their ears trying to hear more. Caught by his curiosity the young man moved over, sword in hand and tested the tightness of their bindings. Satisfied that his prisoners were still secured he moved to the door, "I will be back in a minute, I will be just outside don't try anything!"

A warning that fell on deaf ears. For the very moment he was gone Zu and Tallian were facing each other, paws pulling and working on each other's bindings. However, they had barely even begun when a sound made the pause. The sound of footsteps, soft ones. Far too soft for the heavyset orcs.

Without a sound, the back of the tent was lifted and an unfamiliar red-furred head appeared. "I'm here to save you, your royal highnesses!" Whispered their rescuer.

Zu and Tallian both had a thousand questions they wanted to ask. Who was he? Was he alone? How had he found them? Were among the top ones. The practical need for immediate expeditious action forced all of those questions away for later. Instead, they held up their bound hands, "has thee a sword?" Tallian whispered as softly as he could, knowing that rabbit ears could hear even the softest of whispers.

Pall pulled out his small herb cutting knife, "just this, my lords." He answered and crawled forward and quickly set about their bonds.

"To come into a camp of orcs alone, armed with a tiny knife. That is bravery few men could match," the lion whispered softly and Paal felt pride swell in his breast.

However, it deflated just as fast as Zu muttered, "aye, and foolishness that few men could match too." The black rabbit saw the downcast expression and felt ashamed of his seeming ingratitude. Giving a reassuring smile he added, "braveheart is far rarer and more valuable. At desperate need, even the wisest may do foolish acts, they do you great credit."

Their bonds cut the rabbit gestured for them to follow him as he crawled to the back of the tent. Lifting it he pointed to the trees, "that way, Bar is waiting with a horse to get you away. We must move fast, our diversion will not last much longer." Keeping low the trio half-crawled half-ran to the trees.

<<<<<>>>>>

For Eriac it had been a good day. He had caught some valuable prisoners and with their weapons added to the orcs' haul. His decision to take advantage of the war had paid huge dividends. Two payrolls stolen and a caravan of supplies captured. Swords, shields, armour, crossbows, bows and all manner of other equipment. Including the tents in which his men now slept. A far cry from the open skies and ramshackle bivouacs they usually had to make do with.

The half-orc had also gotten a good days sleep, followed by a meal and a well-earned tankard of grog. His men were up and joining him around the cooking fire for some food and grog. Just as he was about to help himself to a second tankard, he heard the sound of hooves. Not exactly galloping, but definitely trotting fast. Trotting with purpose.

Scrambling the orcs grabbed their weapons looking around them. Waiting for the source to reveal itself. Maybe they had not been as careful as they should, Returning to the campsite, they must have left something.

Gor was at his side within seconds, sword at the ready. Eriac trusted his second to not leave their prisoners unattended, so he knew Gor would have assigned a new guard. He trusted the orc to do his job, and have his back through thick and thin right to the bitter end if things went ill.

Out from the trees burst a lion on a lapine horse. Golden mane flowing in the breeze, no weapon at his side. Eriac's eyes were quick to note. Eriac though there was no way possible for the lions to have mounted a rescue this fast, and inside their former enemies borders.

Swords, axes and all manner of weapons were drawn. However, the lion did not look aggressive, he looked desperate. His eyes were wide and he smiled as he shouted, "Oh thank the gods! I say, chaps, does any of you have an armour wrench?"

Eriac's jaw dropped open. The feline was clad in full plate armour. By design it could not be put on alone, there were many straps and a good number of bolts that needed undoing. He wondered if this was an escaped prisoner, who stole a lapine horse and did not think of the logistics of his attire. As if reading his mind the lion added, "I escaped those blasted rabbits but I cannot escape my own bloody armour!"

Signalling Gor he approached the horse. While Gor directed his men into a circle around the interloper. "Trapped in your own armour, eh? Well, that is a blasted nuisance eh what?" He said putting on his finest imitation of a stupid noble.

"I should say so," the lion agreed, dismounting his horse and walking around. "Please tell me you will help get me out of it!"

Grinning widely Eriac shouted, "this lion wants us to relieve him of his armour, what do you say lads?" Huge raucous laughter and shouts of "aye, and any coin he has too!" Echoed around the camp.

The half-orc swaggered closer to Barrow, "we are not your kin, why would a lion just ride up to a camp of orcs in the middle of your enemy's kingdom. We could be a gang of thieves."

Looking embarrassed Barrow leant close, "my dear, Sir. You may not be lions, but your people are not the ones I am running from. As for thievery... well, this armour is all I have for you to steal and..." Barrow grabbed the half-orc by the chest and pulled him forward until they were nose to nose."My bowls have not seen relief in two days and unfortunately, I cannot say the same for my bladder."

Barrow shook his left foot and from the joints, liquid oozed out. "Take the blasted thing, just get me out so I might find some relief. Grant me the courtesy of a pair of pants, or a hide, or some other covering if you will. Or not...I will walk home naked if I have to, but please get me out before I soil myself!"

"Alright, Sir. First, we will relieve you of your armour. Then we will send you on your way. I am sure one of the lads will donate a spare loincloth," at those words, the half-orc signalled for someone to go find a wrench, while he started to unbuckle the fastenings he could.

"Oh thank you, and may this armour bring you better luck than it has brought me," Barrow replied joyfully. As the orcs rallied around him, many laughing at the noble, Barrow talked away conversationally. "I did my bit for king and country. Fought, was stabbed and captured for him. That's enough for one lifetime. Think I will retire from the military and become a trader, like my father. Oh, thank the gods!"

The last exclamation was in response to a young orc bringing a wrench forward. "You chaps have no idea just how grateful I am!" The lion shouted happily as bit by bit the armour started to be pulled off. His rather well-toned body coming slowly into view.

His left armoured boot probed especially difficult to remove. Barrow had to sit down, while the young orc pulled with all his might. Eventually, with a slurping sound that many present would never forget the boot suddenly came loose. So sudden the young orc was caught utterly by surprise he tripped and fell and the boot spun into the air, draining its contents over the poor orc. While the entire camp burst into fits of laughter, pointing at their unfortunate comrade.

"Oh my gosh! I am so sorry, young chap," Barrow said with all sincerity. Offering the young orc a hand and pulling the young orc to his feet. The orcs burst into further fits of laughter as Barrow's face twisted in disgust and he bent down to wipe his paw on the grass.

This time, however, there were two orcs not laughing. The young orc, and Gor. He was staring at the young male orc, "Boric, were you not guarding the prisoners?"

The young orc's mouth dropped open as he turned to look at the tent, so far away from the entire camp. All unguarded. Gor moved faster than everyone breaking into a run, Eriac was shortly after him and then Boric and most of the rest.

Barrow chose this moment to make his move, taking a sudden swing at the nearest orc he landed a solid blow and then made a leap for the horse he rode in on. However, he was not fast enough and he went down as two orcs tackled him to the ground.

A bellow of rage erupted from Eriac in the very empty prisoners' tent. As Barrow was wrenched to his feet and held firm by half a dozen powerful orc hands, the enraged half-orc drew his sword once more.

<<<<<>>>>>>

"How comes a leach to be lost in the woods with a soldier of the enemy?" It was the first question that came to Zu's mind as soon as Paal explained who he was, and who had caused the distraction.

"That... I..."

"It matters not!" Tallian cut in quickly. "This lion, you named him as Barrow, son of the Duke of Cair, my friend? You said he was distracting the orcs, how will he escape?"

"An old soldiers trick," Paal replied nervously. He had argued with Barrow about who should be the distraction. However, the lion had been resolute that he was the best man to do it. When Paal had pushed for how he would escape he had just laughed and said, "there is an old soldier's trick for ensuring victory." However, no matter how long Paal had pressed him on the issue he had refused to give more than that.

Tallian froze, " an old soldiers trick for ensuring victory?" Is that what he said?"

Paal nodded, "do... do you know it, my lord?"

The lion covered his face with his paws and stood stock still for a moment. When he finally lowered them Paal could see the fear in those eyes. "Tis from something an old general once said. "No soldier need ever face defeat. Afore if he names his own terms for victory even death can be a victory". It means, to win an unwinnable battle you simply redefine what victory is."

"Then Barrow... he...," the red-furred rabbit suddenly turned and started to head back the way they came. Heading straight back to the orc camp.

Tallian gave Zu a look and the black rabbit nodded his understanding and took off after Paal. "Stop!"

"No! We have to save him!" Paal replied breaking into a trot.

Zu broke into a run, charging the smaller rabbit and forcing him into the path of a tree, "I am your prince and I told you to stop!"

"I don't care, I have to save him!" Fumed Paal, struggling as the warrior pinned his arms down. Then yelped as Zu kicked out catching his leg and sending him sprawling to the floor.

"How? Alone? The orcs will not fall for any tricks now. They will guard him constantly assuming that..." Zu's voice trailed off.

"Assuming what?" Paal demanded, getting up to his knees.

"Assuming they didn't kill him already," the black rabbit said softly. Paal whimpered to hear those words, tears coming quickly to his eyes. Zu knelt down beside him, "I am sorry, he is a brave man. However, bravery is no armour against the swords of your enemies. The best thing we can do now is to make sure that his sacrifice is not in vain. We must honour him by making good our escape."

"I... I won't go," Paal replied softly, tears streaming down his face. "I can't just leave him."

"You are not leaving him," Tallian said announcing his presence. He too knelt beside the red-furred rabbit. Paal could see tears running down the lion's face. "He was my friend, and I loved him. If he is still alive then we will buy him back. Those orcs want a ransom, we will pay. If not... if not then he would want us to escape, us all to escape. So please understand friend, there is no malice in this..." Tallian's fist moved so fast Paal never saw the punch coming. The rabbit sprawled back unconscious, "we have no time to argue."

Tallian picked up Paal's limp form and put him over his shoulder. Carrying him as far as where Bar stood with their one remaining horse. Placing the rabbit across the saddle the group moved on.

When Paal awoke, he did not say a word. He put up no fight, just dropped off the horse and walked silently. In his mind, he saw visions of Barrow. The brave and noble creature. Of their time together, short and yet so wonderful and he wept silently. Hoping against hope that the lion might yet surprise him, Barrow might yet escape or be ransomed to freedom.

However, it was hard not to remember the look on Zu's face. The prince was certain of Barrow's fate. Tallian, he would not have shed tears if he did not think that most likely the brave lion was dead.

Walking beside Bar, Tallian muttered, "well done, Bar. It can't have been easy to have kept up with the orcs, to have tracked us down so fast."

With a snort Bar emphasised that he was a hunter, a horde of orcs riding wargs left a trail even a blind man could follow. "Bar was lucky, found help through luck. Father's friend not even let Bar help."

"Someone needed to wait nearby with the horse. For all, they knew we may have been injured. Being nearby was just as much a risk," the lion said reassuringly. "More than that, keeping your head staying calm not running. Those are the actions of a man, of a warrior. Without which I would still be bound in a tent in that camp."

It was dark, the sun having long since gone below the horizon. However, in the light of the moon, the young bull's face beamed. Tallian's eyes saw the pride and then moved on to the broken horn. "Will... will that always be broken? Can it be fixed, for you have certainly proved your manhood today?"

"Will lose soon, grow new horns next year," the bull replied happily.

"Good," the prince replied, he did not want the young bull to have to live with the shame a broken horn apparently brought to him. Then he moved up to catch up with Zu who was leading the group. "I think we can slow down and make camp soon. It... it has been a long day."

"You are probably right." The rabbit replied softly. "I hope... I hope he..."

"Me too," the lion said softly. "The last thing I said to him was an order. To stay alive, he followed it then, even though I was told he couldn't and that no man could. Strange to think, it was only a week since I last saw him. Feels like a lifetime."

"He healed fast," observed the rabbit. "He clearly is as strong and stubborn as his Prince," Zu added with a sad smile, then his ears picked up. "Someone's coming!" He whispered urgently.

The lion paused and listened, but his ears were not good enough. However, he heard Paal gasp and knew the rabbits were both aware. Bar dropped to the floor put his paw down, "hoofbeats, and more!" He announced.

"Hounds... they hunt by scent, wargs... wargs could do the same!" He exclaimed in dismay. "They won't get me without a fight this time!"

"They didn't get us without a fight last time," observed Zu as he snapped a branch off a tree. "Just wasn't a long fight."

"Paal, Bar run for it. They want us for ransom, not you," Tallian ordered, but the two stood resolutely still.

Bar drew his knife, "I stand by my father!" He said emphatically.

Paal shook his head, "I have to know..." the rabbit couldn't finish that sentence. There was one question that filled his mind and all he cared for was getting an answer.

"Together then," the lion said softly. Taking a branch himself, he could hear the hoofbeats himself. The four companions drew close to one another facing the darkness around them.

In the dark, the beasts were almost on them by the time they caught sight. One warg, with an orc rider and one horse with an almost naked, and broadly smiling, lion sat astride it. Their mounts pulled to a stop right in front of the group. Tallian and Zu recognised Gor who gave them a serious look and a nod, "I believe you left this behind." The orc said with a gesture at Barrow.

Tallian bowed to the orc, "well met, and thanks indeed. I feared we would never see him again."

"Eriac was not pleased by your escape, but I reminded him of our purpose. We are supposed to free people, not capture them," replied the orc seriously.

"I hope I never forget something in your presence, my friend. Afore your method of reminding would leave a man unable to remember his own name," laughed Barrow as he dismounted. His armour was gone, but he wore a leather loincloth. A parting gift from Eriac. "Poor chap has matching black eyes now."

"Are you leaving?" Zu asked of Gor.

"Yes, it is time to go home. To put what we have taken to purpose and to show our people that, after eight hundred years, freedom can be won and it is worth fighting for," Gor spoke those with purpose and Tallian knew they came from the heart. Gor was one of the most dangerous kinds of men anyone could ever meet, a true believer.

"The army will be returning over the next week or two. Keep to the west, and stay off the main roads." The rabbit informed him, feeling like there was a debt to be paid. "You have taken from my people all that you will take if you return come as friends or come armed."

Laughing Gor spurred his warg around, "we are orcs, we are free and we go everywhere armed!"

Not waiting for a reply he spurred his warg on, its paws hit the forest floor and he was gone into the night.

"A very decent sort, that orc." Observed Barrow as he strode over to Tallian, arms outstretched. "My Prince, it is good to see you alive and unscathed."

Tallian threw his arms around the lion, "my friend! It is good to see you, also alive and unscathed. One might say a miracle. Last I saw you, death was looming over you."

Barrow pulled back from the hug, his eyes slipped to Paal. The rabbit had said nothing, he looked down as the lion looked over, "I ... have been fortunate." He said, it was no answer to the question and he looked to change the topic. "I hear you are married now."

"Indeed, Barrow may I introduce you to my husband of a few days now. Prince Zu..."

"We've met!" Zu cut in, though he did bow slightly to the golden-maned lion. "On the hill, at Tarna." There was a serious edge to his voice.

Taking a few steps closer Barrow studied the rabbit, the moonlight just enough for him to recognise the man who had bested him on the field of combat. "You!" There was a sharp edge to Barrow's tone and look. His fists clenched and unclenched. Suddenly he smiled and bowed, "I bow to the man who got the best of me and trust that in time you will get the best of my friend."

Zu gave a laugh and winked, "who says I haven't already?"

"There is a story there, one I would hear," Barrow replied with a laugh that made Tallian flush with embarrassment. Turning the lion's golden eyes caught Paal's and he winked. "I told you I would be ok, my friend."

"I... I..." Paal stammered words not coming, his cheeks were once more soaked in tears. His entire body trembled and then Paal tore his eyes away and bowed stiffly. "You did, Sir." Paal knew things would be different now. Barrow was back among fellow nobles, Paal was just a peasant the two princes would be nice to him. However, he was not one of them. "I will go gather some firewood. If we are to make camp here we will need fire. Excuse me, my lords." Paal mumbled, before turning and rushing off into the dark forest.

There was the sound of some voices, but Paal didn't want to hear anything. He stumbled away, his chest feeling heavy and each breath was a struggle. Feeling weak and dizzy he stumbled to the floor and lay his back against the trunk of a tree. Alone in the near pitch black of the night, he wept. He had loved and lost, found and lost all in the space of a day. It was too much for his heart to bear and his voice lifted up in near pathetic howls of rage and anguish. Paal knew not how far he had fled, nor did he care.

A shadow moved in the blackness and his heart jumped and he realised he was not alone. "Paal." It was Barrow's voice and it clawed at him painfully. Just the sound of it made his heart leap for joy only for reality to crush it. "I... I'm sorry." The lion whispered softly. "I should have told you, it was the only way I could save my friend and keep you safe."

"I... lost you," the rabbit whispered back. "I knew I was going to, you were honest about it. I just... I lost you!" Paal whimpered, unable to put into words everything he felt.

The black shadow of Barrow moved downwards. The lion reaching out, strong arms suddenly pulling him away from the tree. Paal found himself lost in a strong embrace, his face mashed against Barrow's broad chest. "I am not lost, I'm right here." The lion whispered softly.

"For now, for a few days maybe," Paal whimpered. "A few stolen moments when your friends are not near." Cried the rabbit softly. "Yet in time we will come to your home and I will be...your servant. Someone who abides in your house. Forever to live watching you, waiting for those stolen moments when I might be with you?"

Barrow's paw stroked up his arm and then onto Paal's cheek," you think this is easy for me. To see you standing aside, wanting nothing more than to sweep you into my arms. I have my duty and I... I must abide. Your secret, I will not share with them. They would not understand and I do not know what would happen."

The lion leant down and suddenly Paal felt soft lips pressing to his. The two clasped at each other, desperately holding as they kissed burning with passion and need. Breaking with a joint sigh of despair. Barrow whispered " I want to say that you can go, leave my side to find someone worthy of your love. I want to, but I can't. I'm a selfish man, and I want you. If it can only be once more then once more it is, but I want more. It would hurt to have you as my servant and not my lover. Yet to live without you, my heart tells me this would hurt so much more."

Shaking his head the lion laughed bitterly, "one night you were mine and I was yours. I told myself it was but a dalliance, and yet even then I knew I was lying. There is something between us, and if you can abide to be my servant. I would abide to be your lord, but forever looking for these moments. For when I could hold you in my arms and feel whole, a feeling I had never known until you showed me, yet now... one I will be empty without."

Paal's only answer was his lips, returning to Barrow's. They kissed with desperate passion, and Paal felt his fears fading. Maybe it would not be the love he imagined, but it was one he wanted. He pressed himself desperately against the warm body of his love, the cold night air clawing at both of them. Yet, in their passion, they noticed it not. Around them, the darkness began to flee, as Paal felt the energy growing inside him once more.

Breaking the kiss, he licked his way hungrily up to the lion's ear and whispered, "I can abide, so long as you are there I could abide anything." Barrow gasped and launched himself forward, his huge frame laying over Paal, his weight holding the rabbit's tiny frame down. Their kisses grew more and more passionate. Tongues dancing, words lost, pain forgotten. There were together and that was all that mattered. This was their time.

Squirming and wriggling under the lion, Paal managed to lift up his healer's robes, his naked body was exposed to the night air and the kisses of his lover. The lion's huge head moved down his neck and onto his chest, kissing over his very heart, which was racing and filled with joy. Around them, the night air was less chill and the glow grew with their passion. Paal's paws stroked down the lion's perfectly toned flanks. His fingers finding the waistband of the loincloth.

Rabbit fingers worked to remove the garment, throwing it aside with his robe. Paal lay in the soft grass and soil of the forest floor. Barrow lifted up, the light coming from them both was strong enough they could see each other. A strong feline paw caressed down Paal's cheek, "you are so beautiful." Barrow whispered and Paal couldn't stop the smiles that came to his face.

"You are so handsome and so brave," the rabbit whispered back. "I want you, please." His voice begged of his lover, his paws making his meaning crystal clear. They stroked around and to the maleness that sat there strong proud and hard. Barrow cried out at the touch of them, his body tingling with pleasure as he felt the weariness of a long day flee to the touch of his lover.

"Then you shall have me," he replied, his words drowning in the purrs of his pleasure. Leaning down he kissed Paal's neck and shoulders. His own huge paws, stroking down the rabbit's smaller form, not stopping until he too touched the throbbing heat of his lover's manhood. Their voices lifted up together, in pure joy as their fingers stroked and explored each other's lengths. Moving together in perfect synchronicity.

Their lips rejoined the kiss, tongues delving into each other's maws. Tasting the sweetness of their lover, feeling the beat of their hearts as their chests pressed close. Paal could feel his fingers grow wet with Barrow's juices, he spread that wetness as best he could, knowing what he desired and what he needed so desperately. Barrow took the initiative, and Paal loved him all the more for doing so.

Strong paws pulled his legs apart and he wrapped them around the powerful trunk of his lover. Holding Barrow tightly with his strong rabbit thighs. His tail quivered in the leaf mould under them as Barrow guided himself in carefully. Their lips never broke from each other, they were too lost in each other's eyes and touch.

Moans sweet as clover honey were shared and devoured. Their tongues moving together holding close and then Paal cried out as he felt Barrow's maleness pressing to his entrance. His arms hung loosely around the lion's neck. Looking up at the powerful feline, the golden glow of his mane and eyes held the rabbit transfixed. Every touch seemed to tingle, and he felt his own power growing.

His paws stroked over Barrow's neck and shoulders sharing that power, this time with no aim beyond wanting Barrow to feel as good as he felt. Their lips broke asunder, as Barrow drove himself forward, his length spearing forcefully into the rabbit. A bolt of pain ran up and through Paal and yet he cried out in nothing but bliss. It was a good pain, one that reminded him his lover was there and they were to be together. It faded fast leaving only the sweetness of Barrow's warmth inside him.

With another thrust, the lion pushed himself in further. Moaning and gasping at the tightness around him. The feel of Paal's touch bringing him to life in a way he never had felt before. Paal's green eyes were glowing, the light around them was filled with little lights. Like they were surrounded by a swarm of fireflies. However, Barrow mainly saw the look of pleasure on Paal's face as he thrust inside. It was mirrored on his own, and he pushed once more until his hips lay flush with his lover.

Gasping for breath the two kissed once more. Their passion consuming them both. Paws grasped at each other, ever looking for some new place to touch, to feel and explore. Their tongues dancing getting faster by the moment as if some crazy band was forever increasing the tempo. Groans and moans of pleasure were shared as then, Barrow could hold back no longer. His length pulled from inside Paal. The rabbit squealed softly at the empty feeling and then louder as he was filled again, harder. A blossom of pain filling him but for a moment.

With each movement, their bodies pressed closer. Paal's cock between their forms, stroked by the fur on Barrow's stomach, soaking them both with the drool of pre. Hearts pounding out like prey being chased by a predator. Another thrust, and then another. Barrow could hold nothing back, his body was on fire the energy pulsing through it. His hips crashed into Paal's their lips parted once more two dual cries of joy.

Paal's legs tightened their grip as if he was afraid the lion might pull away. Yet a horde of orcs mounted on wargs could not pull Barrow away from his lover. Nothing would ever move him. Sweet hot breath was shared as they gasped and cried, bodies writhing against one another. Barrow's hips ever thrusting, with Paal he felt like he could run forever. Thrusting faster and faster.

There was no pain now, only bliss. The thickness inside him bringing greater feeling and sensations with each motion, he clenched down trying to hold his lover inside. The spines of the lion's cock tickling his entrance wonderfully. Somehow the power was easier to control this time, it leaked out of him and he pushed it into Barrow. Yet, for the first time, he knew he was its master.

Reaching up, Paal ran his fingers through the lion's mane. The soft fur wrapping around his fingers as they clasped around Barrow's head pulling him down into another kiss. Barrow cried out, the tightness of his lover becoming too much. He wanted to stop, to hold back and keep the moment going, yet he could not stop himself.

Crashing into Paal once more, he thrust into the rabbit's depths and felt his seed releasing. His cries of pleasure were but sweet succour to his hungry lover. Their young bodies crashing together more and more. While he fucked his seed into the rabbit's quivering depths. Barrow thrust until the flow of seed was drained, yet he did not wish to stop. Paal was his and he wanted him all the more.

The forest echoed with their moans, and cries; also with the sloppy sounds of Barrow's plundering of Paal's cum filled hole. Kissing with desperate passion Barrow kept going, his cock never losing one-tenth of its hardness. Using the vigour and stamina his species was known for, Barrow continued to take his lover. Barely slowing down as he began to gasp for breath. The warmth and wetness around his cock were too wonderful, the feeling inside him too great. It felt like they could lay together forever, their two forms conjoined in eternal bliss.

For Paal's part, the feel of his lover's warm seed filling him, leaking out of his abused hole. It drove his desires wild. No longer passive he pushed and bucked willingly into every thrust, desperate to force Barrow's maleness deeper inside him. Their lips parted once more, their cries of passion too great to be contained. Paal's cock was alive with the pleasure inside him. The power and energy of their love filling them both and Paal could hardly contain the joy.

With each thrust, Barrow's stomach fur dragged over Paal's cock. He could feel his balls tingling and knew that it would not be long before he too reached his peak. He clenched down trying to hold Barrow inside him. The lion gave a snarl of pleasure at the sudden tightness, growling as if challenged. The predator thrust with desperate zeal, showing Paal just who was in charge. Cries of bliss erupted once more from both of them. Paal's fingers tore hopelessly at the loose grass and soil of the forest floor.

Between them, his cock began to spurt. While inside him the pleasure blossomed forth, running through every fibre of his being. Paal screamed out Barrow's name, calling for him with desperate need. A cry that was answered by his lover calling for Paal, as he drained a second load into the rabbit's rear. Their bodies writhed and ground to one another as they panted and gasped, lost to their pleasure. The world around them faded away to nothingness. Barrow lay down, his large form covering Paal. Their bodies still conjoined by his cock. As they fell asleep lost to and inside one another.

After a day of pain, loss, grief, joy, and happiness, the two lovers fell asleep together. Neither one noticing the shadow standing nearby. A horned head, with a broken horn. Bar turned and left as silently as he had come, leaving the two in peace.

I've just published a new Novella available in both ebook and hardcopy (after a vote on twitter showed an overwhelming desire for a hardcopy to be available)

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