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Ch. 2 The Road to Redemption

If you happen to be on the road between Arcana and Carver you would have come across a most peculiar site. A massive horse anthro, followed by an even larger feral horse followed up by a blue dragon.

The stallion, humming to himself as he walked down the road. It was a mild sunny day. The sun was already halfway to its zenith. Aramis closed his eyes and took in the smells of spring.

His thoughts finally turned to darker ones. He knew the journey would be fraught with many dangers. Some would be from mortal means, others from places he didn't want to think about.

Nathan, while riding on the back of Baylor, was having much lighter thoughts. He knew that even though there would be obstacles in the way, nothing would stop him from finding the one family he had been longing to meet through his entire life.

The paladin stretched out his arms. It felt good to be out of his armor. He would need to find a silversmith in the next town to service his equipment.

He looked backed at his companions. It was good that both of them were bonding. On the surface, Baylor might look like a sweet natured soul, but the truth is there is no fiercer ally to have in a fight. "Hey you two love birds, pay attention. You need to keep a Keen eye out for danger."

"Would a walking mass of smelly armor be dangerous?" asked Nathan innocently, "Because I think I can smell you from here." Baylor whinnied in laughter at the dragon's comment. "Don't worry," he said seeing Aramis looking a bit puffed up, "There's nothing so far but blue skies and white clouds."

It was sweet that Nathan had a positive view of their situation. Having that attitude would serve him well in the days ahead.

The knight was already thinking of ways to keep him safe until they arrived at the city. He worried if the dragon would be up to the possible horrors that

befall them.

He called out, "Nathan, can you join me? We need to talk."

"Okay," said Nathan as he slid off Baylor and walked up to the anther stallion with the feral trotting up behind them.

Aramis looked down at his new friend. He looked cute wearing one of his old tunics. "Is that my tunic you have on?"

Nathan blushed red on his scaly blue cheeks. "It was the only clean shirt I could find in my size," he said bashfully, "So... what was it you wanted to talk to me about? Because I've already told you a dozen times already that I haven't changed my mind about going to Azure City. I'm still going there no matter what."

"I'm very aware of your unwavering desire to get the city. No, what I want to talk to you about is preparing you for what lies ahead.

The horse continued to speak. "If I'm going to protect you, I need to know about all your special skills."

"Well, let's see... First of all, you know I can create snow and ice as well as living ice people," said Nathan, "I can also make icy constructs like a building or furniture... even a sword if that's what you're aiming at."

"Other than snow and ice related magic, do you have other skills that you were born with or have been taught to you? Earth, fire or air related perhaps. What about fighting skills of any kind?"

"No, ice is my only element," said Nathan, "And as for the others, I haven't got a clue. I was always kept locked inside a room that was always to myself and very uncomfortable."

As they walked along, Aramis was immersed in deep thought. He agreed that the young dragon's water abilities could come in handy in a fight. They were a bit untested and unfocused, but with further training could be a deadly tool. He was sorely in need of hand to hand fighting and weapons

training. Building up his physical size and strength would be helpful as well. Also, some basic teaching in the arts of magic would be needed to round out his skills. "Let's see how his reflexes are". The big stallion's eyes flashed a golden yellow for a moment. Without warning, a huge oak tree came crashing down upon them. Aramis jumped back several feet in response.

Nathan looked up and held up his hands as a big shard of ice split the tree in two before it could touch him. He panted feeling scared out of his mind from that moment. "What just happened?" he asked looking at the horse before he grew angry, "Did you want to get me killed?" The air grew colder as snow began to swirl around him faster and faster as he stalked over to Aramis, "Give me one reason why I shouldn't be giving you frostbite in places you don't want it to reach!"

Aramis stood there with his massive arms folded. Looking down at Nathan as he ranted and raved. Finally saying, "Good reflexes." The equine stepped closer to the dragon. Speaking, "Make sure you know the strengths and weaknesses of your opponent before you make threats towards them." The paladin's face grew serious, "Dios simprentos garrus tardas." Wood tentacles erupted from the ground beneath the dragon. Wrapping around Nathan's legs, torso and shoulders binding him fast in place. "Consider this lesson one in your training."

The dragon gasped but then growled as he closed his eyes and the roots began to freeze and frail and with one burst of strength, he broke free of his bonds. "You are trying to discourage me," he said looking the horse, "I thought you were gonna help me get there, not prepare for battle."

"Resourceful" was all the horse said. "Baylor" he shouted. In a blink of an eye the massive Pegasus was in front of Nathan, wings flapping, creating a massive wind storm while his hooves came crashing down on both sides of Nathan's feet forcing the dragon to retreat.

The pushing and nearly getting trampled was too much. In his head, he could hear the echoing voices of kids who picked on him when he was back in the orphanage. His hands began to glow white and a light was beginning to grow very bright. "Leave me alone!" he roared as he sent a shockwave of snow and ice in every direction, causing both horses to be covered in snow and ice. The dragon was raging mad as a great blizzard was whirling around him and it was blowing poor Baylor against a tree but Nathan was in too great a rage to notice anything. He looked like a possessed demon out of control.

In less than a moment the day went from being sun filled and warm to a white out of blowing snow. The dragon was out of control, causing havoc to anyone or anything around him. From out of the gloom strong arms wrapped around his body, pulling him close to hold him tight. A soothing voice spoke to him. Not physically but inside his head. "It's ok Nathan. You're safe. Nothing bad will happen to you. You needn't fear anything again. Let your past pains go. I'm here, you're safe".

Slowly, the blizzard died down as tears formed in Nathan's eyes and he fell to his knees panting labored breaths as the snow finally died down.

Aramis kept the young male in his grasp as he collapsed onto the ground. He looked around at the fields of white that surrounded them. Already feeling the return of the sun on his back. He looked over to see Bay shaking off the snow that had covered his back and wings.

He stood up, still holding the dragon in his arms. He walked up the road until they were out of the snow laden ground. Walking over to a low stone wall next to the path he gently sat Nathan down. He stood there in silence, standing over him. "Well I must say, that was certainly unexpected. When you want to, you really pack a wallop kid" chuckling lightly. Baylor walked up and stood next to his friend. Lowering his head he snuffled through Nathan's hair, trying to console him.

Nathan looked up at Aramis and gave a small smile. He patted Baylor's nose and kissed him gently. "I hope I didn't freeze you too much," he said, "It's just... all that pushing and fighting made me think back on how kids would pick on me for being different. I ended them freezing them but I soon got punished a lot for it... hence the lash marks on my back."

Aramis brought his hoof tipped hand to his muzzle. Sizing up the situation he now found himself in. He was realizing this little dragon had had some horrific things done to him. Something he was very familiar with. He looked to his mount. Both gave each other an unspoken look. Taking in a deep breath, the knight spoke, "I understand what you've gone through, I really do. This world can be cruel and uncaring. Just when you think you can't go on, a door opens for you and wondrous things will happen."

"How can you be sure?" asked Nathan sniffling, "What's going to happen to me now?"

The equine sat down next to the dragon. Putting his arm around him, hugging him lightly he responded, "That my friend, is entirely up to you. Nathan, you're the one who decides to stay a victim, or rise above it and prove to all those buggers that you are better than them." He squeezed his shoulder a bit tighter.

"Well... I want to... But I don't think I can stand up to them alone," said the dragon when he felt Baylor rub his head against his chest. Nathan smiled and stroked the top of the draft's head.

"Damn boy! Who said anything about doing it

alone. You have me and Baylor to stand by you." Aramis stood up, his arms stretched out wide. He grasp Nathan's hand and pulled him to his feet. "Now stop all this doom and gloom thinking. Stick with me kid, and I'll make you into a first class paladin." With his fists on his hips, massive chest puffed out and legs splayed apart. He made quite the sight. Aramis looked at the dragon. "Well? What do you say?"

Nathan just had to chuckle. "I think you're the biggest ham I've ever met," he chuckled, "But yes, you're right. I do have you and Baylor." The draft horse trotted over and nuzzled Nathan's cheek and the dragon had to giggle when he got his face licked.

The stallion ignored Nathan's barb. He himself had gone through horrific times since he was just a colt. What he was trying to convey to the dragon was you either allow it to drag you down into the depths of despair or rail against and become something better.

"Ok kid. It's going to be a difficult journey but one that will make you a better dragon. When we arrive at Azure City you will truly be a true Prince.

The dragon just gave a smile at the knight and before Aramis was aware of it, Nathan gave a quick peck on the cheek before remounting Baylor. "Well, lead the way my knight in shining armor," he said with a wink.

Aramis felt a flush of heat on his face. Words failed him. Finally recovering from his momentary embarrassment he spoke, "Alright then". Stepping forward he again moved up the road towards the unknown.

Baylor followed with Nathan on his back. "I wonder how far the next town is?" thought Nathan as they travelled on and on for hours.

As Aramis walked he was already strategizing their next move. Over the years he and Baylor made for an almost impregnable team. They had gone up against some pretty impressive foes. What worried him the most was the dangers that Nathan would be facing. Everyone knew about the story of Jack Frost and his wife Luna. How Exortos along with his lackey Langiwidawn had banished one and murdered the other. If it wasn't for his grandfather being able to banish the cur and erecting the magic barrier the whole kingdom might have fallen. In the meantime, much preparation would be needed if they were to defeat the two. Sensing the two lagging, "Hey you two laggerheads, stop lollygagging and keep up with me."

"Sorry," said Nathan panting in his seat, "But I never knew it would be this hot out." And indeed it was. The sun's light shone brightly and cast an intensive glare of heat that was making the poor dragon feel weak and dehydrated.

Aramis noticed Nathan was looking a little bushed. He spied a cope of trees up ahead a bit. "Bay, let's stop and take a rest ok?" A few minutes later they stopped. The equine stepped over to help the dragon off of Baylor. "Ok, let's have our lunch and take some needed rest."

Baylor could sense something was wrong with Nathan for the poor dragon could barely sit up straight. He knelt down on the ground and Nathan slid down sweating waterfalls by the second. The draft whinnied at Aramis as he lifted a wing to give Nathan extra shade. The dragon moaned as he lay there. When Aramis put his hand on the dragon's forehead, he felt that Nathan had a fever.

The Paladin could see he had a fever. He grabbed the water skin and went to the river to fill it. When he returned, he helped Nathan over to the shade of the nearby trees. "Here kid, drink." He slipped his hand around the back of his neck and lifted his head.

Nathan slowly opened his mouth and the water hit his lips like the breath of life. He drank it slowly so he could control his breathing. "Thank you," he said resting his head against the paladin's chest. He closed his eyes and yawned as he curled up next to Aramis.

A smile crept across the knight's face. Watching the dragon fall asleep in his lap was sweet. The poor lad had gone through some much in the last few days. Baylor come over to join them on the soft grass. Lying down next to Aramis, it allowed him to lie back against the Pegasus's soft coat. Within a few minutes all three were deep asleep. Time passed. Shadows fell across the sleeping forms. "Well, well, well. Now isn't this a pretty site", said the deep voice. Within a heartbeat, Aramis was wide awake and already pulling his sword from his sheath.

Nathan yawned as he sat up rubbing his eyes. "Aramis? Did you say something?" he groaned looking up and gasped as he saw a rhino and a weasel. Baylor pinned his ears back and snorted as he stood up quickly at the intruders. "Hey, Buck," said the weasel, "Get a load of this kid... You don't he's..." "Don't be dumb Weaselton," snapped the rhino, "The dragons were all murdered 26 years ago... Although, Langwidawn might pay us a handsome price."

Aramis moved to stand in front of the dragon. The look on the equine's face looked fierce. "Gentlemen, I suggest you both take your leave. I would hate to have to cause either one of you discomfort. He turned to Nathan and said quietly, "Nathan, go over and stand behind Baylor. He gave the dragon a very serious look. "Now!"

Nathan nodded as he slowly walked over to Baylor. The pegasus looked back and nodded as he kept the dragon close and stamped his hoof at the intruders.

One of the intruders pulled a knife while the other a short saber. As they circled each other Aramis was about to charge them when a whistling sound filled the air. The weasel's mouth and eyes fell wide open. Without a word he keeled over face first into the grass. An arrow sticking out of his back. The rhino stood there with a shocked look on his face.

Before he had a chance to respond, another arrow penetrated his left shoulder. He let out a scream. Turning to respond to the threat, another arrow penetrated his throat. Gurgling sounds erupted from his throat as he dropped his weapon and grabbed his neck with his large hands.

The Rhino fell to the ground dead. Still on alert, Aramis stood at the ready. Scanning the surrounding area for additional danger. Suddenly a voice rang out. "Looks like I can't leave you two alone for five minutes without drawing danger to yourselves." From the shadows a figure stepped out onto the road. Smiling as it said, "It looks like I had to get you out of yet another jam." The human male stood there, bow in hand. "And who is your friend there with you?"

Standing not more than ten feet away was a human. He stood around five eleven, had dark red hair which was pulled back into a ponytail. Handsome in face with a strong chin and jaw which currently showed a beaming smile. He had a lith physic and was dressed in dark green chausses with light chain mail underneath. Leather jerkins covered his chest and arms along with black thigh high boots.

He held in his hand a impressive bow and a leather quiver strapped across his back

Nathan peaked out nervously unsure. Baylor shook his head and padded up to the human nudging him in a friendly greeting. "I'm Nathan," he replied nervously looking to Aramis, "You guys know each other?"

"Baylor." The human hugged the horse around his neck. "So good to see you my old friend. How's that no good fleabag been treating you?". The man continued to hug the horse while scratching him behind his ears. "Oh, he's fine if anyone cares to ask" said the anthro horse. The human released his grip on the horse, turned and walked up to Nathan. Sticking out his gloved hand. "Nice to meet you Nathan. The name is Finn."

"Charmed I'm sure," said Nathan blushing a little as he shook the gloved hand, "So, how do you and Aramis know each other?" He looked between Aramis and Finn. He thought he saw a look of panic on the anthro's face.

"Yes Ari. How 'do' we know each other. The 'Snow Prince' here would like to know. Aramis stood there with a look of complete bewilderment on his face. The dark red headed man was smiling broadly at him. Aramis swallowed hard, looking at Nathan. After a few moments he said, "Finn is my brother."

Nathan raised an eyebrow as he looked at Finn and then at Aramis and back again. "Your brother? But how can you two be brothers? You're a- oh wait," he said cutting himself short. He nearly forgot that Aramis was once all human but the paladin could only regain his human form at the full moon.

"Oh my. So he knows about your 'condition' does he?" He placed his hand on Nathan's shoulder. "And what secrets are you keeping my little dragon?" "Lay off Finn" warned Aramis. He stepped closer to the man. Finn was taken aback by the tone in his voice.

The man looked at the equine with genuine shock. He looked at Nathan and said, "My apologies, my young prince." Looking back at the horse said, "So. I don't see you for almost a year and this is how you greet me?" His eyes brimming with tears.

"Tellis told me he had seen you in Harroth. I was hoping to catch up with you so we could spend some time together." By this time there was an edge to the man's voice. "And to my surprise, I find you with the dragon prince, two of Langiwidawn's toadies sizing you up for lunch and after dispatching the two cretins you stand there and give me the evil eye?"

Nathan was surprised at this. "Well, if you want, you're more than welcome to come along with us," he said, "We're on our way to Azure City and I'm sure Aramis meant to say that he would like you to come. Right?" He gave Aramis a glare and his hands started to glow white as the anthro felt ice on his tail.

"The Azure City! Are you insane!" With a genuine look of concern on his face, Finn moved to stand in front of the paladin. "Do you have a death wish brother? If the Royal Guards get a hold of you it's the end of you."

"What're you talking about? I'm going to Azure City and Aramis is taking me there," said Nathan, "And what do you know about the place?"

Finn looked at the dragon. "If that's true then you've just signed his death warrant." If he steps one foot inside the city the Emperor will have him in chains followed by a swift execution." "Finn, calm down. When I return his grandson to him I'm sure everything will be forgiven". By this time the human was quite upset. "How can you be so sure Ari. Eldor isn't the type of dragon that forgives and forgets."

"Then why do I have this necklace?" asked Nathan as he showed

Finn, his mother's snowflake necklace that had the inscription "Together in Azure City" etched into it.

Finn's eyes grew wide. "That can't be, is that Luna's necklace?" Turning to his brother. "Then the stories are true. It did survive the attack. By this time the man's mood had brightened. "This revelation could change everything." Aramis watched as his brother came to the same conclusion as he did just a few days before. "So, does this mean you're still mad at me?" Finn stopped his rant. Standing there, his hands squeezed tight, his jaw tight with tension, eyes brimming with emotion. The equine walked over and wrapped his arms around the smaller man. "Glad to see you too"

Nathan smiled seeing that the two brothers finally made up with each other. Then, his ears perked up on a rustle from a nearby bush. While Aramis and Finn were talking, he snuck away to find out what was making all that noise. He slowly poked his head past a bush and his heart began to fill up with emotion as he saw a young cub with small fangs coming from the top halves of its mouth. It had a thorn in its paw. "Are you hurt, little guy?" he asked softly and held up his hand. The young cub sniffed it curiously and nuzzled his head into it. Nathan held the injured paw. "Now, this might sting a little," he said as he pulled out a thorn, "That should be feeling better right about... now." The cub was relieved to have that thorn out of his paw and he licked the dragon's face in thanks. "Where's your mother?" he asked but the cub lowered its head sadly. "You don't have anyone?" asked Nathan and the cub shook its head.

"Well, you do now," he said, "I'm Nathan. And I think I'll call you... Two Fang." The cub purred and nestled up against the

dragon's chest. "Come on," he said picking up the little fluff ball, "Let's see what the others think of you."

As the two brothers finish their hug, a plaintiff cry can be heard coming from the forest. The threesome turns just in time to see a blue dragon carrying a baby Screecat in his arms. The look of disbelief on their faces, the shock momentarily stunning them into silence.

"Uh... Guess who was left alone?" said Nathan holding up the cute little fluffball. The Screecat looked at the three figures with big, curious eyes but it nestled closer into Nathan's chest feeling timid. "It's okay, Two Fang," soothed the dragon, "They won't hurt you."

Like it was planned both Finn and Baylor looked at Aramis and both stepped back. They say if looks could kill, any living soul within the surrounding countryside would have expired.

Aramis looked at the dragon with a rage and frustration not reserved for even his most heinous enemies. "Wh...wh...at have yo...u done! Nathan"! The equine was having difficulty getting the words out of his mouth. Knowing what was about to happen, Finn rushed over to the dragon. "Nathan, come with me now. Quickly without delay." The man was turning him around to walk back to from where he had been.

"What're you talking about?" asked Nathan, "He was abandoned." He pushed Finn back with just a sudden flap of his wings. "Now just calm down," he said, "This poor cub was found alone and wounded. He's lost his mother and I'm gonna take care of him."

Finn was pushing Nathan away from their camp. "I know, you were just trying to help. But right now you need to not be in Aramis's presence. I'll explain it to you once we've left.

"Alright," said Nathan, seeing that he was getting nowhere with all the shoving, "Now, would you be kind enough to explain the cruelty on this poor tike?"

Aramis watched as his brother whisked away the dragon. His breathing was erratic, his rage though resending still caused veins to pop on his muzzle. "That confounded dragon. What was he thinking bringing a Screecat into the camp." He looked at Baylor who gave him a sympathetic bray.

Meantime his brother was explaining to Nathan just what he did wrong.

"How can a cub do so much damage? Aramis has always been a glue bottle when it comes to sympathy," said Nathan as they stopped and sat down. The cub mewed and purred as it padded around on wobbly feet. The dragon had to smile as he held a hand up and the cub came forth and rubbed its head against it with a soft purr.

Finn watched the interplay between the dragon and cub. He smiled from the enjoyment they both were receiving from each other. He spoke up, "Nathan, my brother wasn't mad at you because of what you did. He was afraid of what could have happened to you.

The dragon's head perked up. "What?" he asked, "He... was worried about me?" The cub stopped playing and looked to Finn curiously. It wobbled over to the human and rubbed against his leg hoping he would want to pet him too.

As friendly and sweet the cub was, Finn did not pet it. "Nathan, do you know anything about Screecats?"

"Only that this one has no family to look after him," said Nathan as Two Fang wobbled over as his paw was still recovering, "He came to me for help and I showed an act of kindness."

The man gave him a sympathetic look. "I understand your need to help others, I do." He paused for a moment. "Let me tell you a story. It was about ten years ago. I was a Page. That's a sort of knight in training. Aramis was up north with a conroi of other knights. There had been reports of a pride of Screecats that were attacking local villages. Killing livestock and on rare occasions, people." "My brother had been dispatched to go out with several other knights to eradicate the pride. While engaging them, one of the knights was mauled and killed by the alpha cat. It happened to be a close friend of his. He never forgot or forgave the animals. He went into a frenzy and alone slaughtered eight of the beasts before the few that remained slunked away into the wilderness." So when he saw you with the cub, he lost it. Also, you don't know if there is a mother out there looking for its cub. Screecats are highly intelligent. If you did take and raise the cub as your own his mother 'and' the other members of her pride would hunt you down and kill you just to get it's cub back. Do you understand?"

"I do... But there must be some way of both people and cats to coexist, isn't there?" asked Nathan as he looked at the screecat cub, "Poor thing. If his mother was out there still, don't you think he would've been crying out by now?" The cub mewed softly as it yawned and fell asleep on Nathan's lap.

"Well....there might be a way." Finn's words trailed off. He looked at the small cub asleep in Nathan's lap. "Nathan. Stay right here. Don't move an inch, not one inch, do you understand?"

The dragon nodded and he stayed with the cub as he hummed a soft lullaby to Two Fang as the screecat yawned again and purred in Nathan's tender, loving care.

Finn left and ran back to the camp. Arriving he found his brother and Baylor missing. Their things were neatly stacked on the ground. He picked up his bow and quiver and proceeded to follow the track of hoof prints leading away to the east.

As he came around a bend in the path he found his brother and steed standing over the body of a very large cat. Walking up to stand next to the knight, he was about to say something when he was cut off. "It was the mother of the cub. It attacked us from above, from the canopy of trees. Bay knock it out with his hind legs and I finished it off with my sword." His brother looked down at him. "Finn, would you take care of the body? You know what to do." His eyes moist with tears. Tell Nathan that he can keep the damn cub. But if that creature as much as sneezes, I'll slice him up in little pieces and feed him to the buzzards."

His brother turned to leave. "Come on Bay, let's go." Finn was left alone with the corpse. He looked back at where his brother had gone. "Damn." He thought to himself. He must care deeply for the dragon for him to allow it to keep the cub. Making a deep sigh, he began to prepare the spell that would eradicate all traces of the cat and its interaction with him and the others. He just hoped it would be enough to trick the

other cats into believing they weren't there and that they had the cub in their possession.

Nathan noticed that Two Fang was whimpering from a nightmare. "It's alright," he said softly as he cradled the cub, "I'm here. There's no need to be afraid. Someday, you'll be a great alpha cat. One who will be kind to both humans and cats. There's good in your kind. I can feel it."

The knight stood there watching as the dragon and the cub interacted. He spoke, " Nathan".

The dragon looked up to see Finn return with a grace look on his face. "What happened?" asked Nathan as Two Fang curled up in the dragon's arms.

"Let's get back to camp. But before we do, we need to have a talk ok?"

"Okay," said Nathan as he picked the cub up in his arms and Two Fang nestled into the dragon's arms.

The issue with the cub hopefully has been resolved. So when we return I suggest you keep a low profile. Aramis is still not pleased with you finding and keeping the cat. But he's willing to allow it. But remember, he's your responsibility. If it gets into mischief or causes problems he will have to go.

"I understand," said Nathan cradling the cub. Meanwhile, as Aramis was still fuming about the cub, a warm gentle breeze blew through his mane and a voice from behind him said, "When you hold a grudge, you never let go, do you?" The person behind the paladin was a stallion like himself, only this muscular stud was only clad in a loincloth. His black mane, tail, hands and feet were almost hidden in the dark had it not been for the immortal's tan body and light appearance.

The intrusion into his solace did not cause alarm. "What important business brings the equine of summer to our world."

"It's the death of a life who's done you no harm has brought me," said Summer, "The mother of the cub that Nathan had just saved from the cruelty of man. Did it occur to you that the screecats attack the villages is because the villagers leave them nothing for them to hunt? And you're kind is no better than they are."

"My kind? I would choose my words wisely m'lord. I have walked the path between human and equine for most of my life. Screecats are indiscriminately killers. I have seen the bodies of both human and anthro torn apart by these killers. Some being innocent children".

"That may be so, but it is because they were only defending their territory and the cats don't know any better. They weren't always this violent when the Dracos were in power," said Summer, "And have you noticed how kind and cuddly Two Fang is with Nathan? It's one of three things you'll need to prove to Eldor that Nathan is the heir to the throne."

"I've never been one to condone the hunting of cats as pleasure or sport. But if I had not dispatched the mother as I did, hell would have rained down upon our heads. The thought of losing my family would have been beyond tragedy. May I remind my lord, that I have already rescinded my objection to the prince keeping the animal."

"And after all this time, you've never learned to forgive," sighed Summer, "Aramis, listen, this cub's father died trying to save his mate and cub. Two Fang is the son of the alpha cat. The monsters that killed the pride belonged to the Black Serpent, Exortos. And like Luna, Two Fang's mother sacrificed herself to keep her child safe... so you just did the very thing she wanted you to do." He gave a disappointed sigh. "I thought you've changed since your transformations. Thought you'd be more

understanding of the life around you... especially those of screecats. Two Fang may grow up to be a valuable ally someday. And who knows, he might save your life just as Nathan saved his."

As the knight took in the news, movement from behind him drew his attention. Finn and Nathan appeared before them. "Summer" Finn called out. "So good to see you. He was about to go and give the horse a hug but stopped mid stride. The look in his brother's face told him he needed to step back and not interrupt.

Summer smiled when he saw the others approaching. Two Fang yawned and meowed happily as he saw the great stallion. Summer smiled as he walked over to pet the feline who purred. "You see, Aramis? Even the smallest act of kindness can bring the biggest changes," he said, "Besides, this little fella is so adorable."

The horse paladin stood as the others returned to camp. Eyeing the cat he turned to the deity. "M'Lord, will you be staying the night?"

"Sadly, I can't," said Summer, "But just remember what I told you Aramis... otherwise, I'll give you hay fever for a week." Before leaving, he turned to Nathan and petted Two Fang on his head. "He's very lucky to have you, Nathan," he said, "You're a brave young dragon, and that courage and kindness will take you far." With that, his body began to glow

and when the light died down, he was gone. "Wow," said Nathan looking surprised, "What an exit."

Finn looked at his brother. Aramis in turn looked at him. "Finn, I assume you have everything squared away?" His brother nodded to him in response. "Good. We'll camp here for the night. Finn, would you take Nathan with you to water and feed Baylor. Make sure the cub is fed as well." The redhead sighed. "Ok you two, let's get this done before it gets dark. Aramis watched them leave. Suddenly feeling tired and drained from all the day's activities. He began to lay out the bedrolls and supplies. Moving about the area he gathered up dry limbs to start a fire and to make dinner.

Nathan was giving Two Fang a small bath in order to clean out the matted fur and then he created a comb made of ice to brush the cub's fur. The dragon smiled as he saw how much Two Fang was loving this treatment. Just like how the mother screecat used to do it. Thanks to his magic, Nathan shot icicles into the stream to catch some fish and Two Fang ate his fill till he yawned and was asleep in Nathan's arms.

Finn watched in awe as the dragon used his ice magic to clean and feed the cub. The kobold wasn't all he appeared to be. He stepped to the river edge to fill the water skins as Baylor took his fill. "Say Nathan, why don't you catch a few more fish. We can have them for dinner tonight."

The dragon looked up and put a finger to his lips and nodded. "Can you hold Two Fang while I do it?" he whispered, "He's asleep, so rock him gently please." He carefully handed the cub to Finn before returning to the river to strike up more fish. Soon, the icicles had grown arms and legs and were marching back to base camp with fish stuck on their sharp, pointy heads.

"That's a neat trick you have there. Has my brother ever seen you do it?"

"Yes, he has," said Nathan, "Though I don't want to admit it, but I've kind of grown fond of him. The only problem is he takes life too seriously."

A small laugh emanated from the human. "Well that's not surprising coming from him." They walked along the path to camp. "But remember this Nathan. My brother has seen and experienced horrors only you could imagine in your worst nightmares. The fact that he's still here among the living is a testament of the great good and power he possesses. He might seem aloof and cold, but let me assure you. He has done more for this world than many kings and queens in all the realms of the lands have done"

"Oh, I see," said Nathan, "Well, when I was in

the orphanage, I didn't even know what fun was." He sighed as Finn gave him back the sleeping cub and the dragon smiled as he hummed more lullabies for the little tike.

Finn didn't respond. Arriving back at camp, a fire was burning, sleeping bags were laid out and Aramis was prepping both Baylor's and their dinner. "Brother" Finn announced. "Thanks to your little friend over there, we're going to have fresh trout for dinner". The knight didn't respond to his brother's announcement. He picked up a small sack containing utensils and cooking supplies and tossed it to him.

Nathan sighed but he snapped his fingers as the line of walking fishing spikes came up and stood before Aramis before saluting the horse. "I thought I'd catch extra for the trip and for Two Fang," explained Nathan.

"Nathan, please take care of Baylor's feedbag. And make sure your pet doesn't get underfoot." Saying to his brother, "I'll have the fish ready for the spit in a few minutes." Looking back at Nathan. "Go on, don't just stand there." as he returned to prepping the fish.

"Shhh," hushed Nathan, "He's asleep. Don't worry about the feed bag." He created a scoop made of ice and did the food rationing for him while Two Fang was still sleeping. Once it was filled to the proper amount, he signaled Baylor to come forward. The

draft horse did as he was told and Nathan managed to put the feed bag on him but before Baylor started on his supper, he nuzzled the little cub. Two Fang yawned and nestled Baylor's nose with a purr. "He likes you," whispered Nathan with a smile and Baylor winked as the feed bag was placed upon him.

The brothers worked together in silence. Although Aramis kept an eye on the dragon. He wasn't mad at Nathan, more worried and protective of his safety. The words the deity said to him were still rolling around in his head. He had made the decision to allow him to keep the cub. But at the first sign of trouble he would have no choice but to put it down. "Nathan" he called, "How are you doing? Is everything alright?"

"Everything's fine," said Nathan in a hushed tone, "Two Fang's still sleeping." He cradled the purring fluff ball gently to let him know he was still there for the cub.

"Dinner's about ready. I made the cub a sleeping crib. Put him to bed and then come to sit and have your meal." Aramis spoke in a softer, more congenial manner.

Nathan was surprised. He hadn't expected Aramis to care about Two Fang and yet there was a crib for the cub. The dragon carefully lay the small feline inside and kissed the top of his head gently before walking over to join Aramis and Finn.

Tin plates were filled with steaming trout, potatoes and carrots. Seasoned with salt, pepper, rosemary and sage. Cups were filled to the brim with hot steaming coffee. Finn handed a plate to Nathan as he came and sat down.

"Thanks, Aramis, for the crib," said Nathan as he accepted the plate from Finn, "But I thought you didn't like screecats?"

Without looking up he replied, "I don't. I don't trust the beasts. But I'm willing to allow you to keep the cub as long as it behaves and doesn't give me reason to doubt it's intentions. Nathan, remember, it will be up to you to make sure he's taken care of, trained and kept under control at all times. Deal."

"Deal," said Nathan, "Though eventually, he won't always be young. It's best to help young things grow into what they could be for a better future. Not for what they were in the past." He bit into some fish and looked over at the crib with Two Fang's sweet, sleeping face.

The trio continued to eat their meal as the night approached, the sky turning from red to purple to a deep blue before plunging into total darkness. The stars began to make their appearance one by one while the moon rose above the ridge of the surrounding mountains. The flames of the fire turning their faces a ghostly white. The sound of crickets calling from the river's edge.

Nathan had his bed roll next to Two Fang's crib. He wanted to make sure that the cub was safe from any harm. He looked over to see the moon shining upon a now human Aramis.

After everyone had bedded down for the night. Aramis in all his naked glory walked the perimeter of the camp just to make sure nothing was hiding out there in the dark. Even in human form, remnants of his alter ego graced him with a superior physic, strength and endurance. His heightened senses also aided him while in human form. Once satisfied that everything was safe he returned to his bed roll and got into it for the night.

"Aramis?" whispered Nathan softly, "You awake?" The dragon had crawled over to the human's bed roll and was just laying there on his chest and looking at Aramis.

"What is it Nathan?"

"I was wondering about someone you once knew in the past... the reason why you hate screecats so much," he said softly, "Were the two of you close back then?"

"It's late Nathan. We have an early rising tomorrow."

"Well, I was close to someone once," he said, "It was a little kitten back at the orphanage. He'd used to come in through the window and comfort me when I was feeling sad. But then the headmaster discovered him and I don't know what happened to the kitten." He sighed seeing that he was getting nowhere with Aramis. He was about to go back over when...

The man takes in and then exhales a long breath. "Nathan" he said softly. He pulled the dragon towards him until he was straddling his hips. He could feel his stiffening prick slide out of its sheath, sliding up against the dragon's butt cheeks.

"Aramis," said Nathan softly as an icy wall surrounded the two so they could have privacy without the fear of prying eyes. The dragon knew exactly what Aramis wanted and in a matter of fact, so did he. He leaned his head down and kissed the human on the lips with their tongues rubbing each other.

Aramis sled his hands down to grasp at the dragon's slim hips. Hooking his fingers onto the hem of his pants, he began to slide them over his pert ass while watching the dragon slip his tail from hole in the back. With that he pulled them farther down his legs. Grasping, he lifted him and held him over his rigid pole. Pre leaking from the knob, smearing over the dragon's ass crack and puffy anal ring.

"Aramis... be gentle with me," said Nathan nervously, "This is my first time." He was unsure how this would feel, but he wanted to know what it was like and he knew Aramis would never hurt him.

His hooded eyes looked hungry. It had been many moons since his last encounter with another. His breathing increased. He slowly lowered Nathan onto his cock. It was met with a bit of resistance, then the head slowly slid into its dark passage.

The dragon took a sharp intake of air as he felt a slight tinge of pain inside his tail hole. He tried his best to calm down, but he never expected Aramis to be this big.

The paladin held his cock in place, not wanting to hurt his partner. Painstakingly slow he pushed his cock in another inch, making sure Nathan could get used to his intrusion. Aramis's thick chest and abs rose and fell in a rhythmic beat.

Soon, pain turned to pleasure as he slowly went up and down on the human's cock. He never knew that mating could feel this good before, and Nathan was determined to enjoy every moment of it.

Slightly arching his back, Aramis pushed a bit deeper into the male. With his clawed feet digging into the dirt he felt the dragon slightly thrust up and down on his cock. "God he's tight" he thought. He could feel his cock sliding easier inside Nathan's rectum as the pre he was releasing was lubricating his skin.

Nathan was in a haze as he slowly went up and down but he leaned forward to the paladin's face and kissed him deeply before continuing with going up and down.

The kiss came as a surprise as a long sinuous tongue invaded his mouth, wrapping itself around his as it probed the orifice. The man took his right hand off of Nathan's hip, enclosing it around the dragon's cock that had risen to attention. It felt hot in his grasp. He could feel the male's heartbeat as it throbbed in his hand. With an expert touch he began to match the stokes to that of your body as is pistoned up and down on my prick.

The dragon moaned when he felt his cock being held and he nearly pumped into the human's hand had it not been stroking it already.

The noises the dragon was making pushed Aramis closer to climax. Eyes closed, he felt his mind detaching from his body. Not realizing the strokes on the prick in his hand was speeding up.

Nathan was panting fast as he felt himself ready to erupt thanks to the fast strokes on his cock and the long thrusts into his tail hole. He had never felt this way to anyone before and was one feeling he never wanted to forget.

"God he was so close" he thought. The first sparks of orgasm welled up deep inside his loins. He felt his balls seize up, His cock tapping hard against your prostate, spurt after spurt of hot cream began to fill your gut. Aramis let out a primal scream of victory.

The moment he felt cum inside him, Nathan also cried out as he felt his own cum erupt all over Aramis' chest and some got onto his face.

Aramis' whole body had gone ridged in response to his release. It wasn't until his cock began to soften that he began to relax. The smell of the rut lay heavy in the air. He released his grip on Nathan's cock. He reached up and grasped the back of his neck and pulled him to his chest. "Clean me boy" is all he said.

The dragon's forked tongue came out and was slurping up every last drop of cum that was on his new boyfriend.

Just the feel of the dragon tongue as it slid over his bare skin made his cock flinch with joy. He lied there, arms and legs splayed out wide, his eyes closed enjoying Nathan's ministrations upon his being.

He even went down to suck on Aramis' cock for good measure before returning up to the paladin's face to kiss him. "Good night," whispered Nathan as he fell asleep in Aramis' arms and the icy wall melted away silently.

The man lied there looking up into the night sky. He felt conflicted. He wasn't sure if what he felt towards the dragon was real or just a convenient way to fill the void of loneliness he had been carrying with him these past years. His deep thoughts were interrupted by Nathan pushing closer to him.

With quiet sigh's coming from his throat, he reaches over to pull the blanket over his naked body and that of the dragon. Sleep would soon take him as well. Trepidation pulled at his mind. Would it be pleasant dreams or terrible nightmares that would fill his sub conscience tonight.