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Book III – Return to Earth

Chapter I – Shambhala

There were many preparations for James and the group to make before embarking on the next and hopefully last leg of their journey. They were also exhausted and some, like James, had minor wounds that needed treatment. Coyotka calculated that they could afford to spend ten more days in Lyonesse and still make it back to earth in plenty of time to get Annie registered at the art college.

They split into groups to tackle the preparations. Coyotka concentrated on plotting their course and reviewing the various cultures they might come across. Chris busied himself making healing potions and salves, as well as a few poisons that might come in handy should they encounter Mister Ross again.

“He's invulnerable, at least to ordinary weapons." Coyotka reminded him.

Chris shrugged. “Maybe giving him a case of the raging shits will slow him down long enough to kill him with that holy spear.

Working from Coyotka's notes, Annie and Junafir were in charge of designing and making the period clothing and the concealing robes the Terrans would need to wear most of the time on medieval Earth.

“No tail holes?" Junafir asked with distress.

“It would defeat the purpose, don't you think?"

“Maybe we can pretend it's a, what did Coyotka call it? A cultural artifact, like Magnus' horns are supposed to be?"

“We went over this." Annie said with a sigh. “Your tail moves to much. All we need is for some local priest to see it waving about on its own and we'll all be burning at the stake."

Junafir eventually conceded, provided Annie helped her make some of the sexy under garments for her that she had seen depicted in Annie's sketchbook.

Gael did the grunt work. He went to buy the material for the potions and costumes. He collected the dried meat and oats that would sustain them when food was scarce. He assembled all the goods they might need and packed them according to how much each could carry. His pack was the biggest and the heaviest.

Money was no object. Ladread exchanged a few baubles from her hoard for gold to purchase the supplies.

“It's only fair." She said with a shrug. “I stole them from the Lyonesse treasury while I was keeping an eye on Morholt."

While waiting for the wounds from the explosion that destroyed the portal in the castle to heal James began to teach Magnus the basics of Kendo. He concentrated on the standard positions of defence and forms of attack on the assumption that the deer-man would not have to face a professional swordsman.

Magnus proved to be an apt pupil.

“It's like music." He told James after the human complimented him on his combinations. “The positions are like notes. One note flows into another to create a melody."

“That's fine for the katas, but you are also doing well sparring against me, and while I'm keeping it basic, I have tried to be unpredictable in my attacks."

“Ah, but it is like a musicians' duel. You need to respond to the other's notes with notes that compliment but also counter them, and the longer you play against them the more you learn about their habits and range. And just like each musical phrase needs to start with a few basic notes each attack needs to start with a transition into the proper position. When I see you go into that transition I react accordingly. Swordplay is just music turned into dance."

“This dance can get you killed."

“Hopefully not before I've reached the Coda."

Paul was busy arranging the affairs of Lyonesse as their newly elected leader, and Ladread was usually by his side, lending the weight of her shape-shifting dragon prowess to his authority. In the evenings he was wined and dined by the ambitious and those who sought influence, so the rest of the companions hardly saw him. Nighttime's found him and Ladread in his private chambers, where the most unusual sounds of passion could be heard far into the night.

“It starts off like barking," one of the night watch commented to his wife, “then turns to howling and roaring with the whole tower lit up inside by flames. It's unholy."

“You should find out what they are up to up there, Shem." His wife advised him. “Anything that can bring such sounds from a couple I want to be trying."

The dwarf Yup had already taken his leave of the group, apologizing for not being able to stay in the castle until they left for the portal.

“There is much to be done back in the mine before I can move my workshop here." He assured them. “And many a beard to pull over the beer they will have to buy me by way of apology now that blunderbuss has proven so successful."

“Are you really going to take credit for subduing a dragon with bubble-gum?" Junafir teased him.

“I'll just leave the bit about the gum out." Yup said with a grin. “I wouldn't want to bore them with too much detail."

Darryl was the only member of the group that did not have anything to do. He spent his days trying to sneak into the Treasury to augment his meagre horde and his evenings sitting by the grave of the human girl, Nahal. He could often be heard talking passionately there but whether it was directed to Nahal or his pet Parasprite, Tenille, no one could tell, and no one wanted to intrude to find out.

When everything was ready and their worlds healed sufficiently to travel Ladread offered to fly them to the portal in her dragon form. They accepted and she changed to Aldreda and ferried them to a spot near an extinct volcano at Coyotka's direction. She brought Paul along on the last load, with Darryl trailing behind, holding onto her tail and cruising along with his just his wings spread for lift.

Paul hugged James first. “I'm sorry that I can't accompany you lad, but you've grown into a man since I first laid eyes on you and you're ready to face anything that might be thrown your way."

“Thank you, Paul. I've appreciated your leadership and guidance and I will always cherish our friendship."

Paul turned to Junafir next. “Take care of him, lass. You know you can because you have your mother's fire in you."

The tigress teared up and hugged him back fiercely.

Then Paul took Annie's and Gael's hands in his. “Parting is not for forever. I know that you two will see each other again, just as I will see both of you before my time is done. I sense that we all still have a part to play in the Douglas saga."

“And the rest of you." He said turning to where Coyotka, Chris and Magnus were standing. “You are worthy companions and I'm glad that you are accompanying my patron's son on his quest."

They mumbled their thanks, and afterwards Chris whispered to Coyotka, “Is it just me of is Paul sounding like a character in a romantic novel?"

“He has been reading up on Arthurian Legend a lot lately." She whispered back. “Enough to assimilate the speech patterns, I suspect."

James then thanked Aldreda and Darryl for their help, and the two dragons, young and old, expressed their regrets at not being able to go with them.

“I understand." James assured them, “Especially in your case, Darryl. Not being able to shape-shift and with that glowing insect hovering around you all the time would be sure to attract unwanted attention."

Before they left Aldreda took Magnus aside. “This is the same portal that I took your father to when he went t seek a safer place for the Spear of Destiny." She told him. “I hope that you pick up his trail on the other side and find the peace you seek."

Magnus pulled a fine chain out of his tunic. There was a lump of gold hanging from it with white protrusions that resembled a human tooth.

“I knew it before you told me." He said. “This is a gold-capped tooth of his that fell out just before he left my mother and me. He gave it to her as a keepsake and I enchanted it when I had enough skill to do so. It vibrates wherever his spirit has passed before. By this I'll know if I'm on the right path."

“Good luck with it then."

The farewells over, there was a final round of hugs before Aldreda flew back to Lyonesse with Paul on her back and Darryl in tow. The rest watched as the large dragon disappeared in the mist of the mountains until even the glowing Parasprite could no longer be seen. Then they shouldered their packs and moved down the caldera of the spent volcano.

The portal at its base was unguarded. It was slightly larger than the one between Earth and Terra that James' father had controlled, and it was situated several feet above ground level.

“We'll have to run at it and jump to get through." Coyotka told them. “But the ground is soft on the other side, or so I've read.

“Why isn't it walled off and controlled like all the others we've seen?" Junafir asked suspiciously.

“Not all portals are controlled by private enterprise or governments." Coyotka lectured. “Those in Cognitionis, for example, are free for everyone to use."

“Except they are all filled with lava now." Junafir pointed out.

“Regardless, this portal is isolated in this barren volcanic range and there is no trade to speak of between the worlds on either side."

“I guess Kent in the dark ages had nothing of value." Annie opined as the moved closer to the portal.

“Actually, it's not ..." But before the coyote could finish James had made his decision and started running at the portal.

“Let's go!" He cried, and the rest rushed to follow him.

Most had the good sense to drop and roll out of the way of the rest when they went through, except for Magnus, as it was his first time. He ended up in a pile with Coyotka, who had been right behind him and Chris who had been bringing up the rear. Fortunately, the ground there was indeed very soft and grassy.

The other side of the portal was on the submit of a low hill that may have been a volcano a million years before but was now worn down to a nub. It appeared to be a warm summer's day, and from there they could see mixed forests and meadows for miles around, but no sign of habitation.

“His far is it to Kent?" James asked.

“Well, first we have to get to Earth." Coyotka answered as she untangled herself from the deer-man's antlers.

James' brows came together with an audible smack. “What? I thought you said that this portal led to Kent in the time of Arthur?"

“No, I said that this portal will 'lead' us to Kent in the time of King Arthur. There is no direct and easy route home for you, you know. We have several worlds to traverse along the way."

“You said that we were going to Kent, then walking a week to Camelot and from there we needed to get to Norway to get back to Earth at the beginning of the summer we left."

“Yes. And we are going to Kent ... eventually ... and thence to the land of the Vikings ... by a bit of a round-about route. Barring delays for negotiation, we will get you to Earth in time for Annie to register."

James' anger welled up and he found himself leaning over the shorter coyote with his fists clenched and his voice booming.

“For Annie to register? What about getting there in time to save my father?"

Having faced down scores of students that wanted tomes they were not authorized to withdraw from the university library, Coyotka was not intimidated. “I told you when we first met, James, we can't get back in time to save your father or prevent the portal from being destroyed. You can never be in the same place and time as your former or future self, the physics of the portals won't allow it. We can only get you and Annie back after the portal is destroyed, or long before you are born."

“How long before?" Annie asked while James fumed.

“Before anyone you may have met was born. The Wanderers call it the Continuity Principle, no one can alter history by going back to undo events that effect their life, or history in general."

“You mean like you can't go back to kill Hitler before he became a dictator?"

“You could try, but you would find that circumstance would prevent you. You may be delayed or arrested on your way to do it, or someone will see you raise your weapon and kill you before you can murder an innocent child. It will all be futile though, because history is already written, and whatever you tried was already included."

She turned back to James with a compassionate expression and reached out tentatively, unfamiliar with such intimacies. “James, you have to resign yourself to the fact that your father is dead and nothing you can do will change it."

James swatted her hand away and turned his back to her, but his heaving shoulders revealed the sobs he was trying to suppress. She put her hands on his shoulders and kneeled the large muscles that had gone taut. She was in strange emotional territory, but she had read about these kinds of things while minoring in psychology. She gathered al the empathy she could muster.

“There, there, James. There is no shame in grief. Let it out."

Annie's hands joined hers, as did Junafir's. Soon James was on his knees, wracked with sobs and struggling to breathe with a chest suddenly gone tight.

Gael, Chris and Magnus looked away, pretending to survey the countryside around the portal so as not to embarrass James.

After a few minutes James brought his sobs under control. Once he could breathe normally he got to his feet and wiped the moisture from his face with a hairy forearm.

“So, where are we exactly, Coyotka?"

“This world is called Shambhala."

“Never heard of it." James said. The rest shook their heads also.

“Shambala is known to some cultures on your world. It is mentioned in several ancient Tibetan scrolls. They describe it as a mythical kingdom of flying people inside a hollow Earth. Perhaps they found a portal in the ground and assumed it led down into the bowels of the Earth, despite it having its own sun, which the inhabitants of Shambala worshiped. But back then no one on Earth knew that the sun was a star millions of kilometres away."

“So why are we here?" Annie asked.

“Shambhala has a portal connecting to Kent, but we may have to negotiate passage to that portal. From Kent to Camelot is a week's journey by foot"

“Then from Camelot we can take a portal directly to Norway?"

“Not exactly." Coyotka confessed. “We have to hop around in space as well as time in order to pass through the portal in what is now Norway to arrive back in your land at the right time. But according to my calculations, we have plenty of time to travel between portals on the various worlds and still get back to Earth on time, providing negotiations don't take too long along the way."

“Yes, you had mentioned negotiations earlier. Why can't we just walk to the next portal?"

Coyotka stood up straighter and adjusted the glasses on her snout. “Well, most governments don't just let anyone wander about freely, unless you are an accredited Wanderer, which none of us are. We will have to negotiate passage between portals on several of the worlds."

“So, who's in charge here?"

“Oh, Shambhala has no government. It is a communal society with no formal leadership, or bureaucracy, just community consensus. Life is almost perfect here, and refugees from other worlds abound."

“What, no government? No taxes?" Chris grinned. “It does sound like paradise."

Coyotka nodded in his direction like a teacher toward a favourite student. “It is considered a paradise by many that have passed through here. Wanderers frequently stop over here to rest and recuperate. On Earth it has been referred to as Shangri-La."

Annie's brows furrowed. “A utopian mountain valley where people don't age, and sickness is unknown and where everyone is happy. It's described in a novel called 'Lost Horizon'. I thought it was just fiction though."

“Like many mythical and legendary lands, it is real enough. The aging process is slowed immensely, but not stopped. It is therefore impossible to judge how old someone is just by their looks. And sickness is rare here; wounds heal within days. Come here crippled by cancer and you'll leave clear of any disease, dancing all the way.

“Why would anyone ever want to leave?" Gael wondered.

“Paradise isn't for everyone." Magnus mused. “In the religion of my father there was a character called Lucifer who was not content with the predictable life in Paradise and rebelled. He ended up ruling a land of chaos and strife."

“New Jersey?" James offered.

“Wha - ? No. Hell, I believe it was called."

“Just a joke." James mumbled when he saw that no one, including Annie, was laughing.

Coyotka did not seem to notice, as she was already addressing Magnus.

“Exactly so. Nothing changes here, not quickly in any event. The active and ambitious quickly grow restless, and when they find the locals resistant to change they often move on ... but if they don't they are ejected."

Annie shrugged. “I guess they need police even in Paradise."

Coyotka shook her head. “No, no police. Violence is almost unknown here and even those visitors that commit murder are dealt with in non-violent ways. They are drugged or subdued by other means and delivered back to the world or their origin, where the authorities or equally violent enemies are likely waiting for them."

“What is to stop them from coming back?"

“I don't know. No one seems to be watching the portal."

Just then James, who had been looking away, trying to think up a way to redeem himself after his failed jest, saw something on the horizon.

“Looks like we have a welcoming committee." He said, loosening his sword in its sheath.

The rest turned their heads to follow his gaze as their hands gripped the handles of various weapons. But most of the Terrans had eyes evolved from species with better night vision than daytime vision, so whatever James had seen was just a blur to them.

Annie, who's distance vision was as keen as James' was the first to pick up the approaching figure. “Just one, by the look of it." She commented.

“It's moving fast though." James noted. “Running ... you think?"

“No ... not running, and not cycling either ... I think ... I think it's flying! Coyotka did say that the Tibetans thought that Shambhala was occupied by flying people."

“Well, this one appears to be flying at ground level."

By the time they had finished the rest of the group could make out the approaching figure. It did indeed appear to be flying rapidly toward them close to the ground.

As it drew closer they could make out more detail.

It was not human, but it was not a bird either. It's body, which was covered in black and white fur, resembled a Terran feline, but it's head and legs looked like an eagle, with a yellow beak and tough yellow hide on the lower legs, which ended in bird feet and talons. The wings on its back were tapered like a swift's, and the feathers had the same black and white pattern as the fur. It appeared unarmed, although with talons the size of fingers it may not have needed artificial weapons.

When it was almost upon them it slowed considerably, and they could discern two things: one, that it was clearly exhausted from the effort, and two, that the naked creature was a female, unless the males of her species had breasts the size of melons.

She came to a stop ten paces away, a safe and polite distance to challenge strangers from, but she could not speak because she was too busy sucking great lungsful of air into her. The group waited politely as she heaved, hands resting on her knees and head hanging down. Annie, who had been in such a state after a gruelling track meet, wondered if she would throw up.

“Agh ... Solaris!" The creature finally managed to force out. “Sorry ... <gasp> ... sorry. Didn't mean to swear ... <huff> ... didn't mean to late for duty either ... <gasp> ... but here we are."

She raised her head and Magnus was taken by how clear and bright her green eyes were. He also liked the way the fur on her head tapered from black to light blue in an unruly mop. The colour was echoed in a single long-stemmed feather that trailed behind her. He thought her voice was very pleasant too, between gasps and swallows.

“Is it your duty to guard the portal?" Gael asked, frowning. As a former soldier he disliked those that showed a lack of discipline.

“It is, but in my defence, the hours are calculated based on soaring to an altitude where one can catch a tail wind. They don't take the time or effort required for low-level flight into account." She leaned over again. “Oh, Solaris, I think I'm gonna puke."

She was correct, and while most of the others looked away, some with a hand over their own mouths, Junafir rushed forward to hold the half-cat half-bird and rub her back between her wings.

“There, there. Let it go. Let it all get out." The tigress said, recalling her own distress after Chris had given her something to expel the spider's eggs.

“Thank you." The creature said, straightening up and whipping her beak on her furry arm when she was done. “I don't usually do that, but when I saw you all standing by the portal I was afraid I would get in trouble for not being there and ... and thanks."

“No problem. My name is Junafir. What's yours?"

“Netyu. Are you a tiger?"

“Yes, I am."

“I thought so! I've heard of tigers, but we never get them in this part of Shambhala. Mostly humans, like those two." She said, pointing to James and Annie. “But you also have a horse among you," Netyu continued, her eyes wide with wonder, “and a stag, and ..., she stopped and stared at Coyotka and Chris. “A couple of dogs?"

“Grey fox." Chris said.

“Coyote." Coyotka said, leaning back and regarding Netyu through narrowed eyes. “And you would be a Griffin, if I am not mistaken."

“Yes, I am!" Netyu answered excitedly. “Do you know many griffons?"

“No, you're my first." Coyotka answered, extending a paw. Netyu shook it enthusiastically.

Netyu smiled and shook hands with everyone. They all stood around in a bit of an awkward silence.

“Soooo ... what are you supposed to do when strangers come through the portal?" Gael prompted.

“Oh!" Netyu smacked her forehead. “I'm supposed to turn back anyone who has been banished and ask newcomers what their business is."

After several seconds pause Gael mentioned that they had not been banished and waited for her to pick up the hint.

Several more moments passed in silence before Netyu's eyes went wide in realization.

“Oh, yes. What is your business here on Shambhala?"

Coyotka answered for the group. “We are just passing through on our way to Earth. I understand that there is a portal connecting Shambhala to the land of Kent on Earth a few days north of here. Could you direct us to it?"

“No."

Coyotka's eyes went wide in shock. “You ... you can't?"

Gael twisted the handle of his great sword. “Or you won't?"

“Can't." Netyu shrugged. “I have no idea where it is. Certainly, there are no portals within three days walk to the north, but three days as the bird flies is another matter. That's eagle territory and I'm not welcome there."

“Because you're only half eagle?" Junafir wondered aloud.

Netyu looked down at her front paws as she nervously sharpened the claws against each other.

“No. Not exactly. There are a lot of cross breeds and griffins have been around for millennia. It's ... it's ..."

“Yes?" Junafir encouraged.

Netyu threw her arms out and looked to the sky as her wings drooped.

“I'm afraid to fly! And that is the only way to get to the eagles."

“What?" James said, puzzled. “But we saw you flying here."

Coyotka bit her lip. “She was hardly off the ground, and she did mention that it took her longer to travel because she flew at ground level." She took the forlorn griffin by the arm tenderly. “Is it heights that you're afraid of?"

The griffin nodded, a tear trickling down her beak.

“You poor thing. How did that come about?"

“When I was newly fledged and taking my first flying lessons I was really good, and a bit arrogant about it. I flew higher and faster than the instructor wanted me too, and ignored her warnings about airspace control. I climbed up to a level that was restricted for senior students to practice soaring in and 'wham!', I got hit by an albatross cruising at altitude and we both tumbled down. The albatross recovered but I spiralled in and broke both my wings and one leg."

“That's terrible." Annie said. She had broken a shoulder once after spinning out of control on the hammer throw and had to sit out the track season for most of the year. She looked over the griffin and saw no signs of impairment in her movement. “Couldn't you go back to the class after you healed?"

“I could," Netyu admitted, “and I did, but as soon as I got airborne My stomach would tighten into knots and I'd have to land again. Now even after three hundred years the best I can manage is about two yards high for a hundred yards or so. It's embarrassing."

“Three hundred years?" James asked.

“About that. Time sort of gets away from you here on Shambhala."

There were mumbles of sympathy from all around, but Chris was the first to pose the obvious question.

“What do we do now?"

“Is there anyone who knows about portals that you could take us to?" James asked the distraught griffin.

Netyu cheered up instantly. “Why, yes! There is! Oyo knows all about these things."

“Is she another griffin?" Junafir asked.

“No, she's an owl. She's sort of the local historian and librarian around here."

“An educated owl." Coyotka commented. “Good."

“Oh, she never went to university or anything." Netyu said over her shoulder as she set off north. “But she sure reads and writes a lot."

“Humph." Coyotka grunted. “Don't go too fast for us Netyu."

“Oh, no. I'll ... uh, walk ... just so you can keep up."

“Yeah, right." Chris mumbled. He started to follow Coyotka but bumped into Magnus. “Hey, Magnus. What's got into you? You've not said a word since we got here."

Magnus, who had been fixated by the high, bright voice of the griffin was now fascinated by the sway of her hips and how it made her backside slide up and down as she walked with her feline tail bobbing along behind her.

“What? Oh! Just, uh, daydreaming I guess."

“Well, daydream as you walk. She might be friendly but we still have to keep an eye out for enemies. Remember, Ross is still out there somewhere."

“Right. Yes. I'll, uh, keep an eye on Netyu in case she looks like she might be leading us into an ambush."

Chris shook his head and rushed to catch up to Coyotka.

The sun was already lowering in the sky when they started off and Netyu told them that they would not be able to make the village before dark. James had her take them to a place where they could camp for the night. She proved her knowledge of the area by taking them to a level spot on the bend of a clear river where she claimed the fishing was good. Magnus tested the level of magic with the sapphire on the sword Paul had given him. The fish fairly jumped out of the water on his command.

“The level of magic is high here." He said with assurance. “We should be able to use all of our weapon's abilities to good effect."

“Good." James muttered. “One less thing to worry about."

He was rubbing something under his tunic.

“Do you still have the portable portal?" Annie asked.

“Yes, but don't worry. I'm not going to use it and give away our location; not unless I can get some advantage out of doing so."

“Promise to discuss it with the rest of us first?"

“Sure."

Chris and Coyotka announced that they were going into the forest to gather firewood.

Netyu jumped up. “Oh! Can I help?"

“Uh, no ... that is ... two is enough for the amount of wood we need."

The griffin looked dejected, but then she saw Annie and Gael heading out in the opposite direction. She called to them.

“What are you looking for? Maybe I can help?"

Annie bit her lip. She was looking forward to some alone time with the big blacksmith.

“Do you know anything about wild vegetables?" When she saw Netyu's eyes light up she added, “Mushrooms, actually." And felt bad when the griffin's face fell.

“No. Griffins don't eat them ... but I could try one and see if I like them!"

“Better leave picking them to us." Annie told her. “You wouldn't want to stuff yourself full of poisonous ones this far from medical help."

Netyu hung her head. “No, I guess not."

James smiled kindly at Netyu as Annie and Gael headed off hand in hand. “It's not you, Netyu. They just want to be alone. They'll be stuffing more than mushrooms, if you know what I mean."

Netyu had a blank look for a moment then she swivelled her head between the retreating couples, who were showing more intimacy than required for the tasks at hand.

“Oh ... Oh! Yes, of course. I just thought ..." She looked back and noticed that James and Junafir were holding hands also. “Did you to want ... should I go and leave you alone?"

Junafir giggled and James smiled with a shrug. “No, we're good."

“I could use a hand with the fish." Magnus called from the riverbank, where he had been listening in.

Netyu whirled around, her smile returned. “I'm pretty good at catching fish, but it looks like you have all that we need and more already."

“They still have to be cleaned and scaled." The deer-man said as he raised a fish in each hand. “That is, if you don't mind? It could get messy."

Netyu flew from the camp to the riverbank worth her feet barely off the ground. “No problem! We can bathe in the river after and rub the scales and blood from each other's fur!"

Magnus almost swallowed his tongue but managed to say, “Sure, that, uh, sound great."

After an inordinate amount of time Coyotka and Chris returned with enough firewood to keep a small fire going all night. Shortly after Annie and Gael came back with a bundle of mushrooms and root vegetables. Both couples jumped into the river to rinse off before approaching the others. Junafir wrinkled her nose playfully at them and pretended to sniff the air.

“Someone missed a scent." She laughed when Coyotka stuck her muzzle under each arm to see if it was her.

It was twilight by the time that they had all had their fill of fish and cleaned up the camp, even though Netyu assured them that there were no predators in Shambhala that would be attracted by the smell of fish.

“It's a good habit to get into." Gael, the ex-soldier assured her. “Still, if there was danger about my gem would have surrounded us in mist, so I suppose we can relax a bit. Magnus! How about some music?"

The stag complied by twisting his ring to make the magic lute appear. He set it to playing a soft, slow tune as the sun set and began singing along to it after the first few bars. To his surprise he heard someone singing counterpoint to his melody in a high, clear tone. He looked around without missing a beat and saw that it was Netyu. the griffin had her eyes closed as her voice rose and fell with the music.

He changed key, shifting smoothly into a similar but different tune. She matched him, lagging behind by only half a beat but catching up quickly. Then she surprised him again by changing her tune, forcing him to match the new tempo. Before long they were playing off and against each other like the fabled minstrel battles of old.

Magnus played the lute to the limits of its range and sang to the limits of his voice. Netyu easily kept up as the music climbed and descended though the octaves, going one further than either Magnus or his lute could, but always complimenting them. Her eyes were open now, and locked on his as a jubilant expression lit up both their faces. The rest could only watch in awe.

The sun light was completely gone and the stars were all out by the time the music faded into silence. Then the night was rendered by the sound of the spectators clapping wildly.

Netyu dipped her head in embarrassment even as a wide grin threatened to split her face.

“I ... I hope I didn't ruin your song, Magnus."

“Nonsense. Your ability to harmonize is amazing! Are you a professional singer?"

“Oh, no! I Just like to sing. I do it all the time. I sing for myself and sometimes to entertain my close friends, like Oyo, but I've never sang in front of strangers before ... before tonight."

“Well, you should." Magnus assured her.

Her eyes rolled back and her head swayed back and forth as she imagined it. “I would love that. Next to flying like a proper bird that's the thing I want most in the world ... to sing in front of a real audience. Do you really think that I'm good enough?"

“Take it from me, as someone who has made their living making music, you are more than good enough ... you're ... phenomenal!"

Netyu blushed though her facial feathers. Magnus glowed with pride at discovering a new talent. Her tail lashed and her chest heaved with gratitude. His eyes almost popped out as her breasts rose and fell and swelled under sparse chest fur.

Gael leaned into Annie and whispered, “I thought he was holding out for a doe to start a family with?"

“Who can say where love will take you?" She said as she squeezed the horse's thickly muscled thigh. “I always thought I would end up with a human."

“Like they could measure up."

“Oh, there's a few that can. Porn sites aren't just for guys, you know."

“What's a porn site?"

“I'll tell you later."

They settled down for the night then, with only one person on watch at a time since there did not appear to be any impending threat. As the three couples arranged themselves in pairs around three sides of the fire Netyu naturally ended up beside Magnus on the fourth side. When she asked if they should share a bedroll like the others were doing he lent her a blanket instead. She accepted it gladly, unsure of the protocols between off-worlders. He lay there staring at the bump she made on the ground until it was his turn to stand watch, regretting that he had not had the courage to invite her into his bedroll.

The next morning they had a breakfast of hot oatmeal cooked over the last of the embers from the fire before setting out. Netyu took the lead, and Magnus stayed right beside her. They talked about music all the way. Coyotka followed close behind, interrupting with questions about the village and Shambhala culture.

“Oyo can answer those questions better than I can." Netyu replied each time before going back to her conversation with Magnus.

Coyotka began to resent the all-knowing Oyo without even having met her.

Around mid-day they entered a forest of enormous pines and fir trees. James suggested that they stop for a meal, but Netyu assured them that they were almost there. After penetrating the forest another mile or so she stopped and announced that they had arrived.

The others looked around, puzzled. Netyu pointed straight up and when they raised their eyes to the canopy they went wide in amazement.

The big trees, which were fairly spread out, rose straight up, towering above the sparse undergrowth. They had been a compelling sight for the first few hundred yards but after that they had to keep their eyes down so as not to trip over the great roots that radiated out from each. Now they saw that each tree was ringed with platforms starting about fifty feet up and repeating at regular intervals. Some platforms held huts and others were completely enclosed except for a small perch by an opening. None were connected by bridges or ladders. One would have to fly from one platform to another to get around.

“Netyu," Coyotka asked curiously, “how do you ...?"

“Oh, I have a rope ladder to get up to my hut on the far side of that tree there. She replied, pointing. “Coming down is a lot easier, even if it does make my stomach churn."

“Why don't you live on the ground?" Junafir asked before Annie could shush her.

Netyu ducked her head in embarrassment. “It ... it's just not done ... just not right ... not for ... you know ..."

Annie put an arm around the griffin's shoulders. “I understand perfectly. I don't exactly fit in where I come from either."

Netyu whipped her face before replying. “They don't like women warriors there?"

“Not unless they are scantily clad in a comic book." Annie laughed.

“Or the movies." James added.

“Or that picture box in the place called the 'living room'." Gael offered.

“Or the porn sites on the internet." James continued.

“About those ..." Gael began.

“Okay! I think she gets the idea." Annie injected.

Netyu took them around the other side of the tree and pointed out her hut, which was on the lowest platform.

“That doesn't look big enough for all of us." James noted.

“Oh, it isn't. You will have to camp here on the ground. Don't worry though, we get a lot of outsiders passing through and the citizens are totally okay about it."

“Speaking of citizens." Coyotka said as she scanned the treetops. “Where is everyone?"

“Oh, they're in hiding until I give the all-clear." At that point Netyu raised her head and let out a screech that almost ruptured Magnus' eardrums.

While the stag banged the side of his head to get his ears working again a number of feathered faces appeared from doorways and over the edges of the platforms above. Netyu waved to assure them that she was not being held against her will and after that the air above them was filled with whistles, caws, thrills and the occasional speech in the common tongue. The bird people went about their business as if the visitors were not even there.

“Not very curious, are they?" Chris observed.

“You don't pose an immediate threat, and that is all they care about." Netyu answered.

“What about in the future?" James asked. “From what I've heard strangers have been welcomed here before and then tried to take over."

“Tried would be the operative word there." Netyu giggled. “Oh, I know that you carry powerful magic weapons, but we have some magic ability of our own. I mean, not me, personally, but some of our old wise ones, like Oyo, do. Would-be tyrants don't last long on Shambhala."

“Is it true the worst punishment you have is exile?" Annie asked.

“Uh-huh. It's pretty much our only punishment, and it can be pretty harsh. Here we have everything we need free for the taking: food, water, deadfall wood to build with or burn. There is no need to fight for or horde resources, and anyone that tries, whether Shambhalan or off-worlder, must leave and can never come back."

Junafir ran a claw over the last of James' wounds, a deep cut from a splinter of stone that had scabbed over. After less than a day here it had completely healed without leaving a scar. She thought about how it would be to settle in a land with no conflict, no pain and James by her side for almost an eternity. “I can see why it might seem cruel."

Gael dropped his heavy pack. “Should we just set up around the base of your tree, Netyu?"

“Better to keep away from the trunk if you intend to have a fire. Over there would be good." She pointed.

“Plenty of room for us all." James observed. “When do you think we can meet this Oyo?"

“She may be away collecting stories to write down or seeking books to add to her personal collection. One day she plans to open a public library where anyone can go and read the books. If she is here, she will likely be writing or cataloging new acquisitions. She hates to be disturbed, but when she finds out that strangers with new stories to tell are visiting she will make time for you. I will send word to her that you would like to meet her after tomorrow's music festival."

Coyotka frowned. “She can't meet us any sooner?"

“Time passes so slowly here," Netyu said with a shrug, “that no one is ever in a rush ... except for me when I'm late for duty. I'm sure that she will see you right after the festival, but no one wmisses the annual music festival; it celebrates the summer solstice, and it is very important to us Shambhalans."

“Oh, yes, I didn't mean to disparage your religious beliefs. Please forgive me ... I ... I didn't realize ..."

“Oh, no need." Netyu assured her with hug. “We don't exile people for being ignorant of the local customs."

“Did you just call me ig- ..." Coyotka began, but Netyu had already started up her rope ladder, using her wings for extra lift.

“Let's set up camp." James directed. “After that we can ask about where to forage for food and firewood."

They arranged their gear, then the three female members went off to find a secluded spot to relive their bladders. As soon as they were out of sight Magnus turned to the other males and asked, “Did you see yourselves with your current partners when you were younger?"

“A tiger?" James chuckled. “That kind of thing was the stuff of fantasy where I come from."

“We had humans passing through Dougs-ur-Mark occasionally, and the females often stopped by the forge to give me the eye." Gael admitted. “But none ever attracted me like Annie does."

Chris shrugged. “Fox, Coyote, not much difference." He neglected to mention his previous attraction to his fellow assassin. “She is more, uh, intellectual that I'm used to." But she swings a mean paddle, he added to himself.

“I guess we all experienced an unexpected attraction." James said.

“Do you think you have found your forever mate?"

James blushed and ducked his head. “A few weeks ago I would have said that we were just friends with benefits, but now I think that I have found the love of my life."

Gael looked around nervously before casting a sidelong glance at James and swallowing hard. “I ... I can't imagine spending my life with anyone else but Annie. I'm sorry James, I know how much you've suffered to get her back home, and I promise I won't try to sway her ... but that is how I feel."

James took Gael's hand and gripped it tight. “I'm in the same boat, Gael. I have no idea what is to become of us once this business with my uncle Rory is done."

Magnus looked to Chris. “What about you Chris?"

Chris bit his lip. “It isn't for me to say."

“Why do you ask, Magnus?" James said with a knowing grin, but the stag was saved by the return of the females.

Netyu returned shortly after, gliding down the rope as if she had no fear of heights. Perhaps it was because she kept her eyes on Magnus the whole time instead of the rapidly approaching ground. Whatever the reason, she landed lightly and came running up to the group eagerly.

“Oyo can meet with you tomorrow night, but not all of you. When I told her you needed directions to the portal, she asked that whoever was capable of understanding complicated instructions be brought to her, along with one other to help carry the heavier books she may have to consult."

“Well then." Coyotka said as she adjusted her glasses on her snout. “Obviously I should go, and Chris can accompany me to fetch the books."

“Hey, wait a sec ..." Chris protested.

Coyotka turned on him and knitted her brows. “Don't make me make you beg."

“Yes mistr- ... yes dear."

Netyu leaned toward Magnus. “What was that all about?" She whispered.

“No idea."

“Hey, do you really think that I'm a good singer?"

“Oh yeah. You're great. Why?"

“Can you help me with something? It's for the festival tomorrow." She rushed on when she saw his sceptical look. “I've been working on a song ... a song I was hoping would be good enough to perform in front of an audience .... but I just can't get it right. With your experience, and the accompaniment of your lute .... ?"

Magnus was afraid of disappointing her. “I ... I could try ... but ..."

Netyu tilted her head and looked up at him with wide green eyes. “I would be sooooo grateful ... and taking part in the Solstice Festival would earn you guys a lot of credit among the citizens."

“Sure." He gulped. “As soon as we get settled in here."

Netyu rushed to direct the rest to where they could find firewood and forage. “There is even a lake with some nice fish, if you can catch them without Magnus ... ?"

James laughed. “We can manage. Off with the two of you."

Netyu grabbed Magnus' hand, but instead of taking him to the rope leading to her platform she guided him away from the bird people's town.

“Come. I know a quiet place where we can practice."

They went about half a mile, far enough to leave the hubbub of the aerial town behind them. This section of the forest was more sparce, with the tallest trees spread far apart. Looking up, Magnus saw that some of them had platforms barely visible in their thick canopies.

“What is this place?"

“These are called love nests. Shambhalans come her when they want a little privacy. Usually they go there to … well, not to sing, not particularly, although singing is a big part of it. They are isolated enough that you can barely hear what's going on in the next one. It's the perfect place to practice my song for the festival and still have it be a surprise."

Magnus eyed the tall, straight, branchless trunks sceptically. “How are we supposed to get up there if you are afraid of heights and I can't climb." He wiggled his hoof-tipped fingers to demonstrate his lack pf claws.

“Oh, no problem. Shambhalans have brought off-worlders here since time immemorial. Those that are strong enough to carry their lovers up do so but some trees have been converted to accommodate others."

They were circling one of the largest trees as she said this and when she was done they arrived at an archway cut into the tree. Magnus looked inside and saw that the huge tree was hollow, and that someone had carved a spiral staircase on the inside of the trunk. True to the spirit of Shambhala, the tree was still living and neither the hollow trunk nor the stairway cut into it seemed to be doing it any harm.

“Let's go!" Netyu called as she started running up the stairs.

Magnus went a little more cautiously, as there was no guard rail between him and a rapidly increasing distance to the base of the trunk. There were knobs and shoots of new growth on the outside to hold onto though, and he bravely made his way up more than two hundred steps to another arch that led out to a wide, covered platform in the lowest branches.

“I thought you were afraid of heights." He puffed as he paused to gather his breath.

“It's easier going up because I don't have to look down." She explained. “Plus, I'm so excited about our song that I hardly had time to think about it."

Magnus walked the circular platform, stopping to part the branches and look out on the magnificent views the height afforded.

“I can see why your people come here for … for stuff. It's so beautiful and peaceful." He said when he had completed the circuit.

“Yes, and this one is one of the remotest love nests, so no one will hear the song before we perform it tomorrow!" She said as she tied back some of the branches with rope that was already attached to them, creating a wide opening that faced away from the other trees. “The more avian species here often use this one for aerial lovemaking."

“Yes, you had mentioned that there are owls here as well as eagles. Are there any other flying species like griffins?"

“There are cockatrice and gargoyles that live in the southern continent, and hippogriffs, which are like griffins but with the torso of a horse. Pegususes and phoenixes live in the east, along with harpies, of which there are several sorts. Then there are the crossbreeds."

“Crossbreeds?"

“Oh yes. My people are not pure griffin, for example, having breed with eagles in the past. Others, like Oyo, are the product of mammals breeding with Avians. Human and owl in her case, although she identifies as an owl because she has wings and can fly."

“Should be an interesting meeting between her and Coyotka. Well, let's get started, shall we?"

“Okay, this is how my song begins."

Netyu began to trill in notes that no mammalian tongue could produce. Magnus listened for a few bars then twisted his ring to produce his lute. He set it to play a complimentary tune while he studied the changes and inflections. Pink and purple streamers of spent magic drifted off the strings, accompanied by the occasional spark. He had only seen this once before, while performing in a place that was heavy with magical potential, and he wondered if the Shambhalans had put their love nests here for that reason.

When he sensed that she was repeating the verse he added his clear tenor voice to the mix, singing simple syllables rather than words because he did not know what the song was about, but he sensed that it was very personal to Netyu.

When she was done, he made some suggestions on how she could alter the structure to be more musically pleasing.

“It would help if I knew what the song was about though."

“It is about a young fledging that yearns to fly high and achieve her goals, which she ultimately does, at the end."

“Might I suggest keeping it light and hopeful at the start, then swing up into a more dramatic section where she faces conflict, which she overcomes, perhaps with some help, before the final triumphant crescendo?"

“I like the suggestions, although normally I would be offended by the idea that a woman would need help from someone else, but since here you are helping me I guess it fits."

“Many of the songs I perform in the taverns are about strong women, or men, that think they don't need anyone else." Magnus told her. “But in the end they always do. People seem to want them to be that way."

“Sing me some."

He obliged, starting with the saga of 'Bromguard the Warrior Princess' and following it with 'Mildred of the Mill', which was folksier. He used the version of the song that he could perform in front of children and maidens, rather than the more raucous one he would play late at night for their parents. He also did a couple featuring male heroes that either met their doom or their paradise though the love of a woman. Netyu trilled along adding dramatic grace notes where appropriate.

“You mammals seem to put an awful lot of stock in romance." Netyu commented.

“Don't your people?"

“Not with as much drama. When you live for as long as we do here on Shambhala it's more like a slow burn than a roaring fire. Some Avians mate for life, in a quiet comfortable kind of way, while others will have multiple partners over the centuries. Still, it's a nice notion. Maybe we can work it into my song?"

“I'm sure we could. Let's start with your original verse and then build to a point where she is driven by love of another to succeed. Then we can decide whether she triumphs because of his love or in spite of his rejection."

They continued to practice, improvising as they went. Netyu taught him some words in her language so that he could add the male voice when the two characters were flirting. When it came close to the finish they tried both ways, with the two falling in love first then with the male rejecting the female. Magnus found that he could sing the love song version quite convincingly, but he was having a hard time pulling off the disdainful tone the rejection called for.

“Let's stick with the one where they stay together." Netyu suggested. “It sounds more natural and most of the birds in my town will prefer that ending."

“Alright. Now for the staging. As you are singing the part of the main character you should be downstage, closest to the audience. I'll stand slightly behind you and to one side and have the lute play on the other side to balance the sound. When we come to the part where we harmonize to show how the two have become one, I'll move up close behind you."

“Let's try it"

They did the new song all the way through, singing out into the vista through the opening in the branches. When they neared the end and their voices combined in a love melody Magnus stepped up behind her and leaned forward to sing with his snout beside her beak.

“That sounded really good!" Netyu said with delight when they were done. “But I think it needs a little bit more. Let's do it again."

This time when Magnus stepped up behind her she leaned back against him. Magnus was afraid to move, but was secretly thrilled to feel her full backside against his hips. She began to sway as they sang, then she reached back and found his hands. She gripped them tightly and pulled his arms around her as she repeated the love melody they had composed.

Magnus almost fainted when she pressed his hands against her warm belly, which showed slightly pink through the sparse fur, but he did not miss a note. Her butt was grinding harder against his groin than the tone or the words might suggest, and he could feel something stirring down there. Then, with her tail wrapped around his waist she took his wrists and guided his hands to her breasts just as the song reached it's crescendo. She didn't stop singing though. Instead, she started the lovers' passage again, but in a deeper, almost lusty tone.

Magnus could feel her nipples protruding through the fur as they pressed against the palms of his hands. He could also feel the twin globes of her ass cradling a protruding ridge in his trousers that was not there a moment before.

He tried to resist. Others had tried to seduce him away from his pledge of celibacy before, mostly bar wenches and lonely widows. Some were human and some were dwarves, but none of them appealed to him. He thought that it might have been because of their mostly hairless bodies but he realized now that it was because none of them was as musical as he was. Netyu was the first creature he had met that was his musical match, and he had to admit that her full-figured furry form felt good against him too.

He began to sing the chorus again, in a deeper, huskier voice. His lute, without conscious direction on his part, reflected what he was feeling, improvising a tune that was strong and strident and demanding. Netyu sang around them both, retreating here, advancing there, teasing them surrendering then teasing again.

The new song was playful, at first, but it became more serious when Netyu turned in his arms and pressed herself against him, pulling his head down towards hers at the same time.

Magnus was thrown off a bit at first; Netyu did not have lips to kiss. But she used her beak to peck and poke and preen the fur on his cheek and neck, so he did the same to her, planting little kisses on the tender flesh around the edge of her beak and nibbling on the feathers of her neck.

She paused to sigh with pleasure as her hand snaked down, unbuttoning his tunic as it went. When it reached his belt it undid the buckle and brushed it aside, then it settled on the bulge his trousers. Neither his deer nor his human ancestors had a penile bone as many other mammals do, but at the moment if felt like he did; he could not remember ever feeling this hard. When she rubbed it through the material it just seemed to grow harder.

He held his breath as her claws sought out the buttons that held the front of the trousers closed. It took her a moment but as soon as she had them undone she slid her hand inside. Like most Terrans, Magnus did not wear undergarments because the fur was warm enough and he didn't sweat the way humans did, so she was able to wrap her warm paws around his stiff rod without further interference.

“Oh my ..." Magnus was stuck between invoking the gods of his mother or those of his father. His newly awoken masculine side won over. “Oh my God! Netyu ... that ... that ..."

“Feels good?"

“Oh God yes!"

“I'm feeling good too." She said, taking his hand and guiding it to her groin. “But I could use a hand."

She was damp there between her legs, and warm, and soft. Magnus, as inexperienced as he was, knew enough about the anatomy and the basic functions of the various parts through the ribald songs he reserved for the raunchiest crowds. One, 'The Woodpecker's Hole', dealt with the mechanics of female stimulation. Magnus decided that it was as good as a starting point as any.

He cupped the warm, wet mound he could fell under the fur with three fingers, feeling its contours, seeking the opening he had only ever sung about before. He soon found it, as the middle digit sank between willing lips into a smooth, slick zone.

Magnus was unsure how literally to take a naughty folk song constructed of double-entendres, but he remembered which parts the old village ladies nodded and winked knowing at one another for, so he continued to rub her mound, increasing the pressure as his finger sank deeper, tracing the contours of her sex. Then he found what he was seeking, a button of flesh under a fold of skin near the apex.

He hardly touched it when he felt her shudder from head to toe. The paw on his cock ceased its rhythmic squeezing and began stroking his length slowly. He reciprocated by drawing his finger along her clit, like a violinist warming up his bow. She buried her head in the nape of his neck and mumbled the names of several sun deities while her hips jerked involuntarily against his hand.

Magnus rubbed while she stroked, using the tip of his finger to roll and rotate the emerging ball of flesh. When it felt a little dry he rubbed the damp slit to moisten it again before continuing. She complied by rubbing the pad of her thumb on the tip of his throbbing cock. That brought a new level of excitement to his loins, and he had to struggle to control his breathing.

“Do you do this kind of thing often?" He asked between gasps.

“This is the first time. Your music has woken something inside me."

“I think its woken something in me too."

“You sound afraid. Do you want me to sing a lullaby and put it back to sleep?"

“Good God, no!"

“Then let's see what other kind of song we can come up with."

She started to sing then, in her high bird-like voice. It was tonal tune, without words, and Magnus found that he could make her voice go up and down the scale as he stroked and rubbed her clit like he was bowing a violin; slow and steady one moment, sharp and spiccato the next.

He joined in her song, and she modulated his tone by toying with the tip of his prick then running her paw down to roll his balls in her palm.

While they writhed and rolled against each other she teased his tunic off his shoulders and worked his trousers down to his ankles. He kicked his trousers back against the trunk of the tree. When he removed his hand to shrug off his tunic she jumped up and wrapped her legs around his hips and her arms around his shoulders. Then she pulled herself up and guided the tip of his cock into the moist slit he had been exploring.

She lowered herself down on it, a bit at a time, gasping and swearing to the sun gods as it filled her. Magnus was gasping too as the slick, warm sheath enveloped his length.

When she reached the base of his long, thin cock Netyu started to rise up again, flexing her thighs and arms, doing all the work. Magnus put his hands on the firm cheeks of her ass and helped by taking some of the weight while letting her set the pace. When all but the tip of his prick was out in the cool air she relaxed and slid down to the base again.

They fell into a rhythm that matched the music they were producing. It had a slow and steady beat, and each could feel the full effect of cock on cunt and cunt on cock. “Oh, God!" Magnus declared after a few dozen stokes with his eyes squeezed shut. “I never knew it could feel like this."

“Neither did I. I feel so Freeeee!" Netyu cried as she threw her head back with such force that the rest of her followed. Since she was wrapped tightly around Magnus he came along too.

He was expecting that they would land hard on the floor of the platform, so he put one hand behind her head to shield it from the blow, but the impact never came. They seemed to have regained their balance and returned to an upright position without pausing their humping, but he could feel nothing under his feet. Cautiously, he opened his eyes.

The vista was the same as the one they had view through the opening in the canopy with one exception, there was no more opening or canopy. He looked up and saw the open sky. He looked back and saw the platform behind them. He looked down and saw the forest floor about a hundred feet below. Then he felt the rush of air and heard the beat of wings, Netyu's wings.

“Good God, Netyu! We're flying!"

“Yes! Yes!" she cried as she continued to ride his cock.

Magnus continued to grasp her ass as it clenched and released with each stroke. “How are you doing this?"

“Who cares? Just don't stop."

Magnus pumped his hips madly, as if it would help keep them aloft. “Just don't stop flapping."

Fear of falling was draining his ardour, but the sliding and squeezing of her twat kept his cock hard. The end result was that he was able to perform far longer than he thought he would on his first time. He looked around, hoping that they were getting closer to the opening and the safety of the platform, but was dismayed to see that they were not only getting farther away but that they were gaining height also.

Netyu did not appear to be tiring out though, which was a good sign. She even had enough wind to continue singing as they rose above the treetops. All that low-level flying must have built up her shoulder muscles and stamina considerably, he supposed.

Magnus began to relax and enjoy the sensation of floating sex as well as the view. They were high enough now to see how the forest stretched out to the horizon in the direction of the town and tapered off to open fields in the direction of the portal they had arrived through. The sun was getting low in that direction and had become a large orange ball through the evening haze. Two small moons were rising over the forest, and they shone full as they reflected the light of the setting sun.

The sight inspired magnus to create a new song, one that was more heartfelt and triumphant than the finale they had written for the festival. It spoke of the beauty of the heroine as she stood by her love at the end of day, and his lute, which had followed them up, added a lusty undertone as he imagined them melting into one form as their voices combined.

The song and the sights and the feel of her against and around him brought new urgency to their lovemaking. The pace increased with the tempo of the song and their voices rose as the sensations intensified. To Magnus it felt like his balls were expanding even as they contracted for the final movement.

To Netyu it was a swelling inside her that gripped his cock even tighter, making her head fill with waves of colour. Then there was a flash of pure white light, like lightning, and what felt like an explosion of pleasure inside her. Her song turned to cries of ecstasy as she folded her wings and let their top-heavy form tip over and go into freefall.

Magnus had been close to cumming when she screamed with pleasure, and he drove his cock in as deep as it would go as he experienced a moment of weightlessness. His cock was spurting and his hips were making short, involuntary thrusts against her as they changed from floating free to plummeting down with the air whistling past their faces.

Magnus had a moment of panic which caused him to hug her tightly and fire off the last of his spooge desperately. The intimacy and force of his embrace as well as the feeling of his cock moving inside her as his balls emptied tripped another circuit inside her and Netyu experienced another, different sort of orgasm, one that made her spirit soar.

Not only did her spirit soar, so did she, and not a moment too soon. They were only a few feet from the ground when she spread her wings and caught the air, using their momentum to lift them back up toward the canopy, where she began to beat them frantically in time with the spasms wracking her cervix as it sucked up as much of his spooge as possible.

When they were level with the treetops she spotted the opening where she had tied the branches back. She folded her wings and dove for it. She swooped down and through it neatly, spreading her wings at the last second to stop them before they hit the trunk. Then she relaxed her flapping so that they settled lightly back on their feet.

The experience was too much for Magnus. The stag felt his legs turn to water as they disengaged, and he would have fallen over if Netyu had not caught him. She lowered him to the platform and set him on his side, facing the opening. She lay down behind him and snuggled herself up against him, her breasts soft on his back and her breath warm on his neck.

Magnus felt himself relax, and he gripped her hand when she draped one arm over him. They lay there in silence. There was no need for a song to express their feelings of content in the moment.

The setting sun was framed by the opening they had flown through when Netyu nudged Magnus and asked, “Do you think your friends are enjoying Shambhala as much as you are?"

“God, I hope not."

Paul Collieman © Collifan

Gael Tholkes © MarcusXLight

Junafir Pawstone © Frostlupus

Netyu © Frostlupus

Oyo © Frostlupus

Chris Cinereo © Kyroo Echos

Yup Thatchwatyahurd © Kyroo Echos

Constance “Coyotka" Jotkowska © Coyotek

Darryl D. Dragon © Major Matt Mason

Ladread © White Tiger Hunting

Aldreda © White Tiger Hunting

Magnus © Thwaitesy