The Decoy, Chapter 2
#4 of Junk
My stories are copyrighted, so NO takee!
The Decoy, Chapter 2
By William W. Kelso
Telesa dove and weaved frantically between; and over, outcrops of rock and steep cliff faces as she tried to out fly the male, sometimes flying so low her wings literally brushed against the ground or scraped against the sides of cliffs. It had been hours, and still he pursued her with terrifying determination. She would gain some distance, but the minute she slowed or faltered he would close the gap again. Her heart thundered in her chest, her chest heaving as she sucked in great gasps of air, something in her finding the chase...exhilarating. She heard an eager roar behind her, and turning her head saw that he had closed the distance some more, his gaze fixed on her. Damnation!! With a roar of her own she swept over the crest of a ridge, and saw in the near distance a huge towering thundercloud; lightening flickering in its dark depths, and with rapid beats of her wings headed towards the refuge she hoped it would provide. She had to shake him! She couldn't keep this up much longer, her breathing labored, her wings muscles sore and tiring. If he caught her...
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Sister Luria was amazed at the extent of the Dragon's hoard, it was even greater then she had imagined. But despite the incredible wealth there was only one thing she was intent upon obtaining, and it sat on top of a large pile of gold coins and jewelry like a crown. Yes! Yessss! At long last!! She thought as she ran her hands over the smooth age worn quartzite altar, the dark glassy stone crisscrossed with veins of silver and gold, glimmering dimly in the light of several torches that lit the huge chamber. It was carved with ancient runes and glyphs only a few could still read, the ancient carvings worn almost smooth in places. The thieves were going crazy as they capered in the piles of treasure, festooning themselves with valuable baubles, cramming pockets till they split with gold coins and gems. Fools; she thought, but useful fools.
"Enough!" Sister Luria bellowed, "We must load the animals and be away as soon as possible! Concentrate on the finest pieces, the gems and jewelry! The gold coins are nothing compared to them! Hurry! If the beast returns before we're finished then none of us will live to spend it!"
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As Telesa entered the towering cloud formation the male was close behind her; she might be more maneuverable, but his larger wings gave him the edge on her in a flat out race, her only hope lay in dodging and avoiding him, losing him the roiling clouds. Soon after she entered she was buffeted by powerful winds; even her mighty wings being of little use as she was tossed around like a leaf, torrential rains drenching her as lightening flared and cracks of thunder almost deafened her, but her vision remained fairly clear as a set of clear nictitating membranes snapped into place to protect her eyes, catching her by surprise. She wove through the massive cloud formation as best she could, updrafts and downdrafts causing her to change altitude hundreds of feet at a time with breathtaking speed as she passed in and out of cloud formations. Suddenly she broke into a fairly calm and clear area at the center of the storm, and saw the male below her, a massive lightning bolt illuminating him as he flew, his gaze turned downward as he sought her. He was at least a quarter larger then she was, his horns larger and more numerous, his spines thicker. H-he's magnificent, she thought! As he gave a loud roar, calling to her, she almost answered; much to her consternation, then banked back into a nearby cloud. Maybe she could finally lose him, he seemed to have lost her trail and hopefully the storm would have helped to diffuse her scent.
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As the caravan slowly made its way back down the valley; the animals almost staggering under their loads; the pockets of all the thieves bulging with additional treasure, Sister Luria was only concerned with the slab of stone suspended between two strong mules. She walked next to it, leading the animals, the priceless altar wrapped in fine velvet coverings embroidered in mystic symbols, not only to cover it, but to help conceal it from prying eyes or those that might 'sense' the power in it, and seek to take it from her. To a magic user it would stand out like a beacon.
"When will you cast the spell to remove the Dragon's scent from the treasure?" Bruce, the head of the thieves, asked her as he nervously scanned the sky. They were making good time, but the Dragon could be on them in minutes once it had discovered its hoard had been plundered.
"As soon as we reach the old fort," Sister Luria said, "I will need a safe place to prepare, and invoke, the magic."
"It's been almost a day," Bruce said, "how long do you think Telesa can keep him away from his lair?"
"Hopefully at least another day, more if she has led him far away." Sister Luria replied, "Dragons in rut have only one thing on their minds, in that way they are just like any other beasts despite their intelligence. He will pursue her until he loses her scent, or gives up for another reason. Hopefully she will rejoin us somewhere along the road back to the city."
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Telesa finally passed out into calmer air; exhausted from the way the storm had tossed her about, her wings straining to keep her aloft. After leaving the eye it had gotten even worse, and at times she thought she might even be dashed into the side of a cliff or mountain. Her wings were horribly sore, her flight muscles aching, and she knew she had to land soon, but the problem was, where? It had to be someplace hidden, concealed, as otherwise she was sure the other Dragon would see her. There was no sign of him though, but she found herself hoping he had survived the storm as well. While she didn't want him to catch her, she wished him no harm either. Dodging a few lower clouds or pockets of mist she used her incredible vision to scour the ground and sides of the steep hills and mountains. And... there! A dark shadow at the base of a sloping cliff face; almost impossible to see unless you were at the exact correct angle.
Folding her wings slightly she banked and came in to a less than perfect landing in front of the opening; wings drooping wearily, and as she had hoped it appeared to be a cave. Cautiously she entered; the opening just tall enough for her to enter with only having to duck her head slightly, and it soon opened up into a larger chamber. A messy pile of old sticks and rubbish in a corner indicated it had once been occupied, but from the scent whatever had lived here at one time was long gone. The feeble light from the entrance was more than enough for her night vision, and with a tired sigh she finally settled down; turned in a circle a few times, then laid down with her head resting on her crossed front legs, the tip of her tail tucked under her neck. She had never been so tired in her life. With a groan she folded her wings, and settled down for a badly needed rest.
Having out flown the storm it arrived a short time later after she took refuge in the cave, and she dozed while she watched the torrential downpour washing down the cliff face and over the mouth of the cave like a waterfall, great jagged bolts of lightning lighting the outside world as bright as day at irregular intervals, the great peals of thunder muted by the thick walls of her refuge. She gave a shiver as another great crash sounded, the sky flickering throwing everything into stark relief. I can't believe I was out flying in that, she thought, what if I'd been hit by a lightning bolt?? But it had been an exhilarating experience; unlike anything she'd ever imagined, to fly like that in the heart of a storm.
Then she froze as a shadow passed over the mouth of the cave and she heard the whisper of powerful wings. No, she thought, there's no way he could have tracked me through that storm! Then the shadow returned, and a great form settled onto the ledge at the mouth of the cave, and folded its wings with a clap. Throwing back its head the Dragon gave an earsplitting roar, and then started to enter the cave, the water parting as it passed through it. Telesa looked around frantically, but there was only one entrance! Damn it!! She'd trapped herself! How had he found her!?!
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Sister Luria breathed a sigh of relief as the ruined fort came into view. The pack animals were literally staggering as the thieves had been pushing them; and themselves, equally hard as well, but now they could finally get some well deserved rest. Despite being exhausted everyone was in high spirits. The treasure they had hauled away had only been maybe a tenth of that in the lair, but it was a king's ransom many times over. Even the smallest share would be more than enough to make you wealthy for life; that is unless someone took it away from you. And of course more than a few choice gems and other goodies had found hiding places in each and everyone's pockets and packs. But there was so much, so who cared?? When there was this much a few baubles wouldn't be missed.
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Telesa hissed threateningly as a large form blocked the entrance to the cave, and backed into the farthest reaches of the chamber. The Dragons eyes glowed faintly in the dim light, but he didn't make a sound. Telesa tried to yell 'Go away!' but it came out as a snarling hiss, and the Dragon replied with a slightly softer hiss, his eyes fixed on her with obvious intent. As he slowly approached her, tail swishing, she snarled again and lunging forward snapped at him, and he backed away a little, a low rumbling coming from deep in his throat. Oh Gods, he's so big, she thought! She'd known he was larger than she was, but she hadn't realized just how much until they were so close. As he tried to move around her sides she kept her head turned towards him, hissing loudly, and if he came too close she would snarl and try to bite him, jaws snapping, swiping at him with razor sharp claws, and he'd pull back for awhile, then move closer again. He's wearing me down, she realized, testing my defenses! Sister Luria had told her Dragons could talk, but so far he hadn't said anything, just kept moving back and forth in front of her, patient, and very... determined. And she was growing more and more aware of his powerful male musk, his scent filling her sensitive nostrils, tingling on her tongue every time she took a breath or opened her mouth to snarl in warning.
He suddenly moved in again, trying to get around her side to her rear, and as she lunged he pulled back again, rearing his head, and then before she could react his head darted down and bit her neck! With a roar she bashed at him with her wings, and clawed his chest, and he let go with a loud hiss and backed away again, never taking his eyes off of her. He looked at her intently, eyes glowing, and then began trying to work around her sides again. She felt a shiver run down her neck and back to the tip of her tail. He moved a little closer, and she hissed and snapped at him again, but was more careful this time, not overextending herself. Oh Gods, he's not going to give up, she realized! But why did that realization...excite her so much?? His scent was so strong, male...aroused; the scent of her own arousal just as strong. Oh Gods!
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As they reached the fort Sister Luria had several of the thieves unload the heavy stone altar and move it inside the base room of the only fully intact tower. Then she shooed them all out the door, barred it, and turning to the altar began making preparations for casting a spell. It would take some time, and she needed privacy. Fortunately the thick doors and walls helped mute the sounds of revelry; otherwise they might have been more of a distraction. For this spell she needed the utmost concentration. It was a fairly simple spell; it was the sheer volume of the power it would unleash that was difficult. Even for someone of her own experience it would be hard to control.
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Hours had passed, and Telesa was breathing heavily, the effort of fending off the male's advances were wearing her down; she was exhausted, but he seemed just as fresh, and just as determined as ever, the scent of his powerful male musk filling the cave now, spicy, enticing, overwhelming. Go away; Telesa moaned in her mind, I don't want you! I'm NOT a dragoness, w-we can't, I can't! But Gods, he was beautiful! Up close the size difference was even more apparent, and his coloring was darker then hers, his scales and hide; scoured clean by the driving rain of the storm, were sleek and shiny. Some part of her was impressed by his stamina and determination; something in her found it extremely ...attractive; that he desired her so much, and she flared her nostrils and flicked her tongue to take in his scent again, senses reeling. He was fairly young, strong; maybe she should just give in, let him have her, he would make a fine mate, fill her belly with healthy eggs, give her much pleasure. Shocked, she shook her head to clear it of those alien thoughts, NO! That's what she DIDN'T want! And that moment of confusion and distraction was all it took, and with a roar the male pounced.
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As Sister Luria began the incantation; and as she felt the power building, she smiled in satisfaction. Already she could feel the power emanating from the ancient alter growing as it was awakened after millennium of slumber, it's power adding to her own as it flowed into her in an exhilarating rush, the very air tingling with power. But this was just the first spell, the one to bring the altar back to 'awareness'. She would need its additional power to help with the second spell.
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Telesa shrieked as she realized her mistake, but it was too late. The male's fangs bit into her neck again just behind her bony head shield, and he quickly moved to pin her with his larger body and weight, hooking his front legs over her back to pin her wings as he began positioning himself. NO!! Telesa screeched, roaring and bucking, trying to turn and claw at him, twisting and heaving as she desperately tried to throw him off. NO!!!! I won't let you!! I can't!! Not like this, I'm NOT an animal!! You don't understand! I'M NOT A DRAGONESS!! Suddenly she squealed in pain as his fangs dug deeper into the smaller and softer scales behind her neck shield, penetrating them, and as he shook her head gently he gave a deep hiss, and she knew what it meant. Submit. NOOO!!!! She wailed in her mind even as she stopped her useless struggles and accepted the inevitable; the beast in her welcoming the dominant male as her mate. As he shifted his weight; and hooked a hind leg under her tail to push it out of the way, she wailed in silent despair. NOOOO! We can't!! This is WRONG!! He growled softly, and she shuddered in... anticipation. OH GODS!!
But instead of mounting her right away the male instead curled his tail around hers and began gently stroking and caressing hers with it as he ran his front paws claws over her scales with a soft rasping sound, and he crooned to her, a low rumbling hiss as he loosened his bite so it was no longer painful, but still strong enough to keep her pinned. Telesa moaned and trembled in response to his attentions, unable to keep from giving soft hisses of...pleasure from his gentle touches. She had been very aware of his scent as he had 'courted' her; and as she now realized her own scent had increased, and was growing even stronger as he caressed and touched her intimately, his tail sliding erotically up and own hers, her own tail responding by wrapping tightly around his. H-He's making love to me, she realized in surprise. Oh Gods, it feels so...wonderful! Slowly she reached up with one of her front legs, her intent to claw at him, but instead she found herself stroking his neck; hissing softly, and that low crooning sound became louder as his tail kept sliding up and down hers, caressing her, stimulating her to open for him, to let him claim his prize, to be his mate, and there was no resisting that gentle demanding stimulation, that offer of pleasure. And with a deep groan of lust she crouched, and lifting her tail she gave herself to him, she had no choice. Ohhhh Gods!!! What he was doing to her!!! It was so... wonderful, she'd never felt anything like it! How she wanted him, needed him!! Needed him to satisfy her aching need, and she gave a deep groaning moan to let him know she was...ready, any remaining inhibitions washed away by waves of intense lust and eager anticipation as her vent bloomed and opened for him. She had submitted, and she was his.
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Sister Luria sat down on an old bench, breathing heavily. It was done, the power in the altar had been awakened, and she was exhausted. It had taken much more out of her then she had thought it would, but it was worth it. Her magical energy was temporarily drained, but she would recover quickly and would cast the other spell as soon as she was able, the altars power augmenting and increasing her own tenfold. The next spell would be easy.
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Telesa groaned as the male shifted his weight further up her back, and she felt something push against the horribly sensitive swollen moist lips of her inhuman sex, but she knew that feeling all too well. I want him; she realized in shock, Gods how I WANT him! She felt another push, almost gentle, and then suddenly he lunged into her as he mounted her, and she shrieked and hissed in pain and pleasure as he penetrated her slick tight sex with several powerful thrusts until his belly bands slapped against hers. Then he paused; both of them trembling in ecstasy, and then he released her neck and with a great roar began mating with her.
As he released his hold on her neck to voice his pleasure Telesa made no move to start struggling again, she was fully committed to their mating now, the beast whose body she wore completely in control. She WANTED what was happening more then she'd ever wanted anything before. As she added her own roars to his she was totally lost in the incredibly intense ecstasy he was giving her, her mind overwhelmed by sexual euphoria unlike anything she'd ever felt. She had had lovers before, but those feeble couplings paled in comparison to what she felt now, for all practical purposes she was a virgin again, and he was her first mate. And Gods, he has huge!! She shrieked as the massive hardness filling her pushed in even deeper as the male sped up his thrusts, oh GODDSSSS!
As his hardness moved inside of her Telesa turned her head on its long neck and bit at him, but they were gentle bites, love bites, and he bit her as well, nibbling up and down her neck as she hissed in pleasure, sometimes locking her jaws with his as they 'kissed', long forked tongues passionately entwined. And it seemed to go on forever, and as she writhed in pleasure she wondered, Oh Gods, when will he stop!? Every time that hardness filling her so well pulled back, and then lunged into her again, the pleasure kept increasing as it spread out through her body from their joining, her roars getting louder and shriller. Then she gave a squeal of ecstasy as he sped up his thrusts, and with a snarl he bit the back of her neck again, pinning her firmly as he neared his climax, and she trembled as the pleasure became unbearable, her claws tearing at the stone floor of the cave as he moved faster and faster; his belly bands slamming into hers as he hilted with each powerful thrust, and she shrieked as she felt him throb and pulse deep inside of her, felt his hot cum flooding her womb; her own orgasm exploding as she roared and bellowed in ecstasy from the intense release, and he shuddered and gave a deep hissing growl around his fangs as he held her firmly until his orgasm ended; and then he collapsed across her back, both hissing in pleasure and contentment. Happy, satisfied, euphoric.
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Sister Luria took a long drink of a specially prepared restorative drought, and then lurched to her feet a little unsteadily. Moving to the altar she leaned against it to make its power hers, and started to chant as she worked another spell. It would have been impossible for her to this before, at least to so many victims, but with the power flowing into her from the altar she could do so easily, even casting the reach of her spell as far as the city. None must know of her cult's acquisition of the altar. Then as she spoke the final stanza, and invoked the spell, she reeled back from the altar and collapsed back onto the bench spent. She ignored the terrified screams that slowly faded into hisses and squeaks, ignored the pounding at the door that soon ended; a smile on her face. Almost limitless power was now hers! And there would be no witnesses, not any anyone would recognize at least.
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Bruce knew there was something wrong as soon as the screaming started, and feeling a sickening nausea building in his guts at first thought maybe the beans they'd had for lunch had been bad, but as his skin started to ripple and turn green he knew with horrified certainty what was happening to himself, and his friends. Sister Luria, it HAD to be her, he knew instinctively. I'll KILL that bitch!! He thought, as he staggered towards the tower she'd locked herself into. He tried to knock down the door, but as his form convulsed, webs of skin growing between his fingers, bones softening and reforming, all he could do was collapse and writhe helplessly as the horrible change continued. A man staggered by, brown fur sprouting from around his cuffs and collar, long snouted face squealing in pain and terror, pink hairless tail starting to push his pants down. A woman squirmed on the ground nearby, clawing at her head as her face pushed out into a scaled snout, forked tongue flicking, hair falling out. Then his vision blurred as his head began to change, and as he shrank he became entangled in his clothes and everything went black.
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Telesa hissed in pleasure as her mate serviced her again. She was lying on her side; not quite on her back, and he was straddling her as he thrust into her with powerful steady thrusts, his snout rubbing against hers, their tongues licking over one another's hard fixed features, her front legs clutching at his neck as they moved together, tails tightly entwined. The first three times he had taken her from behind; keeping her pinned, then to her surprise had gently hooked a leg under her and flipped her on her side. She had been thrilled when she saw his penis for the first time, the massive phallus several feet long, the tip pointed with a flared and scalloped corona, small nubs and a series of small ridges running down the tapered shaft as thick raised veins pulsed and throbbed, the color a dark red with blue veins. I had THAT in me, she'd wondered in amazement, and with no hesitation had closely inspected the huge erection as her mate had watched in delight, his groans of pleasure as she licked it and ran her tongue up and down its slick length exciting her. She wanted to do this! Wanted to please him more then anything! As a human she had been revolted by the idea of licking a man's sexual organ, that and having it in her mouth, but this was...different. For one thing it didn't smell bad; its scent was that of pleasure, rich and spicy, sweet and sour, enticing, the taste delicious! She couldn't get enough of it! But though obviously enjoying her oral attentions he had soon decided to put his cock back to the use for which it was intended, and lying back she had spread her legs with a squeal of anticipation, and had watched, enthralled; groaning in pleasure, as that huge cock slowly slid into her eager quivering sex until he hilted, his belly bands rubbing against hers. He didn't start servicing her right away though, and she opened her mouth to accept his tongue again, his eyes glowing brightly as they ground their snouts together. He was magnificent, her love, her mate. When they broke their kiss he hissed and rumbled something at her, and she understood him!! "You are so very, very beautiful, my mate, my love." Then she gave a loud groan of pleasure as he began thrusting inside her again, his fangs nibbling at her neck, so gentle, so wonderful.
As he sped up his thrusts again Telesa gave a wailing hiss of pleasure, clutching him tightly, their jaws locked, and as she felt another massive orgasm approaching, she thought, Oh Gods, what have I done?! This is so wrong, but I...I love him! But then those fears and doubts were washed away on another wave of pure sexual euphoria as roars of ecstasy filled the cave.
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Sister Luria opened the door to the tower with some difficulty as there was a pile of clothes blocking the way. Finally getting the door open she noticed the pile was moving, and picking up the pants she shook them until a very large toad fell out with a croak as it landed in its back. It quickly squirmed its way upright, then sat there and looked up at her, and she imaged she could see a confused expression in its blank amphibian eyes. Around the old forts center yard other large toads hopped aimlessly, or just sat and stared. A few rats and one large snake also wandered at random. Well, thought Luria, I hope Mama Bliss and her associates enjoy being animals, amphibians, and reptiles. At least they'll be serving a useful purpose now; eating bugs and the like, or one another. It would take awhile for their human memories and awareness to fade entirely, but when they finally did those that had become snakes would find a ready supply of food available, and once no human memories remained the transformations would be permanent and irreversible. She would have most of them rounded up and take them back with her and let them roam the temple; they would be of some use to help to keep the vermin under control, plus changelings were useful for some spells, and a few could be bound to a human as familiars and/or pets. Now all she had to do was wait for her sisters to arrive to collect the altar and transport it back to the city. They could not teleport it as it was immune to any spells cast at; or on, it. The rest of the treasure was mere trinkets and baubles compared to the power they would now control, but they would bring it all with them. It would be useful in bribing allies until their power was consolidated. Her sisters and their hired mercenaries should be arriving sometime today. Finding an old crate she began to gather the confused and terrified creatures wandering the fort's ruins, still not understanding what had happened to them as their now simpler minds tried to cope with their new existence.
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Telesa woke with a start, confused at first until her mates strong male scent told her where she was. They were curled up next to one another, her head resting on the top of his neck as they slept, both exhausted from their marathon mating session which had lasted all night and well into the morning, both of them insatiable. She had been a demanding partner, and he had not failed her. It was night again; they had slept the rest of the day, but tonight the sky was calm, a half moon floating in the cloudless sky. She was surprised at how warm his nearness kept her, having thought that being a reptile meant they were cold blooded. But then again, are Dragons really just reptiles, she thought? Giant lizards with wings? No, she finally decided, he's...we're much more then that. How long has it been since I was changed?? Time had flown by so fast during the chase, and the subsequently glorious mating, and she just couldn't be sure. Two...three days at most; surely not more. But the last day and night, oh Gods! How she loved him!! How could she not? He was her...mate. Or so the Dragon part of her thought, but her human mind was torn. But for now she was still exhausted, and with a soft hiss she lowered her head back to his neck, and soon fell asleep again, knowing she was safe, her mates warm body and scent comforting. Safe...
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Sister Luria watched as the altar was carefully loaded onto a heavily built wagon her fellow sorceress's had brought for that purpose. She made sure they were VERY careful. Cages containing toads and other changelings were also loaded in the wagon, the assorted occupants either struggling frantically to escape, or totally still; probably still in shock and denial from what had happened to them. Some always recovered faster than others, some never did. Some would just sit and starve to death, refusing to accept their new existence. A few had escaped, and would live out the rest of their lives as the animals and other creatures they had become. But those few were of no account, and they would not waste any extra time looking for them.
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Telesa hissed sleepily, and raising her head looked around. Then she froze for a second as she realized she was alone, the male was gone! She felt a surge of different emotions wash over her. Relief, dismay, concern, worry. Had he just taken her for his pleasure, and then left when he'd tired of her?? But no, something told her that was not the case. What had happened had been far more than just two animals mating, much more. She went to the mouth of the cave, the mountain air clear and sparkling from the washing the storm had given it, and sucked in a deep breath in delight. It was so beautiful here, she could see for miles with her incredible vision. Her stomach rumbled, and she felt drool forming in her mouth at the thought of food. Then she realized; of course, he was hunting! He must have quietly left the cave in order to not wake her up, and gone hunting. She almost threw her head back to roar, to let him know she was awake, but as she opened her mouth she paused, then shut it again with a snap. No, this was perfect! She had to escape, get out of here, find her friends and get turned back into her real form. She was NOT a Dragoness! It had been...amazing, but she couldn't remain like this, little more than an animal. But...he was her mate, she loved him! At least the part of her that was a beast did. How could she just...leave? He wouldn't understand! But...she couldn't just tell him what she really was, how would he react!? Snarling, she shook her head, oh Goddess, what should she do?!? Finally, with a sad hiss, she spread her wings and took flight, heading back towards the old fort. She had no idea how far away it was, but having been there; seen it from the air, she knew she could find it again with unerring accuracy.
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The small caravan slowly made its way down the pass and towards the city, making good time despite the heavy cargo. Sister Luria kept ordering them 'Faster, faster!', but the animals could only do so much, so her entreaties were wasted. She did not want to be caught in the open when the Dragon discovered his loss; or for that matter, when the Dragoness returned. It would be...awkward. "Faster, damn you!" She cried; her fellow priestesses and mercenaries giving enduring sighs as they gave the already straining animals a few more licks of the lash, which only resulted in angry brays and snorts.
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Telesa kept low to the ground, diving into small valleys and behind ridges whenever possible. She knew if she were to fly too high he would surely see her. She also hoped her scent would be diffused enough to make it hard for him to track her, but she'd already seen how well he could track, after all he'd tracked; and found her, in a raging storm. No, he would find her, her only hope was to put as much time and distance between them as possible before he noticed her absence. As she crested a tall ridgeline she landed under some large pines to rest, and scanned the sky for any sight of the male.
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The Dragon landed at the mouth of the cave; dropping a large mountain goat, and with an eager hiss went inside to announce his arrival, and that dinner was at hand. Soon he emerged again, confused, and gave a brief honk of inquiry. 'Here I am, where are you?' When there was no response he gave a louder call, then with a clap of his wings he took flight, scanning the immediate vicinity. Maybe she had gone to get a drink, or bask on some sunlit rock. It never really occurred to him that she had left.
An hour later, after having searched the area around the cave thoroughly, the Dragon landed at the entrance again, checking one more time so see if she had returned during his absence. When he emerged again, he threw back his head and gave a long mournful roar, and then determinedly took flight; he would find her, no matter how long it took! She was his mate; she wouldn't have just left him! Something must be wrong! And soon enough he found her scent again, leading back in the direction of his lair. With steady beats of his great wings he headed in that direction. Perhaps she was merely impatient to see her new home; after all, all that was his was now hers.
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Telesa cocked her head as she heard a faint roar in the distance, a roar of loneliness and confusion. She almost answered it; the mournful wail tearing at her heart, but with a sad hiss she took flight again, she had to reach the fort as soon as possible! Once the Sorceress had changed her back the Dragon should lose interest as the trail of her scent would just end. He would find a new mate; she was sure of that, he was...magnificent. Any Dragoness would be lucky to have him. But as she flew she had to beat back her instincts to turn and go to him, her heart aching in a way she had never felt before.
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At last; Sister Luria rejoiced, the city was in sight! Still several miles away, but they would be there before dark. And once they'd disappeared into its throngs and the maze of it streets, sewers, and buildings, no one, not even a Dragon, could find them in that teeming warren. And it if it did, well, once the altar had been set up and consecrated even a Dragon would have no chance against her powers. Then there came the call she had been dreading, "Dragon! Dragon!"
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Telesa circled the fort, confused. There was no sign of life, no movement at all. But she knew the raiding party had returned to the old fort, she'd smelled their trail easily as she'd flown down the pass. She had been tempted to fly to the Dragon's lair to see it for herself, but knew time was against her, so instead kept on to the fort. But where were her friends, and Sister Luria? Then she realized; of course! They must have already left as they would have no idea of how long she might be, and the Dragon might be close behind if he'd discovered his lair had been pillaged! So with a roar she banked, and headed down the pass following the road. And about an hour later her keen eyesight picked out a string of humans and animals in the distance, they were almost to the city! Increasing her speed she soon caught up with the caravan, and circled overhead a few times before landing on a nearby rock outcropping as a perch. She didn't go any closer as she knew the animals would become impossible to control. Even now a part of her wanted to take one of the horses or mules and feast, but she fought the urge down despite her empty belly.
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The caravan came to a confused halt, the animals in a borderline panic at the sight and scent of the ultimate predator of their kind, the priestess's and drovers doing their best to control them. The mercenaries started to form up to try and put up some sort of defense, but Sister Luria said, "No, I will handle this."
Telesa watched as the figure she recognized as Sister Luria approached her, and when she got close enough, she hissed, "Sister Luria, was the raid a success!?"
"Oh yes," Sister Luria said with a frosty smile, "Beyond our greatest expectations, and we couldn't have done it without you, my dear. You have our gratitude."
Narrowing her eyes Telesa scanned the caravan, her confusion growing when she didn't recognize any of the armed men or women. "Where are my friends?" She asked.
"Oh, they're here, at least most of them." Sister Luria chuckled, "Though I doubt you're recognize them now, but they are still of some use to me."
Even more confused, Telesa asked, "What do you mean? And would you change me back, please? I'm starving, and I don't know how long I can control myself, you have no idea how good those horses and mules smell." As to emphasize that a long rope of drool slowly dripped from her fangs.
Sister Luria, enjoying herself, said, "How did the chase go? You must really have led the Dragon on a merry one; you were gone for over two days."
"Oh, um, about that." Telesa hissed, "I'm afraid it wasn't all a chase, he finally caught me last night during the storm, but I managed to slip away while he was hunting."
"OH, oh my!" Sister Luria chuckled, "Did you mate with him?? Oh, of course you did! That must have been quite...interesting! Tell me, what was it like to rut with a beast? To be taken like a beast?"
"It was..." Telesa hissed; but how could she describe something like that to a human, unless they'd experienced it themselves? With another louder hiss, she said, "Look, you need to give me the potion to change me back as soon as possible, he'll be hunting for me, and he WILL find me again; sooner or later, but I think it will be sooner." She didn't mention that she could sense him, and he was getting closer...rapidly. Or that she was beating down an intense urge to fly to meet him.
"Well, my dear," Sister Luria said, "I'm afraid changing you back is no longer an option."
"WHAT!" Telesa roared as she reared up in shock. "But...WHY!? I have done as you asked!"
"Because, you stupid beast!" Sister Luria said, "You are no longer necessary, you have served your purpose! As did your friends; who will now serve a new purpose, but I no longer have any use for you. Besides, it is impossible for you to change back now anyway."
"What do you mean?!" Telesa hissed in horror, "I'm not an animal, I don't want to stay like this! You must change me back, you promised! Please!!"
"As I said, that is impossible." Sister Luria said, "Because of two things. The first was that the second you took the transformation potion you doomed yourself. Drakes are the most resistant to magic creatures there are; and potions will not work on them no matter how powerful; whether a natural Dragon or a changeling. The second is that once a changeling has mated with a natural animal it changes their life essence. By joining with the natural animal; and in effect becoming one, part of their mate's essence is transferred to them, and they cannot change back again, ever. I suggest you return to your mate, I'm sure he will be glad to see you."
With an enraged hiss Telesa reared up, and snarled "Where are my friends! What have you done to them?!"
"Why, I changed them into more useful forms." Sister Luria smiled, "They make quite nice toads, rats, snakes, and other vermin. But not to worry, they will be used as familiars and temple guardians, and will be quite well cared for. At least the ones we were able to catch, the ones that got away will live out their lives as animals."
"I...I will KILL you!!" Telesa shrieked; a rage unlike anything she'd ever felt before building deep in her chest, and darting her head down she breathed a swath of flames over the smugly smiling woman. Then she roared in surprise as Sister Luria was revealed as the flames died, untouched.
Sister Luria smiled, and said, "You stupid beast, I am far more powerful now then you could possibly imagine, thanks to you and your filthy friends! I have changed not only those vermin who accompanied us, but ALL of your little family of miscreants! Now at least they will serve a useful purpose. And how dare you attack your mistress! If you submit to me you might make a useful pet, otherwise...!"
With a hate filled roar Telesa leapt from her perch, her talons extended to tear and rend the laughing woman, her jaws gaping wide, drool dripping from fangs that could tear through steel armor with ease.
"Ah, I thought not." Sister Luria sighed, and with a gesture a great unseen force slammed into the Dragoness; stopping her in mid-leap, and flinging her to one side to land in a stand of nearby trees with a screeching wail of pain.
Sister Luria watched the Dragoness closely, but except for her twitching tail the great creature lay still and silent. Well; she thought, I've wasted enough time on this foolish beast. I hope she enjoys her new life. Going back to the waiting caravan, she quickly had it in motion again, the pack animals moving a little faster after their short rest, but mostly from a desire to put as much possible distance between themselves and the scent of Dragon as fast as possible.
__________
An hour later the Dragon spied his mate lying on the ground in a tangle of smashed trees and brush, and with a roar of fear he landed by her side. He could smell the magic in the air, saw the burnt patch of ground, and knew she had been in a battle. Moving to her side he worriedly licked her snout and neck as he examined her, relieved to find she was not badly injured, just stunned from the tremendous blow she'd received. Had she left his side to pursue some adversary she had sensed, only to lose the battle? Well, if that was the case HE would find that same adversary, and it would pay with its life for its affront to his mate. He would not; could not, allow that to go unpunished. But that would have to wait. Settling down next to her he licked her snout, hissing softly, eyes filled with concern and love. Worry not my love, I am here. He would not leave her side until she had woken, and he was sure she was recovered.
__________
Sister Luria breathed a sigh of relief as the great gates to the city closed, the well bribed guards hardly giving the small caravan more than a cursory glance. She had worked out a certain 'understanding' with them in preparation for this moment. Reaching a large rundown temple complex in the heart of the religious district she smiled as the doors closed behind her. Now it was time to sanctify the great temple, and start the chain of events that would soon result in her Order becoming the ruler's of the city, and then the world! She ignored the baskets and cages containing the frantic animals, the lesser Sisters would take care of them. They would be trained as familiars and/or temple guards. They would keep watch and report any trespassers, as well as being used to spy on possible enemies, and allies.
__________
In the depths of the cities underground and poorer neighborhoods the sudden absence of a large portion of the criminal element did not go unnoticed; not that there were many complaints. The fact that there suddenly seemed to be even more rats and other vermin around then normal did go unnoticed; after all no one cared much about keeping track of the rat population; and if a few more toads and snakes showed up, who cared? In the heart of an old abandoned warehouse assorted animals wandered at random, confused and scared. Two large rats hugged one another, the larger female doing her best to comfort the terrified male. Of them all she probably retained the majority of her human awareness and memories, and had a fair idea as to what had happened. She nibbled the ears of the male clutching her desperately, squeaking softly to comfort him. The other rats and animals began to congregate around her, instinctively knowing she was in charge. She vowed to get her revenge; they did NOT deserve this, no one did, no matter how low they might have fallen! And as she had taken care of her 'children' as a woman, she would continue to do so as a rat, whether they be mammal, reptile, or amphibian. They might be vermin now, but they were intelligent vermin! Slowly other confused animals found their way back to the only 'home' they'd known, instinctively returning to their 'den'. Now a large gathering of rats wasn't that unheard of, but the fact that snakes, lizards, and other creatures moved at ease among them was. They still recognized friends and colleagues no matter their new forms, at least for now. And all looked to the Queen Rat for guidance.
__________
Telesa stirred as she felt her awareness returning, and was aware of two things almost instantly. She was not alone, and something was licking her snout. She flicked her tongue and flared her nostrils; her mates scent flooding her senses; he had found her as she had known he would. His presence was comforting. Opening her eyes she found his head close to hers, his eyes staring into hers. He gave a relieved hiss, and asked,
"Why did you leave me? Am I not worthy of your love?"
She was still a little surprised to hear him speak; though he had spoken once before, and that made her slow to answer. But though she understood him, his sounds were nothing a human throat could make. He started licking her again, and said,
"I'm sorry; you are still shaken from the battle. Tell me, who dared to do this to you? Tell me, and I will take our revenge."
With a sigh she lifted her head, and turning away she said, "It is not you who are not worthy of my love, it is I who am not worthy of yours. I am not what I appear to be."
He gave a deep chuffing sound, and she realized with a start that he was laughing! Confused, she didn't know what to think. Then he said,
"I'm sorry, I'm not laughing at you; I would never do that. But did you really think I would not know what you are, that you are a changeling? The minute I cornered you in the cave I knew this, I could sense it once I was close enough to you. But you have a spirit worthy of a Dragoness, wild, free and strong, proud and independent, loyal and brave."
"But I don't understand!" Telesa said, turning her head to face the male, "How could you still desire me after you realized my deception?? I am a thief; I was to lure you from your lair so it could be plundered, not to be your mate! That should never have happened! I am not worthy of your love! I am not a Dragoness!"
The Dragon hissed quietly as he regarded her, then said, "I suspected as such when I realized what you were. But by then I wanted you; the chase you led me on was worthy of any Dragoness; that flight through the heart of the storm, magnificent!! You actually gave me the slip for awhile! No one; Drake or otherwise, has ever done that before. Such a mating flight I had always dreamed of! No, I wanted you; had to have you, no matter what. I did not; do not, care what you used to be. Did you not know that taking this form is permanent? There is no way to change back; you ARE a Dragoness, now and forever. Not only in body; but spirit as well, can you not feel the difference? By mating with you I made you mine, if you will still have me."
"I know that now." Telesa hissed sadly, "The Sorceress who changed me told me, laughing in my face when I realized my fate. And she changed my friends as well, into all manner of vermin. They did not deserve that, for all their faults! We merely wished to have what so many take for granted." Nuzzling his snout she licked him, and said, "I do love you, with all my heart. But how can you love a thief and a fraud?"
"Because you are my mate, and I want no other." He said, "You are everything I have ever wanted in a mate, and I have searched long and hard over the centuries. With our kind most never find their life mate, but when we do we know it without doubt. I care not about gold and riches so long as you are by my side; they can keep what they took, and I thank them and consider it cheap for what I have gained in return. No longer will I be alone, my lair empty and cheerless. And all that I have is yours, to do with as you want. Please, stay with me."
Looking into his bright glowing eyes Telesa could see he was telling the truth; see his love for her burning in them, and with a happy hiss she locked her snout with his, their tongues entwined as they kissed in the way of their kind, and she'd never known such happiness before. My love, my mate; she thought! He was everything she'd ever wanted, and so much more. As they kissed they stared into one another's eyes, each marveling at the beauty of the other.
__________
Sister Luria supervised as the great altar stone was carefully set into place in the center of the temple's main chamber. It's alignment with certain points of the great pentagram was crucial; when dealing with power of this magnitude there was NO room for error. It settled onto its two thick supports with a heavy thud, and she quickly undid the halter and ropes; and her acolytes begin disassembling the block and tackle. She triple checked the alignment, and gave a nod. Yes, it was perfect. Now they needed but to sanctify the altar and pentagram, and open the way for their god to return. But it would require several steps and take awhile, and the correct alignment of the planets and elements would take place in a week's time. They could probably open the way sooner, but by waiting they were guaranteed certain success. And in meantime they could have some... fun.
__________
Telesa told her mate everything; there could be no secrets between them. As she talked he listened attentively; asking a few pertinent questions; and she quickly realized he was no mere 'talking' animal. His intellect was keen, and he missed no details. And his questions; when he asked her to elaborate, were sharp and to the point. After she finished she hung her head in shame, hissing softly. "Please forgive me, I had no idea." She said.
The Dragon put a clawed finger under his mates snout, and as she raised her head he gave her a lick, and said, "That is the past, and of no import. You were but a child who knew no better, and it is not my place to judge your actions. But I am also to blame, it was my task to guard the altar, and I allowed myself to be distracted by the oldest ploy in history. But for all that I am glad it happened, otherwise I would have never found you. But the altar must be retrieved; that foolish Sorceress has no idea what she would unleash upon the world."
Telesa, gladdened and humbled by his forgiveness, asked, "But what is it about the altar that makes it so terrible? I have seen hundreds of altars in the religious sector of the city; none seemed to have much in the way of any powers, though some seemed to be able to perform minor magics and healing."
"Most altars are mere lumps of stone." The Dragon said, "But that one is an ancient artifact, and in actuality is a doorway, a portal to another realm. One dark and beyond our understanding; a place without light, without emotion. Those that dwell there would make our world into a copy of theirs, and if they succeed there would be no place for Dragons, or any of the other races or animals. At least not as they are now, and any surviving would be warped into hideous new forms to serve their new masters. There were once three portals; but one was destroyed, and the other lost beyond recovery in the depths of the sea during a storm centuries ago. The remaining one was entrusted to the Dragons to guard as we were created to battle those from that other realm, but over time even many of our kind have forgotten this. We were created from a merging of great beasts and magic, giving us power and intelligence greater then mans. But over time we have become few, growing more and more feral and uncivilized as our bestial instincts grow and our intelligence becomes less, the magic fading from generation to generation. We have become vain and greedy, our main concern the gathering of great riches which we cannot even appreciate anymore. The youngest of us are little more than great predators now. In time only the beast will be left, and there are none who remember how to prevent this gradual decline. But for now we must continue to do our duty, to guard this realm. We must retrieve that altar, and find some way to destroy it for good. If that portal is opened there are none left powerful enough to close it again."
Telesa was appalled by what she had been a part of, if not for her the vile Sister Luria would not have been able to acquire the altar, and her friends would still be human and more or less happy. Anything was better then what they were now. And she knew she had to help her mate in any way possible to retrieve the altar, and make sure it could never again be a threat. She gave a keen of despair, but he was there to comfort her.
__________
Sister Luria felt light headed as she performed the ceremony to consecrate the pentagram and bring its powers to life, the first step required. It was a fairly simple spell, but long and grueling as this was no ordinary pentagram. Then once that was done it would be time to consecrate the altar itself. But for now this was required, the temple echoing to the chants and incantations of herself and her Sisters. For twenty-four hours they would continue, not stopping for any reason; and any who fell out would be... punished later. Only the strongest were acceptable.
__________
Telesa sat next to her mate on the top of a high ridge as they looked at the city far below in the valley. Even as far as they were she was able to use her incredible new eyesight to zoom in much closer, the detail amazing. She could see guards patrolling the walls, details of buildings, a haze of woodsmoke hanging over everything. And she could also see the temple and religious district, the great temples spires and domes reaching for the heavens. Some were old and weathered; others new and sparkling, depending on which gods had the most followers and financial backing. Gods tended to come and go, as one could tell by the state of their temples and other places of worship.
"You are sure you don't know which temple this Sister Luria has set up residence in?" The Dragon hissed.
"No, my love." Telesa replied, "I had very little to do with her, all the planning and other arrangements were made by Mama Bliss. My part; was, well, you know."
The Dragon turned his head and gently ran his snout up and down Telesa's long neck, making a soft almost purring sound. "Yes," he said, "For which I will always be most grateful."
Telesa gave a soft moan of pleasure at her mate's erotic caress, and ran her snout up and down his own neck, nibbling delicately at his crest, her breathing growing deeper as his powerful musk filled her nostrils and burned on her tongue. Oh, how she wanted him! Wanted him to make love to her, fill her belly with eggs! That wonderful night in the cave was nowhere near enough. She gave a demanding, begging, hiss and nipped at his snout, eyes glowing hopefully.
All too soon he pulled away, and looking at her, he said, "Not here, we must return to my lair so I can show you your new home, and see just what this Sister Luria has taken. The altar was not the only artifact I guard. There is an ancient tome as well, if she did not take it we will have some more time. The altar is not so easy to use to open the portal as many would believe. It can be done, but without the tome will be much harder, the results less controllable by the invoker. Now come, my love, let us take flight."
Throwing his head back the Dragon gave a great roar, and with a powerful leap he spread his wings and flapped into the air. Telesa watched as he gained attitude, marveling at his beauty, and then with a great roar of her own she took wing to join him. He waited until she reached his altitude, then side by side they flew toward the great mountains in the near distance; animals fleeing in panic as their shadows passed over them, but their eyes were only for one another and they ignored the majestic view.
The End
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