FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Author's Note

The sad part is that this isn't even long... It's only about 4k words. Oh well. It's finally out and I can move on! Next chapter will most likely come quicker, but take that with a grain of salt. Without further ado, CH9 in it's full glory.

---

Servitude

When Breeze had been picked up by his master the obvious lack of another slave told him that Ri'ka had failed in finding one he liked. This made Breeze strangely happy. He should have felt sad at his master's fruitless efforts, but he could only appreciate the specific attention he had been getting. He knew that if Ri'ka received a new slave the time spent together would diminish. So, for those few hours, Breeze was content with the situation.

However, all that changed with a simple knock at the door.

As usual both Dot and Breeze reached the front door before the third knock came. After taking a moment to straighten out their slave tunics, the two gave each other a nod and reached for the double doors.

"Hello! May I warmly welcome you to Commander Ri'ka's estate." Dot greeted affably. Breeze before the image in front of him was sent to his brain. However, when it did the human slave was fairly surprised.

On the stone porch stood three people. One was the lupine from earlier that day, Irune. To his left was another lupine, tan fur covering his muscular body underneath the leather armor he wore. The third and final visitor brought Breeze a moment of pause. Standing in between the large lupine, clad in only a loincloth and a leather restraint vest, was a human. As Breeze stared in confusion, Dot quickly covered for his inattentiveness.

"May I ask what business you have here, sirs'?"

"You have no idea how refreshing that politeness is," Irune sighed as if he had just stepped into a hot bath, "I've got a delivery to make." Irune finished, indicating his "package" by roughly slapping the bound human's shoulder. The hate filled stare that the human shot back almost went unnoticed. Luckily his short grimace of pain covered it.

The human was small, smaller than Breeze was and he wouldn't consider himself large by any means. On top of his head that only came up to Breeze's nose was a ragged mop of brown hair which obviously had not been washed in a while. The brown locks stopped just short of his green eyes. Shifting his eyes downward Breeze observed the amount of muscle the young human had. He wasn't anything like Irune, Geraz, or Master, but for a human his age he was relatively fit and slightly cute. Before he could appraise him further, Breeze suddenly felt a jab at his side.

"...right Breeze?" the question seemed to come out of nowhere yet it also seemed to stem off something greater. The slave in question turned towards Dot blankly. The slightly raised eyebrow and suspicious stare confirmed Breeze's fears. Oh no... I missed something.

"Uh... yes?" Breeze hoped that yes was an adequate answer to whatever was asked. Dot shot Breeze one last suspicious look before turning to the visitors.

"If you three would follow Breeze he will lead you to the Master." Irune nodded and shifted his attention to the other lupine.

"Why don't you head back to the carriage? I can handle the human from here." The lupine grunted and stated off down the stone porch steps.

"Just don't forget to kiss the guy's ass for that wine."

"Yeah, yeah. Who knows, that may become literal." The tan lupine gave Irune a thumb up over his shoulder.

"Remember to thrust slow and deep." Irune laughed at the gruff voice as he made his way to the carriage. Breeze stared at the bound human as he groaned painfully at the banter between the two. The now single lupine turned around and looked to Breeze.

"With 'that' out of the way why don't we go see if your master will be willing to give me some alcohol after 'this'." Irune emphasized by once again pushing the bound and gagged human. Breeze looked at Dot for reassurance of his task. The slightly taller human nodded with his usual smile plastered across his face.

"Of course, sir. Please, right this way." Breeze bowed before gesturing his arm toward the inside of the mansion. As the two passed him, Breeze couldn't help but catch the shocked look that the smaller human gave him. Choosing to ignore his curiosity, Breeze allowed the doors to shut behind him and Dot as he swiftly caught up to the two and lead them through the halls of the Commander's Estate.

---

The door to Ri'ka's study gently opened without making a sound as Breeze entered. Ri'ka sat behind the modest, dark desk at the back of the room diligently twirling a feathered pen as he wrote upon a small scroll. He was absolutely oblivious to the slave that fidgeted before him. When Breeze softly grunted the large lupine dropped the pen and quickly looked up, surprised.

"Sorry to disturb you Master, but you have guests that wish to see you." Stepping to the side he allowed Irune and... the "delivery" to enter. At the sight of his guests Ri'ka grinned and stood up from his desk. Striding past the bookshelves that covered the walls, Ri'ka went to grab Irune's paw.

"I almost forgot you were coming." Ri'ka stated, clenching his paw around his friend's.

"Yes, well, I had to get the proper restraints. As you asked." Restraints, Breeze wondered, _is the human dangerous? _Ri'ka looked to the lupine's side to see the leather-bound human. However, when Breeze looked at the human he noticed something. No longer were his eyes filled with annoyance and disgust. Now they gave off a sense of submissiveness. _Something I'm all too familiar with. _Ri'ka's rich, deep voice pulled his attentions away from the small human.

"I see," Ri'ka raised an eyebrow at the restraints, "I do not recall De'sira Imports ever using gags as a type of 'restraint'." Irune rubbed the back of his neck with a thick brown paw.

"Humans are usually not so... uncooperative as this one." Breeze expected the slave to shoot Irune another dirty look, but instead he continued to stare at the ground as if he was in trouble.

"A different place with different culture." Master Ri'ka reasoned, shrugging his shoulders. _"Different culture"?_Breeze was not ignorant to the existence of other countries and places other than the lupine's Agia. However, Breeze only knew of the barbarian tribes to the east and the Soratan tribes of the south-west. The humans that came from those places almost always had brown pelts with black hair that threatened to overtake the night. Breeze gave a sidelong glance at the new slave.

Breeze knew he looked different, but was too flustered at the time to really _look at him. The lighter brown locks that hung above green eyes that seemed to give off their own light were rare. He had seen brown hair on a human before, but the lightness of this one's looked as if he had sand covering his crown. It was incredibly rare to find on any other slave in Skyden. However, nothing compared to his light skin tone. Breeze knew only two other humans with that light of skin tone. His fellow slave, Dot, was one. Breeze looked down at his own skin and compared. The difference was almost indistinguishable. _And myself... Suddenly Breeze found curiosity drawing him to this slave's homeland like bee's to a flower bed.

"A savage culture no doubt." Irune shifted uneasily, "These... 'Tarsians'. They came prepared for something Commander." Ri'ka's blue eyes turned serious. _Tarsians... _The word brought an odd feeling to Breeze's head. As if he knew it.

"Something, but not us. If they did you wouldn't have been able to take them so decisively." He paused for a moment, bringing his paw to his chin. "Steel armor..."

"That's my point. I've been raiding the Sea of Fog for over fifteen years, avoiding the north as told. Never. Never have I encountered any humans in steel armor."

"You believe they are... planning something against us?" Ri'ka looked at Irune skeptically.

"Damn you. Don't talk down to me like I'm some damn pup. Why else? You say that there haven't been any reports about Tarsis in over one-hundred years. Suddenly they crash into my ship just a few miles off our coast. Call it coincidence or fate or the spirit's works, but something doesn't feel right."

Ri'ka sighed. "Irune, my friend, a coincidence is all this is. Nothing more. Humans aren't as smart as you hold them to be. No doubt they were probably warring with one of the clans of Sorata. To fight wars you need men. "

"And the steel armor? Where's your reasoning about that?"

"Irune. We _are _friends. That doesn't mean I am not Commander of Agia, Beta to Alpha Irell." Ri'ka reminded, growing slightly colder. Ri'ka rarely ever got like this. Only when he was dealing with insolent generals. Irune simply shrugged.

"I guess it is not my job to worry."

"That it is not, my friend... Now, back to business." Ri'ka looked down toward the bound human.

"As I said before. Keep an eye on this one. No doubt you will have trouble with him." Irune glanced at him and silently snarled.

"That is what Geraz is for," With eyes filled with their earlier giddiness Ri'ka took Irune's right paw again, "I thank you my friend. It is always exciting getting another slave." Irune laughed deeply.

"Yes, well you try saying that while in my line of work. However, I can understand why. You have few slaves as it stands," The brown furred lupine turned and made his way to the exit, "Keep the restraints. You'll need them." However, as his paw came to lie on the golden door knob he cursed.

"I almost forgot. You mind letting me borrow a cask of your best wine." Ri'ka raised an eyebrow high.

"You say that as if I would get the wine back after you finished with it. What's the occasion?"

"Only way I could get Cer'i to come with me to deliver your slave." Ri'ka tensed for a moment before relaxing once again.

"Ah, yes. Of course. Your mate." For a minute no one made a sound. Memories of the night with Ri'ka flashed before Breeze's eyes. He could feel himself becoming warmer. _Every time... Every time I think about it. _Irune broke the pause with a grunt. Ri'ka shook himself.

"Yeah, just head down to the cellar and pick one out." Irune smiled a typical lupine grin. Then there was only one lupine in the room. Ri'ka breathed out rubbed his neck. After a few moments Ri'ka crouched in front of the bound slave.

"Breeze, untie this gag." Breeze stared at the slave. "Keep the restraints. You'll need them." Irune's words echoed through his mind.

"Um, yes, Master." With a hint of unease Breeze walked behind the slave and reached for the back of his gag.

"He can't hurt you with only his mouth, Breeze." Ri'ka stated amusedly. Breeze blushed at the comment. He's right. He's always right. The cloth that held the twisted rag in his mouth feel to the dark wood flooring alongside said rag. The slave breathed out, obviously getting used to the freedom.

"Thank you sir. I thou-"

"You will only speak when spoken to." Ri'ka interjected firmly. The clicking of teeth could be heard as the slave shut his mouth harshly. The way Ri'ka interrupted the slave made Breeze shudder. _If he ever talked with me like that... _Breeze couldn't bring himself to finish the thought.

"Do you understand?" The human sullenly nodded looking fearful. Ri'ka grabbed hold of the slaves chin and maneuvered it back and forth, inspecting him. When Breeze looked into the slave's eyes he could have sworn that he saw the fire return. However, as soon as it came it went, once again leaving eyes filled with fear. Ri'ka grinned.

"Good. You're learning already, pup." The lupine blinked suddenly.

"Huh. Pup. How fitting." Standing up, the noble lupine put his paws on the belt that lopped around his blue robe.

"It's as good a name as any."

"What do you mean-" Ri'ka shot the disobedient slave a disapproving look.

"That's one. Two more times and I will have to take measures to rid you of that behavior." The slave's teeth once again clicked together.

"Whatever your name before you were captured means nothing. From now on you will answer to Pup and refer to me as Master." This time the fire that appeared in the slave's eyes did not disappear so suddenly.

---

Breeze jumped as Pup tapped him on the shoulder.

"Um, yes?" Breeze spun toward the smaller human, almost knocking over the fired fish in the process. He knew he was probably over-reacting. If he didn't try anything when he was alone in the slave quarters changing into his new silk outfit then he wasn't going to when Geraz was watching over them only a few feet away. Instead of the imagined knife rupturing his stomach, the slave simply pointed to a high plate in one of the ornate cabinets.

"Could you please get that for me?" The slave stared at his own feet, obviously not wanting to make eye contact. He acts completely submissive, like a slave would, but something feels off... Breeze felt as if Pup wasn't genuine. However, to Breeze, that didn't make any sense. Why would he act submissive when he was already a slave? He was just giving Ri'ka what he wanted, his submission. If Pup held disdain for the lupine, which would explain why he would be "acting", then why would Pup let them win? Breeze soon realized he was staring blankly at Pup.

"Oh, yes, of course." Breeze spoke softly, reaching for the high plate. When he gave the plate to Pup he gathered his composure and attempted to get back to work.

It had been around four hours since Pup arrived at the door. After Irune had left and Pup had been named the Master decided it would be best to have Geraz fully inspect him. Breeze could only imagine how the new slave took that. Once Geraz informed Master Ri'ka that the slave was in good health, apart from the many scars and previously broken bones, the white lupine stated that the new slave would help Breeze prepare dinner for him and the visiting den watcher Risha. When Ri'ka had sensed Breeze's unease with the suggestion he only said one thing.

"With him being your charge and Geraz watching over you two I'm sure you will not have any problems." Ri'ka explained flashing Breeze and Geraz a tooth-filled smile. With that faintly mocking grin the white furred lupine had left Breeze and Geraz with the new slave.

Now I'm his caretaker. I have to keep an eye on him. It's up to me to make sure he assimilates properly... Well, me and Geraz. As Breeze got back to work preparing the cooked salmon he looked back toward the lupine that kept a watch on them. Leaning against the wooden cabinet that held a few bottles of wine, the lupine chugged at a bottle of Grenning Vineyard. The boredom in his eyes was ever prevalent. Or is that look... something else? However, Breeze had no time to contemplate it as he was once again nudged by his charge.

"I got the fish, but... I'm kind of lost on what I should be doing next." Pup looked sincerely confused.

Breeze stared at him pondering whether or not it was a jest. He can't be serious... After a few seconds of inspecting it was painfully obvious that the foreigner was indeed serious.

"Well..." Breeze paused and started again, "Do they not cook fish in Tarsis?" Pup's cheeks were soon colored by a light red hue.

"O-of course they do!" Pup exclaimed, his face red with embarrassment. Breeze flinched at the loud tone. "Keep the restraints. You'll need them." Breeze raised his hands up in hopes of pacifying the slave.

"I didn't mean anything by it. Sorry if I have offended." Pup scrutinized Breeze for a brief moment before glancing toward Geraz. Breeze didn't have to look at the lupine to see the look he was giving Pup. Pup's eyes widening and swiftly returning to Breeze told him enough. Pup tried to regain his somewhat lost composure by sighing and rubbing the back of his neck.

"Sorry. I just..." Pup trailed off and paused for a moment, seemingly searching for his words, "So, what am I supposed to do with this fish now?" He asked, gesturing toward the raw, lemon seasoned salmon that sat on a wooden cutting board. Breeze remembered why he had been surprised by the slave once again. Citing Pup's recent outburst, Breeze carefully answered the slave.

"Well... Now that it's seasoned you're going to want to, um... Cook it."

"I... I knew that. I was wondering if there was any... "correct" way to heat it." Although he restrained himself this time, Breeze still saw his cheeks redden once more.

"No, just slip it onto the iron pan and lay it over the fire-stove. It should cook for about ten minutes. Fish usually doesn't take too long, especially when it's only being grilled. Though sometimes it may take up to around twenty if it's covered with breading, which the Master usually requests when he want's something heavier than fish, but still want's it's taste-"

"Alright. I'll just go do that then." Pup said abruptly, slicing through Breeze's rambling like a knife would butter. Pup hurriedly grabbed the iron pan with salmon on it and strode over to the fire-stove. The fire-stove was made out of stone held together by a material known as saltstick. From what Geraz told him it was made from rocks that washed up from the sea called "coral". At the top of the fire-stove was a metal grating that allowed the heat to come through, but also held up the iron pan that would go on. Underneath that grate was where the fireplace sat. Low enough so that the leaping flames did not set the house ablaze, but also close enough to heat whatever was on top. Just one of the lupine's many inventions over humans. I wonder if they have anything like it in Tarsis, Breeze thought, returning to his salmon.

Once everything was finished the two brought out the appetizers of red fruit soup beginning the evening dinner. Almost immediately the den watch, Risha, took notice of Master Ri'ka's new slave. The den watcher was tall, broad shouldered, and muscular. However, being a female, the lupine was also more slender and shapely than the white lupine that sat across the table from her. Her dark green eyes were a nice contrast to the dusk colored pelt. When she laid eyes on Pup she cocked her head in confusion.

"Commander, is this one of those humans that just came through port? The ones from 'Zarsis'?" She asked, continuing to stare at the Tarsian as he set down the soup in front of her. Pup, as usual, looked absolutely submissive and bowed as he stepped away. Breeze couldn't recall either Dot or Night becoming so well-behaved so quickly.

"Tarsis and yes, he is." Breeze sat down his own red-fruit soup in front of his master. To Breeze's disappointment Ri'ka barley even acknowledged it he had set it down. Breeze glanced at Pup hoping that he remembers his instructions on where to stand. Fortunately, Breeze watched Pup step back towards the wall. The relieved slave did the same.

"He's very cute, but..." Risha looked away from Pup and stared at Master Ri'ka with a small frown on her muzzle, "How many years old is he?"

"I would estimate that he's around fifteen. Breeze was around that same height at that age." Risha stared at Pup once again, this time with a hint of sadness.

"He's just a pup." Ri'ka seemed to ignore the comment and continued to take sips of the red, murky soup. Breeze glanced at Pup through the corners of his purple eyes. He's only fifteen...? Both Night and Dot had both been brought to the Commander's Estate long before then. Oddly Breeze felt a faint amount of empathy for the short slave, but he couldn't seem to place why.

Once the appetizers were finished and swept away by the two slaves, the main course of salmon was brought out. Risha and Ri'ka barely talked to each other the whole time, only the occasional conversation about more trivial topics ever came up. However, Breeze could tell that Risha was holding something back, itching to bring up a certain topic. Her tight muzzle line, the constant swinging of her bushy tail, and the clicking of her black claws on the table all pointed towards her anticipation.

"So den watcher, I don't believe you requested this dinner for a social visit. If not that then what urged you to push this meeting?" Breeze wasn't the only one who took note of Risha's behavior. The den watcher cleared her throat and set down her silver fork.

"You are correct, Commander. I apologize for putting up the front of a social gathering. I should have been more forward about my intentions." She was nervous; the fidgeting of her paws was evidence of that.

"You should have, but did not. So, den watcher, what really brings you to my home?" Ri'ka asked, his face questioning. Risha broke eye contact and looked down at her half eaten salmon.

"I am fully aware that you are the organizer for the Ru'mati this year after the Moon Watcher perished."

"Yes, his untimely death has passed on the duty to me. What of it?"

"I am also aware of the stress that must come with the task." Ri'ka's expression grew more agitated.

"Den watcher, no matter how long it takes you will have to explain yourself sometime. I suggest you get to your point."

"Of course, do forgive me," The den watcher reached into a satchel that hung from her leather belt. When her paw came out Breeze saw what looked to be a scroll. Before continuing with her explanation Risha took a deep breath.

"Commander, I have reason to believe that we have a murderer in Skyden." Risha's face was nothing but serious. Ri'ka let out a short bark; something Breeze learned was affiliated with amusement.

"I dread the idea of being labeled a pessimist, but murders are not exactly uncommon." Risha brought the scroll up and waved it about, seemingly dismissing the comment.

"No, that's not it. There is something very peculiar going on in Skyden. You are correct, killings are not uncommon. However, these... murders are not over a bitch at some tavern." Ri'ka's ears perked up attentively, the lupine becoming solemn.

"Explain yourself, den watcher."

"It would be better for you to read it for yourself. It would seem my word would not be enough." The female handed the rolled up piece of parchment to Ri'ka. When his eyes quickly scanned the paper his eyes widened.

"These are all humans."

"That is correct, Commander."

"Why would someone murder a human? The one's that rebel are dealt with officially. Not like this." Risha cleared her throat once more. Humans? Breeze's attention perked at the mention of his species.

"The first was labeled missing two moon cycles ago-"

"Missing? I thought you said they were killed."

"Commander, I can't exactly answer your questions if I can't speak." Ri'ka's jaw snapped shut, a sign for the den watcher to continue.

"When I sent one of my men to investigate he found that the human himself was not rebellious and was pureblood." Breeze gulped at the implications. He was also considered pureblood.

"A week later the owner of the human received something. That something was the decapitated human's head."

"Spirits..." Ri'ka mumbled, his deep voice making it almost inaudible.

"All of those humans you see on that list were treated the same way."

"Den watcher... If I'm not mistaken... You mean to imply that..."

"Yes, Commander, I have reason to suspect that we have a human serial killer in Skyden." Breeze felt his breath catch in his throat...