Chapter 1 Bet

Sometimes, it's best not to gamble to prove your worth.

It was a dark and peaceful night. In the virgin woods of Fakenruth Forest, a human army was breaking the silence with their celebrations of a successful invasion of the gnoll nation that had their territories under their oppressive rule for seven hundred years. The humans had banded together under a king named William von Zafaher, and they made their way north and laid siege to the city of Ayleswich, home of one of the Gnoll civilizations. Their victory was near total, as the gnolls who survived were either taken into captivity, or scattered into the wilderness of the Land.

Now most of the gnolls who fought were female. Gnoll society is very matriarchal, as they are humanoid hyenas. These particular gnolls have come from their native lands, conquered many of the human lands, and established themselves overladies over the land. Over the generations, these gnolls have lightened in color than from the brown fur that they used to have on the front of their bodies to a tan. Since Gnoll society is matriarchal, they have class and position divided by age.

Maidens are young gnoll girls from the time they are weaned to the time of nineteen years of age. They often train in the arts of war and politics within the Gnoll Nation. Mothers are those who are of childbearing age, and they make up most of the bulk of the army and navy within the Gnoll nation, supplemented by berserk gnoll men too powerful to be tamed. Crones are those past childbearing age and they are often spiritualists and priestesses representing the will of their Goddess Lamashtu. Now, their overlordship of seven hundred years over the humans had come to an end.

It was a victory. The humans made an army, went up into Ayleswich, the base city of the gnolls, and besieged it for many months. Then they sacked the city and took many maidens, men, boys, and any crones still alive into captivity. During the war with the gnoll kingdom, many of the gnolls did escape into the wilderness so the entire nation wasn't utterly destroyed.

However, the silence of the peaceful night was broken by revelry as the humans celebrated their victory. They have over five hundred gnoll women, men, and children captive -- some of them Mothers. It was a humiliating defeat for the gnolls, but then the monsters did act like monsters to the humans that conquered them.

The humans had their army encamped in about a dozen or so clearings, as it took a larger army than ten thousand to go in and destroy Ayleswich, however, this particular camp was away from the main base camp. It was a small camp, made up of an elite force of human commandos. Although these weren't the commandos that killed the Gnoll Queen Threamirna but these were responsible for getting the palace open. The camp was made up of fifteen tents, and they have taken many captives of Gnoll Mothers and Maidens. Some of them were too feisty even in chains, but some of them were resigned to their fate.

The men gathered around the campfire, with their favorite gnoll captives at their side. As if any of the gnolls could be attractive. But then, tonight they were the conquerors. And as such, they could impose their will on their prizes. All, except one.

A scholar and tactician, Atin Dumont had come along with the commando unit in order to preserve the attack for posterity as well as assist in the creation of the strategies used by the commandos. While the other men wore steel platemail swords at their sides, Atin wore a long-sleeved light blue shirt wrapped around his body with a sleeveless leather tunic over the top of it. His pants were constructed of tan rawhide and his boots of fine leather. He wore a belt with various implements hanging from it, as well as leather vambraces on his arms. He was sitting in the center of camp writing a report of the day's events.

He had white skin, which had a slight pinkish tan tint, a Caucasian face set; often with a long overall face. He had eyes of the deepest blue orbs and his short cut hair was of a honey blond color

"Hey, Atin! How are you going to celebrate tonight?" Asked one of his comrades.

The young man looked up to the commando who had a female gnoll in a revealing garment at his side. "I am just going to sleep after I write this down," said Atin as he turned back to his writing.

"Why not take a gnoll woman to bed with you?" A commando named victor asked.

Atin didn't look up from his writing as he answered.

"It just feels wrong, why should we be like them and take away their dignity?" Atin asked.

"They deserve it. Don't you remember what they used to do to us when we were defiant? They raid our villages to pillage and rape for their taxes." Victor said.

"Yes, but doing what they did, does it make us any better?" Atin asked.

"They deserve it but you know what, I bet you are gay." Another commando named Giles accused.

"I fail to see why my sexuality is of any relevance in this discussion but if will set your mind at ease, no, I'm not gay. I'm just saving myself for when I meet my girl." Atin replied.

"Ha he's a virgin at his age." The commandos laughed

"How can you be twenty-one and still be a virgin?" Victor asked.

"I just told you." Atin replied.

"I bet you he still pleasures himself and probably thinks of men while he does it." Giles said.

"I'm not gay!" Atin insisted more forcefully. The fire flared as he spoke as if responding to his rising agitation.

"Okay then, prove it. I'll bet three gold you can't go one night in bed with a gnoll." Said Giles

Atin gave the two commandos a look of disgust_. Lay with a Gnoll? They are foul and cruel creatures._ He thought to himself. A gnoll, they had made a bet and now his honor was on the line. He had to do it, he had to sleep with a gnoll to save face or be ridiculed for ever. Or, his second option was to just finish his report, pack his tent and move away from the camp and stay out in the forest. He looked at the woods and thought of all the gnolls that had escaped capture. If any remained in the area they would likely take the opportunity given by his solitude to slit his throat. He swiftly realized he had no choice.

"Fine, I shall accept your wager," replied Atin. He finished his report and carefully put the notes into his bag.

"Good, then we shall know the truth."

Atin stood up and walked over to the cage containing the female prisoners and inspected them. "Don't take too long in choosing which one you want or you won't have any time to do anything." Victor said.

"I won't." Atin said.

All the gnoll females would snarl at him in fear or in intimidation as he drew near. Most of them were Mothers, still defiant. He saw that they seemed to be protecting someone, a young gnoll. She appeared frightened and looked to be trembling. She seemed as though she was still a maiden. He pointed her out.

"I'll take that one."

"Ah, a fine choice" Victor said.

He motioned for the guards to come over and open the cage. There was some resistance among the mothers as the attempted to defend the young gnoll, but they subdued by the guards who took the young gnoll girl and transferred her into Atin's tent.

"Alright, go in there into her and spend the whole night with her in your bed!" Victor joked and slapped Atin on the back.

Atin was caught in a trap. There was no way out now but to go in and take the consequences of accepting the bet. He didn't want to copulate with a near human beast; he had been saving himself for his girlfriend.

He opened his tent, breathed a sigh of resignation, and entered. The tent closed and the two commandos laughed.

"At last there will be no virgins among us! But I'm not really looking forward to losing three gold."

"Then you should not have made the bet in the first place Giles." Said Victor

* * *

The interior of the tent was dark, although the material was thin enough to allow the firelight to show through in a faint glow. Atin looked at the young gnoll girl standing in front of him. She was wearing a short hide and fur top as well as tight leather slacks. In her hair just behind her right ear was a silver medal that had three blue feathers which flared out behind it. She faced the firelight, the light shining in from behind her, giving him a silhouette of her body.

"Have you come to ravage me?" The gnoll girl asked.

She spoke in common but with a slight accent. Her body was in an hourglass shape, as if the Gods have been kind to her. Her waist curved like a woman's, and her feet ended up as digitigrade feet. Her thighs were nicely shaped, and her breasts looked perky and round. Her bushy tail hung from her spine between her rump and it wagged from side to side. Her entire body was covered in tan fur though her front was lighter and some brown stripes stretched across her back.

"I made a bet that I would spend the night with you." Atin said.

The gnoll girl just nodded.

"Before you become my Lord and Master there is something you should know." said the Gnoll.

Tears came to her eyes that seemed to stream down her muzzle. "I am Princess Myrana, daughter of the Queen Threamirna."

"Princess?" Atin gasped.

If she was indeed the daughter of the late queen Threamirna she would be of a high price as a ransom to her people. Why had she been in the cage with the others?

"Yes." said Myrana.

She took off her shirt and let fall to the ground then she quickly proceeded to remove her slacks. She was nude in moments.

"Master."

"Now hold on, I am not your master," Atin said.

"Sorry, Master." said Myrana.

She turned around, to show that she was indeed, naked. She had her beautiful breasts, her digitigrade feet, and everything about her that made her gnoll, including her extended clitoris which protruded about six inches from between her vaginal lips. Her short pseudopenis had a small opening in the center.

"Are you surprised by my appearance, Master?" she asked, moving her hands to hide her length from him.

"Please stop calling me Master, my name is Atin." Atin said.

"Sorry, but I am yours, so you are my Master."

Atin just shrugged and started undressing. Myrana hurried to his side and started to undress him.

"Hey, what are you doing?"

"Don't you want to be undressed, Master?" she asked.

"Yes, but I can disrobe myself." Atin replied.

"But I'm here to serve, Master." Myrana pouted.

"Alright." Atin sighed.

She then made a sound of glee and continued to undress him. She packed away the tunic and setting it nicely aside. She then unbuckled his belt, and put that away with care. She turned to his boots, and pulled them off with little effort, and then she put those near the pile. She removed his shirt with care, after all, she was owned by him; and she folded those and put those in the pile. She then pulled down his pants to reveal his loin cloth. Naked and hairless except for the loin cloth, she folded his pants and put them with the pile of clothes and finished by removing his loin cloth and placing it the pile

"There you go master you are ready for bed." She said

Atin blushed. "Oh well," he said. Myrana opened his bed roll for him and rolled in. Atin followed, and then pulled the covers over them. Myrana hugged her new master bringing forth her lust sending a feeling of warmth shooting through her nether region causing her little pseudopenis to quiver with excitement. Her heat was taking its toll she couldn't have resisted even if she had wanted to. She was desperate this was her first heat and she had not grown used to it yet.

Myrana started to lick her master. "Please master, let me relieve my heat, I need you to mark me, to make me yours and only yours."

"Okay, if that is what you desire," he said. She started kissing his chest getting him aroused. She reached down to his groin and rubbed it feeling the unfamiliar organ.

"Oh, your fur is really soft." Atin said.

"Of course Master, mother said that my fur had to be soft, all princesses' fur is soft."

She rubbed his shaft and licked his glans, and he moaned in pleasure. This went on for what seemed like eternity when he was releasing his own precum. Satisfied, she docked her pseudopenis with him, covering his penis with hers, enveloping his member with hers.

"Take me, Master, I am yours," Myrana moaned.

Atin was stunned as he couldn't believe that this proud and powerful gnoll princess could be absolutely submissive like this. He started pressing into her slowly. It was extremely tight and hot inside Myrana, and Atin could feel her vaginal muscles gripping his cock tightly, as if they were trying to milk all of his delicious fluids. He pulled back until he was just barely inside of her and then pushed in again setting a slow yet steady rhythm. He began to pick up speed and his pleasure grew. He knew he would not last long it felt too good to hold back. The tension and energy was building up as he thrust into her. Myrana cried or laughed, maybe it was something in between, as she was mating with this human. The energy was building up, and it was good energy, energy created when two beings mated together.

"Y-yes, master...I'm so happy. Please, give me more!" Myrana begged.

The throbbing meat just kept grinding her inner walls and sending chills of delight down to her spine. The sobbing started to subside, and soon was replaced by moans of sheer pleasure as Myrana felt herself being filled over and over again, being roughly fucked by her master. The heat, the pleasure was immense, almost painful.

"Yes, fuck me, ravage my pussy, make me your bitch and fill me with your seed!" The princess moaned.

Atin moaned as he released his seed, filling her womb with his hot wonderful seed. She screamed in ecstasy as the sexual energy was released inside her, and traveled up her body and down back into his. She held her Master in the deep afterglow, as their spirits had merged in this union. Filled with joy and love, Myrana knew at that moment that she could never be Queen of her people. Her new duty was to serve her new Master, and only him. She felt bonded to him as he fell asleep on her in an intertwining embrace.

* * *

Outside, the commandos laughed as they heard Myrana's screams coming from Atin's tent. "It looks like our resident historian is now a man," Giles said.

"It could be worse; she might want to stay with him." Victor said.

"Let him have her, although why those gnoll warriors protected her, I'll never guess. Come on my pet." Giles said as he dragged his choice, a young gnoll man, into his tent.

"It is time for my fun, my new catamite."

The second commando kept watch at the fire as Giles dragged his pet into his tent. "Ironic," he said to himself. "Giles accused Atin of being gay, when he is gay himself. How ironic. Perhaps the boy is right, we have become as monstrous as our old conquerors." Victor got up and snuffed out the fire and took his position as watchman.

"We have become the conquerors, Giles and even though you made a boy into a man, and you are now taking the innocence of another boy; you had to do it with a bet." Victor said.

And for the first time in his life, Victor cried tears of remorse as the camp filled with laugh-screams. Some of those of gnoll females and some of those of gnoll males. The peace of the night was broken with laughter and revelry of the Victory that happened the day before. However, he could tell which of those was made in love, and those made of pleasure. The peace of the night was disturbed that night as mankind reveled in its victory over its overlords.

Chapter 2 Disavowed

Just because one no longer wears the uniform does not mean they no longer possess the skills.

Atin awoke as the sun shone through the door to his tent. He groaned and stretched out his sore muscles his hand coming to rest on soft fur. He looked over in alarm to see a gnoll lying next to him though his panic slowly ebbed away as he remembered last night's events. He reached over and gently shook the gnolls shoulder.

"Myrana it's time to get up." He said as her eyes slowly opened.

"Morning, master." She said as she leaned in to lick his face.

Her breath was terrible due to her completely carnivorous diet. Atin winced away from the gnolls tongue wanting to avoid the smell and her large teeth. She saw his reaction and wondered if she had displeased him.

"Master is something wrong?" She asked.

"No you just surprised me is all. Now come on and get up we need to be ready for whatever today may bring." He replied as he stood up and began to retrieve his clothes.

"Alright master, but where are we going." She said as she followed his lead and also began to dress herself.

"I don't know yet, I think the best thing to do would be to wait for now and get ready to leave. You don't have to come with me if you don't want to. You are free to leave at any time."

"No, I can't leave, you are my master it is my duty to stay with you."

"Even if I don't want you to?" he asked and almost immediately he wished he hadn't.

Myrana's ears laid flat against her head, her tail dropped and a look of despair and confusion spread across her face. She looked completely crestfallen.

"Master does not want me, have I done something wrong?" she whimpered.

Atin was shocked, he had never thought that he would hear a gnoll emit such a pitiful sound. Yet the princess of this proud race stood before him the appearing as though she was on verge of tears. He felt horrible he had already taken everything else from her. Her home, her status as a princess for now she could never rule her people and even her way of life. As much as he did not want to have a gnoll follow him for the rest of his life he could not stand to see any living thing gnoll or not this upset.

"No that's not what I meant, it's not that I don't like you and no you haven't done anything wrong." Atin said.

"Then why don't you want me with you? Am I not good enough, I-I can do better."

"No you're plenty good enough I just don't want any slaves, I dislike the idea of one sentient being owning another."

While what he said was true it was not the whole truth. He didn't trust her plain and simple. She was the princess of a race that had oppressed his since long before he was born. As well the war that had ended that oppression came to its conclusion only one day prior.

The explanation appeared to have no effect on her mood and only seemed to add to her confusion.

"Alright I guess you can stay if you really want to." Atin relented.

Myrana ears shot up and her face split in a huge grin showing off her razor sharp teeth.

"Thank you master." She said as she moved in and began to lick his face again.

He gently pushed her away. She was very affectionate and energetic and seemed so unlike the monsters they had fought for so long. It was hard to believe that she had been their princess.

"Well let's get packed and ready to move I don't think we will be staying here much longer." Atin said.

"What do you want me to do master?" Myrana asked.

"Gather up all of my books, scrolls, quills and inkwells and put them in that rucksack over in the corner." He said with a quick gesture at the bag.

She immediately moved about the tent to gather up the items and place them neatly in the bag while Atin gathered up any other stray items and put them in a separate bag. When they were done Atin exited the tent followed by Myrana.

"Alright let's pack up the tent." Atin said.

"Yes, master." She replied.

"You don't have to call me master, Myrana."

"You didn't seem to mind it last night when we mated." She said as a small grin appeared on her face.

"I...ah...j-just help take down the tent." He stammered as his face turned bright red.

She was grinning widely now showing her sharp teeth as she moved over to assist with the tent. In the few minutes it took to pack up the tent Atin found his mind wandering to last night's events. He had wanted to save himself until he had a girlfriend but now he had given away his virginity to a gnoll. Though he had to admit that even though he had not known her long Myrana was growing on him she seemed so different from what he thought of gnolls. He was starting to believe that may be it wouldn't be so bad to be with her but he quickly dismissed the thought.

"What now master?" asked Myrana as they finished packing.

"Now I'm going to collect on a debt owed to me and learn what is to become of my unit now that the war is over. You are free to stay here if you wish or you may come with me." Atin responded.

"I will go with you."

Atin was not even remotely surprised by her answer but he had still felt obligated to ask.

"Alright let's go." Atin said as he turned and walked towards the camps interior.

Atin knew where he would go first and made his way to the camps forge. The blacksmith was a close friend of his and he knew that the smith would likely have heard a few rumors about when they would be heading out again.

Atin saw his friend as he drew close to the forge. The smith was large about six feet four inches tall, he was heavily muscled as a result of his work. His shoulders and face were broad. He had ashen black hair grew down to just above his pale grey eyes as well as a short beard that was in great need of a trim. His tan skin appeared gray due to the soot and grime that his work resulted in. His clothes and apron were also stained with ash as he worked on what appeared to be a sword of some sort.

"Hey John!" Atin called out to him.

The large smith didn't even look up from his hammering and just gave a grunt in reply.

Atin waited as John finished with forming the metal and dropped the blade into the water trough beside him watching as a cloud of steam formed accompanied be a slight hissing sound. John turned to face his smaller friend and a look of surprise formed on his face.

"Morning Atin tis good to see you but of all the people in this camp you were the one I had least expected to have gnoll slave following you around." John said In reference to Myrana who was standing right beside Atin.

"Yeah, it's kind of a long story. I however, came here to see if you knew what the commander has in store for us?" Atin asked.

"No actually, I don't know what is to become of the army but I am interested in hearing this story of yours but I don't have much time so if you could give me the short version that would be great."

"Fine, if you must know last night Giles bet me three gold I could not spend the night with a gnoll in my bed. Needless to say I won said bet, which reminds me do you know where Giles is, he hasn't paid up yet."

"Now that I can help you with, the last I heard he was still at his tent pounding away at that gnoll boy's ass. I kinda feel sorry for the thing it probably won't be able to sit down for a couple a days." The blacksmith answered before beginning to laugh.

John's laughter was soon joined by another's and Atin turned in surprise and found Myrana to be the source of the laughter. The gnoll and the smith continued to laugh for a while longer but quickly settled down.

"Well you had best be going now; I must tend to my forge."

"Farewell John." Atin said and turned to leave the forge with Myrana striding alongside him with a broad grin on her face.

"Oh and Atin you tell Giles that if he doesn't pay up I'll test my newest blade on him." The smith called after him.

Atin couldn't help but smile as he continued to Giles' tent. As he grew closer he heard laughter erupt from alongside him again. He turned to Myrana and gave her a confused look.

"What's so funny this time?" Atin asked.

"What, can't you hear it?" the gnoll responded.

"Hear what?"

"Just wait you'll know." She said suppressing a giggle.

It didn't take Atin long to figure out what she was talking about. The sounds she had been talking about became audible to him as he drew closer to his destination. They had arrived at Giles' tent and the sounds were the whimpering moans of a gnoll and deep grunts that were no doubt produced by Giles, the grunts already getting faster and closer together and the moans rising in volume. It wasn't long until a booming roar accompanied by an equally loud bark were heard coming out of the confines of the tent.

Atin became aware that someone was standing behind him. He turned around to see one of the runners for the commando group he traveled with.

"You and Giles are to meet with the others in the center of the encampment for a word from the commander as soon as convenient." The runner said and turned away to bring the news to the others in the camp.

"I take it you're here to collect your winnings then?" He heard Giles ask him.

"Yes, I have but if you're busy I can come back later." Atin said as he turned to address the commando.

"Oh no it's fine we just finished up." Giles responded in reference to the gnoll standing behind him who was massaging its sore hindquarters.

"Well here's your gold now off with you." He said handing Atin the gold

Remembering the conversation with the runner Atin and Myrana made their way to the clearing at the center of the camp where many others both humans and their gnoll slaves had already gathered. Before them stood the companies commander waiting for the last of his unit to arrive before beginning his speech. Over the next five minutes more men began to show up and the commander began his speech.

"Fellow soldiers you have fought well these last years and I congratulate you on a job well done. Thanks to your efforts the gates to the gnoll capitol were breached, allowing our allies to infiltrate and seize the city. Last night our small group made possible the victory that won this long war and ended the seven hundred year oppression of our race. However I regret to inform you that as of now this unit is disbanded and disavowed." He said before turning and walking away.

Chapter 3 Journey

In any journey it is often that the most important step is the first

Atin was shocked after all they had been through that was it, a pat on the back and a shove out the door. By the noise the rest of the crowd was making Atin could tell they weren't too pleased either.

"Come on Myrana let's gather my things and go before this gets out of hand." Atin said.

"Where are we going to go master?" she asked.

"I don't really know yet but we'll never get anywhere if we spend forever on picking a direction so let's get my things and decide later." He replied as he began walking back to where his tent had been.

"Okay." She said following close behind.

Atin and Myrana left the clearing and after a short walk they arrived back at where they had spent the previous night. He retrieved the rucksack and satchel and strapped them on then he grabbed the bedroll and tied it to the top of his pack. He handed Myrana the folded up tent and helped her secure it to her back.

"Alright we're off." Atin said as he began his journey not knowing where his feet would take him.

All he knew was that the sun was at his back and Myrana was right behind him. He hadn't known her long but he was starting to develop a fondness for her. His thoughts began to linger on the subject when he was interrupted by the subject of his thoughts.

"Master where are we going?" Myrana asked.

"West." He replied without looking back.

Myrana was slightly confused and concerned with Atin answer but quickly decided that she didn't really care where they went as long as she was with him. She didn't know why she felt for him as she did, it seemed odd when she thought about it. Until recently her race had ruled over his and it had been that way for over seven hundred years. Then the war broke out and after several years had ended only yesterday. She had gone from being the princess of a matriarchal society to being the slave of a male that was of the species hers had ruled over and warred with since before she was born. Even though she should hate him and his race she just couldn't. She felt bonded to him and knew that if she went with him she would be happy. So she followed him into the wood with no hesitation as he lead the way west, wherever it might take them.

It wasn't long before Atin could feel hunger beginning to grip his stomach. He realized that neither he nor Myrana had eaten all day. He began to wonder if his small reserve of food would be enough for the two of them. Then he realized that he didn't even know if gnolls could eat bread and cheese and decided he should probably ask.

"Myrana?" Atin said.

"Yes master?" she replied.

"Are you getting hungry?"

She hadn't thought about it but now that he had asked she realized that she was indeed hungry.

"Yes, I am a little hungry." She replied.

Atin stopped and placed his bags on the ground and helped Myrana get the tent off her back. They sat down and Atin fished the bread out of his pack and broke off two large chunks handing one piece to Myrana and replacing the leftovers in his bag. He watched as she brought it up towards her mouth and hoped that it would not make her sick.

Concerned as to the way Atin was staring at her she stopped before taking a bite.

"Master, why are you staring at me like that?" She asked.

Atin jumped slightly at her question.

"Well I didn't know if it was safe for gnolls to eat bread or not." He said.

Myrana lifted the bread up under her nose and gave two long sniffs.

"It doesn't smell poisonous." She said and took a bite.

Atin let out a sigh of relief after she had swallowed and showed no signs of allergic reaction. He even began to laugh at the face she was making at the bread.

"I take it that you don't like it very much." He said trying hard to suppress his laughter.

"It tastes terrible." She replied.

Atin took the bread and exchanged it for a piece of cheese from his pack and handed it to her. Myrana cautiously took a bite of the new substance. Chewing slowly at first then swallowing. Deciding that it was considerably better tasting than the bread she began chewing at a steady pace.

"Better?" Atin asked.

She nodded and went back to her eating.

Atin started eating his bread and managed to finish fairly quickly. By the time he had finished Myrana had be long past done eating her cheese.

"Sorry I know it isn't much but I don't have a lot with me." Atin explained.

"Then why did you walk off in a random direction?" She asked.

"I didn't, the Green Road lies less than a day ahead."

"It is? How can you tell?"

"What do you mean how can I tell?"

"Everything looks the same in this forest how do you know this is the right way?"

"Wait, are you saying that you can't even navigate through your own territory?" Atin asked in astonishment.

"I've never been outside the capitol city before." She said and looked at the ground avoiding his eyes.

"But surely your mother must have taught you something on the subject?"

"She did but maps are so different from the real thing I can't even tell where we are all I know is we are somewhere in Fakenruth Forest." She replied still looking the ground in embarrassment.

"Well then you're just going to have to trust that I won't lead us astray." Atin replied.

"I do trust you master."

"Alright then, we should get going." He said as he swung his pack over his shoulder.

Atin studied the forest while he waited for Myrana to place the tent on her back. He could understand what she had meant when she had said it was different from the maps. Fakenruth Forest was almost impossible to traverse safely without a compass and map. With the ancient trees reaching heights of over one-hundred feet and a think canopy little sunlight reached the forest floor. The ground was strewn with several years' worth of fallen leaves and various fungi, any root or stone that protruded from the ground had been claimed by moss and lichen. An easy place to get lost in or it would be if Atin hadn't been through it before.

Unlike the majority of the human army Atin and the group he served with had approached the gnoll capitol from the west rather than the south. King William had come up with the idea that if a small group of scouts familiarized themselves with the forest then they could lead his men safely through it allowing him to make a quicker withdrawal should he need to retreat. So in the week it took the army to bypass the forest by traveling around to the south the commandos had learned as much as they could about the forest. As a result Atin had no trouble navigating the maze of trees.

Atin looked over at Myrana and saw her patiently waiting with the tent strapped to her back. He set off heading west again Myrana just behind him.

Their trek through the forest was rather uneventful and they only ever stopped when they needed to relieve themselves. After a few hours Atin noticed the light beginning to fade and stopped.

"Master what's wrong?" Myrana asked.

"Nothing, it's going to get dark soon so we shall camp here for the night because it gets far too dark to traverse this forest at night." Atin replied.

"So I can set the tent down now?"

"Yes you can set the tent down now and if you could try to gather some dry wood and leaves for a fire while I set it up that would be great."

"Sure master." She replied running off into the forest.

'I hope she doesn't get lost out there.' Atin thought to himself as he began setting up the tent.

By the time Myrana got back Atin had already finished setting up the tent and had even dug a small pit for the fire.

Myrana quickly set to work arranging the sticks which looked as if they had been mauled and were no doubt part of if not all of a recently living sapling. When she finished arranging the sticks Atin handed her a tinderbox and she set to work at lighting the fire with the provided flints and some leaves. As soon as she had the fire going she sat down beside her master and handed him his tinderbox which he put away and exchanged for a piece of cheese and gave it to Myrana.

"Master could I maybe have something else to eat?" Myrana asked.

"I don't have anything else, unless you would prefer the bread." Atin replied holding the loaf out to her.

"No that's okay this is fine." She said while making a look of distaste at the bread.

Atin couldn't help but laugh and Myrana looked away the inside of her ears turning pink in embarrassment causing Atin to laugh louder at what was no doubt her equivalent to blushing. After his laughter had subsided he reached over and put his arm over Myrana's shoulder.

"I'm sorry for laughing Myrana but I have never seen anyone with such a strong distaste for bread." Atin said with a small chuckle.

His eyes drifted to the flames as he continued to eat his bread. His thoughts started to shift to what he would do for food he only had enough for one more day at most and there was also the matter of where they were going to stay. He couldn't believe that very many human towns would want a gnoll as a resident.

Myrana pressed up closer to her master and laid her head on his shoulder content to just sit there next to him.

Atin still lost in thought hadn't noticed Myrana's actions and continued to ponder his dilemma.

He thought about his uncle Duke Robert Kusauk of North Watch. Surely he wouldn't turn them away and it wasn't that far to travel.

His thought were interrupted by Myrana who had leaned in and given him a small lick on the cheek. He turned to her with a questioning look.

"You look troubled master is something wrong."

"It's not important and we need to get some sleep so we are rested for tomorrow." Atin replied as he stood up and moved into the tent.

Myrana quickly got up and followed him in, tail wagging. As soon as she entered she walked up behind Atin and drew him into a hug.

"Master can we please mate again I've been waiting all day?" She whispered into his ear.

"Well, I'm really tired and we have a lot of walking to do tomorrow." He said not wanting to hurt her feelings.

Her smile faded and her tail stopped.

"Please master I need it, I need you." She whined.

Atin looked at the gnoll and sighed. He didn't have the heart to say no to her she looked so desperate, which wasn't very surprising since she was in heat. It was more of a surprise to him that she had managed to keep control of herself all day.

"Fine." He relented.

Her clothes were off faster than Atin even thought possible and with a happy bark she started to disrobe her master carefully setting aside his garments. As soon as she had finished she looked up at her master waiting for permission.

"Go ahead." Atin said.

Myrana moved forward and began to lap lightly at Atin's flaccid member bringing her tongue slowly from base to tip. She reached up between his legs and gently caressing his balls with one of her soft padded hands. Still slowly licking her master's cock she began to lightly trace her claws along his scrotum causing him to shiver. It didn't take long before Atin's member was at full attention and Myrana gave it one last long lick before stopping at the tip. She placed a light kiss on his tip and then opened her mouth bringing it down slowly.

Atin groaned as he looked down at the gnoll between his legs. Her tongue had been amazing and his pleasure had even further intensified when she took him into her maw and began to circle his tip with her tongue. Atin reached up and stated to massage her ears causing her to mur. The vibrations causing Atin to release a drop of pre which Myrana quickly found and swallowed.

Myrana was enjoying the look of sheer pleasure that adorned her master's face and not wanting to disappoint she brought her head down further forcing more of her masters manhood into her mouth. She continued her descent until her snout was pressed into his crotch and gave a long hard sniff taking in his scent before pulling back so that only his tip remained in her mouth.

Atin could feel the energy building up inside of him has Myrana steadily bobbed her head. He knew he would not be able to hold out much longer and decided to try to warn Myrana.

"M-Myrana if... you keep this up...I'm."

"Mmhmm." She interrupted.

"Wait s-so you...want me to finish in your ...mouth?" He asked.

She smiled widely around his cock and continued bobbing her head.

It wasn't long before Atin reached his peak and he let out a groan as his member began to throb.

Myrana was so focused on doing a good job she failed to notice the warning signs and was caught off guard when the first jet of cum entered her mouth. She pulled back quickly until only his tip remained in her mouth and started to suck in time with his spurts.

After Atin's orgasm had subsided he looked down to see Myrana release his cock. She opened her mouth wide to show him all of his cum that she had collected. The thick strands of jizz that coated her teeth slowly dripped down to form a pool in her mouth and she savored his flavor on her tongue before closing her mouth and tilting back her head to swallow. She opened her mouth again to show that she had swallowed it causing his softening member to jump.

Myrana moved over to the bedroll and dropped down to her hands and knees.

"Please master take me, stuff my tail hole." She begged while waving her butt in the air trying to entice him.

Atin didn't even hesitate he was on her in seconds trying to hold her still while he lined himself up.

Myrana's tail wagged with joy rubbing up against her master's chest she could feel his hands on her hips pulling her back causing her pseudopenis to quiver in anticipation. She moaned as he slowly penetrated her tail hole and began pushing back into him. She loved it, he felt so big back there and he was barely even in.

Atin continued forward slowly burying the last inch and hilting himself inside Myrana's tail hole. She was so tight Atin almost came right there. He waited a bit for Myrana to adjust not wanting to hurt her.

"Master please don't stop, I need you to pound me, fuck me raw!" Myrana yelled.

Atin pulled back slowly teasing the poor gnoll.

"Master pl..." Myrana started to say before Atin slammed forward into her causing her to gasp.

He was thrusting into her with vigor her heavenly passage tightly gripping his cock sending waves of pleasure through his body.

"Yes! Master! Ravage me, pound my ass and fill me with your seed!"

Atin reached down between Myrana's legs and took hold of her distended clitoris causing her to yelp in surprise. He pumped the strange organ in time with his thrusts quickly sending Myrana over the top, her pseudopenis spurting out girlcum onto the bedroll beneath her as she orgasms. Her muscles clenching around Atin's intruding member milking him for all he's worth causing him to reach his own orgasm pumping semen into the gnoll's rear.

Atin collapses on top of Myrana causing her arms and legs to give out. Atin's vision begins to fade as exhaustion claimed him. He heard Myrana whisper one last thing before sleep took him.

"I love you master."

Chapter 4 Road

The longest road is the one you must walk alone.

Myrana could feel her master atop her his warm breath on the back of her neck. She felt his throbbing member still buried deep in here tail hole fully erect due to morning wood. She pressed back into him slowly grinding her rear against his crotch causing her to let out a soft moan. She started to wag her tail in excitement caressing her master's chest with its soft fur.

Atin felt something brushing up against his chest slowly drawing him from his sleep. He remembered that he was still on top of Myrana was startled when he heard her panting beneath him. Fearing he may have hurt her he jumped back pulling his erect manhood out from her rear. He quickly figured out what had been happening and his thoughts turned to the previous night.

She had said it he was sure of it. Just before he fell asleep she had whispered it in his ear. I love you; the words rang in his skull like a bell. He didn't know what to do. Did he love her back? Could he love her back? These questions sent him into a panic. His thoughts were interrupted by a tiny voice in the back of his head.

Hey what are you on about, love knows no boundaries and besides you should be happy because she is way too good for you. I mean seriously she's fiercely loyal, beautiful, soft, curvy in all the right places, oh and let's not forget a nice tight fit and on top of that she's a princess. Whereas you on the other hand are...

"Yeah, yeah I get it." Atin interrupted the voice.

It had a point though, he didn't deserve her. After all she had to give up as a result of being with him she still loved him and he had been hung up on the fact that she was a gnoll instead of realizing that it wasn't the species that mattered it was the person.

Atin looked over at Myrana. She had her ears laid back her tail between her legs and her eyes cast downward avoiding his gaze.

"Myrana?" Atin said moving closer.

She flinched a little fearing punishment but Atin just sat in front of her.

"Myrana look at me." He said in a soft tone.

She shifted her eyes up looking straight into his waiting to hear what he was going to say.

"Myrana, last night, just before we fell asleep you whispered something to me could you repeat it?" He asked.

She looked at him lips quivering tears in her eyes.

"I-I love you master, I-I'm sorry, plea..."

She was interrupted as Atin leaned forward and pressed his lips to her muzzle. She jerked backwards in surprise before opening her mouth to return the kiss allowing their tongues to meet. Their tongues intertwined coiling together momentarily before moving onward to explore the mouth of their partner.

They stayed together in the passion of the heated kiss for nearly a minute until Atin pulled back and gazed into Myrana's dazzling emerald eyes.

"I love you to." He said leaning in for another kiss as he slowly lowered her onto her back.

Atin broke the kiss and brought his head down and lightly kissed her neck. He slowly continued downward until he came to her breasts. He brought his lips to one of her perky black nipples and gently took it into his mouth and began to suck causing Myrana to moan in pleasure. He moved his hand up to her other breast and caressed it softly while circling his thumb around the nipple.

Myrana cooed softly loving the attention her mater was giving her. She was so happy when he had told her he loved her and now he was gently suckling on her breasts. She let out a moan as he released her nipples and gave them a light pinch.

Atin continued his path downward lightly kissing as he went. He made his way down in between her legs leaving one last kiss on the inside of her thigh before turning his attention to her quivering pseudopenis. He hesitated for a moment before deciding it was too late to change his mind and continued forward. He placed a light kiss on the tip causing it to throb and Myrana to yelp. He opened his mouth and brought it down on the strange organ and found to his surprise that it tasted quite sweet. He twirled his tongue around it before pressing it up against the opening at the tip of her distended clitoris.

Myrana moaned loudly as she felt her master's tongue enter her passage. She arched her back as the dual stimulation sent jolts of pleasure through her body. The feeling of his tongue twisting inside her and the pressure and suction provided by his mouth was too much for her to take. Her eyes rolled back in her head and she wrapped her legs around her master's back.

Atin was sure Myrana was moaning even though he could not hear it through her thighs. He felt her pull back causing his tongue to slip out of her passage. Before he could line it up again she began to press into him sliding her entire organ into his mouth and making him gag. Atin tried to pull back but Myrana's legs pressed firmly into his back. Myrana began to thrust into his mouth as she was overwhelmed by pleasure causing Atin to panic. He quickly realized that the sooner she finished the sooner he would be able to breath and set to work lapping at the bottom of her shaft trying to make her cum.

Myrana began panting heavily, lost in the pleasure of her thrusts he peak quickly drawing near. Her tongue lolled out of her mouth as wave of pleasure pulsed through her body and she was finally sent over the top.

Atin felt her pseudopenis throb in his mouth and a rush of her fluids flow over his tongue forcing him to swallow the sweet flavored nectar. Atin felt Myrana's legs relax and slide off his back allowing him to pull off of her. He gasped heavily, taking in air as fast as his lungs would let him. He looked up at Myrana and found her to be in a state of pure bliss. Her eyes half open and unfocused, her tongue hanging out to the side of her muzzle and her tail waving back and forth rapidly as if it had a mind of its own.

Atin couldn't help himself he moved forward and grabbed the gnoll princess' still sensitive pseudopenis and gave it a light squeeze causing her to let out a small whine as her attention was brought back to her master. She opened her mouth to apologize for losing control but was cut off when he brought his lips to her muzzle silencing her with a kiss. She moaned into his mouth as she felt his hand spread open her entrance and pulled him deeper into the kiss. He broke the kiss and she began to whine but it shifted to a moan as she felt her master press into her and starts rhythmically thrusting.

"Ohh mmaster, it f-feels so g-good, please don't stop." She moaned.

Atin moved his lips down and began to softly nip at her neck causing Myrana to gasp. She started to rock up into him matching his thrusts with hers increasing the penetration and eliciting a grunt from Atin.

"Ahh yes, h-harder, fuck me harder master, p-please I nneed you to pound m-me." Myrana begged.

Atin increased his speed, thrusting deep and fast, he felt his summit approaching rapidly.

"Yes! Rut me, Breed me! Fill me with your seed and give, m-me, your, pups." Myrana howled.

Atin gave one last thrust hilting himself inside of her and groaned as he released his warm load deep in her passage and passed her cervix into her womb.

Myrana was sent into a climax of her own by the feeling of warmth that erupted into her loins. Her own flow of fluids flowed out and coated the lovers' joined bodies in girlcum. She felt his seed settle within her slowly dousing her burning lust and ending her heat. She closed her eyes and murred softly as she drifted off to sleep.

Myrana awoke and looked up at the trees enjoying the various shades of green. Then her eyes shot wide and she sat up in panic. The tent was gone she looked around and realized that the tent wasn't the only thing missing. Everything was gone, everything except the bedroll beneath her and her clothes which were carefully folded and placed in a neat pile beside her. She looked around for any sign of her master and found nothing. He was gone; he had led her out into the forest and abandoned her. Myrana felt her eyes begin to burn as tears began to form. She had trusted him, loved him and he had just left her like she had meant nothing to him. She began to sob heavily tears rolling down her face. She tilted her head back and let out a loud sorrowful howl.

Atin was on his way back to the campsite after wandering off to relieve himself when he heard it.

"MMMAAASSSTTTEEERRR!"

He was sure it was Myrana and she sounded like she was in extreme pain. He took off towards the camp as fast as his legs would carry him. He circled around a large tree and she came into view. She was sitting on the bedroll bawling her eyes out head tilted back in preparation for another howl.

"Myrana what's wrong?" he asked as he ran up to her.

She closed her mouth and shifted her gaze downward staring at him with bloodshot eyes. She sprang up off the ground and run over to him wrapping him in a tight embrace. Her tears dripped onto his shirt as she continued to sob.

"Myrana what's wrong? Are you hurt?" He asked returning her hug.

"I-I thought you had left without me." She whined in between sobs.

Atin was shocked. When he had heard her howling he had thought she was in mortal danger or had been gravely injured it had never crossed his mind that such sorrow sprung from waking up to find that he was not there. He would have found it flattering had she not been so distressed.

"Myrana, it's okay I'm still here, I would never abandon you." He whispered softly into her ear.

Her weeping started to subside as she began to calm down.

"You know, you are very strange for a gnoll." He said once the whimpering stopped.

"My mother used to say that too. She always said that I needed to be more dominant if I wanted to be able to rule our people properly. She also said that no male gnoll would ever want me because I'm to submissive and that I would never find a mate. She was wrong though, I did find a mate." She replied.

"Perhaps my mate could put some clothes on now, we really need to get moving." He said.

Myrana retrieved her clothes and quickly put them on as Atin recovered his bags and tent from where he had left them leaning on a tree before returning to stand by Myrana who was now dressed and holding the rolled up bedroll. Atin took the bedroll and tied it on top of his bags while Myrana swung the tent on to her back.

They set off heading west walking at a brisk pace through the forest.

"Master I think we are being followed." Myrana said after they had been walking for half an hour.

"I know. She's been following us since yesterday. She's a dryad and she's only following us to make sure we don't harm the forest so we have nothing to worry about." Atin replied.

"What? Dryads are real?"

"Of course they're real why wouldn't they be?"

"Well the idea of people that are made out of trees just sounds odd to me."

Atin laughed and turned to look ahead seeing light coming through the trees.

"Finally, we've reached the end of the forest." Atin said.

They walked out into the sunshine having reached the road. To the south the road went down passed the forest and around the swamps to the south of that and to the north it lead straight to North Watch.

As soon as his eyes had adjusted Atin looked to the north spotting his uncle's home and his destination. Large columns of smoke came from its center a black cloud loomed over it dancing with the orange glow given to it by the flames that were no doubt claiming the city.

Chapter 5 Ashes

In the wake of fires deadly glow from ashes new life shall grow.

Atin ran through the blackened fields kicking up ash as he made his way towards the city. As he drew near the gates he heard Myrana gasp in shock behind him and they both stopped dead in their tracks gazing at the nightmarish scene before them.

The road up to the gates was flanked by rows of spikes each of was adorned with the severed heads of the city's residents. The trees were hung with dozens of corpses each strung up in a noose slowly spinning in the wind. Hanging from the wall above the gates were iron cages which still held their deceased captives inside.

Atin slowly made his way forward taking in the gruesome sight that was the entrance to his uncle's home. He walked under the cages through the gate and into the city. All of the houses and shops were scorched some still burning. He spotted a small stuffed wolf with partially singed fur lying only centimeters from its young owner's lifeless hand and tears came to his eyes. He recognized the wolf it was Edward his nephew's favorite toy. He dropped to his knees, picked up the toy and brushed the soot out of its fur. He remembered when he'd given it to his nephew only a few months prior as a gift for his fourth birthday and the look of pure joy that had adorned the boy's face upon receiving the gift. He looked down at his nephew who lay motionless before him and tears rolled down his cheek.

Myrana stood behind her master lost in thought. She couldn't understand why anyone would do something as dreadful as this, never before had she seen such a horrid scene. The buildings all burned, cadavers littering the streets and adorning the walls as if some demented creature had found it entertaining to embellish the walls in the blood and entrails of its victims. She heard the caws of crows all around as they picked at the corpses desecrating and dismantling the fallen townspeople.

Atin wiped the tears from his eyes as he stood. He reached back to store Edward in his bag before continuing through the city. He doubted anyone had survived but was determined to search anyway. He knew that in times of peril the townspeople gathered in the keep so that was his best chance at finding anyone who might still be alive. His thought turned to his family, six of his relatives had lived in North Watch. There was his older sister Lenore, her husband Erik and their son Nickolas as well as his uncle Robert, his aunt Elizabeth and his cousin Alexander. He was almost certain of their fate but he had to be sure.

Atin and Myrana moved silently through the ruined city slowly drawing closer to the keep. As they drew nearer to their destination the damage and carnage intensified and the smell of ash and burnt flesh strengthened. They ascended the stone steps into the courtyard of the keep and were greeted by a ghastly scene.

In the center of the courtyard stood an ancient oak tree charred and leafless bodies hanging in a circle around the tree suspended from the trees branches. Each of the corpses had a black candle placed on top of their head like some sort of demented candelabra. Around the outside of the courtyard facing the tree were the crucified bodies of the towns guard their hands nailed in place and their legs all removed at the knee.

Atin rounded the tree and his fears were confirmed, Lenore hung from the tree her eyes wide open staring towards the keeps entrance. Atin turned to see that she had been looking at her husband Erik who was crucified just to the right of the keeps entrance and Alex who had been crucified on the left side of the entrance. Just inside the entrance Atin saw his aunt suspended upside down her seared face mere inches away from his uncles who was chained to a post. His eyes were closed and his head was against his chest, his left arm lay severed on the ground beside him still clutching his sword.

Atin noticed Robert's chest rise slightly and then fall again and realized his uncle was still breathing. Atin ran to the keep as fast as he could, kicking up ash as he went.

"Uncle." Atin called as he ran.

Robert opened his eyes looking for the source of the voice and found to his surprise his nephew Atin running towards him. He watched as the boy drew nearer hoping he was imagining this and that Atin wasn't actually here.

Atin reached his uncle and struggled to undo the chains trying his hardest to free him.

"Atin stop it's no use. Besides even if I thought you could save me I wouldn't want you to, I have nothing left to live for." Robert murmured.

"I want you to take my sword and my ring and head to the tower Atin. William must be warned of the danger. Light the beacon and run from this place do you understand?" He finished.

Atin nodded and retrieved his uncle's arm sliding the signet ring from his finger and prying the sword from his uncle's hand. He placed the ring on one of his fingers and studied the sword, only half of the blade remained a foot and a half broken off and lost in a battle.

Atin didn't want to leave his uncle but he knew there was nothing he could do. He decided that he would honor his uncle's final request and light the beacon as one final favor in payment for everything his uncle had done for his family.

"Master something is coming." Myrana warned.

Atin turned towards were Myrana was standing and saw she was gazing in the direction of the tower. He looked into the cloud of smoke and saw a large shadow slowly darken as it drew closer. The shadows eyes glowed orange as it peered at them through the smoke and its mouth split open in a wide grin the same glow now pouring out of its maw as a wicked laugh filled the air.

Chapter 6 Scarecrow

Wrath

The creature lumbered out of the smoke revealing its distorted and twisted form. It appeared as though it had once been a dryad it was formed of various branches and vines which wound and coiled together to give it a human like build. Its body was black and gray as a result of being covered in soot and an orange glow could be seen through some of the small gaps in its structure. Its head was a large jack-o-lantern and a similar glow to the one in its body also shown through its mouth and eyes. The eight foot demon carried a wicked looking pitchfork that was just as tall as it was. The demon laughed again and flames erupted from its back and shoulders. As the creature laughed all the candles atop the heads of the dead flared to life fully illuminating the courtyard.

Atin moved to stand alongside Myrana as the creature approached.

"Myrana stay back I will fight it." Atin said.

"But I can help. I won't let you fight it al..." She started to reply

"You don't even have a weapon there is nothing you can do."

"That broken sword hardly qualifies as a weapon and you don't stand a chance against that thing by yourself and you know it."

"Myrana even if you helped me we still wouldn't stand a chance. I want you to leave me and run."

"I'm staying here." She persisted.

"Myrana I am your master and I say go."

"You are my mate and I will not leave you. We live together we die together."

Atin knew he would not win this argument and the demon had drawn to close now, he would have to let her stay. He saw the creature ready itself and he pushed Myrana to the side right before being thrown back against the wall by the demon. His sword flew from his hand as he collided with the wall and his bags burst open scattering their contents across the courtyard. The demon lunged forward before he had a chance to move and he felt pain erupt from his abdomen as he was pinned to the wall. He looked down to see that the creatures pitchfork protruding from his gut. He looked back up at the demon as it brought its head closer to his until it was only six inches away and watched as flames erupted from its maw. He let out a yell of pain as he felt the pitchfork being twisted and heard the creature laugh cruelly at his agony finding a demented amusement in Atin's suffering.

Myrana shook herself and wiped the ash from her eyes. She slowly picked herself up from the ground groaning slightly as she did so. She looked to her side and found her master to be missing causing her to panic. She turned around and saw to her horror that the demon had her master skewered her master and pinned him to a wall. She searched desperately, trying to find anything she could use to free him from the creatures pitchfork. She managed to spot a bow on one of the fallen guards lining the courtyard and quickly ran to retrieve it as well as any unbroken arrows she could find. She turned back towards the demon and nocked an arrow and pulled the string back until her wrist was touching her snout. She sighted down the arrow, aimed and released.

The arrow whistled as it arched through the air and struck the demon between the shoulder blades. The creature spun around pulling its pitchfork out of Atin stomach and it took a piece of flesh with it. Myrana fired another arrow striking the creature center chest and the creature roared in rage, the flames on its back flared causing the arrows to disintegrate. The demon advanced towards Myrana laughing as she uselessly shot another arrow into its chest only to have it burn like the others.

Atin felt helpless, the pain was almost unbearable. He laid there staring at Edward; the wolf had fallen from his bag and landed nearby. Thoughts about his family began to fill his mind, his sister always kind always cheerful never one to turn away a person in need, his aunt and uncle who had done so much for him and his family that even he had lost track of how often they had done so, and his little nephew who was always so full of joy and energy. He thought of what this monster had done to them how it had murdered them and defiled their bodies. He felt a great anger surface within him his rage fueling him compelling him to continue to fight no matter the outcome. He slowly rose to his feet and shuffled over to retrieve his uncle's sword ignoring the pain and focusing on his objective, he would not let this foul monster get away with the misdeeds it had committed. He slowly advanced upon the creature from behind intent on its destruction.

Myrana walked backwards in an attempt to avoid the creature while continuing to fire arrows at the hulking beast. She tripped over a discarded helmet and fell to the ground and watched as the creature approached her fire pouring from its eyes. The ground beneath the demons feet gave way and the roots of the nearby tree sprouted from the ash and entangled the demon's legs and slowly progressed upwards. It fell to its knees but did not falter and it continued to crawl towards Myrana, its flames burned through the roots as it dragged itself closer to its prey. It slammed the pitchfork into the ground allowing it to pull itself forward bringing it close enough it to grab hold of Myrana's leg. It pried the pitchfork out of the ground and raised it above its head as it dragged her closer. She struggled to the best of her ability but the creature held fast locking her leg in a vice grip.

With a flash of steel a slanted line appeared on the demon's face. Myrana watched in shock as the creature's head rolled to the ground and the orange glow its body produced began to fade. She pulled her leg free as roots consumed the body and walked around the mass of twisting roots and saw her master standing behind the beast holding a broken sword and clutching his side a grimace of pain adorning his face. He collapsed due exhaustion and blood loss landing hard on the stone walkway of the courtyard. She hurried over to him and tears filled her eyes, it wasn't fair she had just found a mate and now she was losing him. She called out to him as she sobbed and failed to notice the figure that approached her from behind.

Atin's vision began to fade as he fell to the ground, he heard someone calling out to him as he faded out of consciousness. Soft voices echoed beside him and he felt something wet on his cheek. An odd tingling feeling spread through him and he began to regain his scenes. He opened his eyes and saw Myrana staring back at him with tears in her eyes. He also saw a dryad leaning over him her hands outstretched, a green glow pouring out from her palms and sparking over his wounds knitting his flesh back together.

"Why did you help us?" He asked the dryad as he sat up.

"That creature was a threat to the forest and it needed to be pacified, I'm only doing my duty to the forest." She answered her voice sounding like a soft breeze passing through the leaves.

"So why are you healing me now that your duty is done?"

"You helped the forest so I shall return the favor."

"Thank you."

Myrana grabbed her master and holds him close her tail wagging rapidly. She nuzzled him with her snout showing her affection.

"Myrana." He laughed as he gently pushed her away.

"We need to light the beacon." He remembered out loud.

Atin ran to the tower with Myrana close behind him. They quickly ascended the spiral stairs and reached the top of the tower were the beacon was located. Atin poured the oil in the tray above the beacon over the lumber pile and grabbed the oil lamp off the wall and tossed it on to the pile of wood. The beacon flared to life and Atin moved out on the platform to watch for the next beacon to light.

"Master why have they not lit the next beacon yet?" Myrana asked after ten minutes had passed.

He tried to come up with a reason why the group at the next beacon hadn't lit it already. Then it dawned on him they hadn't lit the beacon because they couldn't.

"If there was anyone to light the beacon they would have done it by now. They would have seen the city burning when it was attacked and sent the warning. So that means that something has happened to the beacon watch on the mountain." He replied.

***

Robert watched as the beacon of North Watch flared to life burning brightly like a symbol of hope. He turned his head to look towards Twisted Fang Mountain where the next beacon in the string was located and watched. As time passed the beacon remained unlit and his hope began to fade and his will slowly left him. Hopeless and broken as his vision began to fade his life quickly followed suit and he gave into the darkness and took his last breath.