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Act XXXIV: S'taur Gazing

When I stepped through the moon door into Northern England, I was quickly pounced by nearly the entire pack of foxtaurs. But their local foxtaur mage called them off, and we were once again traveling via moon gate to northern Greece, to the location of the Taurean Gathering. Unlike the Tranquility Moonrise festival that I have unfortunately never have been invited to attend, the Taurean Gathering was a collection of every kind of taur that ever existed. As the foxtaurs parted company with me, I headed over to announce my presence to the centaurs in charge of the gathering itself. I flashed my badge to them and introduced myself to them. I think they were extremely happy that a Chess Master, particularly a Tanner, was at their gathering this year.

That is when I learned that Skerrit and Pan had taken a patrol of centaurs down to rescue Ren of the Northern Herd and party from a spot of trouble that they had gotten in. And far be it from my getting involved in the affairs of gods, I chose to look around the gathering itself for a brief period of time. It was while I was doing this that I once again encountered Valerian Mouse.

"We meet again."

Valerian Mouse couldn't help but to smile as he heard my voice.

"Raeyu told me that you stopped in recently and he suggested that you needed a mage for your new team. Perhaps we can strike a bargain along those lines, being that you and I will be working the same region together, most often."

I grinned at that.

"I am sure you and I can come up with something. But for now, we will enjoy this outing."

Valerian smiled, appreciating my tact of the moment.

"Thank you, Jansen. And for the record, I thank you for revealing to me years ago that you were not Dominic. That has made my life a whole lot easier."

At that moment, Ren of the Northern Herd gave me a surprise and powerful hug from behind! And believe me when I say this... when a centaur hugs someone, you literally don't have a choice in the matter. Then, Ren saw that I wasn't Dominic and he blushed with embarrassment.

"I am so sorry, Jansen. From behind, you look just like Dominic."

At that point, Ren released me and I just grinned back at him.

"This is the Taurean Gathering, Ren. You can do as you like. I am glad your party arrived here in one piece. I need to speak with Hogan Slade. I have Circe's permission to fetch him for a trial."

Ren was pleased to tell me where Gotaki, Damon, and Slade were gathered at, and I proceed over to their location. When I got there, I quickly saw that Gotaki looked very depressed and the chipmunk had a bandage on his chest. Damon the Agassian Demon Horse was standing there drinking a beer.

"Gotaki? You don't look too good. What happened?"

Gotaki Riverclaw glanced in my direction.

"Jansen. I didn't expect to see you here. Jago is mad at me. I think... I think he hates me."

I hummed.

"Tell me exactly what happened, Gotaki. I am sure he doesn't hate you."

Skerrit and Pan approached me at that point and, thankfully for Gotaki, explained to me what happened during and after the rescue battle. And how loudly Jago had growled at Gotaki and what he said... and what she had said to provoke it.

"During the heat of battle, Gotaki, warriors like yourself may say anything. You were all hyped up and could not be held accountable for what you said. If you'd like, I will speak with Jago myself."

Gotaki smiled at me.

"I would like that a lot. Thank you."

I then turned to the chipmunk... Hogan Slade. I knelt down in front of him and he got his first good look at just what exactly I was. I was sure that I had caused him to have a heart attack.

"You- you- you're... a Chess Master? I was a fool to fight against you!"

I petted on Hogan carefully.

"The reason I am here, Hogan, is because we found the specific werewolf and his specific clan that infected your brother Blake, who isn't dead, mind you... Blake is recovering in Las Vegas at a lycanthropy recovery sanctuary there. And the one thing he wants more than anything else... is for you to come visit him. When he heard that you were a chipmunk, he begged me to save your life. Also, Baron Gott'schlecht of the Black Forest wants to meet you, Hogan. He will be overseeing the trial concerning your brother. However... once justice has been done, your own trial will begin. You did kill a werewolf named Xim, a very dear friend of mine. When you killed him, you got me, a Tanner, after you. I swore a blood oath to bring you in. I am sure Xim's brother Jael would love to tear out your heart for what you did, he is forbidden to do so... by the Baron's orders."

Hogan blinked his eyes at me.

"I never realized how many contacts you had. You found out what I could not."

I nodded my head.

"Hogan... I think you were just a little misguided in what you did. You're the only man who's ever tried to kill me. I'd like to offer you a job once this is all over with... in my own team sponsored by Chess itself. If you're interested that is..."

Hogan sighed.

"If I ever become a human again, I'll join you, Jansen. I will stand trial before the Baron. He must be a massive wolf. I have heard some rumors during my travels. Thank you."

I then let Hogan contemplate his future as I proceeded to find and enter Jago Fox's tent. I found him sitting there staring into his own lap. Apparently he had been crying somewhat. I then placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Is it really all that bad, Jago Fox?"

Jago turned his head slowly and looked over his shoulder. I, of course, stood there in my Chess Master uniform.

"What are you doing here?"

I smiled.

"I'm this year's English foxtaur escort. They specifically asked for me, by name. Skerrit and Pan told me what happened. Personally, I don't think you did anything wrong. Hogan deserves to be human again. I think Gotaki said what she said in the heat of being in battle mode. She's a lot calmer now but she's more worried about you."

Jago sighed.

"I lost my temper and yelled at her. I didn't mean to, but when she asked, why should she help, I totally lost it... She's asking about me?"

I nodded his head.

"Actually, yes. I may not be Dominic, but if Dominic chose you as a companion, you must have some honor and loyalty in that body of yours, somewhere. Now, come on... Gotaki doesn't look pretty standing out there all alone... and Hogan and I had a talk earlier, too. I offered him a job in Chess, once he gets his human body back, that is."

Jago arched an eye.

"Why would you want to hire him? He tried to kill you."

I grinned.

"He's the only human who's ever tried to kill me. All the rest are supernatural in origin. And besides, Hogan has some respectable skills. He told me that a werewolf maimed his younger brother several years ago, and that's why he swore to hunt and kill all werewolves. But, doing further questioning, he revealed that it was a rogue werewolf that had done the deed, and with some minor investigations, I was able to track down the pack that werewolf was in and report it to Baron Gott'schlecht. I've promised Hogan a more proper justice against the werewolf and the pack that caused his brother the harm."

Jago smiled a little.

"Um... I was starting to like Hogan... regardless of what he'd done before..."

I smiled and helped Jago to his feet.

"Hogan has led a misunderstood life. Now that the truth has been revealed, I am going to help Hogan obtain the final justice against that rogue werewolf in a court of good werewolves. I think Hogan was surprised that Chess had so many connections. But... if you like Hogan so much, maybe I can tag you up with Hogan's younger brother. You see, Hogan didn't wait around, originally, to see if his brother would live through his injuries. Blake Slade is recovering at the were-sanctuary near Las Vegas. If you want, I can give you an authorized reference to meet with the owner of the sanctuary."

Jago hummed.

"Blake Slade... I'd like to meet him, after the Taurean Gathering ends... I have to make sure Ren makes it home and make sure Circe restores Hogan to a human. And just so you know, Hogan promised me that when he becomes human again, he'll never touch another gun, nor will he ever try to kill you again."

I smiled.

"I didn't know that, but am glad to know it now. And I'll make certain you know if he breaks his word, but he may have to use a gun again. Chess agents are assigned guns, for self-defense. Though I am the only Chess Master who doesn't use a gun."

Jago blinked his eyes.

"You're the Chess Master? But... but... you were wearing a White Bishop jacket when you told Dominic the truth about himself..."

I grinned.

"I wore what I wanted the people in Rocky Falls to see. I've been a Chess Master for about a year. My former employer wanted to retire and he was very tired of my doing things 'the Tanner way', so he called me up and flat offered the position to me. I took it."

Jago grinned.

"Your sisters will kill you when they find out."

I grinned again.

"Not if they don't find out."

Suddenly, Sallee's voice was heard directly behind me.

"A little late for that, Jansen!"

I turned and saw Sallee standing there.

"What is SHE doing here? The biggest blabbermouth in all of Rocky Falls!"

Sallee growled a little and tackled me, wrestling me to the ground! Jago wisely got out of the way, leaving the tent, giggling.

---

She giggled as she hugged Joe.

"Sallee is almost as big a firecracker as Jo is."

---

When Sallee was finished wrestling with me, and winning, mind you, she got off of me and told me what the poachers had done to her filming equipment. She was understandably upset. I took some rare pity on Sallee and used my videophone to have Danath transport in replacement filming equipment and film for Sallee and her crew. And let me tell you now... a happy Sallee is a pleasant Sallee. And it was the top of the line video equipment available, too. She was ecstatic.

As for Hogan, he was dealing with chipmunk life still. Hogan looked at the bandage on his furry chest again. He was thinking, (What was I thinking? A small chipmunk like me thinking that I could prevent Jago Fox from being sniped? Instead, I about lost my own life.) He sighed, as he looked around to see where all the others were at. And suddenly, right in the line of his sight... Circe appeared! She was wearing the outfit of a circus ringmaster instead of her usual beautiful dress. Circe walked over to where Hogan sat, kneeling to look at him.

"Hello Hogan Slade. A scar of war?"

Hogan sighed and shrugged.

"I suppose you came to take me back to the island, didn't you?"

Circe petted Hogan's head then stood back up again.

"Heroes don't receive rewards by continuing to be punished, Hogan. You won't ever have to return to the island again. If you'll excuse me, I need to go check on my consort, Ren."

Circe then turned and walked away. Hogan was surprised by that statement. Even more surprised that Circe was simply walking away. Then, the pains of transformation hit him! Circe had set a delayed reaction on Hogan, giving her time to turn her back. Hogan grew in size, as his fur receded into his skin, his head hair regrew, his muzzle receded into his face. He felt his legs reshaping, as well as his arms, hands and feet. He could feel the tail also receding into his tail bone and his manhood reforming into the shape that it had once beheld. Hogan lay on the ground, heavily panting and naked. He was no longer a chipmunk. He had done it. Hogan had earned his humanity back. He slowly lifted his head, as he noticed that the scar remained on his chest. A reminder of the deed that had helped restore him. That's when he noticed Damon standing there, smiling. He handed Hogan a full body robe.

"It's temporary but will aid you in keeping you decent. How does it feel to be human again?"

Hogan put on the robe and tied the robe's sash around his waist.

"How does it feel? Part of me wants to jump for joy... but another part... feels like something is missing. I feel like I've been living in a shadow of my real life. Is this normal?"

Damon patted Hogan's shoulder.

"Very normal. Come, you must be hungry. For real food; not forest critter food."

Hogan grinned.

"Yeah! I'm starved! Real food at last!"

Damon escorted Hogan over to the feasting tables, helping Hogan get a good assortment of food and drink. As Damon and Hogan filled a plate, Circe stood quietly at a distance. Circe pondered if she should tell Hogan the truth. She knew that Hogan had earned a second chance at human life. Circe shook her head. Hogan would not learn that his older self was slain by Dominic. Sallee had new cameras and equipment, provided by me, of course. Sallee, Casey and Emilion were walking around shooting new footage.

I had rejoined Valerian Mouse for more of our previous conversation when the Golden Yak showed up looking quite amused. She wouldn't say what she had done but I got the feeling I was about to find out. And sure enough...

...from somewhere across the gathering grounds, a horrific sound of thunder shattered the silence! Ares stood there in the midst of the gathering wearing his full battle armor, with his sword held at the ready. He immediately started looking around his immediate area.

I, Circe, Pan and Skerrit all converged on Ares at about the same time. Circe was the first to speak.

"What are you doing here, Ares? You don't look like centaur!"

Ares growled.

"Very funny, Circe! Now where is he? And don't you dare say that you don't know who I am talking about!"

Jansen exclaimed,

"Ares, old boy... Dominic simply isn't here. Or have you forgotten that he and I simply look alike. But the trip shouldn't be a total loss. Why don't you enlighten us on what the stupid twit has done this time."

Pan grinned.

"Jansen has a point, Ares. Have some wine and tell us a story on what Dominic has done this time. We all know how much trouble he can be."

Skerrit fetched Ares a goblet of wine then awaited patiently for the explanation. Ares took a slow refreshing drought.

"Dominic and that dratted Golden Yak dropped a mountain on top of me over in Tibet. I almost didn't get out from under it."

Jansen arched an eye.

"Dropped a mountain on you? I somehow can't see Dominic doing that. But as sorry as it sounds, you were in the Golden Yak's home territory without her permission. You're lucky to be alive, Ares. But what made you think that Dominic would come here?"

Ares grinned.

"He attended this event last year and it was closer for him to come here than it would be for him to go all the way back to Missouri. So, I was checking here first."

Circe grinned.

"At least you didn't get vorpally severed, this time. I would think that you would be getting tired of having that happen to you."

Ares chuckled.

"You would think I'd learn to leave him alone, but I just can't. There is something about him that just raises the hackles on the back of my neck, forcing me to hunt him down and attack him."

Just then, Jago and Gotaki came over to where Ares and the others were.

"I'd say that which is making you hunt Dominic down is that Dominic isn't normal. He's a god, like you are... a god of war. An Egyptian god of war."

Jago winked. Ares arched an eye!

"Dominic is really Anhur? No wonder he entices me to attack him so often. Gods of war often find it hard to resist the challenges of testing their skills."

Jago nodded his head.

"Yeah, that's who Dominic really is. He isn't around, but the dratted Yak is..."

After that, Ares actually settled down and enjoyed the break with the others and was actually quite hospitable, surprisingly. As it is often said, time flies when you're having fun. And the taur gathering was no different. Several days later, the festivities came to an end.

Hogan had joined me when I departed with the foxtaurs to escort them home to England. And after that, Hogan and I were off again, via my wolf trick power, directly into Baron Gott'schlecht's throne room. And that is when Hogan got his first look at the famed Big Bad Wolf of legend.

"Is that... who I think it is?"

I grinned.

"Hogan Slade, meet Baron Grimm Gott'schlecht. But you might know him better as the Big Bad Wolf."

The Baron looked at Hogan with his yellow eyes.

"So, you're the one who was misinformed so badly that you thought werewolves should die. What have you to say for yourself?"

Hogan released a sigh.

"I am sorry. And I am guilty of killing two werewolves. One was Jansen's friend Xim... the other was an English werewolf who had been stealing livestock from a farmer. I made a mistake. I know that won't bring them back to life but I am willing to make restitution."

The Baron nodded his head with a slight smile.

"Being a chipmunk can make a man humble and rogues who steal deserve their fate. Therefore, you are only accountable for one werewolf. The brother to Jael of Clan Goldengate. And as is the law in my kingdom, the family you have wronged has the right to name your punishment. Jael, come forth."

And Jael stepped out of the shadows where he had been waiting. He stopped in front of the Baron, bowing to him, then he turned and looked at the man who took his brother away from him.

"When I first learned of you, I wanted nothing more than to hunt you down and do to you what you had done to me and my clan. But as Jansen said, doing so would make my clan worse than the one responsible. Therefore... because you have taken my brother away from me, what I request is that you assume his place in Clan Goldengate. And while you won't be a werewolf, the Baron will make sure you can change into a wolf at will, but never a wolf man... until you earn that right."

---

Joe blinked his eyes in surprise and shock at the Baron's sentence over Hogan Slade.

"I somehow don't think that method of justice would go over here in America."

She nodded her head in agreement with Joe, as the two resumed reading the agent history once again.

---