FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

"It's going to be a tough winter." A voice quietly said breaking the silence that had held the room for some time. Peter sat near the fire on a wooden bench slowly stirring the stew that was bubbling in a large pot on top.

"Yeah? What makes you say that?" He asked not really believing him. They had a great harvest, lots of grain and wheat and if they were lucky it would be possible to sell excess at the end of the year and make a little money.

"I feel it. There is just...just something." He shifted in his seat and pulled the blanket that was over him closer to his neck. "Something deep inside me that tells me otherwise."

"You're saying things again Walter. Our shed is filled and even though we lost a few animals we'll make it just fine." Peter responded continuing to stir the pot over the open flame. An aroma filled the small cottage, one that both of them had grown used to. But it was quickly wafted away by the door opining revealing a young child singing a small tune.

"Walk we will past the hill

where the monster hides his face.

Fast and quick he likes to pick

On kids and leave no trace.

Tried and true are his aim

There outside his base

Crunch, munch and you're his lunch

The Kids who leave no trace"

His small voice draws Peter's and Walter's ears listening as he finishes the small tune.

"Fynn, where did you hear that song." Walter suddenly erupts standing out of his chair. His old bones not used to moving that quick so they ached and he stumbled slightly. But, the young child stepped back and shut up.

"The kids I was playing with. T...They said that there was a monster in the cathedral. They had a song. I thought it was just fun to sing." Fynn said in his defense. But Walter didn't take it.

"I don't want to hear that anymore! Now go and grab some water from the well for dinner."

The boy whimpered but didn't argue with his grandfather. He promptly left the building and picked up a bucket to get the water. Peter watched his father sit back down in the chair and pull the animal hide back over him. For a moment the two stayed silent but Peter eventually broke the silence.

"What's the big deal? Fynn can have his fun."

"Not about that." Walter replied resting easy in the padded chair once again. Peter thought it was strange but thought it was a good idea not to press it for now. He took a quick sip to see if the stew was ready before bringing out three bowls and pouring them right as Fynn came back with the bucket of water.

The town of Cologne was very much an epicenter. It was home to many people and it was dominated by an unfinished cathedral, Cologne cathedral. Only one part of it was finished before work stopped, there was even a wooden crane that still sat on one of the unfinished spires. Most of it was all roped off and the public were given strict instructions not to ever go near the unfinished spot because of the danger. Supposedly, more then a few were killed when a section of wall collapsed which is why the never finished.

As long as Peter had grown up that was the story he believed. But as he toiled in the field the next day his sons song nagged at him and especially his fathers reaction to the whole thing. Maybe it would be a good idea to look into this. Maybe there was a reason why the closed the Cathedral and never resumed work on it.

With a long stretch he shouted to the others working in the field that he was going to quit early and that he had to visit the church for important business. It was the excuse to use as no one would question it, but he didn't exactly have to do anything there regarding the church. The church had to have some answers. Peter started walking down the dirt road to the Colonge center where the cathedral could be seen for miles in each direction, even when it was unfinished. Once in the city he made his way past the market where kids much like Fynn ran about chasing each other and playing games while the older men bartered with the shopkeepers. Coins and goods exchanged hands with the shadow of the cathedral casting upon them. As if it were eying every transaction and every thing that moved from one to another.

Peter kept glancing up in the sky at the structure, even with that crane at the top it it demanded ones attention. He marched up to it and saw the already cut stones scattered all over it and wooden scaffolds rising up the wall like vines, but the site was devoid of any movement and work. Climbing the stairs he entered the finished chapel which was blocked off from the rest of the building so patrons could worship in the new cathedral even before it was done.

The vaulted ceilings, even though Peter had been there a couple times in the past, always made him gawk at what man was capable of. Glorious tapestry laden with gold lined the walls and the stained glass windows filled with massive mosaics of stories from the bible. Most of the Virgin Mary and Christ. A large crucifix fills the end of the room which is preceded by a blood red carpet surrounded by pews. The sound of chants echoes of the walls, as if forever stuck in the holy place.

He took to the closest pew at the very end and sat for a while taking the sight in. Watching others come in and pray before the crucifix before making a tithe or repenting he waited for the Priests to appear. It didn't take long before they did, appearing in their majestic outfits and holding themselves high above the rest of the surfs who looked to them much like demigods. To someone who wasn't used to it, it was a strange sight indeed but it was normal. Peter himself held high regard for them, after all the highest of priests were picked by the Pope who was given directions from God himself.

As they moved about helping the pilgrims with whatever they needed Peter watched. He was so distracted he didn't notice the Priest who came up next to him.

"Why do you sit in the back of the church child?" The voice startled Peter and he jumped slightly before looking to find an older man with a white beard and legitimately kind eyes.

"Oh I....I.." Peter started, not exactly how to word his question. "Well...my son came home yesterday doing something and I wanted to talk to you about it." It was the only thing he could get out in a couple seconds as the Priest was waiting. He felt as though he didn't want to waist the ministers time.

"Ah yes." He said nodding. "Which sin did he commit. He'll have to come here himself though, but we are open to counsel about it."

"Oh no it's nothing about that, Fynn is a good boy. Respects his father." Peter added but the Priest thought for a second.

"Fynn...Ah yes! That name, you are Peter are you not?" Peter nodded. "You're the one who came for counsel after your wife's passing last winter. I remember Fynn in your arms."

"Yes Father, but I'm not here about my wife. This is about something else, he came home singing a song and I was just curious about it." The Priest raised an eyebrow and cocked his head.

"A song? A satanic tune perhaps?" He pondered.

"That's just the thing I don't know. It went like this.

Walk we will past the hill

where the monster hides his face.

Fast and quick he likes to pick

On kids and leave no trace.

Tried and true are his aim

There outside his base

Crunch, munch and you're his lunch

The Kids who leave no trace"

As soon as he finished the tune the Priest stepped back and placed his hand to his mouth.

"What does it mean father?"

He stood for a few seconds, his eyes darting back and forth as if thinking about something but even in this agitated state he took a deep breath.

"It's nothing you need to worry yourself about. It's kids being kids."

"Well I normally would think that myself." Peter added. "But it's also the way my father acted about it. He immediately quieted Fynn and told him to never speak of such things again." The Priest still held a blank stare.

"Is your father Walter of Cologne?"

Peter nodded a couple times slowly trying to figure the Priest out and what his motive was.

"I'm sorry." The Priest immediately responded. "But the chapel is going to be closing it's doors soon. If you need advice on anything else please seek out Turen of Cologne." He turned with his white cloak lifting a little in the wind and made his way to the pulpit where he informed the other Priests. Soon they made an announcement saying the Chapel was going to be closing it's doors and that patrons should finish their business.

Peter stood up in a small state of shock, something wasn't right here, there was something else going on. Even he could see it and it had something to do with this place. Quietly, he left the stone building and made his way around the construction zone. It was as though no one had stepped foot there in years. Like it was cursed. It was a mystery why the construction was halted, the church could do anything so why build half a cathedral.

With his curiosity getting the better of him Peter crossed the line into the forbidden zone. There was still a massive section of the church that had not been opened yet and it was quite easy to find a way inside due to its unfinished quality. Once inside though it was mesmerizing, he realized that not only was the open part of the church the smallest portion but it was also the least mesmerizing. The ceilings rose higher then Peter though was possible on the Earth and the pure echo made it so he could have a conversation with himself.

"There has to be a reason why they stopped this." He quietly said making his way across the chamber. He saw the brick wall that separated the unfinished part from the finished part. Suddenly, he heard a small thump. The hair on his back stood on head and he jumped around looking to see if anyone had followed him. He took cover behind a large stone and watched, no one showed. Next there was a clack, almost like hitting a stick against the wall. The echo amplified it to a point to where he could hear it as clear as if someone were doing it right next to him.

After a few moments to make sure the coast was clear Peter decided to investigate the noise. He checked every inch of the area trying to pinpoint the origin but had no luck until he came across a hole, just large enough for him to squeeze through. It was hidden behind a circular stone. He tried to push it but only succeeded in moving it slightly. He stuck his head part of the way into the darkened hole trying to see inside and soon there were more sounds, like someone walking around. His heart raced and he backed out.

"I shouldn't be here." His voice filled the tunnel and cathedral and suddenly the sounds stopped! Who ever it was, they had heard him. "I've got to get out of here! This is church business." Peter made his way around the rock to push it back into place and hide his tracks.

"Hello?"

That was a voice! His mind told him it was a voice. Could it have been God? No, it was female.

"I'm hungry." The voice called again and it dawned on him. It was coming from inside the tunnel. Now Peter's curiosity once again beat him and he stuck his head in the hole again.

"Umm..hello?" He answered, waiting for an some to reply back, which came only a few seconds later.

"Yes! Is it time for food? I'm hungry."

Food? Who was this girl? Were they keeping her captive?

"I don't have any food...but could probably get you some. What is your name?"

"You don't have food? Every time they talk to me I get food, do I not get food now?" She asked.

Peter couldn't take it anymore, he had to see who this was and why the church would do such a thing as to keep a girl down here. He crawled inside the small hole on his hands and knees into the blackness. He saw the dull glow of a smothered fires coals at the end and crawled a bit faster. Finally he came out into a small room, the small glow and the smell that hit him told him one thing however. This was a prison. Maybe this was just some harlot who deserved to die, it sure didn't sound like it though.

He rustled the fire and used some of the leftover wood to grow the fire again. The glow grew further and further until he could see the jail cell. There was one figure standing before him, obscured by the shadow. It's eyes glowed the same color as the fire and it stood about the same height as himself if not slightly taller.

"Do you have anything?"

Peter stood frozen. It was a Demon! Instead of skin it had a thick fur coat that was matted and blotched with stains. When it spoke he could see sharp teeth littered the creatures mouth and it's over grown claws clicked on the stone floor creating the clicking noise he heard. The dull light didn't tell him much but his mind told him to scurry back up the hole.

The creature stepped a bit closer and cocked it's head to one side as Peter crawled to the tunnel but right as he was about to start his way up he heard voices.

"What do you mean the stone has been moved? That's impossible!"

"All I know is it's not covering the hole anymore."

"Has the creature escaped? Did it get out?"

"I don't know."

"Well then CHECK!"

Peter backed away from the hole and moved to the side and pressing his back against the wall, trying to stay away from the creature. If they found him here they would have a good reason to kill him on the spot. His heart thumped out of his chest and he gulped as his arms began to shake. The wolf's ears twitched and it took notice of that. It looked up the hole and at Peter again before grabbing him. He cowered, knowing he was going to die, but the creature just placed him behind a pile of hay just as the men were coming out of the tunnel.

"Demon! Stand where you are." Peter heard, but he dare not take a glance from behind his hiding spot. "Who or what moved the stone. Did you move it?" The voice asked.

"I did not, and no one has come or left since you have last." The wolf replied.

"Don't play with us wolf." Peter heard the sound of a sword drawing from it's sheath. "You're just lying, using one of the devils tricks."

"I'm not a demon!" The wolf yelled back. "I do not know the devil and he is not inside of me!" Not even Peter believed that fully, but the fact that she went out of her way and endanger herself did cause him to question that.

"The truth will set you free demon." The voice said, he also heard a couple footsteps like whoever it was grew closer to the creature. "No matter who you are." Even though his words were meant as help, they sounded more condescending then anything.

"But I am telling the truth!" She argued again.

"I wish I could kill you." he heard the voice say. "No food for today, demon." Then the sound of a sword sheathing and the man making his way back up the tunnel told him it was alright to look. With a cowardly look up he finally got a good look at her. She stood still, her tail and head hung low. She was also completely nude with the exception of fur which covered any parts of her. Nonetheless, Peter couldn't help but blush.

"Put the stone back." Suddenly the light from the tunnel disappeared and only the small fire remained. What seemed like a couple minutes of silence passes before the creature spoke again.

"You are not part of the church are you." She said turning to Peter who was just starting to stand up.

"I follow, but I'm not a clergyman." Peter responded taking hesitant steps toward the creature. He felt slightly safer for some reason. "But....what are you?"

"I am not a Demon." She said turning around.

"Then what are you?"

"I am...am...Natascha." She said looking at her paws and flexing them. "That is all I know."

"Natascha." Peter mouthed, almost whispering the name. She stood about the same height as him and held a certain demeanor of elegance even though she was trapped down here. "Well, if you're not a demon, where did you come from?"

Natascha took a deep breath through her black, leathery nose. "I don't remember much." She started. "Just a small hut and two fur-less others, just like you. Except they were older. But before I could ever remember their names I was taken, thrown in here. I have not been let out since."

Peter realized that this creature had been living here her entire life, all she had known is a dull fire light and stone walls. He stepped a little closer to her and without warning reach out to touch her fur. It was matted and grimy, like it had never been cleaned before. But Natascha jumped and just about pulled back before she realized Peter wasn't going to hurt her. His hand moved down from her shoulder to her side. But as he got closer a low growl, barely audible started to emanate. He couldn't get much further before she was baring her teeth. Peter pulled back and looked at this hand, flakes of dried blood covered his grimy hand.

"You're hurt!"

She took a step back and covered her left side with her right paw. "It's nothing. I'll recover. I always have." She winced in pain and sighed. Blood. The substance of the living. Pain, felt by those who are hurting. Sadness, an emotion not fueled by rage, but by loss. All traits of the living.

"You really are not a demon are you? You are a creature of this Earth." Peter said. Natascha looked up from the floor.

"I was born on this Earth. That's all I can say."

Peter was now convinced. There was no way this wolf could be a Demon, he had heard of far stranger things before. After all, Jesus had risen from the dead after three days. Who says there can't be creatures like this.

"I believe you."

Natascha's ears perked. That was the second time she had ever heard those words. Someone actually trusted her! Her muzzle hung open as she tried to gather her words but Peter just came beside her and touched her left arm.

"If you lift your arm I can see whats hurting you." He reached over for a small stick and lit the tip for a torch. Natascha lifted her arm and Peter brought the flame close. There was a small gash running horizontal to her body, covered a lot by her fur. The black, gray fur was darkened by the dried blood.

"I need to get you out of here. This will kill you." Peter quietly said letting her arm down. He was speaking with experience. Last winter his beloved wife got a similar cut and died from it, even with him praying every day.

"How would you plan on doing that?"

Peter looked up the tunnel and saw the stone at the end, it's edges outline by the small amount of light that seeped through.

"Haven't you tried to move the stone?"

Natascha nodded and moved close to him to look up as well. She rubbed up against him which sent a shiver down his spine.

"Yes, but I can't push it. I think it was meant to be pushed from the side." Peter remembered that it was a circular stone and would be hard to push over, at least with only one of them. He climbed into the tunnel and moved to the end putting his hands on the cold stone. With a mighty push he tried to move it out, but there was no way it was going to move.

"Natascha, come here." She froze for a second. He hadn't called her demon, he had called her be her name. A smile grew in her and she climbed in the cramped tunnel moving beside Peter. Peter could feel her body press up against his. She was attractive in her own way and he couldn't help but blush again as she wiggled near him.

"Um...ok, just help me push." Peter put two hands on the stone and Natascha put one, the other holding her side again.

"Now...ready...PUSH!" Peter grunted as he strained against the heavy object, Natascha yipped in pain from her wound but kept pushing. The small sliver of light that used to just barely show started to grow. The stone was moving, ever so slightly until with one final grunt and a growl it opened a space just large enough for them to get out.

Peter climbed out and extended a hand to Natascha who stood up and marveled at what she saw around her.

"How are you capable of building such things!" She exclaimed. "When I was put in the cell there was nothing here. Just a couple holes in the ground."

"Don't ask me, but we have to get you out of here. I don't know when they will be back and they'll certainly know that you have gotten out." Peter grabbed her paw and took her to the unfinished wall where he entered. After a quick glance around he stepped out, with Natascha close behind and made for the forest.