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The cupboard was getting quite stuffy. I managed to stifle a sigh and instead loosened the neck on my cloak a little. At least I would not have to be here much longer, though I found I was still bristling at the many indignities of this job. The sooner I could get it done, the sooner I could forget I ever took this contract I guess.

Still, it rankled. I knew the logic of my profession, part of which was the guild system that meant that when someone wanted to hire one of us, they did it through an intermediary. I never had contact with the actual client; I merely got my money, and the target, through my guild agent and that was that. Safer all round. Except; well, sometimes, I would have liked the chance to tell the client exactly what I thought of them. And sometimes, tell them to take a long walk off a short plank.

Like this time for example. I, Larisssa, Grand Master of the guild of ninja assassins, wolf of many talents, had been reduced to this. I, who had assassinated the great Merchant Prince Lord Takkian inside a locked room at the centre of a secure keep guarded by a hundred well trained mercenaries armed only with my bare paws. They were still trying to work out how it was done to this day.

Now here I was, in a cupboard in the loft above a nondescript Apothecary shop waiting for the apprentice to come up, a stupid cheerful colt barely able to walk without tripping over his own hooves. I didn't even have to scale the wall, the stupid horse left the front door open. This didn't need the talents of a Grand Master, this barely needed someone with a pulse. The awkward equine would probably trip one day soon and break his own neck falling down the stairs.

Still, the rules of the Guild were strict. A booking was a booking; and let's face it, five thousand gold is still five thousand gold. Still, it rankled. Professionally, at the very least. And part of me thought Agent Agelix was deliberately taking the piss when he assigned me to this contract. The badger always had a sly snide way about him. If it weren't the surest form of suicide, I would almost enjoy making him admit his errors while suspended from the high balcony on the Viceroy's tower before waving to him as he fell to earth. Agelix hated heights.

I heard the horse's hooves on the stairs as he clopped slowly up again. He was whistling. I hated when my targets were cheerful, and this one was almost so cheerful it was perversely helpful. Someone that cheerful could be so fucking annoying. He was at least preoccupied though, and that at least would be useful. The young stallion busied himself about his small lodgings, tidying the bed, lighting candles, and all the while whistling. I made my own preparations, carefully bringing the blow gun from the folds of my cloak. One tiny poison dart, he wouldn't even know what hit him. Then leave one of the many suitable flagons from the Apothecary shop below toppled by his hand, and let them wonder why he took his own life. Clean, quiet, untraceable. We aim to please.

Just as I was about to leave my claustrophobic confinement though a new voice came up the stairs. I managed to stop just in time and cursed under my breath as I peered through a knot hole in the cupboard door. At least this just got interesting...

"Nyam!" came the voice again, a harsh whisper. The horse stopped and turned towards the stairs, his ears upright.

"Sarah?" his voice betrayed many things. Joy, hope, anxiety. He was alert, his tail stopped in mid swish.

"My love!" suddenly a mare appeared, white coat, golden mane, and she rushed into the young stallion's arms so hard I heard the air forced out of his lungs with an audible "oooof!".

The stallion was being practical though.

"Did you lock the front door?"

"Of course silly. And don't worry, none of Daddy's agents followed me. I did what you suggested, made sure I lost them in the Great Baths. They are still lost in steam for all I know!"

Well, the unlocked door made sense now at least. As did the fussing of the stallion, making the room ready for his love. As I watched them, I realised with a start that the mare was familiar, and it took all my control not to gasp audibly from inside the cupboard.

That seemed to be the end of conversation for the moment, as the mare locked muzzles with her love and gave the youngster a long and heated kiss. She reached for his belt and fumbled with the cord, as her other hand roamed down his back. I bit my lip as I realised I was in for a show, unless I decided to do them both right now, and my instructions were very clear. No evidence of assassination; I could guarantee that with one victim, with two, it might prove a little more problematic. Besides, knowing who the mare was... no, I would need to be patient.

I settled in to make the best of a bad lot. The scent of aroused mare came to my nostrils, with the unmistakable notes of mare in heat. There was clearly only one way this was ending.

The mare had mostly undressed the stallion by now, and I had to admit he looked beautiful. Young, with the lean and awkward body of youth, though that was my favourite type anyway when it came to males. His chestnut fur glistened with sweat as he let her cover his body in kisses, betraying his excitement with the rapid flick of his tail and the occasional twitch of his mane. He was tall, so tall the compact room really didn't fit him, and every developing muscle stood out as his body reacted to her touch. One muscle in particular caught my eye, and I enjoyed the view of the mare stroking his swelling stallionhood as my fingers absently stroked the mound of my mons through the cloth. Bad wolf....very bad...I would have to make an offering to our patron deity Takassis to atone for my unprofessional conduct, but all in good time.

"Oh Gods Sarah..." the stallion had found his voice at last. It was agreeably erotic too, hearing him sigh out his pleasure while the mare worked his length with a twinkle in her eye. I could see who had the upper hand in this relationship, and that too worked to make my cunny overflow with need.

"Your turn silly..."

She lay back and batted her eyes at him. I mentally clamped down on the impulse to burst out and yell at her for her stupidity. She had a beautiful erect stud shaking with need and totally under her command, and the best she could come up with was 'your turn silly?'. That mare needed some instruction...

It seemed to work though, for the apprentice knelt at her hooves as she lay back on his small bed and fumbled his way along until he managed to lift her shirt off and then licked his way down her chest and across to each pert nipple. The mare had a truly perfect set of breasts, not too large, with a slight uptilt to each nipple and they responded admirably to the stallion's touch. Then he suckled on each breast as she moaned and stroked his long silken black mane and murmured encouragements into his ears. He left her breasts, it seemed reluctantly, but he had his goal in mind and I did approve wholeheartedly as I saw him lick and kiss down her belly until he slid his hands under her ass and shimmied her skirt down her elegant legs.

I had to stifle another groan as I saw that most shapely muzzle bend to her sex and then heard the cries of joy from the mare as he went to work pleasuring her. It was a bit of a pet hate of mine, males who weren't willing to give a girl a proper eating out. It was simply good manners, and if they wanted their needy cocks sucked, the least they could do was a bit of clit licking.

This stallion seemed to be fairly good at it though, judging by the cries and moans coming from his lover. Her head was laid back and her eyes closed in bliss as the young chestnut lapped at her sex and it didn't take long before her cries became gasps and sped up until her whole body shuddered and I had to bite my tongue hard as I slid a finger under my tunic and finally touched my overheated nub.

The trouble was I hadn't had much really good hard satisfying sex for a while. My usual lover had been out of the city, and I had resorted to desperate measures, finally trawling one of the taverns by the docks in search of suitable conquests.

I managed to find a passable candidate, a young bull sailor just back from a long voyage. He was certainly eager, at least, and when I led him to the small room on the second floor he was almost shaking in anticipation. I liked that, in some ways, and he was a nice mixture of calf and bull too, bulky but strangely innocent. He had no fucking clue when it came to pleasuring a woman though, least of all an experienced wolf assassin.

When he toppled over trying to get his trousers off I found it mildly cute. When his cock was already leaking before we even kissed, I was touched by his enthusiasm. When he gave me only a cursory lick before shoving his thick bull meat into my albeit already wet and needy sex I lost some of my appreciation though and he lasted about five strokes before I felt a gush of hot bull seed and he shuddered to a stop with a stupid grin on his bovine features. That really pissed me off.

In fairness, he did redeem himself, but not before I had to rough him up a little. I guess he wasn't expecting a wild warrior wolfess who knew how to use a stronger opponents body against him. Not until he was battered and bleeding, tied down to the bed with my cunt over his muzzle and a dagger at his scrotum did he realise exactly what he was up against. Then with a little subtle coaching he managed to become quite good at eating a girl and gave me a couple of decent orgasms before I mounted his cock and left the dagger against his scrotum as a warning of what might happen if he was so unwise as to cum without permission again.

I had run into him again this morning, accidentally, and he recognised me. I wondered if I might have to fight, but instead he fell to his knees and put out his wrists begging me to use him again. It was kind of hot, but mostly embarrassing having a callow boy cow like that begging to be my slave in the market square, so I sent him off with a fly in his ear and an address where I knew several willing mistresses who would satisfy what was obviously a newly discovered craving for him. Besides, he really wasn't what I was looking for. A casual fuck, maybe, but only a one off. For what I really wanted, I had to wait, and the waiting was really getting to me.

Now though, as I watched the stallion servicing his mare with his muzzle the hunger was back. No novice like the bull this one, he knew what he was doing. As a second orgasm shuddered through the mare, I sank a couple of fingers deep in my snatch and let a little soft whimper escape before I clamped down. The loving couple didn't notice though, they were too busy with other things.

It seemed it was time, and the stallion knelt on the ground with his mare's legs over his shoulders as she lay back on the bed. The difference in height seemed perfect for them, and he lined his twitching length up with her slit and slowly, carefully slid inside her. I had a ringside view from behind as he entered her, with his tail held high and the muscles on his back and ass bunching as he began thrusting still slowly and gently, and then he leaned down to kiss the mare as her hooves jerked with each new entry.

Now I was horny and massively pissed off. To try and relieve both a little I frigged myself hard, watching the happy couple. He was a gentle and considerate lover, it seemed, kissing her, holding her against his chest, while she held on for the ride. I wondered if he would last, as he seemed to stop every now and then as if trying to delay the inevitable, and my eyes widened watching his heavy sack draw up close and his tailhole began to clench and I waited for the impending climax with some attempt at detatchment. With a shuddering sigh he stopped again though, and I let out another whimper. This one had more control than the bull; though of course, nabbing a poor sailor straight off the boat and expecting restraint was probably not my finest decision if I was being honest.

Eventually he settled into a hard fast rhythm and I watched mesmerised as his mane shook down his back and her hooves twitched and slapped into his shoulders and her cries and moans turned to pleas and her fingerhooves appeared on his flanks as she held on and gripped him with a deathgrip only impending orgasm can provide. When she climaxed so did I, and I expected him to follow suit soon after but instead he tried to keep going and give her another climax. I mentally tipped my hat to him, suddenly feeling immensely jealous, but I was perversely pleased to see that his good intentions didn't yet match his skill.

"I..ahh...I...ohhh...I can't hold on Sar...I can't...ohhhhhh...."

"Ny! Don't...please...remember..."

"Ahhhhh!"

With a cry the young stallion pulled out, his length finally exiting the well fucked mare pussy with a slurp accompanied by a river of her slick pleasure juices, but no cum. He reached for his length, head back and teeth gritted, and I got my orgasm after all as the young stallion let out a whinny and his tail flagged and I watched his urethra pulse before the first spurt of thick stallion seed flew upwards to describe a perfect arc in the air before landing on the bed beside his love. Several more followed, the later ones accompanied by extra loud whinnies from the stallion as the fascinated mare cupped and played with his balls her eyes wide and staring at the marvellous sight of a stallion in full release.

That brought my second orgasm. If I didn't stop soon, my tunic would be soaked.

He collapsed beside her and they cuddled, making goo goo eyes at each other while he reached for the bedside table and held out a gift for her. A single rose.

"I love you Sar..."

"I love you Ny..."

Why by all the Gods did I have to see that? Had I done something really really bad to piss off Takassis at some point? Did I not burn enough incense sticks and make enough offerings to be spared that? Fucking hell, this was not fair.

As I ground my teeth in disquieting anger and frustration, the lovers seemed ready for round two. The stallion at least hadn't lost his erection, and I remembered one reason I did so love the youngsters. Even if they gave you unsatisfactory sex, the chance for redemption was never far off. And practice did make perfect.

The mare was still kissing him as she reached out to stroke his length. She smiled into his face and he had a stupid fucking grin, but hers was more heated, and more feral.

"I want to feel you inside me Ny."

"You want me again?"

"I mean...I want to feel you do that inside me."

"Um...not..."

"I want to feel you cum inside me love. Just once..."

The stallion pulled back, his eyes a little scared. This could be interesting.

"Sarah! We...we spoke about this. You are in heat anyway; we can't, we don't want you getting a foal...your father would go insane!"

"Who said anything about my cunny silly..."

Oh fuck. Oh fuck oh fuck oh fuck oh fuck oh fuck. I rammed my fingers in hard again. Very hard. My clit throbbed, demanding attention. My thumbpad found it and rubbed. I almost bit through my paw stifling a scream.

"I don't know ...what..." the poor stallion had no idea. I thought I did though.

"We talked about it...that last time, when you talked to me when we made love...you know, with your growly voice..."

Ok, fuck my tunic. It's going to have to take it's chances.

The stallion's ears perked upright, and his eyes widened.

"You mean...?"

The mare nodded, and stretched out on the bed now, on all fours, her pert ass pointing to the stallion, tail well raised, and one perfect puckered tailhole on show above a slit glistening with dripping heat.

Nyam needed no further encouragement, though he did a cute little double take and smacked his head into the ceiling before he got his bearings. He was considerate enough to find some oil from a lamp on the wall to coat his length, and then he knelt behind his mare and with the tentative but fascinated touch of a youth playing with a tarantula, slowly prised her asslips apart and slid first one then a second slick finger into her hole as she spread her legs wider to encourage him in.

Soon he was kneeling behind her, slightly unsure what to do.

"A...are you sure Sarah? I mean...this might hurt..."

Oh Gods, get on with it horse!

"So sure Ny. Please! I need you!"

He pressed his flared end against her ass and pushed with his hips, but his length buckled in the middle and bent painfully drawing a wide eyed grunt from the stallion. He learned fast though, this one, and this time he held his cock near the end and guided it in, using his grip to help push on past the initial resistance. The mare gave a cry as his flare suddenly popped past her ring and he stopped, all concerned and full of care, and he stuttered an apology and asked if she wanted him to stop. She just looked back with lust filled eyes and ordered him to continue, just slowly. And continue he did, tentative but determined. He was clearly an obedient colt.

By the time he hilted in her ass she was shaking like a leaf. He lent over her, soothing her with kisses on her neck and a hand in her mane, then he reached for her hand with his right while he propped himself over her with his left. He brought her fingers to his muzzle and licked, long languid licks covering her hand in saliva, then whispered in her ear. She gave the most erotic smile I've ever seen and reached back to touch her sex and stroke her distended clit. I tried very hard to make my next cum take a while, because I knew it would probably be my last.

That proved more difficult than expected though, because then the stallion started to speak louder into her ear with a deep rumbling voice that belied his tender years as he slowly plowed her tight anus.

"Such a bad mare you are..."

"Oh no sir guardsman...you have caught me..."

Well fuck. This is not fucking fair.

"Yes, and you know what happens to bad mares caught here late at night..."

I had a few ideas...

"Oh Gods...please sir..."

"They get...punished..."

Yep. Sounds good to me.

"Oh no! How?"

"First I bend you naked over my knee...and spank your cute little ass...hard..."

A soft squelching sound began, as he fucked her tight hole harder. I watched fascinated as her ring spread to accommodate his medial on each new thrust, the penetration making her whole body shudder as she frigged herself madly in response.

"Oh no!"

"Yes! Then I lay you over the table in the guardhouse..."

"Oh yes...yes..."

"And I lick your tight little virgin ass, spreading your hole with my tongue as I stroke your sore asscheeks..."

"Oh no...don't stop...don't stop!"

Yes...please don't stop...fuck...

"...and then I _fuck_your tight little virgin ass until you beg me to cum..."

On the word _fuck_she came, hard, her whole body shuddering in release. The stallion wasn't far behind, his hips jabbing forward unevenly until his tail flagged suddenly and he bit her neck as his cock pulsed and I watched his seed leaking from her ravaged hole down to kiss her pussy lips.

It was also the final straw for me. I came too, hard, a full body shattering orgasm. I also came loudly. Way, way too loudly.

By the time I made my way out of the cupboard, the lovers had parted, both staring at me with terror filled eyes. The stallion was still hard, I noticed with a professional eye. Oh the stamina of youth.

I stood admiring them for a moment. My tunic was dripping with pussy fluids, but that was the least of my worries. Eventually the stallion regained his voice, if not his brain.

"Who...who...who..."

"Well met young Apprentice. And, well, thanks to you both for the show."

"Who..."

"Are you simpleminded? Feeble? Only able to say one word?"

"Who...are...you...?"

I made up my mind then, though it caused me much internal angst. I realised I had made the decision early on though, really when he they made love the first time. I just needed time to recognise it. That was a long way from having a plan to deal with the decision though.

"My name is not important. What is more important is what I am."

The mare piped up now, and she was defiant, of a sort.

"Are you from my father? If not, I can pay you whatever you need. My family is rich..."

"I know who you are lady Sarah, daughter of Councilman Trengard."

The mare's eyes went wide then, and she brought her hand to her muzzle as if to ward off the words. She knew she was in deep. The stallion was made of sterner stuff.

"Please, leave her be. It's my fault, leave her be." The stallion was wide eyed, and afraid, I could tell from his ears and his scent. He knew.

"You know what I am, don't you horse."

He gulped and nodded.

"So, now that we have established what the situation is, perhaps we can have a little chat yes?"

He was still fighting, it seemed, and recovering his senses. He reached for one of the candlesticks by the bed, and I narrowed my eyes as I watched him.

"Really horse...dumb..."

"I wont let you hurt her!"

I must admit I got a warm feeling in my pussy watching him be so gallant, but it didn't make me waver. Instead I gave a snort and looked at him with contempt, as I pulled a medallion from around my neck.

"Do you know what this is horse?"

"No..."

"It's the sigil of a Grand Master of the guild of Ninja Assassins. There are only eleven of us of this rank in the whole continent. I could give you a quick handjob, slip behind you, ravish your mare, finger your tailhole and be back to slit your heart from your chest before you could bring that candlestick down. Give it up horse, believe it or not I don't want to hurt you."

It seemed my little speech had the wrong effect, probably something to do with fingering his tailhole. A pity, this one could be beautiful to peg but it seemed that was not his thing. Instead, he screamed and tried to charge.

I didn't damage him too much, just enough to make him compliant. He was very contrite now, lying on the ground, hands bound behind his back with a spreading bruise on his face and a little trickle of blood from his muzzle. I kissed off the blood and enjoyed the tang as his mare cried from the bed.

"Now, as I was saying, I don't want to hurt you."

The mare found some spunk amongst her tears.

"Then what are you doing here?"

"Yes, it is true I was hired to kill the stallion here, but I have decided not to."

"But who would want to kill Nyam? My father doesn't know about us!"

She really was quite thick it seemed. I gave her a sardonic smile that shut her up.

"Well, given the contract price, it had to be someone with the finances of your father and the contacts too for the guild to take the contract. So, let's assume for the sake of argument your father does know lady. My presence here is as good a proof of that as you need."

That floored her, as I expected. Not something you want to hear really, how your own father would pay an assassin to kill your boyfriend. The mare had a lot of growing up to do, and she needed to do it fast.

"So, just for my own sake, can I assume you two are in love?"

The mare nodded, quietly. The stallion, defiantly. I sighed inside.

Takassis, as a patron deity, you fucking suck, let me just say that now.

"Fine. Then let's see what we can do."

The stallion seemed to have some hope now, though his eyes betrayed disbelief. Still, he was prepared to hope.

"Why are you doing this? Why not just kill me and be done with it?"

"I have my own reasons. Let's just say I'm sentimental."

"Sentimental." Disbelief dripped from every syllable.

"Yes. Sentimental."

"Who ever heard of a sentimental assassin?"

"I agree, it's unusual. And believe me, it has been remarked on many times, and not favourably."

"But...I don't..."

I reached the side of the bound stallion, and silenced his protestations with a finger on his lips. They felt good; I rubbed them gently, feeling his soft skin. They were amazing on my lips when I kissed him too; that fucking mare better know how lucky she is.

"You don't believe me, do you Apprentice."

He knew he didn't want to admit it, but he did anyway. His head shook, almost involuntarily. His proximity did give me another idea though, and maybe a way to calm his fears and get him in more compliant mood.

"Then perhaps you will believe I did it for some reward."

Now his eyes were shrewd.

"I can believe that, though not what the reward may be."

I gave him a wink and stepped back, stripping slowly from my ninja garb. Tunic and cloak and leggings, all ended in an untidy heap as the stallion and the mare watched with stunned eyes until I was naked. Gods my pussy ached, and I reached for it and stroked moaning as my paw came back coated in a thick sheen of fluid.

The stallion shrunk back a little as I approached, and I had to laugh at his attempt at modesty. I took his chin in my paw, and stared into his eyes for a long moment while he stared back entranced and the mare sobbed thinking her love was to betray her. My paw slid along his cheek then I pressed my finger to his lips. He opened them, slowly, and I felt his tongue tentative as he licked my claws and then gulped down my taste hungrily. His cock twitched and filled with blood again, the fat worm lolling against his belly as it stood up straight and proud. The mare gasped.

I turned to look at her and grin.

"Don't worry Sarah, he isn't the payment I'm looking for."

And I took the astonished mare in my arms.

"This is your lucky day Nyam. Twice. I doubt you will have seen this before."

As I sucked hard on her perfect breasts, the mare gave a wracking sob of pleasure and lay back, and I heard the stallion hiss as he drew in an astonished breath. His eyes were wide like plates as I gave him a wink, and then licked my way down his lover's belly, following the line of pleasure he had shown me when they were together.

She had a soft bush of coarser hairs above her sex, right over her mons, and I played with it, nipping with my teeth and then rubbing with a paw before I turned my attentions to her cunny. She was still swollen, lips and clit red and slick with fluid, and I teased the tips of her lips with my fingers then my tongue before finally using my tonguetip on her pulsing clit. Just on the underside, near the tip, and slightly to the left...and I was rewarded with a guttural cry and and shuddering orgasm that made the stallion answer with a whinny of lust.

I pulled the mare round until her legs were off the bed, her pussy facing the stallion, and then I straddled her muzzle and leaned down to caress her sex with my lips. I didn't need to press my body down on her muzzle, instead she came to me, and I gave a triumphant howl as I felt her muzzle try out the taste and feel of my lips and her fingers glide across my thighs. I looked up at the stallion then, bathing in the sheer heat of his stunned gaze, and gave him a show as I sixty-nined his mare to perfection. She was hesitant, and totally unskilled, but sometimes that is the hottest of all, and I soon ground my cunt into her muzzle as her tongue and her lips and her huffing breaths brought me off like a firecracker.

The poor chestnut did look a bit put out, so I decided to take pity.

"Over here Nyam."

"How?!"

"Shuffle over on your knees."

He was still hampered, with his arms tied behind his back, but I didn't want to risk more heroics. It is amazing how motivating sex can be though, and he hauled himself over on his knees until he was poised between the mare's legs again just as he had been the first time they made love.

"Now, time to show you something you both may like."

I sat back on her muzzle, and she kept up her lapping the whole time like a champ, which made it very distracting, but I managed to haul her hooves over his shoulders. He watched with dumb fascination as I gripped his cock then, giving that magnificent length a nice long stroke. Then I brought his tip to her entrance and he needed no further instruction, flexing his hips and ass until he had buried most of his length in her sex and her pants and groans into my groin brought me to the edge.

"Now...think you can do the rest yourself?"

He had that stupid grin now, and nodded. The young stallion began rocking, and I gave him a lingering kiss and a stroke of his chin before bending to my true target. I watched,fascinated for a while, as his length slid in and out of her pussy and I saw close up every detail, the sounds and smells and sight of him filling her, the way her lips flexed and spread with each thrust, the quiver in her clit, the way his shaft pulsed and jerked. Then I bent to her and peeled the hood from her clit and brought my tongue in to taste.

Her sounds were magical, as was the effect on her body. Her groans went straight to my clit, with her muzzle still pressed on me tight. I lapped fast then slow, letting my tongue slide along her lips and onto his cock, tasting stallion and mare in one. He sped up in response and the slap of body on body matched the cries and whimpers of a mare in heat and she rammed her muzzle onto my sex seeking out my clit and then suddenly I felt her teeth on me.

It was my turn to scream as the mare bit, gently, in her pleasure then huffed on my sex. I could not last and gave myself over to orgasm, slamming my pussy down hard on her muzzle almost smothering her as I unloaded a wave of juices on her, and she fought back with her tongue so beautifully and I rode out waves of orgasm that kept on going and going.

Then I felt her stiffen and scream under me as her body tensed and she shook in the throes of her own first three-way cum, and I saw her pussy lips gripping his shaft tight as her clit jerked under my tongue.

Finally the circle completed, and I saw the thick stallion length before me pulse harder than before and Nyam screamed out a whinny as he unloaded into his lover, every muscle on his belly and chest standing out tensed in his ecstacy.

It was a minute before we all realised the problem, as I lay on the exhausted mare and the stallion leaned back with his cock sliding from his lover, this time followed by a river of horse seed. I shook my head as he looked on in shock.

"Forgot to pull out this time, didn't you."

He nodded.

"Well, that causes a few new complications. I don't suppose there is something in this store that might help?"

He looked defensive now.

"My master mentioned some things, but I don't think they actually work. And I...um...haven't learned how to make them yet..."

"Not much of an Apprentice, are you."

He gave me a haunted look, then screwed up his muzzle in defiance.

"Not much of an assassin, are you."

I had to give him points for that. And in truth, the mare didn't look too distraught.

*****

The ride was a long one, made no easier by the need to accommodate a passenger on my mount. The stallion was a poor rider, though I guess if he was poor enough to be indentured as a colt to a middling Apothecary by his parents, the likelihood was that they had no money for such things.

Still, I wished a few times that he could have at least some skill. It was with a slight dash of malice that I spurred my mount into a faster gallop as we neared our destination, ignoring the pained cries from Nyam until my horse had enough and slowed of his own accord. The youngster had a decided bowlegged gait once he managed to dismount, though he almost ended up on his back when his hoof became entangled in the stirrup.

As I stood before the nondescript farmhouse, he stood beside me with a query on his face.

"What...?"

"You will see. Still agree to do what I say, or would you rather I carry out the contract?"

He put his hands up in gesture of supplication, and gave that maddening grin. Fucker was a cute one, I had to give him that. One day it would either get him killed or get him a ticket to a very rewarding life. Maybe, just maybe, both. I couldn't resist giving him a kiss though, but no more. I could tell from his nicker he wanted more.

We walked up to the door, and I knocked. It opened, quiet and fast, and an impassive face stared out, before breaking into a grin. The bear suddenly reached out and wrapped me in a hug.

"Larissa! It has been too long!"

"I know Danis, but I am here on business. Can you see if Master Gaijorn will see me?"

The bear looked a little pensive, but nodded and turned to go. I beckoned the stallion to follow, and he joined me in the small antechamber. It was plain, white walls, no furniture. All you could do was stand, and that was what we did. The stallion tried to cover his uncertainty, but he was no good at it. I shrugged. He would learn.

The door opened, and the bear gestured for us to follow. We were led to a small courtyard, surrounded by high walls with vines growing up and over a trellis that formed a sort of awning. A single seat of green wood on the far side was occupied by a wizened otter, who ignored us as we approached. The bear led us right up to the seat before bowing and shuffling away. I studied the otter for long minutes as he waited, reading a scroll. I managed to stay calm, but the stallion failed terribly. His hooves shuffled, and he nickered, and flicked his tail, and snorted. I smiled, imagining the response from Master Gaijorn. He would not be impressed.

Eventually the otter spoke.

"So, you drag your miserable carcass back here after three years without a visit. Your manners have not improved Kohani."

I smiled at his insults. Long experience had told me that Master Gaijorn hid his love in insults. Had he been polite I would have been disappointed.

"Hello there..."the stallion made the mistake of speaking. Before he could react, the otter had sprung up, slapped his muzzle, and returned to his seat as if nothing had happened.

"You have impolite friends Kohani."

It was his pet name for me, when I first came. Kohani...creature of emotion. I gave up trying to be otherwise, and instead accepted it as my due. He eventually grunted and gave up trying to change me too, and from then on Kohani became by name from him. Larissa was no more.

"That should not surprise you Master. I always was picking up unsuitable company."

The otter grunted and finally looked up, first at me, then at the stallion, who was still stunned by the assault and just stood with a mildly indignant look on his muzzle and his massaged his sore cheek.

"Tell me about him."

"He needs sanctuary for a time, and I need someone by my side. I came to a...suitable solution."

"Oh?"

"Train him. For a year."

Now the otter lost his composure. I had to try very hard not to laugh as I watched his face move with a mix of shock horror and amusement.

"Train...that?"

"Yes."

"A gangly awkward colt, with no poise, no skill, no patience and no sense of honour. No, it is ridiculous..."

"I did not say he had to graduate, Master. I agree, he is lacking in several areas. However, he is brave, loyal, strong, and he has a good heart. He will not make a ninja, but he will make a competent warrior with whatever skills you can give him, and he will need the hardness you can instill for what he has to do."

The otter looked at me keenly.

"Your sentimental side again Kohani. I can tell. What is he to you?"

"I admit it Master, and all I can say is he matters. And I need him; alive, and in one piece, in one year."

"And then?"

"Let's just say, I'm considering going freelance, and leave it at that."

I couldn't tell who looked more distressed at this idea, the otter or the stallion, but eventually the otter nodded with a sly grin. I could almost tell what he was thinking.

"And his cock is off limits Master. He belongs to another."

Nyam gave a little embarrassed whinny, and the otter managed a frustrated glower.

"A pity. You know how much I like the horses..."

"Which is why I said it. Paws off."

"Well, not entirely. He will need frequent...correction, I am sure."

I gave a shudder at that. Part of me felt for the stallion. Part of me also wished I could be here to see said correction...and soothe his pains afterwards. Still, he would learn, that I was confident of. And perhaps need less 'correction' as time went on.

"Remember, alive and in one piece."

To seal the deal, I threw the bag into my Master's paws. He looked at it blankly.

"Five thousand gold. Don't ask where it came from...but it should cover his board and training...and cover your loss of the delights of horsecock too."

Master groomed his whiskers in delight, before looking the stallion over with a keen eye. I could see Nyam blushing under his gaze, but he stayed still and staring straight out. He was learning already.

"Fine. Send him to Danis to get him prepared. First session is at two bells."

The otter turned and walked away without comment. I was used to it by now, but the stallion wasn't.

"He's a rude bastard!"

I slapped his ass, hard. He yelped, and looked hurt.

"That is a foretaste of what you will be getting frequently if you don't smarten up!"

"What the hell is this anyway? I thought you were taking me somewhere I could be safe while Sarah's father gets to think I'm dead!"

"I am, stupid horse. You need to be somewhere far away, where nobody will find you. The lack of body will make him suspicious, though I will explain it away by saying it is meant to add credence to the idea that you ran off leaving a distraught Sarah to pine and find more suitable companions. No sense making you a martyr; better a rogue. If he finds out you are still alive though, even just a hint, another one of my guild will come for you, and I cannot protect you yet. Not to mention the three or more of my erstwhile colleagues who will be sent to ask me some urgent questions with the aid of a red hot poker. Plus, there is some chance your foal will be allowed to live if you are safely dead. With you around, it is likely your mare's father will arrange an 'accident'. There is nowhere I am comfortable leaving you, where I am confident we can keep you safe anyway, until we see if Sarah has a foal safely to term. Except here; nobody will know you exist here."

What I couldn't say, least of all in front of him, was that I didn't trust his mare either. She had agreed to the plan with alacrity but just enough woeful glances at the stallion to tell me that she would never stay away from him if she actually knew where he was. And as she had amply demonstrated already, her belief in her own ability to outwit her father's minions was entirely misplaced. I hated amateurs; they fucked everything up. Here he would be protected from her father; he would also be protected from her.

Which was not to say that she would remain faithful for the year. Knowing her, I gave that zero chance. But I also knew deep down when she said she loved him, she meant it. She would wait. She just wouldnt wait celibate.

"So where the fuck is here? And who is that otter?" he managed to sound aggrieved. It was kind of cute.

"Welcome stupid horse to somewhere few are allowed to come. The school of Master Gaijorn, first Grand Master of the guild of Ninja Assassins."

The response was gratifying at least. He stumbled backwards, eyes wide and muzzle open.

"The...school of ninja assasins?"

"Yes. This is where I learned to be what I am...and where you will learn at least enough to have some chance of survival once you come out and we work out what to do next, after I reunite you with your mare and foal as well."

"But I will be a terrible ninja!"

"Which is exactly what Master Gaijorn knew the moment he saw you. But you might just learn enough to be able to be of use to me and keep your head once I come for you."

"You still haven't told me why you are doing this."

"I told you, I am a sentimental assassin."

"You are a terrible assassin."

"Well, that will make two of us."

I gave him a last kiss and a generous fondle of his package before handing him over to the tender mercies of Danis. I was certainly disappointed to be missing the fun, but I had urgent business to attend to and I had to be back in the city by nightfall. My mount complained all the way home; it seemed my lot to have to deal with reluctant horses this day.

My frustration was partly alleviated by the thought that though Sarah would no doubt find lovers to pass the time, at least one equine would be forced into celibacy for the year. Perhaps I might have to come visit frequently...

Purely for professional reasons of course.

*****

The Great Baths were a massive miracle of engineering, opulence and sophistication. Built by the last Viceroy as a sign of imperial power, they had become an institution in the city very quickly. Everyone who was anyone came there to relax, be seen by their kind, and exchange gossip. Unfortunately, certain limits of propriety were maintained, and so I was denied the sight of large numbers of naked and agreeably buff male furs washing and relaxing naked in the waters or the steam rooms.

Of course, that was not quite the loss for me that it might be for some.

I took the left hand corridor then, once through the entry hallway, parting company with the stream of males heading to the right. Leaving my clothing behind, I headed first to the largest and cheapest communal bathing pool, putting in several laps amongst the less energetic ladies of the town, admiring some discretely as they frolicked in the waters.

As the bells of the Viceroy's tower struck eight and darkness began to steal over the city, I headed for the small doorway I knew well and the discrete but effective security detail that guarded the entrance. With a wave of my token, green laquer on gold, I was allowed to pass, heading for the usual room by the northern complex. It was quiet, and cooler, with private baths and most well trained and subservient attendants, a selection of dainty treats on a silver platter, and comfortable couches to lounge on should you wish to either relax, talk, or receive a refreshing massage.

For a suitable fee, the massage could be made more exciting. Once I had shared the attentions of a most beautiful stag who had magic hands, as well as other appendages. That had been a one off though, and I didn't mind so much. I really came for my companion, my lover, though she didn't feel the same depth for me as I for her. That was the source of my melancholy, even amongst the opulence of the private baths.

We had met five years ago, and though she was older, we felt a connection right away, one that quickly became physical. Our regular assignations here were my sustenance, keeping the depth of my heart beating whenever I thought the light might go out.

She had been away for a month, taking time at her husband's seaside estate. I had missed her more than was comfortable to admit, hence the ill-advised dalliance with the sailor bull, and probably the even more ill-advised course I had taken since the mare called up the stairs to my erstwhile target.

She was still beautiful.

"Larissa!"

I always felt extra warm at the way she said my name.

"Pria!"

We fell into each other's arms quickly, almost hungrily. I knew what she wanted, as much as I did too.

I had her laid on the couch for me, and admired her body. An appaloosa mare, I loved tracing the outline of each of her manifold spots with my lips before I reached her sex. It always made her so ready, she would try to pull my muzzle down to her with increasing desperation. I was too strong for her, of course, though she gave a good wrestle. I never could resist for long anyway.

For now though I admired, while she peeled grapes and smiled that seductive smile back at me.

"Not bad for an old mare my love?"

"Not bad at all for a grandmother..." I caught myself but not in time. She didn't get the meaning though, and laughed that musical laugh.

"Hah! No chance of that just yet my love. I'm not ready for a grandmother's purple gown yet! I like this too much..."

For some reason I couldn't take my time, this time, and as I straddled her muzzle and felt her lips on mine, I dived into her sex and lapped up her excitement like wine. Her clit was already swollen, and I found the special spot that drove her into raptures, just on the underside, near the tip, and slightly to the left. As I touched her there her body moved in the throes of pleasure and I gave her all I had with fingers and tongue and lips.

An Appaloosa, where her daughter took after her father with pure white Arabian coat, but in this small thing as in others, it was like mother like daughter. They even tasted the same, though it pained me to remember.

Afterwards we lay back and had a massage from a gentle but powerful stallion. He winked at me, hinting at the possibility of other delights. He was a chestnut too, and the memory of Nyam made me suddenly melancholy again. I could tell Pria wanted to share him, but I was not in the mood. She pouted instead.

Languidly nibbling a tiny rangefruit, my love looked me over as the stallion worked on my hindpaws. It felt good; the stress slowly abated as I relaxed back on the couch.

"You know Larissa, in all these years, you still haven't told me what you do."

Somehow the situation got to me, I guess. I would have another thing to seek forgiveness from Takassis for.

"I'm an assassin. A ninja assassin."

Her laugh was spontaneous and heartfelt, it took her a long time to regain her composure while the stallion began working up my legs and I ground down the anger and frustration, as much as the shock that I had actually said the words.

"You? Oh Liss...now I know you are teasing me. You are such a sentimental wolf, who ever heard of a sentimental assassin? That is too good...I will have to remember that one. Why, I'd believe my husband to be one before you. He has the coldness for it."

"So why don't you leave him?"

I looked at her, longingly. She was disturbed enough to dismiss the masseur with a curt nod.

"Liss...we have talked about this. I can't...I have a position in the city, and for all his faults, he is a good horse. And we have Sarah to think of..."

I nodded and smiled, and she smiled back, assuming it had all been one big joke and we could get back to how it was without any awkwardness.

"Really Liss...whoever heard of a sentimental assassin!"

I nodded in agreement. It was ridiculous after all. Trouble was, I knew I had to tell her about Sarah, about Nyam, about the foal, about her husband, at some point if I was to keep her. And in so doing, I would lose her too. I wanted to hit her with it all, hard and fast so she couldn't withstand the shock, but something held me back.

Love is a serious impediment for an assassin.

I grunted, and signalled the attendant to bring the masseur back. One thing at a time. For now, I had to forget. And sentimentality be damned.