[Companions Chapter 06]

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WARNING! The following text contains explicit adult subject matter. It is not intended for anyone under the age of 18. If you are under the age of 18, then you must stop reading now. The author has taken steps to ensure that this story does not appear in any subject-inappropriate or age-inapropriate forum. This version has been posted with the author's permission to Yiffstar.com.

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* _COMPANIONS_

* by Evoquus

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* (c) Copyright 2002, Evoquus, All rights reserved.

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* Feedback is appreciated: [email protected]

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Rating: NC-17 for explicit sex: M/M, Human-Stallion, Anal, Oral

Chapter 06: The Bonding

Once it got dark, the revelry quickly died down and the Hipponaurs laid down together to sleep. The night air was cooler than I found comfortable, and not having brought a blanket, I had only Rovaun to keep me warm. I snuggled into him, but he felt alien to me. He was my Companion, but he wasn't on my side. It made an emotional impasse between us. For hours I lay awake, worrying about the bonding and about poor Malaya. I still didn't feel remotely Wraith-like. Then I heard a whine in my head, and sat up to see what was happening. All of the Hipponaurs were asleep, but someone was trying to link with me, or maybe to Rovaun. The link was faint, and produced no emotion, or images or sound, other than the whine. I looked to Rovaun, who was still fast asleep. Then I realized he was probably dreaming about linking. The link soon faded, and with it, so did my concerns about the next day, and I was thankful to my unconscious Companion for singing me to sleep.

I awoke the next morning to the rumble of galloping hooves as dozens of stallions approached from the distance. Several Hipponaurs got to their feet and roused the sleepier ones. Then many rushed to greet the visitors out in an open field. The two groups collided in playful battle, many stallions rearing up in mock displays of male fury. Soon they would all want to meet me. I looked around at the few who stayed behind, and noticed Malaya being consoled by a mare. I was much more interested in her problems than my own.

"What is the matter, Malaya?" I asked tenderly. She could not look at me.

"She had a bad dream," the mare said.

"A BAD dream...?"

"Centaurs... Mourne's Prophecy."

"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that, Malaya. I know that must have been a scary dream. But you know what? I'm here to fix that dream."

She finally turned to look at me with her beautiful eyes.

"Yes, sweetie," the mare said to her, "this man will help us fight them."

She smiled and said a shaky, "Thank you."

I smiled back, then looked at the mare. "We haven't been introduced," I said, "I am Daniel. Are you Malaya's mother?"

"Yes, I am Weira."

"Uh... Is Hurroll... your bond mate?"

"Unfortunately," she said, not too thrilled to be reminded of it.

"Please forgive my boorish curiosity," I said, "I'm kind of new to Hipponaur protocol. May I just say congratulations to you and Malaya on receiving His Eminence's blessing yesterday."

"That is quite all right and very gracious of you," she said, offense not taken.

Rovaun must not have known that Hurroll had two bond mates. I was so relieved to find out Malaya's mother was Hipponaur that I gave Malaya a big kiss on the forehead. "Now don't you worry about a thing, young lady. I have it on high authority that you're going to be just fine. I have to go because I've got some bonding to do, but I'll see you later, okay?"

"Okay," she said, cheering up to me.

Whistling an airy tune, I marched back to Rovaun, who had stayed behind for me.

"You look like you're feeling better," he said.

"I'm feeling pretty good, thanks. I'm actually starting to warm up to this idea. Look at all of that horsemeat out there. I'm really going to get to fuck all of those stallions! Maybe more than once." I winked at him.

"I am... pleased at your change of heart," he said, not very sincerely.

"Yeah, me too." Then I put my arm around him and rubbed his chest. "I don't suppose, you could be the first today."

He snorted out of surprise at the unexpected request, then quickly glanced around a bit, and, what the hell, mashed his open mouth into mine. We kissed like teenagers for several minutes until I heard Varyl say, "Someone get a fire hose," accompanied by lots of horsey laughter. I broke free and saw we had gathered a crowd of eager stallions hoping to get some of what I was giving my mate. The sheer magnitude of the task at hand suddenly hit me like a ton of bricks, and my new-found confidence fell just as quickly. Many of the stallions were already fully erect, and Azgard was even engorged. There was no way I could mate with that open umbrella.

"My God Rovaun," I whispered, "I'm not so sure of this anymore."

"It will be all right, Companion. I will be here for you," he said in that soothing tone that could float me away.

"Wraith," said Varyl, "these are your suitors today. Each will mate with you only once and then there will be a short rest period to allow your body to absorb the seed. After today we will travel several hundred miles to another central bonding point, where emissaries have already been dispatched to gather stallions from nearby cliques."

"I don't like being called just 'Wraith,' I whispered to Rovaun. It sounds so impersonal."

"It is not intended as such," he whispered back. "'Wraith' is an honorary title, nearly equivalent to 'Your Eminence.' And I cannot think of anything more trivial for you to be concerned about right now."

"It will be difficult for you, at first, Wraith," Varyl said. "But having already survived a mating with Rovaun, your body is much hardier than you may realize. All you need do is put your fear aside and let the bonding commence unhindered. I dare say... you may even enjoy it."

The other stallions whinnied lecherously, which didn't help.

"Let the suitors introduce themselves, then we will begin."

The new stallions lined up and told me their names, which, again, I didn't even try to remember. Then they all said basically the same thing: what an honor it was, how they looked forward to sticking it in me, etc. It all turned into indistinguishable echoes in my head, and I feigned interest so as not to offend them and make them want to stick it TO me, as well. Then one echo suddenly stood out above all others.

"I am Parceph."

A solid dark brown stallion stood before me. "Parceph!" I said, snapping out of my trance. "I need to talk to you in private. Please come with me. Rovaun, you too."

Parceph looked disturbed, as if he knew what this was about. I led him away from the others, who all looked confused and perhaps a bit jealous.

"I will be right back to finish the introductions, I said. And I promise to keep my pants on!"

The stallions all laughed at my comment, all except Varyl. I led the horses back to the spot where identification took place the night before.

"Parceph, I need your help. We don't have much time. I need to know why Varyl thought your Companion was the Wraith."

Parceph looked around nervously. "Varyl was mistaken. Let's leave it at that."

"No! I need to know what he saw on your Companion's body."

"I swore an oath to Hipponaur. I cannot break that oath. Rovaun, you know that."

"I told you he would not reveal the secret," said Rovaun. "He is an honorable Hipponaur."

"But I am the WRAITH! Surely you can tell me what Varyl saw! Parceph, my life depends on this. And you know what that means."

The stallion looked down, unwilling to cooperate. I heard hooves approaching.

"Was THIS what Varyl saw?" I tore my shirt open revealing the tattoo. Parceph looked up and stared at it. Anger filled his eyes.

"No," he said coldly. "It was a scar. On his left thigh."

"Thank you!" I said, "You just saved my life." I quickly buttoned up my shirt just as Varyl rounded the corner.

"Wraith," he commanded, "your bond mates await."

Parceph walked passed him without making eye contact.

"I need a few minutes with my Companion, please. I'm feeling very stressed out right now, and only he can calm me down."

Varyl let out a loud frustrated exhale. "Very well, take as much time as you need." He turned and left. "The Wraith is having honeymoon jitters," I heard him shout to the other stallions, who laughed uproariously.

"Rovaun, there's your proof! It's all a setup. There's no way Varyl could have confused a scar on the leg with a tattoo on the chest. He just picked any distinguishing characteristic, and every human has one."

"Why would he do that!" demanded Rovaun. "Why would he jeopardize everything just to purposely misidentify you!? Varyl is the greatest Hipponaur alive. He is greater than Mourne. I suppose it is possible that he does not really know how to recognize the Wraith, so instead he is using his best judgment. A second mistake in this matter would be unforgivable, and he knows that. We have survived millennia under his guidance. I trust him as much as you trust me, and you continue to discount the fact that you and I will be ONE someday."

"I'm not discounting that. I just don't understand it."

"That is the beauty of destiny, Companion, you don't HAVE to."

I stared at him, then got up to leave. "I'm getting something to eat!"

"Companion..."

"Hey!" I shouted, "I'm angry and I'm hungry! 'Nuff said."

I left to dig through my pack for some granola bars. I found a couple and started devouring them. I also found an original sketch of a furry equine character named "Tantau." I'd seen artwork like this on the internet, but I didn't know how it had gotten into my pack. There was something oddly deja-vu familiar about him, too, like a forgotten dream. I put him back to drool over later. I grabbed a third bar, then sat down on a boulder to think.

Rovaun wasn't going to help me figure this out, but he asked the right questions. Why would Varyl purposely misidentify me as the Wraith? There truly was no reason for him to do so, unless he just wanted to kill me. But if that was all he wanted to do, he certainly could have come up with a less complicated and more discreet scheme. Maybe it was an experiment to see how many stallions could mate with a human? If that was the case, then I might actually survive, assuming I don't explode horse gism out my ears. But what useful knowledge would be gained by such an experiment? No, Rovaun was right. It didn't make sense that he would falsely identify me.

So, Varyl must truly believe I am the Wraith, but he could still be mistaken. If I was not the Wraith, then Mourne's Prophecy was completely irrelevant, but if I WAS the Wraith, then the prophecy could contain some useful information. The prophecy might also contain a clue that would either point to me or to someone else as the true Wraith.

"Okay," I called to Rovaun, "I need to know what I'm up against. Please show me the prophecy, now."

"It will be unsettling," he warned as he approached.

"Yes, of course it will. Do you want me to lie down or can I just sit here?"

"Sitting will suffice."

Rovaun stared intently at me and the whine returned. It was getting easier to filter it out and concentrate on the salient information in the link, and it didn't take long for the horror show to start. Centaurs - real live and kicking Centaurs - were attacking Hipponaurs like large pack animals bringing down a buffalo. Three jumped on a single black mare and pinned her to the ground, while they simultaneously raped every orifice. One ripped away her lower jaw to prevent the mare from biting while he violently thrust into her gullet. Any hole that was too small to fit the Centaur was made bigger. And new holes were made to fuck where none had existed previously. It was unthinkably barbaric. Stallions, mares, and the young were all equally targeted. I wanted to vomit.

Then a completely new change of scenery. Stallions, serenely lined up in the distance behind a man bound face down to a smooth rock. He was not recognizable from this distance, but it was clearly my destiny I was viewing. Each stallion gently mounted the man from behind, entered only a few inches, made nine or ten imperceptible thrusts, held for a minute, then carefully dismounted. After each mating, the man was unbound, got up and hugged the stallion for good luck. Why he was bound with a rope, I could not say, but it did not seem to bother him. Later, the man coupled with a mare, in exactly the same position that Zhorelle and I had been in, the only difference being that he was as gentle to the mare as the stallions had been to him.

The next scene showed Centaur battling Centaur, but I didn't need to see anymore. "That's enough, Rovaun." The link disconnected.

"Is that what Malaya saw last night?"

"Yes, Companion."

My heart sank for her, and for the innocence that the dream had ripped from her. I didn't know what to do. The Centaur monstrosity had to be defeated, but the true horror was that they could not be prevented. They would be born and they would thrive, and they would do those horrible things to innocent Hipponaurs. They were more frightening than anything I could have imagined. There was no doubt in my mind, that I had to do something to stop it.

"Rovaun," I said in a daze, "that was me with the stallions, wasn't it."

"Yes, my Companion."

"I think so, too. I finally see, now. I know why you reacted the way you did yesterday. My God... I'm the Wraith. I can't believe it. But I'm not afraid anymore."

"I am happy to hear that."

"In fact, the multiple bonding does seem to be rather pleasant. Surreal, but certainly not life threatening."

"You will survive."

"And the stallions... they are all so well behaved when we mate. How come you're such a psycho?"

"I do not know. Perhaps that is why I do not mate with you further during the multiple bonding, because I am... psycho."

"Are you the exception or the rule?"

"Sorry?"

"I thought all stallions were psycho for humans, but it looks like it's just you."

"I cannot explain the discrepancy. It, too, is my understanding that in general, all stallions are... enthusiastic with humans."

"Is this your dream or Mourne's?"

"I cannot explain that. It cannot be a physical point of view of my own personal destiny, for we all share the same identical dream. We assume it is a vision of Mourne or his ancestor that has somehow been ingrained into us as a race."

"It can't be Mourne's destiny," I said, "because he's dead, so he wouldn't have seen it, right? Wait a minute,... could Mourne still be alive?"

"Not likely. There are other visions that he shared with us that have come true after his death. He was the only Hipponaur to be able to see beyond his years."

"Even more reason to suspect he's still alive."

"No, because one of the earlier visions he saw, was his own death."

"Oh... my. How did he die?"

"A ledge gave way, and he fell. He often climbed a mountain with his grandson to share the world with him. Varyl still climbs that mountain every year to show his respect."

"Why did Mourne ever go near that mountain if he knew he would die there?"

"He understood his destiny, just like you do, now."

"Rovaun, I will gladly lie down and accept the seed of all of Hipponaur to save you. But your short term destiny is still a fucking nightmare! The Centaurs are going to come. But they're not here yet. We shouldn't be spending energy to fight them, we should be spending energy to prevent them."

He shook his head. "They cannot be prevented."

And, of course, I knew that, now that I finally acknowledged my own Wraithness. Then, something that had come out of my mouth earlier amused me perversely as a sick pun: the Centaurs were a fucking nightmare. Yep, that's what they were doing: they were a-fucking [a] night mare. Nightmares... and dreams... That was the common theme throughout all of it. They were nightmares... The Centaurs were nightmares... They only existed in nightmares... Only in dreams... And this dream was surreal... Surreal... Unreal... They are unreal... The prophecy is unreal!

"Rovaun! If I am the Wraith, every one of those Centaurs, good or evil is half ME, right? Not just half human, half DANNY-BOY!"

"Yes?"

"Well look at their faces. The dream doesn't show the Wraith up close, but it clearly shows the Centaurs. Does any one of them look like me?"

"No..."

"If I truly sire all of those Centaurs, you'd expect the human half to have at least some resemblance to their father."

"Perhaps, but not necessarily. It is possible that the Hipponaur genes are dominant."

"Fine. Let's go there. Why doesn't the horse half of all of the evil Centaurs look like Zhorelle? I saw Mustangs, Morgans and even an Appaloosa Centaur. Is Zhorelle part Appaloosa?"

"No." Snort. "But your arguments are speculative."

"Yes, they are, but there are too many unanswered questions and inconsistencies. I'm calling this whole thing off!" I jumped to my feet, but a shoelace had gotten caught in a crack at the base of the rock and I fell forward onto dead tree trunk. A large sharp splinter dug deep into my left thigh, and I knew instantly what that meant.

"Tsk, tsk," Rovaun said coolly, "You had better let me tend to that before it becomes something ugly and permanent."

Destiny kept flipping the coin on my resolve. Once again I wasn't sure anymore. I removed my pants so that Rovaun could clean the gash. His tongue worked its healing magic, sterilizing the wound and stopping the bloodflow. I scratched his ears in appreciation with one hand while I held my head with the other.

"What should I do, Companion?"

"You know my answer. You are the Wraith."

"I don't feel like the Wraith anymore. I just want to go home."

"I know. I do, too. We will get through this ordeal, you and I. Do you believe that?"

"I don't know... I think so."

"Well, I KNOW we will. My Companion, I believe it is time to face your destiny."

"Okay. I can't fight anymore. Let's go before I change my mind again."

Rovaun helped me to my feet. I gathered my things and limped around the corner using my Companion for support. When we met up with the others, I heard one stallion complain, "Hey, he promised to keep his pants on," while another told him to shut up.

Malaya was there, too, and when I passed her, she begged, "Please make the Centaurs go away."

"I will, little one. I will, just like in the dream. You watch me. You'll see."

"Are you injured?" Varyl asked.

"I'll be fine," I said, "I am ready to start bonding now."

Cheers erupted from most of the crowd, but a few seemed concerned that I was less than 100% willing.

"The bonding site is this way, Wraith." Varyl led us to a stubby flat boulder that had ropes around it. It was not particularly smooth, but the height was about right to allow a stallion easy access to my ass.

"Why are the ropes necessary, Varyl?" My familiarity with his title caused some minor discomfort in some in the crowd.

"I cannot answer that question, Wraith. The reason for the ropes is simply because they exist in the prophecy. Perhaps they provide for your safety, like... a seatbelt."

"This is obviously not the same bonding site as in the prophecy, can you explain that?"

"Companion, behave," Rovaun pleaded.

"Yes, I can easily explain that apparent discrepancy, Wraith. The prophecy shows only one of many bonding sites yet to be visited. This particular site is not explicitly revealed, nor does it need to be."

"Then I see no need for ropes, since apparently nothing of the first bonding is explicitly revealed in the prophecy."

The crowd murmured nervously amongst themselves, and I distinctly heard one voice say, "He's got a point."

Varyl was rapidly running out of patience. "The prophecy guides us, Wraith. It shows us the way. I recommend we follow its protocol."

"And what do you think, Rovaun, my Companion, mate, and protector, do you think I should be tied down to the rock so that there is no way for me to escape when a stallion loses control?"

He looked at me with anger in his eyes, but not in his heart, for he knew the peril I faced.

"Yes," he said, loud and clear.

"Fine. My life is in your hands." Then I hugged him and whispered to him, "Please, don't let go."

"I will be with you at all times. No stallion will lose control while I am on watch, I promise. I understand your fear, but it will be all right."

Reluctantly, I approached the rock of doom.

"Please remove the rest of your clothing," Varyl said. "You may use it to drape over the rock to make yourself more comfortable."

I did as he said, feeling like the prisoner about to be executed. Then I assumed the position on the rock, with butt in the air, allowing my hands and feet to be tied tightly into position by Hipponaur mares with remarkably skillful lips and teeth. Rovaun set down in front of me so we could see eye-to-eye while mating took place.

"Please Companion," I cried through a whisper, "don't let them hurt me."

"Never!"

"To all of the Wraith's suitors," announced Varyl, "I want to make it very clear that he is NOT to be harmed, so you will have to control yourselves. If you are unable to control yourselves, then Rovaun has my permission to see to it that some harm may come to you. Do you all understand?"

The stallions replied affirmatively.

"However, you must not fear harming the Wraith, either. He has already survived a mating with Rovaun, so it will be easier for you to enter him. The first bonding will be the most difficult for him. Rovaun assures me that he and the Wraith share a long and beautiful destiny together, so we all know that he survives the bonding. Therefore, you must enter him quickly and cleanly to avoid any unnecessary discomfort for him. Are you ready for the first stallion, Wraith?"

"Companion," I whispered in terror, "hold your face against mine." He did as I asked, and I rubbed his cheek with my own. "Don't let go."

"I won't," he whispered back, sounding equally terrified.

"I'm ready!" I shouted.

"The first stallion shall be Parceph," announced Varyl. "Come forward."

Parceph approached, but then froze. "Forgive me, Your Eminence, I cannot be first."

"You disappoint me, Parceph," Varyl chastised. "I felt you deserved the honor of being the first, but, so be it, you may now go last. In the meantime, please assist Rovaun." Parceph, humiliated, stood by Rovaun for all to see while they mated with the Wraith.

"Azgard," announced Varyl, "You look eager and ready. You may step forward."

"Thank you, Your Eminence." The Clydesdale stepped forward and hopped his tree trunk-sized front legs onto the rock, and the horror of his fully engorged glans pushed against my anus. "It is truly an honor to be the first to bond with you, Wraith. I will not harm you."

"Rovaun!" I scream-whispered, "He's completely engorged - it's as big as my head!! This can't be right!!"

"Yes, I know," he said, also in a panic, but not knowing what to do.

Azgard pushed hard, trying to enter but without success. My body was being pushed and twisted by the ropes. I held back a scream as long as I could but it eventually escaped my lungs. Rovaun finally took action.

"Your Eminence, Azgard is too aroused at this time to enter the Wraith. We request another suitor. Azgard may continue once he has... calmed down."

Varyl was exasperated. "Yes, I agree, Azgard please dismount and go cool off somewhere. Is there any stallion here who is erect but not too erect?... Chevrus, are you up to the task?"

"Yes, Your Eminence!"

"Step forward and get on with it!"

I started crying out of fear and exhaustion. "Rovaun, this one's going to kill me."

"Noooo, Companion, hold on! I'm here for you!!"

"I can't... I can't do this anymore... Please take me home."

"Just hold on,... please hold on," he cried.

A phallus pressed into me. I instinctively clenched tight to deny access, and dropped my head to the rock, sobbing, "You aren't going to save me, are you. It's over."

"It will be okay... okay," he said, now sobbing himself.

The phallus pushed hard, but I twisted such that he kept slipping away. I was only delaying the inevitable.

"Rovaun! Maybe the only reason we have a future together is because you rescue me!"

"No... I don't know... I don't know which future is real. This is not how it is supposed to happen!" Rovaun was losing it. He, too, dropped his head, whimpering, trying desperately to both act and not act.

The phallus backed off and the stallion stepped down.

"Your Eminence," Chevrus said, "I cannot do this to the Wraith if he is unwilling. I respectfully request you find another."

"Oh for God's sake!" shouted Varyl in hysterics. "I'll do it myself! Step aside!!"

The black stallion's hooves slammed down onto the rock on either side of my head, and he stimulated himself by violently rubbing his sheath into my ass. I could feel his balls bouncing off my own. In seconds, his cock emerged from its sheath and drove point blank into me, and his tree started growing inside, already buried up to the root.

"Rovaun, get yourself together, LISTEN TO ME! Look how he's positioned himself! He's already ALL THE WAY IN! You've got to STOP HIM! He's completely filled my colon and still growing - in fifteen seconds I'll be dead! ROVAUN!!!"

Rovaun could not respond. His reality was being torn asunder in front of him. But another terrified voice was saying, "Stop it, stop it, stop it, stop it..." I turned to see who it was. Parceph stood trembling at the sight of another man being murdered under his watch.

"Parceph!" I shouted. "Save me!"

Parceph made a move, and that snapped Rovaun out of his funk. He jumped to his feet and roared at Varyl, "GET OFF HIM, NOW!"

"No! The bonding must continue! Harlok! Remove Rovaun..."

"NOOOOOOOOO!!" Rovaun through his head under Varyl and flipped him backwards over the rock. Fifteen inches of bloody horsecock instantly yanked out of me, along with much of my colon. Parceph bit through the ropes to free me, then he and Rovaun jumped onto Varyl to hold him down.

"How DARE you assault me!" seethed Varyl.

"Shut up!" I yelled, rolling off the rock.

"Are you injured?" asked Rovaun.

"Yes!" I fell onto my knees and carefully pushed several inches of lower intestine back into my ass. It should have hurt a lot more than it did. "...But I'll be okay with a little Hipponaur first aid. Thank you for saving my life from this murderous son of a bitch, Companion."

I slowly stood up, defiant in front of Varyl, and spoke calmly. "I don't recall seeing any of that happen in Mourne's Prophecy. Can you explain that little discrepancy, Varyl."

"Yes I can," he said with hatred in his eyes. It can only mean that you are not the Wraith."

"No, I'm not. But you already knew that, didn't you. You just wanted to see me dead for some reason. Why? What did I ever do to you?"

"Lies. The human LIES! Seize him!"

"SHUT UP!" yelled Rovaun and Parceph. No other Hipponaurs made a move.

A timid Malaya slowly approached me. My heart sank again.

"Malaya, I'm sorry, little one. I guess I'm not the Wraith after all."

She trembled while her eyes transfixed on my tattoo. Rovaun had done the very same thing the first time he saw it.

"Tan...Tan...Tau."

"What is it?... Tantau?" I pulled the picture from my pack and showed it to her.

"Is this Tantau?"

"Tantau!!" she beamed at the image and at me.

"Who is he, Malaya?"

"A... dream..."

"Yes... That's right. It's a dream! Can you remember it, Malaya?"

"No..."

"Please try. Concentrate on the picture of Tantau."

"I... I think...I can remember..."

"Show us, Malaya, please show us the dream if you can."

"It's scary. The Centaurs!"

"Don't think about the Centaurs, only about Tantau."

The images that formed in our heads from her link were a bizarre juxtaposition of pure hatred and pure love. In the foreground, the Centaurs' carnage carried on, but in the background Tantau stood in the same pose as in the sketch, except that he was alive. Then hundreds of similar creatures relaxed and played on a beach with humans, completely unaware of the Centaurs mayhem right on top of them. The dream ended and I remembered it all.

"Rovaun," I said, speaking to all present, "you told me that Zhorelle played your memory inside my head like a tape recorder. Varyl, apparently can do much more. He can also erase and re-record."

The Hipponaurs stood silently looking at Varyl, who said nothing.

"I saw Malaya's dream last night. Then someone linked with me in the middle of the night and *poof* the dream and its memory were gone. I couldn't even remember making this sketch. But what is completely unconscionable, is that Varyl would replace such a beautiful dream, with Centaurs! There AREN'T any Centaurs! There never will be. Mourne's Prophecy is a complete fabrication. That's why Varyl visits every newborn Hipponaur - to implant into their tiny innocent minds the horrific Centaur seed that will not allow any place for the gentle Tantau to grow. He's done this to ALL of you!"

The Hipponaurs were no longer silent. Already they were deciding his punishment.

"But why do you hate me so much?" I asked. "Is it because I would expose you?"

He looked at me with nothing but loathing. "You pollute Hipponaur blood," he growled.

I stood there, naked, bleeding and incredulous.

"What? I can't believe it! That's what this is about?? You're just a fucking racist!"

I looked at the image of Tantau and finally understood. I brought the picture over to Rovaun. "Who does that look like to you?" I asked.

"It kind of looks like you," he said.

"Yes, that's what I thought. But he also looks like you. I think that's why I find him so attractive. This is me, isn't it. It's what I will become after I finish bonding with you."

"If it is, we will have to hide all of the mirrors."

"Funny."

"My fellow Hipponaurs," I said, "I have begun bonding with Rovaun, my Companion and my mate. That means I now have Hipponaur blood in me, which makes me Hipponaur and Human. But Varyl can't stand the thought of Hipponaur blood getting cooties from human corpuscles. So he did everything he could do to stop it. Mourne's Prophecy is real, but it isn't about Centaurs. It's about this!" I held up Tantau. "This is the future of Hipponaur. Humans are your future. Mourne saw it, believed it, and told Varyl."

I stared at Varyl as more of the pieces fell into place. "What happened to Mourne, Varyl? You killed him didn't you."

Gasps erupted from several Hipponaurs.

"You couldn't let his real prophecy get out, so you killed him. But it didn't end there. Now you had to make sure that Hipponaurs and Humans would never mate. The mares were easy to sterilize. But how could you keep the stallions away from humans?"

I began pacing around him just has he had done to me earlier.

"I know how you did it. When you were implanting your twisted prophecy into the innocent foals, the young stallions got something extra. In them, you also implanted the Primitive. You turned the human's innocent Hipponaur lover into his executioner."

More gasps from the gallery. Varyl remained silent and emotionless while all of this played out.

"Not too many humans were killed. Fortunately for us, Hipponaurs are a remorseful breed with a high regard for intelligent life, so most stallions stayed away from humans. But there would always be that one in a thousand..." I glanced at Parceph. "Make that two in a thousand, who saw their destiny being shared with one. And that is where the Wraith comes in. The Centaurs create a future so horrific, that any honorable Hipponaur would turn in his human lover, if there were the remotest possibility that he could be the Wraith that would save Hipponaur. You murdered Parceph's companion."

"I never touched him!"

"You didn't have to. You fingered him to be the Wraith and then lined up a hundred Primitives to mash him into dust. It would only take one to kill him. It was Kronan, right? You basically killed him too. How many murders are we up to so far, I've lost track."

A very troubling complication had just occurred to me. "I need to think about something for a minute. Somebody else talk for a while." I started putting my clothes back on. Harlok stepped up.

"Your Eminence," Harlok said, "these accusations are utterly unthinkable. What say you?"

Varyl was silent and defiant as his eyes shot daggers at his human opponent, but then they wandered the gallery and fell upon Malaya, and then softened into sadness. Varyl hung his head. "I can't do this anymore." He sighed deeply then confessed, "For the most part... it is true."

"Then as Elder of this clique, I find you guilty of these crimes, and it is my sad duty to pronounce sentence. But your crimes are against all of Hipponaur, and I cannot speak for all of Hipponaur. However, there are two among us today whom you have wronged, personally: Parceph and Rovaun. I leave it to them to decide your fate."

The two stallions were still holding Varyl down. They released him so that he could receive judgment. He got to his feet and looked sadly at Parceph.

"Parceph," he said, "your Companion was a good man. There is nothing I can say..."

"Then please say nothing," Parceph said, unforgivingly. Varyl lowered his head, and Parceph turned to Harlok. "Elder, I still miss my Companion. For two hundred years I have hated myself for playing a part in his death. Nothing will return him to me, but I think I can move on now. Yes I have been terribly wronged,..." Now Parceph lowered his head, too, ashamed of what he felt was a cowardly verdict. "...But I have no taste for blood." He turned to Rovaun, who consoled him for a moment, then stepped up.

"Elder, the wrong done to Parceph, far outweighs the wrong done to me, for I still have my Companion. But Varyl's crimes are not only against Hipponaur, they are also against humanity. It is only fitting that his fate should be determined by a human."

"Oh, thanks a lot, Pal."

"You are welcome, Little Buddy."

I finished tying my shoes then stood up to paint Varyl's destiny. He still hung his head, repentant. He was not pure evil. Several other loyal Hipponaurs also hung their heads, as if personally willing to share in his fate.

"If this were a court of man," I said, "there would be no doubt as to Varyl's sentence, but it isn't - not by a longshot. So I have to resist my knee-jerk reaction to string him up.

"Rovaun, my Companion, whom I trust with my life, just proved to me that my trust in him was well-founded. Yet just a few minutes ago, he told me that he trusted Varyl just as much as I trusted him. Rovaun isn't stupid. He has known Varyl a lot longer than I have. Varyl earned the trust of my Companion. To do that, Varyl must truly be great."

Several Hipponaurs' ears pricked at the unexpected compliment from the outsider.

"I witnessed Malaya's blessing yesterday, and I know in my heart it was sincere. Varyl loves Hipponaur. His evil acts were his attempt to save Hipponaur from mankind's destruction. And... I can't believe I'm going to say this..." I raised my hands in capitulation. "Varyl was right. His acts, I'm convinced, did save Hipponaur.

"At the time Mourne's true prophecy was revealed to Varyl, humans were just as vicious as Centaurs. No wonder he couldn't believe it. But Hipponaurs use destiny to guide them, and he knew that if this prophecy were revealed, Hipponaurs would make first contact, and they would be doomed.

"So Varyl did what he could to save Hipponaur. He kept humans away, and Hipponaur survived. His actions held off destiny, which of course, is what Destiny had always intended. Parceph, for what it's worth, even two hundred years ago, mankind was not ready to receive you. But it is a new millennium, and mankind is more enlightened, and I think it is time to let destiny run its course.

"Varyl, you know Malaya's dream. You fear that humans will destroy Hipponaur, but look at the dream. There will be more Hipponaur blood sunbathing on that single stretch of shoreline than currently exists in the entire world today. Hipponaur and Human blood. Humans are your destiny.

"So, 'Destiny made me do it,' would be a laughable defense in a human court of law. But for Hipponaur, I'm not so sure. It certainly is a dangerous precedent, though."

I studied him for a moment, then said, "I have decided your fate." He raised his head high and proud to accept it.

"First, you will step down as lead meddler of Hipponaur affairs. Second, you will erase that terrible prophecy you placed into Malaya. And finally, I sentence you to a lifetime of hard labor. Your labor will be to visit every newborn Hipponaur-Human, and give it your blessing, since that is clearly what you are best at."

He lowered his head and shook it in utter disbelief, then raised it and smiled, "That is a fate I can live with."

There was no maudlin cheering from the crowd, but there was a great sense of relief. Despite his crimes, he was still number one.

"Varyl," said Harlok, "This is not the final word in this matter, since many cliques are not represented here today. An agreement on your sentence will be made by the High Council. However, the judgment of the human will carry much weight, and I see no reason to overturn or modify it at this time. You shall be stripped of your official title and privileges. But then you are free to go and bless whomever you please."

"May I speak?"

Harlok nodded. Varyl stepped forward to address the crowd.

"When Mourne showed me his prophecy, I thought he was demented. He called the hybrid race Anthrauns. It could not possibly be true. Then he said it was my destiny to reveal the Anthraun future to Hipponaur, but I refused. He threatened to do it himself... and,... I tell myself everyday his fall was an accident... but I pushed him." He sighed deeply, "I pushed him..."

He took a moment to recompose. "Mourne also told me of a man, who would be the first to successfully mate with a Hipponaur stallion, and that this man would change forever the destiny of Hipponaur. The Wraith, as you all know him to be, is indeed fictitious. But, my fellow Hipponaurs, I tell you now - Mourne's Wraith - is real. I am deeply honored, and humbled, to be in his presence today."

He bowed to me.

"Wraith," he said, "you are mistaken about the image of the Anthraun you hold. It is not an image of you, but it IS an image of your destiny. There is a good reason why he resembles both you and your mate."

"What?... No way!" I looked at Tantau, then Varyl, then Rovaun. "Is it poss... Rovaun! This is our son!"

Rovaun rushed over to gaze at his offspring.

"But we're both male," I said, "How can this be?"

"You'll figure it out," he said with wink.

"To all of Hipponaur, I humbly accept my sentence and my final proclamation shall be to rescind the forced bonding of all mares to stallions. It shall be the mare's choice of mate that has highest priority, since it is the mare who must live with her choice forever. And Malaya, my dear, you shall be the first to be able to have that choice."

"Yes," I agreed, "Malaya must not be bonded. Because," I touched her cheek, "I have a sneaking suspicion that someday she will be my daughter-in-law."

Malaya blushed, and her girlfriend whispered to her, "Oh my God, you are soooo lucky!!"

"Wraith," said Varyl, "I do not believe for one second that you are typical of your species. But if mankind has one tenth of the compassion, love and wisdom you have demonstrated for Hipponaur, then we truly no longer need fear man. It is the dawn of a new era and cause for celebration, but I shall not join you, for there is one other of whom I must seek forgiveness: my poor Kronan."

Varyl approached Malaya, and dropped down to her level. "My dear, I am so sorry for the trouble I caused you. I sincerely hope there are no lasting effects."

He linked with her for a minute, then stood up when finished. Malaya smiled and said cheerfully, "I'm going to marry Tantau!"

"Yes you will," he said, "and he is a very lucky fellow."

Varyl turned to me. "I expect to hear from you soon, so that I can start carrying out my sentence. Do not delay." He turned to the others. "Now, can anyone point me into Kronan's direction?" A mare said something to him and he turned to go.

"Good luck... Varyl."

He turned back to me. "And to you, Wraith, and to you, Rovaun... Oh, Rovaun, allow me a moment to remove the Primitive."

"No, leave it," I said, "It's part of him. And besides, I think the psycho is kind of sexy."

"As you wish." He headed off to the hills.

"See you in what, nine months?" I called after him.

"Don't make me wait that long," he replied before disappearing from view.

I turned to Rovaun, gave him a hug, and asked, "How long do you think it takes to make an Anthraun?"

"About thirty inches."

"That long! We'd better get started."

Parceph came up to join us. I gave him a hug, too, which he returned deeply. It had been two hundred years since the last one.

"This brings back fond memories," he sighed.

"Parceph," I said, "I am so sorry for your loss."

"I'll be all right," he said.

"And thank you for being there for me. You saved my life, too." I kissed him on the cheek.

"Your welcome," he said, "And thank YOU for reviving mine. I think it is time I start dating again. Any idea where I should be looking?"

"Stay away from gay rodeos," said Rovaun to Parceph, then to me, "Don't ask."

I reached for Rovaun so that I could hug them both at the same time, making a Wraith sandwich. They pushed their chins into my back and touched noses behind me. "You know," I wondered aloud, "I think I could be talked into a three-way."

Parceph snickered, but Rovaun didn't sound amused. "I have never seen THAT in our destiny."

"Yes you have, you just won't admit it."

"Perhaps another time, Wraith, after you've bonded," said Parceph as he turned to go.

"Call me Danny. You see, Rovaun? He's up for it!"

"Hmph."

Now Harlok butted in. "Wraith," he said, "you are now arguably the highest ranking Hipponaur official. Is there anything you wish to proclaim?"

"Absolutely! I proclaim that the Wraith is now the lowest ranking Hipponaur official."

"Yes, I expected as such," he said dryly.

"Oh really!? Well here's a proclamation you don't expect. I, Wraith, proclaim that Harlok's name be forever changed to 'Mr. Ed.'"

"Fortunately, I now outrank you. However, if you are serious, you may petition the High Council. All levity aside, there will be a celebration in your honor tonight. I hope you can attend."

"Oh, Harlok, I'd love to, but I'm beat, and I'm starving, and I know you won't be serving hamburgers. I also have some healing to do..."

I pulled Rovaun aside to ask him a personal question. "Do you think after fixing up my colon you'll have enough leftover for a filling protein shake?"

"I might be able to muster enough to tide you over until morning," he said, confidently.

I turned back to Harlok. "What the heck! We'll be there!"

Harlok departed, finally leaving us alone for a bit. I turned to caress my Companion. "Thanks again for saving my life. I know the terrible dilemma you faced back there."

"I could not let Parceph be the hero."

"Nah, even if he did take on Varyl by himself, you'd still be number one with me... though he'd be a close second."

We kissed tenderly for a few seconds, then started heating up and diving into each other's mouths for many more. When we had had our fill, I nuzzled his shoulder and scratched the length of his mane.

"Our future will be beautiful," I said into his shoulder, "but I can see we're going to have to fight, kick, and claw our way through Destiny's obstacle course to reach it."

"Hmm."

"Still, I think I'm getting the hang of this Destiny gig, don't you?"

"I agree, you have come up to speed rather quickly... There is just one thing I don't understand."

"What's that?"

"How did you know that we will be doing a three-way with Parceph?"

"Hee-hee-hee-hee..."

#

[End of _COMPANIONS_ Chapter 06: The Bonding]

[This concludes Part 2 of the series. Take a break.]

[Next in series: Chapter 07: Home]