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Skempta

The guards dragged the battered form of Rekkdyr down the corridor, torches reflecting from the blood that ran thick in his fur.

I stared in disbelief as they tossed his unconscious form into the cell with the horrified fairy.

"You made him face Krell!" I growled, stepping to the bars.

"Lasted longer than most of us thought he would!" one said with a grin.

I spat, disgusted. Krell was a true monster. He was as natural of a beast as I was a normal orc.

The guards continued their way down the hall, laughter echoing through the darkness long after they left.

I glanced over at the nude gnoll, crumpled to a heap on the floor of his cell. Clearly punishment for his defiance in the ring.

The elf was weeping as she gripped a dirty cloth dripping from the water barrel in the corner. She had immediately set to work cleaning the worst of Rekkdyr's injuries, trying to see just how bad it was.

It was difficult to tell from my cell what looked worse, though I did not like the way his cheek was sliced open, revealing his long hyena-like canines.

"You, fairy!" I called. "how bad is it?"

She glanced up from her work, eyes swollen red with tears.

"H-He has a collapsed lung. I-I may be able to heal it, but there are several other life threatening wounds, and I-I don't think I c-can heal them all." She sobbed.

It would have been as strange sight for most, for sure, seeing a dainty elf maiden sobbing over the dying form of a bestial gnoll.

"Do what you can for him." I said, shrugging off my bear-fur mantle, and tossing it across the corridor to their cell. "Then cover him with this, best you can. I fear he will go into shock."

She nodded, stepping over his prone form, to tug the mantle through the iron bars.

She set to work, whispering something under her breath, and a soft bluish light radiated from her cell. She held it for as long as she could manage, before collapsing backwards, panting heavily.

Her efforts were not in vain, however, as the Gnolls breathing seemed to stabilize somewhat.

I gave a small growl, anger seeping through me. Krell wasn't the only beast here with unusual heritage. It was the reason I had been captured to begin with. Not because I actually fell into their trap, but because I had heard unsettling rumors, and decided to see for myself.

Proved these rumors were true. Perhaps it also had something to do with the increased slaver activity.

As much as I teased him for his naive sense of honor, the truth was, Rekkdyr had grown on me in the short time I'd known the gnoll. It would be a darker place in this world without the honorable beast.

Aatu

I was awoken in the night to the sound of rapping on my cage bars. I peered through the cages at the large, red headed man, who usually brought me my meals.

He was swaying, gripping a drinking horn filled with some foul smelling liquid.

He stuttered something in his human tongue, laughing.

I growled in response, backing towards the opposite end of the cage.

His breath was wretched, and he stumbled forward into the bars, rocking my cage violently. I snapped forward suddenly, managing to catch his hand as he retreated.

He yowled, pulling his hand back. An angry white burn of frost lined the small nip, and he glared up at me, kicking the cage and scooping up a rock. He tossed it, missing me by a long shot.

I noticed the icy build up around his wound, and wondered.

A winter wolf has a breath attack that mimics a concentrated arctic wind, capable of freezing enemies solid. It typically develops around the same time the young wolf goes on his first hunt. Before, I'd only ever been able to cough small puffs of frost.

I felt a chill run through my lungs and I rushed forward, expelling an explosion of cold from my mouth, blasting the man directly in the face.

He fell backwards, skin a pale white, frost clinging to his beard. I was certain he was dead.

Out of nowhere, Fornvarr rushed forward, extending to the length the chain would allow him, managing to pull the keys off the mans belt. He gave me a cordial grin, before fitting a key into his shackles.

They popped open, and he fumbled around with the keys further, stepping forward cautiously to my cage.

"So, I'm going to let you out. Please don't leave me like that guy." He said nodding to the frozen guard.

I watched him as he cautiously unlocked the door, swinging it wide. I hesitated, before leaping out, blasting past him, and running for the safety of the treeline. My bright white pelt would do little to hide me among the vegetation, I knew, so I just aimed to put as much ground between me and the camp as I could muster.

I heard shouts and curses from behind me, but I didn't care, I ran through the rest of the night, feeling an explosion of relief as my pent up muscles finally released their stiff energy.

It was morning by the time I collapsed by a stream somewhere in the forest. Managing to gulp down a few mouthfuls of water, I was exhausted, but hopeful. While I was still not with my pack, I was free.

I curled up under a large willow beside the stream, letting sleep take hold.

Ciara

I sat at a table in an inn called the Wise Weasel, a higher class sort of place, complete with feather beds and a roaring stone hearth warming the common room.

Across from me sat a young human, who couldn't be much older than myself. He was dressed in a simple traveling tunic and cloak, though he had a simple iron axe strapped to his hip, and leather traveling boots.

From what I'd gathered from word of mouth of the various inn keepers and shop owners of the market center, this lad represented one of the only company's setting off with hopes of making it big as relic hunters.

I was listening to him drone on like your standard human noble, deciding to try his hand at a life of adventure on the borders of the world.

"So, you claim your a skilled hunter and mountaineer?" he asked finally, after the last hour was dedicated to a tale about how he had left his family's holdings in the south, seeking riches. He feared no slavers, or so he said, and figured the more slavers here, the fewer competition in the ruins.

"Yes. Grew up in a small hamlet just north of the border. Been hunting and fishing these parts much of my life." I replied.

"You'll forgive me, m'lady, if I express some skepticism. It's just that, your folk aren't typically known for their skills at such things." he spoke, eyebrow raised.

"The halflings of Northmeadow are hardier than our southern kin." I replied. "We learned how to survive where many can't."

"And you say you have a brother, who trained at the Academy in Akarshan? Where is he now? And why does he serve as some backwoods guide, rather than an adviser or ambassador?" the young noble asked, eyeing me suspiciously.

"He had a slight disagreement with their coursework. Decided he would rather live a life of adventure, to the boring official work." I stated, partially honest.

"Never thought a halfling would turn down an opportunity for comfort and riches." he laughed, reclining back in his chair and taking a healthy gulp from his iron goblet.

"As I said before, we are not like our southern kin." I said, taking a deep breath. I was really beginning to dislike this kid, but I didn't see any other potential employers lining up behind him.

"And what does my gold cover, exactly?"

"Well, there is the base fee of 2 copper per day of travel. That is bumped up to 5 copper for any days traveling through particularly dangerous territory, such as the frostbogs or the open tundra's of the distant north. Such places will be detailed further in any route planning, with plenty of forewarning. There will be a general hazard fee of 50 silver. My brother charges a simple, flat rate of 5 gold per day for his use as an adviser."

"Five gold per day!" he blurted out in shock.

"Indeed. You won't find a scholar this side of Duskshire who's Camden's better, not in the area of the Old Kingdom anyways." I replied, calm.

The man thought for a moment, sipping his ale on the occasion.

I took a drink from my own goblet, though it only contained water. I preferred to keep a clear head when dealing with potential employers.

"Perhaps I'll shop around first, before making my decision." the human said, trying to read my reaction. I gave a false smile.

"I'm sure you'll find many who offer smaller rates, though you certainly get what you pay for. My brother is an expert in Feraldis Myth and Legend, and is capable of translating the old runes. I can guarantee you won't find anybody in Drifa who matches his knowledge and expertise. Besides, will the gold really matter at the end, once you sell your findings to the Academy?" I asked.

He sat in thought another moment.

Just as I went to take another sip, a husky, yet feminine voice sounded in my head, causing me to start.

Ciara!

I lept from the table, spinning around to find it's source.

"Are you okay?" the man asked, eyebrow raised skeptically.

"Yes, I just, nevermind." I said, moving to sit again.

Ciara, it's Aklys. They've taken Camden!

This time I sent my chair toppling over, much to the discontent of the patrons around me.

"I'm sorry, my lord, I am unable to serve as guide for your company." I said, and without another word, I left the inn abruptly, running at full speed back to the Bitter Boar.

The building came into view, and a large snowy leopard rushed toward me.

"Aklys!" I shouted at the animal.

No time to explain. Slavers took Camden! I tracked them south heading into the plain-lands. We need to hurry if we are to catch them! Her crystal blue eyes met mine, and I could see the urgency in them.

"Are they mounted?" I asked, trying to avoid the obvious shock at having a conversation with a cat I had until now thought was a dumb animal.

Yes. We can catch them, but you will have to hop on! She projected mentally.

"My bow?" I asked.

_Hurry._She pleaded.

I ran up into our room faster than I ever thought possible, grabbing the minor combat and travel gear I could manage in the short amount of time I had, before crashing down into the common room, quiver draped precariously over my shoulder.

"Marvin, sorry to leave in a rush, here." I said, slamming payment on the bar. He began to speak, but I was already out the door before he could finish.

Let's go! She said, turning her side towards me. Without breaking pace, I leaped on the great cats back, and barely managed to grab onto her fur before we were flying through the streets of Drifa, cutting our way southwards.

I was still recovering from the shock of it all. The damn cat, my brother, and now the loss of a potentially decent paying job.

That didn't matter though. My brother was in danger, and I was currently riding on the back of a talking cat.

Rekkdyr

"Rekkdyr!" the call was faint, with a panicked tone to it. "No!"

I slammed into the door, feeling the oak buckle under the force of the hit.

"Rekkdyr, Please!" the cry came, this time from the other side of the door.

I snarled ferociously, clawing and slamming the door in fury.

I was entirely naked, and my claws glistened with a razor-like quality. I crashed the door again, this time splintering the wood around the lock, sending the door slamming open against the wall.

Princess Telris cowered in the corner, eyes streaming full of tears. I stepped into the room, a high pitched demonic laughter erupting from my lungs.

I sounded just like a hyena at a fresh kill, eyeing the pathetic creature who cowered in her room.

She glanced up at me, seeing the blood coating my claws and muzzle, the ferocity in my glowing demonic eyes.

"Why?" she sobbed, burying her head in her arms.

I crossed the room with two swift bounds, scooping her up in a powerful clawed hand.

She tensed as I gently brushed her soft cheek with a razor claw.

My hyena cock was growing quickly out of it's sheath. I harshly tore at her nightgown, exposing the princess's naked body to the cold tower air.

I moved up to nibble with large fangs at the girls neck, gently drawing blood, before slamming her down suddenly on the feather-stuffed bed, spreading her legs.

"Rekkdyr!" the voice was faint, far off.

I growled, lowering my cock to the girls virgin entrance. My violation would make her unsuitable for marriage. The thought gave me a small shred of pleasure. If I didn't devour her of course.

"Rekkdyr, please!" the words did not originate from the girl.

I shook my head violently, trying to ignore the calls.

"Rekkdyr!"

The dim cell came into view. My head was pounding in agony, and my body refused to answer any command I gave it.

"Rekkdyr, calm down!" Vailadriel pleaded, soft tiny hands on my shoulders.

It was then I realized I was hyperventilating.

I did manage to roll over, spilling the contents of my stomach all over the floor. There was not much to vomit, however, so it was mainly a painful dry-heaving.

"Rekkdyr, relax!" she said again, softly.

The memory of the dream assaulted me, and I trembled in shame. Clenching my eyes shut, I mentally berated myself. The joy I felt at Princess Telris ruination, even if it was just a dream. How could I?

"Vail--" I coughed, my throat dry and sore.

"Shhh, Don't talk, You're still in bad shape." She said, a wet cloth washing away the blood from my freshly opened wound on my chest.

"So the beast lives." Skempta called from across the hall.

"Krell?" I gasped.

"He's still alive, from what I overheard. Don't think he'll be raping anything anymore, though." Skempta said.

Through the pain, I could hear the change in her voice. Little of her cocky banter showed in her words.

"He needs rest. His lungs are stable, but I fear he could damage them trying to talk." Vailadriel snapped at Skempta.

"Very well, Fairy. Work your magic. I wouldn't want to be out a comrade in the next team fight." she said, a small shred of her old self peaking through.

The dream tortured me, and I shook visibly.

"You have to calm down!" the elf girl said, setting the rag down in the water barrel.

I heard the elf chanting, and a soft blue light radiated from her fingers as they gently brushed over my face. I could feel my sundered cheek slowly mending itself.

"No!" I coughed, disgusted with myself. Why was she trying so hard to save me! I wasn't worth saving!

"Please, Rekkdyr!" I need to conserve my magic to help you!" she pleaded.

Somehow, the tiny elf girl had managed to get me onto the mattress in the cell.

My head was propped up on a bear fur mantle, the same one I'd seen Skempta wearing in the arena.

She placed her hand on my forehead, and began to chant once again. I felt a gentle tingle run through my skin, radiating outward from her hand. I immediately began to calm, collapsing back into the makeshift pillow.

My breathing steadied instantly, and through the darkness, I could see the relief on Vailadriel's face.

The sense of calm intensified, and I slowly drifted back into sleep, though one much less dark.

Aatu

About a week had passed since the night of my escape, and I was beginning to worry. I tried to find our trail, and follow it back to the north, but this land was alien, far removed from the world of the packlands.

I took to hunting, even managing to capture a rabbit once or twice. The taste of a fresh kill was delightful, and that helped to raise my spirits some.

Every day, I wandered further north hoping to find some possible sign or scent of our passing, but there was none to be had.

I had encountered all sorts of creatures in the forest, everything from bear to elk, and even a man or two, but always, I opted to remain hidden. I was one wolf in a foriegn land. I didn't know who claimed this land as their own, and my father had told me tales of what happened to lone wolves in others territory.

Wandering along a long ravine, I caught wind of a familiar scent. I couldn't quite place where I'd encountered it before. Had to have been during my stay with my captors? Perhaps one of the many camps we'd stayed at?

I attempted to follow it, tracking it away from the ravine, and northeast through the forest.

A small clearing stood before me. I eyed the treeline suspiciously, looking for any signs of an ambush. I wasn't about to be fooled by another group of men. Not again.

"Seems experience has made you cautious." Fornvarr laughed, stepping into the circle opposite me.

That's when I realized the scent belonged to him. He had purposely led me here.

I growled, backing away slowly.

"How many times must I tell you, I wish you no harm, Isslund." He said, holding his arms wide open to either side.

He did free me from the cage. However, my experience with men prior to that had been a negative one. I considered the man for a long moment, noting his nonthreatening stance. The truth was, I was hopelessly lost, and he may be able to help. If what he said were true.

"M-my name is Aatu." I said, using my own tongue for the first time in over a month.

A large grin appeared from beneath his beard.

"Nice to meet you, Aatu. It seems neither of us would be here right now if it were not for you." He said.

I narrowed my eyes.

"It was you that caught the guard unawares, friend. You freed me, as much as I you. For that, I thank you."

"What do you want, human?" I growled, trying to hide my fear with a mask of aggression.

"To help. You are far from home, I'm sure. As am I. I am a Druid of the Autumn Circle."

My father spoke of humans with powers over nature, and that would surely explain how he spoke with that squirrel.

"I get this strange feeling that you are special. As if our paths crossed for a reason, Aatu." he continued.

"I will not be some pet for you to command, human." I snapped. My father said such men often times were accompanied by lesser creatures, often serving as pets or servants. I refused to fall to such a fate.

"That is not why I'm here. I sensed in you a primal magic that transcends that of your kin. It is thing of nature, and I was hoping to help you. Perhaps by awakening that in you, you can find what you seek?" he offered.

"What I seek is to return to my home." I snarled.

"My home lies to the north, beyond the frontier of the Sutvalds. I'm willing to assume yours lies in that direction as well?" he asked

"Yes." I answered, though I wasn't quite sure what the term "Sutvalds" referred to.

"Come, Share the road, and I shall, if I can, find the truth of your blood, along the way. Upon reaching our crossroads, we shall go our separate ways. That is what I offer." Fornvarr said.

I considered him a moment. I doubted what he said held much truth. There was nothing exceptional about me, other than I was a frost wolf far from my home. Perhaps he just wished for a companion. The truth was, loneliness had been taking it's toll. And it did feel nice to speak to another creature in my own language again.

"Very well." I said, cautiously approaching the man.

"I have a camp set up nearby, with fresh meat." he grinned, turning to leave. I hesitated for a moment, before following the man from the clearing.