{"sf1_id":973521,"sf2_id":"GnDl9vxn","title":"The Order [1/?]","author":"Pawsroloc","words":5301,"posted_at":"2016-03-08T09:16:19.000Z","tags":["Fantasy","Gay","Gryphon","Human","M/M","No-Yiff"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/973521-the-order-1","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/GnDl9vxn","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/c7/4c/c74c73a1-2815-4619-8745-11914189cf3e","description":"The Order stands as a symbol of authority and equality across all of the Southern Kingdoms. How will this organization react when cultures clash once more?","content":"The following story displays gay relations between furries... so... you've been warned.  \nWARNING! THERE IS NO PORN IN THIS CHAPTER. IF YOU ARE HERE FOR THE NAUGHTIES PLEASE SEARCH ELSEWHERE, OR READ AND WAIT PATIENTLY. VERY PATIENTLY. ALSO IF YOU ARE A MINOR ITS PROBABLY SAFER TO JUST STEER YOUR EYES IN ANOTHER DIRECTION.  \n  \nAnyways, hello! It's pawsroloc, back again! (amazed? don't be)  \nI've been mulling this idea around in my mind for a long time after a minor request for something involving a few key words...  \nAnd then I ended up writing this. All text. No Porn. Darn. If I continue this, then I'm sure there will be porn. You'll just have to be patient with me.  \nBut why am I stopping you? Please\u0026nbsp;read on!\n\n* * *\n\nThe Order\n\nPart One: Ma'Gull\n\n* * *\n\nThe gryphon was currently four-hundred feet above the ground, his wings lazily testing the current. The scarred forest path was fresh, smoke still billowing from the charred landscape. His task was close at hand now, but Montithak was wary still. If the reports were right and the beast had indeed reached adulthood... then the gryphon's oncoming battle was something to fear.\u0026nbsp; Demicorn's were vicious demons with sharp teeth, claws, and a vicious\u0026nbsp;tail. Worst of all, their ability to absorb magical energy made all arcane attacks negligible. It must have caught scent of someone's careless use of magic, but for it to have come so far north?\n\nHe was drawing close now, the demon's path ending shortly up ahead. Good. Montithak's heart raced as he saw another clearing come into view: a gravel path. Had the Demicorn found what it was looking for?\n\n* * *\n\nCorvan groaned in pain as he opened his eyes. He was completely disoriented, his vision blurry from the force of the impact. Corvan tried to focus on the cacophony assaulting him... the feral roars, a horse's whinny, and the distant cry of an eagle. The merchant lifted his self to his knees, head spinning as he watched his horse disappear down the forest road.\n\n\"Wh-what's-?\" Corvan uttered, his words halted as an inhuman roar erupted from behind him. The merchant spun around, eyes widening at the wreckage before him.\n\nA snarling beast stood perched on his wagon, its body wrapped in flames. The four legged creature had black, armor-like plates running down its spine. The beast looked absolutely lethal, particularly the large horn sprouting from its forehead. The demonic creature sniffed the air, its reptilian pupils dilating as it locked eyes with Corvan.\n\nThe merchant slowly inched backwards as he watched the demon's flames further ignite his wagon. The beast arched its back, claws digging into the collapsing wagon as it prepared to pounce.\n\nSuddenly, an eagle's cry pierced the silence. Corvan watched in awe as a golden blur landed on the demon's back. The force of the impact knocked the merchant back as flaming debris scattered around him.\n\nCorvan scrambled to his feet, squinting as he tried to discern shapes through the billowing smoke. The merchant could see two silhouettes illuminated by the fiery carnage. The human clutched his chest, his heart pounding with adrenaline. Corvan wheezed as his fits caught up to him, the merchant's chest tightening in pain.\n\nNot now... Corvan thought, curling over onto the gravel path.\n\n* * *\n\nThe demicorn let out a howl of pain as Montithak twisted his dagger deeper into the beast's eye socket. The demon roared and bucked as the gryphon struggled to balance on the demicorn's carapace. Montithak grimaced, knowing that he had yet to drive the blade deep enough. Suddenly, the beast beneath him lurched upwards. Montithak cried out as he narrowly avoided the demon's razor-sharp horn. The eagle cursed as he was forced off the demicorn. The warrior flapped his wings once to soften his landing, claws digging into the gravel beneath him.\n\nMontithak could feel the adrenaline coursing through his blood as he stood upright. The burning wreckage reeked of unkempt magic. It was no wonder to the gryphon that the demicorn had been drawn here. The warrior curled his fingers around the hilt of his blade. It had been a long time since he had needed Gwyneth, but this beast was no mere juvenile.\n\nThe gryphon stood proudly, sword at the ready. The demicore snarled, flames spilling from its maw. Montithak readied his wings, waiting for the demicorn's next move. The demon leapt, its powerful haunches launching him forward. The warrior responded in kind, pushing himself into the air with the beat of his wings. Montithak looked down upon the beast beneath him, readying his blade for his next strike.\n\nSuddenly, the demicorn spun around. Montithak cried out as he watched the demon's tail twist arc towards him. The gryphon braced himself for impact, quickly angling his greatsword to take the brunt of the impact.\n\n* * *\n\nCorvan looked up just in time to see the warrior slam into the gravel in front of him. His vision blurred as he watched the gryphon rise to his feet, readying his sword in front of him.\n\nThe giant beast leaped through the smoke after the gryphon, flames trailing after it. Corvan wanted to run... he wanted to scream... but his lungs were rebelling. All he could do was slowly crawl away from the battle. Corvan watched as the warrior dodged the rampaging demon over and over. The gryphon was skilled, but the beast had raw power on its side.\n\nCorvan could feel his strength returning. He had backed himself off of the dangerous gravel path, and was now leaning against a tree. As Corvan debated standing up, he heard a cry of pain erupt from the gryphon.\n\nThe warrior had been gutted, pinned between the demon's horn and a tree. The gryphon's sword had been tossed aside, and Corvan watched in dismay as the gryphon clawed desperately at the beast, his wings flapping violently.\n\nHeart racing, Corvan brought himself to his feet. He had to do something. Anything. Limping, the battered human slowly began his trek towards the warrior's sword.\n\n* * *\n\nThe gryphon cried out in frustration. His stomach was on fire, the gryphon's instincts begging for him to use his magic. But he didn't have time to dwell on the pain. The warrior strained forward, feeling the horn dig deeper into his gut.\n\nAlmost...\n\nMontithak blindly grasped for the familiar shape of his dagger as the flames licked his body.\n\nAlmost...\n\nEvery so often, he felt the tips of his fingers brush against the hilt of his dagger. If only he could reach a little farther... If... If only the horn was a little deeper. Montithak cried out in pain as he forced himself forward once more.\n\nThere!\n\nMontithak let out a roar as he gripped the dagger once more. His eyesight was fading now, but his strength remained. The gryphon now relied on instinct alone as he ripped his blade out of the demon's socket. The searing pain only willed him onwards to end this. He drove the dagger down once more, listening to the demon's roars as he dug it in further. His hand was warm; wet with blood as he drove the blade in deeper.\n\nThe demicorn screamed in agony… but it wasn't enough! Montithak's pain-seared mind raced for answers. Was the blade not deep enough?\n\nSuddenly, Montithak heard a voice from his side; a human voice. The man was close, and shouting something. He felt the demon's horn pulling out of him as the demicorn roared. The gryphon collapsed to the ground, and then...\n\nSilence.\n\n* * *\n\nCorvan's lung's felt like they were about to burst. The human was surprised his legs hadn't given way yet. He stood there, in awe of what he had just done.\n\nThe demon animal was no longer moving; the gryphon's sword plunged firmly into its eye socket. Corvan's hands still gripped the sword with shaky hands, feeling the blood trickle down his fingers.\n\nThe gryphon was breathing, Corvan knew at least that much. The warrior was slouched against the tree, one hand cupping his gaping wound. Suddenly the gryphon stiffened, his brow furrowed in pain as... something... happened. Blue light poured out of the gryphon's hand and into his wound. It sounded like flesh was being seared as the warrior's wound was willed shut. Corvan had seen magic before, but had never seen someone shape it so... expertly.\n\nCorvan's exhaustion was catching up to him. His every muscle felt like it was about to seize on him. The human released his grip on the blade and fell to the ground.\n\n* * *\n\nMontithak watched the human pass out. Slowly, the gryphon pulled himself to his feet, pain shooting through his body. He glanced once more at the demicore and shuddered.\n\nAfter cleaning both his blades, he heaved the collapsed human to a safer place. Other than a few shallow cuts, the small male was completely healthy. Montithak was confused. Had the human suffered internal damage? Or were they all this weak?\n\nMontithak limped his way back to the forest road to survey the wreckage closely. The wagon's cargo was completely unsalvageable. However, the area still reeked of unkempt magic. He sifted through the flaming debris, searching for some kind of leaking magical artifact that could have drawn the demicorn to this place. The gryphon frowned; glancing back at the human who lay slumped beneath a tree.\n\n* * *\n\n[evening | hours later]\n\n\"Goddamnit!\" Corvan hollered into the forest air, birds scattering at the sound of his anguish.\n\nThe gryphon stared silently, choosing instead to lean against a nearby tree and watch the young human beat his fists against a large boulder.\n\n\"Damnit! Damnit! Damnit!\" Corvan continued, arms flailing. Tears of frustration streamed down his cheeks.\n\nCurse after curse flew from the trader's mouth. His fists began to sting as he slammed them down one final time, his whole body slumping against the cold stone.\n\n\"That was all my money! All of my investments! The spices! The carpets! My goddamned wagon!\" Corvan shouted. \"Even the horse! I'm broke now! What the hell am I going to do!\"\n\nHe could hear the gryphon's heavy footsteps trampling closer across the forest's foliage. The ex-merchant could feel the gryphon's eyes bearing down upon him... judging him. Corvan whipped around, glaring up at the warrior bird.\n\n\"This is all your fault!\" Corvan shouted. The bird looked a bit shocked at that, eyes lighting up with surprise as the tiny human directed his rage outward.\n\n\"It was you that brought that... that... thing down with you! And on my damned wagon you... you... idiot bird!\" Corvan screamed, eyes closed as he threw a balled fist at the gryphon. A heavy metallic thud resounding off his hand as he struck the gryphon's armor.\n\nThe two stood there in silence, Corvan's fist still pressing against the large bird's stomach. The merchant's body heaved, exhausted from his outburst. Had he really just... punched someone twice his size? Before he could look up, he felt a heavy gauntlet grip his shoulder. Corvan's heart jumped realization dawned on him.\n\n\"Kan' ma all on layeth...' The large bird choked, clawed finger's digging into the human's side as he placed more of his weight on the human.\n\n\"Oh, I... Your wound.\" Corvan quickly removed his fist as he stumbled under the bird's grip. Slowly, he helped the shaking gryphon down onto the ground, resting the large bird's back against the boulder.\n\nThe griffon hissed in pain, claws digging further into Corvan's shoulder. The warrior's other hand was busy attempting to remove his armor.\n\n\"Here, let me help.\" Corvan whispered, wincing at the pain in his shoulder as he moved over to the gryphon's side. The latches were easy enough to dismantle, and the large beast's... surprisingly light armor slid to the floor. It looked like the bird had tried to bandage his wound, but the linen had absorbed far too much blood.\n\n\"We need a new bandage.\" Corvan stated, looking up at the gryphon.\n\n\"Ba tale'oren... mal... mal shior.\" The gryphon said between gasps of pain, his hand now quickly removing the bloodied bandages.\n\nThe merchant gasped as he saw the size of the wound. The warrior's once golden fur was stained blood-red from the gaping hole. Corban remembered the terrifying monster's horn lodging deep into the gryphon's stomach. And now... he had accidentally re-opened it.\n\n\"Mal shior.\" The bird repeated, talons digging tighter into the human's shoulder.\n\n\"What?\" Corvan said, pulling his eyes away from the bird's gaping wound.\n\nThe heavy hand on his shoulder pushed him backwards. Corvan stumbled onto his feet, looking down at the wounded gryphon with bewilderment.\n\nThe bird pointed a clawed finger behind Corvan. \"Ma'gull. Mal. Shior.\" He grunted.\n\nCorvan followed the direction of the gryphon's finger. Suddenly it clicked. All this time, a large satchel had rested by a nearby tree.\n\n\"Your bag!\" Corvan shouted, quickly retrieving the gryphon's things before returning to the wounded warrior.\n\nThe human opened the bag, looking inside for any sign of something, anything, that could help. A hefty amount of gold, some weird smelling plants, chalk, flint \u0026 tinder, a few vials of... blood? Ah! Some bandages!\n\nCorvan quickly removed the rolled up linens from the pack, the gryphon sighing in relief as he snatched them up.\n\n\"Ba taneer... Ora sal ma'gull.\" The large beast grunted, straightening himself up against the rock.\n\nCorvan looked up at the large gryphon in confusion.\n\n\"Ba taneer!\" He repeated, waving the human away.\n\nStartled, Corvan took a few steps back.\n\nSatisfied, the hunched gryphon looked away from the terrified human, glancing down at his open palm. The large beast flexed his fingers, staring intently at his palm.\n\nA familiar blue glow surrounded the gryphon's palm. Several blue symbols sprung to life along the gryphons arm. Corvan watched in awe as surges of azure light once more pulsed from the gryphon's palm. Slowly, the concentrating gryphon placed his shaking palm against his wound. Corvan winced as a painful hissing sound filled the air. The gryphon's own groans quickly followed as he pushed harder and harder against his bloodied fur. Suddenly, the blue glow disappeared, the gryphon's body slumping to the ground.\n\n* * *\n\n[night | hours later]\n\nCorvan and the warrior bird huddled close, the two lingering above the campfire. While it did help lessen the sting of the winter night, Corvan couldn't help but let his teeth chatter. He envied the gryphon for his thick pelt and feathers.\n\n\"Monty hawk.\" The warrior stated suddenly.\n\n\"What did you say?\" Corvan asked, turning to look at the half-naked gryphon.\n\n\"Montihak.\" He repeated, jabbing a thumb into his feathered chest.\n\n\"Are you saying that is... your name? Monty hawk?\" Corvan inquired, pointing at the bird.\n\nThe gryphon nodded proudly, feathers puffing slightly as he stated his name once more. \"Siv, Montihak. Sal ti?\" The gryphon asked, pointing his taloned hand back at the merchant.\n\n\"I-I'm Corvan. Cor. van.\" The human said.\n\n\"Corevan?\"\n\nThe human smiled and shook his head. \"Yeah. Corvan.\"\n\n\"Hal ti o sal ma'gull?\" The gryphon asked, leaning up close to Corvan.\n\n\"W-what?\" Corvan asked, confused by the curious tone the warrior had taken.\n\n\"O ti. Sal ma'gull?\" The gryphon tried again.\n\nCorvan stared blankly at him before shaking his head.\n\nThe large bird sighed, his wings wavering slightly behind him. The gryphon leaned forwards, pointing to his open hand. A crackle of blue energy filled his hand once more.\n\n\"O ti. Ma'gull.\" The gryphon stated.\n\n\"Magic?\" Corvan asked.\n\n\"Ma'gic. Ma'gull.\" The gryphon nodded. He flicked his hand, releasing whatever magics he had summoned.\n\n\"Okay. Magull.\" Corvan bit his lip. What was the gryphon trying to convey?\n\nThe gryphon brought a taloned finger up to Corvan and pressed it gently against his chest.\n\n\"Ti sul ma'gull.\" The warrior stated, smiling.\n\n\"I'm sorry I don't...\" Corvan began, shaking his head.\n\n\"Ti sul ma'gull. Sul ma'gull.\" The gryphon repeated, resting his hand on Corvan's heart. \"Ti sul ma'gull al shior\u0026nbsp; tana haloose.\"\n\nCorven sighed, looking back down at the campfire. What was he doing here? What was he doing to do? He folded his arms and leaned in closer to the campfire, reflecting on how far he had come... just to be back at square one again.\n\nSuddenly, Corven was taken out of his thoughts by a foreign touch. The merchant blinked as he felt the strange pressure push him towards the gryphon. He turned to see the bird's large wing folding around him, as if hugging him to Montithak's side.\n\n\"Ti shu'ul haloose ma oroso.\" The warrior goaded, nudging the small human with his wing once more.\n\nUnsure what the bird wanted, Corven nodded. He scooted closer to the bigger male. The gryphon used this chance to wrap his arm around the human as well. The wing folded almost completely around Corven, hugging the human to the gryphon's side.\n\n\"Uh... thanks.\" Corvan said, trying his hardest not to get _too_\u0026nbsp;comfortable.\n\n\"Oru'un no, Corvan.\" The large man smiled, squeezing the human against his feathers.\n\nIt was hard for the merchant _not\u0026nbsp;_to notice that the large male was effectively snuggling with him. Corven smiled as he nestled his head deeper into the gryphon's feathers. He could hear the bird begin to hum, his song slow and peaceful.\n\n* * *\n\n[morning | the day after]\n\n\"You.\" Montithak pointed at the human impatiently, his feather's pinching uncomfortable beneath his armor as he spoke.\n\n\"Me.\" The gryphon said slowly, curving his talon back towards himself. He then slowly arced his finger up towards the tree line, the peak of a mountain barely visible.\n\n\"To there.\" He stated, stabbing his finger into the air.\n\nCorvan stared at him blankly, his eyes still drooping from their earlier slumber. \"A toe?\" The human finally asked, looking puzzled.\n\n\"You. Corvan. And me. Montithak. You and me go to there.\" He gestured desperatley, hoping that the tiny man could comprehend his message.\n\n\"Odo an? Boro a na'dam?\" The human asked, frowning.\n\nThe gryphon let out a sigh, his wings shuttering slightly behind him in irritation.\n\n\"I need to take you to the mountain.\" Montithak beckoned with his hands as he began walking backwards. \"Come with me, Corvan.\"\n\n\"Moo asha bor! Tana a ori!\" The human shouted, folding his arms.\n\n\"Don't start fighting with me now Corvan. I might be able to help you.\" Montithak said, pointing up the mountain once more. The gryphon climbed atop a fallen tree, waiting expectantly for the human to follow.\n\n\"On bor talla uph!\" Corvan complained, shoulders stooping as he complied.\n\n* * *\n\n[afternoon | hours later]\n\nThe human had proved to be quite slow. It was no surprise to Montihak, as the human stood a little over half his own height. They had only been trekking through the forest for less than two hours before Corvan had tired out. The small man clutched the side of a tree as he gasped for air.\n\n\"On oosha... a.... a hol trevene.\" The human heaved, looking up at Montihak.\n\nThe gryphon frowned. He was growing impatient. At this rate the trek would take six more days before they reached their destination.\n\nMontihak sighed, pulling his pack off his back. Corvan watched with bated breath as the bird slowly walked towards him. The gryphon pushed his hand into the human's chest, the pack's straps gripping in his paws.\n\n\"Al asha bo orono hamile!\" The human whined.\n\n\"Take it!\" Montihak cried, dropping the bag by Corvan's feet.\n\nBegrudgingly, the human picked up the leather satchel and hoisted it over his shoulder.\n\n\"Ma omo. Ta a bono more.\" Corvan grumbled.\n\nMontihak grinned as flexed his wings. The gryphon dug his paws into the ground as he loomed down over the human.\n\nCorvan cried out in shock as he felt the powerful beast heave him up into the air. The squirming human was difficult to balance, but somehow Montihak managed to position the frail human atop his shoulders.\n\n\"Stop... Moving... So much.\" Montihak grunted, trying his best to ignore the grating feeling of his armor digging into his shoulders.\n\n\"Gana al asha ori na'more!\" The human shouted in frustration, his feet kicking Montihak in the chest.\n\n\"I had better be right about you, Corvan.\" Montihak muttered, pressing onwards up the forest hill.\n\nThe trek proved far easier this way. Corvan had quietened down a bit, the human now only piping up when the merchant saw something intruiging. Montihak was surprised by what the human found interesting. A few stray wildlife here or there would cause the human to eagerly to try and get the gryphon's attention. Montihak had tried to appease the human at first, but the charm was quickly fading.\n\nEventually the gryphon had found an open clearing at the top of a hill. The sun was quickly setting, and while he could have kept trekking onwards, the human perched on his head was quickly falling asleep.\n\n* * *\n\n[evening | hours later]\n\n\"I know that you don't understand what I'm saying... but I guess I still feel like I should say it.\" Corvan whispered. The human lay on the grassy hill, staring up at the night sky. Montithak was sprawled out next to him, staring at the human with intense interest. The gryphon was humming the same tune from the night before.\n\n\"When I grew up, I always wanted to become a legendary hero. I wanted my name to be sung around the tavern... for people to cheer my name! But...\" Corvan turned to look up at the large gryphon. The bird's arms were folded behind his neck, his golden feathers wafting in the winter breeze. The warrior stared calmly back at Corvan, waiting patiently for the human to continue.\n\n\"I was very sickly as a child. I was bedridden my entire youth because I had this... birth defect. See, my chest has trouble filling up with air... and often I'd end up in a wheezing fit.\" Corvan frowned, remembering the countless years he laid in bed, staring out his window in dismay as the world moved on without him.\n\n\"I guess what I'm trying to say is that... when I saw you fighting that demon... I was envious. All I could do was lay in the dirt.\" Corvan gently placed his hand atop the gryphon's stomach, remembering just how deep the beast's horn had cut.\n\n\"But you fought until the very end. Even when it had you pinned... you fought. My entire life I had used my lungs as an excuse, but what was yours?\"\n\n\"Ti ma'u olo halana.\" The gryphon grunted, his large blue eyes transfixed on Corvan.\n\n\"I... I think thats when I realized I didn't have an excuse either. I still had to try...\" Corvan whispered, pushing himself closer to the gryphon, his hand now trailing up the warrior's feathers.\n\nCorvan stiffened as he felt the gryphon roll onto his side, their eyes still locked on one another.\n\n\"Tul olo oroso. Shu'ul habana tolo tran.\" The gryphon cooed, bringing his hand to rest on top of Corvan's. The taloned hand engulfed his, reminding Corvan just how small he was in relation to the warrior. One of the gryphon's wings fanned out and flapped gently above them before wrapping around the human. Corvan could feel Montithak's powerful wing push them closer, his cheek now pressing against the gryphon's chest. The human welcomed the additional body heat, his shivers slowly subsiding.\n\nCorvan closed his eyes. The familiar sound of the gryphon's heartbeat was reassuring. He could still feel the gryphon's hand atop his own when a new sound rumbled from deep within the warrior. The soft vibrations of a feline's purr filled Corvan's senses.\n\nThe human smiled as he embraced the moment, his consciousness slowly slipping away. He felt safe, secure, and... Something else. Something new.\n\n* * *\n\nMontithak wondered how human's had survived for so long without fur. The sleeping human clutched to him as if his own life depended on it. Curious, Montithak traced the small man's digits with his talons. Were all humans so small? So frail? The warrior pried further, his finger's exploring sliding down the human's bare skin in wonderment. The man pressed against him seemed so frail, and yet Corvan had power. Montithak could smell it on him, the raw magic expelling from him at a rate the gryphon had never seen before. Such uncontrolled magic was dangerous, to say the least.\n\nIt had been a long time since the gryphon had purred like this. The human was having a strange effect on him. Montithak shifted uncomfortably, feeling a familiar tent building within his trousers. The gryphon hated wearing such stifling clothing, but he was not about to risk waking the human to relieve himself of his mounting needs. Instead, the gryphon pulled the sleeping human up against him, their hips pressing against each other's.\n\nHow degrading, the gryphon thought, taking a deep inhale of his own building need. Montithak purred, hoping that his heady musk wouldn't be picked up by the human's senses. In the meantime the warrior would stand guard, reveling in the sensations of the smaller male atop him.\n\n* * *\n\nCorvak hugged the gryphon as tight as he could, both his hands wrapped around the large man's rippling muscles.\n\n_Don't look down. Don't look down_.\u0026nbsp;Corvak repeated to himself, his eyes shut tight. The merchant tried to focus on _anything_\u0026nbsp;other than the steep cliff Montihak was climbing. The gryphon grunted as he worked, clearly exhausted from the hundred feet he had already climbed.\n\nHow far did Montihak have left to climb? Corvak didn't want to open his eyes, instead choosing to push himself into the warrior's feathery mane. It had taken the gryphon ten minutes to convince Corvak to do this. The human had tried his best to convince the gryphon to find another way up the mountain, but Corvak insisted. The gryphon seemed extra eager today, the large man's determination clearly playing into some greater scheme... but what? Why was the warrior taking him so far south?\n\n* * *\n\nMontithak gasped for air as he pulled himself to safety. The gryphon smiled to himself as he crawled away from the cliff side. He looked up, a feeling of victory welling inside of him at the sight before them. A small cave entrance was carved into the mountain side, a familiar symbol etched into the stone above. They had made it.\n\n\"Corvak... Corvak you can get off me now.\" The gryphon said, nudging the shaking human still clutching to his pelt.\n\n\"A-at t-t-tuv eel?\" The panicked human whispered.\n\nMontithak couldn't help but chuckle as he helped the human off of him. The weak man could barely stand, his knees shaking beneath him. The gryphon smiled gently and knelt down on one knee, putting both his arms on the human's shoulders.\n\n\"We made it Corvak. No more climbing. We're almost there now.\" The gryphon said, squeezing the man's arm.\n\nSuddenly the human moved forward, wrapping his arms around the gryphon. A hug? Montithak blinked in surprise as the small man squeezed tightly.\n\n\"Mal tu bon... o-on a lemen tomea.\" Corvak said, voice muffled by the gryphon's fur.\n\n\"It's okay Corvak.\" Montithak cooed, pulling away from the hug. The small man looked like he was about to cry.\n\n\"Al bon a ono?\" Corvak asked.\n\nMontithak brought a heavy hand to a rest atop the man's head and ruffled his shaggy brown hair.\n\n\"We're almost home now. Just follow me.\"\n\n* * *\n\nThe two of them had been sitting inside the cave for hours now. The human sat in the corner of the small shelter, watching as the gryphon continued his work in the dwindling sunlight. Corvak found himself... disappointed. He had expected the cave to be bigger than this, the small enclosure barely having enough room for both of them. Corvak did note how smooth the floor of the cave was, however, and chose to trust the warrior a little longer.\n\nMonithak was busy scribbling strange symbols onto the ground with his chalk, the bird happily humming the same tune he had the nights before. Suddenly the bird stood up from his work, the gryphon studiously inspecting the strange sketches.\n\n\"Mal'shueno.\" The bird beckoned, signaling for Corvak to join him. The human reluctantly pulled himself up off the rocky floor and joined Montithak.\n\n\"What is it? Are you done?\" Corvak asked, scratching his head as he glanced at the warrior's work.\n\nThe intricate diagram took up a large portion of the smooth cave floor. In the middle of the chalk drawing, the gryphon had carefully redrawn the same symbol that stood above the entrance to the cave.\n\nThe large bird hastily guided Corvak into the center of the ring before. Corvak was careful not to disturb any of the gryphon's work. He looked up at Montithak, confused by the strange request.\n\n\"Montithak? What are we doing?\" Corvak inquired.\n\nThe golden bird looked down at Corvak and smiled.\n\n\"Ma'gull.\" The gryphon stated.\n\nCorvak yelped as the gryphon's hand suddenly erupted with light. Sparks of energy ricocheted off the walls, enveloping the entire room in a deep, royal blue glow. The chalk beneath Corvak lit up, practically blinding the human as the light swallowed them whole. His stomach lurched as the world seemed to give way beneath him. And then... nothing.\n\nCorvak blinked as he scanned the darkness. The world in front of him was pitch black. What had happened? Suddenly, it felt as if his entire world had been flipped upside down. An intense feeling of vertigo slammed through him as he fell upwards.\n\n* * *\n\nMontihak braced himself for impact as the world materialized around them. He shook his head, trying his best to fight off the intense nausea that almost always accompanied teleportation runes. Montihak opened his eyes, his senses slowly returning.\n\nThe human was out cold, his body sprawled out on the marble floor below Montihak. The gryphon smiled, remembering how exhausting his first teleportation had been. The warrior knelt down, scooping up the small human body in his arms.\n\nMontihak glanced at the lavish hall around them. The domed room was brightly lit, ornate paintings of long-forgotten histories lining its walls.\n\n\"Captain!\" A feminine voice hollered, voice echoing across the empty hall.\n\n\"I'm alright Rue. The demicorn has been taken care of.\" Montihak stated, rising to his feet to greet the soldiers.\n\nHer stride quickened as their eyes met, two guards hot on her tail. The gryphon was glad to see the panther's familiar face, even if it was Rullaine's. The young warrior saluted, her stern expression softening as she drew closer.\n\n\"Oh thank the heavens! We were about to send out a scout when you hadn't...\" Her voice trailed off, eyes widening as she saw who the gryphon was carrying.\n\n\"An outsider.\" Rullaine whispered, the panther's pace slowing to a halt. \"Montihak... what have you done? The Order-\"\n\n\"-will be notified of my arrival immediately.\" Montihak commanded, looking up at the two guards expectantly. Hesitantly, the two soldiers saluted before marching back down the hall.\n\n\"What is the meaning of this, Captain?\" The panther asked, folding her arms as she growled. \"An outsider... a _human_... has not stepped foot inside the temple in over-\"\n\n\"I am aware.\" Montihak sighed, looking back down at the unconscious human. \"However this _man\u0026nbsp;_saved my life, Rullaine. If it weren't for his actions, I might not have returned in one piece. And for that, we owe him our hospitality.\"\n\n* * *\n  \n  \n  \n\nSo? What'd you think? I'd love to hear more from you guys on this one. As always, leave a comment below! I love hearing what you guys have to say. Criticism is always welcome.\n\nPawsroloc","series":{"name":"The Order","next":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/983608-the-order-2.json"}}