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Generally I don't write disclaimers before my stories but, I feel that a disclaimer is warranted due to the subject matter that I will be exploring in this series. Aside from the gay relationships and accompanying sex. This series will also contain violence, racism, themes of genocide, and other not so nice things. This chapter has almost none of these, so enjoy.

Thanks for reading :)

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February 6th, 1904

“Play something else love,” I took another sip of Von Hoft’s wine, “Your playing is the only thing in this place that even comes close to rivalling your beauty.”

Klaus chuckled and stood up from the piano in his father’s parlor. It had been three weeks since the old man had left for Windhoek. In my opinion, it had been the best three weeks of my life. I was in love, and everything that could have possibly stood in the way of my love was gone. The natives were quiet and Von Hoft had just sent back a letter alerting myself of a delay in his return. Klaus walked over to the couch I was reclining on and poked my side.

“Move you lump,” Klaus smiled at me, “Make some room for me.”

I obliged the human, shifting my legs to give him a space. He sat down beside me and reached one of his gentle hands into my lap to grasp my free paw. With a murr, I leaned in and kissed him. He returned the kiss, eagerly, and broke away with a chuckled.

“How much of that have you had to drink?” Klaus nuzzled my cheek, “You know I don’t like it when you get too drunk.”

I smirked and started kissing over Klaus’s cheek. With a lusty growl, I moved my attentions lower, to his neck.

“Not too much,” I began between kisses, “Why do you ask?”

“Because,” Klaus giggled as I rolled him under me, “You’re never this bold. Especially when we’re out in the open like this.”

Klaus was speaking the truth. I was usually the more careful one in our relationship. We had already been caught once by Hilde. She understood, male/male relationships were common in her tribe, but the fear of it happening again made me paranoid for the last week or so. Now, at this moment, I didn’t care. I finally had the sling off, which meant that I could use both of my paws on the human. Right now that was exactly what I intended to do.

“Come on,” I murred and ground my hips against the human’s crotch, “Just go with it.”

Klaus moaned quietly and giggled as I gave his collarbone a couple of insistent nibbles. Now I knew I had him right where I wanted him.

“Gustav,” Klaus moaned, “Come on hon, not here.”

“Ok,” I huffed, “I just wanted to celebrate having the sling off.”

“And we will,” Klaus draped an arm over my neck and kissed me tenderly, “I promise. Just not right now.”

“I love you,” I smiled and tenderly pressed my forehead to his, “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“I love you too,” Klaus rubbed my chest, “Get off of me and I’ll play you something else.”

“I will,” I held the human’s hand to my chest, “Can you play that Chopin one again? That’s my favorite.”

“How can that be your favorite?” Klaus stood up, keeping his hand in my paw, “There’s so much music out there. How can you know?”

“I just do,” I replied as Klaus broke away, “I know there’s a lot out there, and I hope that one day you’ll play it all for me.”

“You don’t want to hear it from me,” Klaus sat back down at the piano, “There are pianists out there that make me look and sound like a three year old hammering away on the keys.”

I stood up from the couch and walked over to my lover. I gently put my paws on his shoulder and squeezed.

“I don’t believe that for a second,” I kissed the top of Klaus’s blonde head, “No one plays more beautifully than you do.”

Klaus laughed and bent his head to kiss my paw.

“I appreciate the flattery,” The human began, “But it’s simply not true.”

I shook my head and sat down beside Klaus on the piano bench. He was totally misconstruing what I’m saying. I may not have always been real good about the more romantic aspects of relationships, but Klaus really made me want to try.

“The music is part of it sure,” I idly pressed a few keys with my fingers, “You’re what makes it beautiful to me.”

Klaus looked at me with a smile, his eyes twinkling with appreciation and love. I scoffed quietly and removed my paw from the keys.

“Play something before I get too sentimental,” I looked down at the piano, “It doesn’t have to be my favorite if you don’t want to play it. I suppose it would get old to play the same song over and over.”

“I’d gladly do it for you,” Klaus started to stretch his fingers, “Sentimental is a pretty big word for you. Have you been reading?”

On Klaus’s behest, I started reading again. I hadn’t picked up a book, or read anything more than a sign since I was a young boy. It was tough to get started again, the things Klaus selected for me weren’t exactly easy to read, but once I started, I was very glad I did.

“You know I have,” I smiled, “I’ve gotten a quarter of the way through Effi Briest.”

“That’s great,” Klaus reached over to stroke my muzzle, “I’m proud of you Gustav.”

I beamed, he was proud of me. I guess Klaus truly saw me for me, not just as a leader and a killer. To me, Klaus seemed untouched by this place, which still allowed him to look deeper, behind the grimy exteriors of me and my compatriots. They noticed it too, and loved having him out on the crew because of it. It almost felt like being home, back where things made more sense, where we were truly ourselves. If I were a religious man, I would say that Klaus was an angel.

“I’d better play that song for you then,” Klaus continued, “As a reward.”

The song was Chopin’s Nocturne in E-flat Major, at least according to Klaus. To me, it was our song, the song that played in my head whenever I thought of him. “Our Song” was a much better title, in my opinion it rolled off of the tongue much nicer. Before Klaus could begin, Hilde knocked on the doorframe to the parlor.

“Yes Hilde?” I looked over my shoulder at the maid, “What is it?”

“A letter from Herr Von Hoft,” The Vixen began, “From Windhoek.”

I groaned and got up from the piano bench. I knew that if my employer had to write me a letter that things were not going well. Hilde handed the folded up piece of paper to me and left the room. Klaus stood up and looked over my shoulder.

“Well,” The human began, “What does it say?”

I opened it up and read through it.

“Shit,” I growled, “He wants me to meet him in Windhoek. He won a couple dozen head of cattle in a bet and wants help getting them back here.”

“You aren’t going by yourself are you?” Klaus gasped, “That’s insanity.”

I chuckled and shook my head. Klaus had come a long way, but he still had a lot to learn about his new way of life.

“Not alone,” I replied, “I’m taking some men with me.”

Klaus nodded and walked back over to the piano. I could tell he was worried and really didn’t want me to go. The human looked back at me, his beautiful blue eyes starting to swim with tears

“When will you be back?” Klaus rubbed his arm, “Soon right?”

“That’s not important,” I walked up and held the human to my chest, “Cause you’re coming with me.”

“What?” Klaus practically jumped out of his skin, “But what about my father? Won’t he be mad at you for taking me along.”

There was a very good chance that Herr Von Hoft would be furious that I brought his disowned son along on this expedition. That being said, he also knew that I was in charge of running his work crew and was able to make far better decisions about running it. Klaus was very good for the men’s morale. Seeing the offspring of a man like Von Hoft working alongside them, socializing with them, and acting as a friend to them, made them see themselves as more than what they were. It empowered them. That sense of empowerment and importance would only drive the men to work harder and better.

“The men like you Klaus,” I kissed the human on the forehead, “I’m not going to ask them to trek across dangerous territory without the one source of light on the entire crew.”

The human sighed and kissed me softly on the lips.

“Won’t I get in the way?” Klaus asked, “I don’t know how to fight, hell, I can barely shoot. I don’t want to ask you or your men to protect me.”

That was very true. Once I recovered a little from my injuries, I started teaching Klaus the necessities of survival out here. He was a fast learner, a bit unsure of himself, but quick to pick up new things. I knew that he would be perfectly fine out there in the wilderness.

“You’ll do fine,” I nuzzled, “You’re strong. Stronger than you know. You’ll figure this out.”

“You aren’t going to take no for an answer,” Klaus smiled at me, “Are you Gustav?”

“Hell no,” I chuckled, “Now come on, do me a favor and go and get Ernst from the barracks. I need to speak with him.”

“Since when do you get to order me around?” Klaus crossed his arms and smirked, “I thought we were equals.”

I chuckled. I loved it when Klaus got an attitude with me. With a lusty chuckle, I reached behind him and groped his ass through the seat of his pants.

“Tell you what,” I smirked as the human moaned, “The second you start trying to take charge in this aspect of our relationship is the second I let you make more decisions.”

“Ok, you’re in charge,” Klaus chuckled, “I’ll be right back Gustav.”

I watched the human’s beautiful form intently as he walked out of the parlor. Never in a million years did I think something like him would come into my life. I had my share of past lovers, and nearly all of them were wonderful males. None of them even came close to Klaus. I was lost in these rosy thoughts for a while, until Ernst’s firm knocking snapped me out of it.

“So,” Ernst chuckled, “I see you got the sling off. How are you feeling?”

“Much better,” I replied and sat back down on the couch, “Can I get you a drink?”

“No thanks,” The Owl shook his head, “You wanted to see me Gustav?”

“Yes,” I replied, “I need to ask something of you. Herr Von Hoft wants me and some men to go to Windhoek to help him take some cattle back here. I need you to stay here and be in charge.”

Ernst hooted angrily and shook his head.

“No,” Ernst snarled, “You know who’s in Windhoek. You’re out of your damn mind if you think you’re keeping me here.”

I was a little taken aback by Ernst’s anger, it was very unlike him. Of course, I suppose his anger was justified, after all, if I was in his position and Klaus was waiting for me in Windhoek, I’d be feeling the same way. Ernst fell for and married a local girl, a Spotted Eagle Owl, who lived there. Von Hoft was very adamant that romantic interests did not come out to live on the homestead. He wanted his men to work, not to cavort about with the ladies of the land.

“What should I do instead then?” I asked, “Who else can handle this homestead besides you.”

“Why don’t you put Fritz in charge?” Ernst asked, “He knows what he’s doing.”

“I need Fritz to go out with me,” I began, “He’s the most dependable rider I have.”

“Then what about Burchard?” Ernst replied, “He’s who I would leave in charge.”

I didn’t know much about Burchard. He was a Kingfisher and the only other Bird on the crew. I was wary, he hadn’t done much of anything to distinguish himself, and I wasn’t about to pass on command to a nobody.

“Look,” Ernst put up a wing, “I know what you’re thinking, but he’s dependable. He’s who I would pick. That has to mean something.”

“Ernst,” I replied gently, “You know what will happen if you are wrong right? It’s my job on the line.”

“Trust me,” Ernst reached forward and lightly grabbed my shoulders, “He can do it.”

I sighed and nodded. If Ernst was willing to stand by Burchard, then that was good enough for me.

“Great,” Ernst smiled, “I’ll go let him know. Is there anything else you would like me to do?”

“Yes,” I began, “Get Fritz and then ask him to pick four men, you do the same. That will be our crew to go to Windhoek.”

The Owl nodded and walked out of the parlor. I sighed and sat back down on the piano bench. This little venture was likely to go as planned. The stress came from leaving this place behind. If I had my way, I wouldn’t, but Von Hoft requested me to come. Klaus walked up behind me and put his hand on my shoulder, effectively snapping me out of my musing.

“You really want me to go with you?” Klaus asked, “Because I will, I’ll do as you say.”

I leaned in and kissed the human softly on the lips.

“Of course I do,” I held Klaus gently, “Do you want to go with me? I don’t want to drag you out there against your will.”

The human sighed and looked up at me.

“I just want to be with you,” He looked down at his feet, “If I have to go to Windhoek to do it I will.”

“Ok,” I began, “You need to get your things packed. We’re leaving in a couple of hours.”

Klaus looked up at me and blushed.

“What do I bring?” The young man rubbed his arm, “I’ve never really done this before.”

“Well,” I sighed and nuzzled his cheek, “Pair of clothes for the road, pair of clothes for town, a gun and bullets, a bedroll, some provisions from the kitchen. That should be a good start.”

The human nodded.

“I’ll do that then,” Klaus began, “I’ll get my horse ready too.”

I smiled, embraced the love of my life, and kissed his cheek.

“Good,” I replied, “Get mine together while you’re at it.”

From behind me, Burchard cleared his throat. Klaus quickly pulled away from me and looked down at the floor.

“I’ll get right on that sir,” Klaus stuttered out, his face beet red, “Thank you.”

Klaus ran out of the room, narrowly squeezing past Burchard. I turned around and looked over the Kingfisher. He was willowy and very handsome for a Bird. The black eyepatch that covered his now absent right eye and part of the long scar down the side of his face only helped to accentuate that fact. We made eye contact, and Burchard nervously chuckled.

“I guess this proves it,” Burchard began, “To be honest. I didn’t believe the rumors. At least, not the ones about you.”

I shook my head and walked back over to the bottle of Reisling.

“Do you want a glass?” I asked, “There’s two left in here.”

Burchard shook his head. I poured two anyway.

“I’ve never had wine before,” Burchard replied, “I’ve never been able to afford it.”

“Try it,” I extended the glass to him, “Hell, if you’re as good as Ernst says you are, you’ll be able to have a fresh bottle every week.”

Burchard smiled and took the glass from my paw. We toasted, and each took a quick gulp of the pale, yellow liquid. The Kingfisher chuckled and drained his glass, the smile widening as he swallowed.

“I don’t mind of course,” Burchard sat down on one of Von Hoft’s soft, red chairs, “I’m happy I finally figured it out.”

I sat down across from the Bird and did my best to seem stoic, and unemotional. Inside, I wanted to jump for joy. The idea that all of these men, the men I worked with and the men who looked up to me, still accepted me, blew me away. Burchard took another sip and leaned back into the chair, looking the very picture of aristocracy.

“You need to find your happiness,” The Kingfisher continued, “You guys aren’t the only ones. As far as I’m concerned, God turns a blind eye here while the Devil does not. If men have to act against God to say alive, to stay sane, that’s fine with me. I am in no position to judge. We all have done things worse, yourself included Gustav.”

I sighed and nodded. Burchard was right. Being with Klaus was the least of my worries. If there was an afterlife I would bet every cent I’ve ever made that I’d be going to Hell.

“Thank you,” I finally managed to get out, “So, Ernst says you’re dependable, that you can run things for me while I’m away.”

Burchard nodded.

“This isn’t my first place of employment,” Burchard began, “I’ve been in your position before.”

“Why are you here then?” I asked, “What happened at that first place?”

The Bird sighed.

“The owner was a drunk and a fool,” Burchard tapped the arm of his chair, “He lost his ranch. The new management fired all of us as soon as they took over.”

“How long have you been here?” I asked, “Working here I mean.”

“Just under a year,” Burchard said, “I like it here. I like the leadership.”

I sat back in my chair and sighed.

“Well,” I leaned forward and rested my elbow on the arm of the chair, “It’s very clear that you are the best choice here. I want you in charge.”

Burchard chuckled.

“I won’t let you down sir,” Burchard began, “Do you want things to run as usual?”

“Yes,” I began, “Continue the construction, continue the patrols. If you need to do something else, don’t make it too involved. Keeping the status quo is key.”

“You can trust me,” Burchard replied, “It’ll be running just like it always does. Trust me.”

“Good,” I got up from my chair and extended a paw to the Bird, “You’re in charge now.”

The Kingfisher stood up and shook my paw. I nodded and took my leave, walking out of the room the same way Klaus did. I walked out the front door and squinted as the noonday sun hit my eyes. Half blind, I walked forward the way I always did, down the main path to the barracks. Ernst stood in front of the eight men selected for the mission. I looked around and waved the Owl over.

“Where is Fritz?” I asked, “Shouldn’t he be out here?”

“I think he’s in the stables,” Ernst began, “He said something about his horse needing some new gear for the trip.”

“Thank you Ernst,” I looked over the selected males, a motley band of very dependable Furs, and nodded, satisfied with the Owl’s choices, “Carry on, we’re leaving very soon.”

I walked around the barracks another couple hundred feet or so until I reached the back wall of the stable. From inside, I heard a giggle, Klaus’s giggle. I stopped in my tracks, a snarl forming on my lips as I heard Fritz’s, louder, more baritone laugh. Quietly, I walked up to the wall, and looked inside through a slit in the wooden panels of the wall.

“No no,” Fritz chuckled and moved Klaus’s soft hands to the side of the saddle he was putting on his champagne colored horse, “Tighter. You don’t want it to fall off while you’re riding do you?”

Klaus shook his head and, with Fritz’s paws on his the entire time, did as the Wolf indicated. Jealousy welled up in my chest and a quiet growl escaped my lips. Fritz was doing more than giving my lover pointers. That was evident in the way that the Wolf looked at him. Klaus blushed and moved his hands from the saddle.

“Like that?” Klaus asked, “Did I finally do it right?”

Fritz made a show of looking over the human’s work.

“I think so,” Fritz smiled and moved his paws back to the human’s hands, “Excellent job.”

Klaus looked away.

“Fritz,” Klaus backed away and sighed, “I don’t know what you think you’re doing, but-“

“But what?” The Wolf asked, “I know what you are Klaus. We all do.”

“Ok,” Klaus shook his head, “That doesn’t explain what you are doing. Who cares if I’m, well, that way.”

Fritz chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. Immediately, I knew what he was about to say. It made sense, he never had told any stories of romantic encounters with females and no one had ever seen him with one. I just couldn’t believe that it took me this long to figure this out.

“Because I am,” Fritz walked back up to the human, “You have no idea how lonely I’ve been.”

The Wolf reached down and rubbed the side of Klaus’s arm.

“You’re the first person I’ve told,” Fritz began, “There’s a reason for that.”

Klaus shook his head.

“I can’t do that Fritz,” Klaus began, “I’m with someone.”

My heart soared. Klaus was mine. I walked away from the slit in the wall, the jealousy immediately fading away. I couldn’t believe I could have been that petty and stupid. Of course Klaus would be faithful to me, he loved me and I loved him. We were perfect. I walked around to the front door just as Fritz was leaving the table. His fur was floofed up and ears and tail were drooped.

“Everything ok?” I asked, “You seem a little frazzled.”

“Yes,” Fritz took a deep breath and calmed himself down, “I was just helping Klaus get ready to go.”

“And?” I replied, “Is he?”

The Wolf looked at me and nodded.

“I still need to pack my bag,” Fritz began, “I’ll see you soon.”

I clapped the Wolf on the back and smiled. Fritz returned it, albeit half-heartedly, and gloomily walked away. Klaus sighed, catching my attention and prompting me to turn back to face him. The human gently pat his horse’s head.

“This is a good horse,” I walked forward to stand at Klaus’s side, “Are you ready to go?”

“Yes Gustav,” The human sighed, “I feel bad for Fritz.”

“Why?” I began, “He knows about us. That means he knows that the crew isn’t going to care who he sleeps with.”

“They know about us?” Klaus embraced the Fox, “And? Is that good or bad?”

“Good,” I replied, “They’ve got more things to worry about than our personal lives.”

“Yeah?” The human broke away from his lover and started to lead his horse out of the stable, “Should we meet in front of the house?”

I shook my head. That would take way more time than necessary. I wanted to get this little expedition done as quickly as possible.

“No,” I began, “Tell everyone to meet at the crew quarters. We’ll talk there.”

Klaus nodded and walked out of the stables with his horse trotting obidently behind him. Something was on my mate’s mind. I made a mental note to talk with Fritz alone in the near future. I needed to find out what he said to the young human. I walked over to my horse’s stall and mounted him. The eager stallion didn’t even need to be told to leave the stable. At least one of us was excited for this. We made it to the crew cabins in a couple minutes where Klaus, Fritz, Ernst, and eight others waited on horseback.

“Alright,” I shouted as my horse stopped, “We are going to avoid the road. Those native bastards have been giving travellers hell lately, and the soldiers have been just as bad. We’ve avoided any trouble so far and I’d like to keep it that way.”

Fritz waved a paw.

“What path are we taking?” Fritz asked, “We aren’t going through those woods are we?”

“We’re headed through the savanna and keeping the forest to our east until we reach Fort Kruezung.” I replied, “We’re going to spread out. Ernst will take the rear. I’ll take the lead. Everyone else will between us. No more than two horses next to each other. Any questions?”

The men looked around at each other and stayed quiet. Klaus looked confused, but he’d understand soon enough. I was a firm believer that I was the rider here. I couldn’t hide in the middle with Klaus. We needed to be on top of our game, and me leading was the best way to do that.

“Okay,” I willed my horse forward, “Let’s ride.”

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I stopped my horse seven hours later in a well sheltered thicket. The sun was setting and this was as good a place as any to make camp for the night. It was a quiet ride, which meant that it may be safe enough to have a fire. I lead my horse to a small tree and tied him up. I managed to find a creek to water my horse, hopefully he would be fine throughout the night. I pulled a hatchet from my saddlebag and started to collect some firewood.

I had collected a sizeable amount of firewood by the time the first two riders came back. The two riders, Martin, a short mean-looking River Otter and Leopold, a burly tawny-furred Wolf, were on one tired looking grey-dapple stallion.

“What the hell happened to your horse?” I asked, “I didn’t hear any shots.”

Leopold grumbled as he got off Martin’s horse.

“Fucking black mamba bit my horse,” Leopold held up the severed snake head, “Killed the son of a bitch though.”

“How many more days is it to the fort?” Martin asked, “We need to get him another horse.”

“Just one if we ride hard,” I began, “Does your horse need any water?”

Martin nodded.

“I think there’s a creek or something around here,” Martin took his rifle off of his horse’s back, “I’m going to take a look around.”

“Be careful,” I replied, “Give a yell if you get into trouble.”

Martin walked into the brush and quickly left my sight. I looked over at Leopold, who had picked up my hatchet and started to add to my collection of firewood and shook my head. The Wolf and I had never got along. He was hot-headed, cruel, and stupid.

“Did you finish your horse off?” I asked, “I didn’t hear any shots.”

Leopold grunted as he fell a small, dead tree.

“Horse got bit and ran off,” The Wolf knelt down and quickly chopped the tree into small chunks of firewood, “Didn’t get the chance to. It’s probably breathing its last right now.”

Leopold looked up at me in an uncharacteristically submissive way.

“You should keep an eye out for the rest boss,” Leopold continued, “I’ll get the fire started. Not too big right?”

I nodded and smiled.

“Correct,” I unholstered my revolver and walked towards the entrance to the thicket, “Thank you Leopold.”

I sat with my back against a log and waited for the next group of riders to arrive. Ernst thundered into the thicket, followed by two German Wirehaired Pointers, Hugo and Inge, who were brothers. A few minutes later, four more, Abraham, Viktor, Richard, and Sven, all Mutts, came into the thicket. I frowned.

“Where’s Fritz?” I walked up to Ernst and frowned, “Where’s Klaus?”

“I don’t know,” Ernst wiped his brow, “I didn’t see them. Things got a little messed up.”

“Why what happened?” I asked, “Is everyone alright?”

Ernst panted and got off his horse.

“I had to run,” Ernst tied his horse up beside mine, “I got ambushed.”

I groaned and ran to my horse. Ernst blinked and held me back. I snarled and struggled against the Owl’s strong grasp.

“There’s nothing we can do but wait,” Ernst threw me to the ground, “If you run out there after them you’re dead.”

I panted and jumped up to my feet. Ernst was right. I needed to show that I would put my job and the men under my command before the person I loved. I should have realized that Klaus may not survive. It was just something I couldn’t have dreamed was possible in my worst nightmares.

“Fine,” I dusted myself off, “Get that fire going and get some food started. I’ll keep an eye out for Fritz and Klaus.”

With a sigh, I walked back over to my log and sat down. Ernst looked at me and rubbed the back of his head. He ensured that everyone was doing something, and then walked over to sit beside me.

“It’s okay for you to be worried,” Ernst began, “We all understand.”

I didn’t reply. I didn’t know how to.

“I’m not good about this kind of thing,” The Owl continued, “I don’t know what it is for a man to be like that with another man. I can only assume that you feel for him what I feel for my wife. If she was out there, I’d want to do the same thing. I’m sorry that you can’t.”

I looked up into Ernst’s soft eyes and nodded. I was going to do something I had never done before, open up to one of the men I work with.

“I do feel that way for him,” I replied, “I can’t believe I was stupid enough to bring him out here. He wasn’t ready, and my stupid decision may have cost us Fritz and Klaus.”

“Don’t put yourself down like that,” Ernst began, “You had a reason to do it right?”

“Of course,” I sighed, “People like him. He makes people feel at ease. This venture is not going to be easy. I was just trying to make it easier.”

As I finished my sentence, Fritz and Klaus rode into the thicket side by side. I breathed a sigh of relief and walked up to Fritz’s horse.

“What the hell took you so long?” I asked, “I told you to stay in the middle of the party.”

Klaus pulled a string of fish off of his saddle and put it in my hands with a grin.

“Fritz taught me how to fish,” Klaus began, “We caught dinner!”

Ernst beamed and pulled the fish out of my arms. If this were any other time I would have been just as excited as Klaus was, but right now, all I could feel was anger towards Fritz. The Wolf had a dumb grin on his face, which led me to believe that something more than fishing went on during their absence.

“That’s great,” I feigned a smile, “Why don’t you get those fish cooking Klaus.”

Klaus jumped off his horse, tied it to the nearest tree, and followed Ernst to the fire. Fritz looked down at me and took a deep breath.

“We need to talk,” Fritz began, “Do you have an excuse to get away?”

I nodded.

“Hey,” I looked around our campsite, “Has anyone seen Martin?”

Martin still hadn’t returned from his search for water. He was probably splashing around without a care in the world. It wouldn’t be the first time Martin took some time to go swimming. The men shook their heads.

“There’s our excuse,” I whispered before raising my voice again, “Fritz and I are going to make sure he’s okay. Be vigilant.”

I walked in the general direction that Martin had gone and waited for Fritz to follow. He joined up with me and we walked forward a couple dozen meters, following Martin’s fairly obvious trail.

“You fucked him, didn’t you?” I asked, “Tell me the truth.”

Fritz nodded.

“You didn’t rape him,” I growled, “Right?”

“Fuck no Gustav,” The Wolf replied, “We were fishing, and talking, and it just, well, happened.”

I took a deep breath and clenched my fist.

“You owe it to me as a man to tell me what happened,” I began, “Why did it happen?”

“We were just talking,” Fritz began, “I told him I had never been with a man in years. I kissed him, and then we just, yeah.”

I started walking again, letting my thoughts wander as I continued to follow Martin’s trail. Fritz hesitated but followed after me. I didn’t know what I wanted to do about this new information. Klaus and I would have to talk of course, but I didn’t feel that Fritz was a threat to our relationship.

“I’m sorry,” Fritz continued, “I know he’s yours.”

I stopped and turned to face Fritz. I knew how to make him feel better. I took his paws in mine and leaned in to kiss him. Fritz tensed up and didn’t reciprocate the kiss. I pulled back and he whined quietly.

“I’m so confused,” The Wolf looked away from me and whined again, “Are we okay?”

I’d have been lying if I said I hadn’t wanted to kiss the Wolf before then. Now that I had, I wasn’t too impressed. What little taste I had managed to eek out from between his closed lips was nowhere near as sweet as Klaus. Hopefully, Klaus felt the same way about what he had done with the Wolf.

“Yes,” I pat the Wolf on the back, “Come on. Let’s keep looking.”

“I’m sure he’s fine,” Fritz began as we started to walk again, “It’s like you said, he’s probably just splashing around in some creek.”

We rounded a tree and found the Otter splashing naked in a moderately deep stream. I rolled my eyes and cleared my throat. Martin’s head shot up from the water, and he looked sheepishly at Fritz and I. There was no way I could be mad at him. He was just an Otter after all.

“Sorry boss,” Martin began, “I just couldn’t resist. I could refill the canteens and water the horses if you’d like.”

I nodded.

“That’s a good idea,” I replied, “Bring someone else with you. I want someone out here to watch your back.”

Out in the bush like this, the natives were only one of many problems. Now that it was dusk predators were out stalking for prey. One lonely Otter would make the perfect snack for an opportunistic Leopard. I scanned the stream Martin was pulling his naked body out of. Fortunately, it looked too small for crocodiles. Martin pulled his clothes on and ran back to my side.

“Once you get done with that,” I began as the three of us started walking back to camp, “Have some fish. Fresh caught.”

“That sounds wonderful,” Martin beamed, “Who caught it?”

Fritz chuckled.

“Klaus and I stopped off on the way,” The Wolf nudged my shoulder, “He’s quite the fisherman.”

Martin scoffed.

“I’ll have to really teach him,” Martin puffed out his chest, “Otters are the best fishers after all.”

We walked back into the campsite. All of the remaining men jumped up with their weapons at hand at our arrival except for Ernst and Klaus, who were hunched over and sitting beside the fire. Fritz and Martin went about their business as I walked closer to the Owl and the Human. Ernst chuckled and shook his head at the human.

“No, no, no,” Ernst held up his knife, “You’re cutting too deep.”

“Shit,” Klaus chuckled, “How am I supposed to do it?”

Ernst showed Klaus his headless and halved fish.

“See how I used the backbone to guide my knife?” Ernst traced a finger along the exposed backbone in his fish, “These butterfish are small, so you want to get as much meat as possible.”

I chuckled and looked over the already large pile of fish fillets.

“Looks like you guys have found plenty of work to keep you busy,” I began, “Thank you for the fish Klaus.”

Klaus looked up at me with a huge grin as I praised him. I smiled and pat him on the back as I walked away. That look was something I’d never expected to see of Klaus. He wanted my approval. He wanted to prove that he could learn to live out here just like I did. I sat down at my log and smiled. I was so happy he’d try that for me.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Dinner was pleasant but all too short. Once the last bits of fish were eaten, the men on my crew turned in for the night. I took the first watch. I chose to sit behind the log I had been sitting on all night with my rifle propped up beside me. It was cold, and I missed the fire, but at least I had some privacy. Someone approached behind me, cracking twigs the whole way. I immediately knew who it was.

“You need to work on being quiet Klaus,” I looked up and chuckled, “I bet the entire camp heard you.”

The human smiled and sat beside me.

“I didn’t want to startle you,” Klaus nuzzled up to me and sighed, “Thank you for taking me.”

“Oh don’t thank me yet,” I lifted my arm and allowed the human to snuggle into my side, “We still have another 8 days of riding. That’s not counting the return journey. You’re probably going to be sore as all hell by the time we reach Windhoek.”

“I’m sure it’ll be fine,” Klaus began, “I’m enjoying this so far.”

I raised an eyebrow.

“I heard you and Fritz got close,”I chuckled as the human tensed up, “You still love me right? You still want to be with me, and not him?”

“Yes, I love you,” Klaus kissed my cheek and made waves of warmth course from my core, “Fritz was just, well it was good, surprisingly.”

I laughed.

“You mean he was a virgin?” I shook my head, “My god, I don’t blame you at all.”

“It’s the last time it’s going to happen,” Klaus looked up at me, “It was a moment of weakness..”

“I’m not mad Klaus,” I shrugged and smirked, “It just means I get to have a little tryst too.”

Klaus looked up at me with his jaw dropped in indignation. I chuckled and shrugged again. We were going to Windhoek, which meant there was bound to be some cute young thing I could get into trouble with.

“Who then?” Klaus asked, “Fritz?”

“Hell no,” I chuckled and nudged him with my shoulder, “I don’t want your leavings.”

“Fine,” Klaus sighed, “I guess I owe you that much. Just promise you won’t leave me for them.”

“Never in a million years,” I squeezed the human to my side, “Even if you are a one-time adulterer.”

We shared a quiet laugh and fell silent. I scanned the wilderness in front of me. It was dark and foreboding, but quiet. Klaus cleared his throat and nudged me.

“So Ernst said you were really worried about me,” Klaus began, “I’m sorry Fritz and I didn’t do as you said.”

“Hey,” I gave my mate a quick kiss, “You did something wonderful for all of us. I can’t be mad. Although I would like a warning next time.”

“Of course,” Klaus smiled and paused for a moment, “Is there any chance I can ride with you tomorrow?”

I would have wanted nothing more, but there was a long list of reasons why that could never work. The main reason was that there was no way he could keep up with me, and if something bad happened I knew the human wouldn’t be able to defend himself. I couldn’t tell Klaus that was my objection.

“I can’t make it look like I’m showing you preferential treatment,” I decided to say, ‘’We are going to ride in single file tomorrow. The trail gets constricted on the way to the fort. If you can keep up, you may be able to ride near the front. It’s not with me, but at least it’s close.”

“Okay Gustav,” Klaus replied, “I’m going to go back to bed okay.”

“That’s a good idea,” I smiled warmly, “Keep your strength up for tomorrow. The two of us will be able to get some alone time at the Fort.”

“Oh yeah?” Klaus smiled and blushed, “Could we maybe…”

I nodded. The Fort wasn’t a place that me and my crew really liked to go. They didn’t let Furs in unless they were members of the German military, which none of us were. They at least had the courtesy to put visiting Furs on the safest side of the fort, between the wall and an impassable hill. The lands around the fort where very secluded and perfect for the two of us to get very personal.

“We definitely can,” I chuckled, “Now go on and get some sleep.”

Klaus blushed and walked back to his bedroll with a new spring in his step. I watched him as he walked with a lewd grin on my face. I was going to miss the human’s company, but at least the memory of the way his hips swayed as he walked would keep me warm.