FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Ciara O’Connor

The guardsman led me into the main hall, closing the door behind me.

The hall was what one would expect in a frontier military garrison, with utilitarian tables and chairs serving as the sole furniture in the room. The walls were lined with iron torch brackets, the flickering light of the flames casting shadows about the room.

The garrison commander sat at one of the larger tables in the room, accompanied by the beautiful woman I had seen at the execution.

She had a look of weariness on her face, with puffy red eyes and an aura of exhaustion that still somehow did nothing to diminish her beauty.

I remembered what Aatu had told me of the woman. How she wasn’t a woman at all, but that she was actually an anthropomorphic fox creature, appearing to be male.

It was difficult to believe such a thing. This woman appeared as real and solid as if myself. I was certain that if I reached out for her arm, I would touch smooth creamy skin.

She seemed to radiate a grace unknown even among the elves of Rainhaven. That was to include the half-dryad, Lady Eava herself.

Her auburn hair seemed to dance red in the flickering of the firelight, though not quite as vibrant as my own. It seemed to have a misleading depth to it, with a certain glow you could only catch if light hit just right.

I noticed the deep emerald of her beautiful eyes, despite their weary puffiness.

Her lips were a brilliant bold scarlet that showed as a sharp contrast to her creamy skin.

Standing this close now, I was truly in awe at the otherworldly beauty before me.

I found myself blushing at the realization that I found this woman attractive.

“Ah, our halfling huntress has arrived.” The man said, rising from his seat to give a slight bow.

“Captain Illska, I presume?” I asked, returning his courtesy.

“Indeed. Come, sit. We were just about to enjoy a wonderful breakfast.” He said, gesturing to a third place-setting, which unfortunately happened to be directly across from the Lady Kala.

I thanked him, taking a seat.

He retook his own before beginning with business.

“I’ve grown accustomed to dining with the lovely Lady Kala of Duskshire each morning. I’m sure her reputation has reached you?” He asked, turning to smile at the woman. I caught a strange look in his eye, but I couldn’t quite place its origin.

I followed his gaze, catching her eye. She gave a warm smile that made my heart race.

“I-uh, I’m sorry, my lady, I cannot say that I have.” I replied. “Though, hailing from Northmeadow, my kin do not typically associate or meddle in the affairs of the outside world. Unfortunately, we seem all to content in holding to our own.”

“No worries, Lady O’Connor.” She replied. “A solitary life of peace is oft time’s preferable to a meddlesome life of conflict.”

“Ah, now that introductions are out of the way, to business. Ciara O’Connor, I hear you hunt large game. Tell me, how does such a young halfling come into such a profession?” the captain asked.

“Well, sir, I had accompanied my father on his trapping and hunting trips all my life. Archery sort of came natural to me, and I spent most of my days in the woods all over the Sutvalds. I suppose I just fell into it, really.” I explained, eyes constantly darting back to the human woman.

If I hadn’t come to trust the wolf’s word, I would have believed him a liar.

“I see. Well, I couldn’t help but admire your bow. Elvish, correct?” He asked, eyeing the weapon over my shoulder.

“Yes, sir. A gift from the Lords and Ladies of Rainhaven.” I replied, somewhat hesitantly. I wasn’t certain how much truth I wanted to divulge to this man. I couldn’t quite explain it, but something seemed off about him.

“A generous gift indeed, for a halfling commoner.”

“I served their city by hunting a dangerous and problem-some bear.” I lied.

“By all accounts, elvish huntsmen are unrivaled in the land.” He grinned.

“You’ve never witnessed me at work, my lord.” I shot back behind a mask of friendly banter.

I couldn’t have been certain, but I thought heard Lady Kala chuckle slightly.

“Forgive me, I meant no offense, of course. I was just remarking on the peculiarity of such a situation.”

“There is nothing to forgive, captain. I’m used to encountering doubt at my abilities.” I replied.

“Well, as I am not planning on utilizing your skills, you need not concern yourself with my opinions. So, you seek information on the winter wolf attacks?” he asked.

“Indeed. My employer insists I find the trouble animals, and put them down, if it has not been done already.” I replied.

“Well, you’ll be happy to learn that your job is secure, as I have yet to order a hunting party to deal with the beasts.”

“Something my employer found surprising. He explained to me how this garrison is usually very efficient in dealing with any situation that arises from the Frostbogs.” I stated.

“Well, your employer may not be fully aware of the situation here. We seem to be dealing with a much more pressing matter at the moment.” He replied with a bite of irritation.

“Well, that is beneficial to me, I suppose, though I apologize to hear of such troubles.” I replied, pretending I did not notice his tone.

“Well, I shall not be the barrier that keeps you from a decent payment. The rumors are indeed true. Wolves have been spotted in the eastern borders of the marsh. By all accounts, they are massive, nearing the size of a horse or bear. They have, on occasion, set on travelers along the northwestern road, often accompanied by trolls, my reports say.” He explained.

“So, you would suggest I travel to the eastern Frostbogs?” I asked.

“That’s where reports have spotted them when they are not ravaging the countryside. Though, I cannot guarantee you’ll find anything.” He replied.

“Don’t you worry about that. I am an excellent tracker, and have firsthand experience in working with winter wolves.” Not a complete lie.

“Lady O’Connor?” Kala spoke suddenly.

“Yes, my lady?” I replied, trying to ignore the smooth way her words flowed as they left her lips.

“It’s just, I’ve heard some truly atrocious legends of the Frostbogs. Particularly of the easternmost portion. Surly, you could find safer game?” she asked.

“My lady, I have been offered a great deal of money for the pelts of these beasts in particular. Besides, I do not fear old myths.” Now that entire thing was a lie.

I had willing volunteered to accompany the wolf on this journey, with no promise of reward or payment, and no intention to slay Aatu’s kin. Furthermore, I also knew firsthand how dangerous old legends could be.

“Please, Lady O’Connor, do not go into that marsh.” It almost felt like a wave rolled over me. Her words were so soft and full of worry, I almost found myself obliging.

The only thing that kept me from doing so was the thought Aatu, and the knowledge that I was trying to be suspicious of the disguised fox.

Perhaps the only reason why I didn’t warn the captain of her—erh, his—subterfuge, was because the man also gave me an uneasy feeling. Perhaps moreso.

I shook my head, trying to fight past the soothing words of worry.

“I’m—I’m sorry, my lady, but my destination lies in the Frostbogs.” I explained.

She frowned, looking away for a moment, than back at me.

“Be wary, then. Do not follow any lights and do not follow any song you may here.” She warned.

“You seem to know an awful lot about these legends, my lady. In all my time as commander of this garrison, I’ve heard nothing of dangerous singing. You almost sound as if you know from experience?” Captain Illska stated, raising an eyebrow in suspicion.

“Only from what I’ve heard in my travels, of course.” She smiled at the man.

“Indeed…”he replied.

It was then I noted the tension drifting between the two.

I remembered Kala had attempted to intervene on the prisoners’ behalf, before. Perhaps that had grown into some form of mutual frustration with the other?

Then, the captain drew a roll of parchment from a satchel draped on the back of his chair.

“It just so happens, my courier has returned. You recall, my lady, the rider I sent to Duskshire upon your arrival?” he asked.

Lady Kala’s face twisted in fear for a split second, almost unnoticeable. Had I not been admiring her perfection, I would have missed it.

“Of course, Captain Illska.” She replied. Her words had a deliberateness too them.

“Well, he brings word from King Jaris. Would you like to read it?” he asked.

Lady Kala did not reply. I could see the fear return to her eyes.

“No? Well, then perhaps allow me.”

He unrolled the parchment before him, holding it aloft.

“Captain Illska of Eastwald, Garrison Commander of Mireshadow, It’s is with great concern that I inform you that there is no Lady Kala of the City of Foris. Lord Kelroun of Foris has no daughters, in fact…” he paused, setting the parchment down on the table.

My eyes darted between the two.

“Well? It would appear you are not who you say you are, my lady. Does this mean that an innocent man died on your behalf?” he asked.

“It was your blade which carried the sentence.” She replied, a coldness in her tone I had not expected.

“If you are not a noblewoman of Duskshire, than who, may I ask, has been dining at this table with me?” He asked.

It was then that I noticed the room was filled with an unusual amount of guardsmen, each with a hand resting on their weapons.

“Well? I suppose it matters not. Parading about as a noblewoman is a crime. Though, I fear your crimes may go well beyond that. I believe one man already accused you of witchcraft?” he continued when she didn’t answer.

Captain Illska stood, hand resting on his blade.

“I must apologize, Ciara O’Connor. I did not wish to do this in front of a guest, but I could not bear the thought of such treachery going on any longer.” He said, before turning back to Kala.

“I hereby place you under arrest, for impersonating a noblewoman, and suspicion of witchcraft.” He stated in as commanding of tone as he could muster.

Lady Kala looked at me, pleading in her eyes.

“I will find a way to prove how you are guilty of inspiring insubordination in an honorable soldier with no prior offenses. Tell me, how did you get Sir Brunis to desert his post? And with one of those beasts, no less?”

The ever changing dynamics of this town were beginning to prove lost on me.

“I had nothing to do with that.” She stated coldly.

“Yes, well, I will learn the truth soon enough. I’ve heard how you’ve shown a strange concern for the welfare of the prisoners. It’s also been noted how strange occurrences just happen to have coincided with your arrival, ‘my lady.’ Know only that you have sealed the fates of both the refugees and Sir Brunis. They shall all be put to the sword. I tire of caring for monsters.”

“NO!” Lady Kala cried, rising to her feet now. The guardsmen each drew their weapons.

“Sir Kappis, take her to her chambers. Do not worry, Kala, if that is indeed your name. A pyre is being built. You shall join them all.

A handsome young knight stepped from the ring of guardsman, hand gripping his sword at the ready.

“I’m sorry, my lady. Please come with me.”

“Sir, if I may, have you any proof of anything other than her impersonation? I fear any attempt at charging her for any other crime is without evidence.” I stated, rising to my feet.

“Ciara O’Connor, this is a matter of Eastwald. Please gather your hound, and be on your way. You have some wolves to hunt.”

Riddaris

It seemed as if the entire herd had gathered to welcome the new elvish arrivals. A large war-band had come, seemingly armed and ready for battle. At their head was the Summer Lord, Livillios himself.

The circle of elders stood at the center of the crowd, Lord Livillios approached, bowing in respect.

“Elders of the Ironhide, my kin and I bring friendship in these dark times. We dream of a prosperous alliance between our peoples.” Livillios stated, rising from his bow.

“Lord Livillios Summersun. You understand our initial skepticism.” Elder Dagrin stated.

“Of course. Your people have experienced great injustices at the hands of others. We are here to remedy that.”

“Centuries of injustice is not soothed over one lifetime, even an elvish lifetime.” Vanmarr said.

“I understand. We are here, at your request, to aid in the recovery of this island by its rightful owners.” He replied.

I was always impressed how Elders and Kings seemed to have this ability to ignore direct insults or difficult negotiations. A skill every politician must develop, it seemed.

“It certainly will do well in proving your commitment to peace.” Elder Vissa said. “Is this all you’ve brought?”

Her old eyes, seemingly blind and unseeing, scanned the elvish warband before her.

“No. A fleet of drakkar longships carrying the majority of our forces lies off the coast. We are prepared to land on the beaches in the south to begin our assault. We only wish to finalize our planning.”

“We shall make our move the first week of spring. That shall give us enough time to hear from the giants. They may be joining our assault.” Dagrin explained.

“Will the defenders of Manir suspect an attack then?” Livillios asked.

“No. The city is in chaos. Broken in to districts ruled by warlords of varying factions. This disunity leaves them blind to anything beyond the walls.” Vanmarr explained.

“Very well. I will offer what insight I may on how best to utilize my forces, and any experience I have is at your disposal. We are here to aid the centaur people.”

The elf lord turned, catching my eye. I gave a nod, which he returned.

“Well met, Riddaris.” He greeted.

“Lord Livillios.”

“It may be best if you bring your kin ashore. There are still weeks before our campaign, and it may be best if they retain their strength.” Vissa stated.

“I would appreciate such hospitality, of course.” Livillios smiled.

“The valley on the northern beach will make an excellent camp for your kin while we make preparations.” Dagrin added.

Almost two full hours after the meeting, I found myself sitting in Elska’s birthing tent, much as I did every waking moment since the child arrived.

She held the creature, this panther-taur creature.

Cerid.

Her eyes were filled with a strange calm as she gazed upon the infant. I’d seen mothers watch their children with such a love before.

An instinct had awoken in my sister, an urge to care for this child, despite its twisted, unnaturalness.

Life would be difficult for the babe, I knew. It was likely to grow with the instincts of a predator, seeking to hunt and kill for survival.

It was more than that, however. The world would be difficult for my sister, now. She was the mother of a bastard, not born by any intention on her part, but still with a certain amount of accompanying stigma.

She would be forced to provide for a child in an uncertain and dangerous world. Sure, Hestross and I would willingly assist, but even that was an unknown.

In a few weeks, we would be marching to war alongside the elves to reclaim Manir. I have seen many fights, many skirmishes, but never a full battle the likes of which awaited me.

What if I was slain? And Hestross?

I forced the thoughts from my head, not from fear for me or my brother, but for my sister.

I had already heard troubling talk among the herd about this child.

Fear of its bestial nature seemed strong. Its unnatural origin, as well as the violent nature of his conception. It seemed a curse had been cast upon the herd, and I wasn’t entirely sure I disagreed.

I truly wished to view the child as a nephew, as my sister would have me do. It looked harmless enough, certainly. Perhaps it was his alien nature, with his feline face, and tiny paws. Perhaps it was the way his long black tail seemed so contrary to the individual hairs of a horses.

I gave a sigh, uncertain how I should feel. Perhaps, I shouldn’t feel anything. Perhaps, I should just take comfort in the fact that my sister was alive. That my clan may have an opportunity to reclaim the land that had been taken from them so long ago.

Lord Aquilis Wintershade

“My lord?!” Surva’s voice called frantically, rousing me from my meditation.

I bolted upright immediately, the urgency in my guardsman’s voice cause for alarm.

“What is it, Surva? Have you word of Vailadriel?” I asked.

“No, my lord. King Jaris has asked for you at once! Duskshire is under attack!” he said, pulling my armor from its rack.

I leapt up immediately, donning my gambeson and allowing him to assist me into the chain hauberk.

“By who?” I asked, fastening my swordbelt around my waist.

“They fly Akarshan banners, my lord.” Surva replied, opening the oaken door to my chamber for me.

I hesitated.

“Akarshan? They are long-time allies of Duskshire. Why would they attack their own allies?” I asked, more to myself than the Surva.

“My lord, there isn’t much time, and King Jaris awaits.” He reminded.

It seemed like only moments later, we found ourselves in a small study, a large group of maille-clad humans milling about a large table.

Unrolled on the table was a layout of Duskshire Castle itself.

King Jaris stood amidst a grouping of knights, each pouring over the map and in hushed, but frantic conversation.

The king glanced up when we entered. A look of weariness on his aging face.

“Lord Aquilis, come. It seems Archmage Telrin has found it fit to betray me. You spoke of an alliance before, and I hope not falsely. Does your offer still stand?” The human asked.

I was somewhat irritated that he only seemed to seriously consider the proposition after his city was attacked, but I refrained from showing such frustration.

“Of course, King Jaris. My men and I are at your disposal, though I fear we just sent a majority of our forces east to aid in bringing order to the Island of Manir. I know not what remains in Rainhaven.” I explained.

“That is dire news. I will speak honestly, Lord Aquilis. I am unaware of our enemy’s strength. I know only that they are headed by some of the most powerful mages in Ryze.”

I turned to Surva, who stood behind silently.

“Prepare the men for battle. I want them ready as soon as possible. They will have to serve as magical defense.” I ordered.

Surva nodded, then left without a word.

“My guardsman are capable of countering magic for a short while, but I doubt they will be able to hold out against the academy mages for long. Surva will send word to Rainhaven for assistance immediately.” I told him.

“My lord, why attack in midwinter? Surely their march north was wrought with disease and death?” one of the knights, a younger looking lad, asked.

“Catch us by surprise. If any army can march in such adverse conditions, it would be one led by mages.” A veteran cut in before either King Jaris or I could reply.

I nodded to the older human. He returned the gesture, a grim look on his face.

He had greying hair and a short beard, kept neat and clean. Dressed in a fine suit of chain and plate, he wore a large black and grey tabard which bore a variation of the crest of Duskshire, a black crescent moon on a dark grey field.

“Lord Aquilis. My name is Sir Verimor. I was most distraught to learn of Rekkdyr’s Death.” He said.

I considered him a moment before I replied. He had a look of sincerity on his face, which I hadn’t expected.

“He was Sir Rekkdyr to my people. Truly, an honorable knight.” I corrected.

“Of course, my lord. I am proud he made such an honorable name for himself, if not here, than at least among a noble people such as the elves. He was my squire.” Verimor explained.

“Then you should be proud of your accomplishment. You trained the gnoll well.”

“No, my lord. He was always the eager student. Learned more from him than I’d care to admit. He was a natural.” The man said, a look of intense sorrow coming to his aging eyes.

I frowned.

“He died a true hero, facing a darkness none could possibly imagine.” I comforted.

The man gave a slight grin.

“Lord Aquilis, please, my men inform me that the lower city has been taken. We’ve managed to seal off the inner wall, but I fear many citizens have not made it to safety.” Jaris explained, drawing my attention to the map of the keep.

“We have men stationed along the wall and at the main gates, which have been barred. With how swiftly our enemy moves, and with magic on their side, I fear it will not hold for long.” He continued.

“As soon as my men are ready, I shall have them construct wards. However, I fear we do not have enough combined forces to drive them from the city.” I replied.

“We must hold out, then, until your word reaches Rainhaven.” Jaris said, clenching his fist.

“Curses! Attacking in winter, and an ally no less! We couldn’t have been prepared!”

“What of Eastwald? They’ve been strong allies in the past?” the young knight from before asked.

“They lie even further than Rainhaven. Even if we could get word, they couldn’t possibly mobilize quickly enough.” Verimor replied.

Just then, Surva entered the room.

“My lord, the men are preparing now.” He stated.

“Good. Lisen, Surva. I need you to send a message to Lady Aralyn. Inform her of what has transpired here, and that we need aid immediately.” I ordered.

“At once, my lord.” He replied, before moving off to find a quite space to cast his spell.

“I apologize for my words before, Lord Aquilis. I should have been more accommodating. I am only glad the elves are not so short sighted as we humans seem to be.” King Jaris stated.

“I do not doubt your wisdom, King Jaris. You have faced many battles, and governed your kingdom well.” I replied.

He nodded, falling deep in thought.

“Sir Verimor, if you would send word to withdraw the Wandering Guard. We may need their aid before this is over.” He ordered.

“My lord, I’m not certain word can travel fast enough.” He replied.

“Speak with Surva. He should be able to magically get word to whoever you need, given the proper description and location.” I offered.

“Yes, my lord.” He replied, moving off toward my guardsman.

“Let us hope it will be enough.” King Jaris stated distantly.

I glanced down at the table, eyes resting on the map version of the great hall. Everything had seemed to suddenly tip at once, with Vailadriel’s disappearance, the campaign in Manir, and now Akarshan laying siege to Duskshire.

It seemed the world was being cast into chaos all at once.