FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

“Looking back on things now it's hard to believe the journey that I have experienced has actually transpired. That my life as a engineer should end so abruptly. Or that my meeting with the Crusader Aladdin would end with me roped into the life of an adventurer. Still, knowing what I know now and having gone through all the hardships of my travels. I am content with how my adventures began. But if i could have changed one thing. I'd have gotten a damned steam coach.“ Magnus Harriot the third, High Engineer of Braventry April the 20th 1800th year of the Astral Calendar

October the 30th, 1789th year of the Astral Calendar

The wheels of the small wooden cart squeaked noisily as it travelled down the old dirt road. A small side path off the main road that lead to the small town of Shadewyn. The sound of hoofbeats accompanied the squeaking of wheels as the cart was dragged along by a White Stallion. An armored figure Sat proudly in the saddle while a second, dressed in a modest gray jacket trimmed in dull silver thread with a wide brimmed hat, black pants, and doeskin boots. Sat in the cart an ornate rapier resting across lap in a fine leather scabbard.

The cart lurched as it hit a bump. Bouncing the robed man against the wooden frame of his seat. Eliciting a groan from his throat. This traveling would kill him Magnus thought to himself as he rubbed his sore lower back. He adjusted his light gray hat and wiped a few stray strands of black hair that spilt out from underneath it. He focuses his blue eyes on the road behind him as the cart moved forward. The Rolling hills of the Braventry countryside slowly giving way to forested underbrush. Magnus ran a hand over his smooth black beard and wiggles his nose causing his thin mustache to dance on his lips. He felt the tickle in his nose began to well up. He held his breath trying to fight back the urge to sneeze, but to no avail. He sneezed loudly and quickly scooped up the handkerchief in his pocket. Blowing his nose into it.

“Bless you." offered his companion. His deep voice resonating with an animalistic growl. He turned to look at his companion offering a simple “Thanks." in reply. His companion was Aladdin, a Arkian from the eastern Sapphire deserts, a tall powerful Beastman, a mix of man and lion. Covered in golden brown fur with a long mane of red running from his head and almost folding back into a beard on his Feline face. Aladdin's eyes were a stark golden color that almost seemed to glow even in the light of the midday sun. He wore a steel armored breastplate overtop a leather tunic that spread out into a kilt and tan pants. His hands were adorn with metal braciers and his feet with armored sandals. His digits ending in sharp black claws. From his backside protruded a long thin tail covered in fur that turned into a tuft of fluff at the end.

Aladdin glanced at Magnus sympathy in his feline eyes. He spoke his deep voice filled with concern. “You are not getting a cold are you? It would be unfortunate for you to get sick out here in the wilderness. “ Magnus shook his head letting out a sigh. “No I'm alright, It's just all the dust your horse keeps kicking up." Aladdin let out a mirthful laugh. “Perhaps you would do better if you had your own steed to ride on." Magnus frowned at the thought an involuntary shudder running across his body. “No thank you, I'd rather ride a steam coach." The Arkian rolled his eyes. “ What? Are you afraid of horses?“ He pet the horse's mane a playful grin on his lion-like face. “You need to learn to be less fearful of god's creatures. Beside if we'd taken a steam coach we'd have to stick to the main roads." The Arkian looked down at the horse and spoke in a hushed tone like a parent speaking to a young child. “Isn't that right Magnolia?" The horse whinned in agreement.

Magnus scoffed sourly as much as he hated to admit it Aladdin had a point. As powerful as Braventry steam engines were. These small, uneven side roads were far too underdeveloped for a steam coach. If only they could reach the scarlands by traveling the main trade routes. The metal body of a coach could provided protection from the radiation left behind by The Starfall. The Starfall, the most final and terrible act of the great war between The Lords Alliance, an alliance of men, Dwarves or Dwarren as they called themselves, and The Gnoll clan Lord's. Against the Mithril Curtain, headed by the elves, their Draxilin Dragonmen allies, and the ogre Kings of Ogrvalla, forty years ago. The casting of The Starfall had been a desperate attempt by the Lord's alliance to end the war with a threat of mass destruction. The Starfall was cast at the then capital of The Mithril Curtain. The spell had leveled the city and turned the surrounding land for miles into irradiated waste. The gambit had worked and the elves surrendered while their allies fled across the great sea on the Draxilin flying city.

The day had been won but at a terrible cost to the land. The only things living there now we're mutants and aberrant creatures born from the increased radiation. A place of death and sadness. Also he and his companions ultimate destination. You'd have to be crazy to go there. Crazy or desperate. Aladdin was most certainly the former. While he mostly understood that Aladdin was on some sort of holy quest to recover a lost artifact of his faith from the Ruined city. Aladdin had initially planned to simply waltz into the wastes to find it. Sure his faith alone could protect him from the deadly radiation. Magnus on the other hand was the latter. He had been experimenting with scarland radiation for some time. Head researcher at Braven university of applied sciences in fact.

Magnus in particular was experimenting with ways to shield a person from the deadly energy using advanced magitek devices. He had been on to a breakthrough. His initial device successfully blocked out radiation. But only on a small scale. He had planned test the device more thoroughly using larger suffusions of radiation. However the university had deemed his line of inquiry a dead end and thus cut his funding. So here he was now. Almost a year later on the back of a cart headed to the scarland after a drunken night with a stranger, and a salvaged prototype from the project worn around his neck like a pendant. Even now he could feel the oppressive weight of the leather cord around his neck like a noose. He could only hope his invention was up to the challenge. Otherwise he might end up wishing it was a noose.

He glanced at the Arkian “Are you sure what you're looking for is in the Scarland?" Aladdin sighed “Yes, I do believe the blade of Solomon can be found in the ruins of Lorloth. I'm sure of it." Magnus gave the Beastman an incredulous glance. “How can you be sure?" Aladdin looked back at him his voice wavering mild frustration. “As I said when we left Braven. The Elves stole the blade from the high paladin during the great war. It was then wielded by High King Emerath. The high king died in The Starfall. So it must be in the city ruins somewhere."

“But what if it was destroyed? The Starfall released a lot of energy. It's speculated at least part of the city would have been vaporized at the point of impact. How do you know the blade is still intact?" Magnus asked. “Because I have faith. I do not believe The Celestial Lion Aparon would lead me astray." Magnus let the subject drop seeing the Determination and conviction on the Lion Man's face. Not that he would have steered him away from Scarland. Magnus needed to also head in that direction. Turning back in his seat in the cart Magnus watched as the last signs of the hilly plains faded away leaving nothing but dark cedar trees in every direction. The cart rolled over yet another bump. Lifting Magus into the air and slamming him back down onto the wood. Magnus moaned despite himself. Still wishing for the comfy leather seats of a coach. They continued along the road slowly and silently as they travelled the side road treading deeper into the forest. The road itself already little more than a old dirt trail. But now was reduced to little more than game trails that had been cleared of most of the underbrush and debris.

This was going to take hours Magnus thought. Might as well get some work done. He turned his body sideways and reached for a large leather backpack that rested just within arm's length behind him. He pulled the pack closer and opened the leather flap with a clink of its buckle. He reached in and pulled out a small tinkerers tool belt. Tiny screwdrivers, hammers, screws, and other unidentifiable bits poked out from various pouches sewn into the belt itself. He lay the belt next to him and unsheathed his rapier.

It was a finely made weapon. A sharp pointed blade that extended from an ornate, gold plated, basket cross guard that flowed down into a brown leather wrapped hilt and ended a pommel shaped like the crying head of an eagle. To the average onlooker it appeared to be a well made if ornate weapon. But to a trained eye the weapons special property would be obvious. Just below the blade peeking out from the basket was the glinting steel barrel of a gun that ran parallel with the blade itself. Just below the barrel hidden inside the basket itself rested a three chambered cylinder and a small trigger just above where the index finger would rest on the hilt.

Magnus was no weaponsmith. But he was familiar enough with the mechanisms of his gun rapier to take it apart and clean it. Slowly he took apart the mechanisms of the gun and cleaned them piece by piece. Wiping away dirt and grime with a soft cloth. While oiling each of the delicate mechanisms and gently putting them back into place. The bumps in the road made the task more difficult. But the familiar routine of the act allowed him to relax and focus his mind. Ignoring the constant motion of the cart beneath his seat. Time passed by in silence as the two companions traveled down the old dirt road.

When Magnus looked up from his tinkering he found to his surprise that the light of day was already swiftly fading. In fact he may have been completely absorbed into his work well into the evening when they finally broke camp had the cart not suddenly come to a halt. Magnus sheathed the rapier and glanced behind him in confusion. “Something wrong? It can't be time to set up camp yet can…" The words died on his lips as his eyes came to rest on the reason for the stop.

In the middle of the road stood the overturned and broken remains of what once had been a merchant caravan. The burnt out corpses of carts lay spew across the dirt road. Their broken wooden frames thrown this way and that. Caravan guards lay in pools of their own lifesblood. Their bodies cut open or smashed open and left to rot on the ground. Magnus felt bile rise up in his throat. It took all his strength to keep from retching and look away. “My gods!" he muttered attempting to regather his composer rising from the cart and taking a few steps away. Taking a long, steady, breath of air to calm himself.

Aladdin growled his eyes fixed on the carnage before him as he dismounted. The beastman approached the ruined carts. Their contents lie spewn across the ground. Spice, fruit, and various silks lay spewn across the road or left in overturned carts. Strangely the only dead seemed to be the guards. The merchants themselves were nowhere to be found. “There are no merchants…" He said aloud. “What do you mean?" Asked Magnus still facing away from the devastation. “I mean it's only the guards that are dead. I don't see anyone who looks like a peddler amongst them." Aladdin sniffed the air, The air was rank with death and something else. It was hard to place exactly. It smelt almost like a weird mix of human musk and… poultry?

Aladdin blinked his large eyes. The pupils rapidly shrinking into slits as a guttural growl escaped his throat. “..Magnus. We need to leave. Now!" Aladdin dashed back to Magnolia and swung himself over the saddle in an instant. “What? Aladdin whats- ?" There was a the sound of air being split as an arrow flew by Magnus's head to his left. Narrowly missing his ear and impacting the cart in front of him followed by what can only be described as a horrid mix between a human scream and the screeching of a crow. “Right, getting in the cart!" Magnus quickly scurried into the cart as another arrow whizzed by followed by another and another. With a crack of the reigns magnolia began to gallop. Aladdin steered her around the wreckage as arrows thunked into the wooden cart. Magnus glanced behind himself, searching for the source of the attack. It didn't take long for him to get his answer. Erupting from the trees a gaggle of creatures with the upper body of women and the wings and lower body of a birda. descended to the ground. Firing bolts from crossbows and screeching a horrid cacophony of wailing chirps. “Harpy's?! We're being attacked by Harpys?" Exclaimed Magnus in horror.

He had heard tales of these all female beastmen. How they kidnap men to expand their degenerate brood before devouring them. Or how women were often twisted by dark magics into Harpy's by their shamen. The cart hit a bump as they flew down the dirt road causing Magnus to stumble. Almost losing his balance completely and knocking him from his stupor. “Less talking, more shooting." Growled Aladdin his hands gripping the reins tightly as he directed his steed. Right, Magnus thought. He drew his rapier in one fluid motion. He brought the blade up as if to thrust it forward in a lunging motion. His index finger gripped the concealed trigger for the pistol portion of his weapon. Another arrow whizzed by as Magnus barely had enough time to shift away from the bolt as it flew by. He quickly took aim at the nearest one as it drew back it's bowstring arrow knocked.

He pulled the trigger and with a thunderous blast and a slight kickback the gun discharged it's bullet right into the naked chest of the beastman. The harpy screeched in pain and collapsed to the ground. Several of her fellows descending on her like rabid wolves tearing at the poor wounded creature as they devoured her whole. However several continued to follow the beating of their wings lending them speed as they chased after the cart. One of the creatures drew close. Unlike the others she held a cruel rusted longsword in her hand and was dressed in a hodgepodge of leather scraps and mail armor. Long black hair flowing from a long nosed face with bright green eye stared at Magnus full of barely concealed malice.

The beast, most likely the matriarch. Raised its rusted blade high and brought it down in an arching cut. Magus barely had time to register the attack before he brought up his rapier to expertly parry the blade. Magnus gasped the ring of metal against metal sounding in his ears his arm going numb for a moment from the shear force of the blow. Damn she was a strong one, Magnus would have to be faster if he hoped to best her. Keeping his eyes on her Magnus took a Fencing stance. Blade held in one hand outstretched his other arm behind his back. The Harpy took her blade two-handed and swung hard. Making a horizontal sweep aimed at his chest.

Magnus barely managed to step back as the blade nipped his jacket. Ripping a white button clean off with the cruel swipe and exposing her left flank as the blade reached the height of its swing. Without a moment's hesitation he lunged forward thrusting the rapier sharp blade at her. The blade struck true. Piercing her side and provoking a scream of pain as she let go of her blade lashing out Instinctively with her taloned hands. The first swipe mist but the second tore at his face leaving a bleeding gash on his right cheek. He gasped as hot pain arched across his face, He quickly shook off his shock and struck out with his knee kicking the Harpy in her wounded side. She jumped back giving him a moment respite.

He quickly brought his rapier up and adjusted his grip so that the trigger was again in front of his index finger. He pulled back the trigger letting out the second bullet with a thunderous cry. The bullet collided with her wing causing it to spasm and the Harpy matriarch to collapse onto the road a single hand holding onto the edge of the cart as she was dragged along the forest floor. Magnus quickly lunged stabbing the Harpy's hand with the tip of his rapier. She let go of the cart as she cried out in pain and fell fully into the dirt path behind them as they sped off down the trail. “Alright that's taken care of. Now let's get-" Magnus stopped as he turned around and found his companion Aladdin in the midst of a battle of his own. Two more Harpies with cruel blades of their own lashed at him while he parried with the Falchion in his left hand.

His right hand still gripping the reins tightly as he directed magnolia to continue along the path. Aladdin was strong and far more skilled a fighter Magnus. The fact that he held his own despite the handicap from the reins was proof enough. However even skilled as he was Magnus could see several gashes along his exposed flesh from where the harpies managed to break through his defenses with their cruel blades. Magnus had one more shot in his pistol. Best make it count. He took careful aim eyeing the Harpy on Aladdin's right flank. He watched as she flew up high and fast. Ready to dive down into Aladdin's side. Just before she reached her zenith he fired! The bullet slammed into the joint of her left wing causing it to spasm. She spiraled to the ground howling in pain before smashing into the hard ground below with a sickening crack her voice going silent. Aladdin grunted in thanks.

Now free of his other attacker he turned his attention to his other assailant. The Harpy swung her blade vertically attempting to split Aladdin in two. He brought his Falchion up quickly parrying the blow. He then brought his blade up in a cutting slash piercing her wing and severing it at the tendon. With a cry she fell to the ground with a thud. Magnus watched as she rapidly disappeared into the distance behind them as the cart barreled forward. The cart slowly turned as the road ahead grew wavy and uneven but it seemed they had left the harpies in the dust. Magnus felt his heart drumming in his chest and pounding in his ears. He breathed slow deep breaths. Calming himself as they drew further and further away from the Harpies. He held his position staring at the road rapidly disappearing to the distant horizon. He gripped the side of the cart tightly. Less to maintain balance as to steady the shaking of his hands. When he finally felt himself calm he eased his grip on the Cart. His hands stung from having gripped the rough wood so tightly. He would not be surprised if he found splinters later.

The cart came to slow stop. The forest had given way to a small clearing. “Let's make camp here." Aladdin said with labored breath. Magnus was shocked to hear the difficulty in Aladdin's voice so ragged. Surely a few scrapes on the arm can't be that painful. He turned to face the Arkian a witty comment about harpies danced on the end of his tongue. It died before even reaching his lips. As he turned his eyes locked on Aladdin's right hip. A large and cruel looking gash looped across it. Blood staining the white of the tunic he wore under his armor a dark crimson. “Aladdin!?" Exclaimed Magnus. He gave his companion a concerned look. The Arkian growled dismissively as he eased himself off Magnolia. He winced in pain as slight impact of his feet hitting the ground rustled his wound. “I'll be fine." He hissed. Magnus frowned and muttered. “That doesn't look fine to me."

He turned to the cart his pack which had been jostled by rough cartridge much of its contents now spilt onto the floor of the cart. He scanned the objects searching for something that might help. most of what had spilled out were his tools, a few spare parts, scrap metal, screws, and ah the medical kit! Just what he was looking for. He reached into the cart and grabbed the white plast-steel box. “Take off your breast plate and tunic." He said matter of fact. Aladdin's ears perked up his eyes widening in shock. “What?!" He sputtered in confusion. “Take off your armor and tunic." Magnus repeated louder this time as he opened the medkit. despite being rustled its contents appeared mostly in tact. even the bottle of antibacterial salve appeared to be undamaged. “I'm going to help you bandage that wound." Aladdin chuckled nervously. “No no, it's alright. It's only a flesh wound, Really." Magnus sighed and looked Aladdin straight in the eyes. “Al, your bleeding from a wound caused by a rusty sword. Not even a regular rusty sword either. The sword of a Harpy. Do you think they ever clean their anything? We need to take care of that. You don't want me to get sick and I don't need my guard dying from an infected wound we could have easily prevented with some first aid." Magnus broke eye contact instead choosing to look at the dark stain of red on Aladdin's torso. “Besides, you're bleeding pretty bad." Magnus felt a slight sense of nausea. The ideal of seeing Al's blood made his stomach churn in a mix of nervous anxiety and innate squeamishness.

Magnus swallowed hard pushing the feeling down until it was only a nagging feeling in the pit of his stomach. “But what about you? You were hurt too." Aladdin blurted out pointing to the scratch on Magnus's check. “I'm going to take care of that." Magnus said a bit taken aback. Why was he fighting this so hard? Magnolia whinnied shaking her great head behind Aladdin. “See, your worrying is startling Magnolia!." Magnus stared with incredulity at Aladdin. “I'm startling the horse? Are you serious right now?" Aladdin remained sheepishly standing there for a few moments as Magnus continued to watch him the large Arkian sighed. “You aren't going to let this go are you Magnus? "The human shook his head. “I'm not sure why you're so unwilling to let me treat you. I mean I know how to bandage a wound. Hell while I was still a student at The Braven University of the Sciences I took a minor course in Basic Apothecary Techniques." Magnus continued a prideful smile spreading across his lips. “I am certified in several revival techniques as well as Respiratory rescue procedures."

Aladdin sighed “O-okay, I get it. You know what you're doing." Aladdin's tail lashed nervously. He rubbed his arm flinching as his paw ran over the harpies scratches. “Alright, I'll let you bandage me… Just. Please don't stare." Magnus raised his eyebrow at the beastman's request. “Er… Okay. I think i can do that." The Beastman sighed “Alright, Here I go." He reached for the straps of his breastplate and slowly undid them. The metal armor came free of his body with ease as the two halfs of the breastplate separated. Aladdin then placed the breastplate in his pack strapped to Magnolia's side. He reached down and gripped the bottom of his tunic and in one quick motion pulled it over his head and off his body.

Magnus gaped at the barechested beastman. He was beautiful. Magnus new the Arkian was rather muscular underneath that heavy breastplate. He had to be in order to carry its heavy weight. But without the armor or leather tunic to hid it all the Beastman looked built like a god. Bulging muscle rippled across his arms and Barrel-chested, Broad shouldered frame. Even his somewhat girthy stomach had muscle to it. It was obvious he had built himself for power. Magnus felt heat on his cheeks as his heart seemed to skip a beat. Was this what he was embarrassed about? Then Magnus noticed it. At first he thought it had just been an odd patch of fur on his chest. But on closer inspection he recognized it as a scar. A particularly gruesome scar in fact.

It looked like a wavy burn scar that stretched horizontally across his chest. It almost looked as if someone had taken a burning hot blade and dragged it across his chest. Aladdin self consciously covered the scar with his muscular arms Flushed and clearly embarrassed. Magnus mentally cursed himself as he turned his attention to the wound at the beastman's side doing his best to ignore the scar. He approached and placed the medical case on the ground opening it. He put on a pair of surgical gloves and spread some of the Antibacterial salve on his hands.

Looking at the wound and the blood made Magnus feel a bit woozy. But he worked through the unease. It didn't take long to apply the salve and bandage Aladdin up. Magnus found himself despite the seriousness of the situation enjoying the feel of his hands against the Arkian's muscular body. To Aladdin's credit he barely flinched while Magnus was dressing his wounds. As Magnus tended to his own wounds however he couldn't help but ponder on the scar across Aladdin's chest. What would cause that type of wound, How did he get it? It was obvious that it was something the Beastman considered embarrassing, Shameful even judging by the way he had moved his arms to cover it. And that sad look on his face.

Magnus felt curiosity building inside of him. He wanted to question his friend about it. They had known eachother for what must have been two months now. Learning more about each other would help build a stronger bond of trust. That bond would be useful once they reached the waterland. The monsters that dwell in that irradiated nightmare would require teamwork. The kind that can only come from people who know and trust each other with their lives. Something that always made itself apparent when one of the many mutants wandered out of the wastes to wreak havoc on the unsuspecting countryside. Still it was obvious that discussing it right now would cause Aladdin discomfort. Magnus reasoned to ask about it later. Perhaps when they reached the next town or whenever Aladdin seemed less on edge about it. “Alright, I think it's time we set up camp" Magnus said once his own wounds were fully addressed. “You go ahead and set up camp. I have something that needs taking care of."

Magnus gave the beastman a questioning glance. “Something needs to be taken care of?" Aladdin had already put back on his tunic and was busy strapping his armored breastplate back into place. “Yes, I'll only be gone a few hours. Stay here and tend the camp." The wheels in Magnus's head began to turn. What business does he need to take care of that would take hours? Firewood maybe? But that shouldn't take hours. Neither would relieving himself. What could he possibly mean? A thought crossed Magnus's mind as a slow realization dawned on him. “No, No no no no no. You are not suggesting what I think you're suggesting." The Arkian gave him an annoyed look. “And what would that be?" Magnus frowned the annoyed tone in Aladdin's voice grating his nerves a bit. “You're going to go after the harpies aren't you?" Aladdin nodded his face hardened with stern resolve. “Are you crazy? We just barely got away from them and now you want to go find them again?" Magus felt flush with frustrated anxiety. Why would he do something so reckless? “They killed people Magnus, If I kill their matriarch they will scatter to the winds. The roads here will be safe again. At least for a time." Magnus stared at Aladdin dumbfounded. “Of course they kill people, They are harpies! They rape, They murder, and then they eat you. Not always in that order either!" Magnus waved his arms frantically back in the direction where they had encountered the harpies.

“It's not our job. Lets get to the next town and inform the lord or mayor or whoever is in charge. They will either send guards or hire seasoned adventurers. You know, People who's job it is to deal with things like Harpies!" Aladdin gave Magnus a strange look. It almost seemed like Disappointment? Was Aladdin disappointed in him now? “It is fine if you wish to stay here. I however will not cower whilst evil is allowed to work its tainted claws to prey on the innocent." The large Beastman walked past Magnus heading back into the woods to search for the Harpy nest. Magnus reached out grabbing Aladdin on the shoulder. “Al wait a moment,"Aladdin turn to look Magnus in the eye and growled. “You will not dissuade me from this." Magnus gave Aladdin a pointed look and sighed. “No you big lummox. If we're going to do this we at least need a plan first." The anger melted from Aladdin's face. Shock and perhaps something approaching approval crossed his features for a moment before he again assumed his stony appearance. “We?" He asked. “Yes we! Do you think I'd let someone just wander into a Harpies nest alone? Skilled with the blade you might be but a gaggle of Harpies would be much for anyone on their own, Even you!" The human let go of the beastman's shoulder and turned his gaze past his companion into the darkened woods themselves. “Besides, You have no Ideal where the nest is. We need to be clever about this." Aladdin tilted his head slightly his tail lazily swaying behind him. “And how do we do that?" He asked innocently. Magnus smiled a plan already taking form in his head. “Simple my dear Arkian. We have the harpies lead us to their nest."

Magnus sat in Magnolias saddle. Despite his nervousness Aladdin's assurances that the horse knew what it was doing had helped a little. He still found himself uncomfortable in the saddle of a horse though. He was heading back down the road with magnolia the cart trailing behind. Its wheels letting out strained squeaks as they trotted down the path. He glanced back down the path attempting to find the hidden Aladdin somewhere in the brush behind him. Though he knew it would be no use. For someone who was use to fighting in very obvious heavy armor and face to face with his foe, He could be surprisingly stealthy. Magnus felt himself growing slowly anxious as he drew closer to the point of the Ambush. He thought again of the harpy he had slain.. In the Heat of battle he had assumed she had been the matriarch. But the more he thought about it the more it became evident she was only one of the warriors. Like the two that had attacked Aladdin. But on some primal level he hopped his and Aladdin's hunch was wrong and that he had slain the Harpy Matriarch. At least then they could continue on their journey.

A little tired from lack of sleep but without fear of harpies attacking them until they reached the next town. There was a sudden rustle to his side coming from the brush. Magnus felt his muscles tense his heart racing. They seemed to emerge from the shadows. Their dark feathered forms almost dancing with cruel looking rusted blades in their hands. They glided through the air and landed before him weapons drawn. “Grab himmmm" Cooed one of the harpies. “Fresh meat, Haven't eaten man flesh in so long." Cawed another. As he had thought. They didn't even recognize him. Harpies weren't particularly known for their brains. It was the matriarch after all who was the mastermind. At least that is what he had been told by adventurers that traveled through Braven city, It was good to know the information was somewhat accurate. They swarmed over him pulling him from Magnolia. Once he was pulled from the horse it went trotting off into the distance. “Please don't eat me! I'm all frail and stringy." Magnus lied making an exaggerated look of horror on his face.

He was poked and prodded by the befeathered women. He wished he had his Rapier with him. But he had left it with Aladdin as part of the plan. If he appeared unarmed they were less likely to kill him outright. At least that had been the hope. So far it seemed to be working. However even if it failed he still had a dagger hidden behind his back. Concealed within the folds of his Jacket. “Yes, No meat on this one." Cried one of the harpies. “Breeding stalk then?" Asked another. “Take to the queen!" Preened a third. Yes take me to your queen Magnus wanted to say. Instead he said. “No, please! Just let me go!" He was laying it on a little thick he knew. But these harpies seemed particularly dense. They bound his hands and began to carry him off into the forest. As he was carried off he noticed just out of the corner of his eye a lion like tail sticking from a bush and a pair of glittering gold eyes watching him. Magnus looked away. Hoping his glance at the bushes went unnoticed. He was carried for what seemed like hours. A few times he had thought Aladdin had fallen behind. But always just as Magnus felt himself grow uneasy he found a pair of familiar golden eyes watching him.

Eventually they reached a break in the tree line. It was like passing through a barrier. At one moment he was breathing in clear forest air. The next his nose was assaulted by a sour, rancid smell. It took everything in him not to gag. The Harpy village was a disgusting ramshackle mess. A mix of wood and mud buildings. Piles of dung littered the ground and the smell of cooking fat and charred rotten flesh clung to the air. Seemed cleanliness did not factor into the daily lives of Harpies. As they passed what seemed to be the center of the dilapidated village he saw several men. Some human others beastmen. Held in individual cages or bound to posts by chains. Many of them wore rough, ugly metal collars. Most wore nothing at all.

There were a few women too though they were tied together in a circle to a pole covered in a dark substance Magnus hoped was mud. In total he counted thirteen people. They sat eyes facing the ground. Occasionally one of the men would whimper specially if a Harpy drew near him. Fear flashed across the eyes of one individual was unhooked from his post and carried off somewhere by one of the beasts. Magnus had a sickly feeling he knew the fate of the poor man. Still there was little to do but wait to spring the trap. He'd lost sight of Aladdin again. Misty likely he was waiting by the treeline before advancing into the settlement. Magnus was carried further into the settlement. The mud huts around him slowly vanishing into a grove somewhere near the village edge.

He could hear what sounded like a woman singing coming from the direction he was headed. the closer he got the clearer the voice. It was a beautiful but haunting aria sung in a soft key. listening to the singing voice Magnus felt his muscles relax as the tension slowly drained from his body. His mind slowly went blank his thoughts replaced with a strange but pleasant euphoria. His vision blurred as light and sound became dull and muted compared to the feelings coursing through his brain. Suddenly the procession stopped Magnus clattered to the floor as he was unceremoniously dropped. The shock of hitting the cold hard earth knocked Magnus back to his senses. He quickly rose blinking his eyes clear as they adjusted to harsh light of the touches around him. When his eyes finally adjusted he realized he was now in some sort of throne room.

The interior seemed to have been formed by the roots of a great tree and the torches were held by wall scones made by a material that scarily looked like polished bone. At the room's center was a mighty throne carved from the trunk of a large oak tree. A garish thing lined with plush pillows and garnered with crimson silk. Sitting in the chair was the Matriarch. Magnus was sure this Harpy had to be her. She was magnificent. Her Raven hair was long and flowed with each twitch of her head like water. Her eyes were purple jewels. Soulful and full of a copy playfulness that was not unattractive. She was dressed provocatively. A low cut dress of white that left little to the imagination regarding her build. And that voice. It was like listening to a choir of angels. Magnus could feel his head filling with cotton again. Thinking became a strenuous exercise. The still rational part of his brain shouted for him to focus and it took great effort to do so. The Matriarch stared at Magnus a playful smile on her Ruby lips. She was surrounded by four men. naked as the day they were born and chained to her throne like dogs. they lazed about blissful, serene looks on their faces. One smaller and younger than the others lay curled up in her lap like a dog. She stroked his back with one hand while she held a silver goblet in the other, sipping the crimson liquid it contained between notes with a faux dignity one might find amongst the upper crust. She stopped her singing a smug smile on her face.

With the songs silence Magnus could think again. The euphoria draining from him so suddenly as to be painful. Magnus's had not realized it but he had begun to sweat. His head in low as if it suddenly weighed several times more than he could carry. “My my, dear sisters. What have you brought to me today? Another guest to welcome into our generous household?" She cooed. mockery and disdain clear in her voice “yes elder sister! A human, too scrawny too eat. Brainy this one thinks." Cawed one of the Harpies a crude leather whip at her side. “Yes yes, we know how elder sister loves the scrawny ones!" Sang another. “Much more fun to break!" Laughed a third. Magnus's felt a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. He hoped Aladdin made his move soon. Magnus gathered the will to raise his head and again face the Harpy Matriarch. Without the enchantment of her song she was considerably less pleasant. Her hands which had appeared mere moments ago slender and delicate were now twisted claws. Decrepit, raw, and stained with filth. Her feet were not much better being little more that dirty talons shaped like crows feet. The men chained to her throne also appeared much more emaciated without the magic of the song fogging his vision. The one that sat in her lap.

A youth who appeared the worse of the lot. It looked like Magnus could wrap his index finger and thumb around the poor boy's wrist. The young man reached up and tugged at the Harpy's dress. He spoke in such a quiet voice that even being so close he could not make out the words. Anger crossed the matriarchs face as she looked down at the boy. Anger that quickly gave way to a cruel and mirthless smile."rest now my pet. Surely you are tired" She whispered softly and with a wave of her hand. The youth stirred. His breaths coming in shallow and ragged. He gagged for breath as if some invisible force were strangling him. Suddenly and without fanfare the boy ceased his struggling. his body fell limp and still in her lap. With a cruel laugh and a swift motion she pushed the boy from her lap. His limp body crashing to the ground. His eyes staring blankly and lifelessly where he fell. Wordlessly a Harpy swooped in and snatched the boy before scurrying off and out of the room. The non reaction of everyone hinted to the commonality of this occurrence. Horror and righteous anger dueled within Magnus's psyche. One thing was clear however. This creature needed to die.

The Matriarch rose from her throne dropping her goblet to the floor its contents spilling onto the dusty earth. The four men scrambled licking the wine from the floor like it was the most precious drink in the world. The Harpy matriarch approached Magnus. A mock imitation of a benevolent smile on her lips. “Oh you poor dear, I hope my sisters did not hurt you too badly." Her smile faltered when she saw the bandage on Magnus's Cheek. “Ah I see. So they did mistreat you dearie. My apologies. But do not fret. Momma is here now." She cooed Magnus already felt extremely uncomfortable. The Harpy Matriarchs advances seemed only to spur on new feelings of unease and disgust in him. The Matriarch Wrapped her arms around Magnus.

He was assaulted by the smell of her. A mix between mildew and wet dog that pricked the nose in all the wrong ways. She held him close to her bosom like a child. Stroking his hair like one might in order to placate and animal. “Leave me dear sisters. I must tend to this lost little lamb myself." The gathered gaggle of Harpies laughed their croaking voices burning Magnus's ears with their discordant sound. Once they had their fill of cackling they departed, some taking to the skies. Escaping through a hole in the roof. The rest merely filed out through the archway that acted as the sole ground entrance. Alone with the Matriarch Magnus felt strangely exposed. The bindings on his arms didn't help much either, The Matriarch cooed again softly staring down at Magnus with an appraising eye.

“Ah, bound you did they? How unusually smart of them." She hummed to herself as she went to work. With a simple flick of her talons the rope binding Magnus came undone. Magnus was free, Or at the very least his hands were. “There, is that not better Dearie? Please speak up. It's no fun carrying on a one sided conversations." She scolded. “Yes, That's much better. Thank you." Magnus replied Placatingly. “Good, Good." The Harpy stared at him with hungry eyes. Magnus wanted to push away from her but her grip was far stronger than hers. “Come dearie. Do you wish to hear me sing?" She chuckled. “You struggle so hard to pull yourself from my embrace. So tense. Relax. You have nothing to fear. Only love exists here." She said her voice taking on a soothing melodious tone.

Then she began the Aria anew. It was such a sweet sounding melody. To think it could come from such a corrupt creature boggled the mind. And yet hearing it again it was as if someone had stuffed cotton in Magnus's brain. He found his senses dulling and his ability to think start to fade. He struggled against it growing more desperate and violent to shake free of her grasp. Shake free of her song. But the more he resisted he found. The more power she seemed to gather from it. The part of his mind still capable of rational thought screamed and railed against the Harpy Matriarchs hypnotic song. The sound of the Harpies song was pierced by three loud and powerful pops. The distant but familiar boom of a gun. Aladdin had made his move.

With the song broken and the Harpy Matriarch distracted Magnus snapped back to his senses. He would have to move fast if he wanted a chance to strike. If she started to sing again he was done for. “What was that? “ The Matriarch cried. “Who dares attack my domain?" She dropped Magnus. Completely forgetting about him in the heat of the moment. A fatal error on her part. Magnus reached onto his back and pulled the dagger concealed within his belt. With a swift moment he brought it to bare slashing at the Harpy in a flash. The Matriarch too distracted barely noticed before The blade bit deep into her breast. Piercing her in her darkened heart. She screamed in pain anger flashing across her face. With a swipe of the back of her hand she swatted Magnus away like he was nothing. He slammed into the floor rolling into the archway. Pain arched through his body leaving him momentarily dazed.

The Matriarch screamed again in anger drawing Magnus out of his daze. She charged him dagger still piercing her chest. Magnus watched as the angry monster charged waiting for just the right moment. Just as The Matriarch was about to reach him he rolled narrowly dodging the creatures charge and pulling himself back into his feet. The Harpy slammed hard into the archway. Cracks forming in the right arch under the sheer force of the impact. She bellowed in pain and rage her eyes wild like a cornered beast. Her eyes focused on Magnus as she plucked the dagger from her chest and flung it at Magnus with all her might. The blade flew right by Magnus's head shearing away a few strands of hair and leaving a shallow cut across his brow before embedding itself into her throne. Magnus fought with himself not to panic. the Matriarch was proving far stronger and more resilient than he had counted on. If only he had his Rapier or some other weapon than the dagger now across the room. Beads of blood poured from the shallow wound on his forehead threatening to blind him if he was not careful. He wiped the blood from his brow never taking his eyes off of her for a second.

The matriarchs muscles tensed and Magnus prepared for another charge. Instead the Harpy ascended into the air with several mighty flaps of her wings. At first Magnus thought she meant to escape. Instead once she reached the zenith of her climb she turned around and dived back down to earth aiming directly for Magnus. He barely had time to move out of the way as she swung past. Hee clawed hands tearing holes in his clothing and deep cuts along his hip where she passed by. Again she ascended to the skies giving Magnus precious few minutes to think. There had to be something he could use. Any thing a weapon or maybe even just a piece of wood. Anything he could use to defend himself. He glanced around the room. Nothing made itself apparent. Just some torches, a few discarded bones, and of course the dagger now stuck in the oaken stump of a throne.

The Harpy let out a Warcry as she dived again Magnus managed to roll away her talons failing to catch and render flesh. Could he burn her with the torches? No he doubted she was all that flammable. Perhaps he could use one of the bones as a bludgeon!? But he'd had to find one big enough and strong enough to not break. He could run for the dagger. But judging by the force of her throw it would be jammed in there pretty tight. Did he even have time to pull it free? Possibilities and plans ran through his mind. Each one rejected in turn all the while he danced and weaved through her attacks. Several landing home and leaving another tear in his flesh. Another wound slowly leaking life's blood. Making him slower, duller, an easier meal to catch. As he dodged and weaved his nose was suddenly assaulted by a heavy, acidic, almost sour alcoholic Smell as his foot suddenly became damp. He looked down to find the silver goblet lodged on the end of his right shoe. The smell of whatever it had contained it smelt nothing like the wines he'd tasted back in Braven. A sudden and devilish ideal came to mind. Again he looked around the room. The Matriarch had been drinking this stuff. Judging by the horrid Smell. Whatever this stuff was it was strong.

If there was more of it he could douse her and lite her aflame, or at least temporarily blind her. Giving him the necessary moments to escape! He saw it though he didn't recognize it at first. Hidden in a small hole carved into the armrest of the throne sat a glass decanter filled with the same red liquid found in the goblet. The four men stayed huddled in their respective corners shivering in fear. At least for now they were a non issue. He would have to wait for when she was making her ascent. Then all he'd have to do is make a mad dash for the throne and the decanter. He didn't have to wait long for her to dive again. He tried to sidestep from her at the last second. Hoping to conserve some stamina for what needed to happen next. However this cost him as she managed to take her talons deep across his chest. White hot pain lanced through a dozen cuts in his body as three more were added.

The sting of his own sweat making the pain all the more unbearable. Still he trudged along running as fast as he could. With his left hand he plucked a little torch from its bony wall sconce before making a beeline for the throne. He heard the angry cry as she again dived at him. His heart thundered in his ears and his legs burned as he pushed himself with everything he had. Fast as he was he knew she was faster. He just needed to reach their first. Just as he reached the throne she flew passed him landing on the back it's back perching like a bird. She plucked the dagger from the chair a dark, mad smile spreading across her lips. “Looking for this?" She hissed. Magnus grabbed the decanter and splashed the contents at the Matriarchs face. She barely had time to register what was happening as she was forced and blinded by a sudden burst of grog to the face. She reflexively dropped the dagger covering and wiping her now burning eyes. With only a moment's hesitation he thrust the burning end of the torch into her face.

In a matter of seconds her head and hands were engulfed in burning fire! She screamed and yowled in frantic, manic pain. She smacked at the fire attempting to put it out the wild flapping of her wings only managing to fan the flames. She fell from the back of the throne with a loud thud. She rolled on the ground desperate to smother the fire. Magnus could smell the fetid stench of burning mildew and charred flesh. That mixed with the screams left a sour pit in Magnus's Stomach. Eventually the shouting died down as the flames consumed the Harpy. Magnus collapsed onto the throne all strength leaving his body. It was at this moment he heard frantic footsteps running from the beyond the archway at the other end of the room. It was hard to count how many there were. But there were more than enough.

Magnus stood on wobbly feet as he scooped the dagger from the floor. His body screamed in pain and his muscles needed desperately to rest. But he had to be ready for whatever came through that Archway. Charging through the archway was Aladdin his falchion held in one hand and Magnus's rapier in the other. He was followed by a procession of ragged humanity. The other captives of the Harpies. Many of them carried makeshift weaponry. Tools and objects that could be found laying around. A dinner plate here, A large tree branch ther,. A few rusted harpy swords, and old moldy clothing. Relief flooded through Magnus's body. The tension draining away from him at the sight of his companion and the ragtag group of rescuers. The relief was so profound Magnus could not help but laugh. “Took you long enough." He chuckled.

“Magnus! You killed the Matriarch by yourself?" Aladdin said shock clear on his face. Again Magnus could only chuckle. Actually he was starting to feel a bit light headed. “Yeah, She's over there somewhere." He pointed in the general direction where the Harpie's smoldering corpse rested. He took a step towards his friend finding it strangely hard to keep balance. “Magnus?" Aladdin said concerned. “I'll be alright once the room stops spinning." Magnus replied. He took another step forward and quickly found the ground coming up to meet him. “Magnus!" Shouted the Arkian as he rushed forward Falchion dropped to the ground. The muscular Beastman just barely caught Magnus before he crashed into the floor. “I- I think I'm going to need some help." Magnus said his voice muffled by the Arkians chest. “Alright, Let's get you out of here." Aladdin promised. “You two, Go free those other men and check the body. Make sure she's dead." He commanded.

Two men slightly more muscular than the others went about their work. Some of the people crowded around Aladdin. Some offering words of thanks, Others offering help or compensation in whatever way they can. One an elderly woman claiming to be an Apothecary offered to help treat the injured. Magnus closed his eyes exhausted, battered and bruised in so many ways with more cuts in him than a side of beef. Still though It seemed the Harpies were gone. And stranger still. It felt oddly nice being carried like he was. Before he realized it Magnus slipped into unconsciousness and dreamed.