FSE

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Changing Places

Chapter Two

By Roofles

Simeon was standing on the square rooftop underneath the twin suns facing his pursuers. Arms out to his side he took a single step back up onto the railing of the building he stood on. Standing there with both arms out, one leg back he heard someone shout at him.

The human couldn't make out the animalistic growl that the cheetah made as the warm winds blew around him. It smelled of the sea. Of this foreign world he found himself in. Even under the twin suns above, he didn't feel warm.

It was strange.

Wearing a double layer toga, one over each shoulder, a woven leather belt and sandals; there was plenty of skin exposed for the suns to warm. And Simeon didn't feel it. He could feel the breeze. The railing underneath his feet. Yet, he didn't feel the warmth of those burning above.

“Wait!" Someone shouted at him. The beastman was closing in quickly, faster than any human could've managed. This was truly a strange, unknown world to him.

Simeon only smiled as he dropped between the two buildings, catching onto the ledge with both hands before letting go just as quickly, slowing his descent greatly instead of just plummeting down.

Simeon didn't jump without looking first, only a fool would do that. He wasn't no fool. And it wasn't like this was the first time he had run away from the law.

Landing on a wooden window seal, he jumped off it using the momentum of the fall to hit the other wall. Sliding down it with both feet and hands pressed against it he pushed off once more landing down in the tight alleyway.

Recalling from before how large the these beastmen were, Simeon figured the best chance of escape would be through these narrow passageways. They weren't built in mind for daily use, most likely to separate the buildings or for some sort of repair work. Either way, the smaller human used it to his advantage cutting back down it and looping behind the clay brick houses.

“Bastard ducked down below," Ryder shouted back at Kamir. The cheetah frustration only grew at that realizing instantly what that would mean; the smallest of the three, even Ryder had difficulties moving between the building as he dropped down after Simeon.

Kamir the lion shot past him jumping from building to building as the cheetah tried to worm his way down between the buildings to follow. Ryder was finding it difficult just to get down, let alone walk between them. Kamir knew he'd have even a harder time than the cheetah would.

“Don't let him escape!" Kamir shouted behind him, spying to his right on the road the hyena running along with him. “Cut him off." The lion called from above and Ajax gave a half-salute before charging ahead, pushing through the crowded streets to the end of the houses and the exit they figured Simeon would be coming from.

At the end of the long line of houses with a brick wall behind them, there was only one point the human could've escaped from. If he had gone this way.

Simeon didn't.

The human ducked past several houses before cutting through another alley before reaching the end. Snagging a brown cowl from a clothes line, Simeon covered his face and was pushing his way out into the street as the other three ran past him unaware. Covered up as he was Simeon only got a few looks as he ducked his head and pushed his way through the crowd. Giving no one a chance to think twice about the strange furless creature that had walked past.

Simeon was heading the opposite way he had been going.

Backtracking like this had worked back home and Simeon hoped it would pan out well here as well.

The crowd of people was large and diverse, allowing the human to sneak through the throng relatively unnoticed. Most would only catch a quick brief glimpse of him before Simeon would vanish behind someone else.

Simeon just kept his head down, never making eye contact instead using the bodies and legs around him to navigate through everyone.

Weaving his way through the crowd coming towards him was tricky.

They varied greatly, the denizens of this world. Some were tall almost twice his height. Then there were others that didn't even come up to his waistline; Simeon had to be careful not to step on a small fennec fox man and his wife as they walked closer to the building than the others. In fact, even on the dirt road he traveled on it appear things were separated depending on people's sizes and heights.

Simeon took total advantage of this zig zagging his way behind a rhino and using the bulky mammal to part the crowd for him. Figuring the rhino would have similar sight as the ones back home, he could hide in the man's blind spot as he kept his head ducked down. Only daring a glance back every couple steps to make sure he had lost the others.

Making his way down the rolling hillside of the port city Hali and towards the rising suns.

“I lost sight of him." Ryder dropped down from the second story building, landing on his digitigrade paws. They absorbed the impact perfectly; Ryder just had to duck down with the fall. The cat landing on his feet before standing back up.

“He didn't come this way." Ajax nodded as Kamir slid down a nearby ladder from the rooftop he'd been on. The hyena was breathing heavily unlike the other two, wiping his sweaty forehead with the back of his arm and looking around. “Where'd that tricky bastard get too?"

“There's nowhere else to really hide. Unless he ducked inside a place." Ryder thought it over quickly, having checked most the houses he had passed by just in case. Even in the morning, most kept their doors locked and non had been tampered with. He'd have caught the human trying to crawl through one of the raised windows.

“There's nothing this way anyways…" Kamir nodded, the lion looking back past him. The wind blew and the smell of the sea hit all three of them.

The three exchanged a look.

“The harbor!" And with that they were heading in the opposite direction.

“For a guy who nearly drowned, he sure wants to get back to water." Ajax chuckled uneasily, speeding up even ahead of the cheetah at this point. The burly 'yeen easily pushed through the crowd. Those who spotted him moved before he even had to shove them.

“Must have a deathwish trying to run." Ryder just snarled touching the quiver of arrows at his side, shrugging the bow slung over his back to the other side as he followed after Ajax.

Kamir didn't answer that as he sped along with the two towards the harbor.

The hill side dipped down. The buildings having been built on stone platforms as the road slowly descended towards the ocean. Simeon didn't have time to marvel at the craftsmanship of them or of the central square he ended up in. The large almost roundabout was filled with people moving like cars in a circle around the several wooden carts and stands that had been set up.

If he thought the people on the streets were varied, the square before him was like another world. Carts were being pulled, vases with balanced on woman heads, sacks of rice and grains were shrugged over shoulders as the bustling morning on seemed to be getting started for these hardy people.

All along the open roundabout were stands set up. Merchants trying to sell their wares to whoever foolishly got close enough. The human could only frown at all the grapping hands, fast talking, weasels – somewhat literally too!

It left him little options. Looking back he could already make out the trio at the top of the hill pushing their way down towards them. Unlike the people around them, they were the only three geared for battle. It made them stand out; that and the sunlight above hit off Kamir's chestnut mane making it almost shine like a beacon.

Simeon slowed his pace, afraid to be trampled by this stampede of people as he weighed his options. There was most likely a slow painful crushing death, or the used car salesmen. It was a hard decision to make. Deciding he didn't exactly have money for them to try and rip him off, Simeon ducked closer to the stalls, looking over the various things they were sell as if he were shopping while making his way around.

They seemed to smell his disinterest or maybe the fact he looked poorer than even they did. Most ignored him while only the most desperate tried to catch his attention. Simeon ignored them all, though politely as he moved by. It wouldn't do well to start a scene.

Unless he had too.

Pottery seemed to be the main selling point around here. Several large jugs and pots had been decorated with paint looking more like pictures than storage vessels. Black and gold were the most commonly used colors. The pictures were blocky and angular though even Simeon could figure out what they were supposed to be. It was hard to tell if they were supposed to be placed in the home to be looked at and admired or for the function of carrying something inside.

He didn't have long to look as someone tried to catch his attention.

“Good offer. Two jugs for the price of one!" A hyena waved at him. This man was far smaller than the hyena he had dealt with, nearly half Ajax size. The spotted hyena was dressed in used, dirty robes that made him very off-putting. Simeon didn't meet their eyes, ducking around a herd of gazelle's instead.

“Fresh meats and cheeses!" A small serval waved at anyone walking by. Several roast spits were sticking up from a wooden stand. The grease and juices dripped down over the sticks making Simeon question the way they had been set up. They did smell delicious he had to admit.

Though each spit of meat looked old and rubbery as if they had been reheated from the other day. Despite his grumbling stomach, Simeon chose hunger over food poisoning.

Cheese wheels of all sizes were at the next stand making him think he'd wandered into the food court rather than the shopping area at this point. There of varied different colors with a powdery substance over them.

“Over there!" Someone shouted behind him. The human tried not to appear to obvious as he jumped. Daring a glance, Simeon's face fell.

It wasn't anyone he recognized.

The large lion was dressed in some sort of bronze armor over his chest and sides. Then both of his pairs of legs. Simeon's jaw dropped slightly as the four legged, two armed lion pointed in his general direction as Kamir asked about his whereabouts. The strange four legged man had to be eight feet tall, maybe larger. And with four legs, Simeon knew he wouldn't be able to outrun the centaur-lion even in his dreams.

“Screw this." Simeon ended up ducking between the towers of stacked cheese wheels and over to the woman selling them. Her husband was a rather rotund looking honey badger that didn't seem to be the talking type.

In a way, Simeon had hoped for that as he got up close to the front counter to inspect the small sample sizes of cheese on display. Each sample had a price to them though Simeon couldn't read the language; odd as he seemed to be able to speak it.

The large four legged lion ran over towards him with Kamir behind him.

The large feline underestimated its size and ended up knocking over one of the towers of cheese making the badger jump to his feet and stomp on over. A colorful string of curses filled the air as the honey badger, a third of the lion taurs size, began badgering him into paying for each of the cheeses he had knocked over.

“Oh, honey. Sweetie." His wife tried to calm him down; Simeon could tell she loved watching her husband rip into someone. Even someone three times his sizes and from the looks of it, part of the city guard.

Simeon wanted to stick around and watch the chaos he had helped created but decided against it as his eyes met Kamir's. Those warm honey eyes just frowned at him with a shake of his head. Simeon could tell Kamir was trying to tell him not to run.

But, on the other hand… The human just gave the feline a wink seeming to throw off the cool headed lion a bit; Kamir mane puffing out from the simple gesture and the smile he got from the human he was chasing.

Simeon took advantage of the confusion as he hopped over the counter and out back.

The back alleyway was covered in garbage and trash and Simeon was more afraid of catching something than risking getting caught. Walking behind the market stands was safer than trying to transverse the river of trash and it allowed him to keep most of his bearings as he managed to get to the far side of the square and down over another hillside.

Hoping to have lost them in the raucous in his wake. The badger voice growing louder and louder at the city-guards refusal to pay for anything. It was stirring quiet a scene and if Simeon had some more time, he'd have stuck around to watch.

The city became far more industrial as he descended to the lower parts of the city.

The houses eased up into large open temples and what he figured to be warehouses. The stonework for them was remarkable and, if Simeon wasn't in a rush, he would've loved to go over each and every carved stone pillar.

They had been hand carved each and everyone. Something he didn't get a chance to see in the big city. It was like falling into a history book, reminding him of ancient Rome. Or maybe Greece. Both? Simeon wasn't sure as he found himself smiling despite the situation he was in.

Although the crowds had drastically lessened, there were still people out. Simeon just took the least trodded path, ironically to one of the temples nearby. Maybe it wasn't Sunday? Simeon shrugged at the thought as he walked up the stone steps inside.

The temple rose up high above all the other houses and building. Standing like a monument in itself, dwarfing everything else around it. Simeon wasn't a religious man and still he could appreciate the work that had been put into the place.

Unlike the back ways filled with trash or the small hut like buildings he'd come from, this place had seen work and effort put into it. The floors were well swept, everything was dusted and vase had been polished recently.

The temple was vast with a high ceiling supported by dozens of similar pillars. They felt smooth to the touch, made of some sort of stone Simeon could only figure what though. Maybe alabaster or marble. It was hard to tell, he wasn't a geologist. Still, even he could appreciate the craftsmanship of them as he wandered further inside.

Each pillar had been painted like a mural with a variety of colors unlike the ones being sold in the market. They were pictures of mighty warriors, each looking like Kamir in some way or the city-guard Simeon had managed to out run.

Lion warriors facing off against hordes of others. Simeon walked past each and with each pillar a new story was being told. Of separate tribes eventually banding together to fight of a hyena horde before making peace and founding the lands they were in. Simeon smiled at the last one.

A hyena was shaking hands with a lion, the two dressed in regal robes instead of suits of armor. An olive branch had been painted over the two; the lion looked similar to Kamir, making Simeon question if he was somehow related or if the human was just being racist about it.

“Surely not every lion has that face…" Simeon frowned though only having met one so far during all this. He continued further inside.

The open area wasn't what he wanted but it wasn't crowded either. Several here seemed to be paying their respect to whatever deity they worshipped. Recalling some of his history lessons, Simeon tried to figure out which god it could be as he headed to the other side of the room.

And to the base of a nearly twenty foot large statue.

Standing there carved from the finest of minerals was a giant lion. With a mighty curved scimitar in one hand and a small circular shield in the other, this lion god was carved in a dignified position as if leading soldiers into battle. His mane looked like the sun itself. He was dressed in a heavy tunic with a kilt. Simeon was sure it was a male as whoever had sculpted it had even carved out the lion's nipples and genitals to the last strand of fur.

Simeon wasn't proud to admit he stood there a bit longer than need be to check out this god among lions. He could see why.

“Damn, that's a big kitty." He whistled as he stood there looking up; taking a step back, he kept his gaze above waistline this time. Not wanting to look up a god's skirt any longer than he already had; he was sure that would be sacrilegious rather than… respectful. Then again, maybe not? Depends on the god, he mused more to himself.

Simeon chuckled at that. Maybe this giant daddy lion wanted to be admired. That was something worth worshipping, he shrugged his shoulders glad for the distraction.

It reminded him of the lion he had met earlier, wondering if Kamir was somehow related to this god. Or maybe if his people were? Did each race then have their own god they worshipped? Could you worship another races god?

A swarm of questions filled his mind as he stood there, lost in his own thoughts taking a thankful break from running. The temple walls helped block out the twin suns above.

“Phoebus, the sun god." A steward said to his side, making Simeon pull back. The woman was dressed in a shawl and looking closer, he could tell the goat was blind through the see through veil she wore over her face. He thanked the gods, or this god, for that.

“IS that so…" Simeon replied unsure what else to say.

“He chased the sun into the heavens so the world would have light." She went on as if having rehearsed this speech a thousand times. “Banishing the night and monsters along with it."

“What about nighttime?" Simeon couldn't help but ask with a snort. The goat seemed to smile at that, to his surprise.

“Even a god must sleep." She replied still with that smile. Her blank empty pupils were rectangular and though she couldn't see, she was still staring right at the human making Simeon nervous.

“Is there… other… gods?" Simeon asked, trying to make polite conversation as he looked around glad no one else was really here. In fact, for a temple there wasn't a single guard around. He wasn't sure if that was common or good fortune.

All the other worshippers seemed to have vanish as well. Maybe it really wasn't Sunday then? He chuckled at the thought.

“Many others." She smiled at him, seeming to stare directly at him despite her inability too. It was unnerving. There was something about her that made goosebumps form on his arms. “Dozens. Once hundreds." And she laughed making the hair on the back of his neck stand up. “They're nearly all gone now though…"

The goat walked over to touch the leg of the statue and even though it was made of stone, it seemed to darken even in the lit torchlight around them. Simeon took a step back as he watched, looking back up at the statue then down at her.

“Even the sun may not rise one day…" She went on, looking up at the god with the same smile she had given Simeon.

“I… I should get going. You know. Places to be. Things to see." Simeon took another step back, turning away.

“So soon, Simeon?" She asked making his feet freeze where he stood. “We only just begun. There are so many things I wanted to discuss with you. So many thoughts I wanted to pick. So many questions that needed answers…"

Then he felt it. As if a hundred hands began slithering over his back and around his sides like snakes, twisting and coiling around him as the sinking cold set in once more…

Only a single ray of sunlight seemed to pierce the cold around them, running down the room and up towards the statue. It washed over the human making him gasp, unaware he'd been holding his breath. Maybe too afraid to breathe in the sinking cold, afraid that ocean water would fill his lungs once more.

Simeon spun around to look at her but she was gone. Leaving nothing but that shawl behind. It drifted to the ground to lay there on the stone floor. The suns were still rising in the sky and Simeon found himself to be very cold in that moment. He could even see his breath in the room as the ray of sunlight set on the statue before him.

Then another to his left. And finally a third from his right. It was noon and the temple had been built in such a way that the suns above would brighten the statue of the sun god in honor of him.

Simeon could only stand there looking around and finally down at the discarded shawl on the ground. Afraid to approach it. Afraid to do anything.

“Uh… thank you." Simeon could only say looking back at the statue. Despite it all, in a way it seemed to have saved him from whatever the hell that was. He shuddered feeling the warmth of the sun's rays for the first time this morning on his skin.

It felt… nice. Like a lover touch, warding off the cold of the previous night.

Unsure what to say or do Simeon quickly ran towards the open side, not caring where it would bring him. So long as it was away from there.

The suns above continued to burn the afternoon sky as he took several moments resting against one of the pillars in the daylight. The warmth was slowly coming back to him and his heart was slowing down. For a second there, he felt as if he had been drowning all over again.

“I hate this place." He only said, shaking his head before quickly vacating the temple and jogging down the street. “I want to go home. Where things made sense!"

The streets were far emptier much like the temple had been inside, leaving him mostly unmolested this time around as he jogged his way down to the harbor. The smell of fish was strong and he could make out several shipping and fishing vessels now as he reached the docks.

Large otters, small shrews and martens were working out here. Interestingly, Simeon noted as he took a hesitant step onto the wooden harbor; the houses didn't stop at the shoreline. Looking over the edge he could see several more brick houses were built into the water itself. And it took him a moment to figure out why.

An otter swam out of the nearest one of them turning the light bulb on with a click over Simeon's head.

“Water mammals." He smiled at that. “Or people, I guess." He frowned as he saw a lizard come out of another house beginning their day much as the otter had. Were their houses then half underwater or were they built into the water so these aquatic creatures could use them like the roads he had come on?

The harbor stretched far out into the sea looking more like a small city in itself.

It was hard to say as he quickly ducked his head down moving over to the side away from several of the dock workers. They kept to themselves, far too busy to deal with some stray human wandering about; Simeon doubted any even looked twice at him.

Like the market square, everyone seemed to be bustling today as if preparing for some kind of holiday. Crates were been taking off boats, fish were being hauled in and several of the dockworkers were trying to pull a half sunken boat from the water.

Simeon took another step closer, looking into the deep ocean before him. Even close to the shoreline, he couldn't see the bottom. It looked endless and, well, deep. The bright blue ocean darkened the further he looked down. Into a place he felt far too familiar with.

Just staring into that darkness as if waiting for countless hands to reach up to grab him, pull him into their watery depths and into his watery grave.

He shuddered in the twin suns as he hugged himself just standing there looking into the water. He couldn't see his own reflection; odd he thought as he just stared into those dark depth. It felt like they were calling to him. Whispering, scratching at the back of his mind.

Calling his name...

“Simeon…" The voice felt familiar. It made him shudder, hugging himself tighter.

“Jump in…" The sweetest of whispers tickled the nape of his neck and he found himself taking a single step forward. Stepping out over

“Simeon."

“Just one more…" And Simeon found he was about to take another step, one foot stepping out into the unknown, above the ocean below and above the hands reaching up for him.

“Simeon!" It said louder and he felt a hand on his shoulder, pulling him back. Simeon eyes snapped open as he looked back at the hyena standing there. “Hey there, cub. You alright?" Ajax was panting heavily, looking at him with wide, terrified eyes.

Ajax quickly pulled him back, away from the water and away from the reflection smiling back at him.

“I…" Simeon couldn't answer that. His sass having left him as he turned back towards the water before them. The voices stopped and he felt cold. Numb. Even as the hyena's fingers gripped him tighter. Ajax was sure the human would react to how strongly he had pulled him, how he was gripping him even now.

Simeon didn't even seem to notice Ajax's touch.

“If you jump in, I'll have to jump in too." Ajax spoke softly as he stood at his side looking into the water. “You know I hate getting wet." Ajax chuckled when the human finally looked at him.

“I figured you'd love me to make you wet." Simeon tried to smile but didn't feel it. He barely felt anything.

“True. I hate getting pots thrown at my face." Ajax chuckled lightly still not removing his hand from the human's shoulder as if truly worried he might try and jump into the sea. “My handsome mug couldn't take it."

“It might fix your face, you never know." Simeon face tugged in an almost smile as he looked over at the hyena standing next to him.

“Pffsh. People love my face!" Ajax laughed now, a booming cackle of a sound that filled the docks making several look over at them.

“Just because ya' momma said that doesn't make it true." Simeon chuckled along with him. Ajax's laugh was truly boastful and infectious in a way. It was hard to worry when the cackling hyena was making a fool of himself.

“You leave my momma out of this." The hyena just giggled easing up a bit on his shoulder. The two stood there as two others joined them from behind. Kamir walked over as Ryder kept his distance, keeping an eye out.

“Human." Kamir stood at his other side, following Simeon's gaze into the water.

“Simeon." He corrected almost robotically with a frown.

“Right." Kamir cleared his throat a bit, standing tall with his head up high, shoulders back and chest out. “It is good we caught you in time." Kamir almost saluted him but faltered, unsure how to handle the situation at hand.

“I don't have a reflection…" Simeon said more to himself than the two as he looked back into the water. They exchanged a look before looking into the water.

“You… don't?" Ajax asked confused looking at their reflections. All three of them.

“You two do. I can't see mine…" Simeon paused at that wanting to reach out a hand. “I thought. I, maybe…" He closed his fingers, pulling it back with a shake of his head. “I don't know…"

“This isn't the way home." Kamir spoke seriously making the two look over at him. “Stay away from the water." The lion warned, his voice darkened as he turned Simeon away and guided him back to dry land. “Do not listen to the whispers. They offer nothing but lies."

“What?" Ajax was the one confused as Simeon gave him a look.

“We have much to discuss." Kamir nodded as he led them back towards the city center. “After a long walk that is." Kamir almost laughed though the large feline sighed as if already tired of this day.

It was a slow ascent towards the top.

Simeon could feel his legs burning by the time they reached the market square and was sweating by the time they started up the second hill. Ajax seemed to be struggling a bit as well, unlike the other two who seemed perfectly fine with the climb.

“The oracle will have answers for us." Kamir tried to explain. The lion was doing everything he could not to pant, even undoing the front of his tunic to show off the creamy underbelly of his chest. The sandy tan fur lightening even further as it ran down lower.

“The seer?" Ajax scratched at his chin. “How's that old crone doing?" He chuckled wiping his brow, sniffing under an arm and adjusted himself all in the same motion. He was a man of many talents, Simeon noted with a frown.

“They will have answers…" Kamir nodded, though his voice didn't match his face as if unsure if they would or not.

“It's always a gamble with that bastard." Ajax only laughed loudly, slapping a paw onto Simeon's back. “At least he doesn't try to run away!"

“If you'd been faster, we wouldn't be having this problem." Simeon only countered swiping out at the hyena. Ajax easily dodged and Simeon was too hot to be bothered with another swing. “I give up. Just leave me here to die."

“I wish." Ryder grumbled behind them. Simeon chose to ignore that.

“I'll carry you for a quickie." Ajax gave a broad, toothy grin at the human. Simeon took a moment to answer that.

“Too much work." Simeon just sighed with a shake of his head. “Either way, I got to do all the work." Ajax just laughed at that.

“This'll be worth it, I promise." Kamir just frowned in return. Even Simeon who'd just met the feline wasn't convinced.

“That's what you said last time!" Ryder grumbled to his side. The cheetah took a drank from his flask, passing it over to the lion who took a swig himself. He passed it over to Ajax who in turn passed it to Simeon.

“I'll pass." Simeon just shook his head.

“You're going to die of dehydration." Ajax was the one to frown now.

“Better that than whatever you guys are carrying." Simeon tried to laugh but didn't have the energy too. He was sweating up a storm right now and he felt muggy and hot at the same time. The humid air wasn't helping either.

He wasn't even sure what kind of climate they were in! All he knew was that he hated it.

“Here." Kamir pulled out a leather flask from his own tunic and passed it over. “It's a bit… sweeter than water. I haven't drunk any today. Should be clean." The lion just winked back at him catching Simeon off guard.

“Kamir." Ryder growled glancing over at the lion.

“It's fine." Kamir waved it off. “We're in public." He chuckled now, his face brightening up like the rising sun. “I'll have some after Simeon does. Or before, if you prefer." The lion asked glancing over at the human with those honey colored eyes. “If that makes you feel more comfortable, Simeon." The feline noting his name once more with a smile.

“If you were going to poison me, I figured you'd done so already." Simeon rolled his eyes accepting the leather flask and opening the container. He tried to ignore the scratch marks around the opening; glancing over at the lion smiling at him, he put the two together.

Those large fangs had dented and scratched the metal opening.

Simeon stopped to take a good long drink. It was sweeter than he thought it would be. Tasting almost like juice with a strong hint of alcohol to it. He pulled it away, sighing out as he smacked his lips.

“Holy, did you… this is wine?" Simeon winced a little as he sealed it up passing it back. “Strong wine." He coughed a bit though his face was flushed and he was smiling now.

Kamir chuckled. “Well, yes. I usually don't drink so early. But you seemed to have a problem with the water."

“Drowned. Remember?" Simeon just frowned back as the feline took a large drink himself before stashing the wine flask away once more.

“Says the man who tried to jump into the sea." Ryder rolled his eyes heading in front of the others without looking back.

“You could drown in wine." Ajax mused the thought with a smile.

“Maybe, but that would be awesome." Simeon just laughed at the thought. “Fill a swimming pool with wine and just," he shrugged “let the cards fall where they may! Be a good way to go!"

“A pool of wine? Now you're talking!" Ajax agreed full heartedly, wrapping an arm around Simeon and hugging the human close. “I like this guy, let's keep him!" Simeon tried to ignore the sweaty hyena's arm, side and underarm rubbing against him.

He was one stinky 'yeen.

“He's not a pet." Ryder laughed though at the thought. Simeon didn't like the look he got from the feline after that.

“For now, he is a member of the Sun-Seekers." Kamir just stated as if it were some kind of law. The other two gave him a look.

“What?" The three of them said in unison, though each for different reasons.

“As long as he is under my care, Simeon will be in the protection of the Sun-Seekers." Kamir glared at the other two.

“Well, good for you." Ajax just shook the human under his arm with another loud laugh. “First day here and your already royalty!"

“Royalty?" Simeon frowned looking at the other two for explanation. Both the cheetah and lion glared at the hyena's big mouth.

“What?" Ajax asked confused as his arm finally slipped away from the human's shoulder.

“Moron." Ryder rolled his eyes looking away. “Just be glad no one is around!"

“We'll talk about it later." Kamir growled before walking ahead of the two to greet two more of the four legged lions Simeon had seen earlier. The two massive felines saluted in front of Kamir as the three chatted.

Ajax kept Simeon back as the others talked.

“Uh… what are they?" Simeon asked glancing over at the hyena but afraid to look too far from the four legged creatures. They were striking, with a commanding aura. Massive creatures that Simeon sort of wanted to ride, wondering if that would be extremely offensive or just a little bit offensive.

“The centaurions?" Ajax scratched over his furry exposed chest. “Hell if I know."

“They belong to the royal family." Ryder grumbled stepping over.

“Ok… that doesn't explain why they uh… look… that way." Simeon tried to say tactfully and just bluntly said what he meant. “Why do they have four legs!" The two gave him a look.

“Have you never seen one before?" Ajax had to ask. The hyena laughed though looking back at them and then at Simeon.

“Well, I've heard about centaurs if that counts?" Simeon could only shrug though as he looked at the two. “What? Is that… uncommon?" He dared to ask. The two once more exchanged a look.

“There should be taurs over the seas as well." Ryder said to Ajax, ignoring the human now.

“And in the sea!" Ajax chuckled shaking his head. Simeon was utterly confused by that. “I don't think they can fly…"

“They aren't too uncommon."

“Have you been living under a rock?" Ajax chuckled, Simeon was still confused.

“Does that mean…" Ryder took a second as the two thought about it.

“Cub." Ajax spoke up first. Ryder gave him a look before nodding as if having the same thought. The two looking down at the human both literally and figuratively in that moment. “Have you seen birdfolk before?"

“Uh…" Simeon frowned. He barely knew what beastmen were let alone birds!

“What about the mermaids?" Ryder frowned now, not buying whatever scheme Simeon was trying to pull.

“Seen them or heard of?" Simeon frowned a bit. “Wait are there mermaids here?" Simeon eyes widen a bit at the thought.

“Either." Ajax pressed ignoring Simeon's question.

“No. And yes? But only in, well…" Simeon paused at that. The two waited for him to continue making him feel obligated too. “They aren't real." Simeon just stated as fact.

Ryder chuckled at that. “Look if you don't like them, that's one thing." The cheetah help up his hands with no judgment. “With your fear of the sea, I'm not too surprised to hear that."

“That's not what I said." Simeon countered quickly, raising his voice a bit. “Where I'm from… they don't exist. None of you do!" He just gestured at the two. “You aren't real where I'm from. Like. At all!"

Ajax frowned at that.

“You mean hunky, beastmen?" The hyena took a pose, flexing for the human showing off one too many muscles. Simeon didn't know you could have THAT many muscles. He wanted to reach out and touch one; if Ryder hadn't been watching him, he just might take Ajax up on the offer.

“Well… yes." Simeon just said looking back up into his face. “You don't exist."

Ryder rubbed his chin in thought at that as Kamir came back over. “The human says there aren't beastmen where he's from."

“Or taurs."

“Or birds."

“Or mermaids." Ajax just nodded along making Simeon feel even worse as the two openly blabbed about it to the lion.

“Would explain a few things." The lion nodded as if not surprised by the news of this.

“Then that would make me your first." Ajax seemed to ignore the other two as he stepped closer to Simeon, taking the human's hand as he grinned down at him. “I'll be gentle, my sweet flower."

“Uh…" Simeon just said in reply.

Kamir lifted a foot, placing it on Ajax's side and with enough force to kick down a door, knocked the hyena over sending Ajax rolling head over tail down the hillside. “You can die too for all I care."

“AS you wiiiish…." Ajax called back as he disappeared over the side and into the crowd below like a bowling ball knocking over several people like pins.

“Shall we?" The lion just asked, offering his own hand for Simeon to take as the hyena flailing cries died down as he went down the hillside.

“Will he uh…" Simeon dared to look back at the whimpering pile on the ground far below them.

“He's fine." The other two said in unison as Simeon finally did take Kamir's hand. The lion led him up the rest of the hill to a circular structure with a dome roof. It looked more like a nipple but Simeon didn't point that out to the others.

If Ajax was here, he'd have appreciated that. Simeon just wished the hyena soul that it found peace, taking a solemn moment for their fallen comrade.

The front of the small shrine was open wide for anyone to walk in. Only a strand of beads hung over the entrance serving as a door as they walked over the smooth white marble floor and to the opening.

“Wait here." Kamir nodded at the cheetah before heading inside, holding the strand of beads to one side for Simeon to enter after him.

“I'll wait for the meathead." Ryder nodded as he rested against the wall, crossing his legs head bowed as if he were about to take a nap.

The room inside was far cooler than the outside. It had a strong pungent smell. A mix of herbs and incense Simeon couldn't place. Walking down a dark hallways they entered a perfectly symmetrical oval of a room. The wall rose high towards a curved ceiling. A single room building on top of the hill.

Someone had painted the night sky above, including the stars. Several of them were connected to form constellations. Simeon didn't recognize any of them. That worried him far more than he thought it would've.

“I'm really not in Kansas anymore, Toto…" Simeon muttered to himself with a frown.

The room had a maroon red carpet, with pillows and drapes matching it. They were of the same color Kamir wore. Several shelves had been drilled into the stone walls allowing for books, plants and a variety of other things Simeon could barely make out.

The middle of the room was taken up by a large pot that looked more like a cauldron filled with crystal clear blue water that seemed to be glowing in the otherwise dim room. Several candles had been lit as the air filled with more smoke as a jaguar lounged out on the far side of the room breathed out. She had a thin metal pipe in hand, a tube at the end connected to a glass vase nearby with something bubbling at the bottom.

Simeon recognized it as a hookah instantly, from personal experience. For some reason he was reminded more so of the caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland than of the one back in his dorm room.

“Greetings, my prince." The feline purred in greeting smiling at Simeon and all but ignoring the lion who he had acknowledged but seemed to be ignoring. “And what a fine treat you brought me this time. As payment, I assume?" The jaguar chuckled, covering his mouth with a spotted hand as he smiled at the human.

“He is why I am here but not a gift to give." Kamir warned, a hand straying down to the scimitar at his side. The jaguar didn't even seem to notice as he gestured for Simeon to take a seat nearby, even next to the jaguar.

The large spotted jungle cat patting the pillow suggestively, rubbing a clawed finger around it a few times.

“Please, join me. We have much to discuss, drifter." The jaguar purred, taking another long breath before letting out several smoke rings.

“Now do a boat." Simeon just smiled at him making the jaguar smile falter. “Even I can do rings. Try to do a boat. Now THAT would impress me." The human teased the large jungle cat.

The jaguar chuckled at that, taking a long breath from his pipe and setting it down. The smoke wafted from the side of his open muzzle but he didn't blow it out this time as he sat up.

“Most drifters have breakdowns by now." The jaguar stared at him with eyes that saw far more than Simeon was comfortable with. “They crack like a broken egg. The yolk draining out as they slowly go mad… This one on the other hand…"

Kamir placed a hand on Simeon's shoulder, stopping the human from sitting. He simply shook his head as the jaguar went on.

“Tell me, child of man. Do you know what you lost?" The seer smiled knowingly at the look Simeon gave him, the human looking over at the lion. “No? Pity." The jaguar lounged back letting the smoke out of his snout and to Simeon's astonishment it seemed to take the crude shape of a ship drifting through the air.

Simeon clapped at that making the jaguar's spotted tail flick.

“Ok, that was impressive!" Simeon smiled at him making the jaguar chuff several times, a pleased noise from the large jungle cat.

“I aim to impress." The jungle cat finally turned back towards Kamir. “So, my young prince. Come for another fortune to be told?" The cat looked him over as if trying to spy something of worth from the other feline. “If you don't offer up the boy, then maybe that fancy sword of yours?"

Kamir turned to his side to hide the blade from the greedy feline's eyes.

“Not on your life, Loffe." Kamir however still nodded his head in respect.

“I am not his to give, either." Simeon pointed out. The jaguar's gaze drifted over to the human, lingering longer than Simeon was comfortable with as if the cat was trying to read his mind. Simeon didn't back down under that unwavering gaze.

“How about owing me a favor, then?" Loffe sat up, brushing back his long spiral black hair out of his eyes to look at the two. Sitting up on the cushion the jungle cat just looked between them.

“Not a chance." Simeon just laughed at the idea of owing someone without ever knowing what it was they asked for in return.

“Gold?" Kamir offered instead already reaching for a pouch at his side.

“I have nothing to give, sorry." Simeon just shrugged.

“You have plenty to give but none I'm willing to take… you have already lost too much." Loffe glanced over at him before his lips parted in a smile. “Though, there might be something else…" He added petting the cushion next to him. “A single night-,"

“No." Kamir was the one to say making Simeon look over at the lion. Kamir's voice was loud, harsh and there had been a snarl to it. “That… that won't be necessary." The lion cleared his throat, looking away with a blush. The jaguar seemed to take great delight in this as the beads on his chest rattled as he lay back once more.

Unlike Kamir, Loffe was wearing a loincloth and several strings with beads connected them to form a makeshift shirt. They rattled and moved with every movement the jungle cat made. Simeon wasn't sure but he got the strange feeling those hollow beads were made of bone. The thought sent a shiver up his back and he took a step closer to Kamir.

“Very well. Gold it will be, for now." Loffe rolled his hand as if giving in. “Though your questions will be limited as such."

“Then why take gold?" Simeon had to ask, looking around the lion.

“I still need to pay for this place." Loffe chuckled heavily as he brushed a few strands of his long braided hair out his face. “They don't let me have this place from the kindness of their heart."

“Too bad." Simeon whistled softly looking around; the two felines looked at him. “It's a nice place." He added looking over at one of the shelves. There was a shrunken head there with what looked like some kind of voodoo doll. He ignored it for the most part.

“What… was that?" Kamir was the one to ask blinking a couple of times and looking at the human. Simeon just returned it with one of confusion.

“Such a pleasant sound." The jaguar stood up at that, walking over on heavy paws. The near naked jungle cat closed in on the human, only Kamir stopped him from reaching out and touching Simeon's face.

“What? The whistle?" Simeon frowned at that. “Can't you guys whistle?" Simeon did it again making Loffe laugh in delight.

“Like a bird, it's wonderful." The jungle cat smiled amused by the simplest of things for the human. “I've never heard such a thing."

“A whistle? Or a bird?" Simeon dared to ask.

“Most the birds I catch don't whistle after." The feline just purred at him leaning closer until Kamir stepped in once more. Simeon was glad he didn't have to deal with this guy by himself. If the lion wasn't here as a buffer, he'd be worried what the jungle cat would try to do to him.

There was a difference though with Ajax and Loffe. Ajax had been a welcoming fun tease while this cat reminded him more of a predator looking for his next meal.

“We came for answers." Kamir reminded the jungle cat. “Not games."

“Games is what I live for, dear prince." The jungle cat lifted both hands as he stepped back away from the lion as Kamir's hand fell on the handle of his sword at his side. “I'll make an exception, this time…" Loffe lied easily enough as he turned away, tail brushing over Simeon's front as he passed by.

That tail curling down and inwards making Simeon stand a bit taller. The human recoiled as that skilled tail brushed down lower between his legs making Simeon look away.

“Prince?" Simeon finally asked glancing over at the lion who didn't answer.

“It's not what it sounds like." Kamir looked to the side not meeting those eyes staring at him.

“I'm not familiar with this place but well… Prince still means what it means here, right?" Simeon wasn't sure why he asked Loffe instead, as if looking for verification on what he meant.

“The young prince is indeed an important mortal soul in the weave of fate." The jaguar nodded as he skulked his way back to one of his cushions to lounge out on, stretching a leg before plopping down with a satisfy chuff.

“So, you are a prince then." Simeon just nodded figuring it meant something similar to what he knew back home.

“One of many." Kamir frowned at him. “My father has many children. I am but one of them. No one important in the grand scheme of things."

“Still the one who found a human." Loffe chuckled watching the two.

“It was fated." Kamir just frowned, not seeming to be pleased with his own answer to it.

“Well, technically, Ajax found me." Simeon pointed out making the jaguar frown now.

“The hyena?" That seemed to bother the jaguar but he didn't go further and so the two ignored him. “That isn't how it should've been." Loffe muttered to himself as he sat up to look into the pool before them.

“Should've been?" Simeon had to ask about.

“I just followed what we'd been told and ended up finding you." Kamir shrugged his heavy shoulder. “It is why we are here after all. Guidance."

“Guidance, huh?" Simeon frowned looking over at the large jungle cat lazing out now. He wasn't sure if he'd make the best of guides as Loffe took another long puff from his pipe.

“I just told them when and where to be, they did the rest." Loffe chuckled rolling over to paw at a string from a nearby rug idly. “In return for a favor, of course." The jaguar licked over his lips looking up and down the lion.

Kamir lip twitched at that but denied nothing. Simeon didn't press the subject further, choosing ignorance over knowing what such a favor would be in return. Just glad he had refused such a payment himself.

“So you guys found me cause you were just in the right place and the right time?" Simeon frowned at that thinking it over.

“As the fates willed it." Kamir nodded.

“Luck." Simeon just nodded.

“Luck?" The lion stammered a bit looking at him as if Simeon had just sworn.

“It was a chance encounter, one in a million." Simeon thought that over. Although not impossible, it was improbable. Someone had to have found him after all. What were the chances it would be Ajax though? The human wasn't good enough at math to figure that one out.

“The child doesn't believe in fate." Loffe chuckled looking over at him. “What little will my guidance do if you don't even believe?"

“We believe!" Kamir quickly stepped in, placing a rather large hand on Simeon's shoulder. He could feel those warm paw pads rubbing over his bear shoulder. It made him blush a bit. “The human,"

“Simeon." He butted in again.

“Right, Simeon. Sorry." Kamir ears splayed out and he looked away once more in embarrassment. “We found Simeon, thanks to fate."

“Chance." Simeon just frowned but kept the word mostly to himself.

“We appreciate any further help you could give us, before the tournament." The lion gave a short bow to the jaguar. “Whatever help we could get." Kamir said more to himself, his grip tightening a bit on Simeon's shoulder.

“I just want to know how to get home." Simeon interrupted this time, not about to let the chance just slip by. If this person was some sort of guide then surely he'd be able to help give him some direction on how to get home.

“That is a two step problem." Loffe inspected his nails. The other two just looked at each other.

“Which?" They said nearly in unison.

“The human's." The jaguar just smiled though didn't look up at either of them.

“And…?" Simeon frowned hoping he'd just get on with it.

“You expect me to just have the answer." Loffe chuffed. “For free?" That part seemed to offend the jaguar greatly.

“You haven't even named a price, yet." Simeon just frowned feeling like he was going around in circles at this point. He crossed his arms eying the jaguar carefully.

“I will cover the charge." Kamir spoke up smiling down at the human. “It is the least I can do for what I get in return."

“Return for…" Simeon just shook his head. There was clearly more to all this that they weren't telling him but he didn't press the issue right now. Wanting only one thing. A way home. “Well then, how do I get home if Kamir is covering the tab?" The human just pressed once more.

Loffe grumbled at that, weighing the payment on a mental scale to see if it was worth the trouble to look into. “Very well." The jaguar spoke and his voice seemed distant as if coming from down a deep tunnel. Lifting both arms up, he rolled out his wrists indicating for the two to sit across from one another.

This time Kamir nodded at Simeon.

They did. Simeon took a seat on the left side of the jaguar and Kamir taking a seat on the right. The cauldron of water sitting between the three.

Loffe closed his eyes humming loudly as he rolled his wrists. Then once more, before cracking an eye open to look at Kamir. “Payment." The jaguar hissed at him in a sharp whisper.

“Oh, right." Kamir pulled out the pouch of coins once more and handed it over. The jaguar quickly swiped it out of the lion's hands greedily before dumping the coins out into his other palm, counting the gold coins out.

Seemingly satisfied with however much money that was, Loffe dumped the coins into the pool.

“Payment to the spirits." Loffe winked at the human watching him. Not that Simeon believed in such superstition, he just nodded along to be polite. “Ask your questions to the pool and let see the answer we get."

“I want to know how to get home." Simeon repeated. “To my world. Uh, my land." He corrected not wanting to reveal his hand too soon. Unable to trust either of these strange beastmen he'd just met. Even if Kamir had been keeping an eye out for him, it didn't mean that the lion's intentions were altruistic in nature.

Kamir was clearly getting something out of this arrangement. Something the lion hadn't told him about.

As far as Simeon knew, Kamir could've just been doing this for his own benefit. Tossing Simeon out after he served whatever purpose a human could in this strange, foreign world. Trust was something one had to earn...

Loffe raised his hands once more. The lights seemed to dim around them as the painted stars above glowed like fireflies flying above. Simeon's eyes wandered up to them. Those lights seemed to drift down around them as if they were really fireflies, dancing around them together. Simeon just looked past them into the black void behind them. It reminded him of the depths of the sea and with it the numbing cold it brought.

The room grew silent and still as the three held their breaths, the air growing cold.

“The path you took is gone, the bridge eroded away never to be walked again. The door is locked... You will need a key to pass through." Loffe muttered aloud, still not looking at either of them. “You are lacking something…"

Simeon only frowned. This felt more like a tarot reading than an actual fortune being told.

“Something was taken. You will need it to open that door, to return home." Loffe finished with far quicker than Simeon thought it would take.

“And that would be what…?" Simeon just frowned hating the ambiguousness of this kind of stuff. Being so vague, they could always be technically right. It was a scam, a con that Simeon didn't buy into even in a world like this.

Loffe shrugged. That irked the human.

“Is it a literal door or like a metaphorical one." Simeon pressed not about to waste Kamir's gold. “And where?" The human all but demanded to know. His voice growing louder in the otherwise silent room.

“Simeon…" Kamir spoke up as Loffe just frowned at the human.

“This is why I don't do free telling. No one's thankful of the god's gift." The jaguar rolled his eyes.

“Well?" Simeon got up now looking at him. “You said a bunch of empty words. Nothing more. Is this what fate is supposed to mean?" He wasn't sure why he was getting angry in that moment as he glared at the jaguar. While frustrated, Simeon was caught off guard by the anger in his own words as a venom dripped from his lips from the spite he felt for this feline.

Loffe growled back. “Look here." The jaguar stood.

Simeon was having none of it as he jabbed a finger at the jaguar. “How about I tell your fortune?" He sneered now. “A charlatan sits on his throne high above everyone else, conning the coin from good folks while pretending to serve some higher order. Wanting to dine with the gods but can only scrounge in the streets."

Loffe snarled at that. Simeon was already turning away.

“Come on, Kamir. We're leaving." Simeon didn't even wait for a response as he headed out. The lion stood and followed, glancing back at the jaguar who just watched them go.

“That was…" Kamir spoke as the two headed out the dark hallway and into the afternoon light.

Simeon stumbled for a second, having to rest against a pillar as he held his head. He had a massive headache from that and wasn't sure what exactly had happen. That anger had subsided as quickly as it had come. It left him drained and all the human could do was lean back against the pillar for support.

“Everything go well?" Ajax asked looking between the two.

“Not... exactly." Kamir frowned.

“He's a fraud as far as I'm concerned." Simeon just waved it off, walking past the others to get some fresh air. The pounding in his head began to ease as he took a couple of steadying breaths.

The hyena looked between the two before following after Simeon.

“He did lead us to you." Kamir spoke up joining them out front.

“A coincidence." Simeon just shrugged shaking his head. “Nothing more."

Kamir seemed bothered by that but Ajax walked over to pat the human on the back.

“Well, not like we lost much." The hyena chuckled, leaving his hand on the human's back as he rubbed over it.

“Kamir lost money. Not, uh, sure how much but it seemed like a lot? Maybe?" Simeon chuckled though as he looked up into the broad face of the hyena smirking down at him. “Uh… sorry." He added to the lion. “About what happened." Feeling guilty for wasting the lion's money.

“We didn't, he did." Ajax just thumbed over at the lion.

“Usually Loffe is far more… specific." Kamir tried to defend. The lion only shook his head. “He isn't one to just… say things."

“Well, how about relying less on magic fortune telling and you know, yourself?" Simeon offered getting a look from the lion. “Whatever you guys are doing, like. Do it. Don't let some stoned mofo tell you otherwise." Simeon felt better after getting that off his chest.

“The suns are high; we should grab something to eat." Ryder came over, handing a slip of paper to Kamir. “From Loffe." He explained at the lion took the parchment, unfolding it. “For payment, she said."

Simeon must've miss heard Ryder but didn't think too much into it as Kamir looked over at him.

“What?"

“He says to go to the tournament. Your answers will be there." Kamir ripped the paper in half and tucked it into separate pockets. The lion seemed pleased with the answer, nodding at that. “Fate's willed it. I knew it." The lion smiled as he exhaled.

“What tournament is this, exactly?" Simeon inquired as the four of them made their way back down the hill.

“The Games are an ancient tradition," Kamir started up proudly explaining it to the human. “Every nation sends their best warriors to compete to see who will honor the gods in their name."

“And win the crown." Ryder brought up as if it were the only thing worth mentioning.

“Crown?"

“The throne." Kamir nodded. “My father is the current Emperor."

“Oh, that's some big shoes to fill…" Simeon looked down at the lion's bare paws, wrapped in leather straps leaving the toes free. “Uh… feet to fill." The human corrected himself.

“Something like that." Kamir smiled though as the human tried to politely respect their customs. “We all don't wear sandals, see." The lion went on. “Some of us have nails that would tear them apart."

Simeon looked down at the straw like sandals he wore. It wasn't the most comfortable but it seemed durable enough, protecting his feet from the ground. He was a bit concern what kind of claws could tear them apart.

“Oh, I guess I'm not used to wearing sandals too much myself." Simeon thought about it. He wasn't dude-bro enough for that. Or douchy enough to want to try and pull it off. “We usually wear full shoes. Uh, even over the toes."

“Fascinating." Kamir just smiled softly at that as Ryder headed over to get them all something to eat.

“I suppose that makes sense." Ajax muttered staring down at the human's feet. “You don't seem very… equipped, for the world."

“Thanks." Simeon rolled his eyes. Ajax just smirked at that.

“Soft, furless…" Ajax just muttered running a finger down Simeon's arm. The human pulled it away.

“Hey! I do got some hair!" He did laugh though as he looked at the lion, or more so at Kamir's mane. “OK, maybe not nearly as much but still. And I'm not defenseless."

“Oh, really?" Ajax looked the human over as if trying to find something Simeon was hiding away. “I have seen you naked."

“Wait, what?" Kamir stammered a bit, blushing brightly in the face. “When was this?"

“In the bathhouse. I already told you that's where I found him." Ajax laughed though. “I didn't see nothing that shoulder concern me." And Ajax brushed the back of his hand between Simeon's legs making the human pull back. “Nothing to be worried about." The hyena grinned.

“It was cold! Shut up." Simeon just huffed looking away as the hyena chuckled at his expense, leaving the lion utterly confused.

Ryder came back and he didn't come back alone. Two large city-guards were behind him. One of the four legged lions walked forward, giving a low bow to Kamir before speaking.

“Young prince, you have been summoned by his imperial majesty." The man said standing back up, adjusting his large twin poker of a spear to his other hand.

“So soon?" Kamir frowned at that, rubbing his chin before glancing over at the others. “Very well, I will deal with this. Get the human,"

“Simeon." He corrected.

“Right, sorry. Get Simeon back home after lunch and keep watch until I return. I shouldn't be long." Kamir nodded.

Ajax pulled Simeon aside only for the other guard to block their path.

“The human is summoned too. This is not a request." The other guard spoke, the older of the two scowling down at Simeon. Simeon could see multiple scars riddling the older guards body leaving nasty gashes in the sandy brown fur.

“The Imperial Majesty has spoken." And with that the two guards hit the end of their spears on the ground and escorted the group towards the palace.