《Bastard》


 Chapter 1 Blood Running Like Water

    Prologue


    Crimson, or scarlet? What better describes the warm liquid covering my hands, face, and chest? My fingers clench tight around the leather straps that wrap artfully about my sword''s hilt. If not for their abrasiveness the long blade would surely have slipped from my blood-soaked hands.


    I step woefully through a field littered with the corpses of young men. The field I filled with their shattered bloody corpses. I¡¯ll take her soon, bury her before the wolves come to fill their bellies with meat.


    I want to mourn her; the sorrow weighs heavily upon my rapidly beating heart. The rage, a flame burning through me as if I would burst into an unstoppable fire. The rage turns the tears trying to escape my eyes to steam. Evaporating them before they can pour from my dark red eyes and glide down my murky green cheeks.


    The weight of loss is heavy in my arms as I trudge through the mud. The rain intensifies as if to add insult to injury. If there is a God, he has surely forsaken me. Left me to rot at the cruelty of men for some menial sin I''ve committed. Perhaps my sin is being born of elves and orcs. My punishment is not only the loss of all I own, but all that I love. My Aurus, sweet mother, if you are in heaven tell that spiteful cunt God I''ll see him in hell.


    Rain pours down over the goosebumps on my green skin as it soaks my pitch-black hair. I brush it behind my pointy ears as I shovel mud over her lifeless corpse filling the large hole that has become her final place of rest. Aurus, mother, you sheltered me from the cruelty in this world. Even if the gods favored you, man came to bestow the penalty of your sins. I lean down to the grave pressing my forehead into the mud.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t deserve this fate, not for me, I¡¯ll find that life you wanted for me, I won¡¯t waste my life on vengeance, but I will have it, rest, and know you are not forgotten, rest, for all your struggle you have found peace,¡± I struggle against the pressing weight of sorrow as I stand.


    My eyes peer up into an infinite darkness as rain pours down over me. There¡¯s someone looking down at me. Perhaps they are smiling, perhaps they are laughing. I step away from my mother¡¯s grave into the heavy downpour.


    ¡°Goodnight mother, may the shadows serve you well.¡±


    Chapter 1


    Blood Running Like Water


    It''s a disrespectful thing to do. To bury someone without a funeral. She deserved better, I owed her better. All the years of teasing, being tormented for raising a bastard son. She was so kind, so gentle and loving. It¡¯s hard to believe she was once a warrior. I''ll never know how it feels to be like her. The only emotions I feel right now are rage and hate and I¡¯m looking for any reason to express them.


    My cold red eyes peer down at a pint of mead as a small party of village men enter the tavern. The tavern maiden, a tall Ruksha woman with white scales, approaches the counter.


    Ruksha are a scaled species. Some call them lizard people out of disrespect, as a child I found most of them to act pleasant toward me. Maybe it¡¯s because I saw how fascinating their culture was. So many pretty colors and talks of eternal love.


    "Drinking or sleeping tonight, I''ve got a one night only discount if you''re interested in both," the Ruksha woman asks, her long tongue giving her a raspy lisp.


    A tall brute of a man steps forward and smiles. He''s got a large nose and thin beady eyes. He is by no means a pretty man. I''m sure he''s been out tormenting young elves all day and probably reeks of body odor. Nevertheless, he throws a pathetic attempt of what he probably thinks is flirtation on the young Ruksha maiden. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    "Just drink, but I''m curious, I''ll give you four shillings if you show me those scaly young breasts of yours,¡± he says with a crude and disrespectful smirk.


    "Make it five, and your drinks are all full price."


    He pours a bag of coins on the table, and she reluctantly pulls down her blouse. The group whistle wildly waving their hands in the air like children. I just ignore it. None of this is my problem.


    I pull my cloak down further over my head as a young chamber maiden sits down beside me. She seems soft, probably warm too. I''m in no mood for company though.


    "My name''s Meredith, you rented a room, do you require an escort tonight?" she asks.


    Her thin ivory fingers run across my thigh longingly. I turn my head slightly toward her. She seems timid.


    "My name is Dirk, leave me be,¡± I reply raising my pint.


    She brushes her hair behind her ear nervously and looks over at the group of men. Her figure doesn''t move from my side though.


    After remaining at my side for a few moments her bright blue eyes return to me. Her lips are seem soft and gentle, and her skin seems smooth and inviting, nearly devoid of imperfections. Her voice is soft as she speaks under the pleasant aroma of her breathe so that no one else can hear.


    "Please don''t send me away, they''ll think I''m available, you don''t understand."


    I turn my head back toward her, she''s nearly in tears. She''s frightened, begging a stranger for protection from the monster that is human desire. It seems I don¡¯t have much of a choice. She has drawn the attention of her would be abusers to me. One of the men stands.


    "Oy'' is that fuckin Meredith, who''s she talkin¡¯ to o''er there?"


    "I don''t know, hey boss, why don''t we give him a looksy,¡± another man says standing.


    The two men approach, and Meredith grabs my knee nervously. This isn''t a good spot to be in, I''m sitting. I won''t have time to draw my sword or my dagger unless I toss my mead, what a waste. The larger man snaps his fingers in front of me his thin beady eyes glaring at me with disdain.


    "Well then, who the fuck you fancy yourself to be tryin'' to steal away my Meredith before she warms my loins?"


    I can feel her hand shaking on my leg and gently push it away. I raise my cup gulping down my mead so as not to waste it.


    "My name is Dirk, now kindly leave me be,¡± I say staring forward.


    This throws the oath into a frenzy and he grabs at my cloak pulling it off my head.


    ¡°The fuck, he''s the green pointy eared bastard from the wanted poster!"


    He''s too slow, they''re all too slow. My pint of mead hits him square in his nose and he stumbles back. His partner gets it worse as I toss my dagger into his throat. He cuts his fingers on the blade trying to pull it out as he drowns in his own blood. Too kind a punishment for him, for any of these monsters.


    I draw my blade just in time to block the leader''s attack. The other men stand from the table, five''s a party. I kick the leader onto his back catching him off guard. The other men rush in eager to meet their demise. Blades and hatchets clank and twirl through the air, but only mine makes its mark. A hand, a foot, a few fingers, cut at the elbow. It''s like preparing meat for a feast. The only one feasting tonight though will be lady death on the poor souls of these cruel and hateful men.


    I make quick work of them, slow and inexperienced. The big one though, he''s been in battle, maybe a retired soldier. Probably dishonorably discharged for his misconduct toward young maidens. He''ll never touch a young maiden again though, not with those hands.


    "I am Lord Bornthall of Greshka, you will not forget that name boy!" he yells charging me.


    His swordplay is good, his footwork flawless. He is missing one thing though, no two. His hands, as I cut them off at the wrists. He screams in agony holding up his wrists as blood pours down his forearms.


    "I am Dirk of your nightmares, I give you this chance to flee before I take from you more than your hands,¡± I say readying my sword.


    It seems he does not seek the afterlife this day, for he flees like a coward. Meredith grabs my shoulder, and I turn to her quickly, worried she might be a foe.


    "Thank you,¡± she mutters.


    I sheathe my sword. The tavern is a bloodbath. The tables and pillars are painted with blood and the floor littered with disembodied limbs.


    She moves me toward my room, "please, you paid for a room, stay for the night, we will leave early in the morning."


    I look over at the tavern keeper. She should be in a frenzy, but she seems calm and composed. Not the first tavern massacre she¡¯s seen. That or, not the first massacre she¡¯s seen.


    "And what of her, the Ruksha woman?" I ask.


    "They''ll burn this tavern, if she doesn''t leave, they''ll surely, I can''t bare to say it, if you would be so kind sir, we could all travel together in the morning."


    I let Meredith escort me to my room. She gives me a bath. Her hands are as soft as her heart. We lie together, but I don''t treat her like her patrons. No, more as a friend, a companion. Her soft hair and gentle body comfort me, but I''ll need to harden her. I''ll need to teach her to fight if she is to travel with me.

 Chapter 2 Unlikely Companions

    We ride for a few days before stopping at a clearing in the woods to hunt. Meredith seems troubled, but the Ruksha woman doesn''t seem concerned.


    I step over to her and bow my head. It''s a politeness from her culture I''m sure she sees little of.


    "What is it you desire of me young mixed blood?" she asks curiously.


    "I wish to know your name," I reply lifting my head.


    "Shiroihana, I am of the lake, in my tongue it means white flower."


    I move closer to her, she smells pleasant. Hints of lavender and coconut brushed with honey and sage. She must be an alchemist. I shouldn''t dwell on her too long. She might think I''m being flirtatious. She grabs my hand before I can flee back to Meredith.


    "You slew those men with ease, but you have no composure around women, perhaps you lack confidence, perhaps Shiroihana can make you more, confident?" She says with what seems to be a smile on her scaly lips.


    Her offer is generous, and not unwanted. For now though, the only flesh I desire is the roasted flesh of my prey, a meal I will share with my unlikely companions.


    The mid-afternoon air is pleasant. A gentle breeze rustles the leaves in the trees above. The sun barely peers through white pillowy clouds as I put my hands on Meredith¡¯s hips. She may be able to cook but she knows little of hunting. Her firm young body leans into me playfully as I try to correct her stance.


    "Now pull back as you aim, take a deep breath, but don''t release until you feel it in your gut," I say holding Meredith still.


    She pulls back and breathes in, then releases. Her arrow does not strike true, and the boar runs off.


    "This is impossible, I''m just a, I''m just a doll to be played with, I''m no warrior princess," she yells as her bright blue eyes fill with tears.


    I put my hand on her chin and lift her head up. She¡¯s quick to emotions. This can be a good or a bad thing depending on what fighting style she¡¯s good at. I¡¯ve known some mages to strengthen their magic with emotion. I¡¯m sure warriors can use it in the same way. I look into her eyes as if peering into endless oceans.


    "On the battlefield, no warrior is a princess, no warrior is a man or a woman, in battle we are combatants, there is no man or woman in warrior, only war, when you fight, fight with your soul not your body."


    She drops the bow and plunges her head into my chest. I just hold her for a moment, she''s not ready to fight. I''ll give her more time. I hope we have more time.


    We make a small camp with two tents. I leave the girls to their own as I lay in mine reading tomes. Wonderful tomes, ones of adventure and desire. There are magical tomes too that teach you spells, but I''ve no coin for them. My tent rustles and I look up as Shiroihana enters.


    "Ah tomes, I didn''t know you could read, many cannot, Shiroi finds this a very attractive trait, maybe you find Shiroi attractive too?" she asks with a glimmer in her violet eyes.


    She moves closer to me and starts to undo her robe. I grab her hands quickly, and she looks at me somewhat displeased.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    "I''m not rejecting you, now is an improper time for us, I know little of you, please, sit with me and let us enjoy a tome,¡± I say with a smile.


    She ties her robe and lays beside me in an enticing way. I know it''s improper, but her violet eyes do make her quite attractive. That and her bold nature, she didn''t hesitate to come in here and ask for what she wanted. She''s an interesting woman, especially for a Ruksha.


    We spend a pleasant evening reading, and I offer her a spot in my tent for the night. It''s refreshing to have pleasant company, especially when you are still mourning.


    When dawn breaks it breaks hard. There is no warm glow from the sun. Only the flash of lightning and the pounding of rain. Meredith woke alone in her tent. I should check on her after the storm.


    The outburst of torrential rains and ground shaking thunder soon passes. The sky remains dull and cloudy, and the trail has turned to mud. Our journey will surely be lengthened.


    I approach Meredith''s tent expecting her to be cowering in fear from the storm. Quite the contrary, she seems giddy and pleased.


    "Did you hear it, the rage of nature over us, it''s a beautiful sound the thunder, the vibrations through the air tickle my skin."


    "I''m glad to hear you have enjoyed the rain, I merely wanted to make sure you were ok since Shiroi joined me last night,¡± I say expressing my concern for her.


    "Oh, Shiroi joined you, and she was with you all night?" she asks with a sudden look of jealousy on her soft ivory cheeks.


    I scurry to explain myself. I don''t need these two at each other''s throats if we are to adventure together.


    "Yes, we enjoyed a tome before resting."


    She glares at me in a distrustful manner. I should be careful with this one. She is quick to anger, and puppy struck with lust for me. I guess the showing of strength at the tavern made me her shining savior. Perhaps she feels entitled to the duty of becoming my mate, as if the reward for my assistance is her intimacy.


    Meredith stares at me, her arms crossed. It seems my explanation isn''t to her liking.


    "If it pleases you then at this day¡¯s nightfall you may rest with me, do you find that acceptable?"


    "It''ll do," she replies.


    We pack up our things and load them in the wagon. We need to hurry on our way before someone picks up our trail. Shiroihana peers over the tree line to see dark smoke bellowing in the distance. Her expression seems to sink to a dark place. She knows it''s the tavern she worked so hard to upkeep. All those years and it''s lit ablaze by savage men with hearts that carry only hate.


    I set my hand on her shoulder, "Shiroi, I''m sorry, I am glad that you aren¡¯t there though, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to enjoy a tome with you."


    ¡°Shiroi is saddened by her loss, but it is not Dirk¡¯s fault, Shiroi was never safe running a tavern, perhaps Shiroi is grateful you came along.¡±


    She climbs back into the wagon. Meredith grabs my hand and motions me to leave.


    We continue down the road, I''m not sure where we are headed. Surely if we stay on the road, we''ll run into something. I want to talk to Shiroi, but Meredith tells me to give her time. I''m not sure if she needs time more than comfort.


    There''s a gentle breeze that flows through the air as we head off toward the nearest village. I leave Meredith to steer the wagon and step inside. Shiroi tries to hide the tears running down her scaly cheeks, but I''ve already seen them. I grab her hands and run my finger over her sharp claws. She looks up at me with her shimmering violet eyes.


    "Even for a mixed blood elf, you too must think Shiroi a monster, maybe a spectacle?"


    I pull her in close. I don''t want to seem too sensual, but she needs comfort.


    "No, you are beautiful, your eyes are like violets and your scales ivory, if there is anything you require you need only ask.¡±


    She looks up at me and half smiles.


    "Some boots, what brings a girl more joy than a pair of cute boots,¡± she replies.


    I smile at her and press my forehead to hers, so she knows I care. Another of their customs I¡¯m sure she sees little of. I¡¯m sure not many others have read Ruksha romance tomes. My mother had many, and I was curious.


    I can¡¯t say I don¡¯t feel her pain. Being half elf half orc, others perceive me as a monster. I¡¯m used to looking into the silver reflector though. I don¡¯t see a monster when I see my reflection. I might not have the beauty of my mother, but I wouldn¡¯t turn down a girl with my resemblance. Pointy ears, short tusks. There was a point where I thought it was normal.


    The wagon comes to an abrupt stop, and I return to Meredith''s side. She looks over at me concerned. Before us lies a giant smoldering crater.


    "What in the name of the realms could have caused this?¡± I say in awe.


    Shiroihana peaks out of the wagon, ¡°Men and magic my lord, Men and magic."

 Chapter 3 Of Men and Magic

    Loud pattering from the hooves of horses invades our rear flank. A party searching for us. I''ve got a plan though. We stop in-front of the massive crater and I enter the wagon with Meredith and Shiroi. They wait eagerly to hear my solution to our current predicament.


    "Shiroi you and Meredith take the wagon around and I''ll stay, make it believable."


    They nod and move the wagon around to the opposite side of the crater. The party approaches and I yell across the crater.


    ¡°You think you can betray me, this is but a small extent of the power I''ve learned, I''ve killed fifty men with a single spell!" I yell.


    The men halt behind me speaking amongst themselves. The approaching party seems uneasy at my boasting. Perhaps there¡¯s a little fear in their hearts now.


    "You bastard, how could you, all those innocent creatures you murdered just to prove your might,¡± Meredith yells.


    I turn toward the party and draw my sword.


    "Well, it seems I have an audience, would you like to behold my power?" I ask holding my hand out as if to cast a spell.


    They look amongst themselves again and then ride off. I let out a deep sigh of relief and start to trek around the crater. Such a long walk, I should have told them to spare me one of the horses.


    I reach the other side and Shiroi hops down from the wagon, hurrying to me.


    ¡°They fled, Shiroi was worried to leave you on your own, I know you showed strength at the tavern, but you have us now,¡± she proclaims grabbing my hand.


    I touch her smooth scaly cheek to show appreciation for her concern.


    "I know, and you both did well."


    Meredith steps down and wraps her arms around me. I can feel her squeezing abnormally tight. Perhaps she is showing more signs of jealousy against Shiroi. Maybe that isn''t it, maybe she''s genuinely concerned for my wellbeing. I should stop thinking she wants to mate. She surely cares for me.


    We climb back on the wagon and head off again. I''m worried about what made that crater, even more worried if it was man and not a beast. I''ve heard of warlocks who practice powerful magic, but a massive crater like that. The target was surely vaporized. Nevertheless, we shall continue onward.


    We stop at a small clearing, and I can hear running water. The horses neigh with excitement at the sound. I unhook them so they can drink and graze. Meredith steps up behind me putting her gentle hand on my shoulder.


    "We should take the time to bathe, I''ve some soaps and perfumes in my satchel,¡± she says with a lustful grin.


    "I agree, let''s rest a while and enjoy ourselves, we''ve no knowing how long our journey will be or where it will take us."


    Meredith doesn¡¯t hold back at all around me. I''ve hardly removed my tunic before she''s stripped herself bare. Not that I''m complaining, her body is as beautiful as a flower in bloom. She moves closer to me with a look of longing on her face. I can''t say I''m not intrigued by her advances. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    My cheeks turn red as she presses her bare breasts against me. She looks up and smiles.


    "You''re a dirty boy, why don''t we clean you up a bit,¡± she says with a devilish smile.


    If I''d employed her at the tavern, I surely would have spent every coin I had.


    Though I avoid too many pleasantries with her, the bath is enjoyable. She doesn''t seem too disappointed. I mean I don¡¯t down right reject her. I just tell her we have more pressing matters. Romance can wait, like battle you must take your time and go about it skillfully. If you go rushing in, you are bound to get yourself or your partner hurt.


    Night begins to fall. I''ve promised Meredith she can stay in my tent tonight.


    "So, Meredith, would you like to read a tome?" I ask.


    She gives me a look of embarrassment.


    "I don''t know how to read,¡± she says rubbing her shoulder.


    I ruffle her soft hair. She¡¯s kind of cute when she acts vulnerable.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll read to you."


    She seems to cling to my every word. This woman is surely infatuated with me. I''m not sure if I should pursue this, especially so early in our travels. I''ll continue training her to fight. Maybe with some time she might become more to me than just a pupil.


    Meredith falls asleep in my lap as I twirl her hair with my finger. I tuck her into her bedroll. It¡¯s time for me to grab some rest too. I lay my head on my pillow.


    It''s not a moment later that I hear chanting from the woods that pulls me from my intended respite. I sit up curiously, then I hear profanity and slowly creep out of my tent.


    "Gods be damned this spell worked just yesterday, how am I to be a mage if I can''t even summon a dagger?" I hear a voice say from the woods.


    Shiroi leans out of her tent, but I grab my sword and motion her back. I creep towards a small clearing where I see a man. Well, what seems like a man.


    I step into the clearing sword ready as I see a, cat man? He¡¯s almost my height with grey fur and murky green eyes. He¡¯s adorned in robes that seem enchanted.


    "Who are you, and what are you doing out here in the dead of night?" I ask.


    He laughs.


    "I could ask you the same my friend, and I promise you, the night is very much alive." He steps closer and I flaunt my blade as a warning. His eyes light up, "where my friend did you get that blade, is that, no it can''t be, or could it?" he asks moving closer.


    "This is my mother''s sword, she fought bravely beside my father in the War of Dominions that brought peace to the realms until the destroyer came and disrupted the balance."


    He moves ever closer seemingly unfazed by the fact that I could take his head clean off at any moment. He is mesmerized by the sword. He leans back with a big smirk.


    "It is a summon sword, and by the markings it would seem it summons a female shadow stalker, have you summoned her? surely by now you have, oh or are you one of those? you don''t use her for your own entertainment, do you? I''ve heard of perverse warriors taking their summons as-."


    I cut him off.


    "If you would excuse my language, what the fuck are you talking about?" I say sheathing the blade.


    He scratches his head and takes a bow.


    "My apologies I am Veneficus of, well I just go by Vene."


    Gazing at him with suspicion I step forward. Surely it wasn''t this imbecile cat man that caused that crater. More importantly though, what will he do if I scratch his ear? I do so enjoy scratching Neko ears, though most of the ones I¡¯ve had contact with have been half-bloods. I reach my hand toward his ear, and he slaps it.


    "That is wholly inappropriate, especially to greet a stranger," he pulls his hood over his ears, "you should be ashamed of yourself."


    I don''t know anything about their customs, maybe I offended him. I do have to ask him though.


    "So that crater," I cough.


    "Oh dear you saw that, you see I was trying to summon a succu-, never mind that, it didn''t work and then it just went boom."


    Shiroi steps up beside me out of nowhere, "you should ask him to join us, even the most pathetic mage has his uses."


    Vene''s eyes light up.


    "She called me a mage."


    "Yep, pathetic,¡± Shiroi says rolling her violet eyes.

 Chapter 4 Umbra of the Shadows

    As promised, I return to my tent with Meredith. She must be cold because she immediately cuddles up to me. Her presence is a pleasant warmth that pulls me from this cruel world. If only for a moment.


    "Wow that''s hard, is that your?"


    "Oh sorry, I forgot."


    I grab my sword and set it to the side. Meredith looks at me sorely disappointed. I should have played along. I''m sure I would have enjoyed it.


    "Where did you go?" she asks.


    "Oh, there was a cat man sorcerer in the woods, I invited him to join us, he''s the one that made the giant crater." I lean over and brush her hair behind her ear. "Let''s just get some rest ok, we can discuss it on the way to wherever we end up."


    ¡°Just hold me Dirk, and don¡¯t let go,¡± Meredith says gripping my arm.


    She seems like she has woken from some nightmare. Whatever the matter my presence seems to calm her. The rest of the night is peaceful except a few giggles from Shiroi, I hope she''s behaving herself around our new companion. I close my eyes and drift off.


    "Dirk, Dirk, we need to run, we can''t stay here."


    "We can''t just give up, we can''t let them run us off, we must fight."


    The smirks of evil men surround me as I breathe heavily. There are too many, I can''t defeat them. Aurus screams as they drag her from the woods. No, Aurus, mother, no. Warm blood runs between her shoulder blades onto her chest as she chokes. I see the last bit of light fade from her eyes, then feel it fade from my heart.


    "You''re wrong you know, there aren''t too many of them, no, there aren''t enough,¡± I hear a voice say from the shadows.


    I wake in a panic clutching my chest. Meredith leans over me, she seems frightened by my sudden outburst.


    "What is it my love, are you ok, do you require healing?" Meredith asks in a panic.


    I run my callous fingers through her soft hair and breathe deep.


    ¡°No, it was just a nightmare, we should get back on the road.¡±


    I stand and grab my sword. What was that dream, who spoke to me? I hold up the sword slightly, surely not.


    ¡°You called me your love, don¡¯t use that term lightly, I¡¯ve been with a few women, my mother used to give mental counsel to young women at the brothel, a few confided in me for intimacy, but I¡¯ve not known love, I care for you Meredith, that¡¯s all I know.¡±


    Meredith wraps her arms around me. That¡¯s probably not the response she wanted. She doesn¡¯t seem discouraged by it though. She stays close to me as we continue on our journey.


    We get to the next town and Vene is all over Meredith, she won''t have his attention though of course. It seems she is too infatuated with me, or she just finds Vene repulsive.


    "And which of the Gods made such a beautiful creature as you," Vene says gripping Meredith''s hand.


    "The God of stop fucking touching me," she scoffs pulling her hand away.


    I lean back into the wagon and roll my eyes at them. Vene crosses his arms as Meredith looks at me lustfully.


    "Oh, I see, mixed blood boy is your boyfriend, I had it on fair account from Shiroi that you two weren¡¯t together."


    Meredith and Shiroi look at each other intensely.


    "Excuse me what," they yell at the same time.


    I raise my hand quickly and the wagon becomes quiet. This isn''t good, this isn''t good at all. I step down onto the road gripping my sword. Meredith leans out of the wagon squeezing her perky breasts together.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    "What is it, if it''s that boulder just go around it,¡± she says.


    I look back at her and shake my head motioning her to be quiet.


    "Well fuck," Vene says leaning out of the wagon.


    He stares over at Meredith''s perky breasts, and she slaps him. The rock shifts and the ground shakes violently. Vene rubs his cheek as the boulder shifts into a large creature. Well, let''s be honest with ourselves, it''s a Dryke. The Dryke looks down at us and speaks with gnashing teeth.


    "These woods are mine, why are you here, the others came to pillage and rape, so I devoured them, do you wish to do the same?"


    I raise my hand and the Dryke leans down to me. Its breath is horrid, like a pile of burning flesh. I would never tell it that of course.


    "I am Dirk the Bastard Son of Aurus.¡±


    "Of Aurus, what has become of that naughty young half elf?" the Dryke asks with a chuckle.


    I grip my sword. How does he know my mother? Why has he disgraced her name implying that she might be promiscuous?


    "Excuse me, that''s my mother you''re speaking of you perverse wyvern,¡± I yell angrily.


    The Dryke''s expression changes to a sincere sadness as it sees my blade.


    "You wield her blade, this must mean she has passed, my condolences young mixed blood, did you know of your father?" It asks.


    "Only that they fought together, nothing more, she didn''t talk much of him and said nothing of a Dryke."


    The Dryke sits back folding its wings down twiddling its claws. It seems kind of pitiful now. Like it lost a good friend.


    "She really didn''t mention me, nothing at all, no mention of the name Drako came up?"


    I move closer to him.


    "How do you know that name beast!" I yell.


    The Dryke laughs, "it is my name mixed blood, how would I not know my own name?"


    "You lie!" I yell.


    The beast stands and towers above me.


    "There were two young lovers of mixed blood, half orc, half elf, they wandered to my land for asylum, the warriors of Dominion slew them, but I saw their love and I shared my heart with them, when your mother had you, she was alone, she brought you to me and I bestowed the name Drako upon you."


    "If you shared your heart and she is now dead then why have you not perished?"


    He leans down.


    "She lives on," he touches my chest with his long claw, "in you."


    I push his claw away angrily.


    "And what of my father, why would he leave me to be a bastard!" I yell.


    "My heart could only save one of them, shared between them they had to decide, your mother, how did she," he looks into my eyes as if reading my memories.


    "I see, the road is free to travel I must return to my nest and mourn, love is a terrible thing to lose, hold your companions dear, and cherish your time with them, for you never know how little of it you have left until it is gone.¡±


    The Dryke removes himself from the road and flies over the forest toward his nest. I clench my fists angrily, "fuck!"


    Meredith puts her hand on my shoulder, then Shiroi. I push them away and run into the woods alone. They try to follow but Vene motions them back to the wagon. I run for a while, like a child running from his nightmares. That''s when I hear a whisper.


    "We are alone."


    I spin around scanning the woods but see no one.


    "Don''t be afraid, it''s just me again."


    I draw my sword and spin in circles.


    ¡°Yes, please hold me tighter."


    I tighten my grip on the sword.


    ¡°Oh honey, maybe not so rough, it''s our first time alone."


    I drop the sword, and smoke rises from it as I back into a tree.


    "Who, who are you?¡±


    A lady steps through the smoke with eyes of gold and hair as dark as midnight. She must be six foot tall.


    "I am Umbra, I fought in the shadows when they murdered Lady Aurus, we gave them what they deserved."


    I take a deep breath and regain my composure.


    "So, you helped me in that fight, I owe,¡± she cuts me off.


    "You owe me nothing, Lady Aurus was kind to me, she treated me with respect, I expect the same from you."


    I step over and pick up the sword.


    "So, you''re in a sword," I pause, "is there a way I could free you?"


    She moves to me and touches my cheek. Her hand is soft. She''s a soft scale, I can tell by her horns and tail. She''s very attractive, and horny? She grabs my crotch.


    "There is a way, but don''t you want me?"


    I push her away. She disappears and I can feel her hands on my shoulders. She leans over my shoulder, and I can feel her breath on my cheek.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you don''t like girls."


    I run into the middle of the clearing. She rises from my shadow.


    "Stop it, stop doing that, who are you!" I yell.


    She looks down at the ground. She seems a little timid. She¡¯s rubbing her shoulder in a cute way. I thought shadow-stalkers were all murderers and cutthroats. I feel empathy for this one though.


    "I don''t know, who am I to you, maybe I''m just a girl trapped in a sword, maybe I''m just a sword, maybe I''m a powerful Draco that got imprisoned in a sword trying to save her sister, and now she''s..." Umbra stops, "nevermind, you''re not Aurus, you know nothing of me."


    She vanishes. I sit in the clearing until I see Shiroi step from the tree line. She sits beside me crossing her legs.


    "You seem upset, the shadow girl seemed upset too, Shiroi is not upset, but Shiroi is lonely," she says laying her head against my shoulder.


    I rub her smooth scaly cheek.


    "Thank you Shiroihana for coming to make sure I''m ok."


    She looks up at me, "Shiroi likes you, Shiroi is friend."


    "Yes Shiroihana, you are my friend, my white flower."

 Chapter 5 Everyone Hurts

    It''s nice to be in a town again. This one seems a little deserted, but they have the most exquisite sauna. Too bad I''m stuck with Vene and not Shiroi and Meredith. Though I could probably sneak in and they wouldn''t mind.


    I stare blankly at the wall as I enjoy being steamed like a vegetable. Of course, I¡¯m also thinking about Shiroi and Meredith all soaking wet in the steamy water.


    "You talked to her, in the woods last night, you talked to the the shadow stalker?¡± Vene asks totally killing my relaxation buzz.


    "Look Vene, I know you''re a mage, but shut the fuck up, I''m trying to relax."


    He looks over at me flustered.


    "Are you serious, you''ve spoken to the soul of an enchanted item, and you just brush that off like it''s nothing!¡± he yells.


    I punch his shoulder, "hey the sword is one thing, Umbra is a fucking person ok, yeah she makes me nervous, but don''t treat her like she''s a fucking object Mr. Magic."


    Vene raises his hands, "my apologies, I didn''t know she was so attractive that she''d sway you so quickly."


    I punch him in the mouth and walk away.


    "What the fuck Dirk,¡± he yells.


    I look back at him and roll my eyes.


    "Sorry, that was a compulsive reaction to you not keeping your fucking mouth shut."


    I return to Shiroi and Meredith and lay on a bedroll.  They stare at me strangely. I look up, "what?" They move closer and force me down onto the bedroll. I struggle a little.


    "Dirk, we covered the wagon floor in pelts so we could all rest, you can read us a tome, can''t you?" they say acting giddy.


    Vene steps in with a perverse smile. I bet this was his idea. I¡¯m glad I punched him now.


    I read a tome about a woman and a beast. Vene and Meredith fall asleep. The wagon isn¡¯t very large, but it houses the four of us quite comfortably. I think it might be some spell Vene is using.


    Shiroi cuddles up to me, "read me one more, I long for your voice to lull me to sleep."


    ¡°Just one more, and only because I adore the wonder in your beautiful eyes,¡± I say with a smile.


    I grab another tome. This one is darker.


    "Zurko, we are routed," Amare yells coughing blood.


    "Amare you should have run!"Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    "I could never abandon you I, I lo-," the sword tore through Amare''s back. She spit blood on the ground as her lungs filled with it. Zurko stood tall; his anger kindled by the loss of the woman he loved. There would be no other. That day he became, The Destroyer.


    Shiroi snores gently on my shoulder, as if purring. Maybe she is purring, or whatever reptiles do. I close the book and pull her close to me. Maybe it''s our loss, our pain that connects us. If that''s so, what has Vene lost? Would it be rude for me to ask him? I pull a pillow and lay it under Shiroi''s arm. I lean down and kiss her cheek before sneaking out of the wagon with my sword.


    I set it on a rock in the moonlight. The clearing is peaceful. I don''t know how to summon her. Maybe she''ll just come to me like before. I sit down crossing my legs as I gaze at the sword. A half hour goes by and I''m ready to give up. That''s when I feel a soft hand on my shoulder.


    "Wow you were really going to sit out here all-night waiting for me to show up?"


    I look up into her golden eyes.


    "If that''s what it took then yes,¡± I reply.


    Umbra sits down beside me and crosses her legs. Her midnight hair extenuates her beautiful smile which shines like a full moon. Her soft gentle fingers rub across my cheek.


    "You have your mother''s eyes, her bravery too." She laughs, "you''re a bumbling fool like your father when it comes to emotions though."


    I grab her hand, "you''re very attractive for a spirit."


    She blushes.


    "Well, I''m not technically a spirit, though you can trap souls in an enchanted item, I''m not just a soul." She climbs into my lap and smiles, "I am bound to the sword, but I''m not a spirit, the sword is a realm of its own, that''s how it traps the souls of your enemies."


    "You''re alive then, so touching you is real?"


    I run my hands over her hips and she grabs my wrists.


    "You''re cute, and I like you, but maybe now isn''t the time for that." She climbs out of my lap and stands looking over her shoulder. "Don''t worry, if you need me, I''ll be shadowing you."


    She vanishes and I grab the sword. Atleast I know she has my back.


    Wagon wheels patter on the road. Heavy footsteps echo through the woods, soldiers. I crouch behind some bushes and see maybe fifteen soldiers marching around a wagon filled with prisoners. It''s elves, should I get the others? Maybe I can handle this myself. There¡¯s no time, if I don''t strike now, they''ll get away.


    I look into the wagon and a young elf boy holds his sister. Their ears are clipped. Those monsters. I draw my sword, "Umbra, I need you."


    Not a scream, not a single sound as seventeen souls are sent to the afterlife. Blood paints the trail as the horses slow to a stop, their driver deceased. So fast, it happened so fast it almost seems like a fleeting memory.


    "Will you free us, or have you come to sell us off too?" The boy asks trying to drape himself over his sister.


    "I will free you, take weapons from these men, train yourselves to kill."


    "What is your name, who do we thank for our freedom?"


    I turn and look over my shoulder.


    "Just tell them some bastard saved you."


    They are free now, how they use that freedom is up to them. I can''t keep doing that though, there are terrible things in this world. I can''t be reckless every time I see one. I return to my party. Vene steps out of the wagon.


    "You did the right thing, those children, they would have hurt them."


    "I thought you were asleep with the girls Vene, how do you know where I''ve been?"


    He steps over to me and places his paw against my chest. It''s a strange feeling; I''ve never been around a full blooded Neko.


    "I feel the pain in your heart, you long for redemption, for vengeance, to fill a void in your heart." He looks into my eyes, "you''re hurting, you feel loss, I too feel loss." He pulls his paw away, "don''t let the hate and rage control you, if you do, you''ll end up like that crater in the ground."


    "Who did you lose?" I ask grabbing his shoulder.


    He looks away from me, he''s reluctant to speak. It''s a few moments before he says anything.


    "Her eyes were pink, her fur white, when the litter came, they took them all, my kittens, my love, all they left me with was the pain of their absence."

 Chapter 6 Realm of Shadows

    A new storm is brewing over us. We seek refuge in a cabin for the night. A poor decision, our pursuers catch up with us. I can''t let my companions die. I won''t bring them down.


    "Wake up, get the fuck up now!" I yell.


    Vene, Shiroi, and Meredith sit up quickly.


    "Shiroi is concerned, Dirk, what is the matter?"


    I shake my head grabbing my sword. I look back at Vene before I head out into the storm.


    "Keep them safe."


    Vene loads the girls up in the wagon. They look back at me reluctantly, but I just shake my head. Vene nods, he knows what I need him to do, even if it costs him his life. I''m alone now, well not completely.


    "I''ve seen them, they''re a hundred strong, this is a losing battle," Umbra says grabbing my shoulder.


    I grab her and kiss her. Her eyes light up and she pushes me away. I don¡¯t see any disapproval on her face though. Perhaps my advances aren¡¯t unwanted. I was just curious to see her response incase this really is a losing battle.


    "What was that?" she asks flustered.


    "My last kiss, I''ll surely die tonight," I reply.


    She shakes her head and grunts.


    "If I grant you shadow step again then you owe me more than a kiss," she says angrily.


    "Anything."


    Umbra chants something and I feel cold and lifeless, such as a shadow should. A hundred men, more like a hundred bodies bear down on me.


    Blood, I can''t feel the warm blood as I soak the ground with it. When they catch on to what''s happening, it''s too late. Is this what it''s like to be a shadow? Cold and lonely. Is this how she feels all the time?


    The screams of men cut through the night like a razor. It¡¯s the same as when they took her from me. When they took my mother from me. I can see Umbra in the shadows. There is a look of concern on her face as I slaughter them mercilessly. They beg for their god, but none escape my rage.


    I cut the throats of the last few men and lean against a tree. The night is getting cold, and it''s humid from the rain. There will surely be a frost. It''s funny, my enemies couldn''t touch me, but I may well freeze to death.


    "I welcome you to my home," Umbra says holding out her hand.


    I grab it, and then everything goes black. I can''t feel anything, but I know I''m going somewhere. When I open my eyes again, we are in a cabin. It seems like we are deep in the woods somewhere. I can see trees through the window. I''m laying in bed and I''m naked. Where am I? Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Here''s a robe sweetie, so do you like my place?" Umbra asks.


    I stand up to put on the robe and she stares at me blushing a little.


    "What is this place?" I ask walking around the room.


    It''s fairly open and seems like the kitchen, dining room, and bedroom are all one room. That must mean that door leads outside. I put my hand on the doorknob.


    "Don''t do that," Umbra yells grabbing my hand.


    She pushes me away and opens the door slightly. All I see is darkness, just an endless ocean of shadow. She shuts the door quickly.


    "There, you happy now, when I was first bound to the sword, I wandered around out there for what seemed like an eternity before I found this place."


    "Is that the shadow realm, isn''t the shadow realm part of the Netherrealms?" I ask.


    She sighs, "what, did you read that in a tome?"


    I shake my head yes and she leads me back to the bed. We sit down and she runs her fingers over my chest. She seems most unprofessional. I doubt this kind of physical contact is appropriate. Her lips approach my cheek and she licks my face.


    "What the hell was that?" I say wiping my cheek.


    She smiles.


    "Honey I''m a soft scale, that''s how we show affection, I''ve been in here all alone for so long, won''t you show me a little affection too?"


    You know what, it couldn''t hurt anything. I lean in and kiss her running my hand down her back. She''s so firm and, wait what''s that?


    "Oh yes, please more," she cries out as I pull on what seems to be her tail.


    Horns sprout from her head as she bites her lip. I pull back suddenly. I saw them before but figured it must be an illusion.


    "Don''t stop now baby you''re making me horny," she giggles.


    "What the hell, you''ve really got horns and a tail, are you a demon?"


    She pretends to pout in an enticing way and paws at me.


    "No, I told you I''m a soft scale sweetie, now get back over here and touch me."


    I give her a nervous look. It''s not that she''s unattractive, but what the hell is even going on here? I crawl to the edge of the bed. She starts to crawl over to me waving her tail through the air.


    "Down devil girl, I don''t even know you."


    I roll off the bed into the floor and sit up.


    ¡°Awe don''t be that way, I mean I can''t promise you I don''t bite, just that you''ll enjoy it when I do,¡± she says biting her lip playfully.


    I scurry over to the wall pressing my back against it. She crawls down off the bed across the floor. I''ve got nowhere to go. The only thing between me and her intended intimacy is this thin robe.


    She gazes at me with her big golden eyes as she crawls into my lap.


    "I know what you need, a little foreplay, how about some oral persuasion?"


    Her head sinks down between my legs with a smile. I grab at the floor digging my nails into it. It''s not that I haven''t been with a woman before. I haven¡¯t had one do this to me though.


    "Oh God Umbra!"


    She looks back up at me.


    "Oh honey, God has nothing to do with what we are doing."


    Somehow we make it back to the bed. She only gets more aggressive there. I lay back in bed out of breath. Umbra leans over me running her nails over my chest.


    "Stop acting like it''s your first time, I know about when you soiled that girl Misty, I heard she was quite the snake handler."


    "How do you know about that?"


    Umbra smiles.


    "Honey I was in the room, I am where the sword is."


    I sit up and grab her shoulders. She bites her lip like she wants more. I just stare into her eyes. They are filled with pain just like mine.


    "Take me back, my friends need me."


    She looks away, she wants something else from me. It seems her infatuation is deeper than desire. She knows I can help her with something.


    "Help me find my sister."


    "Why should I?"


    "She was in your father''s sword."


    It''s like time hasn''t passed at all for me, but it''s morning. I''m leaned against the same tree clutching Umbra. I stand and head down the road alone. It''s a long walk before I reach wagon tracks. I follow them for hours before stopping at a tavern in the woods.


    That¡¯s when I see it. The wagon.  I crawl into the back of it and collapse from exhaustion.


    Cheerful laughter surrounds the wagon. I can hear Vene flirting with Meredith. Damn he''s a tool, never mind that I''m sure everyone has a room. I''ll just stay in the wagon tonight. It''ll be peaceful to be alone. It doesn¡¯t seem my companions are too worried about me.

 Chapter 7 Shadow and Scale

    I don''t sleep through the whole night. Shiroi wakes me with a warm embrace. My eyes peer around confused. She presses her forehead against mine. I can¡¯t help but feel a longing for her comfort. Even when I¡¯m alone, I sometimes think of those violet eyes looking down at me. Those violet eyes, filled with lust.


    "Shiroihana was worried, Shiroihana was frightened for your life,¡± she says holding me close.


    I lean up touching her cheek gently as she leans into my hand. She¡¯s very passionate for a Ruksha. What am I saying, she¡¯s not that. She¡¯s a friend, and a good one too.


    "I''m sorry, I was with Umbra, it appears the sword is quite a bit more than just metal,¡± I say.


    She looks at me like she already knows. Why does it seem like I''m the only person who hasn''t heard of a sword named Umbra?


    "Shiroi thinks you¡¯ll venture to Caldera to find Crimson Fate next then, it''s what she would want."


    I pull Shiroi down onto the bedroll.


    "Yes, but we have a couple more hours, why don¡¯t you rest with me Shiroi,¡± I say running my hand over her scales.


    She smiles and cuddles up to me. She might be a Ruksha, but she still desires companionship. I''m trying my best to show her I care. That my heart isn''t filled with hate and rage. It''s easy when everything is going your way, but when something happens. When someone you care about dies. It''s hard to come back from that.


    "Dirk please stop," Shiroi yells. I hit Meredith again and her lips start to bleed. Shiroi gets down on her knees. "Please, she''s had enough, please she''s your friend, she had too."


    Umbra stands over me.


    "Don''t stop, punish her, she betrayed us, she deserves this."


    I look down and tears run out of Meredith''s soft blue eyes down her ivory cheeks.


    "Umbra, I can''t, she¡¯s, my friend."


    Umbra pulls a dagger and tries to stab it into Meredith''s throat.


    "She betrayed you!"


    "She had no choice!"


    Umbra stands and drops the dagger after struggling with me.


    "We all have a choice, some of us just can''t live with the consequences."


    I grab at the bedroll trying to catch my breath as I wake. Shiroi tries to calm me, her hands may be covered in scales, but they are gentle and soft. She holds me until my breathing slows.


    "Shiroi thinks you have another nightmare my lord?"


    I grab her and pull her in closer, it''s more than the warm welcome she expected. It¡¯s less than she deserves though. What would I do without her watching over me?


    "Shiroihana, you are so concerned about me, why?"


    She looks up at me with her violet eyes and gently touches my cheek. There is more than a childish love in her violet eyes. I see a strong compassion. One that has nothing to do with lust. Shiroihana doesn¡¯t lust over me, she, loves me?


    "I know to you I am a companion, but to Shiroihana, Dirk is friend, maybe one day, Dirk is more."Stolen novel; please report.


    I smile.


    "Maybe one day, you would make a good partner."


    My romance with Shiroi is cut short by the desperate screams of innocent tavern patrons. We quickly exit the wagon. I put my hand on Shiroi''s chest pushing her back.


    "No, not this one, you''ll get hurt."


    Shiroi holds her hand out, but I shake my head no.


    Whatever the hell that thing is it''s massive, and fully armored. I step forward as it grabs a young boy. He screams for his mother desperately.


    ¡°Hey, you came for a fight, well here I am bitch,¡± I yell.


    It drops the boy and turns toward me. Damn I fucked up, that thing must be eight feet tall. If I believed there was a god that would save me.  I would be praying right now.


    "Kill, destroy."


    It doesn''t say anything else just those words. There are more innocent people behind the brute. I should protect them. I should be the hero that saves them. My heart so full of anger and hate, do I really care? I charge in ready for death, or whatever comes next.


    Pain, pain is all I feel. I hear Umbra scream as the sword shatters. I scurry backward like a coward clutching the broken sword in my hand. The creature breathes heavily as it leans down to me. My breath escapes me as the monster''s hand wraps around my throat. Air, not so precious before, but now that I have none, priceless. I won''t let go, she¡¯s, my friend. I bang the broken sword against its armor. I can feel her pain radiate up my arm.


    My vision blurs and I start to slip in and out of consciousness. I slap at its wrist, but I can''t breathe. There is a flash of light, and someone steps up behind the beast.


    "Zurko please, stop."


    The beast turns and utters one word.


    "Amare?"


    I pass out holding Umbra tight in my hand. I don''t know what happens next, but I wake in a cave in Shiroihana''s lap. I can hear Umbra talking to her, she seems distraught.


    "Please help him, he did the best he could."


    "Shiroi knows this, Dirk is friend, but you shadow stalker, you''re the one that failed him."


    I can feel Umbra''s hands on my cheek as her tears drip down on my face.


    "I''m sorry, I wasn''t strong enough, please come back to me,¡± Umbra says pressing her forehead to mine.


    Shiroi sighs as she stands.


    "Wait, you aren''t leaving him are you, you know I can''t help him, please don''t go,¡± Umbra yells.


    "Shiroi leaves him to shadow stalker, only the gods can save him now.¡±


    Umbra looks up at Shiroi as she steps away.


    "I don''t believe in the gods, I believe in you."


    Shiroi stops, she knows she can''t leave me to die. I mean too much to her.


    "Please, he''s more than his hate and pain, he''s more to you, don¡¯t you love him, please."


    "Dirk I''m sorry your father couldn''t be here, I know this is a special day for you."


    "Don''t worry mom, you''re here, that''s all that matters."


    "He would have wanted, I''m sorry honey we just weren''t safe around him, and I couldn''t live as a warrior anymore, I couldn¡¯t sacrifice time with you for time on the battlefield."


    Hours later.


    "Mom, they hurt those elves, they clipped their ears, i thought their ears were pretty, why did they clip their ears?"


    "Sometimes men can be cruel, just finish your cake honey."


    "FUCK!" I yell as Shiroi pulls a piece of Umbra out of my side. I grab at my side breathing heavily. My heart races as my fingers contract. There¡¯s another shard of Umbra sticking out of me.


    "There''s another below, pull it out, I trust you my White Flower."


    Shiroi pulls hard and I bang my head against the ground, fuck the pain. Shiroi grabs my hand.


    "Dirk, Shiroi is in danger, Meredith and Vene went ahead, only Shiroi stayed with you, the enemy approaches, please, Shiroi is afraid."


    "If you want to save him, give him the sword Shiroihana, even broken I have much power." Shiroi grabs Umbra and hands it to me. "Now embrace him." Shiroi wraps herself around me and we vanish.


    Shiroi sits in the floor trying to cover herself. We are in Umbra¡¯s home now. Of course, our clothes didn¡¯t follow us.


    ¡°My apologies, I haven''t figured out how to bring anyone''s belongings with me," Umbra says.


    I step out of bed and wrap a pelt around Shiroi.


    "Umbra what happened, are you ok, the sword just shattered."


    She puts her head down taking a seat at her dining table. I walk over and rub her shoulders. She¡¯s really tense.


    "Umbra, what was that thing?"


    She stares at the floor with sorrow in her eyes. It seems she knows our assailant well. Perhaps intimately.


    "The Destroyer,¡± she replies.


    "You can''t be serious, there''s no way the destroyer is here."


    She grabs my hand pressing it to her chest. Her heart is racing.


    "It only does that for him, that''s how I know it was him, and when he attacked it broke me, that''s why the sword shattered, I''m sorry, I could have gotten you killed because of my girlish fantasy.¡±


    I run my hand through her dark hair. There is more to her than I have asked to know. We all have our demons. She seems a gentle soul, perhaps she does not deserve hers.


    "Don''t worry, we''re going to get your sister back and figure this out."


    She gives me an unsure smile.


    "There''s one more thing I haven''t told you, it''s about your father."

 Chapter 8 Catching Up

    Umbra releases us from her realm, and we hurry to the next town. I hope Vene and Meredith wait for us. Damn we need to steal some horses or something. Walking is taking too long.


    "Shiroi are you doing ok, you''re falling behind."


    She looks up at me trying to catch her breath. I should leave her behind, I''m almost heartless enough to do so. No, I need her, she''s a valuable asset. An asset, what''s wrong with me, she¡¯s, my friend. Shiroi falls into the mud.


    "Just leave her, she''s a Ruksha, they thrive in the marsh," Umbra whispers.


    ¡°No, she''s my friend I can''t do that.¡± I lean down and pull her up. ¡°I''ll fucking carry her if I have to.¡±


    "Suit yourself, but I still think you should leave her,¡± Umbra says rolling her eyes.


    I pick up Shiroi and continue through the mud.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t leave you Umbra,¡± I say looking over at her.


    ¡°That¡¯s because I¡¯m useful,¡± Umbra replies rolling her eyes.


    ¡°Shiroihana is my companion, as are you, I hope we too are your companions, I¡¯d hate for us to just be, useful,¡± I say looking away.


    I make it another half mile before I start to feel faint myself.  A large shadow moves over me. Then I hear it, the sound of large wings cutting through the air. I''m a little delirious from exhaustion but I think the ground shakes. A familiar voice booms over me and I feel large claws wrap around me. Everything is dark for a while after that.


    When I wake, I hear arguing outside of the wagon. I''m not sure how I got here, but I''m certainly grateful. Leaning over I can see Shiroi resting peacefully. I better step outside and see what''s going on.


    "Shadow foot, why would you wait until he was in mortal peril to call me, you know I am eager to assist."


    Umbra crosses her arms.


    "Look Mr. I can fly, we had it under control until lizard girl fell over ok, it''s not my fault he''s such a softy like his mother."


    Drako leans down an irritable scowl adorning his scaly maw.


    "Be reserved with your tongue when you speak of Lady Aurus, she was the best you had, without her you would be some barbarian''s plaything."


    Umbra throws a rock at him.


    "Fuck off you giant iguanodon."


    I step forward and yell.


    "Both of you stop, we are weak this way, we need to work together."


    Umbra steps past me brushing her shoulder against mine. I watch as she walks behind the wagon to throw a fit. Damn her pants are tight, she must have spent a fortune on materials to make her ass look that good.


    "Ah Dirk, admiring the view I see, I assume by her jealous outburst against Shiroi that you two have, enjoyed a leisurely night?" I sigh and scratch my head. "Don''t worry, it''s good to have passion, and a bit of fun, did you bond with her though?"


    I look up at him confused.


    "You mean we aren''t bonded, but we had sex?¡±


    Drako laughs loudly shaking the air.


    "That is a physical connection, the bond is spiritual, there is a ritual, but beware the bond is kind of like a matrimony, you will both be bound until death, your mother''s death is why she was able to fight with you and not just be a sharp blade."


    "So, if I do bond with her, what does that entail?"


    Drako¡¯s large claws rake against his chin as his large dark eyes peer up at the sky.


    "I don''t know, I was sure she would have offered to bond, perhaps she has too much to offer you, and you too little to offer her?¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    He looks down at my crotch.


    "Hey, fuck off you perverted lizard!¡± I yell.


    ¡°I only jest,¡± he says with a chuckle.


    I thank Drako for picking us up despite my insult to him. He offers me a ring to summon him. I graciously accept it before stepping  around the wagon to speak with Umbra. Her arms are crossed and there¡¯s a sour look on her face.


    "What do you want, oh am I in the way of you getting to Shiroi, well let me just move along then."


    She steps aside and kicks a rock down the trail. I pull the sword from its sheathe and set it on the back of the wagon.


    "I need a warrior to help me fight, Meredith is too soft, Shiroihana is too timid in battle, Veneficus is too reckless, I saw strength and maturity in you Umbra, that''s why I shared my body with you." I stare into her golden eyes for a moment before I turn around.


    I look out at the woods, "my strength is not just my sword, I am a warrior now, my strength is that of my companions, but I will fight alone if I must."


    "Whatever," she says looking away. I head toward the woods. "Wait you can''t be serious."


    I walk for a bit still headed toward Caldera. Everyone will be safer if I go it alone from here. When I have Crimson Fate, I will return and reunite Umbra with her sister. Perhaps she will offer to bond then. I''m not even sure that''s what I want, but we would be stronger together.


    The closest town doesn¡¯t make for a good respite. It''s overrun with slavers. The hood on my cloak does a good job of shielding me from unwanted attention. Half bloods aren¡¯t welcome here, hell they aren¡¯t welcome anywhere it seems. I should try not to make a scene since I don''t have my companions. Tavern probably isn''t a good idea. I''ll take the brothel.


    As I push heavy wooden doors open a wave of blue light washes over me. I don''t think I''ve ever been in a brothel like this. My mother used to heal the girls from the brothels in nearby towns. So, I saw them a lot. The girls all seemed so nice at the ones I went too when I was younger, excited to see me, excited to be complimented for their beauty.


    I step up to the counter and a black scale Ruksha woman greats me. I look down at her chest without thinking. Her breasts are huge.


    "Ah a momma''s boy, Sedatia likes a momma''s boy, perhaps you would like a peak at Sedatia?" she asks. She snaps her fingers, and I look up. "Five shillings and Sedatia will reveal her joyful bosom."


    I set a gold coin on the table.


    "An ale, and make it without your top, another coin if you''ve a half Neko girl."


    She pulls down her top. Sedatia does not disappoint. I barely see her make the drink as I stare at her chest. I''m feeling particularly lustful right now. She pulls her top back up as I enjoy my ale.


    "I''ll check if there is a Neko girl available," she says and stepping away.


    I sit drinking my ale for a few minutes until she returns. Damn, I don¡¯t feel so great. The exhaustion is setting in. I¡¯m so tired, but I¡¯m sure if I tried to lay down to rest sleep would elude me.


    "My apologies, we only have one more Neko tonight, we won''t get her in until after sundown, perhaps Sedatia can entertain you until then?"


    I toss a coin on the counter.


    "I do need a bath."


    This is a dirty place filled with dirty people. Even after I bathe, I don''t feel clean, not in this place. I just need to let go and enjoy myself, what''s a few girls getting paid to do what I''m paying for?


    Sedatia''s hands are rough and well practiced. She''s been doing this awhile and she''s good at it. I''m definitely getting what I paid for with her. I can feel her large breasts pressed against my head as she rubs her hands down my stomach. I grab the edge of the tub as she goes lower.


    "You seem nervous, should Sedatia stop?"


    "No keep going, I don''t usually enjoy my bath this much,¡± I reply.


    She smiles and reaches down between my legs.


    Sedatia leaves me in a private room with nothing on but my towel. She leaves my gear in a chest at the end of the bed.


    "The girl will be in shortly, do be gentle with her, you''re her first customer."


    They bring her in a half hour later. Not even a girl, they bring in a large box and set it on the floor. I step over and pull down the sides revealing the bars of a cage. I try to control myself. I know what she is though. I pull the box apart and grab a key off the nightstand. There''s a young neko girl curled up in the back of the cage. I unlock it.


    The girl doesn''t move. She¡¯s visibly distraught, her body shaking with fear and, rage. Her furry black ears are folded down. I hold my hand out to try and calm her. She gets up and crawls toward me like she''s stalking prey. I lean closer and she leaps forward biting my hand. I use it to pull her out of the cage.


    I can feel warm blood dripping off my fingertips as I pull her onto the floor. She looks at me viciously like she wants to kill me. A half blood, and young, probably taken from her full blood mother, they must have separated the litter. I see blood run down her cheeks and grab her throat.


    She chokes letting go of my hand. I put her gently on the floor and she turns away from me. My bloody hand turns her eyes to me, they¡¯re a beautiful teal color.  I''ve never seen a neko with teal eyes before. They start to water as the fear within her takes over. I run my fingers over her soft black ears.


    "Please don''t touch me, just leave me alone, if you''re going to use me like one of those other neko, just kill me."


    She''s not wearing much but a cloth. She¡¯s trembling in my arms when I lay her on the bed.


    "Please, I saw how they used my brother, please,¡± she says begging me.


    I lean down and sniff her neck. She smells like charred meat. They''ve been holding her in a meat wagon all day with the other fresh cuts of meat. There¡¯s a rage of my own welling up inside me.


    "What''s your name?"


    She looks at me hesitantly.


    "Tiru."


    I drop my towel so I can put on my trousers. Stepping back to the bed I hold my hand out again.


    "Don''t bite me this time, ok?¡±


    She looks up and holds her hand out. They are soft, she''s young, they''re selling children here. These monsters are selling children.

 Chapter 9 Cat’s Out of the Bag

    "Tiru, some beast men can change into a lesser form, can you change into a kitten?" She looks up at me confused. "I need you to fit in my bag so I can keep you safe, I need you to be smaller."


    She rubs her shoulders and bites her lip nervously before transforming into a small cat. After she climbs into my bag, I grab the rest of my gear before stomping downstairs.


    "Ah Sedatia wonders, how was your neko sir?¡± Sedatia asks.


    I step up to the counter with a disgusted scowl and set three coins on it. She looks at me confused.


    ¡°What is it you need, should Sedatia accompany you back to your room, I know the neko is inexperienced, but most like to be the first."


    I take a deep breath trying to hold back my rage and push the coins closer.


    "I like you Sedatia, the first coin is to see your lovely bosom again, the second is a little extra from the bath, the third is a bribe to get you to leave so I don''t have to kill you for selling children."


    She pulls down her blouse displaying herself proudly for me.


    "Go ahead and grab them."


    I reach over and grab her breasts. Definitely worth the coin, damn I should''ve had her last night. She covers herself again and steps around the counter. Soft scales and sharp claws grab my shoulder.


    "Sedatia hopes you live, if not that, Sedatia hopes you a quick death."


    A rowdy group of men enter as they see Sedatia flee. I wouldn¡¯t say they look strong, but they are certainly angry.


    "Who the fuck sent that lizard whore runnin'',¡± a large man yells stepping forward.


    He¡¯s large in relative terms around six feet so a few inches shorter than me. His shoulders are broad and he comes with all the brawn of living the low life. Probably one of the ones that likes to be the first, and well be mine tonight.


    "I only see one man in here and it''s that green skinned pointy eared bastard over there,¡± another man says pointing his thin wrinkled finger at me.


    The second man is older. A fitting image of how age does not always bestow wisdom.


    "Tiru I''m going to set you down, do not intervene."


    I set my bag on the floor by the counter. The large man approaches popping his knuckles. His fists are damn near the size of my head, and past a small veil of shadow from the hood on his cloak I can see two tusks protruding over his bottom lip. A mixed blood orc such as my self. Only he doesn¡¯t hail from elves and orcs but something less gentle. Downward fangs they¡¯re called in the tomes my mother used to read me. Easily provoked with a violent nature. They¡¯re often found in the Crimson Isles in the equatorial regions of Terra along with Sabres. Catlike humanoids not unlike Veneficus.


    He throws the first punch, and I duck. My fingers wrap around his neck tightly before I lift him into the air and slam him on the ground. He¡¯s off put by my strength. My attack knocks the wind out of him and I grab a stool smashing it on his chest before he can recover. He struggles to breathe as the stool shatters to piece stop his chest. I pick up a piece of the stool and smash his face in with it. It breaks to more pieces as gore splatters everywhere.


    He''s not drawn final breath yet though. My hand wraps a piece of splintered wood, my palms near too callous to be pierced by it, and lodge it in his eye socket. With blood splattered on my face and chest I rise from the gruesome corpse.


    "Anyone else?"


    The group charges at me angered that I killed their big guy. That''s a mistake for them. I break the old man¡¯s nose with one punch, actually I think I make his face cave in. The second guy gets me with a jab to the ribs, but I kick his knee breaking his leg backward. He gives out a loud shriek before I slam his head into a table sending a handle full of teeth pattering across the wooden floors.


    Third guy''s a charm, he throws a kick that backs me into the wall behind me. He rushes in and I grab his first punch then spin him around into the wall. He''s off balance so I throw a bunch of punches. The back of his head bounces off the wall with every punch. Another guy grabs my arms, and I finish the third guy with a kick to the chin that makes a loud snapping noise as his neck breaks.


    I fall back on dick head number four. It stuns him and I roll over climbing on top of him. Blood splatters all over me as I pound his face into ground meat. You don¡¯t always need a sword. Sometimes your bare hands can be more satisfying.


    My bloodlust quenched I stand grabbing my bag. Tiru peaks out and stares at me with her big teal eyes.


    ¡°Where did you learn to fight like that,¡± she says her voice shaking in terror.


    ¡°My mother, she told me always go for the throat, and if there are any limbs in the way cut or rip them off.¡±If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    It¡¯s strange talking to a small cat in a bag. The terror in her eyes is somewhat unnerving.


    ¡°What if more men come?¡±


    "It''s ok, we''re leaving,¡± I reply.


    I grab the slaver¡¯s wagon heading away from the grim scene. Tiru turns back to her normal form and grabs my bloody arm hesitantly.


    "What about the others?"


    I look over at her with a cold stare.


    "Not my problem."


    She moves closer to me rubbing her soft ear against my arm.


    "Please, they have my brother." She grips my arm tight. "Please I''ll do anything."


    I stop the wagon.


    I don''t need to help her. I already paid for her to do anything. I can''t help thinking about how many young half orcs or half elves are that boy right now though. How it could have been me. I hand her the reigns and pull my dagger.


    Men don''t scream as much when you use a sword. A sword is quick and lethal for a warrior. A dagger is the same for an assassin, I''m not an assassin. They suffer at my dagger. An entire encampment of slavers. I can¡¯t well describe what happened, as I blacked out from blood rage.


    Stepping into the back room of a luxurious home I see a Neko boy in chains with blood pouring down his back. Two older men and a woman are smoking at a table. The scene is disturbingly pornographic. The way I kill them is more so. I''ll just say the gods gave them the ability to procreate. I took it away.


    After wrapping the boy in a pelt, I carry him back to my wagon before lending the keys to a few of the older slaves. They quickly seek to free the others and disappear into the night.


    Tiru gasps as I jump up on the wagon setting him inside. I grab her shoulder trying to calm her.


    ¡°They got theirs, let''s leave."


    She stirs the horses, and we take off.


    After we venture a few miles away from the village, I order her into the wagon with her brother. Neko have healing abilities that her brother desperately needs. I''m not sure about half bloods. Surely half-bloods do too. In any case it''s better for him to have his sister by his side. No matter the wounds that heal they''ll both be scared. This world is cruel, maybe it''s not wrong for the destroyer to be here.


    I stop at a small tavern off the road headed to Caldera. It¡¯s a bland establishment, by that I mean there is nothing bold about its architecture or d¨¦cor. Seems more like someone knocked out a wall in their home and lined the walls with spirits. ¡®Grog¡¯s Tavern¡¯ the sign reads with no attempt to seem clever.


    There are only a few patrons, that''s good for me. I step up to the counter and an orc greets me.


    "Good evening mixed blood, I have few customers tonight so enjoy whatever table you like." He leans in whispering. "The king suite is discounted, I have few customers, so if you''ve a party and need privacy, that''s the suite for you."


    I shove some coins on the table and do a poor job of sneaking Tiru and her brother upstairs.


    Unlike the rest of the tavern the king suite is exceptional. There¡¯s a bath and two beds, a balcony as well. I set Tiru''s brother on the bed and sit in the floor. His wounds are healed but scared. I lean over and he twitches as I touch the lashings on his back. Tiru¡¯s trembling at the edge of the bed.


    "I should have more than earned your trust by now, he is weak, I¡¯ll get some food don¡¯t run off,¡± I say stepping toward the door.


    ¡°Where would I go?¡± She replies her soft furry ears folded down.


    I step back downstairs into the makeshift tavern.


    "Ah you return, you have younglings, I have some small meals that may suit them, I prepare them daily for traveling couples."


    The orc greets me with a smile as I sit at the crudely made bar.


    "An ale my brother, and two of those meals." He pours me a pint and hands me two small bags. "How long do these meals last if you don''t mind me asking?"


    He leans in.


    "A few weeks, dried meat with a little salt takes longer to spoil, potatoes last a while, the dried fruit keeps as long as the meat." I hand him a few extra coins and he slides me a large bag. "If I may ask, the young ones, they obviously aren''t yours, why help them?"


    I smile.


    "I saw young Orcs, Elves, even Ruksha enslaved, I don''t care if I''m doing what''s right, only that I''m doing something."


    He pushes my coins back, and whispers.


    "Usque ad Mortem."


    To Orcs this means ''warrior until death.'' It¡¯s an old saying from a time before memoriam. A time when war raged across the lands of Terra engulfing all races in violence. Orcs clashed with men and elves, beast people fought anyone who came across their lands. The only race untouched by it was the dwarves. Gods know where they¡¯ve been or are now. Tunneling deeper into the earth trying to find hell I suppose.


    After an accord was reached the violence stopped for a while. The Dominion rose to power. A round table of public officials from different races meant to speak for their people. I lived in the ¡®peace¡¯ of this accord my whole life until the people realized they were still oppressed.


    Disdain for any race that wasn¡¯t human grew with the greed of man. Until it was so strong that man broke the accord, slaying the representatives of the other nations in a bloody power struggle. Sanguine Noche it was called. For the streets ran a slick crimson with blood. That¡¯s when they came for me and my mother.


    ¡°Ad Mortem,¡± I reply kicking back my ale.


    He smiles and sets a bottle on the table.


    ¡°So you¡¯ll remember me on the road ahead, and perhaps to leave the roads you¡¯ve travelled behind.¡±


    Scars adorn his face and arms. He¡¯s obviously a veteran of combat. Seen his fair share of bloodshed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I got your name,¡± I say grabbing the bottle.


    ¡°Name¡¯s on the sign,¡± he replies.


    ¡°Thank you for your generosity, Grog.¡±


    I return to the room with food and the boy is awake. He''s terribly weak and frightened. Tiru tries to calm him as I move closer to give him food. He hisses at me and waves his hands as if he has claws. I hit him in the face with a bag of food and he paws at his nose.


    "Sit and be calm kitten, I''ve no time for disobedience."


    The kittens eat and I motion them to the bath. They are reluctant, but it''s bathe or be drowned, so they choose wisely. I''m gentle with Tiru, she can mostly bathe herself, she just needs a little help with her back.


    "Are you an orc or an elf?" Tiru asks.


    I try not to drown her brother as I bathe him.


    "I am neither, I am Dirk." Tiru tries to stand, and I push her back down in the tub. "You can wait until I''m done." She crosses her arms.


    I don''t want her walking about naked. She needs to learn some manners. We¡¯re not animals.


    The boy looks up as I gently rub cleaning oil into his hair. His big green eyes make him seem like he wants to say something, but he remains silent. I look over at Tiru,


    "What¡¯s your brother''s name?"


    She looks over at him and he nods with a smile.


    "It''s Gatz, he''s kind of shy, he only talks to me."


    "Tiru I''m headed north to Caldera, is there anywhere safe I can take you and your brother?"


    Tiru looks down into the bath water.


    "The safest I''ve ever felt," she looks up at me, "is with you."

 Chapter 10 Reunion

    The tavern is alive with friendly faces as I step into the dining hall. It¡¯s not that their presence is unwanted. I¡¯m just a little curious how they found me so quickly.


    "Shiroihana, Meredith, Veneficus, what are you all doing here?" I ask


    Vene walks over to me and punches my shoulder.


    "You left me with these two beautiful women, and they promised they wouldn''t kill me if I brought them back to you,¡± he says with a smile.


    "How did you find me?" I ask.


    Shiroi stands from the table they have been enjoying a meal at.


    "Shiroi followed the trail of destruction."


    Meredith walks over to me looking down. She hands me Umbra and walks away without saying anything.


    "Meredith wait," I yell.


    She turns back and half smiles with a pitiful look in her sapphire eyes before exiting the tavern. Puppy lust, it''s gotten the better of her. Or maybe, no, it''s too early for that.


    Tiru sits at a table wrapped in a pelt. Shiroi steps over to me and squints her eyes angrily. Her rough scaly palm slams against my face with much force. She goes to slap me again and I grab her wrist.


    "I expected more trust from you Shiroihana, you know I would never touch her."


    Shiroi looks ashamed having been drawn to the rash conclusion that I had abandoned them to lie with kittens. She embraces me trying to be apologetic in my culture.


    "Shiroi was afraid, you left Shiroi, you could have died, Shiroi cares for you."


    I join her embrace wrapping my large muscular arms around her soft linen blouse. Her blouse, dark shades of green with accents of white does a very poor job of covering her large scaly breasts which press against me firmly.  Vene steps over to us quickly, a look of jealousy on his soft calico cheeks. The jealousy shifts to curiosity as he notices my new half feline companion.


    "You saved a Neko, I wasn''t sure you cared for such creatures, I felt so much rage and pain in your heart, perhaps I have misjudged you for a blundering barbarian, my apologies."


    ¡°No apologies needed, we are all friends here,¡± I reply.


    Tiru tugs on my pants.


    "I¡¯m cold."


    I look over at Vene.


    "Can you talk to Meredith, I need to take care of two Nekos,¡± I say still embracing Shiroi.


    ¡°Two neckos?¡± Vene says seeming more curious than before.


    ¡°Her brother was injured, I liberated him from some unusually cruel circumstances for which an unusually cruel punishment was bestowed,¡± I reply leaning back slightly as to signal Shiroi to release me from her awkwardly long embrace.


    Shiroi releases me and I carry Tiru back upstairs laying her by Gatz. She rolls him over onto her then cuddles up against me. Her little nose rubs against my arm as I pet her soft ears. A strange emotion washes over me, compassion perhaps. It¡¯s certainly different from the rage I¡¯ve been feeling. The rage I unleashed when I found out about the children.


    Tiru reminds me of myself when I was younger. She¡¯s scared, but I feel she''s full of fight. I''ll train her if she asks. I have a feeling she will.


    She too carries an anger inside her. Glowing embers waiting to be fanned into a hellish flame that blazes its way through anything and everything in its path. Gatz on the other hand seems a gentler soul. Even the calmest of waters can turn into a raging torrent without warning though.


    Morning breaks and we take our leave of the tavern. Grog waves us off with some well wishes. He was generous enough to give us provisions for the trip free of cost. Though he¡¯ll see that I don¡¯t take anything for free when he finds the coin I left in the room.


    The sun crawls a good distance across the sky before we stop to set up camp. I keep a close eye on Vene around the kittens. I don''t think he would do anything, but he''s more perverted than the damn dragons.


    A gentle breeze blows the blades of grass around. The leaves flutter freely before falling to the ground. Sunlight warms my bare skin as I lean over Meredith''s shoulder.


    "Take deep breathes before you release and remember, feel the shot," I say holding Meredith''s arm. She releases and the shot misses. "It''s fine, ready another arrow."


    She tosses the bow on the ground.


    "It''s not fine, the only thing I feel is you, I throw myself at you and you hardly notice, but some shadow whore or furry eared kitten," she starts to tear up, "I, I loved you first, why can''t it be me?"Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    She runs back to her tent, and I just stand there. Tiru walks up to me and hugs me. I pat her head, and she looks up.


    "She didn''t mean it, she''s upset,¡± Tiru says.


    I lean down and hold her.


    ¡°Dirk, are you ok?" She asks.


    "No Tiru, none of us are ok."


    Night falls and Shiroi joins me in my tent. I pet Tiru''s head as Gatz cuddles up at her feet.


    "Shiroi thinks you treat the girl like she''s your own, Shiroi admires this." She moves closer to me. "May Shiroi touch the child, she seems most comforting." I move my hand and Shiroi runs her scaly hand across Tiru''s head. "She is precious."


    "I''m sorry I left Shiroi, I just needed to be on my own for a moment, to escape from reality, I didn¡¯t mean to abandon you and the others, there was a weight on me that I felt I couldn¡¯t bare to put you all under.¡±


    ¡°Shiroi is not here to observe you bear the weight of your challenges alone, Shiroi is here to help you lift them, we all are,¡± Shiroi replies.


    She lays her head against my shoulder as Tiru curls up against my chest and starts to purr. Gatz wraps himself around my arm. I stare up at the ceiling of the tent. Maybe this is what love truly is. Not some physical expression of intimacy but being there for each other. Maybe this is the purpose I so desire.


    Tiru moves in her sleep slightly digging her claws into my chest. I don¡¯t move her though. Her night terrors won¡¯t go away if I wake her from them. She has to face them again and again. Until she overcomes them.


    Smoke rises from a camp filled with slavers. The air is tense and unpleasant for their captives. Some of which are less than obedient.


    "Please don''t hurt him, he''s just a boy," Tiru yells.


    A man grabs Gatz up by the back of his neck and throws him into a cage.


    "Please stop, he can''t even hear!"


    The man strikes Tiru across the face, and she falls to the ground.


    "These slaves sure don''t know when to shut up do they?" The man says turning to his partner.


    "Piss on one of them, then maybe they''ll shut their mouths," he replies. He laughs and grabs a drink. "I''m serious, piss on that one with the big mouth, she''ll be quiet then and if she''s not her brother won''t hear it anyway."


    The slaver grabs her by the hair tossing her into a cage. He laughs as he undoes his trousers.


    "What are you doing, no please," Tiru moves to the back of her cage and curls up in a ball.


    "Yeah, keep your mouth shut you little cunt!"


    Tiru wakes violently and I run my hand over her soft ears down the back of her neck stopping at her shoulders. She clings to me tighter closing her eyes again afraid to let go. She¡¯s not showing vulnerability by confiding in me for comfort. It¡¯s something more, trust.


    "Are you awake?" I hear in my ear. I look over and Shiroi is still asleep. "It''s me Umbra dumbass, do you not remember my voice?"


    I close my eyes and sigh.


    ¡°Don''t tell me you''re mad at me."


    "I''m a little busy sword devil,¡± I say angrily trying not to wake Tiru or Shiroi.


    "Well, when you get done playing daddy we need to talk, actually if you want you can play daddy with me, oh I could be your naughty little girl." I sigh loudly in disagreement. "I know I''m broken but you can still use me, wait that didn''t sound right, we can still fight."


    Tiru looks up again rubbing her eyes, "who are you talking too?"


    I look around but can''t see Umbra.


    Tiru looks in the corner, "is it that girl hiding in the shadows over there, she''s pretty, is she your girlfriend, is that why the other girls are mad at you?"


    "No, she''s not my girlfriend Tiru, we are, It¡¯s complicated, I do need to confront her though,¡± I say sitting up.


    I climb out of bed and Tiru reaches for me a sad expression on her face before she rolls over holding her brother Gatz. Shiroi, locked in a deep slumber, doesn¡¯t notice my departure from bed. She  looks fairly enticing in that silk night gown. I didn¡¯t notice it before.


    You can hardly see the stars, or the moons for that matter. Dark clouds form a veil hiding the night sky from the prying eyes of men and monsters alike. At least the air is cool. I step into a clearing behind the tents. Umbra joins me stepping out of the shadows. Her slender ivory fingers brush her long midnight hair behind her pointy ear nervously.


    "Hey, I''m sorry about breaking on you," she says with a half smile.


    I look toward the woods unable to bring words to speech. She failed me at a critical moment, but I can hardly blame her. We were facing the destroyer.


    "How was I supposed to know he would show up, it''s not my fault!" Umbra yells.


    I turn my crimson eyes starring into sparkling oceans of gold as her face fills with remorse.


    "Golden eyes, I know golden eyes, the eyes of a harpy, so, you and him, what happened?"


    "We were, we were close, but then his Amare came back, and he cast me aside." She looks over at me with a tear running down her cheek. "Dirk, do you know what love is?"


    "I¡¯m not sure, anymore."


    "I was hoping for a different answer, I was hoping you could show me,¡± she says twirling her hair with her finger.


    I step over to her and run my fingers across soft cheeks of ivory. Her long dark hair drapes down her back stopping just above her firm buttocks. The dress that adorns her is open at the back showing off the dimples at the small of it. It splits at the thigh displaying her firm slender legs. She is by no means an undesirable woman.


    "Drako said the bond was a matrimony, a ritual, it is isn''t it, a ritual of blood, and you performed it in the field when we slaughtered those fifty men, we are bound, that''s why I struggle to feel for the companions I should truly love, but it''s so easy for me to bed you."


    She grabs my hand.


    "Please, they would have killed you, and your mother''s death-."


    "Say it would have meant nothing you devil bitch, fucking say it to my face!" I yell.


    Umbra looks down at her feet as I feel a tug on my trousers. She disappears. Her golden eyes filled with a woeful sorrow. Perhaps I was too harsh on her. I¡¯ll think it over and apologize if I deem it necessary.


    "Dirk it''s late come back to bed, don''t stay out yelling at shadows all night,¡± Tiru says tugging on my trousers.


    ¡°Ok Tiru, I¡¯ll come back to bed,¡± I say lifting her into my arms.


    Her teal eyes light up and she rubs her soft little nose against my bare chest. Umbra reappears alone in the moonlit clearing. Tears twinkle in the starlight as she presses her fist to her chest clenching it tight. Her golden eyes turn toward toward the moon as a memory of her past overcomes her with grief.


    "You love her don''t you, Amare, I''ve stuck by you, do you not love me too?"


    "I''m sorry Umbra, you''re but a shadow to me."


    "Zurko please, I love you, don''t toss me aside like I''m nothing."


    "You aren''t nothing, your sister is nothing, you are a shadow, and I banish you to this blade."


    "No, please, don''t do this to me, I Lo-."


    A long slender blade clanks against the ground shrouded in an ominous violet glow before being tucked safely away in a chest. The Destroyer abandons his quest to obliterate the realm traveling to another to enjoy time with his Amare leaving his Sinn to be wielded in the shadow of another.

 Chapter 11 Screaming Silence

    I wake in Umbra''s cabin dressed in near nothing. A large pelt from some unknown beast covers me. I rise tossing the pelt aside.


    "Umbra, where are you!" I yell.


    I scour the cabin but find nothing. Damnit, she''s trapped me here forever. No, I''d never be able to get Crimson Fate and free her sister if she did that.


    "I wandered around in the shadows for what seemed like an eternity before I found this place,¡± a shadowy voice echos.


    I look around the cabin, it looks familiar. Plain log walls adorned with little d¨¦cor. The home of a warrior. I fall to my knees, no, it can''t be. The cabin looks like my mother''s home. My home. She bought this cabin when she had me.


    I run to the door in a panic and find words carved in it.


    ¡®Ego sum nihil¡¯, I am nothing.


    I push the door open and run into the darkness. It''s all just black, I don''t care so I just keep running. The cabin gets further and further away, and I hear the shadowy voice echo again.


    "How do you know where you''re going?"


    I keep running into the darkness. This realm has no color. Everything is just varying shades of grey. That is except one thing.


    ¡°Who are you trying to find?"


    It''s hard to breathe but I keep going.


    "How can you find nothing in an ocean of shadow?"


    I stop and stand alone in the darkness.


    "Umbra, open your eyes, or I''ll never see you." I walk further into the darkness. "Umbra, you bound us together, don''t leave me in the dark."


    A strange feeling comes over me and then I see two golden eyes in the distance. I run toward them. I don''t know if I reach them or not.


    Vene shakes me, "we must go now, if you wish to reach Caldera soon, we must leave while the sun is still high."


    I sit up and grab Tiru and Gatz. We all pile in the wagon. Meredith sits on the back of the wagon alone. I give her some time before I join her. When I do her mood is downtrodden.


    "Meredith, how are you feeling?" I ask. She looks down at her hands, they''re shaking. "Do you want to talk, I''m not mad at you."Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    She looks over at me with disappointment in her beautiful sapphire eyes.


    "I hate you, if it had been Shiroihana I would have understood, but a soft scale demon, what kind of pervert are you." She takes a deep breath. "I really thought you were a good person, is she even a person to you, do you just use her like they used me, what are you going to do with the neko girl, is she to your liking, maybe I''m too old for you now..."


    I slap her with little force. Though I shouldn¡¯t have put my hands on her like that at all.


    "Don''t you ever talk to me like that Meredith, I''m not your bitch,¡± I yell.


    She rubs her cheek and climbs into the wagon. I sit at the back of the wagon alone for a while until Shiroi joins me.


    "Meredith is upset, Shiroi not so much, Meredith said you struck her, Meredith and Shiroi are good friends, you apologize to Meredith."


    I look over at her.


    "Are you sure I should?"


    Shiroi smiles, "you will apologize to her not because Shiroi asks you, but because you are sorry for what you have done, Meredith feels strongly for you, she is young like you and her emotions confuse her, she has only been the subject of lust, never that of love.¡±


    I sigh and climb into the wagon. Meredith is sitting on a pelt looking down, she¡¯s more distraught than before and understandably so. I join her on the pelt.


    "What do you want?" She asks angrily.


    I grab her hand, but she pushes me away. I grab her hand again and she slaps me. I hold my hand out and she pushes it away. I push her down and she resists me.


    "What do you want from me Meredith?"


    She looks into my eyes and smiles, "your attention, I want you to pay attention to me."


    I lean down and kiss her. I let go of her arms and she pulls me down on top of her. She was so mad before and now she wants to give herself to me. I don''t understand this.


    I don''t see her but Shiroi peaks in. She sees more than I intended her too. We don''t actually have sex though. I just give Meredith the puppy love she desires. She seems satisfied for now. I hope I can rid her of this without drawing her anger.


    We grow closer to Caldera as our wagon travels further down the road. The tavern we make it to is expensive, well if you want to be cool it is. I get the cool rooms for the Neko''s and the ladies, but I stay in the wagon. I''ve got a spell or two to stay, comfortable.


    Shiroihana climbs into the wagon, "you are here alone, Shiroi thought maybe you and Meredith?"


    I sit up and pat a pelt beside me.


    "What''s bothering you Shiroi?"


    She lays beside me grabbing my arm.


    "Would you be mad if Shiroi, Shiroi has a gift for you." I run my fingers across her cheek. She pulls a small box from her dress and hands it to me. "Shiroi made for you, Vene used magic, but Shiroi gives to you."


    I open the box and it''s a crystal pendant with a white flower inside backed by a white scale. The necklace is a simple leather strap. The backing is one of her scales no doubt.


    ¡°It''s beautiful Shiroi, I''ve never seen this flower, what is it called?"


    She folds my hand closed around the pendant.


    "Snow lily is Shiroi''s favorite, Ruksha do not venture into snow, Ruksha have no boots, feet cold, but one day man brings bushel of snow lilies to Shiroi''s village, now Shiroi''s favorite."


    I smile at her, "thank you Shiroi, I will cherish it."


    She leans into me and touches my cheek. "Shiroi has much desire for you, if you desire Shiroi you need only ask."


    I press my forehead against hers.


    "Thank you Shiroihana, I won''t forget that."


    I leave Shiroi with some tomes to get a drink. Hell, I paid for the rooms I should be able to enjoy a few drinks and a meal.


    The tavern is quiet, too quiet. I step toward the room I got for Tiru and Gatz. Gatz is asleep and Tiru is gone. The window to their room open. Approaching it I can smell her. I run and grab Umbra from the wagon. Shiroi runs after me but can''t keep up.


    Blood dots the ground. Some of it smells like her, some like someone else.


    I swear if they hurt her, I swear.

 Chapter 12 A Brutal Rescue

    "Shiroi where are Dirk and Tiru?" Vene asks in a panic. Shiroi points toward the woods. Vene grunts irritably, "there''s nothing we can do but wait, did he at least take Umbra with him?" Shiroi nods yes. "Good, then there is hope."


    There¡¯s a slaver camp nearby. I count maybe fifteen. A number insignificant to me. Tiru¡¯s familiar voice cries out into the cool midnight air. Someone¡¯s hurting her. Someone, no, everyone is going to die.


    Even for a broken sword Umbra is deadly. I shove the sword into a Nord''s back as I cover his mouth. It''s quick but not painless. Blood runs down his legs and they go limp as I severe the base of his spine. Unkempt nails dig at my corse green skin as he struggles against me. I run Umbra¡¯s jagged shattered blade across his throat and blood sprays across the ground infront of him. He gargles as blood runs through his fingers, his corpse twitching on the ground.


    A second slaver notices me. He¡¯s a full blooded neko like Vene. Short amber fur covers his body, and he hisses at me displaying sharp teeth and claws. I charge him in an attempt to take him out quickly before he alerts the others.


    He slashes at me with the razor-sharp claws extending from his fingertips. I grab his wrist jamming Umbra into his bicep. He cries out in agony as his off hand runs across my cheek leaving four shallow cuts. I rip Umbra from his bicep, and he stumbles back holding his right arm as it dangles limply.


    ¡°We¡¯re under assault!¡± He yells.


    Men clamber to their feet in a drunken stupor grabbing their weapons. His feline eyes meet my gaze as a sly grin spreads across his face.


    ¡°You think you can kill us all you green pointy eared bastard?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll never find that out, because you¡¯ll be dead,¡± I reply.


    He charges me swinging his left arm in an attempt to put me off balance. I toss Umbra into his skull splitting it open. He falls to the ground at my feet crimson fluid pouring from his forehead. Gripping Umbra¡¯s hilt I place my foot on his head and tear her from his skull.


    ¡°Intruder in the camp!¡± A short thin elf yells approaching me with two medium sized curved blades.


    ¡°Where is the girl!¡± I demand.


    He lunges at me swinging with a whirlwind of strikes. I block them waiting for an opening. He¡¯s getting impatient being unable to get past my guard using two blades when I¡¯m using one broken one. His footwork slips and I grab his right wrist. There¡¯s a loud snap as I bend it back breaking it. He cries out in pain.


    ¡°You should never charge a warrior with rogue like combat, haven¡¯t you ever read a tome, you fucking novice,¡± I yell nashing my tusks.


    He swings at me with the sword in his left hand and I parry it forcing him back. He moves to flee, but it¡¯s too late. I lean in gripping his throat with my left hand. His feet kick as I lift him into the air. Two more slavers move in as I crush his windpipe and his body goes limp.


    Two down, thirteen to go. The world around me freezes for a moment and Umbra appears infront of me. Her midnight hair shining in the moonlight.


    ¡°My power is at your disposal, if you find you need it,¡± she says nervously.


    ¡°Appreciated, I won¡¯t hesitate to call on you if the need arises,¡± I reply.


    The flow of time resumes, and two men charge me. One stabbing with a large halberd that grazes my left side. The other swinging wildly with an iron morningstar. Dropping Umbra I grip the shaft of the morningstar and pull him closer thrusting my boot into his groin. He falls to the ground clutching his stomach as I grip the mace by its handle. The man with the halberd swings it horizontally and I duck as an arrow zips over my head.


    I rise swinging the Morningstar upward and the jagged spikes tear through his jaw. Teeth and broken jawbone explode into the air in a spray of crimson as another arrow whooshes past me. I give the Morningstar a hefty toss sending it careening through the air like a meteor toward the archer. The mace slams against his leather armor and bones crack as his chest cavity caves in under the force. He lies on his back spitting blood in agony.


    I retrieve Umbra and five men surround me. Only one managed to dress himself for battle. The other four are unarmored wielding short blades or hatchets.


    ¡°Say your prayers,¡± one of them yells charging me.


    I sheathe umbra and clench my fists letting out a loud roar that almost stops him in his tracks. My crimson eyes glow as my body is enveloped in a dangerous aura. Mania sizzles in my veins as it seeks to escape my form. My skin hardens as does my resolve.


    ¡°Fuck, he¡¯s gone berserk!¡± One of the men yells.


    ¡°There¡¯s five of us and one o¡¯ him, kill ¡®im already,¡± the armored man yells.


    The first slaver continues his charge swinging his short blade at me. I grab the blade with my bare hand and crush it in my palm. He stumbles back but I charge forward grabbing his throat. Blood sprays against me as I rip out his esophagus.


    Another slaver charges me wielding two blades. I grab both of his wrists and place my foot on his chest kicking him away. The unsettling sound of ripping tendons and dislodged bones fills the air as his arms separate from his body. He rolls on the ground armless and screaming until I crush his skull under my boot.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    Two more charge me and I pummel them with the severed arms of their comrade. They too are no match for me, and I see the armored soldier rallying the remaining five slavers to flee. That¡¯s when I hear Tiru cry out again.


    I charge in the direction of her pleas to find a tall man holding Tiru to the ground. He looks up as she struggles under his weight.


    "Leave bastard, this is none of your concern."


    I step closer to him soaked in blood, my eyes glowing with berserk.


    "Don¡¯t bother begging for mercy, I¡¯m far past mercy,¡± I reply the desire for violence echoing in every syllable.


    He laughs. The man is larger than me, older too. He¡¯s adorned in leather armor. The neck is wrapped in the pelt of a wolf that can be pulled over like a hood. His teeth are rotten just like his soul.


    "This one is my new toy, she''s so fresh and untouched, did you not like her for your own?"


    I don''t answer him I just charge tackling him to the ground. He seems confused as I bash his face in with my hands. I''m not sick like him, he can''t understand that. Maybe after a few thousand years of burning in the afterlife he''ll understand.


    It takes Tiru pulling me off him before I stop. There''s not much left though, his face is ground meat. A hamburger patty on top of a spine. If I had more time, I''d have hurt him like I wanted too, beat him until my anger was quenched.


    Tiru tugs on my bloody sleeve. There¡¯s terror in her bright teal eyes. Her hands are trembling.


    "I want to go home, please take me home."


    I rub blood on her face, "I''m sorry, I just wanted to protect you."


    She wraps her arms around me, "I know."


    Several more men run in, this time armored. No doubt some lowly guards patrolling the forest that the slavers fled to seek aid from. Soldiers or not, I''ll protect Tiru, they won''t touch her. Tiru wraps her arms around me.


    "The only hero I have is you, don''t let me down."


    I push Tiru away and the first soldier swings. His sword cuts through the air like a razor, but I block his attack forcing him against a tree. I push his sword down grabbing his hair. His neck is exposed as I pull his head back. Leaning in my short tusks dig into his throat. His screams turn to a gurgling noise as I rip it out with my tusks. I spit skin and blood on the ground as he drowns in his own blood.


    Another soldier moves in swinging a large hammer. I block with Umbra, but he forces me to the ground. He''s pressing Umbra into my chest. I can feel the cut of the blade. Berserk has worn off and I feel drained. Leaning up I bite the fingers off his left hand, and he drops the hammer stepping back. This time one of the slavers advances.


    I spit fingers on the ground and wipe blood from my chin. This slaver is a large female, I''ll give her no mercy though. She swings a halberd, and I grab it. I pull her in closer before shoving her to the ground. She stabs a dagger into my side, and I grab her wrist and shove Umbra into her arm pinning her to the ground.


    She tries to stab me again and I grab her hand with the dagger. Her joints pop as I crush it. She screams in pain dropping the dagger. I retrieve it and stare into her eyes.


    "When they took her, were you just going to watch?"


    She looks up and smiles, "yes."


    I shove the dagger down her throat and hold her chin while she chokes on it. The light fades from her eyes slowly, maybe I could have saved her. Maybe I could have swayed her to our side. I didn''t want too though. Sometimes monsters are best left to die as monsters.


    The last soldier is the largest. He moves in with a massive sword and swings it wildly. He can''t hit me though, I''m too fast. I kick him to the ground and Tiru runs up to him. She extends her claws tearing into his face.


    Blood pours onto the ground as she tears flesh from bone, as she rips his eyes from their sockets. That''s my girl, tear him apart. I step over and look down at him as he begs for death. Tiru moves closer to me wrapping herself around my leg.


    "Please, take me, just kill me,¡± he begs waving his hands blindly.


    "Tiru, should we give mercy?"


    Tiru looks up at me and nods yes. I push her away and grab a large stone.


    I bash his head into the ground until his heart stops beating. Tiru looks afraid, but she still runs back to me. She knows I''ll do anything to protect her, no matter how brutal. She knows this bastard has her back. I pick her up cradling her in my arms and she nuzzles against my bloodied chest.


    Me and Tiru return to the tavern covered in gore. Shiroi greets us forcing us toward a bath she¡¯s made from a small stream nearby.


    Vene grabs my shoulder, "you are a better man than I, my friend."


    I look over at him.


    "You were in the next room Vene, I was counting on you."


    Vene hangs his head as Shiroi walks us to the bath. I hold Tiru close as Shiroi scrubs us.


    "Lord Zoah, I can''t clean you if you don''t let go of her." Tiru digs her claws into me. "Lord Zoah, Shiroi is concerned, why do you hold this Neko so close."


    I look up at her.


    "My first, a neko was my first, she was an Imp in the woods, I kept her a secret."


    Memories come rushing to me. Pleasant ones of a time that seems long past now. Pleasant, only for a fleeting moment.


    Excited giggling.


    ¡°Dirk, aren''t you afraid someone will find out?"


    "I''m never afraid, and if I was, I''d fight not to be afraid to be with you."


    "Oh, Dirk you''re such a romantic, I''m just a half blood Imp though, who would want that as a wife?¡±


    "Dahlia, I love you, I''d be the lucky fool that would make you his wife."


    The mood turns dark, soldiers step in seizing Dahlia. Imps have an affinity for magic that the human races call witchcraft. One of the reasons they put the elves under fire.


    "Dirk, why are they doing this, we didn''t do anything wrong, Dirk I can''t die I''m preg..."


    "Dahlia, please let her go,¡± I scream overcome by panic.


    ¡°A witch is a witch, you¡¯d be smart to clean your hands of this,¡± a soldier replies.


    ¡°She didn¡¯t do anything, she¡¯s not a witch, let her go!¡± I yell charging him.


    Cold steel rakes the back of my head forcing me to the ground. Several soldiers surround me kicking me as they tie Dahlia to a post. My eyes meet hers one last time.


    Unsettling screams and the crackling of fire fill the air. My heart feels rage for the first time.


    I wake holding Tiru close. She¡¯s the only comfort I have right now. She doesn¡¯t hold back the rage though. I¡¯m afraid if I keep down this path that one day I¡¯ll go berserk and I¡¯ll never turn back. I¡¯ll become a mindless vessel for rage.


    Tiru looks up at me, "you''re afraid in your dreams, you move a lot, and you tremble."


    I brush her hair behind her soft ear.


    "I loved a neko, my first love, she was taken from me just before the Dominion collapsed, I think she was pregnant with my child, I never told anyone."


    Tiru looks up at me.


    "Is that why you care for me so much?"


    "No, I care about you because I see myself in you, I feel you can fight, I feel you want to."


    "I don''t have a strong sword like Umbra, or strong friends like you, how would I fight?"


    I pet her head.


    "You''re wrong, you do have us."


    "Dahlia please don''t go,¡± I beg.


    "Dirk you are a wonderful person; I hope that there are more out there that can treat a lowly Imp like me so well."


    "Dahlia you are the beauty in my life,¡± I plea.


    "Dirk, you are my prince, you saved me, not from death, but from hate."


    "Dahlia, I''ll never forget you."


    "I''m sorry Dirk, you''ll never live in peace because of me."


    Fire engulfs all without discrimination. Young, old, guilty, innocent, the fire still burns. The flames of love turn to a raging torrent of hate. Like the flames of love, the fires of hate are unstoppable.

 Chapter 13 Still A Bastard

    After rescuing Tiru, we return to our initial venture. The wagon wheels creek as it struggles with the rough terrain leading to Caldera. Roads of long since cooled molten rock make for an unpleasant and rough expedition. We swapped the horses for hoaram. A large carnivorous horse like beast with long twisted horns and jagged teeth. Something of a nightmare horse. They¡¯re better suited for such terrain.


    Umbra seems unsettled as Crimson Fate¡¯s aura draws closer. There¡¯s something wrong and she¡¯s not telling me.


    The town of Caldera rests in the center of an inactive volcano. Which means the smoke bellowing up into thick dark clouds above isn¡¯t a natural occurrence. The buildings must be burning. The destroyer beat us here.


    Leaping from the wagon I motion Vene to follow me. It¡¯s better not to put the others in too much danger.


    We leave the others with the wagon . I know Shiroi will flee at the first sign of danger, and Meredith will follow suit. I''m worried about Tiru though, she seems scared, and not just from her recent capture. I told her if anything happens to take Gatz and one of the hoaram and flee with the others. She didn''t seem to take any comfort in that.


    "By the Gods my fur trembles at the sight," Vene says grabbing my shoulder.


    We venture down the street of once molten rock finding ourselves in the middle of a blood bath. I''m not sure what the sixth level of hell looks like, but this must be close. Dismembered body parts litter the streets as once warm blood now turned cold oozes from them congealing on ground beneath our feet. No creature that once drew breath here was judged innocent by the all-consuming onslaught of the destroyer. A legend amongst the realms that I myself didn¡¯t believe until now.


    An eyeball pops under my boot as we tread down a roughly constructed stone road. Vene walks carefully at my side with his ears perked up. A look of terror spread across his furry visage. Suddenly the screams of a young boy cut through the sound of smoldering wood.


    I charge ahead finding the screams coming from a small burning cabin. There''s a large orc pinned to a pillar outside seemingly with his own sword. The boy cries out again and I run into the burning cabin.


    A boy covered in burning rubble is reaching for a young elven woman. Probably his mother, fuck, she''s cut nearly in half. I grab a large burning plank off him and quickly toss it aside. Shit, burnt my hands. The boy screams in agony as I pull him from the cabin.


    He''s in bad condition. His left leg is gone from the knee down and his right foot is burnt to a crisp. I pull the hood off his head. He¡¯s an elf just like the woman in the cabin. He tries to speak as he struggles to breath.


    "Mercy, please, I''m in so much pain, mercy." He reaches his hand out desperately begging for the pain to end, "please, send me to my mother."


    I look over at the orc pinned to the porch by his sword. He probably tried to protect them. This kid isn''t going to make it, all I can promise him is suffering until he passes. Or mercy. I put my hand over his mouth and pull my dagger. Vene looks away, unable to bear the sight.


    I make it as quick as I can, he was already in pain so I''m sure that didn''t bother him. Vene grabs my shoulder.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "I know that was hard my friend, you did right, he would have only suffered for a few hours until he passed."


    I brush his hand off my shoulder with discontent.


    "That''s it Dirk, the sword pinning that orc to a pillar, that''s Crimson Fate," Umbra says stepping out of my shadow.


    I step toward the orc and Umbra grabs my shoulder.


    ¡°Wait."


    I stop for a moment.


    "The man who wielded Crimson Fate was your father,¡± Umbra says.


    I brush her hand off me.


    "I know, and it looks like I''m still a bastard."


    There''s something cold in the way I say it. Like there isn''t an ounce of emotion left in my voice. I think even Umbra feels a chill down her spine when I grip the sword.


    Blood sprays across my face as I pull it from his corpse and the orc falls on me. I don''t know why but I embrace him. It''s almost like he wraps his cold dead arms around me too. The only embrace my father has ever given me.


    I release him and his lifeless corpse makes a thud as it hits the ground. The sword glistens a blood covered crimson as I hold the blade up inspecting it. Umbra joins me eager to be reunited with her sister after so long.


    "Are you ok?" she asks.


    "What do I do with this sword?¡± I reply avoiding the question.


    She looks away with a concern she¡¯s trying to hide. I know that stories about my father¡¯s sword though. The one that wields it is doomed to meet a crimson fate.


    "Just cut yourself with it, if Nadia deems you worthy, she''ll pull you to her realm, time will pass there seemingly normally, but here it will only be a moment."


    The blade is sharp, like sliding a razor across my palm. I feel strange as I watch my blood run down the blade. My vision blurs and I get lightheaded. A surge of mana fizzles in my blood and I feel I¡¯m being pulled into another realm, much like when Umbra pulled me into the shadows.


    "You are of his blood, and I sense you have brought my sister Umbra, what of Aurus, why does she not carry Umbra with her?" a soft but demanding voice asks.


    "I am Dirk the bastard son of Lady Aurus I am of house Zoah, are you Nadia?" I ask.


    A seemingly young woman turns twirling her white and pink hair with her finger. Her eyes are a bright green, she''s a very striking young woman. Well at least that''s how her form looks, there''s no telling how old she is. She steps over to me playfully.


    "It''s been a while since I''ve had a playmate," she leans in and sniffs my neck. "Well damn, was hoping I''d got to you first." She leans back and runs her hand across my cheek. "You smell like Sinn."


    She steps away and stares out into a forest of trees with white leaves under a white colored sky and blue clouds. Instead of her realm being an endless ocean of shadows and darkness it is a lustrous forest filled with foliage and light.


    "Nadia, Umbra needs you, she''s broken, and I need your help,¡± I say stepping toward her.


    She motions me closer, and I step up beside her. She seems a little short, I''d imagined she would be taller like her sister.


    "Sinn¡¯s always been broken, but I understand you mean the sword Umbra, so what do you need the help of a young soft scale for mixed blood?"


    I hadn''t really thought about what my ultimate goal was. With Sinn and Nadia though, maybe I could take down the New Dominion. I mean I could lead my friends to Aeghnhielm where they would be safe. How long will Aeghnhielm be safe before the New Dominion comes for it like they did me.


    "You''re taking an awfully long time to answer, I''ll not be swayed so easily by a man who doesn''t know what he wants, even one so striking as you."


    "I want to bring down the New Dominion."


    She wraps herself around me intimately. I can feel her warm breath against my chest. She''s not wearing anything but a thin silk dress. I run my hand down her back slowly, it''s firm. She looks up at me with her bright green eyes.


    "It''s too bad you smell like her, I haven''t been entertained in a while." She smiles and steps away. "So, you want to bring down the New Dominion, tell me, who broke Umbra?"


    "The Destroyer."


    She looks back at me with wide eyed concern as a memory floods her mind, and mine.


    "Sinn, you need to stop, he''s never going to love you back, it''s always going to be that Amare girl."


    "Shut up Nadia, what do you know about love anyway, I haven''t seen you with a man in years."


    "I have partners ok, I just don''t get attached, but I guess as a shadow stalker it''s in your nature to follow your mate around like a lost puppy."


    Sinn pops her knuckles.


    "I am not a lost puppy, and he does love me!"

 Chapter 14 Forged in Shadow

    "Shiroi is overjoyed at your return, Shiroi was worried the destroyer might still be here."


    I step past her without acknowledging her. She lowers her head in a sad manner. Vene pats her exposed shoulder and shakes his head no. Shiroi doesn''t deserve my anger, but it''s hard not to project it in any direction I can. I sit in the wagon alone and Tiru tries to get up, but Meredith stops her.


    Vene stirs the hoaram, and the wagon starts down the road away from Caldera. Meredith rises taking and takes a seat at the front of the wagon with Vene and Shiroi.


    "So where are we going?" she asks.


    "Nighthelm, it''s the only place that will have a shadow forget that can mend Umbra."


    Meredith gives him a look of concern.


    "Nighthelm isn''t a town, it''s a graveyard."


    Vene¡¯s eyes stare a thousand yards into the distance.


    "I know, it was not long ago that I was there practicing necromancy, I thought I could bring her back, feel her purr once more, what arose from that tomb,¡± he stops speaking for a moment and just stares forward.


    When he speaks again the words leave his mouth like a cold whisper.


    ¡°Was an abomination.¡±


    Without Meredith to stop her Tiru assaults me with her affection. It brings me a small amount of comfort, not enough to lift my spirits. Petting her soft fur is somewhat calming. I crawl into the floor of the wagon with her and close my eyes just long enough for fatigue to take me, and the nightmares to return.


    "Mercy, please mercy."


    I look at my blood covered hands. One clenching the cold steel blade I use to skin animals. The same blade I used to execute the young boy in Caldera.


    Tiru peers up at me with her bright teal eyes as they dim, "please, mercy, I''m in so much pain."


    "No Tiru I can''t, I can''t do it."


    I drop the knife, and she smiles as blood runs over her soft lips. Her little ears fold down and blood runs from her eyes down her cheeks.


    "Please, I trusted you, mercy."


    I wipe bloody tears from her cheeks.


    "Tiru, I''m sorry."


    Tiru digs her claws into me showing her teeth as I wake thrashing in a panic. My chest rises and falls heavily as weary breaths escape through my short tusks. Tiru hisses at me frightened. Her bright teal eyes wide with fear as they stare into mine. I reach my hand out gently rubbing her ears again. After a moment she calms nuzzling her nose into my chest.


    That dream, it felt so real. I need to push past it though. There is cruelty and evil in this world. I¡¯ve ventured too far to second guess my actions now. What will be will be. I can only do my best and hope that¡¯s enough.


    "Still cuddling with kittens huh, well when you want a real woman you let me know," Meredith says grabbing a small bag out of the wagon.


    I sit up and grab her arm.


    "How far have we made it?"


    She pulls her hand away.


    "We''re camping in the woods tonight, there''s a stop not too far from here, half a day maybe, just stay here with your," she looks over at Tiru jealously, "whatever she is."


    Meredith steps out of the wagon and Shiroi leans over the side of the bed startling me.


    "Shiroi thinks Meredith has much desire for you."


    I jump.


    "Fuck!" I brush my hair back, "Shiroi, how long have you been there?"


    Shiroi smiles, "Shiroi uses cooling incense, Shiroi cools wagon, so Shiroi stays in wagon, outside is hot and Vene tells Shiroi to remove clothes, Shiroi does not like Vene''s lustful advances."Stolen story; please report.


    "Sorry, you startled me," I say scratching my head.


    Tiru cuddles up against me trying to get me to lay back down. I look over and see Gatz curled up in the corner on Shiroi''s coat.


    "Shiroi allows him to lay there, Shiroi feels pain for him, he barely speaks with words, mostly with motions, Shiroi has no children, maybe small one is good for Shiroi," she says with a crooked smile on her scaled lips.


    "Go give him a little attention then Shiroihana, I''m sure he''ll appreciate it."


    She moves over to the corner and gently pets his ear. Gatz moves a little but doesn''t look up. Shiroi pets him some more and he starts to purr. She looks over at me with an emotion I''ve never seen on the face of a Ruksha. Compassion.


    Tiru tugs on my shoulder, "more sleep, I''m tired."


    I poke her little nose, "just a little more, then I need to get up."


    She nuzzles against me as I lay back down. Vene used some of his spatial magic to increase the area inside the wagon so it¡¯s nearly the size of an entire dining area. You can¡¯t tell from the outside because that is unaffected by his spell. I am a little worried what would happen if someone destroyed the sigil on the wagon though. Would everything just implode on itself? Maybe I shouldn¡¯t think about it too much.


    I give Tiru a couple of hours then get up laying her over by Shiroi. I''ll talk to Meredith. I feel she needs something from me. Exiting the wagon, I notice Vene trying to use cheap pickup lines on Meredith, he''s desperate for female affection.


    "Come on Vene I got better compliments from paying customers," Meredith yells.


    Vene rubs his neck nervously and looks over at me exiting the wagon.


    "Ah yes, Lord Zoah has come to converse with you, Vene will retire to his bed, alone."


    Meredith rolls her eyes.


    I sit beside her at a small campfire. The air is nice out tonight, not too humid, not too hot. Meredith brushes her long dark hair back nervously as she looks over at me. She''s holding something back, something she wants to tell me. I move a little closer and grab her hand.


    "How are you feeling Meredith, I try to be caring for everyone, but I feel I''ve shown you less affection than you deserve."


    She puts her other hand on top of mine.


    "Can I talk to you in private, just between us?"


    Her eyes can¡¯t hide her desire. I¡¯ve seen that look before. Desire. A desire I am willing to give into tonight.


    "We are companions, anything you need," I say putting my hand on her shoulder.


    She gives me a dissatisfied look before leading me away from the fire.


    I follow her to her tent. It¡¯s hidden in the forest away from the wagon. I lay back on her bedroll and look up at the designs on the interior of the tent. They look like a map of the heavens. Stars connected by thin lines making out shapes and crude images. Constellations representing the realm lords.


    Meredith¡¯s dress slides down her firm ivory skin revealing a very appealing set of lingerie. She stands over me displaying the seductive black lace that wraps her intended desire like a present. One I am not unwilling to unwrap.


    Meredith crawls over me biting her lip. Her sapphire eyes stare into mine with a longing. The words exit her soft lips with a practiced seductive tone.


    ¡°Well, don''t keep a girl waiting."


    I reach up and running my course finger tips across her cheek, "Meredith-."


    Her gentle ivory fingers wrap around my wrist as she leans into my hand closing her eyes.


    "Please, don''t tell me no," she says her soft cheek rubbing against my palm.


    I slide my trousers off and Meredith climbs on top of me. She leans down and kisses me passionately, like she''s releasing a desire she''s had pent up inside. Her passion doesn''t stop with a kiss. Nails and teeth dig into my skin as she releases the full force of her pent up desire on me. One I don''t think she''s shared with anyone else.


    After a couple of hours, I finally wear her down. She lays on the bedroll and starts to snore gently. I should lay with her, but I don''t want her to get attached. I step out of her tent and sit back at the fire.


    "Well, someone''s been naughty, you know you could have invited me,¡± Umbra¡¯s voice echoes from the shadows.


    I look over at Umbra shaking my head in disbelief.


    "What, I don''t mind sharing sometimes, especially if it''s her, she''s a little firecracker."


    "That''s not the pleasantry she was looking for Umbra, she wanted more than sex, she wanted a personal connection, passion."


    Umbra laughs sarcastically, "and is that what you gave her, passion?" She smiles and moves closer to me, "Love?"


    I stare down at the small campfire outside of Meredith¡¯s tent contemplating how to move forward. Knowing Meredith feels more than puppy lust for me complicates things. If she just wanted sex, then she would be satisfied with the pleasantries we just shared. If it is love though, love can drive a person to make rash decisions, love can drive you mad.


    ¡°So, we¡¯re headed to Nighthelm to repair the blade forged in shadow, I¡¯m curious though, what did your mother tell you about Umbra and Crimson Fate?¡± Umbra asks.


    ¡°Of you Umbra, she spoke much, of Crismson Fate, little.¡±


    ¡°Please, call me Sinn, calling me Umbra makes me feel like you¡¯re addressing the blade,¡± she says twirling her midnight hair with her slender ivory fingers.


    ¡°Is not your name Umbra?¡± I ask curiously.


    ¡°It is, but everyone knows the blade Umbra, less so the Sinn that lies within.¡±


    ¡°Do you think that once restored, I could bring down the destroyer wielding both Umbra and Crimson Fate?¡±


    ¡°I think that trying is the only path that lies before you, taking down this New Dominion would be meaningless if Zurko destroys the realm,¡± she says looking away.


    ¡°You address him by name, you were once intimate with him, does he fault to any weaknesses?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Only the realm lords hold power over him, as far as I know he is just a walking apocalypse.¡±


    I stand and head toward Meredith¡¯s tent. Sinn stares down at the fire as it crackles in the cool night air. Fire lights her golden eyes. An all-consuming flame she¡¯s seen before. I stop as she appears behind me placing a gentle hand on my shoulder.


    ¡°If you have the chance to kill him, don¡¯t waste it, we are nothing to him but sick cattle that need to be culled,¡± she says whispering into my ear before vanishing into the shadows.