Puppeteer
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Fantasy & Science Fiction › Slash - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
12
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2,308
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Category:
Fantasy & Science Fiction › Slash - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
12
Views:
2,308
Reviews:
8
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance of characters to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. The Author holds exclusive rights to this work. Unauthorized duplication is prohibited.
On the Run
Hello everyone!
New chapter, and I know it took me like ages. Actually there is more written but I publish it first on another page, but I try to catch up here in the next time... Anyway, review responses at the end!
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I woke up, complete darkness around me again. I panicked for a moment but then a furry something tickled over the inside of my thighs and I noticed a warm weight on my left side. I was in a safe place and Sorr’an was snuggling against me, his tail loosely wrapped once around my thigh, the tip of it teasing the sensitive skin. The Katze had one arm thrown over my chest and abdomen. ‘Possessive kitten, aren’t we?’ With a smile on my lips I fell back into sleep.
When I woke up again I was alone in the bed. Looking out of the window I could see the sun was high up so it must have been around noon. No wonder Sorr’an already got up. I got up, my muscles feeling sore but with every movement I made it seemed as if life was flowing back into my body. When I was done washing and dressing I felt like newborn, a little weak but cozy and sorrows far away. I descended the stairs to the kitchen where Gerald stood in front of the stove obviously preparing some food.
“Good morning, Gerald! How are you?”
The addressed man turned his head. “Good morning, Master Niven. I see you feel better.”
“Surely do. Thank you! Oh, are there leftovers from breakfast?” I said, nearing the stove.
“No, but lunch is ready in a minute.”
“Do we expect guests?” I wondered. Arias rarely ate lunch because often he was out of the house, busy studying or doing something else. If one was hungry they simply ate a fruit or some leftovers from breakfast or last dinner.
“No, but I guessed you would be up around noon and hungry like a wolf.”
I grinned at him. “You know me too well.”
Gerald lifted a brow. “I helped heal you more than once. So it’s a stew made of smoked meat, fried bacon and beef, potatoes, carrots and cabbage. Spicy, like you like it.”
I sniffed the air and the wonderful scent made my stomach growl. I smiled sheepishly and Gerald filled me a big bowl with the steaming hotpot and offered it to me. I took the bowl, reached for a spoon and tasted it. “Oh, oh… Hot, hot, hot!” Before I took the next bite I blew on it to cool it down and then slurped it into my mouth. Rich flavors invaded my taste buds and I closed my eyes in silent appreciation. Between two more spoonfuls I voiced my praise. “Gerald, you are really a great cook and know how to replenish me!” The man just nodded and turned back to his work which was cutting different vegetables at the moment. “You know where Arias is?”
Without looking at me Gerald replied: “Master Korondar is at the bibliotheca.”
“Okay. Thanks again for the meal!” I left the kitchen, eating while walking to the library. When I arrived there I entered without bothering to knock and found Arias leaning over a lectern with a huge, heavy book on top of it that was chained to the bookrest.
He turned when he heard the door shut and smiled at me. “Back to your strength I see.”
I lifted the bowl that was now empty. “Gerald’s stew.”
He smiled and nodded. “That’s good. You should leave as soon as possible, best this night.”
I furrowed my brows. “This fast? Why?”
“Today search parties entered the city and it will become more difficult to leave Arrandar when they know that we are close friends. So you and the Katze man should leave tonight.”
I nodded, not liking precipitous leave but seeing the logic behind it. “Come to speak of Sorr’an. Where is he?”
“I don’t exactly know. Somewhere in the garden, running and climbing and such things.” My mentor smiled. “He seems not to be able to sit around doing nothing for a prolonged time. He was like this when Kip went off to rescue you and he reminds me of someone I know.” He added, grinning at me.
“Okay, okay. I have to prepare our leave.”
“Nah, not necessary. Sorr’an rescued your vest with all my potions and magical auxiliaries I gave to you, Gerald is preparing your food supplies and I asked Nurna to tailor your journey clothing.”
“My weapons…”
“Were all confiscated or lost in the fire. Merrol, the blacksmith, forged a few with your preferences and sent some of his stored ones. You should find something to your liking.”
“You really thought that over, huh?” I looked a bit suspicious.
Arias stepped to me and laid a hand on my shoulder. “I don’t like it that you have to leave that rash, without healing and replenishing completely and all but I can’t protect you from everything and when a noble as powerful as Lady Warlando wants you there is only so much I can do. You have to run for now, let things cool down and in a few months nobody will talk about it anymore. Just now she wants retaliation for the ignominiousness that you were able to flee from the tower prison and escape her death sentence. And I think she wants to appease her cousin who is a very powerful merchant. So, the farther away you are for the moment, the better it is.”
I sighed and nodded in agreement. “I just don’t like it. But you’re right.”
Arias eyed me for a moment. “This time you should ride.”
I made a face. “Sorr’an can’t ride!”
“He’s not that heavy. You can share a horse. It will be much faster! At least to the border of Tamspod, beyond this Warlando’s power is really small in questions of law and order. Rosalinde will be the best choice.”
I cringed a little with the thought of riding especially since I wasn’t sure how my crotch would like it after the nice treatment it got at Dal Beron. “I don’t know Arias… Riding never was high on my list and right now it lurks around the bottom.”
Arias smiled compassionately. “I know, I saw what happened to you when I healed you. But I did heal you completely and you shouldn’t have any problems. You have to fight the images and get over it.”
“I know, I am no sissy.” I took a moment and a calming breath and then bit my lip. “You did heal everything, right? So down there everything works properly like it did before, right?!”
My old friend blinked and then smiled, amused. “I didn’t check. Only one way to know, right?”
“You don’t expect me to give you a show, huh?”
The Dhuran mage laughed. “No, please not. I wouldn’t enjoy it, but I know of a certain catboy who really would, I am sure. Perhaps even lend a helping hand…” My perverted friend wriggled his brows. “Or mouth? Or tail? Or…”
“Okay, okay. Stuff it. I am looking at the weapons and clothing and then get ready. We will leave two hours after dinner, okay?”
“That’s fine. I see you for dinner then, Niven!”
I left and went to my room where different weapons were laid out together with several outfits. I tested the weapons and decided on the same combination I did at the first leave and then undressed from the comfortable but light and unpractical clothing and dressed in travelling clothes. Cotton underwear, soft leather moccasins without outsole, black, hard leather boots with shin protection and steel toe, a thin linen trousers and dark brown, heavy, full-grain leather pants over them, hardened leather sewed in so that it protected my thighs. I fastened a dark leather belt around my waist with small bags – I would fill them later – and scabbards in its loops fastened the smaller weapons in them. A deep green, almost black, linen shirt covered my upper torso, and I put on my vest over it. A thin coat wandered into my backpack, together with some underwear, shirts, a pair of moccasins, a pair of leather gloves and a hood that could be attached to my vest. A waxed, small tarp completed my gear for now and I shouldered my backpack, leaving for the kitchen to get my food supplies.
When I reached my destination Gerald had already laid out lots of food and herbs from which I chose different items and stuffed them in a saddle bag. While filling the bags at my belt with herbs and spices suddenly something poked me in my side. I jumped and spilled some dried dandelion, grabbed at my belt to draw a dagger when I saw a smug looking Sorr’an standing behind me.
“Gods, Sorr’an! You can’t sneak up on me like this.” I held my chest feeling my heart race.
The Katze grinned. “You didn’t hear me, did you?”
I calmed a little and rolled my eyes. “No, I didn’t.” Looking down I saw that he didn’t wear any shoes. “You cheated! Why aren’t you wearing shoes?”
The little man shrugged. “I don’t like them and if I don’t have to wear any, I don’t. And I did not cheat, I was just better than you!”
I expected him to stick out his tongue at me but it was only the grin on his face that grew wider. “See what you have done, I spilled dried dandelion roots.” Despite the chiding words I couldn’t hide a smile.
“What is this stuff good for?”
“If you have problems with your tummy or liver.”
“Liver?” Sorr’an looked a little puzzled.
I took a step closer and laid my hand on his belly. “Here’s your stomach where you digest things.” I slid my hand left and a little up. “And here’s your liver. If you have the same anatomy as a human has.” Sorr’an smiled at me and I just realized how close I stood to him. I retreated my hand and took a step back. “Anyway, we have to leave tonight, so we have to buy you new clothing and all.”
Sorr’an shook his head. “Nah, I was shopping with Gerald and we bought all I will need.”
“I also tailored a hole in all his trousers, like last time.” Gerald added from behind me.
I turned and looked in his expressionless face. “Thank you.” He simply nodded but I had the feeling he had some sympathy for the Katze though you could never be sure with Gerald. He simply was not a man that showed emotions. To Sorr’an I said: “Well, I want to thank you that you saved my vest from the fire. Arias would have killed me if its content would have been lost.” The catboy lifted a brow. “So, you have everything packed?” I got a nod as a response. “Okay, then help me to prepare Rosalinde, we will ride on her and she will also carry our luggage.”
There was a slightly puzzled expression on Sorr’an’s face but he followed me into the stable where I passed Arjunoor’s box, getting an arrogant neigh from him, and reached Rosalinde’s box. I opened the gate and stood next to the mare, fondled her behind her ears. She nickered in approval and turned to Sorr’an. “That’s Rosalinde, my horse. She’s a nice, calm horse.” I raised my voice. “Not like some malicious horses from hell.” The whinny I got from Arjunoor sounded like an evil laugh. “We have to groom and clean her every time we are riding on her and we have to do it now to prepare her for a long night.” I showed him a curry comb and how to rub it in small circles over the horse’s coat. He looked warily at Rosalinde and I lifted a brow questioningly.
“You ride on animals?” was his question.
“You don’t ride?”
“No. We walk and run and if you’re injured someone carries you or pulls a cart where you can lie down.”
“Well, we ride. It’s faster and you can carry more.” He still looked doubtfully at me. “See Sorr’an, I don’t like riding either. But we need to escape rather quickly and you don’t have to carry your backpack all day long.” The last argument seemed to have convinced him because he grimaced in memory of stiff shoulders and back. “She will carry all that and us and that is why we have to massage her. Like I did with you.” I winked at him. “So, take a curry comb and we start at Rosalinde’s neck and work to her behind. Don’t touch her belly and legs with it, she doesn’t like it.” We worked unison till this part was done. “Okay, now we use this horse brush to get the dust out of her coat. She likes that even more. We can rub it over her legs and tummy, too. Rasp it against the curry comb to get the dust out of the brush.” When we started Rosalinde turned her head to Sorr’an and tried to nuzzle her nostrils against his neck but the Katze man jumped back and hit the railing behind him. I laughed. “Calm down. She just wanted to thank you for the nice massage you’re giving her. She’s a very nice lady, perhaps the only horse I really like.” Rosalinde rubbed her nose in my hand and I continued to clean her and Sorr’an joined me a moment later, keeping an eye on the horse’s head.
When we were done we returned to the kitchen where Arias was already sitting at the well-laid table. It was rare for him to eat here, because when he had guests he would eat in the dining room and otherwise he would eat in his lab or bibliotheca. We took our places and dug in. Gerald had put some effort into serving a feast with most of my favorite dishes and I think he met Sorr’an’s taste, too, because the little man was shoveling food into him that would have been enough for a whole company. There were platters with steak, fried fish, bacon, fried potatoes, carrots, sour cabbage, cauliflower, porridge and fried onions. It tasted delicious!
When I was sated for the time being I leaned back and asked Arias: “Hey, I realized that the tip of Sorr’an’s tail doesn’t look like it was hacked off anymore. I thought you couldn’t regrow it.” That I felt it rather than saw it was something my mentor didn’t have to know.
“Yeah, I couldn’t regrow it but I found a book in the library of the university that had detailed information of the Katze anatomy and of their tails, too.” A small grin formed on his lips. “So I could make it work properly again.”
“Work? It has an own purpose?” I eyed Sorr’an but the catboy pretended to be engulfed in devouring a steak, red juice dripping from his chin and fingers but there was a clearly visible blush on his cheeks. “Hey Sorr’an, what is your tail tip good for?”
The catboy froze and his eyes darted through the room. “Balance…?” He almost asked.
“You seemed fine without it.”
“Um… I mean while climbing.” He nodded, first slowly then vigorously looking at me. “Yes, while climbing and walking on trees.”
That sounded fishy to me but I decided to let it go for now. “What book?” I asked my mentor.
Arias coughed and averted his gaze for a moment. “The anatomy compendium.”
I blinked and then nodded slowly. The anatomy compendium actually had a much longer and more complicated title but I never was able to remember it. It was infamous amongst many magicians. The author, a nameless man that must have lived several centuries ago, was an exceptionally gifted painter and scientist. He only lacked one thing: Feelings. Not only had he examined corpses of almost every living being but he had done experiments on living animals, humans and, obviously, Katzes. Normally only really high ranked magicians were allowed to use the exemplar the university possessed but I once sneaked inside the forbidden part of the library and had a look into it. It gave me nightmares for months because the author wanted to know everything, from pain tolerance to how early you could extract a fetus from a mother’s womb to make it live for at least an hour. The numbers of people that man had killed or left behind crippled must be enormous.
The conversation died down and we waited till Sorr’an was full which seemed to be the moment the platters with meat and fish were cleaned because he didn’t even look at the vegetables once. We got up and went to the stables where I saddled Rosalinde with a bigger saddle then usual. The mare looked irritated at the late disturbance. I tied our backpacks and the saddlebag with food to the saddle and Gerald gave me two big and three smaller waterskins. I furrowed my brows. “Where’s the fourth?”
He held it up and then regarded Sorr’an. “This is sweetened milk. Drink it within three days or it will go bad.”
The wide smile on Sorr’an’s face spoke words and I gulped down the comment that sweetened milk is normally used to calm down babies and toddlers. I fastened it to the saddle, led Rosalinde out of the stable and hugged Arias and Elise, who looked a little flustered afterwards. I pretended to hug Gerald, too, and the shocked look on his face was priceless. Sorr’an smiled in the round and thanked them while I mounted my horse and drew my feet out of the stirrups. “Okay, Sorr’an. Use these stirrup irons to get behind me.” It took the catboy three tries till he wriggled behind me, arms tightly wrapped around my waist as if he was afraid of falling down.
“Thank you Gerald for everything. The food, the help, the healing. Elise, take care of yourself, okay?” I smiled at her. “Arias, you know I can’t thank you enough for what you have done for me.” The Dhuran mage actually looked a little embarrassed with the honest praise. “So I won’t even try. Thanks old man.” With a grin on my face we rode into the city that still bustled with life. When we passed the gates of the manor I had a queasy feeling in my stomach. We were on the run, outlawed and we had pursuers on our backs that wanted us dead and I was not at my best strength. This precipitant escape wasn’t to my tastes at all. The feeling was a little quenched when I clicked my tongue, Rosalinde fell into a trot and a warm catboy pressed closer against my back.
The streets were still full with people who were on their way home or to a tavern so we didn’t attract much attention. When we reached the gates the guards were in the process of closing them. Perfect timing! We slipped through the gateway, another one than the last time and I used the last rays of sunshine to hurry Rosalinde in a gallop along the main route. When the sun set I guided my horse into the woods and dismounted, signing Sorr’an to keep in place. I made eye contact with my mare and whispered in her ear:
“Anderes Wesen höre mich
Sehe auch mit wenig Licht!
Nur des Mondes fahler Schein
Soll genügen Dir allein!”
There was a dim glimmer in her eyes and I wrapped rags around her hooves to lessen the sounds of her walking. After I mounted back on her I casted the spell on me and the surrounding brightened. To avoid any injuries I only let her walk in a trot, looking out for holes and branches. With time Sorr’an’s grip on my waist loosened but that made the touch more intimate. His chest was pressing against my back, moving up and down with his breathing, arms and hands resting against my stomach, his thighs rubbing against mine, his head lying against my neck and then he wriggled a little and his groin was pressed against my butt. I couldn’t feel anything particularly through the thick layers of clothing but my mind provided me with images that were… nice. Then there were small rumbles in his chest and I could feel it, together with his breath tickling the fine hair of my neck and I shivered involuntarily. Suddenly a low hanging branch hit me in my face, almost knocking me and the catboy out of the saddle.
“Owww… Damn, stupid branch!”
The Katze was instantly awake, holding tightly onto me since I had problems to keep my balance. “What… What happened, Niven?”
“A fucking branch hit me. I didn’t see it.” I grumbled.
“Oh, okay. Be careful, I don’t want to fall down…” he said and then snuggled against my back again. How was I supposed to pay attention to my surroundings and stay focused when this sexy, hot catboy cuddled so close to me that it seemed he wanted to melt into me? This thought caused my mind to flash a lot of images in front of my inner eye about us melting into each other. ‘Okay, concentrate.’ I collected myself and tried to ignore the warmth behind me. Wait, did I call the kitten sexy and hot just a minute ago? Well, he is, but… I ducked under another branch, seeing it the last second before it hit me. ‘Okay, I have to change something.’ I brought Rosalinde to a halt and dismounted. Sorr’an watched sleepily and confused at me. “Slide to the front of the saddle, Sorr’an. I will sit behind you.”
“Why?” Sorr’an didn’t look enthusiastic about it.
“I am the more experienced rider and hold the reigns. This way I can stabilize you and prevent you from falling down.” ‘And hopefully be able to focus on the path without having to deal with you hugging me like a lover.’ The catboy shrugged and slid to the front and I mounted on the horse behind him this time and we started to move again. If I thought it would be easier now, I was wrong. It took Sorr’an only a few minutes till he was pressed against my front completely. Additionally I had his smell in my nose and his hair tickled my chin. Well, it was no use, we had to flee and since we didn’t have a second horse and Sorr’an couldn’t ride solo. I would have to keep my libido in check and focus and getting us through the night safely. So I accepted it, that this sexy, sleeping creature was here on a horse with me, that he had this effect on me and strangely my body relaxed more and more with every minute after I did this. After a while my hands dropped on his thighs – only to rest them. I held him closer from time to time – because the path was rough and I didn’t want him to fall down. I buried my nose in his hair – only because… I didn’t know – fatigue was getting to me but it was another hour till dawn and I wanted to use the dark as long as possible. So I rested my head on top of the Katze’s and stopped thinking, only concentrated on the pathway. When the first morning light could be seen I looked for a place to stay the day and found a tiny clearance that had huge oaks around it. The thick leavage would protect us from direct sunshine so it would be easier for me to sleep and it would provide visual cover. I dismounted and gently shook Sorr’an who woke up quite quickly.
“We will stay till dusk here. Rosalinde and I need to rest and it is better to travel through the night so that we won’t be discovered.”
He nodded and I helped him down the horse. “Shall I sleep, too? So that we both can be awake during the night rides?”
I thought for a moment. “No. This way you can be our guard during the day and I can rest better.”
He smiled at me. “Okay, then I’ll be your guard.”
I blinked but didn’t comment. Being awake for a day and a night and sustaining a spell for many hours, even if it was an easy one, was taking its toll. I unsaddled Rosalinde, groomed her quickly with the help of Sorr’an, gave her water and let her graze while preparing my sleeping bag, laying out my weapons so that I could reach them instantly when I woke up and needed them but far enough to not injure myself during my sleep. When Rosalinde was done eating I put blinders on her, to help her sleep then went to sleep myself.
The next days were of the same routine. Riding during the night with Sorr’an sleeping and Rosalinde and I rested through the day with Sorr’an keeping watch and hunting in the late evening hours when I was already up, cared for my mare and got us fresh water if there was rivulet or lake nearby. Sorr’an had emptied the waterskin of sweetened milk during the second day and complained a little about the insipid taste of the water but it was rather cute. The days and nights were quite uneventful, only two things really happened. Sorr’an started to wrap his tail around my waist while asleep and I started to look forward to our nightly rides, hoping for Sorr’an to fall asleep fast so that I could start to gently touch his thighs, chest or tummy.
After eight nights of travel I checked the map and then regarded Sorr’an. “One more night and we’re out of Tamspod. That means we can start to travel the streets during daylight again and stay at inns for the night.”
The small man tilted his head. “They will stop pursuing us?”
“Actually, no. But the Warlando family is only quite powerful in Tamspod. Their power fades outside of it and out of Meygran they don’t really have any influence. They don’t have the power to imprison, catch or kill me in Noldap, the country we travel to this time. It’s not the shortest way to your tribe, I am sure, but it gets us out of the area of influence from the Warlando family the fastest.”
“They will give up the chase after you?”
“No, I guess not. But Noldap is intent that their laws are abided. We have to be careful of course but no bounty hunter can attack us in the open and the authorities won’t help them.”
Sorr’an nodded and I retreated to our hideout for this day – a small cave, offering space for four perhaps five people. I lay down and went to sleep. I was awoken when something moved against me. I was alarmed but then a tail wrapped around my thigh. “Sorr’an?” I whispered into the dark.
“Yeah. Sorry, I didn’t want to wake you.”
“What are you doing?”
“Cuddling.”
I blinked. “Why?” I asked confused.
“Well, I wanted to have an active part, too. I like it when you cuddle me during our rides, but I want to do something myself.”
I could feel the blood rush to my face. “You know about it?”
A small chuckle could be heard. “Sure. You’re not that subtle. Don’t fear, I liked it a lot. So I caught us some fish and brought fresh water, already groomed Rosalinde and we have two hours till the sun sets. So I thought that I cuddle you in your sleep for a change. But since you’re awake…” I could hear the rustling of the sleeping bag and then Sorr’an’s voice sounded much closer. “Perhaps we can both actively take part…” He brushed my lips with his and I pulled back my head instinctively. “Remember, Niven, relax and…”
I smiled in the darkness. “And let it happen, I know.” With this I leaned forward and caught his lips in a heated kiss, his surprised yelp turning into a small moan. Hands entangled in the other’s hair, Sorr’an pressed his body close to mine and I threw a leg over his bringing our groins together while we stole each other’s breath. Suddenly I heard the crackling of a branch breaking under shoes. Sorr’an pulled back immediately. “You heard it, too?” I whispered.
“Yes.” We got up silently and peeked out of the cave. The entry was on the half of a small hill and so we could see the whole clearing. There were five men, three in chain mails, armed with crossbows, swords and daggers. The other two wore robes. The smaller wore a plain grey one, clutching to a long staff, looking quite apprehensive. The taller one looked confident and impressive, his dark blue robe adorned with red ornaments, a fancy looking dagger in his right hand.
“Shit.” I cursed under my breath. “We have to get rid of them, they must have found us. I wonder how.” I turned to Sorr’an but he wasn’t there anymore. My head snapped back to the clearing and there he was, sneaking up on the group. I stared at the catboy for a moment and I scrambled to my feet, feeling around for my weapons, finding a short sword and a stiletto. I took them and ran out of the cave, calls and screams indicating that Sorr’an had already started his attack. The soldiers, or more likely brigands, were light-headed because they didn’t wear their helmets. I guess it was a long day for them and they seemed surprised to have found us and be attacked but it was their misfortune. At least for one who already laid on the ground, blood flowing from his throat, his legs kicking. Sorr’an was attacked by the two remaining soldiers, the other two men standing at the side, obviously not wanting to interfere. The grey-robed one hid behind the taller man but they didn’t appear as an immediate threat so I didn’t pay much attention to them right then. Sorr’an scratched one soldier across his face and the guy staggered back, momentarily blinded but didn’t let go of his sword. He was well trained but stumbled in my path and my stiletto ended his life in the same moment as Sorr’an ducked under a blow from the third man, kicking him in the hollow of one knee. The momentum of his swipe tripped him forward and with an elegant turn Sorr’an sliced open his carotid and shoved him to the ground.
The wild Katze man didn’t care to check if the brigand was dead but faced the remaining two men, baring his fangs and approaching them, his claws dripping with blood. The man in grey retreated farther but the other rolled up his sleeves, revealing a tattoo that showed a snake that wormed around his forearm, eating its own tail.
My eyes widened in horror. “Sorr’an, DON’T!” I screamed but to no avail. Sorr’an attacked with a feral growl, one hand aiming at the mage’s throat but before he could lay a finger on him the taller man touched the Katze’s forehead with a swift movement of his arm and hand. Sorr’an froze for a moment and then fell to the ground clutching his neck, making gurgling sounds.
The man turned to me and grinned superiorly. “Too bad, Puppeteer. I am the worst match for you and now that your little companion here dies you’re all alone. Feel my power!”
My world narrowed down to Sorr’an who lay in the dirt, squirming and struggling, visibly getting weaker moment by moment. I fixed the guy who approached me confidently and tried to connect my magic with him but my silver strings just bounced off of him. Then he stood in front of me, lifting the fancy dagger and looking directly in my eyes. I panicked, not able to move, and he swung the dagger towards my throat.
Before the pointy weapon reached my skin I heard Sorr’an choke and suddenly the panic fled from me and red, hot anger filled me, took possession of me. A scarlet string shot from my right hand and connected to the man’s head and his motions stilled.
“Feel your power!” I said in a quiet, low growl and tapped his forehead, breaking the connection. He dropped to the ground at once, his eyes large in surprise as he looked at me. I stepped over him and started to run to Sorr’an when a staff was swung at my head. I ducked under it and while coming back up hit the grey-robed man’s nose with the heel of my hand, breaking it with a crunching noise. He looked at me, shocked, clutching the bloody mass that was his nose and when I he turned pressed out: “You cannot save him. You know this kind of power; he was dead the moment Marc touched him with his magic.”
I screamed furiously, raised the staff from the ground and hit him over his head, knocking him out then ran to Sorr’an, kneeled beside him. His struggling had become weak, almost unnoticeable and I placed his head on my lap, combing my fingers through his hair. My mind was racing but I couldn’t think of a way to help my catboy and sat there, feeling completely helpless.
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Well, I think those, who still read my story, are now hoping for me to update very fast. I think many comments would persuade me Anyway, thanks for reading, reviews are always more than welcome!
kylee: Hello! Thank you for the comment, and I hope you're still reading and enjoying!
smint45: I kinda had this story posted twice, once here in the fantasy section and once in the normal slash section to get more readers. Obviously someone decided that was too much and deleted one and I guess it was the one where I actually had loooots of reviews. Well, not everyone can be nice, I guess. But thank you for reviewing, it means much to me. I hope you enjoy the new chapter!
Rousy_p: I am glad you like it! Hope you enjoy this chapter!
Merely Truth: Nah, this fic is not abandoned. I just decided to change sites and this one here I neglect a bit. But here you have a new chapter and I hope you like it!
New chapter, and I know it took me like ages. Actually there is more written but I publish it first on another page, but I try to catch up here in the next time... Anyway, review responses at the end!
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I woke up, complete darkness around me again. I panicked for a moment but then a furry something tickled over the inside of my thighs and I noticed a warm weight on my left side. I was in a safe place and Sorr’an was snuggling against me, his tail loosely wrapped once around my thigh, the tip of it teasing the sensitive skin. The Katze had one arm thrown over my chest and abdomen. ‘Possessive kitten, aren’t we?’ With a smile on my lips I fell back into sleep.
When I woke up again I was alone in the bed. Looking out of the window I could see the sun was high up so it must have been around noon. No wonder Sorr’an already got up. I got up, my muscles feeling sore but with every movement I made it seemed as if life was flowing back into my body. When I was done washing and dressing I felt like newborn, a little weak but cozy and sorrows far away. I descended the stairs to the kitchen where Gerald stood in front of the stove obviously preparing some food.
“Good morning, Gerald! How are you?”
The addressed man turned his head. “Good morning, Master Niven. I see you feel better.”
“Surely do. Thank you! Oh, are there leftovers from breakfast?” I said, nearing the stove.
“No, but lunch is ready in a minute.”
“Do we expect guests?” I wondered. Arias rarely ate lunch because often he was out of the house, busy studying or doing something else. If one was hungry they simply ate a fruit or some leftovers from breakfast or last dinner.
“No, but I guessed you would be up around noon and hungry like a wolf.”
I grinned at him. “You know me too well.”
Gerald lifted a brow. “I helped heal you more than once. So it’s a stew made of smoked meat, fried bacon and beef, potatoes, carrots and cabbage. Spicy, like you like it.”
I sniffed the air and the wonderful scent made my stomach growl. I smiled sheepishly and Gerald filled me a big bowl with the steaming hotpot and offered it to me. I took the bowl, reached for a spoon and tasted it. “Oh, oh… Hot, hot, hot!” Before I took the next bite I blew on it to cool it down and then slurped it into my mouth. Rich flavors invaded my taste buds and I closed my eyes in silent appreciation. Between two more spoonfuls I voiced my praise. “Gerald, you are really a great cook and know how to replenish me!” The man just nodded and turned back to his work which was cutting different vegetables at the moment. “You know where Arias is?”
Without looking at me Gerald replied: “Master Korondar is at the bibliotheca.”
“Okay. Thanks again for the meal!” I left the kitchen, eating while walking to the library. When I arrived there I entered without bothering to knock and found Arias leaning over a lectern with a huge, heavy book on top of it that was chained to the bookrest.
He turned when he heard the door shut and smiled at me. “Back to your strength I see.”
I lifted the bowl that was now empty. “Gerald’s stew.”
He smiled and nodded. “That’s good. You should leave as soon as possible, best this night.”
I furrowed my brows. “This fast? Why?”
“Today search parties entered the city and it will become more difficult to leave Arrandar when they know that we are close friends. So you and the Katze man should leave tonight.”
I nodded, not liking precipitous leave but seeing the logic behind it. “Come to speak of Sorr’an. Where is he?”
“I don’t exactly know. Somewhere in the garden, running and climbing and such things.” My mentor smiled. “He seems not to be able to sit around doing nothing for a prolonged time. He was like this when Kip went off to rescue you and he reminds me of someone I know.” He added, grinning at me.
“Okay, okay. I have to prepare our leave.”
“Nah, not necessary. Sorr’an rescued your vest with all my potions and magical auxiliaries I gave to you, Gerald is preparing your food supplies and I asked Nurna to tailor your journey clothing.”
“My weapons…”
“Were all confiscated or lost in the fire. Merrol, the blacksmith, forged a few with your preferences and sent some of his stored ones. You should find something to your liking.”
“You really thought that over, huh?” I looked a bit suspicious.
Arias stepped to me and laid a hand on my shoulder. “I don’t like it that you have to leave that rash, without healing and replenishing completely and all but I can’t protect you from everything and when a noble as powerful as Lady Warlando wants you there is only so much I can do. You have to run for now, let things cool down and in a few months nobody will talk about it anymore. Just now she wants retaliation for the ignominiousness that you were able to flee from the tower prison and escape her death sentence. And I think she wants to appease her cousin who is a very powerful merchant. So, the farther away you are for the moment, the better it is.”
I sighed and nodded in agreement. “I just don’t like it. But you’re right.”
Arias eyed me for a moment. “This time you should ride.”
I made a face. “Sorr’an can’t ride!”
“He’s not that heavy. You can share a horse. It will be much faster! At least to the border of Tamspod, beyond this Warlando’s power is really small in questions of law and order. Rosalinde will be the best choice.”
I cringed a little with the thought of riding especially since I wasn’t sure how my crotch would like it after the nice treatment it got at Dal Beron. “I don’t know Arias… Riding never was high on my list and right now it lurks around the bottom.”
Arias smiled compassionately. “I know, I saw what happened to you when I healed you. But I did heal you completely and you shouldn’t have any problems. You have to fight the images and get over it.”
“I know, I am no sissy.” I took a moment and a calming breath and then bit my lip. “You did heal everything, right? So down there everything works properly like it did before, right?!”
My old friend blinked and then smiled, amused. “I didn’t check. Only one way to know, right?”
“You don’t expect me to give you a show, huh?”
The Dhuran mage laughed. “No, please not. I wouldn’t enjoy it, but I know of a certain catboy who really would, I am sure. Perhaps even lend a helping hand…” My perverted friend wriggled his brows. “Or mouth? Or tail? Or…”
“Okay, okay. Stuff it. I am looking at the weapons and clothing and then get ready. We will leave two hours after dinner, okay?”
“That’s fine. I see you for dinner then, Niven!”
I left and went to my room where different weapons were laid out together with several outfits. I tested the weapons and decided on the same combination I did at the first leave and then undressed from the comfortable but light and unpractical clothing and dressed in travelling clothes. Cotton underwear, soft leather moccasins without outsole, black, hard leather boots with shin protection and steel toe, a thin linen trousers and dark brown, heavy, full-grain leather pants over them, hardened leather sewed in so that it protected my thighs. I fastened a dark leather belt around my waist with small bags – I would fill them later – and scabbards in its loops fastened the smaller weapons in them. A deep green, almost black, linen shirt covered my upper torso, and I put on my vest over it. A thin coat wandered into my backpack, together with some underwear, shirts, a pair of moccasins, a pair of leather gloves and a hood that could be attached to my vest. A waxed, small tarp completed my gear for now and I shouldered my backpack, leaving for the kitchen to get my food supplies.
When I reached my destination Gerald had already laid out lots of food and herbs from which I chose different items and stuffed them in a saddle bag. While filling the bags at my belt with herbs and spices suddenly something poked me in my side. I jumped and spilled some dried dandelion, grabbed at my belt to draw a dagger when I saw a smug looking Sorr’an standing behind me.
“Gods, Sorr’an! You can’t sneak up on me like this.” I held my chest feeling my heart race.
The Katze grinned. “You didn’t hear me, did you?”
I calmed a little and rolled my eyes. “No, I didn’t.” Looking down I saw that he didn’t wear any shoes. “You cheated! Why aren’t you wearing shoes?”
The little man shrugged. “I don’t like them and if I don’t have to wear any, I don’t. And I did not cheat, I was just better than you!”
I expected him to stick out his tongue at me but it was only the grin on his face that grew wider. “See what you have done, I spilled dried dandelion roots.” Despite the chiding words I couldn’t hide a smile.
“What is this stuff good for?”
“If you have problems with your tummy or liver.”
“Liver?” Sorr’an looked a little puzzled.
I took a step closer and laid my hand on his belly. “Here’s your stomach where you digest things.” I slid my hand left and a little up. “And here’s your liver. If you have the same anatomy as a human has.” Sorr’an smiled at me and I just realized how close I stood to him. I retreated my hand and took a step back. “Anyway, we have to leave tonight, so we have to buy you new clothing and all.”
Sorr’an shook his head. “Nah, I was shopping with Gerald and we bought all I will need.”
“I also tailored a hole in all his trousers, like last time.” Gerald added from behind me.
I turned and looked in his expressionless face. “Thank you.” He simply nodded but I had the feeling he had some sympathy for the Katze though you could never be sure with Gerald. He simply was not a man that showed emotions. To Sorr’an I said: “Well, I want to thank you that you saved my vest from the fire. Arias would have killed me if its content would have been lost.” The catboy lifted a brow. “So, you have everything packed?” I got a nod as a response. “Okay, then help me to prepare Rosalinde, we will ride on her and she will also carry our luggage.”
There was a slightly puzzled expression on Sorr’an’s face but he followed me into the stable where I passed Arjunoor’s box, getting an arrogant neigh from him, and reached Rosalinde’s box. I opened the gate and stood next to the mare, fondled her behind her ears. She nickered in approval and turned to Sorr’an. “That’s Rosalinde, my horse. She’s a nice, calm horse.” I raised my voice. “Not like some malicious horses from hell.” The whinny I got from Arjunoor sounded like an evil laugh. “We have to groom and clean her every time we are riding on her and we have to do it now to prepare her for a long night.” I showed him a curry comb and how to rub it in small circles over the horse’s coat. He looked warily at Rosalinde and I lifted a brow questioningly.
“You ride on animals?” was his question.
“You don’t ride?”
“No. We walk and run and if you’re injured someone carries you or pulls a cart where you can lie down.”
“Well, we ride. It’s faster and you can carry more.” He still looked doubtfully at me. “See Sorr’an, I don’t like riding either. But we need to escape rather quickly and you don’t have to carry your backpack all day long.” The last argument seemed to have convinced him because he grimaced in memory of stiff shoulders and back. “She will carry all that and us and that is why we have to massage her. Like I did with you.” I winked at him. “So, take a curry comb and we start at Rosalinde’s neck and work to her behind. Don’t touch her belly and legs with it, she doesn’t like it.” We worked unison till this part was done. “Okay, now we use this horse brush to get the dust out of her coat. She likes that even more. We can rub it over her legs and tummy, too. Rasp it against the curry comb to get the dust out of the brush.” When we started Rosalinde turned her head to Sorr’an and tried to nuzzle her nostrils against his neck but the Katze man jumped back and hit the railing behind him. I laughed. “Calm down. She just wanted to thank you for the nice massage you’re giving her. She’s a very nice lady, perhaps the only horse I really like.” Rosalinde rubbed her nose in my hand and I continued to clean her and Sorr’an joined me a moment later, keeping an eye on the horse’s head.
When we were done we returned to the kitchen where Arias was already sitting at the well-laid table. It was rare for him to eat here, because when he had guests he would eat in the dining room and otherwise he would eat in his lab or bibliotheca. We took our places and dug in. Gerald had put some effort into serving a feast with most of my favorite dishes and I think he met Sorr’an’s taste, too, because the little man was shoveling food into him that would have been enough for a whole company. There were platters with steak, fried fish, bacon, fried potatoes, carrots, sour cabbage, cauliflower, porridge and fried onions. It tasted delicious!
When I was sated for the time being I leaned back and asked Arias: “Hey, I realized that the tip of Sorr’an’s tail doesn’t look like it was hacked off anymore. I thought you couldn’t regrow it.” That I felt it rather than saw it was something my mentor didn’t have to know.
“Yeah, I couldn’t regrow it but I found a book in the library of the university that had detailed information of the Katze anatomy and of their tails, too.” A small grin formed on his lips. “So I could make it work properly again.”
“Work? It has an own purpose?” I eyed Sorr’an but the catboy pretended to be engulfed in devouring a steak, red juice dripping from his chin and fingers but there was a clearly visible blush on his cheeks. “Hey Sorr’an, what is your tail tip good for?”
The catboy froze and his eyes darted through the room. “Balance…?” He almost asked.
“You seemed fine without it.”
“Um… I mean while climbing.” He nodded, first slowly then vigorously looking at me. “Yes, while climbing and walking on trees.”
That sounded fishy to me but I decided to let it go for now. “What book?” I asked my mentor.
Arias coughed and averted his gaze for a moment. “The anatomy compendium.”
I blinked and then nodded slowly. The anatomy compendium actually had a much longer and more complicated title but I never was able to remember it. It was infamous amongst many magicians. The author, a nameless man that must have lived several centuries ago, was an exceptionally gifted painter and scientist. He only lacked one thing: Feelings. Not only had he examined corpses of almost every living being but he had done experiments on living animals, humans and, obviously, Katzes. Normally only really high ranked magicians were allowed to use the exemplar the university possessed but I once sneaked inside the forbidden part of the library and had a look into it. It gave me nightmares for months because the author wanted to know everything, from pain tolerance to how early you could extract a fetus from a mother’s womb to make it live for at least an hour. The numbers of people that man had killed or left behind crippled must be enormous.
The conversation died down and we waited till Sorr’an was full which seemed to be the moment the platters with meat and fish were cleaned because he didn’t even look at the vegetables once. We got up and went to the stables where I saddled Rosalinde with a bigger saddle then usual. The mare looked irritated at the late disturbance. I tied our backpacks and the saddlebag with food to the saddle and Gerald gave me two big and three smaller waterskins. I furrowed my brows. “Where’s the fourth?”
He held it up and then regarded Sorr’an. “This is sweetened milk. Drink it within three days or it will go bad.”
The wide smile on Sorr’an’s face spoke words and I gulped down the comment that sweetened milk is normally used to calm down babies and toddlers. I fastened it to the saddle, led Rosalinde out of the stable and hugged Arias and Elise, who looked a little flustered afterwards. I pretended to hug Gerald, too, and the shocked look on his face was priceless. Sorr’an smiled in the round and thanked them while I mounted my horse and drew my feet out of the stirrups. “Okay, Sorr’an. Use these stirrup irons to get behind me.” It took the catboy three tries till he wriggled behind me, arms tightly wrapped around my waist as if he was afraid of falling down.
“Thank you Gerald for everything. The food, the help, the healing. Elise, take care of yourself, okay?” I smiled at her. “Arias, you know I can’t thank you enough for what you have done for me.” The Dhuran mage actually looked a little embarrassed with the honest praise. “So I won’t even try. Thanks old man.” With a grin on my face we rode into the city that still bustled with life. When we passed the gates of the manor I had a queasy feeling in my stomach. We were on the run, outlawed and we had pursuers on our backs that wanted us dead and I was not at my best strength. This precipitant escape wasn’t to my tastes at all. The feeling was a little quenched when I clicked my tongue, Rosalinde fell into a trot and a warm catboy pressed closer against my back.
The streets were still full with people who were on their way home or to a tavern so we didn’t attract much attention. When we reached the gates the guards were in the process of closing them. Perfect timing! We slipped through the gateway, another one than the last time and I used the last rays of sunshine to hurry Rosalinde in a gallop along the main route. When the sun set I guided my horse into the woods and dismounted, signing Sorr’an to keep in place. I made eye contact with my mare and whispered in her ear:
“Anderes Wesen höre mich
Sehe auch mit wenig Licht!
Nur des Mondes fahler Schein
Soll genügen Dir allein!”
There was a dim glimmer in her eyes and I wrapped rags around her hooves to lessen the sounds of her walking. After I mounted back on her I casted the spell on me and the surrounding brightened. To avoid any injuries I only let her walk in a trot, looking out for holes and branches. With time Sorr’an’s grip on my waist loosened but that made the touch more intimate. His chest was pressing against my back, moving up and down with his breathing, arms and hands resting against my stomach, his thighs rubbing against mine, his head lying against my neck and then he wriggled a little and his groin was pressed against my butt. I couldn’t feel anything particularly through the thick layers of clothing but my mind provided me with images that were… nice. Then there were small rumbles in his chest and I could feel it, together with his breath tickling the fine hair of my neck and I shivered involuntarily. Suddenly a low hanging branch hit me in my face, almost knocking me and the catboy out of the saddle.
“Owww… Damn, stupid branch!”
The Katze was instantly awake, holding tightly onto me since I had problems to keep my balance. “What… What happened, Niven?”
“A fucking branch hit me. I didn’t see it.” I grumbled.
“Oh, okay. Be careful, I don’t want to fall down…” he said and then snuggled against my back again. How was I supposed to pay attention to my surroundings and stay focused when this sexy, hot catboy cuddled so close to me that it seemed he wanted to melt into me? This thought caused my mind to flash a lot of images in front of my inner eye about us melting into each other. ‘Okay, concentrate.’ I collected myself and tried to ignore the warmth behind me. Wait, did I call the kitten sexy and hot just a minute ago? Well, he is, but… I ducked under another branch, seeing it the last second before it hit me. ‘Okay, I have to change something.’ I brought Rosalinde to a halt and dismounted. Sorr’an watched sleepily and confused at me. “Slide to the front of the saddle, Sorr’an. I will sit behind you.”
“Why?” Sorr’an didn’t look enthusiastic about it.
“I am the more experienced rider and hold the reigns. This way I can stabilize you and prevent you from falling down.” ‘And hopefully be able to focus on the path without having to deal with you hugging me like a lover.’ The catboy shrugged and slid to the front and I mounted on the horse behind him this time and we started to move again. If I thought it would be easier now, I was wrong. It took Sorr’an only a few minutes till he was pressed against my front completely. Additionally I had his smell in my nose and his hair tickled my chin. Well, it was no use, we had to flee and since we didn’t have a second horse and Sorr’an couldn’t ride solo. I would have to keep my libido in check and focus and getting us through the night safely. So I accepted it, that this sexy, sleeping creature was here on a horse with me, that he had this effect on me and strangely my body relaxed more and more with every minute after I did this. After a while my hands dropped on his thighs – only to rest them. I held him closer from time to time – because the path was rough and I didn’t want him to fall down. I buried my nose in his hair – only because… I didn’t know – fatigue was getting to me but it was another hour till dawn and I wanted to use the dark as long as possible. So I rested my head on top of the Katze’s and stopped thinking, only concentrated on the pathway. When the first morning light could be seen I looked for a place to stay the day and found a tiny clearance that had huge oaks around it. The thick leavage would protect us from direct sunshine so it would be easier for me to sleep and it would provide visual cover. I dismounted and gently shook Sorr’an who woke up quite quickly.
“We will stay till dusk here. Rosalinde and I need to rest and it is better to travel through the night so that we won’t be discovered.”
He nodded and I helped him down the horse. “Shall I sleep, too? So that we both can be awake during the night rides?”
I thought for a moment. “No. This way you can be our guard during the day and I can rest better.”
He smiled at me. “Okay, then I’ll be your guard.”
I blinked but didn’t comment. Being awake for a day and a night and sustaining a spell for many hours, even if it was an easy one, was taking its toll. I unsaddled Rosalinde, groomed her quickly with the help of Sorr’an, gave her water and let her graze while preparing my sleeping bag, laying out my weapons so that I could reach them instantly when I woke up and needed them but far enough to not injure myself during my sleep. When Rosalinde was done eating I put blinders on her, to help her sleep then went to sleep myself.
The next days were of the same routine. Riding during the night with Sorr’an sleeping and Rosalinde and I rested through the day with Sorr’an keeping watch and hunting in the late evening hours when I was already up, cared for my mare and got us fresh water if there was rivulet or lake nearby. Sorr’an had emptied the waterskin of sweetened milk during the second day and complained a little about the insipid taste of the water but it was rather cute. The days and nights were quite uneventful, only two things really happened. Sorr’an started to wrap his tail around my waist while asleep and I started to look forward to our nightly rides, hoping for Sorr’an to fall asleep fast so that I could start to gently touch his thighs, chest or tummy.
After eight nights of travel I checked the map and then regarded Sorr’an. “One more night and we’re out of Tamspod. That means we can start to travel the streets during daylight again and stay at inns for the night.”
The small man tilted his head. “They will stop pursuing us?”
“Actually, no. But the Warlando family is only quite powerful in Tamspod. Their power fades outside of it and out of Meygran they don’t really have any influence. They don’t have the power to imprison, catch or kill me in Noldap, the country we travel to this time. It’s not the shortest way to your tribe, I am sure, but it gets us out of the area of influence from the Warlando family the fastest.”
“They will give up the chase after you?”
“No, I guess not. But Noldap is intent that their laws are abided. We have to be careful of course but no bounty hunter can attack us in the open and the authorities won’t help them.”
Sorr’an nodded and I retreated to our hideout for this day – a small cave, offering space for four perhaps five people. I lay down and went to sleep. I was awoken when something moved against me. I was alarmed but then a tail wrapped around my thigh. “Sorr’an?” I whispered into the dark.
“Yeah. Sorry, I didn’t want to wake you.”
“What are you doing?”
“Cuddling.”
I blinked. “Why?” I asked confused.
“Well, I wanted to have an active part, too. I like it when you cuddle me during our rides, but I want to do something myself.”
I could feel the blood rush to my face. “You know about it?”
A small chuckle could be heard. “Sure. You’re not that subtle. Don’t fear, I liked it a lot. So I caught us some fish and brought fresh water, already groomed Rosalinde and we have two hours till the sun sets. So I thought that I cuddle you in your sleep for a change. But since you’re awake…” I could hear the rustling of the sleeping bag and then Sorr’an’s voice sounded much closer. “Perhaps we can both actively take part…” He brushed my lips with his and I pulled back my head instinctively. “Remember, Niven, relax and…”
I smiled in the darkness. “And let it happen, I know.” With this I leaned forward and caught his lips in a heated kiss, his surprised yelp turning into a small moan. Hands entangled in the other’s hair, Sorr’an pressed his body close to mine and I threw a leg over his bringing our groins together while we stole each other’s breath. Suddenly I heard the crackling of a branch breaking under shoes. Sorr’an pulled back immediately. “You heard it, too?” I whispered.
“Yes.” We got up silently and peeked out of the cave. The entry was on the half of a small hill and so we could see the whole clearing. There were five men, three in chain mails, armed with crossbows, swords and daggers. The other two wore robes. The smaller wore a plain grey one, clutching to a long staff, looking quite apprehensive. The taller one looked confident and impressive, his dark blue robe adorned with red ornaments, a fancy looking dagger in his right hand.
“Shit.” I cursed under my breath. “We have to get rid of them, they must have found us. I wonder how.” I turned to Sorr’an but he wasn’t there anymore. My head snapped back to the clearing and there he was, sneaking up on the group. I stared at the catboy for a moment and I scrambled to my feet, feeling around for my weapons, finding a short sword and a stiletto. I took them and ran out of the cave, calls and screams indicating that Sorr’an had already started his attack. The soldiers, or more likely brigands, were light-headed because they didn’t wear their helmets. I guess it was a long day for them and they seemed surprised to have found us and be attacked but it was their misfortune. At least for one who already laid on the ground, blood flowing from his throat, his legs kicking. Sorr’an was attacked by the two remaining soldiers, the other two men standing at the side, obviously not wanting to interfere. The grey-robed one hid behind the taller man but they didn’t appear as an immediate threat so I didn’t pay much attention to them right then. Sorr’an scratched one soldier across his face and the guy staggered back, momentarily blinded but didn’t let go of his sword. He was well trained but stumbled in my path and my stiletto ended his life in the same moment as Sorr’an ducked under a blow from the third man, kicking him in the hollow of one knee. The momentum of his swipe tripped him forward and with an elegant turn Sorr’an sliced open his carotid and shoved him to the ground.
The wild Katze man didn’t care to check if the brigand was dead but faced the remaining two men, baring his fangs and approaching them, his claws dripping with blood. The man in grey retreated farther but the other rolled up his sleeves, revealing a tattoo that showed a snake that wormed around his forearm, eating its own tail.
My eyes widened in horror. “Sorr’an, DON’T!” I screamed but to no avail. Sorr’an attacked with a feral growl, one hand aiming at the mage’s throat but before he could lay a finger on him the taller man touched the Katze’s forehead with a swift movement of his arm and hand. Sorr’an froze for a moment and then fell to the ground clutching his neck, making gurgling sounds.
The man turned to me and grinned superiorly. “Too bad, Puppeteer. I am the worst match for you and now that your little companion here dies you’re all alone. Feel my power!”
My world narrowed down to Sorr’an who lay in the dirt, squirming and struggling, visibly getting weaker moment by moment. I fixed the guy who approached me confidently and tried to connect my magic with him but my silver strings just bounced off of him. Then he stood in front of me, lifting the fancy dagger and looking directly in my eyes. I panicked, not able to move, and he swung the dagger towards my throat.
Before the pointy weapon reached my skin I heard Sorr’an choke and suddenly the panic fled from me and red, hot anger filled me, took possession of me. A scarlet string shot from my right hand and connected to the man’s head and his motions stilled.
“Feel your power!” I said in a quiet, low growl and tapped his forehead, breaking the connection. He dropped to the ground at once, his eyes large in surprise as he looked at me. I stepped over him and started to run to Sorr’an when a staff was swung at my head. I ducked under it and while coming back up hit the grey-robed man’s nose with the heel of my hand, breaking it with a crunching noise. He looked at me, shocked, clutching the bloody mass that was his nose and when I he turned pressed out: “You cannot save him. You know this kind of power; he was dead the moment Marc touched him with his magic.”
I screamed furiously, raised the staff from the ground and hit him over his head, knocking him out then ran to Sorr’an, kneeled beside him. His struggling had become weak, almost unnoticeable and I placed his head on my lap, combing my fingers through his hair. My mind was racing but I couldn’t think of a way to help my catboy and sat there, feeling completely helpless.
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Well, I think those, who still read my story, are now hoping for me to update very fast. I think many comments would persuade me Anyway, thanks for reading, reviews are always more than welcome!
kylee: Hello! Thank you for the comment, and I hope you're still reading and enjoying!
smint45: I kinda had this story posted twice, once here in the fantasy section and once in the normal slash section to get more readers. Obviously someone decided that was too much and deleted one and I guess it was the one where I actually had loooots of reviews. Well, not everyone can be nice, I guess. But thank you for reviewing, it means much to me. I hope you enjoy the new chapter!
Rousy_p: I am glad you like it! Hope you enjoy this chapter!
Merely Truth: Nah, this fic is not abandoned. I just decided to change sites and this one here I neglect a bit. But here you have a new chapter and I hope you like it!