Day 1

I swear I spend more on these damned books than I do on anything useful. If it doesn’t fall down some deep ravine it gets burnt to a crisp by some damned mage or dragon. Ah who am I kidding, the point of these is to keep one honest and if I’m being honest, they probably just keep falling out of my pack. The jungle around Maidenhelm is probably littered by my journals I keep losing. Hell, I’m probably not the only one who’s lost journals out there.

As is customary with my journals, I should introduce myself in case someone finds this one in the wilds. I am Alakath Warrington. I’m a lynx who was formerly a captain in King Raleigh’s Army. I now roam the jungles and deserts of the world seeking that which everyone else seems to want destroyed: knowledge. Knowledge of what? Everything. Why are we here? Why did the Ancients disappear? What happened to their technology? Are we following their deadly path? Hell, why is my fur orange while my brother’s is black? (Ok, I have some black stripes, but nonetheless seriously. Why does he have solid black fur? And stand a foot taller than my 5’ 10” self? Why do I have these tufts on my ears while he doesn’t?)

Anyway, I’ve brought a Feral into the city. I know. Not only is it usually illegal, but risky given how hostile they generally are to us. But this girl is different. She was cowering near the edge of the forest as I was coming back to the city. It wasn’t uncommon to find dead Ferals close to where I found her. The guards have an order from the king to kill all Ferals they encounter, with very few exceptions. Feral war parties are commonly found on the edges of the forest surrounding the city, although it’s been at least a decade since they last actually attacked the city. I would know. I was part of the defense for that attack. It was also what led me to leave the Army, but more on that another time. Or find one of my lost journals.

This girl I found was lying curled up in a fetal position. She didn’t even look up as I was walking by. But it was obvious she wasn’t dead. She was shaking, and it got worse as I got closer to her. I guess she was expecting me to kill her. So I probably surprised her when I gently rolled her onto her back and began to treat her injuries, at least, as best as I could. She had multiple cuts along her arms and torso, likely from another Feral. She couldn’t have been there long, as the worst of these cuts had nicked major blood vessels. She would have bled out in at most an hour.

Fortunately for her, one of the exceptions to killing Ferals close to the city is when someone finds one that is injured and brings them in for medical treatment. I made use of this exception and brought her into the city to the closest hospital. She was operated on for what seemed like forever by the doctors, but they managed to save her. Then came the other part of the exception. Either I escort her back to the forest, the most commonly taken option, or I take her in and try to have her assimilate into the city’s social order. She wasn’t the first Feral I brought into the city. Most Ferals I bring in are those I’ve injured myself after being attacked. I would usually allow them to recover then escort them back to the forest to rejoin their clans. I had until the next day to make this decision regarding her.

This one was definitely different. It was obvious by her mannerisms and the way she carried herself that she wasn’t a warrior. The warriors are bold, proud, and strong willed. This girl, though, was timid and fearful, almost to the point of total submissiveness. She had a look of one who always expected to be punished for something, and not because of anything done wrong, but rather, because of long term abuse.

After the doctors cleared her for release, I brought her to my home so I could ensure her recovery. So she wouldn’t be assaulted by the townsfolk, and to cover her total nudity, I bought a large blanket and had her wrap herself with it. This would do until she got to my home, where she would be safe long enough for me to get her some clothing to wear. It took less convincing than normal to get her to be covered by the blanket, probably because of her being so abnormally meek, at least, it was abnormal for a Feral. The trip across town to my house went without incident.

Once we got inside my home, I walked her over to a corner where I had drapes up around a bed, table, and a toilet installed. What she did next seemed to me to be highly indicative of her role in her clan. She slipped off the blanket, laid down upon the bed with her legs spread open, and looked at me with a fearful expression. This expression turned to a confused one when I shook my head at her and closed the drapes.

“Hai!” she exclaimed as she walked through the drapes, that confused expression still on her face. She said something further, but it was in the Feral language. But her tone indicated she was confused about something. I walked over to her to walk her back to the draped area. When I got close to her, she reached out for me. More specifically, my pants. I shook my head at her again, which elicited a confused “ha?” out of her as she cocked her head to one side, obviously confused.

I took her arms, placed one of them over her bust, and the other in such a way that her hand covered her crotch. She immediately removed her hands from there. I nodded at her, and placed my hands in a similar position. She slowly covered herself, with a confused smile on her face. I returned the smile and nodded slowly at her. I then pointed at the draped area, then at her, then gestured as if I were sleeping. Her smile became more excited when she realized what I was telling her. She then walked over there, laid down, and fell asleep. I quietly went over and closed the drapes again.

I never realized how hard it was to find clothes for women until then. Especially one whom you didn’t know any sizing information about. So, I decided to get her a few simple loose dresses to wear and some sets of panties that I could approximate to be her size. The shopkeep, who was a Feral that had acclimatized to our city, asked me who I was helping recover this time, since he knew I helped injured Ferals recover often. He also probably asked since this was the first time I had bought female clothing. I described her appearance to him, which is as follows.

She was a fox with solid white fur, which is scruffy in many places as is typical of a Feral, and golden blonde hair. Her eyes were a gorgeous shade of blue that were easy to get lost staring into. She was fairly slim, stood about 5 foot 4 inches tall. She had a decent sized bust, probably C-cups if I had to guess. Her waist curved slightly and her bushy fox tail sat atop her near perfectly shaped rump. She had nice, thick thighs and appeared to have fairly meaty calves as well. Overall a very gorgeous girl and the most beautiful Feral I’d ever seen.

The shopkeep smiled as he told me that if she was as I said, she was either a “Glaadisha”, which is something like a Princess, a “Candisha”, a concubine, or “Tabira”, a dead clan’s Glaadisha, who was usually treated worse than “Chelata”, slaves. Odds are she was bestowed by the “Kruum”, king, to a warchief to be used as desired. Unlike Chelata, there were no rules about how to treat Tabirai.

I asked him if he would be willing to help teach her the common tongue, since if what he said was true, it would be cruel to send her back. He nodded, knowing much better than I did what she had likely been through. Before I left, he told me, “Get her dressed and bring her here. I’ll get her story for you.” I nodded and told him I would before heading back home.

On the way, I stopped by the food market and bought some extra food, since I now had an extra mouth to feed. Her not being a warrior, though, made me unsure if meats were appropriate for her. I got some anyway, since I aimed to acclimatize her to the city and not release her back to the clans. I entered my house and set what all I had bought on a table by my kitchen.

I walked over to check on the girl and I heard her whimpering. I opened the drapes to make sure her wounds hadn’t reopened. She was asleep on the bed, tossing and turning as if in a nightmare. I picked up the blanket I had wrapped her in earlier and covered her with it. She sharply drew in a breath and opened her eyes. She blinked a few times before looking at me. She asked a question, but it was in that Feral tongue. I just smiled at her, slowly backed out of her space, and closed the drapes.

Shortly, she stepped out, wrapped in the blanket. I smiled at her and picked up an apple I had just bought and extended it out towards her. She started to say something, but stopped and pointed at herself. I think she was catching on to me not knowing her language. I nodded and smiled at her. Her face lit up like a child’s in a candy store. She immediately dropped the blanket and sauntered over to me. She took the apple excitedly and looked at me with an expression that can only be described as amazed.

I picked up another apple and took a bite. She just stood there looking at the apple like a thief looks at an ancient artifact they are about to steal. I gestured for her to sit in the chair opposite me, which she did, bouncing uncontrollably with happiness. She kept looking back and forth between me and the apple with this genuinely happy and excited smile. All I could do is smile back and nod, at which point she immediately bit into the apple. She giggled as some of the juice from the apple dribbled down her neck and chest, which she began wiping at with her hand. I laughed and handed her a napkin. She looked at me with an expression that said “what am I to do with this?” I made out as if I were wiping juice from my own chest with it. She wiped the excess juice from her chest then continued eating the apple.

It didn’t take long for her to demolish the apple, and she watched me finish mine with a happy smile on her face. When I was done with mine, I got the bag that had the clothes I bought for her in it. First, I got out a pair of panties and offered them to her. She took them with a confused expression. I stood up and made out as if I were putting them on. The happiness in her eyes died instantly. She walked over and reached for my pants again. I backed away and shook my head. I pointed at her, then repeated the gesture of me putting them on. It took her a second to realize I wanted her to put them on, but when she did, she smiled again, eyes once again brimming with happiness, as she realized that I wasn’t making her dress me, but herself. I then reached into the bag and pulled out a couple of dresses and held one up in each hand.

One of these dresses was teal, the other pink. She walked over to the teal one, took it from my hand and pointed to herself, as if she were confirming that it was for her. I smiled and nodded. She held it up to herself, turned it around and put it on. As soon as she had it on, she looked herself over, twisting and turning, seeing how it looked on her. Soon she was spinning, appearing to enjoy the feeling of the dress twisting around her. She then suddenly bounced over to me and pulled me into a tight hug and placed a quick peck of a kiss on my cheek. I smiled at her and hugged her back, wanting her to feel safe and comfortable. I then decided to get her to talk to the shopkeeper, who we all now call Johan.

Although we made to his shop without incident, I think she could tell that the other people in the city were weary of her. She clung tightly to me as we walked through the busy streets and squares. But soon we arrived at Johan’s shop. I opened the door and ushered her inside. Johan was standing at his usual spot behind a counter. His eyes went wide when he saw the girl. As did hers when she saw him. She sprinted over to him and jumped into his arms. He pulled her into a tight hug, eyes tearing up. Did he know her?

They talked for a bit in the Feral tongue, both excited to see the other. After a bit though, he turned to me. “Looks like I owe you some drinks,” he said, still cracking up. “You were right. I’m not the last. This is Kruum Snowtail’s youngest daughter. She was a wee young pup when the Bruumweild killed everyone, well, almost everyone in my clan.”

“Snowtail?” I asked. “You mean the Feral clan that was open to peace talks with the city?”

“Yes,” Johan responded. “The same. We weren’t the first to offer peace, but thanks to the Bruumweild, we likely will be the last. And I’m sorry. I won’t make her tell her story to us. I would hate to make Glaadisha Starlight Snowtail tell the tale of her abuse to us. I would rather us work to make her forget these woeful years.”

“Tabira Skaalliit Kolvlein”, the girl spoke, barely audible and a hint of shame in her voice. Johan took her face in his hands and pulled her close to him, tears in his eyes, “Nai, Glaadisha Skaalliit Kolvlein, nai.” He went too fast for me to make out anything he said after that. She just trembled and started to cry, but I could make out her saying, “Yai, Tabira, yai” over and over. After a few minutes, they began talking again, her demeanor becoming more excited in a happy way as they went along. Soon, Johan turned to me again. “Bring her here to me daily. I will help teach her the common tongue. My Glaadisha has demanded it,” he smiled at her as he said this. “She says that you are the kindest person she has met, and I assured her that you’re genuine. Please, take care of my Glaadisha.”

I smiled at this, seeing Johan’s spirits raised almost as much as the girl’s. I nodded and said, “Of course, Johan. I would never dream of bringing harm to her.” He smiled in return and went back to talking with her. They went on for several more minutes, until the bell that rang when the front door was opened rang. I turned and saw this young mouse girl come in. She froze in terror when she looked at me. That is, until I pointed at the scar over my right eye. This young girl then sighed and smiled. The child then glanced over and saw the Feral girl and her eyes lit up with awe struck excitement. The young mouse walked over, cooing as a child does when something catches their interest.

“She’s pretty, can I hug her?” the innocence of this young orphan still gets to me. Johan spoke with the Feral girl, probably telling her what the young mouse had said. She nodded, knelt down and pulled the mouse girl into a hug. The mouse girl tittered with glee while they were hugging and continued to do so when the hug came to an end. “What’s her name?” Johan smiled and made a grand bow.

“I present to you, Mishka, the last surviving member of Kolvlein royalty, Glaadisha Kolvlein.” The cheery smile that had been on the Feral girl’s face faded, once again whispering “Tabira Kolvlein.” She then turned to Johan and prattled off at him, tears starting to form in her eyes. The smile on the mouse girl’s face, Mishka’s face, began to fade as well, seeing the Feral girl begin to cry. I pulled her over and walked throughout the store with the girl, explaining as gently as I could what I knew of the beautiful fox’s story. “Oh, she’s been worse off than me,” Mishka said, the innocence in her voice nearly making me cry myself. “Can we help her?” She then asked, the naiveté in her innocent question got to me. As I started tearing up myself, I responded “I aim to, Mishka. I aim to.”

For a while, all that could be heard within the store was Johan and the Feral fox’s conversation. Soon that came to an end, and the gorgeous fox came over and began to pull me towards the door, a near angry scowl on her face. I gestured to her that I needed to talk to Johan. She puffed a bit, but let my hand go and stood by the door, scowling.

“What did you do?” I asked. Johan sighed as he answered. “To tell it briefly, I just reminded her of how she was treated by the Bruumweild. I should have known that they’d parade her like that. Just take her home for now. Hopefully she’ll be over it tomorrow. Though, she understands I did not mean to cause offense, I still brought back the pain she has suffered for the majority of her life.” I had one more question, though.

“What shall I call her?” I asked.

“That’s between you and her for now,” he said. “I won’t be able to get her to say anything more until tomorrow. Now go.” With that he ushered me towards the door. “Thanks,” I said. “See you tomorrow, Johan.” He just nodded, sadness starting to fill his eyes. Mishka then began asking him question after question as I closed the door.

It was starting to get quite dark outside. I rushed her back to my place, not wanting to run into any of the lowlifes that start to run amok when the sun goes down. We barely made it back before the twilight was such that it would be impossible to see outside. The entire walk back, though, I could sense that some tension had built up within her. I could only assume it was from Johan’s antics that had set her off.

When we got inside, she stormed off to the draped corner of my house, plopped down on the bed and began to cry uncontrollably. I guess I was correct in assuming she was more than a little upset. I’ve never been good with dealing with people’s emotions, so I went over to the kitchen to begin preparing supper for the evening. I had just finished setting the wood in the oven when I heard a soft “hai” come from behind me. I turned around and there was my new housemate, standing next to the counter, fully nude. I gestured for her to cover herself, and with a slight smile she did so. She said something, her voice soft, but in her language. I just sighed, and made a talking gesture, followed by a gesture signaling that I didn’t know, trying to tell her I couldn’t understand her words. I think she understood what I was trying to say, as she sighed, grabbed my journal, found a blank page and started scribbling on it. When she was done, she turned the drawing towards me, pointed at it, then me.

The drawing was crude, but I got the point. She had drawn herself in various positions of lewd acts, always making a point to have herself crying in the images. I think she was asking if I was going to force her to do those things. I shook my head, pointed at her, and made a halo gesture over my head, trying to tell her I would treat her nicely. She smiled, and propped herself up with her elbows on the counter, her assets hidden behind the counter. I smiled back and turned back to my stove. I grabbed a match, lit it and tossed it into the oven. The fire inside slowly caught onto the dry wood inside and slowly built into a good flame. I turned back to her as I waited for the flame to die down a bit.

I pointed at her and asked “Snowtail?” She just looked at me with a confused expression. I gestured as best as I could that I wanted to know her name, or at least something to call her by, and repeated “Snowtail.” Her expression changed to that of surprise as she shook her head. “Nai. Tabira Kolvlein.” I shook my head, knowing the gist of what “Tabira” meant. I pointed at her again and, this time, said “Starlight”. She shook her head, I think figuring out what I wanted. She pointed to herself, and said “Tabira. Klo lascht mai Tabira.” I sighed, and asked “Tabira?” She nodded, the pointed at me and asked “Klo lascht dai?” I assume she wanted my name, so I pointed at myself and said, “Alakath”. She smiled, and repeated my name, “Alakath”. Her Feral accent didn’t affect her pronunciation of it as much as Johan’s did, but it was still noticeable. She just smiled and started swaying back and forth, repeating my name, sometimes adding “mein furchrest” afterwards. I made a note to ask Johan what these phrases meant in my head.

I smiled back at her before turning around to begin cooking our supper for the night. I figured tonight would be a light meal, since I was just getting back from a week in the jungle and she probably wasn’t accustomed to eating much. I’d glance back at her from time to time, usually between flipping the chops and stirring the beans I was cooking. She had started singing something in the Feral language, but in parts, I heard her put my name into it. While she was singing, her eyes were closed and she had straightened her posture. She was swaying her hips back and forth, as if in a slow dance, hand resting just above the waist.

Each time she would get to a point where she’d inject my name, her smile would shine just a little brighter. I turned back to the food just in time to pull it off the oven, as it was done. Maybe a little overdone. I prepared our plates and set them upon the table. She had followed me over to the table and was glancing at the door, as if she was expecting someone to come in. I smiled at her and gestured for her to have a seat across from me. She slowly did so. I indicated that the food was for her, and I tried to show that I wasn’t expecting anyone to come through the door. Her face lit up similarly to how it did when I gave her the apple earlier. She nervously took up a fork, and with her eyes trained on me, slowly took a bite. I just smiled and began eating my food. She took a second, fuller bite this time, enough to actually be able to savor the flavor. Her eyes closed as she judged its taste.

After a bit she began to smile again and ate the beans with gusto. Her attention then turned to the chop that she had until then not touched. She gingerly picked it up with her hands and began to sniff at it. She glanced over at me and I just smiled and nodded. With the current language barrier, I wasn’t going to try to instruct her on how to be civilized. She took a nibble, probably to judge my reaction. When all I did was smile, she took a larger bite, and slowly enjoyed the flavor of the meat. Eventually, she finished the chop off, not with the same gusto as with the beans though. She likely wasn’t used to getting fresh meat, if any at all. Also, like stated earlier, I had overcooked them a bit, though I gave her the less burnt one.

As is customary after my evening meal, I reached over to grab my journal to write down the events of the day. I turned it over to a blank page and was about to start writing, when Snowtail (that is what I decided to call her) walked over and curled up in my lap. I sat the journal and pen down on my table and pulled her in so she could cuddle up with me, since I figured this is what she wanted to do.

The next thing I knew, the sun was blinding me through the window across the room, birds were chirping loudly, and most annoyingly, there was a loud banging on my front door. Snowtail jerked awake as well, looking at the door with a panicked expression. I pointed at the draped corner of the room and gestured for her to hide there. She nodded and sauntered over, and pulled the drape shut as she stepped past it. I got up and checked the peephole. Cursing under my breath, I opened the door. Standing there was one Beauregard LeBaptiste. He was a city inspector that always gave me grief when he found out I was helping a Feral recover in my home.

“Good morning, Alakath. I heard you have a new arrival as of yesterday. When were you going to report this one?” He asked, referring to a requirement that I register all recovering Ferals who are within the city temporarily with the Health Board. Doing this, though, meant I would have to return her to her clan. I wasn’t sending her back. “I still have time, Beauregard. Also, I’m not registering this one. Going to assimilate this one.”

“What nonsense is that!?” Beauregard yelled. “We have enough assimilated Ferals in this town. I demand you register him at once!” He glanced over at my draped corner. “May I come in?” He asked, his scheming obvious in his voice.

“No, Beauregard, you cannot. Nor can you coerce me to register the Feral under my care. Last I checked, there’s no limit on how many Ferals can be assimilated. We’re lucky to find any who are willing,” I said, attempting to shut the door in his face.

“Alakath, I have a warrant to search this place,” the black furred collie said, as he pulled out a parchment from his pouch. Sure enough, it was a warrant signed by the Inspector General, Louis Bradshaw. He normally supported the assimilation of Ferals, and he rarely signed off on warrants. Usually, it took a serious threat to the city for him to even consider doing so. Fortunately, I was allowed to seek explanation from him prior to having to allow the warrant to be served. “I need to speak to the Inspector General then,” I told the dog. “I need to know what reason he has to allow you to invade my privacy.” He huffed before backing down.

“Fine, I’ll be back this afternoon. You better have your talk by then,” he skulked as he stormed off. I swear he forgets that as a former Army captain, I know my rights better than most. But now this posed a different problem. Beauregard is known for forcing entry while the subject of his warrant is inquiring about said warrant. For Snowtail’s safety, I couldn’t have her follow me to the court. I also couldn’t ensure the Border collie wouldn’t force entry into my home, and thus, find her there and deport her immediately. Maybe I could get Johan to watch over her while I sort the warrant out?

I walked over to where Snowtail was hiding and had her get dressed. She came out and I walked out of the door, ensuring that I locked it. We walked as briskly as we could through the busy streets to Johan’s shop. She recognized it instantly and opened the door herself and went in. I followed quickly behind her.

Johan was arguing with someone in the back corner. “You can’t just walk out of my shop without paying for the shirt!” “I’m sorry! I don’t have any money! And you can see where this shirt’s been ripped! My tits are almost showing! I have to have a new one! Is it really going to hurt you to give away a two Furre shirt?!”

I glanced over and I immediately recognized this particular bunny. She was indeed a known thief, but she never targeted shops or stalls. Always incredibly wealthy people. I pity the girl, since her family situation is far from rosy. Her mother was forced into prostitution. Her father is unknown, but probably some guy who her mother serviced at some point.

This girl, to avoid following her mother’s steps, has had to turn to thievery to survive. I’ve offered more than once to take this girl in, so she can get right with the law and society as a whole, but she’s too proud. I pulled a few Furre out of my pocket and walked over to them. The bunny, whose name is Amaka, immediately covered her chest when she saw me walk over. “How much is that shirt?” I asked Johan. “Four Furre, Alakath. Why? You’re going to buy it for her?” Johan asked. The young bunny became shy all of a sudden.

“You don’t have to, sir,” she meekly said. “I just don’t have what I need to mend this one again.”

“I know,” I told her. “But can’t have you in jail, now can we?” She smiled up at me when I said this. I gave Johan four of the Furre in my hand and gave the rest, which was another six, to Amaka. “Try to stay out of trouble, Amaka. Not everyone understands your situation.” I told her. She smiled at me and hugged me. “I know, I just need one good pull and I can get me and mom away from this.” I cut her off by putting my finger over her mouth.

“At this point, there’s no help for your mother getting out of that place,” I told her. “It’s safest at this point if she stays. But as for you, if you’ll suck up that pride of yours and lean on a few of the right people, we’ll get you out of the fire.” She teared up at this.

“I know, I know. But I can’t just not do anything for my mom,” she began to sob.

“I understand, Amaka, but for now, you need to get yourself out of trouble. Then maybe we can help your mom out,” I said, rubbing her back as I tried to console her.

“Thanks,” she said as she gave one last, quick hug. “Can I come by later?”

“Of course,” I said. “You’re always welcome at my home.” She just smiled and jumped when she nearly bumped into Snowtail.

“Yiiieeee!” She yipped. “Hi! I’m Amaka!” she offered her hand to the Feral fox, who just looked at her with a confused expression. Amaka quickly caught on to Snowtail’s confusion and just smiled at her. “You’re so beautiful! I wish I was half as gorgeous as you!” Snowtail let out a yip from surprise when Amaka pulled her into a tight hug. “Bye!” She said, before leaving the shop.

“Right, thank you, Alakath,” Johan turned to me and said. “I do pity the poor girl, but this is my livelihood, and if I give one thing away I have to give more things away.” I nodded in understanding. “Anyway, I take it you wanted me to go ahead and start teaching her the common tongue?”

“If she’s ready, sure,” I responded. “More importantly, I need you to watch over her for me please while I talk to the Inspector General. Beauregard attempted to serve a warrant on me this morning.”

“That baavslat! Yes, I will watch over her. Teach her some of our tongue while I can,” Johan said. “How does he catch wind of this so quickly?”

“Guards like to talk, especially over drink,” I said. “He probably hangs out at the bar at night and happened to hear one talking about me bringing Snowtail in.”

“Is that what she wants to be called?” Johan asked, inquisitively.

“No, I think she insists on ‘Tabira’, but if what you say that means is correct, I can’t in good consciousness call her that,” I told him.

“Well, after today, you will know for sure,” Johan assured me. “Now go. The Inspector General is a busy man.”

I turned to leave, but first, I pulled Snowtail into a hug and smiled at her. Johan spoke to her briefly in the Feral tongue, after which, she nodded at me then pulled me into a hug and placed a quick kiss on my cheek. I hugged her back before stepping away and left the shop.

The walk to the court was packed. As I got closer to the court, I ran into fewer members of the working class and more of the nobility. Most of the city nobles knew me and treated me with some modicum of respect. I arrived at the court without any incident, thankfully.

I approached the reception desk, which was manned by a cute hare with white-spotted yellow fur. She was a little chubby, expected of someone who sat behind a desk all day with minimal time for any exercise. She wore a somewhat revealing blouse that hugged a little too tightly to her figure. In fact, the top couple of buttons that were buttoned appeared ready to burst, and probably would if she stretched just right. Her having a relatively massive bust didn’t help those buttons at all. I asked her if the Inspector General was in and was available. She told me that he was in and was expecting an inquiry. I asked, out of curiosity, who was he expecting.

“Alakath Warrington, sir,” was her response to that. I was stunned. The Inspector General was expecting me. I informed her that I was who he was expecting. She asked to verify my identity, and after she had done so, she got up and bade me follow her to his office. Her skirt, which barely went halfway down her thick thighs, was just as tight as her top. The hems along the sides looked like they were going to rip open at any moment.

After a little while, and a few trips by the buxom hare, we arrived at his office. She rattled off a few sharp raps on his door before opening and bidding me to enter. The Inspector General stood up from his “chair” immediately and walked… slithered over to me. Louis Bradshaw was a snake with copper colored scales accented by some golden and black colored ones in elegant diamonds all along his back.

“Alakath, greetings,” the nobleman greeted me. “Heather, you may go.” The hare, apparently named Heather, quickly bowed and left the room. She could be heard tripping a few feet down the hall. “New girl, that one. Before yesterday, she had never wore shoes, much less high heels. I’m pushing to make an exception to the dress code for her, but I don’t believe the other men here have as much concern as I do for her welfare.” He slithered back behind his desk. “Anyway, I’m sure you’re here about the search warrant I signed?” He settled onto his coiled rear half. I nodded in response. “Well, is what I’ve heard about this Feral true?”

“That depends on what you’ve heard, sir,” I responded. “I can’t confirm what I don’t know.”

“Sharp as always, Alakath. It’s a shame you left the Army. Could use men like you to lead the charge,” the snake commented on me.

“Sir, you, out of all people in this town, ought to know why I left,” I retorted.

“Yes, I do. A pity, that,” he sighed. “Don’t get me wrong, I do understand. If only other men of your caliber were around. Our Army would be better off with more of you.” I nodded in response, knowing full well that what he said is true. “Anyways, I’ve heard this Feral is different than the other’s you’ve brought in. I was hoping you’d bring her by.”

“I can confirm that yes, the Feral in question is female. Is that all?” I asked.

He picked up a mail opener and examined its edge as he continued. “No, I’ve also heard she’s quite the eyeful. Is this true?”

I gulped at this. This has Jonah’s influence written all over it. “I don’t see how that’s relevant to ensuring the city’s safety, sir,” I responded, doing my best to avoid answering the question.

He chuckled. “I just want to confirm for myself what I’ve been told, Alakath. I’m willing to take your word on whether she is or not these things.” His tongue began whipping at the air more frequently now. “Now, is she, or isn’t she, pleasant to the eyes?”

“You know I find all kinds attractive, right?” I asked, once again attempting to avoid the question.

“So, you think she is then?” he hissed. “I expected you to bring her here, knowing you wouldn’t leave her alone in your home.” He slithered over to me, his tail wrapping around as to surround me. His rattles at the end of his tail vibrating slowly. “Now, tell me, Alakath,” He said, constricting his tail around me, not so much that he was hurting me, I knew he wouldn’t hurt me, but enough to make breathing a chore. “Would I take pleasure in seeing her? Yes or no?” He tightened his squeeze with each of the last three words. I looked at his eyes, and I could see that he wasn’t enjoying doing this. It was obvious at this point that Jonah had put him up to it. I figured I’d turn this around by asking about that.

“What does Jonah have on you?” I asked. The snake smiled at this and loosened his grip instantly. “I know you don’t believe that the Feral under my care poses any risk to the city. I would have registered her if I felt she did.” I leaned in a bit. “You and I both know I’m better at judging character.” He nodded at this. “So, Jonah has some dirt on you and wants you to probably deport her so he can sweep her up and force into his ‘brothel’, right?” The snake nodded.

“Please understand, Alakath. What he’s found on me cannot be made public. And as much as I trust you, please understand my silence in regard to what it is. If I withdraw the warrant, what can you do to help me?” He asked, almost begging.

“All I can do, is when he goes public with it, I can be a respectable voice saying that what he’s saying is false. You know most people respect me when I take a position on something. Would that be enough?” I offered to him, and I was being honest in saying so. He paused a moment as he weighed his options, which were to take my offer and rely on me as a character witness to counter the leak by Jonah, or to not to and, well, I don’t want to know what he would have done in that case.

Fortunately, he nodded his assent. “Very well, why don’t you become a diplomat for us, eh?” he chuckled. I had actually considered it when I quit the Army, but decided that exploring the jungles and deserts of the world was more fulfilling. I chuckled with him though. “I’ll rescind the warrant on your home. Now, I’ll see you out now, yes?” I nodded.

I followed him through the halls as he led me to the front of the courthouse. When we reached the entryway, where the hare was once again sitting, he bid me farewell and turned towards the girl, asking if she was comfortable and what not. I do believe he is the only noble, besides the King, who is genuinely concerned with the welfare of the court staff.

As I was returning to Johan’s shop, I bumped into Beauregard. He let out a pompous huff before storming towards the court. No doubt he forced entry and found nothing…nothing but the dresses and panties I had bought the day before. And extra food. The food wasn’t a concern, but the feminine clothing? That might cause issue with him. It just might give him the wrong idea about the situation. Fortunately, Louis trusts me more than his own inspector.

I arrived at Johan’s shop without further incident. When I got inside, neither Johan nor Snowtail were anywhere to be seen. And the bell didn’t ring. I quickly shut the door and tested the lock. It was broken. The bell itself was on the ground, nearly flattened. I quickly ran to the counter and looked behind it.

All that was visible was a rug. I knew this rug very well, since Johan kept it covered, “except for emergencies” he would always say. I knew exactly what he meant by that. I went to pull it back when the door that was underneath flew open.  I heard Johan’s voice speaking in the Feral tongue. He stopped when he turned about and saw me.

“Thank the gods!” he cried. “Jonah’s men came not too long ago. I got her to hide in my cellar here while I shooed them away. We were already down there, more space for language lessons when I heard the door slam open. It knocked my bell off its post even! Anyway, they didn’t see her, but somehow they knew she was here.” He slowed down and caught his breath for a moment. “How did the chat with the Inspector General go?”

“I confirmed with him that Jonah is indeed involved with this. He had blackmailed Louis to get him to have a warrant for a search on my house. Likely to have it set up for Snowtail to be deported, except he would capture her before that would happen, or just afterwards. Good thing he’s not quite as selfish as the other nobles. Otherwise, it would have been impossible for me to talk him out of it,” I answered.

But this brought another question to bear. What was he aiming for? This was way too much trouble to be trying to bring another girl into his trap. Even this level of coercion was beyond his normal methods. He preferred tricking and blackmailing the girls themselves, not resorting to this. Plus, he hated all Ferals, and wanted them all exterminated like pests.

“Hai, Alakath?” she came up out of the burrow. I looked over towards her and smiled. “Bad people gone?” I nodded. “For now, at least. So, is Johan a good teacher?”

She nodded. “Yes. I can’t speak perfect yet, but with time and patience, which Johan has plenty, I get there.” She smiled. “He said should write some, too. Maybe in book like you do?”

“That would be a good idea. It would help with improving your sentence structure,” I said. “Have one on had I could buy Johan?”

“Only this one,” he said, and pulled a large, bulky book out of a case. “It’s expensive though. Technically, I’m only to sell it to the nobility, though.” I chuckled.

“You did say she is a princess,” I said. She looked confused when I said this. “Princess?” she asked. I nodded. “Yes. A princess, daughter of a king, or in your case, Kruum. I think it’s appropriate to say you’re royalty in your own right.” I added with a smile. She returned the smile. “May I buy it for her?” I asked, turning towards Johan.

“Not allowed to sell it for less than one thousand Furre. I know you don’t have that on hand, friend. If it got out I sold this without proper authorization and for less than the legal amount on it, I’d lose this shop,” he said, sadness filling his eyes. “Maybe the bookkeeper across town? Think she’s closed at this time though.” I nodded. “I’ll try that then. You know I try to buy from you when I can.”

“I know, Alakath, and it’s much appreciated,” he responded, a smile creeping back onto his face. “Anyways, be careful going home. There’s no telling where Jonah’s goons are lurking.”

“I will, Johan, but first,” I said turning towards the foxy girl, “What should I call you?”

She smiled when I asked her that. “Really? You want to know what I,” she pointed to herself, “want to be called?” I nodded. She bounced happily before regaining her composure. “Well, since my name in your tongue is ‘Starlight’, that?” I nodded.

“Ok, Starlight. I like it. Just as beautiful as you,” I nodded my head towards her. She giggled. “Now, let’s get home. It’ll be dark soon, and those bad men may be waiting on us along the way.” She nodded and waved at Johan.

“See you tomorrow, Johan,” I told him. He just nodded and proceeded to clean up his store. His expression seemed more depressed than normal, though. I figured I’d check up on him later.

The trek home took longer than normal, largely because I avoided the main thoroughfares I normally took. I kept an eye and ear open for anyone suspicious, or anyone I knew to work for Jonah. Fortunately, no one followed us or got in our way. That being said, I knew someone had to be relaying information to Jonah about me and my new protégé, otherwise, Jonah wouldn’t have sent men to Johan’s shop while I was at the court.

I opened the door, unlocked as expected, and went to walk inside. However, a movement near my counter hinted that I shouldn’t. Before I could get back down the steps to the ground, a large figure emerged from beside my house. Standing at approximately eight feet tall was a brutish looking shark in a burgundy suit. In the poor light, I couldn’t tell if it was Jonah, or his brother, Judah. Either one spelt trouble. The easiest way to tell them apart was if he spoke, it was Jonah. If not, most likely Judah.

“Judah, why are you here?” I asked, knowing that Jonah would have opened his vile mouth by now.

“Silence, cat,” he growled. “Our prize is the silver one.” I pulled my sword, which was always by my side, and pointed it at him.

“She goes nowhere, shark. You and your pals better move on,” I said, hoping that I wasn’t about to be too outnumbered. He chuckled.

“No, cat. It is you who should move, unless a swift death you seek,” he smirked at this, and slowly, out of every shadow it seemed, more of Jonah’s men emerged. Even with my superior training, there were too many to take on all at once. Starlight was standing behind me, but instead of cowering, she was standing firm, standing to my back in such a way as to prevent ambush. A movement along my roof also caught my attention. It wasn’t one of his lackeys, but another figure, who just placed a blue finger over the cowl covering the mouth.

Still, given the number difference, it was a hopeless situation. The absence of a guard patrol, which was usually frequent in this area, was alarming. This had Jonah’s prints all over it. I just didn’t understand what his interest was.

“Enough!” a loud bellow rang out from down the street. All the thugs, save Judah, fled at the sight of the voice’s owner. I glanced over and couldn’t suppress a smile. It was an old friend of mine from the Army, Berith Strongmouth. A fitting name for what he’s turned out to be. Even in the Army, he was a ferocious warrior, and has become terrifyingly more so since he left. It’s rumored he took out a Feral clan single handedly, and not a weaker clan either, but one competing with Bruumweild for dominance. That’s another story for another time though.

Berith is one hell of a bear. He stands a solid seven feet tall, his bulging muscles obvious even through his fluffy brown fur. He wields not one, but two massive great axes that normal men like myself struggle to wield with two hands, and he holds one in each!

Judah looked his way and grinned. “So, Bertha comes to play with Judah? Sorry but here isn’t the place for it.” He turned to me before continuing. “Bring the prize to Jonah, or life will be hell from now on.” He said as he walked off.

“You okay, Alakath?” Berith’s booming voice asked. “And who’s this little minx? She almost looks Feral.” He guffawed at this. Starlight started blushing at this, but before I could say anything, she spoke.

“I look Feral because I am. I am Skaalliit Kolvlein. ‘Starlight Snowtail’ in your words.” She began to tremble a bit as she continued. “I am the youngest, and only surviving daughter of Kruum Dakkniit Kolvlein, ‘King Darknight Snowtail’. I am under the care of Alakath, until such time as I am able to function on my own here.” She stopped here, unable to control herself anymore. She fell to her knees and began sobbing. This is when the figure from the roof jumped down. I glanced over and immediately recognized the shirt. I had bought it for Amaka earlier that day. The figure pulled down the cowl, and indeed it was the bunny thief.

“I was hoping to find you first,” she said. “I saw them setting up their ambush and wanted to warn you, but I take it you took a long way home?” I nodded. “Of course you did, I knew you did and still perched on the wrong end,” she nervously chuckled.

“You know this hoodlum?” Berith asked, perplexed by the thief’s attempt at assistance.

“Yeah, I’ve helped her out of a few patches, more than she’s aware of even. I bought her that shirt earlier today even,” I answered. And it’s true. I’ve kept the law off of her more than she realizes. More stories for another time. “What did you do with the torn one by the way?”

“Same as all the other torn up shirts. I fashioned it into a wrap,” she said. “These girls will smack me in the face if I don’t keep ‘em wrapped up somehow,” she hefted her breasts up slightly as she said this, I think to emphasize her point. “And that’s not a comfortable feeling whatsoever.” She sighed nervously, perhaps from trying to explain a feminine issue to a couple of men. “Anyway, I do appreciate what you do for me. I figured this would be the one time I could do something for you, you know?” She chuckled softly, “But I fucked that up, just like I fuck every good thing I try to do up.” Tears started to well up in her eyes. I knelt down and pulled her into a hug.

“Thank you,” I whispered in her ear. I know what she’s talking about. She’s tried doing things the right way before, and ended up in an even worse position for it. In fact, her last attempt at doing things the right way ended up with Jonah going after her. He still is even now, but she’s been able to avoid his clutches. “I know you’re doing your best. That’s all anyone can ask of you. You’ve been dealt a shitty hand of cards, but I promise you’re doing a better job than most right now.” I pulled out of the hug, leaned back and smiled at her. She looked at me through the glistening tears in her eyes and just mouthed “Thanks”. She tried to smile, but the tears wouldn’t let her.

I picked her up and carried her inside my house. Starlight and Berith both followed me inside. I laid her down on my bed and lit some candles. The thugs had completely destroyed Starlight’s corner of the room. The bed was shattered into pieces. The mattress was shredded and covered in urine and fecal matter. The clothes I had bought for her were similarly covered. All the food had been eaten. My firewood was flung all over the place. Both toilets were shattered as well. All told, they had to have done several thousand Furre worth of damage. Given the state, there was no way either Starlight or myself were going to sleep here tonight. I quickly checked my bed to ensure I didn’t inadvertently lay Amaka down in excrement. Luckily, my bed wasn’t defiled. Damaged, yes, but no body fluids were present.

“Why would people do this?” Starlight asked. Berith spoke before I could.

“Intimidation. Make his life pure hell so that he hands you over to Jonah soon. But I know this guy,” he said with a smirk. “It’ll take more than a little property damage to crack him, eh?” I laughed at his humor, partly because it was true.

“Right,” I laughed. “Don’t worry, Starlight. You’re safe as long as you’re with me.” I checked on Amaka after saying that. She was still crying. She jerked when I nudged her shoulder. “Are you going to be ok?” She nodded.

“Sorry,” she sniffled as she sat up. “I just needed a moment.” She smiled as she glanced at me. Then she sighed. “I would have stopped them if I could, but there were at least twenty of them and only one little me. Plus,” she started. I put a finger over her mouth, guessing what she was about to say.

“I know. I know. You did all you could do, which is way more than most, Amaka,” I told her. “At least you have the courage to try and stand up to Jonah, instead of letting him always have his way.” I rubbed her shoulder for a bit. “Hell, I’d say you’re a brave thief, much less a brave girl. Most girls in your situation would already have found themselves in Jonah’s trap, but you’ve kept ahead of him so far. Your life would make for one hell of a tale, you know?” She was almost beaming by this point. “I know I’d read it. You keep a journal, right?” She shook her head. “Well, I’m going to the bookkeeper’s tomorrow to get Starlight one. I’ll get you one as well, sound good?” She nodded. “Good, now thanks to Jonah’s goons, no one will be sleeping here tonight, since they demolished the place. You wouldn’t happen to know a place Starlight at least can rest?” She paused for a moment. Then her eyes lit up.

“There’s a battlement atop the western wall I camp out at sometimes. The stairs inside it fell apart some time ago, but it’s not that difficult of a climb. Just have to time it between patrols.” I turned to Starlight.

“How’s your climbing?” She laughed.

“Me? Climb? I can out-climb anyone, especially this short chubby rabbit,” she smiled at Amaka, I think to show that she’s being playful. Amaka grinned, no doubt seeing it as a challenge. “Alright then, whenever ya’ll are ready, follow me.” I held up a hand and walked Starlight away for a bit so I could talk to her out of their earshot.

“Listen, for tonight, follow Amaka’s lead, ok?” she nodded. “I know the battlement she’s talking about. I can’t scale it, but it will be safe from Jonah’s men.” She stepped closer to me.

“What about you? What will you do?” She asked, a look of concern in her eyes.

“Don’t worry. I won’t be far from there, but it’ll be safer for you to be up there,” I assured her. “Come, we need to get moving.”

We walked back over to where Amaka and Berith were standing. “Okay, Amaka. Keep her safe for me,” she instantly shot a confused look at me.

“What about you? Ain’t you coming too?” I shook my head.

“No, I know the battlement you’re talking about. I nearly broke my neck trying to scale it when I was younger. I know full well I can’t scale it now either. And I doubt you want Berith here taking up what little space you’re going to have up there.” She nodded at that. “So, I’m going to camp out in the jungle near that battlement.” I glanced over at Berith. “Big bear here is welcome to accompany me, but we’d have to be careful not to get a scouting party’s attention. It would be easier if it were just me out there.” Berith nodded at this.

“I don’t think Jonah knows yet that I’m here, so I’ll keep to the tavern so as not to draw unnecessary attention,” he said. I nodded my agreement with his plan.

“Right, so you girls get going. The sooner you’re up there, the sooner you get to rest.” They both nodded and took off. I turned towards Berith and shook his paw. “Thanks, brother.”

“Anytime,” he said as he made his way to the tavern. This left just me to get out to the jungle.

Normally, going to the jungle would just be as easy as walking out the front gate. Only now, though, that gate was secured shut. There would be an entire battalion of soldiers standing guard there alone, taking shifts ensuring the Feral don’t come in, and brigands and whatnot also don’t cause issues there. However, there was one place in the wall I knew I’d have a chance to go through. I actually could possibly rest in this spot myself, as most guards are completely unaware of it. However, I needed to be close to where Amaka and Starlight were going to be, to make sure they were safe. The other problem I could foresee with this plan, is that the spot I needed to use to get outside the city was close to Jonah’s brothel. Close enough that I could be spotted as I approached the hole. Being targeted by Jonah’s men for a second time was not a situation I wanted, so I’d have to be extremely careful.

Yet even that wasn’t the worst problem I faced doing this. It’s a forgotten, unguarded hole for a reason. The hole only takes you inside the city wall. Once there, it’s a labyrinth to find your way out. The exit is directly on the other side of the city. It comes out directly underneath the battlement the girls are to be climbing. I had no way of predicting what I would run into inside this maze. The last time I went through, I was nearly eaten by a massive snake. Gods only knew if it was still alive in there. Or if something worse had moved in.

All of this was going through my mind as I meandered through the dark alleyways and streets of the city. Soon, the bright lights of Jonah’s brothel were in plain sight. The hole I wanted was directly behind this eyesore. I kept to the shadows as best as I could as I passed the brothel. I’d burn the place down if I could, but knowing Amaka’s mother, and a host of other innocent women, were forced to live there is the only thing that stopped me. I made it behind the brothel and to the hole completely undetected and crawled inside.

I paused a few minutes to allow my eyes to adjust to the darkness. This is why I’m thankful for my feline eyes. I need very little light to see what’s around me. The almost total silence within the wall was deafening. No wind. No water drops. No skittering of mice or insects. The further from the hole I was, the less outside ambience I could hear. My own steps seemed as loud as thunder to my ears. This alarmed me. Anything here that didn’t like company knew I was here now. Fortunately, I nothing seemed to be stirring nearby. I tread as lightly as I could, as slowly as I needed. I knew the general layout of the wall, but the beating it had taken over the years had caused parts of the interior to collapse. However, that wouldn’t become an issue for me until I was close to the western side. For now, I just needed to make my way north until I couldn’t any more, then start heading west. After an hour or so, I got to my turning point and began heading westward.

The north was, until the last attack, where the barracks was located. The Ferals managed to release a toxic gas into them that continues to persist to this day. I could only hope that the walls were still intact, or at least, enough of the gas had dissipated that I wouldn’t die from the toxin. I approached one of the two doors that lead from the barracks to the wall interior. The room I could see through the glass window was still filled with a heavy, purple cloud. So the barracks remained perfectly sealed. This was a relief.

I slowly made my way to the gap between the barracks and outer wall. I began to walk between them when I heard it. I turned around, and slowly slithering my way was a giant snake. Probably the same one I encountered last time. I could hear its tongue flicking out about. The tongue alone had to be coming out about four foot or so. The one thing I knew for sure about this snake was that it was blind. It saw by smelling with its tongue, and could hear the slightest sound.

 Odds are it heard me walking about and came my way to investigate. I slowly continued to squeeze between the barracks and outer wall, believing that the snake wouldn’t fit, given that I barely fit. The snake bumped into the corner of the barracks just as I slipped out of the tongue’s reach. It tried to squeeze into the gap, but couldn’t get its body oriented correctly. It let out an exasperated hiss before turning around and leaving.

I let out a sigh of relief when BOOM, the snake slammed into the gap as hard as it could. I could start to smell something odd. I had to start moving fast. BOOM the snake made another impact with the wall. I could audibly hear the barracks wall starting to crack, and the odor of the toxin seeping out got stronger. However, this only seemed to agitate the snake even more as it continued slamming into the gap harder and harder.

I was moving through the gap as fast as I could when my leg suddenly gave under me. I kept crawling away, but more and more of my body stopped cooperating. I could only think that it was the end for me. I’m thankful that it wasn’t the case.

I came to just outside the wall, by the hole I was aiming for at that. Looking at me was a familiar face, but one I didn’t have a name for. Standing next to him, though, was Starlight. She was talking to the male about something in the Feral tongue. Then it clicked.

He was a Feral I had rescued a few weeks ago from a wild boar. He had somehow gotten separated from his party when he stumbled into a wild boar and her young. The poor lad didn’t stand a chance and was only alive because I was able to draw her away before she gored him to death.

Starlight shoved a leaf into my mouth and moved my jaw to chew it, then coaxed my throat to swallow it. I felt extremely sick, probably from both the toxin, and this apparent antidote for the toxin. But the fact that I was breathing, and now conscious, was an improvement from earlier. I could only wonder how I got lucky to be outside and not either dead in that snake’s gullet, or dead underneath some rubble.

My thoughts were interrupted though when Starlight took a bowl of some warm liquid, an herbal tea by its taste, and poured it into my mouth. By this point, I had gained enough motor control to swallow on my own. When she realized this, Starlight began smiling, almost affectionately so. Over time, I began to feel the blood flow in my arms and legs again. It took more time, and more of that combination of leaf and tea, for enough of my strength to return to my limbs so that I could at least sit up on my own without being supported. I glanced over my shoulder and saw that it was Amaka I was propped up against. She smiled at me, then at the two Ferals who were working together to save me. I don’t know when, but I passed out again.

When I woke up, the male Feral was gone, but both Amaka and Starlight were curled up next to me, Starlight to my rear, Amaka to the front. It was still early morning, but a hint of the impending sunrise was visible over the trees. Apparently, my stirring woke the two girls up, as they both began stretching and got up on their feet. It took a minute, but I managed to stand up on my own, at which point Snowtail slapped me hard enough to send me reeling…and back down onto my rump. I was nearly back on my feet again when Amaka slapped me much harder than Snowtail did, sending me flat on my back. Before I could stand up again, Starlight pounced on top of me, pinning my arms in place.

“You lucky! I hear collapsing inside wall! Amaka go investigate. Sees you lying in pool of poison. Has me come help drag your heavy self out! Chance that Yaarliit Dookhiin come. You save him before. He happen have ingredient for cure! He instruct me and Amaka on how to make it. We give it, then sleep by you to keep warm!” The Feral girl yelled, clearly upset at how worried I made her.

I couldn’t even choke out an apology, as she was sitting in such a way I had trouble breathing. I didn’t think she weighed a lot. Maybe she didn’t, but I was still too weak to do much. Before Amaka was able to pull her off, though, she leaned in and gave me a firm kiss on the lips. “You make me worry, Alakath. Please, don’t do again,” she said before kissing me again, this time more gently. When she pulled back, she released my arms and got off of me. Each of them offered a hand, to help me up, which I gladly took and they pulled me up onto my feet. I still lacked the strength, and air, to speak, so we just stood there in silence as the blood flow slowly continued to reinvigorate my body.

“Alakath?” Amaka asked. I looked at her, and waited on her to continue. “Um, what was that?” I guess my expression betrayed my confusion as to what she was referring to. “That stuff you were lying in? It smelled horrible.” I could barely nod my agreement with her assessment.

“Bruumweild poison,” Starlight answered for me. “They make it for generations, each generation seems to make it more strong. They attack here many year ago, breach wall, inject toxin into soldier house. I know this too well,” she drooped her head at this. “They made us Tabirai do it, knowing most of us would die from the poison. I was lucky. A man pulled me from wall, similar as we just did Alakath. Except, before I could recover, he was ran off by Bruumweild.”

I was stunned by this. She just described exactly what happened ten years ago. And I had pulled a young girl from the wall who was inflicted by the poison. I had just enough of a medicine we had for it left to administer to her. Is Starlight that same girl? Only difference, was that it wasn’t the Bruumweild that ran me off. It was my own men. They then left the poor girl there to die from the heat.

“Oh, that’s terrible!” Amaka cried. “You could have been saved from the Ferals sooner?” Starlight nodded. I began coughing when I tried to speak, but finally found the air to speak.

“You’re her? I pulled a girl out of the wall all those years ago, sick with that same toxin. I had some medicine on me then we were able to develop for it and gave it to her. I would have brought her in, but my own men threatened to kill me if I even tried to bring her in. Could you really be that same girl?” Starlight looked amazed.

“You save me then? But… I woke up after being given cure in Bruumweild camp again. Why you leave me then?” Starlight looked at me, fury starting to develop in her eyes. Amaka stepped in.

“He wasn’t given a choice, didn’t you hear? His men would have killed him, and likely you as well, if he stayed! He’s done all he can then and now to ensure you’re alive!” Amaka was starting to tear up at this, and was being louder than ideal. “Can’t you just be thankful towards him?” Starlight sighed at this.

“You right, Amaka. I should be. I would have died long before had he not tried to save me.” She stepped in for another kiss after that.

“Can you stop that!?” Amaka cried out. “We need to be moving!”

I nodded at that, still not quite yet able to speak at will. I staggered towards the front gate, the two ladies following behind to ensure I didn’t collapse again.

Eventually, we made it to the gate, which had just opened for the day and was manned only by a couple of guards, who immediately ran over to me when they saw me.

“Alakath! What happened to you?” The senior of the two asked. I recognized him, as he was a new Private placed under me right before the attack. I was too exhausted from that short walk to reply. Thankfully, Amaka was a more than willing mouthpiece.

“I saw him get attacked by this huge snake! It got lucky and nipped him where the sun don’t shine and…” one of the guards cut her off.

“Okay! We get it, kid. Get him to the hospital pronto, got it?” the senior guard directed them. Amaka and Starlight both nodded and we prod along towards the hospital, so as to fool the guard into thinking we went there. I knew I’d catch hell later for it, but it was the best thing to do at the moment.

As soon as we were out of the guards’ sight, we veered off into an alleyway to allow me to catch my breath for a moment. Although, as we had been walking, I could feel the strength return to my body. The movement increased the blood flow to my muscles, which in turn helped purge the toxin.

“What now?” Amaka asked. I handed her a few Furre.

“First, go to the bookkeeper’s and buy yourself and Starlight a journal. After that, get yourselves some breakfast then meet me at Johan’s,” I told them, my voice finally returning to full control.

“What about you?” Amaka asked, clearly concerned about my strength.

“I’ll be fine as long as I’m alone right now,” I told them. “Starlight, I need you to stick with Amaka for a bit longer, ok?” She nodded. “Good, I’ll see you both at Johan’s then.” They both nodded as they walked down the way towards the bookstore. I stretched a couple of minutes to help strengthen the blood flow to my limbs before walking towards Johan’s. Before I began moving though, I went to grab my journal to take the moment to write down the recent events. Of course, it wasn’t there. I think I know where it may have fallen out, but that damned snake can keep it. I’m not venturing back into that poison just for some damn book.

I made it to Johan’s shop without incident. Or, rather, what was left of his shop. The Feral wolf was standing a good ten or fifteen feet away from what was now a blazing inferno. I clamped a hand on his shoulder and he jumped at my touch. He turned to face me, tears flowing down his scruffy cheeks.

“Why did you bring her?” He asked, his voice barely coherent from having been crying for a long period.

“I couldn’t leave her out there to die,” I answered. “You know I don’t leave anyone to die unless there’s nothing to be done.” He nodded at this, knowing it to be true. “Did Jonah do this?”

“Who else could it be?” Johan asked. But he answered himself. “But someone is pulling his strings. Has to be.” I nodded, having the same belief. “He blackmailed nobility, sent goons here and your home. Ransacked your home and torched my store. There has to be another involved. Has to be,” He started muttering.

“Holy fuck!” a familiar voice rang out from behind us. I turned and saw Amaka and Starlight running towards us. “How did this happen?!”

“I think you know,” I answered. Amaka could only mouth “Jonah?” I nodded.

“Why does this Jonah do this?” Starlight asked. “What Johan do to deserve?” Someone else spoke up before I could say anything.

“My, my. So this is that Feral minx I’ve been hearing about,” the voice said. I didn’t need to turn around to know it was Jonah himself. “Well, be a good slave and come here.”

“She’s going nowhere near you, fuckface!” Amaka yelled at him, her hand went to a well concealed handle on her backside. “Who the fuck do you think you are?!”

“Why, I own this Tabira, you see?” He smirked. “I gave Kruum Bruumweild the best of my harem, including one Angie LeRoe, in exchange for this one.” Amaka’s limbs went limp at hearing her mother’s name. “Now, Skaalliit, come.”

“No,” the Feral fox responded. “I serve no one any longer. I am my own master!” The shark just laughed.

“Of course you are, of course you are,” He just smiled a large, toothy grin. “So, how about you come along, and I won’t have to hurt your friends anymore?”

“What are you playing at?” I asked him. “We all know you despise Ferals. I don’t believe you made a deal with one.” His smile momentarily faded at that. “Who’ve you really struck a deal with?”

“Hmph, so the alley cat saw through my ruse, eh?” He chuckled. “Well, if you really must know, bring her to my hotel tonight. Make sure her attire is more flattering than that silly dress she’s in. Do this, and you will personally meet my,” he hesitated before continuing. “My business partner.” His predatory grin returned in full at this. “And Johan,” he began. The wolf didn’t bother looking towards him. Just at the burning ruin that was his shop. “I will reimburse you for the damages to your petty shop, in exchange for delivering either of these ladies to me this evening.” The shark chuckled a bit. “Double, if you deliver both.” His grin flashed once more, before he turned to return to his “hotel”.

I looked towards Johan. His hands were balled into tight fists, clenched so hard that they were shaking. Tears were rolling down his already soaked cheeks as he stared at his livelihood burning. He began screaming, entirely in the Feral tongue. Snowtail walked over, took his face in her hands, and began talking to him, also in the Feral language. After a bit, he just collapsed onto his knees, and began to sob uncontrollably.

I knelt down beside him and tried my best to console him. I didn’t have long before a gentle tug at the back of my shirt pulled me away from him. I glanced at the owner of the trembling blue paw before standing and facing her. I knew exactly what she was about to ask.

“I think he was bluffing about your mom,” I told her. She started to smile at that. “But if he’s willing to bluff about trading her off, then he’s probably willing to actually do something to her soon.” Her smile began to fade.

“What would he do?” she asked.

“That, I don’t know,” I answered. “But we can’t let him have his way, you know?” Amaka nodded. “We need to come up with a plan that will get the King involved.”

“Because Jonah has the police in his pocket, right?” Amaka asked. “Is that why the King needs to be involved?” I nodded. “Well,” she hesitated a moment. “I may have overheard something between him and a dark furred noblewoman.”

“Really? Why would that be relevant?” I asked, cutting her off. Could my opinion of the King be wrong?

“Because, the noblewoman was talking about needing a new maid or something. Her husband had ‘scared off’ the last one. The King had offered to allow her to hire any member of the court staff and recommended some Heather gal.” I smirked at the name, figuring it to be referring to the same person that I saw at the court building. “But the noblewoman said that her husband had arranged for a new one to be delivered to him by tomorrow morning. The King got annoyed I think, because his voice got stern all of a sudden, saying that if her husband smuggled another migrant into the city he’d personally hang both the noblewoman’s husband and herself.”

As soon as she mentioned smuggling migrants, I knew exactly who she was talking about. Liam LeBaptiste. The only reason the King had tolerated his disreputable behavior was because he was the General in charge of the city defense ten years ago and was credited with saving the city. This was also Beauregard’s father. Unlike his son, he had no problems with Ferals. In fact, he was known for having female Ferals kidnapped and smuggled into the city to use as “maids”. Knowing his disposition and reputation for maltreatment of female workers, he would be a likely culprit in terms of being Jonah’s “business partner.”

“Think you can safely eavesdrop on Jonah’s place tonight?” I asked. She nodded, although her trembling hinted at expected reservations. “Don’t do it if you can’t, ok? I think I know who that nobleman is, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he is the one. If you’re more comfortable with someone else, tail General LeBaptiste. I think he’s that noblewoman’s husband you overheard the King talk to.”

“I’ll do that instead,” Amaka said. “Just tail him?” I nodded.

“If he is indeed behind Jonah’s antics, then we need solid proof of what transpires between the two.” My mind began to wander, bouncing around the ramifications this would have in the court if my assumption was correct. A tugging at my elbow brought my attention back.

“Alakath,” Starlight called. “Here book for you. Book seller gave us third one. Some kind of ‘sale’ she called it.” She pressed a black, leather journal into my hands. “Figured you use when other filled?”

“My old one fell out of my pack at some point,” I said. “Lucky break eh?” I chuckled and placed the new journal into my pack.

“When should I start tailing him?” Amaka asked.

“Sundown,” I said. “No need to sneak around him while he’s at home beating on one of the few girls he has there still. Don’t need you getting riled up, ok?” She nodded. “Until then, let’s just lay low and try to rest up. Keep Johan here company.” He smiled a bit.

We debated a bit on where to go, the city Fire Marshall had finally arrived and was directing some of his men in putting out the blazing shop. And since none of us were present when the fire began, none of us had much to say to him about what we knew of the fire. Only our theories, which were useless to him.

We decided to go to a Tavern, the “Thirsty Wench”. This was the same Tavern that Berith frequented at night, as he was sweet on one of the barmaids that worked in the evening. We, that is myself, Amaka, and Starlight, settled into one of the corner booths and took some time to relax. Jonah had decided he would go back to his small home, to fetch a few things and would meet us later in the day. I felt now was a good time to put that new journal to use and jot all this down. Hope I didn’t forget anything…