Rage of Innocents
Tygra walked threw the Lair enjoying the first peaceful day in quite a while. Walking buy the library he decided he'd catch up on his reading. Jagara had given them many old books from before the destruction and he was fascinated by the history he'd ignored as a boy. Running his fingers over the spins lightly he stopped on black book with green writing. 'Seth' was the only writing on the cover, he sat it on a table and opened it. He noticed with a small start the pages were inked in red, with a shrug he began to read.
* * *
The Snarf was Seth's Court Jester in title, but everyone knew he was Seth's chief spy and advisor, and that his soul was almost as dark as his masters. "I demand service!" He bellowed to the beautiful panthress before him.
Panthrine glanced coldly at the diminutive pest. "I know the service you want you miserable wretch. Pry open your coin purse and find a Tavern Wench!"
"Why you!" The Snarf said stepping toward her.
"Watch it furrball, my husband is Kirin. You touch me and he'll ram his pike up your ass and roast you on the spit!"
The Snarf like his master, a coward at heart left with a dark look. "This isn't over."
* * *
Ruka stood proud before the council. His uniform was pressed the boots polished and the leather oiled, the armor gleamed.. His face suffused with pride and purpose was not the face of the child but of the man that child had become. He had committed the unpardonable act. He had disobeyed his lord Seth's orders.
The jackal's strong pride had been stung and he could not allow that to pass as he had allowed a right and justice to pass. He had called the insult to everyone's attention and him being lord the almost all had turned on the young cat with out a second thought, Seth was Lord that meant he was right.
"You betrayed me." He said menacingly to the young man standing before him.
"My liege I had to dis obey!" Ruka protested. "How could I kill a single woman with her child? There is no honor in that sire!"
"I don't care who she was!" Seth snapped. "She refused to pay her taxes and I ordered her death!" He was enraged now his voice rockets off the tall ceilings. "You will do as I say and you will find honor in my orders!"
Ruka looked into the mad eyes of his ruler. "Coward." He whispered, he reach down to his belt placing his hand to the insignia, it warmed at his touch and separated from the belt. Looking his former lord in the eye he dropped the insignia to the ground. The echos of the clattering disc were loud in the suddenly silent room. "I will not follow one who will not stand for right." The young cat spun smartly on his heal and walked out his shoulders back and his head high.
"You can't quit!" Seth shouted.
"I can't?" Ruka asked without turning back.
"I have not given you permission to leave!"
The former knight stopped at this and turned back to the ones who had been his family, he saw the hardness in their eyes. "So I have been fired." He said with a smile. "Funny I remember quitting first." With that he left, Seth was so outraged he didn't think to order him stopped and all the others were to fearful of his wrath to move.
That night at the banquet hall everyone was whispering at Ruka's desertion and fearing Seth's ill temper as he chewed silently on a lamb. Panthrine had completely forgotten her encounter as she ate and laughed with her husband, the wine was a trifle tart and before long she fell asleep.
"Your wife can't hold her liquor Kirin." The Snarf said mockingly.
Kirin smile lovingly at his wife and picked her up gently. "Perhaps, but maybe she'd just tired, I think we will go to bed."
The Snarf seethed at the loving tone in Kirin's voice, an evil plan formed in his mind.
Panthrine awoke the next morning covered in her dead lovers blood, on the wall written in that same blood was "I told you it wasn't over." She wept long and hard, clutching her husbands pike to her chest, then slowly she grew calm. "Its not over." She whispered to the air. "Not over at all."
* * *
In his hidden cabin deep in the dark woods Sukoi last of the Royal guard turned in his sleep, his dream to familiar and to horrible. In his dream he was young again and fighting as his family had done for generations to defend his king. His morning star twirled promising a swift and painful end for anyone who challenged it. His four comrades wielded staff sword club and knives with similar efficiency.
The invaders surged into the kings chamber. They fell in mass below the flashing weapons of the defenders but for each that fell two more came in. Before long the Royal Guard was simply overran, Sukoi caught the blunt side of a sword and collapsed to the floor, the blow had split the skin and made his head wound look fatal, for years he'd wished it was and he had died with his friends and for his king.
With a groan he returned to reality and his now 50 year old body. "Getting old." He murmured. He stood up and stretched, listening to his joints crack he remembered a time when they wouldn't have minded if he went from sleep to battle. He smiled grimly those times like his younger self were dead and dust. He put his cloak on over his armor and headed for the Tavern.
Kessler sat in a quit corner of the tavern and sipped his ale. It was his fourth for the morning and he was dragging it out. He always sat with his face hidden but facing the door, to many people hated him to not watch the in comers. He chuckled as a Tiger dressed in the shining armor of Seth walked in, he did a small double take as he noticed the insignia of the royal house was missing. "I'll have to watch that guy." He decided.
Before long the old guy came in. Kessler knew him as a soldier by the way he held himself and moved. "Nothing new there." He thought "That guy comes in here every day, looks like he lost his battle with life." He shrugged, he'd been a soldier to young and idealistic he'd joined the knights of Seth, he'd quicky became disillusioned but the sights he'd seen had scorched his soul.
Soon after his fifth ale a good looking panther walked threw the door, her looks said three things to Kessler. One she had money, two she had no clue why she was here, and three she was damn hot.
Panthrine looked around the tavern doubtfully, she knew she'd need men to help her but it seemed so much easier when she was considering it in the castle. Looking around she saw Ruka sitting morosely at a table. "Lord Ruka?" She asked sitting down.
"Lady Panthrine!" He gasped standing to late to offer her a seat.
"Keep your voice down." She admonished. "I heard what happened in the hall yesterday."
His gaze was proud. "I will not kill with out reason!" He swore softly.
She laid her hand on his mailed arm to calm him. "I know that's why I'm glad you're here." As she spoke her control cracked and he could see the naked pain in her eyes.
"Gods!" He breathed softly. "What happened lady?"
Her shoulders slumped now as she spoke. "The Snarf wanted my favor." She had to stop to control herself.
Ruka's hands clenched in fury, he'd knew the Snarf to be a bastard but to try and coerce a noble.
"I refused him." She said at last. "I told him he could pry open his purse and find a tavern wore." Ruka burst out laughing and even she smiled for a moment, her smile died with her next words. "He said it wasn't over and stormed off, I'd thought he was just trying to save face and dismissed the matter." She had to stop again.
Around the room many had quitted own to listen to the tail, including Sukoi out of pain for the lady, and Kessler out of boredom.
"We had a banquet that night, I think the Snarf drugged my wine. I passed out early and was carried to bed, the next morning I woke up covered in my husbands blood. On the wall written in my beloved's were the words, 'It inst over'." She laid the pike across the table. "It inst over." She whispered.
Ruka saw the steel in her eyes and understood, he placed his hand over hers resting on the pike. "Your husband was an honorable man I saw him many times in battle. I pledge to aid you in your quest for justice."
Both were startled as Sukoi placed his calloused hand on theirs. "Sukoi last of the royal guard at your service m`lady." He looked into her eyes. "I served the true king and now if you would have me, my morning-star will serve you."
Kessler chuckled walking over. "A fossil a girl and a wet eared kitten, you don't have a chance."
Ruka snarled and got ready to try and rip the arrogant lion's throat out, but the cold look on Sukoi's face pinned hi to his chair just like it nailed Kessler to the floor.
"Better an old fossil by her side than a young fool wanting a meaningless death." He said pleasantly, his eye belying the tone of his voice. He lifted his morning star off his belt, the chain retracted making it a mace. "Go back to your battle with your bottle. I'm sure you're capable of finishing it off, and probably several of its friends."
Kessler turned purple for a second and folded a calloused fist, then with out warning he started...laughing. "I like your style!" He crowed, more than a little drunk. Still laughing, he pulled up a chair. "So what's the plan?"
"The plan is for you to get your nose out of our business before I break it!" Ruka hissed. His hand went to the hilt of his sword.
Sukoi leaned back and plopped a foot on the table. "Now now." He admonished with a smile. "Lets see what the master has to say." He looked over at the now empty table. "Why he's already vanquished five foes single handily and before noon."
Kessler sensing that he had been beaten, scooted up to the table. "Look what I said was true." He looked at Sukoi. "You are getting old, and your pet tiger is still wet behind the ears, look how easy I got to him."
Ruka had to admit that to himself, but he'd be damned if he'd give the arrogant lion the satisfaction. "And a drunk is any better?" He asked snidely.
The haze burned from Kessler's eyes like the dawn fog. "What you see isn't always what you get." With a quick motion he sent a dagger across the bar and into the dart board.
"Damn you Kess! I was winning!" One of the players shouted while his opponent looked relieved.
"Fine, you've proven yourself." Panthrine said before anyone could stop her. "The plan is we go to the castle and kill the Snarf and Seth. Any problems?"
"Only three." Kessler said ordering another mug. "The guards and the castle are two of them." He drained the glass and paused. "The biggest problem is I'm out of beer."
Panthrine sighed, realizing it wouldn't be as easy as she'd thought. She turned to Sukoi, the oldest of her new army, "What do you recommend?"
Sukoi considered. "Seth knows he has enemies, and he's taken precautions. Surprise, and ambush are in our favor. If drawn out of their fortifications, we few are at least on more equal ground against them."
Kessler shook his head. "Your right Seth knows he has enemies, it'd take more than the four of us to cause a big enough distraction, let alone an attack."
Ruka nodded. "I hate to admit it but he's right."
Sukoi frowned. "Your right, but I don't see any other possibilities. Were out manned and out gunned."
Kessler grinned suddenly. "I have a friend that might be able to help."
"You'll see, for now it'd be best if you go back to the castle. We'll need information and with you inside we won't have to buy a spy." He looked at Panthrine. "Now lady now you'll see how a gentle man leaves a bar." Sukoi and Ruka grinned. "On three." He said "Three."
Kessler and his companions sprinted out the door, laughing at the enraged shouts following them.
Sukoi laughed as they ran. "I haven't done that in years." The four of them ran laughing trough the streets howling like wild men.
Kessler's eyes were shining. "It's a good day for a revolution!"
Ruka's eyes burned with the blood fever of the tiger clan. "Who is your friend?" He asked.
Kessler slowed to a walk, being cat's they weren't winded from there run. "His name is Cougaro."
"How can he help?" Ruka demanded. Kessler's only reply was to resume running through the woods.
No one talked while they ran Kessler to annoy Ruka, Ruka cause he was annoyed and Sukoi because he thought the whole thing was hilarious.
They came to a small hidden village in the forest, there were only about twenty buildings. "What a dump!" Ruka exclaimed looking around.
A silver steel glaivie stabbed into the ground half an inch from his toe. "I don't take to kindly to being insulted by one of Seth's puppet's a cold voice rang out as a cougar dropped from the tree's.
"Seth's puppet!?" Ruka sputtered enraged. "I am no ones puppet!" He took a step forward
The cougar whistled, twenty arrows ringed the bristling tiger. "Your wearing his armor." He said simply.
Kessler who couldn't stand it any longer burst out laughing. "Cougaro you haven't changed a bit."
The cougar smiled with a gesture his archers reslung their bows and went about their business. "I've changed." He picked up his glaive. "I've learned not to try and out drink you, I still have the scars from hitting the floor." He paused. "You've changed though, not sure I like your new company."
Kessler smiled. "They're not as bad as they seem, the youngest one stormed out of Seth's palace and the older one was a member of the true royal guard." He stopped when he saw Cougaro's face. "You ok man?"
Cougaro waved him off and looked at Sukoi. "Were you really a member of the guard?"
"I was."
Cougaro tossed him the glaive. "Do you recognize that?"
Sukoi's face remained impassive, only his eyes showed surprise. "This belonged to Cougen. Only one of the guard can wield one of the magic weapons." He tossed it back.
"Or one of their blood." Cougaro finished. "He was my father, I am trained and blade born, and I would be honored to fight by your side."
Sukoi nodded. And turned to Kessler. "What's the plan, oh valiant destroyer of ale?"
Kessler grinned. "Sneak in off Seth run like hell."
Sukoi smiled. "Lets find a plan we can live through, Ruka?" He paused looking for the tiger. "Ruka? Where the hell did he go?"
About then Ruka still in full armor ran by chasing a pretty female tiger.
"Gotcha." He exclaimed reaching for her, he was cut off as someone's foot tripped him.
"Found him." Kessler mocked in sing song.
"We need a plan." Ruka announced.
Cougaro smacked him upside the head. "Get your head and your hand out of your pants and listen." Quickly he out lined the plan.
* * *
The morning found our hero's..ok, noon found our hero's (Morning found Ruka 'in the middle of someone..er something and left him alone) outside Seth's castle. There seemed to be a fair of some sort in progress.
"This will be easier than I thought." Cougaro smiled.
"Hope your friends do like they said." Ruka murmured.
"They will, they hate Seth as much as we do." He tapped one of the barrel's on the cart. "You OK in there?"
"No." Came Kessler's muted reply. "This barrels empty!"
"He's ok."
"Yup." With that they headed for the castle. Ruka and Sukie rode horses while Cougaro drove the cart, the cart horses however were war horses, at a moments notice the whole party would be on horse back.
The courtyard looked exactly like a festival. Jugglers minstrels and the occasional pickpocket(Seth's guards) wandered threw a massive crowd. Food venders sold ale by the gallon, strangely enough the four venders in the corners of the yard weren't attracting any customers.
"I don't like this." Sukoi said looking around. "There are no festivals planned for today."
Ruka looked over. "It's an execution." He said softly. "Seth always holds a festival when he kills an innocent."
"An innocent?" Cougaro asked.
"Oh yea, Seth has more fiendish ways of dealing with the guilty."
Sukoi looked around. "I guess we wait."
They emptied the cart and un hitched the horses, they only waited about an hour before Seth appeared, the Snarf jester was with him along with Whiddaw the court wizard.
"My people." Seth called raising his hands for applause. He received them, some from fear some from mindless followers. "Today is a great day." His follower began cheering before he could finish. "We have finally captured the Arche witch Chedra!" He gestured toward the palace.
Two powerfully built lions in shimmering armor carried a struggling for between them, the sex and looks of the figure were unknown as it was carried in a black bag. The lions carried the bag to Seth's plat form and tossed it as his feet, everyone heard the figure inside curse.
"Here's our guest of honor." Seth exclaimed as if it was a grand party, as to him it was. The bag withered and twisted as the person inside struggled to get up. "Oh Im sorry." Seth mocked. "Let me help you up!" He grabbed the top of the bag and jerked it up, with a quick motion he ripped the bag away.
The woman standing there was a cheetah but unlike any cheetah seen before. Taller than average, her coloring while gold and black possessed subtle blue highlights, a small moon shone from her forehead and two tiny horns grew as well. Her dress was long black and flowing as if made of starless sky, her unbound hair flowed in a river to her waist which was encircled by a heavy golden belt.
"Look she has horns!" A woman in the crowd shouted. "She is a demon she has horns! Kill the demon!" She grabbed a tomato from a near by food stand and threw it at the cheetah where it splattered on her back.
"I don't know." Cougaro mused. "I think those horns are kinda cute."
Her hands bound in strange pulsing cuffs she was defenseless at the barrage of fruits flying at her, but her eyes seemed to catch fire. "If my hands were free I'd make you pay for this!" She swore at both Seth and Whiddaw. Whiddaw who was shaking from the effort it took to maintain the blue cuffs blocking the captive's magic blanched, Seth however just laughed.
He addressed the crowd. "People seeing as you've already seasoned her I think burning would be a fitting way to go, how about you?"
A chant of, "Burn the witch, burn the witch." soon echoed threw the courtyard.
Seth bowed low. "As my people command." he gestured again, four men struggled to pull in a cart, mounted in the middle was a shaft of pure thundranim, piled high around the base were oily rags. "Tie her up!" Seth ordered, while being so close to thundraim weakened and sickened them his guards hastened to obey, soon she was tied tightly to the post.
"Ill make you pay." She swore softly, tears glimmered in her eyes, but they were tears of pure rage.
Whiddaw bowed to Seth and stepped forward. "Chedra has been accused and after a fair trial," He chuckled silently. "of the following crimes against the crown. Treason, plotting to over throw the monarchy with her foul magic. Practicing magic against Seth's benevolent wishes. Conspiracy against the crown. Conspiracy to steal the public's gold." He paused. "And most heinously using her powers of alchemy to poison the waters of a local farmer killing his whole family."
"Liar!" Chedra raged. "I didn't kill anyone, I used my powers to try and save that family!"
"I wonder if he's's telling the truth." Sukoi whispered.
"Oh she's telling the truth." Ruka replied. "I heard Seth give the orders to poison the water." Just then Seth himself lit the rags around Chedra.
"We've got to save her!" Cougaro whispered fiercely, Ruka and the others nodded. Cougaro banged the butt of his glaive against the ground, the single bolt of blue light was the signal. "Moments later flaming arrows arced down toward the barrels in the corners, the owners of who were mysteriously absent. One buy one the barrels, filled with oil caught fire and blew. The festival quickly became a riot. People ran to and fro trying to escape what they thought was an attack, they were right.
"For the revolution, for the true king!" Came the battle cry as the members of the restance doffed cloaks revealing armor and weapons bearing the mark of the true order, a black cats head on a red field, while Seth's men wore the red cat on a black field.
Ruka fought with a ferocity not even the other tigers, he used his sword as a club, a staff and a dagger it danced a silvery flash of doom.
Kessler surge forwards cutting his opponents down like chaff it looked like a deadly dance only his partners never rose for a second round.
Sukoi and Cougaro side by side fought their way toward the burning post hoping they would be in time. Sukoi's mace became the whirling morning star its spiked head promising great pain and possible death to any who contested him, very few did. Cougaro used both ends of his glaive bashing and cutting his way through those that wouldn't move, in a matter of moments they were at the post.
Chedra was streaming with sweat but the flames didn't seem to touch her flesh. "Cut my hands free, hurry!" She hollered.
"Cover me." Cougaro said turning his back to Seth's men to aim his blow. Sukoi just grunted. Two swings of the magic blade and the blue bands were gone.
"Free!" Chedra exclaimed. She gestured and the flames surrounding her turned to water and drained away. The moon on her forehead assumed a golden glow. "Whiddaw I'm coming for you!" She howled and started across the courtyard. "No you don't!" She raged when she saw him trying to escape. The air around him erupted into flames blocking his way.
"Capture the witch!" Seth ordered, a few of his guards not currently engaged tossed lariats and pulled them tight, her concentration broken the fires around Whiddaw died. "No!" She screamed, seeing him get away. The ropes binding her became wet dough. "I'll destroy you!"
"Did you see that!?" Ruka shouted amazed. "She made the ropes into noodles."
Kessler smiled but didn't break his attack. "Did you see that?" He mocked "She stole your horse."
The tide of battle began to turn as Seth's men got reinforcements from the castle.
"Retreat!" Cougaro shouted to his men. "The day is ours lets not die for it!" The members of the rebellion fled threw the gates and melted into shadows. Kessler Cougaro and Sukoi mounted there horses and began riding.
"Up you go." Grunted Kessler hauling Ruka over his saddle like a bag of wheat.
Back in the forest camp they treated the injured but at least there were no dead to burry.
"Where's Kessler?" Ruka asked.
"I have no idea." Sukoi said looking around. "What the hell?" He pointed to a barrel of beer with two legs waving out of it.
With a sigh they pulled Kessler away from his prize. "What are you doing?"
Kessler looked up with a sloppy grin. "Well we saved the girl, thought I'd save the beer."
Slaughtering it more likely" Cougaro said looking it. "Yup not a single survivor."
"I brought back your horse."
They turned to find Chedra leading the horse, tied to the saddle bound and gaged was Whiddaw her dress was torn but she was exuberant with her prize. Kessler pointed to Ruka.. "Thanks but we already have a horses ass."
Chedra smiled. "Then maybe you could use a complete horse."
Cougaro stepped forward. "Thank you for bringing back the horse m`lady. If youd like your welcome to stay for dinner, we don't have a lot but its enough to share and perhaps we can find you a new dress."
Chedra smiled, he was staring slightly she was used to that, but he wasn't staring in disgust or curiosity, he looked kind of smitten. "I'd appreciate a good meal but I don't need a new dress." Before anyone could politely or Kessler could point out not so politely that her dress was ruined she splayed her fingers on her chest, the dress mended itself and the stains and dirt vanished.
"How'd you do that?" Ruka ask awestruck.
"My power is alchemamy, what others try to do threw science I can do by will, I changed my dress to an undamaged form and changed the stains and grim into air."
"M`lady." Sukoi began quietly. "If I may ask with out offending you, how did you come by your horns?"
Chedra who knew the question would come was shocked and pleased by his manners. "Tell me." She said. "Have you ever heard of a Lunatak?"
A Lunatak she explained was a creature from a distant planet or the moons of a planet she never was really sure. Her mother was a powerful sorceress although not well done as she lived alone and didn't bother to show off her powers. One day a summoning spell went arye an summoned one of the Lunataks. Specify he was a psi-Lunatak gifted with great mental powers including the ability to control others. Chedra's mom was impressed it was the first time she had met anyone with power to rival her own. Mesmeran was astonished that this short (by his standards) woman was able to block his powers. Grudging respect gave way to honest respect which gave way to friendship and finally love. That Led to Chedra, gifted with her mothers powers of magic and the cheetahs speed, she also possessed her fathers height along with a hint of his blue coloring and of course his horns. His mental powers had blended with her mothers in Chedra and while she couldn't completely control a person she could project her will to many at once. She had refused to join Seth who had believed her powers would be a great asset, therein was her down fall.
"The family Seth destroyed lived near me. Just a man his wife and a few kids, they didn't have much didn't want much." A single tear rolled down her face. "I can still remember their faces as Seth's poison acted, I could see them trying to scream but the toxins had already eaten through there throats. The poison was specially designed, it left them alive as long as possible."
Sukoi laid his hand on her shoulder gently. "Seth will pay, for everything."
"In the mean time." Kessler broke in. "What do we do with this?" He punched the tied Whiddaw in the arm less than playfully.
She pursed her lips thoughtfully. "Arrogant pig has killed hundreds with his magic and almost killed me. I know!" She rested her hands on his forehead. "I'll give him a fitting shape."
Whiddaw screamed through his gag as Chedra's magic raced through his body. His nose turned upwards becoming a snout his ears moved p and flattened with in moments he was a real pig.
Kessler grabbed the squiring pig and jammed it in a box. "A gift for Seth from his public." So inscribed the box was sent by a loyal peasant to Seth's castle. The peasant told them later that Seth had never enjoyed such a good pork dinner.
Seth's attack tore the nights silence to sunder. His men roared into the forest torches ablaze and swords drawn.
"We know there here!" One of Seth's lieutenants called. "Burn it down till you find them!" The dry brush carping the forest floor cracked gleefully as the flames raced over it.
"Wake up! To arms! Were under attack!" Different cries sounded as the flames roared around the rebel camp.
"We have them now!" One of Seth's men yelled victoriously.
"The smoke works for us as much as it does them!" Sukoi called. "Don't run fight!"
Most of the rebellion were farmers and traitors, there weapons sickles and hoes, their armor leather used to protect from plowing and tanning not sword blows. Confronted by mounted troops in Dark armor they were helpless.
"Ruka, Cougaro help me, Kessler get the rest out of here!"
"Like hell!" Kessler snapped, as before the challenge had burned the drunken haze from his eyes. "Ruka, lets see whose sword drinks deeper."
With a roaring battle cry he launched himself into the fray.
Left alone with Sukoi Cougaro surveyed the battle. "The fire's making there horses skittish that helps but they've got us out numbered three to one."
Sukoi nodded mace in hand. "If this is our last battle lets make them pay for it." The battle raged on, Seth's men were trained and armored but took heavy losses against the restance fighters who knew the land smoke or not. But when ever one of Seth's men fell another took his place.
Chedra who had been making an ever better accounting fought to them, Cougaro noticed her black dress had became a suit of chain armor but the golden belt remained around her waist.. "If you can cover me long enough to work my magic we might win yet." She panted.
"Anything's worth a try at this point." Sukoi gasped between breaths, the restance was tired while Seth's troops were backed by fresh members. He and Cougaro resumed fighting with renewed fury.
Chedra dropped her weapon. "I hope I have the time." She whispered. Waves of power rolled off of her. Wave after wave rolled from her, gathering the planets energy and bending it to her will she made the flames and smoke obey her. The flames became a startling crimson the smoke began to glow as she made it phosphorescent. Soldiers from both sides began to stare. "Almost." She grunted, focusing inward she tapped the other gift of her parentage the mental abilities of her Lunatak father. Suddenly every mind on the battle field ‘knew' the strange fire and smoke was controlled by the powerful witch and it would consume all loyal to Seth.
"Flee if you value you lives!" She screamed, the cry backed by her mental powers sounded like the wails of the damned.
Military discipline broke down as Seth's men over whelmed by their own terror broke ranks and fled, many who had lost horses were trampled by there fellows.
Chedra sighed once and passed out. Cougaro caught her before she hit the ground. "She saved us." He whispered to Sukoi.
"Aye, if not for her we'd all be dead now." He clapped the tired cougar on the shoulder. "See to her lad, I'll take care of the wounded."
Cougaro nodded. He took the unconscious lady ro his tent and laid her on the small cot. She didn't seem wounded except for a few small cuts, her armor had held up well. "I hope I'm not that dirty." He thought looking at her, covered in mud and soot she hardly seemed the same person he'd seen only that morning.
He fetched a basin and filed it with cool water, he considered removing her armor like he'd do for any wounded comrade then realized she might not see it that way. With a sigh he washed the parts over her he could, mainly her face and hands. The fact that she didn't wake worried him, but he couldn't see any damaging wounds.
He settled in front of the door with his glaive ready by his side. "Sleep well lady." he said softly before succumbing to his own weariness.
Stiff muscles protested loudly when he woke, it took his bleary mind a second to remember why he was sitting on the floor, the memories returned with a groan. He struggled to his feet and stepped out side.
Sukoi was talking to Kessler and Ruka. He was disgusted Sukoi looked as fresh as a spring rain. "How'd it go?" He called to Kessler and Ruka.
The pair grinned like twin jackals.
"Our swords drank as much blood as Kessler does beer."
"Looks like you gave away a few drinks to." He replied unable to repress his own grin.
Ruka flexed his bandaged shoulder. "The guy was lucky, fell off his horse and cut me on the way down."
Kessler who was leaning slight from a leg wound chuckled. "I think it was more like he jumped off and tackled you."
"What ever." Ruka said nonplused. "He won't be jumping or falling again."
"Where's the beer?" Kessler asked losing interest.
"I think Seth's men smashed the barrels."
"Bastards!"
"Anyone seen Chedra?" Cougaro asked realizing she wasn't anywhere around.
Sukoi who had been listening quietly the whole time spoke up. "She said she needed to go for a walk to clear her head, she seemed a little preoccupied."
The question Cougaro had been putting off finally came out. "How many did we loose?"
"Ten dead, eight wounded."
Cougaro hung his head. "How bad are the wounded?"
"They'll be out of action for awhile but none that shouldn't heal."
"Good, we'll see to the dead and then we have to find a new base, the forest is too open."
Sukoi frowned. "Back when the king was alive I could have helped."
"What do you mean?"
"My family is an old proud clan we had a vast holdings complete with castles."
"Then why cant we go there?"
"When Seth took over he stripped me of my lands and title, there ruled by the Barron Manx now."
Ruka smiled. "Lets throw the Barron a late house warming."
* *
The sun smiled down on the forest warming it pleasantly, but that warmth didn't comfort the troubled Chedra. "I hate fighting." She said softly as she picked a flower. "All it does is hurt things." She looked at the woods around her. Most were healthy and green, but the ones Seth's fire had scorched were black and twisted..
As bad as Chedra felt about the trees she knew that human lives had been wasted to, men on both sides killed by the hungry flames. "I just don't understand." She said to the flower. "Why do some people like to hurt others?" She sniffed the flower sullenly. "Life, anyone can take it but not one person can give it. It's a strange thing killing a man, you take away all he has and all he ever will, and most don't care."
As she looked at the delicate flower in her hands images of the family Seth had killed flared in her mind. The faces of the children twisted in a pain they knew was killing them. "Fighting may be wrong." She said her resolve strengthening as she spoke. "But killing the innocent is far more wrong."
Her decision made she stood up. She dropped the flower and watched it fall, a single tear followed, a tear for all she knew would hurt and die. Then with a cheetahs speed she blazed back to camp.
Sukoi had just finished drawing a rough sketch when she arrived. "Glad your back."
She smiled quickly then turned her attention to the map. "What are you planning?
This forest is to open, Seth's raid proved that. My family once owned a castle, if we can retake it we'll be able to take this war back to Seth."
Her flowing dress became a form fitting chainmail, the golden belt still around her slender waist. "I'll help you defeat Seth then my fighting is over."
Cougaro looked into her eyes, the pain and weariness there surprised her.
"I pray all our fighting will be over."
Nods from the others showed they to were tired of the fighting, even Ruka and Kessler.
Sukoi pulled a small package from a hidden pouch. "I never thought I'd see anyone worth wearing these again." He whispered unwrapping it. The morning sunlight sparkled on the disks in his hands. The symbol of the true king, the black cat's head on the red field. "Truth justice honor and loyalty. The values of the royal guard. I can think of noon more worthy of these than you." Gravely he handed a disk to each of his companions and fixed his own to his breastplate. "Welcome to the guard, welcome to the Thundercats."
To Be Continued
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