The Lupine Saga 111

Posted on February 19, 2022 by James Ashman

“Those are some pretty coins,” the human said when he reached the group.

“Sir, are you all right?” Va’il asked.

“Just fine, boy. I’m doing just fine. But little girl, are you sure you want to hand over such an amount to these two sleazes?” the man asked. He then hiccuped and burped. The smell of wine on his breath filled the air.

“I think you should go sit down,” the male swine said, his voice full of anger.

“Ain’t no way I can do that,” the man said.

“He said to go sit,” the female swine said. She pried her eyes away from the coins that Ruby had closed her hands around, and then took hold of the man’s arm. He immediately shook her hand off.

“I don’t need to be touched by you, filthy one,” the man said.

“Hey, stop being rude. This isn’t any of your concern,” Va’il said. He walked up to the man.

“It ain’t any of your concern either. Why, I think I’ll just sit, then. You act like a fool all you want,” the man said. He turned, walked two steps, and sat on the ground.

“Enough with him. Just give us the money and be on your way,” the male swine said.

Ruby dropped several coins into his hand, bowed, and then walked away. Va’il followed behind her. They left the inn quickly, and started north on the road to the city. They walked for a while as the sun travelled overhead.

“I won’t complain, but was it really all right to give them so much money? Considering it was all brought unexpectedly from that night… you can’t really have that much, right?” Va’il asked.

“It wasn’t that much. I still have a lot. You’d be surprised how much I’d normally carry around as pocket change in Rising. That kind of amount is nothing to my family. We have more than enough to last, however long it takes to return home. I’ve only avoided using it around the people we’d have to spend some time with to avoid suspicion. But here it’s worth it to help them. It was good, right?” Ruby asked. She stopped walking and looked behind her. The inn had already disappeared into the distance.

“It was a good thing to do. That’s all that matters,” Va’il said.

“Right. Let’s hurry to the border. I want to get home as soon as possible,” Ruby said.

“You won’t make it with that kind of naivety,” said a voice to the side of the road.

“Who’s there?” Va’il asked, but he couldn’t see anyone around them.

“Just a sleeping fool,” the voice said. Off to the side of the road, a man rose and dusted himself off. “What a great nap.”

“You! You’re that human man from the inn!” Va’il said. He was both surprised at the appearance of the man, as well as how he could get ahead of them without Va’il ever noticing.

“Me? A man? Hardly! I’m as much a man as you are!” The man chuckled, and then took a drink from the gourd at his side.

“As much as I am?” Va’il asked. “No, you’re not. I can tell.”

“A half has a wonderful nose, indeed!” the man said.

“How’d you know I was a half?” Va’il asked.

“How do you know I’m a human man?” the man asked.

“I can smell it. I can tell. I know,” Va’il said. He was becoming agitated.

“And I know you’re a couple of fools,” the man said. Va’il growled at him.

“Stop teasing him. What do you want?” Ruby asked.

“I want to help you, actually. But if you don’t know what I am, I don’t think I can,” the man said. He then fell backwards and landed on the ground. He took another drink from his gourd.

“Ah, I get it. Of course you’re not a man! You’re a drunk!” Ruby said. The man jumped to his feet.

“Correct! What a bright young lady! Certainly your noble blood cares for you well,” the drunk said.

“Noble? And you knew Va’il was a half. How?” Ruby asked.

“I know little myself. But I just figured it out using my drunken powers. Aren’t I incredible?” the man asked.

“You’re smart, that’s what you are,” Ruby said, and then sighed. “Of course you figured it out. I carry myself differently. And anyone with enough experience and exposure to lupus and humans would know Va’il is a half. You’re just experienced enough to know. Am I right?” Ruby asked, a smile across her face.

“Oh, what a grand little girl! Certainly, I’ve stolen from enough nobles to know exactly how they act! It doesn’t matter if they are children, swine, avian, or human, they are all noble one and the same. And lupus are a thing in themselves. Your servant looks like one, but doesn’t always act like one. That and more, but then I’m just bragging,” the drunk said.

“Ha, you’re wrong. Va’il isn’t my servant,” Ruby said. The drunk slapped his head and moaned.

“Oh how the liquor has forsaken me! I was sure that a noble human traveling would come with a servant. Maybe I’m getting old,” the drunk said. He then laughed and took another drink. “But that tells me something new.”

“And that is?” Ruby asked.

“You kids aren’t from Grip. Interesting. And you’re not from Ens. Which means you can only be from one of two places, if you’re from anywhere at all. Ha! What a find,” the drunk said.

“Is that all? I thought you said you were going to help with something,” Va’il said.

“Indeed I am. But this game is so fun! Ha! So the girl must be from Hallum, at least. But I wouldn’t know whether the boy is from Hallum or Aris. But the lupus in Aris wouldn’t have a half. But then again, Hallum is far enough north, I guess. Or maybe, possibly, one of the somewhat more human cities in Farrow? Doubtful, considering them as a whole. Ah, I just don’t know. Tell me, please!” the drunk said.

“Wrong on all accounts,” Ruby said with a growing smile.

“Wrong? Wrong on all? But, that means only one thing. If not from Hallum or Grip, the only other human lands are Ens and Rising. And your hair isn’t blue, so you shouldn’t be from Ens. Rising? Children of Rising? Out here? Are you really?” the drunk asked.

“It won’t help you to know, if you’re planning on doing something to us. But yeah, Rising,” Va’il said.

“I see. No, I have no intention of handing you to Grip. But, this is sobering,” the drunk said. He had calmed down and become solemn.

“So it’s true, isn’t it? Grip is after Rising’s travelers,” Ruby said.

“It is, somewhat. Travelers are mostly nobles. And they are unlikely to know of the recent changes outside Rising. Too many nations have fallen too quickly. It’s a trying time. But enough of this. I’m sure you’ll figure enough of it out in your travels. Let me give you some advice, now. Turn around and go back to the inn where you left those swindlers. Their four relatives will soon return, and together they will speak of how they took you for a ride with a soppy story and a play. You threw away your coin for no reason at all.”

“That’s a large accusation,” Va’il said.

“It is. But true,” the drunk said.

“And how are we to know you aren’t just trying to trick us into going back again, where another trap may wait? One set by you, and not them?” Ruby asked. She took a step away from the drunk.

“That’s the right thinking! Of course you can’t trust me! Why, I’m just a stupid old drunk who steals and swindles when I can as well. I’ve taken from a king’s cellar, a duke’s kitchen, a merchant’s stall, and anywhere else my hands will fit! I’m the most untrustworthy person there is! You better think like that, and apply it to everyone! We’re all after your life or your wallet, and nothing else will suffice. We’ll tell you pretty lies that make you feel wonderful, and then stab you when you aren’t looking. I’ll cut your tongue if someone paid me enough, and thousands more would take your life just for a chance to be promoted. So don’t trust me! I’m a terrible, terrible drunk! I guess that’s all I can do. Take care, kids of Rising.” The drunk took a bow, and then walked north, never once turning around. Va’il and Ruby watched him for a minute before consulting with one another.

“North or not?” Va’il asked.

“I don’t know. I think not, but I just don’t know,” Ruby said.

“South it is. Let’s go back to the inn. It’s just another few hours lost.”

“So, then, you believe what he said? Do you think that nice couple really did put on an act?”

“What I think, is that we don’t have a good record when it comes to trusting the right people. Let’s verify it with our own eyes.”

“I understand,” Ruby said. They turned and headed back towards the inn, reaching it after noon.

Posted in Books, The Lupine Chevalier | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Lupine Saga 110

Posted on February 12, 2022 by James Ashman

“Let’s stop up at that shop. Since we’re going into Sounderthound next, we should ask if they have some supplies. If we can avoid relying on the people in Sounderthound too much, it’ll be better,” Va’il said.

“Still thinking about that experience when we first entered?” Ruby asked.

“Yeah. It just doesn’t seem as friendly after all that. And we might need permission again to pass through it. If so, I guess we could just avoid the cities entirely and pass through the land without permission. If that’s the only way,” Va’il said.

“Well, maybe the next city will be friendlier. But all right, let’s stop up there. A roadside inn? That’s good enough.”

Va’il glanced up when something in the second story of the inn caught his attention, but it was gone before he could spot it. He wondered if he was imagining things.

The teens walked to the entrance, but a yell from the back kept them from going in.

“What is it?” Ruby asked.

“A man yelled. Let’s go see first!” Va’il said.

They rushed around the building. When they got to the back, they saw two swines on the ground, and a group of four swines standing over them. The two on the ground were a male and female.

“Please spare us this month,” the male swine on the ground said.

“Nonsense! If you don’t pay, we’ll be back to demolish this inn,” said one of the standing group.

“We’ll be back at the end of the day!” another one said.

“Please, we don’t have it. It’s been a rough month! We have done well in the past, right?” the female on the ground asked.

“That was then, this is now. Anyways, no more discussion. You have visitors. Maybe you’ll get enough business to pay us by nightfall,” the first standing swine said. “Let’s go.”

The group left the couple on the ground, and took the road north. Va’il and Ruby approached the couple, who had now stood.

“What’s going on?” Ruby asked.

“Oh, it’s nothing,” the female swine said, wiping a tear off her cheek. “Are you customers? Come in and we’ll treat you.”

“We can’t just ignore what happened,” Va’il said.

“It’s all right. We cannot burden you with our problems. Won’t you come in?” the male swine asked.

“We’ll come in, but will still ask,” Va’il said.

“That’s fine, so come in,” the female swine said.

Va’il and Ruby looked at each other, and then fell in step behind the couple as they led them to the dining area of the inn.

“Take a seat, we’ll come back in a moment with something to drink,” the male swine said.

“Thank you,” Ruby said.

The couple went to the back, leaving Va’il and Ruby to look around at their surroundings. It was a nice inn, with plenty of tables and two stories.

“What do you think is going on?” Ruby asked.

“I don’t know. But I want to find out. And help, if we can. Those people are coming back, aren’t they?” Va’il asked.

“Yeah. But should we get involved?” Ruby asked.

“I don’t know. But if they are being oppressed, shouldn’t we, if possible?”

Ruby and Va’il remained quiet until the couple returned. Another customer, a human man, quietly arrived and took a seat near the corner. Soon after, the couple returned with tea for them.

“What would you like?” the male asked.

“Anything simple. And we’re also looking to take a large amount with us, stuff that will last a while,” Ruby said.

“Oh, are you on a journey?” the female asked while the other went to the back.

“A bit. I guess it’s obvious, considering where we are,” Ruby said.

“Yes, that’s true. This is the last inn before reaching Sounderthound. And even though we’re in Prowst, we’re not hares. I guess you’d say we’re the greeters to swine territory, allowed by the Prowst and Sounderthound kingdoms to exist. And the majority of our customers are travellers, going through the countries. Mostly merchants, of course.”

“A unique spot you’re in. But, forgive me for prying, who were those people from earlier? They were swine, so I assume they were from Sounderthound,” Ruby said.

“Yes, you’re right. My husband doesn’t really want me to say anything, though.”

“It’s all right. We’re strangers ourselves. Why not just let us know? We might be able to help, even,” Va’il said.

“That’s wonderful for you to think of us, but we will probably get by. I suppose I can tell. Those men were from the city on the border. They collect tax and tribute. We have to pay to keep this spot, to be the inn that serves weary travelers just before they enter the city. Since the city is such a short way from us, we’re actually depriving them of some revenue. To make up for it, we have to contribute a fair amount. It’s nothing too unreasonable, but this month we’re short by quite a bit. If we fail to pay, we’ll lose our inn.”

“That’s awful,” Va’il said.

“It doesn’t seem right. Why should you care about taking customers from the city? It’s somewhat ridiculous to think you’re depriving them of so much anyways,” Ruby said.

“Let’s not speak of this anymore,” the female swine said.

“How much?” Ruby asked.

“Excuse me?”

“How much do you need to make up this month’s payment?”

“I cannot say. I will not involve others in our troubles.”

“Don’t make excuses, just say how much,” Ruby said.

The swine looked around for a moment, and then leaned towards Ruby and whispered something in her ear. Ruby’s eyes went wide, and then she sighed.

“I see. Then, for now, just please get us the provisions we ask for. At four times the standard cost. Or maybe six. That should be fine,” Ruby said. Without another word, the female swine bowed and then walked into the back.

“What’s going on?” Va’il asked.

“What do you think, Va’il? Are they worth helping?” Ruby asked.

“They are nice enough. And it’s a good shop, probably. Sure. Well, I’ll decide that for sure when I can judge the food!” Va’il said.

“Well said.”

The couple returned a few minutes later, with dishes and provisions as asked for, but large smiles across their faces. They didn’t mention the issue of payment again, and served as needed. Va’il and Ruby ate their fill, received dried meats, fruits, nuts, and water, and filled their bags with everything they received.

“Should we stay until evening, just to make sure everything goes all right?” Ruby asked.

“No, no, please continue your journey. We will be fine. It’s not the first time things have been like this. They are great at threatening, but are easily appeased afterwards. Really, there is nothing to worry about. Spend a night in the city where it is safe and worry-free,” the male swine said.

“Then take care,” Ruby said. She reached into a pocket and pulled out a small bag. Her hand reached inside it and removed several coins. Their shine reflected in the eyes of the swines. Four eyes tracked each coin with fervor, and their hands reached out before Ruby was done counting them out. Just before she could hand them over, there was the sound of a large cough. It was from the man in the corner, who had been silent until now.

Ruby looked at him for a moment as he stood up and started walking over to them. He didn’t walk fully upright, and swayed from side to side.

Posted in Books, The Lupine Chevalier | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Lupine Saga 109

Posted on February 5, 2022 by James Ashman

Va’il heard a roar in the distance, and then laughed. He ran with normal shoes on, and every so often he would climb a low tree that connected to another, and jump as far as he could. He repeated his pattern of skating, running, and climbing for two hours as he continuously changed directions.

Va’il put on the slipskates one last time, and used them to travel west while leaning to the north every so often. He was careful in all his running and deceptions to keep track of Ruby’s scent, no matter where he ended up or ran to. Night fell, and Va’il’s search ended.

“Hey Ruby,” Va’il said into the darkness. The light from a candle-torch appeared.

“Va’il!” Ruby said. She relaxed once she realized the sounds she had heard were just Va’il finding her in the night. She ran up and hugged him. “You’re okay. You’re okay.”

“Sure am,” Va’il said.

“But how did you find me? I thought we’d eventually meet up somewhere, but already?”

“I wouldn’t lose track of you that easily. My nose has known you for a long time, after all.”

“A long time. I was worried,” Ruby said, her bright smile visible in the low light.

“You sure don’t seem like it,” Va’il said.

“Little jerk.”

“Your knight, right? How could he fail?”

Ruby didn’t respond, and Va’il laughed, thinking of his own ridiculousness. In the dark, he couldn’t tell that Ruby’s face was flush and her throat was tight. She sat down by the tree again, not saying another word to Va’il.

“We’re going to go quickly in the morning,” Va’il said, and then sat on the other side of the tree. Ruby made a sound of approval, and then they slept in silence.

#

Morning hunger was satisfied with a grouse Va’il hunted and some nuts. From then on they’d ration their water carefully, and hunted instead of dipping into their provisions when possible. They headed northwest through forests, and avoided touching the roads for the first couple days.

Va’il and Ruby spent the first day on horseback, together on the one Ruby had escaped with. The second day they let it go free, and carried their provisions themselves. They spent much of the day making it difficult to track them, hampering their overall speed. They would change from slipskates to normal walking, and would often run their tracks directly into trees with low branches.

They didn’t bother climbing trees, and stuck to simple methods to cover their tracks. The third day, however, they abandoned any effort at hiding their trail. From then on they used the slipskates with few exceptions.

Their pace increased, giving them hope as time dragged on. They did discuss their progress briefly each night before sleeping, though they never said too much. During the days they were mostly quiet, to conserve energy and moisture, even though they were incredibly bored most of the time. Eventually they found a main road and travelled it as well, making their progress quicker and allowing them to visit a couple small villages to refill on water. After two weeks since their run from the Laloo children, they discovered a welcome sight.

“I can see the city in the distance,” Va’il said.

“Suppose it’s a bearan city, or bovine?” Ruby asked.

“If we’ve gone far enough, probably a hare city. I bet we are,” Va’il said. He was covered in dirt, and his silver hair didn’t shine like it should.

“Just in time, then. Not another day of travel! One more and I’d collapse!” Ruby said.

“You did well coming this far,” Va’il said, nodding.

“You were just as sore the first couple days,” Ruby said. The teens laughed and replaced their skates with normal shoes.

“A bath,” Ruby said.

“Let’s just hurry,” Va’il said. Eventually, they reached the city gates.

“A human, eh? Two? No, a lupus, I wouldn’t forget the smell of one. And that tail and ears of course. Can’t forget the fangs either,” the captain of the guard, a hare, said as he approached the two teens. He had seen them coming a while ago, and had instructed his guards to wait.

“That’s right, sir,” Ruby said. She smiled and bowed.

“Oh, oh? A polite one, yes. But still a human. And this lupus here is what? Can’t trust a lupus. Or a human. Human’s probably worse. Unless you’re from Grip. Have to obey, of course. Excuse me if I’m impudent. Talk a bit fast. Hare, after all, ha, ha,” the captain said, his words spoken so quickly they seemed to all be one.

“Oh, somewhat. Actually, this is my brother,” Ruby said. Va’il opened his mouth in shock, but didn’t express anything.

“Brother? Oh, do explain!” the captain said.

“Yes, well, we’re just traveling. Not from Grip either, so you don’t have to obey me. We’re half-siblings, actually. We have the same poor, dear mother. I’m sure I don’t have to explain any more than that. You understand, sir?” Ruby asked.

“Against my policy to pry too much! All right miss, thank you for your patronage. You will be visiting our city for good purposes, right?” the captain asked. He smiled and bowed.

“Of course! Just to buy a few things here and there, and we’ll be on our way! Not a bit of trouble from us at all. Is that all right?” Ruby asked.

“Of course. Open the gates, let these fine strangers through!” the captain said. Ruby and Va’il entered the city, laughing to themselves.

“I see why we didn’t have to worry about the stops when Derlik brought us through here. Even the guards are friendly!” Ruby said.

“But still, they are also under Grip’s hand,” Va’il said.

“True. But let’s enjoy the city for a bit and get on our way tomorrow. And tonight, I get to bathe! As should you!”

The city was one full of the shorter hares. They all ran around from place to place, and appeared quite busy. The buildings were all smaller than the ones Va’il was used to, but the atmosphere was a welcome one. Everyone was eager and friendly to do business with the teens. Around town, they even spotted a few bearans, swine, bovine, and even a couple humans doing business. Va’il was sure there were more of other species around, but he didn’t bother seeking them out.

That night they had restocked water and food with the money that Ruby seemed to have in infinite supply, and rested at a luxurious inn, though physically smaller than what they were used to. They slept in comfort, not noticing the large number of horses that brought several people through the city and out its various gates that night.

They left the city early the next morning, fully stocked and cleaner than before.

“That was a fun place,” Va’il said while looking back at the city behind them.

“Yeah. But at least we didn’t stick around,” Ruby said.

“No sitting around, waiting. On we go,” Va’il said. He looked at the road leading north, its sides occupied with grassy hills and distant plains.

More days passed as they made quick progress. Every couple days they’d come across a small shack, farm, village, or small town. They served travelers going from city to city, and refreshed the teens’ provisions when needed, and confirmed the immediate direction the teens needed to head in.

Their progress was varied, some days covered much distance, others less. They did notice that they were far slower by themselves compared to the speed Derlik had whisked them across the continent with. They came across another couple hare cities in the next week, but soon neared the border of Sounderthound.

Posted in Books, The Lupine Chevalier | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Lupine Saga 108

Posted on January 29, 2022 by James Ashman

“Link!” Va’il yelled as the mob approached. In total, there were eight people. Six human men and the two bearans. They stopped thirty meters from Va’il, and then carried on their conversation in yells.

“Va’il, are you giving up?” Link asked, and then smiled. “Or do you think that by delaying us, Ruby will get away? It won’t matter, she won’t get too far if we play for a bit. I’m even letting you keep your head start.”

“I’m not giving you anything. I want to ask you something. How much of it was a lie?”

“The truth in what I said? Only that Greta and I get along. That’s it! But then again, all of us children will get along when we’re all promised rewards by Grip! There’s no longer any inheritance issue! It’s now just a reward for all of us, if Ruby is the one that Grip is looking for!”

“You won’t be forgiven,” Va’il said through clenched teeth. He was too far away to be heard by the mob, but his expression clearly conveyed from a distance what he said.

“All you Rising folk are too trusting! You haven’t been betrayed enough, have you?” Greta asked.

“I look forward to the days when I can trust those at my side!” Va’il said. Link and Greta laughed in response.

“Ha! Rich, idealistic nonsense. The world is cruel. Those with ideals fall, those with ambitions grow. I’m more ambitious than you, so I’ll succeed,” Link said.

“Tell me, Link! Who is the one Grip is looking for, and why do you think Ruby might be it? You already know she’s noble, but that shouldn’t really matter to Grip itself, right?” Va’il asked.

“I don’t know anything more than what Lord Gardos told father. And a golden-haired noble girl around Ruby’s age seems to fit her well. That’s about all I know. It doesn’t matter if she is or not, I’ll find out once we get her. There is a reward either way! It just gets better. Enough with the banter! You’re not really worth anything compared to her. Just die!” Link said. He kicked his horse and rode towards Va’il, the rest of the mob behind him.

“So what should I do?” Va’il asked. His eyes narrowed and his claws extended. “Shall I fight?”

Va’il turned his horse and galloped away. He went in the same direction Ruby had gone, but made his path lean towards the south as he rode. He checked behind him to make sure the entire mob followed him, which they did faithfully. He could tell that Ruby’s scent leaned north, but had accurately judged that the mob would only follow him if they thought he was going in the same direction as Ruby.

The horse was tiring, and all hope of getting away seemed to fade. Va’il was stuck, not knowing what to do. He thought about turning and fighting, but he laughed at his own consideration. In the end, he couldn’t win. Even if he stopped a few of them himself, there were more than enough to continue after Ruby.

“Are there?” Va’il thought, and then realized something he hadn’t thought of before. He turned around to check, and smiled at his own confirmation. The human men were slightly behind the Laloo children, and their horses slowed down at times to accommodate for the rough path. Link and Greta looked fierce and every so often shouted commands at the group.

“Humans cannot track Ruby by scent. And those men aren’t trackers,” Va’il thought. “I don’t know how good Link and Greta’s noses are, but the longer they pursue me, the harder it is to find Ruby. Those men also aren’t local, I didn’t think about that before. They are foreign. They don’t know this area well, and aren’t used to riding in a forest. Not that I’m better, but it’s easier for me. They are relying solely on the Laloo children. So if Link and Greta stop, I bet we could get away. How, then?”

Va’il racked his mind, but the best thoughts he had involved harming either the riders or the horses. He didn’t want to invoke violence if he didn’t have to, but his options were few. And his horse was showing its weariness. It would be soon that the horse would stop or collapse, but for the moment it galloped.

Va’il struck upon an idea, and hoped for the best. He made sure the bags he needed were tied to him and secure. After that, he looked around his surroundings to find the right group of trees, as the forest was becoming more diverse. Most were tall, but spaced far apart. The perfect group did exist, it just took another few minutes to find it. He directed his horse to the group he saw, feeling the tired beast giving its last strength to assist Va’il.

He jumped just as the horse passed under the lowest branch of the tree. Va’il pulled himself up, and then climbed higher into the tree. He had gone up four branches before the mob approached and circled the tree.

“It won’t help,” Link said. “You’re outnumbered and stuck now.”

“Tree is too thick to cut down with your swords,” Va’il said as he climbed another branch.

“Well, climb the tree,” Link said to the men.

“How?” one of the men asked.

“Humans,” Link said, and then sighed. “Like this.”

The massive bearan claws made their appearance as Link placed his hands on the tree, and kicked off his shoes. He climbed with ease, soon reaching the lowest branch.

“Don’t forget who’s master, here,” one of the men said.

“We’re good for things like this,” Greta said, speaking quickly in appeasement.

“That’s right, those are Grip’s people, aren’t they? Don’t insult them now,” Va’il said, taunting Link. He sat on a high branch.

“Can’t worry about that now. Come on, little boy,” Link said.

“Have you forgotten?” Va’il asked, and stood up. He held his tail in his hand. “Do you know what this is?”

“A tail, what of it?” Link asked, annoyed.

“You’re dealing with a lupus.” Va’il took a few careful steps, and then dashed. He leapt from the branch to the next tree over, one just barely within jumping distance.

“Greta! Follow him!” Link yelled while climbing higher.

“You!” Greta said.

“I can’t jump that far. Climb up and corner him there.”

“And if he jumps again?”

“He won’t. Even if he does, we can eventually cut one down. There aren’t enough in close distance for him to continue indefinitely! We’re better climbers, and the men will get him if he drops to the ground. Now hurry!”

Greta sighed and then kicked off her shoes. She began climbing the tree that Va’il had ascended. As she did, Va’il jumped to another tree. The men below followed him to that one. Va’il jumped to yet another, and the men followed. At this point Link and Greta had ascended as high as they could go on the trees they had climbed, but neither dared to jump off.

“Hey, you can’t catch me from over there,” Va’il said. He pointed and taunted the two Laloo children.

“We don’t need to. We just need to corner you,” Link said.

“Shouldn’t someone go find the girl?” Greta asked.

“None of them are trackers,” Link said.

“Just have a few start heading west. I’m sure you can catch up,” Va’il said while nodding. “Yep, I’m just sure you can. If she went that way, that is.”

“You be quiet. Just wait. I’ll wring your neck myself!” Link said. He climbed down the first tree, and started up the one Va’il was on. Va’il jumped to another, the last that was within jumping distance. Link stopped climbing and had Greta climb it instead. Once she reached the top, Link went to the one Va’il was on.

“This is the end. There is nowhere left for you to go. Even if you can jump far, there is nowhere else,” Link said, and then dug his claws into the bark of the final tree.

“I guess so,” Va’il said. He then sat on a branch and opened a bag. Link climbed one branch after another while Va’il removed his shoes.

“Not going to run?” Link asked as he looked up. He had seven branches and ten meters between him and Va’il.

“Hey Link, you stink,” Va’il said while tightening a lace.

“Ha. Is that all?” Link asked, and then growled lowly.

“What, can’t you smell it?” Va’il asked. “It’s just terrible.”

“Cut the nonsense. But I suppose that’s your sensitive nose at work, lupus boy. Can’t say I envy you,” Link said. Five branches separated them.

“Oh, shouldn’t you have a good nose as well? Isn’t that how you track people?” Va’il asked while fiddling with more laces.

“Track people? Why would I bother training something like that? A good nose isn’t worth a barrel of money. I can hire all the trackers I need. I’ve never seen the use of it before, and don’t see it now,” Link said.

“Oh, so then you’ve only been tracking me by sight? I would have thought smell would be more reliable,” Va’il said.

“It’s not necessary. Once the rest come, someone will track Ruby down just fine. Just you watch. Well, don’t. Die first,” Link said. Two branches were left. Va’il finished lacing the slipskates and patted his feet.

“Well, just remember to look out for that below,” Va’il said, and then pointed down.

“What are you going on about?” Link asked. He looked down, and only saw the circle of men on the ground below him. They had dismounted and circled the trees. “There’s nothing coming up.”

“Going down,” Va’il said. Link looked up to see a knee.

Va’il’s knees hit Link on the head and knocked him off the branch. Va’il fell to the branch below, standing on it briefly with the toes of the skates, and then dropped further. He used his hands to hang from the second branch above the ground, dropped to the first, and then used it as a spring to jump to the ground behind the men.

Link had hit the ground hard, and Va’il had bruised his head. However, Va’il didn’t underestimate the strength of the bearan body. Not a bone was broken, nor did Link suffer any real damage. He was shocked at the impact, but was on his feet in a minute.

“Get away!” Link said as the men around tried to help him. “Where’s Va’il?”

The men parted and ran to their horses. Link got on his and scanned the area. To the east, he saw the small image of Va’il in the distance, gliding away on skates that moved him faster than any horse. Link spurred his horse onwards, using the claws on his foot to urge the horse faster. He lost sight of Va’il after a moment, and followed the lines that appeared in the ground instead. He rushed and urged the rest of his men to follow, but never again did he catch up to Va’il. After thirty minutes of following lines, they ended up at the base of a tall tree. There, the lines ended. Link looked up, and cursed the large network of branches connecting most of the trees in a two hundred meter radius.

Posted in Books, The Lupine Chevalier | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Lupine Saga 107

Posted on January 22, 2022 by James Ashman

“Right at this fork, and then we’ll almost be there,” Link said.

“Right? But that leads east. Rising is to the west,” Va’il said.

“I know, but sometimes you have to take a roundabout way to get where you want to go safely,” Link said.

“I think when we came here, Derlik came from the west side. Can’t we go the way we came?” Va’il asked.

“He probably went a way more familiar to him. He probably has connections outside the cities we know as well. As nobles, it’s a bit more difficult for us. We can’t make friends with those in lower places, after all. Besides, it’ll be easier to be supplied in the larger cities, and to travel on safer roads,” Link said.

The group had travelled north for a day, and gradually took various paths to the northeast over the next few days. After five days of travel, they were going in direction the sun rose, no longer towards the north.

“When is the next city?” Ruby asked on the seventh day.

“We’re actually just an hour away, at this point,” Link said.

“See how the ground has smoothed out compared to two days ago? It means the road is far more travelled. So you can be sure we’ll be there soon. I’m sure we’ll even see the city soon, just over the next hill,” Greta said.

The city soon came in view. It was an enormous city, with giant walls that used to be standing. They had great gaps in them, a shoddy version of what greatness they had once been.

“It’s Belorma. The once-great city. How it’s fallen! But it’s still a wonderful city, even though it isn’t what it once was,” Link said while shaking his head.

“Was it demolished by Grip?” Ruby asked.

“Mostly, yes. But it’s fine. It no longer needs its walls, as it no longer fights. But it is still large, and the best city to go to, for now. But I suggest you stay and wait for us. Greta and I will get some provisions, and then come back. Once we have a few clothes, we can cover your human looks and have you enter. It’s nothing out of the ordinary,” Link said.

“All right,” Va’il said.

The group got closer to the city, and then stopped while Link and Greta got ready. They left the provisions they had with Ruby and Va’il, saying that they would come back with far more on their own horses, and then left.

Va’il and Ruby silently watched as the two bearans took their leave and entered the city.

“What do you think?” Ruby asked.

“About what?” Va’il asked.

“How long will it take for us to get home? I know it’s going to be a while, but how long, do you think? It took a month to get here, and that was with the persistence of Derlik. I know how fast we went with him. It was far faster than this, though that’s a different matter,” Ruby said.

“And we were going in a direct route. He went in as straight a line as possible, based on the roads he knew,” Va’il said. He nodded wearily as he considered the tiresome last few days.

“That can’t be helped. Link and Greta don’t know a better way. Well, they say this is better, overall. It’s silly to think of it, but I can’t help but think that if mother was in my shoes, she’d insist on going the most direct route possible, without exceptions. She cannot be appeased by any means. Sometimes that’s great. Mostly not. I’m easier than her, I guess. Much more accommodating,” Ruby said.

“Accommodating? That’s a lot like getting used to something,” Va’il said. “Maybe it would be better. In fact, it would be. Why didn’t we insist, Ruby?”

“We wouldn’t be helped by them otherwise, that’s why.”

“And who said we need help?”

“Well, we should accept it when possible.”

“It’s in the air again,” Va’il said, his voice becoming quiet. “I knew something was wrong. Look towards the city.”

“What about it?”

“It’s filled with humans.”

“And?”

“And we’ve been betrayed, again,” Va’il said, his eyes opening wide and his voice dropping. He pointed towards the city gates. Ruby squinted to try and see what Va’il was talking about. But it was soon obvious. A large group of human men were riding at the sides of Link and Greta. The nets and weapons held by most of the riders, including the bearan children, were enough to tell Ruby the truth.

Link was pointing a sword in the direction of Va’il and Ruby and yelling. Greta held a net and wore a malicious smile. Va’il could hear her yelling at him off in the distance, telling him to try running while they gave chase in a twisted game of cat and mouse. The Laloo children had fooled them, and led them directly to an enemy stronghold, where they could hand the Rising children over in person. No doubt about that existed in the minds of Ruby and Va’il. Neither waited to confirm it in person, nor did they need to. It was the terrible truth that the entire Laloo family had been deceiving the teens since the very beginning, since the very moment the Laloo family heard of the existence of Va’il and Ruby from the innocent Tico and Spand.

Va’il and Ruby didn’t hesitate to gallop in the opposite direction. They headed directly west, the sun still at their backs.

The minutes passed, but Va’il and Ruby didn’t once turn around. They didn’t need to see how close the mob was. The yells grew, telling Va’il that something had to be done. The road soon veered to the southwest, but the teens left it in favor of the sparse forest. It was full of trees that were thin and spaced far apart, thus wouldn’t be good for hiding in or losing their pursuers. However, the rough road ended up slowing down the mob just enough so that they didn’t gain further ground on the teens.

The horses were tired. Va’il knew it, but hoped they could hold out for long enough. How long, he didn’t know. Fortunately, the teens were lighter than all of the riders in the mob behind them. Grown men and large bearans didn’t make for quick riders, but their horses had rested longer. They didn’t fall behind, nor did they gain ground, but instead stayed at a close distance behind the teens. They had the advantage, after all. It was land they were more familiar with, and their numbers allowed them to pursue without worry.

“Go ahead!” Va’il said.

“What?” Ruby asked.

“I’ll hold them back. Go ahead. Go!”

“No!”

“I said go!” Va’il stopped his horse and turned it around.

“Va’il!” Ruby turned her head, but didn’t stop her horse. She wanted to, but didn’t. She kept going, no longer looking back.

Posted in Books, The Lupine Chevalier | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment