ã€ŠCionis Keyã€‹


 Chapter 1 - Not Kansas, Cionis

    ¡°Thank you for saving me handsome warrior, hee hee!¡±

    ¡°Hi, I didn¡¯t save you, you were fine but please just answer me. You said If I get this ¡°Key¡± thing I can go back home to earth, right?¡±

    ¡°I suppose earthman,¡± her eyes locked on his strange weapon, ¡°But before you leave you and I should fuck!¡±

    ¡°Whoa!¡± he yelped and backed away from her, but she pulled him closer and gripped his weapon.

    ¡°Ok! Listen to me, where I¡¯m from there are laws against sleeping with children and I¡¯m sure I can¡¯t sleep with an Elf, or whatever you are,¡± he swore.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m an Elf, but I¡¯m not a child, I¡¯m sixteen,¡± she cooed and pulled him in for a kiss.

    ¡°Right!¡± he nudged her back with his rifle between them, ¡°That¡¯s my point exactly, now if you can just tell me where in this world I can find this Key?¡±

    ¡°Haha!¡± she laughed clearing her long white hair from her ice blue eyes, ¡°Earthman, or was it ¡°soldier¡± you called yourself?¡±

    ¡°Reid, no, just call me Captain..¡±

    ¡°Captain Reid? Hmm? Well Captain two things, you won¡¯t get that key without my help, and even if you do who says the key will let you leave this world?¡± she hummed, stroking his rifle. ¡°Dimensional keys can be fickle that way~¡±

    Expressionless he gazed out the window of her small tree house. How she built a house in the equivalent of a ten story high tree he wouldn¡¯t ask. The dark green forest and land he gazed at from her window were strange enough.

    ¡°Fuck you and Kansas, Dorothy,¡± he muttered to himself.

    ¡°Excuse me Captain?¡±

    ¡°Nothing, do you have a name?¡±

    ¡°Yes I have a name you fool! But if I tell you my name will you use it to say goodbye to me or will you take me with you on your journey to-¡± she stopped talking as her pointy ears perked up.

    ¡°What is it?¡± asked Reid.

    ¡°Oh? Seems he wants you. Hmm, and if he wants you then that makes me want you more, hm hm!¡± she chuckled, then something moved outside the house.

    ¡°There¡¯s someone outside,¡± said Reid raising his rifle.

    ¡°Not someone, it¡¯s a cimex. The warlock knows you¡¯re here,¡± she smiled, pulling him tight and cuddling his warm body, ¡°But I won¡¯t let him have you.¡±

    The thing outside smashed the tree house front door, ¡°Get down!¡± Reid barked, pulling the elf girl behind him and firing his M110 Battle Rifle, point blank. Six rounds struck the creature¡¯s face before it entered the house. It fell dead in the doorway and Reid gaped at it.

    ¡°It¡¯s a giant bed bug!¡± he shouted.

    ¡°Disgusting creatures!¡± yelled the elf girl, pulling a short sword from nowhere.

    A second creature forced its bug body into the doorway and Reid raised his rifle, but not before the elf girl spun toward the door with her sword and lopped off the creature¡¯s head with one slice.

    "Ya! how bout my moves, Captain?" she boasted, flailing her sword.

    The elf girl continued her charge, attacking a third cimex outside the house, but it fought back. The defensive creature spun and smacked the elf girl with it¡¯s iron hard shell, knocking her back into the house.

    ¡°Yow!¡± she cried hitting the wooden floor. Captain Reid fired three rounds at the cimex. But this creature blocked the shots with its armor plated shoulder. No damage, but enough to push it back from the elf girl.

    Reid charged and struck the bug¡¯s face with his rifle butt-stock. The creature screeched and sliced at Reid with its pointed arm, ripping his uniform blouse and cutting him to the rib.

    ¡°Gaaaah!¡± Reid screamed and backed up in front of the elf girl. He wouldn¡¯t let that thing get her. But that¡¯s what it wanted.

    The cimex dropped on all six legs and rushed at Reid in a bull charge. The captain flipped his rifle to fire again.

    ¡°You goddamn-¡±

    A blur...The elf girl hopped over Captain Reid in a blur. She landed on top of the cimex and drove her short sword through its armored neck, staking it to the wooden floor. The giant bed bug squealed and collapsed dead.

    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    The elf girl¡¯s eyes shot an innocent gaze at Captain Reid and she leapt in his arms.

    ¡°Captain, you saved me again!¡± she declared.

    ¡°No, you saved m-¡±

    She stuck her tongue in his mouth, shutting him up.

    ¡°Mmm! Whoa! Naja...please I¡­¡± he stopped, and caught himself, ¡°Wait, you¡¯re name is Naja. How did I know that?¡±

    ¡°Because I told you my name while we kissed, lover,¡± she answered, kittenish.

    ¡°Umm..first of all you kissed me, we are not lovers, and you didn¡¯t say a word..you...oh my god...did you use telepathy?¡± he asked, not believing his own question.

    ¡°Te-le-pe-thy? I don¡¯t know this earth word, but if you mean I told you in your head, then yes. It¡¯s called sending, and only elves send...but you heard me didn¡¯t you earthman?¡±

    Reid paused, but refused to answer, ¡°Naja I need.. no. You said you knew how to get me home to earth, is that true?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t lie Captain.¡±

    ¡°Everyone lies Naja.¡±

    ¡°I have no need to lie to you...but if you¡¯re asking what I want in exchange for helping you...hmm..well that¡¯s a different question. A question I won¡¯t answer now, lover,¡± she answered, opening a bottle from a shelf and pouring the cool liquid contents on his open wound.

    ¡°Arrgh!¡± he flinched as the substance burned and disinfected. In a moment the wound sealed to no more than a scar.

    "That''s..wow, that''s something!" He faced Naja, "Now, I¡¯m not a fool, I know you¡¯ll expect payment for helping me and when that day comes I¡¯ll keep my end of the deal,¡± he vowed.

    He strapped his rifle to his shoulder and donned his soft-cap. A small insignia sewn inside the cap read, USASF, the acronym for U. S. Army Special Forces.

    Naja tugged him by his belt and buried her face in his chest.

    ¡°Yumm, Captain so handsome in your armor, and you say sweet words to me...I do hope you mean them,¡± she purred.

    Catching herself, she ripped away from Reid and sheathed her gladius (short sword), to prep for the journey.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, we can¡¯t stay here. Those cimex were merely scouts sent by that damned warlock. He¡¯ll send more soon.¡±

    ¡°A warlock sent those bed bugs?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Ya, he¡¯s no good! The people want to rise against him..I¡¯ll tell you about his evil on the way~¡±

    After ten minutes of packing, the strange duo climbed down from the tree house. Naja dressed in slim black leather armor, something Reid never saw her put on, whistled loud and far.

    ¡°Did you just whistle for someone?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Of course, you don¡¯t expect us to walk all the way there do you?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know where ¡®there¡¯ is, and yes I did,¡± he mumbled before the ground shook and ¡°it¡± emerged from the forest.

    ¡°Sweet tap dancing Jeezis, you gotta be kidding me,¡± cried Reid.

    Naja grinned.

    ¡°Its¡± head stood fifteen feet off the ground, and its antlers...

    ¡°Alce! I need a ride and some muscle ya big baby!¡± yelled the teenage Naja up at the monstrous elk beast who towered before them and growled a thunderous roar in reply.

    ¡°Who him? He¡¯s an earthman and he¡¯s not afraid of that warlock!¡± she yelled and the beast roared in disbelief at the tiny earthman and his foreign armor. The elk then lowered its head and neck for them to climb on.

    ¡°Were you guys talking?¡± asked Reid

    ¡°Yeah! Alce¡¯s a friend of mine, come on,¡± said Naja, extending her hand to help Reid.

    ¡°Are you sure he won¡¯t bite?¡±

    ¡°Of course he bites!¡± she laughed and helped him sit behind her before adding, ¡°Captain, this world is called Cionis, and on Cionis everything bites, and everything wants to kill you, remember that, hm hm hm! Heeyah Alce, let¡¯s go!¡±

    The great elk took two steps and leapt into a crisp stride, Reid cursed and held Naja tight.

    Naja chuckled as they set off on their journey.

 Chapter 2- Cossas

    Boom

    The explosion, either a grenade or an RPG, blew the radio out of Captain Reid¡¯s hand and slammed him on the ground. White smoke and noise circled him.

    ¡®Maybe I¡¯m dead,¡¯ he reasoned. When his eyes opened the white smoke vanished, along with his company and the whole country of Afghanistan, gone.

    Reid lifted himself and viewed his surrounding.

    ¡®A forest? Where am I? What''s happening?¡¯ His only gear were his rucksack and rifle, and no radio.

    ¡°Ya, tolinia nazda!¡± shouted a voice past the trees on his right. A female voice followed by a deep low growl.

    Reid hustled behind a tree to listen for the voice.  Twenty feet to his right, a large brown wolf bared its fangs at a white haired girl. The girl flailed a sword at the beast, and yelled at it in a strange language.

    The girl¡¯s ears then perked. She shot a glance in Reid¡¯s direction, and called out to him.

    ¡°Hey you!¡± she yelled, in English.

    The wolf turned away from the girl toward Reid and sniffed the air.

    ¡®Crap! She can hear me and he can smell me!¡¯

    The beast stepped in Reid¡¯s direction snarling with hate in its piercing yellow eyes.

    ¡®Bro, there¡¯s a wolf in front of me in a strange forest, and that girl¡¯s ears are way too long and pointy.¡¯

    The wolf took another step. Reid sprang from behind the tree with his rifle aimed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t come any closer to me you dog, because you¡¯re not real!¡± he shouted at the wolf, and the wolf jumped at him.

    ¡°No!¡± yelled Reid, and fired a three round rifle burst at the pouncing beast.

    The monster yelped as the shots struck its face, head and neck and collapsed on top of him. Winded, Reid pushed the creature off of him as the white haired girl dashed toward them.

    ¡°Hey!¡± she checked the wolf, ¡° You killed him!¡± she shouted.

    ¡°I''m sorry, was he your pet?¡± Reid muttered, gaping at the large wolf corpse.

    ¡°No! He¡¯s Makas, and he claimed I owed him money, but it''s just extortion!¡± said the girl.

    ¡°Wait...The wolf claimed what?¡± asked Reid.

    Cossas

    ¡°Hey wake up, you¡¯re talking in your sleep!¡± yelled Naja.

    ¡°Hmm?¡± replied Captain Reid, groggy and drooling as he woke up holding Naja from behind. He¡¯d fallen asleep as they rode the great elk.

    ¡°Did you have a bad dream?¡± she asked.

    ¡°A bad memory,¡± he answered.

    ¡°Oh, dreaming about your girlfriend? Is she evil? You know I can put a spell-¡±

    ¡°Naja! When I met you the first time in the forest¡­.you said that wolf that I killed wanted money from you.¡±

    ¡°Makas? Yeah that son of a bitch tried to blackmail me-¡±

    ¡°How can a wolf blackmail you?¡± Reid asked, truly confused.

    ¡°Because he knew too much. I¡¯m glad you killed him cause that cruel bastard¡¯s better off dead! Oh, look, we¡¯re almost there. Alce! put us down!¡± shouted Naja.

    Two miles ahead of them, stood a large town surrounded by flatland.

    ¡°Captain, that town is Cossas. We¡¯ll walk the rest of the way there. It¡¯s not safe for Alce to leave the forest.¡±

    ¡°Will we find the ¡°key¡± in Cossas?¡± he asked.

    ¡°No, just a lot of trouble. Come on!¡±

    During the walk Naja informed Reid of the plight of her world. City states in the north at perpetual war with a southern tyrant, named Faynus. An evil warlock of the Gobra race.

    ¡°Gobras, you said these people are the most populous in this world,¡± he stated as they neared the town gates.

    ¡°Yup, followed by the Canids, then the Elves and everything else,¡± she responded.

    ¡°Are there humans...like me?¡±

    ¡°The Canids would be the closest thing to human, except they¡¯re not human,¡± she answered pointing at a group of ¡°human men¡± entering the gates.

    ¡°So, those men over there are not human but Canids. And what exactly are Canids?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re werewolves.¡±

    ¡°...Oh..¡± he muttered, staring at the three traveling human men and noting their dog-like faces.

    The Slaughtered Lanra

    They walked the streets of Cossas and Reid observed the people. The most populous people were the Gobras, humanoids with a ¡°Jabba the hut¡± look to them. Frog like, with big eyes and large mouths. Most were tall and barrel shaped. According to Naja the Gobras ran the cities and towns on Cionis.

    ¡°Here¡¯s the spot! The Slaughtered Lanra! And yeah we can get a good leg of lanra here too!¡± chimed Naja.

    ¡°Sounds delicious,¡± Reid replied, smelling the alcohol and other scents in the noisy dive bar she swaggered into.

    Naja, in all her young girl glory, strode to a group of Gobras and slammed a dice box on their table.

    ¡°Oi! I got snake eyes for your blood eyes, Hargis! Now give em here!¡± she shouted in the tavern.

    The big Gobra at the head of the table, Hargis, laughed, ¡°Raaaah, you damn Elf! You get nothing from me!¡± and he backhanded Naja, knocking her to the floor.

    ¡°Hey!¡± shouted Reid in defense of Naja. This angered the Gobras at the table. They faced him and sniffed the air with their large nostrils.

    ¡°Ehhh¡­.he¡¯s not a Canid, he smells funny,¡± said one of the Gobras as Hargis ogled Reid¡¯s rifle.

    *Disarm your weapon but leave one dart. Fire the one dart at his foot!* Naja¡¯s voice bounced around in Reid''s head. He faced Naja with a stunned look.

    * Trust me!* she sent to him.

    ¡°I don¡¯t trust you!¡± Reid said aloud, but removed the magazine from the rifle, keeping one chambered round. As he worked the rifle Hargis and his goons took a step toward Reid. He aimed the rifle and fired the round at Hargis'' foot.

    Fwap!

    The shot grazed Hargis foot and blew a hole in the floor. The whole tavern stopped talking and stared at Reid.

    ¡°Ohh! That is interesting. Did the Canids make this?¡± asked Hargis, taking another step.

    ¡°Don¡¯t come any closer guy, or I will put a hole in you!¡± Reid pointed the unloaded rifle at Hargis.

    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    ¡°Canid-man, you can¡¯t put a hole in all of us-¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not a Canid you fool! And if you want that weapon you¡¯re gonna have to earn it!¡± yelled Naja, slamming her dice box on the table again.

    ¡°Umm..what did you just say?¡± Reid asked Naja. She ignored him.

    "Little Naja, you would gamble this weapon for the blood eyes, hm ? Haha!¡± Hargis bellowed and reached in his pouch for two coin shaped rubies. He dropped them on the table, the blood eyes.

    ¡°You brat Elf, two of three. You win you get the eyes. You lose I get the weapon, and the Canid-man, he comes with me-¡±

    ¡°Wait! I¡¯m not-¡± Reid protested.

    ¡°Deal! Let¡¯s roll the dice¡± yelled Naja, and threw two dice in her box and tossed them to a female Gobra dealer, who checked the dice for malfeasance.

    ¡°My dice ain''t loaded you witch!¡± barked Naja at the dealer. The dealer spit on the ground and accepted her dice after a careful inspection.

    ¡°Naja, why are you gambling my rifle?¡± asked Reid.

    ¡°Because I''m going to win and we need those blood eyes if you want to go home! Come on Hargis, let¡¯s roll already!¡±

    Hargis motioned to the dealer, who shook the dice in the box and slammed them on the table. Captain Reid, now a spectator, watched the fate of him and his rifle unfold.

    ¡°Elf girl, call it! Even or odds,¡± hissed the dealer.

    ¡°I am odd!¡± Naja yelled back.

    Hargis waved and the dealer raised the box. The dice read three, odd.

    ¡°Yaaaa! I told you, trust me!¡± Naja boasted to Reid.

    ¡°It¡¯s two out of three,¡± replied Reid, expressionless.

    ¡°Hmph! Roll the dice again!¡± commanded Hargis to the dealer.

    The dealer shook and slammed the dice box on the table again.

    ¡°Call it, Elf!¡± she barked at Naja.

    ¡°Odd!¡±

    The dealer raised the box. The dice read four, even.

    The crowd of Gobras erupted in cheer around Hargis, who smirked and nodded in approval.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we have another chance, and I don¡¯t lose earthman!¡± Naja assured Reid.

    ¡°Gamblers always think they have another chance,¡± he muttered back, not facing her.

    ¡°Hmph! I¡¯m no ordinary gambler, roll the dice you witch!¡± she huffed.

    The dealer shook and slammed the dice box on the table.

    ¡°Call it, Elf!¡±

    ¡°Even!¡±

    The tavern crowd focused on the dice box. The dealer lifted the box, the dice read seven, odd, Naja lost.

    ¡°Raaah! Give me the stick Canid!¡± yelled one of Hargis¡¯ goons, grabbing Reid¡¯s rifle. Reid let it go and stared daggers at Naja.

    ¡°Reid...I ...I ..it wasn¡¯t supposed to!¡±

    Hargis cut her off, ¡°You stupid Elf girl, did you think your illusion magic would work here, hunh?¡± he yelled, wielding the rifle in triumph.

    And Reid figured Naja out, ¡°I see now, you attempted to cheat, and Hargis there stopped your cheating and beat you fair and square...is that right, Naja?¡± Reid asked her in a calm voice.

    ¡°Um...well...I ...we can get the weapon back-¡±

    ¡°Shut your mouth, don¡¯t say another word!¡± Reid snapped at her, furious, and turned his back on her.

    ¡°Reid-¡±

    ¡°Ssh!¡± he shut her down. He had enough of her talking.

    Three of Hargis¡¯ goons grabbed Reid and forced him over to their boss.

    ¡°Hey, you show me how to use this weapon!¡± demanded Hargis.

    ¡°Well, you see a weapon like this is used for war, and love,¡± said Reid.

    ¡°What are you going on about?¡± barked Hargis.

    ¡°I said all is fair in love and war you fucking frog!¡± yelled Reid, jumping on top of Naja and chucking an M67 grenade behind the tavern bar.

    BOOOOM!

    The grenade¡¯s explosion burst every glass, mug and mirror on the inside of the bar sending shards flying everywhere. The patrons panicked, half of them with eardrums blown stampeded to the exits and the windows. Soon smoke filled the air.

    Reid leapt off of Naja and forward kicked Hargis, grabbing the rifle back. He then snatched Hargis coin purse off the table with the two blood eye rubies in them.

    Still moving, Reid slapped a magazine in the rifle and fired a burst at the tavern ceiling, maximizing the noise and the panic. In the confusion Reid grabbed Naja and pulled her out to the street.

    ¡°How do we get out of here?¡± he yelled at her, holding her hand.

    ¡°Straight ahead! We need Gallots!¡±

    Naja pointed at a horse stable. But they weren¡¯t horses, they were giant lizards. Naja ran at the stable keeper with a handful of coins yelling, ¡°Here, here, just take it!¡±

    She motioned to Reid to hop on one of the four gallots already saddled.

    ¡°Just pretend it¡¯s a horse Reid!¡± he said to himself, and mounted the foul smelling creature. And the gallot lifted itself and whinnied like a real horse, ¡®Oh, cool!¡¯

    ¡°We have to head west, heeyah!¡± cried Naja.

    Reid followed her, but she slowed down, and so did he. Ahead of him the crowd from the tavern joined the crowd in the street, who all panicked and stampeded toward Naja and Reid.

    ¡°Naja, why is the whole town running at us?¡±

    ¡°Oh no!¡±

    ¡°What is ¡®Oh no¡¯?¡± he asked, not understanding the uproar in the street.

    ¡°Damn! They found me! We gotta run!¡± Naja yanked the reins of her gallot and bolted in the other direction.

    Reid stared at the horizon, ¡°Who found you....oh¡­.¡±

    A mile outside the gate, a dust cloud whirled toward Cossas, and there they were, thirty, no, forty werewolves.  And they moved fast. Reid could only think of two words for this situation.

    ¡°Fuck me!¡±

    __

    All of Cionis key is proofread by the awesome Chiisutofupuru who writes Sasha.</a> An awesome story that I proof and I''m a fan of ^_^

 Chapter 3- Earth Woman

    Silver Fog

    The gallots ran fast for lizards, but not faster than the wolves chasing them out of the town¡¯s back gate. From his saddle Reid checked behind him to gauge the wolves¡¯ progress. But the pack thinned each time he checked.

    ¡®Where did the rest of them go? Did they give up the chase?¡¯ he turned to his right, ¡°Oh fuck! Naja! they¡¯re surrounding us!¡±

    ¡°I know!¡±

    Unlike the gallots, the wolves could traverse the bush filled sides of the road, surrounding the fleeing duo. The wolves trotted to high elevations on the road sides, and from those heights they jumped at Naja and Reid.

    ¡°Naja duck!¡± yelled Reid, pulling and firing his forty-five at a grey wolf flying at Naja.

    Pop! Pop!

    The wolf yelped from the shots and missed clawing Naja by a hair. Two more wolves, a dark grey and a black spotted, leapt at Reid from his right and left sides.

    ¡®Damn, I can only hit one!¡¯ he aimed and fired a direct hit at the black spotted on his right, and felt the breath of the dark grey on his left.

    ¡°Reeeeid!¡± Naja screamed.

    The full weight of the grey wolf knocked Reid off his gallot sending him tumbling through a bush. But the wolf saved his claw for the bigger target, the gallot itself. The gallot squealed as the dark grey struck it down. Afterward, more wolves surrounded and tore the lizard steed apart.

    Reid recovered his gear and rifle from the fall, dropped to a knee and aimed at the advancing pack.

    ¡°Reid, jump on!¡± yelled Naja from behind him.

    Reid spun one eighty and Naja scooped him up onto her gallot. She jumped the gallot over the wolves, stomping two in the landing. One wolf tried to block the gallot¡¯s path, but the steed chomped down and crushed the wolf¡¯s shoulder while fleeing with Naja and Reid.

    Reid sat backward on the saddle and fired rounds at the scattered wolves behind him. After a quarter of a mile the wolves ended their chase, stopping dead in their tracks.

    ¡°Why¡¯d they give up so suddenly?¡± Reid asked Naja.

    ¡°Because they¡¯d die if they breathed this silver fog.¡±

    ¡°Wha-¡± gulped Reid. A fog surrounded them as they galloped through a mountain pass.

    ¡°This fog kills Canids, but does strange things to other beings,¡± said Naja.

    ¡°What do you mean...cough..ahem..cough, Naja..I¡¯m having trouble breathing. ..Naja..¡± Reid coughed again and blacked out.

    Rispar

    Reid awoke in a bed in a well lit room. In the room doorway Naja spoke with an older woman, another Elf.

    ¡°Naja, your partner is awake,¡± said the older Elf, who excused herself and left the hallway.

    Naja spun, confirmed Reid¡¯s consciousness, and jumped on the bed with him.

    ¡°Captain, you¡¯re so beautiful! How do you feel?¡± asked Naja.

    ¡°Oi, my head hurts a bit, where are we?..Ahem...ahem..What¡¯s wrong with my voice?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re in Rispar and nothing is wrong with your voice, it matches you perfectly. Here¡¯s some water...and a mirror...hee!¡±

    Reid sipped the cup of water and cleared his throat again. Naja shook her head.

    ¡°Hi, all that clearing won¡¯t change your voice, but in two days it should be fine,¡± said Naja, holding up the mirror for Reid.

    Reid glanced in the mirror, then snatched it from her hand.

    ¡°...Naja?¡±

    ¡°Yes lover!¡±

    ¡°Why?..What? ¡­¡±

    ¡°What are you asking lover? Are you going to ask me why all of sudden you¡¯re a tall beautiful earth woman?¡±

    ¡°Naja!¡±

    ¡°Reid please calm down! I told you the silver fog has effects on beings. I guess in the case of humans...it ...flips your gender.¡±

    ¡°Naja! I have breasts and, oh no, I¡¯m missing my, oh boy!¡± cried Reid, feeling for missing parts.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Reid! If we didn¡¯t take that mountain route the Canids would¡¯ve captured us, and I assure you this is temporary like..food poisoning, hee!¡±

    ¡°You are food poisoning!¡± barked Reid, jumping up in front of a long mirror.

    Reid examined herself in the mirror wearing only her brown army t-shirt and brown boxer briefs. She recognized her face, only now it was smaller and her brown eyes bigger. Reid¡¯s black hair remained the same ¡®soldier¡¯ haircut.

    ¡°Captain Reid! You''re the prettiest tomboy I¡¯ve ever seen!...Every male and female on Cionis would fight romantic battles to have you!¡±

    ¡°Eh? I don¡¯t know...something¡¯s wrong...it¡¯s one thing to become a woman, but why do I feel so girly?¡± Reid asked examining her new long legs and sexy hips.

    ¡°Oh, yeah, that fog changed your chemistry a bit..sooo...in your mind you¡¯ll ''think'' like a woman, just like me! And umm.....I¡¯m sorry Reid but you¡¯re turning me on so much! Yaaa!¡±

    Naja grabbed Reid and yanked her onto the bed, tits and all.

    ¡°Naja, no!¡±

    ¡°You mean, yes!¡±

    Naja¡¯s eyes burned with lust as her hands caressed and clutched Reid¡¯s curved body. Naja then slid Reid¡¯s boxers down.

    ¡°Hey- Hey!¡± protested Reid.

    ¡°Ssssssssssh..Captain!...You don¡¯t know what a woman feels like...so I¡¯m gonna teach you..ya!¡±

    Reid lost herself in Naja¡¯s blue eyes and touch. Naja cupped Reid below, then entered her.

    ¡°Ah!...¡±

    ¡°Heeee, first time someone visit you there? Ya, its wonderful..girls are special that way, you¡¯ll see~¡±

    ¡°....Naja..¡± begged Reid

    ¡°No worries, Captain.. I have more for you..and you will love me..¡±

    ¡°.......Ah...¡±

    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.Earthwoman

    Reid awoke to someone banging on the door, Naja lay asleep next to her. Reid shook her awake.

    ¡°Hey, wake up, the door!¡±

    ¡°Ya~ oh, I¡¯m coming!¡± Naja yelled to the person knocking.

    Naja hopped out of bed full on naked and wrapped herself in a sheet to answer the door. Reid, pulled herself up and entered the ¡®bathroom¡¯ inside their room.

    ¡®Squatting toilet? Gross...A bath tub? Hunh, not much different than earth.¡¯

    Reid used the facilities, for the first time as a woman, then re-entered the bedroom. An older lady Elf waited in the room to greet her.

    ¡°Hello Reid, my name is Bridana, I¡¯m Naja¡¯s aunt.¡±

    ¡°Oh, pleasure to meet you. Forgive me, I¡¯m not decent-¡±

    ¡°Haha, its ok. From what I understand you¡¯re not even a woman,¡± she chuckled.

    ¡°Right...there¡¯s that too. Where¡¯s Naja?¡±

    ¡°Hopefully reuniting with her sister,¡± Bridana answered.

    ¡°Uh...Naja has a sister?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but Reid...I believe this is what you¡¯ve traveled for.¡±

    Bridana unwrapped and displayed a rectangular device the size of an old cordless phone.

    ¡°Hey, that¡¯s a GPS!¡± Reid yelped taking the device from the Elf.

    ¡°Yes Reid, this is the ¡®Key¡¯¡± she whispered.

    He flipped the device and read the burned stenciling in the back.

    US ARMY D.O.D. 999582621

    Major- J. Gantz

    1999 Keymaster Industries, St. Louis Missouri.

    ¡°Gantz? 1999 Keymaster?....Bridana, was this man here, this ¡®Gantz¡¯ person?¡±

    ¡°Yes! He was a great man, he healed people! We called him Doc-ter,¡± she answered bright eyed.

    ¡°I see, where is Doctor Gantz now?¡±

    Bridana turned away.

    ¡°That device, it can open something he called¡­¡¯Wormholes¡¯¡­¡±

    Reid examined the device again, ¡®What is she talking about? This is an old school military GPS device.. But if this can open a wormhole it may get me home..or kill me.¡¯

    ¡°Wormholes! Yeah...I think I understand what he meant, please continue. I need to know everything,¡± said Reid with a serious tone.

    ¡°Reid, the warlock Faynus stole this device and he opened a hole that sent large rocks the size of cities storming down on any population that defied him!¡± she explained.

    ¡°The good doctor, a soldier like you, entered Faynus¡¯ stronghold and reclaimed the device. But while disabling it..he...sent himself away...and the device was left behind, along with all of the items he carried here."

    Reid opened the GPS¡¯ battery door to check the size.

    ¡°Four double AA¡¯s...crap, I only have two.¡±

    ¡°Reid? Are you familiar with this device?¡± Bridana asked with hope.

    ¡°Well, if you¡¯ve seen one of them you¡¯ve seen em all, but I need a set of double AA batteries to work it. Hey, you said Gantz left his gear behind, would you happen to have any of it?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, no. All of Doctor Gantz¡¯ equipment is held by The warlock Faynus. He¡¯s obsessed with everything Doctor Gantz owned, to include the Key device.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like a nice guy~¡± Reid quipped.

    ¡°He was once...but now this world struggles under his grip as he takes land to mine for power, for stones like these,¡± she displayed the blood eyes rubies.

    ¡°Oh yeah, I ..hmm..Naja retrieved those rubies for you, by the way where is Naja again?¡± Reid asked,  and a thunderous voice answered.

    ¡°Thanking her gods she¡¯s not here or I¡¯d tear her apart, earthwoman!¡±

    Reid spun toward the voice. Six Canids blocked the doorway from the hall, two of them in full wolf form, growling. Reid faced Bridana.

    ¡°Oh, Bridana...did you just sell Naja and me out?¡±

    ¡°Hmm...yes and no. As I said Naja will rejoin her sister, as a prisoner of Faynus,¡± she answered.

    ¡°Oh, ok so you sent her to Faynus?...Wow, you¡¯re not a nice aunt are you?¡±

    ¡°Reid, in time you will under-¡±

    ¡°Enough! Come earthwoman, you have-¡±

    ¡°Hey, fuck you man!¡± shouted Reid, hurling a chair at the Canid in the doorway and running into the bathroom to jump out the large window over the tub.

    ¡®Ah man, I got no shoes!¡¯ Reid jumped two flights to the grass and soil, cutting her knee in the landing, ¡®Ow, and I¡¯m naked!¡¯

    Wearing underwear and a t-shirt, the barefoot captain ran down a side alley, zigzagging between buildings to throw off her wolf pursuers.

    ¡®Crap! Think Reid, think! Ah, I¡¯ll lose em in the people!¡¯

    Reid scanned for a crowd. She ran left toward a market street with outdoor vendors, when¡­

    A werewolf¡¯s punch slammed Reid¡¯s stomach, blasting the wind out of her slender frame. She collapsed on the ground gasping for air.

    ¡°You are pretty tough, earthwoman,¡± said the assaulting wolf, who shape-shifted before her eyes from a dark grey wolf, to a tall, well built tanned man.

    ¡°Earthwoman, my name is Kerod, and I think it''s best you come with me,¡± he assured Reid.

    ¡°...I¡¯m ..Reid..and I...think you¡¯ll have to carry me¡­¡± grunted Reid, curled in a fetal position but keeping eye contact.

    ¡°Ha ha! Not a problem, but tell me, have you ever ridden a wolf before?¡±  asked Kerod, staring down at the gasping Reid.

    ¡°Eh? You¡¯re not hitting on me are you?¡± asked Reid, tragically serious.

    Kerod gaped back in disbelief, ¡°Ah...I don¡¯t think you¡¯re my type, earthwoman, haha!¡± he laughed.

    ¡°Oh..in that case...wolf riding sounds like fun..yay..¡± muttered Reid, still sucking wind.

    ¡°Haha! That¡¯s the right answer, Reid! Good for you! Ha ha haaaaaaa!¡±

    _____________________________________________________________________

    Next chapter we¡¯ll meet the Canids (the werewolves), and find out more of Naja¡¯s fate!

    Stay Tuned! I¡¯ll write it and have it up before you know it! ^_^

 Chapter 4- The Alchemist

    Vorkest

    ¡°So Naja¡¯s not sixteen?¡±

    ¡°No, on Cionis the days are twenty eight hours and our years are five hundred days. Naja¡¯s closer to twenty six. How old are you Reid?" asked Bridana.

    ¡°I¡¯m twenty three, but hey, don¡¯t change the subject! Ya¡¯ll are all a bunch of liars. Even that damn wolf! He told me I could ride a wolf, but now I¡¯m in a carriage with you, and not riding a wolf, hmph,¡± pouted Reid, wearing a beautiful fall gown and boots provided by Bridana for the journey.

    The ladies traveled in a large, gallot driven coach enroute to Vorkest, the Canid forest kingdom. Outside the carriage three, spear wielding, Canid escorts rode gallots while two ran beside in wolf form.

    ¡°That dress favors you more than it ever did me Captain Reid, and you fascinate me so. I see why Naja likes you!¡± cooed Bridana.

    ¡°Yeah? If you¡¯re so concerned with Naja why¡¯d you send her to the warlock?¡±

    *Because if the Canids catch her they¡¯ll kill her for what she did to their king!*

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re in my head...you¡¯re sending, right?¡±

    *Listen to me Captain, you¡¯re alive because I told the Canids you can save their king with your alchemy. That¡¯s why we travel to Vorkest now.*

    ¡°Oh, that''s what you told them? Great, and since I¡¯m not a doctor tell me what happens when I kill the geezer?¡±

    *You won¡¯t, I have faith in you!*

    ¡°Good for you, cause I don¡¯t trust you, you double-crossing Aunty! ..oh I¡¯m all flustered!¡± cried Reid, staring out the window at the beautiful countryside.

    ¡°Haha, not used to your feminine emotions yet?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean ¡®yet¡¯? I¡¯m still a man in here you know!¡± she growled, shaking her fist in her lovely gown.

    The carriage descended to the Vorkest forest land and Reid marveled at the Canid towns and homes. All beautiful wood and earth dwellings crafted with care from the surrounding land.

    ¡®How eco-friendly, these people!¡¯

    Kerod the full wolf jumped on the carriage side and shifted to human form.

    ¡°Ladies, castle Kaer stands over the hill!¡± he growled in the carriage window.

    ¡°Thank you Kerod,¡± gushed Bridana.

    ¡°Aye, and you¡¯re stunning in your dress Captain Reid,¡± huffed Kerod, winking at Reid before rejoining the escort pack.

    ¡°Oh~ thank you!¡± chirped Reid.

    *Captain Reid, you do know why everyone speaks English?* asked Bridana.

    ¡°Uh...You know, I wanted to ask, but then I just went with it...man there¡¯s so much weird shit goin on in this world,¡± muttered Reid, closing her eyes and shaking her head.

    *Haha, you¡¯re more easygoing than Naja claimed. It¡¯s Elf magic, you only think you hear English, just as the others hear their language when you speak around us.*

    ¡°So that¡¯s how Naja.. But wait, I wasn¡¯t near an Elf when Kerod spoke to me in the street.¡±

    *The effects can linger for an hour or so. But keep this in mind if we¡¯re ever separated*

    ¡°Ok, good to know.¡±

    The carriage climbed over the hill in view of the great earth and wooden castle Kaer. The streets crowded with onlookers as the guards and carriage rumbled to the gates.

    ¡°Are these folks our fans?¡± asked Reid, waving to the cheering people walking alongside the carriage.

    *Yes, they heard you will awaken their beloved king with your earth magic!*

    ¡°They heard what now?¡±

    The carriage entered the castle square and halted. Court maidens and valets entered to assist the travelers. Reid observed the Canids, a tall race with the shortest people five foot eight. All with fine, wolf like features. And both males and females were strikingly handsome.

    ¡°Lady Bridana, it¡¯s been too long!¡± beamed a tall blonde woman in a white and earth toned gown.

    ¡°Orasha, a pleasure to see you as well,¡± replied Bridana, taking Orasha¡¯s hand as she escorted her down, ¡°Oh and this my travel partner, Captain Reid from earth.¡±

    Orasha¡¯s eyes blazed, ¡°Oh~ You¡¯re the dok-ter here to save our beloved king, please let me get your things!¡± she cooed and a valet team descended on Captain Reid to carry her one rucksack.

    ¡°Uhh, don¡¯t go to any trouble on my account, I assure you I¡¯m not worth it, heh heh!¡± chuckled the embarrassed Reid.

    *Reid, as soon as we are in chambers, gather your medical kit, and have faith!*

    ¡°Yeah, easy for you to say~¡± said Reid smiling at the valets.

    Escort

    For an hour after arrival Reid rested and ate in her bed chamber. The food, a mix of root vegetables and elk meat spiced with local herbs.

    ¡°Yum, this grub¡¯s great!¡± beamed Reid to the bed maid. Prior to this meal she¡¯d only eaten the few army issued ¡®Meals Ready to Eat (MRE)¡¯ packs carried in her rucksack.

    While eating, Reid praised her chamber  design and decor. Light colored sand wood in a minimal flat scheme, bed, couch and table.

    ¡°Cool, Scandinavian style, like Ikea in here, heh heh!¡± Reid said to the maid, who returned a puzzled expression.

    ¡°Brithrana ee? Eekia?¡± responded the maid.

    ¡°Eh? Oh right, my language spell¡¯s wearing off, you don¡¯t know what I¡¯m saying.¡±

    ¡°Kwa?¡± asked the maid.

    ¡°Uh, don¡¯t worry about it, you wouldn¡¯t get the reference anyway!¡± chuckled Reid, escorting the maid out of the room.

    As Reid stepped into the hallway Bridana arrived with Orasha, Kerod and the demanding guard who Reid flung a chair at in Rispar.

    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    *Captain Reid, your medical kit, in particular your poison needle!* requested Bridana.

    ¡°My what?¡± Reid asked unsure.

    ¡°Ah, Captain Reid. We¡¯re here to escort you to our King¡¯s bed chamber, we understand you will undo the sleeping spell placed on him by that witch Naja!¡± said Orasha.

    Reid stumbled back hearing the request, and who caused the problem.

    ¡°Naja put him to sleep hunh...wonderful¡­.Well, it¡¯d be rude if I said no, so uh..let¡¯s go check your king!¡± Reid assured, not knowing what else to say.

    Stelio

    Reid and her escorts, who grew more populous by the second, arrived in the king¡¯s chamber.

    ¡°Whoa, talk about the master suite!¡± she said, admiring the large well lit room.

    And there, on a bed in the full sun light lay the king. Reid moved closer to view him.

    ¡®Whoa, you ain¡¯t no geezer.¡¯

    The great king Stelio, a strapping twenty five year old with light brown hair and a handsome lined beard, lay dormant on the bed, his armor and sword nearby. Reid moved closer and lift the king¡¯s palm and wrist.

    ¡®Hmm, normal pulse and breathing...he¡¯s in a coma...or asleep.¡±

    *Reid, your poison needle, I know you have one, I saw it!*

    ¡°My poison needle?  Ooooooh!¡± Reid shouted, finally catching Bridana¡¯s meaning.

    ¡°You mean Atropine! Right, I¡¯m with you!¡± Reid reached for her medical kit needle and a hand sized tube filled with the chemical.

    *Atropine: provided to all U.S. Army combat troops to fight nerve agent during chemical attacks. Soldiers self administer it through a needle. The drug fires the neurons and spikes the heart rate.

    The Canids surrounded their king glaring at Captain Reid and her foreign chemistry.

    ¡°Captain, are you sure this won¡¯t...make his situation worse?¡± asked a concerned Orasha.

    ¡°Orasha, if our king dies, the earth woman¡¯s death will be public and slow!¡± vowed the guard who Reid flung a chair at.

    ¡°Patience, Tratan, have care for your king, and do not say his name and death in the same breath,¡± defended Bridana.

    ¡°You lie Elf, you all do!¡± huffed Tratan, glaring at Captain Reid, ¡°And you¡¯re all fools for trusting this sorceror!¡±

    ¡°Enough, Tratan!¡± shouted Kerod.

    Tratan, outnumbered by those who wished Captain Reid well, backed out of the King¡¯s chamber scowling at those who didn¡¯t heed his warning.

    ¡°Earthwoman, I¡¯ll see you again!¡±

    ¡°Why? So I can crack your skull with a chair again? Go fuck yourself bro!¡± Reid barked at Tratan.

    Everyone gaped at Reid in disbelief at her unlady like outburst, and Kerod laughed.

    ¡°Haha, spoken like a true warrior! Let¡¯s save your energy for my good king!¡± said Kerod gesturing at the dormant king Stelio on the bed.

    ¡°Right, here, let me say the magic words, ahem!¡± said Reid leaning over to Stelio¡¯s face to whisper.

    ¡°Alright handsome, you got red blood and a heart, and they taught me this in ranger school, it¡¯s called the ¡®Pulp Fiction Shot¡¯...so just pretend you¡¯re Uma Thurman, and uh...don¡¯t die, cool!¡±

    Reid said no more and jammed a long atropine filled needled through the king¡¯s chest plate and straight into his heart. The crowd gasped at the violent act, some grabbed at Reid, fearing she¡¯d do more.

    But the king trembled. His hands shook and he coughed on the bed.

    ¡°The king stirs!¡± cried Orasha.

    King Stelio¡¯s right hand shot up and ripped the needle from his chest, and with his eyes still closed, his great hand wrapped around Reid¡¯s neck and choked her!¡±

    ¡°Hey, hey!¡± Reid gasped trying to undo the king¡¯s death grip.

    ¡°My lord, wake up!¡± shouted Kerod.

    The great king raised up coughing, still choking Reid. His eyes opened and he gasped sucking air as if drowning. He glanced at the faces around his bed in a dreamlike state, when.

    ¡°Buddy! ack ack quit chokin me ack!¡± grunted Reid.

    The king faced Reid startled and released her, ¡°Forgive me!¡± he cried.

    Reid dropped to the floor, and Bridana and Orasha rushed to her aid.

    *Excellent work Reid! I knew your alchemy would save him. I¡¯d seen Dr. Gantz  cure this sleeping spell with the needle. But his supply depleted, until you arrived with a new tube in your medical pack.*

    ¡°Yeah, I kinda fig-¡±

    ¡°Earthwoman, you saved me from the dark and I thanked you with a hand at your throat! Most unforgivable!¡± growled the sad king Stelio.

    ¡°What? My good king, you flatter me, but I promise you, you owe me no debt,¡± Reid assured Stelio.

    ¡°No, you¡¯ve returned me to my people¡¯s service, I cannot thank you enough,¡± he kneeled and kissed Reid¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Oh~¡± blushed Reid. ¡®Oh wow, you are a gorgeous king..Hey! WTF am I thinking?¡¯ she curtseyed in thanks.

    ¡°Good king Stelio, her name is Captain Reid, and she¡¯s exhausted from healing you, I¡¯ll see her back to her chambers!¡± said Bridana, pulling Reid toward the door.

    The king locked eyes with Reid and gestured to stall them, but his cheerful people surrounded him with hugs and tears of love. The ladies fled the king¡¯s chamber, with Reid¡¯s eyes still locked on the king¡¯s grey green eyes...

    _

 Chapter 5- Captains Plan

    Back in Reid¡¯s Chamber

    ¡°Hey Bridana, Naja told me this fog poison lasted two days, it¡¯s been over thirty hours and I¡¯m getting worse, hmph!¡± cried Reid.

    ¡°Reid darling first of all, two of our days are fifty six hours. And second, Naja told you ¡®two days¡¯ to keep you calm. But the fog affects each creature in a different manner, it could last three days. But I assure you the effects will pass.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, well I still gotta get off this world and I think that wolf king Stelio can help me! Hey! Why did Naja put him to sleep anyway?¡±

    ¡°Naja cast a sleep spell to counter a powerful love spell placed on King Stelio by her sister, Mia.¡± answered Bridana

    "Uh..yeah that makes no sense, sorry I asked. But earlier you said Major Gantz¡¯ equipment was stashed at that warlock¡¯s castle right?¡±

    ¡°Yes, the warlock has all of Dr. Gantz equipment, except the ''Key''...the GPS, that you have now."

    ¡°Right, and I guarantee that warlock is sitting on some double A batteries in Gantz'' equipment. I need those batteries to work the GPS..maybe it''ll make a wormhole and get me home.''"

    ¡°What? You want to storm the warlock''s castle for batteries for the Key...err the GPS?¡± asked Bridana.

    ¡°No, I ain''t storming anything!¡± vowed Reid, unrolling a map on the table in front of Bridana. She recognized it.

    ¡°This map, it¡¯s castle Veras, the warlock Faynus'' castle! Where did you get this?¡± asked Bridana, surprised.

    ¡°I flirted with Kerod and he swiped it for me from the Canid¡¯s military vaults, hee hee!¡± boasted Reid, proud of her man seduction skills.

    ¡°So you plan on infiltrating the warlock¡¯s castle?¡±

    ¡°Not just me! That¡¯s why I need the-¡±

    A knock on the door. The ladies gave each other the ¡®who can that be? I don¡¯t know,¡¯ face. A voice followed the knock.

    ¡°Lady Reid, it¡¯s ..Stelio.. please forgive my interruption.¡±

    ¡°Oh, uh, one moment good king!¡± answered Bridana moving to open the door with a last warning.

    *Reid, be careful with the king, he¡¯s an Alpha, attractive to females and in your...current libido-*

    ¡°Get outta my head lady, and move!¡± Reid huffed, pushing her aside.

    Reid opened the door to greet good king Stelio and inform him¡­¡­that his grey green eyes were¡­

    ¡°..Good King..I..uh..¡± said Reid.

    *Reid! Be careful!*

    ¡°Forgive me Lady Reid, I hope I''m not interrupting,¡± said the King.

    ¡°Not all good king, please come in, Lady Bridana was leaving!¡± answered Reid, hinting to Bridana to ''get out.''

    Bridana glared at Reid, ¡°Uh..Yes, if you''ll both excuse me, Reid I¡¯ll check on you shortly!¡± assured Bridana.

    ¡°Yeah, you do that,¡± smiled Reid, nudging Bridana out the door and slamming it before facing Stelio.

    ¡°Good king, I wished to speak with you as I hoped-¡±

    The king  grasped Reid''s hand and pulled her closer.

    ¡°My lady, I¡¯m aware. Kerod informed me of your plans to...raid castle Veras in search of ..''batteries'' for the Key device,¡± said Stelio, penetrating Reid¡¯s soul with his gaze.

    Trapped in his eyes, Reid couldn¡¯t move, nor wanted too. The king¡¯s lips moved closer to hers.

    ¡°...My king, you said you know my plan, yet you hesitate,¡± she whispered, as their lips touched.

    ¡°Mmm..¡± he growled holding her tight, ¡°Perhaps..a more diplomatic-¡±

    Reid pushed him away.

    ¡°Diplomatic? That means you¡¯re still in love with Naja''s sister Mia, and she''s in that warlock''s castle isn''t she? That''s why you won''t attack it!¡± huffed Reid, accusing the King of treachery.

    Ashamed, and surprised at Reid''s knowledge of events, King Stelio backed off.

    ¡°Lady Reid, you don¡¯t understand...Naja''s sister Mia is a servant of the warlock. Mia''s love spell compels me to command her.. that''s why Naja cast a sleeping spell on me, to protect me from myself..¡± said Stelio dropping to a knee, Reid rushed to him.

    ¡°Stelio? Hey man, you ok?¡± she pulled him to the bed.

    ¡°Captain Reid, in the deep recess of my heart, I agree with your plan. It¡¯s just," he pulled Reid on his lap and held her waist.

    ¡°Reid, when I awoke and I gazed at you, it¡¯s as if the love spell split between you and Mia...I can¡¯t stop thinking of either of you. But if I focus on you...my head clears¡­¡±

    Reid¡¯s eyes squinted to steely slits.

    ¡°Did you just say you¡¯re thinking about me and Naja''s sister at the same time? Man get yer hands off me, I don¡¯t need you, hmph!¡± Reid yelled and tsundere hopped off the bed to run, but the king chased her.

    Reid ran into the chamber bathroom and locked herself in. The king sighed, and tapped on the door.

    ¡°Go away!¡± barked Reid behind the door.

    ¡°Captain Reid...I''m not lying to you. And to prove it, I will let you know that I¡¯m aware that you''re a man affected by silver fog...and Captain..I have no interest in men.¡±

    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    Reid paused, then cracked the door, ¡°...So you¡¯re really under Mia''s messed up spell, hunh?¡±

    ¡°Yes Captain..my thoughts are dark. Mia''s spell commands me to give up my kingdom to the warlock and take Mia¡¯s hand in marriage,¡± he grumbled facing Reid.

    ¡°But when I''m with you Captain, you free my heart from Mia¡¯s curse...but my heart enters another curse under you-mmph!¡±

    Reid cut Stelio off. She grabbed his face and stuck her tongue down his throat. Holding him down while she kissed him.

    ¡°Mm..Captain?¡± protested the King, and Reid dropped to the floor in flat shame.

    ¡°Oh my god...I just..oh boy..this body man..I really gotta ditch this body..Hey king I, mmph?¡±

    The king grabbed her and returned her kiss. Reid wrapped her long legs around him, embracing him as he carried her to the bed and lay her on her back. He snapped her dress latch and ravaged her exposed breasts, one at a time.

    ¡°..Ah~..¡± Reid cried, grasping Stelio¡¯s hair.

    With no inhibition, she clutched his manhood pushing against his trousers, and confirmed her guess.

    ¡°Well, well, good king! You certainly-¡±

    *Reid!*

    ¡°Eh, What? Bridana, get outta my head!¡± yelped Reid.

    ¡°Excuse me?¡± asked the King.

    ¡°Nothing I-¡±

    A double knock on the door, ¡°Captain Reid, it¡¯s Orasha, I¡¯ve come to summon you to blah blah blah..¡±

    Reid and the king jumped up red faced, fixing their clothes.

    ¡°Hi Orasha, that''s fine, I¡¯ll meet you in five minutes!¡± yelled Reid at the door, fastening her dress. Stelio, spoke to Reid.

    ¡°Captain Reid, as we are now, my head¡¯s clear. And although I agree in principle with your plan to infiltrate the castle, I can only agree to provide you with help if you will slay the warlock¡­..and Mia.¡±

    Reid paused, ¡°You want me to kill Mia?...Naja¡¯s sister?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Aye, as long as that woman lives her spell torments me. You Captain Reid are my only relief. I¡¯m afraid in an hour I will rescind the help I offered you, as I will once again languish under Mia¡¯s spell¡­.and betray my own people.¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll just come and snap you out of it! hee hee!¡± Reid kissed Stelio¡¯s sharp nose, forcing the king to smile.

    Stelio, wanting to keep his word, brandished a parchment giving the order to Kerod to use Canid¡¯s own ¡®special forces¡¯ called, ''The Black Fangs,'' to assist Reid¡¯s mission. Stelio read the parchment, displaying his king¡¯s seal.

    ¡°Here Captain, the seal on this order makes it law. Take it before my mind..and my heart... alters.¡±

    Reid took the parchment, she couldn¡¯t read it, but it had the king¡¯s seal and she believed him.

    ¡°Thanks King...and uh...it¡¯s really a better idea that we not...do anything...because I ain¡¯t exactly what I seem, you catch my drift?¡± she winked.

    ¡°Haha, yes Captain I do,¡± he assured her, and kissed her again.

    ¡°You..mmph!¡± Reid protested, a little.

    After a minute of loving.

    ¡°Get out already you brute!¡± Reid love slapped Stelio and he smirked at her strike.

    ¡°Aye, but Captain, I don¡¯t know how long your spell will last on me before Mia¡¯s spell...commands me...take that parchment to Kerod, gather your armor and leave this city!¡±

    Reid understood, ¡°I hear you bro! and thank you, oh and...if you see me again..I probably won¡¯t look-¡±

    ¡°Look? Captain, I¡¯m afraid love spells go deeper than looks. Should I see you in the time you become a man again...forgive me if my feelings...have not changed.¡±

    Reid jumped back.

    ¡°Whoa Bro..why¡¯d you say that?...Now I gotta friend zone you!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you will!¡± he kissed her again.

    ¡°Mmmm, Dude get out! You¡¯re taking advantage of my situation-¡±

    ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll leave.¡±

    ¡°Wait!¡± Reid stopped him.

    ¡°Yes Captain?¡±

    ¡°.... I know you''re under a spell but.. do you like Mia more than me?¡± she asked, coy.

    The king paused, then smiled and pulled Reid close, ¡°Captain Reid...I despise that woman!¡± he whispered and kissed Reid again.

    ¡°Hmph! You better, you dog!¡± she scowled between kisses, ¡°Now get lost!¡± she pushed him out the room, keeping eye contact with him as she slammed the door.

    ¡°Hee, that¡¯ll keep him wanting me for a little while!¡± she gleamed.

    Reid needed to move fast. She put love on King Stelio, but no telling its length before Mia¡¯s spell consumed him again.

    ¡®Figure I got two hours to tool up, grab Kerod and start the journey to castle Veras.¡¯

    Reid undressed to prep for battle, with Stelio on her mind.

    ¡®Oh come on bro...I feel like I¡¯m in twisted ¡®Boy¡¯s Love¡¯ novel.¡¯ Stelio''s eyes flashed in her head.

    ¡®Dude there¡¯s only one way to get that guy outta my head¡­...I totally gotta masturbate!¡¯

    ¡­.and she did~

    ____________

    Hello everyone, I hope you''re enjoying the story. Would you maybe be so kind as to write a review or recommendation. Help spread the word of the adventures of troublesome Captain Reid ^_^ thank you loves~

    -JayDirex

 Chapter 6- Gilded Cage

    Castle Veras, The  Land of Orent

    Naja stared hollow eyed at a wall mirror as three elf girl servants groomed her hair, nails and feet. Earlier they¡¯d stripped her and bathed her against her will. The servants dressed Naja in a beautiful white gown to match the white laced decor of her noble bed chamber, her prison in castle Veras.

    ¡°Mistress, you¡¯re so angelic, please smile,¡± begged the lead servant, as she brushed Naja¡¯s long hair.

    Naja faced the elf, ¡°Smile? For who? Your warlock master? I¡¯d sooner pull my teeth out then smile for that tyrant!¡±

    The servant, shaken by Naja¡¯s words, warned her, ¡°Mistress, you shouldn¡¯t say such things...the walls have ears, and the warlock-¡±

    ¡°Whatever, get off me!¡± snapped Naja, snatching the brush out of the servant¡¯s hand and kicking at the two other girls. The elf servants evaded Naja¡¯s outburst and huddled together with their backs to the large mirror.

    Naja snarled at the three servant girls, who begged her, *Please Mistress, we mean you no harm!*

    Ignoring their send Naja charged and smashed the mirror behind them with the hairbrush. Glass shards shattered to the floor as the elves cowered by the bed. Naja wrapped a strip of bed sheet around a pointed mirror shard, then menaced the servant girls.

    ¡°Now, You¡¯re gonna take me to my sister!¡± growled Naja at the lead servant.

    ¡°Mistress, please I- Ah!¡± Naja yanked the girl¡¯s hair and pressed the shard to her neck, prickling her skin.

    *You try me and I will cut you! Do you understand?* growled Naja in the girl¡¯s head.

    *Yes Mistress!*

    Naja pushed the girl toward the chamber door and the junior servants whimpered behind. The lead servant tapped the door for the guards to unlock it from the outside.

    Naja hid behind the lead servant and pushed her forward as the chamber door opened. As they stepped out to the hallway, the two outside Gobra guards spotted Naja. She jumped up.

    ¡°Back off or the bitch gets it!¡± barked Naja, holding the shard to the servant¡¯s neck.

    The first guard, unimpressed with Naja¡¯s hostage, slashed his spear downward between her and the servant, separating them. But Naja leapt back, side kicked the guard and stomped the spear from his hand.

    The second guard swung his spear at Naja, who ducked grabbing the first guard¡¯s fallen spear and twirled backward, ready to fight. The two guards smirked.

    ¡°Hmph, our orders are not to kill you elf girl, but we will break you!¡± mocked the second guard.

    The servant elf girls fled down the hall as the guards poised to attack Naja. The second guard charged forward and thrust his spear at Naja. Naja pivoted to block, but the palace guards were elite fighters. The guard feigned his forward attack then dropped and swung at Naja¡¯s legs...except Naja, and her leg, vanished before his eyes.

    ¡°What? Illusion magic! The elf tricked us!¡± yelled the first guard.

    Further Down the Hall

    Naja commanded the junior servant girls away and clutched the arm of the lead servant girl, sending to her.

    *You! What¡¯s your name?*

    *My name is Anya, Mistress!*

    *Anya! Where¡¯s my sister, Mia?*

    *Mistress, I haven¡¯t seen the lady Mia for two full moons now!* answered Anya.

    Four guards charged down the hallway toward them. Anya muttered an incantation and cast an illusion spell. The guards ran right passed Naja and Anya, never seeing them.

    *Eh, you hid us? Why?* asked Naja, surprised.

    *Please Mistress, it¡¯s safer in your chambers, the warlock, oh!* yelped Anya as an energy blast flew in her face, halting her words.

    ¡°No!¡± screamed Naja, blocking and absorbing the powerful blast in her palm. Naja dropped down grasping her singed hand, then raised her eyes to view the caster of the blast.

    ¡°Tch!¡± spit Naja at the grinning presence of four Gobra guards trailing behind a stunning raven haired elf in a flowing onyx gown. The elf woman¡¯s silver violet eyes glared at Naja.

    ¡°Mia, you bitch!¡± snarled Naja from the ground.

    The lady Mia stood before the dropped Naja, and cupped Naja¡¯s face in her palm.

    ¡°Hm hm hm, that¡¯s right dear sister, kneel before me!¡± crowed Mia.

    Naja surged with fury at her black haired twin sister. She formed a ball of energy in her right palm and leapt at Mia, but Mia palmed Naja¡¯s chest and pulsed a blast of energy through her.

    ¡°Aaaaah!¡± Naja screamed, collapsed and blacked out.

    Mia knelt and gently lift Naja to her bosom, ¡°Hmm, dear sister, I¡¯m so much stronger than you are... Guards, bind her and take her to my chambers,¡± commanded Mia, while gliding over to the trembling servant Anya.

    *Anya?* asked Mia, sending in a calm voice.

    *My lady I-*

    *I¡¯m sure you have work to do, do you not?* asked Mia, with cruel intent.

    ¡°..Yes m¡¯lady, my work is never done,¡± whimpered Anya out loud, picking herself up and scurrying out of lady Mia¡¯s sight.

    Dear Sister

    Naja awoke in the largest bed chamber in the castle. Complete with fountain bath, garden view terrace, trimmed in wood, stone and ivory.

    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    ¡°Is my chamber not lovely, sister? Are you not impressed?¡±

    Naja turned to her right, ¡°Mia! You can rot in this gilded cage, ptew!¡± Naja spit on the floor, her hands bound behind her back.

    Mia dismissed Naja¡¯s outburst and poured tea. ¡°Sweet Naja, still a wild forest child? Father would be proud.¡±

    ¡°Eh? Why you! Well mother would certainly be proud of you, you witch!¡± Naja fired back.

    ¡°Hahaha, mother was an amateur compared to me and the power I¡¯ve gained,¡± laughed Mia, crackling a ball of energy in her fist.

    ¡°Mia? How far have you gone to amass this power?¡± asked Naja, feeling Mia¡¯s energy before her.

    ¡°Not far enough dear sister, and that¡¯s where you¡¯re going to help me!¡±

    ¡°Help you?  You¡¯re a slave for that warlock tyrant, and I¡¯m not helping you do anything,¡± growled Naja, turning away.

    ¡°Hahah, foolish Naja, as if I would fall under that warlock¡¯s spell. No, you have it wrong, it is I who control him, and soon all of Cionis!¡±

    Naja glared at Mia in disbelief, ¡°Mia...if this is true and you control the warlock, then why are you doing this? Why are you making war on the people of Cionis?¡±

    ¡°No Naja! It is you who will answer my questions. Now, where is the earthman you traveled with? I know you took him through the silver fog?¡±

    Naja sat up surprised, ¡°Eh?..I really don¡¯t know...but Mia..what do you want with him?¡±

    ¡°What do you think? I need his key! That earthman arrived on Cionis, which means he traveled here using a dimensional key!¡± barked Mia.

    Cold sweat shook Naja¡¯s core. Mia knew nothing about Reid. Mia didn¡¯t know Reid arrived in Cionis without a key and traveled to Rispar with Naja to recover Major Gantz'' key.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know where he is. He fled west to Devos once we crossed the silver fog mountain,¡± said Naja.

    ¡°No, you lie!¡±

    ¡°I''m not lying Mia, and even if I did know I wouldn''t-¡±

    Mia grabbed Naja¡¯s face, silencing her.

    ¡°No, you lie and you will tell me where he is dear sister, or else!¡± snapped Mia, throwing Naja on the couch.

    ¡°Black Berrol!¡± screamed Mia, calling out to the hallway. Her chamber doors opened and a large, heavy set elf lurched in. His face a patchwork of stitches under his dark brown heavy robes.

    *Yes m¡¯lady, you called?* he bowed.

    *Black Berrol, take my sister, and find out what she knows. But Berrol, you are not to physically touch her, if you do I''ll castrate you!*

    Berrol glanced at Naja on the couch who snarled at him.

    *Ahh, as much as that pain would honor me in your service m¡¯lady, I¡¯m afraid if I use our ancient mind techniques...they may scar her worse than my physical embrace.* He knelt and caressed Naja¡¯s face.

    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me you freak!¡± barked Naja, wincing from his grope.

    ¡°Use your discretion Berrol, I want to know what she knows. But don¡¯t go too far!" said Mia aloud.

    ¡°Ahh, m¡¯lady, have faith as I have pride in my work,¡± said Berrol, reaching down and shocking Naja with a blast from his palm.

    ¡°Yaaaah!¡± screamed Naja, paralyzed from his blast.

    ¡°Yes, yes, no worries child, you and I will have much to discuss, yes! hee hee,¡± he cackled, lifting Naja and carrying her out of Mia¡¯s chamber.

    A moment later a horn blast from the hallway, a signal for a messenger''s arrival. Mia''s guards escorted her to a large meeting hall, where three wolves barreled into the room. The leader, a large grey and black, shifted and knelt before Mia.

    ¡°Rise Brycius, what news do you bring?¡± asked Mia, rubbing his face. The burly and handsome Canid warmed at her touch as he explained events.

    ¡°M¡¯lady, we lost the scent of the earthman, but we have word from our spies in Vorkest that an earthwoman has awakened King Stelio.¡±

    ¡°An earthwoman is on Cionis?...And has undone Naja¡¯s sleep spell?...Brycius, how many of these earth people are on our world now?¡± asked Mia.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know m¡¯lady, but our spies say she traveled to Vorkest with your Aunt Bridana.¡±

    ¡°What? Bridana with an earthwoman? That old witch lied to me,¡± she muttered to herself facing away from her guards, then she spun and faced Brycius.

    ¡°Brycius, the earthwoman, the earthman, find them all and bring them to me and not a word of this to the warlock! Do you understand my puppy?¡± Mia cooed, cuddling Brycius¡¯ big chest.

    ¡°I belong to you my lady,¡± swore Brycius and shifted to wolf form with his Canids. They howled as they rushed out of the chamber to execute their mistress¡¯ bidding.

    Mia turned to a great window and gazed at the gleaming and majestic Veras City below.

    ¡®I¡¯ve brought order to this castle, to this city. And soon I¡¯ll bring order to all of Cionis¡­¡­. and protect this great world from them¡­..¡¯

    Proofread by Chiisutofupuru~

 Chapter 7- Road to Hatos

    Road To Hatos

    Reid marveled at the size and color of the Cionis full moon. The violet and orange hued celestial body loomed four times larger than the moon she remembered, and equally brighter. Reid and Kerod rode gallots south by the moonlight, leaving Vorkest, the land of the Canids.

    ¡°Hey Kerod, this language spell¡¯s gonna wear off soon and we¡¯ll have to use sign language. But you know the mission. We need to get into that warlock¡¯s castle, find two batteries and get this GPS thing working!¡± explained Reid, examining the GPS ¡®key¡¯ while she rode.

    ¡°Captain, you have too much faith in finding these, ¡®batteries¡¯ in castle Veras,¡± grumbled Kerod, sniffing the air as they rode.

    Reid paused at the truth of Kerod¡¯s statement, but what choice did she have?

    ¡°I know bro, it¡¯s just¡­I want to go home, and from what I¡¯ve been told getting this GPS device to work is my best shot.¡±

    ¡°Aye, I hear you Captain, but I¡¯m sure there¡¯s more that compels you to that castle,¡± smirked Kerod.

    ¡°Yeah, if I can maybe rescue Naja, kill the warlock and his elf girl. They don¡¯t sound like nice people, so I¡¯ll whack em for king Stelio.¡±

    ¡°You seem nonchalant with your decision to kill for king Stelio. A stranger you¡¯ve never met before,¡± said Kerod.

    ¡°What are you getting at?¡± asked Reid, facing Kerod.

    ¡°Well, from what I¡¯ve observed, you and king Stelio appear very close indeed, heh heh!¡± chuckled Kerod.

    ¡°What? Let me stop you now pal, me and Stelio are close like two soldiers with a common enemy in the warlock, and since that bitch Mia put a spell-¡±

    ¡°Oh, she¡¯s that bitch Mia? Hahaa! Great king Stelio, you alpha stud! Is there no woman who won¡¯t kill for you? Haha!¡± bellowed Kerod, mocking Reid¡¯s ramble about soldiers with a common enemy.

    Reid, red faced in the moonlight went tsundere, ¡°Hey, I ain¡¯t got nothing going on with your king Stelio! and I ain¡¯t no woman, Ima man dammit! Hmph!¡± pouted Reid.

    ¡°Yes, you claim to be a man, but can you explain why king Stelio¡¯s scent is in your hair?¡± teased Kerod.

    ¡°Whaddya mean Stelio¡¯s scent- Oh screw you werewolves, smelling everything,¡± barked Reid, rubbing her hair.

    ¡°Aye, Captain, I merely jest with you. But unfortunately our situation is no laughing matter. The king has enemies that side with the warlock Faynus and seek your key, and to do you harm.¡±

    ¡°Yeah I figured something was up when Stelio kept telling me to leave Vorkest. Kinda funny we¡¯re heading right to the castle of the guy that wants this GPS key,¡± replied Reid.

    ¡°Aye, that¡¯s why it¡¯s a good plan, because the warlock Faynus won¡¯t see us coming. We¡¯ll infiltrate the castle, then you will get distance and fire a dart into the warlock¡¯s heart with your thunderstick!¡± beamed Kerod, slapping Reid on her back.

    ¡°Man, you guys have a lot of faith in me and my thunderstick,¡± laughed Reid, patting the rifle strapped on her back.

    Canid-la

    The two riders laughed until they reached the hill overlooking their first destination. A small trading outpost town in Hatos, called ¡®Fort Hatos¡¯ for the sake of clearly marking a traveler¡¯s journey in country.

    ¡°Crong, Reid, brithan yan-¡±

    ¡°What? Aww crap bro...the language spell is gone..i don¡¯t know what you¡¯re saying,¡± enunciated Reid.

    Kerod caught her meaning and nodded, ¡°Ok, Reid, we go Hatos. ¡®Canid Brat yat¡¯ there, help us. Go with us,¡± said Kerod, surprising the crap out of Reid.

    ¡°Dude! You speak English!¡± beamed Reid.

    ¡°No. Doctor Gantz write book. Teach Angris..Engrish..wordz. Famous book in Cionis. Many Canid read doctor book. Think if learn Engrish word, make strong magic, hahahah!¡±

    ¡°Dude are you kidding me? Major Gantz wrote an English book, here on Cionis? How long was he here?¡± asked Reid, amazed at Gantz¡¯ accomplishment.

    ¡°Uhh..say again..slow?¡± answered Kerod.

    ¡°Bro, I¡¯m sorry..I¡¯ll speak slow..now..you said we¡¯re going to Hatos?¡± asked Reid.

    ¡°Yes. Hatos there. Friends there, ¡®Canid Brat Yat¡¯ there,¡± grunted Kerod, pointing to the lights of the town ten miles south.

    ¡°Ok cool! Let''s go meet the Brat Yat..did I say that right?¡± asked Reid.

    ¡°Ha ha, good, you say well. Come Reid, I teach you, ¡®Canid-la¡¯, haha!¡±

    ¡°Canid-la, hunh, well your accent sounds like a Tennessee hillbilly in China. So I know Canid-la must be a fun language, so why not,¡± laughed Reid.

    ¡°Ah? Captain Reid is Jerk!¡± laughed Kerod.

    ¡°Bro! You just now figuring that out? Ha!¡±

    The communicating duo laughed and spoke broken English as Reid learned a few phrases of Canid-la on the ten mile ride to Fort Hatos.

    Fort Hatos

    Within two miles of the the town, howls echoed in the night air. Kerod smiled atop his steed and howled back, still in his ¡®human¡¯ form.

    ¡°Your friends?¡± asked Reid.

    ¡°Yes, Brat Yat, take horse!¡± answered Kerod leaping from his gallot and shifting to his dark grey wolf form.

    Reid grabbed the gallot¡¯s reigns as five howling wolves emerged from the dark to greet their comrade. Reid pulled Kerot¡¯s gallot and followed the tail wagging wolves into Fort Hatos, with Kerod at the lead.

    Entering the well lit town, Reid observed the architecture and the people of Hatos as he rode behind the wolves. Hatos was a modern town with an old west feel. On the dusty streets stood thin wooden buildings, with iron frames.

    Gobras were the main population observed. Followed by another smaller race of lizard like people Reid hadn¡¯t seen before.

    ¡®Cool world~¡¯

    Kerod and the five Canid shifted to human form and lead Reid to a large fort style manor, a Canid embassy of sorts. From here the Canid ¡°Black Fangs¡± patrolled the southern realm of Vorkest, and defended the outlands of Hatos, Vorkests¡¯ allies.

    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    Inside the embassy Kerod met with Canid officers. The embassy staffed ten Canid, most were admin. Reid listened for the few words he learned moments ago on the ride.

    I or Me = Ge  (and Ge-mon = My ¡°Ge-mon gallot = my gallot¡±

    Black = Brat

    Fang = Yat

    Elf = Win

    Castle = Rakage

    Warlock = Worrunt

    Travel = Chad

    We Travel = Chad-en

    After the Canids¡¯ meeting, Reid joined them for a dinner of wild bird (or maybe lizard) root vegetables and vine fruit. A few curious Canids offered greetings in English to Reid. They¡¯d either met Major Gantz or read his book. They said nothing tougher than basic phrases, ¡°Weather Cionis is nice today¡± or ¡°I am¡± followed by a name or adjective.

    Reid learned a few Canid words that night, and as he spoke he felt his voice brazing. When he checked his appearance in a mirror, his chin and jaw grew. The silver fog in his body neared it¡¯s end.

    ¡®Finally!¡¯

    ¡°Reid! come, we rest. Morning Chad-en!¡± said Kerod, staring at Reid¡¯s changed face.

    ¡°Right, we travel in the morning, Chad-en!¡±

    ¡°Ah, Reid syl vesyq stear soray, ha!¡± laughed Kerod.

    ¡°Dude! Wait I know this one..ok...syl = is, stear = male,  soray = many time or again. So you said, ¡®Reid is vesyq man again.¡¯ What is vesyq?¡± asked Reid.

    Other Canid¡¯s laughed and pointed at their own faces while pretending to pose for a portrait. Three of them pointed at one good looking Canid who jokingly posed for Reid.

    ¡°Oh, vesyq means ¡®handsome,¡¯ haha I appreciate it, but I think I was more, Belyz Stearna,¡± said Reid, saying the phrase for ¡®Pretty Girl.¡¯ The Canid¡¯s laughed loud and hard at the captain¡¯s humor.

    Good times, good people, but Reid and Kerod needed to sleep. A long road lay ahead to reach castle Veras, in the land of Orent.

    Black Fang Escort

    The next morning, first light. Reid awoke in his spartan bed feeling different. He checked himself.

    ¡°Hmm...Oh Cool! My mojo¡¯s back!¡± he smiled, Except, he felt...smaller down there.

    ¡°Hey what gives?¡± he said visually inspecting himself and, ¡°Aww come on!¡± he yelled, hopping out of bed checking a mirror.

    Reid still had breasts, only smaller, and his face kept feminine traits, like a boy in puberty. Aside from that his body and muscle frame returned.

    ¡®Damn! I still got fog in me. I must need more time.¡¯

    Content enough with his manhood, Reid prepped for the journey. He supplied both Kerod¡¯s and his gallots, but waited for Kerod as a problem arose.

    From what Reid could gather, the original Black Fang escorts they met last night were called away. Now four different Black Fangs spoke with Kerod, urging him to leave sooner than later.

    Kerod hustled to Reid with a map in his hand displaying it to Reid, ¡°Reid, here. We need go here to Ashtoni,¡± said Kerod, pointing at the city of Ashtoni near the country of Orent.

    Reid understood and mounted his gallot, but Kerod continued.

    ¡°Reid, wait...If separate...go here, to Sheom,¡± Kerod pointed at the city of Sheom, in the opposite direction west of Ashtoni.

    ¡°Uh, I understand, but uh-¡±

    ¡°Kerod!¡± a booming voice called out. Four Canid Black Fangs emerged greeting Kerod with hugs and arm shakes. Reid didn¡¯t meet these guys last night, these were the escort replacements.

    Kerod mounted his gallot and the Canid escorts shifted to wolves and ran ahead.

    ¡°Come Reid, Chad-en!¡±

    ¡°Right! Chad-en.¡±

    Before The Point

    The travelers galloped for an hour before entering a mountainous ravine with a steep fall. The travelers walked single file. From his gallot Reid peeked below to the dark ravine bottom.

    ¡°Damn, that¡¯s a mile deep fall!¡± said Reid.

    Kerod pulled his gallot beside Reid¡¯s. ¡°Reid, Ashtoni..south east..Sheom west.¡±

    ¡°Right, you told me bro..¡±

    ¡°Reid...Cionis sundown...west.¡±

    ¡°Ok, sun goes down in the west, just like earth. Good to-¡±

    ¡°Reid...king Stelio...top male..¡± growled Kerod, pulling his gallot close to Reid¡¯s.

    ¡°Uhh, yeah he is and..dude your kinda close-¡±

    ¡°Stelio, top male...but I lie to you when I meet you,¡± muttered Kerod.

    ¡°You lied to me?¡± asked Reid, confused.

    ¡°I say you not my type...I lie...Reid always my type, and today I will protect you from traitor,¡± whispered Kerod, staring at Reid with unguarded eyes, touching his face.

    ¡°Dude...WTF?¡± muttered Reid, backing away from Kerod¡¯s hand to see the four escort wolves, as if on cue, charge and attack Kerod and him.

    A white furred escort wolf slashed at Reid, who ducked reaching for his rifle. But the mountain strong Kerod blocked and bashed the white wolf¡¯s head into the cliff wall, killing him. Kerod then grabbed Reid¡¯s gallot reigns and yanked his giant steed to the cliff¡¯s edge.

    Swinging a half formed claw at the three advancing wolves, Kerod shifted to full wolf form and kicked Reid¡¯s gallot over the cliff.

    Reid clutched the whinnying gallot¡¯s reigns as the beast toppled over the road cliff¡¯s edge, and down the steep drop.

    ¡°Reid! Sundown west!¡± growled Kerod,

    ¡°Kerod-¡± Reid yelped clutching to life on the neck of the gallot as the beast tumbled down the mile deep cliff ravine. Out of sight, scent and reach of the remaining three escort wolves above...who tore Kerod apart.

 Chapter 8- The Night Runners

    The Three Wolves

    The veteran grey and white wolf, named Rhistle, descended from the clearing and howled to rally the two remaining assassin wolves. He shifted to Canid form to scan for his comrades who searched the bottom of the ravine for the earthman. As Rhistle stood, he pondered his decision.

    ¡®Kerod, my old comrade¡­What have I done?¡¯

    The first to rally back, the brown and white wolf Teirist,  sensed his commander¡¯s despair, and shifted to report.

    ¡°Commander, there¡¯s no scent of the earthman or his gallot heading to Ashtoni, he must have head west to Sheom, as we suspected,¡± reported Teirist.

    ¡°Mmm,¡± grunted Rhistle, deep in thought.

    ¡°Commander, that gives him a near twenty mile lead on us, but we can catch him by nightfall if- ...Commander?¡± barked Teirist, peering at the soulless face of commander Rhistle.

    ¡°Teirist...are we on the right side?¡± asked Rhistle, scanning the distance.

    Teirist face swelled with anger at his commander¡¯s doubts, ¡°Rhistle! Listen to me you old man! You felt the power of the warlock and his elf bitch. You tasted the fruit of the conquest Brycius provided for you, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°.....Yes...but Teirist..we are Black Fangs of Vork-¡±

    ¡°And what does that mean?¡± growled Teirist. ¡°What has being a Black Fang given you? Hmm? You¡¯re still a poor wolf with no name, except the glory of your useless title!¡±

    Rhistle turned away, but Teirist continued.

    ¡°Now what old man? King Stelio has slept for two full years while Vorkest has split in two. And you-¡± something stirred in the grass. Teirist stopped and sniffed the air.

    The two Canids faced west and viewed the approaching third wolf. A fiery red brown female racing toward them hidden in the tall grass. When she reached them she jumped and forward flipped, shifting to Canid form.

    Her hair color remained the fiery red brown of her wolf coat. She landed in front of Teirist and punched him, knocking him to the grass.

    ¡°Osonia!¡± barked Teirist as he hit the ground.

    ¡°Leave the old man alone, Teirist, or you¡¯ll answer to me!¡± she growled with a steely stare, towering over Teirist.

    Teirist, half shifting his body in rage, growled back, ¡°Grrrrrrrrr, you defend him Osonia, but what decision do you make?¡±

    ¡°Hmph!¡± quipped Osonia. She then faced the commander, to remind him of their cause.

    ¡°Rhistle, we¡¯ve come this far, and in this time Brycius has given us what we desired. A way to make our own name. Our own opportunity. The times have changed and our homeland is stagnant with old guards in power taking all...leaving wolves like us with nothing,¡± said Osonia.

    The old commander¡¯s eyes hardened and he faced Osonia and Teirist.

    ¡°Words and ideals, but at what cost? Hmm...We slay our own countrymen? Hmm?...No, I didn¡¯t-¡±

    ¡°Yes you did old man!¡± shot Teirist, who turned to Osonia, seeking her approval. And she gave it.

    ¡°Teirist is right. While king Stelio slept you took the gold Brycius and his elf Mia paid you, Rhistle! So you chose your side ...and now you need to remember that you can never go back,¡± lectured Osonia to her commander.

    Rhistle closed his eyes accepting the weight of his decision.

    ¡°There are three of us now,¡± said Rhistle, referring to the death of the first wolf killed by Kerod during the ambush.

    ¡°Fayed made his decision, commander, and Kerod killed him without hesitation to protect the earthman. As Kerod would''ve killed you if you attacked first...commander,¡± growled Teirist.

    Rhistle simmered at Teirist, snarling at him. Osonia broke the tension with better news.

    ¡°Commander! While we bicker here the earthman¡¯s scent lingers west,¡± she barked, pointing west.

    ¡°Did you find something, Osonia?¡± asked Rhistle.

    ¡°Aye, I can smell the earthman¡¯s dead gallot, not far from here, I say ten miles,¡± shouted Osonia.

    Her comrades glanced at each other, ¡°But Osonia, even if his gallot died in the fall, he won¡¯t stay, he knows we¡¯ll come for him,¡± said Teirist.

    ¡°Aye, but if he¡¯s injured he¡¯ll move slow. Or not at all. I say we find him, kill him, and take the key to Brycius,¡± replied Osonia.

    ¡°But Brycius wants him alive!¡± argued Teirist.

    ¡°Aye, but if he didn¡¯t survive the fall then we can¡¯t bring him back alive. We can only recover the key,¡± she answered, and Teirist agreed.

    ¡°No!¡± thundered Rhistle, ¡° We take him alive! Osonia, lead us to the scent you tracked!¡±

    ¡°Aye sir!¡± smirked Osonia, and forward flipped, shifting to her fiery red wolf form. Teirist shifted and joined her, while Rhistle paced behind them.

    Decision

    The ''Night Runner'' squad of the Black Fangs, commander Rhistle¡¯s squad. At one time six proud Night Runners served the great king Stelio. But as conflict erupted on the world of Cionis, two died in battle and the six became four. Now, with the death of Fayed, the four became three. Rhistle, Teirist, and Osonia were all that remained of the once proud squad.

    The trio galloped west at a fast clip. Teirist in the lead.

    ¡°Grrrr, he¡¯s here!¡± growled Teirist, catching the earthman¡¯s scent.

    Teirist and Osonia picked up their pace, with Rhistle not far behind.

    ¡°Take the earthman alive Rhistle...have some dignity you stupid old wolf!¡± Rhistle growled to himself, as he too caught the scent of the earthman.

    After six miles the scent grew stronger, until Teirist spotted the man in the distance, three hundred meters out.

    ¡°Commander!¡± growled Teirist glancing back at Rhistle.

    ¡°Aye, I see him. Remember his thunderstick! Trident formation! grrrr,¡± growled Rhistle, aware of the earthman¡¯s ability to shoot steel darts at great distance.

    The Night Runners lowered their profile in the tall grass of the ravine, advancing behind trees and avoiding any direct line of sight the earthman needed to fire his darts.

    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    Within one hundred meters, the earthman heard the Night Runners and faced them, thunderstick in hand. The Night Runners¡¯ expected the earthman¡¯s movement and split their attack in three directions. Should the earthman fire on one, the other two would reach him.

    The earthman aimed and fired his stick at Teirist first, who charged from a tree lined slope on the earthman''s left flank.

    Pop! Pop! Pop!

    Every shot missed Teirist, who zig-zagged left. The earthman then turned right and fired a volley of shots at the fast moving Osonia, who evaded every shot.

    "Hmph, this is what we do earthman!" growled Rhistle.

    The old grey watched with pride at his comrades'' expert flanking tactics. The Night Runners were legends in the Black Fangs for their speed and ambushing skills.

    The earthman continued firing volleys at Osonia and Teirist, who dodged the darts and kept their advance on him. Their movement allowed Rhistle to get within twenty meters of the earthman¡¯s front.

    Then Rhistle saw his chance, the earthman would have to swing again to fire at Terist and-

    BOOOOOOOOOM!

    The ground shook under Rhistle as he heard Osonia cry in pain. An explosion near the tree that she ran by¡­

    ¡®A trap..No..Teirist!¡¯

    ¡°Yiiiiiipe!¡± cried the wolf Teirist, as he too ran near a tree, and three spiked stakes bungeed from the ground and impaled his paw, chest and stomach.

    ¡®No!¡¯

    Rhistle, charged the earthman and leapt at..too late...the earthman faced Rhistle and fired multiple darts at the flying grey wolf.

    Brrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaaaat!

    ¡°Yike!¡± cried Rhistle as three darts struck his side and leg. But two darts entered and exited his lungs.

    ¡®A trap...the earthman fired his darts...to lead us..to a trap¡­¡¯ The old grey wolf labored to breathe, his lungs filling with blood. He raised his head, and shifted while watching the earthman dash toward Teirist.

    ¡°Huh...huh..Teirist!..huh,¡± he muttered, no louder than a mouse.

    The earthman stood ten feet from Teirist, still in wolf form, and fired many darts into him. Killing him.

    ¡°No! huh...huh...¡± Rhistle cried to no one as he dragged himself to the broken body of Osonia. The earthman watched Rhistle half crawl to the female wolf before advancing toward them, stick aimed at Osonia.

    Rhistle dragged himself to Osonia, who barely breathed. He crawled over her, shielding her. The earthman, now fifteen feet before them, kept aim. And Rhistle the proud, pleaded for Osonia.

    ¡°Nay...ge-mon leetee...huh..huh....nay..ge-mon leetee..huh...huh..¡± he begged covering the body of the dying Osonia with his own. The earthman stopped advancing.

    ¡®This is what I deserve, like the coward I am..like the fool I am!¡¯ Rhistle thought as he gazed at the earthman. And after a moment he remembered some of the words he learned from the English book he read,  during better times.

    ¡°Please...huh..huh..please¡­.no kill...letee...ge-mon leetee...she is...my daughter,¡± he cried to the earthman, while shielding Osonia.

    The earthman appeared to understand Rhistle¡¯s words, and lowered his weapon. The earthman then said something to Rhistle. A phrase Rhistle couldn''t follow, but he understood one word, ¡®decision.¡¯

    The earthman circled around the heavy breathing Rhistle, scanned south east, and walked away. Thunderstick in hand, full rucksack on his back. That¡¯s when Rhistle understood.

    ¡®I see now. He¡¯s no ordinary earthman. He¡¯s a soldier, a warrior....and I¡¯m a dead wolf.¡¯

    Rhistle watched the earthman march in the direction of Ashtoni, his original destination. He never looked back at the wolves as he faded in the distance.

    Osonia, dying, stared in Rhistle¡¯s eyes and tried to speak. But said nothing...then stopped breathing..

    ¡°Osonia? Soni! ....No!¡±

    Again the ground shook as animals ran for cover and birds took flight as the old grey wolf howled a cry, like no other before him. A howl so powerful it echoed for miles in the ravine, and ended in a gurgle of blood.

    The mighty grey wolf Rhistle, Black Fang, commander of the legendary Night Runner squad..

    ...breathed no more...

    Kerod

    THE NIGHT RUNNERS

    Fayed

    Osonia

    Teirist

    Rhistle

 Chapter 9- The Fool King

    Raggedy Man

    "I dreamed me a dream that was all about you,

    but I¡¯m not your stupid honey-dew,

    I pulled your soul in the guitar with me, and I woke up screaming...

    Whoa, I¡¯m hurt deep!

    I''m calling your name

    calling your name

    calling your name, Woo hoo!...

    Yes, my manhood''s back. Good thing my nuts dropped again, heh heh," sang Reid, feeling his private parts and the day old  beard stubble growing on his face.

    Reid didn¡¯t sing loud, just enough to entertain himself as he hid in a hill crevice and scanned a farm below with his rifle scope. A true ranger, he¡¯d marched fifteen miles southeast in under four hours navigating by the sun and a ¡®simple¡¯ map Kerod gave him before they departed Hatos.

    ¡®I¡¯m not in Ashtoni yet...I must be ¡­.here..¡¯ he pointed to a village north of Ashtoni on his map, but he couldn¡¯t read the name.

    ¡®I¡¯m a man with a bad plan.¡¯

    Reid figured the assassin wolves would¡¯ve killed him or delivered him as a prisoner to someone in Ashtoni. And that person(s) in Ashtoni no doubt sought his GPS ¡®key.¡¯ This gave Reid a plan...of sorts.

    ¡®Find the guy who wants the GPS, make him take you to warlock¡¯s castle in Orent...or something. Jeez Reid this is a bad plan, but damn it¡¯s my only plan.¡¯

    Reid aimed his scope at a small road leaving the farm, searching for..

    ¡°There he is again, him and his buddy,¡± Reid muttered, fixing his scope on two small bodies walking the road. A little elf boy and his gobra friend, heading his direction.

    Reid waited for the boys to walk passed him before descending the hill, and emerging from the tree line behind them.

    ¡°Hey, you kids!¡± said Reid, in a hushed voice.

    The boys spun in terror at the ragged stranger before them in the road, but they didn¡¯t run, and in seconds their faces changed from fear to curiosity.

    ¡°Hey, elf boy, I know you can understand me,¡± said Reid to the blonde haired elf.

    ¡°Uh..I can speak Canid-La,¡± replied the elf boy.

    ¡°No you can¡¯t,¡± said his gobra friend, frowning at him.

    ¡°Yes I can, I can read it too...some of it..I¡¯m studying it!¡±

    ¡°Why? You don¡¯t even know any can-¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡± barked Reid, the two boys gaped at him.

    ¡°I¡¯m not a canid...I¡¯m something else, and I need your help translating for me.¡±

    The gobra boy''s eyes grew wide and he whispered to his elf friend, ¡°Ben, he¡¯s not a canid..he must be the one they¡¯re all looking fo-¡±

    ¡°I know, be quiet!¡±

    ¡°Ben? Your name is Ben? My name is Reid and I¡¯m unarmed,¡± said Reid, raising his arms and displaying the only item he carried, his rucksack.

    The boys stared at Reid before Ben spoke, ¡°A lot of people are looking for you, mister.¡±

    ¡°I bet they are. Can I ask you who¡¯s looking for me?¡±

    ¡°The warlock¡¯s canids!¡± shouted the gobra boy.

    ¡°Daly, be quiet!¡± yelped Ben.

    ¡°No I won¡¯t be quiet! And you should tell your dad!¡± pleaded Daly.

    Ben ignored his friend and stared at the strange black ¡®boots¡¯ and dark green clothing Reid wore.

    ¡°Are you an alien?¡± Ben asked Reid.

    ¡°...Um, yeah, that¡¯s exactly what I am, ha!¡± said Reid with a laugh, and the boys laughed with him.

    Lovely Barn

    Grilled fish (or maybe squid), bread and fruit flavored water. A feast like no other in the barn, amongst the cattle and odd farm animals of Cionis.

    ¡°Hee hee, life¡¯s good!¡± joked Reid, while making another fish sandwich.

    For an hour Reid and the boys laughed as Reid told fantastic tales of his world, where giant mechanical birds fly, and people communicated for miles with little ¡®mobile¡¯ devices. He then amazed them with a penlight on a keychain.

    ¡°Wow!¡± shouted the boys.

    ¡°Ahh, you brats are easy to please, heh!¡±

    But the boys did most of the talking and Reid learned a lot about Cionis. Mainly that two factions were hunting him. Mia¡¯s canid force, led by Brycius. And another group called the red guard.

    ¡°There¡¯s a red guard looking for me too? Who the hell are they?¡± asked Reid.

    ¡°The red guard, they¡¯re rebels and enemies of the warlock, and of the canids,¡± answered Ben.

    ¡°So why are they looking for me?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know! Maybe because the warlock is looking for you too...but my dad doesn¡¯t trust any of them. He says neither the red guard nor the warlock want anything good for Cionis.¡±

    Reid considered his position. A three way turf battle between a warlock, a canid army in civil strife, and now a red guard, gripped this world. And all sides wanted his GPS.

    ¡®Man, I gotta get off this pla-¡¯

    A howl outside the barn, then clashing steel.

    ¡°Someone¡¯s outside!¡± yelped Daly as they all peeked out of the barn door to check the noise.

    ¡°..Oh no! You two hide, hide now!¡±  Reid shouted at the boys,grabbed his ruck and ran outside. He button hooked around the barn and sprinted back to the cliff he occupied earlier.

    ¡®My rifle!¡¯

    He¡¯d stashed his rifle and the GPS in a tiny cave over the hillside. Walking with those sensitive items in town made him a target, so he hid them.

    Running toward the road he glanced to his right to view the source of the howling and steel clashing. One hundred meters out, in the field, twenty canid wolves surrounded and engaged ten other canid wolves and wolf riders who backed them off with spear and shield.

    Reid dashed to the rear of their battle, gambling on running by them to reach the cave and using the hill for cover. A simple plan, but..Murphy¡¯s law and all.

    ¡°There, over there!¡± growled a wolf spotting Reid. Immediately six wolves turned and sprinted toward him snarling, ¡°Take him alive!¡±

    The wolves shortened the distance with Reid in moments. By the time he reached the road side three wolves were within meters.

    ''Perfect!''

    Reid spun, and tossed an M67 grenade at their feet.

    BOOOOOM! The explosion blew limbs off of the first two wolves and scattered the third. Reid reached and dashed up the hill. Three wolves spread out as he climbed, a fourth nipped his heels.

    ¡°Too close ya mutt!¡± yelled read tossing something at the wolf. The wolf dodged the object and ran to the side of the hill, expecting the object to explode. But rocks don¡¯t explode.

    ¡°Psyche! Stupid dog!¡±

    The tricked wolf growled at Reid who¡¯d reached the hilltop. As the three wolves surrounded Reid the tricked wolf leapt at him, with intent to kill. Reid spun at the leaping wolf, and stuck a forty five in his face.

    Pop!

    The bullet entered the wolves mouth and exit his skull. The wolf dropped dead and his comrades backed away, fearing Reid¡¯s explosive weapon. This gave Reid the second he needed to pull his rifle out of the cave.

    ¡°What now, you dogs!¡± he shouted at the remaining three wolves, who growled but kept their distance.

    From the hilltop Reid witnessed all of the fighters move right under the hill he defended. The wolf riding canids, now down to three riders and three wolves, formed a perimeter with their back to the hillside and kept the attacking full wolves at bay with their spears. But they were outnumbered and in trouble.

    The lead spearman broke ranks and thrust his weapon into one of the attacking wolves, but he stepped out too far and the enemy wolves leapt and slayed the wolf he rode, knocking the spearman to the ground, and his helmet off his head.

    His remaining comrades rushed to his aid fending off the attackers as the helmet-less spearman looked up the hill at the earthman Reid, with a sad smile.

    ¡°..Stelio?¡±

    Reid¡¯s heart sank when he recognized Stelio, and his intent. Stelio and his guards moved the battle from the field to the bottom of the hill not for themselves, but to protect Reid from the enemy wolves.

    Reid watched Stelio recover his spear, slashing at any wolf who tried to advance up the hill toward Reid.

    ¡®Stelio?...You came to rescue me?..¡¯ At that moment time stopped for Reid, and his personal safety no longer mattered. He flipped his rifle setting to ¡®full automatic¡¯ and charged down the hill toward Stelio, blasting.

    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Braaaaaaaaaaaaaat! Braaaaatt!

    Reid¡¯s rifle burst killed four wolves attacking Stelio, as the explosive bursts echoed across the greenland. The enemy wolves scattered as Reid fired volleys until he reached the king of the canids, and greeted him.

    ¡°Dude, what the fuck?¡± shouted Reid, standing in front of Stelio, swinging his rifle left and right at any advancing wolf.

    ¡°Aye captain, it''s good to see you too!¡± replied Stelio, spear in hand, standing back to back with Reid and the remaining guardsmen. The two forces faced off, snarling and posturing.

    One of the enemy wolves, the big grey and black growled at Stelio.

    ¡°You should¡¯ve remained in your dreamworld, fool king, for your time is over!¡± said the grey and black.

    ¡°Is that so, Brycius?¡± growled Stelio, stepping forward. ¡°If my time is over then make it so, or are your words empty...you traitorous mongrel!¡±

    ¡°Stelio..why are you pissing this guy off when they seriously outnumber us?¡± whispered Reid.

    ¡°No Reid! Wolves of our order do not back down...do they Brycius?¡± smiled Stelio

    For the first time in front of Reid, Stelio shifted to his full wolf form transforming into the biggest and blackest wolf Reid had ever seen.

    ¡°...Holy mother of sexy beasts!¡± stuttered Reid at Stelio. The king wolf loomed twice the size of every wolf on the field. He snarled with dagger teeth and glared with killing grey green eyes.

    The enemy canid wolves, although outnumbering the king and his guards, were still hierarchical creatures by nature. They backed away from the alpha king, some with tails between their legs.

    But the yellow eyed Brycius wolf, also a big alpha, howled his discontent to rally his canids, and spoke in his wolf form.

    ¡°Fool king, we outnumber you ten to one. Even if your battle is mighty it will still be your last,¡± taunted Brycius.

    ¡°As will it be your¡¯s, Brycius!¡± growled Stelio, with Reid at his side, aiming his rifle at Brycius.

    ¡°Hmm..then perhaps negotiations are in order...good king,¡± said Brycius, grasping the lose-lose standoff before him.

    ¡°Stelio, if my wolves attack, I¡¯m sure your guards and your earthman will slay many of us, but eventually we¡¯ll rip you all apart!¡± said Brycius, his canids snarling behind him.

    ¡°So be it!¡± snarled Stelio, raising his back hair in a fearsome display.

    ¡°So ready to die when there¡¯s no need. Stelio, give me the earthman¡¯s Key and I¡¯ll let you and your pet leave here unhar- eh? sniff, sniff¡±

    Brycius stopped talking and faced left. Every canid on the battlefield sniffed the air and did the same, including Stelio. Reid glanced at all the canids who suddenly focused their gaze to the top of the road.

    Then the ground shook, as thirty gallots rode out of the treeline, mounted by gobra and elf archers and spearmen. Who all fired at the wolves.

    ¡°The red guard!¡± shouted one of the wolves evading a volley of arrows flying at them.

    As the gallots and arrows drew closer each canid side tried to pull their leaders to retreat.

    ¡°Brycius, we can¡¯t take them all, we must flee!¡± barked a wolf.

    Brycius, furious, growled and leapt at Reid, ¡°Give me the key earthman!¡±

    Reid fired at him, point blank, Pop!

    Brycius evaded the shot and landed on top of Reid, smacking him against the cliff side. But before Brycius could strike again Stelio slashed his jaw and chest, cutting him deep.

    Brycius yelped, but fought back and pushed Stelio away from Reid. This allowed Brycius¡¯ canids to leap from behind him and snatch Reid¡¯s rucksack with the GPS in it.

    ¡°No!¡± yelled Reid from the ground, watching a wolf run away with his ruck in his jaws.

    Reid lifted himself and aimed his rifle at the wolf, but a hail of arrows from the charging red guard cavalry forced Reid back.

    ¡°Reid, we must flee!¡± growled the black Stelio wolf, biting Reid¡¯s belt and pulling him from behind.

    ¡°But Stelio, they got-¡±

    Stelio shifted to man form, threw himself under Reid¡¯s legs, and shifted again, lifting Reid on his back.

    ¡°Hey man!¡± shouted Reid, clutching his rifle and Stelio¡¯s black fur as the big wolf barreled north, howling to his remaining four guards.

    Reid, now a spectator, glanced in every direction as all fighters fled the road, the farm and the unnamed village. The red guard, who attacked from the east, ended their chase. Brycius and his traitor wolves hurried south to Orent and castle Veras.

    ¡®Damn!¡¯

    Reid strapped his rifle to his back and held tight as he strode the great wolf Stelio. The king¡¯s fur between Reid¡¯s fingers calmed the army ranger, who breathed a sigh of relief. Reid then lowered his body to speak in Stelio¡¯s ear.

    ¡°You came to rescue me¡­king?¡±

    ¡°Aye...captain.¡±

    ¡°Why would you do that? Are you really a fool?¡±

    ¡°....Aye...I am...forgive me.¡±

    ¡°No you idiot! Were you trying to get yourself killed?¡± barked Reid.

    ¡°Aye...I suppose...saving you was worth my life.¡±

    ¡°..What?.......Stelio...¡±

    Reid held Stelio, trembling as his adrenaline subsided. He lay his face on Stelio¡¯s broad back and felt his wolf heart racing as he ran.

    ¡°Where I¡¯m from, god takes care of fools and babies¡­but not forever,¡± whispered Reid, pulling Stelio¡¯s fur hard, hurting the king tsundere style.

    ¡°Ouch! Aye captain...I hear you...but fools can¡¯t promise they won¡¯t do things again... Owww!¡± howled the wolf as Reid pulled his ears with malice.

    ¡°Stelio...if you die saving me...I will never ever forgive you,¡± whispered Reid in Stelio''s ear, as he hugged the mighty wolf. He then buried his face in Stelio''s soft black fur, saying no more to the fool king..

    ..who saved his life.

    ¡°....Aye captain...I hear you..¡±

    ___

    The Song Reid Sang at the Beginning of the chapter: Too Much Love- By Harlan T-Bobo

    The LYRIC HE SANG is 1:08 - It''s a  truly soulful outburst, check it out ^_^

    <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

    Also for you Gun Nuts ^_^

    Reid''s Rifle:  Knight''s Armament M110 A2 Battle Rifle.

    It''s not an AR-15 or M16 which fire a 5.56 round. This is a true "battle rifle" that fires the much larger 7.62 round (the same bullet used for Rambo''s M60 machine gun.)

    When Reid arrived on Cionis he had 200 rounds of rifle ammo. He is down to just over 100 rounds now.

    Reid''s Hand Gun: Colt M1911 45. ACP

    When Reid arrived on Cionis he had three 7 Round Clips, he is down to maybe 10 rounds now.

    Reid''s Bombs: M67 Fragmentation Grenade.

    Reid used three of them...he has ONE left...

    __

    All of Cionis key is proofread by the awesome Chiisutofupuru who writes Sasha.</a> An awesome story that I proof and I''m a fan of ^_^

 Chapter 10- Puppy King

    Hunting Expedition

    Reid slept on Stelio¡¯s back. When he awoke they¡¯d traveled forty miles to a large canid encampment. Howling wolves ran toward their alpha king, tails wagging, and hopping around. Stelio returned the puppy gestures, forcing Reid to hold on tight as he hopped around his people.

    ¡®Ha, these guys are seriously wolves.¡¯ Reid counted over eighty wolves, shifting back and forth in a tent city with armed guards.

    ¡°Dude, what''s going on here?¡± whispered Reid.

    ¡°Hunt party. Loyal people. Vorkest not safer. King not safer,¡± replied Stelio in a slow, broken English.

    ¡°Aww man we need an elf, and I need to learn Canid-la.¡±

    ¡°Eh? Why need Reid learn Canid-la?¡± asked Stelio.

    ¡°Uh..well..I mean.. ¡®Ge omir Canid-la chad-en syl loa¡¯..heh heh...did I say that right?¡± blushed Reid, who said (roughly) ¡®Speak Canid-la travel together is pleasant.¡¯

    ¡°Kwa? Reid omir-ne Canid-la? Hahhahahahah! That¡¯s really something man!¡± responded Stelio.

    ¡°What? Dude you just spoke perfect English!¡±

    ¡°Ha ha, no! You heard perfect English, look in front of you!¡±

    Reid glanced up to see the elf Bridana waving at him with an amused smile. Reid smiled back and hopped off of Stelio.

    ¡°So, even you¡¯re part of this ¡®hunting party¡¯ scam hunh!¡± joked Reid to Bridana, while he scanned the large encampment.

    ¡°Hello again Reid. I¡¯m truly sorry for any misfortune that befell you. I am afraid the intelligence we had was..not accurate.¡±

    ¡°Yeah tell me about it. My dog Kerod got killed and I never even got to Ashtoni before everyone on Cionis knew where I was. I thought I was on a secret mission?¡±

    ¡°It was a secret..but spies..¡± she turned away embarrassed.

    ¡°Hey don¡¯t worry about it, we¡¯ll come up with plan B...but um..Hey Bridana, there¡¯s something I gotta ask you in private,¡± said Reid, glancing over at Stelio in his man form speaking with his counsel and officers.

    ¡°Of course, you must be weary from travel. We can speak in my tent, come.¡±

    Reid followed Bridana to her tent. As he walked he met eyes with a beautiful auburn haired canid lady who passed him. The lady wore a heavy but stylish outdoor gown and walked straight to Stelio. Reid stopped to watch her.

    Stelio bowed and gave the woman an uneasy smile, as she hijacked his crowd with a joke. They all laughed. Stelio chuckled too.

    ¡°Hmph!¡± muttered a squinty eyed Reid, turning to catch up with Bridana.

    Bridana¡¯s Tent

    Bridana slept in a lovely tent. Green and gold embroidery laced edges. The inside spacious with fur comforter and a small serving table. They sat together at the table and discussed events. Reid told her about the large grey and black wolf who stole his GPS ¡®key.¡¯

    ¡°His name is Brycius, he serves the warlock, but mainly Mia,¡± said Bridana.

    ¡°So he¡¯s a bad dude, got it.¡±

    Also their run in with the red guard.

    ¡°A dangerous group who believe in tyranny by majority,¡± she explained.

    ¡°Hunh..commies hunh?¡±

    ¡°Co..commies?¡± asked Bridana.

    ¡°Uh, don¡¯t worry about it, I was a political science major in college..I studied regimes like these.¡±

    ¡°Uh..I have no idea what you just said, but what was it that you wanted to ask me personally, captain?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Right..hmm...hey uh..I don¡¯t feel like a girl anymore. In fact I feel even more manly!¡±

    ¡°Ha ha, well, when your manhood returned, it arrived like a youngster going through changes.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, yeah, puberty, i kinda figured that...but here¡¯s the thing...that king..even if I¡¯m not around him¡­¡±

    Bridana caught on. ¡°Let me guess. You have an affection for him?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Affection? Ha ha, nah this ain¡¯t affection lady¡­I can¡¯t stop thinking about him...this is a problem right?¡± asked Reid.

    Bridana paused at the question, both for its audacity and so she could formulate an honest answer.

    ¡°Reid...it¡¯s not the silver. Silver fog has been used for millennia by breeders of rodents and primates to change the creatures gender for temporary purposes. Silver fog itself cannot exist outside the swamps for very long. Once it leaves the body it dissipates into nothing. ...So all I can say is the silver may have introduced a feeling for Stelio..but if you retained it...Those feelings are entirely yours, Captain.¡±

    Reid stood and paced the small tent. Truthfully he¡¯d never looked at another man in his life, and never wanted to. Tall, light brown eyes, dark hair, Reid got all the chicks in high school and beyond. But now, things were different. And he found himself, suddenly jealous.

    ¡°Hey..who¡¯s that beautiful lady that approached Stelio out there?¡± asked Reid.

    Stelio¡¯s Plague

    Stelio¡¯s counsel exited his tent. The auburn haired lady in attendance dismissed all servants and guards and remained with Stelio.

    ¡°Mirana, it¡¯s good to see you cousin. I didn¡¯t expect you to make this journey with our hunting party,¡± said Stelio, pouring her a cup of honey water.

    ¡°Hunting party? Haha, my good king, you can label this what you want, but everyone knows these are your loyalist forces,¡± she said accepting the cup, and placing it down to move closer to Stelio.

    Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

    Stelio slowed her advance and proceeded with diplomacy.

    ¡°Mirana..I understand my uncle¡¯s intentions. And I agree we need to unite Vorkest again, and be canids again.¡±

    Mirana¡¯s face turned dour. ¡°How dare you imply I''m only here on my father¡¯s intent? Stelio, we were raised as pups together. And I know how good you are and what good you want for Vorkest.¡±

    Stelio pushed back.

    ¡°You may know me Mirana, but your family-¡±

    ¡°Yes, my family is old guard, as is yours, dear cousin.¡± She moved closer to him.

    ¡°Stelio, I can give you an heir. An alpha king or queen. The child would unite-¡±

    ¡°Mirana...I¡¯m weary from journey. I¡¯ve lost comrades today. And if you have not noticed there are forces at work against all of Cionis and Vorkest,¡± said Stelio.

    Mirana remained composed.

    ¡°Stelio...You¡¯ve always been a visionary...but if you think you can single handedly rescue Cionis..then you truly are a fo-¡±

    ¡°Hey, knock knock!¡± interrupted a voice at the tent entrance.

    Stelio and Mirana turned to the entrance, and Stelio smiled.

    ¡°Captain Reid, right on time, please come in!¡±

    Mirana frowned at the earthman.

    ¡°Hello good sir, how long were you standing there?¡± she asked Reid.

    ¡°Long enough!¡± he winked at her, she squinted at him.

    ¡°Uhh..Mirana, perhaps we can discuss matters another time, I have business with the captain.¡±

    Mirana stared daggers at Reid.

    ¡°What sort of business?¡± she asked Stelio.

    ¡°We¡¯re trying to ¡®save the world¡¯ business, my lady,¡± answered Reid, bowing politely.

    Mirana understood, the elf must have told the earthman who she was.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re Captain Reid. The earthman everyone is enamored with.¡±

    ¡°Not everyone, obviously. But don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll rub off on you.¡±

    ¡°Hopefully not too much, good captain.¡±

    She curtseyed to Reid, turned and did the same to Stelio, ¡°My king, we¡¯ll speak again.¡±

    Everyone bowed and Mirana left the tent. Stelio shot a smirk at Reid.

    ¡°What dude? Don¡¯t look at me like that, I¡¯m not the one kissing my cousin!¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s my second cousin and we weren¡¯t kissing, but why would that matter to you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry what? It sounds to me like you¡¯re not acknowledging the problem before us,¡± Reid moved close to Stelio with an aggressive stance.

    However the king, at six foot three, stood taller than Reid¡¯s five foot eleven. The king couldn¡¯t help but smile.

    ¡°Heh, and what problem do we have, little captain?¡±

    ¡°What? You dog, I oughta belt you- Mmph?¡± The king silenced Reid with a kiss. After ten seconds, Reid fought back.

    ¡°Get off me you brute!...You see what I mean? You don¡¯t think this is a problem?¡± he asked Stelio.

    ¡°Aye captain, I''ll admit it is.¡± He pulled Reid to him and held him close.

    ¡°Oh why does this feel so nice...stupid wolf..I wouldn¡¯t even know what to do with you. Ima man dammit!¡± barked Reid, girlishly pounding Stelio¡¯s safe and warm chest.

    ¡°As am I,¡± replied Stelio pulling Reid over to his full size cot.

    Reid lay on top of Stelio¡¯s chest, and Stelio asked him.

    ¡°Reid...you told Mirana..¡±

    ¡°Who? Oh your kissing cousin, yeah.¡±

    ¡°Ah?..(sigh).  You told my cousin Mirana you were here to speak to me about, ¡°saving the world¡±..........did you mean it?¡±

    Reid hugged Stelio tight, and hid his face in Stelio¡¯s chest.

    ¡°Maybe, what do we need to do to save this world?¡± asked Reid, getting kissed on his head by Stelio.

    ¡°We need to destroy vast armies...and institute power with people making decisions...The doctor called it..Dema-krasee,¡± answered Stelio.

    ¡°Democracy?..Holy shit... that doctor told you about democracy...heh...hunh...I guess that¡¯s almost worth saving a planet for.¡±

    ¡°Oh, you''re familiar with this form of government?¡± asked Stelio, delighted.

    ¡°Yeah bro (kiss) I am (kiss)..but it ain¡¯t easy..(kiss)..but not to change topics again...but what does your beautiful cousin want?¡±

    ¡°To have my puppy,¡± grumbled Stelio.

    ¡°Gross! That bitch is your cousin!¡±

    ¡°Second cousin. Is this not common where you¡¯re from captain?¡±

    ¡°...Actually it is..heh heh, it¡¯s still gross though,¡± laughed Reid.

    ¡°Well, if you want to be the mother of my child maybe Mirana will stop her advance hahaha!¡± laughed Stelio..

    Reid didn¡¯t laugh. He lift his head from Stelio¡¯s chest and squinted an evil stare in Stelio¡¯s (grey green) eyes.

    ¡°Eh? Captain...I was joking..¡±

    ¡°Were you?¡± asked Reid, still staring..

    ¡°Captain, why are you looking at me like that?¡±

    ¡° Because...maybe I want to have your puppy...you fool king...¡±

    ¡° ¡­..What?¡±

 Chapter 11- Go Clemson!

    Five Good Wolves

    ¡°Aw man, I kinda just blurted that out!¡± said Reid, sitting up on the cot next to Stelio.

    Stelio smirked, ¡°Oh? That¡¯s not something one blurts out without some truth, Captain.¡±

    ¡°I mean..I don¡¯t think something like that could ever be¡­I don¡¯t know man, just forget I said it,¡± said Reid, avoiding eye contact.

    Stelio propped himself up on the cot.

    ¡°But Captain..Would you want to be with child?¡±

    ¡°Mmm..I don¡¯t know if I want to be pregnant...but I do want a boy and a girl!¡±

    ¡°Really? Heh heh.¡±

    ¡°That ain¡¯t funny, wolf!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry heh heh!¡± joked Stelio, poking Reid¡¯s side. ¡°Have you thought of names for your children?¡± he asked.

    Reid blushed and looked away again. ¡°Of course I thought of names! I¡¯d name my daughter Mari, after my grandma, I loved her a lot. And my son..well..I was gonna name him Eric, after my dad...but.¡±

    ¡°But? ...You¡¯ve changed your mind?¡±

    ¡°...I don¡¯t know..Maybe I¡¯d name him after his dad¡­¡± said Reid, captive in Stelio¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Oh, I see..So you¡¯d name your son ¡®Captain Reid? Heh, heh!¡¯¡±

    ¡°What? No you jerk!¡± barked Reid and jabbed his thumb in Stelio¡¯s side.

    ¡°Owww! Haha!¡± laughed Stelio, blocking himself from Reid¡¯s evil thumb jab.  ¡°By the way, is ¡®Reid¡¯ your family name?¡±

    Reid stopped being mean. ¡°Yeah, my first name is Jason. I¡¯m the son of Eric and Joanne Reid. I¡¯m from Darlington, South Carolina.¡±

    ¡°Jay-son, I like that..is ¡®South Carolina¡¯ a mighty nation?¡±

    ¡°Eh? Well I tell ya what, when Carolinians git drunker¡¯n a three eyed spider on a blue tick dog and git ta talkin they certainly thank so,¡± said Reid in a thick Carolina low land.

    ¡°Eh?...Was that the dialect of your nation?¡±

    ¡°Ayup, even when we¡¯re sober! Heh, heh. What about you, dog. What¡¯s your name?¡±

    ¡°Hmm..Canid¡¯s are a clannish people. Our surnames are the lands we''re from. My clan is from the Maxund mountains. My name is Stelio of Maxund.¡±

    ¡°Stelio of Maxund? Stelio Max? As in...Max Stelio? Pfffft! Haha, what are you a porn actor?" laughed Reid.

    ¡°Eh? How dare you insult my clan name Jay-son of South Carolina!¡± Stelio pulled Reid on the cot and hopped on top of him, bear hugging him.

    ¡°Get off me (kiss) I¡¯ll make fun of you all I want ya furball, hmph!¡± protested Reid.

    ¡°Captain, look at me.¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m not getting trapped in your eyes, that¡¯s your trick!¡±

    ¡°Heh heh, I still have a people to lead. So you and I must be prudent in our actions from this point.¡±

    Reid squinted evil eyes at the wolf king on top of him.

    ¡°What? Are you saying you ashamed of me and we can¡¯t hang out? I¡¯ll stalk you bro!¡±

    ¡°Haahhaa, Reid No, I didn¡¯t say that. What I mean is as an outsider your truth is refreshing, and your skills and tactics in combat..are different.. I would never ask you to betray your quest to return to your world.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d never ask (kiss)?..So why do you sound like (kiss) ..(kiss) Stop! Sound like you''re about to?¡±

    ¡°Yes...I am asking you to stay, but not forever. Reid, I awoke from two years of slumber and I need help healing Vorkest. And doing what I can for my troubled world of Cionis. And I know my land is not as mighty as South Carolina-¡±

    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

    ¡°You got that right pal, go Clemson!¡±

    ¡°Uh..right..But as a wolf who loves his country and his world...I¡¯m asking for your help. Captain Reid.¡±

    Reid turned serious and pulled himself off the cot to stand before Stelio.

    ¡°...Let me get this straight, wolf. You want me to help you stop a warlock and his crazy Elf chick bent on conquest , and also fend off an army of ¡®red guards¡¯ bent on conquest. And if I¡¯m not mistaken, based on your earlier Freudian slip, you want me to be your Puppy Momma too! Am I missing anything?¡±

    ¡°...Hmm..I think that covers most for now,¡± replied Stelio.

    ¡°Duuuude! You¡¯re asking for a lot. But you know what...I will admit, I''ve taken stock of the situation on this world from the few days I¡¯ve been here. And I¡¯ve also noticed something about you wolves¡¯ fighting style that I can fix..but hmm...¡±

    Stelio smirked and remained silent as Reid paced and considered an answer.

    ¡°Ok king...here¡¯s the thing..I can¡¯t get off this world unless we whack that warlock and his Elf chick and I get that GPS back and working. And that¡¯s not going to happen until you deal with those red guards advancing on everyone¡­.seems we got problems¡­¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re problem is the same as mine, Reid. You¡¯re enemies the same as mine. That makes us allies,¡± said Stelio.

    ¡°Yeah, I kinda figured that too. But if I¡¯m gonna stay here and work with you, then I need to be a part of your circle," said Reid with conviction, ¡°And that means I need command!¡±

    ¡°Command?..As an officer in the Canid army?¡±

    ¡°Yes, of a small squad. Give me five good young wolves from your Black Fangs that you trust...And let me show them how Rangers of the great nation of South Carolina fight.¡±

    Stelio stood with a proud smile. ¡°Captain, I have five hungry wolves for you!¡±

    ¡°Fuck yeah dude, now we¡¯re talkin!¡±

    End of Part One of Cionis Key.

    I know this is a short chapter but I wanted to conclude that scene with Stelio and Reid. Reid''s decision will set the tone for part two, the next ten chapters. I¡¯ll have new chapters up this week and this weekend.

    Every chapter of Cionis key is proofread by the awesome Chiisutofupuru who writes Sasha.</a> An awesome story that I proof and I''m a fanboy of ^_^

    Sneak Peak, What to expect, in Cionis Key part 2 and beyond:

    <ul>

    <li>We¡¯ll deal with the sisters¡¯ conflict, Naja and Mia, and Mia will make a decision forcing the Canid¡¯s and Bridana to act.

    </li></ul>

    <ul>

    <li>Those damn Red Guards will be a central issue Stelio and Reid will deal with. Along with a little drama with lady Mirana, kissing cousin herself.

    </li></ul>

    <ul>

    <li>As for Reid, that dude needs to shave and his hair is growing longer.

    </li></ul>

    - please stay tuned ;)

 Chapter 12- The First Rangers

    Canid Captain

    That night Reid accompanied Stelio to a meeting tent with the three top Canid generals. Stelio and Reid briefed the three generals on Reid¡¯s plan to train and lead a small ranger element of Black Fangs.

    The generals listened with concerns.

    ¡°Why would the fearsome Black Fangs need a mere earthman to lead a squad?¡± asked the old white furred general.

    King Stelio attempted an answer, ¡°My generals, you¡¯re aware of Captain Reid¡¯s fighting techn-¡±

    ¡°Ha ha, yes my king! We are aware he shoots thunder and blows things up!¡± joked the brown furred general.

    Reid smirked hearing the accurate description of his fighting style, but Stelio defended his Reid.

    ¡°Generals, there¡¯s more to the captain than explosions. He¡¯s a skilled tracker and-¡±

    ¡°My king!¡± interrupted the grey furred general, ¡°In the times as they are now I won¡¯t go against receiving any advantage in battle and or diplomacy. Now, I watched Captain Reid revive you in your chamber, and I¡¯ve heard great tales of his skill in battle.¡± The General walked over to Reid and placed his hand on his shoulder.

    ¡°But young warrior, you come upon our world in its turmoil when everyone is against us and you offer aid, why?¡± asked the grey general.

    The Canids stared at Reid in the tent. Reid met eyes all of them and answered.

    ¡°Generals...ultimately I need to leave this world and get home...and from what I gather there are different ways for me to accomplish that feat, to include going against you and siding with that warlock. But gentlemen, for me to do something so wrong would go against the very fiber of who I am and what I believe in,¡± answered Reid, capturing the attention of the generals.

    ¡°Gentlemen, since I¡¯ve been on this world king Stelio has been nothing but kind to me. Hell he¡¯s the reason I¡¯m still alive and talkin to ya¡¯ll now!¡± everyone laughed.

    ¡°So Captain, you feel you owe king Stelio a debt?¡± asked the white furred general.

    ¡°Not at all sir. But ya¡¯ll need to understand something about me. I¡¯m not a U.S. Army Grunt Captain for the money or job security...no sir...I am what I am because it¡¯s what I¡¯m built to do...And I assure you gentlemen. It¡¯s in your best interest to allow me to do, in your service, what I¡¯m built to do¡­..¡±

    The Generals said no more and the meeting concluded. They asked Reid to wait in his tent for word. One hour later a Canid private arrived at Reid¡¯s tent with armor, sword, shield and orders to command a five man squad.

    ¡°Hell yeah!¡±

    Formation

    The next morning, first light. Reid adored his new black/brown leather armor, complete with breastplate, shin and thigh guards and articulating arm guards.

    ¡®Aww man this is wicked!¡¯

    Reid fumbled with a side strap trying to seal the breastplate, ¡®Kinda hard to reach.¡¯

    *I can help you with your armor, Captain, *sent a voice in Reid¡¯s head. Reid spun to the front of his tent and there stood an Elf, with a bow and a quiver full of arrows.

    ¡°Oh, uh, good morning, who are you?¡± asked Reid.

    *So it¡¯s true, you humans can hear an Elve¡¯s sending...interesting. Forgive me Captain, my name is Dannus, I¡¯m a mercenary and I¡¯m your first volunteer for your five man squad.*

    Reid smiled with his leather strap dangling on his side.

    ¡°An archer Elf? Alright! Are you any good?¡± asked Reid causing Dannus to frown in disgust.

    ¡°Am I any good?..Captain...if you can find a better-¡±

    ¡°Ok, I got you man. Didn¡¯t mean to offend you. But um..how come when you talk you have a Scottish Brogue?¡± asked Reid, puzzled at Dannus¡¯ spoken accent.

    ¡°Captain, I don¡¯t know what a Scottish Brogue is, but if I have one it¡¯s because you¡¯ve projected it on me and you think you hear it when I speak,¡± said Dannus with a deep Scottish Brogue.

    ¡°Is that right? Man I be must be a racist then hahaha,¡± laughed Reid, by himself.

    The Elf¡¯s eyes twitched, ¡°Captain, I see you¡¯re kind of an ass!¡±

    ¡°Yup, that and I¡¯m southern. Come on, let¡¯s go meet the rest of the new squad!¡± Reid laughed patting Dannus on his shoulder as he helped Reid strap into his new armor.

    Reid and Dannus walked to an open field where two wolves engaged in mock battle, running and hopping over each other. Dannus whistled for the wolves who perked their ears and ran full charge toward Reid and Dannus.

    As Reid watched the wolves approach them, he noticed something familiar about the one dark grey wolf. Reid stared at him as he barreled full speed and forward flipped into his human form, landing in front of Reid.

    Reid stared at the big Canid, not believing his own eyes.

    ¡°........K...Kerod?.....¡± asked Reid, barely uttering the name of his fallen friend who suddenly stood before him and answered in Kerod¡¯s voice.

    ¡°Darod, Captain Reid. Kerod was my big brother,¡± said the big Canid who towered over Reid.

    ¡°Darod? Holy shit.. You¡¯re like a younger more spry version. Wow I¡¯m  so honored to meet you little bro..Man, your big br-¡±

    ¡°I know Captain. Kerod was a brother to everyone he met. That¡¯s who he was,¡± said Darod.

    Reid turned away in shame, ¡°Darod..I¡¯m so sorry man, Kerod..he-¡±

    ¡°No Captain, please don¡¯t blame yourself for Kerod¡¯s decision. For that was the wolf he always was, even in the end. But Captain, Kerod saving you is not why I volunteered for your squad.¡± said Darod, cracking a smile at Captain Reid.

    ¡°No? So why did you volunteer?¡± asked Reid.

    ¡°Hmm hm hm ..Captain. I volunteered because of what you did after my brother¡¯s death.¡±

    ¡°After his death?¡± asked Reid.

    ¡°Yes Captain, I saw the remnant bodies of Osonia, Teirist and Rhistle...The Nightrunners. You slayed them most gruesomely and avenged my brother.¡±

    ¡°Eh? Oh yeah, those three fucks.. You know, your brother owed me a ride-¡±

    The big Canid cut Reid off. He threw himself at Reid¡¯s legs and shifted into his big bear sized wolf form, lifting his new captain on his back.

    ¡°Rrraaah! Captain Reid, from here on out, I Darod will be your steed and your protector, carrying the torch for my avenged brother!¡± growled Darod the wolf, with Reid on his back.

    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    ¡°What? Kerod''s brother is my wolf? Yes!¡± cheered Reid at the Elf Dannus and the other wolf named¡­.uh...

    ¡°Ahem! Captain? May I introduce myself?¡± growled the other Canid volunteer, a tall drop dead beautiful, female.

    ¡°Oh my, I¡¯m so sorry! And I bet you¡¯re awesome too, what¡¯s your name?¡± asked Reid.

    ¡°She is Enia the lightning fast, and I am her rider,¡± answered Dannus, speaking for the bowing Enia, who¡¯s gold amber hair matched her fur.

    Impressed, Reid returned the bow, ¡°Wow. A lightning fast runner, an archer and a mighty beast. So cool! Who are we missing?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re missing beauty!¡± joked Darod.

    ¡°Speak for yourself you bear!¡± said Enia, punching Darod as everyone laughed, except Reid.

    ¡°Missing beauty? I don¡¯t get it?¡± asked Reid confused.

    Dannus pointed to the side of the hill to see two dark haired canid in human form laying out in the rising sun. One long spear planted in the ground between them. Darod howled calling them.

    The two sun-tanning Canid raised up and the bigger shifted to wolf. The other pulled the spear from the ground and jumped on the back of the wolf. The wolf, a dark smoke grey with blue eyes, the rider, a long black haired young Canid.

    As they charged, the rider threw the spear before him, and both wolves shifted and switched places from rider to runner. The new rider then lifted the spear from the ground as they passed it.

    ¡°Damn, those two seem like good fighters, hunh?¡± asked Reid about the charging wolves. Everyone nodded their head with an, ¡®Oh yeah, they¡¯re the real deal!¡¯

    The two Canids shifted to human before Reid who finally got the ¡®missing beauty¡¯ joke.

    ¡®Jeezis, they¡¯re supermodels!¡¯

    The two black haired Canids were the most beautiful people Reid had ever seen, and they were fraternal twin brothers.

    Karo: Slightly smaller, with dark green eyes and a pony tale. The more effeminate of the two.

    Kane: Slightly bigger, with dark blue eyes and shorter hair cut. The more macho of the two.

    The twins bowed in salute to their new Captain.

    ¡°Aw man, I heard you guys are tough fighters! So what¡¯s your story, why¡¯d you volunteer?¡± asked Reid.

    ¡°We didn¡¯t good Captain. King Stelio volunteered us, assuring us that you would allow us to perfect our fighting skills, and bring them to another level,¡± answered Karo.

    ¡°Did Stelio say all of that? Ha, ok I¡¯ll go with it!¡± joked Reid. ¡°But listen, I¡¯m happy to meet all of you. But uh..I¡¯m sure this was told to you last night, but the crazy stuff I plan on doing..it could definitely get ya killed...unless we do it right. And from what I heard...ya¡¯ll are the team to do it.¡± smirked Reid.

    The volunteers smiled at each other. Although young, they¡¯ve all proven themselves in combat against both red guard and the warlock¡¯s imperial forces. And each eager to learn new ways of fighting and perfecting their mettle.

    ¡°Captain, what exactly is the mission you have planned?¡± asked Enia.

    ¡°Glad you asked..umm?¡­¡±

    ¡°Enia!¡± she growled at Reid.

    ¡°Enia, right!  Yes there¡¯s a mission!¡± shouted Reid hopping on Darod¡¯s back, still in human form.

    Reid peaked at Darod with a stupid grin and Darod  smirked and shifted to wolf as Reid continued, enthused.

    ¡°The mission today, ladies and gentlemen, Elves and Canids..is to keep up with me! Heeyah Darod..I oh wait, eeep!¡± yelled Reid as the big grey and black Darod bolted down the hill with Reid grasping the fur on his back, holding on for dear life.

    Enia and Kane shifted as Dannus and Karo mounted them and they all laughed and dashed after Darod and Captain Reid.

    Three runners and three riders, all Black Fangs who would soon become¡­.

    The First Rangers...

    Darod

    Enia

    Karo

    Kane

    HAPPY HALLOWEEN!  If you haven''t heard I won 2nd place in the Royal Road Mystery Contest</a> ^_^ yay!

    And Speaking of Halloween and werewolves! Back on earth they tend not to be as cool as Canids. Or at least our heroine Rica Reyes finds this out the hard way in a two chapter Halloween short story I wrote called

    Little Girl Cries Wolf</a>...A Halloween Short Story Muhahahahahahahah!

    Rica''s plan was simple: Get in the house, eliminate the threats, rescue the girl¡­Only problem, the threats walk on four legs, and fear silver.

    An action packed horror short story starring your favorite pre-teen Assassin: The Rifle Girl- Rica Reyes. Two Chapters of awesome~

    Read it on Royal ;) http://royalroadl.com/fiction/3600</a>