Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 27

The Nightlock's head snapped to attention. She let out a low warning growl. Nima's eyes widened and she tried to sit perfectly still. The Nightlock continued to growl, pausing, then growling again more insistently.

"I don't understand."

The Nightlock stopped growling and began pacing back and forth. Finally it walked beside her.

"Um...wha—?"

And it pushed her down.

"Hey!"

Nima lay sideways on the ground as the Nightlock pawed in the dust in front of her. She coughed, dust flying. Finally it stopped, stood back, and eyed her. Nima raised an eyebrow.

"What is it boy?"

The Nightlock appeared to smile then as she correctly guessed his gender. He growled and she looked in front of her. In the dimly lit cave she could make out a drawing. It was rough, but it was unmistakable.

"A tree?'

The Nightlock growled enthusiastically. I waltzed over and pushed her back upright.

"What about the trees? We're in a forest. The Rovian forest."

The Nightlock patted the picture again.

"Just one tree."

It growled.

"The Tree."

It growled again.

"The green tree?"

It went silent.

Nima tried to think hard. The Nightlock had started to behave strangely when she'd starting talking about being rescued. Maybe she could repeat herself to see what would happen.

"My Mommy the Chieftess Kyzu will come for us. My Auntie Zyra..."

The Nightlock put a paw on her lap. It was heavy and massive. If the creature's eyes didn't seem to plead, she would have been scared out of her mind.

"Auntie Zyra," Nima repeated.

The Nightlock growled and patted her again, her eyes growing more intense.

"The...keromedio."

The Nightlock howled, the sound splitting her ears and it pulled away from her, tramping in a circle. Nima didn't know what a keromedio was, but she had heard Zyra and the sisters say it over and over. Apparently it was important. Nima inched forward.

"If you help me, my Auntie will help you," she said softly. "Auntie Zyra always keeps her promises, no matter what. She went away for a while, to another part of the forest, but if we go to her, she'll help us."

The Nightlock stared at her long and hard, and then it pointed its nose to the tree.

"I'm sorry," she said. "I don't know that Tree."

The Nightlock shook itself and to her surprise grinned, revealing rows and rows of ridiculously pointy teeth.

"Fine, little flower. We have ourselves a deal."

Nima shrieked, scuttling against the wall. "You can talk to humans?"

"No," he rumbled, laughter in his eyes. "It appears you can speak to animals."

-

"Are you alright Mistress?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"How do you feel?"

"I'm glad."

Medean walked beside Zyra, taking her around the Shashanen lands before she would be banished from them by her own doing. She looked out into the rolling grassy hills, the clear blue sky, and tried to see Kail lying on his back watching clouds roll by. Perhaps there would be a piece of grass between his teeth. Perhaps a woman beside him.

"Then why do you look so sad?"

Zyra stopped, staring at her feet until she had courage. She looked up at Medean, her eyes sad but her smile genuine.

"I am glad. I know now. Really I am. Thank you. I just wish..."

"You wish...what?"

Zyra sighed and resumed walking. "I just wish he had told me. I suppose, even after everything, after all we went through...Kail didn't fully trust me, but he worked so hard to get my trust. I wonder how that works out."

Medean shrugged. "Trust is a hard thing to earn, especially from one who has had their faith betrayed."

"I suppose so."

"I know so," he chuckled. "I experience it as we speak."

Ouch.

Zyra groaned. "Must you always stick the knife in Medean?"

"My apologies Mistress. It was harmless observation."

"Right." She yawned, stretching out her arms.

"Everyone is telling me how terrible Kail is, how awful. He's no saint, but he's a good man. I saw that when I was with him, trying to make him a monster. I don't know. Did I make him my ideal? Or was I too blind to see the other sides of him?"

"What do you think?"

Zyra shook her head. "I think that I have enough closure, for now, but I have to see Kail again. Soon, as soon as I can get back to my village. I want the story from the horse's mouth. I won't let others decided whether I love him or not."

"Is that why you let him mate with you?"

Zyra turned to Medean, noticing his body had stiffened.

"It's a half-mark."

"I'm aware. I would have sensed a full mark."

Medean rubbed his temples. "You do realize that nothing good will come from that mark, correct? You now have a tangible weakness to anyone sensitive enough to see it."

"But he's on the human side."

"He's in storage," Medean snapped. "If you defy Caligula, do you believe it inconsistent with his nature to use Kail against you? Did either of you think this through?"

Zyra rubbed her shoulder. "He did it to protect me. He said that no magical creature would try to claim me if his mark was on me. He said I could use his powers."

"You could learn his powers from a book," Medean sighed. "Once you both meet and discuss matters you could always mate once more, but at this time Zyra, while the witches are unaware of how deep your affection for Kail goes, I would suggest removing this mark."

"No!"

"Zyra, we have reason to—"

"I said no Medean."

Medean shook his head. "So you still do not trust me, even now."

Zyra put her hand on his shoulder and smiled. "If trust was easy, it wouldn't be worth having now would it?"

Medean chuckled. What wise words.

"I don't know Mistress. I enjoy sleeping and that's easy. Incredibly easy these days."

Zyra laughed, throwing her head back. "You know Medean, what I like most about you is—"

Her words were cut off with the sound of a war cry. Zyra and Medean turned to see a centaur barreling towards them at top speed.

"Trouble?" Zyra asked, reaching for her sword.

"No!" Medean yelled. "He's—!"

Zyra shouted as the red headed centaur grabbed her and ran towards the forest.

"Oh fuckta."

Kyzu's head began to pound. She had told her huntresses to find her daughter and she was still absent. At this rate she would be feeding her the evening meal had by the fireside.

"Dammit, where is my daughter?"

She heard a soft knock outside of her tent.

Finally.

"Come in, darling."

Kyzu fluffed her pillows for Nima when she saw Rair kneeling by the entrance of the tent.

"Oh," Kyzu sighed. "It's you. What can you help you with?"

It was rare for Rair to visit her for any reason, let alone enter her tent. She eyed the woman curiously.

"Rair?"

"I have come to inquire about Zyra."

Kyzu frowned. She sat up and folded her hands in her lap. "You know as well as I that we have not received word from her for..."

"For several months," Rair interrupted. "She left us at the turn of the seasons, when the leaves began to curl. The snow time has come and gone. The flowerbeds have replenished themselves and yet we have no word."

"I am aware..."

"It has almost been half a year."

Kyzu choked. That long, that long since she had blessed her eyes upon her precious sister. Oh how the weeks had flown by, so quickly that she had forgotten to count them. Her heart squeezed.

"Oh no..."

Rair continued, "Zyra would never of her own volition send us no word for such time. I believe we should venture to the border and request an audience."

Kyzu let out a shaky sigh. Anxiety was pulling her down. No, she had promised Zyra she would keep it together. She had promised her. She—

A warm hand touched her face. She looked up into the cool dark eyes of Rair.

"You mustn't falter my Chieftess," Rair said softly. "We look to you."

She put her hands on her shoulders. "Zyra entrusted me with the care of this village, and you are the village's leader. Just as she was your strength, so am I. Borrow my strength, use me as your tool, but do not falter."

Kyzu sniffed, rubbing stray tears from her eyes.

"I'm beginning to see why she chose you Rair."

Rair stiffly nodded and pulled back. "I will discuss with the other huntresses the best course of action, and we will bring it forth for your approval."

"Good."

"Thank you, my Chieftess."

With a boy, Rair walked away.

"Half a year..." Kyzu mumbled. "I wonder how much you have grown, little sister."

"Hey...Hey! You with the horse body! I am referring to you!"

"Quiet dear one, we will arrive soon."

The centaur's long red hair was knotted in long tendrils that smacked his back, seeming to urge him faster and faster. The centaur looked down at her with clear blue eyes, his steely arms crushing her against his solid chest. Zyra was almost upside down and he was running incredibly fast.

"I'm going to be sick..."

He chuckled. "Dear one you will learn to appreciate such rides."

"Dear one? Oh...you have the wrong idea. I'm taken."

"Yes," he agreed. "By me."

Zyra sighed, becoming more and more infuriated with every forward gallop.

"I'm going to only tell you this once, um..."

"Galien, love."

"Galien. Put me down, or I will make you."

He brayed and squeezed her tighter.

"Fine," she growled. "You asked for this."

Galien had her by her waist she turned until she was facing him. Gritting her teeth, Zyra wrapped her legs around his human waist and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

Galien chuckled. "Why dear one, we'll have plenty of time for..."

His humor was cut short when Zyra tightened her right arm around his neck. His horse side panicked, braying as he began to rear up, his hands releasing her and flying to his neck. With her waist free, Zyra swung to the back of him, still holding his neck in her arm. She tightened even more, bracing her left hand on her elbow.

Galien bucked wildly and she nearly lost her balance, but he was no basilisk. When he reared high in the air, she stood and jumped to the side, pulling the oversized horseman down with her. He fell to the floor with a loud 'boom.'

She'd twisted her body in time to land on top of him. Frowning, she released him. Walking around him she unsheathed her sword and pressed it towards his neck.

"Well, that was a nice brief courting but I don't think it's going to work out. So before this gets messy, why don't you take me back where you found me huh?"

Galien lifted his upper half, staring at her in shock. "How...how could you be so strong?"

"I'm the keromedio," Zyra declared. "Not that it's any of your business. I suggest you hurry before..."

A loud crack made her jump and Medean appeared beside her, his staff out. He quickly pulled her towards him.

"Mistress, are you alright?"

"Great. Can't you see the vibrant pallor of my rosy cheeks? Perhaps you could use some kidnapping Medean."

"I am not amused Mistress."

"I was probably kidding," she said grinning.

Medean shook his head. "I see." His eyes never left the young beardless centaur who began to look more and more afraid.

"So, who is this hot-blooded colt who so carelessly manhandled you?"

"Forgive me," Galien said, rising to his knees. "I did not know."

Zyra heard the approach of more horses. Gray Son and May Son burst through the clearing.

"My liege!"

"Galien you dolt!"

"Are you hurt my lady?

"She is fine. Though I'm not sure I can say the same about your companion.

"Galien, are you trying to make us look bad?"

"Disciplinary actions shall be taken, yes?"

"Lord May Son, Brother Gray Son, I meant no harm. I was...I was..."

"Stop it!" Zyra screamed. She held her temples in frustration. She had never thought she would miss women so much.

"I am fine," she seethed. "May Son, you yourself said that the younger centaurs are suffering from...matelessness. While I do not approve of your methods, I can only view this...slight, as a compliment. Thank you for considering me as you mate Galien. I bear you no ill will."

Galien rose, only to bow low before her.

"Beautiful dryad, I thank you for your kindness."

"Dryad?"

Gray Son tilted his head. "You thought she was a dryad?"

Galien rose, furrowing his brow. "What else could she be?"

"A human," Medean snapped.

Galien's eyes went wide and he neighed.

"Human? I've never..." He walked up to her, looking down curiously. "A human..."

Absent-mindedly he reached for her. She smacked his hand.

"Sorry."

"Sure. Medean, take me home. May Son, Gray Son, it's been a pleasure."

The centaurs bowed to her and Medean extended an arm out to her. "Are you sure you wish to journey back on foot?"

"I actually have a reason for that," Zyra said.

"I'd like to visit an old friend."

"Who?"

Zyra smiled. "Oh, just a salty old basilisk."

-

"Master!"

Creedon stood up from the field of flowers and looked down at the huntress he had kissed. No, not a bad start indeed.

"Master!"

He let out an involuntary growl. Heading towards Henna, he was surprised that the clumsy girl had yet to be found by her fellow huntresses. There were newborns with more stealth. Still, she served her purpose, and she was loyal, for now. He walked into the clearing and she stumbled back.

"Master, CoCree has brought back the Chieftess' daughter—"

"I know," Creedon said. "I told her to bring her."

Henna's eyes widened and she bowed her head. "I wasn't sure my lord, and since I can only speak to you in person I was afraid—"

"Afraid?"

Creedon bent towards her, his eyes lidded.

"Afraid Henna? How do you expect to be any use of me when you are...afraid?"

Henna shrunk before him and he smiled."Henna, you have not disappointed me yet. I expect great things from you."

"Y-yes my lord."

Creedon patted her on her head and turned to the east. Soft almost undetectable footsteps were headed this way.

"Come Henna, we must depart. I've gotten what I came for."

"My Lord, what were you..."

"Do not question me. Okay?"

Henna shivered and jerkily nodded yes.

Creedon chuckled. "By the way..."

He tapped her forehead with two fingers. "There. Now you can call out to me from a distance. I don't expect you to forsake your post anytime soon, understood?"

Henna nodded. "Yes my Lord."

"Good, now let's go."

They walked back to the cave, the Rovians drawing closer and closer to the flowerbed. From the cave he could hear a sudden chorus of gasps, before frantic howls filled the air. Henna looked to him for explanation, but did not ask. They walked into the cave and saw CoCree pacing beside Nima, who immediately looked up at them with fear. Still, the little girl put on a brave façade and jutted her chin out defiantly. It made Creedon extremely happy.

Henna saw that she had squirmed out of the gag and rushed forward. "You little..."

"No," Creedon ordered. "Leave her." He smiled at her, sitting down on a nearby stone. "You know Nima, I applaud your bravery. It is very interesting to me. What is most interesting however is that I sense a trace of magic in you. Were you cursed recently?"

Nima didn't answer, glaring at him.

"She was my Lord," Henna supplied. "She had a strange sickness born out of an orb."

"I wasn't asking you."

A chill went down Henna's spine.

"I was asking Nima," he chirped. "Now, tell me Nima, are you magical?"

"No," Nima stated. "I'm not."

Creedon chuckled. "Of course not. Then, you wouldn't mind giving me some of your blood, would you Nima?"

Nima's eyes widened as she looked into the man's forever grinning face.

"Why would you—"

"I could tell you," Creedon said striding forward. "After all, its not like I would allow you to tell anyone."

Nima didn't argue, afraid of what he would threaten her with.

"You see Nima, I have been wronged most awfully by those who I once considered kin. In fact, those are the same people who took your precious Auntie away from you. Lucky for you, I have plans to visit them quite soon. All I need, is a bit of magic to jump start my...healing process."

Nima gazed up at him warily, unsure what to say. All she had were questions, and she didn't feel like he was the type to answer anything specific.

"Any questions?"

"..."

"Come on," he whined. "Surely you have one."

"...are you enjoying this?"

Creedon paused, his expressions going blank, before ever so slowly, a wide happy grin split across his face.

"Immensely."

He waved a hand forward and Nima shouted as she floated into the air. Her bindings undid themselves like an uncoiling snake, and fell to the ground. She cried out as he placed her on the hard, cold, glowing green stone.

She tried to struggle, but her limbs lay heavy and useless to her side.

"Don't worry," Creedon said, striding to her side. "It won't hurt for long."

"Help me!" Nima screamed. "Henna help me!"

Henna started, shocked that she had called her name. As tears ran down the girl's cheek she could take no more.

"I'm going to survey the land, Master."

"Fine."

She ran out of the cave.

"Help me!" Nima shrieked, her thin desperate voice filling the room. Creedon produced a dagger from the folds of his robe and strode over to her. He wasn't smiling. The rock beneath her began to hum low, vibrating as the pitch rose higher and higher. She was afraid.

"Just...a little...cut."

With no options left Nima turned her head to the Nightlock that trembled in rage.

"I promise!" she whispered. Tears blurred her vision as she stared at the immense purple mass.

"I promise..."

Creedon took her hand. She screamed when she felt him cut her and squeeze.

"HELP ME!"

The Nightlock pounced forward, knocking Creedon into the cave wall. Its jaws clamped around the scruff of her neck and it dragged her outside the cave. It dropped her, surprisingly leaving not mark.

"Get on."

Nima forced her body to lie upon the purple beast. No sooner were her arms around it, did it begin running.

"Where is your village?

"That way."

It changed positions and ran.

Inside Creedon chuckled, licking Nima's blood from his hand. His eyes fluttered backwards as he tasted the sweet nectar of magic once more. He absorbed the blood from the rock and stood, licking his lips.

"Well then, where did you go?"

His veins roared as he performed a location spell. Smirking, he walked out of the cave.

Rair was not many things.

She was quiet, she observed, she was a leader if necessary. Above all things, she had a strict code of honor, given to her by her life experiences. Without it, she was nothing.

That being said, as she looked down, looked inside the flowerbed, she could not help but feel like a complete and absolute failure. Her heart squeezed, panic welling underneath a face of cool and calm. Zyra had entrusted her with the village, and she had failed her.

"Gharla, Enui, Imjah, Namai, you stay with me. The rest of you, go back to the tribe and form a perimeter. Nothing gets in or out. Jana?"

"Yes, my huntress."

"You are to go the Chieftess and report what we have found."

"...what am I to say?"

Jana's eyes shone with tears and Rair wanted to die.

"Tell her that her daughter is missing, and that the huntress Paj is dead."

"I am not sure this is a good idea Mistress."

"Relax Medean, the nymphs won't harm us. We have a pact. They call me Friend Zyra."

"You forget," Medean said, trying to keep up with her brisk pace. "Your concept of harm is not quite the same."

"I am not the least bit aroused."

"They stride about naked Zyra. Arousal is not the issue."

"They said if I ever need anything to ask them. It's a fool-proof plan."