Rage

"Why didn't you drink," said a cold firm voice.

"I didn't know if they consented," said Ashlard, not bothering to face whomever was talking.

"Well you better get used to it, she's not coming to feed you herself."

This got Ashlard's attention, sitting up he turned around, seeing the silhouette of a short, but lanky man.

"Who's not coming?"

The man laughed, a horribly twisted laugh, before walking away, leaving Ashlard alone. It wasn't long before he could hear footsteps again, this time there was a group approaching. Ashlard stood up, standing in the centre of the cell, and waited patiently for what was coming. Whether it be a rescue, or an execution. He was surprised when the first face he saw was Blain's. The following soldiers were armed with crossbows, pointing them at him.

"Please obey," said Blain.

He opened the door with a click, he was carrying heavy chains. Ashlard didn't react as a ring was placed around his neck, the chains were pulled down his back, and attached to a fresh pair of shackles. Blain grabbed him under the arm, and lead him from the cell, down the corridor and into the main auditorium. Ashlard flinched under the light, but straightened as he was lead between rows of soldiers and nobles alike. All silently watching him pass. Ahead were the Royal family, and two huge stone pillars. Blain pushed Ashlard to his knees, undoing his shackles, his hands were pushed into holes, carved into the stones. Before he could react, long steel rods were slid through holes in the stone, and quickly driven through Ashlard's wrists. Ashlard moaned in sudden pain, he was completely immobilised, the stone's too heavy to move, and without the use of his hands, even if he could, he would be at a major disadvantage.

"Now..." said King Raynor, "Were you aware of the identity of Arctur."

Ashlard turned his face down, closing his eyes, "Whatever you have planned, get it over with."

"Please Ashlar-," Blain was cut off by the King.

"Answer the question," King Raynor said, "We have laws in these lands, a process to follow, before your execution."

Ashlard laughed, long and slow.

"Will you not answer the question?" said the King, "So be it."

The sound of wood scraping on stone filled the room, when it stopped, there was the faint sound of rattling chains.

"Your majesty I did not-"

"SILENCE BLAIN!" yelled the King, "Unless you wish for Ciray to take her place?"

Blain fell silent.

"You may leave," said the King.

Ashlard listened to him leave.

"You may wish to look up," said the King.

Slowly raising his head, he spotted Runë, bound to a wooden frame, stripped of a shirt she stood, crying and humiliated in front of him.

"NO!" yelled Ashlard, snapping out his scales, and pushing himself to his feet, but with his hands pinned in the stone, he couldn't move at all. "STOP! I'LL TELL YOU EVERYTHING I KNOW," he cried.

"You failed to answer twice already," said King Raynor, "four lashes."

Runë's eyes were wide with fear as a masked man moved behind her, uncoiling a large whip. Ashlard thrashed, pulling with all his might, as he watching the whip swing back.

"Runë!" he cried.

The sound of rushing wind, the sharp crack of leather on skin, Runë's eyes bulged in agony. Ashlard howled, thrashing violently, he thought about burning everything, but the stones meant the only direction he could face was towards Runë.

"One," said the King.

CRACK

"Two," said the King, sipping a goblet of wine.

"I'll kill you," said Ashlard, "I swear I'll kill you for this."

"Make that one," said the King.

Ashlard roared, his eyes going black, screeching like a demon. Even in this form he couldn't escape, in his uncontrolled form, the beast screamed, and thrashed violently for hours. Unable to be reasoned with, until eventually, due to sheer exhaustion, he collapsed, hanging limp from his restraints. The King thought they matched perfectly, tipping his wine down Runë's split open back, admiring the way she flinched.

It was dark when Ashlard opened his eyes, "Runë," he called softly, spotting her lift her head slightly, "I can't get you out of this." Hot tears dripping down his face, "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry," he sobbed.

As the sun rose, Ashlard realised someone was playing with his arm. Looking up, there was a second figure sawing at the ropes that bound Runë, with a growl, the steel rod was pulled free from Ashlard's right hand. Twisting around to spot his saviour, they stepped behind the second stone, working to free his other hand. Ashlard dropped to the stone floor, he was weak, his injuries couldn't heal without blood, and he had refused to drink the day before.

Rough hands grabbed him, pulling him upright, and together they walked towards a side door,

"Runë," he said weakly.

"Ciray has her now," said a familiar voice.

Ashlard turned his head, looking at the man helping him, and was surprised to see Blain, scowling deeply. Looking back, he could make out Ciray helping walk Runë in a similar fashion.

"Why?" he asked.

"Not now, you need to rest first, where is your home?"

"To the south, there's a forest," Ashlard paused, "head to the centre, there's a lake, you'll see it from there."

Outside, Ashlard was surprised to see several people, and a horse drawn cart. Passing them, he spotted a wounded Raph, Mildred with her two children, and several more soldiers that quietly saluted as he staggered past. Blain helped him up onto the back of the cart, before turning back to help Ciray with Runë. Soon, Runë came into view, gasping in pain as Blain helped her lay down beside Ashlard. Ashlard quickly moved closer, wrapping his arm around her shoulders, being careful not to touch her back, and started humming

"Not yet," hissed Blain, "we need to get you out of the city first."

Ashlard fell silent, pulling his wing over Runë, protecting her modesty. Soft thuds let Ashlard know they were being covered in hay. The weight of it uncomfortable, but by igniting the embers in his eyes, he illuminated Runë's face enough to see her faintly smile. Ashlard could hear Blain giving the directions to their home to someone, and the cart lurched into movement.

It was over an hour before a soft voice called, "we're out of the city now, entering the forest."

Ashlard started humming, he was sure it was Mildred leading them. The ground was noticeably rougher in the forest, all the tree roots and branches making the cart rock and bounce around. Ashlard screamed internally every time he saw Runë flinch in pain. Pulling her closer, she soon however fell asleep... Safe at last, he thought.

The sound of the hay being cleared off woke Ashlard with a start, he quickly sat up, using his wings to throw off piles of hay, he was right, there was Mildred, smiling warmly.

"We're at the lake, I think, where to from here?"

Ashlard looked around, sure enough they were at the lake, but he was used to seeing it from above, but after examining the water and surrounding forest, he spotted the small beach where he and Runë first stopped, pointing,

"Over there, there's a beach you should be able to see it from there," he said, laying back down to be beside Runë.

It wasn't long before the cart came to a stop again, Ashlard sat up, looking at Runë, still sleeping.

"You're going to have to help her... upstairs?" Mildred said, looking at their home in wonder

"I don't know if I can," groaned Ashlard.

But Mildred was already pulling the sleeve back on her tunic, sticking her wrist in Ashlard's face. He nodded his thanks, before biting as softly as he could, humming to put her at ease. Within a few minutes, Ashlard could open and close his hands properly, and he slowly lifted Runë from the cart, carrying her towards the door. Mildred quickly rushed ahead, pushing it open and stepping aside.

"Runë keeps the kitchen stocked," he said to Mildred, "Please help yourself before you go."

Ashlard slowly carried Runë upstairs, he slung her over one shoulder. She hung limply behind him. Entering their bed room, Ashlard squatted, placing Runë on the edge gently laying her face down on the soft furs of their bed. Ashlard laid down beside her, pushing her hair aside, he examined her tearful face. Starting to hum, her expression softened.

"We're safe now," he said, "I'm sorry," he was crying now, "I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you... I'm sorry."

Runë reached out, placing a finger on one of his fangs.

FLASH

Humming... she was humming... There was pain... But comfort... Love... Sadness... Worry... An image of Blain and Ciray...

FLASH

"He and Ciray need to be careful," he said, puffing from exhaustion.

The sound of footsteps caught his attention, sitting up, Mildred entered the room, carrying a board laden with bread and various jams.

"It's all I could do in a moments notice," she said, "Tomorrow, I will cook you both a proper meal."

"Tomorrow?" asked Ashlard.

"Blain asked me to stay a while," she smiled, "Don't worry about the children, someone will bring them tomorrow."

"Thank you," said Ashlard.

He took a slice of bread, smearing it with a layer of jam. Tearing off a chunk, he slowly fed Runë, the wounds on her back had improved through his humming, but she wasn't well enough to sit up, let alone cover her dignity.

Two days later, Ashlard walked with Runë towards the lake, the children, Bair and Elcie, followed excitedly. Quickly stripping into their undergarments, the four of them jumped into the lake, Ashlard swimming slowly on his back, holding Runë on his chest. She hadn't been strong enough for him to feed properly, so he hadn't been able to share energy with her, but her wounds had almost completely healed thanks to his humming.

"I need to go back," said Ashlard, Runë didn't respond , "I need to find your sisters hair pin."

Runë raised her head, staring at him with those big beautiful eyes. She sniffed, nodding slowly, a tear forming in the corner of her eye. She held up a single finger, then made a laying down motion.

"I'll wait until tomorrow night then."

Bringing Runë back to shore, she sat quietly in waist deep water, while Ashlard swam with the children. Diving deep, before bursting out of the water, creating huge waves. Their screams of delight were infectious, and Runë couldn't help but smile as she watched. Soon the children were complaining of cold, so the four of them returned to the house. The smell of a roasting venison, from a deer Ashlard had caught at first light, filled the forest. Ashlard ushered everyone inside, and they sat together on a large rug before the fireplace and enjoyed a hearty meal. After eating, Mildred took the children upstairs, settling them into bed. Ashlard pulled Runë close, holding her tight, he tried to memorise everything, her smell, the texture of her skin, the expression on her face, the softness of her hair. Runë stood, taking Ashlard by the hand, they crept upstairs, past the children's room.

"Runë, what is it?" Ashlard asked.

She closed the door behind them, before slowly slipping out of her clothing, Ashlard's mood darkened at the new scars across her back, but they didn't seem to bother her any more, as she turned to face him with a smile. She pulled her hair to one side, grabbing Ashlard by the face, guiding him to bite. He bent picking her up, holding her gently against his chest, kissing her deeply, she wrapped her legs around his waist and he finally bit

FLASH

Humming, but... something else... Desire... Restraint... Passion...

FLASH

Ashlard slipped out of his trousers, before turning, placing Runë on their bed. Kissing her gently, she pulled him in again, tightly wrapping her legs around him, gasping as Ashlard bit down, their minds becoming one in eternal bliss. He was gentle for her, slowly rolling his hips, feeling her buck slightly in response. Their mutual feelings of love bouncing across their connection. Fuelling both their ends in a spectacular moment of bliss.

Ashlard woke before dawn, there was something wrong, he was laying with his head on Runë's chest, he could hear her heartbeat, it slowly increased as she stirred, but there was something else as well, lifting his head, the sound stopped.

"No..." he said quietly.

Pressing his head on Runë's stomach, he felt her jump. Not realising what was happening, she snapped awake, but realising it was only him, she stretched comfortably. Reaching down, Runë tried to pull his head up to hers for a kiss, but he ignored her. Suddenly pulling his head from one side to the other, she squirmed, silently giggling, his chin tickling her. His head snapped up, he had a strange expression on his face.

"You're pregnant," he said softly.

Runë giggled again, shaking her head, she tried to kiss him, but he wouldn't budge.

"Runë," he said, "there's two heartbeats."

Runë stopped now... Looking at his expression, then her stomach, she mouthed... Babies?

"Yes... Babies," he choked back tears, "babies!"

Now he kissed her, hard, starting from her mouth, then down her neck, across her chest and stopping just below her belly button. The whole time Runë squirmed with a mixture of joy and pleasure. She pulled him into an embrace, kissing him deeply, Runë pulled her hair aside again, Ashlard looked at her with concern.

"Are you sure, what about the-," he stopped.

The expression on her face told him he'd be in trouble if he didn't, with a sigh, he gently bit down, losing himself in the bliss.

At breakfast, the two of them were positively giddy, Mildred was looking at them both, before sighing and putting down her fork.

"Well spit it out," she said, "might as well, the venison is already cold," she cackled.

Runë was the first to respond, mouthing babies, Mildred frowned,

"She said babies," whispered Ashlard.

"Wha-"

"She's pregnant Mildred."

Suddenly breakfast became very loud, the children were the first, screaming in delight. They stood, running to Runë and throwing their arms around her, Mildred was a few seconds slower, giving Ashlard a dig in the ribs as she put her arms around Runë, sitting back up.

"How did you find out?" she said, "You don't even show!"

"There's two heartbeats," said Ashlard, "I can hear them."

Mildred was speechless, she just stared at him for several moments and shook her head. "If it were anyone else, I would have you hauled away... Is there anything you cannot do?"

Ashlard just laughed, "there's plenty of thing's I can't do."

The rest of the morning consisted of Runë lounging by the lake, while the children alternated between swimming and seeing if they could hear the babies. Ashlard just watched on, slowly shaking his head. He doubted it would be possible to hear their heartbeats until after they were born. Mildred on the other hand, was busy baking. And the scent of cinnamon was wafting through the trees.

By midday, Mildred had managed to coax the children inside. Waiting for them was a tray of sweet rolls.

"I thought we could do with a little celebration," Mildred smiled, handing everyone a roll.

Runë's entire face lit up as she took a bite. That's everything Ashlard needed to take a bite himself. The flavour was perfect. The breading itself wasn't overly sweet. But the dusting of cinnamon and honey gave it a beautiful flavour. He found himself thinking a cup of tea would be perfect to wash it all down.

It would have been a perfect day, if not for the sound of approaching horses... Ashlard straightened, straining to listen, they were definitely getting closer...

"Blow out the lights, bar the door and stay quiet." Ashlard said quickly, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.

"What is it?" Mildred whispered.

"I can hear horses."

Ashlard slipped out the front door, closing it behind him. He waited just long enough to hear the beam fall, and he leapt up into the branches of a nearby tree. The canopy was too thick for him to take off. But the branches would offer enough protection to sneak up on whomever was approaching. Ashlard could hear the horses more clearly now. They were rounding the lake... Had someone betrayed their location?

Ashlard leapt to another tree, closing the distance between himself and the approaching riders. He got into a good position, deciding to wait for the riders to get closer. He sat silently for a few minutes, and they came into view. There was three of them, wearing thick cloaks, swords at their hips. They didn't look like soldiers, but that didn't mean they weren't bandits. He waited until they were almost beneath him, before dropping to the ground. The lead horse reared up in fear, it's rider tipping backwards. Ashlard extended his scales, rushing forwards and catching the rider. Quickly retreating and pulling his claws around their throat.

"ASHLARD!"

He paused, he knew that voice. Grabbing the hood of the cloaked figure in his arms with his teeth, Ashlard pulled it down to expose their red hair.

"Ciray!" Ashlard cried. Spinning her around, he pulled her into a fierce hug, "I'm sorry, I didn't recognise you."

"It's okay," Ciray giggled, "I've had my life threatened enough today, once more didn't hurt."

Ashlard looked up at the other two riders, both lowered their hoods. One was Raph, the other was a very battered Blain.

"What happened?" Ashlard asked, noting the serious expression on their faces.

"Take us home first lad," Blain grumbled, "we have a few things to discuss."

It only took a few minutes to get home. Ashlard called out that it was all clear, and it only took a moment to hear the bar lifted away from the door. Ashlard pulled it open, finding himself immediately assaulted by Runë, throwing her arms around him.

Ashlard chuckled, bending and kissing the top of her head. "We have guests, my love."

Runë looked up for a moment, before taking notice of Ciray and the others. Her entire face lit up, throwing her arms around Ciray. Before leading her back inside. Ashlard gestured for Blain and Raph to follow and he made his way in after the ladies.

Mildred took one look at Blain and her face dropped. "I'll take the children for a swim," she announced.

Blain nodded his thanks, but said nothing until she had left. "You can't stay here." Blain said quickly, "The King knows you're in this forest, he's mustering a ground force to flush you out with fire."

Ashlard's heart dropped, "How long do we have?"

"I don't know," Blain growled, "the King doesn't trust me any more... I had to get Ciray out before he did to her, what he did-"

Ciray interrupted him, placing a hand on his wrist. Turning to face Ashlard, "Blain tried to convince the King to let you go... But he found a way to save his son if you die. Something about finding a new host for the heart."

Ashlard sat silently for a few minutes. "What should we do?"

"We... We need to leave... Sooner rather than later." Blain sighed, "I've been stripped of my title, Raph and I got Ciray out while we could..."

Ashlard sighed, pulling Runë close against his side. "We don't have the luxury of being able to run forever..."

Ciray stiffened, "she's not... Surely."

"Twins..." Ashlard said, stroking Runë's stomach.

Over the next hour, Raph and Blain spent their time strategising. Mildred packed the wagon with as many supplies as they could. Ciray babbled constantly to Runë, who just smiled an nodded, clearly uncomfortable with this level of attention. Only Ashlard sat apart... He knew the true cost of their failure... The true way to be free... The true way to ensure Runë's safety...

He silently stood, off in the corner of the room, nobody noticed his movement. Nobody except Runë... He stretched his arms above his head, gently brushing the tips of his fingers on the ceiling. The patter of rain drew his attention... Fitting... Ashlard made eye contact with Runë... She knew what he was thinking... He didn't have to say it. Ashlard blew her a kiss, and opened the door. The moment he stepped outside, he heard footsteps.