Wolf Moon Part 28
Perched atop a granite ledge on Standish Mountain, Eagle Eyrie had once been a grand castle but the constant battering of wind, frigid winter temperatures and years of neglect had not been kind to the ancient fortress.
Mortar crumbled from outer walls leaving wide gaps between the rough-cut stone blocks. Wind whistled through most windows and swirled dust to coat thick cobwebs festooning the dim passageways. Only the innermost rooms were livable...barely.
Still the castle's shambled condition was preferred to the damp mist churning around the bramble-choked courtyard. Pitiful blazes in three blackened fireplaces were better than the Dark Lord's army being chilled to the bone.
Even in a forsaken chamber set off to itself, where the wind moaned with disembodied voices and shadows danced with forlorn spirits that would not or could not leave, Treize Khushrenada found a strange brand of solace.
The exiled General lay on his back under a double layer of blankets. Partly concealed beneath the rumpled coverings, a naked man-child was draped over his Master's bare chest in post-copulated slumber.
Gazing at the spectral pictures projected on the ceiling by orange flickering flames, Treize stroked the young boy's honey blond hair and fantasized that it was a river of Zechs' silky, platinum hair flowing over his body.
He closed his eyes and imagined it was Zechs' weight resting on his chest, it was Zechs' breath tickling his nipple and Zechs' ear pressed over his heart.
Treize's fingers curled tighter in the boy's hair as the memory of his lover lying on satin sheets, his creamy skin glowing in the firelight and his lean legs spread wide in an invitation for a night of passion caused the Lord's manhood to throb against the lad's thigh.
"Wake up." Treize ordered with a shake sufficient to rouse the sated boy.
A sigh. The rush of expelled air tingled across Treize's chest.
Another shake. The lad's eyes opened. He fixed a drowsy gaze with his Master's icy orbs then wrinkled his nose as Treize's wine-sour breath hit his face.
"What?"
"My cock needs attention."
"Again?"
Treize was quickly losing patience with the lad's cheeky attitude. "As often as I wish." he growled before grabbing a fistful of hair and redirecting the youth's sight to his quivering erection.
Knowing from previous experience that it was wiser to comply than risk a beating, the boy sat up and wriggled free from the restrictive blankets. "Want to take me on my back or from behind?"
Treize considered his options then decided he was too comfortable to busy himself with fucking. "Just suck me off." he instructed, pushing the blankets down to allow the lad unhindered access.
With an ease gained from much practice, the boy snaked his tongue down the engorged length then back up to tease the tip. Down then back again until Treize cursed and thrust his hips in an insistent manner.
A cunning smile curved up the boy's mouth. "You might be my Master." he hissed under his breath, "but you're a slave to my talents."
With the boastful declaration the boy moistened his lips, tunneled them around Treize's manhood and set about to transport the Dark Lord of Aragon further into his realm of madness.
*********
In measured degrees the blazing "Eye of Heaven" slipped from view.
Purple shadows lengthened to match the sun's descent. Residual heat rippled across the hazy landscape. Wavy mirages shimmered above the ground. A bright corona rested momentarily on the junction of horizon and sky then, with a final burst of fiery radiance, sunset melted into twilight.
Thin stripes of steel-gray clouds chased the fleeting daylight. In that elusive instant when color turns to black and white, as stars blinked out one by one, night's ebony curtain became studded with a thousand pinpoints of twinkling light. The crescent moon slipped free from dusk's embrace and lent her silvery luster to aid the angels in their flight.
To the west, the towering mountain peak cast a reddish glow against the gathering darkness. Subterranean vibrations quaked through the sandy soil to confirm that the volcanic giant was very much alive.
Deserted by the sun's warmth, the air cooled rapidly. The wind shifted directions, blowing away from Boar Bog. Purified of some toxicity, the cleaner air was better accommodated by the lungs and eyes.
Ringed around the warrior's campsite, stunted trees huddled together as if to ward off the cold. There were no nocturnal calls, no crickets or the haunting hoots of an owl.
As far as anyone could see, nothing moved about outside the firelight's limited scope. It seemed that the five visitors to this unholy land were the only living creatures but that was just as well.
The last of the provisions, supplemented by wild raspberries, were eaten without conversation. The quinque was travel sore and totally depleted of energy. Even in their harsh and hostile surroundings, sleep would be welcomed like a friend and their security would be assigned to the Fates or whatever deity took pity on the weary band of sojourners.
Wufei made his bed near the horses. The Priest and his fair lover retired amongst a clump of saplings in hopes of privacy.
After the Tracker offered two heartfelt apologizes for his prior lack of control and after Duo twice gave his pardon, Heero surrendered to exhaustion. Duo tucked the Tracker's cloak snuggly around Heero's shoulders then curled up in his own blanket next to his penitent friend.
The fresher breeze scrambled the moon-kissed clouds causing them to play hide and seek with the stars. Duo searched the astral luminaries for familiar constellations, something to center him in this strange place.
Duo smiled as he remembered the night in Twilight when he and Heero studied the stars. He had pointed out the Pleiades and told the story about the seven daughters of Atlas.
That late evening hour was the first time Duo realized he was drawn to the Demon Tracker. Lying in the cool grass, sharing the stars, Heero was no longer a Lone Hunter destined for a solitary life but a man meant to complete the Warriors of the Rose, fight along side his comrades and perhaps share more than the stars with Duo.
Duo lifted his finger and traced the Big Dipper then followed the pointer stars in the Dipper's bowl to the North Star.
"A traveler can always find his way." he stated, "tapping" the brilliant white light.
As the clouds retreated and glimmers of moonlight caressed Heero's face, Duo wondered aloud. "Did the stars guide us to each other?"
*********
Midmorning. Six miles from the last vestige of civilization before reaching the River of Souls.
Trowa took the point, guiding his horse along the seldom-traveled path. The remainder of the brotherhood followed single file with Wufei acting as rearguard.
Since no suitable bathing spot had been found at camp, the Tracker inquired, "Is there a bathhouse in Hamptonshire?"
Duo shrugged then pulled his frayed braid over his shoulder to inspect its disheveled condition. "If there's not I'll never get a comb through these damn tangles."
Trowa shifted in his saddle to look back at his unkempt companions. "I promise baths, clean garments, hot food and comfortable beds."
"And wine." Duo added with a hopeful nod of his head.
Trowa offered a rare grin to the optimistic Irishman. "Yes wine."
Wufei snorted. "Can you promise the River of Soul will be as hospitable?"
"I make no promises where the river is concerned."
*********
The trail blended into a grassy meadow profusely strewn with delicate flowers. Rainbow blossoms in shades of yellow, red, blue and violet that were clustered on long stems swayed in time with the breeze. Butterflies flitted among white daisies and orange poppies. Sparrows twittered as they searched for seeds.
Unfortunately, when Wufei found himself downwind, he discovered the flower-mingled fragrances did little to diminish his comrade's less-than-aromatic scents. But the Chinese warrior kept any comments concerning the ripe odors in check knowing that he, too, didn't smell like a field of honeysuckle.
Three hundred yards ahead. The eight-foot wall made of sturdy wooden poles secured by long spikes that encircled the remote hamlet of Hamptonshire appeared to sprout from the ground.
Double wooden gates, constructed in the same manner as the wall and reinforced with bands of iron, protected the main entrance. A single back gate served as an escape route into the dense forest dotted with caves.
Thin columns of gray smoke drifting into the azure sky were the only proof that the Shire was inhabited.
At Trowa's order everyone dismounted and slowed their pace.
Studying the impressive height of the tightly fastened gates, Wufei commented with a hint of skepticism. "There doesn't seem to be a reception delegation."
Heero squinted in the bright sun. "We may not be welcomed."
Always positive, Duo replied. "Of course we'll be welcomed, we're travelin' with the Priest of Twilight."
A hundred yards. Fifty yards.
Heero loaded his crossbow but pointed the shaft toward the ground in a defensive position. The quiver was repositioned on his shoulder for swift arrow retrieval.
Twenty yards.
Wufei kept his sword parallel to his leg in a non-threatening posture but never lessened his alertness.
Movement atop the wall caught Wufei's attention. "Archers." he whispered to Heero. "Two left of the gate, three right."
Cutting his eyes at the longbows aimed between the pointed poles, the Tracker confirmed he understood as he discretely lifted his crossbow to rest on his hip and slid his finger over the trigger set.
The shrill groan of hinges briefly proceeded one gate opening halfway.
Silence.
Trowa angled the Staff of the Rose across his chest. Quatre and Duo moved nearer to the Priest and, judging by their ready stances, they were also primed for action.
A shadow stretched from just outside the gate then a man stepped around the wooden barrier.
Sunlight glinted off a broadsword's polished blade but the weapon didn't appear to be brandish in a threatening way. However the two men carrying crossbows that followed close behind gave the impression they were not as easygoing.
As the Hamptonshire trio narrowed the gap more details concerning the lead man's appearance were revealed. Coarse auburn hair, much darker than Duo's cinnamon tresses, curtained the man's face. Thick bangs veiled deep-set green eyes that reflected limited light.
A ginger mustache sheltered full lips while high cheekbones and a strong jaw line supported an equally heavy beard in the same rich reddish hues that was woven into a braid.
The man was every inch as tall as Trowa. A plain cotton shirt with flared sleeves fit snuggly over a muscular chest and broad shoulders. A wide leather belt defined his trim waistline. A red and gold tartan kilt was draped over slim hips and knee-high animal skin boots protected well-developed legs.
Heero guessed that the man was at least thirty years old but the abundance of facial hair made it difficult to determine an exact age. One thing was certain---the mystery male moved with the predatory grace of a hunter and displayed the unmistakable confidence of an experienced soldier.
The Tracker and the veiled Beast exchanged subtle glances then allowed battle-taut muscles to relax but only a bit. Flanking the Twilight Priest, Duo and Quatre were also not comfortable enough to let their guard down completely.
On the other hand, Trowa didn't have any such doubts. The staff was lowered and held loosely in his right hand as he swept passed the watchful Manipulator and Duel Spirit.
With a smile brightening his face, Trowa embrace his friend. "William McClure, how in the hell are you?"
Will, as his Clan called him, sheathed his sword, grabbed Trowa's shoulders with beefy hands and held him at arm's length. "Ya haven't changed ya old devil." he stated before giving Trowa a playful slap on the arm. "Sorry for the harsh greetin' but I wasn't sure it was ya at first."
Will signaled to the archers who, in the blink of an eye, vanished as if they were never there. The backup pair armed with crossbows eased the tension on the bowstrings, removed the steel-tipped bolts and returned them to pouches hanging from their belts.
The Chieftain of Clan McClure took a minute to consider Trowa's comrades. "I heard rumors the Priest had left Twilight and he was keepin' odd company." he grinned then waved a hand for emphasis at the assorted warriors who weren't sure if "odd" was a descriptive adjective or a rude remark.
Trowa took a quick survey of his friends. "I wouldn't call them odd...perhaps... unique is a more fitting description. Let me make the introductions. This is William Robert McClure. His descendants have claimed this land for nigh two hundred years."
As soon as Will saw how Trowa looked at Quatre, he declared. "Ya can't hide a lover's gaze. This one has to be Quatre."
"Nice to meet you." Quatre replied, holding out his hand.
Duo was quite happy to meet someone akin to his background. "I'm Duo of County Maxwell."
Trowa gestured to the Lone Wolf. "Chang Wufei."
Wufei bowed politely but didn't offer his hand.
The final Warrior of the Rose, although not recognized by face or name, was well known by reputation. "Ah yes, the Demon Tracker." Will responded with a firm handshake. "Tis an honor indeed to meet ya, Heero Yuy."
Along the southern skyline, clouds trimmed gray around the edges bloomed in high banks above the horizon. The breeze turned gusty, the trees shivered and the distinct smell of moisture saturated the air.
"Looks like the weather is about to turn." Will observed. "Let's get inside before the sky breaks loose."
*********
A wide dirt street divided twenty structures laid out in a semi-circle pattern. Whether used for trade or homes, all buildings, save the modest stone church with a golden cross adorning the bell tower, were framed from rough-hewn planks and roofed with thatch.
On the left, the blacksmith shop and stables sat beside the butcher. Communal gardens and one of two wells that supplied fresh water set on the right. A boardinghouse owned by Angus and Molly Godfrey sheltered the occasional visitor.
The largest building housed the Swam and Dove Tavern that offered liquid refreshment and served as a banquet hall for celebrations or a meetinghouse when disputes needed to be mediated.
At the far end of the village, houses were grouped around the second well. Pig pens and small sheds for sheep, goats and milk cows took up the remaining acreage.
The horses were left in a stable hand's care. The remainder of the journey would be a short trek on foot to the River of Souls, then by boat to Deep World where again walking would be the only choice.
Villagers paused in their daily routine to scrutinize the new faces in their midst and express their opinions in whispered comments. Children peeked around their mothers or peered from doorways to point and giggle.
The majority of the older males were conspicuous in their absence. Will explained the men were either hunting or on patrol but all would be present that evening at a supper in honor of the Warriors of the Rose.
A pack of mongrels barked and tagged along behind Will and his strangers. The alpha male, a lanky Deerhound with a shaggy dappled gray coat, tattered ears and battle-scarred muzzle, sniffled at Wufei and immediately perceived the Breast's wild nature.
Hair bristled along the dog's spine, lips curled back to bare teeth and a menacing growl rumbled through his throat.
"Be careful of that one, he has a mean disposition." Will warned, curling his fingers around his sword's hilt.
Wufei pivoted in place and locked his black eyes on the aggressive dog. "There's no need to fight. You and I are one in the same."
At first it seemed the Deerhound would stand his ground. But with Wufei's piercing sight in force and tempered by his voice's soothing influence, the growl was replaced by a whimper.
Displaying a subservient posture, head hung low and tail tuck between his legs, the now calmer canine nuzzled Wufei's hand then allowed the veiled Beast to scratched behind his ear.
"Well I'll be damned!" Will exclaimed with a baffled shake of his head.
Trowa smiled at his friend's astonishment. "Wufei has a way with animals." was all the explanation he offered. Further down the street, a girl about five or six with flaxen curls framing her angelic face, tilted her head to examine Duo's braid. When the Irishman took notice, the lass offered a shy smile.
"Is that real?" she inquired about the unusual hairstyle.
"What's your name?"
"Colleen."
Duo braced his hands on his knees, leaned down until he was eye to eye with the inquisitive child and held out his braid for a better look.
"Yes Colleen, its real. You can touch it if you want to."
Colleen took a tentative step then stared at the long rope of hair as if it was three snakes entwined together. An index finger was extended, cautious but steady, a quick brush and the finger retreated back into a petite fist.
"Ohhhh." was voiced in delight.
Uncle Will glanced at the gathering storm clouds then patted his niece's head. "Best be gettin' home lassie, ya know sugar melts in the rain."
*********
"The room might be a bit cramped." Will stated as he used the key Molly Godfrey had given him to unlocked the first door on the right.
Opposite the door, the window shutters were latched but thin lines of light streaming through the slats brightened the room enough to keep from bumping into the sparse furnishings.
Four beds, each with a straw mattress covered by a feather tick, sheet and blanket, took up most of the floor space. A washstand with three drawers held a glazed stone bowl, a matching pitcher and a stack of nearly folded unbleached cotton towels. A cedar wardrobe provided storage for the guests' property.
Trowa propped the Staff of the Rose against the wall. The ruby stone in its center ring cast a red reflection across his face. "Thank you, the room will be fine."
"Five bodies and four beds." Will observed. "That'll mean some doublin' up." With a sassy wink directed at Trowa and Quatre, he added. "But I'm guessin' that won't be a problem where you're concerned. Get settled in then come out back to the bathhouse and soak your bones."
Instead of individual tubs for bathing a large tin-lined square sunk into the bathhouse floor offered the quinque amply opportunity to stretch out in the steamy water.
As sizeable raindrops plopped on the roof, cakes of lavender scented soap dissolved layers of grit and sweat and eliminated the "horsy smell". Two bottles of herbal shampoo were also shared with greedy abandon.
With stealthy stolen glances, Duo took pleasure in watching water trickle over Heero's chest, splash over his stomach and, although the rippling waves distorted his view of the Tracker's impressive genitalia, Duo was still treated to an enjoyable sight.
Unbeknownst to Duo, Heero was doing some spying of his own. He studied with delight how the lamplight glowed on Duo's velvety skin, marveled at how his freshly shampooed hair shimmered as if it was embellished with dazzling rubies.
The Irishman's lower anatomy was just as appreciated. In fact Heero found every aspect of the Duel Spirit quite alluring, so much so that he was forced to bend his knees to hide his spontaneous erection.
The stimulated Tracker was trying to figure a way to get out of the bath without exposing the evidence of his...ah...reaction, when Trowa's voice broke his concentration. "We need to get ready for supper, wouldn't want to be rude by arriving late."
"Right...wouldn't want to be...late." Heero concurred as he reached for a towel.
*********
The Swam and Dove played host to the entire hamlet of forty-three people.
Wooden tables had been pushed end to end to form two long rows bordered by wooden benches. A full blaze in the oversized fireplace and numerous candles lent a diffused glow to soften the room's stark wood paneling and wide plank floors.
The aroma of roasting meat whetted the appetite. Abundant bottles of wine and two kegs of ale promised to satisfy the thirst. Men and women mingled amid the hum of conversation. Children wandered among the grownups or played a game of fox and geese in the expansive dining hall.
The Guests of Honor, dressed in borrowed garments until their clothes could be washed, were greeted warmly then saluted with a toast that ended in a rousing cheer of "Hurrah!"
Over a meal of butter-braised pork, a chucky stew of potatoes, carrots and onions in cream sauce, thick slices of wheat bread and cups of fermented brew, the citizens traded stories, engaged in gossip and stated their views on everything from the weather to their satisfaction with the lambing season.
Heero, Wufei and Trowa debated strategy and battle tactics with Will and his middle brother, Colin, a widower who was Colleen's father and his younger brother, Connor, who had not yet taken a wife.
Further down the table, Quatre conversed about herbal remedies and natural cures with the village physician.
After the sumptuous supper, Duo sat on the floor, gathered the children around him and entertained them with shadow puppets and tales of dragons and trolls and witches and men who transform into birds of prey.
Hours drifted toward midnight. Candles melted away, fireplace flames withered and embers began to cool. In groups, in pairs, by families or one by one the inhabitants of Hamptonshire slipped into the night and deserted the Swam and Dove for home and bed.
Will and his brothers bade Heero, Duo, Wufei, Quatre and Trowa a fond goodnight and wished them pleasant dreams.
The rain had stopped but a chilly mist lingered. Wufei wandered ahead. Hand in hand Quatre and Trowa lagged behind their comrades.
Having imbibed a bit too much wine, Duo was unusually quiet. Twice Heero grasped Duo's arm to steady him then slid his arm around Duo's waist to see him safely back to their temporary residence.
"Sometimes I wish..."Duo began then interrupted the sentence with a sigh.
Heero leaned closer to study Duo's face but couldn't decipher his expression. "Wish what?"
"That I had somewhere to settle down. Maybe, once Khushrenada is put in his place, maybe when we get back to Twilight." Duo rubbed his eyes, another sigh. "But right now I'm sleepy." he declared leaning into Heero's embrace.
*********
A nighthawk took flight. One pale beam of moonlight sliced through the clouds.
The Manipulator and the Priest slept side by side. Wufei claimed the bed nearest the door, altered to his true form and curled up on the blanket with his nose resting on his paws.
Duo stripped down to his shirt and breechcloth, slipped between the feather tick and sheet and drifted off as soon as his head hit the pillow.
In the remaining bed, Heero closed his eyes but slumber didn't come as easily.
Duo's wish for a permanent home and a stable life weighted heavily on Heero's mind. Quatre and Trowa had Twilight. Wufei had his pack. Even the Demon Tracker had a family waiting for his return but Duo was alone.
"It will not be so." Heero swore on his heart and soul. "By all that's holy, I make an oath. If I survive the upcoming battle Duo will not be abandoned."
TBC...
Back to Karen, The Huntress's Fanfictions Page