CHAOS6.TXT - Violence - June 7, 2003

Another tale of Cities and Chaos
By SwampRat
(cl) 1992, 1998 Gay Furry Association

Written at The Bastion of Insanity

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The city was under siege. The hosts had been streaming into the valley for some
time. Banners of Chaos flew as the Champions came to camp. There were
squabbles, laughter, and snarls, as befits such a rabble. The City had been in
preparation for months. People stood on the walls, watching the madness.
Sometimes a flying disc or winged creature would come to taunt the watchers.
Some paid for their arrogance by being shot full of arrows. Only once did a
newcomer bother to try and hit one of the jeerers. With a spear.. It missed the
moon-faced creature, and stuck in the disc. They laughed..

Until the disc swerved, bucking it's rider off. Spurted ichor and knocked a few
more riders aside. Then fell in a contingent of Khorne's followers. Where it
got hacked to pieces.. And started a fight. But the man who stared down at the
ruckus didn't seem pleased at the actions he started. Nor truly Displeased
either. An enigma who had a patch with the multi-arrowed symbol of Chaos on one
shoulder of his cloak. But didn't hang around the others of Chaos who decided
to fight on This side of the wall, instead of the other.

A strange man indeed. One who didn't often go to the Houses, where Gambling,
Pretty women and even Prettier lads waited upon the pleasures of the patrons.
But would stroke the muzzle of any draft-animal he came across.. But that was
no crime, Even if the priests didn't like it. The Guard didn't care. He was
bought, sword and body. He would be amongst the first to fall. Or run when the
gates fell. And if another day came to find him alive, 5 Silver a week would
keep him in food and drink. An 'official' guard came around, making sure all
was well, and keeping an eye out for spies.

                             * * * *

The battle came and went, with many wounds and not much territory gained or
lost. The Guard counted their dead, wounded and deserters. Not that They would
get far. Not with the bunch of creatures who were even now munching what was
left of somebody's arm and tucking a leg or other body part under a hoary
appendage for later. The dark-clad male was alive.. Had portended himself well.
Or not well, since there were few survivors of that skirmish to say good or ill
of him. However when someone called for their Captain, he stirred and took a
few steps before catching himself. And such movements do not go unnoticed..

But another wave hit and they were too busy to bother with mysteries. Later
they tallied bodies again and found a few survivors.. A Goblin, more dead than
alive. A Beastman who babbled in it's own tongue and something which nobody was
sure What was.. But it stank, and breathed. One of the Chaos thugs listened to
the rumblings, and when asked, translated what was pouring so desperately out
of the creatures broken lips.

"Not-Human. Bastard Not-Human. Kill like Khorne. Not of Khorne. Smile like
Slaanesh.. Grab like Slaanesh. Not of Slaanesh. Chaos get him yet.. FatDick
tell of male who wear black. WarBand Leader without Warband.. Not believe. Now
do.. Chaos get him yet."

Then it grunted and died. The stranger was standing off to one side, sitting
beside a fountain. A pole with an axe on one side, and a spike on the other lay
beside him. It had been broken in half and both ends were red with gore. The
Guard rounded up those still alive, tended to the wounded then got to the
business of disposing of the dead. Which was to toss them off the wall..

                             * * * *

John and Shadow stood, watching the wain traffic move along a once-busy street.

"I tell you she's like no other.." The man laughed, if man he was, for nobody
had as yet seen the face of the sell-sword. 

"I shall have to take your word for it." 

The lad laughed as well.. "Come with me and see for.. What?" 

The man suddenly bolted up the street and was running as if his life depended
upon it.

"To the West Wall.. And hurry!"

John didn't ask. He just followed.. More than once the dark one had bolted for
no apparent reason. And John usually found a good one waiting wherever the
boots stopped. This time was no exception. The last echo's of the warning bell
were dying away as they got there. So was the sentry. A Beastman stood over the
man, blade dripping.

"Quick. Go hit the Alarm.. I can take care of one goat."

John shook his head, but ran to the large brass bell and hit it well. Then
returned.. To see two silhouettes - Neither of them human.. A wolfman held a
goatman and they seemed to be dancing. Only the glint of steel told how serious
the dance was. Another came over the stone and came towards the pair. He
snarled and shoved his blade forward.. To slam it full into the Goatman's body.
The creature shoved the body away, crossed swords with the other, and knocking
him back, grappled with yet another who appeared at the stone's edge.

John ran up to dispatch the Beastman and stared for a moment at the creature
with one gold earring.. Then put his shoulder to the dark-robed one and fought
off another attack.

"Where is That Watch.. If they overstay their time in an inn we shall lose this
wall!" 

The man grinned, doing death to another creature. "Perhaps they dally so we may
get all the glory! This is worth another stripe upon my sleeve, At least!" 

He grunted, throwing his attacker off and swung at the monster. 

"Just what we need.. Another Corporal. Damn Cheap Sword.."

He laughed at his friends barbs. "They are good swords.."

The furry head shook.. "They are cheap steel, and will soon break upon such
hard heads.."

"Quit hitting them on the head, then." A hit cut the strap holding the black
cloak in place. It fell to foul feet and hooves alike.

"Blasted thing.."

John turned to say something.. And was struck dumb. There, plain as day was a
herald.. And John knew who he stood next to. A knife went into his ribs, barely
felt. He grunted, also taking a shallow cut along his head. And fell..

"John?" The wolfman turned. To whirl full upon the beastman who was bent over
the human.

"Bastard!" He snarled, grabbing the creature by the back of it's hairy neck,
and lifting it fully off the ground. It laughed, jerking against the hand.

"Brother.." It bleated in the Dark Tongue, "Be not greedy. There is enough
flesh upon the man's bones to satisfy both of us.. Erk!"

The sword went deep in the goat's guts and tickled the beastly heart.

"Eat steel instead!" The blade broke near the hilt..

"Damn cheap swords.." He threw the animal off the parapet. By this time a
half-dozen more horned beings stood on the wall, watching the creature with
hatred.

"Leave.." They snarled and came closer. He lifted a booted foot and straddled
the youth. Then reached into his belt and lifted the twin-bladed axes free from
their loops. Whirled them.. 

"Come Then. And feast upon Dwarven Steel, For ye shall have none of the flesh I
now guard.." With a growl, the monsters fell upon the Wolfen.

                             * * * *

The WatchCaptain stopped, panting. He stood, watching an axe fall to split a
chest open, then slam upward, smashing the chin and breaking the creature's
neck. Another slid a sword thrust aside, rapping the bony knuckles. He held his
men back, as they came running up.

"Wait."

"But Cap'n.." One of them started.

"You see that herald?" The moon flashed off the dark back showing a symbol -
Twin crossed axes with a snarling wolf's head above and a foaming mug below.
Above this a ribbon etched with Dwarfen runes stated this was The Lord
Shadow-Of-Ravens, Knight of Wolvenhelm. Along the skirt were the names of
battles he had fought in.

"Miseldor.. Remember That name? The Berserker Dwarves and Their Wolfen
companions who saved the hide of many a Prince then.. King now. I want none up
there while the Berserk is upon him. Mark, Go get stretchers. And rouse His
Majesty.. We have Royalty in our midst."

They watched, stunned, as the Knight leapt fully the height of a man, slamming
his boots into muzzles, knocking the monsters back. Then ripped into them
afresh with his bloody weapons. The crowd grew, watching the monster heed not
how many cuts or stabs he took, so long as the enemy got within striking
distance.

Finally, there was but one Beastman left. The Follower of Khorne looked at the
carnage, and grinned.

"You do my God Well, Brother. But now it is time to add your skull to his
throne.."

The Wolfen grinned nastily. "Perhaps you are a bit premature in my demise,
Brother.. Come. Let us see if you can end ten long years in the service of
Chaos, fighting against Chaos."
 
One axe was swept from the fingers by a Black Rune-covered sword that moaned
for blood. Shadow grinned.

"Your blade hungers.. Feed ye it not?" 

The Ungor growled. "Indeed. It shall drink well when I slide it in your guts.."

The other axe was knocked from the clawed hand.

"So.. Now do I Take your skull!" The Beastman shoved his sword forward.. To
have it pierce air. A hand clamped onto his arm, jerking him forward so the
other paw could slam into the ribcage, shattering bone. The animal coughed
blood.. The left one came up to contact the jaw like a sledge hammer. The teeth
cracked from the force of the blow and the body literally jumped upwards..

"Take your own skull to your God.." And removing the black sword from the dying
creature, plunged it inward. Then kicked the still jerking body off the wall.
The wolven's eyes went to half-lidded, as the effects of the battle made
themselves known.

"My liege.."

The blood-splattered being turned to stare at a man.

"Watch-Commander.." He growled huskily. "Have you come to relieve me then?" 

The Captain stared into the blue eyes. "We do, Sir." 

The paw lifted a blade from among the carnage. Bent it, and let it sing to
him..

"Good steel.. I believe the lad yet lives." He sagged a bit. "Then is the wall
secure?" 

The man walked as close as he dared.

"It is, Lord RavenShadow of the Wolvenhelm."

The creature stood, dropped the blade and swayed, as if caught in a breeze.

"I seem to have lost the colors, Watch-Commander.. Along with my axes."

A lad was quickly brought forward with a flag. He stared at the monster as if
not believing it could be.. Then dropped to one knee.

"The colors are safe, Lord."

A paw that was smeared with the blood of twice a dozen creatures and some of
it's owners own, patted the head.

"So they are, good Squire." Lifted his furred head and stared unevenly at the
man.

"Very well then. I turn my duty over to the Watch. Captain, if I may beg a
favor, I require assistance to my bunk.. I seem to have grown quite dizzy..." 
The wolfen dropped into the arms of the Watch. Who looked up at a mailed fist.

"We shall take them from here.."

Fully a dozen knights stood, on either side of a cart, waiting for the pair.
The Lord was unceremoniously dumped on the wooden boards. The youth fared no
better. And the WatchCaptain's teeth grated together at the insult.. The cart
moved down the stones, bearing it's cargo not to the Temple, where bodies are
prepared for burial, but to the Royal House. In the mean time clean-up was
going on the west wall. But no body left with it's horns intact. These were
sawn off and placed in a pile. Which somehow vanished when the Kings Guard came
back for Trophies. They did manage to save a few scruffy tails for the barons
and princes.

"If you wanted hides, you should have said.." The Watch and CityGuard laughed
silently behind leather gloves and most heartily in their cups.

Tales of the heroism grew in proportion and bloodiness until it was a full
armed horde and the Lord did them in with a bent nail. In the Council's
chambers there was a different kind of noise. A man who had but half a night's
sleep was turning ears red with curses and growls more dire than any Beastman
had uttered.

"How had such a Person.. Such an Important Personage as a Lord.. A Wolfen
Lord.. Of The Wolvenhelm Reavers No Less! How did such a person get recruited
as if he was a simpleton? Put to work at scrubbing buckles and keeping rabble
at peace.. The Shame!"

Many and numerous were the conjectures and questions bantered about. Perhaps
the creature was an imposter - And only wore the cloak. Perhaps the Lord had
grown weary of Courts and wanted a taste of battle. Perhaps the creature was a
WereWolf and changed in the heat of carnage.. The Viceroy who governed in the
name of The King growled as he dressed. Then stopped..

"And what say you, My Councillor." An old man whose hair was beyond white,
stood to one side, a calm eddy in the storm.

"My Liege.. There is No Place upon his body that does not carry a cut. Only a
Berserker could have done what he did.. And only A Wolfen could have lived
through it."

The eyes looked at him like he had just told them butterflies wings were made
of gold..

"He Still Lives? Of course he does. My Best Physicians are to care for him. And
the lad.. Who deserves more than our thanks for both bringing this to light and
fighting side-by-side with such a beast."

Then a knock came from the door. A runner whose face was so white one could
have used it as paper, entered. Ran to the Viceroy and bent. Whispered in the
man's ear..

"What?! Well, let him not stand, waiting the favor of our presence."

Snapping one last clasp in place, he quickly strolled to the hall where he
entertained guests, took petitions and held court. Thence to throne himself and
allow the startled knights to assemble in their places. When all was ready and
torches lit, he nodded.. The doors opened.

"Honor Guard - Attention! In Rows of Two - Hut!" The orders were barked by a
man who made even the King's Arm quake in their boots. Men, resplended in City
Livery, gleaming so one could easily shave from the reflection, stood in two
rows, flanking someone who as yet unseen. Then a gasp rose from the audience..
A semi-giant with the head of a wolf slowly walked beside a man who was as tall
as he.

The light shone off wet patches on the dark uniform. Played upon the twin
axe-heads, still red with gore. General Mavre, Garrison Commander of The City
Guard, helped the creature forward, if only by having a strong shoulder to lean
against when a furred one dipped a bit. A Beastman followed two paces behind.
Bearing the double stripes of a Captain-Commander, he kept claws on his
weapons, ready to honor any slight with steel. His dark eyes shone with pride
as he allowed himself another look at the back, which even ripped to shreds,
still bore the livery and markings of a Lord.

The procession took it's time getting to the throne as the WolfLord did sway
slightly from time-to-time, but kept head high and body erect. Finally coming
to the last step, he did go to one knee and bow his head.

"My Lords, Viceroy. I do bring before you One RavenShadow, Lord in good
standing of the Dwarven Kings of Wolvenhelm.."

The shaggy head shook slowly.. "I am but a lowly foot-solder, who has been
dragged out of his bunk so he may tell his Hired Lord the West Wall is
secured."

A cough brought a white robe swiftly to his side. "How I allowed myself to be
talked into this foolishness.." 

One blue eye stabbed him.

"Alright.. Your precious pride demands this, even if it kills you. But I
promise you.. Once you are done, it will take more than an army of idiots to
get you from my healing room.. Including them that dares to draw sword upon the
one who removes thorns from his paws and stitches up his wounds."

The Beastman smiled nastily and re-sheathed his weapon, while the physician
stood to one side, muttering to himself. The Viceroy had to grin.. As a
Fighting man who had risen the ranks with sword and skill, he understood why
the bleeding carcass Had to come and stand in the hall. He stood. Tossed the
cloak of office to one side. Walked down and put his hands on the bloody
shoulders. Without a shudder at either how much hair or other body parts were
on them.

"Rise, good solder. None are barred from my gate, no matter who they served
before. Wine for our guest.." The white robe glared daggers at him. The dark
head stayed bowed.

"I may not partake, My lord.." A steel hand patted his back.

"You are relieved Watch. I, as your commander, say you may." Wine was passed
out, as the monster, with some help, stood erect again.

"May I make a toast, Lord?" The Viceroy nodded, slightly taken aback.

"Glory and a Good Death to those within these walls.. Ignonimus Defeat to our
Enemies!"

The King's Agent and Governor Lifted his goblet high and repeated the oath loud
and clear. Then drained the cup. The Host did the same.. Then he threw the
vessel away and hugged the creature to him as of he was a cousin, newly found.

"Scribe.. Let the tailors get busy. We wish a new flag, based upon the heraldry
which sits on this frame to be rendered.. And clothes as befits a Hero. Nay,
Nay, I shall not take No for an answer. You have earned this and more.." The
creature nodded and lowered his head.

"Then I take my leave of you, Sir. For the hour is late, and we must rise
early, as our opponent does. Now, I give thee one order.. Heal. I require fully
rested solders in my Watch and You are relieved of that duty until you can show
proof you are able to serve your City and King again."

He grasped the bloody arms. Held the male a moment more. Then nodded to the
Physician to help him out. When the doors closed, he looked over the assembled
group, quieting the growls with a wave of his hand.

"You heard right.. A New Flag shall wave with our others and a New Squadron
shall be added to the Guard. Now, the hour is indeed late and we rise with the
dawn, to pour over strategy." He left the buzzing throng to return to his
chambers, where a furry being awaited his caresses.

                             * * * *

The Honor Guard closed around the four beings and marched in good order over to
the GuardKeep, where their new commander was to be housed. It took all of a
week for the Lord to be up and champing at the bit.

"By all rights, you should be dead, Not growling at your Healer and clawing at
the door like a wild animal. Now be still and allow me to remove this stitch,
or I will stab you in your furry buttocks!"

The Wolfen chuckled. "Nay, I prey thee. Do not stab that which you have so
enjoyed fondling daily." He grunted as another piece of string was pulled
through the puckered flesh.

"But, tell me.. When shall you wish me to perfume and add rouge to my cheeks?" 
Miranamus suppressed a grin, cutting one last knot. "Since this is the last,
Perhaps in the evening, you may come and sit upon my lap.." 

They both laughed, and a head poked itself in the door, eyes wide.

"Yes, Good Squire? Did we say something to arouse.. Interest?" He slid his
tongue around his upper lip. 

The lad gulped. "Nuh.. No my Lord!"

Then as quickly vanished. A hand Did slap his rump then. 

"Demon.. To treat a youth so.. I bet his cheeks burn for an hour!"

The wolfen laughed. "So much the better.. I like warm buns."

Miranamus shook his head and checked the well-scarred back over one last time.

"Keep that up and it's more than a handshake I'll be giving ya.."

"Turn.. Nah. You're not my Type. I prefer my boys Shaved.."

They both laughed, while the physician made sure no infection lingered. "Well,
I declare you fit. And a pervert.."

The tongue wagged at him. "Look who's talking! Come up here everyday on the
premise of healing, when we Both know all you come for is to fondle my naked
body.."

The man laughed. "There are Plenty of wizards who would pay well for a pair of
wolfen testicles. As it is, I am growing rich selling all the hair you have
shed so far.." 

The being growled. "Either get me some clothes, or drop yours.."

The man left.. But not before slapping the wolf's butt again. "Try and keep
That out of trouble.. I am tired of looking at it."

A howl sped the red-cheeked squire on his way to the tailor's.. But he had been
peeking every chance he got at the furred male, unsure what was jest and what
wasn't. And it was more than curiosity as he had to move his tunic around to
hide his erection.. Oh what he would give to lay with that Big male.. And
perhaps he may yet have a chance. 

The End.. For Now