PANDUR2B.TXT

Short Stories of the Shared World, Part 3 - By SwampRat 
(c) 1992 The Rishathran Society

Under Fire

"My Liege.." The stoat came in, panting. A weary panther looked up, frown-lines
heavy on his brow. "They gather again.." He nodded. "There is no hurry, Runner.
Sit and rest a moment.." He again studied the skin, won at great cost. Then
carefully folded it. Grinned at his Commander. "How shall I look as a robe?"
The one-eyed tiger softly smiled. He was used to the dark humor of the Prince.
"There were the Lights, Sire." A sigh. "Yes, and I would personally thank
whoever sent them. Even if it meant my tail." The furry appendage slid down an
armored thigh. It was no secret the Prince favored his Commanders by bedding
them. His mate actually enjoyed watching her male tousle with another. Before
joining in.. Nor was it news the entire Clan was a bit odd. Misfits from
various Tribes came to settle in the Province of Thuak. As long as Nobody got
hurt, What harm in variety? Some thought differently, however. Even though it
was Mathokan Mercenaries that had worried his army to shreds, the Gold came
from Other Places..

                             * * *

"So, one last time I do stand before you. One last time I say Stand Firm. We
are the last and to run is to die slowly. Better to die quickly, if death must
be our fate. Commanders, gather your forces. We keep this rock or let it soak
well in our blood." The cheer was ragged, but no less heartfelt. Hurra turned
and clasped hands with each of his Captains. Gave them a kiss.. Which was
returned with love, and no little measure of lust. They could barely hear the
sniggers from their foe as this went on. "Let them laugh.. We shall show them
We are neither Dandies, nor Figs.." The Wolf, young and full of life, clasped
arms with the male who he had drank with. Played dice with. Lain beside at
night.. What an orgy That had been! Initiation into a Clan that was free and
wild, but solemn and dignified at the same time. "Remember me when we meet on
the other side, My Lord." The Prince looked into brown eyes that one could get
lost in. Warm and soft. Full of excitement.. "I won't forget, Trewen." He
pressed his muzzle against the wolf's. The last mailed being went to get what
was left of her battalion. 'Jazzie..' She was much like the flower.. Pretty,
Wonderfully scented. And her thorns were Very sharp.. As many a male found out
when they found out who they followed. A quick wit, and her martial training
earned respect. Accolades she wore only when she had to. For Her Ladyship, The
Emtress Jazzella Rh'Heens, disliked pomp. Also, Being a five-foot tall Ferret,
She looked Horrendous in a Long Gown.

Her Father had been a Warrior. Taught his only offspring how to be independent.
And when both Mate and Father died of poison, while She lived because she
happened to be sick, and didn't drink the wine that night, her path led to the
gentle Kingdom beside the shore. There, she was given a post, then a Garrison,
and now commanded all of twenty warriors. At once time nearly a hundred marched
under her tutelage.. But now she took each by hand and pressed her muzzle to
theirs. Some had to stoop, and one lifted her in a true bear-hug. "I shall miss
you, my lady." She bit his ear. "Make me cry, and you will need another ring."
The lone silver hoop rubbed against her nose. "Now put me down, before somebody
thinks we are mated." Iffs slid her down his huge frame, and grinned. "I am not
sure I would fit.." She smacked the rump. "To positions.. And I have no worries
there, Bruin. If you are as short as your name implies.." He picked-up a waraxe
that was taller than his commander. Lifted it up to stretch.. Closer to seven
feet than to six, Iffs was a mountain of fur.. Who preferred sewing to
wenching.

                             * * *

As they waited, a stirring came form the ranks. Then sounds reached them.
Sounds of battle and strife. It got closer.. "What the.." As they watched, the
entire left flank disintegrated. Chaos as beings tangled with other beings.. As
the miracle got closer it became.. one person. A single dark-robed male who was
ripping at everything in his path. Twin swords did the damage of ten. And
Nothing alive stood in his way.. "Death-Casters!" Rippled down the line, and
fur jumped to one side, not wanting the weapons pointed at them.. The creature
started marching towards the row of animals. They grinned and sighted their
firearms. "Now." The dozen or so magical weapons sent their death-curse hurling
at the male. The being stopped.. Seemed to melt into himself. "Fools! You
Should Not have Done That.." They laughed.. Then the gaiety died as a dark
swirl came from the body. The black cloud coalesced.. To form a ring of immense
power. The thing glowed with an unholy light.. Pulsed. Then exploded! In it's
place stood a Lizard. A Black Lizard.. With eyes that were red triangles cut
into it's ebony snout. And a mouthful of sharp fangs that dripped ugly bile.
"So.. Ithkassa is Again brought forth to avenge his Brother's Demise." His huge
fore-paws came down, crushing the ground under them.

"We feel like being generous.. Not take souls. Just Kill.." His ugly laughter
ran over the animals and made them shudder. Some of the foolhardier ones made a
try at stabbing the creature. And found their best steel broke on it's hide.
"Furries Tickle Ithkassa.." Spears either bounced or broke also. And the few
idiots who tried to use their Deathcasters found out the Hard way the folly of
their ways.. They got Eaten. A cat leveled his weapon at the huge target and
fired full into the belly.. The demon grinned. Clapped his paws together.. And
Things appeared. They were dark and sinuous.. And Ravenously Hungry! Within
moments they had wound themselves around Anybody who had Mana-induced weapons..
The screams were horrendous, as one-by-one they were consumed. Nothing was left
of the ill-fated. Not even so much as a bone fragment.. And those who stabbed
at or hit at the creatures found themselves unable to so much as Scratch the
monsters.

"Now that Kaasaan's Pets have been fed.. It's Fun Time!" With a bloodthirsty
roar, the demon-dragon flung himself into the middle of the group. And panic
beget a rout that killed more then the entire war had before that time. A full
third of the mercenary forces died under foot or steel, as those in the back
preferred to go Through those in the front rather than stand before the damned
monster..

When nothing within paw's reach lived, the dragon growled low. "They shall not
return soon.." Looked the small army over and grinned. Then clapped it's paws
together, vanishing as if it had never been.. Except for the mutilated bodies,
huge claw-marks scarring both ground and rock, and the feeling something
unclean. "What now, Lord?" The panther sighed. "We go home.. Re-sheathed his
sword and shaking his head, gathered what was left of his army.

                             * * *

Two beings stood off to one side. "That was badly done.." The other shrugged.
"Then why did you call that.. Beast. And from where? I have never seen the
like.." The first started. "Me? I thought You summoned it.." They both stared
harder at the tracks and bodies..

<+===============+>

The Ambassador

I stood, looking over the chaos. It was easy to see Why I was chosen.
Punishment Duty.. The reason I was there? Quote - "Because Somebody Has to Be
The Voice For The Smaller Nations.." Alright. But Why to Mathoka? I could see
going to City and pleading your case. But asking a Mercenary Tribe not to stomp
on you is like asking a hungry dino not to eat you.. Actually I found it quite
civilized. Once you got used to it. If they sent me to spy, They Really screwed
up.. I gave away more secrets than I Ever found out. I was too honest. Mind
you, Tact is Honesty.. I just skirted thorny issues. "And what did You think of
The massacre?" I would gather my thoughts. Remember What I had read on the
matter. Then say - "Well.. Our Official position is it was a Great Victory. And
We should show dissidents our claws." Then Taaj would collar me by a wall or
give me a glass of something. "That's the Official Position.. What do You
think." I would look at him. Then drop my voice. "A bunch of elders, and some
half-grown cubs who could barely hold up a sword, let alone use one.. If That
was a lesson, I would like to take the Teachers outside and show them what a
Warrior can do!"

"You didn't care for it, Then.." I smiled. Then said just as loudly. "Personal
feelings are of no concern. I follow my Council's Policy." That would turn ears
towards more interesting conversations.. Then quietly - "If a mouse comes up
and kicks my shin, I am Not going to mash him in the dirt.. I Might pick him up
by his collar and smile nastily.. And tell him it is not polite to kick beings
in the shin. Especially ones who can bite their heads off.. Then I would put
him back on the floor." Taaj looked at me, lapping from his bowl. "And what if
he kicks you again?" I shrugged. "Then he is either a cub, who doesn't know
better, or Damaged. In the first case, you paddle his rear, and send him back
to his Mother. In the latter case, you ignore it. How much damage can one
mouse's foot cause?" The fox smiled in his drink, and went off to torment
somebody else. And guess who got called into The Council First's Private
Chamber..

"There is a rumor you do not care for some of our practices.." I shrugged.
"There is a Rumor Figs grow on Trees.." He grinned at me. "You fence well.. How
is your arm?" I went over to his desk. "Seat?" He sat down, unsure what I was
going to do. I grabbed the chair and lifted it up to my chest. Slowly let it
down again.. I was not idle while waiting for words from 'Home'. Not my Real
home.. I was adopted. Training was plentiful in Mathoka and I found most
Teachers worthwhile. And kept up my own skill in the 'Art of The Hand.' He let
out a small wheeze. "If I dropped you, it would My feet under the legs, Not
yours." Rurra laughed and poured me some wine. "If I may ask a favor.." He
nodded. "I would prefer hot water.. Wine and I do not get along." He looked
shocked. "It is a Fine vintage.." I nodded."I am sure it is, Council First.
However I do not think I shall have many audiences if I empty my stomach all
over your desk." He stared at me for a time.. Then ordered a bowl of heated
water. I took a small lap. "You are right.. It is a Good vintage." He growled.
"Than You Can drink!" I smiled politely. "Only if I wish to eat this.."

I lifted a pouch free and passed it over to the Ferret. "Place it near your
nose and sniff carefully.." The animal did so. And made a face. "I can drink
your wine, if I am willing to take That as well. However.." I pulled out a wood
box. "I prefer these leaves to those." Rurra had to agree. When the bowl came I
put a pinch of dried herbs in the water and stirred it. Then lifted my bowl in
a salute and sipped on the hot liquid. "You are not afraid to show your
throat?" I put the bowl down. "If I am among friends, what have I to fear? And
if among enemies, one should not be drinking.." He laughed and clapped the
chair arm. "Wise words, Indeed." Then we sat in silence for a time. "Tell me
about swords.." I shrugged. "I am no smith, but if I tried, could probably make
one." "No, No.. Your thoughts on them." I smiled. I Knew arguing with that
Guard would have it's consequences. "A sword, like any other tool, is only as
good as it usage. There are some that believe that a sword is all. Better to
lay with than another fur, because it won't put it's cold feet against your
back in the middle of the night..." The Ferret sputtered in his wine.. Then
waived me on. "A sword can't run off, Cheat you or have bad habits that
embarrass you in front of your friends.." This time the Councillor made sure
his wine was to one side. "Go on.."

"However.. Can it scratch an itch in the middle of your back - Without cutting
your tail off? Can it build stone walls to use for a house? Eating is very
dangerous using such a Large knife.. Of course, you Can stab a roast halfway
down the table before anyone else does.." I sat back and sipped my tea again.
"But where would we be without it.." I thought a minute. "Unable to see our
foe. Wars would be fought with arrows and spears and Deathcasters. Rifles and
handguns, and Airships.. Your enemy would be a name on a map. Not someone who
lives and breathes, Who cares for his cubs and will die for his Clan. Just a
name on a piece of paper.." The Ferret was halfway out of his chair. Then sat
back down and stared at me again. "How in Garun's Name did you become an
Ambassador?" I smiled. "I was out of the tent too long. You know.. Send someone
out on an errand, then vote who gets to dig latrines.. Or put the Guard who
concerns you Least out on Pointwatch. That way, if he drops his knife on his
foot - Again - Maybe the enemy will be too busy laughing to attack.. My problem
is my tongue has no fork, nor do I have two mouths to speak out of.. And
sometimes my ideas are not the Most Popular." He nodded. "I can understand
that. But for good or ill, You are Ours." Rurra's eyes narrowed.

"If I were to ask you a direct question, would you answer it?" I shrugged. "If
I am able.." The ferret sipped his drink. "What is The Position of the Farre on
The Maba Problem?" I shrugged. "They don't tell me. But it is common knowledge
some would like to hang fat tails on poles, and plundered technology is Cheap
technology. The only problem is.. Who fixes the machines when they break down,
When some fool kills the makers?" The Council First started.. "Certain things
can be puzzled out well enough. But which wires make it go, and which ones blow
the thing to pieces? And what about the being who is holding the wires?" His
knuckles were turning white. "Of course if you have a few thousand.. You can
afford to lose half to see what does what. I think the best way would be to
trade for the information and build your own.. That way, If anything goes
wrong, Somebody may be persuaded to tell you why." I finished my drink. "Of
course, Youngsters always have wild ideas.. Council First. Are you feeling
alright?" I called the guard and asked if the Councillor was prone to fits. He
didn't think so.. A healer came and said the wine had probably soured. I
shrugged and left to go about what few duties I had.

                             * * *

A knock sounded on my door. "Come.." I finished my pass and turned, hands
clasped to see who it was. My Tail-Puller peeked in. "Please, Continue.." He
took a seat as I continued onward with my exercises. "Interesting.." The Art Of
The Hand is impressive.. And rather pretty, in a Martial sort of way. A
combination of physical and mental exercises, I danced one of the many series
of moves that calmed my mind and allowed me free thought. "I can not do this
one completely," I said, hanging from a rafter. ".. As I have no Sauraster, nor
room to swing it in.." Lifting my body parallel with the wood, I became a beam
for a few seconds. Then dropped to finish the Mind Cleansing Ritual. "How may I
assist You, Council Member?" The fox pushed the bolt on my door shut, dropped
his robe on the chair and kissed me! "I have been digging into your past,
Brother." He flashed me a sign. His thumb-tip shoved between closed fingers. I
repeated the sign that All members of The Rishathran Society use to show
Brotherhood. "And what about the Law?" He grinned, sliding claws through my
sweaty fur. "What about it.." The animal inhaled my scent and growled lustily.
"Come, Male. Let me show you what I think about our Laws.." And so for quite a
few hours he did...

                             * * *

I read the message again.. There could be no doubt. I was to be replaced. But
before I left Office, There were certain things I had to do.. I sat, weighing
my choices. I Could ignore it.. And have the thing Read out loud. No thanks.. I
didn't love 'The Tribe' enough to die for it. I could slink off. Hah! 'Just a
thought..' Hmmm... That left.. Well nothing for it, But to do it. Best save the
worst for last...

                             * * *

I stood before the Tribunal one last time. They came in, some greeting me. I
nodded or raised a hand in response. When all was still, The Council First
opened the floor for business. I raised my hand. And was acknowledged. I stood
and put a scroll on the table. "Your mouth is closed.. Why?" I pointed to the
scroll. The Recorder broke the seal and scanned it. Then gave it to the ferret.
Who read it aloud.. "'My Friends, It is with deep regret that I hereby tender
my resignation to the Council of Tribe Farsight of the Mathoka. As much as I
would like to stay and continue Championing My Tribe's Causes, Matters have
come up at home that require my Personal attention..'" Mutters and murmurs
accompanied the sly smirks. 'Stick the prodigal son out where he can do no harm
until whatever storm prompted the exodus has blown over.' 'Saw it a furlong
away..' 'Most Definitely not a Professional Ambassador..' 'State Secrets are
safest with thieves..' And more such nonsense. "'I finish with Thanks to my
Teachers who showed patience to a Big Cub. Thanks to my Friends among the
Ambassadorship, Whose Wise words and Sage advice I shall remember to the last
of my days.'" Look at those chests swell! "'And lastly to the Council whom I
have had the Great Pleasure to work under, May The Soul of Garun Watch Over
You.' Very Good.." A smattering of polite applause.

Taaj stood and dismissed himself. But not before throwing me a look of pure
hatred. I felt my heart sink.. The pain of watching him go was much worse than
the one in my mouth. Council First put the scroll down. "And so you have been
too honest with us. But why do you use your hands? Surely your Country has not
forbade you speaking such words as is fitting in parting.." Someone handed
something to him. "Mmm.. Yes, I agree." He put his signature to the document.
"You put us in an awkward place. Had we known, We would have arranged a
farewell gala. But I guess Hot tea must suffice. And do not give me that look..
I know your tastes." Then he looked at me, becoming suspicious. "Or is there
another reason You keep silent. Healer.." An otter came forward. "Tell me how
the male in front of us fares.." The animal closed his eyes. "He is in pain, My
liege.. And more than he should be." I quieted my mind, giving no clues to the
being. "Perhaps because he is leaving friends.." I sat again. Others got up and
did whatever business they had. I wasn't listening.. I was trying hard not to
faint. Swallowing was agony.. But I didn't want to drown either. Damn! How much
liquid was in one body..

I was not looking forward to the ritual drink. And ended up not having to worry
about it anyway.. The female who brought my tray was scented. Too well scented!
Either she dropped the bottle, or bathed in it. I tried to hold my sneeze in..
And failed. She giggled. I put both hands to my muzzle, hoping to keep my
secret a few seconds more.. "Forgiveness.." I muffled. The aide nodded,
smiling.. Then as she bent to pour the tea, noticed splotches on her sleeve.
The cat lifted the silk.. And screeched, jerking upright. Her dress was light
blue.. My blood, however, was not. And it was all over her front.. Her eyes
went wider, watching it drip down my laced fingers. "Ambassador?" The otter
jumped up. "Guards.. Hold him." This caused a hubbub among the other animals.
Twin mountains of fur put their paws on my shoulders. Moved my hands from my
muzzle. The ferret stepped down and walked over to me. Then wiped my mouth with
the back of his hand. Looked at it. Licked it.. "Ambassador, Why do you bleed?"
The bears held me tightly. Others came and stood around me, whispering about
this new form of entertainment. "Open your mouth.." I clenched my teeth. An
otter came over and put his hands to my jaw.

"Open.." I resisted. "Open.." His fingers glowed.. And did nothing. Then a goat
came over. "My Liege.." The ferret nodded, knowing I had a fondness for the
animal, having more than once pulled his tail out of the fire.. He stared at
me. "Open your mouth." 'I can't do that.' The animal grunted. 'Why not?'
'Because my tongue is..' I clamped a lid on my mind as well. But I was never
good at doing two things at one time. While I was conversing with the goat,
fingers had wormed their way deeper into my mouth. The claws pulled.. I dropped
my head in shame and let my jaw sag. Crimson ran down my front. "In Garun's
Name.. What have you done?" The guards released me. 'Bit a dagger..' The
quadruped repeated my words. "Why?" "Because he was ordered to." A voice came
from the back. "We feel he no longer has the Land of Farre's best interests at
heart." A fox sauntered over. "Caun, Ambassador to The Council of FarSight." He
smiled at me. "You have done an excellent job, As usual." The Mathokian growled
at him. The otter was trying to see what I had done, and was startled by a
snort. "Talk to him.." Haasp stamped a hoof. "Stubborn Fur! Tell him or I
will." I looked into the brown eyes.

'Your magic will have no effect on me.' The otter sat on his tail, stunned at
hearing my voice in his mind. "Why not?" The silence was deafening. "Because he
is a Psyker.." Whispers ran rampant. 'Your spells are no more than the wind to
me.' The fox chuckled. "Shall I tell them Why your tongue is split? Well,
playing loose with certain documents, and releasing certain secrets we did not
wish known for starters.." He reveled in his newfound power. I stood and found
hands on my arms again. "Be at Peace, Brother.." One of the Bears growled
softly. "Of course, having a relationship with a member of the Council added to
our decision.." He grinned at me again. "How many times did you bed.. Urk!" His
eyes bugged out as I latched mental paws on his throat. Then shrugged the
guards off like they were toys, and crossed my arms. The fox clawed the air as
I lifted him off the floor. "Don't just stand there, Do something!" The others
were too awed To do much. And the Council First was watching all this warily.
"And how many times did you use this power on the Field?" I growled nastily,
lifting my upper lip and letting blood run down my chin. I also dropped the
fox.

As I said.. I was never too good about doing two things at once. 'To turn a
blade with the mind is never as easy as with the hand.. Besides, I have yet to
hear you complain about Not having a sword in your throat..' The guards again
warily came up beside me. I went over to the New Ambassador. His eyes went wide
as I picked him up by his coat. "May you drown in your own vomit!" He turned
his head as a darker color splattered his red fur. Then I dropped the male..
The Ferret looked up at me. "How much of what he says is true.." I turned my
head. "Speak.. As Council First, I Demand It!" I shook my head, fingers formed
signs.. 'My blood is not worthy of staining the Council floor.' "You shame us..
A warrior may lay with anyone he or she pleases. Information is garnered from
many sources. And Deeds done in battle can not be erased by words. Especially
twisted ones.. Healer." The otter came up. "See to our New Embassador. As for
you.." Guards came and put hands on my shoulders. "Kneel.." I did so, having no
choice. Rurra lifted his knife. I waited for the stroke that would end my pain.
Instead, he added to it! Hands held my head rigid, while the ferret carved the
Clan Symbol into my forehead.

Then ripped the sleeve of his robe off and stuffed it into my mouth. "Go and be
healed. We shall discuss your New position on the Council Later.." I stood,
dropped my head to the animal. Lifted a hand to those still in attendance. And
left the chamber in riot.

                             * * *

They took me to a medic, who ground up some herbs and rinsed my mouth out so he
could see what the damage was. "Wow.. You really Did cut it deep.. Well, it
should heal alright. Just don't eat anything spicy for a time.." He pressed
fingers my face. Puzzled, he did so again. "Why isn't it working.." One of the
bears coughed. "He's a Psyker.." The beaver winced. "Magic resistant.. Well, so
much for the easy way." He went back and brought out some more herbs. "Good
thing I was raised in the backwoods.." A mulch of leaves stopped the bleeding,
and a paste that burned so much tears ran down my cheeks closed the wound. "I
am going to have to sew it shut.." I put my hands together. "Do it.." I dropped
my jaw and unfocused my mind.

                             * * *

'Zarren.. Waken.' A goat was staring at me. I blinked.. 'Return to us,
Warrior.' I blinked again. Then memories came back, and I dropped my head.
"He's back.." The Ferret nodded. "You have shamed us well indeed. First, You
accost an Ambassador.. Forget the fact he deserved it. Second, You Do such a
thing as to take The Warrior's Silence, And not tell anyone.. Third, You spit
blood all over Theea's dress. I know what she smelled like.. And finally..."
Here it comes.. "You resign without so much as saying goodbye to your Friends."
He chuckled at my look of shock. "Do you think we did not know of your trysts
with Taaj? Or with the other males.. We didn't care." 'But.. The Law.' He
grinned. "What law has yet to be made that can not be bent. At one time, Figs
were a danger to the Tribes. No cubs meant no warriors.. But now we have no
need to kill our artists, or Friends. Tea.." A orderly left to get the
beverage. 'Can you read minds..' I looked at the goat. Haasp was studying the
wallpaper.. The ferret slapped his leg. "Thought so.. Is it steady, or.." 'When
I wish.. But there is such a thing as decorum.' "Not in Politics.. No wonder
your reports were so accurate."

I shook my head. 'Been reading my vouchers?' He laughed. "You, of all people,
Should know to keep things better warded." I shrugged. 'What I did not want
known, I did not Write down.' He snorted. "Too honest to be an ambassador.."
'Not enough tact', His hands said. "Too dangerous to be let loose.. What am I
going to do with you?" I tapped my forehead. 'Don't know.. But I am Yours now.'
Then I smiled shyly and batted my lashes. "Oh No You Ain't!" Haasp bleated and
jumped. "You Bastard! Keep your fingers to yourself.." I looked at my hands,
then innocently up at Rurra. He grinned nastily. "Try that on Me and I'll split
more than your tongue!" "No, No.." A familiar voice came from behind him. "That
Pleasure is Mine.." Taaj walked in. "I had to find out through Official
Channels.. The nerve!" I shrugged.. 'I could not tell you beforehand. And was
unable to afterwards..' He growled softly, sliding a paw under my sheet. "Just
checking to see if you did Anything else Stupid.." I smiled. 'No, Taaj.. They
are intact. And so is That.. Now quit' He grinned, stopping my torture, but
leaving his paw where it was.

The ferret nudged Haasp. Shall we leave? These two have things to discuss.."
"Counsellors.." We both nodded to Council First and they left. The fox got up
and closed the door. "Now.." He ripped the sheet off and looked me over. Then
undid his robe, letting it drop to one side. "Shall we continue our discussion
of Trading With the South?" His claws slid between my legs and he nibbled on my
chest. I grinned, working my claws through his bushy tail..

<+===================+>

Tag..

Long-Tail snorted. Was that a twig-snap or not.. For the last few hours
somebody had been following him. He Knew it.. But why? He was a simple
travelling salestallion, with few wares. And except for his samples, a few
coins, and an order book, he had nothing of value. Except for his hide.. There
it was again! Eyes wide, the pony trotted down the narrow path. He wouldn't
run.. He wouldn't ru... *crack* Like Hell He wouldn't! Breaking into a full
gallop wasn't the wisest thing to do on a twisting path as the equine found out
when it turned sharply and he didn't.. He Did manage to miss the tree and Most
of the bushes.. Enough to Not break anything, just bruise, scratch and knock
him head over tail. He lay in a heap, gasping for breath. A shadow detached
itself and came towards him. The wind told him the creature was male as did the
chuckle. "Pony fall - do flips." If it wasn't for the fact he was in no
position to argue, he would have..

The moon came out and showed the figure of a Huge Lion. Fangs that were bigger
than some of the knives he sold were licked on by a wet tongue. He was going to
die.. There was no mistaking the leer, the way the male moved. Perhaps not Just
killed either.. But no matter, Long-Tail was too tired and sore to even try to
defend himself. "Pony.." It walked behind him.. He gritted his teeth, awaiting
whatever was to happen next.. Which was a slap on his butt! "Tag.." Came
somewhat brokenly, "You're it!" Then, with a strange laugh, the being was gone!

                             * * *

When the stallion got his heart started again, he picked-up his belongings as
best he could and hot-footed it to the nearest village. And nobody seemed
inclined to hear him! "But I tell ya.. He was huge. Had Big Teeth and was about
to do things to me I can't discuss in front of da ladies.." The Innkeeper, a
fat badger just chuckled. "You ran inta Jonnie. He never means harm.. Kinda
loose upstairs is all. We all watch out fer him and he does odd-jobs. Wouldn't
hurt a fly, though.. Strictly Veggie, he is. Here, have a beer on the house."
The horse wasn't about to say no to that! What the Innkeeper didn't add was the
fur also kept out most of the Nits.. Like Tax-Collectors and Salesbeings and
Citified folk. In the mean time..

                             * * *

Tinas was Sure somebody was following him.. He tightened his grip on his bag of
wares and kept a close eye on the forest around him.. 

The End