PANDURA3A.TXT - M/M, Violence - November 11, 1999

A tale of a Pan-Arctic Canine 
Version 1.2 - Formatting, minor grammar changes
By SwampRat
(cl) 1992, 1999 Gay Furry Association

"Mornin Mr. Jone." The elderly wolf stopped a moment at his work.

"Good Morning To You, Zarre. Still at it?"

I nod, coaxing a spring back into place.

"Place'd fall apart, If'n I didn't.." His nostrils twitch slightly as the
breeze shifts to him.. I grin to myself and finish up. Mr. Marti Jone,
President of Intrepid Inc. nodded sagely, walking into the elevator which would
take him up to his office. And there, he would swear, and ponder and groan over
all the little, Stupid things I can't Stand to do.

"Much Better.." 

Max came over and shook his head.

"I don't know How you do it.." Zarre Intrep, Son of Karam Intrep, Chief of The
Morning Star Clan, and owner of the block upon which the building stood, wiped
his hands and shook his head to get the sweat out from his eyes.

"I am more stubborn than It." My crew-chief slapped me on the back and took my
toolbox.

"Go home and kiss whatever bit of fluff you picked-up last night - Aht! Don't
try the innocent routine with me! I can smell.. And if Dover doesn't stop
buying that Cheap cologne, he's going to gag us all!"

We both laughed at the grooming habits of a colleague I sometimes took to bed,
as I put my shirt back on and punched out Only an hour later than I was
supposed to. And the Technicians would find another piece of paper to take up
to Jone's office. He was the only who could understand the scribbles, The
instructions that somehow appeared from The Boss.. The sun peeked out over the
horizon and automatically, I uttered the Words of Thanks. Made the sign of
Welcoming.. Passerby stared at me as if I was crazy. I smiled at them.. For as
My father said, We know we do not bring the sun into being each day, But we say
the words and chant the chants anyway. For one Never knows..

One old fox, whose muzzle was whiter than mine helped me finish the Dance of
Joy At The Dawn.

"How many Blue hairs grow on a Rack?" To anyone else, this would have been
gibberish.

"As Many as can be found. And Hope none are yours!" Except to one who has
stretched hides on a wooden rack, and counted how many 'Blue' hairs can be
found in the belly fur. Only Females have Blue Hair.. And the amount grows with
each year. So many hairs mean the female was old and ready to take her place in
the Circle Of Life. Some meant that she had a time yet to live.. And a Sorrow
Penance must be made for the unborn.

And if there were none.. Then there was War. For a Child's coat belongs on the
child, and not in the Trading Hut. In the Pan-Arctic, Little is wasted, as
Little is to be had. When you die, your body feeds your kin. Your hide adds to
the Village wealth, Your possessions are handed down, so another generation may
revere their heritage.

"And How know you the Askance?"

The fox chuckled and showed me his Clan Symbol, Burned into his chest. A fish
between two poles. The Fish-Polers.. Not so far away I didn't know him. Not so
close I could say friend or foe. Not that That mattered.. Not Here.

"Show me.."

I shook my head. Then bared my arm. He gasped and ran his hand down the scar.

"Four Marks.. And a knotted line.. What Clan, Northerner..."

I took him down the street a ways to a Stall. There, I bought some fruit and
bread.

"No fish.. Pity."

He smacked my shoulder. Fish is the staple diet of Polers. They can tell you
everything about one by simply holding it for a time.

"Do not duck the trees... What Clan?"

I lifted a patch of 'skin' I had made to hide that which I would gladly die
for. He gasped and pressed his hand to the symbol that literally meant 'Herald
to The Giver of Life.' The Light of Dawn.. The Morning Star. A City Guard
growled at us for behaving so lewdly in Public. We batted our lashes at him..
Then Laughed, and holding onto each other's arms did a kick up the street. 

< Bet he would take a 7 or better. >

< With That girth? At least.. >

When you skin a body, you slide a pole under the tail. to hold it.. The Wider
the pole, the Bigger the Ass, Hence the more Meat and Bigger Pelt one can get.
A 7 would fetch a good months supply of Trade goods.

"I am Tarral, Baker."

"I am Zarre, Mechanic."

He smacked my arm again. "A Chief's Son who wears Courage Marks does not fix
machines for a living.. And if you try to tell me you got those slashes
shaving, I will Add another Lie to those on your arm.."

I sighed and let him into my modest apartment. He sniffed.. 

"No. I am not mated."

Straightened. Took a deeper breath. "How is it a Mechanic can afford to import
Snow-Plant to decorate his doorway?"

I smiled and showed him the Cold-Box that kept one of the touches of 'Home' in
it. Then bade him sit while I made First Food. We sat on the rug, facing North,
and chatted about the craziness of City, and Trading Rumors and all the things
that go to make up a day. He helped me clean-up and we sat, sipping Verras.

"You have five knots, but only four Marks. What does the fifth one atone for?"

I smiled sadly. "I Have no wife.."

He nodded.. Then his eyes went wide. "Not even a Village Wife?"

A deep sigh. "I Never cared for females.. Except one. She was a Bear. White as
New Snow. Eyes like Prairie Grass.. She was to have my child.. A Son, the
Shaman told me later. She died.. Her killer makes a nice rug.."

The fox gritted his teeth, and patted the fur he sat on. "Yes.. Good quality.
So you still carry her in your heart.. And no other?"

Another deep sigh. "How many Females can lift you up and toss you on the ice
when you talk back to them.. And have dinner ready and nothing on when you
return at night."

He pressed his hands to mine. "I am Mated to another Male.. My father
disapproved also.. But Haak warms my belly as no other could. When he left to
come here and Trade, I stayed. Then I got a Letter.. 'Come and start a
business.' So I did.."

He stood. All those born in the Pan-Arctic have an internal clock. "I must
leave.. or he will have burned the Rolls.."

Pressed his muzzle against mine. 
"May the Warmth Never Leave You."

I clasped his shoulders. 
"May the Sun forever Shine On Your Village."

Then gave me a Kiss that had Nothing to do with Tradition!

"Someday We warm Backs And Bellies, Fur.. Trade Well, Intrep of the Sun's
Herald."

I smiled.. I had forgotten my markings were as easy to read as Track for
another Northerner.

"Trade Well, Hessas of the Swift Fishers."

Sleep came over me, but was troubled..

                                  * * * *

Again I stood before the Council. A Mountain Lion stood beside me, waiting. A
Martin, barely four feet tall, came in. Followed by the Rest of the Council.
Ermines, Foxes, Wolves. Goats, Sheep, and a lone Deer.. All Clan Leaders and
Chiefs, My Father amongst them - Looking down his nose at me as he has done a
thousand times before.. I smiled at him. Greeted the Shaman warmly. He patted
my cheek with a wing.. Eagles are rare this far North. Bird Shamans are rarer
still.. Their gift is in the blood-line. No book or school can teach what those
avians knew. The cat took hold of my arm, Knife of Marking resting on my skin.
They took their places, and the Elder lifted his hand.

"Do you wish to say anything before we start?"

I nodded.

"Why does a Scriber hold my arm? Are there beings who think I may lie?"

Some of them squirmed..

"Elder. Ask my father who sits beside you.. Yes, I am a handful of trouble. But
Even at my worst, I Never knotted my tongue. Not even to save my tail-tip.."

I had the tip of my tail removed when I went sledding down a steep slope with a
friend. We both ended in a snowbank. And basically carried each other back into
The Village, laughing.. Actually, all father did was finish a job I started. 

"Who dares to say I would stand before the one who I would die before shaming,
Stand in front of My Village Elder who placed the Clan Symbol on my Chest, and
twist my words?"

A fox stood. "I asked for this meeting.."

Aqu's Father.

"Than I accept.. For the best you can do is return me to my beloved. And the
worst is Muddy my Father's Boots. And since I was Adopted, That stain is easily
cleaned.."

The Martin, fur turned silver with age, nodded.

"We shall take your words into consideration."

Then they sat.

"We gather here to find out about the demise of Tasial Erre, Fast Water Clan.
Zarre, as Last witness, we have brought you here to speak."

He cleared his throat.

"As it has been told to us, Tasial left two full moons ago to find a suitable
gift for the father of Aqu, whom he wished to mate. When he did not return, you
followed after him. Found him fighting three bears. Returned with his body and
the pelt of one other. So far we are agreed?"

Nods from all. The Martin put aside a piece of skin.

"All that is left is questions.. You said Tasial had killed one before dying.
If this is so, Then Buuwa's Gift is Paid - His name may be sung by the Clan. So
we ask you.. Was the Bear dead before or After you got there.."

The knife was held to my arm.

"I can not say.."

One of the Chief's growled. And was silenced by a white paw. The Martin stared
at me with his dark eyes.

"Can not or Will not.."

I looked at the shaman. Who looked back at me.

"Tell him. I will know if it is true.."

I shrugged.

"I can not.. For I do not know if he was dead before I arrived. He certainly
was after.."

The Eagle nodded, as I recalled sinking my knife into the broad back of the one
who killed my friend. The blade slid across my arm, cutting just enough to draw
blood. I hardly felt it..

"You said three.. But returned with only one body. Why?"

My arm was held tightly..

"After I felled the last one a cub came yelling down the hill. I took his
wooden spear away, and let him beat and claw at me for a time. When his growls
turned to sobs I held him and let his grief flow onto my stomach."

My robe was brought. The hairs were matted by frozen tears and mucus. The
Martin nodded.. A knot was inscribed in the line, showing I had atoned for my
transgression - basically I had told the truth.

"Perhaps I was wrong to do so, But I let him talk me into taking the body back
to his Village."

Another Leader spoke up.

"Then you know the way back to it.."

I nodded.

"And can show us.."

I shook it. The Buck kept his composure.. Just. Another line was etched on my
arm.

"We have had no Clan Wars for Many Generations.. I shall not be the one to
Start Another."

A knot was cut into the line. Another atonement mark. The Council buzzed
amongst themselves. I looked down at the floor, where my blood dripped slowly.

"How goes the tally?"

The Lion grinned softly.
"The stick is long enough.. And there is another just like it if we need more
space. Just keep the line knotted."

I shivered a little.. There were worse things than having one's name thrown to
the winds.. But Very Few. One of the Elders hissed at me.

"Groggy?"

I found myself light-headed and swaying. Said so.. Was given a cup of water
with herbs in it, and allowed to rest a moment.

"So one returned to their kin. One was brought as proof. And the last?"

"I left it.."

The animal nodded. Another line.

"Generous.."

I shook my head. "I didn't skin it."

The council was in an immediate uproar. With the skin left on the body, the
meat would sour, then rot..

It was The Worst Insult one could do to another. Only the Martin and my father
stayed in their chairs. The chatter and demands for my ears - And other body
parts - finally died down.

"Do you know the consequences of your actions?"

I lifted my head up, and stood proudly. "May his bones nourish the plants, For I shall not touch Tainted Meat."

Again, certain members growled.

"How tainted.."

I closed my eyes, feeling the knife slide one last time on my arm.
"His cubs had scars on their backs.. Not the type left by a paw that strikes in
discipline, either. These were deep.. I will have Nothing to do with White-Fur
Dealers.. Especially when they are Ripped."

There are few things worse that those who will trade on the pelts of children.
And ripped meant the hide was ripped - The cub was beaten to death.


This time the Lion cut a long slash, running through the others. Re-sheathed
his knife.

"If you wish his hand, Another Must take it.."

The uproar continued for a few minutes longer. Then Tasial's Clan Leader came
before me.

"You have not knotted the last two. Did you not speak truly?"

I smiled.

"Not even for My Brother, Would I cast a shadow on My Clan. I truly do not know
If the bruin was dead. I do not know if He was dead.. All I saw was him lying
on the ice, with someone on top of him. I saw blood.. Then I saw no more."

I saw more - But as if in a dream.. Dancing with creatures that I barely came
to the shoulders to. My knife taking their lives, their paws and blades cutting
into my body...

"May I see your knife?"

I handed it to him, sheathed. He lifted the blade slightly.. Sniffed it.

"You oiled it recently.. Why?"

I smiled.
"You have my father to blame for that.. He once found a spot of rust on one of
my tools. And made me scrub on it until I thought my arm was going to fall off.
It wasn't until later we found out it was a fish scale. Then I got a lecture on
proper cleaning of knives.. If you are looking for blood, you must look to
Tasial's knife. I used his to skin the fur.. As was right."

He nodded, and handed me my blade back.
"I am satisfied."

The Martin spoke again.
"Scriber.. Finish your job."

The Lion gripped my arm and with care carved more symbols into it so the line
looked like a knotted string.

"Zarre, Son of Karam.. Stand before us."

I did so, awaiting my punishment.

"You have Traded fairly with us. And even though there is dissent, There are
none to dispute your word. The knots are tied, so the scales are balanced.
There remains but one last thing to do."

I waited for the final verdict - Maybe my ears would be notched. Banishment was
not Unknown..

"Kneel."

As I did so, He put his paws to my face.

"With my own hands I give you the Marks of Courage."

Teekla, Clan Master of the 14 Tribes, Keeper of the Sacred Flame, ripped my
muzzle. Eight Parallel scratches running the length of my snout. I was Very
dizzy by the time Three slashes were placed across the bridge, signifying I had
killed three foes in battle.

"Great One," I started.."I do not deserve.."

"Silence."

He put his bloody hand to my mouth.
"The Female is Mated to The Village. Her cub is Our Cub.."

It was more than I hoped for. Aqu would be cared for by everyone.

"Rise, Warrior of the Morning Star Clan. Scriber.. Place on His Arm the Fast
Water Clan's symbol, in honor of his Friend."

Above the Knotted String, the Lion inscribed three wavy lines. A feathered arm
rested against my back.

"Before you heap more honors on him, I suggest rest. Or we will have two names
to weave in the wind."

A rack of antlers was beside me.

"Leader Serju.."

I dropped to one knee. And got a hoof in the butt..

"Don't give me that. I am not your father.. Now, Lean on me and let us leave."

I wasn't about to argue. Especially when I spent half the journey draped over
his back.

                                  * * * *

"You have a visitor."

I lifted my head and sighed.

"Not Another Female to giggle and sigh and make it abundantly clear She wants
to be my nursemaid.."

My Father smacked my cheek lightly.

"And what is wrong with that?"

"I Can't mate Half the Village.. Besides, I am not overly fond of Females.
Sorry.."

The Wolf held my head in his hands.

"So much like your Mother.. And No, This is not a giggly Female. Unless the
Bear has changed since I left him standing."

I lifted up.

"A bear?"

He nodded.

"Seems They are not so Picky about their meat supply. Brought you a white roll
of fur. Will give it to nobody but the Steel-Handed Demon who Slew his Uncle
and Brother."

Nahk - Father of My Beloved.

"Help me up.."

I dressed, and went down to greet the fur. Two days I had lain in bed, healing.
And it showed.. Did the room have to spin? Indeed, it was the Bear whose Hut I
had stayed in.

"Stick look bad.."

He had taken one look at the bloody wolf, dragging a bear's carcass, following
a cub and named him Stick.

"Stick Feel Bad.. Got new Cuts."

I showed him my Marks. He grinned, slapping my back and knocking me halfway
across the room. Then shook his head.

"Stick too fragile for Big-Butt."

They earned their names in Strange ways.. Big-Butt was as wide as he was Tall.
I thought he should be called 'Boulder'. He tossed me over one shoulder, Put
the cub on the other, Grabbed His Brother's Body and walked into the Village.

I got myself up and returned to my seat.

"Stone Wall too fragile for Big-Butt. How you have cubs is beyond me.."

He grinned.

"Easy. Big-Butt lay down, and Mates jump on him."

He had four wives.. And None of them were small. He kicked a roll of white fur.

"You Bring Brother Back. Kill Bad-Bark. Bring Bark's pelt. You earn.."

I nodded. Then he squatted and lifted his knife.

"Which part do You want to carve on.."

He grinned, and carefully inscribed a Bear's Paw above my Clan Symbol. Added
another. Then lifted a chain he had around his neck and placed it on me. Ten
Bear Claws were inset in the loops.

"Return when well. Wives wish to lay beside Thin Wolf again. Say your fur
tickles.."

Laughed as I blushed. My Father gasped.

"You mean.."

The animal stood.

"Guest come to Village. We eat. Swap Lies and Stories. Then Guest lays with
Wife. Tradition.. You sleep through most of fun.. And Snore!"

I buried my burning face in my arms. My father was laughing too hard to be of
any help..

"So - You have wife after all?"

It was my turn to fall out of the chair.. Bigg-Butt had as much tact as a
snowstorm.

"Also, Bring Wife's Soul.."

He handed me a carving.

A memory bit.. Clear-Water giggled, holding my hand. Her Father wrapped a
woven-grass rope around our wrists, giving her to me.

"Have no Wife. Now Have Wife. Now Tribe-Member, Stick."

I held the bit of bone and fur to my chest and tried not to cry.. Didn't
succeed, But I tried. I heard my father gasp.

"He never said a word! You.. You..."

A paw held him back.

"He bring back Brother. We go collect Meat, hide from Bad-Bark. When Stick
well, we find suitable gift to give. Youngest Daughter.. Clear-Water. Spend too
few moons together. Then Village raided by Bad-Bark's Clan.. She die."

Not easily.. Just as the sun was coming up full on the village, I heard screams
and yells. The attack wasn't well-planned or I would be on someone's rack. I
was grappling with one of them when I heard My wife roar.. And again, a curtain
keeps me from remembering all but images of what happened next. The *Snap* as
her spine went. Her body falling to the snow.. Mine throwing my assailant from
me to go to her and kneel.. The hatred that welled inside of me until my face
was the mask of a Demons..

If She was to die, than She would have company on the Journey - The one whose
paws took her life went first. Then another followed him. And another. And
Another.. Knife, Teeth, Claws - It didn't matter who or What stood before me,
it went down in a spray of blood. Somebody had presence of mind to knock me in
the head and carry me off before I either killed everything in hands reach or
followed them down, already having enough punctures in my hide. It took some
time to heal the body, But My soul was riven. The 14 clans became trading
partners with the Ice-Scrans, as they called themselves...


And I awoke in time to watch the sun go down. I quickly got my sack off it's
peg and kneeling down, fulfilled the Ritual of Ending Light. I checked my
calendar. Off tonight.. So I can go find some 'fluff', as Max likes to call
them. I would not call that Rabbit I laid with last week Fluffy. Furry, Yes.

I came in from work to find him still in bed.

"Morning.."

I kissed the male. He grunted.. I knelt and whispered in a long ear..

"Mr. Trev, I have been noticing your ass for some time.. And I have wanted to
jump your bones for Days!"

A paw came up and pressed itself against my mouth.. So I licked it. He shook
the appendage.

"Bastard.."

I grinned.

"It is 8 AM. And unless you want to call in and tell your boss a horny wolf
screwed your butt into the ground, so you can't drag it into work this morning,
I suggest you get up. I am going in to the shower.. Now, do you want to help
me.. Or shall I go play with myself, By myself."

He growled, and turned over..

"You be good or I will come back in here and rub my wet body All over you."

That got him up! I had to shower alone anyway, but got my fur combed.. Then he
had to run off. Ah, Well...

                                  * * * *

The Ferret boldly reached into my robe and fondled my sheath.

"You haven't changed any, Merrt."

He grinned up at me.. Courage of a Lion..

"Come on.. Let's blow this joint."

I looked over the assemblage of males.

"Think we have time?"

He growled and pulled on his 'handle'. I paid for my drink and went with the
animal. He grabbed my butt, and held onto it all the way back to my apartment.
Once the door was closed, he dropped his paw and stammered an apology out. And
the soul of a Shy Cub.. I lifted him up and gave him a kiss. He eagerly fondled
my ears, because I told him he could. Most would have called him a wimp. But
then, most haven't lain with so vocal a male.. I had to put in sound-deadening
Planking so the neighbors would not think I was Torturing Furs. They Thought I
was odd enough Already! It was funny.. Sometimes he was boisterous. Sometimes
he was meek. Part raging lunatic. And part little male..

"Can.. Can I.."

We were lying on the rug, And I was giving him a back-rub. I was also rubbing
my erection against his butt.

"You can do anything you like.."

He twisted so we were facing each other.

"You are the Only Fur who likes mating this way.."

I shrugged. I like watching what goes on in a fur's mind.. It helps me decide
what to do to add to his pleasure.. And thereby increase my own. He shoved his
hips in my lap.. I held him still.

"You know the rules."

He squirmed, the pointed tip of my dick nudging his anus.

"Just once.."

I kissed him. Then got up.

"Yeah.. Just once. Then you will tell all your friends who like to be
dry-humped. And they will come over, expecting me to beat them up and rape
their tiny holes too.. Nothing doing. I have heard enough screams of pain in my
life.."

He stared up at me, stroking the sheathed knife.

"Show me again.."

I sighed. What a twit. But cute... I took a pouch of oil down, and unsheathed
my Pelting Knife. The animal stroked the carved blade..

"It belonged to my Father's Father's Father. He put the first marks on it. And
each generation added to them as our bravery warranted."

He again asked to see my mark. I oiled the blade, tapping the bear's footprint
on one side, and the three wavy lines on the other.. Then used his tail to wipe
the excess off.

"Cut me.."

I rubbed his crotch well with the oil, doing nothing else.. He snarled and
grabbed my arm.

"Cut me!"

I grinned nastily.

"Sure.."

He lay back and awaited the blade's caress. I re-sheathed the thing and
grabbing his hips, did the same with my hard cock.. Except I used him as the
holder. He let out a shriek, and arched his back. This was an old game with us.
He wanted pain.. and I gave him pleasure instead. Of course, there was an added
bonus.. He was the now the owner of a stiff'en. Not too long, or wide, but fun
to tweak on.. And tweak it I did. Merrt gave a screech and clawed at the fur he
lay on. Twisted in my grasp.. Spurted semen all over his belly.

I bent down and un-sheathed him.

"Put That Back In!"

I had to chuckle..

"In a minute.. In a minute.."

I licked the tasty stuff up and took the chance to attack his nipples at the
same time. He clawed at my legs like a wildcat! The ferret jerked my muzzle
away long enough to turn over, thinking he would be safe from my teeth.. Hah! I
chewed on his furry rump, until he squealed and pulled my mouth up so he could
kiss it.

"Damn But You're Rough!"

Coming from him, That was a compliment.

"Now stop rubbing me with that cock and stick it under my taieee.. Unnnh! Oh,
Yes. Yes.."

Then he hit my knees and elbows at the same time.. And I collapsed on top of
him.

"Oof! What the.."

A muffled whine came from under me.

"Ges.. Ges ofv mr."

"What?"

I felt him struggle under me and grin. Then lifted my chest up.

"What?"

Merrt gasped, eyes closed.

"You Are Heavy!"

Then he clamped his paws on my sides and chewed on my chest.

"Hey! Wait.."

*Rrrrip*

"Well, Well - What's this?"

He lifted the covering up.

"How long have you had this?"

I growled at him.

"Ever since I have been able to walk."

Then I was on my back! I don't know How he did it..

"You have been holding out on me.."

The nimble fingers undid the knots of hair I wove to hold the cover in place.
And tossed it. Then ran his muzzle all over my Clan Mark! And I filled his ass
full of cum. If you knew how long it had been since Anybody had run their
tongue across my scars..

"Wow.."

I lay, holding the fur against me until my vision returned. To see a grinning
ferret straddling my hips, stroking his erection.

"If I knew that was all it took to get you to pop, I would have ripped that off
Long ago!"

I smiled weakly.

"I need a shower.."

The fur growled.

"Only if you to let Me scrub your back.."

I had to chuckle. So. The Lion was again at the fore..

"Alright.."

                                  * * * *

Listen to him moan. I didn't have the heart to tell him I could take his arm up
my rear without trouble.. Spent too many nights with males Way Bigger that I
was. But he didn't mind.. He was too busy. I reached around and pawed at his
hunching butt.

"Oh Yes.. Take It All!"

I shook my head. What an Ego.. Then shoved my finger into his ass..

"Eep!"

Bingo. He froze.. Then fell in top of me, jetting his warm spunk. Lay like a
limp rag.. I fingered the pulsating hole for a few moments, then pulled it out.
Washed and carefully lifted the animal off my back. Dried off and combed the
fur. Then dried myself. Lay him on the bed, curled myself around the still
figure. He patted my muzzle.. Gave me a kiss. Sighed and passed out. I followed
my Lover into slumber. And was up with the sun. I repeated the Ritual Chants.
Did the Dance.. Bent, Chin on floor, waiting for the Light to fully awaken. And
got my snout stuffed with ferret dick. The bastard Knew I didn't dare move
until the sun shone on my ears.. And took advantage of it. Well... Not Really.

I got my revenge when I felt warm semen flood my mouth. I swallowed it, and
using my tongue, made him blow his wad again.. He jerked as I worked the fleshy
pole over well.

"Please.."

I grinned and bit him.

"Third Time Pays All.."

"Third.. Oh No! Aaugh!!"

I stuck my finger under his tail.. And he popped again. One sweaty bundle of
fur wrapped itself around my muzzle. I lifted the animal and lay him on the
rug.

"What do you want to eat.."

He moaned. I chewed on his flaccid dick..

"Well.."

He jerked his hips.

"Anything.. But Stop Biting Meee.."

I lapped on his testicles.

"Alright."

Merrt let go and just lay, gasping as I rubbed his stomach. Got up and made
some tea. Then warmed bread and vegetables. A slab of meat was tossed on the
grill, and when all was done, I brought out a tray.. To an empty room. A note
was beside the door. 'Hate to screw and run, But I have an Early meeting.. See
ya next time.' I shook my head. Ate. Went out and did some business.

And returned to find a note of my own.. Blast! Another Meeting I Must Attend.
So I called in one day.. I Hated this. And especially These kinds of Meetings.
I had to Clean House.. Again!

                                  * * * *

Zarre NaKaram Intrep put on His robe of Office. Put oil on his Clan Symbol, and
Marks of Courage. Decorated it with various charms and sigils. Put the chain
that held My Wife's Soul around my neck. Held it a moment.. Then covered all
with an Outercloak. Made my way down to the Trolley. Went into the building,
Took the elevator to the Top Floor. Went into my office.. Bleach! Dead Wood
paneled the sides. Dead Fur covered the chair. Dead Air hung pall in the room.
I opened a window and let the Sun cleanse Everything, snorting loudly.

"Well, If you came in more often it wouldn't be so bad.."

A fox grinned and hugged me.

"Good Sun, Tarry."

She repeated the wish. As my Personal Secretary, She was the only one who knew
who I Really was. She had to.. Because once every four months I had to drag
myself into a Meeting.. If just to put in an appearance. Everybody knew I was
Somewhere in the building.. The notes written in Trade and diagrams of stuff
that was impossible to decipher could only have been made by me.

I undid my cloak, and heard her gasp. With my Fur-lined boots on, I stood
taller than most. Since I blackened my eye-lids and shined my scars, I looked
more like a Northern Hunter than a Businessman. 'Waiting-For-Mate Like what
eyes see?' She slapped my shoulder. 'Female Speak Hunter too..'

"Come on.. We have some things to go over before you sit down. I motioned for
her to close the door. And for the next hour, she informed me of things I
already knew.. But by rumor only. Then she left to greet the Managers, Guests
and Partners who were coming. The furs came in chatting and taking mugs of
beverages. Those whose eyes were sharp noticed the Chair that was usually
vacant was pulled back and sat in darkness. They would have also noticed the
crowd had just about doubled in size and some of the beings were Not in
Management. And others were Presidents of Rival Companies..

Marti Jone shook hands and made introductions, and along with Tarry, got
everyone seated.

"Greetings, members of the Company, Workers, and distinguished guests. Mister
Intrep has asked you here for reasons I am sure he will tell us.."

The buzz was quite loud as the shoe dropped.

"Miss Rarn, Please open the curtains.."

She did so, and the room was well-lit. Except for a shadow at the end of the
table.. Then I allowed the Light to once again find me. It is an old trick, To
hide from the Light.. But Those who were not familiar with the Hunter's Ways,
many things were Magic. There was a gasp.. Followed by silence. Then the voices
Really buzzed.. I ignored them as I was trying to keep my Temper, and not
succeeding very well.

"Good First Light, Beings.. I will take up as little of your timespans as is
necessary. First, I wish to show you a new invention that has come to my
attention."

A Valve was brought and placed on the table. Passed around.

"Mister Almet.."

The feline jumped a bit. Then stood.

"Yes, Sir.."

"You were in charge of researching this, I believe."

He nodded.

"I see your name on the final reports. And yours is the signature on the
drafting graphs.. I did not know you could Draw so well.."

He squirmed.

"Thank You, Sir.."

I placed my knife on the table.

"And would you also like to tell us who you stole this Idea from?"

He turned white.

"Zarre.."

Marti put a hand on my arm..

"Or who did the Actual work You so elegantly lifted from under their noses.."

The cat sputtered, then snarled.

"No backwoods Northern Bastard is going to smear me!"

I stood.. Opened my robe to mid-waist, showing my Clan Name and the Marks of
Honor cut there. Lifted my knife free..

"Zarre.. Don't. We have laws.."

And threw it! The cat tried to scream.. To choke on it as the blade thunked
into the desk before the animal, quivering.

"My Father would split your ears and take your tail for speaking so!"

I lifted my hand and called my Pelting Knife back. Then re-sheathed it. There
was silence again.. Didn't these City beings know Anything about The Ways of
the Clan? I shook my head in disgust, closing my robe again..

"I would do likewise.. But, as my Friend and President reminds me.. There are
different Laws here."

I let out a slow breath.

"Mister Almet, I do not so much mind you stealing credit from the hard-working
furs under you. I do not so much mind you undermining the Trust and dismissing
the Responsibilities of your Office. I Do Mind When You Take Silver from
Another.."

The tips of my fangs were gleaming from under my dark lips, and the feline my
eyes were boring through was trying desperately to dig a hole in the chair with
his butt.

"Mister Hna. You may take your new Manager with you when you leave, as He no
longer works for us.."

The cat stared at me..

"Be glad you do not stand before the Council.. We are not so forgiving."

I held out my arm and showed him the scars of Truth. A pair of burly types
helped him up, and escorted him out.

"Now.. Would any of you others like to say anything?"

Two more Managers got up and quietly left..

"Masters Bidb and Lahmc."

Two young males in coats and name-badges stood, fright showing on their faces.

"You are now in charge of this project. I expect a full report on my desk in a
week."

They sat down, awe-struck. I went down the list in my hands, giving praise to
some, reprimanding others.. But the worst of the rot was cut-out. The Board of
Directors shook hands with me. Disagreed with my tactics, but wasn't about to
resend my orders, either.

Marti shook his head.

"For a moment, You worried me."

I smiled nastily.

"No one has ever accused me of being civilized.."

He laughed.

"That is why I hired you.."

He laughed again and drank a toast with me to the newest members of management.
The Leaders of Industry left also. With a sample of the valve..

"If you can do better, I will buy it from You. If not, you may buy it from
me.."

They shook their heads, but didn't refuse the offer either - I may be crazy,
but I made Gold jingle in the pockets of my people. Hna came up to me. Asked to
see my Clan Mark again.. Lifted a tuft of hair to reveal a leaf.

"Clan Law.."

I grinned and gripped the Mouse's arm.

"Clan Law. Trade Snake for Cat."

His eyes narrowed.

"Hide not worth whole skin.. Just tail."

Hna chuckled.

"You Northerners Really are something else.. One Lizard-tail Hide. And Trade?"

I smiled.

"Trade goes on. Just not use same Trader."

He nodded. Turned to the gray-muzzled wolf.

"My Assistant will be in to arrange the necessities.."

Then left. With his spy in tow. Chuckling.

"One Lizard's Tail.."

I sat down again.

"Now you know Why I let you handle this end of the Business. If it were up to
me I would have slapped his pelt on the Drying Wall, and tossed his bones in
the soup-pot."

The fur shook his head.

"And I would have to send your belongings back to your father.."

I shrugged.

"If that is all.. I have a fox to see about a restaurant."

He shook his head.

"Do you ever stop?"

< To stop is to freeze.. Snow on a hide is better than piss. > Urine makes an
excellent tanner of hide when nothing else is available. He put his hands up.

"Enough.. Enough. Go with Balance."

I repeated the words. All Go in Balance..

                                  * * *

"You've got a date?"

I nodded.

"Yeah, Somebody wants to drag me over to a restaurant.. So I gotta run home and
wash."

He slapped me on the back.

"I don't believe it.. When are you gonna bring him around?"

I growled.

"How do you know it ain't a 'her'?"

The Martin shook his head and lit another nasty cigar.

"Zarre.. I have eyes. I see how you watch the females that come and go around
here.. And the Males."

Then he chuckled..

"And don't think I haven't seen you peeking in the showers.. Hell, I'm half
flattered. Now get yer butt home and have a good time."

I went out early, changed and removed the make-up that hid my Clan scars. Put
on a Ceremonial Robe and left.

                                  * * *

Well.. Seems to be a nice place. Kinm will have fun. Such a nice fur.. And such
a pretty wife. Reminded me of Clear-Water.. I lay down and dreamed of us again.
And so life went. Until I got too damned Old to work.. 'Retire..' Yeah, Right.
Brother took my place on the Council. Now 27 Clans.. I told him if they keep
growing, somebody is going to have to go to City as a Delegate.. He slapped my
shoulder.

"Hah! Not me.."

We both laughed and lay in bed, his mate between us. She was a cute thing, if a
bit short.. But she wore us both out! And I was Not about to sit in an office
and Listen to Marti Jone II, who looked just like his Father, drone in my ear
about the importance of Capitalizing on The Trends of skirt material.. Or
Produce Options. Or any one of the thousand myriad deals that my company kept a
hand on. Once a Year, I Officially sat in on a meeting. At other times I
visited the OutPosts and Trading Centers that carried my father's Name and
Symbol. But, Now I grow old..

I think I shall return to my Clan and spend my days telling stories of the Old
Days and bugging my Brother's cubs, And Their Cubs..

The End