The Wolf Kingdom was in an uproar over the kidnapping of, Prince Mowgli and Karina. Word had spread about the kidnapping and the return of the primates. Many wolves were enraged to hear that the primates dare would return after they were banished from the jungle. It seemed their time in exile had taught them nothing. They returned to dare take those that belong to the kingdom? So many wished they were out with the, King's search party to find those that were responsible for such an outrage and this time show the primates that their presence in the jungle in now completely intolerable and their crime would not go unpunished. They would wish they never came back.
Captain Lance was ordering all the guards to stay extra vigilant. If the primates attacked a tiny group of wanderers and took two of them captive there was no telling what their old enemy could be planning. Everyone now had to be cautious no one was allowed to leave the safety of the walls not without permission from, the Captain himself or the Queen.
Some of the wolves in the kingdom were very worried as they began to check over their stockpiles of food. If they were going to remain inside the boundary of the wall they would have to ration out their food supply until the crisis is at an end. The Primates as talk spread about what happened with, Karina and Prince Mowgli used a clever ploy to subdue a group of guards and take their quarry it worried many within the Kingdom. What other tactics or devious tricks do the primates have? Their exile actually made them into something more than just mischievous trouble makers. They now had a true reason for the Wolf Kingdom to take them with serious manner.
Guards were patrolling in higher number just outside of the wall nothing would get close without them seeing it. Archers in the watch towers behind the walls kept a sharp eye out for anything. Nothing was going to come close to the Kingdom not without being stuck with an arrow in it.
Behind the walls those that had a responsibility who making sure the granaries were guarded and well stocked. Any food that was not picked or plucked from a garden or a field had to be harvested immediately and with haste. There was no telling how long it would be before, King Rama would return and with hope that it would be with his son and, Karina with him. They could not take any possible chances that the primates had more tricks in store or were planning on something more than a simple kidnapping.
Many of the wolf children all stayed in their homes. Gossip of the primates returning and their fowl deed had frightened many to stay with their families and not go out and play like a child would do. Rumors were spreading around the kingdom that the Primates were child kidnappers. Many Children did not wish to be taken from their families and they remained where they believed they were safe.
A lot of the rumors were un-true or simply cautionary talk but a good many were taking it seriously and kept vigilant and warned their friends and neighbors about what could happen their children were to be left unattended.
Captain Lance had his hands full trying to coordinate efforts to make sure the kingdom was secure as well as trying to quell the ridiculous rumors that were spreading about like a wild fire.
He wondered how did such rumors spread like they did? Queen Raksha had told some of the subjects of what happened including her children that included, Gunnolf and Axis as despite continuing to carry out their punishment they were still family and had the right to know. Little did Captain Lance and even the Queen knew that the troubled pair were the ones spreading out the cautionary tales.
Gunnolf and Axis were all too pleased to know what happened with, Mowgli and Karina. King Louie certainly had kept up his end of the bargain though unknown to them he had other plans for the two and did not truly fulfill their deal. With their father and brother gone on their meaningless quest to find them both they had an idea of their own.
There were many that were concerned for, Mowgli and Karina. A Prince and a subject of the kingdom was taken and it was a dreadful to even think of. The more concern there was for a tribal girl and a human, the more the kingdom seemed to be worn away from their sacred self's. Gunnolf and Axis while they were going about their work they decided to have a quick talk with a group of children telling them of the horrors the primates were capable of and what they would do to them if they were caught.
The Children ran frightened to their parents who began to spread their children's fears to the next till the whole kingdom was in talk about primate child snatchers. The Two Brothers were quite pleased with themselves as they carried baskets of vegetables to one of the granaries.
"Oh, ha ha ha!" Axis laughed. "I have to say, Gunnolf that was a clever idea of yours."
"Thanks, brother." Gunnolf replied as they stepped carefully not wanting to let anyone overhear them as they walked towards the granary and one of the guards watching over it opened the door for them to put the baskets inside. Once they walked inside, Axis dropped his basket on purpose causing a stir.
"Ah!" He imitated growled. "Close the door so nothing rolls out!" He called out as the guard shut the door. Once the door is shut he got on his knees and, Gunnolf got down on his knees in front of him.
"Something wrong?" Gunnolf asked quietly picking up the basket of potatoes his brother dropped.
"I'm glad we started those silly rumors by telling those kid's but what is the true purpose of it all?" He asked not seeing the point of it all though it was still quite amusing.
"The more the kingdom is focused on keeping their children and all around safe and with them stuck in delusion when our father comes back without, Mowgli and Karina and if or not with, King Louie's head all will be relieved more on him and more so if he actually finds where the flea bagged vermin live and with their minds set on something else other than the two disgraces upon our sacred home it will be far more less tainted." He explained finishing putting the potato's in the basket standing back up.
"That's brilliant, Gunnolf!" Axis praised standing up and grabbed the basket putting it near the other completely filled baskets. "With all this going on our kingdom will be truly cleared in no time."
Gunnolf put an arm around his brother's shoulders. "You got that right, brother. We shall celebrate our triumph in time." He proclaimed as the guard outside thought he heard something and opened the door back up to see, Gunnolf with his arm around, Axis with big smiles on their faces.
"Hey! You two! Enough slacking back to work!" The Guard told them sharply getting a stern look from the two brothers as he turned back forward.
"Can't wait till we have our say back in anything." Axis grumbled walking out of the granary with, Gunnolf following behind him.
"You and me both, brother." He agreed as they headed back to the field of potatoes to fill more baskets.
While the Kingdom was in slight turmoil over the many dreadful rumors that spread about the Queen herself along with her daughters were all extremely worried. It was so much to bare having, Mowgli and Karina gone and, the King and Prince Exon out with the search party to find them but with many of the subjects become paranoid and delusional, Queen Raksha had to separate herself from it all and seek help from the Shaman.
In the Shaman's hut the Queen was letting out all the anger she had built up since the moment her son, Exon came with the horrid news. With her mate and Exon gone to find the two kidnapped individuals and with the rumors consuming the minds of the kingdom it was straw for her and she could not hold it in anymore.
"Oooh!" Queen Raksha growled in frustration as she stomped around the cauldron in, Shaman Liara's home.
"My Queen, please remain calm!" The Shaman tried to calm the Queen but she was so frustrated that she wasn't listening.
"My son and Karina are kidnapped! Primates return to the jungle and commit this atrocity and now these confounded rumors had put my kingdom into a state of panic and paranoia. How can you possibly ask me to calm?!" She screamed so loudly that the Shaman cringed and, Queen Raksha allowed her temper to take control and she kicked the metal cauldron so hard that a shot of pain immediately surged through her right foot.
"Aaah!" She yelled in pain falling onto the ground holding onto her foot a she rubbed it to try and sooth the pain. Shaman Liara couldn't help but smile slightly as it was amusing and it actually helped the Queen calm down.
Once Queen Raksha managed to sooth herself another emotion filled her heart and that was despair. She was so worried for both, Mowgli and Karina along with her King and third born. There was so much unknown that she was now at a loss. With many of those she loved deeply in such danger she now started to tear up and felt very guilty for how rude she was being inside the home in one of the kingdoms most faithful subjects and trustworthy friends.
"My son…Karina…" She chocked on a sob. "I…Rama, Exon. What am I going to do?" She cried as, Shaman Liara's heart broke for the Queen and gathered a blanket for her putting it over her.
"Queen Raksha please don't despair." Shaman Liara soothed sitting down next to the Queen. "I too feel a great sadness in my heart for both the young prince and my dear, Karina. But they both are strong. Their hearts are passionate and they come from strong and wise upbringings. They are together and in that I know they will be okay. Be strong for them, my Queen. I know they feel the same for you and me. I have no doubt that the Spirits will help guide them and keep them safe and will assist the King in finding them."
Queen Raksha took a deep breath to calm herself. She wiped some tears from her eyes and looked at the, Shaman next to her. "Shaman Liara. I have been a terrible guest in your home. Please forgive me." She apologized.
Shaman Liara smiled. "There's nothing to apologize for, Queen Raksha. Your heart is heavy with so many burdens. I am glad to have you here to help you." She patted on the Queen's shoulders and stood up walking to a table that had kettle on it and poured out some tea into a cup.
She handed the queen the cup of tea which she eagerly drank. She was still too frustrated to enjoy the taste. "I just don't understand, Liara. How can everything go so wrong? With the return of the primates and their taking of my son and, Karina and now this delusional rumors have consumed the hearts and minds of so many here. I don't know what to do." The Queen moaned sadly as the burden was heavy.
Shaman Liara sat back down with the Queen with a cup of tea of her own. "It is those that admit they are lost are wise in themselves. Accepting the challenges at hand makes them all the more wiser for they must confront the challenges head on. Times are trying, of course but to stay in complete despair will make it spread like those forsaken rumors I too have been hearing." The Shaman explained taking a sip of her tea.
"I just…"Queen Raksha sighed. "…I just can't understand how did everything go so wrong."
"I sense trickery and deceit is afoot." The Shaman claimed. "A danger within the kingdom threatens its boundary as much as the primates possess a danger outside the walls."
"Do you have an idea of who or what that could be?" Queen Raksha asked only for her to shake her head.
"I'm afraid I do not but I can sense that it's something filled pride and hate. A fiery passion to move everything in a place to where they desire but I cannot tell what it could be" The Shaman answered. My advice, my Queen. Remain cautious and faithful to those around you. The Spirits will guide you as they will do for us all. As long as we remain true to ourselves the crisis at hand can be diverted."
Queen Raksha nodded feeling the truth in the Shaman's wisdom. "Thank you, Liara. Your help has been invaluable. I just wish there was something I could do to repay for everything. Many of us would be lost without your healing and your wisdom."
The Shaman took the Queen's hand. "I am honored to help. This Kingdom is my home and all around are my people. My service is to you and to all and I could never accept anything. I will always do what I can to see to it that our people can find peace and hope in these troubled times."
Queen Raksha smiled holding onto the Shaman's hand gripping it thankfully as she took a sip of her tea and was starting to enjoy it as she silently prayed for the safety of her loved ones and hoped the current crisis can be resolved soon.
Deep within the Swamplands, King Rama and his son, Prince Exon who knee deep in the muck. They had lost the trail in the swamps sludgy landscape. The Smell was so horrid that it would make a skunk smell like a fresh flower. Exon was growing more frustrated from each sinking step.
"I cannot believe this!" He growled as he took another step with his foot almost sinking through the filthy ground right behind his father. "Why would they bring them through here? It's no place for anyone! And we lost the trail the prints have vanished since we stepped into this filth!"
"Correct, Exon. They may have crossed through here to throw off the trail. It really does seem to me our old exiles have indeed grown wise in their time in the outer lands. Once we thought they were beyond more than simple thoughts but now we must remain all the more cautious. Come!" The King told him and gestured to continue to follow. Though he was feeling his son's frustration and could hear many of his soldiers pout and grumble from walking through filthy landscape they must not falter as every minute could mean the worst for, Mowgli and Karina.
They had been walking through the swamplands since midday. They stopped to rest for a few minutes every hour before they would continue. The Search Party stayed together and did not fan out as the swamplands held a danger to them. It was known that it had sinking pits ponds where one could get trapped and would either sink below it or remain stuck at the mercy of anything that would come by.
King Rama continued to lead his wolves as they followed short a distance behind him. The Swamplands were proving very difficult to pick up the trail from where they had entered. The Land around them was in a state of natural decay. It was difficult to find what had moved or seemed broken by force or by natural causes. The Primates choose a clever place to lose their trail.
"Halt!" King Rama shot up his left arm indicating he found something. He kneeled down and looked at the ground below as they were near many algae filled ponds but noticed something particular on the ground.
"What is it, Father?" Exon asked coming up next to him as all the other wolves behind him stopped some taking a knee to rest for a moment.
"Look, son. Tell me what you see." He said pointing at four spots on the ground that looked to be sunk in. They were small enough to have been wheels for a wagon.
"Those look to be where two pairs of wheels were. Judging by how deep these four spots are that means whatever the wheels were a part of. I would say a wagon they stopped here long enough for it to have sunk low in the muck that it took some force to get out." Prince Exon answered putting his hand around the deep holes examining them more and noticed a small trail ahead of the holes.
"After they got it out they continued on with the wagon. I would say they may just simply stopped for a break and continued." Prince Exon theorized.
"A sound theory, Exon." King Rama agreed but put a finger to his chin. "Or they may have another intention then continued but with only this clue we have found in our hours of searching something doesn't feel too right about this."
"What are you suggesting? That we don't follow the trail? Mowgli and Karina are in danger, father!" Exon exclaimed.
"What am saying, Exon these primates are wiser than we first led on." King Rama explained putting a hand on his son's shoulders. "If they managed to use a flower to subdue you and a group of guards and kidnapped two of our own and had taken them far through the jungle and though this part of it as well there is far more to this and if we are to find, your brother and Karina we must be smart about this."
"I still don't understand what you mean." Inquired Exon.
"What I mean this spot maybe where we might find another clue but we cannot disregard the new trail we have found." The King Clarified. "Fetch five of the soldiers. What I have in mind I will need a scouting party."
"Yes, sir." Exon responded and walked past his father and went to the soldiers a distance away and to pick out five of them that seem to be in the best condition. After a few minutes he returned with five soldiers that were the most eager to be part of the, King's plan.
"My king. You called for us?" The one head of the five asked as the King nodded in confirmation.
"Yes. You all will carry out a task for me." King Rama told them as each of the five wolves soldiers stood at attention.
"What are your orders, King Rama?" The Head soldier asked ready to be given the task at hand along with the other four.
"You will all follow the trail we have finally found. The tracks of the wagon go off from this spot here." King Rama pointed at the four sunken spots on the ground. "Follow it to wherever it will lead even its out of this godforsaken land. If you find anything of importance report back to me. If you should find, Prince Mowgli and Karina and if it's possible on your own retrieve them and bring them back. I am counting on you all to carry this out. Can I rely on you?"
The five soldiers nodded. "Of course, my King. Your orders will be carried out. We will not fail you!" The five wolves then started their task as they walked past the king and the prince and followed the barely noticeable tracks farther through the swamp.
"And what shall we do here, Father?" Exon asked.
"We shall remain here. We look around for anything could be a sign of, Mowgli and Karina's whereabouts. Something tells me there is something peculiar about this and I intend to find out what it is until our scouting party returns with news." King Rama answered.
"I'll inform the others." Exon said returning back to the troops to tell them of what the rest of them shall do.
King Rama kneeled down near the tiny holes and moved his hand over them. "Mowgli, Karina. Do not despair I will find you both." He vowed and stood back up to begin the search around the area for any other clue.
Back in the ancient ruins it was late afternoon as, Queen Abra had finally declared the day's dancing practice over. Karina was plum exhausted as she had been practicing with the Queen nearly nonstop all day. Hour after hour passed with her performing dance routines that were far different than the ones she would usually do. Some of these routines were quite daring as well requiring the two partners to be dancing close to each other and at times interlocked.
Karina for the first time hated to dance. Dancing was her passion and now it was being used to disgrace her. She would dance to entertain and perform for celebrations and holidays but now she was being made to do it against her will and in an outfit that disgraced her even more. She had no choice but to do what was demanded of her for both her's and, Mowgli's sake.
The Wolf girl was rather tired practicing all day with the, Queen. She only got to eat some fruit that was brought to them when, Queen Abra requested something for them all to eat as they practiced. She had plenty of water as well. It at least relieved her to know that the royal of the primates would not see her or, Mowgli starve unless they may do something rash. But this all was wrong. To be made a slave was against all rights of a living being. Karina could not believe twice in her life she had been stripped of all freedom and now was in the hands of those that could do what they pleased with her and the poor mancub.
She wished she was with, Mowgli instead of performing something that put a great stain on her passion. She hoped he was having a better day than she was but given to how he was with the right hand of the primate royals, Beretta she figured that he was having just as much as hard time as she was and prayed that, Mowgli was not harmed by her.
Queen Abra was talking with the band that played the tunes and melody's that she and, Karina practiced their dancing to all day while, Karina sat on the edge of the window and just stared out looking at the sky as the sun was starting to go down. It would be sunset in a few hours and seeing a few birds fly by made her wish she was born with wings to fly away from this second life of slavery.
The Primate Queen looked at the wolf girl smiling at her. She could see the sorrow in, Karina's eyes. It was a plesent look for her as it showed she knew her place and given to how wells he behaved and performed in their practice proved that she was willing to cooperate to ensure her safety and the mancub's.
However as she looked at her she could see that with their many hours practice she saw that, Karina's hair was rather messy. She couldn't have such a lovely young wolf perform with her later looking so ragged and worn down. She had to fix that.
She walked passed, Karina letting her remain where she sat as she went to the door. She knocked on it which then it was opened slightly by one of the guards outside of it.
"Bring me a couple of comfortable seats, a hairbrush and a mirror won't you, darling?" the Queen asked politely in a flirtatious way as she tickled the chin of the guard she spoke with making him giggle as, Karina snorted at the scene. No one should dare do what the Queen was doing with someone that was not her mate. To do such actions was a shattering of a sacred oath one takes with their mate but it seemed she and, King Louie cared not for it and did as they pleased.
Karina didn't move an inch and remained sitting at the window and stared out. The Queen and the band did not bother her at all as, Queen Abra figured she deserved a decent break. She performed quite well in the day and obeyed her without a complaint she earned her time to herself.
After thirty minutes had passed the door to the room opened and a group of monkeys came in with what, the Queen wanted. One had a hairbrush in his hands which he handed to the Queen as two monkeys each carried a cushioned chair and three monkeys were carrying in a large bejeweled mirror that was quite heavy as they were grunting and sweating profusely. The Queen pointed to the wall where she wanted it and the monkeys set it down and stood it up and the ones with the two cushioned chairs set one close to the mirror and the other one behind it.
"Well done, all of you! I think you've all earned a little reward." Queen Abra proclaimed as she stood by the door to the room as those that brought in what she had requested lined up to leave and as they exited, Queen Abra gave them a kiss upon their furry heads as, Karina watched with her jaw hanging out. Queen Abra had truly no sense of binding to the sacred tradition of having a mate. It disgusted her to see her plant her large lips upon each monkey that hooted and hollered in delight as they left but, Karina kept silent as it wasn't her place to say anything and she did not want to risk, Mowgli's or even her safety by acting out.
Once Queen Abra gave her final reward to the last monkey the door was shut by the guards outside of it then she moved to the chair behind the one closest to the mirror.
"Karina, dear." She called to the wolf girl sitting at the window. Karina turned her head back to the Queen. "Please come and take a seat in front of me. Your hair is a mess. Let me fix that for you." Queen Abra patted the seat in front of her and, Karina sighed standing up and moving away from the window to the seat, Queen Abra pointed to. She sat down and faced the mirror looking upon herself again in an outfit that looked to be something a harlot would wear. She was glad nothing like those were within the Wolf Kingdom.
Karina held a melancholy look as, Queen Abra took the hairbrush and began to gently brush the wolf girls hair.
"You have lovely hair, you know." The Queen complemented as she took some of, Karina's hair in her hand and used the hairbrush to stroke down it getting rid of the flocks in, Karina's hair making it smooth.
Karina remained quiet as she watched, Queen Abra take her time in brushing her hair. It felt rather pleasant but, Karina hated it as this was not a friend of her's helping her with her hair but enemy that has made into something she never again thought she would be once more in life. She took a deep breath trying to remain calm as she was very embarrassed.
"Aww." Queen Abra cooed seeing, Karina's sad face in the mirror. "Come now, dear girl. Chin up. One mustn't be sad as you are serving the royals. We can make your and the mancub's life as comfortable as possible as you continue to do good as you have this day. I am very pleased with you, you should know." She continued to move the brush gently over, Karina's hair making it all clean and smooth again as, Karina continued to be silent. She didn't care about what, the Queen said what she wanted was to be away from this place and get, Mowgli out somehow as well. She just had to find a way out.
Soon enough her hair was neat and tidy again and the Queen admired her work. "Now you look all the more beautiful, darling. Not as close to me but you certainly will make some mouths drool this night." She giggled as, Karina's face made a slight scowl she did not want to be something to please the eyes of those that are enemies of the Wolf Kingdom.
"Raise your arms, please." Queen Abra asked which made, Karina cock her head and looked behind her.
"Why?" She replied.
"Just do it." Queen Abra said with a firm tone. Karina slowly raised her arms up not sure why, the Queen wanted her to do it but the second she raised her arms high, Queen Abra immediately reached her hands to, Karina's armpits and began tickle them.
"HEY! WHAT ARE YOU…HA HA HA!" Karina could not help but laugh as, Queen Abra's fingers tickled under her arm puts as she quickly brought her arms back down but, Queen Abra's hands were already in place to prevent her from moving them as she continued to tickle, Karina as the wolf girl laughed uncontrollably.
She was laughing hysterically and tried to get the Primate Queen to move her hands out as she shook about as the tickling feeling surged through her. She was so desperate to escape her grasp that she leapt out of the chair and rolled away as, Queen Abra and the monkey band all laughed.
Karina took a free breaths to relieve herself then she stood back up and gave, Queen Abra an angry look. "What was that for?!" She yelled only for the Queen to laugh again.
"You needed to have that frown turned upside down, dear girl." Queen Abra chuckled standing up from her seat. "I want you to smile and be happy. And that was one way to make sure you are."
"I'll never be happy!" Karina snorted crossing her arms.
"That's because you have yet to accept your place here, Karina." Queen Abra remarked. "But soon you will and then you can find happiness. Even as a slave happiness can be found."
"I doubt that!" Karina retorted.
"Oh, stop it, girl. You will and that's a guarantee." Queen Abra smiled with a big grin on her face still partially amused from the tickling she gave, Karina. She then looked outside to see it would soon be sunset and the celebration will start just around that.
"All right, everyone it's nearly time for our celebration practice is over let's all go prepare!" Queen Abra decreed as the monkey band gathered their instruments and headed for the door as, Queen Abra grabbed, Karina's right hand. "Lets go, girl. Time to show your King what you can do with your Queen."
"Spirits give me strength." Karina prayed quietly as she was almost pulled from the room by, Queen Abra to give the celebration the entertainment she had practiced all day for and she was not going to like it for one second.