"What were you thinking! Were you even thinking at all! You psychotic! You madbeast!" Curian's ranting grew more colorful, but Jirik Valrik seemed not to care a whit.

"Are you done?" No mockery lay beyond that frozen grin; Jirik was simply posing a question. "I am enjoying these colorful titles you have for me, Curian, but I prefer my given one. What is the problem?"
Curian sucked in a breath of refreshing air to replenish his lungs' shouting power before snarling full in Jirik's face, "The PROBLEM is you going off by yourself and butchering a group of woodlanders! My problem is innocent beasts being slaughtered for nothing more than your amusement! My problem is that I actually trusted you, you sadistic son of a bitch!"
Jirik's crimson eyes locked on Curian's for a moment before the black fox lowered his head. It seemed for a second as if he was actually being submissive, actually apologizing…but then his shoulders began to convulse and insane laughter erupted from his mouth. "Heh heh heh heh heh! Oh, Vulpuz, that was rich! Are you so naïve, Curian, to believe beasts will not die in an eternal war? I got rid of a Nameless Clan head didn't I?"
Curian's eyes flicked to Harkon, Kardran and Hallic briefly. Harkon looked grim, his own rage barely masked by his nonchalant countenance. Kardran was in similar straits, but the otter was crouched by a tree, staring down at the ground. Hallic…well, Hallic was grinning widely as if this was all great fun to him, his sharpened fangs bared and his bloodshot eyes narrowed as if anticipating which of the two would strike the first blow.
"There's a difference between dying in our cause and for your twisted amusement, Valrik…I view civilian deaths as unavoidable tragedies; collateral damage that should be minimized…unlike you I fight for the soldiers and for our rights, not for the pleasure of killing."
"Cry me a river."
"I will bleed you one!" Curian screamed, a sword ripping from its sheath, eyes flaring.
"Curian!" Harkon's cry pierced through the red mists of rage as Jirik's paw flew to his own blade. The golden fox's heavy breathing slowed and slowly the sword found the sheath again.
"I was just following orders, anyways…" Jirik replied with the same mocking smile. "Wouldn't do for the Ice Wolves to fight amongst ourselves, would it? I saw the Nameless Clan beasts so I killed them. The woodlanders were…collateral damage, as you put it?"
Curian, inwardly took several steps back to relative safety. "Just shut up, you monster…" The snarl burst from between the cage of clenched fangs.
Jirik simply laughed. "Well, the other part of our mission should be easy…Nightblade will come to us. So will Nightson. I'm reasonably certain I've assured this."
"You butchered so many just for that…." Kardran whispered, shaking his head.
Jirik tsked lightly and shook his head again. "I guess Lord Kirathal and I stand alone in knowing what must be done."
Curian spun again and even Harkon found it difficult to control himself. "Lord Kirathal is a great beast…don't you ever insult him by placing yourself on the same level as him in anything…let alone knowledge."
"Believe what you want," Jirik replied with a casual shrug, moving to lean against a tree, not seeming to care about the bloodstains on his clothing and fur.
Curian sat by the others, his grim demeanor unchanging. How could he have angered the fates so much that they put a monster like Jirik with him?
Harkon was the same as Curian: Soldiers needed recognition, the world needed to change…but how could Kirathal keep such a demon as Jirik chained to their side? If they were so righteous, why did they side with a monster like Jirik instead of killing him? Why did Kirathal, the pinnacle of justice to Harkon, Curian and Kallia soil the Ice Wolves and the purity of their beliefs by keeping Jirik, why?
Curian shook away the blasphemous thoughts. He was a soldier and his duty was to follow as always. It was not to question, never to question. Lord Kirathal was the one who was right…Kirathal was the one who was

right. That was how it always would be. If he kept Jirik, he had his reasons and Curian, a foot soldier in his Lord's grand game had no right to second-guess them.
That was the truth. He knew it.
-

I'd give anything to make you hear me…

He whirled, swords slicing through his wooden targets, the practice area empty save for him.

I'll believe all your lives…just pretend you love me.

Black cloak, specifically tailored for his small body, was cast into a corner of the training room. The wooden target was a board in the vague likeness of a beast, marks made with bright red paint showed the vital spots, where his blades were supposed to strike.

I'll be anything for you.

Spin, cut, and slice. If he goes overhead, bring your swords up, turn the left one flat up to block and thrust with the right!

The right sword stabbed through the bright red mark that designated the heart. It took him a few moments to free it. With a quick motion, he twirled his sword-for show if nothing else- and placed them in their sheaths. A paw went to his face, to the white mask that so often covered it.

Davrag had paid some beast to make the thing for him years ago and it fit his specifications entirely; completely without expression, with slit for the eyes and breathing. Nothing but emptiness could be seen in his visage while he wore that mask.

A child's face covered by the emptiness of war and death, turned into a killing machine whose swords brought death with every swing. That's all he was now.

All for Davrag. All for his lord and master.

This world was sick. The sugar coatings of these cities, of the sapphire seas and ports, of the brave armies and the bustling markets concealed the rottenness within, the cruel realities of a world ruled by greed, avarice and malice where beasts like Geras Iridanis held sway. Innocent creatures had nothing to fear from a killer's blade…except when they got in the way.

He'd taken so many lives with the Five, Verria was just the latest. He'd made his life, chosen his path all for Davrag, his savior.

But now, things were changing! He didn't like it, it disturbed him. Verria was dead, Davrag was…different. He wasn't the cocky, cruel and commanding Davrag he'd been before his facial mutilation at the paws of this Eroket Nightblade fellow (Privately, Arredon thought anybeast who could match his Master so must be a beast worthy of admiration.) It was a strange situation that evoked strange feelings.

Ah, well, he thought with a light sigh, taking up his cloak. He was a follower, not a leader. No matter what Davrag chose, he'd be there…as a devoted servant…as a companion and as a friend.

Kirathal Frostclaw was a disturbing beast though, one who could evoke a shudder in even Arredon Toroth's heart. Such clear malice was reflected in those shining, sapphire eyes, as blue as the azure seas of Calishan…such desires, such twisted ideologies.

Arredon couldn't help but applaud it in a twisted way. Respect for an opponent had ever been a staple of his way of life. Disrespect an adversary and you slice away your advantage by underestimating him. Arredon would never make that mistake. He knew he had to be getting back to Davrag now; The two had plans to make…if Davrag was to aid Kirathal, Arredon would dutifully follow.

He was not smiling as he exited the training room.

Geras watched the ship pull into the harbor. A few bribes had made certain prying eyes were nowhere near this little exchange.

The ship was a vessel that flew black and red sails, a symbol of power in the Southern Isles, but in Calishan, it meant nothing to Geras. The ferret crimelord's mouth twisted in a smirk and a paw raised and he snapped his fingers.

Kirathal Frostclaw walked to Geras, paw on the hilt of his sword as he watched the ship-neither majestic nor imposing- pull into the harbor. Tethik walked on the Crimelord's other side, smirking lightly as he pawed his spear. The blind fox was undoubtedly hoping this meeting would go sour, Geras thought sourly. He no doubt figured he could take out Kirathal amidst the confusion; Geras marveled at how deep hatred could run after being built in just one action.

"Kallia, left side. Tethik, right." Kirathal flicked his head to them, placing the vixen and the blind fox on either side of Geras, a respectful few paces behind. Kirathal himself walked next to the master of Crimson Tears, on the left, of course.

The ship's gangplank was set up shortly thereafter and the corsairs bowed off respectfully. Geras hid a sneer as he walked up the rough, wooden entryway; corsairs were fools. Rough, uncouth with no mind for tactics or brilliance at all. Still, they were a useful part of his plan.

Geras stepped upon the deck, followed by his trio of Ice Wolf bodyguards, taking a moment to survey the scene; he was dressed in his best garments, wearing the Serion Redfletch-forged sword of Aleran Nightblade at his hip, hoping to impress his possible partner.

The corsair crew were gathered around, dressed in tattered silks and soiled finery, no doubt taken from some conquests or other, less legal matters; bone bracelets, bandannas, eye patches…all the stereotypes were there. It did not take Geras long to spot the Wave Lord himself.

Dukat Nidas was seated upon a large chair that had been placed by the captain's cabin and his fiery green eyes now surveyed the three newcomers with mingled interest and contempt. He no doubt possessed the same disdain for land-dwelling warriors and killers that Geras possessed for his own seafaring breed.

Nidas was a large wildcat with a commanding posture, dressed in a sweeping crimson cape and plain sea green silks with the only compliment a crimson bandanna wrapped around his brow. His fur was a silvery gray and from what Geras could see, his form was weathered and slim, arms tight with muscles, no doubt the result of a life spent as a seabeast.

"Geras." The wildcat's voice was deep and rough, a claw tapping against the arm of his chair. Geras knew wildcats were a rare breed but were generally ferocious fighters with their size and natural ferocity…even without weaponry. If the ferret was uneasy, he didn't show it, merely opting to acknowledge himself with a light bow.

"Dukat."

Nidas nodded lightly. "You brought only three…I can't tell if you're brave or stupid."

"Not just any three, corsair." Geras answered, quelling a more fiery response. "These are the Ice Wolves…the fox beside me is Kirathal Frostclaw, known as the Demon of the North. They are sufficient bodyguards."

Nidas shrugged lightly, "Never heard of them…"

Kallia arched an eyebrow. Kirath gave her a light smirk and the vixen remained where she was. Tethik displayed no emotion, simply rested his spear against his shoulder. Geras took the Wave Lord's remark with good humor, however. "I assure you, while news of their exploits may not reach to your islands, on the mainland and in the north they are the most powerful and feared killers…possibly in this world. One of them is said to be the son of Vulpuz himself…"

There was some laughter among the uncouth corsairs, but some of the more superstitious looking ones looked uneasy at Geras's remark. Nidas did not look amused, however. One did not lead a mighty corsair fleet by being superstitious or foolish and Geras knew Dukat Nidas was neither.

"Lovely title, Geras…" Nidas replied evenly. "I've seen no real way I can profit from your scheme yet…to risk my corsairs in battle against Calishan and then move on to other cities? Come now, Geras, as a business-beast yourself, you can see the possible repercussions. It was amazingly difficult to come down here myself, but your ferret toady's words were quite persuasive…where is he anyways?"

"Sithrin is managing affairs," Geras replied curtly, "And I hear you are having a tiny problem in your isles…what was that rebel's name? Mordath?"
Dukat Nidas's eyes narrowed with hatred and anger and his fangs were bared in a hiss. "Correct…" He ground out, claws gripping the arm of his chair tightly.

Geras had put out the lure, now to reel in his fish, he thought. Things had been going terribly since Davrag Joris had reappeared. He'd lost face and respect amongst his subordinates after Arredon Toroth had nearly broken his arm and more after Verria's 'disappearance.' He'd seen the dangerous fire in Arithia's eyes and barely even saw the sadistic female anymore…he needed this alliance, needed the benefits if he was to win back face among Crimson Tears.

"We can deal with him…I have with me three beasts whose blades carved out empires," Geras boasted with a light grin. "There are others…they have assassinated far more than a corsair rebel. Why, they could easily deal with your rebel Mordath…"

Dukat's eyes narrowed again and he leaned forward. "Are you implying my corsairs are incompetents, Iridanis?"

"Of course not…" Geras replied smoothly, "But murdering a highly protected rebel leader on his own turf is difficult in a straight fight, especially when he's surrounded by corsairs, soldiers and monitor lizards, hm? My beasts could do it…he hasn't seen them, he doesn't know them. I assure you Kirathal Frostclaw alone is capable of it…"

Nidas leaned back, "I will not take your word for it…I must have proof of their exploits. Your word is not enough. Of course," He added with a light smirk, "We could settle this the old corsair way…"

Geras made a small signal that Kirath caught, "Of course, Dukat."

"I want to see their best against one of mine…"

Geras nodded lightly and Dukat's grin widened, revealing a row of pearly fangs. "Cathrak!"

The corsairs parted and the biggest ferret Geras had ever seen stepped through the ranks. His fur was golden brown, as if bronzed by the sun of his native islands and he seemed to possess not a bit of fat anywhere on his body, all muscle and sinew.

Nidas smiled calmly, "This is Cathrak, one of my best warriors…let this 'Kirathal Frostclaw' test himself. If he wins, then I shall aid you, but Cathrak wins then you will lend me these Ice Wolves and anything else I require first and it will be for me to decide if I aid you or not, agreed?"

Geras had no doubt, "Agreed. Kirath." He nodded to the arctic fox. Kirathal's eyes flicked idly to Cathrak and then to Nidas and then back to the ferret who was pawing a huge scimitar in anticipation and then to the grinning corsairs.

"Tethik, you're up."

"What?" Geras hissed and Nidas snarled, both clearly not amused by Kirathal's decision.

"Is this a joke, Iridanis? Is your champion afraid?"

"What are you doing, Frostclaw?" Geras hissed angrily, turning on Kirath, fury blazing in his eyes as he snarled, "Are you trying to make me look-"

"I'm tired." Kirathal replied with a light shrug. "Just not in the mood, I suppose. Tethik'll be more'n enough for this one."

The blind fox's mouth slowly stretched in a grin and he reached up to undo the bandanna around the sockets where his eyes once rested, passing it to Kirath and twirling his spear calmly. Nidas laughed as Tethik removed the cloth, "A blind fox? You must really want to lose this, Iridanis!"

"Tethik is sufficient," Geras replied coldly. "His skill may not be up to par with his master's, but I'll guarantee he's a match for any corsair ever to live…"
"Has he fought them in their sleep?" Nidas queried mockingly, drawing laughter from the corsairs and causing Geras's teeth to grind.

"Don't mess this up, Kirath…"

"It's over already," The white fox replied, smirking coldly. "Kallia, stay by me…"

Kallia walked to Kirath, keeping a paw on her sword, "Sir, I know you put stock in Tethik's abilities, but you don't know a thing about how that big ferret fights…"
"He's a corsair," Kirathal answered both to Geras and Kallia, "Look how he swaggers…once Tethik was nearly a match for me in my younger days…you forget, my darling, that the best does not hurl his title around. I could tell from this ferret's swagger he's not worth my time…I want to fight a warrior, not a braggart idiot and," He shrugged, "I know Tethik well enough…see the power of his Sight, Kallia…no Ice Wolf will die to his fool, especially not Tethik."

Kallia nodded lightly, sighing, "I trust you, milord…"

Geras seemed less inclined, simply folding his arms and watching as Tethik stepped forward. Silence fell across the deck from corsair and Ice Wolf alike as Tethik cracked his neck. The huge ferret Cathrak laughed, "Are the Ice Wolves so weak that they must send a blind beast to fight me?"

Tethik's fangs showed in a fierce grin as he spun his spear up, "Who is this seabeast who flaunts himself? Is he really so weak that he must try to impress me?"

Taunts were a customary part of any duel and Tethik excelled at them. The huge ferret's eyes narrowed and he twirled his scimitar. "I'll enjoy this, fox…"

"I don't think you will," Tethik replied with a light smirk, lowering himself into a crouch.

With a snarl Cathrak came on, swinging his scimitar in an arc meant to behead Tethik, suddenly growling in shocked surprise as he overbalanced, his momentum carrying him forward, turning suddenly to see Tethik smiling at him calmly. "You use your size and strength to overwhelm your enemy. A good tactic, but I'm afraid it's useless against an Ice Wolf!"

Cathrak growled and lunged again, this time attempting to hook his scimitar around the fox's leg to trip him up. This failed too; Tethik sprang back, the scimitar striking only empty air.

"'ow the 'ell can yer do that!" Cathrak snarled as sweat began to bead on his brow. Tethik's smirk remained constant as he stepped forward, a paw flicking to his empty eye sockets.

"I can see you…my own eyes aren't as simple as yours."

To a superstitious corsair, it appeared as magic. It wasn't right that a fox could enter into a battle with magic eyes that saw even when his real eyes were gone! Cathrak's breathing quickened and he ran at Tethik once more.

Tethik's body moved in a series of dodges, knowing again and again where Cathrak would strike.

"It's incredible…" Geras whispered, watching the spectacle.

"It's harder in a crowd for him, but he manages," Kirath replied calmly. "He's trained with this for decades. He's fully mastered his inner eyes…the fool of a ferret, even if he were a match for Tethik, is too confused to keep his mind on fighting…"

As the master of the Ice Wolves predicted, Cathrak's next attacks showed no trace of style or form, simply slashing in an attempt to overwhelm his smaller and faster opponent whose spear darted in to pierce the ferret's stomach and chest in minor cuts.

Tethik spun suddenly as a particularly clumsy swing missed him, spinning behind his opponent and slamming his spear up through Cathrak's shoulder blades.

The large ferret managed a light gurgle before he fell to the deck and lay still. As the corsairs' respectful silence became a silence of shock, Tethik walked forward and put a footpaw on the dead ferret's back and retrieved his spear, wiping it on the late Cathrak's fur until he'd cleaned it. Then he went to take his place by Geras, Kirath and Kallia.

Nidas's silence and surprise ended quickly, the wildcat's eyes narrowing. "Quite the combat…" He clearly didn't believe Tethik had used magic of any sort unlike the superstitious crew-corsairs really were a stupid lot- but he couldn't figure out how the blind fox had pulled off these…tricks.

"And we have a deal…" Geras reminded him, cocky grin back in place.

"We do…and I'll honor it…" Nidas replied calmly before replying, "Is the white fox really better than the red?"

"Much…" Geras replied with a cold smirk, drawing a frown from Tethik so quick that nobeast but Kirathal caught it.

"I see…" Nidas replied. "Very well, Iridanis…I accept. You'll have my ships when you need them…anything else I should know?" He was clearly bitter thanks to his defeat.

"You have all the details," Geras answered with a light nod. "And you'll get the Ice Wolves for this de-Droka when this is all done…"

"I'll spare the ships that I can afford…" Nidas replied lightly and nodded. "Until then…"

Geras was grinning as he left Nidas's ship.