Half-Dragon Priestess groaned as she struggled to open her eyes, her vision slowly adjusting as she believed she could see people carrying her friends over their shoulders and others dragging the sleeping animals in nets. She could feel her body bouncing around and although her head felt odd she could tell she was also being carried but could not see who was carrying her.

"I did not think any of you would wake up so soon."

"Wh, what? Where…are you taking us?" Half-Dragon Priestess tried to focus her eyes on the figure talking but her vision was still blurry, even the voice sounded off in her mind.

"To our village. There we will discuss what to do with you."

"I…I don't…under…"

Half-Dragon Priestess lost consciousness as the figure continued to take her and the other sleeping adventurers further through the forest.

xxxx

The Grand Chancellor sighed as he walked down the hallway of the castle; news of the two failed attacks had reached the Demon Lord General and he fully vented his frustration upon them.

"Damn it. I can't believe neither situation turned out successful. All orcs were lost in both attacks and even the Uruk Hai was injured in the assault." The Grand Chancellor continued to walk down the hall, the knights around nodding their heads toward him. "It would make sense that the seasoned adventurers would be more than a match for the orcs but the Uruk Hai was much more durable, once we have enough of them, this land will fall and become another conquered territory for the Demon Lord. More annoyingly was the failed assassination attempt. The Noble survived, that could be very problematic if we don't get rid of him and others with the same mindset. We'll have to wait for a better opportunity and rely on our assassin to finish…"

The sudden crashing and breaking sound echoed throughout the castle hallways drawing everyone's attention. The Grand Chancellor and knights were all worried about the unexpected sounds but then it was followed by a more familiar sound, one many of them had come used to hearing, the sound of a woman crying and the yells of the king.

"YOU FILTHY WHORE GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!"

Grand Chancellor groaned as he placed a hand over his face and then quickly made his way down the hall to stop the King before he made another terrible mistake. As he rounded the corner, he could see the half-naked woman crying on the ground as the King stood over her with a towel wrapped around his waist and a long sword in his right hand pointed at the woman. His majesty, or the Mad King as he was better known to his court, was a middle-aged man with medium-length blonde hair, a small beard around his chin, and bright blue eyes; a thin person but some muscle to show where his skills with a sword had gotten him.

"Oh not a moment too soon."

"How dare you mock me! You're in league with them aren't you?" The Mad King was gritting his teeth so tightly most could hear them grinding.

"I…I did not mean to laugh my lord. I…I was just…" The poor woman had visible bruises along her face and a small trail of blood running down the side of her mouth as she looked up at the Mad King.

"YOU JUST WANTED TO MOCK ME LIKE EVERYONE ELSE!" The Mad King's eyes were wide as he raised his sword to strike down the woman. "Those who mock me are traitors to the kingdom, and traitors must be executed!"

The woman screamed as the Mad King prepared to kill her; the knights around knew better than to try and stop the King when he was in one of his tantrums unless they wanted to be killed themselves, but the Grand Chancellor was not as cautious.

"Uh, hold my lord." Grand Chancellor had rushed over and placed both hands on the King's grip. "There is no need to act so hastily."

"YOU TOO WOULD BETRAY ME?"

"Of course not my Lord, but if you were to slay her here, then you'd stain the castle floors with her blood. That would mean more work and you already have so much to do as our magnificent ruler." The Grand Chancellor forced his smile as he helps the king lower his sword.

"This land is tainted with the existence of the non-human filth that live among us! From my balcony, I can see the wretched City of Shadows and it disgusts me they are so close to my castle." The Mad King looked toward the large stained-glass window, even if he could not see the city he could feel its presence. "My father was a fool to allow them sanctuary and amnesty, and my brother was no different but I am the ruler now. DO YOU ALL HEAR ME? I AM YOUR KING!"

"And we are truly grateful for your rule and guidance my lord. This Kingdom would be lost without you." Grand Chancellor finally managed to wrestle the sword away from the Mad King and sighed as he handed it over to a nearby knight.

"Yes. Yes, you're right. This kingdom needs me! I am their hero and savior!"

"That you are my lord. Now, leave this matter to me so that you may rest. There is much to do tomorrow." The Grand Chancellor clasped his hands together and bowed his head to the Mad King.

"Very well. I shall leave her execution in your hands." The Mad King had a cruel sneer on his face as he looked toward the cowering woman. "Repent for your crimes against the kingdom in hell."

The Mad King turned to reenter his bed chambers, and the moment the door closed, the knights and Grand Chancellor out let out a collective sigh of relief.

"Well that crisis has been averted." The Grand Chancellor turned toward the woman on the floor and smiled. "Now to take care of you my dear."

"Pl, please don't kill me! Have, have mercy I…"

"Shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, no need to start crying all over again. For now, please give me your hand, I imagine the floor to be quite cold." The Grand Chancellor offered the poor girl his hand, the smile still present on his face. "Such a lovely face even with the bruises, this human has no idea how to treat women."

The young woman was scared but given her options, she would take his kind hand, it might be the last one she would ever receive. The older man helped her back up to her feet, she did her best to hold up her torn clothing to cover her nudity but the Grand Chancellor quickly noticed and placed his own coat over her. The woman was surprised but before she could thank him properly he already had his arm around her shoulder and ushered her forward.

"Please tell his majesty that I shall properly deal with her."

"Of course my lord." The knights nodded their heads in unison as the Chancellor and the woman left the hallway.

"Am, am I to be executed? I did not mean to laugh at his majesty, I beg forgiveness…"

"There is no need to panic. I'm not about to take you away for punishment."

"You, you aren't."

"Of course not my dear. As the King's personal advisor, I too know about his "short" comings." The Grand Chancellor chuckled at his own joke, seeing if the young woman would get the reference. "He's always been a "small" man among his peers."

The beaten woman was surprised by the older man's brazenness but too started to chuckle with the Grand Chancellor.

"His majesty doesn't know how to appreciate women of true beauty, unlike myself." The Grand Chancellor looked toward the woman with warm eyes before stopping before a large door. "Therefore, I shall take you for my own and you shall know nothing but pleasure."

The woman was surprised by his remark, she could not help but see him as an older man but if it meant she would not be executed she would gladly accept this fate. The door to his bed-chamber opened and inside she found five other half-naked women lounging about his massive bed enjoying food and drink.

"Master, you returned."

"We were growing so lonely without you here."

The beaten woman was surprised by the sight, unaware of the Grand Chancellor having closed the door and locked it to avoid being intruded upon.

"But of course my lovelies, I've just been busy at the moment. Forgive me for having kept you all waiting. First though, let me change into something more appealing."

With a wave of his hand, the elderly man was gone and now was that of a young individual with black skin, a demon.

"You…you're a demon! What, what is a demon doing…"

Free from his disguise, the Demon Warlock moved toward the frightened woman and gently cupped her chin in his hand; she looked up with terrified eyes yet saw warm loving eyes staring back at her.

"You are right, I am a demon, but one that values his "treasures" greatly." The Demon Warlock's yellow eyes glowed as he continued to focus on the injured woman. "Today, I want you to rest, you've been through much. Tomorrow, you will serve me as part of my harem."

"I…yes, master."

The injured woman suddenly went limp in the Demon Warlock's arms, a smile present as he carried her to a smaller sofa for her to rest upon.

"A fine addition to my collection. We have more than enough breeders down below, no need to give the general my best playthings." The Demon Warlock groaned a bit as he stretched out his arms. "I think a bit of rest is in order before having to play nursemaid to that dumbass king."

"Master?"

Demon Warlock turned to see his five other women stripping off their remaining clothing and moving on their hands and knees toward him.

"You did not forget about us, did you?"

"We've waited patiently for you."

"Please reward us."

The Demon Warlock smiled at his harem before too stripping off his clothing to join them.

"Perhaps what I need right now is not rest but a bit of exercise." Demon Warlock walked toward his playthings as he reached with both hands to caress the heads of his followers. "I shall gladly reward your patience, service your master."

xxxx

Half-Dragon Priestess struggled to open her eyes, the bright sunlight made her squint but soon enough she could see the straw ceiling sitting upon the wooden beams.

"What? I thought we were in the forest, how did we end up in this hut?"

"Finally awake? You all need food."

The unfamiliar female voice caught Half-Dragon Priestess off guard as she suddenly sat up to see a large, tanned, muscular woman in a leather bikini looking down at her. Half-Dragon Priestess let out an audible gasp as she backed away finding she was lying on the floor beside her were her sleeping friends Harpy Scout and Wolf Brawler.

"What? Who? Where are we?" Half-Dragon Priestess got to her feet trying to reach for her weapons but found them gone.

"You need to calm down. You and your comrades are in our village. The village of the Amazons."

Half-Dragon Priestess then noticed the large woman had a small tray with three wooden cups. She then moved toward the young half-dragon and knelt down to check on the young girl by placing her hand on her forehead.

"I…what are you doing?"

"Checking to make sure there are no ill effects of the sleeping powder. Good, no fever." The Amazonian woman nodded her head and stood to leave the hut. "There is water in the cups for you. When you three are ready, come out to meet with our leader."

Half-Dragon Priestess was a bit confused by all of this but quickly went to wake up her sleeping comrades, this situation was a bit concerning but then she realized that Saber Rider and Padfoot Monk were both missing.

"Hey! I need you both to wake up! Scout! Brawler! Get up!"

Both girls groaned a bit as they slowly got up, once a bit more awake Harpy Scout was also surprised by the sudden change in background. Wolf Brawler was still sluggish from the effects of the sleeping powder, as she slowly sat she then stretched her arms forward with her butt up in the air giving a wide yawn. Wolf Brawler groaned as she sat there, then raised her right leg and tilted her head down before using her leg to repeatedly scratch at her ear.

"Why are you yelling so early in the morning?" Wolf Brawler rubbed her eyes before fully opening them to see the wooden hut they were in. "Wait…weren't we in the forest looking for Fang? Where are we?"

"Oh so now you're aware of our situation?" Half-Dragon Priestess let out a sigh of frustration as she shook her head. "I woke up before you two to see our captors are Amazons."

"Amazons? What do they want with us?"

"Before we figure that out, I don't see Rider or Monk. Where did they place them?" Wolf Brawler was looking around the hut but could not see her friends.

"Not sure. Oh hey, our weapons." Half-Dragon Priestess moved to the nearby table to see her sword claw and Scout's weapons. "Why would they just leave them here for us?"

"I'm not seeing any guards." Wolf Brawler moved toward the nearby wall and peered through the sides of the doorway without fully exiting. "We best be ready to fight the moment we get out."

"Agreed. We get our friends and then get out of here." Half-Dragon Priestess readied her weapon and reached into her pouch to summon a dragon tooth warrior.

The three young women all readied themselves to either attack or defend the moment they exited the hut, if the Amazons had hurt their comrades, they would make their enemies pay. Half-Dragon Priestess threw back the cloth covering and all three rushed out weapons ready but were shocked to see that they were not under guard nor in any threat of attack. Around them the Amazons, young and old, carried on with their daily routines, there was a brief moment of their attention focused on the three women, but it was soon forgotten.

"Not quite the reaction I was expecting." Wolf Brawler lowered her fists as she looked around the village.

"More importantly look at what's moving around the village!"

Half-Dragon Priestess knew exactly what Harpy Scout was referring to, moving freely around the village were several large saber cats with various stripes along their bodies.

"Look at all the saber cats. I can see some of the children playing with kittens and the adults longing around the village." Wolf Brawler was surprised by the sight of the saber cats moving around so casually in the village. "I'm sure Rider and Fang are loving this."

"But where is he and Monk, not to mention Specter, Fang and Talon." Half-Dragon Priestess put her weapon away as she looked around in hopes of finding her comrades.

"Ah, you're finally awake."

The girls turned to see a large, muscular woman walking toward them, her long black hair coming to rest at her mid-back; beside her was a large saber cat with several black stripes across its body.

"I am the leader of the Amazons of the Tiger Tribe, I welcome you to our village." The Amazon had a neutral expression on her face as she offered a small nod of her head toward the trio.

"Goodness, look how tall she is. She's about as tall as my father and just as muscular as the other Amazon who works at the Guild." Half-Dragon Priestess refocused her mind and too returned the nod toward the Amazon Leader. "I thank you for your greeting, though I am curious how you knew to help us. Was it your people who incapacitated us in the forest?"

"I apologize for the method in which we used but yes, it was my sisters who used the sleeping powder against you."

"If you attacked us then why are we allowed to keep our weapons? Where are the others?" Harpy Scout had a visible scowl as she put away her bow and looked around for signs of Saber Rider.

"We had no intention of harming you, we only wished to get the saber cat away from that barbarian."

"The saber cat?"

"Yes. As you can see, we raise and care for saber cats here in our village. They are our companions and guardians." Amazon Leader had a gentle smile on her face as she moved to pet her large saber cat. "This one is Stripe. I've taken care of him since he was a small kitten."

"Then where are Specter and Fang?" Wolf Brawler was still a bit uneasy about this meeting with the Amazon Leader. "And what did you mean you were trying to get him away from the barbarian?"

"I shall explain everything, but please, come with me so that I may show you our village."

The trio of adventurers followed the large amazon and her saber cat as they explored the village. The village was massive in size with several huts actually built up into the large surrounding trees with lifts attached to pullies to help reach these different levels. Around the village, the girls could see young children playing with the saber cats, other Amazons were working on weapons crafting or mending clothing.

"Such a large village, how many people are living here?" Half-Dragon Priestess looked at the village and the multiple levels of huts around the trees.

"There are more than 400 Amazon sisters living here in the village. Each person contributes to the village and the young ones learn how to take care of themselves and grow in strength."

"This village is amazing." Wolf Brawler had a smile as she looked over the structure and then stopped as she sniffed the air. "I smell the ocean, how close are we to the coast?"

"Our village is right on the coast. If you look beyond the large gate you'll be able to see the ocean." Amazon Leader had a small frown as she pointed to a structure behind the girls.

The girls turned to see a massive wooden gate made of thick poles tightly packed together between two of the largest trees. The main door had been secured with several wooden beams and set near the top was a walkway which was patrolled by several archers. Harpy Scout and Half-Dragon Priestess took to the sky and marveled at the bright blue color of the water and how it seemed to extend outward to infinity. Near the shoreline were several long boats and supplies but Half-Dragon Priestess noticed that some of the boats appeared to have been destroyed.

"It's so pretty." Harpy Scout flapped her wings in place as she looked over the water and coastline. "I'm so looking forward to playing in the water."

"It really does…wait! This is no time to be fooling around, we need to find the others and get out of this village!"

"Oh right."

The two girls returned back to the ground to meet back with Wolf Brawler and the Amazon Leader.

"How was it? Was it really pretty?"

"Very pretty but we need to refocus on the task." Half-Dragon Priestess smiled then returned to her neutral expression as she looked back toward the Amazon Leader. "I noticed some of the smashed boats, is that why you have that massive gate blocking the beach?"

"Indeed. The fish we catch is the primary way we sustain our village but as of late we have run into problems. Creatures from the sea coming closer, attacking our boats, and feasting upon my sisters. The thick forest that surrounds us is a natural barrier but the gate is an added measure to protect us."

"I'm sorry to hear about the attacks, have you asked for any assistance from the Guild in the neighboring towns?" Half-Dragon Priestess did want to help but was not going to needlessly volunteer since the amazons had captured them.

"We Amazons are a proud warrior race, we are not so weak as to be beaten by mindless creatures. No, we shall deal with the threat on our own." Amazon Leader took in a deep breath and exhale as she continued walking. "Your wolf is being kept near the men, I shall take you to him and you can decided what to do with those males you were traveling with."

"Wait, you mentioned only Specter, what about Fang?"

"The saber cat shall remain with us. I will not allow that barbarian to continue traveling with the animal." Amazon Leader was cold in her response to the half-dragon's question.

"What? Who do you think you are to keep our comrade? You attack us and…"

"Be silent. My sister are prepared to deal with you if you continued with this attitude." Amazon Leader quickly cut off the angry harpy as she motioned to her left with her hand.

The girls were angry with the Amazon's attitude but a quick glance and they could see dozens of women with arrows already drawn and ready to kill them should they attempt to attack.

"Even if you are women, we will not be lenient on those who would attack us. Now, come along with me and you may meet with the others."

The girls would have to relent for the moment as they continued to follow the Amazon Leader.

"If you don't mind my asking, I notice you have children around here but I don't see any men among, so do you all have children?" Half-Dragon Priestess wanted to change the subject a bit and hopefully calm the atmosphere.

"Many of my sisters here were rescued from villages where bandits or goblins had attacked, we will take in any women who seek our aid. That is to say it is not the only method, we do set up mating contracts with suitable males from the nearby towns."

"The stories I heard were true." Wolf Brawler pondered as she brought her right hand to her chin but a sudden thought crossed her mind. "Wait, if you only have females here then what do you do with the males? I was told stories of how some Amazons would kill baby boys or leave them in the wild for the animals. That isn't true is it?"

"Of course not! We are not so cruel. The boys are given to the orphanage or dropped off with the sisters at the Earth Mother's temple. Those boys will grow up to be men who can then be used to breeding purposes in the future."

"That doesn't sound that much better. You only see males as sources for breeding." Harpy Scout shook her head but remembered the large Amazon woman back in the Guild in Frontier Town. "I've known of some Amazons who separate from their village and settle down with men."

"Yes. We Amazons are not forbidden from finding a male and then being bonded with him for life, we are very particular about finding the right man."

"…in other words, your all stubborn until you find the right one?" Half-Dragon Priestess offered a small smile as she caught on to what the Amazon Leader was getting at.

"That…is one way of thinking about it. We're here."

The girls came to a stop as they could a large wooden building within the center of the village and from within it they could hear a familiar voice yelling out from within.

"Well, we at least know Rider is alright if he has the power the scream like that." Harpy Scout sighed as she covered her eyes with her left hand.

"You'd think I should have been able to hear him. Hey isn't that…" Wolf Brawler looked toward the top of the building and pointed with her right hand.

There perched above the building was Talon feasting upon a fish and cawing at the trio of women down below.

"Talon, there's where you've been hiding. I thought you were also caught." Half-Dragon Priestess was a bit surprised but delighted to see the hawk.

"You know this bird? We were all surprised to see it sitting upon the building all this time."

"He's another comrade of ours. Knowing this one, he was cowardly hiding while we were captured." Harpy Scout scowled as she looked up at Talon and shook her head.

The Amazon Leader was a bit confused by all of this but nodded towards the guards to open the door which they did, with the door open Saber Rider's angry yelling could be easily heard by the entire village.

"LET US OUT! WHERE YOU KEEP FANG? WHERE YOU HIDE PRETTY BIRD?"

"Rider, I suggest you conserve your strength. We are not in any immediate danger so let us be patient."

Inside the building were several large cells and various men within the cells calmly waiting, save one. Saber Rider continued to beat against the door to his cell while Padfoot Monk calmly sat one the floor with legs crossed and hands cupped together as he meditated. In another large cell was Specter pacing back and forth, occasionally moving towards the wooden bars of the cage and chewing on them only for some of the Amazons to move forward with spears to force him back. In other cages were more than a dozen men of various ages each wearing green cloaks who were calmly watching the situation unfold with the adventurers. As the door opened, everyone turned to see the Amazon Leader enter the place of confinement with three female adventurers.

"Pretty Bird! Lizard Girl and Dog Girl! You all safe!"

"Rider! Monk! You're both okay!" Half-Dragon Priestess smiled as she could her comrades but her face truly lit up as she saw the wagging tail of her dire wolf. "Specter! It's good to see you too boy!"

"Judging from the sounds, I would imagine that everyone is alive and well. A pleasure to see you again Priestess, Scout and Huntress." Padfoot Monk calmly stood up and bowed his head toward his comrades.

"Well I'm glad to see at least one of you maintaining a level head." Wolf Brawler smirked as she could see that her friends were alright.

Saber Rider then saw Talon fly in and rest upon the nearby table where his pelt and their weapons could be seen.

"Fat Bird where you hide?"

Talon let out several cries as it opened its wings and closed them again; though the others could not understand the conversation Saber Rider grew angry.

"You hide away and eat while we stuck here? Stupid Fat Bird!"

"Then I take it these two are part of your group." Amazon Leader looked at the human and padfoot in the cell before letting out a sigh. "We normally don't let any men we capture go, but I can see they are partnered with you. They are free to go."

"Leader!"

"You can't mean that!"

The Amazon guards were surprised by their Leader's declaration but the Amazon Leader held up her hand for them to listen to her.

"They have not caused us any harm as of yet, so we…"

"Excuse me."

Before the Amazon Leader could finish, one of the men in the other holding cell called out to the Amazon Leader. He was an older man with medium length brown hair but there were signs of it already greying, this was also present on his goatee.

"If I may, we too did not attack you. We had only been in the forest to meet for our own business, so would we also be allowed to…"

"No." The Amazon Leader was very cold in her response as she looked at the man, the one in charge of this group. "When we captured you, we could over hear plans of an attack against the kingdom beyond the mountains. You may not be planning to attack us, but it is clear you are a threat to others."

The men in the cells were all quiet as the Amazon Leader mentioned what they had been discussing, something that was not meant to be overheard by others.

"Is that true? You men are planning some kind of attack against the kingdom?" Half-Dragon Priestess frowned as she looked at the men within the cells.

"Unfortunately, we have only just met, so I can't divulge any further information. Just know that what we fight for is justice and peace…hopefully you can believe in that much." The leader in the cell let out a sigh as he back away from the door to rejoin his men.

Half-Dragon Priestess and the others were cautious of these men, but looking into his eyes she could see he was not lying about what he was trying to do, or at least he felt what he was doing was for the right reasons.

"Enough of this useless discussion, release these two adventurers and the wolf."

Amazon Leader was ready to leave as she turned and began to walk away with Stripe at her side when Saber Rider called out to her.

"You! Muscle Woman! Where you keep Fang?"

"You are quite rude. You will no longer hurt that saber cat, he will stay with us."

"What! Damn you! You no take my brother from me!"

"Your brother? How dare you lie to protect yourself. We can all see the spoils of your hunt." The Amazon Leader walked toward the cell with a scowl on her face while pointing at the nearby table. "That pelt came from a saber cat, as did the claws for your leather gauntlet, and the two large teeth used for a necklace and a small dagger. You butchered that animal and made trophies of it for yourself while keeping another as your personal pet."

The Amazon guards too were angry to see how the saber cat had been desecrated by this barbarian. Half-Dragon Priestess and the others were shocked and angry to hear this woman blurt out such accusations, but it was Saber Rider who could not contain his rage.

"YOU NO DISRESPECT SECOND MOTHER!" Saber Rider rushed toward the door and stretched out his arm in an attempt to get at the Amazon Leader. "I NEVER HURT HER OR FANG! THEY PROTECT ME!"

"THEN HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN THESE TROPHIES?" Amazon Leader too was angry as she moved closer toward the cell but was wise enough to keep a minimum safe distance from the barbarian's arms. "How dare you raise your voice to me as if you were my equal."

"Hunters kill second mother, they do that to her! I take items to honor her."

"Lies."

"Who are you to slander our comrade?" Harpy Scout found herself gritting her teeth as she drew out her dagger and pointed it at the Amazon Leader.

Amazon Leader turned to look at the smaller women all of which stood ready to fight against her but her guards were also ready with their spears to defend their leader.

"You have no right to accuse him of such actions. You were not there to see him kill the saber cat." Half-Dragon Priestess tightened her grip on her sword claw and as she let out a small breath a small puff of fire escaped from her mouth.

"That may be, but were you all with him to confirm that he had not killed the saber cat? Or that he did not make a slave out of the other saber cat?" Amazon Leader frowned as she continued to look at these women who would try to defy her and cracked her knuckles as she clenched her fists.

"No, but we trust our friend. He has stood by us throughout everything we've been through, and we shall stand by him." Wolf Brawler growled as she inched closer with fists raised, already thinking of how she could beat someone so big.

"You! Muscle Woman! You give back Fang! I not leave my brother behind!"

Amazon Leader turned her attention back to Saber Rider who continued to grip the frame of his cell.

"Fine. You, want him back, you must beat me first."

Author's Note: Hey everyone, hope you've all been well. I'm going to take a bit of a break to better plan out the rest of the story. I haven't given up on the story but am feeling a bit of burnout after working on the project for the last three years. Thanks again for all the support and fan response over the three years of Howl of Vengeance and Trials of the Dragon. Give me a month or two and I'll be back with the rest of this fight and the next part of the story. See ya in a bit Goblin Slayers.